CHAPTER ONE
Adilene
I climbed into my car,tossing the few bags I had into the front seat, and turned the key, the engine roaring to life.
And then the tears came.
Gut-wrenching sobs I couldn’t control.
“I give up, universe, okay? I give up!” I cried through tears to no one in particular. But goddamn, no matter what I did, my life just always went to shit. I could try my absolute hardest, and something would happen.
I checked my purse for a third time, but it was no use. My wallet was gone.
There went my kids’ Christmas gifts.
After hastily wiping away my tears, I picked up my phone and called my mother, Deb.
“Hi, sweets. The kids are great. We just finished having a snack. How’s shopping going?”
“Not great,” I said, my voice shaky, the tears still falling. “My wallet got stolen.”
“What?” Mom gasped. “How?”
“I was checking out a store, put it down for a second while I paid, and a second later, it was gone. I caught a glimpse of the guy running away with it, and I tried to catch him, but it was no use. He was long gone. I took my stuff and came straight to my car. How can I finish shopping for my kids now?”
“That’s awful. Hopefully, someone turns it in. In the meantime, make sure you shut off all of your cards. Did you file a complaint with the store?”
“Yes, but they said there isn’t much they can do. I’m going to file a police report, too. I still can’t believe it. It all happened so quickly.” I sniffled, all of my plans now gone. Gone like my damn wallet.
“I know, but don’t worry, sweetie. They’re little and don’t expect much. You do what you can. I can let you borrow some money if you need it.”
“Thanks. I’ll figure something out. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, did you want to stay for dinner when you get here? We could order some Chinese, watch a Christmas movie with the kids, maybe bake some cookies.”
“Sure, Mom, I’d like that. See you soon.” I ended the call and sat there for a few more minutes. Mom was right. The kids were little, and since my five-year-old son Lenny was born, I hadn’t gone too crazy on Christmas, not wanting to spoil him with too many gifts. They needed to understand it was about giving gifts and spending time with family, not just receiving gifts.
A half hour later, I pulled into Mom’s driveway and cut the engine. As a girl, my mom raised me by herself and morphed me into the hardworking woman I was today. Now I planned to do the same with my kids.
Their father walked out on me after my two-year-old daughter Lolly was born, but he had never been a faithful, kind man. Why I kept letting him into my life was beyond me. It took a lot of growing up and time alone before finally realizingI deserved so much better. Now I wouldn’t give him the time of day. He cut off all contact, and last I heard, he moved out of town. It made me sad for my kids, but they were better off. He’d only disappoint them more.
“Mommy!” Their little voices rang out when I walked through the door, and all of my worries seemed to melt away.
I’d make it a great Christmas for them, no matter what.
After a fun eveningat my mom’s house, I brought my two tired babies home, gave them baths and changed them into pj’s, then set out cookies and milk for Santa.
“What if Santa doesn’t like peanut butter cookies, Mama?” Lenny, my sweet boy, asked, concern filling his face.
“Santa loves all cookies. Besides, he told me himself he loves peanut butter!”
“He did? When?” Lenny asked.
“When I wrote to him as a little girl. Nana always got peanut butter cookies for Santa, too.”
Lenny beamed. “Okay.”
“Cookie?” Lolly asked, holding up one for herself.
