Finding Her

C H A P T E R - T W E N T Y - S I X

Our Legacy

V A L E R I U S '   P O V :

"Val! Get the fuck up!"

My head drowsily picks up from my computer keyboard. The keys unstick from their dents in my face. I check the analog clock on the computer before turning to Mar.

"When did I fall asleep?"

"Are you seriously not doing anything for Christmas?" He ignores my question. "Do you have anything ready?"

"Marcello.. what are you talking about?" I rub the sleep out of my eyes. "Christmas isn't for another week—"

"We'll seeing as though it's one in the morning now.. Christmas is today.. and as of now, Ellie has nothing to wake up to I presume."

"Mar— I—, no it's not—" I stop when I check the date on my phone. Yes it is. Today is Christmas. "Cazzo! I'm such an idiot."

I knew I wanted Christmas to be a big deal for Ellie so I started getting things at the beginning of the month but most things were for her birthday. Now I've just been so busy— and I'm the shittiest father to ever fucking exist. At least I have a Christmas tree up. Damnit.

"Let's go." I tell him and hop up from my desk.

I haven't slept in forty-eight hours but this is the most awake I've been in awhile.

"What— Val?!" He shouts for me as I leave the room. Mar catches up to me. "Where are we going?"

"Let Enzo or papà know that we're leaving so they can be more aware of Ellie. We're going to the toy store."

"The toy store?" He presses like he was in shock. "What.. like we're poor?"

"Oh shut the fuck up! I think it's the only thing open.. and there's no way I can get custom Versace at this hour."

"Let's just find the mall or something."

"Fine. I don't give a shit." I hop in the drivers side. "But you're wrapping."

"You think I know how to wrap?" Mar laughs, his mouth open. "Those bitches are all going in bags."

"Fuck you."

• • •

"Papà!" Ellie shouts as she storms into my room giggling with glee.

I catch her in my arms as she jumps up onto me. I yawn like I was sleeping, pretending like my hands aren't cramping from attempting to wrap so many gifts. Somehow, with the forced help of my brothers, we were able to get gifts and wrap them all by seven o'clock.

I check the clock and it's now seven-fifteen. At least I was able to get my pajamas on before she broke down my door. Ellie is aware of the Christmas magic and was thrilled about the fat creeper who stalks kids.

Luckily, my papà didn't forget about Christmas and helped Ellie set cookies out last night. Cookies that Mar and Savino so happily ate.