Part II: Secret Santa

I'm too old to believe in Santa Claus

Or to leave a list under the tree

But I did this once

Or maybe it's a dream

Has he really brought you back to me?

Sarah was jolted awake early in the morning by Toby who had crawled up onto her bed, repeatedly exclaiming: "It's Christmas! It's Christmas!" Sarah grabbed the pillow under her head and flung it at her brother to make him get off. He only laughed when he rolled off the bed and ran out of her room, rushing down the stairs, no doubt eager to have a look at all the presents under the tree. Sarah yawned loudly and turned on the lamp next to her bed. If she didn't get up now, Toby would be back to torment her. She looked down at the feather and smiled. If she didn't get any presents, this one would be enough for her.

Without bothering getting dressed, Sarah went down into the kitchen with her PJs on and braids in her hair. Her father and stepmother were already up, dressed in their robes and making breakfast. "Morning," she announced and they reciprocated the gesture with weary smiles.

"Did Toby wake you up too?" her father asked when she sat down next to her brother by the table. The culprit showed off a coy smile and they could do nothing but laugh heartily.

At least Toby was patient enough to wait with opening the presents until everyone was dressed and well awake, although Sarah thought he might explode from excitement. The outfit she had chosen was simple: a green sweater with a Christmas motif and a pair of comfy blue jeans. It was only her wavy hair that stood out and she received compliments on it from everyone. There were plenty of presents under the tree, the majority for Toby of course. Torn paper and strings littered the floor in a circle of disarray around him where he sat, opening gift after gift. Hopefully he wouldn't get bored in quite some time, what with all the toys he now admired and thanked everyone for. Sarah had bought him a Lego set in the form of a castle. He liked that very much. In return, he had given Sarah a small jewelry- and music box. Even though it was small, fitting in the palm of her hand, it was very beautiful with gilded rims and emerald stones covering it. From their parents, she got a silver necklace.

When the floor was cleared of litter and they were getting ready to watch It's a Wonderful Life, Robert noticed there was still a present left under the tree. He took it out and examined it. It was flat and rather long, wrapped in a shimmering red. He turned it over, looking for a label. All it said was: For Toby. "Hey kid, you forgot one," he said and Toby didn't hesitate to go get it. Robert looked to Irene and they shared the same puzzled faces. The present wasn't from them. That left only one other person. Toby had already unwrapped his present and his jaw dropped so far it might as well have hit the floor. In his hands, he held a sword. Plastic of course, but it looked very real. The details were remarkable. So remarkable, that the blade even shone in the light and you could see your own reflection in it.

"Cool!" Toby exclaimed and waved the sword around.

"Why, Sarah," Robert said and looked to his daughter, who also had a hard time comprehending what was going on. She was certain that all of the presents had been opened. "That was a very nice gift!"

"Very nice indeed!" Irene concurred and beamed at her son who was clearly enjoying the gift. Sarah could only blink.

"But, I didn't…"Sarah never got the chance to finish her sentence. Toby ran up to her and gave her the tightest of hugs.

"Thank you, Sarah! You're the best sister ever!"

"Um… you're welcome." Could it be? It was the best explanation she could come up with, but she kept it to herself and played along. If she told them that the present was from the Goblin King, they would think she was joking. Sarah looked out the window, but all she saw was white snow. Where are you?

She kept her eyes open for signs the rest of the day. First the feather and now the present for Toby. There could only be one person responsible. Her vigilance was all in vain, though. Nothing out of the ordinary ever happened. It was almost time for her to leave now. In the morrow, she had to be back at work again. Then the magic would be gone. Oh, what she wouldn't give for a way to stop time. Before she left, Sarah made sure to have a private talk with Toby who hadn't let go of his sword for one second. "Toby, I need to tell you something."

"About what?"

"About the sword," she nodded to the toy in his hand. "Toby… It wasn't from me." He furrowed his small eyebrows.

"But it wasn't from mom and dad. Then it has to be from you." She shook her head.

"But it didn't say it was from me," she countered. "All it said was that it was for you. Toby, I can assure you that it most certainly wasn't from me."

"Then who?" Sarah shrugged and gave him a coy smile.

"Oh, I don't know. Someone who knows your name is on the Nice List." She gave him a wink and his face was now full of wonder instead of uncertainty.

"Santa?" he asked hopefully and it made her so happy. Perhaps now he would believe again?

"I should think so." Well, almost at least.

A/N: So this was part two. Only one more left! I know this part was quite short, but the next one will be longer. Promise! ;) I can't believe it will be Christmas this week! Do you guys have everything ready yet? I still need to get some presents for my family and we need to put up the Christmas tree (we always do that the day before), but other than that everything seems to be in order. Until next time!