Heroine

By Julie Mitchell

       Do you like coming of age stories? Stories that have romance, fear, and hope? Say hello to Heroine.

   

Heroine and the other stories in this collection showcase hardships that are prevalant into todays world such as drugs, bullying and self-doubt.

 

Follow Cody, Lillie, and Hannah in their journeys of self discovery and acceptance.

• Cody begrudgingly agrees to speak at a school assembly. His stomach is in his throat as he walks up the stage steps. What will his classmates think of him after he gives his speech?
• Lillie's granddaughter Emilie's new science partner brings up memories of the distance past.
• Hannah used to be picked on in school; until she learned to stand up for herself with help from an unexpected person.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Mitchell
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201655792

Book preview

HEROINE

A SHORT STORY COLLECTION

Julie Mitchell

Heroine

Copyright © 2021 by Julie Mitchell.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

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

ISBN: 9798755191548

First Edition: January 2022

CONTENTS

HEROINE

CONTENTS

Heroine

Pride & Judging

HOLIDAY SERIES

Holiday Virgin

Valentine’s Day

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heroine

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Cody readjusted his green striped tie. His mother had told him to wear that one since she said, It brings out your eyes.

He sat in the front row of the school auditorium. He was sure his mother was somewhere in the back after sneaking in late. He kept looking around the room, occasionally back to the stage to see if the speakers were done as he waited for his turn.

Cody had reluctantly agreed to speak at his high school’s anti-drug assembly. Mr. Dobson, the principal, had called him into his office two weeks ago and asked Cody to talk about his aunt Paige. Cody’s aunt Paige was a former student of Mr. Dobson’s, and he felt her story was sadly too common and needed to be shared.

Cody was a shy sophomore. He kept his grades up and stayed out of trouble. For fun, he liked to play video games with his friends. Cody was all right living in the shadows of high school; in fact, he enjoyed it. After this speech, everyone was going to know who he was, and that terrified him.

The speaker ahead of him seemed to be talking forever. Cody wasn’t even listening; he could only hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears. He gripped the armrest to steady his nerves, but his hands were still sweaty. He carefully looked around where he was.

Damn for being in the front row. No place to run, he thought.

I would like to thank Officer Ames for that informative speech, Mr. Dobson said after he shook Officer Ames’s hand and was once again in front of the podium that had been set up on stage. Now it gives me great pleasure to welcome one of our own. Cody Baxter is a sophomore here at Fitzgerald High School. Personal experiences in his life may help some of you in your own lives. Please give him a warm welcome.

Cody stood from his seat. He could see the audience clapping, but he couldn’t hear them over the sound of his still-pounding heart. He climbed each step up to the stage carefully. He looked at his feet, willing them not to trip. He placed his speech on the podium with shaking hands. Gripping the sides so tightly his knuckles turned white, he leaned forward to talk into the microphone.

Hel—

The microphone screeched, echoing throughout the entire room.

Cody backed away. His face reddened as he glanced out at the audience. He watched as everyone lowered their hands from their ears.

Sorry, he said meekly. Clearing his throat, he started again. Hello. My name is Cody Baxter. I would like to thank Mr. Dobson for inviting me to speak to you all today. Cody paused, his voice shaking with nerves.

I am here to speak to you about my aunt Paige. Paige was one of the bravest people I have ever known. Once she had a goal, she tried her hardest to reach it. This is not a tale saying that all your dreams will come true with effort. This is a story to explain that outward appearances may not be what they are on the inside. That though a person can look happy and healthy, they really do need help.

Cody took a deep breath, glancing at his speech. He’d memorized it after practicing in the mirror the last three days. He could do this.

Aunt Paige would tell him he needed to let go of his fears and just do it. He noticed the clock on the back wall of the auditorium and made that his focal point.

"When Paige graduated from this very high school in 2007, she was determined to get out of this, ‘small, no-nothing town.’" He