Fairchild's Family Home, 2009
Rhaenys Fairchild, a spirited young woman with brown hair that cascaded in soft waves and warm brown eyes that sparkled with curiosity, stood at the threshold of her family home.
At 5'4", she was of average height, yet her vibrant personality made her presence feel larger than life. The year was 2009, and Rhaenys was on the brink of uncovering the mysteries of her past.
Rhaenys sat cross-legged on the floor of her family's study, surrounded by piles of papers and dusty file boxes. The soft glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating the motes of dust swirling around her. She was on a mission for her school project, determined to uncover the truth about her family's history.
As she sifted through the contents of an old box, Rhaenys stumbled upon a folder that was distinctly different from the others. The label read "Confidential" in bold letters, and a sense of wonder sparked her interest. With a quick glance around to ensure she was alone, she opened the folder.
Inside, she found adoption papers that revealed a startling truth: her father had adopted her after her parents got married.
Rhaenys felt a whirlwind of emotions as she processed the information. Confusion washed over her, and questions raced through her mind. Why had her parents kept the news a secret? What did it mean for her identity? Feeling overwhelmed, she decided she needed answers.
Taking a deep breath, Rhaenys stepped outside, her heart pounding as she made her way toward her mother. The sunlight felt harsh against her skin, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling inside her.
She found her mother and the extended family in the garden, tending to the flowers, seemingly unaware of the turmoil brewing within Rhaenys.
"Mom," Rhaenys called out, her voice trembling slightly. Her mother turned, a smile fading as she noticed the serious look on Rhaenys's face.
"What's wrong, sweetie?" her mother asked, concern etching her features.
"I found something," Rhaenys said, holding up the folder with shaky hands. "I found out about my adoption—that Dad filed to adopt me."
Nimue's expression shifted from concern to surprise, her eyes widening as she processed Rhaenys's words. "Oh, Rhaenys," she said softly, stepping closer to her daughter. "Can we talk about the matter right after your grandparents leave?"
Rhaenys shook her head vigorously, her expression a mix of urgency and hurt. "No, Mom, this cannot wait. Is it true that Dad adopted me after…?" Her voice trailed off, the weight of her discovery hanging heavily in the air.
Nimue took a deep breath, sensing the gravity of the moment. "Sweetheart, let's sit down and discuss the matter properly. I promise you'll get all the answers you need."
Rhaenys clenched the folder tighter, her heart racing as she awaited her mother's response. "Please, I need to know now."
Nimue nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Yes, Rhaenys, it's true. Your father adopted you after… well, after everything changed."
Rhaenys remained tense, the folder still clutched in her hands. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Nimue took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she searched for the right words. "I was trying to protect you from the pain of your past, sweetheart. I thought that if you didn't know, you could live your life without the weight of that knowledge hanging over you."
Rhaenys felt a mix of anger and confusion. "But I deserve to know the truth! How could you keep something like this from me?"
"I know, and I'm sorry. I thought I was doing what was best for you," Nimue replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't want you to feel different or unwanted. Your father loved you just as much as if you were his own."
Rhaenys shook her head, the ache of betrayal piercing through her anger. She turned away, her heart heavy, and began walking towards the front of the house. Each step felt like a retreat from the overwhelming storm of emotions that she was experiencing.
"Where are you going?" Nimue asked her daughter, concern etched on her face. Rhaenys paused, her back still turned, unsure of how to answer.
Rhaenys took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before responding. "I'm just going for a walk to clear my head," she said, her voice steady but quiet. She felt the weight of her mother's gaze but didn't turn around. "I need some space to think."
With that, she resumed her steps, the cool air outside beckoning her as she sought solace away from the turmoil within her home.
Nimue's voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. "Come back here right now, Rhaenys," she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Rhaenys continued to walk away without a word, the command hanging in the air like a storm cloud.
A minute later, Raymond turned to Nimue, his expression serious. "You should have told her," he said, his voice steady but low.
Nimue's eyes narrowed as she took a step closer to Raymond, her frustration evident. "It's too dangerous for Rhaenys to know the truth," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with urgency. "She doesn't understand the weight of it all. It could put her in harm's way."
Raymond sighed, his brow furrowing. "But keeping secrets can be just as dangerous. She deserves to know what's at stake."
Nimue shook her head, her resolve hardening. "You don't understand. This isn't just about her. There are forces at play that would exploit her vulnerability. We must protect her, even if it means withholding the truth from her."
Then Raymond looked at Nimue intently and added, "If you won't tell Rhaenys the truth, then I will."
Nimue's heart raced at his declaration. "You can't," she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.
Frank turned to Nimue, his expression serious as he spoke. "I agree with my dad. Rhaenys deserves to know the truth."
Nimue looked at her husband, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You agree with him?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Frank met her gaze, his expression unwavering. "I do," he affirmed. "Rhaenys has the right to know what's really happening."
Nimue felt a wave of panic wash over her. "But what if it puts her in danger? We can't risk that!"
Raymond chimed in, "Sometimes the truth is what protects us the most, even if it hurts. But she deserves to know who she really is, and we can't stop her from living her destiny. No matter how much we want her to have a normal life."
The tension in the room thickened, and Nimue's heart raced as she faced the weight of their words.
Then Raymond left to go and find Rhaenys. To tell her the truth.