"You've got Mr. Richards on on line 2, sir." Pam announced from the doorway."Thanks, Pam. Grab me a cup of coffee. Two cubes. Be generous with the cream," he took the telephone from its cradle, and reclined. "Close the door," he said to her retreating figure."Miss DelaCruz is back. Have you seen?" David Richards asked quickly.James knitted his eyebrows, "No, when?""Today," Richards replied. "And she didn't come back alone," he added, chuckling drily.James sat up suddenly, his eyes widened; he was gripping the phone so much, his knuckles looked white. "The boy from the orphanage?" He asked slowly, trying to keep calm. It could not be. Of all the... No, he did not want to imagine that scenario."I see you're well informed," David Richards smiled, on the other end, serving him the disappointment with utter unawareness of his partner's thoughts.James slammed the phone in its receiver, and rushed to his feet, grabbing his jacket on his way out. He opened the door, and Pam was standin
*What will you do, when you find her?* James thought within himself, manoeuvring his steering wheel as he turned past the curve. The streetlights illuminated the road in a soft amber sheen.And James was just now realizing that he didn't think this through. He was so lost in thought he almost didn't see the familiar Aventador parked along the curb. *Wasn't that Ryan?* He looked at the house on the other side of the road, and noticed there was a party going on.It had to be Sofia's.He parked along the curb, careful to avoid double parking, and got down, buttoning his jacket.As he approached the house, the driver's door on the Aventador swung open, and Ryan jumped out.Meanwhile, the housewarming party was in full swing as Sofia celebrated her new home with friends and loved ones. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the excitement was through the roof as they engaged in some in-house games. Unbeknownst to Sofia, tensions were simmering just outside her new home.Their gazes locke
"Does it still hurt?" Sofia asked, returning the disinfectant to its place. "A bit," James said, wincing slightly. "What's up, champ?" He nodded at Tyler."Were you two fighting over my mom?" He suddenly asked.Sofia, and James exchanged glances, and she came to get her son, "You don't have to answer that, Mr. Danson, I apologize, Tye can be very inquisitive at times.""No, no, it's okay," he assured her, then smiled, and immediately regretted it, the injury had begun bleeding again. "Let me get that for you," Sofia offered, leaving Tyler. She grabbed a box of tissues from the counter on the other side, and pulled out a few, then came back to dab at the injury again."What's your name?" James asked."Tyler DelaCruz."*TD,* Sofia thought to herself, chuckling. Then she noticed both of them were watching her, trying to understand her reaction."Oh, it's nothing, forgive me," she blushed, retrieving the cotton wipes and the disinfectant from a shelf."You're a smart kid," James acknowle
Sofia awoke around 4 AM and used the bathroom. She could hear low sounds like the TV was on downstairs. She slipped her robe on, over her nightgown, and left the room, careful not to wake Jessi. She went down quietly and peeped into the living room from the staircase. Tyler and James were on the sofa, playing a video game. "What's going on?" She asked, frowning at both of them as she approached. "Uh-oh, busted," Tyler muttered, dropping his pad. "He should be in bed, James, you know that," Sofia sighed disappointedly. "You too," she added. "Mom, please don't be mad with him, I woke him up while fiddling with the system, and then he helped me set it up, and taught me how to play." "You woke him to help you, right?" Sofia asked, knowing her son. "Yes, Mom," he conceded with a sigh. "Ted wasn't budging, and I couldn't really sleep well because it was my first night away from the orphanage. Plus Ted snores loudly." Sofia didn't even know that she was smiling at him. "I'll leave la
A couple of weeks later..."What are your plans, Friday night?" Alicia asked, perched next to Fred as he sprinkled the scones."Nothing really," he replied, turning his attention to her. "Got any plans?"She nodded cheerfully and dug two movie tickets out of her apron's pocket."It's a movie adaptation of a work by only the greatest author of all time!" Alicia gushed."Shakespeare?" Fred asked, arching an eyebrow."No!" She looked horrified. "Paris Hills, dummy," she joked, play-punching him."Then why haven't I heard of him?""Because you have been busy making only the best tacos of all time," she chuckled sneakily, pulling him in between her legs."Don't let Paco hear that babe," he muttered, accepting her invite for a light kiss."So what, that's like our billionth secret now," she muttered, wrapping her arms around him. They kissed again."I already lost count," Fred replied, looking slightly thoughtful about it. "What are your plans for tonight?" He asked, and kissed her again bef
Sofia met James at the entrance to the studio, and they greeted each other with a light hug, and a peck."And Tye?""He insisted on a tour of the studio over the both of us," she chuckled, as he led her down the short set of steps.James paused, glancing up at her, "You told him I was here?"Sofia chuckled, nodding, "He didn't hesitate." James clutched his chest with his free hand, and shook his head, "It's always the closest ones," he said, and she laughed at him, shielding her mouth from view."Oh, it's funny to you huh." He shook his head at her, but she placed her free arm on his, apologizing.Then the cameras flashing drew her attention, and she immediately shielded her face from view. James held her behind him, parting the crowd with slight difficulty. He left her arm, and held her across her shoulders, bringing her closer to himself."Don't say a word. I'm right here," he whispered reassuringly.Sofia nodded slowly. She could never get used to getting hedged in. She kept her he
Jessi, Rico, and Tyler arrived at the house in record time, thanks in, large part, to Harry's driving. "I don't see any other car here," Rico noted as Harry pulled to a stop in the driveway. "Maybe they're not back yet?" "Look, there's Mom," Tyler said, pointing ahead. Indeed Sofia had just come out of the house in a simple floral print gown, under a long satin robe, and black fashionable slippers. She waved at them, smiling brightly, and they got down. Tye scrambled to his mother, and she squatted to embrace him in a bear hug. "How was your tour?" She asked as they separated. "I loved it, mom. The studio is amazing! We'll go again tomorrow right?" She tapped her chin, with her dainty index finger, and looked thoughtful, as if she was considering it. "I don't know, perhaps you may decide not to come back home again," she pouted. "Of course not, Mom," Tye chuckled, giving her a forehead kiss. "Oh, you want to bribe me, Tye," she laughed, tickling him. Tyler giggled, trying to s
Alicia knew she couldn't stay mad at Tanya too long. She had just finished breakfast, about to leave for work. Yet the door to Tanya's room was still shut since yesterday. She sighed deeply and glanced toward Tanya's room from where she sat, holding her coffee mug with both hands, with an empty plate of ham, cheese, and toast set before her. Only her coffee remained; about a quarter full.She set the cup down on the table, and grabbed her phone, dialing Tanya's number. It was still switched off.She got up and went to the door."Tanya?" She called. She didn't get a response. She called twice more. Still nothing. Then she began to get worried. She knew how dangerous Tanya could be to others, did she do something to herself? "Tanya!" She banged the door repeatedly, yelling her name louder each time.She didn't even hear the dragged footsteps until the key turned in the lock. She gasped, pausing mid-strike."What is it?" Tanya growled, looking disheveled.Alicia lost control, and embraced
If you're reading this, then, thank you for sticking with us through this journey. I can only hope it was worth your while, and that you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.I'm surely gonna miss writing to about Ryan's shenanigans, Sofia's love, Tyleer's curiosity, Jessi's presence, Rico, and Pete's worries, Tanya's madness, Alicia's gentleness, Ted's chubbiness, Fred's helpfulness, and Paco's wisdom.Not that there's nothing more to say, you know there's much more lol, but I feel that this is the best point to stop.They're all mostly happy, minusing the mishaps here, and there, and death too. But, let's save those parts for another story..All things eventually come to an end, and so must we..And so I bid you farewell, reader.Thank you for picking this one up, xoxo!
The ringing of his phone roused him from sleep.“Hello?” His voice was groggy.“I know what you did.” The voice was distorted.The sleep fled from James' eyes.“Who are you?”“So you can kill me like you killed Richards? Fat chance.”“What do you want?” James asked.The line suddenly went dead.“Oh boy,” James muttered.***Amanda was home alone, by the pool, when James arrived.“It was you, wasn't it?”“I'm sorry what?” She asked, taking off her shades.“Oh, now you wanna play dumb?”“James, if you think I have time for your shenanigans, I do not. Never. Especially now that your accomplice, Richards has gone missing. Or are you gonna tell me you have nothing to do with that?”***“How could we have kept ourselves from this?” Rico muttered, in bed, kissing the back of Jessi's neck.“You, kept us from this,” she corrected, turning to face him.“Touche,” he conceded, planting a kiss on her lips; one to which she willfully obliged.“We have a lot to catch up on,” Rico whispered against h
On a normal day, Sofia would playfully chastise Ryan for such an idea, especially in front of the boy, but maybe it was Tanya’s influence, or the look in Steph’s eyes at Ryan’s words, whatever it is, it had Sofia smiling, and leading Ryan into the elevator.“Tyler, go wait for me in the car, okay?” She kissed the top of his head.“I forgot something in my room,” she added, a bit more forceful, with her eyes on the elevator.“Okay,” Tye replied innocently, and left for the waiting Mercedes Benz SUV.Steph obviously had other plans…*** “Slow down, Ryan,” Sofia chuckled, as he broke off their playful kisses to move down her neck, while his hands went lower..“We're outside,” Sofia added, kissing him back.“Someone might see us.”“Well, let's make it worth their while,” Ryan replied, leaning against the balcony of the terrace.“You must be joking,” Sofia frowned, moving away from him.Immediately, a potted plant dropped where she had been standing!Sofia gasped, her hand flying to her c
Tanya yawned, as she stepped into the sitting room in her black skimpy nightwear.“Hey, isn't that the Richards guy from the other studio,” Tanya said, nodding at the TV.“Yeah, it's him,” Alicia replied.“It says he's missing,” she added, and looked at Tanya.“What?” She asked.“You won't find him on me,” she said, stretching.“Oh, Tanya,” Alicia shook her head, returning her attention to her system.“What?” Tanya asked.“Oh, you didn't tell me that you, and Mendes made up,” Tanya said, leaning in on Alicia's left from behind the sofa.“Who told you that?” Alicia asked, leaning to her right, and losing a battle to hide her smile.“I heard he came in late, the night I spent at T.D.'s place, and didn't leave that night.”“Oh, I see you're gossiping with your girls again, huh,” Alicia said, nodding.“Tea is meant to be drunkk!” Tanya exclaimed, laughing.Alicia just shook her head.“Oh, hey. You said you spent that night at T.D.'s place?”“Oh I didn't tell you?” Tanya laughed.“Great st
“I'm telling you, we need to-”“Mom, can I go to the Taco Place to see Kim?” Tyler asked, stepping into the sitting room.He glanced between Steph, and Myles—her shrink, sensing that he'd come at the wrong time.“Am I interrupting something?” He asked innocently.“Oh, no, my love,” Steph cooed, coming to stoop next to him.“Uncle Myles was just telling me something about our business back in Mexico, but it can wait, can’t it, Myles?” She smiled at the guy; he just sighed, and left.“He didn’t seem too happy to me,” Tye remarked.“I know, I know,” Steph smiled, ruffling his hair.“So tell me, who’s this Kim?” Steph asked, taking Tye to sit with her.“A girl?”“Yeah,” Tye replied, his eyes lighting up.“She’s my girlfriend,” he announced cheerily.“Oh, big steps already?” Steph asked, poking his ribs, while he squirmed, laughing.“Stop, mom!”“Ok, ok,” she smiled.“But I’ll come with. Go, put on something nice while I do too, and then we can go see Kim.”“Alright,” Tye said, running off,
“You haven't said anything, Sof,” Jessi noted.Sofia took a deep breath.“I'm just trying to process everything, she said, leaning into the sofa.“On the one hand, you have you, my friend, whom Rico definitely, and horribly wronged by the way he handled the situation. But then, there's Rico who has been suffering from PTSD all these years. And I'm not saying that that validates what he did to you but I try to imagine how deep his fear has been for so long, that he couldn't confess his love for you. Believe me I know how the heart reacts to holding in such feelings. It's all just a lot. And I don't want to say you should do this or that, because honestly if I were you, I have no idea what I'd do in this case,” Sofia exhaled deeply.“But if I know one thing, it's that Rico has a good heart; damaged, but good nonetheless.”“I guess that saying is true,” Tanya replied, nodding slightly.“Which?” Sofia asked.“Damaged people, when they don't heal, end up damaging people,” she said.“Exactly
“Hmm, there’s something different about you, Rico. But I can’t place my finger on it,” Ryan said, stroking his chin.“You mean the lack of makeup?” Pete asked, serving himself another plate of chicken wings.The three of them were at a barbecue at Ryan’s home.“Exactly,” Ryan said, clicking his finger at Pete.“Besides, you’ve been strange ever since France. So what’s up? One brother to another.”“Does something have to be up for someone to make a change around here?” Rico drawled, setting up himself on the beach chair with his own plate, and booze.“Even the voice!” Ryan exclaimed.“What is wrong bro?”Then he turned to Pete who was approaching them.“I think it’s too late for a mid-life crisis, Pete. Help me out here.”Pete laughed as he sat down on the recliner, and faced the other two.“But seriously Rico, what’s up? You know you can trust us.”“Exactly. James isn’t here.”Rico sighed, and glanced around. Then pulled off his shades.“I had a fight with Jessi,” Rico said, matter of
Someone knocked at the door.Alicia groaned, unwilling to abandon her solo movie night.She stayed put, but the person didn’t leave, piquing her curiosity.Tanya was sleeping over at Ted’s tonight so it couldn’t be her, plus if it was Tanya, she’d know by now.“Who’s there?” She asked, peeping through the tiny hole.“Josh,” he replied.And she could see that he wasn’t lying.Alicia hesitated, and grabbed a coat from the rack next to the door to put over her flimsy nightwear, before opening the door up for him.“Hey, Alicia.”“How did you find me?” She asked, crossing her arms.“So it’s true,” he nodded.“You were avoiding me.”“Don’t try to change the subject, Josh. I asked you how you found me.”“I paid someone to hack into the school’s database to retrieve your data-”A slap from Alicia cut him short.“You just don’t know when to stop right? Because your family has the cash you feel like you can pay off anyone to get whatever you want. Why invade my privacy? Again, and again?”“What
“Where are we going?” Sofia asked, laughing. She couldn’t see past the blindfold Ryan had put on her eyes, but she could feel the excitement build up inside of her.“It’s a surprise, no peeking,” Ryan reminded her with a light kiss at her neck.The car slowly pulled to a stop, and Ryan got down, then came around her side to help her down too.“Easy, easy,” he advised, guiding her.Sofia could hear the sounds of traffic, and of people—though, French, she couldn’t understand, but it made her uncomfortable.“Are we there yet?” She asked nervously; eager to see again.“Almost,” Ryan assured, leading her into an elevator while his bodyguards kept the pedestrians in check.“Ooh,” Sofia shocked slightly, when the elevator suddenly started to move.“Where are you taking me to, Ryan Barnes?” She chuckled, leaning against him, and turning slightly.Ryan knew an invitation to share a kiss when he saw one, and he took this one without hesitation.The blindfold was still on, but neither seemed to