Dynamic Christmas Love

Family Discussion: Ashley shares

Ellie, Ashley, and Tom are back home. They met their parents and Miguel at the kitchen table, they're wondering what is going on.

"We need to have a family discussion." Mary let them know. The kids are hoping they are not in trouble because they did nothing wrong.

"Don't worry, no one is in trouble. We just wanted to know how everyone is feeling and discuss things as one big family. Take off your backpacks, sit next to us, relax, and let's talk." Lamonte told them, calming their nerves. The kids were relieved that they are not getting another lecture. They took off their backpacks and put them quickly in their rooms to come back to the kitchen. They are now relaxed in their seats and ready for whatever their parents have to say.

"Your father and I have been discussing that we have not been focusing much on what our children are going through. Mental health is important and we want to know how our children are feeling. So please tell us what's going on and be honest with us because we are going to find out the truth eventually." Mary explained, she was hoping to get an honest answer from all her kids.

The kids do not know who's going to speak up first. All three of them have something personal going on in their lives. Ashley and Tom have situations that might make their parents raise their eyebrows.

"We apologize for putting all this pressure on to you all. But we just need to know how our precious children are feeling because we truly do care about all of you. Isn't that right, Miguel?" She knew that her children might be scared to share because of her since she's the most aggressive one in the family. But she wanted to be less aggressive and more understanding. She loved her children to death and wanted nothing but the best for them.

"Woof!" Miguel barked and everyone laughed, breaking up the tension and calming everyone down.

"I will speak first" Ashley decided to step up, which made her parents happy and Ellie and Tom relieved.

"What do you have to tell us?" Lamonte asked, feeling relaxed on his kitchen table chair.

"My drama class will be performing A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden theatre in New York." She finally revealed to them.

"Wow, my baby girl is a movie star!" Mary shouted out with joy. Ashley could not help but chuckle, but she's happy that her mother seemed proud.

"That's amazing news. When does the play start?" Lamonte asked, also feeling great about his daughter.

"It starts on Christmas Day. But each student needs to turn in their permission slips signed by their legal guardian on December 1st, which will be exactly next week." She told them and handed out her permission slip. Her parents paid close attention to the paper.

"The paper said that you all have to arrive at New York on December 21st for practice. Is that true?" Mary asked.

"Yes" she confirmed it.

"What part will you be playing?" Lamonte asked.

"We have not had auditions yet. The teacher needs all the permission slips signed and turned in by December 1st to see who will be eligible to take part." She explained.

"Well, if you're truly passionate about acting and performing, we will be thrilled to sign that permission slip. Someone hand me a pen!" Mary accepted her daughter's request. Ashley felt phenomenal after hearing that, she felt like she was on the moon. She got off her seat and found a pen for her mother to use. Mary and Lamonte signed the paper, Ashley almost had tears of joy. This was the happiest she felt in a while. Her dreams were that close of coming true.

"I need to thank you both for signing the permission slip. This means the world to me and you helped me achieve my dreams that quickly. Thank you!" Ashley broke down in tears. Her parents got up to hug her, Miguel decided to join in as well.

"You are welcome! We are so proud of you. We're happy that you're chasing your dreams at such an early age. Most people wait later on in their lives to chase their dreams, but we're happy that you're not wasting anytime. I know you will do great!" Mary told her, Ashley never felt more happier.

"I want to share now!" Tom wanted to join in after seeing the love Ashley was receiving.

"What do you have to share, Tom?" Mary asked, they all stopped hugging each other to focus on Tom now.