"Go on then. Tell Laura we need to leave soon"

"Mhmm".

I stepped out of the hug and put my earbud in my ear. Since I was a kid I had anxiety but now It's five times worse. I have separation anxiety, depression, trauma of the abuse, major social anxiety plus huge trust issues. I grabbed my bag from the back and walked into the house.

"Hi Dad," I said quietly. "Uh Neal said to tell you that you have to leave soon," I said turning to Laura

"Ok. What did I say about the music"

"Neal said I could use it," I said quietly

She let out a heavy sigh. "Fine.

"go head into the living room with Charlie," Dad said

I nodded and walked into the living room. I turned my music up a little and sat down on the couch next to him putting on a small smile.

"There's no presents under the tree," Charlie asked

"That's because Santa hasn't come yet," Dad said looking into teh living room

"Neal doesn't believe in Santa"

"well Neal's head comes to a point"

I let out a sigh and rested my head on the couch.

"he's smart. he's a doctor"

"He's not a doctor he's a psychiatrist now take off your coat you're staying aren't ya? I'll be right there just a sec"

I heard him and Laura talking until their voices got louder. Charlie looked at me concerned. I got up and walked into the other room.

"stop fighting. it hasn't even been ten minutes" I said. they both looked at me

"Why do you guys always have to fight" Charlie said a little louder as he turned the corner

"were not fighting. it's your mom's signing. sounds like dying cats doesn't it" Dad said "Your mom and Neal don't believe in Santa because they were real naughty and they're getting coal in their stockings"

"I don't know. it sounds kinda babyish to believe in Santa"

I looked over at Charlie in slight shock.

"What are you talking about? I believe in Santa and I'm not a baby" Dad continued

"Well..." Laura said

"maybe it's time you go"

Charlie walked over and hugged her. She looked up at me.

"won't be using that music the whole time," she said

I just sighed and rolled my eyes with a nod.

-------

we were sitting at the table with the smell of smoke filling the house.

"Those flames were really big Dad," Charlie said

"turkeys funny that way," he said looking away from it before it caught fire again

"Dad!" me and charlie shouted.

we ended up at Denny's.

"I'll have eggnog," Dad said

"were out"

"coffee?"

"what about you"

"chocolate milk please," Charlie said

"were out"

"regular milks' fine"

she looked over at me

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