It Happens In A Book

 Another piece of my story, at last! I know that what I have posted so far needs a TON of editing and fixing, but I was wondering what you all thought of the pacing. (and not the pace at which I post the story lol) Is the plot going too slowly, too fast, or just the right pace? Anyway, let's get to the story! Chapter Five Intrigue filled me, wondering at Tara’s cryptic words. She had shown up at the bakery, trying to act nonchalant, but I could sense the excitement that bubbled up within her. She had leaned against the counter and, with a twinkle in her eyes, told me to meet her in the ballroom at exactly six-o-clock. After I begged for a hint as to what the surprise was, she mentioned that dinner would be provided. Then, as if a last-minute thought, she suggested that I wear something nice. I stood in front of the cracker mirror in the hallway of the apartment building I lived in, debating with myself whether or not to wear my new dress from Henry. It sure was beautiful. But would...

 I really need to make this a habit...:-) Here's another part of the story! The rest of the day they spent wandering through the city and it's numerous parks, but their never-ending conversation had moved on to lighter topics. They were walking past a clothing store when Cassie stopped and gasped. “I just realized something. I can’t go to Tara’s party.” Henry pulled her out of the flow of people to the wall of the store. “Why not?” “I don’t have anything to wear.” She had sounded so perplexed, he had expected her to have an important and serious reason. Only women… “Are you serious?” “Yes.” Her eyebrows furrowed together, making creases in her forehead. “I can’t wear this-” She gestured to the navy blue suit she wore. “And I don’t have anything nicer.” “I think you look nice,” Henry offered, hoping to make her blush. She just glared at him and he held his hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. There’s a clothing store right here. Why don’t you pick something out?” “Are you serious...

It's a little late (or a lot...lol) but here's another part of my story! Chapter Four Henry had gone as long as he could before anyone asked about medical school. And, of course, it was his mother. She practically cornered him in the hall, since she probably knew that would be the only way to get him to talk to her. He’d been avoiding her as much as possible since he had returned home. She clearly had noticed. “What are your plans for the future, son?” How could he explain that practicing medicine had lost its spark? That he couldn’t go a minute without thinking about his father whenever he stepped into a hospital? Or that being a doctor without his father beside him seemed pointless and futile? “Medical school, I guess. What else would I do?” His mother drifted into silence but didn’t move away. “I’m not blind, you know,” she said after a while. “I can see you’ve been avoiding me.” “Yes, I know. And I’m sorry. It's just… everything has changed and I don’t know how to fix i...

Here's another section of Always and Forever! If you missed the last sections or if you want to just reread any part, I have tagged each part under Always and Forever on the left sidebar.   The next day, as five-o-clock neared, I found myself constantly checking the clock, then the door, and back again. Unchecked nervousness sent flutters through my stomach. Leanne came to tell me she had to leave a little early; a hair appointment. But I could tell from the blush on her face that she had a date. The mysterious Joe, I assumed. He had become quite a regular, and he always asked for “Miss Leanne.” Whenever he walked in the front door, Leanne would turn into a young schoolgirl. Not that I was much better, I chided myself when I found myself staring at the door expectantly. Again. In my defense, there wasn’t anything else to do. No customers; it was too late in the day to bake something. So I sat on the little stool and- The bell above the door sounded and, though I was staring ri...

 It's been over two weeks since I posted part 6, but I was all caught up on what I had written and didn't take any time to write more. But this week I got on it and finished typing out what I had (because pen and paper is where it's at 😀). Anyway, here is the beginning of chapter three!  “What do you think?” Tara stood over my shoulder, tousling my freshly shampooed hair.  I didn’t know what to think. I hardly recognized myself. My once long, blonde locks were now clipped to just barely touch my shoulder. Tara’s maid slowly demonstrated the proper ways to style my new hairdo and the techniques of putting on makeup until I felt I could redo the look on my own. “I… I look so different.”  “You look absolutely gorgeous, that’s what. I wish my hair were as curl-able as yours. I can hardly do anything with this.” She pulled on one of the naturally tight, red curls that framed her cheeks. “What are you talking about? Your hair is lovely.”  “Agree to disagree. Come on,...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/New Year's! I know I did :) Here is another part of Always and Forever. Since it has been a while, if you want to review the last section of the story, I tagged them all under "Always and Forever" on the left sidebar. Enjoy :)  Before he could make a reply, John pulled the car up to the back entrance which was usually reserved for the staff although Henry preferred it to the impressive, overbearing front entrance. Henry burst from the car, leaving his luggage for John, and hurried up the back steps. A blast of humid air made his hair immediately stick to his forehead. Betsy, the dear old cook, was hovering over a large pot on the elaborate cook-stove.  “Still slaving away over your famous stew, I see, miss Betsy.”  The large, colored lady turned with a startled expression, the soup ladle still in her grasp. “Why, master Henry. I didn’t know you were expected home anytime soon.” A laugh bubbled from his chest. “I was hoping to surpr...

 Chapter Two Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD May 1938 Henry Cochran ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Medical school sure was exhausting. Of course, it probably wouldn’t have been so bad if he had actually wanted to be there. He grabbed his clothes from the wardrobe, hangers and all, and stuffed them into his suitcase. His roommates, Jack and Charlie, burst into the dorm room, laughing. “And the professor’s face was hysterical.” Jack fell onto his bunk bed in hysteria himself.  “Oh, hey Hank.” Charlie sobered up when he saw him packing. Henry had a reputation for being a no-nonsense, take everything serious kind of guy. If only they really knew him… “Do you have plans for summer break?” Before he could answer, Jack jumped in. “First, I’m goin’ home to my girl for a while.” A mischievous spark lit his eyes. “Then I start rounds at Mercy Hospital here in Baltimore.” “I’m just going home.” “What? Why didn’t you sign up for any rounds, Hank? I heard there was an open...

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! I know I did!! My family went down to The Wilds Christian camp in North Carolina to visit my brother, who works there. It was amazing! We hiked through the mountains, saw waterfalls, played games, and the list goes on :) Comment below some of the fun things you did on Thanksgiving! Now to the story... My inner dancer took hold of me and I couldn’t resist the desire that suddenly filled me. I peered back into the entryway and, when no one was spotted, I bent down to take off my shoes. Leaving my bag and shoes beside the door, I made my way to the center of the room. And then my body took over. Reality disappeared as I twisted and spun to the dance routine my mom had taught me. Each twirl took me back to the blessed yesteryears.  “Keep your head high. Point your toes a little more.” I could hear my mother directing me like she was still beside me. “That’s it, my girl. You got it!” I smiled to myself, almost believing that this wasn’t a dre...

Here is the third installment of the book I am working on, Always and Forever. Again, if you want to remember what was happening last or if you missed the first two parts, you can find each piece of the story under the label Always and Forever in the left sidebar.   Instead, I focused my attention on a rack of modest business suits. Simple, with no frills, they’d get the job done without spending too much. “I like this one.” I motioned for Tara, who was distracted by the section of shoes, to come over. “What do you think?” “It looks very… sensible.” Her tone claimed that was a bad thing. “Good, because that’s what I wanted.” I picked out a light gray one. “Are you ready to go?” “That can’t be it. You need more than one suit of clothes.” Tara was flabbergasted.  “Why? I can only wear one at a time.” “But-” she sighed. “If you don’t pick out at least two more, I’ll do it for you.” I complied after that threat-like statement and found a navy blue skirt-blouse combo and a pea...

Here's another part of Always and Forever! If you want to re-read last week's section, I labeled it under "Always and Forever," where you can find all of my story posts on the left sidebar. Now to the story... :) I wandered around the kitchen until I knew the general location of what I would need, then found my way back to the front. “Feel good back there?” “Yes, ma’am.” I smiled. “We open in five minutes.” Leanne leaned her back against the long front counter. Her long black hair fell in braids over her shoulder but loose wisps of hair clung to her tight jawline. The girl, maybe mid-twenties, was sturdy, to say the least. Her height was shocking for a girl, but she made up for it in the gentle curves that rounded out her edges. She was not fat or pudgy, not at all. Simply big-boned and well built. But her smile was warm and welcoming. “So where ya from, Cassidy? Can I call you Cassie?” “Of course. I’ve lived here in New York all my life. It's the only home I know...

 As promised in my welcome post, I am planning on posting a part of a story that I am currently writing. Since I am writing it as I share it with you, I will not set a specific day I post it nor a specific amount... In other words, you get what you get when you get it. :) That also means that I'm not exactly sure what the plot will end up being because I am writing what pops in my head. However, I do know that this is a story, starting right before WW2, about a girl who grew up alone on the streets of New York. She quickly learned to not trust anybody, but, with the help of an old (and a new) friend, she learns what family really is. Anyway, without further ado, the first section of my story that is tentatively titled Always and Forever. New York, May 1938 I hurried out the door, slipping the strap of my messenger bag over my shoulder. The first day of my new job and I was running late. A great start so far. I picked up my pace, swerving around the crowds of people who were most li...