Chapter 8: Realization Ashley's POV

I walked into the house as I thought about Vanessa. Why didn't she know who Dimitri was? This makes no sense.

Carelessly I threw my bag on the couch and went to my parent's room. I thought that they would be there. Their room was right across from mine and their door was opened but the light was off. So I flicked on the switch only to see there room neat except for a few letters on there dresser. Those things seem to be out of place so I took the pile of envelopes and just before I set them on their bed I remembered an address. On the top left it read 402 South Bend Rd.

Almost immediately I opened up the top envelope and pulled out what seemed like a birth certificate. It read my name with a long digit of numbers and my parent's names. The names said Sophia and Mark Shane. Also there was my name Ashley Shane printed on the paper. This all appeared weird because last time I asked my mom their names they were Sherri and Dave.

Now I didn't hesitate to open the next envelope. This one had photos in it. Some of them were pictures of a man and a woman; another was two other couples that looked like my parents. With them was a little brown hair girl that looked about three years old. I looked for any clue as to who these people were. None of them looked familiar except for the couple and the child with them.

Checking the back I saw that there were names written in dark red cursive letters. One the picture of the one couple it read "Sherri and Dave" and the other picture with the child read "Sophia, Mark and their child Ashley" My jaw about dropped as I stared at the pictures. This was no wonder why they wouldn't give me a clear answer about why my family looked different from me. I was never in that family, I was adopted and no one even told me.

I dropped the envelopes in shock as I was figuring out what to do next. Should I wait til the adults come home or should I just abandoned this place.

Just then I took the envelope that held the birth certificate and ran into my room to pack. From my closet I grabbed my gym bag and started stuffing some clothes and some of my prize possessions like the picture of me and Vanessa at an amusement park, my gold necklace that I had gotten from my grandma before she died, and my favorite pair of shoes.

When I had managed to zip up the bag I heard a door open and close along with footsteps. Now was when I had to leave and I had to be fast. I swung the bag across my shoulder and opened the window. The footsteps were getting closer and I began to panic. My body froze and I didn't know what to do.

Luckily the footsteps went the other was into my parent's room. I was able to move just then and I jumped out the window and landed on my feet. It was a tough landing but I will be able to run. There was a yelling sound coming from my window and I looked back only to see two furious faces. I wasn't able to make out what they said because as soon as I saw them I sprinted away from the house and onto the street that led to town.

My mind was spinning as I hadn't realized what I had just done. I guess there will be a time for consequences.

I had walked what seems like miles as I ran into the forest. This would be the place where they would least expect me. As I walked across the frosted ground there was this eerie silence than invaded the forest. Now I was cold and scared, great. I walked a little longer until I came upon a hollow tree that had fallen over.

Without hesitation I crawled inside to gain some warmth. I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered uncontrollably. Silently I cried and I closed my eyes in loneness until I heard some voices. This caught me off guard and my eyes opened wide and I froze. The only thing I saw were pairs of feet. I didn't want anyone to find me so I stayed silent. After a few moments of silent after the feet went out of view I felt like the coast was clear so I got out of the hollow tree and took out the certificate only to glimpse over it again. Nothing was different compared to the last time I saw it.

"ASHLEY, what the hell are you doing here?" This was the voice of Chris. He was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. His hands were in his pockets and his face was full of anger.

"I uh...I ran away." I said honestly while rubbing my head in embarrassment. He let out a sigh and grabbed my wrist and started pulling me around. His grip hurt and he never looked back. No wonder why Vanessa doesn't like it when I do this to her. We walked in silence as it was getting towards evening. About halfway through Chris asked me a question.

"Why did you run away?" I didn't answer I was still raw about the news of my foster parents not telling me anything. Chris let out a sigh and it was then that we walked out of the forest and onto the street that led to his and Vanessa's house. We arrived there and walked inside to see a group of guys and one girl. She looked oddly familiar but I didn't know what it was.

Chris later introduced me to them. The guy's names were Derek, Alex, and Sam. They all looked about a year older than me well Sam did at least. Then there was Emily the girl. She wore the sour face that said if you talk to me then you'll die expression.

While Chris was talking to his group I sat on the floor and half listened to their conversation. I wasn't quite sure what they were saying until I heard the words Vanessa's missing. That got me to pay attention.

"How long has she been gone?" I bursted out unconsciously. They all looked at me with surprised looks. After a long silence Chris answered me.

"Two days" There was worried and sadness in his voice. I grew silent she's been gone for two days.