Bringing two idiots home for X'mas

The same day evening, they reached Holshire. Holshire was her Grandpa's hometown and it spanned across a vast moor flanked by tall snowy mountains on one side. Bell had once been there in her childhood when her Grandma and Grandpa were still alive. But the Holshire she saw right now was entirely different from the one in her memories. But at least she knew what road they had to take to reach her grandfather's house.

"Why are we going this way? " asked Bell in confusion when they took a different turn.

"We cannot go home empty-handed for Christmas can we?" asked Leon.

Oh, they had to buy presents! Bell had completely forgotten. She was going to meet her great grandfather and great grandmother! She was going to meet her grandmother's younger version. Too bad she had no money on her right now. She confessed the latter matter to Leon who said it was alright.

Then there was this other person she wanted to meet, old housekeeper Hay, who used to accompany them to fishing. He must be a young man now!

"What about old Hay? How old is he this year?" asked Bell hopping in excitement.

Leon stopped short. This girl knew way too much. Even Old Hay, the housekeeper. It's as if she grew up in his house or something.

"How do you know old Hay?" he asked her.

"Of course I know him, don't you guys go fishing together?" she asked. She remembered Grandpa saying that they knew each other from their younger days. He was more a friend than a housekeeper. She had seen countless times, the two old men fishing together. But seeing two young men fishing would be a treat to the eyes! How refreshing!

"I am allergic to fish," said Leon before entering a store to make some purchases.

"Allergic?" Bell stood outside the store a little puzzled at the information, as far as she knew her grandpa loved all kinds of fish. His creamy salmon soup was her favorite, not to forget the pickled fish Grandma made every winter which he used to savor...

She was outside the store puzzling over this matter when Alberto came over.

"You don't have any money on you, do you?" he asked teasing her.

"What about you?" asked Bell

Alberto rubbed his head and looked away.

"Hahaha, we are in the same boat!" said Bell

"When people run away from home they do it after looting their own house, how come you are so useless?" Alberto asked her.

"I did not run away!" said Bell

"It's obvious as day! Did something happen at home?" asked Alberto.

"Why should I tell you?" asked Bell.

"Look miss, you should treasure your parents while you still have them," said Alberto a little bit seriously. Bell looked at him, was Alberto an orphan?

"They do not want me.." she sighed heavily. She had just entered college when her parents announced their divorce. She did not want to become a burden to either of them so she said she would side with neither, but who would have thought they would disown her just like that...without so much as a protest...

"Let's go home." she heard a voice behind her. It was Leon, who had finished his purchasing. He was carrying two huge bundles full of presents and goodies.

Bell forgot her troubles at this sight of him.

"What have you bought for me?" she asked excitedly. Leon did not say anything. He felt a little troubled inside, though he did not show it. This girl was acting as his family. What if she wasn't, what should they do with her?

"You are so shameless Wen Bell!" said Alberto and then to Leon, "He only buys gifts for close family and friends! Right? You bought one for me, right?"

Leon sighed.He was bringing these two idiots home, what would his parents say?