No Matter Who You Are

By Lora Hodgin

Not born, but emerged after the explosion, flash, and roar, two beings. They had to adapt, arranging their lives in unfamiliar conditions. Fortunately, their abilities allow them to balance without disturbing the local harmony. They are both terrible and very kind, somewhere in between. However, like all of us when we commit certain actions. The conditions of our existence are just too different, the possibilities as opposites, and only the feelings and emotions are similar. Mary is the most ordinary child from a very special family. Initially, she was deprived of the most important things, but now she has too much, all because one of her fathers was either too good or very bad to give her all this. She had no choice, what happens to her scares her, but she will be happy because she is still loved very much.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lora Hodgin
• Release date: Aug 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215015247

Lora Hodgin

Hi all!I am Ukrainian, originally from Odessa. Not a professional writer, but I really enjoy the process. The characters themselves keep me from giving up their stories, so I will continue.Ready for criticism and comments, but I really hope that you will be interested.Lora Hodgin

Book preview

No Matter Who You Are

By Lora Hodgin

4 book in the Bad Mary series

Copyright 2023 Lora Hodgin

Smashwords Edition

That day was quite cloudy, so the plans to celebrate Eva's birthday on the lawn near the house were abandoned. Fortunately, the house had a huge, covered terrace. It was located near the entrance to the house and stretched across the entire width of the building. That's where they set the festive table and placed chairs, waiting for guests.

The weather deteriorated rapidly, all because of the clouds, which were rapidly gathering from all directions, ready to burst into rain at any moment. The first drops fell on the head of Eva, who was welcoming the guests. She waited by the gate for anyone, worried that if no one showed up, the celebration would simply be cancelled.

Here! Take cover! - a tall dark-haired boy handed an umbrella to the birthday girl. But she didn't move.

She was upset since, with such weather, neighbours don't usually visit each other. Now, Eva would have to celebrate by herself. In her opinion, her brother wasn't a good companion for the festivities, as he seemed too boring.

It's my first milestone! And no one's here! Mark, why did the weather change so suddenly?!

Eva looked stunning that day, her hair elegantly styled, her face made up. A bright green dress with gold inserts made her look like a noble lady or even a queen, so she seemed older than her actual age, which was ten years as of today.

Just don't cry. Your makeup will run, Mark opened an umbrella over his sister since she wasn't going to do it herself.

It's makeup! What smudge? Eva responded harshly, but her brother wasn't offended, knowing she didn't mean to be rude.

Alright. Anyway, it's just a round number for you today, not a milestone, but...

Suddenly, the gate swung open, revealing the first guest, Denis Dzigulsky, or simply Den as everyone calls him. It's not that Den was Eva's friend, they just lived nearby. They often saw each other, and their parents occasionally had drinks together.

Den handed Eva a small bouquet, slipped some money in an envelope between the flowers, and squeaked in his high-pitched voice as lightning flashed nearby.

Let's go inside! My hair will get wet! he exclaimed, trying to hide his fear of lightning, but his trembling voice gave him away.

Eva gave Mark a meaningful look. They often communicated without words, but this time Den intervened, thinking they were mocking him. Without thinking much, he grabbed the bouquet he had just handed over, pulling it towards himself saying, I can leave.

No, Den! I'm scared too! Let's go hide inside, Eva assured him, winning the tug of war for the bouquet.

Just then, thunder rumbled. Den didn't hear what she had said, although it wasn't particularly important. He had no intention of staying outside; leaving the bouquet behind, he hurried into the house for shelter. The place where the table was set surprised him: a terrace with a canopy and a full roof, but no walls, just two pillars on the right and left and a low railing of questionable reliability. So, he chose the coziest spot right next to the entrance to the house itself.

Apart from Dan, only Eva's two cousins, Marta and Maya, and her best friend Dominika, managed to make it to Eva's birthday. They were grateful to the sisters' father who brought them all. But even this small gathering pleased the birthday girl. Sitting down with five at a table set for twenty-two was still a joy.

The celebration itself was noticeably quiet and calm, in contrast to the weather which was in full swing. The rain intensified; it was now a real downpour, so strong that it seemed anyone caught in it would get drenched instantly. The ominous dark clouds didn't disperse. The guests not only felt gloomy but were also alarmed. Now, instead of grass in the meadow, there was a pond, and they took turns looking in that direction, assessing its depth.

I'm full! Dan blurted out after a long silence at the table, letting out a loud belch, Uh, how do I get home now?

No one answered, but he continued his whining. Then Mark replied:

I'll toss you over the fence. Just let me know when we're starting.

No! I think I'll stay a bit longer, Dan said, not exactly scared, just recalling they hadn't had dessert yet.

At that moment, another guest entered the terrace. No one present could have their emotions; some were delighted, others surprised, but everyone was startled.

Mary?! all the girls exclaimed in unison.

How happy Eva was to see her old friend! After all, she had moved three months ago and now lives in a different part of the city, quite far away. Walking there would take half a day, and that's if you were running.

Did your dad drive you? she asked, taking the umbrella from Mary's hands.

On a bicycle! After her answer, the bicycle appeared.