Trembles of the Heart by Frankie Sutton

Trembles of the Heart 

by Frankie Sutton

Buy Link

Blurb

How far would you go to keep a secret? For Jessica Everhart, the answer is simple: to the end. That is, until a seizure exposes her two biggest secrets— Her epilepsy and the feelings she had for her best friend.  

How far would you be willing to go for true love? For Mason Harris, the answer is simple: everything. When his crush reveals her feelings, he tells her he’s always felt the same.  

However, they soon face a new challenge when Mason accepts mentorship from a doctor who has a connection to Jessica’s past. One that can destroy everything. 

 Excerpt

I dipped my brush into a puddle of blue paint and added depth to the shadows cast by the moon. “Could Mason love me with more depth than I put in my paintings?” Careful not to over-exert myself, I set my brush aside and changed into pajamas. 

As I grabbed a small water from my mini-fridge, the door creaked open, and I jumped. Dad stood in the doorway; his brow furrowed with concern. His eyes flickered over my painting before meeting mine, as if he could read my thoughts. 

“You’ve been painting a lot of dark landscapes lately,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay?” 

I sighed, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip of water. “I’m fine, Dad. Really.” 

“Your medication…” he started. 

“Already took it.” 

“Sweetheart,” —his frown deepened even as he used the nickname only he was allowed to call me— “I just want you to be safe.” 

“I know, Dad. But I can’t live like this forever.”  

“What do you mean?” His voice was strained. He didn’t want to offend me, but I could tell he was worried. 

“Living under your watchful eye,” I said, my voice barely audible. “I want to move out. You and Mom were my age when you bought your own place.” 

“Absolutely not!” His face paled. “You need someone to take care of you. What if you have a seizure when you’re alone?” Then he pointed to my trembling hand at my side. “See, someone’s gotta keep an eye on you!” 

“I need some independence. I need to try and live as normal a life as possible,” I replied, hiding my hand. 

He paced the room, hands clenched into fists. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you, Jessica. You’re all I have left.” 

“Nothing will happen,” I mumbled, trying to quell my own fears about living on my own. “I’ll be careful. And besides, you’ve taught me how to manage it, right?” 

“Right.” 

“Then trust me, Dad.” My heart ached as I saw the worry etched in his face. 

“Okay,” he finally said, though I could tell it pained him. “We can talk about it more later. But for now, promise me you’ll always be careful.” 

“I promise.” 

“Oh, and you left this downstairs.” He handed me the journal. 

“Thanks.” I took it and set it on top of the stack of notebooks on my desk. Dad kissed my forehead and left the room. 

 Author Bio

Frankie Sutton, born within a Motown/Detroit community, was raised on creativity—starting with music. Her love of reading and writing developed during her school years. However, at the beginning of her high school years, she entered into the world of fan fiction and role-playing games—experimenting with many styles of writing, including poems and scriptwriting. When not writing, she loves bonding with her miniature schnauzer. Frankie embraces her life as a Motown Michigander, ready to share her large imagination with the world.