When I first wrote my "My Destiny" draft, I planned that the story would conclude in two to three parts. However, as I developed characters and a storyline, it ended up being 13 parts. The main reason for the "blowout" was to keep each part/chapter at a reasonable length for the readers to enjoy. Each section would flow into the next to keep the reader enthralled
I set the story in Australia, introducing some unique terms and sayings. To avoid reader confusion, I have minimised the language and different measurements while keeping it Australian at its core.
This story is a work of fiction. I have not knowingly written about any person or event. If the characters' actions are similar to a real person or event, I apologise and will edit the story should this be brought to my attention.
Within the story, there are three references to violence against women. I do not support this; the perpetrators receive the punishment they deserve within the story. Also, all those who participate in sexual activities are above the legal age of consent.
All those who participate in sexual activities are above the legal age of consent. While there are references to Bi Sexual activities along with Incest activities, the story remains centred on the female same-sex activities of the main characters.
I have introduced several topics to add to the story and to give me additional topics to expand on the activities of my characters.
With your help and feedback, I have revised this chapter so it flows better as the story develops. I am also more confident that my punctuation and spelling are of a more professional standard than my first draft.
Version 02, Please enjoy
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"Well, this is unexpected," I thought as I moved closer to the front of the meet-and-greet line for the birthday ball. I didn't even want to attend as I am not a great fan of all the formality accompanying military functions. Still, my current manager, the base Commanding Officer and his wife thought it would be a great idea to parade their visiting foreign AFP investigator in front of all the rich and influential dignities in attendance. But here I was, two steps away from facing my past; I had no escape. Before I knew it, I was at the head of the line, looking into the eyes of someone I hadn't seen or heard from in over 20 years. At first, they seemed to struggle to recognise me, but then the shock on their faces betrayed a wall of emotions. He dropped the glass of champagne he was holding while she put her hands to her mouth in shock. As the Commander introduced me, I held out my hand to shake his, and with a calm and controlled voice, I greeted them, hello, Father, Mother, you both look well.
The stunned silence from my parents, the hosts and the line behind allowed me to move forward and away from my parents. Even though I am not a drinker, I took a flute of champagne from one of the servers and moved outside to the gardens, giving me space to get my swirling mind in order.
It is best to start at the beginning of explaining how I became estranged from my family and a Senior investigating officer in a foreign country's Federal Police Force. It has been a long and exciting adventure that started nearly 40 years ago when I was born into a wealthy and established family as a twin to my brother Eric. You would expect this to have set me up for an easy life, but it was more complicated. You see, I was born female.
My name is Elizabeth Richards, Beth to my friends. As mentioned, I come from a well-to-do family. The polite term is we came from "old money." The family fortunes were made during the early gold rush era before subsequent patriarchs invested well in oil and transport. These days, the diverse range of businesses and assets controlled by the family is immense; my great-great-grandfather advocated not putting all your eggs in one basket. It's a shame my parents forgot about this when I entered the picture.
When we were born, my Father had his heir and was overjoyed; I was surplus to requirements and would eventually be married to a suitable family. Very old-fashioned thinking, but welcome to my family. Even with my future Destiny set, I wasn't deprived in any way growing up; I was trained and prepared for my future. I was well educated and afforded opportunities with my fitness and artistic abilities. At a young age, I became a competitive swimmer and accomplished musician. I also was given all the resources and opportunities to develop my love of photography. Various nannies and tutors supervised my upbringing, ensuring I was well-disciplined and never wasted precious time. My life was more regulated than fun, but I avoided scrutiny and punishment as long as I towed the line.
In contrast, my brother was my parents' pride and joy. While Eric received the best education and resources for a successful life, he was rarely held back by rules and discipline. In my Father's eyes, he was the future, and butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. We were close once, but as we grew older, our separation grew so that he never acknowledged me. I became his sister in words only; all the love and connection we once had as siblings was lost.
It was no surprise, my resentment of my place within the family grew, as did my rebellious behaviour. My behaviour became an issue when I hit my teens and puberty struck. At first, my obnoxious attitude was rewarded with periods of confinement to my room, but eventually, I regularly felt my Father's wrath with the old leather belt.