Chapter Text
Little Joe had been crying the entire day because he was so heartbroken. He lost his favourite stuffed toy named Mr Rabbit on the bus this morning. He knew he shouldn't take Mr Rabbit with him when he left their home, but his family had just moved to a new city and it was still a scary place. So, he had taken Mr Rabbit with him because Mr Rabbit was always brave something he wasn't yet. He was still working on being brave and he knew, that when his little sister was born in a couple of weeks, he would be the bravest big brother in the entire world. Someone had to protect his little sister from the sock eating monster, and since his parents liked to kiss each other, he didn't trust them quite with that task.
It took Amina longer than usual to get Joe to bed because he knew he couldn't sleep without Mr Rabbit. Joe hadn't told his parents, but he was sure that the sock eating monster had moved with them from Rotterdam because yesterday, Joe couldn't find his other Turtle sock. A clear sign that the sock eating monster was somewhere in their new home, and Mr Rabbit was the only one who knew how to scare the sock eating monster away. In the end, sleep won over crying and stubbornness. Amina tucked Joe under his duvet before she turned on the music box standing in the window. Before leaving her sleeping son, Amina placed a kiss on his messy curls. Where those curls came from was a mystery to them both because no one in their families had curls, but Amina had declared that no one was to touch those curls or else she would never forgive them.
Amina decided to make a cup of tea while waiting for her husband, who said he would give it a try to find Mr Rabbit. He left over four hours ago. She sat down at the kitchen table to read the different brochures for the five daycares they were thinking about putting Joe in. She had just finished the third brochure (knowing that it wasn't the right place) when she heard someone coming through the front door.
"No luck?" Amina asked when she saw Finn.
Finn sat down and rubbed his face.
"Sadly no," Finn replied. "They were kind enough to let me search all the busses in the garage after I went to the ticket office. They also promise to call if they found Mr Rabbit."
"Thanks for trying," Amina said as she placed a hand over Finn's hand. "Not every father would have done that for their son after a 12-hour working day. Spend an entire evening searching for a lost toy."
Finn took Amina's hand in his and caressed it before he kissed it.
"I'm just trying to be a better father than my own father ever was," Finn replied. "I had just hoped that Mr Rabbit would make things easier for Joe. Especially after all the mess, we left behind in Rotterdam and the move to Rome."
"The mess is still not yours, mine, or Joe's fault. It never will be that," Amina replied. "We love each other and Joe is the proof of that. The same goes for our little girl. And I'll never let any of us think anything else about it. Or anyone else."
Amina was 16 when she met Finn who was 5 years older. Amina's parents didn't accept that their daughter had fallen in love with a Dutchman. For two years, they met in secret and when Amina turned 18, she moved away from home. When Amina's father found out that she was sharing a bed with Finn, Amina's father demanded his daughter move back home again, so her parents could find the right man for her. Amina refused and let slip that she was pregnant. Before Amina's father could do anything Finn showed up. Finn threw Amina's father out before Finn promised Amina that he would stay by her side no matter what, that he would become a better father than their fathers were.
Amina couldn't hide that she missed her family as the months went by and she got closer to the due date. She got friends, yes, and Finn was there also, but she missed her mother with her entire heart. Finn tried his best to make Amira happy, but he also knew what it was that Amira truly was missing. So, in an attempt to make Amina happy, Finn took a cooking course in Tunesian food. When the teacher of the cooking course heard why Finn was there, she showed Finn all the courses her family always made for pregnant women. When Amina came home from school on a Friday, Finn had spent the entire morning cooking for her with the result there were over 20 different courses. Even though some of the food was a bit burnt, Amina appreciated what Finn had done for her and said it gave her a piece of home. That evening they invited their friends over to share the food. It was a festive evening with laughter, games, music, and dancing. After cleaning the kitchen, Amina once again thanked Finn for it all. Telling him she loved him so much.
A couple of weeks before Joe was born, Amina and Finn got married. Finn's mother supported them but Finn's father sided with Amina's parents. On their wedding day, when they came out of the city hall, Amina's father shouted he would never accept their marriage and that their child was a bastard. Both Finn and Amina were really happy that the city hall's guard was there to deal with the situation.
For a time after Joe was born, there were no bigger problems with Amina's parents or Finn's father. Yes, they walked over to the other side of the street whenever they saw Finn and Amira with Joe in the baby carriage but that was that. But Amira and Finn reached their breaking point when Amira's nephew hit Joe with a toy car in the daycare. Joe came home and asked: "Why didn't the boy hit me when all I wanted was to share my carrot with him?" One thing was that they were after Amira and Finn, but another thing was Joe. Joe didn't deserve to be bullied because of his parents' choices. That was why Finn said yes to a job in Rome as a builder with Amina's blessing, who planned to return to nursing school once the baby was big enough. It was the hope with a couple of countries between them and their families it would be a fresh start for them all. Finn's mother would join them next week when she moved into the flat opposite them.
"I know, love," Finn replied and kissed Amina. "But do you have any idea what we should tell Joe? I really hate seeing him this heartbroken."
"You got a big heart, Finn," Amina said with a smile. "I might have an idea but I need your help."
"You have it no matter what," Finn promised. "And the little one? Is she behaving?"
Finn placed a hand on Amina's pregnant stomach.
"Kicking my bladder just like Joe did," Amina replied with a smile. "Let's go to bed. It's getting late."
In the morning, Finn was trying to get Joe to eat his breakfast but Joe wasn't hungry. He was still sad that Mr Rabbit was gone.
"I miss Mr Rabbit," Joe said when he pushed his plate with toast away again.
"I know, Joe," Finn replied as he took a piece of toast and held it up in front of Joe. "But don't you think Mr Rabbit want you to eat your breakfast?"
Joe shook his head and crossed his arms.
"I want my mommy," Joe said. "And I want Mr Rabbit."
Finn gave up trying to get Joe to eat breakfast, deciding that maybe Amina would have better luck when she got home.
"Should we watch the Turtles cartoon you love?" Finn offered. "I promise not to get their names wrong again."
Joe shook his head with tears in his eyes.
"What about your drawing of the Coliseum?" Finn offered. "We could add the horse racing to it."
Joe was a gifted child when it came to drawing. That much his parents knew after seeing him draw a statue at the age of 2 that looked like a statue, but they also decide not to be those parents who put pressure on their child for being gifted. If Joe wanted to draw it should be something he wanted to do, not because someone told him to do it. Normally Joe loved to draw but today he jumped down from the chair and ran into the living room, where he buried his head in the pillows on the sofa and started to cry again. Finn walked after him and sat down next to his son while trying to think of something that would distract Joe from thinking of the missing toy.
"Hi," Amina said from the hallway. "Are you up, Joe?"
Finn placed a kiss on Joe's curls before he walked out to his wife.
"Joe is up, yes," Finn replied. "But he is still very sad about it all."
"Let's try my idea," Amina said. "If it doesn't work, then we'll come up with something else."
"Ok," Finn replied. "Behind you as always."
When they came into the living room, Finn picked up Joe and placed him in his lap.
"Joe," Amina said as she took Joe's hand in hers. "Do you remember what I told you about Santa's helpers?"
"Yes," Joe replied. It was one of his favourite stories in the world. "The elves help Santa with the Christmas gifts, while the reindeer help Santa with flying his sledge."
Anina looked at Finn, who gave her a wink. Before Amina, Finn had never taken an interest in bedtime stories, but Amina's stories were the best in the world if you asked Joe and Finn. Amina took a deep breath as she shifted position so her back was leaning against a pillow. The baby was moving like crazy.
"Mommy ok?" Joe asked looking worried.
"Yes, it's just your little sister," Amina replied with a smile. "She wants to hear the story too."
Amina smiled at Joe who looked at the pregnant stomach with a serious look on his tiny face.
"You have to be quiet," Joe said. "Or else mommy won't tell stories."
Both Amina and Finn couldn't stop smiling over their little boy. They both knew Joe would become the best big brother in the world.
"Joe, did you know that Santa also has other helpers than just the elves and reindeer?" Amina asked. It made Joe shake his head so his curls were bouncing on his head.
"Who is it, mommy?" Joe wanted to know. He found it very hard to sit still on his father's lap because he was very excited to hear more about Santa's workers. Most of all because Joe wanted to work for Santa and help the elves with making Christmas gifts.
"Every year, Santa asked all the stuffed toy animals if they want to go on a special mission to help someone who is very scared and is in the need of a friend," Amina explained. "And yesterday, Mr Rabbit was asked if he wanted to go on the special mission."
"But I'm still a bit scared," Joe said. He didn't mention the sock eating monster. "So, why did Mr Rabbit leave me?"
"Mr Rabbit has written you a letter, explaining to you why he said yes," Amina replied and handed Joe an envelope. Joe looked at the envelope that had a paw print together with stamps and his name on it. "Ask your father to read it for you."
"Please read the letter for me, daddy," Joe begged. "Please."
"Ok then," Finn replied. "Let's open it together."
Joe helped his father to open the envelope very carefully. Joe had never gotten a letter before in his life, so he didn't want to ruin it. Inside the envelope there was a letter together with a photo, Joe never had seen before. It was of him as a baby with Mr Rabbit.
Dear Joe.
I want to tell you, that you didn't forget me on the bus yesterday. I stayed behind because I saw how brave you were when you helped your mother by stepping off the bus first and helping your mother down the stairs. It was there I decided it was time to say yes to going on a special mission for Santa. Right now, I'm on my way to help another child, who needs me just as must as you once did, so please don't be sad, Joe.
And because I know that the sock eating monster might show up again one day, I asked a very good friend of mine to help you with dealing with the sock eating monster. Her name is Mrs Sheep. And trust me when I tell you, she has defeated many monsters, so she will help you. Mrs Sheep promised me to be there when you wake on Christmas morning.
And if I finish my mission sooner than I think, I promise to be home for Christmas.
Mr Rabbit.
Joe asked Finn to reread the letter which he did. Then there was silence for a moment. Both Amina and Finn could see that Joe was thinking about something.
"Is it ok that I miss Mr Rabbit?" Joe wanted to know.
"Of course, dear," Amina replied. "Mr Rabbit will also miss you."
"When is it Christmas morning?" Joe wanted to know.
"Tomorrow," Amina replied. "It's there you get your Christmas gifts."
"Ok," Joe said with a smile. "I'm hungry. Could I have toast with Nutella?"
"Yes, you can," Finn replied. "Are you hungry, Amina?"
"The baby demands Nutella" Amina replied in a dramatic tone. "Just like her big brother does."
Joe laughed as he walked out into the kitchen with his parents.
It was just as hard to get Joe to bed as it was yesterday. This time it was because Joe didn't want to sleep because he thought it was not nice to sleep when you were expecting guests. In the end, sleep won once again. When Amina came into the living room, she let out a gasp.
"I asked you to get a sheep of the same size as Mr Rabbit, not one that is the size of a dog," Amina said. "Where have you even got that from?"
"From the toy store. It was the only one left," Finn replied proud of himself. Amina seriously doubted that it was the case. "And I promise you that we won't lose Mrs Sheep this time."
Amina shook her head. She already knew that it would be a nightmare to find a spot for Mrs Sheep in the tiny flat.
"So, love," Finn said after covering the sheep with a sheet. He then sat down on the edge of the sofa before he placed his hands on Amina's hips pulling her a bit closer. "How did you do it? With the letter and the stamps."
"I spoke with the postmaster," Anina replied. "He was more than happy to help me with writing the letter and putting on the stamps."
"That was a very clever idea," Finn said. "Which proofs that you're the one with the brain in the family."
"Don't sell yourself short, Finn," Amina said before kissing Finn. "You're the one with the heart. Not alone did you spend an entire evening searching for a lost toy, but you replaced it with another one. Joe will love you for it."
"Let's not tell Joe, that I got a sheep for him, not yet," Finn said. "I want him to be a child that believes in Santa for as long as possible. So goes for the little one."
Finn placed a kiss on the pregnant stomach.
"I can only say the say thing," Amina said. "And now I need the bathroom before going to bed."
Joe woke on Christmas morning with a big yawn. After ruffling his curls he looked out of the window. It was still strange seeing trees with leaves on them in Rome when back home in Rotterdam they were naked. Then he remembered something important. Quickly he jumped out of the bed and started to search for Mrs Sheep. When he came into the living room, he saw something big covered by a sheet. Still not brave enough he decided to get his daddy.
"Daddy?" Joe asked when he shook Finn's leg. Finn just groaned in response, so Joe decided to crawl up into his parents' bed before he sat down on his father's head to get his attention. In the process, Joe knocked the air out of his father.
"Why was it we got Joe, when a cat would have done the same thing?" Finn asked. "Sit on my head."
"You don't like cats," Joe replied. "So says, mommy."
Finn looked over at Amina, who was trying not to laugh out loud. It wasn't Finn's proudest moment in his life when a stray kitten jumped out of the bush on their first date and he let out a scream. Of course, his wife wouldn't let him forget it. He rolled over and got Joe to sit on his chest.
"Something wrong?" Finn asked.
"Why is there a big thing in the living room?" Joe wanted to know.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. When we went to bed there were just the usual things in the living room," Finn replied. "Do you know what Joe is talking about, Amina?"
"No, the last time I checked there was the sofa, the telly, the coffee table, and the Christmas tree," Amina replied. "The usual things as your father said."
"Let me show you it, daddy," Joe said. When Finn didn't move at all Joe started to pull at Finn's arm to get him going. "Come on daddy. I want to know what it's."
"Fine, fine," Finn replied. "But first, I want to kiss your mommy."
Joe groaned before covering his eyes. It was so gross when his parents kissed each other. He knew that it would be one of his jobs as a big brother. To prevent his little sister from seeing that.
"You do know, Joe, that I can't go with you because you're sitting on me," Finn said. "So, I think I'm going back to sleep."
"No, no, daddy," Joe said as he jumped down. Once again he knocked the air out of Finn. "You promised to go with me. And mommy says you have to keep your promises."
Joe started to pull his father's arm.
"Ok, ok," Finn said. "I'm coming."
Finn was almost dragged out of the bedroom by Joe into the living room.
"Look daddy," Joe said as he pointed at the covered item. "What is it?"
"I really don't know," Finn replied as he accidentally kicked the covered item who made a noise. "What was that?"
"Is it Mrs Sheep?" Joe asked. "Is it daddy?"
"Go have a look, Joe," Finn said in an encouraging tone. "It's the only way for you to find out."
Joe gave his father's hand one last squeeze before he ventured over to the covered item. When Amina came out of the bathroom the first thing she heard was Joe squealing with joy.
"Mommy?" Joe said with a big smile as he wrapped his arms around the sheep. "Mrs Sheep speaks."
Before Amina could ask what Joe meant, Joe squeezed the sheep and it baa. Amina looked at Finn who shrug his shoulders while he mimed he didn't know that the toy made a noise.
"What are you doing daddy?" Joe wanted to know as he turned around.
"Oh, practising some weird old Italian dance," Finn replied.
"You're silly," Joe said as he hugged the sheep again. "Come Mrs Sheep. We need to deal with the sock eating monster before my little sister gets here."
Joe started to drag the stuffed sheep with him.
"Need a hand?" Finn offered.
"No thanks," Joe replied.
It took some struggling because the stuffed sheep was bigger than Joe was, so along the way, his parents could hear a lot of baas.
"I promise I didn't know it spoke," Finn said. "But look at it like this. Now we know where Joe is all the time."
Amina shook her head.
"Just be glad it worked with the sheep," Amina said. "Now, you get the job to convince Joe that he can't take Mrs Sheep with him for lunch with our friends."
"I got this," Finn replied before kissing Amina. "Love you."
It was surprisingly easy to convince Joe to leave Mrs Sheep at home. Joe said that while he was eating lunch, Mrs Sheep was dealing with the sock eating monster once and for all. Even though they only had been living in Rome for less than 2 months, they already got a lot of friends who got children for Joe to play with. Joe told everyone about how Mr Rabbit was on a special mission for Santa, so Mrs Sheep had now moved in, and that all of his new friends were welcome to stop by and say hi to Mrs Sheep, who spoke. It resulted in none of the children didn't want dessert before they had seen Mrs Sheep, So, Finn together with another father took all eight children with them so they could see Mrs Sheep. It also resulted in many of the children also wanted a talking animal. The parents told the children that after Christmas they could wish for one for their birthday. Joe promised that until they got their own talking animal, they were always welcome to stop by and say hi to Mrs Sheep.
When they got home after lunch, Joe knew it was time for Christmas gifts. After dragging Mrs Sheep into the living room again with the words "Mr Rabbit always watched me open Christmas gifts, so why shouldn't Mrs Sheep?", Joe sat down next to the Christmas tree.
"From your Oma," Finn said as he handed Joe a Christmas gift.
As usual with Joe, he took his time not to rip the Christmas paper, because he knew he could use it for paintings later.
"Look," Joe said with a big smile as he held up the t-shirt. "Michelangelo eating pizza. Just what I wished for."
"That's good," Finn said. "You dropped something on the floor."
Joe picked up the yellow facemask. He took his new t-shirt on together with the facemask.
"You look wonderful, dear," Amina said. The baby was moving even more now than she had done yesterday. "You can wear it when you're watching turtles tomorrow."
"I will do that," Joe replied "Do you think Oma will make another mask for Mrs Sheep? It will make her look cool while she fights against the sock eating monster."
"You can ask your Oma when she gets here," Finn replied as he gave Joe another Christmas gift. "From your mother and me."
Once again Joe took his time with the Christmas paper.
"What's that?" Joe asked as he held up his Christmas gift.
"Let me show you," Finn replied as he together with Joe opened the box. "They're called walkie-talkies. Let me show you how it works after we got batteries in them."
Joe looked with big eyes as his father put in the batteries.
"Ok, you have to press on this bottom," Finn explained as he showed it to Joe. "Now, go into your room and press the bottom, while you speak into it."
"Got it," Joe said. "This is going to be fun."
Joe ran towards his room. When the door closed Finn looked at Amina.
"Is it time?" Finn wanted to know.
"I think so," Amina replied. "But it's still early, so play with Joe."
Finn nodded and kissed Amina.
"Daddy?" Joe asked through the walkie-talkie. "Are you there?"
"Yes, I'm," Finn replied. "Now lift your duvet. I think Santa has left a Christmas gift for you."
"Really?" Joe said and they could hear the joy in his voice. "Oh, this is a big one. Can you help me with getting it into the living room?"
"On my way," Finn replied as he handed the walkie-talkie to Amina. "Try it."
"Joe?" Amina replied. "How big is the Christmas gift?"
"Not as big as Mrs Sheep," Joe replied. "But it's heavy and it makes a noise when I shake it."
"That does sound interesting," Amina replied. "Maybe it's Brussels sprouts."
"I do not hope that or else I'm going to have a talk with Santa," Joe replied. "Daddy is here. Be back in a moment."
Amina smiled to herself as she placed a hand on her pregnant stomach. She could feel the contractions starting just as Finn came in with Joe again.
"Legos," Joe said with a big smile when he saw the content in his Christmas gift and started to build with the Legos together with Finn.
An hour later, Joe was sleeping with Mrs Sheep standing next to his bed.
"This is for you," Finn said as he handed Amina a Christmas gift.
"Thanks," Amina said before kissing Finn. "I'm afraid that you need to call the midwife."
"I already did that," Finn replied. "She is on the way."
Finn caressed Amina's stomach. He couldn't wait to see his daughter.
"Oh, this is beautiful. Once I got the little one out of me, I'm going to wear it," Amina said as she looked at the necklace. "I also got something for you."
Amina handed Finn a Christmas gift.
"Just want I wanted. Star Wars on VHS. Thanks, Amina," Finn said before kissing his wife. It was there Amina let out a scream. "And now it's time to concentrate on giving birth."
"Joe?" Finn said when he sat down on Joe's bed 7 hours later.
"What?" Joe asked sleepily.
"Come," Finn said. "There is someone who wants to say hello to you."
Joe let his father pick him up. Sitting on his father's arms was one of the best things in the world according to Joe. When they came into the bedroom, Joe saw his mother holding something in her arms.
"Joe. Come sit down next to me," Amina said as she reached out her hand with a smile. "There is someone who wants to meet you."
Finn placed Joe next to Amina who placed the little girl in Joe's arms. Joe looked down at his little sister with a smile and took her little hand in his.
"Hi," Joe said. "I'm Joe, and I'm your big brother."
Joe placed a kiss on the little girl's head. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Then we just need to find a name for her," Finn said as he sat down on the bed next to Amina, who leaned her head against Finn's shoulder.
"Her name is April," Joe said.
"You do know we're in December," Finn said. "So, why April?"
"After the turtle's friend," Joe replied. "She is always brave and kind."
Amina looked at Finn.
"Then it's April," Amina said. "It's a beautiful name you have found for your little sister, Joe."
Joe didn't really hear what his parents were saying. He was thinking of all the fun things he would do together with April.
What Joe and his family didn't know at the time when Mr Rabbit went missing was, that Mr Rabbit a couple of years later was placed in the sickbed of a little boy on Christmas morning.