Chapter One

Lina... Introductions

   Sometimes I feel more like a roadie at some kid event than an older sister, I'll ask 'Who the hell are these kids, and why am I around them?' Since I'm oldest of seven, I'm expected to watch them, even when all I want is some peace and quiet, away from my little siblings... I mean, it's not like I asked be the oldest, it just happened, if my River and Westin adopted another person first, who was older than me, I wouldn't be oldest.

   That's only sometimes, I really do enjoy my little siblings, the pile of rugrats they are, balls of energy all under the age of fifteen. Fun, but tiring.

   I fell bad for Samuel, when I check out as eldest, the pressure is put on him, and he's only fourteen. At least the kids are well behaved.  Usually. 

   At least he has Maria, who is like a mom to all the little ones, although she's only twelve and has a low tolerance for kids, especially high energy ones.

   There's Edward, who, for a ten year old, is surprisingly solemn and priest like. You can find him hidden away in some tiny space, either singing softly to himself or reading a book.

   Quentin's also ten, though essentially the exact opposite of Edward. Quin is extremely energetic and tan from all the sports he plays outside. The only people he'll come inside for is River, Westin, Jessica, or me.

   Jessica is a pretty, doll like seven year old, pretty enough to almost be kidnapped. Quin is almost too protective of her, he loves her so much, maybe because they're blood siblings and have spent almost no time apart.

   Aster and Astrid are the youngest, youngest at five and twins. They look exactly the same other than their hair color, but you could still mix them up, they are so alike. It's kind of scary, the two of them are so alike. Maybe they'll grow out of it when they're older. I kinda hope they do, it sort of just feels wrong.

    Westin and River are the best couple ever, they are so cute. Westin is an anesthesiologist, and River is a pediatrician at the same hospital. They are so sweet to each other, and very kind to the younger children, who need more care and attention than the elder ones. It's like none of us were ever adopted, more like were blood related. We get along better than many blood families do.

   Sometimes I feel like an outsider looking in, because, even among these 'misfits' and those deemed unloved by the world, I am still on the outside and not entirely like those among my family.

   Even among the brokenness of this beautiful family, I am still more broken and lost. Because, even though all adopted, they can remember their pasts. I have nothing but six or seven years of memories. I am missing ten or more years of the life I have lived.

     

Author's Note

Hmmm... If somebody reads this chapter in the order I wrote it, would you tell me if I should cut it or leave it in... I don't know if this chapter is necessary