tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71753288942130890082024-02-19T03:47:25.492-08:00Melissa Turner LeeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-10161247731894025162015-02-22T14:05:00.000-08:002015-02-22T16:47:31.160-08:00I Am Not a Good Person <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I see people going through struggles I’ve never had to face
and wonder why them and not me. I know I’m no better than they are. That’s kind of the opposite of how it usually goes. Folks find
themselves in terrible circumstances and wonder, “Why me? I’m a good person.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">But I don’t think of myself as a </span><b style="line-height: 107%;">good person. </b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Mostly because I know me. I know every time I
pre-judge, am rude and am harsh. I know the ugly thoughts that give birth to
ugly words and actions. Maybe on my list of what </span><span style="line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> never done, I could list murder… unless you count the ugly words </span><span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> said that perhaps killed a person
inside. I could list all the bad things </span><span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> never done and try to claim it,
but I think to be considered </span><b style="line-height: 107%;">a truly
good person</b><span style="line-height: 107%;">, it would take more than </span><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">a
list of what </span><span style="line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> not done. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I would need a <b>list of
the good I have done</b>. I give to charities some. I let a stranger have a
quarter yesterday. I cook for my family and do their laundry. But then there
are the few who really <b>do good</b>,
beyond what seems possible. Pastor Lee Jong-rak of <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://www.thedropboxfilm.com/">The Drop Box Film</a> </span>for example. He
takes in orphans and he and his wife choose to mother and father them all. He
has given up money because he and his wife have had to work hard to provide for
all those children along with his biological disabled son. I know he has given
up sleep based my experience as mother of three. Parenting is not easy. <b>He chooses fatigue and frustration and
poverty</b> for children that are <b><i>not his responsibility</i>.</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">A story like Pastor Lee’s needs to be shared. It shows the
true power of Christ and his command to love God and love others. This is why </span><i style="line-height: 107%;"><b>that</b></i><span style="line-height: 107%;">
is </span><b style="line-height: 107%;">the greatest commandment</b><span style="line-height: 107%;">. You can’t
debate it. It </span><span style="line-height: 19.97333335876465px;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> about politics or </span><b style="line-height: 107%;">forcing
the public to act like Christians</b> <i style="line-height: 107%;">when
they are not</i><span style="line-height: 107%;">. This man picks up the throwaways of the world, calls them his
children and loves them to the point that he is willing to die to protect them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John
15:13New International Version (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><sup>13 </sup></b>Greater
love has no one than this: to lay down his life for his friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">Listen Folowers of Jesus, if you want to change the world, look at
Pastor Lee, read your Bible and live the way he lives. No one can debate the effect
that will follow. It </span>isn't<span style="line-height: 18pt;"> about excluding anyone or pointing fingers. </span><b style="line-height: 18pt;">It is love beyond reason and <i>it gets noticed</i></b><span style="line-height: 18pt;"> and it softens
hearts and makes those who witness it ask, “Why? How?” And the answer is, </span></span><i style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“I do this because Jesus first did this for
me.”</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-51747035999849745662014-05-06T11:26:00.000-07:002014-05-07T03:28:30.067-07:00Chapters 1-5<div abp="658">
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<a abp="663" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R06Icpr0yGry7fmu8d4FfDnH5scpi0oOkRS77w2BTf9RADs7WslU7uftnFssR69MN5GQ4jGx2Q85oF1dsQ46u7p2H-xdJBxyOaSBXYxq-CaH5qInrywOHLEU1oJUXghra-K6601TQtsh/s1600/Forever+Layla_high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img abp="664" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R06Icpr0yGry7fmu8d4FfDnH5scpi0oOkRS77w2BTf9RADs7WslU7uftnFssR69MN5GQ4jGx2Q85oF1dsQ46u7p2H-xdJBxyOaSBXYxq-CaH5qInrywOHLEU1oJUXghra-K6601TQtsh/s1600/Forever+Layla_high.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></span></a></div>
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<b abp="669" style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span abp="670" style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Chapter 1</span></b></div>
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<i abp="673" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">David</span></i></div>
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<i abp="676" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">April 1994</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“THIS IS THE
ROAD TO our future, WOOOHOOO!” Michael shouted from the stage. He strummed hard
across his electric guitar. I glanced up to see his long sandy hair flying
about with each head bang. He’d shouted it every few minutes on our road trip
down to Myrtle Beach, SC. It wasn’t the beginning of my future. I was just the
soundboard geek. If they hit it big, I’d be the first to go.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="681" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="682">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael howled out the words
of the Pearl Jam song he was covering when the bass guitar became overpowering.
I leaned over the soundboard and adjusted Travis’s mic. I had to do that when
he started feeling the music just a little too much. They were making a real
name for themselves. The motel had called Michael and requested they come play
at their patio bar every night of spring break. Free rooms and drinks plus a
thousand bucks. For high school kids, that was almost like signing a record
deal. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="683" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="684">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="685" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A drunken giggle to my right alerted me in
time to put my hands out to steady the brunette about to face plant into the
soundboard. She giggled again and fell over onto the soundboard a second time.
I held her upright, and she grabbed my tensed biceps before making eye contact
with me. She squeezed my arms through my black t-shirt and gave me a once over
and got a look I couldn’t quite define. It was somewhere between the look of a
cat about to pounce on a mouse and a kid staring at the selection of thirty-one
flavors of ice cream. I’d been getting those looks ever since the guys and I
started lifting weights. Half the girls in pre-cal were signed up for tutoring
after school with me now and gave me that same look. It was weird.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="686" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="687">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="688" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leaned in and closed her eyes but I held
her back. She smelled like a rancid combo of beer, vomit, and armpit. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="689" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="690">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Back away from the board.” I
spun her around and shooed her and her collection of inebriated revelers away. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="691" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="692">
<span style="font-size: large;">The yeasty smell of beer
mixed with the sour stench of sweat filled the air. I’d just paid for the new
soundboard, and <i abp="693" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it would not be damaged</i>.
I stood akimbo glaring at another group until they too backed away. I plopped
back down and glanced toward the slightly raised platform the motel had for a
stage. Girls in bikinis, tank tops, flannel shirts tied at the midriff and
daisy dukes, pushed up front to get a closer view of the guys with guitars.
Michael smirked at the girls and did some eye squinting thing as he pointed at
one lucky lady. It was a look he practiced in front of the mirror quite often.
It did its job, setting off a siren of girl squeals.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="694" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="695">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="696" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head and turned away when I noticed
a man, maybe in his fifties, standing on the balcony. I smirked thinking how
the old guy must be pissed at picking this motel with a band playing every
night. But when I focused on him, he wasn’t looking at the band or the crowd.
He was looking straight at me and grinning. It turned into some kind of weird
staring contest until I finally looked away and went back to hovering over the
soundboard. A few more close calls and my mind was firmly back on keeping sand
and beer off the expensive equipment. When a shadow loomed over the board, I
didn’t even bother to look up. “Step away from the sound system.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="697" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="698">
<span style="font-size: large;">“David?” A soft feminine
voice spoke my name.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="699" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="700">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced up to see the
biggest, brownest eyes framed by the longest, blackest lashes I’d ever seen. I
glanced down to focus on the rest of her. The form-fitting black dress she wore
hugged every curve down to her toned and tanned legs. My gaze trailed on down
to her fancy black heels and then back up at her face. She was <i abp="701" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hot</i>…like <i abp="702" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">model</i> hot. I couldn’t blink or think as I stared at her beautiful
face framed by large amounts of blonde hair and a pair of large hoop earrings.
She didn’t look like the other girls with her eye makeup, glossy pink lips, and
the way her hair was puffed up and styled. She looked like she had just stepped
out of one of the James Bond movies Dad and I watched on TV. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="703" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="704">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced around the crowd of
stringy haired girls in cutoffs, t-shirts, and Keds. Her look wasn’t in style
at the moment. Most girls were doing the grunge and hippie thing, but Bond
girls never went out of style with guys. I tried to say something, but I think
I just stared and possibly stuttered before a wheeze came out. She reached for
the inhaler in my shirt pocket and handed it to me. I took a puff as she shook
her head, smiling.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="705" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="706">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It is you.” A look of pure
wonder and amazement lit her face. She blinked, making her thick and extremely
long lashes flutter like butterfly wings. “I can’t believe it. You wear glasses
now.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="707" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="708">
<span style="font-size: large;">I pushed them back on my nose
self-consciously as I put away my inhaler. “Yeah, like since the third grade.”
I eyed her up and down once more and worked hard to remember to breathe. “Do I
know you?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="709" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="710">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Kind of…Well not really.
I’m…” she shifted her eyes to the side without moving her head and bit her lips
like she needed to remember something and stopped for a moment before she
continued. “Ugh! I suck at this. You’ll never let me do this again if I mess
this up.” She shook her head and then turned her attention back to me. “No, you
don’t know me, but I know all about you. Let’s just put it that way.” Her grin
said something was up. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="711" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="712">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="713" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Had the guys arranged this?</i> I turned my attention to Michael and
the others on the stage. She glanced over to them and then screamed out, “Oh my
word! That’s Michael!” She pointed and looked back at me. “He’s so scraggly
with the beard and long hair…and the flannel shirt with the sleeves cut out. He
looks like a lumberjack.” She giggled again. “You guys are so young and…dress
funny.” Her forehead wrinkled as she looked back at Michael. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="714" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="715">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="716" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ouch! </i>I glanced up at the stage. Mark was nudging Travis to look my
way. “Did the guys put you up to this?” I said it as they all motioned at
Michael and nodded for him to look my way. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="717" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="718">
<span style="font-size: large;">She glanced back at the
stage, “No. Why?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="719" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="720">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Then are you a Head Trauma
fan?” I asked, trying to figure out how she knew about us. I really didn’t
think we were at groupie status yet.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="721" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="722">
<span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful blonde girl
looked at me now like I was crazy, “What?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="723" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="724">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Our band, Head Trauma.” I
pointed to the stage.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="725" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="726">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Oh, right.” Suddenly she
seemed to think in a different direction. “Yes, I’m a big fan of your band…Head…Trauma.”
She glanced around. “I’d better go before I mess this up. I can’t believe I’m
really here seeing you like this. This is amazing.” She looked straight at me.
“You are amazing and you are going to do amazing things and create the most
amazing future for the world. Just know that whatever happens, the pain and
sorrow will be worth it in the long run.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="727" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="728">
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt my face scrunch.
“O…kay?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="729" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="730">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It was really nice meeting
you like this, but I need to find my ride. I can’t wait to tell him I met you.
He’ll have fun telling Michael I said he looked like a lumberjack.” She bit her
lip and smiled before turning to walk away, and then she was gone.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="731" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="732">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="733" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A friend of Michael’s</i>. Yeah, it was some kind of set up. I rolled
my eyes at him and gave him a certain gesture with my hand to let him know I
was on to it. He shook his head and shrugged back at me. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="734" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="735">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="736" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whatever.</i> </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="737" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="738">
<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of songs later I
felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Bond Girl again.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="739" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="740">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dark, butterfly lashes
guarded eyes with a tinge of worry in them. “I can’t seem to find my ride. He
told me to make sure I stayed with him all night, and everything would work out
fine, but I can’t find him anywhere.” She looked back at me with those big doe
eyes. “Do you mind if I sit with you until he shows up? I think he’ll know to
check here.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="741" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="742">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No, not at all.” I jumped up
so fast I nearly knocked over my chair as I pulled the one with my notebook and
pen closer and moved the book to the table by the soundboard. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="743" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="744">
<span style="font-size: large;">She looked at the notebook,
then up at me, and smiled before she glanced around again. “I forgot how humid
it gets here.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="745" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="746">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where are you from?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="747" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="748">
<span style="font-size: large;">“California.” She glanced
around toward the bar. “I’m so thirsty. I’ll be right back.” A few minutes
later she was back beside me, sweat beading on her nose. “I forgot I don’t have
my purse with me, but the bartender noticed me sitting over here and I let him
think I was with the band and got a free drink.” She smiled while handing me a
red Solo cup. “I got you one too. They didn’t have Cheerwine so I had him add
cherry to your Dr Pepper.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="749" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="750">
<span style="font-size: large;">I sat completely still and
glared at her and swallowed. “How did you know what I drink?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="751" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="752">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her glossy pink lips curled
up into the most devious grin. “I just know things.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="753" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="754">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced away. “Right. Or
did Michael’s friend tell you?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="755" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="756">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Michael’s friend?” Her nose
scrunched like she was confused.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="757" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="758">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head and turned to
the soundboard. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="759" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="760">
<span style="font-size: large;">The band finally took a break
and the guys got drinks and came over to where the Bond Girl and I were.
Michael pulled me aside, “Who’s the chick?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="761" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="762">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Like you don’t know.” I
started to brush by him, but he stopped me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="763" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="764">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="765" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="766">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You didn’t send her my way?”
I rolled my eyes at him. I wasn’t stupid.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="767" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="768">
<span style="font-size: large;">“When have I ever sent a hot
chick your way? She looks like the woman from <i abp="769" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Dream of Jeannie</i>.” Michael smirked as he bumped my shoulder with
his. “Did you find her in a bottle down on the beach? Finally found something
different to rub for a change, and then she popped out?” He glanced around with
a mocking look.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="770" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="771">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="772" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I punched him in the arm. “Shut up, idiot.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="773" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="774">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Make me, dork.” He shoved me
before he gave her another once over. “Did you get her name?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="775" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="776">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “No, but she
knows us somehow.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="777" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="778">
<span style="font-size: large;">“A fan girl. Nice.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="779" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="780">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael was about to swagger
over to her when I said, “She said you look like a lumberjack and dress funny.”
</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="781" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="782">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael turned around and
shoved me again. “Well that shows you something’s wrong with her. That and the
fact she’s hanging out with you.” He glanced her way and eyed her up and down.
I didn’t like the way he ogled her. “You gonna ask her to dance?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="783" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="784">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stood still, realizing I’d
not thought of that. “I would, but someone has to play CDs during the break.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="785" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="786">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Joey can do that. If you
don’t ask her, I will.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="787" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="788">
<span style="font-size: large;">That decided it for me. Even
if it was some kind of hoax, I wasn’t turning down the chance of putting my
arms around her. I turned and saw her still searching out into the crowd for
her ride. I really hoped he wasn’t some big jock as I stumbled back to where
she sat. “You wanna dance?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="789" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="790">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled and glanced around
again before she turned her full attention to me. “I guess that would be okay.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="791" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="792">
<span style="font-size: large;">She followed me to the dance
floor and stepped closer and put her arms around my neck. I’d never danced
much. My heart raced and my hands got sweaty as they found their way to her
waist. “I don’t even know your name yet,” I said as we moved back and forth to
Radiohead’s Creep.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="793" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="794">
<span style="font-size: large;">The huge doe eyes with the
long black lashes looked away as she bit her lip, like she was considering.
“I’m not allowed to say.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="795" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="796">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Says who?” It was a prank.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="797" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="798">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “Can’t
say.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="799" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="800">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What… are you like in the
witness protection program or something?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="801" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="802">
<span style="font-size: large;">She didn’t answer at first,
as if to consider how to answer. “Yes, I am!” But her grin said she was
teasing.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="803" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="804">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t believe you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="805" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="806">
<span style="font-size: large;">She only smiled with a quick
tilt of the head.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="807" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="808">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well how old are you? Are
you allowed to tell me that?” I leaned down to speak into her ear because of
the music and the noisy crowd, but when I did I got a whiff of her. It was
sweet but not perfume. Was that her own scent? I had to catch my breath and try
to order my thoughts. If I wasn’t careful, I’d hyperventilate and need my
inhaler again. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="809" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="810">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m twenty-four." She
glanced up at me under those lashes. "And how old are you?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="811" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="812">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="813" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Should I lie?</i> “I’m eighteen.” It would be true by the end of the
week.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="814" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="815">
<span style="font-size: large;">She rolled her eyes and
leaned against my chest and laughed. Again, another intoxicating whiff of her
hair. “First I’m too young, and now you are.” Then she pulled back and gazed up
at me. “But it’s just one dance. I’ve always wanted to do this. I guess I never
got over my crush on you. I don’t think one dance will hurt anything.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="816" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="817">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="818" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crush on me?</i> The guys had her laying it on thick. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="819" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="820">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then she surprised me by
pulling off my glasses, folding them, and sticking them in my shirt pocket with
my inhaler. “I want to look into your eyes. They’re the first thing I noticed
the day I met you. That and your black hair. I’ve always thought you were such
a hottie.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="821" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="822">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i abp="823" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Me a hottie? </i>Now I knew it was a joke. “The day you met me? And
when was that because I know I would remember you?” I would kick Michael’s
everlasting butt for this later. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="824" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="825">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smirked. “Can’t say. But
this is the perfect ending to a terrible day.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="826" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="827">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Today was bad for you?” We
swayed to the music. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="828" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="829">
<span style="font-size: large;">She sighed. “It started with
some bad news. A friend of mine was missing. He’s going to be one of those
people who changes the world. You know, end up in all the history books. If
something happened to him, the world would be lost.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="830" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="831">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="832" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was that the friend you came with?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="833" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="834">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No. Another, different, very
important friend brought me here.” She grinned at me like she was hiding
something in her words.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="835" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="836">
<span style="font-size: large;">“But your friend who was
missing is okay?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="837" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="838">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yes.” She pulled back again
and gazed up at me. “You’ve had enough go wrong in your life. I’m glad it
worked out for you too. I wasn’t sure you could survive another loss.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="839" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="840">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stared back at her, my
brows furrowed as I tried to comprehend what she was saying. “I don’t know what
you’re talking about. How much is Michael paying you to mess with me?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="841" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="842">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Michael paying me? I don’t
think Michael even notices I’m alive.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="843" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="844">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stepped back. “Oh, he
notices. So you’re one of his girlfriends?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="845" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="846">
<span style="font-size: large;">She stopped moving, pulled
back, and looked into my eyes with a piercing stare. “I’m sorry. I knew I would
mess this up.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="847" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="848">
<span style="font-size: large;">Confirmation.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="849" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="850">
<span style="font-size: large;">The song transitioned into
the acoustic version of "Layla" by Eric Clapton. The mood was too
somber for my first dance with this beautiful woman. The gig was up—I was onto
Michael but I could still enjoy the moment. I pulled her back to me as we
started swaying to the music again. I decided to lighten the mood and just play
along. “You can’t tell me where we met. You can’t tell me your name. So what do
I call you, ‘Hey you?’”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="851" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="852">
<span style="font-size: large;">She laughed. “If you want.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="853" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="854">
<span style="font-size: large;">It worked. I liked her laugh.
It wasn’t all giggly like teen girls. It was more throaty and deep. It was sexy
and womanly and matched her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="855" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="856">
<span style="font-size: large;">“How about Layla? Since you
have me begging and all?” The words repeated in the song blasting from the
speakers.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="857" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="858">
<span style="font-size: large;">She stepped back from me, and
a look of horror came over her. “What?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="859" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="860">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Like the song.” I pointed to
the speakers. “Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="861" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="862">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="863" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glanced around and covered her mouth with
her hand.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="864" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="865">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="866" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was joking. The song just sort of matched
what was going on. I can call you something else.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="867" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="868">
<span style="font-size: large;">She backed away even farther,
her eyes wider now. She bumped into the couple behind her, but seemed oblivious
to it as she looked around again, frantically this time.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="869" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="870">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No, it can’t be. I can’t
be.” And then she bolted toward the beach. She hit the sand, and her heels
began to sink. She kicked off her shoes and grabbed them up to run. I ran to
follow her. She kept going into the dunes and marsh grass, down away from the
lights to the sandy darkness. The sound of ocean waves beating against the
shore was followed by the next crash and then another. If it hadn’t been for
the full moon and cloudless sky, I might not have found her. I grabbed her arm
as I overtook her and she spun to face me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="871" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="872">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s wrong? Did I do
something?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="873" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="874">
<span style="font-size: large;">She fell on her knees in the
sand and clutched at her chest. “He left me here because he thought I was…” She
looked up at me in wide-eyed panic.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="875" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="876">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s wrong? Who left you
here? Did the guys put you up to this? Because it’s not funny.” I knelt down in
front of her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="877" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="878">
<span style="font-size: large;">“<i abp="879" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I </i>am <i abp="880" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> Layla!” Then she
looked right at me, her glare revealing pure fright. “<i abp="881" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am not Layla.”</i></span></div>
</div>
<div abp="882" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; page-break-before: always; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="883">
<b abp="884" style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span abp="885" style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Chapter 2</span></b></div>
</div>
<div abp="886" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="887">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE GUYS HAD
FOLLOWED ME and joined us on the beach. Michael came first and nodded for me to
step to the side with him.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="888" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="889">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Dude, is she all right?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="890" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="891">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head, still
watching as she cradled herself in the sand. “I don’t know. I called her Layla,
and she flipped. I thought I got your joke at first, but now I’m not getting
this. Just send her home and end this, okay?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="892" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="893">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael turned to face me.
“End what?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="894" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="895">
<span style="font-size: large;">“This joke where the hot girl
is into me and then flips out. Ha ha. It was funny. Now send her home.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="896" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="897">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael glanced at the girl
and then shook his head. “David, I don’t know that girl.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="898" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="899">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What about her friend who
dropped her off and his plan to talk to you later?” I felt one eyebrow rise, as
I asked further, “And how did she know who we were?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="900" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="901">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t know. Maybe it’s
part of her crazy talk, or her boyfriend likes garage bands.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="902" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="903">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Then why did she flip out on
me?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="904" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="905">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The hot girl’s a few donuts
short of a dozen.” He twirled his finger by his temple., “Insane in the
membrane. I mean, why else would she be into you instead of me?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="906" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="907">
<span style="font-size: large;">I balled my hand into a fist
and punched him as hard as I could in the shoulder. “You’re stupid. And this
joke has gone on long enough.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="908" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="909">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael jumped to the side
and laughed.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="910" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="911">
<span style="font-size: large;">With a frown, I walked back
to where Layla sat in the sand and bent down to her. “Listen, you did a great
job of freaking me out. I’m sure Michael is thrilled. I don’t get it, but I’m
sure I will laugh and laugh about this night one day.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="912" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="913">
<span style="font-size: large;">She turned to face me, her
eyes full of tears. “What are you talking about?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="914" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="915">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Michael set this all up as a
joke, right?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="916" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="917">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I wish it were a joke.” She
swallowed and rubbed her eyes. Either she was a really good actress or her tears
were real. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="918" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="919">
<span style="font-size: large;">A tinge of sympathy softened
my tone with her. “I’m not sure what all this is about, but is there anyone I
can call to come get you?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="920" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="921">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “No, I’ll
just call a cab.” She glanced around in the sand and then back at me. “Shoot, I
left my purse back at…” Then another look came over her, like she was realizing
something else. “Even if I had it, who would I call? My credit cards wouldn’t
work here.” She stared into space and then back at me. Her face contorted in
anger as she jumped up and shoved me into the sand on my butt. “You did this to
me!” She stood over me with her finger pointed at my face. “I don’t care what
you thought. I am not her. I am not Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="922" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="923">
<span style="font-size: large;">She grabbed her shoes and
raced down the beach, kicking sand up behind her as she went. The guys stared
after her while I stood.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="924" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="925">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael walked over to me.
“Told you she was crazy. We gotta get back and finish our set.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="926" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="927">
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched her run until she
was too far down the beach for me to see. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="928" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="929">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="930" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="931">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="932" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="933">
<i abp="934" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Layla</span></i></div>
</div>
<div abp="935" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="936">
<span style="font-size: large;">EACH DEEP
BREATH I SUCKED made my lungs burn like fire, but I kept running. Broken shells
mixed with the sand cut the bottoms of my feet and yet I kept going. This
wasn’t happening. It was darker since I’d moved down the beach, away from the
hotels, but I couldn’t concentrate on that. My mind was a jumbled mess. The
waves crashed hard to my left, and the sea foam crackled like breakfast cereal
in milk. A wave stretched its wet tongue and lapped at my hurting feet. I
stepped in a hole in the sand, and my foot twisted. I dropped my shoes and put
my hands out to brace my fall and grunted as my body made contact with the
prickly shells.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="937" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="938">
<span style="font-size: large;">I flipped over and grabbed my
shoes and held them overhead as the sound of another wave alerted me that it
was approaching. I bolted up. I’d just had my hair done for the trip. The hair
and the shoes were gifts to myself from my bonus. I stood, but my legs buckled.
I made it to my feet. I wasn’t sure how far I had run, but it must have been
farther than my normal cardio workout. The skin on my knees burned from the
impact with the broken shells as I limped up to dry soft sand near the marsh
grass and took a seat.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="939" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="940">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hugged my knees and stared
out into the darkness. The white foam glowed in the moonlight. This couldn’t
really be happening. This was a nightmare. It wasn’t real. I closed my eyes and
tried to take control of it, like my grandma taught me to do when my dreams
became frightening. She told me to realize it was just a dream and that I was
in charge of it. When I’d had enough, I could take to the sky and fly away. I
sat there thinking, <i abp="941" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this is just a dream.
Time to fly away.</i> But nothing happened. I’d tried it the night she died,
praying it was just a bad dream, but it wasn’t. I might not be able to fly away
from all my troubles, but I never let circumstances control me. I rubbed at my
legs. They stung and I could feel trickles of blood.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="942" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="943">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first tear pushed its way
down my cheek, against my will. I swatted it away angrily. I wasn’t a crier, not
since I was a child and realized it didn’t fix anything. No one ever came to
the rescue. Crying got you teased and wasted time. I let my mind race in every
direction that could possibly fix this, but it all came back blank. There was
nothing, absolutely nothing, I could do to fix this. I glanced up to the sky,
“I guess this is a good time to ask You for help. It’s been a while. If you
will just get me out of this, I won’t ask you for another thing. I promise.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="944" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="945">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="946" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="947">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="948" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="949">
<i abp="950" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">David</span></i></div>
</div>
<div abp="951" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="952">
<span style="font-size: large;">I RAN THE
SOUNDBOARD UNTIL the guys finished, but spent the whole time looking over my
shoulder to see if she’d come back. There was an eeriness about meeting the
girl. Sort of like Déjà vu but not… since I’d never met the girl before. It was
almost like the feelings I got when I needed one of my notebooks. Sort of a supernatural
tingle in the soul. Like a message meant just for me had arrived and I had to
capture it before it left.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="953" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="954">
<span style="font-size: large;">I grabbed my notebook—I
always kept one with me—and wrote it down:</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="955" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="956">
<i abp="957" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Layla April 3, 1994 Knew about Cheerwine. Either a joke or I attract
crazy chicks. </span></i></div>
</div>
<div abp="958" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="959">
<span style="font-size: large;">I tucked my notebook under my
arm and started cleaning up my soundboard area. Everything had to go in the
storage closet that the motel let us use. The drums, microphones, soundboard
and speakers went in there. Michael, Mark and Travis kept their guitars with
them in their motel rooms. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="960" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="961">
<span style="font-size: large;">The guys had gone across the
street to a twenty-four-hour pancake house. I was about to join them, but had
to double check that everything was locked up. Good thing since one of the mics
and a speaker were still out by the pool. Those guys were the artists, and I
was the responsible one. I grabbed it and was heading to the storage closet
when I glanced up and saw her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="962" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="963">
<span style="font-size: large;">I froze and blinked, trying
to get her into focus. Then I remembered my glasses were in my pocket. I
reached in and placed them back on my nose. No wonder I’d spent the last part
of the night squinting at the switches. She was disheveled. The wind had
tangled and matted her hair, but it only made her more appealing in the way
messy hair did in a guy’s mind. “Um…hey.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="964" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="965">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Hey.” She wiped her red eyes
and sniffed before pushing her hair behind her ears. “I’m sorry to bother you,
but I don’t have anywhere else to go. I don’t have any money. I don’t even have
my driver’s license with me.” She shrugged. “I’m stuck and I don’t know anyone
to ask for help…except you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="966" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="967">
<span style="font-size: large;">I finished walking the mic to
the closet and shut it and checked the lock as I spoke to her. “Sure. What do
you need?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="968" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="969">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “Just a
place to stay for now. I’m still not convinced my ride has really dumped me off
here. He might come back. Maybe he had issues with his…transportation and I
made the wrong assumption. Or this could be some kind of test. I don’t know.
But I’ll pay you back when this is all over, I promise. I take care of myself.
I always have.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="970" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="971">
<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful woman was asking
to stay with me. There was still the chance that this was a trick because I
seriously doubted she was as crazy as Michael suggested. Trick or not, I’d help
her. “Yeah sure. I’m headed over to the pancake house to join up with the guys.
You hungry?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="972" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="973">
<span style="font-size: large;">She swallowed. “I hate to put
you out more.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="974" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="975">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Guys buy ladies dinner all
the time. No sweat.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="976" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="977">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled. “But I promise I
will pay you back. I don’t <i abp="978" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">earn</i> my
spaghetti dinners. I pay for them <i abp="979" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">myself</i>.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="980" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="981">
<span style="font-size: large;">I frowned as I tried to
understand what she meant. “No problem. Pay me when you can.” I motioned for
her to follow me and took my notebook out from under my arm.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="982" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="983">
<span style="font-size: large;">She grinned. “One of your
notebooks?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="984" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="985">
<span style="font-size: large;">I held the black college-ruled
spiral notebook up and half grinned. “Yeah, it’s for my ideas.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="986" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="987">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Right because you’re like
Philo T. Farnsworth.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="988" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="989">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped and faced her.
“What?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="990" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="991">
<span style="font-size: large;">She nodded. “You know…Philo
T. Farnsworth. The inventor of the television.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="992" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="993">
<span style="font-size: large;">I froze again and swallowed.
Michael knew a lot about me, but our conversations centered on music and girls.
He didn’t know about things like who Philo T. Farnsworth was. “Yes, I know who
he is.” I thought about the guys across the street. I didn’t imagine a single
one of them would recognize the name. They could hardly pass a class without my
help.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="994" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="995">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Philo would have visions of
the things he was to invent. The calculations would run through his head,
almost explaining themselves to him. He was fourteen when he got the vision for
how the television would work. He wrote it out at school that day, almost immediately,
taking up two chalkboards trying to explain it to his teacher and class.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="996" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="997">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded. “Yes.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="998" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="999">
<span style="font-size: large;">Goosebumps prickled along the
back of my neck, just like the first time I ever heard about his story at
science camp. I felt an instant kinship with him. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1000" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1001">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her dark eyes warmed as she
looked at me. “You’re like Philo. You’re going to invent things.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1002" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1003">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her stare pierced mine, like
she could see into me and knew all my secrets, even the ones I wasn’t privy to
yet. “You’re wrong. I’m going to be a nice boring dentist.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1004" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1005">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled as she shook her
head. “No, you won’t”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1006" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1007">
<span style="font-size: large;">“How do you know these things
about me? My drink was easy. That Michael knows. The visions—I don’t share with
anyone.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1008" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1009">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla grinned, but it was a
sad grin. “I just know things.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1010" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1011">
<span style="font-size: large;">“People don’t just know things
like that about people they’ve just met.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1012" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1013">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Maybe I do.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1014" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1015">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It isn’t logical.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1016" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1017">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Not everything in life is
built on pure logic.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1018" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1019">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yes, it is.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1020" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1021">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “No. Sorry,
but there’s a whole realm of the unseen, and I think on some level we all know
it exists. Some call it God, assuming it is something bigger than they are and
seek to worship it. Others assume it’s all smaller than them and try to conquer
it through scientific study. But we all know something unseen is there, and we
know we need to find it. Because when we do, we will know the answer.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1022" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1023">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The answer to what?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1024" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1025">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why we are here?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1026" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1027">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stared into her eyes. I
didn’t know what to say. The whole thing with her was becoming a puzzle. The
more she said or did, the less I had figured out. My stomach growled loud
enough for her to hear. Nothing was making sense, and I was getting hungry. I
shook my head and placed my hand on the small of her back to push her ahead of
me toward the exit of the pool area. “Are you a philosophy student?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1028" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1029">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Nope.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1030" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1031">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Psychology then?” I was
trying to get some kind of read off her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1032" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1033">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Never went to college, not
really.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1034" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1035">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What does not really mean?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1036" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1037">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I took a certification
course at a community college to become an insurance agent. I work in the lower
end of the office right now, but I’m working my way up.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1038" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1039">
<span style="font-size: large;">My eyes widened as I thought
of what my mom would think. She had certain ideas about who was suitable for me
to date. Community college certification was not what she had in mind. She
planned on grandchildren who qualified to be members of Mensa.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1040" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1041">
<span style="font-size: large;">I opened the door and
motioned for Layla to enter first.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1042" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1043">
<span style="font-size: large;">She stopped and looked at the
door and then at me holding it. She cocked her head and smiled. “Thank you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1044" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1045">
<span style="font-size: large;">We walked into the pancake
house, and I found the guys at a large table looking at menus while talking to
the waitress.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1046" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1047">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You were supposed to wait
for me.” I pulled up another chair from a table beside them for Layla .</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1048" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1049">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We got hungry.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1050" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1051">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael’s eyebrows lifted.
“She came back?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1052" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1053">
<span style="font-size: large;">“She came back.” I nodded and
turned my attention to the menu, hoping he’d drop it.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1054" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1055">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Are you going to introduce
us to the Clapton hater?” Joey asked.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1056" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1057">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla turned to face me, her
eyebrows coming together. “What’s he talking about?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1058" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1059">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The way you freaked out
during the Eric Clapton song.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1060" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1061">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t even know who that
is?” She shook her head.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1062" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1063">
<span style="font-size: large;">The guys pushed away from the
table. A couple of them slapped the table top in all of the guffawing. “What
planet are you from to not know who Eric Clapton is?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1064" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1065">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “Never
heard of him.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1066" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1067">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael leaned in. “Then why
did you run off when he called you Layla?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1068" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1069">
<span style="font-size: large;">She swallowed and glanced at
me before answering. “I just thought he meant something else and was upset when
I realized that my ride had left me with no way back. I freaked out…okay?
That’s all.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1070" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1071">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Leave her alone, guys.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1072" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1073">
<span style="font-size: large;">The waitress came and took
our orders. “Are these all on one ticket or separate?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1074" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1075">
<span style="font-size: large;">“She and I are on a ticket.
The rest are separate.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1076" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1077">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla ordered water and a
Greek salad, and I got a burger with the works.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1078" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1079">
<span style="font-size: large;">“So where are you from, Layla?”
Michael called out from the other side of the guys.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1080" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1081">
<span style="font-size: large;">“California.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1082" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1083">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why in the world would you
take a ride with a guy from California to Myrtle Beach? You have beaches
there.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1084" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1085">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No, I flew to South Carolina
for a business conference and dropped in on a friend I hadn’t seen in a long
time, and he brought me here… and left me.” She glared at me again, the way she
had on the beach.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1086" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1087">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Sounds like a jerk.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1088" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1089">
<span style="font-size: large;">She eyed me as I said it. “Really,
he isn’t. None of this is like him at all.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1090" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1091">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why don’t you just let us
drive you to the airport? Did you fly in at Columbia or Charleston?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1092" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1093">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I flew into Myrtle Beach.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1094" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1095">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head and started
playing with the dessert advertisement on the table. Michael should have given
her a better story because there was no airport in Myrtle Beach. Ha, caught
him. Again I said, “Why don’t you just let us drive you to the Myrtle Beach
airport then, so you can fly back home?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1096" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1097">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1098" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because…things are different now, and I can’t
get into it. I’m hoping there’s been a mistake, and he will come back for me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1099" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1100">
<span style="font-size: large;">“And until then?” Michael
asked.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1101" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1102">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a fear in her eyes.
“I don’t know.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1103" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1104">
<span style="font-size: large;">“She’ll stay with me.” I
answered for her. “Until he comes back or she can make other arrangements.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1105" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1106">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where’s she going to stay?
In our bathtub?” Michael laughed.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1107" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1108">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hadn’t thought of that, but
then I did think of something and grinned. “No. Remember we made a pact?” Ha,
his joke could come back and bite him in the rear.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1109" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1110">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael’s expression was
blank at first as he looked at me. Then he realized what I was saying. “No,
this doesn’t count.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1111" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1112">
<span style="font-size: large;">My smile widened as I put my
arm around Layla. “Oh, yes it does. You said if either of us picked up a girl,
the other would stay with the band for the night.” I raised a single eyebrow.
“It was your idea.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1113" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1114">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, but I was supposed to
be the one who had a girl stay with me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1115" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1116">
<span style="font-size: large;">I only shrugged and glanced
over at Layla. She bit her lip and took a sip of her water.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1117" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1118">
<span style="font-size: large;">*</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1119" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1120">
<span style="font-size: large;">WE WALKED
BACK TO THE motel. I opened the door for Layla, but Michael scooted by me
instead.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1121" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1122">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re sharing a room with
the other guys, remember?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1123" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1124">
<span style="font-size: large;">He turned to face me and gave
me a grin that said he wasn’t happy. “I remember. Just let me grab a few
things.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1125" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1126">
<span style="font-size: large;">We’d just arrived that
afternoon, so all he had to do was grab his bag and guitar case and came right
back out. He mumbled something unintelligible as he made his way to the guys’
room. I motioned Layla in and closed the door. I leaned my back against it and
looked at her. She turned to face me with a half-hearted grin that didn’t reach
her eyes. I swallowed and ran my fingers through my hair like I did when I was
nervous and then pushed my glasses back on my nose.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1127" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1128">
<span style="font-size: large;">I let out a breath and summed
up the situation. I was alone in a motel room with a beautiful woman for the
very first time in my life. I gulped and looked at the two beds, then back at
her. I knew nothing would happen, so I worked hard to get my thoughts in check
so my breathing could follow.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1129" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1130">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Inhaler.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1131" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1132">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Right.” I took a puff and
got my mind in order. Then I made my way to the mini fridge and got out a Cheerwine.
“Want one?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1133" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1134">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head, so I
turned to face the wall and threw my head back for a big gulp. The guys had the
room with something stronger in the fridge. I got up my courage and turned back
around. “Listen, I’m not going to try anything–I promise. I would have agreed
to stay with the guys too, but Michael wouldn’t have gone for that so I pulled
the pact card on him. I knew he couldn’t say anything since it was his idea.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1135" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1136">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled at me and nodded.
“I understand.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1137" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1138">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why don’t you go through my bag
and see what might fit you to sleep in, and you can shower first.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1139" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1140">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Okay.” She nodded, looked through
my bag, and pulled out a t-shirt and a pair of boxers and headed for the
bathroom.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1141" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1142">
<span style="font-size: large;">I went ahead and brushed my
teeth while I waited and then looked around the room and realized she would need
a toothbrush. I left and walked down to the front desk to see if they had any.
When I got back to the room, she was hanging her black dress on the hanging
rack. I had to stop where I was and swallow. I got a view of her backside, and
her toned and tanned legs were the first place my eyes went. My boxers looked
much better on her than on me. She turned to face me, and I remembered to
breathe, and that women prefer eye contact. I swallowed hard and looked into
her face.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1143" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1144">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was just as lovely with
the makeup washed away. She was finger combing her hair that looked darker when
wet.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1145" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1146">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where did you go?” she
asked.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1147" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1148">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Ummm…I…ummm…” I was trying
to form words. I held the toothbrush out. “I got you a toothbrush.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1149" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1150">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled and made her way
to me. “Thank you.” She took it from me and backed away. “I tried not to use
all the hot water.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1151" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1152">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded. “Thanks.” Then I
noticed the scratches on her legs. “What happened?” I pointed and stepped
closer.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1153" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1154">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Oh, I fell when I was on the
beach. They sting a bit, but I’m fine.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1155" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1156">
<span style="font-size: large;">I made my way to the bag I’d
packed for all possibilities. I dug through and found Pepto, headache
medicines, laxatives, and spare cash hidden in a fake Coke can—from Mom. A box
of condoms that came with a speech from Dad about respect and safety and hoping
I would make the right choice and the box would come back sealed and full. <i abp="1157" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First aid kit.</i> I pulled out a tube of
Neosporin and the bandages and headed back to her. “Have a seat on the bed.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1158" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1159">
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead, she took the items
from me. “Thanks, but I’ll take care of it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1160" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1161">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stood frozen, surprised by
how quickly she snatched them from me. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1162" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1163">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You go ahead and shower.”
She motioned with her head toward the bathroom. “You’ve done enough for me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1164" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1165">
<span style="font-size: large;">I guess I was still staring
at her because she shrugged. Her brown eyes circled in their sockets, displaying
her frustration as she spoke again. “I don’t like being needy. I don’t like
asking for your help at all. I can put a bandage or two on my own legs, and if
that is all I can do for myself, then I’m doing it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1166" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1167">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stepped away and gathered
my things and made my way to the bathroom. I got in the shower and turned the
water to extra warm, just the way I liked it. But visions of Layla in my shirt
and boxers in the other room kept running through my mind and then Dad’s
speech. I switched the hot water off and opted for a cold shower instead. The
ice water hit my back as I leaned my head against the shower wall and groaned. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1168" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1169">
<span style="font-size: large;">I heard a hum out in the room
and turned the water off. She had found Michael’s hair dryer. I dried off and
dressed in my jogging pants and t-shirt. By then the dryer had stopped. I came
out and found her sitting in the other bed with the blanket pulled up around
her. Her hair was back to golden now that it was dry. I was glad she was
covered up. It made conversation easier. She was flipping through the channels.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1170" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1171">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Anything good?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1172" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1173">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Only old reruns.” She
stopped when she got to <i abp="1174" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Family Matters</i>.
“The Urkel Show. I always liked this one.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1175" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1176">
<span style="font-size: large;">I switched off the light and
made my way to my bed. I put my glasses back on and pushed them back farther on
my nose as I glanced over at Layla . I climbed into the other bed and stared at
the TV, saying nothing at first. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. “Why
did you get so mad at me when I called you Layla? You also said it was all my
fault before you ran off.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1177" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1178">
<span style="font-size: large;">She turned the volume down
and put her head on her knees that were still under the blankets. She stayed
that way for a few seconds before she looked back at me. “I can’t tell you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1179" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1180">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Who says?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1181" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1182">
<span style="font-size: large;">“My friend. He said it could
ruin everything.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1183" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1184">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Your friend who abandoned
you here?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1185" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1186">
<span style="font-size: large;">She looked at me with her
brown doe eyes and nodded.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1187" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1188">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why should you care what he
said at this point? He just left you here. Abandoned you. You should assume
he’s a stupid liar and stop covering for him.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1189" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1190">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “No, he’s
anything but stupid.” She let out a sigh. “And I’ve never known him to be a
liar. I wish… I think I know why he told me that, and why he left me here, but
he’s wrong. I’m not who he thinks I am. I can’t be. It’s impossible.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1191" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1192">
<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn’t follow her
conversation. I sat quietly until I could think of something to say. “If you
don’t want me to call you Layla, what do you want me to call you?” I was still
trying to figure out the angle here. If this wasn’t some trick the guys were
pulling on me, then what?</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1193" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1194">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “I don’t
know.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1195" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1196">
<span style="font-size: large;">She put her head back down
inside her arms, still hugging her knees and rocking. I wanted to do something,
but I didn’t know what to do or say. Her distress didn’t look fake. If she was
acting, she was good. Too good for the guys to be able to afford if it was all
a prank.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1197" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1198">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hadn’t planned it, but I
got up, walked over to her bed, sat down, and put my arms around her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1199" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1200">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her head shot up, and her
eyes were large dark circles as she pulled away from me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1201" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1202">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Sorry, you just looked so
scared. I promise I wasn’t trying anything.” I stood up and backed away.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1203" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1204">
<span style="font-size: large;">She looked at the TV, but it
was obvious she didn’t see it. “I’m terrified. I don’t know what this all
means. I have no way to fix it.” She turned back to face me. “I always find a
way. I always make a plan and end up on top. That’s who I am. I don’t ask for
help, and I don’t cry in front of guys to get sympathy. I hate those kinds of
girls.” She looked away again. “I refuse to be one.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1205" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1206">
<span style="font-size: large;">I sat down again on her bed,
but farther from her. “I think everyone needs help sometimes. I mean, look at
the band. They all do something different, and they are each great at what they
do, but no one goes to hear a drum concert or a bass guitar concert. We all
carry the equipment and set up. I think it would really suck to try to do
everything alone. To think it’s all on you all the time.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1207" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1208">
<span style="font-size: large;">She still stared out into
space. “It’s the only life I’ve ever known.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1209" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1210">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped and watched her. I
didn’t know how to help her, and it was obvious that she didn’t want my help. I
stood up to go, but she turned and took hold of my hand.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1211" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1212">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Thank you for letting me
stay here and loaning me clothes and the bandages. I may not like asking for
help, but I really do appreciate it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1213" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1214">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No problem.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1215" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1216">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Here,” she handed me the
remote. “I don’t care what we watch.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1217" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1218">
<span style="font-size: large;">I took it from her before she
rolled over to face the other wall. I got up and got back in my bed. I switched
the television off and put my glasses on the nightstand, so I could lie down,
and pulled the covers up. If this was a joke, it was pretty elaborate for the
guys. If she was crazy, how did she know so much about me? And why did being
called Layla freak her out so much?</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1219" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1220">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="1221" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; page-break-before: always; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1222">
<b abp="1223" style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span abp="1224" style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Chapter 3</span></b></div>
</div>
<div abp="1225" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1226">
<span style="font-size: large;">IT TOOK ME
FOREVER TO fall asleep. It was almost dawn when I was finally able to forget
about the beautiful woman in the room with me and drift off.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1227" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1228">
<span style="font-size: large;">A knock or something caused
me to bolt up in bed. I didn’t hear it again so I fell back on my pillow, for
just a moment forgetting Layla. But when I caught a glimpse of her blonde hair
on the pillow, it all came rushing back to me. I swung my feet to the side of
the bed, stood, and began tiptoeing to the bathroom on the other side of her. I
didn’t turn on the light at the sink to wash my hands, choosing to use the
light from the bathroom instead. I’d forgotten my glasses on the night stand
and squinted in the direction of a black, fuzzy thing. It looked like the
biggest, hairiest spider I’d ever seen, right there on the vanity by the cups
holding our toothbrushes. An unmanly yell escaped my lips before I ran to the
place I’d left my shoes the night before and grabbed one. By then, Layla had
jumped up as well.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1229" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1230">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s going on?” She came
running up behind me, peering over my shoulder.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1231" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1232">
<span style="font-size: large;">“A spider.” I brought the
sole of my shoe down on the spider sitting by the sink as hard as I could.
Layla reached over and switched on the vanity, causing the florescent light to
blink and buzz as it came on. I lifted the shoe to look at the hairy strand
stuck to it.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1233" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1234">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1235" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What? Tsk.” Layla grabbed the shoe from me
and peeled the strand off. “That’s not a spider. Those were my eyelashes.
Man….tsk… those were my best pair of mink lashes. I special ordered those.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1236" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1237">
<span style="font-size: large;">I squinted at the hairy
strand she was working to separate with her fingers. “Your eyelashes?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1238" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1239">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, I was wearing false
lashes last night. I took them off when I showered.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1240" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1241">
<span style="font-size: large;">She held the squished hair
out and shook her head. “Doesn’t matter–I don’t have any glue with me anyway.”
She threw it in the trash can and then took a look at herself in the mirror. “I
don’t have any makeup either, nor money to buy any. No job. Great. I’m now a
bum.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1242" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1243">
<span style="font-size: large;">She made her way to the bed
and plopped down on it with a bounce. “I’ve worked so hard at my job to be
taken seriously. I’m the youngest agent at the office to have my kind of sales.
And the least educated. I finally get to a place where I make good money and
can buy myself the kinds of things I never had growing up. Now I’m broke and
homeless.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1244" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1245">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head and took a
seat beside her. “Your friend leaving you here is just a temporary setback. I
will drive you to the airport and charge up my dad’s credit card to buy you a
ticket. You can pay me back when you get home.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1246" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1247">
<span style="font-size: large;">“That won’t work. Believe me,
if it was that simple, I’d be on it myself and it would be done.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1248" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1249">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t understand.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1250" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1251">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1252" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And I can’t tell you any more about it.” She
faced me and was motionless as she stared into my eyes. “You are so young.” She
reached up and placed her palm on my cheek. “Your blue eyes with black bangs
always falling into them—you were always brushing them out of your eyes.
Combing your fingers through your hair when you were frustrated. I was always
captivated. I’d never met anyone so determined before. And in your eyes, there
was always this distant look. It’s not in your eyes now. And your shoulders
don’t sag yet.” Her hand moved down to my shoulder and then rested on my bicep.
It tensed under her touch. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1253" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1254">
<span style="font-size: large;">The air between us grew thick
as I took a deep breath.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1255" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1256">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I think that’s a good thing.
You were my very first crush. I would watch you from afar and you never really
noticed me.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1257" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1258">
<span style="font-size: large;">She leaned in close as she
spoke, and the space between us became charged with energy. I could feel it as
I breathed in her scent. I swallowed and placed my hand over the one she had
resting on my arm as she grasped at the muscle. She was so close and smelled of
sweet shampoo. Fruity, like apples. Her face was inches from mine. I found
myself staring at her lips. They were a natural pink now, not the shimmering
pink they were the night before. She really was beautiful just as she was, with
messy bed hair and no makeup. I reached and brushed a tendril of hair from her
eyes and lodged it behind her ear. It was one of those things I’d seen in
movies and had always wanted to do.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1259" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1260">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla took my hand as I let
go of her hair and held it and half smiled. “I hate being weak, and I hate
needing to be rescued, but what’s funny is when I was a girl, I loved to read
my friend’s comics because of those moments. The little boy next door loved
them, and I would read them to him and watch Spider-Man movies. Like when Mary
Jane was being held by Venom, and Spider-Man shows up to rescue her. After my
Grandma died, I would find myself alone and scared as a kid, and I would
imagine myself as Mary Jane waiting for Spider-Man. But when he pulled off the
mask, it would be your face staring back at me. You’ve always been the hero in
my dreams.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1261" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1262">
<span style="font-size: large;">I swallowed and tried to make
sense of her words. “So did you used to live in Chesnee? Did we go to school
together as kids?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1263" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1264">
<span style="font-size: large;">She jerked her hand back and
covered her open mouth. He dark eyes were wide, and she looked away. “See, I’m
going to break the rules and ruin everything. What was he thinking, leaving me
here like this? I’m going to make a mess of your life. Then there won’t be…no,
that can’t happen.” She shot up from the bed and started pacing. “I can’t be
here. People will die and it will be my fault. I sell insurance for crying out
loud. I have no business here.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1265" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1266">
<span style="font-size: large;">A loud bang on the door made
us both jump.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1267" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1268">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Breakfast is about to be
taken up. Mark ran out there and threw himself on the table and begged the
housekeeper to wait. Better come get some before they take it away. It’s
getting close to lunch time,” Travis yelled from the other side of the door.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1269" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1270">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla grabbed her black dress
from the hanger. “You go ahead, and I’ll join you all when I’m dressed.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1271" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1272">
<span style="font-size: large;">I took the dress from her and
hung it back up. “We’re at the beach at a 2-star motel. Shorts and a t-shirt
are fine.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1273" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1274">
<span style="font-size: large;">She sighed. “You’re right.”
She looked down at herself and shrugged. “It’s not like I know anyone here
anyway. Got any flip flops I can borrow?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1275" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1276">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Sure.” I grabbed an extra
pair and set them on the floor. Then I opened the door and motioned for her to
go first.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1277" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1278">
<span style="font-size: large;">We made it out to the patio
where the motel served a continental breakfast of juice, coffee, yogurt and
pastries. Someone opened the door from the office behind the table and peeked
out, probably seeing if we were done so they could clean it up.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1279" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1280">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael was waiting with the
guys. White frosting and fruit gel dotted his blondish brown beard, from
shoveling the pastries into his face as fast as he could. He and the guys were
all in black t-shirts with various band names on them and faded jean shorts.
When they saw Layla and me approaching, they all smirked at each other. I
didn’t like them eyeing her up and down the way they did, especially the way
Michael did it. He jumped up and walked toward us. I bumped up against him hard
with my shoulder, trying not to let Layla see me do it. He grunted. “What’s
that for?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1281" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1282">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced at Layla and back
at him. He threw up his hands in some mock show of innocence.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1283" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1284">
<span style="font-size: large;">I continued to glare at him
but said nothing. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1285" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1286">
<span style="font-size: large;">I walked over to the buffet. “Layla
would you like a bottle of juice?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1287" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1288">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1289" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was at the other end of the table, looking
at the food choices. “No. Coffee, please. Do they have any of those flavored
creamers?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1290" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1291">
<span style="font-size: large;">My forehead scrunched.
“Flavored creamers?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1292" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1293">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, like hazelnut or
vanilla?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1294" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1295">
<span style="font-size: large;">“They have dry powder.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1296" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1297">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll use the milk for the cereal.”
She made her way to the yogurts in the ice and turned it to read the back. “How
many carbs does this have?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1298" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1299">
<span style="font-size: large;">We sat at the table with the
guys. Layla and I were on one side and the guys on the other. “I don’t know,
but the front says it’s low fat.” I knew that was a big deal to my mom.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1300" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1301">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shrugged, pulled the flap
off, and dug the plastic spoon in. Then she flipped the spoon over and licked
it. Joey groaned when she did it, and I kicked him under the table. He groaned
again, but louder and for a different reason.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1302" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1303">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You okay?” Layla asked him.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1304" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1305">
<span style="font-size: large;">He glared at me and answered,
“I’m fine. Just bumped my leg on something.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1306" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1307">
<span style="font-size: large;">I ripped open my pastry and
took a big bite when Travis tapped Joey on the shoulder and pointed at me.
“Looks like he’s extra hungry this morning.” The guys all grinned at each
other.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1308" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1309">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael answered him, “That’s
what happens when a boy becomes a man. It makes him extra hungry.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1310" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1311">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Real mature guys. Let it go.
Nothing happened.” I glared at them.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1312" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1313">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael smirked. “Let it go,
guys. He’d be in a better mood if something <i abp="1314" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i>
happened.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1315" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1316">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stood. “Shut up morons.” I
turned to face her. “I’m sorry, Layla. Let’s get out of here and I’ll take you
for a real breakfast.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1317" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1318">
<span style="font-size: large;">She stood and followed me.
Once we got away from the guys, she stopped me and pulled me to face her.
“You’re such a sweet guy to defend my honor and all, but I don’t care what your
friends think. So don’t worry yourself about that, okay?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1319" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1320">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1321" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shrugged. “I didn’t want to hurt your
reputation.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1322" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1323">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Okay, extra sweet that you
even think like that. I don’t know any guys back home who do. Second, I told
you not to call me Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1324" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1325">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hadn’t realized that I had
said it out loud, but I guessed I had. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what else
to call you since you won’t tell me your real name.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1326" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1327">
<span style="font-size: large;">She froze and her face went
pale. “I can’t.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1328" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1329">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned from her. “Then I’m
calling you Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1330" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1331">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head, “But I’m
not Layla. I can’t be. Layla was beautiful and glamorous. She was an
inspiration. I’m just…playing like I’m somebody. I’m an insurance agent. I chit
chat and flirt and sell car insurance.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1332" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1333">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “I don’t
understand what you’re talking about. The song doesn’t say anything like that
about Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1334" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1335">
<span style="font-size: large;">She walked away and put her
hand out like she was saying stop. “You don’t understand and I can’t explain.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1336" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1337">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we got back to the room,
she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and then grabbed up a handful of hair
and wadded it into a bun. She looked around the room and then made her way to
the night stand and grabbed a pen and stuck it in the bun. “Where are we going?
She finally asked.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1338" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1339">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The mall. You need some
clothes, unless you want to wear my boxers forever.” I didn’t really mind the
idea, but saying it would not be gentlemanly. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1340" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1341">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t let you buy my
clothes. You let me stay here last night and bought me dinner—that’s more than
enough. Besides, I’m hoping my ride comes back for me today.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1342" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1343">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned to face her. “But
what if he doesn’t? I’ve got a little money with me. Don’t tell the guys. I
like them to think I’m as broke as they are.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1344" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1345">
<span style="font-size: large;">She took a second to think
about it but relented. “Fine, but I’m paying you back.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1346" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1347">
<span style="font-size: large;">She went to the bathroom with
her dress while I put on jean shorts and a blue t-shirt with a horizontal
stripe. When she came out, I drove us to the mall. We walked into one of the
stores my mom and sister always shopped at and headed for a rack. Layla pushed
back hanger after hanger making noises that sounded like, “Ugh…no way!” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1348" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1349">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then she moved to the next
rack and did the same thing.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1350" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1351">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s wrong?” I asked by
the fifth rack.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1352" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1353">
<span style="font-size: large;">“These clothes are terrible.
The jeans are all too pale, the waist is too high, the legs are too wide. Ugh…
and the tops have no shape. The button ups are all boy cut. And what’s with all
the flannel?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1354" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1355">
<span style="font-size: large;">We went to another store and
she did the same. When we found ourselves in the lingerie section, I tried not
to act as interested as I was. I glanced at what she was looking at, and then
away and then back at the bra she was holding.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1356" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1357">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why are these bra’s so
pointy and stiff?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1358" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1359">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Umm…I…don’t really know much
about bras.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1360" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1361">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t spend your money on
any of this. I’m sorry. Do you think we could find a thrift store somewhere?” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1362" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1363">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1364" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You mean used clothes?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1365" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1366">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, that’s how I used to
shop when I first got out on my own. I still do it from time to time. The rich
people send lots of great stuff there back in Cali.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1367" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1368">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I guess we can find one.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1369" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1370">
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked a lady in the mall,
and she gave us directions to a thrift shop back off the main strip along the
beach. There Layla finally found things she liked. I didn’t say anything, but
what she picked out was all from the 80s. Leggings and pointy heeled shoes and
baggy shirts with giant belts, bangle bracelets. The girls at school were all
into flannel and clunky shoes. They wouldn’t be caught dead in any of the
things Layla picked out. But she was happy and excited, so I didn’t question
it. Especially when she picked out a bikini. She held up the hot pink pieces of
cloth and said, “For the pool.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1371" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1372">
<span style="font-size: large;">I swallowed. “It’s…um…nice.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1373" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1374">
<span style="font-size: large;">Images started playing
through my head. It was in slow motion with fans blowing her blond hair about
and her lips painted red, like in a “hair metal” video. The wheezing started,
and she was soon beside me, digging into my shirt pocket, handing me my
inhaler. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1375" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1376">
<span style="font-size: large;">I accepted it and took a
couple of puffs.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1377" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1378">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You okay?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1379" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1380">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, it’s the ocean air
down here or something.” I swallowed hard after the lie. If I couldn’t breathe
just thinking of her in it, they’d probably have to call 911 when she actually
put it on. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1381" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1382">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We need to find a Laundromat
so I can wash these. And find a drugstore. I have to buy some makeup and
toiletries.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1383" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1384">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Right.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1385" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1386">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded and we drove around
until we found a drugstore. She picked out what she needed and a pair of flip
flops, and I paid. She took the receipts and added them up in the truck as I
drove to the Laundromat the cashier had told us about. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1387" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1388">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m going to pay you back
for all of this. I promise. I don’t like to mooch off people.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1389" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1390">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Don’t worry about it.
Michael and the guys love mooching off me. That’s why I let them think I’m
broke. I make a nice cut with the band, and my parents give me an allowance. I
hardly spend any of it. Besides, I was raised to help a lady in distress.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1391" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1392">
<span style="font-size: large;">We got to the Laundromat and
made change in the machine. Layla threw all the laundry into a couple of
washers with some soap we bought there.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1393" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1394">
<span style="font-size: large;">She turned to face me. “Thank
you. And I meant what I said. I will pay you back when my ride comes.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1395" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1396">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked into her dark eyes.
“Stop worrying about it. Three bags of clothes from the thrift store cost me a
whole $20.” Then I thought aloud, “What do you plan to do if your ride doesn’t
come back?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1397" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1398">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t know.” She looked
down at her lap</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1399" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1400">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I could help you get a
ticket back to California.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1401" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1402">
<span style="font-size: large;">She looked away. “That
wouldn’t work.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1403" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1404">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why not? I don’t understand.
He doesn’t have to drive you back. You could get there yourself. I mean, it is
the obvious solution.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1405" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1406">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “I’ve got
nowhere to go if he doesn’t come back for me. I can’t explain. But he has to
come back or I’m stuck.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1407" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1408">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1409" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look, we leave Sunday. I can’t leave you here
alone. If he doesn’t come back, and you can’t go back to California alone,
think about coming to Chesnee with us.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1410" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1411">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head, refusing
to consider it. “He will come back. He has to. I can’t think any other way
right now.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1412" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1413">
<span style="font-size: large;">We sat in silence, listening
to the hum and slosh of the washer. I tried to think of some way to earn her
trust when it occurred to me what I’d seen my dad do. When little kids who came
to his dental office were too scared to talk to him, he’d turn it into a game
of pretend.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1414" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1415">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Okay, I have an idea. You
are obviously hiding something because of a misguided sense of obligation to
some jerk. You seem to want to tell me what’s going on, but all you say is you
can’t tell me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1416" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1417">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It’s not misguided, and I
can’t tell you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1418" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1419">
<span style="font-size: large;">“But you’d like to tell me
the truth if you could, right?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1420" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1421">
<span style="font-size: large;">She looked up at me with
dejected dark chocolate pearls and nodded.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1422" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1423">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Okay, so tell me two
stories. In them tell me all about why you can’t go home to California. How you
know what I drink and about my notebooks, AND… why you don’t want to be called
Layla?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1424" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1425">
<span style="font-size: large;">“But I can’t—”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1426" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1427">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Hear me out first. One story
will be a lie, all made up, and one will be true. You never have to tell me
which one is which. But this way, you don’t have to be completely dishonest
either.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1428" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1429">
<span style="font-size: large;">She didn’t say anything as
she looked to the side and pondered the idea.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1430" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1431">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Tell me. I know you want
to.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1432" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1433">
<span style="font-size: large;">She turned to face me, licked
her lips, and then bit the bottom one. “Okay…What if I told you I was from the
future? What if in the future, you are going to be famous?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1434" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1435">
<span style="font-size: large;">I rolled my eyes. “Be
serious. At least make the lie a little believable.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1436" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1437">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I am.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1438" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1439">
<span style="font-size: large;">“And how did you get here
from the future and why would I be famous? The soundboard guy isn’t usually who
all the girls have posters of on their bedroom walls.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1440" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1441">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No, but a guy who discovers
time travel would be famous.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1442" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1443">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned to face her, my eyes
wide. “What?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1444" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1445">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You have visions, and you
write them down in these.” She scooted around me to pick up my notebook I had
placed on the seat beside me. “You always carry one. You have a stack of them
full of all your visions. One you had when you were sixteen was for time
travel. You wrote it all out in your notebook, and it has haunted you ever
since. Every equation. The waves that push time forward and back, and the
molecular structure that would have to be reordered to make it work. You saw it
all. And in the back of your mind, all the time, at any given moment, you are
trying to figure out how to make it a reality.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1446" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1447">
<span style="font-size: large;">I opened my mouth to say
something, but no words would come out.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1448" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1449">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What if in my time, everyone
knows who you are? The way everyone knows Thomas Edison invented the light bulb
or Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. What if I’ve grown up hearing
all about you and your time travel idea and the woman who inspired you—Layla?
What if your love for Layla is what drove you to accomplish your dream? What if
your dream inspired another dreamer with an even bigger and better dream all
because of you and Layla? What if in a future where love is thought of as an old-fashioned
fairytale, as extinct as the dinosaurs, where people don’t dare to wish for it any
longer, a little girl heard stories of your love for Layla and wished with all
her heart to <i abp="1450" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i> Layla. And then one
day, a man with a time machine dropped her off to meet you. Only you called <i abp="1451" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> Layla, and I realized I’d been
abandoned by my tour guide. What if I’m terrified that I’m going to ruin
everything and get in the way of you meeting the real Layla? And what if I’m
even more frightened at the idea I might actually be Layla…the woman who breaks
your heart and puts the distant look in your eyes?” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1452" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1453">
<span style="font-size: large;">I just looked at her. My
mouth hung open as I tried to form words.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1454" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1455">
<span style="font-size: large;">She smiled and then laughed.
“Or maybe the guys in the band aren’t as broke as they pretend to be either.
Maybe they’ve peeked in your notebooks behind your back and decided to freak
you out and play an elaborate joke on you. One you’d never believe they could
pull off. Maybe I’m a hired actress to mess with you during spring break, and
the guys are back at the motel laughing?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1456" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1457">
<span style="font-size: large;">The washers stopped, and she
jumped up to move the clothes to a rolling buggy and then to the dryer.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1458" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1459">
<span style="font-size: large;">I sat back, thinking of both
stories. One was more believable than the other, and it wasn’t the one you
would think.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1460" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1461">
<span style="font-size: large;">The guys could never pull off
such an elaborate joke. First off, they weren’t that organized. They might have
an idea and joke about it. But they couldn’t even make it through a writing
session together with one original song. When they tried, we always ended up at
The Bantam Chef for milkshakes and several rounds of Street Fighter. Second,
the guys could hardly scrape together enough money to split an order of fries.
And there was the other part. I’d never told anyone about my vision of time
travel. No one—not Michael or the other guys, not even my Mom knew about the
visions. That notebook wasn’t kept with the others. But I’d tried not to take
that idea too seriously. Time travel wasn’t real. It was the stuff of science
fiction. I wasn’t going to study physics but dentistry and join my dad’s dental
office when I finished school. The time-travel vision was tucked away in my
notebook for someday next to never.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1462" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1463">
<span style="font-size: large;">But the time-travel idea was
never really fully tucked away, even if the notebook was. That special notebook
held sketches of how the whole thing would work. All the numbers I saw. Pages
and pages of numbers and drawings. Waves and algorithms. Some of the formulas
that I saw, I had no clue how to work them yet. They really were like visions
from another source and not like I thought them at all. It was more like they
were sent out and my mind caught it. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1464" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1465">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked back at her wide-eyed
and swallowed. What if it were true? In the future, I would build it and it
would work and people would know about it. It was decided and she had told me.
Was this why our meeting had felt so much like the way my visions had made me
feel? Was she some version of them—a beacon pointing me to my destiny? </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1466" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1467">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1468" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she told me I would love a girl named
Layla—a beautiful woman who was glamorous and inspiring. I don’t know why she
couldn’t see herself as all that. She’d shown up the night before, looking like
a Hollywood actress from a different era, and she knew about Philo T.
Farnsworth. I looked at her, and at that moment knew what I would do with my
life. I would discover time travel and make a time machine. Kids would learn
about me in school and I would love a woman named Layla. And whether she wanted
to be or not, I had a feeling she would be Layla or maybe always had been. In
my mind, she was forever Layla.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1469" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1470">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="1471" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; page-break-before: always; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1472">
<b abp="1473" style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span abp="1474" style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Chapter 4</span></b></div>
</div>
<div abp="1475" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1476">
<span style="font-size: large;">WE DROVE BACK
TO THE motel. I didn’t talk. I couldn’t. There was too much going on in my
head.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1477" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1478">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla took the bag of clothes
from me. “I’m going to change out of this dress and go lie out by the pool.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1479" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1480">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll wait outside with the
guys until you’re done.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1481" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1482">
<span style="font-size: large;">She went to the room while I
joined the guys who lounged around the pool. The sun was beating down hard
overhead already. It would have been too hot if it weren’t for the breeze
blowing off the ocean beside us. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1483" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1484">
<span style="font-size: large;">Travis, Joey, and Mark played
volleyball in the water with some girls, while Michael had his guitar out,
strumming it for a brunette girl sitting by him at one of the tables. He gave her
his normal line when I took a seat in a lounge chair nearby to listen to his
bull.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1485" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1486">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael played a few chords
of Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and sang along. The girl
started singing too, but way off key. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1487" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1488">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You have a beautiful voice.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1489" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1490">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Thank you.” She placed her
hand over her heart and smiled. The wind blew tendrils of dark hair around her
olive face. “I’ve always wanted to be a singer.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1491" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1492">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’d be great at it.”
Michael did that smirk he<span abp="1493" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>practiced in
the mirror.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1494" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1495">
<span style="font-size: large;">I coughed. “Bullcrap.” And
coughed again. Michael gave me a quick glare that the girl totally missed.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1496" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1497">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Do you play guitar?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1498" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1499">
<span style="font-size: large;">The tone-deaf girl shook her
head. “No. But I’d love to learn.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1500" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1501">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Come have a seat in my lap,
and I’ll teach you. I want you to know, I don’t let just anyone handle my
instrument.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1502" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1503">
<span style="font-size: large;">I rolled my eyes as I watched
her fall for it. The truth was, he’d let just about any attractive girl <i abp="1504" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">handle his instrument. </i>The same shtick
with every girl. He convinced each of them that they were special, but to him
they were all the same. It was the one thing I didn’t like about my best
friend. He had no conscience when it came to girls. He never thought about
their feelings in the whole matter. My mom would kill me if I treated girls
like that.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1505" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1506">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Scoot a little closer, so I
can let you get a feel for it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1507" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1508">
<span style="font-size: large;">I coughed and gagged
obnoxiously loud. He gave me the look, and I only smirked. I considered it
payback for that morning when he was making his insinuations about Layla and
me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1509" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1510">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tone-deaf girl, still
oblivious, giggled and strummed the guitar, making a sound no guitar should
ever make.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1511" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1512">
<span style="font-size: large;">“That was really good. Let’s
try it again. Scoot back just a little more, so I can reach my arms around you
better. Perfect.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1513" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1514">
<span style="font-size: large;">After a few minutes of the
worst sounding noises coming from both the guitar and the girl, I had to say
something. I noticed Layla was on her way, so I leaned over and tapped Michael.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1515" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1516">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Dude, I think you need to
get the girl out of your lap. Your wife is headed this way.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1517" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1518">
<span style="font-size: large;">The girl in Michael’s lap
jumped up. “Wife?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1519" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1520">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael was trying to protest
when the girl grabbed his Coke and poured it over him and his guitar and stormed
off.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1521" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1522">
<span style="font-size: large;">I laughed so hard, I rolled
off the lounge chair onto the pavement. Michael jumped up and kicked me hard in
the leg. I had curled in to protect where he was really aiming.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1523" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1524">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What was that all about?”
Layla asked as she joined us. I was still laughing so much it was throwing off
my balance. I tried to stand but couldn't, so I crawled to the lounger and
pulled myself up. I pushed my glasses back on my nose. Layla took the lounger
beside me. She had one of my t-shirts on, as a swimsuit cover up.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1525" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1526">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael pulled off the black
Guns-n-Roses shirt, now soaked with Coke and wadded it up and threw it at me.
“He ruined my chance with that girl. She could have been my dream girl…the
mother of my children. Now I’ll never know.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1527" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1528">
<span style="font-size: large;">“She was tone deaf, and you
were just trying to bag her.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1529" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1530">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Just because you can’t score
with a girl who stays in your room all night long, doesn’t mean you should shut
down my chances.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1531" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1532">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla poured some suntan
lotion into her hands and bent over to start rubbing it into her legs. “Score?
Like in a game?” She glanced up at Michael, and he shrugged. “Don’t make fun of
David for being a gentleman. The world needs more of those. Where I’m from, the
guys don’t even ask girls on dates anymore. They just look for a hookup at the
clubs. All casual sex with no meaning.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1533" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1534">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael scooted closer in his
chair. “Where are you from again? I want to move there.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1535" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1536">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla shook her head. “My
friends are all into that, and I don’t judge them for it. But they get more
hurt and jaded about love as they go. I don’t want that.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1537" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1538">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Can you give me your
friends’ numbers?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1539" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1540">
<span style="font-size: large;">She rolled her eyes at him
and pursed her lips. “Why do you want to be that guy who beds a bunch of women?
Later they all regret having been with you. Why not make it your goal to be the
guy one girl wants to sleep with many times and is proud to be seen with you?
Why not look for one you want to hold close after the sex is over, instead of
one you want to kick out of your bed as soon as it’s done?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1541" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1542">
<span style="font-size: large;">His eyes got big, and he
looked both ways. “How did you know I…?” He looked at her up and down. “Have
we?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1543" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1544">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla’s eyes went wide. “No
way. I just know your type.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1545" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1546">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1547" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael got a look in his eyes like he’d never
thought like that before. He started walking away. “I think I’ve got a new
line. ‘Hey, baby. You look like the kind of girl I’d want to hold after sex and
actually call the next day?’”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1548" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1549">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla sighed. “You are
disgusting, Michael, and you always will be.” She pulled off my t-shirt to
reveal the hot pink bikini underneath. “David, could you help rub lotion on my
back?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1550" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1551">
<span style="font-size: large;">I leapt from my seat and then
realized I looked too anxious. “Umm sure.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1552" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1553">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was finished rubbing
it in, I handed her the bottle and leaned back in my lounger. I pulled out my
inhaler and tried to unscramble my thoughts and breathe.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1554" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1555">
<span style="font-size: large;">“So, this is what spring
break is all about?” she asked.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1556" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1557">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You never went to the beach
for spring break?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1558" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1559">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Nope. They don’t schedule
spring break trips at a girls’ home.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1560" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1561">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned to see her. “A girls’
home?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1562" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1563">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yep. I’m an orphan. It was a
church-run orphanage called Connie Maxwell Children’s home, so they were strict
with us. I just started allowing myself to wear a bikini. But they got me ready
for life. I don’t expect anyone to just hand me anything. If I own something,
it’s because I worked to get. I’m grateful for that because I don’t expect
anything from anyone in life now. I know it’s all up to me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1564" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1565">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Wow.” I didn’t know what
else to say.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1566" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1567">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’ve been on my own since I
was eighteen. I got a scholarship, but you have to eat too while in college,
right? And where would I go during Christmas? College wasn’t an option for me
because I needed to hit the ground running. I got a job in retail and realized
I was good at selling. I investigated what I could do with that talent and got
into insurance and have moved up the ladder pretty quickly. They consider it
pretty impressive to have made it to the level I’m at without a degree and so
young. But I work hard, and I go after what I want. I may not be as educated as
some, but I’m not stupid. Some of the ones who were handed an education are the
laziest ones in the office.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1568" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1569">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked at her and my heart
sank. Suddenly I felt more like a little kid than I had when she told me her
age. She wasn’t just older than I was, but more of a grown up than I’d
realized. “I’m about to turn eighteen next month. If I had to move out on my
own that day with no one to help me along, I don’t know what I’d do.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1570" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1571">
<span style="font-size: large;">“That’s all I thought about
at your age. How was I going to take care of myself when I graduated? I knew a
minimum wage job wouldn’t work and I didn’t want to end up like my—” She
stopped and cleared her throat. “…a statistic. You should count your blessings
that you don’t have to worry about all that. Taking care of myself is all I’ve
ever really known.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1572" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1573">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, I guess I should be
thankful. I don’t think I’ve ever given it a thought how much my folks take
care of me.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1574" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1575">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1576" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layla stretched out on the lounger. “I’m still
counting on my ride coming back so I can get back to my life, but until then,
I’m here and I might as well enjoy the sun, right? My very first spring break.
You guys can teach me how it’s done.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1577" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1578">
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched her stretch out and
had to wonder at how at ease she was with things. Could she really be from the
future? Maybe this really was a prank from the guys. Maybe they knew more about
my notebooks than I’d realized. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1579" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1580">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stood. “I’m going in to put
on my suit. I’ll be right back.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1581" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1582">
<span style="font-size: large;">She lowered her sunglasses
and smiled. “Take your time.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1583" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1584">
<span style="font-size: large;">I got to my room and changed
into my trunks. The guys and I had gotten a big bottle of amino acids and had
been popping them for months while taking turns on the weight bench in
Michael’s garage. I glanced at my physique in the mirror and was sorta glad I’d
joined the guys. My body wasn’t just skin and bones any longer. I didn’t look
like a body builder but I had good definition. I flexed my biceps and nodded at
my reflection. I caught myself and stepped away from the mirror. If I didn’t
watch it, I’d be practicing sultry gazes in the mirror like Michael and
rehearsing stupid pick-up lines.<span abp="1585" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1586" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1587">
<span style="font-size: large;">I grabbed a beach towel from
my bag and my sunglasses and my notebook, of course. I filled my cooler with
Cheerwines and got ice from the machine on my way out the door to the pool.
Layla was still there, sunning herself. She’d pulled off the bandages from her
knees.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1588" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1589">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Are your legs better?” I
pointed at the scabs forming.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1590" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1591">
<span style="font-size: large;">She sat up. “Some. Mainly I
didn’t want the bandages making a tan line.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1592" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1593">
<span style="font-size: large;">I sat down on the lounger
beside her and leaned back.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1594" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1595">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla turned toward me. “Need
some sunscreen?” She grabbed the bottle from beside her and handed it out to
me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1596" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1597">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “No, thanks,
I don’t usually burn.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1598" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1599">
<span style="font-size: large;">She sat up and pulled her
glasses down again to look at me. “Oh my gosh! I had no idea.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1600" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1601">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What?” I glanced down at
myself to see if I had a spider or something on my chest.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1602" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1603">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You are ripped.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1604" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1605">
<span style="font-size: large;">I spun around to check my
trunks, feeling my face grow warmer. “Where?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1606" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1607">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla laughed. “No, I’m
talking about your chest. You are solid muscle.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1608" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1609">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Oh.” I felt my face flush.
“The guys and I have been working out. Travis is trying to get signed by a
college for athletics next year, so his coach has him lifting weights and
eating peanut butter sandwiches every few hours. He started bulking up, so we
all joined in. I used to be a stick until this year.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1610" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1611">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well you are far from a
stick now. I like a nice toned body on a guy way better than the overly bulky
kind.” She watched me a little longer and bit her lip and leaned back, but I
thought I heard her mumble, “He’s eighteen. Too young, too young, too young.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1612" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1613">
<span style="font-size: large;">I grabbed my notebook from
beside me and wrote the date and then under that wrote a quick note. I couldn’t
let myself forget anything about meeting Layla. Her ride could show up, or the
gag come to an end any moment. But today, I had a beautiful older woman
reminding herself that I was too young for her. It might not be directions for
time travel, but for an eighteen-year-old guy, it was up there in important
things to always remember. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1614" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1615">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="1616" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1617">
<i abp="1618" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Layla</span></i></div>
</div>
<div abp="1619" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1620">
<span style="font-size: large;">UP UNTIL HE
TOOK HIS shirt off, this David was a harmless kid. He wasn’t the manly David of
my dreams, but I could see glimpses of that David. It was like checking in the
oven on a pan of cookies. They might still be warm dough, but the senses could
appreciate the process. Besides, cookie dough could be nice too while waiting
on the cookies. I turned my head and was trying to get a hold on my breathing.
Maybe I needed a puff off of his inhaler. I glanced back over at him as he
jotted something down in his notebook. I realized at that moment he didn’t know
he was hot. He’d been the gangly, asthmatic geek all his life and probably
hadn’t noticed he was beginning to grow into himself. I glanced at his biceps
and forearms that flexed as he gripped his pen. He was far from gangly now, and
although he was not the <i abp="1621" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">man</i> I had
always dreamed of, he certainly wasn’t the <i abp="1622" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boy</i>
I had mistaken him to be. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1623" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1624">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart sped up, and my
breathing deepened as I watched him. I looked away again when I saw him about
to look at me. It was one thing staying in a room with a little boy overnight.
It would be another staying with a hot guy. I pushed the thought from my mind.
Maybe my ride would show up before then. Until that moment, I would relax and
catch some rays. I glanced in the other direction at the ocean and the people
walking by on the beach and let the worries fade as I got to be a kid myself
for the first time ever.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1625" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1626">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="1627" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; page-break-before: always;">
<div abp="1628">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div abp="1629" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1630">
<b abp="1631" style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span abp="1632" style="font-size: large; line-height: 150%;">Chapter 5</span></b></div>
</div>
<div abp="1633" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1634">
<i abp="1635" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">David</span></i></div>
</div>
<div abp="1636" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1637">
<span style="font-size: large;">AROUND
LUNCHTIME WE ALL LEFT the pool to go across the street to eat. Layla used my
t-shirt and boxers as her bathing suit cover up, and I had to use my inhaler.
Did I pack my other one? I sure hoped so, or she needed to go home before I
succumbed to the attacks. I’m not sure why it was affecting me so much. She
showed more skin in the bathing suit. I guess it was because her skin was
wrapped up in something of mine. I’m not really sure. She had piled her hair up
in a sloppy bun, and to be honest, she was just as breathtaking as she had been
all dressed up the night before. There was this new electricity bouncing off
the both of us, and I think she felt it too. She was acting more awkward around
me, sort of the way I generally acted around her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1638" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1639">
<span style="font-size: large;">The guys walked across the
street while I walked with Layla. They got to a table first, and we followed. I
quickly pulled a chair out for her and she finally seemed willing to look at me
directly and smiled as she said, “Thank you.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1640" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1641">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1642" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat beside her. We grabbed up menus and gave
the waitress our orders. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1643" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1644">
<span style="font-size: large;">The guys discussed what songs
to perform.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1645" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1646">
<span style="font-size: large;">“'Smells Like Teen Spirit' is
a must,” Michael grabbed a napkin and asked if anyone had a pen. I loaned him
mine from my notebook. He knew better than to ask for paper. I never tore
anything out of my notebooks.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1647" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1648">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Too bad about him dying so
young. His daughter won’t even remember him and her train wreck of a mother…”
Layla rolled her eyes and then sipped her water.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1649" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1650">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Too bad about who dying?” I
asked.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1651" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1652">
<span style="font-size: large;">“The singer for Nirvana.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1653" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1654">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael leaned forward and
held up his hand. “Hold up. What do you mean Kurt Cobain died? He’s not dead.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1655" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1656">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, he is.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1657" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1658">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael turned his head and
rolled his eyes and then looked back at Layla, making a two-fingered point at
her. “I don’t know what you’ve been smoking, but Kurt Cobain is alive.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1659" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1660">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1661" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She threw up her hands and shook her head.
“Hey, didn’t mean to start anything. Maybe I was thinking of someone else.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1662" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1663">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We’ve gotten Pear Jam’s "Black"<i abp="1664" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>down pat now,” Travis added, to ease
the tension.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1665" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1666">
<span style="font-size: large;">We were all passing out ideas
when Layla added, “I went to a concert once where they passed around a hat for
requests and performed what they drew between their regular set. It was lots of
fun.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1667" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1668">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael’s face lit up. “I
like it. We should try that tonight.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1669" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1670">
<span style="font-size: large;">We ate lunch and then headed
back to the motel. I opened the door to the room and let Layla go in first.
Michael eyed me, and I shrugged as he made his way into the room shared by the
other three guys. “Can I help it if the girl staying with me wants to stay
again?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1671" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1672">
<span style="font-size: large;">I walked into the room
shaking my head and laughing. Layla stood there, looking at me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1673" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1674">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m sorry. I just made it
sound like…” I stopped. I hadn’t thought about my joke.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1675" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1676">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “It’s
fine. You were giving Michael a hard time. That’s what you guys do. And really,
where I’m from, no one thinks that way about things anymore. It’s sweet that
you do. My grandma would approve.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1677" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1678">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Your grandma? I thought you
were an orphan?” Had I caught her?</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1679" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1680">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I was. But not always.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1681" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1682">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1683" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved toward the bathroom. “I’m going to
shower and take a nap to get ready for tonight. If you want to shower, you can
go first.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1684" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1685">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “No, I’m
going to go ask the manager if they have internet here. I need to get my
bearings straight. I think I misspoke with Michael. I’m really going to mess
things up if I don’t watch it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1686" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1687">
<span style="font-size: large;">My forehead dipped. “I doubt
this place has it. Besides, don’t worry about Michael.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1688" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1689">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Are you sure they won’t have
it? Maybe a fast food place will have it.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1690" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1691">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why would a fast food place
have internet? We don’t eat it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1692" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1693">
<span style="font-size: large;">“WiFi is pretty standard
almost everywhere back home. People don’t want to ever be disconnected from the
internet for a moment. I’ve been having the shakes from lack of cell phone.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1694" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1695">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s why fie?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1696" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1697">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Wireless internet. Places
provide it for cell phones and tablets people carry with them.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1698" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1699">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m the only one of my
friends who has internet at the house. The library has a couple of computers
hooked up to it. And my dad’s a dentist and always on call and even he doesn’t
have a cell phone yet. He’s been talking about getting one but right now still
carries a beeper.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1700" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1701">
<span style="font-size: large;">She scrunched her nose.
“What’s a beeper?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1702" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1703">
<span style="font-size: large;">“It beeps and gives you a
number to call when you get to a phone.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1704" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1705">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shook her head. “I guess
I’ll just shower and take a nap, too.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1706" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1707">
<span style="font-size: large;">“So are you saying in the
future, almost everyone is connected to the internet and carries a phone
around?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1708" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1709">
<span style="font-size: large;">“That or I’m a big fat fake.
I’m going to shower.” She grabbed her bags from the drugstore and some things
from a drawer and headed to the bathroom and closed the door behind her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1710" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1711">
<span style="font-size: large;">I plopped down in a chair to
wait my turn and listened to the shower curtain whisk as it was wrenched to the
side. I shook her image from my head and forced my mind away from visions of a
naked girl in my shower.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1712" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1713">
<span style="font-size: large;">I grabbed a Cheerwine and
chugged the cold drink down. If it didn’t work, I was running out and doing a
cannonball into the pool. Who was Layla? I closed my eyes and thought about it.
She could be a prank or she could be my future. I grabbed my notebook and
started writing out lists of possibilities. The shower knob made that squeak,
and the water splatter sound started. “She’s the death of me is who she is.” I
threw down the notebook and ran out the door to the pool.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1714" align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1715">
<span style="font-size: large;">*</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1716" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div abp="1717">
<span style="font-size: large;">LAYLA SAT
BESIDE ME AT the soundboard and bounced her crossed leg with the music. Her
thrift-store wedged sandals were out of style, but I didn’t look at them long.
I watched the top leg bounce to the music, the way a subject watches the fob
watch of a hypnotist—mesmerized. My gaze trailed up the length of her tanned
legs to the cut off denim shorts and then the white button-up shirt with the
sleeves rolled up and the bottom tied at her waist. I caught myself and glanced
up at her and smiled. Her hair was back to a big bouffant ,and she’d replaced
her lashes at the drugstore. She was watching the band and smiling, not even
aware that I was looking. She was so beautiful I could hardly believe she was
real. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1718" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1719">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced out at the crowd of
girls pushing their way to the platform where the guys played. The other girls
had loose, untamed hair, flannel shirts and Keds. Layla stood out from all of
them. She didn’t belong. I could easily believe she was from the future.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1720" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1721">
<span style="font-size: large;">The music stopped and I cut
the mics from the guys so people could hear Michael speak.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1722" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1723">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Time for another request
from the hat.” He made that smoldering gaze at the girls. “I love my fans.
Anything for you.” The girls squealed as he lowered his voice and gaze.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1724" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1725">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael kneeled down and drew
a piece of paper from the bowl and stood. He unfolded the square, flipped the
paper around, and then lowered his head. “You have got to be kidding me.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1726" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1727">
<span style="font-size: large;">He showed the paper to the
guys and they all started shaking their heads and groaned.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1728" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1729">
<span style="font-size: large;">A voice from the audience
shouted, “What is it?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1730" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1731">
<span style="font-size: large;">Michael leaned into the mic.
“Proof that I love my fans. I promise, I wouldn’t sing this otherwise.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1732" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1733">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then music started playing
the opening of <i abp="1734" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Achy Breaky Heart </i>and
the crowd started forming rows of lines to do the dance that went with it.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1735" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1736">
<span style="font-size: large;">I threw my head back and
slapped my leg as I guffawed. “I wonder who put that in. Michael hates country
music.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1737" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1738">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla turned and smirked. “I
remembered the story.” Then she bit her lip and stopped herself.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1739" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1740">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Did you put it in there?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1741" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1742">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Maybe.” She bit her lips
again. </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1743" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1744">
<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn’t take my eyes off
her lips. I blinked and reminded myself to breathe. “Are you really from the
future?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1745" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1746">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m not allowed to say.
Maybe I am, or maybe I’m a gag the guys are pulling on you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1747" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1748">
<span style="font-size: large;">The breeze off the ocean stirred
her hair and brought the fragrance closer to me. I wasn’t thinking any longer
about the future or a prank, the band, the soundboard or even where I was. My
mind was on the beautiful blonde inches away from me, leaning in to speak over
the loud music. I leaned in too, my eyes fixated on her glossy pink lips, and
then my own lips were brushing gently against hers. Her darks eyes closed and
then so did mine as I tasted her. She was sweet and her lips were cherry, like
my favorite drink but better. My hands were in her hair as I kissed her more
deeply. Her lips parted. I’d only kissed one other girl and that was a game of
spin-the-bottle in eighth grade. I’d been so nervous, I kissed the girl’s chin
by accident.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1749" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1750">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla pulled back from me,
her eyes dark circles, and then she turned away and stared at the band. I
turned my attention back to the soundboard and started flipping switches that
connected to nothing really. I just needed to look busy.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1751" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1752">
<span style="font-size: large;">She and I didn’t speak the
rest of the night. There was the awkward avoiding eye contact and each other’s
space. The set ended, and it was time to clean up. Layla made her way to the
tables and started picking up cups and trash.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1753" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1754">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Hey, we don’t have to clean
that stuff.” I called out to her. Wow, what a great first sentence after
kissing someone.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1755" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1756">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tony, the bartender called
out, “Go ahead, and I’ll tip out from my cup.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1757" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1758">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla smiled at him and
headed for the bar. “You’re on. Hand me one of your garbage bags.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1759" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1760">
<span style="font-size: large;">The clean up took about
twenty minutes, with the guys again abandoning me the last five minutes of it.
Layla was still around, picking up and straightening chairs. She took the
garbage bag to Tony, and he reached in his tip jar and handed her $20.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1761" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1762">
<span style="font-size: large;">She took it and walked over
to me. “Here’s payment toward my debt.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1763" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1764">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “There is no
debt. Just hold onto it.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1765" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1766">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shoved the money toward
me. “Here, I don’t like being indebted to people.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1767" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1768">
<span style="font-size: large;">I pushed it away. “Why don’t
you hold onto it… <i abp="1769" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for now</i>. Pay me at
the end of the week.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1770" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1771">
<span style="font-size: large;">She kept it and stuck it in
her pocket. “Fine, I’ll use it for my dinner tonight.” She pulled back and
stared at me with those giant doe eyes and then quickly looked away. “I can’t
risk getting any deeper with you.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1772" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1773">
<span style="font-size: large;">I wasn’t sure that statement
was all about the money. We walked across the street together to the diner. The
guys were already scarfing down their meals. Layla and I were about to take a
seat with them, when all of a sudden, they all got up.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1774" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1775">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where are you guys going?” I
felt my brows furrow as I looked at Michael for an answer.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1776" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1777">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We met some girls, and they
asked us to join them at Club 317. Later, bro,” he said as he patted me on the
back and headed out the door.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1778" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1779">
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched them all leave and
then turned my attention back to Layla. “Okay then.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1780" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1781">
<span style="font-size: large;">We started to sit where the
guys had just gotten up, but the waitress came out and asked us to move to a
smaller table. So there we were, just the two of us at the table.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1782" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1783">
<span style="font-size: large;">We ordered, and the waitress
left.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1784" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1785">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla stared to her left,
then to her right. She picked up the dessert menu and looked at it. She was
obviously avoiding me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1786" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1787">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m sorry.” I wasn’t sure it
was the right thing to say, but I said it anyway.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1788" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1789">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla turned to face me. “For
what?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1790" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1791">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m sorry that the kiss made
you uncomfortable. I guess I shouldn’t have done it.” I couldn’t bring myself
to say I was sorry for the kiss itself because I wasn’t.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1792" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1793">
<span style="font-size: large;">She leaned forward and placed
her hand on mine. “I kissed you back. I’m just… not the type who goes around
kissing every guy I meet. Some of my friends do that and more but that’s not
me. It’s not how I was raised.” </span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1794" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1795">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well I don’t kiss every girl
I meet either. Michael’s my best friend, but I’m not like him. My mom has
always drilled into me how I’m to treat a woman. Open doors for ladies and
treat them with respect. She told me to wait for the right one rather than fool
around and get mixed up with the wrong girl.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1796" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1797">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla smiled as she lifted
her head. She got a thoughtful expression before turning her attention back to
me. “She sounds a lot like my grandma. She drilled her morals into me. Made me
swear to wait and not get in trouble like she and my mom both did. I’m the
first in my family to finish high school instead of dropping out to have a
baby.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1798" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1799">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped and watched her as
I leaned back. Had I caught her in a lie? “I thought you said you were an
orphan. That you were raised in a girl’s home?” Maybe she was part of a hoax
after all.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1800" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1801">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Both are true. I lived
with…” She stopped as if she’d just realized something and looked at me. “I
need to quit answering your questions before I say too much…<i abp="1802" style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">again</i>.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1803" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1804">
<span style="font-size: large;">The waitress brought out our
food. I had a plate of pancakes and bacon. Layla had another salad with the
dressing on the side.<span abp="1805" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spread butter on
the pancakes and poured syrup all over them. She stared at my plate and said,
“That’s a lot of carbs and pure sugar.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1806" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1807">
<span style="font-size: large;">“And that’s a lot of rabbit
food you are eating.” I pointed at her plate.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1808" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1809">
<span style="font-size: large;">She shrugged. “Tell me about
you, David. You have all these questions about me. It’s your turn.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1810" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1811">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m a senior at Chesnee High
School. I will be turning eighteen this Sunday.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1812" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1813">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla held up her hand, “Hold
up. You told me you were already eighteen.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1814" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1815">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I figured I was close enough.
Besides, I never imagined you’d be staying the week with me to find out any
different. It was just supposed to be one dance.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1816" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1817">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yeah, and this was just
supposed to be a quick trip back in time and then right back home.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1818" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1819">
<span style="font-size: large;">I sighed and continued.
“Anyway, I’m graduating next month. I’m starting at Wofford College for pre-dentistry
in the fall. I’m supposed to join my dad at his practice when I finish dental
school.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1820" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1821">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla smiled and shook her
head. She gave me that look, like she knew me already. “Do you want to be a
dentist?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1822" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1823">
<span style="font-size: large;">“My mom and dad are always
pointing out the perks. Work office hours Monday through Thursday with Friday
off to golf. Good pay and nothing life and death like a doctor deals with.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1824" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1825">
<span style="font-size: large;">“But do you want to be a
dentist?” she asked again. Her dark eyes pierced into me.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1826" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1827">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I…I don’t know. I’ve always
been told that’s what I would do.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1828" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1829">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What would you chose to
study if no one was pushing you toward dentistry? What do you really want to be
when you grow up?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1830" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1831">
<span style="font-size: large;">I leaned back in my chair and
ran my fingers through my hair, and then pushed my glasses back on my nose.
Layla took them from me, folded them up, and put them in my shirt pocket like
she did the time before.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1832" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1833">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t wait until you get
Lasik. I’m not used to your eyes all covered. They’re too beautiful to be
covered up. Now, what would you chose to study if you weren’t concerned with
your parents or potential income or anything else practical?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1834" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1835">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Probably physics or chemistry.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1836" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1837">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Then why don’t you?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1838" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1839">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Because my mom says I’ll end
up a dusty old professor if I major in those.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1840" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1841">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1842" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would be wrong with that if you loved
what you did every day?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1843" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1844">
<span style="font-size: large;">“There’s no money in it. No
prestige. Mothers don’t push their daughters at the country club toward the
nutty professors. They push them on the doctors and lawyers and dentists.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1845" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1846">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What if I promised you that
you’ll not be a dusty old professor? And you won’t be a dentist either.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1847" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1848">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Tell my mom that. She has it
all mapped out. Even when I should start looking for my future wife. She says
sometime around the end of my undergraduate studies is when I should seriously
start looking. She gets all up in arms when I mention a girl from school. She
shoots them all down fast. None of them are good enough. She’s a bit of a
micro-manager.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1849" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1850">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla looked down at her
salad. “At least your mom cares about your future. She’s just trying to get you
somewhere good in life before she lets go.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1851" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1852">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Maybe.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1853" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1854">
<span style="font-size: large;">“But she’s wrong about what
you’ll become. You will never be a dentist.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1855" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1856">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Because I’m going to
discover time travel. So you really are from the future.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1857" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1858">
<span style="font-size: large;">Layla leaned in closer to
whisper. “Do you see how hard it is for me to let you pay for my meals? To let
you so much as put a bandage on my knee when I can do it myself. If getting to
the airport is all I needed to do to get back to my work and my life, don’t you
think I’d do it?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1859" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1860">
<span style="font-size: large;">I leaned in to whisper, “So
is this conformation that you really are from the future? That this isn’t a
hoax?” I was so close to her again. Her fragrance was everywhere, filling my
senses. I could feel her presence and it electrified the air between us. My
heart raced as I stared into her eyes—huge saucers of warm hot chocolate.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1861" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1862">
<span style="font-size: large;">She was in the same trance,
looking back at me and having trouble forming her sentence. “I…can’t…tell…you.”
She swallowed.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1863" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1864">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I think you already did.” I
knew in my heart I was having a moment. It was just like the flashes that I had
to jot down in my notebooks. This wasn’t just the attraction between a guy and
a pretty girl. This went deeper. This was more. She was my future. Just as much
as that vision of how time travel would work. I was seeing into my future and
all the potential that came with it.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1865" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1866">
<span style="font-size: large;">I leaned in. I didn’t want
anyone to hear the craziness of what I was about to say. “What if you are
Layla? THE Layla. What if you are the catalyst sent to get me on the path to my
destiny? What if you and the time travel go hand-in-hand and there cannot be
one without the other? You want me to accept that I’m never going to be a
dentist. Well, if all you are telling me is true, maybe you need to accept that
you are never going back home. You are Layla.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1867" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1868">
<span style="font-size: large;">She pulled back and took in a
quick breath at my last statement. She looked like she was going to speak but
never did. Maybe she was having trouble processing the idea.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1869" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1870">
<span style="font-size: large;">“If I’m to be a time traveler
and it all starts with my great love for the beautiful Layla and you have shown
up in my timeline and I automatically call you Layla, then you must be Layla.
You either believe the stories you were taught or you don’t. Or maybe you liked
them better when they were for someone else and didn’t require anything from
you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1871" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1872">
<span style="font-size: large;">She said nothing as I watched
her take it all in. Her blonde hair was messy from the ocean breeze by the
pool, but I liked it like that. It reminded me of how she looked when she got
up from bed. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I could hardly
believe I was sitting at a table with someone like her. It almost made her
story unbelievable because there was no way that I’d end up with a woman like
her.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1873" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1874">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Why are you looking at me
like that?” she asked, her eyes becoming even more wet with emotion.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1875" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1876">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Like what?”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1877" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1878">
<span style="font-size: large;">She blinked and swallowed.
“Like I mean everything to you.”</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1879" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1880">
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought about her words and
what she had told me about my future. I thought about the time travel I’d told
no one about. I thought about the notebooks and the Cheerwine and Philo T.
Farnsworth.</span></div>
</div>
<div abp="1881" class="MsoNormal" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<div abp="1882">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span abp="1883" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because maybe you do.”</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-29146011842579013702014-03-27T04:41:00.000-07:002014-03-27T04:41:41.489-07:00Forever Layla Cover Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIULCpvZW9XZCHzJZILWv7MSxZazpSBPRBgygqEGXSCnctDXv43fOKIs43XTwsewkmX7iu-Hp1xQPtqVJOixXvDXliLhD15NCYwgOBH787yQFIeBdzYwWm5euxHtAscT6sRsYQwUAI19O/s1600/Forever+Layla+ebooksm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIULCpvZW9XZCHzJZILWv7MSxZazpSBPRBgygqEGXSCnctDXv43fOKIs43XTwsewkmX7iu-Hp1xQPtqVJOixXvDXliLhD15NCYwgOBH787yQFIeBdzYwWm5euxHtAscT6sRsYQwUAI19O/s1600/Forever+Layla+ebooksm.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxig1SJ2zMkzMAcaDM3ifblipijR0BoLWYo9v22uazY_EaLG_G_uw3iBmeJ3uwMyXwjkoBmxt3BpbsfOYpmcYkEboTbhHh24cd8E0Ww88r3jHcTY8yNLb6QbgVozwxPxG88iNWQ7GW3GH/s1600/Forever+Layla_half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxig1SJ2zMkzMAcaDM3ifblipijR0BoLWYo9v22uazY_EaLG_G_uw3iBmeJ3uwMyXwjkoBmxt3BpbsfOYpmcYkEboTbhHh24cd8E0Ww88r3jHcTY8yNLb6QbgVozwxPxG88iNWQ7GW3GH/s1600/Forever+Layla_half.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if the woman you envied most is the person you are destined to become?
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
In 1994, high school senior David Foster was the lackey and soundboard geek for his best friend's grunge band. During spring break, the band lands a dream gig playing at a motel in Myrtle Beach, SC. David expected all the girls to ogle the guys on stage, but when a beautiful blond "Bond Girl" approaches him and calls him by name, he's shocked to find out she knows more about him than a stranger should.
She even knows about his notebooks and his visions of time travel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
What she thought was a quick time-travel-sightseeing trip takes a surprising turn when she meets the young adult version of the man she'd heard stories about as a child. His fairy-tale romance with the woman he'd loved, Layla, inspired her to accept nothing less than a love just as strong...but hopefully not as tragic. When she won't tell the younger version of him her name, he calls her Layla--and the world as she knows it changes forever.</span>
</div>
<a id="rc-642629183" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/642629183/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-31645592960961900092013-11-29T15:53:00.000-08:002013-11-29T15:53:00.118-08:00Review: Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim44GzAv5eFR4dsDw36Zr3Xn78alg_UFvKh8oTgAj9dnxcZ3i76IoF-11VzFGTQnUpVZYUSk0l7OOuHLBpG532XEv_4_LAnyNbrJ4pr-NKO5F2YWIIy1RojpjZSP3V1HzbS5bLHtd8qp0/s1600/bleeding+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim44GzAv5eFR4dsDw36Zr3Xn78alg_UFvKh8oTgAj9dnxcZ3i76IoF-11VzFGTQnUpVZYUSk0l7OOuHLBpG532XEv_4_LAnyNbrJ4pr-NKO5F2YWIIy1RojpjZSP3V1HzbS5bLHtd8qp0/s1600/bleeding+hearts.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
<i>Five bleeding hearts. One profound journey.</i><br /><br />Summer 1886<br /><br />Sally
Clay's livelihood has been snatched away, but in its place arises an
opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted
suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic
miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California,
waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years
before.<br /><br />But the road to revenge is far from smooth. Sally soon
learns that the jagged pieces of a broken heart can far too easily wound
the hearts of others - and hers isn't the only heart that's broken.
Tragedy and fear dog her steps as she flees from the redwood forests to
the high desert and back again. Will her bleeding heart ever find a way
and a place to heal?<br /><br />A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her.<br /><br />All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Heart-Amber-Stokes-ebook/dp/B00E5YG416/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383868122&sr=1-1&keywords=Bleeding+Heart+by+Amber+Stokes">Amazon </a><br />
<br />
Her e-book is on sale for $.99!!!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc2TIspzVIndKdoIG1znZh9JFHKVshd4xqwGVgzkS3GQeba3YHTxR7588Uu0EgcLytk_Ou9y580Stx_PQvGHWKiA2sve7HmsRpRCx0wiZ8SYkcyRuPKLhB3pQhYfM9p1kFBP8EK3-Luc/s1600/amberstokes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc2TIspzVIndKdoIG1znZh9JFHKVshd4xqwGVgzkS3GQeba3YHTxR7588Uu0EgcLytk_Ou9y580Stx_PQvGHWKiA2sve7HmsRpRCx0wiZ8SYkcyRuPKLhB3pQhYfM9p1kFBP8EK3-Luc/s1600/amberstokes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor7092321">Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of
Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from
blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief
time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of
Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her
passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.<br /><br /><em>Bleeding Heart</em> is now available in Kindle format on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Heart-ebook/dp/B00E5YG416/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1374868160&sr=1-1&keywords=Bleeding+Heart+by+Amber+Stokes" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> and in paperback on <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4393782" rel="nofollow">CreateSpace</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bleeding-Heart-Amber-Stokes/dp/061586533X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1374863937&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>!<br /><br />Visit the book's <a href="http://pinterest.com/seasonshumility/bleeding-heart/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest board</a> for a glimpse at the characters and setting.<br /><br />Learn more about Amber's freelance editing business at <a href="http://www.editingthroughtheseasons.com/" rel="nofollow">her website</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor7092321">My Review</span></h2>
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor7092321">(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)</span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes is an exquisite, heartfelt
story of epic love and bitter loss. You will lose your heart to the depths of
emotion and the heights of pleasure that you will experience in this
unforgettable journey of the beauty and misery that this world has to offer. I
was mesmerized by the enduring strength despite the inherent weakness of each
of the characters. The fact that they never really gave up on hope and love
reinvigorated my own hope for the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the day we are born, the journey of our life is laid out before
our feet like a warm, inviting blanket wrapped around us. As we grow, so does our
path. While we make our choices and take turns off the path, it remains steady
ever pointing to its ultimate destination. Trees, hills, and mountains block
our view of the end of our journey from our physical eyes, but in our heart, we
know that it ends in the fulfillment of a promise. That promise is what keeps
our feet walking when they should stop. It fuels the beating of our heart when
this act would defy all reason. It breaths hope into our dead, lifeless souls
when this world has ripped from us the best that we had to offer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to realize that the hardships we may have to endure
by choice or by design shape and mold us into who we were always meant to become.
Without those times, we would not be able to recognize and cherish the purity
of the human spirit. True friendship would wither and die from not being
returned. Love would be only a word used to beguile the naive. Honesty would
become a concept that was known only in ancient times. Our hearts can endure
more than they should be able to, and as a result, hope can be reborn to those
who need it the most. Our first instinct should be to reach out to those in
need and offer shelter to those who wander the dark, cold nights. Will you be
the arms of hope and allow those who are desperate for it to be hidden within
it in order to heal until they are ready?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amber Stokes is a wonderfully, talented author who deeply
touched my heart with her marvelous story of pure, life affirming hope amid
terrible loss and suffering. Oh, how much we need to hear messages like this
one! This message needs to be shouted from the rooftops and declared to the
masses that while the night might be overwhelming and blinding, the light of
the rising sun will shine on us again. We just need to wait. We just need to
heal. We just need to love again.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-69770623887887482672013-11-22T15:47:00.000-08:002013-11-22T15:47:00.108-08:00Review: Apocalypse of Angels Harmoney Lawson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW1cG328Bid-PpVxkNcfMlFKTeNJxdoKUvrCosis6Gk26-X0RxbQvfCS2uWZzh9WzmW6DFcPEDO_dO1AfzQQ8-vWU8XfvubHnhrKPKo7ghbsVAZkzUMyM25gdDeWBHQvFay34316YDyk/s1600/apocalypseofangels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW1cG328Bid-PpVxkNcfMlFKTeNJxdoKUvrCosis6Gk26-X0RxbQvfCS2uWZzh9WzmW6DFcPEDO_dO1AfzQQ8-vWU8XfvubHnhrKPKo7ghbsVAZkzUMyM25gdDeWBHQvFay34316YDyk/s320/apocalypseofangels.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
Camille Harper, about to finish high school, can see angels all around
her. They appear to watch her. She has been able to see angels from
birth, and while she is amused by this ability, she just wants a normal
life with friends, family, and good times. Why can she see angels? She
doesn't know, but she believes the knowledge will change everything.
Then she witnesses a confrontation between a beautiful angel and a dark
winged creature. The strange event will signal the end of normal life. <br /> <br />Did the strange beings know she could see them?<br /> <br />Her
friends want her to sneak out to an abandoned house for parties, but
her instincts scream “NO!” Something is not right about the place.
The hip new guy in school, Earl, wants to date, but she is afraid he
will disturb her circle of friends, and there is something not right
about him. Her parents aren’t doing well together. And whatever
strange plot is developing, her sister may be in the middle.<br /> <br />Now,
for the first time, Camille Harper is interacting with angels face to
face. This is incredible, but when Jason Waters enters her life, she
gets more than she bargained for. Her strange ability complicates life
on a whole new level. Camille and Jason enter an exciting but forbidden
relationship.<br /> <br />Strange beings present danger. What’s a Nephilim? What are fallen angels up to?<br /> <br />Jason
believes something is strange with Earl, but Jason is hiding things
from Camille as well. Which one is right for her? Are they both trying
to possess her for supernatural reasons?<br /> <br />Camille just wants to
make it through the year and graduate from high school, but changes are
leading up to some apocalyptic event.<br /> <br />Can Camille continue Seeing Angels without her life going to Hell?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Angels-Seeing-Harmony-Lawson-ebook/dp/B00AZ7WYCU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383866885&sr=1-1&keywords=apocalypse+of+angels+harmony+lawson">Amazon </a>~*~<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/apocalypse-of-angels-harmony-lawson/1114113031?ean=9781938634017"> Barnes and Noble </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Her e-book is on sale at Amazon for $.99!!!!<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgvQeRItSWsL5RRfsULThnlyPxEgRKUupzLXfh8Oziy-Scc_bNhrUmjT5XndfOhQcVn3o_n2GOtlozv1wF8Dmo0hEytRUsZxljpcsbw27E7rokCVZPBQ96lJVWo8wzsICbXPA0CruJ8/s1600/harmonylawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgvQeRItSWsL5RRfsULThnlyPxEgRKUupzLXfh8Oziy-Scc_bNhrUmjT5XndfOhQcVn3o_n2GOtlozv1wF8Dmo0hEytRUsZxljpcsbw27E7rokCVZPBQ96lJVWo8wzsICbXPA0CruJ8/s1600/harmonylawson.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="freeTextauthor6888212">Harmony Lawson was born on a
naval base in San Diego, California. Currently, she and her family live
in Northern California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Her education is in drawing, painting, and writing. When she read her
first romance novel at age 16, she became a hopeless romantic.</span><br />
<span id="freeTextauthor6888212"><br />Harmony
is fascinated by angels, and she incorporates research in angels, the
Nephilim, and fallen angels into her fictional stories. Many of the
descriptions in her books reflect actual documentation found in
religious documents.</span><br />
<span id="freeTextauthor6888212"><br />While she has endured many hardships in life,
she believes life will be better tomorrow. Life has its ups and downs,
trials and tribulations, and Heaven and Hell. She believes the bad times
are a test to prove a person’s worth. Her books reflect on that
concept.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apocalypse of Angels is a fast-paced, exhilarating story of
spiritual intrigue and forbidden love. It will keep you on your toes as you try
to guess what is coming next. There is truly never a dull moment along the way
which I very much enjoyed. I am becoming a fan of angel stories, and this is
one that I have placed on my favorites list.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This story caught my interest from the very beginning and
never let go. It pulled me into its world of angels and demons and took me on a
wonderfully exciting thrill ride that I shall not soon forget. What touched me
the most was the sense that this story was written by one who has an open mind
and a very big heart. The love expressed between the characters and the
willingness to do what needed to be done to help others really made me stop and
appreciate the author who poured her heart into this beautifully written and
carefully constructed tale of unexpected love, unforeseen destiny, and
overwhelming heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The characters made this story come alive. They spoke to my
heart and made me care for them. I delved into their world and they in turn
made a home in my heart. I was heartbroken by their various struggles and
rejoiced in their triumphs. I was captivated as some of them evolved before my
eyes as the plot took over and breath-taking transformations took place. I
loved getting to know them, and I hope that I get to discover even more about
them in the next book(s).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was sad to see this lovely tale come to an end, but I am
very excited to learn how this fun and mesmerizing story will develop in its
sequel. Harmony Lawson is a wonderfully talented author who transported me into
her fascinating world of the supernatural and made me fall in love with her
amazingly unforgettable characters. She is an author that I will be keeping an
eye on as I am very impressed with her work, and I hope to see more to come in
her future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-32947840236348094612013-11-15T15:27:00.000-08:002013-11-15T15:27:00.764-08:00Review: Anomaly by Krista McGee<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEMdrgA33Wa69xgRRw0vab2aZu0eU4uTl23IAzClDAjzrPqejcAsuZi8CpKK83JOw7dIPYo8kqDcnOjSNjcGi-bkKmrFRpljbcN5EDHjqtXhA0Nqbo9o-f_KHj_uXO85qRurEspX_ss/s1600/anomaly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEMdrgA33Wa69xgRRw0vab2aZu0eU4uTl23IAzClDAjzrPqejcAsuZi8CpKK83JOw7dIPYo8kqDcnOjSNjcGi-bkKmrFRpljbcN5EDHjqtXhA0Nqbo9o-f_KHj_uXO85qRurEspX_ss/s320/anomaly.JPG" width="208" /></a></h2>
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
<b>Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The
toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her
bloodstream. But she is not afraid. </b><br />
<br />
Decades before Thalli’s
birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep
underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There
they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of
emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.<br />
<br />
Thalli
is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of
curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her
differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by
the emotion of an ancient piece of music.<br />
<br />
The Ten quickly
schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist
being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study
her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a
dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.<br />
<br />
As
her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the
Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts
of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much
larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be
the answer she’s been looking for all along.<br />
<br />
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out. <br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anomaly-Krista-McGee-ebook/dp/B00B7QRB94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383866596&sr=8-1&keywords=Anomaly+by+Krista+McGee">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anomaly-krista-mcgee/1113733043?ean=9781401688721">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBtvgFDY42PefTxZYTs1cjo1wHb9S1DQ1JZTQIkb-bcYk9MgxTlgzBVzSbHAONStAW1-SIgo_M8fte5D9DfRohEkoveh-rLEWh8zDPFKMkwKYZrZ_BbCYWhKE7AdPBUS_owCF6jVlaQ8/s1600/KristaMcgee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBtvgFDY42PefTxZYTs1cjo1wHb9S1DQ1JZTQIkb-bcYk9MgxTlgzBVzSbHAONStAW1-SIgo_M8fte5D9DfRohEkoveh-rLEWh8zDPFKMkwKYZrZ_BbCYWhKE7AdPBUS_owCF6jVlaQ8/s1600/KristaMcgee.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I write for teens, teach teens, and more often than not, act like a
teen. My family and I have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica,
and Spain. Our current hometown is Tampa, FL.<br />
<br />
Check out my website for FAQ's, info on my books, and my blog. <a href="http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/">www.kristamcgeebooks.com</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anomaly by Krista McGee is a refreshingly original and incredibly
unique experience that plunges us into the depths of the human heart while at
the same time desperately tries to reconcile those feeling with the logic of
the mind. As you can imagine, that task would be near impossible, but that is
not to say that there are those who will not stop trying in the hopes of
closing out the heart and allowing logic to take over. It is for those that I
believe this story was written. You cannot blot out hope, love, and faith only
to replace it with logic, uniformity, and rules. The only result would be to
remove the purpose and desire for living. What a horrible existence that would
be!</div>
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<br /></div>
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We follow McGee’s beautiful and ingenious characters Thalli
and Berk as they are forced apart and then reunited under precarious
circumstances. The tender and innocent love that they nurture is endangered by
a death sentence placed on Thalli because she is an anomaly. Her variances are
seen as a malformation and targeted for immediate removal. Heartbroken by this revelation,
Berk vows to do all that he can to save Thalli. Together, they journey to the
edge of a precipice that will forever change them and the world around them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dare you to deceive the system set in place to protect you
from yourself. I put forth a challenge to all who dare to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live at your own risk. Love at your own risk.
Don’t ignore the One who created you. Believe in Him. Believe in yourself. In a
world controlled by a strict observance of the status quo, your reality is only
a shallow reflection of the truth that lies far below. Don’t stifle the truth.
Question the lies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Krista McGee is a truly insightful and imaginative author! I
was immediately entranced by her world, and I loved every minute of it. The
fascinating technology and the simple yet complex setup of her society beckoned
me to learn more until I was utterly immersed and intrigued. This is a story
that fans of sci-fi and dystopian will thoroughly enjoy. I look forward to reading
more stories from this wonderful author.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-8150133952218467502013-11-08T15:21:00.000-08:002013-11-08T15:21:00.138-08:00Review: A Bargained for Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9qQZsxgzd3oEpF4M-GmN0jWl_hQj1YozW6QqcIB-a5swBCsQi6cpKd112UPdb5SzEhOUJW3XNpGL9B-3IaxhZgzDtpu8yZqZfrVHRK8wF_zqF0bQ5lMI8Ig4XvpsbNbmqYr8wp-Bjxs/s1600/bargainedforbride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9qQZsxgzd3oEpF4M-GmN0jWl_hQj1YozW6QqcIB-a5swBCsQi6cpKd112UPdb5SzEhOUJW3XNpGL9B-3IaxhZgzDtpu8yZqZfrVHRK8wF_zqF0bQ5lMI8Ig4XvpsbNbmqYr8wp-Bjxs/s320/bargainedforbride.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5zYpJMNnInjCl2CFwcjYOPPTCs6KbiAFS0weCrEa_oywBiQr-0RNVD5LJpyBg07-gSwHDgXf81RKDooBfE2BgmY11ggppulMWLtHv6lKOKkUM-GfiGsATBBmUSAoFshx_wTZsao59_c/s1600/marcia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5zYpJMNnInjCl2CFwcjYOPPTCs6KbiAFS0weCrEa_oywBiQr-0RNVD5LJpyBg07-gSwHDgXf81RKDooBfE2BgmY11ggppulMWLtHv6lKOKkUM-GfiGsATBBmUSAoFshx_wTZsao59_c/s1600/marcia.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="artistCentralBio_biographyBody" id="artistCentralBio_officialFullBioContent">
Marcia
Lynn McClure's intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and
e-books--including The Visions of Ransom Lake, A Crimson Frost, The
Pirate Ruse, and Kissing Cousins--has established her as one of the most
favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte
in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and
contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title
"The Queen of Kissing."<br />
<br />
Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and
romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and
author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of
offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile
and wonderful story.<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.marcialynnmcclure.com/">www.marcialynnmcclure.com</a> for more
information on Marcia Lynn McClure and her books, or contact her at
<a href="mailto:marcialmcclure@cs.com">marcialmcclure@cs.com</a>.</div>
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bargained-For-Bride-Marcia-Lynn-McClure-ebook/dp/B00FEZRGN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383866226&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Bargained-For+Bride+by+Marcia+Lynn+McClure">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bargained-for-bride-marcia-lynn-mcclure/1116993590?ean=2940148588429">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure is a
deliciously romantic and ravishingly thrilling story of not settling for
anything but the best. This was a truly magical and swoon worthy love story
that unreservedly captured my heart and gave it wings to fly to the heights of
Heaven and back. My heart was swept away by the quiet yet simmering passion
that we see being accidentally discovered, lovingly nurtured, and desperately
pursued by the enchanting characters that we come to know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think that women need to realize that we shouldn’t be
settling for just any guy that will show us some attention and dish out some
affection our way. We should be much more discerning when it comes to our
heart. Why would you ever think about handing your heart over to a one night
stand or to a player who only wants to add another notch to his bedpost? We are
so much more valuable and precious then these types of men give us credit for.
We deeply infuse passionate love, tender gentleness, and endless heart into our
society. Not only would men wither and fade without us, but they would never
know the heart-pounding pleasure of performing a task in order to see the room
light up with a smile from his love or the pulse spiking passion of his lady’s
tender kiss of gratitude and love. We complete them, and the smart ones know
that any sacrifice is worth the endless ecstasy and soul-filling wholeness that
only we can offer them. The truly lucky ones know the heavenly benefits and
pure joy that comes from finding the one that completes him and loving her with
everything in him. He doesn’t need to go looking for more because he knows he has
more than enough woman on his hands then he could ever tame and love in a
lifetime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On that same note, we as women need to realize the power
that we hold in our own hands. If we choose, we can tease as well as they can
if not better, but if we are true women of virtue and wisdom, we will use that
power to honor the men worthy of our love and life through our actions and our
words. By showing these men that we are worthy of their precious attention,
their fierce love, and their boundless devotion, we can begin to heal the great
rift that has been created since the fall of mankind. Men have no less depth of
the soul and passion of the heart then we do. They have just been taught not to
be as quick in showing it as we are. Society teaches them to be hard and show
no emotion, and in so doing they will be perceived as strong and invincible. In
reality, they crave our attention and desire our love just as much, and I would
venture to say that they hunger for it even more than we do for they are taught
to suppress that natural desire in light of appearing aloof and independent. So
let us learn to not only control our own yearnings but to show each other the
respect that both men and women deserve. If we fall, so does our society.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
McClure is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance
authors because she focuses on the immense value and the infinite important of
the family. We are not much without the love and guidance provided to us by our
family. True family will do whatever is needed in order to take care of and
look out for each other. We need to remember to always love and appreciate our
family – whoever they might be. </div>
<br />
<h2>
Excerpt</h2>
<br />
“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.<br />
<br />
Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.<br />
<br />
Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.<br />
<br />
Jilly
giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He
really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was,
for the most part. <br />
<br />
Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed
herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid),
there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind
when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no
lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for
any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the
handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being
that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way
Jack did.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-2998761024024356922013-10-11T16:54:00.004-07:002013-10-12T04:25:49.772-07:00SANCTUARY BY PAULINE CREEDEN <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxs8ierPfEoTqnR8SnJVYoztU8qfHJtGeqPcPMBQQDtKMyKAOufA0ghErGamiB2RB6jJPR7PQYfHYQprnz5OfEtLGgK6jyYuR5mTJZLwasLn0j3OAZhXIy34fKWNCTAM3GsFeHYSsJHVj/s1600/Sanctuary+Reviews+only+Tour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxs8ierPfEoTqnR8SnJVYoztU8qfHJtGeqPcPMBQQDtKMyKAOufA0ghErGamiB2RB6jJPR7PQYfHYQprnz5OfEtLGgK6jyYuR5mTJZLwasLn0j3OAZhXIy34fKWNCTAM3GsFeHYSsJHVj/s320/Sanctuary+Reviews+only+Tour.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Book Info-</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Title: Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">By: Pauline Creeden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Publication Date: September 30th, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by AltWit Press<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blurb-</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets
The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what’s left of her
family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First
the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to
be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth’s
population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on
humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…When the world
shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep
going?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MY REVIEW:<br />
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Let me just say that zombies are not my thing. I got a chance to beta and ARC of Sanctuary months ago. Pauline is a good friend of mine and I'm a huge fan of her writing, so I decided to read something other than my norm.<br />
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OH MY GOODNESS!!! I could not put the book down and I will tell you that I am very hard to hook. And this was a zombie novel that I could not put down. I was also scared. The story was so realistic as we follow Jennie and her journey, and Hugh and his. I would step out of my house and listen for that awful sound and look around for zombies. THAT IS HOW MUCH REALITY AND FICTION BLURRED IN MY MIND. <br />
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It was original and I'd never thought of end times events in the Bible in that way before. Super creative and I just loved this book. You should read it, even if you think you don't like zombies. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Goodreads- </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222654-sanctuary"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18222654-sanctuary</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trailer- </span><a href="http://youtu.be/lZ05XgVBy24"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://youtu.be/lZ05XgVBy24</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Amazon: </span><a href="http://t.co/BpEH2nWoGO"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://t.co/BpEH2nWoGO</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">BN: </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sanctuary-pauline-creeden/1117001506?ean=2940148755500"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sanctuary-pauline-creeden/1117001506?ean=2940148755500</span></span></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sanctuary-pauline-creeden/1117001506?ean=2940148755500"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nm2SZtgiWvTvaCaBc6o2W5ca_dBo10ilM_AULZtflQbpmnLvNyd-U_wLI39IfoIQB4Jmo6YaZ8ZXuHGvyNPRCdywMvFMTzXMl_XlF0oOlCrmFfk7nt7fNxHIdkuxVPHqrtBPROKaClWR/s1600/PAULINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nm2SZtgiWvTvaCaBc6o2W5ca_dBo10ilM_AULZtflQbpmnLvNyd-U_wLI39IfoIQB4Jmo6YaZ8ZXuHGvyNPRCdywMvFMTzXMl_XlF0oOlCrmFfk7nt7fNxHIdkuxVPHqrtBPROKaClWR/s1600/PAULINE.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author Info-</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In simple language, Pauline Creeden breaks down Biblical stories and applies them to real life in new ways. Her methods of teaching have brought new light to old scriptures. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pauline is horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">She is the Admin for Spirit Filled Kindle and an administrator for Readers' Realm. Her articles, reviews, and devotionals have been featured in RUBY FOR WOMEN Magazine,Devotionals for Bloggers, Faith Filled Family Magazine, and Christian Fiction Book Reviews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of Pauline's short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group. She is currently editing and drafting several novels at various stages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Facebook- </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PaulineCreeden"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">https://www.facebook.com/PaulineCreeden</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Goodreads- </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5284782.Pauline_Creeden"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5284782.Pauline_Creeden</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Twitter- </span><a href="https://twitter.com/P_Creeden"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">https://twitter.com/P_Creeden</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Website- </span><a href="http://paulinecreeden.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">http://PaulineCreeden.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Reviews Only Tour- </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1410979352458744/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">https://www.facebook.com/events/1410979352458744/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Rafflecopter Code-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-41934319989902025042013-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T00:00:13.995-07:00Review: Unlimited by Davis Bunn<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0ZVJ6GPLDfRbzg6cFNMzaoKOd1ORLnLY28dtdgphzjr6wqGZq1WLUZ4bcQtSOSM8VkXJ4tl1EKnhFmTqmPQDMR24rwwJwvUzsxXVsvKeo4i38WGFfWOBH9vV4v32dy8zn8d3Ce2SUHE/s1600/unlimited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0ZVJ6GPLDfRbzg6cFNMzaoKOd1ORLnLY28dtdgphzjr6wqGZq1WLUZ4bcQtSOSM8VkXJ4tl1EKnhFmTqmPQDMR24rwwJwvUzsxXVsvKeo4i38WGFfWOBH9vV4v32dy8zn8d3Ce2SUHE/s1600/unlimited.JPG" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
Simon Orwell is a brilliant student whose life has taken a series of
wrong turns. At the point of giving up on his dreams, he gets a call
from an old professor who has discovered a breakthrough in a device that
would create unlimited energy, and he needs Simon's help.<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_8_1_1_1381433943586_1319">
But once he crosses the border,
nothing goes as the young man planned. The professor has been killed and
Simon is assaulted and nearly killed by members of a powerful drug
cartel.</div>
<div id="yui_3_8_1_1_1381433943586_1318">
Now he must take refuge in the
only place that will help him, a local orphanage. There, Simon meets
Harold Finch, the orphanage proprietor who walked away from a lucrative
career with NASA and consulting Fortune 500 companies to serve a higher
cause.</div>
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With Harold's help, Simon sets
out on a quest to uncover who killed the professor and why. In due time,
he will discover secrets to both the worldchanging device and his own
unlimited potential.<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unlimited-ebook/dp/B00F2KYHKM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381434016&sr=8-1&keywords=unlimited+davis+bunn">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unlimited-davis-bunn/1114710497?ean=9781433679407">Barnes & Noble</a><br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
Reviewers, readers and friends use those phrases to describe Davis Bunn.
An internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million
books in sixteen languages, Davis is equal parts writer, scholar,
teacher, and sportsman.<br />
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Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty.
There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then
began a business career that took him to over forty countries in
Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.<br />
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Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an
international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks
later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a
calling.<br />
<br />
Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first
was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work
full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three
countries every week. His first published book, <em>The Presence</em>, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.<br />
<br />
Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include <a href="http://www.davisbunn.com/books.htm"><em>The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, </em> and <em>The Quilt.</em></a><br />
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A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.<br />
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Find out more about Davis Bunn at his website <a href="http://www.davisbunn.com/">http://www.davisbunn.com/</a>.
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<div class="photo">
His latest book Lion of Babylon is currently <strong>FREE</strong> on Amazon at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lion-Babylon-Royce-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0053XXDYY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381434052&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Lion-Babylon-Royce-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0053XXDYY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381434052&sr=1-1</a>.</div>
<h2>
Review </h2>
<h2>
(Provided and Written by Amber McCallister)</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unlimited is a unique
and honest analysis into the human soul in regard to our true potential. The
story takes us on an unbridled journey in examining the human view of potential
versus God’s perspective. While we have such a hard time believing that we are
worth anything after we have failed, God continues to see us as valuable. He
reaches out to give us the courage we need in order to turn our lives around to
follow Him. Only through God’s steadfast grace can we be confident in our worth
through His eyes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This story burrowed deep
beneath my skin and pricked my heart over and over again. It was serious in its
tone, merciless in its passion, and above all it was unwavering in its message
of hope and love. Unlimited is not a story to be taken lightly. It rings of
more truths than one person can absorb in its initial reading. Only upon
careful reflection does it become transparent how powerful yet gentle the
themes in this book are. It will both devour and envelope you in its arms of strength
and compassion. Your heart will not be the same after this journey has run its
course.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The amazing and
unforgettable characters in Unlimited made this story great. Through them,
Davis Bunn succeeds in burning his message into your soul. Each one is
essential to the development of the plot, and you will find yourself drawn in
by their strength, wisdom, and perseverance. I know that you will come to care
for them as much I did.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For anyone who wants to
be challenged, I highly recommend Unlimited. This story is not for the faint of
heart, but you will never regret that which it will awaken in you. The heart
and depth within the pages is astounding - not something you will forget. I
hope that you will open your heart to the truth that God will lay at your feet.
He desires us to keep moving forward in our walk with Him for when we stop and
stand still we begin to wither and fade, so please keep moving.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-69978420133202216312013-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T06:00:02.369-07:00COVER REVEAL ARV-3 BY CAMEO RENAE 10/3<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Title: ARV-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Author: Cameo
Renae<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Genre: </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">YA
Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Release Date:
October 29, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Publisher:
CHBB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cover Design:
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Regina</st1:place></st1:city> Wamba at
Mae I Design Photograpy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tour Host: <a href="http://ambersupernaturalandya.blogspot.com/p/lady-amber-tours.html"><span style="color: blue;">Lady
Amber's Tours</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
June 6, 2014: The beginning of the end. The Apocalypse.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
A nuclear fallout wiped out every living thing on the planet, except for a
few thousand of us who took shelter in underground bunkers across the globe.
Now, after thirteen long years, we were finally able to return to the topside
to begin to rebuild.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We thought we were alone. We were never more wrong.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Before the fallout, scientists had worked on creating an anti-radiation
vaccine (ARV). The first two attempts failed, but despite the incomplete tests
and results, the government approved and distributed the third serum to the
masses in an effort to aid those who had no shelter.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It worked, keeping those who remained on the topside alive, but it also
altered and mutated them. This new and infectious threat had completely
outnumbered us. Now, we not only had to rebuild our planet. We would have to
fight for it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
My name is Abigail Park. I’m seventeen, and this is my story.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author Bio:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My family is what keeps my heart beating, and my world a
happy place to be.<br />
<br />
I love reading great books that whisk me away from reality, even if for a
little while. :) Writing is my passion. I love creating new worlds and new
characters, and taking wondrous adventures with them.<br />
<br />
In My Dreams & Hidden Wings were both recently published through Crushing
Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. Descent (A Hidden Wings novella) will be
released May 15, 2013, and Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings Series)
will be released June 1, 2013.<br />
<br />
One day I will find my magic wardrobe, and ride away on my magical unicorn... ♥
Until then... I'll keep writing! ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Follow Cameo on:</b><br />
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage<br />
Blog: <a href="http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
Website: <a href="http://cameorenae.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://cameorenae.com</span></a><br />
Twitter: @CameoRenae<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-32777829054998831162013-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T00:00:00.195-07:00Review: All the Angels Stood by Laura J Marshall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH7h3-wXA2EPi5H7kHRpNUfyCcTdxMLhxY6iTX-gIt3_BHniVSuhQ7K524Zd1HlJg1z8omJhX8p04jEbD6TztRpXEqx4_UuhxYWxic0XMAPNS-Mlh7-adY_daQ31brmkCCZV8TFnF1fU/s1600/alltheangelsstood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH7h3-wXA2EPi5H7kHRpNUfyCcTdxMLhxY6iTX-gIt3_BHniVSuhQ7K524Zd1HlJg1z8omJhX8p04jEbD6TztRpXEqx4_UuhxYWxic0XMAPNS-Mlh7-adY_daQ31brmkCCZV8TFnF1fU/s1600/alltheangelsstood.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
This is the last week in Staci Schofield's life. Her birthday is on
Monday, which is also the day she plans to die. Poetic, seeing as her
mother disappeared on the night of her own birthday. But when a popular
guy from school, Rush, befriends Staci, will her plans change? <br /><br />Rush
sees demons clinging to Staci and nothing has worked so far to help
her. What will make a difference in her life? A friend, an intercessor?
How do you help someone move from 'take my life' to 'Lord, preserve me'? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-the-Angels-Stood-ebook/dp/B00EXAH2O0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378948532&sr=1-1&keywords=all+the+angels+stood">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-the-angels-stood-laura-j-marshall/1116812282?ean=2940148806158">BN</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyV7YVEYExVjErG_rdUVSdwyRYgaB3T-XdOaGLK05iLxY39CCvZ23FYWwTjD0e_kTrday6qo-rM21GlcOBjzJ9rIT_zxmBEwnazhvMtRy9_LBZ06wPeFtzyPhC4j96CCyGKVobZ-Azc/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyV7YVEYExVjErG_rdUVSdwyRYgaB3T-XdOaGLK05iLxY39CCvZ23FYWwTjD0e_kTrday6qo-rM21GlcOBjzJ9rIT_zxmBEwnazhvMtRy9_LBZ06wPeFtzyPhC4j96CCyGKVobZ-Azc/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="ap_header">
</div>
<div class="artistCentralBio_biographyBody" id="artistCentralBio_officialFullBioContent">
Life
isn't a fairy tale. It can be heart-wrenching and painful. Difficult
times come to us all and many times they shape who we are and how we
look at the world. We can find strength through the valleys as we learn
to climb the mountains.<br />
I have been truly blessed despite and through the tough times of my life.<br />
I
write both nonfiction and fiction. It is my deepest hope that within
the pages of my romantic suspense books, that they will whisk you away
to far lands such as to a mouse -laden castle in 17th century England or
to a colorful bazaar with curry-laden dishes in the afternoon heat of
India.<br />
In my Battle Cry Devotional series, I pray the shared
experiences of being women and mothers, along with scriptures from the
Bible and God's guidance will refresh your souls.<br />
Wherever we find
ourselves on our adventures, may you feel closer to the Lord and His
abiding love.....and find strength for the journey.<br />
<br />
Visit me at <a href="http://www.laurajmarshall.com/">www.LauraJMarshall.com</a><br />or at my blog <a href="http://www.theoldstonewall.blogspot.com/">www.theoldstonewall.blogspot.com</a></div>
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the Angels Stood by Laura J Marshall is a real and
honest account of what teen suicide looks and feels like. This story will make
you uncomfortable and fill you with unease, but you need to open your eyes and
your heart to this crucial issue. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
this will be a depressing subject for most, it is one that is very close to my
heart. While I make no claims to wisdom, I can offer my experience. I can open
my heart and let you see what pain and misery I dealt with, and how God swept
me into His arms and loved me through it all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I have never went as far as planning such an event for
myself, I found myself more times than I would care to admit wallowing in the
same cess pool as Staci. My triggers came from being shown and told that I was
different from my friends. I was strange and had no place. I wasn’t welcome,
and their icy stares and behavior shook me to my core. The reason for my level
of disbelief and shock was from the fact that we all attended the same Christian
school and the same Christian church. People I thought I knew would smile next
to me when my parents or other adults were around, and then they would stab me
in the back when no one was looking. My heart was being ripped out, and no one
cared. Adults thought I was heartless by the way I accused my “friends” of not
being who they claimed to be. They thought I was the mean girl when I was the
one who was being mistreated and stripped of my faith in man. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I withdraw into myself so deeply that I didn’t ever want to
come back out. It was just me and God against the world. I had Him, and He was
my only refuge. He was the only one that I called friend. I cried out to Him
more times than I can remember, and He gave me a peace that helped me get
through each day. I walked with Him, and I didn’t need anyone else. When my
fake friends would make nice one day and leave the next, I was OK. I leaned on
God, and He wiped my tears away. He picked me up, brushed me off, and pulled me
along to face another day with Him. He loved me, and He never left me. He was
my heart and my reason for living. He still is and always will be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking back, I don’t know how I made it through with just
Him and me, but it was supposed to be that way. Without those times, I don’t
know if I would hold Him as close to me as I do now. I doubt I would be able to
fully surrender myself and those I love to Him each day. My heart would not as
soft as it is right now to His prodding. I would not be who I am today if not
for those dark days. My path had to follow that twisted course for a short time
in order for the light of Him to shine a little brighter to my eyes, for His
love to warm me a little more, and for His peace to settle my troubled spirit
and reassure my soul a little more. Please be assured that I am not trying to
make myself out as a wonderful person for that is not the case. I am just glad
that those times have helped me to feel my Savior more sharply, to become more
sensitive to His still small voice, and to be as docile in His hands as I hope
I am.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Laura J Marshall never ceases to amaze me at her tender and
perceptive heart. She is open to her Master’s voice and through her courage and
her obedience, God is using her mightily. This story while it is a novella is
more effective and poignant then if it was the length of a typical novel.
Excessive words won’t get in the way of this beautiful message, and God is free
to move in His gentle and powerful way. Marshall’s messages are deeply touching
and very relevant as they came straight from the heart of God. This message is
for everyone no matter who you are and no matter how old you are. We all need
to hear this, and we all need to be pliable and open to God’s direction and
prodding. While God can do all things, He usually chooses to do it through us.
If He can’t use us, then what good are we?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-40146316349095609922013-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T00:00:15.173-07:00Review: Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcmQ-JxM2TdCrBO2WjBIujxcQNUYFRdbm8WQcH2f4uvK3ApckmnkFMdc-jKAuzJQVhX3eASzl_JvSliQYI1xUSXpe4KeuBEtq8WoZm-qyb3RAITwgQYZFhKaB7tptwbGUpnrdayi9Z6A/s1600/dragonwitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcmQ-JxM2TdCrBO2WjBIujxcQNUYFRdbm8WQcH2f4uvK3ApckmnkFMdc-jKAuzJQVhX3eASzl_JvSliQYI1xUSXpe4KeuBEtq8WoZm-qyb3RAITwgQYZFhKaB7tptwbGUpnrdayi9Z6A/s1600/dragonwitch.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
<span id="freeText15880701425084011081"><b>Who Will Dare to Face the Dragonwitch?</b> <br /><br />Submissive
to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a
prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future
king of the North Country.<br /><br />But within the walls of Gaheris
Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to
the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The
reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret
so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into
civil war.<br /><br />And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop
the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their
goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while
the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the
one person who can wield it.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span id="freeText15880701425084011081">Buy Links</span></h2>
<br />
<span id="freeText15880701425084011081"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragonwitch-Tales-Goldstone-Wood-ebook/dp/B00B85MPK4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1378947919">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragonwitch-anne-elisabeth-stengl/1113143873?ean=9780764210273">BN</a></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span id="freeText15880701425084011081">Author Info</span></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmogsyKilTmDacQmgjmzQ5xhR7uCvWfFJDbAtsHZk6lbgksikynYTgNAmLlG_-wbOBYSvjG-FL7elDo9HZ1u0InqUr7grBXFM7ltq1tCitrbYo6-6h5aCMBeYmxplA0Pmo5vYz1Rw2o3c/s1600/annestengl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmogsyKilTmDacQmgjmzQ5xhR7uCvWfFJDbAtsHZk6lbgksikynYTgNAmLlG_-wbOBYSvjG-FL7elDo9HZ1u0InqUr7grBXFM7ltq1tCitrbYo6-6h5aCMBeYmxplA0Pmo5vYz1Rw2o3c/s1600/annestengl.jpg" /></a></div>
<span id="freeText15880701425084011081"> </span>Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where
she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one
long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare,
opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She
studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell
University. She is the author of Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and
Starflower. Heartless won a 2011 Christy Award.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
<br />
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Dragonwitch is a mesmerizing journey that beautifully
showcases the strength and determination of the human spirit. A couple of the
themes that I felt reverberated throughout the pages of this epic story are of
the power of love and the importance of self-worth. We should never
underestimate the potential and strength of true love just as we should never
undervalue the need for self-worth. Both are necessary for living a full and
meaningful life, and both determine the choices you make and the type of person
you become.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
True love really does exist, but we have to take the time to
look for it. We have to nurture it in ourselves before we can expect to see it
in others. We need to reach out and show the compassion, mercy, and kindness
that every soul on this planet needs if we ever expect to see it returned to
us. One example of this is seen in the character of Leta. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She falls in love with the man who has
showered her with unmatched kindness and compassion. When that man disappears
from her life, she refuses to believe that the worst fate has befallen on him,
and through this hope, she is able to push through her own difficult time. Once
we find love, it will prove to be a source of unlimited power that can then be used
to draw strength from when we have none left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The other main theme that echoed throughout Dragonwitch is
that we cannot deny who we are meant to be. While we may try to convince
ourselves that we can never be what others have proclaimed us to be, it does
not diminish the fact that we still have a great destiny to fulfill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feelings of inadequacies may haunt us, but
they don’t change what is meant to be. Instead, let us take hold of that
promise and walk with all the confidence and courage that comes along with that
knowledge. Prove to those around you and yourself that you are more than what
you appear to be. Dragonwitch presents us with a man destiny is so much bigger
than he is, and he is unable to allow his heart to accept it. He wrestles with
this destiny until his heart is tired and worn out. In the end, he realizes he
can’t fight against what was set in place by One who is greater than he. He
learns that even though we can’t control what happens in our life and the lives
of others, we can choose how to react to them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I found Dragonwitch to be an exhilarating journey full of
surprising twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. While
being new to this series and jumping in at this late stage of the game, I
wasn’t sure I would be able to understand what all was going on, but overall I
had no problem keeping up with and thoroughly enjoying every part of this
intriguing tale. Anne Elizabeth Stengl’s writing is like reading beautiful
poetry that creeps into the corners and crevices of your heart and illuminates
the dark and forgotten parts in order to heal and sooth past hurts. I would
recommend this story to fans of fantasy and epic adventures. You will not be
disappointed. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-34910180213759745942013-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:002013-09-24T21:00:01.008-07:00Back to School Blog Hop Sept 25-30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HPD8hBlH7Qyq0eC8_Qa3xVeah7-RN4J9lyrK1EIo7Qj-s63PP8qragoZ-9MiGragz3QwGgKTbF_ZFoD8XU7Dmygw3-rWDnqRkf8vl9dsMri1UJqt_HDgH1Kxwkjevc7CkhO-X_96CJ0L/s1600/back+to+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HPD8hBlH7Qyq0eC8_Qa3xVeah7-RN4J9lyrK1EIo7Qj-s63PP8qragoZ-9MiGragz3QwGgKTbF_ZFoD8XU7Dmygw3-rWDnqRkf8vl9dsMri1UJqt_HDgH1Kxwkjevc7CkhO-X_96CJ0L/s320/back+to+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to this stop in the Back to School Hop. I hope you love YA and NA because at this stop, you can win two books in one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4mIcex9aWjwU_m_Y_Qbh0itD1B_SRBn9-U2DwA3A8GKOhHHFcvAAZtw9PyiDPFp_LHOr6xYWuVYrzWiUJFcoRCaVXR8wR7GT_y1GHXCi3tt1yoNKb6D7hfR31CcGbFxGdHVpYoRxCdA1/s1600/holly+and+theo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4mIcex9aWjwU_m_Y_Qbh0itD1B_SRBn9-U2DwA3A8GKOhHHFcvAAZtw9PyiDPFp_LHOr6xYWuVYrzWiUJFcoRCaVXR8wR7GT_y1GHXCi3tt1yoNKb6D7hfR31CcGbFxGdHVpYoRxCdA1/s320/holly+and+theo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a $10 Amazon Card</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8nq6loPzWkOrbLoJuyohbxXtV_dvDI6ahQp3h2Bi0tlGfkEeh5Db4VQiklnAoJSXOhW83zgd2w2kFnxlV9hdE23LrgDnXY5ZuqZxp3pVHPjiiMuM72o36Ogbq12QiwFZHH7AFesKCsgF/s1600/amazon+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8nq6loPzWkOrbLoJuyohbxXtV_dvDI6ahQp3h2Bi0tlGfkEeh5Db4VQiklnAoJSXOhW83zgd2w2kFnxlV9hdE23LrgDnXY5ZuqZxp3pVHPjiiMuM72o36Ogbq12QiwFZHH7AFesKCsgF/s1600/amazon+card.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<p>
<p>
<a id="rc-2ed4eb6" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2ed4eb6/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<p>
<p>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-56966807855414060712013-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-20T00:00:10.252-07:00Review: The Hidden Wings Series by Cameo Renae<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6SvnLd3mUA7smg37NG6Hcl2hvKiBi5sSKrEPwIyacNpPJrcxbuoKT_PbVhUim2kC7jYKVvNQUGtk0N6Y8rrwZobE3kHfS3g-VM1-JEi_s4-RlDtI7yTB1_6BK1L-eHNLXxvVfkuEcSg/s1600/1148927_495267223898713_519982966_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6SvnLd3mUA7smg37NG6Hcl2hvKiBi5sSKrEPwIyacNpPJrcxbuoKT_PbVhUim2kC7jYKVvNQUGtk0N6Y8rrwZobE3kHfS3g-VM1-JEi_s4-RlDtI7yTB1_6BK1L-eHNLXxvVfkuEcSg/s1600/1148927_495267223898713_519982966_n.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurbs</h2>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6vS6Q09tebNkm60syF9zFlnIk5QRvKXsuhwAs-80GcdqkA3nmDY2n7NUL_V6ruv9a4kzfc5eYArF_8Ul2dYnvncqxpx9Pj6d3XqYzcZFdgF6gWFyGzLIzm01fe52X7mX6ltOmRij6Ko/s1600/descent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6vS6Q09tebNkm60syF9zFlnIk5QRvKXsuhwAs-80GcdqkA3nmDY2n7NUL_V6ruv9a4kzfc5eYArF_8Ul2dYnvncqxpx9Pj6d3XqYzcZFdgF6gWFyGzLIzm01fe52X7mX6ltOmRij6Ko/s1600/descent.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<span id="freeTextContainer12167009716949824427">In the beginning… the start of it all.<br /><br />Deceit.<br /><br />Betrayal.<br /><br />The Fall.<br /><br />Take
a journey back in time, to a place where Emma’s lineage begins, and
where answers lie in unraveling secrets of the past. This is a story of
forbidden love, an unbreakable bond, and the start of a dark adventure
that will fill your heart with many emotions.</span> <br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn-YtvIhyphenhyphenA_H_az7X43d6QLiooZhX9Eb0mrWVH0CX4OlJjYo3s5fSNMV_fpxnfxG207fyKdM1IbnCQVyRAQK3daDofLdYg_YVHfWtVl6lFZML1Ze27_e1Oyi_b9Cl2_EshgDf4Wd3q5g/s1600/hiddenwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn-YtvIhyphenhyphenA_H_az7X43d6QLiooZhX9Eb0mrWVH0CX4OlJjYo3s5fSNMV_fpxnfxG207fyKdM1IbnCQVyRAQK3daDofLdYg_YVHfWtVl6lFZML1Ze27_e1Oyi_b9Cl2_EshgDf4Wd3q5g/s1600/hiddenwings.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span id="freeText2332421783025721378">Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.<br />As
her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken
arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks;
inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.<br /><br />Whisked
away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets
unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.<br /><br />A
centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of
horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma,
her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe.
But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will
change.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwroG7kjbzPjg8w5lgoR_9bO7lkjXVbIe4XwjNlJQwGikx1chWUCgLW_BfSxHIw_fKsLo7bfHgUFV04lw9ceepAsgUMVeUIHyebWrDmOERsjb-E5WuGCJX7bMuPThXEpkAmup7xpsJR8/s1600/brokenwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwroG7kjbzPjg8w5lgoR_9bO7lkjXVbIe4XwjNlJQwGikx1chWUCgLW_BfSxHIw_fKsLo7bfHgUFV04lw9ceepAsgUMVeUIHyebWrDmOERsjb-E5WuGCJX7bMuPThXEpkAmup7xpsJR8/s1600/brokenwings.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Emma’s world is falling
apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is
missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must
be made before it’s too late.<br /><br />The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.<br /><br />A
perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld,
where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself.
Lucifer.<br /><br />Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.<br /><br />Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.</span><br />
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<br />
<h2>
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Buy Links</span></h2>
<br />
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Descent</span><span id="freeText4943697764686753147"> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Descent-Hidden-Wings-Novella-ebook/dp/B00CSEJ386/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378946917&sr=1-3&keywords=hidden+wings+cameo+renae">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/descent-cameo-renae/1115919033?ean=9781939769251">BN</a></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Hidden Wings - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Wings-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00B27GAC2/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-wings-cameo-renae/1115635910?ean=9781939769213">BN</a></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Broken Wings - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Wings-Hidden-Series-ebook/dp/B00D4KN9BK/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broken-wings-cameo-renae/1115658622?ean=9781939769282">BN</a> </span><br />
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147"> </span><span id="freeText4943697764686753147"> </span><br />
<h2>
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147">Author Info</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PrdotdtpbfkyFEUhkIioHSCGKxjhSnZ80ZxCEdlJPBcr7gisQJACXIYoQWN862nIas_TmFpWP4OGKAZjhzDQsguvPUACeJrKan96xvmuexiKRg64lTbK-Zg85JJ_RmRe84CVip_NnuY/s1600/cameorenae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PrdotdtpbfkyFEUhkIioHSCGKxjhSnZ80ZxCEdlJPBcr7gisQJACXIYoQWN862nIas_TmFpWP4OGKAZjhzDQsguvPUACeJrKan96xvmuexiKRg64lTbK-Zg85JJ_RmRe84CVip_NnuY/s1600/cameorenae.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="artistCentralBio_biographyBody" id="artistCentralBio_officialFullBioContent">
Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.<br />She
loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' -
Chronicles of Narnia - which sparked a fire in her soul and made her
want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and awesome characters
to go on adventures with.<br />In My Dreams & Hidden Wings were both
recently published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly
Publishing earlier this year. Descent (A Hidden Wings novella) was
released May 15, 2013, and Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings
Series) was released June 1, 2013.<br />One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... Until then... she'll keep writing!<br />
HAPPY READING!<br />
<br />
Follow Cameo on:<br />Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage">http://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage</a><br />Blog: <a href="http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/">http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/</a><br />Website: <a href="http://cameorenae.com/">http://cameorenae.com</a> ~ for future updates.<br />Twitter: @CameoRenae<br />
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
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The Hidden Wings series is a beyond words, unforgettable
story that will have you running the gamut of your emotions while falling
hopelessly in love with the mystery and intrigue of the world of Cameo Ranea.
Renae births a world of pure love, overwhelming passion, and mind-numbing
adventure that is then offered to us if we have the courage to explore it. The
Hidden Wings series is my first foray into the genre of fantasy that includes a
heavy emphasis on Angels, and I was anything but disappointed. I have to admit
that I am very glad that I decided to take the plunge and immerse myself into
this world, but what made it so special was having Cameo Renae as my guide. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
You will never find a dull moment throughout this series,
and even in the midst of horrifying danger, you will find yourself laughing at
the antics of some to ease the tension. This is not to down-play the depth of
emotion and breath of transformation that takes place in this story, but to
emphasize the unwavering surety and growing affection that our band of misfits
comes to share for each other. A strong and unbreakable family is created where
there were once only lost and forgotten souls. Where pain and heartbreak
resided, we come to find that a life-changing hope and a relentless love that
has come to take its place.</div>
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The writing in this tale is so beautiful and exquisite. The
story feels like it jumps right off the pages and plays out in your heart.
Cameo writes with such passion and intimacy that I felt like these characters
were meant for only me to read and enjoy them. I was pleasantly surprised at
how chivalry was breathed into every word throughout this journey. The love
felt between the various characters was of a true, honest, and heartfelt nature.
It was refreshing to see such purity and hope portrayed as this story
progressed throughout the years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hidden Wings series is truly an irreplaceable jewel in
the world of words and emotions that people like me so resolutely call home. I
gladly and exuberantly welcome Cameo to my home, and I hope that she will stay
for a very long time. I whole-heartedly recommend this series to all who enjoy
the fantasy genre. You will be glad you took part in this journey, and you will
be anxious to see what Renea writes next as I am.</div>
<br /></div>
<span id="freeText4943697764686753147"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-73610790845182611062013-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-13T00:00:15.732-07:00Review: A Heart's Home by Laura J Marshall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJqkZpmZrenrul9ZCUW8gSEwjbOiDW_DKTR0a0DxerbCULpYj0xz5dZissiYe2WKbH9i7HuF8ApjePj-P7e2lGp7fyJxqAjXITJOIIxl5lHut_h_HGNEdC6rqH_LX4rB-PjLlQsE77f4/s1600/aheartshome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJqkZpmZrenrul9ZCUW8gSEwjbOiDW_DKTR0a0DxerbCULpYj0xz5dZissiYe2WKbH9i7HuF8ApjePj-P7e2lGp7fyJxqAjXITJOIIxl5lHut_h_HGNEdC6rqH_LX4rB-PjLlQsE77f4/s1600/aheartshome.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004">Born in England and
raised in India by her father after her mother's untimely death, Asyra
has been ostracized from her small village most of her life. News of her
impending marriage arranged by her grandmother back in England only
serves to confuse her further about who she is and where she fits in.
When Madras is attacked by the French before Asyra's ship sails, she
must pretend to be the wife of her grandmother's agent, who happens to
be the elder brother of her intended. Can she move beyond prejudice to
find her place in the world?</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004">Buy Links</span></h2>
<br />
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Home-Novella-ebook/dp/B00DH2JTE6/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378946225&sr=1-5">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-hearts-home-laura-j-marshall/1116343835?ean=2940016570082">BN </a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004">Author Info</span></h2>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyV7YVEYExVjErG_rdUVSdwyRYgaB3T-XdOaGLK05iLxY39CCvZ23FYWwTjD0e_kTrday6qo-rM21GlcOBjzJ9rIT_zxmBEwnazhvMtRy9_LBZ06wPeFtzyPhC4j96CCyGKVobZ-Azc/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhyV7YVEYExVjErG_rdUVSdwyRYgaB3T-XdOaGLK05iLxY39CCvZ23FYWwTjD0e_kTrday6qo-rM21GlcOBjzJ9rIT_zxmBEwnazhvMtRy9_LBZ06wPeFtzyPhC4j96CCyGKVobZ-Azc/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" /></a>Life
isn't a fairy tale. It can be heart-wrenching and painful. Difficult
times come to us all and many times they shape who we are and how we
look at the world. We can find strength through the valleys as we learn
to climb the mountains.</div>
<div class="artistCentralBio_biographyBody" id="artistCentralBio_officialFullBioContent">
I have been truly blessed despite and through the tough times of my life.<br />
I
write both nonfiction and fiction. It is my deepest hope that within
the pages of my romantic suspense books, that they will whisk you away
to far lands such as to a mouse -laden castle in 17th century England or
to a colorful bazaar with curry-laden dishes in the afternoon heat of
India.<br />
In my Battle Cry Devotional series, I pray the shared
experiences of being women and mothers, along with scriptures from the
Bible and God's guidance will refresh your souls.<br />
Wherever we find
ourselves on our adventures, may you feel closer to the Lord and His
abiding love.....and find strength for the journey.<br />
<br />
Visit me at <a href="http://www.laurajmarshall.com/">www.LauraJMarshall.com</a><br />
or at my blog <a href="http://www.theoldstonewall.blogspot.com/">www.theoldstonewall.blogspot.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmdSN7QHvNRDPlxDVMf7Bb7oWP6c_yM7VujWvlOM2fK28mefP918WalEdvnjbUUl4Mc0-wzT0SN4S0JMphHaPoLjCXs_PHOXRrF6WFFa9Sd82i9JOoVu2_eIEILoA0TDGDv32jH8-hQc/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004">My Review</span></h2>
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"></span><br />
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004">(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)</span><br />
<span id="freeText12831944085478820004"></span><br />
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A Heart’s Home is a stunning portrayal of true love at its
finest. We glimpse an honest and pure love that will have readers’ day dreaming
about it for days, months, and years to come. This love will burrow under your
skin and create a longing in the depths of your heart to be fulfilled. A
Heart’s Home will carefully place you under its spell from which you will never
want to awaken from.</div>
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In A Heart’s Home, we meet the mesmerizing and captivating
characters of Braddock and Asyra. This unlikely duo will touch your heart and
have you cheering for them in one time. They are as different from each other
as night is from day, but love knows not about and cares nothing for such
differences. You will cry, cheer, and struggle along with Braddock and Asyra as
they work to overcome danger, strive to fulfill the plans for the lives, and
come face to face with a love that can’t easily be denied.</div>
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As you seek God’s will for your life, things may take a
curious turn here and there, but only towards what He has ordained to be. We
should never fear the love that has been placed in our hearts. The day we do is
the day we begin to die. We are made to love, and when that love is denied, we
are never the same. The full life intended by God is never completely reached.
He will not place a love in our heart that He will not allow to blossom and
grow. We need to trust Him completely with our life, and only then will the
good He has intended come to pass. Only then, will we know true joy and
unparalleled bliss.</div>
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Once again, I have been blown away by the immense talent
that Laura J Marshall possesses. The overwhelming heart of this story brought
me to my knees in awe and longing. Laura never ceases to amaze me in the depth
and breathe of her writing skills. This is another story that I couldn’t put down.
I read it one sitting, and treasured every word, character, and scene. Romance
readers will not want to miss A Heart’s Home.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-48027523411696199012013-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T06:00:00.884-07:00Cover Reveal: The Complete Painter Series by Melissa Turner Lee<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoNR51CTagpBLs5-gqdsJtDefC66nbtO2d-mdVqF7Vx10gjHXsCgvQcEyutLb4Wcwp7LYOcMfvnq8BB_XdoXSY4Em_2fGzCfgTj4eazjnbJBR0USnzcfQRGvWK6RHtiMrXO-kYB2DGK8/s1600/The+Painter+Series+-+Holy+&+Theo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoNR51CTagpBLs5-gqdsJtDefC66nbtO2d-mdVqF7Vx10gjHXsCgvQcEyutLb4Wcwp7LYOcMfvnq8BB_XdoXSY4Em_2fGzCfgTj4eazjnbJBR0USnzcfQRGvWK6RHtiMrXO-kYB2DGK8/s1600/The+Painter+Series+-+Holy+&+Theo.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Holly & Theo: The Complete Painter Series</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Kindle Edition Release Date:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>8/30/2013</div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Synopsis:</b></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warning: This is New Adult and is suggested for late teens
and up. There are mild sensual love scenes in this book but are not graphic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a young woman discovers the boy in drama class is
actually the immortal who painted the world into being, she becomes the target
of another painter who hates humanity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holly
& Theo</i> is a New Adult Supernatural Romance set in the small mill town
of Chesnee, SC and beautiful historic Charleston, SC. It starts with Holly
Scruggs in her senior year of high school, after a major downsize for their
family that lands her in Chesnee, her parents’ hometown. Her image conscious
mother corrects her to the point of brokenness until she meets Theo. He is the
artist responsible for all the beauty of the land and he thinks Holly is
beautiful too. Together they will fight against Fritz, the water painter who
hates humans and is hiding a secret under the high school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story continues two years later with a twenty year old
Holly and a very changed Theo. Fritz is up to his old tricks and the story
continues to be life or death. What price is Holly willing to pay to save those
she loves? What price has Theo already paid?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secrets can kill a relationship. But the secrets Holly and
Theo keep from each other in the start of their relationship could mean the
death of either of them. Fritz holds all the cards, and raises the stakes in
this deadly, more adult conclusion of The Painter Series.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Review Quotes:</b></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The main character, Holly Scruggs, who has been beaten down
by her mother, is such an inspiration! She never allows herself to fall into
self-pity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the mysterious Theo's help, she discovers her true
calling in life and the confidence she needs.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Sheila Hollinghead Amazon Reviewer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The author was very descriptive; it was like she was
painting every scene. The book is different from all other books I have read in
its genre. Even the ending surprised me… I couldn't put this book down.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~The Mystical World of Book Reviews </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My heart is bursting at the seams and my mind is empty now
that I have just finished reading the last page... I was completely blown away
by the life-altering transformation that we see Holly and Theo go through day
by day. They slowly shed the filthy skin of selfishness and replace it with the
selfless depth of love that they have for each other. This is a story of true
and pure love at its finest, and it is an extraordinary end to an amazingly
beautiful and captivating series.</div>
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I can't say enough good things about this series!”</div>
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~Shadowplay Amazon Reviewer </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author Bio:</b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUXDwU7suS6efCb5c6Hw6hd15cBo2Yur7JU0IPcTwLtwwtvuWS6aVKny2AczAkUEnq96L3XS4i3MpLBy_ObBArL9_056_3tuhwZu0ABuJG_Jo-QlOtiqMzdmJySSdyYQyz7R2Cu2UGQ8/s1600/MelissaTurnerLee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUXDwU7suS6efCb5c6Hw6hd15cBo2Yur7JU0IPcTwLtwwtvuWS6aVKny2AczAkUEnq96L3XS4i3MpLBy_ObBArL9_056_3tuhwZu0ABuJG_Jo-QlOtiqMzdmJySSdyYQyz7R2Cu2UGQ8/s1600/MelissaTurnerLee.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
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Melissa Turner Lee is a stay-at-home-mom to 3 wild and very
loud boys. She used to skip sleep at night to write, but now that they are in
school writes in the daylight. She is married to a wonderful man she met when
she was 17, back before texting and people wrote notes that might be in a trunk
in her house. While dating, her then boyfriend, now husband told her his friend
had pointed out that the picture he had drawn for art class long before
meeting, that hung behind the door in his room, looked just like her.</div>
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The picture disappeared after the wedding and was never seen
again. These events helped inspire Holly and Theo’s story.</div>
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<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<b>Excerpt:</b></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">My mouth fell open. Was he nuts? How was I supposed to
answer a question like that?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">I balled my hands into fists and put them on my hips.
“What’s the matter with you?”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">When he put his hands on his hips, I got upset for a
moment before I realized he was still doing the mirroring exercise.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">Ms. Jones suddenly yelled and clapped. “I love this. Love
it! Everybody look at Holly and her partner. They aren’t just moving, they are
conveying emotion with it. Brilliant!”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">I went back to doing normal movements. And Theo continued
to stare at me. “You look so familiar. I heard you say you just moved here, but
did you move back? I mean, did you live here before…a long time ago maybe?”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">“No.” I half-smiled and then bit my lip.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
exceptionally good looking. I’d been too irritated to notice at first, but the
more I looked at him the warmer my cheeks grew. The way he stared at me didn’t
help. It was intense and inquisitive, and he was too close. We weren’t
touchy-feely at my house so this invasion into my personal space was especially
uncomfortable.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">“So you’ve never been here before?” His gray-blue eyes
studied me even more.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well…um…I’ve been
to Chesnee before—to visit my grandmother before she died. Maybe you saw me
around town then.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">He shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I’ve seen you up
close, like this. I remember your eyes. They’re the color of the sea—just
inside a coral reef, and your freckles are the stones of a volcanic island
scattered along the sand. Your hair is like the sun setting over the water,
shooting out orange rays in all directions.” He stared into my eyes even
deeper. “You’re very pretty.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">The impact of his words slammed into me. I’d braced
myself for an insult. That’s what I was used to. This was either the way he
came onto girls for a hook-up, or more likely, some mean joke to get a good
laugh going with the other kids. Anger bubbled up. I knew those kinds of
tricks. Those were the kinds of things the kids I used to hang with did all the
time. They played them on me too, when I no longer belonged in their circle.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">My hands trembled, and my lips drew up to hold in the
anger, but I refused to cry in front of this boy. I wanted to call him on his
prank. I knew better than to think it was a real compliment, but I couldn’t
think of anything clever to say.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">The tears burned in my eyes despite my efforts.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #19362b;">“Forget this!” I shouted as I ran off the stage.
Everyone’s stares bore into my back as I grabbed my backpack and made for the
door. My head throbbed from ear to ear. I was dropping the class, and that was
final.</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-67289465268484288412013-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-29T00:00:03.246-07:00Review: Keeper of Reign by Emma Right<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3chvwYld5hWchznXG4nTj4Ph1ZhjCkqnC980F5c6zBygdegSjUDgkgd96GsIImPk4K4v4t4oH5tO2TpXbyvPM88v_hWFBOhuJLPNQpGAP_jRrlxoAybgVQ8kP2Mmfi3H88Ky1YAUv_s/s1600/KeeperofReign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3chvwYld5hWchznXG4nTj4Ph1ZhjCkqnC980F5c6zBygdegSjUDgkgd96GsIImPk4K4v4t4oH5tO2TpXbyvPM88v_hWFBOhuJLPNQpGAP_jRrlxoAybgVQ8kP2Mmfi3H88Ky1YAUv_s/s1600/KeeperofReign.JPG" height="320" width="212" /> </a></div>
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Book Blurb</h2>
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Sixteen year old Jules Blaze, heir of a Keeper, suspects his family
hides a forgotten secret. It's bad enough that his people, the Elfies of
Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a
mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his
purpose. Even the King's Books, penned with the Majesty's own blood, did
not help ward off this anathema. Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and
his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family.
Why? Gehzurolle's agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land
to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and
possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn't get
himself killed first.</div>
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Buy Links</h2>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Reign-Emma-Right/dp/1939337690/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376851037&sr=1-1&keywords=Keeper+of+Reign+by+Emma+Right">Amazon </a>*~* <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-of-reign-emma-right/1115228185?ean=9781939337696">BN </a></div>
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Author Info</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp4LzCyFSmwyWHgD0eRp6Rdm0Tul8__639H7n-1UGYdQXZHohIfLTzBltIE3Bn4ZOheJ3dwkykS_OaMJHsh48V5POIct-X6MRUFf0UzHHOgURa9YU49fZFhRlOSitNY2bQsJJKG1lhF4/s1600/EmmaRight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp4LzCyFSmwyWHgD0eRp6Rdm0Tul8__639H7n-1UGYdQXZHohIfLTzBltIE3Bn4ZOheJ3dwkykS_OaMJHsh48V5POIct-X6MRUFf0UzHHOgURa9YU49fZFhRlOSitNY2bQsJJKG1lhF4/s1600/EmmaRight.jpg" /></a></div>
Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in
the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and
looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a
Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She
loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn't have her nose
in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.<br />
Right
worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won
several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before
she settled down to have children.<br />
Visit Emma Right at her home
site and blog for tips and ideas about books, homeschooling, bible
devotions, and author helps of various sorts: www.emmaright.com and
follow her on facebook emma.right.author and "like" her fan page at
http://www.facebook.com/keeperofreign<br />
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<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Provided and Written by Amber McCallister)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Keeper of Reign is a fast-paced journey of self-discovery
and great adventure. We watch with bated breath as a long forgotten legacy is
slowly unraveled before our eyes. Legend is finally brought to light and
destiny is slowing being fulfilled. The despised and neglected are standing up
to claim their heritage and their birthright, and the plans of evil are being
undone. Keeper of the Reign is a brilliant start to a very promising story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The strong relationships that are forged throughout this
story really spoke to my heart about the strength and courage that we draw from
our friends and family whether we realize it or not. Throughout the good times
and the bad times, we tend to glean the best from each other. This speaks
volumes about how important it is that we do our best to cherish the time that
we have with each other. We are not guaranteed a long life. We are not even
guaranteed tomorrow or even the next second, so we need to never waste our
words fussing or fighting. Instead, we should concentrate on loving each other.
We need to see past the bad and forgive the pain brought upon us by those we
love, so that we can continue to grow and become all that we are meant to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emma Right has penned a beautiful story of devastating loss,
unwavering faith, and promising hope. I am anxious to see how this story
unfolds and find out what Right has in store for us. This story will warm your
heart and keep you guessing. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who
enjoys a good fantasy story with solid, well-developed characters. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-18168410835021724862013-08-25T03:00:00.000-07:002013-08-25T03:00:05.842-07:00Summer Love Giveaway Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for visiting!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here you can win one of two awesome prizes!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1st Place:</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>$5 Amazon Gift Card + ebook copies of BOTH The Earth Painter and The Man Painter</i></b></div>
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>2nd Place:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>5 Winners will receive The Earth Painter in eBook!</i></b></div>
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just leave a comment on this post, and I'll choose the winners at random after the blog ends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't forget to visit the rest of the hop for more great prizes!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->P. Creedenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15677824783578921121noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-9058081423597939122013-08-18T11:33:00.001-07:002013-08-18T11:33:45.897-07:00Review: The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout by William Jefferson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3t-Iov9UKAM0wH3NwBtDplVhyBX-4Ro1pZpNNu4K7H8GU-Z7_vbNKdawDa2OpeRNZxeHYrDw4eHez23lU8pvtSqmpWwScOtBQkgO-xYufAtfjd0zgwROHWm4BhchgT-bKJ_6yr4qnUo/s1600/ThePoint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3t-Iov9UKAM0wH3NwBtDplVhyBX-4Ro1pZpNNu4K7H8GU-Z7_vbNKdawDa2OpeRNZxeHYrDw4eHez23lU8pvtSqmpWwScOtBQkgO-xYufAtfjd0zgwROHWm4BhchgT-bKJ_6yr4qnUo/s1600/ThePoint.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
SEARCHING for peace and inspiration, Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze travel
to the Isle of Estillyen—a distant harbor known for bringing ancient
words of worth to the present. Their lives become unexpectedly and
inseparably intertwined with the reclusive Oban Ironbout—and a mystery
from the past that will transform them all. It is a tale of pain…and
redemption. “In his breakout novel of spiritual revelation, William E.
Jefferson invites readers on a journey of discovery where ‘joy and
meaning break through pain.’ The author’s writing is skilled, poetic,
and reminiscent of the classical period. This is a book to savor, not to
gulp.… “The style is allegorical in part reminiscent of John Bunyan and
C.S. Lewis. The ‘readings’ hearken to Donne and Milton as well. The
themes are deep. Discerning readers will be drawn into the mystery
surrounding Ironbout’s tortured soul. The readings interspersed
throughout the story offer a unique presentation of the Gospel via the
ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and light, and the
necessity for the solution in the ‘Word made flesh.’” —Blue Ink review
“In this intelligent and heartfelt novel, a community of monks offer
‘readings’ that powerfully illuminate the words of the Bible for a
modern audience. It is a compelling tale told by a gifted and inspired
storyteller. Author William Jefferson weaves the threads of his story
deftly and often poetically, shaping phrases with a lilting rhythm that
evokes the cadences of storytellers of old and enhances the aura of
mystery that surrounds Estillyen and its inhabitants. The ‘readings’
powerfully illuminate the words of the Bible for a modern audience.”
—Clarion Reviews<br />
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Point-Redemption-Oban-Ironbout/dp/0985662123/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376850428&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Point%3A+The+Redemption+of+Oban+Ironbout+by+William+Jefferson">Amazon </a>*~* <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-point-william-jefferson/1115222163?ean=9780985662127">BN </a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEU6fDbkzBs9lQsPgu5LTtzAQOJAwFm6uXePjIt1KbJJG3XMXzaSstn1Uc1n2nlU7TsOTeUHLJdC7__AQVdqVaAa0FnnxSDTiv2O6agJ4dqPpw08NPa6PEC5b2ej63_dA0uGSvX27wqY/s1600/WilliamEJefferson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEU6fDbkzBs9lQsPgu5LTtzAQOJAwFm6uXePjIt1KbJJG3XMXzaSstn1Uc1n2nlU7TsOTeUHLJdC7__AQVdqVaAa0FnnxSDTiv2O6agJ4dqPpw08NPa6PEC5b2ej63_dA0uGSvX27wqY/s1600/WilliamEJefferson.jpg" /></a></div>
William
Jefferson, founder of Port Estillyen Productions and author of the
breakthrough new novel, 'The Point - The Redemption of Oban Ironbout',
has spent his professional career advancing Scripture mission programs
through diverse forms of media. After 25 years of strategic leadership
on behalf of well-known Bible societies and evangelization
organizations, Jefferson is uniquely positioned to present Scripture's
ancient truths, in a modern context of media and culture.<br />
<br />
<div class="artistCentralBio_biographyBody" id="artistCentralBio_officialFullBioContent">
Prior to
authoring 'The Point', Jefferson helped to structure and implement
global initiatives and programs for prominent organizations such as the
American Bible Society, United Bible Societies, the International Bible
Society (Biblica), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He
holds an M.Th. in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh
and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School.<br />
With
his novel, 'The Point - The Redemption of Oban Ironbout', Jefferson
shares much of the wisdom that he has gleaned during his career: that
words matter, that every human being has innate worth, and that Christ
alone is the perfect union of Medium and Message.<br />
William
Jefferson's preferred title is simply "Message Maker." He writes from
his rural home in the Ozarks, where he lives with his wife, Lois, and
Border collie, Archie.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQitt8srhjB5bGIJszxH0gTMpxrRObInLxUk8riNFX7sKbKCpVGjqCcOym27hrrNgR7rxiUP599x-PPFKcbYkyBKidNi9hfIVPfXAG2pjh5BxoYFzptKPdrSDCxK1iDqJtowVWFDU92s/s1600/WilliamEJefferson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Point is an unassuming yet powerful story that both
instructs and captivates its audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
story is mesmerizing in its ability to speak peace and comfort to your heart
while opening your mind to the truth of the redemption of mankind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intricately interwoven throughout is the
redemption story which is presented with a freshness and vitality that will
attract even the most complacent of heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are introduced to a young couple named Goodwin and Hollie
Macbreeze who are taking some time away from their life to find a respite and to
gather some wisdom for what is ahead of them. They find themselves at the timeless
and enchanting Isle of Estillyen which has more in store for them than just a
time of peace and reflection. Hollie and Goodwin stumble upon a hidden treasure
while searching for something else. They must decide how to react to the
unexpected events that unfold before them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is not always easy and fun, and it is even harder and
more complex when we leave out the One who created and loves us. He knows the
trouble that we have to deal with, and He quietly implores us to allow Him to
come into our heart and help to make things a little easier for us. Only He can
impart true peace and equip us for the path that is laid before us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
William Jefferson will delight and entertain you with his
unique approach to the telling of the redemption story. His musical and
whimsical words will put your head in a tizzy and flood your heart with God’s
love and peace. This is one story that will speak volumes to your heart and
bring a deeper understanding to God’s love and grace. Jefferson is a brilliant
and talented wordsmith, and his story has deeply touched my heart. Anyone who
reads this book will never be the same, think the same, or love the same again.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-16905887390986394652013-08-10T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-10T00:00:10.415-07:00Review: Songstone by Lena Goldfinch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZUf33y37eT66or7pSVbzkjajL0f5c9zhIN8WQP-yQyWSUZ1ttx_7BzhFS5Qgz2Q9rhTqPkZVV7_n_88R9ba0SsjW6W6bc1DZxFoeNzQmvFhXBltdaWHuTqfE46gV1qgCSoVA7gEu0u0/s1600/SongstoneCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZUf33y37eT66or7pSVbzkjajL0f5c9zhIN8WQP-yQyWSUZ1ttx_7BzhFS5Qgz2Q9rhTqPkZVV7_n_88R9ba0SsjW6W6bc1DZxFoeNzQmvFhXBltdaWHuTqfE46gV1qgCSoVA7gEu0u0/s1600/SongstoneCover.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kita can meld song into stone. In a world with no
written word, storytelling—the ability to meld (or magically impress) song into
stone—is greatly honored. The village honors her master as their medicine man,
but Kita knows he's secretly a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops
of her blood. She fears he’ll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so
she conceals it from him. Each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a
rope. His spells blind the villagers, so they can’t see him for what he really
is.<br />
<br />
Not that anyone would want to help her. She was found in the forest as a baby
and would have died if a village girl hadn't brought her home. But the
villagers saw Kita's unusual coloring and decided she belonged to the
mysterious tribe who lives in the forests of the volcano, a people feared for
their mystical powers. So they fear her too. Now seventeen, she can barely
admit her deepest longing: to know who she really is and where she belongs.<br />
<br />
Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He's
come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to
his village—a storyteller who'll be chosen at the great assembly. Finally, in
Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom and she'll risk her life to take
it.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A dark, twisty tale of sorcery, tummy-tingling
romance, and adventure, inspired by the folklore of New Zealand's Māori people.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Buy Links</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songstone-YA-fantasy-romance-ebook/dp/B00DZYAWGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376073522&sr=8-1&keywords=songstone+lena+goldfinch">Amazon </a>*~* <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/songstone-lena-goldfinch/1116092417?ean=2940148733829">Barnes and Noble</a> </span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjfKKIZBNRN4Gdu2CzCA2zX1NCjhUW0t1XlauOui5LCj17P91-XshcGiLHl6Jgc7RdUcafkVRqdwmMqAFXx6BZ3RnM8O2UTSjyW5YUxb4XhGlIf2CAP0u0BbrPu4_aleN1Cz3Zjo1izo/s1600/Lena-480px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjfKKIZBNRN4Gdu2CzCA2zX1NCjhUW0t1XlauOui5LCj17P91-XshcGiLHl6Jgc7RdUcafkVRqdwmMqAFXx6BZ3RnM8O2UTSjyW5YUxb4XhGlIf2CAP0u0BbrPu4_aleN1Cz3Zjo1izo/s1600/Lena-480px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts
with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction
for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of
"sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at </span><a href="http://www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com/">Website </a>*~* <a href="https://twitter.com/lena_goldfinch">Twitter </a>*~* </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/lenagoldfinch">Pinterest </a>*~* </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4412038.Lena_Goldfinch">Goodreads </a>*~* </span><a href="http://lenagoldfinch.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d20c77e0f3ef8dff993ecfcf7&id=6b1c2994d1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Newsletter sign-up</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>My Review</h2>
(written and provided by Amber McCallister)<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Songstone is an enchanting and touching tale of the
never-ending struggle of self-worth, the beauty of overcoming one’s fear, and
the transforming wonder of true love. These and many other themes are carefully
explored throughout this story, and each of them touched my heart in a profound
way. This story is relevant to both young and old, and as a result, I highly
recommend it those who are in need of some encouragement and hope.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Viewing the world through the eyes of a girl who is an
outsider in her village is something that hit too close to home for me. It was
an eye-opening journey and yet a familiar one that made me uncomfortable. My
heart went out to her with each struggle and battle that she had to overcome. I
felt like I was walking with her on this adventure, and I longed for her world
to turn around and brighten with each step she took. This story brought with it
a fresh dose of loneliness, the horror of being misunderstood, and the
desperate need to be seen and known. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The fragile strength and tender hope that grew in her heart
with the help of others had me cheering her on. I was immediately and
completely taken in by her beautiful heart. She kept her heart from hardening
too much, so that when the time was right, she was able to transform from her
worthless and ugly existence to one of true and honest belonging. She finally
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was easily and
completely swept up into this foreign and mysterious world written into
existence by Lena Goldfinch. I loved her easy and effortless writing style that
flowed so gracefully from the pages of this book and into my heart. I couldn’t
get enough of this story and devoured it as quickly as I could. I recommend
this book to anyone whose heart is weary with pain and desperate for hope. This
is a story that will lighten your spirit and bring a smile to your lips.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-57137415814598170372013-07-29T18:20:00.004-07:002013-07-29T18:20:43.268-07:00Review: A Prayer for the Devil by Dale Allen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPddrTtygjtqFalTv7ZTgj3IjgyWMV9RYZ9-tRVgAsxuvizmmActkJ-ZhcNvnAMa7c9VchbLu2Esh2XzG6brePbRedjtlHSlFiXT1g7vluQ1FngsG-_r84Y-Kl8PVpVg736FsipfKYys/s1600/aprayerforthedevil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPddrTtygjtqFalTv7ZTgj3IjgyWMV9RYZ9-tRVgAsxuvizmmActkJ-ZhcNvnAMa7c9VchbLu2Esh2XzG6brePbRedjtlHSlFiXT1g7vluQ1FngsG-_r84Y-Kl8PVpVg736FsipfKYys/s1600/aprayerforthedevil.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Book Blurb</h2>
<br />
Twin brothers Luke and Aaron Miller could not lead more different
lives. Aaron, a rising political star who manages the campaign of a man
many believe will be the nation's next president, embraced his father's
Jewish heritage. Luke, on the other hand, honored his mother's faith and
entered the Catholic priesthood. When Aaron and the candidate he
supports are killed in a bombing at a presidential stump speech, the
Miller family's core is destroyed. Fear of a terrorist threat grips the
nation, but the FBI and the press seem more focused on the death of a
presidential candidate than on the other innocent victims like Aaron.
Suddenly, Luke begins to feel the lure of a vengeance that is stronger
than the bond of faith.<br /><br />As he falls deeper into the abyss of
political intrigue that surrounded his brother's mysterious professional
life, Luke is tempted to break his promise to God and reassess his own
sense of right and wrong. What sort of priest carries a concealed
weapon? How can he judge others when he himself has strayed so far from
his own flock?<br /><br />Luke's comfortable life in Boston collides with
the faraway world of the Middle East as he sets out on a journey to
unravel the truth behind Aaron's murder. Will he take an eye for an eye?<br /><br />In
this murder mystery wrapped in a thoughtful meditation on the
intersection of faith and justice, Luke's journey through his own
darkness propels him to a shocking ending that will leave readers
breathless.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Buy Links</h2>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Devil-Dale-Allan/dp/1937110346/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375146951&sr=1-1">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-prayer-for-the-devil-dale-allan/1109135985?ean=9781937110345">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<h2>
Author Info</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl4TaHPrI0ye299K6gmkzha-bwlbEg2W-UT-GF0c-pnfFhcFPwew3D63zEGLzku8Xy3sxGxHGLVvaYRvPfewv-z5Aoa3c2Z4mSEqrPhJcmpx0vvP_Fc8WBBe0Rm8JgMKLXxLugqk7YIQ/s1600/daleallen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl4TaHPrI0ye299K6gmkzha-bwlbEg2W-UT-GF0c-pnfFhcFPwew3D63zEGLzku8Xy3sxGxHGLVvaYRvPfewv-z5Aoa3c2Z4mSEqrPhJcmpx0vvP_Fc8WBBe0Rm8JgMKLXxLugqk7YIQ/s1600/daleallen.jpg" /></a></div>
Dale Allan is a graduate of Fordham University, has held several
senior positions in Fortune 250 companies, and has traveled the world. A
black belt in martial arts, avid fly-fisherman, political junkie, and
devout Christian, the storylines of his novels reflect his diversified
life.<br />
When Dale was just twelve years old, his father was murdered
while away on an extended business trip. A week before his death, Dale
had struggled to write a letter updating him on the family's activities.
When his father was buried with the handwritten note in his pocket,
Dale fully understood the power of writing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
My Review</h2>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Prayer for the Devil is a brilliant, unassuming tour de
force filled with enough international intrigue, present-day turmoil, and personal
self-discovery to keep even the most hard to please reader hooked until the
very end. What starts out as a personal vendetta of a priest in finding his
brother’s murder ends in a horrifyingly, tangled mess that you will never see
coming. Just when you think you have things figured out, the entire landscape
morphs into something you least expect. The most important question to answer
is who can be trusted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Prayer for the Devil not only has a brilliant plot, but is
also filled with the most unforgettable and diverse cast of characters. They
truly bring this story to life. Without them, this journey would not have the
heart and soul that reaches inside you and pulls you into the story to feel
every struggle and rejoice in each victory. Each of them are meticulously and
meaningfully fleshed out and filled with such amazing depth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The themes flowing throughout A Prayer for the Devil range
from the mundane, everyday struggles we all face to the highly-explosive,
controversial issues discussed in the political area. You will be amazed at how
Dale Allen effortlessly flows from one theme to another without any warning. Allen
will without warning completely immerse you in his world of how one simple
man’s life can become entangled in the nefarious efforts of those located half
way around the world. At the same time, Allen also shows you how one person can
be a positive impact on those around him. One person can change a world. One
person can open the eyes of millions. That one person is valuable no matter who
they are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was overwhelmed by the sheer genius that Dale Allen shows
in A Prayer for the Devil. I was pleasantly surprised at how I was immediately
taken into this story. I couldn’t put this book down very easily. I had to know
what happened next. Allen is an amazing storyteller, and I look forward to
reading more from him. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a
strong story and deep, meaningful characters. You will not be disappointed.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-56874713079823243472013-07-24T14:00:00.000-07:002013-07-24T14:00:03.141-07:00I LOVE Indie Books Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
In this leg of the hop, I'm giving away 6 prizes!</h3>
A grand prize of a $5 Amazon Gift Card + an ebook copy of The Earth Painter<br />
and 5 more winners will get an eBook copy of The Earth Painter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UVVkiiyrFo1lYNqADGVVbh41GB2zP3tmaLzAMgD__04p_BFQPp6p4EaP9jSNf30cVTl5MBWVTSbAMXocm1eNkGBeAqLUUlW1zzBdhbi-jAmQdRPhCkx3ikUmgcSEwlft_EsIrfEis2IJ/s1600/TEP+ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UVVkiiyrFo1lYNqADGVVbh41GB2zP3tmaLzAMgD__04p_BFQPp6p4EaP9jSNf30cVTl5MBWVTSbAMXocm1eNkGBeAqLUUlW1zzBdhbi-jAmQdRPhCkx3ikUmgcSEwlft_EsIrfEis2IJ/s320/TEP+ipad.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
<h3>Just follow the Rafflecopter to win!</h3><br>
<a id="rc-ee096578" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ee096578/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</center>
<p> Don't forget to visit the rest of the Hop!<br>
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=197793" type="text/javascript" ></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->P. Creedenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15677824783578921121noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-45984777056464497152013-07-20T10:42:00.000-07:002013-07-20T10:42:46.144-07:00Review: A Mom's Battle Cry to Overcome Fear (Battle Cry Devotional Series) by Laura J. Marshall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For Christian Women and Mothers.</div>
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Tired? Stressed out? Overwhelmed?<br />
<br />
In this little book, set in an easy seven day format, join one Christian mom on her journey to enter into the rest that refreshes and find freedom from weariness.<br />
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This is a Battle Cry for Rest.<br />
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"The piles don't yell at me anymore. I don't know where along this journey they became silent and I took back authority over my time."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moms-Battle-Cry-Rest-Devotional/dp/1481140884/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374340151&sr=1-2">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-moms-battle-cry-for-rest-laura-j-marshall/1115681817?ean=9781481140881">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Author Info</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTFyoPkzkNXJRjLfOWg-Q7f598xvLFMV_6FNc5b_3m1LNbu2eVmgqwnA_kB9bZSi20606t8YEQ_kZn8BfjfoTUz_hFR4GJ0NAi-mEi-_ihu_FqguO5p1u9E7q0GB4ktlBDhruBYtIzxI/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTFyoPkzkNXJRjLfOWg-Q7f598xvLFMV_6FNc5b_3m1LNbu2eVmgqwnA_kB9bZSi20606t8YEQ_kZn8BfjfoTUz_hFR4GJ0NAi-mEi-_ihu_FqguO5p1u9E7q0GB4ktlBDhruBYtIzxI/s1600/lauramarshall.jpg" /></a>Life isn't a fairy tale. It can be heartwrenching and painful. Difficult times come to us all and many times they shape who we are and how we look at the world. We can find strength through the valleys as we learn to climb the mountains. </div>
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I have been truly blessed despite and through the tough times of my life.<br />
<br />
Since I was a child, I have loved to write and dream up my own stories. Several years ago, I decided to explore, study, and learn the craft of writing, my passion, hoping to transport the reader to another place and time; to help readers experience life outside of their own four walls. <br />
<br />
I write both nonfiction and fiction. It is my deepest hope that within the pages of my romantic suspense books, that they will whisk you away to far lands such as to a mouse -laden castle in 17th century England or to a colorful bazaar with curry-laden dishes in the afternoon heat of India. <br />
<br />
In my Battle Cry Devotional series, I pray the shared experiences of being women and mothers, along with scriptures from the Bible and God's guidance will refresh your souls.<br />
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Wherever we find ourselves on our adventures, may you feel closer to the Lord and His abiding love.....and find strength for the journey.<br />
<br />
~Laura <br />
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(written and provided by Amber McCallister)</div>
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A Mom's
Battle Cry to Overcome Fear by Laura Marshall is a beautiful collection of
hope, inspiration, and encouragement to mothers. Mothers can easily get wrapped
up in the little day-to-date tasks and details that fill our lives, and we
easily lose sight of the precious truths that this devotional reminds us of. </div>
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It’s the
personal touch that Laura infuses into this devotional that will break your
heart and mend it with God’s loving and patient hands. As mothers, we pour
ourselves into the lives of our family, and that at times this leave us empty
and wanting which helps to feed the fears that naturally take hold in a
mother’s heart. Laura reminds us and helps us to refocus our attention on the
most important things in life – God is with us and He loves us. We must always
remember that He will never leave us or forsake us.</div>
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A Mom's
Battle Cry to Overcome is sure to bring you the needed refreshment and renew
the connection with God that you will need to pick yourself back up and carry
on from one day to the next. I recommend this devotional to all mothers who are
tired of letting their fears rule their lives. Reclaim what God has given to
you and, with Him at your side, live the life you were always meant to live – a
life free from fear.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-82171174922322102952013-07-19T17:52:00.000-07:002013-07-19T17:52:04.187-07:00Review: A Legacy of Lies by Stephenia H. McGee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7AG0LVhsFaCEq8dWBCiBA60mfgnY24NC6fK1fdKwp7lskt4_ZpGQPgKyEi2RpTyG486JPncY04Y63IWhetTMvLEx230d3RwT7bJE_HpN9NzSi7ULnxmD-wjPQpNEKlBOxDVhKfdtt8g/s1600/legacyoflies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7AG0LVhsFaCEq8dWBCiBA60mfgnY24NC6fK1fdKwp7lskt4_ZpGQPgKyEi2RpTyG486JPncY04Y63IWhetTMvLEx230d3RwT7bJE_HpN9NzSi7ULnxmD-wjPQpNEKlBOxDVhKfdtt8g/s320/legacyoflies.JPG" /></a></div>
<h2>
Author Info </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoQ71lhYtltdLK2gTXfXw_GSdcpNQPqC6LFeTLRtQfBVuK1gQ5hg6pNQ6aw8lYX2O0S7lfIafELc4-cw8PPcvrmDJdGvqsxUDPoSN2XNfeFDvg8tMhSQDLIF7CY5vMa91n_v9U6sUf5A/s1600/stephaniemcgee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoQ71lhYtltdLK2gTXfXw_GSdcpNQPqC6LFeTLRtQfBVuK1gQ5hg6pNQ6aw8lYX2O0S7lfIafELc4-cw8PPcvrmDJdGvqsxUDPoSN2XNfeFDvg8tMhSQDLIF7CY5vMa91n_v9U6sUf5A/s1600/stephaniemcgee.jpg" /></a></div>
Christian Romance...with a little bit of flair! Stephenia McGee writes stories that blend mystery, adventure, love and a little of the unexplained and supernatural.
In addition to writing, Stephenia also enjoys painting and working with horses. She has a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in animal science and has worked and trained for several equestrian farms. She is the Chairman at Spirit Horse Ministries, and continues to use these skills in the youth programs.
She is a lifetime member of the AQHA and a member of the Fort Rosalie chapter of the DAR.
Stephenia is married to her best friend and greatest blessing, Jason, and they currently live in Mississippi with their two sons.<br />
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<h2>
Buy Links </h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Legacy-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B007K1LS58/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374274763&sr=1-1">Amazon </a>~*~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-legacy-of-lies-stephenia-mcgee/1107713261?ean=2940014338950">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
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<br />
<h2>
Review</h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">(written and provided by Amber McCallister) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Legacy of
Lies is a beautiful and precious reminder that God has a perfect and good plan
for each of us. While the path to the fulfillment of that plan may be neat and
clean or it might be messy and painful, but no matter the shape or condition of
your journey, He will always be there with you, cheering you on,
sending His encouragement, and always just a breath away to help us out
if we will only ask. A Legacy of Lies is such a wonderful manifestation of this
promise of God to believers and non-believers alike. It brings more of an
awareness of the fact that God moves in mysterious but magnificent ways toward
the perfection and completion of our life’s journey. </span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will
find that when you surr</span></span>ender your life to Him and allow Him to guide you, He
will fulfill your wildest dreams and then go far beyond even those. We see a
testament to just that in the journey that Sarah and Jim shared. Sarah allowed
herself to be surrendered completely to God’s will because she had reached the
end of her ability to further guide her life into what she had planned for
herself. Once she gave up control of her life, God then stepped in and guided
her decisions to bring her to the place she needed to be. We then find Jim
drawn to Sarah throughout a chain of interesting events. Jim finds in Sarah the
friendship, love, and hope that he has always needed and wanted. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">While circumstances
may not work out the way we think they should, they always work out the way
they were meant to when God is in the center of them. We only need to rely on
Him and allow Him to move on our behalf. A Legacy of Lies is a token to us of
God’s ever enduring and magnificently unfathomable love to us. A Legacy of Lies
meticulously displays His desire is to see us live a life of promise, hope, and
fulfillment. We, in turn, need to surrender our hearts and our lives to Him in
order to see our life transformed into what it was always mean to be. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Stephenia H.
McGee portrays this yearning for us from God in such a palatable and melodic
way that a part of your heart will want to stay behind with Sarah and Jim
longing to walk hand in hand with God each day. She painstakingly created a
living and breathing masterpiece that will touch your heart and change your
mind about how God uses circumstances to bring people together in order to
fulfill His plan for their lives. I have loved every part of A Legacy of Lies,
and I am anxious to see what Stephenia writes next.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7175328894213089008.post-26546520193053481012013-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-06T12:32:53.187-07:00Author Blog Hop <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am Melissa Turner Lee, author of YA and NA Paranormal Romance. I love a good love story. I want it full of passion but based on love and not just lust so that is what I write.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Earth Painter is my first YA novel in the Painter Series and is part of the giveaway along with Armored Hearts I co-authored with Pauline Creeden. It too is part of the giveaway. Plus I'm giving some great books from some friends of mine. Lynn Donovan's The Wishing Well Curse played like a movie in my head as I read it. Loved it. And Eternity by Jenna Kay Pridgen is so good and makes you really think about life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can find me on Facebook under Melissa Turner Lee and I always have some kind of giveaway going on.</span> </div>
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Enter To Win This Collection Of eBooks</div>
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