xp_logs | Lorna and Kitty: Holiday shopping

Lorna and Kitty bond over some holiday shopping.

Lorna snuggled in her self-heating jacket, the only reason why she would leave the indoors. But for today, she was spending time with Kitty, her brother-in-law's girlfriend in the middle of New York City. "Should we get warm drinks first?" Pulling on the beanie over her short green hair.

"I think that's a very good idea. Or an egg cream. Now that I'm back in New York, I'm ready to go native again." Kitty tugged her scarf around her neck and blew a little cloud into the air. She was cold enough for her nose to pink but she didn't think it was a good idea to phase herself warm. Not when they were standing in the middle of a crowded street. It sure was tempting, however.

"My mother would be horrified--again--that I'm out Christmas shopping." She grinned. "But she'd be happy that I'm dating. I'm not sure which would win out there."

Kitty shrugged, glancing over at Lorna. "Is this a holiday tradition for you?" She didn't know either Lorna or Alex well but it was time to change that.

"Just saying it is regular shopping, just around the holidays." Lorna smirked, "Funny how parents can be." Lorna thought of her own father, different league but wonder if her mother would have approved of Alex. Probably.

"We don't really have traditions besides gifting each other. I am half-Jewish? If that is a thing but I am a terrible one and don't practice it. It is his thing, not mine. And I don't like forcing or being forced with religion." His, being her father. "You? Do you have traditions?"

"Yes and no. We did when I was a kid but I fell out of the habit when my parents got divorced. Both of them were Jewish but my dad is--was more easygoing about it. Mom used to be but then she got married again to someone who was a bit more devout." Kitty sighed. "So I was never allowed to have a Christmas tree or see Santa as a kid but my dad always encouraged me to get gifts for people who did celebrate. And of course, we had Hanukkah and I used to stuff myself with chocolate gelt every year." Then she grinned. "Okay, so I still buy gelt. I just keep it for me now. It'd be kind of weird handing it out at the mansion, I think."

Kitty sighed. "I don't know really how I feel about religion, to be honest. Like...there are things I miss. Feeling like part of a community, believing in something bigger than myself. But I lost someone a few years back and when that happened was when I really started to question it all." She didn't talk about New Year's Eve much and when she did, she still didn't know what to say about Grant.

"I believe, that kids should be able to choose for themselves." Lorna looked over at Kitty. "I am sorry for your loss." Kitty didn't need to say anymore, Lorna understood what it was like to loss someone. She stopped in front of the coffee shop and opened the door for Kitty and then walked in after her. "It is good to question the beliefs. The world is so vast, there can't just be one."

"I guess. I might feel differently if I had kids." Kitty said, fighting back a sudden sadness. Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, she smiled brightly and added, "So. Know what you're getting anyone yet? I have no clue. Getting presents for boyfriends can be kind of weird, y'know? Like I don't want it to be a generic man gift but I also don't want to get something so weird that he hates it."

"I guess Alex was a little easy, we like the same things and he is really into the outdoors." Lorna turned to order her coffee. Once she was done paying she stepped aside and waited for Kitty. "Scott, I think he likes cars? I've seen him in the garage a few times. I don't know much about him besides the fact he is my brother-in-law. We didn't hit it off right off the bat. I usually let Alex purchase the gift." She said a little sheepishly.

"Cars and attic windows," Kitty mused with a small, secretive smile. Then she shook her head, laughing. "Maybe I should get him a really loud obnoxious car horn. Then again, he seems to like the outdoors too so I could go more practical."

She stood in front of the counter for a minute, debating and then ordered a marshmallow latte with extra whipped cream and extra marshmallows. "Hey, it's the season, right?" she said, turning to Lorna. "So have you committed to some holiday dinner somewhere? I was debating ordering Chinese and sitting around watching Mrs. Maisel or something. I kind of hate her and want to be her all at the same time."

"Attic windows?" Lorna raised an eyebrow. Yes, she was slightly judging - only slightly. Lorna shook her head at the holiday dinner. "No. There is no plans. Like I said, we really don't celebrate. Unless we go to Alex's moms house. I've only seen the first season of Mrs. Maisel. Does it still hold up to the first season?"

"Mmm... yes and no, I think. Depends on how much you want me to spoil it for you. I still really want her clothes though," Kitty chirped. "Or at least I think I do. Let's face it, there's no way I'd go through that beauty routine unless I was getting married the next day and even then it's doubtful."

"Or have an army of artist ready to help you through the routine each morning." Lorna nodded as her name was called and she went to get her coffee. "And starting your morning early early. I get up early but not that early."

"I go to bed that early," Kitty grinned as she went up to get her own drink. She sipped at it reverently. "So, what are holidays like at the Summers house?"

"If we get together with his family, it is usually a dinner and opening presents. If it is just me and Alex, maybe we go hiking. We did go surfing while we lived in California. Hard to do when it snows where you live. Nothing exciting but stuff we like to do."

"Winter in Chicago always has that holiday vibe to it. My dad used to take me ice skating. Kind of a stereotypical thing to do but it was fun." Kitty blew a strand of hair away from her face. "We stopped going after my powers manifested though. It was too hard not phasing every time I slipped or my foot skidded. And my parents--well, neither one of them could ever handle my powers."

There was a slight note of bitterness when she said it. She'd begged Charles once to change their minds and he'd refused. As an adult, she understood what a bad thing that would have been but the child in her still yearned for their acceptance.

Lorna shivered at the thought of living in Chicago. Living in New York in the winter was bad enough. Hearing the bitterness in Kitty's voice, Lorna put a hand on her shoulder as if giving a bit of comfort. "What shop should we stop by first?"

Kitty relaxed a little, pushing aside the old thoughts. "Is there something like an REI here? When I was living on the west coast, that was a good spot for camping gear. Maybe I can get Scott one of those water tubes that keeps you from getting diseases. Might help next time someone tries to experiment in the mansion's kitchen."

"Perfect. REI is a weakness and I can help you pick out the best and within budget." She nodded and then shook her head. "We live with some weird people that is for sure."

"All families are a little weird. And I think it's fairly safe to call us some sort of family." Kitty smiled. "Lead on!"