Anyway, I have my Google news set to tell me about writing contests. When one from CrossBooks popped up asking for Christian manuscripts, well, I couldn't help myself. They really made it too easy when they said that manuscripts must pass their "Theological Review" and meet their "Statement of Faith" requirements, the latter of which lists literally every biblical passage that they believe in. I enjoy debating religion, especially with myself (I never truly buy my arguments, haha), so I'm excited for a number of reasons, but am going to Hell because here's the first page:
Chapter
1
“Are you sure this is going to
work?”
“Yes. Totally.” Rebecca scanned
the book. “Maybe. I hope?”
I sighed and rested my chin in my
hand. Rebecca had been telling me for weeks that she could end my lonely life
forever. Figuring that I’d at least be entertained by a few hours, I decided to
let her into my kitchen. Four hours later, I was seriously regretting it. There
was dried goop on the ceiling that I knew no amount of scrubbing would remove.
I was mentally calculating the
cost of new drywall and painting when Rebecca let out a whoop of excitement. “That
should do it. He just needs to rest for a half hour or so and then he’s all
yours.”
I looked down at what had previously
been a pile of dust on my kitchen island and was surprised to see the chiseled
features of a well-formed male. I blushed and jumped off the bar stool to grab
the towel hanging on the stove to cover him.
“Aww, come on! That’s the best
part,” Rebecca said, laughing.
“The man deserves some respect.” I
blinked. “Rebecca. There’s a naked man on my island.”
“I know. Isn’t it great?” She
grinned.
“How is there a naked man on my
island?”
Rebecca held up the ancient book. “I
followed the recipe.”
“I see.” I looked down at the
impossible man. He was extremely
handsome, his dark hair shining under the florescent lights. I knew that under
the closed eyelids lined with the longest of dark lashes were eyes of pale
blue, almost grey. His jaw was square, his nose straight and perfectly proportioned
to his fine cheekbones. His bare chest was equally defined with broad
shoulders, pronounced pectorals, and strong abs tapering to a narrow waist…covered
in the tea towel.
I felt my blush return and averted
my eyes. “He needs clothes.”
Rebecca pouted. “Why?! He looks
too good to cover up. Plus, doesn’t the Bible say, ‘And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not
ashamed’?”[1]
“First of all, he’s not my husband…”
“That’s what I built him for.”
“Second, this isn’t ancient times. There are decency laws.
What if someone sees him?”
“He’s lying in your kitchen. Anyone who sees him was either
invited in by you or is peeking through your windows. It’s not like he’s walking
around outside.”
