Page 48 of Jasha
When the train came to a halt, Jasha’s eyes widened in disbelief. They had arrived at the North Pole! Stepping off the train, their eyes were met by a breathtaking sight of Christmas lights twinkling and illuminating the night. Snow-covered trees were decorated with twinkling ornaments, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter. Kaleb was overwhelmed by the sight before him as if it were his first time. The North Pole was a fairy-tale place, with towering snowmen, gingerbread houses, and a giant Christmas tree so tall it could almost touch the sky. Santa Claus, dressed in his traditional red suit, greeted them with a warm smile.
“It’s enchanting,” Jasha whispered, his voice filled with awe.
“I know,” Kaleb replied, smiling. “We come here every year, and it always feels so mystical.”
After a tour of the workshop, where elves were busy making toys, the train began its journey back. As they sat in their seats, watching the snow-covered landscape pass by, Kaleb couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment to see so much joy on Jasha’s face. He knew that this would be a Christmas they both would never forget especially when Santa distributed toys on the train and each of the boys received a miniature toy train.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jasha
Before Jasha went downstairs to meet Frankie, Daddy Kaleb sat him down on the bed. A somber expression settled on his face, giving him an air of seriousness. The mere thought of Daddy Kaleb assigning Adam as their babysitter while he and Frankie went Christmas shopping sent a shiver down his spine, filling him with apprehension. He thought Daddy Kaleb trusted him to return home as he told him he would.
“I’m going to trust that you will do as you say.”
“Frankie and I are going shopping, and Adam is taking us. Neither of us drive, but we don’t need Adam or anyone following us. We’re adults and know how to shop.”
“Jasha, that’s not what I’m talking about. Ever since I took you from your father, I haven’t let you go anywhere without me. I want our relationship to work and realize it won’t work holding you as a prisoner. You need to feel free and know I trust you.”
“First of all, I could have left. I was never your prisoner. You don’t know me well enough. I know how to leave any place I don’t want to be. After a few days with you, I knew you wouldn’t kill my father because you know how important he is to me. I’m not running away. Don’t you know by now I want to be here?”
“I do. I have one thing to ask.” Daddy Kaleb’s skeptical expression revealed his doubt about what Jasha had said.
“Yes? What?” The lingering suspicion that Daddy Kaleb didn’t have faith in giving him his independence without him running away weighed heavily on Jasha’s mind. How would he deal with him attending college without him?
“Call me to let me know how it’s going. Adam will return home after he drops you two off. You’re to call him when you’re done shopping. No one will be following you. I trust you.” He took Jasha into his arms.
“I promise to call and let you know how we’re doing.”
“It’s hard for me to let go, but it’s unhealthy not to. Have fun shopping.” He handed Jasha an envelope with money in it. “This is for you.”
“I don’t need it. I have my own money.”
“Take it anyway. I’ll feel better if you do.”
Jasha leaned in and pressed his lips against Daddy Kaleb’s in a tender kiss. “Thanks.”
Jasha left the bedroom and descended the stairs. He and Frankie put on their jackets and boots, then left. Jasha feltthe crisp morning breeze on his face but thankfully, Adam graciously held the door to the limo open, allowing them to swiftly slip inside. The ride to town was a quick one, the scenery passing by in a blur.
It was a dreadful change to wake up to a snow-free morning for the first time since their arrival. Jasha wanted it to snow every day, hoping it would delay their return to New York. Thoughts like that were foolish to entertain when he was about to go back to school, butLake Tahoe held a special place in his heart, with its serene beauty and breathtaking views. Daddy Kaleb and the people in his home showered him with love, making him feel like a cherished family member. His family consisted solely of his father, who had raised him single-handedly. Despite his deep love for Jasha, his father kept his emotions hidden.
Adam dropped them off in the shopping area. Jasha and Frankie walked side by side, their breath visible in the crisp winter air as they made their way to the store. The streets were adorned with festive lights, and the sound of holiday music filled the air. Despite the cheerful surroundings, both young men were lost in their thoughts.
Jasha glanced at Frankie, noticing the furrowed brow and the way he kept biting his lip. “You seem worried,” Jasha said, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind?”
Frankie sighed, his shoulders slumping. “It’s Daddy Arlo. I’m scared he might break up with me after Christmas. He’s been distant lately, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong.”
Jasha nodded, understanding the anxiety that came with uncertainty in relationships. “I get it. It’s tough not knowing what’s going on in someone’s head. Have you tried talking to him about it?”
Frankie shook his head. “I don’t want to ruin the holidays by bringing up something that might not even be an issue. But it’s eating me up inside.”
Jasha placed a comforting hand on Frankie’s shoulder. “Maybe he’s just stressed about something else. Sometimes we overthink things, especially when we care so much.”
Frankie managed a half smile. “Thanks, Jasha. What about you? You seem a bit off too.”
Jasha took a deep breath, his thoughts turning to Daddy Kaleb and the upcoming school year. “I’m worried about going to school and living with Daddy Kaleb. It’s a big change, and I don’t know if I’ll fit in or if things will work out between us.”
Frankie nodded sympathetically. “Change is always scary, but you’ve got Daddy Kaleb and his family. They care about you, and they’ll support you through it.”
