I took a deep breath and watched the cold air escape my lungs and reach toward the already dark sky. It was only four pm and the sky was already a menacing and sad gray black.

I glanced forward at the monstrosity of a car waiting for us. I wasn't and expert on cars, but even I could tell it was expensive and official looking. It was a huge black SUV with a just off the lot shine. As we got closer I couldn't help but peek at my new reflection in the glossy black metal. My once platinum blond board-straight hair was now deep chocolate brown with loose bouncy curls. The cold Washington wind sent them bouncing, I didn't like it.

I was to be adopted, that I was going to have to get used to. I sighed. I guess I have a lot of things to get used to. Still not talking, I climbed into the car and to my relief the heater was on full blast. The warm was comfortable. It felt like home. Even though home was almost 20,000 miles away back in Hawaii where I belonged. With another sigh I let go of all thoughts of home, I didn't want to cry any more. Reaching to my wrist to feel my bracelet always made me feel better. This time there wasn't any difference. The familiar yellow, red and black yarn made my anxiety almost completely disappear.

With a swallow I continued to think about my new appearance.

My skin was still tanned to a nice dark golden brown, but with this weather I don't think it's going to last long. And there was no changing my eyes but, hey those changed on there own. Right now they were a nice even teal, but they might be green tomorrow. Who knows?

The rest of my family was silent as they stared out the windows. And Judy. She didn't count. She definitely wasn't family. Caitlyn and Cathleen sat in the back seat. They each had red noses and big crocodile tears streaming down there faces. Even crying they were pretty, I always envied them for that. There prettiness that is. Even with there appearances changed they still were beautiful. Both now had matching blonde

Pin-straight hair and clear sky blue eyes. They knew they were pretty. And they knew how to use it.

Mom and Dad sat next to me hand in hand. Mom had her head on dad's chest and was sniffling ever now and then. Dads face was absent, he wasn't there. His eyes stared straight into Judy's headrest like he could see right threw the black leather. Judy talked quietly into the phone. Quick and painless. That's what she told us this would be. She said that a lot as they were throwing our possessions into boxes. And temporary. She used that word a lot to.

I reached in my jeans pocket and pulled out my ipod. Not caring what the song was I turned the volume up and placed the little pink ear buds in my ears. Clair de lune. Perfect.

I turned my head and watched the flurry of trees and moss go by. Green after green just different shades of the same color. The simple thud ump- thud ump of the tiers and the familiar melody lulled me into sleep.