Nine Ways of Forgiveness

Chapter 1

Ugh. This chapter was so stressful to write since it wasn't one of the scenes I had seen in my head when I had gotten the idea for this story. The beginning is always the most stressful part. Anyway. Thank you to everyone who has voted and commented on this story even though I know the Prologue was a bit sad and depressing. This chapter is mainly a flashback. The flashback will continue in the next chapter even though I have no clue when it's going to be up since I am a full time student (a senior in high school to be exact) and am writing when I have the inspiration to do so and when I have time. I'm sorry in advance for the delays in updates. On a happier note. I am certain that this is the longest chapter for any story I have ever written! Over a thousand words (1382) when I used to write 200 word chapters. I'm gonna stop rambling so you all can read! Enjoy! (I hope...)

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Its been five years since that day. The day they left and said they werent coming back. Every year, I sat in my closet and stared at the boxes full of their clothes (neatly folded even though Gabriel wasn't there) and other miscellaneous items left around my room after they had left. There were over thirty boxes piled and stacked against the back wall of the closet. I remembered packing all of their things up like it was yesterday even though it had been several years ago. I remembered the day I went to see Dr. Roberts to see if he would be willing to help me.

They did what?! He practically yelled when I told him about the note they had left me. I just nodded dumbly and shrunk back slightly. His entire face softened and he sighed, sitting back. It makes no sense why they would do that, he mumbled. Anyway. I have a team who would love to help you with your project. They'll be highly torked that the Blackbourne Team did that to you. Is this weekend alright? He was already getting out his phone to either fire off a text or make a call. I simply nodded my head. Why would I have plans this weekend when I had no one to spend it with? The only ones I would spend it with left me.

When Dr. Roberts finished his text and sent it, he set his phone down and dug out a strawberry candy from his coat pocket and handed it to me. I stared at it before slowly unwrapping it and placing it in my mouth, letting the flavors coat my tongue. I relaxed back in my seat and closed my eyes, not realizing how tense I was. A rumble broke through the silence and Dr. Roberts chuckled. I let out an embarrassed chuckle as well. Guess I hadn't realized how hungry I was either. Now, Sang, dear. Onto more important matters while you're here. I know you've always been a slim girl. However, you seem to be smaller than normal. I was really hoping he wouldn't bring that up and I winced. He gave me a knowing smile. You need to get food in your body, he started before I interrupted him.

There's more, I stated in a whisper, stopping him. He raised his brow, waiting for me to elaborate on my vague statement. I paused for a minute, thinking of how to phrase it. For the past couple weeks, I've been feeling sick in the mornings and when I try to eat. Sometimes it's when I'm just thinking about food. He frowned at my words, obviously thinking something through.

Then you need to start eating more, he said, standing up and holding out his hand for me to take. I placed my hand in his and stood up, frowning in confusion. We're going to the cafeteria, he said, explaining the action. I nodded in understanding, knowing he was going to force me to eat something. And I was fine with that. The strawberry candy had incited a hunger in me that I hadn't felt in several weeks.

That weekend, the team Dr. Roberts had mentioned arrived at the house and I was shocked to find three faces I recognized. Or rather . . . Four? Two of them were twins but they looked slightly different from each other and I couldn't place why. Another one I recognized was a man I encountered briefly back at Ashley Waters. Mr. Toma, I said in shock and the other members of his team looked at him with raised brows, silently asking how I knew him and vice verse.

Miss Sorenson, I believe it was? He asked and I nodded. How is the violin going? His question evoked the memory of me walking into my violin lessons without a violin and Mr. Toma being there. I sighed at the memory and the feelings it invoked. Mr. Toma frowned when he saw something in my face or posture. Dr. Roberts asked us to help you pack some things? I relaxed and nodded my head.

A familiar pair of mismatched eyes came into view as Mr. Toma moved into the house. It's the little nurse! My face split into a grin as he ruffled my hair and I laughed, shocked by the sounds coming out of my mouth. It was the first real sign of joy I had made since the boys left me and I had expected to never laugh or smile again. Have you met everyone else? I shook my head at that, eyeing a big guy with tattoos and his arms crossed across his chest. My eyes then shifted over to the twins. One had on a Super Mario Bros. shirt and the other had on just a regular t-shirt. Marc chuckled at my overwhelmed expression. He gestured to the twins first. This is Brandon and Corey.

I remember you, Corey, I said with a smile before the memory of the Diner had my shoulders slumping again. He frowned and moved to hug me. I tensed slightly as his arms surrounded me, but soon relaxed into his embrace, needing the comfort I've been missing dearly. He moved out of my view after ruffling my hair and Brandon held out his hand for me. I took it and shook his hand. It's a pleasure to meet you, Brandon, I said, noticing something different about Brandon but not being able to place it.

The pleasure is all mine, he said, grinning at me. He moved to follow his brother into my house and I was left facing the tall and very intimidating one along with the dark skinned guy.

Marc gestured to the darker one first. He was wearing a red jacket with his hands stuffed into the pockets. This is Kevin, he said and he removed one of his hands from its spot in its pocket to wave at me, offering me a smile. I smiled and waved back, thinking he must be a brooder type as he placed his hand back in its pocket. Kevin headed in to join the rest of his family.

That left the intimidating one. He had his arms crossed across his chest. What I could see of his arms was covered in tattoos. They disappeared beneath his shirt and reappeared to creep up his neck. If I had thought I didn't want to meet North in a dark alley, I didn't want to meet this guy in broad daylight in the middle of a crowded park. And this is Raven, Marc said.

Raven surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug. Little Bird. Say the sword and they will be no longer. I give you my sword. I frowned in confusion at his words.

Huh? I asked, pulling back to look at him. He looked at me like I was strange and completely nuts.

Word, Raven. It's word. Not sword, Marc said with a smile.

Eh. Same, Raven replied with a shrug.

The rest of the day was spent packing up everything of the boys. By the time dinner rolled around, the house was practically an empty shell, devoid of the memories that had made it a home. Dr. Roberts had stopped by to help us a couple hours after lunch. Before the Toma Team could leave, he had them sit down on the couches and asked me to stay in the room. I looked at him, frowning in confusion. However, I didn't leave the room and instead sat on a chair and tucked my feet underneath me.

Miss Sang has brought it to my attention that she hasn't been feeling the greatest the past couple weeks. I have a fairly good idea as to why, but without testing for it, I can't be sure.

Dr. Roberts? I asked, my confusion just growing. I looked around at the Toma Team. It appeared as if they were confused as well.

From just what she's told me, it appears as if she is pregnant, he said, getting straight to the point. There were mixed reactions to his words. Shock was the biggest. Anger was also prominent as they turned to look at me. I froze at Dr. Roberts words. I was pregnant?