Aurora's Point Of View

"Get up, pretty baby, It's Turkey day!" Arlan tugged at the covers from the foot of the bed.

I squirmed about, tiredly. It must have only been seven in the morning and his incessant pulling at the covers was bothersome. I sluggishly sat up in bed, gripping my soft lamb and cuddling him to my neck.

When my eyes adjusted to the morning light, I saw Arlan dressed luxuriously. A brown, silk Armani button up and black sacks adorn him while his hair is slicked back. It's strange to see all of his tattoos covered. He almost looks soft.

"W-what?" I mumbled tiredly, fisting my eyes.

"It's ThanksGiving, baby."

Already?? How does the time seem to be going by so quickly?

"And we're spending it with the Blake's."

I gave a puzzled look, suddenly awake. The who?

"Who are the Blake's?" My tired voice rasped, not understanding, feeling a little afraid.

"I gave Agatha a fake phone number that was your supposed, "boarding school". Well, I got a phone call to that number this morning. It was a woman requesting you to speak to you-her and her husband, actually."

Arlan dropped a newspaper in front of me which I picked up, still perplexed by all of this information.

"Dacie's been adopted."

"What?!" I breathed, tears of joy filling my eyes as I scrambled to sit up.

I fumbled to grasp the newspaper and anxiously rose to see a large picture on the front page. A woman and man happily holding Dacie up in their arms. Tears immediately rolled down my cheeks as I was breathless. I haven't seen Dacie's face in so long and seeing her precious chubby cheeks, wide eyes and pigtails made my heart soar indescribably. She somehow looked older and it made my heart sink to feel like I missed on so much of her growth.

Blake Enterprise Millionaires of Bel Air adopt a seven year old from Oakland the headline read. September, 2020.

"Oh my gosh," I whispered in disbelief, shaking my head.

So it was true, she was in fact older, her birthday had passed. And I missed it. But her adorable, sweet self was adopted...

Dacie got adopted just a week after I left...all this time I worried sick she was alone in the horrible, shitty roster home.

Meanwhile, she was with a wonderful, exorbitantly wealthy and caring family the whole time. She deserved it. That little girl was special and had the most sparkly and loving personality. I couldn't feel more relieved.

"I can't believe she got adopted by parents from Bel Air...no one ever comes to our foster home, let alone rich people," I whispered in disbelief, starting to read the article.

"Well," Arlan snatched the newspaper up, cutting off the sentence I was reading as I looked up at him, "save the tears and get ready! They asked us to spend Thanksgiving with them today. And I told them we'd be there and we'd bake them a pie in their home."

I nodded and smiled, wiping my tears. I was the most genuinely happy I'd been in a while.

I see Dacie today!!

"Do you even know how to bake?" I cocked an eyebrow high.

"Nah, but I trust you'll figure it out."

I rolled my eyes.

"Go hop in the shower and I'll lay out your dress and shoes near the bed," He instructs, nudging his face towards the bathroom.

"Okay," I nod, heading to the bathroom quickly.

Once I'm under the steam and comforting shower water, I'm filled with so many mixed emotions. I'm confused as to why such wealthy people would come to our foster home. I'm sad I missed out on Dacie's adoption and saying goodbye, but I'm so over the moon excited to see her after so long and hug her tightly with everything in me. I've been missing the sweet sound of her voice, missing her calling me princess, missing reading her bedtime stories. Much as they gave her comfort, they gave me a sense of comfort as well. Like I had part of my childhood back by watching hers. I wonder if she even knows I'm coming today.

And while I'm so happy Arlan is letting us go instead of being his usual butt self and ruining something like this, I wish I was going without him. I don't want sweet Dacie to meet Arlan. I'm sure he won't do anything in front of her or her parents, he won't want to blow his cover. But it was just weird that I'd have to go there and pretend I was happy being with him. We would have to act like a real couple for the first time for a prolonged amount of time.

After securing my hair half up with a loose pink ribbon, I comb through the rest that is down and through my bangs. Looking at myself in the mirror in my towel, my mood dampens at all the bruises and hickies lining my body. What would I do about that?

When I exit in my towel, I exhale in relief that Arlan is gone so I can dress by myself. I drop my towel and step into simple, white lingerie and run my hand along the dress on the bed. A burgundy, knit bodycon dress lies that feels soft and warm to the touch. Lifting it, I see its long-sleeved and turtle neck, which would hide every bruise.

Of course. Happy couple, a pretty dress, nothing more. Except it was a dress hiding ugly, ugly secrets behind a 'happy couple'.

I slide the dress over and pull the turtleneck high above my neck, tugging my hair out. Because I know he'll want it, I reach into the turtleneck and lift the Dove necklace out to lay it over the turtleneck. Leaning over to grab the small, nude heels from the floor, a hand pinches my bum, making me flinch and stand up straight.

"Stop," I nudge Arln off and he chuckles under his breath into the shell of my ear as I turn to face him.

His rough, ring-covered hands coast over my arms up and down as he stares at my chest, taking in his bottom lip. His eyes float up to meet mine, dark and jade.

"You can't wear a dress like this and expect me not to touch you. I'm a man, Dove," He sensuouslly rasps, voice husky.

I gulp nervously and clear my throat, shaking out of his grip.

"W-we should go, Bel Air is a long drive. Promise me you won't do anything inappropriate or bad in front of Dacie or her parents....will you?"

He cocks his head and gives me a look.

"No, Dove, I have no interest in traumatizing this young girl. Besides, I like to keep our shit private, where no one can hear your moans and whimpers but me. I'll be the perfect gentleman."

I take in my bottom lip nervously and eye him, hoping he keeps his promise.

The drive is pleasantly quiet in the first hour as I watch the palm trees flit past the window view. Although it's November, California is pleasantly seventy two degrees with a blissful, cool breeze. While I wasn't necessarily thrilled to be in a four hour car ride with Arlan, I was excited to see Dacie. It was all worth it.

"Have you been to Bel Air?" I question absentmindedly, watching as we drive by a man walking an adorable golden retriever.

"Occasionally for work, not often. Most of the people there are snobs."

"Her parents won't be," I whisper.

"They probably are, but who cares?" He cackles. "They're loaded, we get a big ass fancy meal out of the visit either way."

I twist around and glare at him, pouring.

"The purpose of us going there is for me to see Dacie, not just to exploit some rich people."

"You asked if they were snobs."

"No, I didn't really."

"Well, either way, I'm willing to bet they will be," He shrugged.

"Can you just stop?" I said in annoyance, shaking my head. "Don't assume the worst."

"It's part of my charm."

I shook my head again, looking out the window once more. Why did he have to be so cynical?

"You know, they took Dacie out of a really shitty situation and gave her a family. No matter what, that makes them amazing people. Money doesn't automatically make you a bad person. A bad person makes a bad person."

"Well, at the end of the day, Bel Air bitches are snobby because they're loaded. It doesn't hurt for a guy like me to exploit a bad person for their money, does it? Most of them are stupid to let it happen."

"Do you think you're funny or something? I'm not a criminal mafia man that exploits people, so I wouldn't know."

I quickly regret making a snap at him, thinking he will turn around and go home. Damn it, Aurora. Why did I have to ruin this for myself!?

Instead, he just lets out a loud, long cackle, surprising me. He's....amused? He's amused.

"You're adorable, my Dove," He says, hand reaching over to rest on my thigh.

My cheeks blushed red and I exhaled in relief.

He squeezes my dress-covered thigh.

"But you're getting spanked when we get home. After we meet the snobs, of course."

"Stop it," I pout. "Not nice. They aren't snobs, we haven't even met them."

"Alright, alright. I'm sure they're lovely motherfuckers."

Well, it was a step in the right direction.

As a few more hours pass, a Welcome to Bel Air sign passes overhead which has me leaning up in my seat. I never imagined someone like me, a foster kid, would end up in Bel Air. God, if I thought being in high school and college was uncomfortable, this was a new league. I started growing nervous about her parents view of me as I looked out the window. Bleached blonde model-esque women walked the streets with their arms full of Prada and Chanel bags. Guess they missed the memo that it's ThanksGiving.

"Relax, Dove."

"W-what?" I say breathlessly, looking to Arlan.

He gave me a pointed look, spinning the wheel to make a turn before looking back onto the road.

"I can hear your breathing pick up. Relax. Dacie's parents aren't going to judge you. They already know where you come from. In fact, they knew Dacie came from the same place, and they took her in as their child, didn't they?"

He was unexpectedly being very soothing and making good points, his rational words doing a good job at calming my anxiety. I nodded quickly.

"Right."

A few more minutes pass as we navigate our way to find their home. Sumptuous mansions pass in view the size of castles- castles fit for Bel Air Kings and Queens.

When the car pulled up to the Blake's estate, I gape and feel my stomach drop to my toes.

Behind the intricately twisted gate which imposed great intimidation to me, lay the mansion itself which staggered at 12,000 square feet. The white, pristine paint reflecting in the gleaming sun. Several pillars lined the exterior of the house, truly giving the look of a castle. Beds of fully bloomed buttercups and persephones colored the courtyard ground in prominent yellow. Two parallel, marble fountains, adorned with angel statues on the top, elegantly stood on either side of the front yard with crystal blue water beaming high. Lush bushes trimmed in the shape of deer and rabbits lined the yard.

I gulped, panting breathlessly when a loud buzz has me flinching. We both turn to the left and Arlan rolls his window down.

"Arlan? Is that your lamborghini in the front?" An older male voice asks excitedly, his voice crackling through the buzzer.

I feel a bit weird hearing his voice. That must be Dacie's...dad. It made the situation feel real now. Dacie was really adopted. She had parents. The concept was just so wild to me.

"Yep!" Arlan says giddily. "We come bearing pie ingredients. May I just say, the rabbit bushes are an excellent touch to the courtyard."

The voice on the other end chuckled heartily. "Thank you. All my wife's doing, not mine. If it were up to me, I'd have a punting quarterback, but let's not start any controversy on ThanksGiving Day," He laughs. Arlan fakes a chipper laugh back.

"We'll open the gates right now. Feel free to park anywhere."

"Amazing, thank you Mr.Blake," Arlan fakes another chipper laugh. Oh so 'charming'.

"Alright, see you soon," Mr.Blake signs off.

With that, the gates loudly and slowly untangled themselves. With the aching slowness of the mansion being revealed, its like my anxiety is being extrapolated and stretched out. Finally, Arlan enters the estate. I hear the gates close behind us.

'Relax' I remember Arlan telling me. Dacie is from the same place I am. Her parents won't judge me. I get to see Dacie!

I exhale and firmly grasp my hands together. After Arlan parks and turns off the car and I feel my seat still beneath me, my heart rate doubles in speed. I click off my seatbelt and open my car door. The rushing sound of water from the fountain and chirping birds from the bird feeders meeting my ears. Its soothing and peaceful. I follow Arlan to the front door and refrain from making a face of disgust when he locks his hand with mine to hold it. A gorgeous floral wreath adorns the door.

Arlan gingerly presses the doorbell, where an elegant, but loud, series of chimes startles me. I absentmindedly and nervously knot my fingers in his hand. The door quickly opens and I feel my face blush a bright crimson red.

"Hi!" A woman in a luminous silk gown and vanilla blonde roller curls smiles. Her cheekbones are high, her skin is smooth, her eyes are an icy cerulean blue and lilac heels adorn her feet, giving her extra height.

"I'm Alice, you two must be Arlan and Aurora! Please, please come in!" She beckons us vigorously with her hand.

"Mrs. Blake, these are for you," Arlan reveals a bouquet of white roses and baby breaths from behind his back as we walk in. "You have a lovely home."

When did he grab those..? I hadn't even noticed.

"Oh, Heavens!" Alice coos, delicately taking them and sharply inhaling. "They're just lovely, what a gentleman. Thank you! And Aurora," She turns to me.

I feel my throat close up and I nervously don't know what to say. I'm so intimidated by everything.

"I,"-

Before I can react, she surprises me with an abrupt, bone-crushing hug, arms tight around my body. My eyes widen as I slowly hug her back.

"Thank you, thank you," She coos into my shoulder, squeezing me even tighter.

When she parts from me, her eyes look teary, which shocks me.

"Thank you for taking care of our Dacie before we found her. Dacie told us everything about you. How you would read to her, pretend to be a Princess, be her comfort source in such scary times for a little girl. You are our angel."

Breathlessly, I swallow.

"Of course," I shook my head. "She's the real angel."

"And the gifts! All the wonderful gifts, you must have worked so hard to buy her those wonderful gifts. You are a miracle, Aurora Mulven. We cannot thank you enough. To spend all your hard-earned money on Dacie. We just couldn't wait to meet you, but we know with Boarding School you are away, so we wanted to reach out for ThanksGiving."

My face falters for a moment at the word Boarding School but I quickly compose myself and smile.

"R-right," I laugh, wobbling a bit on the heels I'm wearing.

"Oh, please, take your shoes off, both of you. We're casual here. Can I get you both water or anything while I put these in a vase?" She says, exiting to the kitchen.

"You're so kind, water for us both, Mrs.Blake," Arlan calls out, removing his shoes and placing them on the rack by the door. I attempt to take my heels off alone but he catches me. I look up begrudgingly and in that moment, Mrs.Blake appears and cooes.

"Aw, what a gentleman, helping your girlfriend with her heels. My husband still does that for me, it's just so charming."

"I do what I can for such an amazing girl," Arlan smirks at me, taking my hand to plant a kiss.

Without the heels, I'm back to my 5'0 self and feel incredibly shorter than everyone here. The house seems even more daunting and large now that I'm back so low to the ground, but I'm glad I don't have to walk around in those little toe crushing demons.

"Come, here are your waters," She hands us elegant glass cups and I carefully take mine.

We enter the spacious kitchen that feels all too big and makes me feel all too small, especially now that my heels are off. Exuding an aura of sophistication, glass fronted cabinets line the perimeter of the side with the sink, stove, and oven, while a Victorian, incandscent chandelier comprised of jade and diamond hangs from decadently from the ceiling. On the other side, the wall is entirely an open window with mint green silk curtains on either side. The view shows a long swimming pool and freshly waxed tennis court. A long, Refectory Table covered in velvet, crochet tablecloth now holds Arlan's flowers as a centrepiece among other flowers and dining ware for ThanksGiving Dinner.

"Aurora!" A male voice snaps me out of my thoughts as I look to the entryway of the kitchen.

Emerging from a winding staircase is Dacie's father, in a plum colored turtleneck and light wash jeans. His umber hair is like dark chocolate, gelled back with only a few grays peaking through. Soft blue eyes meet my gaze and a goofy smile lines his lips. He extends his hand.

"Well, we've been waiting for this day!"

I giggle softly and secure my small hand in his, he shakes it with an enthusiastic grip.

"I'm Denver Blake, it's a pleasure to meet you. And you, Arlan," He shakes his hand as well.

Denver? I think to myself.

"My parents met in Denver and thought it would be unique, I know it's quite a silly name," He shrugs with a knowing look.

"Oh dear, he always explains this story," Alice giggles, shaking her head. "I love your name," She taps his nose.

Arlan reaches for my hand and laces our fingers together while Denver takes my other hand.

"Aurora," Mr.Blake shakes his head incredulously. "We cannot thank you enough for looking out for our sweet Dacie for so long. You are her savior, she misses you and asks about you so much. We can't imagine what it was like to live in such a dangerous place. You kept her feeling safe and protected. We don't know what her life would have been like without you, and we are so, so grateful."

Alice nodded vigorously in agreence with her husband.

"We heard one of the boys in the foster home even got arrested," Denver finishes, biting his lip and shaking his head in disgust.

"Arrested?" I repeat incredulously, feeling shocked, dropping Arlan's hand.

"Yes, we believe his name was..." Alice trails off, thinking. "Dustin Hargrove."

My eyes widen beyond my sockets. Dustin was arrested?!

"He was selling and buying drugs," Alice carefully whispers the last word, shaking her head with disgust and hurt, "That's no place for a sweet, seven year old girl. We knew we had to give Dacie a sweet, warm and safe family."

Before I could even react, Denver speaks.

"Dacie should be down very soon, I just finished with the last of her hair. Man, that girls got a lot of hair length, it took hours, do you see my muscles defining," He flexes and jokes, sending us all into giggles.

"So look...she doesn't know you're here," Denver leans in and gestures with his hands.

"We didn't want to get her hopes up in the event you couldn't make it," Alice leans in and explains, eyes sympathetic as she looks to her husband. Her eyes met mine once more. "So, it's a surprise," A grin stretches on her face.

"Mommy?" A tiny, sweet voice calls, sending her parents to stand up straight quickly.

Mrs.Blake grins at me, turning her body away from me. She smooths her dress down and squeals very quietly.

"In the kitchen, sweetie!" She calls out.