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Tag Archives: urban fantasy

Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter 8

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by Ermilia in Blind Sight: Aniela [Novel], Eliabeth

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blind characters, blindness, fantasy, fiction, urban fantasy

Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter EIGHT

RYTHMIC BEEPS

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-Cover

Aniela tried Leo’s cell phone again. She disconnected the call without leaving a message. She had to assume he had forgotten it when his sister had been rushed to the hospital, not that she could blame him. She sighed and watched as Marcus’ gaze flickered to the rear view mirror, but he did not ask about it. Pouting, she slumped down in her seat. How was she supposed to know how Odette was doing if he did not answer his phone? Had she taken a turn for the worse? Had she woken up yet? Did he need her to grab something for them on the way? She knew better than to ask if Marcus could go any faster, but she practically lunged out of the car once it stopped. She scrambled into the hospital waiting room and nearly tripped over her own feet as she darted to the welcome desk.

“Odette Reyes, what room is she in?”

The girl behind the desk looked disinterested. “Are you a relative?”

“No, but she’s a friend and she collapsed, and I need to know what room she’s in and if she’s okay, so help me. I’ve been here before so I know that this falls during visitation hours which means I don’t have to be a relative to go see her, and I will climb over this desk and find the information myself or you can tell me right now.” Aniela finally paused to breathe. She rarely spoke, much less acted in the undignified manner she was describing, but dress or no dress, she had every intention of carrying out the threat.

The wide-eyed girl clicked away at the computer, “Room 407.”

“Thank you,” Aniela said, more out of habit than actual gratitude before she walked briskly in the direction of the elevator.

She rounded a corner and found what she thought looked like the back of Leo’s head poised against a background of vending machines.

“Leo?” she called in only a slightly raised voice, not wanting to draw attention to herself if it was not him.

The figure turned, and only a moment before Aniela confirmed it was Leo, she was squished in his tight embrace full of thankfulness and trust. She would have hugged back if she had not been so startled, but before she had time to react, he had let go as suddenly as he had wrapped his arms around her and started apologizing. She opened her mouth to tell him it was okay, that he did not need to apologize, but not one sound came out before he was in near hysterics, a diatribe about how the doctors would not tell him anything.

Quickly, Aniela realized that her own panicked mood would only be detrimental, that she needed to be the calm, reasonable rock to which he could cling. Once again, however, it seemed that he was moving too fast for her to keep up as he had now moved on to yelling at one of the doctors who had materialized out of nowhere. Aniela positioned herself between Leo and the doctor, her back to Leo. She knew from experience that people were less pleasant and helpful when you were yelling at them.

“Is there any way we can see her?” She did not expect him to be able to rattle something off, but as he opened the chart he was carrying, her hopes rose. “Excuse me sir, can you give us an update on Odette Reyes?”

“She is stable…” Aniela had not realized she was holding her breath until she felt the release of air drop with the suspense. What a relief. This had to be magic, Aniela was sure of it. There was no other sane explanation for a blind girl throwing about singularly colored fabric.

“Could we please see her now?” Aniela asked, wanting to see for herself that Odette was indeed safe and sound.

“Yes,” the doctor replied. “As soon as I have the test results, I’ll come and talk to you further,” he aimed at Leo.

The doctor waved over a nurse who led them through the maze of hallways. It did not take long until they were at the room and Leo blew past her. She stepped to the side; as much as she wanted to do the same, she felt as though she was intruding on a private moment between siblings. Even from here she could feel Leo’s love for his sister. The concern on Leo’s face was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Sure, Theodore and Tatiana had shown various levels of protective expressions and sometimes ones of mild concern, but nothing that could ever compare to the anxiety Leo had for Odette.

Aniela pulled her thoughts together; this was not the moment to be self-reflective. She approached the bed just as Odette rolled over and plopped back down on her pillows with a deep sigh. Aniela gazed down at her friend with concern. She knew something was wrong when the drawings started to show up, but she never would have fathomed that something like this would happen to an otherwise healthy girl.

She reached out and touched Odette’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Hi Odette, it’s Ana. How are you feeling?”

Odette muttered something and settled herself into a new position and began snoring quietly.

Aniela smiled gently. Odette let go of her hand and it naturally moved toward Leo’s. She pulled her hand away before he noticed. She had yet to make up her mind about staying when a soft, “hello,” reached her from Leo.

“Hello?” She was confused by the greeting, but he was looking up at her and though she glanced behind her, no one else had come in the room.

Her concern for his sanity was not long lived as he immediately explained. “Sorry I just…didn’t feel like I greeted you properly earlier on.”

“Oh,” she said with a soft giggle.

His vulnerable eyes left hers to look at his sister once again. “It hasn’t exactly been at its best lately…”

Now at least she had something she could do. Talking, or ideally comforting him gave her something to do and made her feel productive. She moved closer, squatting down and placing her hands on Odette’s bed for balance, putting herself closer to his level and making it so that she could lower her voice and not bother Odette.

“It will get better; every family has its spats. It is obvious you love her; I am sure she knows that.”

She could see it in the way she talked about him, very much the way she talked about Theodore and even Tatiana when they were not around. It was a younger sibling thing; she could relate to the loving dysfunctional relationship that came with being the youngest.

He agreed, but not very convincingly, before offering her a seat. Standing before she could answer, Leo got up and moved another chair over to the bed so she could sit in the one he had previously occupied. That answered her previous uncertainty about staying.

Aniela looked over at Leo’s solemn expression. “Thank you,” he said quietly, “I don’t know what I would’ve done…”

“You’re welcome.” She wished she could hold his hand or kiss him, anything to make him smile again.

Now that they were on the subject, she had some things she wanted to ask, but she never got the chance. Her beeper went off and the number for Phoenix came across the small screen. On top of that, one of the doctors was making his way into the room with yet another clipboard probably filled with piles of test results. She decided it was time to leave the siblings alone.

“I need to return this call. Odette, I’ll be back to see you later,” she promised, even if that meant dropping by for only a moment to check in. She had faith in the system, especially if her suspicions about the involvement of magic proved correct.

“Bye Leo.” She pulled out her cell phone the moment she was out of the room and pressed the speed dial for Phoenix.

“Hello? Marie, I am returning a page.”

“Miss Dawson, yes,” Marie said frantically. “We need you right away. A member of the hospital staff just dropped off a newborn.”

“I am on my way now,” she said, quite startled by the news. Since opening Phoenix, she had not had any new arrivals, but did not want to ask more over the phone.

Once the car pulled up to the large stone building, she tried her best to look put together and not shaken from everything earlier that day. Marie ran over to greet her.

“Did you get the medical paperwork on the baby?” Aniela asked.

“Yes, clean bill of health. I sent someone out shopping for formula since we don’t have any other children that young.” Aniela nodded to show she was listening. She did not want to have to call her mother, but she was very close, pride be darned. Why had she not taken the initiative to babysit the neighbor’s children more so she would know what to do with a baby now?

“Did the hospital say anything about how they came across the child?

“Someone dropped the baby off. In order to keep people from leaving unwanted babies in dumpsters, they have a no questions asked policy so we have no background on the mother.”

That made Aniela pause a step before regaining her composure. Unwanted babies! What kind of a mother or father didn’t want their children?

The nursery was expansive. Cribs lined the walls and toys scattered about on shelves, but only one thing made any movement in the room. Aniela had not expected to have this room occupied so soon, but at least they were prepared. She walked over to the baby and picked it up, supporting its head and making cooing sounds that even the most rough-tough male would make when they held a baby so sweet. It was wrapped up in a navy blanket, which Marie explained was all the baby had been dropped off in. It looked expensive and felt incredibly soft.

“Just a blanket?” Aniela asked incredulously. “How old did the hospital say the child was?”

“No more than a few days.”

Aniela patted the baby’s back. “You’re so helpless, how could anyone not want to take care of you?” Aniela asked as she gently swayed back and forth, not even minding the damp spot on her shoulder as the baby blew spit bubbles.

*

The sun moved slowly toward the horizon but had yet to touch its expanse. Flowers, a card, and some Braille playing cards in hand, Aniela stood in the elevator and listened to the beeps as she climbed up to the fourth floor. This time she did not rush, but walked calmly to Odette’s room where she found Leo in the same chair as when she left. She placed the flowers on the table close to Odette’s bed, the card Leo would have to read to her later, but was for now stuffed in the flowers. She tiptoed over to him, not wanting to interrupt his sleep. His back was to her, but his head was lolled to the side; he looked drained and in desperate need of a break.

“Hello again,” Aniela whispered once she realized he was awake. Sitting on the end of Odette’s bed, past the point Odette’s feet stretched, Aniela gave her friend’s hand a gentle squeeze before talking to Leo once more.

“I can keep Odette company if you would like to go home and get some rest. That chair cannot be very comfortable.”

Leo agreed and Aniela pulled a table over from the side of the bed, usually used for serving patient’s meals.

“I brought cards with Braille on them, I do not know many card games, but I thought you could teach me some if you are up to it,” she offered once Leo had left.

“Do you know how to play BS?” Odette asked, looking perkier than she had even moments before.

“Bus Stop?” Aniela asked, forgetting that most people knew it by a different name.

Odette looked confused, “No it stands for…”

“I know, I know,” Aniela cut Odette off with a flustered expression and a frantic wave. “I do not like cursing,” she explained.

Odette looked at her incredulously. “Alright, Bus Stop then.” She spoke as though she thought Aniela was being terribly childish, but went along with it. Oh how roles were sometimes reversed as Odette took the role of patient older sibling.

Aniela pulled the plastic wrap off the cards and shuffled, dealing five cards each. As they played, Aniela quickly learned that Odette did not need to see to know when she was lying. Nate stopped by with more flowers, which Odette took greedily and sniffed with a broad smile blooming across her face. He had to work and did not stay long, but it gave Aniela a break from losing. After losing six in a row, Aniela slumped back in her chair and a victorious Odette settled back into the lush pillows for another round of sleep just as the sound of booming fireworks followed lights sprinkling across the night sky. It was just as well that Odette was asleep for this, but it was too bad Leo was missing it.

She continued to watch the yellows and blues that no normal firework could ever match. They burst into complicated patterns and doodled stories across the night sky as people used their gifts in celebration. As if in answer to her thoughts, the door behind her opened and she squirmed in her chair to find Leo was not going to miss the light display after all.

“Your sister is a card shark,” she informed him in rather pathetic tones. He sat down in the chair beside her so that they both had a view of the window.

Something in his expression looked ominous; there was a certain darkness in his eyes and a tightness in his mouth, and she realized that Theodore must have come by and told him about magic. It would explain the dazed expression.

“How?” He mumbled, eyes fixed on the flash of colors exploding beyond the window. He glanced at her and nodded.

“Some of us can manipulate our powers to create such wonders in the skies without bringing attention to our country or hurting the atmosphere,” she explained.

“So now…”

“Yes, people are allowed to use their gifts in public within reason. It is a time of celebration until the end of winter when tourism starts back up again.”

“Mmm…” he seemed lost in thought, and she wanted to give him time to absorb what she had just told him so she kept her gaze fixed out the window for a minute or two. It hurt her to see him in this state of confusion. She wanted to cup his face and give him a pleasant distraction from the worries in his life. She pushed the sudden urge away, embarrassed.

“It is a time for celebration, Leo. She’s alive and well.” He smiled back, and she felt the warm touch of his hand on top of hers. She felt a gentle squeeze that said what words could not.

Next Chapter – Coming Next Week

Blind Sight is an urban fantasy series about a blind girl who develops the ability to draw. You are reading Blind Sight Through the Eyes of Aniela Dawson. This volume is told from the point of view of Odette’s friend who thinks she’s a medium channeling spirits. The companion novel, Blind Sight Through the Eyes of Leocardo Reyes tells the same story, but through a different point of view. Odette’s brother Leo is convinced Odette is having premonitions and cannot be convinced otherwise. Who is right? Whose eyes will you read through?

amazonbutton-purchaseYou can also learn more about our novels on our page, Ermilia Books.

Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter 7

18 Tuesday Aug 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter SEVEN

Brisk Collapse

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-Cover

Snowballs flew back and forth from behind soggy cardboard forts as Aniela pulled her flower print duffle bag from the car. Children no longer confined to the classroom celebrated the end of the school year. As Aniela grabbed her skates, she felt the cold smack of a stray snowball against her back, followed by an apologetic “woops” from one of the kids. It would be so refreshing to be able to use magic outside again once the tourists were shipped back home for winter. Aniela had once asked why Edaion’s citizenry had to tolerate tourists at all.

“Don’t be stupid,” Tatiana mocked. “How do you think other countries will react to their citizens disappearing to a country closed off to everyone else?”

When Aniela asked, she was too young at the time to wonder how people left behind accepted their loved one’s decisions to abruptly leave. None of her history classes had mentioned countries storming in demanding their tax payers be returned or families fighting to convince their loved ones not to stay. Since Viola had come with her whole family, it did not apply, but now that she was getting to know Odette and Leo, the question surfaced.

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Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter 5

28 Tuesday Jul 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter FIVE

Solemn Streamers

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-Cover

Aniela turned the wheel of the go-cart and would have bounced out of her seat if not for the seatbelt holding her in as she took a tight corner too quickly. By some miracle, Nate was only a cart length ahead of her, and she was determined to pass him on the final lap. He glanced over his shoulder as she tried to squeeze between his car and the wall, only to be blocked by his incessant weaving. A jarring push from someone behind her sent her careening into the padded wall. Unable to reverse, she had to wait for one of the workers to pull her away, allowing her to return, last, into the go-cart area. Nate greeted her at the exit with a victorious grin.

“Next time,” she baited.

Nate wrapped his arm affectionately around her shoulders and they wandered through the rest of the Founder’s Day carnival. Everyone had gathered to celebrate the discovery of Edaion, or to stuff themself with candy. Strings of lights wrapped around trees and kiosks sold warm chilidogs, funnel cakes, and other junk food to combat the chilly October weather. A chair swing spun around eliciting screams from giddy children, and a conservative roller coaster meandered around on a wooden track. Streamers and banners flapped gently in the breeze as a live band jumped around on a stage somewhere in the distance.

Smoke billowed out of tents advertising a peek into the future or communication with the dead. It was one of Edaion’s jokes on the tourists. While the booths advertising glimpses into the future, either through crystal balls or flip cards were just there for the naïve tourism crowd, some of the mediums were legitimate. Even though using their gifts didn’t require any outside help, they dressed up in gaudy jewelry, ridiculous hats, and glasses that made their eyes look three times their normal size. Their tents were filled with every cliché item they could find, and the more ostentatious, the better. If the customer paid enough, they got the real deal. If the customer was stingy, it was literally all smoke and mirrors.

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Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter 3

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter THREE

A Unique Tune

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-Cover

Aniela’s fingers plucked at the air while she practiced an imaginary harp. This was not how she wanted to spend her afternoon, but her private teacher had called her in for an extra lesson. While Aniela thought her impending graduation meant she did not have to practice as much, her teacher told her graduation was no excuse for laziness. Unlike many of her orchestra companions, she had no desire to continue after, at least not at the same level. Aniela sighed and dropped her hands; the music inside her head stopped just as abruptly. This was important to her mother, so she stuck with it.

One of the practice room doors opened behind her and she twisted to see if her teacher was ready for her. Instead, a blind girl stepped out of one of the adjoining rooms. Her white and orange stick slid across the floor as she walked. Aniela was fascinated; she had never seen a blind person before. The girl did not hide her eyes behind sunglasses; her loose straight brown hair was pulled back except for the bangs which fell into her eyes. Despite the shame Aniela felt for staring, she could not resist.

Another door opened and a young man barreled into the blind girl, sending both toppling to the floor.

Aniela rushed over. “Are you okay?”

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Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter 2

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Ermilia in Blind Sight: Aniela [Novel], Eliabeth

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Blind Sight, fantasy, fiction, reading, urban fantasy

Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter TWO

A GREEN GLOW

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-Cover

Aniela lay awake in bed and stared up at the ceiling. The tiara sat on her vanity, but never before had she wanted it less. Ever since she could remember, her mother had favored her over her sister. In her naïve ignorance and sibling rivalry she had thought it a positive until maturity enlightened her to the irreparable rift that had occurred between her and the twins because of it. Theodore did not dislike her the way Tatiana did, but could never truly befriend her. Part of her wanted to be mad at her mother for bringing about the final act that would forever keep them apart, and yet she felt guilty for not seeing it coming.

The alarm went off at 5:15, as it did every day, indiscriminate of weekdays or weekends. Aniela went to the bathroom, washed the sleepy dirt out of her eyes, and removed any signs of the tears that had dried to her cheeks. She would be glad to leave this world to her brother, craving instead a different life, one that did not require her to always be up early, always be presentable, and sacrifice her own desires for obligations. She made her way to breakfast. Regardless of the chaos afternoons and evenings frequently held for her, she could always count on the morning routine.

James sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee and staring at the newspaper, but closer inspection of his unmoving gaze told her his normal routine ended there. She also now realized he had the paper strategically folded to hide the front page from view. If Alaya had noticed, she was not commenting, nor did she show any curiosity toward the matter. She sipped her tea casually across from him with her perfect make-up and without a hair out of place. She offered no indication that she had flown off the handle the night before. Aniela watched them both, amazed at their ability to compartmentalize. While Alaya’s behavior was not a surprise, she wondered how James could act as though nothing had happened, since he was Tatiana’s advocate in the family.

Her gaze flickered to Theodore. She was still half-afraid to look him in the eye, lest he return an icy glare, but his eyes were not even open. The serving cart rolled around to each of them. Aniela looked disapprovingly at her dry whole-wheat toast and grapefruit half as her plate floated to its place. She reached for the butter, but felt a sharp sting as Alaya slapped her hand.

“Aniela, what have I told you about empty calories?”

When Theodore reached over and buttered his pancakes, apparently unobservant of the impending punishment, he succeeded without retribution. Aniela gave her mother a look of exasperation.

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Blind Sight: Aniela | Chapter One

30 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by Ermilia in Blind Sight: Aniela [Novel]

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Aniela Dawson

Eliabeth Hawthorne

Chapter One

Searing Regret

Blind-Sight-Ana-Book-CoverThe years of playing dress-up had long faded into memory. At seventeen, Aniela was a pretty girl, although lacking the sophisticated beauty of her mother and sister. Her long blonde locks cascaded in a style reminiscent of her childhood, but her blue eyes had lost some of their innocence. Her playful demeanor, although now tempered by responsibility, had never left entirely.

It was morning. Aniela’s mother and brother had already departed for work, leaving her alone with her father at the table. Distinguished streaks of grey dashed his dark brown hair. While her mother would employ the handiwork of every stylist in Edaion before letting a strand of grey show, he bragged he had earned every one of them as a devoted husband and king. His deep-set brown eyes scanned the front page of the Edaion Daily from under his thick eyebrows. Tatiana had inherited his olive skin, while Aniela had their mother’s fair complexion.

As soon as he finished reading the article, he handed it to Aniela with a soft ”good job.” Today’s headline was a celebratory remark about Phoenix, the combination orphanage and boarding school Aniela had organized a year ago to the day.

She excused herself, leaving James to his reading and morning coffee. She rapped gently on Theodore’s office door and waited for a response before entering. She was always more reserved in his office than elsewhere, for while he had at one time been fun and playful as her brother, as prince, he was nothing if not professional. Theodore had his father’s dominant features and angled jawline, but softer eyes. His hair had darkened as he aged, from their mother’s blonde to their father’s brown.

“You want me to make sure Tia behaves herself.” He startled her with his insight this early in the morning. Without at least four cups of coffee, it was rare to see his eyes open without the aid of toothpicks.

“I know you can never make Tatiana do anything,” she replied. Not even their mother had that power. “But tonight is important. Phoenix needs more funding, and I want everything to go smoothly. If I had my way, Tatiana would not have to come.” Continue reading →

Blind Sight: Leocardo | Book Two Excerpt

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Leocardo Reyes

Ermisenda Alvarez

BOOK TWO

TATIANA DAWSON

BlindSightLeoBookCoverTatiana climbed out of the pool refreshed from swimming laps. Her gaze fell on the hesitant Spaniard whom she had helped figure out his gift among other things. She had not seen him for months since Leocardo had broken his ankle. He greeted her, and she responded with a look of indifference. He persisted to engage in conversation, one of his more annoying traits.

“Hello, how are you? I haven’t seen you lately at your house.”

“I know.”

She did not have time for small talk, particularly about her absences at her own house. He didn’t know her well enough to realize that spending inordinate amounts of time at her house was more reason for concern. Ever since Leocardo and Aniela became an ‘item’, he frequented their house trying to create the best impression amongst the entire family. Sometimes he would bring along his blind yet fascinating sister.

“I’m worried,” Leocardo said as if waiting for Tatiana to question why. She stared blankly. “I hope Odette can control her gift once winter is gone…”

“There’s not much you can do about that.”

Leocardo did not look taken aback by her short and sour response, rather he seemed to have gotten used to it and now smiled as if humored by it. He shrugged and wished her well before she left him to exercise. Of all the people who swam there regularly, he was one of the least unpleasant, at least before he started dating Aniela. Now he seemed to be trying too hard to be good natured with her family and she quickly grew tired of him. She had a similar feeling for Nate, he was now Aniela-tainted.

The air outside was crisp and the pavements polished with a thin sheet of ice. The roads were dangerous and masses of salt had been thrown onto them to stop accidents. Tatiana’s thick soled non-slip shoes came in handy as she walked, mindful of where she stepped and the devious black ice beneath her. Continue reading →

Blind Sight: Leocardo | Chapter Twenty-One

02 Tuesday Jun 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Leocardo Reyes

Ermisenda Alvarez

Chapter TWENTY-ONE

BLIND FAITH

BlindSightLeoBookCoverLeocardo’s body was in a state of shock, immovable. A split second later, his body flooded with adrenaline as he saw that Odette was not only awake, but that she had lunged at William and her hands were tight around his neck.

“Odette!” he shouted as he grabbed her arms, prying them apart.

Ana’s exclamations behind him pierced his ears as she pulled William toward her. Odette’s arms suddenly went flaccid and she nearly fell straight back onto the bed, but Leocardo eased her into the pillow. Her eyes swelled with tears.

“What…what…where?” Tears streamed down his sister’s eyes and Leocardo just held her hand and caressed it.

“It’s okay, you’re in the hospital. I’m here. Ana’s here. You’re just scared. You’re safe.”

Leocardo’s gaze was glued on Odette. Her hand gripped his wrist with amazing force as commotion broke out all around them. She tried to get up when she heard Theodore’s voice enter the fray and one of the monitors cycled violently from extreme highs and lows. Her face contorted in confusion and her mouth parted as if ready to scream in anxiety or fear. Ana rushed over trying to soothe Odette as well.

“Out,” a female nurse ordered. Leocardo did not know when she had entered, but she was ordering people out with severity in her voice. “Everyone who is not family, get out. You’re straining her. She’s recovering and needs her rest.”

Leocardo murmured soft words to his sister and Odette squeezed his hand, her head facing in his direction. He heard Ana leaving. He turned around and Ana squeezed his other hand.

“No, wait. Ana can stay, she’s like family,” he begged the nurse.

“Just family,” the nurse insisted and shooed them out. He saw that Theodore was also in the room and was moving toward Ana.

“But…”

The nurse gave Leocardo a dirty look before asking Odette some questions about what she could remember. She also checked the monitors.

“Yeah, no Leo, it’s fine.” Ana smiled at him after shaking her head. “You need some time alone with her. Call me when you leave?”

He nodded and watched her until Theodore guided her out of the room. He turned his attention back to Odette who still looked petrified, but better. Once Theodore, Ana, and William had left the room, it was quiet. The doctor entered, wrote down some notes, and flashed a light in Odette’s eyes before confirming she appeared perfectly healthy.

“She just needs rest now. Welcome back, Miss Reyes,” the doctor said before leaving. Leocardo was unsure if he liked this quiet as it reminded him of waiting beside his sister alone when she was unable to wake up. This time it was different; he could feel the pressure of her fragile fingers around his hand. Continue reading →

Blind Sight: Leocardo | Chapter Twenty

26 Tuesday May 2015

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Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Leocardo Reyes

Ermisenda Alvarez

Chapter TWENTY

TICK TOCK

BlindSightLeoBookCoverPeople swarmed toward them while others yelled, “Stay back!” Leocardo kept blinking as his eyes attempted to adjust to the harsh light. His jeans were beginning to soak up the frosty grass despite, mere seconds ago, they were being charred by flames. A young man in a white uniform came toward him; Leocardo shook his head and groaned.

“Ana and the boy, she got hit on the head,” he insisted, pushing away their helpful hands. He wanted them to help Ana and William first, not him.

Leocardo’s gaze drifted to Ana; her peaceful yet ashen face scared him, it reminded him of Odette and he begged the universe to make sure that neither of them would sleep forever. Within seconds, Ana had her head and shoulders held in place by a neck-brace and she was hoisted onto a stretcher. The little boy received a similar treatment as no one knew what he had damaged, but they all received masks except Leocardo who continued to deny it.

“I’m fine,” he insisted. “I’m out now.”

“Leo,” the groan of pain was so soft he nearly missed it and noticed Ana’s eyes were opening the slightest before closing again.

“Ana,” he murmured and reached out for her, but the nurses pulled her away in the stretcher before he had a chance.

They helped him into the ambulance where they had taken Ana and he had to hold back tears. Pain shot up his leg from his ankle, but nothing hurt more than the thought of Ana’s possible death and Odette’s eternal sleep. The team in white asked him numerous questions and he tried to answer them as best as he could on the way to the hospital.

“She’s going to be fine, right?” he demanded.

“It doesn’t look severe, but she needs testing,” the EMT replied as he kept checking her monitors. Leocardo just stared at her and ignored the painful throbbing of his ankle. When he wiped the sweat from his brow, he found his hands blackened and moist. The sweat stung the shallow cuts on his fingers. He could see some thick splinters anchored along Ana’s palm and fingers. He reached out and caressed Ana’s wrist, afraid he would damage her further.

When they arrived at the hospital, they were wheeled in different directions. He tried to hold his gaze as long as he could on her, but she disappeared around the corner. All his energy was focused on her safe recovery and that her brain had not been severely damaged as a result of the blow. If that happened he would never be able to forgive himself. Continue reading →

Blind Sight: Leocardo | Chapter Nineteen

19 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by Ermilia in Blind Sight: Leocardo [Novel]

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Blind Sight, blind sight by ermisenda alvarez, books by ermisenda alvarez, creative writing, fiction, free books, free ebook, free kindle books, mystery, urban fantasy, writing

Blind Sight: Through The Eyes Of Leocardo Reyes

Ermisenda Alvarez

Chapter NINETEEN

SCORCHING FEAR

BlindSightLeoBookCoverAdrenaline raced through his system. He knew what he had to do, but before he could discuss any of it with Ana, she was already running toward the children and teachers. It frustrated him that she was running off without even a few words. He felt lost and she was not helping give him direction. Instead of following her blindly, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He ventured toward a firefighter.

“Where’s the boy?” Leocardo was not going to mess around and hoped they would not either. The firefighter didn’t look at him as he was walking back toward the fire truck.

“Get out of the way! We are trying to save him.”

“Where is William? At least let me know where he is. Aniela Dawson arrived and she deserves to at least know where William is,” Leocardo said firmly. He didn’t want to have to use the power that Ana’s name wielded but it worked.

“He’s upstairs somewhere. We have a man handling the situation. Only in the last few minutes has the fire become uncontrollable. Just step back and let us deal with it,” he said firmly as Leocardo moved away. He did not want to start a fight, especially not with a man who was trying to help the child inside. He turned to find where Ana was. At least he had some kind of direction now.

Leocardo started to worry. Where was she? He could not see her. Marcus stood outside the car on the phone, talking rapidly. He jogged forward. He could see some of the adults with bandanas or make-shift masks over their mouths. They were moving back and forth, worried and confused. Where the hell was Ana? She would not have gone inside alone…would she?

His feet took him to the group of children where he had seen her last. One of the children pointed around the side of the building as she nudged her friend. “Did you see the princess?” Leocardo’s gaze snapped to where the child was pointing and he rushed around the building. Suddenly he saw a familiar looking female attacking the window with her elbow. Continue reading →

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Ermisenda and Eliabeth are coauthors blogging about books, life, and everything in between. May Ermilia Blog inspire you today!

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