Summary: A father has selflessly given his son the 'world'. As a form of repayment, his son tries to help his father find a love from high school. In the midst of all of this, the son is trying to find the courage to take the girl of his dreams to the winter dance. Is he able to give his father a wonderful Christmas, and what happens when things don't turn out like they should have?
Main Couples: Tommy/Kim, Jayden/Mia
Main Locations: Angel Grove, Reefside
Disclaimer: I do not own anything; I simply own the plot. I absolutely love these two couples, and this is how they would be if my alternate universe did happen like fo' real. =)
Christmas Wish For My Father
Xxxxx
Chapter One- Peace, Love, and Spar
Wednesday
December 12, 2006
1999 Falcon Lane
Angel Grove, CA
An ex-soldier just exited the master bedroom's shower. He strolled up to his bathroom mirror, and he began to erase whatever stubble he had. He gelled his hair to make sure his spikes were perfect and upright, he brushed his teeth, and he placed on his 'Old Spice' deodorant. Still wearing a towel, from the waist down, he walked into his bedroom, and he headed straight for the walk-in closet. Green, white, red, and black dress shirts instantly greeted him. The bottom rack housed his black and khaki dress pants; they were deemed appropriate for his line of work.
He ignored the pink box that stuck out like a sore thumb by using his clothes to cover it.
After that, he picked the perfect color combination of a black dress shirt and a pair of khaki pants, and he made sure to add a pop of color with a red tie. Once more, he stepped in front of the mirror. His reflection stared back at him. The two figures longingly sighed, as if they were clued in on a little secret.
Dr. Thomas 'Tommy' Oliver was a handsome man and just shy of age, 40. He was a man that had done it all and even seen it all. By the age of 13, Tommy had become a black belt in martial arts. At 18, he joined the Army. His basic training was at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. After he successfully completed that, he came home for break, and then he was deployed Heidelberg, Germany. He stayed there for a year, he returned home, and then it was back to South Carolina. At the age of 21, he received a telegraph, he was going to be a father. The news shocked him, but he accepted his new title. He sent money to the mother, and he made sure to take time off for when she was set to deliver.
When his son was born, it should've been the most joyous day, after all it was Christmas. Instead, the saying, 'when one life enters the world, another life leaves the world' became his reality. The mother unexpectedly died. Lauren was her name, and it was like a one night stand. They went to the same high school, but he was in a relationship with another student at that time. On one of Tommy's leave from the army, him and Lauren crossed paths. They went to a club, had a little too much to drink, and they ended up in the same bed and there was no hint of a wrapper in sight. As a result, she became pregnant. Tommy knew a relationship between them would never result, but it still didn't make the situation any better. He made a choice. He wasn't set to leave the army for another two years, but he didn't want to spend a day away from his first child, so he continued with his duties. Luckily, a fellow soldier's wife offered to help him. She was expecting too, so this would be practice for her. Tommy became thankful and readily agreed.
When he turned 23, he honorably discharged from the military. Him and his son traveled back to the United States, and they knew it was them against the world. Immediately, the father made sure to utilize whatever military benefits came his way. The first thing on his agenda, he enrolled in college. To make sure his son was taken care of, he either placed his son in day care or in the care of his son's maternal or paternal grandparents. In addition, Tommy had two jobs—one as a martial arts instructor and the other as a mechanic for his Uncle John's racing team. And sometimes, he filled in as an extra racer and won. He did whatever he could to make sure he provided for his son and the ends would meet. All of his hard work eventually paid off because by the time he was 30, he got his doctorate in paleontology. He settled down a as a science teacher in his hometown of Angel Grove.
This was Tommy's life, ex-military, father, teacher, but he was missing a title that would make him truly complete. He made sure that was the least of his worries though. It's not like he hasn't tried the dating thing, but no one could ever compare to his first love. They broke up after Tommy went to basic training. It was on his behalf, and he thought he made the best decision for her, actually them. He missed her, but he didn't know how to find her. Wherever she was, he speculated she was married with two kids and had a budding career in gymnastics. He tried to watched every incarnation of the Olympics, hoping to capture a glimpse of her. She was no where to be found. Wherever she was, she was probably happy.
Snapping back to reality, the science teacher gazed at his alarm clock. He gasped. "How did it get so late," he groaned out loud. He shot out of his room like a bolt of lightning. "Son," he called. There was no answer. "Son," he repeated more forcefully and crudely. He got downstairs and put on his pearly, white dress socks and black dress shoes. This was unlike his son. "Jayden Christopher Shiba-Oliver, it's time for school!"
Jayden rushed down the stairs. He was dressed in a nice red, white, and black plaid shirt with a white under shirt, khaki dickie pants and white Converse shoes. His hair appeared to be a modern 'bowl cut'. From his mother he received her sapphire, blue eyes, nose, and lips; every other feature he had was purely his father's. He had his books in his hands, and he smiled at his dad.
"And, what took you so long," his father asked him. He went to grab his briefcase and even a drink bottle that contained his protein shake.
"Sorry, I still had some earbuds in my ears," he showed his Ipod, and he took the canister from his father's hand. His dad gave him a stern look. "Dad, I got work in the afternoon, I need this more than you," he figured.
Tommy smiled nonetheless. "Fine, but I'm taking that out of your allowance," he chided his son.
"I would agree to that, but you don't give me allowance," Jayden reminded him with a smile. He also grabbed an apple.
"Well, I believe someone's birthday is coming up, and I think there's a possibility someone might get a new set of 'wheels'," the older Oliver spoke of his plans.
Jayden stopped right in tracks. "Dad, are you serious," his eyes got wide, and he hoped his father wasn't pulling his leg. He loved his dad with all of his heart, but being driven by a high school teacher wasn't exactly the coolest thing in the eyes of the other Angel Grove High School students. Even more, in the eyes of his school crush that he's been trying to impress since the beginning of the year. The young man hadn't been pushing the subject, so to hear this from his dad, he couldn't believe his luck.
Tommy honestly nodded. "Yes, you are about to turn 18, it's your senior year, and I think it's time." He would do anything for his son. Not to mention, his son earned it. His only child was on the honor roll, he worked after school teaching kids karate, he volunteered at the local hospital, and when his son graduated high school in June of 2007, his son would follow in his footsteps. He couldn't be any prouder of Jayden than he was now.
After hearing his father's answer, Jayden hugged him. It was tender, filled with love, and he was thankful his father didn't give him up for adoption. He was informed his mother hadn't survived when she gave birth to him, and he was sad to not have known her. According to his dad, his mother was a looker, and she was a bit rough around the edges, but that didn't mean she wouldn't have sacrificed any part of her spirit or soul to keep him safe. "I love you, dad," he declared like any son would in this situation.
The proclamation caused Tommy to get a bit teary eyed. He sheepishly bobbed his head. "I love you too," he hugged tighter.
The two men were brought out of the hug when they heard the doorbell ring. The duo furrowed their brows. It was just about seven in the morning, and they weren't too positive who could be there at this hour. Jayden went to open the door. He should've known she would be there.
"Mia," Jayden greeted, and he ushered her inside. Mia was Jayden's best friend in the whole entire world. They met in diapers, but separated when Jayden's father discharged. It wasn't until Mia's father retired from the army and moved to Angel Grove, which was a decade ago, did the two reunite. Coincidentally, Mia and her family lived next door. Mia's parents were Tommy's best friends, and it was actually Mia's mother who helped Tommy out all of those years ago. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice way to greet your best friend," she quipped with a smile and nervously tugged at her purse and held her binders against her chest. She had no clue how she was keeping her feelings a secret from him, but she was. The young woman ogled the way he looked in his outfit today. It was nice, and she knew red would be incorporated in some way. That was his favorite color. She also held some anticipation for the afternoon. He taught in just a tank top and long karate pants. She forgot why she was there and almost had to wipe the drool bubbling at the corner of her mouth. She supposed her feelings would remain unrequited. "Oh um, dad left early for work, mom had to take Sylvia to school earlier than normal," she began, "and, well, I needed a ride. Do you think your father will agree?"
"Duh, of course," he answered, and he leaned in closer to her. At the smell of his cologne, Mia's knees buckled. She became very nervous. "My dad's gonna get me a car, so whenever you need a ride somewhere, just let me know," he offered.
"Really, Jayden," she asked with some excitement.
"Yup," Jayden nodded, and he slung his arm around her in a friendly manner. One day, she hoped his hands would interlock with hers. Alas, that probably would never be the case, she was clued into his feelings. His heart belonged to a student at their high school. "Then you won't have to look uncool by riding with your parents."
"Hey, my parents have cool cars," she went against his statement. "And I would probably have a cool, pink car too, but of course I'm doing the responsible thing and waiting until I graduate high school."
"With me joining the service, I didn't think about getting a car," he spoke up, which caused Mia's hear to mildly shatter. She knew those plans too. "But to know it's coming soon, it'll be good and helpful."
"I suppose your right."
"When am I not right?" Jayden countered, and when she was about to answer, he blushed. "Actually, don't answer that."
She smiled.
Tommy came around the corner to see who was at the door. He welcomed his Goddaughter with open arms. "Mia, how are you doing?"
"I'm doing good, Dr. Oliver, um," she was halted from speaking further.
"You should know not to call me that," he interjected. "Did you need a ride to school?"
"If that's not too much to ask for," Mia politely answered, and she looked between Tommy and her crush. She had known this family for a long time. The truth about Jayden's mother was disclosed to her, and she wondered why Dr., uh, Tommy hasn't been married or at least started dating. She also questioned how Jayden felt about not having a mother. She danced around the query, but they were older now and about to be actual adults. Maybe, she could ask Jayden about that later.
"It's never too much, come on, we should get going now before we're late," Jayden rebutted, and he smirked at his dad. "I know about your infamous forgetfulness and how late you really can be. I don't know how you lasted in the army." He opened the door and let the lady out first.
"Oh, you didn't know, it's because of my dad of course," Mia gave away the 'truth'. "He told me all about it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever," Tommy chuckled, descended the steps in front of his house, and headed towards his car.
Jayden locked up the house, came down the stairs quickly, so he could beat Mia. At his dad's jeep, he opened the passenger side, laid the seat down, and held out his hand for her. She gladly took his hand. "Ladies first," he beckoned her. She blushed and found the leverage she needed and sat in the back. The young man hopped in.
The three were off to school.
Xxxxx
Lunch Time
Angel Grove High School
2013 Halo Blvd.
Jayden walked out of his fourth period class and waited for his best guy friend, Kevin.
Kevin had moved to Angel Grove from Panorama City, which was 100 miles away. He transferred to this school because Angel Grove High School was known for their athletics. He was on the varsity swim team, and some scouts have already spoken to him about college. Jayden was his first friend in this new town, and since then, they have been really, really close, almost like brothers.
As Jayden went to the front steps of the school, he noticed one of the posters for the school dance. It was right around the corner, about a week and a half away, and this was the last day of school before winter break. He read the poster.
"The Angel Grove Tigers Student Body Presents:
A White Winter Wonderland—
A Night to Remember
Friday, December 21 of 2006
eight o'clock PM to twelve thirty PM
Youth Center
Price Per Ticket $25
Attire: Semi-Formal and White"
Mia was walking towards the cafeteria when she saw Jayden reading the dance poster. She felt like a stalker, as she watched him. Posters about the dance were all over the place, and she would be surprised if anyone didn't know that a dance was coming. She wished Jayden would ask her, and if this was a Sadie's Hawkins dance, where the girls ask the guys, she would only hope her thin framed body would possess the courage to possibly ask the handsome guy to be her date. She took a step towards his direction; she wanted to get inside his mind and ask about his plans for on that particular night, his mother, and what he would like to do for his birthday this year. She was halfway there, but she frowned when she saw another girl with Jayden.
Brought out of his stupor, Jayden felt someone poke his shoulder. He looked behind him, but no one was there. He looked to his left and right, but there was still no one there. His mind must've been playing tricks on him, and he attributed that to the protein shake he stole from his father.
"That's the last time I take that from, dad," he muttered, and he looked around for Kevin. Out of the blue, there was a petite teenage girl there. She giggled at him. "Emily, did you just poke me right now," he questioned her.
She nodded and had a sweet, devilish grin plastered across her mouth. "Mmhm," she giggled again, and Jayden felt his heart jump into his throat. Emily Perkins came to Angel Grove at the beginning of the year. She was on the varsity cheerleading squad, and Jayden had to admit, he headed to the football games just to watch her. "Whatcha looking at?" She turned her head to the right and saw. "Do you have a date yet?"
"Uh, um, it's not that, um, you, know, it's," he stuttered like a buffoon. He had no clue why he was so nervous around her.
Mia's brown eyes squinted with jealousy as she watched the two interact. There went her plans to talk to Jayden, and she probably felt her heart break into a few thousand pieces. Her feet shuffled towards the cafeteria; she needed to retreat.
Emily smiled. "I'm going," she gave him a hint.
"Well, I'll probably see you there," Jayden second, and he needed his dad's advice. It shouldn't be this hard to ask a girl to the dance, he privately pondered.
Kevin walked out of the boy's bathroom. He was still wiping his hands, and he even took a container of hand sanitizer out of his backpack. He didn't want any germs. "Jayden," he yelled, and he jogged up to him. "Oh, hey, Emily," he encouragingly shot a head nods towards Jayden. The two had talked about this before. There was no reason why Jayden couldn't ask out the girl of his dreams.
Jayden's eyes opened wider than Kevin's, signaling him to cut it out. He nervously laughed at his friend and looked down at Emily. "So, I'll see you around," he had to get out of there, or else he would definitely ruin his chances with Emily.
"Oh, okay," Emily became disappointed with how reclusive Jayden could get. She wondered if she had done something wrong. "I'll see you guys around, bye Kevin, Jayden," she tugged on the strings of her hoodie a bit tighter, as she skipped off.
"You just lost your chance," Kevin noted, and the two of them walked towards Kevin's blue Toyota Carolla. He unlocked his car. "You could've asked her."
"It would've came out wrong, instead of asking her to the dance, I would've asked her to go the bathroom. That's how much anxiety I had," Jayden opened up, and he felt the heat under his collar. "When I'm around her, I just become a bundle of nerves."
Kevin laughed at Jayden. "I'm pretty shocked. You are smooth when you're around Mia," he commented, and he turned on his left signal. He was taking them to the nearest Burger King. The two guys loved that place.
The younger Oliver thought his best friend had hit his head on something. "Mia and I are just friends, like brother and sister," he defended his relationship with her. "We are comfortable with one another, and I know not to cross that boundary," Jayden ended it there.
"Right," Kevin wasn't buying it. "Have you ever thought the reason you haven't asked Emily is because you don't want to hurt Mia's feelings? Or maybe, you really wanna ask Mia to the dance."
"What," the after school martial arts teacher suddenly thought Kevin was deaf. "Hello, I like Emily. Emily is who I like. I don't like Mia, that's like committing incest."
"So you wouldn't care if I asked her?"
Jayden shook his head. "No, and I would recommend it. She needs a great guy in her life.
"Fantastic," Kevin had been thinking about it. "So what are we doing for your birthday? It's coming up," he changed the subject and parked his car in a parking spot.
They exited the car.
"Oh, you won't believe this," Jayden started to answer, and the two entered the building and planned to have a decent lunch together.
Xxxxx
After School
Youth Center
986 Percy Way
"What time do you need to be picked up today," Tommy Oliver queried his son over the phone. He was hoping it would be later than usual.
"Um, maybe, nine," Jayden responded, and he smiled at the latest teen to enter the gym. He waved at her, and she waved back. "That's when this place closes."
In the corner of this place, Mia sadly sighed. She knew where Jayden was looking, in spite of him being on the phone. She shook her head of these envious thoughts. She got right back to work, since that's what she was paid to do at the Youth Center. She grabbed a cloth and began to clean the empty tables.
The most popular teacher at Angel Grove High School thanked the high heavens. "Alright, I'll be there." His plans were set in motion.
"Bye, dad," Jayden hung up the phone. He walked to the mats, where his students were starting to gather. Jayden had been into martial arts since he could practically walk. His Godparents, who were actually Mia's biological parents, were also into martial arts as well. So, it's been very much apart of his life. At this point, he was a second degree black belt. Ernie, the owner of the Youth Center, would let him teach classes here, and he'd get paid on the hour.
"Alright class, now, let's begin," he respectfully bowed.
Ten pupils did the same.
"Hajime (start)," Jayden, as sensei, commanded, "gendan-barai (downward block), ichi (one)," along with the movements he would heavily breathe, which sped his heart up. The fact Emily was also watching made it go even faster. "Choku-zi migi (right, straight punch), ni (two), choku-zi hidari (left, straight punch), san (three), mae-geri migi (right kick), shi (four), mae-geri hidari (left kick), go (five), uraken-uchi (back fist strike), rokyu (six)."
His students listened and did as they were told. All were moving in unison with their sensei. As the fluid motions continued, the young man added more punches, strikes, and kicks. Their stances varied as well. They continued for the next twenty minutes warming up. Finally, it was time for the students to practice their sparring techniques.
A student's hand rose.
"Yes, Damien," Jayden pointed to him.
"Sensei, are we ever going to spar with each other or enter competitions," he curiously queried.
Jayden had been in a lot of them, but his students were ages, seven to ten. He hadn't thought about setting something of that caliber up, at least not yet.
Damien's question sparked another question from another student. "Sensei Jayden, can we watch you spar with someone," Ally, one of the very few girls in the class, requested nicely. The other students enthusiastically agreed he should.
That caused Jayden to chuckle a bit. He loved his class. "Ally, as you can see, I am the only one here. My assistant is out with the fever. Why don't we try and reschedule that another time," he gently let her down. He surveyed the room. There were people honing other skills: tumbling, weight lifting, dancing. Martial arts didn't seem to be their forte.
"Aw, Sensei," the kids complained and pouted.
"I'll do it; I'll spar with him," a familiar voice could be heard.
Emily was on the mat close to karate class. She overheard the challenge, and she became interested. She had seen this person with Jayden before, but they didn't give off any hints they were a couple. Simply, there was no affection between the two. However, the short blonde wasn't sure if the tall brunette had some vindictive reason why Jayden shouldn't asked her to the dance. She made sure to keep an eye on them.
The students saw the young woman walk onto the mats. They each whispered their hesitancy about this. A girl fighting a boy, that was unheard of. They had been taught a boy should never hit a girl.
Jayden's head quickly whipped up, causing whiplash. "Are you sure," he struggled to wrap his head around this.
"Yes, I'm sure," she earnestly replied. She took off her shoes, her socks, and made sure to put her raven colored, long hair in a bun. She was glad to have worn yoga pants to work today. Upon hearing the budding questions from his students, something in her was ignited. She wanted to do this, and she asked Ernie if it was okay to take her break now.
"But your job," he couldn't let her do this.
"I already asked Ernie, and he said it was okay," his best friend assured him. She smiled at every one of the kids present, and she was able to calm their fears. "Jayden's not going to strike my face; I won't strike his. This is going to be a clean match."
"Mia's right," he concurred, and he got on one side of the mat, while she got on the other. He had never sparred with Mia before, and he wasn't even positive what her level was.
The best friends reverently bowed towards each other.
"I thought you would've curtsied," he lightly joked. He placed one foot right over the other and moved clockwise.
Mia copied. "Hardly," she shook her head, and her eyes narrowed. She made the first move and her knuckles made contact with his stomach.
Jayden was surprised by the hit. He faced her, head on. Two spin kicks in a row, and she swiftly countered them. Mia punched him twice, but each time, he blocked her advances. He pushed her stomach, and she stumbled a little. She found her footing and went forward again. She tried to swipe his ankles with the back of her leg, so he would fall to the ground, but he jumped each time. Mia pouted, but she didn't give up. Instead, she kicked his waist.
"Strike two," he said under his breath. He was beginning to grow angry with her.
"What, are you surprised," she snootily posed the question, and she beckoned him forward.
The two raced towards each other. A flurry of punches and kicks were exchanged. Mia back flipped to counter any attacks Jayden could've snuck in. Jayden front flipped, so he could catch up with her. She didn't back down, and she gave him her undivided attention. He shuffled his feet quickly, and she turned her back towards him. Her hands were planted on the floor, and she extended her legs back just in time. They powerfully wrapped around his neck. She could feel his sweat tickling her ankles. With all of her strength, and he was about to break the hold, she flipped him forward. He landed on his back, and she sat upright like a feline, ready to show her prey who's boss.
Jayden kicked up, and he faced her. There was a hint of an arrogant smirk on the corners of his mouth. He was proud of her, and he wondered why she hadn't shown this side before.
"Are they done," Damien silently asked the rest of the group.
"No, they can't be, she's going to kick his butt," Ally retorted as a comeback.
Mia was heavily panting. She wasn't done; she was just getting started. They came back to the center of the mat, bowing once more to show this was supposed to be an amicable fight.
Everyone in the Youth Center had stopped what they were doing, each were trying to get a peek. Emily watched on. She noted the looks between Jayden and Mia. Her hope to be with him was rapidly diminishing. She understood why he hadn't asked her, and she should've read in between the lines. Friends can become a couple. It's happened before!
"Hi-yah," they screamed together.
She punched, his forearms rose. He kicked her right and left side. She used her hands to block each of his feet. This dance between the two repeated for an extra ten minutes.
"Giving up," she questioned him, since she could see on his face he was growing tired.
"Never," he huskily responded. "I never give up on a challenge."
"Funny, neither do I," she slightly panicked, after he grabbed her wrist, and contorted her body. She was parallel to the ground, and he placed his weight on her back. She remained calm though.
"Do you want me to go easy on you," he added more pressure.
Mia softly moaned, since he was actually stretching her fatigued muscles out. "No," she replied, and she extended her leg back as far as it could go. The ballet lessons I took when I was younger are actually paying off, she mused. Success, her foot gracefully made contact with his head.
Flabbergasted by the move, Jayden lost his concentration. He released her arm. Using larger steps than the norm, he approached her. She twisted her body around; she swiped him once, twice, and he couldn't block the quick jabs coming at him. His shoulder, stomach, side, were struck. She missed his face, which was a good thing, and he dodged any other attempted blows that were coming his way. He grunted, as the final stroke was linked to his stomach. He hunched over at the power she held. He fell to the floor. He didn't fall over, thankfully.
The room erupted in cheers at the battle that was just witnessed. Men and women quickly ran over and complimented Mia on a job well done. No one knew she had moves like that. Mia smiled and accepted the congratulatory handshakes. She looked over her shoulder, all the while, her hands or arms were yanked to the right and left. Jayden's class hadn't strayed from his sensei, though the three little girls in his class was looking at the young half Asian, half Caucasian teenage girl with tons of admiration. She was able to slip over to Jayden and helped him off the ground.
"Sorry about that, Jay," she apologized and partly begged for his forgiveness. She didn't know what came over her as well.
"Hey, I'm fine," he put up a front, his muscles felt like fire, and he knew there were bruises ready to form on his back due to this sparring session. He was in conflict on whether or not to let his father know. "Class, please thank Mia on that unexpected demonstration."
"Thank you, Mia," the students chirpily sang.
"It was my pleasure," Mia giggled at how Jayden was walking. He appeared to have a little limp in his step. She definitely felt victorious after that.
"Is she your girlfriend," Damien asked like any other inquisitive child would.
Mia and Jayden became eerily quiet, as if their mouths were taped shut.
"Huh, what," the best friends stumbled over their words after hearing the question.
The children rolled their eyes.
"We are just friends," Mia ascertained clearly.
"Yup, very good friends, best friends, like brother and sister," Jayden didn't want his students confused over the state him and Mia were in.
As much as Mia wished he had said otherwise, she feigned a smile and nodded her head. "Right, know what, I should head back to work," she practically ran off.
Jayden watched her head up the mini set of steps. That was the first time they had boxed. Yeah, the two of them play fought, and they kind of wrestled, but this was the first time he had actually fought her like he would do an opponent. Not only that, but she gave him a run for his money. After this, he knew he would look at Mia in a different light. He wasn't sure what kind of light it would be, but it was different than he had seen her. The fact that she kept up with him, that was a big 'wow' thing. He observed how quickly she got back to work.
Why am I staring at her, he thought to himself.
"Jayden and Mia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," Ally immaturely crooned with a devious grin.
"Ally," Sensei Jayden stopped her. She got quiet, "10 push ups please."
"Aw, man," Ally got right to work.
Three Hours Later...
Mia was the first to leave. She had a fun time today at her work, despite seeing Jayden and Emily talk here and there. She had to remember, her and Jayden were best friends. Sometimes, it was best to keep it that way. She waited in the cold, crisp air. Even though Southern California didn't have snow during the winter time, that didn't stop the temperatures from reaching below the 50s. She thought her sweater would be enough to keep her warm. Hoping the friction would help, she used her hands and rubbed her upper arms like crazy.
It was no help.
"Do you need a jacket," a well-known voice brought her out of her thoughts. Mia turned to him, and she sheepishly nodded. Jayden rummaged through his duffel bag, and he took out his big, red sweater. He helped her put it on.
"Thanks, Jayden," she instantly became pink, since it smelled like him.
"It's no problem," he responded. There was some silence between them. "Uh, do you need a ride?"
"No, my mother's coming to get me," she answered, and she gazed at him. He had just gotten out of the shower, his hair didn't look so perfect, but he was still so good looking in her mind. "Thank you though."
"Anytime, remember," he smiled again.
A car horn sounded, and they looked up. It was Mia's mom.
Mia shifted her purse over her shoulder a bit. "I'll see you at school tomorrow, Jayden," she stepped off the curb and went to the passenger's side. "Hi, Mom," she addressed with a big hug laced in.
"Hey, sweetie, the woman that gave Mia her Asian features hugged her back. "Sorry about this morning, I know I rushed out the door."
"Mom, it's okay. Tommy and Jayden were able to take me."
Her mom looked up at Jayden. "Thank you for taking Mia to school," she acknowledged.
"It's not like we wasted gas in picking her up," he softly jibbed. "It's always nice to see you Mrs. Kwan-Scott."
"Jayden, I'm your God mom. Trini is fine You call Mia's dad, Jason, so you know you can always call me Trini," she reminded him, while she placed the car in drive. "Do you need a ride home?"
"My dad's coming."
Trini nodded. "Alright, well, we should get going then."
"Yeah, we should," Mia agreed. "Bye, Jayden."
Jayden simply nodded, and he watched the unique yellow colored car zoom off. He went back on the curb and waited for his dad. He looked at his cell phone. His father wasn't usually this late. In fact, his father would come about five minutes later. He made sure to call. He hoped his father hadn't gotten hurt or forgot.
"That ride from Trini sounds so good right now," Jayden's teeth began to chatter.
An unknown car rolled into Jayden's vicinity. He ignored the car, even though, it was very nice looking. Once again, he got a hold of his father's voicemail. "Hey, uh, Dad, it's Jayden. Where are you? I'm outside of the Youth Center and it's freezing, so please hurry." He hung up the phone and waited. The nice car was still parked in front of Jayden, and he wished he had a car, so he could head home. The frigid temperature wasn't his best friend, at that moment.
"So, are you going to freeze to death all night," what sounded like his dad's voice asked him.
"Dad," he increduously asked him, and his dad exited from the driver's side.
"In the flesh," Tommy responded, and he made his way over. He watched his son's face become frozen. At least, it was stuck on shock mode. He began to laugh and handed his son the car keys. "It's an early birthday present," he figuratively presented his son with a candy red, 2007 Ford Mustang GT. There was no response out of his son, and he chuckled again. "Jayden, Jayden."
"Dad, are you serious," Jayden had to pinch himself to make sure this was real. His Dad nodded, and Jayden hugged his dad with much oompf. He grabbed the keys and entered the car. He started the Mustang up, and it purred like a kitten. He actually shrieked with excitement. "Oh my gosh, this only has 30 miles on it."
"It's brand new, and I drove it off the lot. All I ask is that you graduate school and keep doing what you're doing," he requested, and of course Jayden obliged. The teen didn't think that was unreasonable. "You really have earned this."
"Thanks, Dad," Jayden lightly pushed the pedal down and left the parking lot of the Youth Center. As he was driving home, he wanted to repay his dad somehow. After all, his dad gave him the greatest present. He wanted to also repay his dad for everything he's ever done, which included taking care of him as a single parent. He needed help on this 'project'. One name popped into his head for that.
Mia.