One More Step Novels & Stories

“Great work. You finished quickly. I’ll check your answers and we’ll continue from there tomorrow.” I stared at him, incredulous. “Tomorrow? That’s it?” “Yes,” he said, nodding. “We’ll take it one step at a time.” I exhaled loudly, leaning back in the chair. One step at a time. One small step toward rebuilding my life… and one small step of humiliation, apparently.

“You already know this topic. Let’s move ahead, then I’ll consider it.” I hesitate. This new equation looks tougher, but maybe if he explains again and I follow the same steps, I can get it. “If I get it right,” I say slowly, “you take off both clothes.”

Sienna POV Belle crossed her arms and raised a brow. “Your boss wants this. So you have no choice. Now start again. Five steps—if you manage five steps, we stop for today. I’m going home after that.” A wide smile spread across my face. Surely, I could handle five steps. Besides, I still needed to find a hiding place for the broken plate. I exhaled sharply, closed my eyes for a moment, then opened them again. Slowly, I began to walk. I didn’t lift my feet properly—more like sliding them across the floor—just to achieve Belle’s precious five steps.

“Maerilee, you have a great responsibility ahead of you. The strength of the barrier depends on you and your Ones.” I nod, my heart swelling with determination. I may not fully understand what’s happening, but I know I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Altinna. This is my duty, and I won’t shy away from it. Just as the pressure in the room begins to ease, Permiton speaks up again, his tone grave. “There’s one more thing we need to consider,” he says, his eyes locking onto mine. “Maerilee, if you are meant to have four Ones, you’re still missing two.”

Despite the way it seemed she might fall at any minute, she was holding steady to the spot where I’d told her to step. “There’s one more big step to step over a missing plank,” I said, my voice gruff from emotion. “When you make it, you’ll be just three small steps from solid ground.” I held my breath as I waited for her to make those final steps. The bridge trembled furiously and swayed, threatening to throw her over. She paused, fighting the instinct to jump back. She took one tiny step forward and the wooden slab beneath her wobbled dangerously. I could see her muscles tense as she fought to keep steady, taking another step. A moment later, I saw her foot land firmly on solid ground, and

“Promise me you would give it all a chance, you know I'm not only talking about study, you have always been good at that, I'm talking about enjoying the whole experience and of course, making friends.” I sighed noisily. “I promise you, now it's time to say goodbye for now, I have got classes to attend.” “Are you sure you don't want me to walk you in, it's your first day in a town you are still new in, it is normal to be super nervous.” I raised my eyebrows in utter astonishment. “Wait, what? Walk me in? Being a new student come with ‘perks' on its own, walking with your mother, on your first day in school, and as a senior, is a sure way to....“

Well, major spoiler, Karen; men cry too. Carter pulled away. “I love you too, Ry! Thank you for being willing to stay by my side.” "Thank you too for letting me stay with you. We'll face the future together and we'll go through ups and downs with baby steps." The end... That's it, gays! Next is the epilogue and… I don’t know… Do you want some smut? Please give me your feedbacks if you have any!

he says with an ego higher than this damn slide. "More like I'm going to kill you when I make it to the top," I breathe heavily. Finally taking the last step I walk slowly, my movements unsteady and wobbly. Max turns, grabbing my hips with a firm grip. "Now sit down. Sitting still will help," he breathes into the back of my ear. I nod, and quickly I sit down, and scoot to the side. My body slick with a nervous sweat. Max sits next to me, and leans back. Quivering I look to my left and my breath catches in my throat. There's a dozen twinkly lights across the skyline.

But for the first time— I can see exactly how it happens. Not in one moment. Not in one decision. But like this. Step by step. Voice by voice. Until the room turns And you’re standing alone. I set the phone down. And look back at the screen. Richard is still there. Still calm. Still reasonable. Still winning. For now.

“Shay, don’t listen to me. I’m a pregnant bitch with too many hormones. I shouldn’t have been so callous about your program.” I shook my head, trying to reason out what she had said to me. “Please don’t be mad at me!” I took her hand in mine and answered her, “I’m not Gina. You are right.” She blinked, “I am?” “The eleventh step is seeking the help of a higher power, essentially putting it in God's hands. And then the last step is to help others who are in need. I was stuck on admitting I was wrong. And yeah, I did a lot wrong. But I hadn’t turned it over to God because I felt like I didn’t suffer enough for it.”