It's Not All Downhill From Here: A Novel Novels & Stories

“What about it? It’s good for business, isn’t it?” “My young principessa, I am not talking about business. You are right, of course, it’s good for us, for our family to gain more control over more lands.” He looked at me with the sweetest sorrow. “Are you happy about that? About Cicio’s falling from heaven?” “Happy?” What is that anyway? “I don’t know.” “It’s one thing to do what’s good for the Genarros. But it’s another thing that I just want to see you be happy.”

I write not only for myself, but for you too! To continue Hollis and Whitney's adventure through life, be sure to check out "Not All Who Wander Are Lost", the sequel to "Not All That Glitters."

Chapter 48: The rain had started softly, a gentle drizzle that tapped against the windows of Trisha’s apartment. Nora sat curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, a book resting forgotten in her lap. The sound of raindrops was soothing, almost meditative, but it wasn’t enough to distract her from the thoughts swirling in her mind. Jaden’s footsteps echoed lightly as he entered the apartment, shaking off the faint rain on his jacket. The smell of wet earth and fresh rain clung to him, making Nora’s chest tighten in a familiar way. He noticed her curled posture and the pensive look in her eyes.

Unfortunately, I am unable to advocate for the causes that are near and dear to my heart. Your opinion doesn't important to me if you haven't accomplished anything in your life and you're poor; the next thing that counts is who has the money. I'm not interested in hearing what you have to say. If I had been born into a more financially secure family, taking care of my child would have been a lot less of a challenge for me. When the door to the room was opened, Yhna yelled out "Ate kain na" before placing the food dish on the ground and putting the food dish down. "I have reached the point where I can no longer hold my tongue," the speaker says. "I can no longer keep my mouth shut."

The dilapidated mud houses, the filthy bedding… everything felt like a nightmare. Ultimately, those villagers were imprisoned after my family and the Sinclairs banded together to bring them down, getting exactly what they deserved. I drifted high above the city, watching the hustle and bustle of the streets below. I noticed a young couple sharing a passionate kiss on a street corner, a mother holding her child's hand as they walked down the road, and a group of friends sharing a hearty laugh at a bar. These ordinary moments of happiness felt so far away from me. I began to feel a weariness that seeped deep into my very soul. I no longer wanted to wander. I wanted to rest for an eternity.

I couldn't buy a bottle of water, couldn't call a ride, couldn't even prove who I was. The strength drained from my legs. The weight of it all, the night, the escape, the crushing oversight of my own life, became too much to bear. I sat down, right there in the grimy pavement of the street, my back against the cold brick wall. The tears didn't come; it was a numbness deeper than despair. How could I have let this thing overtake my entire world? Just then, a sleek, silent taxi, a driverless pod of polished black metal, pulled up to the curb beside me. Its door slid open with a hushed, expensive sigh. A disembodied, pleasant voice emanated from within. "Taxi for Angelina O'Shea."

he mumbled in disbelief. Stumbling forward, he reached out to touch me but shrank back abruptly. "How could this… No… This isn't real…" Aunt Caroline stumbled to her feet and went up to him. She grabbed his arm weakly and demanded, "No matter what, Yvonne is still your daughter. She is Julia's flesh and blood, her only descendent! How could you be so cruel?" Dad pulled his arm out of her grip and shouted in defiance, "Yanis Winchester told me that he had let her out! She escaped from the basement. This isn't her! Besides, she's always been selfish even when she was a child. She wouldn't die so easily!"

She pulled out a check from her bag and held it out to me. I did not take it and just looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. Excuse me? "Just ten thousand? I thought a rich girl like you would offer a million to make me leave." Leah snapped, "You've been reading too many novels! You're insane!" She turned to leave but lost her balance and slipped. Blood began to pool under her, and at that moment, my mind went blank.

I take my gun out of my holster and walk slowly with all my senses alert. “Vanessa,” I whisper to the dark. Going in there, huh? This is the end of the night. I touch the front door which creaks open. The dust flies like snow and the silence is great. My flashlight breaks the darkness, peels the wallpaper, breaks the glass, burned old portraits on the edges. The empire of Lorenzo became rotten. There is a slight sound, an echo, an up-stairs laugh. Low. Familiar. “Carina?” I called. No answer.

He hesitated for a moment, but since he had pressing matters, he didn’t argue further. After work, I walked home alone. The setting sun painted the city streets in a warm, red glow. Suddenly, a voice called out behind me. “Tess!” It sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it immediately. Hence, I stopped and turned around. The sunset’s rays hit my face, making me squint. The figure hurried toward me, and as they got closer, the blurry outline became clear. To my surprise, it was Claire. She looked nothing like the glamorous, confident woman I remembered. Her hair was messy, her face pale, and dark circles lined her eyes, evidence of long nights without rest. She wore a wrinkled coat that made