Modern Day Santa Claus

MDSC [3]

Chapter 3

It was a busy day. The streets were filled with people. Jae was hurriedly walking down the sidewalk, her breathing a bit disoriented as she calmly tried to jog on the way to school. Class started 30 minutes ago and they were supposed to have a test today. She was so dead.

Her alarm clock didn't go off. She found out she forgot to set it on last night. And now, she wasn't ready for the consequences.

Her breath fogged in front of her and she kept herself distracted, trying not to think about the exam and her terror teacher. She kept her hands inside the pockets of her hoodie to keep it warm from the cold.

As she was walking quietly through the busy streets, she suddenly bumped into somebody and she reflexively apologized. The man who bumped into her was long gone before she could even blink.

She continued walking, suddenly feeling confused and mixed up at the same time. Something felt familiar. She distinctly remembered glimpsing a head full of silver-white hair that bumped into her.

Her heartbeat quickened as she turned around. Only to find the man was already eaten up by the busy crowd. She instinctively took her left hand out and gazed at the accessory on her wrist. On it was a cute, little Christmas tree charm.

***

"Camilla, you up for some Christmas shopping today?" Jae's brother asked. Jae was busy reading a book that she ignored her brother. Her brother huffed in annoyance and then continued to bug his little sister. "C'mon sis, Christmas is days away. You haven't bought a single gift!"

"Unless you lend me money for Christmas shopping, you are dead to me right now," Jae murmured, her focus intensely on the book she was reading. She was just getting to the good part.

Jae's brother, Adams, scratched his head. He was in dire need of assistance, specially shopping for gifts. He knew how much the crowd is real busy since Christmas was coming in just a couple more days. And his sister Jae knows her way around the shops. Women are skilled just like that. "C'mon sis, I really need your company."

"Why do you even need to buy gifts? You've never bought me one!" Jae said as she sat up from the couch she was lying on. "Wait... don't tell me this is for the girl you've brought home last week!" She practically shot up while expectantly looking at his brother. Her big, brown eyes were brightening. This is gonna be good.

A blush settled on his brother's cheeks. "Uh..."

"Adams, if you need some girl help, you could've just said so." Jae closed the book as she memorized the number of the page she was on. She would never put down a book. Never. Especially so when she was so close to the good parts of the story. But maybe she could, just this once. Just for her brother whom she barely hangs out with.

"I've got some extra money in my pocket. I can help you with your Christmas shopping as well," Adams said, hope springing up when her sister offered to do shopping with him.

"I'm only doing this once," Jae finally said. She raced back to her room to change clothes and then rushed back downstairs with a purse with her extra money in it. Just in case she wanted to buy something that was way out of her brother's budget.

Adams sagged in relief. He was not ready to do Christmas shopping by himself.

A couple of minutes later, they were walking pass the nearest mall to their house. There were so many people, it was almost making Jae claustrophobic. Her brother walked beside her, his hands in the pockets of his hoodie as he took in the sight of the stores.

"Well?" Jae asked. "What are you planning to buy her?"

Adams shrugged. He had no idea what present to give to the girl he likes. It was one of his weaknesses, buying shitty presents. Exactly why he hadn't bought anyone anything, even for his sister. But today's an exception, especially if he wanted to score some points from the girl he likes.

Jae's mouth was agape. "You really have no idea what to get her? No idea at all?" Wow, his brother makes for a crappy boyfriend. Adams helplessly shook his head. "Okay. Well, what do you think she likes?"

"Probably me," Adams answered with a cheeky grin.

Jae hit the back of his head with her hand. "Gods, if you're going to be like this the whole night then I'm out."

Adams rubbed the back of his head as he tried not to sneer at his sister. "I'm sorry. Let's try that again," he said flatly. "She likes cats."

Jae nodded thoughtfully. "That's helpful. You can't buy her a real cat, obviously. So we're gonna have to settle for something more... materialistic."

A couple of hours later, Adams bought a halter top with a cat on it, a pillow with a cat on it and oh, look, what a surprise, a book about cats. He looked contented with the gifts he bought. At least Jae thought it wasn't all that bad. The pillow actually looked pretty cute. And the top, too.

"Hey. It's getting late and we haven't had dinner. Here's my extra money," Adams gave her money as he promised, "Go and buy something you want. I'll order some take-out. Let's meet here in 30 minutes, alright?"

"Sure. Thanks, bro!" Jae gave him a big grin as she slipped the cash inside her wallet. She started walking as her brother faced the opposite direction. Jae wanted to visit the clothing shop where his brother found the halter top. She thought she'd find something she wanted in there.

When she arrived, the shop was almost empty save for the couple who had been trying out t-shirts for the entirety of the evening. Jae walked passed them without sparing a second glance as she browsed the racks of clothing. But none caught her sight. Not enough to make her buy it.

"Is there anything in particular that you're looking for, Ma'am?" the saleslady asked. Jae spared her a glance before looking back at the clothes. Great, now she'll feel pressured because of the lady watching her back. She walked slowly, raking her eyes up and down the rack while trying to ignore the saleslady.

The saleslady did not back down, unfortunately. "Ma'am, if you're looking for a gift, we have something new in store!" Before she could say no, the saleslady was gone in an instant. Jae heaved a sigh. It would be rude to suddenly disappear, wouldn't it? She wished she was rude enough.

The saleslady was back in an instant, two small boxes on each of her hands. Inside them were a plain, white watch. It caught Jae's eye as she stared at the watch. There was a red Christmas hat designed inside the watch itself and Jae thought it was cute.

"You can get 15% off if you buy two of them, Ma'am!" the saleslady chirped as she pushed the second box closer to her line of sight. Jae instantly noticed that this watch was the same as the first one, although it was slightly bigger... as if it was made for men.

Jae didn't know if it was because of the cheerful saleslady or because it just reminded her of him that made her buy the watches, spending all the money her brother gave her.

***

The next morning, Jae woke up early and got dressed. She brought her book with her as she strutted down the cold, snowy neighborhood. Her cheeks were tinged with pink from the cold. She stopped in front of the Smith's house, an expectant smile on her face.

Before she could even knock, the door swung open, revealing Mrs. Smith. "Camilla Jae!" The neighbor greeted as she lunged for a hug that Jae could not escape from.

"Hello there, Mrs. Smith. I've heard you've flown to Singapore. How was it?" Jae asked, making polite, small talk with her friendly neighbor as soon as they parted.

"Oh, it was absolutely lovely. Come in, my dear. The kids have been waiting for you." Mrs. Smith opened the door wide enough for her to come in.

She entered the house and was instantly greeted by the three youngest kids who were jumping all around her.

"Jae! Jae! I missed you!" Sandra grabbed her hand forcefully as the kid tried to bring her down with her.

Kurt was pulling at her other hand. "Jae! Come play! I have a new toy!"

Mrs. Smith laughed heartily, obviously enjoying the sight. "We really are lucky to have you, Jae. We trust only you these days. Thank you for coming again, tonight." Mr. Smith strode towards Mrs. Smith and took her hand in his.

"Oh it's no big deal, Mrs. Smith. I love taking care of the kids." I also love the pay were her unsaid words, but Jae didn't need to mention it out loud. She gave them a big, lovely grin. "Have fun with your, uh, meeting."

Mr. Smith chuckled. "If we only could," he muttered in response. Then the couple were out the door, leaving Jae behind with the kids again.

Eryl and Ayesha peaked out of the kitchen. "Hi Jae!" they greeted in unison.

"Hey, twins." Jae plucked off the kids from her hands and left them on the floor. Megan strode beside her with a mischievous grin. "What are you planning, Megan?"

"Nothing! You're gonna be staying with us again all night!" Megan said eagerly as she was jumping up and down with excitement.

"That's not true. Your parents would be here before Christmas eve," Jae teased, sticking out a tongue to the kid. Megan stuck her tongue out in response.

Jae entered the kitchen and found the twins baking a small-sized cake. "That looks pretty good. You guys are improving."

"Thanks, Jae. Wait until you taste it!" Eryl chirped.

Ayesha left Eryl tending to the oven and walked over to Jae. "It's true, you know."

Jae raised an eyebrow. "What is?"

"That mom and dad would probably be back tomorrow morning and you'll miss Christmas eve," Eryl answered for her. Ayesha glared at her twin for stealing her lines.

Jae was stunned but she tried not to let it show. Were these kids teasing her again? She crossed her arms as she looked at the twins sharply. "I can't miss another Christmas with my family!"

"But you can't leave us, Jae!" Megan cried with a pout.

"We can handle things here," Ayesha said with an innocent smile. Jae's eyes narrowed, feeling suspicious of the older kid. "Eryl and I would take care of our siblings."

Jae supposed they could take care of their siblings. But... who would take care of them? And also, Mrs. Smith would be disappointed if she ever found out that Jae disregarding her babysitting duty. She might never hire her again.

Jae finally shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what you kids are planning but I'm definitely not letting you out of my sight. So there is only one solution for this situation."

Eryl and Ayesha were frozen in anticipation. Megan was looking at her questioningly.

"You guys would spend Christmas in my home."

***

"Mom! The kids are here!" Jae's shout echoed throughout her house as she pushed down five, bundled-up kids down their hallway. It was 10 pm when she left the Smith's house and she was sure her mother would be already finished with her small feast.

It was late when Jae told her that the kids would be celebrating Christmas with them so that meant the food would be a bit short this year, especially when they would be celebrating them with five hungry kids who seemed like they have an abyss for a stomach.

Jae carried the small cake that the twins baked for themselves, but would now be sharing them with her whole family. It wasn't entirely approved by the twins, so they were a bit grumpy.

"We're in here!" Jae's brother shouted from the dining room.

Jae ushered the kids to follow the voice and one of the twins hissed at her. Ayesha freaking hissed at her. Jae tried and failed to hiss back with the same intensity. "That's real cute, Ayesha."

"Shut up."

They entered the dining room and found that her mother had cooked several more so there would be more servings per person. She was surprised she added this much food in such little time. "Here's a little contribution from the kids," Jae announced as she placed the cake at the center of the table.

"That's really lovely. Hello, Sandra, Megan, Kurt, Eryl and Ayesha," her mother greeted. She said each of their names, which she liked to do. She said it makes the kids feel more like they're equals.

"Hello Pauline," the kids said simultaneously.

"Did you guys practice that?" Adams joked, as he lifted the spoon he had in his mouth. He had been eating mashed potatoes.

"Hey! That's not fair. You don't get to eat first," Jae complained.

"I helped mom cook. That means this is my prize," Adams said.

"C'mon, stop arguing. It's Christmas Eve. Sit down, kids." Her mom softly escorted them to the vacant seats on the table. The kids' eyes were ravenously eyeing down the food. Jae thought it was a little creepy. "Go on. Take your pick."

And that was the signal that everyone followed as they filled their plates with lots of food, hoping to fill their stomachs that they haven't done so with the rest of the year. And while the rest of them downed their food, Jae was absentmindedly staring out the window of her house, the snow gently raining down that contributed to lift up one's Christmas spirit, and wondered if she would see Santa Claus again tonight.