Chapter 1

It was just another dull day, and today was even more so than others. David James slept under the covers; the sunlight was too bright for his liking. He felt the heat as it came through open windows. He threw away the covers to get ready for the day.

In the full-length mirror of his bathroom, he looked at himself with deep blue eyes. David stood tall at six feet with solid thigh muscles. His broad chest and strong arms flexed as he stretched. His black hair fell in soft waves over his shoulders. He went through his morning routine. He stepped into the shower and thought about his past.

That day was a day to be cheerful— his eighteenth birthday. Documents recorded May 26th as his birthdate, though he never knew it for sure.

David was the child of a father no one knew about and a frightened young mother. His mother dropped him at an orphanage in New York, Angels Home, when he was a 6-month-old infant. His mother never returned.

Sisters of Mary were responsible for running the orphanage. They believed in work and prayer. They were firm, yet not cruel. The children were wild, and bullying existed. The older kids often picked on the younger ones. David learnt to keep quiet and stay under the radar.

The nuns managed hundreds of kids, so individual care slipped away. When he was six, Sister Katherine arrived from Italy. She had warm eyes and a gentle touch, which gave hope to the children, especially David. She had a soft spot for him, as David was well-behaved, but he longed for attention. He was a quiet, strong child and excelled in his studies. So, she decided to take him under her wing. In that moment, he felt special amid all the other kids.

He took a break from Bible studies and studied science fiction books and classics of Shakespeare. On weekends and holidays, she would invite him to her small cottage. It was a safe haven away from his bullies. She shared stories about her life in Italy and the countries she travelled to for church. She became his unofficial aunt.

For three years, he enjoyed his life at the orphanage in her company. She taught him cooking, the art of Italian cooking, and the beauty of opera. Their connection developed into genuine friendship. When she had to leave for Africa to build an orphanage, David couldn’t hold back his tears.

On her last day, Katherine had a special gift for him. With her warm smile, she introduced him to a couple who would soon become his new family. They were a couple in their late forties, Mark and Rachel, with no children of their own. They were from New York and were eager to adopt. Their faith served as their guide when making the decision to adopt him. David was afraid, but Katherine assured him.

Rachel’s face was gentle, just like Katherine’s. Mark greeted him with a firm handshake and smile. They told him they would love him and support him in every way. David didn’t know about the formalities, but behind the scenes, Katherine was able to settle the legal process of adoption.

Soon, David moved in with his new family in the suburbs. The house felt like home. It was a two-storey house with a tidy lawn. Inside, the family photos only had Mark and Rachel travelling around the world. David was overjoyed when they showed him his bedroom upstairs. The walls were blue with a queen-size bed. A bay window with a view of the backyard.

His new family was religious; they attended mass every Sunday and prayed before meals. David enjoyed meals with his family. Rachel cooked his favourite meals. Mark introduced him to sports. David loved watching and playing football with Mark.

On his tenth birthday and first with his adopted family, David was given a party and birthday presents. David unwrapped gifts with glee and gratefulness. Rachel gave him science fiction novels and comic books from what she learnt about him from Katherine. Mark surprised him with a bike and telescope to watch the stars.

David attended school in the suburbs, a contrast from the school he attended at the orphanage. He was able to play sports, not just academics. One day, he came home crying, as the bullying was the same at the new school. Mark taught him to stand up for himself when the situation arose. David understood the need to fight back against bullies. When he got bullied again, he returned home with a black eye, yet he was still happy. Rachel was worried, but Mark understood what had transpired. The next day at school, Mark was quick to defend David and gave an earful to the headmistress. David remained a quiet child; the other students didn’t really bother with him at this school from then.

The years passed quickly, and David grew into a young man. His adoptive parents were proud of his accomplishments. During the holidays, the family travelled. They enjoyed exploring new places. He sent and received letters from Katherine, mostly during his birthdays. Their bond remained strong, and she became his guide from far across the world. Once he hit puberty, his body sculpted, and his muscles grew strong.

The tragedy hit when David turned sixteen. Mark and Rachel met with a fatal car accident. He was alone again in life. The loss was unbearable. David was crushed. In their will, Mark and Rachel left a significant fortune and the house. He had enough money to live comfortably without working. But he never cared for it, other than grief for losing his adoptive parents.

The distant relatives treated him like an oddity. David was allowed to live alone in the house with occasional visits from a social worker. During odd days, David visited his old home, the orphanage, and met with the Sisters. He volunteered if they needed any support.

One day, David received a phone call from Katherine after she learnt about David’s situation from the nuns. She had to check on him. They talked for hours. Her gentle voice soothed him. She suggested that he should see a therapist. David dismissed it and told her he was not the one to easily fall into depression. He knew the love and affection that he received from Mark and Rachel was his true strength. Katherine was sorry for not visiting him personally. The next two years, David forced himself to studies and sports. He decided on a plan for his life after high school. Now, David stepped out of his room, dressed and refreshed. He felt exceptionally strong, like he could take on anything. He felt his strength, speed and endurance had no boundaries. Yet he composed himself and said not to test himself.

David heard the bell ring at the front door. The social worker stood at the door, a bouquet of flowers in hand. David welcomed his guest to the living room. The social worker handed him flowers and paperwork detailing his status.

“Happy birthday,” the guest said. “Today will be the last day you will visit me, as you are now eighteen and legally an adult,” he said with a grin.

“Thank you,” David replied with a smile. He thought to himself, ‘No more annoying childcare services. No more government watching over him.’

A wave of relief washed over David. Finally, he felt free.

“So, what are you going to do? Did you apply to any colleges after high school?” the social worker asked with curiosity.

“I have few plans. There are only a few days left of high school. After that, I want to travel. Later I will decide on college.” David replied.

“Great, life is short anyway. With your grades, you can take a leave of absence for a year or so,” the social worker said. “Anyway, I’m in a hurry. I will leave now.”

After the social worker left, David prepared himself breakfast. He sat in front of the reasonably priced television set. He flipped through the channels and finally stopped on the morning news. The reporter looked serious. She delivered the latest news.

“Breaking news,” she said. “Gang violence is on the rise in the city. Four men are dead.”

The screen flashed images of the victims. The scene shifted to a police press conference.

The officer’s voice cracked as he spoke. “We believe multiple gangs are behind this violence. We are working around the clock to find those responsible.”

David understood the harsh reality of life. Life was rarely fair, and justice was only for those who could afford it. He thought gangs had likely bribed the police. The real offenders would probably never face trial.

As he popped the final piece of toast into his mouth, he thought about his own problems. He couldn’t wait for the high school to end. He felt it was boring and a waste of his time. But he had to leave soon. He cleaned the plates and reached for the keys. He got into the black Ford, Rachel’s old car. Mark has taught him how to drive.

David parked his car in the school lot, already buzzing with activity. When he stepped inside the cafeteria, he saw a girl sitting alone at the far end. She had long, fiery red hair that cascaded down her back. Her green eyes seemed to watch everything. She was petite, yet curvy. Her school uniform hugged her figure. She had pale skin with a sprinkle of freckles on her nose.

Her name was Isabella. She was the only friend David had after his adoptive parents’ death. She had just moved from Ireland and joined his school for her final year.

They met in the library. They often studied there and would exchange brief glances. One day, she approached him. They bonded over their shared love for books.

Even though they had been friends for a year, David didn’t see her outside of school. He knew little about her family. David walked over. She looked up, her face brightening with a smile. “Hello,” she greeted.

“Isabella, happy last week of school!” he replied, forcing cheer into his voice.

She giggled and said. “And a very happy birthday to you, David James!” lifting a small, handmade card.

David raised his brows. “How did you know it was my birthday?” He hadn’t told anyone, and no one knew except for Aunt Katherine and his dead adoptive parents.

Isabella giggled lightly. “It’s in the student register. Plus, I pay attention,” she said, her cheeks turning soft pink.

“Thanks,” David said as he accepted the card from Isabella.

“Are you planning a party for your birthday?” Isabella asked, her eyes shining.

David raised an eyebrow. “A party?” he echoed, clearly taken aback. He had never been to one after his parents’ death. “I don’t do parties. Besides, it’s just another day.”

“But it’s your eighteenth birthday! That’s a big deal!” she insisted. “I had the greatest eighteenth birthday; you should celebrate too!”

Her enthusiasm was infectious. He could almost feel the excitement bubbling in the air. It was strange. She would never meet him outside school. His thoughts drifted: ‘Why was she excited? It was his birthday, after all; maybe something decent should happen today.’

“You know what, Isabella?” David said. A sense of unexpectedness took over him. “I think you’re right. I should do something special. We can have a party at my place. But ... I don’t have anyone else to invite. Just you.”

Isabella’s eyes widened. She gasped. “Really?” Her voice was full of excitement.

“Yeah,” he replied, nodding. “You can come to my house later after school.”

The day flew by for David. He couldn’t shake the thought of Isabella’s sudden change. It kept replaying in his mind. He had never invited anyone to share his personal space like this. After school, David headed home. He prepared for a small celebration that evening. His house was already cleaned to every nook and cranny. Rachel always commanded him to keep the house clean. He tidied the usual spots. He dressed in casual clothes. Next, he ordered Italian food. The food arrived, and David tipped the guy generously.

Some time later Isabella arrived. She wore an elegant emerald dress. The colour highlighted her green eyes beautifully. Her fiery red hair flowed down, catching the soft glow of the setting sun. She looked almost magical, different from her usual school uniform. In her hands, she held a cake. It was rich chocolate topped with mint frosting. They sat at the kitchen counter.

She looked at him, with a smile on her face. “I hope you like mint,” she said, placing the cake down carefully in the middle of the counter. She lit the candle.

He nodded, “It’s perfect.” He blew out the candle and cut the cake into a small piece. He offered her the piece; she opened her mouth. His fingers touched her lips. He removed his fingers after she took the small piece. He was nervous and didn’t know how to proceed.

He paused and said, “Y-y-you look lovely.”

She smiled at him. “Thanks, you look nice too.”

He relaxed a bit. “Are you hungry? I hope you like Italian food.”

“Yes to both! I love Italian food.”

The dinner flowed smoothly. They spoke for hours, but it felt like no time had passed. At first, they discussed school. Slowly, the talk shifted to each other. He shared his dreams of travelling the world after graduation. Isabella listened closely.

Her eyes lit up when he mentioned each country. “You will love the pyramids of Egypt,” she said. “I had been there long ago.”

“Really?” David replied with a smile. “But first, I’ll start with a backpacking trip across Europe.”

Her expression shifted. “I’m actually planning to go back to Ireland,” she said. “My friends are there. It’s where I feel most at home.”

David felt a twinge of regret. “That’s great,” he said as he attempted to hide his disappointment. “Yes,” she said softly. “But I’ll miss you and all the other friends I’ve made here.”

The conversation moved slowly. David felt it—the weight of what was coming. They were about to part ways. Excitement mixed with sadness. It was hard to ignore.

He looked at her and really focused on her. He unintentionally noticed her curves, especially her breasts. He tried to look away, but his eyes were fixed on them. They were fuller than you’d expect for someone her age. A B or C cup, maybe? He realised he had never seen her this way before. Was turning eighteen changing his perspective?

Thoughts swirled in his mind. The quiet felt heavy as they wrapped up their meal. They settled on the couch. Isabella sat next to him, moving closer, almost pressing against him. He picked a random comedy. He needed a laugh. The fabric of her dress brushed his arm.

The movie played, but David’s focus drifted. He couldn’t help but look at Isabella. Her body pulled him in. The background noise of the TV faded away. A tension hung in the air, thick and heavy.

Isabella leaned in. Their shoulders connected. He caught a hint of her scent—sweet strawberries mixed with vanilla. Her eyes caught his. She smiled with a hint of mischief. She cupped his face in her hands. She kissed him deeply, her full mouth against his. Her lips parted, and she slipped her tongue past his tongue, brushing against it. This wasn’t just a kiss; it was filled with longing, with a desire of need. After a moment, she pulled back slightly but kept her hands on his face.