“Good morning, sweetheart,” Gram said. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for letting me stay,” I said uncomfortably.
She smiled. “Have a seat, dear. We were just about to have breakfast.”
I took a seat while she brought everything to the table and began handing out food. Phoenix’s grandfather cleared his throat and placed his clasped hands on the table. “Annabelle, Phoenix told us a little about your situation at home. I admire you for trying to take on the responsibilities of your parents and I respect you for not wanting to accept handouts. Those are admirable qualities that are hard to find in most adults and rarely, if ever, found in teenagers. But, sweetheart, you do need some help, or at least a little luck. I grew up in Croftridge and with the exception of the time I was away at college, I’ve always lived here, in this very house. As a result, I’ve accumulated a large number of customer loyalty points with various service providers that I’ll never use. I made a few phone calls this morning and was able to use my loyalty points for the utilities at your address. Starting today, you’ll have power, water, and heat for the next year and it didn’t cost me or anyone else a penny.”
Completely flabbergasted, I stared at the man for a few long beats before I moved to hug him and simultaneously burst into tears. “Thank you, Mr. Black. Thank you so much.”
He returned my embrace and patted my back. “You’re very welcome, sweetheart. We were happy to help.”
When I returned home later that day, the power was on, the heat was working, and we had hot water. I was thrilled. My mother was too drunk to notice.
CHAPTER FOUR
Phoenix
The house smelled like cookies. It always did on Christmas Eve.
Gram was in the kitchen making her traditional Christmas treats with flour everywhere, even streaked across her smiling face.
Her smile fell when she saw me. “Honey, is something wrong?”
I shifted my weight from foot to foot. “No, Gram, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to ask if I could invite Annabelle over for Christmas?”
“Of course you can. You didn’t even need to ask.”
“Gram, I’m asking if she can spend the night in one of the guest rooms. Her parents don’t celebrate the holidays and probably won’t even be home. I can’t stand the thought of her spending Christmas alone in that house.”
Gram crossed the kitchen and patted my cheek with her flour covered hand. “No one should ever be alone on Christmas. Go get our girl.”
There was no need to tell me twice. I was out the door and across town as fast as I could safely get there.
“Phoenix, what are you doing here?” Annabelle asked when she opened her flimsy front door.
“Go pack a bag, doll face. You’re spending Christmas with us.”
Her mouth opened and closed. “I can’t,” she stammered.
“Why not? Are your parents here?”
She shook her head. “No, they’re not, but I can’t impose on your family’s Christmas.”
“You’re not imposing. Gram told me to come get you. She’s always said no one should spend the holidays alone. Grab your stuff and let’s go. I’m sure she could use your help making cookies.”
I stumbled back a step when Annabelle unexpectedly launched herself into my arms. “Thank you,” she whispered against my neck.
I waited in the living room while she gathered her things, taking in the sparse surroundings. I hated that she was forced to live in such deplorable conditions, but there wasn’t much I could do about it at the time.
It only took her a few minutes to return with her backpack and a large shopping bag full of wrapped presents. I took the bags from her and asked, “Is that everything?”
She shuffled her feet and looked away from me as her cheeks flushed.
“What is it, doll face?”
She cleared her throat, but wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Can I bring my tree?”
Her voice was so quiet I wasn’t sure I heard her correctly, but it didn’t matter what she said, it wouldn’t change my answer. “You can bring whatever you want. Let me put your bags in the truck first and I’ll get it for you.”
