Feels like I had this dream many times before. The one were my teeth crumbled, fell out, I woke up feeling that it actually happened. Checking out my mouth, seeing that it hasn't happened. Then I'd splash some warm water on my face, toweling it.


After I did my morning routine, headed downstairs, seeing my aunt in the kitchen as I step off the stairs. Smelling the aroma of the delicious waffles, bacon that filled the air.

I sat down, sighed when I thought of this most busiest time of year.

The holiday season.

Sometimes I dreaded when this season rolled around. From swarms of people that always hit the stores. It gets tedious, downright annoying especially when the end of November comes.

And I chose to work in retail. I wasn't too big on school but managed to not get any failing grades, once I graduated. I said I had enough but someone told I could be doing more. So went back to school to become an medical assistant. But I'm working, saving until the semester starts in January.

" Hey Jean, don't forget to pick me some of those big deals at your store before them greedy people get they hands on them, " my aunt Sicily laughed but I knew she was dead serious.

Yeah this the only good thing about working in retail. But I would get few things for her. And I had to give her a talking to about saving for others because of what my manager told us employees going crazy on these deals for Christmas, blah blah. But I suspect he said it because he wanted leverage over us.

" Okay Aunty Si I won't let you down.

..................................

At break time on the job, bunch of us were talking amongst are selves. Talking of plans for the holidays, vacations. Family gatherings, who couldn't they wait to see or who we weren't looking forward to be around.

Then we got to the point in our conversation that I felt most uncomfortable to hear, be apart of or not. Couples, their couple things they do for the holiday. So when these talks starts my legs are moving, heading for the door.

But this time, a co worker stopped me, said " Jean are you doing anything romantic for Christmas ? " she smiled holding on to my arm. I tried to pull out of her hold but this girl wouldn't seem to be wanting to let go. I guess my sneaking away act didn't save me this time.

Oh hell.

" Um...nothing I'm doing the family thing, " I said when everyone eyes were on me.

" You said that last year, " another co worker named Trisha said.

It's not that I didn't want to be in a relationship but I seemed to let it slip by. With my parents gone, just about five years now. Now I'm living with my aunt, uncle. They stepped up, took me in when others didn't. I was always drawn to them, it couldn't have worked out any better. But I still missed my mom, dad terribly. I'd give anything to have them back here on earth with me.

There was so things going in my life during this time that I really wasn't even looking but before  everything happened, I did have a close call so to speak. But he slowly bowed out, I didn't see or hear from him but at the time I couldn't careless because of the pain I was in. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You never know how much time you have on this earth.

" I haven't found the right one, " I replied not letting them know I really didn't have a love life at all.

" Maybe he's right outside this door right now, " I grinned opening door, turn the corner running straight into a solid wall of muscle.

" I'm so sorry, " I heard the male deepen voice of the tall statured man, when I looked up I was greeted with smiling brown eyes. And something else. Attraction. Something that I've have never felt because my heart was beating all kinds of wild.

Stepping back, I said " No I wasn't looking where I was going, " I just stood watching him, to see what he would do or say next.

What in the hell is wrong with me ? I can't  believe I'm acting this way. It was a first for me, I had to walk away before I did something embarrassing or said it.

" Are you okay ? Did you get hurt ? I have a problem with looking down. If anything it was my fault, " he went on talking but I was barely catching all the words he was speaking. I was looking him up and down, boy he was tall. Like 6'2, I'm only 5'5 so yes I was looking up to him. And everything he spoke I would shake my head yes or no.

It went on until I heard my manager say something that broke me out of my semi trance.

" He's new Jean. Show him the ropes. I have an family emergency, Bill's here at two, report to him when he gets here, " the head manager said to the new guy, flew passed us.

" Okay I got it Aaron, " I called out to him but he was already out the door. Then me and the new guy had an awkward, quiet moment until he said.

" So do you think we should get started. "

" Okay, follow me, " I replied, we both open area, that's when I got an text, it was from the head manager, it read.

I forgot to tell you. Show Tony how we stock and restock.

And I texted him back a simple

Okay

...............................

After showing him everything he needed to know, do. And thank the lord he was a fast learner, I only had to explain once.

Thirty minutes after, I was surprised that he could do it on his own. He went to straight to work, I did come around to see how he was holding, was kinda disappointed that he hadn't needed my help.

Soon Assistant manager Bill came, I had an excuse for coming to check up on him, to tell him that Bill wanted him to finish up some paper work. But was confused on how that happened because for everyone else it was paperwork first then set an schedule to work.

" Tony ? Bill wants to see you, " I told him, he stopped what he was doing, immediately rushed to meet with Bill.

.................................

Over the next week, the crazy shopping weekend, an broken finger nail and few people stepped on my feet. Better known as Black weekend but I called it " Race and Rave because that's how I see it. Another good thing that had my spirits up was hanging, talking with Tony.

I actually found out he was surprisingly easy to get along with, talk to. Definitely there was an difference between him, the other guys I work with. Those guys I had an cool acquaintance type thing. But with Tony we had an actual meaningful conversation, he seemed to listen.

Another week passed, all seemed to be well. Until I was approached by this woman dressed like she didn't shop in this type of store. She looked to be in her thirties but I could be wrong. I wasn't a person that could guess people's ages, nor did I do it often.

So I stood there as this woman looked me over. An full body scan so to speak. Then she decided to grace me with the gift of words.

" Where is Tony ? Go bring him here, " she stated authoritatively.

So she was here for Tony.

Then suddenly I felt a pang of something deep within my heart. But it couldn't be.

" Why would you ask me ? When there's plenty of sales people around, " I asked when I recovered.

Her demeanor had me questioning her motives because she clearly just walked passed the assistant manager. We had a color code here, that were employees in navy blue. And managers wore brown. Even if she couldn't tell who was who. All people shirts that worked her especially the managers had the company logo in bold lettering on them.

" Don't give me that. You're the only one that seems to know him better anyone else here besides me, " she said.

What was this ? Is this one those " Don't mess with my man " type of episodes or whatever. I was just talking, admiring things about which I never did anything like this with a guy. Hell. I didn't even go out on dates.

As these thoughts swarmed around in my head. I noticed the lady looking at something or someone behind me. She perked up, said.

" Oh Tony why haven't you been answering my calls, " she exclaimed quickly walking over to him.

I turned around to see this exchange, he looked to be very surprised to see her here. Stunned even.

" What are you doing here Kate ? " he asked then he noticed me staring, steered her to the nearest exit.

So it was that type thing, I thought to myself. And I started to feel disappointed.

.....................................

I was having a good time working here when all these workers didn't even know who I was. It felt like I could breathe for the first time in my life. And my new friendship or whatever you call this thing with my co worker Jean was made me like coming here. It made the whole secretly working here even though my family ran the whole chain of stores better.

It was family tradition, that a child of our family would start at the bottom of working in one of stores from highschool and college. I did my rounds, never stayed in one store for too long before someone would find out who I really was. But here, I was like an chameleon, blended in, I wanted to stay a little longer. And reason for this was because I wanted to get know Jean more.

" Isn't this far enough ? Plus it's cold out. Do you even care about me anymore ? " Kate said fake pouting grabbing onto my arm.

" Kate. Why are you even here ? When you wouldn't obviously come to find me during many of my other times working in the other chain stores.

" Would it kill you to call me mother ? I'm starting to feel like you're treating like an step-mom. When I'm your biological parent. "

" Please Kate your the one that instilled it in me to call you this way from since I can remember, " I explained to her.

" Well I was younger, I didn't want to feel old. "

" Please you're not even that old now. You're forty-two, looking like your my older sister or something, " I stated to shut her up for second.

" Don't be announcing my age for the world to hear boy ! " she sprung into act by slapping in the shoulder. And as we laughed or I laughed at her. I heard someone calling my name saying.

" Tony ? Tony ! " it was Jean coming over to me.

" What's up, " I asked.

" Um... the head manager wants to speak to you, " she told me nervously, I wondered why she was acting this way. But I instantly knew it was because Kate was near. I hope she didn't get anything into her head but the way she was looking, one could hope not.

" Okay Kate see you later, I have work to do bye, " I said to my mom, waved, she waved back, I turned to see Jean looking uncomfortable so steered her back into the building. I would explain things to her after I'd see the manager.

...................................

Oh why did it have to be me to relay the message. I dreaded to come in on their conversation. Because I could see them just outside the store windows. They were chatting, laughing, mostly that woman couldn't keep her hands off him.

I hated to admit, I was a bit jealous. And I thought this whatever it was fizzled before it even started or it was all in my head, he was just being nice.

Oh god ! My first feelings for someone was a delusion that I made up. Now that's sad. I needed to stay away from him before I get hurt.

.............................

I got back to the managers room, saw both were standing in there, looking down at the computer.

" What do you both need me for ? " I asked noticing the looks on their faces.

" Well the systems are slowly going down, we're at our wits end trying to fixed it, " the head manager said exhausted.

" Have you called IT ? " I asked.

" Yes, plenty of times. You know the lines are busy this time of year, " assistant manager Bill spoke up.

" Let me see what's going on ? " I announced sitting down, went to work to find out what was wrong.

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

An hour later, everything was back online, seemed to be working fine. I got up, they gave me some thank you's, one gave me an hug. Then I rushed out to find Jean to discover that she'd left already, her shift was over. So I tried to call her but she wasn't answering.

...........................

My phone vibrated for like the tenth time as I sat in my room feeling sorry for myself. I didn't know what to do with myself. And thank the lord I didn't have to go into to work tomorrow. I just couldn't face him knowing the truth.

So I rolled over in bed, willed myself to sleep.

.....................

I woke the next morning feeling out of it. My sleep wasn't so good, I dreamt of those two laughing it up, having a good time. So I got up but I truly felt like I wanted to lie around all day but I knew my aunt wouldn't have any of that.

So I went to take a shower, hope that it would ease the aches of my heart, hurt I felt.

.................

Going downstairs as my aunt cooked breakfast, my uncle sat on the couch watching some football game on TV. I sat down next to him as I waited for the meal to be done. The shower didn't seem to help because I felt an headache coming on. So I leaned into my uncle, put my head on his shoulder which I haven't done since I was kid.

" What's wrong Jean ? " he asked because he knew me well.

" Nothing, " I replied.

" I think it is something or you wouldn't be moping around. I saw how you came down those stairs just minutes ago. Because some weeks ago you where even more lively, even for you, " he stated patting my head.

" So what you're saying is that I was a boring person before then, " I said depleted for some reason.

" That's exactly what he's saying, " my aunt said from the kitchen.

" What ?! Are you two plotting against me ! " I said jokingly.

" No we're not, We liked seeing you that way because it's been long time since your parents were still here, " she explained in an caring tone.

" Yeah Jean, I agree, " my uncle chimed in as the door bell rang.

No one else was making moves so I volunteered to do it. And when I opened it, Tony stood there. I couldn't believe my eyes, rubbed them to see what I was seeing was true.

" Why are you here ? " I asked sullenly.

" I'm here for you, Why haven't you been answering any of my calls or texts, "  he said moving in a little closer like he wanted to come in but I held a hand at his chest to prevent it.

" Please stop. I know what's going on ? You don't have to lie to me because.... " I stopped myself before I said too much, embarrass myself.

" Because what ? I'm not following, " he looked confused.

" Do I have to spell it out ? Because I won't. So if you don't get it then we have nothing to talk about, " I said ready to go by in, shut the door.

Noticing him as I was turning around, about to close the door. He look to be working something out in his brain, threw his arm out to stop me from closing it completely.

" I think you've misunderstood something, " he said out of breath with nervous laughter.

...............................

When I made up my mind to bring myself over to Jean's, I knew it was wrong to look up her address but I had to know what going on or if something had happened to her.

So to be here now, not be greeted by her usual self. Not this. Wasn't what I seen before. She was not smiling, the way she was talking was strange.

And when she tried to close the door in my face, I couldn't let that happen. That's when I realized what this was all about.

" I think you've misunderstood something Jean. She's my mom !"

And she just looked at like I was telling her lie.

" No ! Believe me Kate is really my mother. My biological mother okay, " I grabbed her hand trying to assure her that what I saying was the truth.

" Don't lie. How could that woman be your mother ! " she exclaimed.

" Yes. "

" You expect me to believe that. "

I didn't know what else could say then I remembered there was an pic on facebook. My mom and I, I was five years old. I pretty much look the same so I'd go with that, give it a try. I dug in my pocket, pulled my phone out. Finding the app, scrolling to where the pic was located, found it.

" I have proof, see. Look here, " I said showing her the phone. She looked down, examined the picture before her. Then her eyes widened, shoved the phone back at me.

.............................

I shoved the phone back at him because I didn't know what else to do. Because the truth was staring me right in the face at the moment that I looked his phone. The picture was of the woman that was at the store that day but a little younger, of an small child that had the same features as Tony.

It was the child version of him. And to my stupefied horror, I realized I had made a huge mistake. What was wrong with me ? I never acted this way before. To become an jealous person was new to me.

" I'm so sorry, " I apologized repeatedly.

" No, it's okay, " he pulled me into his arms, hugged me which felt quite nice.

" I can't believe that I assumed something like that, " I said still feeling foolish.

" No, don't feel bad about it. Do you want head somewhere so we can talk ? " he asked.

And I immediately answered, " Of course, just let me change first."

" Change for what you look nice already. "

" I can't good anywhere in a t shirt, yoga pants, " I explained.

»»»»»»

Changed, with my puffer jacket on I raced downstairs in high spirits. I didn't know what would happen later but it was okay. I had to take a chance, I didn't want to let it pass me by like so many other times.

" Where are you going ? I believe we have a right to know. Since we heard everything, " my aunt question me from the couch.

" He's a friend, we're going  somewhere to talk, " I told her nervously smiling.

" Oh okay. Go on but next time invite him in girl, " she said waving me off.

»»»»»»»»»

After talking, truly getting the record straight. Myself and Jean were back into our comfortable routine of being around each other, it was like the misunderstanding never happened at all. But there was a new thing that definitely sprouted when I was hugging her back there on her porch.

It felt like love, I never had this feeling for anyone else besides family. It was nice sitting here with her at this coffee shop, in this town where no one knew me.

Christmas was coming up, I was wondering if I should invite her to my family's party we have every year. But I haven't told her who I really was. And if this relationship was going any further. I didn't want it to start with lies. So I knew what I had to do.

" Jean ? I have something very important to tell you, promise me you won't get too upset, " I started off saying.

" Okay I won't, " she replied.

Just then the waitress came over, said " Can I ask you a question ? "

" Sure if it isn't anything of that nature because I am sitting here with someone special, " I said looking at Jean, gave her a wink.

" No. I'm just curious because you look like someone, " the waitress said.

" Oh really ? Who do I look like ? An old friend, a family member or a famous celeb ? " I joked.

" Oh yeah ! Now I know, you look just like the son of that big chain store owner. Now that I'm getting a good look. You're a dead ringer but no wait ! I believe you are him ! " she exclaimed because she hit the nail on the head.

I was stunned. I couldn't go for more that a week before someone found out. But here, it's been almost a month. And it all has come to an end because of one eagle eyed waitress.

" Is it true ? " Jean chimed in with skeptical look on her face.

Damn it ! I want to tell her first. But I would tell her now, I hope she doesn't think ill of me for it.

" Yes it's true. "

" I knew it ! " the waitress squealed.

" Wow. "

Jean said looking glum.

" It's what we do in our family. We have to start from the bottom, learn some things... " I tried to explain.

" So I'm the bottom, you were just gonna play with me until you go back into the family fold. "

" No ! It isn't like that. I just hid my identity for fear that others would treat me differently. I wanted to be treated the same as everyone else. "

" So you were gonna have a little fling but your secret's out now, " Jean said darkly.

" No ! Truth is I really like maybe even love you. I thought I came here like everywhere else. And didn't get close with anyone because I would be out soon enough. But I didn't, I got close to you, all the other workers, " I stated practically slipping my guts out.

" You like me, possibly might love me, " Jean spoke looking bashful.

" Yes, " I said, taking her hand in mine.


..........................


Days passed, Tony and I were getting along well, I still can't believe he is who is. He's something amazing that happened to me when I least expected it. From misunderstandings to the start of an relationship. I never thought I would find someone this time of the year. My past Christmases were me trying to get through it. The pain of this holiday also  brought the pain of losing my parents. But I felt that they're watching over me, probably guided someone to me.

Someone truly amazing, as I stared into his eyes as we danced on Christmas Eve at his parents house. I never thought I'd be invited so soon. But I'm happy I came though. Because I rather not be anywhere else right now.

Then he kissed me.

" I love having you here, " Tony smiled.

" And I love being here with you, " I said hugging him just a little bit tighter.


" This was all I wanted for Christmas, then some. "





I hope everyone enjoyed this story. It's different from my usual writing. I turned on the feels with this one.

And I truly never wrote anything this long in a one-shot to date.

Thanks for reading 😊