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…

mini blog series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
This is the last installment of Going Rogue! If you missed any chapters you're in luck they're all a page to a page and a half long each. This little series is part of End of the Line. Aaron is one of the main characters of End of the Line who is trying to help a group of teens survive. He though spends a little time away from the group, but what does he do when he's gone? Going Rogue has the answers....

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

                     Going Rogue

Chapter Six

Aaron

I think I was going in the right direction. I was able to retrace my steps back to the abandoned house so that I could put myself in the right direction of the apartments. God, I hope that Lauren and the group did not move. She didn't move last time I left them, but how many chances would I really get? When you cared for someone, how many chances were they entitled to? My poor parents I'm sure gave me more chances then they should've, but Lauren wasn't my mom. I didn't love her, but I could not get her out of my head. Oh crud. I had feelings for her. I kicked the ground before me. I was hoping that physically I was attractive to her because she was there. The upside down stomach feeling when I looked into those eyes. The need to kiss her. Lauren took over my mind despite the months away from her. It all made sense now.

I screamed out and clenched my arm. I'd been shot. I pulled my hand to see it covered in red, there was a hole in my coat. Glancing over my shoulder I saw a man with a gun pointed at me. I had been too much in my own thoughts to keep my eyes open to my surroundings. I tried running away, jumping over a log as the woods started to spin.

"He went that way."

I cursed. I couldn't hide in the trees because there weren't any left. There were foot steps behind me, they were heavy. I tripped over a rock and tumbled down the slight hill. Still holding my arm I crawled on the ground till I reached a river. The men were right behind me. I inched closer to the water, I only had seconds. I took a deep breath and dunked myself under the water.

Needles stabbed me. Thousands upon thousands needles felt like they were stabbing every inch of my body. Just when I wanted to burst through the water and yell out I saw figures moving on the hill, they looked in my direction, but kept moving. When I thought my lungs would burst in flames the men were gone. Leaping out of the water my teeth chattered as my body shook uncontrollably. Glancing around me I searched for wood and a couple of stones. I had a small pile of sticks, but my hands were shaking so much that I had trouble creating a fire. Just when I was about to give up a lone spark came to life, creating a fire.

I took off my coat and threw it on the floor. It was soaking wet and only causing me to shudder more. I slid my hat off my head and wrung it out. I went to rip the winter hat, but my hands kept trembling. I got frustrated that I brought the material to my teeth and did a hard yank till I heard a tear. I smiled as I wrapped the material around my wound and tied it tightly. The bullet only grazed me.

I threw some stones around the fire in a circle before I finally gave in to the need to rest. I leaned my head against my knees. I needed to get to Lauren and Sean. I can do this. I had never been so cold before in my entire life. I had to block it all out, I was close.

That night I was hardly able to get any sleep. I could not get warm and I had to keep feeding the fire. I would sell my left foot for a dry blanket. When the sun started to rise I got up and stomped out the fire. Crossing my arms I trudged on with my eyes barely able to stay open. Chills ran down my spine, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other. They had to still be there.

Whispers of many voices reached my ears. I shook my head and glanced around searching for the source. The voices grew louder and I felt déjà vu over come me. I pushed aside the drowsiness and ran. Between the trees I came across a road and buildings. People were yelling out. My knees almost gave out. My breath came out heavy with puffs of smoke.

My muscles I thought were ready to cave in, but I ran. Little Paige and Sean were in those buildings I knew it. Lauren, my Lauren was in there, I could feel it in my bones. There were less people outside on this winter day. Once I busted through the doors of the apartment I saw people throwing things at each other, a person went to go throw a punch at another person. I leap over a body with my heart pounding against my chest. With each step that I climbed the pain I was in seemed to dim and a smile grew till I was standing in front of a door. I raised my hand to knock to be allowed to be welcomed back into my life, my family.

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
I can't believe is week 4 of the mini blog series. This is a story that will help you get to know Aaron from End of the Line.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
                    Going Rogue

Chapter Four

Aaron

It had been a week and I was still at the house for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to leave after the ash had dissipated. Second, I didn't know where else to go. There was not much food here so I knew I had to be on the move at some point especially since I could have sworn that I have been seeing movement in the bushes. My hope was that there were some deers or bunnies moving around, but I was pretty sure I saw some flickering of lights. I was avoiding walking by the windows or the glass back door because every nerve of mine was on edge. Something was up.

Pacing around the master bedroom where I had been sleeping I tried to think of a way out. Leaving when it was dark would be the best idea. Keeping flesh against the wall I glanced out the window. If I got a little bit of a running start I might be able to jump and grab onto one of the tree branches on that oak. I must be losing it. A running leap into a tree? My luck I'd miss the branch and break my neck. Well, that would be one way to get Manson off my back.

Glancing out again the sky was full of oranges, pinks, and purples spreading across the sky. Whatever I was going to do, I was going to have to do it soon. I grabbed the jacket that I had found in the house, it was a little big on me, but I figured it was better than nothing. Walking into the bathroom I turned on the facet and the water sprayed out in spurts. I grabbed a clean razor and wetted it under the water. I quickly shaved my face of peach fuzz before grabbing some scissors to trim my hair. Who knows when I'd get the chance. I cut my hair to almost the scalp and put on a hat hoping to keep my head warm.

It probably was dumb to cut all my hair before I left, but not being able to wash my hair was getting to me. I couldn't imagine what Lauren felt about her own hair, it was much longer than mine. I thought back to when we first arrived to the house in Pennsylvania and she showered. Her hair looked so soft.

I shook my head and went to the window again. The bushes were rustling around the house. I cursed under my breath. They found me. I zipped the coat up and opened the window slowly. There were a couple of heads popping up around the trees and they were popping up to point in another direction. I crouched low to the frame and ducked my head. Once I had one foot over it let the other half of my body to follow suit. Keeping low to the roof though I crawled over to the tree. I stopped when I got close to the tree and watched a man go to the front door.

Taking my chance I leapt to the tree with a thud. I bit my tongue to hold back the yell from the new bruises. Working quickly I climbed down and ran down the street with shouts behind me. My feet hit the pavement and I tried to think of where I should go. A bullet whizzed by me and hit the car that I was near. Cursing I turned towards the woods, I tried to pick up my pace, yet not trip over any rocks. Dashing out of the woods when I heard leaves crushing behind me I bolted for a nearby car and climbed into the back of the car. Once I was in the back I laid down and pulled a lone sweatshirt over my feet. Taking off my coat quickly and I draped it over my upper half. Closing my eyes I tried to tune out my own racing heart to listen for foot steps. Slow breath in the nose. Hold. Hold. Release.

"Where the hell did he go?" a voice in the distance yelled.

"People don't vanish, go look for him."

I tried to make my breathing even to limit the movement. I would be trapped with no place to escape to if they found me. Air was trapped in my throat though when I heard the foot steps near the car. I needed to live. I needed to be able to see the group again. I know I complained about them in the beginning, but I needed to live for them.

The sky was completely dark by the time I didn't hear any whispers or steps. Slowly sitting up I stayed on the floor to peek through the bottom of the windows. It seemed to be clear. I put my coat back on fell asleep on the back seat.

Mini blog series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
This is the third week into Going Rogue series! I hope that you are enjoying this, and don't be afraid to leave a comment. This mini blog series is about Aaron who is in End of the Line.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

                     Going Rogue

Chapter Three

Aaron

The clouds were dark, but I was traveling a little in search for something to eat. My stomach was a little shaky probably from the water, but I figured I should eat none the less. Stepping out of the woods I came across a couple of homes. Their doors were thrown open and so where the garage doors. There weren't any cars in them, the families probably grabbed what they could and escaped. I didn't blame them. If I had a family I'd pack up for safer grounds considering I could see the top of an asteroid on the other side of the houses. Rushing into the garage and listened to the inside, waiting to hear noises that someone else might have taken refuge in this abandoned home.

Silence.

Still I tip toed into the house, but heard nothing. I went straight for the kitchen. The fridge didn't feel cool, they lost electricity. I started to shift through the cabinets. They had sporadic things in them, making it harder for me to find something that did not have mold or had gone bad. Finally I found some crackers and peanut butter. I took the packages with a knife and sat on the couch. I started to spread the peanut butter on the crackers, it felt like food of the Gods. God I hope that Lauren and the group had food. The cracker suddenly felt like cement in my throat. I had food and I wasn't even sure if the group did. I put the food down next to me feeling sick, I was spineless. My parents did not raise me to runaway from my problems, but that seems to be all I was good at.

I stood up and went to the back door. Placing my fists on the glass I stared out into the backyard. The glass felt cool and it was then I realized how much warmer it was inside. The yard was pretty deep out and I kept my eyes out scanning the area as I zoned out.

Sean is tossing a baseball up in the air and catching it with a mitt. Paige is chasing after Sean wanting to play too. Mandy is right next to Paige. Jill and Cole are in chairs in the sun, just as Jill gave Cole a shove so that his feet would go over his head. I smiled just as Lauren who was laughing headed towards. She reached out one of her hands towards me.

I shook my head and the sight before me vanished. God, I wasn't expecting to miss them this much. I glanced around the yard and noticed little rain drops. Ash mixed through the air as the rain came down harder creating almost a thick cloud closing around the house. Quickly I ran to the front door and closed it, and went around seeing if the windows were closed. I slammed a couple of the windows before walking downstairs to where I left the food. Even the weather did not want me to go find Lauren right now. I was locked in this house for God only knows how long, alone with my thoughts.

That night I decided I finally needed to sleep. The rain had stopped, but everything was still covered in a thick fog of ash so I was stuck inside the house for a little longer. I crept upstairs, my hand skimmed the railing with each step. Darkness had overtaken the house. Yet a smirk grew on my face. The last time I tip toed up the stairs in the dark I was greeted by Lauren who had wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing our bodies together.

Shaking my head I found myself in one of the bedrooms and curled under the covers of the bed. Even though the windows and doors were closed the air was chilly around me. I just had to hope that Lauren was warmer than I was. My gut told me otherwise though. Glancing to my other side I thought back to when I shared my bed with three other bodies plus two stuffed animals. I stared back at the ceiling and racked my fingers through my hair. What was wrong with me? Lauren was everywhere. I got away from her to avoid this.

I took in a deep breath and let it slowly. Lauren is just a girl. Lauren is just a girl. Lauren. Is. Just. A. Girl. Then why the hell could she not get out of my head. I've been with girls before so Lauren shouldn't be any different. I tried to focus on the black of the inside of my eyelids. Under the tent of blankets I tried to calm my mind till I finally fell asleep.

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
Going Rogue is a mini series off of End of the Line. This will contain a little bit of a spoiler for those who have not read End of the Line. If you don't mind spoilers you can try reading, but you might be confused, if you want to read the book first it is on sale in all formats even the paperback on Amazon. Don't worry about getting left behind, I plan on putting a link to previous 'chapters' on the latest edition. I will post every Sunday instead of a Sample Sunday.

I wrote Going Rogue because a couple of reviewers thought there was something missing in End of the Line. It got me thinking that I could write something short to help fill that period of time in End of the Line that people thought was short. Sorry for sounding vague again I'm trying to avoid spoilers! I don't really like ebooks that are .5. They kind of drive me a little crazy on various reasons that I have vented about on another entry. Those short stories are fine for the first one, but between kind of drive me nuts. I'm still writing a sequel to End of the Line. I thought it would be a trilogy, but I might combine 2 and 3 if I do think it's not just rambling. I hope you enjoy the first week of Going Rogue!

Going Rogue

Chapter One

Aaron

My heart pounded against my chest as I bolted down the stairs. Screams rose from the rooms that I passed then a thud as a person was thrown into the hall. Jumping over the body I made my way down the stairs not even checking to see if that person was okay. I needed air my throat was closing in. Shoving the broken door of the building I was once again outside. My head was spinning and the shouts from my surroundings were only mixing with my own inner arguments. What was I doing? I shouldn’t have put Lauren in that kind of situation. Pinning her to the mattress like that was dumb and we weren’t alone. God forbid if we started something and the relationship went bad how were we suppose to make things work out with an ex? We could potentially get to a point where we hated each other. Yet, I doubt we could survive without each other. Our numbers have been helpful.

Or things could work out between us…

Racking my fingers through my hair I took deep breaths, my steps slowed slightly. A day away from them should be fine. Just enough time to clear my head then go back to them so that we can be one big happy group. I’m probably over analyzing I mean the desire to be close to Lauren is probably because we're stuck together for so long with no one else around. Finally sitting down I glanced around not fully sure where I had wandered off to. It was quiet. I couldn’t even hear the town. I had traveled a good enough distance that even the noise wouldn’t travel.

I stared up at the sky. Dark clouds were rolling in. When was the last time it had rained?

Yet all I could see were two blue eyes staring at me. Those blue eyes were still on me, confused by my actions of being on top of her. I really wanted to kiss those lips once again. We had kissed one other time, but it was quick, chaste, this time would've been the real deal. Would her lips be soft? Though the bigger question would be would she return the action?

She hadn’t pushed me off of her…

Laying down I rested my head down on some moss I just stared up above unable to close my eyes.

A shuffle of leaves woke me causing me to sit up quickly. It had gotten darker and I started to wonder how long I had been passed out. There was movement to the left of me and I slowly got up, but kept myself crouched behind some trees. Keeping myself fleshed against the tree I peeked around to see what it was. My heart pounded against my chest when I saw a light. The flashlight went from one side to another. Squinting I tried to make out who was holding the light.

"How far of a search does Manson have for the boy?"

"Last I heard I heard New Jersey and parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He figured he can't travel that far considering everything."

"It's amazing how one man was able to get that many followers."

"Power."

They paused.

"Should we go look in that town back there?" the man holding the flashlight shined the light in the other's eyes.

"Worth a shot right?"

Sean and Paige couldn't out run these men. Lauren will not see these men coming. My eyes scanned the area. I clenched my fists.

"Hey morons," I shouted as I jumped out in plain view. "Is this the ass you're looking for?"

The light was shined on me and I bolted further into the darkness. No matter what happened to me I needed to make sure nothing happened to Lauren and the group. I was not going to let the group suffer from my past mistakes or because of my confused mind.

Mini blog series...

Hey lovelies!
I just wanted to talk about something that I'll be posting soon. I mentioned on my facebook page that I was going to be starting a mini blog series this year. At the rate I've been typing I'll probably starting the series in mid-December! At one point I thought I'd publish it as a 1.5 for End of the Line, but honestly unless it's a prequel the mini short stories between stories kind of annoy me. A. I like to have all my series in one format. B. If it didn't make it into the book there might be a reason. C. Kind of drives me nuts that Authors do multiple between every book. I don't care if the author is a New York best seller or an Indie, it drives me a little nuts, sorry I did not mean to rant.

In a couple of reviews for End of the Line though there was question about what happened in a certain spot. The people wanted more details (sorry I'm trying to spoil anything for those who have not read it yet!) so I thought I'd start a mini blog series to help fill in those questions. So what I'll be doing before hand is I'm going to put End of the Line on sale soon, the paperback is already on sale, so the ebook. I'll post every Sunday instead of a Sample Sunday, I'll post a chapter of the mini series 'Going Rogue.' If you miss one week, don't worry the chapters are short and I'll post links to the previous chapters to each week. I love working with Aaron again, I think I'll always have a soft spot for him ;) I will say I was writing last night and had to remember if I killed a character off yet or not ;)

So keep your eyes out I'll give you notice on when the End of the Line sale will happen ($0.99 for all e-book formats!). While I'm working on the mini blog series I'm working on the series to see how that is working out, hopefully I'll have a better grasp on how that series is. I don't want to put out a series just for the sake of having a sequel.
~Ottilie

PS This was probably in bad taste to mention something like this on Veteran's Day! I'm sorry, I just had to had off today because of school work and wanted to post while I remembered. I do want to thank all the men and women who have served and are currently serving now. Even in a time where our country is kind of turned upside down and chaotic that they still make sacrifices despite the fact they get overlooked. That is true heroism that should be honored. Thank you for all the military branches and their families for all that they are put through even though they do not get the thanks they deserve.

Men of Ottilie ~ Riley Nolan

Hey Lovelies,
I haven't done a new one of these in a long time, and I love these. Now this post of Men of Ottilie is an actual man! Riley is one of the main characters of my New Adult novel Beneath the Scars. He was a lot of fun to write, and hopefully people enjoy reading him as much as I had writing him. Because of his character, and his look I had trouble figuring out a person to kind of represent him for this. Riley is a burn victim and has no hair, and is covered in scars like JR Martinez. So keep that in mind while reading this.

          Riley Nolan

Naturally has Brown hair
Was a Marine
The youngest out of two children
Middle name is Johnathon
Stubborn
Lion Heart
One of the few characters of mine that has a full name

Scene:

3

Rily

Turning off the engine after I pulled into the driveway I sat there listening to the music be cut off, as the engine slowed down until it stopped completely. I had to get out of the car and into the house. Sighing, I tugged on the hood, even though it was already up and covering my face. Slamming the door, I strolled quickly to the front door, ringing the doorbell and waiting on the front porch. Even though I was at family's house I couldn't bring myself to just walk in. My once stand-up-right posture was now slightly hunched over with my head hidden. Through the door I could hear the dog barking and shuffling of feet before my sister, Charlotte, opened the door with a wide smile. She stood aside as she let me in.

"I was starting to wonder when you'd show up," my sister greeted, her voice was so cheery, giving me a hug before moving aside for me.

"Well I was waiting for it to get dark," I answered as their collie ran over to me, standing on it's hind legs to put the front ones on my upper body.

My sister pulled the dog off me.

"Dumb dog, you're going to wake up the kids," Charlotteyanked on the dog's collar as she started in the direction of the kitchen. "Rily, I love you and the kids miss you. You're going to have to eventually come out in the daylight. You can't live like a nocturnal animal forever."

I huffed, rolling my eyes at my sister's back.

"Don't you dare roll your eyes at me!" Charlottesnapped, turning into the kitchen, moving cups and the kettle around.

"Don't use your mommy ninja skills on me," I sighed not in the mood to deal with my sister mothering me, again.

"I'm your older sister and a mother of two. It's a habit," Charlotteturned to face me, head titled slightly as her long, loosely curled, brown hair framed her pale face. "I worry about you."

Her blue green eyes softened their shade similar to my own. Heavy feet came down the steps, and in a couple of seconds her husband, Paul, strolled into the room. Paul nodded in my direction as he looked over at his wife, she smiled at him.

"I'm finishing up the last bits of my paperwork, but the little monkeys don't want to go to bed," he stated, his gaze locked on my sister's, as a crash upstairs occurred on cue.

"I read to you guys your bedtime story, go to bed," my sister shouted as she put water into the kettle.

"But Mom," a small voice whined. I smirked, ready for what my sister was about to bestow.

"But nothing, you two bed-"

Before my sister could finish, I interrupted, unable to control myself, "Get back into bed before the monster tries to bite your ankles!"

Yelps and screams poured from the upstairs as thunderous steps came down the stairs. Charlotte glared at me as she threw the empty box of tea at me. I chuckled. The two nearly slid into the kitchen with the younger one almost falling from the footie pajamas against the tile.

"Uncle Rily," my niece, Madison, glowed as she changed her direction to me with open arms.

Madison had only recently been that friendly with me. When I came home she was in tears, refusing to come near me or even lay eyes on me. Charlottetalked to her about what I did overseas and why I was covered with burn marks. Madison slowly came around calling me a hero, despite the fact that I didn't feel like one. Parts of my skin were grafted while others were just distorted. She was seven, but my nephew, Elliot, was four, and was still afraid of me. I couldn't blame him. I had the appearance of a malevolent Greek creature. Madison jumped into my lap, giving me a hug, while Elliot tip toed over to my sister, nearly hiding his face in his teddy bear.

"Uncle Rily, can you read us a bedtime story and check to make sure that the monster isn't there?" Madison begged, her eyes grew wide, bottom lip puckered out.

"Maybe," I responded ruffling the top of her head, my fingers getting tangled in her brown hair.

"Aw come on," Madison continued to plead. "Elliot don't you want Uncle Rily to read to us too?"

Elliot further buried his face into Charlotte's leg.

"Elliot go on and say 'hi' to your uncle," Charlotteencouraged her son, putting her hand on his back nudging him in my direction.

The grin on my face faded. My eyes drifted to the floor, knowing that my once happy go lucky nephew who was so young when I left, was no longer that way with me. Everything changed. Now my own family was afraid to look at me, and treaded on broken glass when they talked to me. My sister was the only one who acted like nothing ever changed. Even that I questioned. I felt sick and angry, wanting to go back into my gloomy apartment.

"It's fine Charlotte," I mumbled, my hand formed into a fist by my side on the leg that was opposite of Charlotte.

"It's not fine Rily. Go on Elliot, see Madison's fine," she spoke gently.

Elliot didn't even budge. My brother-in-law just picked Elliot up and brought him back up to his room. Paul had the personality of a wet rag. He managed to talk less to me since I've been home the past year.

"He's four don't-"

"I'm a beast I get it," I cut her off my voice gruff.

"You aren't a beast," Madison responded. She turned around so that she was facing me. She placed a hand on both sides of my face, even the deformed parts that were forever scarred. "You're nice."

Madison then leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"Night Uncle Rily," Madison smiled as she hopped off my lap.

"Night Madison, sweet dreams," I responded, she giggled as she went upstairs.

"See," my sister grinned, her smugness shined in that smile as she poured the hot water into a mug. "Do you want some tea?"

"Sure," I answered bracing myself for the lecture that was about to be served with the steaming water.

"See Madison's not afraid of you. You can stop shutting yourself from the world," Charlottestarted while I rolled my eyes. "You did a good-"

"Your husband's a grown man and won't even look at me," I pointed out getting sick of this.

"Oh Paul's just awkward around all people. It's not because of the burn scars Rily."

"Whatever," I grumbled.

"Rily, you're not Madison's age, use your words," Charlotte scolded her eyes narrowed.

"Yes mother," I continued to protest stirring the liquid mindlessly.

"Rily seriously, you did an amazing thing and received honors for-"

"Yeah the honors are really helping me I can't even walk out of my house without being gawked at. My own nephew won't come near me," I snapped, not able to hold back the fury in my voice.

Charlotte sauntered over to me brushing the hood off my head. My brown hair was scorched off of my skin leaving red rippling skin. I cringed as she ran her fingers over the top of my head down to my flamed chewed up ear. Her touch was so soft.

"Baby brother, you've got a heart of gold, you always have. I just wish you could remember that and see past the reflection in the mirror." Her voice was a tender lullaby as she bent down and kissed the top of my head while laying strokes on my scalp.

"Easier said then done," I muttered my voice calmer then before.

"Uncle Rily you said you'd read me a story," Madisonpointed out from up the stairs.

"Your audience awaits," Charlotte gave my back a little push.

I sighed and took sluggish steps towards the stairs to see Madisonin her pajamas with a stuffed dog in her grasp.

"Come on, Uncle Rily you're walking too slow," Madisoncomplained causing me to run up the stairs as she squeaked.

I scooped Madison up so that she was in a ball near my head, blowing a raspberry into her neck she giggled louder.

"Stop it!"

"Continue? Okay," I tickled her stomach; her laughter filled the house as a door behind us cracked open to show a peering Elliot.

"Rily I wanted them to sleep stop winding them up!" my sister ordered. "So help me when you have kids, karma's going to get you in the butt. And if karma doesn't I sure as hell will!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I stuck my tongue out at Madison. She grinned, Elliot shut the door.

I sat on Madison's bed as she grabbed a picture book. Madison scurried under her sheets curling against my side. I started to read the book as her eyes slowly drifted to close and before the book was done Madison was asleep. Getting up slowly I tucked her in before tip toeing out of her room, closing the door lightly. My sister was standing there at the top of the stairs smirking, her arms crossed over her chest.

"You're great with kids."

I shook my head.

"So?"

"You're going to be a great daddy one day," Charlottecontinued.

"A girl would have to be able to stand to look at me to make that happen let alone touch me."

"You would have to actually leave your house at normal hours to start with. I just want you to be happy Rily, you know that, right?"

"I do, but I probably should get going," I spoke, and she gave me a hug and I made my way out into the night.