Boom (pt.50)

Rudolf could hear them. They crawled under his skin like rats in the sewer below the building. "How could they disrespect me!" He yelled to himself then continued,"And in front of Grace!" He opened the door to his apartment and slammed it shut. Turning on the lights he revealed that the hallway was covered with newspaper clippings and magazine articles of the New City Bomber. He allowed his fingertips to touch each one as he walked down the hallway toward his living room. "I showed them,showed all of them." He said as he stood in the living room with a devilish smirk. He then sat on a stool in the center of the living room and looked around at the scraps of newspaper and magazines and thought,"What would the world do if they knew the bomber was me?Me,a simple man from Russia." Rudolf was far from simple with advanced training of explosive materials and electriacal knowledge.
He looked over to a work bench and thought,"Maybe they have forgotten who I am.Maybe they need a reminder!" He dragged the stool to the work bench and began to assemble a bomb. 
He was nearly completed when he began to think of Analisette,"Little bitch! She wouldn't be so tough if she didn't have Adrine! What does he see in her anyway? Shes nothing but a loud mouth whore! Shes nothing like Grace." He stopped what he was doing and remembered the expression on Grace's face,"I want her so badly,what if i messed my only chance up with her?" He wiped a tear from his eye and stood up from his work bench. "She will be mine!If my chances are ruined its their fault! All of them!" He ran to his bedroom and stood in front of a collage of pictures and smiled. "Soon." He looked around his room then grabbed a video camera and tripod. He set it up in the living room facing the work bench.
"They've pushed me again too far.They will get what they deserve. I care for none of these low life scum,that occupy in my residence. They are nothing. Again the only one who matters is Grace. All the others could die,next time. For now i will take away things precious to them.And if-if they ruined my chances with my true love Grace,this building wont exist,they wont exist." He looked over his shoulder and laughed maliciously,"That should show them."

Closure (pt.49)

The rain fell heavy today; it fit perfectly due to the circumstances. Analisette sat at the first pew of the church and looked back at the river of people in black attire. They mumbled what she hoped was good memories and every eye was moist with fresh tears, with the exception of Rick’s family. She ignored them and focused her attention to the entrance.  Adrine walked in and made his way to her.

Analisette was so happy that everyone who knew Lolita and Rick showed up. She was worried that an ad in the newspaper and online wouldn’t have been enough to reach out to everyone. She was also so grateful for the help from fellow tenants of New City Apartments, especially Minerva. Minerva hadn’t stopped looking for the best plot and tombstone until she found the perfect one. She had even suggested that everyone come back to the Apartment building to eat and share stories, even paid for the caterer and drinks.

Adrine sat next to Analisette and put his arm around her then said, “Babe, they said in about five to ten minutes they will bring them in and the priest will start the service.” She nodded then replied in a worried tone,”Im going to go to the bathroom and throw some water on my face.” Adrine removed his arm and said,”You want me to go with you?” She shook her head no and walked up the aisle. She seen Samantha and Marcus sitting with Henrey, Lilliana and her husband Gregorio. She nodded her head to them as they waved and mouthed ‘are you ok?’ reassuring them. As she continued to walk she saw Clifford Baxtor. He stood up and hugged her, “How are you Analisette?” She frowned, “Hanging in there, how about you?” He looked over to Minerva who was sitting alone. Analisette looked over at Minerva then back to him, “Go and sit with her, comfort her.” Clifford walked over to her and sat down.

Minerva looked at him then to Analisette as she watched. “She said I should come and comfort you,”Clifford stated. Minerva looked at him with attitude, “You shouldn’t have if it wasn’t what you wanted to do.” He looked at her hand as she began to fiddle nervously with her fingers, “I wanted to, I was worried you didn’t want anything to do with me.” Her hands stopped and she looked down, “I want you in my life, I love you, but you lied to me.” He held her hand and said, “Ill never do that again, I promise you.” She looked up at him and seen the truth in his eyes, “I want us to take our time, please, I just don’t want to get hurt again.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed, “As long as the time is ours, I’ll wait forever.” They smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Analisette turned off the water and grabbed a paper towel and dried her face in the church bathroom.  A woman walked into the bathroom, she took a second to look at Analisette then walked over to the mirror and began checking her makeup. Analisette looked over at her; she was older and looked remarkably like Rick. Suddenly she looked at Analisette and said, “It’s impolite to stare.” Analisette looked away then replied,”I’m sorry, you just look a lot like Rick.” The woman stopped what she was doing and smirked, “Rick was my son.” Then continued checking her makeup and speaking, “He was a little shit, always disobeying me or his bastard of a father. We haven’t seen or talked to him in years. His way of punishing us, I suppose. He could have had everything that we do, but no, he wanted to move to the City and be a struggling artist. Look where that got him, killed with a whore.” Analisette was shocked that his mother could speak this way about her son, and of Lolita. The woman looked at her expression and began to walk out of the bathroom when Analisette jolted for the door and held it closed, “You never deserved him, and she wasn’t a whore she was a woman, more of a woman than you will ever be.” The woman looked snobbishly at Analisette and said, “And who are you to talk?” Analisette released the door and said, “I was the one to arrange this service-everything for your son and what would have been your daughter in law.” The woman straightened herself up and watched as Analisette left the bathroom holding her head high.

Analisette was in her seat with Adrine for a moment before they brought in Rick and Lolita’s caskets. The organ played a sad song as everyone stood and watched the silver and champagne colored caskets as they were placed in front of the alter.  The priest looked at everyone and signaled for everyone to sit and began to read what he had written, “Today we are all here to give peace to the souls of Lolita Cruz and Rick Stevens. Lolita and Rick had many things in common. For one, they were both free spirits. Both determined on being independent and different no matter the costs. I had the privilege of meeting both not together but at different times. Lolita came to me concerned and troubled about men, when I told her that god would guide her, she told me,”God,Father,what am I paying you for?” I remember her laughing and how quickly she apologized and said, “I hope he works quickly.” With Rick he came to me and asked me if God had forgotten him, when I asked him why would he say such a thing he told me that he was sick of looking at everyone happy with another and how he was alone. I was quick to reply as I did with Lolita, that God would guide him. And God guided them to each other. It has been a long time since I have seen both, so let me introduce a close friend of theirs Analisette Gomez .” Analisette took a deep breath and stood up and walked to the altar.  

She looked out to everyone that was there and said, “Before I read a poem that I have prepared for them I want to say thank you to everyone being here and helping to make this possible, they would have been more grateful than I could possibly express. Later we will have food and beverages at New City Apartments so we could share stories and fond moments. I know-I knew the person who Lolita was, and how she did things that I would never mention because they don’t matter anymore, she changed. A complete turnaround from what she was and that person, that Lolita, I will always remember. And Rick, I never knew him until he saved Lolita. But he was the kindest, funniest, most dedicated man I’ve ever met. The paintings you see here and throughout the church are done by Rick, I never knew how great of an artist he was until I seen them.” Analisette looked down and held back her tears and continued, “I knew that they would have made it together, I knew in my heart that they would get married, have kids and prosper. They were just those types of people that could take any situation and make it great. So I know in heaven, they are making the best of it. On that note, the title of the poem is Like a Phoenix.”

She took a deep breath then spoke,” Blues and green your feathers preen. Noticing the sight of things better left unseen. You stay low to the ground praying to be found. And healed from your self shackles to be unbound. Around and around searching you cannot rely on others. You must fly higher to reach the real love of fathers and mothers. Purples and oranges your feathers change for your now in limbo. You make changes and find truth, but appreciate how it wasn’t simple. You ignite into yellows and reds. Wanting so desperate to fight for love, marriage, children the things that everyone wishes and says. And you make it, higher and higher. Above us all and see that your on fire. As beautiful as a shooting star, and it’s yours. You opened the doors; you completed the chores, worked tirelessly until sore. And we watch from the floor. In awe, begging to be you, but we cannot copy, we cannot rewrite, we cannot remix. For you, are only like a phoenix.

Everyone stood up and clapped as she walked back to her seat next to Adrine. The priest walked up to the alter and said, “Now everyone may pay their last respects.” Everyone formed lines and touched the caskets and cried as they walked back to their seats. One man walked up and stood there with his palm on Lolita’s casket. He looked over at Analisette and said, “I should have been there for her; I was her uncle I should have taken care of her like her parents wanted. “ Analisette watched as everyone looked at him in shock and cried. She walked over to the man and said,”It’s not your fault, It will get better we just have to know she’s in a better place.” He hugged Analisette and she hugged him back then walked him to a nearby pew and sat with him as the Priest closed the service and walked the caskets out to the hearse.

Back at the main lobby of the apartment complex everyone grabbed something to eat, and the alcohol was gone before the first hour. Analisette and Adrine stood with Lolita’s uncle as he told stories of Lolita. Samantha and Marcus were close by listening to the conversation. The older people sat together and spoke of love and of Analisette's poem. Clifford and Minerva drank and were speaking of how they could make things work. Antonio and Ramona stopped by to say hi to everyone and pay their condolences to Analisette and Adrine then made their way back to Mona’s.  

Suddenly Rudolf stormed in, “What the hell is going on!” Everyone went silent. “Why the hell are all these people here! Get Out! Get Out!” Adrine walked over to Rudolf until he was a safe distance and said, “Rudolf, chill out. Lolita and Rick died, we’re here sharing stories and consoling each other.” Rudolf’s face was blank then he yelled, “I don’t give a fuck if that no rent paying slut and that faggot are dead, everyone get the hell out of my building!” Analisette spoke up, “Don’t you ever call them that you piece of shit!” Rudolf began to walk toward Analisette but Adrine broke his path,”You really want to go there Rudolf?” Rudolf gave Analisette a death stare and walked over to the table with chips and crackers and tossed it on the floor. Samantha spoke up, “What the fuck! You feel better about yourself? Can you fucking leave now?” Marcus pushed Samantha behind him and held his ground and held her back.  Rudolf looked around at everyone’s angry faces, seen Grace with her fingertips over her mouth and eyes widened. Rudolf took three big breaths and stormed off…

List (pt.48)

Analisette was awake way before Adrine. She sat in her living room planning the funeral for Lolita and Rick.She pushed the list away and inhaled deeply,held it,then released it. "Funerals shouldn't be about money but about the person,or in this case people,"She thought shaking her head in disapproval. Adrine reached out for her in his bed and woke up quickly when he noticed Analisette wasn't there. He pulled himself from his bed and headed for the living room,in hopes that she was there. Adrine seen her rubbing her eyes then spoke with concern,"How much did you sleep?" She turned her head to see him in the hallway and said with a slight smile,"Enough,how about you?" He walked into the living room and sat next to her on the couch,"Same. I was looking for you,I thought maybe you stepped out." She shook her head no then replied,"I was just going over the things i have to do for the funeral,the list gets longer and longer each time i look at it. I asked everyone in the building if they wanted to contribute to the funeral,they gave me some money but,"She looked at the money on the table then into his honey brown eyes,"Its not enough,I don't know what I'm going to do." Adrine looked at the money then grabbed the list and read it. He took the list and ripped it in half and said,"We will get through this together,Ill take half and you take the other." Analisette smiled at his simplistically kind gesture and kissed him a thank you. After she looked around and said,"Do you want breakfast?" Adrine smiled and said,"Ill make it baby,what do you want?" She smiled then replied,"I don't know what you know how to make." Adrine dropped his jaw acting like he was in shock,"Didn't you know that I throw down in the kitchen?" Analisette tried to hold a straight face. Adrine nodded his head and walked like he owned the world into the kitchen. Analisette listened as he mumbled how 'he got this' and smiled. Then she herd him curse over and over again,but ignored it as she smelled something sweet and herd sizzling.
Analisette looked at her half of the list. It read: Go through Ricks artwork for display. Contact any friends or relatives (Maybe run an ad).Tombstones.Plot. Church. She shrugged and thought Simple..right?
Adrine brought out a plate with perfectly non circular pancakes,a peeled orange,and a glass of apple juice. His smile was unsure as she took a bite. "This is really good,i could live with this,"She said as she devoured the plate halved the orange and handed the bigger half to him. He ate it and said,"I still have to tell you about yesterday." Analisette frowned then replied,"Yeah,what happened?" Adrine broke it down slowly, explaining in the most non graphic way how Rick and Quinten got into a fight then Rick died,Lolita shot Quinten then shot herself. Analisette felt a close on her wonder and nodded in understanding. "Its a shame that we wont know really what happened,but that's what the facts tell us."Adrine said hoping that she would understand. Analisette shrugged,"At least they were together.I cant even imagine what I would do If...But i know for you its the same if I.." She couldn't get the words out,it was too hard to say,too hard to even think of the what ifs. Adrine hugged her and said,"We don't have to worry about that for a long,long,long time.I'm not going anywhere and neither are you." She half smiled.
After discussing their separate lists they did their morning rituals and went on their ways.
Analisette went straight to Ricks apartment and seen that it had recently been cleaned,probably when Lolitas was cleaned. She felt her chest grow heavy with the pain of them being gone,but quickly remembered her mission. She seen various paintings,from cityscapes to portraits. One specific painting caught her eye, it was a woman running. Analisette was captivated by it. Then it hit her,the woman in the painting was Lolita. Tears welled up in her eyes. He made her look so beautiful. "Is this how you saw her Rick?" Analisette smiled and put the painting to the side,wanting to show it at the Church. She picked two more portraits, and three cityscapes. "You were such a great artist Rick,I wish you could have been here to hear me say that."
She took the paintings up to her apartment and layed each one out respectfully. Then her phone began to ring,the caller ID read Minerva. "Hey,Alise,"She said in a unsure tone. Analisette smiled,"Hey,Minnie.How are you?" Minerva replied in the same tone,"I'm good,I was calling to ask if you needed any help? My mother has the kids for a few days so I'm completely free." Analisette looked at her list and said,"Um,you could call the cemetery and reserve two plots and see how much the tombstone is going to be." Minerva was silent for a minute then agreed. "Just keep me posted ok Minnie." Minerva agreed then they said their goodbyes.
Meanwhile,Adrine had made the call to the morgue where Rick and Lolitas bodies were being held and arranged for them to be moved to New City for the service and burial. His list was much easier than Analisettes with:Get Rick and Lolita to New City.Buy a flower arrangement.Pick a day for the Church service. 
Adrine was speeding through his tasks and text Analisette along the way. He was on his way home to discuss the date of the church service with Analisette when he ran into Clifford. Adrine walked over to him and said,"Hey,how are you?" Clifford looked down,"Still bad." Adrine put his hand on his back and replied,"Its going to get better,don't worry." Clifford looked up at him with hope,"Analisette told me you guys are going to have a service,when that happens,we all could close this sad story." Adrine smiled and nodded,agreeing with him. Clifford smiled back then said,"Analisette also told me that you both are planning to get married." Adrine laughed then said,"Yes,as soon as things get..Easier." Clifford looked around,"Make sure Grace don't hear about the wedding,you know her ass would tell all of New City in five minutes." They both looked around secretively then laughed loudly as they said goodbye.
Analisette left a note on Adrines door that read meet me in the garden. Adrine made his way to the rooftop and seen Analisette sitting on the edge of the building looking out. He quietly sat beside her. "Alot has happen in New City since I've been back.More than I would have ever imagined." Adrine held her hand and replied,"What I've learned is,sometimes we have to go through things like we have in order to find out about ourselves and who we are." Analisette smiled,"I would have never thought Id be here with you,engaged." Then she looked away,"Or planing the funeral of two people we grew to care about." Adrine stood up and put out his hand,she took it and stood in front of him. "Whatever the emotions that we go through,we will go through them together and survive stronger.I know this is a sad time,and it hurts me to see you going through so much pain,but we will get through this.Its up to us now to live out their dreams." They embraced each other and looked out into New City together.

Real (pt.47)

Adrine woke up early the next morning,He wanted to keep his promise to Analisette that he would be home tonight. He told her before he went to sleep about Salma and her attempts to have him for her own,Analisette wasn't surprised but said simply,"If she touches you ill kill her." Adrine laughed but knew if anyone had touched her or hurt her in anyway he would do the same.
The hotel room was small. Full size bed,end tables with lamps on both sides,a small dresser in front of the bed with a twenty inch television on top,and one closet. Adrine turned on the TV and changed the channel to the news.
.."Good morning today we're talking with a Doctor Kira Avin a local Psychologist about what this serial bomber might be planning. Kira what do you think will happen next,is it safe to go out anywhere anymore?"The anchor looks at a Kira a middle aged woman with dark red hair and a suit on who said,"Well  Martha,I honestly think that life should go on. The main key point in this discussion is not to panic,it has been months since the last bombing and there is a chance that this menace has gotten it out of his or her system." Kira took a sip of her coffee as Martha looked for the next question on her card,"In your practice do you deal with many people who act this way?" Kira smiled,"I don't deal with anyone,i like to put it as I'm helping them. I do HELP many people prone to this type of destructive behavior." Martha nodded in a very fake attentive manner then asked the next question,"What are some typical characteristics of people who have this destructive behavior?" Kira looked away then at Martha with her eyes narrowed and replied,"Nothing is typical about "these people",One could be a loner and shy and another could be,for lack of a better word,the life of the party.The person who is doing this,could be looking for attention and has no friends,or this could have been an accident. Right now so much isn't apparent,its a waiting game."  Martha looked around shocked then touched her ear and said,"Now a message from our sponsors."...
Adrine smiled and thought,"Guess you weren't expecting that answer Martha." He laughed to himself then got out of bed with a stretch and walked toward the bathroom. The bathroom had a standing shower, toilet and sink. It was nothing special but it would serve its purpose. Adrine turned the shower on and undressed.
 The water felt amazing and allowed him some time to remember...
"What the fuck you want pig?" Lolita said looking strung out on a park bench. Adrine walked up to her,"I just want to help you,whats your name?" Lolita smiled,"Are you like the rest of them? Want to have a good time?" Adrine tightened his jaw,"I don't know what your talking about.Whats your name?" Lolita looked away,"Why should I tell you pig?I'm no one.Nothing." Adrine shook his head,"I want to help you." She looked up at him,"Why me? There are plenty out there like me,why do you want to help me?" Adrine swallowed hard,"Because you deserve help." Lolita looked up with tears in her eyes and said her name.
It was then that he talked her out of using drugs. He wanted the best for her,didn't even know her,but wanted her to live.
A series of knocks at the door broke his memories. He hurried out of the shower,changed into his clothes,turned off the TV and opened the door. Salma stood there with two cups of coffee and a brown bag,"Blueberry muffin or plain bagel with butter?" Adrine was hungry but food from her.Not an option. "No,I'm good." She looked at him with a half smile,nodded then talked business,"Well, I talked to forensics they took the bodies for an autopsy yesterday.Ill have the results later." Adrine nodded in understanding ,"Lets go to the house."
In silence.It took them an hour to get to the house,The SUV Clifford had gave them was still there,bags lay on the path in front of the house. "Had they even made it inside?" Adrine asked himself. He parked and got out of his car,Salma followed. She handed Adrine a pair of rubber gloves and walked over to the car. "It was Lolitas and Ricks,"Adrine yelled to her as he checked the bags on the walkway. "Its still full,nothings been moved,"She yelled back. Adrine wanted to check in the house but went for the garage at the end of the driveway. He herd Salma open the front door to the house and walk in. He opened the door beside the garage door and walked in to a Lincoln SUV. It looked familiar to him so he figured it was Quintens,he wrote down the registration and license number to look it up later."If he parked somewhere they would see,maybe they would still be alive." He said as he walked around the side of the SUV deeper into the garage. A safe and boat stood beside each other. "Wonder whats in the safe?" He wrote the serial number down and got out of the garage.
As he entered the house he seen the blood stains,tape outlines and numbered cards.The smell was over bearing but he managed to ask, "What do you know?" She looked up at him then down,"Looks like there was some sort of altercation by the door that led to the living room,They said that the woman-i mean Lolita was by Rick,"She walked over to the chair at the far end of the living room and continued,"Do you see this splatter,Quinten was here." Her phone began to ring and she excused herself to the kitchen. Adrine couldn't help but envision what happened. Everything was seen in flashes. Rick and Lolita lay next to each other covered in blood,across from them Quinten sits with his head thrown back. Adrine removed his glove and rubbed his eyes but the images kept flashing in his head. Salma rushed back into the room and said,"That was forensics,they told me that Rick was shot in his lung and that's what caused his death,Quintens skin was found under his fingernails so they were in a fight and possibly was shot on accident,They said moments after the estimated time of Ricks wound Quinten was shot in his stomach,so it had to be during the fight. But Quintens head wound,wasn't self inflicted,he was shot in the head and that is what ended his life. And Lolita,she shot herself moments after Quintens estimated time of death." Adrine was in shock but managed to say,"She loved him,She couldn't live without him." He shook his head and a tear dropped from his eye. Salma walked over to him and rubbed his arm,"Its ok,at least we can close the case.We're done here." Adrine straightened up himself and moved his arm from her touch."Lets go then."
Adrine drove faster than he ever had before,he wanted to ditch Salma and get to Analisette and tell her what he knew. When he reached the precinct Salma said,"This is the number for the place where Lolita and Rick are being held,I didn't know if you were going to arrange a service or not." Adrine took the card with the number and said,"Thank you.Bye." Salma half smiled and left. He took out his phone and hit send on Analisette,"I'm almost home,Mami should be there in fifteen minutes." Analisette replied,"Ok baby,I'm in your apartment still and i cooked dinner." Adrine smiled,"Love you.be there in a minute."
He opened the door to his apartment and seen the table set with short stemmed pale yellow daises,long white candles in silver holders,gold lined plates,and silverware all lined up. It made him smile that she set that up. He walked over to the kitchen and seen her wearing a blue silk nightie and stirring a pot of pasta and the aroma of meatballs and garlic bread filled the air. Analisette looked over her shoulder,"Go shower,I don't want to think about anything but me and you tonight,tomorrow we will talk about Lolita and Rick,not tonight,i cant." Adrine did as he was told.
Dinner was sweet and romantic to say the least,he was happy to see her smile for the first time since the news about Lolita and Rick. She needed this. After dinner they laid on the couch together and put on a movie. Adrine held her tight as she laid with her back on his chest.Suddenly the thought of Lolita taking her own life after Rick was dead exploded in his head. He kissed her neck and said,"I love you so much Analisette,never forget that." She turned to him so that they were face to face and said,"Ill never forget,my only." Adrine kissed her as if it were the last time, and promised himself that he would kiss her like that every time,no exceptions.
 

Moments of Truth (pt46)

"Why wont she shut the fuck up already!" Adrine yelled to himself. Salma Sanchez was on her third link of her life story and had no intention of stopping. Adrine had tried everything to get her to shut up,lowered all the windows so the breaking highway wind could over power her voice,raised the volume on the radio but even the bass couldn't compete with her,even stopped at a rest stop just to find retreat in the men's room but he returned to her continuation of why she would be an asset in New City because of what she went through. Adrine was annoyed to say the least. He couldn't think of anyone else that got under his skin,like she did. "Did you hear me?"Salma asked concerned. Adrine looked at her on the brink of opening up a verbal can of whoop ass,"What!What is it!" Salma backed up in the passenger side chair and said,"Someones touchy.I said that we should find something to eat,maybe somewhere to sleep its getting late and i have to get in contact with the forensic team i sent there earlier." Adrine jumped at the chance to be separated from her for a longer period of time than at the rest stop. He pulled off at the next exit and followed some signs to a fast food joint and looked at Salma. "Couldn't find anything more,classy?"She said in a smug tone. Adrine smiled,"Order a number instead of the dollar menu." Her jaw dropped. Adrine got out of his car and began to walk in. It was kid friendly with an adult twist. The smell of burgers and fries were thick in the air. He looked back to see Salma on the phone in his car. He placed his order and got it then sat down and began to eat. Salma walked in and shot him a dirty look then placed her order and sat in front of him once she had her food. He looked up from his meal and seen her with a smile on her face. "We don't have to sit together." She opened up the box containing a big greasy burger with all the fixings,"Your going to learn to like me Adrine,whether you like it or not." Adrine took a sip of his bottle of water and asked inquisitively,"How you figure?" She laughed maliciously and looked him in his eyes and said in near snarl,"We will be spending alot more time together than you think.Once you are promoted guess who will be your partner." Adrine tightened his jaw and looked at her with hatred. She smiled and stole one of his french fries and ate it seductively,"They say opposites attract,you hate me and i want you,we could make this work." Adrine rose from his seat and lifted his tray from the table,"You will never have me,ever.Get that through your head." Adrine walked over to the garbage can and emptied his tray,without making eye contact with her he left to his car.
Salma watched him leave. Once he was gone she looked at the empty seat in front of her and said,"Adrine,you'll learn how to love me as much as I love you." She acted as if she was listening to him say something,"You mean it?Really?You'll leave her for me?I knew you would." She smiled and ate her food.
Earlier in New City, Analisette sat in Minervas apartment with Abby and Susie. Susie was laying on the couch across from her talking to her dolls. And Abby sat next to Analisette and told her all about her trip and how she met Clifford and thinks he is cool. Analisette nodded her head trying to keep up."Abby take your sister into your room and watch TV there me and Analisette have to talk about grown up things." Minerva said as she walked into the living room where they were and placed two cups of coffee on the coffee table in front of Analisette. Abby looked at Susie and said,"Come on Suze lets go watch that movie you love with the big headed girls." Susie smiled and walked with Abby out of the living room.
Analisette grabbed the coffee and took a big gulp. She needed it. Everything was happening so fast. She didn't know what to do. Minerva took a seat across from her and said,"I'm so sorry to call you randomly.I just don't have anyone else. Your my only friend besides Clifford,but i don't even know anymore." Analisette put her cup on the table and shook her head,"Don't worry about it,I'm here for you. What happened between you and Clifford?" Minerva brushed her hand through her hair and said,"Well,we kissed.I mean everything was fine,until i found his wallet.He was rushing out and dropped it.A picture of me and the girls fell out and on the back Charlie had written on it. He said he was his cousin. He said he loved me." She placed her hands on her lap and began pushing back her cuticles. "Minerva,Clifford isn't a bad guy.Sometimes people are related to monsters,but that doesn't make them a monster." Analisette said calmly. Analisette had known that Clifford was related to Charlie,and that he might love Minerva,but due to everything happening so fast she had forgotten to tell her. Minerva smiled,"I really like him,but he should have told me.What if Adrine hadn't told you something like that? What if he hid something from you for all this time that you have been together? Would you forgive him?" Analisette tried to think if she was in her shoes. Tried to think about how deceitful he would have been. "I honestly don't know Minnie.I would follow my heart." She said shrugging her shoulders repeatedly. Minerva looked away,"My heart tells me to run to him. But my head is telling me he's a liar." Analisette swallowed hard,"Minnie i cant tell you what to do,ultimately the choice is yours.He's a good man,He came to us and helped Lolita and Rick-" Tears welled up in her eyes. Minerva quickly got up and sat beside her and held her hand,"Whats wrong Alise?" She looked into Minerva's eyes and said,"Lolita and Rick are dead. Clifford found them,he went to Charlies house upstate where he told them they would be safe to check on them.But,Quintens body was there too.He found them all dead.We don't know yet the story of what happened.Adrine is on the case.I have to arrange a funeral for Rick and Lolita now.Clifford told me what he found he was so hysterical.I wanted to tell you about Clifford but everything happend so fast.Im sorry." Minerva threw her arms around Analisette and hugged her tight and cried with her. "Ill help you Alise,Ill help you with everything don't worry.We will give them the best goodbye,they deserve it.Dont worry about not telling me,he told me,its ok."Minerva said reassuringly through her saddened voice. Analisette nodded and tried to compose herself. "I just really believed this would have been the best thing for Lolita,now ill never know.But Clifford gave her that opportunity to start over,he didn't know her,only knew what happened and tried to make it right.And this?" She shook her head from side to side and pushed back the tears. Minerva let her go and held her hand,"We will get through this Analisette, don't worry.Do you want to stay here until Adrine comes back?" Analisette wanted to be alone and told her but thanked her for offering. She looked at the door and said,"I think i should head back up to my apartment and get started on the planning of everything and get some estimates,i don't know." Minerva walked her to the door and gave her a big hug and reassured her if she could help to let her know.
Adrine took out his phone when he was sitting in his car waiting for Salma to return. He imagined how he could leave her here in the middle of no where,then remembered that he was working with her and would most likely get fired for it.The thought made him smile though. He hit send on Analisette and waited. "Hey,Baby." Analisette said in a sad tone. Adrines heart pained for her,"How you holding up,Mami?" She took a deep breath then replied,"I'm better than i was,i vented a little to Minerva.She said she would help with the funeral." Adrines world brightened at the sound of some progress,"That's good,baby.I haven't reached the house yet.I think i might have to get a hotel room,but i will definitely be back tomorrow night." Analisette sighed,"Ok.I'm gonna sleep in your apartment then,my apartment reminds me too much of Lolita and Rick." Adrine watched as Salma walked out of the restaurant and headed for the car. "Ok Mami,if you feel more comfortable there then do that.Make sure you eat something please."He said hoping she would listen. Salma got into the car and said with an attitude,"Who are you talking to?" Analisette looked at the phone then said,"Let me talk to her,Ill tell her who I am." Adrine rolled his eyes,"I love you Alise.Ill call you when I'm settled in the Hotel." Analisette sighed,"I was gonna play nice,promise.She was the one who had the attitude." Adrine smiled at his tough chick then repeated,"I love you." Analisette took a breath then said, "I love you too." They said goodbye then hung up.
"So,that was your girlfriend?" Salma said jealous. Adrine smiled,"No.That was my wife.And if you ever act like that again, ill put you on the phone with her.Trust me she wont be as patient as i am with you." Salma crossed her arms,looked out the window,and mumbled to herself. Adrine smiled at his win and drove.
As he pulled up to a motel he said,"Wait here,Ill get us rooms." Salma smiled,"The precinct only pays for one room,I guess we're sharing." Adrine laughed sarcastically then said,"I have my own money princess.I'm getting my own room." She looked away and huffed...

After All (pt.45)

Adrine took the phone from Analisette and held her as she weeped on his chest. Clifford told him exactly what he saw,Lolita,Rick,and Quinten Dead. Then Clifford said,"Adrine,I don't want anyone to think I had anything to do with this!I thought they would be alive,this was the last thing i would have expected to come to." Adrine led Analisette out of the apartment and nudged Samantha to follow,then replied,"I don't know if its out of my jurisdiction,but I'm going to make a few calls and see what I could do.Just don't touch anything and stay in your car,Ill call you once i know what you should do next." Clifford was in shock,and repeated what he seen over and over again. Adrine finally told him to just relax and repeated that he would call him back. Once the three of them were outside of Lolitas apartment he looked at Samantha without emotion,"Clifford said Quinten is dead too." Samantha's jaw dropped,she didn't know how to feel,if she should cry or brush it off. She looked at Analisette then Adrine,"I cant,I have to go." She turned and limped to the stairs. They watched her,then Adrine spoke,"Sam,if you need someone to talk to-" Samantha looked back,"Ill let you know." She headed down to her apartment.
Adrine led Analisette to the elevator.As they stepped in Adrine pressed the button for their floor as She leaned against the wall crying lowly to herself. "Its going to be OK,don't worry." Adrine said as he held her hand and looked as the floors changed on the digital panel inside the elevator. Analisette looked at his hand and replied,"Why do people always say its going to be 'ok' when people die?" Adrine was without words. Analisette shrugged,"I don't know if I'm sadder that they are gone or that I had so much hope for them and their new beginning." Adrine shook his head,"Its just sad in general,but we have to wait and find out what happened in that house." Analisette shot him a look of anger,"What do you think happened?! That bastard Quinten was one step ahead of us,he planned it,he killed them!"
Analisette was full of anger laced with disappointment and stepped out of the elevator then walked to her apartment. Adrine followed her,"We cant start making finalizations on what happened,Ill find out OK." Analisette opened her door and stepped inside,"I just want to be alone.Go find out what happened,so I could arrange a funeral for them." Adrine stood still then tried to follow her into her living room until she put up one hand and said,"Don't." That one word ripped through him straight to his core. Every piece of him wanted to reach out and grab her and tell her he didn't care what she said,he would console her. But he chose to find out the information she wanted.
Every step he took to his apartment made his heart somersault in his chest,he wanted to be there for her,but now he was committed to find out what happened to his friends. He knew in his heart that it must have been Quinten who killed them,but as a cop he knew his opinion didn't matter only the facts mattered. In his apartment he took out his phone and called his precinct,"Officer Perez patch me over to the Captain." He was on hold for a second then,"Perez,Aren't you off today?" Adrine cleared his throat then replied,"Yes i am but,I have information about the Quinten case." There was silence again on the line then the sound of papers moving,"What info you got for me?" Adrine walked over to his couch and took a seat,"Well,An associate of mine tells me he found the body of Quinten and two others named Lolita and Rick in a house upstate." The Captain laughed heartily over the phone,"That was quick. Well I'm putting you on this case,there is a jurisdiction thing but if-" There was silence again,"Well,I'm going to do this Adrine,Sanchez is already on the Quinten case,you can work with her. Not much you could do now in terms of conviction but at least you both can close the case together. Shes been telling me how much she thinks you would help the case,kind of buggin the hell out of me." Adrine threw his head back and shook his head,knowing that this would really be bad but knew he had to get answers for Analisette. He took a deep breath then said sarcastically,"Great." Captain laughed,"Don't sound too excited this could mean a promotion in your near future.Give Sanchez a call and get your ass in here to give a statement then you both could head upstate." Adrine straightened up at the sound of promotion,"Yes sir." Adrine pulled his black leather bomber on,grabbed his keys and left his apartment. As he locked his door he seen Analisette at the end of the hallway doing the same to hers.
"Where you going?" Adrine asked as he walked over to her. She looked up at him with puffy eyes and replied,"Minerva called me and asked if we could talk." Adrine nodded and said,"I have to go to work,Capt' is putting me on the case,so Ill let you know everything once I do OK?" She looked away then back into his honey brown eyes,"I'm not sure i want to know. Lolita just came back into my life,she was different,I wanted her to really turn her life around,now Ill never know.Ive never seen so much change,she was like a phoenix,rose from the ashes of her life to reveal such beauty and strength." Adrine tried to grasp the depth of her words. They were powerful,and unexpected. She had forgiven Lolita,for all she had done to her,and seen the beauty in Lolita,something that anyone Lolita had crossed would have ignored or claimed to be a scheme. He admired her in this moment,as a person,not just his soon to be wife. Analisette seen he was miles away and said,"I want to perform,I want to do a memorial poem for her.It would only be right. I want to say it at her memorial service,I want whoever knew the person she was to know the person she became. I'm going to do it." Analisette nodded knowing what she had to do. Adrine walked her down to Minervas and kissed her goodbye then made his way to work.
Adrine walked into the precinct and seen the usual shift on duty and seen some people waiting for their phone call. He ignored everything and everyone and darted for the Captains office. He knocked then entered. Captain was sitting at his desk drinking coffee and smelled another pot brewing. He was Italian with black hair swept back held up by a strong face with cheeks with scarce freckles. He was a bit of a joker,but when it came to business he was solid as stone. "Hey,Capt'," Adrine said as he took a seat. He placed his cup down and sat back in his chair,"Don't you hate working on your day off? Shit is the worst." They both laughed. Captain continued,"So your associate is at this house upstate still?" Adrine nodded as he continued,"He's going to have to make a statement too.Have you talked to Sanchez?" Adrine looked away for a second then back to him and replied,"No,I just came straight over here." Captain smiled,"Well,I had a feeling you wouldn't so I talked to her.You could find her upstairs she made that her unofficial office." Captain rolled his brown eyes and said with a smile,"Women." Adrine laughed then left Captains office and walked upstairs to meet with Sanchez.
She was sitting at a desk in front of a laptop and hadn't noticed Adrine was there. He cleared his throat. She looked over the screen,"Oh,Adrian,just the man i wanted to see.Hear that you have some great news for me." Adrine told her what he knew. She smiled,"This is great.Finally some justice.Lets go over there and find out what happened." Adrine shook his head as they walked towards the stairs,"Its not a great thing,its never great when people are dead.Especially people you know.Once we find out what really happened then justice will be served." Sanchez stood still in her tracks,"You knew them?" Adrine looked at her,"Yes,Lolita and Rick,I knew them." She began to walk again,"I'm sorry for your loss.We will find out what happened to them don't worry." She was being nice,too nice,Adrine could feel it in his gut that she was up to something but tried to focus on his task.
Outside he began to walk to his car when he heard her say as she opened the door to a squad car,"It would be more beneficial to the case to get to know each other a little more,maybe we could do that in the car ride to the scene." Adrine looked over at her,"I could get there faster in my car." She shut he door and began walking over to him with an evil grin,"Fine, we'll take your car then." Adrine thought logically,at least he would be in control in his car.After all whats the worst that could happen?...

Strength (pt.44)

Adrine woke up groggy,working the graveyard shift had really fucked with him,but at least he had all day to spend with Analisette. Salma had been giving him elevator eyes since they tried to bust Quinten. He wasn't sure if she was trying to help him or trying to have him for herself. By the look of it she was going to be around until Quinten turned up. But when?
Adrine sat up in his king size bed and looked over at Analisette as she slept peacefully, unaware that he was awake. He took her in completely for a moment. This woman,this woman he protected when they were young,got back out of the blue,fought for,loved,respected, now was on the journey to marry and spend the rest of his life with. As every memory came into his mind he took in a breath,and released it so smoothly.He reached out and graced the back of his fingertips along her face and whispered, "Just like my breath,is how our life will be.Smooth."
Analisette smiled then opened her eyes,"Smooth sounds nice." He laughed lowly then kissed her full morning lips. "Good morning my angel,"he said after releasing their kiss. "Morning?"She growled then put the covers over her head,"Wake me when its noon." Adrine smirked then got up from the bed, walked to the closet and pulled out a fresh black t-shirt,"If you don't get up,I'm gonna get you up." She grumbled under the cover as he walked to his dresser and pulled out a pair of faded blue slim fit jeans. "You gotta pack Lolitas apartment and ima go talk to Rudolf then pack up Ricks apartment,that was the deal." He said as if telling a child to put the shiny new toy back in the department store. She peeked from under the blanket,then covered her head again,"But it will make more sense for the both of us to do it,after you talk to Rudolf." Adrine sat on the bed,slipped his boots on and laced them up,"Alise,Lolita is a girl she naturally has more stuff than a boy." She giggled under the cover and said,"But he is an artist and I'm sure he wants you to be extra careful with every painting and drawing he owns,oh,and his supplies as well.You should get on that now,actually." Adrine grumbled knowing that she was probably right and she giggled more under the covers. He stood up and grabbed his keys from the dresser and made a way for the bedroom door then said,"No sex for a month." Analisette shot up as if the bed was on fire,"I'm up,I'm up." Adrine laughed loudly and said,"Knew that would do the trick." Analisette wore only a black camisole and navy blue boyshort underwear, she followed Adrine,"Your so mean,playing with my emotions like that.I was so comfy and warm in the bed and you just mess it all up." Adrine looked over his shoulder and smiled,"Had to get you up, your such a big baby in the morning." After a match of 'Am not','Are too' she gave in,"I'm just not a morning person,I'm a poet,you never hear of poets waking up at 7am and writing about gearing up to start their day.Unless they write rhymes for kids morning learning shows." Adrine laughed then walked into the bathroom and began his rituals,Analisette followed suit shooting him an annoyed 'i could be doing this in the afternoon' glare every change of ritual. He smiled and shook his head every time she did. Once they were complete she said,"Your gonna leave me to pack while you talk to Rudolf who is such a chatterbox sometimes,i should just wait for you to come back and we could do it together.please,please,please." Adrine leaned in real close to her,invading her space,and said,"So waking you up in the morning is the way to get you to beg,I have to remember that when we don't have prior obligations." She bit her full lower lip at his sexual words then kissed him passionately. She felt him get hard and looked down then back to his honey brown eyes,"Better tell him to go back to sleep,Rudolf might get jealous." He pressed it against her,"Why don't you make him go to sleep?" She smiled,"Cant I have work to do.Got to pack Lolitas belongings.My boss is a real hardass makes me get up at the break of dawn." He tried to hold back his smile and said,"Funny,I just got a call from the boss,he said Fuck her brains out then send her to work." She smiled then went in for a kiss didn't land it and weaseled her way out of his compression. "The faster we get this done,the faster you can pay up."She said as she walked to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. Adrine followed and sat on the couch and looked over at her,"What do you mean pay up?" She tossed him a bottle and replied,"You said if i didn't wake up no sex for a month,so since i woke up that means sex everyday for a month.You said it boss I'm just following orders." They both laughed.
Adrine and Analisette walked out of his apartment and headed for the elevator. When it stopped at Lolita and Ricks floor Analisette kissed him and said in a concerned tone,"Don't take to long." Adrine nodded and headed down to Rudolfs office on the main floor.
Analisette opened Lolitas apartment and stepped inside. It was simple looked like it had just been cleaned. She headed for the bedroom and seen clothes scattered,revealing that she left in a hurry. "I hope they made it upstate safe." Analisette thought to herself. She began picking up and folding every piece of clothing that lay scattered on the floor and stacking them neatly by type. After Analisette opened the closet and seen all the club wear Lolita used to wear. She smiled,"My how far she has come.I haven't seen her in anything like this in so long." She gave disgusted looks to each and every garment,as thoughts ran through her head of what Lolita had done in those outfits. She found a flattened cardboard box in the back of the closet and arranged it for use. She grabbed in arm fulls,then tossed them into the box. "I'm going to have to call her and ask her if she wants any of this crap,I'm sure she wont,i don't know who would,unless they were trickkin." Analisette shook her head and after the clothes were out of the closet she looked down at various shoes. After a few moments of debating whether a stipper would wear them or not she finally cleared the closet.Then way back in the corner of the closet she seen picture frames leaning against the wall. She reached back and grabbed them.
There were four ornate frames each containing a photograph. Analisette sat down on Lolitas bed and looked at the first picture. It was Lolita as a young girl,she was sitting on a stoop next to a woman and man who were laughing. "Maybe her parents? I recognize the area,this building was torn down to make a shopping mall a few years back." Analisette placed the picture next to the folded clothes from earlier then looked at the next photo. It was Lolita blowing out candles as everyone smiled. Analisette squinted to see that the cake read:Happy 15th Birthday Lolita. "Wow so many people in this picture,she must have a big family." She thought for a moment of who Lolita had become and grew angry,"Where were they when she had became and escort and started using drugs?Maybe that's why she has these pics in the back of her closet." She did the same as the first then looked at the next photo. It was Lolita at a party,she was dressed provocatively,and there was no girls in the picture,but alot of men everyone with a drink,one man held her hip and raised his glass. Analisette shook her head,knowing that the picture said enough. Finally the last picture. It was them,together at a party. Analisette turned the picture face down on top of the other three. She remembered that picture,remembered that night,remembered what they had done. Analisette shook the thoughts from her mind. "I need some air." She grabbed her phone and headed out the door to the hallway. She found a spot next to Lolitas apartment door and sat down. When the elevator door opened. She took in a deep breath hoping that it was Adrine,she definitely needed his embrace to remind her that things werent as they were then.Life was better,not just for her but for Lolita as well.
Adrine knocked on Rudolfs office door and waited. He herd the sound of papers being crumpled and drawers being shut then silence. Adrine lifted his fist and knocked again. "Who and what!" Rudolf yelled. Adrine shook his head then replied,"Adrine Perez.Pertaining to two residents." He could hear him rushing to the door. Rudolf opened it panting,"No ones dead right?"Adrine smiled,"No.This is a good thing." Rudolf composed himself then invited Adrine inside his office to talk. As they both sat down,Rudolf said,"Which two residents is this about?" Adrine adjusted himself in the chair then replied,"Lolita Cruz and Rick Stevens." Rudolf scoffed,"Oh,them." Confused Adrine asked,"Do you have a problem with them?" Rudolf shook his head no,Adrine could tell he was holding back,but wanted to just tell him what he had to and get to helping Analisette. "Lolita and Rick wont be living here anymore.They had to leave in a hurry but if you need to communicate with them about anything you could ask me and ill contact them for you." Rudolf sat back in his seat and took a deep breath,"Typical.Ill let you know if i have anything to say to them." Adrine stood up and headed for the door but stopped when Rudolf said,"First Clifford leaves to go upstate for a couple of days and now they leave me high and dry.That reminds me,can you keep an eye out for anything like you used to.Just until Clifford comes back." Adrine nodded yes then left Rudolfs office and went straight to the elevator. It was coming down from Lolita and Ricks floor.
Samantha limped into the hallway and seen Analisette sitting on the floor. "Is Lolita here?" Samantha asked. Analisette looked up then shook her head no,"She moved.Well I'm packing her things.What do you need her for?" Samantha leaned against the wall next to Analisette and said,"Can we talk inside?its about Quinten." Analisette shot up off the floor and opened the door and let her inside. Samantha knew she had to tell someone,just hoped that it would be Lolita instead of Analisette. But it would have to do. They sat on Lolitas couch in the living room and Samantha spoke,"Quinten had put a hit out on Lolita." Analisette wasn't surprised,"I know he did that's why Lolita left with Rick." Samantha took a breath,"Quinten left too.He wouldn't tell me where he is,only said'im away'." Analisette looked at her with building aggression,"You still talk to him?" Samantha shook her head no,"I stopped talking to him. I could never forgive him for putting a hit out on Lolita,I wanted to believe he would change.Some people never do.Maybe he would have this time.I dont know." Tears welled up in Samanthas dark brown eyes. Analisette felt her pain and reached out to her,and held her hand. "It will be okay.He will never get a chance to get to her.Do you want to talk to Lolita? I have to call her and ask her about a few things to pack,maybe you will feel better after you know shes ok?" Samantha nodded.
Analisette pulled out her phone and hit send on Lolita. It rang. Rang again. Then.
"Hello?Analisette?" It was a mans voice. Analisettes face grew grim,"Who the fuck is this!" The man answered,"Its Clifford.Analisette this shit is bad over here..." Analisette turned white as Clifford explained the scene.
Adrine walked into Lolitas apartment,"You should really lock the door,babe." He seen Samantha on the couch and Analisette barely holding her cellphone turning paler by the second. "Baby whats going on?" He said sitting next to her trying to snap her out of her daze.
"Lolita and Rick are dead!"

Shattered Dreams (pt.43)

Outside Rick and Lolita opened the trunk of the truck Clifford had lent them and grabbed one bag each then took in the atmosphere. A cozy two story home with beige siding and white shutters,enclosed front porch,stone walkway and paved driveway that led to a separated garage.
Rick watched as Lolita looked up at the house and smiled,"What do you think sweety?" Caught off guard she looked over to him and replied,"I think its amazing." She looked back at the house and said,"Its going to be great here,I know it. I can see us building a garden here-" She pointed to the bare side of the house then pointed to other places and continued,"And we could maybe hang some wind chimes up there on the porch,maybe get some of those solar lights and put them along the walkway.." Rick followed her with every idea she shot out of thin air and believed he could make her every idea a reality,with a little elbow grease. Lolita looked at him nodding and asked,"What do you want to do to make this place ours?" Rick smiled then replied,"Make everything you want happen." She rested her bag on the walkway and threw her arms around his shoulders and said ,"Well,First I want a kiss." After tossing his bag to where hers rested he placed his arms on her hips and pulled their bodies close.Then kissed her passionately. After they kissed he asked,"Whats second,love?" She kissed his neck then whispered into his ear,"I want you to take me into the house and repeat what happened last night."
Wasting no time he lifted her up and carried her up the stairs as she continued to kiss his neck and whisper sexy,dirty,lovely requests. Then she whispered in a near growl,"You know,we don't have to hide,there is no one for miles." Unable to contain his lust he forced her against the door and kissed her and pressed his rock hard muscle between her thighs near her warm need. She lightly moaned with want. Rick pulled back his mouth from hers and held her tightly and said,"Lolita my love,I want to make a request." She moaned,"Anything you want." He kissed her on her neck then down her collar bone and said,"I want you to have my child." He felt her heart race under his lips and awaited her reply. Then a drop fell from her jaw onto his cheek. Looking up he seen tears falling from her eyes. "What if I'm sick?The child will have to live with that.I cant allow that,they will never live a normal life." Rick shook his head and looked deep into her eyes and said,"The most important piece of that statement was 'what if',we don't know yet sweety." She half smiled at the possibility of living a long life with kids and Rick. He seen hope in her and said,"Lets finish step two then talk about three."
As they continued to kiss Rick remembered how giving she was last night,and how greedy he had been."I'm going to show her how a real man takes care of a woman." He thought then continued,"I'm so glad i chased her that day,saved her,drew her,fell in love with her.Shes had it rough,but now we will have it easy.I don't want her to have to worry about anything." He reached into his pocket and took out the key to the door. "This key is our opportunity for change,growth,progress. Our new life." He entered the key into the door and turned it. Pulled back from their continual kiss and looked at her drying tear stained face,big hopeful eyes,and kiss swollen lips and said,"I love you,until the end baby,but this...this is our new beginning." He turned the door knob. They kissed through the threshold with eyes closed  and open hearts over filling with hope and dreams.


Quinten sat in the dining room across from the front door.He waited until they came inside,didn't want to risk them speeding off. Molten lava filled his veins. "Clifford had to have told them to come here.No one else knows about this place."He thought before they had entered. He herd them kissing,herd their words of love.He wanted that. The only person Quinten could think of was Samantha,and how that could have been them. "This isn't fair,Its all that whores fault.I will end this." He thought of what Samantha had said,"Quinten i don't want you. I don't need you. I never believed in you. Leave me alone." He shuddered remembering her true intensity of the words. He brushed it off when he herd the door open and waited.
Lolita was in Ricks arms still with mouths embraced. Quinten held the grip of his gun firmly pointed it in their direction and tapped the magazine on the wooden table beside where he was sitting. Lolita quickly released her legs and looked with Rick at Quinten. "Hello Lolita."Quinten said with a devilish smirk. Rick slowly stood in front of Lolita and said,"Clifford told you we were going to be here didn't he?" Quintens smirk turned serious,"No.I am just as surprised as you both." Lolita began to cry behind Ricks back,"This was supposed to be our new beginning." Quinten stood up,"New beginning! What about me Lolita?Ill never have a chance until your gone!" Lolita dropped to the floor and cried harder. Rick helped her up and said over his shoulder,"If you kill her your life will really be over,you will go to jail for the rest of your life." Quinten tried to think logically and paced. Rick looked into Lolitas tear filled eyes and said,"Whatever happens,I love you with all my heart and soul." She nodded and wiped her tears,"We will always be together,even after the end until our new beginning." Rick kissed her then looked at Quinten who was watching them. "Sit on the couch the both of you.We gonna talk."
Rick and Lolita did as they were told. Quinten sat across from them his mind racing.
"First,Lolita i never wanted to set up for you to get raped.You have to understand I had to do the job." Ricks fury came out," Is that all she is in your eyes? 'The job'? Shes a person! A great person. Wheres your fucking humanity?" Quinten looked at him blankly then looked at Lolita with compassion,"Jamal has AIDS, i am truly sorry if you got it. Jamal was Chris' idea,not mine." Lolita weeped softly and looked down as Quinten continued,"I put the hit out on you because i met Samantha.She is my Rick,but i thought she would always judge me for what i did to you,the only thing i could think of was to get rid of you." Rick stood up,"How can you talk the way that you are!How heartless are you!She isn't just something you could get rid of! Shes a person,damnnit!" Quinten pointed the gun in his direction,"I'm aware." Rick quickly sat down when he realized the gun was pointed at him,Lolita held his hand and rubbed it with her thumb and eyed a thank you for sticking up for her. "You cant take back what you did Quinten.I have to live with it for the rest of my life.Can you answer me something though?" Quinten nodded and listened as she continued,"If I died would you have felt any pain?" Quinten was taken aback by her question. Would he have felt pain?
The silence that fell over the room as thick and lifeless. Rick held Lolitas hand and said,"We should go,now." Lolita and Rick stood up and looked at a stunned Quinten. They slowly walked toward the front door. Quinten shot up and ran to them,"No! You cant leave! You cant!" Rick threw his arm and caught Quinten in his jaw then yelled,"Lolita RUN!" Lolita ran to the door and down the stairs.She looked back when gunshots rang out inside the house causing the deep woods to sudder grimly.
Lolita ran back inside,praying that Rick wasn't hurt. Quinten was breathing heavily against the couch and Rick lay face down on the floor. The gun lay by Quinten. She threw herself onto Rick and screamed,"Please, Please, Please God,don't do this to us." She turned him over and herd him gasp for air and open his eyes wide then his eyelids slowly began to close,"even after-" He was gone. She cried and screamed for him to come back.
She looked at Quinten across he room and crawled over to him. His breaths were slowing and he sat in a puddle of his own blood. He was dying. She grabbed the gun that laid beside him.He looked into her eyes and managed to say,"I'm sorry." Lolita pulled the gun under his chin moved her lips to his ear and said,"I forgive you." Then pulled the trigger,ending his life.
Lolita sat in the middle and looked at Rick,the one man to never judge her,the man she planned to live the rest of her life with,have kids,maybe even marriage.Killed by the man who took her life when she wanted to straighten up and do right. She looked over at Quinten.Remembered the evil he showed that day at the party,she shook her head,"You would never have given Samantha the true love i gave to Rick." She carried the gun in her hand as she crawled back to Rick. "My love,this life isn't worth living unless I have you." She curled herself by his body,"You showed me true love and commitment.I cant be without you,my heart,my soul,I cant." She put the gun to her temple closed her eyes,"Until the beginning." She pulled the trigger. Gone.

Demand (pt.42)

"What the fuck do you mean Lolita is missing!"Quinten yelled into his cellphone as he paced in a room."I'm sorry,i don't know where they are Quin we're still searching,but every lead comes up empty." Quinten stopped pacing,"Shes still alive,i know it.Find her." The man on the phone said,"Understood.We contacted the hospital and the roses and money were received.Someone said they seen her leave the hospital with a local rapper,someone named Scribe." Quinten started pacing again,"Find out everything on him-" The man interrupted,"We already have.Scribe and Sam have known each other for years.Word is they are best friends.Hes single.They were together at the race where she got into the accident.Someone said they herd them say 'I love you' and another person said that they haven't separated since the accident." Quinten didn't know what to say.
Could she have moved on that quick?Maybe he was just taking care of her?Had things been different it would be him caring for her.Was he trying to make a move on sympathy! Was he going to hurt her! Had I hurt her by not being there for her?For not calling her yet? Shit.
The man on the other end of the phone broke into his questioning and asked,"Whats the deal with this one Quin? Why put so much security on her? Is she worth it?" Quinten wanted to say that she hadn't judged him,that she saw him as a man and not a monster that he was forced to be.He knew that this man wouldn't understand."Don't question me.Report back when you know something of use to me." Quinten said coldly and hung up.
He felt alone,in this big house in the center of the woods. Away from the big buildings of New City. This house could have been forgotten along with the disappearing memories of Charlie,but lucky for him,Charlie had brought him here last year. Their little getaway from the stresses of life in the game. He remembered sitting with him on the couch and telling him he didn't want this,and to his surprise Charlie had said the same. Charlie spoke of how he wished he could have brought his family here and lived right. Quinten was the only one who knew of Charlies addiction,remembered how he told him each time he would take too much he would mistake his daughters for Minerva once he realized he stopped and left the room. He spoke of how he would wake up the next day and try to make it up to them,but knew deep in his heart he couldn't replace anything he had done. Quinten didn't want to believe it,Charlie was so carefree and impervious when they were in New City. But here,Charlie wasn't godly,he was just a person with huge flaws. Quinten wanted to tell Charlie he was going to do what his little sister would have wanted,but Charlie vented to him,he wanted to help him.He couldn't do that if he left to be on his own.
Quinten shook off the memories of Charlie before he got choked up and went to the fridge and grabbed a beer and threw himself on the couch. "What do you think beer,should I call her?" He said looking at the bottle. He smiled as a bubble traveled from the bottom to the body then to the foam in the neck of the bottle. "Take that as a yes." He grabbed his cell phone and looked at her name in his contacts. What if shes with Scribe? What if he answers? What if their together? ...What if she is waiting for my call to tell me she will wait forever for me? He had to know. He hit call.
Meanwhile Samantha was in Marcus' apartment. They were arguing about who was the father and taking coin bets on if they were or not as they watched TV together in his bedroom.
..Christina and Ruben have been together since high school,and were overjoyed when they found out two years later that they were pregnant with their first child Becky.After Becky turned one Ruben started denying Becky,Why is that Christina? The girl looks at the host with tear filled eyes and says,"I cheated on him with his best friend." ...
"Shes a hoe.Bet fifty cents its the best friends baby."Samantha said with a smile. Marcus looked at her and smiled back,"Your on."
..Christina gets up and walks over to the monitor and says,"Look at those eyes and ears that's all him!" Another woman's voice yells,"You know that's not his baby Christina stop lying!" The host looks around then says, "who was that?" Christina sits in her chair and cries,"His new girlfriend." The host rubs her shoulder and says,"Lets bring them out to try to get to the bottom of this."....
Samantha looked at Marcus and said,"I don't know now.The plot thickens." Marcus laughed,"Why do we always do this?" Samantha laughed then held her side in pain. Marcus looked on in alert,"Are you okay? Whats wrong? Can I get you something?" A tear fell from her eye and she shook her head no and looked at the TV.
...The host stood up and grabbed an envelope,"Well whoever the father is needs to stand up and be there for Becky." Both men and Rubens girlfriend agreed. "Ruben in the case of  one year old Becky..You are the father!" ...
Samantha looked over at him with a face of loss. Marcus shot her a half smile and said,"Triple or nothing?" Samantha smiled and nodded. "Marcus?"She asked in a regretful tone. "Yeah,Sam?" She grabbed her cup off the table and handed it to him,"Please?" He took her cup and left the room to fetch her a drink.
She grabbed her phone and looked at the time,Cyclo had been texting her all day that he had a surprise for her but didn't say when he would bring it over. Liliana and Gregorio  were Emailing her,because texting was too difficult. Liliana promised her she would deliver lunch to her and Marcus within the next five hours. Liliana was as furiuos as any biological mother would have been under the circumstances,but forgave her and made it her duty to provide food and anything she needed until she was better. It made Samantha happy to know that so many people cared for her. There had been too many times she had felt alone in this world. As she opened a text from her boss Alex that said,"Don't worry about work we are covering you fine.Just focus on getting better. I wanted to know if I could see you later?" Samantha was going to reply when her phone started ringing and in the caller ID it said Quinten.
Samantha was in shock. Marcus walked in and said,"Here's your water.Who's calling?" Samantha looked down and said,"Quinten." Marcus started breathing heavily and replied,"Ill be in the living room,handle your shit." Samantha watched him leave then answer.
"Hello?Quinten?" She said unsure. "Yes,how are you?" Quinten replied just as unsurely as she had. Samantha sighed,managed to adjust herself in the bed then replied,"I'm healing." Quinten didn't know what to say,"Um.Did you receive the flowers and envelope?" He smacked his head,why did he say that?of course she received it. Samantha smiled,"Yes,I did.The flowers were perfect,you didn't have to-" He interrupted,"I wanted to.I know how much your car meant to you." She rubbed her eyes as flashes of her car,the race,the accident burst in her head. "Thank you.So,where are you?" She asked hoping he would tell her. Quinten held his tongue almost telling her,"I'm,away right now." Samantha didn't want to beat around the bush,"Listen,I know why you left.I know that you put a hit out on Lolita.Why would you do that when you told me you were going to change!" Quintens heart sank to his stomach,"Who told you?" Samantha held back her tears,"Why? So you could put a hit out on them too!What were you thinking? After everything you told me i wanted to give you a chance but now-" Quinten spoke forcefully,"Now what Sam!?!" Silence. He tried to apologize,"Samantha I'm sorry i yelled,please tell me whats going to happen to us now?" Samantha shook off his words and said,"Nothing.You messed everything up that could have been when you put the hit out on Lolita!" Quintens anger returned,"Its that faggot Scribe isn't it! Your with him now! I have people watching you Sam you think I don't know!" Her stomach rolled. Her privacy was invaded. She put Marcus in danger. No,she wouldn't let nothing happen to him. Fuck that. "Call off your goons Quinten! How dare you have people watch me! And don't you ever disrespect Marcus like that,hes my best friend." She yelled into the phone.
Marcus rushed the room when he herd his name. He looked at her and seen her sweating and listening to the phone. He mouthed her,"Do you want me to talk to him?End this?" She shook her head and he sat next to her on the bed.
Quinten breathed then said,"I'm sorry.Its just i don't want to loose you Samantha,you don't see me as a monster,you see me as a man. I didn't see my life as worth living until i met you." Samantha let tears fall from her dark brown eyes. She wanted to believe him,and still wanted to save him from the life he was living. They were both troubled,had so many similarities. She remembered how he told her of his sister,his parents,his life. Then he remembered how he regretted what happened to Lolita."How could he regret something,then go and make plans to kill that person? No,he wont change,he wont change!" She told herself then replied to him,"Quinten i don't want you. I don't need you. I never believed in you. Leave me alone." Her words shredded him to the bone. He began to cry. If she didn't believe in him, no one ever would. Before he could get a word in he herd her hang up.
Samanthas heart hurt. What if he would have changed? Was the only thought in her mind. Marcus tried to hold her but she didn't want anyone to touch her and brushed him off. Marcus rose from the bed and grabbed a CD off his bedroom studio table then said,"Ima give you some time alone,Ill be at Henrey's apartment.Text me if anything." Samantha nodded. As soon  as she herd the front door lock,she let out every tear she could muster up.
Quinten felt like a piece of his heart was torn out of his chest. He dropped to the floor and held his face and cried hard. His tears and sobs were shattered when he herd a car door slam outside the house. "Who the fuck?" He said as he wiped the tears from his face and stalked toward the window. He grabbed his glock in the process and with his fingertip moved the shade to reveal his worst regret...

Until The End (pt.41)

Rick looked at Lolita in the passenger seat and asked,"You alright?" She looked back at him and smiled,"Yes.Just remembering everything." Rick smiled back,"Care to share with me?" She looked out the window of the SUV Clifford had given them to make the trip then began,"Ive been through alot.Most of it i put myself in the situation. But i grew from it,and as much as i want to say i regret everything,if i did that would mean that i don't like where I'm at currently."She looked at him, reached out, held his hand and continued,"I love where i am.Being with you.I have a new lease on life." She laughed to herself,"I cant believe i treated you the way i did when i first met you! If i would have known that you would be the perfect man for me i would have at least gave you my number when you were throwing your artistic game at me." He laughed,"It was that tough girl attitude that made me want you more." She nodded then resumed,"I'm glad you saved me.I'm so lucky to have you in my life.I don't have anyone-didn't have anyone.Now i have you,Adrine and Analisette." He rubbed her hand with his thumb and didn't interrupt her,"I know i have done some fucked up shit in my past,sometimes i think about if i were in your shoes,how harshly i would judge myself.But you shock me,by not judging me.Only caring for me." She looked for his reaction but he just listened,she continued,"I dream sometimes of what happened to me,but i wake up in your arms.Safe.And i know it will never happen again." She let a tear of joy fall from her eyes down her porcelain cheeks. Rick looked over at her and seen her crying,he pulled their weaved hands to his perfect full lips and kissed each finger and said nothing. There was nothing he had to say,his kisses spoke a language on their own.They said he cared,he wouldn't leave,he loved.She watched him multitask with ease,kissing her with passion and commitment,driving without error.She was his,He was hers. That's all that needed to be known.
They drove until the gas light turned on.About an hour and half from New City you could still see the top of the skyline. Rick pulled into a gas station and spoke to the attendant. Lolita watched him then her stomach growled. They had forgotten to eat,she was starved. She opened the door for the car and herd Rick ask as she walked toward the Quick Stop,"Where you going?" He was nervous if someone would see her and report back to someone and they would hurt her. She smiled and looked,"Going to ask if there is anywhere to eat close by." He laughed,"You read my mind!" He kept an eye on her as she walked into the Quick Stop.
"Welcome." Said a teenage skater looking black kid behind the counter. She smiled then asked,"Are there any places to eat round' here?" He smiled back,"What type of food do you like?" She didn't know how to answer,"Um-Good food?" The kid walked over to the tourist guides and grabbed a flyer,"This place has the best food in town.My aunt owns it.Its right next to a motel if you needed a place to stay." She looked at the flyer it said,"Megans Soul Food" and listed directions. Lolita smiled and said,"Thanks." She walked out of the Quick Stop and walked fast to the car,hunger becoming nearly unbearable. Rick got into the car and said,"Find anything?" She got into the car then replied,"Yeah,kid inside says this place is the best in town and he said a motel is next to it,maybe we should get some rest and then start out early tomorrow." Rick looked at the setting sun and agreed.
Pulling up to Megans Soul Food they could hear Jazz music and people walking in and out all with big smiles. It had a log cabin look with suttle signs that indicated they were open. You had to know it was there or chances are you would pass it. They walked in and were quickly seated. The tables had black table cloths and white plates with a gold ring design on the outer edge and utensils were in red cloth napkins in the center. Everyone around them were talking about life and the music and having a great time. Rick looked at Lolita and said,"This place looks popular maybe the kid was right." They looked over the menu. Ribs,Steak,Chops,Chicken and Rice,Mashed potatoes,corn,green beans. A waitress walked over and took their order. Another came over and said,"Biscuits and Cornbread.Enjoy." They nearly inhaled them and laughed as they ate them quickly. Rick looked over at the Jazz players as the saxophone player began  his solo. He was enthralled at the passion he had as his fingers touched the keys and he blew with all his heart. Lolita watched him and admired that he was enjoying it. "Do you play an instrument?"She asked curiously. He shrugged,"Used to play the violin when i was young,but that was a long time ago." She seen how he seemed a little upset by it and left it alone. They ate and talked about the ride and changes being made and how they were happy to be going through the changes together.
They paid the bill and made way for the motel. It was small but had the same log cabin feel as the restaurant. Rick checked them in as Lolita looked around a little. She looked at the paintings of bears,deer,and mountain lions. Smiling she thought of how this was the complete opposite of New City. She wasn't 'That Girl' here,she was just Lolita a woman passing through town. That alone made her heart warm and her veins overjoyed. She couldn't stop feeling happy,until she realized that she would be in a hotel with Rick. They had slept together many times,but never had sex. She wouldn't take his life by giving him AIDS. He hadn't tried to,she had told him that he could go and be with someone else,but he was adamant on only being with her.She loved that about him,but still felt guilty. It constantly ran through her head that she was holding him back,but he always pushed those thoughts away with kisses,hugs,a simple touch. They were each others,but the disease wasn't hers,she promised herself she wouldn't do anything until the doctor got back to her. But when would that be?
Rick held her hand and led her to the room.He seen that her mind was other places,he stopped in the middle of the hallway and said,"Your perfect." Caught off guard she laughed and said,"Your perfect-um-er." He laughed back and opened the door for their room.
Lolita stepped in and made way for the bathroom. Rick looked around. One queen size bed,window,TV,long dresser,night stands both with lamps. It was simple. Lolita came out of the bathroom and said,"Do you mind if i sleep in my shirt and panties?" Most of her knew he wouldn't but she didn't want him to assume,it wasn't that type of relationship. Plus she didn't want to tempt him. He shrugged,"Whatever you will be comfortable in baby girl." They both smiled. Both of them felt like virgins after prom, like they weren't supposed to be together in a motel and they were nervous about having sex. Lolita took off her bra and jeans,leaving on only her baby blue faded tee and pink bikini style panties. He was in awe. So simple but elegant. He took off his red shirt and tossed it on the dresser and left his black jeans and boots on. She liked the way his nipples stood out,it turned her thermometer up while she watched them harden as they got used to the room temperature. She had to remember things weren't as they usually were,she could be sick. She tried to watch the t.v. and focus on that instead of her growing need for him.
He looked at her from the corner of his eye every couple of minutes. Had been any other woman he would have had his fill three times over by now,but Lolita wasn't any other woman she was different.Not because of her possible illness but because her whole being.She had so much power in her,a strength that no other woman had shown him. He admired her.He wouldn't take advantage of her like he did with the others.He wouldn't play games,cut corners,lie, to get access to what was behind those sexy pink panties. He would wait until she wanted to bless him with her gift.
He doze off and woke up to the T.V. playing infomercials.He looked to his right and Lolita was in a deep sleep.He took her in.Beautiful porcelain skin,honey brown hair,body built strong and lean. She was laying on her side facing him with her fingertips on his jeans. "I want to capture her like this."He thought to himself grabbing the complimentary pen and notepad from the end table beside him. He began sketching the best that he could with such primitive utensils. Every other second looking at her laying there,without worry or pain.Just sleeping peacefully beside him. He paused when she moved and prayed she wouldn't turn opposite of him so he could continue shading and highlighting. She remained facing him as if she herd his prayers. About an hour went by and he was finally finished. Even with his work complete he told himself that it was nothing compared to her in this element. In need of some water on his face from all the heat from his concentration on getting her perfect on the pad he slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom to do that.
Lolita reached for Rick,he was gone.Feeling alone she woke up and looked around. She seen something on the table on Ricks side. She grabbed it,maybe it was a note for her. She looked and seen it was her asleep. It was beautiful.
Rick came out of the bathroom to see Lolita holding the drawing. "This is beautiful."She said with a smile and sleepy eyes laced with desire. Rick smiled back,"Your beautiful.With all the events happening i never got a chance to draw you like i wanted to originally." She smirked,"Had I known you would make me this beautiful i would have given you the chance before everything." He sat on his side of the bed,"Better late than never,right?" She nodded and looked at the drawing again,"You would never know in this picture." He looked at her inquisitively.She continued,"That i was sick-possibly sick." He sighed,"Your not sick in my eyes,if you are,it changes none of the feelings i have for you." She looked at him shocked,"How do you feel?" He turned to her and held her hand,"I love you, Lolita." A single tear fell from her cheek and she replied,"I Love you too but,I don't want to hurt you.Theres no coming back from what i might have.I'm not worth the risk." He pulled her to him and kissed her then pulled away and said,"Your worth it." She kissed him passionately in return and replied,"I don't want to kill you." He pulled away,"Your going to kill me if you stop me from loving you." She kissed him harder and wildly he returned every kiss. She touched his chest,his stomach,his jeans. Oh god. He was ready for her.He did the same and felt her moist warmth between her legs. He whispered in her ear with his hand still on her warmth,"Mine?" She leaned her head back and pushed her warmth into his hand repeatedly and said,"Yes.Yours.Until the end.Take me,please.I need you." She didn't have to tell him twice. He slid her panties to the side and used his fingertips as he unbuckled his pants. She laid back,enjoying. He finally undid his belt and unbuttoned his jeans then the zipper. He adjusted himself between her legs. She looked up at him and touched his face,"Are you sure?" He glided his rock hard muscle inside her and let his weight encase her then allowed himself to slide in and out of her as he said these words repeatedly,"Until the end."

Reach(pt.40)

Clifford couldn't take another step.She found it.His heart stopped and he waited for her reaction.
She looked over at him with narrowed eyes,"What is this?Did you steal this from me or someone?Why do you have it in your wallet!Answer me!"Clifford swallowed hard,he didn't know how to answer her.Minerva stood up then leaned against the wall,"This is a very old photo,so you couldn't have gotten this recently.It had to have been given to you. The only person who could have given it to you is-" Clifford walked over to her,"Let me explain please."Minerva stood her ground,"Explain what!That your working for my dead husband!" His jaw dropped,"Minerva its not like that!" Her eyes grew more narrow her face more enraged,"I really liked you.How could i be so stupid,Again!" He stood in front of her,but by the end of her statement he began stepping back."Minerva,please.Let me explain." She ripped the photo then crossed her arms on her chest,"Whats to explain Clifford. You played my emotions like he did,so why wouldn't you be sent by him!I cant believe i thought this would be over,that quick." Clifford spoke,"Minerva,Originally i was sent by him,He was my cousin.He never told me how he was,he lied to me too! I didn't find out till i talked to you and the girls and other people! I didn't know that i would fall in love with you like i did!" He had to take a step back,she looked at him longingly hopeful that he was saying the truth.Realizing he was sent by Charlie she looked away,"Get out!"
Clifford tried to reason with her,"We all have a past,all have things we wish we didn't do.I wish i knew the truth about Charlie,I would have saved you the first time he lied to you."He took one last look at her,her blue eyes were streaming with tears but she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He wanted to reach out and hold her and beg her to forgive how stupid he was for lying for so long. But her next statement,"Get out!" sent him on his way to the hospital to see Samantha.
Samantha woke up with Marcus holding her hand watching T.V. she spoke,"Can I have my hand back?" He looked at her shocked,"They said you prob wont wake up today.How do you feel?" She took her hand back then shifted herself in the bed,"I don't know let me move around a little." She tried moving her legs,a sharp pain shot up to her back,"What the fuck was that!" Marcus shook his head,"You haven't moved since last night.The crash knocked you out,your muscles are stiff from the accident." She shook her head and began to cry,"That fucking guy stopped on purpose." Marcus looked around then said,"Don't talk about it now just try to remember when Cyclo comes back you tell him alright?" She nodded and tried to remember everything that happened. She looked at him trying to see if it had changed anything. He sat there looking at her every so often with a smile. "Did we kiss." the statement caught Marcus off guard but he tried to remain cool,"No,but do you remember what I told you before your race." She tried to remember,then it hit her. They said I love you. The heart monitor started beeping faster. Marcus stood up,"Should i call a nurse?" She took a few deep breaths then it returned to normal.
Cyclo and Honey walked in."Finally your up!"Cyclo said setting down some flowers and a Manila envelope on her eating table. She looked at the beautiful arrangement and said,"Who's that from?" Cyclo shrugged,"All it has is a 'Q' and a heart on it." Samanthas heart warmed,"Its from Quinten." Realizing everything from Quinten to Marcus to the kiss to the I love you,her head spun. Honey picked up the envelope and said,"Here,open this." She looked at it then grabbed it,the weight was too much and the envelope dropped on her lap,"What the fuck is it?"She slowly opened it and let the contents fall out. Hundred dollar bills held together with rubber bands poured out. Everyone in the room looked at the money then her then the money again.
 "What the hell did you do to him Sam?" Cyclo said laughing. She looked up and smiled,"Honestly,nothing. I don't know why he would do this." Marcus looked at the money than her and said coldly,"Don't let him think he could buy you." Her head snapped to him. Marcus had a power over her,the power to make her happy and the power to crush her world. In this moment from those eight words he did just that. Marcus looked away and shook his head. Cyclo felt the tension and said,"Did I miss something?" Samantha looked at the money and said,"No,Cyclo.Theres nothing to miss." Marcus looked at her in disbelief and stormed out of her room in the hospital.
Cyclo watched him leave then said,"What the fuck happened last night?" She took a deep breath then replied,"He told me he loved me,and i said it back." Cyclo rubbed his eyes,"Why?When?How?" She smiled,"We do love each other,i don't know if its in that way though.When i was about to race.And how?How you expect me to explain how?" They both laughed. Honey spoke up,"Do you want to be with Marcus?" Samantha shrugged her shoulders,"I mean,we always talked about being together.It just never happened." Honey looked at Cyclo then back to her and said,"Why not?You two have so much chemistry." Samantha looked at the money than said,"The man who sent this,Quinten,I want to see where it goes with him." Cyclo looked at Honey then said,"Can you find Marcus." They kissed and he watched as she left. "Sam,where is this guy who you want to see where it goes with?Obviously he knows what your going through if he sent this.But money,flowers,that don't mean shit Sam.What matters is who's here,who's been here,Marcus hasn't left your side.He cried on my chest begging me to pray with him so that you could be ok.I wont tell you what you should and shouldn't do,but i just want to open your eyes."
Samantha tried to remember everything she went through with Marcus and how he never once judged her,never steered her wrong.When she cried he wiped her tears. He was the right choice. But Quinten. "I could save him,"she thought. She looked through the money and seen that she neglected a letter that was inside the bag. She took it out and read it.
"I'm writing instructions from Quinten.He wont be in New City for awhile, he wanted you to have the money for you to get a new car or to fix yours.He also said he will call you once he can.If you need anything we got you."
She didn't know how to react. She was known as his,if someone would write this on his behalf. Marcus walked in with Clifford and Honey. "Cliff! Whats up man?" She said with a big smile. As Clifford came closer she could tell something wasn't right,"Whats wrong?" Clifford sat down then told her the truth,told all of them the truth. Told her about Quinten. "All this money is from Quinten!What the hell am I going to do when he calls me?"Clifford looked at Marcus who was pacing,"you could put me on the phone!Fucking loser ass dude! How dare he get you involved in some shit like this!" She loved him in this moment. Samantha knew he would protect her to his last breath. "What about Lolita?"Samantha asked concerned. "I sent her to a safe house upstate." Clifford replied. They all breathed a sigh of relief....

Deceitful (pt.39)

Clifford walked past Minnies apartment and heard the door open."Hey,did you just get in?"Minerva said sweetly as she looked up and down the hallway looking for anyone else with him."Yeah,I just got in not to long ago.What are you doing up?" Clifford replied. She smiled and looked away shyly,"I was going to offer you breakfast." Cliffords heart sank.This woman was so sweet and caring. He remembered his conversation with Adrine and Analisette. She looked at him and waved him inside,he followed eager to see what awaited him.
Minerva had been trying to see him all week,she liked him.He made her feel safe.It had been too long since she had that comfort and she would be damned if she would let it go. He was kind to her the complete opposite of Charlie.She knew deep in her heart that he would never lay his hands on her like Charlie did,or hurt her girls like he did. She hoped he felt the same way as she did and didn't pity her.
They both sat at the kitchen table and Minerva grabbed two coffee mugs and set them on the table,"Cream and sugar?" Clifford smiled,"Surprise me." She smiled back and grab bed cream and sugar and Cinnamon then poured the coffee before she added them. She waited hopeful that he would like it. He took a sip and looked at her amazed,"The best coffee yet." She smiled then did the same in her cup."So why are you in so early?"She asked. "I-um-needed to talk to a few of the tenants."He said trying to think of something quickly. She shrugged knowing he was holding back then decided to change the subject,"My daughters are coming back today,I'm excited.Its been too long since ive seen them.Talking on the phone is only one thing having them here with me is a totally different world." He smiled happy that he would meet them finally then replied,"That's great that finally you'll all be together." He wanted to say that finally they would all be together but couldn't.She took a sip of her coffee then nodded,"Their going to be a little disappointed though." Clifford looked at her confused,"Why would they be?" She looked at the stack of brown labeled boxes then smiled and looked at him,"Because we aren't moving anymore." Clifford took a sip then asked,"Whys that?" She giggled,"Well I think New City has more to offer us.I have a feeling that New City is more...Safer,now that Charlie is gone." He swallowed hard. He knew then that she wasn't going to leave because of their building relationship. Part of him wanted her to leave to be safe far away from all of the bad people of the city.The other part of him wanted her never to leave his side.
They talked over a whole pot of coffee and cookies.She talked about new beginnings and how the girls could fit into everything perfect.He spoke about making New City his permanent residence.They flirted alot.After the coffee was done it was no secret anymore.They liked each other and wanted to take it to the next level.But how?
Minerva stood up and began to clear the table. He watched her and shook his head then began to help."What?"She said with a smile. "Your not alone in this,i want to help." He said cleaning the crumbs off the table. When he turned around Minerva stood there in front of him eyes turning into beautiful blue glass. "Do you mean it?" She said with a shaky voice. He dropped everything in his hands and grabbed her neck and pulled her mouth to his. He kissed her with every ounce of himself. She made noises of want in her throat and dug her nails into his back. He lifted her up and put her against the wall. She locked her ankles behind his back and kissed him with everything she had inside her. He began kissing her cheek then her neck. Between kisses he said,"Minerva,You will never be alone as long as I'm here,i will always help you,we will help each other." She let her tears fall from her eyes and smiled.
Clifford continued to kiss her neck. She let him touch her wherever he wanted. Then she looked at the wall where Charlie had held her by her neck. It was as if she were watching herself.
 He grabbed her neck and forced her to the wall as Charlie said,"You wouldn't hurt me Minerva! You hurt me when you lie! Prove you wouldn't lie!" Charlie had her against the wall, Minerva began to cry,He held his grip around her neck then he reached into her pocket and took her phone then released her. It took one minute for him to see Alise in the recent calls. He looked at her with rage,"Who the fuck is Alise?! is that a code name for a man!?Answer Me!" She couldn't respond because she was catching her breath. With both hands on her biceps he lifted her to his eye level,"You lying bitch,I love you how could you lie to me?! I work hard on these streets to give you and my seeds a great life,and this is how you repay me!" Squirming under his hands trying to free herself she replied,"Please Alise is just a friend shes going to babysit so we could go out like we used to when we were young.Please believe me." "I don't believe you!"He said banging her against the wall like a rag doll. Hitting her head and back she whimpered  in pain. Dizzy and falling in and out of consciousness she watched as he repeated his words more and more each time throwing her against the wall harder.
Minerva pushed herself off of Clifford and ran to where she seen herself.The vision faded away as she stepped closer. She stood there confused. Then dropped to the floor and weeped. Clifford ran to her and held her. He didn't know what to do quickly he thought,"what had she seen? Was it my fault? How could I fix this?"
Her cellphone began to ring across the room. She stood up wiped the tears from her face and answered,"Hello?".."Ok,sweety ill be right down." She looked at him stand up then said,"I'm sorry.That was Abby shes downstairs with Susie."
Clifford never left her side as she went downstairs to meet up with her daughters. When they seen her they ran to her and jumped on her. It could have been the most perfect picture. He smiled and helped grab bags and toys and let them have their moment. The girls talked about all the fun things they did and how they missed her.In the elevator Susie was glued to her hip and kept looking back at him every few minutes then giggled. Abby asked,"So who are you anyway?" Minerva looked at her shocked. Abby wouldn't talk to anyone really,ever since her father had raped her she was extremely stand offish. Abby laughed at their reactions. Minervas heart grew so warm from her laughter and laughed too. "Abby this is Clifford,my friend. He works in the building." Abby looked at him up and down then said,"You like my mommy." He looked down at her and said,"How can you tell?" She laughed,"You could have put down the bags but your still holding them up,there heavy,I know." Clifford laughed,"Is that the only clue?" She smiled then said,"Nope,Mommy likes you too.I could tell." Clifford and Minerva looked at each other then laughed.
Clifford walked them into the apartment and watched as the girls went straight to the t.v. and got comfortable. Minerva gave them each a sandwich and a drink then began putting their things away.After asking if she needed help and being refused Clifford stood with them in the living room.
Abby sat next to him and said,"So are you a good guy or a bad guy?" Clifford was taken back by her question and said,"I'm a good guy." She sat back and watched the t.v. and kept talking,"My Grandma said that there is good guys and bad guys,and its important to find a good guy because good guys will never hurt you.My daddy was a bad guy.That's why i asked." Cliffords jaw dropped.There it was right in front of him. The truth about his cousin from his daughters lips. He didn't know how to reply. He just kept listening to her talk,"Clifford you know if you hurt my mommy,I will make sure you go where my daddy goes right?" She was protective,it was cute.But her tone was as real as a grown woman. He nodded then said,"Abby you have nothing to worry about.I will never hurt your mommy,she means too much to me and Ill never hurt you or your sister.I know we just met each other but you are a part of your mommy and that means you both mean too much to me too." Abby smiled then hugged him. He felt her warmth and hope. He couldn't let her down. Seeing her older sister hugging him Susie got off the couch and hugged him too.
Minerva walked into the living room and seen them hugging and smiled then said,"So what do you think of Clifford girls?" They both smiled and nodded their heads. Clifford couldn't help but shed a tear. He excused himself and went into the bathroom.
In the bathroom he looked at himself in the mirror and thought,"What are you doing?Falling in love?You weren't supposed to even be around like this?You were going to lay low,stay close but not like this." He looked away and whispered,"But,They need a hero.I could be that.Cant I?" He closed his eyes an shook his head then thought,"What would Charlie say if he knew I kissed Minnie?He would have killed me." He opened his eyes and remembered everything everyone had said about Charlie and told himself,"Fuck Charlie! He never deserved a woman like Minnie or those little girls!Bastard hurt them so much,took him dying for them to be happy!" He let the water from the sink run threw his fingers,"They were like this to you Charlie,slipping through the cracks.You allowed them.They,so pure and essential.You polluted them with your dirt,pain,lies.You caused this." He cupped his hands and splashed the water on his face. "Ill never do that to them.I love them." He watched the water fall from his face then looked in the mirror again,"Charlie you lied to all of us.Had me sitting in Georgia wanting to be you,had i known i wouldn't have even said such a thing. We aren't family,your just a liar.Now your a dead liar." He looked at the door then at himself,"Should I tell her?"
His phone began to vibrate in his pocket indicating a text message. He opened it."Cliff its Marcus Sam was in a car accident,come to the Hospital asap!" He rushed out of the bathroom and said told Minerva he had to leave and why. He left the apartment. Minerva walked to the bathroom and seen his wallet on the floor. Quickly she picked it up and something fell out. She knelt down and picked it up.
It was the picture of Her Abby and Susie when she was a baby. She flipped it over and it read,"My Love Minerva and My two darlings Abby and Susie." Her eyes widened and she recognized the writing was Charlies. She felt her stomach twist her broken heart ache.
Clifford ran back to the apartment realizing he didn't have his wallet and knocked on the door then opened it walked in and seen Minerva looking at the photo....