A Child for Christmas

Chapter 6

Haru

I watched Seth interact with my friends with a smile on his face. Once the clock reached 6:30 I realized that we wouldn't be checking his car today, but I don't think he or anyone minded. Everyone got along so well, even little Jeremy who can be as shy as a bat. Seth has been opening up a lot more around my friends. I don't know why I believed he was just some stoic man. A day of knowing a man can't really tell me anything about who he really is. I see qualities in him that I want to delve into. The way he laughs when Maleek makes jokes. The way he smiles at his son and is constantly watching his whereabouts. The way he can be bubbly one moment and then immediately shielding his personality.

I hate to compare, but Seth reminds me a lot of my ex. They're both strong men with sharp features. When they enter a room their presence can be overbearing because of how serious their features are, but once they're comfortable they're goofballs. As I was thinking of goofballs, Maleek trying to balance something on his fork accidentally flicked it at Anthony's face. Anthony simply smiled and went to go clean himself. I know I'm the one that paired them up, but sometimes it seems like Anthony is just too calm and peaceful. Maleek always loved that I would rebel at times. Who knows, maybe Anthony is a rascal when they're in the privacy of their own home.

The lumpia was now finished by everyone, and yet they stayed. Everyone was enjoying being able to talk to people outside of a work area. The holidays are always a busy season. Maybe I should throw a New Years party. Christmas is only in four days, I don't think that's enough time to get a party together. That makes me wonder, what does Jeremy like? It would be nice to get him a toy, he didn't try to bring any in. I wonder if he has any, Seth did say he's out of a job right now. Maybe he sold and got rid of a lot of their items when moving. It would be hard to carry all of that in a car.

I looked over to Jeremy to see him in a corner rocking side to side. He was looking at everyone, but once again he didn't want to be in the crowd. He saw me look at him and he quickly ditched my eye contact. Is he okay? I walked over to Seth - who was sitting at the counter - to ask him about it, and he told me its okay. Apparently it's Jeremy's way of calming down when he gets overwhelmed. I just wanted to cuddle the child, he really is so shy. I was walking away but Seth took the bend of my arm to pull me back to him.

"Do you work tomorrow?"

"Yes, why?"

"I just want to get Jeremy something to eat in the morning, and we still haven't checked my car".

I just realized how little food I left them with. I didn't even consider taking them grocery shopping. I know I shouldn't feel so bad since they aren't staying long, but I still do. "I'm so sorry. If you write a list I can get up early and go to one of those 24 hour stores". He just smiled up at me and shook his head.

"It's okay. That's a hassle, we'll be fine". No, they shouldn't have to be just 'fine'.

I looked over at Maleek calling him over with my finger. He came over with a raised brow. "What time do you go to work tomorrow?" I asked.

"Ten o'clock, why?"

"Seth wants to get some food to make breakfast since I don't really have anything in here."

"You haven't been taking care of yourself". I could see the disappointment in his face, he's so damn protective over the simplest of things.

"I've been eating, don't be such a worry-wort".

"Yea I'll take you", he looked at Seth. "But you need to make a list too", he said looking at me. "It'll save you time if we just get everything you both need while we're out". I sighed, but complied knowing that I needed to stock up. "Anyways, Anthony has to get up early so we should be heading back. I'll be here around 7:00. Have a nice night". They cleaned up their messes and then went on their merry way. Joshua, the mechanic, stopped to tell us that he could be here tomorrow around 9:00, after that he's booked. I wouldn't be here, but all he's doing is checking out the car anyways. I don't really need to be here for it now that they know each other.

Everyone left and Seth started to ask me about Maleek and his profession.