Epilogue Elaina was special. I knew it as soon as I saw her. She was going to be my last companion. She was sweet, a little reluctant, and I had to convince her, but, looking back, I fell for her right on day one. Love at first sight isn't supposed to be real. You're supposed … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 65

Chapter Twenty-Four, continued The air rushed back in on a gasp and she rushed to the still form spilling blood onto the buttery yellow carpet. Rose had never looked so pale. Her loose hair was strewn carelessly around her face, her dusky lashes were closed but starting to flutter at the sudden noise, her cheeks … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 64

Chapter Twenty-Four Alicia was really an Alex. As in a boy. He was there to keep an eye on his seventeen-year-old sister and make sure she wasn't chosen since she'd only wanted to enjoy the party. I'd picked him on a whim that day and he'd tried to see how far he could go with … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 63

Chapter Twenty-Three, continued Rose sat at her desk, idly tapping the sheet of parchment lying before her with the tip of her pen. She'd returned home with stacks of parchment that had been collecting, waiting, for eight years. Letters upon letters had lain gathering dust, and now it was her job to make sure they … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 62

Posting Queen of the Garden of Girls early again! I don't have anything better and, honestly, am just trying to wrap up posting this one so I don't have to think about it for awhile. Enjoy! Chapter Twenty-Three I liked Elise, but she was old enough to be my grandmother. She hadn't wanted her granddaughter … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 61

Chapter Twenty-Two, continued "Elaina," Lily called out, breaking the happy chatter filling the room while Marie ghosted from corner to window, ever observant. Still smiling, Elaina turned to her friend. Lily faltered. Elaina was so happy. She was about to become engaged to the shut-in, but, if she was ready and willing to return, he … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 60

Chapter Twenty-Two, continued Lily couldn't help it; she had too much nervous, anxious energy to burn to not prowl around Poppy's front garden. "It's like a fortress," Lily exclaimed, waving her hands. "They didn't even want to hear that trouble is brewing and it involves the Hall." Poppy looked up at her, the sparkle she … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 59

Chapter Twenty-Two Leslie was a poor choice, but Mother forced me to pick someone. How was I to know she was only making sure her little sister stayed out of trouble, and was a lesbian?! Well, things weren't as awkward as I thought it would be, and I would have liked to be pen pals, … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 58

The countdown is well underway! 3 days to our first author reading: Jennifer M. Zeiger, here to read from her recently released YA Fantasy novel Quaking Soul on Monday, January 25th! Chapter Twenty-One, continued "What's with the Jekyll and Hyde thing?" Robert demanded. Elaina was wondering, too, but, even though Rose looked more approachable, it didn't seem … Continue reading Queen of the Garden of Girls, Part 57