Chapter One

Nine-year-old Jadelyn West stands, arms crossed, scowl intact, in the lobby of the adoption center with her over-excited mother and tired, but strict father. She watches as an extremely young-looking couple finishes up their business at the front desk and leaves happily with their new baby.

"The Valentines are running a bit late," the lady at the desk tells Jade's parents nervously. "They should be here soon, though."

"Thank you," Mrs. West smiles, toes wiggling anxiously. She's the only one in the family who is actually excited about seeing the kid they are adopting. Anti-social Jade had been against it firmly and Mr. West wasn't too keen on the idea either.

Minutes later, a man and woman in their mid-twenties enter the room with a brown headed, tan skinned little girl in tow. Jade observes the trio skeptically. The man, presumably the father, is fixated on his Pear Phone. "Put that thing away, Brad," the young lady next to him demands, elbowing him. "We gotta finish this business up."

"Well, hurry," he speaks sharply. "I've got places to be!"

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine," the secretary finally greets after the bickering ceases, "How are you tod-"

"Fine," Josie Valentine interrupts. "Can we just get this over with?"

"Of course," the portly woman agrees, clearly shocked at her rudeness and haste. Jade watches as she shuffles through her stack of papers and she can hear the irritated couple muttering something about a condom.

It's then that Jade notices the little girl again. She looks quite terrified, as if she's being shipped off to fight in a war. She can't be more than six or seven in Jade's perception. Her little hand is constantly tugging on the arm of her mother, who only bats it away in annoyance. It makes Jade's fists clench, and she doesn't even know why.

"Is that all?" Mrs. Valentine's gum-smacking voice distracts Jade from her gaze on the child. "Can we leave now?"

"Yes," the secretary informs. "All the papers are signed. I suppose you can leave now."

"Good," the man says, shoving his daughter towards the Wests. "Bye, Caterina."

Caterina, Jade repeats the name in her head.

"Bye, sweetie," Josie feigns sweetness and kisses the girl's cheek forcefully. Jade is disgusted. "Have fun with your new family!" she calls as she trails behind her husband towards the exit. Caterina looks to the West family expectantly with a small pout and Jade can see the shine of a tear in her eye.

Fifteen minutes later, they're inside the West's house. "Here," Jade says, leading the new resident to a bedroom. "This is my room, but Mom and Dad said I have to share it with you. Okay?"

"Kay, kay," is all she's given in response.

"You don't talk much do you?" the pale girl asks and sighs when her roommate just shakes her head. "Well, Caterina…"

"My name is Cat."

"Huh?"

"I… I like to be called 'Cat,'" Cat informs timidly. "Not Caterina."

"Ahh," Jade revels. "Well, Cat, I'm Jade and this is my side of the room," she states, gesturing to half of the black room. "Got it?" Cat just nods.

"Girls," Mr. West intrudes. "Dinner is in twenty minutes, and lights out tonight by eight." And with that, he leaves. Cat looks stricken with fear at Jade's father's emotionless tone and facial expressions. Jade notices right away.

"Don't mind Daddy," she assures. "He's just strict and boring. You'll be fine."

"Kay, kay…"