#afternoon-check-in — Public Fediverse posts

“Nacirema Requiem” Sneak Preview

“Armando?”

Said young man snapped out of his reverie (or rather, his umpteenth argument with Amanda, the young woman he shared his body with) and stared into the concerned eyes of Melina. “Sorry, lost in thought after last night,” he said apologetically.

“Are you okay? You look a bit out of it. Come to think of it, you look like you’ve been at odds with yourself lately,” Melina replied.

That’s because I AM at odds, but with a hardy and extremist-minded young woman from another version of Earth, Armando thought inwardly.

“I’m still here, you know that?” Amanda’s voice shot back before the Hispanic young man shoved her back.

Armando inhaled sharply. “It’s the planning of everything and all,” he said to Melina. “That, and with this being our senior year…it feels like every day is like we’re facing a lot of pressure.”

“Has Corwyn been haunting your dreams again?”

That statement gave Armando pause while Amanda took a great deal of interest. “Okay, this Corwyn girl is DEFINITELY like me, but what did she did to you?”

Armando shook his head, pushing Amanda to the back once again. “Not lately, but who knows what she’s planning? It’s getting a bit too quiet, and it means that she’ll be ready to strike once again.”

Melina nodded, reaching towards him and patting his back twice as they exited her car. “If you wanna talk more about her or get something off your chest, I’m here for you…and Tybee,” she replied, a bit of Salgiel slipping in her voice.

Sure enough, the first night of the mandatory breeding period had come and gone. Most of the students were hanging out with either their friends, their opposite-sex pairs, or a bit of both. Others were milling around the parking lot and shooting the breeze. For Armando, however, his mind was not only filled with Amanda’s presence but also of his concern that he wasn’t going to last long with the deceased young woman still acting passively defiant about the new world she was to endure for the thirty-day trial period.

Armando knew that Amanda felt grossed out from last night, but he was loyal to the cause as a Nacireman citizen. And gentle reader, he knew that Amanda didn’t have enough time on her hands. The more she wanted to defy the odds, the more at risk she was for hell. And he wasn’t going to let her or Corwyn get the best of him.

“I wonder where Ryan and Ariah could be?” Melina asked as she looked around. “I know that the bus that you two would take hadn’t arrived yet.”

That’s what I’d like to know myself, Amanda responded snidely.

“I’m sure that Ryan’s dads want them to have a big breakfast together,” he answered.

The two didn’t have to wait longer for the two teens to arrive, Armando’s eyes going wide with amazement as he took in Ryan being dressed in a form fitting bright-blue shirt with a V-neck collar and beige jeans that highlighted the diver’s legs perfectly. A pair of blue-and-white Converse sneakers and leaf-shaped pendant necklace completed the look. But what caught Armando off-guard was how Ryan felt more and more relaxed and at ease with himself, Ariah (dressed in a simple pink sundress with white tennis shoes) walking with him hand-in-hand as if they were crowned royalty.

Most of the students and teachers thought that the two friends were glowing after last night’s sexual escapade.

Armando, however, knew the truth. And so did a now-livid Amanda who was ready to show herself through her male counterpart. “What is this?!”

“That, Amanda, is your Ryan and my Ryan now fused as one,” Armando said inwardly before pushing her to the background and approaching his godbrother. “Bro, I know that you’re not turning straight on me, right?”

Ryan smirked. “And forget about our times together, even when we’re supposed to be studying? Not on your life,” he said. “You know the motto, bro. Equality and tradition.”

“Until the day we die,” Ariah and Melina finished in unison.

“Come on, you guys,” Armando stated good-naturedly. “We don’t wanna be late for homeroom. Let’s go to class.”

Amanda, on the other hand, was itching to break free and read the now-consolidated Ryan for filth. That bastard owes me some answers, she said as she let her male counterpart take over the wheel. Who does he think he is? He can’t be going through with this, right? Right? 

You’ll never forget the first time! “Nacirema Requiem” is back with new updates, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

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Current Mood Board: AI-Generated Gowns

I am currently working on a novel titled "The Passion of Sean Gillain read it on Wattpad by clicking here)". In the story, I am sharing images of seven gowns that the main male character would have designed—or may still design—for the upcoming Fashion Showcase at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). These gowns are generated by artificial intelligence for inspiration purposes only. I would appreciate your thoughts on them. Invisible Timeless Rustic Roots Cotton Armor Inferno […]

https://unscriptedjarrickexum.wordpress.com/2026/08/06/current-mood-board-ai-generated-gowns/

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-Length Chapter Preview

FLASHBACK (United We Stand, Divided We Fall)…

One would think and hope that the drama regarding my father’s intense confrontation with me and my grandparents’ boycott against any events centering around Jessica and/or Ra’Keem would remain behind closed doors.

Unfortunately, you’d be wrong.

Because in Adams Falls- in Twiggs County where people knew one another, to be exact…gossip tends to run like a raging river. And it wasn’t long before the community had their opinions regarding the boycott against Horace and Maeve as well as two of their star children.

Some of them were supportive for me. “Your mama and papa knew what they were doing when they placed you in your grandparents’ care when you were a baby, Sean,” Deacon Eldridge said to me after Sunday school (the day after Grandpa Emmett and I went fishing instead of attending one of Ra’Keem’s athletic workshops). “And I’m not too surprised on how your family acts all self-righteous with their riches and status. Like the Good Book says, boy, so say I: pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. You keep your mind on the farm and your schooling. God has a plan for you.”

“I really never liked your sister’s fashion line nor her reality-show appearances on TV,” Mrs. Candler, my tenth-grade literature teacher, remarked when she learned that I didn’t watch Jessica on TV on one occasion. “She’s too flashy and arrogant for her own good. Her twin brother’s no better. My daughter went to UGA with him and she heard some things that I shouldn’t tell you. You’re doing good for standing your ground, Sean. Keep your head clear and your feet on the ground, and you can’t go wrong.”

Then you have the ones who…well, they mean well. But they prefer status over sensibility. “Your brother Ra’Keem’s going places, boy,” Coach Waddell said to me at lunch, him being surprised to know that I never preferred college or professional football. “He’s leading the Falcons to a strong season, and he’s making a difference in middle Georgia. You may not like him or anything, but he wants to reach out to you. Put aside those differences and pettiness for once. You’d be surprised on what you can experience when you let winners like him lead you to the right path.”

“Sean, it’s unhealthy for you to spend too much time with your grandparents,” Ms. Taylor (the school counselor) said when she learned that I wasn’t bonding with my parents as I should. “I know that you have your strong opinions about your parents and how they expect so much from you with wanting you to be outgoing and all. And it’s normal because you should have a life of your own outside the farm. Try calling them up sometime and let them arrange a day with you. No matter what, Sean, your parents want what’s best for you.”

Please! If Horace and Maeve Gillain really wanted what’s best for me, they would’ve have supported my dreams for helping out at ValleyStone Farms and the general store.

And as for my parents, Ra’Keem, and Jessica themselves? The invites and carrot-and-stick routines kept coming, yet my grandparents and I stood our ground.

Jessica wanting me to join her and her party-centric friends for a summer in Tybee Island with paid expenses? I was already planning activities for the church’s Vacation Bible School.

Ra’Keem wanted me to join him and Dad in New York for a guys-only weekend for the MLB All-Star Game? Grandpa and I were talking about plans for expanding the land to include cotton crops and we sat down for an interview for GPB.

The guilt-trips (“Come on, Sean. This really has to stop. You owe us this to bond with us.”), not-so-subtle jibes (“You really don’t care about this family, don’t you?”), and emotional blackmail (“Think about Jamal and Monica. They might think you resent them by snubbing all of us.”) never stopped and yet I wasn’t going to kowtow until Mom and Dad started seeing me as an equal.

“Sean, you know that you’re being unfair right now,” Mom said over the phone after refusing to join her and Jessica for dinner in favor of attending a nearby church’s choir anniversary. “Really, do you really think that you can achieve something out of this boycott? Your grandparents have brainwashed you into accepting the hillbilly life when you have so much to offer.”

“Mom, you’re the one who turned your back on Grandma and Grandpa because you weren’t satisfied with your background as if you were ashamed of them,” I replied. “No wonder that Uncle Jace and his family hate you because you think that you’re too good for anyone who didn’t share your vision.”

“That’s different because I knew I was meant for more. I never liked living in Adams Falls, and I don’t like it now. You, on the other hand, have this chip on your shoulder because we prefer your younger and older siblings over you.”

And there it was, the truth as clear as day. “You really think that?”

A pause. Then, “As much as I hate to admit it, it’s the truth. Sean, in life there are three kinds of kids: the ones who are naturally gifted and are willing to show it, the ones who have to work twice as hard in order to be taken seriously, and the ones who just don’t fit the ideal no matter how hard they try. And sadly, you fit the third category. But it’s up to you whether to be tied down to rocks and sink to the deep where you’ll drown or ride the coattails on the ones who want you to come out on top.”

“And your point?”

“End this boycott and start showing up to Ra’Keem and Jessica’s events and gatherings,” Mom answered plainly. “Next school year, you transfer to Southwest or Westside where your father and I can keep a closer eye on you and train you to be a winner. Come on, Sean. Don’t you think that you owe this family some loyalty, or are you really too good for the parents who brought you to this world?”

I inhaled deeply. “If being a hillbilly means being too good for living life in the fast lane, then so be it. And for the record, you and Dad may have brought me into this world but it was Grandma and Grandpa who have raised me to be practical and even-minded,” I replied. And before Mom could even reply, I ended the call.

I turned to my grandparents who heard the whole conversation. “You guys,” I began.

“No need to say another word, Sean,” Grandpa cut me off. “The boycott still stands as long as you say so.”

I nodded. “United we stand, divided we fall.”

“Amen,” Grandma echoed before the three of us hugged, the sounds of country living humming in the summer evening.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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Quote of the Week

What is your favorite quote?

“Nothing really ends. For things to change they have to stay the same again…

“AMERICAN REQUIIEM” by Beyoncé

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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Full-length Chapter Preview

https://www.wattpad.com/story/386099457-the-passion-of-sean-gillain

Flashback (The Boycott)…

“Sean, come downstairs after washing up and getting ready for church, please,” Grandma Evaline’s voice said.

“I’m on my way,” I hollered after finishing tying my church shoes. Last night’s dinner party where Ra’Keem and everyone else dogging me for being attached to the farm and not being citified was the last straw. And when the time came, I was going to make sure that I’d never be anywhere near that group of self-righteous snobs for as long as I lived. Nodding at my reflection and being satisfied in my black-and-white church clothes, I headed downstairs and was greeted by the smells of freshly-baked biscuits and fried sausage patties while my grandparents (Also in their Sunday best) were waiting for me.

“Sean, how are you holding up after last night?” Grandpa Emmett asked me.

I inhaled sharply. “Like I never want to attend another dinner that celebrates Ra’Keem, Jessica, or even my younger siblings Monica and Jamal ever again,” I replied. “No offense, but it’s fair for me to say that Mom and Dad never liked me because I’m too countrified and attached to Adams Falls and Twiggs County. They never asked me what I liked doing, but discredited me for being too complacent or dogging me for not being like Ra’Keem.”

“And do you think that you want to go to another dinner or celebration hosted by your parents again?” Grandma Evaline asked.

I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Not if it means being under harsh criticism or judgmental stares.”

My grandparents glanced at each other, nodding twice. “That’s all we want to know and hear, Sean,” Grandpa stated. “Because after last night’s fiasco and your grandparents gaslighting and emotional blackmail towards you, your grandma and I think that it’s time to show your parents and older siblings that you matter. That means until they start acting right, we’re not going to any of their dinners, barbeques, house parties, or watch parties that would involve making you feel like you’re worthless.”

I blinked twice. “Grandpa and Grandma, are you guys sure about this? I mean, I don’t want you two to go on strike on my account and deny yourselves the chance to bond with them.”

“Baby, you matter as much as your brothers and sisters matter,” Grandma explained, giving me a sad smile. “And though we don’t wanna have to separate ourselves from Jamal and Monica, the good has to suffer with the bad. It’s either this whole family supports you, or they don’t. So beginning today, we’re distancing ourselves from the family until your parents show you equal love as they do with Ra’Keem and Jessica.”

I only nodded as Grandpa began serving breakfast. And so began the family boycott that would be the longest ever.

Ra’Keem’s attending training camp and has invited everyone to attend the first-day barbeque? Grandpa and I were planning to work on the peach harvest.

Jessica announcing her fashion show that would be a televised special on CBS? Grandma and I went to attend a church’s anniversary and potluck dinner.

Dad wanting to show off Jamal’s summertime basketball game championship? The general store was more important at this time of year since an increase of tourists was imminent.

For two months, Dad and Mom kept sending the invites my way, “for me to get my head out of my behind and to bond with my siblings (as stated by Dad himself).” But neither my grandparents and I would back down, not even when Mom turned on her waterworks, Dad threatening me to send me to military school, or when Ra’Keem himself came down and had the nerve to humiliate me at a Sunday service. If not for one of the strong-spined church mothers giving Ra’Keem a verbal smackdown, I’d have died of embarrassment.

“Your parents and older brothers are a piece of work, Sean,” A’Niah said after that service and she and Ra’Mell met with me in the teens’ fellowship hall. “Maybe it was best that you boycotted everyone, you and your grandparents.”

“But you gotta watch your back,” Ra’Mell warned. “Things might turn nasty without any warning and your folks will definitely want to get on your nerves.”

“That’s the chance my grandparents and I will have to take,” I had replied. “Until Mom and Dad start accepting me for who I am, the strike will continue.”

Things finally turned on its head on month two of the boycott when Dad showed up unannounced when Grandpa Emmett and I turned down an invite to watch a Falcons scrimmage game against each other in Flowery Branch in favor of attending the first fall revival at a church in Juliette. “Sean, you’re humiliating your brother by not showing him any support,” he has seethed angrily when he took over the living room. To my nonplussed grandparents, “And the two of you are encouraging him with this strike he’s playing.”

“We’re not encouraging him to do anything but to do what’s right,” Grandpa replied stiffly. “Your wife- my daughter- is allowing YOU to be this cold-hearted father who praises two of his sons for being like you while she’s loving her two daughters for being like her. Meanwhile, Sean’s doing his damndest to find his own way by helping me and my wife on the farm, and y’all are throwing stones at him because he’s not good-looking or athletic like either of y’all.”

“Sometimes, you gotta clown the weakest link to make him grow up,” Dad sneered.

“And that’s why I don’t want a single thing to do with your so-called dream of perfection,” I interjected. “I may not be what you or Mom imagined or expected, but I’m at least putting in the effort in helping out when I can and wherever I can in my own way.”

“But your way is not good enough for me, Sean, and you know it. Tell me this, are you even going to consider being under my wing and learn something from me, are you too good for anyone who’s not a countrified hick like you?”

Time to cut my losses, folks. “I rather be countrified and real than a pathetic and future disaster like Ra’Keem, Jessica, or even you and Mom. And if it means being too good to be a city kid, then I’ll stand the loss.”

Dad looked tired and yet ready to beat the living shit out of me. He let out a frustrated groan and shook his head. “You just don’t get it, boy,” he grunted. “You have so much potential and passion, yet you won’t even use it.”

I shrugged my shoulders in a flippant manner. “Because passion is meant for the foolish and the birds. Better to look at it with contempt than to try and fall flat on my face.”

“Will you at least consider attending Jessica’s birthday party next week? It’ll be in Atlanta since it’ll tie in with the first Falcons preseason game against the Eagles, and-“

“Am I allowed to dress like I want to?” I interrupted.

Dad inhaled sharply. “There’s going to be important people, so you’ll need to dress as if you belong,” he began.

“Then we’re not attending the party or the football game,” Grandpa said sharply. “If Sean can’t be allowed to be himself at your events starring your oldest kids, then he’s not going at all. And neither will we.”

Dad looked livid. “You really don’t want to disappoint me or your family, Sean. Do you?” he said threateningly.

And then I said the one thing that would be my momentous catchphrase regarding my father’s vision. “I’ve been disappointing you the moment I was born,” I said calmly. “Why should anything be different now?”

Dad just gave me a dirty glare and walked out the house, getting straight into his BMW that looked out of place in front of a farmhouse and drove away.

“That went well,” Grandpa stated. “But you know that this isn’t going to be over, Sean. Not by a long shot.”

“All the more reason to keep boycotting and do our thing,” Grandma agreed as she stood up and faced me. “And Sean? Never let your father dictate your future. His loss is our win. You know where you stand, right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.

“Then stand on those principles and God’s Word, yet be mindful to pray for your parents and siblings. They’ll see what they’re missing and wish that they stood by you in the first place.”

I wanted to believe her, but knew that my parents were as stiff-necked as I was. And the funny part of it all was that I knew that I admired them for it.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Paassion of Sean Gillain,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“Edge of Seventeen” Final Sneak Preview and Planning a Sequel

Skylar’s POV

Homecoming week, day three…

As expected, my cousins and I were with Tiana, Israel, Jinyao, and Thierry at their usual Wild-Card table for lunch the following day after I spent it with being involved with setting up the tables in the library for the Chess Club’s intramural championship, getting with the AV Club for the concert band’s November concert, and dealing with the usual pre-midterm preparations. And the topic, of course, was about myself and the ongoing Greenlee/Enrique/Jorge affair. “Skylar, we’ve been meeting with Jason regarding the mess with Jorge and Enrique as well as Greenlee and her gang,” Jinyao said as she finished her bite of beet-green salad. “And we’ve been noticing the students and teachers forming this unwarranted great divide as all eyes will be on you to make your choice.”

Sure enough, half of the lunchroom were all for “Team O’Pinero (with ribbons and wristbands in the colors of gold and green)” and the other half were for “Team O’Fernandez (with the colors of gold and red).” Even a few of the lunch ladies were choosing a side. Those who weren’t were mainly the janitors and the stoners with the latter group being too high to care who’d I pick.

“Of course, you know that you can’t afford to risk failing the year-long school project by announcing to drop out of the Homecoming festivities or making requests to change partners,” Israel added, my attention back on the Afro-Chilean teenager. “Still, we Wild-Cards here know that we don’t get involved in these matters because we’re nonpartisan to the matter or any other faction. The only time we can interfere is when things stat getting more drastic and reckless. And I fear that it’ll happen as soon as either tomorrow or Friday.”

“So what can I do?” I asked.

“Right now, you prepare for all scenarios,” Tiana replied. “Whether you choose to be with Pinero or Fernandez, you know that there’s going to be a major fallout centering around you. Half of the senior-only teachers will turn on you while the other half will rally for your cause. Some of the other jocks won’t be as friendly as they’re strained to be around you because they’re friends with either guy. And the cheerleaders and female students will be ready to throw a lot of dirt on your reputation.”

Thanks for the reminder of a planned apocalypse that’s aimed my way…NOT!

“And regarding your family, we wish we could say that there’s not going to me much drama on that front,” Thierry stated. “But you know that’s not true. And your godparents as well as Enrique’s will be at odds with you and your family.”

“That’s all fine and all, but our cousin needs some advice since Homecoming is not far along,” Andretta said as she sat down her taco. To me, “What’s really on your mind on whom you’re choosing, Sky?”

I sighed. “Not much except that I don’t want to hurt either guy,” I admitted. “And I’m afraid. I’m so afraid of losing everyone’s respect and support because I don’t want to play bad-guy and yet-“

Thierry’s phone started buzzing, as did Jinyao’s, Israel’s, and Tiana’s. “What? What’s going on?” I asked as more phones in the cafeteria began buzzing and the usual chatter began to simmer down.

Jinyao picked up her phone and glanced at the screen, a look of pure shock and horror in her eyes before she began cursing in her native tongue.

“Uh, something tells me that whatever the hell is going on is not good,” Andelle remarked uneasily just as her and her twin’s phone began buzzing while a harried Principal Lewis and his wife raced to our table. “Excuse us, but now is not the time or-“

“Andelle and Andretta, are your parents at work or anything?” Vice-Principal Lewis interrupted.

Andretta frowned. “No, ma’am. They got the day off. Why?”

“We’re going to need you girls to spend time with Skylar for the rest of the day,” the principal muttered as he shot me a sad glance. “Skylar, you’re to take your midterms at home tomorrow and Friday and you’re exempt from the Homecoming festivities. Your parents, grandparents, and the teachers have been notified.”

I didn’t like where this was going. “Principal Lewis, what is going on?”

Then my phone rang, causing everyone to gasp in alarm. “Skylar, you really don’t need to open that text,” Jinyao said, voice laced with sadness. “Please, don’t.”

But curiosity got the better of me as I grabbed my phone and saw that it was from Greenlee. Sorry for this, Sky, the message read, but you should’ve known better.

Attached to the message was a link to an image. And despite the growing dread in my stomach, I knew that I had to open the link. I pressed the “Open Image” link, inhaling sharply as I braced myself for the worst.

But what I got…was worse than the worst. All I remembered was my cousins racing to my side as the room spun around and around.

“Oh, fuck…an ambulance…”

“…did his ass dirty…”

“…not going…away with this…”

And then the blackness consumed me. And this felt worse than being ganged up by Greenlee’s goons.

Because betrayal always feels worse than any form of physical torture.

The last six chapters will be up this week regarding “Edge of Seventeen,” but there will be NO MORE previews after today. You’ll never forget the first time! Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! And there WILL be a sequel beginning next year! Details to be announced! 

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“The Guardian of Couture” Sneak Preview

“I actually can’t believe that we have the grandson of Joseph and Elodie Mae Lancaster and Henry and Rachael Monroe as the newest Guardian, taking up the same role that his parents denied,” Francis said as he, his fellow Couture senior members, and the other editors-in-chief and their assistants were taking in what’s been said. “Part of me still thinks that we’re waiting for him to change his mind- grab that NDA and walk away with only the memories of his first two weeks at Couture.”

“Well, Francis, he didn’t sign that NDA and I don’t think he plans to,” Emilia remarked, shaking her head and smirking to himself. “Alcide’s meaning what he says and saying what he means. He has nowhere else to return to in Texas as his state-trooper older brother and his cronies will shoot him dead if he returns. And if not for that, he basically burned all his bridges regarding his hometown and his family.”

“And speaking of family, what’s your take on his younger sister Paige?” Jim Nelson from GQ asked. “Anyone else thinks that she’s a bit lofty in what she said?”

“I would’ve known via Dark Mauve if the young woman’s words weren’t being as truthful,” Anna Wintour replied. “Same for Ellen. Some of those heroes at that ballroom have the ability to tell the difference between liars and honest people. And they’ve been listening in on this meeting. There’s no form of deception from that young woman.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean that she wasn’t training herself to hide her emotions,” Francis rebutted. “Then again, Alcide did say that he never had a proper chance to get to know her better since their parents kept them apart.”

“Back to the matter at hand, we do need to prepare ourselves for the rest of the weekend as well as prepare Alcide,” Ellen stated. “He and the other interns- River, Gio, and Kumiko- will be still on the clock with performing errands for everyone while being prepped for the first real event: New York Fashion Week. And let’s not forget that they’ll be at tomorrow evening’s gala that features the villains and rogues as well as the Mafia families.”

Blanca nodded. “Ra’Keem, Ja’Nisha, and Snow had themselves a ball getting the theme Walking on the Dark Side: The Sartiorial Finesse of the Fashion Underworld in line with the decor and commissioning the other designers to create the dark-themed gowns and tuxedoes,” she stated. “We know most of these celebrities from tonight will be there tomorrow as will Trump and his brood, the Obamas, the Bushes, and even the Clintons. But we’ll also see some of the foreign dignitaries from the UK- Scotland in particular, Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Japan, and even Brazil and Mexico. Megan Thee Stallion has RSVP’d as have Cardi B and Offset, Gene Simmons from KISS, T.I., and several other celebrities.”

“Hot damn,” Derrick whistled. “I bet these new Guardians will be on their radar more if they haven’t yet. Especially Alcide since this moment has been waited for everyone’s whole lives. He was so…well, chill isn’t the proper way to say it when the reveal happened. But it’s kind of accurate. Did I even mention that the Usos and the McMahons have won bets on how these kids would reacted? They won the pot and then some.”

Ellen fought the urge to smile. “Alcide’s definitely like me when I was his age,” she mused. “But it doesn’t mean that his journey’s going to be any easier. He and the others are stepping into a whole new world where fashion and comic books collide in more ways than one. And I promised my late friends that Alcide would be as prepared for the challenges ahead. But it’ll be up to him to make his own choices and cut his own losses…”

You’ll never forget the first time!  Catch up with the first 15 chapters of ” The Guardian of Couture” today, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

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Weekly Wrap-Up Check-In

Hey, y’all. JDE here. And as you can tell, it’s almost the end of the first half of 2026 and yours truly is feeling all types of emotions and yet needs to pull it together.

As I write this post, I’m wondering what my next move will be like for the rest of this year regarding not just my writing career but also my personal life. And yours truly is thinking about making some move that may or may not jeopardize my already-strained relationship with my family members. I won’t get into all the details, but you can say that I’ve been told what to do and how to do it and yet want to be taken seriously and have independence for life. Because I know that nothing can last forever and I need to start preparing for life outside my family when they pass on.

As for my current job, I’ve been learning a lot about work as a front-service clerk (janitor, cart-service manager, and bagger) at the grocery store and yet I still need to know more about financial stability and all that. Seems like I have to know more about my futures and understanding how it’s serving customers despite how I’m feeling. I’m improving, trust me, but I’m understanding that I can do more.

And when it comes to my writing career, I understand that I need to continue to find the balance between my work life and my creative-writing life- let myself make time for writing, blogging, and creating. Now, I am going to make this clear: I’m going to invest more time in writing poetry again since I’ve been looking at my old portfolio that’s full of written poetry coming from 2017 and 2018. And I intend to transcribe them as well as a short-story piece that I’ve also written back in 2018. I don’t know when I’ll publish them, but when I do I’ll be sure to make the announcement when the time comes. This is going to be when I share all my aspects of my life in my rhapsodic spoken words.

As for my stories on Wattpad, I’ll be working on my ongoing pieces- three of them being close to finished before the end of July while the rest of them being finished by the end of the year. And I intend to publish one of them by next year. All I ask is that you bear with me as I get through with them all while sharing sneak previews and what to expect. And remember, folks, that I’ll be starting a spinoff blog known as “Unscripted Jarrick Exum” and the launch date for that website is set for my 35th birthday (August 29th).

This new blog will detail everything regarding my ongoing journey as an indie/self-published author, my life with Asperger’s Disorder (autism), and my take of the world’s version of events. And I will give you fair warning: I won’t be holding back. So get ready for the official launch, you guys, because I intend to be unfiltered and unapologetically authentic about myself and how I see the world.

With that said, you guys, I thank you all for listening to my words and giving me this space for venting my emotions. I still feel a bit mentally and emotionally exhausted, but I am feeling better about talking about what I want for my next move in life and what I’m envisioning for my future. As for any future sneak previews from my ongoing stories on Wattpad, I will share something next week. I will see you guys later.

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“Nacirema Requiem” Sneak Preview

Gentle readers, the thrill of excitement and cheer was in the hallways of Northwest Grambling High School as the first football game of the season means that both the school itself and the opponent (this year being Southeast Grambling High) were hosting the events leading to the game and the dance afterwards. Even more so, despite the fact that Corwyn Allerdyce and her fellow band of anti-Nacirema allies were out on their hate-centered campaigns.

As for Ryan Samuels and Amanda Tybee (now sharing the respective bodies of the gay African-American version of Ryan and Armando Rivera), it only means that they needed to be prepared for the challenges to come as they were experiencing a world that was contrary to what they were taught by their extremist-centered grandparents (who were in hell). And for Amanda (sharing Armando’s body and memories), she- or rather he- was going to have to face the things that she stood against in her old life. For Ryan, it meant being able to live a life he was forbidden to have.

Currently, they were meeting with Trenetta and Ivy (the captains of the football team) to talk about the first planned event: the town-hall meeting hosted by both schools. “I’m sure you guys know that we’re going to need to make sure that everyone is going to be on their best behavior,” Trenetta said as they met over lunch. “With these hate-mongering folks coming around, this only means that no one is going to start any fights and force us to cancel the game and future games.”

Armando nodded.

“What about Corwyn and her gang?” Ryan wanted to know, eyes narrowing in silts. “I mean, I know she has no choice but to work with us if she wants to graduate, but I’m not happy with the idea of her being around Armando if she’s going to be around either of us.”

Neither am I, Amanda said in Armando’s head. And I’m not thrilled about this whole gala, either.

You have no other choice, the real Armando shot back. This is part of your transmigratory experience to see what it’s like to be me.

Out loud, “I’m inclined to agree, but our hands are tied on that front. At least Ryan can make sure that I’m kept on my toes and away from Allerdyce’s grasp.”

“Yeah, but for how long?” Ivy asked as she shot Armando a concerned glance. “You know about what happened at her party, right? I wanted to punch her after that stunt she did with her seducing you in her bed.”

Wait, you were seduced in her bed? What in blue blazes did that bitch do to you? Amanda exclaimed in horror.

Armando brushed her off, focusing on the present moment at hand. “Well, it’s not going to work this time,” he promised himself. “Her kissing me twice and groping me at the first meeting proved that she’s too brazen, but we got work to do.”

“And so we will,” Trenetta responded, clapping her hands twice. “Now, the town-hall meeting is scheduled for tonight at Southeast Grambling, and all the football players from both schools will be there as well as the captains of all the sports teams from both schools. WSTC is providing the media coverage as it’s set to air live during the six-o’-clock news on their subchannel. And yeah, the town mayor’s going to be there, so make sure to stay on the adults’ good sides.”

After a bit of small talk and watching the football teams leave, Ryan faced Armando, letting his former self shine through as Amanda did the same. “You okay?” he asked…

Is everything okay, readers? You’ll find out when you read “Nacirema Requiem” as it returns with all new chapters! You’ll never forget the first time. Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Chapter 8 Sneak Preview

“Mr. Gillain, your old designs that you submitted for your application packet are what we call hidden gems,” Ms. Demorest, my drawing teacher and fashion advisor, stated as I was kept back after learning the basics of composition and design. “Still, we think that there could be more vibrance and flair in some of your works.”

“I mainly was inspired by how I was living in a small town, the theme being rustic yet sophisticated nature of it all,” I stated. “Now, I will admit that there could be room for improvement since my artwork mainly came from middle school. But something told me that things are fine as they are.”

“Even so, Mr. Gillain, I can’t help but wonder if your work is a bit…well, distant and dialed down, as if they tell a story of someone who had to hold back and not give away too much.”

I inhaled sharply. “What are you saying?”

Ms. Demorest gave me a pointed stare. “Mr. Gillain, you basically lack passion in your craft,” she intoned gently. “It’s as if you’re trying to hide who you truly are.”

I hated when people call me out on that. “Ms. Demorest,” I began.

“I’m not trying to offend you, dear, but maybe you need to start with the basics of being an artist before going into the world of designing clothes. You need to start showing people who you want to become by looking within yourself. Tell me something, why do you hold back? What is it that you don’t want people to know about you?”

I sat back in my chair, my heart pounding even as I kept a calm facade. “There’s not much to know about me, ma’am,” I replied. “But in all honesty, I’m trying to find out what my ‘passion’ in life is. You and the other teachers know my story by now, how I was sent here after a health scare when I finished senior year in high school. For the most part, I feel like every single day that I wake up is like I have to be in survival mode. Going through the motions is kind of my normalcy back home.”

Ms. Demorest nodded. “And did you feel like you can’t open up to anyone?” she asked.

“Only when it comes to-” I stopped mid-sentence, not wanting to dive into THAT topic. “I can’t fully talk about it yet, ma’am. All I can tell you is that I’m learning what it means to live and not just survive while being a fashion student.”

The older woman nodded twice. “Well, maybe it’s best that you start by channeling what you’re dealing with into your work and classwork,” she suggested. “I want you to not only learn the basics of fashion for your time here at RISD, but also work on a collection that shows the real version of you. Realness comes from within your heart and soul, not just your mind and body. I want you to be authentic with your craft while rebuilding your art from the ground up. Think you can do that?”

I nodded. “I can try, but-“

“Don’t just try, Sean. REALLY go for it and push yourself, but remember to ask for grace and patience while you work.”

I inhaled deeply. “I can work with that, Ms. Demorest. And if it helps, I’m seeing a therapist to help me cope with my past and all.”

“Go for it, Mr. Gillain. And never be afraid to start being a part of the RISD social life. There’s a world of opportunities around the corner. Enjoy yourself, but remember your priorities…”

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain” has returned with all new chapters starting this weekend, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Returns: Sean Gillain in His Own Words

After several months of radio silence, the story returns with a new voice and a new flavor!

Just my luck!

My family is known to pull low-blows on me, but them selling the family farm (with Grandpa and Grandma’s blessing) is the lowest of the low. Even for their standards. Not only that, they went and filed a college application behind my back, and in Newport, Rhode Island, of all places yet! The sad fact of it all was that it was all done even as I was recovering from a health scare that landed me in the hospital right after my high-school graduation.

If I had any real say, I’d fight everyone to get the farm and family home back. Unfortunately, I didn’t. The worse part of it all, however, is that I’ll be moving in with my gay uncle and his family who will make sure that I focus on having fun and enjoy the city life as a college kid while monitoring my health. So, what’s a brother to do at this point? Well, I can only make the most of this situation and go with the flow. But one thing will be mandatory: passions will not be on my agenda since I viewed them to be distracting and unnecessary. What I need is routine and order, not pointless fantasies or falling for my cousins’ friends. I have my standards, after all. Just sayin’.

“The Passion of Sean Gillain” has returned to Wattpad as I get things back on track. But this time, I am going to give the story a more dramatic yet flavorful storyline. The first 7 chapters are available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad right now, but chapters 8 and 9 will be republished tomorrow afternoon. After that, new chapters return beginning this Saturday.

You’ll never forget the first time! TPSG is back for the Summer Wattpad Games, and you’re going to want more and more! Don’t miss it!

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