Unwelcomed.

CHAPTER ONE

Tianna and Marquel faced significant challenges in their lives as they grew up in foster care due to their mother's inability to care for them as she battled homelessness. Their separation from their mother occurred when Child Protective Services and the police had to intervene to ensure their safety and well-being. Following years of being apart from each other and their mother, Marquel, upon reaching the age of 18, exhibited resilience and determination by working diligently to secure a better future for himself and his sister Tianna.

Marquel's unwavering commitment to family led him to navigate the complexities of the system, eventually succeeding in bringing Tianna to live with him. Despite the passage of time, the siblings have not had the opportunity to reconnect with their mother. Their journey reflects the strength of familial bonds and the profound impact of determination and perseverance in overcoming adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of support and solidarity in the face of challenging circumstances.

Tianna has always possessed a deep-seated curiosity pertaining to her familial roots and connecting with individuals who share her bloodline. It was during a routine perusal of a book report that she stumbled upon an advertisement promoting a genealogy website, sparking a newfound sense of intrigue within her. Without hesitation, Tianna promptly registered on the platform.

Upon inputting her parents' names, an abundance of detailed information instantaneously materialized on the screen, including birth certificates, addresses, and contact numbers. The sheer volume of data that surfaced left Tianna in a state of exhilaration and fascination, as she delved deeper into the digital realm of her family's history.

In that pivotal moment, a veil was lifted, unraveling the intricate tapestry of her lineage and offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals such as Terrance Hall and Monique Haskins. Tianna's enthusiasm soared to unprecedented heights, igniting a fervent desire to unearth more revelations about her ancestry and form meaningful connections with her relatives, both past and present.

Marquel inquired about the progress of Tianna's report, prompting her to express her excitement about discovering a genealogy website containing information about their parents. Eager to share the newfound information, Tianna suggested exploring it on her laptop. However, Marquel, feeling slightly frustrated, urged her to prioritize her report instead, emphasizing the importance of focusing on her current task rather than delving into genealogy at that moment.

Tianna's constant yearning for a deeper familial connection, beyond what they already had, often triggered a sense of discomfort in Marquel. While he understood her desire for more, it sometimes left him feeling unsettled, as he believed that their existing family bond was already significant.

Despite these differences in perception, both individuals recognized the need to balance their respective interests, acknowledging the importance of completing their current responsibilities while also valuing Tianna's longing for a richer family history.