Forever And Always

Chapter 14

TWENTY MINUTES LATER

Phuwin pushed open the door and saw Santa standing near his bed "Santa?"

"I'm awake P'Phuwin!"

"But I heard the bell"

Santa bit his lower lip in anger "Nature's call" he pointed at the bathroom. Phuwin gave an apologetic smile and closed the door

TWO HOURS LATER

Pond and Phuwin both simultaneously stepped into Santa's room who glared at the couple "No I'm not sleep walking! I have to sleep before I start to walk! And guess what? It's really uncomfortable. The bell poked me twice in my chest, it keeps on ringing which is irritating and the belt almost choked me when I turned to my side. I can't sleep like this and I'm disturbing you both"

Pond looked at his brother, eyes softening. He knew how hard it must be for him. Santa was beating himself again on the fact that he was causing trouble to them. The guilt was clear on his face "Hey Ta" he said softly and walked towards him "It's okay if you don't want to wear the bell"

Phuwin nodded "We'll find another way Nong"

Santa lowered his head "I'm sorry for yelling at you both" he removed the bell and placed it on top of the drawer "Please go back to sleep. I'll be fine"

Pond nodded "Good night"

NEXT DAY AT PERTH'S HOUSE

"I'm sorry Santa. I didn't know the bell would be so uncomfortable" Perth said with a guilty tone and Santa immediately caught his hand "Don't blame yourself. You're only trying to help"

Perth felt defeated from inside "Guess I think our second option like hanging the bell on the door also rules out"

Santa nodded "The main door is far from P'Pond's room. Don't think he'll be able to hear it" he ran his hands on his face feeling frustrated and tired

"I'll do some more research. There has to be a way" Perth said with determination and confidence in his voice.

"I'm sorry"

"Santa..."

"I feel I'm not good enough for you. I'm always causing trouble. You deserve better"

Perth brushed off the bangs from Santa's face "I maybe deserving better but I already got the best. You've no idea what have you done to my heart. Being with you is the only thing I want and nothing can change that"

Santa gazed into Perth's eyes finding nothing but love "I'm so lucky to have you in my life"

Perth leaned in and whispered near Santa's lips "I think I'm the lucky one" he kissed the boy and Santa happily participated

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Perth continued to search for any solution. It had been over fifteen days since their love confession and Santa hadn't sleep walked yet. Though at the end of the month he did receive a call from Phuwin that Santa had walked out and Pond had gone in search of him. Perth too got ready in no time, his heart pounding in his chest and mentally praying to the God to keep Santa safe

When both couldn't find Santa, they started thinking worse case scenarios. On heading back home, Pond's cell rang, Phuwin calling. Both sighed in relief when they heard Santa's voice at the other end "I'm back at home"

Apparently Santa was found by local police during night patrolling. The cops found Santa's behaviour odd and shook him roughly by his arm. This caused Santa to wake up in panic. It took nearly ten minutes to calm him down and only then he was able to explain his situation. The cops then dropped Santa back to his house.