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 Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:19 pm
This was always Tony's favorite time of year. Not just because it was a time of giving and good will, though that certainly played a large part in it, but because things just felt happier. Save when talking snow globes lead to fights with giant ice women, but he was pretty sure that wouldn't happen again this year.
No, it was a new year, a new start to the holiday season, a new month of trying to focus on the good things in life. Happiness, family, friends. Tony had those things, and he wanted to give them the attention they deserved.
And he had his work, which was almost as important to him. The library reached out to the community in as many ways as it could. This year, they had offered to keep one of the donation boxes for a community sponsored food and clothing drive, and Tony was planning on donating to it himself. He also liked the very idea, and thought that spreading the will to help others was a very important thing to do. The less fortunate deserved happy holidays as well.
On top of that, they were running a program for younger people, or teenagers with nothing better to do, or adults who liked a little whimsy in their lives. There was a Letters to Santa station set up near the kids alcove, a large mail box with a box inside where kids could mail their letters. There was a table next to it with paper, oversized envelopes and drawing/writing tools where the letters could be made. For every letter, the library would donate a book to children in need.
Feeling very cheery, Tony, already wearing a green and red elf's hat, was at the front desk, looking up some books for a teacher at a nearby school. He had asked Yvette to come visit him, and was hoping she would show up, because he felt the charitable air would do her a lot of good. The last time he had seen her, she was so down and scared, and though Dogby had helped pick up her spirits, he wanted to check in with her and see how she was doing.
Dogby, for her part, was also wearing an elf hat, and a little green bow on her collar. She was sitting next to Tony, up on the desk, looking as happy as ever.
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Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:13 am
Mommy needed more books.
With Mommy's schedule, she wasn't able to get more books from the library without a little bit of assistance from a certain quiet girl with long hair. The bus dropped her off very close to the city's library, and soon enough the girl was shuffling off as quickly as she could to the building.
It honestly felt as if there were butterflies in her stomach since she got on the bus. It was her first adventure out by herself in a long while, and she was absolutely nervous that somehow this would all go to heck.
There was a very distinct feeling of the winter holidays in the air the moment she wandered in through the front door, which made her pause for a moment. Was it already time for Christmas, Hanukkah, and all of the affiliated holidays? She and Daddy hadn't pulled out the ornaments and decorations yet, so maybe that why it hadn't felt like Christmas yet.
Shuffling along, she made her way to the book drop and shoved the pile of books her Mommy gave her in. The book drop ate those books up like a hungry monster. Turning towards the front desk, the dark haired girl eventually noticed all of the donation boxes. They were her worst enemy in all honesty. It made her feel guilty, because they'd ask for donations without discrimination. Even if her own family was barely out of the range of receiving the donations (and even one year they accidentally became the victims of the donations) they'd ask for a donation. She'd have to turn it away every time and feel guiltier than a guilty something-or-other despite the fact her family really couldn't afford to be generous.
She shuffled past the boxes and eventually made her way to the front desk. There was a Mr. Darrow and a Dogby, all dressed up for the holidays.
"Um... hi..." she offered lamely.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 10:48 am
"Hello, Yvette!" Tony said happily, his heart lifting at the sight of her. He was happy that she had gotten out of the house and made it to the library without turning back. Part of him had imagined she would not make it there, and not because something attacked her or anything dangerous happened. Just because he knew she was scared.
He smiled.
"I'm very glad to see you. How are you doing? Your family? Are you all well?" He tilted his head, noticing the way she was eying the donation set up. He knew that her family weren't well off, and he imagined he could understand what had her so uncomfortable. Or at least part of it. Usually, many things were working against her in any one situation.
He knew that feeling, too.
"That's one of the community drop boxes. They're collecting food and clothes. You're here for books, yes?" He knew the drill, and he was certainly always happy send books along with her for her mother.
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Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:10 pm
She attempted a smile of her own in response to the librarian's warm one, but it still seemed too uncertain to be truly genuine. "Um... I guess we're okay... I guess..."
There was a small pause in her voice before she stated the obvious. "Dogby's cute..." Mr. Darrow mentioned the drop boxes and then books, and the girl's head bobbed up and down a bit. "Y-yes... Mommy needs more books..." After that, she buttoned her lips shut, almost as if she was avoiding the other topic Mr. Darrow had mentioned. Despite how quiet she was, she reached out her fingers to try and sneak some love in the corgi's direction.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:52 pm
Tony smiled and pretended not to notice her going to pet Dogby. He nodded and went to get the books from the hold shelf, then looked over his shoulder at them.
Dogby was less than subtle, far so from Tony and Yvette's efforts. She yipped lovingly and all but bounced at Yvette, having missed her in the short period they were apart and very glad to see her now. The dog's butt was waggling full force, back paws scrabbling as she bounced up and down excitedly.
Tony returned with the books and chuckled.
"I was thinking of going to get some things to donate myself. Would you like to help me?"
Their last adventure in shopping had gone rather well, after all, and maybe he could sneak in some questions about what she might like as a present so he could surprise her. His devious ulterior motive in mind, he offered her a warm smile and felt that familiar feeling of happiness that was thick in the air these days. Christmas spirit, he supposed.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:39 pm
Dogby was a bouncy dog. After living with the little dog for that short period of time, Yvette should have known this. Yet she hadn't braced properly, so as the canine bobbed up and down, her fingers seemed to flinch back. "S-silly Dogby..." After her initial reaction, the girl managed to get her fingers scratching behind the dog's big ears.
Her attention would eventually be snatched away from the corgi when the books were set upon the desk. Once they were checked out, the girl snatched up the books and prepared to put them into her bag. Mr. Darrow's request didn't go ignored.
"Um... well... ummmm... d-do you mean right now?" A pause. "...I could help now... I guess... ifyouwanted... IhavetimeIguess..."
Her eyes glanced up from her bag to see the corners of Mr. Darrow's smile. Quickly, as if she was retreating, her eyes darted back to her bag, resuming her task of putting books away. However, the corners of her lips did manage to curl upward in a shy smile of her own.
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Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:10 pm
Dogby was very happy to be getting scratches, butt wagging enthusiastically. She closed her eyes and leaned her head up into Yvette's fingers, tongue lulling out the side of her mouth.
Tony chuckled, shaking his head. He knew Yvette would probably say yes to any request, whether it inconvenienced her or not. He smiled at her and wondered how to make things easier on her. Always so nervous and bashful. It had to be hard, but he had gotten used to it and it was one of the endearing things about her.
Innocence was hard to come by, in this city.
"Well, not right now if you're busy, but sometime soon. I was going to go out today at my lunch hour, but I can always wait to when it's better for you." He smiled, but realized he had put the decision in her hands, and that was probably not the easiest position for her to be in.
He did see her smiling, though, and that was encouraging.
"I'm sure Dogby would like the walk, too," he said with a nod, and the dog's head turned to him immediately when he saw the magical W word.
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Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:09 pm
"I... I'm... I'm not really busy... Mr. Darrow... I... I could wait around if it's not close to time for lunch yet..."
With all of the books now in her bag, she closed it up and managed to pull her eyes high enough to meet with Dogby's. The corgi didn't judge her, which made it easier for her to focus on the canine. The librarian was a nice man, truly a kind person, but he still probably had some thoughts about her as a person.
"...I mean... i-if you are still busy now... I could always take Dogby on a short walk... onlyifyou'dwantthatis..." Though the dog's attention seemed to be on Mr. Darrow, the girl still snuck her fingers out again to try and get the corgi's attention again.
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Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:17 pm
Tony watched her, chuckling and shaking his head. She was not one who could deny a request, and he was using that slightly against her. But he wanted to know about her presents and what she wanted.
Dogby was more than happy to give Yvette the non-judgemental attention she wanted. She was just a dog, after all, but a sweet one to boot. She had nothing to expect but being pet, and Yvette was always generous with affection, so she had nothing to complain about. She was easily distracted from Tony and licked at Yvette's hand now, ears perked up and forward eagerly.
Tony smiled.
"No, no, not busy. Lunch is now," he looked over at someone who was nearby, and they nodded, agreeing silently to taking over at the desk while he was out on lunch. If he took a longer lunch no one would really call him out on it. He was here a lot anyway.
He got the leash and attached it to Dogby's collar, offering the end of it to Yvette.
"We'll drop by the stores nearby," there was a shopping area near the library, which was convenient. He could take her into some of the stores there and see if she might hint at what she would like for Christmas. Or he could flat out ask her. Either way.
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Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 1:46 pm
"I-isn't it a b-bit early for lunch?!" she managed to squeak out as the man labeled that very moment lunch time. She easily took up the leash when it was offered, but that still didn't make everything hunky-dory for her. Perhaps being an hourly employee made it so she wasn't able to truly comprehend the whole idea of flexible lunch hours. When she got her half an hour, she had to have it at the very same time every day. Of course, none of this was really applicable since she was still sort of avoiding work. Mrs. Ortiga understood, but it didn't make her any less guilty of such.
Despite her apparent confusion, the girl quietly trotted along the librarian's side as he began to exit the building. Dogby obvious trotted along as well, simply by virtue of being on a leash. "...um... okay... nearby stores..." she repeated in an absolutely uncertain tone. She wouldn't say it, but it just felt weird going with Mr. Darrow. He had asked for her help, but why would he need her help? He seemed pretty capable of going to the store on his own.
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:29 pm
Tony laughed.
"Lunch just means... an hour I can slip away from the counter and no one really cares. I started work early this morning, so lunch comes earlier in the day," he was sure she understood the concept, but he explained anyway. He had no intention of eating anything, at least not yet. He'd take a break later for food requirements for the day.
He didn't realize she had a much more strict work environment to deal with, and that was why she was confused.
Dogby hardly needed her leash to walk with them, because she was becoming a very loyal and smart little girl. In the library, tony gave her off leash and she stuck close to his legs. There was the chance, though, that something would move in just the right way and she would go darting off after it. In the library it was safer, but outside? Tony could hardly fathom seeing her in the street.
If anything happened to her, his heart would break. He was sure Yvette felt the same way.
He took her to a store near enough, one that had just about everything in it.
"Alright, so we're looking for food, clothes, and maybe toys to donate to families for Christmas. Maybe it'll be easier to start with things you like, that other people might. I'm afraid I'm a bit... old... and out of the loop these days." So smooth. She would never guess he was trying to find out what to buy her for Christmas this way.
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 3:53 pm
Her eyes were watching Dogby pretty much the moment they all stepped out of the library, watching the dog as she trotted along on her short legs. The corgi had a habit of sniffing things as they traveled, but it hardly bothered anybody.
Of course, the walk didn't last too long. The store had been closer than Yvette had anticipated, so once Mr. Darrow started talking about looking for food, clothes, and toys, the girl glanced to him so he knew she was listening. "..um... well... I don't really watch TV... so I don't know what kids like for toys either..." It wasn't so much a choice as it was her family's lifestyle. Cable was just another extra expense that they didn't need. Daddy and Mommy could get the news with the newspaper. She paused to scratch at the back of her head a bit, as if she was trying to think of something.
"I c-can try to find food and clothes though... um... d-do you have any coupons or anything, Mr. Darrow? It'll make things cheaper..." Somewhere in her mind, she was already trying to think of good foods that were cheap, but bountiful. Meats were expensive, as Mommy tended to tell her. Milk and eggs also could be, depending on the time of year, plus such things would probably spoil pretty easily. There were canned soups out there that probably would work out better.
It was a bit trickier to balance walking while the gears in her mind were turning, but somehow the group eventually made it to the store and in the doors. Trotting forward, Yvette nabbed a shopping cart and quickly put the Dogby in the basket.
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 1:40 pm
Tony was hoping she would inadvertently aid him. He did not really need help picking things for people he didn't know: it was kind of hard to get that wrong, after all. He could grab whatever he felt like and donate that with ease.
If she saw through his ploy, though, he would have to come up with a better idea.
When she asked about coupons Tony smiled and shook his head. He didn't, actually, so he wasn't lying. But he wasn't worrying about the cost. Not something he wanted to flounce around, of course, as he was well aware of why she was asking.
"Don't worry about that. I want to get nice things for people who can't afford them: if that means I have to pay a little more, then I'm willing to do that. Because I can, sure, but also because I want to." He smiled as Dogby looked up at them from her seat in the shopping cart, tongue hanging out of her mouth happily. They would have a hard time shopping: people could not resist a cute dog sitting in a shopping cart like a baby.
"We'll do non-perishable shopping first," he said, guiding them toward the clothes, "then we'll get all the food." Maybe if they just got close to something she liked over in the clothes or the jewelry, she would just say something or give it a particular look. Tony was keeping his senses up.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:53 pm
"u-um... kay!" she said just before some other shoppers visited to spoil Dogby with attention and brief affection. It wasn't like Dogby was her pet, so the girl awkwardly glanced down towards her toes until the attention seemed to pass. They were eventually able to move on their way, to locate the clothing.
Clothing was a lot more difficult to think of objectively. Especially for Yvette, who enjoyed looking at the various design qualities of different pieces. The trio came across a display of various pairs of pants folded up in stacks. "...so... what sizes should I be looking for, Mr. Darrow?" she asked as she slipped away to the stand to take a look. She was looking over the tags, and eventually saw something that made her nearly fall over.
50 dollars for a pair of PANTS?!!
This was why the girl made her own clothing. The cost of things were just so ridiculous these days that it cost only a fraction of the price to make the clothing herself. Steadying herself slightly against the display stand, the girl eventually straightened herself up and set the pair of pants back.
Mr. Darrow could say all he wanted that she could ignore the price tags, but that wasn't going to really be happening any time soon.
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:53 pm
Tony looked thoughtful.
"I don't know," he said, though he didn't dare ask her what her was. He was pretty sure girls of every age were not fond of that, or so said the TV and every single cliche he had ever seen, heard or read about. He would rather be safe than sorry, in that case.
He moved to her side.
"Are you alright? You don't have to worry about the prices. We'll just look for now, get some ideas, it will be okay." He pat her on the back, looking concerned. He didn't think the shock of the price tag would impact her quite that hard. But he just wanted to get an idea of things she liked, and maybe get her something close. And never tell her what it cost, regardless.
"I just... ah... want to get an idea. I can figure out what to get for the hypothetical young man, based on my son, but I'm afraid I don't know anything about girls."
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