||Kayden's POV||

I opened my eyes as the morning sun shone through the curtains . I immediately knew what day it was. 22nd September. The first day of fall. The most dreadful day in the year. I yawned before checking the time. 7:36am. If I could, I would just spend the day in bed...

But  sadly, I had to dress up, wash and head downstairs. I put on a white shirt with collar and black trousers. I styled my brown hair back and hoped no-one remembered. I bet that's not the case...

As I walked downstairs, to the main hall, at least 10 people tried to talk to me, but I managed to skip them all with 'Sorry, I'm busy'. I straightened my shirt before walking into the main dining room, full of people. Kevin was the first one to see me and grew a huge, bright smile.

'Here goes our birthday boy! Happy birthday Kayden!' He shouted and the whole room cheered with him.Great. I walked up to them and they all started patting me on the back, saying all those happy birthday stuff. 'We are so celebrating tonight, Kay. Joe already booked a club somewhere in town. There are gonna be girls, alcohol and some good stuff!' He cheered, more excited about it then me. 'I don't know man, you know how I feel about this day...' I said but he shook his head. 'No, no, no. Kay, I have seen you being miserable for over a year, okay? I have seen you loose yourself, push everyone that cares for you away and even loosing your spirit. Today, it's gonna be like old times. Today we'll have fun and you'll loosen up because it's your goddamn birthday!' He said enthusiastically and people cheered with him. I knew what he said was totally true and I know it hurt him too. 'Today... I'll have my best friend back.' He added with a serious tone and I looked into his bright blue eyes. I sighed before I nodded. 'Fine. Just no presents!' 

||Olivia's POV|| 

The whole Shelter is full of energy today. Apparently, it's someone's birthday and they love celebrating birthdays. They are organizing a huge birthday party tonight and literally everyone is going because they're acting like it's the event of the year. What's so exciting about birthdays anyway?

As I headed towards the surprisingly empty training halls I wondered if I'll be invited too. But considering I don't remember anyone and have no friends because people are too intimidated to talk to me, I won't be. They forgot all about me a year ago. I felt a little sad at the thought.

||Kayden's POV||

As I finally got away from everyone for a second I heard the alarm go off. It means someone from a different Shelter is being transferred to us. The alarm stopped and since I was close to the main entrance I hurriedly walked to see the guest.

I walked up to them and was shocked to see who it was.

'Mum? Dad?' I asked as I was completely disoriented while I looked at my parents in front of me.

||Olivia's POV||

I stiffened as I heard some alarm go off. Are we being attacked? Is something wrong? I quickly stopped with training and headed towards the main hall. On my way, I nearly bumped into Kayden who stood staring at the two people in front of him before surprisingly saying,

'Mum? Dad?'

I turned towards his parents and felt lost for words. His mother had shoulder length, bright blond hair which were as straight as an arrow, and she had stormy grey eyes, just like Kayden. His father was tall, strongly built and wearing a suit. He had dark brown eyes and neatly styled brown hair. I quickly stepped back and noticed that some people gather at the back.

'Of course, son! How would we miss your precious birthday?' The woman in the black, knee length, formal dress said. And then, everything clicked. Of course, it's his birthday! I watched how his mother hugged him tightly and then his father, saying a small 'Hello, son.' with a proud voice. Kayden greeted them back but looked very surprised, shocked even.

Suddenly Mrs Smith came hurriedly and plastered a big and nervous smile on her lips. 'Mr and Mrs Anderson! What a pleasant surprise! Welcome, welcome to California once again!' she shook their hands and they greeted each other. From the way Mrs Smith was acting, the head of the Shelter, they must've been pretty important people. Mrs Smith never smiles. Ever.

Suddenly, I felt eyes on me. Kayden noticed me and I noticed that I was standing pretty close to them. What the fuck am I doing here?  Before I could take a step back I heard someone call my name. 'Julia?' I heard the blond woman as I looked straight at her, anxious and stressed. Her voice was soft and gentle, my name coming off her tongue carelessly. So... she knows me? 'Come here, child.' she said very softly as if she couldn't believe I was there. I looked at Kayden and Mrs Smith for approval and Mrs Smith gave me a stern look that said do-what-she-says. They all looked at me and I took a few steps closer towards the woman. 'Does she really not remember anything?' She asked Mrs Smith with concern and she shook her head. 'Poor thing lost all her memory. When found, didn't even know how to fight.' Yep, that's it. I never want to hear Mrs Smith talk about me like that ever again. I looked down but the woman tilted my chin up, so that I'd look her straight in the eyes and I did. Kayden has exactly the same eyes as hers.

'Hello, dear. My name is Katherine and this is my husband Peter. I remember when you were merely a child. You were always eager to fight and compete. When you were a teenager, you were always a brave girl. You stood up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves, just like your parents before their tragic deaths. I understand that you probably don't remember me, nor Peter, well, anything, but we're happy you're back home, where you belong. We were very sorry to hear about what you had to go through, dear. We hope to see you back on track as soon as possible.' She gave me a smile and I didn't know what to think. But not saying anything seemed rude so I quietly and nervously whispered a small 'Thank you'. Peter threw me a warm yet harsh smile and I gave one back.

'Okay, my dears, I suppose you must be very tired traveling all the way from Georgia, please, follow me, I'll have guest rooms prepared for you asap.' Mrs Smith broke the silence and soon Katherine and Peter and Mrs Smith were headed upstairs.

'You were always her favorite.' Kayden said calmly next to me as we watched them disappear. 'What do you mean?' I asked but he walked away.

*****************************

Hello everyone!

Sorry you had to wait so long for an update, I was really busy with school but I'm back on track!

What do you think about the story? Do you think Kayden's parents are the kind ones or the mean ones?

-Sb12