"Bonjour, brotha'," Remy's robust voice boomed across the kitchen as Scott entered through the swinging door. Scott gave a little nod to Remy who was taking inventory of the freezer stock. "How was da' trip?"

Scott had returned early evening. He had a 6 a.m. flight and spent most of the day in and out of airports filled with full bellies of holiday travelers. Before catching his painfully early cab, he briefly woke the sleeping beauty in her bed to give her a hug goodbye. It was a quick and sleepy goodbye. He felt that ripping the band aid of reality was easier than prolonging a drawn out possibly emotion farewell, that probably would have brought more questions than answers.

"It was quick," Scott grabbed an apple out of the fruit bin and bit into the juicy red skin.

Remy checked off the little boxes and wrote small numbers next to the items on his list. He was holding a clipboard and kept the pen tucked behind his ear between marking his counts.

"But 'twas a gud trip, non?" He didn't look up from his task but his voice inflected a hint of concern.

Was it a good trip? Scott let out an unsure sigh, "Yeah, it was," he shrugged, "As good as it can get."

Remy glanced up out of the corner of his eye. The Cajun frowned and tucked the clipboard under his arm while turning towards Scott, "Ah," he said as if he had just made an affirmation in his mind.

Scott looked back at the man, "What?"

"Ah have seen dat look before, mon ami."

Scott remained silent waiting for the explanation.

"Da' femme is in your head," Remy grinned, "Amour."

Well he was right, she was definitely in his head. There wasn't any use arguing it at this point. He continued to finish the apple as the thin core was whittled down almost to nothing. He hadn't checked his email yet, fearful of what he would find. Or even more fearful of what he wouldn't find. He couldn't tell whether things between them were growing or just becoming weirder. He was afraid to push deeper and fall into rejection. He had tried to convince himself over thousands of miles on the plane that everything was in his head. Christ, Jean was going to be a doctor and he was here playing camp counselor. Who was he kidding?

"You shouldn't t'ink so much," Remy had returned to his counting as he worked his way down the list, "Ov'r t'inkin' can get us all cau't up in our heads. Da' heart is da' true guide to life."

For someone who didn't seem to have any significant other, Remy always sounded like the fortune cookie of love. Perhaps he was right and he shouldn't be giving it so much thought, "Yeah."

Remy tapped the clipboard with his pen, "All t'ings work out if dey are meant to be."

If only it were that easy.

It had been a few days since Scott's departure and Jean tried to distract herself with returning back to her classes and work. They had been busier the past few days at the coffee shop and expected it to only get worse with Christmas shopping season officially launched. The red head had just finished a long morning of classes and afternoon work shift. She made herself her routine evening decaf tea, scooped up her laptop, a blanket, and headed to the roof.

She laid the blanket out on her typical stop on the roof and collapsed on top of it. She stared up at the bottoms of the clouds. Her eyes followed the dark colossal mounds as they slowly morphed and twisted in shape. Over the past couple of days, she'd occasionally hear the email notification ding on her computer and her heart would do an Olympic gymnastics routine. Flipping and contorting in an exhilarating burst of emotions. She would rush over only to see an email from a professor or classmate. Ending the gold medal feeling in her chest.

Even though she was bummed she hadn't heard from him, she wasn't surprised. She was usually the bolder one and the first to communicate. He was more of the "no news is good news" type. She convinced herself that by not hearing from him, things were actually okay between them. But was he just back to his everyday life? Was his mind running off to a place in his head that was filled with her like she was experiencing the last few days with him?

She growled out loud, frustrated and unsure with what to do with these thoughts and feelings. Maybe she should have invested a little more into dating as a teen or even the past couple years. She could use a little experience right about now.

She tried to think what the best next move should be. She was feeling impulsive and wanted nothing but to convince him to move out to Seattle and live happily ever after. Gag. That sounded so cheesy to her but she couldn't escape the feeling. She rolled over onto her belly and flipped open the laptop.

"Okay," she breathed. I can do this.

She opened up a new email and he little cursor blinked on the screen. She wasn't sure what to write. So she just started typing.

"Scott,

Thank you for a wonderful time last week. I hope you made it home safe."

Oh god, that sucks. She deleted it. Too formal.

She tried again,

"Scott,

I had an amazing time with you last week. I can't stop thinking about us."

Sappy and crappy. Delete.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She decided to put all her chips in and just say what she truly wanted. She opened her eyes and began typing, it was short and simple. She clicked send before giving it a second look and chicken out.

About a month ago, Charles designated a small office for Scott in one of the spare smaller rooms in the main office building. It had been used as storage with different various boxes of old mismatched t-shirts and deflated basketballs. It was a simple room and he was given permission to clear it out and make it his own office. It was small and lacked windows but Scott only spent a few hours a day in his office when he wasn't out hosting a retreat group or working around the grounds. He found an ancient metal and wood folding table. It worked great with an extra chair he found lying around the office. All he needed was his laptop, notebook, and a few pens. It was simple, efficient, and worked. Good enough for him.

Things weren't the same when he returned from Seattle. Scott noticed a little gold name plate on the wall that shined in the light and caught his eye before walking into his little office.

"SCOTT SUMMERS - Program Manager"

Something about seeing his name in the fake etched gold plate felt so permanent, it was a kind gesture that he wasn't expecting. He smiled to himself, grateful for Charles and his kindness.

But the surprise didn't stop there. Apparently Charles had upgraded his small office suite entirely. When he opened the door, the smell of fresh paint stung his nose in a permanent marker kind of way. The walls were coated with a fresh light evergreen color. He found out later that was Kitty's idea. Bobby and Kitty came by on their fall break from high school to help Charles put together the makeover for Scott.

There was an oak desk that looked used but in great shape facing him when he walked in, complete with a wooden rolling chair. Across from the desk was a simple wooden chair, perhaps if he ever had a visitor in his office. On top of the desk there was a desktop computer that also looked a few years old but nothing they did on the computers was super advanced, it would work just fine. There was also a phone, a sticky note holder, and a little wooden box that had various pens and pencils poking out of the top. On the back wall, there was a large watercolor style framed painting of a forest, the obscure colors creating mystifying and comforting shapes. Charles explained that although he didn't have a window at least he could still get a view.

The whole gesture was overwhelming. It took him a few days to realize this was actually his office. A tangible space in the world that symbolized his importance to the camp. His life was falling into place at the camp, but he couldn't help but feel his heart was still trapped somewhere in Seattle.

The office makeover helped focus Scott's attention elsewhere for the moment. He was able to hang up some calendars and get better organized. He was at his desk, mulling over some designs he was planning for a clearing in the woods. He had envisioned a ropes course for team building exercises. Camp Magneto had a simple little obstacle area designed for the various levels of special needs children. Scott took the initial idea and was working on customizing it for the camp. He would have different obstacles up in the trees that could accommodate a variety of ages. It would be a thrill for the kids and add for another great activity for retreats. He knew it would be a big project and he wouldn't have any other choice than to enlist Logan's help. Tension between them had simmered, although they rarely spoke outside of the necessities of their jobs.

*DING*

The computer chimed and Scott's inbox flashed a new message from Jean.

He held his breath, unsure of what was inside. He tried to ignore it and focus on his project planning in front of him. He stared at the paper but all that could fill his head was thoughts of what she might have to say. He had toyed with the idea of sending an email the last couple days but what could he say?

Hi Jean, I want to ruin our friendship by saying I'm crazy about you. Sincerely, an idiot.

He decided to stay true to character and not act reckless with a hasty answer. Besides maybe she was just sending some routine update about her life, perhaps she tried a new tea or adopted a cat. Not likely.

God damn it, just open it.

There wasn't any use in trying to ignore it. The chaotic presence of her email was like a wild bird loose in the room, knocking all his shit over and squawking obnoxiously. He sat up and clicked on the unopened email.

DATE: November 28, 6:15 pm

TO: Scott Summers

FROM: Jean Grey

SUBJECT: Hi

Do you have any plans for Christmas?

xoxo,

J

Scott smirked and he sat back in his chair. The x's and o's lit up like a neon sign in his brain. She seemed to genuinely want to see him again. Holy shit, she wanted to see him again. He tried to let it sink in. He knocked his knuckle on the sturdy oak desk as he thought about the logistics of this actually happening. They had done it already once, why not again? He glanced at the calendar on the wall and the week between Christmas and New Year's was marked off. He had the free time and he would empty his savings to see her.

He hit reply.

DATE: November 28, 6:22 pm

TO: Jean Grey

FROM: Scott Summers

SUBJECT: Re: Hi

I'll see you under the mistletoe.

He hit send and realized how ridiculous that reply was. See you under the mistletoe? Jesus Christ. He was ready to dig a hole and hide in it forever.

Not even a minute later his computer dinged again. He opened the immediate reply.

DATE: November 28, 6:23 pm

TO: Scott Summers

FROM: Jean Grey

SUBJECT: Cheeseball

Cheesy, but I like it :)

J

Of course she would call him out on it. Her playful response made him giddy, like a seventh grader filling a diary with hearts and spelling out the name of his crush a thousand times. He wasn't sure what was coming over him but he replied again,

DATE: November 28, 6:24 pm

TO: Jean Grey

FROM: Scott Summers

SUBJECT: Re: Cheeseball

I like you.

Another *ding*

DATE: November 28, 6:25 pm

TO: Scott Summers

FROM: Jean Grey

SUBJECT: Re:Re: Cheeseball

Looking forward to that mistletoe :)

J

Scott leaned back in his chair with a fixed idiot smile across his face. He decided to leave it at that for now. It felt true to their typical pace, skirt around the edge of something serious and then pull back. He didn't want to push his luck any further. He was half expecting to wake up from a dream at any moment. Maybe he was someone in a coma somewhere and this was all a fabrication of his mind. Regardless of what was truly happening, he was thankful to the universe for somehow aligning his stars, not sure what he did to deserve it.

So it was on the table. He liked her and she seemed to be into it, maybe even share the same feelings. Looking forward to that mistletoe. Did she want him to kiss her? He thought about the possibility of her supple lips and those long lashes brushing his cheeks. He shifted in his seat, unaware at how much the thought the arousing thought was physically affecting him.

Woah, buddy.

He turned off the computer and decided to head to see what was cooking tonight in the lodge. He thought the walk would help work off his excitement. He wasn't sure if his nerves were more or less of a tangled mess after that little burst of exchanges with Jean.

He entered the lodge and Logan was eating at one of the tables with Charles. Typically, Logan brought his meals back to his own cabin, like a bear in his cave. Sometimes he would be caught up in a project that ran into the evening and he'd dip in the dining hall while taking a break. Scott grabbed a bowl of pot roast that Remy had set out for the small staff. He joined the two men and sat a couple chairs down on the long table.

"Good evening, Scott," Charles said warmly. Judging by his empty bowl he had a few bites left at best. "I think you brought the weather back with you from Seattle." The older man's eyes twinkled in amusement. It had been nothing but big frumpy clouds and spurts of weak rain on and off since he returned.

Logan's eyes darted up.

Scott laughed, "Yeah, I suppose so." Rain was never his friend, especially when you're sleeping in the gutter. "It's not so bad," After Seattle, there was something soothing about the big clouds and raindrops. He could smell the candle in her apartment. The bits of potato in her hair. The soft twinkle of lights on the window.

It felt like their weather. Something they could share, even when apart.

Charles picked up his bowl, "Well I am glad it doesn't get your spirits down." He nodded to the two men, "Sorry to leave so soon, but it seems another patch of rain is headed this way and I'd like to make it in for the night before I get caught in it. Have a good evening, gentlemen," He excused himself and headed to the kitchen to wash up before exiting.

"So Seattle, huh?" Logan grunted between bites.

Scott nodded, "Yeah. Ever been?"

Logan snorted, "Close enough. Spent a little time passing through Vancouver."

Scott had the sense at times that Logan had some ties with the north. The few times he'd ever heard Logan mentioned any place but the camp, it was usually somewhere in Canada. He wondered if Logan was Canadian, or at a time ever lived up that way. When Scott first arrived, he wondered what Logan had done prior to the camp. It seemed that he was just a part of it and thinking about Logan in any other setting was unnatural. That was before Logan turned into the asshole hulk, then Scott concluded that he must have been a wild animal in his past and tried to stop thinking about the rabid hothead all together.

"Did you see Jean?" Logan was blunt and to the point. Clearly Logan wasn't as dense as he seemed.

Scott nodded again, "I did." He didn't feel like volunteering any additional information. Especially now knowing that Jean and Logan weren't a thing, at least according to her. There was a level of intimidation lifted. Why the fuck should he care what Logan thinks? She's not his. She never was. Never will be.

"I will be seeing her again at the end of next month," Scott said it with intentional confidence tied with a bow, like a special delivery for the beast across the table.

Logan's lip twitched, "Listen, Bub. I don't know what kind of game you're up to-"

"No, you listen, Bub," Scott was quick to interject, "Mind your own fucking business."

Logan growled, "I've known her long before you pranced into town. She is my business!"

Scott sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. He kept his expression calm like he was so comfortable he could nap in his seat right there. He was determined to show Logan how his little fit was not affecting him. It felt like a power move.

Scott smirked, "Not according to her."

Scott saw a flash across Logan's eyes, he couldn't tell if it was hurt or more anger bubbling up to the top. He knew he had hit him deep. He admitted it was kind of an asshole thing to say. Despite whatever happened with Jean and Logan, he couldn't deny that there appeared to be a history of some depth between the two. It was a low blow, but Logan really needs to be the one receiving hits once in a while. It might keep the wild animal in check.

Scott was anticipating having to duck from a swing across the table. Perhaps his little confidence boost from the emails earlier in his office was going to his head and now he'd have to pay for it. However, Logan surprised him and stormed out of the lodge.

"What are you up to this weekend?" Scarlett asked Jean. The two women were busy working side by side. They concocted different coffee creations like the java sorceresses of Seattle. The line was longer than usual and drink orders filled up their screens as they rushed to get them out quickly. It was a hectic pace, like an all-day morning rush, but it helped the shifts go by quickly and the tip out at the end of a shift was a lot more generous.

Jean shrugged and frothed the steamed milk in a latte, "Same old stuff. Work and study. Work and study…work, work and study, study," her voice trailed off in a half sarcastic tone that said even though she was joking, there was some painful truth there.

Scarlet laughed, "Girl, we need to get you on some dates or something."

Jean laughed and shook her head, "No, no!" The last thing she had time for in her life was dating. Besides, how could she begin to think of juggling multiple men when she already had one in particular that filled her head all day.

"Well you seem to be pretty chipper lately for someone who isn't getting laid on the reg, what's your secret?" the dark haired woman set two drinks on the counter and called out a name.

Jean finished up the drink she was on and glanced at the screen for the next order while wiping her hands on the maroon apron, "There's no secret!" Her lips split her face in half as she smiled wider.

"Seriously, you spend all your time in this cramped up coffee or hoarded up at school, and you're still somewhat sane. And God, you've been smiley the past couple of weeks," Scarlet stuck her tongue out in a joking manner. The black-haired cat-eyed beauty definitely had a bit of a goth side to her, with her dark warm lipsticks and biker looking boytoys. Sunshine and rainbows were not her forte. "Like ever since your dude friend was here, you've become little miss giddy-" Scarlet's dark eyes lit up, "Oh!"

Jean laughed, "Stop."

"Oh you like him!"

Jean shook her head and drizzled the deep golden caramel sauce on top of her creation in the cup. She grabbed the cinnamon shaker and dark little flakes sprinkled on top of the latte, she tried to hide her shaking hands.

"Yeah, I've been seeing you all happy and being a total fucking weirdo," Scarlet teased in her thick accent, "Does he know?"

Jean sighed, "I think so?" There wasn't any use fighting it, Scarlett was relentless and had caught on.

"John!" Scarlet yelled out delivering a hot tea on the counter. She turned back to Jean, "So like what's the deal, because doesn't he live far away?"

Jean shrugged, "Yeah. I haven't really given it that much thought. I'm not too sure what is going on between us truthfully. It's all butterflies and silly stuff right now. But he's coming out again."

"He is?" Scarlet's tone was upbeat and surprised, "Soon?"

Jean nodded while popping a lid on her drink and setting it on the counter, "Christmas," her eyes lit up and she bit her lower lip unconsciously.

"Wow, that's kinda serious, don't you think?" Scarlet wiggled her eyebrows at Jean, "And yeah, I think he's totally into you. Especially if he's willing to come out again so quickly, and like, with the holidays and stuff."

"Uh, I don't know," Jean would have loved to say yes but she wasn't ready to put the cart before the horse. Besides she knew nothing about how any of this worked, "It just works out with our schedules, ya know? Like we both already have the time off." She tried to convince herself that's what was really going on. She knew better deep down. The holidays were becoming just an excuse to see each other. But what happens in January and there weren't any major holidays until later in the year? Did she expect to invite him out for Valentine's day? Would that be considered a long distance relationship? This is why she didn't try to think about it too much. Day by day, she tried to tell herself.

"Well, I am throwing a raging holiday party this year at my place the day after Christmas. You should bring the boy," She winked at her friend.

Jean flashed a cheeky smile, "Count us in."

November and December were slower months for Camp Xavier. They hosted a handful of retreats and Christmas parties. The boathouse was locked up for the winter and most of the activities would take place inside the main lodge and the cozy warmed cabins. They still tried to get a campfire going to warm everyone up at least once or twice during a retreat.

With less to manage around the camp since most of the outdoor activities off the agenda, Scott was able to dive in and catch up on the business side of things. Scott would spend a couple afternoons a week learning more of how the camp operated. Scott had a sense that Charles was easing more responsibility on him since he had seemed to be adjusting well to his current role. Truthfully, Scott enjoyed it and ultimately, it made his job easier. He had learned how to schedule retreats and manage planning for upcoming smaller retreats all on his own.

Scott saw a flier in town about some free classes at the local community college. They were marketed for to show people how to utilize the internet to better organize your business. Scott floated the idea by Charles, who thought it was an excellent opportunity that Scott should attend.

With his trust laptop in hand, he went to the small series of classes and tried to soak up all the useful information he could use back at camp. The classes were at night after all the college classes were over. It was bizarre being in a building of higher education. The last time Scott could recall being in a school was maybe sometime around junior year of high school. The details were hazy, he never actually graduated. He wasn't an idiot and could keep up fine academically. However, he was so checked out at that point, he was ready to get out from under the foster care system and be on his own. Little did he know; the real world was just as unforgiving.

Still, it was his first time in a college and being in a college classroom wasn't as magical or mysterious as he had thought. It was a cinderblock bare room with some tables and a couple white boards. It didn't feel that inaccessible or unobtainable. The building itself wasn't particularly fancy but also not a dump. It wasn't like Jean's intimidating massive castle looking university, he actually rather liked it.

"Okay, so I went ahead and already put in everything for next year that we have booked already," Scott was in Charles' office. Scott was leaning over the back of Charles, as they both looked at the computer screen. Scott was pointing on the new digital calendar they set up. Charles had insisted that Scott use everything he learned in his classes to help update them in the office. In return, Scott had been able to shift their booking and schedules online. He had already helped Remy set up inventory on a spreadsheet online as well. Now they could all plan, order, and work more seamlessly. They were small changes but a good start and made a decent impact.

"Excellent," Charles brimmed at their new system. Although he was an older man, he always seemed eager and open to new ideas and challenges.

Scott went around the desk and sat back down across from Charles, "I know it's a little different, but with some practice it will only get easier,"

"I'm sure it will," Charles nodded and chuckled, "We need all the help we can get."

There was truth to his statement. They were growing, which was evident since they hired Scott and Remy. However, it didn't seem like they still had all the hands they needed. Scott had been helping with more menial tasks for Charles lately. Truthfully, Charles seemed to be a little slower physically despite mentally being sharp as a tac.

"Speaking of help," Scott cleared his throat, "I've been meaning to ask about how we are doing,"

Charles' chest rose as he pulled in the air to his chest, giving a little hum as he expelled his breath, "Well," he started, searching for the right words, "Busy,"

"I know," Scott sat up stiffer in his chair, "Do you think we could use more help?"

"Well, of course," Charles tried to muster a positive smile that fell a little flat, "But truthfully we are a nonprofit and don't have the funds to take on any more full-time staffers at the moment."

"I thought you would say that," Scott looked prepared for that answer.

It amused Charles, "You look like you might have a solution?"

Scott nodded, he never liked feeling like he was taking control. This wasn't his camp, but Charles always seemed open to listening to ideas at least. Maybe the old man liked not being the only brain around here all the time.

"What about someone part time?" Scott seemed to quickly rattle off his proposal nervously and quickly, "We could use maybe like a part time secretary, office type person. The phone calls, copies, emails, and all that other stuff adds up a lot of our time. I was thinking…well, you know, Kitty is always popping by randomly and begging to help out, since she is local and all. What if we hired her a few hours a week to help out? We could pay her hourly and for her time since she is always volunteering anyways. I could run it by her, if you think that's okay?"

Charles was silent a moment, he never jumped to an answer, but it still made Scott temporarily uncomfortable.

"Do you think it would be a good use of our time and money?" Charles looked at the man across from him.

Scott wasn't sure how he was feeling based off his response, "I do," he finally decided to say confidently.

"Well then, let's move forward with it. Sounds like you've given it proper thought and it seems like an excellent compromise," Charles' eyes twinkled back to their familiar glow, "I trust you will take care of this matter. Please talk to Kitty, make all the arrangements, and get her set up. I look forward to seeing how this works out."

Scott sprang up out of his chair as if he were ready to tackle the project immediately, "Yes, sir. Thank you," he scooped up his belongings and shuffled to his office to give Kitty a phone call.

Of course, Kitty was ecstatic to hear the news, Scott had to hold the phone away from his head from the shrieking on the other end. She insisted she could run right over and start right that second. Scott assured her that there was plenty of time to get started and organized but glad she was willing to take on the role.

Over the next couple of weeks, he got her set up at her desk in the front of the main office. Until now, it had just been a counter with a desk behind it, like a reception area. There were a few chairs in a waiting area outside of Charles' office. Behind the desk was the hall that led back to Scott's little office.

Scott and Kitty worked together to come up with a schedule. They agreed that she would come for two to three afternoons a week after school and one-half day on the weekends for a whopping $13.00 an hour. Kitty seemed pretty stoked since her current job was scooping horse hay and poop at the local stables for only $9.00 an hour. She said she would do this job for free she loved being at the camp so much, but Scott assured her they couldn't accept that.

Scott got the teen acquainted with some basic tasks to get started. She was quick to pick them up too. Soon she was able to quickly scan calls, give information about the camp, do some light scheduling, get the mail, and place or receive orders. Although it was a little bit of time getting her familiar with the tasks, Scott could tell it was starting to work out like he had hoped. They had more time to focus on bigger tasks and it was also amusing to have the bubbly lass bouncing around.

She took no time to get settled. By her first weekend shift, she had already "Kittyized" the office. She rearranged the chairs in the front, so they looked more inviting and professional. She brought a couple of leafy potted plants from home, her mother insisted she bring them since they had brought so many in from the winter. There was also a small lamp set up on the counter and a candle on the little side table in the waiting area. Behind the desk was full of colorful sticky notes and pens with wobbly fuzzy creatures springing from the cap. She must have found an old radio and plugged it in. The constant soft crooning of holiday music filled the room. It was a cheerful and homey feeling. It kept all of their spirits up, especially when Remy would stop by with a fresh batch of cookies. The chef loved having a youth around to spoil with goodies. Scott joked they never got that kind of treatment before they had Kitty around, which Remy jokingly assured that she was a lot more fun to have around, than the two old guys in the office.

"Woah, that doesn't look fun," Kitty bounced into Scott's office and plopped into the chair across from his desk. Scott had hung up a large whiteboard in his office. Typically, he would use it to help plan out the week and work out his ideas, but today it was filled with numbers, lines, and long algebraic equations.

Scott put a cap on the marker and turned around. Kitty was a couple hours early for her shift, "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

Kitty chomped on some gum, "Yeah, but like, it was a half day. Don't worry, I'm not on the clock yet. I just wanted to come by early and put up some ornament decorations around the office that I cut out of colored construction paper."

Scott smirked playfully, of course she would.

"So, what's all this stuff? Looks like the stuff we did all last year in school," Kitty twisted her nose at the board.

"Uh," Scott shrugged, "It probably is the same stuff."

During his last technology free class at the community college, Scott had wandered down to the information desk. It was empty since the staff had left for the day, but he helped himself to a couple of free fliers. One of them had advertisement for a GED test coming up in December. He thought on it for a few days before deciding he should at least start with his basic high school degree. He found a couple of free tests online to help access what he needed to study for. To his surprise, he tested pretty well for his first practice test. He had some areas to improve on his writing and math.

He started studying in his spare time. At night he would listen to some test prep books on tape while working around the cabin. During the day, he would do some quick test questions while taking a small break from work.

An idea popped into his head, "How well did you do in your math last year?"

Kitty, now curious, went on, "Uh pretty good. I would have gotten an A plus, but the teacher was kind of a witch, so I ended up getting an A minus. Not even like a normal A, she had to give me that ugly minus!"

It was all he needed to hear, "That's great!"

"It is?" Kitty cocked her head.

Scott tapped the cap of the marker on the white board, "Do you know how to solve theses?"

Kitty straightened in her chair and squinted at the board, "Oh yeah, these don't look that bad. Just equations, all you need to do is FOIL and simplify."

Scott laughed internally, she made it sound so effortless.

"Okay smarty pants, can you help me?" Scott raised his eyebrows.

"Uh, like solve it or what?"

"I never finished high school," Scott sighed, he would have to tell her some details in order to enlist her help, "It's a long story but I want to take the GED test. I am struggling a little with this math,"

Kitty clapped her hand, eager to help before he had to ask for it, "Oh!" her eyes lit up like her candle in the front office, "Like you want me to be your tutor?"

Scott nodded, "I can pay you in free otter pops from the kitchen and let you decorate whatever you want."

Kitty grinned, "Deal!"

Their arrangement was a win, win. Kitty stayed an hour after her shift two days a week and helped Scott work out some of the problems in the office. As his confidence built in his algebraic abilities, the office looked more and more like Rudolf and Frosty the Snowman threw up all over it. Holiday lights twinkled in the window and it reminded him of the little flat in Seattle.

"Incoming package!"

Scott looked up from his desk as he heard Kitty halfway down the hall before she had reached his door. She held up a brown little box in her hand and wiggled it.

"Just set it on the desk, please," Scott tried to act uninterested, but his insides were twisting with excitement.

Kitty plopped it down then helped herself into his seat, her usual spot where she would occasionally ramble on.

"What's in the box, huh?"

Scott turned his chair from his computer to the girl in front of his desk, "Just a gift."

Kitty's lips opened, "Uh obviously, it's like, Christmas time. Who is it for?"

Scott rubbed his temple, "A friend," He was pretty sure his whole little secret crush was still a secret, and he intended to keep it that way.

"Aw, jeez, you're no fun," Kitty pouted. He was sure she would have loved some juicy details, she was just as bad as Hank sometimes.

"Knock, knock," a tapping on the door frame caught both of their attention. Scott stood up immediately and Kitty rolled her eyes.

"See you tomorrow, Scott." Kitty's expression slumped, "I'll be in the car," the girl slipped past the woman and down the hall.

"Hi," Scott said to the blonde woman. He instantly remembered their last encounter when he drove her home from her locked out car. Kitty had mentioned her car was being borrowed by some family in town for the holidays and that she was relying on rides this week to and from camp. Scott drove her home last night and tonight her sister must have been picking her up.

"Emma," the woman's red lips spoke.

"Yes, Emma! Sorry I'm terrible with names," Scott wiped his palms on his pants and extended his hand to her. She walked in and shook his. She had a bottle of wine tucked in the crook of her other arm.

The woman gave a sultry throaty hum of a laugh from underneath her designer pea coat, "It's quite all right."

She didn't seem as if she was just picking up Kitty as she lingered in his office. He wasn't sure what to say.

"Please, take a seat if you'd like," he gestured at the old wooden chair next to her, "How are you?"

"Oh, you're always such the gentleman!" Her dark icy gaze was unmoved but her lips curled into a smile, "However, I just wanted to pop in and officially thank you for your help a while back."

Scott shook his head, "Oh, it was nothing, no need to thank me."

"But I must, Mr. Summers," her announcement of his name caught him off guard, "This is a token of my appreciation," she handed him the bottle of wine that had a little note card on top. The only time he had really had any wine before was with Jean, so he wasn't sure what to expect or what the etiquette was to receive such a gift. Was there was thing wine people did when giving each other bottles? Judging by the posh city woman in front of him, he would bet it was some fancy brand.

"Wow, that's exceptionally nice of you," he set the bottle on the desk next to the small package he had earlier received. "I wasn't expecting that,"

Emma nodded, "Oh and modest too," he might have seen a genuine smile crack her porcelain complexion, "Well, the rugrat is waiting for me in the car. I must be on my way. Merry Christmas, Scott."

"Merry Christmas to you too," he wasn't sure what else to say so he just mumbled some cordial words that felt right, "See you around."

"I hope so," she pursed her lips together and offered a final smile before disappearing. Her strong perfume lingered in his office.

"Wow, you look hot…" Scarlet snorted, "for a grandma."

Jean's mouth flew open, "No!"

The two women were at a nearby mall in the city. The insides bustled with frantic holiday shoppers that zoomed past holiday store fronts and various Santa displays. Jean had just wrapped up her finals and finally found some spare time for the first time in her new city. Scarlet insisted her redheaded friend give her wardrobe an update, especially with Scott coming out. Jean thought she dressed fine and Scott really shouldn't influence her style or whatever. But after giving it some more thought, maybe it wouldn't hurt.

Jean was convinced to spend one afternoon at the mall, despite it being one of her least favorite places. Shopping just wasn't her thing. It was overwhelming with the sales racks screaming at you, advertising their discounts and specials. She wasn't particularly fashionable herself and she wasn't sure how much advice she wanted to take from Scarlet, the queen of dark colors and lipstick.

However, she quickly learned an hour into their excursion that what Scarlet really meant by updating her wardrobe. Her friend turned down every modest piece of clothing she tried on.

"Wow, nothing says "take me to the bedroom' faster than a sexy turtleneck, Jean!"

Jean placed her hands on her hips and looked at herself in the mirror, "Oh, it's not that bad," she searched for something sexy about the thick fabric hanging around her torso, "Besides, I am not looking to seduce anyone!"

"It's bad," Scarlett laughed, "Here, try these on."

Apparently, Scarlett had taken the liberty to find some outfits she approved of while Jean was trying on her last round of clothing. The boutique they were in was trendy but offered a variety of styles. After seeing Jean gravitate to the old lady clothing, Scarlett could quickly see how much help her friend needed.

Jean was shoved back into the dressing room with a new tangle of hangers and straps. A few moments later she emerged, "It doesn't fit," she referred to the oversized gray knit sweater with the neck area danglingly awkwardly around her chest.

Scarlett popped up off the small loveseat in the dressing room, "You have it on wrong," she laughed and adjusted the neckline, "It's supposed to hang off your shoulder."

Jean glanced back in the mirror after her friend fixed her up, oh.

She actually didn't look half bad. The sweater pooled around her in a cozy way, but the bare shoulder peeking through was a little more than what she was used to.

"Look at that sexy shoulder," Scarlet flipped Jean's long waves to the side, exposing the freckled skin.

Jean laughed and tried to slip back into the dressing room, "Okay, it's not that bad. I will consider it."

"More, more!" Scarlet demanded from outside the door.

"Okay, one second," Jean muffled through the fabric as she slipped off the sweater and put on a dress Scarlett plopped on the top of the clothes pile.

"Well?" Jean opened the dressing room door.

Scarlett's eyes widened, "Girl, yes! This is the dress for the holiday party."

The dress was perfectly fitted to Jean's figure. It was a festive but sophisticated plaid holiday dress. The top clung to her curves with a ¾ length sleeve and the bottom flared out and cut off right about her knee.

"It feels so," Jean bit her bottom lip nervously, "It's just not what I am used to,"

"No, it looks great. Shut up," Scarlett grinned.

"Gentle," Remy advised, "A lil' seasonin' goes a long way."

Scott steadied his hand as he pinched the salt between his fingers. He was mid private cooking lesson with Remy. The two men were in the kitchen wearing aprons after work one evening. Scott had asked Remy to help teach him how to make a nice meal. He explained he wanted to make a special someone a special holiday dinner. Remy the romantic lit up on the spot and insisted he teach him how to make fresh seared Salmon. He insisted that he would get it nice and fresh from the fish markets in Seattle.

"Oui, dats betta'," Remy praised him. "Now ya jus' want to kiss da' pan for a moment."

Remy flash seared the prepared Salmon in the pan and the skin sizzled in protest. Little beads of moisture danced on the stainless steel pan as the garlic and butter crisped up the outer layer of the fish. After a couple of minutes, he took them off and rest them on a potato puree. Then lightly topped it with fresh thyme. He made it look easy and effortless. Truthfully, it looked like a meal that would be on a fancy menu full of ornate cursive fonts and prices in the triple digits.

"If you do dis right, mon ami," Remy's dark ember eyes lit up, "You will hav' nothin' ta worry 'bout."

Scott had to admit, the Cajun did not look like your average chef but he sure knew how to cook. It smelled divine and Scott realized he wasn't even sure if he liked Salmon. He couldn't recall a time in his past that he had tried it. He could recall frozen half cooked soggy fish sticks that one of the families he stayed with in foster care used to make. That was the extent of his elegant fish experience.

Remy caught him eyeing the delicacy, "Dig in."

The two men grabbed forks and split the filet as if they were sharing an ice cream sundae. The fish flaked apart in Scott's mouth and he hoped he would be able to come half as close as Remy's meal when he tried it on his own.

His trip was coming up in about a week. He tried not to let himself be distracted too much by staying busy with tinkering around the cabin. He brought a little space heater and construction lamp into the cabin so he could work on the bathroom tile during the cold nights. However, it was a slow time for business around the camp. Every second of the day felt like a decade. The closer his trip approached the longer the days stretched out. He concluded that the calendars and clocks were little devils. Cruel bastards.

"It's here!" Kitty ran down the hall and burst into Scott's office out of breath.

Scott was alarmed at the sudden burst and started to get up from his seat. Kitty waved her arms with laughter, assuring him it was nothing major.

"It's here!" She said again, waving an envelope in her hand. She tossed it on Scott's desk.

He carefully picked up the mail and inspected the front. It was addressed from the local community college. He had made an appointment last week to sneak in after work and take his GED test. They assured him they would grade it and send his results within a week.

There was a lump in his throat as his fingers felt slightly wobbly opening up the letter. Was it congratulating him or confirming he was a big failure? He swallowed and opened it up, skimming the words on the page. He read it over again in depth.

"Well?" Kitty was stiff as a board with anticipation. He realized she had helped him so of course she wasn't probably dying to know.

"Um," Scott skimmed the paper again.

"Oh my God," Kitty rolled her eyes and snatched the paper out of his hands from across the desk. She took all of three seconds before squealing, "You did it!"

The news took a moment to absorb into him. He had read the words that said he passed the test and an official transcript of his achievement was attached. But he couldn't bring himself to believe it. To most, it would seem like a minimal achievement, but to him it was everything. It was his first official government document that was positive. He was used to shitty court documents and records of his custody and status with the state. Instead, this was a documented colossal achievement.

"Yeah, I guess I did," His eyes were almost glossy and he his smile finally found his face, "Thank you for all your help."

Kitty gave an enthusiastic cheer, "Wow, this is the best Christmas gift ever!" He could tell she was just as excited as he was.

"Alright, go sneak some eggnog from the kitchen," Scott said, "Charles went into town for the afternoon, so we can celebrate a little," he grinned.

This almost launched her to the moon from her elevated energy, she shook her head up and down like a ping pong. He watched her disappear down the hall. The Christmas music in the front got noticeably louder right before he heard the front door bells chime, as she ran off in search of some holiday goodies.

Scott glanced at his calendar hanging on the wall. The red ink scribbled on the 23rd added to the excitement.

Three more days.