Randomly so

Taylor thought it was going to take forever for his father to recognize him. After all, it was in a busy grocery store with Christmas right around the corner. Still, Taylor knew who he was, right away.

And he was with his new family. It was bitter-sweet to watch. He was with a little girl and her mother. His Dad was even holding her hand, to make sure she didn't get lost in the crowded store.

It was so overwhelming, but Taylor couldn't help to call out, "Dad."

Finally.

At least the Dad he'd known with his mother, acknowledge him.

"I dunno. I guess I made him feel really old." He told Sara later when she came over to help with supper. She was going to chop onions, but he said he should do it, while she watched the chicken strips sizzle on the stove. "I guess they are getting married." He said a few minutes later, letting himself cry all he wanted.

"Do you even have his phone number?" She wanted to know.

"What?" He looked at her through bitter tears. The onion was really getting to him. There was a jalapeno to get, too.

"You are going to hurt yourself." She took the peppers from him. The onions too and tossed them in the skillet.

"Oh." He guess he could have burned his eyes.

"We could make plans with them. Just to go out. You know." She suggested.

"Where, would we go?" He couldn't think of anything.

"There are so many Christmas things to do. It doesn't have to be big. Just to go downtown to see the lights. Ice skate. Something." She sighed as she put a big flour tortilla on the hot skillet.

"I guess that would be a good idea." Taylor nodded.

"I'd like to get to know someone in your family." She looked over his shoulder. "I dunno about your Mom, but I haven't met your Dad yet, and well..."

"I know..its Christmas." He looked a little sad about it.

"I think we should get a tree." She noticed there was a sale at Salvation Army.

"Oh."

"Just a little one. For a little apartment." She smiled and handed him a burrito with all the trimmings. Yes, she was making him eat salad. No more bringing home fast food. Just fast food they made at home.