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Jaden
Jaden, his shoulders slouched and his eyes reflecting the weight of his troubled heart continued trudging through the outskirts of the forest. The echoes of the heated argument with his foster brother, Joseph, lingered like a dark cloud, poisoning the serenity of the woodland. The argument had been intense, fueled by resentment and bitterness. Joseph, with a sneer on his face, hurled insults at Jaden, each word a sharp arrow targeting the wounds of a boy already scarred by the challenges of foster care.”You’re nothing, Jaden! You’ll never be anything. Dad treats you better because he pities you. You’re just a charity case,” Joseph spat, his words venomous and calculated to cut deep into Jaden’s fragile self-esteem. Jaden, with clenched fists and a furrowed brow, tried to maintain composure, but the emotional onslaught left him shattered. The unfairness of Joseph’s accusations, the sting of feeling unloved, and the constant struggle for acceptance in his foster family had reached a breaking point.
As Jaden navigated the winding paths, lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, he collided with Luna-a collision of two worlds, each carrying its own burdens. Luna, with her innocent eyes and the lingering magic of the forest, became an unexpected interruption to Jaden’s gloomy thoughts.
“Hey, watch where you’re going!” Jaden exclaimed, a mixture of frustration and surprise coloring his tone.
Luna, undeterred by his initial gruffness, looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.
“Are you okay? You seem sad,” she observed, her empathy reaching beyond her years.
Jaden, caught off guard by Luna’s perceptiveness, hesitated before replying, “Just some personal stuff. It’s nothing.”
Luna, however, was not easily deterred.
“Sometimes, talking about it helps. My mama says it’s like letting the bad feelings fly away.”
Jaden, despite himself, found a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Jaden, surprised by the unexpected encounter, looked down at the small girl before him, ignoring her questions.
“Are you lost? Where did you come from? And what is a little girl doing here?” he inquired, his eyes revealing a mix of concern and curiosity.
Luna, unfazed by the stranger’s presence, replied with a bright smile, “I’m, no, I can’t tell you my name. My mother warned me not to talk to strangers.
Also, I came to this market with my parents, but then I found this beautiful place and decided to explore. What’s your name?”
Jaden, momentarily forgetting his earlier troubles, offered a faint smile. “I’m Ja, no, just call me J. Why are you out here alone? Your parents must be worried sick about you.”
Luna shrugged her shoulders, “I love exploring. The forest is like a magical world.
Moreover, the animals talk to me, and it brings me closer to nature.
Don’t you think so too?”
Jaden chuckled, finding Luna’s innocence refreshing.
“Yeah, it kind of is. But you should go back.
Your parents will be looking for you.”
Luna hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “I guess you are right.”
Back in the market, Ella and Cory’s search intensified. Panic set in Cory as he realized Luna was nowhere to be found. The market security was alerted by him, and a collective effort was underway to locate the missing girl. The clock ticked, anxiety growing with each passing moment.
“Sisters!? The girl you put in my custody has run off again!” Ella lamented bitterly. Yet again, her mouth was not moving, it was only her eyes that were blinking, but she was communicating with her sisters.
“Ahh! Yasmine! Don’t worry, she will be alright! Her necklace is still glowing white, once the color changes, I will inform you. In the meantime, I will advise you to keep Cory preoccupied, because that little girl is up to some interesting things,” Rody, the eldest sister replied with her motherly voice, and Samantha quickly chipped in happily.
“She is just like my younger self, she doesn’t like to be idle.”
“Of course she is!” Ella scoffed, and disconnected the bond.
“What is? Who is she?” Cory’s confused voice and grimace expression brought her back to life.
“Humm?!” Ella was shocked on discovering that he had heard some of what she had said, and she cursed her sister silently.
*Fuck you sister Samantha!*
“I am still waiting for my answer. Or, is there something that you are not telling me about?” Cory asked with raised brows, and his wife, Ella, froze instantly.
“I…… .. I don’t know….” She stammered, bowed her head, and suddenly went silent, making her look more of a fool.
“You are not answering me Ella! Where is Luna Queen Biber?” Cory asked with a hoarse voice, and Ella raised her up immediately.Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.
“What do you mean?” She asked and squirted her eyes. “I haven’t answered you simply because I don’t know what to say! How dare you accuse me of kidnapping my own daughter!” Ella thundered, her eyes burning in anticipation, and her hands shaking aggressively.
“I am not accusing you, I am telling you to bring out my daughter from wherever you have hidden her!” He cried out, and a heated argument broke out between the couple.
The market security had to stand behind them, listening to their intense arguing.
……….
Back to the forest.
Luna and Jaden continued their conversation about nature, but when Luna innocently asked about Jaden’s mother, his mood darkened.
“Why do you want to know about my mom? It’s none of your business!” Jaden snapped, his eyes narrowing with a hint of anger.
Luna, taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor, stammered, “I-I was just curious. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Jaden, fueled by his own frustrations and emotions, didn’t hold back. “Curious? Well, don’t be. My family is none of your concern. Just go back to your so-called magical world, and your nice parents, and leave me alone!”
The little girl, frightened by Jaden’s outburst, backed away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you angry. I’ll go now.”
As Luna turned to run, Jaden, realizing he had been too harsh, sighed and called after her, “Wait, I didn’t mean to yell at you little girl. It’s just you… I mean… I don’t have a mom, okay? I am an orphan, so please stop asking about things that hurt!”