The Ambush

"I've got soul but I'm not a soldier." We meet Camille in a moment of desperation. Her past is bubbling up and she works hard to keep her emotions under control. Will she be able to find balance?

 The Ambush

S**t. S**t, s**t, s**t. How did I allow myself to get in this position? I'm trapped. My eyes search for a cleared path, but my car is surrounded. Bailey is crying in the backseat and my demeanor is not helping the situation. I jump and let out a yelp when another photographer raps his hand on the poor hood of my old Honda. The entire scenario is overwhelming and frankly intimidating. The flashing lights are stinging my eyes and my daughters fear is breaking my heart. Thank the Lord Bailey can't see my face, I’m certain the sight of my panic would justify every fear she has in this moment.  Had I known exactly who he was I would have never agreed to a date. I did have a great time though. Does that even matter? He lied to me. Well he didn’t exactly lie. Why the hell am I trying to justify him not telling me who he was? Focus, I need to focus. I gain as much composure as I can with a herd of lenses aimed at my face, and the voices behind them spewing my name. I turn in my seat, smile at Bailey and hold her precious little hand. Her fingers are cold and her palms are clammy. My instincts urge me to leave this car swinging at these men for frightening a defenseless child. I note the umbrella in the back seat, and an image of bald Brittany Spears flashes in my memory. My sanity urges me to stay as unaffected as possible. 

"Sweetheart, it’s alright.” 

I force a smile and wipe the tears from her eyes. 

“How about I turn the music on so we can’t hear them anymore?”

Bailey says nothing, but nods her tiny head and I watch as her curls shift over her shoulders. I casually face forward and reach for the stereo. I twist the volume up slowly, letting the new sound fill the car until the noise from outside is less frightening. My racing heart recognizes the familiar hum of a song from my youth. I flick my rearview mirror down so I can make eye contact with Bailey who’s wiping her eyes. 

 

“Can you sing the song to me Bay?”

Again, she says nothing but simply nods her head. I hate how this moment has frightened my normally boisterous girl into a mute. I hear a soft mumble and match it to her perfect pout attempting to sing along to a song she’s heard maybe once or twice. I slide my sunglasses out of my hair and down over my eyes. I join Bailey in singing, “All These things that I’ve Done” by the Killers. 

I close my eyes behind my sunnies allowing my head to relax against my headrest. Time seems to be running slower than usual in my strange scenario. I’m sure to look like a loon or narcissist, too good to smile for a photo. The music floods my ears and my mind travels through time. I can see Paul singing this song right here in the drivers seat. It’s a random memory of something so normal and mundane. I remember his smile and the winks he’d shoot at me while I sat and admired my tone deaf, handsome husband. I smile at the memory before my eyes begin to fill with the tears I ward off daily. Soon the memory is fading and the present falls around me. Now I’m more distressed than when I was just dealing with photographers trying to earn a buck. The daily memories serve as a reminder that he will never return to us. I'm overwhelmed with ugly emotions that I’ve battled since I lost him. I open my eyes, with tears running down my cheeks and watch our daughter sing. I sing with our daughter. If Paul were here that’s how he would calm me down. 

I hear commotion from outside and watch all the ominous lenses turn their attention  away from my car. I see his familiar stride aimed towards my Honda, and catch my breath when he locks his eyes on me through the windshield. Those eyes are more powerful than should be permitted.  He weaves his way through the crowd and comes to my door. I unlock the car and in no time he’s holding my hand. 

"Are you alright?" He's calm, but rushed. I nod

"I'm going to drive you two home."

Now I’m the mute. It’s not a fear of the cameras that has me quiet though. He leans down and whispers in my ear, 

“Can you slide over?”

He un-clicks my seatbelt and I awkwardly crawl into the passenger seat. Honestly there’s no ladylike way to preform this act, and I remember to smile at Bailey in an attempt to say, “This is normal, don’t stress.” By the time I’m settled he’s buckled with the ignition started. He revs the pathetic little engine of my Honda and murmurs something to himself. I can’t quite make out what he says over all that’s happening. I think it’s something about running down the men who dare to scare and innocent child. If so, he took the words right from my mouth. He puts the car in reverse and turns around smiling at Bailey, 

“How you doin’ little lady?”

Bailey smiles politely through the fear and gives a thumbs up. The mute mother and daughter, we’re quite an inviting duo today. Alex turns back around and we leave the parking lot with cameras flashing behind us. 

We reach a stoplight and Alex grabs my hand and squeezes it so tight it almost hurts. He finds my eyes behind my glasses and we sit in the moment. There’s a conversation floating between us. There are things he wants to say, things I desperately need to say. In spite of that, all I can think about is how beautiful he looks. How did I allow myself to get in this position?

Author's Note

Working and working on editing and re-editing this book. I still have my work cut out for me, but am eager to get feedback on the slight changes. Does this flow better? Would you say this is anticlimactic? Any suggestions or comments are appreciated. TIA.

Reviews

[BryanCX]

Reading this definitely takes time. I was quiet confusing at the first paragraph but moving on to the second one clear some of it and also give my the excitement to read more. It is definitely agree what Tina commented '' Felt like being thrown inside a tornado''. I will continue reading the story and getting to know who is this lady. Keep up the good work. :D

BRx

[T. Adams]

Thank you for taking the time out to read. I am grateful.

[LauraraMonique]

Ah, I just can't wait to read more.

[Grant Duncan III]

This first chapter definitely caught my attention. When I read your work I feel emotion.

[T. Adams]

Thank you Grant, hope you continue reading.

[Mr_M]

although I have read ththis before and I remember parts it does feel fresh, which has to be a great sign. how can you improve upon this? I had just a small idea to descdescribe the actual sounds of the poubding of media hands. Maybe describe the sounds from inside the car, that metal denting and twisting (very exaggerated but I feel this will give that feel a young child is in a threating position, if you can call it that) other than that it seems tight to me

[Mr_M]

Apologies for the fat fingers. I hate using tablets!

[LauraraMonique]

I'm stuck. I think I'll be spending the rest of the after-noon on here reading your book. Goodness, you weren't kidding in your description. I'm not going to say "you're going to be an amazing author," because you ARE an amazing author. I can't wait to see more!

Seriously, stuck.

And I'm also going to sub to your website. Have you ever thought of guest blogging?

Best,

( https://lauraramargosian.com )

[T. Adams]

Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad that you are enjoying the story, I sure did enjoy writing it. I've never guest blogged before, but would definitely be interested.

[Dallan]

"I got soul but I'm not a soldier"
I really liked it! Excited to read the rest when I have the time. It's good to start off in the middle of such a situation, thus really grabbing the audience right off the bat.

[T. Adams]

Glad you enjoyed it. I got a chance to read your prologue, nice work.

[Mr_M]

I like the way you are thrown in the midst of the story, for me it is the best way to grab a reader's attention. I feel some may not like this style and prefer a build up to the story, but as far the beginning goes I feel it is perfect for your story. In dreams you are bang in the middle of a situation with no explanation, you can still grasp the story. If you really wanted to, you can always reflect on the situation and go back to this media circus later on in the story.

I love the fact the main character is wrestling with the reality of fame and the affects it has on peoples lives. This idea of becoming a celebrity in a blink of an eye is quite a gear change. Keep up the good work. I will look forward to reading the other chapters.

[T. Adams]

Thanks for the review. I agree that some people might not like being thrown into the middle of the story like this, but I'm glad you get it. I can't stand when books take forever to kick off, so I wrote a story the way I wish most books started.

[Jennie Baron]

You certainly did step in right in the middle of the situation! But I think it works here. It makes me want to read further to fill in the background. Great beginning!

[T. Adams]

Thanks Jennie, I hope you enjoy the rest of the story as well.

[Tina]

This definitely caught my attention. But to be honest I felt I was thrown into the middle of a tornado. I do the same thing with my writing. I will continue reading. I think you are doing a good job here.

[T. Adams]

I like your description of being thrown into a tornado. That's almsot exactly how I wanted to portray Camilles character in that moment. I know it's a little muh to start off with, but I'm happy with the way it turned out.

[Tina]

It's a good job!!!