My name is Salomée

Breaking boundaries, boundaries breaking.

2016-04-07T18:37:00.001-03:00

The plane landed on a secured location and they both started running to the car and Ruth followed. By far the most painful scene I have witnessed in my life. I was riding in the second car, I wanted to allow them space and privacy. While in the car, I was being briefed of the incident.

- -He was stopped at the entrance trying to take Noah to his car. One of the security guards used a Taser gun and knock him down but he harmed the boy. His 9mm blow off and hit Noah’s arm. - Special agent Connors was sharp and to the point.

- -What’s the status of the boy? - I asked in a low tone.

- -Noah Carpenter, age 10. Hartford hospital, ICU unit. Blood transfusion needed due to injury. Surgery is schedule today at 4:00pm after parents’ consent.- He said.

No filter could prepare me for this.

- -The abductor? - I was infuriated.

- - Christopher Carpenter, Age 37. Hartford Police Department, 253 High St. Under Custody of the FBI, awaiting family member to press charges. Renbrook School already filed charges for trespassing and intent of abduction. Last charge will only be completed with Parents testimonies.

- - I will get Edward to go to the police dept.- I cut him off

- -Edward Woods, Age 36. Unrecognized Biological father, inadmissible at a court of law. Doesn’t qualify for that task.

- - Agent Connors, Edith Willes is not in a calm state of mind to face the abductor.- I was talking in a very high tone.

- -I understand sir, but if you need this bastard locked down and have your family secured. Plus, he’s all lawyer up. Someone is protecting this bastard. Calm down and lets follow protocol. - He set the record straight.

- - Fucking Senior!! Who are the lawyers? - I was beyond irate.

- - The best firm in Hartford. - He said.

- -Ms. Lawrence, get me Daniel Kennedy on the phone. Now! - I was already in my phone talking to Andrea when Connors dropped the bomb.

Our Car ride stopped at the hospital, I hurried to the car and before Edith got out I asked Edward to step back in so I can brief them.

- -You have two situations to deal with.- I started talking. Edith expression was solid as marble, Edward was quiet.

- -What is it? - He asked.

- -Your son resulted injured during the incident and lost a lot of blood but is stable. You need to go in and sign consent for surgery for them to proceed. I suggest you leave Ruth with Noah and one of my security guards for us to deal with a bigger issue.

- -What did Christopher do now? - Edith asked.

- - You need to press charges, the school charged him on Trespassing and Intent of abduction. He’s Lawyers are trying to get him out, you need to join the school and add intent of murder. Edward can’t do anything because legally he’s not the father nor is he is recognized by the state as the biological father and…- I took a big breath.

- -What? - Edward snapped.

- -Senior is helping him.- I said in a very low tone.

The shock on their faces was heart breaking. His own father was helping a monster like Christopher to get away with all this.

- - Senior what?!- Edward’s face was full with anger

- -Who’s the Lawyer? - Edith asked.

- -A big firm here in Connecticut. – I responded.

- - I’m pressing charges, get Kennedy on board. - Edith said.

- -I already did Madam, he’ll meet us at the precinct. - I replied.

- - I will go to be with Noah, please be safe darling.- Ruth said to Edith and hold my hand for a brief moment.

S- She went inside and signed the consent papers and as a dead robot , she walked back to the car.

- -Jason, take us to Hartford police department.- she said.

When we arrive, Daniel Kennedy is waiting in the entrance, I sent Agent Connors to debrief him and we headed toward the front desk. A police officer receives Edith and I stayed behind to get with the lawyer and see now much damage Senior did.

- - Daniel, How bad is it? - I went for the kill.

- -He has a lot of influential people helping him, they want to dismiss all charges. Claiming Insanity and psychological damage due to separation. – He said.

- -That prick, what about my son. He’s in the hospital thanks to him.- Edward was blowing off.

- -He said that he never meant for it to happen. He’s blaming the school security guard because of the Taser. The guy is full of it.-Kenned finished.

- -What?! Are you kidding me? And they are releasing him?-Edward couldn't keep the composure.

-They were, we arrived just in time. Let me handle this Mr. Woods. –He seemed confident.

Mason Windstock

The Black Prince Series

TO BE CONTINUE

Disbelieve.

2016-04-06T14:42:00.001-03:00

Africa. Who would’ve thought I could be in this paradise with the love of my life?

After all we’ve been through I guess we deserve the break. Waking up next to her each day seems surreal, feeling her warmth and the softness of her breathing is soothing and it calms the demons in me. How can someone hurt her? Why the fuck I hurt her? Never again. I like that she chose this place to purge our past and make us renew again, I love that she selected this room and leave the window open so nature and the wind could wake us up to the new sunrise. I get a second chance, I get to kiss her again and embrace her. I get to watch her on her daily work, help others and I get to see the smile it brings to her face. I get to be someone else, carefree and enjoy a “normal” life. I feel complete and it scares me, life can’t be this good.

We talked to Noah this morning before he went to school, he’s excited to come join us after he will get a break from school. We schedule a local tutor to keep him on track while we’re here.

Edith Usually last 3 months during the year in Africa, she told me that she wishes to stay longer, I’ve talk to Mason to see how we can make that happen.

- She’s happier when she’s here, did you noticed? - I asked him, trying to recuperate our daily talks.

- She is sir. - He short answered and continued to revise the water pump paper work.

- Do you think is safe for her to live here? - I insisted.

- As safe and any part of the world, nothing is certain. What are you planning? - I caught his attention, now he’s looking at me defensively like he wants to protect and unclaimed territory.

- I want to make her happy, I won’t hurt her again. She’s happy here. - I responded.

- The Foundation needs her to be back in the USA, she needs to make sure her work continues otherwise she can’t be here and help the locals and that’s what she loves. Come in bearing gifts and bringing them hope. In the end she know she has to go back and get the resources. - He knew everything.

- She has me now, we can find the resources globally and not limit ourselves in one place. We can have points of contact around the world and host the Galas and get the money, that not a problem, I want to know if establishing here is safe for us and Noah.-I was clear.

- No, it’s not. Here not everyone wants us here. I thinks she risks too much by expending 3 months here. One month is more than enough, it doesn’t bring anyone to the crazy sense that we’re invading, and three months is pushing our luck. Christopher is not here paying bribes to the black market and they know that I won’t, that’s why I have doubled the security and have the police with us following our tails. So, no. Here is not safe.- he finished me.

- Thank you. - That’s what I needed to hear.

The phone rings and I felt my heart beating faster. Mason picks up the phone, I see how his eyes turn iced cold and his faces and posture changes. He drops the phone and runs outside, the voice keeps talking and I approached and listen.

- Mr. Windstock…. can you hear me? Hello?-the female voice said.

- This is Edward Woods, Mr. Windstock had to leave...Is there anything I can help you with?- And there it was, that feeling in my spine that sent a message to my brain with one word.

-We need to speak with Mrs. Willes. Is regarding her son. - She said.

On word that was humming in my head, the only word that could shake our peace and quiet: NOAH.

-Is Noah ok? I’m his Biological father.-I was shaking.

And while she was telling me that there was an event at the school entrance and that someone had tried to take NOAH, Edith is entering the room. Desperate, crying and the sketch of her perfect smile blurred away thanks to Christopher Carpenter. At this moment, I just can’t believe this is happening. She takes the phone from me, I walk towards Mason.

-Get the plane ready in 15 mins, handle the project with the Managing team. Ensure that they are secured while we’re absent. If you need to bribe the black marker\ do it but we make sure everything is going smooth. You and Ruth will come with us, I need your friends from the FBI to brief us when we land. If that sack of worms harmed my child, I don’t know what I would be capable of doing. I need you by our side, can you do that please?-I was begging and the tears clouded my eyes so I couldn’t see his face.

-Yes Edward, all of that is being taking care of as we speak. You need to get Edith off the phone to get her ready to leave, I already spoke to Ruth. Let’s go.

I went to Edith. She’s screaming to the lady on the phone, I need to calm her down but how can you do that? How can you calm her down when our son is in the middle of his nightmare? What did Christopher did to him? Is he safe? What would we find when we get there?

-Edith, put the phone down. We’ll go now to see Noah. - I said firmly.

She gives Mason the phone and runs out of the room. If there was any serenity on this day is all over now. Her face changed, I feel like I lost her again. Is this really happening? I’m shaking my head, I just can’t believe it.

Edward Woods.

The Black Prince Series

TO BE CONTINUE

Difficult and painful.

2015-05-28T08:53:00.003-03:00

When things get out of hand, we try to go back to the time and place we made that decision and wish with every breathe to take it all back. I had struggle and work very hard to step up the surface and actually breathe a richer air. I was lucky enough to find a soul-hurt woman that needed a companion to raise her fatherless child and was rich enough to allure me. She is a beautiful woman but like the rest easy to prey on. Now, life gave a twist and all my benefits where removed while some rich English uptight scum has all the things I work for and more. The least I can do is make it difficult for them. The least I could do is make it painful.

I arrived early to the school, Ruben wasn´t at the entrance to get Noah so I went to the principal´s office with a fake authorization from Edith, this wasn´t the first time I forgery her signature so it was a piece of cake. Noah was happy to see me.

-Daddy!!!- He hugged me.

-Hey champ how your day was! - I responded.

-Great! I can´t wait to go to Africa again.- He started walking to the gate and looking to both places.

-How about we go for some ice cream?- I asked him.

-Ice cream? Dad, you know mom doesn´t like it when we don´t tell her where we are. I need to wait for Ruben.-He stopped.

-You sack of worms, you will do as I you´re told. - I grabbed his arm and push him towards my car.

He screamed and in less than five seconds we were surrounded. That´s the problem with highly paid private secure schools.

-Mr. Carpenter, step away from the boy.

I grabbed him as closed as I could and then felt the cold electric metal stabbing in the back.

The final days of Christopher Carpenter.

The Black Prince Series

TO BE CONTINUE

The karyenda

2015-05-27T10:17:00.001-03:00

January arrived faster than expected.

We were beyond blessed with the Gala fundraiser. We manage to obtain double of the supplies and equipment needed and enough money to build the school with a constant teaching program and an internship from NYU to bring quality education. My heart jumps and dances with such joy I just can´t stop smiling. I just can´t imagine that none of this would happen, I feel very lucky to be part of this. Our team was bigger than ever and we had to place a camp site next to the hotel in order to have enough space for all the meeting and the supplies. My mom stayed with Noah until he could get a few days off from school and join us. Mason and Edward came with me because they were still worried about Christopher and his whereabouts.

I once read that the first minutes of your day from when you open your eyes until you decide to stand up from bed are the most crucial in order to make your entire day a happy one or stressful. This morning I opened my eyes and only one word is stuck in my mind: Grateful. I knew exactly what I needed to do, my agenda was already set in my IPAD and my day was programmed but the feeling that was running through my eyes was simply a humble “Thank you Lord”.

And top this morning, I see him sleeping quietly next to me like it was the first time and we´ve been together since ages. Life isn´t this perfect but today I was granted with perfection, serenity, love and peaceful ways. Today, I´ve conquered my happiness and even if this is the only moment I can get, this is more than enough for a lifetime. Today, the world is a better place and heaven kissed earth in the cheeks. Yeah, too cheese but I just can´t describe it any other way.

-Someone woke up happier than usual today. - He said while rolling my hair between his hands.

-Yes. Just being thankful. - I manage to say, turning to face him and sealing his lips with a kiss.

-Breakfast in bed? - He asked me.

-Why do I have the feeling that you´re not talking about food? - I was giggling.

Just like that, perfection was invading our room and while the sun completed his appearance I was making love to the man I was intended for.

Our first week in Burundi was amazing, I got to see Edward acting like a child enjoying nature, climbing coconut trees, riding elephants and jumping from rocks into a deep river.

The clinic was up and running, the school was pretty advanced and also the water supply was almost done.

At night we usually had the locals visit us , bringing a feast along with karyenda. The first day I didn´t understand all the noise and why it was done, when I researched it, I found out that this was actually their way to connect earth with a Higher and divine power: “The karyenda is a traditional African drum. It was the main symbol of Burundi and its mwami (kings) and had semidivine status. The mwami was said to interpret the beatings of the karyenda into rules for the kingdom”. We were bringing rules to the kingdom but not the types of rules that govern or prohibit. We were bringing to their land what they deserved from the world to reinstate their heritage. To make them part of the circle of life. Every night, I would hear those drums and I was reminded of the power granted to humanity. Every strike would make me understand it. We were gifted with the power of change and impact in others life. That was the reason for their joy and this was simply good enough for me.

Our daily routines were much hectic than out nights, we had to wake up very early to open the clinic and provide breakfast for the school workers and the others volunteers who were helping in the Water pump project to provide for the community. This task was my number one priority. Every Thursday, we had the general surgeons performed their magic helping the most cases we could. The patients and their families would bare gifts for the doctors, thanking us for the healings. This is the time of the year where my heart is at its biggest with such environment of people helping each other.

Remember when I was talking about experiencing perfection in life, this was it for me.

All the things were going according our plans…

Edith Willes.

TO BE CONTINUE

Reasoning

2015-05-25T10:42:00.001-03:00

Everyone always asks me why he´s called the Black Prince. England is a wonderful place to keep some ancient stories alive for centuries and even after all the time passes we always end up living the same stories over and over again. Don´t get me wrong, there´s no place like our sweet United Kingdom in the entire world and let´s face it we have the best fairytales in the planet but no one talks about the suffering behind them nor at what cost everyone keeps their beautiful smile rather than to cry for the losses. The Woods have been part of this circle for a long time. My family have served them since the days when slavery was a big dark age in our society, so is safe to say that I have seen it all but I´ll be honest, I’ve never imagine that Senior could overcome all of his ancestors and would try to harm his own blood.

Edward is trying hard to break paradigms, after that meeting with the shrink to tell Noah that he´s his father I began to truly admire his courage of going against what we were taught: Be cold, don´t express your feelings, don´t be emotional, suppress any overwhelming happiness, let the help handle the children, never accept nothing less than perfection. Here was Edward Woods aiming for simplicity and a normal life as if he was a regular mortal, as if he was part of earth when he was taught otherwise. I must say is Me, who is learning from his audacity and his free spirit ways. I´m learning that being old doesn´t prevent me from changing, from starting over, from having dreams, from smiling for no reason, from feeling my life is renewed by love. Ruth has been a true gift from Someone I thought was dead or just simply decided to ignore me but it turns out He was saving it for the best moment of my life and I would defend this with my teeth until there is no strength in me to fight no more.

Christopher Carpenter has been searching ways on how to harm my new family and I must say that he has devious connections to obtain what he wants. We´ve were monitoring him every day since that night conversation at the Gala. My contacts provided me with historic gambling activities and all his misspends with the foundation money utilizing Noah´s trust fund to cover his tracks. Yet his trying to harm his ex wife and stepson, just because he got cut off. I won´t allow it, not in my watch. I made a phone call to the IRS and the New York times, they would be interested in knowing about his criminal activity and all the damage he tried to do to such noble cause and his own family. Just like that, with a little spark and entire enchanted forest goes melting down until is all over, but Senior had to get involve to complicate my life.

- Hi, Mason.

- Allan, what do you think you´re doing? –I demanded.

- I´m just calling to say hi and to talk to my son, there´s some things we need to review before he goes crazy and do something that will prejudice him.

- You are unbelievable, I just can´t understand you. Do you think that we don´t know what you’re doing with Edith’s ex-husband?? Senior, walk out of this now before you regret it. You still have a chance to make this right and be part of their lives. You just need to lower your guard and Edward will lower his. Why can´t you yield for once? Things changed, your son and his family renewed the entire concept of what the Woods were or could be. Your grandson, your ONLY grandson is an amazing boy that you would want to meet and have a relationship with. Can´t you see all of that, Allan? Please stop now and don´t force me to follow you to hell.

He stayed quiet. I could only hear him breathing and I knew what that meant. The phone was disconnected.

Mason Windstock

TO BE CONTINUE

Discovering

2015-05-22T12:47:00.001-03:00

Telling Noah about my existence was the most challenging and painfull thing I have ever experienced, it was one week after the incident with Christopher at their house. Before setting a day and time we decided to go together and seek professional help to deal with this situation. With my background and history of family issues I needed to find a way to make things stop with me and try to have a relationship with my son.

We went to a local children specialist that was highly referred by someone in the foundation. This doctor was a NYU scholar and according to what I read on his portfolio, he met all the criteria. We made a session and explained our history together, and then we had individual sessions with him that were very revealing to me. Finally we agreed that he would join us for an in home session where he would participate and walk us through telling Noah in the healthiest environment.

-Hi Noah, my name is Doctor William Burroughs. Your mom invited me today so we can talk about something very important. Can you help me discover the best way to explain to your mother about how would you feel after we talk about something important? - He was very pragmatic and a little too over his head regarding how to talk to a child.

-Sure. - Noah said while painting one of his wooden animal toys.

-Well, then. Do you remember the day your mom told you that your dad Christopher was your second Father?-he asked.

-Yes, that was one day we were at a park. Daddy and mommy looked worried.-he said.

-That usually happens when adults have some big news but they don´t know how that would make you feel. Do you remember how did you feel when they told you? - The Doctor said assessing Noah´s reaction.

- I felt happy because is not every kid that could have two dads but I also was wandering when would I meet my first father. Noah stopped painting and looked at me. I don´t know why he would.

-I see. Do you understand what having a first father means?- The doctor insisted but without pushing.

-It means that my Dad Christopher is my adoptive father because he raised me but also treated me like his son and that my first father is my biological father the one that conceive me. - The kid was too smart and continued to paint. He was pretty good at both.

-Would you like to meet your first father?- He said.

- Yes, I would but Nana said that he lives in England and that we would need to take a plane to get there. - Noah said.

-Nana talks about your first father? - Edith asked.

-Yes, mom but only when I ask her to. She told me that you don´t like to talk about him because you were sad to leave England and you don´t want to return.- Noah said and Dr. Burroughs looked at Edith and asked her to continue.

-Yes, I was sad because I didn´t want to leave but I had to make that choice to give you a better life. Please forgive me if I didn´t talked about your father and told you how a wonderful man he is, that you are growing everyday and I can see lots of his good qualities in you.- Edith started to cry.

- That´s ok mom, I know you would tell me when you were ready. I just needed to be patient. - The kid is amazing; I cannot believe he has my blood in his veins.

- Noah, we asked several members of your family to be present when we talk about this. Do you see anyone here that might not be family? - The doctor asked.

-Only Edward but mom has taught me that all friends are like family so I guess everyone in this room is family.-Noah left me speechless.

-Good but do you feel like he is family? - He insisted.

- Umm…. Yes, otherwise my mom wouldn´t let him be in our house too often. - he smiled.

- Ok. Edward, is there anything you want to tell Noah? - The doctor throw me to the wolves.

- Noah, I am your biological father. - When I said those words I felt a very unusual warmth in my heart. Noah jumped and hugged me. I have never cried in my entire life like I did that day. I hugged him so tight.

The shrink was a genius; he allowed us a moment alone for us to talk and asked Edith and Mrs. Willes to wait outside.

- Do you understand that I never meant to leave you and your mother and that I really love you very much? - I asked him.

He said yes with his head.

After we were done, the doctor asked me to leave Noah with his mother.

I felt that my life was finally meaningful and I had two things I needed to fight for.

Edward Woods,

TO BE CONTINUE

Two faced

2015-05-21T11:46:00.006-03:00

I arrived a little late to the Gala on purpose because I didn´t want her to see me. I saw her walking to the stage and heard some of the men around me talking.

- Edith Willes is single again! Who would be the lucky one?

I´ll be the lucky one gentleman!

I heard the Master of ceremony introduce each bachelorette until the object of my attention was the one to be auctioned next. I have to win her back and I will play the game for as long as I can but apparently I wasn´t the only one. I dwelled with another man for as long as my pocket could handle and then he crashed my dreams.

- I will give one million dollars to the foundation to dance with that beautiful woman. –

And just like that I had lost her again.

When I finally saw who I was competing with I knew I didn´t stand a chance, once again Edward Woods is in my way.

- Christopher, it would be wise if you would let this go once and for all. - My thoughts were interrupted by Mason.

- Would I be worth of her if I would? - I replied looking at him because there was no way he would make a public scene.

- You were at a certain point but then you showed your true colors. Do you think that just because she never found out that you had several affairs you have the right to call yourself the victim here?- I was shocked on his questioning but he continued.- Yes, I know all about it, as a matter of fact, I know that you´re involved with your secretary right now. I know about your singular tastes and all your depravation plus all your debts and gambling, you don´t have the foundation to back you up and give you the lifestyle you´re accustom to and that´s what´s killing you not that you love Edith but what she gave you. This is all about money, that´s what drives you, so don´t stand here as the soul broken husband betrayed by your wife. If you even try to discredit her I will turn this around and you´ll be the one with the big problem. It´s my job to protect her and Noah and something about you made me dig a little deeper. You´re quiet a piece of human being. So, I suggest you stop whatever you´re trying to initiate against them, you won´t win and I will make sure you lose everything. Take this a warning, next time I won´t be so condescending. Ruben, will see you out.- he said while extending his hand and directing me to Ruben, then I saw them dancing together like if the world was a happy place and rage took my eyes.

Mason did his homework, now it was time to do mine. I don´t give a fuck if I lose everything as long as I see them fall and suffer the way I am.

Christopher Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

The Richard Willes Fundraiser Gala

2015-05-19T10:54:00.000-03:00

Every year for the last nine winters we reunite New York´s finest families in the Bartow-Pell Mansion to contribute with a great cause: Try to erase hunger, bring medical first aid, build a new school and a water supply for the community to access clean water.

This would be my first year hosting without my husband Christopher, I´m very nervous. Two months have passed since we sign the divorce papers and after thirty days of completing all the process I was no longer Mrs. Carpenter. He comes to the house every afternoon to see Noah supervised by Mason. Things seem practical and mature from his part but I always sense that the worse will happened in any minute. Knowing how competitive my ex- husband is he won´t let Edward and me win this one easy. I will be prepare.

Everything is ready; this year´s theme is the 1920´s and the American Dream. The Mansion´s garden was recreated into the Roaring Twenties. According to what I read: “The spirit of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a general feeling of discontinuity associated with modernity and a break with traditions. Everything seemed to be feasible through modern technology. New technologies, especially automobiles, moving pictures and radio proliferated "modernity" to a large part of the population. Formal decorative frills were shed in favor of practicality in both daily life and architecture. At the same time, jazz and dancing rose in popularity, in opposition to the mood of the specter of World War I. As such, the period is also often referred to as the Jazz Age.”

I never knew that Jazz was the music of the soul, the illumination and the amazing band made us go back to that amazing age. Everyone was absolutely into the theme, the music, the amazing food and dancing their hearts out. I arrived in a crashing crazy red 1923 Duesenberg model A.

-“The 1920's gave us some of the most beautiful classic cars. It was the transition period from the bland and practical Model T to the stunningly beautiful and luxurious road machines”. - Rhys Gerholdt said.

He was absolutely right.

My gown was an inspired Loretta Young Channel dress that would blend with my silhouette softly. I was hair styled accordingly and my neck and ears were covered in all the jewelry from the Harry Winston house. The foundation always throws the best parties so I´m always treated with the best but that just doesn´t go with my personality, I like simple and comfortable. However, is for a good cause and I only have to endure this craziness once a year.

I reunited with old friends, met new ones and in any opportunity I can, I encouraged them to accompany us in our upcoming medical outreach but as usually excuses of schedules were presented, some prefer to contribute with money and a few signed in to volunteer. The important thing is that we could involve everyone with whatever they can support.

I was escorted to my table and Mason was three steps away from me. Even after Edward and I got back together he didn´t accept his old job back, his loyalty was to me and Noah. He has managed to coordinate my life´s agenda in an IPAD and advises me with everything I request council for. Edward went back to England one month ago to settle all the things with his companies and the final settlement of his divorce. Senior isn´t happy and eventually we´ll feel the consequences of his wrath. Bring it Senior; today I feel I can conquer the world.

The waiters offered us with the finest champagne, the event´s program and menu. All so 1920-like and with such elegance that sometimes it surprises me how I’m part of the circle of life where I can be with the people that can make a difference and change the world. In the program I see that there would be a Single Ladies Auction: BHB- “Beauties Helping Burundi”. My friend Lydia, who is sitting next to me, starts talking about it.

-Edith, you should participate. You need to get out there and find a hot date. – She´s winking her left eye.

-No, Lydia. That´s for the youngest single ladies. I think I’ll pass. - I was trying to be polite.

And before I could prevent her from ruining my night she wrote my name and places it in the silver plate the waiter was holding.

-You will be fine, you need to have fun. It´s not a secret that Christopher was never the right match for you. Light up girl! – She said.

Lydia is an afro- American goddess from a very wealthy family in Long Island, we´ve been friends for a long time now and even when sometimes we spend lots of time apart she gets me and I her. Honesty is the signature in our friendship and I thank her for that.

The nigh takes it´s curse and I completely forgot about the auction since I´m busy telling everyone about how beautiful Burundi is and all the necessities we can help with. In less than a few minutes I have a big crowd listening to me and writing checks like crazy. I believe this would be a great night for us. Then the Master of Ceremony calls our attention and my stomach starts to tremble.

-Ladies and Gents is time for our BHB auction, get together and prep your check books we have a great list of sophisticated single ladies.

We were instructed to join the stage and one by one waited to be present to the crowd. The young girl that went before me with such perfect blonde hair and stunning figure got thirty five grand. Good for her! Lord, have mercy. Here we go.

-And now, our beautiful host and President of the Richard Willes foundation. She doesn´t need any description boys. Who wants the pleasure of dancing this evening with her? Are you ready boys! She deserves all of your attention. The beautiful Edith Willes.

I go into the stage and they were all clapping, I turned into Poison red, please God make this go fast. The MC continued.

-Look at that reception Mrs. Willes! Boys bring the money. Who gives ten? Thank you gentleman in the purple suit, very eclectic Sir. Let´s go crazy here, who raises to fifty, isn´t she worth it look at her boys.

-I give fifty five thousand dollars!- Said a guy in a black suit.

-I´ll raise him to seventy thousand dollars! - Someone in the back said. I could not see him.

-I will meet the same amount and will raise you to ninety thousand dollars!- the Guy in the black suit was proud and look to the back to see his opponent.

-Look at that, ladies and gents these two are going for the kill. Do I hear anyone offering two hundred thousand dollars?

The guy on the black suit raises his hand to agree with the amount. I can´t see his face but he must be at his limit because he looked at his phone like he was checking something.

- I will give one million dollars to the foundation to dance with that beautiful woman.- the guy in the back said.

Everyone started clapping and talking to each other trying to recognized him. All the girls were shocked because there I was the oldest of the pack, recently divorced yet someone has found me interesting. I could hear them mumbling and almost choking on their own envy.

-One million dollars going once, going twice. Sold the the mysterious man in the back come and claim your price.- the sound of the wooden hammer made me go back to my reality.

I was still locked in the outrageous offer; I went down the stage to meet the winner. The path opened and I could see the man who was insane enough to offer all that money. Then it hit me and yes I was shocked and surprised.

-Hello Ms. Willes, do you think I went overboard? - He approached my ear and my entire body felt it.

-Edward, are you mad? - It was all I could say.

The music started and so was our dance.

-I couldn´t refuse to help the foundation plus I got a beautiful prize and there was no way I would let anyone dance with you except me. So, relax and let´s enjoy this together, deal? - He said and I blushed as I smiled.

I could see Lydia smiling and telling me from a far:

-Lucy, you have some explaining to do!

Edith Willes.

TO BE CONTINUE

Disaster

2015-05-18T16:28:00.000-03:00

If anyone would have told me that I was capable of ruin and fixing my life in the same day I would have laugh and said that they are crazy.

I woke up between the soft covers of the bed and feeling a warm embrace holding me tight unwilling to let me go. I turned and I see him sleeping peacefully with a serene expression on his face and a slow breathing. The sun is touching the window too bright and I just can´t believe that we fell sleep together for more than ten hours. I don´t remember the last time I slept so long, I don´t remember the last time that I felt so complete like I finally found my right place. The right place is between his arms under these covers, the place where I fully exist and I feel my life has sense. His arms are good like that.

As I´m meditating and looking at the sealing, he moves and tickles me in the stomach.

-What are you thinking?- He asks and I turn to see his face.

-We are crazy Edward! – That´s all I could explain.

- Only for each other- He smiles with ten thousand stars illuminating my heart.

- We need to talk to Noah and I would like for us to do it together. Would you go with me to pick him up at school?- I felt like I was fifteen and I was on my first date.

-Really? Yes, of course we´ll go together- He said.

Then I heard how the world collapsed;

-Ruth where´s my wife? What is Mason doing here? Is Edward here? Edith!!

I run to find some clothes and asked Edward to stay. I go downstairs and find him in a very agitated state.

-Christopher, calm down. You know that Mason is our head of security. Please calm down. - I said I was heading downstairs.

He looked at my clothes noticing I was in my evening gown and just as I blinked to try to explain I felt the hard slap that knocked me down. It was so hard that I felt the tears coming out but the rage running in my veins wouldn´t let me give him the pleasure. By the time I was going to react Mason was holding him and forcing him to the ground.

-Edith, are you ok? - Mason asked.

Mom was screaming like crazy and called Ruben. In less than 10 minutes a Police patrol was heading home. Mason asked me to go upstairs and change translations: go and don´t let Edward come downstairs. My face was burning and throbbing faster, the headache was getting worse and I couldn´t open my mouth too wide. When I arrived to the guest room, Edward was sitting trying to contain himself.

-Just tell me if he didn´t hit you?- He was looking to the floor with his hands closed attached to the bed.

-If you go downstairs, things will be worse and he could try to take Noah from me. Please let Mason handle this.

-No! That piece of shit dare to raise his hand on you, I just can´t sit here and let him do that even if he thinks he has the right we should never hit a woman- he was exploding.

- Edward breathe, this will be over soon. Let me change and go downstairs to talk to the police.

He went to the bathroom and locked the door.

When I went downstairs, Mason was talking to the officers.

-We apologize for the inconvenience officer; my boss accidentally tripped and fell. We took things out of proportion and called you guys, right Mr. Carpenter? - Mason looked at Christopher and he agreed with his statement.

-Well, it seems that everything is in order and our work here is done. Mrs. Carpenter, do you have anything to declare? - One of them asked me.

-No, officer my husband is fine. We apologized for all the trouble. - I was still, trying not to show the side of my face that was all red on its way to becoming purple.

They left and Mason asked both of us to step into the studio. I was confused with all the recent events.

-As we discussed Christopher, there´s no need to involve the authorities. You can see here that you have everything to lose if Edith submits a domestic violence case against you. You will sign the divorce papers and you will not request Noah´s custody but Edith will grant you visitation. Every document here specifies that she will keep all assets obtained while married and she agrees not to touch your precious clinic and all the earnings because let´s be honest she doesn´t need it. Edith you have no business being married to this man and as your advisor this is better to be finished in good terms. Christopher, this is as good as it gets for you. Do you agree? - Mason took care of it with an objective reasoning because my head was still locked in the moment Christopher hit me.

- I don´t agree but you´re not leaving me any choice, right?

-Exactly.-Mason finished

-Edith…- he tried to talk to me.

-Take the deal Christopher so it wouldn´t be worse on you. - I couldn´t look at him

- You slept with him in our own house, how do you think that makes me feel? I just reacted because I was hurt. - He had to say it.

- You don´t have the right!!!! I could have slept with one thousand men and that doesn´t give you the right to lay a finger on me. Sign the papers and get out of my life, I was fooled and you made me believe that you were the right choice. It´s clear that following my instinct was the correct path. - I spit.

- Fine, I will sign the damn papers.- he said while taking a pen and placing his signature in all the sheets Mason will showed him.

-Mason, see him out. - I said while slamming the door.

Edith Carpenter no more.

TO BE CONTINUE

Parenthesis.

2015-05-14T08:07:00.001-03:00

Finding myself surprised at my age is something I never thought it would happen to me. I´m not used to people being kind to me. I’m usually the invisible force protecting others even from themselves, I´m never the center of neither attention nor have time to smile as often as I want.

She has been making me feel different and for the first time special. This was unexpected. Is there an age for love, for feelings, for new opportunities? Is there a clock that prevents us from chasing our dreams when the hair is gray and the years mark our face? But I don´t feel old, I feel like me. Do I have the right to give myself the opportunity of dreaming with hazel eyes and soft hands? Am I someone that can be courageous enough to think I can conquer Ruth Willes?

Three weeks have passed since we´ve been here.

That night when I arrived and talked to Edith about my intentions Ruth started treating me different. Good different. I love our every night walk after everyone is sleeping and it´s just the two of us. She has told me about her life before her husband and how they were very happy. Of course we talked about Senior and how that part of her life is in the past. She smiles at me and makes me blush. Imaging blushing at sixty four, she makes me feel like I´m twenty again and it has been a long time since I’ve been with a woman.

Last night we hold hands on our way to the port in Table Bay and I thought I was holding a piece of heaven, like this would be the closest I would be of paradise. I ask again, is this normal at our age? I feel strangely good. I wonder if Edith would approve but Ruth told me that we´re adult and old enough to know that all that matters is us and what we want. I´m giving in too fast but then again at our age time is precious and everything needs to find meaning fast since time is something that doesn´t play in our favor.

This makes me understand that no matter how long love takes to knock at our doors, he´s always welcome. No matter when he will always take our breath away making us feel we´re capable of the impossible. That´s how I feel right now and I intend to spend the rest of my life exploring this feeling.

With the days passing and time hitting our bodies making our moves slower, our hair a progressing snow storm, our face into a map of life where each line represents joy or sorrow, our laughter more meaningful, our presence sometimes not necessary , our chest heavy with history and our hands full of things that may vanish in a glimpse. Time may do all of that but there´s always a reason that makes it all worth it. Love and it´s purity.

Surprised Manson Windstock.

TO BE CONTINUE

Back to my life.

2015-05-13T08:54:00.001-03:00

I just can´t believe all of this bloody shite!

She abandoned me ten years ago, I finally find her and discovered I have a son then she kicked me out of her house? This woman drives me insane. Now I have to wait an entire month away from her until I can see them again. This is just frustrating.

Mason doesn´t pick up the phone, I told him to take them safely to the airport but I haven´t heard from him. Is it me, or the entire world is against me?

I´m getting ready for supper at the hotel, I´ve been running the business from here because there´s no way I will leave without my real family. Deborah has been calling me every hour or so to find out when I´m going back. She has left lots of messages but I just don´t have the stomach for it.

Then, just when I thought life was complicated enough someone sits with me at my table.

-Hello, son. Right on time to join you for supper.-He was sarcastic.

-What bloody hell are you doing here father? Bugger off you Twonk. - I was annoyed.

-Calm down son. I´m just here to look out for our best interest. Let’s eat and discuss DNA testing afterwards.-He went for the kill.

-Senior, you stay away from MY son and Edith. Do you understand? - I was threatening him.

-What would you do exactly if not what I tell you to? Uh? Tell me you peace of shite. That child would be the heir of our family since that wife of yours is as useful as tits on a bull and she can´t bear children. You sit the fuck down, and have dinner with your father so you won´t end up penniless in the streets.

-Listen to me you sack of wine, listen carefully. You will not come near that child even if it´s the last thing I´ll ever do. You can´t take shit from me, you´re too old to regain the board or make them support you and remember that I assumed all the capitals of the family when you retired. You´re the one that is penniless and at my mercy so fuck off and leave us alone.

-Oh my dear stupid son, you´re forgetting that you need a male heir to fully obtain all the assets of the family. And if you don´t then it all goes back to me. Fuck me sideways! Aren´t your ancestors a pain in the bum. - He laughs out loud and clear.

- Senior, you forgot that all of the new profitable companies that are actually making us rich where founded by me and are under Mason´s name until I decide. You won´t leave me without money and if I pull out and separate from your fucking ancestors legacy you will be bankrupt. How about that old man, who´s the stupid one now arsehole? - Victory was sketched in my face.

He stood up and was leaving.

-Oh, and by the way. Going back and telling Deborah won´t make you no good either. Don´t forget about the Prenup and since we haven´t got any kids you will be responsible to reattribute her for the losses. - That would be enough to keep him busy until he finds another way to attack. I was ready for round two so let´s see how round three goes.

He left not before looking at me with disdain and threaten to come back.

I went back to my room with a sense of winning a lifetime war with Senior but that happy moment was brief since I had one more thing pending. It was time to call Deborah.

-Darling, are you ok? I have left you thousands of messages. - She seemed worried.

-Deborah, I asked Jane to book you in the next flight. Can you come? - I asked.

-Of course. See you soon.

I went to bed to rest and to prepare for the tsunami. Called the lawyers to get everything ready for my divorce. I wasn´t going to stay in the façade that my father wanted. I have wasted ten years of my life pretending and I just don´t want this anymore. With this thought I drove to a deep sleep and woke up in the morning renewed. I received Deborah in the room and discussed the arrangement.

- What a long flight, I’m exhausted. - She said putting all the things in the table and saying hi to me with a kiss in the cheeks. Always in the cheeks.

- Deborah, we need to talk. - I asked her to sit.

I told her the entire story from beginning to end. She stayed calm and let me finish.

- Deborah, I just don´t want us to waste our lives anymore. You never loved me neither did I. We have arrange all the necessary things for you to live accommodated but I no longer wish to stay married with you. I need to reunite with my family. It was never my intention to hurt you but this business transaction can´t continue.

For a decade I never seen hope in her face, like I took a big burden off her shoulders.

- I see. Well, I never thought I would me more relieved. I can finally open up and live my life as I was intended to. Edward you were a good husband to me even when we both knew our arranged marriage was a mistake. I could´ve never been happy with you because I don´t like men. I´m a lesbian. So, where do I sign? - She looked relieved while I was shocked.

I called Jane and instructed her with all the details and the lawyers would meet with Deborah when she would return home.

- I wish you best of luck; we both deserve to be happy. - she said. We hugged and just like that Deborah was out of my life.

I wished her well and we said our goodbyes.

The phone rang to bring more news.

-Hi Mason, where you´ve been? What do you mean in your new job? Stop playing. You´re in Africa, doing what? What bloody hell are you talking about? ... I see. Ok, I will see you when you return. Can I call you to this number to check on Edith and Noah? What do you mean about security breach in your current contract? This is ridiculous, it´s me you´re talking. Hello? Hello? Mason?

And just like that I lost my head of security.

Edward Woods.

TO BE CONTINUE

Thirst.

2015-05-12T13:08:00.004-03:00

It took me several days adjusting to the new changes in our lives. Having him hovering 24/7 around us has been challenging. I wonder what the Woods did when they found out.

Noah loved this trip; we embarked upon a tented camp walking safari around the Kruger National Park. There can be no better way to experience nature than allowing yourself to leave footprints in the wild as you searched for the wildlife that lives there. He played with Lions, tigers and elephants. He told me that he wanted to be a Veterinarian when he grows up. Mason was there and looked at me with a smile, he´s so protective with us. I have lowered my guard a little but I still keep my eyes open, is really difficult to assimilate that he´s looking out for us now instead of against.

We closed all the details for the Medical Outreach planned for January. I had all the data we needed for the Gala and we were ready to return.

The Gala is our next big thing, since we need all the resources to buy equipment and medications along with all the expenses to develop the area will be visiting: Bujumbura, Burundi. We went with the crew to assess the area where we would work and located the place we would stay. It’s a big house located about six hundred meters above the town with a magnificent view, the locals call it “Good Life” and from that view life seems perfect, calmer and at peace. Everything is ready for our work there we only need to touched willing hearts for us to find the money.

I arrived home early in the evening, there were no signs of Christopher. We talked several times through Skype, he apologized every single time. Things seemed to be normal between us but I was out for a month and we both seemed distanced. I walked into an empty house that one month ago was full of color and the joy of a circus. The house where I’ve been happy in my bubble away from the complications I tried to run from but followed me to my door footsteps. Things will never be the same, I know now and I knew then.

I took Mason to his room, the house was big enough for both of us, and he would be staying in the first floor in the left wing with his own kitchen, office and bedroom. I insisted to prepare dinner to the four of us, he didn’t say no as he usually did in Africa and for some reason my mom smiled about it but my curiosity was interrupted by a call from the main gate.

-Mrs. Carpenter, there’s a Mr. Woods to see you ma’am.-Ruben said.

I looked at Mason and he approved. This was part of the drill back in Africa, I had to consult with him everything for him to give his approval in terms of security. We discussed that when time would come for me to talk to Edward I had to try the civilized way first since he was nothing like his dad.

-Let him in please. - I replied.

After a few minutes the bell rang. Mason opens the door.

-Good evening Mason, may I come in? - He sounded polite.

He was directed to the living room.

-What can we do for you Edward? Shouldn’t you be with your wife back in England?- I asked.

-No, I’m right where I should be. Can we have a normal conversation, please?

-Ok.

-I know things got out of hand but I’m just not going to sit and wait. I lost my family once and I just can’t handle that again.-he seemed troubled.

-We’re both married and I don’t want my son near Senior. - I was clear.

-First of all, I’m no longer married. Second, I don’t want Senior near our son either.-he finished me.

-Wait, you’re not?-I was shocked.

- No, I’m not and if me not requesting custody as Noah’s father would keep Senior away I will not do that either.- he said.

-I honestly don’t know what to say to all this.- I was standing up the entire time but now I was sitting.

-Say that you choose me. That we can start a family together this time. That this is the chance life is giving us to make things right. Please say yes to us. – He was appealing my heart.

-I can’t say those things Edward. Even when I want to. We’re different; we’re not the same people we used to be. You don’t know me and I don’t have a clue of who you are.- I was brutally honest.

-Look at me Edith, look closer. Yes, we changed because nothing stays the same but what we felt was not touched neither by time nor the future. I didn’t stopped loving you and that didn’t change for me. Did you?- he finished me.

-No but my love for you changed when I had Noah. You gave me something that I would never share with anyone but things changed. I learned how to live without you, I overcome all the pain of being away from you and what I felt for you feels like it faded away. I’m no longer the Edith Willes you knew Edward and who I am now doesn’t fit in your world. I will ask Mason to see you out, good bye.- I was finished.

He stood there. Looking at me. I looked back holding my ground. He started walking my way. He wouldn’t stop looking with those penetrating blue eyes like he was on fire. Suddenly the impulse was unexpected and reciprocated. He kissed me in a way I have never being kiss before him nor after him. He held my face and claimed with his tongue a decade of suppressed feeling. Feeling I decided to hide because I could only let them out with him. I returned each kiss back, there was a force in me stronger than my defense mechanism, an electricity hitting my stomach up and down forcing me to fly and touch earth, there was an untamed urge that was telling me I needed to take my clothes off and let him possess all of me.

-Come.- I said letting my instinct take me to the end without restrictions.

I took him to the first guests’ room closest to the stairs, the way we were we couldn’t get any further. He undressed me next to the door as we closed it, he slowly pulls all the way up my cardigan dress letting my white transparent lace for him to admire and he did. I walked towards him and kneeled to let him loose so we could both enjoy ourselves. I put my mouth covering him and started my sweet torture talk using my tongue and my throat, he goes insane. I was responsible for that face, he was totally at the mercy of my mouth and he let me take him to a pleasurable journey. As I kiss him there my body was also burning in and out, I could feel something liquid running to let the world know I was ready and as he could read my mind, in a second, I was gently placed in the bed.

-Edith, I’m not going to make love to you.

- No, you’re not.

You can’t call this love making, yes there was love involved but there wasn’t nothing mechanical as making in this room. Simply two bodies which each souls were thirsty for a long time.

A very long and dry decade.

Edith.

TO BE CONTINUE

South Africa

2015-05-11T16:44:00.000-03:00

At this point, I´m no longer interested in keeping Senior safe; my lifetime purpose was to dedicate myself to the Woods as my family has for the last 4 generations. I´m fed up, I feel I’ve been guarding and protecting the wrong person. My father always told me to never get involved in the Woods affair so I could keep my sanity. I definitely understand this now. Noah is just a boy. I can´t let Senior damage his life too. I just can´t.

I bought a plane ticket, I have my bags packed. My cell phone hasn´t stop ringing. Edward has left me tons of messages. I just don´t have neither the patience nor the stomach for this anymore. I will protect the people who actually need me. I know where she is, I know how to get there. It´s just matter of time. In time I will be there for them for as long as they´ll have me.

The free encyclopedia states that Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent. In this country, Edith Willes decides to lose herself and follow her heart through the Richard Willes Foundation. I´ve been reading about their history and background while in the plane, Richard Willes was a philanthropic entrepreneur that dreamed to establish in Cape Town South Africa with his wife Ruth Willles and Daughter Edith. He traveled several times to Africa throughout the year and established a School, a health care center and a clean water supply post. After his passing, his daughter and wife carried on until the foundation grew and was formally established in Connecticut.

Every year Edith travels to their Cape Town post to assess the needs, which town would they concentrate on, what would be the expenses, she visits the tribes, get to know their leaders. She is really detail oriented and this is the reason why they always meet their targets and receive over two million dollars benefits on their yearly fund raiser gala. I had to know what was I dealing with and understand why this was so important to her. This is the type of mother Noah deserves and I would fight to protect him so he could grow in this environment rather than the one Senior wants for him.

I just arrived to Cape Town, according to my research I came in the middle of winter: “Cape Town has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm or hot summers. Winter, which lasts from the beginning of June to the end of August, may see large cold fronts entering for limited periods from the Atlantic Ocean with significant precipitation and strong north-westerly winds.” I came prepare with regular England winter clothes since this town is close to the coast and won´t be as bad as I know it could get. It´s a really nice view from the plane, Table Mountain to my left and the huge City Bowl in front of me. I understand why she loves it here.

Edith´s staying at The Andros, and her team rented the entire hotel for their stay. They will remain here for one whole month for their medical Outreach preparation and then hit back home for the Gala to obtain the resources for the event.

I need to explain why I´m here and hope for her to accept what I came to offer.

- Before you closed the door in my face, please hear what I came to say. No one has sent me, I´m here because I want to. - I stopped the door from closing.

She hesitated but once looking at me she decided to let me in. Noah was reading some books and didn´t notice I was there.

- Fine. What is it? - She was eager to know.

- I owed you an answer from our first conversation ten years ago.-I replied.

- There´s no need any more Mason.-she was direct.

- I know but the things have changed for me since I knew about Noah existence. Senior arrived 2 days ago in Connecticut to find him but you were on your way here. He will do everything in his power to get custody for Edward and Noah´s life as you know it will become another Wood´s sad story of survival in their own jungle. I´ve seen what you had to sacrifice to give this child a chance of a normal fulfilling life. I´m here to help you and this time I´m going to protect both of you. Please let me.

She looked at me in disbelieve and with wary eyes, she seemed not comfortable with my proposal.

- You have been loyal to that family for decades, how do you expect me to believe one word you would say to me.-She had every right not to.

- Yes, you´re right about my loyalty but you also you know how to call bullshit when you see one. Just as you did with Senior the day you agreed to leave. Look at me and tell me if you think I´m lying to you? - I wanted her to see.

She stood there looking at me while in silence assessing my body language.

- Alright Mason, I accept your offer. I´m worried about Noah, especially after the argument we had back home and now after you told me that Senior wants to be in his life.-She replied.

- I won´t let him near him but I also need you trust me, because in order to make Senior back off we need o play as he plays.- I had to let her know about my intentions.

- I understand but I also want to keep Noah safe and avoid any complications. You know what he´s capable of. - She said.

- Because I know what he can do, you need to trust me. Once Senior is in the picture, everything WILL get complicated. Do you understand? - I asked.

- Yes. - She replied.

- Do you think that you can trust me? - I had to ask.

She was hesitant.

- Yes, Mason. I can try but if you double cross me, you will regret the day you were born. This is my son who is at risk and for him I´m capable of everything. Do you understand THAT?

- Yes, I do and I don´t expect anything less from you. So, should we get started? - I asked.-Oh one more thing Edith.

- Yes? - She looked confused.

- The price for my services is totally irrefutable and we will not discuss this beyond today. Are we clear?-I said.

- I don´t care how much it will cost me. - She replied.

- Good, because it will not cost you anything and now I have your word that we´ll keep it that way. - Just like that I sealed the deal.

She laughed and then we proceeded to discuss the details of this trip, in terms of security I needed to know everything. Edith introduced me to Noah and her staff as the new head of security for the foundation and then I was shown the room I would be staying. Senior would have a heart attack when he finds out and just the thought of it made me smile. He was finally going to get what he deserves.

I reviewed with Edith several documents we needed to start processing to prepare for Senior´s lawyers invasion. She also involved one of the Staff lawyers that were with us at the time. Senior will not win this, even if it has to be the last thing I will ever do to set things right. Noah Carpenter will not enter their world and that´s my new life purpose.

Mason Windstock, Head of Security of the Richard Willes Foundation.

TO BE CONTINUE

Senior won´t wait

2015-05-08T13:53:00.004-03:00

If they think that I would stay calm until they tell me their version of their story, they are wrong. My jet will land on time for supper. I need to know if that boy is my grandson and if he is I have every intention of recognizing him but I know will find resistance. She will be guarding like a hawk, she won´t let me through without a fight and I shall give her one.

Mason´s face when he picked me up at the airport wasn´t approving but who cares.

- Senior, they´re not here. The boy accompanied the mother to a trip in Africa.-He stopped me.

- You´re lying. - I said.

- I´m not. They just boarded, I took them to the airport. Edith fought with Edward but I drove them safely to their destination.-He seemed worried.

- So, is true. He´s my grandson?-I demanded.

- Apparently but no DNA tests were performed.-He said.

- Do you think we need one?

- For emotional confirmation? No. Are you planning for Edward to share custody? Then just to complete paper work, Yes. Bottom line, Noah Carpenter is your grandson.

I sat down in one of the chairs in the VIP lounge. All this years, I was blaming that girl for risking a catastrophe in our family. She never told us nor claims her son´s rights.

- I´m a terrible person, right?- I asked

- Yes, you´re. - He answered without hesitation.

- Where is Ruth? - I asked begging for the mercy I never deserved.

- Senior, no! You will not do that.-He was mad.

- Mason, my life is not for you to control. If I want to see Ruth I will. - I was clear as glass.

- No you won´t, she´s with Edith. Senior, after all the years I´ve been with you it doesn´t bring one good memory of you making things right. I thought you were a good man. What the fuck happened to you?

He looks at me and tells all of that without hesitation. When would I stop?

- Nothing happened to me. You know I need to protect my family’s legacy, I wasn´t taught anything else.

- Why do you need to be so cruel? You hurt Ruth; you damaged Edith and your own son, now you want to go for Noah. Let this go.

- I can´t. That child is my only chance to make everything right. - I started looking at the floor.

- I don´t believe you. - He called my bluff.

- Take me to see Edward now. I want to verify if that boy is part of my family.-I demanded.

- Find him yourself.-He walked out not looking back.

I pissed him off but he will come around. He always does, so let me find my car to get to my hotel and then off to see my beloved son.

Allan Reginald Woods III.

TO BE CONTINUE

Boys and their pissing contest, that doesn´t go with me!

2015-05-07T09:36:00.004-03:00

Paradise was three days ago when it only existed my new life with Chris and Noah. After listening to the mature conversation between those two I knew exactly how things would end and all the hot sex in the world would help me keep myself on the ground and away from Edward Woods. Using sex as a weapon will end up back firing at some point and Christopher will get hurt.

I tried to stay calm but even I knew that my charade wasn’t convincing. Their conversation was still in my head. He said that he will fight for me. Why now? I love my family and I won’t let him ruin this for me. After I left England I blocked all the suffering, the tears and the things I had to endure to overcome that pain. I can’t go back to the state of mind I was in.

I went back to the yard, before they would notice, to attend the guests. Edward entered first and approached Noah.

Noah seems to adore Edward; he introduced him to all his friends at the party:

- Hey guys, this is my friend Edward. He’s from England.

Mom went paranoid when she saw him, ran to the kitchen and started crying. I had to tell hell that it was Chris’s idea and that we were fine. She looked at me and then calmed down, a few minutes later I saw her talking to Edward, only God knows about what. I had to check on Chris to see how his mood was.

- Where were you darling? - Yes, I played that card.

- Having an interesting conversation with your ex.-The curve ball hit me in the left cheek.

- That was totally unnecessary, Christopher.-I left before he could speak.

I don’t think anyone saw me except Edward. He followed me to the house and of course Chis too.

- What did he do to you?-He asked worried.

- Nothing I just need to be alone.

- What are you doing here? Leave my wife alone!-Chris yelled.

- Would you both just stop already! Leave me alone, both of you. This is getting out of hand.-I said but they both began to argue.

- You have no right to be here, you abandoned them. I took care of everything and gave them a home.

-Chris spit on Edward’s face but that statement was directed to me.

- I cannot believe you just said that, Christopher.-I demanded

- Edith, wait! Please I didn’t mean it that way.-He was trying to take it back.

- In which way did you mean it asshole!-Edward pushed him and that was the drop to fill the cup.

They punched each other’s faces until Mason came in to separate them and took Edward outside.

- Edith, come with me?-He was begging me.

- Don’t leave me! I’m sorry.-Christopher said.

I looked one and then the other. Under these conditions I couldn´t decide anything.

- Edward, leave now and don’t you dare to come back.

- Christopher, you will not stay in the house while I’m here and you will not come with us to Africa.

I went inside the house and closed the door.

Edith Carpenter, not a toy.

TO BE CONTINUE

Noah´s Circus

2015-05-06T13:34:00.001-03:00

I have loved her since the first day I met her. Since the heat of a strong sun in Africa hit our skins making us collide while we were on duty. I have loved her even when I knew that she would never love me like I do.

Now she drops this bomb, expects for me to deal with it and dig it all in the ground with great dirty sex? Well, it was amazing sex, like we´ve never done before. She´s telling me that she chose me and that nothing has changed but I just don´t think she´s right. This amazing display of sex making in my desk has left me absolutely confused and wanting more.

- Can we do that again? – I asked after catching my breath.

- If you come with me home I would like to continue our little game. - She tells me after pulling her underwear up.

- Let´s go.-I hurry her out.

I must say that after that late afternoon at the office and every night after that one I´m more intoxicated with her. I just can´t get her off my pants but I should stop thinking about our crazy nights or I would have to lock myself in the bathroom to avoid giving a stick show at Noah´s Birthday.

-Calm down Christopher, You need to prepare for your conversation with Mr. Uptight.- I say out loud then I see her coming my way totally ravishing; I will get hard again.

-Hello Mr. Carpenterrrrr. - She whispered caressing the R in my ear and biting my lobe.

-Edith for the love of God, we have guests and most of them are children.-I said almost chocked after that episode.

-Ok, I will try. - She finishes me and walks toward the kitchen to get some ice cream for Noah´s friends.

My Wife the Ninfo! I guess I should thank Edward for this.

Speaking of the devil.

- Good Evening Mr. Carpenter. - He says shaking my hand firmly and I reciprocate.

- Good Evening, Mr. Woods. How´s Debbie, I mean Deborah? - I asked.

- She´s fine, thanks. She told me of the lab work you requested from both and the extra scans for her. She´s following your advice to the T.

- Listen, I agreed to the conversation about Noah but right now I want to enjoy my son´s birthday. Can we do this at the end of the party? - I went straight for the kill.

- Certainly, Mr. Carpenter, as you wish. - He replied surprised.

- Thank you.

I have to give it to him, polite as royalty. Prick!

Then I see Edith noticing him and all the whirl, smiles and mischievousness went away. In a glimpse she´s transformed. That man does that to her.

Noah loved his party, my mother in law turned our back yard into a magical place: A Circus. She put a mini zoo, jugglers, special clowns and all sort of activities. He didn´t want a party but sure as hell he adored it. He was very happy with Edward´s gift and was introducing him to all his friends, he held his hand and I finally accepted that this man wasn´t my enemy nor my competition and that I needed to be more flexible regarding him. It was time to talk.

- Please have a sit.- I requested politely.

- Thank you, may I call you Christopher- He asked and I agreed with my head.-Noah is a fine young man you should be proud.

- We are Edward.-I responded quietly.

- Christopher, I have no intention of imposing into his life. Where I come from, Noah would not have a blessed childhood, like the one you’ve given him here, and basically I do not want my kind of life for him. I asked Edith to let me speak to you man to man to let you know my intentions.-He seemed comfortable under his skin.

- May I know them?-I asked.

- I will do everything in my power to get Edith back and will give her the life she wants here. Even when she has made it perfectly clear to me that she has no intentions to come back nor she will let our son sees me as his father. I know that´s what I deserve for not fighting for her when I had the chance but I will not give up on her. We belong. I came to your house to tell it to your face, I will not use Noah to get to her, I came to warn you that you will not get it easy this time. Walk out now as Noah´s father, I will never prevent you from him but leave Edith now.-the guy was looking directly at me.

He was definitely testing me.

- You seriously have some balls man! I give you that. I also appreciate that you are honest about your intentions but you´re crazy if you think I will let you take my family. Edith doesn´t love you and we are solid together. You´re just past tense, so please leave my house in this instant. - I was defying him and pointing to the door.

- I will leave when Noah wants me to.

- You were never taught to give a clean fight, right? - I asked.

- No, Christopher I wasn´t. So, if you would excuse me, I have to return to my son´s party. I´m glad we cleared the air; it was great talking to you. - He said sarcastically while walking out of my studio.

I knew that it was too good to be true. This man was going to make things difficult but I wasn´t going to let him win.

This is MY FAMILY not his.

So long for: “I finally accepted that this man wasn´t my enemy nor my competition and that I needed to be more flexible regarding him.”

The War is on.

Christopher Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

Guests and peacemaking.

2015-05-05T10:25:00.002-03:00

What more can you give a ten year old for his birthday than expending the day surrounded by love and happiness? He told me that he didn´t want a big party but you can´t tell that to his Nana since she thinks it´s absurd. Mom told me that she would not listen to my Africa nonsense and that she would throw a big party for Noah. I had no option but to join the circus and help her out with the details.

I had to tell Chris about my unexpected guest and I also had to explain why.

- Hi honey! What a wonderful surprise you passing by the office. - He gave me a kiss in the cheeks.

- I hope that I’m not in your way darling. - My tone was low.

- No way, what´s up? - He said.

- We need to talk about Noah… His dad.

- Oh. I´ve been waiting for this for some time now. Go on.- he said a little shocked.

- I thank you for never pushing me to tell you about my past beyond of what I could handle to share and it´s because of your patience and honesty I have to tell you the truth. I don´t want anything coming between us. So, I need you to try to stay calm and try to understand what I need to tell you. In the end, you´ll have every right to respond in any way you want and I will accept your decision. Ok? - I asked.

- Ok. - He was sharp and guarded.

- I was born in West Yorkshire, Bradford England. My mom and dad dedicated their lives for me to be raised outside of their world and up until I was 24 they succeeded. After my dad´s passing I moved back to my parent’s country house to accompany my mother. In that time I got involved with someone that I shouldn´t have, he was to get married and for some reason I thought I could change our fates. One day his dad found out about us and threaten me and my mom´s life if we wouldn´t disappear so I would be out of his son´s way. I agreed and left. I knew I was pregnant by that time but didn´t tell Noah´s dad and left. I didn´t want my child growing up as a bastard or in that environment of hate and disaster so we moved to America and I gave birth here. Noah´s dad didn´t know about his existence until yesterday due to some reasons that I don´t understand, like some mysterious coincidence I would never thought it would happened. Noah´s dad is Edward Woods.

He was holding a mug full of coffee and the cracking noise hitting the floor was so loud that Rose hurried in to ask if we were ok.

- Rose, we´re fine! It was an accident don´t worry I’ll clean up.- I said looking at Christopher.

She didn´t believe me but decided to leave us to solve our inconvenience.

- Chris, say something. - I knew that this would be a really hard thing to say and to hear but I never expected this reaction.

He walked from one side to another shaking his head.

- Edith… That guy??? Debbie told me horrifying things about his family and how he treats her. I just can´t assimilate all of this. Did you tell him he´s the father?

- No, he figured it out when you told Debbie that Noah was adopted. We had a meeting yesterday to talk about all of the details and how I don´t want his father finding out about our son. I told him that Noah already has a father and that I didn´t want our son to be confused , he told me that he understands and that he agrees to keep his distance but he would like to speak to you.

- What do you want to do? - He looked at me worried.

- What ever you decide.

There was a profound silence. The type you witness when some one has died or something disappeared and will never return. We stood there in silence, him looking at the ground as it would give him the magic solution to this complication, me looking through the window as it would return the clock and I would have done things different with Christopher. Still, the silence was navigating our boat.

- Did he go back to England? - He finally broke the silence.

- No, he´s here. - I responded softly.

- Ok then. Invite him to Noah´s birthday and I would talk to him then. - He finally said.

I wasn´t going to tell him that I had told him already; it would only make things worse. I just limited myself to:

- Ok. Do you want me to wait for you so we can go home together and grab some dinner on our way? - I asked wishing that things would go back to normal. Such a fool, Edith.

- Not tonight, I have a lot of work to finish and it will take a while. Please don´t wait up. - He said not even looking at me.

I had no right to demand at this point. I would need to grant him space and wish for the best to happen.

- Ok, Christopher. I would leave your dinner in the oven. Please don´t be late, I will worry.

- No need Edith, I don´t think I´ll be eating home. - He answered dry and cold.

- I see. - I walked straight to him and continue talking. - You think I´ll throw away our family to go back to that messy life? He´s no longer part of me and I don´t want him in it either. I want you. Here and now. Do you understand? - I asked touching his chin and making him look at me.

- Prove it. - He defied me.

I took his hands and made him navigate my thighs until he would´ve reached my underwear. I made him mark my hips with his shorten nails as they would take the lace off. His eyes were bewildered with my reaction, I was always so reserved sexually but there was no need now. This man needed to understand that I wasn´t going anywhere. I climbed on top of him to make him feel my warmth and arousal. I felt his. He wanted to take control but I just wasn´t in the mood for letting anyone do so. I grabbed some gray scissors and started cutting what was in my way in order to reach his chest. I kissed him harshly and merciless. Unlocked his pants to let him free.

- I want you to take me in this desk while you pull my hair and dont´stop until you hear me begging you to.- I said with burning eyes, while turning my chest to the table and splitting my legs to let him in.

No words were spoken afterwards. Just a rough dance with exploding screams from both of us at the same time.

Proven.

Empowered Edith Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

British and American

2015-05-04T08:50:00.003-03:00

Today I woke up but my body is troubled to respond my commands. This is one of the major signs of my life coming to an end or an accelerating pace to aging and then dying. Since Gretchen´s passing I´ve decided to stay alone because there´s no point to find another mate, plus my children want nothing to do with me except to sign their alimony checks, imagine if I tell them that I would find another wife. I hoped I had time to catch up with them and try to have a relationship but let´s be honest I have done nothing but to fucked up their lives. I hoped that I was going to avoid making the mistakes my father did with me but it resulted exactly in the same. The Woods live for the preservation of their status and name. I haven’t helped at all and yes I feel I have failed as a father.

Deborah returned alone from their Connecticut trip giving me the big news about the doctor and the treatments for them to have kids. I know I also have been hard on her but we need her to have children, a boy to be exact.

She told me that she reunited with a high school friend and his family and that they all went to have dinner.

- Senior, you would love their son Noah, such proper boy. I almost thought he was British. His mom has done a wonderful job raising him.

- That´s a shock, an American following our roots. - I replied.

- Oh no she isn´t American, she was born in England but her parent had her travelling mostly to America and now she directs her own charity foundation, she´s also a Doctor. Look here she is.-

She showed me the picture and I almost burned my chest with the Earl Gray tea. For heaven´s sakes. How was this possible?

- Look, next to Edward you can see Noah. Isn´t he cute? - She said.

- How old is he? - I asked with my eyes fixated on the similarities between Noah and Edward.

- He´s Ten. My Friend Christopher adopted him when he was one year old. I wonder where would his father is? I can´t imagine how can someone disappear like that from their children´s life.

She continued talking for what it seemed like an Eternity, I just couldn´t stop looking at the picture on her phone. I left the room and made a phone call of my own.

- Mason, why did you guys stayed?

- Edward had another business meeting and other items pending on his agenda Sir.

- Items pending, uh? Interesting… that´s not what Deborah´s picture showed me…

Mason took a deep breath and let it out into the phone so I could hear it.

- Senior, let me do my recon and I will give you all details when I get back. Nothing is confirmed yet. Don´t do anything you will regret because if this is what we both think it is and you do another crazy move you will regret it big time. Do we understand each other?

- Yes, Mason. We do but I just hope that the next time you lie to me you would be aware of the consequences.

- If I have to lie to you in order to save you from your own madness I will.

In the end, this man was always right about me and that´s the reason why he still works with me after all these years. In the other hand, if Edith´s child was my grandson, life as I knew it would change forever.

-Damn you, Edith Willes.

Allan Reginald Woods III.

TO BE CONTINUE

I got yelled at

2015-04-30T09:51:00.002-03:00

- You knew she was here? Who do you think you are? How dare you Mason??- He was hitting hard.

I stayed quiet and let him continue.

- Why didn´t you tell me? Answer me?

- Edward, this is what I do. I´m responsible for your FAMILY`S security. I didn´t hide anything from you, I found out that she was here minutes before you enter my room to tell me we were coming here. I had to make sure it was her before informing you, I was shock to learn that Deborah´s appointment was with Edith´s husband.

- Still, you lied to me. I entered your room that day and you didn’t say anything.- He was mad.

- Yes I lied but with a good reason. Look around you, see that she managed to move on and reconstruct her life. She has a family.- I was pleading

- We agreed to meet; I need you to find a private place so we can talk. I need you to inform her all the details and we´ll be extending our stay a week. Send Deborah home.

- Edward, don´t do this.

- Do as you´re told and do your job. Understood?

And for what seemed like ages, Edward Woods was treating me as an employee instead of family.

- Yes, Sir.

I took Deborah to the airport after their dinner. She seemed hopeful after this visit; she seemed relieved that she was finally getting a chance with Edward if she would give him a child.

Poor soul, poor ignorant soul.

I gave him the keys of the house he would held his private encounter, I emailed Edith with the address. I washed my hands with what this reunion would bring because I was not going to prevent it anymore.

She arrived on time but none of them knew I was there listening

- Good evening, Mrs. Carpenter. - Edward said.

- Good evening.

- Care for some wine? - He was charming her.

- No need Sir, I´ll be quick since I have to go back to my family.- She was not falling for his crap.

- Fair then, Is Noah my son? - He was straight and I was having a heart attack…what???

- Yes.

- Why did you keep this from me? - He was destroyed.

- Because Senior would have destroyed him for being a bastard. - She was on point.

- Who cares what he thinks??? I´m his dad!! He´s our son, Edith!

- No, Edward. Christopher is his dad, you´re his birth father. Please let this go, it won´t be good for Noah. Please Edward! You promise me you would not talk to anyone about this.

- How about what´s good for me?? Does anyone in this filthy world care about me??

- There was a time when I did Edward but now I have to care for his wellbeing. You know what you´re dad is capable of doing.

- Yes, I also know what you´re capable of too.

- For Noah´s safety, you have no idea.

- Does your husband know? - he asked.

- He adopted Noah, he knows the dad it´s out there somewhere and he hasn´t questioned me for my past but I don´t intend to keep this from him.

I heard Edward walking and Edith stepping backwards.

- Edith, please let me be in that boy´s life.-He was begging like he had never done before.

- What good would that be for him? Please think!-She was sharp as I never heard her being before.

- I will leave Deborah if you ask me to.-He was all out.

- I will never ask you that. That poor woman doesn´t deserve it. She´s trying to give you a family while you´re here trying to destroy that chance.-she said.

- You don´t love me anymore? - I bet he was giving her the worry eyes.

- Yes, I do. More than you´ll ever know but I also need to protect our son…from you, from me, from us.

- I see but I don´t understand why you won´t let me try to set things right for us. I have missed ten years of his life, are you planning to keep me from him? I don´t see this fair for me.

It sounded like their heavy breathing was slowing down and that she sat down. I was eavesdropping and I should be ashamed but I also had to keep my security status on point and now Noah Carpenter had joined that scope. I owe it to Edward and I definitely owe it to Edith.

- Ok, stay for his birthday. - Even I was surprised by her answer.

- Yes, when is it?

- Tomorrow.

- He was born on April, 5^th like my mom?- Yes, may Mrs. Gretchen rest in peace.

- Yes.

- Thank you Edith. - He sounded grateful.

- On Monday we´ll be going to Africa because he wants to accompany me to a Medical Outreach, we´ll be gone for a month but afterward I promise to send you pictures of him and updates. Is this enough?

- It´s more of what I can ask considering our current state. He does seem really smart and proper; you guys have done a wonderful job.

- We´re trying but I have to get ready when he starts asking about you.- Her tone now shifted to worried.

- Don´t worry, we´ll figurate out together and if you´ll let me, I would like to speak to Christopher about it. - He responded.

- Ok but I need to talk to him first. He would have questions for me for sure.-

Silence. Then he talks.

- Edith, I don´t care that you would slap me.

There was struggle at the beginning for a while, then silence again and then a very strong slap.

- You will not do that ever again, do you hear me? - She was furious.

- Ok, I will wait for you to ask me to do it the next time.

- Dream on Woods!!

I heard the footsteps and a slamming door following her. That woman was definitely Edward Woods Kryptonite.

Mason, the watcher.

TO BE CONTINUE

Cosmic collisions.

2015-04-29T15:44:00.002-03:00

According to the Internet “Cosmic Collision happens when astronomical bodies, such as comets, asteroids, planets, or even galaxies come into contact. The craters from impacts of comets and asteroids on the moon and other terrestrial surfaces in our solar system offer testimony that such impacts have been numerous and violent”.

Oh why didn´t I see this coming?

“Astronomers have known for years that our Milky Way and its closest neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy, (a.k.a M31) are being pulled together in a gravitational dance, but no one was sure whether the galaxies would collide head-on or glide past one another”.

This is Noah´s assignment for school but it feels more like my present life. No matter how much I hide in the end we´ll collide, we´ll be “pulled together in a gravitational dance” but I wish for us to “probably glide past one another”. The conversation with Mason has being hunting me down all day.

Edward is here, I don´t know where but here.

I try to occupy myself with all the house shores, the foundation meetings through Skype, organizing Noah´s birthday for the weekend and then our trip to Africa. The day is almost over, I picked up Noah from afternoon school, we return to the house to get ready to go to Chris office.

Ruben drops us in the front of the 10 story building; we take the elevator and hit the 9^th floor.

Chris always wanted the roof top view so the clinic occupies the 9^th and 10^th floor so he would get his city sunsets. When the elevator opens, Rose greets and takes us to Chris private office; we usually wait there while he finishes his consults, passing the glass corridor some electric current hits my face and I turn right to look. Dooms day has arrived.

We briefly looked at each other and he raised his hand. I passed by and enter the office. I can´t feel my legs, I can´t breathe, I can´t move.

- Mrs. Carpenter, he would be with you in a few minutes; meanwhile he has asked me to tell you that his friend´s husband is waiting alone outside and if you could kindly keep him company while he join both of you.- she shoots me right there in my heart.

- Su..Sure Rose, please let him in.-

How am I going to talk under this state of mind?

Rose opens the door, he enters and we both stay quiet. Our silence gets interrupted by my son´s politeness.

- Good Evening how do you do, I´m Noah. - Noah extends his hands and introduces himself.

- Hi Noah, My name is Edward Woods. How do you do? - He shakes his hand and looks at me.

- This is my mom, Edith. Mr. Edward are you from England?-

- Well, yes I am. Very clever young man. How do you do Mrs. Carpenter.- He extend his hands and holds mine for eternity.

- Hello Mr. Woods, Nice meeting you.- And I force my hand out of his to avoid fainting.

Rose enters the room to bring beverages for Noah and coffee for us, I interrupt her.

- Rose, our guest would prefer an Earl Gray tea please. Noah can you accompany Rose and get some of the history books you love from the studio.

- Ok Mom. See you Mr. Woods.

Edward agrees with his head. They both leave the room and I finally have the courage to face him.

- You planned this? Sending Mason to my house this morning and then coming here? How dare you Edward!!!

- Mason what?? What are you talking about?? I have looked for you everywhere and no clues or signs of you. You left me remember! You left ME!

- Because you were married and your father almost killed my mother. I wasn´t going to stay and let him ruin my life more than it was.-I spit, yes Senior is a monster.

- Your life was ruined, what about mine?? What about mine????- He raised his voice.

- Edward control yourself, it´s not just us anymore!

- Fine… agree to see me. Please! We need to talk in private. Please.

Before I could answer we were not alone anymore, Christopher returned with Noah and Mrs. Woods.

- We´re ready for Dinner? Honey, Please meet my dear friend Debbie. Debbie, please meet my Edith.- He said as we both shaked hands and I saw Edward´s look when he heard my husband´s introduction.

- Debbie, this is my son Noah. - She hugs my son and Christopher decides to speak too much.- As I told you Debbie, these two were my salvation. I adopted Noah when he was 1 year old and I would do it again.

I started looking at the ground to ask it´s mercy and be swallowed until no one could see me. When I raised my eyes Edward´s expression was inexplicable and looking straight at Noah.

- Ok, Who´s ready for some Dinner.- Christopher said.

- I´m starving CC.- Deborah Woods said

CC? oh yeah, Christopher Carpenter.

We took the first elevator but it was full so Debbie, Noah and Chris went first. Once again I was left alone with Edward.

- Edith, I´m running wild in my thoughts right now and I would like to avoid a scene. Can you agree to meet me and explain all of this because I just can´t process it.

- If I agree to meet you in private, would promise to never tell anyone what we discuss in our meeting.

- I made him swear.

- Yes, I promise.

- Fine, where do you want to meet? And please don´t tell me in the hotel you´re staying, ok?

He suppressed a smile and agreed.

A very shocked Edith Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

When expecting longer than expected.

2015-04-28T10:12:00.000-03:00

I´m so excited about this trip.

At the beginning of our marriage I wasn´t sure I wanted kids even when Senior was really pushing for grand children. I knew from the beginning that this was an arranged marriage and due to Edward´s fame I needed to stay clear on what to expect of this but in the past 5 years I began to feel lonely.

I realized that all of my goals were accomplished and my internal clock was claiming for life to grow inside me. I was detached, I was raised to be. That´s the England way to live and to strive in society but more than ever I want to have a child. We´ve visited all specialized doctor´s in the United Kingdom and the results are inconclusive to who has the problem but I really know is me.

I finally found a true friend I can trust and submit myself to all treatments possible. I can feel that this trip would be bringing us hope. Edward has being a decent husband so far and I know he wants Senior of our back with the heir thing, in every supper we share with the family he has to bring out the fact that we haven´t got pregnant.

-Son, you and your wife aren´t getting any younger and I wish to meet my grand children before I die. What are you waiting for?- The old man said.

Every Thanksgiving, every birthday, every father´s day, every mother´s day, every family reunion, every family trip, EVERY CHANCE he gets I´m reminded of this. One can get tired, one can get consumed, and one can slowly wish to vanish.

When I found out that CC was specialized in fertility I had to call and schedule a visit. We went to boarding school together, yes ´cuz it´s normal that rich parents across the world refuse responsible parenting and they pay for it instead. CC was one of my closest friends in high school but we lost contact through the years since we both involved ourselves in marriage and since we originally lived in different countries we got lost in culture but talking again was like old times.

- I know it´s being a while CC but I need your opinion in my case.- I was almost crying.

- Of course Debbie, anything that you need! I can clear my Agenda for you at anytime, when would you come to the USA so we can do the first check up and catch up?

- My husband will travel there in 2 weeks, I can join him and we can both meet you at your office.-I said.

- Excellent, don´t worry Debbie I will do my best to help you . Can you please bring all the tests, any treatments recommendations you´ve receive and both family histories? - He asked.

- Absolutely, thank you so much CC.- I was really thankful;

So here we are. Edward is finishing his airport meeting and then we´re off to downtown Hartford, Connecticut.

Deborah Langley-Woods

TO BE CONTINUE

Growing pains, pains that grow

2015-04-27T08:41:00.001-03:00

Noah grows an inch every day and I feel like he´s slipping away of my fingers. Mom has helped me a lot, especially when I need to travel for the medical outreach with the foundation but I promised him that for his 11^th birthday I would take him with me and we would do a Safari together. Christopher is trying to clear his agenda for that day so hopefully we´ll go together.

Yes, I´m married and I have one child and frankly this change of life really helped me heal and focus in what really matters. I met Christopher in one of my trips to Africa, he was one of the OBGYN surgeons assigned to my unit and we began to get along quiet fine. It was my first trip after a year in New York with my mom and meeting him was my salvation. Literally. We´ve being together since and our lives have been flourishing. We started a non lucrative foundation designated to help moms and kids with AIDS in Africa, providing education, contraception, food and healthy water supplies. We were blessed with giving friends and the mouth to mouth publicity that I’m thankful for but it worries me. If Mason decides to sniff around he would easily find and things will get complicated.

Two years ago Christopher decided to fly solo and opened a fertility clinic in downtown Hartford while we live a quiet life in Glastonbury where Noah can try to have a normal life. This clinic has helped lots of Mothers and Dads find their ultimate dream of being parents and this brings Chris such joy and comfort. I´m glad that I can support him in this.

-Honey, can you please pick up Noah early? I would see an old friend and her husband for dinner after I do a check up on her at the clinic. We can meet there and go to Mario´s afterwards; I want her to meet Noah. Is this ok? - He´s so sweet.

-Yes, darling. Do you want me to make the reservation? - I asked.

-No need, I´ll ask Andrea to do it. You just have to look beautiful. - He kisses me in the forehead and hugs Noah on his way out, I’m very lucky.

The morning goes by slowly and when I finished my daily jog and return to the house I find Mason waiting in the entrance. I asked Ruben to let him in and I feel like half of my body just died. I hop on the van´s front sit and he sits in the back, Ruben leaves us in the porch and I ask him to sit.

- How on earth did you find me?- I’m nervous

- I must say that it was really hard but with patience not impossible.- He smiles .

- What do you want?

- Nothing, I just had to see it with my own eyes that´s all. Edward doesn´t know that I found you and I wanted to ask you if you want to keep it that way.-He was serious.

- Yes, I do.-I was straight forward.

- Impressive, you´ve moved on. I wish I could say the same for our dear friend. Ok, then. I shall not keep you. We´re here until tomorrow and I will love to visit around. Hope all is well with you Mrs. Willes... sorry, I mean Mrs. Carpenter.

We? He ´s here with Edward?? Oh no!! Tumor alert!!!!

- Thank you for being concerned for my well being Mr. Schmitt, have a good day and may you find Hartford interesting.-I was polite.

- Oh, what I have seen so far proves your point exactly. Good Day.

Ruben takes him back to the entrance and just like a heartbeat; my soul feels life is turning upside down.

Edith Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

Lost and found

2015-04-24T14:42:00.000-03:00

I have watched him over the past 10 years after Edith´s magical disappearance act, desperately searching for her and not finding anything. It´s like she vanished, earth was her graveyard and Edward didn´t have a chance to grieve.

He involved himself in the family business and that was his life, our daily talks have decreased into weekly or once a month gatherings where we keep silence most of the time. I know he blames me for her departure. I didn´t see senior walking in the lawn while Edward was going to the famous guest house. That was my mistake and what happened next, the disaster, was indeed my fault. So, I don´t try to excuse myself but I do keep searching for her in order to vindicate my mistake. I know that her life was to serve countries in need around the world but I also know that she´s smart and she would know where I would look. She intended to vanish so in the last three years my scope has enlarged. By now, she must have a new last name and kids of her own. She left this side of the world to reborn away from this tragedy.

Then it hits me.

She is not in this side of the world so where would someone like her go to still have a piece of this world, do her work , change her name and start from ZERO?

Damn, I’m getting old and slow. Edith is a genius. I know where she is.

I open my computer.

- Let´s Google: Famous ONG foundations in USA.

Jesus! Almost two thousand of them but which ones are focused in world hunger and medical outreach. Bingo! Only two hundred.

- Ok, Edith where are you hiding?

Then, like a light bulb that begins to feel the energy and explodes in the brightest light I enter a website of the Foundation, just to discover that the CEO and founder is an prominent American blonde that is involve with all the visits to AFRICA, she is a family practitioner doctor who has a ten year old son named Noah Carpenter. Noah, his father Christopher and Edith CARPENTER live in Connecticut.

Oh shit. She really did it! Camouflage herself into a CEO-Housewife of Connecticut.

- Whoa.

And my huge surprised face gets interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

- What´s so surprising, Mason? - He´s at the door.

I close the computer.

- Nothing Edward, just doing some research and found myself surprised just when I thought I’ve seen it all.

- Ok, can you prep your luggage, we´re traveling tonight to the US, I have an early business meeting at JFK airport and then we´ll accompany Deborah to Connecticut to visit a one of her friends. She would try to visit a fertility clinic for a second opinion as usual so be prepare.

- Connecticut?- I just can´t help asking.

- Yes, why is there a problem?

- No, sir.

- Ok, see you at 5:00 pm in the car

Sure as hell there are above forces driving this man close to this woman, no matter how good she´s at hiding. I open my computer and I see her picture. Edith Willes I mean Carpenter, slim, sophisticated, green eyes. Like being Thirty five it´s the new twenties. Edward would have a stroke if he finds out this; I need to find her first.

I make several calls to my Interpol agents and some old friend in the CIA, in less than five minutes I have her home address, phones and email. While the Woods make their visits I will make a visit of my own.

Mason, the Watcher.

TO BE CONTINUE

The unveiling truth.

2015-04-22T13:30:00.000-03:00

Powerful people don´t have a heart.

They´re obsessed with money, society status and empty gatherings where they can brag about their bank accounts and shallow lives.

I never thought that I would be in the middle of such turbulent twister, even when I grew up in this life I never felt better than anyone and even after adulthood, helping others have been more fulfilling than all the society crap.

Now, here I am. In love with a Black Prince, with a married Black Prince, having his father threaten me and my mom´s life. As I see him twitching her neck I blink to understand this picture. Can I put myself to this circus for love? Can I put her life in danger for my infatuation? Can I watch the only family I have left suffer for my selfish ways only because I love Edward?

The answer is NO.

So I patiently ask this Power-Obsessed Man to let my mother go and I agree to leave and I look intently in his eyes while I do so:

-You don´t have to sweat any more Mr. Woods, I will leave. - I said calmed.

-Good. We have an understanding. How much do you want? - He´s cynic.

-No Sir, we have no understanding. I will not accept a penny from you, I´m not for sale. The only reason I´m walking away is because I love your son and I love my family; I wouldn´t want to stay and see what you’re truly capable of doing for power and whatever empty soul that´s driving your life. Know this. Your son loves me and I him, me leaving will solve your immediate problems but your future is already cursed by your own doing. I wish I could stay to witness your decadency but I prefer to save myself the trouble. Good day Mr. Woods, you can leave my house now and don´t worry I’ll leave tomorrow morning.

He looks at me with hate and disdain. He tries to reply but THE WATCHER taps his shoulders so they can go. He stands up from the chair and sets his course to the door but stops and turn to look at me from head to toe, before he can say it I interrupt him:

-Yes, you´re better than everyone else and this common girl doesn´t meet your standards but Sir I honestly don´t give a rat’s ass what you think of me. Leave.

The watcher and him stare back in disbelieve and left speechless.

I go upstairs to find my crying mother in the floor of her room. Devastated.

-Mom, I´m sorry! You were right and I’m sorry I didn’t listened but I want us to go away from here. - I hug her.

She doesn´t stop crying.

-Mom, please talk to me- I begged.

She tries to calm down and after a while she answers.

- I can´t believe he did that to you, use me to get his way. There was a time when that man would have done anything for me.

What?? But I stay quiet.

- Before your father and I were together, Allan Woods and I were friends in school. That friendship turned to be love but as expected his mother opposed and forced him to married someone else. I was offered money to leave but didn´t take it, instead I went to college away from here. I met your dad there and my heart began to heal. Allan kept writing to me as friends but when he found out that I was to be married the letters stopped and we were separated for good until now.

- Mom why you didn´t tell me? Why did you stay in this house so close to him?

- That´s ancient history and we both moved on with our spouses but what he did today was out of rage and I can´t believe I ever loved that man. - she finished.

- We loved the wrong one didn´t we?-I was shocked. Allan Wood could have been my father. The world is a strange place.

She agreed with her head covered between her hands and knees.

I made several calls and bought the plane tickets, I was taking my mom away from here. We packed our things and covered the house with white linens because we weren´t planning to come back. I cried myself to sleep, I had to face Edward tomorrow and telling him I had to leave would be hard.

The morning arrived too soon for me and we were putting the bags close to the door, I wanted to disappear before he would come to the guest house but I was too late. I spit a lie and after the heat of the moment he actually believed it. He left and I hurried to the car and loaded our things in the trunk.

-Mom let’s go! Hurry!!!

When I was inside the car I saw him returning to the house and running to catch up. All the tears in the world couldn´t make me feel better. We finished our story arguing.

Good bye Edward Woods, I love you.

Edith.

TO BE CONTINUE

HEAT

2015-04-17T12:56:00.000-03:00

Married life doesn´t feel different to me.

Deborah focused on every detail of the wedding and I just had to show up and say ¨I DO¨ even if every neuron in my body yelled ¨I don´t¨. We decided to stay in my father´s house since Senior moved back to the city and wanted to leave us the place too biblically ¨ Be Fruitful and multiply ¨ because he wants a grandson soon but I will avoid sleeping with her for as long as I can. I already doomed Edith to this life, the least I could do I not sleep with my wife and procreate any time soon. She´s been very different since I married. I barely get to see her after our episode with Senior. He found out and went to her house and threatens her and her mom. They didn´t take it but I know it did affect her because things don´t seem the same but let me have hope in this black story and think that we shall overcome this and be happy in the end.

- -God, how much I want you- I swiped her off the floor and hug her like if my life depends on it, it actually does.

- - Put me down Edward. - She is upset and demanding now.

- -What´s wrong Edith?- I´m worried.

- -I … I need to leave. I´m leaving today and I don´t want you here right now.- She said it but my ears couldn’t believe it.

- -What are you talking about that you´re leaving?- I´m shouting now.

- - Edward, YOU ARE MARRIED!! What do you expect me to do? You expect me to live like this for the rest of my life? – She was shouting too.

- - No… but I thought you understood. I never lied to you, you knew this since day one and now you´re telling me that you can´t handle it?

- -Yes, that´s exactly it. I can´t handle it now, leave my house I don´t want to ever see you again.- She said those words crying like there was a greater pain I wasn´t aware of.

- - I´m not leaving Edith.

- -Yes you are, I already accepted the money Senior offered my family and agreed to never see you again.- She killed me

- -You what? You´re lying, please tell me you´re lying!!!!!

- - I´m richer now and you´re married this is as close as we get of a happy ending.- She finished me.

I walked out of the guest house with a hole in my chest. Feeling like a knife went through and through my heart. She was like the rest, Senior got to her with money. Wait, she has money. Senior couldn´t buy her like that something else is going on. By the time I turned my face to go back to her I saw her putting all her things in the car and leaving. Just like a terrifying thunder in a stormy afternoon, Edith Willes walked out my life, without looking back or hesitating. Life was finished for me, I just can´t see myself without her. My thoughts were interrupted by my conscience:

- - You need to let her go Edward.-The quiet voice whispered as if my pain was understood.

- -No, I can´t ...-I started feeling the not in my throat.

- -I told you Senior wouldn´t let you have it both ways…It had to be done.- The voice cracked at the end of the phrase.

- - You always say that after the ¨Clean up¨ but she was different and you know it. I won´t give up on her like I did with the others.

- - I know you won´t but you won´t have a choice. It´s done, she´s gone.

- - She didn´t take money? What you did to make her flee away- I demanded.

- - I didn´t do anything but I was present when Senior was holding her mom´s neck between his hands. He told her that he would take everything from her and not all the money in the world would help her recovery it. She looked at her mom and ask him politely to let her go so that they would settle everything. The mom left the room crying and looking at Senior in disbelieve, like he betrayed her. Once sitting down she agreed to leave.- She´s a brave Woman Edward but she couldn´t win this.

- - Find her.- I was looking straight into the eyes of my conscience.

- -Ok.

That day my life turned into gray shades of numbness and my soul couldn´t rest not until my conscience would find Edith, not until I could find my heart again.

Edward.

TO BE CONTINUE