Disclaimer: The Tomorrow People is the property of the CW. No copyright infringement is intended.
xxx TTP xxx
Christmas wasn't a big deal to John. As a kid in foster care, he was lucky to get a tiny little gift, if anything at all. Once at Ultra, Jedikiah would get him something small, but practical. It kind of took the thrill out of it for him.
Since becoming human, John had a hard time dealing with crowds. Being able to scan people's thoughts was useful. If he came across someone who blocked him, then he knew who to watch. Telepathy had provided an extra layer of security, but now he didn't know how to read individuals. He was always too concerned with looking over his shoulder, a residual effect from being hunted for most his life.
It was especially bad around the holidays, a drawback of living in one of the busiest cities in the world. It was even busier than usual at this time because of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and then shoppers flooding the city seeking the best gifts for their loved ones.
Taking refuge in his apartment, John studied for an opportunity to get a better job. Suddenly, there was a knock on his door. It startled him because he wasn't expecting any visitors.
"Who is it?" he said as he approached the door. He peeked at the visitor through the peep hole. "Astrid?"
Astrid had noticed John becoming more and more reclusive, refusing to leave his little apartment, except maybe late at night to go on a grocery run or to go to his part-time job.
He opened the door. "What are you doing here?"
"It's time you got out of this ..." she stated as she entered the room and looked around the tiny apartment, "... place. You're coming with me. I need help and you need to get some fresh air."
"Astrid …" John started, but she interrupted him.
"I"m not taking no as an answer," she declared. "Get your coat."
Not really in the mood to argue, he did as she suggested. He got his coat and turned off the lights.
"Let's go," John said, then forced a smile.
xxx TTP xxx
As Astrid paid for the last gift on her list, inspiration struck.
"We should go see Santa!" Astrid exclaimed excitedly as they left the store.
John just rolled his eyes and ignored her.
"Come on, it would be fun!"
"I think we're too old for that," John stated.
When he looked at her again and saw her eagerness and elated expression, he amended his statement.
"Well, I'm too old for that."
"I'll take that as a yes," Astrid grabbed his free hand and half-dragged him to Macy's.
xxx TTP xxx
When they arrived at Santaland, the line extended into the store aisles and was filled with parents and their kids. John wanted to bolt right then and there, but Astrid held on to him. It made him miss being able to teleport.
When John hesitated, Astrid grabbed his arm and said, "I promise, it will be fun."
John sighed.
"So, John, when you were little, were you scared of Santa when you went to see him?"
"I never went," John replied flatly. "Foster kids don't get taken to see Santa."
"Oh," was all Astrid could say.
"No big deal," John stated.
After a few moments, Astrid began cheerfully chatting with the kids and parents around them.
Meanwhile, John just uncomfortably stood by and wished the line would move faster until a little boy, probably 4 or 5, started playing peek-a-boo with him. The little boy, Henry, would hide behind his mom's legs then slowly peek around her. When John would move to the other side, he would follow. One time, John didn't move and when Henry peeked around, John jumped over which caused the little boy to shriek in delight and giggle gleefully. Their little game of hide and seek ended when Henry's family made it to the entrance and he got distracted by all of the decorations.
As Astrid and John arrived at the entrance, John asked the "elf" how much longer it would be.
"Just 15 minutes," the Elf cheerfully responded with a wide grin.
"Oh, boy," John groaned under his breath, but as they crossed the entrance he gradually became awed by all the brightly colored lights and numerous decorations.
At the entrance was a huge train engine. Then you entered Santaland through a train car with "windows" of various winter cityscapes. As they stepped off the train, there was a huge tree with a face on it. It was a very happy tree. Next there were some animals gathered around a couple of animatronic reindeer. The reindeer appeared to be telling a story to their fellow creatures. After that there were model trains in a multi-level set up that traveled through quaintly-decorated villages. He took special notice of the old-time 50's diner named Irene's.
John, in spite of himself, started to feel like a kid again. Then, before he realized it, they were at the actual entryway to see Santa.
Another one of "Santa's Helpers" excitedly asked, "How many to see Santa today?"
"Just the two of us," Astrid answered, then grabbed John's arm. "It's my friend's first time seeing Santa."
"Oh, really," the Elf replied conspiratorially. "Then we will have to make it extra special!"
John just rolled his eyes.
"Follow me!"
The Elf lead them down a path to a little cabin.
"Wait here," The Elf instructed then stepped inside.
Just a couple of moments later, she re-appeared.
"Santa will see you now."
John momentarily felt like bolting out of there. Surprises made him leery.
Astrid pulled him through the door and they were greeted by the Jolly Old Elf himself.
"Ho, Ho, Ho," he exclaimed, arms wide open. "Merry Christmas! I hear this is a special moment for you, young man."
"I guess you could say that." John still felt a bit strange, but slowly relaxed.
"Come on over, both of you, and have a seat. There's plenty of room." Santa warmly invited them.
John still hesitated, but Astrid ran over and sat on Santa's knee.
"I promise I won't bite," Santa encouragingly said to John.
John finally relented and took a seat next to Santa. As they sat and chatted with Kris Kringle, John's feeling of foolishness faded away.
Obviously, Astrid did most of the talking. Occasionally Santa would direct some questions to John, who genuinely started to smile by the end of their visit. This Santa was very good at his job.
At the end, all three smiled broadly for the picture. Santa had his arms around both of his visitors as John and Astrid both leaned in and grinned.
Both thanked Old St. Nick as they left and waved goodbye. As they exited the room another Elf handed each a small round pin commemorating the experience, thanked them for coming and wished them a Merry Christmas. Astrid insisted that John pin hers on her immediately. John pocketed his, but held onto the surprisingly special memento.
"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Astrid whispered.
"No, it wasn't that bad," John admitted, "... it was ... fun. This would be great for Charlie."
"You should bring her," Astrid encouraged.
"Maybe I will," John said thoughtfully, "... maybe I will."
When the day had started, John was no where near enjoying the holidays, but this little trip to Macy's definitely filled him with the Christmas spirit.