Jen A. Durand's Blog: Thoughts Best Kept Silent, page 4

Jinx Wintr - Character Growth

         Jinx Wintr is perhaps one of the characters I love writing the most. I love all of my characters. Their quirks, fears, and egos. Everything about them is carefully constructed and thought about. Dreamed about in some cases. But Jinx is the character I am most proud of and protective of.         She is abrasive, loud, and overly protective. She is a bit of a busybody and incapable of completely trusting in something as grand as love. When the reader first meets her, she is a young woman at the top of her professional career. Her life beginnings and ends with her friends and work. She hides behind this tough exterior to protect herself and to forget past hurts.         Jinx is on a mission to talk one of her friends out of a shotgun wedding. A huge proponent of unencumbered living. She has a hard time accepting that Nicole is marrying a man she has only known for a grand total of six months. Once Jinx accepts Nicole is not in need of rescuing she is suddenly confronted with a past she thought was dead and buried.         Dominic Lowell is the love of Jinx’s life, and the physical representation of all that she lost when her father died. Their connection terrifies her and attracts her at the same time. Dominic does not push her past the breaking point, but he does not let her run and hide.         She is a character motivated by loss and a fear of hurt. Every choice she makes is in order to avoid the eventuality of pain. Dominic is a choice that could give her limitless happiness, but Jinx is also aware that there is a distinct possibility she could lose her sense of self in their relationship. Throughout Wintr’s Homecoming the reader goes along on this adventure where the Heroine is not built for battle, but is willing to risk everything for the man who wormed his way into her heart.
Here is an exclusive of Wintr’s Homecoming –Excerpt from Chapter 5
         Dominic chuckled as he reached across the table to tap Jinx’s nose like he used to when she was younger. “When Nicole talked about her friend Jinx with the amazing brown skin, stubborn streak, and fiery temper. We should have known there was only one you.”         Jinx rolled her eyes and downed one more shot. She was stubborn. And she did have a temper. But she was also aware no one else could talk to Nicole for her. She placed her hand on the tabletop and stood up.  The sudden movement caused the three shots to rush straight to her head. Her knees weakened.         Jinx frowned as she hurriedly gripped the table’s edge to keep from swaying to the ground. The room started to spin at an axis and her thoughts took on a unfamiliar fuzz.          “What the hell did I drink,” Jinx asked as she touched her cheeks surprised at how numb they felt.         Dominic shrugged and Julian patted Jinx’s hand. “It’s like a kick in the teeth the first time, but you get used to it.”         “I don’t get this drunk this fast.”         Julian laughed as he held up the bottle. “Abigail has been experimenting with moonshine in her spare time.”         Jinx grimaced. Abigail was Dominic’s younger sister and had been hell on wheels twelve years ago.  Apparently that, like everything else, had not changed.  Already the alcohol was making her feel a little lightheaded and giggly.          The room seemed brighter, and her anger faded a little as the liquor warmed her. She was a happy drunk person.  Alcohol made her all warm, happy, and fuzzy.Dominic frowned and stepped in front of her. “Are you okay?”         Jinx smiled as she placed a hand on Dominic cheek and rubbed. The stubble of his five o’clock shadow scrapped against her skin. His features really had not changed at all since the last time she had seen him.          There were benefits to being a part of the supernatural biosphere. Looking forever young was definitely a perk.  Dominic had the most piercing green eyes, bronzed skin, and the perfect shaped head for a crew cut.          “I had the biggest crush on you when I was younger.”         Dominic shared a look with his cousin. “We should have kept it to one drink.”         Jinx bit her lip then grinned.  “I. I missed you guys a lot, but I also hated you a little.”         “Definitely should have kept it to one drink,” Dominic said as Jinx wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed deep.****         Julian chuckled as Jinx released Dominic and pulled him into a hug. Nicole must have decided she had given them enough alone time because she stormed into the kitchen. Jinx smiled and lifted her hands into the air and rushed into Nicole’s stunned arms.         “Hello Beautiful.”         Nicole stared at Dominic and Julian accusingly as Jinx squeezed her tight. “You got her drunk.”        End of Excerpt.In some ways Jinx is a hurt little girl who has to find her way back home. She spent so long denying a part of herself, that her homecoming is not to a physical place. Her homecoming is her acceptance of every part of herself.

Completed WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer 
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
Confident Meets Cold

The Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveTwins For ChristmasClosing The Deal

Ride Or Die Loyalty?

       What is it and why does it sometimes seem like it is applied differently between the genders. I happen to be the type of girl who just likes to hang out with people. To talk and listen to the opinions and the beliefs of others. Especially men. It is interesting to hear the differences in the way we think and how certain words seem to take on a different meaning among the sexes. The most glaring example is loyalty. Especially in its application to monogamy.
       The other day I was sitting in the library of my school with a few friends and we were having a candid conversation about cheating. The men were up in arms talking about how women who cheat are not for them. They insisted that when men cheat and women cheat it is on two different levels. Because our vagina’s are directly tied to our hearts. The fact that we take a man into our beds mean more then just a good lay. Men consistently insist that their penises and their hearts are not even on the same hemisphere most days. They offer up the justification/excuse that while they can stick themselves into whatever opening available, they only hand their heart out to their “main”.
       Main. Main? Your main woman. The one who cooks for you. Dresses like your personal model, holds your hand, listens to your dreams, and encourages you to set and achieve your goals. She holds you down. She is also expected to be loyal to your relationship. Which to some men means that infidelity should not be a deal breaker. It’s a violation to your shared relationship and their “Ride or Die” status is revoked.
       But what about the reverse? Why doesn’t a man’s status as their woman’s “Ride or Die” get buried? Women enjoy sex as much as men. They just tend to be more discriminating with whom they let into that space. Why? Because that is how we are socialized to be. Times are changing and women are starting to become independent. Becoming the wife is not the brass ring any more. 
       But the expectation of monogamy is not and should not be difficult. It is my perspective that loyalty is a two way street. Your heart should be with me, but your brain should have enough control over your body to keep the rest of you in check. Otherwise find someone willing to be that type of woman for you. Someone willing to stand by your side with a bright smile, while you sleep with anything and everything that moves. Open relationships work for some people.
       I am one of five. I have had to share a lot in my life. I do not mind it usually. But once we get to the point where we are public and I am inviting you to meet my people I need to be the only person laying claim on those bits of you. Loyalty begets loyalty. Otherwise, bye.
Jen A. DurandAuthor of The Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series and The Virgins Club, www.Durandpublishing.net
Completed WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer 
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
Confident Meets Cold

The Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveTwins For ChristmasClosing The Deal

Pricilla Grey - The Fixer

         Pricilla is exactly as her title implies. She is a fixer. She loves to fix things and cannot help herself when it comes to meddling. She does not keep her opinions to herself. I love that about her character. She is not cowed by her fears.          I have said it before and I will say it again. I love strong women and the female characters I write are reflective of this. They have their weaknesses and fears, but they drive foreword to achieve their goals.        Max is a single father with a precocious daughter. They are both new to Blue Grove and need a push to explore their new surroundings. Pricilla makes it her mission to get them both out there and show them Blue Grove is not the place people come to hide, but the place they come to discover what is missing in their lives.        Falling in love with Max was not apart of the plan, but she welcomed the idea of taking a bigger role in that already formed family. She just needs to figure out a way to not scare Max off with her virgin status. A goal that becomes a whole lot harder when his ex-wife comes back in the picture.
Here is an Excerpt from Chapter 10 of the Fixer:        “I really like you,” Prissy announced slowly.        “Max smiled and scooted forward, “I like you to.”        “And obviously I find you attractive.”        “Obviously,” Max teased.        Prissy smiled. “But I need to tell you something important. And if what I say is a deal breaker then I will not hold it against you.”       The humor on Max’s face faded as he heard the seriousness in her voice. Prissy could not help the slight stab of fear that stuck her chest. She was used to men reacting with stunned disbelief after she told them she was a virgin. Then the slow rejection where they pulled away from her without breaking up with her immediately.”        “I am a virgin,” Prissy said in a rush.        Max’s jaw dropped. “Wow.”      Men typically acted as if she had just told them she had some type of incurable disease. As if she was mentally damaged or hiding some type of physical deformity. Prissy watched him expectantly. Max had not given her the impression that he would run once the news hit him but she had been wrong before.        Prissy licked her lips again as she crossed her legs. Her arms tensed as she waited for him to respond further. It would hurt if he ended it but Prissy meant it when she said she would not hold it against him.*End of Excerpt*
Jen A. DurandAuthor of The Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series and The Virgins Club, www.Durandpublishing.netCompleted WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer 
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
Confident Meets Cold

The Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveTwins For ChristmasClosing The Deal

A Moment

There is a Moment at nightWhen everything is silentWhen your breath seems to freeze in your chest
During that moment all your worries become realizedAll your fears come to the surface
You are reminded of your giftsThe things you have accomplishedAnd the people by you side.
In that momentWhen everything is silentAnd your breaths lay frozenHope overcomes the fear and you wake up to a new day.
Completed WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer 
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
Confident Meets Cold

The Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveTwins For ChristmasClosing The Deal

Lilia Carriere – The Planner

           Lilia is looking for a way off of the spinster list. She is tired of the pity glances from her family members. And her mother’s matchmaking fails. She is determined to make the upcoming year, the year of her being able to attend a family function without dreading the ever-present question, “Are you dating someone yet?” When her friend Pricilla offered to set her up, she jumped on the chance to end her dry streak.           Lilia is your typical type A over achiever with a drive to always be on the top of her game. The reader gets insight into her life, her thought process, and her fears. Her exterior is this hard, ball busting, independent woman. Her love life has been lacking for a while and Cain is this unexpected thing that fell into her lap. They build a relationship around trying to help each other out of their respective troubles. He is not the guy she goes for and she is not the type of woman he would entertain entering into a relationship.           To start with she is a Virgin. Something Cain had no encountered since high school and she seemed pretty determined to stay that way until marriage. Lilia has her reasons for abstinence. She wanted to share something real with her significant other without becoming a part of a bunch of guys sex rolodex. Remember rolodexes?Anyway here is an excerpt from Chapter 5 of the Planner:       “Lilia could hear the relief in her mother’s voice, “Wonderful Lilia. I have been so worried. I told your father you work too much. You spend to much time in the office and not enough time caring for yourself.”         “Mom,” Lilia said warningly as she looked down at her fingernails.         Prissy had called Salem. He had made some excuse about a sick dog. Lilia did not care truthfully. Who does not even text their date? It was rude.        “I know you have goals but the last thing you want is to become sad lonely Auntie Lilia with no children and lipstick on her teeth like your father’s older sister Rosa.”        Lilia grimaced as she reflexively ran her tongue over her teeth. She was far from the age of spinsterhood. While Lilia was concerned about not reaching her personal goals she had a lot going for her. She was attractive. On the short side but had curves and slightly wicked since of humor men could appreciate.          “Then I guess it is a good thing this dinner went well.”          Lilia’s mother gasped suddenly. “Why don’t you bring him home.”          Lilia’s eyes widened, “I’m sorry what?”          “Bring him home.”          “Mom.”          “Let me and your father have a look at him. We tell you if he is a waste of time.”          “We have not even gone on a second date.”          “You said the two of you would meet today. That is your second date. Bring him home for the third date.”          “That is not a real third date. But that is someone’s real nightmare.”          “Lilia.”          “I cannot throw the man into the psychiatric ward that is our family so soon after meeting him. Especially not at Christmas time.”          “Lilia.”                “Mom., I really think this is a bad idea.”          “Bring him home Lilia,” her mother stated with a hard edge before hanging up the phone.          “Mom.”                “Mom.”                “Mom!”                “Mom!”                “Mom. Don’t do this to me. Mom,” Lilia exclaimed before letting the phone drop.”*End of Excerpt*
Jen A. DurandAuthor of The Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series and The Virgins Club, www.Durandpublishing.net
Completed WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer 
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
Confident Meets Cold

The Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveTwins For ChristmasClosing The Deal

Sister's Goodbye ~ Wintr's Homecoming

Jinx did not like goodbyes. She wasn’t good at it. Letting go of who and what she loved often felt like her heart was being ripped out of her chest. And her lungs were being clenched in iron fist.Her parents had already left. One died and the other was hidden away in the recesses of her mind. She had no uncles, aunts, siblings, or doting grandparents.She only had Livia and Nicole. The pair were the closest she had to sisters. They each held a good bit of her heart.Today one of them was going to leave her to live in some mountain in the middle of nowhere. As if she couldn’t get her nature fix by visiting upstate?“I can’t believe you are doing this.”“It is the opportunity of a lifetime. A grant to study the Grey wolf population in the Balkans.”“There are wolves here. Have you tried the Bronx zoo?”Nicole rolled her eyes and adjusted the strap of her carry on. They were standing just outside of the airport security line. She was wearing a pair of dusted grey jeans and a dark green sweater.“I will be back sooner then you think.”“Then why am I living with a new roommate?”Livia slipped an arm through Jinx’s and frowned. “Because I am the world’s greatest and you hate living alone.”It was true. She hated coming home to empty rooms and ringing silence. She craved companionship and avoided romantic entanglements. Having a roommate meant there was always someone to come home to.“You don’t cook.”“Neither does Nicole.” Livia protested as Nicole smiled at the two of them.“She does laundry.”“I’ll learn.”“Great so all of my whites will turn pink or grey in the near future”Livia scoffed and Jinx stuffed her hands into the pocket of her cardigan. Nicole wasn’t going to change her mind. This grant was her dream. The Holy Grail and she was going to grip it with both hands.With a heavy sigh she heaved her shoulders in acceptance. “Don’t talk to strangers.”“Everyone will be a stranger.”“Then just don’t talk.”Nicole wrinkled her nose. “Yes Mom.”“Don’t just eat junk food. Sneak in some vegetables every once in a while.”This was a day she always knew was coming. Everyone has to leave eventually. This time it was only for a little while. In the future it would be forever.Nicole reached our and took their hands. “Don’t fight to often. Don’t delete my national geographic documentaries and take sometime to enjoy more then the club scene. And your office.”Jinx wasn’t going to cry. That wasn’t her style. Instead she pulled Nicole into a hug.“You are going to miss having Starbucks on tap.”“Probably.”Livia stepped forward and hugged her. “Talk to all the handsome men.”Nicole’s eyes sparkled as she stepped back. “All the handsome strangers I can find.”She pulled out her phone and flashed it to the guard before making her way to the metal detectors.Jinx could not shake the feeling of unease in her gut. As if this moment was the beginning of a much bigger event and her future was in for a big shake up. Her instincts never failed her.Something was coming and it was unlikely to be something she’d welcome with open arms. She hated change of any sort. Especially of the major life changing events variety.Completed WorksSecrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad BoyThe Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of LoveClosing The Deal

I Was That Friend...

I was that friend, with the coke bottle glasses.The tightly gripped notebook.And the fear of attention.
I was that friend,constantly telling you to get down from there.To walk with care.To do your homework.
I was that friend,you would call when you were finally ready to listen to reason.Or you would tease because she was writing or reading.
I was that friend,who cried when you did.Who laughed when you did.Who fought with you like only siblings would.
I am the friend,constantly checking on your welfare.Encouraging you to reach for your dreams.Encouraging you too laugh because you will live longer.And who talks to much on occasion.
I am that friend,because you are my friend.
Completed Works
Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: Secrets Jaguar Nights: Lies Pearl Moon: Betrayal Shadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The Planner The Fixer
Lipstick Diaries:She Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad BoyThe Prince’s Heart Things Left UnsaidStuck Between Two MillionairesLasting Kind Of Love
Closing The Deal

The Ever Hopeful Pessimist.

My readers know my genre is romance. I love love. And write about Prince Charming and Princess Smarty. I like to think that the characters I create are realistic to readers, but they also reflect my some of my more pessimistic tendencies. My cautious approach to relationships and the belief that there is always someone in the relationship that has to work a little more to be comfortable being the recipient of that much love and be okay with the connection you are now sharing with this person.

The other day I attended an early thanksgiving dinner and somehow, in someway, we got into the conversation of relationships, love, prenups, and marriage. I was in a room full of people in various stages of life and was the only one singing praises of the prenup.

I titled this blog pose "The Ever Hopeful Pessimist" because I am hopeful in all things, but through it all I can be slightly pessimistic.

I am like most girls, I think. Well... Maybe like a few girls.

More and more millennial are not interested in marriage, at least according to the statistic. I am of the marry in the "passion of love" variety.

For me the governmental reasons of marriage are not the reasons to do it. Marriage comes in two parts. There is the legal part and the spiritual part.

The legal part is the very cut and dry part most people suffer through to go through the spiritual part. To go before your family and friends and declare your present and future love for that other person.The spiritual part can happened without the legal part. Your union can be blessed by whatever religious figure you hold in high esteem without the legal side.

But people do the legal side because they want the legal benefits that go along with marriage. Yet when someone brings up the idea of a prenup, you have offended someone to their deepest core. As if by mention it you are planning for the upcoming divorce.

I swear the entire room was in an uproar. The more I dug in my heels the more animated the conversation became. It was like I had announced to the room I wanted to  host a divorce before the actual marriage.

We are taught to prepare for eventualities in life and to take precautions. Before you have sex get tested. (Though this is rarely ever sexy.)

When you become an adult?

 Pay your bills. Have medical, dental, and car insurance. We do this not in the hopes we will become sick, need a filling or dentures, and will crash our cars. We do it because it is responsible planning.But extend that to a prenup and suddenly you are planning a war against love and pushing away true romantic happiness.

Yet I believe love to be accepting and enduring. I think those vows spoken during that ceremony means we have done the work before hand. We know each other. We trust each other and the thing that breaks this ever lasting love will not be an agreement that is only enacted if we actually do divorce?

Traditionally I always enter into parties with the same game plan. Smile wide. Everyone kisses each other's cheek in greeting. Little bit of small talk. Collect my plate and go.

But that night I was dragged into the conversation because I have still not perfected the art of leaving. When I am interested in a topic. I have diarrhea of the mouth. I won't give up and I can't give in.Especially when I am told that the only way I could think this way is if I have not experienced enough love in my life.

Even discounting my own personal experience in love. Romance and marriage take up large blocks of my mind. It rules over me and pushes me. From an intellectual level. An imaginative one.

Romance, love, connection, sex, sacrifice, and marriage. All of it is in my writing. I dream about it, I write about it. I talk about it and I try to live the really good bits of it.

I am in love with love and yet still this "ever hopeful pessimist" wants a prenup. As poor as we may be.
Completed Works:The Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: SecretsJaguar Nights: LiesPearl Moon: BetrayalShadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The PlannerThe Fixer
Lipstick DiariesShy Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
The Prince’s Heart
Things Left Unsaid
Closing The Deal
The Young and The PowerfulWitch’s Reflection

High Heels?

The other day I was headed off to a job interview. I was on my professional grind. Wearing a wig to cover my natural curls and a red A-line dress. This happen to be the second interview for this particular company, I was confident in my outfit choice. Then my baby sister stopped me and pointed to my black flats.
"Where are your heels?"
I live in New York and the interview was in a part of the city where parking is an olympic sport. Riding the train would have taken me a full twenty minutes longer just based off of where I lived. I knew that by driving I would have a walk ahead of me. So I opted for sensible shoes not "lady shoes".
Because I was in a hurry I did not respond, but her question bothered me. It was passively saying that as a woman looking for a job. Opting for flats was somehow less professional then showing up with heels.
I love a good heel. They look nice and give me a warm feminine feeling when I am wearing them. But they are uncomfortable!!! Prolonged exposure causes aches and my boobs do a good enough job of that on their own...
When did heels become the uniform of choice for professional women. As if wearing them suddenly raises my IQ and makes me more hireable.
Why? 
Am I proving actual suffering for the job by wearing them? Does it solidify my commitment to working in some way by walking the four blocks it took me to get there in heels, that have by now, rubbed my toes raw? Though I am sure my sister did not mean to imply such things in her innocent enough question. I found myself thinking about all of the things I do when I go on an interview.
I wear the expensive dress, nice blazer, and the makeup I usually only pull on for special occasions. I braid down the kinks and where the wig with the highlighted ringlets. Those things add to my natural beauty, but also hide the things "the powers that be" have deemed unkempt and unprofessional.
Even during my own graduation from graduate school, I found myself surrounded by aunts all voicing their opinion about whether wearing my afro beneath that cap was appropriate. I was treated to multiple explanations as to why that would not fly. How professional african american woman did not wear their natural curls, but wear locks of long straight hair with professionally styled curls.
These women who taught me how to dress, comb my hair, braid, and express my inner diva. Were telling me that showing my roots was some how detracting from what I had accomplished. My afro became this unworthy thing and the only remedy was to hide it away behind weaves.
Why? Why do I have to assimilate to be proven worthy when I have done the most important part in getting my qualifications? Why can I not wear the clothes most comfortable to me when I have spent the last twenty years of my life receiving the education necessary to make me competent to do the job? 
What about those heels give you confidence in my ability?
Completed Works:The Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal Series:Wintr’s Homecoming: SecretsJaguar Nights: LiesPearl Moon: BetrayalShadowy Lights: FearCold Sun: Obsession
The Virgins Club:The PlannerThe Fixer
Lipstick DiariesShy Meets BoldWicked Meets Bad Boy
The Prince’s Heart
Things Left Unsaid
Closing The Deal
The Young and The PowerfulWitch’s Reflection

Witch's Reflections: Excerpt Chapter 4

Witch's Reflection Chapter Four



 ‘Deep even breaths, Selah.’‘Deep and even breaths.’The inside of her eyelids were a bright pink as daylight streamed through the windows of her studio washing it in light. Her legs, exposed by her stone washed jean shorts, pressed against the cold-waxed wooden floors. Making her skin prickle with goosebumps. Selah took another deep breath as she tried to ignore the distractions and focus.Her thoughts began to fade with each breath. Her magic sparked and she felt an internal warmth spread through the cells of her body. Selah head fell back as her surroundings faded away.The sound of her music no longer pumped through her ears. The feel of the ground beneath her legs disappeared. She was standing now. Her jeans were replaced by what felt like a stiff type of leather. Her eyes drifted open. Her nose wrinkled as she looked around the room. Selah was in a small hut surrounded by dirt and the scent of burning flesh. Poverty surrounded her. Sand and dust covered every surface. Selah felt as if she was being suffocated by it. She looked down at the grime on her skin in disgust. She hated being dirty. It has always a pet peeve of hers.“Jarita.”Selah rubbed a spot of dirt on her arm and looked around the tiny room. It was so bare. Devoid of any personal touch. Her scalp burned and itched. Her hair hung in limp oily curls around her face. Everything was covered in dirt. It was everywhere and coated her skin. “Jarita.”“Jarita!”Selah jumped at the name as she twisted around towards the voice. Reflections were like an echo of the past. Witches watched their former lives looking for lessons and truth. She could not move or talk.Her thoughts were not completely her own. It was like watching a film, she could not fast-forward through. Selah was only an observer.Facts echoed through her mind. A woman dressed in a bark brown dress stood in the doorway. Her face was painted with archaic symbols no one in their coven had used since the late 1800s.Thema. The leader of their coven, and Jarita’s matron. She stood at the door. Tears streamed down the older woman’s face. Her dark brown skin glistened with sweat and her eyes were rimmed with red.“Bring  Ebunoluwa water.”Jarita nodded carefully. “Hurry.”Thema turned and walked out of the room. She’d issued her orders and did not need to see it carried out. Jariata picked up a jug as her resentment bubbled beneath the surface.She was a servant in the eyes of the tribe. A slave because of her orphan status. They treated her like a burden. Only worth carrying out their orders.‘It is all Ebunoluwa’s fault,’ whispered a familiar angry voice in the back of her mind.The voice had been murmuring in the back of her mind for months. Opening her eyes and showing her the injustice of her position. Who she should blame?Jarita walked out of her hut and started down the path to the watering hole. The sounds of drums could be heard through out the village. It had been a constant since Ebunoluwa had fallen sick. All prayed for their future leader’s heath and recovery. All except Jariata. Jariata prayed for Ebunoluwa’s death. The hot sun made the sand burn beneath her feet. Jariata lifted her face to take in the sunlight.‘Her death will happen soon. Just one more dose.’Jariata said nothing as she continued to walk. Ebunoluwa was loved by most of the village. Her supposed sweet nature and easy smile misled everyone. She saw pasted the thin veneer of kindness to the disaster beneath the surface. Ebunoluwa would destroy the Yemoja clan if she lived to lead.‘Two drops. Two drops in her water, and she will not make it beyond the night. I promise.’Jariata arrived at the watering hole and dipped the jug into it. The water bubbled as the jug filled. Once full she hefted it over her head and started down the path back to the village.What she was doing was wrong.Jariata knew Ebunoluwa loss was the greater good. It was what was best for the good of the clan. She looked innocent but Jariata could see what others in the clan missed. Ebunoluwa was a poison. A blight on all that they were. Selah started to panic as she heard the dark thoughts filtering through her mind. This was her past life? She used to be some schizophrenic murderer?‘Two drops in her water and you will save them all.’A light giggled filled her mind as she entered the village and turned towards the home of Thema. Of course he was happy. This is what he wanted. What he had been pushing her towards.She pushed the cloth covering the door to the side and walked into the main room. Men and women sat through out the room praying. Jariata walked past them all to the last room in the corner. A beaded cloth covered the door.Jariata entered Ebunoluwa’s sick room. To find Thema bent over the sick girl as she chanted. Selah watched in horror as Jariata brought the jug to the small table beside.She wanted to do something to stop her. To change the past. She wanted to drop the jug but instead her hands tipped the jug over and filled the cup partly.Looking around carefully she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small glass vial filled with clear liquid. Jariata looked over her shoulder and opened the vial with her thumb. She watched Thema as she tipped the liquid into the cup.
‘Two drops. Two more drops and the threat would be gone.’

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited. Please Check it out and and if you like it. Leave a review!!! Remember reviewing is caring.