Tonda is a human orphan that was about to graduate High School. On her 18th birthday fate decided to reveal that she was destin

Chapter 1

Tonda POV

I wake up to the birds singing and the sun shining. Nature reflects my mood today. I skip to the bathroom turn on some music as I shower and complete my morning routine. Smiling the whole time, it's going to be a great day!

I head to my small closet and select one of my favorite dresses; it's olive green, short sleeves and has cute ruffled layers that stop just above my knees. I pull up half my long chestnut hair and braid it. The unbraided part shows of my natural waves and goes to the middle of my back. I add my favorite hair accessories, a feather charm I got from one of the local village elders. My usual light make-up, but today I add some eye shadow so my hazel eyes really pop. I grab my faded jean jacket and slip on cowgirl boots then check myself in the mirror.

My smile is ear to ear. It's my 18th birthday! Most orphans leave once they turn 18, but I have every intention of staying as long as I can. These people are my family! I graduate High School in 2 weeks, then I'm taking the summer off to just explore. In the fall I'll be here going to college to become a teacher. I love my simple life. I check the time and realize I better get down to the kitchen for breakfast.

As I enter the kitchen everyone starts wishing me Happy Birthday making me turn bright red. I go straight to the double stoves to a woman in her fifties with salt and pepper hair in a high bun, she's wearing a worn-out apron and fixing scrambled eggs. I kiss her cheek "Good morning Sister Rose". She smiles brightly at me "Happy Birthday Tonda! I'd hug you but I have pancake mix on me. Can you help the littles finish setting the table? I don't want you to get dirty on your special day". I nod to her and swipe a piece of bacon as I pass the other big kids in the kitchen.

As I walk out of the kitchen into the cafeteria/gym I find several 'littles' happily setting the tables. They smile when they see me follower by a chorus of good mornings and birthday wishes. Once tables are set and food is ready everyone sits at the cafeteria tables. Brother Sam blesses the food then we eat and chat. This is my home, my family where I belong and I silently thank God for them.

After breakfast the dishes are cleared and the tables fold into the walls so the room looks like a regular gym. On my way through the gym I hear someone crying and go to see who it is. The sound is coming from the stage behind the curtain.

I gently move the red velvet curtain to see a little blond girl in denim overalls. "Maria? What are doing back here? and why are you crying?" I ask as I lift her up. Green tear filled eyes looking up at me. "Zach and Jason said I can't go to party tonight because I accidentally told you."

I smiled and kisses the top of her head "Well Maria those two let it slip too. As well as half the others, so don't you cry. I want ALL my kids there and I'm still going to be surprised." Maria looked confused "How will you be surprised if you already know?"

"I don't know what the decorations are or what the cake will look like or presents will be! So I still have lots of surprises." I replied and set her down winking then held my finger to my lips indicating that we aren't to talk about my "Surprise" birthday party anymore.

It was time for school. I'm not in any particular group, I just float. I've been known as "Miss Congeniality" since elementary and I'm happy with that. Sister Rose swears I have a 'Native Spirit' as she calls it, even though she and the orphanage is Christian.

Popping my earbuds I listen to some tunes on the bus to school. I have my license, but I'm saving every penny for college. I get to drive the orphanage van often and Brother Sam said I could borrow it anytime. I don't mind the bus though it gives me time to think and draw. Just 2 weeks left at Selah High School which houses four grades each one average 600+ students. I love school, but for some reason there are three gangs and even though they aren't violent it seems that everyone is split between them. I never want to have anything to do with any of that!

Stepping on the school sidewalk i see my best friend Carrie running to me along with her younger sister Cassidy. Carrie is a grade younger than me but we became friends in elementary school. She has midnight black hair that goes to her shoulder blades, electric blue eyes and dark tanned skin. They nearly knock me over as I'm wrapped in a big hug

"Happy Birthday beautiful!" Carrie sings out. I smile shyly and mumble thanks. The three of us head inside and see a few other friends who wish me happy birthday.

Toby one of my best guy friends has decorated my locker for my birthday. Some people think he likes me, but that's only the ones that don't know he's gay. As I fight through the streamers and balloons to put my books away I turn redder by the second. Toby adds more to my embarrassment by arrived singing "Happy Birthday".

'can the floor swallow me now?'

"Thanks Toby but you REALLY did not need to do that." I give him a pointed a look. He is not fazed as he hugs me tightly.

"Anything for my favorite girl!" he grins like the Cheshire cat.

I wave bye to my friends as I head to first period, advanced art. I'm excited to continue working on my wolf painting. As I'm walking to class I get a strange feeling that something is off, but since I don't see anything I brush it off and continue to class.

Next moment I'm being pushed into an empty classroom by two guys, inside several students are waiting. They all look at me and I instantly know what they wanted.