C1 Chapter 1

DOROTHY’S POV

"They are wonderful people, and their youngsters are close to your age," my caseworker, Rachel, mentioned to me.

We lingered at the terminal, awaiting my incoming guardians. Mid-autumn weather brought a sharp chill outside. That was typical for West Virginia.

"Rachel, do you swear they don’t have a record, or—" I started, though she instantly intercepted.

"Dorothy, dear, their records are spotless. They’re incredibly kind. I deeply regret placing you in that last home for two years, but these folks are different," she promised, capturing my gaze.

"Alright, I’ll give them a shot," I murmured.

A smile cRogered her face. "Got your prescriptions?"

I indicated yes, "Safe in my luggage."

I need medications regularly for my joints. My last caretaker ruined it.

My father faced jailtime over narcotics when I was twelve; my mom left us wehn I was 7. Although my father never used physical abuse, intense screaming matches always happen.

"They’ve arrived," Rachel whispered secretly.

An elegant couple approached our direction. The gentleman possessed dark hair, striking blue eyes, and wore tailored formal wear. The lady had chestnut hair, brown eyes, paired with casual denim, and a tunic blouse.

"Mia, Roger, please meet Dorothy," Rachel announced.

The woman, Mia, pulled me into an embrace. I clamped my teeth together against a sudden shriek. Pure agony flared through my upper torso; my abdomen and back bruises throbbed intensely under her grip. Medical staff promised the discoloration would fade within weeks.

"Delighted to meet you, dear. Just call me Mia." She said.

"Hi!" I replied.

"I'm Roger" the man beside her spoke.

"Now, Dorothy requires rehabilitation twice montly minimum un her upper joint mend." Rachel advised. Then I heared Mia gasp.

"Oh god, forgive me! I didn't know you were experiencing this kind of cruelty" She apologised.

"Don't worry about it."

"That covers everything, though keep me updated on your progress," Rachel requested, looking acRoger our circle.

"Much appreciated," Roger nodded.

She offered a final wave, exiting through the glass barrier. Roger grabbed both items of luggage while Mia grasped my fingers.

"You really don't have to carry those," I told him.

"Nonsense. We can’t have you placing unnecessary strain on that side," he insisted.

"Come, let's go home" She smiled.

Roger walked ahead while Mia remained right next to me. We exited toward a charcoal pickup. Roger packed my belongings in the truck bed, and I claimed a window seat. Mia took the center passenger area while Roger assumed control behind the wheel.

He twisted the ignition, steering our vehicle onto the highway. I observed the surroundings.

"I think a shopping spree would be fun" Mia said.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'd prefer not to cause you lose money because of me."

"Forget the expenses. The boys constantly drain our accounts anyway," she laughed.

My forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Boys?"

She confirmed, "We have five sons."

Panic set in. Five more individuals capable of inflicting physical harm.

Sensing my immediate terror, she added, "They are absolute sweethearts. They would never lay a hand on you."

"Did Rachel explain my background to you?" I inquired.

"We know," Roger affirmed, "and you are entirely safe under our roof. The kids remain in the dark, however."

I nodded, feeling slightly less defensive. Our journey lasted another twenty minutes before reaching an established settlement.

Welcome to Midville. Territory of the Wolves. Inhabitants: 1,213

We cruised past local boutiques, educational facilities, and a playground. Roger turned into an affluent neighborhood filled with massive estates.

We traveled forward until he navigated into the driveway. Everyone was unbuckled, and I collected my thoughts. Exiting for the cabin, Roger gathered my belongings from the rear.

The structure was immense—a literal palace. A sprawling lawn decorated the exterior, though I suspected the rear property was even larger.

The couple escorted me inside the cavernous interior. A formal parlor occupied the right side, directly connecting to an expansive kitchen area.

A heavy left-side door opened to the vehicle bay. A grand staircase dominated the center foyer, beneath a massive glittering crystal chandelier.

They guided me up the steps, which overlooked the parlor floor. Passing multiple entryways, they halted at the very end of the corridor.

Swing the door wide, they invited me inside. Plush carpeting lined up the floor beneath pristine white walls. A large mattress occupied the center, flanked by a nightstand. Natural light flooded the space via a large window.

An ivory workstation sat opposite the bed, holding a laptop and several novels beneath a mounted flat-screen television. Turned to face them.

"Is it okay?" Mia asked softly.

"It's wonderful! Are you sure I deserve this kind of treatment?"

"Without question," Roger answered, offering a gentle hug, which Mia immediately mirrored.

"That door connects to your restroom and your walkin closet. After our weekend outing your closet will be full" Mia promised.

"Thank you so much!" I sinscerely replied.

"No problem, dear. You deserve all of it."

My things are on the mattress. I arrange it before taking a shower. The walk-in wardrobe rivaled the dimensions of my old living quarters in California.

After clearing out all things that needs to be done, I put my Shakespeare's classic tragedy copy inside the drawer, finding a handwritten card.

You’ll probably object to this, but all our children require a device for communication. We’ve pre-programmed our contact information for you.

Mia & Roger

Reaching further inside, I found a smartphone package containing a pristine iPhone 8. I opened it, staring at the phone infront of me.

The phone contact contained some numerous listings. These things was beyond my expectation.Distant bark echoed downstairs, tempting me to look. Descending the staircase, the vocalizations grew sharper.

Mia sat massaging the belly of a beautiful canine. The animal resembled a Siberian husky, sporting striking blue eyes and a thick silver coat.

"I gather you’ve finished putting things away," Mia noted.

"Yes. Is this your animal? I inquired.

"Lauranna is our companion. We adopted her at four months old," she noted.

"She’s gorgeous," I complimented.

"Feel free to introduce yourself."

Nodding, I approached the creature, running my fingers through her dense fur. She leaned into my touch, contentedly blinking.

"She approves of you," Mia observed.

"Thanks for providing the phone."

"Anytime. Roger drove to the market for extra pasta ingredients," she mentioned.

"Where are your sons?" I asked.

"Returning shortly. Athletic practice was canceled today."

"Could I have a drink of water?"

"Certainly. Help yourself whenever needed; let me point out the glassware."

Standing up, she escorted me into the cooking area, opening a cabinet to retrieve a glass vessel. She stepped toward the appliance, initiating the filtration lever.

Once she filled, she extended the glass. I took several long gulps before expressing my gratitude.

Suddenly, the heavy front entryway rattled open and banged shut.

"Mom, we’re back!" The voice boomed.

"In the kitchen!" She answered.

Heavy footsteps neared, and I spun around to face five distinct boys.

One had fair hair and dark eyes, standing beside a brunette youth with similar features. The next two were identical duplicates—clearly twins—both sporting dark hairs. Finally, the youngest boy possessed raven hair and brown eyes.

"Guys, meet Dorothy. The girl we mentioned yesterday," Mia introduced.

The fair-haired boy spoke up first. "I’m Oliver, the eldest at eighteen."

The adjacent boy followed, "Ralph here, second in line. Seventeen."

"I’m Mateo, fifteen," one twin announced.

"And I’m Hudson, his counterpart," the other shared.

"Lucas’s the name, the youngest at thirteen," the dark-haired youth finished.

"Hello," I whispered. Externally, I maintained total composure, though internally, panic took hold.

"Your father is fetching groceries. We're preparing spaghetti, bread, and greens tonight," she informed the group.

"Sounds perfect," Oliver smiled.

"Can't wait," Lucas added.

"Felix's arriving shortly. He had to shuttle his folks to their flight," Ralph mentioned before exiting the room.

Gradually, the kitchen emptied, leaving just Mia and myself.

"Roger and I completed your registration at the local high school. Instruction begins tomorrow," Mia stated.

"Is the student body massive?" I questioned.

"Not at all, barely exceeding two hundred individuals. Quite intimate compared to urban schools," she explained, retrieving pasta boxes.

"That’s a relief. Do you want assistance with meal preparation? I offered it.

She beamed. "You know, my boys never extend that offer. If you’re willing, please dice these tomatoes for the salad."

She provided a cutting surface and a knife. Working meticulously, I sliced through the produce. The atmosphere felt genuinely serene.

Upon finishing, the garage door signaled Roger's return. He entered holding a grocery sack.

"Your requested ingredients, my lady," he cheered, passing the items to Mia before kissing her cheek.

#RelationshipGoals.

"Much obliged," Mia beamed.

"Mrs. C, what smells so incredible?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

A handsome teenager entered the space. He had tousled blond hair, pierced blue eyes, and towered over my petite frame. He studied with me inquisitively.

Calling him attractive was an understatement; he was stunning.

"Hey, I'm Felix," he introduced.

"Hi, Dorothy," I answered.

"Dorothy is staying with us now," Roger clarified.

"Well, look forward to seeing you around, Dorothy," he smiled warmly.

"Likewise."

He departed the room, his footsteps echoing toward the second floor.

"Felix is practically part of the family. He visits constantly since his parents travel for business," Mia noted.

"May I head upstairs?" I requested.

"Of course, thank you for the kitchen help," Mia smiled.

"You're welcome."

Leaving the area, I ascended the stairs, repeating the destination: last door on the left.

Securing myself inside the bedroom, I opened the laptop and initiated a search engine to research my new surroundings.

Midville, WV Overview

Educational facilities were established in 1950.

Athletic programs boast three undefeated seasons.

The central landmark is dubbed The Wishing Fountain.

I reviewed the community data, finding the town rather charming. A soft rap on the woodwork interrupted my reading.

"Come in," I called out.

Mia peered inside. "Dinner is served."

"On my way," I said, following her lead.

We bypassed the kitchen, entering a formal dining space where the others had assembled. I took a seat between Felix and Hudson.

"Alright, let's eat," Roger announced.

Platters circulated until my plate was full. I began eating while various conversations erupted around the table.

"Where was your previous home?" Felix inquired.

"Los Angeles," I answered between bites.

"A vibrant place," he commented charmingly.

"Are you involved in athletics, Dorothy?" Lucas asked.

The table grew silent. Obviously, sports rules ths Clearly, sports dominated this household.

"I participated in volleyball prior to my joint injury," I admitted.

"What happened?" Ralph questioned.

I glanced toward my new guardians, who subtly signaled me to deflect.

"I was assisting with heavy furniture removal at my previous placement and tore a muscle," I fabricated.

"Bummer. Oliver sat out an entire year after a similar leg injury," Mateo recalled.

"Which sports do you play?" I asked the group.

"We dominate the gridiron and switch to lacrosse to come spring, minus the youngest," Oliver explained.

"True, but I will join them next year. Currently, I stick to soccer," Lucas corrected.

"Impressive," I responded.

That evening was full of getting to know each other.

Maybe, real love existed here for me after all.