Forever My Home: Aster Lake Series, #1

Prologue

I was in my room listening to music, a new hip-hop dance song I hadn’t heard yet, when my mom suddenly busted in the door. At least that was what it sounded like. A nondescript, brown leather suitcase dangled from her fingers.

Mom? I scooted to the edge of my bed, rumpling my sheets.

Pay attention sweetie, I need to tell you something. It’s very important.

She set the suitcase on my bed and propped it open. She spun around, went straight to my closet, and grabbed an armful of clothes.

You’re scaring me, Mom. Is it Dad? Oh no! Did something happen to Dad? I asked as my heart began to beat harder and faster, almost hurting me.

Your dad is fine, sweetheart.

She put another handful of clothes into the suitcase, then came to stand in front of me.

I’m so sorry. She pulled me into a hug. But everything your father and I did, we did to protect you. We did what was necessary to keep you safe. It was extreme, I know. Keeping you close to us, not allowing you do too much without us. I wish I could explain it now, but we don’t have time. She pulled back, and stared into my eyes. Her eyes were full of tears that she was so desperately trying to keep from falling. Her lips pursed together before she said, You must listen to me sweetheart, everything I’m about to tell you. Remember it. The intensity on her face was a bit frightening, something I’ve never seen on my mother’s face, so I just nodded. Adalyn May Nielson died today.

I knew my parents had a secret they’d yet to share with me all these years, but I never expected to hear that. This was unreal, and far too extreme, especially coming from my sweet mother.

What? I barely whispered. Adalyn May Nielson was my name.

My mom didn’t allow me to keep thinking or speak.

Your name is now, Adalyn Rose Anderson. You have a new birthday, which makes you twenty-one, not twenty-four, which you truly are. You have a new identification card and of course, a new birth certificate to back that all up. I took your old ones out of your purse and destroyed them. The new ones are in there now. I talked your dad into letting you keep your first name. That’s all I could give you, sweetheart. She let go of me and went for my purse.

Why do I have a new name, Mom?

She ignored me.

You also have blue eyes now. Pulling out a contact case from my purse, she handed it to me. Put it in. Never take it out, especially around other people. We got a few pairs of them for you, which should last you a few years. I have what’s called Heterochromia Iridium. My eyes are two different colors. The left one is blue and the right one is green. I never hid it from anyone and sometimes people would stare when they saw me, but mostly people didn’t seem to care. Plus, I wore my sunglasses a lot because we rarely were out at night.

My mom continued, Also, color your hair; I’d say cut it, but I really love your hair. She ran a hand over my head, pulling a few tendrils through her fingers and her voice got soft. That sweetheart, you can decide on your own.

I put the contact in and blinked a few times.

Oh sweetie, you look beautiful. Having blues eyes, it’s so you. This will help you blend in more. Make friends, but be selective. You’ll know when you can trust someone enough to be friends with them, and when you can’t. I don’t want you to tell anyone about us, but again, I’m letting you make that decision. I want you to enjoy your life. You’ll feel it. I blinked at my mom, trying to understand what she meant about me making friends. I wondered if they were finally giving me the freedom to explore our area alone. She clapped her hands together. Now, this is going to be hard for you ... but you have to leave.

My jaw dropped. My parents were kicking me out? After all these years of living in mostly solitude, they’re just going to kick me out? I have a new identity and I have to leave? This is wrong. They are very cautious of the world, and the ridiculous things my mom was saying gave me an instant headache.

None of us can stay here, let alone be together. Her tears finally broke free and fell down her cheeks in two gleaming streaks. You have to leave, now. Go far away. Sell your car. Get a different one. Hell, get three different ones if you want. Don’t buy new and don’t go to a big dealership. Find a locally owned car lot. Small towns are your best bet. Drive for weeks, and put New York and everything you know behind you. The further away the better. Find a place that makes you feel safe. You'll know when you get there. I have no doubt about that.

I had always done what my parents asked. I was a good girl, one who barely disobeyed. The two times I tried to run away, my dad had found me within fifteen minutes. I wasn’t sure how, and after that I just stopped trying. It was useless. My entire life was sheltered. I was home schooled and had no friends. This was my normal. Every time we did leave the house, which was rare for my mom and me, she would switch into someone different. Her guard was up. She stayed by my side, very protective, and was always watching over her shoulder. My dad acted the same way. They tried to hide it, but as I got older, I noticed it more. They didn’t like people, and it wore off on me I guess. I read and cooked a lot so it didn’t bother me. This was my life, and I was used to it. I liked it.

I stuffed a couple of long sleeve shirts back in before I slid the zipper smoothly to the other side. Again, doing as my parents wanted.

I tried grabbing my laptop, but my mom took it.

No personal items. No laptop. She paused, then continued, I want you to purchase a prepaid cell phone for emergencies, but you won’t be able to call us.

Mom, this is all too much. My brain couldn’t keep up with everything. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried shaking my head, trying to make it all go away. I’m scared. You’re scaring me!

I know, baby. She placed her hands on my shoulders and pulled me in for another hug. It has to be this way. I tried to memorize the soft floral fragrance she wore, it smelled like wild flowers. I pushed back so I could look at her. The tears had stopped flowing, but a new wave was set to break free at any moment. "You’re the bravest, strongest person I’ve ever known. You are so brave baby, and you don’t even know it. I know you can do this but most importantly, you have to do this. She grabbed my shoulders. Trusting people and making friends... that might be hard. However, I have no doubt you’ll figure it all out. Your father should be here any minute. Grab your things; we’ll meet him by the door."

I went through the motions, barely thinking. I couldn’t even process everything that was happening right now. I started to shut down and go on autopilot. I listened to my mom and did what she asked, like always. I needed to make a list of the things my mom just told me, but I couldn’t function. My dad came through the door as we set the suitcase down, and I ran to him as the tears started to fall.

Baby girl, we love you. This day was never supposed to come, but it did, and I’m so sorry it has to be this way. You’re my little girl, always will be. Take this, he handed me his wedding ring and my mom did the same.

I don’t understand, I said as I gripped the rings in my hand. I can’t even go to the mall alone and now this? It doesn’t make sense. I’m scared.

I know it doesn’t and I wish we had time to explain. My dad grabbed the suitcase and carried it to the front door. We don’t have a choice, Adalyn. It has to be this way. Everything we’ve done, and everything we haven’t shared with you, he pinched the bridge of his nose and swallowed back a lump in his throat, his voice cracking, it had to be done. We had to protect you then, and now.

I shook my head. You’re just letting me go? Like this? I have nothing. I know nothing. How will I survive on my own? We’ve never even been on a road trip!

My mom pushed me toward the door and I had no choice but to follow my dad.

"You have to trust us, Adalyn," my dad stressed.

My parents never acted like this. This was extreme. There was fear and panic in the air, I could feel it coating my skin. This was the worst I’d ever felt. If this would keep them safe, if it would keep me safe, well then I would go. They are all I have, the only people I’ve ever trusted, and I didn’t want them getting hurt.

If I do this, does it keep you guys safe?

All of us, sweetheart, Mom said and my dad nodded in agreement.

We made it outside quicker than I would have liked, and my dad tossed my suitcase in the back seat, while my mom placed my purse on the front passenger seat.

Put our rings on your necklace, my dad told me.

My dad gave my mom and I matching necklaces for Christmas when I was five or six-years-old. Inside the locket was a picture of the three of us. My mom helped me take the necklace off and slip the rings on, and then put it back around my neck. I gripped the rings that hung from my neck and felt the residual warmth from my parents’ hands radiate through the metal. I memorized it, because I knew soon the physical warmth would fade, but not my parents’ memory attached. I instantly felt their presence and it settled my jumping nerves enough that I could drive safely.

The money in your purse should last you awhile. Eventually, you’ll need to get a job. The new Adalyn, Adalyn Anderson, never went to college. So don’t list your bachelor’s degree on any resumes, she said giving me one last hug.

I was really doing this. So much was happening so fast, I felt it hard to form a thought, let alone ask more questions.

My dad’s rough hands pulled me into a hug, and the stubble from a day of not shaving was enough to scratch my cheek lightly. I’m sorry is has to be this way, he said pulling back. Looking into his eyes, I saw his vibrant dark green eyes dull slightly as tears welled up. He took in a shaky breath, and I mirrored him. We all have to stay strong and protect each other. But know that your mom and I are very proud of you. So damn proud. Stay strong. Be patient with the world. Continue to be brave. I have faith in you, always have. We love you so much. You’ll understand one day. I promise.

My mom then took over. Baby, you gotta go. Remember everything we told you.

I doubted that but maybe after I got on the road, I’d have more time to think about what the hell had just happened. It was at this moment that I understood why my parents taught me how to drive when I was eighteen. I thought it was pointless at the time, but now I see that everything they did for me was anything but pointless.

I started to panic and I couldn’t help but cry. I was leaving home, alone. I’ve never been away from home alone. Everything about this was wrong. 

But how will you find me? What if you can't find me? Oh God, what if I never see you again? The panic raced through my entire body and my chest became tight. It was difficult to breathe. Tears flowed down my face, blurring my vision, and I realized then the magnitude of the situation I was about to face.

Trust us. The decisions we made, the way we have lived our lives, was all to protect you. We'll find you sweetheart, we’ll always find you, they both reassured me as I gave them each one last hug and wiped the tears from my face.

Alright sweetheart, it’s time for you to go.

Chapter 1 - 6 weeks later ....

Adalyn, Madi yelled at the same time she burst through the break room swinging doors. You’re moving into your new apartment tomorrow, she squealed piercingly into my ear.

Not so loud, Madi. Besides, you already know this, I said pulling my vest on. You were there when I signed the lease. 

I’m so excited for you, she continued, oblivious that I had responded to her. She pulled her bouncy, brown curls into a ponytail, and sat next to me on the bench. If it weren’t for Madi, I probably wouldn’t have a job. Most businesses don’t hire someone that has no experience. 

This is going to be a blast, she announced, fist pumping the air, smiling ear to ear.

Over the last two weeks, I’d learned that Madi could be a bit dramatic, over-the-top, and simply doesn’t seem to fit in this town I’ve decided to call home. She took online college classes, but kept changing her major. Personally, I think she was afraid to leave, and that was the real reason why she couldn’t make up her mind about her future. I don’t blame her though, because I felt the same way. Her parents owned the hardware store where she’s worked since she was old enough. She was the manager now, but only after she earned it.

Everyone in town knew that Rudd Archer had remodeled the second floor of his house, turning it into a separate apartment. Madi thought it was fate because Archer had no reason to remodel his home. A few months later, I showed up in town at exactly the perfect moment to rent his apartment. Madi had a theory that if more people remodeled, then more people would move to the beautiful town of Aster Lake. She then quickly squashed the theory, saying the town was perfect just the way it was.

My new apartment offered its own entrance at the back of the house, but the patio astounded me. I had a view of the crystal clear blue lake, and the mountains that sat behind it. After I caught a glimpse of the golden sunset, I was sold. I couldn’t wait to experience the entire sunset, start to finish. The bathroom was small and there was no tub, which was unfortunate, but not a deal breaker. To make up for my disappointingly small bathroom, I had a nicely sized kitchen and bedroom. I felt a sense of pride, excitement, and nervousness all balled into one about moving into my first apartment, and it was the same feeling I had the day I drove into town. My mom was right, that I would know when it felt right.

Aster Lake, MT: Population 999 - That was the sign that greeted me as I drove into town. I had been traveling for about four weeks and told myself that enough time had passed. Plus, I was getting sick of eating fast food and living motel to motel. Besides, it felt right; deep down I got that feeling I had been waiting for, the feeling that told me this was the place to be. It was a small town surrounded by mountains, and I felt like I could easily blend in here. The thought that this could be my new home and that my new life could start here, had fueled me to hit down harder on the accelerator. I sped to the only hotel in town and paid for a whole week upfront. I set off to find a job the next day.

On my second day in town, I visited the diner. I needed a job and with my cooking experience, I figured that would be a good place to start. My mom’s been teaching me to cook since I was a small child. Madi had heard me ask for an application, and she intervened by leaping haphazardly into my booth and went on to tell me that- no offense to the diner- I didn’t want to work there. Instead, she explained to me that an employee of hers named Harry, wanted to retire and she needed someone reliable to fill his position. I wasn’t sure how she knew I was reliable, but I felt like I couldn’t say no. She seemed so happy to meet me, and barely left my side since.

So, at the ripe old age of twenty-one, or am I twenty-four now...I honestly couldn’t remember, but didn’t care about that, because I had landed myself my first job ever.

Madi talked a lot, which was something I didn’t mind because I wasn’t one to share. I quickly made up a false, but seemingly interesting story, about my journey in and tried my best to stick to it: my err’s and hmm’s helped mask my brain’s inefficiency of creating something out of nothing whilst under pressure.

Madi told me that Aster Lake hosted summer and winter activities, and that the fishing competitions were the biggest draw. The town was named after the lake, which was the only significant body of water within a two hundred mile radius. Aster flowers surrounded the lake, hence its name, and they boasted different shades of purple, pink, and blue. It was easily one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. With activities almost all year round and the beautiful and serene scenery, there was always an abundance of tourists, which kept business steady in this small town. According to Madi, two celebrities even visited the town last year during the annual celebration, Aster Lake Days.

I liked that but at the same time I didn’t. I would just have to try to blend in the best I could. If that meant partaking in the activities the town had to offer, ones I had no idea how to do, then I would just have to fake it until I made it.

Madi was jumping around, doing what I have come to learn was her happy dance.

You’re number 1,000 Adalyn! She squealed again and yelled, We’re celebrating.

I almost forgot, I said giving her a fake smile. I didn’t want the attention. I had no intention on celebrating and putting myself in the spotlight. All I wanted to do was lay low, and try to figure out what the frick happened in the last six weeks, which passed by in a blur.

No one had moved to Aster Lake in over ten years, making me the center of attention, which is definitely not something I think my parents would have liked. Honestly, I couldn’t do a thing about it and they weren’t here. The whole town had driven itself into a frantic frenzy over my arrival. Everyone wanted to meet me; everyone had a million and one questions for me. Where did you come from? Why did you pick Aster Lake? Why did you come alone? I asked myself those same questions all the time, and I myself couldn’t even answer them, so my brain went back into create something out of nothing mode. I lied. I lied to all the sweet people who wanted nothing more than to get to know me. I lied because I had to. It upset me all the time that my parents ran me off, but I tried to stay positive. I had to remember what I was doing was protecting them in some way.

Madi, her parents, and the store itself, were benefiting from the extra business I was bringing in; that part of course did not bother me, considering they took a chance on me. It’s more than paid off for the both of us. I liked working here and it wasn’t a hard job to do. I ran the cash register, and slowly learned other things I could do to prove myself useful.

Other than work, I try to spend most of my time at the hotel. I looked forward to listening to music by myself, maybe getting lost in a good book. I thought solitude would be easy to find considering the size of the town. My ‘celebrity status’ chased away my solitude, and of course, being friends with Madi didn’t help the situation.

This is my first house party and it’s going to be perfect! She clapped her hands a few times and started talking; checking off things she had on her mental list. I had offered to help her a few times, but she denied me. I wasn’t allowed because the party was for me. 

We both had to work the morning shift tomorrow, but she made sure we were both off the schedule by three. I went along with it because really, what was I going to do? I couldn’t hide from her and she had gone through all this trouble so far. I’d show up, have a drink, and meet some new people, then get the hell out of there. I never had friends, unless you count my tutors, and you couldn’t because my parents paid them to teach and spend time with me. So here I was, in Aster Lake, working and slowly learning that maybe I could trust someone for the first time in my life, other than my parents. It was scary, but I was doing it. I was living my life on my own terms. I felt proud of myself for all that I had accomplished so far. And nothing bad has happened, but then, my parents also haven’t contacted me.

I didn’t know how to be a friend to anyone, but Madi never mentioned anything to me. She’s been with