Love That Lived In The Next Life

10

Daniella read her book along the counter of the shop while Andrea busied herself somewhere else in the store. A pocky stick lazily hung from her lips as she chewed away. When her eyes turned up, she noticed Andrea frowned as she messed with something on the bookshelves. A frown tugged on her own lips as the pocky escaped through her mouth. She set the book aside and walked over. She walked over to Andrea. The girl's gaze was somewhere else even as her hands fumbled with putting the books away.

"Andrea?" She asked softly. Andrea jumped a bit as her head whipped around.

"Hm? What? Yeah?" Andrea shook her head slightly.

"Are you okay?" Daniella asked. "You have been rather...distracted recently."

"Oh, yeah sorry! Life is just...off recently, I guess. School is getting harder than normal is all." Daniella's brow quirked up slightly. Her lips pursed as she crossed her arms and stared at Andrea. Andrea's shoulders sagged as her hands folded behind the back. "Alright, alright. I...this holiday is just hard for me."

"Well, why? What's wrong?"

"I..." her eyes turned toward the customers that walked into the shop. Daniella grunted as her attention turned toward the people. The customers stared at the two and tension fell on them. They walked out moments later. Daniella walked over to the door and flipped the sign. Daniella turned around and motioned Andrea to the back of the store. They relaxed in the sitting area and Daniella gave her full attention.

"What's wrong?" Daniella asked.

"B-But your shop-,"

"You and I both know that we are not going to be seeing much till Black Friday. Please, talk to me." Andrea sighed as she sagged into her seat. She curled in on herself as Daniella relaxed in her own chair.

"I...so...my mom will officially be gone a year tomorrow. And...well everyone lives in New York, and I can't be there because of school and work...I just...its hard." Daniella's lips thinned as Andrea brushed some hair out of her face. "My family wants me to stay here as well. They...they haven't really talked to me since mom died. Hell, they weren't even really there when she died! It's so aggravating!"

"What about your father?"

"Haven't seen him since the funeral. He went to Cuba, and I have yet to even hear from him."

"Siblings?"

"None."

"And the rest doesn't speak to you?"

"Not since mom..."

"What were you going to do for Thanksgiving then?"

"Well, I mean I did have some apple whiskey that I had meant to get into." Daniella groaned as she shook her head.

"Well, what do you expect me to do!?" Andrea burst out. Her arms flung up in the air, palms faced toward the woman. "No one wants a traumatized kid to hang around on the holidays!" Daniella's eyes widened as she stared at the woman. Bright pinks cheeks showed the frustration as her eyes burned into her.

I do. The thought spooked Daniella as it crossed her mind.

"Andrea, please calm down." Andrea's hands fell to her head as it hung low between her shoulders.

"I know, I know," she murmured. "I'm sorry. I just...it really hurts."

"You know, I'm having dinner at my apartment tomorrow. Granted my father and Cameron will be there, but why don't you come along as well? Join our rag tag team for food and Christmas movies."

"Isn't it early for Christmas movies?" A smile cracked across Daniella's face.

"It is never too early after the food has been served. Cameron is about to find out how much I enjoy cartoon movies for the holidays." Andrea broke out into a chuckle, but her head remained hung low. Daniella slowly got up from her seat and over to Andrea. A gentle hand fell onto her shoulders. The tension radiated off of the girl in waves. "Come on over. It'll be better than drinking whiskey by yourself." Andrea slowly peaked her head up.