Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 47

Addison had asked Ben if they could prepare a special breakfast for Gwil the next morning. Ben had agreed immediately. It was normally Gwil that prepared most of their food as it was a big passion of his. Ben knew that Gwil secretly really liked it when someone made a special meal for him. So, Ben got out of bed early on Sunday morning. He walked over to Addison's bedroom. Addison was still sound asleep. Misha was tightly pressed against her cheek. Ben smiled while he sat down on the edge of her bed. He thought about the way to wake her up for a few seconds before he bend down to prep as many kisses as he could on Addison's face. 

It took Addison a minute to wake up, but as soon as she opened her eyes she giggled loudly.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Ben said. 
"Good morning, dad." Addison sat up to give him a hug. Her hair was standing in all directions. 
"Shall we make some breakfast?" Ben asked. Addison's eyes widened while she nodded excitedly. 
"Alright, let's go," Ben said while getting up from the bed. Addison followed soon. She put on a robe over her pj's so she wouldn't get cold. 

"Is there anything you really want to make?" Ben asked.
"Orange juice?" She said. Ben chuckled.
"We can do that. I picked up some oranges from the store a few days ago. Do you want waffles or pancakes?" Ben asked. 
"Waffles," Addison said immediately. Ben knew that he probably shouldn't have bothered to ask because Addison was a big lover of waffles.
"And how about a fruit salad?" Addison nodded enthusiastically. 
"Are we forgetting anything?" Ben asked. 
"You need coffee," Addison said in a matter-of-fact tone. Ben burst out laughing. 
"Do I look like I need coffee?" Addison nodded.
"You do. A lot of coffee." Ben nodded slowly.
"Alright then."

Ben let Addison help by cutting the soft fruits into pieces for the fruit salad. He quickly mixed the batter for the waffles. As soon as everything was done, he send Addison into his own bedroom to get Gwil and Joe. Ben knew they would probably be awake by now anyways. Addison came out of the bedroom soon after, Gwil and Joe following her. Gwil's mouth fell open while he took in everything that was on the table.
"This looks amazing, did you make this?" Addison nodded.
"I helped Benny," Addison said. Gwil smiled.
"That's amazing," Joe said. He sat down immediately.
"It was Addison's idea. She wanted to surprise you two," Ben said.
"Well, you did a very good job. Because I am really surprised," Gwil said. Addison beamed with pride.

As they wanted to adopt Addison, they had been talking to a caseworker before the car accident. The caseworker was making sure that they worked through all the courses and paperwork necessary for them to legally adopt Addison. Joe had to have an appointment with a psychologist who evaluated his anxiety and PTSD to make sure that wouldn't play a role in Addison's upbringing. In a few weeks, there are individual assessments planned for all of them. When everyone passes, they can officially appear in front of the civil court which will make the adoption official. They had been preparing for the assessments to make sure they were ready.

Currently, the three of them were seated at the dining table, Ben cleared his throat. Both Gwil and Joe turned their heads to look at him.
"I had a call with the case worker today. And she had some news," Ben started. Gwil raised an eyebrow.
"They can't schedule the adoption date yet because Gwil, you need to go through the same assessment Joe had. Because you have also been diagnosed with PTSD," Ben said. Gwil's eyes widened while his breathing got stuck in his throat.
"Love, you don't have to worry about this. It sounds scary, but the assessment isn't much different than the normal ones," Joe said while he took Gwil's hand in his own.
"What is different?"
"With me, they asked how my PTSD influenced my daily life. Then they went through a list of PTSD symptoms and asked me if I had those. With my panic attacks, for example, they asked me how much control I had over them. What I normally do when I have a panic attack and what I do afterward," Joe said. He rubbed his thumb over the back of Gwil's hand.
"They aren't trying to find anything to let you fail. They are just genuinely trying to determine if you are in good enough shape to take care of your kid. Which you 100% are, Gwil," Joe said. Gwil nodded slowly.

"So, there is also another assessment done with each of us separately where they are going to ask if we think the other person is fit enough to raise a child. That is planned on the same day as your personal assessment. I'll make sure to tell them, in all honesty, how good of a dad you are to Addison. Because, Gwil, you are an amazing dad to her," Ben said.
"What if I don't pass?" Gwil asked.
"As your diagnosis is so recent they will let you try again in a few months. But Gwil it really isn't something to worry about. I think you are well aware of your symptoms enough to tell them about it."
"I am not going to fail. I can't fail. Addison belongs in our family and she deserves to get adopted," Gwil said.
"Of course she does. But it doesn't really matter if that is now or in a few months. Because even if it is not official, she will still be a part of our family."
"She already is," Joe added.

*******

Hey guys,

I am so sorry it took so long for me to upload another chapter. For some reason, I haven't really felt motivated to work on my fanfics recently. Hopefully, that'll come back soon though.

Take good care of yourself and others. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Goodbye,

Xx Itsametaphorjoe