Happy Valentine's Day! Sorry my snippet isn't romantic, but I wanted to continue with my YA coming-of-age mystery, Shades of Blue. (You can catch up on the earlier excerpts here.) Last week JoJo saw the bruises on Sam's back and realized that's the reason he doesn't want to be involved in anything to do with the police. Sam doesn't want to tell her why he got hit, but she threatens to take back her promise not to tell anyone what happened if he doesn't talk to her. Here's the first part of the explanation. And a blue Valentine for everyone! :-)
His breath came out in a frustrated huff, but he said, “It was something Britney did—well, something she said.”
“You mean she lied about something?"
“Not exactly, see, my dad was really drunk when he got home Friday night, and he always gets... affectionate with Britney when he’s like that. She said something about being tired of getting groped, and it made him really mad.”
“So what does that have to do with you?” I said then realized something. “Wait, you mean she told him you’d been groping her?”
“No, but that’s what he ended up thinking.”
“I’m gonna beat that tramp's lying ass!”
“No, JoJo, that would just make everything worse, and it probably won’t happen again anyway because he only does it when he’s drunk and—” He realized what he’d just told me and hung his head.
Uh-oh. It's happened before. And don't be too quick to judge Britney here. Things aren't always what they seem, especially in my books. More next week, or you could always go buy your own copy of Shades of Blue here. ;-) Please also check out the other Snippet Sunday folks and the Weekend Writing Warriors. Something for everyone among these talented writers!
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Jumping to conclusions is a sure way to start a fire!
ReplyDeleteJumping to conclusions is a sure way to start a fire!
ReplyDeleteThe truth in such sad situations is always both crystal clear and hopelessly muddled.
ReplyDeleteAw, sounds like a sad, confusing situation.I love all the tones of blue on your blog- my favorite color!
ReplyDeleteWow, more complications but bottom line is tragedy for everyone. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteSadly, it probably will happen again...
ReplyDeleteSuch a good story. I'm a tad over halfway through it. You grappled with some tough material, Joyce! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my heart aches for the kid... And yes, sadly it will always happen again until something is done about or it is too late. The poor kid, he's in such a rough spot but has such a strong heart it seems. I admire a character like that. You've painted a very touching story. Well done.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, I don't think he meant to say as much as he did. But this was a great snippet that gave us a lot of insight to his backstory. Great writing!
ReplyDeleteI feel so awful for him. He may not wanted to confide in her, but I'm glad he did.
ReplyDeleteI feel for both ... him and the situation about his dad, her for most likely feeling helpless. such a great story!
ReplyDeleteit only happens when he gets drunk, so sad that this is the accustomed way of life for this young man. Lots of emotion here.
ReplyDeleteThings look bad no matter how you look at it. I hope they get better from here on out. Great snippet.
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for him. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Britney also needs out of that house. Someone call social services!
ReplyDelete