madwomanramblings

[madwomanramblings]

Tanner Adell's Buckle Bunny blasts on the radio as the wind whips through my curls. My drop top Mustang GTO barrels down the highway under the night sky full of stars. I chuckle to myself thinking about how my grandpa would have chastised me for listening to any song with such a derogatory term in it meant to shame women. Wagging his finger at me, all the while tapping his foot right along to the beat.

My spirits are high as I inhale the sweet scent of Spring blossoms from my home state of Texas. Something about being home does wonders for the soul. The weight I had been carrying for miles dissipates the further I get away from Georgia. My troubled mind releasing tension with every mile I put between me and my problems: mainly men.

Men and their manipulations I have come know lately sours my stomach. Rubbing my belly I let out a deep breath. I will not let them plague my mind even if they have been at the root of my issues recently. Henry, Korbin and Marcus; they all have used me in some way to further their agendas. I'm so sick of it all.

'Even Damien', the intrusive thought filters through my anger. I growl in frustration.

'Especially him.' He knew what the other three did to me and still he wanted to join the club so bad. The anger bleeds into an ache in my chest just thinking about my latest failed relationship. Rubbing my chest I gaze at the rapidly changing landscape. 'I can't believe I fell for a beautiful smile and let's face it, great sex.' I muse clenching my thighs together and fight not to smile.

"Stop it Cal!" I shout against the wind as my foot presses down on the accelerator. My car shoots forward moving faster down the road. 'You have escaped that life of blood, destruction and well meaning people with ulterior motives. Focus on what's important.'

"Family," I whisper, nodding my head, agreeing with my assessment. My father seemed pretty stressed when he called me days earlier. Marcus had a rule about no contact with our love ones after our rebirth. Basically, don't do it. They need to realize you are dead and gone. It is a hard and fast rule for the Peach Kiss but this is MY family. He is my father. I have no choice but to come home when he calls.

The last time I listened to Marcus without question I missed saying goodbye to my favorite person in the world: my grandpa. That was tough to bear but my sisters: Natalie and Krystal were there for me. They were the only reason I was able to get through that entire situation. So never again. Even if it is about her.

"Cal? Baby girl?" His tenor voice floated through the receiver.

"Daddy?" my voice replied sounding small.

"Thank goodness you answered, sweet girl. I wasn't sure you would," he sighs relief clear in his voice. I smile to myself as bloody tears prickle the corners of my eyes. I didn't realize how much I missed hearing his voice. I go tell him as much but before I can respond he continues. "It's your mom. You need to come home."

My breath catches in throat. "Okay," I say before hanging up and heading for the entrance.

While I am not my mother's biggest fan my heart stopped. Okay so it hasn't really beat still I was turned but the sentiment is the same. She was my first tormentor and trigger for my anxiety. But family is family and she birthed me. So here I am 20 miles away from my childhood home.

"You are a hard vamp to find," the flowy voice says from my passenger seat. I grind my teeth knowing by the infliction in her voice who it was.

"How are you here, Yolie?" I ask the spirit who befriended me when I first joined the Peach Kiss.

"Wherever you and that Damien person were hiding made it exceedingly difficult to locate you. And I am an excellent tracker," she responds instead of answering my original question. "Where were you?" she asks crossing her arms across her chest while she faces me. Her ghostly elbow passes through the upholstery of the car seat. She must be upset if she can't hold her corporal form around me.

"Some place where I knew he wouldn't find me," I muttered under my breath. She sucks her teeth and settles back into the seat.

"That is not an answer to my question, Calily. Fine, don't tell me," she retorted. "Where are we heading?" she asks looking at the rushing scenery.

My annoyance from earlier simmers at the surface. I don't need this aggravation. But after a few moments of silence, "My parents' house," I mumble. Her head whips around to face me. She seemed to have a thought but whatever it was died on her lips. That is not like her. At least not with me.

"What is it, Yolie?" I ask knowing something was up. All I got in reply was a smile and turning back to the changing scenery.

"Yolie?!" I ask firmer than before as we turn off onto the long drive toward my childhood home. "If you know something you better tell me before I get to this house. Don't force me to make you tell me," I threaten pointing my finger at her while I continue to focus on the road ahead. I found that with spirits and undead beings with enough concentration I can make them do things that go against their conscience.

"You wouldn't," she states matter-of-factly as I stop the car in front of my parents' home. She is right. I have never used this ability on her but after everything that has happened over the past year I am reconsidering my stance on that topic.

"Don't make me," I reply calling to my power and calling her bluff. My gift sluggishly responds to me but I start to feel the cool wisps of the breeze start to lift my hair. I know my eyes are aglow with an internal fire that my magic fans. Yolie's eyes widen as she understand just how serious I am.

"Don't you dare," she stammers as my magic begins to collect in the palm of my hand. She huffs and then disappears before I can fling my magic her way. "That is not fair of you Calily," her disembodied voice calls to me before disappearing completely.

"Dammit!" I utter sitting back in my chair with a huff. I can't since her anymore knowing she will probably make herself scarce around me for awhile which sucks because she is great at collecting intel.

Apprehension consumes me as I debate about entering my parents. I don't want to go in there unprepared but the longer I sit in my car the sooner I will be discovered. With my hand on my keys about the turn the car back on the front door opens. All 6'2" of my father's frame blocks the light coming from inside the house as he stands on the threshold. He crosses his arms as he waits patiently for me to make up my mind. With a sigh, I open my door and take a deep breath before stepping out.

As I approach the front door he steps aside to allow me to come inside. Once inside I turn to my father's looming frame as the smile he had been trying to hide breaks free and he engulfs me in a bear hug lifting me off the ground. I hug him back just as fiercely being careful not to break him. Vampire strength and all.

I melt against the strength that is my father smelling of Irish Spring soap, coffee and Big Red gum. I could never feel anything but safety and contentment in his arms. Marcus was a close second but nothing like the original. To say I am a Daddy's girl is the understatement of the year. He is the only man in my life I can count on. Reluctantly, I pull back from the hug as he sets me down on my feet. His laugh is booming as he pulls me into his side as he ushers me down the hallway to the living room.

"This is a surprise," he says as we reach the living room.

"What do you mean?" I ask confused as he rubs the back of his neck. "You called me remember. You said something was wrong with mom," I tell him. His brow furrows as if he is trying to remember something that is just at the edges of his mind. He even takes out his phone to look at his call log.

"Huh, I did call you, didn't I?" he questions still rubbing the back of his neck. "But you mom is fine. She is in Mexico helping your abuela with a beauty pageant. You know how they get when they are together. So I stay far away from that headache," he chuckles at his own joke.

I watch him closely. He doesn't seem to be in distress but something is definitely off.

"Well, since you are here let's catch up. My baby girl has returned home. You don't know how good it is to see you," he says clasping me around my upper arms. That's when I see it. His eyes are off. Not quite focused. Someone's here. Shit!

"Dad, look at me," I tell him. He beams down at me and the tick of the cheek and the beading sweat on his brow. Yep, he has been glamoured. Someone glamoured him. Shit, shit, shit! This is not good. I grab my father by the shoulders and lead him to the couch as my senses stretch out in search of an intruder in the house. But there is nothing. No sense of malice or darkness.

"Dad, has anyone new came by the house?" I ask. His brow furrows again as if he is searching his memory but when he looks back at me he just smiles.

"Sweet girl, it's been too long. When did you get here?" he asks as if on autopilot.

"Frack! Who the Hells had the audacity to come after my parents? That is why I left," I mutter to myself.

"What else was I supposed to do?" his voice rolls over me. My heart stutters in my chest. One minute there is nothing and now the air is suffocating me with his heat. His energy radiates towards me. It surrounds me just like his smell does. "Cali," he breathes mere inches away from me.

I stand up straight and fight to keep the shutter from my body. "Gods damn you Marcus, why?" I ask as the first tear falls onto my cheek. "Why couldn't you just let me go?"

"I heard Damien was looking for you. I don't know what he did but I'm glad he did it. You are mine," he replies spinning me to face him. "You ran from me and now him. I knew the only man you would run to is your father. I had to get you back," he explains as his hand cups my cheek wiping away my tears.

"How dare you?!" I yell at him pushing against his broad chest. "You should have let me go. Why would you break your own fracking rule for this and contact my family?" I say anger lacing my words with the menace I hope he feels. "You had no right to do that. You let me go when you didn't choose me. You don't get to come here and flush me out like this," I yell at him.

I slam my fists into his broad chest again but Marcus doesn't move. He just reaches for me again and pulls me into his embrace. My body betrays me by melting into him. It was like I never left as he wraps his arm around my back.

"I'm sorry," he pleads lifting my chin up to face him. "I'm sorry," he repeats himself as his lips brush against my cheek. "I was a fool and I am never letting you go again." His kisses warm my tear-stained skin as he kisses my other cheek and then my forehead. "I should have chosen you. Give me another chance."

I turn my face into his hand when I smell the smoke. I look at it and see the ash smudges and blood. That's when the familiar cooper scent hits me. He is bleeding from different places on his body and not healing. I can feel his energy is extremely low. I step back and he lets his arm fall at his side. His black pants are ripped showing slashes of red on his legs. His normally pristine white shirt is dirty with mud, ash and blood. There are rips and tears everywhere. I finally look up at his face. His eyes are shallow with dark circles underneath and his cheeks are hallowed. It looks like he hasn't shaven in weeks. None of these things are Marcus the Moor.

"What happened, Marcus? Where is Korbin?" I ask right before he slumps down against me.

#black authors #urban fantasy #black vampire #love #family

[madwomanramblings]

Darren's lips lightly brush my neck as his arms wrap around my waist. "What are you looking at?" he whispers in my ear not to disturb the peace of the kitchen. It's early enough in the morning that the night disappears as the sun begins its weary trek across the sky. This is my silent time before the rest of the house wakes up. I spend most mornings by myself looking out of the huge picture window taking in our beautiful garden. When the light from the sunrise hits it just right the garden comes alive. It brings me joy every time I see it before the chaos of life ensues. I love my children but they are an act of nature: wild and unpredictable. However, this morning Darren isn't the only visitor I have joining me in my peace.

"That owl keeps staring at me," I reply after a few moments. His brows furrow and he adjusts his hold on me as he leans further over my shoulder.

"What owl?" he askes searching the lightening sky. I point to the limb of the apple tree closest to the house where the owl has been perched for the last hour. His wide yellow eyes slowly blink at us as he settles his feathers.

"Huh, that's interesting. Isn't it too late for them to be out? I thought they only hunted at night," he responded before kissing my neck and releasing me to get his morning fix. Even though I enjoy tea and have spent the better part of a year perfect my morning blends, my husband still can't shake his addiction to coffee. It probably doesn't help that I enable him by making a fresh pot and setting out his favorite mug: 'Wolves do it better'. Sipping my tea I chuckle as he exhales after his first gulp of liquid fuel. How he can drink coffee pipping hot I will never understand. I have to wait until my tea cools down before I can enjoy it. Even taking that sip makes me keenly aware I will have to wait a bit longer. 'I guess it is a werewolf thing,' I muse as I set my cup down on the counter next to me.

The owl shifts on the tree limb drawing my attention back to him. He tilts his head to the side as if trying to solve a riddle. I tilt my head mimicking the owl as it shifts one more time before settling. It really is late for nocturnal creatures to be out. The sun is about to come up. At least it won't turn to ash like....

"Well, whatever you do don't go pissing it off. We could use a break from the fighting for a while," Darren playfully chastises me as he grabs his bag and tumbler. He stops briefly on his way out the door to thoroughly kiss me. I sigh into the feel of his strength and warmth of his love.

"Keep doing that and I may have to be late to the job site this morning," he comments voice low and rumbly. My laugh fills the kitchen as I push him towards the door so he can be on his way. The light smack on my butt and his chuckle the only indications that he is heading out. I turn back to the window picking up my cup of life tea as the sun's rays continue their languid dance across the yard.

Darren was right about one thing I will give him that. Our last battle left scars we are still healing from. Some scars are deeper than others. Calily's ran deep. So deep Marcus couldn't reach here. None of us could. Now she is out there with Damien.

My heart aches thinking of what could be happening to my sister. Even though Calily and Krystal aren't my sisters by blood, we are bonded on a supernatural level that spans time and space. We are - were so connected we could feel each other no matter where we were in the world. Now there is an empty space where her light once belonged. Calily cut off her connection to Krystal and I after our last battle. No matter how often we try to reach out there is nothing there just darkness. I send a silent prayer out to Hecate to light her way back to us.

Sccccreeecchhhh.... "Shit!" I swear as the owl launches itself into the pre-dawn sky taking flight. My tea spills on my hand burning me. "I thought you dumb animals only hooted. Not cool owl, not cool," I mutter to myself.

"You should place some of that lavender salve on that burn before it scars," a voice suggests from behind me.

"What the Fu--" I yelp, spinning around to face the intruder. An older woman leans against the huge oak table in the middle of my kitchen. She is wearing a beautiful flowing purple dress cinched at the waist with a gold belt in the shape of a snake. Her short black moto jacket makes her stark white hair stand out. The owl who startled me is perched on the back of the chair next to her.

"The salve," she repeats pointing to the counter next to me. Clutching my injured hand to my chest I look over my shoulder and sure enough a tin of my homemade lavender salve is right where she is pointing. My brow furrows in confusion.

"I didn't leave this out," I mutter to myself.

"I know dear. I did. As one of my daughters I have to ensure you are cared for. All of my children must be cared for and look after. Even Calily. That was your petition, correct?" she asks clasping her hands in front of her, smiling.

"Wait. You're not.... Hecate?" I question. My mind blown at the fact a goddess I just started getting to know is now standing in my kitchen.

"Of course, dear. Who else would have sent a sentry to inform me of your petition," she replies as she nods her head towards the owl.

"Too bad I was a little tardy or I could have met that yummy wolf of a husband of yours," she teases as she approaches me. My mind is trying to process everything as quickly as possible but I feel stuck on stupid.

Hecate reaches for the tin next to me. She opens it and taking a little bit on her finger she takes my hands from my chest. Not sure of what to do I let her take my injured hand into weathered yet soft one. Almost immediately the salve begins to sooth my angry skin. I watch in awe as she hums and rubs the great smelling ointment on my burn. Memories of my mother flash through my mind as Hecate lifs her head and smiles warmly at me. Her hand gently touches my cheek wiping away the wetness that dampened my skin. I hadn't even realized I was crying but I feel as if something has healed within my soul I didn't know was broken.

"All will be well my daughter. We will find our lost soul. Calily will come home to us."

#witches #urban fantasy #literature #black authors

[madwomanramblings]

This page has been a journey of self discovery through my writing. Or at least that had been my intention after my divorce over a decade ago. There have many highs and lows on this journey that have shaped my life and my writing. As I think back over the last couple of years and realized I lost my spark. Maybe not truly lost it but it took a back seat as I mourned the lost of people who were so meaningful to me.

Try I might it has taken some time for me to put my thoughts to paper. There always seemed to be a mental block preventing me from translating the scenes in my head to the written word. After awhile the scenes stopped playing altogether, taunting me with their absence. However, today the words didn't want to remain in my head any longer. They begged me to speak my truth as I know it to be.

Grief had been like a constant friend over the past few years. It was like a weighted blanket that pressed down on my heart. I couldn't shake it. I drowned myself in work but couldn't quite find peace in avoidance. Not like I used to when I loss my father and became divorced. This time things were different because not only did I lose a dear friend and a stepmother but I lost parts of my identity.

Someone once said show me who you your friends are and I will show you who you are. There is truth to that statement. After my divorce I had found stability and friendship in a writing group. They were a lifeline I never knew I needed at the time but glad I found. I grew out of a depression and as a writer. I rediscovered my love for writing and how therapeutic it was to put my thoughts down even if no one read them. I grew to know my authentic self with this group of people I called friends. I discovered who I was and what it meant to walk in the world excited to be a part of something larger than myself.

Then a couple of years ago I lost a sister in writing to complications of COVID. She was such a force in my life. I didn't realize how much her presence gave me joy until she was no longer there. Cliché as it sounds I didn't know what I had until it was gone. She will be sorely missed because she loved, challenged and laughed with me through the short time I got to call her friend.

As I mourned that loss and wallowed in my pain I missed clues from those around me. The other writers in the group grew distant and we never seemed to recover after that loss. There were definitely other factors that led to our disbandment, some known and other unknown, however, I grieved the loss of friendship just as much as I grieved the loss of life. It was an ending of something that helped define and shape me.

Just when I thought I could come back. Just when my spark started to flicker to life I was hit with even more unfortunate news. My stepmother, a woman had known me for 39 years of my life, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It had spread throughout her body and it was eating away at the vibrant person we knew her to be. I would love to say I stoically went to her and didn't leave her side until the end but that would be a lie. That honor goes to my brother and his wife. They tirelessly watched over her and cared for her and like a coward I waited.

It seems like a harsh word to describe oneself but there is truth in that word. I waited and even though I asked when they thought I would be needed a part of me became relieved every time they told me 'not yet'. That was until I went to see her in the rehab facility. She was almost unrecognizable. My heart shattered as I looked over at my siblings all of us mourning her. There wasn't a choice at that point. I went back to Texas to relieve some of the burden from my brother and his wife and help with the end of life care and arrangements.

Life has a funny way of putting things into perspective for you especially during times of loss and grief. As we laid a good woman to rest I had to lay to rest another friendship that had run its course. After returning home I was greeted with some hostility from someone I worked with and became fast friends with. We had similar interests and I pulled her into my life hanging with my friends and being in my home.

I guess being consumed by my family tragedy caused me to miss the signs. Another person letting me know I became the villain in their life's story. The full reason will be a mystery and I realized life is too short to deal with unnecessary drama. For whatever I did to cause this person to leave my life I am truly sorry for any intentional or unintentional pain. However, at the end of the day I mourn the loss but move forward. While endings are sad they pave the way to new beginnings.

And so the voices are back. The scenes play in my head again. My characters are shedding their mourning frocks and so must I. Therapy helps but giving myself time to actually grieve helped more. Time to put pen to paper. Let's see what comes up.

#black authors #dealing with grief #loss #new beginnings

[madwomanramblings]

Enemies revealed

“Why?” she asked as blood dribbled down the side of her face. Ruby colored rivulets contrasted against the beauty of her honey brown complexion. My mouth became suddenly dry, and I licked my lips. My fangs slowly descended as her fear flooded the air. I watched the terror take form as she realized I wasn’t who I presented myself to be.

               “None of it was real…. But I wish it was,” I whispered. Natalie sat bound and on her knees. It was a beautiful sight to behold. I wondered if her wolf ever got her to submit the way I just did. I felt the corner of my mouth tilted up at the thought of having her at my mercy. She was one of the most powerful witches I had ever come across, but she wasn’t Kalti. All of this had been for Kalti. It always has been. I owed her everything. Natalie was just a means to an end.  

               “You were real this whole time,” she muttered more to herself than to me. The question rattled me. Taking in Natalie’s brown eyes struck me hard and fast as anger, confusion and sadness ghosted across them. She perplexed me to no end.

I shaped and molded her family into what it was today. None of them even remotely piqued my interest; except for her. Natalie. I halted my wayward hand that had begun to reach out to her. Sadness had filled her eyes along with unshed tears. Some part of me wanted to wipe that emotion from her. Her suffering was necessary. 

‘Emotions are so useless’, I thought letting my hand drop back to my side.

               “Yes, my little witch. I am real. I was real in your dreams, in your life and almost in your bed,” I uttered allowing the sadness to taint my last words. She shook her head and anger burned away everything that had been present. Anger lit her face up making her look like an avenging angel. ‘Breathtaking.’    

               “I trusted you! We trusted you! Why would you do this to us? To me? I thought…” she paused confusion starting to chip away at her fierce armor.

               “Don’t be naïve, Natalie. You are smarter than that. You know better than that,” I chided her. Somewhere in my blackened chest I felt a small twinge. She would not make me feel. I couldn’t feel. That ability died with Wolfsbane. I would not go back to being that weakling. I can’t go back to being him. I wouldn’t be worthy to be by Kalti’s side. I wouldn’t even be worth to be by Nat …. No.

               “Then so be it. If we are to be enemies then that is what we will be,” she announced, the defiance back in place. It made me smile. 

               “No, Natalie, we would have to be equals to be enemies. We are not equals,” I chastised her as she stayed bound on her knees in front of me. She struggled against her bindings as Damien came to the door and nodded.

               “Equals or not this isn’t the end of us,” she declared. Still smiling I walked over to her and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. She continued to struggle and even reached out to bite me. Ironic. I chuckled as I turned to leave. Once at the door I lit the room on fire and walked out into the hallway. “This isn’t the end of us!” she screamed over the roar of the flames.

Damien pushed off of the wall he had been leaning on. “That was a bit overkill don’t you think, Mallec,” he stated. “Why would you do that if we need her?” he asked.

“We don’t need her anymore. We have her daughter,” I answered. Then looked back at the room fully engulfed in flames now. I whispered, “I did it because I had to, not because I ever wanted to.” I would never admit that to him or anyone else.

#vampire #black witch #enemies

[madwomanramblings]

Ink and Scars

The sunlight peeked through the crack in the daytime blackout curtains. I couldn’t tell if he meant for that to happen or if it had been accidental. I quickly decided it had been on purpose when his tall frame blocked the stray beam of light that threatened my new boots at the foot of the bed. His back was a masterpiece of ink and scars, raised marks marred the delicate skin. His muscles flexed making the tapestry on his back ripple and come to life. The tiger that dominated the tattoos appeared to leap right at me.  

               I blinked trying to rehydrate my dry scratchy eyes because I felt compelled to keep watching him move through the light. This man had no business being this beautiful but since being ‘blessed with the gift of night’ as Marcus called it, I have been surrounded by the most beautiful men I have ever seen. Damien was no exception. They were all beautiful but ugly at the same time.

Marcus, the ugliest of them all, had taken everything from me including my heart. Yep, he ripped it from my chest and stomped on it. I left the Peach Kiss in a flurry of tears when he rejected me after what I thought was a magical night with him. My body was his before that night and as he whispered his feelings for me against my ear my heart became his too. We had fit together, like we were made for each other and in the throes of passion he confessed his heart’s desire… me.

Or at least my naïve heart felt it was true. When morning comes or night for vampires, you find out the truth is more complicated than it was in the quiet moments between lovers. Maybe not for everyone but for us it had been. Korbin called me into the meeting room to discuss my performance on the case with Krystal. Needless to say, I was ripped a new one. Korbin’s words had cut deep, especially because I had already felt guilty about Krystal being captured and tortured. We got her back, but she still wasn’t talking to me, and it made me feel a little lost. Korbin’s rant didn’t help matters in the least. I had no choice but to turn my hero, my heart, my Marcus.

However, his reaction was even worse. His cut was so deep I bled out on the floor before them. I felt childish, ashamed, guilty, and then angry. I was on my knees before them as the anger welled up inside me. Marcus told me I would never be in this position ever again yet there I was about to beg for forgiveness for something that wasn’t completely my fault. With tears streaming down my face I stood, flipped them off, said my peace and left. I had been crying ever since. That was until he found me. I was wandering through downtown Atlanta trying to figure out how my life had gotten so screwed up.

I sensed him before he spoke up, “Pretty ladies shouldn’t be out this late by themselves,” he quipped.

“Fuck off,” I muttered as I continued walking. However, I didn’t get far because he was suddenly in front of me. His amethyst eyes searched my face as the merriment that had been there a moment ago disappeared. I shifted lowering my gaze from his more intense one.

“A queen should never lower her gaze to anyone. Marcus should have told you that, Calily,” he said lifting my chin so that I was staring into his mesmerizing eyes once again.

“How do you know my name?” I breathed trying to pull my chin from his grasp. He let my face go.

“I know a great many thing, beautiful flower,” he said as his dimple in his right cheek appeared as he smirked. “I know that Marcus is a damn fool for letting his pride let you walk out that door. Moor is the fool this time,” he said, his words clipped as his jaw worked up and down in quiet anger. I was stunned at his knowledge and candidness about my situation. “Come,” he said stepping beside me allowing me to take his arm. We walked through the rest of the night ending up here.

And I continued to watch him from the bed as he turned towards me, sunlight highlighting his muscular shoulder smoke rising from his skin. His eyes flashed in the dark as he stalked closer to me. In a blink he was on top of me. His lips crashed down on mine stealing what breath I had left in my lungs. Which you can imagine is difficult since vampires don’t need to breathe.

“Morning my beautiful flower,” his deep gravelly voice whispered across my skin. It made my fangs descend. He made my insides squirm and new life blossomed throughout me. I smiled before frowning at the scorch mark on his shoulder. He sighed knowing my concern. “No matter how old we get, the sun will always be our enemy.”

“Then why do you play with it?” I asked trying to sit up. He pushed me back down onto the mattress clasping his hands around my wrists. His face full of hunger. It spoke to my own hunger for being noticed and accepted. He leaned down towards my ear.

“I like playing with dangerous things,” he confessed. I kissed his scorch mark eliciting a moan from him before sinking my teeth around it. His blood pooled in my mouth, and I drank it down. He gasped in surprised, and I flipped him over, so I was on top grinning down at him. 

He laughed before his hand was suddenly around my throat. “If you do that again, I’ll throw you out that fucking window you- “ his warning faltered as I was suddenly next to the window escaped from his grasp. Not as bold as he was, I only peeked out into the daylight beyond not brave enough to dance between beams of light. He sat up in the bed staring at me completely confused, “What are you doing?“

My grin was ear to ear as I let the curtain drop back safely in place. “Checking how high the drop is, to see if it’s worth it,” I replied giggling. His laughter mingled with mine as he grabbed me and took me back to bed.  

#vampires #Black Authors

[madwomanramblings]

Scars

I watched as the green digital numbers ticked by on the tiny screen above the silver sliding doors. I shifted my weight to my right foot as I rubbed the scar on the side of my neck. Muzak floated down around the strangers in the semi crowded elevator. Someone near the front cleared their throat and I sighed hitching the scarf up higher on my neck to cover the reminder of that night.

It haunted me even months later. The ghost of the steel still sent shivered down my spine. I had to make a  conscious effort not to tremble and draw unwanted attention to myself. Marcus told both me and Calily I couldn’t help with vampire affairs anymore. Even though I didn’t blame my friend I still silenced her calls and left her texts unread. One day last week she even showed up at my place. Aunt Stormy turned her away because I was too chicken shit to talk to her. No one blamed her for what happened, but I couldn’t trust myself around her anymore. I always felt invincible was I was near her like nothing bad could happen to me. That led me to take unnecessary risks every single time.

Now I stood in a high-rise elevator on my way to see my doctor avoiding eye contact with the other occupants in this tiny space. My abilities have been short circuiting and I needed to get a grip on them. Get back to being me. Before the vamps. Before the fae. Before he happened to me. Jona.

‘Krystal’, his deep gravelly voice whispered my name. My breathe hitched in my throat as I looked up meeting the reflection of his bright green eyes. A long finger went to his lips to quiet me. Then a large, calloused hand traced across my midsection as the other brushed my long hair over my shoulder. Fucking fae magick. He had pulled me into another dimension where no one in this elevator would notice him. The spell only worked as long as I held eye contact and didn’t move too much.

His warm breath tickled my ear as he spoke, “I told you I would always be here when you needed me.” A tear trickled down my cheek as I fought my body not to lean into his presence. Being this close to him with the heat of him chasing away the chill of the memory of the steel that had marred my flesh.  

“I will believe that when I see it,” I retorted trying unsuccessfully to break free of his hold. He sighed looking at the scarf wrapped around my throat. Jona loosened it, pulling it free of me and exposing all I had hoped to keep hidden. His finger traced over my reminder of that night bringing about more tears. I had called for him on the wind as they tortured me. He didn’t come then, and this was the first time I had seen him since it had happened. The heat behind me intensified as did his grip around my midsection. Calily wasn’t the only person who blamed themselves for what happened that night.

“There were …… complications ….” he paused as his soft lips kissed the raised skin on my neck. “There is no excuse,” he stated before I could say it. Just then the elevator doors opened, and a man stepped on facing everyone as the doors closed behind him. He stared straight at me and then over my shoulder. He saw Jona and Jona snarled at him. They knew each other and the acknowledgement made the stranger’s mouth turned up at the corners. The stranger wasted no time flicking his fingers severing the connection between Jona and I. We were both thrown back to where we started out. I stumbled into the older lady who was standing in front of me. I mouthed an apology as I looked up at the stranger who still was facing the rest of us in the elevator.

“So, I bet you are wondering why I’ve gathered you here,” the stranger began before hitting the emergency stop button.

[madwomanramblings]

The Oracles

               “Is this the right place, Nat?” Calily asked. I looked at my phone double checking the information I was given.

               “This is the address I was provided,” I replied, scratching my eyebrow looking down at the screen. We both looked up at the fading sign on the strip mall store front.

“Hair Oracles. That is what is in the text,” I grimaced showing her my phone. We were already in a forgotten neighborhood in Washington D.C. with its broken streetlights, litter scattered everywhere, potholes galore and the shuffling masses aimlessly wandering about. The sun had dipped low on the horizon casting the storefront in shadows, but the light inside beckoned to us. It’s warm and inviting glow a welcoming contrast against the hint of winter in the autumn air.  

“Let’s make this quick,” Calily murmured as she started striding towards our destination. “Marcus wants us back within the hour.” I huddled deeper into my jacket and quickened my pace to catch up with her.

The bell chimed announcing our entrance and we took a minute to examine the room. Women with braids worked on other women’s hair in various stages of washing, blow drying, or styling as they laughed and chatted with their customers. The vibe was relaxed with an underlying buzz of energy humming throughout the space. Calily scented the air, tasting it in that weird vampire way. Whatever she caught wind of caused her to still beside me. That was never a good sign for a vampire.

“Welcome ladies! I’m Cassandra,” the tall older woman called out to us. “I have been expecting you, Natalie Athena Richards,” she said approaching us. She stopped in front of us causing her waist length braids to swing slightly. Her gaze iced over as it slid to Calily as she clasped her hands. “We can even make room for you child.” 

Calily glared back at her and stood a little straighter. My friend was a fighter, and I could tell by that look on her face was definitely triggered by the other woman. However, before she could react, Cassandra gestured to two chairs in the middle of the shop that had not been free moments ago. We moved towards  them feeling compelled by an unseen force. I moved with the flow of energy, concerned but not protesting too much. We did come here for help. I wasn’t leaving until I got it. 

Calily, on the other hand, seemed to be fighting against it. Her body became rigid in protest to the pull. A snarl formed on her lips. I would be hearing about this later when we left. Hopefully.

We landed in our chairs as Cassandra approached mine. I tried to settle myself by clearing my throat. “I didn’t make a reservation and you look pretty busy. We can come back another time,” I told her as she loosened my ponytail. My hair cascaded down over my shoulder and I felt her hands fluff it out.

“No need. I was expecting you,” she purred behind me. “But not your friend,” she added clicking her tongue and tugged at a snag in my hair.

“Ouch,” I murmured to myself touching the spot she tugged at on my head. Before I could respond the noise in the background quieted around us. I looked around to see everyone still carrying on as they had before, but we weren’t able to hear them anymore.

Cassandra clicked her tongue again, “Don’t worry Natalie Athena Richards. You are quite safe.” She took a comb out and began raking it through my curls. “You are here to know more about your ability, and I have the answers you seek.” I caught her hand and stared at her in the reflection of the mirror I was now facing.

“How? How do you know?” I asked wary of her powers. She smiled at me and leaned in close to my ear.

“We are the mouth pieces of the gods,” she whispered.

“Gods? Which ones? There are many that beings in this world worship,” I asked my brow furrowed. I grew up believing in only one god but have learned since that there are many in this plane of existence.  She threw back her head in laughter and returned to combing my hair shaking her braids as she went on.

“Who said anything about this universe,” she replied nonchalantly. “You and your friends have been busy. And messy.” She paused and looked up at my reflection in the mirror. “You should do better at cleaning up after yourselves. Portals are can be traveled both ways.” She chucked to herself and turned her attention back to my hair. 

I gasped as it hit me. Kalti, the gods from her universe and the ones from ours. We were told not to open that portal but it was the only way. A cold pit formed in stomach just then. Something bigger was coming and we weren’t ready for it.  

[madwomanramblings]

Blood looks good on you

Horror bloomed across my face as I sat back. Slowly, my hands came into view. They were stained crimson from all the gore. I didn’t have to look into a mirror to know my eyes were wide and wild as I took in the rest of the scene. I knelt in front of a rapidly cooling corpse, precious blood running in rivets from the wound I had inflicted on his neck. My once white dress was now as red and sticky as my hands. The sweet nectar of his life force coursed through me. I felt so alive even more so than before I was turned. I closed my eyes as a symphony played for me. I savored the heightened feelings as they washed away the horror, I had experienced moments before.

My heart began to beat faster, and heat warmed my skin. This was nothing like Marcus and Korbin had described. Part of me understood now how seductive drinking from the source could be. The other part of me was in agony at taking a life. The melody playing in my ears drowned her out. The sharp metallic smell of the blood rose around me, and I wanted more.      

My eyes flashed open to the scene around me. Bodies laid all around me. People fought in the background. Destruction was everywhere but my focus was all for him. He stalked towards me sword in hand dripping blood. His fangs were on full display and his violet eyes ringed in red. His white shirt was coated in blood and his black leather pants clung to muscular legs. When he reached me he leaned down searching my eyes his hand going to the back on my neck. The heat from him setting me on fire.

“All that blood looks good on you. It really brings out your eyes, Calily,” he smirked before his lips crashed against mine. We kissed as I raised to my full height. He pulled me against his body his arm tightening around me.

“Damien,” I whispered breathily pulling from our kiss.

“You are so much more than they let you be. You are a queen just like Kalti. Own it,” he insisted. “Be my blood queen and we will make the worlds bend to our will.”

I stared into his bright eyes. I knew he was right. I was more than what Marcus and Korbin allowed me to be. They always had imposed rules on me that I had no choice but to follow. I hadn’t chosen this life. My mortality was taken from me. My family was ripped from me. I was forced into something I didn’t want. I had swapped one gilded cage for another. Yet this man in front of me saw a strength inside of me I thought I had lost. He freed me and I couldn’t go back.

“Damien!” a voice roared cutting through the fog of violence going on around us. Damien looked up smirking at something over my shoulder. I turned to see Marcus cutting down men trying to take him out as he stalked towards us.

Damien kissed me deeply his tongue searching for mine locking us in a moment that I wanted to live in forever. As sudden as his heat scorched my soul, he ripped his lips from mine raising his sword to block Marcus’s blow. He moved me behind him, and I spared a glance at Marcus. For a moment his stoic mask slipped, and a bevy of emotions played across his face. Anger, rage but also emotions I hadn’t expected: pain and anguish.

My anger surged as they engaged in battle. He didn’t have a right to the last two emotions. He rejected me. He tossed me aside and left me vulnerable. He wanted to limit me and when I wouldn’t submit, I was of no use to him any longer. But I was strong. So much stronger than he knew. I would show him. I would show them all.

Korbin and more of his men poured into the fighting around us. They began taking out Damien’s men as the two men fought on. Clang of swords and snarls filled the air only to be drowned out by thrum of my rage. Korbin fought his way towards Damien and Marcus. His intent to gang up on Damien to cut him down clear. My rage continued collecting in my body humming and throbbing, calling to my power at my core. Usually, I would lock it down but not this time. I flung open the cage door to my gift. It mingled with my rage, feeding off it, filling me until I felt like I would explode.

With a scream that begun in my belly I plunged my hands into the ground in front of me. I pushed all the power and rage into the battle ground. I felt my gift connect to the bodies that littered the ground. It found the empty husks and imbued them with life. The dead of this battle began to rise picking up their weapons. The remaining fighters stopped fighting and watched in horror as I stood marveling at my power.

Damien knelt on the ground between Korbin and Marcus smiling at me. “I knew you would be the second coming,” he rasped out clearly exhausted from his fight. Korbin and Marcus stood in disbelief. They shared a quick glance before Marcus slowly approached me.

“Cali, my lo--,” he began as he came to face me. The endearment falling short when he noticed my scowl. He tried again, “Cali, what are you doing? This isn’t you.” Marcus reached his hand out to caress my bloody cheek.

The smell of him filled my nostrils and memories flooded my mind of intimate moments we had shared. I had to stop myself from leaning into his familiar touch. Anger flared to life again as the last memories of us overtook the others. I wouldn’t be toyed with again. He made his choice.

“It is now. Thank you for casting me aside. I truly know what I am capable of,” I finished crushing the last of his hope as I raised my hand and clenched my fist. My dead army started ripping into the people around us. Marcus was pulled from me swept away in the fray. Damien’s smiling face replaced his.

“Time to go, my blood queen,” he whispered to me as he pulled me away from my past to an unknown future, I was ready to embrace wholeheartedly.    

#Black Vampire #battle #lost love

[madwomanramblings]

Grandfather

 Hands intertwined with mine on either side. I looked over to see both Natalie and Krystal, my sisters in battle, standing with me. The tears had been a mere whisper before that simple gesture and my breathe caught in my throat. I had risked a great deal coming here. I went against Korbin’s edict and Marcus’s warnings. But I was more human than vampire and I couldn’t not show up to my grandfather’s funeral. That man meant more to me than life itself. As the Texas sun began its slow trek towards the horizon my tears began to fall towards the dusty ground beneath our feet.

               “I’m glad the talisman is holding up,” Natalie whisper to me. All I could do was vigorously nod my head in response. When I had received word of my grandfather’s passing, I knew I had to return home. Natalie and Krystal didn’t hesitate to find a way for me even though the men in my life forbade it. Natalie had just stared at Korbin and Marcus nodding her head, but I could already see the wheels turning in her head. Krystal was not as subtle and pressed her lips in a thin line, pulled out her phone and shot off a quick text.

               Through my tears and the numbness, I knew I would risk the sun to go see him one last time. With all the drama and turmoil, I had experienced lately I had to do one normal human thing before I had no family left to mourn. Even though I wouldn’t be able to hold my father’s hand and cry on his shoulder at such a loss, I knew I would be able to sing my grandfather off to a cowboy’s heaven in the sky. My grandfather had always told me that is how he wanted to go on his horse with the sun setting over the horizon with his favorite song being sung. 

               That is what I intended to do for him, give him the sendoff he deserved. I loved him for the gruff yet gentle hermit he was, and he loved me for the tomboy in a dress, wild and free spirit I was only in his presence. He detested my mother trying to change me into something I wasn’t. I was happiest here with him. Riding our horses, working in his blacksmith shop, counting all the stars in the sky, falling asleep in his arms inhaling the mix of tobaccos, sweat, whiskey and sage. I was truly alive here with him to watch over me. 

               As the minister finished committing my grandfather’s body to the ground in our family cemetery, sun continued its slow move just beyond the hills in the distance. My family and grandfather’s friends began to leave. My chest vibrated as his favorite song hummed through my lips. My mind searching for the words and hearing Natalie’s beautiful alto fill in the blanks. Krystal hummed along as I joined my friend’s melody. We sang softly as not to draw attention to ourselves while the grave diggers began filling in the hole. Strong hands clasped my shoulders as a presence warmed my back. Marcus said nothing as we watched the men finish their solemn duty and mosey off.

               “You came,” I said through deep inhales. He didn’t respond and only squeezed my shoulders before pointing off in the distance. 

                  A man stood silhouetted against the dying sun. Old ratty cowboy hat in his hand, piercing dark brown eyes clear and smiling. He waved his hat at me before he fitted it to his head. A horse appeared and he mounted it with a practiced grace of a seasoned cowboy. The song faltered on my lips as my breathe hitched again. A soft breeze picked up my loose hair as the words ‘I love you, tumbleweed’ danced along its swirls followed by a harmonica playing in the distance. 

                  My grandfather’s spirit smiled before he and his horse wandered out towards the hills, the sun finally sinking past the horizon. Both the spirit and the sun blinked out of sight at the same time and three strong pairs of arms held me as my knees buckled and the sobs finally broke free. Life as I had always known it would never be the same. However, my newfound family encircled me and held me as a part of me released my past. They accepted me just as my grandfather had. His love had got me through some tough times, but their love would heal me.   

#Black Authors #black vampire #loss #love

[madwomanramblings]

Teacher

               “How do you guide someone when you feel lost yourself?” I asked the one woman who I knew would have the answer. She paused and I could hear her smile slowly spread across her face.

               “Speak from your heart,” she finally replied.

               “That’s it?” I asked clearly flummoxed. “That is all you got?” I quipped. She chuckled entertained by my gentle ribbing.

               “Nat, you can have all the knowledge in the world but without wisdom it does nothing for you or for those around you. I am not the smartest person in the world nor the wisest. I know I have a purpose to do good and help others. I go where I am needed and allow my intuition to guide me.”

               “Tanya, you are smarter than you give yourself credit for and much wiser than you know,” I affirmed. “I guess I get hung up because my intuition tells me one thing and my mind tells me something completely different. Sometimes I feel like I sit with decisions too long and they pass me by.”

               “I know the feeling. Especially, if the experience is new or scary or you have convinced yourself you aren’t ready for it,” she summarized. “What makes you think you would be a good guide for this lost witch?”

               It was my turn to laugh, “Oh I don’t know. Maybe because she just randomly popped up into my life. Just walked right into my store looking like all sorts of confused, tried to steal from me on top of that.”

               “Yet, you saw someone in need of help and reached out to her,” Tanya said. “Sometimes that is the first step to guiding anyone. If you recall you sort of fell into my lap very much confused.”

               “Yeah, but that was different. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I couldn’t get past the voices to find myself,” I stated visions of my not-so-distant pass flashing across my mind’s eye.

               “There is your starting point. She is lost in her power in her own mind. Why not let her know where you came from so she can see that it isn’t impossible to make it back to herself,” Tanya finished and allowed me space to digest all of what she gave me. All I could do was smile knowing she was a lot wiser than she gave herself credit for.

               “Thank you. How did I get so lucky?” I asked finally knowing the way ahead.

               “You aren’t lucky. You are meant to walk this path. I am the lucky one who gets to watch you thrive when all others would have you fail,” she said her voice softening. “I have to run. Call me anytime,” Tanya said as hung up the phone.

The call ended as sunlight filtered through my kitchen window. I knew I had a purpose. One I had happily ignored because I didn’t feel like I was ready. The universe has a way of giving you the same circumstances over and over again until you accept your calling. I sat with my thoughts sipping my herbal tea. I guess my calling is to teach, I thought as a smile bloomed across my face.

#witch #life path #Black Authors

[madwomanramblings]

Ghost witches and Pirate vampires

"I'm a vampire medium in a town full of ghosts. This sucks," Calily complained over the phone. The bar she was in was a safe haven for supernaturals or supes. To be fair New Orleans was a haven city for supes. The bar was poorly lit with plenty of dark corners to get lost in. However she stood at a table in the middle of the room.

"It can't be that bad, Cali," the always reasonable voice of her friend Natalie rang through her ear buds.

"I'm serious Nat. How did you ever learn to control your ability? This is not a good look for me. I mean I have a ghost witch following me around ever since I entered the French Quarter. Do you know how hard it is to communicate when you don't know old French?!" Cali exclaimed taking a sniff and a sip of her drink. Then promptly grimacing at the amber fluid slouching around in the glass.

"I can't say that I know what it is like in New Orleans. I have never been. I do have friends there," Natalie chimed in as a waiter came by to offer Calily another drink. She waved him off as Natalie continued.

"Go see Minerva. She is a good person to know in general and especially there. She can help you gain some control your gift if things start to get out of hand," she paused. The slightest hesitation giving way to an almost audible silence as if she was rethinking the suggestion.  

“Nope. Yes, Minerva can help,” she determined. “Trust me, things could be a lot worse.”

“Oh yeah, how so?” Cali asked her ever so slight Texas draw becoming a little bit more pronounced. 

“There could be vampire pirates?!” Natalie joked as a slight breeze threw napkins along the sticky surface of the bar top. Cali looked up and swore under her breath. 

“Jimmie Christ, Nat! You would manifest the only vampire pirate in New Orleans to come stroll through the door. 

“What?!” her friend exclaimed as the slender frame slide in the seat next to hers. 

“Ahoy there, mate-y! The deep brunette whispered as a bottle of deep red liquid appeared in front of her. Cali took in her fashionable destressed jeans, form fitting white top and vintage satin bomber jacket. On the back was a design that could only be described as a family crest. 

“Ahoy?” Cali replied while lifting her repulsive drink to her mouth. But before she could taste the lukewarm swill. 

“Try this,” the brunette said before taking a sip from an ornate shot glass. Cali looked to her own hand to find a matching shot glass with a pleasant aroma wafting from it. This vampire was much older than she estimated. She hadn’t even registered the switch until the brunette had called attention to it. 

Cali obeyed taking a long draw from the mini chalice. The liquid warmed her throat on its way to snuggling in her belly. She instinctively licked her lips before she could stop herself.

The brunette smiled, “it’s okay baby vamp. Your master should not have let you come here alone. I expected better from Marcus.” Cali’s eyes grew round. 

“How did you-?” she began to ask as she looked around the bar. The ghost witch and other sups had seemed to give them a wide berth. “What th-?” Cali murmured as the room begun to spin. 

“Sleep now, ma bébé,” the brunette’s voice whispered from faraway. 

‘Frack! Not again. Marcus is going to kill me,” Cali thought before the darkness claimed her.    

#vampires #ghost #witches #new orleans #bars

[madwomanramblings]

The caper

               “Let’s try this again Ms. Waters,” the tired detective sighed. “Who are you working with? No disrespect but we know you aren’t the master mind behind this… caper,” he finished green eyes staring intently at Krystal. She blew her bangs out of her face and slowly blinking her large round violet eyes back at him.

               “Craig, you know I can’t say,” she started.

               “It’s Detective White, Ms. Waters” Craig corrected. Krystal crossed her arms chagrinned by the admonishment. The other larger man in the corner of the room chuckled to himself but cleared his throat when Craig’s piercing gaze swung in his direction.

               “Fine, detective White,” Krystal paused before adding under her breath, “Not like I haven’t seen that birth mark on your butt or anything.” The man in the corner burst out laughing then.

               “Get out Gomez,” Craig ordered. Gomez kept laughing quietly as he gathered his jacket and winked at Krystal. Craig turned the chair around and sat down leaning on the metal back of it for support. The door closed quietly behind before he focused back on Krystal.

               “Answer the question, Krystal,” he ordered.

               “Oh, now we are being informal, detective?” she mocked him.  

               “See, this is why we didn’t work out. You always push my buttons,” he visibly stopped and took a deep breath. Pinching the bridge of his nose, “Krystal please, who are you working with?” he asked again.

               Krystal squirmed a little on the metal chair. “Okay, this is super embarrassing,” she muttered. “I know he told me his name when we first met but I forgot and at this point it would be weird if I asked him for his name again, right?” she paused searching Craig’s face for any clue of his thoughts. All she found was stone faced cop staring back at her or more accurate fae face.

             The fae always were good at hiding emotions behind a blank stare. Craig was no different. He was royal blooded after all. She reached out to touch his outstretched hand but pulled it just outside of her reach.

             “Krystal,” he said in warning.

             “So, I just kind of go with ‘sir’ whenever I have to talk to him. It might be Jonas Greenleaf though. He looks like a Jonas. Most of the court fae look alike,” she finished just as the door burst open.

             “This interrogation is over. Krystal come with me,” announced the middle-aged looking blonde woman in the smart pants suit. Her Bluetooth glowing with its blue light and her thumb deftly typing away on her iPhone. All that was missing was her red trench coat and the multitude of small yapping dogs following her around. She looked up from her phone long enough to adjust the glasses on her face and beckon Krystal to get up from the table.

The peach kiss’s lawyer Maude didn’t need to wear the glasses. She had been a vampire for a long time, and I don’t think she needed them even when she was alive. She only wore them to appear more human. It is unclear if that really worked or not. However, Krystal got up from the table as Craig grimaced.

“Krystal, you know you need to do the right thing here,” he said as Maud and Krystal left the room heading for remote safety.

Once in the SUV, Marcus and Jona sat in seats facing the ones Krystal was dumped into. She straightened herself out and looked at the man candy sitting opposite her. “Bad news boys, I totally blew Jonas’s cover,” she announced. Both men looked at each other then back at her. Marcus with his one eyebrow raised and Jona with narrowed eyes.

“Wait, what?” Jona asked.

“Yeah, like they were staring at me, and Craig was the worse. So, I just told them that my contact’s name was Jonas Greenleaf.  Really sorry about that,” Krystal confessed.

“We don’t have a Jonas Greenleaf working for us. Are you thinking of Myla?” Jona asked.

“Oh right, that’s his name!” Krystal exclaimed now knowing her contact’s name. “Short green guy. Right. Then no harm done. The caper can continue as planned boys. Let’s go!”

[madwomanramblings]

Facing fears, Gaining a nemesis

To change my life I need to do something new. I need to step out of my comfort zone. I don't have to worry about problems that filled me with dread. I am a new person in a better situation. When problems arise I don't run from them. I face them. I overcome them because the universe has my back. I have no reason to fear. This to shall pass. I am stronger than ever. I--

"Hey lady! You need to move. The rest of us want a turn and you are taking too long," complained the portly red haired child behind me. A chorus to agreements joined his protest.

"Pipe down you little snit! I will jump when I'm good and ready," I retorted defiantly. I crossed my arms and turned around to face the 6 foot drop down into the 20 foot deep drink that was the Linx hot springs. I had fought witches, vampires and fae. This diving board would not best me nor the impatient hellion behind me.

I took a deep breath and steeled my nerves. "Ma'am, if you aren't going to jump I'm going to have to ask you to leave the diving board. Other people would like a turn," an authoritative voice said.

I turned around to face the mob at my back only to have my perspective shift as my came out from under me and down I went. The water rushed up to meet me and I was submerged in heated bliss. I made my way to surface and glared menacingly at my new nemesis, the red haired boy laughing gleefully as he jump from board without a care in the world.

I swam to the shallow end of the pool where Darren waited playing with our youngest. Thoughts of curses of stubbed toes and permanent baby fat danced in my head.

"So, no more diving board for you. At least you faced your fears and overcame them. Even if it looked like you fell," He said trying for reassuring but missing the mark.

"I did fall," I grumbled. Darren's pity face didn't help my wounded pride. "But I wouldn't have had that pudgy ginger not taunted me. I lost my concentration and fell," I whined looking and sounding alarmingly like our older moodier pre-teen son.

Darren wrapped his sun toasted arms around me. "It's okay. You went up and you did it even if you needed a little push." I melted against him reveling in the feel of him.

"Yeah but I would been more graceful if they had let me do it on my own terms," I pouted. He released me and picked up our daughter placing her on his back.

"I get it. Come on, let's get lunch," He said moving towards the pool's edge. Just then my ginger nemesis swam by cackling with some cronies. I glared again at the little snit as Darren turned his head. "No cursing other people's children."

#Black Authors

[madwomanramblings]

3 things challenge

Sometimes you need a little bit of a challenge to get the juices flowing. Here is my story using these three things: a red dress, a tattoo gun, and 2 pals. 

“Hold still so I can make this line straight,” Krystal giggled. The tattoo gun buzzed to life as she carefully touched it to Calily’s arm. 

“Wait, there isn’t a straight line in a heart. What in the Hells are you doing?” Calily asked taking another swig of the amber fluid in her Hello Kitty mug. 

“Shhhhh, I’m trying to concentrate,” Krystal said with her face inches from Calily’s arm, gingerly tapping the gun against her skin. 

“Ouch, Jimmie Jesus! I thought you knew what you were doing,” Calily yowled jerking her arm from Krystal’s unsteady hands. The tattoo gun clattered on the marble floor in Calily’s room. The gun continued to dance along the white floor leaving an artful squiggled line of red ink. 

The door burst open filled with the large frame of Marcus. “What in the Hells are you two doing?”

“Oh snicky!” Krystal swore and she reached down to pick up the rapidly escaping gun. Unfortunately, the gun had spun out of her way and she tripped over the hem of her red sequined ball gown. She laid sprawled on the floor having taken out her pal along the way. 

Combat boots and petite coats was all that Marcus could see as the women laughed hysterically at the turn of events. Who knew drinking with fairies would be so fun. 

Marcus walked over to the wall and unplugged the forgotten tool that had damaged the floor. He sniffed the cups they had been drinking out of and frowned. To the giggling heap, “Care to tell me how you manage to get ahold of Unicorn horn?”   

#writing challenge

[madwomanramblings]

Story time

       “Your bathtub is definitely better than mine,” Calily commented lazily wandering around the warm pool set into the floor of Marcus’s bathroom. Her hand glided along the Moroccan style tiles lining the circular spa. The walls’ intricate woven design shimmered against the candles burning softly in their alcoves. Marcus leaned back against the edge of the tub, one hand taking warm water and rubbing it down his bald head. Remnants of the liquid trickled down the grooves of his face following the path his hand had laid out ending tangled in his beard. He smiled at the familiar weight of Calily’s body as she settled down in his lap but the water made her float away from him a little. His long, strong arms wrapped around her waist anchoring her to him.

               “I am a pretty big deal around here, as you young people say,” he replied chuckling at his own joke. He could feel Calily rolling her eyes. He kissed her neck bringing a delightful giggle from her normally serious lips.

               “Have you heard of the term ‘dad joke’? Because that is what that was. A lame attempt at being funny,” she teased.

               “Ah yes, Krystal has used that term before at my other attempts at humor. Unfortunately, fatherhood has not been kind to me,” his comments turned solemn as his heart tightened at memories flashing through his mind. Calily gripped his arms around her waist in an awkward half hug. She didn’t know all the details of his past, but it had been a long one filled with many triumphs and even more regrets.  

               “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up a sore spot for you,” she apologized. Marcus nuzzled her neck as he blinked back tears. “You were turned before you could have children,” Calily stated, not a question but an assumption based off of the change in his mood.

               Marcus smiled sadly replying, “I did.” Calily whipped around to face him. She searched his face. Her brow creased in bewilderment. He kissed her forehead and returned her to her previous position. He whispered in her ear, “Storytime.” She snuggled in closer to him. His stories of Africa were always magical. She loved hearing them.

               Marcus cleared his throat before he began, “In a kingdom long ago lived a poor goat herder. Even though he did not possess much in material wealth he was wealthy in love. He and his wife welcomed their fifth child into the world. They were so happy because children were a blessing in their tribe. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. A pestilence spread across the land killing many livestock and crops. Many of their tribe suffered yet this goat herder and his family strived. Unrest quickly followed on the heels of this misfortune. Neighbor was pitted against neighbor. Brother against brother. However, the goat herder kept his family safe.” Calily shifted listening intently to his story.

               Marcus smiled again, “As events started to die out and the land seemed to lull into an unsettled peace plague arrived finally touching the goat herder’s family.”

               “Oh no!” Calily gasped riveted by the story. Marcus kissed her neck chiding her for interrupting.

               “The goat herder’s wife and youngest fell ill and later died from the plague. He brooded over his troubles as his oldest three sons tended the flock that remained. One night his children did not return home. He went in search of them in the fields beyond their desolate home. Only the animals were to be found. He returned home to the only child he had left and lamented on his woes. Who could have done such a thing to take all but one of his children? He would find them and shoot them with his arrow.

A commotion caught his attention, and he went to the door of his home. In the darkness a pair of ruby red orbs glowed in the darkness before the obscured moon shone its full light revealing a bright one. ‘Iruwa, the Shiny One’ he exclaimed. He knew who had brought the chaos to their land and he would shoot him and end it.”

            Marcus paused briefly before starting up again. “The poor goat herder armed with his bow and arrows set out until he reached the tall walled gateway. However, before he could sneak in a great noise filled the sky and the Earth trembled. A voice cried out, ‘Quick, open the gates she comes!’ The emptiness that been there a moment ago was replaced by a score of men and women dressed in gold and fires ablaze all about. The goat herder hid behind a large rock as a magnificent procession came into view. Animals and unnatural creatures, he didn’t have names for entered into the gates as the procession continued. Finally, an ornate litter came into view. The Shiny One was obscured from view behind a veil but he could almost make out his shape when the litter halted near his hiding place. He was so close and began to draw his bow and arrow. Until a golden curved sword threatened to cut his neck. He had not seen nor heard the golden warrior who now held his arm pulling him out into the light. The litter had moved on as the goat herder was escorted to a beautiful place.’

‘Where do you come from? Asked the King. ‘Why did you think you could draw an arrow on my litter?’ The king asked as the goat herder cowered in front of him. The goat herder glanced up at the king taking in his golden clock and fire red hair. His green eyes gleamed in the brightness of the palace.

‘Sorrow, my lord. Sorrow brought me far from home. My wife and youngest have died from plague and three eldest have been taken from me,’ the goat herder responded looking to the floor for his answer.

‘Then shoot me,’ the king responded. ‘If you be a man with nothing left to lose, shoot.’

‘Nay my lord. I dare not. I will not,’ the goat herder responded. The king smirked.

‘You seek me out, come to my home, draw upon me and demand your children back, is that it?’ the king summarized. ‘Then there they are, take them.’ The king pointed behind him. The goat herder looked up and his three eldest children stood in front of him. They stood there beautiful and radiant. He had never saw them this way in life and he wept. The king smirked again. ‘You have a choice: leave them here and return home or stay and join them.’ “ Marcus stopped.

         Calily looked up at him, “What happened next?” she asked.

          “The story that is told in the land of my birth is that poor man returned home with riches and lived happily with his remaining child,” he answered stroking the side of her face as she had turned to face him fully. Calily looked deeply into his eyes.

           “What really happened?” she asked knowing the truth without him confirming it for her.

              “The truth is I sit before you a childless old man with too many regrets in my life,” he replied pulling her fully onto his lap and kissing her deeply.

#vampire #folktale

[madwomanramblings]

Inner goddess

               “Breath in, 2, 3, 4. Breath out, 2, 3, 4,” the soothing voice echoed throughout the room.

               “How long do we have to keep breathing? Cause you know I don’t need to do it normally,” Calily asked Natalie cracking up one eye to look at her friend. Natalie sat in the lotus position holding crystals in both hands, eyes shut, breathing deeply. She sighed.

               “You breathe until feel calm,” Natalie responded and resettled herself.

               “Yeah, but I am calm. Do I still need to breathe?” Calily huffed.

               “I am a Goddess. The Goddess is in me,” Natalie chanted to herself ignoring the pouty vampire sitting next to her. A snicker brought her back to the room causing her to crack open an eye. Calily chuckled to herself.

               “What’s so funny?” Natalie asked. Calily cleared her throat and straightened up but cracked up again at her inside joke. Natalie pointed the tiny remote at the stereo across the room. She turned and gave Calily her best mom glare.  Calily ducked her head but keep laughing to herself.

               “I’m waiting,” Natalie she retorted folding her arms and continuing her motherly glare. The gesture didn’t have the desired affect as Calily busted out laughing. She pitched over in a full-on belly rub.

Through gasps of air she replied, “We. Are. Goddess. Do. We need to. Touch. Ourselves?” She continued to laugh and roll on the floor. Natalie tried to stay mad even though a smile cracked the stoic consternation on her face.

               “Wha- who. No, 5 more minutes,” Krystal mumbled, lifting her head at the sudden jarring from Calily as she rolled into her.

                “Really, Krystal?!” Natalie huffed. Krystal wiped the drool from the side of her mouth as she blinked the remaining of the sleep away. She yawned and stretched her arms above her head.

Confused, Krystal looked at her friends. “Are we done already? Did we touch our inner goddesses?” she asked as another yawn overtook her. Both Natalie and Calily shook their heads and began to laugh out loud.

[madwomanramblings]

Long suffering

"Natalie, you are what my mother would describe as long suffering," Dr. Lewis commented turning a page on her yellow legal pad. She skimmed her notes then set the pad on her lap. "You have an enormous amount of patience but tell me do you open up to others about what you are going through?"

She paused allowing space for Natalie to respond. Natalie sat there across from her red-haired court ordered therapist pondering. Her heart began to pick up its rhythm. Tiny pearls of sweat dampened her palms. Why did such a simple question feel her with such anxiety?

Dr. Lewis's gaze softened as she took in the silent panic Natalie was experiencing. "Breath with me Natalie. In for four, out for six. Good. That's it," she coached.

Natalie began her breathing exercises which had helped but wouldn't save her from not answering the question. Therapy was work right? At least it was one of the hardest things she has ever had to do. Medical school had nothing on laying yourself bare in front of other people. Natalie envied others who made it look easy.

"I do," Natalie squeaked out. She cleared the sticky lump that had taken up residence in her throat. "I do have people I can talk to but --".

"But?" Dr. Lewis encouraged when Natalie paused. When the paused lengthened Dr. Lewis offered, "what thoughts are going through your head right now?"

"Will they understand? Would they even listen or just dismiss what I'm trying to tell them? Or just go into a diatribe about what's happening with them. Not that I don't want to hear about it but sometimes it is just nice to have someone listen to me for once. Let me have space to exist as a person with feelings and emotions." Natalie exhaled. All that emotion bottled up inside for so long even before her abilities had been activated. 

“Have you told them that at the beginning of your conversation?” Dr. Lewis asked and continued when Natalie looked confused. “Started a conversation by letting them know that all you want from them is to listen and not offer advice or encouragement?”

“No, I didn’t think I had to do that,” Natalie confessed. “Shouldn’t they know to do that already?” 

“No, you can’t expect others to know what you need from them unless you tell them. There are very few beings out there that can actually read minds. Those that are ethical won’t read your mind without permission. Those that aren’t ethical usually are evil doers. Or misguided.” 

Natalie smiled at the comment. “You are right doctor. I guess I need to be more upfront about my needs. ”Natalie exhaled a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. “Therapy is hard.”

“But so worth it,” Dr. Lewis replied patting Natalie’s hand before moving on.