A Feeling About You

CHAPTER 10: Shared Excitement

The morning light gently fills the room, casting a warm hue that reflects my growing excitement. It's Saturday. Tomorrow, I have plans to meet up with Kai at the Korean restaurant he mentioned, and the thought of reconnecting with him in a new way brings a smile to my face.

After a quick breakfast with Aiden, I make my way to the living room where Elena is enjoying her coffee and engrossed in a book on her tablet. Lucien is seated nearby, tapping away on his laptop.

"Morning, Adira," Elena greets me with a warm smile.

"Morning, Elena," I reply, settling onto the couch beside her.

Lucien looks up from his laptop, a friendly twinkle in his eyes. "Good morning, Adira."

"Morning," I respond, returning his smile with a nod.

Elena glances at me, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning. Anything special on your mind?"

I can't help but grin. "I'm meeting up with my friend Kai tomorrow. We're planning to grab lunch at a Korean restaurant he mentioned."

Elena's face lights up with genuine enthusiasm. "Oh, that sounds lovely, Adira! It's been a while since you've hung out with a friend."

I nod, my cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Yeah, I've been pretty much keeping to myself since we moved here."

Elena's expression softens. "I understand, sweetheart. Moving to a new place can be challenging. But I'm glad you're opening up and making plans."

Lucien sets aside his laptop, his gaze warm as he adds, "Kai, huh? I remember him. He's got quite a personality."

A fond smile tugs at my lips as I think about Kai. "He's always been a good friend. I'm really looking forward to catching up."

Elena's smile is filled with warmth. "Having someone like Kai in your life is a blessing. Enjoy your time together."

"Thanks. Also, I just learned that Kai's little brother and Aiden are having a playdate on the same day," I add, my excitement growing.

Elena raises an eyebrow playfully. "Well, isn't that convenient? Maybe I can keep an eye on them, so you and Kai can have a good chat."

Her offer catches me off guard, and I feel a surge of gratitude. "Really? You'd do that?"

She chuckles. "Of course, dear. Friendships are important, especially in a new place."

"Thanks, Elena", I respond.

As the day goes on and I go about my usual routines, I find myself reflecting on the promise Kai and I made. Those words hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the bond we share and the journey we've been on.

The scene by the pond, the warmth of the setting sun, and our honest conversation – they all come back to me. It's a promise that has grown with time, a thread connecting our past and our future.

Before I know it, it's lunch. The atmosphere is light and cheerful. Lucien, Elena, Aiden, and I gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories.

Elena's eyes twinkle mischievously. "You know, Adira, meeting up with Kai for lunch tomorrow – sounds like a date, doesn't it?"

I nearly choke on my tea, my cheeks flushing. "Elena, it's not like that. We're just friends."

Lucien chuckles, his deep voice resonating warmly. "Ah, but I remember when Kai used to visit our old house almost every day. He'd leave your favourite snacks with little messages."

Aiden joins in, grinning mischievously. "Yeah, and you'd always have this big smile whenever you found those treats."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Okay, you all can stop now. You guys are reading way too much into this."

We all break into laughter. As we continue to enjoy our lunch together, I can't help but feel a rush of gratitude for the family I have. Elena's caring nature, Lucien's wisdom, Aiden's playfulness – they all contribute to the warmth that fills our home.

I imagine if Mom and Dad are watching us as spirits, they'd probably be laughing with us, too. My heart softens as I'm enveloped in the happy auras of our new family.

Amidst it all, a spark of anticipation glimmers – the promise of a new chapter in my friendship with Kai, a chance to reconnect, and a glimpse of the future that awaits us.

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Author's note: Added Adira's inner thoughts about her birth parents.