Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

My eyes narrow. How is that possible? “I don’t understand.”

“I was abandoned as a small child. I’m not sure who my parents were or what my genetic makeup is.”

“Oh.” That makes sense. I eat more of my food, unsure of what to say.

She laughs. “People usually pry after that. They try to get me to talk.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I turn to look at her.

“No.”

“Okay.” I finish my food.

“What’s waiting for you in Pittsburg?” she asks.

I wipe my mouth with a napkin. “It’s my home.”

“It’s mine, too. I grew up there, but I moved away a couple of years ago. Now I’m moving back. My family had a big welcome back dinner planned. I’m saddened to miss it. Did you have plans?”

“Yes, Christmas Eve dinner with my entire family.”

“That sounds nice. Are you upset you’re missing it?”

“No. I like my family. I don’t like dealing with them all at once in one place.”

She snickers. “I can understand that. My family is small. Just three people plus myself.”

“I thought you had no family.”

“Not biologically speaking. We were foster children together. This is the family I’ve chosen.”

“You’re easy to talk to.”

“I feel the same way about you, Sam.” She squeezes my knee, but quickly removes her hand like it’s on fire. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t like being touched. I saw you when the officer grabbed you earlier.”

“I like it when you touch me. You use the right amount of pressure.”

Her lips form an O. I wonder if they taste like the pie she just ate. I can’t help but study her lips. Pants tightening, I shift in my chair, surprised. It’s not a problem I often have in public these days. Suddenly, it’s like I’m in middle school again.

“We’ve been sitting here a while. Do you want to walk? I have something I think you’ll like,” she says, standing.

Intrigued, I follow her. Gathering our things, we leave the gate quietly. The lights have dimmed, and people have settled in to wait out the night. She guides me to a display.

“This is all about the airport and its history.”

“Oh.” I step forward, reading the information on the murals of older photos posted on the wall. “I didn’t know this was here. I only came through here for business.” I take my camera out and snap a few pictures. I’ll add this to my collection of files back home.

“I’ve spent many a layover entertained by their displays. I enjoy learning history. I have way more pamphlets and books than I need about places I’ve never been to.”

“I like having interests to occupy my time. I attend Star Trek conventions and keep up my flight hours.”

r /> “I love conventions. Do you cosplay?”

I turn, excited by her interest. “I do.”

“Do you have any pictures of it? I’d like to see them. I’ve always wanted to dress up, but ...” she looks down and shrugs, “I guess I never had the guts.”

“You should. I’m sure you could pull off any character you wanted to.”