Define a Hero Sample

Today isn't sample Sunday. Though I'm almost done with Beneath the Scars 3, the last one in the trilogy and I'm kind of excited about the story. Wattpad isn't working so I decided to share the sample on my blog first. It isn't completely spoilers for the second one because each Beneath the Scars is about a different guy in Riley Nolan's troop. So they are connected, but separate. I hope that you enjoy the first TWO chapters of Beneath the Scars 3, Define a Hero.

1

Lucas

Shades of reds, oranges, and yellows blinded me. I shot up in bed, my heavy breathing filled my bedroom. Darkness. I wasn’t near any explosions. My hands ran over my face and through my hair. Actual brown strands tangled in my fingers. Years of a closely shaven head I felt shaggy. Taking a deep breath, paused, and let it out slowly. I repeated that pattern until I was breathing regularly. Was I ever going to escape the nightmares?

Using my leg to kick off the sheets as I felt trapped suddenly. When the fabric was moved my heart sank. There it was, the sub where my one leg had once been. The true nightmare that was never going to end. Leaning forward my hand ran over the knob that had been my left leg. My fingers were shaking. The phantom nerves played tricks on me as I could almost feel the leg. My heart pounded against my chest once again. I yelled out as I grabbed my remote and threw it against the wall. I did what I was supposed to do, why did this happen to me?

2

Sonja

Placing my freshly made copies in the plastic drawers behind my desk. A small smile grew on my face. I had my plans done for the first two weeks, copies done for the first, week and all my students’ desks were labeled with polka dotted name tags. The teacher across the hall popped into my doorframe. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt with the schools logo on the top.

“Good morning.”

I turned to see Mrs. Vanyi, the teacher across the hall. Her big purse was over one shoulder a large cup of coffee in the other hand.

“Good morning,” I grinned and fixed my college t-shirt.

“So, the masses start tomorrow. Are you excited?”

“I am, but also nervous.”

She laughed. “That’s normal.”

“I’d hope so,” I yawned.

“Tired?”

“Yeah, I was working on the lessons last night.”

And texting my ex-boyfriend.

“Just don’t let the kids notice or they’ll pounce on you. Also try to remember we are all on a team, we share materials so don’t feel bad for using what we give you.”

I laughed. “I know.”

I fixed my headband and looked at the clock. Today was going to be a half work day then the rest of the day was ours. Tomorrow the students would be starting and the school year will begin.

“What do you have left to do?”

I spun slowly around my room then stopped at her.

“I feel like I’m forgetting something, but I think I’m ready.”

“Well, I’m working a few things paperwork wise in my room. If you need anything call out to me.”

“Will do.”

She waved at me and I wandered back to my desk. I turned my music on a little louder. I grabbed my marker and started to write my student names on each agenda book to place on their desks. Smiling I hummed to the music and my phone vibrated. I looked up then over to my phone. I chewed the inside of my cheek. I opened up the text message from Sawyer.

Hey Babe

I smiled.

Good morning. What you up to?

Just waking up still in bed

I glanced up at the clock, it was eleven thirty. I sipped some of my water.

How about you?

I totally told him last night that I was working. However, he didn’t have the best memory.

I’m at work but leaving in thirty minutes.

Great maybe we can hang after dinner tonight.

I smiled and I let out a sigh. I had to help cook dinner with my parents. He knew this.

That should be good, I can be ready around 7.

Great

I looked up at the clock. It was time to go. Grabbing my phone and water I draped my purse over my shoulder. Getting up I turned my lights off, taking one last glance at my room before leaving. As I headed down the hall I peeked into Vanyi’s room. She was picking up her purse.

“See you tomorrow!”

She grinned at me. “See you tomorrow! Try to get one last good night’s rest.”

I laughed and made my way down the hall. Other teachers were starting to file out. I signed out in the office and said my goodbyes to the women in the office. As I walked out I felt the warm sun on my face. I grabbed my sunglasses out of the side pocket of my purse. I smiled. I could live in this warm weather forever. I was half tempted to look at schools in another state just to have the better weather. I couldn’t bring myself to leave everyone though.

There sat the white car that got me through high school and college. I loved that car. My friends in high school had a couple road trips. A stain in the backseat from one of the times I babysat one of my cousins. When I got the car I said I would drive it into the ground, and I was eating my words. I figured once I was able to save enough money to get into a place of my own the next thing I would worry about was a new car. I just had to make sure my car lived that long.

Turning it on it took a couple turns to get it to chug on then rolled down my windows. I had a forty minute ride home. After college I was happy I got a job less than an hour away from home. Especially hearing my friends that had already graduated before me were talking about how hard it was to get a job. As I backed out I watched my coworkers stroll out of the school building in clusters. I backed up and pulled out of the parking lot. My fingers rolled and tapped the steering wheel as I drove. At the light a song from high school came on. I smiled and turned it up. The light turned green and I hit the gas.

I started to belt out the words real loud. At the next light I made eye contact with the driver next to me. He raised an eyebrow at me before slowly turned to face forward. My cheeks warmed and turned the music down a couple of notches. When the light turned green the guy sped ahead and I was happy a few feet away I was able to veer right and got onto the highway. As I sped up to merge into the light traffic. With one hand on the wheel I used the other to roll up my windows as the high speeds created the waves of sounds vibrating my eardrums.

I weaved in and out of traffic as I was ready to go home. To enjoy the last bit of freedom before the school year started. Not that I wasn’t excited for my first year of teaching. Only two exists to go and I shifted in the seat. I sped up a little faster and nearly squealed as I turned to get off the highway. Getting off the ramp the town that I had lived in my whole life surrounded me. One light and a few turns then I would be in the neighborhood that I grew up in. The rest of the way was done in a blur. A couple of kids were running through a sprinkler at the front of the neighborhood.

Waving I drove by them. One of the women down the street passed me as she was walking her Golden Retriever, but the dog was pulling and I wondered who was really walking who. My parents’ house was at the end of the cul-de-sac. Their house was in the middle at the circle almost welcoming everyone as my mom’s flowers popped against the brick front of their house. Parking off to the side of the driveway I turned it off. I grabbed my bag and got out. Walking up the driveway the bright sun poked through the tall trees. As I made my way up the sidewalk, passing my mom’s purple and blue hydreas bushes.

My key was already in my hand and I turned the lock to make my way in. the house was quiet. I kicked my shoes off and nudged them off to the side with my foot. Then I climbed the stairs, skipping a few as I went up. Once I was in my room my smile dimmed. There stood my laundry basket, clothes were piled nearly a foot above the room. I was wearing the last clean pair of panties. If it wasn’t my last pair there might be one left. I guess my last day of freedom was going to be done with adulating…yay laundry.

I sighed and turned to look at my dresser. I grabbed my hair tie. I twisted my dark brown hair until I had a bun on the top of my head. My once loose dark brown hair was now in a tower, a few strands poked out. With any luck my hair would be in nice loose curls for when I went to hang out with Sawyer tonight. Glancing in the mirror I thought I’d maybe touch up my make up too before I left, well once a time was actually in stone. I took my phone out of my bag before dropping the bag on the ground. My whole face scrunched, still nothing from him.

Tipping over my laundry bin I started to sort all the materials. There were three piles, whites, colors, and darks. I couldn’t afford to turn my whites pink. My luck would be meeting a parent after dying my whites pink, what parent would that would be professional? Shaking my head I picked up one of the piles and carried it down the stairs. Using my elbow I flipped open the washing machine then dumped the materials into the deep drum. Pouring in the detergent and fabric softener I knew that it was going to be a lame ending of my freedom.

Once the start button was pushed I went back up to my room to wait to switch the loads. When I was back in my room I plopped down on my bed and picked up my phone. I played around online for a bit then got bored. Finally I clicked on Kensi’s text message on my phone.

I’m bored, entertain me.

Grabbing the remote I turned on the TV and started flipping the channels hoping that something would be on during the day. Over the summer I watched my fair share of daytime TV. It was also kind of scary how easily trapped I got with the shows, mindless, but amusing. My phone went off and I saw Kensi’s name lighting up my screen.

Isn’t that my line?

I smiled and slouched against my headboard. I paused for a second and my fingertips started to tap on the screen keyboard.

How does it feel?

You don’t have my flair

I snickered. I didn’t and I wish I had.

Worth a shot. What are you up to?

Ready to pull out my hair, apartment shopping. Rent is crazy, I’m about to ask if they want some blood when we sign

I literally laughed out loud. The poor person showing her apartments.

You still want to rent then?

I’m starting to see why Reed suggested on buying a house…

I raised an eyebrow.

You want to buy a house now?

I didn’t say that and you’re not getting me to say that in writing

Smirking my stomach still dropped. Then I looked around my room. It had a couple posters of countries that I wanted to visit. There was Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Big Ben, Tagma hall, and castles in Scotland in addition to Germany. My sheets and curtains were still a lavender color that I picked when I was twelve. She was ready to move out with her boyfriend.

My luck would be he see that I texted you about a house and go buy one behind my back then hide a ring in there.

I chuckled when she responded to herself.

Would that be a bad thing?

That’s a lot all at once, I want to make sure we can travel together first without me shoving his corpse in a hotel garbage shoot

There’s something wrong with you if that’s where your mind goes

There’s a whole lot wrong with me, where do you want to start?

The washing machine dinged. Groaning I took my time getting up and rolled out of bed. Picking up the next pile I had to bend back down to grab a panty that had dropped. I could not wait to get my own place. Once in the laundry room I dropped the clothes in my arms onto the ground. Then I put the clothes into the dryer that were in the washing machine. After that I put the clothes into the washing machine. The rest of the afternoon I finished up the laundry then started dinner. My mom left out some easy chicken dish recipe that she had gotten from the neighbor and wanted to try.

I put everything together and had it in a pan in the oven when my dad came home first. I was sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop open. He had his computer bag draped over his shoulder. His glasses were perched on his nose. His once dark hair was starting to be sprinkled with salt. He turned around to face me as he came in through the garage.

“Hey, how was your day?” he asked as he placed his bag in the doorway of the kitchen.

He placed his hand on the wall as he kicked off his shoes into the living room.

“Good, I think I got everything ready for the first week.”

He nodded and walked over to the oven. He opened the door then closed it again. He wandered around the kitchen until he had a can of soda and sat at the table with me.

“It feels like not that long ago you were coming home from school and doing your homework at this very table. Now you’ll be the one assigning the homework.”

I smiled. “I know, it’s a little surreal. However, I can’t wait to meet the students that I’ll be working with for this year.”

He took a sip of his drink and put it down. The tier for dinner went off. He got up and pulled the pan out. That was when mom walked through the garage door. Her hair was tied back in a bun, a pencil was sticking out of the side of it.

“I have great timing,” she giggled.

She dumped her pile of papers onto the counter. The papers topped over and spread across the stone top. She pecked my dad on the cheek and went around him to grabbed four plates. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Mom, we only need three.”

She looked down at the ceramic plates in her grasp. She shook her head.

“That’s right. A week later and I’m still grabbing a plate for your sister.”

“She’s only at school, she’s will come back.”

My mom put one plate back. Dad took the plates from her and dished out the food. I put my laptop on the counter and took a plate from them. The three of us sat at the table and started to eat.

“I hope that she is having a good dinner.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Audrey is at college, not in the slums.”

My mom huffed. I resisted from rolling my eyes.

“I just hope she’s eating a well-rounded meal.”

“She tried eating ice cream for dinner while she lived here, I can only imagine what she’s doing when you’re not around.”

My mom narrowed her eyes. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

I took another bite of food.

“What’s your plan for tonight?” my dad questioned.

I shrugged. “Finish my laundry and take it from there. After all tomorrow is the first day of school.”

The rest of dinner was pretty quiet. Mom talked about her day at the office. Dad talked a little about the finance meeting he had after lunch. I finished and went upstairs to finish folding my laundry. Everything was folded and put away. The clock kept going on, but I didn’t get a text from Sawyer. I kept clicking my phone to see if I made a mistake and missed it. Finally it was time for bed. I sighed and crawled into bed. I guess he got caught up with something and couldn’t hangout after all. I pulled the sheets back and got comfortable. Tomorrow was going to be a brand new day.

My nerves were fully alert and my heart was pounding. I was pretty sure even though I put deodorant on when I left the house I needed to reapply. I took a deep breath. As I let it out slowly I shook my hands. My eyes scanned the room. I had everything done. I knew I was ready for these kids. The bell rang and I went to stand by my door. The hall was still empty. Then it started to fill up with elementary age students getting off the bus. Kids started to go into the other fourth grade classrooms. I felt like a kid again waiting to get picked for a team in gym.

Finally a little boy who was gripping the straps of his blue book bag walked up to me. He had dirty blond hair, olive skin, and dark eyes.

“Good morning,” I greeted him.

“If you say so.”

He went passed me and towards the room. His eyes went from desk to desk before he settled on one closer to the window. He unpacked his stuff, and put his bag into his cubie. More students started to file in. I shook each one hands. They all smiled at me. My eyes kept going back to the one on the other side of the room with his back turned to me.

Sample Sunday ~ Call for Help

Good Morning,
I know we got an extra hour of sleep last night, bu am I the only one who feels like they didn't? Anyway, I'd been good except yesterday for my NaNoWri story until yesterday. However, I cleaned the house and had date night with the boyfriend. A good night out which I needed after being locked up last weekend from being sick. That and Thor was amazing! I would highly recommend it. It was different than the others, but I enjoyed it.

Now, I know that you aren't reading this post because you want to hear how awesome Thor was. I have been working on Call for Help (Beneath the Scars 2). I started a sequel years ago, but how it was going I didn't like the direction. I thought it was too depressing, the characters were all over the place. The connection wasn't right. I put the story on the back burner. Last year I thought of a different direction, different set up. The last couple of months I outlined more of the story. This time I'm tired of just talking about the sequel and decided to use NaNoWriMo as the push I needed to get the word count up. To really light a fire under my butt. I am at the nearly 10k words mark! Yay!

Happy Sunday, this is Chapter 1 AND 2!!!

1

Jack

I was standing surrounded by fog. It was so foggy that I was having trouble seeing my hand in front of me. I started to wander around aimlessly. There was flapping of wings of a bird flew over my head and as quickly as it came it disappeared further into the fog. Glancing behind me I wondered if there was others, but only silence filled the air. Taking a deep breath I took another step forward. There had to be a way out of this fog. The fog swirled away in sections off to the left. I paused, looking around before changing directions. The fog wouldn’t let up except at my feet. I came to a halt and my heart sped up. There in front of me was the lake we all went to as kids with the rope that we swung on and into the water.

“Come on, I bet I can get further than you,” a giggle echoed throughout the air.”

Beeping woke me up instantly, but I refused to open my eyes. I batted around my nightstand until the stupid thing was silenced. Groaning I rubbed my face. My back ached, my hands were stiff, and my knees were ready to pop off to run away. I was only in my twenties and I was falling apart. This was what I got for working with my hands, but the thought of being stuck in a cubical sounded like padded walls. I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone. Sighing I pushed myself up out of bed and to be greeted by cool air. Bailey my mutt stretched further on her back, not bothering to get up with me.

“You’re one spoiled brat you know that?”

She sighed. I shook my head and dragged my feet to the bathroom. I turned on the water. I went to the bathroom and tossed my pants into the hamper as one of the legs didn’t make it in. Mist floated around me bringing me back to the dream. When was the last time I’ve been to the lake? Hopping into the shower and started to scrub every inch of me even though my fingers seemed to be permanently dyed in dark grease.

The lake. How many summer days did I spend in the water or on the grass sitting with my buddies. We would all take turns swinging on the rope to see who would get out the furthest when we were in middle school and early high school. How many dates did I take there? I think I lost count when I realized I couldn’t have a conversation with them. Then there was her.

Before I could continue my thoughts the water ran cold. A harsh jolt overcame me. I couldn’t turn the water off fast enough. I grabbed my towel and dried myself. Bailey went from taking up one side to being sideways taking up more bed.

“I thought you were supposed to be man’s best friend,” I muttered and she didn’t even move.

I shook my head and pulled out clothes for the day. The t-shirt was a light material, but the color was dark. After working in the marines for years, it was freeing at first to be able to have more options of clothes again, however the novelty wore off quick. The idea of turning wrenches and problem solving machines was soothing.

My life went from one routine to another and I was okay with it.

2

Jack

The light from my television was lighting up my living room and Bailey was outstretched on the couch with me. I was sliding down my couch slowly and my eyelids were bobbing. I needed to go to bed already. I could always watch this another time. I had an actual that I spent money on, I just had to motivate myself off of the couch. Putting my hands on both sides of me I started to push myself up when my phone went off. Lifting the phone to my ear I didn’t look to see who was calling me.

“Hello?” my voice was hoarse.

There was a pause. I scrunched my eyebrows together and took the phone away from my ear to look at the screen.

“Faye?”

“Sorry I didn’t mean to call you.” Her voice was soft.

Her voice was a little different, but I knew that voice despite the years. My throat clenched and my stomach dropped. The words seemed to be stuck in my throat as they fought to see which words would come out.

“It’s fine.”

I could almost hear a clock ticking as I waited for a reply.

“So how-”

“Well I guess I should-” we both spoke at the same time and stopped.

“How have you been,” my voice was soft and I could almost hear the teenage voice coming through.

I could almost picture her pushing her hair behind hear as she glanced around searching for the answer.

“Pretty good, just busy with work. How about you?”

“Same.”

“My mom told me you’re out of the marines now and are working at Lennie’s garage.”

“Yeah.”

She’s not even here and she’s aware of the town’s gossip.

“I saw her recently. I know she misses you, she always talks to me when I work on her car.”

“Oh I know she does and makes sure I know every phone call that I need to visit. Thank you for looking out for her.”

“It’s no problem.”

Silence filled the phone. I was sure that she could hear my pulse through the phone. Did I continue that conversation or let it die off?

“Well I have to go. I’m working late tonight and was trying to order dinner from Jack’s.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye.”

My phone clicked, but I still had my phone to my ear for a moment. She didn’t even have to introduce herself, but I knew that voice anywhere despite it being years. I sat forward and pressed the side of my phone against my mouth. I thought that part of my life the door had closed, locked and built a brick wall. Which I was finally fine with. Between the dream the other night and the phone call I had to wonder if the lock and brick wall were illusions.

I shook my head placing my phone on the arm of the couch and headed to my room. Reaching for the bottom of my shirt I pulled it off before tossing it into the laundry basket. However, I missed and it landed on the floor. I kicked off my pants and crawled into bed with Bailey jumping in after me. I scratched her head until I was able to doze off of what felt like hours later.

There was a slight breeze, but it was the first night that we could go outside without a coat. The sky was ink black and decorated with pure white stars clear as a bell. I was sitting in the backyard with my feet up on another chair. My head was tilted up, my phone that was on my lap went off. I’d been waiting for hours to hear from Faye.

Don’t feel like leaving.

y?

I had to ask, because the day before she went on about how she needed to get out and do something. That she was bored out of her mind.

Just don’t feel like seeing the outside world today.

Wyd then?

Sitting in bed watching TV.

I raised an eyebrow.

u’re seriously just going to lay in bed tonight?

y not? Long week and parents are out.

I stood up and marched up the deck stairs.

Don’t be lame.

I just feel eh and don’t feel like much.

I grabbed my keys off the hook in the kitchen. Mom got tired of finding my keys all around the house.

“Mom, I’m going to Faye’s for a bit.”

She looked up from whatever she was working on at the kitchen table.

“Okay, but don’t be out too late. We have church in the morning then we’re with the grandparents the rest of the day.”

I kissed her on the cheek and went out the front door. I practically jumped off the front porch and walked around my mom’s car to reach my truck. It was my mom’s and she gave it to me. It was used for her and the once vibrant color was now a steel blue color. Starting the truck I made my way towards her house listening to the dings of my phone as she was talking until it was silent. She was probably not going to be in the best mood about the fact that I wasn’t responding. Finally I pulled up her rock driveway. I turned the car off so that silence was in the air and slipped my phone into my pocket. I ran up the stairs and rang her doorbell. After a moment she answered her door. Her blond hair was tied up in a bun. She was wearing plaid pajama shorts and a t-shirt, just further supporting her words of not wanting to do anything.

“I should’ve known you’d show up since you weren’t responding.” Her voice was flat as she leaned against the door.

I grinned as she let me into the house.

“What else are friends for other than making them do things they don’t want to do.”

Her hands went to her shorts. “Once the pj pants are on, I don’t leave the house.”

I made my way to her room. “That’s fine I don’t have any intention of subjecting the outside world to you tonight.”

“I’m not sure if that is a jab at me or not.”

She crossed her arms as she stood in her doorframe. Her room was a mess. Her soccer cleats and other clothes were scattered across the floor. I tried to ignore the clothes as I was sure there was a bra hanging over the foot of her bed. My cheeks warmed as I pushed some of her homework away from her speakers and plugged up my phone. I had to focus.

“What are you up to Jack?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Well, duh that’s why I asked.”

I turned around as music came through the speakers. A corner of her lips curled.

“Time to get out of that funk my friend.”

I turned the music louder and went over to her. She bit her lips almost to stop the smile from forming. She just stood there. I grabbed both of her hands and started to move her side to side.

“Stop fighting our house party.”

“It’s just the two of us.”

“Who ever said a party had to be more than two people?” I asked her still trying to get her to move.

“Every normal human being,” She finally laughed and started to jump and down.

“Embrace the dorkiness of it all,” I called out.

She broke out laughing real hard. Faye’s face lit up and I could not help the grin on my face grow bigger. She was at ease. It was at that moment I knew that I wanted to make sure there was a smile on her face for the rest of my life.

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

I lifted my head to see Ethan glancing at me through the side of the hood of the truck.

“Sorry I didn’t really sleep last night.”

“Nightmares again?”

I shook my head and went back to staring at the engine. “Something like that.”

Leaning further in of the car I tried to get a better look at the problem. That and hoping that he would get the hint.

“It might be time for you to see some professional help,” Ethan lowered his voice.

“I don’t need any professional help that’s why I got Bailey,” I shot back.

“Did you just say you got a dog instead of seeing professional help?”

I glanced up, “Dogs are great listeners and are cheaper in the long run.”

“What were you having nightmares from then?”

“Faye-”

“Why am I even hearing that name?” Ethan’s voice came out harsh.

Groaning I got out of the hood of the car. I took my hat off, gripping it in my hands I re-slid it back on my head. The garages clatters filled my ears, but I could still hear my heart racing in my chest. Her voice came to me once again. The high school version was fresh in my mind. My palms were sweaty already. I wiped them on my jeans pretending that it was because of the grease.

“Because she accidently called me last night,” I muttered and walked over to my toolbox, making sure not to meet his eyes.

I turned my back and took some sips of my water.

“She still has your number in her phone?”

I shrugged. “Apparently. There’s some restaurant near her called Jack something and she was ordering dinner.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s one of the lamest things that I’ve ever heard of in my entire life.”

“Can we please for the love of God end this conversation? I feel like a middle school girl.”

“You two sound like it too,” Joey called over before sliding back under his oil change.

“Answer one thing first.”

I rolled my eyes as I turned to face him. “What?”

“How long was your conversation?”

I scrunched my face and shrugged. “A few minutes, not long.”

He nodded. “Good, I don’t need you running off again because of her.”

“I didn’t run off because of her.”

“You two broke up, and she was on a plane to New York City two hours later then less than a week later you were seeing recruiters for the Marines.”

I grabbed a wrench. “This will be lodged somewhere if you don’t stop talking soon.”

He held up both of his hands and took a step back.

“Okay I get it. I’ll drop it.”

“Good.”

I put the wrench back on the top of my toolbox and went back to the car that I was working on.

“You haven’t tried to contact her today have you?”

I just dropped my head and sighed instead of answering.

NaNoWri

Hello!
It is November and National Novel Writing Month has started. Last year I thought that I would attempt it just to get a number count. However, I was working and in grad school. This year though, I'm still working, but I'm ready to really put a dent in Call for Help (Beneath the Scars 2). I'm tired of just talking about it and ready to get moving with this story. This month I am going to be attempting if not to accept the 50k word count challenge, but at least put in a good amount of the story down. I've been writing notes all over the document and can't wait to write a few of those pre-planed scenes. I love these characters and I hope you do. The poor leading lady though she's on her third name change, but I love the new name Faye. I can't wait to show you scene this weekend, maybe bring back Sample Sunday?

Check out my nanowrimo status or befriend me HERE!

Sample Sunday ~ A Pirate's Life for Me

Hey Lovelies!
This is one of the stories that I'll be editing soon because come on, who doesn't like pirates? I finished it awhile ago, I think back in high school so I will be needing to fix the sentence structure a bit. However I'm excited. My goal is to knock out a couple of stories at once because if I dedicate a story to one Aunt and Uncle then wait awhile for another that could be slightly problematic. I have a couple ideas of the line up and a new story is almost done ;) it was a little hard to write a New Adult guy after Riley. PS don't forget to sign up for the giveaway going on!

Chapter 1 Jocelyn

2

Jocelyn

"Jocelyn, where have you been?" an attempt of a stern voice was aimed at me as I kept my eyes on the ground trying to fix my hair.

My hair was so wind whipped I was having trouble getting my hair back into its restraints. Ratted out by my own hair.

"Sorry Papa, I just went on a little walk since we weren't that busy."

I felt a little disheartened. I thought Sly liked me a little even though we just met. At least interested in who I really was and not for what I could be used for. Then she had to come. I loathed Elizabeth with more hatred than I knew was possible before in my whole life. I just wanted to get away from her and to be like she has never existed, since I could not get away with murder. At the current moment I wondered if consequences of murder would be worth it.

"I'm going in just a few short days and I can't be having you wandering off whenever you feel like it," he spoke softly, his eyelids were heavy giving his eyes a weary expression.

Then he started to cough thickly. He had an arm wrapped around himself while the other was at his mouth. Papa fell to the ground onto his knees and I ran for help as my mind went blank. This could not be happening. This day was getting worse and worse by the second, at the rate today was going at the night would bring the black mark, bringing death. My stomach twisted at that thought.

I had to run for a bit till I found a doctor in the market, and he was fighting me to even come till I had tears streaming down my face, begging for him to help my Papa. All the while through the running and begging fear swam through my veins. This couldn't be happening, let him be alright. The doctor and I got Papa to his bed so he could look at Papa to see how he was doing. Papa by the time we did get to him, his mouth was covered in blood from the coughing, it had never been that bad before. He needed the doctor, but we could not afford this I was sure of it. As the doctor was examining my Papa I sat behind the curtain waiting, in a tight ball with only my own arms giving me comfort. The doctor took a little bit before coming out to see me. I stood back up only to be told that he would be lucky to make it through the night. The doctor left without another word. I nearly collapsed to the floor myself as I placed a hand on the table unable to look at the drape that leads to where Papa was laying.

Taking timid steps I wrapped an arm around my stomach, hoping that something would keep me up. I felt like a child again as I peeked around the fabric to see my Papa lying down with his eyes closed, raspy breathing, and a cloth next time him covered in red splotches. Bending down at Papa's side with my legs folded off. I held his hand through out the night as he slept. The silent tears flowed down my face the whole night. I was so afraid, part of me wanted to wake him up just to prove he could still talk to me. By dawn the hand I was holding became a frighteningly cold feeling, stiff. I couldn't believe it and I didn't want to, he was going to wake up. I couldn't bring myself to go to work. The doctor came by to check on him, and the doctor didn't look at me, but put a hand on my back. He just confirmed what I feared, my Papa was dead. He didn't stay with me long. Emotionless about telling me he would get someone to come get the body. He was my Papa, not some random piece of wood waiting to be moved.

They buried my Papa that day because they didn't feel like dealing with the stench in our home, especially since it really wasn't ours. Since it was part of the shipping yard they needed it back since he was dead. The master told me I was no longer living there and that I was kicked out, homeless. Since they only hired me because of my Father now they could fire me, which they did in a heartbeat. Not caring what happened to me. Didn't matter how much work we had put into this port. Yesterday morning my biggest problem was losing a guy to Elizabeth, now I was orphaned, homeless, and had no job for survival.

I sat there staring at my Papa's grave in the poor cemetery. Not a marker to make his spot any different than the others, other than freshly dug up dirt. I drew myself into a ball with my rags blowing in the light wind as the sun beat down on me, I was completely alone now. I cried not caring anymore what people thought. I was entirely alone in the world with no place to go. I was even poorer now than I was yesterday morning. My whole world was turned upside down.

"Jocelyn I just heard about your father, its quiet dreadful," an even voice behind me spoke.

I knew that wimp of a voice without having to turn around. He was doing such a horrible job of pretending he cared. I had no problem being bitter to him even if my Papa hadn't just died. I hated him even more than his sister, which I didn't think it was possible yesterday afternoon. I wiped my eyes with my dress to get rid of the evidence of the tears as my eyes narrowed.

"He died last night and you're giving me your sympathy now?" I snapped hearing the venom through each direct word.

"I guess with that attitude we'll get straight to the matter."

I turned my head to glare at him as I watched he walked in front of me so he was standing between me and the small mark that was suppose to be signifying where my Papa was.

"Since you hit rock bottom you will marry me and become a respectable lady. Then you will bore me children mostly sons so they can hold up the family name then-"

"Stop your horrible tongue!" I yelled feeling my whole body tense with hatred, my body felt like fire that could burn the whole island down was building. "I said before I wouldn't marry even if I hit rock bottom. The world could cave in leaving you as the only male left and I would pick death over you. If ladies such as your sister are respectable I refuse. I'm not going to lose my beliefs to be your living silent dolled up puppet."

He grabbed me by my arms and pulled me up onto my feet. I stared into his cold blue eyes as he tried to be tough. He wasn't dangerous he just had a bad temper like a three year old. I started to smirk, trying to hold back my laughter at how pathetic he really was a shell of a real man.

"You will and you will like it," he growled, tightening his grip as he gave me a shake.

I kicked him between the legs and ran for dear life as there was a groan filling the air as he fell to the grass. I sprinted gathering my skirts high giving my legs more room, to the back of the shipping yard where they had the garbage. I tried to catch my breath as I glanced around with my back against the wall. That was when I saw the few belongs we had in the garbage. I walked over slowly, my breath stuck in my throat as I ran my fingers over my father's second set of clothes. Then it hit me. There was one way I could escape marrying Henry and start a new life. I could finally get out of here and actually have a life of my own.

I exchanged my clothes for Papa's old ones, quickly hoping that no one would be looking. They were big on me, but these must have been from when he was younger because they were not as big as they should have been. I found an old rope and tied it tightly above the hips to keep my pants up. That was when I saw Papa's sword he used when he taught me. It was a little smaller than a normal one so it a little higher than my knee when around my waist. I held it running my fingers along the blade as the hilt of the sword felt old, but comfortable. This once belonged to him. It still had its belt so I exchanged it for the rope which really helped keeping the pants up, and I was happy to have a little bit of home with me.

I glimpsed down at myself and realized something. Actually it wasn't something more like some things. There wasn't much there, but they were there. I used the sword to cut my old blanket hearing the slice, not really caring what happened to it. Then wrapped it around my chest to make it flatter and it worked till I realized I couldn't hold it in place. I took out my hair pins and it held the cloth took a couple of tries to figure out how to get it to stay. The wind picked up causing my hair to blow around.

I tried brushing my hair back. Running my fingers through my hair my stomach dropped. I loved my hair. Bunching my hair together and with my other hand I rocked the sword against my hair till I was holding my long hair away from my head. I bit my lip as I looked at the hair, the hair lost just mean I was closer to independence. Loosening my grip the chopped strands fell to the ground. A slight breeze fluttered my hair out into the distance. I ran the now free hand through my hair, noticing my hair was shorter than Sly's.

I tip toed out and headed towards the public as a guy not able to stop running my hands through the new length of strands. I didn't have to tie it back anymore. I smiled at myself as I went to go search for a pirate ship. This was really happening. I had noticed there were a few coves our government didn't know about that the pirates hid in when they came to shores and no one was about to go tell on a pirate. I directed myself towards one of them without anyone stopping me or even noticing me. I was just a guy walking around.

I ran off the street, nearly skipping as I felt the sand fill up my shoes. I took my shoes off as each grain of sand sent sparks through my body. My heart started to beat as fast as a bird's wing as it soars through the sky, and I was finally about to be like a bird, not kept in a cage only to see the world behind the bars dreaming of what life really could be. Stepping over the rocks, the market was now no longer in view, the rocks smooth and slippery from the water as it crashed against them. I could see the ships and people gathered about. I started to run towards them as I tried to fight back a grin.

"Captain, is it wise to recruit here?" A man with an eye patch spoke.

A broad man, a tall solid tree of a man looked down at a skinny man with an eye patch. The Captain's black eyes glared at the man and the man backed away like a dog with his tail between his legs.

"Are you calling me daft? There are many poor men and boys here who are willing to partake in our lifestyle," a deep chuckle grew within the captains chest as he spoke his voice was as course as sandpaper.

His lips curled into an evil smirk that also grew in his eyes. As he laughed he threw his head back his thick, curly, black hair that was around his shoulders was thrown behind him, bouncing as he moved. Yet, his worn out Captain's hat stayed loyally on his head then he pushed the man with the eye patch away. The man stumbled trying to catch his balance with a wide eye.

"Those of you land lovers who fancy being a pirate go over there with our friends Tiny and Weasel." spoke the Captain in a roar of a voice.

I turned my head to see a man that was even taller than the captain, and might be the tallest man I have ever seen in my life. He was pure, solid muscle of a man with shoulders as broad as the horizon sky. He was completely bald with brown eyes that seemed to be trying to search into our souls, to see if we had what it takes to be here. My eyes enlarged thinking about how easily he could crush my head in his hands in the matter of seconds. The second man was a foot shorter than the first with wiry blonde hair, giving off the appearance of straw. His eyes were what really struck me about him. They kept twitching, and jumping from person to person, nearly a translucent blue color. I followed three other boys that were a little older than me, I was using their facial hair as a marker for their age, towards them. I was far smaller than all of them.

Tiny and Weasel glanced over the boys. They seemed very please with the first volunteer whom I thought I might have seen walking around the market before. They started to laugh at the second one and sent him away, but not till Tiny twirled out a knife from his waist and sliced a line on each of his cheeks. Which made me think he couldn't get in there was no chance for me, my heart started to speed up preparing what they could do to me. The image of two new blood lines being drawn on my face took over my vision. I never thought that they would reject people.

Then the third sent Tiny and Weasel into a fist fight on whether or not he should be in. The muscled one didn't seem to be putting any real effort into the fight. The Captain shot off his gun into the air and that seemed to get them to separate and get back to what they were supposed to be doing. The first guy and I were the only ones in that area other then the crew members that didn't jump in fear. My old boss was known for being gun happy to get things done.

Since the third guy did jump Tiny, (who turned out to be the muscle man) punched the third guy in the eye then the stomach because he caused a fight. Then a stripe of blood on each cheek like before with guy number two. His eyebrows were fused together. He didn't seem pleased that the Captain had to get involved. Tiny and Weasel started to cackle when they got to me, smiles seemed to be reaching their ears.

"Look at how miniature this one is Captain Black Soul. He's almost the size of a child." Tiny's voice bombed.

"Ha, tiny, oh so tiny ha!" snickered Weasel who seemed to have been hit in the head one too many times.

"I might be small, but unlike the other two I can defend myself," I snapped wanting to prove that I was just as tough as them.

I can do anything they threw at me. I was not about to step aside.

"Ah, this one has spirit," said the Captain raising an eyebrow heading closer to us now with his eyes locked onto me.

"I was raised to defend myself in every situation. I don't give up like those yellow bellies." I couldn't pull my eyes away. I was afraid if I showed weakness that I would be pushed aside.

"Ha, I fancy this one. Are you willing to listen to me and do commands like the others?" he had a smirk on his lips as he straightened up completely towering over me to prove the others statement that I was the size of a child.

"Aye, Captain."

I tried to hide my excitement. After all I was trying to prove that I was a tough guy not a giddy, childish girl. I didn't have a real high pitch voice to begin with, but it wasn't as deep as a normal guy's so I tried to make it a little deeper with some of the words.

"Have you been on a ship before?"

"Yes, I've worked on them," I answered trying to hold back from biting my lip and smiling.

A corner of Captain Black Soul's mouth went further up.

"You're in, but the second you do something we find disliking it will be the plank with you."

I held the grin and nodded my head. I can swim as long as land was in sight. Then they ushered us on the ship. I was given my first order to go to the front to help untie the sails so we could take off. Then we were on our way as the wind picked pressed against the fabrics. Tiny strolled up to me and gave me a bucket filled with brown water and a mop that had seen better days. I was more than happy though and I started mopping.

"You never gave us a name." Tiny growled.

"The name's Jo-" I stopped before I continued to say my full name.

"Get to work."

"Aye!"

Then I started mopping happily. I kept going feeling free for the first time in my life. Feeling the sea air with the full effect unlike the beach which had a lot of wind blocked by the buildings. My newly short hair danced in the wind as a small smile graced my lips. I glanced up occasionally as I watched my home grow smaller and smaller. I could not see my actual house, but I knew it was there. I was leaving just about everything I have ever known behind me. The white sand was becoming a fine strip bordering the green blob of what was the island. I could almost see the Governor's place from the ship. The water seemed to be getting darker as we rode the waves. I was torn between from being homesick already and the exhilaration of the beginning of a new life for me. I had to keep myself busy with the work just so that I would not get caught up with staring as land became smaller and that I would not get in trouble my first day as a pirate.

"You missed a spot," a deep monotone voice came from behind me taking my attention away from the boards in front of me covered in murky water.

I glimpsed up to see Sly looking at me then he fused his eyebrows together. The air caught in my chest as my eyes briefly looked into his. The carefree smile that he once seemed to make his face glow was no longer there. His face seemed to be emotionless by all means, with the hint of question in his eyes.

Sample Sunday ~ Within Your Eyes

Hey Lovelies!
Sample Sunday! I haven't had one in awhile because of 1. I don't know if I should post samples for the sequels, when they really give away the ending of the first one. 2. I had a little bit of writer's block during winter break. I got out of a rut on this one New Adult novel, my Cinderella remake :) If you missed the first chapter I put the link to it on here as well. I hope you enjoy, and happy Sunday!

Chapter 1 Sonja

2

Sonja

A few days later, ringing, loud ringing reached my ears causing me to jolt up away. Things were still blurry as I reached for my phone as it rested next to my bed. I wiped the moisture off the side of my face.

"Hello?" my voice was hoarse as I looked around my bed to realize I fell asleep reading once again.

"Sonja, that's that how you greet the woman who raised you?" Robin’s higher voice was sent through the phone.

"Sorry Robin," as sleep started to fade from my mind. "Do you need my help or something?"

Taking my glasses off I rubbed my eyes once again as I attempted to watch my tone.

"You’ll have to come home as soon as you can," Robin’s voice came off distant; she was probably getting her nails or hair done. "I’m having clients over this weekend and we'll need the extra help about, you know cleaning, preparing, the food, decorating, you know the usual stuff."

I glanced over to the calendar that was hanging on the wall. The dinner was already written on my calendar, I did send out the emails to her clients after all.

"I have that written down. Also that the chicken and salmon will be delivered to the house Saturday morning so that the meat will be fresh and the other stuff I figured I’d pick up at the stores."

Keeping my mouth shut I held back a yawn knowing better.

"Right well, I’ll leave a list out for you," Robin informed me as if this would be new.

"I have a test this morning then I’ll drive home afterwards-"

"No we will need you sooner-"

My eyes widen to their limits with dread as a rock sunk to the bottom of my stomach.

"But Robin I need this class for my major!" I pleaded; panic was filling inside of me.

This class didn’t have many grades and I could not afford to just skip a test. I have spent so too time studying for this test to just to blow it off. There was currently drool drying on my book.

"No buts’ Sonja, we’re your family and you can’t just leave family behind when they need you can you?" Robin’s voice was warm and sweet, never good coming from Robin…she knew me well.

"I’ll pack and leave right afterwards," I whispered into the phone as my eyes stayed on my notes, I closed the notebook feeling defeated.

"Lovely! So I left a list of what needs to be done on the refrigerator because I’m getting my hair done later so chop chop there's so much to do."

The phone clicked and I fell back. I was so tired from stay up studying the last couple of nights I could almost cry with how frustrated I was. Getting up I threw a few things I needed in my backpack that I would need for the weekend. Rubbing my eyes I put my glasses. I did not have enough sleep in me to be dealing with this. Standing up I rushed into the kitchen on the search for a quick meal before I left. Angie was standing with a raised brow eating a bowl of some of her sugar cereal.

"Sonja we aren’t leaving yet, why are you rushing like someone lit a fire under your butt?"

Glaring over my shoulder I dropped my bag on the ground, "Robin called-"

"And?" Angie’s head shock slightly I had to break the eye contact.

"She needs me to come asap which means I have to skip the test…" my voice was so low I wasn’t sure if Angie had even heard it because if she did she might throw a fit.

I was not in the mood for what was about to happen.

"You're not skipping your test to run a couple of errands," Angie firmly placed her bowl on the counter; the eyeliner around her eyes just intensified her glare.

"She needs me to-"

"Girl I will pick your butt up if I have to and throw it in the car if it means you taking your test," Angie growled and I knew she meant true to her word, she didn’t look it, but she was strong. "Take the test and tell her you are running late because of traffic, you have to hit a highway anyway, accidents happen all the time!"

"She’ll know!" the tone of my voice became childish.

Angie raised an eyebrow, "I know she's a witch, but I didn’t know she had a crystal ball for her and the flying monkeys to watch you always through."

"My step sisters are the flying monkeys in this?" I asked hoping to distract her as I grabbed a banana ready to slowly grab my things, steady movements or it will startle Angie.

Angie scrunches her face for a moment before she smirks, "Didn’t think of it, but if the hairy bodied simple mindedness fits."

I laughed with my backpack in one of my hands nearly tip toeing backwards towards the apartment door hoping that I had her side tracked enough so I could go to my car. I could email my professor when I got home about how I was sick. Angie was smiling before turning to wash her bowl in the sink. Just as I let out a sigh of relief Angie turned sharply on her heels and her hands on her hips.

"Wait a minute where the hell do you think you're going missy?"

"Um…" I couldn’t think of an excuse, but with Angie I knew I was screwed.

"I don’t think so miss," Angie muttered as she grabbed her purse and picked me up bridal style carrying me out of the apartment.

"Ahh!" I yelped. "Angie. Feet. On. The. Ground. Now!"

I was always afraid of being dropped, didn’t care who it was I didn’t want to be picked up.

"Oh stop your squirming or I will drop you," Angie grumbled. "Gees with your bag you're heavier!"

"Gee thanks!" I shot at my friend.

"Hey Mrs. Peterson," Angie called over to a neighbor of ours who was standing out of her car, her face was flat, us being like this wasn’t new unfortunately for us.

We didn’t throw parties, we didn’t invite loud people over, we always put the garbage out on time and on top of everything we were nice to the others. So basically the neighbors couldn’t complain other then giving us odd stares occasionally. Roughly Angie tossed me into the back of her car before slamming the door and quickly getting into the driver’s seat. She pulled out before I could jump out of the car.

"Angie! This isn’t funny. I need to go home to Robin before she blows a casket."

"Minor kidnapping going on! You'll take that test and tell the Witch that you got stuck in traffic because of an accident. I mean you've been studying for so long for this test it can’t possibly take you long to take anyway."

Quickly I buckled my seatbelt as she sped out of the parking lot. I nearly clung onto the seat cushions under me as she drove. I did not want to die! My eyes kept glancing around at the cars around us as she held me prisoner. The car was definitely going too fast for me to attempt to roll out of the car. Angie won this round…

"Hey Robin I’m just leaving you a message to tell you I’ve been stuck in traffic the last forty minutes. I can’t see what has happened, but I’m guessing by the bumper to bumper that it was a bad accident, but I just wanted to let you know that I was in traffic so that you wouldn’t worry. Oh wait it looks like the traffic is starting to move I hope to be home soon," I click the phone as I got into my car and drove off towards home praying that I really wouldn’t hit traffic.

Taking a deep breath I let it out slowly as my music filled my car, readying myself for the hurricane that was an hour away. Everything will be fine, everything – will – be – fine…

Well at least I hope everything will be fine. I mean what would be the worse thing Robin could do to me? A shudder went through me despite the warm October we were having. I was able to drive with the windows partially open. Robin had bad punishments when it came to me, even Angie didn’t know some of the things. For the better anyway I hate pity, I was strong and wanted to be able to stand on my own. I was more then able to take care of myself, I couldn’t rely on others.

Back in forth grade I was standing on the foot stool to reach the counters so that I could wash the dishes. The water was hot while the sink was filled halfway with bubbles, I was home alone humming to myself as I scrubbed the dinner plates. Well their dinner plates were dirtier then mine, they had some meal that I couldn’t pronounce while I was having some of the leftover lasagna they had the other night. With the dishes dripping from the red sauce and bubbles I wish I could have gone to the movies too, but here I was home babysitting little Gabriella who was in the other room playing with a doll. I couldn’t wait to stop washing the dishes so that my hands wouldn’t burn anymore and I was tired.

Gabriella had been crying the night before and I was dragged out of bed, up the stairs from the basement, then up the stairs to the second floor, to Gabriella’s room where the little girl was screaming with tears streaming down her face. It took so many hours to get her to go back to sleep that I kept almost falling asleep in class today. A crash from the other room was followed by crying echoed throughout the halls of the big house. Jumping off the stool my foot got caught causing me to fall with the dish in my hand to crash on the floor besides me. A whimper escaped my lips as my arms were scrapped by the now shattered dish. I slipped once again with the spilt water. My eyes were watery as I rushed into the other room; thin streaks of blood were dripping down my arms and onto the carpet to where Gabriella was sitting on the floor. Her doll was a couple of feet away from her right next to a vase that was now in a million pieces.

"Gabriella what did you do?" I shrieked picking her up, she yelled and yanked on my hair. "Ow!"

Putting the small toddler on the ground I bent over to start picking up the pieces of glass when the door opened. My insides rattled as my hands trembling to gather the jagged parts before Robin came in.

"Sonja!" a voice bellowed causing me to hop quickly to my feet my eyes fell to the floor. "I leave you home for a brief time, thank God I forgot something and had to turn back. Gabriella is in tears what did you do to her? There's glass all over the floor near her and is that the water running I hear?"

My throat went dry unable to find the words to defend myself. She was going to give it to me. Robin’s face scrunched turning the normally beautiful face into a scary one. She did not bother moving Gabriella away from the glass as she took hold of my wrist in her grasp tightly.

"Ow, Robin!" I pleaded. "Please I’m sorry, please let go!"

Nearly stumbling down the stairs after Robin I wasn’t sure what she had planned for me. We went past the pool table and big screen TV to the back room that held some Christmas decorations that held some another door. My room. She ripped open the door before she slammed it. Then I heard the click of a lock that held me in that room for two days…

Shaking my head I pulled into the driveway to pull off to the side so that my car wouldn’t block the other three cars. Turning my car off I took a long deep breath before letting it out as the memory of being locked up in the basement for a couple of days overcame me. My luck had it my light bulb went out and I spent most of that time shut up in the dark. I grabbed my backpack out of the back of my car and made my way to the front door. Robin had been a model years ago and always seemed to be good with finances. When she had Tiffany she got out of the modeling and got into fashion designs so between that and what my father left Robin was living off well. I walked along the front curve of the driveway in front of the door.

Stepping up the octagon shaped front walkway to the two panel glass doors. Putting my key I made into the house, things were quiet…not sure if that was a good or bad sign.

"Hello?" I called out, checking my phone out of my bag to see if I had any messages I missed while I was driving, nothing.

Lifting my head I made my way down into the basement stopping when Robin’s white and grey Ragdoll cat crossed my path. Her pale blue eyes stared up at me, angry eyes as she let out a loud high pitched cry.

"Oh shut up I didn’t even touch you," I hissed at the cat that always hated me, the thing was only friendly with Robin, but tolerated my two step sisters.

Walking around Bella I opened the door to the basement and made my way down into the cold dark basement. The lights slowly turned on, taking a bit to warm up to reflect off the professionally painted walls and molding. My shoes were quieted by the fluffy carpet as I went past the pool table, big screen TV, and large couch to get to the side room that was off to the side. When I first opened the door there was boxes for storage, a few reindeer then behind all of that there was another door that no one would ever guess was there. My room.

Opening the door I flipped the switch to an area that was just mine. The carpet was thin and blue while the walls were painted a pale yellow in my attempt to bring in some light from the small window from the top of the wall. My mattress was a twin so that it would fit in my small room and it sat on the floor. On one side of the wall was my dresser that held all of my clothes when I was home. Then along the other wall was my line of books. Then on the actual walls I was able to tape some pictures of my friends and I over the years since I was unable to frame. Right near my bed was a picture of my father and I right before Robin was brought into our lives. Dropping my bag next to my bed I turned the lights off to go hunt down that list Robin said she left for me.

My sneakers against the tile of the floor were the only sounds in the whole house. There on the counter was a pad of paper with a pen, the list. There in Robin’s neat curly handwriting was a long list of what I was supposed to do today. Picking it up I started to read her note.

Sonja’s to do list:

-Pick up dry cleaning.

-Do all of the laundry.

-Trim Bella’s nails.

-Send the last payment for the lawn people.

-Mail my changes to the sketches for the upcoming line.

-Pick up some flowers for the house for the party.

-Pick up a few things at the food store:

            -Wine (called it in they are expecting you, no excuses!)

            -Sparkling water.

            -Whatever ingredients you need to make chicken Françoise.

            -Ingredients for chocolate mousse.

            -Strawberries.

Tomorrow you’ll work on cleaning.

Not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I sighed. It was going to be a long day ahead of me.

The couple of bottles of wine were in the refrigerator with the other ingredients I had to pick up. The flowers were already in the vases and in water while there were the bills in the mail. I took a peek at the sketches before I went to mail them, and as much Robin hated me, it sucked to say it, but she had talent. She was in some of those magazines Angie read, she bugged out when she found I was related to the Robin Chantel, as Angie got to know me more she boycotted anything Robin put out even though I knew she was into some of the fashion.

I had just switched the laundry again and was heading upstairs with a basket of clean clothes that was already sorted so that I just had to put the clothes into their rooms. Carrying the basket up the stairs I kept my vision around the pile so that I wouldn’t trip going up. The last thing I needed was for Bella to finally get her way. Reaching the landing I went into Gabriella’s room first since it was the closest.

Gabriella was the baby of the baby of the family and Robin spoiled her just as much as she did with the other two. Gabriella’s room was a pearly pink color and her furniture was white with small gold details. Lately she had been complaining her room was too babyish and wanted to redecorate. Gabriella had a bay window that overlooked the side of the yard. Her own computer was off to the side with all different decorations that all expensive. Slowly I put away all of Gabriella’s clothes from that load. She was thirteen years old and I wasn’t sure how much of this stuff was appropriate for her age. At thirteen I was still watching cartoons not caring what celebrity was having sex with whom.

Shaking my head I went over to Christine’s room next and her room was a paradise blue color. Her furniture was an antique white color and unlike Gabriella, Christine’s room was beyond organized it was a little alien like. She had a whole wall that was shelves of books, movies, and small knickknacks that were spaced far apart from each other to avoid cluttering. I put a few of Christine’s clothes into her dresser, but she hung most of her clothes up in her walk-in-closet on velvet hangers. Most of her clothes were dresses anyway.

Picking up the basket I went over to the mini Robin’s room, Tiffany. Tiffany was the oldest of Robin’s daughters, and we were only a couple of months apart from each other so that we were in the same grade. Christine was two years younger than us. Walking through Tiffany’s room that was a deep purple, making her room darker than the other two, her furniture was a deep wood color with a sled bed that matched. Her clothes were flashy and in every way always up to date with the latest trends. I really wished I didn’t have to put away their underwear. By the time I got back downstairs the last load was ready to be put away. I couldn’t figure out how my three sisters and Robin had that much clothes plus what I picked up at the dry cleaners…