Path Less Taken: The Phoenix Files Vol. 2

 

Path Less Taken

excerpt from Chapter 1: Dreams

Jane sat in her office, reviewing case files on her laptop. "Most seem straightforward. I'll let others handle them," she thought, taking a sip of her coffee. MK arrived after her last class, asking about the next assignment Father Patrick had mentioned. She entered the office with a messenger bag slung over her shoulder, wearing a red and white striped tee shirt with faded jeans, and her hair cascading loosely down her shoulders. 

Jane told MK that Father Patrick had left a file for them in the teacher's lounge the previous day. "You're excited to start this new assignment. Are you sure you want to join? Are you prepared? It involves potential portals and other dimensions," Jane mentioned as she got up from her desk and walked to the water dispenser. MK thought for a moment. She sighed and sat down on the chair across from Jane's desk. Jane returned to her desk, sat down, and placed her stainless-steel water bottle beside her. 

 "I understand why you're questioning me, but I assure you, I am ready. Besides, we've been delaying major assignments for a few months now." Jane gazed into MK's beautiful blue eyes, eyes that could see beyond what she could see; she nodded. "MK, let's discuss it. Mainly about the dreams, okay?"

MK hesitated. "My dreams are intricate," she admitted. MK got up and went to the coffee maker, noticing that Jane had made coffee earlier. She added sugar and cream to her cup before sitting down and placed it on a coaster with a South of the border design. "I still dream about the mono-yellow labyrinth, but lately, my dreams have been even stranger and more vivid," MK explained to Jane. Jane’s brows furrowed; a solicitous look shadowed her face.

 “What?” Jane looked at her with a mix of curiosity and worry, urging MK to elaborate on her connection to the mysterious Backrooms. MK hesitated for a moment, aware of the unsettling nature of her experiences. "In my dreams, I find myself in different settings - suburbs, farms, even a city but it feels empty, like there's no one around. And then there's this man," she shuddered, as if reliving a haunting encounter. In the towering skyscraper overlooking the bustling city, a figure with pointed ears and an enigmatic, pale complexion stands by the window, his face concealed from view.

Clad in a suit of greyish blue, he engages in conversation with me, his words shrouded in mystery."
“What does he say,” asked Jane, she is perturbed by MK’s revelation. MK paused and continued, “I see him experimenting on some of those unfortunate people that stumbled into his territory. He is dressed in a white overcoat like a doctor, I am unbale to see his face, it’s blurred out. I sense evil when I see him and one time, I think he saw me watching him. 

He said, “Ah, princess you’re here.” I woke up with a start.” Jane took a moment to reflect, releasing a deep sigh. "It pains me to witness your torment," she expressed, "but unfortunately, since this creep resides within your dreams, I am unable to extract and eliminate him." Jane paused, sighing once again. 

She had a hunch that someone from the Backrooms was attempting to reach out to MK. Feeling powerless, Jane yearned to sever the ties between that individual and MK, yet she understood that MK had to take matters into her own hands. With another sigh, Jane swallowed her frustration. “I think that if you find out what his name is, maybe I can have Father Patrick look him up. He might be one of the scientists that became trapped in the Backrooms when the accident happened. Maybe he lives somewhere within that Hellish place and developed psychic powers.” MK's face displayed a mix of concern and uncertainty. Jane quickly stepped in to reassure her, "I promise we'll deal with this and sever the connection." She reached out to hold MK's hand, but hesitated to reveal her true emotions. MK reciprocated the gesture by grasping Jane's hands, steering the conversation towards the missing person case in Yosemite Park, showing interest and surprise in the details. "So, what's our next move?" MK inquired, prompting Jane to reveal the file containing crucial information.

“Katy Lois Tyler missing in Yosemite Park? Probably one of those paranormal cases, right? Jane agreed, with a nod. "But how?" MK asked.

"Well, it says here she's been gone for three months. She has two sons and a husband who love and miss her," Jane explained. MK's enthusiasm was evident as she eagerly asked, "So, when are we departing?" 

Jane, on the other hand, mentioned that Father Patrick would contact her for additional guidance. She got up, went to the table where she had kept the donuts, took one, and returned to her desk. Lost in her thoughts, MK didn't pay much attention when Jane sat back down. However, Jane noticed the distant expression on MK's face and inquired about what was troubling her. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” responded MK.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I've got your back, and this task will be just like the rest." She reassured her. MK nodded in agreement, expressing gratitude for the support. "You mean a lot to me, we're a team in this fight together." Jane comforted MK, helping her push away the dark thoughts from her mind. Both had unsettling dreams, and Jane's dreams take her to the Backrooms where she was searching for MK but encountered a Hound. As it attacked her, she slowly begins to transform into the same creature. She can sense her body changing into something grotesque and repulsive, feeling the agony of each bone twisting into a vile and supernatural form. The man from MK’s dreams, hints at her being an entity from the Backrooms but MK keeps Jane in the dark about what he revealed. MK suspects that the mysterious man in her dreams was once human but has yet to uncover the full extent of his relationship with her. MK notices a flyer on the desk and brings up a local church festival to raise money for the poor, shifting the conversation away from their previous somber discussion. “Good, this is what we need before we go off again. I can’t wait.” The festivities will involve rides, game booths and food venders. “Well, where do you want to have dinner tonight?” Jane asked.

“I guess we can go to Manuel’s Mexican food. I’m feeling Mexican today,” said MK with a chuckle. Jane smiled and nodded. 

Later that evening, Jane and MK found themselves enjoying a delightful dinner at the restaurant. “Hey, fancy meeting you two here,” John joined them at their table and greeted Jane with a friendly remark. Although surprised, Jane was pleased to see him there. Curious about his presence.

MK asked, "What brings you here?" While taking a sip of her margarita. John explained that he was already at the bar when he saw them come in, finished his drink, and decided to join them because he had something to ask. There was a serious expression in his eyes, causing Jane to furrow her brows with worry. “What’s wrong?”

“Well, I just wanted to ask you both if,” he paused. “If you are having dreams,” he said and took a sip from Jane’s beer.

 “John, I don’t think this is the place to talk about this,” Jane responded. He nodded.

"So, you're going to the festival, right?" MK mentioned. Jane gave her a glance.

"Oh, I assumed he already knew," MK apologized. "Why is the Padre sending you to Yosemite?" he inquired, grabbing a tortilla chip from a bowl near Jane's plate, dipping it in guacamole, and eating it. Jane sighed, "We're searching for a missing person with a supernatural/paranormal link, and that's why the organization is involved." He gave a nod. "Are you both prepared for this task?" MK nodded in response. "We're all set," she glanced at Jane. Jane smiled and confirmed, "Absolutely."

"Alright, if you need assistance, you know where to reach me," he assured her. Later, after Jane left MK at her apartment, she returned home. John was waiting outside her door. They entered her apartment together, and she secured the door behind them. “Do you want anything to drink other than liquor,” she asked as she exhaled and walked into the kitchen to get a cup of water and took a sleeping pill of 25milligrams. It wasn’t a prescription pill, just the standard off the counter pills. John noticed. “You never needed to take anything to help you sleep. Are you sleeping well?” he asked. Jane sighed and walked to the sofa and sat down next to him. She took a better look at her dear friend and noticed that he too must not be sleeping well. “I think all of us have been having unusual dreams,” she said.

 “Unusual is not what I’d call them,” he said as he took off his boots and placed them on the floor.

 “John, do you want to spend the night here?” he nodded. “I don’t know if you or MK have been having nightmares of the Backrooms but sometimes, I swear they seem so vivid that I’m back there again.” He put his head on her lap, like a child needing to be comforted. “Yes, you can stay the night here, you can take the couch. It’s a bit lumpy but…”

“I know you save your bed for MK,” he joked.

“Does she know how you feel about her? Have you told her?” Jane smirked and shook her head. "John, my personal life is not something you need to worry about, and honestly, I don't feel like discussing it right now," she stated firmly. 

"Well, maybe one day she'll realize how you feel. I have a feeling she might be open to different possibilities," he replied with a smile, shrugging his shoulders. 

"Enough," Jane interjected, clearly not wanting to entertain John's speculations. 

John sat up, and Jane, being the caring friend she is, fetched him a blanket and an extra pillow. She then took a seat beside him. "What kind of dreams have been haunting you lately?" John asked, showing genuine concern. "I keep finding myself back in the dreaded Backrooms," she confessed, her voice trailing off as she recalled the unsettling dreams. "So, what happened next?" he asked with curiosity in his voice.

"Well, while I was searching for MK, I had a terrifying encounter with a Hound. It was a horrifying experience as I went through the excruciating transformation and became one of them," she explained, her voice filled with a mix of fear and resignation. The room fell into a heavy silence, and John could feel the weight of it pressing down on him. He swallowed hard, his breath trembling with unease.

"What's the matter?" she asked, her face etched with concern.

"In my dream, I found myself trapped in the Backrooms, consumed by an overwhelming desire to hunt you down and put an end to your life because you had turned into one of those monstrous creatures. I felt a looming danger that threatened my very existence," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of guilt and fear. Jane gasped, her eyes widening with worry as she stared at him, unable to comprehend the depth of his nightmare.

"But it's not going to happen, John. These dreams are just illusions, not reality. I think they're coming from the Backrooms, but we have to resist their influence. We have a special connection, you were my mentor and I was your apprentice," she reassured, adding a touch of humor with a Star Wars reference. 

"I never want to go back to the Backrooms, but if you ever find yourself there again, I'll ask Father Patrick to send me in." Jane nodded, understanding that if she ever turned into a Hound, John would have no choice but to do what needed to be done. Surprisingly, they all had a peaceful night's sleep, including MK. Their minds were free from any disturbing dreams. However, Father Patrick had a completely different experience. He was tormented by a forbidden desire that haunted his dreams, a secret that remained hidden deep within him.

As he slowly rose from his slumber, a chilling whisper escaped his lips, "The Light." Pausing for a moment to steady his racing heart, he reluctantly left the comfort of his bed and ventured towards the dimly lit bathroom. A shroud of uncertainty enveloped him, causing him to seek solace in prayer, desperately pleading for divine strength. While absentmindedly filling a Dixie cup with water, his gaze inadvertently met the reflection in the mirror, revealing a mysterious woman with lustrous dark locks and mesmerizing hazel blue eyes. The sight jolted him, causing the cup to slip from his trembling hands, a mischievous smile adorned the woman's face as she blew him a tantalizing kiss before vanishing into thin air. Overwhelmed by the encounter, he closed his weary eyes, releasing a heavy sigh, and reluctantly retreated back to the sanctuary of his bed, haunted by the enigmatic encounter.

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The Phoenix Files

 

 

 

Excerpt from a Twist in Time

 

(This is a short excerpt from, A Twist in Time: Something’s in the Sky chapter 2)

In the heart of February, Alyssa enrolled in a class situated in Riverside County to acquire the art of handling firearms. While her husband was the one with a passion for guns, she was curious to explore the allure herself. Surprising both her coach and herself, Alyssa proved to be a quick study. Although her husband frequented the local shooting range with his friends on weekends, she never accompanied them. Her motive for learning how to use a weapon was simple yet unsettling... Summer Lynn. Alyssa had no intention of using her newfound skill to harm innocent creatures, but lately, her thoughts had taken a darker turn. To keep her activities hidden from her husband, Alyssa provided a fake name at the shooting range and even shared her mother's address with the instructor. As she honed her abilities, it provided her with a twisted solace, allowing her to reflect on the state of her marriage. Her best friend Lynda once said, “Don’t worry about it, just divorce him already. He’s nothing but a waste of space." Alyssa dryly chuckled as she recalled that conversation.

The well-being of her kids weighed heavily on Alyssa's mind as she contemplated the impact of divorcing her husband; their youth made her fear the lasting emotional wounds it could inflict upon them. If only I can fulfill my fantasy in killing that bitch who is ruining my marriage,” she thought as she shot another round straight into the bullseye, dead center. Alyssa's group erupted in applause and cheers. Her instructor, beaming with pride, commended her for her improved skills and gave her a warm hug. Another student chimed in, praising her for mastering the task. Alyssa smiled and nodded, basking in the support.

 As her class concluded, she made her way home to find her children happily playing outside while her husband tended to the barbecue. Despite her suspicions of his infidelity, she chose to keep them hidden, preferring that he believed she was oblivious to the situation. "Darling, I was thinking, would you be open to hiring a babysitter?" he asked, catching her off guard.

 “Why?” she responded.

"I was thinking we could go on a trip like we used to before the kids came along," he said, flipping the burger patties on the grill.

"My mom can watch the kids for free, so we can go whenever you want," she replied, grabbing a coke from the icebox.

"I know a coworker, Summer Lynn, who could babysit for us. She could use the extra money," he suggested. Alyssa looked at him suspiciously, taking a sip of her coke.

 “That fucking bitch?” She placed her coke on the wooden picnic table near the homemade brick barbecue grill that her husband and his friend had built.

 "Why don't you invite her over? I'd love to meet her," Alyssa suggested. 

"Sure, I will. I'm so lucky to have married such a wonderful and kind woman like you," he replied, oblivious to Alyssa's cold expression and the sarcastic tone in her voice. Alyssa's mind raced with anticipation, thinking, I can't wait to meet her. 

She called out to the kids, "Come on, let's eat," as their pet cat tried to join them on the table. Alyssa quickly intervened, picking up the cat and placing her on the grass, saying, "Not you, Kitty. Go on now." One week later, Summer Lynn, a 28-year-old woman, was invited by her husband to join them for a barbecue party. With her light brown hair, coffee colored eyes, and a playful smile, she arrived wearing old jean shorts, a pink tee shirt, and mauve colored Nike shoes.

Every month, the Castros host a barbecue for their family and friends, as long as the weather permits. However, the only family members who attend these gatherings are Alyssa's immediate family and her mother. Alyssa rarely gets to see her brother, and their estrangement dates back to a disagreement over politics. Despite Alyssa's disinterest in politics, her brother and parents took offense when she voted for a president they did not support, causing a rift in their relationship. While her mother insists that Alyssa should apologize, she fails to recognize that the divide was caused by her brother's stubborn political beliefs. Alyssa's father is no different, holding strong and irritating convictions of his own. Alyssa vividly remembers her mother siding with her father on issues she strongly disagreed with, pretending that their marriage was perfect when she knew it wasn't. Alyssa, on the other hand, refuses to deceive herself about the state of her own marriage. She sees it as it is, imperfect. In addition to her family, Alyssa invites her two friends, Lynda and Maggie, who happen to be their next-door neighbors, to join them at the barbecue. Maggie knows nothing about her husband’s infidelity, but Lynda does. “Your mother didn’t come?” asked Lynda. Alyssa shook her head, “No she was busy today.”

“So that’s the whore, huh,” Lynda whispered to Alyssa, as she watched Summer Lynn walk toward the barbecue. Alyssa nodded. “She looks like a dumb blonde to me,” added Lynda, they both giggled. Maggie was initially clueless, but she soon figured out the situation. She was unaware of Victor's infidelity towards Alyssa, but it became evident to her quite quickly. Summer Lynn joined the group, taking a seat beside Alyssa on a lawn chair. The women engaged in a conversation while the men chatted and drank beer. Alyssa's sons were playing badminton outside, away from the group. Alyssa's home was a typical family setup, with a spacious backyard, a small front yard, and a desert landscape suitable for their region. “Will you ladies excuse me, I’m going to get another beer,” said Summer. She stood up and walked on over to the ice box that was next to the barbecue.

Alyssa's gaze fixated on her husband and Summer. Their eyes locked, revealing a magnetic pull between them. Burning with anger, Alyssa's glare pierced through them, her irritation intensifying. "So, is she going to be the babysitter?" Maggie questioned, giving Summer Lynn a skeptical look. Alyssa quickly responded, "No way, she's definitely not going to be babysitting for me," she snapped. Maggie and Lynda exchanged worried looks. 

"Why not," Maggie asked, curiously. Lynda shot Alyssa a quick look.

 "My mom lives close by, so she helps out with the kids when my husband and I want some time alone," Alyssa explained. Summer came back and took a seat beside Alyssa.

"Hey Summer, do you have any kids?" Alyssa inquired, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Summer brushed it off.

"Nope, not for me. I'm too busy for kids, and I prefer being single and living life to the fullest," Summer replied. 

“Yeah, enjoying yourself with another woman’s man,” thought Alyssa, as she took a sip from her coke, her nose flared, and she sighed. 

“Mom, can we go inside and play with our Xbox 360? It’s kinda boring out here,” Alyssa’s older son Richard, asked.

“Sure, go ahead.” She smiled and kissed her son on the forehead. Richard, David, and Josh went into the house. She turned to Summer. “I know my husband wanted you to babysit for us, but my mother lives nearby, and she loves taking care of my kids so, no offense but I don’t need a babysitter at the moment,” stated Alyssa, firmly. Lynda gave Alyssa a clandestine wink.

If only you knew how much I want to kill you, bitch, thought Alyssa, her gaze bore into Summer, hidden behind her sunglasses, with a desire for vengeance that ran deep within her. The darkness lurking in Alyssa's thoughts was a chilling revelation, a side of her that remained unseen by those around her.

"Ah, well, that's alright then," Summer Lynn replied, deciding not to continue the conversation any further. Victor quietly entered the house without Alyssa noticing. 

"Excuse me, ladies, I need to use the restroom," Summer announced before heading towards the house. Once inside, she made her way to the bedroom where Victor was waiting. To avoid any interruptions, he closed the door.

 "So, what's the situation?" Summer shrugged. "I think she suspects something," she confessed. 

"No way, she's too self-absorbed to notice anything. Don't worry, she won't figure it out," Victor reassured her. He pulled her close, giving her a kiss and playfully patting her behind. "She makes me feel uneasy," Summer admitted. He reassured her, "She's harmless, just naive. You're safe." Feeling uneasy, she decided to leave because of  Alyssa.

"Alright, see you tomorrow at the usual spot," he said, stealing a final kiss before joining his friends. Alyssa noticed Summer following him outside. Summer bid them farewell, sensing the tension ease once she left. The evening proceeded smoothly without Summer, bringing a sense of calm. Later, Lynda spoke to Alyssa on the phone. "When will you confront him about what you know?" she inquired.

Alyssa replied, "My cancer is in remission, health is good. I'll do it soon, but not yet."

"Why wait? You should get rid of him, he'll only bring more trouble," Lynda advised. Alyssa agreed.

"Soon," that's all Alyssa said. 

A few days later Alyssa was talking to her mother on the phone. Her husband's out and her kids are watching television in the den.

"So, will you talk to him about his affair?" her mother asked her. 

"I prioritize my children above everything else in my life. Victor may claim to be spending more time with his friends at the shooting range, but I know the truth. He's actually upset about my decision to reject Summer as a babysitter. However, I couldn't care less about his feelings. I would much rather spend quality time with my children than with him. I am fully invested in their lives, attending their school plays and conferences, always being there for them. Victor seems like a mere ghost, just a presence in name only. It's disheartening to realize that he's having an affair, especially considering that he stood by me during my battle with cancer. I guess his support back then was merely out of obligation. Now that my cancer is in remission, he wants to be free to have sex with whomever he wishes,” Alyssa told her mother. A concerning look shadowed her mother's face. It has been several days since the unsettling conversation Alyssa had with her mother, and as she lay in bed, her husband snoring beside her and her children peacefully asleep, an eerie stillness filled the room. Downstairs, the cat was curled up on the couch, completely unaware of the intruder that was silently making its way to the master bedroom where Alyssa and her husband lay. The figure slowly revealed itself, standing ominously over Alyssa as she slept, its presence sending chills down her spine. With a gentle touch on her cheek, Alyssa's eyes fluttered open to a horrifying sight - a monstrous being with dark, hungry eyes staring back at her. Despite her piercing scream, the creature swiftly used its device to plunge her back into a deep slumber. Dark and twisted dreams consumed Alyssa's mind as she slept. She found herself surrounded by a sea of blood, lifeless bodies scattered around her, and a deep sense of anger and fear gripping her heart. The night was far from over, and Alyssa was trapped in a nightmare that seemed all too real.

Over the course of the next two months, Alyssa found herself in a terrifying situation as she was forcefully abducted and taken aboard a Ny'Karin ship for evaluation. The strange thing was, she had absolutely no recollection of the abduction itself. It was just another ordinary evening when she sat alone in her bed, engrossed in a book while her children peacefully slept in their rooms. Her husband was out with his friends, or so she believed. As the night wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Alyssa, causing her eyes to grow heavy. She reluctantly set the book aside and rested her head on the soft pillow. However, instead of finding solace in sleep, her mind was plagued by horrifying nightmares filled with blood and anguish. She woke up multiple times throughout the night, drenched in sweat and trembling with fear. 

It is now June and the tranquil sound of crickets chirping outside filled the air, accompanied by a gentle summer breeze that gracefully entered the room through the open window, lightly caressing Alyssa's exposed leg. Just as she began to feel a sense of calm, a haunting voice echoed in her dream, urging her to take action against a woman who had caused her nothing but sorrow. Startled, Alyssa abruptly woke up and hastily rubbed her tired eyes, trying to make sense of the unsettling experience she had just encountered.

Surprisingly, her husband had already returned home and she quickly checked the time on the clock. 

"It's 3:45 am," she muttered before falling back asleep. It was the weekend, she took her children to the market where they selected their desired food items. As they walked back to the car in the parking lot, Alyssa's youngest son, Josh, suddenly pointed out something in the sky. 

"Look, there's something up there!" he exclaimed. Alyssa smiled and brushed it off, thinking he was just seeing shapes in the clouds. Her older son playfully teased Josh and messed up his hair, causing Josh to retaliate with a playful punch. "Cut it out, you two," she warned, David her other son laughed at his brothers. After getting her kids into the car and putting the groceries in the trunk, Alyssa took a moment to gaze up at the dark clouds looming above.

 As she looked up, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something observing from above. "There's something in the sky, watching," she muttered. Upon arriving home, her husband's absence didn't come as a shock, although she had anticipated him being there. She knew he would fabricate a story about being at work, but she had reached a point where she no longer cared. Dealing with Summer Lynn is something she is anticipating and will enjoy.

One Month Before the Invasion

Despite her husband's betrayal, Alyssa remains committed to her talents. 

"Are you going out with your friends tonight?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. 

"Yeah, we're just going to Caleb's Man Cave at his place. You should go out with your friends too. Take the kids to your mom's," he suggested, nonchalantly grabbing his Dodger blue windbreaker. Alyssa's eyes narrowed, a cold silence enveloping the room. 

I know you're meeting her somewhere, she thought to herself. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "I think I'll just stay home with the kids, since my friends are all busy." He shrugged, making his way towards the garage door, which slammed shut behind him. In a swift motion, Lyssa retreated to her chamber, leaving her children engrossed in the television, her mind consumed by thoughts of betrayal and deceit. She went upstairs and from the depths of the wardrobe in her room, she retrieved a wooden suitcase, its size unassuming. With utmost care, she extracted it from her private safe, hidden away from prying eyes. The contents concealed within held a secret, an item obtained through her personal credit card. Placing it gently on her bed, she took precautions to secure her sanctuary, ensuring her children remained oblivious to her possession of the deadly weapon. A wicked smile crept across her face as she unveiled a sleek, black pistol adorned with a silencer.

"I ought to track the breadcrumbs he carelessly leaves behind," she whispered to herself. She called her mother to come by and look after the children so she could step out for a brief moment. Her mother showed up thirty minutes later.

"So, that worthless husband of yours isn't around?" her mother inquired as she walked into Alyssa's house.

"No, he's not here, but don't fret, I won't be gone for too long. And even if I am, trust me, I'll ensure everything is sorted out soon," Alyssa declared firmly, her voice filled with determination. Her mother's throat constricted as she nervously swallowed, sensing the seriousness of the situation. "Alright, just be careful. Confronting him could lead to a messy situation," her mother cautioned, her voice tinged with concern. Alyssa nodded, understanding the risks involved. "Kids, behave yourselves for your grandma," she instructed, forcing a smile to mask her own apprehension. Alyssa suspected that her husband and Summer Lynn might meet up on the far side of Elsie Lake. This area was well-known for fishing and picnicking, although swimming was discouraged because of the high bacteria levels in the summer. She was aware that this secluded spot would offer them the privacy they desired, far from any curious onlookers.

(Thank you for visiting and please post your comment in hit comment box. You can remain anonymous if you wish. This book will be publish next year, 2025)

Chandra's Quest

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from my new book Women's Stories: A Collection of Unbelievable Short Stories.

 

(I wrote this book using another penname, CG Heandez. Please visit link to download it. This book is available as a paperback on Amazon)

Chapter 1: Every Barbie Loves Pink

 

My name is Stacy Tomas L. I was married to my husband, Tim, for 6 years. We decided not to have children, it was our prerogative, an equal agreement. I work as a realtor and am doing very well financially; my husband owns a small construction company. Though I loved my husband, he became obsessed with that Barbie movie after we had gone to see it. “Honey, I want to make some changes to our house,” he told me when I was enjoying a cup of coffee and reading one of my favorite romance books.

 “Why?” I asked. “Are you bored with the way the house looks?”

He hesitated, “No, I think it would look better with a different paint job though,” he responded as we were having breakfast. I sipped on my coffee while eating a donut, I set my book down next to the bread-and-butter plate that I use for my donut. He looked at some architectural plans he drew out on paper, I only assumed it was for his work. After I finished my glazed donut and my coffee I stood up; put my coffee mug on the counter by the sink. I looked out the kitchen window, and noticed a van belonging to a painter’s company, it was parked at the front of the house. My house is one of the luxurious models that I bought with my first three sales.

Of course, we’re still paying the mortgage but that’s understandable. It's a 30-year mortgage. As far as I’m concerned, my life was perfect until we had gone to see that movie. My husband wanted to paint the front of the house, but I had no idea the horror he had planned for me. Our house is painted the standard earth tone colors, beige, brown and rust red trimming, it is the basic colors of the model homes we bought in this community. It has stairs going up to the front door with handrails on both sides. Two columns decorate the front and a couple of planters are set beside the columns. The inside of the house is spacious, with a luxurious staircase leading to the second story. Everything in the lower level of the house is open and spacious. There are four bedrooms and two and a half baths, and the half bath is downstairs. The master bedroom is every woman’s dream, a large walk-in closet, a spacious bathtub separated from the shower, two sinks and a large mirror; the house has tile flooring, which is the way I wanted it. After work, I arrived home and to my horror I stared in awe at the front of the house. “What the Fuck,” I mouthed. Even though the painters hadn’t quite finished the paint job, I could tell that the color was not to my liking. “Tim, where are you?” I called out. Tim walked into the Livingroom; I sat on the brown sectional couch. “Hey, so how do you like it?” He is referring to the outside of the house. I sighed, “Um, I hope this is a phase you’re going through because you know how I feel about Pepto-Bismol pink,” I said setting my arms akimbo, my brows bristled, clearing I was confused.

“I decided to make our house a real-life Barbie house.” I was floored.

“What?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “I wanted to do something different, and I think you’ll like it. Every Barbie loves pink, right?” He gave me a hug. “So, he thinks I am a Barbie? As if.” I thought he was joking; he must be kidding.

“Um, if this is a joke, it’s not a good one, I’m sure that the HOA won’t think so,” I reminded him. He shrugged. Later I the evening while we were getting ready for bed, he started fondling with my hair. “Honey have you ever thought about dying your hair blonde?” I was brushing my teeth, and I gave him a sidelong glance. I rinsed my mouth and tapped it dry with the towel. We both got in bed. “I will be going to visit my mom in Utah, do you want to come?” He pondered. ‘Um, no, I have some construction work that needs to be done, sorry babe.”

“Okay, I’ll be gone for a week, you’ll be fine?” I asked. He nodded. “I’ll miss you but when you get back, I’ll have a nice surprise for you,” he said with a coy smile on his face. “Well, no more dramatic surprises,” I said, and I turned off the light. The next day after work I got in the tub to relax and wash away the stress of the day. The paint job was halted, so I assumed that he was going to get the painters to repaint the house back to its original colors. After I got out of the tub, I blew dry my hair, got dressed in my pajamas and went downstairs. My husband was on his laptop in the kitchen, ordering a few things for the house I suppose. “Can’t wait to show her the new casa De Loren,” he smiled. Yes, my last name is Loren. A few days later, I left to visit my mother in Utah. “Honey are you and Tim doing well?” she asked me. My mother had noticed my distrait expression. I fronted a smile, “Yes we’re fine mom, it’s just that he’s been acting weird.”

“What do you mean,” she asked, as she poured herself some tea. “Well, it seems like Tim suddenly became a bit obsessed with pink. I don’t know, maybe something else is going on with him.” I told her what he did to the house. “Well, maybe he’s trying to get your attention.” Stacy grimaced and rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s some way of getting my attention.”

“Buy some pink underwear, that might placate him.” My mother joked. She thought it was silly but something about this whole thing seemed weird. The week at my mom’s was pleasant, my mother lives in a community where all the one-story homes have a quarter of an acre lot, and beautiful landscape. There is no HOA, but everyone takes care of their homes. I have been contemplating a move to Utah maybe in the future, maybe in the same community as my mother. My drive back to California was pleasant but I had wished my husband was with me. “I hope he did well while I was gone,” I thought. I called him a few times while I was at my mother’s house to see how he was doing.

 “Hey babe, I’m on my way home. What have you been up to?”

“I’m fine honey, I can’t wait to show you something,” he said, with a giddy tone.

“Well, I hope it’s a new paint job on our house.”

“Yes, that’s taken care of. I can’t wait till you’re here,” he said. She smiled. “Well, I can’t wait too,” I blew him a silent kiss and hung up. When I arrived a couple of hours later, the house was back to normal. I smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. I walked into the house. I was shocked. The jarred expression on my face turned into anger. “What the Fuck?’ I mouthed. The walls were pink, the couch was replaced with a pink sectional. The lamps in the room had Victorian style pink lamp shades. A pink coffee table sits on top of a tacky pink faux fur throw carpet at the center of the floor. I wanted to hurl; I was beside myself. I walked into the kitchen, and it too was painted pink, the table was replaced with a retro style 50’s pink table and chairs. She gasped. “At least he didn’t paint the cabinets pink.” The cabinets are white in color, the trimming was white as well. She slowly toured the rest of her house; some rooms were left unchanged. “He probably didn’t have enough time to paint them,” she said to herself. As she ascended the stairs, the handrail was painted pink but the carpet on the stairs was still white. The upstairs does have carpet in the rooms, but they too remained white. “He must’ve had help to paint this, no way he did this by himself,” I thought to myself as I looked at the wall in the hallway, it was painted pink. I let out an exasperated sigh. When I opened my bedroom door, I walked in to see a décor of pink everywhere. My bedspread was pink with cute floral print on it, the walls were pink, there was a pink faux fur throw carpet on the floor much like the one downstairs, and pink rose petals leading into the bathroom. The tub had already been filled. He used pink bubble bath soap in the water.

“Oh my God,” I mouthed.

“Where is he,” I said tightly. Anger seethed in my eyes as I searched for my husband. “Tim, where are you!”

“Hey babe your home,” he said with a big smile. He gave me a hug, but I pulled away.

“What the Fuck is all this?” I pointed around the room.

“I changed some things in the house, I hope you love it. I do. That Barbie movie really inspired me,” he said. I just stared at him, jarred. “What the Hell is wrong with you?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” He looked at me perplexed. “I feel fine, and I bought you some new clothes too,” he walked over to the closet, I followed. I stood there with my arms crossed, trepidation loomed over me. A look of dismay shadowed my face when he opened the double doors of the closet. Almost all my clothes were gone, replaced by pink suits, and pink dresses, even pink heels. I was speechless.

 “What have you done?” I mustered up to say after a long silence. “I can see you’re surprised,” he said.

“Surprised, I’m furious?” I shouted; my face flushed. “Who gave you the right to get rid of my clothes?”

“Babe, I thought you felt as passionate about that Barbie movie as I did,” he said, with a perplexed look on his face. I stood there, with my arms akimbo and a livid look on my face.

“Well, if you’re going to be critical about this then you should leave this house,” he said, angrily. “What! Fuck you! I bought this house, not you. Look I don’t know what the Hell is going on with you, but you were once a rational, loving, and respectable husband three weeks ago; I don’t buy the whole obsession over the movie and now you want to change everything to mimic Barbie lifestyle, it’s stupid! Tell me what’s really going on,” I demanded. He was silent and walked out of the room. I followed downstairs. “I feel that we needed a change, frankly you’ve become boring, for the past three years, we have fallen into the same rut and,” he paused. “And what?”

“And I want something different,” he said. I thought that maybe this was his way of expressing his displeasure with what he called a boring life. But to go this far, just to get my attention, this goes beyond normal. Then it occurred to me that maybe he had met someone who was into the whole trendy pink thing. Probably a young, blonde. I pondered. “Alright, who is it?” I asked, suspecting that he’d been cheating on me. He said nothing and grabbed his keys from the key bowl and walked to the garage. I heard the garage door open, and he left. I was alone in a Pepto-Bismol pink house. Thank God that the outside was painted back to normal, or I would’ve heard from the HOA. He was gone for the night and at this point I did not care. I thought about what he said. “Has our life gotten boring? NO, he’s insane. Someone else has been feeding him lies and turning him into someone I don’t recognize.” I did not sleep well and the next morning, I grabbed one of the pink suits in the closet and put it on. It had pink embroidered flowers on it. I looked in the full-length mirror, sighed and shook my head. I headed to the office. Everyone stared at me. My heels matched my clothes, even my clutch purse. I felt embarrassed. “Um, Stacy I like your new outfit,” said Lindsey, a new young intern. Lindsey has light brown hair, blue eyes and can pass for a Barbie herself. I stared at her.

 “You know, you and I are almost the same size, would you like to have my suit? I’ve got a bunch of pink clothes in my closet, if you like, you can come on by later and take your pick.” Lindsey looked at me confused.
“Sure, if that’s okay?” I nodded and smiled. Later, in the evening Lindsey stopped by. When Lindsey walked into her house, she was shocked to see the Barbie-like interior of the house. I am genuinely a conservative woman, so she was jarred by the look of the house’ interior. I grimaced and rolled my eyes. I understand the expression on my co-worker’s face, it’s jarring, exactly how I felt when I first saw the house. “Yes, my husband went a little,” I paused. “Overboard with the paint job, but this whole mess will be remedied soon, I hope.”

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Excerpt from In the Company of Elves

 

Chapter 5: Melissa & the Seven Elves

 

   Morning broke, and Melissa was the last one to rise. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. Keefe’s bed was made, and Fagan’s sleeping bag and pillow lay neatly on a chair in the corner of the room near the window. She found her dress on Keefe’s bed. Arowyn and the others were not in the room. Everyone was up early. Melissa could hear talking and the sweet smell of breakfast.

 “I wonder what elves eat,” she thought as she slipped on her dress eager to find out. She found a brush on top of a chest drawer in the room and combed her hair.

 “I hope they don’t mind me using this,” she said to herself. “After all I came unprepared for this trip.” She grimaced and rolled her eyes, letting out a soft sigh. A soft knock sounded at the door.

 “Milady, breakfast is ready.” Nolan said. Melissa smiled. She joined the elves at the table. Breakfast was interesting. There were vegetables, lightly toasted mushrooms, along with large grubs and freshly baked bread. A pitcher of water was next to another pitcher with raspberry juice. Scrambled eggs were on a long platter ready for eating. Melissa is intrigued.

“Where do you keep your chickens?” She asked. “The chickens belong to the community, and they are in a chicken coop in the far side of the village.”

She did not see bacon or ham. “Don’t you guys ever eat ham, bacon or sausages?” Nolan’s eyes shot open, and he shook his head. “We do not eat meat,” he responded. “Most elves are vegetarian, however in this community, we occasionally eat fish,” Adain added.

“Oh, so you are Pescatarians?” asked Melissa.

“I suppose we are. We Elves are a race of beings that have a great respect for life,” said Nolan. “Paradoxically some of the greatest assassins and knights in all of history have been elves, not to

mention some of the best archers in the world,” Keefe said. “Wow I didn’t know,” said Melissa, intrigued by what he revealed. She ate her breakfast as if she had not had breakfast in a long time. “Going through that wormhole or whatever it was, really made me hungry,” she stated. The sauce is quite good, made of natural herbs and vegetables. Melissa did not touch the wine. She drank the raspberry juice that Nolan made instead. Something tastes like tofu, but she isn’t quite sure what it is, nevertheless she enjoyed her breakfast very much.

“Who cooked the breakfast? It is good.” She said, as she finished her drink.

“Arowyn cooked this meal,” said Demetrius. Melissa smiled at Arowyn and winked approvingly. Arowyn smiled back with a twinkle in his eyes. Later Melissa spoke to Arowyn about her stay with them.

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Can You Copyright Titles, Names and Slogans?

 

What can be copyrighted?

Recently an author published her book called Chandra’s Quest. I can’t believe the shock I felt. Yes, I was a bit irked by the fact that someone else used the same title as my book but upon looking up the copyright rules, well here is what I found:

Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks. In general, book titles are not eligible for copyright protection. The U.S. Copyright Office views book titles as “short slogans,” not intellectual property. The underlying theory to this notion is that there may be other instances where the same or a similar title is equally appropriate.

Yes, it’s true even though an author copyrights their written work, it doesn’t mean the author owns the rights to the title, and names in the book. Slogans & short phrases is different and might be protected by trademark. 

The difference between the Chandra's Quest by Barbara A. Miller and my book is that they both are of different genre. My Chandra's Quest is sci-fi/fantasy, Miller's book is general fiction/romance. I read a few pages from the sample book, it seems to be a western type of romance book. 

After I revised, In the Company of Elves, I published it on KDP. A few years later another author published her book using the same title. However she did write a fantasy book much like my book but there are significant differences between the two. 

I copyright my books with the Copyright Office so I am not worried. Bottom line is that names & titles are not copyrighted even if the author sent their manuscript to the copyright office. 

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