Sammy and Ilna, love you to the moon. REAL McRollers and Readers, thanks doesn't seem like enough, but thank you always.
The Best Book Ever
As soon as he got home from his grandparents' condo and hugged his parents, DJ said, "I'm gonna call Uncle Aaron and tell him about the art club project. I'll help set the table as soon as I'm off the phone, promise."
"That's a great idea, I know he'll love hearing about it," Catherine said with a smile. "Daddy's cooking, so I'm going to pick Angie up at Brownies and stop at Jirou's for some mango salsa." She kissed his head.
The middle schooler sat on the couch, took out the brand new phone Steve and Catherine got him at the start of the school year and hit the FaceTime button. The screen flickered to life, and his uncle's face appeared.
"Hey, DJ!" Aaron's smile was wide. Behind him, a kitchen filled with freshly washed baking supplies hinted at a new project he and Joan had created. "What's up?"
"Hi, Uncle Aaron!" DJ leaned forward. "Guess what? Remember I said I joined the art club at school?"
"Of course," Aaron waved at the array behind him. "Are you liking it as much as your cousin likes baking club?"
"I love it. Today we started a cool project," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "We have to create a piece of art using drawings and photos with this great handmade paper the art teacher showed us how to make. I'm making a book and it's gonna be bilingual. English and Spanish."
"That's fantastic. What's the book about?"
"I'm gonna call it Family Adventures. I want to include the trip to Disney World because it's where Abuelo taught me my first Spanish words. That's how I got the idea to do the book in two languages."
"I can't even tell you how much Dad will love that," Aaron chuckled, "You were like a little sponge, soaking it all up. You even surprised your mom and dad when you said '¡Hola! Mi nombre es DJ,' to the cast members in the Mexican pavilion."
DJ's laughter echoed over the phone. "That was so fun," he said, then looked meaningfully at his uncle. "And I was inspired to make a book by my book. The one you made for me with all the family photos. It was such an awesome thing you did, so I want to do something like it, but with my own twist."
"That was my absolute honor, you know," Aaron said sincerely, "and I'm really happy if it inspired you." He smiled. "Tell me more about your ideas, how are you going to make the paper?" His uncle's brow furrowed slightly, and DJ could tell he was genuinely interested.
"We're gonna collect leaves and flowers from the outside and mash them into the paper. The paper takes on some of the colors so it'll be pretty. Then I'll draw and write some of the fun family stuff we've all done together." His big brown eyes sparkled with determination. "I want everyone to feel like they're part of it."
"You've got a real talent for art and writing," Aaron said, nodding appreciatively. "And as usual, you're putting your heart into it. I can't wait to see it, and I'm proud of you, kiddo, as always."
"Thanks," DJ said, his voice softening. "I want to make it special, you know? Like how you made the book for me."
Aaron's expression turned serious. "That book was special because it was made with love for you, the newest member of my family. Just like what you're doing now with a book honoring our family by writing about our adventures."
DJ paused. "You know, I could hardly believe you did that for me. I wasn't used to anything like love and attention and people caring…" he saw Aaron's understanding nod, "well, you know exactly what I mean. You and Aunt Mary and Joan, you just zoomed in here and I remember thinking you were all so nice to me and I didn't even really know you yet." He shrugged. "Then you explained how you were adopted, and Abuela made you a book and I got it. We were alike." he smiled. "That was the best feeling, even if I was too little to express it."
"And just by being you, you had everyone loving you right away." Aaron grinned. "Especially Angie. You walked right into being the best big brother because it was meant to be."
DJ nodded slowly. "See, you got that, too, 'cause you got to your family after Alyssa, even though you're older. How right away, I just wanted Angie to be happy."
"Just keep being the awesome brother you are."
"Thanks, Uncle Aaron." DJ smiled, feeling the warmth of happiness spread through his chest. "I can't wait to show you my book when it's done. I'm gonna include drawings of Disney World, New Jersey and Los Angeles and adventures we do here on the island and pictures of everyone."
"That sounds perfect! And if I know my nephew, you've got it pretty much written in your head already." Aaron grinned, and DJ could hear the playful tone in his voice.
"I kinda do. I can't wait to get started. I'll send you updates while I work on it."
"You'd better! I definitely want to see your progress. Just remember to have fun with the process," Aaron advised.
"I will, I promise," DJ assured him, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Good. And if you run into any trouble with translations, you know I'm just a call away, right?"
"I know. You're always there for me, Uncle Aaron." DJ's voice softened as he thought of their bond.
Aaron's smile brightened the screen. "Always and forever, DJ." He held up a fist and his nephew air bumped it from across the ocean.
"Thanks, Uncle Aaron, I'm gonna go help Dad in the kitchen. Tell Aunt Mary and Joan I said hi. I'll call you soon to show you my sketches! "
"Can't wait. Talk soon, kiddo." Aaron waved, and the screen went dark as DJ ended the call.
The eleven year old smiled softly. He could already envision the book, imagining the adventures he would describe and illustrate.
Later, at dinner, after he'd asked his sister about her scout meeting, DJ told the family more about his ideas for the book.
"The cover needs to be eye-catching," he mused, and his parents shared a smile. "And I'm doing a page for all the grandparents. Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma Ang, Aunt Deb, Nonna, Abuelo and Grandma Sue. I want to include some of their best sayings, too, like how Grandma always says 'I apologize for nothing' when she does something super nice for us and then grandpa smiles at her."
"That'd be awesome!" Angie's eyes sparkled. "And how Nonna calls you and Daddy Nipote and Pronipote."
"Great idea!" DJ said and his little sister beamed.
"I think Abuelo will like that there's Spanish in the book, 'cause even more people can read it then," she said with a definitive nod.
"He definitely will," Catherine agreed, "And everyone will be happy to read it. I know my talented boy is going to do an amazing job." She leaned over and kissed his head.
"Yes!" Angie's confidence in her brother was, as usual, unwavering. "It'll be the best book ever!"
# End Thanks for reading
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