Wish for a good holiday (Christmas 2020)

As you look at the breathtaking figure before you, you begin to blush harder. She steps closer and offers you a smile. “What do you have in your mind right now?”

“I’m...just wishing for a good holiday.” You blush. You’re not even sure why you said that. Perhaps it was because you were on the road so often you never really took the time to rest or to spend any of the major holidays doing something normal. Seeing her made you want to trick her into thinking you were normal. Your answer brings silence at first, but eventually it makes her smile.

“What would you want for a good holiday?” She asks politely. Her narrow nose and sharp chin frame complement everyone of her facial features. Her gaze is sharp and intelligent. She’s as human as Flora, but far beyond any kindness that should be allowed on earth.

“Just...someone to spend it with, right? Someone who really cares for me. And someone I really care about too.” You reply, truthfully. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to spend a holiday with someone.”

The girl nods, sticking out her hand. “Well, Warren. My name is Astrid. I really care about you.”

Your cheeks began to burn. You took her hand and shook it. You blinked and the entire shake turned into dust, revealing a bright, decorated living room with a Christmas tree, nutcrackers along the wall, a lit fireplace and gifts. Everything looked pre-war and perfect. The windows gave view to a snowy, yet inviting desolate landscape. Peppermint and coco invaded your sense of smell - you felt that nothing was out of the ordinary, even though none of this should have been natural.

“Wow!” You exclaimed, feeling that there was no more reason to be so bashful around her. “This is amazing! Do you live here?”

Astrid laughs at your comment. “Technically not. Technically, you live here!”

“Huh, I thought it seemed vaguely familiar?” You look around, feel like what you just said was more to fill in the emptiness you actually felt about this place. You had no personal connection to it.

Astrid, also knowing you didn’t know anything about this house, laughs awkwardly. “Sure!”

You look around for a little while longer before you finally let your gaze lay on Astrid again. This time, she’s wearing something much more...adult...No adult isn’t right, she’s adorable!

Staying with the holiday theme, she’s all red, which compliments her golden blonde hair and sugar blue eyes. The red hat she has on is deep in color, it matches the red dress and cape she has on now. Her red cape is tied neatly two together with a slightly redder bow. The hems of each piece of her outfit is fuzzy and white, indicating a wholesome background to her new gitup. You look down, noticing that her dress only stops partly above her knees, but just below her knees are knee high white stockings, paired with some polished high heels.

“Perhaps here we could spend the night together?” She sits on the couch, offering you a seat beside her. “We can talk all night and I’ll listen.”

“Ah, I wouldn’t want to bore you.” You say. “I’m not really-”

“Warren,” Astrid stops you. “I’ll listen for as long as you want me to.”

Your heart skips a beat. The tone of her voice changed. It’s still light and airy, but much more inviting and careful. Carefully, you sit beside her. The cushions of the couch ease you into your back. There’s a lot you want to talk about - there’s so much on your mind, so much guilt, worry and personal problems. You know she’d listen to you and would give you the best feedback you’d ever want.

She grabs your hand and folds her fingers over yours. “Please, don’t insult me like that. I’d...Love it if you’d talk to me. I’m here for you. I always have been - I just haven't been able to really show myself until now.” She squeezes her hand a little firmer against yours, giving you a hopeful smile.

Some unknown waterworks threaten to start. She’s so much more than a mother. What she’s expressing is true love. Who is this woman? You suck in your lips and scoff a little, trying desperately to hide your true emotions.

Finally, Astrid sighs. She grabs your chin and guides you to face her. “What do you want to do?”