From the Diary of Amy Noble:
Dear Diary, I read all the diary pages my mother gave to me and they filled me with dread. If I expected a story full of sunshine and rainbows, much like my own childhood had been, I was sorely disappointed. Within the first few pages, I saw my biological mother (Gigi) fall into my father’s (Laris’s) deadly trap.
Gigi and my mom’s father Kai had died suddenly from a motorcycle accident when they were still children. Instead of receiving the support they needed from their mother, Jade, she sent them off to boarding school where they hardly ever saw each other.
It seems Gigi was a bit of a smart-ass, but that didn’t alienate her. Instead, she made lots of friends, one in particular named Tilly. Tilly was a troubled young girl, but she and Gigi became fast friends with Tilly conducting several sneaky missions for Gigi. No doubt if they had caught Tilly, she would have been expelled from school. Perhaps that’s what she wanted. We’ll never know.
As time went on, Gigi realized she had certain powers, and it was during that time she met my biological father, Laris Bloodgood. From Gigi’s descriptions, it didn’t take a genius to understand he was up to no good. But almost at once, he had her under his spell.
He promised Gigi if she followed his direction and honed her powers, Kai would return and they would finally be the family she’d always imagined.
Every time I read Laris’s name, I cringed and an icy chill crept down my back, making me shudder. The thought of him parenting me was almost more than I could bear. But I also knew if I didn’t get a grip on this and act normally, my mom would regret giving me the diary to read. She was anguished enough as it was. What if she thought it was more than I could handle, so she shut me out altogether? I needed to know everything, and she was the only one who could fill me in. Even Sebastian (my adoptive dad) couldn’t tell me everything. Not like Mom could.
Reading further, I couldn’t believe how paranoid and confused Gigi was. In fact, as time went on, it seemed worse and worse. Oh, and I didn’t even mention she was expecting me any time.
My mom was only a teenager, with Sebastian as her bodyguard. He used to be a vampire, but I’ve talked about that before, so I won’t touch on that too much in this entry. My hand is cramping from writing so much.
But I have to get it all down because keeping it in my head… well, it’s too heavy.
After a time, Mom began to get through to Gigi, but Gigi still believed her father would return. About then, I was born and Mom was the one who took care of me, because Gigi was too ill mentally to handle taking care of a newborn.
That’s when I read about the showdown between Laris and Gigi. She won, but both their lives were taken in an enormous explosion. Dad saved Sophie and me just before a tremendous burst of flames claimed my biological parents, the house, and everything in it.
From then on, Mom cared for me as her own even though she was just a kid herself. Dad became human with Grandfather’s help, and Grandfather began spelling me so I wouldn’t remember anything.
What freaked me out the most was how afraid everyone was that I would use my powers by accident and kill them all. I mean, how do you live with that?
I hate what I am. Most of all, I hate how scared they all are of me.
Grandfather is the only one who can help me learn to control whatever it is I have.
From the Diary of Amy Noble:
Dear Diary, Harlow’s recent visit asking to talk to me was too painful to think about or even write down.
But if I’m to be heir and the author of my own diary, I must include everything that shapes my life. This definitely influenced me.
So much had happened lately, I didn’t want to talk to Harlow about what happened that night at my house. Instead, I suggested we take a swim.
As was our custom, both of us had swimsuits on underneath our clothes. As she pulled her attire off, I kept my eyes down, staring at my feet as I also removed my shirt.
It wasn’t until later, when we were treading water, that I dared to look at her.
“I went to your house first, then your mom told me you were here with your grandfather,” Harlow said.
I nodded. “I just thought I’d stay with him for a while. What did you want to talk to me about?” My voice sounded calm, like it was coming from someone else.
“I’m worried about what happened the other night.”
That was all she said. Was she worried that she might be gay? If that was the case, she wasn’t alone.
“You’re worried about your feelings?” I asked, darting her another glance.
Confusion crossed her eyes before she answered.
“No, I’m worried Tom might find out. I don’t want to lose him. What happened between us was… I don’t know… strange.”
Gulping hard, I put a hand to my heart. Could she see how her words cut me to the bone?
“What do you mean, strange?”
Harlow looked like she might answer me, but, she swam to shore, gathering up her clothes. Slowly, I swam to shore, too, picking up my clothes, my eyes full of unshed tears that I swallowed back.
Between finding out I was a freak of nature and Harlow distancing herself, I’d never felt so lonely in my life.
The dry heat as we walked back up to the house dried our skin and bathing suits. Once we were inside, we dressed again and Harlow followed me to the kitchen. My intention was to delay her leaving by getting us both cans of pop. I thought maybe we could talk after all.
“You just don’t understand,” she said, throwing her hands up.
“I want to,” I answered. “I really do.”
“I don’t know what happened the other night. Something came over me, but it meant nothing. It was just something that happened. Amy, I don’t think we can be friends anymore.”
A dizziness came over me as I shook my head, not believing what I was hearing.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want things to be this way, but after that night, I know what your feelings are for me, and I can’t have that.”
My thoughts were spinning and I couldn’t speak. It was as if something inside me was breaking.
“You don’t know how sorry I am.”
Nausea overtook me, and I held back the urge to wretch.
“How can you do this?” I choked out.
“It isn’t easy, but you have to understand that I’m not like you and I never will be.”
She was actually pointing at me as if I’d hurt her, but it was I who was the damaged party. This would not soon be forgotten.
From the Diary of Sophie Woodbury-Noble:
Dear Diary, I scrubbed my hands for the millionth time that day as I thought about Amy and what she must be going through.
She called me earlier, and what she said took me by surprise, but really, in the end, it was no big deal.
“First off, I’m gay,” she’d said.
“Okaaaaay, and?”
There was a long pause before she finally said, “And I was crushing on Harlow. We kissed but now she’s saying she isn’t gay, doesn’t have feelings for me, and that we can’t be friends anymore.”
Amy’s words tumbled out of her in a way I wasn’t accustomed to, which clued me in to how upset she really was.
“Oh, Darling, I’m so sorry this all happened.”
We talked for a long while until Gerrard interrupted us to give Amy another lesson in magic. She quickly made her goodbyes and hung up.
I bit the inside of my lip until it bled. Gerrard’s timing couldn’t have been any worse.
“What’s wrong, Soph?” Seb said.
I hadn’t realized he’d come into the room, so I jumped a little at the sound of his voice. Telling him everything that happened on our phone call, I finally turned off the water, located the dish towel, and dried my hands.
“That asshole,” I fumed. “I’m so tired of him.”
A gentle breeze made the open door creak, and I lifted my face to it. Then I turned back to my husband.
“And honestly, Seb, I don’t know how you can stand Gerrard’s presence in our lives after what he did to you.”
“That was centuries ago,” he cracked. Then his face became serious. “I know he’s difficult to take sometimes, and I understand you don’t get my relationship with him. It’s too complicated for me to understand, let alone you. But he really is trying to help Amy right now. He couldn’t spell her for her entire life.”
“Why not?” I demanded, pushing a lock of my unruly red hair behind my ear even though I knew it wouldn’t stay there. “If he has to be in our lives, why the hell couldn’t he just spell her forever? It’s not like he won’t be around her entire life!”
Seb shrugged slightly, resting his thumb in his belt.
“He’s sworn to protect her, so that is what he will do. Vampires take that sort of thing very seriously.”
I sighed. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”
From the Diary of Amy Noble:
Dear Diary, Grandfather wanted me to practice my so-called magic, but all I could think about was how Harlow had treated me. Slowly, I felt a bubbling underneath my skin, just barely simmering, and my muscles quivered.
Grandfather seemed rather pleased with my state of mind.
“The anger you’re feeling… you need to harness that and concentrate on what you are doing. It will come.”
“I feel ridiculous in this outfit.”
A smile tore at the corner of his mouth.
“You are a queen where I come from, my dear. These garments are a testament to your station in life. You must dress the part to feel the part. Now concentrate.”
Closing my eyes, I couldn’t ignore the irritability I felt at Harlow’s dismissal. We couldn’t be friends because we shared a kiss? I wasn’t even certain she was being truthful with herself.
Gripping the crystal ball in my hands, I thought about how she swam with me in that bikini of hers, expecting me not to stare at her. How could she act so normal, then tell me I’m dirt beneath her shoes?
I wanted to scream, to rail at the world for the unfairness I felt. What would I do about it?
What was I going to do about Harlow and how she treated me?
I am not a loser! I refuse to be an outcast just because Harlow says I am!
Who is she?
My pulse quickened, and my heart thumped against my chest. She was no one!
Suddenly, a beam of light flew across the room and blew a hole right through some of Grandfather’s books. They fell to the floor with a giant blow.
“What was that?”
Grandfather stood there with a smirk on his face as he answered.
“That was you finally focusing and blowing a hole in the enemy!”
All at once, it dawned on me. I have powers, and could very well be the most powerful being in the world. It was then I realized I needed to put my full effort into my lessons with Grandfather.
After all… I was a queen.
Added into the pages of Sebastian Woodbury’s Journals:
He waited until his keen vampire hearing detected Amy was upstairs, in her room, with the door shut before he dialed the phone.
Someone picked up, but there was only silence.
“She is ready,” was all he said to the party on the other side.
Special thanks to Bee (Stories by Bee / Poses by Bee) for the poses used in this chapter: Spiritual Ceremony and Convo/Emotion Poses – Set 2.
I wish all our Canadian friends a happy Thanksgiving on Monday!
Thank you so much for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting!
Other Credits:
World: Winchester Farming Community
Lot: Woodland Cottage, Hill House
Hmm, I don’t trust Gerrard right now. Especially, not after how things went with Gigi. Nope.
I don’t blame you there. It seems he may have ulterior motives for helping Amy.
Oh dear… first off, I want to hug Amy and tell her that she’ll find a girl much better than Harlow! I suspect that Harlow probably has romantic feelings herself but is too scared to deal with them properly. I’m not sure that their relationship can heal after this even if Harlow changes her mind. Second… omg, what is Gerrard up to! I’ve remained suspicious of his true goals all this time and the phone call just intensifies his ‘up to no good’ vibe. He better not be putting Amy in danger, I swear.
Thank you, Lila. I can totally understand your suspicions regarding Gerrard. I’m sure this phone call only amplifies that even more. As for Harlow, you are probably right about her feelings. I reckon that’s something she’ll have to come to terms with, although Amy might not be around to see that happen.
Gerrald is putting some interesting ideas into Amy’s head, but then again, he’s a vampire and top of the food chain, so naturally he’d instill separatist ideals into Amy, who is not human herself.
Wow, Harlow’s blow was very caustic to poor Amy, and I can’t help but think Harlow harbors romantic feelings for Amy but is so scared of them that her fear is turning into a rage she directs at her former bff.
Yes, exactly! You understand Gerrard. 😀 I’m so pleased about that.
You just may be right about Harlow and her feelings.
Thank you for sharing!!.. I have been busy past two weeks and need to get caught up.. 🙂 sorry that Amy heart got hurt but the heart does go on and who knows what the future of Harlow and Amy will be “True love doesn’t happen right away; it’s an ever-growing process. It develops after you’ve gone through many ups and downs, when you’ve suffered together, cried together, laughed together, loved together.” (Ricardo Montalban)… 🙂
As for the diary and learning more ab0ut herself and others in her life “Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come”. (Author Unknown).. 🙂
Until we met again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
Thank you so much, Dutch. I love what you say here about love and also about life preparing you. Both things are so true, and it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of that once in a while. 🙂
That was such a good chapter! I wonder what is up with Gerrard. The Harlow situation is awful. I think she is confused about her feelings, but decided to suppress them rather than deal with them properly. She hurt Amy so badly, I feel so sorry for her.
Anyway, I don’t have much to say this time, as I read the chapter right where it came out, but didn’t have access to a computer. So I guess I just can’t react properly at this point. But wanted to let you know I’m reading ❤️
Hi, Jowita! ❤️ Thank you.
I’m so glad you liked the chapter! Gerrard could have a book written about him. LOL
Harlow really did break Amy’s heart. Amy was up front with her and it all just went to pot. I think you may be right about Harlow and not dealing with her feelings.
I’m so tired of Sophie
Awwwww I’m sorry.
She’s like hyper fixating on Gerard and not seeing the bigger picture
Yes, that is so true. She needs to get a grip or she might become just like all the older women in the story who’ve been wronged.
Yeah!
❤️❤️
What a diary that must have been to read. Phew. Well, at least this family can never, ever be called boring! 😂
It’s sad she feels she has to act “normal” and grown up, unaffected by what she’s read so she doesn’t upset her mum or make her mum regret giving her the diary. Parents don’t want to burden their kids and they worry about giving them too much, but I personally think that giving them the truth is better. Kids are tougher than they think, but shutting them out and keeping secrets hidden is going to hurt way more. Usually, at least. And she needs to know because of who she is and I really, really hope she gets some support, at least from her grandfather, because she shouldn’t have what she is. She’s freakin’ awesome to a powered woman!
As for Amy’s love life, poor girl. I feel for Harlow too, just a bit, because she’s coming off as incredibly rude and cruel here and yet I think she’s maybe just confused herself. She might be falling for a girl and she’s keeping up the pretence that she’s straight, afraid to admit even to herself that maybe she’s not as straight as she and everyone around her thought she was. But to admit that, to explore the feelings she’s trying to ignore, would be terrifying. Unfortunately she’s taking that out on Amy and that’s not fair. A little rage seems to be what Amy needs to blow holes in things though so that’s cool! I wish I could do that when I’m mad because I’m getting mad a lot lately. The whole house would be riddled with holes 😆
Another fantastic instalment, Kymber!!
Caz xxxx
Thank you so much, Caz. There was definitely a lot there, and definitely not boring! lol 😂😂
I like what you said here about having to act “normal” for her parents and other adults in her life. I agree that giving the children the truth is so much better. How can your children trust you if you lie to them? Usually, anyway, as you said. Let’s hope she gets that support.
Hopefully, for Amy, she’ll have a better love life in the future. I think you are right about Harlow when you say she is terrified. It’s not right to take this out on Amy, that’s true, but maybe that’s the only way she can express what she is feeling. My whole house would be riddled with holes, too! hahahaha
I hope this week treats you well. xoxoxo
I am so impressed by the beautiful writing and intriguing story as well as the beautiful graphics/poses.
Thank you so much, Thomas. You are very kind.
Amy’s was having a terrible day! I’m glad she had some success at the end, Kymber, and is finally able to accept her power. A great cliff-hanger too!
Thank you so much, Diana. You’re right about that terrible day! lol It’s good Amy has accepted her power but hopefully it will be used for good.
🙂 She seems like she’ll use if for good… as long as she doesn’t get angry!
LOL I know that’s right! 😀
That was amazing. I feel so sorry for Amy. Trying to navigate a first crush, being told you’re the most powerful being in existence, teenagehood… and Gerrard… she needs the love of her parents so badly!
1 quick thing: last paragraphs you said were from the journal of Sebastian, didn’t you mean Gerrard? Or… dun dun duuuuuun… Is Seb the one Gerrard called????
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked this entry. Amy is in such a tough spot, especially for a teenager. You’re right about how she needs the love of her parents so badly!
I wondered if anyone would say anything about that. 😀 You get the prize for the day! lol I imagined that Seb wrote about this time period, too, and put this in his journal. It would make more sense probably if it had been Gerrard who wrote it. But that’s what was in my head anyway. lol 😀
Oh, man, that ending! I can’t decide if Grandfather is backing Amy up or selling her out. Teethbiting! 😀
Thank you, fluffy. I’m glad the ending surprised you. 😀 That’s the question of the day! lol 😀
Just that ending has me thinking ‘Grandfather’ isn’t who they think he is. Amy needs to get away from him or it’ll be Gigi and Laris all over again!
Thank you, Hilly! You are so right, it definitely could be. The question is, whose side is he on?
Love this so much!
Thank you so much, Cathy. 🙂
Oh no …. poor Sophie, hope Amy catches on quickly to being used and also catches on quickly to the difference between power from hurt and anger vs power from love.
Thank you so much, Mama Dragon. I hope the same things and can see why you’re worried. Hopefully, Amy catches on.
Even though the diary was supposed to enlighten Amy to events of the past, I am seeing some real parallels here which as a teenager, she isn’t capable of seeing for herself. Especially since, she too isn’t aware there is evil afoot taking control of her life. And she willingly is giving it.
Thank you, Bee. You are spot on with your assessment! There are a lot of parallels here, and Amy cannot see them at all. She’s definitely not award of the evil just around the corner.