The Wrong Mrs. Claus

Episode 2

ALEX

Derek didn't pick up his calls so I settled for making dinner instead, but my fridge was empty like my soul and frustration simmered inside me.

What am I supposed to do now?

I could start looking for jobs but this is Toronto, the vacancies here are tight with a lot of competition and my company laying me off isn't going to help my case.

No one wants to hire someone another company fired.

There was no way I would survive here without money, I thought I had it all under control but I was delusional.

The thought of going back to Connecticut crossed my mind but I brushed it off instantly, I haven't visited since I left and it reminded me so much of my childhood and what happened to my parents.

It might be my birthplace but I have no ties whatsoever to that place, I would rather stay far away from anything that reminds me of the trauma and rejection.

I can still hear the kids at school whispering as I walk past them.

"Poor little Alex lost her parents in a car accident and no one wants her"

"Maybe it's bad luck, she lost her parents before Christmas that's sad"

Over and over again those words echoed in my head and I accepted it, I was cursed with bad luck most especially when it comes to Christmas. Everyone else was so happy but I'm always miserable, always losing something and it happened again this year.

My phone vibrated on the couch and it was a short text from Derek apologizing for not picking up my call because he was busy. I exhaled typing back but a thought popped up in my head.

I paused and cleared my text leaving him on read, with a wide grin on my face I checked for flight tickets to New York and checked my account balance.

"Yes!" I squealed in glee.

I'm going to New York!

But it's going to be a surprise and also my saving grace.

All my worries were forgotten as I hummed a song rushing to my room to pack my stuff.

This is going to exhaust my feeding money but it will be worth it, I don't want to go by train. It will take too long even if it's cheaper, I can't wait for that long.

After packing my stuff I booked a flight for tomorrow and settled for eating half a bag of chips I found in my closet. I was in the clouds just imagining reuniting with my boyfriend after six years.

I was so sure, he wouldn’t be able to contain his happiness.

That had me giggling and kicking my feet.

I woke up the next morning and got ready taking my valuables in case my landlord makes good on his promise to throw my stuff out, I'm not sure I would be back by the weekend and I could use this opportunity to escape his wrath, that's if he doesn't break down my door and throw my stuff out.

I dragged my heavy luggage and traveling bag out of my apartment, found a taxi and headed for the airport. It was showing just like yesterday but I felt lighter now, the irritation had turned into anticipation.

I didn't reply to Derek's messages and he has been blowing up my phone but I ignored him, although I was tempted to know what he wanted to talk about I wanted it to be a surprise, one he won't see coming.

I got to the airport and waited for my flight. I was in the queue waiting for it to get to my turn so I could provide my passport and ticket. I was minding my business and scrolling through my phone when someone bumped into me.

I stumbled and my phone fell down on the floor with a loud clatter, I turned angrily to confront whoever did that only to find a beady-eyed guy with a beanie glaring at me.

"Got a problem or something?" I raised an eyebrow at him and he suddenly took off. It took me a minute to understand that something was wrong.

I turned to pick up my phone but I couldn't find it on the floor, my eyes widened and I crouched down to check the tiled floors properly as if it swallowed up my phone.

Oh God.

"Thieves!" I yelled and rushed after the guy, I rushed back to take my luggage so it wouldn't disappear too and followed the route he took.

If I catch this little thief I'm going to kill him!

I screamed again when I spotted him halfway down the airport with another suspicious-looking boy, he glanced at me and shock overtook his features in their hand was my phone and my purse.

"Thieves!" I pointed at them and they darted towards the exit scattering in different directions, I followed the one with my stuff which was the one with a beanie.

The security had heard me and started chasing them, I followed breathlessly, my throat parched from screaming and I was very hungry and weary but I still found the strength to trail the security.

Luckily they caught the guy and his partner, shoving them to the ground before emptying their pockets.

"Ma'am is this yours?" One of the security asked, holding a decent amount of cash in his hand.

"No! That's mine!" The beanie thief cried out and I lifted my chin, it wasn't mine but I could use the extra cash right now.

"Yes, they robbed me and took my purse and my phone" I held my chest feigning a shaken expression, they handed my stuff to me along with the cash they found on the thieves and I thanked them profusely while the thieves screamed and cursed at me.

"Thank you officers, we need more heroes like you" I smiled and they looked smug at my compliment, dragging the thieves away.

I rushed back to the queue just in time and boarded the plane with a bright smile on my face. The first thing I ordered was food and water before settling in for the long flight.

Thanks to those thieves I got to eat and still have more cash to spare, I don't feel guilty the money was for the stress they caused me… Christmas had blessed me with just one steal and I wanted to savor it.

I stepped out of the plane eight hours later and I found a taxi. I had bought some souvenirs for Derek on the plane and I couldn't wait to show him.

I got to his apartment in thirty minutes and paid the driver adding a tip, he winked at me and drove off.

I smiled fixing my hair before heading inside, the door was always open unless they weren't at home but I hoped he was home.

Maybe I should have called after all. A faint sound of music was coming from inside, I wanted to knock at first but I settled for twisting the doorknob.

I beamed when the door opened.

"Can I get a welcome to New York?!" I squealed barging in with a goofy pose, the bag of souvenirs I bought in one hand while my traveling bag and luggage were in the other.

The sight before me wiped the stupid grin off my face instantly, it was as if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

Derek was on the couch with no shirt on, grabbing onto her naked ass as she rode him moaning loudly.

They haven't noticed me yet, probably lost in the high of the pleasure.

My eyes widened.

No.

I'm hallucinating because there is no way…

Is that Vanessa his sister?!