Chapter Three: Fifteen Questions

"Ok let's start, Brenton." Ariana Grande said with the same cheerful tone.

"Your first question is....." I started biting my lips out of nervousness.

(So this is how those people were feeling) I thought and instantly regretted why I laughed at them.

"Where do theories about Santa Claus say he lives?"

"North Pole." I replied confidently since the question was quite a piece of cake.

"Ok, question two is..."Ariana said. "I am decorated with all that shines, to me a special song is sung, under me a box of joy is placed, what am I?"

I swallow the load in may throat. Seems the table was turning for me. I thought had so I could figure out this riddle. It was new to my ears.

(decorated.....song....box of joy.....) I thought for sometime and then a guess came to my mind. I hesitated but the. said it.

"Christmas Tree"

"That I am afraid is..." Ariana said and paused.

(Oh Boy!) I thought as I swallowed the lump in my throat again. I started praying for my stars to help me.

"Correct."she finished the sentence.

(Yesssssssss.) I screamed internally, almost jumping up and down.

"Question three is, What name is given to the songs that are sang on Christmas Eve?"

"Christmas carols."

"What creatures help Santa spread Christmas magic?"

"Elves"

"What won't you ever miss to see during Christmas season?"

"Snow"

"What does Santa ride?"

"Slade"

"Which three colours are mostly used in decoration for Christmas?"

"Ummm... Red,....White and umm....oh, green."

The rest of the questions were simple and I answered them well. Except for the last one.

"Ok Brenton, this is your last question, are you ready to answer it?" Ariana asked all cheerfully.

"Yes, I am." I replied confidently.

The moment I heard the question, I felt a pang on my heart. I could not suppress the tears that were forming on my eyes.

"What is that one thing you want Santa to do for you this Christmas?"

The question echoed again and again in my head, until I mustered the strength to say,

"This Christmas, all I want is for my family to be reunited. That's all." The river of teas on my face became flooded.

"Well then, Brenton, it looks like you have won free tickets for you and your entire family to our surprise magical island. Congratulations." Ariana Grande said all cheerfully.

Soon the call was disconnected and I sat there in the sofa, still lost in my train of thoughts. I sobbed when I recalled how much my siblings hated me.

I was silent until I heard something that caught my attention. I heard some voices coming from the floor above me.