FATE

58 - One family.

Today is the d- day. We invited Charlie over to our place to tell him the truth. My dad figured it was best to tell him the truth before announcing to the media. The whole family wss gathered in the family room, awaiting the arrival of Charlie.

You know it's crazy how all these years we thought we were complete, yet, one part of us was missing.

I sat next to Chisom on the three seater sofa, then Anna and Jake sat opposite us in the other sofa. Dami was here too, sitting on the arm of Chisom's seat, mom says he is family. The kids sat on single cushions, this is their business too. Then mom and dad on a joint cushion.

My mom was a bit disappointed when I told her that Lilly couldn't make it. To her, she is family.

The truth is I don't how mum is going to tell her story and I don't how Charlie would take the news. The rest of the family members found it, epic and unbelievable but they accepted the truth anyways. This whole thing still seems like a movie to me.

I glanced at my golden Gucci wristwatch, one of the gifts on my birthday; impatiently and just then, Charlie stepped in.

I stared at him intensely, so many thoughts rushing through my mind. This guy is my twin brother, my blood, yet; I never thought about it.

The whole room became still. The only sound that could be heard was the one from Annabelle's continuous stomping of her foot.

My mind went blank.

I didn't hear a thing.

But then, I saw my mom's lips move from side to side, I saw Charlie's mixed reaction when my mom was done. His shock, his happiness, his anger all combined together. I watched a tear fall to Anna's face and Jake burying her head in his chest. Then Chisomaga, whose face was covered with tears as she managed a smile when Charlie hugged our mum.

My dad said nothing at all, but his facial expression showed his guilt.

Dad still thinks it's his fault.

CHARLIE

Ever since my foster parents left that hint, I had been searching for my parents. For my real family. Not knowing they were right beside me.

For eight years I had this family take me as theirs but I went too far looking for them.

"I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry for not finding you early." I sobbed, feeling safe in my mother's warm embrace.

For years, I had never experienced a mother's love. 'White fox' became a thorn in my flesh once my parents died.

She cupped my face in her soft palms, her beautiful grey eyes clouded with tears.

"I'm sorry.. I .. I'm sorry." Her voice broke as she sniffled hard.

"For not finding you. I never knew it was you. I only felt ... I felt this connection.. I never imagined baby.. I never." She sobbed.

I swallowed hard, holding back tears as I shook my head in disagreement.

"No mom, you did nothing wrong. I'm happy it's you. I'm happy it's this family."

I meant every word that I said.

Then my mum smiled and pulled me in for another hug.

We stayed there for minutes, the whole family saying nothing, until a voice broke us apart. Our one and only Ada.

"I know you guys love each other but I think he needs to meet the whole family." Her voice sounded as she stood to her feet, beaming with smiles after she wiped her eyes.