Alliances

Alliances are important.In our personal lives, alliances rooted in love, trust, respect, and honor allow an individual to attain a level of self-actualization that would not otherwise be possible.In our professional lives, alliances allow for shared responsibilities and rewards; lessening the burden for all while expanding the collective resources and capabilities for the mutual benefit of those involved.In the first half of this two-part story, two young teenagers form an alliance to help both of them achieve their personal and academic goals. Their similarities are many, and their strengths complimentary. But, is their strength enough for them to weather the challenges that life is about to throw at them and our country.When the chips are down, will this "Pair of Aces" be enough to save our country?In the second half of this story, a woman fears that the personal alliance that she has forged with her new neighbor will not withstand the truth about her. Unbeknownst to her, her partner appears to also has some skeletons in his closet. People aren't always what they seem, and when viewed in a "Different Light", will their alliance survive?Alliances. Where love and courage trump politics and treachery.