Kidnapped on Christmas

Chapter 14

One year later...

I made it though the school year with a great average, thanks to my friends. Everyone asked me about my time when I was kidnapped and I told them the same thing everytime.

"You wouldn't believe me."

The year was long and seemed to never end, but thanks to the gift Steven gave me I never forgot where I was going. The picture of him and Pie a long with Chet, Fret and Ming Ming made me smile everytime I looked at it.

My mom has become so proud of me for being a good student and being happier. And thanks to Steven my uncle was arrested and thrown in jail so my dad can stay with us again.

It was the best and the worst year of my life...

I laid on my bed at eleven o'clock at night on Christmas eve, holding the picture from Steven. Waiting to hear the thump of a sleigh landing on my roof.

Arthur wanted to sleep in my room this year, I agreed as long as I am aloud to wake him up. He was unsure at first, but decided it was worth it.

Finally as my clock struck midnight the thump sounded though the house. I shot up and shook Arthur.

"Arthur he's here!" I whispered excitedly.

"Who?" He asked running his eyes.

"Santa!" I didn't wait a second longer and raced downstairs.

I stopped dead when I saw a man emptying a sac of presents under our tree. It wasn't Steven, it was his dad.

"Uh. Hi." I said softly.

"Who? What?" He turned. The man was thinner and had a shorter beard than I expected. I guess Steven was right, it was just a made up description so kids would like him.

"I-I'm Kat." I stuttered.

"Kat? Kat?" He stroked his beard. "Ah yes! The girl that Steven wants to bring home. Nice to meet you. I'm Scott Claus." He held out his hand and I shook it.

"Kat what are you doing?" Arthur waddled down the stairs, still rubbing his eyes.

"Arthur this is Santa er uh Scott. Scott this is-" Santa cut me off.

"Arthur. Yes I know. And call me Santa. It's my last year. May as well make the most of it." He laughed.

"I don't mean to be rude, but uh..." I started.

"Where is Steven?" He chuckled. I nodded softly.

"Right here." A voice came from behind me and I turned to see Steven. He hasn't changed much other than he is unshaven.

"Nice beard." I mocked.

"You like it?" He gave me a grin and I kissed him. He pulled away. "I will come back in the morning to get you. Pack up your things and give your parents this." He said as he handed me a letter.

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's a letter from me, asking for your hand." He looked into my eyes. "It will help you explain everything. I'll try to help when I get back." He hugged me. "I have to go."

I gave him a kiss on the cheek and he and his father turned into bust and flew up the chimney.

"You're going to marry Santa Claus?" Arthur asked.

"Yes. Now let's go get some sleep." I motioned for him to follow me back upstairs to sleep until my parents woke up.