Forgive Their Sins: A Journey to the Truth Series Book 1, 2nd Edition

Forgive Their Sins:

A Journey to the Truth Series (Book 1)

2nd Edition

By

A’Sian Starr Dotson-Carter

Forgive Their Sins: A Journey to the Truth Series Book 1 2nd Editon

By A’Sian Starr Carter

Copyright ©2015 by A’Sian Starr Dotson. All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2019 Revised 2nd Edition by A’Sian Starr Dotson-Carter

Smashwords Edition

Writeitgurl Publications, Greenwood SC

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this free ebook. Although this is a free book, it remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living, dead (or in any other form), business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Disclaimer: This book contains some violence.

Cover Design: SelfPubBookCovers.com/Shardel

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Dedications

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Afterword

Acknowledgement

Thank you to all the Fans of Forgive Their Sins without you believing in me and being patient in this process this revised edition would not be possible.

Thank you to my wonderful husband, Michael Carter, for believing in my dream.

Thank you to my son, Kalil Warren, for not being afraid to go after your dreams.

Thank you to my Big Brother, Terry Stancil, for always having your sister’s back.

I Love You All!!

Dedications

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

To all my family here on earth and in heaven

To all my friends that have supported me

To all the people that doubted me

To my son, dreams really do come true

To All My Fans, Thank You!

For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

Luke 8:17

Chapter 1

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The crowd gathered around and began to sing, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, Dear Madasin… Happy Birthday to you!

Everyone applauded as the waiters wheeled out the biggest birthday cake one had ever seen at a teenager's birthday party. The cake was seven-tiers high, decorated in zebra print striped, with edible pink ribbons all around the base. There were candles lit on every tier, and on top of the cake was the number 16.

Madasin Lake stood in front of the crowd of teenagers with pure astonishment on her face. She imagined having the best sweet sixteen birthday party, but her parents outdone themselves.

The party was a black-tie event, and by invitation only. All the guest was dressed to impress, with the boys in their tuxedos, and the girls in their lovely gowns. For this special celebration, Madasin's parents booked the largest venue in town to have her sweet sixteen birthday party, The Moss Creek Banquet Hall. The hall could hold eight hundred people inside especially with many of the tables removed for dancing. The remaining tables in the hall were all decorated with hot pink tablecloths with zebra striped trim running along the hem. All the chairs were covered in a solid black suede material with a hot pink bow-tied to the back of each of them. On every table was a picture of Madasin as the centerpiece with custom-made plates and napkins that read, Happy 16th Birthday, Madasin.

The event planners paid attention to every detail, down to the crystal champagne glasses for the sparkling pink punch that ran off the swan ice sculpture placed elegantly in the middle of the room. They even hired a local valet service to handle the parking, along with professional greeters at the main entrance doors to take the guest invitations. The upscale decor in the hall made the teenagers feel as if they were amongst the elite, and for most of them, it was like the prom had come early.

The food was catered by the most popular upscale restaurant in town, Geolie's Fine Cuisine. The Lakes paid Geolie's owners to close their business for that day to use their staff to service the party. The wait staff dressed for the event in their white shirts, black slacks, pink bow ties, and matching cummerbunds. Geolie’s provided enough food to feed the whole school of Moss Creek High since the entire student body was invited, which was all Madasin's idea. She just couldn't make out a simple guest list because she wanted everybody to be a part of her special day.

The Lakes’ didn’t object to their daughter’s request and was prepared to do whatever it took to make their daughter’s special day one she would remember forever. Madasin is the Lake's only child, and for her, there was no limit to the amount of love they gave her. She was their pride and joy, their entire reason for living.

Nathaniel and Alexandria Lake had done exceptionally well for themselves over the past eleven years, and money was not an object for them. They owned a prestigious financial consulting firm in their town of Moss Creek, Georgia.

Moss Creek was a small town approximately thirty miles away from Atlanta, Georgia right off I-85, with a population of about fourteen thousand residents. Many of the town's people were affluent retirees and the rest mainly lived there to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

The Lakes moved their business to Georgia after leaving Louisiana before Madasin was born in 1996. In the beginning, their firm started out at a snail's pace for the first few years, but after doing some profitable business ventures with some town residents, word spread around like wildfire. By the time Madasin was five, almost everybody that had money to invest within a fifty-mile radius was using them for their expertise in the investment market.

Madasin was out on the floor dancing with her classmates before the waiters wheeled her cake out. Her mother was scared she was going to rip the three-thousand-dollar tailor made dress from dancing so hard with her friends. The way Madasin was moving her body in it, one would have thought it came from a second-hand thrift store.

Madasin adorned a hot pink sequin gown, with zebra print Christian Louboutin stiletto heels. Her long beautiful midnight black hair was pulled up in a bun, with a real diamond tiara placed elegantly upon her head. Her makeup flawlessly applied, and the soft natural blends only served to enhance the gray color of her eyes that she inherited from her handsome father.

Madasin stood staring at the enormous birthday cake in front of her.

Make a wish Madasin! Her best friend Dakota yelled out into the cordless microphone that she had gotten from the DJ as the crowd cheered.

Dakota Hensley had been Madasin's best friend since kindergarten. Dakota and Madasin were thick as thieves and acted more like sisters than friends. Dakota was an only child too, and Alexandria and Nathaniel treated Dakota like another daughter. Dakota spent most of her time at the Lake's house to escape the dysfunctional reality of her own home life.

Madasin took the microphone from Dakota after giving her a big hug and a kiss on the jaw. The crowd became hushed in anticipation of what she was about to say.

I don't know what to wish for; I have everything a girl could ever want right now. I have the best parents and friends in the whole world right here in this room. Seeing all of you here today to celebrate with me means everything to me, Madasin said, holding back tears.

I guess I will take my gift back to the store! shouted out one of the guys from the crowd.

Everybody laughed including Madasin. The laughter helped her regain her composure.

She then took Dakota by the hand, and on the count of three they both blew out her candles as their classmates cheered them on.

Thank you all for coming out tonight. It has been unbelievable. She then held her head back, and from the pit of her gut she bellowed out, NOW LET'S PARTY!

Madasin handed the mic to the DJ as he cranked the music up.

Madasin stood for a moment watching all of her friends clapping and shouting out her name. Dakota hugged her again, but this time it was longer than before. Madasin felt the stinging in her eyes as fresh tears were still fighting to be released. She didn't fight it; she allowed her happiness to flow for all to see.

Madasin’s parents began to walk over to them as they dropped their embrace.

Nathaniel took his handkerchief out of the pocket of his tuxedo and wiped the tears from Madasin’s eyes.

We are very proud of you, Madasin. Who can say they have a whole school of friends that loves them? You have turned out to be an exceptional young lady, her father said. Nathaniel hugged the apple of his eye very tightly like it would be his last time doing so.

Alexandria watched both of them along with Dakota.

Here is the big question, Alexandria chimed in and broke up the father-daughter moment. Other than this party, you haven't told us what you want for your special day. You only get to have one sweet sixteen birthday and it has to be over the top!

Are you kidding me? This party has been present enough. I know I asked for a sweet sixteen party, but I never expected it to be this huge. Madasin stretched her arms out wide to show emphasis.

I can’t think of anything else that could top what you both have already done tonight.

Well the party planning was all your mother's doing so I won’t take the credit for that. My gift is waiting for you outside, Nathaniel said, very smugly with a smile.

Madasin's cheeks blushed with excitement, as she felt a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. She looked at him, but she still hadn't moved. She wondered, "what could my father possibly have for me outside"

Nathaniel, unable to control his excitement, blurted out, So what are you waiting on? Go get your present!

Without a second thought, Madasin bolted for the entrance doors with Dakota fast on her heels. When she stepped outside, she almost fainted. Parked at the curb in front of the hall was a brand-new custom painted hot pink, M2 Coupe Convertible BMW, with a big zebra print bow on top of it.

Happy Birthday, Baby, both her parents spoke in unison.

Nathaniel pulled the keys to the brand-new car out of his tuxedo pocket and was dangling them in the air.

But… but… I don't even have my license yet! Madasin said, with a bewildered look on her face.

I got mine, Dakota happily interjected, and since you have a beginner permit license, you can still drive with me in the car! Dakota squealed, in a very high-pitched voice.

Exactly, and you can try for your license next week if you want to, Alexandria added.

Madasin stood frozen looking at the car; her legs felt heavy and feet stuck to the pavement.

Dakota seemed more excited about the new car than Madasin. She walked out to the car and began peeking in the windows.

It's got leather seats and everything, Maddy! Come on let's take this baby for a spin around the block. Dakota was already standing by the passenger side door waiting anxiously.

Are you ok? Madasin's father said, looking concerned.

Yeah dad, I'm fine. I'm just so grateful for having you both as my parents. I love you both so much that words cannot express it!

You deserve everything. We wanted this day to be a special day that you will always remember. We love you more than you will ever know. Her father's gray eyes sparkled in the moonlight as he looked at his baby girl.

Her parents gathered around her, and they shared a group embrace.

So, what are we waiting for, Madasin? Are we going for a spin or not? Dakota said, impatiently standing by the car.

The Lakes all laughed at Dakota.

Yes, you girls go on. We will keep the party alive until you get back, Alexandria said, with both of her arms fanning her daughter off.

Nathaniel gave Madasin the keys to her new ride with a warm smile.

Madasin stared at the keys in her hands still trying to process the fact that her parents just bought her a brand-new BMW.

Come on, Maddy! Dakota was practically jumping up in down in her gown with excitement.

Madasin smiled at her parents.

Okay, well let's go for a ride! Madasin said while unlocking the doors with the keyless remote.

Dakota had already taken the liberty of removing the ribbon off the BMW and handed it to one of the valet attendants standing at the curb.

Don't forget to fasten those seatbelts, Alexandria pointed out.

Madasin sat in the driver seat and put the keys in the ignition; the radio came on blaring, Bruno Mars's song, Locked Out of Heaven.

Dakota hit the button to let the convertible top back while Madasin let down all the windows.

After putting their seatbelts on, Madasin carefully pressed her foot on the brake, shifted the car’s gear in drive, and cautiously pulled away from the curb knowing her parents were watching.

This is the best day ever! Madasin screamed.

It sure is! Dakota agreed.

Where do you want to go, my sister? Madasin said, looking over at Dakota smiling.

Let's just drive until we run out of gas, Dakota said, grinning back.

We got a full tank, so the world is ahead! Madasin yelled over Bruno.

Look out world, cause here we come! Dakota shouted out into the breeze that was blowing her curly hair around in her face.

Madasin took the tiara off her head and tossed it in the backseat. In one swift motion, she snatched the pin out of her hair allowing it to fall to her shoulders to let the early fall night wind flow through it freely.

She drove out onto the street from the parking lot and hit the gas. They both were silent with only Bruno and the wind in their ears providing noise as they cruised down the highway.

Madasin turned the radio down, Dakota, do you think this is how it feels to be in heaven? To feel free from it all with the wind in your hair and not a care in the world?

"Yeah, I would think so if I had to guess what heaven would be like,