Just Breathe - Adopted by Mandy Gonzalez - COMPLETED

17 - A perfect Christmas

By now, everyone, who was old enough, had a drink. Christmas dinner had been had and we were all on the couches watching Elf. Anthony and his wife were cuddled together on a single armchair. The four grandparents were on one couch. Maribelle and Matilda (the cousin) were on the beanbags, she'd brought through from her room. Monica and her husband her on the other armchair, leaving Doug, Mandy and I on the smaller couch. Mandy and Doug held hands with intertwined fingers. Mandy had her other arm around me. My head rested on her shoulder. I loved watching the film with my family. I finally knew what Christmas was meant to feel like. I knew what it felt like to spend Christmas with a Family.

"Mandy. Thank you for the best Christmas ever. It feels so magical, just sitting here with a family, with my family. Thank you for helping me this year, through everything. It's crazy to think I heard of you almost a year ago, and now I'm here, your daughter. It's a dream come true and it's so special."

"I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy you feel that way, you deserve a loving family and I'm glad we've given that to you. Even though there was a little negativity the other day from our parents, they do love you, and I love you the most. You are such a special kid, and I can't wait to help you on you're journey to being the next Broadway super star."

"I really am the luckiest girl alive. I've got the best mom ever and the most wonderful family. I love you all so much."

"We all love you too."

"We really do." Doug said from the other side of Mandy. I smiled at him gently. I laid down on the couch feeling tired and rested my head on her lap. Mandy ran her fingers though my long hair and smiled at me as I continued to watch Elf.

"Thank you for bringing so much more joy to my life Becky. You really add so much to it and it makes life so much more special." She said to me.

I turned back to look up at her, "Thank you. If I weren't lying down and wasn't too tired or into this film, I would have sat up and given you a daughterly hug and kiss."

"Becky will you be quiet, we are trying to watch this!" Maribelle complained.

"Sorry." I whispered before shrugging and turning back to the film. Mandy kissed my cheek, as I faced away from her.

~~~~~

After Elf we watched the Polar Express leading it to be almost midnight. Maribelle was asleep on the beanbag, Anthony, Monica and their families had left to go back to their hotels. Robin and Paul had gone back to the guest bedroom and the other couch had been folded out into another bed for Nana and Grandpa. Doug carried Maribelle to bed leaving Mandy and I alone for a few moments.

"I know I said this earlier, but thank you so much Mandy. I got to experience the true magic of Christmas for once, I felt at home and I found the perfect family for me. I love you Mandy."

"I love you too Becky." She gave me a massive hug. "And I know I've said this before, I've found myself the perfect daughter. You and Maribelle are going to be best friends for life." I nodded against her chest and smiled. "Now go get some sleep Becky. It's been a long and busy day."

"Goodnight Mandy. Goodnight Doug." I called as he walked back in towards us. I gave him a hug and gave Mandy one more.

"Night Becky. We love you." They said in unison as I walked off to my room. I smiled and got ready for bed. I climbed into my bed and looked at the photos on my bedside table. I had four. One of me and my friends when we saw Hamilton. The one of Maribelle and I, that Doug painted. One of Mandy and I when we first met at the Eliza Project, and the final one was a family photo of Mandy, Doug, Mari and I. I smiled at that particular one. My family. This is what it meant to be loved and to have parents who cared for you. It was the best Christmas off my life.