Scorn of Secrets
B. Truly
Publication date: April 27th 2021
Genres: Coming of Age, Romance, Young Adult
I must keep it locked away—the memory of my darkest secret….
When the rising tides of my life peak, I’m left struggling with the currents of the storm. The first dilemma is my dad’s gambling debt. Mama bounces back quickly from the ramifications it causes. She proves this by getting a new man. Her Rico Suave is just the tip of the iceberg—she moves us across state to live with him and his two sons.
My outgoing, older sister fits right in—she’s the total opposite of me. I am Madison Guillory, the shy, quiet type. Taught to make the best of even the worst situations, I contemplate giving my new family a chance.
Living with my future stepbrothers is interesting, to say the least. They’re like night and day. I have more in common with the laid-back brother, and we become instant friends. I’m adjusting to Taylor High, and the arrogant brother is even starting to grow on me. Maybe everything will work out after all.
My life finally seems to be falling into place until a dreadful night shatters my dreams. My world is flipped upside down because of the consequences I must now bear.
The memories of that night lurk in the shadows to torment me. If I think of what happened, I’ll succumb to my fear. His face has scorned me. No one will believe me if I confess, not even my own sister. I hold the key to my darkest secret, desperate to keep it locked away.
Author Bio:
B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.
B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.
B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.
The trip to the airport terminal is rimmed in silence. Gigi is driving us. She’s been supportive, saying encouraging words like, “it will all work out” and “everything happens for a reason.” Deep down, I don’t think Gigi is thrilled about us leaving. But she probably feels it’s not a bad idea for us to get out of town, worried about the robbery and how my father was murdered.
The airport is busy, and it takes a while to check in. Gigi waits with us until they announce its time for us to board our plane. Gigi hugs Tanya first, then she embraces Mama, who pats her back awkwardly. Charlotte has never been the touchy type—Regan being the exception these days. She is all over him whenever they’re together.
Gigi hugs me next. “Take care of yourself, Madison.”
“I’m going miss you, Gigi.”
“I’ll miss you, too, dear. Just be yourself and everything will be fine.” Her lips curve upward, not reaching her eyes. “It won’t be as bad as you think. Just remember life is what you make of it.”
Gigi has always taught me to roll with the punches. “I’ll try to make the best of it.”
“That’s the spirit. Call me when you get settled.”
I wave good-bye, then head to the check-in line to board.
Our seats are all together. Mama and Tanya are out like a light not long after we take off. My mind is too busy to sleep. I ponder on my new life. A new home, father figure and, basically, stepbrothers. Ugh! Everything is so foreign and causes my stomach to roil. Staring out the window, I study the white puffs of vapor. Clouds can form countless shapes. There are so many possibilities. I imagine them to be what my life could be if my father hadn’t died and I got to stay in Baton Rouge. The thoughts keep my mind off what’s to come, imagining my life turning out with a happy ending.
My daydream is a fantasy and reality sets in when the plane starts to land.
Regan is waiting for us at the airport. Mama’s honey-brown irises light up when she spots him, grinning like a schoolgirl. She walks right up to him, planting one on his mouth. My jaw drops. It’s not a timid kiss, either. Mama must have missed him terribly—she’s not holding back. Regan returns her kiss for a moment. He must remember where he’s at because he pulls back with a goofy grin.
“Hello, ladies. I’m glad you made it,” he addresses Tanya and me. His lips curl upward, appearing genuine.
“Girls, you remember, Regan,” Mama coos.
He helps retrieve our luggage, then we head to his SUV. Houston has two airports. We arrived at the bigger one, Continental. Regan makes small talk on the forty-five-minute drive to his house. He asks us how our flight was and what we think of Houston so far.
My eyes reach the heavens. I wouldn’t really know. I’ve been here less than an hour. The city is big. That much I can tell. There are buildings everywhere I look. I don’t know how people find their way around. There’s multiple freeways and beltways. I’m confused already.
Regan gets off Beltway 8, going down a bustling street called Westheimer. This street is more like a highway, with at least four lanes on each side. Restaurants and stores fill every space. The parking lots are packed, too. Houstonians love to shop and get their grub on. Reminds me of New Orleans.
This part of town appears ritzy, resembling a Californian suburb. The buildings are made of fine brick and stucco. The landscaping is lovely. Trees and lush vegetation surround the area. You can tell it’s well cared for.
Regan turns off to a more secluded street. The trees are larger here, creating a sense of privacy. As we drive, I see a massive, peach-toned brick wall. It soars so high you can’t see over it. This must be what Fort Knox looks like. Nothing is climbing over that wall. I do notice the tops of homes behind it. This is a gated community.
We travel down the street along the Fort Knox wall for a while. The subdivision is huge. Regan makes another turn, arriving upon a large iron-rod gate in front of the gigantic wall. Regan punches a code into the gate box and the door swings open. As we drive in, I read the sign with the name of my new home—Royal Oaks.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hosted by:
Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDelete