“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Sneak Preview and the Next Book of the Series

Dr. Tucker’s office, the following day…

Sure enough, my usual teammates (Dioncel, Tre’Von, and Andre), Coach Langley, Chi’Anna & Ra’Nada (representing the Vogues with the former’s dad also in tow), Enrique (representing the Denzels),and I were in the good therapist’s office. Colton was also there with me, knowing that the final stage of this confessional was going to be mandatory if I was to not only gain closure with my past but also prepare me with the football and cheerleading teams, Dean DeGrawue, and “The Devil of the Pool.”

And despite the waves of nerves threatening to crash me out, I had to see this through to the end.

“Ry’Mir, last night was a long night for you and Colton,” Dr. Tucker stated after a bit of small talk. “It wasn’t easy for you boys to go beyond your comfort zone despite the consequences if you didn’t attend those gridiron boys’ party. How are you feeling at the moment?”

I inhaled deeply. “Honestly? I’m a mixed bag of emotions,” I admitted. “Mad because I was far from prepared despite all that we could do. Scared because ‘The Devil of the Pool’ could be watching and listening in on this without warning. And yet, I’m also feeling tired of having to run away from the past and ready because I want to be able to control my story from my point of view without being threatened with exiled or seen in a bad way. I just want this over and done, you know?”

“Including this session about Costello?” Tre’Von asked.

“Especially that.”

Dr. Tucker went into therapist mode as she grabbed her notes and pen. “Then let’s get started,” she said. “The days leading up to the eventual arrest of Costello, how was your mindset and headspace?”

With a nod from Coach, I dove right in. “Me having to play the games of survival with a man who can ruin your reputation if you didn’t warm his bed was like…it was like I was diving into the deeper parts of an inactive volcano,” I began. “I didn’t want to let him taint my body any more than he already had, but I also didn’t want to be sent to one of the state-run group run homes where kids like me were either beaten or left for themselves. So, I had to play the role of his young lover, let him take me into his pool house after coaching me on my diving techniques or when I had a meet for my school’s team or that in the YMCA.”

“Did your foster parents have any clue on what was going on?” Coach asked gently.

“If they did, I didn’t notice anything and I was wise enough to not let it show how I was hurting when I sat down. The man meant every word- if I didn’t comply or thought about telling Joel or Lois, he’d spin it to make them think that I came on to him and send me away without a fair chance,” I answered. “But on that fateful day, you can pretty much guess that things were about to go down south. Not for me, but for him…”

*********

FLASHBACK (The Day of Reckoning)…

The good news was that Joel and Lois had themselves an off day from their restaurant, allowing themselves time to step back and let loose.

The bad news was that they decided to go to the movies while believing that I needed someone to look after me while they were gone. And that someone, which was the worst news, was Costello because Joel thought that he could use some time away from his home and more time in theirs. “Plus, we know that he’s protective of you and says that you give him no trouble at all,” Lois said as she and her husband were on their way out the door. “So make sure to mind him and give him your undivided attention, Ry’Mir.”

As if I had any choice.

Soon after I came from a relaxing shower after a grueling workout session and a swim at the YMCA, the man was at the door with his shirt removed and his eyes were full of lust. “Such a pretty boy for me,” he said as he climbed on top of my naked body and started kissing my stomach and chest. “My, Lois and Joel are lucky enough to have you in their home.”

“Please stop,” I whimpered. “I’ll tell if you-“

“If you do open your mouth, no one’s going to believe you since you’ll be seen as a jealous liar and a little boy-slut,” he hissed in a seductive yet threatening manner. “You don’t want to make them mad at you, do you?”

I shook my head no, knowing that he was right. If I even dared to tell anyone about him grooming and molesting me, he’d paint me as the bad guy while he would get away with everything.

“Then you’ll play ball with me and I’ll make sure that you’ll be rewarded for your silence,” he said as he reached into his discarded jeans and grabbed some condoms. “Not only that, I’ll make sure that you’ll remember me as your first time. And I can be very generous to little pretty boys like you.“

All I could do was steel my tears from falling down my face as I let him place my legs on his shoulders before sheathing himself with the condom.

“Make this go away, God,” I thought to myself as he entered himself into me. “Let this nightmare end because I-“

“Oh, my Lord! Ry’Mir!”

My stomach dropped low to see a stunned Lois and her furious husband at the doorway, the latter ready to punch his friend in the nose. Only the man didn’t bother slowing down his pace as he ravished me. “J-Joel. Lois,” I whimpered.

It all happened so fast. One moment, Costello was continuously enjoying himself while I had to take it. The next moment, the man was thrown off of me while Lois wrapped me in a towel before sirens filled the air outside. “He liked it, you know?! Your little boy-slut was asking for it,” the disgraced man sneered as he was led away in handcuffs, Joel fighting the urge to knock the man out again as onlookers took in the sight outside.

“Ry’Mir, how long did he take advantage of you like this?” Lois asked while officers were by her side in the living room. “I’m not mad at you, honey. I need to know the truth.”

It was time to come clean as I finally let the waterworks go into overdrive and I told them everything. “I’m so sorry,” I bawled as I was wrapped in a hug. “Please don’t send me away. I had to keep quiet because he could paint me as the bad guy.”

“Son, you have nothing to be sorry for,” one female officer said gently. “We had him on our radar for a while, and your testimony will ensure that he gets what he deserves.”

“I agreed,” Joel grunted as his glare softened when he faced me. “Ry’Mir, I am so sorry I trusted that shithead into your care. If I had known, I would’ve gladly ended him sooner. The worst fact is that Lois and I were blind to the whole thing and the man had his sadistic thrill with other boys before you. So you’ve saved your life as well as those other boys.”

I only let the tears fall as I was gradually led into a whirlwind of testimonies at trials, days spent in solitude thinking, and even a period where I had to take basic therapy sessions with other survivors of child/teen molestation. But the moment the man was convicted and sent to prison, I made a vow: I wanted to bury the past and only move forward by focusing on my diving competitions and academics.

It was time for me to go forward, but in my own way…

***********

PRESENT-DAY

I inhaled deeply, not caring if the tears were cascading from my eyes as I knew everyone else was doing the same. “Some days were better than others,” I finished. “And before coming here, I had a few nightmares that left me sleepless at times for days. But I had to push all my feelings down and lock them away if I wanted to keep my eyes forward.”

“My God, Ry’Mir,” Ra’Nada said, stifling a sob as she accepted a tissue from a stone-faced Andre. “This whole story is…wow.”

“But now, we gotta deal with these people who seem to know about Ry’Mir’s story and are planning to expose him at the next meet,” Dioncel stated, crossing his arms. “And that’s today as we’re facing off against Howard.”

To me, “I hate to suggest this, bro, but you need to sit that meet out for your safety. These football trolls and cheerleaders aren’t playing around, and neither is Dean DeGrawue.”

“Well, the meet’s postponed for today since they had a lockdown scare,” Coach Langley stated. “But they’re going to meet with us the week after next. And I disagree, Dioncel. Ry’Mir said that he wants to tell this story for himself and keep control of the matter by his own terms.”

“But what happens if Ry’Mir gets jumped?” Andre asked. “Or worse? And we still have no idea on who this ‘Devil of the Pool’ is. Incredible!”

“Then that’s the chance I’ll have to make,” I stated. To my coach, “Can you get me that appointment with the school’s president?”

“Already done,” Enrique interjected. “He actually wants to see you for some reason, Ry’Mir. And I warned him that if he turns on you just because of your past, he’ll be answering to me and all the Denzels and Vogues.”

“That goes double for me,” Dr. Tucker said. “And yes, he knows about these therapy settings with you, Tre’Von, Dioncel, and Andre. And I told him that things are getting serious with your situation. So he’ll want to talk to you over tea. When is it?”

“Tomorrow. His private quarters, which isn’t far from the natatorium. You’ll be there after practice tomorrow.”

I nodded. “I don’t know how things will go after tomorrow, you guys, but I’m done running away from the storm. This time, I’m going to go into it.”

And that was the truth.

You’ll never forget the first time! We’re approaching the final ten chapters of ” Ry’Mir’s Dive (book one of “The Aqua Men of Harvick University” series),” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! This marks the start of the grand-finale extravaganza. Don’t miss it! 

And Coming January 2027… Dioncel’s Story is Told! “Dioncel’s Winter” is Book Two of the Series.

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“The Guardian of Couture” Sneak Preview

“I actually can’t believe that we have the grandson of Joseph and Elodie Mae Lancaster and Henry and Rachael Monroe as the newest Guardian, taking up the same role that his parents denied,” Francis said as he, his fellow Couture senior members, and the other editors-in-chief and their assistants were taking in what’s been said. “Part of me still thinks that we’re waiting for him to change his mind- grab that NDA and walk away with only the memories of his first two weeks at Couture.”

“Well, Francis, he didn’t sign that NDA and I don’t think he plans to,” Emilia remarked, shaking her head and smirking to himself. “Alcide’s meaning what he says and saying what he means. He has nowhere else to return to in Texas as his state-trooper older brother and his cronies will shoot him dead if he returns. And if not for that, he basically burned all his bridges regarding his hometown and his family.”

“And speaking of family, what’s your take on his younger sister Paige?” Jim Nelson from GQ asked. “Anyone else thinks that she’s a bit lofty in what she said?”

“I would’ve known via Dark Mauve if the young woman’s words weren’t being as truthful,” Anna Wintour replied. “Same for Ellen. Some of those heroes at that ballroom have the ability to tell the difference between liars and honest people. And they’ve been listening in on this meeting. There’s no form of deception from that young woman.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean that she wasn’t training herself to hide her emotions,” Francis rebutted. “Then again, Alcide did say that he never had a proper chance to get to know her better since their parents kept them apart.”

“Back to the matter at hand, we do need to prepare ourselves for the rest of the weekend as well as prepare Alcide,” Ellen stated. “He and the other interns- River, Gio, and Kumiko- will be still on the clock with performing errands for everyone while being prepped for the first real event: New York Fashion Week. And let’s not forget that they’ll be at tomorrow evening’s gala that features the villains and rogues as well as the Mafia families.”

Blanca nodded. “Ra’Keem, Ja’Nisha, and Snow had themselves a ball getting the theme Walking on the Dark Side: The Sartiorial Finesse of the Fashion Underworld in line with the decor and commissioning the other designers to create the dark-themed gowns and tuxedoes,” she stated. “We know most of these celebrities from tonight will be there tomorrow as will Trump and his brood, the Obamas, the Bushes, and even the Clintons. But we’ll also see some of the foreign dignitaries from the UK- Scotland in particular, Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Japan, and even Brazil and Mexico. Megan Thee Stallion has RSVP’d as have Cardi B and Offset, Gene Simmons from KISS, T.I., and several other celebrities.”

“Hot damn,” Derrick whistled. “I bet these new Guardians will be on their radar more if they haven’t yet. Especially Alcide since this moment has been waited for everyone’s whole lives. He was so…well, chill isn’t the proper way to say it when the reveal happened. But it’s kind of accurate. Did I even mention that the Usos and the McMahons have won bets on how these kids would reacted? They won the pot and then some.”

Ellen fought the urge to smile. “Alcide’s definitely like me when I was his age,” she mused. “But it doesn’t mean that his journey’s going to be any easier. He and the others are stepping into a whole new world where fashion and comic books collide in more ways than one. And I promised my late friends that Alcide would be as prepared for the challenges ahead. But it’ll be up to him to make his own choices and cut his own losses…”

You’ll never forget the first time!  Catch up with the first 15 chapters of ” The Guardian of Couture” today, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

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Weekly Wrap-Up Check-In

Hey, y’all. JDE here. And as you can tell, it’s almost the end of the first half of 2026 and yours truly is feeling all types of emotions and yet needs to pull it together.

As I write this post, I’m wondering what my next move will be like for the rest of this year regarding not just my writing career but also my personal life. And yours truly is thinking about making some move that may or may not jeopardize my already-strained relationship with my family members. I won’t get into all the details, but you can say that I’ve been told what to do and how to do it and yet want to be taken seriously and have independence for life. Because I know that nothing can last forever and I need to start preparing for life outside my family when they pass on.

As for my current job, I’ve been learning a lot about work as a front-service clerk (janitor, cart-service manager, and bagger) at the grocery store and yet I still need to know more about financial stability and all that. Seems like I have to know more about my futures and understanding how it’s serving customers despite how I’m feeling. I’m improving, trust me, but I’m understanding that I can do more.

And when it comes to my writing career, I understand that I need to continue to find the balance between my work life and my creative-writing life- let myself make time for writing, blogging, and creating. Now, I am going to make this clear: I’m going to invest more time in writing poetry again since I’ve been looking at my old portfolio that’s full of written poetry coming from 2017 and 2018. And I intend to transcribe them as well as a short-story piece that I’ve also written back in 2018. I don’t know when I’ll publish them, but when I do I’ll be sure to make the announcement when the time comes. This is going to be when I share all my aspects of my life in my rhapsodic spoken words.

As for my stories on Wattpad, I’ll be working on my ongoing pieces- three of them being close to finished before the end of July while the rest of them being finished by the end of the year. And I intend to publish one of them by next year. All I ask is that you bear with me as I get through with them all while sharing sneak previews and what to expect. And remember, folks, that I’ll be starting a spinoff blog known as “Unscripted Jarrick Exum” and the launch date for that website is set for my 35th birthday (August 29th).

This new blog will detail everything regarding my ongoing journey as an indie/self-published author, my life with Asperger’s Disorder (autism), and my take of the world’s version of events. And I will give you fair warning: I won’t be holding back. So get ready for the official launch, you guys, because I intend to be unfiltered and unapologetically authentic about myself and how I see the world.

With that said, you guys, I thank you all for listening to my words and giving me this space for venting my emotions. I still feel a bit mentally and emotionally exhausted, but I am feeling better about talking about what I want for my next move in life and what I’m envisioning for my future. As for any future sneak previews from my ongoing stories on Wattpad, I will share something next week. I will see you guys later.

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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-length Chapter Preview

We’ve been hearing about you spurning Caeleb and Tim again, Sean.”

That was the topic of the dinner table as Uncle Jace brought up the matter after everyone sat down to eat (guest-starring the Merriweather aunt/niece duo). And needless to say, neither of my uncles or even their kids were happy to hear about my second encounter with the athletic jocks.

“That I did,” I admitted as I helped myself to the stir-fry that Uncle Javi helped prepared. “And I know that you guys want me to warm up to them, but I just can’t.”

“You mean, you won’t, just like you won’t even warm up to your brother,” Trevor pointed out, giving me a dirty look. “Dude, everyone’s trying to gibe you the benefit of the doubt with your new life here in Newport. But it’s like you’re intending to be cold or indifferent to everyone who you meet.”

“You just don’t understand,” I began to protest.

“Then help us try to understand,” Alyssa interrupted. “Make us see why you can’t give this new change of scenery a try or at least care more to try something new, never mind being friendly towards mine and Trevor’s friends.”

I sighed, unsure on how to answer that.

“That’s what we all thought,” Steffy stated. “Sean, you know the contract that you signed back in Macon is non-negotiable and it was supposed to help you be better than what you were when you were laid up in the hospital: emotionally unbalanced and mentally exhausted. And it was a better offer than you being with your older siblings or your parents.”

“Exactly,” Uncle Javi said as he motioned for everyone (except me) to resume eating. “And unless you want Jace and I to call up Dr. Patel and your parents as well as your grandparents to let them know that you’re not being fair, you need to do right and put your best efforts into this time here. It doesn’t have to be even big moments. Start small.”

I knew he was right. If everyone back in Georgia got wind of my time here so far and how I wasn’t playing ball, then it would give Daddy Dearest and his brood all the ammunition to get me back into their realm and be surrounded by them. And Lord knows, I do NOT want that to happen. “Fine,” I relented, “but I’m still going to avoid those two jocks.”

“Sean,” Uncle Jace said in warning.

“No, Uncle Jace. If I have to fall in line with this contract, I at least get to have one freedom and that includes steering clear of Trevor and Alyssia’s friends. They may mean well, but…”

I shook my head no, not wanting to finish that sentence and unleash the dark secrets of that particular Pandora’s box.

But Uncle Jace saw otherwise. “Do they remind you of your brother Ra’Keem?”

Damn that man. “More than you know, Uncle Jace. I know the truth about jocks built like tanks and have that swagger that turns people on and off: they may talk a good game and act friendly, but the moment they start showing their dark sides things go downhill. And I’m not taking that chance.”

Alyssia sat down her fork. “Did Ra’Keem or his buddies say or did something to you?” she asked.

“You guys remember when Ra’Keem got drafted to the NFL after graduating from UGA, right? And how Mom and Dad wanted to show him off with some fancy dinner?”

“I remember that day,” Uncle Javi stated. “Eveline and Emmett said that your parents had wanted you there at their place. And you were in tenth grade that day. What exactly happened that day?”

**********

Flashback (The Dinner Party from Hell)…

“Sean, I understand that you’re into some ‘farming club’ that you’re part of,” one of Jessica’s fashion-influencer friends said as we sat down to the catered dinner with me seated in between my older sister and the “man of the hour” himself (as ordered by our parents- mainly Dad). The mandatory celebratory dinner party was mainly for the family (Grandma and Grandpa included), but my siblings were permitted to bring their schoolmates and their families while Mom had some of her friends as did Dad. And while everyone was dressed to impress, I was content on my pastel-colored Sunday best from JCPenney.

“It’s the FFA,” I corrected. “And I’ve been showcasing a few of the cattle and doing public speaking for a couple of competitions,” I replied.

“Showing cattle and speeches are well and fine, but you must admit that you need to branch out and make new friends,” Dad said, his surgical and caustic way of tearing people’s self-esteem apparent in the way he spoke to me or about me. “You should think about playing for football at your school or some other sport. Maybe Ra’Keem could take you under his wing for a summer training session.”

“Thanks, but I’ll be busy with the general store,” I answered.

“Sean, think about the offer and how your presenting yourself as a family,” Mom said, her snake-charmer purr on full speed. “Jamal’s already catching the eye of the basketball coach from Central High and he’s only in the fifth grade. While Monica’s been working with me for a few photoshoots and learning a lot from Jessica. You need to start letting go of being on the farm all the time and stop thinking small.”

“And besides, no real teen worth his salt really wants to stay in a little town like Adams Falls,” one of Ra’Keem’s friends sneered at me. “Look at you, you’re dressing like my tired-as-fuck granddaddy. Thank God he’s in the nursing home.”

“Probably because Grandma Evaline still fetches his clothes for him, dressing him up like a kid,” Jessica snickered. “Bet he gets no play from the kids at his school. Then again, everyone back in Twiggs County dresses up for church all the time.”

That was enough for my grandparents, Grandpa standing to his feet and whirling on his son-in-law. “Are you really permitting this?” he asked hotly.

Dad just shrugged as he cut his steak. “Sean needs to cowboy up and be a real man if he wants to be ahead in the world,” he replied flippantly. “Sean brought it on himself for being a future farmer like you. Thank God that your daughter married a winner like me and we were blessed to have at least four winners.”

Grandma looked livid, facing her daughter. “Josaline, you can’t let him talk like that,” she seethed.

Mom looked unashamed. “It’s for Sean’s own good,” she commented, not looking sorry at all. To me, “You take in what’s been said, Sean, and be more like Ra’Keem and Jessica as well as Jamal and Monica.”

“Sean, we’re leaving,” Grandma stated. “And this is the VERY LAST time that we attend these kind of parties where you’re trashed while your siblings are treasured.”

I stood to my feet. “That sounds like a plan to me,” I stated.

“Sean, you need to stay here until dinner is finished,” Dad admonished me. “Or are you going to disappoint this family by being too much of a Holy Roller like your grandparents?”

It was my turn to have the last word. “I’ve been disappointing this family the moment you placed me in the care of my grandparents while you and Mom were too busy with Jamal and Monica,” I said. “Why should it change now? I won’t be back for any more events until you guys start showing me the same kind of love that you showed everyone else.”

Without another word, I followed my grandparents and we stormed out of the McMansion as the dinner went on without us…

**********

“Damn,” Trevor hissed, shaking his head. “We never really thought about how you must’ve felt with our relatives, your parents and siblings, dogging you to make themselves feel better.”

“That’s how it was even after that dinner party,” I stated. “People with that kind of swagger turn me off, hence me not wanting to speak to my family or even Caleb and Tim. I may be petty for it, but that’s how it is.”

“Sean, you have to admit that you need to at least try something to find healing for yourself and keep healthy,” Uncle Jace said. “All of this amniosity is not good for you and you know it. Now, you WILL apologize to Caeleb and Tim by the end of the week if you don’t want me to call Emmett and Evaline. And as for your mental health and your family, you need to see the therapist and talk to her about those feelings regarding your family.”

“Uncle Jace-“

“No buts, Sean. You either fall in line, or we’re sending you back to Georgia and you stay with your parents or even either Ra’Keem or Jessica so they can talk some sense into you,” Uncle Javi cut me off with a glare that softened. “We want to help you, but you gotta help yourself.”

I bit back a groan, knowing that this was non-negotiable. “Fine,” I relented. “But I’m not ready to talk to my family yet.”

“Fair enough,” Uncle Jace said before finally allowing me to eat. “But you need to tal to them sooner or later, you know.”

I prefer later, if I could be brutally honest. Like “when Hawaii is caught in a blizzard” kind of later. But I wasn’t going to say that out loud.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” is available to read EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad!

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“Nacirema Requiem” Sneak Preview

Gentle readers, the thrill of excitement and cheer was in the hallways of Northwest Grambling High School as the first football game of the season means that both the school itself and the opponent (this year being Southeast Grambling High) were hosting the events leading to the game and the dance afterwards. Even more so, despite the fact that Corwyn Allerdyce and her fellow band of anti-Nacirema allies were out on their hate-centered campaigns.

As for Ryan Samuels and Amanda Tybee (now sharing the respective bodies of the gay African-American version of Ryan and Armando Rivera), it only means that they needed to be prepared for the challenges to come as they were experiencing a world that was contrary to what they were taught by their extremist-centered grandparents (who were in hell). And for Amanda (sharing Armando’s body and memories), she- or rather he- was going to have to face the things that she stood against in her old life. For Ryan, it meant being able to live a life he was forbidden to have.

Currently, they were meeting with Trenetta and Ivy (the captains of the football team) to talk about the first planned event: the town-hall meeting hosted by both schools. “I’m sure you guys know that we’re going to need to make sure that everyone is going to be on their best behavior,” Trenetta said as they met over lunch. “With these hate-mongering folks coming around, this only means that no one is going to start any fights and force us to cancel the game and future games.”

Armando nodded.

“What about Corwyn and her gang?” Ryan wanted to know, eyes narrowing in silts. “I mean, I know she has no choice but to work with us if she wants to graduate, but I’m not happy with the idea of her being around Armando if she’s going to be around either of us.”

Neither am I, Amanda said in Armando’s head. And I’m not thrilled about this whole gala, either.

You have no other choice, the real Armando shot back. This is part of your transmigratory experience to see what it’s like to be me.

Out loud, “I’m inclined to agree, but our hands are tied on that front. At least Ryan can make sure that I’m kept on my toes and away from Allerdyce’s grasp.”

“Yeah, but for how long?” Ivy asked as she shot Armando a concerned glance. “You know about what happened at her party, right? I wanted to punch her after that stunt she did with her seducing you in her bed.”

Wait, you were seduced in her bed? What in blue blazes did that bitch do to you? Amanda exclaimed in horror.

Armando brushed her off, focusing on the present moment at hand. “Well, it’s not going to work this time,” he promised himself. “Her kissing me twice and groping me at the first meeting proved that she’s too brazen, but we got work to do.”

“And so we will,” Trenetta responded, clapping her hands twice. “Now, the town-hall meeting is scheduled for tonight at Southeast Grambling, and all the football players from both schools will be there as well as the captains of all the sports teams from both schools. WSTC is providing the media coverage as it’s set to air live during the six-o’-clock news on their subchannel. And yeah, the town mayor’s going to be there, so make sure to stay on the adults’ good sides.”

After a bit of small talk and watching the football teams leave, Ryan faced Armando, letting his former self shine through as Amanda did the same. “You okay?” he asked…

Is everything okay, readers? You’ll find out when you read “Nacirema Requiem” as it returns with all new chapters! You’ll never forget the first time. Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“The Guardian of Couture” Full-Length Chapter Preview: Chapter 12

Folks, I live by several usual maxims that my grandparents have taught me while they were alive. And in the chapters to come as I tell this story, I’ll be sharing them with you, starting with this one: “When you least expect it, expect it.” That has gotten me through my first four years in exile from Texas and also while in high school before.

And as Gio, Kumiko, River, and I took in the ballroom and how everything was decked out, I was living in that same maxim at the moment. Now, let me make a few things clear: I wasn’t surprised on how the way that the hotel’s large ballroom was decorated in the theme Heroic Figures in the similar styles of the Met Gala and the Academy Awards in all its grandeur finest with some of the designers showcasing various gowns and tuxedoes with subtle hints of superheroic glamour. And I wasn’t surprised on how all the celebrities, politicians, and social-media influencers who had been invited were dressed to the nines: Jimmy and Jey Uso in matching black Balmain tuxedoes while Jimmy’s wife Naomi was in an alluring old-Hollywood gown by Dior, George and Amal Clooney in matching Givenchy, the Trump family in various shades of monochromatics and reds by Michael Kors, Alicia Keys in a stunning red gown by Chanel, and more.

I wasn’t surprised by all of that.

No, folks. What took my breath away and put my soul on high alert was the general staffers- the same ones with athletic bodies whom were deemed very excitable and eager for newcomers like myself and my friends and how we were to stay away from them until tonight. And they weren’t in their monochromatic office-chic outfits.

And they weren’t wearing those retro-centric Coca-Cola glasses either.

No, sir. They were wearing superhero costumes, and not the ones you find in Halloween costume stores or the cheap knockoffs from Amazon.  Real, authentic costumes that were straight out of comic books. And these people were showing off their superpowers and grinning at us four interns with a mixture of teasing, condescension, and eagerness.

“Surprise, guys,” Jorge Ramirez (the Hispanic general editor) said as he approached us, his gold-and-red costume in a blend of leather and spandex giving me the vibes of a fiery humanoid phoenix coming to life. “You just stepped into a world of comic books and haute couture.”

“Damn right,” Veronica Seeley (in a superhero costume similar to Wanda “Scarlet Witch” Maximoff, but in a tight bodysuit in purples and blacks complete with a headdress covered in elegant crystals) drawled as she stalked towards me, giving me a cat-eating grin. “This isn’t a game anymore, boys. This is real life, one that you’re now a part of.”

“I’ll bet,” Gio breathed, smiling with his eyes full of awe as a female photographer from Time sent him a saucy wink as she literally skated past him, her body now a walking ice sculpture. “And you think you can handle everything under the sun.”

“I am loving this,” River remarked as he saw both Ian and Vincent (in matching retro-centric blue-and-white superhero suits complete with blue brief-like trunks and matching boots) circled around him like jaguars stalking around their prey. “If my spiteful parents could see me now.”

“Mine too,” Kumiko added, nodding at a fire-manipulating general editor from Elle who was happily chatting away with Barack and Michelle Obama (both of them in Tom Ford reds, the designer himself nodding along and sharing a laugh).

I nodded twice before turning to Ellen. “Now I get everything,” I said. “And I take that this is part of my internship?”

“All that and so much more, Alcide Lancaster-Monroe,” she replied as Francis and everyone else from her circle surrounded me. “All the general staffers here are superheroes and antiheroes, all of which you and your cohorts will need to be familiar with for this summer. But as for myself, the other editors-in-chief and senior staffers, and administrative workers at our magazines are completely normal as well as the custodians and cafeteria workers. But of course, some of the IT workers and security staffers are superheroes themselves, so you’ll be getting to know them as well.”

“And the celebrities?” Gio asked. “Are they-“

“One-hundred percent normal, but we do work with them when the time comes,” Beyonce stated, she and Blue Ivy looking like ethereal beauties in white Reem Acra gowns while Jay-Z was dapper in a mob-boss Zegna tuxedo. “And that means you’ll be working with us as well.”

“Oh, wow,” River breathed. “And the other interns who don’t know about this? Do they know-“

“No, and they’ll only remember what transpired before tonight since they never made it,” Ja’Nisha commented with her husband standing next to her. “And in the years prior, those who don’t accept this are given other memories of the night.”

“Altered memories?”

“Just a precaution for them to keep what they saw to themselves,” Francis answered. “As for you boys, there’s still time for you to reconsider and walk out while you can.”

“That won’t be happening,” Gio interjected as his editor-in-chief came towards him with another copy of what looked like the NDA. He glared everyone down. “You guys saw a lot of potential in us when we approached the interview stage before getting the job. And you know our stories. My family wants me to work for what I have and tell me to never back down from a challenge. And you should be familiar with River, Kumiko, and Alcide’s stories by now- families rejecting them unless they assimilate to their conservative and hate-mongering ideals while Alcide’s hometown refuses to accept him and will likely shoot him dead if even returns for a day. We’re too invested to go back to what we know by now. So, you’re going to have to get used to seeing us until the internship is over and we face the unknown together.”

I then faced Ellen. “You saw a lot in me when we first met, ma’am. And you said that you wanted me to understand how my late maternal and paternal grandparents were involved,” I said. “And I intend to find out everything and see this summer internship through to the end. All I ask is for the tea, the whole tea, and nothing but the tea.”

“So help you me?”

I whirled around to see the one and only RuPaul looking like a true Glamazon in a custom-made gold-and-silver gown by Zaldy (the designer himself in shades of gold) that hugged her frame like a glove. My friends gasped as I took the drag queen’s hand and shook it. “Exactly, Mother RuPaul,” I said. “Thank you for getting me through my high-school years and showing what it means to be unapologetic through your reality show.”

“No, child. Thank you for not backing down and letting haters try to steal your glow,” the drag queen commented. “The same goes for your friends. All of you are going to be bringing a lot to the table, and everyone will try to knock you down. But remember to live without fear or regrets.”

We all nodded as Jim Nelson from GQ came to us. “All right, you four interns, this night will be all about you,” he said. “Remember that you’re to get familiar with all the supers and antiheroes here. And you’re still on the clock even though this night is about you. Don’t be surprised if you’re to run an errand or two by the celebrities.”

My friends and I glanced at each other briefly. “Looking forward to it all,” we said in unison.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Guardian of Couture” returns with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Chapter 8 Sneak Preview

“Mr. Gillain, your old designs that you submitted for your application packet are what we call hidden gems,” Ms. Demorest, my drawing teacher and fashion advisor, stated as I was kept back after learning the basics of composition and design. “Still, we think that there could be more vibrance and flair in some of your works.”

“I mainly was inspired by how I was living in a small town, the theme being rustic yet sophisticated nature of it all,” I stated. “Now, I will admit that there could be room for improvement since my artwork mainly came from middle school. But something told me that things are fine as they are.”

“Even so, Mr. Gillain, I can’t help but wonder if your work is a bit…well, distant and dialed down, as if they tell a story of someone who had to hold back and not give away too much.”

I inhaled sharply. “What are you saying?”

Ms. Demorest gave me a pointed stare. “Mr. Gillain, you basically lack passion in your craft,” she intoned gently. “It’s as if you’re trying to hide who you truly are.”

I hated when people call me out on that. “Ms. Demorest,” I began.

“I’m not trying to offend you, dear, but maybe you need to start with the basics of being an artist before going into the world of designing clothes. You need to start showing people who you want to become by looking within yourself. Tell me something, why do you hold back? What is it that you don’t want people to know about you?”

I sat back in my chair, my heart pounding even as I kept a calm facade. “There’s not much to know about me, ma’am,” I replied. “But in all honesty, I’m trying to find out what my ‘passion’ in life is. You and the other teachers know my story by now, how I was sent here after a health scare when I finished senior year in high school. For the most part, I feel like every single day that I wake up is like I have to be in survival mode. Going through the motions is kind of my normalcy back home.”

Ms. Demorest nodded. “And did you feel like you can’t open up to anyone?” she asked.

“Only when it comes to-” I stopped mid-sentence, not wanting to dive into THAT topic. “I can’t fully talk about it yet, ma’am. All I can tell you is that I’m learning what it means to live and not just survive while being a fashion student.”

The older woman nodded twice. “Well, maybe it’s best that you start by channeling what you’re dealing with into your work and classwork,” she suggested. “I want you to not only learn the basics of fashion for your time here at RISD, but also work on a collection that shows the real version of you. Realness comes from within your heart and soul, not just your mind and body. I want you to be authentic with your craft while rebuilding your art from the ground up. Think you can do that?”

I nodded. “I can try, but-“

“Don’t just try, Sean. REALLY go for it and push yourself, but remember to ask for grace and patience while you work.”

I inhaled deeply. “I can work with that, Ms. Demorest. And if it helps, I’m seeing a therapist to help me cope with my past and all.”

“Go for it, Mr. Gillain. And never be afraid to start being a part of the RISD social life. There’s a world of opportunities around the corner. Enjoy yourself, but remember your priorities…”

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” has returned with all new chapters starting this weekend, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“The Guardian of Couture” Inaugural Sneak Preview

Eleven in the morning hit like an after-school alarm as Emilia came to my office and said, “Two-hour lunch. You, me, Francis, the assistants you met today. Moreno’s Bistro. Don’t worry, it’s part of your internship. All interns are paid to eat lavish.”


I knew it wasn’t polite to say no to paid-for meals, especially when my stomach was craving for something more than fruit. So I followed the Briton assistant as we joined the others for a three-minute trek to the restaurant in question. Once we arrived (apparently, the owners of the restaurant knew of the magazine), we were sitting down in a private dining room of the restaurant as I grabbed a menu that boasted no prices. Knowing better than to refuse or go hungry, I settled for a bruschetta-themed pasta dish and a side salad.


“So, Alcide,” Gianna said after the blonde and perky waitress took everyone’s orders. “Feeling the pressure yet? You can tell that this is far from what you’re used to.”


“It’s fast-paced and full of high energy, but I’m understanding the lay of the land,” I replied, pausing to take a sip of iced tea. “Plus, staying on my feet at a job like waiting tables at Bennigan’s or busing tables at Zum-Zum gave me practice.”


“So we’ve heard,” Derrick said. “And what of your family?”


That made the air drop ten degrees at the mention of the people who had me exiled. Might as well, I said to myself. Out loud, “Well, my family isn’t the type of being used to the idea of working at a fashion magazine. They expected me to go to Liberty University or at least stay local and marry the church pastor’s daughter, who had the personality of cold spaghetti.”


“But surely you might’ve wanted some sort of reconciliation,” Mariah suggested.


I shook my head no. “My father was a proud and overly masculine man, just like my older brother Tyler. The latter was a jock with the typical asshole vibes yet is also a state trooper for the Lone-Star State and one of the teen-designated pastors,” I said. “Paige, meanwhile, could light up a room and make everyone feel more at ease. She was also as demure and deferring as my mother. They were fitted for each other. Then you have me, the middle child with dark humor like his late grandparents- both sets- and was never taken seriously. I was actually glad for being exiled because the expectations set before me changed more than Tyler changed his underpants.


“When they told me that I couldn’t return to Texas under the penalty of being shot down, I knew that they meant every word. Tyler and his buddies were good with guns and never missed a shot. They called me up every time that there was something going on back home and I was barred from attending. I was even barred from missing Paige’s graduation from middle school while I was a freshman in college. ‘Just stay where you are if you value your life,’ Tyler had slurred the day before. ‘Don’t make me regret not shooting you at the Greyhound bus station.’ So, I stayed away and either celebrated in silence when there were happy moments back home or mourned in silence when someone passed away. And even if I don’t get a job at Couture, I know that going back to Texas was, and still is, out of the question,” I finished.

You’ll never forget the first time! ” The Guardian of Couture” is hitting the runways, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“The Guardian of Couture” in Two Days

In two days, “The Guardian of Couture” premieres EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! And from beginning to end, there will be plenty of drama, fashion, excitement, and superheroes galore!

Alcide Lancaster

“The day that I was exiled from Texas and threatened with death if I dared return was when I knew that I would have to build my life from the ground up. But I never once imagined that my summer internship at Couture would lead me to a legacy like none other!

You’ll never forget the first time! If you’re a fan of “The Devil Wears Prada” and superheroes, then this story is for you! “The Guardian of Couture,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad, premieres in two days! Don’t miss it!

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In “The Guardian of Couture…”

Francis Thompson

I originally thought that the kid was over his head when he applied for the internship. I wanted him to stay blind to the world of fashion, media, and superheroes. But what was meant to be came to be as Ellen knew that his legacy was meant to be fulfilled.

In five days, the story hits the runway of Wattpad.

Emilia Saunders

Don’t think that I’m just a pretty face from England. As Ellen’s right-hand woman, it’s my turn to keep Couture running smoothly and also teach newcomers the same. And it’s also my duty to keep Alcide informed of the tasks that his late grandparents performed when they were Guardians…just like he will be.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Guardian of Couture” hits the runways on Friday, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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