With the wind caressing my body and soul, I hummed my favorite song- "Show me the meaning of being lonely" by Backstreet Boys. We drove in comfortable silence. Chris knew I needed this quiet time, to sort out things in my head. Before I could really start enjoying the trip. 
    
       Turning on the radio, I found Sam Hunt's rich, baritone, country voice singing "Take your time". Perfect song to a perfect day. I love Sam Hunt's voice. He's one of those amazing country singers who know their music very well.

        A couple of hundred miles and soon I came into the spirit of the journey. And then, they happened...

       At first glance, I thought they were teens who had run away from home, just for the sake of adventure and drove on, having no second thoughts.

"How would you feel, if it was you on this long road, with no one to help you, Mike?? Chris quietly said, sensing my thoughts.

"God knows what these kids have been through, to be here on this lonely highway. No one in their right senses would leave their young ones' alone."

           Rushing to them, on closer look, found them huddled in a single blanket, exhausted with a myriad of emotions playing across their innocent faces.

"Hey there. What are you doing here all alone? Where's your mom?" We asked.

Gentle prodding revealed them to be siblings-Diana(13 yrs) and Gabriel Wilson(11yrs).

         Diana and Gabriel had a loving home with parents who loved each other but argued like anything. One day, things escalated quickly between their parents to the point of no return. Their father left, never to return. 

          With the onus of the house and kids on their mother, she worked long hours, often working in double shifts to pay for rent and food... Working double shifts took a big toll on her health, and she had to choose between job and kids.

          And one day she dropped them here, ..promising to be back after she refilled gas. That was two days ago. She never returned...

         We were stuck in a dilemma- To take these two kids with us, would mean cutting short our trip and if we left them, God knows what would happen. And looking at their condition, survival was bleak. They had already lost the mental battle and we were sure body would follow soon. They didn't deserve this to happen to them.

        So we did what was the best idea - took them on board, stopping at the nearest lodge for food and rest. A bit of Christmas shopping for them and we were good to resume our road trip together.. A wonderful Christmas under the stars... Ah, I had never envisioned my Christmas Eve to be so fulfilling... It's like filling a void in your heart.

          Remembering to call my parents, I brought them quickly up to date with the situation and the events that followed. To say they were happy was an understatement. They were there for me, and wholeheartedly supported any decision I would take. It was my call after all.

            I've always wanted siblings. And Diana and Gabriel Wilson were just perfect. It seems that they were Heaven sent.

           "A new beginning.. A reason for living, a deeper meaning in the air.. I want to stand with you on the mountains.." - lyrics of Savage Garden resonated through my mind.

        I had found my New Beginning.

          
A/N:- This is my first book and I'd really appreciate you would like, vote, comment and share. I'd love to hear your thoughts!:)

Cheers, Nabeela =]