CHAPTER 12

"Leo!" George hugged me. "Merry Christmas."

"Thanks for letting us come by, George." I said.

"It's nothing." He said. "My parents have been dying to meet you anyways." He smiled at Amber. "Your sister is pretty."

"Shut up!" I said playfully.

"Well, come on in." He said.

We followed him in. His family was sitting in the living room.

"Mom, Dad, Frankie, Hilda and Ivan." He called. "This is my friend, Leo Patel and his sister."

"Thanks for letting us in, Mr and Mrs Smith." I said.

"It's nothing, dear." Mrs Smith said. "Besides, we wanted to meet you after George told us a lot about you."

I looked at George and smiled.

"Lunch is ready." She said. "Shall we?"

We all went to the dining room. George's house was so big and expensively furnished. George was really humble. Other people would brag with that kind of setup.

"So..." Mr Smith started. "George told us you'll be participating in the Brains Quiz competition by January."

"Yes sir." I said.

"Your parents must be so proud of you." Mr Smith said. "Speaking of which.... When do we get to meet?"

"Er..." My phone rang. Thankfully. "I'm sorry I have to take this."

"Of course." Mrs Smith said.

I stood and checked my phone. It was my mom calling.

"Mom."

"Dennis just told me he can't find you two." She said. "Where are both of you?"

"We left when you and that... Dennis were having a make out session." I said.

"You cannot use that tone on me, young man." She said. "Where are you two? I'm coming to pick you up right now."

"Don't even bother." I said and hung up.

I sighed and stood for a while. Our family was tearing apart. The home which was our comfort zone is now a living hell.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and found Mr Smith.

"Are you alright, Son?"

I sighed and shook my head. "I'm not."

He sat on the couch and tapped the couch as a way to tell me to sit. I sat beside him.

"So, what is wrong?"

"My family is what is wrong, Mr Smith." I said.

"What do you mean exactly?"

Tears choked me as I explained everything that was happening to my family.

"Come on." He said patting my back. "It's okay."

"My mom is getting married to a man who doesn't even care about us." I said. "All he does is call us names and mock our father." I swallowed. "That's why I asked if we could come over. I don't want my sister to be unhappy."

"I feel really bad for you, Leo." He said. "I'll talk to Kate she's a really good lawyer."

"Thanks, Mr Smith."

"It's okay." He said. "But I'll have to see your father first."

"I can take you to him." I said.

"That will be tommorow." He said and stood. "I'll have my manager bring clothes for you and your sister."

"Clothes?" I was confused.

"Christmas party tonight." He said. "Come finish lunch, Leo."

"I'll be there soon." I said.

After lunch, George and I were in his room.

"You're having a party tonight?" I asked.

"Yes." He said.

"Oh?"

"You don't have to feel uneasy." George said. "Half of the people coming go to Westfield."

"Really?" I said smiling.

"It's always fun." George said. "You'll see."

"I can't wait."

That's the only fun thing that has happened to me this Christmas.

"Shirley's coming too."

"Ugh!" I said.