“Josie?” He said.
I was startled and my thought broken, “Oh, um...yeah?”
“What are you thinking about?”
Sighing I said, “Last year.”
“I do that a lot too. You don’t have to worry about it anymore. He’s locked up and your mom is in a safe house...and you’re in mine. My safe house,” smiling he looked at me, “I won’t let anything like that happen again.” I grinned back at him as his eyes returned to the road. A stop light caused him to pause a moment. “I know...it’s just that post-traumatic stuff. I’m acting as if he beat me.”
“Your mom was a part of you, so he was.”
“I guess you’re right.” Silence. “Green,” I said pointing at the traffic lights.
He started up again.

When we arrived at the church snow began to fall peacfully around us. He put his arm around my shoulder and we walked together inside. Not many people had arrived yet. The Christmas tree was up and gleaming with spirit while the scent of holly and pine surrounded us.
“Smells like yueltide cheer,” Seth laughed. I giggled too, and we went to find a seat in the empty church. It was a small one. Instead of pews there were cushioned seats, and instead of hymnals we were able to read the words from off a television screen. It was very bright too, with all of its flamboyant flourecent lighting. A few more people began to show themselves while we waited for the Christmas Eve service to begin. I glanced through my program and looked around the room a bit. I shouldn’t have. I saw him...my father. My real father from Long Island wearing a coat and tie and walking in throught the open doors. I tapped Seth.

“Seth,” I whispered.
“Yeah?” He said looking up. Pointing subtlely to my dad he answered, “Ohhh...”
“What should I do?”
He thought a moment. “Talk to him.”
“You’re serious.”
“I think you should. He looks a little changed.”
“A little?! From a robe and sweat pants to a coat and tie?”
“That’s just his apperance.”
“You really think I should?”
“It’s worth a shot. Maybe we got him to consider some counceling.”
I lowered my eyes a little, then looked back up and smiled. “You’re so smart,” I said, giving him a kiss. “I’ll be right back.”

I stood up, and tucking a section of hair behind my ear walked over to the back of the room where my dad was standing. “Dad?” I said.

His focus turned towards me and he smiled. I could tell he knew I was here and was waiting for me to find him. We threw our arms around each other. My voice was muffled by his jacket. “I love you so much, Dad.”
“I love you too, baby.”
I let go and we just looked at each other. “Dad...did you get help?”
He nodded. “I’ve been clean for four months.”
I beamed and hugged him again. “Have you gotten a new home?”
“You bet I have! You didn’t expect me to live in that dump forever did you?”
I laughed.
“Guess where?”
“Eww, not the city!”
“Gross, of course not!”
“Then where?”
“It’s a nice little duplex near West Juniper. Give me a call and I’ll get you some directions there.”
“I promise.” After another second of awe, I looked at my dad. “Do you want to sit with us? Just me and Seth. Remember him?”
“Yep. The boyfriend?”
“Well he is now,” I laughed.
“That’s a nice fellow. I’d certainly enjoy the company of you two this Christmas.”
“He really is great. Paul is in prison, mom is in a safe house, and so Seth and his family brought me in for a few weeks. I really am in love with him, Dad.”
“I can see that,” he smiled.

We walked over to where Seth was and sat with him. Soon after, the lights went down and we began by standing up and singing Angels from the Realms of Glory. Seth put his arm around my waist, and as he held me close and near him, he whispered softly in my ear, “Merry Christmas, Josie.”
“Merry Christmas,” I replied. Surges of joy filled me. I was with Seth and my dad, and nothing could be better.

It’s been six years now. Both of us graduated college and are still living happily (and married) in New Jersey in my old home. Dad even got married to a great lady who’s kind and takes care of him. Her name is Laura...as in my mom Laura who was able to move from the safe home soon after my graduation. Seth and I are raising a two year old son named Luke. We own a councling firm, him as a proffesional councelor, and I as a social worker as well as having a few other employees around. Natalie is still a great friend of ours and she takes care of Luke when the two of us are away. Life is wonderful, and we’re blessed with another miracle every moment of the day.