Darlin'
A coming-of-age horror novel and thriller
Chapter 1
Introduction.
Characters
Darlin', Gayle, Bev Grimshaw, Nikki Herbert, Carter, Turrell
The science lab stool rocks from side to side at an alarming pace, pivoting from leg to leg at crazy speed.
“Bloody hell, Darlin’s buzzing back and forth like a rocket ship on take off. What the hell!”
Chapter 2
Ash can't stop thinking about Melanie.
Characters
Ash
All I can think about is Melanie. When I go to bed at night I think about her even more. At school the next day I’m embarrassed because Melanie knows... she instinctively knows... I've been thinking about her all night.
My name is Ash. I’m crazy about Melanie!
Chapter 3
Gayle and her dreams.
Characters
Gayle, Mum, Darren, Maisy, Siddy
When I get older I’m going to join a hippy community in the French Alps, like Mum did, somewhere bordering Spain, maybe. Speak a bit of French and Italian or whatever they talk down there. Somewhere I can hide.
Chapter 4
More about Mary Darlington, or Darlin' for short.
Characters
Darlin', Billy the Goat
They call me wacky Mary Darlington, or wacky Darlin’ for short. Mum used to call me that because I love and hate everyone at the same time. Some people think I'm messed up in the head.
Chapter 5
Ash does cross-country and witnesses the grozzly marathon.
Characters
Ash, Robbo, Melanie Dorkins, Jigsaw
It's raining and muddy and Robbo sits next to me on the bus - his friend of choice, not mine. I’m too frightened to consciously avoid him and strangely in awe of his relentless courage for such a short kid. He's not afraid of anyone.
Chapter 6
Gayle escapes the 'law'.
Characters
Gayle
...
Chapter 7
Ash and Darlin', getting away with it.
Characters
Ash, Darlin', Wighty
...