With You - Christmas Story

One - Snow

"Maddy, Maddy, come outside, it's snowing," I hear my little sister Jessie shouting. I put on my coat and run outside where I immediately get bombed with a snowball.

Me and Jessie play in the snow for a little while. Making a snowman, snow angels and having a snowball fight. "Girls. Inside now," the shrill voice of Headmistress Margot sounds.

Jessie and I live in the Orphanage. Two years ago our parents died in a tragic car crash. We've been living in the orphanage ever since.

I look again at the white snow. The street is decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas trees. However, in the Orphanage, there is no tree nor light or anything for Christmas in sight. It's only one week until it's Christmas.

"Maddison, inside now," the Headmistress shouts angrily. I quickly make my move into the Orphanage. I bump into Darren who excitedly smiles when he sees me. "What have you done, Maddy?" he asks and I roll my eyes which seems to be enough for him.

Darren is my best friend in the Orphanage. The best friend I ever had, really. I feel like he really gets me. He has been in this place for over five years now, which is pretty sad. Most future-parents don't want old kids.

If I'd be honest, I even think I developed a little crush on him. Okay, a big one. He's just so very sweet. But since we're best friends, it'd be too awkward to actually tell him that.

"Have you heard?" Darren asks. "Heard what?" I ask. "There is a young couple that'll drop by today and they might adopt one of us," Darren says enthusiastically.

"Easy Darren, they'll never choose us, we're too old," I state. "What's wrong with dreaming a bit?" Darren asks disappointed. "There is nothing wrong with dreaming. As long as you always remember, it's not real. If you don't it could hurt you real bad," I state.

"Whoa, smart-ass Maddy," Darren chuckles and I smile. It's true though. Dreaming can hurt you even more than living a boring life.

"Come on, we need to choose an outfit which the couple is gonna love," Darren says. "I wanna do your hair," he states and I chuckle. We run to his room to get ready for the couple. I can't deny, I get a little hope as well.