The Adoption
An ambulance arrived, and Mr. Jonathan Ashford and his two children followed in the vehicle as they hurried Xavier to the hospital.
The medical staff at the hospital examined Xavier to determine whether he had sustained any internal or exterior injuries while traveling to America. And whether Xavier was suffering from any infections.
To their astonishment, however, Xavier was discovered to be in perfect health and unharmed. But he was merely hungry after being on the cruise for a day.
When the physicians questioned Jonathan about whether he was the child's father, Jonathan said that he wasn't.
Jonathan continued by telling the physicians that he had discovered Xavier in one of the crates carried out by a ship that had recently arrived in the USA.
The hospital Xavier was staying at called the authorities to report their findings after ensuring he was okay and feeding him.
After Jonathan told the police how he had located Xavier, they informed him that Xavier would now be under the jurisdiction of the state's Department of Family and Child Services.
Then, they will offer up Xavier for adoption if they are unable to locate any of his relatives in the United States.
"If you are interested in the infant, sir, we could inform you when he's up for adoption," the cop replied.
Jonathan smiled hesitantly and said, "Yeah, I don't mind."
The following day, Jonathan got a call from the state's Department of Family and Child Services, informing him that they were unable to locate any of Xavier's family. And we were planning to put him up for adoption.
"We heard from one of the police officers that were at the hospital where the baby was that you were interested in adopting the child if his relatives weren't found," stated the worker.
After giving it some thought, Jonathan realized the empathy he felt for the child. He inhaled deeply before responding, "Yes, if it's possible, I would like to adopt the child."
Happy to hear that, the staff member said, "You can come by our department to fill out the adoption papers."
"Of course, I'll be there before three o'clock," Jonathan replied.
"That's great to hear, sir. See you later," the staff member said.
Jonathan then proceeded to sign Xavier's adoption paperwork at the state's Department of Family and Child Services. And he was now Xavier's guardian and legal parent.
Jonathan drove back to his house, Xavier sleeping in the back, and parked in his garage. Upon entering his home, he was greeted with excitement by his two children, Violet and Aleksander.
"Wait, Father, isn't that the child from before?" Aleksander asked curiously as he saw his father holding an unfamiliar baby in his arms.
"He is," Jonathan answered.
Jonathan went on, "I adopted him, so he's now your little brother and Violet's."
Violet shouted, "I have a little brother." with delight at learning that she had a younger brother.
Jonathan smiled and answered, "Yes, Violet, you do. He is now your younger brother."
Violet was so excited that she kept jumping and running around the house while shouting, "I have a little brother. I have a little brother."
"Surprisingly, I have a brother now," Aleksander stated in a composed voice.
Jonathan laughed and replied, "Well, I haven't given him a name yet," to Violet and Aleksander. "I will need to return to the Department of Family and Child Services of the state and provide them with the name I gave him." Jonathan continued.
Violet said, "Let's give him a name then!" with excitement.
Jonathan smiled and replied, "That's a great idea, my sweetheart.".
While Aleksander was eating in the living room, Jonathan and Violet thought for a few minutes about what they would name Xavier.
Violet said, "How about Levi?"
Jonathan said, "Well, I'm not sure about that name."
As he strolled up to them, munching an apple, Aleksander suggested giving him a name that would have significant meaning, like Alfred, for example.
Jonathan paused for a moment, considering Aleksander's suggestion.
While doing so, he repeatedly heard the word "Xavier" spoken in one of his ears in a quiet and enigmatic manner.
"I will name him Xavier," Jonathan murmured as he held Xavier in his arms.
"That's a beautiful name, Papa," commented Violet, who was taken aback by the name.
Jonathan looked back at Xavier after thanking Violet for the compliment. His eyes were suddenly and gently opened, showing his magnificent eyes that resembled the universe itself and were full of stars.
Jonathan, Violet, and Aleksander all stared in wonder at Xavier's stunning celestial eyes while he looked back at them with curiosity.
Xavier smiled and burst into giggles, which warmed their hearts due to how adorable and marvelous he was.
Jonathan smiled and gently placed his palm on Xavier's cheek, saying, "Welcome to your new family, Xavier Ashford.".