Announcements::Information

[Tosha]

Ok so this one is a bit different than my other stories. So here is Chapter One.
____________________

Marcus Trent sat alone, the white sandy beach and clear crystalline ocean stretched out around him. He propped his elbows up on his knees and let his lower arm hang slightly. The cool ocean breeze was only faint but it was there and to him it was a breath of fresh air. His father being a politician Marcus enjoyed getting away from the strain of his father’s campaigns, slogans and speeches.

He barely closed his eyes as if savoring the memory before having to go back indoors and spoil it all. When he finally did open his eyes he noticed he was not alone. Down the beach to his right someone was walking towards the water. It was a girl his age; he sat there staring at her for a long moment.

Her hair was long, dark, curly and had a silky sheen that shone in the afternoon sunshine. He watched her with a small grin on his face, who was she? He had never seen her before. Since he hadn’t the chances were she was probably a tourist. That fact made him sad, people came to these beaches every day, you could tell which were locals by which kept coming back.

She had seen him; Marcus lifted his right hand in a slight wave. He was a bit embarrassed to be caught staring at her but he couldn’t help it, even from a distance she was beautiful. He looked down for a few seconds regaining his composure figuring she would come over to say hello.

Upon looking back up, she was gone. He blinked, where had she gone. His attention was diverted from it momentarily when he heard a door close at the beach house to his right. He stared at that house for a long moment, had she gone in there? It was possible.

That beach house had always been a mystery to Marcus, for the life of him he could never remember seeing anyone around the house except for the gardener. He hadn’t even ever seen the owner Frank Kenmore. He had lived her five years that barely seemed possible to have never seen anyone. The house had never gone up for sale, so he figured that they had lived there long before the Trents’.

His features twisted in a face most rarely saw, he couldn’t explain it. His thoughts drifted back to the girl he had seen down the beach, she was beautiful at least from where he was sitting. He couldn’t believe he had never noticed her before especially if she lived next door, and if she did she probably went to his school as well.

He hit his head how could he have not noticed her. Then a thought struck him. Was he going delusional, had she really even been there? He had only send her for a few seconds and then she disappeared. He shook his head maybe he was, just because the door to the beach house had closed when she disappeared from view doesn’t mean she shut it.

He let his head drop before he forced himself off the sand. Maybe he was delusional, but even so he took one last longing look to where he had last seen her. She had been moving towards the water, a vision of beauty before his eyes. When he closed his eyes he could see her, but then he opened his eyes and she was gone just like before.

He looked up at the sun, it was getting pretty hot, and maybe he was seeing things. His heart heavy he walked through the sand back towards his own house but for some reason he could not take his eyes off the beach house. It was your normal beach house, large and very nice. He barely gave it a second glance before today,

Now here he was puzzled over it, and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. Let alone get the picture of her out of his mind, who ever she was. He wanted to know if she was real or a illusion. As he reached the door he paused and looked back towards the beach behind his house. He grimaced before walking through the door.

____________________

She slammed the door shut and leaned up against it, she had almost been caught. No one but herself knew exactly what she had planned to do when she reached the water. She wouldn’t have to deal with it any longer she was going to commit suicide. This morning it had been so clear she would go out into the water as far as she could and get caught in an undertow sucked down and drown.

Her body would have washed up on the beach and no one would have suspected a thing. But there had been one glitch that guy sitting outside would have seen her. She braced herself hitting the wall with her bunched fist and gritted her teeth; she was so close, so close to getting out.

Blaire Kenmore reached to her cheek to touch the fresh bruise. Barely touching it hurt enough, a tear escaped her eye as she thought about how close she was. But where did that leave Mom? With Blaire gone Dad would only take his anger out on Mom. She closed her eyes remembering hearing Mom cry out in the middle of the night when Dad got home in one of his drunken stupors.

Maybe it was best that she hadn’t gone through with it. The thought of making her mother suffer made Blaire want to cry. Her own pain was nothing compared to her mothers, but still it was enough to scare her out of her wits. Dad had been gone for a few days and the bad bruise on her mothers arm was beginning to heal, but something told Blaire he would be back before it did.

Blaire moved to the small stool by the bar in the kitchen and clenched her fist in anger. She hated that man, sometimes she didn’t even want to confess he was her father. Outside the home he was a perfect gentleman to most, she didn’t even know how he could be, but on those nights when he came home and he had drunk to much, his rage was too much.

Blaire looked up to see her mother, Olivia Kenmore came into the kitchen. Her mother had a fresh scrap on her arm; Blaire swallowed hard and gritted her teeth again. Yes she hated that man. He repeatedly hurt herself and her mother. Herself she could handle but Mom was too far.

“Blaire?” She heard her mother’s sweet voice, and then felt her hand on her sore shoulder. Blaire flinched when her mother touched the shoulder. It did hurt, but she didn’t get upset she couldn’t not at her mother. She just looked up with tears in her eyes. Olivia looked into those frightened eyes and saw her own pain but it was worse this was her daughter. She moved around and sat on the stool next to her daughter before pulling her into a protective hug.

Blaire just laid her head against her mother like a frightened child. Olivia rubbed her daughters back comfortingly, while saying quietly and gently. “We will get through this honey.”

Blaire didn’t believe her mothers words but they were comforting just the same. She knew one thing for sure she would never tell her mother that she had almost committed suicide. If they ever got out of this she would definitely have to thank the boy for just being outside. If it hadn’t been for him she wouldn’t be here right now.

She knew who he was, Marcus Trent, the Trents had moved into the house next door five years ago. She had often seen him sitting alone outside, from what she had seen of him, she liked him a lot, but she hadn’t done anything about it. Making her father mad by her having interest in anyone was risky business.

She sat there in her mother’s arms staring out the window at where she had last seen him. She would one day meet him, but not with Dad around. She was afraid of what he would do when he found out. He might even take some of it out on her mother and Blaire couldn’t handle that.

Blaire doubted she would ever leave this house, for fear for her mothers life. She wouldn’t leave her mother alone with him, she would do any thing to keep her mother safe, but recently things had been getting worse. She had to do something but she wasn’t sure what that was.

The two sat there in each other’s arms, each welcoming the safe feeling that came with it. That is what they wanted to feel safe, and have a place that they could do so. This beach house was not a haven of rest from the troubles that they endured, as it was for many who owned the houses surrounding them.

The beach house was a prison tying them to their greatest fears, their greatest pains and their greatest oppressor. There was no way out that either of them could see, but Blaire would not accept that. She would find a way to get herself and her mother out of this place.

Olivia straightened and kissed her daughter’s forehead. She looked over at the clock, now was when she and Blaire would have the worst time of the day. It was when Frank was supposed to come home from work, every hour he didn’t come home was both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing in the meaning that maybe he would not come home that night, that they might actually enjoy their evening alone. A curse because that meant he was probably out drunk and if he did come home that night he would be drunk and they would go through it all over again, the pain, the fear, the tears.

Blaire knew what her mother was thinking and she reached out to take her mothers hand trying to provide some strength. She didn’t know how much strength she herself had but she would share it with her mother willingly. Maybe between the two of them, they would get through this. Blaire knew they had too, she wouldn’t live the rest of her life in fear of what her father would do.

She wasn’t a praying type of girl, she didn’t even believe in God anymore. If there was a God why was this all happening? If God truly loved them why would he let all this happen to herself and her mother? But for once in the past few years she wished that maybe if her mother’s God existed that he would help. She looked at the clock and then at her mother passing a unsaid message that they were going to be alright. But for now it was just time to wait, wait to see if the one man in this world she hated most would come home to torment them once again.

[Brooke]

Wow. I love this. It's SO good!
I can't wait for more seriously!!
PMRS!!

-Brooke

[Tosha]

Thankies Lovely. That is now my new nickname for you haha. Here is chapter 2.
_____________

Try as he might Marcus hadn’t been able to get that girl out of his mind. Who was she? Was she Frank Kenmore’s daughter? Why had he never seen her before? What was she really like? What did she like to do? What kind of music did she like? What was her name? Was she his age? Was she truly an allusion?

So many questions his head was spinning so many different directions his head hurt. He walked towards the back door it was time for some fresh air and maybe being outside would help clear the facts. He walked along the sandy beach his head still not clear, the moon was shinning bright tonight and it was full a beautiful sight across the ocean.

The he blinked there she was, the girl from this afternoon. He wouldn’t let her get away this time. He hurriedly walked across the beach till he was a few feet away and then feigned nonchalance. He walked slowly up to her with a broad smile. “Beautiful isn’t it?” He asked.

She jumped at his voice and looked at him with a startled expression, but it slowly softened into a smile like he had never seen. “Yes…Yes it is.” She said.

He smiled back at her; she was just as he had seen her, her hair flowing gently in the sea breeze, her eyes a deep brown, and a smile to die for. He would have thrown himself at her feet that moment, but decided it probably wasn’t the best move. “Names Marcus.” He said extending his hand in greeting. “Marcus Trent.”

She stared down at his hand for a moment before accepting the handshake. “Nice to meet you Marcus, I’m Blaire Kenmore.” She said.

“Pleasure to finally meet you.” He said emphasizing the finally.

“And you as well. It feels funny to live next door to someone for five years and never meet them.” She said darting her eyes back to the house.

They stood there in silence for a while, Blaire unaware that Marcus was staring at her. He was utterly pleased to find out she was real, which might have sounded very weird to most people but not to him at that moment. “Where do you go to school?” He asked.

“My parents….my mom home schools me.” She said correcting her statement.

“Wow is that fun or a pain?” He asked with a chuckle.

Blaire looked at him a bit confused for a moment. “I guess you could say the former.” She said looking down at the sand beneath her feet. Dad had not come home yet, and she didn’t think he would come home tonight.

“Well I guess that’s a good thing.” He said turning slightly to face her.

“Huh…Oh yes it is.” Blaire had dreamt of the moment she and Marcus would meet but this hadn’t been what she had dreamed.

Marcus didn’t know her very well but she seemed to be very distracted about something. This only made him more fascinated and he wanted to know her more. He stood there in the silence staring at her beautiful features wondering where she had been all his life.

She had been in that beach house, never coming out but why? There were no answers to explain this for him, and it was all so confusing. He took a deep breath and looked out across the ocean. Glad to have met Blaire, Blaire. He said it over and over in his mind, it was a beautiful name, and not an ordinary one, he liked that. He didn’t want to date an Ashley or Sarah with an ordinary name that everyone had.

He liked unique things, unique places, unique people, and Blaire definitely seemed to be a unique person. Everything about her made him want to know more, to know what she was thinking. He watched her for a long moment and then she looked up. For a long moment she held his gaze and he saw something that he didn’t like a small reflection of pain in her beautiful browns. He wanted to make it go away but what was there he could do, he just stood there trying to understand in the silence.

Blaire caught him staring at her and under normal circumstances would have blushed, but nothing about Blaire’s circumstance was normal. She had an abusive father, a scared mother, she herself was scared, and a prison for a home. These few minutes she had spent with Marcus had made her feel almost normal, like she could actually let it all go.

But when she stared into his eyes she knew that she had to leave. She didn’t want to she had dreamt about Marcus Trent every night for the past five years, even though she had just met him, he had been her savior. She didn’t want to leave this, just they two alone under the moonlight.

“I’m sorry Marcus. I have to go.” She said after breaking his gaze.

Marcus looked at her and then down at the sand, sad she had to leave. “Oh I see.” He said as she turned to walk back up the small path. He tried to keep quiet but couldn’t. “Can I see you again sometime?” He asked.

Blaire turned to face him, wishing she could say yes and not be afraid of what might happen. “Marcus I can’t make any promises.” She said looking at him.

“I’ll take my chances, oh and call me Marc.” He said with a smile.

“Alright Marc.” She said smiling down at him. “Hopefully I will see you soon.” She said truly meaning every word of that statement.

“Maybe tomorrow I come out here every day.” He said with a smile.

Her face brightened when he said that. “Me too.” She said.

“Well tomorrow then.” He said still not wanting her to leave.

“I guess so.” She said walking backwards up the walk way. “Bye Marc.” She said as she turned to walk in the house.

“Good Night Blaire.” He said staring at the door as it closed. He stood there for a moment a slight smile on his face before he turned back towards his house. He felt great; she wasn’t just in his imagination. She was there and he had talked to her. Maybe he would see her tomorrow, if he was lucky. He smiled nothing could ruin this night for him, nothing in a million years.

Blaire leaned against the door breathing hard, acting as if she was trying to keep something outside. Her feelings maybe? She knew that her father would not be pleased, not at all. She didn’t know what Mom would say, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to risk it just yet.

She would keep this as her own little secret; she would go see Marcus tomorrow. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of him. She hadn’t even met him until tonight but she was already in love with him. He had been her liberator in her dreams for so many years that it was hard to look at him in any other way.

She closed her eyes and took a few long breaths, she knew she had to calm herself in case Dad came home. She didn’t want to give him something to get mad about, but it turned out she didn’t need to. She heard the door slam and then a slurred voice called out. “OLIVIA! GET IN HERE WOMEN!”

“Oh no…” Blaire breathed. She closed her eyes and told herself to be strong.

Olivia stepped into the room as if facing her fate. He was drunk again; it was going to be one of those nights she knew it. She took a step closer and noticed he was staring at her glaring. “Where is Blaire?” He asked sharply.

“I don’t know.” Olivia said timidly.

“You don’t know!” Frank said uttering a curse, he pulled his hand back and slapped her hard across the face, before looking beyond her and calling out. “BLAIRE! GET IN HERE!”

Blaire cringed, he was calling her. The man who was almost as evil as anyone she had ever seen or heard of was calling her. She swallowed hard and forced herself to be strong, she walked in to see her mother on the floor crying, he had obviously done more than slapped her.

She was holding her arm, which Blaire could see was beat red. He must have forced her to her knees. Blaire wanted to strangle him, but he would have overpowered her. It was times like these that she not only hated her father but she hated God. If he truly was a God of love like everyone claimed, he would protect her mother from this man.

“What did you do?” Blaire finally managed to say angered at him.

This only made him angrier. “SHUT UP BLAIRE.” He said striking her face harder than normal.

She let out a screech of pain that one would leave a mark she wasn’t sure she could cover up easily.

“I SAID SHUT UP!” He said, and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. He turned to Olivia, and ordered. “GET UP AND MAKE ME SOMETHING TO EAT.”

When Olivia didn’t get up immediately, he kicked her in the side hard. Olivia let out another scream of pain before making herself get up hurriedly. Blaire grabbed her mothers arm and moved her into the kitchen, maybe they could appease him if they got his dinner made fast enough.

MAYBE! That was the only thing they could hope for. Maybe he would fall asleep and not be as angry tomorrow. Maybe just maybe.

[Becca]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Becca

[Brooke]

Man girl this is good!
MORE MORE MORE! hehe

-Brooke

[Tosha]

HAHA Glad everyone likes here is chapter 3
______________

After they had appeased Frank with his dinner and he settled down to watch some television. Olivia and Blaire hid in the kitchen talking very softly, hopefully he would no hear them. Olivia was praying quietly, when she did that Blaire crossed her arms. It was nice that her mother had the hope she did. Blaire even envied her a bit with that but it was a false hope, she would be let down.

Olivia knew her daughter had stopped believing and she prayed for her over and over. It bothered her, Blaire was her most prized possession, and if her daughter did not believe she might not make it to heaven. That stung at Olivia’s heart, the fact that Blaire might not be there in the most blessed and wonderful place anyone would ever imagine, to enjoy the gift that God gives. His love, his mercy, his compassion, his protection, all the things that Blaire needed to make through.

Blaire sat there on the stool watching the clock it was ten o’clock, they should go to bed. “Come on mom, let’s turn in before he sees.” He said nodding at the living room.

Olivia told Frank they were going to bed and he just muttered. Thankfully he was calming down, but only slightly. Blaire and Olivia snuck into the hall hugged good night and both asked whether the other was alright, before going to their rooms. Blaire changed and switched out the light it was only a short distance to her bed and she crawled in trying to block out the terror underneath the sheets.

_________________

He was there, there in her dreams, just where he always was, but now it was different, since she had really met him. Marcus was there with her, she wanted him to take her into his arms and shut out all the harsh world and its pain. She couldn’t bare it a moment longer.

“MARC SAVE ME!” She cried out in her dream. She was running towards him, he had his arms out stretched willing to take her in, give her an escape.

She stood there with him, holding her tight, she knew he would not let her go. She felt like crying, each moment, but then someone touched her shoulder. “BLAIRE!” The slurred voice came. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Her father asked, and he moved his hand to smack her across the face.

__________________

She awoke with a start, her sheets all tangled up around her. She struggled to rid herself of the cotton prison and then drew her legs up close to her body, hugging them like a child. She wanted out that was certain out of this house, but she would not leave Mom to take Dad alone.

She wiped her forehead off the sweat that had come during her dream. She felt like crying, and she did cry. She normally tried to control, but now there was no one around. In her mind she could see her father, her mother, Marcus, Marcus was smiling at her like he had done tonight and for a brief instant she entertained the thought that maybe someday he could love her.

Then a voice in her head stopped that thought, a voice like her fathers. Who could ever love you? You’re nothing but trash, if your father doesn’t love you, who could? Those words had been haunting her for her whole life. She was the reason this started and she knew it. Her father had wanted a boy she had heard him tell mother that over and over again. She was the cause of everything that happened to her mother. She sat in the dark and cried bitterly to herself, she hated him. She hated her father, she wanted nothing more than to one day find him dead.

Then she thought of Marcus what if the voice was right, what if no one could love her. She closed her eyes against the pain in her heart and the pain on her cheek, where father had hit her. She wanted more than anything for seven o’clock to come around that was the only time she and her mother had any freedom, when Father was gone. Through blurred eyes she looked over at the clock, it was one a.m.

__________________

Marcus rolled over in his bed and glanced at the digital clock, the red numbers confirmed his suspicions, one a.m. He hadn’t slept a wink tonight mainly because he had so many questions about Blaire. It made no sense that she had lived right next door to her for five years and he hadn’t so much as seen her.

Maybe his problem was that he hadn’t been looking. But as he thought about that fact he shook his head, he was certain that even if he wasn’t looking Blaire would have caught his attention right away. He moved his arms behind his head and rested his tired head on them, a sight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Blaire was what he would call beautiful, he had dated other girls but compared to Blaire they were all almost ugly. Blaire had a unique beauty about her, one more thing about her that was unique. Her hair was a deep brown it almost looked black at times, her skin was a deep tan which suggested she was out on the beach a lot as she had said. Her brown eyes were amazing to think about let alone look at. “Wow” He breathed to himself.

He couldn’t wait to see her tomorrow, but for some reason he couldn’t sleep, he tumbled out off bed and walked over to his closet and grabbed a pair of shorts, a tank and a coat, quickly slipping the clothes on he breathed a prayer to the Lord that had gotten him through every problem he had faced.

Lord, you know I really like Blaire. Could you some how help her to return my feelings? Thank you. He finished the prayer with a smile aware that some how everything would work out, he moved through the kitchen towards the back door it was time to clear his mind and there was no way to do that better than to go sit out on the beach.

The tide had come in and there was only a slight stripe of dry sand, he was forced to walk on the rocks at the edge of the shore. He was glad he had thought to bring shoes. He found a dry spot and sat down his arms resting on his knees once again, he closed his dry eyes for a second until the small pain subsided, before looking out over the ocean.

There was only a slight chill tonight it was a beautiful night, he didn’t normally come out here at night so it was a refreshing change, and his gaze fell to Blaire’s beach house. Was that the door he had seen open, who would be awake at this hour, he chuckled softly, he was. He watched as the figure moved through the door looking back inside as if someone would follow. It was Blaire!

Marcus couldn’t believe his eyes, there she was coming out of her house. Something told him this was no accident. He breathed a thank you to the Lord and waited for a moment before getting up. He slowly walked towards her home, she saw him a few moments later surprised to see him as much as he was to see her.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Marcus asked her as he approached.

Blaire nodded and said. “Bad Dreams.” It was all he needed to know, he didn’t need to know he had been in it, or that her father was the one making it bad.

“I’m sorry,” He said stopping a few feet in front of her.

“It’s….it’s not your fault.” She said looking out over the ocean.

“Well that’s good; I wouldn’t want to be the cause of your bad dream.” He said.

She smiled at him, he wasn’t the cause, and she doubted he ever could be. She swallowed hard that voice was in her head again telling her no one could ever love her. She sighed heavily and continued to stare out over the dark ocean. “What about you, couldn’t sleep either?” She asked him.

“Yea I was thinking.” He admitted, the part he wouldn’t admit was that he had been thinking about her.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Blaire joked with him amidst a chuckle.

“Uh no….” He said with a laugh. “You don’t want to know what I was thinking.” He said acting like it was scary.

She let out a laugh, and he smiled she had a beautiful contagious laugh. When she stopped he almost wished she hadn’t. She looked at him, he was staring at her again, she was thankful that there wasn’t much light so he couldn’t see the forming bruise on her cheek, she almost reached up to touch it, but stopped herself. “Talking with you helped Marcus.” She admitted with a smile at him.

“Well I’m glad.” He said, he wanted to reach out and stroke her cheek but he resisted, he had only known her a day. “You had better get back to sleep.” He said nodding towards the house.

She looked back at her house and swallowed back to her prison. She would rather be out here on the beach for the rest of her life. Free from that menace that lurked in her house, the one that could snap at any moment. She sighed slightly and nodded. “Yea I had better.” She said.

Marcus walked her to the door and smiled as he opened it. “Will I still see you tomorrow?” He asked hopefully.

Blaire looked at him for a moment before replying. “If you still want to.”

“Then it’s a date.” He said with a smile. “See you tomorrow Blaire.”

“Good night Marcus.” She said as she stepped into the house.

“Sweet dreams.” He called as she began to shut the door. He turned and moved along the wet rocks back towards his house a song in his heart and a smile on his face. He breathed a prayer once again. Lord is this your way of telling me that maybe I could have a chance with her?

He wished he knew, because he knew he would really like to have a chance with Blaire Kenmore.

[Becca]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Becca

[Brooke]

Awwww!
Poor girl, I feel so srry for it.. Makes me really appreciate my parents LOTs more haha.
Marc sounds really cool! I hope everythng works out for em.

MORE

-Brooke

[Tosha]

Hey everyone thanks for the comments. Sorry it took so long to post. Heres chapter 4
_________________

Blaire rolled over in bed the next morning, her hair a rats nest and that bruise on her cheek was horrid looking. She bit her lip listening hoping that her Dad had gone to work this morning. It was eight o’clock, if he hadn’t gone to work she would heard him. She waited a few more minutes the silence ushering new hope that this morning would be better. When she finally decided that it would be safe to venture from her bed, she sat up and stretched.

After talking to Marcus last night she had gone to sleep much easier. She moved to her closet and pulled out some clothes. After she had gotten dressed she moved into the bathroom and her attention was immediately drawn to that bruise. She groaned, debating whether she still wanted to see Marcus. “Not if I can’t clear this up enough.” She muttered.

She started out on the task of covering it up, when she had put on as much as she dared, the bruise was still a bit visible, and she grimaced. Well at least it wasn’t as bad; she would be able to explain this at least, even if it wasn’t the truth. She stepped out of her bathroom and walked through the bedroom to the hallway.

The hall was quiet and dark, Blaire looked down towards the end of the hall Mom was not up yet. Blaire quietly tiptoed down the hall towards the kitchen. The kitchen was dark except for the light trickling through the curtains behind the steel sink. She moved towards the window and thrust the curtains open and stared out over the ocean view before her. It was beautiful as if was every day.

She moved towards the pantry grabbing out the coffee, she would need it strong this morning. She fixed the coffee and turned on the coffee pot she would come back in later to get it. She walked past the bar and table in the kitchen to the back door, she needed some fresh air, and the sunlight from outside the window was beckoning for her to come outside.

She opened the door slowly hoping not to wake her mother. She stepped out the door and onto the large red deck closing the door the same way she had opened it. The sea breeze was perfect and she sat down to enjoy this morning. Normally Blaire wasn’t a morning person but this morning she didn’t mind being out here just enjoying the peace and quiet.

She closed her eyes letting the breeze blow against her face and through her hair just enjoying the little things of life. There weren’t many things in life that she could enjoy, being caught in her house for her entire life, and constantly living in fear of her father, kept her from enjoying most things people her age did.

She gritted her teeth thinking about all the things that her father had caused in her life. She placed her head in her hands and shook it slowly trying to clear everything. She looked up a few moments later to see Marcus coming towards her with a smile, she quickly hid her worry. She didn’t want him to know about her life, if he did he probably wouldn’t ever talk to her again.

Marcus waved and walked up to the deck, he smiled and said teasingly. “We have to stop meeting like this.”

Blaire laughed and looked up at him. “Well if you think about it, you’ve been the one to come up to me, not the other way around.”

Marcus laughed and raised his hands as if in defeat. “You caught me!” He said.

She smiled and motioned to the chair beside her. “Want some coffee?” She asked as she got up.

“Oh you drive a hard bargain.” He said with a smile as she walked towards the house.

Blaire chuckled and returned a few minutes later wit two cups. She handed him a gray cup with a bugs bunny handle that said. ‘Eh what’s up doc’ on the side. “You looked like the kind of person to appreciate a cup like that.” She said with a chuckle.

Marcus laughed and replied. “To be honest I have a cup just like this at home.”

Blaire laughed when he admitted that. And sipped her coffee, it was good but she had only just begun to enjoy drinking coffee so she only took short sips. The silence was fine with Blaire. She was just relishing in having company. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the chair. “Ouch.” She heard Marcus say and she opened her eyes to see him staring at her.

“What?” She asked holding her breath she knew what he was looking at.

Marcus reached out and touched her cheek. “What did you do?” He asked.

When he reached up to touch her cheek, she flinched as if her father was going to hit her. “Uh I ran into the door this morning, I forgot I left it open.” She said as he touched her cheek. She looked down knowing she was lying to him, but she couldn’t tell him the truth. She could never tell anyone it was just to hard, and everyone would pity her, she wasn’t sure pity was what she wanted.

“Wow I wouldn’t think a door could do that much damage.” He said trying to joke. Her reaction had worried him, he had never seen anyone react that way to being touched. He kept staring at it, something was telling him that no door caused that bruise but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what it was. He sat there holding the warm cup in his hand, staring out over the ocean. If she wanted to tell him what caused it, she would he wouldn’t need to pry.

The two sat there in silence for a long moment, each caught up in their own thoughts. Blaire looked at her watch and bit her lip five minutes till eight, her mother was a creature of habit, so Blaire knew she would be up in five minutes, she couldn’t let her mother catch her out here with Marcus. If Mom knew, somehow Dad would find out.

Marcus caught her glancing at her watch, she must have something she needed to go do. “Have plans?” He asked.

“Kind of.” She said looking at him apologetically.

“That’s alright.” He said handing the mug, and stood up. “It was nice to see you again Blaire, and thanks for the coffee.” He said with a smile.

She stood up and smiled at him after accepting the mug from him. “It was fun, we will have to do this again sometime.” She said,

“Definitely.” He said with a smile as he walked towards the steps. “See you later Blaire.”

“Bye Marcus.” She called after him waving, before she walked inside the house, she glanced at the clock on the microwave it was two till eight. Just in time, she rinsed out the cups and placed them in the dish washer, so she wouldn’t have to explain two cups. She walked into the living room and reached for the book she had placed on the side table yesterday, and began to read trying to look natural.

By the time Olivia came out of her bed room, Blaire was truly into the book, she had borrowed it from the library a few days ago, and hadn’t had as much time to read as she normally would. She looked up at her mother with a smile and said. “Hi Mom.”

Olivia smiled but winced at the pain in her side. Blaire grimaced when she did that. “Did you take pain killer for that?” She asked placing her book down and standing up.

Olivia nodded and said. “I guess it just hasn’t kicked in yet.” She said with a smile. She walked towards the kitchen and called behind her. “Had breakfast yet?”

“No I had coffee though, there’s still enough for you.” She said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Good I need some this morning. Is it strong?” She asked.

“Yes I promise.” She said with a smile.

“Perfect.” Olivia said with a smile at her daughter.

Blaire watched as her mother began to cook breakfast. “Eggs?” She asked sitting down on the stool behind the bar.

“Yes.” Olivia said, “Oh I have to go to the store after breakfast. You want to come?” Olivia asked.

“Not today. I think I’ll just hang out around here today.” Blaire said looking down into the cup of coffee she had poured.

Olivia stopped and stared at Blaire. “Well that’s a first. You never turn down a chance to get out of the house.” She said shaking her head.

Blaire swallowed some more coffee and said. “Yea I know. I just don’t feel like going to the store today. Is that alright with you?” She asked her mother hoping it would be.

“Its fine. Well in that case, I’ll be back by one.” She said with a smile.

Blaire nodded, she knew what she would be doing while mom was gone. She would be outside even if she didn’t see Marcus, the weather was perfect for reading outside. She began to eat her eggs, and continued to talk to her mother.

Olivia moved to the front door and called back to her daughter. “Blaire I’m leaving.”

“Alright Mom. See you when you get back.” Blaire called from her spot on the couch, waiting for her mother to leave.

Blaire listened for the door to open, she heard it open and the car start, and then after a few moments the door closed again. She stood up with a smile and made her way back to the back door. Opening it she let the wind brush across her face as she walked out to her favorite spot, A small two person swing of their back porch. She settled down and zoned out as she delved deeper into her book. She was the type of person to get lost and shut out the world when she had a good book in front of her. “Blaire.” The voice came, and caused her to jump knocking the glass of lemonade off the table the glass shattered and the yellow liquid went all over the red wood. She stared down at it for a moment and then grimaced, she didn’t have shoes on. She then looked up to see who had been calling her.

[Brooke]

Haha, I bet its Marc!
You left us with a CLIFF HANGER!
How dare you! lol

MORE MORE MORE Please!

-Brooke

[Becca]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Becca

[Tosha]

Ok sorry about the deley(Sp) Chapter 5
____________

He almost laughed when she jumped, it was in all a humorous sight, the glass went flying, her book fell to the seat, lemonade spilled all over the deck, amidst the broken glass. He bit his lip and looked up at her with an apologetic look. “Opps.” He said.

Blaire glared at him. “MARCUS!” She said with a grimace. “YOU SCARED ME!”

Marcus chuckled slightly, and admitted. “You look cute when your flustered.”

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” Blaire said annoyed as she began to carefully pick up the pieces of broken glass trying to make sure she didn’t cut herself.

“You sure?” He asked as he knelt down to help her pick up the pieces.

“Yes I am sure.” She said playfully pushing him.

Marcus laughed at that and placed the pieces on the table. “Got a bag?” He asked.

“I’ll go get one. Don’t go anywhere I’m not finished with you.” She said playfully.

“Fair enough.” He said with a smile, he was enjoying their playful banter immensely.

She returned with a plastic bag and broom, she dumped the pieces in the bag and handed him the broom. “Here make yourself useful.” She said as she took the bag inside.

When she returned he had finished sweeping the glass off the porch and had placed the broom against the house. He was sitting on the porch swing examining her book. She leaned against the doorjamb and watched him for a moment he seemed to be extremely interested, which made her smile.

Marcus looked up at saw her standing there. “Good book?” He asked lifting the book slightly.

“Very. You should read it some time.” She said moving over to sit beside him on the swing.

“I just might. Is it yours?” He asked reading the back of the cover.

“No I borrowed it from the library.” She said gently placing one leg over the other.

“Oh well I’ll have to go borrow it myself.” He said with a smile as he handed it to her.

“Do…it’s a great book.” Blaire said taking it from him.

Marcus was silent for a moment then he chuckled. “This is crazy.”

“What?” She asked confused.

“We’ve lived next door to each other for five years and never met, and now we’ve seen each other five times in two days.”

Blaire smiled reflecting on the past two days. “I’d say that has to be some kind of record.”

Marcus nodded with a smile. “It’s kind of hard to believe though.”

“Yea it must be fate.” She joked.

“I don’t believe in fate.” He said with a smile at her as he leaned down resting his arms on his knees.

“Oh?” She asked looking at him. “What do you believe in?”

“God’s planning.” Marcus said simply.

Blaire looked at him, not another believer that was all she needed right now. Someone with false hopes. “You’re a believer?” She asked trying not to sound angry.

“Yes.” He said. “Are you?”

“No…” She said simply. “I used to be, and my mother still is.”

Marcus looked at, with all that had gone on the past few days, he hadn’t even stopped to consider whether she believed or not. His heart fell, maybe this wasn’t God’s will. “Why did you stop?” He asked.

She stared at him; somehow she knew he would ask that. All Christians were the same, they all had an objective as it was. “Is that really any of your business?” She asked sharply.

Marcus looked down, not sure he wanted to look at her after that comment. “No, I’m sorry it’s not.”

Blaire bit her lip, she hadn’t had to be so harsh with him. The silence held for a moment before she spoke. “I’m sorry I was harsh.” She said quietly.

“It’s alright I understand.” Marcus said.

Blaire stared at him for a moment. He never would truly understand what she was going through, no one ever would. And she would never tell anyone about her father, and if anyone found out she wouldn’t let them know how she felt. It was just personal.

Marcus let the silence hold for a long moment, he could tell that something was troubling her, even though he didn’t know her very well, and he wished he knew her better, than maybe he could help her through this. He breathed a small prayer then and there. Lord if there is a way; help me to draw Blaire to You. I know that whatever she is facing will fade away when she’s met you. Help me Lord. Amen.

Blaire hated the silence, but she didn’t know what to say to him. She just examined the cover of the book she was holding, and bit her lip. A seagull landed on the deck and called before nibbling at a piece of bread that had gone stale. She watched him for a moment before sighing.

“Thanks for helping me clean up by the way.” She said looking at him.

“No problem, I was the cause of the accident anyways.” He said with a smile.

She laughed at that. “Well at least you know not to sneak up on me again.” She said.

“I didn’t sneak up on you.” Marcus said defending himself. “I called out your name.” He said.

“Same thing.” She said with a chuckle.

“Hey its not my fault you get so into a book.” He teased.

She laughed and pushed him playfully. “Hey!” She said acting offended.

“Aw did I hit a nerve?” He asked.

“Yes, and it hurts.” Blaire said sticking out her bottom lip like a little kid.

“Aw I sorry will you forgive me?” He said making the puppy dog face.

“Maybe what’s in it for me?” She asked crossing her arms.

“I’ll come see you again.” He offered.

She tried to act like she was pondering it hard, but there was really no need to think. “Alright I forgive you.” She said with a smile.
“Good.” He said wiping his brow. “You had me scared for a moment.” He said with a wink.

She blushed barely, hoping he would not notice. “That was the point.” She said trying to make a comeback.

Marcus had seen her blush and he smiled. “Well I’m glad I caught on in time.” He said with a smile at her.

“Me too. I hate playing games when the opponent doesn’t know what’s going on.” She joked.

“Oh so now we are playing games huh?” He asked.

“Yes.” She said simply, but with a bit of a challenge.

“Well then Blaire Kenmore I officially accept your challenge.” Marcus said with a laugh.

Blaire laughed at him, and said. “Good.” She settled back in her chair with a satisfied smile, glad to have spent some time with him, but after their conversation she doubted he would be more than a good friend, but she knew she would need one.

[Becca]

Awesome job. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Becca

[Brooke]

Aww! Hehe this is soo cooot! I love this story!
MORE MORE MORE!

-Brooke

[Tosha]

Chapter Six. IS HERE YAH!!!!!
_____________

Olivia touched her side it was still in a lot of pain, she only hoped everything would be alright, she was going to the doctors office, she had to know. Would her baby be alright? As she drove along she silently prayed to God that her baby was still alive and well. She was soon to be five months along in her pregnancy, and already she had to wear clothes to hide her stomach. So far no one had found out, not even Blaire, which she was glad for at the moment.

The only person who knew about her baby was Jennifer, Dr. Jennifer White, a single, middle aged doctor, was Olivia’s best friend. She was the only person who knew that Olivia was being abused, and that she was pregnant. Jennifer did not like the fact that Olivia would tell no one else of her abuse, but she knew that for now there was nothing she could do.

Olivia loved her for that; Jennifer was supportive of her no matter what her decision was. The two had met at church a few months earlier and had become fast friends. As time progressed Olivia finally admitted to Jennifer that Frank had been abusing her, and Jennifer had been a comfort ever since.

She pulled into the clinic and grabbed her purse, once again praying her baby would be alright. She was afraid that Frank might have killed it when he kicked her in the side last night. She walked in and saw Jennifer in her white coat, her long curly brown hair was down, and Olivia wondered why it was she was not married.

“Olivia.” Jennifer said with a smile as she walked over to give her friend a hug. Olivia hugged Jennifer as best she could without hurting her bruised side. “You ready for the ultrasound?” Jennifer asked. She knew that Olivia was worried about the baby, by her call this morning. She had dropped everything she was doing and made a time for her to come in.

“Yes let’s go.” She said holding tightly to Jennifer’s hand for support.

“Alright let’s go.” Jennifer said leading her into the little room.

Both waited with baited breath as they searched for the baby, when they found it tears leapt to Jennifer’s eyes. She turned to her friend, and said. “The baby is fine.” Olivia sat there for a moment and then tears of relief slipped down her cheeks. Jennifer walked over and hugged Olivia. “God worked out your miracle Olivia.” She said with a smile.

“Yes he did.” She said amidst the tears. “I just pray he will continue to keep the baby safe.”

“He will, Olivia. Don’t worry.” She said moving a strand of hair from her friends face.

“Its just so hard not to. I have things to worry about every single day, whether Frank will come home? If Blaire will ever turn back to God, I’m afraid for her Jennifer, but now on top of all this. I have the baby to worry about.” Olivia said as she cried.

“I know its hard, but God wants us to trust him, with our worries.” Jennifer said. Olivia nodded and then fell silent. “Why don’t we go out to lunch? I don’t have any patients for another hour and a half.”

“Sounds good.” Olivia said drying the tears from her eyes.

Jennifer handed her a tissue. “I’ll go get our coats and then we can leave.” She said.

“Alright.” Olivia said as she watched her leave. She rested a hand on her stomach and thanked God that her baby was still alive.

____________

“I won’t be able to see you tomorrow.” Marcus said as they continued to sit on the swing.

Blaire looked at him for a moment. “Why?” She asked a bit disappointed.

“Because I have to go with my parents to help take care of my dying great aunt.” He said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She said looking down.

“Yea but I don’t know her that well.” Marcus said. “I sometimes wish I knew her even better.”

“Well you’ll get a chance.” Blaire said.

“Yea such as it is.” He said looking down.

Blaire laid a hand on his shoulder, and he looked up. Her brown eyes full of sympathy, and kindness. Oh dear God, he thought. This is crazy. I’ve only known her for a few hours, and she’s not a Christian, but I think I am already falling in love with her. He had never believed in love at first sight, until today. Maybe there was some truth to it? Whether there was or not, he still had a problem in front of him. Blaire was not a Christian. He stared back at her, the sympathy and kindness had drained from her eyes, and now all he saw was pain, as if she was thinking about something else. He reached up and took a hold of the hand she had placed on his shoulder and brought it to rest with his on his knee. She looked down at her hand then up at him. “Blaire what’s wrong?” He asked.

She looked down, he knew something was wrong, was she really that readable. She hoped not, she dropped her gaze from his eyes and bit her lip, she couldn’t tell him, could she? “I….” She wasn’t sure what to say.

Marcus looked at her, she was still hesitant to tell him all that was going on. He stroked the back of her hand lightly and said. “I understand if you can’t talk. Promise me that if you ever need to talk you’ll come to me, not matter what?” He said.

She sat there relishing in the feel of his fingers caressing her skin, before she replied. “I promise.”

“Good.” He said smiling at her. He didn’t let go of her hand he left his rest on top of hers so she could not move it. He leaned his back against the wood swing and breathed in the salty sea breeze.

Blaire swallowed hard, Marcus was slowly slipping through her defenses. Something she wasn’t sure she could let him do, not with her father around. She let her hand rest there however for a few moments, she was enjoying it to much to be the one to stop it. She closed her eyes and relished in the sensation, his hand touching hers, the breeze blowing through her hair. It was all so perfect.

In the distance a voice was heard. “Marcus!” Marcus jumped and looked around. His mother was calling his name, he groaned and looked at Blaire. Who smiled slightly at him, as if it was alright if he had to leave. He stood up and walked to the edge of the porch. “I’ll be there in a few minutes Mom.” He called.

When Marcus turned back to look at her, Blaire smiled at him lazily. He smiled back and said. “Got a piece of paper and a pen?” He asked.

“Yes why?” She asked standing up and walking towards the house.

He followed her and stepped just inside leaning against the door jamb. When she handed him the items, he tore the paper in half. “Here is my number.” He said scribbling down the numbers. “Now write yours down for me.” He said handing her the two pieces of paper and the pen.

Blaire smiled and scribbled down her cell phone number and walked over to the door to hand it to him. He accepted the paper and stood there for a moment looking at her. He raised his hand to gently stroke her cheek, but then she jerked back again. He bit his lip only slightly as she stopped and allowed him to continue. He touched her cheek gently, and whispered. “Don’t forget to call me if you need anything alright?”

“Al…alright.” She whispered.

Marcus smiled and walked out the door. Blaire watched as he left, she would tell him after he got back about her father if he still wanted to know, but something told her he probably wouldn’t even care about her when he got back. No one cared about her except for her mother. Her father didn’t care about her, Marcus wouldn’t care by the time he got back, and most of all God didn’t care. He didn’t care one lick about her otherwise he would stop it.

“Blaire, I’m home.” Olivia called as she walked in the door.

Blaire jumped again and looked into the living room to see her mother. “Oh hi Mom.”

“Hi honey. Sorry I took so long.” She said with a smile.

“Its ok, I’m just glad you are home. How’s your side?” She asked.

“A lot better.” Olivia said, everything seemed a bit brighter now that she had her news.

“Good did you already have lunch?” Blaire asked.

“Yes, you?” Olivia asked as she moved down the hall way.

“Yea I ate after you left.” Blaire said.

“Alright then we’ll make supper a bit later.” Olivia called to her daughter as she examined her profile in the mirror. She was soon to be showing more than she could hide.

“Alright. Oh. I left my book outside. I’ll be right back.” Blaire called.

“Alright sweety.” Olvia called as she gently prayed that tonight would be one of the nights that Frank was not in a drunk mood.