AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She looks ahead, brows pinched together. “Your father informed me you’ll leave us soon.”
Unease sits between us like a bystander. “It was not my decision.”
She nods more for herself. “There is someone who wants to meet you. I had my reservations, but you, my dear, are a special human being. You’re kind, beautiful, and intelligent. You deserve more.” What she’s really saying is I don’t deserve to be sent away, to atone for something out of my control.
“Thank you.”
“I still remember when you first arrived, how you were afraid like all the others. But instead of being preoccupied with your own fears, you hugged every girl and told them everything would be all right.” She places a frail hand over mine, lips curled into a nostalgic smile. “My heart was so full. Kindness is not as difficult of a decision for you as it is for others. For you, it is innate. Take care of your heart, my dear. And if you ever gift it to someone, make sure that person deserves it. People can be greedy and malicious, but they also need goodness to show them there is always a path to redemption. Don’t let the world blacken your heart. Instead, offer light, goodness, and love.”
My throat clamps with emotions. Before I can say anything, she trudges away, her black-and-white habit starched and ironed perfectly. Not even a gust of wind can affect it.
A shadow falls over me, and I lift my gaze to intense blue eyes tinged with gold and a rugged face; eyes that have a similar golden hue as my mother’s. His eyes travel up and down.
“Years. I searched years for you,” he says, voice shaking at the end, a contrast to the strength his body emanates behind his tailored black suit.
Relief is written all over his face. Between Sister Theodora and this stranger, I’ve developed a muteness.
“My name is Hayden Carrera. I’m your uncle.” He tips his lips up in assurance. It looks strained, as if he forgot how to smile, but he pushes himself for me to put me at ease.
“I don’t have any uncles.”
Our eyes meet.
This can’t be. I can’t quite grasp the turn of events of today. After years of inertia, I’m suddenly thrust into a world where everything moves at light speed.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to find you,” he says calmly while his jaw clenches.
“I don’t have any uncles. You’re mistaking me for someone else.” I must sound like a broken record.
“You’re the spitting image of your mother,”
Nostalgia fills the cracks of the pause that follows.
My heart aches. I miss her so much. If my mother was alive, she would have never allowed my father to send me away.
“This must all come as a shock to you.”
“It does.”
“I’m here to take you away.” My eyes widen at his statement. “I’m doing this all wrong.”
Frustration is laced in every word he grits out.
I need to wake up. I must be dreaming.
A ringtone interrupts us and he picks up, taking a few steps back, annoyance tightening his shoulders. He disconnects the call quickly and when he returns, the tension hangs around him.
“You need to come with me. We don’t have much time. Pack a bag. I will pick you up tomorrow.”
“I—”
“Aurora, you’re in danger. I promised your mother I would take care of you.”
I stand on unsteady legs, and he grips my elbow. To support me or make me stay, I don’t know.
“I will come for you in the morning.”
“Why should I trust you?”
