Chapter 49
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It’s been a week since Helen and Robert asked me to stay with them and of course, I accepted. The police did try their best to find my real family, i was even allowed to visit the men involved in an accident with me in a hope to help me trigger some memories but I got nothing.
According to Helen, their last name is Morales and they have a son. I would also need to pick a name I feel comfortable with being called.
I changed out of the hospital gown, putting on a purple shirt dress Helen had brought me, matching it with a purple hair bow.
Robert was waiting in the room with a wheelchair. “Hospital policy,” he said with a small smile, tracing my
gaze.
“It’s okay,” I smiled.
Helen walked beside us, carrying the small bag which included stuff they’ve gotten for me.
“We’re going right this way,” he said, pushing me towards a separate, covered area away from the parking lot.
“We’ve settled with the authorities and the adoption papers have been signed.” Helen said.
“Is that… ours?” I gasped at the sight of a black Mercedes Maybach.
“Yes unfortunately,” Helen frowned, “Robert has a bit of a weakness for German cars.”
The driver stepped out and opened the rear door for me. I sighed as I slid in, feeling the seat mold perfectly around me, the interior was made up with a beautiful creamy, butter–soft leather. I had assumed they were comfortable, maybe upper–middle class but this… was something else entirely.
“Asher has been wanting to see you but he’s too busy to visit” Robert said, settling in beside Helen. Asher is their son.
I smiled, resting my head on Helen’s shoulder.
After about twenty minutes, we turned right towards a sign that read ‘Private Aviation Terminal.‘
I sat up straighter, staring at them in confusion. “Where are we going?”
“Home?,” Helen said, “did I not tell you we’re not around here? We came to celebrate our wedding anniversary here and got blessed with you.” She gushed.
The car drove right onto the tarmac, past the main commercial terminal, and came to a stop beside a stunning white jet with sleek, graceful lines. The stairs were already down.
My jaw went slack. Okay, they’re definitely rich rich. I looked from the jet to Helen and Robert, my mind trying to connect the dots. “Wait, we’re getting on that?”
“Yes,” Robert nodded, as if this was a completely normal thing to do. Maybe to them but I have a feeling It’s
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not normal to me. I was definitely not from a golden spoon family. What if I’m an orphan and that’s why no one searched for me? Yup, that must be it.
In a daze, I let the driver help me out, the sound of jet engines whining from the distance. Helen took my hand, guarding me gently. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, no I’m feeling nervous” I murmured.
“It’s just a plane.” She smiled.
“Just a plane.” I sighed. I walked up the stairs, into a space that looked like a seating room. Plush, wide seats were arranged in pairs, there was a sofa against one wall, and some fruits were placed in a basket on a small table.
Robert gently guided me to one of the large seats. “Buckle up, sweetheart. We’ll be in the air for about three hours.
A flight attendant in a crisp uniform offered me a glass of orange juice. I took it and bowed, my hand trembling slightly.
Helen leaned over. “You’re going to be a Morales soon, we don’t bow unless it’s extremely necessary.”
“I don’t understand. Who are you people?” I whispered.
She reached over and squeezed my hand. “You have plenty of time to know that but to you, we’re just Helen and Robert.”
“Have you thought of a name yet?” Robert asked from the seat across from me.
I stared out the window at the blanket of clouds. “Aria”
“That’s a nice name. First time flying?”
“I… I think so,” I said.
“I can’t wait for us to go on a mother and daughter shoppin…” Helen paused, putting her palm over her mouth. I smiled and patted her hand. “I can’t wait too.”
*****
The car stopped in front of a gate. Robert pressed a remote and swung open slowly revealing a white mansion.
“Welcome home, Aria,” Helen said softly, pulling me towards the front door.
“SURPRISE! WELCOME HOME!” I flinched at the loud shriek as Robert pushed the door open, my heart leaping into my throat. The large, open foyer was filled with people dressed in green what looks like a uniform.
A huge banner hung across the staircase, written in swirling silver and gold letters: WELCOME HOME!
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Gold and white balloons floated near the ceiling, and a table was piled high with lots of presents.
I stood frozen in the doorway, completely overwhelmed. A welcome party? For me?
“Oh, you guys,” Helen laughed, as she ushered me inside. “We might have gone a little overboard.”
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“I don’t think anything is overboard for a Morales,” A boy looking around sixteen said, coming forward to hug Helen. He had to be Asher as he has her dark hair and Robert’s blue eyes.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at me. “So, you’re the one who’s been causing all the excitement from my mother.”
“Asher,” Robert growled
“What? I’m just saying hello.” He turned his full attention back to me. “I’m Asher, your big brother. You’re Aria, right?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “Thanks. For the welcoming, I mean… all this.” I gestured weakly at the balloons and the banner.
“You’re welcome.” He picked up a small, wrapped box from the gift table and handed it to me. “Here. I hope you’ll like this.”
I took it, surprised by its weight. “You didn’t have to…”
“I know. Open it.”
My fingers fumbled with the wrapping paper. I gasped at the sight of a beautiful, leather–bound journal and a set of high–quality pens.
“I figured you might want to start writing things down. You know, since you’re starting fresh.”
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
