Chapter 18

                                    

                                          

!TW - Anxiety!
Maddies pov: 
*a few days later...*
When I come through the front door after a long day at school, I immediately feel a different atmosphere in the house. It's hard to put a finger on what has happened, but there's just a strange, serious feeling in the air. I hang up my backpack and my winter jacket, but my heart beats fast in my chest.
I slowly walk into the kitchen and am met by both Nick and Charlie sitting seriously at the dining table. Their faces and the silence in the room make me more nervous. 
"What.. what is it?" I ask cautiously with a trembling voice. Nick and Charlie exchange a quick glance, and I feel the fear and anxiety grow inside me even more. They show me to sit down on the empty chair at the short side of the table, and I do as I'm told. The thoughts immediately start racing in my head - Have I done something? Are they mad at me? Do i have to move?
Charlie picks up a package from his lap and places it on the table, in front of me. The package is wrapped in beautiful purple paper and has a bow on it. I sit silently staring at it, unsure of what they want me to do. 
"What.. what is this?" I ask, my voice barely audible. Charlie smiles softly at me and his blue eyes have a calmness in them. 
"Open it, we want to tell you something".
Uncertain and with shaky hands, I grab the package and begin to tear away the purple paper. When I see what's inside, I immediately become more confused. In front of me is a picture - a picture of me, Charlie and Nick from when we were in the park playing. Confused, I look up at Nick and Charlie, and they both gesture for me to turn the picture over. On the back it says; 
"Welcome to our family". I read the words carefully, re-read them several times, trying to understand what is meant. 
"What.. what does this mean?" I ask in a scared voice, not sure how to react and feel about all of this. 
"Maddie, we got some news today," Nick says in a gentle voice. 
"We've been approved to adopt you.". I go completely silent. I find it hard to believe what Nick just said. It's too good to be true. 
"But.. but what if you regret it? Or if Mr.Smith comes and takes me?". Charlie moves his chair closer to me. 
"We will never regret it, Maddie. And Mr.Smith will never come near you again," he says, checking at Nick. 
"He's been reported to the police, and all your friends at the orphanage are going to get families of their own," Nick continues to explain.
For the first time in my entire life, I feel a sense of daring to trust someone. Their words, I dare to trust what they say. Quickly, a warm feeling spreads through my body, and I feel a mixture of gratitude and joy. 
"Is.. is this true?" I ask, just to be on the safe side, make sure it's really true. Both Nick and Charlie nod at me at the same time, and my emotions can't be held back any longer. Tears stream down my cheeks, but not its not tears from fear this time - but from joy.
I throw myself into Charlie's arms and feel him hug me back tightly, almost as if he never wants to let go. 
"Thank you.. Thank you both for everything you've done for me" I whisper through the tears. Charlie places a gentle kiss on my head and strokes my hair. 
"We'll always be here for you, Maddie." Nick comes too and embraces us both with his big, warm arms. A sense of security comes over me, a real security. Now I know I've come to the right place in life. I'm not alone anymore and I never have to be afraid again. This is my family now - my real, very own family.






The end :)