Written Life’s Past Meets Present

By Amy Shannon

Update: 2023
Written Life's Past Meets Present
MOD Life Epic Saga Volume 4 of 67

It's over five years later that "Rewritten Life" ended. Alex has had her share of problems in the past, but she finally broke when the loss was too much to bear. She is trying to overcome her breakdown. As she tries to move forward, secrets from the past and people from the past show up unexpectedly. Is she strong enough to keep her family? Is she strong enough to hold on to her sanity? Especially when she finds a long-lost relative who she thought was dead, living here in Sars Springs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: May 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463341537

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

Written Life’s Past Meets Present

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

It's over five years later where Rewritten Life ended. Alex has had her share of problems in the past, but she finally broke when the loss was too much to bear. She is trying to overcome her breakdown. As she tries to move forward, secrets from the past and people from the past show up unexpectedly. Is she strong enough to keep her family? Is she strong enough to hold on to her sanity? Especially, when she finds a long-lost relative who she thought was dead, living here in Sars Springs

Prologue

The light disappeared from my wife’s eyes on that hot, summer’s day. The years of pain and destruction that my wife had to endure could not prepare her for this day.

On July 5th, we celebrated and mourned the birth of our children. July 5th, a date that will never be forgotten.

Alex is my life. We were married over five years ago, after a long relationship. During our time together, I helped her endure the mourning of her late husband, Matthew, who was also my best friend. My wife is the strongest person I know. Sometimes, though, even when life is written out for you, even the strongest person can crumble into nothing.

On July 5th, five years ago, I lost my wife. Her body didn’t die, but her soul did. Stalkers, mad gunmen, dead bodies, or kidnappers could not kill her inside the way our son’s death did.

After a year of being catatonic, my wife finally returned to me. However, she has never been the same woman. I love her and will always love her. Our daughter and I have worked so hard to make her happy. Alex’s friends and family have also stood by her and she’s slowly rebuilding herself. She’s writing her own life now.

I hope, in life, as it is written, she can overcome anything. But, what will happen to her when she finds out the secrets of her past that changes what her present is really about. Her life was written out for her, by someone other than herself.

-James O’Roark

1 Light

ALEX O’ROARK STARED out the bay window and gazed into the yard. She turned around when she heard her husband, Jim drop his duty belt on the kitchen table.

What are you looking at? he smiled.

She shook her head lightly. She’s doing it again.

He walked over to the window and wrapped his arms around her. It’ll be OK. She’ll be fine, he kissed her cheek.

I hope so. I know the doctor said that it was normal, but it’s still hard to watch, Alex ran her hands through her long, blonde hair. She just has to be all right.

Angel, sit down, please, he said, as he pulled out the chair. Just let her be. She’ll be just fine.

Alex sat down and laid her head on the table. When will this feeling go away? she cried.

Angel, what feeling is that? he took her hand and sat down next to her.

Deep, deep loss, she looked up at him as tears streamed down her face.

You came back to me, to us. I told you when you woke up that we would take care of you. I’ll do whatever I can to help you. I promise. We’ll all take care of you.

Alex smiled slightly. It just hurts so much. Do you think that she’s in pain?

Jim walked over to the window and looked out. No, Angel. Our little Destiny is as happy as I’ve ever seen her. I think he comforts her.

I hope it doesn’t go away. I hope he doesn’t go away, Alex wiped her eyes. I think I did the same thing. I don’t remember feeling him, but my mother told me that I had an imaginary friend. Do you think it was him?

Jim touched her face lightly. Yeah, Angel. I do. Your brother has always been by your side. He may have died while you were being born, but he’ll always be with you.

It’s strange, though, she stood up. Sometimes, I feel like he’s right next to me. I never say anything, because I don’t want you thinking that I’m crazy or anything.

I would never think that, he grinned.

Yeah, right. I used to talk to ghosts. My late husband’s ghost. That’s kind of crazy, isn’t it?

Jim poured them both a cup of coffee. Here, drink this, he handed it to her. Angel, if that makes you crazy, then it makes me crazy, too. I used to talk to Matty all the time.

She sipped from her cup and sat down. Jim, I love you. I don’t know how you put up with me. You’re always bringing me back home.

Angel, I told you a long time ago, that we were meant to be together. It’s the truth. I’ll keep you with me, always. Nothing has ever been able to keep us apart for too long.

She took his hand and pulled him close to her. Nice badge, she laughed lightly.

It’s been quite a long time since you’ve admired that.

I couldn’t resist, she kissed him softly on his mouth.

Alex and Jim turned around when they heard the five-year-old footsteps stomping in the house. Mommy! Mommy!

What is it? Alex smiled.

He played with me again, her blue eyes lit up. Matthew played with me again, she ran up to Alex and hugged her.

Alex tried to hide her tears. Raina, he played with you again?

Yes, Mommy. He’s always there, but, today, we played.

Alex ran her hands over Raina’s light brown, curly pigtails. Does he say anything to you?

Jim kneeled beside his daughter. Why don’t you go and wash up for dinner?

Raina kissed Jim’s cheek. OK, Daddy, she started to run out into the entryway and then she turned around. Mommy, don’t be so sad! Matthew said you don’t have to cry anymore! She headed up the stairs.

Alex, it’s all right. The doctor said that was normal. Angel, when a child loses their twin at birth, they still have a connection.

Alex sobbed as he held her. I wish, I wish, she sighed heavily. I wish I could feel better. Jim, I can’t get that feeling out of my head. I’ll never forget holding Matthew’s little body in my arms, she cried harder.

Jim’s eyes started to tear. Come on, Angel, he put his arm around her and led her into the family room. It’s OK. Our son, our beautiful son, died too soon. But, Angel, we’re still blessed. We have our little girl. Our little Destiny, he kissed her cheek. Why don’t you get some rest? I’ll go make dinner, he headed into the kitchen.

Alex wrapped a blanket around herself and walked over to the doorway to the playroom. She smiled, as she looked around at all the toys and stuffed animals. We’re blessed. Our little Raina is our destiny, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She dropped on the sofa and leaned her head back. Why do I miss you so much now? After all these years, I feel like I need you the most now, she whispered. Momma, why aren’t you here with me?

She opened her eyes and stared at the bookshelves that lined the walls. She slowly approached the shelves and pulled out her family album. She hugged it tightly and sat back down on the sofa.

She carefully examined each picture as she turned the pages. Her thoughts were interrupted when Raina ran in the room. Mommy, are you better now?

Alex looked up and smiled. Yes, Destiny. I’m much better now.

What are you looking at? Can I see? her little blue eyes smiled.

Yes. Come sit on my lap, Alex hugged her tightly and placed the album on Raina’s lap.

Mommy, why do you do that?

Do what, Destiny?

Call me Destiny. That not my name. My name is Raina.

Alex smiled. Oh, I’m sorry. I call you Destiny because you were meant for Daddy and me. You were supposed to be our beautiful little girl.

Oh. I like it, but I like my name, too. No one at day care has that name.

Raina is also a very special name. You’re just one special little girl.

Who’s that? Raina’s little fingers pointed to a picture in the album.

That, Alex smiled, is your grandmother. My mother.

I have another Gramma? Raina smiled brightly.

Well, she died a very long time ago. Way before I even knew your Daddy.

Oh, what’s her name?

Marjorie, but people called her Joy, Alex pointed to another photo. And this was your grandfather, Alexander.

He’s cute, Raina smiled.

Yeah, Dad was very nice looking, Alex kissed the top of her head. I’m sorry I never showed these to you, she continued to flip through the pages.

Mommy, wait! Raina slapped the page.

What is it? What’s wrong?

That’s him. That’s Matthew! Raina yelled excitedly.

Jim, get in here now! Alex called.

Jim ran into the room. What’s wrong?

Raina said that this was Matthew! Alex pointed to the infant photo.

Who is that little one?

Alex set Raina on the floor. Why don’t you go play in the playroom until dinner’s ready?

OK, Mommy, Raina ran into the other room.

Alex? Who’s that?

She took a deep breath. It’s my brother. It’s Martin.

You have a picture of your dead brother?

They took Martin’s picture after he was born. This Matthew that Raina’s seeing is my brother, she dropped on the sofa.

I don’t understand. Angel, how could Raina be talking to an infant?

Jim, where’s Matthew’s picture?

Away. I put it away.

Why?

Angel, you know why, he sat down next to her.

I need to see it. I just need to see it, please, her eyes pleaded with him.

Jim kissed her cheek. I’ll get it for you. Let me check on dinner first and then I’ll bring it to you.

OK, she whispered, as she lightly touched the infant’s picture. Martin, how come I don’t feel like you’re really gone?

Raina walked in the room. Mommy, did I make you sad again?

Oh, no. You’re my little Destiny. You never make me sad, Alex hugged her. Raina, this is my brother, Martin. Why’d you call him Matthew?

He just looks like Matthew. I know that he’s a baby, but he looks like Matthew.

Oh, I thought you said that was Matthew.

Jim came in the room and handed Alex the picture. Here, Angel. Here’s Matthew’s photo.

Alex gently caressed the baby’s photo and held it to her chest. Raina peered over at the picture and smiled. Yeah, that’s Matthew. He takes care of me. Can we put it up with the rest of the pictures?

Angel, can we do that? Jim asked, as he sat down.

She nodded slightly and stood up. She pulled out a silver frame from the desk drawer and carefully placed his photo inside it. Where should we put it, Raina?

Next to Matty. They should be together, like they are now.

Jim smiled and took the frame from Alex. I like that idea. Namesakes should be together, he whispered, as he placed the picture next to Matthew’s, her late husband, photo.

Alex smiled. It looks really nice, she wiped the tears from her eyes. Is dinner almost ready?

Yup, just give me a few minutes, Jim hurried into the kitchen.

Wonder what Daddy could be up to? Alex asked, as she took Raina’s hand and led her to the kitchen table.

Alex smiled as she saw the dinner table set up for the three of them. The dinner plates were placed carefully, and a bouquet of red roses sat in the center of the table. Jim, where did you go?

She could hear his footsteps hurrying down the stairs. Sorry. Just wanted to change out of my uniform.

You look cool in your uniform, Daddy, Raina smiled.

He just shook his head and glanced at Alex. Like mother, like daughter.

Exactly, Alex smiled.

Jim dished out the dinner and sat down to join his family. He looked into Alex’s eyes and smiled.

What? she said, as she took a bite of her food.

It’s almost back, he whispered.

What?

The light. The light in your eyes. It’s almost back.

She smiled and touched Raina’s hand. Thanks to you and our Destiny, it’s coming back.

That’s me, right? Raina asked.

Yeah, you’re our Destiny, Jim smiled as he finished his dinner.

2 Rebuilding

JIM WOKE UP ALEX gently. Angel, time to get up, he kissed her cheek.

She rolled over and opened her eyes. What time is it?

It’s five-thirty, he grinned.

Why are you waking me this early?

I wanted to spend a few minutes with you before I headed to the station, he gently pulled her arms, so she’d sit up. Come on, Angel. How long has it been since we’ve watched the sunrise together?

Oh, all right. I’m up, she wearily dragged herself out of bed and put on her robe. Just don’t wake, Raina. She doesn’t need to be wound up before daycare.

Don’t worry. I just checked on her. She’s sound asleep, he kissed her cheek, and they headed downstairs.

He opened the blinds to the bay window and wrapped his arms around her. Do you remember our first sunrise?

She leaned her head back on his chest. Yes, you woke me up early, then, too, she laughed slightly.

Angel, I want you to come back all the way. I know you’re finding your way back to me. I just needed to tell you that I miss you so much.

She turned and faced him. Babe, I’m so sorry. I know that I’ve put you through hell. Why’d I lose it? I just don’t understand. After everything that I’ve been through, that we’ve been through, I just finally lost it.

You’re getting it back. Raina and I need you. I need my wife and she needs her Mommy. We’re a family.

I want to you be your wife again. I really do. I love feeling your arms around me. I know it’s been so long since I’ve, well, since we’ve, and I’m sorry, she ran her hands over his chest. I do really still like the uniform, she kissed him tenderly on his mouth.

He held her tightly. Angel, are you ready? Are you really ready?

She sat down and sipped her coffee. Babe, I lost a year with you and Raina because I shut down. I know that when I came back, four years ago, I wasn’t much of a wife. I want you to know that I’m so sorry. I know that I’m not the same person you fell in love with.

He kneeled beside her. Angel, I love you so much. I love you more now than I did on the day we met. I love you. You’re my wife. I’ll be with you forever. Anything you ever need, I’ll give you.

Babe, don’t make excuses for our lousy sex life, she smiled slightly.

I’m not. We have sex, he grinned.

Yeah, it’s not the same as it used to be. Is it? She touched his face.

Well, no, not really. Angel, I just like holding you. The sex isn’t that important.

Babe, let me remind you of what it used to be like.

Here? Now? What about Raina?

She’ll be asleep for at least another hour, she softly kissed his mouth. It seemed like it’s been forever since they made love sensually. The past few years, sex was just sex, not as sensual as it was in the beginning of their marriage or even relationship.

She ran her hands over his uniform and unbuttoned his shirt. She ran her fingers over his badge before she dropped his shirt to the kitchen floor. She pushed him to lie down on the kitchen table.

He lifted his head up. Here?

Why not? She smiled. Never did it in the kitchen. Besides, I have a new goal.

He pulled her close to him and undid her robe. What’s your new goal?

Almost every room in the house, she smiled. Except, no playroom or kid’s room. I want us to enjoy our home and enjoy each other. I’m so sorry about everything that I ever put you through. I want us to be sensual again, she kissed his chest as she undid his duty belt and threw it on the floor.

He sat up, laid her on the kitchen floor, and slowly made love to his wife. I love you so much. You feel so good. I was right. The light is coming back.

I know that I’ve disappointed you. I didn’t mean to.

You never disappoint me, Angel, he stood up and got dressed.

You have to get going, she smiled as she put on her robe. Jim, can I ask you something?

Anything, Angel, he pulled on his duty belt and adjusted his holster.

Why don’t you take that detective’s job? Is it because of me?

Angel, to be honest, yeah. I needed my hours to be flexible enough to take care of you and Raina.

But, I’m better now. I would just like to see you as a Detective. Less danger. You wouldn’t be on the streets every day.

But then I could get stuck with Randy as a partner, he frowned.

Jim, I thought that you and Randy worked things out years ago.

I just don’t want an old man as a partner. He should be retiring, but, no, he has to be a cop, he said snottily.

Alex laughed slightly as she sat down. Babe, sit down. What’s wrong?

Nothing. Yeah, Randy is an OK guy. I like working with Terry. But, Terry seems to want to be just an officer for the rest of his life.

That’s Terry’s decision, not yours. You need to figure out what you want to do. If you want to be a detective, just take the exam. Jim, I’d feel safer with you as a detective. You’re less likely to be shot. But, it’s up to you.

He kissed her cheek. I know. I know. I’m not sure yet, he smiled. Angel, can I ask you something, though?

What is it?

How did you know when to change jobs? I mean you were the tech manager at Solutions for years. All of a sudden, you gave that job to Carey and took your title as CEO.

You know that wasn’t easy for me. To be honest, being the CEO of Solutions, with Steven, is easier on the work hours. We have the daycare center there and I can see Raina whenever I need to. But, I don’t have to deal with all the office stuff anymore. Yes, I loved working as the manager, but…

Once Treena and Helen were killed, you couldn’t get used to them not being there.

No, Babe. I’ve had enough death in my life. I think that baby Matthew’s was the last straw. I think that’s why I lost it. I lost myself. But, I’m getting it back. Nothing can stop us now, she hugged him.

Nothing will. The past is the past. We’re going to put it behind us and keep moving forward, Angel, he kissed her softly. Now, I have to get to work. I’ll see you tonight. Kiss Raina for me.

I will. Think about what I said, she laughed.

Oh, yes. The living room is next! he said, as he walked out to his car.

Alex finished her coffee and gazed out the window. Raina happily walked into the kitchen. Do you want some cereal? Alex asked.

Can we do our walk first? Raina asked.

OK. Where should we go today? Alex asked.

How ‘bout PA? her eyes smiled.

PA? Where’s that? Alex asked, as she smoothed out Raina’s hair.

You know, PA, where you was born.

Oh, Pennsylvania. Yeah, we can go there, Alex took her hand, and they headed outside. Slowly, they walked around to the back yard. Hmm, which way should we go?

Raina stopped and looked at the farmhouse. Mommy, why does my playroom stick out the back like that?

Alex laughed as she picked her up. Raina, that’s because the house used to be square. We needed to add a few rooms to the house so that you could live with us.

You did that for me? her eyes lit up.

"Raina, we’d do anything for you.