23

Eli's eyes lit up when he came through the door of the classroom. He ran straight for Aurora and Arden. "You’re here!" He exclaimed. Arden smiled down at Eli. He wondered how this small boy had been able to pierce his heart so quickly. It was true that Eli was n ot his son, but that did not stop the fatherly feeling from over taking Arden. He would protect this child with his life.

"Class please sit down for a moment before we start the parade," the teacher called from the front of the classroom. Eli waved and then went to find his seat. Aurora smiled at Arden. She could feel the warmth spreading through her. Whether it was from her emotions or his, she wasnt sure.

The teacher explained the rules around the parade and that they would go first and then once they sat down the other grades would then go. All the children began to chatter amungst themselves. All the kids were excited. Eli sat in front of the class, in his dark ninja costume. His anticipation flowed from him.

As Arden