Unpretty
By- Victoria Escobar
Genre- Young Adult Paranormal
Being plain and average would be a step up for Sidonie. The book nerd, gamer geek with larger than average jeans doesn’t really fit in anywhere. Add a drunk father and a dump in the projects and she’s pretty much guaranteed to be a social pariah. There would never be a happily ever after in her future, unless her books counted. Instead, she has accepted her lot and surrounded herself with friends who genuinely love and support her.
Music. Art. Creating. That’s what made Sidonie remarkable. As she began to find a chance of happiness in her gifts, dark forces start to impact her future. A magical world she had no idea even existed could alter the course of her life forever—if it didn’t cut it short entirely.
EXCERPT
I’d told myself several times over the years that I wasn’t adverse to change. I’d dealt with a lot over the last four years, and I thought I had mastered adaptability. Change was not my enemy. I believed it to be true. Most days.
However, since Daddy became a drunk and Mama entered the hospital, change hadn’t knocked on my door. Maybe a person could only handle so much at a time. That line of thought left me unprepared when I stepped outside and found Wren and Deveroux waiting by the door.
Wren’s pretty lace umbrella shaded her from the light as Deveroux amicably chatted with one of the neighbors.
One who I knew carried a gun.
Wren saw me first and her smile wavered just a little in uncertainty. “Good morning. I didn’t know which buzzer to press for yours. I don’t usually visit…”
Internally I winced at the thought of the buzzer going off when Daddy was home. He wouldn’t be pleased. Or worse, he’d want to meet my friends and interrogate Deveroux. Both I could do without.
“And,” Wren’s smile faltering a little, “I wasn’t sure if it would be okay to press one if I knew what buzzer was yours.”
I studied her and wondered how much she had figured out. Wren wasn’t stupid, but I never talked about my home life. There wasn’t anything good to say so I said nothing at all.
“Good morning.” Deveroux grinned at me before returning to his conversation about soccer. At least I thought they discussed soccer because I didn’t think football meant American football to our recent French import.
“I will bring a ball next time. And I will teach you how to play my sport since you were so kind to teach me yours.”
“You’re on, dude.” My neighbor grinned and slapped Deveroux on the back. “But you need to get gone or Teach gonna be pissed.”
“Yes.” Deveroux nodded. “See you later.”
I waited until we were out of hearing range. “How do you do that?”
A small smile played across Deveroux’s lips. “Do what?”
“Get along with most everyone.” Wren sent him a side eyed look.
“Follow one simple rule.” Deveroux tucked his hands into his pockets. “Respect everyone. It does not matter who you are, where you are from, the clothes on your back or the accent with which you speak. If you give respect—in most instances—you’ll receive it back. Hate, jealousy, superiority—those things only breed dissension and more negativity. The world has enough of negativity in it, does it not?”
“Yes. I think it does.” Wren’s tone was subdued.
“There we have it.” Deveroux nodded. “I do not know everything and there are people who walk all manner of roads who can teach me things I would have never learned if I had not spent a few hours in their shoes. Like last night.”
“Basketball was an epiphany to you?” I was sure he was being facetious.
“Not just about basketball, but yes. If I had not walked you home, I do not think I ever would have gotten the opportunity to learn to play in that manner anywhere else. Overall, a fun game. I learned a little about your neighbors and their lifestyles.”
As we started down the block, something sparkling on a window ledge caught my eye. Wren followed when I walked over to it, and caught my hand when I reached out to pick up what looked like three golden kidney beans.
“Shouldn’t touch what isn’t yours.” Wren pulled my hand away completely. “It could be poisonous.”
“Or I could drop it in a water puddle and climb a giant beanstalk to collect my golden goose.” I laughed but Wren didn’t and over her shoulder, Deveroux looked a little sickly.
“You have heard of that fairytale?” Maybe they were out of the loop and didn’t get the joke.
“James right?” Deveroux offered his arm to Wren and she accepted. With their feet moving, I had no choice but to start walking or fall on my face. Wren’s grip was firm as iron.
“Jack.” I looked back over my shoulder and the window’s ledge was empty. Had I imagined it?
About the Author
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but with the ability to claim eight states as home; Victoria Escobar writes fiction from her current home in New York. She writes whatever comes to mind and because of such has a variety of genres written including Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, and Contemporary Fiction.
In spare time if not with family, and friends Victoria enjoys curling up with a book from a favorite author with music playing. If not reading or writing she spends time drawing, sketching, crocheting, or some other random art project. She enjoys staying busy, but most of all enjoys staying creative.
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