America

FIVE YEARS LATER

Vanessa walked briskly out of her office, with Lily behind her.

"Alright. What's on the Agenda for tomorrow?" She asked, her steps not flattering.

Lily hurried to keep up with her pace as she replied.

"Your first meeting is at 9AM with the marketing team, to discuss the new campaign. Then at 11:00 you have a conference call with the new York's office to go over quarterly report."

Vanessa nodded her head. "Got it. Anything else?" She asked, sliding her bag onto her shoulders.

"Yes, at 1:00 PM, you have a lunch meeting with Mr. Reynolds from Green Tech about the partnership deal. In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, you need to review the budget proposal with the finance team."

"Busy day. What about the contract for the supplier?" She asked as she glanced at her wrist watch.

Lily handed a file over to her. "Here it is. It needs your signature before the end of the day. Also don't forget you have a dinner meeting at 7:00 PM with the board members."

Vanessa took the file from her. "Thank you. Anything else that's urgent?" She asked.

"Just a heads up, there’s a staff meeting at 4:30 PM today to discuss the upcoming product launch." Lily replied.

Vanessa sighed.

"Noted. Make sure I'm prepped for everything"

"Of course, Ms Rodriguez. I'll have all the documents ready for you."

"Thanks. I appreciate it" Vanessa smiled briefly.

Vanessa was now standing outside the company in front of her car. Diego opened the door for her.

Vanessa turned towards Lily.

"Anything else?"

"That's all for now Ms Rodriguez. I'll send you an email summary just in case." She replied

"Perfect. Make sure the reports are on my desk before 8:00 AM"

"Absolutely. Have a great afternoon Ms Rodriguez" Lily replied.

Vanessa got into the car and Diego shut the door.

"Drive Safely" Lily urged him, he gave a small nod acknowledging her words, as he made his way to the driver's seat.

He opened the door and got in, the engine's him soon filling the quite Air.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS ACADEMY

Diego brought the car to a stop in front of the school. Vanessa got down and made her way inside the building, she met her kids standing just in front of their class room, with their backs turned on her.

"Ethan, Emma. Your Mom is here" Vanessa called out, a small smile spreading across her lips.

Hearing their mothers voice, they quickly turned around and ran towards her in a speed of light and Vanessa opened her arms, welcoming them warmly.

"Mommy!" Emma squealed, throwing her arms around Vanessa's legs.

"Hi, sweetheart! Did you have a good day?" Vanessa asked, kneeling down to their level.

Ethan nodded enthusiastically. "I painted a dinosaur, and Miss Parker said it was really good!"

"That's wonderful, Ethan! And what about you, Emma?" Vanessa asked, turning to her daughter.

"I made a new friend," Emma said proudly.

"Her name is Rose, and she loves unicorns just like me!"

"That's great, Emma! I'm so happy to hear that," Vanessa said, giving them both a hug.

"Now, how about we go get some ice cream to celebrate your awesome day?"

"Yes, please!" the twins chimed together, their faces lighting up with excitement.

As they walked towards the car, Diego, stepped forward and opened the door for them. Vanessa ushered Ethan and Emma inside, then climbed in after them.

"Hi, Diego!" the twins chorused.

"Hey, kids," Diego replied with a smile. "How was school today?"

"I painted a dinosaur!" Ethan exclaimed, his eyes  shining bright with excitement.

"And I made a new friend named Rose," Emma added proudly.

"Sounds like you both had an amazing day," Diego said, starting the car. "Now, let's get you all home."

"We'll stop by to get some ice cream" Vanessa informed as she glanced at Diego.

"Sure Ma'am."

As they drove, the twins continued to talk about all they did at school.

Eventually, they reached a cozy ice cream shop across the street from where Diego parked the car.

"Alright, I'll be right back with the ice cream," Vanessa said, unbuckling her seatbelt. "What flavors do you two want?"

"Chocolate!" Ethan shouted excitedly.

"Strawberry for me, please," Emma added with a grin.

"Got it," Vanessa said with a smile. She stepped out of the car, and Diego watched her cross the street and enter the shop.

Inside the car, Ethan and Emma turned their attention to Diego. "Did you ever paint a dinosaur when you were our age?" Ethan asked curiously.

Diego chuckled. "I think I did, but it probably wasn't as good as yours. I wasn't much of an artist."

Emma leaned forward. "What was your favorite thing to do when you were little?"

"Hmm," Diego mused, "I loved playing soccer with my friends. We'd play for hours in the park."

"Maybe we can play soccer with you sometime," Ethan suggested.

"I'd like that," Diego said warmly. "Maybe one day soon."

A few moments later, Vanessa returned with two ice cream cones in hand. She handed them to the twins, who eagerly took their treats.

"Thank you, Mommy!" they said in unison.

"You're welcome, my loves," Vanessa replied, settling back into her seat.

Diego started the car again and drove off from the area, heading towards the Rodriguez Mansion.

Vanessa walked out of her mother's room. She just dropped her kids there because she had somethings to finish up with her work.

She met her Dad in the short Hallway that led to the Living room.

"Good Afternoon Dad" Vanessa greeted as she gave him a side hug.

"Evening my dear. How was your day at the office?" He asked as he guided her towards the living room.

"It was Good."

"I have something important to discuss with you" he informed.

"Sure. What is it?" Vanessa asked curiously.

"You're aware that I opened another branch in America few months ago?" He asked.

"Yes, I remember" she nodded her head slightly.

"I need you to go over to America and take charge of the office there. If it performs well within a year, I'll promote you as the CEO of all my branches in that region," he said.

What? America of all places? The name always left a hole in Vanessa's heart, because she could still remember what she had to go through there. It was still fresh in her memory like it just happened yesterday. Even though she had tried her best to forget about everything.

"What do you think dear?" Her father's voice brought her out of her reverie.

She stared at him in silence, her jaw tightening.