Chapter Twelve- The Reunion

The Christmas House

"DAD!” David screamed as he ran into the house and Michael's arms.

"David, David... we were so worried about you!" Michael replied ecstatically as he knelt on one knee and hugged David tightly.

"Where have you been? My God, you're soaking wet! Is it snowing that hard out there?"

Before David could answer Michael, Arianna burst into the room.

"David! Oh, thank God you're all right!” she exclaimed as she wrapped her hands around his head and kissed him over and over again. Jack and Wanda entered the room, smiling and relieved that David was safe.

"Did the police bring you home, David?" asked Jack.

"No, Martha did," answered David.

"Oh, David, stop joking around! How did you get home?" Arianna asked sternly.

Michael interrupted, "No, he's not joking. Martha did bring him home. She is standing out on the front step."

As Arianna, Jack and Wanda walked past David and Michael, still holding each other, they looked out the front door, which was still open.

Michael looked at David and said, "Get upstairs, dry off and change into some fresh clothes before you catch your death."

"Okay, Dad," David said and ran up the stairs.

Arianna turned back from the front door, looked at Michael, and then back out the door again. She then turned to Jack and Wanda. They both were as puzzled as Arianna.

"Michael… honey? Did you say Martha was standing out here?" asked Arianna.

Michael stood up and walked toward the door as he looked out.

"She was here just a second ago. I swear I am not losing my mind! She was here. She spoke to me. She said, "Michael, I think I have someone that belongs to this house."

"Then what happened?" asked Jack.

"Then David ran into my arms, and you guys came in," he replied. "And now she's gone."

Arianna walked up to Michael and placed her hand on his forehead.

"Honey, maybe you better lay down for a while. I think the lack of sleep and all this stress has gotten to you. Are you sure it wasn't a policewoman?"

Michael took her hand and moved it away from his forehead.

"I know what I saw and what I heard. I am telling you David is telling the truth. Martha did bring him home!" (listen now)