"It is freezing out here, April!" I threw my hands in the air, "Look! I'm shaking!"
"I'd offer my shirt, but I don't think it'd be wise for me to remove any more clothing," she gave me a sly smile, my heart stopped.
"Well, I-" I could feel heat ride to my ears, feel a burn on my face. I wanted to scream at her, I had the right of mind to at least whisper my scolding, "You don't need to say it like that!"
"Like what?" she asked innocently, keeping the smile of a mischievous cheshire cat.
"Like- er-" Saying it out loud would make it seem too real, "Like-"
"You're stuttering," her grin grew a little larger, "though the red on your face means you aren't cold anymore?"
"That's- That's not fair!"
"Oh, you would rather talk about me naked then?"
"April!"
She laughed; full heartily and genuinely laughed, throwing back her head. Time seemed to stop for that moment, her beauty radiating and warming the air of winter night. I wanted to treasure it, admire her carelessness for hours.
Then it was gone.
***
A 2017 National Novel Writing Month Entry -- Still being edited
Complete Story Details Inside ~All Rights Reserved~
~Some mature content including strong language and violence~
April was something else; mysterious and damaged.
Emmy was something new; untouched by the demands of hardship.
April was smart enough to stay out of trouble and maintain her freedom.
Emmy was naive enough to trust this fallen angel, to believe she could fix April.
Determined to find the truth about her father's disappearance, Emmeline Thatcher pairs with the unusual, purple eyed April. The two of them are up against the world, struggling to stay alive not only because of the secrets they uncover, but because of the other Months threatening with teeth to gut them. The State and all its clockwork mysteries are crumbling whether they like it or not. Amidst the anarchy, they feel obligated to do something about the lies that fabricate the city...
and their growing romance.All Rights Reserved