A New Unwritten Life

By Amy Shannon

Dr. Raina Markum and her husband, Terry, were destined to be together. The love and loyalty they share with each other is timeless. In their new unwritten life, both experience the pain of having to deal with the loss of each other. The time spent by each of them varies and makes them look at their life and the choices they made.

When death is their greatest loss, will they ever find themselves back together or will the strain of the distant path continue to keep them apart. A new test unravels as Raina is awakened ... is it from a death or just a new reflection on her life.

Follow the continuing Saga of the Sars Springs family and find out if the greatest grief will bring them closer together or tear them apart for good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Nov 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215137468

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

A New Unwritten Life

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Dr. Raina Markum and her husband, Terry, were destined to be together. The love and loyalty they share with each other is timeless. In their new unwritten life, both experience the pain of having to deal with the loss of each other. The time spent by each of them varies and makes them look at their life and the choices they made.

When death is their greatest loss, will they ever find themselves back together or will the strain of the distant path continue to keep them apart? A new test unravels as Raina is awakened … is it from a death or just a new reflection on her life. Follow the continuing Saga of the Sars Springs family and find out if the greatest grief will bring them closer together or tear them apart for good.

1 Deep Loss

DR. RAINA MARKUM stared at the Glock-17 nine-millimeter handgun in the palm of her hand. She slowly kneeled by the large headstone. She stared at the name and ran her fingers over the etching. "Terry, why’d you leave me? You weren’t supposed to die on me," she cried violently, as her mind drifted back in time.

Raina ran down the hall. Steven, where is he? Where is my husband? she cried.

Dr. Steven Welch put his hand on her shoulder. Raina, it’s his heart. It’s failing. I’m sorry. There’s nothing more any of us can do, he cried.

Where is he? she cried.

Steven pointed to the trauma room. Raina hurried into the room and gazed at her husband. She took his hand. Terry, Baby, she cried.

Terry slowly opened his eyes. I’m sorry, Doc, he cried.

She gently dabbed his tears. You can’t leave me. You can’t do it, she begged.

My heart … I’m sorry. I want to live and be with you forever, but I can’t. I’m dying, Doc.

I’ll save you, Baby. I always brought you back, she wiped her eyes.

No. Don’t. Let my body go, please. I’ll always be with you. I promise, he cried, as he touched her cheek.

I want to go with you. I can’t live without you, she cried.

No, we made a promise to our children. Doc, you need to live. There is so much more for you to do, he closed his eyes and reopened them.

I can’t. I can’t live without you, she kissed his mouth softly.

I love you, Doc. Live on. Our family needs you, he cried.

But, I need you, she buried her face in his chest. I need you.

Doc, don’t cry for me. Always remember me. Don’t forget our love … but don’t close your heart, he gulped.

Never. I’ll never love anyone ever again. Don’t die on me, she screamed.

Terry took one last deep breath. I love you, Doc, he said, as his chest rose one final time.

Terry! she screamed, as she lay down next to her husband. You promised you’d never leave me.

Raina glared at the etching of her late husband’s face on his headstone. "You lied to me. You promised you’d never leave me. I hate you. I hate you, she cried, as she slowly lifted the gun to her head. No, I can’t hate you. I can’t be without you."

Evan Jones and identical twin brothers, Mike and Mark Dix slowly approached the cemetery. "What is she doing?" Evan asked.

Oh, god, Mike said, as they saw the gun in her hand.

Raina! Matt O’Roark yelled, as he ran toward her. Don’t do this.

Raina turned around and stared at her family. "He left me. He promised he’d never die on me, and he LIED."

Don’t do this. You can’t end your own life, Matt cried.

Please, Momma, Starr Haskell said. You promised us. Don’t break your promise.

Raina stared into the eyes of her children as she dropped to the ground. I’m so sorry, she cried, as tears streamed down her face.

Mom, please, Logan Markum said. Don’t do this. We’re all hurting inside.

I’m so… so sorry, she cried. I can’t deal with the pain anymore.

Alexander and Dr. Marcus Markum slowly approached their mother, with Starr and Logan following. Alexander put his hand on his mother’s. Mom, give me the gun, he whispered.

It’s your father’s. I can’t let go of it, she cried. Xander, don’t hate me, she whispered.

Mom, I could never hate you. I love you. We all love you, he said, as her children kneeled beside her.

I don’t want to be without Terry, she cried.

Xander slowly removed the gun from her hand. I’ll keep it for you. I promise. Let me take you home, he said.

"No, I can’t go back there," she cried.

Evan looked at Mike and Mark. What do you think? Evan cried.

I think she needs a lot of time, Mark said.

Let’s take her, Mike said. The three men walked through the crowd of family and walked over to her. Raina?

Raina looked up. Mike? she cried.

Come with us, he extended his hand.

I don’t know what to do or where to go, she cried, as she and her children stood up.

Mike? Starr said.

We’re taking her to our house. We’ll take care of her. Don’t worry. She just needs some time without reminders of your father, Mike said.

Momma, he’s right. Go with Mark, Mike, and Evan. They’ll take good care of you, Starr hugged her mother.

Raina took Mike’s hand. I don’t want to burden you, she cried.

You never could. You always take care of all of us. Let us take care of you, Mike said.

Raina looked at her brother, Matty, I’m so sorry. I… she cried.

Matt hugged his sister. Ray, it’s not your fault. I totally understand. I’ll take care of your kids. You take care of yourself, he said, as Mike, Mark, and Evan led her out of the cemetery. Matt looked at his niece and nephews. She just needs some space. She’s loved your father her entire life and now … he’s gone … for good.

Matt, why’d they take Daddy away from us? Starr cried.

I wish I knew. I have no idea. Do whatever it takes to make yourself feel better. If you want to get angry, do it. If you want to scream and cry, do it. If you need to share memories, do it. Right now, we should all just go home and do what we need to do, Matt said, as Dr. Martin Welch and his partner, Carey Markum, ran through the crowd.

Matt, where’s Ray? Carey asked.

The guys took her to their house. She’s in a bad way. I know you’re mourning your brother. So, do it. Let Ray be for now.

Matt, she’s with Mike, Evan, and Mark? Do you think it’s a good idea? Martin asked.

They won’t hurt her.

"But Evan’s in love with her," Martin said.

Not anymore. It doesn’t matter anyway. Raina needs some time to herself. They’ll probably just leave her be. She’s not ready to go home right now, he turned and looked at the family. "You should all go home or whatever. Don’t crowd my sister. I know you all want to. Whatever happened today … was a mistake. That’s all. She was distraught. She would never end her own life," Matt said, as he limped toward his car.

Carey looked over at his brother, Joshua Carleno. What the hell happened? I thought we were going to the restaurant, Carey cried.

We were all on our way when Raina stopped. She pulled out Terry’s gun. She was going to kill herself, but … her kids made her see that wasn’t the answer, Joshua said. Um, Carey? How do we do this?

I don’t know. I miss our brother so much, Carey broke down in his brother’s arms.

Starr, Xander, Marcus, and Logan solemnly headed to their cars. Starr looked at her brothers. Um, I don’t want to go to the restaurant right now. I’m going home. Are you going?

I don’t feel like it, but I should tell Cameron. They’re all waiting for us, Logan said.

Will you tell Elliot that I went home? she cried.

Will do, Logan said, as he headed across the street toward his father’s restaurant, Destino.

2 Help

RAINA SLOWLY SAT down on the sofa and buried her face in her hands. Mark sat next to her. Can we do anything for you? he lightly touched her face.

I want to forget, she cried. "I don’t want to think about anything right now."

Mike walked into the room with a couple of beers. Then, that’s what we’ll do, he said, as he handed her a bottle. I won’t give you hard liquor, but here, drink this. We’ll drink so you can forget for a little while.

Raina smiled slightly. I never got drunk with you three before, she said.

Well, here’s your chance. We may be old, but we know how to drink and have sex, Mike laughed.

"Is that all?" Raina smiled.

"No, I think there are a few other things, he laughed. Drink up. We can just sit here and just drink if you want."

I’d like that. Thanks. You guys are so great to me, Raina sipped her beer.

"We’ll always be here for you," Mark said, as he stared down at the ground.

Mike looked at Evan and then his brother. Evan, let’s go make something to eat.

Um, all right, he said, as the two men headed into the kitchen.

Mike opened the refrigerator. Um, so, are you still in love with Raina?

No. I care about her. I was in love with her a long time ago. Why do you ask?

"Mark," he cleared his throat.

"Mark has feelings for Raina? Evan asked. Has he said something to you?"

No, and he won’t. He’ll probably never tell her either, Mike said. "I know, it’s weird, since when she was little, we were both married to her aunts, but she’s not a kid. Hasn’t been in so long."

"What about you? Were you ever attracted to her?"

Of course. She’s beautiful, inside and out. She’s always been devoted to Terry, Mike said.

Don’t I know it, he grinned. We’ll help her through this. I don’t think she should be alone for quite a while.

Neither do I.

You don’t think Mark will… Evan asked.

"I don’t think so. He’s so not like that."

Mark leaned back on the sofa and gazed at Raina. I wish I knew what I could say to you to make you feel better.

Raina guzzled her beer and opened another one. I don’t want to feel anything right now. I’m sorry that I’m a burden and that you three feel like you have to take care of me.

Mark took her hand and gazed into her eyes. You’re not a burden, Destiny.

"Please, don’t call me that. I’m not Destiny anymore. I don’t have one. My destiny died on me."

I’m sorry, Raina. I didn’t mean… he swallowed hard.

Raina touched his face. Mark, something is different about you, she whispered.

What?

Your eyes. The way they’re looking at me.

Oh, I’m sorry.

No, it’s all right. I just never noticed it before, she cried. I don’t know what to do about anything. I’m so lost.

Mark lightly wiped her tears. It’s all right to cry. I know how you feel.

"I know you do. I know why you died when Lacy died. That’s what I wanted to do but my body just won’t die."

"I miss both Rose and Lacy, every day. I haven’t been with anyone since I’ve come back."

You came back to save Marcus and you did, she cried.

I had to save you, too.

Me?

"You," he whispered.

Raina leaned in and softly kissed his wanting lips. He kissed her softly and tenderly. She slowly backed away. Oh, I’m sorry.

Don’t be.

I love Terry so much. I’ve never wanted anyone but him, she hung her head with shame.

Don’t close your heart. I know it’s too soon. I’m sorry that I kissed you. I didn’t mean…

Raina touched his face and kissed him again. Mark, I’m sorry. I hurt so badly, she stood up and walked over to the window.

Raina, don’t worry about it. I–I couldn’t help it. I didn’t mean to. Please, don’t be angry, he stood up and walked over to her.

Raina turned around and smiled. "I kissed you. I wanted to. Mark, I love my husband. I still love him even though he’s gone. I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving him."

Mark wiped her eyes. You won’t. You won’t ever forget him or your love or even his love. I didn’t mean for you find out…

"Find out what?"

That I fell in love with you… he gulped. "I also … lied to you."

"You lied? About what?"

Do you remember that hypnotic suggestion that made us all believe that we were in love with you?

Yes, and it was taken away.

Mark shook his head. "Mine wasn’t and I wasn’t in love with you because of the suggestion. Yes, it was put there, but I fell in love with you long before that. It couldn’t be taken away because it was real. I’m sorry. You’re mourning Terry and you don’t need to deal with me right now," he turned away.

Don’t, she cried. "Don’t turn away from me."

Mark turned around. I’m sorry. I forgot.

Raina took his hand and sat down on the sofa. Mark, what I need right now are friends. Can you be my friend?

"Of course. I love you. We were always friends. Don’t let what I told you to come between us," Mark said.

I won’t, Raina said, as she swigged her beer. I wish…

What?

That the pain could go away.

Mark took her hand, and they stood up. Raina? he whispered.

"Mark, can you make me feel better?" she cried.

I’ll try, Mark picked her up and carried her up the stairs. He laid her on the bed and lay next to her. Raina, if you can’t…

"Mark, if you can’t … it’s not about love right now."

It’s about being better, isn’t it? he lightly touched her cheek.

I need to feel better. I can’t get the pain out of my heart, she cried.

Mark slowly unbuttoned her blouse. Raina?

Mark, please, show me… Raina pulled him on top of her.

Mark kissed her softly as he undressed her. She ran her hands over his bare chest and breathed him in. The pain was still sitting in her heart. She was so angry and hurt by Terry’s death. She never thought she’d ever be with another man … any man who wasn’t Terry, but Mark … he was safe. He loved her and she … loved him, even if she wasn’t in love with him. Mark was always loving and very special. This wasn’t even about that. She made love to him to make the pain … the anger go away.

Mike and Evan walked into the living room with the food. Where do you think they are? Evan asked.

Mike looked toward the top of the stairs. Remember what you and Raina did when John died? he gulped.

Oh, do you think he told her how he felt? Evan asked, as the two men sat down.

If he didn’t, I think she can feel it, Mike said, as he leaned back. "So, how does that make you feel?"

As long as she’s happy, Evan said, as he sipped his beer.

3 Destruction

RAINA WOKE UP and lightly touched Mark’s cheek. He opened his eyes and smiled. Are you all right?

"Yeah, thanks. I feel kind of numb, but not about making love to you. Mark, it was wonderful."

He lifted his head up and kissed her softly. I just want you to know that there are no strings. I promise. If you ever need me, you know where I am, he smiled.

The same goes for me. Do you mind a friendship with a few perks now and then? she grinned.

Only if that’s what you want. I won’t let my feelings get in the way of us, he said, as she sat up.

"Don’t hide your feelings. I guess I should take my own advice. I’m going to head home now."

Are you sure?

She hugged him tightly. Yes, I’m sure. I need to walk back in that house again. I haven’t been there since he died. I’ve been staying on Kyle’s sofa. I can’t do that forever. My brother has his own life and shouldn’t have to worry about me, she said, as she started to get dressed.

He’ll always worry, just like Matt, he smiled.

Um, do you think Mike and Evan know what we did?

I don’t know. They probably were wondering where we went. I can just tell them that we came up here to talk, Mark said.

"You’re a lousy liar. They won’t believe you."

Probably not, he kissed her hand. "Do you want me to