Damaged Goods, CH 6

He didn’t wait for my answer. Instead, he dropped his credit card on the table and returned to his bedroom. As I stood confused, Amber appeared jubilant, and I assumed it was at the idea of having Talon pick of the afternoon's expenses. I was frozen, staring down at the ominous temptation. It was more than just a credit card, this I knew. It was a promise, somehow. A commitment I wasn’t sure I wanted, but knew I needed. Looking back on it, I can see it was the turning point, the place in which all future choices were based. Amber stared at me, waiting impatiently for my response with a giddy expression on her face. I was in a strange town, in a strange home, with strange people who were offering me a safe haven. I should have walked away, I know that now, but I had no money, no family of any kind and these people were offering friendship and help. It was in that moment, the moment my fingers reached for the silver card, that I heard your faint voice, but it was too late.

The Flower Garden, Chapter 12

Once her face was clean, he dropped the bloody waste into the same trash can that now held her bloodied and tattered clothes. Anxiety kept him steady at her side for the remainder of the night, listening to her melodic breathing and imagining what she was dreaming about. Josh was baffled how, even after the nightmare she experienced earlier, she could sleep serenely. He hadn’t experienced a solid night’s sleep in almost ten years. Night after night, even now at eighteen, the horrors of his childhood crept in. Nightmares for what he had seen with Jane, fears of what his little sister was going through, worried his dad would never bring Evie to Spring Hill and the dread at knowing his grandmother would not live forever. Yes, he was envious of Lizzie Thompson and her peaceful sleep but it was not a jealousy that he harbored for her; rather, he desperately wanted to be near her, understand her and how she could be so calm now. He would never ask her, though, for fear of reminding her of the frightful event.

Following my dream

In order to follow a dream, you must first recognize it is there and then, when ready, you can finally take action. This is where I am today. Well, let me give you a bit of background first.

I love to write. Let me say that again, with meaning... I LOVE to write! I have been writing short stories since I was in high school. Though the tales were my secret and refuge, quite often they scored me 2 points into the trash can, and then I would begin again. This behavior went on for about 20 years until my wonderful husband encouraged me to stay the course and actually complete a full length novel. Today, I can proudly say that I have accomplished this feat.

In February of 2010 I began what would become The Flower Garden, an 85,000 word young adult novel based on the negative internal emotions many young girls experience and how a first true love can turn pain and guilt into courage and love.

So, the dream, MY dream I recognized and with encouragment have poured my heart and soul into. I hope to someday become a working (full-time) author; however, until then I am just so thrilled to put my completed thoughts on paper with the hopes of one day seeing MY name in the bookstore window.

In addition to this completed novel, I have an additional two in the works.
Life is beautiful.
-Mel