Sometimes friends can surprise you... all it takes is a little trust.

Note: This is a pseudo-sequel to my short story "The Con." While it isn't necessary to read the first story to understand this one, I would like to recommend that you do.

“The fact of the matter is, I am happy here, where I can visit there without having to play games. Here, I am just like everyone else except in the bedroom, and that's my goddamn business.”

Grace had not been listening without reaction. In fact, I think my right thigh will have a star of finely manicured nail welts as a testament to Grace's verbal restraint.

This installment of String of Pearls marks a breaking point in Siobhan's reminiscences. Grace will recall events that led to Chris and Justine's unusual relationship and the impact it had on her own relationship with Shiv in String of Pearls' next installment.
- Eclectic Kitty (EKitty)

Synopsis: Lexi wants to know how, Terri wants to know Why, but neither of them really wants to listen to what the other has to say. But in the end, something good will come of all this.
 

The Half-Lilin Chapter 15 by Shin Eris

Author's Note: The latest chapter of The Half-Lilin. I know it has been so long since the last chapter. No excuses, but I would like to mention that I've edited the previous chapters and two chapters has been extensively modified. I'm talking about the chapter where Ilyse was in Ashmedan and the one where Ilyse was in Tartarus. Anyway, here's a sneak peek of this chapter:

"Well, not really. It was fun, but it's really degrading," I said, suddenly uncertain of what to say, "No... yes... I really hate doing that, Mother. Please don't ask me to do that again."

"Tough. You're stuck with that job for the rest of your long, demonic life. If you decide to kill yourself, I'll just resurrect you. We can do this over and over again, resurrecting you won't even make a tiniest dent on my powers."

"But Mother!" I said, realizing that I sounded a bit like a petulant child.

"Unless..." she looked a thoughtful as she gazed at the red sky. She made a gesture with her fingers and I heard a faraway scream from above.

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
-- Thomas Jefferson

All Hallow's Eve; Hallowe'en; the holiday so crucial to my personal journey of self-discovery. It's hard to believe it has been almost a year since HE won the election. How did it happen? Some said it was vote fraud, others said it was just a better run campaign. Me? I don't know, but am leaning to the former. Looking back at it, it couldn't have just been the pendulum swinging back, it was just too well orchestrated, too well thought out and played. In the end, we just rolled over.

Ellen knew exactly what she was seeing, and feeling. It brought back so many memories of when she first began to transition mentally into whom she is today. Suddenly a giggle broke through her thoughts. It came from Sonja. Ellen pursed her lips, crossed her arms, began to tap her toe on the wooden floor, and glared at Sonja.

The wife turned toward Ellen to ask again what she thought about her choice for the rest of the day and into the evening. She saw the look on Ellen’s face and how Ellen had now placed her hands on her hips as she stared at Sonja.

“And exactly what is so God damned amusing!!!”

A birthday wish gives Siobhan Llewellyn far more than she knew in Miao Ling Grace. Grace and Shiv have adjustments galore to go through, including culture shock, language barriers and coming to terms with being open about their relationship.

Though my first installment is easily acceptable to general audiences, later installments will have sections meant for adults only. That is to say:
At times, this story is not safe for work and truly not acceptable reading for those under 18.

Please enjoy my first installment of String of Pearls.
- Eclectic Kitty