By: Connie Cao
1987, Kansas
"They’re coming. They’re coming for the letter…"
Light flooded the basement. Rapid footsteps echoed through the silent basement. A pretty redhead in her mid-20s, wearing a tight dress, frantically began flipping over boxes and rummaging on the chilly floor, hoping to find an open crack to lift open.
“The Letter. Where could it be?” she thought, her heart pounding as she shivered in the piercing cold of the basement.
Violent knocking and shouting were heard from above.
“Open up! We know you’re there, Susan! We know about your secret!”
The redhead silently stood up, shaking in fear, and for a second, a glimpse of a crumpled paper met her eye.
“Of course! The book!”
//
2001, U.S.
The air smelled like honey lemon. It reminded her of the cakes she used to bake at daycare. Her nose wrinkled at the solid sweet smell, but she liked it. She, too, enjoyed the flowers and grass tickling her ankles.
There was no one to tell her what to do, no one to make fun of her parents, Lea and Mary. It was all she longed for.
“Charlotte!” a voice
She glanced up. A woman with a gentle expression sat down beside Kaylie.
Charlotte’s mother nudged her on the shoulder and gently asked, “What’s the matter? We’re visiting Mami today. Do you remember?”
Charlotte’s face lit up.
“Oh yeah!” a joyful smile danced on her lips.
She couldn’t wait to see her favorite and only friend.
//
“They say a mysterious wolf is lurking in the woods, ready to devour all of you!”
Kids screamed playfully. Charlotte knew the honeyed voice as that of her grandmother, Mary. Mary had also been close to her, mainly because they were redheads with green eyes and shared very close personalities.
“Go ahead. Mami and your cousins are waiting for you. I’ll go talk to some of the Mums.” Charlotte’s mum nudged her forward and headed off to the dining room.
Charlotte approached the living room. A fire blazed in the chimney, and everything became much warmer; her heart fluttered in joy upon seeing the kind and enthusiastic lady in the usual rocking chair.
Mary glanced up. Upon seeing Charlotte, she beamed a great smile and gestured her forward.
“Kids, why don’t you play out in the backyard while I talk to Charlotte?” the wise lady gestured gently to the younger kids.
Charlotte sat down. The carpet felt so familiar to her. The many variations of patterns of flowers and spirals and the softness when she ran her fingers through it.
“What would you like to discuss today, peekaboo?”
Charlotte laughed. Peekaboo was her favorite childhood game and now her new nickname.
However, this happy moment lasted only a short time. Charlotte immediately stiffened up.
“Well, I wanted to tell you something about what’s happening at school,” Charlotte whispered, biting her lip.
“Everyone keeps making fun of how I look different from Mum and Dad! I hate it!” Charlotte sobbed.
Mary wiped away Charlotte’s tears from her eyes and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“Well, I think it’s time to tell you a secret.”
“What secret?” Charlotte replied, her anticipation rising.
After several deep breaths from Mary, she let out a silent whisper that would change Charlotte’s life forever.
“Lea and John aren’t your blood parents.”