A Feeling About You

CHAPTER 11: A Hidden Past

The soft glow of morning light spills into my room, gently illuminating the space and reminding me that today holds a special plan - meeting up with Kai. I've been seeing him and having lunches with him at school, but today feels different.

My heart flutters with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I go through my closet, searching for the perfect outfit. But as I sift through my clothes, I can't help but notice that most of my wardrobe consists of shades of black. Somehow, it's as if I've been subconsciously drawn to this colour, finding strange comfort in its simplicity.

With a sigh, I pull out a black top and a pair of cargo pants. It's not exactly the most exciting choice, but it's what feels most like me. I pause, briefly contemplating whether I should wear something more colourful, but the idea feels foreign and uncomfortable.

As I stand there lost in my thoughts, the door to my room creaks open, and Elena peeks in with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Adira. Need a hand getting ready?" she asks.

I chuckle, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm having a hard time deciding what to wear."

Elena's eyes twinkle as she checks out the clothes on my bed. "Well, how about we put together an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable?"

She chooses a black top with a subtle pattern and a pair of well-fitted jeans. "And I think sticking with your hematite pendant necklace is a great idea," she adds, her voice soft.

I smile back at her. "Yeah, it means a lot to me."

I've always found comfort in its weight against my chest. Mom once told me hematite helps to keep my energy grounded, helping to bring out courage and inner strength to help balance out the emotional turbulence being an empath can bring.

Elena's touch is gentle and reassuring as she helps me style my hair, a simple braid that falls over my shoulder. As I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I feel a sense of confidence that I hadn't anticipated.

"Thanks, Elena," I say, genuinely grateful for her assistance.

She gives me a warm hug. "You're welcome, sweetheart."

As we pull away from the hug, I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Mom used to do my hair in a similar way - a simple braid that she would carefully craft every morning. Elena, my adoptive mother and Mom's best friend had picked up the habit, and it's a comforting reminder of the connection between the two women who have shaped my life.

"Hey, Elena," I begin hesitantly, "can I ask you something?"

Elena's eyes hold a soft understanding. "Of course, Adira. What's on your mind?"

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I've been thinking about my birth parents lately. I know that Mom was your best friend, and you knew both her and Dad really well. Can you tell me more about them?"

Elena's expression is gentle as she sits down on the edge of my bed. "I'd be happy to, Adira. Farah and Daichi were high school sweethearts like Lucien and I. The four of us were inseparable, spending most of our time together."

I sit down next to Elena, eager to hear more about my birth parents' relationship. "What were they like?"

Elena's eyes light up with fond memories. "Farah was full of life, vibrant and adventurous. She had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary. And Daichi, was mature beyond his years, probably because he had been through a lot. But despite everything, his aura was always so calm and positive. It was like a source of solace for Farah, a stabilizing presence in her life."