*** Author's note: This is like my normal stories. This deals with child abuse, neglect, abandonment. There is also other triggering themes in this story.

Chapter 1: The Day Everything Changed

Jake walked home from school like it was any other day, his headphones blaring some angsty song about rebellion and survival. It fit the mood he was in—school sucked, home wasn’t much better, but at least it was something. A roof over his head. Food on the table. A bed to crash on.

Rose wakes up the next morning feeling tired. Last night she had gathered some evidence that she needs to show Sasha and hopefully, she’ll be able to read the faded writing on the pieces of wood she bagged and brought back with her. However, right now she needs to open her garage and take care of business.

The escape attempt is on, their chances may not be all they appear to be... The losses may be too much to handle.

Chapter Two – Are We Lovers Now?

Lilly is enjoying life out of the closet in the company of her lover Peter but Peter is becoming possessive and controlling. She asks Detective Steve Vogleman, Peter's accomplice in crime, to help her and suddenly love blooms.

Welcoming Center:
A black, blackout window minibus comes driving up the long driveway leading to the vineyard. It stops in front of adobe style building where several people are outside waiting for it. The black minibus stops in front of the building and the door opens as a Native American woman knocks gently on the doors.

Uncle Charlie – Part Two

Julia tells her psychiatrist about Uncle Charlie's second visit. This time Uncle Charlie brings a friend to taste the delights that Julia has to offer. Julia is discovered in a compromising position by her mother and father and suffers the consequences.

Please heed the warnings as this chapter explores themes of coercion and reluctance.

Rose mingles with the people at the banquet. She keeps Sasha in sight, so she can talk to her. As for Ciarán, something about him was rubbing her the wrong way. It was a good thing she came prepared. She walks close to Ciarán and gently drops a small GPS tracker into his side pocket. She also scans his cell phone with hers.

While she is close to Ciarán, she listens in on what he is saying to some guy. They were talking about investments and the newest CEO of some company. Nothing that matters to her. She wasn’t into acquiring or having lots of money like her family.

I made my way out to the garage. It smelled of polish and petrol. It was a change from the domestic smells and perfume I have got so used to. I wear perfume every day. Now I am so used to it I don’t even notice it. Luca did though.

“Ahh Tesoro, you have come at last.”

Luca was around 50 years old. He had a slight pot belly, and short greying hair. He had what could be described as a “Dad body”. He was wearing a vest and had just been cleaning the limousine.

“You wanted to see me, Luca. Can I get you anything?” I said hoping that was all he wanted.

Part two for you - for future readers its best if you read this work in order...

As we drove along, mom explained a few things about the last few days. The hospital admitted to everything being their fault in what had happened, especially when dad had our family attorney speak with theirs. It was simple case of mistaken identity. Seems a 26 year old woman named Jamie Stone was in for the procedures I got, and scheduled for the 11am slot. Then I, Jamie Stone the boy was scheduled for my procedure at 4pm.

Rose dozed off several times during the day. She managed to get what she had to do, done and called it an early day. Her assistant manager Francis could handle everything.

Just before she laid down, she checked the results from the test she performed earlier in the day. It confirmed what she thought the explosives were. Someone had used a custom binary explosive that when you sent an electrical charge through it, exploded. She knew of only three
companies that sold the chemicals required to make those explosives.

Alex's jewelry business was gaining traction, thanks in large part to the invaluable support of her fellow consorts. They admired her designs and often showcased her pieces at events and social gatherings. Morgan, in particular, played a significant and irreplaceable role in promoting Alex's work. As a popular singer, Morgan's choice to wear Alex's custom jewelry during her performances was a game-changer, attracting attention and sparking interest in the unique designs.

Oh, do I have a tale to tell you….

The final day of my life, at least as I had known it up until that point, was a Sunday, which now
seems appropriate, if not a bit ironic.

The Baker's Dozen was a series of short stories I wrote under my previous pen-name, Shawna Stimple, featuring the Baker sisters, and the people in their lives, through the 1960s, and beyond. I'll be updating, and re-releasing these stories as I go through them, correcting the errors that came with my first attempt at storytelling. I do intend to take a crack at these again in the future, and possibly release this series as an anthology, fleshing out the characters a bit more but that's a little ways off. In the meantime, please enjoy this little trip back in time.

The first part of the series is the story of Jimmy Baker, a young boy whose father has recently passed. Being the only male in the household, he starts acting out, and after nearly ruining a family outing on a visit to his grandmother's, his sisters think they've found a solution.

Please enjoy, as in this story I play with a long underrepresented category, Bad boy to good girl, to bad girl.

Sasha and Susan’s Mansion, Beverly Hills, California:
“Man, today feels nice.” Sasha was floating around on an innertube in the pool.

All the kids were busy doing their own thing, and it was just Sasha and her wife, Susan. Neither one of them was wearing a swimsuit. They were in their birthday suits, enjoying the sun.

“I agree.” Susan dives into the pool and does a few laps.

Life Stolen By Mistake

Maverick No More Now Broken and Rebuilt

Weird Science Transformations Part 3

Authors Note:

Genesis Transformed

Shamefacedly, Shane shuffled into Merle Norman, the cheery chiming of
the doorbell announcing his arrival. He wasn't exactly dressed for the
occasion - his usual ratty t-shirt and ripped jeans felt woefully out of
place amongst the plush waiting area and pastel color scheme. A sheepish
grin tugged at his lips as his gaze landed on Stacy, his best friend,
behind the counter.

Genetic Gender Experiment

The humid air clung to Elias like a second shirt as he pushed through
the tangled undergrowth. Shanda, his girlfriend, was just ahead, her
laughter a melody in the symphony of cicadas. They were on a secluded
resort vacation, and a poorly marked trail had beckoned them deeper into
the jungle than they'd intended.

The Day After

In the hushed embrace of the night, Alex and Princess Helena shared moments of intimacy that transcended the boundaries of their newfound union. With each touch and caress, they explored the depths of passion and desire, surrendering to the ecstasy of their connection. As Princess Helena revealed pleasures known only to a woman, Alex eagerly reciprocated, their bodies intertwining in a dance of love and longing.

Author's note: I got really into this story last week and knocked out three chapters. It was very productive, and I am glad that I was able to really get into the story.

Rule 4: A smile can be the sharpest knife

Rule 5: Silence is louder than any words

This cryptic maxim echoed in Alex's mind as she pondered its meaning. In a world where appearances were everything, and deception lurked behind every smile, she understood the significance of this rule all too well.