A Place in Time

Chapter 1

I grew up in a religious family household. i spent most of my child hood singing in church and i usually make it a point to help out in the parish whenever i have time. I'm an only child and I love my parents, and so I've always done my best to make them proud. I've been doing it for fifteen years. I', adopted, but I've never really felt sad about that fact. They explained it to me early on and told me that nothing would change, that they loved me and they always would.  My parents named me Shay and called me their " gift from above."  The real story started the morning I saw my mother throw up. She told me not to worry, that she had probably just eaten too much and that it would fade soon enough. But then it happened again. And again. I was concerned, and I called my best friend Tjay and expressed my concerns about my mom's health. "Do you think maybe your mom could be pregnant?"  I was surprised at Tjay's suggestion. Mom? Pregnant?  I told her not to joke about such things. How could it be after all, that it would happen now, after all the time my parents had spent deliberately trying for a child? "I want to take mom for a checkup, but dad's isn't here yet..."  Tjay volunteered to accompany Mom and me to see the doctor the coming weekend. When the day came, she showed up at nine and greeted me. I helped my mom along, moving slowly as I assisted her. Her hand gripped my arm as she held on to me for balance.
   I saw someone standing on the street across from our house. I glanced at Tjay. "What's your brother doing here?" I asked.
  Tjay's older brother, Terrence, was possibly the least social person I had  ever met. He was so abrasve. In the time I've been friends with her, That had never introduced me to her brothar . apparently, he was opposed to the idea or some such ridiculous thing.
  "He's due for a check-up. Had difficulties breathing last night. Asthma. He dropped me off here and then hes off to the hospital himself. But he won't be coming with us, promise. Don't worry"
  When Tjay's older brother noticed us, he raised a hand to Tjay. "Alright, I'm off."
  Tjay rolled her eyes