Rising from the Shadows: The Journey of a Star

Prologue

Kia Ora! My name is Terina Mikaere. I am 28 years old and I am from Aotearoa, New Zealand. I was born in Wairoa and moved to Auckland with my beautiful Nan Aroha Pataori. I lived in Auckland for 3 years; then me, Nan, Papa and my baby moved to Los Angeles. I love my nan so much! She took custody of me when I was 12 and moved me straight to Auckland so we could live at her whare. My uncle Paora was amazing! He moved to Wairoa to make sure that I'm ok and protected me. Whenever my parents had a party, he was there. He always came up to check on me and I loved him for that. I'm also very grateful to my Uncle Kiwa and Aunty Kati. My aunty Juna is my uncles wife and she was amazing too. Don't worry, they're not dead haha! Still very much alive! I also have my beautiful baby girl Aroha Juna Mikaere. She is 15 years of age and was born in 2009. Yes, I had a baby at the age of 13 years. I would tell you what happened but that's what this book is for. My Nan looked after Aroha until I was 18. She said that a child shouldn't be looking after a child so she'll take the reins until I wanted to take over. Anyway enough about this, my story is about to start so Ka Kite!! "Mana Wave!"