Finding you: A Christmas special

Perfect Strangers

Elena POV:

"My son is asleep," I said as we entered the house, "you have a son?" Asked the beautiful stranger, I nodded, "you really are perfect!" I blushed again. "I didn't catch your name by the way," I said as I headed to the kitchen, "tea?" I asked, "yes please, and it's Chad." I smiled as I put the kettle on to boil, "it's nice to meet you Chad." I said as I leaned against the kitchen counter and crossed my arms, "I'm sorry for my bitchiness earlier," I said, and he shook his head, "you don't need to apologise, it's actually good to have some honesty for once." I smiled at him, "I'm still sorry, you didn't deserve the bite I gave you and besides it's not excusable at all!" He smiled at me and leaned against the counter across from me, "so what's your deal?" she asked, mirroring me, "nothing sweet." I said as the kettle clicked, I got out two mugs and turned away from him, busying myself with the tea. "You can tell me, after all, you're not Amy." I could hear the humour in his voice. "For someone who just got catfished, you seem to have a great bounce back," I joked as I changed the subject, "what can I say, beautiful women are my cure and disease." "Does that work for everyone?" I asked, "I'm hoping it works for you." I laughed, I couldn't help it, Chad was such a nice guy. "Hey, this might seem forward," I said and he laughed, "I doubt anything you say could seem forward," "well, hear me out before you decide," I said as I handed him his mug, it was a red Christmas mug, "cute." I rolled my eyes as I brought the cup to my lips, "it's not mine." His eyes twinkled as he took a sip of tea, "of course." I couldn't help but smile, I was smiling so much, my cheeks were hurting. I almost forgot what I was going to ask. "So, forward?" He nudged as he smiled flirtatiously, "would you, maybe want to join me for dinner?" I asked shyly, he smiled, "I never thought you'd ask." I couldn't stop grinning. "Great, there's this pasta place in town-" I said, "do you mind if we order in?" Asked Chad, "why?" I asked, and he shrugged, "small towns can be a bit weird and I'm exhausted from my trip here," he said, "okay," I said, but I started to feel like maybe Chad was just like Caleb. Maybe he was cheating on his wife and I was the mistress. Woah! It's just dinner Elena!

He glanced at his watch. "I have to go!" He exclaimed putting down his cup, "why?" I asked and immediately regretted it. He must think I'm some desperate bimbo. He looked up at me, "I need to pick up my bags from the airport," I furrowed my eyebrows, "why?" I asked and he chuckled, "because I left them there. Would you like to come with me?" He asked and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I shook my head and smiled sheepishly, "sorry." "I'll see you tonight!" He said, his eyes sparkling, "okay." Then he left. I went and sat down on the couch, and picked up Ryan's scarf. I wanted so desperately to feel.

With Chad gone. I felt alone again, and the hole that Caleb left seemed to feel a whole lot bigger. Well, this was embarrassing. I was hurt over a complete stranger, he could be a serial killer for all I know. I shook my head, bringing myself back to reality and just in time as Mason woke up. "Good morning my baby," I cooed, he gave me one of those baby-like smiles that makes your heart flip. "Is my little monster hungry?" I asked picking him up and giving him some face kisses to help him wake up. He started babbling and laughing, but even with the angel noises, my heart still sank with its heaviness. I held his little body close to me, just closing my eyes and enjoying his warmth.

I carried him to the couch, where I sat down and lifted my shirt. He latched on almost immediately and started drinking. I watched him close his eyes again, I glanced at my phone again. Maybe I should call Caleb. Maybe I should try again, for Mason...

I picked up my phone, and dialed his number and just as usual, it went to voicemail. My heart sank lower. My throat hurt, my chest hurt and I cried. My crying didn't phase Mason, but I apologized to him regardless as I sobbed. Why did it have to be this way? Why didn't I deserve the perfect family?