Prologue
Dakota Innrshaa had a big smile on her tan skinned face. The girl's dark brown eyes danced with glee at the sight of gathered around just for her. Jet black hair swooshed back and forth as she chattered happily with her folks; laughing and having a good time. It was after all, her sweet sixteenth birthday.
Everyone was outside on the patio of her mother's house. Ms. Innrshaa had taken the day off from work earlier that morning and while Dakota was away at school had prepared all the food for the party. By now most of the people there had already finished their dinner so Ms. Innrshaa began clearing some of the dishes away so bugs wouldn't get into them. Several of her aunts along with both of her grandmothers helped her with that. Then Dakota's Grandma Shimma, from her late father's side, poked her head out of the sliding glass door, "Get your butts in here!! Now!!"
Dakota was the last one at the dining room table. It was obvious her mother went to get the cake because of her absence. As soon as everyone was settled in, Ms. Innrshaa came back into the dining room just as someone turned off the lights. The multi-colored birthday candles gleamed and their flames swayed in time to every move that her mother made.
As soon as the woman set the cake down everyone because singing the song of the occasion. Then her mother said in her velvety voice, "Make a wish, honey!"
Dakota's mind searched for a perfect wish but after looking at all of them she had only one in mind. She didn't saw it outloud of course, but inside she said, 'I wish I could bring good luck to one person, someone who really needs it.'
Then she blew out the candles.