Free The Vanishing Stone by Keisha Biddle

complements, ever.
                    “What's your world like, Nikki?” Bosh asked. “Yeah, tell us!” Kibbie exclaimed.
                  “Well, I dont know. It's nothing like this that's for sure. Here, life seems so simple. It's not hectic. In my world, there are schedules, several children at home to feed and help care for, it's never quiet. At school, people hang out with their cliques, none of which I fit into. As much as I miss the other girls, I like it a lot better here. I actually have friends now and tomorrow I will have parents. What more could I ask for?”
    “We're a family, ” Kibbie said. Then, everyone came together to give Nikoleta a hug.
                    As the day went on, they all kept talking amongst themselves. Kibbie even laid down with Nikoleta and they rested for a while.
                    Their rest was abruptly ended by rain. Everyone jumped up and gathered their things and began running back to Raphael's house. Bosh was ahead of everyone while Day was was close behind him. Kibbie was flying above everyone. Nikoleta and Raphael were a little behind. Raphael reached back for Nikoleta's hand as the rain kept pouring. They were both laughing as they ran because they were completely drenched.
                    Finally, they reached Raphael's house and everyone was completely out of breath. They went inside and they each took turns changing clothes in the rooms. Bosh only had to change pants being as how he was constantly shirtless. Nikoleta changed back into what she originally came with; black tank top, ripped, blue jeans, and her black and white Converses.
                    The sun had already set and everyone was tired. They had been out most of the day and they all started getting ready for bed.
                    Nikoleta, on the other hand, felt restless. Tomorrow would be a big day, the beginning of her new life. She would no longer be labeled an orphan. She would have her true family.
                    Suddenly, Mandy entered her thoughts. What did Mandy think of her being missing? She was sure she was glad. What did she care anyway? Tonight Nikoleta wanted to go find the beach that's supposedly around here. Speaking of which, “Nikki are you still awake?” Raphael whispered. Day and Kibbie were already asleep in the lower bunk. “Yeah, I can’t sleep.”
      “I hear you like going to the beach late at night," Raphael told her. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”
                    “You want to go?” asked Raphael. “Now?” Nikoleta looked around. Day and Kibbie were fast asleep. “Yes! Now!” Raphael laughed quietly. “Um, OK.”
                    “OK, then. Let's go.”
     
                    The two of them stepped quietly out of the house and through the village. Raphael held Nikoleta's hand as they reached the trail that lead to the beach. “It's about two miles from here," He paused. “Nikoleta, you've had a rough life, haven’t you?”
                     “Yes, I suppose. I suppose it was probably easier than some people’s lives," She responded.
                    “You don’t deserve that, you know. You deserve so much better. Such a loving, kind, beautiful, funny woman such as yourself shouldn’t have to suffer. You deserve to be a Princess unlike the one who rules our land now.”
                     “What are you saying? I should dethrone Princess Karina?”
       Raphael laughed, “No. That would be a very good idea though. I'm just saying you deserve more.”
                    “It seems my parents have given me more than I deserve.” Nikoleta explained.
                     “And what's that?”
                     “Life.”
    It was a very valid point. She may not have had the best life. But life itself was most certainly a