Prologue: Intoxication                Rhythmic heartbeats fill her ears. Then gradually, the heartbeats quicken uncontrollably. Her breathing morphs into erratic pants. She blinks slowly. The cup in front of her is a blur of brown. She blinks again. With impaired eyesight, her trembling hand reaches for the glass vial. With the cold sensation tingling against the touch of her hand, the cup falls out of her grasp.                The shatter of the glass sends a jolt of electricity through her body.                She blinks languidly at the reflection laughing at her.                If this is paradise, then what is hell?  * * * * *A Piece of Me: Paradise            I’m not exactly sure where my story begins. Heck, I’m not even sure who I’m writing this to. There are words I want to say, but I can’t. I’m afraid of being judged. I’m afraid of being shunned away. I’m afraid of being lonely. There are far too many times when my heart has been broken – I’ve given hope in everyone.            Does my story begin when I’m abandoned, feeling as if someone repeatedly stabbed me until I bled my soul out?            Or perhaps, when I’m dancing foolishly at the palm of Death?            Or even, when I’m seconds away from hell and a guardian angel sent from above saved my life?            He promised me paradise. And when he couldn’t give it to me, he left, just like everybody else.* * * * *[Authors note: 14/10/23] Its time for my angst skills to shine through again! Im really looking forward to writing this story and I hope youll enjoy it as much as I will![Authors note: 14/10/30] Credits to -YatLuvG for the beautiful poster! You can find her at Voice Connection Graphic Shop!