With at least my daughter, I’m never alone during the holiday’s. We can stay up late Christmas Eve watching the classics, and wake up late on Christmas morning. It’s all routine by now, except for the fact that my daughter, Haddie, is going with, Alara, my ex wife this year. When Alara first mentioned having Haddie for the holidays, of course I was a little disappointed, but I’d never take away time for my daughter to spend with her. She’s her daughter too.

But because of this, I wasn’t not really looking forward to Christmas this year. The only other person in my life would be Aurelia, my coworker recently turned girlfriend. And although spending Christmas together, sounded nice, I was sure she has other plans.

It wasn’t until Christmas Eve I found out otherwise. Alara had shown up to hours late to pick up Haddie, while Haddie was about to have a melt down because she didn’t want to go. That’s when I heard the door bell ring for a second time. When I saw Aurelia at the door, I froze.

“Am I interrupting? I just wanted to bring you my Christmas gift early,” she said remorseful with that small smile she only ever wore outside of work.

I apologize for how hectic it was and welcomed her in. While she waited on the couch, it didn’t take long before me and Alara started arguing while Haddie was on the brink of tears. Alara and I left to talk in private.

Once I came back I was shocked at what I saw. Aurelia was now on the floor with a Haddie that seemed almost as if she was never about to cry in her arms. Aurelia’s hands brushed through my daughters hair delicately, a gesture to console. Once Haddie saw me, she ran over and hugged me. My eyes flicked between Aurelia and Haddie with a confused expression.

“Mommy, Aurelia told me that—that she’s never celebrated Christmas before! She’s never seen the grinch and—and she’s never make Christmas cookies and her momma never read her a night before Christmas while she was in bed. I’m sorry I was angry, I should be grateful for having two Christmas’,” Haddie rambled, with a very saddening pout.

My first reaction was to look at Aurelia. Was this all true? I knew that Aurelia’s parents weren’t very present, emotionally and physically, and I barely hear her ever talk about them now, but I never thought she had such a lonely childhood. I came to my relaxed and knelt down in front of Haddie. “It’s true, sweat pea. Some people don’t get so lucky, so be a big girl for me and behave for Alara. She loves you just as much as I do.”

After Haddie’s conversation with Aurelia, it was a breeze to get her to go with Alara. Finally, it was just me and Aurelia.

“Is it true?” I felt myself whisper. And once I perceived the subtle nod she gave me, my heart broke further. Suddenly my thoughts were filled with spending Christmas with her. Making up for all the things she’s missed from her neglectful childhood.