A Better Life – 3
Exiting the flash of overwhelming light, Jack hurried out of the rancid alley. He walked past a UPS driver who removed packages from his brown truck.
Jack stepped into the vehicle and turned the ignition.
“Hey, that’s my truck.”
Flooring the accelerator, he navigated the van through heavy traffic. “Come on. Get out of the way.”
Glancing into the rearview mirror, he noticed packages fall out the open back door, leaving a long trail. Two minutes later, he steered the truck up the stairs leading to the entrance. He had no concern for his own safety.
Jack raced out of the truck into the elementary school. Arriving at the security desk, he found the pudgy guard with two bullet wounds in his chest.
A loud pop sent arctic chills up his spine.
Around the corner he discovered the lone gunman stepping over the sprawled principal; reaching for the door to her classroom.
Running as fast as he could, Jack hurled his body at the crazed killer. They crashed to the floor. Wrestling for control of the weapon, several shots rang out.
Jack banged the gunman’s hand against the floor. The weapon fired before coming loose. Still struggling with the assassin, he kicked the gun.
It slid along the polished floor.
The sounds of loud footsteps approaching advised him the police had arrived.
Breaking free, Jack staggered. He slipped into an empty classroom as the gunman hurried after his weapon.
Several shots rang out. The murderer cried out.
Pressing a button on a black wrist band, a flash of brightness appeared. Relieved, he stepped through the time portal.
Entering the lab, Jack found Josephine and his assistant Scott waiting for him. He relaxed, mission accomplished.
A bout of dizziness sent him falling onto his back.
Gazing at his hand which pressed against his trembling abdomen, he noticed the blood stain on his white shirt growing like a spilled glass of wine on a table cloth.
“Scott, call 911.” Josephine rushed to his side.
Staring into her loving eyes, Jack opened his mouth to speak.
Everything turned black.
To be continued.
Photo taken from Google Images.
Wow.
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Thank you Sarah, I appreciate all of your wonderful support.
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Of course! You too!
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Thanks
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Interesting, waiting for part 4.
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Thank you. That will be next Thursday. Thanks for being so supportive.
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You’re welcome. It’s a pleasure reading your posts, always. All the best.
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Thanks. All the best to you as well my friend. And thanks for the retweet. I appreciate your support.
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🙂
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Oh, the tension keeps building …
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Laughing. Thanks for saying that. Next week is the conclusion. Thanks for reading.
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Look forward to it.
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Awwww
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Wow – I’m loving this story..
Hanging on for the next part 😀
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Thank you. The story will conclude this coming Thursday. Thank you so much for following my little time travel tale. I appreciate that. Be well.
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You are so welcome 😀 totally enjoying it..
Hope your daughter is doing ok with all that’s going on..
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Daughter is doing pretty well. Thanks for asking.
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Sweet – nothing more important to our hearts❤️
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Yes. Thanks.
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Intriguing…somehow I knew ‘Love’ would be around somewhere… 😉
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Haha. It always is with me. Thank you for reading it.
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That’s what I thought. 😉
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lol
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Oh no! Now I will have to bite my finger nails, so that I won’t have any nails left at all, until the next part of the story will be published!! 🙂
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Smiling. Thanks for saying that. Next Thursday I will publish the conclusion to this tale. Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
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Good work, some great descriptions, like the wine on a table cloth one.
What next? 🙂
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Smiling. Thank you. Next Thursday will be the conclusion to this time traveling story. Thank you for taking the time out to read.
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I love this story so much. I can see it all in my head like it’s already a movie. I expect an advance copy when the full length novel is done. And obviously I will be at the movie premiere, as previously discussed. 🙂
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Yes, the red carpet movie premier is set in stone. Thanks for your support. Next week will be the conclusion of this story. Thank you.
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You’re welcome! I want to read more but I don’t really want it to end. I guess I’ll have to wait for that movie…
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Don’t know how much you know about novel writing. I am plotting this story on paper. The character’s backstory, the secondary characters, theme, time period. I think it works better if it were twnety or thirty years in the future. Hope to serious start work on it by the summer. Sorry, if these details are boring you. I am kind of nerdy when it comes to novel/screenwriting. Thanks for your support.
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Not boring. And I am kind of nerdy when it comes to quite a few things so… Yeah. 🙂
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Yeah, but I don’t think of you as a traditional novel writer. What do you consider yourself? A poetess?
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A hack? I don’t know. I have some huge stories that could be novels with some (lots of) work, but I’ve always felt like I don’t know what I’m doing or I’m not “doing it right” whatever that means. And maybe that’s crazy because there are tons of ways to do it (write a novel, I mean 😛 ). And the poetry… I think I’ve become quite good at it but I never really identified myself as a poet since I really haven’t been writing it for very long.
So yeah… I’m a hack. 😀
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Funny, there are more poetry posts than anything else on my blog, yet I still don’t identify myself as a poet. I am a novelist screen writer. Sandra when you are serious about the novel writing talk to me. I will help you along the way. But please be aware it is a giant commitment. And you’re not a hack.
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Thank you… I have always dreamt of writing a novel but (please don’t yell at me) I never thought anything I’d written would ever be good enough — even once I started getting feedback from people who really liked my work. I think I write well but my stories (longer ones) would probably be boring to anyone but me. And if you remember that super old blog post of mine we were taking about recently, I also have a problem letting go and ending stories…
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Think of a character. Think of what you want to say. And how you want your character to change at the ned. Then, find the perfect ending. Start with the end. You can do it.
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This is sooo good! This is the best one yet. So well constructed and now I want the next one…STAT. Smiles. Well done.
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Laughing. Thank you so much for saying that. I am having fun with this story. And I am plotting it out to turn it into a screenplay. Thanks for your lovely words of support.
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I will be waiting for your next instalment! Smiles. Hurry up. No pressure though.
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Next Thursday. Laughing.
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And now it’s me who is pouting…
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lol
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Oh my, I hope he is going to be okay. This story is getting so good. Anxiously awaiting for more.
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Smiling. Thanks for saying that. It’s funny, I started this as a one time write. Now, I am mapping out a screenplay in my spare time (which by the way is usually while taking a bath. Sorry, for the visual). Next Thursday is the conclusion. Hopefully, it will go out with a bang. Thank you for all of your wonderful support. Mucho appreciated. Where would I be without you?
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You’re most welcome. When we relax whether it be in out chair or a hot tub of water, is when we find out best visual for writing. Smiles.
I will anxiously await for the conclusion of this beautiful thrilling story. Again, you’re most welcome.
Without me, you would still soar in your writing and in everything that you do my friend. I am just another person who loves and adores your writing. You inspire me so.
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You are more than that. For weeks, my bathroom time is the only real for me. Thank you. You are making me blush.
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You mean the chimp blushes?
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Laughing. Yeah, he does. Sometimes he’s shy too (VERY RARE).
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Shy is good. Smiles.
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Laughing.
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Great story
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Thank you for taking out the time to read and comment. I appreciate it. Have a great day.
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DAMN YOU!! Why do you continue to do this to me?! I am an instant gratification kind of gal, and you keep giving me these “hurry up and wait” stories. DAMN YOU!!
Please don’t stop! XOXOXO
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Laughing so hard. Are you coming to the Hollywood premier? lol Outlining my script. Thank you for all your words of encouragement. I appreciate it. xoxo
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If you asked, I’d go anywhere with you. 💋
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Love to hear that. You are a dream come true.
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Or your very best nightmare. 😈
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Lol
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Oh, my, loving it! My heart was in my throat and I know there’s more but still. Please write faster 🙂
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Next installment on Thursday. It is already written in my head. Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate it.
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I’m excited to read it. You know I live for your posts, lol! Well, almost…
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LOL Thank you for saying that. I am having fun with this one. Hope to start the script before the summer. Then, we can get that gown ready.
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Omg, I’ll be working out like crazy!
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Hahaha You don’t need to.
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Thanks, but I respectfully disagree, lol
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Well, then let’s all go to the gym together. Group exercising is more fun.
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Oh, my, a whole new story idea, blushing…
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Funny.
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Hey, shouldn’t you be writing so we can read your posts sooner? Or are you just going to make us wait anyway??
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Sorry. Poetry tomorrow.
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Poetry is good! Love story?
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That is my usual. Nothing I love more.
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Yay! Me, too!
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Hey what is the name of your other blog?
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It’s called For Friends Without Borders and a bunch of us can blog on it but Rob from the V Pub set it up. Sandra and Meg blog there, too. You should come over and ask Rob to add you as a poster or whatever the word is, that’s what I did, so I could post things I didn’t necessarily want on my blog.
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That is a great idea. I don’t want WordPress to slap me with a mature label.
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Exactly! And Meg doesn’t really want clients to follow her stories there and I don’t really want my family following, lol! Plus our followings on our regular blogs might be expecting something different and I don’t want to offend anyone…
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Yeah, you see I have stopped everything erotica. One person told me the reason I have so many followers was because I wrote about sex. So I stopped writing it.
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No, the reason you have so many followers is because you are an excellent writer and write so many things well. I literally would read ad copy if you wrote it cause it would be entertaining. Your erotica is seductive and sensual and I miss it, but I don’t think there’s one thing you’ve written that I haven’t liked.
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Aw, thank you for saying that. Everything you do for your blog is for published writers, right? If you ever do anything for unpublished writers let me know. Thanks for all your kind words of support.
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Well, so far it’s been, but it doesn’t matter to me. What did you have in mind?
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Oh I mean if you did author interview type of thing. If ever I get lucky with my writing would you feature me? And if I ever make it big, I still expect us to be friends for life.
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I would love to feature you! You don’t even need to ask! We can do something any time and you better be my friend forever, I want to be able to say I knew you when you were just starting out and always knew you’d hit the big time! You know, I am pretty good at judging quality writing. I won’t ever say someone sucks, but I don’t rave about mediocre or even pretty good people. And I rave about you!
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Damn, I don’t know what to say. That was so sweet. Thanks. Whenever you want you let me know how we do some kind of interview. I’m game. Thanks for all the lovewly words. We are friends for life.
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🙂
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To be continued >>>> great cant wait!!!!
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Smiling. Thank you so much for saying that. I appreciate it.
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What happens next? What happens next?! Aaaahhh!!!
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Laughing. Next Thursday will continue the time traveling saga. Thank you for reading. I appreciate it.
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I remember reading the Time Traveler’s Wife (not sure of the title – can’t remember – read it a looong time ago) and this reminded me of it. They said there was a movie of it – never got around to watching it. Maybe one of these days..
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Movie not as good as the book, Thanks for stopping by,
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So I’ll just stick to my imagination!
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Smiling. That is your best bet.
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Nice pacing, kept me reading to find out more. 🙂
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Smiling. Thank you. I keep my stories short on the blog. I know people don’t have time to read. I am working on a screenplay for this story. That of course will have more description and fuller characters. Thank you so much for your input. It makes me think I am on the write track with this story. Thanks.
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Happy to help. Yes writing short stories is definitely a good way to develop ideas and characters. I tend to do that too via writing blog battle.. 🙂
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Laughing. I have had this idea brewing fora few months. Now I am testing it for free on an audience and people seem to like it. So, I am going to start writing a full length screenplay before summer. Blogging is wonderful. Thanks for your support. Much appreciated.
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Yes blogging really is wonderful. Good luck with your full length screenplay. Sounds exciting !!
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Thank you. Be well.
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And you. 🙂
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Thanks
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On the edge of my seat…
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Aw, thank you for saying that. I appreciate it.
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Man, time traveling is a bitch!
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It can be helpful to get out of blind dates and avoiding unwanted company that never leaves,
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That’s true! Might even be worth it.
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You’re killing me here! (But like, in a good way)
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Laughing. Happy that you like it. Thanks so much for stopping by to read. Mucho appreciated.
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Always, hon. 😊
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xoxo
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The action keeps coming! The hero saves the day for a second time, but we’ll have to see about this injury. Looking forward to the next installment.
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Smiling. Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate it. Your words encourage me to go on. Thanks.
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You are quite the storyteller I really loved it. Can’t wait to read the next part!
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Thank you so much for saying that. I am having fun with this write. And thanks for taking the time out to read. Much appreciated.
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You’re most welcome it’s a really great read
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Thanks
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I want one of those black wristbands. Please, will you write me one? I’ll copy and paste it onto my arm. LOL
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LOL You can’t erase your relatonship with Loser because the would erase the kids.
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Sadly, they HAVE been erased and I would have never in a million years thought that would happen. Of course, I would have never thought Loser would cheat on me either. Gotta quit being so trusting. LOL
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Yes, you do. But you won’t make that mistake again.
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No, I won’t. I just finished packing all the things my children have given me. I’m sending all of it back to them. I thought it would make me incredibly sad….but it doesn’t. It’s like closing a door that I know will lock after I shut it….but I’m okay with it.
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Sometimes we need closure.
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Yep. Even my friend down here…may have to cut her loose. Oh well. It’s not like I’ve never been alone, whether in a room or house full of people…or by myself. C’est la vie.
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Hey, no reason to carry unnecessary baggage.
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Hahaha…did that for forty-one years! It is strange, though. I had four children that I raised by myself, took care of and protected. Now, they are no more. sigh
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Amazing how ungrateful some children could be.
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Or how easily they can be brainwashed by the parent who ignored them for most of their life. Oh, well.
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I went through the same crap.
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I know. Would you have ever thought? It’s still sort of like a bad dream for me, even though every day I think…they’re really gone and I am going to be alone for the rest of my life. Hell….I was alone when they were all there…including Loser….so, what’s new? LOL
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Sad sad sad. I will never understand.
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It’s just the way my life was outlined, I guess…every chapter pre-written.
See? That’s why I don’t read! LOL
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Understood. I feel terrible for you.
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You know…it’s all I’ve ever known so it’s not really all that bad. You can’t miss something you never had. Hey! I’m a poet and don’t know it! LOL
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Yes, I do. lol
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Pins and needles for an entire week?! I’ll do my best to be patient.
Wow, gripping!
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Haha You are too kind. Thank you so much for taking the time out to read and comment. I appreciate that.
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Kind? Dude, I’m telling you the truth. ❤️
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Thanks
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Welcs! You’re talented!
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Thank you for saying that.
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You are welcome, Sir! Looking forward to reading the novel.
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You have me grinning from ear to ear. Thank you for saying that. I need to get to work on that.
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🙂
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wow what a thrill ride! And she was there this time! I do hope he survives and doesn’t find out she’s married to scott!
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Laughing so hard. Bravo. I love this creative comment. That would be the irony of life. Thank you for reading. I appreciate it.
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You’re welcome 🙂 I like the story. I am very curious about where it will go next.
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Thanks.
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Suspense filled. What happened next? I have so many questions…
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Smiling. Thank you so much for taking the time out to read. Next week is the conclusion. Thanks.
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So are you saying you’re in favor of protecting the second amendment or favor legislation supporting gun control?
Love the non stop action. You keep the story moving at a very fast pace. Looking forward to his “awakening.”
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Haha. Oh, I steer away from the politics on this blog. My candidate isn’t running. Waiting for your run for president. Thanks for reading. Appreciate your words. Thinking about turning this into my next writing project
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You covered a lot of ground in a short post. This is a hard subject to write about. Something that just shouldn’t be.
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Smiling. Thank you for saying that. I am stingy with description on these posts. Turning this into a screenplay, there I will give a full life to the characters. Thanks for taking the time out to read.
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Looking forward to that final installment. Great story, Andrew.
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Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words.
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You’re welcome.
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Ahh,and the king does not disappoint again! Lovely work!
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Haha Trying to get back to my fiction roots. Thank you.
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🙂 🙂
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A very dark episode today….
Looking forward to the next one 🙂
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Smiling. Thank you for saying that. A little darkness before the light. Thanks for reading.
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Easy to and a pleasure 🙂
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Oh dear, when is he going to learn?
Cronus is not very forgiving of meddlers.
Brilliant story.
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Laughing. Thank you. Jack had to learn the hard way. This story will conclude next Thursday. I want to get towork on the nvel and screenplay. Thank you for following the story. Appreciate that.
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You’re welcome.
Look forward to reading it.
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Thanks
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Oh wow…I gotta catch up! I’m intrigued!
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Smiling. Thank you so much for reading it.
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Oh I’m so depressed.
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Conclusion this Thursday. Thanks for reading.
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Gorgeous description and exciting action. All of us are on pins and needles, Andrew! 🙂
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Smiling. Thanks for saying that. And thanks for reading. Happy weekend.
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Is dis poem related from ur accident?hey dew.
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No. This is a story. I like to write fiction.
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Yeah.welcom.ur story is intresting.
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Thank you.
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A real cliffhanger ending! Things are looking pretty bleak for Jack. Let’s hope he pulls through.
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Smiling. Yeah it does look bleak. The story ends this coming Thilursdsy. Thank you so much for riding along. I appreciate you taking the time out to read.
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You’re very welcome. I’m wondering how it’s going to end. 🙂
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Thanks. Thursday you will have your answer.
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Andrew! How did I miss this?! Jack better be okay!! This story is over next Thursday?! No! I really liked this, a lot! 😊
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Laughing. Yeah, this story will end next Thursday. I don’t want to reveal to much ofr this story because I want to turn it into a screenplay. Thanks so much for reading. Happy Sunday
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A screenplay?! I can’t wait!! 😀 Looking forward to the conclusion! Hope you had a great weekend! 😀
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Thanks you so much. Enjoy what is left of the weekend.
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