2004, Adelanto, California

“Nice people, Quinns are,” is what anyone who knows about them would say. And those can be literary anyone – from ones who didn't know them, to ones who do, and others who think they do. Of course, there are certain people who would look upon them as something unreal – something fake. As if their ‘perfect’ appearance to everyone is just a disguise.

Linda Quinn, with her long blonde hair tied in a ponytail, is most of the time seen in a presence of a good book. Her husband Edgar is much like her. Other than that, friendly and quite strong – something that was not recognisable due to his impression of a typical family guy. Tidy hair, clean outfit and glasses were very significant for him. As for Linda, she tended to wear apron over a casual floral dress whenever she would do something around the house. Even though she wasn’t employed, Edgar was an engineer in a big company. From their house it was obvious that they never got into any financial problem. Enormous clean garden, filled with dazzling flowers. They never bragged about their things or money but that certainly gave people something to gossip about.

Neighbors introducing themselves to the newlyweds found out they’ve only just moved here to start a new life. Quinns loved their house, the city and its warmth. They were always so optimistic and with every question they would answer with a smile. Naturally, people found them weird at the times because they represented themselves so radiantly different than anyone who normally lives here.

Linda and Edgar got married in their early twenties, moved here right after, and few months later they got a new family member, their first son David, and one year after that, Daniel. As parents, they realized they couldn’t find greater happiness than having to see two loving faces every morning.

Not soon, a year later was it, did their happiness got shattered in a moment. Linda’s brother, tragically lost his life in a car accident. Just as he was driving to the hospital to see his wife and a new born child, he got an important phone call he couldn’t avoid. At least, that is what the investigators say. Hearing this news, his wife, Charlotte, after giving birth didn’t even get the chance to hold her new born child before she herself, passed away. Doctors say during her pregnancy her health was significantly decreasing leaving her weak and vulnerable.

“What is that supposed to mean?” cried Linda as she felt useless and helpless in front of Charlotte’s room. “Why haven’t they said anything to us before?”

She couldn’t bear losing her brother and her best friend, but just at that moment when a doctor handed her their baby, she wouldn’t let herself cry. Seeing a face of two people she was once so close to, the second she embraced it in her hands, she fell in love with it.

“It’s a girl,” said a female doctor that brought her in. “They didn’t want to know the baby’s gender until it was born. And under these circumstances, it would be a good choice if she was handed to someone her parents knew. She needs a safe home.”

Linda wouldn’t let any tears drop from her face. Edgar looked at her with a soft smile, letting her know he is okay with that decision. In fact, the only thing he was never okay with was seeing his wife hold her feelings trying to be strong, when inside she was powerless and weak. Wanting her happy was the only time he felt strong. He figured that made him selfish, but who isn’t when they are in love?

Having already two sons, a girl would be a great addition to the family. Linda always wanted a girl; however, there was a speck of worry whether the boys would be okay with it.

“Of course,” said Linda with a sure and firm voice. “She is one of us.”

20th June 2015, Saturday

What a beautiful day for children to play outside while the adults do detail cleaning of the house. David, Daniel and Callie offered to help, but Linda did not want them getting anymore dirty, so they went outside and played football instead.

“Either way they will have to have a bath today. It’s not like European football my grandfather thought me is a clean game, you know?” said Edgar to his wife knowing she only didn't want them making any more mess in the house. But, as young as they were, their mother only wished, before all, for them to experience being children. Even if it meant getting dirty all the time. No one can take cleaning seriously as much as she does.

“Why call it European football when it’s actually soccer?” asked Linda getting cleaning supplies from the shelf in storage room. “And this is why we are not getting pets until they are old enough to clean after themselves.”

“Yeah, that’s why,” replied Edgar sarcastically.

She pretended not to hear his comment by making an ‘accidental’ noise by knocking down the brooms leaned on the wall. Edgar lent her a hand.

David, eleven now, Daniel ten; one year difference and yet people take them as twins. Although they look nothing alike. At least, it seems that way when you look at someone every day.

Callie, nine, was obviously from a different planet in their eyes. Not because she was a girl, but because she was gleaming with her unique aura. She was very intelligent for her age; always had to be right, but she didn’t differ much from a child herself. Callie was familiar with the case of adoption, but she has never felt like she doesn’t belong – she was a part of this family one way or another.

Daniel was a younger brother for one year and becoming a big brother was challenging for him. But he didn’t dislike that. It made him feel powerful – like a protector (even though he really wasn’t). Unlike David who has learned to find his peace in music – quiet music. He keeps that passion from when he was just a four–year–old that accidentally fell in love with a sound of musical keyboard. He never stressed about anything, let alone get in fights with either of his siblings. Daniel on the other hand, liked to argue a lot, if not with Callie, then his mother. He always got in trouble, though.

David, Daniel and Callie were always playing together when outside on a no–homework sunny day. Rain was their only alone time: The oldest brother would sit at the piano for hours practicing (his parents encouraged him as much as they could), Callie would be on computer, and Daniel would watch TV. No one pays attention to the middle child, he thought.

David went first to take a bath after a long match. He couldn’t listen anymore to the ‘childish’ arguments from his siblings. The game cannot begin unless Daniel provokes Callie about being better than her, and then winning for playing dirty. She may have lost this time (14–15–17), but she always played by the rules and just as so, very mercilessly. David was never as competitive, unlike his brother who can’t bring himself to lose, while Callie would get more eager for a rematch to convince she can win. Just like being always right meant nothing if she couldn’t prove it.

Having two athletic brothers, she was easily driven to the sporty games. However, when they were little, they often played superhero – David didn’t like being the villain (taking over the world sounded very tiring) and Callie didn’t enjoy the role of damsel in distress so their game constantly took different turns.