Ami quickly puts on her winter clothes after she finishes confirming her appointment for the eye doctor at the mall. She is very lucky to get in so soon. Knowing how busy her mom can get, she writes a quick note and sticks it to the fridge just before she rushes out the door to catch the bus. She reaches the stop just in time, she pays and takes a seat while looking out the window. She sees the bus has turned onto Usagi's street and she sees a glimpse of her friend through the frosted window. Shes on her porch sitting with her head down and looking miserable. Concerned about her friend, Ami gets off at the next stop.

I hear snow crunch as feet run up my walkway, I look up, wiping tears from my eyes and am surprised to see Ami there. "Hi, what are you doing here?"

"I was on my way to the mall to get my eyes checked and saw you. You looked pretty down. I wanted to make sure your alright Usagi. Another bus stops here in ten minutes so I can still make it, don't worry."

"My mom told me I can't be friends with Haruka or Michiru. I guess she didn't like me staying out late."

"But we were not out that late we all left Minako's house before 10, so you must have been home before 11."

"She said if I asked anymore questions, I'd be in my room for the holidays, so there's nothing I can do to find out why." Usagi says with tears in her eyes.

"Well if you want, you can come to the mall with me, after my Optometrist appointment is done we can walk around and I will take you out for lunch." Ami says with a reassuring smile.

"Really Ami! That does sound fun. Thanks, your a great friend! I will get ready. Give me a minute, I have to go in and tell mom where I am going." Usagi says before heading inside and closing the door.

A few minutes later Usagi and Ami are waiting at the Bus stop.

"I hope your eyes are ok Ami." Usagi says looking at Ami with concern.

"I don't want to let my mother down, I haven't finished all the books I need to study. It will take time to go over them all. What really worries me Usagi is what if I don't get better in time for the test on Christmas day?"

I take a seat by Ami as we get on the bus. "You'll do great no matter what! You are the smartest girl I know." I pause for a moment noticing how full it is. "Wow this bus is crowded. OW!" A toddler on it's moms lap is kicking me in the back.

"Don't worry Usagi our stop is coming up soon. We are lucky that it's not rush hour."

We walk off the bus and into the mall. "Thanks for coming with me, I am honestly nervous about what the Optometrist will say. It should be just down here." We spend a few minutes fighting through the crowd. "There it is. I am going to go let her know I am here, I shouldn't be too long Usagi."

"Ok!" Usagi says cheerfully as she takes a seat and looks at the magazines. "Hmm, it says how to make hot dates for your man... Think I will take a look." She opens the magazine and looks curiously at the articles. "Huh, those cookies are a weird shape... they look like weird rockets and mushrooms...Whoa that girl barely has clothes on... Why is she sitting like that? None of this makes sense." Usagi frowns in confusion. "I can't ask mom, she'd have a fit and dad... No way." After some time thinking, Usagi remembers just how close Michiru and Haruka are. "Maybe they know more about this kind of stuff..."

Walking out of the office I reflect on my diagnosis,the doctor said I have serious eye strain, that's what is giving me the headaches. I am supposed to take it easy and rest my eyes more often, hopefully I can still continue my studies. "What are you reading Usagi?"

"Nothing." Startled by Ami, I quickly hide the magazine in my jacket. "So glad your ok, lets celebrate and go eat lunch! I am so hungry!" I try to change the subject.

Ami laughs. "Sounds good to me Usagi, how about some burger meals? I can go order it while you get a table."

"Sure Ami! Sounds good to me make mine a milkshake, vanilla please!" I watch as Ami disappears in the crowd, we were lucky to find this table...

I just finished watching a movie and was about to order lunch when..

RING RING

I answer my phone. "Hey Minako, what are you up to?"

"I am just out shopping at a different mall, looking for more sales."

I hear someone yelling in the background on her phone...

"Hurry up Minako your lunch is nearly over! These toilets wont clean themselves kid!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I'm sure, the stuff here is awesome gotta go!" Click.

She's not shopping but I have no clue where she is. I wonder whats going on for a few moments while sipping my tea. Well there's nothing I can do yet but I won't waste time, soon as I find out anything she will be somewhere better. It's been two days since what happened at the mall and I have been keeping myself as busy as possible to avoid thinking of THAT person again, with that thought I decide to give Thorn a call to check in on how things are going.

"Hey Haruka -oof watch it asshole!- Sorry about that but people are like animals in this mall and I am just waiting on Jade. Shes trying stuff on is all, you know how she and I are with fashion, only this time I finished first."

"That's a new one for you Thorn, have trouble finding that Jacket you wanted or was it the shoes? I know it was not the make up, it's more of Jades thing to take a million years to look at."

"Oh shut up, you like fashion too or you wouldn't look as good as you do. The only difference is we take our time and find better bargains then you." There is more muffled yelling in the background as what sound like teenagers fight over some sort of makeup, Thorn starts scolding them with familiar and harsh tone before continuing. "I did manage to get you a few new hoodies and shirts."

"Isn't Christmas gifts supposed to be a surprise Thorn?"

"No, they are not part of your gift Haruka, I did worse then that when shopping for you. I'd never make it that easy. Oh, here comes Jade, I better be going. We love you and can't wait to keep you more busy then your racing does." click

I set my cellphone down shaking my head. It's never a dull moment with all of them coming down, she's right I better be ready for all the action...

I bring the food over to Usagi. "The line up was big but I managed to get through that, not sure how fresh the food will be."

"Its fine with me! Lets eat!" I pick up the burger and take a big bite CHOMP! chew chew chew...

I watch as Usagi turns red, steam coming out of her ears as she guzzles the milkshakes and runs they must of mixed up our orders, I didn't order the ghost pepper deluxe burgers, with all the crowd I can't see where Usagi went at all. I decide to go back and make sure this time to get the correct order, that is if she still wants to eat after that."

GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG! Usagi is frantically guzzling water, desperate to stop the burning in her mouth.

"I am thirsty too lady hurry up!" A young and impatient girl yells at Usagi.

GLUG GLUG GLUG GLUG! Usagi ignores the brat.

"Big brother! The big mean lady won't let us other kids drink from the fountain!" A line up of impatient children has formed.

The older Brother looms over Usagi and says nothing...CRACKS KNUCKLES...

GLUG GLUG GULP... "I'm on fire!"

"Yeah, yeah. I don't care. MOVE IT!" Shouts the scary older boy.

Usagi nervously runs off. "I need more water! It's still burning like a hot coal!"

A tired worker stares at Ami."Your order will be out soon mam at no extra charge, just be patient there are only twenty people ahead of you, here's a number."

"Alright." I take the number and sigh putting my headphones on and start listening to the one audio book I downloaded. I hope Usagi is alright.

"Water!" I cry as I see a lady with a stand offering milk.

"FREE FRESH ORGANIC MILK SAMPLES!

farm fresh taste once you..."

"Gimme! Never mind the samples I will take the whole jug! GLUG GLUG GLUG ahhhhhhhhh! much better!..."

"Ahem and how will you be paying miss."

I see the lady tapping her foot at me looking at the big empty milk jug. I check my pockets. Oh no I forgot my wallet! "Um well..."

Ami has been standing around waiting for a while. Wow, this line is very slow, I am already half way through my book. I have been in this line nearly an hour, wonder where Usagi is. She has been standing so long she is feeling stiff and so decides to take a break from her reading and do some stretches.

"Hey you." One of the other women in line says. "This line is boring as hell, want to play some gin rummy?"

"Sure why not." Ami answers and watches as the other woman deals out the cards on the counter edge.

"Names Beverly, whats yours?" Beverly asks.

"My name is Ami, thank you for the invite to play. It's too bad Usagi isn't here to join the fun, she would enjoy a good game of cards" Ami picks up her hand of cards "Would you mind showing me as we play? This is a new game for me."

"I don't mind at all." Beverly answers.

"Ami look! They are handing out free samples to those other people waiting. The cool new dessert fries here grabbing two at least we got eats while we stand here this game is easy to learn and with luck time will be on our side..."

I hear my cell ringing, I pause the movie and answer it.

"Hey Haruka, it's me Hailey, I am in town for the next while. Was wondering if you would like to hang out?"

"Hey, sure. It's been awhile. You can come tonight, I can order dinner and as for dessert... Well we will see."

Hailey laughs. "Ok Haruka, I'm in. I have missed you."

"See you then, bye." It's been awhile since I have seen Hailey, she's my ex, we only broke up because of distance and our busy lives.

Before I can order dinner my phone rings again, answering my cell. "Hey, Shawn any news?"

"Hey Haruka I did some digging, found there's been a lot of lay offs for some reason, I was informed of many complaints regarding lack of pay and some missing boxes of disks or records and such. No one can come up with any explanation."

"Ok then that's enough for me to hear I would like some one sent there immediately today and get back to me ASAP."

"Alright Haruka you got it."

"Thank you for the assistance" After finishing the call I order dinner for Hailey and I walk in to the bathroom, I look into the mirror and see the slight swelling just under my eye where there's a small cut and some bruising from being punched in the face with a ring. I take a minute to properly wash my face. My face will heal fast enough but for now as much as I dislike it, I should use some make up. This isn't the first time I have needed to cover up the occasional bruise.

As I get home from a temp job I cant help but think about how everything in my body hurts. I spent all day cleaning bathrooms and picking up garbage at the Christmas Market. It's pretty ironic how the time that is supposed to be dedicated to kindness and compassion has so little of it in the mad frenzy of shopping. I open the front door and trudge inside. I am just too tired to eat and feeling bad for lying to Haruka, I drag myself to the bathroom to take a shower. I wash quickly, dry myself and collapse into bed.

Ami explains to Usagi. "That's the first time I have spent the entire afternoon in a line up but I finished my book. I was even able to download two more audio books and I learned a new card game. I met new friends and then after all that I finally got our food, although you look quite full Usagi."

"Ohhh you bet I am!" Usagi shouts. "I am sooo full of water and milk, the lady even had me walk around with samples since I drank a whole jug of her milk. Now I need to go to the bathroom again! I hope the bus gets to my house sooooon!" Usagi whines.

"I'm sure it will Usagi." Ami reassures her. "It's too bad we didn't get to do more today, I wanted to see the new chess boards at the game store and the new books that came in at the library cafe." Ami sighs in disappointment. "Oh well, too bad. At least you have a snack for later."

Squirming in her seat on the bus, Usagi wishes she could have tried the new video game demos. She would have finished shopping too if she remembered her wallet. "Why is the bus going sooooo slow." She looks out the window, it's starting to get dark. The snow is falling lightly to the ground.

The intercom buzzes to live, the driver making an announcement. "I am sorry folks but due to breaking down we will be delayed reaching our next stops."

"Oh boy Ami I hope it wont be too long." Usagi squirms with a desperate need to use a toilet. "Why did that burger have to be so hot!" She groans with dismay.

That spa did nothing to relax me, the shopping was meaningless. Michiru sighed, frustrated with her thoughts.I can't get the look of pain on Haruka's face from my mind. Why couldn't I tell my mom the truth about her? I don't know. For as long as I can remember I was surrounded by my teachers and my mother, who kept telling me things like "you will grow up to be a fine young woman of grace, intelligence, beauty and great artistic talents." I never went to regular school, I was home schooled at first and was only enrolled in a private school after much pleading against my reluctant mother. I enjoy painting, my mother insisted I focus more on music.

I shake my self from my thoughts and try dialing Haruka's number again with no success, she must have blocked me. I fall onto my pillows to cry my eyes out.

Haruka opens the door to let Hailey in, she looks just as beautiful as Haruka remembered with her short red hair, blue eyes, tanned skin. Shes wearing a pearl white sparkling sweater with navy blue pants full of tiny silver snowflakes. Seeing her brings back a lot of memories to Haruka.

Hailey hugs Haruka. "You look just as beautiful as ever, how have things been?" Hailey can't help but look at her and be captivated, her sandy blond hair, her stunning teal eyes and charming smile. She's wearing a white blouse with silver buttons and black dress pants. "Haruka you didn't need to dress up for me, your supposed to be recovering."

"I am having dinner with a beautiful woman, of course I dress up. It's been awhile since I have seen you and apart from this damn splint I am just fine. Dinner should arrive shortly, please have a seat and be comfortable."

I look around the apartment. "Your place looks beautiful Haruka, I like how you keep it simple and comfortable, though it looks more organized then I am used to it being."

Haruka laughs. "I do try not to leave my place looking like a hurricane hit it."

"Saw your dad two weeks ago, he's so very excited to see you too. I almost forgot, he gave me this for you but said not to open it yet. He said to set it under your tree but I just noticed you don't have a Christmas tree up yet."

Haruka takes the package. "Huh, weird. Most times he just gives them to me when he gets here. Also you know how busy things get for me I tend to forget things, like trees."

"You never change, well I heard of a good tree farm near by that has great trees. It might even have a tree someone as picky as you will like. So how are things going with your girlfriend she I am sure occupies your time as well."

"I'd rather not speak of her, we are no longer together, things changed and I am better off. You know how I am." The door bell rings. "There goes the door, it must be our dinner. I'll go get it."

"No it's ok, I don't mind. I can get it-oof." There is an awkward moment as they bump into each other, they both end up getting to their feet and going to the door.

Hailey is in Haruka's space, there is a warm tension between them as they walk to the door and bring the food inside.

Hailey sets the food out. "Sorry about running into you like that." Haruka sits on the chair across from her. "This all looks delicious, why am I not surprised you remember my favorites. You really didn't need to do all this."

"It's ok Hailey I don't mind at all." Haruka opens a take out box full of garden salad, she adds some ranch onto it and starts eating.

"Well Usagi at least we got to see the Christmas light parade and you were able to use the bathroom in that lovely cafe, they have great hot chocolate too." Ami sips her cup of hot chocolate. "What would you like to do while we wait for the next bus to come along? I still can't believe ours broke down and had to be towed. You'd think they took better care of the buses."

"That cafe was neat, I loved seeing Santa clause! Brrr." Usagi shivers. "I hope my mom don't get mad, I tried my dads cell and like always he never leaves it on except for his work as for moms cell it's on but her machine is full. She never remembers to check that."

"Don't worry Usagi I'm sure she will understand, I will help explain everything. How about we look around the dollar store? It looks like it has interesting items." Ami checks her phone clock. "We have an hour till the next bus comes so it's best to keep busy and get out of the cold."

"Ok Ami, the store does look cool. I will try to call my mom again later." They walk across the street to the dollar store. "It sure does have a lot to look at." Usagi says. "Wow look at the cool surprise bags!" Seeing Ami is busy looking at the book section with all the activity, puzzle, cook books and other school stuff Usagi decides to walk off to check out the posters and toys.

Hailey and I are enjoying the movie on the big screen while sipping sodas and eating popcorn. After a while we both reach in to the big bowl of popcorn at the same time only to touch each others hands.

"I am sorry Haruka." Hailey laughs. "I know you eat way more popcorn then me because I know the way you take big handfuls."

"No way, you eat it way faster then me." I pause the movie "It's fine. Anyway we can just refill the bowl, it wont take long same combo extra butter coming up."

"Sounds just perfect to me, there is nothing better then a big movie night when life has been so busy. This is the most relaxed I have been in weeks."

RING RING

I set the popcorn bag in the microwave and press the button to start it up. Who in hell would be calling me at this time of night? That number don't look like one I know but whatever, pressing the green button I answer the phone "hello".

"Is this Haruka?"

"Yeah who's this?"

"I AM USAGI'S MOTHER! WHERE IS MY BABY? I FOUND YOUR NUMBER IN HER PINK PHONE BOOK! I ALREADY TOLD HER TO STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU!"

"What? How should I know where she is! I cant even drive right now, my elbow is in a Splint. The person you saw driving was my ex, Michiru. Didn't you check her other friends!?"

"I DID AND THERE'S NO ANSWER ANYWHERE! YOU BETTER NOT BE LYING TO ME OR YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE! I PROMISE YOU!"

"Look I don't know what the hell is going on! But I am done with this call!" I push the end call button and throw my phone away from me in frustration.

Hailey looking at me, she's clearly worried. "Haruka, try to calm down."

Hailey is used to my temper ,seeing me angry is nothing new to her. "I am so fucking tired of being told how people like me are terrible and if I get hit or yelled at ONE MORE TIME ILL.."

Hailey wraps her arms around Haruka in a warm hug. "Your not any of that at all and no one should ever hurt you that way... It sounds like you have been having a rough time."

"Yes that's the tip of it Hailey, I accepted who I am years ago but others don't. I am in the shadows not meant to be seen or beside someone with the tight grip to be kept silent at the end of the day to be locked away in a closet till they decide to open the door it's sickening! I am tired of others trying to have me live ashamed to hopefully be fucking erased from society!"

"I have never done anything like that to you and there are others who would never do that either Haruka. Remember not everyone is like that, society can be cruel, complicated, compulsive and so much more but don't let it change you or make you feel like a prisoner with the illusion of freedom you have a right to be Haruka till you say otherwise."

"I am a guy only in my career due to stupid sexist issues, mostly guys are on track, I don't need the shit of any of them trying to use me as a model or to get in my pants. I'd rather jump off a cliff with my motorcycle first."

"I get that Haruka and it's really no one else business but yours really. You should not have to explain your life to anyone at all and you deserve privacy." I keep a tight hold on her frame I can feel the heat from her.

I look at Hailey. shes so close I can hear her breathing. She feels the intensity of my anger. Our lips are not far apart. I can tell she's hesitating but not me. No more. looking right at her eyes I lean in. Our lips touch with an explosion of emotions.

I look into Haruka eyes to see tears in the corners and still the flush of anger on her cheeks. She's sweaty and so am I. We both are familiar with this but it's been awhile since it's been this intense between us.

The beep of the microwave goes off and the smell of fresh popcorn is in the air but right now that don't matter to me. I made my move and that was it. Hailey wipes my eyes, which smears the make up I had on, shes used to seeing that too. It don't surprise her, she knows about the days I'd get in fights with my short fuse.

I lead Haruka to the couch with me. I know now is not a good time to ask questions or bring up the shit that has hit. All I do is answer her kiss. I lean in kissing her just as we used too when we were dating. I didn't realize just how much I have missed this...