We walked up to the porch.“So, you plan on staying here forever?” I asked him.“Yip, if that keeps me near you.”Every time… every time he gets me speechless. What do I say back to that? I stood there with my mouth open gapping like a fish…“What’s wrong Amore, the cat caught your tongue?”“You…!” I pointed him on the chest with my finger.“Me?” He said, tilting his head while chuckling.“You are always so smart with that mouth of yours! I will see you tomorrow, good night.” I turned and headed inside.“Meet me here tomorrow morning at five, good night love…” He shouted from behind.“Shaking my head, I kept walking ignoring him.”Oh, I hate mornings, I hit my alarm clock off the bedside table that was screaming at me to wake up. Rolling out of bed I walked like a zombie to my closet. Heading to the bathroom to freshen up, I got dressed in my purple sports bra, black sports tights, and running shoes, putting my hair up in a high ponytail, I grab my bag with fresh clothes in and I skipp
He pressed his finger on my bottom lip… moving his lips towards mine…I stopped breathing, holding my breath in, my heart beating at 1000 seconds per minute, closing my eyes I waited for THE kiss… feeling his breath moving towards my ears.He whispered… “To be continued.”He turned around greeting some other guy looking to be a few years older than him.‘Wait… what?’It felt like he poured a bucket of cold water over my head.“Hey, James.”“Nathan you are late!”I’m standing at the back of Nathan still recovering, or more like hiding from shame.James peeked around Nathan looking curiously at me. “Who is this beautiful lady?”Nathan took me by the hand and tucked me into his side… “This is Amore, Amore this is my coach, James.”James has short black hair roughly styled, brown eyes, also very muscular built but not as much as Nathan. He is quite good looking but standing next to Nathan he looks ordinary.“It’s good to finally meet a woman …” He moved toward me, whispering behind his han
“Okay… First, always trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t safe.Second, practice target denial, when you have the opportunity to escape from a situation before it turns bad, take it.Third, present yourself with confidence even though you are scared. Be aware of the message your body sends to those around you. Attackers mostly search for women who appear frightened, confused, or distracted.Forth, set strong verbal boundaries, this skill is effective as a self-defense tool. When an attacker engages with you in a conversation, he’s actually “interviewing” you to see if you’ll make a good victim. Most attackers will use their words to freeze you into fear, reducing the chance for you to try and defend yourself.Five, keep a non-confrontation posture. It’s a secret weapon in the element of surprise. Most attackers have the confidence that you will not defend yourself, you should take advantage of this misconception.Six, keep yourself at a safe distance
Feeling my phone vibrating in my backpack I took a quick look at the caller id before picking it up.“Hello, Carolyne.”“Hello Mia, where are you?”I looked over to Nathan, smiling to myself…“Mia are you still there?”“O sorry yes, got a bit distracted”“By what? Where are you?“We are still at the gym. Nathan is almost done with his training….”“O let me guess your busy eye candying him.”“Of course, I am.”“You two are quite something…”“Uhuh… aren’t you busy with your shoot today.”“Yeah… we’re having a break right now… just wanted to know how things are over there… but looks like you’re enjoying yourself?“Oh yes, I am.” I nodded my head dramatically.“Good… good I will see you tonight?”“Why? What’s happening tonight.”“Oh Mia, we have four years to catch up on… oooo I know let’s go play paintball.”“Sounds good, see you tonight. Bye”“Okay, bye.” She sang over the phone“Hey, there sweet lady.”I looked up seeing one of the other fighters in front of me. I did not like the weir
We took Nathan’s car to Dr. Martin’s house… I’m quite nervous and keep fidgeting with my fingers on my lap.“Why are you nervous…?”“I’m not.” I looked out of the window.“Every time you’re nervous you start fidgeting with your fingers.” He pointed with his eyes towards my hands, he then looked forward focusing his attention on the road.“Okay… fine… I do not know why I am feeling like this. I have this weird feeling inside of me that something is going to happen, and I do not know what. I’m not nervous about meeting him, it’s… it’s just this feeling inside of me.” I looked down at my hands.“I… I just can’t explain it.”“Do not worry Amore, I will be with you no matter what.” He still concentrated on the road ahead.I looked confused over at him. “What do you mean Nathan? Why… why would you say something like that to someone you only met two days ago?”“The first time I saw you at the fight Amore, I know it was you…”What does he mean? Now I am even more confused… have we met before?
We said our goodbyes and Alfred led us to the front door. On our way back I got a call from Carolyne.“Hello, Carolyne.”“It’s already dark, where are you two?” O shucks, I forgot.“I’m so sorry Carolyne. We are on our way back… I forgot to tell Nathan. Send me your location and we will see you later. I almost forgot to ask, who will be joining us?”“A few other friends of mine.”“Okay, good. O yes, do you know James?”“YES! Why? Oh please don’t tell me you also invited him, Mia?”I bit down on my bottom lip. “Yeah… I kind of did.”“MIA…!!!”“O, Carolyne. I met him for the first time today… his not that bad… anyway you are wasting time… send me the location, see you, bye!”“Mia…” I ended the call before she could continue.Nathan started laughing. I looked at him confused.“What?”“James and Carolyne used to date.”“What? How was I supposed to know that? He kind of invited himself… What was I supposed to do, say no, and besides he is your coach and friend.”“I don’t mind, but I bet yo
What a night… Carolyne and James started arguing again, which caused Carolyne to explode and chase James around the field while shooting at his head, at the end Nathan and I separated them before they really started killing each other.“He makes me so angry, Mia… every time I see that face of his, I want to hit it!” She bends down picking up a stick, snapping it in half. “Oooo and the nerves he has to blame me… he blames me… me Mia, ME!! She screams while pointing towards herself almost poking a hole in her chest.Oh, these two are really starting to work on my nerves... I rubbed at my temples hoping to ease the headache that is slowly starting. I closed my eyes. “Can you please tell me what happened between the two of you? I really can’t take it anymore, being the only one not knowing what went on.”She looked down at her feet… “Nothing.”“What?? … what do you mean nothing. Carolyne, I swear I will be the one to punch you in the face if you do not start talking right now!” I said gri
I wake up to the smell of bacon, thinking… finally it’s Friday. It was the day of Nathan’s match, so I planned to spend the morning with Nathan and then go over to Carolyne’s to get ready for the match, she insisted that we get ready at her apartment.Throwing the covers off I quickly washed up and skipped down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen Nathan is standing in front of the stove.“Take a seat, the food is almost done…” I walked over to the table taking my seat.“I thought you left early this morning?”He turned around looking confused at me. “Why would I leave home without you?”“Oh, is that so?... You do actually know this is not your home?”He ignored me, turned around, and continued with the food.“Do you know when Joe will be back? I tried phoning him, but his phone is off…” I asked concerned.“I got a hold of my dad last night. They seem to be having a bad signal over there, but it sounds like they’re having a good time. They met up with some old friends there. He told m
Nathan walked into the building with his secretary, Andrew at his side. “Andrew how many meetings do I have today?”Nathan hold up his finger as he felt his phone rang. He took it out looking at the Id caller. Seeing that it is Goth he hastily answered. “Goth, What’s wrong…? Why are you running?” Nathan stopped dead in his tracks, waiting for Goth to answer.“Nathan, It seems Amore thinks her mom is in some kind of danger. Amore ran ahead of me. It will not be easy to stop her from going, so I am taking her there.”“WHAT?? Fine… I understand, I will meet you there … and Goth if something happens to Amore…””Yeah I know… I have to go.” Goth ended the call as he climbed into the driver's seat. Amore gave him the directions and they sped off. Goth knew if did not step on it Amore would tell him to pull over and she would drive herself. Nathan immediately called Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin was not someone you mess with and after finding out Amore was his only granddaughter he was extremely
“Hello?” Amore held the phone to her ear, with her shoulder as Amore was taking out her uniform, from the locker for the day’s work. “Hello?”Amore repeated when no one answered.“Mia?” A soft voice responded.Amore stopped and then took the phone from her shoulder with her hand. “Mom?” Amore asked stunned. “Oh, Mia… I missed you so much. Carolyne got someone to tell me you found your father… oh Mia…” “Mom, are you okay? Why are you whispering and crying? Where are you?” “Where I will always be Mia. I'm so happy you finally found Miano… now I can go in peace.” “Mom, what you you talking about? Is Richard there? Are you okay mom? No… wait I'm coming to get you.” Amore said while she grabbed her handbag from the locker. “No, Mia… it's too late for me. Be happy… I have always loved you Mia and always will.” Isabel looked through the kitchen window seeing Richard getting out of his truck. Richard slammed the door shut as he stammered three steps back almost falling backward, he fo
Amore had to stay in the hospital for three weeks. Grandma Gigi finally went home after much convincing from Steven. Gigi exceeded into driving Rachel nuts, which resulted in Rachel refusing to go home. Rachel did what she said she would, she slept in Amore's room on the couch. Carolyne stayed until late every night and went home after Goth's shift ended. In the meantime, Dr. Martin, Nathan, and Miano searched for clues regarding Carter, but every new clue they got steered them into a dead end. It was like Carter and his men disappeared from the face of the earth. The day Amore would be discharged finally came.Nathan looked at all the people surrounding the room. “I already told you all that you did not have to be here today.” Nathan sighed as he looked at Rachel, Steven, Dr. Martin, Miano, Carolyne, James, and Caity in the room. “Why are you guys even here?” Carolyne asked as she walked towards Amore while looking irritated at James and Caity.“This is a free county Carolyne, we
Nathan walked into the room, seeing Amore asleep. Carolyne looked up from her phone seeing Nathan enter.“Is she sleeping?” Nathan asked Carolyne in a whisper tone.“Yeah… I am also going to head home. I'll see you tomorrow,” Carolyne said then got up from her seat, “Okay, see you then. Thank you for watching over her while I was out.” Nathan said while looking at Amore, “You don't have to thank me, Nathan. Amore is family. I will do anything for her, see you tomorrow … bye,” Caroline said then walked out of the room. Nathan sat down on the chair next to Amore's bed. Finally, they were alone… he leaned forward and then closed his eyes as he ran his hands through his hair. “Hey… there…?” Nathan heard that beautiful voice he loves. Nathan opened his eyes and stared into Amore's captivating blue eyes. “Hey… beautiful. How are you feeling?” Nathan asked while taking Amore's hand into his.Amore pouted, “I missed you, please come lay next to me.”Nathan looked worriedly at Amore, “I
‘Every minute, every second you fixed your eyes on your loved ones is a blessing, even if it’s only a glance.’Miano walked toward Amore and stopped next to her bed. At first glance, he knew this was his daughter. Amore was a spitting image of Rose. Miano's eyes welled up with tears as he looked down at HIS daughter. Who would have imagined, that he of all people would have a daughter? That day when Isabel left him, she left with his heart. He could not bear to be with anyone else but her, and now he is looking at their daughter. So how does one describe this feeling? This amazing, but also painful feeling of meeting your daughter for the first time. Painful, because he never got the chance to experience what it was like to hold her when she was born, to feel the tremendous love that fills your heart when you hold that amazing tiny little person in your arms for the first time, he never got the chance to see the first time she laughed, cried, got hurt… but the most unbearable part is k
The greatest gift you can receive is another day of life. Live for today and dream for tomorrow. “Shhh, Carolyne not so loud…!” Amore said while holding onto her head.“I…I need… I need to get the doctor…” Carolyne screamed as she jumped out of the chair and ran out of the room shouting for a doctor.Rachel quickly ran out of the bathroom as she heard the commotion in the room, almost having a heart attack. Nathan jumped off the couch almost tripping over his feet as he ran toward Amore. Nathan stopped a foot away from Amore, surprised.“Amore?” He walked towards her as the tears ran down his cheeks… he leaned over her and gently hugged her. “Thank goodness!!! You scared me to death. Don't you ever, ever, ever do that again?” Nathan spoke with his mouth against Amore's hair.“Shhh…" She patted him on the back.“Nathan… water please…” Amore said in a hoarse voice.Rachel, walked forward throwing her a glass of water. “Here darling.”Nathan released Amore from the hug so Rachel could
‘I found my soulmate, I found my true love, I found my one and forever, and now I may lose her forever.’ Nathan thought back to a quote he once read as he sat next to Amore's bed, holding onto her hand while the constant heart monitor echoed in the background.A week has passed. After the surgery, they transferred Amore back home. According to the doctor in Rio, the surgery was a success. Amore was shot in the chest on her right side, one of her lungs collapsed and they had to give her a blood transfusion. Likely Dr. Martin was there to donate his blood to her. According to Dr. Martin and the other doctors, she should have already woken up, but she was still in a semi-coma. “Son, please. You need to eat something and get some sleep. When is the last time you bathed? Look at your clothes… I will sit with her until you get back. I promise I will not leave her side. Just, please go take a bath and get some sleep, you look terrible.” Nathan's mom said as she stood by the hospital door lo
Choices … You only get one chance… One chance, to make the correct one. If you make the wrong one you can't reverse time and change it. Unfortunately, we are given the privilege to get the chance to make choices… yeah and look how great that turned out for us…Amore looked at Carter horrified. “You must be joking?”“I never joke. Come on Amore, I don't have all day!” Carter looked at her annoyed.“Carter are you sick? Your talking about taking someone's life?" Amore looked nervously back and forth between Caity and Clara. How could she possibly choose? The thought made Amore sick to her stomach.Carter looked down at his watch tapping his finger on it… “ I don't get you, Amore… This thing here.” Garry came forward handing Carter his gun, Carter reached out and took it, raising it sideways at Clara. Clara tightly closed her eyes… expecting the bullet to hit her at any second. “She…sold you out… but you still can't kill her. Micheal, why is my hand so itchy today?" Carter looked at Mich
‘Rochelle Mead' Once said, “Life and death were so unpredictable. So close to each other. We existed moment to moment, never knowing who would be the next to leave this world.”“Will this be my moment? Will this be my time to leave this world? Will this be how my story ends? Will this be the last time I will hear Nathan’s voice?” Amore thought to herself as she looked down at the phone and ended the call with Nathan. She slided the phone up her sleeves hoping Nathan would track the phone in time. Amore turned around watching everything slowly unfold in front of her. The two officers were standing at the door. Caity's eyes grew wide as she looked at the other gang men behind the officers. ‘I know Amore told me to be strong, but… but… I can’t fight… I am not ready to die… I still want to do so much with my life… ‘ Caity thought to herself.Amore turned toward Caity and watched her face filled with horror. “Amore… please please do something” Cathy mouthed to Amore pleadingly. Tears rol