Romance
Firebug: Chapter 5 - Jack of All Trades
"...and... done. Finally." Roman leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh, pushing back from his editor's desk. He rolled his neck gingerly, rubbing the back of it with a wince to massage the ache from it. He'd ridden that deadline right down to the wire, but the next edition of the school paper was ready for print. Better late than never, right?
By Natalie Gray2 months ago in Chapters
The Mask Slips
All things considered, the lecture Theo received from his father could've been worse. At the very least, it was short and to the point. He didn't even mention the fresh bruise on Theo's nose. If he even bothered to notice it at all, that is. Thaddeus had already left for work when Theo got up the next morning, leaving the seventeen-year-old to fend for himself for breakfast. As usual. Although he headed off to school without so much as a "good morning" note from his father, Thaddeus Quill's words from the night before still rang clearly in Theo's ears.
By Natalie Gray2 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 19
As my truck rolled into town, I began calling Jane’s phone. The phone kept ringing to voicemail, and after the third or fourth attempt, I stopped calling. Pacing led to wandering the streets, alleys, and shops in town. I started in the small western boutique on the far side of town. When I entered the store which smelled of citrus scented plug-ins, I was greeted by the shop worker as I scanned the aisles for Jane. “Can I help ya’ find anything?” She asked, everything in me wanted to ignore her as I was focused on finding Jane, but perhaps she’d seen her? “Uh, maybe. I’m actually looking for my friend. Jane Cross. You seen her?” “I know her, but no. Jane hasn’t been here today.” She smiled and went off to finish folding clothes and adjusting the racks as I turned to leave with a huff, I stopped as something glimmering down the road caught my eye. Slowly creeping towards the broad window next to the glass door, I leaned to peer down the road when my heart turned into a bass drum. Each beat like a roar of thunder as it began to beat louder and louder in my head. My feet struggled to find solid ground as I wobbled in place, placing my hand on the wall for support. My eyes shut as tight as I could to hide the reality of my fears before me. “Hey, you okay?” The shop worker asked, her hand gently pressed on my shoulder as it caused the ground to cease returning to its solid state, my heart fluttering back to normal, my eyes open to meet hers. “I’m sorry. Yes, I’m fine. Just had some…stomach issues. I think I ate too much.” I lied, trying my hardest to be as convincing as possible. Although the worker didn’t seem satisfied, she released her hand with a smile. I jetted out of the store when I could, and turned the corner. My chest heaved with each forced breath! Why? I thought to myself. Why would he still be here? He lived in the big city! He has no other reason to… and then it dawned on me. My heart practically stilled, my eyes wide, breath caught in my chest. He knew I ruined his fraudulent scheme, broke off our engagement, and even brawled Jasper…the man was wildly terrifying at the extent of resentment and vengefulness he held. Surely he wouldn’t be so bold to go after Jane? The thought of Jane being dragged into my mess made me realize how much I’ve affected so many people, families, hearts. No more. In this moment I swallowed my fear, determined to protect everyone from my mistake! Greg was rabid to say the least, there was no telling how far he’d go until he was satisfied. If he had Jane, Jasper would surely want to know. But first, I had to be without a doubt. I had to confront the very person who traumatized me. With a deep breath, I shook the nerves off and breathed in the crisp air as I made my way to that glimmering blue mustang down the road. With each step closer, I felt like I was trembling beneath my skin, but I couldn’t let innocent people like Jane be hurt by such a monstrous man. Greg’s mustang sparkled like a jewel under the bright sun, I cupped my hands on the warm glass and peered in the windows searching for Jane, and was slightly relieved not to find her. “Well, didn’t think you’d come crawling back so soon.” My heart froze, a jolt of panic jumping into my throat as I heard Greg’s voice behind me. With a stiffness, I stood tall and spun on my heels. My narrowed eyes like arrows. The man I once cowered under was going to answer me. “Where is she?” “Who?” “You’re really going to play these games?” An evil and crooked smile spread across his lips like a snake. Greg slowly stepped towards me, eyes fixated on my lips. I kept screaming in my head to not break eye contact! Stand your ground! “Tell me, Grace. Tell me how badly you missed me, how you’ve been longing for me.” His face was entirely too close to mine, his hands lifting to encircle my hips, but before he could I stepped back creating much needed space. “Don’t touch me.” Greg hid his disgust behind his wicked eyes. “I see. You’re still mad, no worries. I will fix that.” “You’ll fix nothing.” I gritted through my teeth, “I’m here for Jane.” “And what makes you think I know where Jane is?” Was he really toying with me? Who else would have been on the other end of the phone? It had to be him! “You’re not fooling me.” Greg simply stared at me, as if plotting his next words. He took another step forward and as I moved back again, I was met with the car door of his mustang, trapping me between the car and Greg as his hands pinned me. “Beg.” Greg’s tone was sharp, his eyes blackened with a storm within. “No.” Greg’s hands shifted, pressing my back against the door handle causing a sharp pain as I winced. “I said, beg. Or you’ll never know where she is.” His words struck a chord! Spewing like venom from his lips. Anger shrouded my mind, and although I was disgusted, I complied for the sole purpose of finding Jane. “Please Greg. Please help me find Jane.” “Not good enough.” My eyes widened, was he serious? With a deep breath, I peered through my eyelashes as I looked upwards to him, shifting forward to press myself against him, my arms encircling his neck, “Greg. Please? Please help me find her.” My words slipped out in a slow and hushed tone, batting my eyes slowly to appease his disgusting fantasy. “Mmm. You almost convinced me, love.” He spoke in a low, husky tone, eyes searching mine as his body pressed me harder against the car door. Swallowing regret, I planted a soft kiss on his lips, in which he returned with vigor and want. I played along as the purpose behind this was to find Jane. Thankful for the air when he was finally satisfied, at least for the moment. “One more thing, love.” Greg sneered. Of course there was always more, one thing was just never enough for him. Suppressing the world’s largest eye roll, I continued to play along. “It’s imperative you do exactly as I say. For Jane’s safety.” I tried to refrain from my eyes growing like saucers before him, to remain composed, but I was chilled to the bone with fear. “Surely, you’ll be a good girl, hmm?” Greg pressed, his black eyes like onyx glistening with a venomous smile. “I will.” I spoke just above a whisper, as he released me to get into the mustang, my eyes dropping in fear. I had to do this, for Jane, for Jasper. Then it dawned on me that this could very well be my final day of freedom. I wasn’t sure what Greg was plotting, but I knew he was maddened with revenge. In a brief epiphany, I had to suppress my realization, the last bit of security I had left. I could share my location from my phone with Jasper! Surely if things took a turn for the worse, he’d come searching and at least know where to start! I changed the permission on my phone to update Jasper’s with my location and I reluctantly got into Greg’s passenger seat as he sped away from town.
By Sibley Shamra2 months ago in Chapters
At Arm's Length
Theo knew from the brochure that Hill Academy was quite large. The brochure, however, did not give the school an ounce of justice. The sprawling campus had more acreage than students. Among its many buildings set aside for core classes, Hill Academy sported a baseball, football, and American football field, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two tennis courts, and a running track. For those less athletically inclined, there were computer labs and music rooms galore, as well as a massive library and an auditorium to rival the Apollo.
By Natalie Gray2 months ago in Chapters
The Prison Ship - Part 2
Continued from Part 1 Part 2 Maria and Stefan were the kind of people everyone loved to hate — young, beautiful, in love, and, worst of all, unbearably free. Of those who walk barefoot along the beach, with sea-salted lips and eyes free of fear, free of compromise, free of limits.
By Tanya Zheleva2 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 18
I awoke the next morning, my body still aching from the brawl with Greg. Rolling over, I saw my phone lying on the charger on the bedside table. I must’ve drifted into a deep sleep as I awaited Jane’s text letting me know she was home safely. When I checked for the message, I didn’t see any texts or missed calls. I figured she must’ve gone to bed and fallen asleep when she got home, it was an emotionally exhausting day. Hunched over, my head pounding with a headache, similar to that of a hangover. I pressed my fingers into my temples in an effort to ease the thunderous roaring in my head, as I made haste into the bathroom, the hot water soothing my body as I relaxed under the showerhead. Once out and dressed, I checked the time on my phone, and grew concerned as it was nearly nine’o’clock in the morning. I shook the uneasiness away, the last time I grew concerned so quickly, she was just fine. I reassured myself that she would call or text soon, and I distracted myself by traveling to the jeweler in town. Can’t propose without a ring!
By Sibley Shamra2 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 17
Sunday rolled around in due time, and for the past few days, the grief began to subside, peace rose, and routine never felt so blissful. While I got ready for church, I slipped into Pa’s room, glancing around the naturally lit room. It smelled of fresh linen, and the citrus scent wafting from a plug in Jane put in. Although Pa was gone, it didn’t feel as empty as it did recently, it was as if it breathed new life. “Well Pa, I think I’m going to have a lot of planning to do after today. Guide me to a legacy you’ll be proud of. I think there’s going to be some change coming.” With a distant gaze and a small smirk, I spun on my heels and left my father’s room, ready to pick up Jane. The entire ride over to her home, I was consumed by thoughts of what I wanted, what I believed in, and why. The ride over was my weekly reminder of keeping my priorities in line. Jane was already on her porch swing, a sweet tea in her hand. I swiftly lifted her into my arms and spun her as we shared in the laughter of childlike love. “Okay cowboy, I see you still have some swing to you!” “You’re the fire to my forge, love. You only make me stronger!” I carried Jane as she giggled and clutched my neck to my truck, planting a gentle kiss as I opened her passenger door. “Strong in arms, but soft in heart.” Jane’s words are like a tease. I adored her, and I wanted to be better for her. She was a woman I was proud to have on my arm, and proud to call mine. We made for the church in swift time, Jane and I walked hand in hand, and sat in the sanctuary as we always do. Pastor Dave’s sermon spoke of love through adversity and it was an overwhelming truth in Jane’s and I’s relationship.
By Sibley Shamra2 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 16
I couldn’t believe that Greg had twisted into such a repulsive, abusive, demon of a man! And I, caught up in his charm, and the materialistic gifts! I was devastated, how did I go from a fearless rodeo queen to a shameful, undeserving pile of slop! I was better than this, I was stronger than this, yet still, I was alone. I was broken, abused. I never stopped loving Jasper, but he was gone. At least for now. I only have myself to blame for the situation I am in. I dressed into my oversized pajamas and slept in a puddle of my tears, clutching the quilt that hugged me back. I wanted to tell Jasper, he’d surely protect me from Greg, but after everything he’s been through, would he even care about me still? Did I care about me? I didn’t know the best thing was staring me right in my face, after all this time, I still loved Jasper hopelessly and recklessly. My heart ached, and at some point through my sobbing I had drifted to sleep, emotionally and physically exhausted. I awoke in a panic, hyperventilating as I dreamt of the trauma by Greg’s violent behavior, the all too real memory of his assault. I gasped for air, brushing my hair back as my chest heaved violently. I needed to get outside! I quickly changed into some jeans and a loose shirt, grabbing my gambler hat, and I made my way to the barn. The morning light pierced through the foggy breath of a new day. I didn’t bother to grab my phone, I just needed to ride! I jumped on Spot’s back and with a stiff kick, we hurried off towards the mountain range. The wind brought the oxygen I was deprived of. My battered and abused heart felt heavy, sinking to the depths of my chest. I was drowning in a spiraling depression, and my soul was bruised, burning with conviction.
By Sibley Shamra2 months ago in Chapters
