Novels by Peace Philip

"You're going to focus, Emilia. No pair of green eyes are breaking your stride today. And you will not think of him." I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom, splashing some cold water onto my face before brushing my teeth.If yesterday Leon had tapped into my weaknesses and left me feeling a mess, it would be the last time he did so, because I was not going to let him do it again. It had been much too long since I had loved him, and now I was determined to feel nothing.Nothing but aggravation.Downstairs I poured and creamed a decently sized cup of coffee as much needed fuel, and I walked back up the stairs again carefully, knowing I was more susceptible to tripping when I had something fragile in my hands.Twenty minutes later I was ready and walking out of the house, when I realized, that it would be alright today. I turned the volume up louder so that the thoughts in my mind became a soothing blur.I would pay attention in my classes and I would study without breaking m

I don't know why I felt a looming heaviness over my body the entirety of the time I stood by the bar, but it seemed to be getting stronger. I watched Daniel prepare my drink to give my mind something to focus on."I'll have whatever she's having.”That's why.I turned my head to the left and found him walking toward me, appearing darkly.I didn't look away."Why don't you sit? Celebrate your performance."He asked.I thought of telling him to shove it, but I just sat, knowing it would be easier to relax without having to stand."Two rum and cokes. Dark." Daniel placed the glasses down in front of us and moved to the other end of the bar, tending to other customers.I took my first sip and set it down, running circles along the rim with a red fingernail."You're still below the legal drinking age," he commented, his voice somewhat of a challenge.I just smiled, knowing he could see it, and looked into the dark amber inside my glass."T have my ways in here.""I know," he said. "VIP park

"You bet, be careful out there." My dad turned to me and spoke, "Emily, mind leaving your car and its keys here? Mine's been acting up lately and I need to buy food. Your mom is working later than usual tonight."Oh god."Yeah, why not. Here," I said, depositing them in his hand.Without another word I looked toward the door, and Leon was already there with the knob in hand, opening it for me.Once outside of the house he closed the door behind me. I took in a deliberate lungful of air, feeling the warmth fill my chest.Jesus Christ. I had no idea what to do. I was angered beyond myself at him showing up at my house and weaving around his wand as if he owned the city now that he was a hotshot CEO. My blood simply boiled at him for having ruined my night and my concentration even further, at having him come to me simply out of a sick sort of sadism.That was it. He was bored upon his return and he liked to see me suffer.In the moment I told myself to find composure, to not let him see

I was done with classes at four in the afternoon today and decided to stay at the university an extra hour to study for an upcoming test. I sat under the shade and had a small coffee in hand, my rented textbook, and my laptop. Everything I needed to help me prepare.I was set. All I had to do was open the book and actually read it, while of course, retaining the information.But the task of reading and retaining was exceedingly difficult at the moment, and I found my mind heavy. My thoughts would wander off into nothing so that I would have to go back and read the passage again, and again. And it wasn't for lack of interest. The science of mental disorders and psychotherapy was intriguing; I wanted to learn.Yet a pair of green eyes would sneakily slither into my consciousness when I was least aware of it, and I would catch myself remembering him for minutes at a time.Taking a sip of coffee, I let myself stop trying. I put the book to a side and let my thoughts run. They were forcefu

Laughing at myself I retrieved my clutch, walking out of the house within minutes. Once I arrived I parked my car in the employees section, and felt the fluttering of waves rooted deep inside my stomach as I saw the influx of cars, the people, felt the air. Saturdays were always the busiest as people came to relieve their weekdays with great food, a few drinks, and a good live performance.They came, and for once, they saw me sing. They saw me at my weakest, at my most vulnerable. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I felt as if I were walking above air. It never quite lost feeling.I walked through the back doors and into the backstage area, quickly coming into contact with Justin who came to me and smiled."They're here for you, Emily. I hope you know that."I grinned and rolled my eyes. "I'm just background noise. They like it when they eat. "He gave me a look over, then settled straight into my eyes with those pretty blue ones. "You're the reason this club has lifted,

"It's my turn to be designated tonight," Kate said, smiling without a care. She could be designated or not, and she would be perfectly content."We can call a cab and pick up Kate's car later, that way we all go in one car." Joan suggested."Says the one with the rich husband! I'm broke. No cab," I grinned.Joan stuck out her tongue."Speaking of, how's that quarterback doing?"Racheal asked."He does me well enough, thank you.”"Jeez. How graphic," Kate chuckled.I was cracking up by the car, holding my purse to my chest as I all but shook."Thatta girl. I was kidding, by the way. We can split a cab so Kate isn't sidelined, but I'm not getting too crazy. We can't all be a mess at once.""Always the brain," Racheal winked, and Joan made a quick call to a cab as we waited.We were at the bar a half an hour later, each one of us nursing a different drink. I was content with a mojito for tonight, and limited myself to only two glasses.Racheal had downright terrified me with her news ear