𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕣𝕤

𝕗𝕚𝕗𝕥𝕪-𝕠𝕟𝕖

And before I know it, it's Christmas!

We spent the time in between the last day of school and Christmas just spending time together. We haven't been able to do that as much since school started.

I've never really had a Christmas. The last time I actually celebrated the holiday was when I was about 4 or 5. Before my dad turned into an abusive alcoholic. I still wonder what made him turn into that. I can remember the disappointment on little me's face when I was told that there would be no presents that year.

So you can imagine my surprise when I wake up to a shit ton of presents under the tree. I stare at the perfectly wrapped boxes in shock, running my eyes to make sure they're working properly. I have to punch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Jack comes down the stairs right after me, seemingly confused at my shock.

"What's the matter, Toni?"

I turn back at him, shaking my head, before walking down the stairs. We have breakfast first, and then we head over to the tree. Medda already has all of the presents organized by person. She gives all of my presents to me, and I just stare at them, waiting for permission. Jack and Charlie, on the other hand, start tearing into their gifts with huge grins on their faces. I look up at Medda, who nods. It's like she can read my mind.

I go for a small box first, carefully opening the package. Then another, and another. I slowly stop caring about neatness. It surprises me that they actually went out of their way to get me gifts. That hasn't happened in a decade or so. The last gifts I open are the ones from Albert and Spot. Saving the best for last, as they say.

Once we finish with the gifts under the tree, Medda brings over stockings. I've never had a stocking before. I wasn't sure what to expect. I slowly start taking the items out of the stocking. It's full with smaller items.

And soon, the joy and excitement of opening gifts has to come to an end. We all clean up our messes and bring our gifts to our rooms.

"Wait! Toni! I almost forgot!" Medda runs to grab an envelope. It looks formal, which scares me. I take
the envelope in my hands, taking a deep breath before carefully opening it. Inside, there's a sheet of paper. This could either go amazing or horrible.

I slowly take out the sheet of paper, scanning it.

My jaw drops to the floor.

"Certificate Of Adoption.
This is to certify that
Antonio Higgins
Has been formally adopted into the Larkin family."