|Hello Winter| [BL]

Chapter 6

Song of the day: Where You Are, by, The Score.

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December 3rd

Chapter 4
Shasta

Flagstaff wasn't too busy, despite it being Christmas time. Which I would usually be more relaxed about. But if there weren't many people out, it meant that the people were lesser of the chance of being Cat Boy.

I've decided to come to terms with the fact that this one-day obsession with that boy in the window. It will not last long. I still do not know why said obsession even exists in my mind. But it does and I would like to figure out why, or what is so interesting about him. It was, however, becoming increasingly bothersome that he continues to prod at my mind. It was very unfair to me.

Maybe it wasn't even Cat Boy. Maybe it was just that I needed something to get my current state of focus on. Something that was other than the empty space in my house, in my family. Which would be the most logical explanation. So, with that as my reasoning for this unnecessary expedition, I treaded on more confidently.

Now, a plan would also be in order. Because I cannot simply just walk up to Cat Boy and say, "Hey, I saw you in the window at my house. Now would you like to explain the cat and why I find you so increasingly interesting?" Nope. Not doing that. It would be humiliating and a waste of mine and Cat Boy's time. However, I do think to ask him for his name was in order as well. Because the useless nickname 'Cat Boy' would most likely offend and/or confuse him. 

I groaned and rubbed the cave of my right eye with the palm of my hand. As much as I would be able to think about it. The only thing that doesn't have any explanation, whatsoever. Would be why I care so much about one person I saw for a second, maybe two. So I hope I will be able to figure this out upon meeting the stranger.

"But finding him first would be useful to complete all of these tasks I believe," I muttered to myself out loud.

I was currently wandering new the Home Depot on 77th Street. I've not even seen one sight of him so far. I don't think I expected to see him, I had hoped to see him. Two distinctly different things. Even though I wish they weren't.

After wandering around to a few more places. Like Mountain Shadow high school, the theater, and then finally Snowpeak Park. No sign. In the time searching, I came to the conclusion that asking him about the cat was the best way to approach the situation. So that's what I will do, I thought wearily as I neared Thompson Rd.

"Sure, as soon as I find him," I spoke to no one in particular.

I kicked a small rock over as caught a glance at some kids playing on small playset near the library. This time, the memory wasn't as easily shoved down.

"You can't be serious. Dad, it is going to be dark soon." My dad smiled warmly as he scooped up some snow.

"Oh, I am very serious. As serious as they can get. I can't get any more serious." He tried to lock his expression, but the small crinkles at the edges of his eyes gave it away. This was the last sight of that face I got before my vision was obscured with snow and heavy laughter filled the front lawn.

"You, have declared war, and now you must pay," I told him as I cupped some snow in my hands, tightly compacting it. My dad shifted back and forth on his feet. But my ball to his chin caught him off-guard as he fell into a big pile of white fluff-chunks.

"Aw-!" I heard him yell before his voice was muffled by the snow. But another voice called from the doorway.

"Shasta! Joel! Get your boy-butts inside before you get sick. Besides," my mom chuckled goodnaturedly, "I have hot chocolate." My dad moved full force form the snow and I scrambled after him as we bouldered into the house, heading to the kitchen. I knocked him down and he took me with him as we skidded across the front room floor.

"You don't get any if I don't." My dad told me, stubborn as ever. I snorted as I tried to pry myself from his grip.

"Yeah right. Next, you're gonna say this is 'good character building'." My dad gasped.

"Of course! Patience is a virtue." I tugged myself from his arms and shook my head.

"Shut up-. It's a virtue only you have in this house." My mom chimed in as she handed us our drinks.

"You're right about that Shas, your father had saint-like patience when you were a kid. You two would go outside and play in the snow, and you would never want to come in. But somehow. Somehow. Joel always managed to talk you in." I turned to my dad just as he not-so-subtly whispered.

"That's right bud. It's because you and I have a bond the world wish they could have."

I hand on my shoulder snapped me out of it and I sharply turned to the side. Emotions whirling and swimming in my mind and gut.

It was Mr.Bringe, my English teacher. The bags on his arm told me he had been shopping. But still. He looked towards me with sympathy, as if he could read my mind. As if he could tell what was building up behind my skull.

"You can get through it. You don't even have to make the world happy while you do it. Just be strong. For you and your mother." He told me. I turned the words over in my mind. They sounded warm and old at the same time. But I decided to overlook the sympathy and nodded to him.

"I know. I know, and I will. Just- I will. I have my mom, she has me." I told him. Mr.Bringe looked down at me for a small while longer before giving a small, curt nod.

"Alright, son. You should be headin' home soon. Merry Christmas." I didn't have the energy to reply, so I just nodded to him. Hoping he'd know I appreciated his intervene.

I was gonna take his advice and go home. But I decided that I didn't want to go home just yet.

The cafe Julia works at might have some nice eggnog hot chocolate. I think mom would like it if I brought some home. It was a nice idea. Which led me to turn my route back to Casey and Carson Cafe. It would be closing in about an hour. Since it was around 4:30 pm. It was nearing Christmas time and some people wanted to get home.

I smiled to myself as I entered the cafe, ready to greet Julia as I came in. Ready to be the strong kid everyone saw me to be. The thing is, she greeted me. But, my mind was a bit preoccupied.

"Hey Shas!" She called, however, my gaze and focus point was locked onto another face at the counter. Another face that was fixed on the cup in his hands.

"You've got to be kidding me."