Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny

By Amy Shannon

Update: 2023

Unwritten Life Paths to Destiny

Prequel to “Unwritten Life” (best read after Rewritten Life)
MOD Life Epic Saga Volume 3 of 67

Experience the two paths taken that brought them into each other’s arms.

Alexis’ path begins with her on trial for murder. Live through Alexis’ ordeal as she flashes to memories of her and her first love, Matthew Garris. Experience her “cop fascination” as she makes her travels across the country and transforms herself from Alexis Garris to Alex Garrison, where she finally meets her destined love.

Jim’s path begins with his search for his perfect blonde, perfect woman, his destined angel. Jim’s path intersects with Alexis Garris, but both are unknown to each other. Experience Jim’s heartbreak at the loss of his father, along with the pain of losing his best friend, Matthew Garris, while he tries to discover where he wants his life to end. Experience Jim’s side of the story as he met Alex Garrison.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: May 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463442326

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Unwritten Life: Paths to Destiny

A Prequel to Unwritten Life

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire Mod Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Experience the two paths taken that brought them into each other’s arms.

Alexis’ path begins with her on trial for murder. Live through Alexis’ ordeal as she flashes to memories of her and her first love, Matthew Garris. Experience her cop fascination as she makes her travels across country and transforms herself from Alexis Garris to Alex Garrison, where she finally meets her destined love.

Jim’s path begins with his searching for his perfect blonde, perfect woman, his destined angel. Jim’s path intercepts with Alexis Garris, but both are unknown to each other. Experience Jim’s heartbreak at the loss of his father, along with the pain of losing his best friend, Matthew Garris, while he tries to discover where he wants his life to end up. experience Jim’s side of the story as he met Alex Garrison.

The prequel to Unwritten Life.

Alexis’ Path

1

PENNSYLVANIA

Alexis Garris grabbed on to the steel bars and cried. How could this happen to me? she mumbled to herself. She turned around and stared at the 9x9-jail cell that she now called her home. She slowly collapsed on the cot and stared at the ceiling.

Hey, Garris!

She sat up quickly and stared at the two officers. What do you want, Capshaw? she muttered.

This is CO Wheeler. You’re his new assignment. They placed you on 24/7 watch.

Why would they do that? she covered her eyes.

You know why, Officer Capshaw answered. Walter, she’s behaved herself since she was brought in from the hospital, but watch out for the quiet ones, he left them.

Alexis could see Walter’s smile through his bearded face. What are you looking at? she cried.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare, his voice was soft and polite. Please stand over here.

She reluctantly got up and walked over to the bars. Yes, sir, what is it?

He extended his hand through the bars. I’m Walter Wheeler. I’ll treat you as you treat me.

She shook his hand. "I’m Alexis Garris, and before you ask, yes, that one."

What one?

Never mind. It’s not important. May I please lie back down? My back is killing me.

Yes, of course. What’s wrong with your back?

Don’t you know anything about me? she snapped. I’m sorry, just tired of having to explain it to everyone, she ran her hands through her light brown hair.

Don’t worry about it. We can talk about it later. Is there anything I can get for you?

I’d like to see my sister-in-law, but they haven’t let me have any visitors yet. I’ve only seen my attorney.

What’s her name? I’ll see what I can do.

Her name’s Emily Martino, Alexis smiled weakly. Um, excuse me, why are you being nice to me? Everyone else treats me like, well, a murderer. I mean, I guess I am one, but you’re different.

Alexis, I treat people the way they treat me. From what I hear, you’re claiming self-defense.

That’s my attorney for you.

Are you saying it wasn’t?

I’m not saying anything. Remember, anything I say can be used against me.

Well, it looks like we’ll be together at least until the trial is over. I’ll be right over there if you need me, he pointed to a small, windowed room across from the cell.

Sure, whatever. I’m not going anywhere, she sat on the cot, buried her face in her hands, and closed her eyes. Oh, Matthew, what happened? she whispered. How’d we end up here? Six years is just not long enough, her mind flooded back to when she first met Matthew.

Alexis and Mary stood behind the counter waiting for more customers to arrive. The bell gently chimed as the front door opened. Alexis gasped with excitement as she watched John and a stranger walk in and sit down. Mary, who’s that with John? she managed to say.

Oh, him? Mary smiled teasingly. That’s Matthew Garris. Nice uniform, huh?

Oh, yeah, Alexis took a deep breath. Oh, yeah.

Lex, I thought you liked cops, she laughed.

Very funny, she rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand. I can’t explain it but a man in uniform, is just, well, I don’t know, extremely sexy.

You just like the shiny metals that lay across their chest, Mary laughed.

Never mind that, just tell me more about this Matthew, Alexis poured herself a cup of coffee.

Oh, all right, Mary turned and faced Alexis. He’s new in town. He’s a captain in the Marines. He met John a few weeks ago. I guess, you could say that Matthew has been traveling around the country.

Why is he in a dress uniform then?

There was some special service today. I’m not sure what it was about. John had to be there today, because the Governor was also there.

Yeah, John’s some bodyguard, isn’t he?

Yes, he is and he’s all mine, Mary cracked.

I know. I’d never, Mary, you know me.

Yes, honey. I do know you. Why don’t you bring them some coffee over? Maybe John will introduce you to him.

She ran her hands over her hair in an attempt to fix it.

Lex, you look fine.

Yeah, right. I’m a mess, Alexis grabbed the coffee pot and carried it over to the men. Hi, John, she tried not to look at the gorgeous Matthew Garris but couldn’t help herself. You two want some coffee?

Matthew looked up at Alexis and smiled brilliantly. Alexis noticed his piercing blue eyes that complemented his dark wavy hair. Yes, thank you, he said.

Alexis took a deep breath and poured John his cup, but when she tried to pour Matthew’s cup, her hand shook nervously, and she spilled it all over his lap. Oh, my god. I’m so terribly sorry, Alexis quickly ran over to the counter to grab some towels. She gently patted Matthew’s lap. I’m really sorry. I don’t know what came over me.

Matthew touched her arm and their eyes met. Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing the dry cleaners can’t handle, he laughed.

I’ve never done anything like this before. I don’t know what happened. I’m so sorry. Did I burn you?

No. Please, sit down, he smiled. John, will you excuse us for a moment?

John stood up. Lex, please sit down. I’ll be over with Mary if you need us, he hurried over to the counter. John and Mary focused their eyes on the couple as Alexis sat down.

Lex? Matthew asked.

My name’s actually Alexis, she smiled nervously.

I’m Matthew Garris. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

I’m so sorry about this. I guess, well, I got a little flustered, she admitted.

Really? Why?

You’ll have to excuse me. I’m sorry. One of my faults is that I’m brutally honest and never subtle, she rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand.

What are you trying to say to me, then? he stroked her hand as it lay on the table.

Here goes nothing, she looked up and met his eyes. I find you very attractive. There I said it, she took a deep breath.

Well, Alexis, You’re very beautiful.

She blushed slightly. How long are you in town? I heard that you’re in the Marines.

I’ve been traveling a lot. I was promoted to Captain recently, but it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Alexis looked around. I know the feeling, she smiled at John and Mary as they continued to watch them. You’ll have to excuse them. They act like they’ve never seen me with a man before.

Oh, you aren’t involved with anyone? Matthew asked.

No, and it’s been a while since I’ve dated. I’m just so busy here at the diner.

Not to knock this place or anything, but why do you work here?

Let me formally introduce myself, she smiled as she took a deep breath. I’m Alexis Rossi.

Oh, he said. I didn’t know. I’m sorry.

No, I’m sorry. If you’re uncomfortable, I understand. Once people find out who I am, they usually are slightly intimidated.

Oh, it’s not that. I just didn’t realize that a waitress would be a millionaire, he laughed slightly.

I’m sorry, Matthew, she started to stand. I’ll let you finish your coffee.

Alexis, wait, please, he smiled and took her hand. He kissed it softly. It doesn’t bother me, but it just makes me more curious. Why do you work here as a server?

I like meeting people and earning my keep. Yes, I do own the diner, but I like working here. I didn’t earn the money that I inherited, my mother did. I use it when I see a need for it, that’s all, she sat back down.

Alexis, would you like to have dinner with me? His blue eyes pleaded with her. I’d like to get to know you a little better.

I’d like that. When? She nervously ran her hand back and forth over her forehead.

Tonight. How’s six?

Sounds good, she smiled. You can pick me up here. I live in the apartment upstairs.

You’re amazing, you know that? Matthew said as he walked out.

Alexis ran her hands through her light brown hair and smiled confidently as she strutted over to John and Mary. So, John, what’s wrong with him?

What do you mean, Lex?

John, he’s gorgeous, polite, and extremely nice. What’s wrong with him?

Nothing that I know of. I swear. From what I understand, he’s on the up and up. The Governor introduced us a few weeks ago. Matthew Garris and his ex-partner received the Medal of Honor a few years ago. Matthew traveled around after making captain. I guess he isn’t quite as happy as he used to be when he was just a regular marine. He’s trying to find a place to call home, John smiled. You like him, don’t you?

Yeah, from what I know right now, I think I do.

Lex, it’s OK. I know you haven’t been happy. Please, at least see how this turns out with Matthew. He doesn’t have to be a cop to make you happy. Besides, he’s better than a cop. He’s a Marine, John laughed. Give yourself a chance to be happy.

I’m going to pretend that you didn’t say that, Alexis smiled. But I’ll give him a chance, as well as myself. Yes, I definitely will.

Alexis answered the door and there stood Matthew. I hope I’m not too early, he said. He gazed at her in her black dress. Wow, you look great.

She smiled. Yeah, quite a difference from my uniform, she laughed. You look great yourself. Your uniform cleans up nice.

He smiled. Well, the other one’s at the cleaners. John told me that you like uniforms.

I’ll have to kill him for that, she smiled. Come on in. Let me just finish getting ready.

Matthew walked in and looked around her apartment. This is a really nice place. Not what you would expect being over a diner.

Alexis finished putting on her shoes and smiled. Well, it wasn’t my idea. My attorney, Jason, thinks he’s my father. So, he had this placed furnished for me.

Matthew sat down on the sofa. You’re really beautiful, you know that.

Thank you, she focused on the floor as if she were embarrassed.

He touched her face with his finger and brought her eyes to meet his. Alexis, you’re beautiful. Please don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.

I’m not worried, she said hesitantly.

Alexis, may I kiss you?

She nodded slightly. He pulled her head into a warm, soft sensual kiss. She pulled away slowly. I’m sorry, but I can’t go any further than that, she stood up quickly.

Alexis, Matthew stood up and placed his hands on her bare shoulders. I’m not asking you to. I have to admit, I haven’t ever been in a serious relationship. The last relationship I had was with my best friend, JC. We grew up together and then enlisted in the Marines. There haven’t been any women in my life in a very long time.

I’m kind of new at this, too, she turned to him. I just can’t sleep with you tonight, she ran her hands over his shoulders. I’d like to, but I don’t want us to start out like that. I’ve made that mistake too many times.

I understand. Alexis, what do you really want out of life?

I should ask you first. You’re the one who’s traveling around the country. Are you going to leave here?

Not if I have a reason to stay.

What would be a good enough reason? Her eyes lit up as she smiled.

You. You would be a good enough reason, he sat back down on the sofa.

You would give up everything, just to stay here, because of me? She sat next to him.

I wouldn’t be giving anything up. I’m a lonely man. What’s left of my family and friends is back in Arizona. I thought that I wanted to explore the country, but now that I’ve met you, I feel connected to you somehow. I can’t explain it.

Alexis touched his cheek. Matthew, do you have dreams?

Yeah, I guess I do. What are your dreams, Alexis?

To be happy and to live out my written life.

Your written life? he stroked her cheek.

Yeah. The life that I was destined to live. What’s written is the life that makes you happy.

I completely understand, and I’d like that, too, he stood up and took her hand. Are you ready for dinner?

Yes, she followed him out.

2

ALEXIS STARED AT the bars and cried. If only things were still that simple, she sat up, walked over to the bars, and stared at Walter at his post. Walter, can I get out of here and stretch my legs?

What do you mean?

Since I had the surgeries, they let me out a few times a day to walk around the corridor to stretch my legs. You can call and verify if you want.

Don’t worry about it, Alexis, he walked over and unlocked her cell door. Just stay in this area.

Not that I could go anywhere else, she muttered. Do you know when I can see Emily?

I put in a call to the Sheriff. He’ll contact her through your attorney. Hopefully, tomorrow she’ll be able to come and visit.

Thank you. She’s the only one I have left, Alexis continued her walk around the corridor. That is, if she doesn’t hate me.

Alexis, are you all right? Walter asked her.

Considering everything. Yeah, I’m fine, she continued her walk without saying another word. When she was tired, she went back into her cell and lay down. Walter?

He walked over and unlocked the cell. What is it, Alexis?

How does life just die?

I don’t know what you mean, Alexis.

Oh, nothing, don’t worry about it. I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself, she put her arm over her face as he walked away.

Alexis, Love. Come on. Wake up.

Alexis rolled over and gazed into Matthew’s eyes. What are you doing here so early?

I wanted to give these to you, he handed her a bouquet of thirteen roses. Twelve were red and there was a single white rose in the center.

What’s this for?

I wanted to say that I’m sorry, she sat up and touched his face. Sorry for last night.

Matthew, I completely understand. If you want to wait, I have no problems with it, she smelled the roses. What’s the white one for? she smiled.

That’s the I’m sorry rose. The others are just, well, something, he grinned.

What do you mean something? Her eyes lit up.

He took her hand and led her out of bed. I want, no, I need to tell you something. Come with me please, he whispered softly.

She put her robe on and followed him into the living room. Matthew, is something wrong?

No, nothing’s wrong. I just need to tell you.

Matthew, just say it. Whatever’s on your mind, please just say it.

Alexis, Love, he set her on the sofa and stroked her cheek. Yes, that’s exactly it. I, um, well, I love you.

She smiled brightly. You do?

Yes, I think that I fell in love with you the minute you poured coffee on my lap. Yes, I love you.

Matthew, I love you, too, her lips trembled slightly.

And I was so nervous, he whispered.

Baby, you never have to be nervous with me. Whatever’s on your mind, you have to tell me. Yes, I do love you, very much. More than you can imagine.

He fumbled in his pants pocket. Um, Love, do you love me enough to marry me?

Marry you?

Yes, I want you to become my wife. I want you to be Mrs. Matthew Garris. I love you so much and I never want to lose you.

Oh, Matthew, she cried. I’d love to marry you.

He pulled out the ring box from his pocket and handed it to her.

She smiled as she opened the box. Oh, it’s so beautiful.

It’s not as fancy as you deserve, but—

I love it. It’s beautiful. Will you put in on my finger? she asked, as she gazed at the one-carat diamond ring.

He slowly slid the ring on her finger and kissed it once it was properly in its place. I love you.

And I love you.

Alexis sat up and looked around the dark room. Walter?

He walked over to the cell. What’s wrong?

Just wondered what time it was. It’s so dark in here.

Well, I shut down the lights, so you could sleep.

Thanks.

Are you any better? he asked.

A little. It’s just so hard to sit in here and wait for my fate.

Try and get more sleep. Good night, Alexis, Walter walked back to his office and lay down on his cot.

Alexis lay back down. Oh, Matthew. Stay with me forever, please, she whispered, as she fell back to sleep.

Alexis crossed her arms and turned her back. Matthew, what do you want from me?

You, Alexis. All I want is you, his sad eyes pleaded with her. You’re not happy like this. You never were.

She turned around and faced him. But, my parents. I can’t let go of them. This is all theirs. I can’t let it go, she dropped on the lawn.

Matthew sat next to her. Love, are you happy with all of this?

This? This what? she cried. This is my parent’s house. This stuff is theirs. I can’t just let it go.

He put his arm around her. Your parents have been dead for over fifteen years, Love.

She stood up. Don’t you think I know that? She snapped.

Love, think about it. Who were your parents?

She rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand. They were the most loving people I knew. I love them so much. I miss them terribly.

He hugged her tightly. I know you do. But, Love, think about it. We’ll be starting a new life together. Holding on to these things, these things that you never use, doesn’t bring your parents back.

I guess you’re right. I never come here, anyway. The house is so big. I never use the yacht or the planes. I don’t even go to the island. I guess my dad liked his toys. He was such a good man.

It’s still up to you. These are your things now, but these are not who you are.

Oh, Matthew. I’m sounding like a spoiled brat, aren’t I?

No.

You hate it because I have so much money, don’t you?

"I love you, very much. Rich or poor, I’d still love