Morgan's Destiny

By Amy Reeves

At eight-years-old Morgan Bailey suffers the loss of her parents and twin brother, in a tragic car accident. Being her only remaining family member-her Aunt Addie takes her in. Now eleven-years-later, Morgan starts to learn secrets about her family, herself, and what her destiny really is. She meets a mysterious man and soon finds herself falling in love, for the first time, but things start to become complicated, when she is forced to turn herself over to her very enemy. Will she be strong enough to find her way back to the man she loves, or will she find comfort in the enemy's arms?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Reeves
• Release date: May 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476454054

Amy Reeves

Mother. Family comes first. Author of "Morgan's Destiny," a paranormal romance.

Book preview

Morgan’s Destiny

By

Amy Reeves

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Morgan’s Destiny

Copyright 2012

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Morgan’s Destiny

The course of true love never did run smooth

-William Shakespeare

Chapter One

Sitting high on a cliff that overlooked a roaring sea, peace and tranquility overcame me. I sat there looking at this amazing view, wondering how anyone could ever doubt God when he gave us such beauty to see.

"It is very easy to have doubts when we live in such destructive times, my child," an angelic voice said.

I looked around to see where the voice came from, but there was no one in sight.

"You cannot see me, but know that I am always with you," said the voice again.

"Who are you?" I asked, thinking I was going crazy.

"You know who I am, Morgan, never doubt yourself."

Then, suddenly, I knew exactly who I was having a conversation with. I felt the overwhelming feeling of power and goodness all around me. I was having a conversation with God. I didn’t understand how it could even be possible, yet I knew it was really him.

"You are very special, my child, soon you will find out all you need to know. You have incredible gifts that you have yet to discover. You must learn how to use them."

"I am no one special, Lord, just a regular girl, trying to figure out her life."

"On the contrary, you, my dear Morgan, are very special. You will soon learn your destiny; how very important you are, and how much others will depend on you."

"What exactly do you mean my destiny?"

"You will find out soon enough. That is not the reason I am here, you need to keep your faith, Morgan. There are going to be times you want to give up, but you must keep going. Never question who you are or what you must do. There will be people—very evil beings—who will try to stop what you were born to do. You will have great strength and powers; you must learn how to use each gift you have. I have given you all I can; the rest will be up to you."

"Please don’t go; I have so many questions. I don’t understand what I am supposed to do," I cried out.

"I must go now; you will have your answers very soon. Remember to hold on tightly to your faith. Know that I created you for greatness only you can do. I will never leave you, my child. I am always with you."

~*~*~*~*~*~

My eyes fluttered open as the morning sun filtered through my window. I stretched my stiff body before throwing the cover off and setting up. Letting my legs dangle over the bed, I rubbed my still sleepy eyes, while replaying the dream I had had.

I had been having a conversation with God. I remembered the tranquil feeling of peace that had washed over me. I wondered if this dream held meaning, as all my previous dreams had.

Ever since I was a little girl, I could remember having strange dreams. My parents had told me that sometimes our dreams held meanings that we may not yet understand. I was eight-years-old at the time, and I didn’t bother asking them what they meant. I really wish I had a chance to ask them now. I missed them so much.

I let my memories take me back to the last day I spent with my family.

My parents wanted to take my twin brother Logan and I to the lake for a picnic. Summer had been especially hot that year in Angel’s Cove, Georgia, and we spent most of our weekends there—where we could easily jump in the water to cool off.

Logan and I were eight years old and like most kids our age; we fought like cats and dogs.

The memory of us chasing each other around with our water guns made me smile.

You’ll never get me, dork, I yelled out, looking over my shoulder as a rush of cold water hit my face.

Gotcha, loser, Logan taunted as he continued to squirt at me; his shaggy brown hair falling into his eyes.

Come on, kids. Time for lunch, my mother called to us. We both dropped our guns and raced over to where our parents were sitting. Dry off before you sit down, my dad warned.

After drying off, we took our seats on the blanket. I loaded my plate with fried chicken, potato salad, and a roll.

You make the best chicken in the whole world, I told mom with a mouth full. She looked at me and smiled her beautiful smile. Thank you, princess, she said.

So, Morgan, have you still been having strange dreams, My dad asked, a serious look on his face. I knew both, he and my mother, had been worried about the dreams I had been having, so I lied.

No, not really… I mean, maybe a couple, but I can’t really remember what they were about.

Well, you will tell us if you remember, he said staring at me with concern. I just nodded my head up and down as I took another bite of chicken.

After we finished lunch, Logan and I ran back into the warm water, and continued our water fight.

We continued swimming until the sun had set, before we finally became too tired to swim any longer.

After we helped load our car, Logan and I climbed in back, barely able to hold our eyes open. The next thing I remembered, was waking up to excruciating pain shooting up my leg. My hand went to the rough surface of the road as I tried to pull myself up.

My eyes went wild with terror as they landed on my parent’s car. It was engulfed in roaring flames, black smoke rising into the sky.

I frantically tried to stand up, so I could look for my family, but my leg wouldn’t allow me to budge, so I sit there and watched, as the flames roared higher.

I was, uncontrollably sobbing, when a paramedic found his way to me.

Is my family okay? Did they get out of the car? Where are they? I let the questions rush out before he had a chance to answer.

It's okay, honey. I need to get you on a stretcher, so we can get you to the hospital, he replied calmly.

I rubbed my eyes as the pain of that night crept back to me. I was only eight-years-old, and I didn’t understand why this had happened. I remember my aunt Addie walking into my hospital room, her eyes red and swollen. It was in that instant I knew my family was gone.

Just tell me, Aunt Addie. No one will tell me anything, I said, with tear-filled eyes. She looked at me with sorrow as she grabbed my hand and squeezed.

Your parents and Logan didn’t make it out of the car before it caught fire; you were thrown through the window on impact. I’m so sorry, baby, she finished through her tears. I turned my head away from her, letting my own tears rush out. My heart ached in a way it never had before. Just the night before I had dreamt that my parents and Logan were angels.

I left the hospital a week later, and went to live with Aunt Addie. She was the only family I had left in this world, and thankfully wanted to take me into her home, raising me as her own.

She had always been there for me whenever I needed her. She had given me a great home, and stability throughout my life.

Making myself get out of bed, I wandered into my bathroom. I turned the shower on, letting the hot-water fill the room with steam. I pulled a towel and washcloth out of the closet before climbing in.

The rush of hot water over my skin had my aching muscles instantly relaxing. I let my tears fall with the heavy flow of the water. I missed my family so much. It had been eleven years since their premature death, but I would never allow myself to forget them. I still remembered the way my mother used to smell, just like vanilla and sugar.

I remembered the way my father would constantly sing to me if I had trouble sleeping. He always made the song up as he went along, and I loved that about him. I would sometimes see a person my age, and wonder what Logan would look like. I savored every moment that something would remind me of my family; it was all I had left now.

A drunk driver was the one that had hit us that night; He had sped through a red light, and my Dad had not been able to get out of the way in time. They said that not having my seat belt on had actually saved my life. I only suffered a broken leg, and minor cuts and bruises, but I was alive.

How people could be careless with their lives and the lives of other people was beyond me. The driver didn’t suffer so much as a scratch.

Shaking the horrible memories away, I finished washing my hair. After I was done, I grabbed the towel and wrapped it around myself as I stepped out.

Walking to the mirror, I wiped the steam off with the back my hand.

I studied the reflection staring back at me. I had grown up to be a picture of my mother; with golden-brown hair that sat in waves down my back, and eyes the same vivid color of green. I had my daddy‘s small nose, but the rest of my face mimicked hers. I wondered what Logan would have looked like if he were alive today. Would we look like one another, or would he take more after our dad? I forced the thought away. Today had already been a sad start, and I wasn’t sure if I could take anymore.

I threw on my khaki pants and black work T-shirt before heading for the stairs.

I went into the kitchen, where I knew Aunt Addie would be preparing breakfast. She was a firm believer in breakfast being the most important meal of the day.

Happy birthday, Morgan, she sang out as I entered. Catching me off guard, I suddenly remembered today’s date—August 18th—my birthday. I wondered how I could have forgotten my own birthday, but my dreams had started once again, keeping my mind occupied.

She reached me a plate of pancakes and bacon as I approached. Of course, she would cook my favorite breakfast on my birthday, she always had.

Thank you very much, I said, taking a seat at the bar. A steaming cup of coffee was patiently waiting for me at my spot.

How does it feel to be a year older? I still cannot believe you are already nineteen. It seems like yesterday you were just a baby, she said with a shake of her head.

I really don’t feel any different than I felt yesterday, I answered, scarfing down my food.

The clock on the microwave reminded me that, if I didn’t leave now, I would be late for work.

I really have to get to work. Thanks for breakfast, I said, tossing the half-eaten pancakes in the trash.

I took my plate to the sink before turning to leave. I grabbed my keys and purse as I headed for the front door.

I’ll see you later, Aunt Addie. Thanks again for breakfast, I called over my shoulder.

I was lucky my boss actually liked me because, for some reason, I always seemed to be late.

Ten minutes later, I pulled my car into the last empty parking space.

I rushed into Cream-or-Sugar, the instant smell of coffee perking me up. When I was a sophomore in high school, I started working here part time. Now, almost three years later, I was working full-time in the little coffee shop, and surprisingly I loved every minute.

I had graduated three months ago, and decided to take a year off before I started college. Aunt Addie had not been happy about my decision, but it was my choice. This was something I had to remind her constantly.

Sometimes I got the feeling that she just wanted me to go away. I was just so preoccupied with the dreams that I had started having again, that I didn‘t really want to think about college at the moment. I had not dreamed in the years since my family had been gone, and nowadays, I couldn’t make sense of them.

It was the same dream—over and over—me running through the woods as fast as I could with a person, but I could never see his face. What we were running from, I didn’t know, but I could feel the evil presence behind me.

I grabbed my apron as my thoughts went back to the dream I had last night. I wondered why the dream had suddenly changed and why I had been talking to God; I couldn’t make sense of what he said.

What did he mean gifts? I had never been very religious, other than the fact that I believed in God. I mean, I didn’t attend church every Sunday or whatever. I always thought that people just went to church every Sunday to gossip about other people or pass judgment. To me, most of them were hypocrites, only choosing to be religious at church, and not at home. I had my beliefs, whether or not I actually attended church.

I remembered how my mother used to teach Logan and me about God daily. She would read us the bible every night before we said our prayers. She was always teaching us something.

Welcome to Cream-or-Sugar. What can I get for you? I said, shaking the thoughts out of my head.

Large coffee… black please, said a smooth, sexy voice. I looked up to see the face behind such a voice.

Wow… there was a very beautiful man staring at me. My eyes looked him up and down as my heart started to pound in my chest.

Finally, my eyes locked with his, and I felt… weird. I tried to open my mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

He smiled charmingly at me, making his face that much more attractive. His hair was the perfect shade of brown and held sun-kissed highlights. His hazel-eyes held tiny green flecks in them; and his lips—such full lips—I wondered what it would be like to touch them with mine.

Morgan, snap out of it, Madison called from behind me.

I shook my head, trying to get the fog that had taken over, to leave as I felt my cheeks start to heat from embarrassment.

Um… that’ll be two-dollars, I managed to say, my voice shaky. He handed me a five-dollar bill, letting his hand touch mine as I took it. Instant sparks shot up my arm; he must have felt them too, because he just looked at me with a wide grin.

I handed him his change, careful not to touch him again.

Here you go, I said, handing him his coffee.

Thanks. Have a nice day, his smooth-sexy voice replied. As he turned to walk away, I noticed the rest of him.

Wow… He was beautiful and built. The black T-shirt he was wearing fit him just right, showing his muscular build underneath. His snug jeans hugged him just right, and the sight made my mouth go dry. Yes, he was beautiful.

He turned around before walking out the door, only to catch me ogling his very nice backside. My cheeks heated, more than they had just moments before, and he smiled wickedly, winking before he walked out the door.

I was so embarrassed. I had never acted like that before, and I didn’t know what had come over me.

Who was Mr. Delicious? Madison asked, coming to stand beside me.

I have no idea, but wow, he was something, huh? I gave her a big smile and we both burst out laughing.

Madison had been my best friend since grade school. Her parents actually owned this place, which is why I could show up late—whenever—and they never said a word about it. They were like my second family. I spent so much time at their house while growing up; I knew it just as well as Madison.

Maybe you could have him as your birthday present. I would love to have that package to Unwrap, she said giggling.

He would be a great present, but guys who looked like that, never went for the normal-looking girls like me.

I finished the rest of my shift with Mr. Delicious consuming my mind. I had never been the boy-crazed type before, and I wondered what was so different about this one. Granted he was not the scrawny, little pimpled face boys who had tried to hit on me in high school.

Are you ready? Madison asked.

Letting my thoughts drop, I headed to the counter to grab my stuff. I looked up at her and shook my head. How she could manage to look so attractive after a full day’s work, I had no idea. Her pretty blonde hair was perfectly in place, and her makeup looked like she had just applied it.

She stared at me with her clear blue eyes, waiting for my answer.

So, what movie are you taking me to see? I asked as we walked out.

Oh, we’ll see when we get there. You’re riding with me right? I hadn’t planned on it, but there was no need for us to drive separate cars to the same place.

Yeah, as long as you drop me off at my car later.

The drive to the theater was quick and didn’t take over five minutes. That was one great thing about living in such a small town—you were close to everything.

Madison went to buy our tickets while I headed inside to buy the popcorn and drinks. I hoped she picked something worth watching this time.

Next, the pimple-faced-boy yelled, and I walked to the counter.

Large popcorn, extra butter, and two large cokes, please, I said, digging in my purse for my wallet.

I’ll buy if you promise to share, a voice whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my arms.

I turned around, only to smack right into Mr. Delicious. His hands grabbed my arm before I tumbled to the ground.

I… um… I’m sorry, I stuttered.

He smiled that oh-so-sexy smile at me. No problem, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Daniel, by the way, he said, reaching out his hand. I placed mine in his, feeling the sparks between us as soon as I did.

Morgan… I’m Morgan, I mean, I said, like an idiot.

Letting go of my hand, he handed the money to the boy while grabbing the popcorn and a drink. I just stared at him before an angry voice told me to get a move on it.

I grabbed the other drink and followed behind him.

Um… excuse me, but what are you doing, I asked, trying to catch up with him.

He stopped once he reached Madison—who was standing alongside the wall—talking to someone I didn’t recognize.

Hey, Morgan, I see Daniel found you. We ran into each other while I was buying the tickets, and can you believe that he and his friend were going to see the same movie I picked out. So, I thought I would invite them to sit with us, since it is your birthday and all, she said with a wink.

I only stared at her dumbfounded. How she could just invite random strangers to watch a movie with us?

Madison had never been the shy one. I wish I had as much confidence as she did, and I must admit, they were both sexy-random-strangers. I didn‘t get any bad vibes off either of them, so I decided it would be okay.

Happy birthday, I’m Kevin, the man Madison had been talking to said, holding his hand out.

I took a good look at him, realizing what she had been thinking. It was very seldom you got one Mr. Delicious in this town, but here were two… And there just so happened to be two of us.

I shook the hand he held out, not feeling anything unusual, like I had with Daniel. I had to give her credit; he was something to look at. Messy black-hair, blue-eyes that made you want to sit and stare at them for hours, and a shadowed face that gave him a very sexy appeal.

We should probably head on in, so we can get some good seats, Madison said, taking Kevin’s hand. Damn the girl moved fast.

I released the breath I was holding, and started walking. What was I supposed to do while I sit by such a yummy man? My hands started to sweat as I suddenly became nervous. I didn’t know what in the world was going on with me. I never had this kind of reaction to guys before.

Happy birthday, Morgan, Daniel whispered as we took our seats. Of course, I sat between both him and Kevin.

Thanks, was all I could manage to say.

I placed my hands in my lap, nervously playing with my fingers. I felt his eyes on me, and my heart started to beat faster. Payback for ogling him earlier today, I guess.

I hope its okay that we sit with you guys. Madison pretty much insisted that we did.

Figures, I would have to kill her later, when we were alone.

Um… Yeah, that’s cool. I don’t mind, I said, turning my head to look at him. That was a mistake… A very big mistake. I hadn’t realized that we were sitting so close to each other. His arm was on my armrest and I could smell his sweet, exotic breath.

I half-smiled at him before turning when the previews started to play. The lights went dim, leaving the theater to dark to see anything other than the huge screen in front of us. Just keep your eyes on the movie, I scolded myself.

My eyes stayed glued to the screen as a masked man slaughtered a couple having sex. Damn. Double damn. Why did she have to pick the scary one? She knew I didn’t like these kinds of movies.

I turned my head to the side, only to be inches away from Daniel. He looked over at me and smiled his stop-my-heart-from-beating smile that made my brain foggy.

The movie startled me more than once. I tried to control my movements, but I scared way too damn easy.

Halfway-through, my hand came down on Daniel’s leg as the masked man jumped out of a closet, holding a knife high above his head. Before I could move it away, his hand was on top of mine.

I tried to yank it away, but he only tightened his grip.

I don’t mind, he whispered into my ear as he lifted our intertwined hands to the rest.

Had I ever been this nervous in my life? I was acting like a blooming’ idiot, for crying out loud. On the plus side, the electricity running between us took my mind off all the killing that was going on in the movie.

After it was finally over, I stood, letting our hands fall free.

Heading to the parking lot, Madison was the first to break the awkward silence.

Um, Morgan, would you mind if Daniel gave you a ride to your car? I mean, Kevin and I we're going to hang out before I head back home, she said, winking at me.

I just looked at her speechless. Before I could answer her, she gave me a quick hug, whispered ‘happy birthday,’ and was gone. I just stood in the middle of the parking lot, not knowing what to do.

You don’t have to give me a ride. I mean, the coffee shop is like five minutes from here. It’s not that far of a walk, and I really don’t mind, I said, fumbling with my hands. He looked at me and smiled.

I am not going to let you walk home all alone in the dark. It’s not a problem at. It’s the least I could do for you letting me join you tonight.

He stopped in front of a shiny black Ford truck, and went to the passenger door, and held it open for me to climb in.

So, Morgan, have you had a good birthday, he asked, trying to make small talk. I was so nervous, but I did not want him to notice.

Yes… It has been rather eventful, I replied, trying not to look at him. I was too afraid I would lose my mind.

So, how many years young are you today?

He was trying to make conversation, and I was making it challenging. He probably thought there was something wrong with me. Snapping myself back to the conversation, I told him I was nineteen.

How old are you? I asked.

I’m twenty-three, he replied, turning into the coffee shop.

So when’s your birthday? I asked. I really didn’t want to leave his truck. He pulled beside my old Honda—the only car in the parking lot—and shut the engine off.

My birthday is December 25. I was a great Christmas present for my parents.

He got out and came around to open my door. No one had ever opened the door for me I thought as he reached his hand to help me out.

I’m really sorry that Madison forced you upon me tonight, I said, looking anywhere, but at him.

He took a step closer meeting my eyes. She didn’t force me on you, Morgan. I was actually excited when we ran into her, and she told me you were with her, he said, taking my hand in his.

I looked down at our hands unable to fathom why someone like him would want to spend time with me. I mean, looking at him I knew that he could have his pick of any girl.

I had fun tonight. I’m glad I could share part of your special day with you, he said, staring at me intently.

Ok, he actually enjoyed himself after I acted like a schoolgirl with her first crush. I mentally kicked myself for acting so foolish.

I had fun, too! Sorry I was so jumpy though.

No need to apologize. I really didn’t mind it at all, he said with a wink. I smile at him nervously while my stomach did flips.

Do you think you would want to get together again? Maybe next time we could leave our friends behind.

Was he asking me out? I swallowed the huge lump that had formed in my throat.

Daniel, are you asking me out? Again, he gave me that sexy-smile, instantly astounding me.

Are you going to say yes or are you going to leave me hanging?

I… uh… yes. I would love to go out with you again, I said with a newfound confidence. I decided if this, unbelievably hot, man was interested in me, then I was going to go with it.

He leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

I was hoping you would say yes. I’ll see you soon, he said, making his way back to his truck.

I unlocked my door and climbed in. I drove home in a blissful haze. I had ended up having a great time with Daniel. It was a great end to my birthday.

Chapter Two

After I got home, I headed straight for my bedroom. It was late, and I knew Aunt Addie would be asleep.

Walking inside the room, I noticed a small box sitting on my bed. I made my way over to it, instantly feeling bad for not spending some time with her today. I should have at least come home from work for a few minutes.

I opened the small black box and saw a beautiful necklace lying inside. I pulled the necklace out and held it up. It was a long silver chain with a charm. The charm was a small silver circle with a small amethyst stone hanging down from it; Simple, yet beautiful.

I went to the bathroom to put on my pajamas and brush my teeth. The overhead light hit the stone causing it to shine brightly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next week flew by quickly. Daniel came into the coffee shop every morning, always ordering the same black coffee.

He would always stay and chat for a few minutes before leaving. Conversation became much easier between the two of us, and I no longer felt awkward around him. Seeing him became the highlight of my day.

You’ve got it bad for him, honey, Madison said, while trying to make the latest coffee concoction.

Yeah, you're one to talk. So where is Kevin at today, I asked sarcastically. She looked up at me through her innocent-blue eyes.

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Well, speaking of the devil himself, I said, spotting both Kevin and Daniel walking through the door.

Hey, what are you guys doing here, Madison asked as they made their way to the counter.

Oh, you know… Casanova here wanted to ask his Juliet out tonight, Kevin said nonchalantly.

Daniel elbowed him in the side before he smiled widely at me. Overlook him, I think he was dropped on his head when he was a baby, he said, walking over to me.

I have a friend just like that… Maybe we should hook them up, I said, chuckling. Kevin and Madison really were perfect for each other.

Tonight’s Friday, so I thought you might let me take you out, just the two of us this time. What do you say?

My heart started pounding in my chest at the thought of being alone with him. The effect he had on me was something I had never before experienced. I, normally, never got nervous around boys, but with him, everything was just so different, and I hadn’t even been alone with him.

I looked at the big round clock that was hanging directly behind him... 6:00 ...perfect.

I’m actually off now. I just need to go home and change, if that’s okay with you.

Sounds perfect. I’ll just follow you there, he said as I gathered my purse.

I took my green apron off and tossed it at Madison. She looked up at me with a look only a best friend would know, before turning her attention back to Kevin.

You two love birds have fun now," Kevin said, teasingly.

A few minutes later, I turned into my driveway.

The house glowed from all the lights, and I noticed a strange car parked in the driveway.

Great, of all nights for her to have company, it would be on the one when I brought Daniel home.

Walking inside I heard Aunt Addie talking to someone in the kitchen. I motioned Daniel to follow me.

Morgan, your home, Aunt Addie said as I entered the room.

I noticed a man sitting at the bar with her. He didn’t look like the normal, business type, she always went after—she never had a problem getting a man, she was beautiful. She didn’t look like my mother, but she always told me that she got her looks from the other side of the family. She was five-feet seven and very slender with long black hair that seemed to always be perfectly in place. Her dark-gray eyes were captivating. She had just turned forty a few months ago, but she didn’t look a day over twenty-five.

I took a good look at this man. Nope, not her type at all. Although he was sitting down, I could tell that he was not very tall. Wrinkles lined his round face, and his nose looked like it belonged on the face of a witch. He wore his long pepper-gray hair in a ponytail tied at the nape of his neck. Instead of the suits I was so accustomed to her suitors wearing; he dressed in holey jeans, a black long-sleeved shirt with a tan vest over it, more like a grungy hippie.

I have someone I would like for you to meet. Morgan, this is Phil, Phil this is Morgan.

Nice to meet you, I quickly said. I didn’t like the way this man was looking at me. Something about him gave me an eerie feeling.

Aunt Addie, I was actually just going to change and head out. I want you to meet my friend, Daniel.

Nice to meet you, Addie, Daniel said, extending his hand. She just looked at him weirdly, not returning the gesture. He let his arm fall back to his side as I stared at her.

That was really rude, I said, shocked to see her act in such a way.

I would prefer you not go anywhere tonight, she said sternly. What in the world got into her? Out of all the years that I had lived with her, she had, at no time, been one to tell me what to do. She had never given me a curfew, or told me who I could, or could not, hang out with.

Well, I’m sorry, but I’ve already made plans. Looks like you have someone else to keep you company, I said. I grabbed Daniel’s hand and walked out.

I am so sorry! I don’t know why she was acting like that, I said, apologetically.

It didn’t seem to faze him though. It’s alright. Are you sure you still want to go out tonight?

I was not about to cancel our date. I didn’t know what was going on with Aunt Addie, but the way she just acted pissed me off. Not to mention the feeling I got about her guest.

Just give me a minute to change, then we can leave, I said, dashing up the stairs.

Once in my bedroom, I took my clothes off, tossing them to the floor. After looking around in my closet, I grabbed my favorite pink Sundress.

Heading into the bathroom, I re-applied my makeup and ran the brush through my hair. I inspected myself in the mirror, deciding that I looked decent enough. I dabbed some perfume on my wrist, grabbed my white cardigan,