Novels by Jocelyn

I never gave much thought to what I wanted later in life. The future always seemed so distant. So what was the point? But here I am, it’s my wedding day trapped in cloudless thought and going through all of the motions, as if I was just another soul trapped in a never-ending lifecycle. I should be spewing with never-ending happiness. My smile should speak of excitement. Every breath I take should inhale and exhale with laughter. My eyes should be glowing and I should feel weightless as if I am floating in the water. But I’m not. Today is absolutely perfect. We are up north. The leaves are changing colors. It’s the peak of fall in northern Michigan. A dim overcast is set across the sky, and the air smells of vanilla and cinnamon spice, thanks to the caterer. The decorators had gone all out for today’s events. A seven tiered wedding cake nearly 200 guest, tables are lined with the most expensive cream colored cloth that’s draped in burnt hues of orange. Upon the tables there are sub

As Reed and I approach the passage door to the keep he bends down and picks me up swiftly as if I was weightless and tosses me over his shoulder. I protest every aspect of this and then he I’m stunned when he smacks my ass harshly and interrupts my struggle “You can keep fighting all you want sweetheart, you wanted to be kidnapped and I’m just obliging to the brides demands. So get comfortable we’re about to make our great escape. I hope you enjoy the look of revenge”. I can feel all amusement drain from my face as I am now certain there is so much more to the family story than I know. What does Reed mean revenge? My gosh what have I gotten myself into? The doors burst open and I’m still draped over Reeds shoulder with my ass in the air. He’s quickly walking through the kitchens and out into the foyer where guests are still piling in for happy hour. I pray nobody notices, and that’s when everything starts to get too quiet. The guests are looking at me confused, and a man manages

The car rolls to a stop and just like that the driver, Curly, is stepping outside. Reed then pulls the back door handle keeping his lips nearly on top of mine. “Go see what fate decides” humor in his eyes like he’s sure of something yet to be seen. I struggle to get out of the car. Damn this dress for being so fitted. As I step out Curly receives my hand noticing my struggle and that’s when I decide now is the perfect time to make my receptional debut. Reed is out of the car and I look toward him grabbing at the back of my bustle “do me a favor Reed Malcolm and hold this for me” I say with as much poise and authority as possible. His hand takes the bustle looking confused and unsure. I find the hidden zipper underneath the fabric and gracefully spin to allow the dress to unzip while Reed stands there as if I just performed a magic trick. The bottom of the dress drops to the ground. “There” I say to myself “much better”. Another part of my defiant choices in mother in law . I

Reed left with his security what feels like an hour ago. Curly had brought back a bottle of the finest Scotch, and we both managed to throw back a few glasses with awkward silence. Between him having to threaten off two men who were looking for a good time and a man who pretended to trip right into me planting his face on my chest. I’m certain his tongue didn’t trip too. While the party may seem elaborate I’m not quite in the mood. I look at Curly with my glass up in the air, he pours me another dram and I stand up slamming it back. I begin to walk towards the front of the entrance in hopes of getting some fresh air and cool off away from all the noise. Curly stand a up quickly “Miss—- “Curly a lady has to use the powder room…in private.” I add. He nods once gesturing where it is and as I walk in that direction I decide to slip his security detail for that fresh air and solitude. As I step outside and walk to the banister, the crisp smell of lake water hits me and I remember that