My Second Book Coming Out Soon

My second book is coming out soon. It is named: Kiss the Old Toad and Believe: A Story Inspired by Real-Life Events.

I want to share a small part of it and ask for your opinion. Do you think people will like it? 

  Nia turned around the corner of Bogatitsa and Gradina streets and saw the colorful skirt of a girl walking toward her. The olive color of her skin and the long curly hair cascading freely over her shoulders told Nia it was one of those gypsy girls looking to make some money in that wealthy part of the city. The scrawny gypsy was very young; almost a child, but when she opened her mouth Nia felt a tsunami of horror wash over her.

“You are under a spell, girl. Black magic was cast on you. Your husband will never be yours and you will not be able to conceive.”

Nia stopped dead and stared at the gypsy girl in disbelief.

 “But I can reverse the magic spell,” the gypsy went on.

“Don’t even bother. I don’t have money,” Nia said. Feeling glued to the ground she stared hard at the gypsy and hoped against hope that she could chase the girl away as if she was a bad dream.

“If you want me to, I can come to your house right now.” The gypsy faked concern. “You need help. Let me help you, girl. My name is Ishe and I have the power to break any spell.”

“Okay, let’s go!” Nia heard herself say. “But if my husband is at home, you are not coming in, okay?” What am I doing? Am I crazy? Is this really happening? Nia thought.

“Got’ya. I have everything I need with me,” the gypsy said. “Here is a piece of black wax, and we will break the spell, you’ll see.”

The two women hurried inside the building. Nia looked around. She didn’t want the neighbors to see her with the gypsy as they sneaked into the condo. As soon as they were sure Ivo was not there, the gypsy began to bark out orders.

“I need a bowl with some water and a candle.”

“Okay, okay,” Nia stuttered. “I’ll find a candle. And a bowl of water, you said?” She stepped into the kitchen.

“Do we need matches?” Nia yelled from the kitchen.

“Yeah, get some matches. Find something to melt the wax in, okay?”

“I am getting everything ready. I’ll be right back!”

Nia heard drawers being opened and closed. She knew she should not trust the gypsy who might be stealing her things.

“Here’s all the stuff. What do we do next?” Nia asked walking into the sitting room.

 “We’ll melt the wax first to see if it is a magic spell,” the gypsy said. Her skillful hands lit the candle and melted the wax, and she began murmuring spells. She poured the wax into the water, and right in front of Nia’s eyes the wax became a black serpent.

Nia froze. Her heart skipped a few beats. She opened her mouth to take a breath but instead a suppressed “O-o-o-h” trickled out.

“Yes, it is Black Magic, girl. Do you see the snake? They want your life, woman. You are doomed!” The gypsy went on whispering words of fear.

Nia’s head began to spin. I have always known that there is something bigger against me than human malice and hatred. I have always felt cursed. It’s my grandma’s Curse….  The well-known symptoms of panic tightened her throat and her body began to shake violently.

“I can break the spell, girl, I can break the magic but…I don’t know. It will take a lot of money. Much money has been paid to a witch to cast that magic spell and double the money we will need to break it. How much do you have?”

“I don’t have money,” Nia whispered. “I have only a little left till the end of the month.”

“Then, I will say good-bye and leave. Lots of money has been given. Money asks for money. Give me everything you have, or I’ll be out of here in no time.”

Nia felt tears running down her cheeks. She wiped them with the back of her hand and looked helplessly at the gypsy. Wrenching despair settled deep into her heart. I am doomed! There is nothing I can do….