"From the ashes, we shall rise"
WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT , VIEWERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED
The second book of the tainted series, it can NOT be read as a stand-alone.
Let me just say.... I am so sorry (you'll understand once you read)
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Linda
High school was the worst era of my life. If I had to sit down and pick over everything in my life, that would be the one thing I'd choose for the most craziest. It wouldn't even be a debate, just everything about the experience made my skin crawl at night, how no matter what people always made it their mission to judge you.
Even now as a middle aged woman, I can rightfully say it's not one thing I'd agree to do again. Not even for all the money in the world, poverty wasn't that bad compared to anything like I had to go through. Most of my kids seemed to think I didn't understand their issues, and that being a parent was the only thing on my mind. And somehow I didn't go through any of that stuff.
The worst thing had to be was my mom, she just didn't get anything. I hated the way it was her word over mine - as if I wasn't my own person. I promised myself that when I was financially stable to bare my own children, this wouldn't happen. But somehow it did, and I only had myself to blame.
Maybe it was my own guilt eating away at me, or the sick fact that it just hurt too much to look at her. Even though I seen myself in Ryder, there was no doubt that Brooks was still within her features. Her stubborn pride, the unconditional love for everyone. They were more alike each day she grew, and it only hurt me worse. So, I thought pushing her away would make it better- would make me feel better.
Only thing it did was cause me to lose both of my daughters, the mindset of dealing with them being far away from me was harsh.
I wiped at the tears on my face, pushing away the phone album. Grabbing my wine glass and taking a sip of the bitter grapes as the music played. Tonight was meant to be special, something I had been waiting for; After a while it took a lot to get over my love for Brooklyn Arellano. Brooks.
Two failed marriages, and I was still thinking about the one person that invaded my heart. Yet, nothing could make him vanish - both of us having Ryder just only made the entire situation worse. I would imagine the both of us out, driving along while Ryder sat in the backseat laughing at her father. He was feared among many people, but was loved by his family. And she would've adored his witty charismatic personality, since they practically were the same person.
A sigh escaped my lips as I continued to look at the ring sitting in the velvet box, my mind replaying his words in my head.
'You don't have to give me an answer now, just - just promise me, you'll think about it."
I almost laughed to myself at how I promised to think about his answer, yet the only thing in my mind was Brooks. Ryder. Carly. It was a lot to handle, at this rate accepting this would only make things more complicated.
As I sat there just thinking about everything, the doorbell rang Just loud enough over the music. I quickly grabbed my handkerchief, wiping at my face. Before closing the family album, and walking to the entrance.
