18

The city was blanketed in the soft hush of early snow, twinkling under the golden glow of streetlights. Christmas decorations lined the roads, and the air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts from the vendors on the sidewalk.

Chas tightened her coat around her as she stepped off the bus, her breath visible in the cold air. Today marked the last day of her final exams, and she could finally breathe again. The exhaustion clung to her bones, but so did a deep sense of relief. It was over. She had made it through.

As she reached Nick’s house—their house now—she fumbled for her keys but barely had time to use them before the door swung open. Nick stood there, one hand braced against the frame, dressed in his usual hoodie and sweatpants.

“You’re back,” he said, eyes flickering over her snow-dusted hair and red-tipped nose.

“No, I’m a ghost,” Chas deadpanned as she stepped inside, sighing at the immediate warmth.

Nick smirked. “Damn. Guess I have to exorcise you now.”

Chas rolled her eyes, kicking off her boots. “Yeah, yeah, very funny.” She shrugged off her coat and stretched her arms over her head with a groan. “Ugh, you have no idea how good it feels to be done with exams.”

Nick crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “Oh, I think I do. You’ve been running on caffeine and sheer willpower for two weeks.”

“Okay, valid.” She yawned. “But it’s over. I’m free.”

Nick’s lips quirked into something softer—proud, maybe. “Good job, kid.”

Chas rolled her eyes at the nickname but didn’t fight the warmth spreading through her chest.

Just then, she noticed something behind him. The house smelled different—like cinnamon and something faintly sweet. Her eyes flickered toward the living room, where a Christmas tree now stood, its lights glowing softly.

Chas blinked. “Wait… when did that get here?”

Nick followed her gaze, rubbing the back of his neck. “Today. Thought I’d get into the whole Christmas spirit thing. Figured you might like it.”

Her lips parted slightly. “You put up a tree?”

“Yeah, well.” He shrugged. “Didn’t want the house looking like the Grinch lived here.”

Nick stepped back slightly, hands still in his pockets, watching Chas with a curious look. “So, what’s your plan for Christmas and the winter break?” he asked casually, though he couldn’t hide the small hint of interest in his voice.

Chas leaned back against the counter, eyes glinting with the anticipation of the holiday. “Well,” she began, “I’ll be going to the orphan house two days before Christmas. You know, helping Carol and Robert and the others with the Christmas celebrations. It’s something I’ve always done, and it feels… right, you know? Being with the kids, being with them. After that, I’ll stay through Christmas morning to help out with whatever they need.”

Nick nodded thoughtfully, a quiet smile playing on his lips. “That sounds nice. You’re a good person, Chas.”

Her gaze softened at his words, her lips curling into a small smile. “Thanks, Nick. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on Christmas night, you know?”

He smiled at her again, warmth in his eyes. Then, Chas raised an eyebrow, suddenly turning the question back on him. “What about you? Any special plans for Christmas?”

Nick leaned back against the kitchen counter, glancing up toward the ceiling as if mulling over his answer. “Well, I’ll be visiting Izzy and Toby, of course,” he said, a fondness in his voice at the mention of his sons. “I’ll be spending Christmas with them, like always.” He paused, a slight chuckle escaping him. “And maybe, if Mickey and Jean invite me, I’ll join them for Christmas dinner with the bandmates and the crew. You know, the usual chaotic celebration.”

Chas grinned, imagining Nick surrounded by the familiar chaos of his bandmates. “Sounds fun.” She leaned forward on the counter, her eyes glinting mischievously. “You’re lucky you’ve got a big, rowdy family to spend Christmas with.”

Nick smirked. “Yeah, I guess it has its perks. But I think you’re going to have an even more… meaningful Christmas.”

Chas gave a soft laugh, feeling her heart warm at the thought of her time at the orphanage with Carol, Robert and the kids. “Maybe. But I wouldn’t trade a single second of it.”

They shared a look, both silently appreciating the importance of their holiday plans, the different ways they would be spending it—yet somehow, both with a sense of family, warmth, and love in their hearts. The city outside may have been cold and snowy, but inside, they both felt a quiet sense of contentment.

As their conversation settled into a comfortable quiet, Nick glanced at Chas, and for a brief moment, a thought crossed his mind—he wished they were spending Christmas together.

It was an odd realization, one he didn’t quite know how to process. He wasn’t sure when it had started, this quiet longing for her presence, but the idea of Christmas day passing without her around left a strange, hollow feeling in his chest.

Chas, unknowingly, felt something similar. While she was excited to be back at the orphanage, helping Carol, Robert and the kids, a small part of her already missed the thought of being in this house with Nick—laughing over dumb jokes, watching Christmas movies, and maybe even forcing him into some holiday activities he’d normally roll his eyes at.

But neither of them voiced these feelings. They weren’t ready to admit—maybe even to themselves—that they had become such an important part of each other’s lives.

Instead, Chas stretched her arms and gave Nick a playful smirk. “Well, at least after Christmas, we’ll be back here,” she said, her tone light. “And I expect this house to be at least a little bit festive. No Scrooge energy allowed.”

Nick scoffed, crossing his arms. “You do realize you live here too, right? If you want festive, decorate it yourself.”

Chas rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you’re impossible. But fine. Just you wait, Nick, when I get back, this place is going to be dripping in Christmas cheer.”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “Looking forward to it.”

Despite their teasing, there was an unspoken understanding between them—after their separate Christmas celebrations, they’d come back here, to their home, and finish the holiday season together. And somehow, that thought made everything feel just right.

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Christmas is almost near, just a matter of days until Christmas. One evening Chas finished showering and changed into her cozy loungewear, her phone buzzed relentlessly on her nightstand. Curious, she grabbed it and saw her group chat flooded with messages.

Mother Gigi👩🏾‍🦱💗: GPA’S OUT!!!

Nina the engineer's wife🎀: I’m scared to check wtf

Josh👹: WHO CARES, I ALREADY KNOW I BOMBED IT

Queen Leon💅🏼: CHAS OPEN YOURS RN!

Chas’s heart pounded with anticipation as she quickly opened the portal. Her eyes scanned the screen, and the moment she saw her GPA, she let out an excited shriek. She did it. She actually did it!

After all the stress, the sleepless nights, and the grueling final exams, her hard work had paid off. She aced the semester.

She jumped on her bed, giggling like a kid, her energy bursting through the walls of her room. The achievement meant the world to her—she had always been an ambitious student, the type to push herself to the limit. And now, seeing the result of all her efforts? It was everything.

Throughout the day, she carried that glow of success with her, unable to wipe the smile off her face. Even when she wasn’t saying anything, Nick noticed.

“Alright, what’s up with you?” he finally asked as they prepped dinner together in the kitchen.

“Huh?” Chas looked up from chopping vegetables, feigning innocence.

“You’ve been smiling like a damn lunatic since you walked out of your room,” Nick said, narrowing his eyes at her. “Either you won the lottery, or something else happened.”

Chas hesitated for a moment, twirling the knife in her hand before finally relenting. “Okay, fine. My GPA results came out today, and I did really well.”

She expected a casual response—maybe a simple That’s nice or Good job, kid. But instead, Nick’s entire face lit up.

“Wait—really?” His expression softened, and there was something proud in the way he looked at her. “That’s amazing, Chas.”

Chas bit her lip, a little flustered by how genuinely happy he seemed. “It’s not that big of a deal…”

Nick scoffed. “Not a big deal? You’ve been busting your ass for months. I know how hard you worked for this.” He shook his head with a small chuckle. “Damn, I knew you were smart, but genius-level smart? Should’ve guessed.”

Chas giggled, feeling an odd warmth bloom in her chest. “Well… thanks. It feels good to hear you say that.”

Nick nudged her shoulder playfully. “Nah, I’m serious. I’m really proud of you.”

And just like that, her already-perfect day became even better.

As they finished preparing dinner, the warm glow of the kitchen lights cast a cozy atmosphere around them. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the space, blending with the faint, crisp air that seeped in through the windows. Outside, the snow had begun to fall more steadily, tiny flakes dancing under the streetlights, creating a picturesque winter evening.

Nick set the table while Chas brought over the dishes, their movements natural and synchronized—almost like they had been doing this together for years.

“You know,” Nick said as he poured them both a drink, “this kinda feels like some Hallmark Christmas movie. Snow falling, home-cooked dinner, the overachieving girl celebrating a big win…”

Chas rolled her eyes with a laugh. “And let me guess—the grumpy but secretly sweet older guy who pretends to hate the holidays?”

Nick smirked. “Exactly.”

She shook her head, still grinning as she took her seat. “Well, at least in those movies, the girl gets her happy ending.”

Nick paused for a second, his gaze lingering on her before he cleared his throat and grabbed his fork. “Yeah… she does.”

They ate in a warm silence for a few moments, the soft clinking of cutlery filling the space. Outside, the snow continued to fall in thick, dreamy layers, blanketing the world in white.

“This is nice,” Chas murmured after a while, looking out at the snowy night. “Like… really nice.”

Nick glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah. It is.”

And for a moment, as the snow drifted down and the warmth of their quiet companionship settled between them, it felt like home.

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It's 2 days before Christmas now,Nick pulled up in front of the orphanage, the tires crunching softly against the thin layer of snow covering the pavement. The building looked warm and inviting, golden light spilling from the windows, the faint sound of laughter and Christmas music floating through the air.

Chas unbuckled her seatbelt, but for a moment, she didn’t move. She exhaled, watching as her breath fogged up in the chilly afternoon air. This was it. They were going to be apart for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning—just a couple of days, but for some reason, it felt… longer.

Nick draped an arm over the steering wheel, glancing at her with his usual easygoing expression, but there was something softer in his gaze. “You good?”

Chas nodded quickly, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, just… getting used to the idea of not having you around to annoy for a few days.”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “Please. You’ll be too busy stuffing your face with Christmas pudding to even think about me.”

She smirked. “As if. You’re probably gonna be at Mickey’s place, surrounded by your bandmates, acting like a rockstar.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? Some of us were born for the spotlight.”

She rolled her eyes but laughed anyway. Then, her fingers tightened slightly around the door handle. There was something unspoken in the air between them—a quiet, lingering feeling neither of them wanted to name.

Nick noticed it too, and instead of saying anything, he reached over and gently flicked her forehead. “Alright, go on. Don’t get all sappy on me, Honeydew.”

Chas scrunched her nose and swatted at his arm. “You’re such a menace.”

“And yet, you keep me around,” he said, grinning.

She stepped out of the car, wrapping her coat tighter around herself. Before heading inside, she turned back one last time. Their eyes met, and for a second, neither of them spoke. Just a warm gaze—something soft, something that held an unspoken I’ll miss you, but I won’t say it out loud.

Then, Chas broke the silence with a smirk. “Try not to burn the house down while I’m gone.”

Nick scoffed. “Like I’d let that happen. Now go, before I start charging you rent for keeping the door open too long.”

She laughed, shaking her head before finally heading inside.

Nick watched until she disappeared through the doors, then sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw.

Two days.

It shouldn’t feel like a big deal.

And yet… it kind of did.

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As soon as Chas stepped inside the orphan house, warmth enveloped her—the familiar scent of cinnamon and baked goods filling the air, the soft hum of Christmas music playing in the background.

“Chastin!”

Carol’s voice was the first thing she heard before she was pulled into a tight embrace. Her foster mother held her close, squeezing her as if she hadn’t just seen her a few weeks ago.

“Hi, Mom,” Chas murmured, smiling into the hug.

Carol pulled back, her eyes warm with affection. “Look at you, all grown up and busy with your life. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about us.”

“Never,” Chas promised, squeezing her hand.

Just as she was about to say more, a deep chuckle came from the side. “Give the girl some space, Carol. She just walked in.”

Chas turned to see Robert, her foster father, standing near the Christmas tree, his arms crossed but his smile evident. He looked as sturdy and kind as ever, his graying hair making him seem even more fatherly.

“Dad!” Chas beamed, running up to hug him next.

Robert chuckled as he patted her back. “Glad you made it home safe, kiddo. The roads are getting icy.”

Before Chas could respond, a chorus of excited voices rang out.

“Chas is home!”

Suddenly, she was tackled by a bundle of smaller bodies—her younger foster siblings piling onto her in an excited hug.

“Ack—okay, okay, I missed you guys too!” Chas laughed as she tried to steady herself.

“You’ve been gone forever!” one of them, Max, pouted, his curly hair bouncing as he clung to her.

“I know, I know,” she said, ruffling his hair. “But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

They all nodded enthusiastically before dragging her toward the living room, eager to catch up, show her their decorations, and tell her all about their Christmas plans.

Chas glanced back at Carol and Robert, who exchanged knowing smiles.

She was home.

As Chas settled into the warmth of the living room, she spotted two familiar figures leaning against the doorway—Bobby, her 17-year-old foster brother, with his usual laid-back expression, and Cindy, her 16-year-old foster sister, who already had her arms crossed, pretending she wasn’t as excited as the younger kids.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss College Girl,” Bobby teased, smirking as he pushed off the doorframe. “Thought you were too cool to visit us, huh?”

Chas rolled her eyes playfully and walked over, pulling him into a side hug. “Shut up, Bobby. You know I missed you.”

Bobby, despite his usual nonchalant attitude, squeezed her back briefly before stepping away. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” But the smile on his face gave him away.

Cindy, on the other hand, was still standing with her arms crossed, trying to act unimpressed. “Took you long enough to come home,” she huffed.

Chas grinned and opened her arms dramatically. “Oh, come on, don’t I get a hug?”

Cindy rolled her eyes but couldn’t keep up the act for long. With a sigh, she finally stepped forward and hugged Chas tightly. “You better make up for lost time,” she muttered against her shoulder.

Chas laughed softly, rubbing Cindy’s back. “I promise.”

Carol and Robert watched the scene fondly from the side, their hearts full at seeing their family together again.

“Alright, alright,” Robert clapped his hands. “Enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s get Chas settled in. We have a Christmas to prepare for!”

The house instantly filled with excited chatter as everyone moved around, planning the upcoming celebrations. Chas smiled to herself—she was exactly where she belonged.

The house was buzzing with warmth and excitement as Chas, Cindy, Bobby, and their younger siblings—10-year-old Troye and 7-year-old Elliot—divided up the chores to prepare for Christmas. The scent of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and Christmas music playing softly from the old radio in the corner.

“Alright, troops,” Chas clapped her hands together, acting like a commander. “We need to make this house look like a Christmas wonderland. Cindy and I will handle the tree, Bobby, you’re in charge of lights, and Troye and Elliot—” she glanced at the two boys who were already bouncing with excitement. “You guys are on ornament duty. Think you can handle that?”

Troye puffed his chest out. “Obviously!”

Elliot nodded eagerly, clutching a box of ornaments like it was a treasure chest. “I won’t drop anything!”

“That’s the spirit!” Chas laughed.

As they all got to work, Cindy and Chas carefully unraveled the Christmas lights, giggling when they got tangled. “Seriously, who packed these last year?” Cindy groaned, trying to free herself from the mess.

“Probably Bobby,” Chas smirked.

“Hey!” Bobby called from across the room as he attempted to set up the lights around the windows. “Not my fault! You know how crazy Christmas cleanup gets!”

Meanwhile, Troye and Elliot were busy placing ornaments on the tree. Elliot, being the smallest, stood on his tiptoes trying to hang a sparkly red bauble on a high branch. Seeing his struggle, Chas came over and lifted him up. “There you go, buddy!”

Elliot giggled as he placed the ornament in just the right spot. “Perfect!”

As the hours passed, the house slowly transformed—twinkling lights draped over doorways, stockings hung by the fireplace, and the Christmas tree glowing beautifully in the corner. The warmth of family, laughter, and holiday spirit made everything feel perfect.

Once they were finally done, Cindy flopped onto the couch with a sigh. “That was exhausting.”

“But worth it,” Bobby said, admiring their work.

Chas looked around, taking in the cozy, festive atmosphere. “Definitely worth it,” she murmured, feeling her heart swell with warmth.

Elliot yawned and leaned against her, and Chas instinctively wrapped an arm around him. For a moment, she thought about Nick—what he was doing right now, if he was thinking about her too. But she brushed the thought away, focusing on the family she had right in front of her.

Chas stepped into her old bedroom, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. The room still looked mostly the same—soft warm lighting, floral-patterned bedsheets, and the faint scent of Cindy’s vanilla-scented lotion lingering in the air. But there was something different now. Marcia’s side of the room, once filled with sketches, fabrics, and little notes pinned on the wall, now felt emptier.

She sat on the edge of her bed, running her fingers along the nightstand where Marcia used to keep her sketchbook. “It feels weird without her here, huh?” Chas murmured.

Cindy, who was fixing her blankets, sighed. “Yeah. I really hoped she could make it this year. But she said she’s drowning in deadlines.”

“I get it,” Chas nodded, understanding the struggle of chasing dreams. “Still… Christmas isn’t the same without her.”

Cindy sat beside Chas, nudging her gently. “At least we have each other, right?”

Chas smiled, leaning her head against Cindy’s. “Always.”

From her phone on the bedside table, a message notification lit up. She reached for it, expecting another group chat message about Christmas prep, but her heart skipped slightly when she saw Nick’s name.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Did you make it there safe?

Chas bit her lip, warmth spreading in her chest. She quickly typed back.

Chas: Yeah, just got into my room. Everything’s so nostalgic.

A few seconds later, another message came.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Don’t go crying on me now, smart girl.

She scoffed softly, shaking her head.

Chas: Please, I don’t cry that easily.

Nick: Right. Tell that to the ending of that K-drama you forced me to watch.

Chas bit back a laugh, feeling an odd sense of comfort even through their usual teasing.

Cindy peeked over her shoulder. “Nick?”

Chas quickly locked her phone. “Mind your business, nosy.”

Cindy smirked knowingly. “Uh-huh. You’re smiling way too much for ‘just housemates’.”

“Go to sleep, Cindy.”

But as Chas lay down, the warmth in her chest lingered. Even with her family around, she couldn’t help but feel like something—or someone—was missing.

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The next morning, snow blanketed the orphanage’s front yard in a thick, powdery white, making everything look like a scene from a Christmas postcard. The air was crisp, and the sky was a soft, pale blue, with gentle snowflakes drifting lazily down.

After breakfast, Chas, Cindy, Bobby, Troye, and little Elliot bundled up in their warm coats, scarves, and gloves before stepping outside. The moment they did, the cold bit at their noses, but excitement quickly replaced the chill.

“Alright, who’s up for a snowball fight?” Bobby announced, already crouching down to scoop up a handful of snow.

Troye and Elliot squealed in excitement. “Me! Me!”

Cindy smirked. “You’re going down, Bobby.”

Chas laughed, shaking her head. “You guys never learn, huh? You always start these fights, but I always win.”

Bobby narrowed his eyes. “We’ll see about that, old lady.”

And just like that, chaos erupted. Snowballs flew in every direction—Troye and Elliot were giggling nonstop, throwing tiny handfuls of snow that barely made an impact. Bobby, on the other hand, had deadly aim, nearly hitting Chas square in the face if she hadn’t dodged in time. Cindy and Chas teamed up, launching a coordinated attack on Bobby, who dramatically fell backward into the snow.

“Man down! Man down!” he groaned, sprawled out like a starfish.

Cindy and Chas high-fived. “Victory!”

Elliot, deciding it was the perfect time for betrayal, jumped onto Cindy’s back with a fistful of snow. “Ambush!”

Cindy shrieked, laughing as she tried to shake the seven-year-old off. Meanwhile, Chas took a moment to breathe, looking up at the snow-covered trees, the quiet beauty of the morning making her heart feel light.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like a kid again—no stress, no responsibilities, just pure, unfiltered joy.

Then, her phone buzzed in her coat pocket. She pulled it out, and her smile softened when she saw the message.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: You better not be freezing out there.

She shook her head, grinning as she typed back.

Chas: What, worried about me?

Nick: Nah, just making sure my housemate doesn’t turn into a snowwoman before she comes back.

Chas rolled her eyes but felt warmth spread in her chest.

Chas: I’m fine, just kicking my siblings’ butts in a snowball fight.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Good. But don’t get cocky—your aim still sucks.

She gasped dramatically before quickly typing.

Chas: EXCUSE ME???

“Who are you texting?” Cindy asked, brushing snow out of her hair.

Chas locked her phone with a smirk. “None of your business.”

Cindy raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. You’ve been smiling at your phone a lot lately.”

Bobby groaned, still lying in the snow. “Ugh, please tell me it’s not Nick.”

Chas kicked a bit of snow at him. “Shut up.”

But as they continued playing, Chas found herself sneaking another glance at her phone, already looking forward to whatever Nick would text her next.

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The warmth inside the orphan house was a stark contrast to the cold winter night outside. The scent of roasted chicken, warm bread, and sweet pastries filled the air as everyone gathered in the dining hall, the long wooden table set with plates, candles, and festive decorations. The Christmas tree in the corner twinkled with colorful lights, and the fireplace crackled softly, casting a cozy glow over the room.

Chas sat between Cindy and Bobby, smiling as she watched their younger siblings chatter excitedly about tomorrow’s gift exchange.

“I wonder what I’m gonna get this year!” Troye grinned, his ten-year-old face lighting up with excitement. “Last year, I got that cool puzzle set from Marcia!”

Elliot, the youngest at seven, clapped his hands. “I hope I get something with dinosaurs!”

Carol, their foster mother, chuckled warmly. “Well, you’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?”

Chas hid her smile as she glanced at the corner where she had secretly stashed her gifts earlier that day. She had spent the last few weeks picking out thoughtful presents for each of her siblings—things she knew they would love.

For Troye, she found an advanced puzzle set, something even more challenging than last year’s.

For Elliot, a colorful jurassic park lego set.

For Cindy, a set of makeup brushes she had been eyeing for months and pink sweater that she’s been eyeing on the window store when they walk at the city centre few months before.

For Bobby, a new pair of sneakers since she noticed his old ones were wearing out.

And for Carol and Robert, their foster parents, a framed photograph of the entire family from last Christmas, something to remind them of the love they had built together.

The thought of seeing their reactions tomorrow made her heart swell with anticipation.

After dinner, they all gathered around the living room, holding hands as they said their Christmas prayers. Chas closed her eyes, listening to the soft murmur of their voices, the warmth of being surrounded by family filling her with gratitude.

Then, came her favorite part—singing Christmas songs together. Bobby grabbed his guitar, and they all huddled near the fireplace, singing classic holiday tunes. Cindy and Chas harmonized beautifully, while Troye and Elliot enthusiastically belted out the lyrics.

By the time they were done, the night had grown late, but no one wanted to leave the warmth of the gathering just yet.

Bobby stretched, yawning. “Tomorrow’s gonna be fun.”

Cindy nudged Chas with a teasing smirk. “Bet you’re excited for your gift too, huh?”

Chas laughed, shaking her head. “You know I don’t really care about gifts. I just like seeing you guys happy.”

Elliot tugged on her sleeve. “But you should get something nice too, Chas! You deserve it!”

Chas ruffled his hair, feeling a sudden wave of emotion. “You’re too sweet, Eli.”

As the night wound down, Chas found herself staring at the twinkling Christmas lights, a sense of peace settling over her. Even though she wasn’t spending Christmas with Nick, she still felt warm knowing that after this, she would return to him, to their little home where they could celebrate in their own way.

But for now, she was here, with her family, soaking in the joy of Christmas Eve.

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Nick sat on the couch in Sheri’s house living room(his ex wife who's now he's co parent their kids really well like a team), watching Izzy and Toby tear through their presents with excited grins. The Christmas tree shimmered in the corner, its twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the room. The warmth of the house, the scent of cinnamon and cocoa, and the familiar sound of his sons’ laughter filled him with a rare sense of peace.

“Whoa! A new football!” Izzy exclaimed, holding it up.

“And a Spider-Man Lego set!” Toby cheered, already struggling to open the box.

Nick chuckled, ruffling Toby’s hair. “Merry Christmas, boys.”

Sheri, sitting on the other couch, sipped her cocoa and smirked. “Not bad, Nick. You actually got them what they wanted.”

He shot her a look. “Hey, I pay attention.”

Sheri raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Right. Of course, you do.”

Nick leaned back, watching his kids, but every now and then, his hand drifted to his pocket where his phone was. He wasn’t waiting for a text. Not really. But his mind kept drifting somewhere else.

Or rather, to someone else.

Was Chas having fun? Was she laughing with her siblings? Had she eaten enough?

He was being ridiculous. She was fine. And yet, a part of him felt… off. Like something was missing.

Sheri narrowed her eyes, noticing his distracted expression. “Okay, spill it.”

Nick blinked, turning to her. “Spill what?”

Sheri smirked. “Who’s the girl?”

Nick nearly choked on his cocoa. “What—?”

Sheri laughed, shaking her head. “Nick, come on. I know that look. You’ve got someone on your mind, don’t you?”

Nick scoffed, looking away. “You’re imagining things.”

“Oh, am I?” She crossed her arms, still smirking. “You’re sitting here, but your head is clearly somewhere else. That’s classic ‘man thinking about a woman’ behavior.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Or maybe I’m just tired.”

Sheri hummed, unconvinced. “Sure, sure. So, what is it? New girlfriend? Someone special?”

Nick hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. “It’s nothing like that.”

“Uh-huh.” Sheri took another sip of her drink. “Well, whoever she is, she’s got you wrapped around her finger already.”

Nick sighed, rubbing his temple. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sheri just smirked knowingly, but she didn’t push further.

Nick glanced back at his phone, his fingers twitching slightly. Maybe he’d text Chas later—just to check in. Just to see how she was doing.

No reason. No reason at all.

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Chas sat on the couch, her chin resting on her palm as she watched Cindy, Bobby, Troye, and Elliot eagerly discussing what gifts they might get tomorrow. Their voices blended with the soft hum of Christmas music playing in the background, and the warmth of the fireplace filled the room. It was the kind of cozy chaos she had grown up with—familiar, comforting.

But her mind? It wasn’t completely there.

She found herself wondering about Nick. Had he finished Christmas dinner with his sons? Was he having a good time? Had he noticed how quiet the house felt without her there?

She exhaled, shaking her head slightly. Why am I even thinking about him so much?

Just as she was lost in thought, the front door creaked open, and a familiar voice filled the air.

“Merry Christmas, everyone.”

Chas turned, her eyes widening. “Peter?!”

Her older brother stood in the doorway, brushing the snow off his shoulders with a small grin.

“Peter!” Cindy shrieked, running to hug him, followed by Bobby, Troye, and Elliot. Their excited chatter filled the room as they swarmed him.

Chas quickly got up, still in disbelief. “I thought you weren’t coming!”

Peter ruffled Bobby’s hair before glancing at Chas. “Yeah, well… surprise.”

She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you were drowning in your final year deadlines.”

“I am,” he admitted, sighing dramatically. “But I couldn’t miss Christmas, could I?”

Chas rolled her eyes but smiled. It wasn’t often that Peter was home, especially now that he was finishing his business degree. Seeing him here, even for a little while, made her heart feel lighter.

Carol and Robert entered the room, beaming at the sight of him. “Peter, you made it!” Carol said, hugging him.

“I had to,” Peter said, grinning. “I missed you guys.”

“Okay, okay,” Cindy cut in, practically bouncing in excitement. “This means even more gifts tomorrow, right?”

Everyone laughed, and Chas felt something warm settle in her chest. The excitement, the laughter, the feeling of family—it was everything she loved about Christmas.

And yet…

Her fingers unconsciously reached for her phone in her pocket.

She wasn’t going to text Nick. That would be weird, right?

…But maybe just a quick message wouldn’t hurt.

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The smell of cinnamon and fresh pastries filled the air as the orphan house buzzed with excitement. The Christmas tree lights twinkled, casting a warm glow on the wrapped presents stacked beneath it. Laughter and chatter filled the living room as the younger kids practically vibrated with excitement, waiting for the gift exchange to begin.

Chas sat cross-legged on the couch, holding a mug of hot chocolate between her hands, watching her siblings with an amused smile. Cindy and Bobby were trying to keep Troye and Elliot from peeking under the tree, while Peter, now fully settled in after last night’s arrival, sipped his coffee beside her.

“Did you even sleep last night?” Peter asked, nudging her shoulder.

Chas chuckled. “Barely. Cindy and Elliot kept tossing and turning. Also… I was kinda excited too.”

Peter smirked knowingly. “Excited for Christmas, or…” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Thinking about someone?”

Chas shot him a glare. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, come on,” Peter teased. “You kept checking your phone last night. Don’t tell me you weren’t expecting a certain someone to text you.”

Chas opened her mouth to argue, but—damn it—he wasn’t entirely wrong. Even when she was supposed to be sleeping, she’d caught herself staring at her screen, wondering if Nick would send a Merry Christmas message. But there was nothing.

“I was just… checking the time,” she said, clearing her throat and taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

Peter chuckled. “Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Before Chas could fire back, Carol entered the living room, clapping her hands together. “Alright, everyone! Gather around, it’s time for presents!”

A collective cheer erupted as everyone scrambled toward the tree. Chas helped organize the gifts, handing out presents with Cindy while Bobby played Santa, pulling names from a little jar.

“Elliot, this one’s for you!” Cindy called, handing him a brightly wrapped package.

“Troye, here you go!” Bobby grinned.

Laughter and excitement filled the room as wrapping paper was torn apart, revealing sweaters, toys, books, and other thoughtful gifts. Chas couldn’t help but smile as she watched their reactions.

Then, Cindy turned toward her. “And this one is for Chas!” She handed her a small package wrapped in golden paper.

Chas blinked. “Wait… what?”

“You didn’t think you were the only one giving gifts, did you?” Peter smirked.

Chas unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a small heart-shaped pendant. She recognized the design immediately—it was similar to the bracelet she always wore.

“This is from all of us,” Bobby said. “We saved up for it.”

Chas stared at them, touched. “You guys…”

“Do you like it?” Cindy asked, a little nervous.

Chas swallowed the lump in her throat and pulled Cindy, Bobby, and the younger ones into a tight hug. “I love it. Thank you.”

As the gift exchange continued, her phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket.

She pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the name on the screen.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Merry Christmas, housemate. Hope you’re not missing me too much.

Chas bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile.

Chas: Merry Christmas, old man. Don’t get too sentimental over there.

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Nick sat on the couch, a cup of coffee in hand, as he watched Izzy and Toby tear into their presents. Wrapping paper flew everywhere, their excited chatter filling the living room. Sheri sat across from him, sipping her own coffee, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“You know,” she started, arching an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen you this… I don’t know, present during the holidays before.”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Sheri smirked. “Come on, Nick. You used to just go through the motions. Show up, smile, buy the boys expensive gifts, and leave. But today, you actually look like you’re enjoying this.”

Nick exhaled, leaning back against the couch. She wasn’t wrong. Christmases in the past had always felt… detached. Even before the divorce, he had struggled to fully engage. But this year, it felt different. Maybe it was because he was sober, or maybe it was because—

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and instinctively, his fingers twitched toward it. But before he could check, Sheri’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“New girlfriend?” she teased, tilting her head.

Nick nearly choked on his coffee. “What?”

Sheri laughed. “Oh, come on. You keep glancing at your phone like you’re waiting for a text. It’s so obvious.”

Nick scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You’re imagining things.”

“Am I?” she mused, taking a sip of her drink. “You’re not exactly the type to text anyone on Christmas morning—except maybe your bandmates, and I doubt they’d make you this jittery.”

Nick shook his head, but he couldn’t hide the small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Sheri leaned forward, eyes narrowing playfully. “So? Are you seeing someone?”

He hesitated. The logical answer was no—Chas was his housemate, nothing more. But something about the way Sheri was looking at him, coupled with the way his mind kept drifting back to her, made his throat dry.

Instead of answering, he simply shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sheri laughed. “Oh, that confirms it. You totally have a thing for someone.”

Nick rolled his eyes again, trying to focus on his kids, who were now showing off their gifts. But as much as he tried to ignore it, his mind kept wandering—to a certain girl who was probably surrounded by her siblings, laughing, and tearing into presents just like Izzy and Toby.

And when his phone buzzed again, he couldn’t resist any longer.

Adorable brat😈: Merry Christmas, old man. Don’t get too sentimental over there.

A slow, amused smile crept onto his face.

Sheri caught the look and smirked. “Yeah. Definitely someone.”

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The living room of the orphan house was filled with warmth—both from the fireplace and the joyful energy of the kids excitedly waiting for their turn to open presents. Chas sat on the couch, surrounded by her siblings, watching as Troye and Elliot bounced in anticipation.

“All right, all right, settle down,” Chas laughed, holding up a large gift bag. “We’re gonna do this in order, okay? One by one.”

Her siblings groaned playfully, but they obeyed. Cindy and Bobby helped organize the gifts while Peter stood by, chuckling at the chaos.

Chas had spent weeks preparing for this moment, carefully picking out presents that she knew would bring smiles to their faces.

First up was Elliot, the youngest at seven years old. His face lit up as he tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a Colorful Jurassic Park Lego set he’d been dreaming about.

“OH MY GOSH! THANK YOU, CHAS!” he squealed, launching himself at her with a tight hug.

Chas giggled and hugged him back. “Merry Christmas, buddy.”

Next was Troye, the 10-year-old, who gasped when he saw his gift—an advanced puzzle set, something even more challenging than last year’s.

“This is awesome! I can finally start a new puzzle record ” he exclaimed.

“Of course you will buddy ,” Chas teased, ruffling his hair.

Then came Cindy, the 16-year-old, who opened her gift to find a beautiful pastel pink sweater she had admired in a store since few months ago and a set of makeup brushes she had been eyeing for months .

“Oh my god, you actually got it?” Cindy gasped. “I thought it was sold out!”

“I made sure to get it before it did,” Chas said with a wink.

Cindy squealed and hugged her tightly. “You’re the best.”

Then it was Bobby’s turn. The 17-year-old unwrapped a pair of stylish sneakers—the exact ones he had been eyeing for months.

“No way,” he whispered, staring at them in shock.

Chas smirked. “Merry Christmas, little bro.”

Bobby scoffed, trying to play it cool, but he still hugged her, mumbling, “Thanks, sis.”

Then, Chas turned to Peter, the older sibling she hadn’t expected to see this Christmas. She handed him a box, and when he opened it, he found a sleek leather wallet—a high-quality one, knowing he’d soon be stepping into the professional world after graduation.

Peter grinned. “You really didn’t have to, Chas.”

“Oh, shut up and just take it,” she teased. “You need to look like a proper businessman, right?”

He chuckled. “Thanks, kiddo.”

Finally, it was time for Carol and Robert, the two people who had given her a home when she had nowhere else to go.

Chas swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous. She handed them a carefully wrapped box. Carol, her foster mother, opened it first, revealing a framed photograph of the entire family from last Christmas.

Carol’s eyes welled up with tears as she hold the beautiful photo framed in a beautiful frame that chas decorated it beautifully.

Robert, her foster father, unwrapped a smaller box to find a new watch—one that closely resembled the one he had lost years ago but never replaced.

Chas shifted in her seat, feeling emotional. “You guys gave me a home when I had nothing. You took me in, raised me, supported me, and gave me a family. I just… I wanted to give you something to show how much that means to me.”

Carol wiped away tears, pulling Chas into a warm hug. “Oh, sweetheart… You have no idea how much you mean to us.”

Robert, usually a man of few words, placed a hand on Chas’s shoulder, giving it a firm, reassuring squeeze. “We’re so proud of you, kid.”

Got it! Since this moment happens before Chas finds Bogart, I’ll adjust the details so the cat paw charm isn’t included yet.

Carol pulled away slightly, still dabbing at the corner of her eyes, before exchanging a knowing glance with Robert. He nodded, and she reached down beside the couch, pulling out a small, elegantly wrapped box.

“Now, it’s your turn, sweetheart,” Carol said, handing it to Chas with a warm smile.

Chas blinked in surprise. “Wait… what? You guys didn’t have to—”

“Oh, hush,” Robert interrupted, his usual stern tone softened with affection. “You do so much for this family, Chas. Of course, we had to get you something special.”

Her hands trembled slightly as she took the box and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a delicate gold bracelet with tiny charms—each one shaped like something meaningful to her. A book, a music note, a tiny star, a heart, and a small globe.

Chas let out a small gasp. “Oh my God…”

Carol reached out, touching her hand. “Each charm represents something about you. Your love for books, music, your dreams, your big heart… and the globe because we know you’ve always wanted to see the world.”

Chas let out a watery laugh, running her fingers over the charms. “You guys… This is—this is so beautiful.”

Robert smiled, nodding toward the bracelet. “You’re family, Chas. No matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a home here.”

Chas swallowed past the lump in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around both of them, hugging them tightly. “I love you guys,” she whispered, her voice shaky.

Carol stroked her hair gently. “We love you too, sweetheart.”

As she pulled back, wiping her tears, her siblings all cheered, and Cindy grinned. “Okay, now I really need a tissue.”

Bobby smirked. “You’re such a softie.”

“Says the guy who almost cried over sneakers,” Cindy shot back.

Laughter filled the room again, wrapping them all in warmth and love. Chas held the bracelet close, feeling the weight of it—not just on her wrist, but in her heart.

This wasn’t just a gift. It was a reminder that no matter where she went, no matter what happened next, she had a family. And that meant everything.

The entire room was filled with sniffles and teary smiles as her siblings clapped and cheered.

And as Chas looked around at the people she loved most, she felt something warm settle in her chest—contentment, gratitude, and a quiet, lingering thought in the back of her mind.

I wonder what Nick is doing right now.

The day had been filled with laughter, presents, and the familiar warmth of being surrounded by family for Chas, but even amidst the cheer and festive celebrations, her mind couldn’t help but drift to Nick.

She missed him. She missed his smile, his jokes, and the way he made everything feel so easy. But he’s with his kids, she reminded herself, watching her younger siblings excitedly unwrap more gifts.

Meanwhile, at Sheri’s house, Nick sat with his two sons, Izzy and Toby, enjoying the simplicity of Christmas morning. His sons were happy, their faces lit with joy as they played with the toys they’d received. But even as he watched them, something felt a little incomplete.

Nick hadn’t shared the whole holiday with Chas, and a small part of him longed for her presence. He smiled to himself, imagining the warmth of her laughter filling the room—the way she lights up when she’s around. The absence of her felt like a dull ache in his chest, something he wasn’t used to, especially not during the holidays.

Maybe we could’ve been together today, Nick thought wistfully, watching Toby play with his new train set. But then again, she had her own family.

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As the evening wore on and the sounds of Christmas celebration filled the orphan house downstairs, Chas found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the joy surrounding her. It had been a lovely day with her foster family, but a part of her felt like something—or rather, someone—was missing. She needed a moment to herself.

Excusing herself from the festivities, she made her way up to the attic. The quiet space, with its soft lighting and old furniture, had always been a place of comfort for her. It was still the same—a little messy, a little nostalgic—but now, more than ever, it felt like the right place for her to escape.

She pulled out her phone and saw a message from Nick. Her heart gave a little flutter, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. They weren’t a couple, after all, but the warmth in his words was undeniable.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Merry Christmas, Chas! Hope you’re having an amazing time with your family. Missing our usual hangouts.

Chas grinned at the message, the playful tone lifting her spirits. It wasn’t anything overly sentimental, but it was just enough to make her smile.

Chas: Merry Christmas, Nick! It’s been a fun day, but I can’t lie… it’s definitely not the same without you around. Missing our shenanigans too.

She paused, trying to think of something witty to add, knowing Nick would appreciate the playful vibe.

Chas: Although, I have to admit, I might be missing your weird board games the most. When I get back, you’re going to have to teach me how they work… but I’m definitely not losing again. 😜

She sent the message, feeling lighter after the playful exchange. It wasn’t romantic—at least not yet—but it felt comfortable, easy.

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: Oh, I’m sure you’ll try your best, but I’m still going to win. 😏 Don’t worry, I’ll make it fun though. Promise.

Chas: I’m counting on it. Don’t think you’re getting off that easy though. 😉

She couldn’t help but smile at the conversation. It wasn’t love, at least not yet, but the connection felt real. The playful banter, the warmth between them—it was undeniable.

Chas: I’ll be back soon. Just try not to miss me too much, okay?

Rockstar Grandpa👴👨‍🎤: I’ll try, but no promises. 😆 Have fun with your family. See you soon, Chas.

Chas: You too, Nick. Merry Christmas again!

Chas put her phone down with a soft smile on her face. It was a simple exchange, but it felt special. Even though they weren’t together, there was something about their easygoing connection that made her heart feel lighter.

She looked out the window at the soft snowfall, the quiet moment settling around her. For now, the playful messages would have to be enough. She couldn’t wait to see Nick again, but for now, she’d carry these small, warm exchanges with her.

She stood up, ready to rejoin her family downstairs, but her heart was a little warmer than it had been before—filled with a quiet, unspoken sense of something more, even if neither of them had yet put a name to it.

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Her days in the orphan house after 3 days of being here for the Christmas holiday are finally ended , and she'll be back to nick's house today. After saying one last goodbye to her foster parents and her siblings. On the window she saw nick's car pull up infront of the house. She goes downstairs and step outside. As soon as Chas stepped outside, the chilly winter air nipped at her skin, but the sight of Nick standing there—hands in his coat pockets, a warm smile tugging at his lips—made her forget the cold entirely. His car was parked right in front of the house, its engine still softly humming, waiting for her.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded. No words were exchanged, no playful banter like usual. Just a quiet understanding between them, wrapped in the warmth of the smiles they always shared.

And then, without thinking—without hesitation—Chas moved.

She closed the distance between them and plopped right into his arms, wrapping herself around him in a tight embrace. It was instinctive, like something she was meant to do. Maybe it was because she missed him more than she realized. Maybe it was because the past few days had been wonderful, but there had always been a small part of her that felt incomplete. Maybe it was just because it was Nick.

Nick didn’t hesitate either. His arms came around her, strong and steady, holding her just as tightly. There was something so easy, so natural about it. Like they’d done this a hundred times before. Like it wasn’t something new, even though it was.

For a few seconds, neither of them moved. Chas could hear the soft rustling of the wind, the distant laughter of her siblings still inside, but all she really focused on was the steady rise and fall of Nick’s chest, the way his warmth seeped into her even through their winter coats.

Nick finally chuckled, his voice low and amused. “Wow. I take it you missed me?”

Chas pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her arms still draped around his torso. “Pfft. Don’t flatter yourself.” But the smile on her face gave her away.

“Uh-huh,” Nick smirked, raising an eyebrow. “So this is just a casual hug, then?”

“Obviously.” She rolled her eyes playfully before stepping back, suddenly feeling the weight of what just happened. “Don’t read too much into it.”

“Too late,” he teased, opening the passenger door for her. “Now get in before you freeze.”

Chas let out a small laugh, shaking her head as she climbed into the car. As Nick rounded to the driver’s side and got in, she glanced over at him, her heart still feeling a little too full.

Yeah… maybe she had missed him a little more than she thought.

Just as Chas was settling into the passenger seat, rubbing her gloved hands together for warmth, she noticed Nick wasn’t starting the car yet. Instead, he reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box.

Chas blinked, surprised. “What’s this?”

Nick smirked, handing it to her. “A bomb. Open it carefully.”

She snorted, rolling her eyes but taking the box anyway. The wrapping was elegant—silver with a deep blue ribbon tied perfectly at the top. It was small enough to fit in her palm, but just heavy enough to make her curious.

“You got me a Christmas gift?” she asked, glancing at him.

Nick scoffed lightly. “Of course. What kind of lousy housemate would I be if I didn’t?”

Chas bit her lip, feeling a warmth creep up her chest. She hadn’t expected this—not because she thought Nick wouldn’t get her anything, but because the way he handed it to her was so casual, so effortless, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Carefully, she untied the ribbon and peeled back the wrapping. Inside was a small glass snow globe.

Chas inhaled softly as she lifted it out of the box. Inside the globe was a cozy winter village scene—a tiny cottage with warm golden lights in the windows, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees. When she gently shook it, soft white flakes swirled around like a miniature snowstorm.

For a moment, she just stared at it, captivated by the tiny world inside.

Nick cleared his throat, almost like he was nervous. “Figured you might like it. Since, you know… you’re kinda obsessed with snow and Christmas and all that.”

Chas let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. “Nick…”

“What?” He raised an eyebrow. “You hate it?”

She looked up at him, and for a split second, something in her chest squeezed tight. He wasn’t teasing like usual—his expression was softer, like he genuinely wanted her to like it.

“No,” she murmured, her voice quieter than before. “I love it.”

Nick’s lips curved slightly. “Good. Because I’m not giving you the receipt.”

Chas laughed, but she didn’t miss the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. Without thinking, she reached over and hugged him again, this time gentler, lingering just a little longer.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Nick didn’t respond right away. But when he did, his voice was just as soft.

“Merry Christmas, Chas.”

Then they drive on back to his house, that without her realizing is also her "home".

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As they stepped inside Nick’s house, the warmth of home immediately embraced Chas. Even though she had only been away for three days, it felt like much longer. The scent of coffee and Nick’s familiar cologne lingered in the air, and the living room was just as she had left it—except for the tall Christmas tree standing in the corner, still completely bare.

Nick shut the door behind them and tossed his keys onto the console table. “So,” he started casually, stretching his arms above his head, “since it’s still technically the holiday season, I figured we should finally decorate that poor, neglected tree.”

Chas turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “You want to decorate? Are you feeling okay?”

Nick rolled his eyes. “I just don’t want a dead tree standing in my house for no reason.”

“Sure, sure,” Chas teased, pulling off her coat and scarf. “You just happen to want to decorate exactly when I get back.”

Nick didn’t answer—he just smirked and walked toward the storage closet. Moments later, he emerged with a large box filled with fairy lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

Chas clapped her hands. “Alright, let’s do this.”

They spent the next hour turning the once-empty tree into something magical. Chas carefully placed ornaments while Nick—after struggling with a particularly tangled string of lights—eventually got them wrapped around the branches.

“Maybe if you weren’t yanking them like you’re in a wrestling match, they wouldn’t be so tangled,” Chas teased.

Nick gave her an unimpressed look. “Oh, I’m sorry, Miss Christmas Expert. Would you like to do it?”

Chas grinned. “Move over.” She reached out, quickly untangling the mess of lights in a way that made it look effortless.

Nick blinked. “What the hell?”

Chas shrugged smugly. “I have skills.”

Nick scoffed, but there was an amused glint in his eyes.

At one point, Chas had to climb onto the couch to reach the higher branches. As she stretched to place a golden star near the top, Nick instinctively held her waist to steady her.

“Careful,” he murmured.

Chas hesitated for a second, feeling the warmth of his hands, but quickly focused back on finishing the tree. When she hopped down, she felt strangely aware of the space between them, as if something had shifted—but neither of them acknowledged it.

Finally, the tree was complete, glowing warmly with fairy lights and colorful ornaments.

Chas stepped back, admiring their work. “Not bad for two procrastinators.”

Nick crossed his arms, nodding in approval. “Yeah. We make a decent team.”

Chas turned to him, smiling. “Merry late Christmas, Nick.”

Nick glanced at her, then at the tree, then back at her. And for a moment, his expression softened in a way she rarely saw.

“Merry late Christmas, Chas.”

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