A Child for Christmas

Chapter 2

Haru

I was already putting in overtime at work, when I heard the storm warning. We were all forced to leave as our boss didn't want us to be snowed in. Jackson's car had broke down last week, which was another reason I was waiting for him. I start work earlier than he does, so he takes the bus or gets a ride from someone in the morning, but he only gets off of work two hours after me. It seems like a long time, but if I can save him money and a chilly bus ride, I might as well. It won't last long, his car gets out of the shop on Friday, only three more days. Plus we may not even have work tomorrow because of this storm if our boss decides it.

Jackson was packing his files on case studies before he came over to me. "Ready to go?" He asked after saying his goodbyes. I gave a curt nod, before we were on our way to my car in the parking garage. I seriously hate having to walk down here. After 10 years one would think that I'm used to it, but it still freaks me out. It's probably due to my obsession with t.v shows revolved around crime scenes, but I just can't shake the feeling that someone is going to come up behind me and murder me. I clicked my clicker to unlock my crossover while we were still several feet away due to my paranoia that I won't make it to my car in time if someone comes after me, because in a panic I can't unlock it.

Jackson fell asleep before I even had the chance to exit the parking garage. He really overworks himself, but he wants to be able to pay for his son's college. His child has to live in a split household after his divorce, but I don't think it bothers Dustin, his son, too much. The snow made the drive so much slower. Accidents were making traffic even worse, and people were driving so immensely slow. I drove a little slower than normal as well, just to be careful, but not the way they were. We get a little bit of snow fall and everyone turns into my grandma.

We were finally nearing his neighborhood when I saw a random car with hazards on. I wanted to stop and see what was going on, but I need to get Jackson home. If they're still there after I drop him off I'll help. A light whistling noise was coming out of his nose now, and I felt terrible for waking him up. I tapped his shoulder lightly, and allowed him to retain himself, before telling him that he was indeed home. His eyes still drooped drastically and his hair was slightly frazzled. He thanked me as he always does before I waited for him to get inside, as I always do.

I took the trip back to the street where I saw the car. It was still there and the hazards were still on. It would be tragic if no one came to help before the storm. I stopped behind them, a little to the side of course since I was still in the street. I wanted to give whoever it may be the room to get out of the car. I honked a few times, but no one exited the vehicle. Maybe they've left? I would just leave, but I had to make sure I wasn't leaving somebody stranded in the cold weather. I put my car in park and quickly trotted over to the car. When tapping the window I could see some movement. The door finally opened to reveal the voice of a man.

He exited the car, and surprisingly enough he had a child with him. My interest was peaked when I saw the man's harsh but elegant features, but if that's his son I have no hope. I probably still have no chance if that's not his son, it's not likely that he favors another male. I could tell that he did not trust me by the threat in his eyes, but that didn't deter me. Politely I opened the doors for them, and then went to my side giving them the option to get in or not.

To my pleasure they entered my car. I really didn't want them to be stuck out here, especially the child, he looks to be catching a cold. I wanted them to warm up to me, since it was likely they would be staying the night, but I think my kindness was slightly over whelming to the man. He didn't speak much to me.

We were soon at my house. I was making a checklist in my head of all the things I need to prepare for them. In no way do I wan't to be rude, but they seem to be in need of a shower. I also need to turn the heater up a bit, so the poor child isn't freezing. I'm not the best cook - most definitely not the worse - but I need to make sure it tastes okay. We entered the house and they both just stood there not knowing what to do.

"Let me show you around a bit". I took them through my living room which had an open concept vibe and connected to my kitchen. I had a small dining room area, but I never eat in there, I normally just sit at the counter top. I wonder if they'll want to sit at the table or in the bar chairs at the counter top? I don't want them to feel uncomfortable sitting at a round table, sometimes that forces conversation. I'll give them the offer to sit in the dining room, but if they don't care they'll sit at the counter top and I'll stand in the kitchen and eat my food so I can be across from them.

There was then a pathway that connected my garage and also had a door to the outside. Which reminds me, I should probably park my car inside today. I'll do it after they settle in. All three of us trailed upstairs. I gave them a glance of my bedroom, showed them my office - which was once a bedroom - and then showed them where they would be sleeping. I asked them to wait there while I set up the bathroom incase they would like to shower, which I'm sure they would want to do. I set two towels and wash cloths on the countertop. I luckily had a few unused spare toothbrushes that I had gotten from the times I went to the dentist. I didn't have any extra deodorant, but I'm sure he'll be fine overnight. I'm not sure if he shaves, so I'll just put a disposable razor, scissors, and some shaving cream in here anyways. I wasn't sure if I was missing anything, the shower had body wash and shampoo. I don't have conditioner, and the little boy has curly hair, but It should be okay for the night.

"So, I've set up everything in the bathroom. If you need something feel free to tell me and I'll see if I have it. I have some clothes that you can borrow". I said looking at the man. "But you mister", I squat down to Jeremy's level, "I don't have any clothes your size. But I do have a long comfortably fuzzy pajama shirt that I can't fit anymore". He gave me a thumbs up and clung back to his father. I stood back up to my full height. "I can wash your clothes so that you both have undergarments."

I was surprised when he actually spoke. "He has some in his backpack, but thank you for doing that".

"Its nothing, really. Well I need to pull my car into the garage and start dinner, but let me grab those clothes for you first". I brought the clothes to them and went back into my room to change. I like to shower in the mornings, it wakes me up. I felt bad for locking my door on the way out of my room, but I'll be downstairs and I truly don't know these people. I locked my office as well since I had some important paperwork in there. Once I heard the shower running I left to park my car in the garage. I couldn't help but think about the beauty of this man.