tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22949513901877399762024-03-12T19:29:22.200-07:00mistys musings 4uThe ramblings of an aspiring author.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-61358448861218974752015-07-14T17:30:00.002-07:002015-07-14T17:30:48.683-07:00She Waits ~ Chapter Six
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> Don't forget to check out the Mine!!</o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> <a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Six ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
sat across from her mother, the scraping of forks against glass plates the only
sound interrupting the burgeoning silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Should
she try to break it? A sigh escaped and she cleared her throat. “it’s good, isn’t
it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Green
eyes pinned her with laser-like precision. “It is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Max’s
parents have owned this restaurant since they got married in the early nineties.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Mom—I…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother held up a warning hand. “Finish eating first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
bowed her head. “Yes ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
chewed the Country-Fried steak, comparing its taste to what sawdust must be
like. The mashed potatoes weren’t much better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Maybe
her brilliant idea hadn’t been so brilliant after all. She’d thought it would
come over a lot better if she at least had plans to marry, since her parents
were so religious. Apparently that wasn’t the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
hovered just out of sight and Nina had to hide a smirk. She could hear his mom
chastising him for not coming to their table to see if they needed anything.
The restaurant was empty except for them, being after the dinner hour and
before the night time rush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
couldn’t help the urge to hold up a hand. When Max’s eyes honed in on her, she
could see he wasn’t pleased. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
steps hesitant, he shuffled toward her. “Could I get a glass of milk?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Relief
fell over his features, most likely because she’d stopped his need to come
right up to the table, at least for the moment. She giggled as he scurried
behind the counter, into the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh
Nina, stop it already. You’re giving the boy a heart attack.” Her mom’s voice
held a hint of amusement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
was about to deny any wrongdoing, but when her Amber eyes met green orbs, she
stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why
did you feel the need to lie to me, Nina girl? That boy is no more your fiancé
than mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I—I
thought it would be better if you thought I was at least planning on marrying
the guy I got in trouble with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother’s face clouded up like a sudden fierce thunderstorm, her eyes falling to
Nina’s growing belly. “Trouble? Is that how you see it?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well,
yeah. I mean, it was an accident, Mom. I didn’t plan it. I never thought I’d be
one of those girls who get pregnant without being married.” Tears welled in her
eyes and she blinked several times in rapid succession to dispel them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Disappointment
in every word, her mother said, “I thought I taught you better than that, Nina.
None of us are above sin, so I don’t know where you got the idea that you were.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. I’ve always tried to be good. I got
good grades, I didn’t run around and I didn’t cause you any trouble. I wanted
you to be proud of me, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Nina,
I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am </i>proud of you. That doesn’t mean
I think you can do no wrong. Yes, your father is horribly upset, and rightly so,
but he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will </i>get over it. What I need
from you is the why. What happened? I don’t want the gory details, of course. I
just want to know what led to this pregnancy. Do you love him? Did things get
out of hand? I need to know.” Her mother’s voice raised an octave at the end of
the sentence and Nina saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Remorse
filled her. This is what she’d wanted to avoid. Why she hadn’t contacted her
mother right away in the first place. “Mom, I’m sorry. I really am. I was
tutoring Max. Yes, I was attracted to him, but I never thought for a second
about doing anything about it. It just happened, I can’t change that. And no,
we’re not really together. In fact, he just found out about the pregnancy too.
I haven’t seen him in almost six months.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother’s stare set her on edge even more. She might as well have sprouted
horns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Silence
fell over the table as Max finally returned with the glass of milk. He set it
down and practically ran for the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother’s voice was full of resignation when she spoke. “So what are your plans
for this child?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
slender shoulders shrugged before she had the chance to rein it in. “I don’t
really know. I thought about adoption. I know there are plenty of women out
there who would love to have a baby but can’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother’s red hair bounced up and down in vehemence. “You’ll do no such thing
Nina Marie. Regardless of what the circumstances were, you made this child and
you will take care of it. Do you understand me, young lady?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
nodded, hesitantly. “Yes, ma’am. But how will I finish school? I have so many
plans and—Well…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
should’ve thought of those plans before you did this, Nina. But I raised you to
take responsibility for your actions. This isn’t some mistake you made that you
can get a quick fix for, child. For heaven’s sake, you’re going to have a baby.”
Her words ended with a watery sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
gave a slight shake of her head. “Yes, I know. I thought about that too. But
the truth is, I don’t think I can do this alone. I don’t think I even want to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It’s
too late for that. From here on out all I want to hear from you are your plans
for this child. Do I make myself clear?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes
ma’am, you do.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">And
just like that, Nina’s whole outlook on life changed. It wasn’t just her
anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-54842395109038777832015-06-23T10:10:00.002-07:002015-06-23T10:10:51.106-07:00She waits ~ Chapter Five<br />
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Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-best-of-both-worlds-with-author.html">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-best-of-both-worlds-with-author.html</a></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> (This is a storm from the other day...)</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Five ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
watched as the plane descended from the cloudy sky. Waves of excitement rolled
through her belly. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her mom. Stepping
away from the glass, she pulled her cellphone out and punched in her mom’s
name. No answer yet. She shuffled back to the row of fake leather seats and
plopped down, one hand rubbing her lower back. Boy, did it ever ache.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mind wandered to yesterday and Max. A sharp pang of disconcertment joined her
roiling belly, causing a sudden bout of nausea. The look Max had given her was
one she’d never received from anyone. She didn’t like it. She shrugged one
still-slender shoulder and whispered under her breath, “Oh, well. Can’t change
it now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Passengers
started appearing through the hallway at her mom’s arrival door and she stood
up once more, raising on tiptoe, anxious for that first glance of her mother.
She hadn’t seen her in almost a year. The longest she’d ever been away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
she spied the brilliant red head, tears of joy sprang to her eyes. Her mother
was looking at her, doing the same. They both rushed forward, meeting somewhere
in the middle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother wrapped long, slender arms around her and laid her head against Nina’s
shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
couldn’t help but breathe in the fruity smell of her mother’s perfume and the
aromatic scent of matching shampoo. “I missed you so much, Mom,” She cried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
missed you too, Sweetie. I’ve wanted to call so many times, but your dad said
it was best to leave you alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">At
the mention of her dad, Nina stepped away and looked behind her mom. “Where is
he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Janet
Moore frowned, cleared her throat. “He didn’t come, Honey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina’s
happy mood diminished. “What do you mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“He—
doesn’t accept it yet, Nina girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“He
doesn’t?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mother’s bright hair jiggled as she shook her head, her lips curving into a
frown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
dropped her head. “I know it’s a shock, but I was hoping he would. I miss im so
much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mom pulled her back into her embrace. “I know, Honey. Give him some time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Raising
her chin, she took the handle of her mom’s carry-on and pulled it from her
grasp. “I guess I’ll have to. Come on, let’s get out of here and get some
lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mom chuckled. “That’s the spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
returned the laughter. “Yeah. Believe it or not, I<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> am</i> growing up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
believe you, Nina, but I want details on your present predicament,” He mom
demanded in the tone she used when she was determined to get her way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
going to tell you everything mom, but you have to realize it’s awkward to do
so. Give me time to ease into it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“That’s
fine,” Her mom replied as she held her hand up to summon a taxi driver leaning
lazily on his yellow car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Where
do you want to eat?” Nina popped the handle back into the bag and pushed it
across the seat to set in between them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It
doesn’t really matter as long as it’s cool and they don’t rush you out the
minute you take your last bite,” Her mom chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
know just the place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
few minutes later the taxi pulled up in front of Williams’ Mom and Pop. Nina
was secretly hoping Max might be here…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
was standing behind the counter placing glasses on the shelf when she walked
in. There was an older woman with red hair at her side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
heart tattooed against his chest so hard he thought it might burst out of its
bounds. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It must be her mother.</i> Other
than the hair, they looked about the same. Her mom had about twenty years or so
on her, but didn’t look a day over thirty. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s
what Nina will look like in a few years…</i> A smile spread across his face and
he tamped down the urge to strike out verbally at his woman. He grunted. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
woman? </i>If she was his woman she wouldn’t have hidden her pregnancy from
him. After all, it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>child,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Nina.”
He grinned. Liking how warm the name sounded slipping off his tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
smile she returned slammed into his already pounding chest. She was beautiful…
He gulped, trying to catch his breath and missed what she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Huh?
His face grew warm and humiliation spread through him. He must sound like a
first class idiot. So much for impressing her mother…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
tinkling laughter danced upon his nerve endings and he imagined what his silly
smile must look like to someone seeing him for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
said this is my mom, Janet Moore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Janet
stuck out her hand and he took it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You’re
almost as beautiful as your daughter, Mrs. Moore.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
laugh was so similar to Nina’s he glanced her way to make sure it wasn’t her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well
aren’t you a delight?” She shook his hand and dropped it, letting hers fall to
her side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“This
is my fiancé Max Williams, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
gulped. What!!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
sent him a look full of warning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
gulped again and stood up straight, smiling like a fool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">So
many emotions crossed Janet Moore’s face he didn’t have time to recognize them
all. Her mouth opened and shut like a fish out of water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh
really?” Her tone was scary as she pinned him with narrowed green orbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
gave him another thousand watt smile and nodded. “Oh yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-28903203778048145802015-06-09T03:57:00.002-07:002015-06-09T03:57:30.580-07:00She Waits Chapter Four<br />
Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Four ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
paced back and forth across the kitchen. He would be knocking on her door soon.
What should she do? She couldn’t answer it. If she did, he would know. He would
see her this way. “Ugh!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Indecision
filled her and she sank to the high-backed wooden chair. “Dear Lord, what should
I do? I’m so afraid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Of
course there was no answer forthcoming. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s
not how God works.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
sound of the doorbell had Nina’s heart boomeranging to her feet and into her throat.
“He’s here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
was frozen to the spot. The doorbell rang three more times. He would leave now…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
knob rattled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Had
she locked it? No!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Footsteps
crossed the living room. “Nina?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Desperate
eyes searched out the kitchen for a place to hide. There was no escaping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
stopped short when he entered the kitchen. He smiled and rushed to stand in
front of her. And then his smile began to diminish as his eyes traveled from
her face down to her stomach. “Nina? What in the world—why didn’t you tell me?”
His voice rose at the last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
cringed. Would he get violent? Hurt her? As soon as the thought formed, she
discarded it. No, he wasn’t the abusive type. “You…you didn’t call,” She
whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
told me not to,” He boomed. “How could you keep this from me? Am I the father?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
shrank back. Knowing he wasn’t the violent type didn’t keep his voice from
disturbing her peace of mind. His words sank in and her back snapped up,
ram-rod straight. She spat, “Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
eyed her speculatively and then glanced away, his eyes circling around the
bright yellow kitchen. The one he’d helped paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
followed his lead, examining white lacy curtains with huge balls of sun and
dark brown chickens as if seeing them for the first time. The oak spice rack
and matching mail holder registered in her mind but didn’t hold her attention.
Her eyes fell on him. Tall, stocky build dark hair and hazel eyes. An ache so
deep she could scarcely breathe rose within in her. Was it love? If so, she wasn’t
sure she wanted to feel it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
eyes returned to her burgeoning figure as she slumped in the chair trying to
disguise it. But it was no use. She was huge, easily twice her normal size. Or
at least it felt like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
stare was penetrating. Was he really that angry? Hadn’t she been doing him a
favor by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> telling him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Finally,
he spoke. “You had no right.” Shaking his head, he began walking backward,
toward the living room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Confusion
swirled in her already over-loaded brain. “No right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No
right for what? You’re not making sense.” She sat up, her growing belly
protruding from beneath her shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
stopped and his eyes gestured toward her mid-section. “To hide it from me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mouth fell open in amazement. “You didn’t call me, Max. It’s been six months.
Why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would</i> I tell you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Bitterness
spewed out in his words. “You just found out then?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
snort escaped her lips. “No—but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
hand came up and she just then noticed he clutched onto a bundle of bright red roses
as he threw them at the counter. “I never would’ve guessed you to be that way,
Nina.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
disillusionment and disappointment in his tone cut her to the quick faster than
pretty much anything else could’ve. She watched as he turned and stomped back through
the living room. Huge tears of grief slid silently down her cheeks as the front
screen door slammed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
sat that way for an indeterminate time, tears continuously falling from her
eyes in silent pools of sorrow. A feeling so all-consuming she couldn’t take it
rose within her. She was all alone. No one cared. No one was here for her. Life
was over…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Finally,
she straightened up and brushed the tears from her eyes. “No, I will not feel
sorry for myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
got up from the chair and shuffled through the living room and up the stairs.
Flopping onto the bed, she grabbed the well-used Teddy Bear and hugged it to
her as she settled onto her side. “I have God. I am never alone.” The words
comforted her and she grabbed the cellphone on the bedside. Scrolling through
the contacts list, she stopped and hit a button. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
rang four times, and she was already pulling it away from her ear when a voice
said, “Hello?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Renewed
tears trailed down an already soaked face. “Mom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Nina!
I’m so glad you called. I wanted to call you but your father said no, wait
until…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Mom,
I’m pregnant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
silence that fell between mother and daughter was unbearable. Nina was again
pulling the phone from her ear when her mother’s voice came across the line. “How
far along?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Six
months.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
shocked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
was afraid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
silence, and then, “Nina, you know better than to ever be afraid of me. I’m
coming up there. I’ll go pack and get a flight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Okay.
Thanks Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
love you, Nina.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
love you too, Mom.” Nina ended the call, hugged the bear tighter to her chest and
fell into exhausted sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-73975990168717303212015-06-03T12:34:00.002-07:002015-06-03T12:34:41.406-07:00I know it's been a while, but here is Chapter Three of She waits. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think in the comments. <br />
As always, don't forget to stop in at the Mine!!<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
I'm posting this today, Wednesday June 3rd, but next week it will go back to the regular Tuesday posting. Sorry for being off the web for a while but I moved and they couldn't get my internet hooked up for almost a month. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKT6EQ3-RVo/VW9WjilIR6I/AAAAAAAACVI/EGbg2zEVcoE/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKT6EQ3-RVo/VW9WjilIR6I/AAAAAAAACVI/EGbg2zEVcoE/s320/02.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7nEfPnRT_w/VW9Wj0lafbI/AAAAAAAACVM/7YXDjBw0PNs/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7nEfPnRT_w/VW9Wj0lafbI/AAAAAAAACVM/7YXDjBw0PNs/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Three ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
turned over and punched the pillow, irritation swelling within. What had
awakened her this time? Last time it was the ticking of the clock. She used to
be able to sleep through almost anything, but now, every little noise woke her
up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
buzzing of her silenced cellphone registered in her mind. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh no, what if it’s Mom again?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Sitting
up, she scrunched her shoulders in indecision. She wanted, no needed, to talk
to her mom, confide in her. Straightening her shoulders, she sighed and stood
up. She couldn’t. She wasn’t ready. Would she ever be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">On
the off chance it was her friend Emily, she turned the phone over and squinted
at the screen. Suddenly slippery fingers dropped the phone onto the table with
a thwack. It was max! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Trembling
erupted from deep within and she was powerless to stop it. What did he want?
Why was he calling? Now, after all this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Taking
a deep breath to calm her breathing, she punched the green telephone on the
screen to answer the call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“He—hello?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Nina?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
voice traveled from her toes up her spine and into her brain, the liquid honey
making her knees go weak. “Yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
deep sigh. “Are you okay? You sound kind of funny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Anger
replaced the ecstatic trembling inside her. Who did he think he was anyway? Was
he an idiot? He hadn’t called in six months. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But you pretty much told him not to, silly. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
grumbled at her own thoughts. “I—I’m fine. I just didn’t expect a call from
you, that’s all.” The defensiveness in her tone caused waves of self-loathing
to roll over already sensitive nerve-endings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
want to come see you, Nina.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mouth dropped open and she was sure a feather would’ve knocked her over. Then
glee zinged through her. Yes! He was coming to see her. What would she wear?
No. Wait. Just as quick as joy came over her, reality set in. She couldn’t see
him. He would know immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Injecting
as much coldness as she could muster, she muttered, “I don’t want to see you.”
She punched the red telephone and dropped the device back to the table. It started
buzzing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“He’s
not giving up.” She dropped onto the couch behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Tears
slid down her cheeks. Then huge snorting sobs took over. Why now? Life was not
fair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Despondent
and not sure what to do, she slid to her knees in front of the coffee table. “Dear
Lord, lead me and guide me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
stayed on her knees for a long time, silent. Her mind emptied and she waited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
calm she knew was coming washed over her once more. Grateful for God, she stood
to her feet and headed back upstairs. So much emotion, and she was drained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
fell asleep, not waking until the early hours of Monday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Soft
light filtered through the drapes at her bedroom window. She turned from her
side and rested on her back. The baby moved within her, letting her know she’d
skipped supper last night. Guilt settled over her. She couldn’t continue to
miss meals. It wasn’t the baby’s fault she was indecisive and immature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Scooting
to the side of the bed, she pushed tired legs over the edge and searched the
floor for house shoes with her toes. Slipping into them, she stood up and stretched
long, slender arms over her head, groaning with pleasure. Then she remembered
and jerked them back to her sides. She wasn’t supposed to raise her arms that
high anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
patted her bulging belly. “Sorry, little one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
if in answer, the baby flopped over, its body rolling from one side of her
belly to the other. She giggled at the twilight zone-esque site. “I certainly
hope you’re not an alien,” She said as she rushed down the steps in search of her
phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Excitement
washed through her anew. Had he left a message? The thought caused her heart to
turn over and palpitate against her ribs. “I hope he did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
grabbed the phone and pulled it up toward her face, only then remembering her
glasses were somewhere either on the couch or the floor where they’d landed
when she slid helplessly to her knees last night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Repeating
the action, she searched for the elusive and often misplaced item. She laughed
when she spotted them. “Aha, I’ve found you, my pretties.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
hands shook with half-excitement, half-dread. If he left a message, what had he
said?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
little voicemail icon showed at the top of her screen. She smiled so big she
felt the corners of her lips cracking. She punched it and put the phone to her
ear.<br />
“Hey Nina.” Silence. Clearing of his throat. “Look. I know I should’ve called
you before now. To be honest, I don’t know why I haven’t. I know you were upset
after…well, after you know what.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
silence. Compassion filled her at the sound of uneasiness and embarrassment in
his tone. He was trying so hard, she could tell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“But
I miss you. I want to see you. I can understand why you’re mad, but it’s not
going to stop me. Once I’ve made up my mind to do something, I’m going to do
it. I have class in the morning, but I don’t have to work until six-thirty, so
I’ll be stopping over. Please answer the door. I think we can work this out,
but we have to talk to do so.” More silence. She heard him catch his breath,
and then he whispered, “Bye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-43807792654417617032015-04-06T18:47:00.000-07:002015-04-06T18:47:23.276-07:00My friend Peggy Trotter has a book coming out!!<br />
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "New times roman","serif";">A little about Peggy:</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peggy Trotter</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> has been writing something for over 30 years. The empty-nest syndrome set her to groping for a new direction, and wow, did God answer! <i>Year of Jubilee, </i>a Christian Historical Romance set in southern Indiana, will debut in April of 2015 through Prism Book Group. A second, a Contemporary Romance entitled, <i>Reviving Jules</i>, will follow in 2015 as well. She loves to reveal God’s miracles through the world’s underdogs and mix in a little love and happy endings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She finaled in the Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest in 2013 in the inspirational Category, and is a 2014 ACFW Genesis Finalist in the Novella Category. Seldom does she stand still, but when she does, it’s to praise her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Creator of all gifts and Bestower of all blessings!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Peggy's new book, Year of Jubilee will be out on April 10th. You can buy it on Amazon or through Prism Book Group.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Year-Jubilee-Peggy-Trotter-ebook/dp/B00UZ78ZUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427752416&sr=8-1&keywords=year+of+jubilee">http://www.amazon.com/Year-Jubilee-Peggy-Trotter-ebook/dp/B00UZ78ZUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427752416&sr=8-1&keywords=year+of+jubilee</a><br />
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<a href="http://prismbookgroup.com/comingsoon.html">http://prismbookgroup.com/comingsoon.html</a><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "New times roman","serif";">Orphaned and
widowed, eighteen year old JUBILEE STALLINGS clings to her southern Indiana
farm as her only refuge. The wilds of Gibson County are just being tamed in the
year of 1850, and Jubilee ekes a meager existence. But when RAFE TANNER, a
cousin of her abusive dead husband, shows up with the deed to her property,
Jubilee’s dream of her own home dissolves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "New times roman","serif";">Rafe, stinging
from his ex-fiancée’s rejection, offers a business marriage, throwing him and
Jubilee together in an effort to make the farm successful. But scars from the
past keep her in constant fear of her new husband. The pair masquerades as a
love-struck couple at Rafe’s family farm, enduring the romantic notions of his
family and the jealousy of his ex-fiancée.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "New times roman","serif";">Once home, Rafe
realizes his newfound love for Jubilee, and sets out to court her. Meanwhile,
Jubilee fights demons from her past as her husband reveals his interest. Can
Jubilee let go of her distrust and pain to embrace God’s plan of true love and finally
find a place to belong?</span></div>
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You won't want to miss out... :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-83073539412331393832015-03-30T18:11:00.002-07:002015-03-30T18:11:48.982-07:00She waits Chapter Two <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't forget to check out the Mine!!</div>
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<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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Also, make sure to click these links!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.rachelajames.com/2015/03/author-interview-giveaway-renee-blare.html">http://www.rachelajames.com/2015/03/author-interview-giveaway-renee-blare.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Year-Jubilee-Peggy-Trotter-ebook/dp/B00UZ78ZUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427752416&sr=8-1&keywords=year+of+jubilee">http://www.amazon.com/Year-Jubilee-Peggy-Trotter-ebook/dp/B00UZ78ZUA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427752416&sr=8-1&keywords=year+of+jubilee</a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Two ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
Williams glanced toward Nina’s house as he passed by, trying not to be
conspicuous. He missed her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pulled one shoulder up in a shrug. He even missed their tutor sessions. Raising
his chin a fraction of an inch, he closed his eyes for a brief moment and
recalled the scent of her perfume. Light and airy, something fruity. Mango? He
couldn’t be sure. The scent wafted through his mind once more, but its
identification remained a mystery. He’d wanted to ask her, but never got around
to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Regret
rose within him once more, as it always did when thinking of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Since
that night he hadn’t spoken to her, except through a few cryptic texts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘I can’t be your tutor, anymore,’ </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">she’d
typed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘But why?’</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">
He’d returned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘I think that’s obvious,’ </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">she’d
answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘Well, it isn’t,’</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">
He’d sent back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘I’m a Christian, Max, and I sinned
against my God.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Anger
swelled within him and he’d typed back, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Whatever.
Just remember this was your choice.’<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Humiliation
filled him. He’d wanted to take back those mean, hastily-typed words so many
times he’d lost count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
stopped at a red light and checked his phone, hoping by some miraculous means
she realized he was thinking of her and decided to text him. Of course she hadn’t.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
let his phone drop back to the seat and accelerated when the light changed to
green.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Should
he call her? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he shook his head. No, it
wasn’t a good idea, especially since six months had passed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Why
couldn’t he get over it? What was it about her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Yes
she was pretty and had a way about her, for sure. And he missed that. But he
missed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her</i> more. Her sweet smile and
soft-spoken manner were very attractive. Unlike most of the girls on campus,
she had morals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Guilt
washed through him—And look what he’d done to her. He’d known she was a
Christian. She’d tried witnessing to him on more than one occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He’d
known she was attracted to him. That’s what had given him the courage to follow
her upstairs that day six months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">If
he hadn’t reached out and grabbed her, would she have come to him willingly?
Something inside him said no. She wasn’t that kind of girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">If
he believed in a god he would pray for help, but he didn’t. The idea was too
far-fetched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Anger
rushed through him and with a jerk of his arm, he swung the vehicle into a hard
right and pulled into his family’s restaurant. He slammed the gearshift into
park and turned off the engine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Unlike
Nina his family wasn’t funding his college education he had to work for it. And
he hated working in the restaurant. He wanted to do something manly, not
languish in a restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
reached the glass front door and pulled it open, the bell tinkling a warning of
his arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
first thing he saw was his mother behind the counter, her graying hair pulled
into a ragtag bun at the top of her head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
looked up and smiled at him in welcome as she rubbed a dishrag across the
scarred Formica counter. “Max, you made it on time today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a nice surprise, right?” He leaned
across the counter and kissed her wrinkled cheek. Concern filled him at how
rundown she was looking. And here he’d been being ungrateful about working
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Go
ahead mom. I got this.” He gently took the dishcloth from her hand and dipped
his head toward the back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Felicity
Williams sighed and dipped her head in agreement. “Okay, but just for a few
minutes, though. I guess a piece of that chocolate pie your sister made earlier
will sit right well on my empty tummy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Max
laughed. “Yes it will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Do
you want me to cut you a piece, son?” Felicity Williams asked as she
disappeared through the kitchen door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
raised his voice a bit. “Nah, I’ll have one later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
moved around the counter and proceeded to finish wiping it down. His mother
loved this place and kept it spic-and-span. He shouldn’t be such an ungrateful
brat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">After
a few minutes he threw the dishrag into the pan they kept under the counter and
raised his eyes to peruse the dining room. His eyes locked gazes with none
other than Nina Moore’s father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Ice
water filled his veins and his heart pounded in fear. Did he know? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
sick feeling inside him grew, sitting like a heavy rock in the midst of his
gut. But then Gary Moore’s gaze slid away and relief filled Max’s whole being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
wiped his forehead, not surprised to feel the sweat spread across it. It was in
that moment he decided he was going to see Nina Moore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-74045307624753327252015-03-23T19:01:00.000-07:002015-03-23T19:01:02.183-07:00She Waits ~ Chapter One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't forget to stop in at the Mine!!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter One ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Nina
Moore let the silky peach drape slide through her fingers as it slipped into
place beside its twin. Shoulders heaving with emotion she gulped in a deep
breath of air, squeezing her eyes shut against the sting. A single tear escaped
and slid down her warm cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
was leaving. Again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
glanced at the calendar on the wall beside the kitchen doorway as she shuffled
into the bright, cheery room, resisting the urge to pick up the pen and mark
the date. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No! I have to stop this.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
name was super-imposed across the stage of her mind. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Max Williams. </i>The man she loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Stop
it, Nina. He doesn’t remember you exist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Plopping
into the high-backed chair, she buried her head in trembling hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Huge
gasping sobs shook her slender shoulders. “What have I done?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Pulling
her hands away, they slammed against her burgeoning belly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
back stiffened and she sniffled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
pregnancy was becoming obvious and she wouldn’t be able to hide it much longer.
She would take responsibility for the tiny life growing inside her, that’s for
sure. And even though she’d believed Max loved her like she loved him that was
no excuse for what she’d done with him. Shame heated her skin and her cheeks
grew warm with humiliation. Everyone would know. She’d be labeled immoral,
maybe even thrown out of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
abdomen tightened and she cried out. “Oh, what will I do, dear Lord?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
day she’d found out abortion crossed her mind, but she couldn’t do it. Not only
was she a Christian, she couldn’t abide the taking of an innocent life. It wasn’t
the baby’s fault she’d slept with someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Rocking
back and forth, she moaned and cried. Her parents would know soon, too. Would
they disown her? Take away her allowance? If so, how would she continue to
attend college? It would be such a blow to them. Nina had been such a good
daughter—until now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Get a job. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
words echoed through her mind, but were discarded. Not on her list of desirable
things to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Sliding
off the chair, she dropped to her knees on the floor. “Dear Lord, please lead
and guide me and help me through this. I know I messed up and sinned against
You. I’m sorry, but I need you now more than ever.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
room was quiet. The only sound the quiet buzzing of the refrigerator. There was
no audible answer from God, yet a comforting peace settled over her and she
smiled. God was with her, even though she’d done such a horrid thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Exhaustion
enveloped her and sleep tried to claim her as she knelt on the floor, but she
fought it until her pleas to God were finished for the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
her last words were uttered to Him, she stood and headed up the stairs of her
little rental house, too tired to think about supper. Reaching her room, she
flopped into bed sure she’d fall asleep quick and in a hurry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
mind had other ideas. As soon as her head hit the pillow her eyes popped wide
and she gazed around the room. “Six months ago,” She whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Somewhere
between sleep and wakefulness, Nina’s mind wandered back to that night, and
Max. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes jumped to the forefront of her
memory. Every detail of his facial features etched into her mind’s eye. His
smell. The way he looked deeply into her eyes, seeming to meld with her very
soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
should’ve clarified. No, she should’ve said no, no matter what. She knew
better. Good girls like her didn’t do bad things like that. She was his English
tutor for Pete’s sake. How had they even gotten in her room? Oh yeah, she’d
gone to use the restroom and when she’d come out, he’d been sitting on her bed.
She tried to pass by and not meet his gaze, but long arms had come out and
captured her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
heart thumped against her ribcage, half-scared, half-excited. Her pulse was so
loud in her ears she missed his words. What had he said? She’d asked him to
repeat it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You’re
very beautiful, Nina Blue Moore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She’d
tried to pull away, but honestly not very hard. His hands were warm and the
feel of them around her arms caused the thumping in her ears to escalate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
hand came up and snuck under her long, dark hair, cupping her neck. His lips
swooped down and… “No!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
sat-up, shaking her head. She mustn’t remember the sin. Though she knew it for
what it was, she still desired it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m
so awful.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Irritation
filled her and she jumped from the bed. She couldn’t blame it all on Max. She
could’ve said no. Would he have stopped if she had? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
couldn’t be sure, but for all intents and purposes it didn’t matter. She hadn’t
said no, and now she was pregnant, unmarried, nineteen, and alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
skipped down the steps as if the hounds of Hades were on her heels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-12232532502760380792015-03-03T04:21:00.001-08:002015-03-03T04:21:14.938-08:00Conclusion to Broken Dreams!! <br />
Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
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It's been a long time coming, but the end is finally here. I've been trying to decide what to do next, and to be honest, I still haven't planted it in stone. I guess we'll see what next week brings. :)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Forty-Two ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
looked toward her mother. “What’s he talking about, Mom? Did you know about
this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
watched the scenario play out in front of him, helpless to stop it now that it
was coming out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t know— I haven’t the slightest…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh
cut the crap, mother. You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> know,
didn’t you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmarelda’s
shoulders shook. “No, I don’t understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
popped back around the corner and stopped in front of his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
body shoved against the back of the chair, trying to get away from the rage he
felt in the older man’s body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It
was all the ‘I want this, Lenwood. Can I have that, Lenwood. Let’s re-decorate
the house, Lenwood.’ Blah, blah, blah. You drove me to insanity. I was so deep
in debt I couldn’t get out. I didn’t want to tell you for fear you’d leave me,
so I borrowed money off a man someone from the firm knew. When I wasn’t able to
pay it back, he became furious. He sent men to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kill </i>me, Esmeralda.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“So
how did it come about with Arianna?” Justin interjected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
glanced his way, as if just then remembering his presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shrugged. “I didn’t have the money. I foolishly told him he could take anything
he wanted if he’d just let me live. He wanted Arianna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmeralda
gasped, and so did Arianna and Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“And
you let him take her?” Esmeralda asked the horror plain in her tone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
had no choice.” Lenwood put his hands out, turned toward Arianna. “You
understand, don’t you, Pumpkin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
was becoming concerned by Arianna’s silence. The look on her face was so
herat-breaking. Betrayal. He glanced toward Arianna’s mom. She wore much the
same expression. She may be a spoiled, demanding woman, but she hadn’t known.
Relief washed through him. Arianna wouldn’t be left without a parent, after
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Understand?
Are you serious, Daddy? I worshiped the ground you walked on. After he took me,
I fantasized about you coming to save me, but it never happened.” Tears slid
down her face, and she slid into one of the plush hospital chairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
rushed over and dropped to his knees in front of the chair. He wrapped her in
his arms, not knowing what to say. How could you comfort someone in a situation
like this? Especially someone you’d come to love?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
laid her head on Justin’s chest. So tired. She wanted…no, needed, sleep. Maybe
she was already asleep and this was some bizarre nightmare she’d awake from,
but she knew better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
whoosh of the elevator brought attention from all of them. Two uniformed
policemen strode toward her father, their steps full of purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
stopped in front of Lenwood and the tall, skinny one read him his rights,
turned him around and popped cuffs on his wrists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Although
the circumstances were horrid, Arianna finally felt a sense of peace. It really
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> over. Her arms tightened around
Justin’s neck. “Take me home, Justin. Take me to see Chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
will, Arianna. As soon as the doctors release you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
arms tightened even more. “You know. I have so many broken dreams, but the
promises you’ve given me give me hope. For a better future. For a good life
with my son, and I thank God for answering my prayers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,”
Justin said, crushing his wife into the safety of his chest. “I’ll never let
anything happen to you Arianna. You are my love. My life. And so is Chance.” He
pulled away and brushed a tender kiss across her nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
saved me Just in time, Justin.” She giggled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
eyebrow rose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It
was funny. Just in…ah, forget it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Understanding
dawned and he smacked at her shoulder in a playful way. “Wow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Sobering
up, she looked deep into his eyes. “Yes. Wow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
policemen led Arianna’s dad away, his shoulders slumped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
didn’t understand what caused her dad to allow such a horrendous thing to
happen to her. How could a father remove the protection and love he felt toward
a daughter? For money, no less? Arianna shrugged. It didn’t matter. She had
Justin, and she had Chance. And she even had her mother, and Mary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled as Justin led her back to the bed in her room. It had been such an
eventful day. No week. No, life. She sighed. Things would be better now that ‘the
Monster’ was in jail, and so was her dad. A sting of hurt zinged through her,
but she shrugged it away. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank you for
bringing me through this situation, Dear Lord. It wasn’t always easy, but you
were always right there beside me.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
helped her into the bed then turned around to grab his chair. He set it right
next to her bed and slid onto the hard surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Sleep
now, Arianna. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
grabbed his hand and pulled it to her chest. “I know you will, Justin. I love
you, you know.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
smile grabbed his heart and plummeted it to his toes then back to his chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
love you too, Ari. Get some sleep now. The rest of our lives will be waiting
when you awake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Smiling,
she slipped into slumber knowing his promises weren’t broken dreams, but future
ones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-11056168646853243812015-02-23T18:25:00.000-08:002015-02-23T18:25:28.348-08:00Broken Dreams Chapter Forty-One<br />
Don't forget to visit the Mine!! <br /> <a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Forty-One ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
he advanced toward Arianna’s parents, they stepped out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
sputtered, “You’ll pay for this, son. You have no idea who you’re messing with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
shiver shot up his spine, but Justin continued advancing. “You’re right about
that, but I’m learning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
Rathburne’s mouth clamped shut, and he examined Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmeralda
Rathburne looked at her husband. “What’s he talking about, Lenny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
older man shook his head. “I assure you I have no clue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
shoulders tightened. “Oh I assure you, you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
shook his head. “I’m going to call the administrator. He’ll let us see our
daughter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
shook his head. “No, he won’t. He can’t. I’m her husband. Her next of kin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
mom’s head bobbed back and forth like a bobble head. “What is going on here? I
demand to know, young man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
stepped into the hallway and pulled the door shut with a soundless click. He
gestured to Lenwood Rathburne. “Why don’t you ask Dear Hubby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
head swiveled toward Lenwood once more. “Lenny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shrugged. “I haven’t a clue. I think he’s gone daft.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
laughed, but uncertainty tainted the sound. Was he mistaken? He didn’t think
so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“If
we can’t see Arianna, then at least let us see our grandson,” Lenwood demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Uh,
let me think about that for a second. No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
father’s face clouded up like a thunderhead ready to explode. “What do you
mean, no? That’s our grandson and we have every right to see him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why,
so you can sell him to the highest bidder like you did your daughter?” The
words were so unexpected, Justin stopped in horror. Where had that come from?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">But
Lenwood’s face went ashen. “What are you talking about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
words were no longer forceful and full of purpose, but weak… and worried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
gestured for the Rathburnes to follow him to the waiting area. He took a seat,
glad to brace his quivering body. He was frightened, but didn’t want Lenwood to
know it. Was he being foolish to pry for answers on his own? He knew he was,
but couldn’t stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
curious about a few things, Mr. Rathburne.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">An
already angered face twisted into a mask of rage. “Who do you think you are? We
don’t know you from Adam. You come up out of nowhere and take over our little
girl’s life like you have a right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmeralda
Rathburne shook her head in agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Should I back away?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">
Pulling his shoulders back, he made the decision. He cleared his throat, hating
wobble in his tone as he spoke. “What exactly happened the day your daughter
disappeared?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">To
Justin’s surprise, Arianna’s mom looked at her husband, as if waiting for his
answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Didn’t
she tell you?” he snapped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
shook his head. “No, we’ve had other things to tend to and haven’t had time to
discuss it, but I’d like your take, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
rubbed a wrinkled hand across his face and leaned back in the chair. His shoulders
began to shake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
his hand dropped, Justin saw the tears. “You know, don’t you?” He stared into
Justin’s eyes, holding his gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
shook his head. “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Know
what?” Esmeralda asked, looking at first one then the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“How?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was Justin’s turn to shrug and run a hand across his tired features. “I just
guessed, really. It makes sense.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Silence
ensued. There was none of the anger and screaming and yelling Justin had
envisioned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">After
a few moments, he said, “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
bent over and sobbed, his burly shoulders shaking, loud guffaws erupting from
time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
wife got up and rubbed a comforting hand across his back. “Okay, that is
enough. Somebody better tell me what’s going on here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
think it best if it comes from him.” Justin looked to the older man, who seemed
to have aged exponentially in just a few moments of time. An emotion rushed to
his brain, and he tried to quell it. How could he feel sorrow for a man like
that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmeralda
pulled her husband’s face up. “What is he talking about, Lenny? None of this
makes any sense.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
looked up, his mouth opening and closing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
voice from across the room said, “He sold his daughter to a monster, that’s
what.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Three
surprised faces jerked up at the sound of Arianna’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
heart pounded at the tough little stance she presented, all tough and gruff.
Yet he knew how weak she was. He got up and rushed to her side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Pumpkin…”
The word was tormented and fraught with hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“How
could you?” She asked. No tears. No accusations. A simple question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
room crackled with expectant energy. Lenwood looked from one to the other. His
eyes finally settling on his wife. “It’s her fault.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Esmeralda
gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
cried, “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
said, “You better explain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lenwood
stood and ran down the hallway, disappearing around the corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-84530050253809324912015-01-27T13:57:00.001-08:002015-01-27T13:57:47.388-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Don't forget to visit the Mine!!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Forty ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
opened her eyes. The small movement sent shards of pain racing through her
brain, but she fought it. Was that Justin’s voice?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
let her head fall to the right, unable to hold it in place. He stood watching
her, disbelief filling his features as he realized she was awake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
was at her side. “Arianna.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,
thirsty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
laughed, looked at the nurse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
shrugged. “I’ll get you some water.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">After
the nurse left, Arianna grabbed Justin’s arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Is
he…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
winced. “He’s in jail. They’re going to plead insanity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
nodded. “Yes. He… they, are quite mad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
shook his head. “No he’s not. He’s possessed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Justin!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shrugged one sweater-clad shoulder. “It’s true. Those eyes, that voice. That’s
not some dissociative disorder, Arianna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
tear slid down her nose, and he wiped it away. “Is it over?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
cleared his throat, wishing his news was better. “I hope so. They’re keeping
him medicated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t know if I can take much more.” She swiped at more tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
know. I wish I could say I would protect you and it happen. But I tried that
and failed. He’s cunning and maniacal. I don’t know how to fight that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“We
can’t. Only God can. How are Mary and the baby?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“They’re
fine. And you need to worry about getting better yourself before adding
anything else to your plate.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
nodded. “I know, but thinking about others will help me do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
nodded, understood. Having a purpose in life made one feel stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
cleared his throat. “Your parents are on their way, you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Shaking
her head caused pain to radiate inside her skull, so she stopped the movement
and held her breath until it subsided. “Does it make me a monster not to want
to see them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
caressed her cheek with one finger and caught her gaze. “No. It makes you
human. I’m just as convinced as you are they somehow have a part in this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t understand how they could—But,” She paused, hoping he’d understand and
she wouldn’t have to finish her sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t think it was a ‘they’ so much as a ‘he,’ Ari. I’m not saying your mom is
innocent, but can’t see her going to those lengths on her own.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
nurse returned with a pitcher of ice water and a cup. She sat the cup on the
wheeled table and filled it with water. “Take small sips, Arianna. We don’t
want you throwing up with all the stitches you have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Stitches?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
nurse said, “You didn’t know?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
shook her head. “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
nurse gestured toward Arianna’s arm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
soon as her eyes lit on the bandaged spot, pain prickled from beneath the white
square bandage. Scrunching her nose she said, “I do now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
all shared a laugh. “Is there anything else I can get you, Arianna?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
smiled, suddenly feeling an overwhelming tiredness. “No, but I heard my parents
were coming. Would it be possible to get a warning before they come in?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Certainly,
but is something wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Not
wanting to cause a big stink, Arianna said, “No, I’m just really tired and don’t
feel like visitors right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
nurse gave a pointed stare at Justin, but to her credit didn’t comment other
than to say, “Will do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Alone
again, Justin took Arianna’s hands in his. “We need to talk before they get
here, Ari. I know you’re tired and hurting, but we have to have a plan of
action.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
grinned, feeling her smile stretch across her face. “Whatever you come up with
is fine, Justin. Let’s just be done with this, okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
watched his wife’s eyelashes flutter against pale cheeks. She was too tired to
fight with him right now. Pulling his shoulders back, he made a decision; He
would fight for them both. That’s what husbands did, anyway, wasn’t it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
rustling noise at the doorway caught his attention and he looked up. Her
parents stood in the doorway, one with an extreme look of relief, the other
with malevolent anger. There was no doubt in his mind now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her father had involvement in her ordeal. But
how could a parent do such a thing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
didn’t have a clue. The one thing he did know was it stopped here and now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
moved forward, hands up. “I’m sorry. You weren’t supposed to be allowed in
right now. Arianna is resting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
father’s face clouded up even more. “Now look here <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boy</i>…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
laughed. “I’m not a boy, sir. I’m a man. And not only that, I’m your daughter’s
husband. And as such, I’m telling you she doesn’t want visitors right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-39167283830872523352015-01-20T07:04:00.002-08:002015-01-20T07:04:59.976-08:00Broken Dreams Chapter Thirty-Nine Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Though stark and cold, they do hold a beauty of their own. :)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Nine ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
fear disappeared in an instant. She snapped, “I can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
laughter. The figure standing over her spit out, “You people kill me with your
religious bull-crap.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
struggled to sit up, but the figure pushed her back to the dirty mattress with
the toe of one cruddy work boot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
won’t be getting up right now, or ever, come to think of it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The figure raised an arm and Arianna shrunk
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Please,
no.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
of the insane laughter. “I knew you’d see it my way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t see it your way; I just don’t want to die.” Arianna was finally able to
scoot until her back touched the cold, concrete wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Where’s
Adam?” It was a desperate attempt to distract, but she had to try something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
voice sneered, “Adam’s gone forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
screeched, “You killed him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
figure laughed once more. “He isn’t dead, just disabled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
raised her chin in a false-sense of bravery. “I want to talk to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
figure lowered down beside her, resting long arms on elbows. Cold, lifeless
eyes stared into her own, the deep evil trying to suck her in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t know who you think you are, but you’re never talking to him again. It’s
over. No more moony-eyed faces. No more puppy dog stares. It’s time you got
what you deserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
hard slap connected with her jaw, slamming her head against the cold concrete
wall. Waves of pain filled her mind and she tried to concentrate on seeing the
person crouching over her so she wouldn’t pass out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why—
are you,” Her voice cracked and waves of nausea overcame her. She vomited, the
stream spewing all over the person before sliding down the side of the mattress
and into the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
tried to move, to get away. The look on his face was so terrifying…but she was
immobile. She moaned, began whimpering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You…stupid…hag!”
He screamed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
shook her head. Confusion swarmed around her brain. It was a man standing above
her, but the voice was that of a woman. The movement of her head sent shards of
pain radiating throughout her body. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear
God. </i>It’s the only thing she could think to think. She thought it again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear God. </i>Terror was so thick and real
at that moment she couldn’t form anything else. She repeated it again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear God. </i>Those two simple words seemed
to calm her so she continued repeating them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
was suddenly aware of a calm blanketing her mind. It was so peaceful she
smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">This
infuriated the ‘thing’ standing over top her, fists raised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why
are you smiling, you idiot?” It screeched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
words popped out without her being aware she’d even thought them. “God loves
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Psssht.
That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. Let me take that false sense of
calm away from you, you little twit. You’re going to die here today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
shrugged. “If its God’s will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
person standing above her looked down, curiosity masking the hatred. It tilted
its head, the empty blackness of its eyes staring, trying to invade Arianna’s very
soul. The voice changed from feminine to deep male. “You will shut up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Fear
zinged across Arianna’s nerve endings. She’d never seen such evil, or heard its
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
shook her head, despite the fear. “No. I know God is with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
hand came out and slammed into her so hard she was lifted from her spot on the
floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
watched what was happening, as if it were someone else. She felt the immense
pain as she hit the wall and slid down to lay on the floor. Warm blood flowed
into her eyes and she wanted to rub it away, but couldn’t move her arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was over her. She screamed in her mind, but no sound came out except, “God is
the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No!
Shut your mouth!” She was flying through the air again, this time hitting the
door. Wood dug into her back as she slid down its rough surface. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">In
her mind, she kept thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear God,
help me. If I’m to die, please make it quick.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
lost count of how many times she was picked up and thrown around the room like
a ragdoll. That didn’t terrify her as much as the eyes on the monster who
tormented her. It was liking looking into the eyes of hell, and she needed to
avoid it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Consciousness
started to slip, and she prayed for it; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please
protect me, Dear Lord.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Sometime
later, she came to enough to hear voices, but couldn’t get to the edge of
wakefulness. Her eyes slid shut. Nothingness was bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-56402447507022739932015-01-06T16:01:00.001-08:002015-01-06T16:01:24.742-08:00Broken Dreams ~ Chapter Thirty-Eight Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/12/welcome-angela-strong-to-mine.html?spref=fb">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/12/welcome-angela-strong-to-mine.html?spref=fb</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Eight ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Fear
for his wife filled him. The madman had her again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear Lord, please help me get her away from him, and for good. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
was being wheeled down a long, white hallway now. He asked several different
policemen about Arianna’s whereabouts, but none responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Everything
was passing by in a blur and his frustration built. Where was she?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
flurry of nurses surrounded him as he was wheeled into the exam room, and
before he could protest, he had an IV with a morphine drip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
sat on the overturned crate, arms wrapped around his waist. He rocked back and
forth, the furious motion causing his head to spin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
didn’t look good. Her skin was white as paper, and blood seeped from the
corners of her mouth and one nostril.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Take
her to the hospital, idiot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
sat straight up, looking in every direction. No one was there. His heart
thundered against sore ribs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Who
said that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
know, Adam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shook his head. “No, I don’t. Where are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
got up and checked every nook and cranny of the bare room. It was only he and
Arianna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
flopped back to the crate and resumed rocking, this time grabbing both sides of
his head by the hair. “Can’t think. Can’t think.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Feminine
laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
raised his head to see if Arianna had awakened, but she was still out, lying
crumpled on the edge of the filthy mattress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
was aware of a loud wailing noise, but didn’t know where it was coming from
until that feminine voice said, “Stop whining like a sissy, Adam. You’re
supposed to be the strong one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mouth clamped shut, and sure enough, the noise stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Who’s
there?” He jumped up, overturning the crate, which he kicked so hard the
plastic cracked as it smacked the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
know me, Adam. I’m the one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shook his head in denial. No! It couldn’t be her. He wouldn’t allow it. No one
ruled over him. Why, he’d…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Adam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh
yes, my boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No.
I refuse. You can’t make me hurt her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
words became angry now. “That’s the reason you took over, remember? You’re the
heartless one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shook his head again, sliding to the floor beside the very pale Arianna. He whispered,
“Not when it comes to her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
snorted, “Hmmph.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Something
was happening inside him, and he was helpless to stop it. His fingers came up
and stroked the bloody hair at Arianna’s temple. He tsked, rubbed it away from
her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
won’t hurt her and you can’t make me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Suddenly,
he was pushed away from the unconscious young woman. “Then I’ll do it myself. I
don’t know what your problem is, she’s just a girl. You’ve done away with
countless others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam’s
head snapped back from the force of the slap dealt him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
dropped his arm between his legs and stared at his hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
really messed up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">There
was wetness on his face and he brought that same hand up to wipe at it. He was
crying. Anger seared through him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
have you done to me you callous hag?” He screamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">At
his words, Arianna groaned and began moving around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
dropped to his knees beside her. “Ari?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">But
nothing. She was still unconscious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
was moving toward him again, her intent to slap him once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
reached up with one arm, grabbing the other. “No! You will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> hit me again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
shouting match ensued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
groaned, opened her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
horror show she saw playing out before her was enough to make her eyelids drop
once more, then pop back open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">
was there. Just like last time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">White
hot terror immobilized her as those cold, dead eyes latched onto her own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
figure stood over her, pure hatred emanating from every pore of the body. “Time
to die, Missy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No!”
She held her hands above her head and began praying out loud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Dear
Father, save me if it be Your will. If it’s not, give those who love me peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Maniacal
laughter filled the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
little idiot. Who could love a God like that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-69850612834419944062014-12-30T14:56:00.001-08:002014-12-30T14:56:23.019-08:00Special New Years Message...<br />
Don't forget to check out the Mine!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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I took these pictures a few days ago...<br />
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My New Year's resolution is, I don't have one. :)</div>
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I think we all have some kind of huge goal or decision we plan to stick with every year, therefore starting our new year with stress and over-expectation. Then, halfway through we realize we haven't reached those outrageous goals or resolutions, and we end our year with depression and feelings of failure. I'm not saying we shouldn't have goals. We definitely should. We just need to be more realistic. Reach, but don't fall while you are.<br />With these words of wisdom I say: Happy New Year!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-38518310204310960412014-12-23T05:26:00.001-08:002014-12-23T05:26:27.363-08:00Christmas 2014!! Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
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<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/12/interview-and-book-giveaway-with-author.html?spref=fb">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/12/interview-and-book-giveaway-with-author.html?spref=fb</a><br />
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I took a lot of pictures this year, but these are a few of my favorites!! I hope you enjoy them!! Drop a comment and let me know which is your favorite!<br />
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I can't believe how fast this year slid by. You know what they say...the older you get the faster it goes. I guess it's true.<br />
I have no great words of wisdom to impart this year, except: Not only is Jesus the reason for the season...He is the reason for everything. To Him, through Him, for Him, etc. The world has taken this day, Christmas, and turned it into a huge materialistic crusade to keep our eyes away from the truth. Jesus is the truth. If you want answers to your questions, or have problems, or praises, or anything at all, turn to Jesus. He IS the answer. There is so much heartache and uncertainty in the world today, and the answer, the solution, is always right there beside us.<br />
I've met some incredible people this year. I've talked to them about the things of God. And then I'm disappointed. They have this preconceived idea of who Jesus is and what He wants and requires, and it's totally wrong. To have a relationship with the Lord, you have to know who He is. If you don't even have that right, nothing good can follow. It breaks my heart that people walk around with a total lack of respect and regard for our Lord. They have no clue who it is they say they worship. <br />
My goal for next year is: Witness the truth in love. Now, that doesn't mean concede defeat or step away. It doesn't mean agreeing with someone who is wrong. It means disagreeing respectfully with them, and then telling them the truth. How can we say we love someone, and then lie to them? The worst lie anyone can tell is that Jesus is not who He says He is. These people have to know the truth. If that means being outcast, so be it. I can deal with that. Been there, done that, have several t-shirts...lol. It is our responsibility as Christians to get the real gospel out there and stop letting these charlatans hijack our beliefs. I, for one, am not surprised of the hatred and disregard the general population has for Christianity because they have no idea what it even is. We have been lax and let them believe a lie. So, on to the truth for 2015!!<br />
Have a Merry CHRISTmas!! From my house to yours. ~ Misty ~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-3181710681963096182014-12-16T12:38:00.003-08:002014-12-16T12:38:37.557-08:00Chapter Thirty-Seven Broken Dreams Don't forget to visit the Mine!!<br />
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<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Some of God's beauty to enjoy!!<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Seven ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Rage
consumed him. This was unacceptable. She was his, and he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would </i>have her. If they both died in the process, oh well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
stepped on the gas, delight filling his mind when he caught sight of the police
car carrying her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Escape
me, will you?” He bellowed into the emptiness of the stolen car. “I think not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
hit the gas hard, entering the intersection, intending to ram the back of the
police cruiser.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
car from the left skidded into the intersection at the same time, grinding the
brakes. Metal on metal echoed all around him, but he couldn’t get out of the
way fast enough to elude the out-of-control car. It careened into him, spinning
his car like a top. He yelled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No,
I don’t want to go out like this. I have to get her first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Everything
was happening so fast he could hardly concentrate, but he pulled his foot from
the brake and hit the gas. His car lurched. He spun the wheel the opposite
direction and worked it until he was again facing the road ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Aha.
That’ll teach ya, ya bum.” He shouted. Pushing the gas a little harder he gave
chase to the police car fast losing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
growing sense of dread crept into Arianna’s mind causing her to stiffen like a
statue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
noticed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
you okay?” He pushed a strand of reddish-gold hair behind her ear and kissed
her cheek. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
nodded, the movement taking every ounce of concentration she could muster to
complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Concern
filled his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
heart melted a little then pulled back. Uneasiness worked to consume her very
being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘The
Monster’ was close. She could<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> feel </i>the
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Goose
bumps broke out all over her skin. Shadowy black spots threatened her eyesight
as terror consumed her. She tried to croak out Justin’s name, but only got out,
“Ju— please” before a loud bang and the wheel of their car spun out of the
officer’s hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
the— what’s…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
policeman’s head bounced back hard and then into the wheel. Blood spurted from
a wound on his head, but he was out for the count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
released his belt and pulled frantically at the cage separating them and the
officer, but it was no use. They were trapped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Dear
Lord, what should we do?” She screamed as the car flew across several lanes,
hitting everything in its path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
the police cruiser came to a stop, the three passengers inside lay unconscious
and bleeding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
ran up to the car and pulled the door open. Sirens screamed in the distance. He
needed to hurry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
lay crumpled under the man, looking like a broken rag doll. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">With
amazing gentleness, he extracted her from the fray and settled her into his
arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Head
sliding this way and that, making sure no police were close enough to see him,
he ran into the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
woke-up to a bright fluorescent light shining in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Sir?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
moaned, tried to straighten his legs. Pain ripped through him and a scream
ripped out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
young man standing at his side backed away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
you okay, sir?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
clenched his teeth in pain. “My leg. I think its broke.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well
hold still. We called 911.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
shook his head. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where is Arianna?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
tried to open his eyes wide, but dizziness washed through him. His body began
to spin. “Arianna?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Sir,
was there a woman in here?” The cop asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
voice sounded far away, as if in a tunnel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,
my wife, Arianna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Sir,
are you okay? There’s no woman here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
heart thumped hard against his ribs, winning out over the pain in his leg. “Where
is she?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
managed to get his eyes open to small slits. The cop was shaking his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
assure you I don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">An
ambulance screamed onto the scene and Justin was left to lament the whereabouts
of his wife. Again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-89103183165347701012014-12-08T21:02:00.001-08:002014-12-08T21:02:14.631-08:00It's that time again...<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> Don't forget to visit the Mine!!</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> ~ Chapter Thirty-Six ~<br />
<o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
moaned and tried to sit up. The darkness swirled around her so thick she found it
hard to breathe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">On
the third try she was able to wedge a small shoulder against the wall and prop
herself against its cool dampness. “Dear Lord, You know what’s going to happen
if you don’t get me out of here. If it’s somehow Your will I go through it,
please give me the strength to endure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Tears
of desperation and self-pity slid down her cheeks, but she was powerless to
wipe them away. Was it ever going to end?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
didn’t hear a peep at least that was a relief. She didn’t have to wonder where
he was, she knew. He was ‘consuming his courage’ as he called it. If he was
consistent with the one other time this happened, she had about an hour to
figure out how to escape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Vague
shadowy images ran through her brain. Swinging her head this way and that, she
grunted, “No. I don’t want to remember. I don’t want to remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
personality ‘the Monster’ was sporting at the moment was ‘Adam.’ He was the
most evil of his voices. She’d suffered the most at his hands, and at the end,
he’d laughed and walked away without a backward glance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
was shaking now, unable to stop. The coldness from the wall seeped through her
shirt and she whimpered in discomfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
noise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
straightened, tilted her head. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Was it
him? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
heart thumped against her chest, rattled against her ribcage. Her throat
constricted and she tried to swallow, but couldn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Something
scurried across her foot. She started to scream but realized it was just a
mouse. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Much better that than Adam.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
time passed it got colder and colder. Caught halfway between relief he wasn’t
there and dread he would show up, she prayed again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
jerked. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Had she fallen asleep?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
distinct sound of footsteps pounded to a stop outside the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
heart resumed its jack-hammer pound and she pulled her body as tight against
the wall as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Loud
banging pulled a moan of horror from trembling lips. The rattle of keys. Heart
pounding…and then nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He’s tormenting me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Somewhere
down the way, she heard the jangle of keys again and then screaming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
wanted to feel guilty for being glad it wasn’t her, but couldn’t. But sympathy
for whoever was also a prisoner of the evil Adam washed through her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
mind began to race. How old was the girl? Was she very young? She began to
struggle, trying to pull her thin wrists from the shackles, but it was no use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
screams, this time frantic, reverberated off the walls down the hall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She sounds young.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Suddenly,
it was silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Footsteps
clopped closer to her door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Keys
jangled. The door slammed open so hard the walls shook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
screamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Light
flooded the room, blinding her for a moment. She braced for whatever was coming
her way, eyes squeezed tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Arianna?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
sounded like Justin. She was imagining it. She squeezed eyes even tighter and
shrunk against the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
body moved closer and she screamed louder, if possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Arianna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
room was suddenly bombarded with men in uniform. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
no nonsense-looking guy walked up and said, “Do you know where he is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Surprise
and shock kept her mute, but she shook her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
officer gave an apologetic smile and asked, “Did he—uh…” His beefy fingers
slipped into the collar of his shirt and rubbed back and forth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
finally found her voice, “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
sigh of relief was audible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
dropped to the floor beside her and hugged tight, tears streaming down his
cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
so sorry, Baby. I should’ve gone to the car instead of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
shook her head. “No, he would’ve killed you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t know about that, but I know you’re not getting out of my site until that
‘Monster’ is put away once and for all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Fifteen
minutes later, after some more questions from the officers, Justin and Arianna
were headed back to the police station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
hadn’t found Adam, but Arianna felt him. She somehow knew he was following
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
prayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</o:p><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-19805198408988857712014-12-02T11:12:00.002-08:002014-12-02T11:12:45.977-08:00Chapter Thirty-Five ~ Broken dreams...
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Don't forget to visit the Mine!!</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">I know I've posted these before but they're some favorites and I'm really missing the mountains right now. </span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5wOIAmBYkY/VH4OXGbFFkI/AAAAAAAACHE/-iJjwWrMOiE/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5wOIAmBYkY/VH4OXGbFFkI/AAAAAAAACHE/-iJjwWrMOiE/s1600/19.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Five ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Justin,
where is that small blue bag we picked up at the deli?” Arianna asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shrugged, his attention on the baby in his arms. “Haven’t seen it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Hm.
Well, I’m going to check the car.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Another
shrug. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
went out the front door, the blackness of the night causing her feet to
hesitate on the sidewalk. She whispered, “I should’ve turned the porch light
on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Unease
settled around her like a cloak, but she pushed through it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stop being a baby. There’s nothing out here.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
reached the car and sighed with relief. Shaking her head in self-ridicule, she
pulled up on the handle, but it resisted. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Locked.
<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why
didn’t I bring the keys,” she mumbled, turning back toward the front door of
the apartment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
figure jumped in front of her, blocking her way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
jumped back, hitting the car so hard breath whooshed from her lungs. She looked
up, trying to identify who was in front of her. When her eyes met his, she
slumped to the side. Terror rushed through her so thick her body popped goose bumps
from head to toe. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘The Monster.’<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
fingers grabbed her chin and jerked her gaze back to his. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Head
cricking to the side, he sneered. “You didn’t think you’d escape me that easy,
did you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“B—ut…h—ow…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
Monster cackled. “It wasn’t easy, but when you’re determined, you’d be
surprised what you can accomplish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
hand came up, and he slapped a piece of duct tape over her mouth. “Where is my
child?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Even
through her fear, his voice didn’t sound quite right, but fear stole her
ability to examine the reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
dragged her across the parking lot, back into the darkest corner where an old
Ford truck waited, motor running.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Lifting
her up as if she were a weightless ragdoll, he threw her into the cab of the
truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
head struck the dash board, bounced a few times, and she fell into the
floorboard on the passenger side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘The Monster’ hopped into the drivers’ side
and slammed the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
lay in a tangled heap, one leg over the front edge of the seat, and an arm at
an odd angle covering the glove compartment. She moaned incessantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
reached over and cuffed her on the head, eliciting a screech.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Shut-up
before I give you something to scream about. You’ve been a bad girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
words garnered terror within. He’d only said those words to her once before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
hit the gas and the truck jumped forward, Arianna’s head bouncing like a ping pong
ball against the dashboard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Tears
streamed down her cheeks leaving cold tracks of dread in their wake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Images
crowded inside her head, trying to blossom into full blown memories, but she
fought to suppress them. No, it couldn’t happen again. He’d promised it would
never happen again. Said it wasn’t him that did it, but someone named Adam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It’s
when she’d realized just how crazy and maniacal he really was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Too
soon, the truck stopped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was still pitch black outside, and being pinned up against the dashboard the
way she was, she couldn’t look around. She was sure he hadn’t taken her back to
his house in the city. He wasn’t that stupid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘The
Monster’ cackled as he opened his door and stepped to the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
heart sped up as his footsteps neared her side of the truck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
the door opened and he grabbed her sore arm, she screeched in pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pulled her out anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No.
Please, don’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">More
laughter. He tossed her over his shoulder and walked through tall grass to an
old farmhouse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">At
the door, he fumbled for a minute with his keys, then shoved one into the
old-fashioned lock. “We’re going to get reacquainted, little Missy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pushed the door open and swatted her on the behind. Hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Tears
of shock from the stinging pain welled up in her eyes, but didn’t fall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
walked her down the steps of a basement off the old kitchen and dumped her up
against a cool cement wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
looked around, dread filling her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
whistled as he picked up each arm and shackled it to the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
prayed, “Dear Lord, Your will be done. Your will be done, Your will be done…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">On
the fourth round, he bashed her in the face with his fist, and everything went dark.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-76711605614786666002014-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:002014-11-25T07:25:26.305-08:00Thanksgiving Edition 2014 It's been a really...different kind of year for me. There've been ups and downs and all arounds. But the one thing I can say, and will shout from the rooftops if I must: I am thankful for the God who created me, sustains me, and who saved my black, retched soul and infused it with the light of His love. :)<br />
Anybody who knows me knows how I am; Private to a fault, never really letting anyone see who I am. I protect that personal side of me with a jealousy and fear I cannot escape. <br />
What a lot of people don't know or understand is that artistic people leak out into their art, whether it be drawing, painting, singing, dancing, writing, or even photography. <br />
I love to write, and because I'm going through an emotionally rough time right now, I'm having difficulty putting words on the screen of my current work for fear too much of me will appear. So I've chosen a few pictures I think identify me. Honestly not because I want everyone to know who I am, but because my 'box' is full and I need to empty out a few facets in order that more can be added. (And I can get back to my book.)<br />
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What happened to the single rose above ended up wrapping my whole year around it's beautiful petals. But as with all things removed from the vine, it shriveled and died. Mayhap, before I was ready to let it go, but it was out of my hands, and then this took over:<br />
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But finally, God had mercy on my suffering and sent this: He is so good!!<br />
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Anyway, I've had a very eclectic life, if that's a proper description. I've been as poor as they come, and I've had everything I've ever wanted. I've been bored to tears at times, and so busy I don't have time to take a breath of fresh air at others. I've experienced love, joy and even indifference, but the emotion ruling me this year has been sorrow. A marriage I thought would see me to my death was ended, and I'm back in a physical place I never desired to be again. But it was here where my armor was cracked. Yes, I've glued it back together, but who I was isn't who I am at this time. I go on with day to day life, but one thing is always there in the back of my mind, and more than I'd like, it takes precedence, but I'm a work in progress, after all. <br />
Now, it might still rain, but I know God is always there beside me turning my sorrow into a joy others can't understand. He is my rock and my Savior.<br />
I will continue on my road of life until God sees fit to take me from it and move me to the eternal life all of us should be seeking to experience. <br />
<em><span style="color: yellow;"> As you enjoy a happy holiday with family members and eat wonderful food made with love and joy, remember who gives you every breath you breathe, and thank HIM for what you have. :)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: yellow;"></span></em><br />
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! ~ Misty ~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-61025235681964142012014-11-18T16:17:00.004-08:002014-11-18T16:17:40.739-08:00It's that time again... Don't forget to visit the Mine tonight!!<br />
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<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Four ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
pulled up at a popular shopping center a little while later. Excitement zinged
through his nerve-endings. It wasn’t normal, and he knew it, but he’d never
been shopping for a baby before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
turned off the engine and got out. On the other side, he opened Arianna’s door
and smiled down at her. “I’ll get the baby.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“She
nodded. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
excitement was almost as palpable as his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Mary
Jo and his mom had made fast friends and rushed ahead together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Is
it exciting to go shopping because you never imagined you would, or just
because it’s shopping?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
stood behind him as he pulled the car seat from its base and shoved the plastic
handle over one arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
excited because I’m going to get things for Chance I thought he’d never have.
You’re such a wonderful husband, Justin. Thank you so much.” She leaned into
him and squeezed his unused arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
warm words oozed through his body as surely as the heat from her hand on his
arm. Affirmation of his decision to marry her spread through him anew. She was
the one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
stopped and pecked her on the cheek. “No, thank <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>for giving me the honor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
face turned red and he smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
walked into the store, her hand still on his arm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
had trouble adjusting the car seat onto the cart, but got the job done once he
moved aside and let her small hands fasten the safety belt around the proper
part of the car seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled up at him. “That was a little difficult, but we’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
walked into the main part of the store and she stopped him by squeezing bony fingers
around his arm. “How much can I spend, Justin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
voice was full of excitement and he laughed. “Just start picking stuff out and
I’ll tell you when we get close to our budget.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
let out a squeal and Chance responded in kind. Justin reached down and pushed a
tiny pacier into his mouth. He quieted immediately. Tenderness rose within him,
almost choking his next words. “He is so precious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
nodded. “Yes he is. I just hope he doesn’t turn out like ‘the Monster.’”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">And
the mood was broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“He
won’t, Arianna. You have to believe that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
turned and began walking down the baby aisle, throwing over her shoulder, “I
hope not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
watched her go. “Me too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Two
hours later and three hundred dollars shorter, they headed to the car with
their purchases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Mary
Jo and Justin’s mom settled into the back seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
we stopping for dinner, Justin?” His mom asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
nodded. “We can. Where do you want to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mom shrugged. “That’s up to you and Arianna. We’re just along for the ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Let’s
go to the steakhouse then,” He suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
love steak,” Arianna chimed. “It’s been so long since I had it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It’s
settled then. You’ll have it today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">#<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
taste of blood was metallic in Adam’s mouth, but he made himself swallow. There
wasn’t much time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
sat up on the gurney, rubbing his ankles. He’d forced the good doctor to
release him. He was so brilliant. He laughed at the horrified scream he’d
head-butted away…after he bit her nose off, that is. In his mind’s eye he
remembered how he’d spit it across the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">But
now, there was something most important to attend to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
hopped down, stepping over the motionless body of his former therapist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
moved with stealth through the outer door of the hospital, keys in hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
was pretty sure she drove a nice car. Probably a Beemer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">In
the parking lot, he turned in a circle while pressing the red button on the key
fob in his hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Noise
blared and headlights went crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
laugh was triumphant. A black Beemer, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
smiled and whistled as he got in and started the car. It purred like a kitten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
drove away, Justin’s apartment on his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-70135691551675660242014-11-11T14:47:00.003-08:002014-11-11T14:47:31.886-08:00Chapter Thirty-Three of Broken Dreams...<br />
Don't forget to stop in at the Mine tonight!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-three ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
stood on the other side of the door, waiting for her to say more, but she
didn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Shrugging,
he turned and went to the kitchen to get a cup of the coffee he smelled
brewing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
stopped in surprise when he saw his mother. She never got up this early. And
she certainly wouldn’t be making coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Mom?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
turned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
gasped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Tears
flowed down his mother’s cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Don’t
go getting excited, son. I’m not feeling well, that’s all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
rushed to her side. “It’s not like you to cry. What doesn’t feel good?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mother studied him, as if pondering what to say. Her shoulders began to shake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Mom?”
Concern rushed through him. And guilt. He’d had an argument with his mother
just a few days ago and she was sick. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is
it my fault? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m
fine Justin. I really am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
hugged her. “I’m so sorry for arguing with you the other day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It’s
fine, Justin, and you don’t need to keep apologizing. Once was enough. Really.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Okay…I
just want you to know I didn’t mean any of what I said. I was being defensive
and childish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled. “Well, thank you, Justin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Mary
Jo walked into the kitchen with a bright smile. “Good morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Morning,”
Justin replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Good
morning,” His mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
nurse looked around. “Where’s Arianna?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
tipped his head toward the hallway. “She’s taking a bath.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh.”
She moved to the counter and pulled a cup from the cupboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Did
you sleep well?” He asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
did. I didn’t realize just how tired I was until I went to bed. I can barely
remember lying down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
chuckled. “Yeah, I was really tired, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Mary
Jo went to the table and sat down. “Have you checked on her lately?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
smiled at the concern in the nurse’s voice. “Yes, just a couple minutes ago.
You’re more than welcome to check again if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Mary
Jo shrugged. “I will in a minute.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
you two hungry? I can run down to the corner market and grab some eggs and
stuff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mom raised a shoulder and let it fall. “I could eat, how about you, Mary Jo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Oh,
you never need to ask me. I’m always hungry.” She smiled, took a sip from her cup
and left the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Chance
began to cry and Justin smiled when his mom’s face perked-up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
head swiveled toward him as if attached to a spring. “Do you want me to feed
him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">There
was hope in her voice and Justin was glad again for Arianna and the baby.
Although he’d already grown to care deeply for his new family, his mother would
always hold a special place in his heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Justin?”
His mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Shaking
his head, he smiled. “Yes, could you? I think I’ll go check on Arianna. We’re
probably going to go shopping today. If you don’t feel too bad I’d appreciate
if you went with us. I’m sure you’ll know more than we do what we’ll need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mom threw a grateful smile his way on her way to the bathroom and said over her
shoulder, “I’ll go. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Good,
it’s settled then. Tell Arianna if you would.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">With
the room empty, Justin grabbed his laptop and went to his bank page. He’d been
confident of his ability to provide for himself, in fact, he’d had more than
enough. But would it be enough for two more people? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was a good thing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he owned his apartment,
but then, they might decide to sell it and move to the outskirts of the city if
they had more children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
thought caused his heart to jerk and pitter-patter in his chest. It wasn’t a
scary thought, but an exciting one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">After
ten minutes going over his current finances he was assured they had plenty of
money to go shopping. Now all he needed was a list. What all did a baby need,
anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shoved a hand through disheveled hair and yelled, “Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,
Justin!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
she arrived back at his side, he looked up at her. “What do we need for him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mom laughed, causing him to smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
sat at the table and pulled the empty pad of paper and pen over in front of
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well
now, let’s see…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-31748142935747805472014-11-04T05:03:00.004-08:002014-11-04T05:03:46.636-08:00Chapter Thirty-two of Broken Dreams...
<br />
<br />
Don't forget to stop in at the Mine for another awesome interview!! <br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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As always, some of God's beauty to get us started...<br />
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-Two ~</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
slid out of bed, intent on taking a shower before her husband awoke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Sure,
they were getting along well, but she was nowhere near as comfortable as she’d
been letting on. The thought of him seeing more of her bony, malnourished body
caused a lump of humiliation to form in her throat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No, I need to gain weight before that happens.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Gathering
a clean outfit and a few toiletries she exited the bedroom and pulled the door
closed behind her with a soundless click. She padded down the tiled hallway to
the bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
apartment was nice with its brown and cream color scheme, but not as posh as
her parents’ home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Compared
to ‘the Monster’s’ abode, it was a castle. And it was comfy. The homey feel was
something she’d never been used to. As a child, her house was more a mausoleum
than a home. She hadn’t been allowed to make a move without being reprimanded
by her mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
sat down on the edge of the tub and turned the water on, letting it rush over
her hand. She vowed Chance would never have to feel like an interloper in his
own home. She wanted him to enjoy his childhood, with real toys and awesome
parents who loved and cared about him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
she shucked her clothes and slid into the warm water, her mind became fixed on
memory flashes of her days as a captive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
had happened so many times in the last few days, her mind flitted between
exalted thanksgiving and remembered horror. Would she ever be free of her long
imprisonment? Yes, her physical body was free, but her mind was not. It was
held captive by memories; the earlier ones horror-filled and hopeless, the
newer ones not so bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
the years went by she’d become used to who ‘the Monster’ was. She knew what he
liked, what he disliked. If she did what he wanted and didn’t fight or
complain, life went well. He even allowed her to watch T.V. a few times, and if
she had to nurse some bumps and bruises to get the privilege, it wasn’t so bad.
Until that day…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
shook her head to dispel the memory trying to break through. Water flew from
the reddish-blond tendrils of her hair and skittered across cream-colored
tiles. It was a memory she wouldn’t allow to overtake her again. It’d been the
defining moment of the name she’d given him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No! </i>She shook her head once more, determined to keep the memory
caged in the dark recesses of her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Forcing
happier thoughts, her mind settled on Chance and his adorable baby face and
intoxicating baby-smell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was funny, during most of the pregnancy she’d been determined to hate the
result of ‘the Monster’s’ forced attentions. And then one day, as she pulled
against the shackles on her ankles in a rage, a funny feeling invaded her body.
It was such a weird thing she couldn’t have defined it at the time. And it
happened again. She was terrified. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
was it? </i>She didn’t have a clue. Was something wrong with the baby? As the
odd feeling came again, she lay a hand on her bulging belly. For the first time
since being kidnapped, giddiness invaded. The baby was kicking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
feeling she’d never experienced and couldn’t explain washed through her like a
cleansing summer rain. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her baby. Her</i>
baby. From that moment on, she’d ceased thinking of the life inside her as
belonging to such an evil monster, and instead began to think of it as a part
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
the days wore on, she fell more and more deeply in love with her child. And as
that love grew, so did her trepidation. What would happen to the baby? Would
‘the Monster’ take it away and cause her more pain and suffering, only this
time to a degree even someone of her mental stamina couldn’t abide?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
limbs moved in a restless manner around the huge garden tub in an attempt to
quell her thoughts, but the flood gates of her nightmare opened, and she was
helpless to shut them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">One
month turned into another, and as her time drew near, ‘the Monster’ became more
and more obsessive, and possessive. He’d quit leaving during the day and would
spend hours lying on top of her, his hand squeezed between their bodies,
cupping her burgeoning belly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
eyes bore into hers. “This belongs to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Frightened
at the intensity of his words, she agreed, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“And
so do you, Arianna.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
hand tightened and she shrieked in pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Say it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Looking
into his eyes she tried to determine the extent of his obsession, until coming
to the same conclusion as always. He meant business. “I’m yours—to do with as
you please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
bent down and bit her neck, pulling the skin until she screamed out in agony.
“And don’t you forget it, or I’ll cut that brat out of you with a kitchen knife
and leave you to bleed out on the cold basement floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
got up and stormed out the door, slamming it so hard the whole house shook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
bathroom door rattled and Arianna jumped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Arianna,
are you in there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Ye…”
Her voice broke. She cleared it and tried again. “Yes, I’m taking a bath.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
you okay, do you need anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna’s
eyes rose heavenward. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thank you, Lord
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No,
I’m good now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
voice wafted through the locked door. “Now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
laughed. “Yes. Now that you’re awake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-27309459013560040802014-10-28T04:27:00.000-07:002014-10-28T04:27:24.470-07:00It's that time again!!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to visit the Mine for another awesome interview!!<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<br />
Fall is beautiful this year!!<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty-One ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry
pulled his wrists until the handcuffs chaffed his skin. “Two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Wanda’s
eyebrows rose, posing the perfect picture of suspicious anger. “Really, Harry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
nodded then mumbled, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">So
you’re telling me you only hear one other person in your mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shrugged as best he could under the circumstances. “Yes, ma’am.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
stared at him, her angry green eyes almost scary in their intensity. “Okay
then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mind spun. Was that it? How could it be? “Okay…what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
slumped in her chair. “You’ve put me in a rather awkward position, Harry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
didn’t understand. “How is that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
bargained with my supervisor just to get this visit. I assured her I would
bring out all the different personalities in your mind. You know, so everyone
else would believe they exist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Quick
anger filled him. Who did this crazy think she was? “Why would you do something
like that? I’m not your puppet, lady.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was her turn to shrug. One black velvet-clad shoulder bounced up then down.
“Your condition is fascinating, Harry. Although there is extensive study on it,
a lot of people believe it’s a bunch of bunk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry
chuckled. “Maybe it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Don’t
play with me, Harry. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
words were hard and flat, and a shiver raced down his spine. Who exactly was
she? Did she mean him harm? The thought sped his heartbeat double-time. “What's your deal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
told you Harry, but let me explain further so you might understand. I need to
see you interact with the voices in your head. I need to get it on video so I
can show proof to others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry
screeched and pulled harder on his bonds. “How do you know I have voices? Don’t
you think you might be imagining things, or even wishful thinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Wanda
stared at him long and hard. “I don’t think so. The account of your cell-mate
is pretty consistent with schizophrenia, my friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry’s
mind spun. Should he tell her anything? If so, what? “I’m not your guinea pig,
lady. And besides, why me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
tone turned wheedling. “I know you aren’t Harry, but the truth is you’re the
perfect subject to study.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled at him and his throat grew tight. He had a feeling whatever it was she
was about to say was going to be something he wouldn’t like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Hating
his own curiosity, he asked, “Why? What’s so special about me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Opportunity,
my dear friend, opportunity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry’s
heart tattooed against his ribcage. For some unknown reason, he was
disappointed. The thought someone was interested in him had been flattering,
but it had all been a lie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“See Harry? If I’ve told you once
I’ve told you a thousand times; Trust no one. Expect nothing, and you’ll never
be disappointed.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Shut-up, Adam. She’ll hear you.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Wanda
gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Harry
struggled to twist his head in her direction. His eyes met hers, and he
frowned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Hers
were full of disbelief, and... triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“It
doesn’t mean anything, so get that look off your face. I’d hate to have to cut
it off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
doctor gasped once more. “Oh, you aren’t the nice one, are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No,
I’m not. Harry is a sniveling idiot. I’ve tried to toughen him up over the
years but I don’t think he has it in him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
agree, even though I believe the diagnosis was incorrect. Now, are you going to talk to me…?” She hesitated then said, “Adam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
pulled at his arms the same as Harry had. He wanted to rub his chin in
thought, but couldn’t. Frustration tore through him. “It all depends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“On
what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
you’re going to do for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
is it you want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
want my freedom. I want out of this bed. Out of this room, and out of this
hospital.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Now,
you know I can’t do that, Adam. It’s against the law. Besides, I think we both
know you’d kill me if you could.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
chuckled. “Now do I seem the violent type to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Wanda
answered with a nod.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Come
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
want to ask you something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
can hear you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Come
hear me closer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Adam
couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw her moving toward him. Any second now…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-64354204406697103292014-10-21T15:11:00.001-07:002014-10-21T15:11:15.046-07:00Ready for chapter thirty?
<br />
Don't forget to stop in at the Mine!! <br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Thirty ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
popped her eyes open and scanned her immediate surroundings. Something warm and
hard was keeping her from moving. She stifled a sob when she realized it was
Justin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sweet Justin.</i> Sighing, she
snuggled into his side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Are
you awake?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
jumped, heart in throat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
chuckled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
scared me. I wasn’t expecting you to be awake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“That’ll
teach you.” He pulled her back into his embrace, her jump having pulled her
further away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
guess it will. It’s going to take a while to get used to sleeping with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
was silent for a moment then said, “Once Mom leaves you’re welcome to the bed.
I can sleep on the sofa.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Rising
up, she looked down into his face, one eyebrow cocked. “I’ll do no such thing.
Are you trying to get out of being married to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
tossed his head, irritation playing across his features. “Of course not. I just
don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
smiled. “Good, I’m glad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Surprise
crossed his face. “You are?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes.
I’m already attached to you, Justin. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
locked eyes with her, as if trying to discern the truth of her words. “I’m
attached to you, too. And Chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
if on cue, the baby began to whine, and soon went into full-blown wails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
sighed, throwing back the covers with a small, bony hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
restrained her with one of his. “Don’t bother. I’ll get it. You still need to
get your strength back where it needs to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Okay,
but you realize I’m fine, don’t you? I’ve had to be strong since my kidnapping.
It’s why I’m still alive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
shook his head. “I believe it, but you can relax now. I’m here to help you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pushed the covers back over-top Arianna, hopped out of the bed and sped down
the hall toward the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
overwhelming feeling he’d felt before washed over him. He was happy about what
was taking place in his life, it was just happening at a very fast pace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pulled a bottle from the fridge, unscrewed the cap and stuck it in the
microwave. With deft fingers he turned the nipple over and had it ready to go on
the bottle when the timer dinged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Chance’s
cries were frantic and angry now and Justin had to laugh at how cute it was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
he raced down the hallway at a fast clip an unwelcome thought popped into mind;
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Would Chance have his father’s obvious
insanity? Would he be a criminal like him?</i> The thought was scary, but he
shrugged it off. It wasn’t fair to Chance to think like that. He deserved the
chance to grow-up without being labeled with a stereo-type. Justin snickered.
Yep, Chance was the perfect name for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
pushed the bedroom door open, and his heart fell to his toes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
sat on the side of the bed, Chance in the crook of her arm, rocking him back
with slow, steady motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">When
she looked up at him, he blurted, “You’re going to be a great mommy, Ari.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
nodded. “You’re going to be a great daddy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
handed her the bottle and she tucked it in Chance’s already suckling lips. “And
when Chance is close to two, and we have another baby, you’ll be a great daddy
to her, too. She’ll be a daddy’s girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
tender smile she gave him had his heart twisting in circles of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Another
baby?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
gave a quick shake of her head. “Provided you want another child.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
did, I mean, I do. I always wanted at least four kids.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
eyelashes shot-up in amazement. “Four?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yeah,
but I’d settle for one to start.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled and sat the bottle on the night stand before pulling Chance to an
upright position. She patted his back in gentle succession, like a pro.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Hey,
you’re good at that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
hope so. I have no idea what I’m doing most of the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
laughed. “You looked practiced and perfectly at home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
laughed. “Good, that’s what I was going for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">They
fell silent until Justin said, “He’s a beautiful baby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes
he is. I just hope and pray he doesn’t turn out like his biological father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
knew he should be surprised their minds had been mulling over the same things,
but he wasn’t. He’d already accepted they knew each other like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t think he will. We’ll raise him right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Silent
tears pooled-up and slid down her cheeks. “Thank you, Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No,
thank <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>for allowing me to share in
your joy.” He reached down and hugged them both, hiding his own tears as they
slid down his cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-1563654140660572862014-10-14T07:01:00.001-07:002014-10-14T07:01:10.957-07:00It's Broken Dreams Tuesday already!!
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> Don't forget to stop in at the Mine today!!</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> <a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/</a></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></i> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Twenty-Nine ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
lay still as a board, almost afraid to breathe, fearing he’d wake Arianna. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
lay in the crook of his arm, sleeping like a baby. The glow from a streetlight
played across her face, dappling the sharp plains with shadows and light. He
had to squelch the urge to trace a pattern with his finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">One
sentence kept going through his mind: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
have I done? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Everything
was moving so fast, and now he had a moment to catch a breath, uncertainty
moved in. Was marrying Arianna the right thing to do? What would his future be
like now? Would he come to regret the decision? Up to this point, he still
didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he was questioning
the right and wrong of it, it was still new and exciting, and…different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Chance
let out a low squall, but fell silent. He would wake-up soon, for sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
cupped the back of his wife’s head and moved her closer into his embrace. How
could he care so much for someone he didn’t even know? He didn’t know her
favorite color, her food preferences, or even whether she was a morning, or
night person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘Stop it, Justin, you’re borrowing
trouble,’</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"> he imagined his mother’s voice in his ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
nodded. He was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Resting
his head on top of Arianna’s, he tried to sleep, but it eluded him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">What
of ‘the Monster?’ What if he managed to escape again and came after them? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
police had assured him he was under heavy guard at a maximum security mental
hospital, but Justin didn’t trust it. The man had an uncanny ability to get
loose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Forgetting
about Arianna for a moment, he harrumphed and flopped over onto his belly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Justin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
voice was full of panic, even in its sleep-inebriated state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
reached over and patted her shoulder. “It’s okay, I had to turn over. It’s how
I sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">A
moment of silence, then, “Oh. Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Do
you need anything?” He felt like a cad for waking her up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Nah,
I’m okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
fell silent and he assumed she was asleep once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">One sheep, two sheep, three sheep,
four. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin sighed. It was going to be a long night. He
wondered if his mother was sleeping. She probably was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
rose up and punched his pillow, frustration overcoming him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
asked, “Are you sure everything’s okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Forcing
his reply to be polite when he felt anything but was almost too much to bear,
but he managed it. She didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of his bad
mood. It wasn’t her fault he couldn’t sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Dear Lord, what’s wrong with me?
What am I not seeing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Remembering
the Lord lightened his mood a whole lot. It was good to know he wasn’t lying
here in the dark alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Maybe
there was a reason he couldn’t sleep. Maybe he was supposed to be thinking
about something in particular. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Was
there? He searched his mind, but nothing clicked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">His
thoughts flitted back to ‘the Monster.’ What were they doing to him in that
mental hospital? Justin had heard all kinds of horror stories about those
places. But that guy deserved to be there, that was for certain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">How
secure was the place? A shiver of fear raced through his veins. He didn’t want
to have to deal with the guy anymore. He had Arianna. And he had Chance. The
little girl was safe, too. It had ended well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
tossed and turned back over, pulled Arianna back to the crook of his arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
giggled. “Are you going to sleep this century?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
know, it’s funny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
hesitated for a moment, maybe falling back to sleep then muttered, “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
chuckled. When I first mentioned going to bed you looked like a scared rabbit.
Now you don’t seem the least bit scared.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
hair scraped across his arm as she nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yeah.
I think it’s because I trust you, Justin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
smiled. “You do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
hair grazed his arm once more. “Yes, I believe I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“But
how could you? After everything you’ve been through?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m amazed too, but I feel…safe…with you. Maybe I
shouldn’t—but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“No.
You should. I mean, I’m glad you do. But I’ve heard so much about people who’ve
been in similar situations, and they don’t trust anybody.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
don’t trust just anybody, either. In fact, I only trust you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
about Mary Jo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
trust her some, but not like you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
gave her a quick squeeze-hug. “Thank you.” He brushed a kiss against her warm
forehead and closed his eyes, drifting to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13767801495299296619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294951390187739976.post-33056009804363949492014-10-07T05:56:00.001-07:002014-10-07T05:56:11.082-07:00It's that time again... <br />
Don't forget to visit the Mine today!!<br />
<a href="http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/interview-and-giveaway-with-amryn-cross.html">http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/interview-and-giveaway-with-amryn-cross.html</a><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">~ Chapter Twenty-Eight ~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
lay stiff as a board in the huge king-size bed. The sound of Justin’s even
breathing soothed her frazzled nerves a little, but not completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
turned her head and had to giggle a bit. A huge line of pillows separated her
side of the bed from his. He really was a sweetheart. God had been looking out
for her on that one. She smiled and turned completely over, facing the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">One
sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why
had He let the kidnapping happen in the first place?</i> The question added to
her active mind’s inability to let her sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
thought about the tattered Bible she’d found under the mattress when she’d
first been thrown in the room in the basement. Remembering the urine-stained
mattress caused a shutter to pass through her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
okay, Ari?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin’s
sleep-laced question caused shivers to run down her spine at his
thoughtfulness. She could remember not liking that nickname when she was
little, but somehow, when he said it, it gave her comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,
go back to sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
lay still for a few moments, until his breath returned to its previous even
intervals. Now, where was she? Oh yeah. The mattress. No, she wouldn’t think
about that right now. The Bible. That was an okay subject. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She’d
started reading it that first terror-filled night, screaming in fear and anger
when the light went out, leaving the damp, nasty little room black. The
darkness had been so thick she’d thought she’d smother. She’d cried out to God.
“Dear God, please save me. Please don’t let him hurt me,” she remembered
pleading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">But
He hadn’t listened, or at least hadn’t given the answer she wanted. ‘The
Monster’ hurt her over and over for the next several years. Too many times to
count. She tried to pull her mind away from the memories, but they flooded
through. At first she’d been mad at God. She’d ripped pages out of the book and
wadded them up in little balls. She’d thrown them at the mice when the lights
were out and they scurried by her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
snorted in abhorrence when ‘the monster’s’ face popped into her mind, his scary
mask taunting her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She’d
seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phantom of the Opera</i> once, or at
least part of it, when she’d been really little. Her mom sent her upstairs for
a nap, but she’d snuck back down and sat at the bottom of the steps and watched
the old movie. She liked the phantom then, but now she didn’t. She feared him.
And…and, was attached to him in some strange way. Her thoughts had
automatically put the monster back in her mind’s eye. Would she ever be free of
him? Silent tears of heartbreak and confusion slid down her cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Determined
to exorcise him from her mind, she tried to count sheep again. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
flopped onto her back. It was no use. She couldn’t sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
question haunted her once more. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why did
God let bad things happen to her? What had she done? Why hadn’t He answered her
prayers?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
whispered, “Why God?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Her
thoughts turned back to the captivity she’d endured. After the first week of
horror, she’d picked up each page she’d wadded up and straightened them out as
best she could and placed them back in the Bible. She started reading about
Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and even Moses. It took her mind off her own ordeal
as she became immersed in their problems, and then how each one overcame them
and turned to God. It gave her hope, and she held onto that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">After
several years of suffering at the hands of a mad-man, a disgusting pedophile of
the worst kind, she began to dream of the day she would be free. If only she
could endure this testing God put on her, she would be an overcomer, too. In
that moment, she’d known she was His child. No matter what happened, she was
His, and He was her God, and she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">would</i>
prevail. With God’s help, of course. She smiled. There was gold in every
situation, and she’d received the best kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">‘The
monster’ began being nicer to her around that same time. He even allowed her to
come downstairs late at night and sit on the couch to watch movies. On her
chain, of course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
if on cue, her ankle began to ache. She pulled her thin leg up and massaged it
with equally bony fingers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Dear Lord, please help me get over
this and focus on you and my son. Oh, and my husband, too. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">She
smiled. Things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were </i>looking up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Justin
turned over and flopped an arm over her body and pulled her back against his
chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Arianna
panicked. She flailed her arms and tried to pull free. “No! Stop! Let me go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">The
arms tightened, but gently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">“Sh…it’s
okay, Ari. It’s just me. Relax. Try to get some sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">He
began rubbing her back in soothing circles and her body relaxed into his. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">As
she finally began drifting into sleep, she whispered into the dark, “Thank you,
Dear Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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