DISCLAIMER:
Hello, this fanfic is a gift to LBelle222 for the Secret Santa in the r/TD server discord. I hope you really enjoy it.
In this AU, all TD drama characters work in W-Mart. The G1 has been working more time and are older than the G2. G3 characters are usually part-timers, and the rest are clients. I hope you enjoy it.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV and its creators. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic
W-Mart: Pre-Xmas Carol
It was the morning of December 23. Just a couple of days before Christmas. Most teenagers were enjoying the holidays and relaxing now that school was over.
But not Amanda (Amy to those few and selected friends). Her parents put the sisters to work half-time in Wawanakwa Mart (W-Mart for short), a supermall a few streets away from their home. In their own words, it will help Samantha (Amy's twin sister) to win more self-confidence and Amy to become a little more humble. But today was different. The only one that was going to work today was the older twin.
She was sitting beside her mother in the car, wearing a red shirt and blue jeans with her arms folded.
"I can't believe that Sammy got the flu today, how convenient," said Amy aloud in a snarky tone.
"Amanda! Your sister has a fever, and it's your responsibility to go to your job. So stop acting like a brat. Don't you feel some pity for your poor sister?" said Amy's mother, that was driving her to the supermall.
The older twin decided to don't keep discussing with her mom. It was always the same. Samey was the poor good girl, and she the villain.
Soon they arrived, and Amy went directly to Courtney's office, the Human resource manager. She was a bossy and uptight woman who liked to demand perfection for even the part-timers like Amy. You know the type of woman who enjoyed shouting a lot and doesn't have friends.
But at least it would be quick, as every day. They'll have small talk, and then the manager would give her the Santa Claus' uniform she and Sammy used to hand out flyers with the mall's discounts to the passers-by. She will spend the day handing flyers and done.
Or that was what she thought. But today, even that would be different.
Courtney looked down on the blond girl. "You're 6 minutes late, Amanda! It's bad enough your sister called in sick. We can't waste time. Follow me."
"You will not give me my uniform? You know, so I can get changed and all that," asked Amy t with contempt at the manager.
"Did I say you will be handing out flyers? No, I didn't," replied Courtney frowning. "We're short-staffed, so I need you to cover another employee today. So stop wasting time and follow me. Time is money."
Amy rolled her eyes. This day was getting worse and worse at each moment.
Courtney and Amy entered Moonbucks, a coffee shop inside the W-mart and one of the most popular stores. It was one of the few stores that had a client that day. They waited for the man to go out before talking with the coffee shop attendant.
The employee was a beautiful girl a couple of years older than Amy, also blond and blue-eyed, but taller and very attractive. She could easily be a model.
"Lindsay, this is Amanda. She'll be working with you today. Amanda, Lindsay's your boss, so I expect you to follow all her instructions," after saying that, Courtney went out of the store without waiting for Lindsay's reply.
The older twin glared at her boss for a moment but didn't expect what will come next.
"Welcome aboard Roxana, nice to meet you," said Lindsay in an enthusiastic tone, smiling. "Don't put that frown on your face. All will be fine. We on Moonbucks are like a small dysfunctional family, so get behind the counter so I can tell you what will be your job."
"Ehhh!?" Amy had too many questions for only that small exchange. Why was she so happy? Her name wasn't Roxana (what's more, it didn't even start with R.) Did she say dysfunctional? That was something bad, no?
But Lindsay grabbed her hand and took her behind the counter, giving her a green apron and a name tag. "Here, put this, and don't forget to write your name in the tag. So the customers and I can see it."
"Where is the rest of the dysfunctional family?" asked Amy making air quotes. It was as if they were alone in the store.
"Heather is taking off this week, and the next, and Beth called in ill with the flu. It seems this year there is a strong strain out there. You must be careful, Roxana," said Lindsay showing a playful smile. "But somehow, I never caught the flu. It must be I have a healthy body."
Amy put on the apron and the name tag. "I thought idiots can't catch colds, but not that they couldn't catch the flu."
"Hehehe, don´t be silly. Anyone can catch a cold or the flu duh," said Lindsay, not understanding or not caring about the insult. "Also, your name is Amanda?"
"Yes, manager, it's Amanda," replied Amy in a monotonous voice. "so basically, is just you and me today?"
Lindsay nodded, "yes but don't worry, your manager gets you cover. And also there are few people these days. Most people go to the coffee shops in the city center, and those on the W-mart are more worried about finishing their Christmas shopping."
The older twin sighed, she hoped at least she would be busy in the store so the day would pass quickly, but it seemed that today would be a long one.
"Now come with me. I'll explain to you how to prepare the beverages and how to use the cashier," said Lindsay clapping happily.
Amy looked at the colorful scene, there were a lot of stickers around the cashier and next to the coffee maker. And with a lot, it means that was almost covered on yellow, pink, green and blue stickers with all kind of hand notes.
"What with all these notes?" asked Amy with a puzzled expression.
Lindsay chuckled, "We call them Linds' memos. It's because I sometimes forget some small details in the recipes or using the cashier, so these were Beth's idea. This way, I don't forget anything."
The older twin only nodded. At least with the notes, it would be easier to learn how to prepare the recipes. After half an hour, she was ready, but it was until a full hour later that they had their first client.
Lindsay was cleaning the glasses while Amy was looking at Twitter, but nothing was interesting. She was so bored that she tried to chat with her sister but didn't get a reply.
Then a white-haired old man dressed in a blue tracksuit with a big puffer jacket, matching sweatband and scarf step into the store.
"Amanda is your turn. Go and get his order," whispered Lindsay, excited because they had Amy's first client.
"Yes boss," said the twin rolling her eyes, not understanding Linds' enthusiasm.
Lindsay chuckled again, "Don't be silly. My name is Lindsay, not boss. It seems you're not good at remembering people's names, just like me."
Amy made an effort to don't make any snarky reply and looked at the old man, that had a creepy smile on his face.
"Hello, my name is Amanda. How can I help you?" asked Amy in a neutral tone.
"How can you help me? Such a helpful girl, let me think, maybe you can sell me a coffee." The old man then laughed at his own joke.
Amy rolled her eyes, "are you serious?"
"Hehehe, we had a tough crowd here eh? What about one of those free smiles?" said the old man wiggling his eyebrows.
"We don't have any more of those, maybe next week. Do you want a coffee or not?" asked Amy frowning.
"Ok, ok, don't be so serious. I want 2 coffees, the first one is a 2 shot decaf espresso with 2 Splenda 190 degrees (88ºC)," said the man, "and put them under the name Gerry."
She raised an eyebrow, "An espresso decaf? That doesn't make sense."
"If I drink caffeine, I can't sleep at night. I'm not as young as I look," replied Gerry, smiling.
"Whatever, and what will be the second one," said the twin, that decided to turn off her brain.
"I want a 10 shot espresso with 23 Splenda and whipped cream," said the old man making an impish smile.
Amy looked at him with wide eyes and the mouth open. "What? Did you say 23 Splenda? Are you crazy?"
"Look like you have good hearing, good for you. I'm so old that sometimes I can't hear my own voice," said Gerry, laughing again. "Yes, I said 23 Splenda."
The twin shrugged and charged him for both coffees, and then helped Lindsay to prepare the beverages.
"Greedy old man, didn't leave any tip." Protested Amy under her breath while opening Splenda packets.
Lindsay looked at her, lowering her eyebrows. "That's because you didn't smile. Everyone loves smiles. What was the problem of smiling a little?"
"What? Ugh! C'mon that is stupid! Who cares if you smile or not?" said Amy twisting her mouth.
"A smile is really valuable. Not only for the people that see you but also for yourself. Don't be stingy with smiles," said Lindsay making a giant smile. And then giving the two coffees to Gerry.
Amy rolled her eyes again. Why was Lindsay always so positive? This was an awful job and, worst of all, on December 23. She couldn't understand her.
She returned to her phone, ignoring Gerry's laugh and the curses of his friend after he got his coffee.
After another hour, they have only 2 clients, and Lindsay took both of their orders. Then another client entered the store.
"Hiya loves. Did you miss me?" said a blond young woman, a little older than Amy dressed all in pink, with heart-shaped glasses.
The twin looked at her with a puzzled expression. Another weirdo, but Lindsay waved at her joyfully.
"OH, hello Dakota! Hiya, I'll get you your usual," said Lindsay throwing a kiss to her.
Dakota sat at one of the tables inside the shop. "Thanks, Linds. And like who is the new girl? I think we meet before, but I can't remember where."
"Her name is Amanda, and she is helping while Beth is ill," said Lindsay while preparing Dakota tea.
Amy folded her arms, "I and my sister are usually dressed as Santa Claus giving flyers in front of the store. Maybe you see us some time."
Dakota clapped her hands, nodding. "Of course! The part-timers' twins. Yes, I remember you, poor thing. You looked so bad in those costumes! I mean, if you're working on the street, the store can give you costumes that don't look like something made like in the past century."
"Oh my gosh! Totally true. I'm so sorry you had to endure that Amanda," said Lindsay after putting some milk on the tea.
The older twin blushed. She didn't expect that. "It wasn't so bad. The worst part is the people just ignoring you when you try to give them the pamphlets."
"Your milk and ice tea is ready," said Lindsay, but before Dakota could go for it, Amy took it to her table.
"I'll take it to you. There are no more clients in the store anyway," said Amy, bringing the cup to the pink-dressed girl.
Dakota opened her arms and winked, "Oh, thanks love. You're such a little angel."
"Here," said Amy putting the tea on the table, "And are you a regular of the store?"
"Of course! I take my tea here daily!" said Dakota, before taking a sip of her tea.
Lindsay chuckled. "That's easy when you work in the store. Dakota is in charge of the jewelry and watches department."
"That sounds totally glamorous. But I'm also the only employee of the department," said Dakota showing a charming smile. "That greedy could hire some extra help."
Amy tilted her head. "But then, why are you here? Our lunch break is in 2 hours?"
"Don't be so uptight. There are like so few jewelry clients in the mall, and I can also watch my department from here. See, there are the displays with the rings and the necklaces," replied Dakota, pointing at a mall section where a woman was looking into the displays.
"But, right now a client is looking at the necklaces," said the older twin blinking a couple of times.
Dakota blew at her tea before drinking again. "It's probably just a window shopper. Don't sweat about it."
"Or she is a client that is making time while looking at the necklaces, waiting for the salesperson to go back there," replied Amy, not believing Dakota's attitude.
"Don't blow a fuse, love. I'll go back right now, ok? But I doubt she will buy like anything at all," said Dakota before going back to her post.
Linds looked at her and chuckled. "Amanda, you're a serious and responsible girl. I like that attitude in a friend."
"Eh!? I'm not that responsible, but that Dakota is just too light-hearted." Exclaimed Amy pointing at the jewelry department, in which Dakota was talking with the woman. "And we're coworkers, not friends."
"See, you're too serious. You need to learn to let your hair down," said the blond manager.
Amy couldn't understand either her or Dakota. They were always smiling and seem to be enjoying themselves. Saying silly things about friends and all. That attitude from them irritated the twin.
It was a time after Dakota's visit (by the way, the woman in her department was actually a customer, as Amy suspected). She and Lindsay have a small lunch together and went back to the store for the second turn. The day was as quiet as in the morning.
Amy was at the cashier again because Lindsay went a moment to the bathroom when a mature blond woman in a short red dress, carrying many bags, came into the shop.
"A latte grande, half fat steamed milk, no foam at 215 degrees (102ºC)," said the woman without a greeting.
The twin glared at her, "What did you say? You can't expect just saying the order out of the blue like that, and that the barista can take it."
"What are you saying? It's your job to take the order, isn't it! Well, as I feel generous because it's almost Xmas, I'll repeat the order instead of looking for another coffee shop." Said the woman looking down at the twin, "A latte grande, half fat steamed milk, no foam at 215 degrees."
Amy clenched her teeth but kept silent in front of the arrogant client. She then took a grande plastic cup. "Ok, and what is your name?"
"What? Do you really don't know WHO AM I?" asked the woman almost shouting, "Are you living under a rock? I'm Blaineley Stacey Andrews O'Halloran, one of the best TV hosts in this country."
"Doesn't ring a bell. Are you the host of one of those gossips shows?" asked Amy, feigning innocence but trying to hit her where it hurt.
The host tossed her hair at the twin. "It's entertainment shows. Whatever, make my coffee quickly. I'm in a rush."
Blaineley paid for her drink, and Amy took the order and went to prepare the damn coffee. She thought of tampering with it, but it was her first day, and she didn't want to hear her parents or Courtney nag about it. So she made the coffee the best she could.
"Here, your coffee." Said Amy slamming the beverage on the counter.
But the woman just looked at it with contempt, "I said without foam! What is this."
On the coffee, there was a small, almost imperceptible layer of foam.
"Are you kidding me?" asked Amy frowning at the client.
"MAKE IT AGAIN. Didn't you hear me?" shouted Blaineley, that then knocked down the coffee with her elbow over the counter.
Blaineley covered her mouth to hide her smile. "Oh I'm so sorry, it was an accident. Now hurry."
Amy's cheeks were red from the anger, and her eyes watery. She never felt so humiliated in her life. But before she could say something, Lindsay came back.
"I'll make your order again. Please, Amanda, clean the counter," said the manager.
The twin clenched her teeth while Lindsay prepared the coffee. She didn't say anything else and just glared at the host now and then. Then Lindsay gave her the coffee.
"Here is your drink, Blaineley," said the blond manager, leaving the beverage on the counter.
Amy glared at Lindsay, but then the twin realized that there was something off with her boss. She wasn't smiling.
Blaineley took a sip of her beverage. "Mmm, I guess, is good enough. But I don't know if I'll come back again."
Lindsay bowed her head, "I hope not, because even if you come back again, we'll not sell you anything."
"Excuse me!? What are you saying, arrogant brat? You know who I am?" Said Blaineley stomping her foot.
"Yes! You are a *beep* old *beep* that wasn't renewed in celebrity manhunt because you are a *beep*, a *beep*,and a*beep*. You're only a past glory that likes to humiliate other people because you loathe yourself. But I'll not let you do that with Amanda. So apologize and never come back again."
Blaineley blanched, her mouth trembling. But then her cheeks became red with anger. "I'll not apologize and never come back to this 2 cents, low-class hole. But you'll regret it. I'll tell all my friends how bad is the service here. You'll close before the new year."
"Yes, yes, please take your bags before I call security." Said Lindsay, not paying any attention to her threats.
The former host took her bags as fast as she could. Amy smiled a little seeing her struggle to take all her things, before going out of the store.
"Thanks, Lindsay," said Amy in a low voice. It was so rare that anyone defended her like that.
Lindsay smiled again and rubbed the twin's head. "Don't worry, Amanda, we're friends. And Sorry you want to endure that, there is always some clients like her now and then,"
"Please, call me Amy," she replied, trying to not show she wanted to cry. "My friends call me Amy."
"Of course, Amy. But I must warn you that maybe I'm a little bad with names, so it will be some time before I can remember it."
Amy smiled, "don't worry, as long as you don't call me Sammy."
They both laughed, even if Lindsay wasn't sure why calling her Sammy would be so funny.
The rest of the afternoon was quiet in the coffee shop. There were a few more clients, and Amy learned to prepare some frappuccinos and expressos. But even if Lindsay was a klutz and they had to clean one or two dropped beverages, there were no more important incidents.
And because it was December 23, the shop would close at 20:00 p.m., so there was only a quarter of an hour left.
"Dakota, shouldn't you be waiting for clients in the jewelry department?" asked Amy, glaring at the pink-dressed girl.
She just waved her hand, dismissing Amy's question. "It's already late. Nobody will come to buy at this hour. And with so many people on holiday, it's like totally boring to stay there waiting."
"Ugh, we're in the same situation and we're still here…" said Amy rolling her eyes.
"And that's why I let you enjoy my fantastic company, so you don't get bored. You're welcome!" replied Dakota showing a charming smile and winking.
Amy thought many replies but decided to not say anything. After all, it was almost closing time, and she would surely reply with another silly nonsense.
"Hey!" exclaimed Lindsay from behind the counter. "We can go and have dinner together after the job! What do you say Dakota? Emi?"
"Let's go, Let's go! It's like an awesome idea! I want a big sundae," said Dakota raising a hand, her voice full of excitement.
"It's AMY," said Amy, glaring at Lindsay. She then turned to Dakota, "And a sundae? You seem more like the kind who prefers a salad and a glass of water."
Dakota chuckled, then rested her head on her hands. "I'm totally the type that likes a good salad anytime, but sometimes you need to enjoy the sweet things of life."
"Whatever, I can't go with you. My parents will pick me up at any moment," said Amy in a loud tone, but then hesitated when she saw the disappointed expression in Linds and Dakora. "M-Maybe next time."
"Don't worry. Next time," said Lindsay forcing a smile.
But before the twin could reply, her phone began to ring. Amy went out of the shop to answer. It must be from her parents that were coming to get her.
She took the call, it was her father, but sadly the call wasn't what she expected. It was a short call, with the main lines engraved in her head.
Your sister is still with a fever, so mom and I will take her to the doctor. You have your keys with you, right? Then please, look for a way to come back home on your own.
It was as always. Her parents would go any length for Samey, but she would just be ignored. She was the unimportant twin.
Anyway, it was fine. She had her keys and lived only a few streets from the W-Mart. Even if it was already dark, she could just run and be at home before 21:00 p.m.
Or so she thought. For some reason, it was snowing, the wind was chilling, and she didn't bring clothes warm enough for the travel. If she went now, she would end wet and freezing by the time she arrived home.
"What should I do?" said the older twin under her breath, standing at the entrance of the mall.
"See, I told you it was Amy." The twin turned her face when she heard Dakota's voice, wearing pink gloves, a pink plum jacket, and a red Santa Claus hat.
Lindsay ran to Amy's side, wearing a red scarf, blue gloves, and leg warmers. "What're you doing here? I thought your parents would pick you up."
"No, my parents are busy, and I have to go home on my own," replied Amy, trying to hide she was upset by the whole situation.
"While snowing? Dressed like that? And I mean like that that, not like that. Because your clothes aren't that bad, but you'll like get sick if you go home in those clothes." Said Dakota looking at her with wide eyes.
Amy shook her head, "I don't live so far from here, so I'll just-"
"Don't be stubborn. We'll take you home. Right, Dakota?" said Lindsay clapping excitedly.
"Totally, so we'll not accept a no for an answer! Follow me, girls. My car is parked there." Said Dakota in a loud tone.
Amy tried to reply, but Lindsay grabbed her hand and pulled the twin with them toward Dakota's car.
"Did you parked again in the reserved places? I thought they were only for VIPS and the like," said Lindsay while the three girls got on the pink sport Audi A4.
Dakota smiled, showing her beautiful teeth. "Linds, I'm Dakota Milton, so I'm a VIP. So even if Mr. McLean and Courtney are envious and don't want me parking in this place, I'll keep doing it."
Amy chuckled. After all, it seems her seniors in the W-mart were weird, but not bad people.
Amy took back what she thought. Her seniors were just weird.
She, Dakota, and Lindsay were now in the Chateau Familial, a family restaurant with many different desserts. As she didn't have anyone waiting for her at home, Lindsay and Dakota decided to bring her to have dinner together.
She was furious after being forced to go with them. But as time passes, Amy began to feel better and more comfortable with them.
Dakota loved to talk about fashion and tendencies but never badmouthed anyone, and even if she was of a rich family (the Miltons were famous in the city), she wasn't TOO spoiled.
Outside the job, Lindsay was more talkative and had many funny stories about her, her sisters, and friends.
"And then my boyfriend stumbled, and both fell into the pool along with the orchestra. But the bride and the groom were laughing, so everything ended all right," said Lindsay laughing together with Amy and Dakota.
Amy dried a tear from her face after laughing a lot. "I can't believe you're dating Tyler from the sports department."
"Right? They make such a good couple, like they are out of a novel. But this girl took 2 years to learn his name," said Dakota, chuckling.
Lindsay blushed, "You promised to never talk about that! And it wasn't 2 years, it was only 28 months."
"28 months is more than 2 years," said Amy in a snarky tone.
"really? Well, it doesn't matter. It was only for a short time. And it's because I'm really bad with names and that stuff," replied Lindsay, still blushing.
"You're lucky. I have a guy I really like, but I think he is in love with my stupid twin sister Samey," said Amy frowning.
Lindsay and Dakota looked worried at each other, but then Linds' phone began to ring.
"Sorry it'll take only a minute," said Lindsay standing up and walking away from the table.
Dakota then looked serious at the older twin. "You shouldn't talk like that of your twin sister. I would love to have a sibling."
"You only say that because it's not your sister," said Amy rolling her eyes, "she is clumsy, weak-willed, and a crybaby. Also, she likes to act like the victim to put everyone against me."
"You say that because you take your sister for granted. But even if that is true, you should try to help her instead of being so harsh. She has been like with you all the time, right? Believe me in this one, being alone is much worse." said Dakota, making a small smile but looking into the twin eyes.
Amy clenched her teeth. Why everyone always took her sister's side. "You don't know what you're saying. I would prefer to be an only child. At least that way, nobody would be comparing us all the time."
"There you're again. I'm sure your sister had done a lot for you, and you for your sister. And you just said that because you're spoiled and never really know what it's to be really alone." Said Dakota in a harsher tone, unusual to her
Amy open the mouth to talk, but Dakota continued. "You don't know what it's like to be in a hospital bedroom for weeks, with none of your so-called friends visiting you for fear of being contaminated. The only person to come to see you besides your parents was the sweetest guy in your class that you were so vain that you didn't even know his name. And you that have a sister dare to say it's better to be a single child? Don't be conceited."
Lindsay returned to the table, and Dakota changed the subject. But the words of the girl in pink really moved Amy.
They keep talking a lot about some other thing, enjoying the desserts, and then Dakota and Lindsay took the twin to her home.
Dakota parked in front of Amy's house. The twin's mother's car was already in the drive-through, so they were also at home. Amy went down from the car and waved at her new friends.
"Thanks for everything," said Amy, her voice a pinch lower than usual.
Lindsay then went out of the car and suddenly hugged her.
"Wh-What are you doing?" asked Amy, stuttering, and blushing.
"You seem to need a hug. So don't worry, if you need something or someone to talk to, call me," said Lindsay taking out her phone and giving her number to the twin.
"Give her my number too," shouted Dakota from the car, "Sorry, love but it's too cold out there, so I'll owe you the hug." She added, winking.
Amy chuckled. "Thanks to both of you. Today was a great day."
Lindsay made a tender smile. "Of course, it was a great day because we were together. See you next Monday. Merry Christmas!"
"Bye Amy, Merry Christmas, see ya," said Dakota waving from the car.
"Merry Christmas, see you in the mall," said Amy waving at both. She then ran back to her home, holding a small bag.
After talking with her parents, who were worried because she wasn't at home, Amy went to her room. But before she made a stop in another room on the same floor.
"Are you awake?" asked Amy from the door, not entering her sister's room.
Sammy coughed, looking with tired eyes at her sister. "*cough* Yes, do you need something?"
"I hear from dad and mom that you had a fever. If you need something, knock at my door or call me," said Amy in a neutral voice.
The younger twin tilted her head, confused. "Okay, thanks?"
"Also, I bought you one of those crepes with cream and strawberry you love. I leave it in the fridge," said the older twin, making a small smile.
"You bought a crepe for me? Really?" Sammy asked, blinking a couple of times.
"Yes, you must be tired, so get back to sleep. Let's talk tomorrow. Get better," said Amy closing the door.
Sammy was surprised. Maybe it was a hallucination provoked by the fever, but she could swear that Amy was kind to her. Or maybe it was a Christmas miracle.
Meanwhile, Amy went to her room. Today was an awesome day. She learned a lot from herself, thanks to Lindsay and Dakota. The twin not only learned to never judge a book by her cover because her seniors seem stupid and vain but were kind-hearted and smart. But also to value what she has. Meeting them was, without a doubt, an early Christmas present.
She only hoped that next Monday, Courtney will put her again to work in the Moonbucks.
When I started planning this secret Santa story, I get the petition of an AU that wasn't a competition, so I remembered the W-mart idea from some friends brainstorming and decide to go for it. Then I wanted to also make it Christmas themed and here is the result.
I tried to keep the character personalities, and making a Dakota and Lindsay fic was a challenge because they have some points in common, but I think the result is entertaining.
Did you like it? Did you don't? Please let me know in your reviews, or at least mark it as a favorite. I love to hear your ideas and opinions.
As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you like it.