Listen to this articleCopyright of Amara Ibeachum
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Chapter 7
25th December; Christmas day. Not one of my favorite holidays, but what could I do about it? I never felt like I fit into all the ‘Jolly’. I always preferred my own company, a bottle of wine, and no presents or Christmas lights whatsoever. But something was different about this Christmas.
Mum decided we all spend the holiday at
Victoria’s. It was only fair because her house was bigger. They all agreed to be there on the twentieth but I couldn’t make it because of work. Apparently, Christmas was one of the busiest times at the publishing firm. Lots of book copies were coming in and I couldn’t bail on my boss. In the end, I was able to squeeze in a little time on the twenty-fourth.
I’ve never been to Victoria’s house before; I’ve been invited. Well, as I said, this year is different.
I got to see my dad after so long. Mum liked visiting more than he did. He was more like me; he was conserved, preferred his own company, and had the worst luck with love before he met mum. He used to tell us stories of his loveless life and how my mum saved him from it.
“Dad! Merry, Christmas, dad,” I spread my arms, ready to receive him.
“Oh, Janet, Kiddo. I never thought I’d live to see the day too and Vickie would finally be able to breathe the same air,” he crackled.
“Oh, c’mon, dad. Don’t you think you’re exaggerating?” Victoria said, on her way to us. “I’m glad you were able to make it, Jane. Any luck yet?”
I shook my head in disapproval. “He’s still not answering my calls. I think he might still be mad.”
“He’ll come around soon enough. In the meantime, Tommy’s here,” She gave him a light pat on the shoulder.
“Tommy? I thought he was a no-show!” I yelled out of excitement.
Tommy was my adopted little brother. Sorry I didn’t mention him earlier. Well, like most adopted children, Tommy made it a duty to find his biological parents. My parents had to approve of it, I mean, who stops a child from seeing his real mother?
It might sound selfish but life isn’t always what you’d expect it to be. He still hasn’t found them yet, maybe I should tell him to give up but that’s not my place.
“Tommy!” I hugged him swiftly.
“Jane.” He tightened his grip.
There were few said but a lot was said from the heart. I missed Tommy, especially now he was away in college. We weren’t that close but I was always there for him in my way. I think I shed a tear too.
**
‘Cling cling’ my mum ticked her spoon on her wine glass.
“I want to make a toast,” she started. “To God for giving me such a wonderful family. All my life I’ve prayed for my darling kids, biological and adopted, to come together and work in synergy. And today, I am grateful to see that prayer be granted. This is indeed the greatest Christmas gift.”
“Cheers to my family!” I Dad raised his glass in the air.
“To family! We echoed in unison.
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