Reflections

By R.S. Novelle

Graham had a simple life: A job he enjoyed, a wife that he loved, and a young son that kept each and every day full of surprises. But when his father passed away unexpectedly, he inherited a family heirloom that would begin to...complicate matters.

A mirror that had been in his family for generations, Graham quickly found that its reflections were out of the ordinary, and that it had prophetic powers beyond his comprehension. Giving him just a momentary glance at souls who were on the knife’s edge of life and death, it was up to him to try to save them as they were thrust unknowingly into his path.

Finding a way to balance his daily life with this newfound responsibility was proving arduous enough, but when the mirror begins showing him reflections of his own family, Graham finds his world irretrievably changed. Will he be able to save them, or will he be forced to live with the same regret that so many have suffered before him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.S. Novelle
• Release date: Jan 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310308154

R.S. Novelle

Formerly a freelance journalist, Novelle has found placement of 75 of her pieces in both online and print publications since 2008. Additionally, she has written multiple screenplays, and contributed her effective writing style to many non-profit and for profit organizations. She launched several blogs over the years, which garnered international attention. In 2013, Novelle returned to her first love – fiction. Writing under the names Renee Novelle and R.S. Novelle, she has a publication schedule that includes psychological thrillers, suspense, paranormal fiction, contemporary women’s fiction, chick lit, and new adult. Though she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, Summa Cum Laude, she considers herself a constant student of the written word. She’s an avid reader, an enthusiastic quote poster, and rarely takes “no” as a final answer. She has an unhealthy obsession for theater, dance, music and art, and strongly believes that wine is simultaneously the beginning of, and resolution to, all of life’s problems. She believes in following dreams, and that in the end, you always end up where you're meant to be.

Book preview

Reflections

By R.S. Novelle

PUBLISHED BY:

R.S. Novelle on Smashwords

Copyright © 2013 by R.S. Novelle


SMASHWORDS EDITION

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
 may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever 
without the express written permission of the publisher 
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

The purchaser of this book is subject to the condition that he/she shall in no way resell it, nor any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.

Find out more about this author, and any upcoming works, at the following sites:

Website: http://www.RSNovelle.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RSNovelle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeNovelle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RS_Novelle

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

Additional Titles

CHAPTER ONE

Graham stepped out of the black BMW hybrid, his lanky frame lingering by the drivers side door while his hazel eyes surveyed the crowd. As cars pulled in, parking carefully between tight painted lines, the lot was quickly filling to capacity. Bitter-sweetness warmed his core, though the appreciation that was being shown by friends and family could do little to mask the sadness he felt. A sadness they were all feeling, by the looks of it. The camaraderie was a Band-Aid, but for the moment, it was working.

At least he was admired. He called over the hood of the car as his wife looped a large purse over her shoulder. A trickling of sadness had worked its way through to his voice, which he tried to cover with a sharp cough.

Graceful as she moved, with a hint of a smile playing around the edges of her mouth, Naomi always looked as though she were keeping a secret. His secret, perhaps, that he was far more worked up than he’d ever let anyone know. She moved closer to him, adjusting her husband’s black jacket, pulling intimately at the lapels with fingers nimble from decades of piano playing.

"Your father? Her voice was as soft as her auburn hair, which gleamed radiantly under the pale autumn sun. How could anyone not adore him?"

After patting her hand against his chest, a vote of approval on his overall appearance, she moved toward the back door to release their wriggling son from the confines of his seat.

I don’t know. Graham mused, watching the black-sheathed crowd as they made their way into the building, moving as one somber unit. He’s been kind of a hermit the past couple years, shut up inside his house. I didn’t know he still talked to anyone.

Naomi simply made a non-committal tone, nodding her head in understanding as she tightly clutched her son’s hand. If she could keep him under control, she’d consider it a successful day. Moving back to her husband’s side, she wrapped a supportive arm around his lean waist, and gently rested her head against his bicep. Everyone mourns in their own way, babe. Your father’s way was just to get away from everyone. I think people understood that. Unfortunately, it took a toll on his health also. Waiting a beat, she looked up and flashed him a mischievous smile. "Are you gonna be a recluse when I die?"

Yep. The flecks of green in his eyes caught on fire. When you’re gone, I’m going to stay in the house all day, every day, and let my harem entertain me. The chuckle that escaped nearly suffocated his last few words.

What’s a harem? Caiden asked, his five-year-old face scrunched up in curiosity at the new word.

Nothing for you to know about now. Naomi gently replied after punching her husband solidly in the side. Then she paused, her smile dropping as her brows furrowed in pain.

Mommy, what’s wrong?

Graham looked down at his wife, his expression immediately washing with concern. Her forehead had puckered and her elegant fingers were pressed firmly against the bridge of her nose. Headache?

She nodded, then softened her face as it passed. It’s fine. She smiled, shaking her head as though shaking away the pain. I took some medicine before we left the house. I’m fine. After giving her son a reassuring squeeze of his hand, she met her husband’s concerned eyes and offered a little laugh. It’s nothing. It’s just stress. I promise.

Okay. Graham breathed. Her voice had been firm, a clear sign that she was done with the conversation, so he allowed his mind to settle. He needed to focus anyway on this event they’d have to go into...eventually. The longer he delayed it, the longer he could pretend that it wasn’t real.

As though reading his mind, Naomi nodded toward the entrance of the funeral home. Are you ready for this?

I guess so. He finally sighed. Then he reached for her hand, entangling her long fingers with his.

As soon as the trio stepped inside, they were immediately assaulted with well-intentioned greetings from nearly every angle. Some of the faces looked familiar to Graham, while others he tried searching the deepest corners of his brain for any sign of recognition. And still