Gateway
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About this ebook
A short story collection exploring different emotional content. A firefighters wife tries to hold her family together, an x-ray tech has a bad day and a girl deals with the death of her boyfriend.
A.J. Barretts
A.J. Barretts has been writing since she learned how to write. She specializes in short story paranormal fiction.
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Gateway - A.J. Barretts
Gateway
A.J. Barretts
Gateway
A.J. Barretts
Copyright 2018 A.J. Barretts
Smashwords edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Table of Contents
Learning to Live
Nightmare
Softly Falling Rain
Last Call
Thank you to everyone who has given me encouragement to write. To all of my family and friends who are like family to me:
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Learning to Live
Dedicated to the one who didn’t realize how special he truly was. Rest in peace, Angel of Mine.
Becca smiled at her brother because she felt she had to. They were sitting across from each other at his favorite mom and pop diner.
So, you’ll be eighteen in five months and then you graduate high school. Any big plans for yourself?
Don’t worry James, I’ll be moving out as soon as I can.
She dunked a French fry in ranch dressing and popped it into her mouth.
Don’t be that way. I’m not kicking you out so give yourself a chance to get your future secured before going out on your own.
I understand where you are coming from.
Becca said slowly while searching her plate for a perfect fry. But you have to understand what I feel. Ever since mom and dad died I feel like a burden that stops you from moving on with your life.
You are my life, Becca. What kind of big brother would I be if I didn’t take care of you?
He reached over and took a fry. I worry about you. You are a pretty girl and there are some twisted guys out there that would love to cause you harm. Before they died, mom and dad made me promise to keep you safe.
And you have, but I’m officially going to be an adult so I’m going to have to start taking care of myself.
Becca, we are not going to have this discussion again.
James launched into the lecture she’d head over and over for the last five years. Becca pretended to pay attention while she really watched the other customers and nibbled her fries. A mother was fussing with her baby, an old man and woman sat together in a corner and there was a young man sitting with his back to her. Becca felt goose bumps raise on her arms as she got the strong sense she knew him. As if he knew she was looking at him, the young man turned and faced her. Becca froze with a fry half way to her mouth.
Becca are you listening? Damn it!
James slammed his fist on the table top. Becca? Becca! Someone call an ambulance!
****
Becca sat on the couch staring at a blank white wall, her lips parted and drool making a shimmery line at the corner of her mouth. The doctor observing her through the window wondered how much she understood. No one had been able to break through her walls to find out what was going on in her head.
Doctor, here is the chart you requested on Becca Chambers.
He waved distractedly at his assistant who set the chart down on the table in the observation room before backing out. Later he would apologize for being rude but at the moment