Roberto The accounts were not matching the calculations that I had been making all month. It was supposed to be triple the amount, I warned Mauricio that between us there is someone rooting against us and stealing from us, I have suspected Juliana for some time...Active Connection"It's ugly, brother." - I said as soon as he answered the phone. "Now is not a good time, Roberto. We are being pursued and if I am not mistaken I am sure you will talk about the values. Louise was looking at it this morning and saw that things were out of order too.""Damn it, where are you? Are you bringing Louise? Do you need help with something?""Yeah, we're leaving today. Just let Emma know that we're fine and that we'll arrive a bit devastated.""Great! If you need me just call, you know that." "I don't think calling would be a good option. Talk to you later."Inactive LinkEarlier today I was seized with some messages from Clarice, or rather, some pictures of me in the club while drunk. I told he
Two days later... Maurício The news of Emma's dating had me stunned, not only me but also Roberto, Louise and Jason. She only took advantage of the moment I told her my decision together with Louise, she didn't wait even a few days, then she went on to say she was dating a certain Lucius, I have no idea who he is."So you mean you would keep this from us? Until when, Aunt Emma?" - Roberto asked as he stuck his fork into his mouth, pulling it out and making a terrible noise."Hey, do I owe any satisfaction to either of you? As far as I know, you are the ones who owe me an explanation, not the other way around. Oh, what are you still doing here? Didn't I ask you to help me today?""Mom, I know you are a young woman, beautiful and all... but don't you think that this dating thing at this age is not a bad thing? If the guy was your age, but the guy is almost my age. Besides, the guy is Lucius. We always thought that you two were together, because that's what it looked like, isn't it Ro
Emma"Auntie, do you think she will come out of this? I know we are all rooting for her to come out of this, but since she found out, she has been getting worse. Yesterday I heard her vomiting quietly in the bathroom. I helped her and Mauricio doesn't even know about it, he wanted to drink again yesterday." - Roberto and Maurício grew up being friends and after they became adults their friendship only grows."I don't know, my son, but I hope so. Her father is a fucking negligent, he could have found out about this while she was still a child and she would be fine by now, but I don't know anything. I hope she will be fine and stay with us. Have you noticed how Mauricio has changed since you met her?""Not only Mauricio, Aunt. You too, ma'am. You gained a friend who laughs together with you, something I haven't seen for years, and with that I met Clarice, thanks to Louise who worked with her, that woman is really magnificent.""So I was right all along? You had been watching the girl fo
Clarice"Come on, Mom, you have to tell me why you are helping this creep who disappeared with his daughter." - Once again I was demanding from my mother some explanation as to why she is helping Parkinson, he was very strange and full of secrets to me, to say the least."I already told you, Clarice. We've been friends for years and…""And that's why you could ask him what happened to Louise, I was the only friend she had, Mom. Do you think I look like this on the inside? I haven't seen or heard from her in over two months. Meanwhile that bastard is stuffing his face with booze and placing bets, that's all he knows how to do.""That's enough, Clarice. You are going too far. This is not the education I gave you.""Not at all. You brought me up very well so that I would never mess with people like that rascal Parkinson. Now, if you want to come and act like a goody two-shoes, I'm sorry, but this side of you doesn't work anymore." Look at what a guy is managing to destroy, the friendshi
Emma "Can you believe that everyone already knew and never said anything? Even my daughter-in-law already knew…" - I said indignantly, feeling like a fool. - "Lucius, what did I do wrong?""You did nothing wrong, my love. Young people are smarter to figure things out, but do you think this is bad?""Are you calling me old? Because if so, Lucius." - I leaned my face against his chest and sighed. - "I love you so much, my love. But I don't want to involve you in my problems."Regardless of anything that has ever happened, Lucius has always stood by me. We met in a disco when we were still young, I was not married to Mauricio's father and nothing like that had happened, today I do not regret marrying another man, because God blessed me with Mauricio as a son, but I feel like a complete idiot when I realize that I have lost a man as wonderful as this one. I have loved Lucius since always, I got married when he left and I felt too much of a fool, but after I came to live in Los Angeles, w
ParkinsonClarice's sober look at me whenever she sees me makes me uncomfortable, I don't know what happened between Clarice and Reuben, but for her own personal reasons, Clarice isn't coming here anymore. She has the same personality as Louise.Louise, it delights me to know that even though they were raised apart and don't know the truth, the two are so similar. "I'm going out, I hope you won't give me a hard time when I get back. Or better yet, don't leave until I get back, you know that if the owner asks for this house because of you, I don't know where I'm going, so I'm going to break your balls.""Why so violent, Reuben? I'm not leaving here, okay? But ask your daughter if she knows anything about Louise. I need to know about our daughter!""Your daughter, Parkinson. Have you forgotten that I didn't want that child and I only didn't abort it because you asked me to? So I don't have to lie to you by saying that I miss what I didn't experience, because I don't. - Reubia had coldn
ClariceI had never traveled by air before and this was the first time. I felt the chill run through my body and for a second I didn't feel it, Roberto was too relaxed, as if this was already part of his routine. When I arrived I was welcomed by a guy named Jason, his aunt was not at home and so it was not possible to see her. "What time is she coming? I find it strange to say the least to stay in the house of someone I don't know. So…""Like what? I already told you that you're family now, besides you'll see what a nice person Emma is.""You speak with such conviction that I believe and trust you, but what if she doesn't like me?" - I kept harping on about my belief that I was not confident that his mother would really like me. My mother always told me that I talked too much and that was a point that people hated, I didn't judge her, but even though I never said anything I didn't agree with what she said, I thought I was very quiet actually. "Are you dating her or me? And where is
Louise It was impossible to hold back the tears. I have no idea why, but I feel an enormous affinity for Clarice, it's as if we think alike and I like that. "With my hand over my mouth I was speechless and everyone was looking at me. Emma smiled spontaneously and Clarice kept hugging me." - I don't even know what to say. "My God, you crazy woman, what are you doing here? You accept invitations from strangers, but you've never accepted an invitation from me to have fun." - She was still talking, she really hasn't changed a bit. "My life has suddenly changed, look at that." - I showed her the engagement ring. - "Can you believe I'm getting married?" - I looked at Mauricio, who was looking like a fool, all dull. "You're crazier than I thought you were. But I am happy to see that you are well and happy." - We hugged, and I sat down, and so did she. "I'm also very happy to see you. You almost killed my heart, be aware of that. So, you mean that you two are together? How come I neve
18 years later...Say"Why do you insist on continuing with this madness? If our mother finds out what you are doing, your punishment will be severe and you know it." - Charles was the typical protective brother, but nothing could beat our father, he was terribly terrible and I knew he monitored my every move."Calm down, Charles. Besides, tell me, don't you also find this place interesting? Why do you think they don't let us come here?"My father and mother have always been conservative. Charles and I were in our first year of college, I had chosen chemical engineering and Charles hadn't decided yet, but the annoying thing was that for my father this was normal when it came to Charles, since when the subject was Say here, he was always rude. Today was going to be our week, but I'm alone and Charles is just going to drive me, since I can't even walk by myself, it's just my life.The room we were in was forbidden for us to enter, but today our parents went to settle some things in Los
LouiseSay was in Julie's arms, I had no anger toward her for what had happened in the past. I trusted Mauricio, so as long as she didn't destroy my children I had no reason to hate her. Lucius was holding Charles in his arms and was softly telling Emma that he was her grandson too, which made me very happy. It's so good when your child is loved, isn't it?"I think we'd better go where everyone else is already." - Maurício says in a loud voice, taking everyone's attention. We had planned to spend this date with our brother and sister after supper, but he knew that this was not what I wanted, so he didn't want Julie to stay too long in our house either."I tried to talk to him, but he interrupted me immediately:""Don't even come, Louise. I don't want any trouble here today, it's only been two three weeks since you gave birth and you can't and I'm not going to let you stress yourself out. Not now!" - When he looked at me without bowing his head, I knew he was serious and didn't fight b
RobertoIt was like a joint effort inside the hospital. Edgar, Klaus (who was now Maria's daughter's boyfriend), Jason, Emma, Lucius, me, and Clarice. Mauricio was in distress in the delivery room, helping Louise who had gone into labor in the early hours of the morning. We were all waiting for news and I swear I never thought that the feeling of dread would come over me again, but now, I was feeling it all over again. It was the same feeling as when Clarice was having our child, but the difference was that I was inside, and now I am distressed that I don't know how things are going inside. Brian had stayed home with Mary, Clarice was more nervous than all of us put together. Edgar was pacing back and forth, when suddenly Parkinson came through the door, with a worried expression and all awkwardness, he looked as if he had been taking heavy drugs, so thin he was. Before he could come to us, I walked towards him discreetly and he followed me into the other waiting room."What are you d
Some time later...LouiseEverything was going well. The pregnancy was going well, I was 39 weeks and super heavy. I woke up and decided that I wanted to get out of here. We are living in the same place, and Roberto and Clarice are nearby. Mauricio had just come home from work, and I was in the kitchen preparing dinner with Maria's help."Honey, can you come up in a little while?" - Maria looked at me dubiously and smiled, denying it with her head.After having no trace of him, she began to speak:"I think he is very lucky to have you." - Maria said looking at my belly, which wouldn't stop moving. - "You'd better go, I'll finish the rest. I'll set the table and leave afterwards. I'll be back tomorrow.""Thank you, Maria. You are an angel in my life." - I climbed the stairs slowly because of the discomfort my stomach was causing me.We hadn't planned anything yet, Mauricio has some projects for the future. No more auctions, not from Mauricio and not from any of my ANC members. This gav
RobertoThe days have been passing quickly, but Louise still hasn't made any statement about her pregnancy. Clarice was devoted body and soul to Brian and I thought this was perfect.Mauricio had been moody lately and this was bothering me. We were on our way home from work when he brought up the subject I had been sworn to secrecy about."Did Louise say something to you?""About what? If she said nothing to Clarice, it wasn't to me." - I lied, but I was terrible at it and he didn't stop looking at me until I stopped walking."You are a bad fucking liar, Roberto. You two are good friends, I know she would tell you secrets. She sees you as a brother!""But you just told her a secret, and you know that you don't share it with anyone. It's no big deal, but if you want to know, ask her yourself.""Are you on her side now?" - Was it immature of you? Yes, but Mauricio was really outraged and he was pissed off when this happened."I'm not on anyone's side, I'm just not going to meddle in any
MaurícioEveryone was singing Happy Birthday to Brian when I saw someone passing by the garden, the service was short, but I know it wasn't from any ghost. I left without anyone noticing and went to the garden, while everyone was too excited about what was going on inside."I don't want to get in your way, please. I need to talk to you, just listen to me for a few seconds and then you can do what you want with us." - Willy had Edy, Alícia and James' son, by his side.The boy was all bruised and Willy was almost unrecognizable. He had never hurt anyone, had always been against Alicia's atrocities and was only with her because... because he was the only person she could turn to, her family was a bunch of junkies and she had chosen her fate."Alícia committed suicide, it's been three months since this happened and I don't know what to do anymore." - In her eyes there was despair, I know how Louise won't like this, but I can't leave it like this."Okay, what do you need?""Someone to take
One year later...LouiseThe preparations for Brian's birthday were in full swing. Clarice was more than happy, as were Roberto and all of us. The time on the invitations was 6:00 PM, but Edgar and his darling daughter arrived early, and I would not deny shelter to her who sponsored me, that would be too selfish. He taught me too much, but I couldn't stand her. In the past, Edgar forced Mauricio and his daughter, Julie, to be together. And wherever Mauricio is, she won't mind forcing herself on him, and I knew that a long time ago."Do you know what I want?" - Clarice smiled wickedly as she looked at Julie. - "To teach that bitch not to stare too much at other people's men.""You have no idea how much we both think alike." - I smiled at her and she did the same. Mauricio approached us both with a small box in hand, handing it to Clarice. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck."This is our present for our little boy. You know that he is the most precious thing in our f
ClariceThe feeling that I would die at any moment was still very present. My son was in the incubator in the UV light. My body hurt even under anesthesia. I still hadn't eaten anything, I couldn't even drink water, but now, I was waiting for the nurses to help me up. If not, my blood would not circulate and could lead to a thrombosis, because of the anesthesia. Louise and Roberto's voices were loud, and when they talked, they sounded like they were fighting, and Mauricio was always quiet."Where is my baby?" - Louise came hurriedly to see him, but was disappointed when she didn't see him there. - "I forgot he's tiny. But, how are you feeling? - She sat down next to me and held my hand.""I am fulfilled, sister. I have a wonderful family. I have a strong sister that I have been very proud of ever since I met her, and now, you don't know how much I admire you for all your strength.""Do you know that even though I haven't seen him yet, he is the most important thing I have in my life?
LouiseWith each sip I took of the different drinks, I felt my stomach turn and the vomit want to come out, until I realized I was overdoing it and needed to sober up for the morning.The last time I looked at the time it was almost two in the morning, but I didn't intend to leave now."I finally found you, do you know how long I have been looking for you?" - I couldn't believe who was standing in front of me! It was Klaus, now in a nice suit, but with the same shoulder-length hair."Oh my God! I'm sorry I left without any warning. How is Miss Margot?""She passed away two weeks ago. But, she knew you were fine and that's why I didn't come after you. But now, I was going home when I saw her hiding here and thought: why not go and talk to her?" - Why did he have to be so handsome? He was very similar to Maurício in some ways, but so different in some."I was sorry." - If it weren't for this man and this woman, I wouldn't be suffering now, I would be dead. - "Sit down, have a few beers