Chapter 1
June 28th, 1998, Raven Ridge
Nadia
Rainbow streamers line every doorway. I hear "Creep" by TLC blasting through the speakers. "Mmm," I say as I smell my mother's famous gumbo coming from the kitchen. " You excited?" Uncle Fred says as he pats my head. "Yes, I am turning six years old today...I am almost as old as you," I respond. " Not quite, kiddo, Uncle Fred says with a smile. I see my mother, Nora, bringing in the birthday cake, and the smell overtakes me. I reach for the cake, but my mother slaps my hand and gives me a baffling smirk. " Nadia, you know this is for the party." She says as she pulls the cake away. " Why don't you go play outside until dinner is ready?" She responds.
As I walk outside, I see a boy who looks about the same age as me. He has dark brown hair, alluring brown eyes, and is wearing what seems to be overalls. " Hello," I say to him. He falls to his back, startled by the interaction. " What are you doing?" I say as he looks up at me. "I'm collecting rocks for my mom's garden," He responds. I look at him in confusion. "Today's your birthday?" he breaks the silence. "Yes, I'm turning six today, how did you know?, I say. "Your shirt?" he responds. I look down as I see the bold birthday girl letters plastered on my shirt. "I'm only one year older than you... Do you maybe want to help me look for rocks?" "Sure," I smile as I begin digging.
"Nadia, what are you doing digging in the dirt? You're going to be all dirty," My mom yells. Killian pops his head out of the bushes. "Killian!" she says in a stern tone. " Do your parents know you are here?" Killian pauses and looks at her. " Go home, Killian!" I look at my mother in confusion as Killian gathers the rocks and runs home. " Mom...what are you doing? He was only trying-" She interrupts me. "Don't you ever speak to that boy again, you hear me! NEVER!" "Come on, let's get you cleaned up before the rest of the people arrive," She says. I nod as I walk into the house.
