For Whom The Belle Tolls - 13. Shark Week (Patreon)

TRIGGER WARNING FOR THIS CHAPTER: Child abuse, vague descriptions of assault, neglect, religious abuse. 

I avoided writing this chapter because I knew it would be hard, but I also wanted to do my due diligence for Sharkie, and for all survivors out there. I hope that I have done it justice, but as always with my work, if I have missed the mark of representation and veered into glorification, PLEASE let me know. 

Sharkie's story is based on an amalgamation of stories from friends that I had in college, people I have talked to (and received permission to use pieces of their stories in my work), and research I have done. No one person that I spoke to experienced all of the same things as Sharkie. 

In delaying the writing of this chapter I got caught up in the whirlwind of life, with my car deciding to pitch the Big Fit, weather insanity, family happenings, adulting hiccups, and my own mental health. I am beyond thankful for your continued support, and I am so sorry to have let my schedule slip by the wayside. Creating is my absolute joy, and sometimes I self sabotage by convincing myself otherwise. The joys of imposter syndrome. 

I will be posting chapter 14 this Saturday, time and tide willing, and I'm planning on starting to write some other fun stuff for you guys, like one shot short stories, and possibly, POSSIBLY a modern day coffee shop next to a tattoo parlor (across the street from a church) Alternate Universe story. I'll be putting up a poll to see what you guys might like to see first. 

And finally, if you are willing, please support @goblingrimmgifts on TikTok, as his original account was banned for no reason at almost 50k followers. He is the official Hells Belles artist, and he has tons of HB art, as well as awesome original art available! He also has a Patreon, and patrons get first and exclusive access to so many cool things. We created a short comic book together, and he will be selling copies that are signed by both of us in his shop soon! He's been a wonderful friend, beyond patient in putting up with my bullshit, and has helped keep me confident enough to create.

As always, thank you all for this wonderful ride you've allowed me to go on, and I can't wait to see where we, and our beloved characters get to go in the future. 

Also, I'm both dying to write smut and absolutely terrified. Better read more books of a certain genre. For research of course.