A Child for Christmas

Chapter 5

Seth

I don't appreciate him trying to keep me here. I wish I could just leave, but my car needs gas, and probably a million other things that I don't have the money for right now. Jeremy was watching another show on Netflix. I was in the kitchen trying to see all that he had to eat. He didn't have much. I know he's only one man, but it seems insufficient. Maybe he eats out a lot? A lot of the food he had seemed pretty healthy. He uses almond milk over regular I'm assuming. He still has a carton of normal milk, but it's very small, meaning that it's probably only for cooking purposes. There were fresh vegetables and fruits in his fridge, I'm used to canned veggies. Other than the vegetables and fruits, the only other items he carried in his fridge were butter, cream cheese, and some juice. In his freezer there was some beef and a little bit of chicken. I expected there to be any frozen foods, but no. His cabinets held some dried noodles, instant coffee, tea, seasonings, broth, honey, and what looked to be granola. He had a water dispenser on his refrigerator, since he doesn't have any water bottles I assume he uses that. I didn't even know what I could make for Jeremy and I later other than a snack. Some granola with honey and fruit on the side - that seems so basic. Maybe granola with almond milk like a cereal, will that even taste right?

I looked at my little boy. He seems so happy and comfortable. If I ever did like this man, this would be an amazing situation for my son. He just seems so bland though. Even what he eats is bland. I guess I can't truly judge him, I don't really know much about him. Haru, what does he even do for a living? He had a dominant for a boyfriend. He may not have known, but the man must have oozed strength or something. What does he even look for in a partner? Why am I even thinking about this? He said he would help me with my car today, which means I'm going to be on my way back on the road.

Jeremy and I ended up eating the granola and snacking on fruits throughout the day while watching movies. It was all very boring. Our clothes that we came here in had been washed so I took a shower and Jeremy took a bath, then we dressed. I made sure the room was the same way it had been when we came here. Haru arrived and lucky for us he came with food. In n out, I did not take this man for a burgers type of guy.

"I didn't know what you guys liked, so I just got cheeseburgers with ketchup and stuff on the side. I hope that's okay."

"That's perfect". I gave Jeremy his burger and fries as well as his sprite. I sat by Haru wondering a lot more about him.

"Oh! My mechanic friend is going to come over to look at your car. It may be as simple as gas, but I don't want you back on the road in this weather without making sure". He's scarily considerate. Maybe I just need to be a nicer person, he makes me feel like I'm just evil. Unless it was a close family member or friend, I would probably just help with gas and then keep it pushing if I were him.

"Thanks". We spent the rest of the time in silence. He finished first and went to his garage. He came back in with a box of ornaments. "You want some help?" I was pretty much finished with my food, just a few fries left.

"Yea, that'd be great. The tree is fake, but that doesn't make it any lighter". He gave a half- assed smile and started to walk back towards the garage. He pointed to a shelf that held a long box with an obvious photo of a tree. We tried to pull it down slowly, but it ended up falling quickly. He wasn't in the position to catch it, nor would he be able to. Was he even planning on catching it? How does he do this every other year? He probably just lets it fall, it doesn't seem like something to break. I caught it with a little wobble, but I straightened myself out soon enough.

"Wow, you're strong". I gave a smirk with the thought of the type of man he likes. So strong is a quality he prefers.

"Just go open the door, I'll carry it back inside". I was being a little show off. It was pretty heavy, but I tried to show little struggle. I know I'm being a little shit, but hey, he is kind of cute when he's in awe ... I guess. I sat it down in the living room next to his fire place. Jeremy came running over rocking back and forth in excitement. It was purely adorable. We set the tree up and put the lights on before we allowed Jeremy to start decorating. He was more than happy to put the first bulb on the tree. We spent the next 20 minutes decorating and laughing at Jeremy's little bursts of excitement. He would run around the kitchen and come back to decorate some more.

Haru and I sat down while Jeremy put the last few bulbs on the tree. He was determined to put them in the most perfect spot ever, his words not mine. The doorbell rang and Haru went to answer it. Probably his mechanic friend. I stood to greet him, but there were two people. Does he have two mechanic friends? "Maleek, Anthony, what are you doing here?" Maleek the taller one looked at me with a polite grin.

Malek answered, "We came over to make sure you had help decorating and some dinner. You've been really busy lately. Now I see why". He looked at me once more and then back to his friend. "I brought food, but it looks like you've already eaten". I knew it was an innuendo instantly. I wasn't even mad about it, I was rather amused.

I came and wrapped my arm around Haru's shoulder. "He's eaten, but who knows, he may still be hungry". Maleek gave me a shit-eating grin. Neither of us said anything on the matter, but at that moment I knew we would get along just fine.

He went back to talking normal and looked at the shorter man with natural red hair next to him. "Anthony made lots of lumpia with Jessica. There's plenty for everyone luckily". Anthony gave a small smile and looked up to Maleek. "Go set it on the counter". Anthony didn't say anything more, he simply did what Maleek asked of him. We all walked towards the kitchen. My son was standing by the couch quietly, observing everyone. I saw Maleek glance at Haru with a risen eyebrow, but he didn't comment on the matter. Good, I wouldn't have tolerated it.

The door bell rang again. Now that just has to be the mechanic friend. Maleek called Anthony over and told him to sit down and eat. Something in my brain clicked and I wondered if he was the Dominant that Haru was talking about. It was indeed the mechanic friend who's name is Joshua. Haru told him he should eat before we looked at the car since he didn't want to leave Maleek and Anthony here by themselves. I was about to help my son, but Maleek already had it covered. Jeremy wasn't saying anything to him, but it didn't seem to bother Maleek. He actually knew how to handle my child very well. I was surprised to say the least.

I pulled Haru to the side so that I could whisper in his ear. "Is that the Dominant ex you were talking about?" His eyes went wide and he pushed me by my chest a little further back, more towards the stairs.

"How do you know? Ugh, you're not even supposed to know". He looked towards the kitchen quickly and then back at me. "Do not mention it, you got it?" I rose both of my hands in mock surrender.

"Got it".

"What are you two doing in the corner", questioned Maleek suggestively. I rolled my eyes and Haru looked at the floor walking back into the kitchen.

Maleek wiggled his eyebrows. I shook my head while grinning. I called out to him, "Hey, wait". He turned around and waited for me to speak. "Do you have any kids? You're really good with my son".

"No, I'm just around kids like him everyday".

"What's that supposed to mean?" He squinted his eyes at me questionably before shaking his head.

"It means nothing". I knew it meant something, but I didn't want to cause a commotion.

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I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas! This story will be finished by New Years guys, just hold on :)