It's my birthday. Most people would be excited. Not me. What's the point of celebrating the day of my birth when my parents didn't care enough about me to raise me? It only serves as a reminder that another year has gone by. At least, it would if Grace wasn't there to pull me out of my slump.
"Happy birthday, Will," she says and places a loving kiss on my forehead.
"Thanks," I mutter. I'm not thanking her for the cake. I'm thanking her for being my friend, for being the only person in this whole wide world who understands me.
"What are you waiting for?" asks Grace. "Make a wish."
I hesitate. I always make the same wish, and it never comes true. Perhaps this year will be different.
I wish to be reunited with my parents. The words echo throughout my mind as I blow out the candles.
It's official. I'm fifteen years old.
Grace cuts a piece of cake and places it before me. I barely take the time to thank her before severing a large portion with my fork and shoving it into my mouth.
"Aren't you hungry?" I ask when I notice her staring at me.
She shakes her head. "I'm too excited to eat."
"Why?"
Her smile is so broad the edges of her mouth nearly reach her ears.
"This is a special birthday."
"It is?"
She nods.
"Why?" I ask. "I'm just one year older."
She ignores my pessimism, which isn't like her.
"I have a present for you."
I'm so stunned I nearly choke. Never before has Grace—or anyone else, for that matter—given me a present.
"A present?"
She nods.
"I've been waiting for this day ever since you first arrived," she explains.
"Why?"
"Because today is the day I finally get to give you this." She reveals a small gift-wrapped box and hands it to me.
I take it, my hands shaking with excitement. It weighs almost nothing.
"What is it?"
"I don't know," admits Grace.
"What? How can you—"
"It's not from me."
I hesitate, sensing my life is about to change forever. Finally, I can't stand it anymore.
"Who's it from?"
Grace smiles then speaks the two most unexpected words in the English language.
"Your mother."
YOU ARE READING
The Nibiru Effect
FantasyA cryptic dream. A strange symbol. A magical ring. Will's life will never be the same. Lured away from his life at the orphanage by the promise of a family reunion, fifteen-year-old Will Save unwittingly embarks on an adventure through time and spac...
