Introducing Star Iv

By Mykisha Mac

Candace Carpenter, a bashful social worker comes to find her true calling in a world filled with needless, gratuitous crime. Her hearts compassion shines like a beacon of light towards abused children. At first, crime is forbidden and despised through her eyes, but later it becomes her main attraction. Candace isnt your ordinary human, she is Arcturus, the fourth brightest star of the Constellation Bootes. One gloomy night, Arcturus descends from the galaxy to earth and blends in with the humans. After answering her calling, she starts to confront crime with a vengeance. Her killer instincts conflicts with her obligation to save the innocent. She battles with discernment about good versus evil and begins to questions her own motives to help a world that she once saw as troubled and now she too, amongst child abusers and crooks, cant decide which one is she.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483619699

Mykisha Mac

MyKisha Mac, Author of The Love of a Good Man and new book Introducing Star IV, the first of an edgy, modern science fiction series. Mykisha is a New Orleans, Louisiana native, and a creative writer at heart. Being able to share her creativeness and connect with people through her novels is dear to her. She envisioned this moment years ago and now by God’s grace it has come to pass. Her books are available nationwide and she is proud but humble about the accomplishments. She prays that her devoted readers continue to take this wonderful journey with her.

Book preview

INTRODUCING

STAR IV

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Mykisha Mac

Copyright © 2013 by Mykisha Mac.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

My Email: [e-mail]

Twitter: Mykisha Mac/lovejones007

Facebook: The Mykisha Mac Experience

Rev. date: 04/15/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

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Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Dedication

According to the National Child Abuse statistics, every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are happening in the United States of America involving nearly 6 million children. A report of child abuse is happening every 10 seconds. Losing five children every day due to abuse related deaths. More than five children die every day because of child abuse. Approximately, 80% of children that die from child abuse are under the age of four. More than 90% of Juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way. Children are much more apt to be abused, sexually assaulted, and even murdered in foster care while under the protection of the child protectors. In fact, 80% of kids are abused in foster care every year.

I know that Introducing Star IV is a fiction story but this is my way of expressing how I feel about this particular subject. It is a fiction story based on serious issues. One that to some, is taboo to talk or write about. However, I, MyKisha Mac, chose to write about it. I dedicate these series of books to the innocent. I want precious children out there to know that they are not alone nor forgotten and I care. My deepest, sincerest prayers and love goes out to all of you, who have ever experienced such evil. I will continue to raise awareness and pray that soon, one day, everyone will be talking about this and everyone wants to get involved.

I also want to dedicate this to the other precious angels who ascended to heaven too soon, leaving their families and friends with nothing but precious memories that will cherish forever. Some who are my very own family members and some who I may have heard from Media or Friends. Unfortunate stories that has touched me and I will never forget.

Devin Hampton—New Orleans LA

Tariah White—New Orleans LA

Tawine Smith—New Orleans, LA

Baby Winston Hayes—New Orleans, LA

Baby Keira—New Orleans, LA

Baby Jonylah Watkins—Chicago IL

To all the precious angels of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton Connecticut:

To the families of these angels, may my deepest thoughts, sincerest prayers and love be with you. I pray that God gives each of you peace beyond all understanding.

To The Carley’s Angel Foundation, I commend you for the love, service and help you provide to families that are affected by pregnancy and infant loss. I pray that God continues to bless your foundation and each one who are of service.

Acknowledgement

Love is not written on paper,

for paper can be erased.

Nor is it etched on stone, for

a stone can be broken.

But it is inscribed on a heart and

there it shall remain forever.

~Anonymous~

T o my family and friends, too many to mention, thanks for being there. Thanks for listening, reading the rough drafts and giving me your honest opinions. I may not have agreed all the times (lol) but I respected your opinions and considered them. Thanks for just listening when I read you excerpts over the phone or when you came to visit me and I surprised you with a summary damn near forcing you to read it (lol). You have no idea how much that means to me. Thanks for all the support from The Love of a Good Man to now Introducing Star IV. I am forever grateful. Di’Jionae and Mylon you are Mommy’s greatest inspirations, I love you both from the depths of my soul. Sisters and brothers, you are the greatest and I love you all. Dad, words alone is not enough to express my love for you. Mother, I know your still watching over me, until we see each other again, I love you. My chica Trenise K, didn’t shout you out last time, so this one is for you. Model, Tajia Mackyeon, thanks for doing the cover, you are fierce much love! For shoots with Tajia email her at [e-mail] Last but not least my readers, you guys gave me so much positive feedback on the Love of a Good Man it inspired me to write a second book. Thanks for showing me mad love and support and I am forever grateful to each one of you. I am still interested in your feedback let us stay connected at www.facebook.com/TheMykishaMacExperience and do not forget to press the like button. You can also contact me via twitter at Mykisha Mac/lovejones007. Until next time, live, laugh, love, and always pray. I love you and may God Bless each one of you! XoXo

Introduction

O ne aesthetic night in Woodstock, New York, Helen Carpenter and her husband, Carlos, are sitting outside on their veranda, enjoying the impressive view of the midnight galaxy. The stars are brightly glittering, and the harmony of the night is pleasantly quiet. True silence is greatly appreciated when born and raised in a city that never sleeps. Helen is overwhelmed with emotions and is reflecting on her heart’s greatest desire, her ever becoming a mother. For years, Helen and Carlos have been trying to start a family—a girl for Helen and a boy for Carlos. Earlier that morning, Helen took a home pregnancy test, and the result from it was devastating. Her heart is broken. Once again, the sign in the little view box is negative. She really wasn’t emotionally ready to be disappointed yet again. She’s beginning to feel that her chances of ever becoming a mother is just a dream instead of reality. She has cried out to God on several occasions but has yet to receive a response or an answer. Last year, after suffering several painful miscarriages, Helen gave up on motherhood until one day, when she heard a whisper from her faith, saying, A delay is not a denial, one more try. Helen’s gynecologist, Dr. Hester, sees what the constant disappointment is doing to her emotionally. She advises Helen to give her mind, body, and spirit some rest and try back at it in a year. As of this morning, unfortunately, nothing has changed for Helen and Carlos. Helen decides to visit with Dr. Hester again to update her on her recent attempt of becoming pregnant. Helen’s bad news didn’t surprise Dr. Hester at all; she knew Helen’s chances of becoming pregnant and staying pregnant were slim to none. She’d only hoped the year off trying, along with the meds she had been giving her to help strengthen her uterus, would increase her chances when she did try again but, more importantly, give her emotions a break. Dr. Hester finally decides to tell Helen that the medicine didn’t help her, and her uterus is just too weak to ever carry a baby to full term, and she should now consider alternative options such as adopting. If this morning’s disappointment wasn’t heart wrenching enough, Dr. Hester’s news has really displeased her. Without a shadow of doubt, Helen now knows that being a mother is just not meant for someone like her, and it’s time that she accepts it once and for all.

As Helen and Carlos continue to sit on the porch, gazing at the stars, Helen closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and silently asks, Why me, Lord?

She is trying to fathom why she’s unable to bear her own child. Carlos takes his eyes out of the sky and looks over at his grieving wife, sitting in the rocking chair beside him, with her eyes shut as if she’s falling asleep.

I know that this is a stupid question to ask, considering everything that you’ve been through, but I’ll ask anyway. Are you okay? asks Carlos.

I will be, I have to be, replies Helen. However, I do wish things were different. When I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait till nighttime would fall so I could watch the stars through my bedroom window. Watching the stars would always somehow soothe me. I have made so many wishes upon those stars, says Helen.

Did any of them ever come true? asks Carlos.

No, I don’t think so, but just the thought of doing so always made me feel better whenever I was sad or wanted my parents to buy me a new doll or something. Those were the days when things were so much easier. Now as an adult, everything is far more complicated than wanting a stupid, plastic doll. Whatever happened to simplicity? asks Helen.

Carlos sighs.

Your guess is as good as mine, love. I guess it’s all a part of growing up, becoming an adult, and living in the real world, replies Carlos.

I guess you’re right, but I still wish things were still simple, says Helen.

Yeah… so do I, love, so do I. Is that what you were doing just now? asks Carlos

What do you mean? asks Helen.

Before I interrupted you, your eyes were closed. Were you wishing upon a star? asks Carlos.

Oh no, dear, I only did that when I was a naive little girl. I’m all grown up since then. I now know that the stars in the sky are just that—stars in the sky. To answer your question, I was uhh… I was trying to relax my mind, says Helen.

Helen doesn’t want Carlos to worry about her, so she decides to fabricate what she is really doing—praying.

I see. I’m sure you can use a little relaxation. My love, I know this is asking a lot of you right now, but I think in the long run it may help you. I want you to at least consider other options. There’s nothing wrong with adopting a child and raising and loving him or her as our own, says Carlos.

I agree. There’s nothing wrong with that. I just thought that one day, I would be able to look into a child’s face and see a reflection of myself or perhaps a reflection of you. The thought of that never happening truly saddens me. I don’t know. It’s just too painful right now to even think of going through the whole adoption process. Who knows? That may just be another long, dreadful disappointment. I’ve already had my share of disappointments these days. And just say I do consider adopting, still, there’s no guarantee that we will be able to do so. There are so many families who are already on a waiting list to adopt a baby. I just don’t think that I could endure another disappointment right now. I’ve coped with as much grief as I possibly can. Enough is enough, says Helen.

I understand how you’re feeling, honey. I too share the disappointments. However, it’s not the end of the world. I just want you to know that whatever you decide is okay with me. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. You being happy makes me happy, says Carlos.

Awww… thanks, honey. How sweet of you. For now, all I want to do is try to relax, regroup, and start putting my focus and energy into other things. I need some time and distraction to pass all this, says Helen.

Take as much time as you need. I’m here for you, and I always will be, says Carlos.

Helen looks at Carlos and smiles.

I know you are, honey, and I appreciate you for that. But I must be honest, I can’t help but wonder if you still would have married me if you knew I wasn’t able to give you babies, says Helen.

Now you’re being foolish, woman. Of course, I would have. I married you because I love you, not for what you can give me. Actually, you’ve already given me more than enough. You’ve given me you heart, and I get to share the rest of my life with the most loving, caring, beautiful woman in the world, says Carlos.

Helen still stares at Carlos, now with a smirk upon her face.

Na, see, at first you had me going there for a minute, but now, you’re just overdoing it. Helen chuckles. You know doggone well if Tina Turner would have said yes to your proposal the night you snuck backstage into her dressing room after her concert and she had her bodyguards throw your butt out on your head, you wouldn’t have even thought twice about marrying little ole me. Helen chuckles.

Carlos chuckles too.

Oh, you remember that night, huh? asks Carlos.

Yes, sir, I most certainly do. How could I ever forget it? If it wasn’t for Tina’s no to your proposal, you probably wouldn’t have asked me. You forgot I know all about your little fascination with Miss Tina Turner, didn’t you? Helen chuckles.

Yeah, I guess I did, after she broke my heart for not accepting my heartfelt proposal. One of which I had been working on since the first time I heard the song ‘Private Dancer.’ I tried not thinking or mentioning her butt ever again. To think of them legs, I mean her, only broke my heart again. Carlos chuckles.

My lord, says Helen as she shakes her head, you surely did have it bad for Tina, didn’t you? Helen chuckles.

Yes, I did. Carlos chuckles. But seriously, love, you’re my one and only true love. Tina, Tina was just a fantasy. I wouldn’t have my life no other way, even if I knew that we won’t be able to have our own biological child. But as I’ve said, adopting one and giving him or her a loving home is just as good as if it is our own flesh and blood. Ya know, blood is not the only thing that makes people family. Love and loyalty do too, says Carlos.

Yes, I know. With that being said, there are no guarantees, but at least I’ll try to stay open minded to the idea of it, says Helen.

Fair enough, says Carlos. Are you ready to go in, love? It’s been a long day, and I think you deserve a nice cold glass of wine and a hot bubble bath, says Carlos.

Helen continues to gently smile at Carlos.

I think you’re right, hun. Drinking my troubles away may be just what the doctor ordered, says Helen as she stands up.

I don’t know about drinking yourself into a coma is exactly what the doctor ordered, dear, but if it puts you in a better mood and calms your nerves, hell, I’m all for it. Drink away? says Carlos as he stands to his feet.

They both chuckle and walk through the door of their home.

After Carlos and Helen went inside their home, a shooting sphere hurls quickly across the galaxy, crystallizing the dark sky. Some may like to call it a shooting star. The depth of the sphere is warm and orange and has yellow tones. It flies around the sky briefly and then miraculously settles on Helen and Carlos’s front porch.

Helen has finished taking her much-needed bath. She walks down the stairs and joins Carlos in their living room.

I thought you would probably turn in early tonight. The long bubble bath and wine must have not worked, says Carlos.

No, it’s not that, I’m just not sleepy, and the bath and wine did help me relax a lot, says Helen.

Can I get you anything, perhaps another glass of wine? asks Carlos.

No, I’m fine. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you were trying to get me tipsy. Helen chuckles.

Of course not! How dare you think something like that of your sweet, innocent little husband? Actually, I’m just trying to get you drunk, he says with a devious smirk on his face.

Drunk? Why? I know you’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, are you, my sweet and innocent little husband? asks Helen.

I don’t know. That all depends on what you think I am thinking, says Carlos as he smiles.

Helen looks at Carlos, squints her eyes, and gently smiles.

You know exactly what I’m thinking you’re thinking, you dirty old man. Sorry to put a damper on your little parade, but this girl just wants to relax tonight, says Helen.

Relax, that’s the best way to relax. You know that’s a stress reliever. You can ask any doctor in the world. I’m sure he will agree, says Carlos as he smiles.

Yeah, that’s what they say, but not tonight, hun, sorry, says Helen.

It’s okay, love. I’m just teasing you. I told you whatever it will take to make you feel better, I’m here for you. But you can’t help a man from trying, says Carlos as he smiles.

Helen smiles back at him.

What are you watching on TV? asks Helen.

Nothing really, just flipping through and checking the game scores on ESPN, says Carlos.

As Helen and Carlos sit in their living room, flipping through the channels on their television, an unusual sound comes from outside.

Did you hear that? asks Helen.

Hear what? asks Carlos as his ears are tuned into ESPN.

Turn the volume down and listen, says Helen.

Carlos turns down the volume of the television. He focuses on the sound that Helen hears outside of their front door.

There it is again. You hear it? asks Helen.

Yeah, I do hear that. What is that? he asks.

I don’t know, but I will surely find out, says Helen as she gets up from her living room chair and walks to her front door. Carlos walks behind her. Helen opens the door.

Oh my lord! Is that what I think it is? asks Helen as her mouth flops wide open.

It looks that way to me. I think so, replies Carlos.

Helen walks out of her door and stands on her porch. She bends down and picks up the miracle that has landed on her front porch and holds it close to her. The miracle looks her in her eyes and smiles.

Carlos… this is a baby. Oh my god! What in the heavens is a baby doing on our front porch? asks Helen.

I have no idea… Your guess is as good as mine, replies Carlos as he stands in astonishment next to Helen, holding the baby that’s wrapped in a canary yellow blanket.

Helen continues looking at the beautiful miraculous face as she stares back at her. She gives the baby her finger to squeeze.

Helen continues to gaze into the baby’s eyes that’s full of emitting light and says calmly, Hi there. You are so beautiful, you know that? What lucky woman do you belong to, little angel, and where on earth did you come from?

The baby continues to look into Helen eyes, smiling. The only words that comes out of her lips is baby talk, Goo-goo, ga-ga.

Helen continues to say, I wish I could understand that, but sorry, beautiful, I don’t. Helen chuckles.

Carlos stands there as Helen continues to play with the baby.

Helen, looks like someone may have lost their baby. Maybe we should call the police or something, says Carlos.

Wait… not yet. What if she’s heaven sent? You know, like divine intervention of some sort, asks Helen as she continues to play with the baby.

Helen! How in the world is that possible? I mean were talking about a whole baby here, asks Carlos.

I don’t know, Carlos, that’s the only thing that makes sense to me right now, says Helen.

That makes no sense at all, Helen, says Carlos.

Of course it does. It happened to Mary and Joseph, says Helen.

Mary and Joseph? Who are they? asks Carlos.

You know, silly, the Mary and Joseph, Jesus Christ’s earthly parents.

Carlos takes his hand and places it on Helen’s forehead.

Are you sure you’re okay, love? Oh, maybe the wine has finally kicked in, huh? says Carlos as his hand rests on Helen’s forehead.

Helen moves her head away from Carlos’s hand.

I am fine, you silly man. What do you go to church for if you’re not paying any attention? Geesh. God gave Jesus to Mary and Joseph without conception. Mary was actually still a virgin. I know you’ve got to know that much. So you see, it is definitely possible, says Helen as she continues to play and smile with the baby.

Helen, that kind of stuff only happens in the Bible. This is real life. I am not Joseph, and you are definitely no Virgin Mary, says Carlos.

Helen takes her eyes off the baby and looks up at Carlos.

Excuse me! says Helen offensively.

You know what I mean, honey, says Carlos.

Ummm… no, I don’t. Would you please be a little more specific? But more importantly, weren’t you the one just telling me earlier that I should consider other options? What if she is it? What if God did miraculously give us a miracle? And yes, I do still believe in miracles, says Helen.

What? You mean like God may have given you some kind of providential recovery for your loss? asks Carlos.

Yes, exactly! Maybe so, now that you’ve mentioned it, says Helen, smiling.

Helen looks at Carlos and notices he’s being sarcastic.

Don’t patronize me, Carlos, especially not about something like this, Helen says seriously.

My love, all I’m trying to say is somebody, somewhere, is missing a little girl. I don’t know where she came from, but I’m sure she belongs to somebody. What if she was kidnapped or something? I’m sure her parents are looking for her if that’s the case. We must do the right thing and report this to the authorities. And in my defense, I only go to church because you make me, says Carlos.

Stop it, you. I don’t know, Carlos, look at her, she’s so beautiful, but maybe you’re right. There is a possibility that she was kidnapped. But why would the kidnapper leave her on our doorstep? Okay… I got an idea, says Helen excitingly.

I’m listening, replies Carlos.

How about we just keep her for the night. Let’s just see if any kidnapping or missing babies are reported on the news or maybe even the person who dropped her off comes back for her. If anything appears on the news, then, of course, we will call the police. I got a feeling that the person who brought her here may come back to get her, or maybe not. I tell you what, if the person does come back for her, we’ll give her back. Or if none of the above happens, then we will call the authorities in the morning, says Helen.

Okay, I can live with that, says Carlos as he turns around and walks back into the home. He stands in the doorway, waiting for Helen and the baby.

Are you coming in? asks Carlos.

Yeah, in a minute, replies Helen.

Carlos leaves the door open for Helen, then he walks into the living room to watch the ten o’clock news.

As Helen continues to stand on the porch, holding the baby tugged in her arms, the stars in the sky are sparkling like fireworks.

Wow… Do you see that, gorgeous? The stars in the sky are having a field day up there, Helen says to the baby. Tonight is so beautiful. What started as a gloomy day has somehow turned out to be nothing but magical. I don’t know where you came from, sweetheart, but you have surely put a smile on my heart.

The reflection from the stars is reflecting in the baby eyes. They are even lighting up.

Wow, if I were to tell someone that your eyes are shining bright like the stars in the sky, they would think that I’m crazy. Hell, Carlos already thinks that the wine I had earlier has taken effect. She chuckles. Crazy man, but you gotta love him. I know that he’s worried about me and only wants what’s best. Then she whispers, Between you and me, I think after all the wishing upon a star I did when I was a little girl, somebody up there has finally heard me.

Helen gently lays the baby across her shoulder. She and the baby join Carlos in the living room.

Chapter I

I ts six o’clock, Monday morning, Candace Carpenter awakes after accidentally falling asleep on her living room couch. She gets up from her colorful sofa that veraciously compliments her conspicuous personality. She walks to her unaccompanied bedroom and begins to reminisce about a derange dream she had last night.

Wow! That was really weird, she mumbles to herself as she grabs the side of her head, still experiencing the torment from the bizarre fantasy.

She dreamed that she was being abducted by aliens who worked for Joan Rivers, the critically acclaimed Fashion Police captain. The aliens, just as Joan, are obsessed with contemporary fashions. They tried to force a makeover upon her, but Candace wasn’t into their mockery idea of popular trends. She opposed to their idea and struggled to keep them away from her as she abruptly awakened from the terror. After mentally revising the awkward dream, she shook her head then prances to her small walk-in closet that’s filled with mostly grey or black two-pieced business suits, as if she’s attending a funeral on a daily basis. Choosing the right outfit for the day is never a difficult decision to make considering her poor choice of a modern wardrobe. She picks out a long, grey