Novel & Cerita The Grump Who Stole Christmas

"That's better, isn't it? Feeling any relief?" I forced a polite smile. "Yeah. Thanks. My throat does feel a little better." Satisfied after watching me swallow, Sierra finally turned away, her victory complete. I rested my head on my arms, pretending to sleep. When her attention drifted, my hand slipped quietly into my pocket. The real piece of candy—her candy—was still there. Earlier that morning, I'd stocked up on cheap lozenges from the school shop. Fortunately, the store only sold one brand, so no one would notice the swap.

It was going to be a hella long Christmas Eve that was for fucking sure. Amber had even forgotten what day it was until she saw some carolers standing in front of a department store in a better part of town. The fourth pawn shop stop to be exact. Hopefully, they’d have Grayson home in time for Christmas dinner at his parents’ tomorrow night. If not, it’d be hella hard to explain his absence for sure.

I nearly gagged and had to step back, only to be groped by Eve from behind. "Exactly. This jerk is great at pretending to be pitiful and scamming people. A few days ago, he even told me he had no money to eat. He said for just 30 bucks, he'd keep me company for two hours. I'm already over fifty. How could I handle a young man like him flirting with me? It was terrifying." Eve pretended to be an outraged resident. She shoved me repeatedly while taking the opportunity to grope me all over. Fury surged through me. I shoved her hard and sent her crashing to the ground.

Noelle removed the wrapping and held up a new squeaky toy for Goldie who barked with glee and then took it out of Noelle’s hands to investigate more. Brady reached beneath the tree and pulled out another gift. “This one’s for you, buddy,” he said to Pooch, unwrapping a new bone. The gift had Pooch giddy with excitement. He took it and dragged it across the floor, already gnawing on the end. “What about me?” Noelle asked. “Where’s my one Christmas Eve present?” “Didn’t you already open one at your mom’s house?” Brady asked, a twinkle in his eye.

In the end, I couldn't bear to let Noelle spend the last Christmas Eve of her life filled with regret. I searched through every office on the entire floor and finally found a female doctor about the same height as Ivana. I begged her to pretend to be Ivana. An hour later, the doctor appeared beside Noelle's bed, wearing a Santarina costume borrowed from somewhere on the street. She was holding Noelle's favorite doll. Noelle cried tears of happiness. "I knew Mommy wouldn't abandon me." I covered my mouth and pulled Noelle tightly into my arms. A nurse took a picture of our final moment together. In the end, Noelle died on that snowy Christmas Eve.

Arthur and I join the others in the living room, where a beautiful Christmas tree stands, twinkling with lights and ornaments. We gather around, everyone smiling and chatting, waiting for the clock to strike twelve. There’s a sense of anticipation, and I can feel Arthur’s hand tighten around mine. Finally, the clock strikes midnight, and a cheer goes up. “Merry Christmas!” everyone calls out, exchanging hugs and kisses. Gifts are passed around, and the room fills with laughter and joy. After the gifts are exchanged, we all raise our glasses for a toast. Arthur’s father, a kind man with a twinkle in his eye, leads the toast.

“Remember in seventh grade when I asked you out, and you told me ‘not even if you were the last boy in Mississippi’?” She groaned, hiding her face. “Let it go.” “Never. That was my villain origin story.” “You’re insufferable.” “You love it.” She smiled up at him. “Yeah. I really do.” Christmas Eve was loud and messy and perfect. Harper’s house was packed with extended family—her cousins screaming over board games, someone burning the dinner rolls, off-key caroling and someone’s aunt insisting everyone wear reindeer ears for a group photo. Jaxon fit in like he always had. He helped Harper’s dad in the

Wear a short skirt or dress tomorrow. I am going to wear a ski suit tomorrow. -Norali: Can I wear underwear? -Mr. Grumpy: You're fitting in your role nicely. What colour is it? -Norali: Mr. Adkins, your questions are simply getting out of line. Do you do this with all your sugar babies? -Mr. Grumpy: You're my only sugar baby, so just answer the question. I don't like sharing my things. That includes my money. Why doesn’t that surprise me? He’s a possessive asshole, so of course he doesn’t want anyone else touching his things. And naturally, he doesn’t want to share his money either. Selfish.

but not here. Richard listens to all this, his face intent, but he chuckles, shaking his head ruefully. "Yes, and last Christmas was no picnic either, was it? You three hunted by Klempner´s men and, well, getting my offices attacked and set on fire wasn´t exactly my first choice from Santa." He gives her a long look. "I imagine that Christmas when you were a child, in the Blessingmoors Home, was nothing to celebrate either?"

"So we agree. We stay away from each other. Act like adults." "Absolutely." He was looking at my mouth now. "Very adult. Very appropriate." Neither of us moved. Neither looked away. The sound of footsteps on the stairs broke the spell. We jumped apart just as Sophie's head popped through the opening. "There you guys are! Sorry that took forever. Did you find the boxes?" "Yeah, got them," I said, voice only slightly unsteady. We carried the boxes downstairs and spent the rest of the afternoon decorating. Sophie put on Christmas music. Jason made hot chocolate. It was exactly what Christmas should feel like.