Lachelle Redd's Blog, page 8

Autism/ADHD Medicating Our Children

In keeping with the theme on Autism and the ones we love, I thought I would further by sharing my experience with medicating my son. Not only is Levaughn a child with Autism, he is also diagnosed ADHD.  Where his stemming begins and the ADHD ends is a good guess, but with the help of a good physician and little self experience we recognized the signs when things weren't going to right.

Stemming:

As you all know, most children with Autism, stem. This is a repetitive gesture or motion that soothes their anxiety, yet drives the parent insane. That's putting it mildly. For my son, beads and repetitive motion of twirling the beads seems to be his thing. He is also the perfect mimic for certain cartoons, characters and movies.

ADHD

For my son it is the inability of him to slow down from his stemming and focus in order to learn.  That simple.


The Doctor

We have had two doctors that specialize in ADHD/Autism. Both of them are very good. The first one actually diagnosed my son and started him on medications at age 3.  These were drugs to calm the constant stemming and help him with changes in the classroom. This was the office that said he would never adjust to change.  Well two things happened, we learned quickly that strawberry milk was excellent in mixing liquid meds and Levaughn did learn to adjust and was not violent so we were down to one med.

Another interesting fact, for those of you who are new and just getting into this. These medications tend to cut the appetite of the child. I would be feeding my son 3 or 4 peanut butter jelly sandwiches in the morning because I knew he would go the entire day without eating. Then when he came home, I would let him eat whatever he wanted. By the way, yes he is a picky eater. Still working on that one. No, I don't do GFCF diets because he is already limited in what he eats. I can't afford it and since he is coming along as is, will hold off on that one.


Meds we have tried (*) current medication:

Daytrana  (Age 3-4)  
-Patch Form
- Worked pretty well until he outgrew it

Resperidal
-liquid
-Worked for a limited time during the day, needed longer lasting med

Vyvanse (Age 5-7)
-Capsule
-Sprinkle in food (Mixed with strawberry milk or juice)

Concerta(Age 8-9)
-Capsule
-We taught him to take pills (Med did not work well for him, made him angry and violent/discontinued)

*Focalin XR
-Capsule
- Can open and sprinkle in his mouth with water, if unable to get the capsule down.  This is his current medicine and it works well. However, it had to be combined with Intuniv.

*Intuniv
-Tablet
-Works well with Focalin XR in helping him maintain focus throughout the school day


For those of you wondering why we have had so many medications, well as my son's body chemistry changed, he outgrew his meds or his system just acclimated to his medications.


Over the years, I have used strawberry milk or juice to deliver medications to my child. But as you know medications that are extended release are not that plentiful in liquid form. At least during those years there weren't any. Now there is a new med that is available called Quillvant. It is the first extended medication in liquid form. http://www.quillivantxr.com/

Know Your Child

As I have stated before, we could always tell when it was time to adjust Levaughn's meds. His behavior would change drastically. His teacher would notice that the medication would wear off earlier or just was not taking at all. The next thing was his appetite. If he started eating a lot at school, we knew that it was time for a change.

Also, watch for negative changes after the medicine is administered. The anger and unwillingness of my son to work for his teachers was our immediate cue that Concerta was not right for him. In addition, earlier on he was given Intuniv and it made him very sleepy. However, now that he is older he can tolerate it better when paired with the Focalin XR.

A Hard Road

No. No it isn't easy, but take it by the horns and learn the cues, learn your child's language. Most of us with children with this disease communicate in Autism all the time. It is up to us to translate that to our teachers and physicians. I say that yes, I am bilingual, I speak English and Autism.

I hope this has helped.

L Redd

Autism: Battle on the Home Front -L Redd

Autism: The Battle on the Home Front
So today I have been asked to submit a blurb about my life and autism. I am quite pleased to do so because I feel my story is one of success in the making. My son was a blessing from the beginning. Born at 28 weeks and weighing in at 2lbs 10oz, we were faced with a number of uncertainties. I sat by his NICU bed praying and hoping for any miracle that would keep him alive and well. You can imagine when he suddenly stopped eating and was diagnosed with meningitis how crushed I was and unsure of where life was taking us. However, Levaughn pulled through and shortly after valentine's day in 2004 I was able to take him home. You can only imagine my joy and elation at packing his bag and saying goodbye to his sterile but loving environment at the Shands in Gainesville, Florida.
As a new parent, you have no idea what to expect. Yes, you buy the books, your watch the many shows on TV about bringing home a new baby and the nine months before and after, but nothing really prepares you. The months following bringing Levaughn home were doctor's visits to make sure he continued to gain weight and stayed healthy and thank the Lord, he did.
We made it to birthday number three and by then, things were starting to manifest that I knew were not typical behavior. My little man never spoke and seemed fixated on the television and twirling objects. Looking back on it, he seemed confused with the world around him and was just taking in what he could. I have to admit that as a new mom, I had no idea what was going on and am sure that I didn’t handle things as I should have. It wasn’t until a trip to the pediatrician that I was made aware that he may be a child with autism. I contacted the school system for testing and at that time my son was evaluated and due to his delays, was placed in the school setting. It was in the spring when he was officially tested and labeled as a child with moderate to severe autism. That was the worse day of my life. My world crashed around me like a mirror in a bomb factory. The shards of glass for every moment in his life that I wanted to cherish now lay crumbling in piles at my feet. Pieces of graduations, first driving lessons, marriage, grandkids, all of those events were now shattered and unrecognizable. I drove home from that meeting in tears and wondered what I could do and what was going to happen to my little boy. I arrived home exhausted from depression and endless amounts of tears. Autism was and still is, a disorder in which cases are increasing daily and no one has any idea of how it happens or how it is cured. Back to me at home from the appointment and sitting at my dining room table contemplating options. It was then that a sliver of hope reached out and gave me strength. Levaughn wanted a toy that was on top of the entertainment center. I watched him get a chair and climb up to the unit and retrieve his toy. It was in that instance that I realized that if he can think, he can do, autism or no autism. My crusade was fueled with a passion to find the right educators and environment for my son. We have had many battles since and have overcome a number of obstacles.
Levaughn was already enrolled in a pre k classroom for two years. I held him back an additional year because I knew that his next placement would be a school where they would pigeon hole him as a child with autism and stick him in a room with other children with disabilities. He would be there full time and never be allowed inclusion in a regular classroom. In my mind, that would never do. I understood that he needed the special classroom as he learns at a slower rate and stems, however, he had so many other qualities that were not being addressed in that special class. In addition, I knew that school system would not be as accommodating, no matter what the rules are. If the regular education teacher felt that him just being there was too much, he would be moved immediately back to his special class on a permanent basis. I was at the proverbial fork in the road.
In the meantime, I was starting to hear good things about the Hamilton county school system. A small quaint town, Hamilton is west of Columbia by fifteen minutes. The town, the hometown of my husband, is a place where people care for each other and outsiders are welcomed, but they better know their place until they are accepted. The move was not a difficult transition and Levaughn did well. He started off at the Greenwood school, which was dedicated to children with disabilities of every level. The facility had gained a strong positive, reputation for working with children and getting them mainstreamed and/or placed in the ESE, Exceptional Student Education classrooms at Central Hamilton Elementary. When I transferred Levaughn, some people were shocked and asked did I know what I was doing. I didn’t care, anything was going to be better than him being placed in a room where he would be forgotten. We moved to the new school and met a wonderful teacher name Mr. Torres. He immediately saw the potential in my son within weeks of his enrollment and began working with him on language and self control. At the end of his first year, Levaughn was starting to speak and request items that he wanted. He was able to use one word to do these things, but that was fine with me. He seemed happier and smiled more and actually looked forward to school. One year with Mr. Torres and he was starting the rudimentary skills that he needed to carry on to the next level.
Following summer school that year, Mr. Torres called me and told me that my son would go to Central Hamilton, which is the elementary school in Jasper, Florida. He would be in a classroom with other children with disabilities, but it would be a small class that ensured more one on one with Levaughn. In addition, he would be mainstreamed for the purposes of observation. I was thrilled and scared, my son had tested out of Greenwood but he would be under someone new. That was when Mr. Torres lowered the second bomb, he was moving to Central and would continue to be Levaughn's teacher. I was smiling and crying at the same time. My prayers had been answered. Someone who was familiar with my son and knew what it took to work with him was going to be at the healm.
The first part of that year was amazing. Levaughn added more words and began to be curious about his environment. In addition, the greatest thing in the world happen, he started calling me, "mama." Yes, he had said the word before, but it was with a blank stare, almost like a speech to a stranger. However, now when he said it, there was feeling and love in his eyes. I shouted out his progress to everyone we knew. I could tell that some people did not believe me and some were ecstatic. The reason being, In addition to his Autism, he is a child with ADHD. He is medicated to control his impulses and by the end of the day the meds wear off. So if we attended any functions, you would see the side of him that was unmedicated, especially if it was after 3pm. Anyway, I knew the progress and none of the other naysayers mattered.
That was when I learned for sure that with every positive a negative would rear its ugly head. Mr. Torres, guru, became very ill and had to leave his position. I was devastated. Levaughn's team called a meeting and I met with a new group of teachers to discuss what would be done. Once again, Hamilton was all over it. Levaughn would have a new teacher, but not as thrilled as Torres. She was good, but was a teacher that was meant for regular education students. Nothing bad about her, but once you work with special needs children you have a better understanding of what it takes to make them learn and how they learn. He remained mainstreamed but I felt that I had reached a pit yet again. That was when another wonderful blessing came my way in the form of Mrs. Amy Bailey. She had been asked to take over Mr. Torres' class as she had a background in working with children with disabilities. She was the spark that we both needed. With some hesitation, she took on the class and Levaughn's world exploded into a loving environment filled with discipline and caring once again. Levaughn was able to come off of one of his medications as he learned how to transition without causing a stir and using negative behavior.
Since the induction of Amy Bailey, he is starting to read (sight words) and doing very basic mathematics. He is now only on ADHD medication as he is a true hyperactive child. He plays with other children and is atypical in his autism in that he has compassion for others and loves hugs. Amy is on top of every moment keeping a photo diary of my son and sharing his special class moments through text messages and videos. We talk all the time and share ideas of what works and what doesn’t. My son is an A B honor roll student. Yes, he is in his special class, but that does not mean his accomplishment is any less. I know now that if I had kept him where he was, he would be just that kid in “that” classroom. In Hamilton, he is Levaughn Brown and everyone adores him. He gets up on stage to get his certificates and trophies with a smile. Even though, we know the road ahead will be paved in stumps and cracks, it’s easier to maneuver with Hamilton county and Mrs. Bailey at my side.
So if you are reading this and have a child with a disability and are at that point where you feel your child can do more and you are not getting what you thought you should, speak up. The only person who can truly have a voice for your child is you. Lachelle Redd

The Christmas Dinner L. Redd

Amanda Locke was on her feet for most of the night. The preparation and planning of her annual Christmas dinner was well into its tenth hour. Family and friends, eagerly awaiting the joyous event and looking forward to the soiree of the year were calling nonstop to lend a hand as needed. Antonio, or Tonio, had been in and out with the men folk hunting and drinking up his fair share of beer and liquor for most of the afternoon. Not a grateful man, her husband was more detached and unconcerned about her get together so this left Mandy on her own. She was not pleased with the situation, but dealt with Tonio's flaws with grace and charm, especially during the holidays. Her best smile, manicured hands, well trimmed hair and, as always, an exquisite red dress for the season always garnered the affection and admiration of those who knew her. Tonio would do his usual, sit back drink, belch, and fart out a compliment. Mandy' s father and close friends were less than pleased.
This holiday also brought about another year of an empty nest. The couple was still without children. Trying on so many occasions and failing to conceive, the last three years of their six-year union was more like a mating documentary than a marriage. However, a recent chain of events however would put an entirely new set of circumstances into play. I'm glad he's out of the house; it gives me time to think. Peeling potatoes and checking the large grill out back, Mandy continued to prepare the feast. Her long red hair tied up in ponytail she peeled and chopped away while potato skins stuck to various parts of the kitchen cabinet. You want potatoes you got 'em. I'm gonna stuff the fuck outta you with damn potatoes. Her thoughts had been racing most of the morning and she often found herself engaging in one-sided conversations where only she could answer. At that moment, another call was coming through. 
"Mandy, Merry Christmas how are ya? You need anything?" Chris, her best friend since high school and always bubbly and cheerful made her usual check in call. Volunteering was her thing. She was always there when Mandy needed her.  
"Hey Chris, I knew you would be calling soon. I got everything together over here. Just relax and know that you are in for a dinner that has no rival. Once I am done with these tons of potatoes I think I will be finished."
Chris' voice resonated with a question. "But you did potatoes yesterday, I thought?"
"Yeah, but you know my hubby, his father is coming and wants potatoes, those are his favorite. I got his damn potato. So now, I peel more."
Chris, noticing the sarcasm in her friend's tone, continued. "So make Tonio's ass peel potatoes. You been up all night and guest are coming at six, right."
Mandy took in a long sigh knowing exactly where Chris was going with her comment. "Darling, I know how you feel and yes, dinner is at six. I will be fine. Tonio is out of the way for now, so I can concentrate on making this the best dinner ever. I'm using that new grill he built at Thanksgiving, and it is working like you would not believe. Don't worry so much."
Chris, her disgust for Tonio seeping through every pore, remarked. "A fucking grill, he should have bought you that bracelet you been eying. It's the least he could do considering his most recent faux pas. Why the hell do you deal with him?" The obvious aggravation was making her blood pressure rise. Mandy, as always, calmed her.
"I know he appears boorish and selfish, but someone's got to love him. As for the recent issue, he hasn't been out to a beaver bar with his dad since our little talk. So for me, it's over. And I got my bracelet and will be wearing it at the dinner." The happiness in her voice was one that Chris had not heard in a years. Knowing her friend was well, she was able to hang up feeling that things were once again on the mend. 
Thinking back on their life together, Mandy's excuse was what they had been through so much that she did not remember his asshole moments as much. She knew he rubbed her friends wrong on more than one occasion with his lack of responsibility. Missing planned dinners, showing up drunk for office parties, staying out all night drinking and partying with his father and friends had ruined his standing in their eyes. Still Mandy forgave the chubby troll and took him back time after time. She had hoped that the love of a new family member, preferably a baby, would be her distraction, but they were unfortunate in that arena as well.
Around noon, the potatoes, all skinned and chopped, were ready to go in with the meat. Angered at a recent chain of events, another doctor's visit, another failure, the irate spouse stuffed the bird to the gills. Every seasoning she could find was stacked in order on a corner shelf built as an add-on to the massive grill platform. Taking notes from some of her favorite cooking magazines, the red headed beauty launched into a stuff and season mode that would make any chef proud. Her pale, freckled skin covered in pepper, poultry season, and paprika to the point she appeared to have a tan. Then it was time for the potatoes.
The finishing touch of your glorious meal and the main dish will be so pleased. The potatoes, last on the list, proved to be difficult in their placement. The legs were not cooperating sticking up and out and causing all kinds of culinary mayhem. The grill lid, just a little too tight she would have to make some alterations. Just cook them a little longer and chop 'em off at the joint. Spread 'em, cover in the remaining potatoes and that should do it. Filling each cavities with the well-trimmed spuds seemed to be the most arduous chore. Thank goodness, the head is gone, that would have really pissed me off. Can't believe that moron brought me a damn bird with the head last year. What were you thinking? Why did I wait so long? Oops, gonna have to chop this in parts to make sure it all gets cooked even. Positioning the meat on the grill, Mandy continued to sweat and season until it was time for cake and pie preparation. Prepping the baking are and gathering her favorite apron for the dusty job, Mandy brought out big momma to beat and mend the dough. A tiny smile escaped her lips as she thought of life following this afternoon's dinner. Things were gonna be different. She was sure of it.
As she started mixing ingredients, the phone rang again. Hands draped in flour and sugar, she picked up the nearby kitchen phone.
"Mands, this is Jake, calling for Tonio, you seen him? He was supposed to help me cut some wood this morning." Jake was one of Tonio's close friends and sometimes a partner in crime when things went bad.
"He left the house first thing this morning, came back briefly, and checked out again. Can't help ya." Her tone was one of sheer indifference. "I am sure he will be here for the dinner, you know how he loves potatoes."
Jake hung up and continued with his own "honey do" list. He spoke with his wife, Shelly, about the call and how Mandy seemed strange. Shelly figured that Tonio was laid up drunk somewhere. Knowing the kind of trouble he stayed in, kept most of Mandy's female friends on edge and pissed off. Shelly, had threatened divorce on many occasions when the men decided that hanging out at all hours of the night was their prerogative. However, Jake knew better. Child support for three children would put him living in a cardboard box on the cover of Wesson and Main. He was quick to apologize and decline his membership in the up all night club. Shelly had gone so far as to call the police and have him escorted to jail for breaking and entering. She had changed the locks on one of his long nights out. The realization of being homeless and possibly jail raped sobered his ass up quick and he never went out with that group again.
Mandy stood proud as the aroma of coconut, vanilla, butter, rum, and cinnamon filled the air. Other staples of her menu, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, green bean casserole and of course, potatoes, potatoes, and potatoes were ready for serving. Potato soufflé, sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes and of course potato bread were all a part of the Christmas feast. She had done it again, prepared his family favorites along with comfort foods that would make the average Christmas dinner look like Friday night special. To boot, she had done all this with the phone ringing off the hook as friends and relatives called for various reasons.
One more check on the meat and everything should be in order. The aroma was a sensation to the senses. Golden brown, succulent meat fell from the bones of the mighty bird. Seasoned to perfection, stuffed to the gills with potatoes and a side of dressing, the woman smiled at herself as she began to platter the mighty gastronomic centerpiece. For now, she would shower and prepare the home for the family gathering.
"I have always wanted to have your children." The conversation started in the doctor's office and continued on the way home. "What do you have against us having kids? It would be so beautiful and the house wouldn't feel so lonely." Mandy recalled the day that lead up to the events that took place later.
Tonio was quick and malicious in his response. "Kids cost money, they take up too much time, and I like our life like it is. You heard the doc, you just can't conceive so get over it." The man was against having children and did not mind telling her in any cruel manner he could. However, Mandy would not give up this time. She had never fought for anything in the marriage and this time she would dig in and would not give up.
When they arrived at their three-bedroom 1800 square foot home, she spoke of backyard birthday parties, sleepovers and football or maybe dance recitals. Her parents had given these things to her and her brothers without fail. Sure times had been hard, but they made it work and they were happy. "Why can't we have that same happy, Tony?" He large green eyes with flecks of brown were filling with tears. She would adopt, use a surrogate, whatever it took. For now, she just wanted an answer.
Tonio turned to her after slamming the front door with all his strength. He stood angered at the conversation, his dark thick black hair a mess atop his round fatted head. He gathered his most vile attitude when speaking with her, his machismo at its worse.
"We're not having children because we can't. I was clipped years ago. I have no need for children and I don't want them. So, for last fucking time, you stupid childless bitch, we will not be having this conversation. So there! Now, I am going to take a shower and you are going to start on the dinner. Oh and I did invite my dad as you were taking so long to getting around to calling him. He will be here and remember he loves potatoes."
The cold and callous coward walked away as if he had just ordered a pizza and expected immediate delivery. Mandy was in a puddle of tears in the kitchen. They fell like rain in a major tropical storm in the heart of the season. Her blue V necked T Shirt was stained with the droplets of her hopes and they drifted away. The realization that everyone had been right about him began to replay in her head as a bad memory you cannot get shake. You've wasted your life with this fool and for what? He has taken your money, your pride, you self esteem, and trashed your dreams of family. How much more must you endure?
The crumpled female listened as the shower head sprung to life. She rose from her sitting position on the kitchen floor slow and quiet. Part of her had died at the instant he spoke those horrible words. However, there was another part that surfaced for which he was not prepared. As she rounded the corner to the hall, the phone rang.
"Hello, Mandy, this is Shelly. Jake needs some help cutting firewood in the morning. We can keep Tonio busy and out of trouble if you like." Mandy was quiet at first and realizing she had picked up the phone she began to speak. "Oh, yeah that's a great idea, I will let him know." The wife seemed detached from the world, Shelly heard it in her voice. "Hey, Mands, you okay?" Mandy put on her best reaction. "Girl, yes, just planning this meal, and the holiday, you know just a little overwhelmed." Shelly understood those words and offered to help in any way she could. "I got it and thank you so much for offering."
Hanging up, Mandy snapped back to her own life. Walking towards the bathroom, she recalled the happier days in the sunshine. The rain and storms had come and stayed so long that her memories seem to tarnish under the weight of his deception and cruel conduct. Mandy approached the bathroom and with a gentle knock, she opened the door. The scent of his favorite shower gel filled her senses as she moved closer to the shower stall. The thick wall of steam and his off-key singing seemed to intensify her anger. Tonio turned and seeing his wife in the room, he started again.
"Don't tell me you gonna start on that shit again!" He was quick to bring his smart tongue to a wag. Only this time, things would be different. "Honey, that's fine, everything is just fine." Standing in the midst of hot water and steamy bubbles, her tone and lack of defiance pleased him. "Hey babe, can you hand me that?" The thong and thud were the last things Tonio was handed that day.
As she finished her shower and dressed, she was a new woman feeling free and ready to take on the world. The guests would be arriving soon and ready for a feast that would rival any other. Mandy adorned the table with a spread fit for a king as the guests started to arrive. They are going to love this dinner!
Jake, Shelly and their children were first, followed by Chris, Jake, Mandy's parent's and Tonio's father. Tonio's mother had died many years ago. Some speculated the family cruelty had played a part in her heart attack. Their other friends Mark and Silvia Bailey were pleased to join in as well. "So glad to see you all, thank you for coming and make yourself at home, please." Mandy was always the consummate host. Everyone was festive in holiday sweaters, shirts, jewels that marked the season and smiles filled with family and friendship. All except for Tonio's father, Nick, he was a short slender man with only one thought in his head, himself. He took his place being pompous as soon as he entered the home.
"I see you're just as plain as ever, no wonder my son goes elsewhere." His tone, not welcomed of course, was quick to attract the attention of Tucker, Mandy's father. He was quick to strike fear in the rude guest. "Speak one more negative word to my daughter and by God your ass will be stuffed and on a platter." Mandy's father, an ex marine and every bit of six foot four had no problem shutting down the little man. Tucker had not liked Tonio from the beginning and on many occasions plotted of ways to dispose of the half-Latin, half-African asshole.
Mandy showed everyone their seats as she sparkled in a stunning short, red dress with pearls that traced along a plunging neckline. Her red hair flowed as a stream and curled just as easily. Her smile lit up the room and delighted everyone in her presence. Receiving several compliments on her charm bracelet, she was more than happy to share what each bobble represented. As everyone settled, the absence of one person reflected in the room.
"So where's Tonio?" Jake asked. Mandy's green eyes flecked with glee and fire as she answered. "Don't worry he'll be making an appearance soon. He's still getting ready. You know how he is." She smiled and strolled to the kitchen without a care in the world. Jake shrugged his shoulders and took a seat next to Mandy's parents.
"Honey, you got a beautiful spread here." Her mother was pleased with her daughter's skills in the kitchen. "Thanks mom, I learned from the best." As she appeared from the kitchen with a lighter for the candles.
Nick, of course, blurted an interruption. "Where the hell's my boy? He's the man of this place, he needs to say grace." Mandy answered. "He's just in the kitchen we can start without him, he'll be here." Something in her eyes was sinister yet welcoming. He backed down and sat quiet as her father, the marine recited the grace.
The crowd began to feast on the many dishes that lay before them. Nick was ready for the meat. "Where's the meat, my son gonna cut it, you know he paid for this meal!" Tucker banged on the table, but his daughter was able to soothe him. "Daddy, I got this. I'll get your son, I hear him now." Escaping to the kitchen for only a moment, Mandy reappeared.
The wife emerged with a large stainless steel cart covered in a red satin cloth. Her smile was playful and wicked as she unveiled the centerpiece of the meal. The room grew silent. The first movement was of Shelly sending her kids 14 and 16 to the car and telling them to leave their cell phones and not speak a word.
Mouths were agape at the horror displayed before them. Mandy, however, was just as calm as presenting a grand prize to a lucky winner. "See honey, I did everything you told me to and there are lots of potatoes."
Those that had started eating, started throwing up at the realization that the meat was none other than her beloved Tonio, stuffed to the gills with potatoes. Every inch and every hole oozing with juices of an unmentionable nature, the wife continued in her reveal. She plopped another platter on the table. At the sight of its contents, the Bailey's fainted. Her own mother ran for the restroom. This dish included the head, which was stuffed with a large baking potato, the face frozen in a grimace similar to that of a male on male rape victim.   
She looked to Nick who was grasping at his chest and convulsing and with an evil beam she spoke. "You want the first bite?" Nick keeled forward, having a heart attack at the sight of his cooked and prepared son. The remainder of the guests coming out of their sickened and devastated modes began to realize the weight of the situation. Shelly had disappeared with Jake into the back yard at the first unveil. The rest sat in shock and dismay. Shelly soon appeared, her husband by her side carrying a shovel and plastic bags. From the crowd Chris began to speak.
"Amen, bury that shit!" Tucker was quick to add on, "Hell yeah, bout damn time." The others continued to throw up and never took part in her holiday soirees again.

Getting it Write: Network and Know

One of the best ways for writers to hone their skills is through practice and gettting to know other writers.  Networking is highly important in every field and that includes the written world as well.  I have gathered a list of conferences and events that will be taking place this year.  Who knows, if one comes close enough to Florida, maybe I will see you there.





http://atlantawritersconference.com/

http://www.newpages.com/writing-conferences/


https://www.awpwriter.org/ - a comprehensive list of conferences the following is a list I pulled with certain criteria, however you can go to the website and create your own list.

Writing Conference/Center Name Location W&C Member? Next Event Date A Tribute to the Life and Works of Toni Cade Bambara
New York, United States MemberMarch 30, 2013 Algonkian Writer Conferences
New York, United States MemberYear Round American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) Annual Conference
Indiana, United States MemberOctober 16, 2013 Antioch Writers' Workshop--Spring One-Day Seminar: "Writing for Young Readers"
Ohio, United States MemberMarch 30, 2013 Antioch Writers' Workshop--Summer Program
Ohio, United States MemberJuly 6, 2013 Bear River Writers' Conference
Michigan, United States MemberMay 30, 2013 Boston Summer Writers' Conference at Emerson College
Massachusetts, United States Year Round Bread Loaf Writers' Conference
Vermont, United States MemberAugust 14, 2013 Center for Literature and Theater at Miami Dade College, The
Florida, United States Member
Chesapeake Writers' Conference at St. Mary's College of Maryland
Maryland, United States MemberJune 24, 2013 Colgate Writers' Conference
New York, United States MemberJune 16, 2013 Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference
Vermont, United States MemberApril 26, 2013 Craft of the Story, The
New York, United States MemberYear Round Crossroads Writers Conference
Georgia, United States Member
Gettysburg Review Conference for Writers, The
Pennsylvania, United States MemberJune 5, 2013 Glen Workshop East
Massachusetts, United States MemberJune 9, 2013 Hunter College Writer's Conference
New York, United States MemberJune 8, 2013 Indiana University Writers' Conference
Indiana, United States MemberMay 26, 2013 Iota: The Conference of Short Prose
Maine, United States MemberAugust 22, 2013 Juniper Summer Writing Institute & Institute for Young Writers
Massachusetts, United States MemberJune 23, 2013 Kenyon Review Writers' Workshops
Ohio, United States MemberJune 15, 2013 Killer Nashville
Tennessee, United States MemberAugust 22, 2013 New York State Summer Writers Institute
New York, United States MemberJuly 1, 2013 Odyssey Writing Workshop
New Hampshire, United States MemberJune 10, 2013 Postgraduate Writers' Conference
Vermont, United States MemberAugust 12, 2013 Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Florida, United States Member
Sarah Lawrence College Summer Seminar for Writers
New York, United States MemberJune 23, 2013 Sewanee Writers' Conference
Tennessee, United States MemberJuly 23, 2013 Southampton Writers Conference
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Death's Love Affair - Lachelle Redd

Just thought I would share my short story, Death's Love Affair.  I entered this story in a contest, but I am pretty sure it will not be a contender.  It is 500 words as that was the limit, so it ends pretty quickly.  I hope you enjoy, Death's Love Affair.









Janice Cotton had no words for her daughter's actions. Another five days of detention with possible expulsion. Frustrated, she tossed her purse in search of a cigarette.
"You know those things cause cancer?" Amelia’s tone cared less.
"Right about now, raising you is gonna kill me first so while I have a choice in how I die, I'm going with a ciggy in my hand."
As the SUV approached the electronic gate, Janice tugged on cigarette number three as her cell phone began to buzz. Grabbing it in disgust, she knew it was Troy.
"I just got a call from the provost, saying Amelia was suspended! I knew this wasn't going to work, I'll be there in the morning first thing!" The phone silenced.
He was not going to listen. Throwing her phone to the floor and screaming a host of obscenities, Janice turned into the garage and raced inside. Amelia sat in solitude for a moment before entering the home.
Living with her father was an even worse idea than staying with her chain-smoking mother, but if Troy said he was coming, that was that. The following morning, Amelia was no longer her mother's concern. He'll learn soon enough. Janice thought as she chuckled to herself.
For the next few weeks, the gothic teen settled into yet another sprawling home in a neighborhood complete with snobby, unlikeable inhabitants. Troy, a busy account executive, catered to her every whim. He would soon notice his daughter’s strange behavior. Amelia often stayed up late, laughter and voices coming from her room. Assuming there was a visitor he burst through the door but found no one there.
"Honey, who were you talking to?" He asked.
"Death." She said with a firm tone.
Surprised and disgusted, he whipped out his cell phone and called Janice.
"Death, really?!" He screamed into the phone as if that would help.
"Welcome to my world." The phone silenced in her favor.
Hearing voices once more, he turned to find a young, handsome boy standing in the room. With short, moussed hair in soft peaks, black jeans and a t shirt, he seemed a bit pale but his pink lips and large brown eyes gave way to an all too devilish and familiar smile.
"You again?!" The father announced. "We performed an exorcism for Christ's sake! Stay away from my daughter."
The boy smiled. "You had no right to bring her back. She belongs with me."
The father sobbed heavily and sunk to his knees. Amelia had not survived the car accident and her distraught parents made a deal to bring her back. However, Death had fallen in love with the teen and decided he would not exist without her. 
"Father, I do not belong here. You can’t keep me from my love." The sound of a soft footstep and the opening of a window alerted him. He could not get to her in time. Amelia jumped from the second floor landing on the iron light post below.

Death's Love Affair - Contest Entry

Hello, my fellow readers and reviewers.  I am going to get on with this as time is running out.  I have entered a short story writing contest and need as many hearts as I can get.  I would also appreciate reviews as well.  Here is the link:

http://figment.com/books/549901-Death-s-Love-Affair


I really need your help to make this happen. So give it a try and as always, the cauldron is on and waiting for some sit down folks.

Lachelle Redd

My Favorite Fangs

Ok, ladies and gentleman, we have seen them all and watched them go from horrid, to human, to ghastly to gorgeous now sexy and sparkle.  The latter really irritates me.  However, I am going to showcase my own personal favorites and my experience when I first saw them on the big screen.


Frank Langella - Dracula

Oh my gosh. Even though I was tender 12 year old, this was the Dracula that awakened me to the horror genre.  Sure, I had seen some of the old black and white films but this one was pure magic for me.  Frank was extremely sexy and theatrical in his performance.  His tone of voice was very smooth, but there was always of undertone of something wicked.  After I grew up and was able to purchase the movie, that was when I discovered that he put a lot of effort into the part by helping with the designs of the cape and the height of the collars.  He had been playing Dracula in the theatre and that was how he got the part.  I still watch this version and even though they have the characters backward from the book, it is still a joy and I get that little girl giddy watching Frank and yes I realize that is he is old and grey, but he is my original vampire. 

Thank You Frank

Gary Oldman - Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula

Ok, you see how hard I fell for Frank, well I was twice as angry about this new guy taking over my favorite fang's part.  Watching the previews, I was pissed.  I was determined not to like this Gary person.  Well I caught the movie late one night when nothing else was on and I was hooked.  The depth of his loss of his beloved wife, with whom he replaced with Mina was breathtaking.  In addition the costumes, the romance, the cinematography were amazing.  I especially like the scenes with the misplaced shadow and Keeanu Reeves character.  Gary also brought a theatrical approach, but the big difference here was that he was doing it all for love.  Frank's character was more of in need of someone to do his bidding and be by his side.  Gary's Dracula was in love from the beginning, fell to a curse at the loss of that love and redeemed by the belief in his love.  The costumes were fabulous and Gary's movements were fluid and poetic.  I fell in love all over again and cheated on my original with Gary Oldman in Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula.

Thank You Gary

Gerard Butler - Dracula 2000

Ok, I brought this one up, not because he was a great actor, or because he had any talent, but because of the storyline.  For the first time Dracula was portrayed as the traitor of Jesus.  This storyline was quiet away from the norm and the Prince Vlad that it captured a new thought process.  It took the things that he beloved so much and turned them against him.  They even threw in silver, which is commonly a werewolf item.  But nevertheless, Gerard delivered a performance that was worthy of the young crowd who needed to see this kind of Dracula at the time. Dracula 2000 was meant for the crowd of that age. The young handsome Butler, with the chiseled frame and in search of his innocent Mary was quite a different take than the others.  Every generation has one and this one was meant for that time period.  Not as strong of a story as the others but it's originality caught my eye.


Interview with the Vampire

Well dressed, exotic, fierce and with a story to tell that can last ten lifetimes, Anne Rice brought us the tale of a vampire family.  Lestat, unwilling to be alone creates a beautiful but tortured vampire companion in Luis.  Although Cruise's character was the lead, Pitt stole the show.  His refusal to take human life and dine on rats gave him a human component that made you beg for more of him.  The Lestat creates Claudia, Kirsten Dunst.  Remarkable youg lady and wonderful performance.  She carried the role with the desire and passion of older actor even though she was quite young when she did this movie.  Her tantrums and murderous plots were awesome and her Luis was there as her protector.  I loved the stories and read all three.  Even though I am not in love with Cruise as Lestat, he potrayed the character well and gave a new breath to the series.  All thanks to Anne Rice of course.


Dark Prince:  The True Story of Dracula

I caught this movie on the SYFY channel and fell in love with it.  Starring Rudolph Martin and Jane March, this story chronicles the story of Prince Vlad as he grows up to become the bloodthirsty legend that we all know.  This story is of the human and how he crawled up the ranks, fell in love out of his ranks and exceeded his ranks only to be murdered by those he trusted.  The kicker is that his brand of evil did not stay in the grave and thus closer to the end of the film you see the birth of the vampire that we know and love.  It's good movie, an interesting story and good way to spend the afternoon.  Will you walk with me?






Underworld
Underworld Evolution
Underworld Rise of the Lycans
Underworld Awakening

Kate Beckinsale is the first kick as femal vampire, that I like.  Unlike other female counterparts in the franchise, she took the main role and was not the helpless dame waiting to be rescued.  She was created by her "father" victor as a replacement for his own daughter that had betrayed him by falling in love with a Lycan.  Selene discovers that Victor is a treacherous being and that he will stop at nothing to destroy any race that is not a vampire.  Throughout the movie, Beckinsale, Selene, kicks ass.  She is tough and vulnerable at the same time.  Let's not forget the skin tight suit she had to peel on and off at times that go so well with the film.  Another great story line for the vampire of the new generation.


The Lost Boys

The 80s were a wonderful time, especially if you were watching Keifer Sutherland in the Lost Boys.  A beautiful gang of biker boys along with a beautiful girl and small boy are the characters for a story based on peer pressure and following the wrong crowd.  Loved this movie and watched it over and over.  I know the lines, I owned the soundtrack.  Corey Haim was at his best and Corey Feldman was at his side.  The follow up movies were ok, but nothing is like the original.  Cry little sister.  All hail the Lost Boys.




As I stated these were my personal favorites.  Sure, I am aware of the Twilights and such, but when you're old school, you're old school.  Oh and a shout out to 30 Days of Night, those vamps took everything back to the original meaning of the vampire.  The need to feed.

Beauty is a Beast L Redd

Long ago in a peaceful, quiet kingdom nestled between a bluish green sea and a plush olive forest there lived a royal family. The king, Joseph, was a strong, intelligent man who was adored by his people due to his fair and honest practices. The princess, a dainty, warm hearted girl of average beauty was blessed with the gift of song. Her love for the arts hung in many homes throughout the kingdom. She too was adored and loved by all. However, the queen was nowhere near as meek, humble, and beloved as the rest of the family. In her eyes, beauty and power reigned supreme. She seldom responded to requests to visit local charities or even the sick at their last request. Too involved with her own ideas of what her position required she stayed busy by courting the aristocratic side of the lifestyle. She would take long days away scheduling teas and luncheons with neighboring royals and well to dos. She wanted nothing of the common man and what he had to offer. So when the day came and it was time for the princess to be betrothed, she was angered when no prince from the neighboring families offered marriage to her daughter, Akina. Even though the queen had done all she could to ensure a successful, substantial nuptial, the neighboring royals were no fools and wanted no part of her snobbery. The queen lashed out and did as always, blamed her daughter.

"If you had been more beautiful this wouldn't have happened. Now look, you are 18 with no hopes for a husband and no hopes of an alliance with an affluent kingdom." The queen spouted her venom through most of the night when the king finally put her in her place.
"Madera, my darling, the trouble is not with our daughter, it's you. You have turned the neighboring families against us with your constant ill advised notions of what your position should be. To be a royal is a great responsibility to the kingdom that we protect not just a crown and golden pass to rub elbows with the rich. It is because of you that our daughter has no offers."
With those words the king slept in an adjoining chamber and did not return to her bed for weeks. The queen continued to smolder regarding Akina's fate. If she did not marry there would be no heir and without an heir, the kingdom would be lost. The queen decided it was up to her to set the proper marriage in place.
On the eve of spring, a grand festival was planned to celebrate the end of another harsh winter. As usual, Queen Madera made no plans to attend on time but instead scheduled a secretive trip into the nether-woods. The dark guest carriage would be escorting the woman to the mighty sorcerer, Gilsham. He was her final solution to the issue at hand. Upon arrival she was greeted by a tall dark figure. His eyes were a steely gray, his hair long, thick and black. His olive colored skin and perfect smile hid his true age, but it was known to many that he had walked the forest in the time of the ancient elders. His looks mattered not to her as she offered the faithless man 200 gold coins in exchange for a spell. A spell that would make her daughter irresistible and more beautiful than any other princess in the land. At that point, no prince could deny her marriage and they would line up in the grand the foyer bidding for her daughter's virtue and her hand. Madera would invite the wealthiest of the royals and only the best would be eligible to bid.  
"Are you sure this is what you want, oh great queen?  This type of spell can have wicked drawbacks as your ways are less than noble." Gilsham spoke with a frank tone to the woman. She ignored his caution.
"I paid you well, now do as I request!  My ways are of you no matter to you. You work for me." Madera spouted cynical, arrogant venom.
Towards the end of the day as the festival launched into a joyous dance and bonfire, the queen appeared. Happy and full of joy she moved along the crowd of peasants and middle class as quick as an acquitted man leaving the hanging rope. Eyeing her daughter and husband at the other side of the stone pathway, she nodded and placed herself at their side. She was rather late and the king wanted answers.
"Where have you been all day?  The evening dance depends on our first waltz of the afternoon and you are late!" The king was quite displeased as his hazel eyes flared flecks of green and his brow wrinkled in discontent.
"My lord, I wanted to look my best and so I purchased a new gown for this occasion. I am sorry for keeping you waiting." On the outside her apology was honest and authentic, but on inside the lies grew toxic as the asp's venom. She held her true intentions far from the surface as she continued with her daughter. "My darling Akina, I am so happy to see you smiling again. Let's put all that marriage nonsense aside. I am not worried nor shall I bother you further. There will be a prince in your future all in good time." Smiling at her daughter as she caressed her face, she turned to her husband as it was time for the ceremonial dance.
The king and queen's dance was both elegant and stunning. In tune to each other's rhythms they were as ballerinas on a stage. The tradition of this first dance was very important to the town as it was heaped in superstition. The first dance of the night was always performed by the royal couple. They would waltz atop a platform that covered the majority of the land that would become the year's crops. As they passed over each segment is it said a blessing from heaven for a bountiful harvest would occur. The couple would have to dance the length of half a football field and then some in order to bless the town with a prosperous harvest season. Once three quarters of a way through the waltz, the town members would join in and take to the stage in celebration.
In the beginning, the king and queen were as one and the waltz was divine. However, this did not last. The happy couple was more than half way through when the queen stepped on a hanging piece of her petticoat and stumbled. The king, quick on his feet, caught her as the town gasped.
"What is happening with you?" He asked. "It is this petticoat, it is longer than I expected and my heel was caught. I will have to be careful for the remainder of the eve."
The king nodded and continued to move along with the queen. However, someone in the crowd caught her eye and she stumbled again. This time the king was not able to catch her and she fell to the platform. The music stopped as the town gasped again but this time whispers followed. Joseph snatched up his bride and with a stern look he motioned for the musicians to continue. They completed the ritual, but dread filled the town as the superstitious took the stumbles to be signs of bad luck that would soon befall the small settlement.
Once the dance was done the king pulled the woman to the side and scolded her with harsh words. "Whatever is going on with you, you must gather yourself!  We are looked to as the deciding factor of the kingdom and I cannot have you and your pretentious ideals ruining the lives of these people!  I do not buy for one minute that you have forgotten about the marriage. I know you Madera Hoffsgood." The queen snatched away from him giving him a cold glare that chilled his soul. "You will not call me by my maiden name again, sir. I am your queen and I will have prosperity for this family. I don't care what you think. I am doing it all around here to ensure our place in the kingdom!" The king was quick to spout back at her. "You mean to ensure your place." With that the king stomped off his daughter at his side.
Madera took no thought to the events that had taken place. The face in the crowd that caught her attention and therefore caused the fall was her main concern. She moved to a remote section of town between two cobblestone buildings where Gilsham was waiting for her.
"How dare you show your face here?!" She spouted. "I cannot be seen with you. What is it that you want, I paid you handsomely!"
"Yes, you did, you paid very well, and even though I find you to be the most vile, evil hearted member I have ever known, I cannot let your daughter suffer. The spell that you have has a warning. If the man she marries truly loves her and not just her beauty she will be happy and prosper. But if the man only sees her for her outer shell, her life will be filled with disgrace and pain. Please make sure the man she marries love her before you allow the marriage."
"You will not give orders to me!" The queen stomps off towards the castle, the vial containing the potion in her bodice.
That night the queen plotted as never before. Anxious to try the concoction she schemed of ways to invite the most affluent of the royals to their palace and thus begin the bidding war. It was midnight before she was able to close her eyes in deep sleep. The evening's affairs far behind and her plot to cement her status among the wealthiest began.
The morning arrived with a strong rain storm that blew through the town. Quite unexpected and unusual for that time of year, the townspeople stayed hushed in superstitious silence. To most the bad luck had begun but to others it was just a freak storm that would blow over and planting could begin afterwards.
In spite of the weather, the castle was alive and bustling. The maids and butlers were busy making breakfast while the queen visited with her daughter, a glass of juice in her hands.
"Akina, I am so sorry for the events that took place last night. Your father is so on edge with me and that darn petticoat got in the way. I didn't have it tailored properly, I was in a rush. Your father made too much of the incident, really." The serpentine royal slithered a fake apology as slick as a snail trail.
"Mother, I have to forgive you, but you must forget this issue with the marriage. It won't be that bad. Besides, I want to be loved." Akina's words were graceful and spoken with a full and pure heart. However, the queen was well into her plan.
"I understand, my lovely, here have some juice to start your day." The queen offered the princess the glass and she accepted finishing the mixture without a blink.
Later that day the queen was in her room making arrangements for a grand spring ball. The king entered the room offering an apology for the previous night. The queen accepted and even stated that she had been wrong to rush the tailor. When asked what she was up to, she explained that she wanted to have a spring carnival that would end with a ball. Wanting to invite the village and neighboring towns, she wanted to show good faith for her failure to dance without stumble. The king was hesitant at first, but seeing her genuine wish to invite townsfolk to the ball, he decided to let her have her party.
The next day the storm cleared and the nearby rivers were filled with fresh water for crops and wells. Farmers went about their chores as the ground was perfect for planting. The rains had been a good omen after all. Within the next few weeks, crops sprouted in brilliant shades of green, orange and yellow. It was a good season. Meanwhile the queen's plans were underway.
The ball would be a further celebration of the bounty of spring, but underneath it would be the introduction of her daughter once again, but with the works of the potion under way.
Over the next few weeks, the princess seemed to have a glow about her. Her hair shined as glossy as morning dew, her skin was radiant and free of girlish blemishes. Gone was her splotchy skin and many freckles. She seemed to blossom into a rose overnight. The girl had not been ugly to begin with, she simply had traits that made her human and were natural for girls of her age. However, the last few weeks her appearance was almost divine. Noticing his daughter's transformation, the king asked what she was doing something different. The young woman simply replied "no" and continued to move about the castle. Noticing the changes within herself, the young princess seemed to smile more and raised her head high as she strolled along the gardens and castle grounds. She caught the attention of every man and woman in the kingdom. Then the day of the spring carnival arrived followed by the grand ball.
The courtyard was filled to the brim with people from every background. It was a marvelous event catered and decorated by the finest planner in the land. When the moment came to unveil the hosting family, the king, queen and princess appeared from the stone steps of their almighty castle. The entire party gasped in amazement. The princess was more beautiful than the finest diamonds that she wore. Every prince attending the party took note and immediately began asking for dances and moments to gaze upon her beauty. Needless to say the queen was pleased and even the king smiled in relief as he saw his daughter happier than ever, a young handsome suitor at her side.
Over the next few weeks, messengers brought parchments with proposals and possible endowments for the hand of the beautiful girl. The queen was thrilled and for once the king thought it a good thing. The princess was pleased with the excitement, but felt uneasy at a marriage not founded in love, the king understood her sentiment.
"You know, Madera, I was allowed to choose you as my love. Remember those days, you were a shy peasant with the heart of an angel. I could not resist you." The king held his queen in his arms.
"Yes, I was a peasant and I loved you then as I do now, but I can understand the rules of our class." The queen's words were an uninvited slip. The king quickly saw the plan in hand. "You want her married to some over-stuffed, boy with dreams of righteous glory and kingship instead of a love that will take her through time. What happened to woman I married?"
"That little nothing of a peasant girl is no more and has learned the ways of the regal. She must marry for her security and if she does not choose then I will choose for her!" Within that moment the queen felt the sting of the king's hand across her jaw as she fell to the floor. Akina, a witness to this action rushed to her defense.
"Mom, are you okay?" She lifted the woman from the floor. "Father, you were out of line. She is only looking out for our kingdom. Sure her ways are strange but underneath she means us good." Naive and believing her mother wanted the best, the young princess made a decision. "I have chosen to marry Prince Farnsworth. He has offered the best for me and the kingdom. I can grow to love him if that is what it takes." The princess stood stern in her decision. The queen jumped for joy internally.
The marriage would take place in the summer as a garden ceremony would be prepared. Prince Theodore Richard Timothy Farnsworth II would unite his kingdom with that of King Joseph Michael Vanderhall and all would be divine. Overjoyed with Akina's choice, Madera quieted in the months to come as she and her daughter planned a lavish and stunning event.
The wedding day arrived and just as planned the castle and courtyard were filled with the most vibrant blooms of the season. Being held on the castle grounds would ensure a place for all to witness the vows and partake of the illustrious flower garden. As the guests arrived and the halls were prepared, the queen was readying herself in her dressing chamber. A knock at her door, a visitor entered with sudden haste.
"You must not let this wedding take place. His heart is cold and has no love for your daughter. Please have her marry Prince Caleb for he truly loves her," Gilsham snuck into the castle and to the chambers of the queen.
"Get out or I will have you hanged!" As she prepared to yell, he was quick to place a sleeping spell on her as he made his escape. Found on the floor of her bedroom, she remembered nothing and said she must have fainted. The wedding would go on as planned.
The event was the spectacle of the season and one of the most lavish ceremonies to ever take place. The bride's gown of Italian lace and silk was embroidered with pearls and crystals around the bodice. The train flowed elegantly behind the bride as she seemed to float down the aisle. The queen and king in their best sat proud and confident on the first rows.
The dinner and party afterward were just as grand as the ceremony. Both houses now combined, the treaty of lands and sea were signed and affluence flowed freely. The newlyweds would reside in a castle that the prince had built between the two now massive kingdoms. Their wedding night would be spent in the guest chambers of the princes' parent's castle. She would endure the travel to her new home first thing in the morning.
Everything seemed to go well and the foreboding of the sorcerer seemed silly. The bride and groom seemed happy and in love. There was no more to be said. The queen settled in for the night. Her husband was nervous as it was his daughter's first wedding night. He paced the floor in anxiety hoping the young prince would be gentle and use tact.
The newlyweds settled into the bed as the consummation of the marriage began. The prince was ever more the gentleman and took his bride with caution and care. The fairytale seemed to have a happy ending.
The following morning the couple had breakfast with their parents before the brief trip to their own palace. Smiles and tears were exchanged as the two made their way into the world, a fresh new start. Akina smiled and waved goodbye as she sat next to her husband inside their plush oak and metal carriage. She had no more worries and felt her life open to a new chapter. Soon she would look to having a family of her own and maybe one day a modest sovereignty.
The adjoining kingdoms were quite happy as new ports evolved and ships brought goods from opposite ends of the world to their door. The common man was able to move up and the peasants seemed to prosper as well. The lands grew and opportunities for work followed. The night of the spring fling was forgotten and all was well or so it seemed.
Over the next few months, Akina began to see a different side of her prince. He grew distant and sarcastic, stayed out all hours of the night having wild parties and orgies with any and every woman he could. Akina, being the strong willed woman, approached him about his behavior, to which he replied with a sharp blow across her cheek. The young princess was in tears, thoughts of what she had done wrong filled her head as the servants lifted her and tended to her bruised face. The news spread that the prince was an out of control womanizer. However, Madera kept a tight hold on the messengers and their deliveries. Each letter she kept tucked away in her dresser, never replying to her daughter's tears. The king had suspicions as he had grown accustomed to hearing from Akina weekly. When he had not heard from her in a month he asked the queen. She, of course, lied.
"Maybe they are just being newlyweds and are thinking of starting their own family, give them time. I am sure she will write us soon." Madera would move through the halls of her newly renovated castle and hum sweet melodies as he daughter suffered. Not caring of the cruelty to her but of her own twisted desires, she had taken certain matters into her hands to assure her place would remain.
Gilsham a mighty sorcerer he was, but still in some ways quite vulnerable to human fate knew that his days were coming short. His visions haunted him as he tried to undo the horror that the princess now endured. He was able to meet with her for a moment, as the prince always had her followed. He came to the castle posing as a candle salesman, knowing the woman's love for fresh scents he was able to gain a conference with her and when he did he explained his true reason for visitation.
"My lady, Akina, please forgive my deception, but I had to see you. I am aware of your predicament and I have come to help." The princess responded. "What predicament do you speak of sir?" Her words were gentle but her quivering hands told another story. "The man you married is not the same. The reason is behind a potion I gave your mother that she in turn gave to you. The queen wanted you married to a wealthy prince and I obeyed. For this I am not proud. I tried to warn her but she would not listen. You must leave this place before your sorrow expands beyond the reaches of time."
Akina listened to the broken sorcerer. Part of her wanted to disbelieve his tale, but deep down she knew it was true. Her tears flowed as never before as her life crumbled before the stranger. "Why did you let her do this to me?!" She screamed. "Is there a cure for this madness, will he ever be the man I married?" The princess was desperate to hold on to her marriage. The sorcerer responded. "I have tried to find a potion to reverse the spell, but I have not been successful. For now you must leave this place as the curse increases daily."
The princess had Gilsham thrown from the castle and warned that if he returned he would be hanged. Too upset to heed his warnings, she continued with her life as it was. She grew cautious of how to handle the prince and steered clear of his evil. Unfortunate for her the prince did not do the same. His beatings grew more violent and if he drank, he would rape the woman until she pleaded for him to stop.
Gilsham returned to his cottage that day fearful for the future that was unfolding. He slaved over a bubbling cauldron for hours searching for a cure. It was in the early morning light of the following day that he succeeded. He bottled the potion and packaged it with a lettered parchment. He requested a messenger boy that day and sent the parcel to its new owner. Relieved that he could undo his evil, he settled in for the night with a clean conscience. Over the next few days he would not be seen which was not that unusual, but when a rancid odor snaked its way through the town, his cottage was searched and his dead body was found ripped open and left in the middle of the floor.
The king intercepted a messenger for the queen on that brisk October morning. As he unrolled the letter, the horror that had been hidden from him was revealed.
Father, I know now that you have not received any of my letters, but I still try. I don't know how much more of this I can take. My prince has become more violent and I lock myself in my room at night. I pray you get this letter, as I am at a loss. He would surely have me followed if I tried to leave. Father I am with child and do not wish to bring him or her into this life. Please, if you get this letter, help me, come to me for I know only you can tame the beast that he has become.
Your daughter
Akina
 
Angered at the thought that he had been kept in the dark about her circumstances the king demanded to know if there were more of the letters. The servants were quick to lead him to his wife's chamber. She was out for the day running errands so he was able to plunder as he pleased. He ransacked her room until he came across a secret compartment in her dresser. He tore the lock off the hinge and there they were. A stack of his daughter's grief was tucked away from his presence for months. He wept as he gathered them all in his cloak and ordered a steed for riding. The servants were happy to oblige.
"Before I return, pack the queen's belongings and remove her from this place!  I will allow her one chest of gold and that is all!  If she returns before I do make sure is gone before I return!" The servants were pleased with his request and moved with haste.
Just as Joseph was about to mount his horse, a messenger arrived with a parcel. The king opened it and perused the information and immediately knew what to do. He rode hard to his daughter's palace in hopes of ending her suffering. As he blazed through the town, the queen saw him and hurried home. Once she arrived she found her things packed and loaded on a guest carriage.
"What is the meaning of this?!" She blared at the servants as they went about their chore. "The king has asked that you be removed from the premises. We are following his orders to the tee. You have a chest of gold and all your belongings. You are to be gone before he returns." The male servant, Christian spoke with great pride. The queen's faced sunk as she knew he had found the letters. Gathering her own horse she raced for the castle, she knew a shorter way and arrived before her husband. She was greeted at the door by her battered daughter. Disheveled and dazed the woman stood in the foyer, a large bloody kitchen knife in her hand. The servants were long gone and she remained alone in her suffering.
"My daughter, come away with me. I am so sorry it has taken me this long. I had been away on business and when your father came to me with the letters I rushed to your side." Her lies flowed with ease as she stood on the front steps of the grand palace. "Mother, I want to believe you." The princess' words were slurred. "But I know better, I know what you did and I know why you did it. And I can never forgive you." With those words she plunged the bloody knife into her mother's guts ripping her open and spilling her bowels forth. The queen fell to the cold stone as her innards oozed forward onto the castle steps. In the distance, she could hear the hoofs of her husband as he arrived at the castle. Seeing his daughter in such disarray brought tears to his eyes. He raced to her, the bottle containing the cure in his hand, but before he could reach her, she plunged the knife into her stomach. The king's heart burst with grief as his daughter lay dying. He held her tight in his arms.
"I am so sorry, your mother hid everything from me. Please at least take this potion, maybe it will reverse the evil." The king was hopeful.
Akina drank the bitter liquid, but it was too late. Her fate and the fate of her unborn child were done. "I know you were not aware of her treachery, father. I hold no grudge against you. I love you so." The princess died in peace.
The queen, still struggling to hold on, attempted to gurgle one last lie. The king unsheathed his sword and quickly lopped off her head. For the murder of the sorcerer, their daughter's life and their marriage, he felt the only judgment fitting was death.
As word of the queen's treachery spread, the prince's family came to investigate only to find the body of the queen and their son slashed and stabbed to pieces. The king had taken his daughter to be buried in their sacred crypt. As for the queen, her remains were burned on a great pyre and set out to sea. The king wanted no part of her to remain. The treaty between the lands fell apart as Prince Theodore's family sought retribution. The king was broken in every way, his lands dried up, his wealth diminished and his lovely daughter was dead. He decided to join her. His body was found hanging in the crypt next to where she lay. The stumble of that early spring chattered among those that remained.

New Post from Amazon.com.uk

Check out the review from The Wood Sprite's Tale on Amazon.com.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AU3TU08/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1RA649GRP2MPKBVQA1W7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294  5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story with a twist 14 Jan 2013
By chriker
Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was not quite what i expected, but it was a beautifully written story. I did find it a little short though. Maybe I was just so engrossed in the story I didn't notice how quickly I was turning the pages. I love the fact it was about young sprites coming of age and two special sprites had to go on a very special journey. I won't say too much otherwise it will spoil the story. But it is a lovely story about good overcoming evil. :-)

$1 The Hot Cauldron- L Redd

 http://www.amazon.com/The-Hot-Cauldron-ebook/dp/B00918MPZA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357858586&sr=8-4&keywords=lachelle+redd  2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars A must read...., September 5, 2012  By madcmm - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Hot Cauldron (Kindle Edition) This is a great collection of short stories! It has something for every reader! I am not an avid horror fan and even the horror stories were good. If you want a book that is going to take you through an array of emotins than this is a must read for you! I cried, I laughed and even got mad, to me that's the signs of a great book!! So stop reading the reviews and read the book already, you won't regret it! :)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!!, August 28, 2012  By Mary Lake - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Hot Cauldron (Kindle Edition) If you are looking for something to read while on the treadmill, stationary bike or something you can read between wash loads, this is the must read. The short stories are peppered with intrigue and humor. Nice touching descriptions using vivid comparisons. . This author is stretching her wings. I am looking forward to more.
Smashwords ReviewReview by: Brian Bigelow on Dec. 17, 2012 :
This has some great story lines and I would have liked to have read more. There are more than enough twists these stories take in unexpected directions. On most you won't see the ending before you get there.