Move- Chapter 17

September 2, 2020September 5, 2020michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MOVE poster

parental-advisory-explicit-

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 16 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

Liam sits in his office staring at a mound of paperwork in front of him. As his phone rings for the third time, the name “Mum” flashing across it. He scoffs ignoring it as he picks it up and tosses it in his side draw.

Liam sets to making calls and answering emails as time passes him by. Anne comes in.

“Mr. Whitmore, it’s 8:30, I’m going to head out.”

“Oh, I must have completely lost track of time. My apologies Anne, please have a good night. Thank you for staying so late, I will certainly make sure you are compensated for your time.”

“Thank you sir. If I may suggest…you really should go home yourself. You seem exhausted. This will all be here tomorrow.”

Liam’s face falls.

“I’ve overstepped, I’m so sorry sir.”

“Oh no, no it’s not that Anne. Come on you and I are a team, you could never offend me. You know me better than that. I just know that you’re right, is all.”

“Oh, ok.” Anne says with a smile. “Try to take some time to relax, you deserve it.”

“Thank you Anne, I appreciate you saying that,” Liam says with a nod.

“Good night sir,” Anne says with a smile.

“Good night,” Liam says as she leaves.

Liam sits at his desk as he sighs, his phone buzzing in his draw.

He stands up looking out at the skyline. The sun had long set into a hue of colors that you couldn’t recreate if you tried.

There’s a knock on his door as it creaks open, “Hi,” Aria says.

Liam freezes, knowing her voice well.

He turns, their eyes meeting instantly.

“I tried calling you first but-“

His phone buzzes in his desk.

“I’m sorry, I was getting an insane amount of calls from my mum, so I just kind of shoved it in a draw. Out of sight, out of mind.”

“I tried the office phone too…”

“Anne transfers the calls to voicemail before she leaves.”

“Ah.” Aria says nodding as her eyes fall to her fidgeting hands.

“You must have really wanted to talk to me. I mean it just seems like you went through a lot of trouble to find me.”

“Yea I just um- I felt bad, about what I said. I shouldn’t have been so harsh.”

“No, its ok, you were right.”

“Still, it was out of line. I mean we don’t know each other long enough or well enough for me to judge your choices. So I just wanted to say, that I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted. It was unnecessary, but I do appreciate it.”

Aria looks up at him as she nods.

“Is that all you came to tell me?”

“I don’t know, I guess that depends.” she says shrugging.

“Depends on what?” he asks loosening his tie a bit as his heart begins to beat quicker. He coughs, nervously.

“On whether or not your explanation is worth a second chance. It occurred to me that my cousins and I may have been making some of our own judgements about you too. And I don’t think that’s fair. So if you still want a chance to explain, I’m all ears.” she says with a small smile.

Liam let’s out a sigh of relief as he walks over to her, cupping her face, he places a kiss on her lips.

Aria responds quicker than she would have liked, her arms wrapping around his neck, his hands cupping under her thighs as he lifts her up onto his desk.

Things get rather heated as Liam slides his hands up her legs, landing under her dress on her thighs.

Just then, the office door swings open, the janitor walks in, startling them.

“Oh, Edgar. Hello.” Liam says straitening his tie as Aria jumps down from the desk, fixing her dress.

“My apologies sir, I thought you had left, please, as you were.” he says smiling as he exits he gives Liam a thumbs up.

Liam closes his eyes and shakes his head, clearly embarrassed.

Aria laughs as Liam joins in.

“Dirty old man, that Edgar.” Aria says looking after his retreating figure as he puts his headphones on, whistling to his current playlist.

“The worst,” Liam says laughing as he reaches for Aria, placing his hands on her waist and squeezing her sides as his eyes flicker a certain heat.

“Although I do think that might have been a sign that we are moving too quick, too soon, once again. I did say IF your explanation was good enough. And I have yet to actually hear one,” Aria says raising her eyebrows in expectation, as she smiles.

“I am terribly sorry love, I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I just saw you and I couldn’t help myself,” he says in a sexy whisper, as his hands slide down over her backside.

“Clearly,” she says removing his hands as he laughs.

“Shall we go for a walk, I’m not good in confined spaces around you,” he says looking at her with a smirk.

“Yes, a walk is good,” she says nodding, a small smile creeping onto her lips.

“Lead the way,” he says holding his hand out.

Aria smiles as she begins to walk away, his eyes glance her over. She turns quickly back toward him, and notices. “Excuse you? I saw that,” she says with a gasp.

Liam blushes. “Can you blame me?”

Aria narrows her eyes at him, as she reaches past him, she grazes him with her chest accidently, and he freezes, he inhales sharply. Trying to fight all impulse.

“I forgot my bag,” she says waving it, as she strings it onto her shoulder and exits the room.

Liam lets out a chuckle as he follows after her sauntering curvy figure, a smirk on his lips.

They get on the elevator and Liam looks at her.

“Stop it.” she says a smirk hiding under her stern face.

“What, love?” he asks innocently.

“Stop looking at me like that, and hands where I can see them,” she says pointing as he holds up both hands with a fake serious face.

The elevator doors close.

***

Aria and Liam walk along as they pass city street vendors and people hustling about.

Liam eyes her discreetly, he gently takes her hand, lacing his fingers through hers.

Aria looks down, slightly shocked.

“Why Liam Whitmore I do believe we’re in public,” she says in a playful, yet condescending tone.

Liam pulls her to him, “I do believe we’ve already almost had very public sex, this is nothing,” he says kissing her passionately.

A bystander snaps a picture that goes unnoticed by the doting new “couple.”

Aria feels her knees going, as she forces herself to pull away.

“Liam,” she says her voice low and uncertain.

“I’m sorry, love,” he whispers giving her some distance.

“Maybe we should go get something to eat, ya know put a table between us.” she says with a little laugh.

“We could always just end up sitting on the same side of the table, you know love?”

“We could. But we won’t. Because I still haven’t heard any kind of explanation from you.”

“Right,” he says sullenly.

Aria smirks as she points to a small restaurant nearby.

Liam sits across from Aria in silence. His eyes downcast.

Aria looks at him confused.

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand you Liam. You say you want a chance to explain and here I am giving you one. Your last one, by the way. And you still have nothing to say?”

“Aria, my family is complicated…”

“No. Ok. That’s not what I wanna hear. I don’t want to hear about your mom or the business and what they want from you. I want to hear about what you want.”

“It’s difficult. I guess I’ve never really been asked that question,” Liam says his eye brows scrunching together.

“Well I’m asking. Try. Think.”

“Aria I-” he says at a loss for words.

“You know what, this was a mistake,” she says getting up.

“No Aria, wait, please,” he says grabbing her hand.

Aria instantly feels a spark.

She looks at him and walks around and sits next to him.

“Look. It was very clear to me, very early on, that I was attracted to you. When we are together, it is extremely overwhelming. You make me feel…a lot of things,” she says with a small sexy laugh. “I know that if we were to just base this thing on physical attraction and sexual desires, we’d score 10/10. Do you agree?”

“Absolutely,” he says his eyes glistening the same familiar heat.

“But-that’s not enough for me. I need to know that the man that I’m with can talk to me and can listen and hear me too. I get that you were raised a certain way. But in order for this to work I need you to talk to me. And be honest about what you want. From life, from me. Because I’m telling you right now, if I’m just some experiment to you…”

“You are not an experiment. I swear to you, Aria. I care for you…deeply,” he says starring into her eyes as he cups her face.

“I care for you too,” she says with a small smile.

Liam sighs as he goes to lean in, and then stops.

“May I kiss you?” he asks.

Aria laughs, rolling her eyes, “Shut up,” she says pulling him into a kiss. “You really don’t know how relationships work, do you?” she asks with a laugh, her lips still grazing his.

“Clearly not.” he shakes his head as he laughs.

“What do you want?” she whispers.

“You.” he whispers back, pulling her into a kiss, “All of you, your heart, your mind.”

Aria looks up at him as she waits for the next, she arches her eyebrow, “my body?” she asks with sass.

“When the time is right, yes, your body too. Hell yes,” he says with a smirk as she laughs and leans into his lips again.

“And what about your mother…what do we do about her?” Aria asks.

“She doesn’t get a say in who I spend my time with, not anymore.”

“Are you going to tell her that?”

“I mean I think my mum is starting to gather that from the hundreds of unanswered phone calls and me calling her a monster at the ball.”

“You called her a monster?” Aria says her eyes wide.

“Well she is, I’m just so sorry that it took her hurting you for me to realize that.”

“So you did…stick up for me?” Aria says pouting as she cups his face, placing a kiss on his lips.

“Well I tried to, but she’s a shark and wanted me to still fall in line and smile for pictures. Which I did. And I’m sorry for that Aria. I know I should have done more, I should have fought harder. But I want you to know that from now on I will. Even if it means never talking to her again.”

“Liam. You could never do that.”

“Yes I could. For you. For us. I could. I will.” he says grabbing her hand and lifting it to his lips as he places a kiss on it.

“I would never want you to,” Aria says her voice low, her eyes soft.

Liam looks at her confused.

“You fighting with your mother is not what I want. I just want you to stand up for yourself. Tell her what you want. She obviously loves you, eventually she’ll come around.”

“I don’t know about that, she and my sister, haven’t spoken in years.”

“That’s your fear isn’t it? That you’re the only glue still holding your family together?”

Liam looks down at their hands. He falls silent.

“Hey…talk to me,” She says tightening her grip on his hand as she strokes his chest with her other, trying to comfort him.

“You really just get in there, don’t you, love? Right into people’s souls?”

“What can I say, it’s a gift.” she smiles draping an arm around his shoulders as she cups his neck with her hand.

“I want to talk to you. But it’s not exactly easy for me, Aria. I mean I haven’t said these words out loud. Ever.” he says looking at her.

“Ok, I can understand that. And given the fact that we don’t know each other that well yet, I can see you being hesitant about telling me all your deepest darkest secrets.”

“It’s not that. It’s not you. In fact, you are the only person I feel has ever actually asked me what I want. And I am so grateful to you for that. I just, I guess I just worry that once I admit these truths to you, I will finally have to admit them to myself.”

“Is that such a bad thing, though? I mean when we run from things, and we don’t take the time to deal with them and work through them, we just end up living half a life. We just keep running. I don’t want that for you. Or for us.”

“You are something special, aren’t you?” he says leaning into kiss her.

Aria smiles as she wipes lipstick from his lips.

“How about I start…” Aria says. Liam nods.

“I feel like you and I really have something here. But I’m scared. Because right now, I am supposed to be spending ever free second I have working towards my dream. And ever since I met you, I have been easily distracted. And I’m not blaming you. I want to be with you. But I also fear that you could easily walk away at any point and you’d be fine. But I could lose everything. This is my last shot. And I was risking that to figure out what we are, because I believe you’re worth it. I want it all. A career, a partner, a life of love. But I do worry that what if things change. What if this thing fizzles out as quickly as it started?”

Liam looks at her, and his eyes fill.

“Aria, I-” he stops looking down as he sighs.

Aria smiles simply up at him as she takes his hands in hers.

“Take your time, I’m not going anywhere,” she says softly.

“I can’t make you believe me. I can only tell you my truth. And the truth is…I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Ever. My heart explodes every time I see you or hear your voice. I just want to be with you, (he says pulling her into a sweet kiss), every minute. I don’t know what the future holds, I can’t promise you everything will be perfect. But I can promise you, that I will do whatever I can to make this- us, work. I just want us to have the time to see how we’d be together. I promise to always fight for you, to be more open and tell you what I want and how I feel. I promise to be honest. And I promise to fall crazy, head over heels in love with you.” he says smiling down at her.

Aria smiles brightly as she pulls him into a kiss. Liam wrapping his arms tightly around her waist as he sighs into her lips.

He pulls away for a minute, “I want you to know. I will respect your dream. When you need to rehearse, I will not get in your way. I can tell how much this showcase means to you. I would never want to jeopardize that for you.”

Aria looks up at him “Thank you,” she says stroking his face gently, before kissing him sweetly.

Liam looks at her, “Thank you, love.” he says cupping her face and leaning into another kiss.

A bystander snaps a picture, unknown to the new couple.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

Move- Chapter 16

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MOVE poster

Parental-advisory-explicit-lyrics

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 15 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

Aria shuts the radio off as she begins to roll up the cord and gather her stuff from another dance practice session.

She catches his reflection in the mirror standing behind her.

“Hi,” he says his voice low.

“This is a closed practice.” she says continuing to pack up her stuff.

“Aria, I know that I handled things poorly the other night,” he says walking closer toward her.

“That’s an understatement,” she says grabbing her stuff and walking past him towards the door.

“Aria, please. I’m utterly gutted.”

“Who talks like this?” she says swinging around.

He looks at her confused.

“Just say what you actually mean.” she says rolling her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I should have fought for you sooner, harder. I should have told my mother off on a greater scale. I mean if it makes you feel any better I haven’t spoken to her in days. Which if you recall is quite unheard of.”

“Yea she only calls every hour,” Aria says rolling her eyes yet again.

“Aria I’m so sorry. I really want this to work between us. I don’t want society to get in the way of that. I like you… so much. It’s actually quite overwhelming how quickly I’ve fallen for you.” he says, his eyes locking onto hers. Aria’s stomach flips as the hardened exterior around her heart begins to melt in his presence.

“Why?” she says trying to remain guarded, “Why me?”

“Well, I imagine it’s because you are quite staggering, love. I didn’t stand a chance,” he says his voice perfectly raspy and a small smirk at the corner of his lips.

“I’ve seen you in action, it’s not like you don’t have vast opportunities to be with tons of women.”

“Aria, you are nothing like any of the women I’ve dated in the past.”

“Gee thanks,” she says in a huff, her eyes rolling.

“Oh gosh, no, no, I mean that in a good way. I seem to be already mucking this up,” he says, a look of defeat spreading across his face.

Aria softens, “Aren’t you used to rejection? I mean you are a businessman.”

“Well no, actually, quite frankly I usually get what I’m after,” he says coughing nervously as he loosens his tie. His sleeves already rolled up as he holds his jacket at his side. Aria’s eyes take notice. Damn he’s sexy, she thinks.

“Hmm, it’s interesting really,” she says walking out the door, leaving him confused.

He rushes after her.

“Was that the end of our conversation?” he says as she walks to the street, holding her hand up to hail a cab.

Aria laughs, “…it’s interesting how when it comes to business and what you feel you HAVE to do, you’ll fight for it. You’ll make sure you get what you want. Or at least what your mom makes you think you want. But when it’s something personal, something that you want for yourself, you cower.”

Liam looks at her, taken back by her honesty. A blow to his ego and to his heart.

A cab halts nearby.

“That’s my ride. What? You didn’t actually think I’d make this easy on you. Did you?” she smirks, “besides it’s just an observation, from a little commoner like me. Now, this conversation is over.” she says getting into the cab.

As it drives away Aria feels vindicated for a brief moment, but then the ache sets in. Deeper than the night of the fundraiser. Why is it that she can stand the hurt when someone hurts her but when she’s the one hurting someone, the weight in her heart is even more overwhelming. Damn her empathetic nature.

***

Aria sits on a bench in the ladies locker room, surrounded by her girl gang and overall support system.

“Was I too hard on him? I mean it’s not like we’ve been dating for years and years and he’s wronged me so many times. This was his first offense.”

“I mean I think you were spot on, you don’t need him.” Yolanda says taking a sip from her water bottle.

“No she doesn’t. But the question is…do you want him? Because there’s a difference,” Allie says imparting her relationship wisdom.

All the women look at Aria. Watching. Waiting.

“I do. Damn it! I still do. I can’t shake it. Walking away from him in that moment was seriously one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. And then I could tell he was really hurt by what I said. It was like I sucker punched him with my words,” Aria says covering her face.

“Well I say good for him. He needed to hear that.” Molly says nodding her head as Yolanda taps her water bottle into hers in the form of a cheers agreement.

“Lay, what do you think?” Aria asks, her head spinning.

Layla looks around nervously. “Oh am I like the tie breaker here? I really don’t like holding that much power.”

“Lay, come on, I really need to know what you think. You were there the night of the ball. What do you think? Do you think he’s worth a second glance?”

“I mean, he IS insanely hot…”

They all laugh as Yolanda frowns, rolling her eyes.

“Yea she is right, you should at least hit that before quitting it,” Allie says laughing as Aria gasps. “Oh please don’t act like you haven’t already thought about it, you just told us how you nearly did it at a public party with nearly 300 people including his mother in attendance,” Allie says laughing.

All the girls clap in fits of laughter, “True,” Aria says smirking.

“Look I can’t tell you what to do. Because you can get hurt either way, and I hate the idea of that. But I will say, he did look like he was genuinely a mess when you walked away from him that night. I realize this isn’t an easy situation, you’re from two different worlds. But it’s not impossible. Maybe you can at least hear him out. No witty comebacks, just listen. And if he doesn’t make one last, solid case, then walk away for good. You don’t wanna sit here, night after night wondering, what if.” Layla says.

All the girls except Yolanda kind of nod in agreement.

“You are way beyond your years girl,” Aria says smiling as she drapes an arm around her younger cousin’s shoulders.

“Oh, but yes please do have sex. Because he is one fine man.” Layla says smiling, as the girls all cheer and yell in praise.

Yolanda walks out of the room.

“I got her.” Aria says looking at a worried Layla as she turns rushing after Yolanda.

“Yoyo, come on we’re all adults here,” she calls as she follows her out of the gym and onto the sidewalk.

“You just don’t get it,” Yolanda says turning toward her, her eyes filling with tears.

“I suppose I don’t,” Aria says becoming instantly worried, “Yoyo what’s going on with you?”

“I’m sorry, this is my shit, I don’t wanna drag you into it,” she says wiping her tears in frustration.

“Yolanda, we’re family. Your shit is my shit. Besides you’re allowed to have your moments, you can’t be strong every second of every day. It’s ok to feel sad.”

“I’m so sorry. I’ve been so judgey and so controlling. And it’s only because I’ve been where you are. And it didn’t end well for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“A few years ago, when I was still in nursing school, I fell in love with this guy. He was gorgeous and wealthy and he and I were really hot and heavy for months. But he would always make excuses to not hang out in public, or make excuses to not introduce me to his family. At first it was cute, he would say things like, “Let’s stay in, I just want you all to myself.” And it didn’t really phase me for a while, because I loved him. When we were alone, it was like, I was his whole world. And things got really heated one night and we had sex.”

Aria’s eyes widen.

“The next morning I woke up and he was gone. I tried calling, texting, he never responded. He ignored me at school, like I didn’t even exist. It was like he got what he wanted and that was it. And it hurt like hell. I just couldn’t understand, how someone could lie like that. Just make you feel like they cared so much, and then boom, nothing. Like I meant nothing. And that was my first time.” she says wiping the tears falling away.

“Oh Yolanda. I’m so sorry. I never knew.” She says pulling her into a hug.

“I know you didn’t. I didn’t want you to. I just kept living in this vicious thought cycle of what did I do? Why didn’t he want me? Why wasn’t I good enough? And then finally one day, I overheard him talking to a group of his guy friends in the school cafeteria, and I remember hearing someone ask “whatever happened to that Latina chick, you banged,” and he responded, “she was fun, hot as hell, but come on bro, I can’t bring her home. She’d never fit in.” I give him credit, his response could have been much more revolting, but to demean me to a fun, hot, Latina chick he once banged. I just, couldn’t have it. So I walked over and gave him a swift knee to the nuts,” Yolanda says as Aria burst out laughing.

“Oh my god, Yes! That’s amazing. What did he say?” Aria says through her laugh.

“He couldn’t say much,” Yolanda laughs, “But I just looked at him and said, “that was for…well let’s be honest, you know what that was for. But in case you and your homies here are too slow, that’s a proper hello from a Latina chick. Have a nice day, boys.”

“Oh my god, I love you. That’s amazing. I really wish I could have been there to see that.”

Yolanda laughs. “I felt really good after that. But that doesn’t mean that my self-esteem didn’t take a major hit.”

“Of course, I mean I can only imagine. But that’s a reflection of him, not you. You’re amazing.”

“Oh I know that.” Yolanda says nodding.

Aria laughs pulling her into a hug.

“So did you ever hear from him again?”

“I did. He came to my dorm that night and apologized and told me it wasn’t personal. That it’s his family who puts this crazy social status pressure on him and how he did really like me but he didn’t know how to handle that, and blah, blah, blah.”

“Wow, so what’d you do?”

“I told him, that I didn’t believe him, and that I was over it. That wasn’t entirely true, but I just couldn’t trust him, not after that. If you love someone, I mean really love someone you would want to shout it to the world. And you wouldn’t let anyone keep you from doing so. And I know your situation is entirely different. And I’ve been projecting my fears onto you. And I am sorry for that. I just never want you to hurt the way I did. And when you met Liam… I don’t know… it just started to feel all too familiar.”

“Yoyo, I’m so sorry I’ve been so insensitive.”

“Hey you didn’t know. I’m sorry I lied to you. I know I put on this virginal act and now it seems like I’m a total hypocrite. I mean granted I haven’t been with anyone since, but still.”

“No. It’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to go there with someone, after having someone do what he did to you. But just because one guy did that, doesn’t mean they all will.”

“I know. I guess I’m just scared.”

“You? Scared? You’re a warrior. The bravest person I know. Look what you do for a living.”

Yolanda laughs, as she wipes more tears from her cheeks.

“There is this one guy…” she says.

“It’s Dr. Greene isn’t it?”

“Yes!” Yolanda says squeezing her eyes closed tightly.

“Ah! I knew it! I know sex eyes when I see them.”

“We haven’t had sex obviously…”

“Yea but have you thought about it?” Aria says smirking at her cousin.

Yolanda looks away as a crimson flush creeps onto her cheeks.

Aria gasps as she playfully hits her cousin’s shoulder.

“Atta girl,” she says smiling.

“Hey, a girl can day dream. But the truth is we haven’t even really gone out. He just has hinted several times that he’d like to take me out. But he is my boss, and with that comes an entire slew of ethics. He’s my superior so it really isn’t allowed.”

“Do you want to go out with him?” Aria asks her curiosity at its peak.

“Yes. God yes. Have you seen him? He’s gorgeous and he’s incredibly smart. He’s an amazing doctor and he is so sweet. I get butterflies just thinking about him. But it would be very complicated and we’d have to sneak around. And I just can’t do that again.”

“You know, sneaking around forbidden territory could be extremely sexy and fun, and damn it, girl you deserve to have some hot, sexy, fun.”

Yolanda covers her mouth, “Aria!” she says laughing.

“What, you are a young woman with needs, there’s no shame in admitting it.”

Yolanda and Aria laugh and wrap each other in a bear hug.

“I think I need to see Liam, I just need to know if what I felt was real. If what he felt was real. If nothing else, I need closure.”

“Ok, well then that’s what you should do. Just….please be careful and when in doubt-“

“Knee to the nuts.” Aria says nodding as Yolanda nods laughing.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

Move- Chapter 15 (FINALLY!!!)

August 31, 2020michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MOVE poster

Parental-advisory-explicit-lyrics

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 14 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

Aria bursts through the large golden doors as Yolanda follows closely behind, dragging Layla along.

“Ari, Ari wait!” Yolanda yells after her.

“Are you happy, you were right?” Aria says swinging around, tears filling in her eyes.

“Of course I’m not happy. I can’t be happy if you’re not happy.” Yolanda says.

“Ok, I’m lost, what’s going on?” Layla says confused.

“Liam’s mother just basically called me a gold digging whore, and he did nothing to defend me.”

“What!” Layla yells dumbfounded.

Just then the gold doors swing open, and Liam rushes through them, his eyes locking on Aria’s.

“Aria!” he calls.

“I need to get out of here.” Aria says turning away from him and rushing off.

“Aria, Aria please wait,” he says as Yolanda steps in front of his path, halting him.

“No,” she says holding her hand up.

Layla stands beside her sister, crossing her arms.

“I just wanna say, even though I just met you, well sort of- I really don’t like you.” Layla says walking off to find Aria.

Liam sighs, “Look, my mum is old fashioned, she believes in social status and…”

“And what, you don’t?” Yolanda says challenging him, “Nice, tux, by the way. Must have set you back quite a few thousands,” she says sarcastically.

“Yolanda, I realize that this was not a good first impression. But my family’s hang ups are not my own. I adore Aria. She is the first woman who has ever made me feel alive. Who didn’t buy into the whole wealthy equals worth machine. It’s all bluster and bullshit. She knows what my family still has yet to learn. But I promise you, I’m already there. Please just let me talk to her,” he says his eyes glancing in the direction of where she ran off to.

“Why should I? She clearly doesn’t want to talk to you. Hence her running away the minute she saw your face.”

“Please, I know she’s hurt, I just need a chance to explain…”

“Yea, that’s still a no.” Yolanda says crossing her arms over her chest. “Do you have any idea how much Aria has fought through to get where she is today?”

“She told me a bit about her parents and how she just found you two, just a few years ago,” Liam says his eyes gentle. His voice cautious.

“Yea, but I’m sure you don’t know it all, I mean how could you?”

“I suppose your right.” Liam says sullenly. “But I’d like the chance to.”

“You say that now, but what happens the next time, you’re seen in public with her. What excuse will you have to come up with? We’re Latinas. We’re curvy. We’re loud. But we’re also fighters, we struggle just to make ends meet every day. Me, I’m a nurse I save lives every day. Just because people like you have the money to help, doesn’t mean that you’ve bought my brains, my skill for knowledge. Layla… she goes to Harvard, top in her class, and she’s on her way to being the most kick-ass lawyer. And Aria. Well Aria’s too damn good for you. She is beautiful, and funny and smart. She is also talented as hell. She has a dream and I will not let you, or anyone else-least of all your cruel witch of a mother- get in her way. Especially when it’s very clear that she is just a way for you to sow your oats. Nail the Latina beauty for one steamy affair just before you settle down with the leggy blonde mommy set you up with from birth. Keep that legacy safe.”

“You’re right,” Liam says in a straight forward tone.

Yolanda nods, a knowing sense of odd satisfaction in having her point proven.

“Aria is too good for me,” Liam says challenging Yolanda’s obligations.

“Good, glad we’re on the same page. So why don’t you go tell mommy that,” she says not wanting to give him any hope that her walls are breaking down.

“Forgive me, thank you for your time,” he says rather reserved as he turns and heads back toward the ballroom, straightening his tie and his tux jacket in an attempt to shake off his heartache.

Yolanda exhales heavily as she turns and walks off to find Aria and Layla. She turns the corner, and gets startled by both girls standing close by, within earshot.

“Hey, there you are. I figured you headed home.”

“I wanted to, but I just wanted to hear what he had to say. Surprise surprise it wasn’t much.” Aria says defeated as she sits on a nearby cement step. Her black gown puddling around her.

“Hey don’t you do that.” Layla says sitting next to her cousin.

“He didn’t even fight for me,” Aria says confused. “I know we haven’t been seeing each other long, and it doesn’t make sense to you. But if you guys could just feel even the slightest bit of what it felt like between he and I, you’d get it. Every time we kissed it was like…electric. I just thought there was something there. Something real.”

“In his defense…” Layla begins.

Both Aria and Yolanda give her a look.

“No,” Yolanda says sternly.

“What… I’m just saying, it’s not exactly like Yoyo gave him much of a chance to defend his feelings for you.”

“True.” Aria says with a laugh.

“Hey, he hurt you, I’m not interested in making him feel better.”

Aria laughs.

“Besides, if he really wanted to talk to you, and straighten this all out, nothing I said or did would have stopped him.”

“Also True.” Aria says nodding, “You really do have this whole mama bear thing down.”

Yolanda rolls her eyes.

“And I love you for it.” Aria says pulling Yolanda down onto the step beside her as she hugs her, Layla joins in too.

“This is all I need. You guys are my family and you are amazing. Besides, I have the dance showcase of my career in less than a month so, it’s really probably for the best. He was distracting me. It’s just such a shame we had to leave the party early, there was so much free alcohol.”

“Well… I managed to steal a bottle of champagne, courtesy of my sexy waiter boy,” Layla says pulling the bottle out of her big sack purse that one normally wouldn’t pair with a ball gown.

“Oh!” Aria says happily clapping.

“Yes. Brava,” Yolanda says with a slow cap, “Momma raised you right” Yolanda says grabbing her sister’s hand and fake crying.

Aria and Layla laugh as they all stand, Layla pops the cork. The girls scream in unison as the champagne spills over the brim of the bottle, making their way back out towards the front of the hall leading to the valet lot.

“Woo!” Aria screams throwing her hands up in the air. Layla hands her the bottle as she chugs a bit, she laughs handing it to Yolanda, as they all link arms and walk off laughing.

Liam watches from afar, standing in front of the golden doors, separating him from the life he was raised into and the life he desperately wants. As a photographer exits the doors, he asks for a picture of him, Liam nods, forcing a smile. “Excuse me,” he says walking away once the flash goes off. The light blinding his eyes. He takes out his phone, he goes to dial Aria, but instead dials his sister Evelyn “Sky.”

“Hello, bugga!” she screams.

“Hi, where are you?” he says covering one ear.

“What? I can’t hear you!” she says standing in the back of a packed club.

“Where are you?” he yells.

“Oh, my band is playing at this cheeky little pub in Brooklyn, oh bugga you’d absolutely love it. It smells of cigars and scotch. Just like–“

“Dad,” Liam says his eyes casting down.

“Dad,” Sky says sullenly.

A silence deep. Siblings know.

“Oh let’s not go there huh, bugga. How are things? How is my future sister in law, Aria?” she says with a laugh.

Liam sighs heavily.

“Oh no, trouble in paradise?” she says walking toward the door, waving to a bandmate and holding up 5 fingers, mouthing “5 minutes,” as he nods, she exits the club.

“I messed up Ev-“

“I find that hard to believe. You are quite charming. And the last time I saw you two, you could barely keep your hands off each other.”

“Yea, we were doing quite well, really well. She is…phenomenal. It was perfect actually and then we mixed our worlds and-“

“And good OLD mum happened?”

“She called her a gold digger, not even to her face, which was somehow so much worse. Aria over heard, told her off and stormed out. Nothing phased mum of course. She just expected me to move along with our evening of picture taking and painful fake grinning.”

“Well I mean I have to admit, I’m not surprised. But I am terribly sorry bugga. What happened with Aria when you went after her? What’d you say to her?”

“Not enough, it was a very public event, and there were cameras everywhere. So it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I never actually got to speak to her.”

“Oh, Liam. That’s just awful. You really did mess this one up,” she says using his real name to amplify her seriousness.

“Thank you. Very much.” he says laughing at his sister’s well known blunt bone.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to kick you when you’re down. But if you really feel strongly for this girl, you need to do more than just the bare minimum. You have to fight for her. You can’t just sit back and sulk.”

“I do not sulk.”

“Oh bugga, yes you do.”

“I just- I don’t know how to make this right. She won’t talk to me, and I don’t want to be disrespectful to her wishes.”

“You already were, when you didn’t stand up for her in that moment. It needs to be a public declaration. A separation. You don’t want to work for the family business, don’t. You want Aria, go get her. You need to stop making excuses and live your own life. It’s time, bugga. Make the break. I’ll be here, just like you were for me.”

“I’m not as brave as you Ev-“

“Yes you are. But you know its fine, just wait, sitting on the sidelines, as some new guy swoops in and sweeps her off her feet. Because then she really will be off limits. Girls like her, don’t stay unattached for long. I’ve seen how guys look at her. You definitely have a world of competition. Didn’t you even say that Marco from the office was looking…”

“Ok! Thank you for that, Ev!” he says annoyed

“Tough love bugga! Figured you needed a little fire under your bum. Go get your girl. I love you, I’ll talk to you tomorrow!” she says hanging up and rushing back into the club.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

Move- Chapter 14

April 2, 2019April 2, 2019michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Hi friends! Sorry I was MIA last week, it was a birthday on Tuesday so I had a busy week! But I have some fun news….

I know it has been an incredibly long hiatus for this short story series. And I apologize. But I am determined to finish what I started in 2017. This story has a ways to go still, and I hope you enjoy this latest Chapter!

Parental-advisory-explicit-lyrics

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 13 HERE

Catch up from the beginning HERE

MOVE poster

The head of the hospital, takes the stage as he nods at the applause with gratitude. A handsome, tall, younger than you would expect, broad shouldered man.

“Good Evening, everyone, my name is Dr. Matthew Greene and I am the head of the hospital, and I just wanted to welcome you all here tonight and thank you for coming out to support our children’s charity…”

“Whoa,” Layla whispers with wandering eyes, leaning over to Yolanda, “that’s your boss?”

“Yes,” Yolanda says, her gaze focused on the speech ahead.

“You work with that hottie everyday?” Aria whispers.

“Shh, cut it out.” Yolanda whispers with a harsh tone.

“Girl, you seriously need to get on that, ASAP,” Layla says smirking as she watches the gorgeous man before them.

“Layla.” Yolanda says surprised as she looks at her sister.

Aria lets out a little laugh.

“She’s hanging out with you and your friends too much.” Yolanda says giving Aria a stern glare.

“True,” Aria says, “But honestly Yolanda, you’re boss is a total fox.”

“He is my boss. That might be your style, but it’s not mine. Now shush!” she says giving Aria a face and facing forward just in time to here her name. Aria feels the burn a bit, but let’s is slide for now.

“… I’d like to acknowledge the head of our planning committee this year, Yolanda Lenz, for creating this beautiful atmosphere for us tonight. She truly out did herself,” he says smiling and clapping.

Yolanda smiles, as Aria and Layla clap proudly, Aria bumps her hip into her cousin as she smiles at her.

Yolanda blushes, as the girls notice.

Liam’s eyes fall on Aria even as he stands waiting to give his speech.

Gertrude noticing, with a fierce disappointment written across her face, her beady cold eyes shifting toward Aria, sizing her up, judging her.

“Now, I’d like to introduce you to a very good friend of the hospital. It is because of this next man’s support we get to help millions of children get the medical care they deserve during such trying times. He is responsible for giving them and their families just a little hope. Please join me in welcoming our incredible sponsor, Mr. Liam Whitmore,” Dr. Greene smiles brightly as he claps stepping back from the podium.

Liam buttons his jacket and with a smile and a wave, he walks up to the microphone, shaking hands with Dr. Greene.

“Good Evening,” he says his British accent showing. “I am honored to be here with all of you tonight. This has always been an incredible event to be a part of. Anything regarding the well being of a child is close to my heart. Children are our future and it’s our job as adults to make sure they get a happy and healthy one. What we do, how we act in the world around us, shapes and molds them. Some children have a bumpy journey, and it is here, that journey can receive a bit of hope. Each member of this hospital is a beacon of hope. I’ve seen them all work tirelessly everyday to protect the lives of their patients. I’ve already been told we are getting some incredible donations tonight, and we thank you. We thank you for your care for these special young lives. It is because of your generosity that the hospital gets to continue doing such amazing things for our youth. We thank you for your hope. And we hope you enjoy your night. Every tiny bit counts. Enjoy!” he says with a smile as he steps off the stage to applause and many hand shakes.

Aria’s eyes meet his through the crowd as she shifts her eyes up to the second floor balcony, Liam smirks at her as he sends her a wink, shaking yet another hand.

Gertrude’s eyes following their every exchange.

Aria smiles, “I’ll be back,” she whispers to her cousins.

“Do not get caught, there is a ton of press here. Liam is a big deal.” Yolanda whispers.

“Discretion. Don’t worry,” she says laughing as she makes her way through the crowded room towards the stairs.

Liam’s eyes follow her as he stands in a sea of rich people greetings, press pictures, and hand shakes.

“Excuse me, everyone,” he nods his thanks as he makes a gracious exit, he heads after Aria’s retreating figure.

Gertrude’s eyes narrowing in anger.

Aria stands on the balcony, her hands on the railing, as she looks out at the gorgeous view.

Liam walks onto the second floor, seeing her curvy figure standing there, waiting. For him.

He smirks, as he sneaks up behind her, he wraps his arms around her from behind. “Hi love,” he whispers in her ear as she jumps slightly, and then calms once she sees it’s Liam.

“You can’t just sneak up on a girl like that,” she says as he let’s out a chuckle.

“Oh I’m sorry, were you expecting someone else?” he whispers as he places a kiss on her neck, pulling her closer to him.

Aria’s eyes flutter close, “Well you know it was either you or Marco,” she says a smirk forming on her lips.

Liam laughs, as he turns her around to face him, “Over my dead body, love,” he smirks pulling her into a heated kiss.

Aria accepts quickly as her arms wrap around his neck, she laughs against his lips, Liam’s hands sliding down her curved body.

“Hmm, your lips are kind of perfect, you know that?” he whispers his eyes fluttering open staring into hers. “Your whole body is perfect,” he says looking her up and down.

“Well then,” she says locking eyes with him, “aren’t you rather frisky today?” she says laughing as she pulls him by his jacket into a kiss.

“I can’t help it, you drive me crazy, love” he whispers inches away from her lips, before covering them with his once more.

She smirks sweetly, pulling away from him slightly, Aria looks up at him, “Nice speech.”

“Thank you,” he says with a smirk as he places another kiss on her lips.

“You’re kind of a big deal, huh?” she says looking down as her hands fall to his chest.

“No, I wouldn’t say that,” he says feeling a weird tension forming between them.

Aria looks at him, as he laughs shyly.

“Liam, people practically fall to your feet when you enter a room.”

“Look love, it’s only because they know my family history. They know I come from money. It’s not because they actually know me,” he says gazing into her worried eyes and tucking her hair behind her ear. “Come here, I don’t want to think about business when your standing here, looking as gorgeous as you do,” he says as he pulls her into a kiss.

Aria smirks against his lips as she cups his face, pulling him closer she deepens their kiss.

Liam’s arms tightening around her body, both heart beats quickening.

***

Meanwhile, downstairs the sea of people are mingling, flashes snapping, champagne popping and Yolanda’s eyes scan the room in frustration as she sees Gertrude Whitmore hastily heading for the staircase leading to the second floor balcony.

***

Aria and Liam stand tangled up in each other. His hands gliding up and down her body as he deepens each kiss, leaning her against the door frame to the balcony.

Aria’s hands cupping his face as her lips meet his with the same urgency.

Liam pulls away from her breathless.

“We shouldn’t be doing this- here,” he says straightening his tie and fixing himself up. Lipstick smeared across his face.

Aria smirks, “Come on Mr. Whitmore, loosen up,” she says grabbing him by the tie and pulling him into a passionate kiss.

“Hmm your a bad influence,” he whispers against her lips.

“Oh come on, like you’ve never thought about sneaking off and having sex during a work event?” she says looking up at him her eyebrow raised.

“Oh well. I mean sure, I’ve thought about it. But no one’s ever been worth it,” he says grabbing her swiftly into a heated kiss.

Aria responds quickly as her hands reach out unbuckling his pants.

Aria leans against the door frame as Liam starts to hike up her long gown.

“Damn it, just rip the dress. I don’t care, it was on sale,” she says frustrated as Liam’s eyes lock onto hers, they widen with shock as he let’s out a laugh.

Aria covers her face, as she laughs, “Oh my god, I’m sorry this is not sexy.”

Liam looks down at her, and smiles, “Everything about you is sexy.”

Aria looks up at him and smiling she places a sweet kiss on his lips.

Liam pulls away looking down at her, he kisses her again, as his hands slide down the zipper of her dress, allowing the top fabric to loosen showing her black lingerie. Liam kisses her as she reaches down undoing his zipper. As Liam moves to kissing her neck, Aria arches toward him, her hands around his neck. Liam’s hands cup under her as he lifts her up against the door frame. Aria tries to hike up her dress as they don’t break their kiss.

“You sure you wanna do this, love, here. Now?” he whispers.

“More than you know,” she says looking at him through heavy eyes before engaging in another kiss.

“I just feel like maybe this is slightly bad timing,” he whispers his heart pounding out of his chest.

“Let’s be bad together,” she says kissing him as he let’s out a chuckled sigh before kissing her back.

“Mmm Hmm!” they both hear as someone stands in the shadows before them.

“Oh my god!” Aria says as Liam places her feet back down on the floor as he rushes to zip his pants and Aria covers her chest.

“Yolanda? Aria says squinting through the darkness as she pulls up her top, straightening her dress out.

“You,” she says pointing to Aria, “Get dressed and get downstairs. And you,” she says pointing to Liam, “Your mom, is on a war path, this is the 2nd time I dodged her from confronting you two. She knows somethings going on here and she is not happy about it. 3 seconds later, and she would have been the one up here right now.”

Liam straightens himself up, clearing his throat, “Thank you for interfering. My apologies,” he says starting to walk off, Aria reaches out grabbing his arm, as he stops to look back. Aria wipes his lips with her thumbs. “Lipstick,” she says with a wince, as she fixes his tie and his hair, he stares into her eyes.

Yolanda watching their sexually charged exchange.

She fake coughs as they gaze into each other’s eyes.

“Call me?” Aria asks.

“Couldn’t stop me if you tried, love.” he says with a wink as he walks toward the stairs, nodding his thanks to Yolanda again.

Aria’s eyes follow him, sexual desire evident, as she let’s out a frustrated breath.

Yolanda stands there, angrily.

“I can’t believe you. Having sex in a public place, where there are tons of cameras. Are you insane? I specifically asked you NOT to do this.”

“We didn’t have sex.” she says.

“You sure as hell looked like you were.”

“Ok, well we almost had sex. We were about to-“

“And you totally would have if I didn’t stop you.”

Aria shrugs.

“Do I even have to tell you how dangerous unprotected sex with someone you barley know is?”

“I do know him. He’s my boyfriend.”

“Is he though?”

“Well maybe we haven’t put a label on it, just yet but-“

“Even if you had, the truth is you knew you didn’t have protection.”

“Now that’s not true, guys carry condoms in their wallets.”

“Does Liam Whitmore look like the kind of guy that worries about carrying condoms in his 3 million dollar leather, monogrammed wallet?”

“I don’t even know how to answer that question. Are you saying he’s a playboy that doesn’t care about protection? Or that he wouldn’t risk messing up his fancy wallet?”

“I don’t even know right now. But besides, you should never just assume the guy has it covered. I’m just so pissed Aria! I specifically asked you not to do this. And you did it anyway. Do you even care that this is my JOB!”

“Of course I care. But, Liam and I-we just couldn’t help ourselves. Ok, I’m sorry! We were still clothed, we didn’t even get that far, why are you making such a big deal about this? No one saw us Yoyo!” Aria says loudly.

“Yes they did. His mother saw you on the balcony the first time. This is not the place Aria.”

“What’s the big deal? So people see him with a woman. Who cares. He’s human. He’s allowed to be attracted to a woman. He’s allowed to have sex if he wants to!”

“That’s not the point Ari. People like Liam are held up to a certain standard. If pictures were to get out that he’s dating someone like you…”

“Wow…ok.” Aria says stumbling back from the blow.

“You know that’s not what I meant. We’re Latina, we’re curvy, we’re considered lower class. Our lives are completely different. And if your relationship or whatever the hell this is were to get out. Your carefree days of doing what you want and when you want it, will be over. These people are relentless, it’s why they are so rich. Because all they care about is business, and unfortunately, you being with Liam would be considered a huge scandal. It would hinder all progress the hospital has made for the children’s charity. So for once can you please think about something other than yourself and see that your actions affect other people!”

“Oh ok, so now I’m the bitch who doesn’t care about children, really Yolanda? You are way off base!”

“Lower your voice, ok, this is a big night for me. This is my job. You know the job that provides for you and Layla.” she says giving her cousin a face.

“Oh wow, ok so the gloves are really coming off now, aren’t they?” Aria says hands on her hips.

“I didn’t mean it to come out like that I’m just mad. I’m the oldest and it’s my responsibility to make sure-“

“No it’s not. Who says?”

“It’s just the way it is.”

“Well you made that a rule for yourself not me. I’m sorry! I like him. And I like having sex. So what if I want to have random, hot sex with a guy that likes to be with me. What’s the big damn deal. God you are so judgey sometimes. Sex is fun, you should try it some time.” she says rolling her eyes as Yolanda looks at her cousin in shock.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, that was out of line,” Aria says her heart dropping as she reaches for her cousin’s hand.

“You know what Aria your right. Just because I made the choice to save myself for marriage, doesn’t mean that you have to. And I love you, but you are not being smart about this. You barely know him. You don’t know his sexual history. How many women he’s been with. If he’s the type of man who you can actually trust with your heart and your body. I mean what happened to taking it slow…”

“Yoyo, please. I love you too. I respect you and I am so grateful that I have you in my life to look out for me. But you don’t have to worry so much. I’m an adult. I can take care of myself. I’m telling you I can just feel it in my gut that Liam is a good guy. When I’m with him I just know. I can’t explain it. It’s just a feeling I get when I’m with him.”

“I just hope your right. Because, I really don’t think I could take it, if anything happened to you.”

“Nothing is going to happen to me,” Aria says pulling Yolanda into a hug.

***

Liam buttons his tux jacket as he descends the stairs and steps onto the first floor, his mother swiftly walking over to him, and grabbing his arm pulling him to the side.

“You are disgracing the family name.”

“Excuse me?” Liam says shocked by her words.

“I saw you with that little gold digging harlot, groping each other on the balcony and doing god knows what on the second floor. She is beneath you Liam. Sure she may be intoxicating for a brief time. But let’s be honest, she is not Whitmore material.”

Aria and Yolanda stand frozen at the bottom of the stairs.

Liam notices as his face falls.

“Wow. You don’t even know me. But sad to say, I’ve known types like you my whole life. Don’t worry your family legacy is safe.” Aria says grabbing her cousin’s hand and walking off.

“Aria,” Liam says reaching for her, as his mother grabs his arm and pulls him back, as photographers gather to take a picture of the two Whitmores in action.

“Let her go love, she’s not worth it,” she says smiling through clenched teeth.

“You know what mum, Sky is right about, you’re a monster,” he says ripping his arm out of her grasp and rushing off after Aria.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

My 2019 Projects Update

March 15, 2019May 8, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

List of Projects

(I want to finish this year)

Move -MLW Short Story Series

This series first premiered on MLW June of 2017. And there are currently 13 Chapters posted. But I haven’t updated since January of 2018. So it’s been quite a while. LONGEST HIATUS EVER! I just recently gathered my notes on this project, and re-read all the chapters. I am working on Chapter 14 and Liam and Aria’s loves story will continue soon, I PROMISE! This is my priority project!

Start from the beginning- Read Chapter 1- HERE

3274D82B00000578-3504763-image-a-16_1458668312898[1]

Summary: Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?

Crazy Stalker Love– MLW Short Story Series- COMING SOON!

This was a story I thought of during the fall of 2018 and it is partially written and saved on my computer but needs some serious love. I did announce it on the blog, that this was coming. I think it will be featured on MLW after “Move” wraps. It needs to be finished and put into Chapters.

Summary: Henley Hendrix is a badass who doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. She has always had an intense and complicated history with her ex boyfriend Hunter Stone. Some may even go as far to say, that his love for her has always exceeded any normal standard. They have a painful past that she just can’t seem to get over, but she also can’t seem to let him go either. While selfishly hanging onto their intimacy, in the mist of her on again/off again relationship with Hunter, Henley starts seeing a new, dark, mysterious Mr. Perfect. But everything isn’t always as it seems to be. *There are a bunch of other interesting characters that get thrown along for the ride too.

NaNoWriMo Project loosely Titled “Afire Love”

Summary: Sadie Sullivan has always been a romantic at heart. But she always plays it safe. Err on the side of caution, is practically her motto. After all, you can’t fail, if you don’t take any risks right? But what happens when a handsome acquaintance challenges her to face her biggest fear of all…falling in love?

On my instagram, I gave daily NaNo updates, and I shared some Sneak Peeks of my book on there throughout the month of November 2018. I also gave a hint that my two characters face a similar struggle these two characters faced in General Hospital.

Dante & Lulu (GH) They faced quite a number of struggles so which one do you think I am referring to?

This book needs to be finished, edited ALOT, and formatted. But I past my 50,000 NaNo word count! So that’s a plus!

Television Pilot

I have been writing scenes for this show since I was in high school, which for a time frame, has been over a decade. I have notebooks, and loose papers, and saved documents all over the place. I started to work on the pilot episode back when I said I would, but the world I’ve created in my mind has become so big, that I can literllay see seasons of stories unfolding. So to narrow down the lives of these characters to the very beginning, has just proven to be quite hard. Last Update.

I will not give away much on this. This is a big one. But I will give you a sneak peek of a mock poster I made with my #dreamcast. I totally know all these pictures are old. This is just who I imagine my characters to look like. 🙂 [Sorry the title is a secret for now! Have to keep some secrets!]

Tori Kelly, Bruno Mars, Kris Allen, Demi Lovato, Katelyn Pippy, Joshua Jackson

Special Self Publishing Project– not going to give away the title but let’s just say I’ve been writing it for the past 6 years and probably long before that too. I will just give you a little tiny hint- Faceless Man.

As you can see I have quite a few projects on my mind. They tangle up and I just don’t know where to start. And then I get another new idea and start writing that, and then I stop and get distracted and thrown off track of writing anything all together. It’s definitely overwhelming. But my goal is to finish all of these projects by the end of this year. I need to learn to finish what I start. I need to get my stories out of my mind and onto paper and into the world. It’s the only way these characters are going to leave me alone. 😉

Wish me luck and a bit of magic!

To my fellow writers out there,

how do you start what you finish/deal with balancing multiple projects?

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

New Year Themed Short Story Collection

January 14, 2019January 14, 2019michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

While I work on a new short story series coming your way soon, (currently titled Crazy Stalker Love). I really wanted to share some oldies that resonate for this time of year. Enjoy!

Crazy Stalker Love

COMING SOON!

CLICK THE TITLES TO READ!!!

Kiss Me At Midnight…A Short Story [2014]

kiss me at midnight Summary: Aiden has always had deep feelings for his best friend Chloe. But Chloe has always had another guy in her life, which made it impossible for Aiden to tell her. As kids they made a pact that if ever one New Year’s Eve they were both single, that they would be each other’s midnight kiss. Tonight. Chloe is single. And Aiden may just make his move? Will they take their relationship further than friendship? Will Aiden chicken out? Will Chloe even feel the same way? Read and see!

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? [2015]

what are you doing new year's eve

Summary: One Year Later…we check in on Aiden and Chloe. Are they together or not? Did they take the leap and make it work or not? Read and see!

For Old Times’ Sake [2015] for old times' sake
Summary: Lennox has convinced herself that the pop culture phenomenon that has become the New Year’s Clean slate isn’t for her. She stays in and keeps to herself often. However, what will happen one night when her sister drags her to a swanky exclusive Manhattan Party, where she meets a very charming bartender named Brady. Will he be able to change her mind? Will this pessimist find her prince or is she destined to stay in one New Year’s Eve every year?

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits.*

-<3-

2018 Highlights- Year in Review

January 2, 2019michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

This past year, I actually didn’t end up using a memory jar. It kind of became more of a flower vase and I forgot about it. But as usual, instagram and this blog were definitely helpful in my yearly reflection.

Here are my 2018 Highlights

(in no particular order)

Justin Timberlake released his new Album Man of the Woods and I bought tickets to see him in October. (However as you may know from my fangirl report the show was postponed due to bruised vocal chords. It was rescheduled for January 31st (his birthday) so let’s hope it sticks and I get to start my 2019 off with my fav babe!) He also released a summer single too- Soulmate. It’s fire!

MLW turned 5 years old! This blog has been with me through so many ups and downs. I have taken month(s) long hiatus’ and have gone MIA many times, and I’m sure it will happen this year too. But I always come back! And it means a lot to me to have this outlet. To have “a safe place for the written word.” We also got our own domain this year-michelleleighwrites.com

I took up Jewelry Making in order to teach a class at work and I realized I do really enjoy it. For some one who loves accessories and loves jewelry, it’s cool to have pieces that I created myself. When people say that’s so pretty, I can say “Thanks, I made it!” I’m hoping this year to get my own Jewelry supplies and make a hobby out of it!

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We started many new family traditions, now that we have a 6th person at our usual table of five. My baby niece turned one and she’s learning so many new things, it’s so amazing and so exciting to watch her grow. Holidays are sweeter now that she’s here and we were able to celebrate many of her first holidays this year too. And as usual so many other special family moments with our extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I also got to take my mom to see Summer (the donna summer’s musical) and help out with a mother’s day photoshoot for my sister in law, my brother is a photographer and he wanted me to shoot some behind the scenes footage for him, so that he could make a montage video.)

Jack & Elizabeth’s Wedding on When Calls The Heart. This show is so magical. (Except SPOILER ALERT the actor playing Jack decided to leave and so they had to kill off his character just shortly after the characters got married. So Elizabeth was left a pregnant window. It still breaks my heart so much. But I’ve been watching reruns on Netflix of earlier seasons of their courtship and I can’t help but love this show. It is so full of strength and hope and grace. And these women are fierce as they come.) Despite the heartache, the wedding was absolutely beautiful and when it comes to TV viewing parties and themes, I can be pretty “extra.” I learned to sew in order to make my own custom WCTH tee and had a cup of tea and some pie in honor of the special occasion. I still don’t have the Hallmark channel so I totally bugged my brother and watched at his house. The show did the wedding right, they even had a invitation that you can rsvp to, pick your meal choice and request a song. Hallmark still has a full wedding album up too. Such beautiful pictures, Elizabeth looked gorgeous and their vows were breathtaking.

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^In other tv related news (because you know me, I’m a TV fan girl) I fell in love with the show The Resident on FOX and the Netflix film- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (it’s getting a sequel!)

I had a lot good times with friends (fell in love with a new tea spot, tried hot pot for the first time, had a few brunch meals, tried frose, and braved karaoke, etc)-work friends, high school friends, old friends, new friends! Caught up with some middle school friends I haven’t seen in a while. We actually were able to get in two visits this year, so we are doing really well, considering we are all always so busy- one is a mom and one is always traveling, so I’m so happy we made it work! My best friend got married and I was one of her maid of honors, so we got to do all the things-the shower, the bachelorette party (which was epic thanks to me and my co maid of honor), the rehearsal, and the wedding. It was all magical! And they are a beautiful couple.

*NSYNC got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on “It’s Gonna Be May” Day (April 30th) and it was broadcasted live for all to watch. I totally did, and I may or may not have bought a few *NSYNC merch tees, they are being sold in stores like target, and spencer’s/hot topic, but also on *NSYNC’s official site! The guys were also on Ellen!

So I was kind of in fangirl heaven!

I hosted a 90’s theme Girls Night In for my best friend, as our own little bestie send off before her wedding. It was A BLAST. I love nostalgia and I LOVE the 90’s. Butterfly clips, chokers, and blue eyeshadow, OH MY! 😉

My family participated in our first Alzheimer’s walk in honor of my Grandma who passed away in February of 2017. We all had t-shirts and it was a beautiful day, honoring someone we all really miss and love. We raised well over what our goal was! Thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who organized it all, and to all who donated. Our hearts are full!

I did BLOGTOBER– blogged the entire month of October! My fall was so full of all the Halloween, Pumpkin things!

I participated in my first ever #NaNoWriMo– National Novel Writing Month (November) October and November were very busy for me, it made me really proud to be able to write so consistently and meet my goals.

I continued writing my short story series- Move that I started at the end of 2017, but still have to continue and finish it this year. I also started another short story series that has yet to be finished and posted- tentatively called Crazy Stalker Love. (STAY TUNED! for all of the stories to come!)

Crazy Stalker Love Sneak Peek-

I had a list of over 60 great memories for this past year, so I guess it was a really good one. So I can’t complain. But in the interest of time, I chose a few. Thanks for the memories 2018, I am very blessed. I look forward to all the magic ahead in 2019.

Happy New Year friends!

May all your hopes and dreams come true!

Stay Tuned for much more content this year.

So many stories to tell!

-<3-

#BLOGTOBER Day 11- MLW Halloween Themed Shorts Collection

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Over the past 5 years I’ve had this blog, I have written a number of Shorts/Story Series. And within those, there are a few that come to mind during this time of year. Two are more horror based, one is more romantic based. I usually write drama/mystery/romance So the horror was a fun segway to try.

Cloaked in the Night

cloaked-in-the-night This is a story I wrote inspired by a walk home, where I saw a creepy skeleton decoration. And the idea of it coming to life, hit me and this story was born. I think everyone has felt that fear of walking home alone, late at night. Everything around you suddenly feels eerie.

Summary: For this young character, well she was just running out to grab some ice cream one night…

*Read HERE

The Halloween Party

halloween-party

Summary: This one is more on the romantic side. Jared has always had a thing for his best friend Maddie. When she recently gets her heart broken just before her favorite holiday, she decides it’s time for some changes. And Jared finally decides it’s time to confess his feelings for her…will Jared get the girl he’s always dreamed of or will Maddie’s ex get in the way?

*Read HERE

RED THIRST
This story was super weird! LOL. I honestly don’t know where it came from. I knew I wanted to write something scary and it just kind of snowballed into this freakshow of a story. But I wanted it to be different. It become this sexy, scary story [hence the parental advisory stamp!] and even when I read it back I feel like it’s nothing like I would typically write. So I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. But hey ,we have to do that sometimes, right?

Summary: What was supposed to be a fun night out with friends turns into Clara’s worst nightmare as she encounters a handsome bartender named Christian. And the color red takes on a whole new meaning.

*Read HERE

ENJOY!

Maybe I’ll have a new Fall/Halloween inspired story coming soon!

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits.*

-<3-

An Update & Announcing #BLOGTOBER

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Hello there friends.

October 2017

I know it has been quite some time, since I posted consistently here on michelle leigh writes.

I was having some technical issues and it involved paying fees to upgrade my account, and I just had to really do some research and budgeting before I was able to figure out my next step.

For now, I think I have one. At least a short term solution.

I thought about changing hosts, and starting over. A new blog. Fresh Content. But I just couldn’t leave this one the way it’s been currently; inconsistent/not posting for months, and then what? I just decide to never come back to MLW? I couldn’t do it. It’s my baby. Besides, my current short story series “Move” was never fully finished so…keep an eye out for new chapters of that too!

RECAP from the beginning HERE

So I caved and purchased the upgrade. Not a super fan of the yearly cost, but I put 5 years of heart into this blog, I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet. In fact, I now have my own domain- michelleleighwrites.com is my new site name. 😀

However, when my year mark resurfaces, I will re-evaluate and make the best decision for my blog from there on out. And if that means starting new then it will be an exciting adventure and I will of course keep you posted. Transferring 5 years worth of files seems like a tall order, so we will have to just see how things go in a year.

In the meantime I have many things in store for the coming fall months.

Now, because I’ve been gone for what feels like forever, I wanted to start things off with a BANG! So I will be doing #BLOGTOBER. A blog post everyday for the entire month of October. And I have a lot of fun stuff planned, from movie and music reviews to fun party planning ideas, to fall love stories. It’s going to be a good time.

DISCLAIMER:

In the interest of transparency. I must admit I do not know where or who the idea of BLOGTOBER originated from. I didn’t even know it was a thing. I just thought of it, because I know on YouTube they do VLOGTOBER or VLOGMAS, where video bloggers post video of their everyday lives as content for the entire month of October or December. I was even more so inspired by one of my favorite youtubers, Kalyn Nicholson, who does something on her channel called #Youtober, videos posted for everyday of October. She explains it in last year’s video. [See Below:]

SNEAK PEEK FOR DAY 2…

sneak peek day 2

-<3-

*Images are all my own, except the images used in my “Move” Edit artwork*

Finally….A Summer Update

August 15, 2018August 15, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

The longer I’ve waited to post, the harder I’ve felt this has been. I went through having zero ideas, to so many ideas-good and bad. And here I am, just wanting to say SOMETHING. I’m a writer, who hasn’t really written in months. Is that normal? I suppose not.

Hi all. I hope someone is still listening. This has been a long time coming, and quite frankly I was hoping to come back with some fun, fancy, well-crafted story or work of art. But it’s just not coming, so instead, I’m going to just speak my truth. Hopefully you can relate.

It’s been quite a long few months since I last posted, and yes when I look back at old posts, I have definitely written many posts similar to this. Being a creative soul is thrilling and fun, until it isn’t. Creativity isn’t always guaranteed. I haven’t posted at all this summer. There are a lot of reasons why, but the number one reason is because well…I just haven’t felt inspired or motivated to do so.

You know when your favorite YouTuber goes MIA for a while, because they just haven’t been happy with any of their content. That’s how I feel.

I hit these walls where I feel like my life is at a standstill and instead of doing something to change it, I internalize and my mind becomes a ball of anxious thoughts unable to move myself forward. A vessel just going through the motions. I have a really hard time being present in the moment. I’m constantly over thinking everything. It is the most daunting feeling. My mind gets clouded and unfortunately creativity gets pushed to the side. Which is bizarre because I know this is the time when I need it most, to pull me out of my slump.

Creativity can be an incredible outlet for stress, but sometimes I just choose to ignore the issue and let days pass me by. Filling my time within mindless tasks.

I wish I had some big revelation for myself. I wish I had some inspirational advice to share about how I’ve just been too busy living life to post, but unfortunately that is just not the case.

I have a case of the summer funk. And I honestly can’t wait for it to be fall.

The air is crisp.

The fashion is cooler.

The colors are gorgeous.

And let’s face it, there is a plethora of pumpkin.

Here’s to breaking the silence and powering through.

I’m going to end this with a quote from one of my Writer’s Corners from back in 2015. It’s amazing how the words still hold truth for me:

“Giving up on that dream [of being a writer] is not in my line of vision. It can’t be. I don’t think my brain or sanity could take it. Too many stories to tell. So when the walls start caving in and you feel like you’re going to emotionally explode, get out of your head. And get out of your own way. And just do what you do best. Write. Because writers feel things deeper than most, and when we tell those stories, someone out there in the universe is going to get it, and feel gotten. Keep fighting, keep striving, and know that there is always a safe place for the written word here on Michelle Leigh Writes. Soldier on my friends.”- Michelle Leigh Writes * Writer’s Corner * “Get out of your own way”

**While you wait for new stories…feel free to browse my Short Story Collection HERE

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-<3-