Read Shadows of Light :: Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Today marks my 16th birthday. My parents had organized a surprise for me, stating they would return to pick me up once they had completed the preparations. Before departing, they each kissed my forehead, expressed their love, and wished me a happy birthday. I retreated to my room to prepare for my celebration, wanting to look beautiful for the occasion.

However, the surprise for my birthday ultimately transformed my life forever. Upon opening the front door, expecting to see my parents there to collect me, I was instead confronted by a police officer and a woman in a suit.

I inquired, "Um, can I help you?"

The woman introduced herself, saying, "Hello dear, my name is Camila, and I bear some truly distressing news. Unfortunately, your parents were involved in an accident and were rushed to the hospital..."

Before she could finish her sentence, I felt my heart shatter, and with wide eyes, I exclaimed, "Are they going to be alright!? I need to go to the hospital!" I began to grab my shoes and purse, ready to rush out the door, but Camila halted me by placing her hand on my shoulder and saying,

"I am very sorry, but your parents did not survive; they passed away on the way to the hospital." I collapsed to my knees, sobbing.

I cherished my parents; we were incredibly close, and they were my entire world. I was aware that I had no other family, and this realization meant I would now be alone. I cannot recall how I arrived at the orphanage; I completely shut down and silently allowed Camila to guide me.

Upon our arrival, she turned to me and said, "This is only temporary, Felicity. I will soon be taking you to a foster home for temporary placement until you are adopted. I am truly sorry for your loss, and I will be here for you." I merely nodded as she handed me my suitcase, and another woman escorted me down a hallway to a room that would be mine for the time being.

Months have gone by, and I found myself in a foster home with several other orphans. My social worker, Camila, arranged for me to participate in both group and private therapy sessions, and she frequently visited to converse with me and present me with small gifts. Initially, I was quite reserved upon my arrival, but the other children were persistent in their efforts to engage with me, which unexpectedly led to the formation of friendships and a sense of happiness. Camila informed me that a family was interested in adopting me; however, I expressed that I was not yet ready for that. She was understanding and assured me that she would postpone the adoption process until I felt ready.

It has officially been one year since my parents passed away, and a lawyer has come to provide me with documents indicating that my parents' will stated they left me everything. Upon turning 18, all assets and bank accounts will be transferred to me. I contacted Camila to inform her of my decision to proceed with the adoption, as I have completed therapy and feel prepared to move forward. Although one year is not an extensive period, I am aware that my parents would want me to live a happy life. Choosing to leave everything behind and embark on a new journey has been my most challenging struggle; I did not wish to depart from the place where my

parents are buried. However, in order to begin anew, I must undertake this step. Each time I go out with my new friends, I am confronted with memories of my parents at every location I visit. Camila was delighted to hear about my adoption and arrived shortly after my call.

She arrived to collect me for the purpose of signing my adoption documents; I had not yet met the family. Camila informed me that they were enthusiastic about welcoming me into their home and had worked diligently to make this happen as soon as possible. I was presented with the necessary paperwork, and Camila assisted me in completing it, resulting in my name being changed from Felicity Vartin to Felicity Darkmoon. Upon receiving my new identification, I stared at it while taking a deep breath; this marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Following that, events unfolded rapidly. I was taken to my old residence, where Camila aided me in packing a few bags of belongings I wished to bring along. I locked my front door for the final time and walked away, getting into the car that would take me to the airport. Camila accompanied me on the flight from Denver to Hudson, New York.

We reached Hudson, and I could feel my nerves escalating as I started to sweat. After grabbing our bags, we stepped outside to find a car waiting for us, with a driver holding a sign that read Darkmoon. As we approached him, the driver confirmed our identities with Camila and took our luggage. We climbed into the sleek black Cadillac SUV. My anxiety was skyrocketing, and I began to tremble and feel nauseous. Struggling to breathe, I noticed Camila asking the driver to pull over for a moment. He complied, and I stepped out, collapsing onto the grass.

Camila quickly joined me, gently rubbing circles on my back. "Felicity, breathe. It’s going to be alright; I’m here for you, sweetheart," she reassured me. Finally, I managed to take a deep breath and exhale, regaining my ability to breathe normally.

I turned to Camila and hugged her tightly, saying, "I couldn’t have done this without you, Camila. I’m so thankful for you."

After a few minutes, we got back in the car, and it felt like an eternity before we arrived at the Darkmoon residence. We stopped in front of a grand iron gate adorned with a D. The driver pressed a button, and the gates swung open. The long driveway was flanked by thick trees, concealing the house. When the home finally came into view, I gasped in astonishment, unable to believe this would be my new home. Even Camila seemed taken aback, but she looked at me and smiled encouragingly.

Approaching the circular drive paved with white bricks, I was greeted by an impressive mansion adorned with grand pillars. A long staircase of white marble led up to a large iron door, embellished with crystal windows. The mansion appeared to boast three stories along with a basement, where a few windows peeked out from below. In front of this stunning edifice stood my new family, eagerly waiting with beaming smiles. Four individuals are standing there, waiting for me to step out of the vehicle. They share similar traits with me: black hair, blue eyes, and while they aren't as pale as I am, they are undeniably beautiful. These are my new parents and my two twin brothers. I'm relieved they seem to be around my age; I just hope they will accept me. I whisper to Camila, "What if they don't like me and regret bringing me into their family?" She gazes at me, a tear rolling down her cheek. She takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and says, "They will love you, I promise. Don't worry; I will always be here for you. You are now my family." Tears begin to stream down my face, and she gently wipes them away with her finger. I smile at her and say, "Okay, I'm ready."

The driver exited the vehicle after hearing my words, then walked around to my side and opened the door. Camila was the first to step out, extending her hand towards me. I took her hand and stepped out, inhaling deeply. Camila greeted them, saying, "Hello Darkmoons, I’m Camila, her social worker who has been in touch with you throughout this process. This is Felicity." She pulled me close and continued, "Please take good care of her; call me if there are any emergencies or really anything at all. We have grown quite close and consider her family, so I will be visiting every few months to ensure she is doing well." She shot them a serious look before smiling and turning to me, giving my back a gentle rub for encouragement. I looked up, my heart racing so loudly that I could hardly hear anything; I was staring at my new mother, too anxious to say a word. She took the initiative and smiled, saying, "Hello Felicity, my name is Tracy, and I am so thrilled you are here. May I give you a hug?" I nodded, trembling slightly, and reached out. She enveloped me in a warm embrace, and I whispered to her, "Thank you for adopting me." She pulled back to gaze at me, placing a kiss on my forehead like my mom used to, which made tears stream down my face. She said, "Oh honey, I’m overjoyed to have you here as my daughter."

The gentleman beside Tracy clears his throat and introduces himself, saying,

"Hello, my name is Steven and next to me," he gestures beside him, "are Kevin and Jay, the troublemakers of the family."

I can't help but chuckle, and Steven joins in my laughter, while Tracy beams. "I am thrilled to have you here!"

He envelops me in a bear hug that feels like it could break stones, and Tracy chimes in, "Honey, you'll crush her with that grip!"

I burst into laughter as he gently sets me down. "I can't help it! She's just so adorable; we might have to chase off the men! Welcome to the family, Felicity!"

I beam back at him, while the two boys, Kevin and Jay, groan,

"Dad, you hijacked our introduction! We wanted to tell her our names!" Steven glances at them, sticks out his tongue, and retorts, "Too bad!"

My heart swells with joy as I see their warm acceptance, making this transition so much easier for me.

Kevin and Jay turn to me and say, "Hey sis, we’re your big brothers and we’re here for you; we’re so glad you’re here!" I smile at them, and they pull me into a group hug.

Jay exclaims, "Alright, let’s give her a tour of her new home!"

Kevin takes my hand and starts leading me toward the front door. I laugh and let him guide me, while everyone else follows closely behind. Jay dashes ahead and opens the door for me.

Inside, there are two grand staircases that lead to the upper floors, with marble flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows adorning the back walls.

As I float through the rooms, I catch sight of a living room featuring white, fluffy couches. The kitchen is expansive, boasting marble countertops, two refrigerators, and four ovens, all gleaming stainless steel appliances. The dining table is made of solid wood and surrounded by eight chairs.

However, when I turn the corner into another dining room, I am astonished to find a very long table with twenty chairs. Everything feels so luxurious and spacious, it’s hard to believe.

Looking out one of the windows, I see a sprawling patio with a long pool, and an abundance of outdoor furniture that makes it feel like a resort.

I step outside onto the patio and stroll past the pool, where a lush green grass field stretches down to the Hudson River. It’s breathtaking. Suddenly, I feel a hand wrap around my waist, and I look up to see Jay standing there, while Kevin places his arm around my shoulders, squishing me between the two giants.

They smile down at me, and Jay asks, "Do you like your new home?" I nod and gaze back at the river.

After a few moments, Kevin says, "Want to see your room now? All your belongings have arrived and been arranged in there too."

I eagerly nod, "Yes, I would love to see my new room!"

They lead me upstairs, while Tracy and Steven quietly observe and follow us. Jay and Kevin take the lead. We stroll down a lengthy corridor lined with numerous doors that open into various rooms. At the end of the hallway, we encounter a spiral staircase that we ascend. Upon reaching the top, I find the most stunning room I've ever laid eyes on, and I can't help but gasp in awe.

Tracy approaches from behind and says, "We can modify anything you desire, just let me know."

I turn to her and smile, "It's perfect! I love it just the way it is, no changes necessary."

I glance back at my new room; it's spacious, featuring a king-sized bed adorned with fluffy blankets and an abundance of pillows, all resting on a soft blue rug. There are two nightstands with matching stained glass lamps, and sunlight streams through the patio windows, causing the glass to sparkle with tiny flecks throughout the room, creating a magical atmosphere. Wall-to-wall bookshelves are filled with books that reach all the way to the ceiling, complete with a sliding ladder attached to one of the shelves. A large desk with a cozy-looking chair and a well-equipped computer setup occupies one corner. A TV mounted on one wall is framed to resemble a piece of art, and a big, plush blue couch invites relaxation. The closet is a walk-in, as spacious as the kitchen downstairs, and it opens up to a marbled bathroom featuring a clawfoot bathtub, a glass shower with multiple showerheads, and a private toilet area. I return to my room and sit on the bed, where I find my photo with my parents from my old house on the bedside table.

I look over at my new family and say, "Thank you so much for everything."

Steven and Tracy come over, each taking one of my hands, and say, "We want you to know that we already love you, and you are our daughter. We understand we can never replace your true parents, but we hope to bring some comfort to your heart. No one has to know you're adopted if you prefer it that way." Tears stream down my face as I respond,

"Thank you so much; I am eternally grateful." Kevin and Jay then push their parents aside and pull me into another bear hug, exclaiming,

"We have the prettiest, best sister in the world!" I burst into laughter and replied, "I've got the tallest giants as my brothers!"

After sharing hugs and laughter for a bit, they finally leave me to settle into my new environment, informing me that the butler would come to fetch me for dinner. I step out onto the patio, greeted by a breathtaking view. Lush hills dotted with trees, the Hudson River flowing gracefully, and a glance over the pool area. I feel immensely fortunate to be here, embraced by such a wonderful and loving adoptive family. I unpack my belongings and indulge in a long, hot shower.

I slipped into a cozy tracksuit I discovered in the closet, which was filled with an abundance of clothes that fit me perfectly. I locate a pair of soft, white slippers and put them on just as there's a knock at my door. I stroll over to open it and find the butler standing there, who informs me,

"Miss Darkmoon, dinner is ready. If you would kindly follow me to the dining room."