Spotlight on Lisa Lickel

* guest post by COTT Senior Editor, April W Gardner

The lovely Lisa Lickel has stopped by today to talk about her frigid Wisconsin winters, her 1830’s ship’s captain house, and her growing list of published novels. Join us!


Lisa is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and fifty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she is a multi-published novelist, has written dozens of feature newspaper stories, magazine articles, radio theater, and edits two magazines: Creative Wisconsin and OtherSheep. She is also the senior editor at Reflections in Hindsight.


Lisa is the author of A Summer in Oakville, co-authored with Shellie Neumeier, Meander Scar, Healing Grace, and The Gold Standard.


Wisconsin. Brrr! What's the coldest weather you've endured?
Lisa: The thermometers read in the negative thirties. The temp has to be at least twenty below, not just wind chill, to call off school. Once it’s minus ten or colder, it doesn’t really feel much different because you still have to bundle up the same.

Negative thirties? It was 24 over the weekend here in Georgia. You should have heard the complaining! LOL I hope you have a warm house. Speaking of which, does your 160 year ship captain's house actually sit on the lake shore? Which of the Great Lakes would that be?
Lisa: Where we live is inland from Lake Michigan about fifteen or so miles from Port Washington. It’s midway-ish between Green Bay and the current state line. The LaCrafts came to Wisconsin in the late 1830s and bought land as soon as the surveys were registered. I’m not sure exactly what they did or where they lived before this house was built in 1853, but I know that afterward he gave up his ship, which I’m guessing was a steamer or clipper with a merchant run between New York where they were from and Port Washington. Abraham Lincoln stopped at Port and speechified once, ya know.

Sounds like Captain LaCraft had a rather long and frigid buggy ride back and forth to his ship! Since you have such long, cold winters it’s a good thing your job doesn’t take you outside the home (much). How did your writing career get kicked off? 
Lisa: I was a church secretary knowing my kids were leaving home for adulthood and my job wouldn’t last forever I took the very expensive Christian Writers Guild apprentice course. I began writing for my tiny little local newspaper, features and government meetings, etc., which was excellent practice for “write tight.” Meanwhile a novel I wrote for the guild’s very first First Novel contest under Jerry Jenkins did pretty well, I wrote a cozy mystery for Barbour and signed with an agent from the guild about the same time, fall of 2007. And so forth.

Ooh, I’ve always wanted to take one of the Christian Writers Guild’s courses. Good for you for taking plunge, despite the cost!
I hear you love to travel. Do you have any funny travel misadventures you're brave enough to share?
Lisa: Okay–my husband likes these travel books called “Moon Guides.” You should look them up – they’re fun. Sometimes a little out of date, as we discovered on one journey when we stopped at what was supposed to be a mineral springs spa in the middle of – wherever we were. The motel had just changed hands and the proud grandfatherly owner showed us around, leading the way down this huge scary hallway with, I KID YOU NOT, stained ceiling tiles drooping with insulation showing, rather actively inhabited cobwebs, just totally gross, to the last two rooms in the place which he had fixed up. Out comes a very happy smiling couple from one of the rooms, exclaiming their delight with the place; he opens the last door with a flourish to a very mildew smelling room, air conditioner running full blast and a bed with an obvious droop. I wondered…well never mind. Hubby felt sorta bad about leaving, but, I mean, really…would you?

You bet I would have left! Nope, no guilt there. And it’s too funny that the other couple were gushing over the place. I wonder if he paid his neighbors to say that? LOL
You've been on staff at Clash of the Titles since its birth. Which aspect the site do you enjoy most?
Lisa: Working with you, of course. (Aw! Thanks, sweetie. And, ditto!) Meeting all the fantastic authors and finding out behind-the-scenes things to do with their work. And what I truly find fascinating is exploring books from all the different angles, such as “Best Romantic Moment,” “Best Back Cover Blurb,” “Most Delectable Hero,” – okay, made that last one up, but…something in the future?


Hey, that’s not a bad idea! Raise your hand if you want to see a Most Delectable Hero clash! 
How many of your books have been published, and which one have you gotten most positive reader feedback on?
Lisa: That’s a nice way to put it, April. As soon as The Map Quilt releases in April, that will make full length novel number five; my first book, MQ’s prequel, is re-releasing later on. I received some nice comments on The Gold Standard, the first book, and I have the most reviews and intriguing public comments on Meander Scar, an unusual romance I did in 2010.


Congratulations on the upcoming releases! Whoo hoo!! Each book an author finishes whether it’s ever published or not is a massive accomplishment. And I LOVED Meander Scar. I think I read it in one sitting, and I’ve never done that before. Ever. 
So tell us about this book you have coming?


The Map Quilt releases in April of this year.
Just how high a price does a family secret command?
Death in rural Wisconsin is only the beginning to new chaos in Robertsville. What do a stolen piece of revolutionary agricultural equipment, a long-buried skeleton in the yard, and an old quilt with secrets have in common? Hart and Judy Wingate, who met in The Gold Standard, are back to solve the mystery of The Map Quilt. Hart’s new battery design could forever change the farm implement industry. But after the death of Hart’s most confrontational colleague in a fire that destroys Hart’s workshop, the battery is missing.
Throw in a guest speaker invited to Judy’s elementary classroom who insists she owns the land under Hart’s chief competitor’s corporate headquarters, and a police chief who’s making eyes at Hart’s widowed mother, it’s no wonder Hart is under a ton of pressure to make sure his adventurous pregnant wife stays safe while trying to preserve his company and his reputation.
It sounds like a lot of fun. You're a talented author, Lisa, and COTT is privileged to call you its own!


Learn more about the talented Lisa Lickel at her site: http://www.lisalickel.com/.

Fiction Friday: Jan=Feb Story Improv!

How much further can this go?

Forgive me but I simply don't want to see this one end. So January's Story Improv is now February's Improv and will remain up through the end of the month. I realize this means newcomers have more to read through before adding to the story, but oh my gosh! I have to find out what happened to Brandon! And what he and Marianne did. Was there a double-cross, a murder?? I must know! So below is the full text of the story thus far. Let's see what you all do with it from here. I bet it's gooood!

Hurry, hurry, I'm on the edge of my seat!



photo taken from HERE



Marianne sat in the green wicker chair with her mug of spiced cider warming her hands. The mountain breeze brought a few tendrils of hair swirling into her eyes. She tucked them back behind her ear and adjusted the collar of her heavy robe. Early mornings at the lake-front cabin had been her favorite time the last forty years, and today was no different. Though everything else in her life seemed to have changed overnight.

 Lee Carver said...

Her sister Jessica's call over the Christmas season began a whirlwind. After the recipe swap, after the shared sadness that Dad wasn't with us this year, she made a strange comment. She had seen someone at the little tourist store in town that looked so much like Brandon. She had called his name. He looked up, smiled slightly, then nodded. "Sorry. You have me confused with someone else." Then he put down the carving of a deer and left without buying anything. My heart pounded with sudden hope. Brandon, alive and in Forest Glen? How could that be?

 

Julie Arduini said...

Marianne returned the warm drink to her reading table and picked up the yellowed paper clippings.

Brandon's death notice.

His obituary.

An article, complete with a quote from the police, explaining his death.

The proof was before her that Brandon was gone. Yet Jessica's story nagged at her.

The cider grew cold, but Marianne's resolve heightened. She was going to find out the truth, once and for all.

 

Pat Iacuzzi said...

After setting up a date with Jessica for coffee at Tim Horton's, Marianne changed into a comfortable sapphire blue sweater and her tan slacks. She stared into the mirror. Her escape from the city hadn't improved her looks any. She still looked tired and drawn.

She yanked out the band that held her ragged ponytail,and ran a comb through her auburn bob. Why she'd kept her hair in the style and length Brandon preferred she wasn't sure. After all he was gone wasn't he? Marianne swallowed, her throat tight. And if he wasn't....
If he wasn't, why had he come back?

She grabbed her keys and purse, and headed for the kitchen. Just as she'd dumped some kibbles for Charlie and Dibs, she heard a car pull up in the drive. She brushed aside the curtain.

The police? What were they doing here?



Jessica Nelson said...

A sharp rap on the door echoed through her tiny cabin and the sound sent chills scurrying up her spine. Quickly she let go of the curtains. She set down the bag of kibbles and sucked in a deep breath. A strand of hair fell across her features, escaping the ponytail and annoying her again. She exhaled, brushed at the hair and then marched from the kitchen to the front door. Deep breaths. That's all she needed. If she didn't look afraid, maybe they wouldn't guess what she'd done. What Brandon had done.Jessica R. Patch said...

"Marianne McDermot?" The officer took his hat off and glanced behind her. He'd find nothing here. Not in the cabin.

"Yes."

"I'm officer Townsend. Could I ask you a few questions?" His smile made his warm, brown eyes crinkle around the edges.

"Is something wrong?" Any moment and her voice was going to betray her secrets. And Brandon's.

He ran his tongue along his upper teeth and let out a long sigh from his nose. "Well that depends...How long have you known Brandon Melton was alive?"

Susan said...

Her fingers tightened on the doorknob as she fought to stay upright.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Nothing's changed in the five years since you were last on my doorstep. Brandon'd dead--no matter how I wish differently."

Officer Townsend peered around her shoulder. "Mind if we come in?"

"Actually, I was just leaving."

He straightened and held her gaze, watching. "Maybe another time." He handed her his card. "We have reason to believe that Brandon may have faked his death. Call me if he tries to contact you."

"He won't. Because he's dead."

His hand didn't move until she took his card. Marianne watched them stroll to their car and back down her drive. She stood in the frigid breeze until they disappeared from sight. Then she slammed her door and raced to her room.

The yellow antique chair that once belonged to Brandon's grandmother sat in the corner. She dragged it to her closet, climbed up and stretched to reach the top shelf. Her fingers touched the cold metal box.

January's Improv Revealed

Everyone loves the Improv. Unfortunately, it gets buried in new posts long before the story ever reaches "The End". I'm experimenting with different ways to facilitate these, but in the meantime here's January's.  If you feel inspired, wondering where it would have gone from here, please feel free to go ahead and add to it in the comments! (I'm kinda hoping you do because I'm dying to know what comes next.) 

Enjoy!

January's Story Improv

Marianne sat in the green wicker chair with her mug of spiced cider warming her hands. The mountain breeze brought a few tendrils of hair swirling into her eyes. She tucked them back behind her ear and adjusted the collar of her heavy robe. Early mornings at the lake-front cabin had been her favorite time the last forty years, and today was no different. Though everything else in her life seemed to have changed overnight.
 Lee Carver said...

Her sister Jessica's call over the Christmas season began a whirlwind. After the recipe swap, after the shared sadness that Dad wasn't with us this year, she made a strange comment. She had seen someone at the little tourist store in town that looked so much like Brandon. She had called his name. He looked up, smiled slightly, then nodded. "Sorry. You have me confused with someone else." Then he put down the carving of a deer and left without buying anything. My heart pounded with sudden hope. Brandon, alive and in Forest Glen? How could that be?

 

Julie Arduini said...

Marianne returned the warm drink to her reading table and picked up the yellowed paper clippings.

Brandon's death notice.

His obituary.

An article, complete with a quote from the police, explaining his death.

The proof was before her that Brandon was gone. Yet Jessica's story nagged at her.

The cider grew cold, but Marianne's resolve heightened. She was going to find out the truth, once and for all.

 

Pat Iacuzzi said...

After setting up a date with Jessica for coffee at Tim Horton's, Marianne changed into a comfortable sapphire blue sweater and her tan slacks. She stared into the mirror. Her escape from the city hadn't improved her looks any. She still looked tired and drawn.

She yanked out the band that held her ragged ponytail,and ran a comb through her auburn bob. Why she'd kept her hair in the style and length Brandon preferred she wasn't sure. After all he was gone wasn't he? Marianne swallowed, her throat tight. And if he wasn't....
If he wasn't, why had he come back?

She grabbed her keys and purse, and headed for the kitchen. Just as she'd dumped some kibbles for Charlie and Dibs, she heard a car pull up in the drive. She brushed aside the curtain.

The police? What were they doing here?

Spotlight On... Me?

Good morning! This week's Blog Alliance article, by April Gardner, happens to be an interview with me. I've never posted an interview with me on my own blog before, but I thought you might enjoy it. Have a great day!

*guest post by April W Gardner

"I often cry when I am in prayer for my children. When eternity breaks through the here and now and the only request left in me is please, God, bring my children into the Kingdom." -Michelle Massaro

*****

It's my immense pleasure to introduce a lovely woman to you today, and offer an opportunity to get to know her! Michelle Massaro is my right arm at Clash of the Titles. I'd be lost without her, but she's so much more than just assistant editor at COTT.


Michelle married her high school honey, Mike, and they now have four amazing children. They are passionate Creationists and attend Living Truth Christian Fellowship in Corona, CA where they have taught Jr High studies and where Michelle is involved in the worship ministry. Michelle is also a homeschooling parent and an aspiring author of contemporary Christian fiction. She loves coffee, peanut butter M&M's, and new eyeshadow. Her blog hosts weekly Story Improvs, where readers are encouraged to jump in and add to the plot. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end.


Michelle, I love your blog's sub-header. It says "Follow my journey toward publication. Laugh, cry, point and stare-- it's all good. I'll leave a trail so that you, my fellow author, may have a straighter path to finding your own elusive publishing contract. Adventure awaits. Let's travel together..." 


Like they say in court, you've opened up a line of questioning. So! 
Regarding laughter...
Every time I watch Forget Paris, I laugh hysterically over Ellen driving down the road with a pigeon stuck to her head. Which movie makes you laugh hardest? 
Michelle: Wow. This was tough because I don't belly-laugh often enough at all. But one movie that comes to mind is Meet The Parents. Some might be offended because there is some inappropriateness in there, but I can't help it. It's funny! There are so many quotes that get me going. Greg's prayer at the dinner table for one: "and we thank you oh sweet sweet Lord of Hosts...for the ...smorgasboard you have so aptly lain at our table this day and each day..by day...day by day by day...".  LOL, I'm laughing just remembering all the hysterical lines from that movie!


You have me laughing, too! Visualizing Greg milking a cat... LOL
Regarding tears...
You and I are women. We're allowed to cry anytime, anywhere. It's our prerogative. I cried yesterday at the sight of traffic stopping for children exiting a school bus. It's a touching scene--the world coming to a halt to protect our little ones. When was the last time you cried, and what was it over?
Michelle: It is a touching scene! (Thank you! I feel better now.) I cry all the time. Seriously. Usually nobody is around to see but I probably shed at least a couple tears nearly every day. I often cry when I am in prayer for my children. When eternity breaks through the here and now and the only request left in me is please, God, bring my children into the Kingdom. But I also cry over physical weaknesses, regrets, longings, and even Disney movies. In elementary school I bawled over the movie Annie and begged my mom to adopt some orphans. Today I teared up watching a scene from Mulan (when she resolves to take her father's place in war), and my eyes stung listening to pianist Yiruma's Kiss The Rain for the first time.


Raise your hand if you teared up during that little speech! Must move on to happier thoughts before I drip on the keyboard.
Regarding pointing and staring...
Our lives are so much more exposed now with Facebook, blogs, Twitter, and all the rest. It seems we can hardly say or do anything privately any more, which can be a blessing. And a curse. What's the funniest social networking faux pas you've committed to date?
Michelle: This was hard too. (Great questions, April!) The closest thing would be when a secular writer I know posted about her new release on Facebook. She had some trouble with Amazon tagging because of the somewhat offensive cover image and turned to her FB friends for input on its appropriateness. I commented with a gentle opinion on why I thought Amazon might have tagged it the way they did, hoping to speak for the conservatives out there without being abrasive. What I hadn't considered, was that by commenting, her book image would appear on my wall in my "recent activities" and moments later my MOM left a scathing comment below mine asking why on earth I was posting this image. I messaged her privately to adamantly explain that I wasn't the poster, I was weighing in on the matter. I deleted my comment and told my mom she should do the same because obviously it was then going to be on her wall too. Oy vey! Lucky for me, the incident was small-scale and rather private. I suppose I've gotten off easy so far. But it's never easy being "caught" by Mom.


That's too funny! Mom's are great at catching us with our hands in the cookie jar, no matter our age! 
Tell us about that trail you're leaving for other writers. What was the last thing you posted about on Fiction Fridays?
Michelle: I've always posted things I learn and experiences I gain whether that's contest feedback, craft techniques, social networking (alot of that with COTT), or opportunities to pursue. I sometimes use Fiction Fridays for hosting Story Improvs where readers get involved and write a story together one line at a time. Last week I posted an update on where I've been and what I expect in 2012 and I ended with a story prompt. This one is a little different than the Improvs. In this one, I challenged readers to take the prompt and expand it on their own blog, then send me the link. I don't know how many will join the challenge and play the game, but it would be fun to see what different authors do with the same prompt. Wanna play? You can check it out right now: http://michellemassaro.blogspot.com/2012/02/fiction-friday.html

Oh! Sounds like fun. Y'all make sure you head over there and jump in on the action. You've been with COTT since the beginning as a vital staff member, but looking through the eyes of a reader/voter (which you also are!), which part of COTT do you enjoy the most?

Michelle: I'd have to say I most enjoy getting that slice of a story I've often never heard of, and then getting to hear how it came together from the author. It's more personal and more focused than scanning amazon for sample chapters. And I can vote! Most of us love having a say in things and I'm no exception, lol. Being able to interact with the authors of the books I'm voting for makes me feel like I'm stepping into an elite circle of friends and as a reader, that's huge.


I heartily agree! Thanks, Michelle, for being so gracious to open your world to us for a little peek. It's been a blast! And now you must excuse me while I go dig through my DVDs for Meet the Parents. LOL

Michelle: April, thank you so much for this opportunity. I value your friendship and admire your work so much. I'm truly honored to be a part of Clash of the Titles.


We couldn't do it without ya!

Readers, do you have a question for Michelle? And don't forget, you can still comment on the Almost Kiss clash going on right now at Clash of the Titles!

Whatevah Wednesday, Hmm

First, let me invite you to check out my interview on COTT today. April Gardner was kind enough to interview me and she did a great job making me not sound like a loon. :-P

Okay. Today for Whatevah Wednesday I'd love to hear your thoughts on something. What do you think of this story idea?

***

A woman shuffles out to the family minivan in her pajamas, herding the kids to school. In her rush, she almost doesn't notice that papers are protruding from the drawer beneath her teenage son's seat. The mug she'd left in the console the night before is rolling around on the floorboard. The bottle of lotion she's had in the door pocket since last Christmas is in the backseat.

She scrunches her brow and glances at the change dish. The pennies are gone. Had there been any quarters there? Her heart skips a beat. It dawns on her she hadn't needed to use the key to open the door this morning; the van had been left unlocked all night.

Home now from the school run, she investigates further and discovers something even more unbelievable than having her van broken into. A credit card that doesn't belong to her.

What?

Nothing seems to be missing other than perhaps a few pennies. Maybe this guy felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit as he lifted up her Bible and sifted through the church bulletins stuffed inside the glove box. More likely she just didn't have anything in there worth taking. But not only was this guy unlucky, he was stupid. She had his name, his debit card, evidence.

She comes up with an idea. Look him up on Facebook. Everyone's on FB these days, why not see what she can find?  She types in the name, wondering how many Mr. X's she'll have to look through. Suddenly, she sees the most shocking thing of all:

"Mr. X (2 friends in common)"

Her jaw drops. Is it possible? Which two friends do they  have in common? She gasps. Their mutual friends are from church!

What should she do? What would YOU do?

Well folks, strangely enough this actually happened, with a few minor details changed (it was my husband who found the credit cards this morning).

For the record, it turns out Mr. X had been a victim of this same punk earlier. His wife saw some kid in their driveway who took off running--but apparently continued looking for unlocked vehicles through the neighborhood and found mine. Why he left behind the cards I'm not sure. I'm guessing it was an accident. But what are the odds?? It is the strangest thing I've ever heard.

Two people who've never met, connected by Facebook friends and burglary.

Sounds like a book to me!

Amish Clash!

*guest post by Delia Latham

It's been an edge-of-the-seat, flashing-swords kind of Clash between Vannetta Chapman and Beth Wiseman. These gals elicited some genuine response! It is beyond clear that both authors are well loved, and that their writing touches hearts.

This was an Amish clash, and if you missed it, you'll definitely want to check out the excerpts, as both were excellent examples of GOOD Amish fiction.

Beth Wiseman's The Wonder of Your Love elicits a whole tangle of emotions, with a dreaded meeting between an Amish woman and her deceased husband's Englitscher mistress.

If you missed our interview with Beth, be sure to stop by and check it out.

Vannetta Chapman's Falling to Pieces, on the other hand, paints a poignant picture of loss and confusion after the death of a loved one, all wrapped up in a stack of gorgeous Amish quilts.

And here's our interview with Vannetta.

I'd love to post every reader response, because I didn't see a single negative one in the overwhelming number we received…but in the interest of space, I had to choose just a few:

Please don't stop writing...because your gift transports me to another place, away from all the stresses of life and encourages me!


I love Amish Fiction. Both of these excerpts make me want to dive into these ladies' lives.

Hearing an Amish story takes me back to my childhood in the mountains of Kentucky. We read by lamp, the Bible mostly. Everything we ate we grew in the garden and canned on a wood stove for winter. The outhouse was about fifty yards from the backdoor. Thanks to both of you for taking me back. God Bless.

I love the Amish Clash as I love to read Amish stories. Having been in the homes of Amish people and corresponding so many years, my home has a room with all Amish figurines and dolls. Keep writing Amish fiction.

Keep writing! We all need encouragement to live more simply like the Amish!

I was drawn into the stories immediately, and now those characters are going to be following me around all day!

We are so grateful for this feedback from our readers! It's your involvement that gives Clash of the Titles its purpose.

So, which sword-wielding author came out on top?

As much as I'd love to name both of them (since they're so obviously both WINNERS!), we can only have one victor per clash. That victor, this time around, was:

BETH WISEMAN

The Wonder of Your Love

CONGRATULATIONS, BETH!

A brand new clash is now underway, and it's the kind that will curl your toes. Head over to Clash of the Titles and vote for the best Almost Kiss!

Fiction Friday

It's been a long time since I've posted a Fiction Friday. For those who follow my journey, I thought I'd give an update (and invite you for a playdate afterwards).

Just before summer, I decided to step back a bit on my publishing efforts. I felt I needed to focus on my homeschool and my 2 year old, knowing that these years slip away so silently.

Then my good friend, Jessica R Patch, was signed by Rachel Kent of Book and Such Agency and I was so excited for her! After an adrenaline boost like that, it was hard to resist hitting the pavement in an effort to "keep up." But walking with her through her adventure confirmed that it wasn't the right year for me. It's a thrilling ride requiring a lot of work that I didn't have time to commit to. Not while trying to teach Algebra, and potty training too. So I waited.

But my dream lives.

So, I've continued in my role as Assistant Editor for Clash of the Titles, done plenty of edits and critiques, and worked in spurts on a new novel project (which I am VERY excited about!)

Now what's on the horizon?

Homeschooling looks to be coming to a close in the Massaro home. My 8th grader will move on to the public High School in about six months--yikes--and my 6th grader is so against coming home for Jr High that I think it might backfire if I insist. As mom, I'll always have the perogative to yank her out of school if I catch her smoking, swearing, and sneaking off with boys, hehe. But as of today, it looks like I won't have a student next school year. More time on my hands? I don't know.

Trevor will be three in May. Still very young and in those sneaky years a mom's heart always longs to return to, and which I strive not to miss. But diapers are gone and playgroup days may open up, so we're definitely feeling the winds of change approaching. (They make me itchy.)

I've really been itching to let my WIP take off. Some days I've thrown myself into it and others I must pull back. But guess what? I still have ideas and words in me! That feels amazing! I'm working the rust out of my gears.

So it's no surprise I'm entering the Genesis contest and praying for a good jump in scores. I'm also working on that second novel, hoping to have it ready to pitch by the ACFW conference in September (which I'm planning to attend), studying craft continuously, and looking for opportunities that fit my availability. And of course I continue critiquing and editing for close friends.

I'm promoting excellent Christian Fiction.

I've got a couple interviews upcoming. Next week April Gardner is interviewing me over at COTT and I'll be recording my first-ever podcast with Cynthia Simmons. I'll be sure to share the link when that goes live a few weeks from now.

Fiction Fridays--well, my blog in general--is one of those things I allowed to take a back seat to my busier home schedule. I do hope to spend more time with you in 2012. I've missed you! So thanks for coming by.

And now, a challenge:

Take the following YA story prompt and expand it. Post the final product on your blog (hopefully next week) and leave me the link here. Ready. Set. Go!

Jemma tossed her braid over her shoulder and lifted her chin. Gluing her gaze to the front of the room, she refused to look at Polly. Let the girl stare at the back of her head all day, she wouldn’t care. She'd never forgive her. Why had she ever trusted her with her biggest secret? Jemma didn’t plan on ever trusting anyone again. Some things were meant to stay locked up inside.