Momlestia - EqG: Black Friday/Christmas

>You’re awoken from your sleep with a start by your phone’s alarm going off.
>You quickly swipe the screen to turn it off.
>It seems like you just managed to shut your eyes and get some rest too.
>With a groan, you sit up in bed and gaze lazily at the clock.
>12:01.
>You look back at your phone, 12:00.
>How hard is it to match the other clocks with your phone?
>You really should try and sync your clock with your phone again, but not now.
>Time to get this Black Friday started with then.
>The cold air unwantedly greets your body as you cast off the entrancingly warm sheets and comforter.
>Even with the heat on in the house, you can feel the coolness against your bare legs.
>Of course your silk nightgown doesn’t provide much of a barrier for the rest of your body either.
>Better check on her to make sure she’s up too before you start changing.
>You stealthily make your way down the hall, avoiding that squeaky spot outside of Anon’s room so as not to wake him.
>Once at your sister’s room, you delicately knock on her door.
“Luna? Are you up?”
>You whisper.
>You hear shuffling inside her room and the door cracks open, revealing your very tired looking sister.
>”I’m up, I’m up.”
>She says with a yawn.
“Alright, I’m going to get dressed then. As I said last night, I want to be out the door by 12:30. First one done starts the coffee.”
>She responds with another yawn while nodding and giving a thumbs up.
>Tiptoeing back to your room, you get started on your task as soon as the door shuts.
>Taking the pile of clothes you set out last night, you begin to get dressed.
>Underwear, long underwear, two pairs of socks, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt and a pair of jeans.
>Looking back at the clock it’s almost quarter after, more than enough time to start some coffee.
>It takes a few steps to adjust your movements because of the extra layers of clothes.
>You always forget how weird it feels when you bundle like this.
>You step out of your bedroom and again sneak past Anon’s room.
>As you walk to the kitchen you feel the odd sensation of the two pairs of socks you’re wearing.
>They will definitely help your feet stay warm, but it still feels weird.
>Like they’re almost numb or asleep but without the annoying tingly feeling.
>Once in the kitchen you begin to shuffle through the coffee flavors till you find one you would like.
“Hmmm, French Vanilla Hazelnut? I haven’t had you in a while.”
>You say to no one in particular as you place it into the coffee maker and press the start button before walking over to your shoes.
>You love these single serve coffee makers compared to the old coffee pots you had even a few years ago.
>It also doesn’t hurt that Anon got it for you for Christmas.
>Sitting down on the floor, you begin to put on your shoes.
>A feat that is a little limited by the layers of pants you’re wearing.
>The long underwear and jeans combo is hindering your movements some and you find yourself pulling your leg into position rather than just able to move it like you normally do.
>Then there is the task of getting your double socks into your shoes as well.
>You like to think you managed it well and finish just as your cup of coffee is done brewing.
>You take your cup and start to make Luna’s favorite coffee.
>Black.
>Not that it stays that way for long though.
>Why she insists on black coffee and then adds a flavored creamer and sugar to it when she could have a flavored coffee to begin with is beyond you.
>A shuffling in the hallway breaks you from your thoughts.
>You look up and see Luna still trying to adjust to walking in her double layers.
“Yours should be done soon.”
>You gesture to the coffee maker with your head.
>She nods as you start pouring yours into a travel thermos.
>You take her thermos and hold it out to her.
“Want yours now or after you add five pounds of sugar to it?”
>”Ha ha.”
>She dryly answers as she snatches it from your hand.
>You wipe your forehead with the back of your wrist, it’s definitely getting warm.
>But you’ll appreciate the warmth in a few minutes.
>Luna just finished adding her 5th spoonful of sugar to her coffee and is now adding a caramel creamer.
>You see the clock in the kitchen say 12:23, and nod to yourself at being a little ahead of schedule.
“I’m going to start the car. See you outside when you get your shoes on.”
>You say as you get your coat on and press the unlock button on your key fob as you walk to the door.
>You press the garage door opener and silently curse not having an attached garage at this point.
>A gust of cold wind blasts your face as you open the door and you briskly run to the car.
>Oh it is cold!
>You get into the car and turn it on.
>While you wait for the car to warm up, you get out and double check that the lawn chairs are packed into the trunk as well as the blankets and hand warmers.
>Yup, you’re good.
>”Everything in there?”
>You look up and see Luna walking into the garage, coffee in hand.
“Yeah, let’s get going.”
>You both get in and drive out.
>Looking at the house, you notice Anon’s light is on.
“Guess we woke him up.”
>”What’s this we? I was quiet as a mouse. Until I fell putting on my shoes that is.”
>You chuckle at your klutz of a sister.
>She leans down and turns on the radio.
“You’re sure they’ll have them?”
>”I heard it from a very reliable source that they’re getting five of them today.”
“Alright. With any luck we’ll be able to nab two of the Classics.”
>”One for Anon.”
“And one for us.”
>Your desired prize is the newly released retro console.
>It’s got 30 classic games on it that you remember from when you were younger.
>Luna and you still have the original system and most of the games, but this one offers a save function you would have killed for when you were first playing those games.
>You couldn’t get them when they first came out because of both of your schedules.
>But luckily you get Thanksgiving and the day after off, so you get to capitalize on Black Friday sales.
>It’s about a 20 minute drive to the off the beaten path game store Luna’s source said would have the system.
>As you pull into the parking lot you see three people already standing in line outside the door.
“Looks like we weren’t the only ones that got the tip. You don’t know if they limit it to one per person do you?”
>”They better.”
>You pull up to the doors and park the car.
“Take my coffee and go stand in line, I’ll get the stuff from the trunk.”
>She nods in agreement and gets out.
>You pop the trunk and get around back to get the chairs and blankets.
>You see another car start to pull into the lot too.
>Guess leaving those few minutes made a difference after all.
>You close the trunk and quickly trot next to Luna with your supplies.
>She takes a chair and starts to unfold it.
>…poorly.
>You put your coffee down and set yours up in a few seconds.
>Placing your drink into the cup holder you see Luna is still having difficulty.
“Need some help?”
>”Oh… all I can get.”
>You take her chair and start to set it up properly.
>You also may or may not have a smug expression on your face.
>”Showoff.”
>As you sit down, the people who pulled in after you have finally made it to the end of the line behind you.
>Wonder if they’re here for the Classic too.
>You lean towards the front of the line and see the three people, probably in their early twenties, moving side to side trying to keep warm.
“All you guys here for the Classic too?”
>”Yeah. I heard from someone who works here they’d get a few and to come early.”
>A man tells you as his friends nod.
>”Did you hear how many they were getting?”
>Luna asks.
>”No, just a few.”
>You put the blanket over your lap and look at your phone.
>12:55.
“When did you say they were opening their doors?”
>You ask your sister.
>”I think it was at five today.”
>About four hours to go.
>You can do this for him.
>You just hope your phone’s batter will last.
>Another car pulls into the lot, and slows down but doesn’t park.
>It then turns around and leaves.
>Probably didn’t want to chance not getting something with this many people in line.
>”Think they’re here for it too?”
>”They probably aren’t. I mean look at them.”
>You hear the two people who came after you talk to each other.
>”Women like that don’t play games.”
>”Maybe they’re here for their boyfriends or something.”
>You chuckle to yourself as you hear them and wonder if they know how loud they’re being.
>”Excuse me, miss?”
>You look up at him.
“Yes?”
>”Are you here for the Classic, the Snap, or something else?”
“We’re both here for the classic.”
>”Really?”
>He asks looking surprised.
>”Yes, is that so hard to believe?”
>Luna decides to enter the conversation.
>”For yourselves?”
“Well mine is a gift for my son.”
>”And mine will be for me.”
>Luna adds.
“Are you two here for it too?”
>You feel the need to be polite in this situation.
>”Well I’m here for it, but he wants the Snap.”
>It’s the other new system made by the same company, Luna has been going on about it but we haven’t gotten a chance to get one yet either.
“Well, we heard they were only getting five of the Classics. And the three people ahead of us said they wanted them too. I just don’t want you two standing in line for hours in this cold if you don’t need too.”
>”Thanks, but we’ll take our chances.”
>Well, you tried.
>Time drags on for a bit.
>You look at your phone, read articles online, and play a few games.
>It helps.
>Looking over you see Luna on a forum page talking about games.
>”So they’re saying you can mod this thing.”
“Really?”
>”Yeah, someone figured out how to add all the games from the original system onto this one and have it save your games too.”
“I would have loved that when we were younger.”
>”I know right?”
“You doing to do it to yours?”
>”Probably not. I don’t want to chance bricking it.”
>More time passes and more people have been coming into the line.
>You look at your phone again.
>4:56.
>Should be almost any minute now.
>Even with the extra layers you’re still feeling the cold and will love to get out of this.
>An employee unlocks the doors and steps outside.
>”Okay, can I have your attention please. We will be opening the doors in a few minutes. At that time we will ask you to walk directly to the counter and tell us what you want and we will get it for you. Systems are on a first come first serve basis and we will only be selling one of each type per person, and when they are gone they’re gone.”
>He calls out to the crowd.
>Luna is smiling and nodding.
>You stand up and start to fold up your chair as she does the same.
>You finish just before they unlock the doors.
>The line slowly starts to enter the store.
>”You go first Tia.”
>Luna says and motions with her head.
>Heat greets your body like sweet ambrosia and you take a moment to bask in it.
>The three people in front of you all order their Classics and you pray Luna’s source was right about the number on hand.
>It’s your turn.
>”Can I help you?”
>The tired looking teen behind the counter asks.
“Yes, I’d like the Classic please.”
>For a moment your heart stops in anticipation.
>Hopefully the wait was worth it.
>”Sure.”
>He says bending down and bringing up your prize.
>You are smiling from ear to ear.
>You pay him and move out of the way so your sister can order.
>”One Classic please.”
>She says before the employee can even ask.
>Again he brings out her new console and she is smiling widely now.
>She pays and stands next to you.
>For a moment you both just stand their smiling like a kids on Christmas morning looking at each other.
>It was worth it, the cold, the sore butts, the getting up early, it was all-
>”WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE SOLD OUT?!”
>You hear from the front of the register.
>”I’m sorry sir, we just sold the last Classic.”
>”Are you kidding me? Do you know how long I was in line out there? And you’re telling me that you don’t have what I specifically waited for?”
>”I’m sorry sir.”
>The worker tries to calmly explain.
>”Come on man, you’re making a scene.”
>His friend says.
>The person in line looks at you two.
>”Hey you two, you both got Classics right? How about I buy one from you? 60 bucks, even trade.”
>Is he kidding?
“I’m sorry, but mine isn’t for sale.”
>’Let alone for the same price I just paid for it.’
>You think to yourself.
>”Mine either.”
>”Come on, it’s not like you two will play them anyway. You just got them as gifts right?”
>He says, clearly forgetting the conversation you had earlier in the morning with him.
>Besides why would buying it as a gift be any different?
>”The answer is no. Also a bit of advice, if you were going to try and buy one from someone like this, at least make it worth their while and offer more than face value.”
>Luna says as coldly and professionally as she can.
>It takes everything you have to fight back a chuckle.
>You turn to leave.
>”How about a trade then?”
>He says desperately.
>”What kind of trade?”
>She indulges him.
>”How about a… a Snap?”
>This causes you to stop.
>He just offered to trade a $200 system for a $60 one.
>You would never do that because this is for Anon, but you’re surprised none the less.
>Come to think of it, you did hear these things were going like hotcakes on the open market for about three times what they were worth because of the limited quantities.
>Luna seems torn.
>”Throw in a Legend of Link with it and you have a deal.”
>Luna says as cold as the temperature outside.
>The man winces at her counter offer.
>You would feel bad for him if he wasn’t so rude earlier.
>”Al-alright…”
>He says dejectedly.
>It worked?
>You and Luna exchange surprised looks.
>”Okay, buy it and we’ll do the trade here.”
>He nods and places his order at the register.
“You really want to do this?”
>”You have the one for Anon, and that’s what matters. He’ll have his Christmas present and I’ll have this. I’m sure he’ll let us play his if we ask.”
“He would.”
>”Plus we still have the original system in the basement if we really want to play the games.”
>The man comes up with the bag.
>”Okay, one Snap and one Legend of Link for a Classic.”
>He says holding out the system and game for her.
>”And one Classic.”
>They make the trade and with her new haul in hand you both walk to the car.
>You load everything into the trunk as Luna starts the car.
>You get into the passenger side and she starts to pull away.
“Well, that happened.”

>It was about one month and several holiday specials on television later, but this is it.
>It’s Christmas morning.
>You’ve been waiting for this for a while now.
>The big reveal.
>Anon, Luna, and you are all sitting around the tree together.
>You’ve all exchanged littler gifts and all you each have left are the bigger ones for each other.
“And here you are Sunshine.”
>You say, handing him his present.
>”Thanks mom.”
>He smiles and starts to unwrap it.
>His smile widens as he sees the Classic box underneath.
>”You got me a Classic. Thanks mom.”
>”Maybe we can open it up and all play it later.”
>Luna chimes in hopefully.
>You had to tell her a few times that it wouldn’t be opened early so she could play with it.
>”Here let’s have you two open this one next.”
>He says as he crawls under the tree and brings out one labeled for Luna and you.
>He hands it to you and you start to unwrap it by putting your finger under the tape and slowly untaping it.
>”Oh for- just rip it!”
>Luna says.
>She never liked that you opened gifts that way.
>As you open it, you see the familiar packaging of the Classic underneath.
>”Well, I guess you don’t have to share it now anyway.”
>She adds.
>”I know you two have the original downstairs and some of the games. But I wanted to get you this.”
>You smile at his thoughtful gift.
>Your sister and you had spent countless hours when you were younger playing those games.
>You never got rid of the system, no matter how obsolete it became.
“Thank you sweetheart. We’re going to enjoy this a lot.”
>”I need to know, where did you get this?”
>”Well, back on Black Friday I got a tip that a store was going to get it. So Shining came by really early and picked me up. But imagine my surprise when we got to the store and saw you two sitting outside. So we quickly pulled out and went to one he said would have them a ways further out.”
>So that was Anon and Shining Armor in the car back then?
>You chuckle while Luna just laughs at the realization.
>It really is a small world.
>”I also hope you don’t mind, but I already opened it.”
>”Couldn’t resist playing our present?”
>She says while playfully shoving him.
>”No, no. I- well lets plug it in so I can show you.”
>You hand it to your sister and she fiddles with the tv cables until everything is hooked up.
>You get the honor of powering it on.
>When you do, you see the entire game library for the system, not just the 30 games that should be there.
>”So, yeah… I modded it for you. I was afraid of ruining it, but wanted to give you something special that you told me you and Aunt Luna really enjoyed when you were younger.”
>You feel tears start to form.
>He did this for you and your sister.
>Memories flash before your eyes of the two of you running down the stairs in your pajamas and looking at the tree and all the presents under it.
>Of how your parents gave you a big box last, and inside it was the original game system.
>You two spend hours that day and for many after playing it together.
>It went with you to your first apartment, to college, and into your home here.
>And now, your son gave you something you don’t know if even he knows how special it is.
>You wipe away a tear and look at Luna who’s doing the same.
“Thank you.”
>You say, wrapping him in a hug.
“Thank you so very much.”
>You kiss his forehead.
“What did I do to get such a special person like you?”
>He chuckles.
>”Got lucky I suppose. Same as me to have you.”
>You feel your sister’s arms wrap around the two of you.
>”I love you.”
“I love you too.”
>Today was a good day.