One Hundred and eighty nine

CHAPTER 189

"Alicia!"

Ethan immediately ran to hug Alicia when she walked into Uncle Chuck's ice cream parlor. Everyone was still caught up in the complicated situation and Elden was standing guard there while waiting for all the commotion to die down.

Alicia patted Ethan's back, then stretched the distance between them. Smiling, Alicia said, "I'm fine. What about you, Ethan?"

Ethan shook his head, scratching his neck. "The situation is really bad. My head keeps spinning from being hit. But we're all worried about you."

Uncle Chuck approached, while Nicholas just stood behind Alicia without saying anything. Uncle Chuck looked Alicia up and down, then opened his voice. "Are you really okay? What did he do to you?"

Alicia bit her lip, everyone was now watching her, waiting for her to speak.

"I... he just took me, I'm fine, you guys shouldn't worry anymore," Alicia said, wanting to end the conversation.

Ethan then asked again. "Do you know the person who kidnapped you?

"Uhm, about that-" "We'll take responsibility,"

The voice came from Nicholas, he cut Alicia off. Nicholas looked at everyone and nodded his head, trying to be reassuring. "Since it's Christmas Eve, you should all go home. Elden has already taken your and Frank's testimonies, so we will focus on investigating this case at the police."

Everyone looked at each other, before finally agreeing and preparing to leave Uncle Chuck's shop. Nicholas helped Alicia, and the shop was closed.

"This was a bad experience," Alicia said, as she watched Ethan and Uncle Chuck leave with guilt. "I shouldn't have put them in danger, especially Uncle Chuck. He's old, this will harm him."

Nicholas tapped Alicia lightly on the shoulder, he saw that Alicia was almost crying on the spot. Her eyes were glazed over, she was masking her sadness with all her might. But Elden's voice broke the atmosphere.

"Excuse me, Chief!"

Nicholas and Alicia turned around, looking at Elden who was now smiling reluctantly at the two of them. Elden held up the journal in his hand and said, "I've written all the events in the book, should we go back to the police station now?"

"No, Elden. It's Christmas Eve," Nicholas said in a guilty tone. He glanced at Alicia, then continued for Elden. "You'd better go home, and so should you Noel. I'll see you tomorrow night."

Noel remained silent, giving no reaction. He wanted to agree, but felt uncomfortable with the situation. Noel also sympathized with Alicia, the girl had been through a lot. The man then left first, and Elden followed after saying goodbye.

"We're going home, OK?"

Alicia nodded, she knew she never celebrated the perfect one. This Christmas, however, had been very slow. Her parents died, she was kidnapped, she saw people murdered, could there be a worse Christmas than this one?

Nicholas then took Alicia in his car. But instead of driving home, Nicholas drove Alicia around New York City.

"What are you doing? Where are we going, Nick?"

After realizing that the car wasn't going to its actual destination, Alicia looked around. Nicholas just smiled while hiding his true destination. He had plans to take Alicia to buy a doll at a Christmas store, and they arrived at the store after a twenty-minute drive.

"Christmas... store?"

Nicholas nodded quickly. While unbuckling the seat belt on his chest, the man smiled and looked at Alicia beside him. "I want to buy you a present. Come on down, let's see if Santa Claus will give me something nice to give you through this store."

Alicia chuckled amusedly, she did not expect Nicholas to entertain her in this way. She took off her seat belt and walked hand in hand with Nicholas towards the store.

The Christmas shop was a festive wonderland, filled with colorful lights, ornaments, and the sweet smell of pine. Nicholas and Alicia walked down the aisles, marveling at the dazzling array of decorations and trinkets.

As they looked around, Alicia felt a warmth spread through her, replacing the lingering chill from the evening's events. Nicholas, who was usually calm and stoic, seemed particularly excited as he pointed out various items.

"Look at these ornaments, Alicia. They're like little works of art," Nicholas said, holding up a piece of glass jewelry that glittered under the shop lights.

Alicia smiled, grateful for the distraction. "You don't have to do this, Nick. I mean, with everything that's happened..."

Nicholas turned to her, his expression softening. "I know it's been a tough night. I just wanted to bring a little joy back into your life. After all, it is Christmas, and everyone deserves happiness."

They continued their journey through the store, Nicholas occasionally picking up unique items that caught his eye. A mischievous smile crossed his face as he held a Santa hat with flashing lights.

"What do you think, festive enough?" he teased.

Alicia laughed, her voice echoing throughout the store. "Of course it is. You should wear it to the police station. It might lighten the mood."

Nicholas raised his eyebrows. "Maybe I'll wear it. Anything that can make Elden smile."

They finally reached a corner full of dolls and puppets. Nicholas scanned the shelves until his eyes fell on a beautifully crafted porcelain doll. Its delicate features and intricate clothing made it stand out from the rest.

"This one," Nicholas said, showing the doll to Alicia. "It reminds me of you-strong and tough, but with a gentle touch."

Alicia was genuinely touched by the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Nick. This doll is beautiful."

Nicholas paid for the doll, and they left the shop, their hands still clasped together. The night air was crisp, and the city lights sparkled like stars in the dark sky.

"I know tonight is not the Christmas you expected, Alicia," Nicholas began, his tone sincere. "But I hope, even if only for a moment, it makes it a little better."

Alicia leaned against him, the porcelain doll in her arms. "That's right, Nick. Thank you for being there for me, for turning a nightmare into a moment of warmth."

Nicholas smiled, genuine warmth shining in his eyes. "Anytime, Alicia. Anytime."