Elemental (The Keeper of the elements) Read Free

the necklace that now hung around my neck and gently caressed it, surprised to find the stone warm. Aydan stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my shoulders hugging me tightly to him. I would greatly allow him to squeeze the life from me if I could stay this way forever. “I’m really glad you like it Gemma. It looks absolutely stunning on you. I know I don’t say this enough, but I’m really happy you’re in my life.” Aydan said and then he gently kissed my temple and I nearly fainted with enjoyment. This was truly the best birthday I had ever had.
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Chapter Two
     
    The blissful feeling I had as I made my way home dissipated the second I walked in the door. I should have known that everything was too good to last. Gabby and Mitchell were sitting in the front hall waiting for me. Mitchell had his arms folded over his b road chest and Gabby had her hands laced together as she chewed nervously on her bottom lip. The hall was filled with the few belongings that I had and the ever popular Ms. Duncan stood off to the side, her usual scowl in place on her lips. I was being discarded yet again.
     
    I softly closed the door behind me, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes. “I am assuming that you understand why I am here Gemma?” Ms. Duncan announced in her harsh tone. She had lost her nicer nature a long time ago and began viewing me as some sort of reject and treated me as such. I simply nodded, still having never spoken to her. “The Kelly’s have stated that they cannot handle your distant attitude and have requested that we place you in a foster home that is better suited to your special needs.” Her tone was so demeaning and she practically sneered ‘special needs.’ I simply nodded again and stepped forward to pick up my things.
     
    My anger was boiling just as it usually did but still I kept my lips tight, refusing to give them any benefit. “Gemma...” Gabby gently touched my shoulder and I brought my eyes up to hers silently. She stepped back with a shocked expression as if I had slapped her. I didn’t wait for another response as I trudged outside and proceeded to climb inside the van.
     
    The trip was silent, as it usually was, until about ten minutes before arriving to my new but temporary home. I wished so badly for some resemblance of normalcy. I craved stability; of course I would never voice those feelings. “This is a young woman, strange really, but she was the only one that was willing, if not eager, to foster you. I’m pretty sure she even used the term adopt, so perhaps you shouldn’t screw this one up.” Ms. Duncan said coldly. I just stared out the window, watching the streets change and the houses grow smaller. “Alright Gemma, here we are. The woman’s name is Amelie Blackwell.” Ms. Duncan plaster on her salesman smile in hopes of selling this ‘Amelie’ on my adoption. I won’t lie, I was actually hoping for it too. The house was a tall, red brick structure with a covered front porch that looked old but sturdy. On the right side was a creaky porch swing that hung by rusted chains. Old lace curtains hung in the windows and the front door had a large wreath attached to it. Although a bit old, the place had charm and seemed inviting enough.
     
    I followed Ms. Duncan up the stone pathway and onto the porch which creaked under our combined weight. She took a breath, widened her smile and knocked on the door. After a few moments the door opened and for once Ms. Duncan and I had the same shocked expression. A woman looking to be no more than perhaps thirty stood in the doorway. Her long blonde hair pulled over her left shoulder. She wore a light blue sweater that looked to be cashmere and a pair of tight fitting jeans and a pair of black high heels. I’m pretty sure my mouth dropped open. “Oh! Bonjour! You must be Gemma!” She stepped out onto the porch and hugged me tightly. I was too stunned to shy away from her. “Mon nom est Amelie.” I could only