The Heart Made of Secrets

Chapter 1: Samantha

My name is Samantha Valdez. I was born on October 3, 1330. My parents were good people. I do not know anything about my grandparents because my parents did not talk about them very much. I never questioned my parents about my grandparents. I have a sister named Sara and a brother named Henry. My family is really close, but we have to go through some hard times. I have been in love with a boy named Matthew Romanov. Matthew has a cousin named Nicholas, but Nicholas lived in England. We live in Italy. I want to marry Matthew when I turn eighteen. The black death killed my parents. Sara, Henry, and I went to live with foster parents. Our foster parents' names were George and Sally Wilson. Matthew visits a lot. George and Sally allow Matthew to visit. George and Sally did not have any children. Matthew came to visit me. “Hello Samantha, How are you doing?” Matthew asks. “I am doing good,” I answered. “How are you doing?” I ask. “I am doing good. I just miss you,” Matthew replied. “I miss you too,” I replied. “I got a gift for you,” Matthew replied. “What is it?” I ask. Matthew got a beautiful diamond ring out. I could not believe how beautiful the ring was. “Samantha, I love you and I always have. I was wondering when we turn eighteen will you marry me?” Matthew asks. “Yes, I will,” I replied happily. Matthew puts the ring on my finger. I was so happy. Matthew and I rush to see Sara and Henry. We told them we were getting married when we turned eighteen years old. Sara and Henry were happy for Matthew and me. The next day I was picking some flowers when I saw a handsome man looking at me. I asked who he was, but he disappeared. I was wondering who that man was, but I try not to worry about it. I did not tell Matthew or anyone else about the man. Matthew was working so he can have enough money when we get married. Sara was hoping she could get married when she was eighteen years old. The Wilson’s were trying to find a husband for Sara. They already found a wife for Henry. The woman Henry was going to marry was Claudia Wilson. Claudia was the niece of George and Sally Wilson. Matthew’s parents invited me to a party. Matthew’s mom got me a dress to wear to the party. Matthew’s parents were very rich people. A lot of people came to the party. I saw Nicholas and his girlfriend Crystal. Crystal was very beautiful. Sara was hoping that a boy would ask her to dance, but no one did. I felt bad for my sister. I did tell Sara that she was young and once she was older, she would have a lot of boys chasing after her. Matthew walks me home. I saw the same man looking at us. I did not know what that man wanted. I just ignored him. Matthew kisses me goodnight. I told Sara about the man I saw in the garden. I told her that I think that man is following me, but I did not know why. “Have you told George and Sally?” Sara asks. “No, I do not think they will believe me,” I explained. “You need to tell Matthew,” Sara suggests.