Secrets (1) - As Far As I Can Remember!

Book Title: Secrets!

Chapter One: "As Far As I Can Remember!"

My world was nothing but happiness. I had great parents, two beautiful people who cared for me every single day, loved me every single minute, and were there for me, with no fail. No matter how much I'd get myself in silly trouble, no matter how much I'd lose my temper, and have a bad day, their love for me never changed. I never found myself thinking, that one day, they wouldn't be here anymore. But then again, who would randomly think about that anyway?

Both my parents had a gift, the gift of staying strong throughout everything. No matter how much time got tough, their heads would be up, and their back on track. I wish I had that gift.

My mother was this beautiful person, who everyone in our village loved, and looked upon. She had lovely brown long hair, just like me, with them big brown eyes that would instantly make anyone fall in love with her, and that one infectious smile! "A beautiful image of your mother." Says everyone to me.

My father was by far, the most smartest person I knew. I'd come home with tons of homework, and in a minute, he'd be at the table with me, whizzing through it, helping me learn more and more. He looked ever so good for his age, he was the most healthiest old man I knew. Whenever I was struggling with something, whenever something was bothering me, he'd be the man I'd go to, he had an answer to everything.

Throughout my childhood, they let me develop into the character I wanted to be. They let me explore my own imagination, and explore places I never had seen before. I was their Faith.

My mother and father were very important in our small village. Mother was the local gardener for everyone on the street. She'd be ready with her watering can, and her seeds, and off to all the houses, to make all the gardens look fresh, and stay healthy. Most of the village gave her money for it, for being so helpful and kind, and so wonderful. Mother wouldn't usually take it, but at some occasions she had to.

Dad was a decorator. He'd be the local decorator for everyone in our village. If anyone needed wallpaper changed, carpet removed, flooring done, dad would be the guy! Nobody needed to call for one, which was amazing, because it saved them all a lot of money. Dad would get a great deal of money for his local job, but again, he didn't like taking it. "I don't know what we'd do without your parents, Faith," the neighbors used to say, sending cake baskets over.

Could you imagine the huge impact on everyone, when my parents died? It was a sad day, full of misery, and huge chunks of sadness. The emotions that I never felt before, never. Throughout my childhood, I'd be constantly smiling, always laughing, brighten up everyone's days, just like my parents. But when my parents died, my emotions flipped over, like a pancake.

Dad and Mum were out on business. They both worked in a small office, down the lake. They had to sit there most of the day, typing up important work and letters, picking up phone calls, and putting there posh voices on, sending out letters and leaflets for the company, organizing little events to get people interested in the business, and earn a bit of money. Their boss, Steve, gave them a short notice, that they would be going down Greece, to promote their business some more, and meet other famous companies. I hated the idea of them going away. I usually went with them on their business trips, but for this one, I wasn't allowed. I was happy for my parents of course, they were both very excited, and thrilled about how the outcome could be.

I ended up staying with my best friend, Ellie. Her family was very close with my parents of course, and I felt at home staying with them. Mum and dad were away for two weeks on their business course, sending letters down to me every day, telling me all about it, and ringing me when they could. But then, on the day they were due home, something happened, something that I never thought would happen, something that changed my life forever.

"Faith, I have to tell you something..." Said Elle's mum. Her eyes shining with tears, her face completely straight. From that moment, I knew something wasn't right. I knew I was about to hear something, I didn't want to hear.

"Faith, your parents will not be returning home." Elle's mother told me, bursting into tears herself, grabbing a box of tissues, trying to make herself calm down. My eyes stayed wide open, my big brown eyes staring right at her, in a complete shock. Not returning home? I knew exactly what she meant? But how? Why? Why me? So many questions were spinning around at the time, my whole body feeling like it was going to collapse any minute.

"It says in the letter that thieves were out to get them, for their money. They earned a lot, and the robbers found out. They took everything, including there lives." Elle's mother explained everything that was written in the letter. Steve the boss had also been in the attack, and sadly died, as well as my parents. Another person who went with them for the business, had written the letter, and soon or later, it was all over the news.

I broke down for hours and hours. But soon I realized that nothing was going to change what had happened. I had to be strong, for my parents.

The next day, was discussion time. Mary Finn, Faith's mother, was in charge of getting to the social, to find out where I was going to stay. I didn't want to go anywhere, I remember just wanting to stay in my own house, the memory of mum and dad all around me. But, of course, that was illegal, as I was only thirteen.

"Hello Faith, I'm Mike Carter, I'll be deciding where you're going to stay." He was a chubby feller, cute looking, dressed all smart in his gray suit, and his small glasses. He looked like a businessman, but I guess he was, right?
"So you have two uncles, Uncle Ben, and Uncle Kurt," he had begun. "Are you close with them?"

Uncle Kurt was dads' brother. They were like glue stuck together. When Uncle Kurt got the news of his youngest brother dying, he was devastated. He ended up fainting for a couple of seconds, in total shock. I loved him with all my heart. He'd come around every Friday for bingo night, and every Sunday, for Sunday dinner. He had two girls, who I got along with well, but had a very bitchy nature inside of them.

Then there was Uncle Ben, mum's brother. I didn't really like him much. He never bothered visiting the family, not even on our special events. He was a very grumpy old chap, and only cared about himself and money. He lost his wife a couple of years back, and didn't have any kids.

"I'm close with Uncle Kurt." I had told the man, finding my words.

That night, Mike had got in contact with both my uncles. I was shocked when I found out that Uncle Kurt had refused to have me. Mike had told me that he wouldn't be able to cope with three girls, not after having the death of his wife and brother, in one month. I totally understood where he was coming from, he came to see me straight after he rejected, and told me he was very sorry, and ashamed at himself for not being able to cope. I was sad inside, because I had no idea where I was going to go, but I wasn't prepared to jump the gun at good old Uncle Kurt. Uncle Ben refused straight away, as Mike had to try anyway.

Then, the shocking bit happened. Mike Carter flicked through his files, and stated to speak about, Elsie Rogers. Elsie was mum's sister. Nobody had ever spoke about her, and I had never seen her. I was oblivious to mum having a sister, until Mike told me. I kept wondering why nobody had told me about her? And why I'd never seen her?

When Mike got in contact with Elsie, it was official that I would be staying with her, for good. I couldn't imagine at the time, staying with a woman I didn't know. Even though she was my mum's sister, I was still a bit of edge. Living in a house, with a woman I know nothing about? I was able to read her files, before I went to her house.

The day came where I was shifted out of my village, all the way to a big area, where my Auntie Elsie lived. I stood outside her house, with my five suitcases, three backbags, and waited outside the house, for her to answer.