Yolath

By K.Y. Thompson

Delilah is the apple of Papa's eyes, and no one can tell her any better. Summer is here, and she can not wait to spend it with her grandparents. This getaway is just what she needs before her senior year of high school loads. Everything goes as planned, until she meets a mysterious guy, and everything she loves becomes questionable. Delilah will have to sacrifice to save those she loves, and is not sure if the task she's been given is a challenge she can accomplish. 

 

Fairies, Unicorns, and more….Discover the magic of the Land of Yolath, and all of its citizens, as Delilah discovers her true identity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.Y. Thompson
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223858966

K.Y. Thompson

K.Y. Thompson, a native of North Carolina, wrote her first story and at that moment discovered writing was a creative outlet. She grew up writing tons of stories and reading all genres. With a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, Kenya continued to perfect her craft.  She aims to inspire others to explore their passions and live life to the fullest.  When not reading or writing, Kenya enjoys art projects, spending time with family and friends, good food, and lots of laughter.

Book preview

Prelude 

The pilot announced the plane would soon be landing. Great! The flight seemed longer than usual. Delilah was anxious the entire flight. Besides, she could not wait to see my grandparents. It had been more than six months since she had last seen them. Far, far too long. She buckled her seatbelt in anticipation of the landing, which was smoother than most of the flight.  The passengers hit turbulence about two hours in, and everyone panicked and screamed. Delilah closed her eyes twice to whisper a prayer. The pilot tried to reassure everyone that everything was normal. What the passengers experienced was far from the norm. Flying was second nature to Delilah, but this flight was not for the weak at heart. Even the flight attendants appeared worried. Thankfully, the airplane landed, and the passengers waited for the all-clear announcement from the pilot. Delilah had to pause for a minute to release a huge sigh of relief. The pilot gave the all-clear, and the crowd left the plane faster than most had ever seen. Delilah grabbed her suitcase and bag and rechecked to ensure she did not forget Papa’s airplane cookies. Papa’s sweet tooth kept him in the hot seat all the time for Grandma’s tongue lashings about his sugar intake. However, Delilah did not mind sneaking delicious treats his way. 

Delilah felt the summer heat when she exited the plane. Every summer, her mother and father shipped her off to live with her maternal grandparents on a cute little island while her parents traveled the globe, Paris, South Africa, and Spain.  Her parents loved to explore the world. As long as Delilah got a t-shirt or a souvenir from each place, she was perfectly fine hanging out with her grandparents.  Her room at home was full of trinkets and gifts from her parent’s travels.

The first time Delilah spent the summer with her grandparents, she was four years old. Since then, every summer has been dedicated to her grandparents.  Her grandparents lived for the days when Delilah could visit, and they set up a room in their house just for Delilah, giving her a home away from home. This summer was extra special because it was the summer before her senior year of high school.  The summer before she entered womanhood. Nothing was to get in her way of having a good time and living her best life. Because of her college plans, Delilah was unsure if her next summer’s visit was doable before she embarked on her new journey. Delilah was the only grandchild and the apple of their eyes. Her grandfather told everyone that he met of his love for his only grandchild. If Delilah's Uncle Perry ever had a child, she would have to share her grandmother’s and grandfather's love.  Uncle Perry was hardly around. He liked to travel the world like Delilah’s parents. Delilah assumed one day, she would get the itch to become a globe traveler too, but for now, it was just the trio: Delilah, Grandma, and Papa. All their attention fell on her, and their love would be hard to share, but sometimes, the thought of having a little cousin seemed fun. All of her friends had both cousins and siblings. However, Delilah had been the loner type since birth. Since Delilah had no family members her age, she relied on the few friends in her circle. 

Inside the airport lobby, standing near a crowd of people waiting for their loved ones, Delilah spotted her best friend, Nora.  Other than her grandparents, Nora was Delilah’s favorite person on the island. Nora held up a Welcome to Summer sign for Delilah’s arrival. Both girls spotted each other and ran to greet one another with a warm embrace. Nora was Delilah’s happy place, and Delilah always thought of Nora as a sister. When Delilah was younger, she begged her parents for a sibling. That was a long time ago. Delilah accepted that she would never get a brother or sister.

Girl, you look great, Delilah exclaimed as Nora spun around for all to check her out.  I know all the guys around here want some of you. 

Nora giggled, flicked her hair, and pranced back and forth.  You look great too, Dee.  Let me see your arm. Wait? Did you get a tattoo? Nora held Delilah’s arm to stare at the tiny butterfly design. 

Come on now. Be for real. My parents are not that cool. It is a fake one. Delilah tried to take her arm back before Nora smudged the cheap tattoo. Nora got close to Delilah’s arm. Eyes wide, Looks real to me.  I love a good dupe. Oh well, let’s go. We have lots of catching up to do!

Chapter 1

Not too far from Delilah’s grandparents’ house, Delilah fell in love with a guy, and she caught glimpses of him whenever the moment allowed.  The guy was about the same age as Delilah, maybe a year or two older, very stocky in stature, and his skin the color of midnight.  Delilah loved everything about him, although she did not know his name.  The two bumped into each other at the market, and they briefly exchanged hellos.  He barely noticed her, but from one encounter,  Delilah had to see him whenever possible.  Infatuation was an understatement. She was mesmerized. He had an allure that drew her to him, and Delilah desired to meet him, know him, and become his friend.

On the third day of Delilah bumping into her guy, she managed to snap a picture of him with her cellphone. The bright idea popped into her mind as she showered earlier that morning. Delilah wrecked her brain with ideas to help her identify him.  If anyone identified the mystery guy, Nora would be the one. Nora knew everyone, their momma and their momma’s momma. Laid back on the bed, Delilah pulled out her phone to catch another glimpse of the most beautiful specimen of the male species.  She sent Nora a text. It was time to meet up and do a little investigative work.  Nora could never turn down an invitation to snoop.  The plans were all set. Nora and Delilah would meet later that evening after dinner to investigate.  Delilah was set on figuring out who the mystery guy was, no matter how long it took. Nora was the only person Grandma and Papa allowed Delilah to hang out with late.

Walking up the path to Nora’s house was a pleasant sight for visitors.  Nora’s mom's meticulous yard was manicured to perfection. The flowerbed and the white gate surrounding the cottage added the perfect frame.  Nora swung on the porch swing, waiting for Delilah. Okay, Dee, what is it? I have been trying to figure out what you want me to investigate, and nothing comes to mind. Nora’s bright eyes beamed with excitement. Delilah chuckled at her friend’s enthusiasm and grabbed the phone from her back pocket. Do you know this guy? Isn’t he handsome? Come on, please tell me that you know him!

Nora eagerly took Delilah’s phone, looked briefly, and kissed her teeth. No, Dee, I know everyone on this island.  I have never seen him before.

Ugh, that was not the answer that Delilah hoped to hear. How do you not know him? You did not even look at the picture hard or long enough. I thought no one came around these that you did not have the deets on? In desperation, Delilah pushed the phone closer to Nora’s eyes. Looooook again, please!

Nora giggled.  I am sorry, Dee, but I do not know this guy. Maybe he just moved here? Nora shrugged, then opened the front door and invited Delilah inside. "Let’s watch TV and look at magazines for a while.