A Burden of Choice: A Circle of Roses, #1

By Stefan Ellery

Amelia liked Lee, liked the way he handled himself with Rod the High School football teams’ captain who kept paying unwanted attention towards her. If she had a chance she would let him hold her in a long embrace. But when she participated in a dare to support her best friend Dana’s involvement with a boy she liked things changed. If she had known that she would be possessed with a supernatural power she would have stayed home. Now she is faced with a choice of keeping it or ridding herself of the power. If she makes the wrong choice it could mean her death at the hands of Lee or being used by a group of people who want to control the world

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stefan Ellery
• Release date: Sep 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516357215

Book preview

A BURDEN OF CHOICE

Stefan Ellery

Young Adult Paranormal

www.stefanellery.com

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Young Adult Paranormal

A Burden of Choice

Copyright © 2013 Stefan Ellery

First E-book Publication: June 2013

Cover design by Stefan Ellery

Edited by Kyle Lewis

Proofread by Rene Flowers

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

Stefan Ellery

www.stefanellery.com

DEDICATION

I would like to thank my son Joshua who presented the initial idea for part of this book and insisted that I write it. Without him I may not have had a novel to publish.

I would also like to thank some wonderful ladies who helped me become a better writer, by sharing their writing struggles with me during the creation of this novel. Kathleen, Amber, Julianne, Jessica, Monique. You’ve have taught me a lot and I know I will learn more as we all continue to grow with our writing.

A BURDEN OF CHOICE

Stefan Ellery

Copyright © 2013

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Chapter One

Amelia pulled her text books out of her locker and placed them into her knap sack. She jumped and dropped her bag when a hand slammed on the locker beside her. Her gaze followed the thick arm up to Rod's grinning face.

Subtle, can you be any more abrasive? Amelia wanted to slap Rod in the face. She hated how he stalked her in the halls and how his gaze would linger on her in class.

Rod brushed his blond hair back, I’m checking on my girl. Nothing wrong with that is there?

Amelia tensed. This was not the first time Rod had claimed her as his girlfriend. There was a time when she was attracted to him, but that time was short lived when she found out what kind of person he was. I’m not your girlfriend, it’ll never happen.

The grin never left Rod and his eyes bore into hers. Well, I doubt you'll find anyone in school or in town that'll be interested in you. Let’s face it, I'm the only one you’ll ever have a chance with.

Amelia clenched her fists. The pressure caused her knuckles to crack. That's because you have all the guys too scared to get close to me, except those on the football team, and they're your friends. Amelia looked over Rod's shoulders and saw some of the team standing aside waiting for Rod, their captain.

Rod, shrugged his shoulders Sure, whatever. You're coming out tonight. It’s our challenge for the wannabe football players and cheerleaders.

Amelia knew it would be a hazing. The football players and cheerleaders were already selected and the ones that would be picked on tonight were classed as the rejects, though they had no idea. No Rod, I don't think I will be attending. I saw what you did to last year's group.

Amelia noticed a student walking down the hall. Rod's voice became a tiny buzz as she watched Lee. He drew the gaze of many of the girls that he passed. Lee was a new student who started a month later than everyone else. Rod started to talk louder and she was forced to shut him out so she could concentrate on Lee. It was not the Asian features or his suntanned skin that drew her to him. It was a strength she could sense he possessed, and she wanted to see what that strength was.

Rod waved his hand in front of Amelia. Well, what is it yes or no?

No. Amelia did not take her gaze from Lee. With Rod it was always safer to say no. She had no idea that Rod had left her until he moved in front of Lee; his friends followed and surrounded Lee. Amelia cursed. She had put Lee in this situation.  She should have taken one glance and been satisfied with that. She moved to stop Rod from doing something stupid, but it was too late.

Rod placed himself in front of Lee and pointed towards Amelia. See that girl, she's mine. If you think you can have her, you're wrong.

Lee looked towards Amelia and her face went red. Of course, I cannot have what hasn’t been given to me.

Rod nodded. That's right, you can't.

Lee had not flinched once and just stared back at Rod Nor can you.

Rod's eyes went wide and his teeth clenched What?

Nor can you.

Rod slammed his shoulder into Lee and pushed him into the lockers. He then pulled Lee’s body away and pinned Lee against the lockers with his hands. Just say you'll listen to me when I ask you to do something and you'll be fine. Lee didn't say anything and let Rod push him harder. Say it, just say it. Lee didn't speak and Rod's frustration could be seen on his face. I warned you.

Rod pulled his arm back to strike Lee's face. There was a loud bang when flesh met metal. Rod, angry at missing, pulled Lee away from the lockers and shoved him back. Except, instead of Lee being slammed against them, he moved off to the side and snaked his arm around Rod's arm. Lee then took his free hand and gripped Rod’s wrist and pressed Rod’s hand against his chest, and finally folded it back. Rod crumpled to the floor. Each time Rod tried to get up, he was placed back down with a slight adjustment of Lee’s hand. Rod's friends moved away not knowing what to do. Lee released Rod and left without looking back.

Rod picked himself up from the floor and moved backed to Amelia. He ran a finger through a lock of her hair. This doesn't change anything, you're meant to be with me. Rod left in the direction of his friends.

Amelia wiped her hair. She felt like Rod had stained it with grease. She slung her knap sack over her shoulders, slammed the locker door, and headed off to class.

The short walk was not an easy one. She could feel the hard piercing stares of Rod's would be girlfriends. They were jealous of the fact Rod had paid her some notice. She wished Rod would chase after one of them. It would make her life easier.

As Amelia passed around the corner, a pompom came hurtling through the air and smacked her in the face. She stopped in surprise, feeling some pain. Picking up the pompom, she found a hard rubber ball inside it. Looking up, she could see a girl wearing a yellow skirt disappear into a classroom. The cheerleaders were the worst. They claimed Rod for themselves and would look for any opportunity to harass her. This was a new level for them though. She preferred the sharp piercing stares and the silence from them than what had just happened. She held her anger in check and hoped things would not get any worse.

Amelia reached her class and looked at Lee, whose desk was on the other side of the room. When she had her fill of Lee, she sat down beside her best friend, Dana.

Dana kept on pulling on the hem of her blouse and looked between her knees. Amelia, will you be going tonight?

Amelia had a sinking feeling. Tonight? What about tonight?

Dana flicked the curls hanging over her shoulder behind her. You know, with the football team and their recruits.

Amelia wrinkled her nose in distaste. Oh, please I'm not interested in watching the football team haze a bunch of hopefuls and scare some girls into their arms. Amelia had thought Dana, at least, was one person who knew better.

Well I wouldn't mind being in Samuel's arms, Dana sighed. Except....

Amelia prepared herself for what Dana was about to say. Except what?

Dana leaned towards Amelia. They won't let me come, unless I bring a friend, and you are the only one I can count as a friend.

Amelia had underestimated Rod—for someone who she thought had muscles for brains, he had managed to find a way to get to her.

Dana gripped her note book and crushed it. Look, I want to confess to Samuel and tonight may be my only chance, but without you, I'll never have the opportunity.

Amelia had her doubts. If Samuel had been interested in her, he would have made a play for her attentions a while back. Now Amelia had no choice but to go. She had a feeling she would be brushing tears off of Dana's face. Fine, where and when.

Dana's face brightened. Just before midnight. At the abandoned church up on Hilltop Road. You know the one that burnt down?

Amelia stood up in surprise. What! Are they out of their minds? That place has been sealed off since the Ramsey kids went in and never came out.

Dana looked at her, and laughed. You know that’s just an urban legend. Besides, do you know of anyone who’d heard of the Ramsey kids before that rumor?

Amelia sat back onto her stool No, but...

But, what, I need you, this is my only shot. And I promise I'll keep Rod off your back. Please?

Amelia closed her eyes. Fine, but you're making this hard for me.

Dana looked down Sorry.

You’re lucky my parents are not light sleepers. I swear though, if Rod lays a hand on me, I'm out. She would be more than out; she would slice him up and feed him to the crows.

Dana clasped her hands in front of her chest. I promise you, he won't.

The sound of the ruler hitting the flat surface of the table stopped Amelia's and Dana's conversation, and all the other chatter in the classroom. Mr. Stanley smiled at the sudden silence. Now that I have your attention, I would like to remind you, you have a test on the periodic table next week. Lucky for you, I'm giving up half the class for group study. The other half will be reserved for an experiment on combustion. Now pair up and get to it.

Amelia's father was a chemical engineer, which gave her an advantage. Amelia, not needing to study, spent the time coaching Dana. However, Dana's mind was absorbed in tonight’s adventure and Samuel, to the point she could not even wrap her head around H20. It irritated her. She did not know why the thought of a boy would turn her friend's mind to mush. Amelia could not comprehend it. There was no way she would ever allow herself to lose control like that.

Mr. Stanley placed a dish on the counter, pulled out a water dropper from his sleeve, and let a single bead of liquid land onto the dish. Reddish smoke appeared which turned to purple as the smoke wafted up towards the ceiling. A small flame rose out of the dish, startling everyone but Lee. The flame disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Mr. Stanley looked satisfied at the students’ reaction. Does anyone here have any idea how I was able produce fire with a single drop of water?

Not one person had an answer and Mr. Stanley allowed a long silence before he noticed Lee staring out the window. Lee, if you have so much time to look out the window perhaps you have the answer to my question?

Lee turned his head towards Mr. Stanley. Yes sir, you have a mixture of powdered iodine and magnesium in the dish. When water mixes with both substances, it creates a chemical reaction causing the iodine and magnesium to combust. Lee resumed staring out the window.

Mr. Stanley's jaw dropped along with many others in the class.

The bell rang and everyone left class in a hurry. Amelia caught sight of Lee, and rushed to catch up to him. That was impressive.

Not at all, it's more like a parlor trick, our teacher wanted to show off. Lee did not sound condescending, except something bothered Amelia in the manner in which he spoke. She wondered if he thought himself superior.

Hey, would you like to study for next week’s test with me?

Sorry, I can't bother with people now; I am sure you will do fine. Lee spoke in an unemotional voice.

Amelia, irked by the blatant brush off, stormed past Lee, walked out of the school, and hurried home. She’d had it with guys. They were either in your face or too stupid to notice. She kicked a pop can, sending it across a fence.

Amelia cooled down during her walk home and Lee was forgotten for the day.

Arriving home she was nearly knocked over by the postman who fled from her front yard. She saw her mother standing on the front porch with her arms crossed.

What’s with the postman?

That man had the gall to tell your dad he had a trophy wife —I straightened him out. Her mother was a Psychologist and she knew how to use her words effectively. Amelia almost felt sorry for the postman.

Amelia grinned Well, you are beautiful.  Her thick black hair, and a face that any model would die for, was proof of that.

"Beauty is overrated. The postman’s comments are bad enough, but having the neighbors stare at me while they cut the lawn or water their gardens is more than annoying.

They’re just admiring you at a distance,

Her mother swatted at a fly that passed by her Maybe they should be admiring their wives instead.

Amelia laughed and kissed her mom on the cheek. Where’s dad?

Most likely fled upstairs to his office. He can never handle it when I get defensive.

Amelia went to check on her dad. She entered his office and carefully avoided stepping on journals that lay on the floor. He sat at his desk surround