Laughing Eyes: Bittersweet Familia (3) (27 page)

Danny

The sun shone bright despite a deep set sadness engulfing me. It seemed like only yesterday that I last stood here on this very spot. Her name in elegant cursive writing was more like punch in the gut, the vibrant colors of the flowers surrounding the headstone, crumbling my resolve.

Today was the anniversary of Anna’s death.

Time did not heal.

All it did was taunt.

Kneeling down, swiping at the stray tears, I tried hard to push down the lump forming in my throat. I rarely ever shed a tear. This however, was just an exception to the rule. I had no control over it. The happy times we shared were often overshadowed by the last moment I saw her alive.

Since rescuing Laila, I no longer had the nightmares that plagued me every night. It was like a giant weight had been lifted after a four year torment.

Touching the metal engraving, the heat of it warming my hand I knew this had to be the end. I watched as a single tear rolled off my chin, landing in the groove of the cursive font.

“I wish for you every day,” the words weren’t audible, my voice strangled by the lump in my throat.

Closing my eyes, I allowed the wave of emotion to take hold, relenting to the pain that still existed.

Her face appeared before me. So beautiful, so caring, so perfect. She was smiling at me, no longer a face of fear. No longer afraid for me. Her lips formed a sweet smile, the flowery scent she wore, intoxicating.

I knew she wasn’t real. But I could see her. Feel her.

“Anna Bonita, forgive me!”

“Forgive me for losing you. Forgive me for saying goodbye.”

The End

Coming July 7
th

Sofia

My name is not Sofia.

Marcela Alejandra Ortiz is what I was christened twenty-five years ago. No one here knows who I really am, not that they care to find out. For the last six years the name meaning ‘wisdom’ has been nothing less than a brutal punishment.

A painful reference to my past.

A reason to remind me of indiscretions that were not my own.

They all say it so freely, smirking as they do so. Every one of these men know I am destroyed a little more each time. In the beginning, they would laugh as the tears rolled down my cheeks, finding humor in my weakness.

For years, I would go to bed dreaming it was me they had killed. Now, I plot my retaliation. Waiting for the perfect moment to avenge my sister and the life they stole from me.

In this new volatile world I live in, I have no middle or last name.

I am only known as Sofia.

Acknowledgements

This was a particularly difficult story to write. Not due to complexity, but because I knew I was tearing two beautiful characters apart. I wanted so much for them to have a happy ever after, yet they just pulled me in opposite directions. When I was having doubts and questioning myself, I had my Bitters & Sweets to thank for encouraging me throughout this journey. I group of beautiful women who I just adore.

April Doughty-Nixon. You are my sister from another mister and momma but I love you like we’re blood. Thank you for being such an angel and I am so EXCITED to actually meet you soon!

Andrea King. Where would I be without you? Thank you for your patience. I am sure there were many times you felt like stabbing my eye balls out but you stuck by me with a smile and created my beautiful cover. Love you long time!

John Daniel. For making my Nicolas Blanco come to life in the most frightening way possible. Thanks for lending your face to play possibly one of the darkest characters I will ever write.

To my gorgeous friend, Al Marie. Words cannot express how much I love you. Thank you for taking the time to help me out. I cannot express just how HUGE my gratitude is.

The beautiful Jodie O’Brien. This woman is AMAZING. One of the kindest people I have ever met and so self-less. Thanks for being a true friend and I love you to the moon and back.

A big shout out to Rose & Atalia from FMR Book Grind. What a pleasure it has been working with you. Thanks for your professionalism and all the help you have given for this release.

And THANK YOU to ALL the bloggers and ARC readers who have participated in my release day. Without you wonderful people, an author’s life would be that much harder.