MS. Scrooge (Girlxintersex) A short Christmas Romance

Chapter 9

Season 1 Episode 9

Aya POV

"Yayy!" I shrieked into Darius' ears the instant I awoke and knew we'd be crammed into my father's old vehicle to fetch our Christmas tree.

"Go back to bed!" As she shoved me down on the bed, her deep morning voice moaned.

"No!" I pouted. "Today is Christmas tree day, and we need to be there early before all of the nice trees are gone." I hope all the good trees aren't gone since it would be my fault because they postponed it because of me.

"Don't let me force you out of this bed, Darius. Get up." I pushed on her, but she didn't move.

I rolled my eyes, preparing to smash myself into her, only for her to hastily jump up. My eyes sprang wide, ready to strike the floor, when I felt a strong grasp on my ankle.

"Why are you so wild." Her dark voice inquired, and her steely gaze made me choke.

"I believe you are the wild one who transformed a harmless pastime into gambling."

"I was trying to help your destitute family. Instead of giving them the money, they kind of worked for it."

"At the very least, we're content."

"And you think I'm dissatisfied?" She stated this as she approached me, her stance intimidating, and I backed off somewhat.

"I never said you weren't."

"You—"

"Breakfast is ready, love birds." Abiba screamed. I groaned, threading my way behind Darius and into the corridor going down the stairs. I had to turn around since her foot steps were so heavy and terrifying.

"Why don't you walk more gently?"

"I'm a 6'1 monster; I can't be gentler." She whispered as she pushed by me. "They had best not serve trash to me."

Everyone else had taken their places at the table, leaving only two open for Darius and myself. The fragrance of hot chocolate, not coffee, made my face wrinkle. Darius and I exchanged stares, and I inadvertently pushed the cup away, like a cat.

"They don't have any black coffee."

"Not at all. It would be impolite to inquire." I murmured, feeling myself itching like an addict. I need to get some coffee. I wasn't a coffee junkie until Darius introduced me to the popular beverage, and there was no turning back now.

"We slip out immediately and head to a local cafe for some." She whispered.

"In contrast to you, I value what my family cooks."

"Yeah, because throwing it down the drain is a sign of respect, right?" She inquired, her mouth full of crunchy bacon.

"Whatever."

"So, when are we going to do that thing? I have a business call to make today." Darius spoke up.

"What is it?" Athen inquired.

"That ridiculous Christmas tree stuff."

"Following breakfast."

"Awesome. Bring it in." Darius raised her hand, and Athen extended across to high five her. In amazement, my mouth hangs open. When did they become the best of friends? Was it during my sleep?

Following breakfast.....

"What are you doing?" I asked, Darius. She was standing next to the ancient fire place, holding a tape measure. It was blazing with intense fire, which warmed the room. I remembered sleeping here once, reading a book.

"Measuring which tree would be appropriate for the location, Butterfly."

I grinned as I observed her take out the tape measure, measure the breadth and length, and then record the information in her phone.

"I'm hoping some nice trees are still there."

"But it's only a Christmas tree," she sang.

As I sat on the couch, the warm fire seemed like a nice hug, similar to the one Darius and I enjoyed a few days previously.

"We want a tree that is thick enough that each limb can contain a ton of ornaments, and one that has a gorgeous and proud star at the top. Also, we want one that is mature enough that the pine fragrance fills the home and thats when Christmas officially begins."

"You sound stupid."

"You sound bitter." I respond promptly. "Why do you despise Christmas so much? What had it done to you?"

She sighed and said, "everything." She walked away before I could press any additional questions.

*************

"I'm not going to drive in that monstrosity." Darius muttered. I rolled my eyes because I was tired of her moaning and complaining. My father had this vehicle for many years, and while it had a few damaged components, it was still working and carried many memories that we didn't want to let go. My parents were up front, and Abida, Tommy, and I were already seated.

"I'm taking my car."

"Can I come?" Athen inquired.

"No," I said before Darius could. I'd be damned if I let them drive without me.

It wasn't like they were going to do anything; I simply didn't like the thought that Athen opted to be in a car with a complete stranger.

"I'm grown." She elaborated.

"I know. Get in the van."

"Butterfly, come on. Let the girl tagged along."

My face curled in disgust. I rolled my eyes and fanned them. "You are the best." Athen muttered, and it honestly melts my heart to hear her say that, maybe there was some light for us.

*************

"I was hoping you could give me Jerry's phone number. The other night, was too busy, so I didn't get to talk to him." I told Abida.

Athen, tommy and Darius were in the front looking for trees, or at least Athen was, for Darius' eyes fixed to her phone.

Our parents were at the rear, hobbling together, laughing and talking. It was so lovely that even after so many years of being together, they never grew tired of each other's company, and I honestly wish I had the connection they had.

"I just can't go knowing I didn't settle what was bothering us."

"Don't blame yourself. Jerry will be OK. His parents died, and he simply went downhill from there."

My pupils dilate.

"Mr. and Mrs. Clay passed away?" I felt much terrible for not having his contact information all these years. He must have felt really lonely.

Jerry had never been one to mingle with the locals. It was always just him and me.

"I'll send his number over in SMS."

"Hopefully he'll agree to get coffee with me." I said. My gaze was drawn to the large number of pine trees that stood in their various sizes and lengths. It hadn't snowed since I arrived, but the temperature had certainly dropped below freezing.

"When are you and Ms. Sexy going to have a baby?" When Abiba asked, my eyes widened.

Never.

"We're planning our future." I responded calmly. I couldn't let it come out as surprising.

"Don't linger too long. Mom and Dad won't be here much longer."

I sighed at how terrible that sounded, knowing my parents wouldn't be on this globe forever; it was just yesterday that I was desperate to get out of their clutches and see the world.

"We found a tree!" Athen screamed.