Chapter Text
Tim was so excited!
He wrote Santa Claus a letter depicting what he wanted, he mailed it December first.
It took a few rough drafts and a bit of crying, but Tim Drafted a pretty convincing letter.
Dear Mr. Claus,
I am Timothy Jackson Drake and I really hope Ive been a good boy this year.
All I want for Christmas is for my parents to come home, to spend a little time with me.
I know I haven't been a good boy for most of my life, but I tried really hard this year.
Sincerely Me, Tim
He made an entire Christmas dinner all by himself, Mrs. Mac looked it over and agreed he had done well.
He got really good gifts for them!
The deal with Hexco and bookings for a Greek Tour, sure they'll leave again but that doesn't matter.
His parents were coming home! They had to! That was his one wish to Santa!
He made turkey, stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, potato salad, string bean casserole, and Apple Pie.
He had been practicing cooking since his birthday last year and hoped it would please them.
Tim was so excited, he decided to wait in the hall in front of the front door for his parents’ arrival.
One hour turned to three, checking his phone repeatedly for messages or even the time.
At ten pm, he finally sucked it up and called his mother.
“What is it Timothy?” She didn't sound upset, so that was good.
“Merry Christmas Mother, Are you and father returning tonight?” Tim made sure to pronounce his vowels and picked his wording.
There was a pause and Tim felt his stomach drop.
“Ah, Apologies Timothy. The meeting ran longer than usual and we have to go to the next stop in Greece.” Janet actually sounded apologetic.
“It's fine mother, I prepared dinner already so I should be fine. Actually since you are in Greece you can enjoy my first gift, a two month stay at Porto Zante.” Tim smiled at Janet's gasp and quickly continued, “Of course I actually worked a bit to get the money instead of using yours, that would have been essentially buying your own gift.”
“Wait you said first gift, what's the second?” Janet sounded curious.
“I actually gained a deal with Hexco, we also hold a 30% claim to the company. I also did extensive background checks and investigations to ensure if anything went wrong we wouldn't be in trouble.” Tim fidgeted as he heard his father's voice.
“That's incredible kiddo! Look at you, making deals and running the company! Just like your old man!” Janet laughed and Tim could hear the kissing.
“When will you return? Hopefully before New Years?” The line went quiet again.
“Oh Timothy, you're a big boy. You don’t need us to hang around you!” Jack's voice mumbled through the receiver.
“Now Timothy, Your Father and I sent your gift and I do hope you like it. We have to go now, Merry Christmas our sweet boy.” She hung up before Tim could question them further.
Tim sat alone in the foyer, staring at his phone until his eyes became blurry.
Suddenly, he wasn't so hungry nor did he care what happened to the food.
He walked to his room in a daze, tears finally falling as he laid in his bed.
========
“Oi, Lad! Wake up!” Tim's eyes shot open in alarm.
Next to him was the older face of Mrs. Mcllvaine, she wore a bright red sweater and jeans with her hair in a ponytail instead of her usual bun.
“Yer parents didn't come did they, Love?” There was no pity, just sympathy.
“They said they weren't coming because everything ran late and they had to go to the next stop.” Tim felt like crying again, but naturally he ran out of tears from earlier.
“Well, My sister and I decided to grade you on your cooking today. Even she admitted that your apple pie is delicious. She's picky like that.” Mrs. Mac chuckled.
Tim gave a small smile and quickly followed the older woman from his room, feeling relief that he wasn't alone.
Maybe next year he'd do even better by his parents.