Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 99

December 24th, 2019

It felt like every single person had their eyes on me, analysing my every move. I was new, I was different. I was the long-lost Adams sister, now on display.

Janie linked her arm with mine and gave me a comforting smile as we descended the stairs and joined everyone else. People seemed to return back to normal but their glances still clung.

Alan immediately made his way to us, his eyes bright. "You made it," he said, staring at Janie with a red tint in his cheeks.

"Of course we did," Janie answered, continuing to banter with Alan as I stepped aside to where Neo was waiting.

"Hey," he whispered, his eyes focused on mine, glittering underneath the chandeliers.

"Hi,"

"You look amazing,"

I smiled, kissing his cheek. I couldn't help but notice Alan staring at us, making a face despite trying to hide it. "Promise me that you two will be nice," I pleaded, staring up at him as he frowned.

"When am I not?"

"I'm serious, Neo," I said.

He smirked. "Relax, I don't have a problem with your brother," He took my hand as we went back towards the group. Neo held his hand out to Alan, who glanced at me before shaking it politely, seeming to agree to get along for the night.

Alan's friends wandered off as the rest of my brothers gathered around, dashing smiles on their faces.

"You look so beautiful," Xander commented softly, pulling me into a hug.

"I barely even recognised you," said Colton jokingly. "You look so different,"

"Different in a good way," Cato clarified, flashing me a gentle smile.

Colton smiled sheepishly. "That's what I meant,"

I glanced towards Eli, expecting to see Javi glued by his side, only he wasn't there. He wasn't with any of my brothers at all.

"Relax," Neo whispered to me, grabbing my hand. "He's safe, he's with my sisters,"

I was instantly relieved, oddly satisfied that he could so easily read my mind.

Cato put a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I'd like to introduce you to a few people if that's okay," he asked, sharking a glance between Neo and me.

We stepped apart. "Yes, of course," I answered calmly.

"I'll meet you later," Neo promised, squeezing my hand before letting go and heading off towards some friends.

Cato and Xander led me across the room, and I suddenly felt the tiniest bit nervous. I'd never had to present myself before, not like this.

"I hope I don't need to remind you to make smart choices, yes?" Cato mused, clearly hinting towards Neo.

I felt my cheeks flush pink and I shoved him lightly. "Cato!" I hissed playfully.

Cato nudged me back teasingly, chuckling as we approached a man obviously in his early fifties, with silvery hair and a warm smile. "Amelia, this is one of Dad's colleagues, Elijah Tillman," Cato introduced. "Elijah, this is my sister, Amelia,"

I offered up a shy smile, shaking his hand politely.

"You definitely are Corey's kid," Elijah said in amusement, studying me. "You've got his eyes,"

I wasn't sure who Corey was, but I quickly deduced that he was our father. The only memory I had was with Mom, and I still didn't know her name either. I hadn't bothered to ask, because that could potentially lead to them finding out I remembered her. And I wasn't ready to have that talk yet.