Dragoon: Dawn of the Dragon

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Eighteen years after that fateful night another group of people were gathering. A couple brought boxes wrapped in multi-colored paper, and a few brought bags with different graphics on them stuffed with tissue paper. As these people entered they set their offerings on a folding table which was next to a wall filled with pictures of a young man which seemed to be almost like a timeline of his life. A picture of him as an infant eating spaghetti in his hi-chair was framed on the wall along side another picture with him falling asleep as a toddler while reading a book. Another one above it was a picture of him riding his first bicycle smiling into the camera. There was one showing him with a group of his friends at an amusement park making silly faces which appeared more recent. As well as another one of him dressed up in a nice shirt and tie with his arms around two very lovely ladies. Finally at the end was a picture of him with his mother, professionally done in a studio. Her hair was slightly waved and sat perfectly past her shoulders. She didn't wear a lot of makeup just a little mascara and a light colored lipstick. Wearing a light blue V cut long sleeved shirt which complimented her deep blue eyes, she looked more like someone his age or slightly older than his mother. The young man had his black hair styled modern and short, like a famous actor of sorts. He was wearing a black thermal top with a silver chain around his neck, it looked like something hung from it but was cut off from the picture. He looked absolutely mysterious with his red eyes and black hair and outfit to match.

Constance brought a hand to her mouth to keep herself from completely breaking down realizing that her baby is all grown up, staring at the pictures reminiscing about those moments in time. Thinking how much of a blessing her son was even if he wasn't blood relation, going back to that night swaddling him in her sweatshirt walking him back to their home and thinking of how really unprepared she was to take him in. Her house was anything but childproof. Her floors were hardwood which made it difficult for Drake to crawl around on when he started moving around, lots of breakable objects which most were out of reach but accidents do happen. On top of that the closest hospital was a good half hour away by car, buses for school didn't come out where she lived either so education was another obstacle. Definitely not the best place in the world to raise a child but didn't want to give up the solitude and peace her estate brought nor did she want to give him up to adoption not knowing what his fate may be. It took up until he was about a year old before her house was childproof enough to not fear his safety constantly. Explaining to her now deceased parents was what she thought to be, the most difficult thing in her life, not knowing that her parents were just crazy about Drake and didn't mind that he wasn't a blood grandchild and treated him as if he was.

Drake grew up fine, an exceptional student in school exceeded in all areas of study, was friendly to everyone he came across from all walks of life. He very seldom got upset and even when he did it was short lived. Constance couldn't help but be proud of the young man who was just outside socializing with his friends. Constance turned her attention to the door opening and a young woman that stood at the same height which was about 5'3 entered her home. The vibrant young woman then smiled saying "Hi Ms. Hunter, where is Drake at?"

Constance rubbed the tears that were forming away, smiling to answer. "He's out back with the others, you can leave your gift on the table here Gabrielle."

"Are you ok? You look like you were crying" asked Gabrielle

"I'm fine sweetie. I just now know what my parents went through when I grew up...it's truly heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time." answered Constance while smiling and keeping her attention towards the photos on the wall.

Constance turned to Gabrielle who had her arms held out offering a hug. Constance felt just as mesmerized by her smoky blue eyes, as Drake's ruby eyes. She smiled and Gabrielle smiled back and they embraced each other like two close girl friends. When they separated Constance asked, "Thank you for that, you're a real sweetheart Gabby. You've always been there for Drake and grew up with him and helped keep him in line I might add."