While my dad and Joey were outside pegging each other with snowballs in this icy Chanhassen cold Tony went out to warm up the car and take me to the mall right across town. I was excited to go and get Joey his perfect gift. I can't believe that this all be our first Christmas in a home with somebody who actually cares about our wellbeing and not back at Caring Hearts. My dad on the other hand told me to never forget where I came from because it's apart of who I am. In my opinion is rather forget about that place and move on with my life. Joey can't seem to forget it because he wakes up some nights with nightmares of not really being with our dad and back at the orphanage. Last night it was so bad that dad had to take Joey in his studio and work while he slept on the couch on the other side of the room. I ended up sitting outside of the studio door most of the night until Tony had to convince me that Joey was in good hands. Tony finally came back from outside and stomped the excess snow from his boots.

"Alright miss lady? Ready to hit the road?" He asked as he took his hood off.

I grabbed my bag from the couch and headed towards the door.

"Ready as I'll ever be dude! Let's get this thang poppin'!" I said happily.

Tony laughed and shook his head.

"I really like you kid!" He said as we went out the door.

We got in the car and Tony was a big Jagged Edge fan so he decided to put in one of their CD's for the ride to the mall. I was a Jagged Edge fan but not as big as him. He has his wife's ringtone set to I Gotta Be and the moment it would ring he would get a huge smile on his face. He's such a teddy bear. When we got to the mall Tony pulled up to the door and let me out and I waited for him to park. Once he found a spot he met me at the mall entrance and went inside.

"Alright girlfriend your old man said to have you back by noon so don't take too long. I love that dude but he will try to fire me."

  "Oh stop it no he won't. Daddy just wants to make sure you're not slacking."

  "That's true but still. This job pays very well and I don't wanna leave you and the little guy."

Tony smiled as he ran his finger down my nose.

  "Bye Tony. See you at 11:15."

  "Have fun!"

Tony went over to the massage chairs and sat down while I went over to the toy store to find Joey's robotic dinosaur. It wasn't hard to find because it was stacked right in the middle of the store.

  "Oh JoeBoy you're going to be so happy!" I said to myself as I grabbed a toy from the top.

I hurried over to the cash register to pay for Joey's gift when I suddenly felt like I was being watched by someone. I turned to look behind me but didn't see anybody but Tony across the way. The cashier told me the total of the T-Rex and I pulled out my wallet. I pulled out my money and paid for the gift and as the girl bagged the toy I felt that feeling of someone standing somewhere watching me. I looked behind me again but didn't see anybody. It was beginning to freak me out because I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way.

  "Have a nice day!" The young girl across the counter said as she handed me my bag.

  "Thanks!" I replied.

I left out of the store and met with Tony. I tried to act as normal as possible but he could obviously tell something was wrong.

  "Hey little mama you ok?" Tony asked concerned.

  "Yeah I think so." I said nervously.

  "Something wrong?"

  "I don't know. I've been feeling weird since I got here and I can't figure out why."

  "Maybe it's because you're excited about the holidays. I know little man is! It's all he's been taking about. Boss man doesn't do Christmas anymore since his conversion but at least he's letting you guys keep up with it."

Tony took my bag and we walked maybe one store away from the toy store when I could feel eyes on my back again.

  "Tony I feel it again!" I said as he suddenly stopped and faced me.

He looked behind me but he didn't see anyone.

  "It could be nothing mama. Let's get you home before we end up being late."

We walked towards the exit when a hand touched my shoulder.

  "Hey Carly!" The voice said making me jump a mile high from the floor.

I turned to find Tré standing behind me startled because he scared me.

  "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" Tré said.

  "No it's fine! I'm good! I'm a punk and I scare easy anyway." I giggled flirtatiously.

  "So how are you? I never really get a chance to see you at school anymore since I've been busy with classes and all. I tried to catch you after school but you're already gone by the time I come out from my locker."

  "Oh I get picked up now so it makes it hard for me to find you before I leave. I hope you're not too upset."

  "Nah. I just miss our after school chats. I heard you got adopted a few months ago too. I never got the chance to congratulate you."

  "Oh! Thanks! I'm happy now that I have a home now. Just not happy that by the end of the year I won't be going to school in Minneapolis. I'll be transferring to the Chanhassen district."

  "Really? Me too! My dad has a job over here in construction and he likes it way better over here. Maybe we'll be seeing more of each other."

  "Hey that's cool!"

Tony interrupted our conversation by clearing his throat and tapping at his watch.

  "Oh I gotta go but I'll try to catch you at school." I said waving good bye.

Tré had soon stopped me again.

  "Carly wait I've been meaning to ask you! I have a home game next Saturday night. I was hoping maybe you could come and celebrate our win?"

My smile was as big as the moon. I was never asked to come to any of the basketball games before. Could this really be my first date?

  "Well I'll have to ask my dad but I'm sure he won't mind if I came."

  "Cool!" He said smiling.

  "Cool!" I said back to him still holding my cheesy smile.

Tony cleared his throat again giving me my cue to come back to earth.

  "Well I'll see you in school." I said backing away from him.

  "See ya Carly." Tré said as he watched me leave.

I met up with Tony and he was really grilling me. If this were my dad I'd be really embarrassed but since it's Tony I'm on cloud nine.

  "Does your dad know about that guy?" Tony asked concerned.

  "He saw him once a few months ago. Said he looks like a thug."

Tony laughed and scratched the back of his neck.

  "Boy am I glad me and my wife have sons." Tony said in a sigh of relief.

  "Oh can it Tony." I giggled.

As we walked out the door I could still feel somebody watching me from a distance. When I turned thinking it was Tré it wasn't. As I got a better look of who I caught staring me down it wasn't the figure of a kid my age. Matter a fact it wasn't a kid at all. It was a woman.