Chapter 15 Dax #2
We’ve lucked out this year with a balmy December, and today is no exception. It’s chilly, but the wind isn’t whipping, there’s no snow in the forecast, and the sun is shining. I’d like to think a higher being worked his magic for the Powell boys to experience a true meet and greet with Santa.
There’s a short line for them to wait in. The closer we get to Santa, the edgier Atlas gets. While he’s excited, there’s a layer of anxiety spiraling through him. He’s on a mission, and don’t anyone try and stop him.
When we’re next in line, he turns and faces me and Clementine. “I need to go up by myself.”
“Oh, you need to, huh?” Clementine asks, her fists on her hips.
“Yes, I’ve got some business to discuss, kid to Santa.”
“What about Jace?”
Atlas has the decency to consider him. “He can go when I’m done. I won’t be too long. Just a few minutes.”
Clementine nibbles the skin around her thumb. “What about the people waiting in line behind us? Won’t they be mad having to wait longer?”
“It’s fine,” I hedge, hoping I’m not overstepping. In Clementine’s ear, I whisper, “The elves are there to make sure no one takes too long. He won’t argue when an elf or Santa tells him his time is up.”
“Are you sure about that?” she mutters through clenched teeth. “He’s pretty determined.”
“Guess we’ll see how it plays out.”
“Are you prepared to drag him out of here, kicking and screaming?” Her words are convincing enough for the image to appear in my head.
While I hope it doesn’t come down to that, I nod. “Sure. I can take him.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Next.”
A high school-aged elf ushers Atlas up the stairs to where Santa sits.
Instead of sitting on Santa’s lap, Atlas stands in front of him, his hands crossed over his chest. Santa sits up straighter in the chair, his attention on Atlas.
He doesn’t get any words in, but he listens attentively to whatever Atlas says, nodding his head, cracking a small smile, never breaking the part.
“Do you aspire to be Santa like your brother?” Clementine asks quietly enough so Jace doesn’t hear.
“No.” My answer is immediate.
It’s never been on my radar to want to be Santa.
Dad had the role for about ten years after we stopped coming to this event, and Beck’s had the privilege of playing Santa in the parade the past several years, which has never made much sense to me because Santa is supposed to be old, but no one has complained he’s too young.
Of course, Beck soaks it up, loving the attention he gets for the afternoon.
Maybe when I’m older, it’ll be more appealing, but for now, I’m content in not donning the suit.
Clementine giggles, causing Jace to look at her. “Noted.”
It seems like Atlas is gone for a while, but I’m sure it’s no longer than three minutes. Before he finishes, Santa beckons him closer, whispering something in his ear. When he spins around to us, his smile is big, the nerves from earlier all but dissipated.
“Your turn, Jacey.” Clementine goes with Jace, who climbs right up on his lap while I usher Atlas down the stairs at the back of the gazebo to wait.
“How’d it go?”
“Excellent. I’m not worried anymore.”
“Great. And you told him what you wanted for Christmas?”
“Yes, but I can’t tell you or Mama. It’s a secret between me and Santa. No offense.” His seriousness kills me.
“None taken.”
“What else is on your agenda today?”
“Hadn’t thought much past this. Wasn’t sure how long the line would be. We got lucky and it wasn’t too busy.”
He peers around me at what he can see of the line. “Yeah, it’s a lot longer now. Good thing we got here when we did.”
I don’t acknowledge the way he rushed us. It’s over and done with, and as a kid, I’d probably have been the same way.
“What’s your plan for the day?” I toss the question back to him.
He shrugs. “Mama didn’t say. Probably video games for as long as she’ll let me. Then I’ll read some of my book. I’m almost finished with it.”
“Is it good?”
“So good. I’m at the part where they’ll soon solve the mystery, and I can’t wait to find out if I’m right or not.” His enthusiasm spills into his words, akin to how I’ve heard Willa talk about her stories.
“I hope it works out for you.”
“Me too. I love when I guess correctly.”
“I bet. Makes you feel accomplished, right?”
“Yeah. You should stay for lunch. I’m sure Mama won’t mind. I can ask her if you want.” His torso shifts to face me, the eagerness in his expression hard to ignore. Or maybe it’s his suggestion of staying for lunch, of spending more time with all of them, that has me lighting up inside.
“If your mama says yes, I’d love to join you.”
“Do you like burgers?”
“I love them. It’s one meal I can cook on the grill.”
“Mama cooks them on the stove. Is that okay?” He tilts his head slightly to the side and presses his lips into a thin line.
“I’m not too particular about my burgers. If they’re cooked to medium, I’ll eat them any way they’re prepared.”
I’m not used to answering so many questions, but I can’t say I mind. Getting to know Atlas and Jace is fun, and I enjoy their company.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Jace jumping off Santa’s lap, his excitement palpable. His hand entwines with Clementine’s as they walk over to us.
“What trouble did you two get into while we were gone?” she asks, looking between the two of us.
“Dax likes burgers,” Atlas blurts.
Way to be subtle, kid.
Clementine doesn’t bat an eye or take his bait. “Does he? Burgers are delicious for sure.”
“And we’re having them for lunch today.”
“That was the plan.” I’m sure she’s on to him, but she doesn’t let on.
Jace peers up at his mother. “Can he eat with us?” He trains those puppy dog eyes on her.
At some point, I’m sure you become immune to them. Though I’m not sure when. Because I still fall for Shania’s, and she’s fifteen. As the “fun uncle,” it’s my duty to make sure she gets what she wants. Within Autumn’s and my wallet’s limits.
“Dax might be busy,” Clementine tries.
“He’s not,” Atlas supplies.
“Of course, you’d know he’s not.” Atlas nods, not picking up on her clues. “Dax, would you like to join us for lunch?”
“I’d be honored.”