“I know,” I say, taking another large chug. “Get a shower and those weird voodoo things you picked up the other day. Cancel dinner with my brother and sister.” One bonus of New Orleans was that I found my siblings. They missed me as much as I did them. After one awkward minute, we synced again. They loved Jane and accepted her as another sister.
“What are you going to do?” she calls.
“I have to grab something!” I shout as I run to my room on the top floor. We bought this house because both of our bedrooms have balconies; naturally, mine was the perfect side for the sun to rise, and Jane’s the sunsets. In the corner of my room, I have my dresser. It has a special secret compartment in the top drawer. I throw my socks and underwear on the floor so that I can get to it.
“What’s that?” Jane finds me an hour later in our backyard stoking the firepit.
I hesitate to answer, so she grabs the book from my hand.
“Dear Anna...” Jane reads. “Medeia, you wrote to her.”
“I never sent them. Journaling was just something that always helped me work out my feelings.” She nods and notes the firepit.
“I’ll go grab more tequila,” she replies.
We sit and burn the pages one by one, never reading a single letter. Jane told me that the stones she bought from a psychic store in town would help clear the energy, but I know I’ll never be released of the thoughts.
I can convince myself that I am justified in what I have done, but it doesn’t take away the sin. I have stolen a human life. I am no better than my father, nor do I deserve the best in life. I can’t trust anyone but Jane with my secrets, and for the most part, Anna is the only secret she knows. What I did was despicable, and I should rot in jail for it. Like my father, I am free when I don’t belong amongst society. I’m just better at planning my lies than most.
When we’ve set the last note ablaze, I toss the cover of the journal on top of the fire and watch the worst time of my life reduce itself to nothing but ashes. It’s unimaginable that it could ever be this far behind me. Only on the surface, does it look like it is.
“I’m going to bed.” I stumble out of my chair around the firepit. Jane waves a goodnight. She wants to stay out and watch the sunset, anyway.
When I make it upstairs, I fall on the bed without shedding my clothing or shoes. Before my eyes fall in sleep, I see Anna in the corner laughing at me.
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for reading Dear Anna. I have been living with Medeia inside my head for months now, and it feels so good to finally get her story out. This is my first psychological thriller, and I’m happy to say that it won’t be my last.
If this is my first book that you’ve read, please consider moving on to Pressing Flowers, it’s a women’s fiction novel dealing with the heavy subject of grief.
Thank you so much for purchasing this book and taking the journey inside Medeia’s mind. I would love to hear your thoughts, email me with them at [email protected] . Reviews help authors get exposure, so please leave one when you’re done as well.
Thank you again for your support!
Katie Blanchard
About the Author
Katie Blanchard is an avid reader and kid wrangler. She lives in Southwestern, Pennsylvania with her two children and husband. Katie is also the author of the women’s fiction novel, Pressing Flowers. When she isn’t writing characters out on her keyboard, she’s putting her hands to good use crocheting blankets.
To find out more about Katie Blanchard, go to www.authorkatieblanchard.com
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Thank Yous
This book would not have been possible without the help of an entire village of folks. I am forever grateful for them and in no order, I want to give them their shout-outs!
To my husband, Brian, for EVERYTHING! For the snacks while I wrote, the wine that was brought to me, for never looking at me like I’m crazy when I talk about my characters as if they’re real, for helping me when I get stuck, for making the kids stay away when I’m writing, for loving me selflessly and believing in my dreams as if they were your own. You are the most amazing human being, and after 17 years of knowing you, I love you still. I’d choose you again, EVERY. DAMN. DAY.
Special shout-out to my kids, Blaine and Lila, you challenge Mommy’s multitasking skills every day and make her better. Not only that, every day I think about making a good example for you and making you proud. I hope I accomplished that.
To my sister, Christa, for inspiring me and championing me. For reading pages repeatedly without complaint. How can a person be so selfless? You amaze me with your love and support. I’m blessed to not only call you my sister, my blood, my ride-or-die, my soulmate, but my friend in this life.
To my parents, for never following the norm. For always telling me that I can do anything I set my mind to. So many people say that’s a bad thing for a child to hear because it gives them false hope, well, I’m glad you don’t listen to that nonsense. Thanks for always building me up. My self-esteem is 100% your fault and I thank you.
To my beta readers, Melissa, Carol, Stephanie, Jasmine, Carrie, Monica, Shannon, Danielle, Mary, and Debbie. Thank you for taking in the roughest of rough drafts and giving me your feedback.
Which brings me to Traci Finlay. Girl. There wouldn’t be a Dear Anna without you. Hands down, you are amazing. Thank you for your brainstorming, your eagle eye, your dedication, and your commentary. I am forever grateful that I met you. And someday, I am going to fight the demon lizards and visit you. I swear.
To Bex, the editing ninja, thank you for proofreading and cleaning up the edges of this book for me. I was going cross-eyed and needed you.
To Teddi, for the cover, for the teasers, for your hard work and positive energy. I have said it before, but the world needs to know that you are an amazing person to have in my corner. I am thankful for you.
To everyone along the way that has shared a post, made a comment, or cheered for me in the writing process, thank you thank you thank you. I can’t say it enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Anna Page 22