The Gorgeous Slaughter Read online

  And I smile, knowing that deer is alive. And I remember the nice paramedic who held my hand. Brad Cruz. I think I need someone more like him. Someone who actually cares what happens to me. I bet his name isn’t that common in this town, would be simple enough to look up. We’re more alike than he knows, he and I. But I know he felt it that day, in the back of that ambulance. I know when he smiled at me and held my hand, there was so much more he wanted to say. I saw it. And I think he could love someone like me. I think he’s nice enough to try.

  And my mother’s voice rings in my ears again.

  There are always more butterflies to chase.

  Remembering this does something for me, gives me a precious thing. I think they call it hope.

  I see something now. I’ve finally learned something amidst the bloodshed and letdowns. Beginnings are beautiful. The potential, the hope, the realization that you can still feel. But the endings are where the magic happens. The world crashing down around you as you reassemble all the parts that make you. The slaughter, if you think about it, it’s gorgeous.

  Acknowledgments

  Jen and Kat, my ride or dies. I don’t know where I’d be without you two. Thank you for existing.

  Caroline, thank you for sharing the Love, and for all your advice and support over the years. One day, we will meet at a mall.

  Cynthia, for keeping me sane through the ups and downs of all the what ifs behind this project (and others).

  To everyone who beta read both versions of this book about two years ago when it was just learning how to walk, thank you for your feedback.

  To my Heathens. Thank you for sticking it out with me. For your patience. And most of all, for the memes.

  To every blogger, bookstagrammer, and reader that has shared my work, read my work, loved or hated my work. You have no idea how much I appreciate you.

  I love you guys. ‘Til next time. Stay weird, yall.

  Also By Christina Hart

  Nothing Fantastically Absurd

  The Rosebush Series:

  Lavender and Smoke

  Woods and Ash

  Rose and Dust

  Fresh Skin

  Synthetic Love

  The Summer of Secrets, Book 1: Ruin Me

  Poetry:

  Empty Hotel Rooms Meant for Us

  Letting Go is an Acquired Taste

  There is Beauty in the Bleeding

  Don’t Tell Me to Be Quiet

  Our Water Graveyard

  About the Author

  Christina Hart is an author, editor, and animal whisperer. She has a BA in Creative Writing and English with a specialization in fiction. Her four self-published poetry collections have all become bestsellers. They can be found online, along with her six novels. Traditional publications include The Chapstick Chick (Unknown Press) and The Father They Didn't Know (Penmen Review). In her spare time, she plays with other people's books while simultaneously driving them insane in the process. She hopes you will read her other books and/or hire her to edit yours. She also hates writing bios.

  Email: [email protected]

  Facebook Reader Group: Hart’s Heathens