Decisions

For some time now, I have questioned the need for two blogs. 

At My Table was formed out of frustration, when I thought I had accidentally deleted Her Whitewashed Heart.

Honestly, my heart is in the original blog.  I feel as though this site has been more about me and less about any other purpose.  So, it is time to say goodbye to At My Table.

Thank you all for your support.  I hope to see you still at Her Whitewashed Heart.  :*)

Love in Christ,
Teresa

Meet Troy Jacobs from Drown Me at Dawn - Friday Fiction

I've reached the last days of week three in National Novel Writing Month.  While last night's word count should have come near 32,000, it didn't.  Still, I've written over 26,000 words.

Oh, and not editing - just writing - is such fun!

Characters have developed.  A plot has formed.  Jessica has run away.  Devin saw her leave and has followed her.  She has found a few friends who are helping her.  Ms. Geraldine, a rough looking hotel clerk with a heart of gold;  Ms. T., the spunky tourist tram driver; and Joanna, who has spiked, hot pink hair (and was supposed to be a trouble maker, but insists on being someone completely unexpected), have become Jessica's allies. 

Now, Troy Jacobs has entered the story.  He'll get dragged into the action eventually.  I'd like you to meet him:

Drown Me at Dawn
(Meet Troy Jacobs)
by: Teresa Lee Rainey

Troy Jacobs sat in front of the art gallery and watched as Ms. T's Sightseeing Train went by. Toward the front of the train, someone yelled, "Hey neighbor!"

Troy searched for the person behind the voice. There she was, the spunky young lady with pink hair. He recognized her as the daughter of a nice couple from the church he had been attending. She was standing and waving at him with a big grin.

Troy waved back and smiled. What was her name again? He didn't remember. He had only met her once, at church, in passing. She seemed nice enough. Her parents had mentioned that they owned a neighboring beach house a few doors down from the cottage he was renting for the next few months.

While the train continued on past him, the pink-haired girl yelled, "Hope to see you in church Sunday!"

He planned to go back there, so he bobbed his head up and down, exaggerating the affirmative, to let her know he heard her and agreed.

It was then that he noticed the young lady who sat beside her. She was watching him in curiosity. Her hair caught his attention. It was long and light brown, or was it light auburn. Those were definitely auburn highlights playing in the sun, and they were getting in her eyes. Her hand pushed a strand slowly behind her tiny little ear. Wow. Her eyes were beautiful. They were perfectly shaped, almond eyes, and he could see piercing blue, even from this distance. She noticed him watching. She quickly turned away, hiding her face from his view. "She looks sad," he thought, "I wonder what her story is."

Troy spent much of his time studying passing strangers. He enjoyed watching the emotions of people who passed by on the street. He was an artist after all and people and their emotions were his inspiration. He stood to walk back into the gallery. He had to sketch out a new idea. He wanted to capture the emotion of those sad, blue eyes, peeking from behind long, windblown hair.

***

For more fun, Friday Fiction, visit today's host - Sherri at A Candid Thought.

Another Peek at My Nano Effort - Friday Fiction

Well friends, it is day thirteen of National Novel Writing Month.

Word count. Those are the two words that nag me. My word count is falling behind.

By Sunday, I should be hitting 25,000 words. I'm at 16,000 - and - there is a family reunion tomorrow. My floors need to be swept. Dust is collecting all around me. Breakfast dishes are piled up and waiting.

Excuses! I know. Like right now, I'm writing to ya'll instead of adding words to my Nano story, or sweeping, or dusting, or washing dishes.

So, without further procrastination, here's another peek at my Nano effort:

(Maybe I'll write another 1000 words before tackling those dishes.)

Drown Me at Dawn

By: Teresa Lee Rainey

(On the night of Jessica Baxter's high school graduation, a nightmare returns to claim her as his wife. Jessica doesn't trust anyone. She doesn't believe she can tell anyone who this man really is.

In her fear, she will run away - seeking freedom. Before her journey is over, she will find trust, she will find truth, and she will find freedom in a way she never expected.)

Once our guests were gone, Devin grabbed my hand and turned to Daddy. “Mr. Baxter, do you mind if Jess and I go outside for a little bit to talk?”

“Sure, Devin, just watch the time. It’s almost eleven now. Jess needs to be back in by midnight.”

“Not a problem, Mr. B.”

Devin pulled me outside and to the other side of his truck. He pushed me against the passenger door and held my chin, forcing me to look up to his face. “I’ve missed you, Jess. You’ve turned into one beautiful young woman.”

When he bent to kiss me, I tried to turn my head. His grip was too strong, so I grabbed his chin with my free hand and pushed. “Devin, I’m not ready for this. It’s late and I’m tired.”

His hand jerked from my chin and snatched my hand from his face. His body pinned me to his truck. I felt his breath on my face. “Come on Jess. I just want one kiss. If you want to go on inside after that, I’ll let you.”

What could I do? His lips claimed mine. I stood motionless, unresponsive. I really wanted to throw up in his mouth. Maybe then he would know how repulsive I found him.

When he finished his assault, his body kept mine pinned. He leaned his forehead against mine. “You are mine, Jess. You knew we had something special, even when we were so young. You’re old enough now to let everyone know. We’ll make this right between us. I want you to marry me.”

Oh, Lord, NO! “What?”

“You and I are getting married, Jess. You don’t have to say anything.” Before I knew what was happening, he was pushing a ring onto my finger. He held it up and smiled before crushing me in a bear hug and spinning around. “I love you, Jessica!”

“Stop it!” I screamed. “Let me down before I get sick!”

Devin stopped spinning and let me go. He was staggering and grinning like a mad man. I saw my chance to escape and ran. I didn’t plan to stop until I reached the safety of my bedroom.

***

Go on, click and visit today's hostess Vonnie at My Back Door for more fun Friday Fiction stories.