12-23rd-01, A Cold Winter’s Thursday.

It had been little over two months since, their return from their excursion as unwilling participates in social activities. 56 had already been sent home for the evening with the firm order to bake sweets for their return. #017 finishes closing the shop early as most of her usual customers were gone even the loners. And even, they had already left making plans to hold a three-day magic card game tournament including a gift exchange party. The owner had not been invited, but Miss Sub-Rosa had, who discreetly declined to attend to the great disappointment of the tournament holders.

Mr. Wilkins sits cutely on the counter wearing a yellow raincoat with the hood up and black snow boots to keep his feet dry. #017 finishes writing the sign that says in bold letters, “We will be closed for the holiday weekend, we will return the following Monday and be open during regular store hours.”

#017 finishes hanging up the sign at the front door, when she sees a convoy of security vehicles pull up. Without saying a word, Mr. Wilkins darts behind the counter and opens a large safe to remove two semi-automatic weapons. What can be said, Mr. Wilkins had grown a tad paranoid after their social excursions. As such, Mr. Wilkins remains behind the counter in hiding as a figure steps out of one the vehicles. Despite protests from his security, the figure strides out into the falling snow and strides down the pavement.

#017 face tightens with mixed feelings as she debates whether to lock the store door or not. But he had already seen her at the door, there was no telling what he would. He probably would follow her all the way home and then she would be forced to invite him inside, which would be an utter nightmare.

#017 takes a few steps back as the figure in an expensive coat and clothing enters the store. The door twinkles merrily as the man carefully wipes his expensive shoes dry on the carpet. His Italian gloved hands dust the snow off his hair and face to reveal a handsome, warm smile. Dark hair, a strong nose and cheekbones with bright sky-blue eyes, he was the perfect masculine package.

“Hello, Victoria, how have you been? We missed you at the funeral,” the handsome man sincerely said. Mr. Wilkins chokes behind the counter at the statement and leans closer to the counter to listen.

“I’m doing very well, Uncle Douglas. As for father’s funeral, I did attend, after everyone had left,” #017 drily replied. Uncle Douglas was her father’s only sibling, his younger brother to be precise.

“Yes, I thought that would be the case. Either way, it is good to see you again, Victoria,” Douglas sincerely said as #017 casually places her hands in her pocket.

“Bonnie and I thought it would be nice if you came and spent Christmas with us and the kids. Jamie and Jennifer are both turning 18 this upcoming year and you know Tyler, our youngest is turning 10 as well. I’m sure your cousins would love to get to know you and see you. The last time they saw you was when all of you were just babes and Tyler hadn’t even been born. So, what do you say, care to join us?” Douglas hopefully asked.

Mr. Wilkins is having a mild attack behind the counter. Atlas Starr had a younger brother? And his girl hadn’t told him about it? Feeling vastly betrayed and hurt Mr. Wilkins cranes his ears intently to listen.

#017 politely declines the offer, “Thank you, Uncle Douglas for the kind and most gracious invitation, but I already made plans. Besides, I doubt Bonnie truly wants me there. After all, despite my not so similar appearance I fear I will only serve as a constant reminder of my biological mother, Giselle. And then, dear uncle, you will be forced to explain your ex-martial affair that broke the bond of brotherhood between two loving brothers to your children. And therefore, leaving me, to be utterly responsible for ruining Christmas for you and your family.”

Mr. Wilkins chokes at the family secret being revealed. He had always thought it had been Giselle who left Atlas. Maybe, she had, but not before having an affair with Atlas’s only family member. No wonder, they never got back together. How could Atlas ever stomach such a betrayal? But at least that proved Atlas once upon a time had, had a heart and had truly loved. The proof lay in the fact that Giselle still lived and wasn’t buried six feet under the ground.

Douglas loudly sighs and says, “You decline just as diplomatically as your father ever did. Oh well, I can’t say I didn’t try. But should you change your mind, Victoria, you are always welcome in our humble home.” Douglas removes an invitation in a golden-lined envelope and places it on the stand next to the door. “Just in case,” Douglas mutters as he turns away. Douglas places his hand on the door handle and pause before saying over his shoulder, “As for the affair, Victoria, that was business between adults and sometimes life gets complicated. Please don’t mention it again.”

#017 politely smiles and says, “Of course, Uncle, I am vastly aware of that, but you fail to remember I was an unwilling casualty of that event. I have to wonder, exactly what possessed you, Douglas? For being such a brilliant man, you seem to have been unable to see past your own nose to have thought there would be no repercussions to sleeping with your brother’s wife. Truthfully to this say the least, even now, I find I’m genuinely surprised that you’re not sleeping with fishes and given father’s personality, we both know that is an accurate fact not an exaggeration on my part.

So, I can only help but wonder, did you beg for your life or did Bonnie? No, it would have had to been Bonnie, because Atlas, would have surely told you to go to hell and stay there So, dear uncle, you’re right, it’s not any of my god damn business, but it’s much to fun being a spectator and being able to judge such blatant stupidity.”

Douglas is silently for a moment before murmuring, “Then here’s to hopefully seeing you soon, Victoria.” Douglas firmly pushes the door open as a twinkling sound fills the air. The snow falls on the upright figure that marches towards his waiting convoy. With wary eyes, #017 watches him disappear into a vehicle and the convoy swiftly depart just as suddenly as they came.

Mr. Wilkins throws the weapons back into the safe and loudly slams it shut. Indignant, Mr. Wilkins climbs onto the counter and puts his hands on his hips in fury. “Seventeen, why didn’t you tell me, you still had living family members?!” Mr. Wilkins shirked, tactfully failing to mention the affair.

“It wasn’t relevant,” #017 stoically replied without removing her gaze from the white landscape before her.

“Okay, fine then. Does your father have any more sibling’s or family members I don’t know about?” Mr. Wilkins demanded to know.

“Possibly, grandfather was a famous philander according to everyone,” #017 drily commented as Mr. Wilkins looks as if he is about to explode. “But no, Douglas is Father’s only younger sibling as far as I know.”

Mr. Wilkins breathes through his new and asks, “Fine then. Is there anyone you have failed to mention?”

#017 is silent for a second before carefully replying, “Technically, Giselle still has living family members, do those count?”

“Yes,” Mr. Wilkins growled.

“Then yes, but they are irrelevant,” #017 murmured.

Mr. Wilkins narrows his eyes and grumbles, “Right.” Failing to hear more on the subject, Mr. Wilkins knows that is all he will be able to pry out from his girl. Mr. Wilkins leaps off the counter and climbs onto his girl’s body to sit and perch on her shoulder. “Fine, let’s go home. 56 should be done by now.”

#017 smiles faintly at the suggestion and locks the store behind her before walking out into the snow. After a while, Mr. Wilkins interjects, “So, what exactly did Douglas and Atlas do together?”

#017 firmly answers, “Wilkins, trust me, you don’t want to know.” Mr. Wilkins is quiet the rest of the way in deep thought. Did this man bode ill for his girl? Mr. Wilkins can only wait and watch, preparing for the worst. That is all any teddy bear can do for his girl.