Nonfiction Samples
Writing sample:
Four Vintage Cuts to Find at a Diamond Store
Picking out the right engagement ring for your loved one is a special occasion. Whether you shop for it together or choose to pick one out on your own, it helps to know what to look for before going into a diamond store. Besides the 4 Cs and the band's style, you'll need to find the cut of diamond you want. Here are a few vintage options to choose from:
Vintage Diamond Cuts
Before styles like Marquise, Princess, Pear, or Oval cut diamonds came along, diamonds were cut by hand, so the cuts looked different than those of today. These vintage cuts are rare and a great option to look at for your ring. You can ask your local diamond store to see these cuts if you want a more distinct option for your engagement ring.
Rose Cut Diamonds
Rose cut diamonds were first made around the Georgian era. Each edge that's cut creates a ridge so that the end result looks like a rose. This diamond is also different because it's not as thick as most diamonds and is flat on the back, so it sits right into the setting. Once you pick a band, this rose will be a charming ring for your loved one.
Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Old mine cuts are each unique. They first became popular in the mid-1800s, and they're hand-carved by miners. Each diamond is unique, so if you're looking for a diamond that is like no other, this is a great option. These diamonds resemble today's cushion cut but still have a vintage feel to them.
Old European Cut Diamonds
Old European cut diamonds are like the round diamonds of today, but their specifications are different. They are cut by hand and are not as thick as the old mine diamonds. They're not as perfect in shape as today's round diamonds, but this also makes them rare and an excellent choice for an engagement ring.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
If you're looking for a different shape of diamond, look at the Asscher cut diamond. This style is square, and the shapes are cut in steps. It creates a different look than what you'd get in the princess cut and can create an optical look that makes it stand out. The corners are often cut down as well, so it may have an octagon shape that is more like an emerald cut.
Finding the Right Setting for Your Diamond
Once you have decided on a vintage diamond, you'll want to find a setting that accents your diamond. You can choose a simple style with just the diamond on the band. You can also put smaller gems or diamonds on each side or around the central diamond.
Look for a Vintage Diamond Cut at Your Local Diamond Store
There are many vintage diamond cuts to look at when choosing an engagement ring. Your diamond store can help you decide which stone works best. Vintage stones like old mine, Asscher, old European, and rose cuts can give you a more memorable ring option. You can contact a jeweler to learn more if you have any questions about rings.
Four Vintage Cuts to Find at a Diamond Store
Picking out the right engagement ring for your loved one is a special occasion. Whether you shop for it together or choose to pick one out on your own, it helps to know what to look for before going into a diamond store. Besides the 4 Cs and the band's style, you'll need to find the cut of diamond you want. Here are a few vintage options to choose from:
Vintage Diamond Cuts
Before styles like Marquise, Princess, Pear, or Oval cut diamonds came along, diamonds were cut by hand, so the cuts looked different than those of today. These vintage cuts are rare and a great option to look at for your ring. You can ask your local diamond store to see these cuts if you want a more distinct option for your engagement ring.
Rose Cut Diamonds
Rose cut diamonds were first made around the Georgian era. Each edge that's cut creates a ridge so that the end result looks like a rose. This diamond is also different because it's not as thick as most diamonds and is flat on the back, so it sits right into the setting. Once you pick a band, this rose will be a charming ring for your loved one.
Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Old mine cuts are each unique. They first became popular in the mid-1800s, and they're hand-carved by miners. Each diamond is unique, so if you're looking for a diamond that is like no other, this is a great option. These diamonds resemble today's cushion cut but still have a vintage feel to them.
Old European Cut Diamonds
Old European cut diamonds are like the round diamonds of today, but their specifications are different. They are cut by hand and are not as thick as the old mine diamonds. They're not as perfect in shape as today's round diamonds, but this also makes them rare and an excellent choice for an engagement ring.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
If you're looking for a different shape of diamond, look at the Asscher cut diamond. This style is square, and the shapes are cut in steps. It creates a different look than what you'd get in the princess cut and can create an optical look that makes it stand out. The corners are often cut down as well, so it may have an octagon shape that is more like an emerald cut.
Finding the Right Setting for Your Diamond
Once you have decided on a vintage diamond, you'll want to find a setting that accents your diamond. You can choose a simple style with just the diamond on the band. You can also put smaller gems or diamonds on each side or around the central diamond.
Look for a Vintage Diamond Cut at Your Local Diamond Store
There are many vintage diamond cuts to look at when choosing an engagement ring. Your diamond store can help you decide which stone works best. Vintage stones like old mine, Asscher, old European, and rose cuts can give you a more memorable ring option. You can contact a jeweler to learn more if you have any questions about rings.
Article for online religious journal:
Surviving Teenagerhood as a Parent
Raising teenagers is no easy feat for any parent, but when you have four at once and both parents have forty-hour-a-week jobs, it’s time to get creative. Between making sure every one of them feel loved for the amazing humans they are, attending every single event they participate in, and ensuring that they gain a love and relationship for God, it seems like as parent, you don’t have a chance to breathe.
Welcome to the story of my life. It’s both maddening and wonderful at the same time—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My husband and I have six kids that are nine years apart, so it’s almost a constant circus. With them so close together, we have had to teach them reasonable and acceptable ways to compromise on one-on-one time because there’s two of us and six of them.
In the never-ending world of chaos, there has always been two constants: God comes first and the knowledge that each of them will always be loved by both God and their earthly parents, no matter what road they’re on.
God Comes First
Teaching our children about God usually begins when they’re young. We teach them to pray, both by simple lessons, and by example. We attend church each week and listen to the lessons, then review what they learned that day over family dinner at night.
And then they become teenagers. Their eagerness to get up and go to church is a little less, well, eager. Excuses take place of happily climbing out of bed to get ready in the morning. Skepticism replaces simple faith, and they begin to wonder if they ever believed at all. Obedience becomes backtalk or simply ignoring those in authority.
Having teenagers can be both the hardest and the most rewarding time of being a parent, but a lot of it comes down to how we deal with these situations.
“The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and fourth generations.’” - Numbers 14:18
Anger is one of the quickest emotions when being faced with disobedience. They’re our children, they should listen to us, right? But in those moments, it’s time to step back. Sometimes they’re going against your will because they just want to be impossible, but most of the time, the disobedience is simply a cry for help.
Perhaps they’re fighting back because they’ve been bullied at school or even at church. I’ve seen it happen among my own kids. When my son was being bullied by friends, but he lashed out at his own siblings because he didn’t realize where the anger was coming from.
Or, it could simply be that they really do just need a good, long nap. Being an adult is hard, but being a teenager can be even harder. Let them sleep, but make sure they also understand that while church might not happen that day, they’re still expected to be part of family scripture study that evening.
Pray for them, love them, have faith in them, and then allow them to learn to live their faith on their own.
Let them know they’re loved, no matter what.
Everyone needs to know they’re loved, and sometimes it’s hard to see the light in the darkness. Mistakes happen, and these children need to know that it doesn’t matter what they’ve done, we still love them. God still loves them.
I’m not saying condone their behavior. I’m also not saying look past their bad deeds to simply be the best friend. What I am saying is that you can love the sinner while not condoning the sin.
“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23
Let them know you’re there for them, no matter what they’ve done. Even if they break every rule you’ve ever made, they need to know you’re still there for them. The majority of the time, they’re doing those things to test their boundaries and to see what you as the parent will do. Yes, you can express your distaste of those things, as long as they know you still love them.
Remember, children are miniature copies of their parents.
As a student advocate at our local high school, I’ve often said I would take working with the teens in my school over their parents any day. I stand by that.
Before you get after your teen for their language, beliefs, or attitudes, take a step back. Where did they learn those things from? Their friends? Maybe. But do you lose your temper while driving or when they’re not doing their homework? How about when you watch the news at night?
If you’re told your teen did something wrong at school, how do you react? With anger? Denial? Do you blame the teachers or principal? The answer could surprise you. Their behavior could be a reflection of what they see every day at home.
One person’s frown could turn everyone else’s good day into a frustrating day. Let’s try to do the opposite. Be the positive in their life and compliment their awesome black nail polish and ripped jeans. Maybe they’ll roll their eyes and walk away, but that next time could bring a smile and pull them back to you.
Stop and smell the roses.
I figured when I had six children, having them at home would last forever. But now that two are graduated, one is a senior, another a junior, and the last two coming fast, I have to admit that time is short.
Be there.
Let them know you care by asking how their day was. Stop and watch TV with them, or ask what game they’re playing. Or take it a step farther and actually sit down and play the game with them. In the eternities, no one is going to care about how well that contract did, but your teens will remember the time you skipped out of work to attend their events.
Teenagers might be a frightening concept, but they’re our future. Let’s help them be the best they can be.
Surviving Teenagerhood as a Parent
Raising teenagers is no easy feat for any parent, but when you have four at once and both parents have forty-hour-a-week jobs, it’s time to get creative. Between making sure every one of them feel loved for the amazing humans they are, attending every single event they participate in, and ensuring that they gain a love and relationship for God, it seems like as parent, you don’t have a chance to breathe.
Welcome to the story of my life. It’s both maddening and wonderful at the same time—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My husband and I have six kids that are nine years apart, so it’s almost a constant circus. With them so close together, we have had to teach them reasonable and acceptable ways to compromise on one-on-one time because there’s two of us and six of them.
In the never-ending world of chaos, there has always been two constants: God comes first and the knowledge that each of them will always be loved by both God and their earthly parents, no matter what road they’re on.
God Comes First
Teaching our children about God usually begins when they’re young. We teach them to pray, both by simple lessons, and by example. We attend church each week and listen to the lessons, then review what they learned that day over family dinner at night.
And then they become teenagers. Their eagerness to get up and go to church is a little less, well, eager. Excuses take place of happily climbing out of bed to get ready in the morning. Skepticism replaces simple faith, and they begin to wonder if they ever believed at all. Obedience becomes backtalk or simply ignoring those in authority.
Having teenagers can be both the hardest and the most rewarding time of being a parent, but a lot of it comes down to how we deal with these situations.
“The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and fourth generations.’” - Numbers 14:18
Anger is one of the quickest emotions when being faced with disobedience. They’re our children, they should listen to us, right? But in those moments, it’s time to step back. Sometimes they’re going against your will because they just want to be impossible, but most of the time, the disobedience is simply a cry for help.
Perhaps they’re fighting back because they’ve been bullied at school or even at church. I’ve seen it happen among my own kids. When my son was being bullied by friends, but he lashed out at his own siblings because he didn’t realize where the anger was coming from.
Or, it could simply be that they really do just need a good, long nap. Being an adult is hard, but being a teenager can be even harder. Let them sleep, but make sure they also understand that while church might not happen that day, they’re still expected to be part of family scripture study that evening.
Pray for them, love them, have faith in them, and then allow them to learn to live their faith on their own.
Let them know they’re loved, no matter what.
Everyone needs to know they’re loved, and sometimes it’s hard to see the light in the darkness. Mistakes happen, and these children need to know that it doesn’t matter what they’ve done, we still love them. God still loves them.
I’m not saying condone their behavior. I’m also not saying look past their bad deeds to simply be the best friend. What I am saying is that you can love the sinner while not condoning the sin.
“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23
Let them know you’re there for them, no matter what they’ve done. Even if they break every rule you’ve ever made, they need to know you’re still there for them. The majority of the time, they’re doing those things to test their boundaries and to see what you as the parent will do. Yes, you can express your distaste of those things, as long as they know you still love them.
Remember, children are miniature copies of their parents.
As a student advocate at our local high school, I’ve often said I would take working with the teens in my school over their parents any day. I stand by that.
Before you get after your teen for their language, beliefs, or attitudes, take a step back. Where did they learn those things from? Their friends? Maybe. But do you lose your temper while driving or when they’re not doing their homework? How about when you watch the news at night?
If you’re told your teen did something wrong at school, how do you react? With anger? Denial? Do you blame the teachers or principal? The answer could surprise you. Their behavior could be a reflection of what they see every day at home.
One person’s frown could turn everyone else’s good day into a frustrating day. Let’s try to do the opposite. Be the positive in their life and compliment their awesome black nail polish and ripped jeans. Maybe they’ll roll their eyes and walk away, but that next time could bring a smile and pull them back to you.
Stop and smell the roses.
I figured when I had six children, having them at home would last forever. But now that two are graduated, one is a senior, another a junior, and the last two coming fast, I have to admit that time is short.
Be there.
Let them know you care by asking how their day was. Stop and watch TV with them, or ask what game they’re playing. Or take it a step farther and actually sit down and play the game with them. In the eternities, no one is going to care about how well that contract did, but your teens will remember the time you skipped out of work to attend their events.
Teenagers might be a frightening concept, but they’re our future. Let’s help them be the best they can be.
EDITING SAMPLE
Essential oils are apothecary products that contain concentrated plant extracts that boast<filler> natural aroma and therapeutic properties. These versatile oils have numerous benefits and uses, from aromatherapy to skincare and haircare, and even as ingredients in homemade cleaning products. When shopping for essential oils, look for pure therapeutic grade options that promote maximum benefits and safety.<filler> Certified organic oils can be an excellent choice for those seeking natural, chemical-free options. For beginners, essential oil kits can provide a good starting point, offering a range of oils to explore.
Each essential oil carries unique properties; some are calming, others are energizing or uplifting. Lavender oil can promote relaxation and sleep, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.<filler - this part doesn't work with the sentence before. Find an oil that helps to uplift, like eucalyptus> A selection of essential oils allows for personalized blends tailored to individual needs. <filler - this sentence doesn't make sense>They can offer a natural, versatile option for enhancing well-being and self-care routines, making them an invaluable addition to any home.<filler and claims>
2. Fragrance OilsFragrance oils are synthetically crafted to mimic natural scents and are used in various applications, including soap-making, candle crafting, and personal care product formulation. Fragrance oils come in an extensive collection of smells, encompassing categories such as floral, fruity, herbal, fresh, sweet, and even food-inspired. This wide selection allows endless customization possibilities, enabling users to create unique products tailored to their preferences or market demands.<filler - this is all repeated from above> These oils can add a sensory dimension <filler>to products, enhancing the user experience<filler> with appealing aromas. Fragrance oils aren't just for commercial use. <filler>They can also be ideal for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy crafting homemade soaps, candles, or skincare items.<filler - this was already mentioned in this section>
3. Soap Making SuppliesThese supplies encompass a range of items like melt and pour soap bases, which form the foundation <filler - it's not the foundation. it IS the soap>of the soap, and molds that give the soap its shape. Additives such as colors, dried botanicals, and seeds allow individuals to customize their soaps, adding visual appeal and texture.<filler> Packaging and labels provide the final touches, transforming homemade soap into professional-looking products for gifting or selling.<filler- this should all be talked about down below> Having these supplies on hand can provide endless opportunities for creativity and personalization.<filler> It allows you to create soaps tailored to your preferences and needs, making soap-making rewarding and engaging.
Essential oils are apothecary products that contain concentrated plant extracts that boast<filler> natural aroma and therapeutic properties. These versatile oils have numerous benefits and uses, from aromatherapy to skincare and haircare, and even as ingredients in homemade cleaning products. When shopping for essential oils, look for pure therapeutic grade options that promote maximum benefits and safety.<filler> Certified organic oils can be an excellent choice for those seeking natural, chemical-free options. For beginners, essential oil kits can provide a good starting point, offering a range of oils to explore.
Each essential oil carries unique properties; some are calming, others are energizing or uplifting. Lavender oil can promote relaxation and sleep, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.<filler - this part doesn't work with the sentence before. Find an oil that helps to uplift, like eucalyptus> A selection of essential oils allows for personalized blends tailored to individual needs. <filler - this sentence doesn't make sense>They can offer a natural, versatile option for enhancing well-being and self-care routines, making them an invaluable addition to any home.<filler and claims>
2. Fragrance OilsFragrance oils are synthetically crafted to mimic natural scents and are used in various applications, including soap-making, candle crafting, and personal care product formulation. Fragrance oils come in an extensive collection of smells, encompassing categories such as floral, fruity, herbal, fresh, sweet, and even food-inspired. This wide selection allows endless customization possibilities, enabling users to create unique products tailored to their preferences or market demands.<filler - this is all repeated from above> These oils can add a sensory dimension <filler>to products, enhancing the user experience<filler> with appealing aromas. Fragrance oils aren't just for commercial use. <filler>They can also be ideal for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy crafting homemade soaps, candles, or skincare items.<filler - this was already mentioned in this section>
3. Soap Making SuppliesThese supplies encompass a range of items like melt and pour soap bases, which form the foundation <filler - it's not the foundation. it IS the soap>of the soap, and molds that give the soap its shape. Additives such as colors, dried botanicals, and seeds allow individuals to customize their soaps, adding visual appeal and texture.<filler> Packaging and labels provide the final touches, transforming homemade soap into professional-looking products for gifting or selling.<filler- this should all be talked about down below> Having these supplies on hand can provide endless opportunities for creativity and personalization.<filler> It allows you to create soaps tailored to your preferences and needs, making soap-making rewarding and engaging.
Fiction
The mall food court was chaotic with teens and college students celebrating their freedom from school. I had wanted to stay home to pack for Ireland since we were leaving first thing in the morning, but Amy and Kaitlyn had insisted that I come.
Why not get a new wardrobe before our internship? It could be fun,” they said.
The bags of clothes and shoes next to me proved they were right, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. At least now I could just shove the new outfits into my suitcase and call it good.
Nineties music played over the speaker just loud enough to hear it, but not enough to drown out the conversations. I sighed and swirled my smoothie around in my cup, waiting for Amy and Kaitlyn to finish flirting with the cashiers instead of ordering their Chinese food. My corn dog and fries were already gone, and I debated going back to get another smoothie. I’d probably have it1 by the time they got back.
Laughter burst out at one of the tables to the side of me as a few high school boys ran for napkins. Milkshake and soda dripped slowly to the ground as they tried to clean it up. Okay, so maybe instead of having to weave around the tables of dripping milkshakes and loud teens to get a smoothie, I could drown it all out with my book.
I pushed my shopping bags to the side and pulled my book on Celtic mythology out of my purse. It had been read so many times by past students that the cover had been taped on, and the pages were folded. It didn’t matter, though. Some of my favorite Irish legends were in here, They may have sold it back, but I would keep it until it fell apart. Everyone else going on this trip was going for fun, but I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the books in the Trinity College library. I’d perused all the books in the bookstore here and in the library often enough that I needed something new.
A look at my watch told me they’d been there for a good ten minutes. It wasn’t quite their record of twenty minutes, but I wasn’t going to stick around that long. Five more minutes and I’d go over and start snort laughing at whatever they were saying. That usually got the flirting to stop pretty quickly.
I found my spot and propped my elbows on the table, then leaned back in my chair to get comfortable, and started on the legend of Cú Chulainn. I’d already read it, but that was for a class. This time, I wanted to actually enjoy it.
“Seriously, you’re the only one I know who can read with all this noise.” Kaitlyn set her rice bowl and drink on the table and dropped into the seat across from me. “You could at least wait until you’re on the plane before you check out. There are people here. Cute guys. You’re single. Do something about it.”
“I figured you would be another half an hour or so with how things were going. I didn’t want to just sit here like a loner while I waited.” I put my bookmark into the book. Now that she was here, I definitely wouldn’t be able to concentrate. “At least tell me he asked for your number.”
“No, Amy gave him hers, though. I’m holding out for Gavin to finally ask me out on our trip, but it was nice to flirt with someone who flirts back.” Kaitlyn laughed and closed my book, sliding it toward her. “Come on. Surely there’s someone here. Or . . . maybe Austin? I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Yeah, right.” I rolled my eyes. “Please give me my book.”
Kaitlyn was as much of a bookworm as I was, unless there were boys around. “Not until you admit you have feelings for Austin.”
“I can’t admit what’s not true.” I reached forward to grab the book from her, and suddenly froze as I noticed the couple just a few feet away. Ephraim. With that girl. My fist clenched, trying to control my anger
Kaitlyn followed my gaze and grabbed my arm. Her voice was low and pleading. “Hannah, let it go. He was a jerk anyway.”
“I know.” But it was too late. I could feel the rage within me, awakening from the anger and panic that hit. It was too quick for me to grab on before it grew, screaming to get out. If I didn’t get out of the mall quickly, there would be casualties.
“Gotta go.” I ignored Amy as I darted past her, because stopping wasn’t an option. I knew going to the mall was a bad idea. Who goes to malls anymore anyway? Amy and Kaitlyn should have known better than to force me into social situations. Cries of outrage followed in my wake, but it was better than what they would have gotten if I’d stayed. I pushed through the front doors, only vaguely hearing the shattering glass as my hands went through.
Sweet, cold air met me as I yanked the doors open and ran for my car. My hands were on fire from the glass, but I couldn’t stop and take care of them. They’d be healed by the time I got home anyway. I sprinted through the parking lot, dodging cars the best I could. Adding dented cars to whatever I damaged inside was going to cost me a fortune.
I climbed into my car and slammed the door shut, then squeezed my eyes closed, trying to will the anger away. I don’t know why it had suddenly shown up months ago, but I really wished it would go back to wherever it came from.
Stupid boys. Stupid Ephraim with his perfect hair, perfect smile, and perfect kisses.
This anger seemed to show up when I had strong emotions—happy, sad, angry, heartbroken—and apparently just seeing Ephraim was enough to set it off now. But then finding him at the mall with the girl he’d cheated on me with made it that much worse. I wouldn’t have agreed to set foot in the mall if I knew he was still in town. His plan had been to head off to France the second he graduated. I growled. Thinking about him was only making it worse.
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, I chanted in my head, slowly easing my hands off the steering wheel. This time the anger tried fighting back. It didn’t want to let go. It wanted to go after Ephraim and whatever-her-name-was and show them what happened when someone messed with me.
The rational side of me knew it was just the anger talking. Before it showed up, I didn’t threaten to punch people or lose my temper. I liked reading mythology in my room while eating ice cream or staying up late playing D&D with my other nerdy friends.
Until now.
Why not get a new wardrobe before our internship? It could be fun,” they said.
The bags of clothes and shoes next to me proved they were right, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. At least now I could just shove the new outfits into my suitcase and call it good.
Nineties music played over the speaker just loud enough to hear it, but not enough to drown out the conversations. I sighed and swirled my smoothie around in my cup, waiting for Amy and Kaitlyn to finish flirting with the cashiers instead of ordering their Chinese food. My corn dog and fries were already gone, and I debated going back to get another smoothie. I’d probably have it1 by the time they got back.
Laughter burst out at one of the tables to the side of me as a few high school boys ran for napkins. Milkshake and soda dripped slowly to the ground as they tried to clean it up. Okay, so maybe instead of having to weave around the tables of dripping milkshakes and loud teens to get a smoothie, I could drown it all out with my book.
I pushed my shopping bags to the side and pulled my book on Celtic mythology out of my purse. It had been read so many times by past students that the cover had been taped on, and the pages were folded. It didn’t matter, though. Some of my favorite Irish legends were in here, They may have sold it back, but I would keep it until it fell apart. Everyone else going on this trip was going for fun, but I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the books in the Trinity College library. I’d perused all the books in the bookstore here and in the library often enough that I needed something new.
A look at my watch told me they’d been there for a good ten minutes. It wasn’t quite their record of twenty minutes, but I wasn’t going to stick around that long. Five more minutes and I’d go over and start snort laughing at whatever they were saying. That usually got the flirting to stop pretty quickly.
I found my spot and propped my elbows on the table, then leaned back in my chair to get comfortable, and started on the legend of Cú Chulainn. I’d already read it, but that was for a class. This time, I wanted to actually enjoy it.
“Seriously, you’re the only one I know who can read with all this noise.” Kaitlyn set her rice bowl and drink on the table and dropped into the seat across from me. “You could at least wait until you’re on the plane before you check out. There are people here. Cute guys. You’re single. Do something about it.”
“I figured you would be another half an hour or so with how things were going. I didn’t want to just sit here like a loner while I waited.” I put my bookmark into the book. Now that she was here, I definitely wouldn’t be able to concentrate. “At least tell me he asked for your number.”
“No, Amy gave him hers, though. I’m holding out for Gavin to finally ask me out on our trip, but it was nice to flirt with someone who flirts back.” Kaitlyn laughed and closed my book, sliding it toward her. “Come on. Surely there’s someone here. Or . . . maybe Austin? I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Yeah, right.” I rolled my eyes. “Please give me my book.”
Kaitlyn was as much of a bookworm as I was, unless there were boys around. “Not until you admit you have feelings for Austin.”
“I can’t admit what’s not true.” I reached forward to grab the book from her, and suddenly froze as I noticed the couple just a few feet away. Ephraim. With that girl. My fist clenched, trying to control my anger
Kaitlyn followed my gaze and grabbed my arm. Her voice was low and pleading. “Hannah, let it go. He was a jerk anyway.”
“I know.” But it was too late. I could feel the rage within me, awakening from the anger and panic that hit. It was too quick for me to grab on before it grew, screaming to get out. If I didn’t get out of the mall quickly, there would be casualties.
“Gotta go.” I ignored Amy as I darted past her, because stopping wasn’t an option. I knew going to the mall was a bad idea. Who goes to malls anymore anyway? Amy and Kaitlyn should have known better than to force me into social situations. Cries of outrage followed in my wake, but it was better than what they would have gotten if I’d stayed. I pushed through the front doors, only vaguely hearing the shattering glass as my hands went through.
Sweet, cold air met me as I yanked the doors open and ran for my car. My hands were on fire from the glass, but I couldn’t stop and take care of them. They’d be healed by the time I got home anyway. I sprinted through the parking lot, dodging cars the best I could. Adding dented cars to whatever I damaged inside was going to cost me a fortune.
I climbed into my car and slammed the door shut, then squeezed my eyes closed, trying to will the anger away. I don’t know why it had suddenly shown up months ago, but I really wished it would go back to wherever it came from.
Stupid boys. Stupid Ephraim with his perfect hair, perfect smile, and perfect kisses.
This anger seemed to show up when I had strong emotions—happy, sad, angry, heartbroken—and apparently just seeing Ephraim was enough to set it off now. But then finding him at the mall with the girl he’d cheated on me with made it that much worse. I wouldn’t have agreed to set foot in the mall if I knew he was still in town. His plan had been to head off to France the second he graduated. I growled. Thinking about him was only making it worse.
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, I chanted in my head, slowly easing my hands off the steering wheel. This time the anger tried fighting back. It didn’t want to let go. It wanted to go after Ephraim and whatever-her-name-was and show them what happened when someone messed with me.
The rational side of me knew it was just the anger talking. Before it showed up, I didn’t threaten to punch people or lose my temper. I liked reading mythology in my room while eating ice cream or staying up late playing D&D with my other nerdy friends.
Until now.