'I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas
Is you!'
"Dear lord, not you too." Nolee scoffed entering the coffee shop to find an extra enthusiastic Kira dancing along to the radio as she opened the register.
"What, it's Christmas time! Don't be a grinch." the long haired brunette protested continuing her dance.
"Don't tell me what do Ms. Martin, I'll be a grinch if I want." Nolee retorted as Kira stuck out her tongue.
"Come on, where's your Christmas spirit?"
"If I hear one more person tell me that, they're getting a muffin shoved down their throat."
"Kinky." Kira winked. "And you know it wouldn't kill you to show some enthus-" Kira's sentence had trailed off as the smaller girl watched her brown eyes fill with horror and fixated at the door.
"Kira what are you staring at- oh jesus christ," Nolee whispered equally distraught as they were forced to witness their balding boss enter the shop proudly donning yet another jumpsuit. To the girls' horror the jumpsuit was not only bloody red but decorated with blinking christmas lights, and a sad looking rudolph the red nose reindeer that emphasized the older man's stomach.
"Cosmo...what...is...that?" Kira asked discombobulated.
"It's my Christmas jumpsuit silly, thought it'd be nice for the customers. Do you girls like it? I made it myself." Cosmo beamed proudly while the girls did their very best to smile through the nausea.
"I mean...it's uhh..." both girls stammered in unison while Cosmo held a hand up.
"I get it. You're just so impressed you can't even find the words, aww shucks you girls are too kind." Cosmo winked at them before merrily carrying onto the backroom where both girls stood frozen.
"My eyes...they're bleeding." Nolee whispered sadly.
"Forget what I said earlier about Christmas spirit."
"I thought the lime green jumpsuit was awful, but this...I don't know if I can recover from this." Nolee feared putting a hand over heart.
"Just remember he's letting us have Christmas Eve and Christmas off. That makes up for the abuse we were just subjected to."
"Right."
"Are you spending Christmas with Murphy?" Kira gushed as Nolee nodded her head.
"Seems like it."
"Have things gotten better since you know, that night?" Kira inquired referring to her and Murphy's date. Nolee cringed thinking about what happened and tried to forget it since then.
"They have. We still haven't you know...but we talked things out and he understood." she answered gently.
"You know I have to hand it to you."
"What do you mean?"
"You managed to make a guy whipped over your pregnant ass."
"Kira." Nolee chided but half smiled. "That's a little mean don't you think?"
"It's not mean, it's truth sweetie. You go from hating him tovnn spending Christmas with him. Maybe the Old and the Beautiful should take some cues from you both."
"Oh that's so kind of you. Is that you trying to say I should be on a soap opera?"
"Precisely."
"Gee thanks."
"I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's romantic. I'm a little jealous actually."
"You really shouldn't be jealous, trust me."
"Yeah yeah. So, what did you get him for Christmas?"
"Uhh...actually I still need to do that."
"Nolee Wade how could you wait so long, shame on you." Kira scolded as Nolee gasped.
"Well sorry Murphy's not exactly the easiest person to shop for. It's not like there's an abundance of ideas to get an Irishman who mainly only likes burgers and cigarettes."
"There has to be something he likes."
"Well actually I do have one idea, but that requires me to go to the mall. Want to tag along?"
"Don't have to ask me twice. Sure."
"Cool, guess we'll go after our shift ends."
With the plan to go get Murphy a Christmas gift after work being put into motion, Nolee tried to concentrate on work. But that proved to be a challenge as the day seemed to suddenly turn on her. Maybe it was the pregnancy brain that was responsible for dropping things and forgetting customer orders. She scolded herself mentally trying to compose herself, she never was this forgetful.
The attempt to keep the day decent was inevitably short lived when she unfortunately served one of the upper class businessmen of Boston.
"I said I wanted hazelnut! Did you not listen to a word I said?" the blonde businessman huffed angrily as the small girl did her best to stay neutral.
"I'm really sorry sir I mixed up your drink. I'll make you another-"
"I don't have time to wait! I shouldn't have to wait in the first place, how incompetent are you?" he fumed. Nolee bit the inside of her lip in an effort to not cry. There had been many shady customers that came in but this guy had seemed to be the worst. The way he looked at her as if she was less than human had made her awful. Of course Kira had to be on break leaving her on her own to deal with it.
"Sir, she said she was sorry." a voice interrupted the angry man as Nolee quickly diverted her gaze to the source. She was surprised to find a tall fit male standing there. Her eyes widened a bit at the tan complexion he had and light brown eyes. His black hair was buzzed cut and given the nature of his very muscular arms, Nolee wasn't sure he was some she'd want to mess with.
"Am I talking to you?" the businessman snarled as the tall male kept calm unfazed.
"No, but the girl said she was sorry and she'd make you another one, there's no need to be a prick about it."
"Excuse me?" the businessman scoffed clearly never been called out for his behavior.
"You heard me, leave her alone." the tall male countered coolly. The businessman seemed taken aback and stumbled on a response but even Nolee could see the man debating if he should press on with the muscular male.
"You can be assured I'll be taking my business elsewhere." he scoffed giving both Nolee and the male one last dirty glance before storming out the shop. Nolee felt her stomach twist nerves at what just taken place. The day was turning to shit and all she wanted to was go home at this point.
"You okay?" the male asked turning his attention back to her as she nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for that you didn't have to do that though." she replied politely.
"Well I think it was a little necessary, he didn't have to be such a dick." the tall male sneered while she bit her lip once again. She was more than certain she'd never see him in the shop before and the way he carried himself was intimidating to be honest.
"Yeah, well that's the joys of customer service." Nolee sighed as he only laughed in response.
"Maybe so, but the 'customer is always right' thing is bullshit sometimes. Doesn't give you the right to treat others like shit."
"If only all customers thought the way you did." Nolee smiled a bit. "What can I get you?"
"Just a medium caramel macchiato please. And if you mess up, I promise I won't yell at you." he teased while her face flushed.
"Thanks." she replied shyly. "That'll be $3.00" she added as he reached into his pant pocket and gave her a five dollar bill. Nolee finalized the transaction before giving him his change back. "It'll be just a minute."
"I'm not in a rush, no worries." he smiled as she bit her lip again and went to start on his drink avoiding eye contact as much as possible. When she finished she slowly slid the cup over the counter to him.
"Here's your caramel macchiato."
"Thanks." he smiled once more flashing white teeth at her while picking up his drink.
"Hope you don't have to deal with anymore assholes today. Keep your chin up."
"Thanks, I will." Nolee laughed a bit as he gave a nod.
"Have a good one." he replied before walking out without another word while she watched him leave. That was surely a different experience she had at Cosmo's. There was something about him she couldn't put her finger on, he looked slightly familiar but she couldn't remember. Picking her brain for a bit before she sighed and carried on with her day. It's not like she was attracted to him or anything...there was just something about him.
"Did I miss anything interesting?" Kira's voice appeared as she tied her apron behind her while Nolee rolled her eyes.
"Just the biggest asshole customer yet."
"Really? What happened?" Kira pressed making her eyes light up in curiosity.
"I accidentally mixed up this businessman's drink and he totally raged about it."
"Oh hell no, you should have called me up front I would've decked him for you."
"Whoa Kira, calm down. There was actually another guy behind that told him off for me."
"Really? What did the businessman say to him?"
"He got huffy puffy and stormed out. The man was rather intimidating...and muscular."
"Was he hot though?"
"Honestly...a little." Nolee admitted with a shrug.
"Why do you keep attracting the hot ones? Like is your pregnancy some sort of magical charm all of the sudden?" Kira pouted.
"You're being dramatic, he was just being a decent human being and sticking up for someone against a douchebag. Also, I wouldn't say I'm attracting guys, Murphy's just the exception."
"Oh, so you're officially claiming him now?"
"Well I...you know...shut up." Nolee stammered blushing.
"Oh Nolee, you're in deeper than Mariana's Trench."
"Sweet freedom." Nolee whispered exhaling a sigh of relief stepping into the mall completely relieved the crappy day had finally come to an end. Sometimes there was nothing compared to walking into the mall and being welcomed with food court scents.
"Where to first?" Kira smiled happy to be back at her mothership. All though the mall was crowded with other fellow last minute shoppers it definitely beat being at the coffee shop.
"First food. Today sucked and I want to eat my feelings."
"Okay...what are you craving?"
"A pretzel." Nolee beamed. "Ooh, and ice cream with sauerkraut." she added drooling at the thought making Kira gag.
"I literally just threw up in my mouth, what the actual fuck."
"Sorry, it's the cravings..."
"After you, I don't think I want to be pregnant. Ever."
"You don't know the half of it sister. Just wait until you deal with the constant constipation."
"Oh god." Kira cringed. "I've lost my appetite thank you."
"You're so very welcome." Nolee smiled as they walked to the food court. Upset at not being able to have her ice cream with sauerkraut the warm soft salty pretzel had managed to fulfill her cravings temporarily. The cold drink must've woken the baby given a series of kicks to her side. Almost as if to say 'what the fuck mom?'
"Sorry little one, but I mean you are the one making me have these cravings." Nolee reasoned to her stomach.
"Do you ever think how Murphy will be with the baby?" Kira thought aloud making Nolee stop mid bite of her pretzel, the thought vaguely crossing her mind before. Murphy seemed protective and caring, she was certain he'd treat her child the same way. She couldn't really fathom him mistreating the baby for any reason, at best she was concerned his spontaneous and laid back ways might allow the baby to get away with things.
"I think he'll do good with her." Nolee assured softly.
"That's good, you just got to make sure he wouldn't like secretly resent her for not being biologically his. Not that I think Murphy's the type of guy to be that way, you just gotta be careful nowadays you know?" Kira reasoned while Nolee felt her stomach churn and this time it wasn't from the baby. Processing Kira's words Nolee began to wonder if Kira had a good point. Could Murphy be capable of something like that? The last thing she would ever want was someone secretly harboring resentment towards her child. It was scary enough hiding from her past, but if she were to accidentally make the same mistake again, Nolee couldn't bare it.
"Yeah I know." she answered quietly.
"I don't get that vibe from him, so don't worry." Kira assured. "Just good to be cautious for your child right?"
'Don't worry. Ha good one.'
"Yeah of course." Nolee agreed with her poker face as if her mind hadn't wandered off into paranoid thoughts once again thanks to Kira.
"And speaking of Irishmen...do you know a lot about umm Connor?" Kira inquired shyly as Nolee noted the red spreading across the taller girl's cheeks.
"You're acting like you have a high school crush Kira. Are you that sprung over Connor?" Nolee smirked as Kira's mouth went agape in slight offense.
"I'm not sprung okay...he's just really fucking hot...and I...shut up." Kira retorted further blushing causing the small girl to laugh in amusement.
"Look who's smitten now. And for what it's worth creeper, Connor seems to like you too." Nolee admitted deciding to stop torturing the poor girl.
"He does?!" Kira beamed excitedly before composing herself and coughing. "I mean umm, of course he does." Kira added now calmly flipping her long hair over shoulder as Nolee rolled her eyes. "Did he say anything about me?"
"He asked me if I worked with you when I took out him to dinner."
"Wait what?" Kira asked confused.
"Oh right, I forgot to tell you I took Connor out to dinner as a means of asking for him blessing. You know, just to make things civil once and for all seeing as Murphy and I are moving along. Just thought it'd be the right thing to do."
"Woman you gotta stop keeping out of the loop goddamn it!"
"Sorry! It's the pregnancy brain, it's screwing me up lately. I'm lucky if I remember to wear pants in public half the time."
"Fair enough I guess. So he gave you his blessing then?"
"Pretty much. He said I earned his respect by talking to him one and one, that'd no girl had ever done that before."
"Well that's awesome then...I'm sure Murphy will be pleased."
"I didn't tell Murphy yet."
"Why not?" Kira questioned again confused.
"I wanted to do it on my own accord, I didn't want Murphy to think I'm just trying to suck up to his brother."
"I guess I can understand that." Kira shrugged but the small girl could see the desperate curiosity burning in her emerald eyes.
"Then after dinner, Connor mentioned you okay? He certainly showed some interest so make of it what you will." Nolee clarified sensing the girl fighting the urge to bounce around.
"Seeing as I'm your bestest friend soon to be auntie ever and always there for you, do you suppose you could um..."
"Put in a good word?"
"Precisely."
"You're incredibly dumb to trust me as matchmaker, but I will do my very best young padawan."
"I'll ignore the dumb comment and just say thank you."
"That'd be a very wise choice."
"Where we going anyways?"
"There's a shop I want to look at, I'll be quick I promise." Nolee assured as they made their way over to a small shop. Kira lifted her eyebrow as she observed the many world culture artifacts.
"What is this history class all over again? Are you getting him a subscription to national geographic or something?"
"Of course not genius. Just let me look okay, I think Murphy would like something here."
"If you say so."
"Hello, can I help you ladies?" the elderly man from behind the register smiled at them kindly.
"Do you have any sort of gift boxes?"
"Oh yes, they're in the back section."
"Great thank you." Nolee smiled as she headed towards the back of the shop. Her brown eyes scanned the many gift boxes and one in particular caught her eye. Smiling as she reached out to grab the Mahogany box and studied the design on top it, a sense of satisfaction spread across her lips.
"You're perfect."
After their shopping was complete and Nolee managing to find a gift for the new three men in her life, a breath of relief escaped her mouth followed by an ironic laugh.
'Two Irishmen and a hairy Italian, I'm on a roll here.'
"Thanks for tagging along with me." Nolee told the tall girl sincerely as they reached her apartment.
"No prob, you know the mall is my second home. Too bad Ray wasn't working today so I couldn't score us free fries by flirting with him like I always do."
"If only I had your confidence...and your boobs."
"You're too sweet, you're gonna make me cry." Kira sniffed as she opened her door. "Hold on before you go, I have something for you."
"Oh yeah...what is that?" Nolee asked raising her eyebrow. Kira smiled as she reached behind her door. "I know you don't like extravagant things...but I couldn't help myself." she added as she revealed a white and pink laced pram filled with baby girl items complete with a large bow on top. Nolee stared at the stroller in shock and felt her eyes water.
"Kira...that is...beautiful." Nolee whispered genuinely touched at the gesture. The pram was vintage looking and extremely girly but Nolee was in love.
"Don't worry I didn't spend a whole lot on it, I know some people. It turns out that shopping for someone besides yourself is actually fun, who knew." Kira teased.
"Kira, I can't accept this." Nolee replied guiltily.
"Yes you can and you will. Any niece of mine has to be cruising in style."
"This means more to me than you could ever know, thank you, seriously."
"You don't have to thank me, it's my job. You're my sister." Kira smiled as the small girl lifted her head up filled with emotion she didn't know she could feel. It hadn't been that long they knew each other but Nolee felt like she knew Kira her whole life. Sure she was crazy and self absorbed some times...but goddamn was a she good friend underneath it all, and Nolee was never more grateful to Cosmo for bringing them together.
"You're my sister." Nolee repeated sincerely as they both reached out for hug. For that split second Nolee felt at peace.
"Okay let's stop with the mushy mushy before I ruin my makeup." Kira teased as Nolee laughed through her tears.
"Fair enough. But seriously, this is amazing where did you even get this?"
"Ahh, a lady never reveals her secrets." Kira winked as Nolee furrowed her eyebrows at her.
"Okay, I flirted with John at Mary Kate's Dollhouse, and may or may not have let him motorboat me."
"I should have known." Nolee sighed but wouldn't harp on the girl, after all the stroller was the most beautiful one she had ever seen. "Now I feel bad only getting you a pair of heels, but they're cheetah print like you wanted." Nolee confessed as the tall girl laughed.
"I love em' already. But if you want to make it up to me, you can have Connor naked under my tree on Christmas." Kira sighed blissfully as Nolee cringed at the involuntarily mental image.
"Annnd the moment's officially ruined."
After bidding her goodbyes to Kira and walking her new pram home while feeling slightly ridiculous, Nolee still was content. Imagining the mysterious little face that would soon be in that pram brought a smile to her face. Setting all the items inside her apartment Nolee huffed exhausted.
"Great, now I actually have to wrap this shit." she grumbled sighing once more before starting on the presents. When she finished she placed the pram and the gifts under the tree. A bittersweet feeling swept through her as she sat back astonished. It was funny how just months ago she was used to only her own company. Now four more bodies had somehow occupied her life, soon to be five. Fragments of her old life had disappeared in that moment, leaving the girl unbothered.
Maybe, just maybe, things were finally looking up after all.