Ariande"Ariande" Chloe said, coming over to greet me and I grimaced slightly when she pulled me into a hug."What are you doing?" I whispered into her ear."Being cordial or would you have liked for me to just pass you by?" Probably"It's been a little while since I saw you", she pulled back, smiling, and I nodded. My director moved on to greet some other people after greeting me and I wondered what was going on between them. Knowing Chloe now, I could guess.I smiled back at her though and sipped my drink, "yeah, it feels good to see you""Well... Oh, nice to meet you..." she stretched her hand towards the celebrity beside me, who was quite surprised and they shook hands."I'm Chloe""Maya, it's nice to meet you too.""Well, I have to go. I'll see you around, okay?"She walked away, and I grabbed another drink as I finished the one in my hand."Isn't that the lady that stole Mrs Parker's husband?""Mrs Parker's husband?""The man that was just with her, it's all over the news"I did
SofiaAunt Layla had finally been found. When Aunt Carter had told me about her disappearance earlier that day, I had gotten confused and wary. Did she run away again without telling me, but she wouldn't have done that without taking her son. What could have happened? All those thoughts had run through my head until she told me they had found her.I closed my locker and made a mental note to visit her in the evening. I still had a class to have before the day was done and that would be it, but before I could make it to the next class, a hand pulled me into an empty classroom and I gasped at Charlene."Charlene, what?..." She silenced me before I could complete my sentence with a kiss and I melted into her arms. We had been doing this quite a lot and even done some other things, but we hadn't gone all the way. I wondered why."What do you say to making this official?" She asked when she pulled away."W-what?""What do you say to us dating openly and doing all those cute things that cou
AriandeI was on the set for my new film and it was hectic. This one was a movie this time around, not a series, so we should be done in about a few months if nothing goes wrong.I put on my outfit for the first scene, which the costume designer had picked out for me and Jeremy handed me my phone, which I looked through while the makeup artists did their work.Tony and I had been keeping in contact since the accident with Layla, even before that, and I could say we had gotten pretty close. He hadn't mentioned his attraction to me again after my whole rejection and it had made me realize that I had really lost his love. Now he was just having sex with me because he was probably still interested in that... I wouldn't know.I stood up from the chair when the make-up artist was done and I went to the green screen where the male lead was already waiting. As it was partially a fantasy film, green screen was going to be used and a lot of computer work.I collapsed on a chair, exhausted after
Ariande"Who do you think it is?" Jeremy and I both stared at the bouquet my secret admirer had sent to me again on set. It had no name like the first one, and it was getting ridiculously mysterious at this point."Maybe the lead actor."I glanced at the male lead who was in his own world with the makeup artist he was flirting with and shook my head,"No, it's not him.""Then one of your other colleagues in films"That was possible, but I had someone else in mind."I'll just have to find out myself.""How?"I shrugged, "through private investigating, I'm really curious, and it could be a stalker, so it would be worth my money to find out who it is.""And what will you do after you find the person?""It depends on the person."I smelt the flowers, loved the scent, and walked out onto the set where we were to shoot another scene.We finished with the scenes for that day and I got into my car exhausted. "Home right?" Jeremy asked."No, I want to make a stop at the mall.""What, you want
SofiaThe words on my locker were alarming, with the posters making my heart skip a beat and I ripped them off, trying to keep the content hidden. That was me and Charlene kissing.Who could have gotten it, and in a secluded place at that? I had made sure no one was looking when we walked into the empty class that day, but I guess we weren't the only one who had been out of math class that afternoon.I noticed the stare of people as they walked to their various lockers and next classes and I could hear their whispers too. She's a lesbian. She and Charlene had been dating. It's disgusting to actually be dating the same sex. Who would have thought she was so...I tried to block it out, cleaning the derogatory words with a wipe and got my books before I walked to the library. Eugene met me on the way there, "Sofia, are you okay?""Yes, I...""Jeez, people are so hypocritical, like what is bad if two girls find themselves attractive? I'm sure there are even more lesbians in this school, b
Ariande"You still haven't figured out who is sending you the flowers yet?" Tony asked as I sat on the island in his kitchen. He had a bowl in his hand as he mixed chicken with mashed potatoes and I shook my head."No. I plan to use a private investigator though, because it could be a stalker and..."He nodded and smiled, "I understand.""Why did you invite me for dinner though?" I asked, surprised, since I hadn't been to his house since the last time I was drunk.He has only ever come to my house since our altercation and had sex with me. Nothing else, no dinner, no nothing, not even a drink, so what had changed that?"I just needed company to eat with today.""Oh" I felt honored even though I shouldn't, and I watched him intently as he started frying the mixture together on a bone stick.It was crazy just how much he had invaded my head. It was like I couldn't think of anything else but him and I deserved it because it had been the other way around. I had manipulated him at first, p
KaiI wasn't sure what to expect as I walked into the family house with Leo and Layla, and I was definitely surprised at the number of people that were there.Isn't that the famous actress, Ariande? And Leo's friend Tony, who were the couple that were looking about the same age as Leo's parents in a corner there too? There was also a grandma and grandpa too. Guess I had a lot of family."Leo honey" The Grandma greeted him, pecking him on the cheek, and he greeted her back. The woman also greeted Layla and a younger woman came to greet both of them too. Grandma stared at me, "and you're...""Oh you must be Kai, right?" The younger woman said, making me guess that she was Mrs Cooper, and I nodded."It's nice to meet you""Nice to meet you too", I shook her outstretched hand."This is Park Woojin, also Kai, Steve's daughter". Grandma looked confused."Steve didn't tell me about having a daughter.""Kai, meet Nana, your step grandmother and your step grandfather over there too."I greeted
LaylaThe designs were created within weeks and the collections were out together for another week. I looked through the portfolios of models that had been placed on my table and decided on the ones that we were going to use for the fashion show and campaign too.Amanda and Henry came in from New York to help with the process and a date was given for the fashion show. As for the campaign, I supervised the photo shoot and video shoot of the collections, and it was posted on both the models and CARTER'S official website as well as social media handles.I was going through one of the documents when my secretary came in, "this young lady...""Aunt Layla!" I looked up from the document to see Sofia rush in, and she was looking all bubbly and happy. I signaled the secretary that it was okay, and I gave her a big hug."Hey girlie, how have you been?"She smiled, "good""I heard you were in trouble" she smiled again, but this time more mischievous."It wasn't my fault that somebody wanted to
8–9 months laterAriandeI was already having contractions, and it was obvious I was going to go into labor soon. It was great I was with Layla though, and I tried to call for her. A yelp escaped my mouth as the contraction hit me harder."Oh my God, Ariande, are you okay?" Layla entered into the living room where I was, dropping the glass of water she had gone to bring, and she took out her phone to call Tony.He arrived sooner than we both expected, and he helped me into his car with Layla, who was pretty heavy too. She was to be due in a few days or a week from mine, and we'd both be free of mood swings and erratic hormones. Then she followed us to the hospital where I went into proper labor and gave birth to my girls a few hours later.I could tell from the minute that Tony walked in after my labor that he had gone through a lot of anxiety and I collected the baby when the nurse placed her in my arms, "Oh my God, Ariande, I'm so grateful for this, thank you for bringing her into t
AriandeIt was so great seeing these two get married, and I think I had seen Tony staring at me intently during the vow saying, I wouldn't be sure what that meant though.I loved the wedding reception even more, and it started off to a great start with some good music which me and the girls had gone through, including Layla and some good champagne. Other alcohols of different types were being passed around too, and soda for those who wouldn't want alcohol. There was great food and the couple when they finally entered.The song we had chosen for them to dance to upon entering started, and I have to say Leo gave his best more than Layla. It seemed like she was rather shy about dancing in public.Games were played and a lot of activities were thrown out. When the most awaited moment arrived, the throwing of the bouquet, I was in the front row because I wanted to get the bouquet and I got it.I squealed happily, "wow, I got it."Everyone smiled happily, and we waved the couple off to have
LaylaWedding preparations went on in full swing by the time we came back and as Nana, Leo's grandmother, liked hosting parties, she was the one that took control of the entire thing. She did seek my permission on some things and I answered as best as I could.Hannah was so happy for me, so also Mr and Mrs Cooper, and they very much petted me like I was their new doberman.Ariande drew me to a fitting shop days before the wedding, and I was surprised to see the other ladies "were just here to give our opinions."I was happy that they were all rallying around me, but it was just making me more nervous. I looked through the variety of gowns they had and picked one, "Go try it on."I walked into the dressing room with Ariande to help, and I had to admit we had become pretty much closer.I came out to the sight of the other ladies, and they were like hmm, hmm, I felt like that too, it wasn't really giving. It was nice though, like an off-shoulder gown with a full train and veil too. I fel
LaylaBy our fourth day there, the grill was out with the game night preparations being underway, and I helped as much as I could with the preparations. For one, I was feeling quite dizzy and nauseous and I did have an idea of what it might be, but I wasn't sure though, so I didn't want to make a big deal out of it.Tony and Leo helped set the lights on the beach and the chairs were set out around a fireplace in the middle. The beers were placed by the side and someone was to be manning the grill while everyone ate; Tony and Leo, of course. Kai offered, but the boys turned it down, and we all faced Kim."So what are the games we are going to be playing?""Okay, so I prepared quite a number of games, but the two most interesting ones would be never have I ever and two truths and a lie.""Oh, Kim" Ariande commented, making all of us laugh."So here are the rules for 'never have I ever'. Actually, it has just one rule. Everyone gets a turn to say 'never have I ever' and if you've done it
Ariande"Something fun, what would you consider something fun". The girls and I were sitting on the kitchen island pondering on what was fun, as the guys had gone off to God knows where."Well, we could go clubbing," Kim suggested, to which I agreed, though I wasn't sure I could drink with my pregnancy. Actually, I couldn't."We could also have a game night, just sit out on the beach and have some drinks too while we play some games,""I agree too," Layla said in agreement to Kai's suggestion."Well, we could go shopping. That would be for the girls, but the guys could also tag along if they want to."We all nodded in agreement, planning the whole thing and I and Layla offered to go buy the groceries for the day we would be there.It would be nice to just bake and cook for everyone. I learned there was a grill too."So have you decided on anything?" Layla asked as we drove to the mall."Yes, I decided to tell him first before I made any decision. I'll tell him probably a day or two fr
AriandeI was feeling quite funny and that was not good. I couldn't fall sick during production and at a crucial moment like this. I smiled happy when I saw my daily dose of bouquet delivered to my dressing room on set."He's just being so open now, isn't he?"Jeremy smiled, unsure of what to say."So how is your relationship with my brother?""Uhm... Actually I was going to say something about that. You're going on your break soon, right? I was wondering if I could take some days off then?"I cocked my head, "are both of you going on a vacation or trip?"He nodded slightly, "I could be back quickly if you want me to or cancel but...""It's okay, you can go. I'll manage on my own.""Really?"I nodded. As it was going to be my break soon, I wouldn't be having any shoots or production during that time because I would want some peace and quiet and, since I wouldn't be doing much then, it wouldn't be fair of me to rip his vacation from him.I called Tony when I was done with the scenes fo
LaylaThe designs were created within weeks and the collections were out together for another week. I looked through the portfolios of models that had been placed on my table and decided on the ones that we were going to use for the fashion show and campaign too.Amanda and Henry came in from New York to help with the process and a date was given for the fashion show. As for the campaign, I supervised the photo shoot and video shoot of the collections, and it was posted on both the models and CARTER'S official website as well as social media handles.I was going through one of the documents when my secretary came in, "this young lady...""Aunt Layla!" I looked up from the document to see Sofia rush in, and she was looking all bubbly and happy. I signaled the secretary that it was okay, and I gave her a big hug."Hey girlie, how have you been?"She smiled, "good""I heard you were in trouble" she smiled again, but this time more mischievous."It wasn't my fault that somebody wanted to
KaiI wasn't sure what to expect as I walked into the family house with Leo and Layla, and I was definitely surprised at the number of people that were there.Isn't that the famous actress, Ariande? And Leo's friend Tony, who were the couple that were looking about the same age as Leo's parents in a corner there too? There was also a grandma and grandpa too. Guess I had a lot of family."Leo honey" The Grandma greeted him, pecking him on the cheek, and he greeted her back. The woman also greeted Layla and a younger woman came to greet both of them too. Grandma stared at me, "and you're...""Oh you must be Kai, right?" The younger woman said, making me guess that she was Mrs Cooper, and I nodded."It's nice to meet you""Nice to meet you too", I shook her outstretched hand."This is Park Woojin, also Kai, Steve's daughter". Grandma looked confused."Steve didn't tell me about having a daughter.""Kai, meet Nana, your step grandmother and your step grandfather over there too."I greeted
Ariande"You still haven't figured out who is sending you the flowers yet?" Tony asked as I sat on the island in his kitchen. He had a bowl in his hand as he mixed chicken with mashed potatoes and I shook my head."No. I plan to use a private investigator though, because it could be a stalker and..."He nodded and smiled, "I understand.""Why did you invite me for dinner though?" I asked, surprised, since I hadn't been to his house since the last time I was drunk.He has only ever come to my house since our altercation and had sex with me. Nothing else, no dinner, no nothing, not even a drink, so what had changed that?"I just needed company to eat with today.""Oh" I felt honored even though I shouldn't, and I watched him intently as he started frying the mixture together on a bone stick.It was crazy just how much he had invaded my head. It was like I couldn't think of anything else but him and I deserved it because it had been the other way around. I had manipulated him at first, p