THE CHAMELEON Read Online Free Page A

she turned to sit down beside him.
    Today was a joyous day for so many of the children who were blessed to go to new homes, yet heartbreaking for others who were not chosen. Stephanous was one of those children not picked, and she could not understand why he was always passed over. His small face turned up to look at her, while his eyes—God, those eyes, so much older than five years—brimmed with tears. She placed her arm around his tiny shoulders to pull him in close to her side. She knew the other nuns didn’t like it when she showed affection, but how could you not with the little ones.
    “What is it, Stephanous?” she whispered as he leaned into her. “What is it that is causing you so much turmoil?” It took a moment for Stephanous, but he did eventually speak. His question, filled with anguish, caused her own heart to constrict.
    “Have I done something wrong to make God hate me, Sister Katherine?”
     
    Expertly, Stephan pulled the Range Rover through the massive gates, leading to the mansion where Sakis and Cassie lived in Chestnut Hill, one of the most prominent villages in Newton, Massachusetts. As he shut the engine off, he stared at the palatial structure. He never cared for the house, until recently when Cassie moved in. Before, the house represented a generic showcase building, but now, it felt warm and welcoming, like a true home should be.
    Always punctual, Stephan walked through the front door without knocking, nodding at the guard in the corner. Stephan wondered whether anyone even saw him anymore. He knew what it felt like to blend into the background. Sometimes, it was a lonely job, for sure. His senses were immediately assaulted by the many scents of Maria’s cooking and he could feel his mouth salivate. He headed directly toward the kitchen, suspecting that everyone would be congregating there as a voice reached out to him.
    “Always on time. One of your many gifts, Stephan.”
    Grinning, Stephan swung around and took in the figure gracefully stepping down the staircase. Cassie looked incredible, as always. Her cream-colored pants and white top were casual yet elegant. She was brave to wear white with the squirming, lollipop holding, two-year-old hanging from her slender hip. Stephan saw the tiny belly bump for the first time. Remembering that she was with child, he rushed to her side, grabbed the tiny girl, swung her high up into the air and then quickly back down, and then back up like a rollercoaster amid squeals of delight.
    Tiny arms wrapped around his neck in a choking hug.
    “Uncle! I missed you…you come to eat?”
    After a quick kiss to the plump cheek, he laughed. “I have come to eat! Did you help Maria cook today, little Miss Rose?”
    Nodding her head happily, she grasped his face in her two sticky lollipop hands and pressed her face close to his. He prayed that the dripping sugary circle would not get pressed into his hair as she clutched him. Sparkling ice-blue eyes, just like her mother’s, stared deep into his. “We made it with extra love, ’cause Maria said that would taste the best.” Giving him a quick, sticky peck on the cheek, she squirmed to get down. “Gotta find Daddy now!”
    Two pairs of eyes watched with amusement as the toddler ran off.
    “I am glad you came, Stephan.” Cassie’s soft voice now came directly next to him. Looking down at her as she looked up, Stephan’s face softened even more. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he hugged her to him; she wrapped an arm around his waist as they walked toward the kitchen.
    “Well, I heard that if I didn’t show up, I would be putting my health into question.” He smiled as Cassie laughed.
    At one time, Stephan had thought that he was in love with Sakis’s wife. He was so glad that he never really acted on what he assumed were strong feelings for her. He had come to realize that Cassie was easy to like, with her affable nature, sometimes vicious honesty, and directness. But she was all Sakis’s,