under her nose, then followed it with a Snickers bar. He’d found the flowers in Kenny’s garage and the Snickers was left over from lunch. But it was the best he could do.
“Eric! What are you doing here?” Holly asked, straightening in her seat.
“I came to bring you back,” he said. “I don’t know why you’re mad at me, but—”
She smiled in that soft way that she always did, the way that made him feel all safe inside. “Oh, Eric, I’m not mad at you. I just have some important business in the city.”
“Well, if you are mad, I brought you flowers and candy. Kenny says his dad is always bringing his mom flowers and candy when she’s mad and it makes it all better.”
“How did you get here?” Holly asked.
“I took the bus. Kenny knows all the schedules. He’s like a genius when it comes to buses and trains.”
“Then you got my letter?”
“I wanted to come and get you this morning, but Dad told me no. So I went over to Kenny’s to play and then we just kind of walked to the bus stop and here I am. Kenny’s outside.” Eric leaned over Holly’s lap and pounded on the window, then waved at Kenny. He glanced around the train car. “You know, they don’t even ask for your ticket when you get on the train.”
“You have to get off,” Holly said. “Before the train leaves the station.”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m going to New York with you. I’m going to have Christmas at your house.”
He could imagine what Christmas was like at Holly’s house. She’d have a huge tree with billions of presents underneath, all wrapped up in paper and ribbons until no one could guess what was inside. She’d have a special plate and cup to leave out for Santa, one with his name on it. She’d let him get up as early as he wanted on Christmas morning. And after he opened all his presents, she’d make waffles with chocolate chips and bacon fried crispy. And fresh squeezed orange juice without the schnibbles.
“What about your dad? And Kenny’s parents? They’ll be worried about you.”
“Kenny knows where I’m going. He’ll tell Dad and Gramps. When do we leave? Can we go sit in the car with the glass top?”
Holly groaned, then grabbed Eric by the hand. “You’re not going anywhere. And I guess I’m not, either. We’re going to get off this train and I’m going to take you home before your dad misses you and blames me.”
Eric grinned and jumped up from his seat. “I knew I could get you back. So what was it? The candy or the flowers?”
She climbed down the steps, then reached back for Eric and swung him down behind her. “It was that smile of yours,” she said, tweaking his nose. “You’re a very charming young man.”
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