Overcome the Hand That's Dealt

By Monique Mealue

Brenda Martin is an attractive teenage girl that has tragedy enters her young life when both her mother and father are killed ill-fatedly in a fiery inferno that erupts in the familys lovely suburban home while she is safely spending the night with her two best friends.

The distraught teenager moves out of San Diego to care for her grandmother along with fixing up the old house where she is living in a small coastal town.

Having the inner sensation of worth for being there for her elderly relative inspires the young woman to choose a medical occupation to help others with various physical problems that numerous people of all different ages have in their lives.

While studying to become an EMT at a local University, she finds romance with a handsome young Trevor Barton who impresses her how smart he is in his academic achievement.

Many challenges come into Brendas Martin lives as she strives to be a very worthy emergency medical technician her home town of San Diego.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 2, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463474423

Monique Mealue

Monique Mealue is from California but living in Oregon now for thirteen years and now is living in McMinnville, Oregon with her husband and two kids name Jake and Ray.

Book preview

Overcome the hand that’s dealt

Monique Mealue

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2011 Monique Mealue. 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 8/30/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-7443-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-7442-3 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

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.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

About The Author:

I want to thank God, my husband who co-wrote this book and my son Ray who supported me in writing this book

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Prologue

Brenda Martin is an attractive teenage girl that has tragedy present itself in her young life when both her mother and father are killed ill-fatedly in a fiery inferno. Having no mercy the blaze erupts in the Martin family’s lovely suburban home while she is safely spending the night with her two best friends.

The mournful losses of her parents leave the teenage girl feeling lonely and confused on how she is to carry on with her life. Having the loving guidance that she once received from a pair of special relatives swiftly come to an abrupt end emotionally is a devastating blow for her.

Brenda moves out of San Diego to care for her elderly grandmother along with fixing up the old house where she is living in a small coastal town.

While the young lady copes with her mom and dad’s terrible passing the depression is a hard daily battle for Ms. Martin to deal with in her teenage life.

The care taking Martin does for her grandparent inspires her after a while. She chooses a medical occupation to help others with various physical problems that numerous people of all walks of life have in their lives.

Brenda makes a choice to attend a University studying to become an emergency medical technician and finds one at San Diego State.

While taking classes, the teenager meets a handsome young man name Trevor Barton. Subsequent to playing the role as just friends for a short time with him, they become romantically involved with other.

Trevor is a highly intellectual person who is on his fourth year of college relentlessly with ease going through his studies and internship to earn the right to be called a doctor.

After his graduation her boyfriend becomes a general practitioner having his own family practice in the community of San Diego.

Upon developing into an emergency service worker that faces many challenges on the job. Some of them help the young woman to prepare mentally to face her own emergency scenarios that at times pop up one after another.

Ms. Martin herself isn’t excluded from life’s danger when she experiences great turmoil needing medical attention. Brenda has a traumatizing automobile accident while commuting in the morning for work.

Following healing from her injuries from the car wreck Martin returns to the 249th precinct she’s a member in showing great fervency to her EMT unit.

Martin performs a heroic act without thinking, when she rushes into a burning house saving a small child from possibly burning alive in the flames.

Not only is the young woman a physical force as an emergency medical technician but she uses her mind to help in the community she lives in.

Upon telling her Captain of the concept of visiting classrooms in schools to teach the kids safety in their homes, Brenda to her delight has the idea approved by the station’s fire chief.

Martin’s idea is implemented and herself as well as members of the fire department teach local schools how to react in emergency situations within their dwellings.

She lives with a spirit that wants to help others, as well as maintain a strong loving bond with the love of her life Trevor Barton.

Chapter 1

Monday morning the second of June is a typical sunny southern California day in the city of San Diego. High school senior Brenda Martin is picking up her two best friends to drive them to Lakeside High School.

Her friends are Lisa Jackson and Carrie Davidson, who are both short petite girls, while Brenda is tall as well stocky built just like her father, standing at six foot one and almost a hundred and ninety pounds.

She is driving her early graduation present that her parents Shawn and Lynda purchased two days earlier at a used car dealership. It is a glossy red two door nineteen-ninety seven Chevy cavalier that has relatively low miles on the odometer.

Young Martin fell in love with the shiny compact car the moment she spotted it walking down the isle of automobiles with her mom and dad.

Brenda always was the one to stick up for Carrie or Lisa when a bully would threaten one of them throughout the many school years she has known them.

Pulling up to the curb in front of Carrie’s blue and white two-story house, Brenda gives out two quick honks from the car’s horn.

Her friend hurries out of the front door, then starts running on the concrete path toward the cavalier with her dark green backpack slung over her right shoulder.

At the car, Carrie grabs the bag full of school books off her shoulder, opens the passenger door, saying, Hey, hot car Brenda, then putting the pack in the back seat behind the bucket seat.

After sitting down, Carrie hurries and buckles up in the seat next to Brenda, Seeing the stereo she says, Nice CD player girlfriend.

Yeah, I’ve also got a compact disk in the deck. Check it out! Brenda says, leaning over turning up the music.

Awesome, is this the new Justin Timberman disc that came out last week?

Yes it is!

Way cool Brenda!

I had to get it Carrie, besides it goes great with his first two that I have.

After picking up Lisa the three of them begin to talk about school. I can’t believe this is going to be our last year at Lakeside guys. Brenda says.

Whoo hoo! Carrie says.

Yeah girls! Lisa says as she sits behind Carrie.

Then of course going to a prestigious college comes next. Carrie commented.

No way, Carrie, I’m getting a job somewhere working full time to fill my pockets up with money!

I want to further my education by going to a good college. What are you going to do after finishing high school Brenda? Carrie asked.

I don’t know what kind of profession or for that matter college I want to go for right now! Brenda says as she turns left into the high school parking lot.

I want to become a Veterinary, so I can save the life of child’s doggy or something. Carry replied.

You’re very noble my good friend. Lisa remarks back sarcastically.

Well I think that’s sweet Carrie. You’ll make a great animal doctor. Brenda tells her as she pulls the compact car into a parking space between two vehicles.

Thank you so much Brenda.

After getting out the car, the three of them are strolling toward the school, when Lisa spots Brenda’s old boyfriend hanging with his buddies by the high school’s statue!

The statue is a twenty-foot bronze pirate that represents the Lakeside mascot. Lisa observes Joey coming toward them glances to Brenda and says, I wander if he’s going to try to get back with you?

I keep telling him. I’m not ready for a serious relationship right now!

Joey walks up to Brenda, Hey, can I talk to you for a few minutes?

Just for a few minutes, looking at her friends, I will catch you guys later, Brenda tells Lisa and Carrie before striding away with Joey.

She walks beside Joey on the sidewalk in front of the building which is considered the math department because most of the classes are math related.

They find a spot on the sidewalk where they can speak privately. Is there possibly way we can get back together again, Brenda? I felt on top of the world last year with you as my girlfriend. Joey tells her as he earnestly looks into her big blue eyes.

Brenda brushes back her long brown hair off her shoulder before speaking. What about when you were going out with Becky Harker a couple of months ago. Did you feel on top of the world with her?

This is going to sound very corny, but I’m going to say it to you anyway. I never felt as strong a connection with her as I did when I was going stead with you.

Well you appeared to be pretty connected every time I’ve seen you hugging and kissing on her at your hall locker.

Listen the two of us argued quite a bit about the stupidest crap. Plus you and I have the same taste in the music that we listen too.

What does Becky listen to?

You’re not going to believe this, but she actually likes old fifties country music.

No way, are you serious!

Becky says that her parents always played it around her, heard it so many times and now she can’t live without it, so she claims. Anyway the two of us both love pop rock music. That’s one of the many things that we have in common. Joey said.

We do have some things in common, but I’m just not ready for a serious relationship with you or anybody else right now. I just want us to be friends, if that’s ok with you!

Remaining friends is certainly better than enemies Brenda. Joey replied.

Brenda checks her watch and says, We have little less than five minutes before first period starts. We need to get going so we won’t be late. They ambulate at a fast pace together before going their separate ways to get to their first morning class.

In history class prior to lunch where Brenda is to meet up with her friends. She begins thinking of all the great things that have happened in her senior year at Lakeside, like placing second in the state finals with her varsity volleyball team. Martin played all four years of high school and her team only came close to making it to the state play-offs during her junior year.

Brenda remembers her father’s supportive words. Don’t worry about it sweet heart! Shawn Martin exclaimed when his daughter came home feeling down. It is certainly better late than never making it to the state finals. Heck being a good size girl like you are who jumps high and spikes the ball back over the net at the opposing team sending it flying at them as fast as a cannon ball. Believe me honey, forget about the past, have faith in yourself and the teammates on your volley ball team to perform well at the finals! Benda you have a lot of talent, please trust in the ability that you possess.

It’s already lunch time, minutes fly by when I day dream! Brenda thinks to herself as she gathers a history book along with her black three ring notebook off of the classroom desk she was seated at.

Martin is eating lunch with her friends when she gazes over at Carrie and Lisa saying, I was thinking about the volleyball play-offs, one of my thoughts were how you are the best at serving the ball over the net with great power and accuracy in each game Carrie.

I remember beating Bishop High sending us to the finals, that game was probably my personal best in the game of volleyball. Carrie mentions as she looks at Brenda. Oh yeah, before I forget, did you ask your parents if you could spend the night at my house on Friday, so we could get our hair and nails done then buy the dress?

I forgot! I will talk to them tonight to let them know about tomorrow Carrie.

What about you Lisa, did you tell your parents about spending the night Friday?

Carrie, I am good to go for tomorrow night. Are you still going to get the dress that you seen at the woman’s store on Melbourne Ave Brenda? Lisa asked.

Yes, I’m still getting the strapless, navy blue dress with a ribbon in front. Are you going to get that charcoal grey halter dress, Lisa?

You better believe I am that dress is gorgeous! Carrie, out of the many dresses you looked at, which one did you decide on?

I’m going to get the single shoulder strap dark green dress. I think it makes me look totally hot! Carrie replies.

The day went by so fast for Brenda that when the final school bell rang at three o’ five it seemed to her to be maybe more like one-thirty that afternoon.

She quickly joins the dismissed high school students that are shuffling out from the classrooms for the day, Martin hurries to her hall locker prior to making her way to the front of the school to meet up with Lisa and Carrie.

Before leaving the building, Brenda says her good-byes to her fellow students in passing as she strolls to the exit door of the building.

In the front of the high school, Brenda sees a large crowd of kids waiting for their buses to take them home. As she walks up toward the cluster of other students, Martin continues to scan with her eyes to find her two friends.

Brenda is standing stationary looking around, when Becky Harker strolls up with her friend Jill Mathis, without hesitation Becky starts talking to her.

The two of them are wearing tight fitting wrangler jeans and their usual western cowboy boots, So are you getting excited about the graduation ceremony on Saturday?

Of course I am Becky! Brenda answers showing annoyance in her voice.

I saw you having a conversation with Joey this morning in front of the school. Did he ask you to go to the senior party at the beach Friday night with him?

Brenda can’t stand the sound of Harker’s fake southern accent that she began doing three years earlier. No, that never came up when we spoke this morning, but if it did, I wouldn’t tell you anyway. Martin remarked.

Brenda was trying to get away from Becky when she hears her two friends, There you are we’ve been waiting for you the whole time on the other side of the statue. Carrie and Lisa yell together as the pair makes their way through the thick crowd of students.

Sorry got to go Becky, talk to you later. Brenda tells her as she’s hurrying toward Carrie and Lisa anxious to get away from Harker.

The three of them are making their way to the parking lot. Thank god you guys showed up and saved me from the phony cowgirls back there.

I’ve heard she’s been seeing Scott Smith our football team’s best wide receiver, but can’t make up her mind on whether she wants to get back with Joey. Carrie informs them.

The three teenage girls stop at the back of Brenda’s glossy red cavalier that’s reflecting the sun’s rays. Come on, I’ll give you two a pleasant ride home in my fine piece of American steel here! Brenda exclaimed to the pair while patting the car’s hatchback. Lisa and Carrie start laughing as she unlocks the passenger side door for them.

The three of them exit out of the school’s front gate onto Tarmack lane, when all of a sudden a small blue Toyota pickup pulls in front of Brenda from a side street that’s on the right. She slams her hand hard on her Chevy’s horn while braking, shouting, Nice driving you idiot. They’ll give anybody a driver’s license if they live in California. Feeling ticked off from having to slam on her brakes.

Brenda dropped off Lisa first at her house then followed by letting Carrie out in front of her house, Don’t forget to ask your parents if you could spend the night! She says to Brenda before stepping out the open door of the car.

I won’t! I will let you know tomorrow morning! Brenda replies.

At home, Brenda finds her mother in the kitchen cooking dinner, I was wondering if I could spend the night at Carrie’s on Friday and come home Saturday?

Why do you want to spend the night over there dear?

The reason being is me and my friends have a lot of preparing to do before Saturday’s graduation ceremony. Beginning with picking up our dresses after school on Friday at the store, that’s doing the alterations on them. On Saturday morning at ten we are going to the salon to get our hair and make-up done we want to leave together without waiting for anybody, mother!

It sounds like a rather hectic schedule the three of you have created for yourselves. Lynda says.

Oh darn it; I almost forgot to tell you! Lisa has also invited me and Carrie over to her house for a get together, sleep over Saturday night.

That’s perfectly fine with me, I’m pretty sure it will be alright with your father. You are a young woman now dear! You don’t need my permission for everything. Just let me know where you are at please! Her mom exclaims, looking her in the eye as she speaks.

After speaking with her mother, Brenda went to the phone, dialing up Carrie, Hey, I’m good to go for spending the night, I will be sure to bring my clothes to school. Martin informs her.

The two of them converse for another hour talking about how they are going to have the salon style their hair as well as speaking about how they hope the changes to their gowns fit properly on them.

Brenda pulls out their phone book, thumping through the pages looking for a salon that does hair and make-up. She finds one called, "Shelly’s hair and beauty salon than promptly calling them up making an appointment for the three of them at ten in the morning Saturday.

Chapter 2

Friday after school, Brenda takes her two best friends to the dress shop, going inside they meet with the heavy set seamstress. The lady appears to be in her mid-forties that is standing behind the counter. Casually the Caucasian business owner strolls up to them wearing a dark purple summer dress and says, Hello ladies, I have some bad news. We haven’t been able to get to your dresses as of yet. She informs the three of them.

What time can you have them ready by? A worried looking Carrie asks as she fidgets with her hand.

What time is your graduation ceremony on Saturday ladies? The shop owner politely asks the girls.

It’s at three-thirty!

I promise the three dresses will be ready on Saturday by one pm at the latest.

Brenda, Lisa and Carrie leave the building feeling a little disappointed. I was hoping to try my beautiful dress on today, so I could see how it looks on me. Brenda said.

So was I! Carrie and Lisa simultaneously replied.

In the car, the girls are talking about their dresses when Brenda says, Aren’t your folks going to have a little social get together Lisa.

Oh yeah, that’s right! By the way what time is it?

Brenda looks at the digital clock in the car’s dashboard, It’s only four o’ clock. What time do you think people will show up at your house?

Some of my mom’s friends and knowing some of them will probably arrive as early as five-thirty this evening!

Do we need to bring anything? Carrie asks.

Just bring yourselves, Lisa said.

Brenda travels over to Carrie’s house with Lisa going to her bedroom, the three of them put on a change of clothes. Lisa and Brenda are able to utilize an empty drawer in their friend’s room.

The two of them place their neatly folded clothing into the single dresser drawer. Carrie says, Hurry up you two, get your make up on we got places to go and people to see!

Brenda hurries downstairs wearing blue jeans, pink blouse, Lisa is wearing a pink dress with black high heels, while Carrie is wearing a blue skirt and brown shirt. The three of them notice Carrie’s parents, sitting on the living room couch staring at them, You girls are looking fabulous tonight. Carrie’s mother commented.

My parents are having a small social get together dinner inviting some of our friends and family to join us. Anyway, I asked my parents if Brenda and Carrie could be part of the festivity they both gave me the ok on it. Lisa mentions to them.

Carrie told us she was going out with the two of you, but I figured it was to the movies or bowling. Carrie’s father says.

That’s what I thought too dear. Carrie’s mom replied looking at her husband."

I say go have a great time Carrie and stay out of trouble! Carrie’s dad said.

You girls have a bunch of fun! Carrie’s mom said.

Of course we’re going to have fun tonight, I’ll be sure to call you later to let you know when I’m in my way home. Carrie tells her parents as she and her friends head to the front door.

Be careful Carrie’s parents say together.

At six, Brenda, Lisa and Carrie get to the party, observing that there are several people that have already showed up and begin mingling with each other drinking wine.

Lisa’s mom casually wanders up to the three girls wearing a blue dress that goes a little past her knees. She has on high heels shoes that’s color matches the pretty dress that she is wearing. Her long black hair is neatly pinned up elegantly for the occasion. I’m so glad you and Carrie could make it tonight!