Young Love (Gabentine Fics)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause

(By demand: Part 2 of Christmas Wish)
(Clementine POV)

It's been six days. Six days since I met hot Santa and six days since I met Gabriel. I tried calling the number he gave me but, it just says the phone has been disconnected and some other crap. AJ asks me if we can go back to the mall and see him again but, I tell him to forget about Gabriel and move on.

Even though I can't.

It's now December 24th, Christmas Eve. AJ is bouncing off of the walls and keeps going on and on about how Santa is coming tonight. I laugh and play with him but, still feel a pain in my chest. I know what you're thinking too. Clem, you just met the guy, how is he effecting your lifestyle this much? I don't know. Maybe he could've been the one. The one who would stick it out for the long run and be by my side through thick and thin.

I guess I started spacing off because AJ was tapping the side of my face and trying to get my attention.

"Mama, Mom, Ma, Clemmy, MOM!"

"YES, I hear you. I hear you, AJ."

AJ gives me a smile and tugs me into the kitchen. I glance at the clock and realize it's lunch time. I whip up some macaroni and cheese for us and start playing board games with AJ. We play multiple games of Life, Scene It, and Monopoly before AJ becomes restless.

"Mommy, when is Grandpa Lee coming over?"

"Um, I think he said around 5 but, could be later because of traffic."

AJ frowns at the though of waiting longer and I give a laugh. Lee took me in when I was younger when my parents were killed in a car wreck. He's been there for me and AJ and we love him so much. Lee is the only family I have left since the others just cut me off because of the death of my parents. I smile when I think of all the good times me and Lee have had and pull AJ into a hug.

"I love you, AJ."

"I love you too, Momma."

I start getting teary eyed and quickly wipe them away.

"Alright then. What else do you want to do today?"

AJ ponders my question for a bit before a strange look appears on his face.

"Can we go to the mall? Please, Mommy? I promise I'll be good!"

AJ breaks out the puppy dog eyes and I crumble within seconds. I even forget about why I don't want to go to the mall in the first place.

"Alright. Fine! You know I can't say no when them puppy dog eyes come out."

AJ smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek before going to get dressed. I shake my head at his retreating form and go to freshen up. I brush my hair and put on some jeans and a hoodie. I also give myself a splash of perfume and go back to see if AJ is ready. He is already by the front door, bundled up and smiling like a loon.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Nooothing."

I squint my eyes at his suspicious behavior and we go to the car.

The mall is pretty packed because it's the day before Christmas and hold AJ's hand tighter. We weave through the people and laugh at their panic to get last minute shopping done. I stiffen up a bit when we get close to the Santa stand but, relax when I see a different Santa working. AJ looks a bit deflated as well and squeeze his hand.

"Hey, how about some hot cocoa and maybe a cookie?"

"Sure, Momma."

We go to Starbucks and purchase our treats and sit at a table. AJ looks content with his hot chocolate and his double chuck chocolate chip cookie. I myself have a french vanilla latte and a slice of banana nut bread. We finish up and AJ reluctantly lets us leave the mall. I sense his disappointment and can't help but, to feel the same.

"Hey, it's alright. We have each other, right?"

"I guess so. I just wanted a Papa this year for Christmas."

I get choked up when hearing his response and give him another hug. We part and make our way to the car and place AJ in his car seat. I close the door and turn around when I see something that makes me stop. A familiar man dressed in a Santa suit is standing at the exit of the mall and is looking directly at me. He takes off the fake beard and shouts at me.

"Clementine! Wait!"

Then, he is sprinting across the parking lot and almost getting hit by passing cars. I'm frozen in my spot and watch as he plays Frogger through the traffic. Gabriel finally makes it to me and we are standing face to face. I want to hug him but, remember he didn't return my calls or anything. He must've read my expression because he starts apologizing.

"Clementine, please don't be mad at me. I dropped my phone in the sink when I was washing dishes and never got the chance to get a new one. I worked every shift as Santa for the past week, hoping you would come back. But, you never did. When I seen you with AJ tonight, I had just gotten off of my shift and needed to talk to you. I haven't been able to sleep without thinking about you and every thought I have is of you. Please, say something."

I'm speechless as I hear everything he is saying and become elated.

His phone broke. He wasn't avoiding me. He feels the same.

I let out a small laugh and launch myself into his arms. He stumbles back but, steadies himself and returns the hug.

"I thought you didn't want to talk to me. I thought you were like the others. But, I was wrong. I think about you all the time and it killed me when you didn't answer your phone. Me and AJ thought you didn't like us."

Gabriel pulls me back and looks at me with a small smile.

"I want to take you on a date, Clementine. Then, I want to take you and AJ somewhere. I want this. I want us. This may sound weird but, do you believe in love at first sight or do I need to walk by again?"

I laugh at his horrible pickup line and shake my head.

"No, Gabe, I think I'm already in the deep with you."

Gabe smiles at me once more and then his eyes trail down to my lips.

"Hey, Clementine. Can I kiss you now or do I need to get a mistletoe?"

I roll my eyes at him and smash his lips onto mine. He tastes like peppermint and dark chocolate. I feel his hands on my cheeks and deepens the kiss. I go to run my fingers through his hair when a tap on a window catches our attention.

"Mommy, why are you kissing Santa Clause?!"