Claudia sat on a barstool at the breakfast nook of her kitchen, reviewing her plans. For the last week, she had been scheming. All the research had been done, the phone calls had been made, flights booked, hotel rooms reserved; the plans were made.

        She set her pen on the pad of paper in front of her and gave a content sigh. She was quite pleased with herself. He’s going to love this, she thought to herself happily.

        “How’s the planning going, Claude?” Nicole asked, entering the kitchen.

        “Perfect. Everything is all set. I can’t wait, he’s going to be so happy.”

        “You’re awfully excited about this whole thing,” she commented, raiding the refrigerator.

        “Well, it is a pretty big deal. And I know that this is just going to bring a smile to his face…”

        “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you have a little crush on Mr. Chasez.”

        Claudia looked up at her friend, surprised. “What? Why would you say something like that?”

        “Well, you two have been spending an awful lot of time together, and just the way you talk about him you sound so… dreamy or something,” she countered.

        “You’re crazy!” Claudia exclaimed. “I’ve got Jacob, why would I be daydreaming about a male friend of mine?”

        Her friend raised an eyebrow at her, with a look that said I-don’t-believe-you.

        “He’s my friend! Jeez, give me a break!”

        Nicole chuckled. “A little uptight Claude?”

        “Forgive me for getting uptight when you’re over there throwing accusations that I have feelings for him, when I don’t!”

        “Whatever you say.”

        “I’m not going to defend myself against you!” she exclaimed. “This conversation is over,“ she declared.

        With that, Claudia got up from her stool, and huffed into the living room. But Nicole followed, joining her on the sofa. Claudia flicked on the T.V and pretended not to notice her there.

        “Can you honestly tell me that you’re happy with Jacob?”

        Claudia turned around to face her friend. "Why would you even ask me something like that? Of course I’m happy with him.”

        “You two hardly ever spend time together anymore. I see you with Josh more than I’ve seen you with Jacob in the last year!”

        “Oh, you exaggerate. Besides, that doesn’t mean anything. We’re both…busy, that’s all.”

        “And yet, you’ve managed to find plenty of time to spend with Josh,” Nicole pointed out.

        Claudia opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came out. Her cheeks burned red with frustration.

        “Tell me honestly, when was the last time you and Jacob…” she hesitated for a minute, “… made love?”

        “Nicole!” Claudia shrieked in surprise.

        “No, I mean it! When was the last time you guys had a romantic night all to yourselves?” she asked seriously. “You know, light the candles, bring out the wine, turn on the romantic music…”

        “I am not going to sit here and tell you about my sex life!”

        “Or lack thereof,” Nicole mumbled under her breath.

        “I heard that!”

        Nicole folded her legs underneath her. “I can’t believe you are so oblivious to the fact that you’re not happy. I think the only reason you are with him is to please your parents and keep everyone else happy,” she countered. “Your parents are so in love with perfect Jacob, and so convinced that you two are happy, you couldn’t possibly upset them when they’ve been talking about marriage plans since you two started dating.”

        “Your parents think Jacob is the perfect man for you,” Nicole continued. “He’s intelligent, he’s got lots of money, which would provide plenty of security for their only daughter, and the act he puts on in front of your family would make anyone believe he’s a prince charming.”

        That was Nicole for you, blunt and opinionated. She always loved to speak her mind when she had an opinion and she would rarely hold her tongue. Especially when she felt that she was right.

        “Act? There is no act,” Claudia defended. “Jacob is a perfect gentleman.”

        “Yeah, only in front of your family and the business men he needs to impress. He doesn’t treat you half as good as you deserve and you know it.”

        “I’m not going to listen to this,” Claudia declared, getting up from the couch and heading for the stairs.

        “It’s only because you know I’m right!” Nicole called after her.

        And it’s true, she was right. Claudia closed her bedroom door behind her with a sigh.

        Don’t listen to her Claude, a voice in her head ordered. You love Jacob, Nicole has no idea what she’s talking about. Another voice spoke up: You know Nicole is right. If it weren’t for your family, you would’ve broken it off with him a long time ago! But the voice argued back: That’s not true, Claudia doesn’t let other people make decisions for her.

        By this time her head began to spin with confused thoughts and emotions, she fought to push them all away. Don’t think
about this, and everything will be fine. Everything will stay the same, and remain the way it should be. This is your life, Claudia. This is how it’s going to be, don’t try to change it now.

Three days before Christmas Eve

        As Josh’s friendship with Claudia grew, he found himself enjoying her company more and more. Although he tried to keep his distance, she continuously invited him along out to lunch or to a small party, or to volunteer with her. He knew she was slowly breaking into the interior of his secluded dome.

        He found comfort in her presence, and he liked that he could get out of the house more often than he usually did. He had agreed to attend rehearsals for caroling with her church and had already met several of Claudia’s friends after only a few nights.

        She was very kind, letting him into her life so quickly and so easily. Ever since the day that they had met, she had been inviting him in. I just wish that I could invite people into my life as easily as she, he thought, wistfully as he gazed out the passenger side window.

        Claudia looked over at him from the driver’s seat, curiously. “A penny for your thoughts?”

        He gave her a half smile. “Nothing important,” was all he said.

        Claudia nodded, not wanting to be intrusive. She flicked on the radio and soft jazz music flowed through the speakers. She turned up the volume when she recognized the tune, and tapped her fingers against the steering wheel to the rhythm.

        “You’re into jazz?” he asked.

        She nodded. “I got it from my mom. She sang for a few jazz bands while I was growing up. I fell in love with it after listening to them rehearse.”

        “I like jazz a lot too," he agreed. “It’s so relaxing, yet fun at the same time.”

        “I know exactly what you mean! I used to sneak out of my room and go down to the basement when they were rehearsing.” She smiled as she remembered. “Sometimes my mom would let me sing along, or play the tambourine…I’d have the time of my life. Or I’d sit and watch for hours…or at least as long as my father would let me.”

        “Your father didn’t like you to watch your mom’s band rehearse?” Josh queried.

        “He never really approved of it. He thought I should be studying, or doing my homework instead.” She lowered her voice, imitating her father. “‘Music is distracting and a waste of time; an education is more important.’ My dad always wanted me to be something big and important.”

        “Big and important?” he repeated.

        “A doctor, a lawyer…something along those lines.”

        “Ah, I see.”

        “I always did well in school, but music just interested me so much more. I was always busy singing or playing piano. I think that’s what frustrated my father the most; ‘I didn’t put my education to good use’. I just didn’t want the same things he wanted for me. And he still resents that to this day.”

        “So how did he react when you became a record producer?”

        “Let’s just say I seriously reconsidered going to law school,” she answered with a chuckle.

        Josh laughed along with her.

        “He’d say ‘Claudia, you’re such a bright girl, you could do so much in your life. Wouldn’t you rather become a doctor like your brother?’”

        “But your mother supported you, right?”

        “I know she supports me in her heart, but she’d never admit it.”

        “How come?” Josh wanted to know.

        “She wouldn’t dare go against my father. It’s bad enough that she paid for all my vocal and music lessons. Other than that, I was pretty much on my own when it came to music.”

        Josh paused for moment. “I’ve been pretty fortunate having so much support from my friends and family throughout my music career.”

        They drove in silence for a few minutes. Claudia studied his profile from the corner of her eye. His jaw was relaxed and his slate blue eyes wandered around, taking in the scenery.

        “I’m glad you wanted to come with me tonight,” she said, returning her focus to the road. “It means a lot to have someone else visit the kids with me every once in a while.”

        “It’s my pleasure,” he assured her. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been around young children, maybe they can brighten up my life a little bit and help me see things through a new perspective… it’s like they see things in a whole different light.”

        “Yeah, they’re so innocent.”

        “And so honest. Unaffected by all the prejudice and hatred in the world.”

        And Claudia couldn’t agree more. It was why she loved children so much.

        Within the next few minutes, Claudia had pulled off of the highway and into the parking lot of the orphanage. She pulled a bag out of the backseat and they entered the large, brick building.

        The place was dimly lit and appeared rather dingy. Worn and broken white tiles covered the floor, faded yellow wall paper peeled away from the walls, revealing an unattractive green paint underneath.

        “Hello Anita,” Claudia greeted the plump woman at the front desk.

        “Hello Claudia, it’s so nice to see you again!” the woman said pleasantly. “Who’s the handsome young man you’ve brought with you? Not Jacob, I see.”

        “No, this is my friend and co-worker, Josh. He wanted to come visit with me today.”

        “Nice to meet you Josh, it’s nice to see a new face.”

        Josh smiled and nodded at her as Claudia led him down the hallway to a loud and noisy room, filled with children of various ages. A rough brown carpet replaced the hard tiles in this room. Josh’s eyes were immediately drawn to the windows, which had brown curtains and bars across them.

        Suddenly, a young girl’s voice ripped through the room. “Claudia!” the girl exclaimed running up to wrap her arms tightly around Claudia’s knees.

        “Hey there, Samantha! How ya been?”

        “Great! I’ve got an interview tomorrow with a really nice couple, and I can’t wait! We bought me a new dress and Anita says it brings out my eyes!”

        Claudia laughed at the young girl’s giddiness.

        “Claudia!” More children hurried over as they recognized their older friend.

        “Hey guys! I want you all to meet my friend Josh.”

        “Hi Josh!” several of the kids shouted.

        “Hey everyone,” he said chuckling.

        “Look at your hair, Sam. Haven’t you been letting Tina brush it for you?” Claudia asked, tugging on the girl’s loose ponytail.

        She pushed the loose strands away from her face. “Nope!” she said proudly. “But you can brush it for me!”

        A young woman approached the two and the group that had formed around them. “Thank goodness! You’re the only one that she’ll let touch her hair without a fight.”

        “Tina, this is my friend, Josh. Josh, Tina.”

        “Hey, Tina. It’s nice to meet you.”

        “You too. The kids love seeing new people and making new friends. I’m glad you wanted to come.”

        “Who wants to make Christmas cards?” Claudia asked, holding up the bag of supplies that she had brought with her.

        “Me! I am!” Several of the kids shouted.

        “Everyone who’s doing arts and crafts come to the back table,” Anita announced over the loud commotion of the children.

        Josh followed Claudia and Anita to a very long, very large table in the back of the room, as kids crowded around, taking seats on the bench.

        Claudia began emptying her bag onto the table. “I brought some stencils, stickers, glitter, stamps and lots more, so help yourselves. Don’t forget to share!” she reminded them.

        Anita brought out a decorated box that read: “Supplies” on the side. Soon the tabletop was crowded with glue, scissors, construction paper and crayons.

        Claudia chuckled as Samantha shoved a brush into her hand and let her struggle to pull out the hair band that held her loose curls together.

        Josh stood up, and walked over to a little boy who was playing with some Lego’s by himself. He crouched down and observed the large building that the boy was creating.

        “Whatcha making?” Josh inquired.

        The boy studied the blocks in front of him and answered without diverting his concentration. “A firehouse,” the boy answered simply.

        “Oh, are there any fire trucks?”

        The boy looked at him curiously. “I was going to get one out of the toy box to use.”

        “Do you think I could help you build a house? The firemen could come save the people inside and put out the fire,” Josh suggested.

        The boy stared at him once again. “Okay,” he finally agreed.

        Josh found two toy fire trucks and returned to help the boy build the house. “What’s your name?” Josh asked after they began building in silence for several minutes.

        “Lance.”

        Josh turned quickly to look at the boy who was once again concentrating on the blocks. He had sandy-blonde hair that he parted at the side, and light eyes. That’s funny, he almost looks like Lance did when he was younger.

        “Lance, huh? I used to be good friends with someone named Lance…” his voice trailed off, and he realized that the young boy could probably care less. “I’m Josh.”

        A little girl who looked to be about seven approached the two, observing their work. “What are you guys making?” the girl asked with curiosity.

        “This is the firehouse,” Lance said pointing. “The fire trucks go in here. This is the burning building. There are people inside and the firemen are gonna come save them. Wanna help us?” he offered. “We could make a whole town for the firemen to save.”

        “Sure, there’s a whole other bucket of blocks, I’ll go get ‘em.”

        Before they knew it, several others had come to help build the imaginary village. Josh watched with amusement as the kids worked together, building another house, a post office and a bank.

        “Having fun?” Claudia asked from behind him.

        He smiled at her. “They’re great kids.”

        “I was going to go up to the next floor, there are some younger kids up there. Did you want to join me?” she offered.

        “Sure,” Josh agreed, leaving the village and its creators, behind. “So does Jacob ever come here with you?” he asked as they ascended the cement stairs to the upper level.

        “He did once or twice. He’s not too fond of children though, he only came him because I begged him to,” she said with a chuckle.

        He studied her inquisitively for a moment. “Does that bother you?”

        “Does what bother me?”

        “That he doesn’t like kids, I mean you told me so yourself that you love kids…”

        “He and I just have different interests, that’s all,” she replied with a shrug of her shoulders.

        “And what are his interests?”

        Claudia gave him a surprised look at his sudden interest in her life before answering. “He’s very professional and serious, a hard working businessman.”

        “Okay, but what are his interests besides working?”

        “What are your interests besides working?” she joshed.

        He was taken aback by her sudden wit. He was at a loss for words momentarily. “Isn’t it rude to answer a question with a question?” he pointed out.

        “Sure, but you just did it yourself, did you not?”

        Realizing that she was right, he shut his mouth. “Well I asked first,” he retorted.

        “I don’t know, he likes to go drinking with his friends and out to country clubs,” she suggested. “When he gets time off of work he sometimes goes yachting or golfing.” As she thought about it, the more she realized that Jacob didn’t have many interests other than his career. And the interests he did have were high profile and expensive, things he didn’t invite Claudia along with him to do because it was “with the guys” or “a business thing.”

        “You make it seem like he has no life. He’s just very goal-oriented, and dedicated.” she defended.

        He held up his hands in surrender. “I never said that.”

        “Well then answer my question,” she ordered.

        “I listen to a lot of music. A lot of jazz and R&B. I’m into science fiction; books and movies.”

        “Oh no, you’re a sci-fi nerd!” she cracked.

        “I am not!” he argued.

        “All right, answer me this. How many of the Star Wars movies have you seen?”

        “Well all of them, of course. They’re classics! Who hasn’t seen ‘em all?”

        “Not me! I’ve never seen a Star Wars movie.”

        “Never?” he exclaimed.

        “Nope. How many star wars figures do you have?” she questioned.

        His cheeks reddened slightly and he looked sheepishly down at his feet.

        “I should’ve known! You’re a Star Wars freak aren’t you?”

        “They’re collectors items!” he cried in defense.

        She chuckled, shaking her head as she pushed open the door to another large room that highly resembled the one downstairs. The pale-yellow wallpaper was decorated with teddy bears and balloons, a few playpens were scattered around the room, and children’s cries echoed down the hallway.

        “All of these children are under the age of five,” Claudia explained as they entered.

        A boy of about three who was sucking his thumb tugged on Claudia’s pant leg. She looked down seeing the young boy.

        “Hi Derek!” she greeted, picking him up. “How have you been?”

        He continued sucking his thumb and looked at Josh curiously.

        “This is my friend Josh. Can you say hi to Josh?”

        He sheepishly buried his head in Claudia’s shoulder. “Hey Derek, I’m Josh,” he tried. But the boy didn’t lift his head.

        Josh looked to Claudia for help. She nodded over toward the bookshelf in the corner.

        “I was going to go read a book, would you like to read one with me?” he offered, hopefully.

        Derek lifted his head from Claudia’s shoulder and studied Josh carefully for a moment. Finally he nodded, and pulled out of Claudia’s grasp, then hurried to the bookshelf to pick out a book.

        “I really like Derek,” Claudia told Josh as they watched him look through the shelf. “He has a social anxiety disorder and refuses to talk. But he loves to read, and he’s very intelligent.”

        Derek held up a book, signaling that he had made a selection and was ready to read. For the next half an hour, Josh sat with Derek, reading book after book until Derek fell asleep in Josh’s lap. The young, slender employee, Tina approached Josh with a smile.

        “I see you’ve made yourself a new friend,” Tina said nodding at the young boy that was sleeping in Josh’s lap.

        Josh nodded with a smile. “He’s a good kid.”

        “Here, I’ll take him for you,” Tina said, lifting the boy out of his lap. “I’ll go lay him down,” she told Josh as she turned to carry Derek down the hall.

        Claudia and Josh spent the rest of the afternoon at the orphanage, and they were both tired when it came time to leave. They drove in silence for most of the way home, until Claudia spoke up. It was time that she put the plan she had been creating, into action.

        “You don’t have plans for Christmas Eve, do you?” she asked, without taking her eyes off the road.

        “Well, no not yet. Why?” he asked, wondering what she had in mind.

        “You do now,” she told him firmly.

        “Okay sure I’d love to, thanks for asking,” he said sarcastically. “I might like to know what these plans are before I agree to them.”

        “I thought maybe you’d like to join me at the soup kitchen for a little while and then go to a party afterwards.”

        “You waited an awfully long time to bring this plan up, Christmas Eve is in two days.”

        “I know, I’m sorry. It’s kind of a last minute thing. You know how the holidays get.”

        “I’m fine with the soup kitchen idea, but where’s this party, and whose going to be there?”

        “It’s at my place and it’s for everyone at Jive,” she lied.

        “That’s funny, I haven’t heard anything about it,” he countered, raising an eyebrow slightly.

        “That’s what happens to hermits who refuse to come out of their studios,” she teased.

        He just laughed and shook his head. Josh was beginning to feel so comfortable around her, and he couldn’t help but also begin to trust her. He trusted Claudia enough to know that she wouldn’t invite him to a party where he might feel uncomfortable.

        “So what do you say, troll? Will you come out from under the bridge to visit the villagers on Christmas?”

        “Sure I’ll go. Why should a hermit like me refuse plans like that? But only on one condition.”

        “What’s that?” she asked.

        “Promise the villagers won’t laugh at my warts and bulging eyes.”

        She tipped her head back and laughed. “Well I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises there.”

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