Chapter One: Looking For a Paradise

The lights of the Jeffersonian had gone out just a few minutes ago , the Limbo was the only illuminated room besides the platform , inside a sparkling lamp was lighting up the skull resting on top of the table. Near to it the soft sigh that came out from Brennan’s mouth , could tell that she hadn’t made any progress on their recent case.

“Nothing?” A shadow appeared from nowhere.

“No , I’ve been looking for hours and there’s no sign that attaches this to our suspects” Brennan looked down , she was exhausted and still the case was going nowhere.

“Sweetie , you need to rest, go home , just relax and..” Angela looked into her best friend blue eyes , there was sorrow and a bit of sadness “You’re worried about him?”

“I can’t stop thinking about it Ange, this kid was 16 years old , and was murdered , what kind of person can do that?” Looking back at the table Brennan closed her eyes and let her feeling vanish “It’s foolish anyway , this is not helping the case”

“Brennan listen to me” Angela stepped a little bit closer “You have someone to worry about , it’s not foolish , you care about him , he’s your family” Her words echoed in the empty room , but made more than that inside Brennan’s mind “ Go home , spend some time with him , we’ll start all over again tomorrow”

Before any more words were said , Brennan’s cell phone beeped inside her lab’s coat “Thank you, Ange” she said smiling after reading the message “You’re right , we’ll find something tomorrow” Brennan closed her cell phone reviewing the message she just received in her mind

I’m already at home. Where are you? Are you okay? It’s late Aunt Tempe , just call me when you’re coming. Love , Blaine.

Six Years Ago

“I don’t think I have time this week” The young woman answered a little impatient “ My job is important and I can’t just leave like that”

Samantha  Nicolson had been assigned this case just a month ago , the kid that was involved was only ten years old , it didn’t seem that complicated , but dealing with Dr.Temperance Brennan , had been harder that she thought . “Please Doctor Brennan is urgent for me to see you , I promise you , our meeting won’t steal much of your time “

Brennan had just turned thirty that month, her life was so busy that she didn’t took the time to celebrate it. If it wasn’t for Booth who had shown up at her door with a little cake , she wouldn’t have done anything at all.

“Fine , I’ll be there in an hour.”This better be important , Brennan thought.

Later that afternoon , Brennan pulled the ignition of her car off , and opened the door , checking a message from his partner wishing her luck , Brennan left the car with an umbrella to cover her from the raindrops falling softly over Washington , in front of her eyes , a big grey building was standing , with just one big door , and hundreds of windows , the National House for Children, was the biggest orphanage on Washington. Brennan cheeked the direction for a second time now , she was exactly in the right place.

“Dr. Brennan , I’m so glad to see you here” The same voice she had heard millions of time trough the phone received her at the door “ I thought you wouldn’t make it” Brennan didn’t say a word and closed her umbrella.”Follow me, please”

“Where are we going?”She pronounced her first words since her arrival , her high heels hitting the wooden floor , while both woman passed trough a long hallway.

“I need to show you something , but in private , it’s very important for you to see it”

“And what is it?”Brennan asked getting a little impatient .

“Just a minute , I’ll show you in a minute “ The blond woman guided Brennan trough another door , inside a big room where a desk was resting beside a chimney “Please take a seat”

Samanta took two glasses and filled them with water , put one in the desk for Brennan , and kept the other on her hand , besides Brennan’s glass there was an envelope .”Dr. Brennan , this letter was given to us a week ago , it’s for you. The police told us that it was urgent for you to read it”

Brennan looked confused at the white envelope resting in the desk, then softly took out the white sheet and started reading.

Hello Temperance,

It’s been a while , I know, and I’m sorry you’re reading this , but I need you as a friend now , when I was younger I always promised myself that if I ever had children I would protect them with my life, maybe God decided that it was time for me to leave , and that’s why you’re reading this , you’re the only person I trust and the only one I would trust my most important treasure. Please just don’t get upset, maybe for you this will sound crazy , but just try to understand me , I couldn’t leave him on his own , he needs a family , he needs a friend , he needs you ,you were my family , now please , be his.

Courage,

Lilly.

“What is this?” Brennan was about to explode with anger, she needed answers , and she needed them now. Lilly Torres had been her best friends for years , she had supported Brennan ,and understand her, she never judged her , since Foster Care , Lilly had been like a big sister for Brennan,  but why was she reading this ? “        What is this?!”Brennan shouted.

“Dr. Brennan , after we received the letter , I talked to the police , apparently , Ms. Torres , had a car accident, on her way home a truck hit her car and she died”

“Lilly is dead?” Brennan’s voice was breaking , and a deep pain began filling her body .

“Yes. I’m sorry. Bur there’s more , Ms. Torres trusted you something and it’s our job to bring it to you”

“What is it?”

“ It’s not an it” Samantha left her chair and reached the door “Blaine?” She called , her voice just echoed in the long hallway .No Answer. She went back to the room and looked at Brennan who had the same confused expression “He was supposed to be here, I don’t know where he went…”

“Listen Ms. Nicolson, I have to go , you can call me later “ Brennan took her purse and buttoned her coat “I will do anything you need , but I need to go now”

“I’m sorry Dr. Brennan .Thank you for your time , I’ll be calling these days” Samantha  wasn’t sure if she had made any progress with her , but this meeting hasn’t been successful and she was sure about it.

Brennan was about to leave the building , she was sad, and looking at all the kids inside those big rooms , alone, made her remember her childhood , going from one house to another ,with different people , but never a family. Feeling overwhelmed by the feeling she took a moment to feel the raindrops fall over her body , to breath the fresh air that was running outside .

“This is a nice place , isn’t it?” the question startled her. Just beside her a small boy was staring at her , his clothes were wet, just like his curls. “I always come here to think , or sing” He sat on the grass “Did you know that music is the language of the soul? My mom always used to say that to me.” Brennan stood there, just looking at him, both starting to shiver from the cold. ”You don’t speak much , don’t you?”

Brennan smiled “And you speak too much”

The young boy extended his arm to grab Brennan’s hand “ My name is Blaine Anderson”

He needs you ,you were my family , now please , be his. “ Nice to meet you Blaine” Both were feeling alone at that moment ,maybe Brennan didn’t believe in faith , but definitely , they found each other for a reason. And she was willing to find out why.