Heyo everybody! It's really hot here but snowing in Addy's world... feels weird XD but yeah, new chapter!

Day 6

"Addy, Addy! Can we go see Santa Claus over there?" Jamie exclaimed, tugging on her arm.

"Even if he's not real Santa?" Addy's eyes twinkled with their little secret.

Jamie grinned back. "It's still fun."

"Santa Claus," Sophie babbled happily.

"Alrighty then. Let's wait in line."

Addy absolutely adored Christmas. Even more because of her birthday, but aside from that, the spirit was so infectious. They were in the mall where high ceilings echoed with laughter and joy and all the stores stood in glittering lights. As people tracked in, their breaths fogged up in the warm air and snow clung to their pink faces. A small group of people were singing carols a couple places down:

~Sleighbells ring, are you list'nin?

in the lane snow is glist'nin

a beautiful sight

we're happy tonight

walkin' in a winter wonderland~

Before she knew it, the line had shortened until they were finally up.

"Hohoho! Who do we have here?" the man inquired, his eyes twinkling behind the fake white beard. He lifted Sophie into his lap, who looked tiny compared to this jolly person in a huge red suit.

"I'm Jamie and she's my little sister, Sophie. Oh, and that's my babysitter, Addy."

"Is that so?" He gave a big smile. Despite only being a man in a costume, Addy could sense his good nature and smiled at him.

"Well then, what would all you three like for Christmas?"

"I want that new awesome robot that came out!"

"Fairy!"

"Hm sounds easy enough. I'm sure that you'll find some presents like that under your Christmas tree. What about you, miss?" He directed his attention to Addy.

"Me? I don't really have anything particular in mind."

In the background, she could faintly hear the carolers starting up a new song:

~I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree~

Then as if "Santa" heard the song too, he asked if maybe she had something else in mind, other than presents. Meaning someone…

~I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know~

Addy blushed and opened her mouth to talk-

"Don't you like Jack?" Jamie blurted out, blinking innocently.

"I- uh…" she stuttered.

"Is this Jack boy special to you?" "Santa" winked merrily.

"Yep!" Sophie answered for her.

Addy decided to just give up. Apparently the whole world knew it already. "…yes."

~Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you

You, baby~

"Hohoho! I'll see what Santa can do for you then. Have a Merry Christmas!" he waved as they left.

"What if we went to talk to real Santa, North?" Jamie exclaimed as they passed by a jewelry store.

"I'm sure he's really busy-"

"You there, miss! Would you like to take a look at our amazing Christmas sale?" An overly enthusiastic salesclerk from the jewelry store interrupted her.

"Er… sorry, I'm not really interest-"

"Come on, take a look!"

Addy shared a glance with Jamie; Sophie was looking at the Christmas lights above. "Well Jamie, might as well please the person. I should get your mom something anyways."

With a babble of alright's and other sale related issues, they stepped in to look at the sparkling gems. Strolling around, she asked, "What does your mom like, Jamie? Help me pick a nice one out."

She had enough money to spend for a couple gifts and would be paid after from babysitting anyways. Addy stopped by a lovely necklace that had a crystal heart and snowflake dangling on it.

The salesclerk swooped by. "Oh great choice! It just came in today but lots of people have taken interest in it. It's only available until Christmas, so it's one of a kind!"

"Jamie, you think your mom would like this?"

"Mmm… she's more into lockets. Like this one I found!" He pointed to a silver locket behind the glass that Sophie was tapping.

"$30? Not bad, nice quality too… good eye Jamie." She winked and then bought it. "Now we need to keep all this real quiet and it'll be an awesome surprise for your mom."

"Yeah, of course!"

Addy noticed a tiny ruby charm for another necklace and halted once again. She remembered that her own mom loved rubies and a little sadness took her heart. Maybe some time when she finished her babysitting, she'd give it to her mom. So she bought that necklace too.

Jamie took notice. "Who's that for?"

She smiled, but it seemed a little too small, a little melancholy. "My mom."

After a little more of wandering around the mall and mentally bookmarking the stores to go back to(to buy presents for Jamie and Sophie), they went back home.