Grace's recollections of Christian's early years - part 4

That night after supper, Carrick and I sat in the vast living room on our favorite settee.

We had decided on watching a Musical on Video called: "Oliver”, an old classic, written by 'Charles Dickens' in the 19th century, the original title being: “Oliver Twist", playing in London’s Eastend at the time a poverty stricken part of London.

I sat spellbound by the unfolding story; pictures of Christian run in front of my inner eye. I could just imagine him being this little boy living in an orphanage, l onely, bewildered and frightened.

I just about managed to watch the film to the end; by then I was crying silently.

Carrick turned to me and put his arms around me, holding me tight.

"What is the matter with you, sweetheart? You have been quiet all evening, apart from when you first came home.

Would you like to talk about what is obviously bothering you? I just know, you have got something on your mind".

OH, my inquisitive husband. I love him so much for always sensing when I am troubled or pondering over something.

"Darling, you know, we love Elliot as if he was our own child, don’t you?"

I said hesitantly. Carrick gave me one of his “where does this lead" looks.

"Well, there is this little boy, around four years of age, in my hospital. He was admitted a few days ago, a police officer brought him in. They found him in an Apartment here in Detroit next to his mothers dead body."

I stopped and looked out of the corner of my eyes at my husband, gauging his reaction.

He just sat there and looked right back at me.

"Yes, Grace? What are you trying to tell me?"

I took a deep breath and just blurted it all out.

"I want to adopt this little one, he seems to be orphaned; there was no one else in the Appartment, and nobody seemed to have made any inquiries about him.

We have already got Elliot and he has adjusted well, is thriving.

How about adopting this little boy as well?"

There, I said it. It was no longer a vague wish or just a longing for another child. “By the way: his name is: "Christian".

(to be cont.)