The light to my darkness

Chapter 20

Few weeks later...

It's June 18th; my birthday. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but everyone wanted me to have a birthday party. So, I agreed. I didn't have much of a choice anyway. They invited half of their family, which is my family as well now. I've been living with them since April and I've only met some cousins and my new grandpa and grandma until today. My biological grandmother is here as well.

The backyard is full of people from all ages, food, presents, cakes... I think it's too much.

"This is quite a big party" I tell my mom.

"You deserve way bigger than this my love" she says with a big smile on her face.

"Do I have to talk to all these people?"

She laughs "No, you don't. If you don't want to talk to someone then excuse yourself. It's okay"

I hug her, seeking comfort.

Moments later, I blow out the candles as everyone sings happy birthday. We eat the cake while listening to music. It's pretty satisfying if I'm being honest.

"LET'S OPEN THE PRESENTS" someone shouts.

"YEAAAA" someone else replies.

I sit on a chair while opening up the presents. I've never opened that many. It's pretty insane, but I like it.

I thank everyone and dismiss myself as soon as my friends arrive. We sit on some chairs and start talking.

I missed them so much.

I haven't been able to talk to them that much in the past few weeks. I've been at home most of the time. Every day was a family day and I absolutely adored that. I also haven't been on my phone much. So, I haven't spoken to Zoe that much either. I told her that I moved to live with Mrs. Heavenly and that I call her mom now. I told her about the party and the movie nights, I also told her about therapy and how she's so strict about it. I told her I'm happy.

I miss her, too actually.

I pull my phone and find her texts,

Happy birthday idiot. I love you so much.

I smile.

Awwwe, ty angel. Love you more.

I put my phone away and listen as my friends tell me about their boyfriends and crushes as usual.

Moments later, mom came up to us and said "Angela, there is one more present left"

Everyone is gathered around us with huge smiles on their faces.

My attention is drawn back to her when she starts "You've been with us for quite a while and we love you so much. We think it's time for you to take this" she hands me what looks like a big white envelop wrapped in a butterfly patterned ribbon. I slowly and gently slip the envelop out of the ribbon since I want to keep it.

I look at her in frustration as she says "Open it". Mr. Ryan is behind her, his hands are on her shoulders squeezing them and next to him, stand James, Justin and Jane.

I look back down at the gift between my hands and I start carefully opening it. When it's fully out, I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath. I open my eyes again and they fall on the words written on top.

Oh my God.

It...it can't be.

"Oh my God. Are you... are you for real?" my voice is shaky and unsteady. Tears start streaming down my face as I continue reading the papers.

She hugs me and I throw my arms around her. It's a hug with flood of tears and smiles and laughs, but I still like it a lot.

"We've been working on this since you were in the hospital. I've been waiting for this moment for so long; the moment I'll finally be your real mom and you'll be my real daughter" she says while hugging me. They're all hugging me now.

My real mom, my real dad and my real siblings.

It feels surreal. I hold them tight as I picture the adoption papers in my head after just seeing them. There's a beautiful purple certificate that says:

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

Rosangela Davis

Has been formally adopted

     By         Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Heavenly Johnson       

My name is Rosangela Johnson now.

When I met Mrs. heavenly for the first time, I knew I was going to love her with all my heart. She lightens the path in front of me. She heals the wounds and cuts inside of me. She loves me and cares so much about me. She accepts me and makes me feel so good about me. She helped me through so much. I can't express how much love my heart holds for her. It's crazy. I'm madly in love with her. And I love that. Every day, she keeps on inspiring me to change and fight the demons inside of me. I can't explain how happy I am whenever I see her. I love her more that words can express.

She's the beauty to my ugliness.

The calm to my messiness.

She's the light to my darkness.

_THE END