WARMTH

Today was my birthday. It was nothing special. I got wishes from dad and Anna. I never really celebrated my birthday. Mom usually avoids me during my birthdays, as if this was the worst day of her life. Sometimes I wonder whether I am her daughter or not.

I am now going back to home after school. After that incident with Davin, I tried my hard not to appear before him and he also never tried to bother me.

When I was near my house, I saw an unfamiliar car parked in front of my house. It was a beautiful black Porsche car. As I opened the door, a middle-aged couple was sitting on the sofa. The man was wearing a blue tuxedo. He was very composed and elegant. On the other hand, the lady was wearing a Chanel dress. She was beautiful and for some strange reason, I felt a connection with her.

As I looked for my Dad, he was worried and his face was pale. I rushed towards him in fright.

"Dad, what happened?" I asked in a frightened tone.

He gave me a sad smile.

"Come here, sit down with me." He said, his voice heavy.

I nodded and sat down near him.

"It's been seventeen years. I have been hiding big truth from you." He said running his hands over my head. I gave him a puzzled look.

"I want you to meet them. Mr. and Mrs. Evans." He said looking towards them. "You will be living with them from now onwards."

"Why?" I can't process what he is saying. "Why should I go with them? This is my family." My head is getting heavy from numerous thoughts.

"No, No, we are not your family. They are your family." He said with tears in his eyes.

I covered my mouth in shock. Believing his words was the hardest thing to do.

"What do you mean?"

"You are adopted. When we didn't have a child, we adopted you from an orphanage. But my love for you was real."

My bag dropped from my shoulder. I took a long gasp, still trying to understand his words. Tears blurred my eyes, my mouth started to shiver. My world was collapsing.

Everything was a lie.

My legs felt numb, my body was heavy, dizziness took over my vision. Darkness filled my eyes and I let it take over me.

***

Unfamiliar voices of people talking filled my ears. I tried to open my eyes but my eyelids felt very heavy. My conversation with dad cross across my mind. I was not his daughter. I never belonged there. My eyes started to fill with tears.

I gradually opened my eyes. It was not my room. It was a huge room with an amazing interior. On my side, I saw a lady standing. She was dressed in a maid uniform.

"Young miss, are you okay?" the lady next to me enquired.

"I'm okay. Where am I? and why are you calling me young miss?"

"Miss, I will call the Master. He will explain it to you."

She left the room leaving me behind in deep thoughts. It was indeed a big room. My whole house will fit in this room. Where would be my dad? Now can I even call him dad? Is this the reason why mom hated me so much?

Suddenly the couple I saw earlier barged into my room. If I am not wrong then they are my parents.

"How are you feeling, Daughter?" The lady who is my biological mother asked me.

"I am okay? Where am I?"

"This is your home from now onwards." She replied.

"What!" I exclaimed. "But I want to go to my dad."

"They are not your parents, we are. So you should live with us."

"But where were you all these 17 years?" I asked tears slipping from my eyes.

She hugged me. Till this date, I didn't know what will be the warmth of mother's hug. But now I know. I felt safe. I felt secure.

"It's our fault. I will explain to you everything." She caressed her hands over my head. "First, you need to rest. Your body is very weak. We will tell you everything after that."

A sob left my mouth. She gently placed me on the bed and sat near me till I fall into a deep sleep.

***