Holidays

Chapter 12: Jesus Christ-mas! : Will

A few weeks before December twenty-fifth, Will asked his mother, “Are we going over Joel and his parents’ house for Christmas?”

“No.”

“So, we’re just staying here for the holidays?”

“Nope, we’re hosting Christmas here this year!”

“Really?”

“Yes, I talked with your Aunt Denise and we decided that since they hosted Christmas for a few years. Now it’s our turn.”

“I can’t wait to tell Joel.”

“I’m sure he already knows.”

Will walked upstairs and messaged Joel.

Weeks passed and Will’s excitement and anticipation grew.

Once Christmas day arrived, Will rushed downstairs and greeted his cousins, aunts, and uncles.

They all ate dinner and gathered in the living room to open presents.

“To start off, I have a gift for you Will.” Will’s mother pointed at a big silver gift bag behind the Christmas tree.

But Mom, you already gave me all my gifts.” Will picked up the gift bag and sat on the brown leather chair. “

“I know, but this is the last one.”

He pulled out the tissue paper from the bag and then pulled out a quilt. “Is this the quilt from when I was a kid?”

“Yes, and I added a few more patches.”

He reeled up the blanket and found three new patches. The first had a felt teenage Will, the second was the bisexual flag, and the third had a red-headed woman holding a baby. “Um, who is this woman holding me on this patch?”

“She’s your real mom.”

“What? I’m adopted? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I was waiting for the right moment.”

“And you thought during Christmas in front of most of our — I mean your family was a good idea?”

“Hey, you and I can finally date now that we know you’re not my cousin.” Joel tried to lighten the mood.

“You’re not helping and you have a boyfriend.”

Will stormed out of the house and drove away to think. If Janice isn’t my mother, then who is? Who’s my father? I’m so confused.

Will drove back after a few blocks as it started to snow. He didn’t want to get stuck in a snowstorm.

He walked back into the house and wanted some answers.

“Who is my birth mother?

“Will, you’re back? Uh–Her name is Emily Brayer. That’s all I know about her. The adoption agency would have more information about her.”

He searched online for the adoption agency’s calling hours and they were closed until the day after New Year’s. He had to wait.