Paul quietly wandered the gallery, looking at the mostly black and white photographs featuring building blocks, stuffed animals and even a mobile, all taken from a low angle representing the perspective of the baby. Each photograph had one color that was highlighted outside the otherwise gray tones. He didn’t know if it was because the baby was a boy, but the color for each photograph was the same: blue. It added a contrast to the gray tones and also softened the images, giving them more life than if they had been left purely black and white. He studied the photos with a smile. Macey had a unique way of making the mundane sacred. It was what made her work so special and why so many people gravitated to her photographs. “Oncle Paul!” an excited voice greeted. He turned to see Aria and Caden nearby. Aria was wearing a blue, velvet dress with a white skirt. Her usually unruly hair was tamed in a pair of pigtails with sparkling butterfly barrette
“I don’t know how much they paid you but this should be more than enough to keep your mouth shut. If you try to contact me…If I hear one word about this from anyone…It’ll be the last thing anybody will ever hear from you.” Slam! * * * The echo of the slamming door woke
Surely that should have been enough for her sister’s revenge but it wasn’t. Anonymous photos soon blasted gossip pages with headlines like: Golden Child Disgraced! Music Prodigy Out of Control! Her mother broke down in tears and her father raged. Neither wanted to hear her side of the story and
While her mother had been a wallflower Alexis was outgoing and friendly earning her quite a following. Lynn was happy her children were popular and well-adjusted. She couldn’t hope for more, didn’t dare to hope for more. Now they were in the fifth grade and would soon move on to a middle school.
“Okay Alexis, stare straight ahead for me.” Doctor Ericka was gentle as she shined a light and studied her young patient’s eyes. “Good. Now without moving your head track the light as I move it.” Alexis’s gaze flickered as she watched the light move steadily in and out of her limited
Their footsteps were distinctive. They were probably wearing loafers rather than sneakers. Even their clothing had a particular sound as it rubbed against itself while they waited. Most likely silk or satin which meant they were probably wearing suits and expensive ones at that. Eve
“Interesting.” Thomas said. “It can’t be easy to raise three children on your own but their mother seems to handle it even with Lexi’s medical needs.” “What about their father?” “He’s never been in the picture,” Weston shook his head. “You think h
Silas sighed as he took his seat in his reserve booth. At least here he no longer had to worry about people bothering him. No matter where he went people accosted him hoping to win a powerful ally or patron. It was even worse among this crowd. Tonight was the All Boroughs Music Comp
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their