A bonus chapter, dedicated to everyone else who has made this year special
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Theo didn't expect to be driving two freshmen to Guelph during his Christmas holidays.
Yet there he was.
Thousands of headlights illuminated the dark highway, reds and yellow-white amidst the other Christmas lights of houses lining the road.
Ivan Miller and Luna Esposito, the kids in his backseat, were pointing out each one.
(Theo wouldn't admit it, but he was holding back laughter at some of the jokes they made as they did so.)
Theo's French Horn sat in the passenger seat beside him, a pang of guilt striking him as he glanced down at it. He'd sent a brief email to his band director to explain the situation, but he hadn't connected to Wi-Fi in order to see his response.
Theo wasn't even able to wish him a Merry Christmas in person.
Luna poking his headrest took him out of his thoughts. "Theo. The-o. Theooooo."
"Yes?"
"We're supposed to turn here."
"Fuck!" Theo cursed, flicking on his turn signal. The problem of him being in the middle lane presented itself.
Thankfully, a car turned right in the lane next to him, and the next car in the line-up was nice enough to let him turn before them.
Theo exhaled. "Thanks, Luna."
"No problem."
"You haven't looked at the map in the past ten minutes." Ivan commented.
"I'm thinking."
Luna leaned forward. "About?"
"I'm in a car three hours away from my hometown, two freshmen and all my schoolwork in toe, Christmas is next week, and you're asking me what I'm thinking about."
She leaned back. "Ah. Point taken."
"Theo," Ivan leaned forward, "we're all in the same boat here. You can talk to us."
"You guys didn't even go to school in the fall. How could you possibly imagine not being able to tell your best friends Merry Christmas?" Theo snapped at him, before muttering under his breath. "You guys already have each other."
Ivan frowned as he leaned back, looking to Luna for help. She looked as lost as he was.
"We didn't have to leave-" Luna started.
"No. No, we did have to. Might I remind you of the fact we ran rampant in my school one night and set the chapel on fire?"
"That was the evil English guy!" Ivan jumped in.
"Doesn't even matter. I just-" Theo dragged a hand down his face as he pulled to a stop. "I just wanted to enjoy Christmas. I... couldn't last year."
"Theo-" Luna tried.
"But now I'm in a car, illegally, because if we're arrested the whole world is doomed. Merry Christmas to me."
The light turned green, and Theo kept driving. Ivan and Luna didn't even want to joke about the Christmas lights anymore. John Lennon's Happy Xmas started playing on the radio, but Theo didn't hesitate to turn it off.
Theo finally spoke at the next set of lights. "Where exactly are we going?"
"Left here." Luna said.
Theo cursed again, before flicking on his signal and merging into the turn lane.
"Doesn't answer my question." Theo rolled to a stop.
"A surprise?"
Theo turned left without a word.
"Turn right." Ivan pointed out.
"Swiss Chalet? You guys are bribing me with food?"
"Ivan wants chocolates." Luna teased.
"Is Mr. Iwantchocolates paying, then?"
Ivan pulled out an envelope. "You bet."
Theo drove into a parking spot. "That was rhetorical."
Ivan shrugged.
Theo turned off the car with a sigh. "Let's go then."
Luna patted his shoulder as she stepped out of the car. "You'll like it."
Ivan just grinned. "Chocolates."
Merry Christmas to Theo indeed.
-
The restaurant had free Wi-Fi.
They also had raised their eyebrows at three teenagers entering the restaurant without any parents around, but sat them at a table anyways.
While Ivan and Luna chatted about the menu and their plans for later, Theo opened his Email.
As expected, his band director had responded. Sent at 9:40 PM last night. It was short, but it was enough to have Theo blinking back tears. The good kind.
Hi Theo,
I appreciate how much you're concerned regarding returning your horn, but I trust that you will keep it safe.
I understand what has happened these past few weeks has been difficult for you, and you need time before you return to school. Just know that whenever you are ready, there is a spot for you in concert band.
I know how much you were looking forward to our Christmas show, and celebrating Christmas here with all your friends and teachers. I was even looking forward to seeing that rare smile of yours once you realized it was Christmas.
Alex, Marcus, and Francis send you their Christmas wishes, as do all your other teachers and myself. We all look forward to seeing you back at school in the new year.
Mr. Mayfield
Music Teacher
Luna tapped the top of his phone, sitting across the table with Ivan beside her. "What's got you so happy?"
