Theodora

Chapter 12

My last chapter!! It seems like only yesterday when I...., but more on that later!!! Enjoy!!!

"I went over to Josie and Patrick's house to stay for a few days, as I had a conference in San Francisco. Thea was only two at the time. We were just sitting in the living room talking, me and Patrick. Josie was taking a bath. Suddenly, the lights started to flicker. We smelt smoke, and knew that something had caught fire. We figured that it had something to do with an electric damage, as the fire started spreading very quickly and wasn't getting extinguished with water. Patrick sent me upstairs to get Thea, while he got Josie out. By the time I came downstairs, I was too late. Josie had died of suffocation in the washroom, while Patrick died after inhaling too much smoke. I knew that they would have wanted me to keep their daughter safe. So I did just that," finished John.

"He brought you home to Philadelphia, and told me everything. We agreed to adopt you as our legal daughter. We decided to keep it a secret until you were old enough, but that was a mistake. We are so sorry, Thea," said Millie, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

They were back in the hotel, and were packing up to go back to Philadelphia. Carl and Bella were silent, trying to gauge Thea's reaction. Thea just looked at the people who raised her for most of her life, and smiled at them. "Thanks for adopting me. You did the right thing by not telling me earlier. I would have probably ran away or something. Not that I'm going to do that right now," she hastily said.

John and Millie looked relieved, and Carl and Bella had finally understood the whole story. Everyone remained silent, and packed up, having nothing left to say. They took their luggage, opened the door, locked it and took the key. Then they went downstairs, and ran into Sam.

Her family looked at each other with a knowing glance, and left Thea to talk to Sam alone. "So, you're leaving. What happened with your research about houses on fire?", said Sam. Thea looked into his honest eyes, and knew that she could tell him. As briefly as possible, Thea told Sam about her past and thanked him for his help.

"No problem. I was glad to have helped in discovering your past. I hope you and your family come back again. You guys have been great guests.", said Sam with a friendly smile. He extended his hand. Instead of shaking it, Thea gave him a hug. "I'm just giving hugs to everyone now. I'm still processing everything, and everyone who has helped even a bit gets a hug," said Thea with an embarrassed smile. "Then I hope that I get the chance to help you again," said Sam with a wink.

They would have stood there forever, if Carl hadn't called Thea at that moment, asking her to hurry. They smiled at each other one last time, and Thea walked towards the door. Before entering the car, she looked back at the hotel, and smiled at the place where she discovered the truth.

3 years later.....

Thea was going to a prestigious university after her graduation. Carl was already in university, and came home on alternate weekends and holidays. Bella had started to apply herself, and was getting good grades in high school.

It was the day that Thea was leaving, and Carl was home at the time. She packed everything, and brought it downstairs, with Carl's help. Carl was driving her to her university, on the way to his. It was time for the inevitable goodbye.

She first went to Bella and said, "Continue working hard, and call either of us if you ever need anything. I'll be back soon." Bella nodded with a sad smile. They hugged each other.

Then her mom. "Mom, even though I'm adopted and everything, you gave me the same care you gave to your own children. You are a wonderful mom and I'm sure my real mom would agree. I'm going to miss you so much." Her mom stopped her with an embrace. "Take care of yourself, Thea. Call as soon as you reach." Thea nodded.

Last but not the least, her dad. "I can never thank you enough for saving my life that day, sixteen years ago. I don't know how I'm going to handle college without my protective father by my side. I'll miss you," said Thea, now crying. Her dad gave her a big bear hug, and kissed her forehead. "You will make us proud, I'm sure of it."

Now, it was time to leave. All of them went to the car, and loaded in the luggage. Then they shared a big family hug, which left them all in tears. Then Thea and Carl got in, and drove away. Thea looked back from the window, and saw her family smiling through their tears and waving. The family who had raised her. The people who she had laughed with, and cried with. Her best friends. She looked forward, and smiled at the new life awaiting her.

That's it!! Now I shall pick up from where I left off. It seems like only yesterday, when I got the idea for this story and started writing it. I love to read, and it has been very fulfilling to write something for others to read. Thank you to everyone who commented or even read it, because it means a lot to me if you see my work. Lastly, I'm starting a new book, and I hope that you guys find the time to read it. Adios!!! Till I see you again!!!!