Novels by Maxine Morgan

~You can’t tell how deep a puddle is until you step in it~The days dragged, but the weeks quickly flew by and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye. I stood outside the beautifully ornate Baroque-style mansion and couldn’t stop blinking back tears. This was my home filled with memories that I would cherish forever. I would miss the sound of the serene flowing water from the large fountain that held a statue of a man dressed in Greek attire holding a pot on his head. It was the main feature between two stone staircases that led to the grounds. Two smaller cherub fountains were on the first landing amongst neatly cut bush and fauna. Small embankments hugged the staircase which led to the second landing welcomed by a long rectangular open veranda with balustrades. Wide stone steps covered by an entrance entablature led to the entrance of the house. It held a beautiful view of one of the gardens. The façade was decorated with large windows

~Smile ... tomorrow will be worse~Time meant nothing as I lay on the bench. I cried so much I think I ran out of tears. A few hours earlier the house was crazy, people were trying to find their family members, and rush out as fast as they could. Graham held me in his arms until my body became limp, and he eased his grip. I pushed myself from his arms and ran inside to find Susan, but I was too late. They had taken her already. Only a few police cars remained the blue and red flashing lights seemingly surreal, like Christmas tree lights compared to my Carnival. Police officers were questioning Mrs. Bradley, the party planner, and other household staff. When Graham found me one of the Police Officers, called him over, and saved me. No one noticed me leave the house. I ran down the sundeck across the stretch of the large manicured garden, past the bushes and trees, and flowers to the path to the beach.I knew that everyone would be worried about me and woul

~Drop an unbreakable object, it will always land on something more valuable~“Well, well, well,” Murphy sat beside me as my Lamborghini crashed into the other cars; I revved the engine and ran over a pedestrian.“What would your mother say?”“I really don’t care, Murphy. She is not here, is she?” Willow twisted the steering wheel to avoid hitting the corner of a small tin building. “What’s she going to do? Take it away from me?”Murphy shrugged. “I’m just saying.” He looked up toward the large TV screen watching my car careen through the streets of New York, as I played my brand new PS4 console and game, Speed 4.At first, I was scared my Mom would find out and Susan placed her forefinger over her lips and promised that no one would tell.“You did this?” I had asked her. My emotions were a mix of e

~Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse~ The day was finally here. My thirteenth birthday. No one said anything to me about it, not a hint, or a clue of what to expect. Mom said she would be back for my special day, with Antony. Would Dad be there? He skyped me almost two weeks ago and told me all about Japan and would let me fly over during the holidays. It was only a month until school broke up. I stood on the top lounge balcony on the third floor and watched the ocean. I did not look at the silent pool in the garden of many flowers, trees, and bright bush statues, neither did I hear the birds chirping and flying in the garden. I did not notice the bright blue sky running a straight line over the blue-green horizon. There was just nothing before me. “Well, April fools,” said Murphy. “It’s a fool’s day.” “Stop it. You know it’s my birthday!” “Yes, I know what da

~Never prepare to go out, something will go wrong~Wow! I thought looking out the car window. The driver passed through huge steel electronic gates, in the middle of the driveway was a small circular garden. Cars could only go in one way, and out one way. Susan walked with me to the front door. There was a small garden in the front but the one at home was much bigger and prettier. Our gardener cut up large bushes into shapes. I thought that was amazing. “Susan?” I looked at her emotionless face.She looked at me without saying anything. I still liked Susan even if she was moody sometimes. “Do you think Dad and Mom would put a pretty garden circle in our driveway?”She blinked a couple of times, shook her head, and said, “No, I don’t think so.”Before I could ask why the front door opened, it was a shiny dark red color.&nbs

~When all else fails, have hope~ “I heard your Dad left.” Aimee looked at me curiously. My eyes were red and my face was pale. I ignored her trying to concentrate in class. Geography was not my favorite subject. I thought it was boring. “If you knew, why are you asking?” I whispered carefully. If Mrs. Peters caught us talking it would be detention. “I think she wants something.” I heard Murphy say. “Quiet, Murphy.” I was not in the mood. Why would no one leave me alone? “Don’t trust her. She wants something.” “Who’s Murphy?” Aimee frowned and her light blue eyes glanced quickly around the room. “Nobody,” I said. “I’m trying to listen.” “I’m hurt.” Murphy chuckled. “Will he come back?” She asked with a strange look in her eyes. “Yes, of course, he will be back!” I whispered and heard the anger i