"Hi! Can I help you?"

The girl was perky and bright, just as she was paid to be, and stepped almost directly in front of Samuel as she spoke. He gave his slow and almost embarrassed grin in return, motioning with his hand.

"Well, I am doing some early Christmas shopping for my daughter, to avoid being tempted to buy some last-minute fad, but I really have no idea what would interest a ten year old girl these days," he looked almost like a helpless father, although something about his manner suggested otherwise.

"Ooooh!" she winked and he smiled a bit more, "Well then, we have some of the latest play sets for girls...and this doll has been selling well." She motioned to one of the lower rows skipping, he noticed, many of the cheaper toys. The 'last-minute fads' comment had put her on track.

"Oh the doll would be fine,' he said, picking up the box and brushing his hand against her arm as he did so, 'Thank you for your help." His expression didn't change as she smiled a little more...she was feeling vaguely uncomfortable now and trying not to show it. She felt...warm.

"No problem! Do you want me to...ring you up?" she watched his face, trying to stay focused as she just knew her own face was growing flushed.

"Well...sure, that'd be great," he was to all appearances baffled by her change in behavior, following her back towards the counter. The girl, Tracy, was releived to be behind the counter...she fought to keep from shamelessly rubbing her thighs closer together as she smiled nervously and rang up the purchase. She had to do it twice as she messed up the first time, but Dr. Abaster just smiled patiently.

"Th-there you go sir," she said, handing over his reciept. Her whole body shivered when her hand touched his and she almost swooned when he held it.

"Iciv, Idiv, Iniv. Lous eht tsiwt. Ydob eht tsiwt. Nerdlihc fo thgiled eht," he whispered with a gentle smile, taking his bags and change...waving as he went, "Have a good day."

Tracy stood there a moment more, smiling a little, and slowly blinked her way back. What a nice man, "And what a lucky daughter he must have." She blinked at that, but the warmth was still there...damn all these kids. If only they weren't here she could...

A thought slid into her mind, something that was alien and yet strangely seemed so right...as if it had been branded into her. There were three kids in the small store now, all unattended as their parents were probably in the clothing store next door.

Tracy licked her lips, and ignored the small voice trying to tell her that this wasn't her as she smiled at the girl and two boys...almost panting.

"Hey kids, put those down," the girl looked up but the boys ignored her, "Want to...see something in the back room?"

She had their attention now.