In the Golden Shadow

This book is based on my dreams, and daydreams. I dedicate this book to Christina, Emma, Penny, Katerina, Ari, and Jessie. Thank you for giving me the courage to keep going.

Chapter One

As I am half-listening to Mr. Dinkleman's lecture about sexual reproduction, the phone rings. He answers it, and says,

"Mary, the office wants ya! Pack your things and go!"

I'm wondering why the office would want me as I walk out the door. When I get down to the office, there are two people standing there: a tall, gorgeous man with blond hair, and a woman who is my spitting image. My (much older) twin is crying, smiling, and hugging the man.

Suddenly, it feels like someone is pushing me towards them. Soon, I am in the back of a VW beetle, and the woman is hugging me.

"Fera, I love you so much. We didn't mean to give you up. You know that, right? Your father and I...." she stops, and looks away for a minute. "I promise that now, we'll do whatever it takes to make sure that you're safe." She kisses me on the forehead, and squeezes me even tighter. Confused at what's happening in this tiny car, I ask,

"Who's 'Fera'? And, not to be rude, but who are you people?" The woman gives me a hurt look, and questions,

"Honey, don't you remember me? Or your father?" The man in the front turns back to me, and asks,

"Come on Ferr! I was the one who taught you how to use a gun!" I look straight into his light blue eyes (that look exactly like mine) and tell him slowly,

"Sir, I'm not sure who you or your wife are, but I'd like to know now. Then, I'd like to finish my school day."

He sighs, then tells his wife,

"Nia, I think your step-mother might've brainwashed her. We'll have to re-teach her everything." They start conversing in a language that sounds strangely familiar. The man says to me,

"Fera-"

"It's Mary."

"Mary, we're your real parents. You were taken away from us 13 years ago by Nia's step-mom, and we've spent every waking moment tracking you down." He turns to his wife, who continues,

"Your real name is Fera, and, I don't know if you remember, but you have five other siblings: two older sisters, an older brother, a younger sister, and a younger brother."

Feeling skeptical, I ask,

"Prove you're really my parents." My father points to my scar on my arm.

"This" he says,"is from when you scraped yourself learning to ride you bike." My mouth hits the floor. They're right. Shaking, I tell them,

"You guys really are my parents...." My mom pulls me in for a hug, and I melt into her arms, feeling like everything in the world is right.