A New Beginning

By Valenciya Lyons

Cami has survived it all. She had a miscarriage and tried to commit suicide. Now someone wants to take her life away. But will she make it out alive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valenciya Lyons
• Release date: Jul 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311762634

Valenciya Lyons

The Mississippi native’s love for writing began around the age of ten. During this time, she wrote short stories and poems and was encouraged by her grandmother to pursue a career in writing. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi and received a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Studies. She currently resides in Meridian, Mississippi. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading fashion magazines, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The cold, freezing, rain continuously poured down onto her aching body. But no matter how hard it fell, she continued to dig the hole even deeper. It was for the one person she hated most in this world—Cami Alderson. Thoughts of Cami filled her head and made Kelly Davidson pound the shovel into the wet dirt even harder. She couldn’t wait to bury her in this grave.

Since Leena and Logan had passed away, her parents’ divorce had been finalized. She’d dropped out of high school and her father was constantly on her case about going back to school and getting a job. But Leena and Logan were on her mind all the time so she couldn’t really focus on anything else. There still weren’t any new developments on who had shot and killed Logan but rumors were swirling around town that it was drug related. She’d never known her brother to be involved in any type of drug related activity so this came as a surprise to her. She also didn’t feel as if the police department was doing enough to capture her brother’s killer so she was going to do it herself—after she buried Cami.

She dropped the shovel to her side while her thoughts drifted to Leena. The day that she attended the funeral she took one final look at Leena’s body and collapsed onto the floor in a fit of tears. Everything that her mother taught her about controlling her emotions in public went out the window. In that moment she didn’t care who saw her crying mountains of tears; her only sister and best friend was gone. She’d been taken away from her because of that bitch, Cami Alderson.

Kelly closed her eyes while the rain continued to drench her body. The rain slowly blended in with the tears that fell from her face. She hated crying but anytime she thought of Leena she’d always lose herself.

Kelly, she heard a familiar voice say. She opened her eyes and frantically looked around but didn’t see anyone. Then she heard the voice behind her.

Kelly? She slowly turned around and gasped.

It hasn’t been that long since we’ve seen each other, has it? Leena asked. Kelly blinked. She had to be seeing things. But here was a soaking wet Leena Davidson standing before her with brown hair clinging to her body. She still appeared to be very thin but her jeans and sequined blouse (although wet) looked as if it had been tailored to fit her body.

Kelly could feel herself taking a step back. She’d never believed in ghosts before and couldn’t believe that she was actually seeing her dead sister. But you can’t be here. For a moment, she looked away from Leena and then turned to look at her again and took another step back. You’re supposed to be in the ground. She shuddered. All dead people are supposed to be in the ground.

I’m here, Kelly, she stated with a genuine smile.

Well, I guess it’s safe to say that I missed you, she managed to say while remaining a safe distance away.

Leena took a step towards her. You don’t have to be scared of me. I am your big sister and I wouldn’t hurt you. But I have missed you, too. Kelly didn’t offer a response instead she watched Leena walk towards the hole that she had been digging. Nice hole, she said, examining it. Who’s it for?

Who do you think? Kelly snapped.

Leena smirked. It’s nice to know that you’ve been planning while I’ve been away. She kicked some dirt into the hole.

Is that what you call it?

You need to be more positive…

My life, Kelly began as she tried to ignore the lump in her throat, has been a complete nightmare since you left me.

Leena studied her a moment before speaking. I didn’t leave by choice.

Then why did you shoot up with heroin?

What do you think?

You should’ve stayed with me. I mean, you and Logan practically left me all alone. We could’ve fled the state together and started our lives over.

No, Leena said flatly.

Things would’ve worked out for us.

Maybe. Maybe not. Look, I’m sorry about how things turned out, but I’m still with you.

Kelly turned away from her briefly. So what now?

Leena walked closer to her until their bodies almost touched. Cami did this to us. So now you have to get rid of her. Then she grabbed the wet shovel and handed it to her younger sister. It’s not deep enough.

Chapter 2

Are you ready? Marissa asked Cami who was standing beside her outside on the front lawn of Crossroads Community College.

Cami, who was dressed in a black blazer with a gold tank top underneath, black pencil skirt, and strappy stilettos responded, Yeah, let’s just go in and get this class over with.

I’m glad it’s Friday. We don’t even have to look at this place tomorrow.

Unless you have one of those Saturday classes.

No way would I ever sacrifice my Saturday. I need that day for sleep and shopping.

Cami chucked at her best friend. She loved college a lot more than high school. She didn’t get as many stares from people. Sometimes she was asked about her father’s sex tape with Kathy Davidson and her suicide attempt. One girl in her class—who wore black from head to toe—called her Suicide girl. But she tried not to let it get to her.

Without Leena or Kelly around, she felt as if she had a new beginning. She didn’t catch herself thinking about them as often as she once had but she still thought of Natalie every day. Hearing Leena or Kelly Davidson’s name, seeing an infant, or hearing the word pregnancy were triggers that would instantly make her think of the baby girl she’d miscarried.

Cami, Marissa whispered while they were walking to class but Cami didn’t hear her. She lightly nudged her in her side with her elbow.

What? Cami finally said.

Just enter the classroom, she whispered.

Once both girls took their seats, Cami turned to her friend and said, What?

Did you not see him staring at you?

See who?

Seth Brennan.

Oh, you mean Dr. Brennan’s son? (Dr. Brennan was her high school principal.)

Yeah.

No, I didn’t see him.

Marissa grinned. He likes you, Cami.

Cami didn’t respond. Seth Brennan asked her to go to the movies with him but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to date again. She’d had her heart broken by her first love, River, and she didn’t want to end up in the same boat again.

Cami, she whispered. She glanced over in Marissa’s direction. Your boyfriend’s here.

She could feel his eyes on her without looking up to meet them. He took a seat two rows away from her but every so often she could still feel those brown eyes watching her.

Cami glanced at her watch. It was 8:10 A.M.

What’s the rule for professors not showing up? Marissa asked her.

I think if they’re fifteen minutes late, you can leave, she replied. I mean, it really would’ve been nice for him to show up. I wanted to get this presentation over with.

If Dr. Johnson doesn’t want to come to class, then why are we here? a girl said.

Aren’t we supposed to wait twenty minutes to see if he actually shows up? another one asked.

Marissa stood and gathered her belongings. I’m leaving. I really don’t think he’s coming.

Dr. Johnson canceled class, Seth announced. I just checked my e-mail.

Everybody began to quickly gather their belongings and exit the classroom leaving Cami, Marissa, and Seth behind. Marissa winked at her and mouthed, I’ll be waiting outside. When she left, Cami walked over to Seth’s desk.

Hello, Seth, she greeted him.

Hello, Cami. He couldn’t help but stare at her. She looked absolutely stunning, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she’d agree to go to the movies with him. The last time he’d asked her was right before the end of class. Once Dr. Johnson finished his lecture for the day, she hurried off and said that she had to go or else she’d be late for work. You look beautiful.

Thank you, Seth. Wow, even his name sounded more beautiful when she said it and it made him blush uncontrollably. But Cami didn’t seem to notice the effect she was having on him.

She sighed. I know that you asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with you… He stopped blushing and focused all of his attention on her. And I will but… Then, his happiness started to fade. But what?

Um… He waited for her to say more. Nothing, she said quickly.

If you want to tell me something then say it, he said. I’m not going to bite you.

I’d feel more comfortable if I could bring a friend along and if you want you can bring someone, too.

"Okay. So is