FROM FRIENDS TO MORE || Gavi x Pedri

EXTRA CHAPTER 3 :: CHARLIE

The aroma of freshly baked cookies, a scent that had become synonymous with their new life, filled the small apartment. Charlie, a whirlwind of energy and boundless enthusiasm, was perched on the kitchen counter, his tiny hands kneading dough with an almost manic fervor. He'd inherited his father's love for the game, but his passion for baking was uniquely his own.

"Careful, Charlie," Pedri cautioned, his voice laced with amusement. "Don't get the dough all over your face."

Charlie giggled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But it's fun, Pedri!" he exclaimed, his tiny hands smeared with flour. "Look, I'm making a cookie monster!"

He held up a misshapen lump of dough, his face beaming with pride. Pedri couldn't help but laugh, his heart melting at Charlie's boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm.

"That's a very impressive cookie monster, Charlie," he said, bending down to give him a hug. "But maybe we should save the monster-making for later, okay?"

Charlie nodded, his smile fading slightly. "Okay, Pedri," he said, his voice a little quieter now. "But can we make a cookie monster later? Please?"

"Of course, we can make a cookie monster later," Pedri promised, his eyes meeting Gavi's across the room. Gavi, who was busy setting the table for dinner, gave him a knowing smile, his eyes conveying a silent understanding.

Their journey to parenthood had been a whirlwind, a testament to the power of love and their unwavering desire to create a family. After their wedding, a joyous celebration filled with love and laughter, the question of starting a family had naturally arisen. They'd talked about it, dreamt about it, but the path wasn't as straightforward as they'd initially imagined.

They both loved children, but the idea of biological parenthood seemed daunting, even impossible, given their demanding careers and the constant travel that came with being professional footballers. But the desire to build a family, to share their love and create a home filled with warmth and laughter, was a yearning that wouldn't be silenced.

It was Gavi who had first suggested adoption. He'd seen the joy it brought to his own family, watching his cousins thrive in their adopted homes, and he knew in his heart that it was the right path for them.

Pedri, initially hesitant, had been won over by Gavi's unwavering conviction. They started researching, attending informational sessions, and meeting with social workers. They were determined to find a child who needed a loving home, a child who would bring joy and laughter into their lives.

Their journey to find Charlie had been a series of chance encounters and serendipitous moments. They'd visited several foster homes, meeting children of all ages, each with their own unique stories and personalities. They'd felt a connection with many of them, but none had felt quite right, none had sparked that undeniable spark of "this is our child."

Then, one sunny afternoon, they'd visited a foster home in a quiet suburban neighborhood. As they walked through the brightly colored playroom, a small figure caught their eye. Charlie, with his mop of unruly brown hair and a smile that could light up a room, was engrossed in a game of building blocks, his brow furrowed in concentration.

He looked up as they entered, his eyes widening in surprise. He was a bit shy at first, hesitant to open up to strangers, but as they played with him, shared stories, and laughed together, his natural warmth and playful spirit had shone through.

They'd known, instinctively, that he was the one. He was the missing piece they'd been searching for, the child who would complete their family.

The adoption process had been long and arduous, filled with paperwork, interviews, and home visits, but their love for Charlie had only grown stronger with each passing day. They'd spent every weekend with him, taking him to the park, reading him stories, and sharing meals together.