Echoes of a Seer: The Starbinds Series, Book 1: The Starbinds Series, #1

By Angela K. French

Abby is an ordinary seventeen-year-old living with her family in Northern California, or so she thinks.

The night of her graduation, everything changes. After a strange accident, Abby wakes up to find she has been transported to another planet named Ozam, with beautiful lands and more advanced cities than Earth.

This new world would change everything she had ever believed was true, yet it is a place she somehow knew from the depths of her childhood dreams.

However, just as she is settling into this new way of life, everything starts to shift. She soon learns that she has been a part of this world all along and holds the ability of seeing future events and remotely viewing past and present events as they occurred, ranging powerfully long distances. She is becoming aware of the importance of her gifts and is now being hunted by rival leaders in order to use her visions for their own gains and to prevent any rulers of Ozam from having any future insight from her.

Abby is assigned under the protection of Kaden Zoraan until they can stop her hunters, and though their relationship is strictly forbidden, they are inexplicably drawn to each other.

Can Kaden keep her safe despite his growing feelings for her, or will she fall prey to those who find her?

Echoes of a Seer is book 1 in the Starbinds Series. For the best reading experience, it is recommended to read the books in order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela K. French
• Release date: Jul 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223495420

Angela K. French

Angela French was born and raised in Oklahoma; however, she has spent time living in Hawaii, Northern California, and Maine. While living in Maine, she felt inspired to start writing, and the ideas for her first book, Starbinds, and the world of science fiction and romance continued to flow. She now lives back in Oklahoma, where she is close to family. During the day, she is a full-time registered nurse reviewing healthcare claims. She loves writing, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, or just catching up on the latest and greatest books or television series with her two dogs close by her side.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Amara

May 26, 1994, 3:30 a.m.

The contraction was finally easing off. Breathe, breathe; you can get through this. You do not have a choice; you have to make it. Though if I do not die from all this pain, it will be a miracle. The contractions are getting so close now. Tears streamed down her face. I must not grieve now, she spoke quietly to herself as someone rang her door.

The tall, dark-haired, uniformed man stood in the doorway. Madam Amara, we have landed. The area is clear for your exit.

This is it, she thought. I must do this for my children’s future. No choice. She looked down and stuffed the large brown leather book into her blue handmade satchel. The satchel was filled with items from her home that she held dear. She thought of her home, a home and family she would never see again. The man’s dark eyes bore into her. You have time to change your mind.

She wished that were true. I must get to my coordinates. She looked down at the small device and typed in the numbers. I do not have much time. My contractions are only around seven minutes apart. The prediction could be off.

I wish you would at least allow us to give you pain control. The man’s deep voice rang out as Amara pushed up from her bed to try and stand.

She felt a large warm hand take hold of her arm, balancing her as she wobbled unsteadily on her feet. They entered the empty hallway leading to the large exit ramp.

Antelmo is waiting for you. He has followed everything as planned, he said.

She looked down the ramp at the huge, seven-foot, strikingly handsome man. Antelmo, better known as Mo, was one of her husband’s most cherished bodyguards, strong and gifted with extensive medical knowledge. He’d arrived over seven months ago to secure a home for her, or should she say, a hideout. Her husband simulated Mo’s death and erased all records of his existence, making him untraceable. She was still shocked that he’d agreed to this; this wasn’t the most desirable place to live. He looked up at her with sadness. Though his good friend’s fate was not yet confirmed, the awareness in his eyes told her that he’d heard the predictions. Mo had seen enough to know her husband was never wrong. Just once, she wanted him to be wrong, but he wasn’t, and her tears streamed.

There was no time to grieve. Not now. Amara stopped, gasping as the agony ripped through her. Her belly squeezed into the contraction, and the unbearable pain blurred her vision. Mo shot up the ramp and lifted her into his large arms.

Breathe through it, his deep, raspy, accented voice whispered while she squeezed his arm so hard her fingernails brought blood to the surface. He stood still and cradled her until her contraction eased, then preceded down the ramp into the cold, dark night.

Will you carry me as close to the location as possible, she breathlessly spoke, looking at the device in her hand.

Mo nodded as he turned to look up at the uniformed man watching from higher up the ramp.

We will be leaving shortly. You are sure this is your final decision? the uniformed man asked, looking at both of them.

Yes, Amara answered. It is the only way.

As you wish. I have no knowledge of this event taking place. The man shook his head as he walked back up the ramp. The ramp retracted, and her body shivered.

Mo turned and continued to carry Amara into the dense pine trees as branches cracked under his feet. The chill in the air was nothing compared to the one in her heart.

You must be happy that I am here. Now you can leave and get on with your new life, she said, wanting to think of anything but her own future.

Mo looked at her, narrowing his steel-blue eyes in confusion. I am here for you, for as long as you need me. I will not leave you alone. I am to stay to see you heal and secure your safety.

But you should go back to your home and see your family.

I have no one. All my family is gone, he answered grimly as he continued to carry her effortlessly across the uneven ground of the dense woods.

She tucked herself next to his warm body, which eased her slightly. Her labor pain was still raw but numbed by the horrific events her family had just endured. She was unaware that he’d lost his family. Resting her head on his chest with her hands resting on her belly, she thought of the child she would never know. After tonight, I will have no one either, she murmured.

ONE

Abby

May 18, 2012

Carly looked over at me as we drove down the long, curvy road to my house. Abby, you don’t seem very excited. Have you forgotten we’re graduating tomorrow? Tomorrow! she repeated, shaking her head. I think the dress we found is perfect. Carly smiled as her big blue eyes caught mine.

I had known Carly since I was three years old. I have a memory of a hot July afternoon watching her family’s monstrous moving truck back down to the new expansive house nestled in the trees across from our home.

How are your eyes? Carly looked at me as I stared at my dress receipt.

Fine, why? Is there something wrong with them? I pulled down the visor, flipped open the mirror, and looked at my warm brown eyes framed by the light gray of my glasses. I’d worn glasses since I was seven years old. I was nearly blind without them.

Remember you said you were using those eye drops to help so you could wear your contacts again? Hopefully, you can wear your contacts to the party, Carly smiled at me.

Yeah, well, I will be able to wear my contacts. But that’s not going to help how broken out my face is! I pointed out as I reached up to my cheek and touched the small bumps.

Carly quickly glanced over, then back to the road, I can cover that. It’s really not that bad, Abby. And that is why I’m going to come over and help do your makeup for the graduation party tomorrow night. Plus, I know exactly how I want to fix your hair.

Geez! You keep acting like we’re going to the prom or something. It’s just a small party, Carly.

Matt’s parents put up a lot of money for this party, and he invited you!

Matt invited me because of you and Ryan and no other reason! I spoke.

That is so not true! Why would you think that?

Really, Carly, Matt is totally on the rebound! He and Justine just broke up; I know he needed a last-minute date. You and Ryan told Matt to ask me.

Sometimes I don’t know how you can be so oblivious. Carly glanced at me wide-eyed. Matt has been flirting with you since grade school! You never seem to take hints from any guys you have gone out with, Abbs. Not to be mean, but that’s probably why boys never last more than two dates with you. You really should put more effort into showing interest when you go out with someone.

I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. I knew she was right; I just never seemed to have a spark with any of the boys I had gone out with. Maybe I just haven’t found the right person, I spoke.

Well, if you remember, Ryan and I didn’t even really like each other when we first met. But look at us now, two years strong! 

So, um, what time should we leave for graduation tomorrow morning? I cut in, changing the subject. I didn’t want to get Carly started; she has been known to carry on for hours about her boyfriend.

Probably around eight. Is your mom okay with us riding together? Carly eyed my house as the car crawled up the driveway. My parents bought this medium-sized three-bedroom farmhouse and moved here right after I was born. My dad worked for years to refurbish it back to its late eighteen-hundreds glory with white columns and a wrap-around porch. Even the original porch swing hangs there today.

Yes, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I smacked down the lid to the mirror and pushed up the visor.

Oh, and by the way, I also want to plan something for your birthday next week!

Sure, I should talk to my mom, though; it’s like she has suddenly become more overprotective lately. Like she is trying to hold onto that last ounce of parental grip before I turn eighteen or something? I said as I opened the car door.

Weird. Well, I’m sure she is just worried about you going off to college and stuff. I think all parents have the same worries. I’ll text you in the morning.

Yeah, okay, I answered as I closed the car door.

As I got closer, I heard the muffled sounds of Mom and Dad entrenched in a tense conversation. Quietly climbing the porch steps, I peered through the screen door. The sound of my name made me stop, hand poised to turn the handle. But they hadn’t heard me get home. I listened.

Look, Karen, you need to stop this; there’s nothing you can do about it! What are you going to do, lock her up? You’re not going to stop her from turning eighteen. I’m sorry.

Well, I can’t just sit here. There must be something I can do.

Karen, please, I think the woman was crazy. She probably had no idea what she was talking about, and you’re here panicking for no reason, Dad replied, his voice calming.

Todd, how can you say that? After all these years, the manual has always been right, Todd! All of it! I can’t believe you’re standing here calling her crazy!

Yes, but that book says nothing about Abby’s eighteenth birthday. It has been a long time. Are you sure your memory—

Exactly, my mother cut him off with a slow, drawn voice. Everything ends; there is nothing in that book past Abby’s birthday, Todd! She told me it would end! She told me!

What do you suggest we do? You can’t stop time; you must let her be. We don’t know what the future holds. Maybe she’ll move out or run off and get married or something. How do you really know what the meaning is supposed to be?

What were they talking about? I ran their conversation through my head as they spoke... eighteenth birthday, manual, crazy woman, everything ends. What ends? What the heck did I miss? I thought to myself.

Our family’s hefty golden retriever, Tanner, entered the front yard from the side of the house and barreled up the porch steps with his tail wagging. He jumped up, licked my face, and let out a loud, friendly bark.

Hey, Tanner! Down, boy. Well, everyone knew I was home now. I turned to open the screen door. My mother appeared from the kitchen area wearing dark purple scrubs. She had graduated nursing school right before I was born and worked in the maternity ward.

Hey, you’re back! Did you find something to wear? Are you ready for your big day tomorrow? My mother quickly spouted off. Oh, and Grandma called; Aunt Jenny will be driving her and Grandpa to graduation tomorrow. Isn’t that great? She looked at me with a smile that did not meet her eyes. I always thought my mother was pretty. She had the same soft brown eyes as me and the same golden-brown hair.

Yeah, Mom, that’s great, I said, rustling my garment bag around as I walked to the stairs.

Wait; let me see what you bought. She said as she reached toward the bag and pulled it out of my hands. Honey, I’m so sorry that I didn’t go with you to pick out a dress; it’s just they were short at work, and I—

I cut her off, It’s okay, Mom. Don’t worry about it.

Mom pulled up the black plastic bag surrounding my new short black dress. Oh, it’s cute, sweetie; you know a little black dress works for everything, she said as she picked a piece of lint off the dress, her face looking worried.

She glanced at me with a tense smile, Are you hungry? Dad brought home your favorite sausage and pepperoni pizza.

Yes, sounds good! Where are the twins? I asked as I looked around for my siblings, Jeremy and Katie. My mother was told that she’d probably never have any more children after I was born. But, to her surprise, she became pregnant at the age of forty-three. I was seven years old. Through the years, I’ve helped care for and babysit the twins.

Oh, they are upstairs playing video games. You go and have some dinner, and I’ll take your dress up to your room. She took it out of my hands and climbed the stairs.

Hey, princess, did you get all the stuff you needed? Dad asked as he plopped down into his big brown leather recliner, pointing the remote at the large flat screen.

I think so, I said as I walked toward the kitchen.

Good, good. Big day tomorrow, he said, not taking his eyes off his regular television choice, the twenty-four-hour news channel.

After scarfing down a couple of pieces of pizza and a Diet Coke, I made my way upstairs to my bedroom, still painted the light purple color I picked out when I was ten.

I set my cell phone on my white wicker bedside table, changed into my worn-out sweats, brushed my teeth, then crawled into bed and stared up at my ceiling. I could not stop thinking about the conversation I’d overheard. What were they talking about? Why was my mother so concerned about my eighteenth birthday?

I glanced around, confused. Spinning around, I saw I was surrounded by tall, thick pine trees, and I now stood in a small clearing. The sounds of moving water suggested a river was nearby, but I could not see where. Darkness obscured my vision; there were only occasional shimmers of light as the moon broke through the clouds. Across from me, a beautiful woman with long, dark blond hair stepped into the clearing. She eyed a small, black, rounded object nestled in her raised palm. I watched as she stared intently at the device; it flashed, illuminating her face and making muted humming sounds. As she moved her arm to the right, the sounds sped up, and then, back to the left, the sounds slowed again.

I stepped closer. Hello, I whispered. Hello, I said louder as I waved for her attention. She continued to look at the device. My confusion cleared as realization hit. I was only able to watch this; she couldn’t see or hear me. I stepped closer to see her better. Her face had a flat, bland expression. Her deep blue eyes snapped shut, and she gritted her teeth. Tatlena, Tatlena! She blurted out. What language was that?

She reached down and placed her hands on each side of her large belly. She was pregnant. Bending forward, she grimaced. Her face was red and tear-streaked.

Zeptipa, Tatlena, she whimpered as she gazed up at the sky for a silent moment.

Leaning forward with one hand on her belly, she stepped gently over next to a large pine tree and slowly squatted. She focused on the device in her hand again; flashes of blue radiated from it.

She grimaced, grabbing hold of her belly again and dropping the blue flashing object. Leaning into her belly, she sucked in a large breath and let out a piercing scream. She leaned up and grabbed her knees, one in each hand, with gritted teeth and her eyes clamped shut; her tear-stained face turned brighter red as all the veins in her neck popped.

I could feel my heart speeding. I wanted to do something, and I stepped forward.

She looked up at the sky, sucked in a deep breath, and emitted another bloodcurdling scream. I looked down to see blood trickle down her leg. She gathered up her blood-stained dress, took hold of a newborn infant, and pulled it up onto her belly. She took a small yellow blanket and a brown object from a blue bag. Placing the brown object in the infant’s mouth, she pushed a small button making a sucking sound, and the infant cried out. She placed the blanket over the infant nestled on her belly, inhaled deeply, and laid her head back to the ground. I could see the umbilical cord still attached. Her eyes closed.

The glare of flashlights bounced off the trees as the sound of footsteps crunching branches came closer. Two men entered the clearing, and both of their flashlights zeroed in on the woman. The men were wearing fishing vests as if they’d been fishing nearby.

The small, skinny guy stopped in his tracks and gasped at the sight. Look over there, Don! You’re right, it’s a woman.

Is that blood, and a... the large man stopped mid-sentence as he approached the woman.

Did she just have that...? the skinny one said as he pointed down at the woman.

Baby... Don finished the sentence. Yeah, she just had that baby. Run and pull the truck up here as close as you can and get the first aid kit. Miss, miss, it’s going to be okay. I’m a fireman, and I’ll help you. Are you alone out here? The big one, Don, reached down to touch her shoulder as he eyed the woods around him.

Her eyes opened, I was beginning to fear that you would not come. She whispered as she trailed off and shut her eyes again.

A muffled thumping sound startled me to consciousness. I fumbled around, finding my glasses on the bedside table; a balloon had floated toward the ceiling fan, bumping into it as it spun.

Where did that come from? I whispered to myself as I stood up on the bed to reach up and grab it. Sitting down, I leaned over and shoved the balloon under my bed. It’s probably Jeremy’s. He’s always trying to do something silly.

I scooted back under my covers and repositioned my pillow. The digital clock read 4:01 a.m. I pulled my glasses off, turning my room back to a blurry mess, and lay there in silence, only hearing the wisps of the ceiling fan.

What an odd dream. I’ve been watching too much television. All those reality series – I never knew I was pregnant; I had a baby in the elevator kind of stuff. Why would I dream that? I thought.

In the last couple of weeks, my dreams had become very vivid but also very confusing. Some dreams appeared to be in the past, and some I couldn’t place at all. There were faraway places, strange-looking people, and stuff that made absolutely no sense. I’d stared at a sky with several moons and seen oddly shaped buildings. I stopped watching the science fiction channels, secretly thinking I was losing my mind.

I closed my eyes, still groggy and confused.

I looked around to find I stood in a parking garage. I glanced up to see the sliding glass doors in front of me. Above the door, it read Barton Memorial Hospital. I spun around in an attempt to understand what I was doing here. The cars looked as if they dated back at least a decade, probably more. I looked over to see a nurse pushing a woman in a wheelchair through the sliding doors. The woman in the chair held a small infant nestled in a gray baby carrier. It was the blond woman from the forest. Her face looked blank and dazed. She stared down at the infant and smiled as a small tear ran down her cheek.

Shock jolted through me. The nurse who pushed the woman’s wheelchair was my mother. Mom’s face looked younger; her hair was cut into a bob the way she wore it when I was small.

The woman looked up at my mom and pointed to her right. Push me over there, she instructed.

My mother pushed her into a small area to the side of the elevator and stopped.

This isn’t right, I shouldn’t...! my mother looked down at the woman speaking with urgency.

Please, you must trust me; you will never be exposed if you follow my instructions. The woman said in a calm, soft, smooth voice as she turned and took hold of my mother’s hand. My mother squatted beside her.

I don’t even know your real name, my mother whispered as she leaned closer.

That would not be wise; seeing my face even poses a risk. She is yours. There will be no indications otherwise. That is what you must have in your heart. Your family will accept your explanation.

This is crazy. I can’t believe I’m going along with this, my mother said as she stared down at the tiny infant and touched its small hand.

This is your destiny. I took great care to find you. The woman said as she brushed my mother’s cheek.

You don’t even know me.

Oh, but I do. I know much more about you and your future than you know yourself.

I told you I don’t believe in this psychic stuff.

You will in time; the proof is set before you, the woman said, clutching my mother’s hand in hers.

But...

Please, we do not have much time left. The woman reached into her blue satchel and pulled out a small black bag. She pulled a book halfway out. The brown leather book was thick and looked similar to a Bible. You must take great care that this manual is never exposed, even to your friends and family. This will need to be followed, as I informed you. Know the dates. Your husband is the only one who should be aware of this manual’s existence. Keep it safe, very safe. Lock it up in a hidden place.

What if, for some reason, I can’t follow this manual?

You will; you must. Her future depends on this, and not just her future but many more. Read it, and you will understand soon enough that it is real. There is enough money here to help with what is needed. She opened the bag for my mother to peek inside.

Oh, God, I can’t believe I’m doing this!

Please, give this gift to her for high school graduation. She pulled out a small silver box and then placed it back carefully.

A gift for graduation? But... why? Can I see what it is? Mom asked. The woman stared at her for a second, then pulled the box out and placed it into Mom’s hand; she flipped it open. There is at least a carat, maybe two in this. Is this real? Mom inquired as she lightly touched the stone.

Yes, it is real. Please, I need to thank you for all that you have done. Thank you for my clothes, for your generosity. We have approximately five minutes and twenty-eight seconds left before discovery. Your husband has arrived. She pointed across the garage.

I looked over to see my much younger-looking father sitting in the Jeep Cherokee he drove when I was young.

Don’t you want to meet him? My mother said as she closed the box and stuck it back into the bag.

That would be unwise. Karen, I must tell you something. I was not sure I should tell you this, but I have decided it is best. She took my mother’s hands in hers. The manual will end, and a drastic turn of events will happen when her eighteenth birthday arrives. If the manual was followed correctly...Just please follow the manual as I stated.

I’m not sure I understand. What kind of events?

It’s nothing, do not dwell on this. Time is running out; I must go. The woman placed the black bag on my mother’s arm, then stood and handed my mother the baby carrier. She then bent down and kissed the baby on the forehead. Tatlena, zee ol an ve, I love you.

Where are you going to go? Mom asked the woman.

Please do not be concerned for me; I will be fine. Keep focused on her. Go home, take pictures, and celebrate. Now, you must go; time is narrowing. Please... go now.

My eyes flung open as my phone vibrated. I patted around the table to find my glasses and fumbled them onto my face. A text message from Carly: "r u awake?" I looked over and saw it was now six thirty-two.

I sat up and looked around the room. Why am I having these crazy dreams? It all looked so real. I’ve heard you try to work out your issues in life when you dream. So, what was the meaning of this? Could I be dreaming of the past? Is that possible?

My phone buzzed with another text from Carly: "helloooo!" I quickly texted her back: "Yes, awake."

I knew my baby book had tons of pictures in it. I stood up and peeked outside my door. The house was quiet; no one was up yet. I silently made my way down the stairs to the cabinet in the living room, where my mother kept the photo albums. I spotted my baby keepsake book and quickly took it back upstairs. Sitting on my bed, I stared at the white and pink book with a picture of a bunny on the front. This is crazy! What do I think I’m going to find? I flipped open to the pictures from the hospital when I was born.

There were some pictures of me in one of those clear plastic hospital bassinet things. Another was a picture of my mom in her hospital bed, holding me wrapped in a white blanket. Staring at the old photo, my mother looked the same as in the dream I had just had. Her hairstyle was the same; she wore a hospital gown, and her wrist had a hospital band. This is silly. What am I doing?

Abby, you awake? Mom called out as she lightly knocked on my door.

Yes, Mom, I said as I scrambled to hide the baby book under my pillow. Come in.

My mom slowly opened the door. Oh, hey, do you have a minute? I have something for you. Dad and I wanted to give you your graduation gift.

Now?

Well, yes, it is a little, well, extravagant, so Dad and I figured it would be better to give it to you now. She pulled something from her robe pocket.

Reaching out, she handed me the bright, shiny silver box from my dream.

TWO

This was too much of a coincidence.

Composing myself, I vowed to figure out what it meant as I took the box from my mother’s hand and slowly opened it. Nestled inside was a large solitaire diamond in a silver setting and attached to a long silver chain.

Would you like me to help you put it on? Mom asked as she reached her hand out toward the necklace.

Sure.

She stood behind me and fastened the necklace in place. It hung very low on my chest.

We might need to get it adjusted, my mother suggested as she looked down at the diamond.

Yes, probably. No one will ever see it hanging around in my bra, I said and laughed. I love it. Thank you.

You’re welcome. Now, you should get ready. Carly will be here soon.

Carly and I arrived early with the rest of our classmates to prepare for graduation. The ceremony was long and tedious. The gym seemed extra warm, and I sweltered under my graduation gown. After the ceremony, my family and I went out for a long graduation lunch, where I was happy to see my grandparents. I hardly ever sat to visit with them, but it seemed as if I sat in one spot watching them sip coffee for hours. I loved them and all, but I just felt impatient and excited about the party that night. I was relieved when lunch was finally over.

I sat on a small folding chair in my bathroom and stared at myself in the mirror.

Alright, what do you think? Carly questioned as she gave one last pump on the hairspray bottle.

I looked at my big hair, bright red lipstick, and heavy eye makeup. I look like a hooker!

You do not! I think I did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. You look really hot! she retorted as she prepped herself in the mirror and put more lipstick on. Anyway, I heard there might be a few college boys there, you know?

Yeah, whatever, Carly. Hollywood Boulevard, here I come. I think I should bring clothes to change into for later.

Carly’s phone started vibrating, distracting her with a text: we are here r u ready? I swiftly stuffed a change of clothes into a large, oversized purse as Carly texted back, then followed her out the door.

Girls, Matt and Ryan are here, Mom called from downstairs.

My mother was letting Matt and Ryan in when we entered the living room.

Please... all of you be careful, my mom said as she looked at me and gave me a quick hug. She then reached down and took both of my hands in hers. Now, I’m letting you stay out past your curfew. You must be very cautious driving home so late.

Mom, we’ll be fine.

Don’t worry, Mrs. Bowers, I’ll take care of Abby for you, Matt reassured her, winking at me.

There’s no doubt Matt could take care of me. Around eighth grade, Matt grew like a bean sprout. He was the tallest boy in class, towering over everyone at skinny six-and-half feet. Then, in junior year, he returned to school looking like he’d been hitting the weights daily over the summer. The girls went crazy for him. All the sports coaches were after him. He only seemed to be interested in wrestling, but he was kicked off the team shortly after. Someone told me he had hurt an opponent on purpose, badly enough to have him hospitalized. I’m sure that the whole situation was exaggerated.

All of our parents had been friends forever. We were like brother and sister, so even though I could see that his dark hair, blue eyes, and straight jaw made him good-looking, I’ve just never felt that spark. We even made out at a party once, but it just wasn’t there. Although occasionally, I feel he doesn’t see things quite the same way.

Alright then, have a good time... oh, and Abby, please call if—

Mom, I interrupted, I know. We need to get going now, I said as I looked at Carly and Ryan standing in the hallway with anxious-looking stares.

We stepped outside, and I gasped when I saw the car Matt was driving.

You like it? Matt asked. It’s a BMW 750i.

This isn’t your car, is it? I said, staring at the shiny new black BMW in my driveway. I wondered if this could possibly be a graduation present.

"Naw, it’s my dad’s new car. He is letting me drive it tonight so we could all fit. Plus, it’s