BLOG TOUR STOP~A CHANGED LIFE By Mary A. Wasowski
Today we welcome Author Mary Wasowski and her Novel A Changed Life. Check out the excerpt and bonus scene below along with a giveaway to win copies of the book.
Title: A Changed Life
Author: Mary A. Wasowski
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Genre: New Adult
Hosted by:
Love Between the Sheets
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Synopsis
Change is never easy. For seventeen year old Nicolette Vanelle, life is about to change... Relocating to California, Nicolette finds herself starting over. A new high school. New friends. New life. Attending her first Hollywood event, Nicolette meets bad boy Michael St. Clair, and unknowingly becomes the object of his obsession. Feeling overwhelmed by Michael’s attention, she escapes the party to go to the beach where she meets Simon Paulson. He takes her breath away, an inevitable connection leading to romance between the young couple. Nicolette and Simon’s happiness is short lived and their relationship is put to the ultimate test when tragedy befalls Nicolette. Can Nicolette find the strength and courage to emerge from the darkness she fell into? Will Simon's unconditional love be enough to bring her back into the light? Life can change in an instant, leaving you changed forever.
EXCERPT
I couldn’t believe what I just witnessed between Michael and Nicolette. I wanted to punch something, and his face was my intended target. What the hell does he think he is doing? Michael is still trying to take my girl out from under me after I have warned him over and over again to back off. I cursed at myself because I knew I had no right to be mad especially after how I left her last night. I don’t actually have any claim to her, and that was entirely my fault for not making her mine sooner. I guess I thought she already knew. I have to tell Nicolette how I feel about her, but first I have to handle Michael.
“What are you doing here, St. Clair?”
“Hey, Simon. Lovely to see you too!”
“I told you to stay away from Nicolette. She’s off limits.”
“Why because you said so? I think based on the conversation I just had with Nicolette, she is single and very available. Again, she’s fair game, and if I want to pursue her, I will.”
“Not if my fist has anything to say about it. You will not see her again, Michael.”
“Be careful, Simon. You don’t want to go there again with me.” I feel my anger rising through every fiber of my body, and I wanted to kick his ass all over this campus. I go to strike at him and suddenly, my hand is being pulled back by Sam.
“Dude, chill the hell out. He’s not worth it, Simon.”
“Stay out of it Sam, this is between us.”
“Yeah Sam, I think Simon can fight his own battles, don’t you think?”
“Stay away from her man; I’m not going to tell you again.”
“Sure Simon, whatever you say.” Michael laughed as he stepped into his Mercedes and drove off.
“Sam… what the hell man! I didn’t need your help back there. I can handle Michael just fine on my own. The son of a bitch was with Nicolette, Again! He doesn’t get it, she’s my girlfriend!”
“Does she know that dude?”
“Know what?”
“That’s she’s your girlfriend? What the hell do I know man, I’m not even seeing anyone at the moment. If I had a girl like Nicolette, I would let her know who she belongs to, but since you are too much of an ass to tell her how you feel, St. Clair’s right, she’s available.”
“The hell she is Sam! I love her. Oh shit! Did I just say that out loud?
“What was that, Simon? I don’t think I heard you; you what?”
“Shut up Sam. I love her and I’m telling you straight, fucking St. Clair is not going to get another girl of mine. I’m going to tell Nicolette exactly how I feel about her today.”
“Nicolette, I want you to be my girlfriend. I care about you, and I think you care about me too. Am I wrong?” My head is spinning now, Simon is here telling me he wants me and only me. I am such an idiot! If I would have just talked to him today, all my misery that I put myself through could have been avoided.
“No Simon, you’re not wrong. I would love to be your girlfriend.” He wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly to his chest. He smells amazing with the mix of his body wash and cologne. I was still on Simon’s lap as he kept me close to him. “I’m sorry about my dad last night and all of the questions.”
“It’s no big deal. I should have called you when I got home, if I had, maybe today could have been avoided.”
“Simon...sorry it’s my phone, it could be my mom checking in. I look at the number, and it’s Michael calling me. Not wanting Simon to see it, I quickly hit the ignore button. Simon loosens his hold and shifts me off of him. He stands up, running his fingers through his hair.
“Michael, right?”
“Yes, it’s him.”
Simon re-joins me on the couch and holds my two hands. “Nicolette, again If I would have been honest with you, than we could have avoided all of this confusion today. I’m sorry to make you doubt my feelings for you. I wanted to talk to you today at school, and when I thought I was ready to do that, I saw you talking to Michael. I stayed behind until you left and then confronted him. He’s all about playing games, especially with me Nicolette, he needs to know that you are unavailable.”
“Simon, I told him that I wasn’t interested in him, but he asked me out anyway. I didn’t say yes to him, he just asked me to think about it and to call him.”
“Well, you are not going to call him, and if he comes anywhere near you, I need to know about it, okay?”
“What is it between you and him? Why do you hate each other so much? Whatever it is, you can trust me Simon; you do know that?”
“Of course I do, baby. I just don’t trust Michael, and I want you to stay away from him. I swear Nicolette, he comes around again; you need to tell me.”
“Simon, you’re starting to scare me.”
“Listen, I have history with Michael, and it’s a long and messed up one. I don’t want to discuss it right now.”
“Simon, I have only seen Michael a few times since meeting him on the Fourth of July. He texted me a few times and sent flowers to the house. Today was the first time seeing him since the beach club party.”
“Nicolette, that’s way too much. He’s a jerk, and he needs to get the hint that you are not interested in him. I almost punched Michael today, but Sam stopped me before I could.”
“Tell me why you dislike him so much?”
“Can’t you just agree not to see him and leave it at that?”
“Not until you give me a valid enough reason.”
Simon pulled me into his chest and slammed his lips onto mine. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through him. Simon calmed with each kiss he placed on my lips. No words spoken… just soft and gentle touches.
The Paulson’s cabana was beautifully decorated, and private enough for us to have some time together. Simon plugged in his I pod, and asked me to dance with him. I was blushing, and he loved when I did that. Simon held me in his arms, and our bodies swayed back and forth while he whispered in my ear and ran soft kisses down my neck.
He felt incredible next to me, why couldn’t I trust him enough to talk to him about Michael? I was afraid on how he would react. Knowing his history with Michael was holding me back.
“You are so quiet, baby. What’s going through that pretty little head right now?”
“I’m just happy Simon, I love dancing with you. You always make me feel special and wanted.”
“Nicolette, you are special to me, I can’t even begin to show how much I love, and want you.” Still holding me in his arms, I knew what Simon had meant, he didn’t need to say the words to me. I already knew he wanted to make love to me, and be my first.
Our bodies swayed back and forth to the soulful sounds of Norah Jones. Simon, softly kissing and leaving love bites along my neck. Closing my eyes, I was lost in him. Savoring every feeling, every stroke of his tongue on my hot skin. In one swift move, Simon lifted me into his arms and carried me over to the couch. My heart began to accelerate while my mind raced with what Simon was going to do next. “Open your eyes baby. Nicolette, do you trust me?”
Of course I do. Slowly letting out my breath, I looked up at Simon.
“Yes.”
Without another word spoken, Simon began to unbutton my blouse and run his hands over my lacy bra. “So beautiful” he said as he kissed my covered breasts. Pulling me up, he slid my blouse off and unclasped my bra, tossing them both to the floor. My upper body was completely exposed to him, as his eyes perused over my naked chest. “You are so beautiful Nicolette. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I just want to see and touch what’s mine. Oh my…touch away. I reached for Simon and pulled him down onto my body. Kissing and teasing his mouth with my tongue, while feeling his hard length rub against me. Pools of wetness soaked my panties, my body answering for me. Simon sat up on his knees, pulling his shirt off, exposing his muscled tanned skin. I wanted to touch and kiss every inch of him, especially his sculpted V muscle. I reached for his waist and he playfully grabbed my hands.
“No baby. Tonight is for you, let me love you.” Lying back down onto the couch, I lifted my pelvis for Simon to easily slide down my shorts and panties. Parting my knees with his strong deft hands, I lay open for him to explore my body. “Keep your eyes open for me, Nicolette. I want you to watch as I make you come. Holy shit! This is it.
I was squirming with the anticipation. I completely trusted Simon with my body. If anything I was too excited. I have been fantasizing about this moment for a while now.
“Lie still baby.” Dropping his head down between my legs he penetrated my folds with his tongue. Next he slid one finger in as my body came undone. I gripped the sides of Simon’s head pushing him further into me as a blinding sensation pulsed through me. I could hold on no more, and with one last flick of his tongue, I exploded screaming his name from the most intense and exhilarating feeling I have ever experienced.
Simon held me close to his body, placing his forehead onto mine. Never taking his eyes off of me, he was smiling. You could see his happiness all over his beautiful face.
“Thank you baby, for sharing your body and letting me do that with you. I love how you respond to me. You can’t even imagine how much it meant for me to do that with you. I love you so much baby, I thank god every day for bringing you to me.” Simon had me wrapped around his body like a vine. Holding me in his arms, we were simply loving each other. Simon had kept his shorts on never pressuring me to go further. I could feel his erection while his body was pressed into mine. Without a doubt in my mind, I wanted to make love to him, and for Simon to be my first and only. Simon had drifted into sleep while I lay awake in his arms. This was where I belonged, with Simon.
“Nicolette, I swear you are the most exasperating woman I have met in my life. I am so sick and tired of hearing you blame yourself. You are acting like you asked for this to happen to you. Why are you blaming yourself for the pain you seem to think you are responsible for causing? Nicolette, you have to stop this, it’s not your fault. I will admit, it is tearing me apart every time you behave this way. I love you so much, and I know you better than you think I do. Please don’t let him occupy any more space in that beautiful head of yours.”
I didn’t want to be angry with her, but she just frustrated me so much. Here she is in the hospital, again, and wanting to shut me out. I have spent weeks now trying to convince Nicolette that I will not leave her, no matter what. I have to calm down for her sake. She is in such a fragile state, and if I say the wrong thing, she could be shattered. I am not going to be the one to do that to her. “I’m sorry Simon,” she repeatedly kept telling me. I finally just slammed my mouth onto to her perfect lips, and kissed her until she was out of breath.
I didn’t mean to be so forceful with her, but I just didn’t know what else to do. I felt like I was going to explode from hearing her apologies. Doesn’t she know none of this is her fault?
“Nicolette, look at me. I didn’t know how she would react to me kissing her in that way. Nicolette didn’t look afraid, in fact, she looked almost relieved. Did I hurt you baby?” My girl still wasn’t talking. She just smiled, and shook her head no. I could breathe again.
She confessed she has been waiting for me to kiss her like that again. I had always been passionate in the way I kissed her and she always loved it.
It was easy to get carried away with Nicolette. We had so much fire between us, and we both felt it every time we touched each other. No matter what Nicolette said to me, it was my turn to say sorry. I never want her to feel like I was pressuring her to anything she’s not ready for, especially after everything she has been through. She didn’t care, and begged me to kiss her again.
I cupped her face and said. “I know what you are doing, Nicolette.” She smiled back at me. I swear that smile can take me down to my knees. “Baby, I feel my soul is connected with yours, and I love you. I’m telling you that I am not leaving you, not today, not tomorrow, and not ever.” She was silent as she was listening to every word I had just said to her. I didn’t need any verbal communication, just her touch and I would know. I pulled her to my chest, as her body instantly calmed. I held her and simply just loved her.
Her discharge papers had already been taken care of, so I left Nicolette to get dressed. Her parents and uncle were in the waiting room discussing Nicolette, and what to do about the baby. They stopped talking when I entered the room. I knew I should have been more respectful, but I couldn’t help myself. Here were the three of them again speaking for her, thinking up their own solutions to Nicolette’s problems without even asking her what she wanted.
I said, “Please don’t stop on my account.” Mason rose from his seat to put his hand on my shoulder. “Simon this doesn’t concern you. Please son, just stay out of it.”
“The hell it doesn’t, Mr. Vanelle. Your daughter is my whole world, and anything that involves her, involves me, Sir.” I wasn’t sure how they would react to my boldness, but it appeared that her uncle was actually agreeing with me.
Her mom asked me to sit down, and I reluctantly did so I could hear her out. “Simon, we know how much you care about Nicolette, believe me, I do. I just don’t think you actually have considered how this all affects you and your future. I have spoken to your parents, and I know about the full scholarship you have received to attend Northwestern University.”
“I’m not taking it Mrs. Vanelle. I never planned on attending Northwestern. I plan on attending school here in California. I’m staying with Nicolette, leaving her is not an option. It doesn’t matter where I attend school, as long as I’m with Nicolette. My father would like me to attend Northwestern, but I never agreed on going. California University has everything I need, and with mom at the helm of the school, it’s even better.
“Simon, all of your decisions that you make cannot revolve solely on Nicolette. You have worked incredibly hard in school; do you know what it is to be given the gift you have received? Not too many students are given the opportunity you have been given. It is an honor, and you should be very proud of yourself. Your mom tells me that you may even be valedictorian for this year’s graduating class.”
“Mrs. Vanelle, with all due respect, this is not your business, and I don’t need you to be concerned about my future academics. I will decide what is best for me and my future. It’s not just about me anymore, I have Nicolette to consider.”
“What about the baby? Are you prepared to raise this child on your own? Simon you and, Nicolette are very young. How can you be so certain of anything at this point?” Christina continued to question me. I was done with the Q&A segment of this conversation. I stood up and faced all three of them, and said with my most honest plea.
“I love Nicolette. Your daughter is my heart and soul. I knew from the first day my eyes met hers that she was the one for me. I can’t change what happened to her, and the pain Michael inflicted on her. I pray each day that she continues to heal in mind and body. As long as we are together, we can overcome anything. Whatever Nicolette decides to do about this child, I will stand by her, and give her my unconditional support. I say this because it’s simply how I feel, and I don’t expect you to believe me.”
“Hey I’m only nineteen years old, right? I have had my share of heart ache and pain. I know and understand what love is. I have found love with your daughter, and I plan on including her in my future. All I see when I look at her, not me alone, not her alone. I see a ‘we’. I am asking you to please respect our relationship and give us your blessing. It will make things easier for Nicolette to know she has her family’s support.”
I felt Nicolette before I even turned around. She was standing there with a shy smile on her face, and I turned from her parents, and greeted her with my waiting arms.
“Are you ready to go”? I asked her. She nodded in response, and we left. Her parents and Uncle Jack stood there in silence, and watched us walk away.
I couldn’t believe what I just witnessed between Michael and Nicolette. I wanted to punch something, and his face was my intended target. What the hell does he think he is doing? Michael is still trying to take my girl out from under me after I have warned him over and over again to back off. I cursed at myself because I knew I had no right to be mad especially after how I left her last night. I don’t actually have any claim to her, and that was entirely my fault for not making her mine sooner. I guess I thought she already knew. I have to tell Nicolette how I feel about her, but first I have to handle Michael.
“What are you doing here, St. Clair?”
“Hey, Simon. Lovely to see you too!”
“I told you to stay away from Nicolette. She’s off limits.”
“Why because you said so? I think based on the conversation I just had with Nicolette, she is single and very available. Again, she’s fair game, and if I want to pursue her, I will.”
“Not if my fist has anything to say about it. You will not see her again, Michael.”
“Be careful, Simon. You don’t want to go there again with me.” I feel my anger rising through every fiber of my body, and I wanted to kick his ass all over this campus. I go to strike at him and suddenly, my hand is being pulled back by Sam.
“Dude, chill the hell out. He’s not worth it, Simon.”
“Stay out of it Sam, this is between us.”
“Yeah Sam, I think Simon can fight his own battles, don’t you think?”
“Stay away from her man; I’m not going to tell you again.”
“Sure Simon, whatever you say.” Michael laughed as he stepped into his Mercedes and drove off.
“Sam… what the hell man! I didn’t need your help back there. I can handle Michael just fine on my own. The son of a bitch was with Nicolette, Again! He doesn’t get it, she’s my girlfriend!”
“Does she know that dude?”
“Know what?”
“That’s she’s your girlfriend? What the hell do I know man, I’m not even seeing anyone at the moment. If I had a girl like Nicolette, I would let her know who she belongs to, but since you are too much of an ass to tell her how you feel, St. Clair’s right, she’s available.”
“The hell she is Sam! I love her. Oh shit! Did I just say that out loud?
“What was that, Simon? I don’t think I heard you; you what?”
“Shut up Sam. I love her and I’m telling you straight, fucking St. Clair is not going to get another girl of mine. I’m going to tell Nicolette exactly how I feel about her today.”
“Nicolette, I want you to be my girlfriend. I care about you, and I think you care about me too. Am I wrong?” My head is spinning now, Simon is here telling me he wants me and only me. I am such an idiot! If I would have just talked to him today, all my misery that I put myself through could have been avoided.
“No Simon, you’re not wrong. I would love to be your girlfriend.” He wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly to his chest. He smells amazing with the mix of his body wash and cologne. I was still on Simon’s lap as he kept me close to him. “I’m sorry about my dad last night and all of the questions.”
“It’s no big deal. I should have called you when I got home, if I had, maybe today could have been avoided.”
“Simon...sorry it’s my phone, it could be my mom checking in. I look at the number, and it’s Michael calling me. Not wanting Simon to see it, I quickly hit the ignore button. Simon loosens his hold and shifts me off of him. He stands up, running his fingers through his hair.
“Michael, right?”
“Yes, it’s him.”
Simon re-joins me on the couch and holds my two hands. “Nicolette, again If I would have been honest with you, than we could have avoided all of this confusion today. I’m sorry to make you doubt my feelings for you. I wanted to talk to you today at school, and when I thought I was ready to do that, I saw you talking to Michael. I stayed behind until you left and then confronted him. He’s all about playing games, especially with me Nicolette, he needs to know that you are unavailable.”
“Simon, I told him that I wasn’t interested in him, but he asked me out anyway. I didn’t say yes to him, he just asked me to think about it and to call him.”
“Well, you are not going to call him, and if he comes anywhere near you, I need to know about it, okay?”
“What is it between you and him? Why do you hate each other so much? Whatever it is, you can trust me Simon; you do know that?”
“Of course I do, baby. I just don’t trust Michael, and I want you to stay away from him. I swear Nicolette, he comes around again; you need to tell me.”
“Simon, you’re starting to scare me.”
“Listen, I have history with Michael, and it’s a long and messed up one. I don’t want to discuss it right now.”
“Simon, I have only seen Michael a few times since meeting him on the Fourth of July. He texted me a few times and sent flowers to the house. Today was the first time seeing him since the beach club party.”
“Nicolette, that’s way too much. He’s a jerk, and he needs to get the hint that you are not interested in him. I almost punched Michael today, but Sam stopped me before I could.”
“Tell me why you dislike him so much?”
“Can’t you just agree not to see him and leave it at that?”
“Not until you give me a valid enough reason.”
Simon pulled me into his chest and slammed his lips onto mine. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through him. Simon calmed with each kiss he placed on my lips. No words spoken… just soft and gentle touches.
The Paulson’s cabana was beautifully decorated, and private enough for us to have some time together. Simon plugged in his I pod, and asked me to dance with him. I was blushing, and he loved when I did that. Simon held me in his arms, and our bodies swayed back and forth while he whispered in my ear and ran soft kisses down my neck.
He felt incredible next to me, why couldn’t I trust him enough to talk to him about Michael? I was afraid on how he would react. Knowing his history with Michael was holding me back.
“You are so quiet, baby. What’s going through that pretty little head right now?”
“I’m just happy Simon, I love dancing with you. You always make me feel special and wanted.”
“Nicolette, you are special to me, I can’t even begin to show how much I love, and want you.” Still holding me in his arms, I knew what Simon had meant, he didn’t need to say the words to me. I already knew he wanted to make love to me, and be my first.
Our bodies swayed back and forth to the soulful sounds of Norah Jones. Simon, softly kissing and leaving love bites along my neck. Closing my eyes, I was lost in him. Savoring every feeling, every stroke of his tongue on my hot skin. In one swift move, Simon lifted me into his arms and carried me over to the couch. My heart began to accelerate while my mind raced with what Simon was going to do next. “Open your eyes baby. Nicolette, do you trust me?”
Of course I do. Slowly letting out my breath, I looked up at Simon.
“Yes.”
Without another word spoken, Simon began to unbutton my blouse and run his hands over my lacy bra. “So beautiful” he said as he kissed my covered breasts. Pulling me up, he slid my blouse off and unclasped my bra, tossing them both to the floor. My upper body was completely exposed to him, as his eyes perused over my naked chest. “You are so beautiful Nicolette. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I just want to see and touch what’s mine. Oh my…touch away. I reached for Simon and pulled him down onto my body. Kissing and teasing his mouth with my tongue, while feeling his hard length rub against me. Pools of wetness soaked my panties, my body answering for me. Simon sat up on his knees, pulling his shirt off, exposing his muscled tanned skin. I wanted to touch and kiss every inch of him, especially his sculpted V muscle. I reached for his waist and he playfully grabbed my hands.
“No baby. Tonight is for you, let me love you.” Lying back down onto the couch, I lifted my pelvis for Simon to easily slide down my shorts and panties. Parting my knees with his strong deft hands, I lay open for him to explore my body. “Keep your eyes open for me, Nicolette. I want you to watch as I make you come. Holy shit! This is it.
I was squirming with the anticipation. I completely trusted Simon with my body. If anything I was too excited. I have been fantasizing about this moment for a while now.
“Lie still baby.” Dropping his head down between my legs he penetrated my folds with his tongue. Next he slid one finger in as my body came undone. I gripped the sides of Simon’s head pushing him further into me as a blinding sensation pulsed through me. I could hold on no more, and with one last flick of his tongue, I exploded screaming his name from the most intense and exhilarating feeling I have ever experienced.
Simon held me close to his body, placing his forehead onto mine. Never taking his eyes off of me, he was smiling. You could see his happiness all over his beautiful face.
“Thank you baby, for sharing your body and letting me do that with you. I love how you respond to me. You can’t even imagine how much it meant for me to do that with you. I love you so much baby, I thank god every day for bringing you to me.” Simon had me wrapped around his body like a vine. Holding me in his arms, we were simply loving each other. Simon had kept his shorts on never pressuring me to go further. I could feel his erection while his body was pressed into mine. Without a doubt in my mind, I wanted to make love to him, and for Simon to be my first and only. Simon had drifted into sleep while I lay awake in his arms. This was where I belonged, with Simon.
“Nicolette, I swear you are the most exasperating woman I have met in my life. I am so sick and tired of hearing you blame yourself. You are acting like you asked for this to happen to you. Why are you blaming yourself for the pain you seem to think you are responsible for causing? Nicolette, you have to stop this, it’s not your fault. I will admit, it is tearing me apart every time you behave this way. I love you so much, and I know you better than you think I do. Please don’t let him occupy any more space in that beautiful head of yours.”
I didn’t want to be angry with her, but she just frustrated me so much. Here she is in the hospital, again, and wanting to shut me out. I have spent weeks now trying to convince Nicolette that I will not leave her, no matter what. I have to calm down for her sake. She is in such a fragile state, and if I say the wrong thing, she could be shattered. I am not going to be the one to do that to her. “I’m sorry Simon,” she repeatedly kept telling me. I finally just slammed my mouth onto to her perfect lips, and kissed her until she was out of breath.
I didn’t mean to be so forceful with her, but I just didn’t know what else to do. I felt like I was going to explode from hearing her apologies. Doesn’t she know none of this is her fault?
“Nicolette, look at me. I didn’t know how she would react to me kissing her in that way. Nicolette didn’t look afraid, in fact, she looked almost relieved. Did I hurt you baby?” My girl still wasn’t talking. She just smiled, and shook her head no. I could breathe again.
She confessed she has been waiting for me to kiss her like that again. I had always been passionate in the way I kissed her and she always loved it.
It was easy to get carried away with Nicolette. We had so much fire between us, and we both felt it every time we touched each other. No matter what Nicolette said to me, it was my turn to say sorry. I never want her to feel like I was pressuring her to anything she’s not ready for, especially after everything she has been through. She didn’t care, and begged me to kiss her again.
I cupped her face and said. “I know what you are doing, Nicolette.” She smiled back at me. I swear that smile can take me down to my knees. “Baby, I feel my soul is connected with yours, and I love you. I’m telling you that I am not leaving you, not today, not tomorrow, and not ever.” She was silent as she was listening to every word I had just said to her. I didn’t need any verbal communication, just her touch and I would know. I pulled her to my chest, as her body instantly calmed. I held her and simply just loved her.
Her discharge papers had already been taken care of, so I left Nicolette to get dressed. Her parents and uncle were in the waiting room discussing Nicolette, and what to do about the baby. They stopped talking when I entered the room. I knew I should have been more respectful, but I couldn’t help myself. Here were the three of them again speaking for her, thinking up their own solutions to Nicolette’s problems without even asking her what she wanted.
I said, “Please don’t stop on my account.” Mason rose from his seat to put his hand on my shoulder. “Simon this doesn’t concern you. Please son, just stay out of it.”
“The hell it doesn’t, Mr. Vanelle. Your daughter is my whole world, and anything that involves her, involves me, Sir.” I wasn’t sure how they would react to my boldness, but it appeared that her uncle was actually agreeing with me.
Her mom asked me to sit down, and I reluctantly did so I could hear her out. “Simon, we know how much you care about Nicolette, believe me, I do. I just don’t think you actually have considered how this all affects you and your future. I have spoken to your parents, and I know about the full scholarship you have received to attend Northwestern University.”
“I’m not taking it Mrs. Vanelle. I never planned on attending Northwestern. I plan on attending school here in California. I’m staying with Nicolette, leaving her is not an option. It doesn’t matter where I attend school, as long as I’m with Nicolette. My father would like me to attend Northwestern, but I never agreed on going. California University has everything I need, and with mom at the helm of the school, it’s even better.
“Simon, all of your decisions that you make cannot revolve solely on Nicolette. You have worked incredibly hard in school; do you know what it is to be given the gift you have received? Not too many students are given the opportunity you have been given. It is an honor, and you should be very proud of yourself. Your mom tells me that you may even be valedictorian for this year’s graduating class.”
“Mrs. Vanelle, with all due respect, this is not your business, and I don’t need you to be concerned about my future academics. I will decide what is best for me and my future. It’s not just about me anymore, I have Nicolette to consider.”
“What about the baby? Are you prepared to raise this child on your own? Simon you and, Nicolette are very young. How can you be so certain of anything at this point?” Christina continued to question me. I was done with the Q&A segment of this conversation. I stood up and faced all three of them, and said with my most honest plea.
“I love Nicolette. Your daughter is my heart and soul. I knew from the first day my eyes met hers that she was the one for me. I can’t change what happened to her, and the pain Michael inflicted on her. I pray each day that she continues to heal in mind and body. As long as we are together, we can overcome anything. Whatever Nicolette decides to do about this child, I will stand by her, and give her my unconditional support. I say this because it’s simply how I feel, and I don’t expect you to believe me.”
“Hey I’m only nineteen years old, right? I have had my share of heart ache and pain. I know and understand what love is. I have found love with your daughter, and I plan on including her in my future. All I see when I look at her, not me alone, not her alone. I see a ‘we’. I am asking you to please respect our relationship and give us your blessing. It will make things easier for Nicolette to know she has her family’s support.”
I felt Nicolette before I even turned around. She was standing there with a shy smile on her face, and I turned from her parents, and greeted her with my waiting arms.
“Are you ready to go”? I asked her. She nodded in response, and we left. Her parents and Uncle Jack stood there in silence, and watched us walk away.
Bonus Scene
In an instant, life can change forever. How true this was for my beautiful girl, Nicolette. I watched her changed right before my very eyes. From a vibrant and self-assured seventeen year old, to a broken and shattered girl who had no light left in her caramel brown eyes. If I had only known sooner what she had been dealing with…I could have prevented the unforeseen act of brutality that awaited her. I allowed her to go to her mother and my brother while I lived my life in Chicago with no knowledge of him… the psychotic attacker, Michael St. Clair. My world had been shattered with one phone call. All I saw was red! I wanted revenge on the person who hurt my girl. My hand was forced and that is something that never happens. I made a promise to my brother to believe that justice would prevail and the animal that hurt Nicolette would suffer for his crime. After months of watching her, existing and not living, trying to gain back some semblance of her life… was excruciating for me. She left us…her family, to find the strength she needed to be whole again. He took something from her that can never be replaced. Nicolette, as young as she was, was strong and determined. Although it broke my heart to say good-bye to her, I knew we had to let her go. She was battling through days of darkness and nights of despair. On the outside to others she appeared to be getting better but, on the inside she was struggling through darkness and pain. She beguiled us all with her strength and courage. She found her light again, and returned home to us. She was not the same girl I said good-bye to months earlier. Nicolette was fearless, stronger, and determined to right the wrongs of what happened to her. I was too and I knew the promises I made to her father and my wife would have to be broken. I sat in the courtroom and listened to my girl re-live the events of that horrible night. She never cried, she just told her story all the while I clenched my jaw and tightened my fists. I wanted him dead, and that’s exactly what was going to happen…promise or not, he was going to die! The judge issued the sentencing. He was handcuffed and taken back into custody. He dared one more glance at Nicolette and then turned his head down and followed the guards. Did he think this was over? No way in hell! Nicolette was beaming with happiness. She did it. She faced her fears head on and was able to start to finally put this nightmare behind her. I watched her leave with Simon, the boy who captured her heart and loved her unconditionally. My brother and his wife were smiling for the first time in months. This was over for them, but just beginning for me. I excused myself and pulled out my cell phone. I knew once I set this in motion, there would be no turning back. I hit the speed dial on my phone, and gave my orders. “He’s on his way. He is not to be touched, and will remain under the protection that I have provided until all is in place. Do I make myself clear?” I heard him answer, “Yes” and then I shut my phone. I made sure he was unharmed in prison and never allowed him to be confident in knowing that he was untouchable. His first warning was waiting for him when he entered his cell for the first time.Anticipation of death is worse than death itself.
I had several of these delivered to him over a course of several months. I wanted him to look over his shoulder… be afraid like the coward I knew he was. Then they stopped, and I was ready to strike. I cashed in all my chips that were owed to me for this favor. I had only one chance to make this happen and today was the day. He was on laundry detail. The room was located on the lower floors of the prison, surrounded by loud sounds of the industrial machines. He was taken and bound to a chair with his mouth stuffed with a rag to silence his screams. Nestled out of sight in a dark corner of the room, I slowly crept in and approached him. His eyes were red from his cowardly tears that fell down his cheek and moaning for his life. I leaned in to his ear and whispered. “Do you remember me?” He shakily nodded his head. I took in several deep breaths and began what would be the last words Michael St. Clair would ever hear. “I could have ended your life that day in the hospital, but I didn’t. Every day Michael… I could have but, I didn’t. I watched you in the courtroom as you sat there, confidently thinking that you would get your sentence and still be able to live your life one day. Did you think that, Michael?” He sat there with no emotion, and just listened to me. I circled him round and round, he didn’t move. “You made my girl bleed, you PIG. Do you remember what I said to you? Hmm…Pigs get slaughtered! You preyed upon an innocent girl, infected her with your seed and caused her undeniable pain. You robbed her…YOU BROKE HER! I can’t let you live one more day knowing that life awaits you outside of these walls, because they don’t.” I removed his gag and I asked him one last question. “Do you have anything to say before fate comes for you?” He looked directly into my eyes, and said... “Do it! I can’t have her… I’m already in hell.” I plunged my blade into his heart with one strong thrust. He gasped, as his eyes slowly closed. I watched as he bled out, and I let out the breath that I was holding. I swore I would never return to this life again, but after what happened to Nicolette, I knew there was no way I could ever live with knowing that the animal that hurt her still had breath in his lungs.
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About the Author
Writing has always been a passion of mine. Growing up, I used writing as my outlet for my feelings, as I grew older I knew one day I wanted to do it professionally.
Finally pursuing my dream after twenty plus years, I have written my first book.
Happy Reading!
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