This story was previously known as "The Awakening". ~*~ "One... two... three... one... two... three... a million... is that number right?" A figure less voice echoed. "Hello? Who's there?" Caliope asked, focusing on that voice. "One... two... who? A million... a billion... no, it's more... a legion..." Silence. She had seen too many horror movies and heard too many stories about that single word to overpass its meaning. The voice went quiet, yet she was still unable to see where it came from. She rubbed her eyes and all she could see around her was a thick path in a jungle-like scene. She didn't remember how she got there, but she knew it was for something important. Her eyes focused on the far end of the path and all she could see were more trees. She turned to the opposite side and found just the same. "One... two... billions... but always back at one..." the voice resumed it's counting. "Where are you? Who are you?" ~*~ -Her name is Caliope, and when she was a young girl, she never believed in happy endings. For her, there was nothing more than what you see in front of you. All she needed was her best friend Vanessa. Her background is very simple; a foster child with foster parents that were everything but warm and caring. Regardless of that, she became a smart and responsible young woman, ready for whatever came her way. At least that is what she thought. Her new job interview changed her life. It changed everything she ever believed in, and what she thought it was real. Her new boss is an amazing woman who has a son, something different from what he is made out to be. As she discovers the hidden truth about her boss and her son, she has to prepare herself for a whole new world that will unfold to her. ~*~ Intro collaboration with my loyal reader @GabrielleCarden Original Picture from the cover made by Marcus J. Ranum ~*~ This story has erotic scenes, religious perspectives, and judgment. Be warned and read at your own risk.

When I met him on a rainy afternoon the air smelt like gardenias. My black oxford pumps were soaked from accidentally stepping on a puddle, and the tiny yellow umbrella I held up barely saved me from the chilly rain. When I met him on a rainy afternoon, the sky was pink and blue. I was starving and almost craving to smell the stuffy scent of my closed up home's small living room. When I met him on a rainy afternoon, his son held my feet out of the blue and called me 'mum'. He rushed out of the restaurant only seconds later, his cheeks a pale flushed hue. When I met him one day on a rainy afternoon, he looked up into my eyes and apologized. And inside my head, I thought to myself... what a lovely way to meet a lovely man on such a lovely rainy afternoon. ••••••-••••••-••••••-••••••-••••••-•••••• 1st Draft - 15/03/18 2nd Draft - 08/08/20 Published : 28/08/21 | Paperback & Kindle Cover : Sierra Po Trailer : boba