The Rising Moon Read Online Free PDF Page A

night sky and the full moon. It was evident in their choice of paintings and decor throughout the house.
    The hard wood floor squeaked as I walked up to the marble fireplace to wait for Emi. Portrait paintings of the Ulric family covered the burgundy walls of the room. The painting that stood over the mantle was a portrait of the current family. The Ulric children well dressed with an enchanting moonlit forest backdrop. Emi was a baby in the portrait. She looked so delicate surrounded by her seven brothers and father.
    "It’s been a long time, Angelia." Ramira flashed a big smile as Emi rolled her in on her wheelchair. She was the only one on the ranch who called me by my real name. I didn’t mind it much. I liked how she pronounced it with her slight Spanish accent.
    I gave her a hug. Her white long hair hung loose over her left shoulder. She wore a black velvet dress with gold buttons and around her neck hung a gold-chained necklace with a large circle pendant. The pendant had a large pearl in the middle, surrounded by seven crescent designs. She always dressed in fine clothing, even though she seldom left the house.
    "I’m sorry for not stopping by and visit sooner," I said.
    "No need to apologize dear, I’m just glad you’re here,” she replied in her usual sweet voice. “Emi, go and fix me a cup of tea while I chat with Angelia," Ramira waved her feeble arm at her. It was amazing how she could tell where you were standing even though she couldn’t see. She pointed to the furniture, “sit down child, I’m not going to bite.”
    “ Thank you,” I said as I shyly sat on a black armchair.
    “ So, how are you and John doing these days?”
    "We’re doing fine," I figured I could get away with keeping Johns drinking problem from her since her ability of reading people's mind did not include me.
    “ That’s great. You know you can always count on us for anything.”
    “ Thank you, ma’am.”
    Emi walked in carrying a silver tray. She placed it on the mahogany coffee table. “Here you go, grandma," Emi said handing her a cup filled with tea.
    "I hope you didn’t forget to bring Angelia something to drink as well,” Ramira said holding the hot cup of tea in her hand.
    "No grandma. I didn’t forget. This one’s for you," she said handing me a tall glass of iced tea. "Grandma, have you heard from Fenix yet?" Emi asked. "My birthday’s in two weeks and I want to make sure he’ll be back in time for my party. We’ve been planning this party for over a year now and it will suck if he doesn’t make it.”
    Ramira leaned closer and placed her thin hand on Emi‘s lap, "honey, you know he won't miss it for anything in the world."
    Fenix was Emi's eldest brother. After their father died, he took over all the Ulric’s businesses and stood in as her father figure but he was hardly ever around.
    He was a very tall handsome man, with skin the color of mocha. His salt and pepper hair was short and wavy. He had his grandmothers’ high cheekbones and broad nose. He was always serious and very stern around everyone on the ranch. All the workers were usually on their best behavior whenever he was around. No one wanted to be the unlucky one to cross his path on a bad day. Emi was the only person who knew how to soften him up. Around her, he was sweet and gentle. Emi was the only girl and baby in the family after all and she usually knew how to control her brothers to do as she wanted.
    "Lia, you better come to my birthday party," she warned. "This year, we won’t let you worm your way out of it, right grandma?” She placed the empty tea cup on the table.
    “ She’s right dear. The fifteenth birthday party is a special tradition in our family. It would be an insult if you didn’t celebrate Emi’s quienceañera with us.” Ramira said. I looked over at Emi, who had a big grin on her face.
    “ Hey! You can even bring Ryan,” she blurted.
    I coughed up some tea and cleared my throat, as I threatened Emi with a warning