Kidnapped on Christmas

Chapter 11

After playing with the reindeer we headed  to a new place. A smaller building in the heart of the village with a sign reading Elf School. Steven held the door again and I walked in.

He lead me into a classroom, at least I assumed. There were young kids I assumed to be elves and a woman sitting at a desk.

"Steven what are you doing here?" The woman asked.

"I wanted you to meet someone." He looked back at me. "Everyone meet Kat." I stepped into view and everyone said hi.

"Hello." I waved awkwardly.

"Steven Claus! Your father said no!" The woman whisper yelled to him and pushed him into the hall. I looked around and followed them..

"I don't care mom! She deserves to be safe doesn't she?" He proposed. She must be Mrs. Claus.

"I suppose, but you can't go off giving gifts to those on naughty list." She sighed.

"There isn't only bad in her. She was only on the naughty list because we let her hope die." Steven defended his disicion.

"Can I say something?" I interrupted. They both looked at me and realized I was listening, turning red faced. "I wrote to Santa for help, with no real idea what would happen. His son came to save me when he wouldn't. Now did I deserve to be saved? I don't know. I had hope that maybe someone would read it and help me. And someone amazing did."

"Kat." Steven started. I held up my hand and left to wait outside. I heard more yelling from inside and eventually Steven came out to get me.

"She agreed to get to know you. She wants you to come inside and meet the students." He said softly. I nodded and followed. "Do you really think I'm amazing?" I rolled my eyes and stayed quiet.

"Class this is Kat. Does anyone have any questions for her?" Mrs. Claus smiled at the elves. Hands shot up instantly and I looked at Steven for help. He smiled and pointed to one.

"Yes Tinsel?" He smiled at the one he pointed to.

"Why are you here?" She asked me. I started to stutter and looked for more help.

"I saved her from her evil uncle who wanted to hurt her father." Steven said in a tone that a father would use while telling a ghost story.

"Can Kat tell the story?" Another asked.

"W-what would y-you like to know?" I asked nervously.

"Everything. From the beginning." She stated with a proud nod.

"Well... Let's see... When I  was little I was told my dad was arrested for something we knew he didn't do. It turnes out he was in bidding because he told on my grandpa and my uncle wanted to get back at him..." I told them everything I knew and what happened to me since the day I was kidnapped. When I  finished more hands shot up.

"Figgy?"

"Are you two going to get married?" The youngboy asked. My face turned hot and I looked at Steven who was red too.

"No." He blurted and looked at his mom, who crossed her arms. "I mean uh... Kat what do I mean?" I glared at him.

"Only time will tell." I said the way a mom would tell a child they aren't getting something right away or ever.

"Next question?" Steven blurted quickly.

"What's your favorite thing about Christmas?" One called out.

"Um... The lights." I stated quickly.

"That's not even close to the best part." Another one added and a debate broke out. Mrs. Claus showed us out.

"Well that was interesting." She sighed. "I'll  see you at dinner." She leaned in to whisper to Steven, but I heard. "Get rid of her."

As we were walking threw the village I looked at all the lights. They really were pretty, and truly were the best and only good part of Christmas.

"You've been quiet." Steven broke the silence.

"I'm  just looking at the lights." I sighed.

"You can't lie to a Claus." He chuckled.

"Fine. What did your mom mean by 'get rid of her'?" I shrugged sadly.

"She doesn't want my dad to get mad and start a fight when he gets home." He explained. "It had nothing to do with you."

"Well it kind of does. What if I wanted to stay?" I asked.

"You want to stay?" He sounded shocked.

"Well I would like to get to know you." I looked up at him. We stopped and starred at each other for a moment before he looked up.

"We are standing under mistletoe." He said softly with a smile.

"Well we can't break tradition." I smiled and leaned forward. With my eyes closed he brought his lips to mine. No fireworks went off, but everything felt right and I  never wanted it to end. We broke apart slowly and starred into each other's eyes.

"Where to next?" I asked, still breathless.

"I have an idea." He said with a cheeky grin.