Chapter 15
I grew up with these girls, Kelsey, and Samantha. I hadn’t seen them since before I was married, but growing up, we were very close.
I followed my brother into our living quarters where Peter and David were standing in the center of the room with banners that read ‘happy birthday Mariana!” I couldn’t help but laugh at their efforts.
I sat on the couch beside David as the doors swung open.
“Mariana!” Kelsey said with a wide smile. “Happy birthday! And welcome home!”
“I’m so glad to see you girls,” I said as tears welled up in my eyes.
“Well, don’t we feel special,” Peter, said with a shake of his head.
I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm; I was relieved they listened to me when I said I didn’t want a big party for my birthday this year. I just wanted a few good friends and my family surrounding me. I just wanted to feel safe and loved considering I literally felt the opposite for the last 3 years.
We gathered around on the couch, in the grand living quarters, and Joff had a photo album opened on his lap; as did Rita. They were going through all the pictures from our youth, and we were all laughing and reminiscing with one another.
Those times seemed simpler; I missed them very much, but I was beyond grateful to have them all with me right now.
Soon, I felt a presence standing behind me. I turned, surprised at the face I was seeing standing before me. I shot to my feet; I couldn’t keep the excitement off my face.
“Sean?” I said, staring around his handsome features.
He towered over me like my brothers, and he ran his fingers through his shaggy blonde curls. He smiled, revealing the dimples I remembered so well from high school.
“I didn’t know you were coming too!” I said as I hugged him.
“I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world,” he said, hugging me back tightly. “As soon as I heard you returned, I wanted to see you. But things have been so busy these last few weeks that I haven’t had the time.”
“It’s okay,” I said to him; “I’m glad you’re here now.”
Sean was another one of my best friends growing up. As children, he would act as my follower. We grew distant as we aged, but we remained good friends. When we reached high school, he turned into a “player.” He tried to sleep with every girl that crossed his path.
“Actually, I’m here for another reason as well,” Sean said, his smile growing. “I’m in charge of the wolf festival this year. There’s going to be an art exhibit!”
Sean was also a brilliant artist; that was partly what made us friends in the beginning.
“That’s amazing,” I breathed,
“I know you’re still working under the name Anna, but I was wondering if you’d like to showcase your work in the exhibit?” He asked, hopefulness in his
tone.
“I would love to!”
(Joseph)
The festival was fast approaching; Joseph went with his mother and Ella for the sole purpose of seeing the newest art exhibit. His mother’s favorite artist was going to be attending this year and she wanted to get an autograph more than anything.
As he walked around the festival, he paused for a moment; James was tensing as he picked up a familiar scent. Soon the crowd broke apart and he saw a figure in the distance. She was glowing under the sunlight; he made a mental note to get his eyes checked later.
Her brown wavy hair shimmered down across her back and fell lazily around her shoulder.
Anna?
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