Chapter 1.
Jayla, want to go to the mall for some last minute Christmas shopping? Her mom ask her when she passed by her door.
"Sure, wait just a second, let me get my money."
Hurry up sweetheart, I want to get there before the big rush, and get back before your dad gets home."
"Okay I'm coming." As she is running down the stairs, and out the door.
When they got to the mall and walked in it was so crowded.
Jayla tugged on her mother's arm.
"Mom, I want to go see Santa. Jayla said. Can we go and see Santa? Please. Mom. Please. Jayla begged.
Finally we went over to stand in the line to see Santa.
We were there for about an hour, when at last it was my turn. I heard Santa call over another little boy to him.
Jayla looked up at her mom, but she was looking at the little boy who went over to Santa.
Jayla tugged on her mom's sleave. Mom why did Santa take him in front of me? Jayla ask. I was next.
Cindy looked down at Jayla, Hush now you can wait for one more to go.
Okay! MOM. Jayla said with a mad face.
Jayla watched as the little boy walked over to Santa, and the lady picked him up to set on Santa's knee.
Mom, Jayla said. Why does that boy not have on any shoes or a coat?
Cindy looked down at Jayla. I don't know honey.
When Santa begin to talk to him. Jayla stood they and listen, as did ever one ealse.
Santa had covered him with his robe.
What is your name little boy? Santa ask him.
When the little boy looked up at him with his big green eyes and said. My name is Eric. But I didn't mean to be no trouble Santa.
"I just came in out of the cold and heard you laughing and saw all these people. I just come over to watch for a while. I won't bother you with wanting anything."
Jayla looked up at her mom to complain again but saw that she had tears in her eyes, so she just stood there and listen to Santa and Eric talk.
"Cause I know I have been bad. Eric said." Santa looked down at Eric and ask? Where are your mom and dad?
"Well my daddy lives somewhere in another state."
That's what momma say's. Me and momma, well we live with Mr. Warren now.
Momma works all the time at the bar. Mr. Warren just drinks beer all the time and cusses a lot at me. Whenever I get in his way. So I walked out the door and have been gone for about 4 days.
I've been sleeping in cars that I find. I know that makes me a bad boy. But it just gets so cold out Santa.
But you have been treating me kind.
I've been praying for you sence I've been big enough. Every Christmas Eve night. And when the next day comes and the kids have all the toys, then I know you have made it all right.
But my stocking is always empty, and that's how I know I've done wrong.
Mr. Warren told me all about it. He said I just ain't no good and I know he's right cause you never came. I know if I wasn't bad then you would.
It's ok son Santa muttered. Though tears was straining to fill his eyes.
He looked down at the lad with a smile.
Just tell Santa what you'd like son. I didn't know where you lived before, Eric. But I promise I won't miss you next time. Santa said.
Eric's face quickly grew brighter. "Well sir I might just have one request."
Have you ever been to Heaven Santa? Why I bet you know God as good as you are. Could I just ride up to Jesus' house. If it's not too awful far.
He might just let me live there a while. I wouldn't take up too much room.
And I promise not to be bad Santa. I could help God do his chores. And I wouldn't be hungry or cold any more.
"I'm so tired and sleepy now Santa."
With a sigh he relaxed against Santa's chest, and peacefully closed his eyes.
Santa quickly felt for the little boys pulse. "Someone please get a doctor."
But when the ambulance took Eric away. Everyone knew he was dead.
All the kids looked to Santa for comfort. He fought for the right words to say.
"Now kids don't be sad for Eric because he just went to Heaven today.
He wanted to go and live with God. So now everything's alright. Let thoughts of Eric make your hearts be kind."
Now who is next?
Sence they had waited in line, Jayla went to set on Santa's knee. When she got to the step, she looked up at him.
"What is your name?" Santa ask her.
In a small voice she replied.
Jayla.
"Well Jayla what would you like for Christmas?" Santa ask.
Before everything that just happen with Eric, all she wanted was a mp3 player. But what she said is. Well Santa I don't want Eric to be cold or hungry anymore. She slipped her hand into her pocket and gave him her Christmas money.
But Jayla don't you want this money for your toys? Santa ask her.
No, Santa I want Eric to have it. Please, Santa. Jayla Begged.
Santa took the money and Jayla got her picture took and she went with her mom to the rest of the stores.
Jayla you know that was a good thing you done back there. I am so proud of you. Cindy said.
A week later, Cindy came home from work. Jayla could you come down here for a minute please, honey.
Jayla I have a letter here from Santa for you and I am going to read it to you.
Dear Jayla,
I know it was a brave thing that you done for Eric.
I wanted you to know that Eric is with Jesus now, and he has a coat and shoes on. He is no longer hungry, but is happy now.
I think you for the help that you give him.
Here is a little something for you.
Santa
Mom give her the small box, that was with the note.
Jayla opened the box and in it was the mp3 player she was going to get.
Jayla, they took all the money that they got and payed for Erics funeral, and what was left they give to his mom.
