Becoming Bloody Mary is on sale!

Becoming Bloody Mary is on sale today through July 6th for just .99 cents on amazon! If you haven't grabbed this little short story I wrote for a writing competition now is the time to get it for your Kindle! Scroll down to get a sneak peek of the first five pages and click the link below to grab yours now!

https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Bloody-Mary-Stephanie-Doyal-ebook/dp/B06ZY6SKVR/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1498673564&sr=8-4&keywords=stephanie+doyal

We've all heard the legend of Bloody Mary. From generation to generation the legend has been passed on, usually by children and teens daring someone to be brave enough to summon her. Go into a darkened bathroom, lock the door if your brave enough, stand in front of the mirror and say "Bloody Mary" three times. The legend says she will appear but the consequences range from becoming horrifically scared to being driven insane and even death. The legend has transcended time as well as language barriers. It seems every country has some form of this legend but the question remains are you brave enough?

Have you ever wondered where the legend of Bloody Mary originated? Well step into this Victorian tale of love lost, betrayal and tragedy with just enough magic to create the legend

Sneak peek of the first five pages:

There are many legends that have been passed down from generation to generation but none quite like the legend of Bloody Mary. Throughout time the legend has been changed in one way or another. Rather it be the consequences which range from your eyes being ripped out and faces horrifically marred for life or being found dead covered in claw marks or maybe you were told that you would become trapped in the mirror with her. The consequences of summoning Bloody Mary seem to change each time as it's told so it's hard to be sure. However, there's more to her story than the consequences of summoning her, her true identity seems to be surrounded by just as much speculation. If you study it you will find there are an endless number of possibilities that range from a witch who practiced the dark magic was eventually found out and executed to a lady who was horrifically scared and killed during a car wreck, to a royal lady who killed more than half her village's women and bathed in the blood to attain her own youthful beauty. From country to country Bloody Mary is talked about maybe by a different name but the same stories with similar consequences for summoning her.

This isn't the story of Bloody Mary's legend, no this is the story of how a young girl named Mary became Bloody Mary. A series of heartbreaking and tragic events, misplaced trust and whispered rumors led to this young girl's life being ripped from her. Just remember this story next time you dare to enter a dark bathroom and stand in front of the mirror and summon her.

There are many legends surrounding the origin of Bloody Mary but none quite like this. In England during the 1800s their lived a very wealthy family with some very dark secrets. Jane and Thomas Meyers lived the most lavish of lives during this time with two beautiful daughters. However, in the late 1790s Jane found herself pregnant shortly after marrying Thomas Meyers. Thomas was elated with the news of a child and became immediately convinced that his first born would be a son. Months passed until the day the baby arrived but it was not to Thomas' liking. Instead of a baby boy, a beautiful baby girl was laid in his arms. At first he was completely smitten with her but within a few weeks his mind grew weary and suspicious. This beautiful baby girl whom they had named Marina looked like neither him nor his wife. Marina or Mary as his wife liked to call her had a head full of pitch black hair and steel gray eyes. Her skin tone was also tanned while both he and Jane had fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. Mary was the complete opposite of both.

On a dark and stormy night after Thomas had too much to drink he remembered that Jane had loved another not too long before him. A man whom was tall, dark and handsome. A man who he soon become convinced he had actually fathered Mary. As the months went by Thomas grew more and more resentful towards Mary. He became cold and uncaring with her. He scolded her for mistakes every child makes. It had become clear to everyone that Thomas would never love Mary.

Two years after the birth of Mary, Jane found herself pregnant once more. Thomas was certain this child was fathered by him and when this new bundle was laid in his arms all of his doubts were laid to rest. Elizabeth was fair skinned with a head full of blonde curls and big blue baby doll eyes. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Elizabeth was his. As the girls grew so did Thomas' favoritism towards Elizabeth. Most days he ignored Mary while he gave every last drop of attention to Elizabeth and his wife. With the birth of Elizabeth the marriage between Thomas and Jane had grew stronger leading Jane to cast aside her first born as well.

Mary was beautiful but she looked different from the rest of her family which led to whispers every time they were in town. The Meyers lived the most lavish of lives possible in the 1800s so the whispers had nothing to do with Mary's clothing. No, they whispered about her being illegitimate or even so outlandish that she was actually a witch. Mary had no one except Elizabeth. From the time Elizabeth had started walking she had spent most of her time chasing Mary. The two were inseparable.

However Elizabeth outshined Mary in every way. Elizabeth was the crown jewel of the family with her fair skin and blonde hair, her big blue baby doll eyes had made her sought after. Which only led their parents to resent Mary even more because they had become convinced that Mary would end up a spinster. Although Elizabeth often spoke of Mary's beauty and grace. Society had made it hard for Mary to believe the compliments that her sister so generously gave to her. Whenever she walked down the street people would often turn their heads in the other direction or start whispering about her. Because of her dark looks they often made her out to be a witch, one that dabbled in the darkest of magic's. It was the farthest from the truth as it could possibly be however Mary had heard of witches but they were very far where Mary had been raised.

One day while in town on a shopping trip Mary had stumbled upon a group of ladies and gentlemen close to her age. At first she wanted to greet them but one girl's smile dropped the instant she recognized Mary. Her smile was soon replaced with a sneer while she told the others "Let's go. This place will clearly allow anyone through the doors now even illegitimate witches." She quickly led the others away while telling them some horrible, untrue story about how Mary didn't belong to her dad. Mary's eyes burned from the tears she refused to release and the lump in her throat was making it difficult to breath. She picked up her skirts from her dress and fled from the store.

She ran through the streets as fast as she could until she reached the small creek behind her house. Once there she let the tears fall freely by the time Elizabeth had reached her Mary's face was tearstained and her eyes were puffy. Elizabeth fell to her knees next to this sister she adored so much. She wrapped her arms around Mary's shoulders and pulled her towards her. "Why does everyone hate me so much?" Mary whispered.

"No one hates you Mary." Elizabeth whispered back while stroking Mary's long dark hair.

Mary shook her head slightly. "Yes they do. Father and mother hardly ever even acknowledge me and everyone in this dreadful town whispers some horrid story about me."

Mary had pulled back from Elizabeth leaving them eye to eye with one another. Elizabeth saw the silent pleading in Mary's eyes. Mary wanted answers as to why she was treated so differently. Elizabeth couldn't deny it because throughout her years she had found herself wondering the same question. Elizabeth sighed heavily and she watched as Mary's chin quivered as she fought her sadness. Elizabeth reached over and moved a strand of loose hair to the side. "Well, I don't hate you. I love you Mary and someday you're going to find the man of your dreams and he's going to love you and take you far away from this dreadful place."

Mary let out a little laugh "Oh! I hope so."

"Just promise me one thing?" Elizabeth asked quietly. Mary studied her sister before nodding. "Promise me that you won't forget me when you get swept away. Promise me that you'll visit me at least twice a year and that you'll write me every day!"

Mary pulled Elizabeth in for a hug while whispering in her ear. "Elizabeth the idea that I could ever forget you is posteriors. You've been the only person I've had for all my life. You're my sister and I love you."

"I love you too." Elizabeth whispered back. They sat by the creek for a little while longer when an idea came to Elizabeth. "I have an idea. Why don't we do one of those blood oaths like all those silly boys do? That way we'll know we'll always have each other."

Mary thought about it but she wasn't sure that was the best idea but eventually she gave into her sister just like everyone else. So they sat by the creek while Mary removed a pin from her hair. They each took a turn of slowly slicing a small portion of skin on the palm of their hands. Afterwards they held their hands so their blood would mix while they made promises to one another. Little did they know just how much this blood oath would affect them later.

-----

In the spring of 1816 Thomas and Jane put their daughters out in society in order to find them suitors. It came as no shock when the young men flocked to Elizabeth but not even one gave Mary a glance. Elizabeth refused to accept any offers until Mary had received some. Finally, a young man named Henry Willsworth stepped into Mary's life. Henry was tall with shoulder length reddish blonde hair. He had freckles across the bridge of his nose and a friendly smile. His smile was the first thing that Mary noticed while they had tea. He had smiled at her, really truly smiled! Being that he was the first person aside from Elizabeth to show any interest in her, she fell hard and quick. Late at night she'd sneak into Elizabeth's room to tell her about the butterflies she got in her stomach while she was with Henry or how he had told her she was magnificent. For the first month of courting he had stayed in Surrey, where Mary and her family lived but all too soon he had to return to London for work.

Mary was heartbroken the day he left. She went to her room, shut the door and stayed in bed the rest of the day. Later that night there was a light tapping on the door, when Mary didn't answer Elizabeth finally peeked inside. The room was dark aside from the candle that Elizabeth held. Mary stared up at her sister through red, tired eyes. "Oh no Mary." Elizabeth said as she sat the candle down on the night stand and crawled under the blanket with Mary. "It'll be okay. He'll be back."

Mary barely shook her head in defeat. "No, he'll leave and find someone else in London. If he had loved me he would have asked father for my hand in marriage but he didn't." She said as a sob escaped her mouth. Elizabeth rubbed her arm while she waited for Mary to calm down. "I love him Elizabeth. He was so kind to me and when we were together he paid attention to me. I thought he was going to save me from this place."

Elizabeth frowned at her sister but she understood. Mary hadn't been shown any attention in life and even less kindness. She understood that Mary believed she loved Henry but Elizabeth had her doubts but she didn't voice them. Instead, she thought of a way to help her sister. In the morning she would go to her parents and ask them to allow Mary to visit London so she could see Henry again. Her parents did have some friends there so Mary could stay with one of them. Yes, that seemed like a good plan. "Let's get some sleep. I'm sure tomorrow will be better." Mary gave Elizabeth a small half smile. "I love you. Good night." Elizabeth told Mary before kissing her cheek and blowing out the candle.

The next morning Elizabeth asked to speak with her parents. After she explained just how heartbroken Mary was even though her parents seemed to care less than usual they finally agreed to allow Mary to use a carriage to go to London. Elizabeth rushed up the stairs, once she was in Mary's room she threw back the curtains. The sun came pouring in through the picture window and Mary moaned and pulled the blanket over her head. "Go away Elizabeth!"

"Absolutely not!" Elizabeth said as she climbed onto the bed. "You have to get up and pack!"

Mary peeked at her sister's joyful face. "Pack? Pack for what?"

"Your trip to London to see Henry!!!" Elizabeth exclaimed while clapping her hand together in glee.

Mary shot up in the bed and stared at her sister wide eyed. "What are you talking about Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth hurried off the bed and went in search of Mary's luggage to help her get started packing. As she rummaged through things she explained what had happened. "Well after seeing in such a dreadful state last night I knew that I had to do something. You know I despise seeing you hurt so much so this morning I asked our parents if you could use one of the carriages to go to London and stay with one of their friends. At least this way you get to see Henry again and much sooner than if you wait for him to return. They agreed so the carriage is being prepared as we speak. You have to pack!"

Mary scampered out of bed and ran to Elizabeth, throwing her arms around her sister's neck. "I love you. I love you. I love you. You are truly the best."

Elizabeth beamed at Mary and seeing her so happy. "I love you too. I'm just happy to see you so happy. Now here, we have to get you packed."

Mary made a dismissive gesture. "No, you pack for me besides you have much better taste than I and I need to get ready." Mary said as she disappeared into the bathroom.

After everything was packed and the carriage was ready Mary stood next to Elizabeth before giving her a tight hug. "Thank you so much Elizabeth. You have no idea what this means to me. "Mary whispered into Elizabeth's ear.

"Anything for you. I'm going to miss you. Please be careful." Elizabeth whispered.