Destiny: You Can't Control Destiny

By D’Bora

The Out Of Control Series continues with the third book of the trilogy, Destiny.

Jermesa Anderson, the former famous talk show host, adopts baby Destiny, the sole survivor of a tragic plane crash and raises Destiny as her own.

As a teenager, Destinys life takes another turn for the worse when she is diagnosed with a life threatening disease that forces Jermesa to find Destinys family. Discovering Destinys roots in royalty leads her to an exciting, adventurous journey to a life of prominence. Finding Destinys true heritage, saves her life but behind the royal walls lies deception.

At the royal palace, Destiny finds a letter that reveals her deceased mothers dark secret along with instructions to flee the palace alone to Mali, Africa for protection and leave the princesss life of beauty, comfort, and status.

After arriving to Mopti, a small rural town in Mali, where the Dogon tribe lives in the cliffs of the Bandiagara. Destiny embraces her new life and becomes intrigued by a handsome young Dogon man. Destiny learns about the Dogons strict cultural beliefs but her curiosity and naivety leads to danger, hard-learned lessons, moral dilemma and eventually self-discovery.

In her defining moment Destiny will have to choose between the complicated love of a Dogon soul mate or the desire for a higher purpose, unsure which will lead to her true destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 12, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452058788

D’Bora

Originally from Cleveland Ohio, D’Bora is the last child of seven.  She was very shy growing up but always had an interest in people, who they were, their character and their life experiences.  Through observing other peoples emotions and their experiences she was able to write not only through her perspective and feelings but from others, as well. She started writing poems at an early age, then songs, short stories, spec scripts for the shows, For Your Love”, “Smart Guy” and “Everybody Loves Raymond” to movies scripts.  After attending the Writing Program at UCLA she wanted to write more than scripts and pursue her aspiration to write a book.  The concept “Out of Control Series”, the trilogy was created.  The three books titled, “Out of Control”, “Out of Control Too” and “Destiny”. After high school D’Bora joined the United States Air Force. Once a civilian, D’Bora’s became involved in the entertainment industry.  First appearing on the shows, Star Trek Voyager, Jamie Foxx Show, Family Matters and the French Prince of Bel Air.  She worked for several movies studios, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Fox and Disney.  In addition, her past experience in the music business led her to a position as a personal assistant to Lionel Richie and then worked as an Estate Manager for other celebrities, Mark Curry, Michael Baisden, Cybill Shepherd and Janet Leigh.

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© 2010 D’Bora. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 9/27/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-5878-8 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-5876-4 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010910733

Printed in the United States of America

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

I dedicate this novel to my father Vance.

Like this story I have overcome abundance of obstacles and challenges and through those experiences I have recognized my true strength, self-worth and faith.

I thank my family, Melanie, David, Ilona, Karen, Yvonne, Rachel and my son Francisco. This third book of the trilogy is a special tribute to my family. Also, I want to acknowledge my extraordinary Aunt Genevieve.

I thank my friends for the continuous support. Special thanks, to Mark Curry and Les Brown. I thank Scheably Nervil for the consistent encouragement and guidance on this project and other endeavors. Jonathan Sebastian Blount you are very wise and thoughtful. Thank you for reminding me that things are not as bad as they seem and to keep moving forward…period.

I dedicate this book to all my faithful readers who have followed me in this literary journey.

God Bless.

D’BORA

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Sunrise Sunset

Chapter Two

Rescue

Chapter Three

Straight To The Bone

Chapter Four

Desperate Measures

Chapter Five

Family Ties

Chapter Six

Princess

Chapter Seven

The Set Up

Chapter Eight

Broken Trust

Chapter Nine

Between The Pages

Chapter Ten

Letting Go

Chapter Eleven

Alone

Chapter Twelve

A New Life

Chapter Thirteen

The World Is Mine

Chapter Fourteen

Tainted Love

Chapter Fifteen

Reality Check

Chapter Sixteen

Crocodile Tears

Chapter Seventeen

Dogon Rules

Chapter Eighteen

A Woman’s Nature

Chapter Nineteen

Another Letter

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

In Tangier, Morocco at daybreak Ameera Kumar walked slowly toward the beautiful beach, the cool breeze blowing her long light brown hair against her fair skin. She paused to watch the sun breaking free from the transition of night to day. She needed to escape from another night of the unclean and disgusting life into which she was born. The expectation of who she was and what she was to become was too much to bear. Her Arabic name Ameera meant princess, and she was a princess in the Royal Palace. Looking in from the outside, it was a life, which most young girls dreamed of and wished for. What could have been a dream had been disrupted by a disturbing turn of events beyond her control.

Ameera stared out into the wide-open space, uncertain of her feelings that ran deeper than any ocean, than any volcano ready to erupt. She paced back and forth pondering, wondering if she could endure another day of deception, guilt and more importantly her dying soul. She thought about what she would leave behind, but all she would gain if she just took the steps to end it all at that moment and not wait another second.

Looking out into the intimidating ocean, she knew could die out there, and it would be a risk, a gamble. Ameera looked toward the enormous palace where she was born and groomed for royalty. It was a familiar, comfortable place and full of riches, but a wealth of lies and deceit rested there as well as a lack of voice and opportunities for her. She glanced back into the unfamiliar; it was calling her. She stepped slowly in the direction toward the unknown and the unsafe. It could be deadly. She wasn’t prepared for the journey, but it was now or never.

Step by step she continued walking. As she neared the beach she felt the warmth of the sun as it was finally approaching full view. It felt inviting, calling for her to move. One foot touched the sand, which was cool beneath her bare well-manicured feet, from the night before. She didn’t give in to the chill that ran up her spine. The sheer silk decorative royal robe, made only for a princess, blew softly in the wind, barely concealing her large breasts and slim frame. She felt alive. She picked up her pace to a trot then started to run with all the drive she had been waiting to release. She didn’t look back-she couldn’t; she had to keep moving forward.

She reached the small motorboat she often took out alone for hours to think, wishing she were somewhere else but in the world of constant protection and shelter. She stepped into the boat carefully, bending over as low as possible so she wouldn’t tip it over or fall. The boat toggled; she held her stomach carefully protecting her unborn daughter. She wasn’t escaping just for herself-she wasn’t that selfish. She couldn’t subject another human to a world of demise, especially a girl child.

There was no turning back. She grabbed the throttle and with confidence started the engine. The boat moved slowly away from the dock.

In the distance she saw a figure running toward the beach; it was her father. He was a powerful man. Just the presence of his form made her breathe heavily until he became a small speck of darkness, a memory she hoped to forget.

In a matter of minutes the huge palace became smaller and smaller and disappeared from view. Her only hope would be if someone found her or if she could reach somewhere in enough time before she died in the big Atlantic Ocean. It was a chance she was willing to take instead of committing herself to a life of false hope and false love, knowing deep in her heart that could not be her destiny.

Chapter One

Sunrise Sunset

It was such a comfort being rocked in your mother’s arms, hearing a familiar lullaby, feeling the warm embrace against a mother’s breast, a hint of her fragrance, which smelled like fresh flowers from the morning dew.

The rocking of the boat became faster and harder. Ameera awakened to the jerking of the boat and heard a big splash. She looked out into the darkness. Due to the lack of fuel the boat drifted in the cool wind. She was now in the ocean’s grasp. The darkness stretched to the ends of the earth. No wind, no sound and no sight made time stop. The nothingness was like being dropped into a huge coffin alive. All she could do was wait for a shred of light to reveal her surroundings with a fear of being breakfast for the hungry sharks that swam curiously around her.

She lay back and rubbed her large belly. The baby’s movements grew stronger from the lack of food. How foolish, she thought, of her to set out in desperation on a journey without food and water. She wondered what type of mother she would be for her child without thinking of its safety first. Her thoughts weren’t for just the moment; she was taking a risk of death or for a promising future for them both. She gazed over the abundance of water, but there was none to quench her thirst. She closed her eyes and prayed till sleep overcame her only to be awakened by another one of nature’s obstacles, the glaring hot sun.

As the hours passed, her hunger pains grew more intense. She thought about all the times she had left the table with the food on her plate partially uneaten. She vowed never to take food for granted and to always have compassion for those who were hungry. The sweat from her forehead trickled down into her mouth. She wiped the warm, salty taste from her lips. She studied her surroundings. There was nothing in sight. She was afraid of getting sunburned and suffering from heat exhaustion. Because of her royal lifestyle her skin was a virgin to the sun rays. She had to survive for her unborn child.

She leaned over the boat with both hands, started to scoop up a handful of water and release it into the bottom of the boat. She continued for almost an hour until there was a puddle of water at the bottom of the boat. As she turned to retrieve another scoop, in the distance she spotted a shark swimming in her direction. She sucked in her breath, terrified, as she quietly released the last scoop of water into the boat. Slowly she disrobed, her naked body exposed. She lay down carefully in the small puddle of water, which felt cool to her hot, naked skin. She pulled her royal silk robe over her in a hope to protect her from the direct sunlight. She hoped that the curious shark and her sharp pain of hunger would go away and when she awakened the sun would have become sunset.

Chapter Two

Rescue

A loud thump hit the boat. Ameera awakened underneath the royal silk robe and feared the thump was another shark or worse more than one. She lay still and waited till whatever was out there roaming in the deep would go away.

Another loud thump hit the boat.

Hey! Hey! Hey, you! she heard in the distance.

Her eyes widened, a human’s voice, a man’s voice! Help is here! She thought to herself.

She peeked out from under her robe that covered her naked body.

Oh no! She cringed, thinking of her nakedness.

It was not a time to be modest; she pulled the robe back, lifted her head and saw a fishing boat with two men waving at her. One man was older than the other. In the similarity of their faces the men appeared to be related, father and son.

She’s beautiful, Dad!

Ameera rose carefully and turned her back toward the strangers, and her wet body glistened as she grabbed her sheer robe. She tied it securely and turned toward the strangers.

She’s pregnant! the son said surprised, She looks like she’s going to pop any day.

The older man said, Sit down. We’re coming to get you. Are you okay?

Yes! Ameera answered

Moments later.

On the boat the two men watched Ameera intensely as she ate a tuna sandwich in the kitchen below. She drank the water with one long swig until the glass was empty. The older man replenished the water in her glass as he smiled at her.

"What is your name?

Ameera

"My name is Sal, and my son’s name is Nicolas. We’re from Tarifa, Spain.

Sal was a distinguished looking man with short black hair with a touch of gray, dark piercing eyes and bushy eyebrows. His smile was kind and sincere; his skin was dark, which Ameera guessed was from fishing so many years in the hot sun. His son, Nicolas, who seemed to be about her age, was strikingly handsome, with wild curly dark brown hair, white even teeth and his skin nicely tanned. He was muscular and just a few inches taller than his dad. His eyes were soft and gleamed when he smiled.

"Hello, Sal, Nicolas. I’m pleased to meet you both. Thank you for rescuing me.

Where are you from? Why were you in that boat alone? Where is the baby’s father? Nicolas asked anxiously.

"Nicolas, slow down, let her eat. You shouldn’t ask so many questions.

But Dad!

Sal shook his head and gave his son a disciplined look. Ameera was happy for the interruption.

"When you’re done eating, you can use the cabin downstairs and take a shower and a nice nap. I’ll give you one of my son’s T-shirts and a pair of shorts.

Thank you for your kindness, sir.

Ah, call me Sal. We’re friends now. You should get some rest; you couldn’t have slept well in that boat.

No, sir, I mean Sal.

Good that’s better. We’ll be at shore in a few hours.

A few hours later.

Ameera awakened by a sharp pain in her belly. She sat up carefully, and the pain grew unbearable. She looked down at the sheets and they were wet.

She screamed, "Ah help me! Help!

Sal and Nicolas were up on deck fishing when they heard the shriek from below. They dropped their poles and rushed to see Ameera. They burst into the room to find her sitting up looking horrified.

Sal saw the wet sheets, Oh no her water broke! The baby’s coming! He turned to Nicolas. Stay here and keep her lying down, I’m calling the ambulance.

Nicolas approached Ameera, Don’t worry; everything is going to be okay.

Ameera screamed in pain, It doesn’t feel like it!

Sal returned quickly. We’ll be at the dock in five minutes. Just hold on there little lady.

Ameera screamed in pain again.

Hours later.

At the hospital Sal and Nicolas watched over Ameera as she slowly opened her eyes.

Hello Sal, Nicolas. Exhausted and drossy, she looked around and noticed her surroundings. Where is my baby?

They’re getting her right now, relax it’s okay." Sal said in a fatherly tone.

She’s beautiful just like you! Nicolas said.

Just at that moment, the nurse entered the room with the newborn in her arms. Sal and Nicolas moved away from the side of the bed, and the nurse handed the baby carefully to Ameera.

At the moment, Sal wished he had a camera to capture the look on Ameera’s face as she gazed upon her daughter for the first time. The moment was magical. The baby squirmed.

Nicolas moved in closer to see the miracle bundle, Where is her daddy? he asked with concern.

She doesn’t have one, Ameera said quickly.

I can be her Daddy. I mean can be like her Daddy. I can help you take care of her, Nicolas said excited.

Ameera looked up at Nicolas in surprise and gazed at his serious young, handsome face and lean physique.

That’s so sweet, but I’ll try to manage. It’s good to know I have a friend, thank you.

Ameera stared into Nicolas’s soft eyes as if she was seeing him for the first time. Sal knew that the love bug had hit his son, who fell in love with her at first sight, and he understood. Ameera was breathtaking, graceful and kind. He knew his son would help Ameera as long as she would let him. He was proud of his son, who was attractive, responsible and had a big heart. He wondered where Ameera was from what had happened and why she was alone, but Sal knew that finding her was a blessing for all of them.

What are you going to name her? Sal inquired.

She had pondered over the baby’s name while lying at the bottom of the boat for hours. She knew that if she was rescued it would be a new beginning for both of them. She did not know what would happen next. She believed that where they ended up would be where their new life should begin.

She answered, Destiny.

Chapter Three

Straight To The Bone

Fifteen years later.

Destiny, Destiny! Michelle screamed with terror as she walked through the kitchen entrance and saw Destiny lying on the floor.

Destiny, Destiny!

Michelle bent down and shook Destiny slightly, but Destiny didn’t respond. Michelle put one finger under Destiny’s nose then stood up, grabbed the cordless telephone and called 911 while running up the stairs, through the hall into Jermesa’s room and into her huge bathroom.

Jermesa was taking a warm bath and covered up to her neck with white foamy bubbles glistening in the dimly lit bathroom. Her eyes were closed and her head was moving to the music coming through the earplugs of her ipod.

Michelle burst into the bathroom and shook Jermesa. Her eyes opened with fear from the look of desperation on Michelle’s face. Jermesa pulled out her earplugs.

What? What happened? Jermesa asked in panic.

"It’s Destiny. She just passed out! I came in from having breakfast with Anna and Destiny was on the kitchen floor! She’s barely breathing and not moving.

Call the ambulance! Jermesa screamed and stepped out of the tub with soap bubbles still clinging to her body.

I did. They’re on their way! Michelle said.

Jermesa grabbed her plush robe from her vanity chair and ran down the hall with water dripping from her wet body.

By the time they reached the bottom step there was a loud knock on