junior year christmas

Their group never seemed to get a break. Arguments, assault, black rocks that carried a disease - things had spiraled so far down that even she was unsure if they would ever pick back up.

Rapunzel did her best not to lose faith, not to lose hope, but it was difficult when the cards seemed stacked against her. Even if things did calm down, her future was still uncertain.

After the pregnancy scare, she and Eugene had realized just how much they wanted children of their own. And just how hard that could be. Scar tissue from the attack and resulting surgeries, stress, not even beginning to consider how those black rocks might have permanently affected her.

It would be nothing short of a miracle if she managed to carry a child to full-term. But Rapunzel had faced slimmer odds before, and she knew that between her and Eugene that they could make it work.

They tried, keeping track of dates and waiting with baited breath for the results of the pregnancy tests. Always negative. But they kept trying, because who were they if they gave up hope?

The day before Christmas, Rapunzel received the news. Rapunzel received the news and nearly cried. Pregnant - she was pregnant.

Rapunzel couldn't help but be creative. Most stores were closed, given the day, but she found one that was open and it would suit her purpose just fine.

A baby's outfit and a teddy bear, wrapped neatly in a box.

"Hey, babe," Rapunzel began, the box held behind her back. "I know we said no presents this year, but..." she trailed off, extending the parcel to him.