The feelings of dread passed over me

with cold hands as the ice in my glass

fingers slow turn the key over last

voices around me tell me to flee

I could see the start of a killing spree

the eyes so green like cold grass

white-ness being clear of Everlast

my mouth stilled with a silent plea

My fallen black mane could never compare

with the beauty of the her bloodless hair

Every crease, every turn, every little piece

folds into a sublime form of a square

not only the lucidity of the air

but the radiation amount of her increase

Lying is something that I absolutely cannot stand. I grew up with my life filled with lies. My mother is a liar and an addict. Many time's she's chosen drugs over her own kids and I know it's the drugs.

I know it's the lies though too.

She tells herself that this will be the last time, just to help with the edge.

She tells other's that she's been clean for a certain amount of months

She tells her doctors that she doesn't have anything in her system.

She tells her kids it's because of us is why she does drugs.

She flatlines....

She is still breathing though, even now.

I want to believe it's the drugs, but her true self is showing.

She lied to keep my brother from going to jail, even though he deserved to.

She lied to the school about her children's attendance so she didn't have to drive them to school.

She lied to her children's doctors about medical problems to get another fix.

She lied to her job about her own mother being sick to get time off.

She lied to her husband that nothing was going on.

She lied to her children saying that she wasn't leaving.

She leaves....

She is still breathing though, even now.

My mother is my own personal demon and I don't think it'll ever stop... the lies will continue until her breathing stops, but even then, I'll love her.

I glared at the closed door, his words echoing inside of my head. It only takes one girl to go knocking on some big shot’s door, telling them everything about what I did to them for my empire to come crashing down. He said it straight to my face. Why? Does he think telling me this will work in his favor? I didn’t believe a word he said. From the way those people in the street were acting, I knew if I escaped and asked anyone for help, they would just send me back to Garcia.

I huffed to myself, glancing around the room. It was beautiful and I couldn’t help but enjoy the fact Garcia must have done this to make me feel at home. I quickly hurried over to the bookcases and fell in love with just the books. I spotted Dracula, Frankenstein, Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales, and even Rose Red by Stephen King. I ran my finger along the spines of several other books that looked just as good. I couldn’t wait! Garcia said to get ready for dinner though. I should probably shower and see what the closet looks like. I wasn’t exactly happy either with having someone coming in and dressing me up like I’m there fucking doll!

Trying to calm myself down, I went to the bathroom and nearly melted at the way it looked. It was beyond beautiful with those gold and silver fixtures. I grabbed a towel from the rack and shut the door. As I turned on the shower head, I felt a sense of relief for the first time within 48 hrs. I wasn’t sure as to why I got this sense of relief since I was still in danger, but maybe… It wasn't so bad here?

Once I got out of the shower, a woman was waiting here for me in a white puffed out maid outfit, with a delicate white lace apron tightly bound to her waist showing how beautiful her curves were. Her dark brown hair tied in two space buns stood out against the black and white outfit perfectly.

She smiled at me before bowing, “I’m Franny. Master said I’ll be butler for you.” She gestured to the closet behind me, “Let’s pick outfit for evening and I’ll help with beautiful hair.” Her broken English made me smile. I really need to learn Spanish.

The closest was lined with all sorts of cocktail dresses, ball gown dresses, evening dresses, sun dresses, formal dresses, and even some skimpy items as well. Fanny grabbed a beautiful long black evening gown that sparkled in the light. It was slightly low cut in the front, but completely open in the back. She picked out some black pumps as well that went perfectly with the dress.

Before slipping into the dress for dinner, she had me sit at the vanity mirror and got to work on my hair. She gently blew dried it before putting it up in one small tightly fitted bun. I knew that once my hair dried and I let my hair down for the evening that my hair would be super curly. She curled the little strands of hair that were popping out at the sides, letting them work their magic framing my face. When I reached for the makeup, she pulled me away from it, spinning me around in the chair.

“No, no.” She said, cupping my face, “Makeup would ruin look going for. El maquillaje te debilita.” She paused as a confused look crossed my face. “Uhh, makeup means weakness.”

I nodded, understanding, “I understand.” As I slowly stood up, glancing at the dress hanging by the mirror, “I don’t know if I can do this.” I whispered.

Franny sighed, gently rubbing my back, “Master Garcia really loves you. Master waited for you entire life. You must be strong, debe ser fuerte!”

I hesitated before grabbing the dress and quickly getting dressed. Let’s get this over with. I wanted to come back here and just read! All these books are calling my name and I must read soon or I’ll go insane! Reading and books are the sole purpose I am still here. Living through those words of others, getting to experience those adventures through someone else, even if they are imaginary, and feeling those emotions through those pages, it’s what kept me going, hoping and praying one day that I would find something like that. I just never thought this would be what I would be experiencing. Maybe I read too many of the wrong kind of books.

Finally getting up the nerves to leave the room, Franny walked behind me as I made the way down the stairs. People of all sorts and sizes were here. Loud voices and laughter traveled the hallways and I could see several servers wearing all black serving drinks and carrying little plates of food to different tables. As I reached the button of the steps, I took notice of how many people were actually here. It was a dinner, wasn’t it? Why were so many people here? The dining room was filled with people mingling and more people were out in the garden, enjoying the sun setting and drinks in their hands.

I glanced around the room, trying to find Garcia. I was aware of several servers eyeing me with hatred in their eyes, even Marco joined in with the disgusted look on his face. It was the dress, wasn’t it?

I sighed, and turned to Franny, “I think this dress is wrong. Let’s go find something else.”

Franny frowned, “But you look so beautiful.” She fretted with my little curls, smiling at me. All I could see was love and affection in her eyes.

“All the servers and workers are giving me disapproving looks though.” I whispered.

She glanced around the room, noting the looks of the servers and the glare from Marco. She curled her lip in disgust at him before looking at me, “They upset because of what happened with girl in the garden.” She gently squeezed my shoulders, “Marco… cares for girl so if he’s upset, then servers upset.”

I sighed deeply, licking my dry lips, “I see…” I wish I had some chapstick. Ever since landing here, my lips have been drier than ever. “What was I supposed to do then?”

Franny raised her eyebrows at me, “I not sure what happened you two, but that girl is trouble. Has since arriving. Demanding impossible left and right.” She shook her head, “Most expensive one too. Always demanding jewelry and new things.”

I latched onto what Franny was saying, “Did Garcia give those things to her?”

Franny nodded, sighing and moved out of the way of the group of people heading outside to the garden. She yanked me towards the sitting room where it had died down some, “Master Garcia loved her like others, so of course, car, jewelry, fancy clothes.” Franny shook her head, sitting down on the sofa. I joined her, wanting to hear more.

“What happened to her? And the others?” I asked. Franny was being straightforward with information. I had to take what I could get. Garcia would answer but only give information I couldn’t use.

Franny glanced to the dining room, a look of worry showing, “Master Garcia don’t like sharing what is his, and that means those in past.” Franny rubbed her neck, looking down at the floor, “They are still here, cared for. Marco visits frequently… for own needs and leaves the clean up for us.”

“Why hasn’t anyone said anything?” I asked, completely shocked.

Franny glanced up at me, “Marco can be worse than Garcia.” She shook her head, her fingers twisting together. “Marco says he cares for them… the other girls.”

“I saw the way they had looked at each other.” I whispered, trying to connect the dots.

Franny nodded, “He… tricks them, thinking he cares and then scares into keeping a secret from Garcia.”

“I don’t understand.” I said, sitting on the edge of the cushion, not wanting to miss anything. “I thought Marco was supposed to help Garcia, not fault him even more.”

“Fault?” Franny asked, confused.

I winced, “I’m sorry Fran. I keep forgetting that English isn’t your first language. What I mean is that I can’t believe that Marco would do this and put everything on Garcia, making things worse for everyone.”

Franny nodded. I could see tears swelling in her eyes as she looked away, “Garcia has warehouse turned into little apartments for girls in the past. The one, Gina… Marco had brought her here, and used her as slave.”

I gaped at her, “That’s why she was covered in dirt and looked like she hadn’t eaten in days.” I bolted up. “I have to tell him. Where’s Garcia?”

Franny bottled up with me, a look of fear in her eyes, “He be upset with everyone! You mustn’t!” She begged me, grabbing my hand. She was shaking.

I shook my head, “I’ll make sure he knows about Marco, and I’ll protect you and the others. He threatened you, didn’t he?” I asked, in a low voice. I could feel the adrenaline starting to course through my veins now. I needed to tell Garcia now!

Franny swallowed hard, “This way!” She continued to hold my hand and drag me through the crowd at the same time.

We passed people left and right. I noticed that some were eating, drinking, laughing, talking, but some just stood there, like they didn’t belong, hiding amongst the crowd, hoping that no one would notice. I did though and I noticed the way they held themselves. Cops! And not very well concealed cops either. I resisted the urge to yell in frustration. I had to play by Garica’s rules or I wasn’t going to get anywhere.

Franny pulled me into another small sitting room but there was an office connected to it. The door was open, but I could see a business deal going down. Money was being handed over to Garcia while others were taking briefcases from some of Garcia’s bodyguards.

“How am I supposed to get in there?” I hissed at Franny, “The door may be open, but I am not wanted.”

Franny frowned at me, “You are his Queen. Anywhere King goes, so does Queen.” She gestured to him, “Just look and see yourself.” She gently pushed towards the door. I almost fell because of these stupid high-heels but kept my balance. When I looked back up, Garcia was smiling as he saw me, his eyes lighting up. My stomach twisted some as the rest of their eyes landed on me. I took a deep breath and continued forward.

title, genre, age range, word count, author name, why your project is a good fit, the hook, synopsis, target audience, your bio, platform, education, experience, personality / writing style, likes/hobbies, hometown, age

Title: Love, Rose

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological

Age range: 18+

Author name: McKenzie Shinabery

Good fit: I think it'll be a good fit based on how the two cultures in the books mix together and it explains a lot about what happens in today world. People turn a blind eye or victim blame because they don't know the hardships of being in this type of situation. The book goes into detail and explains, letting the reader feel the emotions and understandings from a young girl.

Hook: I froze as he inched closer. Fear gripped me by the throat and my whole body couldn’t move. My brain was telling my body to move, run, hide, kick, scream, just do something to get him to stop coming closer, but it was like his eyes had me pinned to where I stood next to my bed. I was finally able to let out a small gasp as he gently grabbed my chin, making me look up at him. His eyes were almost pure black and the smirk that slowly crawled across his face told me that tonight wasn’t going to be peaceful.

“I’m not going to hurt you, mi amor,” he whispered in my ear, moving closer, “This is part of being my family, of starting our life together.” His voice was low and raspy and thick with his hispanic accent. His hand slowly cupped the other side of my face.

I shut my eyes tightly, wishing, praying, hoping that this was all a dream, just some weird sick dream. However, his hands slowly going down my body told me that it wasn’t a dream and it was very real. I gripped my nightgown tightly and shakingly took a step back, sweat starting to form on my face and neck. I couldn’t look him in the eyes so I stared at his chest.

“I-I-I’m v-very sorry…sir.” I stumbled over my words, trying to take another step back, “I’m s-so tired ton-night.”

He aggressively grabbed my face and made me look at him. The look on his face told me that I wasn’t going to get out of it, not now, not never. He pressed me up against the cold hard wall and spread my legs with his knee, his other hand caressing my face.

“I know you're scared and that’s okay, but…” he swallowed hard, excitement in his voice as he stared at me in wonderment, “but this will bring us closer and that’s what we both need.”

Synopsis: An orphan from a young age, adopted into a high class family to just be given to her adoptive father's business partner? Petal's been human trafficked at a young age and she doesn't even know it. Follow the journey as she becomes aware she's been human trafficked and see what happens? Will she escape? Will she fight for her life?

Target audiences: Adult Contemporary

Bio: Growing up with an absent mother and a workaholic father, let to her own devices while taking care of her younger brother, McKenzie started to write her own books and share them with her classmates. Seeing that her stories were interesting and kept getting good reviews, even from the teachers, McKenzie has kept on writing. Graduated in 2016 from Highschool and then from college in 2021 with an AA in general studies, she's venturing out into the world in hopes of getting her book published and to become a professional author.

Platform: Unsure

writing style: first person

I stared intently at my new apartment. It wasn't much, but it was now home, even though that word makes my skin crawl. I glanced nervously at the parking lot, noticing the few empty cars parking randomly throughout the lot, my bright red SUV sitting there almost like it's telling me to drive as far away as possible.

Glancing back to the apartment building, I prepared myself for the hike up those never ending stairs. I squinted against the bright yellow siding that have been recently painted with an orange trim. I wrinkled my nose at the thought of living in candy corn colored apartments.

Off to the side, a small run down playground sat. No children nearby, but you can see the wear and tear on the slide from too many little feet running up it to the top. The wood chips were sprinkled here and there, but didn't completely cover up the black garbage bags underneath it.

Clenching my duffle bag, I head up the narrow stairs for three flights in total. I grimace at the boxes the movers had left outside my door. I hope the neighbors didn't see that. Quickly unlocking the door to D204, I dragged the three medium boxes inside, noting one is for bathroom and the other two are for storage. The door slammed shut behind me with a loud bang that echoed off the emptiness of my new apartment.

I sighed deeply, with relief, but also with fear. I've never lived on my own before and I just hope I can live here in peace. Setting the boxes off to the side, I decided to check out the rest of the apartment real quick. I've had a look before, but only at the model apartment which was a two bedroom. I opted for a one bedroom instead since it's just me.

Walking right in from the front door, the bathroom was off to the right. It had one large oval sink with lots of drawers underneath it. Perfect for all of my lotions and hair accessories. A small cabinet sat above the toilet, allowing me to be able to put medicines of all sorts in there. There wasn't a bath, but a very large open shower with two small sections for soaps, shampoos, and other items to sit on while showering. The stacking washing and drying were brand new and gleamed with need behind the bathroom door.

From the bathroom, a storage unit sat with sliding wooden doors on the left. Lots of storage space, but could also be used as a pantry. Straight back from the front door, a walk-in closet sat. More storage space, but could also be used as a home office. To the right of the closet, sat the kitchen with brand new stainless steel appliances. I ran my fingers over the fake marble countertops, a sad smile forming on my face at the thought of making dinner by myself. Opening up the fridge, there was plenty of space and then some. Five cabinets sat along the wall for food storage and dishes.

The living room was connected and it wasn't very big, just lots of open space. My eyes lit up though as I took notice of the door leading outside to my balcony. Forgetting about the bedroom, I unlocked the balcony door, and slipped out. The fresh air hit my face and I smiled, like really smiled as I leaned against the wobbly railing. A feeling of home rushed through me as I took in the view of the woods behind me. A small patch of green grass extended, but for miles beyond that, all I could see was trees and my heart hurt. The greenery made me feel at home, but I wasn't really. Enjoying the view for a few more moments, I went back inside and peaked in at the bedroom off of the living room.

It was a medium sized room, which was able to fit my queen sized bed that leaned against the wall. I bit my lip, hungry growing inside. I decided to call the nearest place that delivered pizza. With dinner on it's way, I got to work reinventing my life and making my future brighter.