“Let’s do the stupid bash thing,” I say, breaking the ice.
More tension slips from Gabrielle’s face, allowing a smile to spread.
We put on some Christmas music and start up the game Dance or Drop.
The game splits the screen so each of us has to perform moves and keep our high scores through different choreographies. It’s Christmas-themed, and we used to do this every year, at least when we were together.
Looking over at Gabby, I can tell how much fun she’s having, and for a moment… everything feels like it was
-??-
Chapter 12
Gabrielle's POV
Christmas Day.
Someone is shaking me awake, and when I open my eyes, it’s Lincoln.
“Merry Christmas,” he says, smiling at me softly.
I sit up and smile back sleepily, rubbing my eyes. “Merry Christmas.”
“You took a shower last night, right?” he asks.
“Yeah.”
“All right, well wash up so we can get going.”
I’m confused. “Wait, what are we doing?”
As I get dressed he still won’t answer me, and the curiosity is killing me.
We end up in his car, apparently going on some kind of road trip. He drives for about 45 minutes, music filling the speakers, the thin silver chain that usually hangs from the rearview mirror, catching stray glints of winter sun, swinging gently with each turn, clinking softly against the glass like it’s keeping time with the song.
My mind is busy racing, trying to figure out where he’s taking me.
Then the streets start to feel familiar, and my heart jumps.
He’s taking me to see my father.
I was planning to see Daddy after Christmas. I’ve been sending him money, but seeing him in person… that’s different. That’s everything.
There he is, walking down the driveway getting his mail, looking confused as the car pulls up.
Before the car fully stops, I’m already trying to open the door, only for Lincoln to hit the brakes harder.
I push the door open anyway and run behind the car, legs flying, arms outstretched.
“Daddy!” I yell.
His face lights up so bright it knocks the air out of me.
“Ohhh!! Haha!” he yells out, walking faster even though he can barely run.
I almost slam into his arms. He feels frailer than he used to, and both of us just sway side to side, hugging and crying. It feels like forever since I’ve seen him.
Seeing him on Christmas… it fills a part of me I forgot was empty.
