June Seventh

By Christine Parker

Sitting on the airplane, going over all of the events that had occurred in the last few months, was extremely disheartening. My life was deteriorating. I was getting ready to get off this flight and move back in with my vindictive mother. The flight lasted two hours and twenty-five minutes, and I was in agony. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. I hadnt slept in months because I didnt want to relive my traumatic experience. My beautiful bright brown eyes were lackluster. I wanted to have a breakdown on the plane, but I didnt want the man sitting next to me to think I was demented.

The pilot announced, We will be landing in New York in fifteen minutes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504341158

Christine Parker

Christine Parker always dreamt of having a profound impact on the world. She knew her purpose in life was to become a writer. Growing up in New York City, she believed if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. As a child she always had a book in her hands. Her goal is to write books that will resonate to the masses. What she knows for sure is, when you do your best, people will notice. She’s grateful to be able to share her gift with the world.

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Copyright © 2015 Christine Parker.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

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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.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-4114-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-4116-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-4115-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015915381

Balboa Press rev. date: 10/28/2015

Contents

Chapter 1 Family Matters

Chapter 2 The Turning Point

Chapter 3 Lost Soul

Chapter 4 Cold World

Chapter 5 Angel in Disguise

Chapter 6 June Seventh

Chapter 7 New York, New York

Chapter 8 Timing Is Everything

Chapter 9 New Beginnings

Chapter 10 Blindsided

Chapter 11 Don’t Look Back

Chapter 12 The Possibilities Are Endless

Chapter 13 Blessed

Chapter 14 Never Say Never

To my dad, Edward Parker, thank you for embarking on this unpredictable journey called life with me. Without the support, guidance, and wisdom you’ve bestowed upon me, I honestly don’t know where I would be. On several occasions I wanted to give up on life. The unconditional love you have given me has made me the woman I am today. God truly blessed me when he made you my dad. And for that, thank you. The book is finally here. Love you always.

Prologue

T he day has finally arrived. I’ve been anticipating this moment my entire life. I’ve been preparing for months. I’m sitting in the waiting room praying that I will excel on the LSAT. My hands are sweating profusely, and my heart is racing.

The proctor calls my name. Alicia Porter. Yes, you may be seated in the third chair on the left by the window.

I walk in, sit down, and scan the room. There are several nervous looks from my peers. The proctor explains how long the exam will take. She begins to pass out the exam. Flashbacks of my life began to overwhelm my thought process.

Due to the negative events that have transpired in my life, I am dubious about whether I could succeed. A number of things are running through my mind. Growing up, I was told that I was unintelligent and that I would succumb to my poverty-stricken surroundings. The backlash inspired me to pursue greatness. God has another plan for me, and I’m going to pursue my destiny. I believe God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. I’ve come so far; I can’t feed the fears. My passion is to be the best lawyer this world has ever seen, and I’m going to do it. It’s my time.

This book is intended to inspire someone who has encountered tremendous hardship and feels helpless. We’re all trying to decipher our God-given purpose. I’ve endured a lot of heartache and adversity. Through my story I hope that you’ll realize your gift. Everyone has a story, but the important thing is how you utilize it to have a profound impact on others.

CHAPTER 1

Family Matters

I was sitting with my two sisters and parents on an airplane en route to Disneyland in California. The plane ride was five hours long, and I was fascinated with the clouds while looking out the window. I was the happiest kid ever. I can recall a few details. I said to my parents, Are we there yet? I want to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

My dad said, Almost.

I had a huge grin on my face. When we got to baggage claim, my mom stayed with my siblings and me while my dad went to Hertz to rent us a car.

The California air was refreshing. The scenery was unfamiliar, but I loved it. I belonged here. Disneyland was everything I imagined. I was able to enjoy being a kid—getting on every ride I was tall enough for and watching my parents display public affection. My siblings and I took pictures and played ring-around-the-rosy.

After an exhausting day of running around the park and eating cotton candy, we left to go check into our hotel. We stayed in California for five days, sightseeing and relishing the good weather. On the last day, we went to dinner in a restaurant. I remember coloring at the table and watching my family enjoy spending time together. The next morning, we packed to prepare for our afternoon flight back to New York. I told my older sister Melissa, One day I’m going to live here. She looked at me and didn’t say a word.

I was dreading the long flight. My dad gave me his Walkman; I listened to music and fell asleep.

My mom nudged me. Wake up. We’ve landed.

Mom, we’ve arrived?

Yes, honey. She unbuckled my seat belt, and we exited the plane.

My aunt was waiting outside to meet us. We gathered our belongings from baggage claim. I was excited to tell my aunt Deborah about our trip. On the car ride home, I talked her ear off. Aunt Deborah, I want to move to California.

You do? How are you so sure?

California has a lot of beautiful and successful people. And the weather is amazing.

Did you know it never snows near Disneyland?

Yes, I know.

We arrived at the house. I said, Aunt Deborah, can you stay for a few hours?

I can’t stay. I have to go back to work. I’ll come over this weekend.

You promise?

I promise.

Pinky swear.

Melissa helped me unpack my suitcase. Where is my teddy bear? I asked. Have you seen it, Melissa?

Here it is, Dad said.

I took it and snuggled it, not wanting to put it down. I adored that bear—my favorite. I took it everywhere with me.

The rest of the day, my sisters and I watched movies and ate pizza.

Later that evening, I overheard my parents arguing. I cracked open their bedroom door. When they saw me peek in the door, they stopped. Melissa was walking up the stairs and escorted me back to my room. Why are Mom and Dad arguing? I asked.

She shrugged. The next morning, I noticed my parents’ weren’t communicating. Melissa prepared breakfast for Lauren and me while my parents were getting ready for work. Until school started in a couple of weeks, Melissa was our designated babysitter. She despised watching us because it meant she was never able to enjoy her childhood. Melissa would watch us while Lauren and I played outside. She would sit on the stoop and read a book, while we would roller skate and play hide-and-seek. My mom always dressed Lauren and me in identical outfits. We were two years apart in age and did everything together.

The house phone rang. Melissa ran into the kitchen to answer it. It was mom.

What time are you coming home? Melissa asked.

I’m not sure yet. I’m probably going to meet a few girlfriends after work.

Melissa was disappointed. She wanted to go to the mall with her friends. She threw the phone down. Lauren and I were terrified. I called dad and informed him Melissa was upset because she wanted to go out with her friends.

Tell her I’ll be home by five o’clock, he responded.

Melissa, Dad said he’ll be home by five so you can go out with our friends!

A look of relief was evident on her face, and we went back outside to play. Lauren and I stayed outside until Dad came home. When we were playing, we saw his car driving down the block. He parked the car, and we ran to him while screaming, Daddy! Daddy!

Melissa went into the house and began to get ready to go to the mall.

Hey, Dad, Melissa said.

Here’s fifty dollars. Have a nice time with your friends, he said.

While making dinner, dad called mom. At first she didn’t answer. He called her back an hour later, and she picked up. He said, Diane, what time are you coming home?

I’m going out with my girlfriends after work.

Okay. Be careful. Call me when you’re on your way home.

After dinner, Lauren and I went back outside. We loved catching lightning bugs. We weren’t allowed to leave the porch once the streetlights came on. After we collected a few lightning bugs, Dad told us to come inside.

Around ten o’clock, Melissa and Diane arrived at the same time. Melissa went to her room, and I heard Diane say, Honey, I need to talk to you. She and Dad spoke, and he looked surprised. I didn’t think much of it and went to bed.

Early in the morning, I heard my bedroom door open. Alicia, are you up? Put your robe on and come into the kitchen, Diane said.

I struggled to get out of bed. I put my robe on and met her in the kitchen. Melissa, Lauren, and Dad were all waiting in the kitchen for Mom to speak.

She finally said, Girls, I want to let you know that we’re adding a new addition to our family. Mommy is pregnant.

Melissa looked at her and said, I hope it’s a boy.

We don’t know the sex of the baby yet, Diane said. Lauren or Alicia, do you want to say anything?

No.

No.

I’m sorry to wake you up so early, but your dad and I couldn’t wait to tell you.

Three months in, her pregnancy was considered high-risk. For the next six months, she was confined to bed. One time, in the middle of the night, I heard a scream. Diane yelled, Michael! Michael!

He ran up the stairs. What happened?

My water broke. Get my overnight bag and call the doctor. His number is on the nightstand.

He helped her get dressed and walked her to the car.

Before I went to school, Dad called to tell us Mom had the baby—a little girl they named Kayla. He told us, She had a cesarean and will be in the hospital for a few days.

He offered to bring us to the hospital when we got home from school to meet our new sibling. We met Kayla. She was adorable, and I couldn’t wait for her to come home.

When she was released from the hospital, we were a happy, loving family. Within a year, Mom was pregnant again. This time, my parents were hoping for a boy, but God had a different plan—another girl. Our family was expanding, but my parents’ marriage was suffering.

CHAPTER 2

The Turning Point

O n New Year’s Day, I got out of bed and went to my parents’ room. Dad was sitting on the floor crying.

Dad what’s wrong? I asked.

Your mother didn’t come home. I beeped her several times, and she hasn’t called back.

Dad, she hasn’t been home for a couple of days. I looked at him and began to cry.

I was too young to understand what love was. Watching him in distress, I never wanted to experience that type of love. I gave him a hug