Work In Progress...

Back?

2010-09-21T19:34:00.002-04:00

I've been debating whether I should keep going... I haven't been around in over two years. A period of change for me. Intense change. A new job along with a new boyfriend. Moving out of my parents home and into an apartment with my boyfriend. Let's say "Work In Progress" was the LAST thing on my mind. I'm going through a different kind of stress at work now. But it's mostly because I don't like it anymore and I'm questioning my choices.

I don't know if anybody still reads this. I have to read from the beginning to where I left of and see if I will continue. I am interested in writing VERY different stories since my perspective on a LOT had changed and this is not very representative of who I am and the shadow writer who was working with me, well, we had a fall out for a while and although we are back to speaking terms, I don't know...

SO, I will be reading for the next few days, maybe weeks and might decide to finish this up. Stay tuned...

Chapter 56: It All Comes Crashing Down

2009-06-11T21:23:00.012-04:00

Keshia passed Nathan and picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Hi! Am I talking to Keshia Harsen?"

"Yes, this is me."

"Hello, I am calling from West Side Cabs; we picked you this morning in Hills Bright. You appear to have left your wallet in the cab."

Keshia closed her eyes...she understood why Nathan reacted the way she did.

"Could you please provide me the information on how I can take possession of my wallet?"

Keshia turned to face Nathan right after she hung up. She had avoided his stare all the while she was on the phone.

"Hills Bright...Hills Bright, Keshia... How I wish it could mean something else."

"Then please do."

"There are no hotels and certainly not motels in Hills Bright, Keshia. Even if there were; it's not like you could ever afford it. In fact, I think we both only know one person who can afford living in this part of town...I'll ask only once and I want the truth. Were you with Graham last night?"

Keshia knew she couldn't lie and yet the truth would sound much more awful than it really was. She didn't want to lose Nathan but she had crossed a line that was never meant to be crossed.

"It's not so cut and dry..."

"WERE YOU OR WERE YOU NOT with Graham last night? I am losing patience."

Nathan had interrupted her. He was containing his rage.

"Yes. Nothing happened, we crossed path by pure coincidence and..."

"I don't want to hear it, Keshia. As a matter a fact, I think I'll be the one spending the night and the day elsewhere."

"No wait!"

"Wait for what? For when you decide to be honest with me? I don't see how I can believe even a word that's coming out of you mouth at the moment."

The phone rang. They both looked at it.

"Pick it up, please. It's probably Mandy, she's been worrying sick about you. Like I did, she tried your cell all night and morning."

Keshia reluctantly picked up the phone. It was Mandy indeed. She was as relieved as she was mad. She wouldn't stop saying how much she was worried sick knowing her friend, a beautiful young woman was out in the streets upset late at night and didn't contact anyone.

"I could almost picture you drugged or dead or any other crazy scenario. You could've called me; at least to tell me what happened. I was worried sick. I'm so happy you're okay. You'll have to fix this mess with Nathan as well..."

As Mandy was mentioned Nathan, Keshia realized he had been very quiet for a moment. She looked around. His jacket was not longer on the coat hanger, his car keys were gone and so where his shoes. She highly doubted he would be back soon.

Chapter 55: Facing The Music

2009-02-04T23:56:00.005-05:00

Keshia woke up unable to recognize her surroundings. A pounding headache wasn't helping her recall the event of the previous night. She had left with Graham. that much she remembered and she must have been at his place now. Or a hotel? Either way, it didn't sound too right.

With a real effort of concentration, the last thing she could remember was getting undressed...At least that was all her. Right as her cell phone rang and amplified her pain, she remembered also throwing herself in Graham's arms. She looked up at her caller ID to find it was Nathan. She let the call go to voicemail, she couldn't deal right now.

"Breakfast is served!"

"Graham!"

"So sorry, just grab a robe by the bed. No peeking, promised."

"Well, it's nothing you haven't seen before if my memory isn't playing tricks on me."

Keshia had a sad voice and was looking down. She had destroyed her marriage; turned her back on her vows.

"Keshia, what do you think happened last night?"

"I was mad at my husband, went to a bar, drank more than I should, got back to your place, or a hotel, wherever we are right now, got naked and threw myself at you."

"And then..."

"Well, I can still put 2 and 2 together."

"Really? What if I were to tell you the answer may be more like 3 than 4?"

"Sorry?"

"Nothing happened, Keshia! I wasn't going to take advantage of you! I know you are committed to your husband. And we are at my place. A hotel probably would've made this look much worse that it already seems."

"What will Nathan think?"

"Tell him you spent the night at a hotel. He has no reason to doubt you. That's where you told him you'd go. Or at Mandy's. You girls always stick for one another."

"I guess you're right...I have to leave."

"No breakfast? I'm just kidding, don't look at me like I'm crazy. I totally understand. I was kind of just being selfish."

"Selfish? How?"

"You don't really want to know. Well, I'd offer to have one of my drivers drop you but that wouldn't look good. Would you like me to call a cab?"

"Please do."

Keshia looked at her house, sure it was far from the luxurious life Graham was living but it was her little world, everything she had built for herself with Nathan. She had lost her key. Before she rang, she started sobbing; for some reason she wasn't sure if she could or even wanted to salvage her marriage.

"Keshia? Honey, I don't like to see you cry."

"Nathan, we still need to talk. I know I stormed out last night so it's mostly my fault we didn't have a real discussion."

'Well, I was blinded by jealousy. I wasn't too nice, I understand. Although, I still wonder where you were all this time, you didn't come home."

"I was at Mandy's."

The lie had barely made it out of her lips that she thought she should have cleared it with Mandy before using her as an alibi. She hadn't even answer her calls in the morning.

"Mandy? That's impossible, Gary spent the night at her place and we've all been worried sick about you all morning. I fell asleep rather late not wanting to call you and aggravate your impression that I had trust issues. But this..."

Keshia closed her eyes. She felt helpless...It was too late to claim she was at a hotel and she definitely couldn't tell Nathan she had left the bar with a total stranger. There again, she thought that would probably sit with him better than hearing she was with Graham. But she felt like she owed him the truth.

"I will have to ask you to take a deep breath and let me explain before you jump to conclusions or say anything."

Right as Keshia spoke those words, the phone rang.

"Don't answer it."

"I have to, it's Mandy. I bet you haven't called her yet."

Nathan picked up the phone and by the look on his face it probably wasn't Mandy. And he was getting an information Keshia wanted to give him herself. He dropped the phone's receiver and looked at her in a way she couldn't interpret.

"Tell me you were not with Graham..."

Chapter 54: Out Of Hiding

2009-01-29T08:13:00.003-05:00

"You better start to believe it because it's happening!"

"And you're just going to stand there and let it happen!"

"Better believe that too. I owe nothing to Graham, you hear me? NOTHING!!!"

"Except maybe the life of your wife. Need I remind you, Nathan that without him, I may not be here today?"

"I thank him for that but I don't owe him for it. He saved you because he loved you. I would've just been a war casualty if I didn't make it. And I really wonder why you care so much. Not over him, yet?"

"Graham is a friend! What are you implying by: "Not over him, yet?""

"Ah, Keshia, I got my information from the same source you did yours. Why do you look so surprised? Yes, I know all you never cared to tell me. Like this affair you guys had..."

"Affair?"

"While he was with Victoria. And you always got to play nice. I was the bad guy always. Turns out you're not such a goody two shoes after all, now. Are you?"

"Whatever lies Victoria's fed you, I don't wanna hear anymore."

"So it's a lie? You never slept with Graham while they were together?"

"We did but you have no right attacking me this way. I don't have to justify myself to you. It was a mistake!"

"Oh, but you do have to justify yourself! You're my wife! He came here to profess his love to you!"

"I don't have to hear this, Nathan! I'm leaving for the night."

Keshia was trying hard not to cry. She wandered for a little while and her path drove her right to her favorite club/bar; Kisses. It was still early so there wouldn't be much of a crowd and the music should be bearable.

She went it, sat at the bar and ordered a cosmopolitan... She was about done with her third one and realizing she had more than enough to drink when she heard a voice that seemed too familiar behind her.

"Why is a pretty married lady like you doing alone in a bar?"

"Oh, my GOD!!! Graham, you're back!!!"

"Yeah, had to... They will press charges apparently."

"I know. I'm sorry, I tried to convince Nathan to do something, put in a good word for you..."

"I'm not expecting him to, it's ok. You want to have another drink with me?"

Keshia knew she shouldn't say yes but at the same time after her argument with Nathan, the last thing she felt like was going back home or checking in at a hotel right now. She stayed; a little too long, drank a little too much or so she thought and left with Graham to go back to his place.

Chapter 53: Dealing With The Mess

2008-10-18T14:05:00.003-04:00

"What the hell were you thinking?! Now I even have Mandy on my back saying what an horrible person you've become. What got into you Graham? Are you nuts?!?"

"I believed I've loved Keshia for a while now. I guess it was a forbidden love so I tried to bury those feelings inside hoping I'd be able to let go eventually. And I thought I did. I was so sure I was over it..."

"Humour me..."

"Maybe this wasn't a one night thing. Maybe what happened between Keshia and I wasn't to blame on alcohol. Maybe it was meant to be after all. It's been torturing me. To add to it all, Keshia kissed me at the hospital. I know she blamed it on being confused and scared and thinking I was Nathan but it reminded me what it was like, what it could be.

I love Alice, but Keshia...It's not the same. It's hard to wake up in the morning thinking she's with another man and she doesn't love me back. Alice, I'm sad that I'll lose her but I don't feel myself dying for her love. I want to be happy, I want her to be happy and I don't think either of us would be together."

"This is your second cancelled engagement. Not bad, for men like you, it's usually a second or third divorce. You can't have Keshia, I hope you realize that."

"Well, I'm not so sure. I think there is something. She's trying to hide from it but she always had feelings from him. If anyone could find out if I'm wrong it's you. Mandy is her best friend."

"You are officially out of your mind. You want my death. I've been avoiding the issue with Mandy for a full week. It always end in a fight. If you want my advice, you took a leap of faith, tried with Keshia already, didn't work; now you should move on and hope Alice will take you back."

"I don't want her back. I've made my decision. I just wanted to know what you think my next move should be."

"Graham, I'm dating Mandy...Keshia, Mandy both got closer to Alice since you guys got together. I can't really be advising you. But for the record, I think you shouldn't do anything. Just wait..."

"Great, not the answer I was hoping for. I'm gonna leave for about two months. You'll the only one that will know when and where to. I count on you to let everyone know how sorry I am for the mess I caused."

Graham gave Gary the details before walking away. He had to start this quest to find himself or lose himself forever.

Chapter 52: Heartbroken

2008-10-09T01:17:00.004-04:00

"You were not going to go through with it were you? You never had the intention of marrying, Graham, am I wrong?"

"Let's not talk about this now, Alice..."

"Oh, why not now? When would be a better time, please tell me. I'd love to know. Or should I go to Victoria to get all my answers since she seems to know a lot more..."

"Don't bring Victoria into this."

"You brought her into it, Graham. She knew, all along, she knew. She never minded me, I never really had you. No, she had you and then Keshia did. I was just a distraction between the two."

"It's not like that, Alice! I refuse to let you believe this is what it is. I do love you but my feelings for Keshia are different. Stronger."

Alice looked into Graham's eyes, she could see the shame and the pain.

"You were not going to marry me, Graham, I know. Because it would have been dishonest to lead me on this way. I just don't understand why you let it go this far though."

"I had every intention of marrying you, Alice, and being a great husband. The engagement was real, I meant every word when I asked you to marry me..."

"Oh, really? Like I was the only woman in this world you loved more than life? Bullshit!"

Graham took a step back; shocked. He'd known Alice for years and even when she was mad, she would never use a bad word. He had never seen her that way. She was in a total fury. There was no reasoning possible.

"I'm sorry, Alice...I thought all was settled and didn't realize I still had feelings for Keshia when I proposed. She's married and happy. I am engaged and also happy although you probably don't believe me.

I do need some time to think things over and understand what exactly is going on with me but if you'll be patient..."

"Graham, you better get out. I've never felt like this and I don't know what I might do."

"Alice..."

Graham reached out his hand to her but she pushed it and turned her back.

"GET OUT!!!"

Next post: Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
Chapter 53: Dealing With The Mess

Graham tries to get advice from Gary

Chapter 51: Tumbling Castles

2008-09-28T22:45:00.001-04:00

Keshia was walking back and forth in the hospital hallway. Nathan was to be released today. He had massively improved and she was happy; she had still been by his side every day even after Graham told her the truth; but back then she could choose the time. Now that Nathan was coming back home she would no longer have the luxury of getting mentally prepared to see him.

She thought she was an horrible person. Having to be mentally ready to see her husband was horrible, but most of the time it was to keep her mind wandering to Graham. She remembered kissing him at the hospital when Nathan was first admitted. She'd felt guilty but didn't regret it completely.

Nathan had barely stepped in the house that he already wanted a romantic dinner. He ordered his wife to stay comfortable in the living room while he prepared everything. Keshia turned on the television trying to put her mind at ease and forget her inside turmoil.

She was just getting comfortable when the doorbell rang.

"Honey, would you answer that, please?"

"Of course, I want you concentrated on that diner."

She was in shock to see Graham at the door.

"Keshia, that was so unfair of me to tell you I loved you. I can't stop thinking about you; I know you are in love with Nathan...and married."

"This is not the moment, Graham. Nathan is..."

Before she even had a chance to continue, she heard a voice right behind her.

"Nathan is back home...I guess this is what she wanted to say. What is going on in here? Are you having an affair with Graham, Keshia?"

"No, Nathan! I'm definitely not."

"Can you explain to me what I just heard then?"

"Nathan, it's all me...I revealed to Keshia I loved her and I came here to apologize."

"What!?"

"Oh, my God, Alice!"

"Keshia; you're the one who was in his heart all this time...and you couldn't tell me?"

"Alice, it's not what you think. I didn't know until two days ago."

"Two days and you never cared to tell your husband?"

"Nathan..."

Keshia was speechless, Nathan and Alice were hurt and both seemed to blame her. Graham looked at Keshia and Alice.

"I'm sorry...I want to apologize to both of you. Also you, Nathan; Keshia is a wonderful woman. she didn't do anything wrong. Believe me, Nathan. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

With that last sentence, Graham was gone.

Chapter 50: Getting The Truth

2008-09-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

"I need to know something...is it true?"

"Sorry, Keshia, I'm not sure I follow you. Is what true?"

"I had a very interesting day, Graham. I went to see Victoria. I just had to. Not for old times sake that friendship is long dead but because I had to know..."

"To know what exactly?"

"Well, Victoria told me something and I have to admit she was always pretty good at judging characters most of the time...especially yours, Graham..."

"You went to see Victoria? I don't believe this...why?"

"This isn't about me, Graham...I had my reasons to see Victoria none that concern you or that you should even worry about. Although now that I've talked to her, there is something that concerns you and it's why I'm here."

"How can you trust anything that she says?"

"I don't, really; but I trust you."

Graham looked at Keshia...he loved her so much and he couldn't do anything about it. He had a certain idea of what she was about to ask but he still hoped she wouldn't. Victoria had threatened to tell Alice...

She had known all along that night he was protecting the woman he truly loved; the one he could never have. He couldn't help but wonder if Victoria had told Alice as well...She didn't come back home after her visit in jail. He stood to lose it all. Friendship, love..but could he lie?

"Ask away...I won't lie to you. But as a warning I would advise you not to ask anything you might not want to have the answer to."

"I need to know, Graham...are you in love with me?"

Keshia said it in a heartbeat. She wasn't sure she wanted the answer but she felt she had to know. No matter what the cost. Graham sighed and hid his face in his hands.

"I am, yes."

Keshia closed her eyes. Although Victoria had told her, it was different to hear it from Graham. There was one more thing she had to know. She tried to keep herself from asking but something came over her and she blurted it out; her mind filled with a number of emotions she couldn't control.

"That night...is it true you were trying to save me?"

"Oh, Keshia...I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt Nathan or anyone else. I just panicked when I saw Victoria with that gun. It was pointed right at you...but I would've saved Alice too or anyone else for that matter..."

"I have to go."

Keshia ran out of Graham's house in tears. Her husband had almost died when Graham tried protecting her. She was confused she couldn't control her emotions anymore. It was too hard to be confronted to the truth when deep down she was only certain of one thing and one thing only. She loved Nathan but Graham a lot more.

Next post: September 28th

Chapter 51: Tumbling Castles...

No guidelines, anything goes...

Chapter 49: She Knows It All

2008-09-13T21:38:00.001-04:00

"Wow, you made it!"

"Cut the sarcasm, I'm not happy to be here."

"Really?"

"The things I'd do to you, Victoria if we were alone..."

"Is this a threat?"

Keshia laughed.

"For the sakes of the guards being there, let's say it's a sexual proposition"

"Oh, smart...you're rising up to the ultimate smart bitch level."

"Guess I learned from the best...Well, actually it's a typical case of student getting better than the Master. Maybe because that Master had no heart."

"Go to hell, Keshia! I never thought you'd set foot in here. I know you hate me, why come torture me?"

"I'm torturing you? You should've been an actress! Victoria, you almost killed my husband! You wanted to hurt my friends. How pathetic have you become crashing a party you were not even invited to. You will never get Graham back. Get over it, move on!"

"I know, I'll never get Graham back! You know why? "

"Because he's finally opened her eyes, Vicky. You're no good for him. Now he's with Alice and he's happy. They are happy. Of course you couldn't accept that, you had to try to ruin it."

Is that what you think? I know I can't get Graham back but not because he wants to marry Alice; because of someone else..."

"Really, who would that be?"

"Don't tell me you're so blind. Obviously it's because of YOU! He loves you!"

Keshia looked at Victoria in disbelief.

"You seem a little surprised. Come on, didn't you realize? I wasn't aiming at Alice, I was aiming at you. Graham knows it very well. How's Nathan? Did I do Graham a favor?"

"YOU BITCH!!! You're unbelievable. I'm leaving...I hope you rot in jail for the rest of your life. I'll be there at your trial testifying what an horrible person you are.

Guards! Get me out of here!"

Victoria laughed. Keshia may be mad but her testimony might help if her lawyer was smart enough to turn it around and states that it shows a trouble character.

Graham was indeed in love with Keshia, Alice was just smoke he was blowing in everyone's eyes. He couldn't even admit it to himself.

Oh, they would be unhappy. Now with Keshia knowing, she'd torture herself since she thought Graham was the man for her once. Nathan well, he might just end up as another war casualty. She may even be around to comfort him.

Next post: September 20th

Chapter 50: Getting The Truth

Keshia confronts Graham...

Chapter 48: "Welcoming" The Visit

2008-08-31T15:12:00.001-04:00

"Now what brings you here? Of all people you're almost the last one I'd expect to see. There's just one above you."

"I had the feeling that other someone was Graham but I must be wrong.."

"No, not Graham. I know him, he's predictable.. Poor Alice, you still don't know your man quite well as I do."

"Well what difference does it make really when he wants me not you. Plus you're here, desperate, rotting in a jail cell. How does it feel?"

"Ooh, fierce! And I didn't think you had it in you until you thought you had to call to let me know you were getting Graham for life. Let me tell you something Missy. You don't have him, you never had him and never will. He doesn't even know it but his heart belongs to someone else. Someone he can't have. I know him by heart, Alice, always will."

Alice looked at Victoria with pity...

"You are dillusional. You will probably avoid jail if you plead insanity and that wouldn't even be a trick. Think you know Graham so well huh? Or is it because you just saw him a moment ago and you think I don't know? Oh but I do Victoria, I do know he was here."

"Why did you come here, Alice? Really? Don't avoid my question again."

"I just needed to know. Hear it from you; why?"

"Haha, you know that it could hurt my defence if I tell you anything...but I'm in a mood to be nice today."

"Really? Could've fooled me!"

"Funny. I was there and did what I did because you called me. On some unconcious level that is what you were looking for."

"No I was not!"

"You don't know yourself very well Alice. You were always the invisible one and finally you weren't. You had won over a girl like me. You... The world had to know, it had to be big; if not what would be the point of it all? So you called me, you needed me there, you wanted me there where everyone could see who was on top.

You were expecting a scene just not of that magnitude. I admit it, I lost it. But you needed me there so in the end I kinda did it for you. To make you feel relevant, alive, like you matter. Admit it to yourself you're no better than me and I actually admire you for that. You're not as stupid as I thought and not a goody two shoes either."

"Good luck, Victoria! Nothing good will ever come out of your life at the rate you're going."

Alice waived at the guard she was ready to leave. She left without looking back.

Chapter 47: Hard To Get Over

2008-07-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

"You can't let this consume you, Alice...I don't recognize you anymore."

"Graham...I'm sorry but I can't do this. Whenever I look at you, I play the scene over in my head. I know it's all my fault."

Graham approached Alice from behind and tried wrapping his hands around her shoulders but she pulled away.

"Don't...I know Nathan is alright, Keshia forgives the both of us and I love you; please believe it. It's just too hard. It feels like something inside me is broken and I'll never get it back. There is also something I did not tell you yet...

I have an appointment to meet with Victoria at the detention center. A 30 minutes visit, tomorrow at 3 pm. I know I should've told you, but I couldn't. Just the mere mention of her name seems to drive you into one of these rage. I'm not the only one who's changed."

"Well, if we're coming clean, I have to tell you I also have an appointment with her. At 2:30 pm tomorrow also so we would've probably crossed each other's path...What's happening to us? You know that I still love you, right, Alice? I'm sorry if I act crazy at times if I seem different or aggressive. I promise to work on it; I don't want to lose you."

"I'm not sure what's going on Graham or even if we can save our couple."

"But what do you want from me Alice? Or from Victoria for that matter? Redemption? This is it! If we can't work it out, we never will!"

"Once again...you are getting mad and impatient. I need to think. I'll see you later tonight."

And she was out the house, leaving Graham lonely and confused. He had been impatient lately. He also did lose his temper over little things. He loved Alice but nothing was the same; not for him, not for her.

He also had to deal with that obsession with Keshia. That's what it was he had no other words to describe it. What kind of person did that make him? He almost killed her husband and now realizes he has feelings for her?

It was imperative he tried to save his relationship with Alice. He had to forget about Keshia. The quicker the better.

Chapter 46: Waking Up

2008-07-04T02:11:00.004-04:00

"You know how they say your whole life flashes before your eyes when you're close to dying?"

"Yes, honey, I've heard that before..."

"Well, that wasn't true for me. Only one imaged flashed and it was yours...Happy, sad, then happy again. Luckily the last one I can remember before blacking out, what one of you happy. Smiling...our wedding. I knew right then I could die because I'd bring your memory with me."

"Oh, Nathan, you are so sweet."

"Everyday I'm thankful and reminded I made the best decision of my life when I made you my wife, Keshia."

"You are going to make me blush...I love you."

"And I love you too, Sweety."

Keshia and Nathan kissed while Graham stood in the room entrance. For whatever reason, he was a little jealous...

"Graham! How long have you been standing there? Come say hi!"

"Yes, sure, I don't bite. At least not yet. There's still serving me food through intravenous. I'll have to show the doctor's I can't live on that."

Nathan laughed and Graham smiled.

"Wow, well you sure seem to be doing great, Champion!"

"Feeling much better that's for sure, great, yeah, sure. Now you just have to convince my wife. She thinks I'm still fragile. Do I look like I'm gonna break? It takes a lot more than that crazy woman you were engaged to to stop me.

I forgot to ask...Is Alice okay?"

"Yes, she is. Thanks for asking. Unfortunately or fortunately you were the only one hurt. If I had it my way, no one would've been hurt..."

"Let's not talk about that now. It's depressing and I'm in a great mood. Can't wait to be out of bed and kick your ass at tennis again."

"Ha! Still think you can beat me? I'm thinking of going pro. That's how much you've boosted my self esteem."

Nathan laughed. He had told Graham he was one of the best amateur tennis players ever but anytime they'd played. Graham would win.

"And where do you think you are going?"

"I'm leaving you boys alone for now, don't want to butt in."

"A nice butt like yours gets to meddle in my business anytime. That's why I married you, remember?"

"You're silly."

"And I don't want you to leave..."

Graham interrupted the couple that was once again all over one another.

"I was leaving anyways. Nathan I'll come visit you soon again. Take care of yourself"

"That is if they let me. Obviously the doctors here think they know how bet than I do."

Graham laughed and left the room. He didn't feel like laughing at all. For whatever reason, seeing Keshia wirh Nathan and closer than ever, made him more jealous than any other time.

Chapter 45: Admission Of Guilt

2008-05-02T22:45:00.004-04:00

"Keshia, I've been trying to reach you all morning!"

"I slept through the whole day, Never heard the phone, I'm sorry, Graham. I was listening to my messages right before you called again."

"Can we meet and talk? It's important."

"Well...sure, can you bring me to the hospital? I have to see Nathan, my mother-in-law says there's great news but she didn't want to add more. She just told me to come as soon as possible."

"Sure, I'm on my way, Keshia. I'd love to talk to Nathan too if he's awake."

"So, tell me, Graham. What was so urgent?"

Keshia looked more like herself, confident and beautiful. Alexandra, her mother-in-law had told her Nathan was awake and asking for her. She was impatient to see her husband awake and well.

"Did you speak to the detective, yet?"

'No, I didn't have any time to return my calls yet. I mostly just wanted to see my husband, My Nathan is awake, can you believe it? I'm sooo happy; you couldn't believe it."

"Well, after Alice had her accident, I remember how I felt when she was at the hospital and when she got better. I know how you feel. It's hard knowing you might lose the one you love. But when they pull through, your bond and your love is stronger than ever. You don't take any moment for granted."

"I want Victoria to pay, Graham..."

Keshia said the last words in a very calm manner but Graham could hear the hate and anger in her voice, He had to tell her now about what had really happened.

"Keshia, I had a talk with the detective... There's no easy way to say this and I'm very sorry. The forensics analysis have all been done..."

"Why would he notify you of any of this, Graham?"

"Because... I am the one who pulled the trigger, Keshia. I am sorry. I don't know how it happened."

Graham was walking with Keshia towards the hospital doors as he said those words and stood right next to the hospital entrance with tears in his eyes, He had almost killed a man; a friend. He could've shot any of his guests and he was even lucky Nathan made it. He brutally punched the brick wall and blood started spilling.

"Graham!"

Keshia went right next to him and hugged him.

"I still blame Victoria. Without her, none of this would've happened. Nathan is alive and well. It was an accident."

"You don't understand, I wanted to hurt Victoria on some level, I might have put my finger on the trigger thinking I could kill her!"

"Graham, don't talk no sense. Let's get you to a doctor, you are bleeding. Everything will be fine. If you're looking for forgiveness, you have mine and I sure believe you'll have Nathan's. Don't worry about any of this for now and don't tell Nathan yet."

"I told Gary and I told you. Alice doesn't even know yet. I wanted to make sure you heard it from me first."

"Thanks Graham, I'd stay with you but I have to go see my husband. Come by the room when they fix your hand."

"Sure will."

Graham looked at her leaving. She sure was an amazing person. Nathan was lucky to have her. He remembered that one night they'd spent together years ago. If it hadn't been for Victoria back then and the guilt he felt after, she would've been the perfect girl.

Chapter 44: Very Bad News

2008-04-07T22:22:00.003-04:00

"What happens now?"

"Well, I highly doubt you will be charged with anything. It was accidental."

"But I could be charged, right?"

"Well, it is always a possibility but it's unlikely I think. A good lawyer won't let it hold up passed the preliminary hearing. It would be an aberration."

But Gary, whether or not I am charged, I still have to live with the guilt knowing I am the one who pulled the trigger."

"Graham, maybe technically you pulled the trigger, but it was by accident. It was never your intention to hurt anyone."

"If you really want to know, what scares me is beyond my worries of charges, trial or anything else. It's what you just stated. That my intent wasn't to hurt anyone. I wouldn't have mind if Victoria had been hurt."

"Please don't repeat this to anyone; I don't like the sound of it. Did you get a chance to speak with Alice?"

"Well, she's all wrapped up into thinking this is her fault. And now I'm finding out, it's mine. I should go see Keshia, hopefully Detective Crane hasn't been able to reach her yet."

Graham felt like a monster. He had no idea what to tell Keshia, he just knew he should tell her he was responsible for Nathan's condition before the detective did. Hopefully she'd forgive him.

As he arrived to the hospital, he saw Keshia looking at Alice with disbelief.

"Are you that naive? You still couldn't figure out what kind of woman Victoria is? You risked your life...all of our lives... But I can't be mad at you, Alice; you didn't know better."

Alice had told Keshia she had spoken to Victoria right before the incident. Although Keshia was so understanding of Alice's mistake, Graham still doubted she'd be so comprehensive when she would learn he pulled the trigger. Whether the information came from the detective or him.

Chapter 43: All Better?

2008-03-02T14:15:00.007-05:00

"My dear, Keshia, my flight kept on being delayed. I rented a car and my phone battery was dead. I wanted to arrive as soon as possible so I didn't want to stop. Any news? How's my son?"

Nathan's mom was always grounded and calm. The typical example of someone who followed their head rather than their heart. Deep down she was probably as shaken up as Keshia but on the outside; it'd be hard to tell. She could almost appear cold.

"I have great news, Alexandra, I left you tons of messages. He's awake! We can't see him for the moment. They want to run some more tests tomorrow. You don't need to stay here. You can go rest at the house; I'll give you the keys. I'll call you as soon as I hear more."

"Keshia, honey, I can tell you're exhausted. Nathan is my son. I'll be more than happy to stay at the hospital and watch over him. You go home and get some sleep. Nathan needs you strong and rested."

"Yes, but..."

"No buts, Keshia. Go home. Wait for my call or come back in a few hours. I can assure you, I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"Thanks, Alexandra."

There was no arguing with Alexandra. This was both good and bad. Keshia used to feel very little in her presence. Now it wasn't so bad. They hugged and Keshia left the hospital. On her way out, she bumped into Graham.

"Keshia, are you okay? Have you slept at all in the last 48 hours?"

"No, not really. I haven't been home yet."

"Let me drive you. You could definitely use a time out. I haven't heard from you all night. How's Nathan?"

"Well apparently he's awake. I was not allowed to see him yet. They need to run some tests this morning."

"That's good news. He's made it through the worst."

"I doubt it. What about brain damage? Imagine if he's in a vegetative state? Or if he regresses and ends up like a child? I don't think I could deal with it."

"Please, Keshia....Take it one day at a time. You love Nathan, he loves you. You will overcome anything.

There's your stop. I'll go back to the hospital in case there's anything."

"My mother in law is already there....I don't want to be alone. Will you stay a moment please?"

Graham hesitated. Keshia was in a fragile mental state and he didn't want something similar to what happened the other night to repeat itself. But he also understood her need of not being alone.

"Sure. I'll make you a herbal tea and make sure you go to bed."

"Thanks, Graham."

Chapter 42: Insanity

2008-01-27T22:48:00.000-05:00

"Well, if we can enter a plea of insanity, you would be much better off. Right now you might be accused of attempted murder and charges could be added"

"The question is: I am the one who pulled the trigger? Don't they have a forensic team working to figure out what happened?"

"Ms. Lane, please, you have to listen to me. You could be facing one count of attempted murder on the person of Alice McCarth. You could be facing more charges for Nathan Long. If the preliminary hearing doesn't go well for us; and I doubt it will, I believe you should enter a plea of insanity.."

"Obviously, you are the one not listening to me. Alice doesn't deserve to live I don't need your services anymore. I know a far better lawyer."

"You must be joking, right?"

"Victoria, please forget my number. Forget I ever existed. I never ever wish to hear from you. Oh, no, sorry, that's not what I meant. I'm actually hoping the last I ever hear from you is when I find out you've been locked up and they've thrown away the key."

"Gary, gary! I need a lawyer."

"Yes, and a good one, I'll add."

Gary hung up. The nerves of that woman. He had just been interviewed by the detective and was heading to the hospital.

"How's Nathan?"

"He was badly injured. The doctors don't know if he'll make it. Keshia is in the room with him now. Mandy is with Alice. She's feeling guilty because she thinks Victoria came because she provoked her. I don't know how to convince her otherwise."

"What a mess. How is Keshia holding on?"

"She's a little out of it. Trying to be strong but it's getting harder to keep up the act. Also I have to keep Alice from telling Keshia she talked to Victoria. Timing isn't quite perfect."

"Speaking of which, Victoria called me asking if I could be her lawyer."

"Is she out of her mind?"

"Frankly, I think she is. Any good lawyer will tell her to plead insanity; although she just fired her lawyer for telling her to plead insanity."

"She's not getting out for a while then, is she?"

"She'd need much more than a lawyer to get out of this one. A miracle worker probably couldn't help her. Graham, I know this is not the time or the place, but you should look for counsel just in case..."

"I don't understand, why?"

"I can't assure your defense because I am a potential witness. If the police investigation proves you fired the gun that injured Nathan; they could prosecute you."

"Would they?"

"I highly doubt it but it's very much a possibility."

Graham was about to ask Gary another question when he heard a code blue call to the ICU. Keshia stepped back in the waiting room.

"They told me to step out. Please God, he has to be alright."

Chapter 41: Confession

2008-01-21T03:24:00.001-05:00

"Graham! I arrived as soon as I could. Mandy was just starting her interrogation when I left. How is Nathan?"

"I don't know, Alice, he got out of surgery just a moment ago. Keshia is talking to the doctor as we speak. I'm worried about her."

"Yes, it must be very hard to know you might lose the one you love."

For a moment Graham wondered if Alice had any idea how it felt. He could remember so clearly when she was laying on her hospital bed after her car accident or when Victoria pointed the gun towards Alice. He knew what it felt like; he could feel Keshia's pain.

"The detective asked a lot of questions..."

"I know, I guess he wants to be able to picture as accurately as possible tonight's events."

"Yes, probably. He'll want to speak to Keshia as well."

"Naturally...I'm sorry, Alice, this small talk is just not doing it for me. Let's just hold each other."

Graham held Alice tightly. If he could have it his way, he thought, he would never let her go.

"There is something I need to tell you, Graham..."

"Honey, it'll have to wait. Keshia seems distraught. She needs us now."

Graham walked quickly towards Keshia.

"[..]next few hours will tell it all."

"But he's alive isn't he?"

"Like I said before, he's hanging by a thread but yes."

"But you'll save him, right?"

Graham put his hand over Keshia's shoulder and asked the doctor to stay. He walked her to Alice so she wouldn't be alone and went back to the doctor.

"Doctor, I don't think she is in a state of mind where she will pay attention to any of what you are saying. How bad is it?"

"The bullet caused a lot of damage. Even if he does survive, we don't know the extend of brain damage. The chances he will make it through the night are very slim. I know Mrs. Long wants to hold on to the to the hope a miracle will happen but frankly, I doubt it. She will be able to see her husband for a few minutes in a moment. If you'll excuse me, I have to leave. I'll be back a little later."

"Thanks, doctor."

"He's alive, Graham, he's alive! It's all that matters; Nathan is alive."

"Yes, he's alive Keshia."

Graham looked at Alice, They both were not sure how to react. Keshia would clearly not accept Nathan's death if he didn't make it. They had both run out of comforting words when a nurse came by to bring Keshia to Nathan's bed head.

"Graham, now that we're alone, I really need to tell you something. I don't want you to find out from anyone else."

He had never seen that look in Alice's eyes before, he didn't know what to think.

"I am responsible for all that happened tonight. I am to blame. I should be lying on that bed, not Nathan Long. That bullet was meant for me."

"Don't ever say that Alice. It's not your fault. Although you asked me to let Victoria on stage, I didn't have to. I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you. Nathan is strong. He'll make it. You cannot be held responsible for Victoria's actions."

"Even if I provoked it?"

"What do you mean, provoked it?"

"She called a few hours before we left. Desperately wanted to speak with you. I told her we were getting ready for our engagement party and to never call the house again. That if there was anything she could or should do would be to right her wrongs. She knew about the engagement because I told her. She was there because I "invited" her."

Chapter 40: The Hardest Part

2008-01-08T03:06:00.000-05:00

Keshia hated hospitals. She hated the colors, the smell, the constant coming and going. She was all alone in a small waiting room trying to be strong; hoping if she didn't cry, it didn't make it real, that she'd wake up somewhere else. Anywhere so long as she'd be in Nathan's arms.

Two hours. She had been waiting two long excruciating hours when the door to the operating room finally opened. A young nurse stepped out. Keshia ran towards her.

"How is he? How's my husband?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not allowed to give you any information on the patient's condition, it's the hospital's policy. You'll have to wait for the doctor."

"Which doctor? I don't see any. This is a hospital and yet, I don't see any doctors. I barely see nurses! Please help me!"

Keshia was screaming. She was partly mad but mostly scared and just emotionally unstable. The nurse could feel her distress. She took her hand and invited her to take a seat.

"Listen, as soon as the surgery's over, I can assure you the doctor will come speak with you. In the meantime, you should get some sleep. You look exhausted. It may take another hour or more. I'll get you a glass of water and see if I can find a room where you can rest.

"No, thanks. You are very kind. I'd rather wait here."

Keshia opened her eyes. She didn't recall falling asleep. Graham was standing in the waiting room, his back against a wall.

"I arrived as soon as I could. I've been here about 10 minutes. I haven't heard anything yet. How is he?"

"I don't know. He's still in surgery. Why won't they tell me anything?"

Graham sat next to Keshia; she leaned her head on his shoulder as he gently stroked her hair. Keshia thought of how Nathan would do that whenever she was feeling low. Half asleep, half awake, she locked lips with Graham. Within a second; realizing what had just happened, Keshia jumped out of her seat.

"Sorry, Graham, I...sorry."

She ran outside, it was raining but she didn't care. She badly needed some air. She didn't mean to kiss Graham, for a moment she thought he was Nathan and everything was alright; her wish had come true. Keshia quietly fell on her knees and cried. Did it count with all the rain? She couldn't even tell her tears apart from the raindrops. She had promised to be strong, but that was the hardest part of it all. She got herself back together just as Graham arrived.

"I thought you were Nathan; I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it Keshia. Here, put on my jacket and come inside. You are freezing, Nathan wouldn't forgive me if I didn't look after you. The doctor asked for you; he is out of surgery."

Chapter 39: More Heartache

2007-12-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

"Oh, God! It's all my fault, I agreed to leave her up there."

"It's not your fault, Alice...It's mine I should've followed my instinct. I'm so sorry,..I deviated the bullet...I never thought..."

Graham couldn't find the strength to continue. It had all happened so quickly and yet, it kept playing over and over in his mind in slow motion. A cop came to bring him in another room for questioning.

"Start at the beginning when you saw Victoria."

"Well, she was on stage."

"Do you know why was she on stage and who let her in?" asked Detective Welber.

"I'm not sure who let her in. Once she was on stage, she asked for five minutes of our time and my fiancée, Alice, said it was ok."

"Alright, go on."

"I heard the end of her sentence..."If I can't have him...nobody will." Only Victoria wasn't aiming at me, she was aiming Alice and I had to stop her. I remember getting on stage fighting to take the gun off Vicky hands when it went off."

"Who fired?"

"I'm not sure, I was trying to take the gun off Vicky's hands"

"What did you do after?"

"I punched her and she lost consciousness. I gave the gun to a security guard. Then, I looked around to see if Alice or anyone else was hurt. I saw Alice close to the door with Keshia, Gary and Mandy. Keshia was on bended knees trying to help someone and crying, Mandy yelled for someone to call the police and an ambulance. Gary and Alice where trying to assist Keshia."

"What did you do next?"

"I went close to the door to see who was hurt and how bad it was and I saw Keshia's husband lying on the floor covered with blood. A couple of minutes later, you arrived."

"Alright and what was your relationship with Victoria Lane?"

"She's my ex-fiancée"

"Oh, messy love triangle."

"That was NOT a love triangle. Vicky and I have been over for months. Last I heard of her she was dating a much older man, not that I really cared. For her to show up at my engagement party like that! And trying to kill Alice?"

Gary was mad and sad. He was also tired, worried and felt guilty for the events of the night.

"How is Nathan? Will he make it?"

"We don't know yet. I have no more questions for you but please don't leave town. Whenever there is a struggle, it's always hard to determine who fired the gun. Unfortunately, it may be you. I'll be in touch."

Chapter 38: A Not So Pleasant Surprise

2007-11-12T20:15:00.001-05:00

"The invitation was kind of unexpected."

"Not really! Being the best friend of Gary Sloane's girlfriend does come with some perks."

Mandy laughed.

"Anyways, Keshia, you probably would've been invited without me in the picture. Graham and Nathan get along great so do you and Alice. Speaking about him, isn't Nathan coming?"

"Yes, he'll join us later."

"Great! Let's get to the engagement party everyone will be talking about!"

Graham made sure everything was perfect. In just a few months, Alice and him would be husband and wife. He had been persistent and she finally forgave him. No man in the world could've been happier than he was when she accepted his wedding proposal.

A lot had changed. He felt much more ready to commit for life than he did when he was engaged to Victoria. This was true love; Alice was his life, he knew he couldn't make it without her.

Every guest was handpicked by himself. Nothing would ruin the night he made sure of it. Graham went back to Alice who was on the dance floor. Security was meant to be flawless; this was their night, he shouldn't worry.

"I know I'm definitely not welcomed here but I just have a few words to say..."

"Security!!!"

Graham was furious. On the stage, right before him, was standing Victoria Lane. Of all people. What could've happened and how she got in was less important to him than having her thrown out.

"Please, Graham, I ask you all to hear me out for just five minutes, maybe even less..."

"You have exactly five minutes, Victoria."

Graham turned to Alice and then deported his attention back to Vicky. He approached the stage in order to be close in case he'd have to stop her before her time was up. He didn't trust her at all.

The woman who was standing on stage looked tired, older. She had dyed her blond hair brown which made her less stunning. Victoria seemed less than ordinary. A pale shadow of the woman she used to be.

"I owe an apology to so many people here tonight, I don't even know where to start...Keshia, Mandy, Gary and Alice can you approach the stage? I notice Nathan isn't here so Keshy, you'll be the messenger.

I only have five minutes therefor, I'll get right into it. Keshia, I heard about Nathan and you. Congratulations, I wish you all the best. I apologize for all the heartaches I caused both of you. I've been cruel and selfish when you were sweet and selfless.

Mandy, losing your friendship as well as Keshia's served as a lesson. I'm hoping you can forgive me for going after Gary knowing you wanted to be with him. That was so wrong.

Gary...to think I had forgotten...I put you in a drawer that I closed a long time ago. I never made the connection until a couple of days. You must hate me. I don't blame you. I guess you got your revenge. I still want to apologize.

Last but not least; Graham. I love you with all my heart, always will. I played you, manipulated you, took you for granted...I lost you and my world fell apart. I'm so sorry; sorry for what I've done and what I'm about to do...If I can't have you..."

Gary was on stage before Victoria had pulled the gun out of her purse. He ran towards her trying to stop her as she was pointing it towards Alice. Trying to grab the gun from Vicky's hands, Graham heard a shot and screams. Despite his best effort, he was too late. She had already hurt someone.

Recap Chapter 26 to 31

2007-11-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Chapter 26 to 28

Vicky asks Gary about Graham's feelings towards Alice. She feels Alice will always be in the way of their relationship. She is less than pleased with the answer especially since Gary refuses to speak to Graham. She doesn't know how to get Graham to care anymore.

Keshia admits to Mandy that she slept with Graham. Out of spite for Victoria who had already messed up two of her relationships. She also reveals to Mandy she knows how Vicky found out and got Graham to take her back. Keshia apologizes to her friend and tells her she wants nothing less than to destroy the girl who's poisoned her life and so many others for many years.

Alcie comes out of her coma to find Graham by her side, He pours his heart out to her but she has doubts. She wants to move on and tells him it's too late.

Chapter 29 to 31

Keshia confronts Vicky about the past. Keshia tells her she was the reason her engagement to Nathan fell apart. Vicky asks if she would agree on a truce. Neither one really believes it's going to work out.

Mandy puts a plan in motion for Graham to know Vicky found out about his sleeping with Keshia by reading her diary. Keshia is more than happy to volunteer a confirmation when he calls to inquire about what Mandy told him "innocently".

Gary meets Victoria for diner; he tells her he knows she went through Keshia's diary. That he thought she had changed but she lied her way back in his life. Vicky cries and tells him she's sorry; Gary leaves her for good.

Recap Chapter 13 to 25

2007-10-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

Chapter 13 to 15:

Gary tells Graham he prepared a document regarding his agreement with Victoria. Graham tells him to get in contact with Vicky and have her sign the documents. Partly because he doesn't want to have contact with her at the moment and because he promised he wouldn't initiate contact with her.

Gary inquires about the state of Graham's relationship with Alice and is pleased to learn Graham considers his relationship with Victoria to be officially over. On his way out of the office, Gary bumps into Alice and tells her to take care of his best friend and he'll deal with Vicky.

Vicky pays a visit to Mandy and Keshia who had been out of sight for a few weeks. They get into a small argument after Mandy confronts Victoria about seeing Gary. Vicky admits having diner with him but only for legal purposes. Mandy and Keshia are pleased to hear Vicky trusts Gary so much she didn't read the documents she was signing.

Keshia worries Gary is just using Mandy who is determined to continue following the original plan. She tries to convince Vicky to apply for another job at Leetson's another agency. Gary agrees with Mandy and tells Vicky she might become a partner in the publicity agency Mandy encouraged her to apply. Vicky considers sleeping with Gary but thinks about Mandy and Graham and hopes Graham sees them together soon.

Chapter 16 to 19

Graham runs into a rival at a party at Victoria's. Trying to embarrass him, Leetson asks him how it feels to lose his fiance and then have her look for a job at another agency. Gary informs Leetson and a surprised Graham that Victoria no longer works for Graham. Gary explains to Graham the agreement she signed clearly stated she was not to be looking for another job while her salary and expenses were assumed by Graham and his company.

Alice is a little worried because Graham seems upset and it has to do with Victoria. He tells her why but adds that he'll deal with him in time and place. Vicky walks up to Alice when she sees her alone and plays nice. Alice tells Vicky she's unemployed with much details and gets a small revenge dropping wine on her. Graham arrives and Vicky tells him to wait while she changes. Graham leaves with Alice without waiting.

Victoria talks to Graham and tells him she knows about his affair with Keshia. She convinces him she left him because she was insecure. She asks him to leave Alice and give it a second chance; it's a side of Victoria he's never seen. Graham is torn and tells her he'll think about it and whatever he decides, she'll be first to know.

Victoria had become suspicious Keshia was keeping a secret. Since she knew her hiding spots for her diaries she goes through the ones she can find and learns Graham and Keshia slept together one night. She decides to use the information to get Graham back.

Chapter 20 to 22

Gary is shocked when Graham tells him he'll give his relationship with Vicky a second chance. He tried to persuade him not to when Graham reveals he had an affair with Keshia and Victoria knew. Although he wanted Alice to be first to know, Graham had already promised Vicky he'll tell her his decision first.

Victoria gloats to Mandy and Keshia. Given their surprises, Vicky confronts Keshia about the night she slept with Graham trying to force the truth out of her. Keshia runs to her room to see if her suspicions are founded.

Alice lashes out at Graham. Vicky made sure to deliver the news she was back with Graham to her before he had a chance to. She tells Graham she's leaving and not to look for her. A confused Graham kisses Alice only to worsen her anger. He believes he's driven her away forever.

Chapter 23 to 25

Keshia meets with Alice to tell her she has information that might make Graham change his mind. Alice takes her number without much interest. As she's getting behind the wheel to leave, she starts crying.

Graham goes to the ER after he receives a phone call concerning Alice. Victoria is furious to see he would leave her in the middle of their date to run to Alice's side. Vicky causes a scene at the hospital and Graham tells her to leave. She's not too happy with the change in Graham's personality.

She wants to be in charge like before but decides to give up for the moment. Graham learns Alice is in a coma and decides to stay in the hospital until she wakes up. He realizes if it wasn't for Vicky coming back, he probably would've married Alice. He also feels guilty knowing she was in a car accident so soon after leaving the office.

Seeing Alice on the hospital bed, Graham's feelings are suddenly more clear. His getting back together with Vicky was purely out of guilt. Nothing more. Alice was the one he loved more than anything in the world. Alice's cell phone rings and as he tries to get to it to turn it off, a piece of paper with Keshia's phone number falls out of the purse.

Recap Chapter 1 to 12

2007-10-11T23:23:00.000-04:00

Hello,

To respect my promise to "anonymous", here's the recap of all that's happen so far.

Chapter 1 to 4:

Victoria leaves Graham, her fiance. He gives her a year to think it over. Given that's it's a very sweet deal, Victoria accepts even if she has no intention of getting back together. She thinks Graham is too sweet and she needs a "real" man. Mandy and Keshia, Victoria's close friends are introduced. Mandy is a party girl a bit impulsive, Keshia on the other hand is more of a goody two shoes.

Also introduced in the first 4 chapters are Gary, the lawyer and best friend of Graham and Alice, who works for Graham and has been in love with him for a few years.

Chapter 5 to 9:

Victoria and her friends go clubbing and end up in the same club than Graham, Alice and Gary. We learn Mandy had a bit of a history with Gary, the womanizer. Victoria is furious and wants Alice to understand Graham belongs to her. She has a little to much to drink and buys a glass of wine for the sole purpose of ruining Alice's outfit but Graham isn't too happy about it.

The next day, when Vicky sobers up, she realizes she kissed Gary. Keshias tells her Mandy is pretty pissed because she stills likes Gary. However Keshia knows a lot more than she tells Victoria. After she hangs up the phone, Vicky receives roses from Gary.

We learn that Victoria set up Mandy with Gary who slept with her and then just disappeared. He apologizes and explains it's because she was friends with Victoria who he still resented for something she had done to him years ago. Mandy tells him she'll help get his revenge and starts exposing her plan to Gary which involves going to the florist and placing a phone call to Vicky.

Victoria goes on a diner date with Gary. She plans on using him to make Graham jealous. She shows her true side when we learn how she'd like to have both men fight over her with Alice watching.

Chapter 9 to 12:

Graham can't get Alice out of his mind and he's starting to wonder what made him fall in love with Victoria in the first place. He can't seem to point out anything besides her beauty.

Mandy confides to Keshia how she's helping Gary get revenge and having Victoria finally apologize for all the wrong she did to people surrounding her. Keshia is not so sure about the plan and while she likes the idea of making Vicky pay, she doesn't want Graham to get hurt in the process. She wants to find out what his feelings towards Victoria and Alice are before doing anything.

Keshia pays a surprise visit to Graham in his office. He wonders if she's here for Vicky or to stir up the past; while he was dating Vicky, he slept with Keshia, He demands to know why she came and she asks him about his feelings towards Victoria. Alice overhears when Graham tells Keshia he doesn't want Vicky back that's it's all over. Keshia leaves, satisfied with the answer.

Chapter 37: Leap Of Faith

2007-10-03T00:52:00.000-04:00

"YOU DID WHAT??! Are you out of your mind, Keshy?"

"I'm perfectly sane, thanks, Mandy."

"Then Nathan must be out of his mind; one of you has to be. It's not a decision to be taken lightly. Why now? He's been back for less than a month to top it off!"

"It kind of seemed right at the moment..."

"And now, you're coming back to your senses, right?"

"Nathan came back to propose to me again. He wanted to apologize and take some time for me to see he had changed. He's a man now."

"Who lives in a different city."

"No, he's moving back. He has a promising job already."

"I still think it was a bad idea, Keshia. This is so not like you. You like to rationalize, analyze, quantize ; you have a scientific mind. You don't just act or react. You take your time."

"Well, I think it was about time, I start living. I've been hiding where it's safe, never moving forward because I was scared. I've decided to take a leap of faith. Come what may."

"I'm speechless...You eloped...wow! I'm sad you didn't invite me though."

Keshia laughed.

"That's why it's eloping! I still love Nathan despite what has happened with Vicky. Besides, he learned his lesson."

"About Vicky...I figured you might want to know she called. She didn't say much and didn't seem like her usual confident self. She wanted to speak with you."

"There's no point. I'm not ready to forgive her just yet."

A part of Keshiia couldn't help but wonder what exactly Vicky wanted to talk about. Nathan and her had promised each other to avoid the topic and stay away from anyone or anything similar to Vicky that could damage their relationship.

"I have a ton of more important things in mind. Like breaking the news to my parents and organizing a nice reception."

"Just a reception? How about a "real" wedding? I've always wanted to be a maid of honor"

"Let's get to it then! There's a ton of work to be done."

"Oh, Keshia?"

"Yes?"

"I almost forgot...Congratulations!"

Mandy hugged her friend. She hoped Keshia made the right decision. One she would not regret.

Chapter 36: A Much Needed Talk

2007-10-01T02:22:00.000-04:00

“You don't even want to know why I'm back in town?"

"Save it, Nathan, save it... I really don't care."

"I came for you! I swear it's the truth. I wish you hadn't seen me with Victoria; it's not what you think."

"You have NO idea. Don't tell me it's not what I think. I remember, Nathan, I remember."

"Have coffee with me. We need to talk. So much has changed... I still care about you Keshia."

"Nathan, I'm not interested. I'm going to hang up now."

"No wait! One cup, a couple of minutes. That's all I'm asking for. I'll leave you alone after, I swear."

There was a silence on the line.

"Keshia, are you still here?"

"Yes, I am, and I'll meet you for coffee. One cup and then you disappear."

"Yes, sure, one cup. Thanks, Keshy. You won't regret it."

Keshia looked at the door right as Nathan was coming in. She hadn’t paid much attention to his new look at the club. He had sure changed and was more handsome than before. His auburn hair, though clean-cut where almost shoulder length. His hazel eyes were as striking as before and he had shaved his facial hair. He was wearing an ivory v-neck sweater that was a little tight showing off a fit body. Along with a nice tan, he was almost irresistible. Keshia found herself reminiscing about the old days. She had missed him.

“Am I late?”

“No, no, I’m early. You startled me.”

“Funny, I could swear you looked and even stared at me just as I was coming in.”

Keshia turned bright red.

“Yeah, maybe I did.”

She laughed. She was feeling a little nervous all of a sudden. The way Nathan was starring at her wasn’t helping. She didn’t want to lose her willpower.

“I love your laugh...I missed you. You look beautiful, Keshia”

“How about we get that cup? And I’m warning you; I’m going for a medium. Not a large.”

By the end of the evening, Keshia and Nathan were both very alert after 3 cups of coffee each. She was fighting hard not to let her guards down but couldn’t resist. She still had feelings for him, he still had feelings for her. Yet she couldn’t get passed seeing him with Victoria the day before.

“I have to go now, she said abruptly.”

“But wait, why? We were catching up, reconnecting... Well, I think.”

“That’s right; you think we were. But we weren’t and probably won’t. Ever. Let me tell you what I think. Victoria and you are despicable people who deserve each other. I just can’t tell what I’m doing seating here with you.”

Keshia got up proud she came back to her senses. Nathan gently grabbed her wrist.

“I’m sorry. I should have addressed the Victoria issue first. Please sit and hear me out for just a couple more minutes. She mislead me on purpose.”

Chapter 35: Deceitful As Always

2007-09-28T01:28:00.000-04:00

"You told me she left town!"

"Well, I thought she did. Truth is, we are no longer in friends. I kinda felt all alone so when I bumped into you..."

"When you bumped into me? Victoria, you knew I was coming! You even said you thought it was better to tell me right away Keshia was gone."

Victoria knew there was no need to deny; yet she wasn't reading to give up without a fight.

"That's not exactly how it happened and you know it."

"I did contact you a few weeks ago, didn't I?"

Nathan didn't give Vicky time to answer.

"You told me Keshy wasn't seeing anyone and that she was probably ready to forgive. Only, I finally arrive and it's a whole different story; Keshia's gone. She's so gone, you want to take me out so I can have a good time and forget about it for a while."

"I swear to you, Nathan, I didn't know she'd be there."

"Vicky, she wouldn't have left town since she told me she will be graduating soon. You didn't know she'd be at the club but you sure as hell knew she was still in town."

Victoria stood silently... She watched Nathan gathering his belongings and throwing them in his suitcase. She had lost.

"I'm going to a hotel. DON'T EVER CONTACT ME AGAIN. Consider me dead, Victoria, just like I'll consider you dead. Too bad it's not actually true."

Victoria let herself fall on her bed and started crying. Was there really such a thing called karma? Nathan was far from perfection, how could he judge her? He didn't seem to mind staying at her place or having her flirt with him before he saw Keshia. She was feeling so alone and she missed Graham.

In a desperate move close to drunk dialing, between sobs, Vicky grabbed the phone and dialed Graham's number. A woman's voice, one that had become too familiar answered. Victoria quickly hung up.

No one would be keeping her cold heart warm tonight.

Chapter 34: A Psychology Paper

2007-08-28T01:43:00.000-04:00

"Victoria Lane, I would like to see you in my office, after class."

"Sure, Professor Allan."

Vicky smiled. Caitleen who was sitting next to her in class, looked at her puzzled.

"Do you know why he wants to see you?"

"Maybe he's finally succumbed to my charm."

Professor Allan was a very handsome man. Vicky had tried to get closer to him numerous times during the semester but she never seemed to get anywhere with him. He was too professional, too ethical, he should've bored her, and instead her desire grew more.

Caitleen laughed. How she wished she could be more like Victoria. Fearless and determined. However, it seemed to imply she'd also have to be mean and heartless. She had read Vicky's paper. She wasn't sure what to make of it. The observations were good. The conclusion interesting but the subject matter was so wrong. She wanted to tell Vicky but the decided it was better she kept her mouth shut.

Only if the paper got published, it might be hell for a certain someone around campus; everyone knew Gary Sloane now. It was impossible not to. After being publicly rejected by Victoria, he started dating her less than a week later. For two months now he was the hero of pretty much every guy around. But it wouldn't last much longer and Victoria seemed ready and determined to make that clear.

"Victoria, have a seat."

"I've been wondering what you wanted to talk to me about."

Victoria flashed a big smile and crossed her legs. She normally wouldn't have done that with her mini skirt but this was Professor Allan.

"I want to talk about your paper. I cannot accept it."

“I’m sorry? What did you just say? My paper is great, it deserves an A and we both know it. I was able to built a close relationship with the subject. You can’t really question my observations, as they are very detailed. The conclusion, I believe, is nothing more than perfect.”

“It is great that you have such confidence in your work, Victoria…”

“Call me Vicky”

“I’ll stick to Victoria. Now to finish what I was trying to say; my concern is ethical. You can’t go around using people as test subjects for your experiments. I will be honest with you, everything you wrote was brilliant, and you are very intelligent. I want you to keep in mind that this paper might be published and it most likely will be because it’s the best I’ve received so far. But someone’s reputation is at sake. I can’t accept it. I’ll give you three more weeks to submit a new one. ”

Victoria stood up. This was not what she expected; if Professor Allan wanted war, he’d get it.

“Professor, I am willing to fight you on this. The subject was fully aware that he would be part of my paper. He even signed a release form. If you insist on refusing this paper; I will go to the dean.”

“Be my guest Victoria. Based on my moral principles, I cannot accept this paper and I stand by my decision.”

“Well, that’s more publicity for me. Everyone will know about this paper before the semester is over.”

By the time Victoria’s fight with Professor Allan was over; everyone in the school had heard about the paper and couldn’t wait to read it when I’d be published. The school paper would publish it before it would be available to the University’s library.

Vicky broke up with Gary not long after the dean forced Professor Allan to change his mind. Gary gave his full support without even reading the paper. He was so infatuated by Victoria. She broke up with him gently, promised they would remain friends. By now every girl wanted a piece of him so he got over the grief by dating a different girl every night.

During the summer he worked out and achieved a total body transformation. He was a different person, a man. He had muscled up, ditched the glasses and finally learned the meaning of style. When the next semester started, everyone had forgotten about the paper. That was until it was finally published by the University’s newspaper. A direct title for a controversial paper: “Human Test Subject: Ethically Wrong?”

Gary read Victoria’s paper and cancelled his classes. He couldn't stay; some people would obviously remember he dated Victoria. She had used him; he was nothing more than a test subject to her. She led him on to believe her paper was on relationships in general and that she would base herself on them when really, it was more about him. She depicted him as someone seen as pathetic by everyone including herself.

She wanted to decode the psyche of socially rejected individuals. She wanted to see how getting attention from someone who normally should ignore him would affect him. Gary didn’t bother to confront Victoria; he knew better, there probably was no use. He sworn to himself he would get revenge one day or another.

Chapter 33: A Blast From The Past

2007-07-26T00:57:00.000-04:00

"How about a girl's night out?"

"Oh Mandy, you really are in the mood for this?"

"Sure Keshia. You need to get out more. You can't always be in the apartment. you should go out, meet people. Maybe the man of your dreams."

"The man of my dreams? Oh, right, the sweet and wonderfully amazing guy who's great in my dreams but in my life is more like a nightmare?"

"Ouch, cynical, what's going on?"

"I don't know, I guess I lost faith."

"No you haven't this is just a temporary set-back. Go get ready."

Keshia looked around. She hadn't been to Kisses for so long. It was great to be surrounded by peoples. She was getting used to being lonely too much.

"Thank you, Mandy. I needed that! How did you know?"

"Knowing you all those years, I just looked at you and could tell you needed a break."

"What would you like to drink? It's on me!"

"Can't say no then. I'll have a gin tonic. I'm going to the bathroom real quick. Wait for me here."

As Keshia watched Mandy walking towards the bathroom, she saw Victoria going in the same direction. Keshia left the bar and hoped Vicky hadn't seen Mandy and that she'd get to her first.

"Keshia!? Is that you?"

Keshia stopped walking. She recognized the voice but wasn't sure about what she should do. She could keep going and maybe he'd think he made a mistake. Or she could turn around, smile and take it from there. She chose the latter.

"Nathan...what a surprise."

"Yeah, it is. You weren't the clubbing type much. I thought you moved out of town."

"No, but you did. What brings you back?"

Nathan chuckled nervously. He looked around quickly before replying.

"Nothing in particular. You look fabulous. How have you been? "

"Thanks! I'm doing great. Couldn't be better. I'm graduating soon!"

"Good for you! That's wonderful news. How's your love life?"

As soon as the words escaped his mouth, he wished he could take them back. To make matters worse, he could see his date, Victoria, walking towards them.

"My love life is okay. If you'll excuse me, I was headed towards the bathroom when you called."

"Nathan, there you are, Sweetie! I manage for you to come back and the second you do, I lose you."

Keshia felt ill. Victoria with Nathan now? Maybe this night out wasn't such a good idea after all.

"Vicky, look who I bumped into."

"Hi, Keshia...I didn't expect to see you here."

"Really? For a change you could resist toying with people? Why here of all places? So Nathan's back for you? Well, good luck. the both of you need it."

Chapter 32: Gary Tells All

2007-06-25T13:38:00.000-04:00

He hated this place with a passion. He couldn't wait to graduate. He was unfortunately labeled a dork. Gary couldn't believe those kind of labeling still existed in University. He was probably just unlucky enough to have chose the one university filled with immature students.

Tall, skinny with glasses and no sense of style; Gary always had a hard time in school. He barely had friends and no girlfriend which was fine with him because he wanted to concentrate on on his studies. His one distraction was in a sociology class he had chosen to complete his curricular. Her name was Victoria. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, whenever she'd catch him staring, she would smile. He would spend his night dreaming of her, hoping someday he could work up the courage to ask her out.

It was a friday, He remembered it clearly. He woke up the morning feeling like a million bucks. He would ask Victoria out and whatever her answer would be, it wouldn't bring him down. He wasn't expecting a positive answer but at least it would be an ego boost knowing he was confident enough to walk up to a beautiful girl and ask her out. Once the class was over, Gary rushed out side the class to catch up to her.

In the middle of a crowed hall, he yelled her name. She turned around and smiled.

"Hi, Victoria."

"Hi...I'm sorry, I don't know your name."

"It's Gary...We share this sociology class."

"Oh, that's where I know you from. What can I do for you, Gary? You'd like my notes, help? You think I'm beautiful and want to ask me out?"

Gary laughed nervously, for a second, he was tempted to tell her he wanted her notes, but she was standing right there. It was too late to back out.

"Actually, it's the latter."

Victoria looked at him. She then let out this obnoxious and loud laughter that had everyone close by turn to see what was going on.

"ME? ON A DATE WITH YOU? Surely you gotta be kidding."

She turned around and left, she was gone. He was humiliated. He could hear everyone around laughing and pointing fingers. It would be a long semester. A very long one. He had expected to be turned down but not that she would make this rejection so public.

About a week after, Victoria came out of nowhere right outside the campus as Gary was walking home.

"Hey you! Remind me your name."

"It's Gary, what do you want?"

"Hmm...angry, I like that. I wanted to apologize. I was mean the other day. You know what? You are kind of cute. I would like to be forgiven for how I treated you. Let's go on a date."

"Really?"

Gary would've punched himself for sounding so enthusiastic. He should've known she had a hidden agenda but he was taken aback by her proposal. The thought went through his head that she probably changed her mind because he looked so confident when he asked her out before. He should be as confident now.

"I mean, absolutely. Sure, let's go on a date. How about thursday? Friday is a holiday after all, no class."

"Amazing! You'll pick me up?"

'Uh...sure."

Victoria had him right where she wanted at that very moment. He didn't like thinking about it, it just made him angry.

"Gary, you seem on an entirely different planet."

"Sorry, Graham, I was just thinking I never told you all that happened with Vicky."

"All that happened with Vicky? What? When?"

"No worries. Nothing recent. Funny, she either didn't remember me or never put the pieces together. Then again, she's never been very good at caring."

"I'm lost, Gary, wasn't your history with Vicky limited to asking her on a date and get publicly rejected and humiliated?"

"Oh, thanks, Graham, really sensible. I know you find it funny, but it hurt. Anyways, that was years ago. I didn't held a grudge for that. No, if this was all, I would've moved on easily."

Chapter 31: An Interesting Phone Call

2007-06-19T02:09:00.000-04:00

Keshia had about given up on the idea Alice might call her. She wanted to get back at Victoria badly. She didn't want to contact Graham herself. Alice would've been the perfect messenger. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't find another plan. That was before Mandy volunteered.

"You do realize that if you do this and Vicky finds out, your friendship is over."

"Yeah, well, with friends like that, who needs enemies? I don't really care. Let's just go over the plan again.

I accidentally "bump" into Graham after an interview at the building and I ask him how Vicky's doing. Whatever he answers, I manage to talk about how upset you were that Vicky read your diary and found out about the infidelity. This should be enough to get him right where we want him. Best of all, no need to get Alice involved."

"Are you sure it will work?"

"I don't see how it could possibly fail unless he trusts Vicky blindly which I doubt. Not so soon after they got back together. Hell even after years being friends with her, I still watch my back in case she's about to stab me."

Everything had gone exactly as planned according to Mandy. Not long after, Keshia's phone rang. It was Graham and he had a few questions.

"Keshia, how are you?"

"I'm great...Graham?"

"Yes it's me. I'm not going to beat around the bushes here. I have a few questions and I would like a straight answer from you."

"Yes, sure, ask away."

"I ran into your friend, Mandy today. Of course, I don't know her very much so our small talk revolved pretty much about you and Vicky. Now she mentioned something I did not pay much attention too and it's only ringing a bell right now... Did Vicky read your diary? Is that how she really found out we slept together?"

"Yes, she did read it."

"Are you absolutely positive?"

"Listen, Graham, I can tell you without a doubt that she did, I could even point the exact pages she read. I'll tell you a secret. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a detective. I used to set up little "traps" to find out if anyone was messing with my things. I also had this fingerprinting kit and other gadgets.

Vicky and Mandy don't know I've never outgrown that hobby. I have fun and sometimes, it comes in handy like when I realized someone had been through my old diaries. It's Vicky and I'm not just supposing."

"Thank you, that's what I had to know. Just one other question. Why does Alice have your number?"

"I was planning on telling her about the diary. I didn't want you to get the information from me. I don't really like being involved in this mess."

"Well, unfortunately you are but thanks."

Keshia smiled; hopefully Graham would take the appropriate decision concerning Vicky.

Chapter 30: Careful What You Wish For

2007-06-02T16:21:00.000-04:00

"Graham, I've been waiting for over 30 minutes. You know how much I can't stand being at a table on my own so I wouldn't go in. To top it off, you're cell phone was not even turned on."

"Sorry Vicky, I was at the hospital. Alice's due to be released soon."

"God, I wish I'd never hear you say her name again."

"Well you might just get your wish."

"True, she's moving out of town soon. Actually not soon enough."

"She's not moving out of town, Vicky, she changed her plans. How about we talk about it over dinner? I'm sure they've kept our reservation and I'm hungry"

Victoria was hungry too so she decided to let him off the hook. Only for that moment though.

"Let's have some wine, Graham. I want this to be a romantic diner. You owe me after all that waiting."

"Yes, sure, order whatever you would like."

Graham was distant he didn'tknow how he should bring up the subject. He had invited Victoria for diner for a precise reason. Only now, Vicky seemed to be in a romantic mood. He would ruin her diner if he started telling her why he brought her there. On the other hand, he didn't want to be deceiving. He was the one who picked up the restaurant. Somehow it all made sense to him before; end it where it all started. Now it seemed mean and cynical.

"Something's bothering you? I've asked you three times already what you were having."

"I'm sorry, Vicky. I'm just having second thoughts about this diner."

"Why would you have second thoughts about a simple diner."

"Weren't we suppose to discuss our future together? We were cut short last time we tried discussing the subject."

"It can wait after. Now I just want to spend sometime with my one and only."

Victoria smiled while inside she was torn apart. Something was wrong and she could feel it. He was late for starters; extremely out of character. Then there was this enigmatic comment about Alice. Now to top it off, it was easy to tell his mind was somewhere else.

"Vicky, how strongly do you feel about me, about us?"

The dessert had barely arrived that Graham felt he couldn't take it anymore and needed to end it as soon as possible. Vicky had been sweet through the whole diner, making future plans. Romantic gestures, romantic lines, she hadn't miss anything. He refused to believe she didn't notice his lack of candor. If he waited a minute longer, he knew he would hate himself for doing so.

"Well, we've had our differences. I believe what we have now is great. We are stronger than ever, we can tell each other everything. I love you, Graham; I'm willing to go the extra mile for you.

I've learned a lot when we were apart. Like how I can be cruel and dishonest. I still have a bit of a jealous streak but I'm working on it. You have changed also. You are more of the man I was looking for. I've never been so in love."

Victoria smiled and held Graham's hand. She was facing him and he couldn't bare the thought of seeing her face as he hurt her so deeply. He brought his hand together, away from Victoria's. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Vicky...I wish I could tell you I felt the same. I do love you but all I learned while we were apart is how I wanted and needed someone different. You just said you learned how cruel and dishonest you could be and that stayed with me. I can't forget how you just played with other's emotions including mine.

I also believed the games were over and we'd be honest with each other. Only I just obtained an interesting information. You lied, Vicky; once again. Just when I thought I could trust you, I realize you haven't changed at all."

Graham opened his eyes. He could face her now. He had nothing to feel bad about, she had brought it up on herself. Vicky didn't seem to understand. He waited a moment to see if she'd try to deny or defend herself but she stayed silent.

"You didn't know from the start that I cheated, did you? You found the information in Keshia's diary. Then you came to me with this nice little story to justify your wickedness when you left me. You had lost everything and wanted it back. I guess you would do anything. I wouldn't call that love, Vicky. I will not have a life based on a lie and maybe lies since I can't tell how many you've told. It's over."

Victoria was crying. She didn't even want to stop Graham from leaving. She was out of tricks. Now she understood what he meant when he said she wouldn't hear him say Alice's name again. She just wouldn't hear him again.

"I'm sorry, Graham. I'm so sorry you wouldn't believe it."

"You're right. I wouldn't."

He got up and left.

Chapter 29: A History Lesson

2007-05-23T01:27:00.000-04:00

“Funny you would want to talk to me. I had kind of settled for us hating each other.”

“I guess one more one less on your enemies’ list isn't much. I would however like to be more. For example, maybe the one who knew better, exposed you for what a fraud and hypocrite you are.”

“Ok, Keshy, if you brought me here to insult me and make it harder on both of us, I’m leaving.”

“Come on, Vicky, we’re just getting started. It’s a beautiful day; the park is a public place, no worries. I think we can and should talk about how we feel right now.”

“I suggest you go first then.”

“My pleasure. Let’s see…I’ve already told you I think you’re a fraud and a hypocrite. I know you read my journal. You had no clue anything ever happened between Graham and me. I don’t know why you read my diary. Maybe you were just bored. I don’t know but I’m convinced you used this information to get back together with him."

“Nice little story. Don’t try to make me the bad guy here. YOU slept with MY boyfriend.”

Keshia started laughing as if it were the best joke she heard. Vicky looked at her; she was clueless.

“Vicky, I’m not blind and I’m certainly not an idiot. Remember Nathan? Because I sure do. It was years ago so there’s no point in denying. Nathan and I were good. We were happy.

That was until you came along. I know what was going on between you two. He told me all of it. For some reason, I left him but stayed friends with you. Maybe I wanted a chance for payback.”

“Nathan? You are mad about Nathan?! He was a joke. If anything, I did you a favor. You could have done much better.”

“And you’re the one to decide? We were engaged, had plans for the future…I guess you couldn’t take it. You say I could have done better and yet, you tried to have him leave me for you. I guess you overestimated the power you had over him.”

“Listen Keshia, I’m not on trial here. Two wrongs won’t make a right. It took me a moment to believe what I read in your journal. We were both wrong. Can we make a truce? We don’t really have to be friends but we can be civil to one another.”

“Forgiven but not forgotten?”

“Exactly.”

“Yes, sure, Vicky. It’s a deal.”

They smiled and shaked hands. Deep down, neither of them believed in the truce.

Chapter 28: Taking Control

2007-05-16T00:38:00.000-04:00

Alice slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry. She had no idea where she was or how she ended up there. A familiar voice spoke her name. As her surroundings became clearer, the memories came flooding in.

“What are you doing here, Graham?”

“I just needed to make sure you were alright. You are at the hospital, Alice.”

“Yeah, well, I still don’t need you around. You can go, free of guilt. You never should have come. Shouldn’t you be with Victoria and watch her gloat over how she won you back?”

“Alice, this is not you…it’s not that simple and you know it. I couldn’t be with Victoria tonight. When the rescue team called…I was just so scared. I don’t know what I would’ve done if anything had happened to you.”

“Graham, just because I had an accident after I left the office doesn’t make you responsible. I was doing great when I left and I’m still great. I just want you out of my life. I guess I forgot to take you off the emergency number list. This won’t happen again. Now please leave.”

“Give me one more minute. There’s something you should know… I love you, Alice. Probably more than I love Vicky, more than I ever will. I cheated on Victoria with her best friend, Keshia.

We promised to keep it a secret and I felt so bad that I proposed to Vicky not long after. I guess I thought it would put my conscience at ease. It didn’t and I found myself trying to please her more and more. It was as if I had decided I would spend my whole life making it up to her even if she didn’t know.

Vicky left me and yet, I was still feeling bad and wouldn’t let her go. Then I finally understood; I was free. She had given me my freedom back. You had always been there but it’s like I had never noticed before. With Vicky gone, I felt like a different man. I could start over.

I never meant to hurt you. Only when she came back and told me how she knew all about Keshia and me from day one, I…I started to feel like I owed her all over again. I left you but never stopped thinking about you. Whether you believe me or not, I’m leaving Vicky. Tonight.”

Alice was confused. It all seemed like some sort of love triangle. Keshia had approached her earlier and said she wanted to help. Now she was finding out she slept with Graham. She looked around the room. Her purse was on a chair and next to it a piece of paper she didn’t have before meeting Keshia. Her number; Graham had probably seen it.

Nothing made sense. Felt like she was the circus’ clown. She had to figure out the nature of the current relationship between Keshia and Graham. This brutal change of heart didn’t make much sense.

“Graham, you do what you want to do. You and me, it’s over. That’s how it is and how it will be.”

“I promise I won’t give up.”

After a long time letting it flow, Graham finally felt it was time to take back the control of his own life. He wanted to be with Alice. Everything he told her he meant it. Her accident made him realize he didn’t care for life without her. Keshia number was a warning sign that if he didn’t act now, Alice could definitely turn his back on him. Forever.

Chapter 27: Truth Is

2007-05-06T23:47:00.000-04:00

Hearing the sound of keys, Keshia quickly tried gathering her books, papers, pens and the rest of the mess on the living room table. It seemed pretty clear after just a second she would never be able to avoid Mandy like she did this past week.

“Keshy! For a change, you’re not hiding in your room. Ever since Vicky dropped her bomb, you’ve been avoiding me. Knowing I respect your privacy too much to intrude sure made it easy. I am however certain you know it wasn’t right.”

“To be honest, I wanted to avoid talking to you just now. Guess I was so caught up in my studies I didn’t hear you arrive. It’s just when I heard your keys that I tried to make a run for it.”

“One look on the table gives it away. Can you please explain to me what’s going on? Cough it out sister! I’m pretty angry with you. Maybe an explanation would make me more sympathetic.”

“I don’t have an explanation but I owe you an apology for not trusting you. Vicky didn’t lie; I did sleep with Graham. Once, that’s it. It was a mistake and I still kind of feel bad about it.

I would’ve told you; only I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone and just wanted to leave it all behind me. Vicky read my old diaries and she found out. Probably used her findings to get Graham back.

You know, I chose to avoid you because of the look on your face when you heard. It was as if I had not only betrayed Vicky, but you also. And that; I couldn’t live with. You know I’m not the kind of girl who betrays a friend but that’s definitely enough to make one doubt it.”

“Why? What exactly went through your mind to have you do such a thing? I would be a hypocrite to tell you it’s ok. I barely speak to Vicky anymore because she keeps crossing the line of what’s acceptable and what’s not with Gary. But you went straight for a taboo…”

“I’ve done a lot of thinking lately. I’ll be honest, with you, with myself. When it happened, I thought it was because I had always been a little jealous of Victoria. Everything seemed to be great for her, she was beautiful, had a great career and an amazing man…

Truth is: I did it out of spite. I guess I’m not as goody two shoes as some make me out to be. Victoria had done it to me in the past. Yes, in case you didn’t know, I left David thanks to her. Before him, it was Lloyd, he left me out of guilt and I didn’t know until recently.

I despise Vicky. That girl’s venom poisoned my life for years and I was just happy to poison hers just a little bit. I was too nice though; remorse started kicking in and I decided to put behind me. Only she had to read my diary and get it out.”

Keshia was mad. From her voice, Mandy could feel controlled rage. She had never seen her like this. It was like after all these years, Keshia had finally decided to take a stand.

“I want nothing less than to destroy her. Leave her with nothing. You are right concerning Gary; to Vicky, nothing is sacred. Gary may hate her right now, but she could still get to him. I’ve quickly put together a plan B. If you want in on it, you let me know. By the way, sorry again.”

Keshia was just about to head to her room when Mandy hugged her tight. She started to cry.

“Hey, don’t cry, Keshy. I’ll always be here for you.”

“Same here.”

Chapter 26: When All Else Fails

2007-05-03T22:02:00.000-04:00

"Hey handsome! I figured I'd find you here."

"Vicky! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

“To whom is more like it.”

Victoria sat on the stool right next to Gary and waived the barman.

“I’ll have a gin tonic with a hint of lime. Thanks.”

“Let me guess. That someone is Graham. Hopefully you are looking for some excitement tonight.”

Victoria giggled.

“I’m still taken, Gary. I’m here for company and some information.”

“Company? Whatever happened to the three musketeers?”

“That’s a though subject. Keshia betrayed me by sleeping with Graham. As for Mandy, well, she seems to think I’m trying to keep you away from her.”

“Aren’t you? I wouldn’t mind, you know!”

Gary smiled and blinked. Victoria wasn’t feeling very flirtatious and preferred changing the subject.

“Do you think Graham and I are right for each other?”

“I’m totally bias, Vicky, you can’t ask me that. I want you all to myself.”

“Ok then, a different question. What do you know about his feelings for Alice?”

Gary was seeing a human side to Victoria. Did she genuinely love Graham or was she just trying to size the competition just to win? Knowing Victoria it could be all a game; it didn’t mean she really cared. But the look in her eyes, seemed to say it was true. She was scared of losing Graham and she probably loved him.

“I’m sorry, there is no easy way to say this. Graham cares about Alice deeply. When they started dating, it was as if they were made for each other. He was obsessed with her and she was really into him. He had given up on you, Vicky, that says a lot.”

“Now he’s back. He’s giving us a second chance but I feel like Alice will never be part of the past. Graham is at the hospital right now with her. I’m sure he feels guilty; he probably thinks she had an accident leaving the office. He’s changed, Gary, I don’t recognize him. Could you talk to him?”

“Wow, Vicky, I’m not sure what you want or what you are asking for but I can’t. If someone needs to talk to Graham, it’s you.”

“Thanks anyways. See you around.”

Victoria left the trendy bar and started walking to her car. She was almost hoping to get hit by a car while crossing the street. Maybe that would get Graham to care.

Chapter 25: A Disturbing Discovery

2007-04-30T00:41:00.000-04:00

"Nurse Davis! I'm still waiting for the doctor."

"Yes and we are terribly sorry. It's a very busy evening. I can tell you Miss McCarth's apparently hasn't suffered major brain injuries. The doctor should be able to tell you more. He'll meet you as soon as possible.

We have just received your fiancée's personal effects. Would you like to have them?"

"Sure, I'll take them. Will I be able to see her soon?"

"Absolutely. They should bring her to ICU in a few minutes."

Graham followed the nurse to the desk where she gave him a small package. It contained Alice's clothes and her purse. He couldn't wait to see her. He needed to know she would be fine. Just as he was about to look in her purse to find her sister's number, Graham saw two orderlies push a stretcher on which Alice was lying. He quickly put the package back together and followed them to the ICU.

She looked so peaceful. She had some bruises on her face and arms but overall she seemed alright. Graham gently caressed her face like he used to do. Funny how it seemed like a lifetime ago the last time he'd done it. She was so beautiful, so amazingly sweet and he hurt her.

Life could be so fragile. Graham still had a hard time understanding why Alice was in a coma. The medical staff told him she was stable and her condition was not life threatening. Yet, with all those machines and this tube helping her breathe; it was hard to believe. She had to be alright. He loved her. More than himself... Definitely more than Victoria.

This admission to himself only came as half a shock. Guilt was the strongest motive for him getting back together with Victoria. It wasn't love, not even nostalgia.

Alice's cell phone started to ring. He had no time to go through her purse and didn't even think about it. Being in an hospital, it should definitely be off.

He looked inside her purse trying to locate the phone before the nurses came over to warn him. The phone stopped ringing. He kept searching the bag for it when a little piece of paper fell.

Graham picked it up and recognized Keshia's handwriting with her phone number on it. Why would Alice be in contact with one of Vicky's friend? Especially Keshia? This couldn't mean anything good.

Chapter 24: A Visit to the ER

2007-04-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

Victoria was running behind Graham who was making his way through the crowded ER.

“I can’t believe you cut our date short for her!”

“Vicky, Alice is my friend. She may be hurt. I can’t sit at a restaurant and have a meaningless conversation knowing that.”

“Meaningless? Meaningless! Is that what you call a conversation about our future together, Graham? Because if it is, it makes perfect sense you’d rush to see Alice whenever she slaps her fingers. I don’t know if I can trust you at all.”

Graham brutally stopped and Victoria almost slammed into him. He turned to face her and spoke with a controlled tone.

“Go back home, now. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear a word. Alice didn’t call me. A rescue team did. Something bad may have happen to her and you try to make this about us? About you?”

He was different from the man he once was. He was taking charge a lot more than before. Victoria thought she was with a real man finally. On the other hand though, he was harder to manipulate and more controlling.

She was in a bad position. After she found out he cheated, she wanted to be in charge more than ever. She wouldn’t take him for granted but surely wouldn’t give him too much freedom. Only it was close to impossible; Graham was calling the shots now.

Victoria wanted to get back on Graham’s soft side and was thinking as she was talking and ended up stammering.

“Well, I didn’t exactly mean to…I didn’t want to imply…uh, I just don’t understand why the rescue team would call you out of anyone else.”

Graham sighed. Victoria was exasperating.

“I’ve been listed on Alice’s emergency call list for quite sometime now. She doesn’t have any family in the city. I’m her closest friend, Vicky.”

“Wrong! Were. You WERE her closest friend, Graham. Now she’s not even your friend, she’s your ex-girlfriend. Maybe now’s not the best time to talk about this but you should be more aware of her new status. I hope when she moves out of the city, we won’t have anything to do with her anymore.

“Please, Vicky, I won’t ask again. Go home now. We’ll talk about it later. Certainly not now.”

Victoria finally got herself to admit she wouldn’t get through to him at the moment and left the hospital. Graham felt his tension drop the moment she turned her back. He looked around; people were staring. They had really put up a show, just what he hated, a public argument.

He pursued his way to the ER desk where he inquired about Alice’s condition and location. The nurse told Graham that Alice had been injured in a car accident. Her condition was not life threatening and she would be moved to a bed in ICU very soon.

“Your fiancée is in a coma, they’re running more tests to determine the cause.”

“My fiancée?”

“Yes, Alice McCarth; I noticed your ring. And you arrived quickly too. You have this look of fear and concern. I’ll recognize it anywhere, don’t worry; I’m sure she will be just fine. It’s not uncommon for victims of a trauma to fall in a coma. I’ll get the doctor to have a word with you.”

Graham twisted his ring around his finger. He forgot he had put it back. Alice wasn’t his fiancée but he didn’t even correct the nurse. He could have married her and probably would have someday. But Victoria came back.

He felt guilty. She was probably in that accident after she left the office. She was headed out to a brand new start. If Alice was in a coma, he wanted to stay with her until she woke up; despite what Victoria would say. Hopefully she wouldn’t come barging in the hospital demanding an explanation. He just didn’t have any.

Chapter 23: Looking For An Ally

2007-04-14T15:42:00.000-04:00

"Alice, right?"

Keshia offered a handshake to Alice who ignored the extended hand. She took a look around the office and saw boxes on Alice's desk.

"I'm Keshia...We saw each other about a month ago when I came to see Graham."

"I remember you. From what I recall you are Victoria's friend. If you're here to see Graham, let yourself in. The new assistant didn't start yet."

"Actually, I'm here to see you."

Alice scoffed.

"Me? Well make yourself useful then. Just grab that last box on the desk and we'll talk on the way to my car."

Inside the elevator Keshia still hadn't say a word to Alice. She was intrigued. What would a friend of Victoria want to speak to her? As the thought of a set-up crossed her mind, Keshia started talking.

"Listen, I know this will sound weird but I know about Graham's recent change of heart and if you ever need someone to talk to..."

Alice interrupted her.

"I have girl friends you know! Even if I didn't, I certainly wouldn't cry on your shoulder. You are Victoria's friend!"

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to imply...Can we just start fresh? I swear, I am anything but Victoria's friend. I'm pretty sure I know how she managed to get Graham back. It's my fault I guess. Anyways, I figured if you'd want him back, you may be interested."

"Listen, Keshia...I hate games. I thought I knew Graham pretty well. In less than a week I see Victoria get to him; I don't recognize him anymore. If you must know, I don't really care anymore."

They had finally arrived to Alice's car. Keshia put the last box inside and tried convincing Alice once more.

"If Graham was ever your friend and you cared about him like I think you do, call me. Here's my cell number. Don't hesitate."

Alice took the piece of paper Keshia handed her and shoved it in her bag. She didn't need it. Her new job seemed very promising. It was about time she changed anyways. she only stayed for Graham.

Alice watched Keshia walk the last few steps to the parking's exit. She started her engine and as the key turned in the ignition, it was as if it unlocked all her hidden emotions. She rested her head on the steering wheel and started crying.

Chapter 22: Letting Her Know

2007-04-08T23:34:00.000-04:00

Graham had asked Alice to meet him in his office. She had just entered the office when she started talking barely leaving a chance for Graham to greet her.

“There’s no need to say anything, I already know why I’m here.”

“What do you mean, Alice? I told you we had to talk because there is so much I have to tell you.”

“Oh, like: you are sorry, you want me to understand, you never meant to hurt me et cetera. It’s all bla bla bla to me.”

Alice looked at Graham and could feel the anger coming on strong. She continued, screaming.

“I don’t understand, Graham, I never will! Even less having to learn it through Victoria.

You look surprised…that bitch is a parasite! If you want to get back together with her, fine; but don’t come back looking for me.”

“I’m really sorry, Alice. You wouldn’t believe to what extend. I don’t know what Victoria told you or when or why. I wanted to tell you myself…I had to tell Vicky first because I promised her she’d be first to know once I reached a decision.”

“This just goes to prove where your loyalty lies.”

Alice turned leaving Graham facing her back. She walked to the door. Just as she was about to step out; he rushed from behind and shut the door.

Neither of them moved for a moment. They could feel the tension in the air. Graham put his hands on Alice’s shoulders and made her turn to face him.

“Don’t hate me, Alice.”

“Don’t hate you? Don’t hate you? First you dump me, let me find out through someone else and now you want to tell me how to feel? You have some nerve! I can’t believe…”

Graham approached and kissed her. She kissed him back for a second before pushing him away. She slapped him across his cheek.

“Obviously, you’re not sure what you want. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. I’m leaving, Graham.”

Alice walked out of the office. Graham didn’t move and kept standing next to the door. He touched his burning cheek and then his lips. He knew it was wrong to kiss Alice but couldn’t help it. A part of him wouldn’t let her go; the irony was, that same part had probably pushed her away forever.

Chapter 21: Confrontation

2007-03-27T00:26:00.000-04:00

“Graham and I are back together!”

Vicky was at Mandy and Keshia’s apartment breaking the news to the girls. Keshia looked at Vicky in disbelief.

“What? When? I mean, how?”

Victoria stared at Keshia; a triumphant look illuminating her eyes.

“He finally learned why I left him in the first place. I guess it’s a mix of love, regret, deception and guilt. Funny you should ask, Keshy, you of all people should know.”

Mandy shifted her look to Keshia.

“I don’t understand what’s going on…Do you, Keshia?”

“Believe me, Mandy, she does. You ought to be actress, girl. Your goody two shoes act; we bought right into it. If I hadn’t known all along, I probably would’ve doubted it ever happened. Hell, I’d think I was crazy.”

Keshia was nervous; Vicky knew something and was playing with her. She couldn’t risk revealing something Victoria didn’t already know. She had to play the game, whatever it was.

“Vicky, I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m sure Mandy agrees that you are not making much sense right now.”

“Oh, I’m not making much sense? Really…well, Graham didn’t seem to think so. Don’t you even feel the least bit guilty or you’ll keep the innocent act until the end?”

Mandy couldn’t stand it much longer. She didn’t want to wait around and be in the middle while Keshia and Victoria were playing some weird game.

“Enough, Victoria, what in the hell is going on?”

“Well, I’ll tell you Mandy just so you know what kind of two face bitch you’ve been living with all those years.”

Victoria posed to make an impression.

“Keshia has been having an affair with Graham”

Keshia could feel her world tumbling down. It couldn’t be happening. There was no way Vicky could’ve found out. Why was she talking about an affair when it was just a one-night fling? Keshia needed to think but she just felt so lightheaded. Then before she could react, everything went black.

“Where’s Victoria?”

“Keshy, honey, she upset you and you lost consciousness, I figured it was better if she’d leave for now.”

“My diary! That’s it! This is how Vicky found out. The girl calls me a bitch when she can’t even respect my belongings; she’d stop at nothing.”

“Are you saying it’s true you have an affair with Graham? You didn’t even tell me.”

“Mandy…first, this was a one-night thing, a mistake and second, I meant to tell you, I did but…I’m sorry, I have no excuse really.”

Keshia got off the couch where Mandy apparently had her lay on after she passed out and walked to her room. She had to verify something.

Chapter 20: Maybe She's Really The One

2007-03-18T14:05:00.000-04:00

“What the hell…did you hit your head or something? Surely you can’t be serious!”

“I can’t kiss all those years goodbye. My relationship with Alice is relatively new and maybe just a rebound. I wanted to marry Vicky for God’s sake. That has to mean something.”

“Yes, that you are nuts. What is making you doubt now? You are almost rid of her. Soon you’ll get your house back and she’ll just be a bad memory.”

“Gary, don’t speak of her like that. Vicky had her reasons for everything she did and I deserved it.”

“You’ve lost me. You are saying she was right to treat you badly? That her calling off the engagement in such a cruel way was well deserved? How could that be?”

Graham took a long pause.

“I cheated…and not with any girl...with Keshia."

"Whoa! Miss "Goody Two Shoes"? Not only was I sure she was a prude but I even thought she was frigid!

"She's neither. But that's besides my point. Victoria says she's known all along. She was hoping I'd come clean but I never did. After the engagement it was harder for her to pretend and that's probably why she played tricks."

"Something doesn't make sense. How did she find out anyways? Keshia told her out of guilt?"

"I don't think Keshia would've told her. Only me and Keshia knew so it is a mystery to me how Vicky found out. I don't want to ask her given that the situation is bad enough."

Gary figured he had to think quickly. If Graham were to get back with Victoria, his plan would backfire. He could see Graham was struggling, he couldn't figure out what was the best thing to do. No matter who he'd choose, someone would end up getting hurt. Vicky had to be hiding something, the timing of her revealing she knew about Graham cheating with Keshia was a little too convinient. He had to find out what she was hiding and quickly. If Graham wanted to get back together with her, fine, but he'd make sure it wouldn't last long.

"Ok, say you get back with Victoria what makes you think she won't act the way she did when she left you. Are you sure she doesn't resent you still?"

"It's a chance I'm willing to take...I owe it to her, to us. After all, it hasn't been a year, barely a couple of months."

"It's your life. Don't say I didn't warn you. Vicky is bad news."

Graham had made his decision. He would've wanted to tell Alice first but he promised Vicky she would be first to know. This situation was very delicate to handle. He hoped Alice would understand.

Chapter 19: The Ends Justify The Means

2007-02-20T02:58:00.000-05:00

Victoria got suspicious Keshia may have had a secret after her last visit to the girls. When they teamed up against her, she kind of knew something was on. She wasn’t sure it concerned her but she had to find out. She still had the key to the apartment since she used to live with Mandy and Keshia. She also knew Keshia kept a diary and all her hiding places so she decided to go find out.

“I can’t believe what happened last night. I made a horrible mistake. This is so not like me. I just betrayed Victoria. Betrayed her twice since I promised not to tell her. Vicky had to go to this fundraising event with Graham and she couldn’t make it and asked me to go with him instead. I’ve always liked Graham, I’ve always been a little jealous of Vicky for having such a wonderful man in her life. I thought it would be cool to spend a night in her shoes. I never expected they would fit so great.

Graham was adorable; very sweet and attentive. The evening was great but I’m afraid we both had a little too much to drink. Instead of going straight home each our separate way like we should have, I got back in the limo with him. I know I should’ve stopped myself but I couldn’t help it and I started imagining what it would be like to be in his arms, have him kissing me, make love to me. I initiated a very innocent flirting session and soon after we were kissing.

I could blame the alcohol but it would just be a sad excuse. We were getting pretty hot and heavy and he couldn’t get back to my place because of course I live with Mandy and Vicky. I didn’t want to go to his place either so we ended up at the hotel. Not a sleazy one, five stars; it was like a dream. We got to our room and quickly found ourselves undressed making passionate love. I didn’t take even a second to think of how wrong this was.

I guess I’m a bad person. Graham and I talked about it and we promised never to tell Vicky or anyone else. It reminded me he wasn’t mine. I had just betrayed my best friend. Being in Graham’s arms was so unreal and wrong, yet it felt so right. This is where jealousy had brought me. To a hotel room with my best friend’s boyfriend. I’ll have to live with this my entire life now.

I would want to be with Graham and yet it’s impossible. He’s a faithful man; even he can’t tell why or how this happened. I seduced him because I wish I were Vicky sometimes. Now I’m left with less than before I guess. I don’t have him and I’ve lost my self-respect. If I tell the truth, I lose my best friend as well. I sure made a mess of things.”

Vicky smiled reminiscing what she found out a few hours before. She had found exactly what she was looking for. She returned the old diaries were they use to be. Keshia wouldn’t notice a thing. She looked around the room once again hoping to find the new hiding place for the diary Keshia was currently keeping, but nothing.

After reading the journal entry, Vicky thought Keshy would’ve tried to steal Graham away from her. As she kept reading, she surprisingly found out Keshia never even tried. That girl was just expressing guilt and more guilt throughout the rest of the year. Funny, Vicky had done it to her in the past; this could’ve been payback.

“Keshy, you’ve always been weak”, she thought. “Too bad, Graham and you probably would’ve been a perfect pair.”

She was lucky the search paid off. It was hard to believe Keshia was able to keep a secret this big for so long. According to the diary, only Graham and Keshia knew. Now Vicky did too and she had definitely used it to her advantage. He couldn’t have changed so much. Guilt would have him running back to her in no time. In a weird, twisted way; she had Keshia to thank for it all.

Chapter 18: One Desperate Attemp

2007-02-18T21:49:00.001-05:00

“How could you do this?! I trusted you, Graham.”

“Really? Well, let’s talk about trust Vicky. What was Leetson doing at your party to start with? True, you were looking for another job while enjoying all the benefits you would’ve had working with me only you have a whole year off.

That year was for you to take some time to think. Think about us. But yet the first thing you do once you are free is flirt with my best friend and look for another job. You thought I wouldn’t find out?”

“Loyalty?! I’m all for a talk on loyalty. Me flirting with Gary is nothing compared to what happened between you and Keshia. Oh, I bet you thought I didn’t know. But I knew all along. I kept waiting for one of you to confess and apologize but nothing, you guys kept it secret because you believe you could get away with it. How many times? How many times?”

Graham opened his mouth but he was speechless. It had never crossed his mind that Vicky could’ve known. She started to cry.

“Do you have any idea how I felt? Betrayed by the man I loved and my best friend. Especially Keshia who was always such a goody two shoes. I spent all those nights with you just knowing you weren’t faithful. I even accepted your marriage proposal because I was unable to let you go…”

Graham approached Victoria and held her tight.

“I swear to you it only happened once. We were both drunk and the situation got out of control. We decided not to tell you because it seemed like the best thing to do. Vicky, I loved you. More than anything in the world and I didn’t want to hurt you.

I am truly ashamed you found out on your own and not through me. I wanted to tell you so many times but it just never seemed right. Then it was just easier to keep it inside for both our sakes. I deeply regret what happened that night and I could never erase it or make it up to you. I’m sorry.”

“How did we ever get to here? I should’ve been able to tell you I was leaving you because I was insecure. That I knew about you and Keshia. It would’ve saved us from this whole mess.”

“Maybe we couldn’t be saved, Vicky…”

“Do you really mean it? Alice, you haven’t been seeing her for long. Is it really serious? I’m sure you still love me, Graham. I just know it. I let you see an awful side of me lately but that is not me. We should start over.”

This was out of Victoria’s character. Graham didn’t know what to believe anymore. If part of him felt guilty she was so insecure during the relationship after he strayed. The other part felt she was responsible because she never confronted him.

There was also Alice in the equation. He couldn’t just get back to Victoria. It was too complicated. But he could feel he still cared and maybe even loved her just by considering it.

“Vicky, I have to think. I’m really sorry. I wish I had an answer for you but I don’t. I just don’t. I have to sort out my feelings. I promise, whatever I decide, you’ll be first to know.”

Chapter 17: Trying to Make Amend

2007-02-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

“Are you ok, Graham? You seem…disturbed.”

“I’m fine Alice, it’s nothing to worry about.”

“This has anything to do with Victoria? We can leave.”

“It is related to Victoria but also Gary. We don’t have to leave. She won’t find out tonight anyways. I’ll deal with it in time and place.”

“Please, Graham, tell me what’s going on, I don’t want to be left in the dark.”

Alice was wondering if she should be worried. She thought Graham didn’t care for Victoria anymore, but the way he acted was leading her to believe otherwise. Maybe knowing exactly what was going on would put those negative feelings to sleep.

“Hey beautiful. Great party!”

“Gary! Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.”

“Really? Good to know. Can’t wait to get me alone in a room?”

Victoria laughed.

“No. I wanted to ask you if you’d seen Graham or that girl he was with at Kisses.”

“Oh! That’s it?”

Gary pretended to be hurt. Then he smiled and pointed in the direction Alice was standing. Victoria thanked him before walking to Alice who was alone.

“Hi, Amy, I’m glad to see you here.”

“The name is Alice. Thank you very much.”

Victoria wasn’t too happy with Alice interrupting her and acting like she was so important all of a sudden. She pretended not to notice Alice’s attitude. She had to get back on Graham’s good side.

“Right, Alice, I’m sorry. I wanted to apologize for that regrettable incident at Kisses the other night. I would gladly pay for the dry cleaning if you send me the bill. I hope they were able to remove the stain.”

“Well, Victoria…”

“Oh, just call me Vicky.”

“I’d rather stick to Victoria, we’re not friends. And I don’t think it’s such a good idea to offer paying for my dry cleaning now that you’re out of work. And by the way, Leetson’s is going under and soon. I wouldn’t count on a job there. Have a good evening, Victoria.”

Alice grabbed a glass of red wine on the table next to her and dropped it on Victoria while leaving.

“I’m soooo sorry. I’m so clumsy. It’s a good thing you are home; you can change right away. I’d tell you to send me the dry cleaner’s bill but we can just call it even. Agree?

Victoria saw Graham arriving behind Alice. She flashed a very fake smile and said yes.

“I’d stay and talk to you, Graham but I just had a little accident. We can speak after. Wait for me!”

Victoria winked and left.

“Let’s leave Alice.”

“I thought you’d never ask. You don’t want to speak to Victoria?”

“Ideally, not tonight. I just want to be in your arms for now.”

Seemed like a star was shining just for her. Gary had partly taken care of the Victoria problem but she was still trouble of course. At least Graham wasn’t interested in speaking to her for the moment. Hopefully she would get the message and go away.

Chapter 16: Housewarming Party

2007-02-04T20:33:00.001-05:00

“This will be the party of the year!”

“Keshia, that is an understatement, this will be the party of the century.”

“Vicky, you’re getting ahead of yourself, this will be a great party but maybe not the one of the century.”

“Since when are you the voice of reason, Mandy? I have the perfect house, the perfect guests, catering, music, Gary and Graham.”

Vicky laughed. Mandy shot her a dirty look.

“I invited Gary for you, of course.”

Little did Vicky know, Mandy knew exactly why Gary would be here. Victoria was too confident as always. Would be funny to watch her public humiliation. Even better, Mandy made sure Victoria had included in her list key people from Leetson’s and other publicity agencies. This would be a night to remember.

“Graham Bill, the one and only.”

“Leetson. It’s been a while.”

Graham and Leetson exchange a brief and polite handshake. It was obvious they did not appreciate each other very much. Graham couldn’t help but wonder why Victoria would’ve invited a man like him. It could be because they had similar personalities. Robert Leetson was a dinosaur. Not only because of his old fashion ways but also because he was hungry for blood both when conducting business or his personal life.

“It sure has been too long. Tell me how does it feel to not only losing your fiancé but to now have her look for a job in my agency?”

Graham almost chocked on his drink and was just about to reply when Gary joined them.

“Well, Victoria as of right now no longer works for Graham.”

“Counselor Sloane.”

“What an honor, you remember me.”

“Well, you sure are hard to forget, the lawsuit cost me nearly 2 million dollars. I sure would get you as counsel if I have to go to trial again. You were amazing.”

“Leetson, if you don’t mind, please excuse us, I need to have a word with Mr. Sloane”

Graham walked with Gary to a more quiet room in the house. He needed to understand whatever was going on.

“Victoria as of right now no longer works for Graham. Would you please explain this to me?”

“Simple. The agreement she signs states that during the year she would not be working with you, she shouldn’t be looking for another job.”

“I can’t believe this. I can’t do this to her.”

“Graham, she signed the agreement. She looked for another job while you were assuming her full salary and expenses. Let her deal with the consequences now.”

Next chapter: More of the party…

Chapter 15: A Little Flattery Gets You Far

2007-01-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

“I’m just afraid he’s using you.”

“Listen, Keshy, I want revenge on Vicky as well. Besides, Gary can’t really be the one to convince her to look for another job. This would pose an ethical problem.”

Victoria who was walking faster than Mandy and Keshia stopped to let the girl catch up.

“Mind if I join the conversation? What were you guys discussing?”

“Not much, the movies that are coming out this weekend. If we can take a break, we’ll probably go see one.”

“Vicky, I heard something interesting about Leetson’s. His daughter was trying to impress the gallery this afternoon and was talking about how Graham was losing accounts to his dad’s company.

“Oh, well, I don’t care much. After all, it’s Graham’s company, not mine.”

“I think what Mandy is trying to say, is that with your potential, you shouldn’t be counting on Graham to get ahead. I’m sure Leetson’s would hire you in a heartbeat. After all, aren’t you the best at what you do?”

“I’m not quite sure. I would check it out but I do have a year of being paid doing nothing so there’s no advantage there, really.”

“This is where you’re wrong! You’d get double the salary. Well probably more than double since you’d probably make more at Leetson’s. Besides, if you really take a one year break, who knows what will have change when you’ll be back? It’s a long time to be out of it in the publicity field, from what I understand.”

“That’s sweet of you Mandy…maybe I’ll check it out.”

“So Mandy and Keshia think I should look for a job…at Leetson’s. Some of Graham’s big accounts are moving.”

“That is an idea. But Graham would lose a valuable employee. I have to say that Leetson’s from what I heard might make some employees partners in a near future. Graham doesn’t. So it does seem like a good opportunity. If they’re getting new clients, they’ll need extra help.”

“You know what, Gary? I like you. If it weren’t for Mandy…and Graham.”

“What about them? Nothing wrong with having a little fun. Mandy is ancient history; don’t tell me you care now?

“Not really, well maybe a little…”

“That’s just too bad. Because I enjoy this, having diner together, spending time with you. Haven’t we had more than three dates? What do you make of the three dates rule?”

Victoria laughed and looked at Gary. He was good looking and obviously interested but was it worth the risk of Mandy and Graham finding out they had a fling?

“I have to think about it. I’d say your chances are pretty good.”

“Hey, I hope, I’m starting to believe you are using me. I’m trying hard in here.”

“Not hard enough, maybe.”

“If this is a challenge, I’m definitely up for it, Victoria. I want you, I know I’ll get you.”

Victoria loved it. Gary was so confident. Now if she could just get Graham close enough to see, get jealous, she could stop this act. She was hoping he would finally fight for her even if it’d have to cost him his friendship with Gary.

Chapter 14: Staying On Her Good Side

2007-01-24T22:01:00.000-05:00

“Vicky! What brings you here?”

Victoria stepped inside the apartment.

“Well, I’ve left a couple of messages on your voicemail and neither Mandy nor you called me back and it’s been a few days. I was worried. I figured I’d stop by and check on you guys.”

“Sorry about that, the week has been pretty hectic.”

“It’s alright, Keshy, I understand, I know Mandy and you are at the end of the semester. Still it wouldn’t have hurt to call; even just to say hi.”

The girls heard a key in the door. Mandy was back. When she saw Victoria, she smiled.

“Oh! Vicky, just the one I wanted to see. Have you been seeing Gary behind my back?”

“Behind your back? You’re not dating him from what I know. Anyways, Mandy, you know I have better taste when it comes to men. You should refine yours. And to answer your question, no I’m not seeing Gary.”

“Really? I saw you two having diner at Rizzo’s two days ago. Anything you want to tell me? I’d love to hear it.”

Victoria flashed Mandy a superior look and laughed.

“All business. Graham put together some documents he wanted me to sign regarding our agreement. Since he promised to give me air, he asked Gary to take care of it.”

Keshia couldn’t take it anymore. Victoria was being awful to Mandy.

“Are you sure Graham asked Gary to get you the papers because of his promise?”

“What do you mean, Keshy? Know something I don’t?”

Vicky paused; she looked at Keshia right in the eyes. She supported Victoria’s glance.

“You don’t know anything…you’ve always been a lousy liar.”

“Not always.”

“Great. I think I get it; I’m persona non grata. Thanks girls. I thought we were friends.

Mandy thought they pushed it too far. Victoria had to believe they were still friends, that they had her best interests to heart or the plan would fail.

“Sorry girl. I think we’re a little bit edgy with the final exams coming up and all. I was out of line to ask you about Gary but I still care about him. Did you sign the documents?”

“I did, of course.”

“Take a look at them?”

“No, I trust Graham. It was probably just a formality. It’s always better to have an agreement on paper. A verbal agreement is not very strong.”

Mandy smiled to herself. Everything was going according to the plan. Sure they used Graham but it was Vicky’s fault that she did not read. That could serve as a lesson when she would lose the house, her job and realize that Graham no longer wanted her.

“For the record, I’m also sorry. I only wanted to help, Mandy. You were not very nice to her. But I guess we deserved it for ignoring you so long. What do you say we go out for drinks? Today is Friday after all.”

It would be so easy to get Vicky to break one or even more of the terms of the agreement she had signed. Especially given the fact that she didn’t read it while Mandy, Keshia and Gary knew every word in the document by heart. Revenge would be so delicious.

Chapter fifteenth: January 27th --- A Little Flattery Gets You Far

Gary tries to get Victoria to look for another job and lure her in bed

Chapter 13: Getting The Plan In Motion

2007-01-21T23:58:00.000-05:00

“Graham I’m your lawyer and your friend. I wouldn’t let you make a mistake so I took the liberty of preparing a document I think you should have Victoria sign. ”

“ What is it exactly?”

“The terms of your agreement. I thought you should have a legal document just in case. That way you won’t get screwed over. ”

“Not a bad idea. Listen, I don’t really feel like getting in contact with Victoria and I did tell her I wouldn’t be in her way. Could you contact her regarding this yourself?”

“Of course. You know you can always count on me.”

“Sure can.”

Gary smiled. Everything was going according to the plan. He was hoping Graham would see that he was doing him a favor. Someday he would have Victoria at his feet and Gary to thank. ”

“How are things going with Alice? ”

“Well…I wanted to take it slow and she seemed to want the same until recently. I wonder what’s behind the sudden change. I’m not complaining but it’s like going from O to 100 in a fraction of second.

“Then no more Victoria?”

“We are over. I mean, she can still keep the house and get anything I’ve promised her but I’m happy with Alice. She is better suited for me. We are officially a couple.”

“Congratulation! This is probably the best thing to have happened to you in a while. Listen, I have to run. I’ll get Victoria to sign those papers and will make sure to send a copy back to you. All the best to you and Alice.”

Gary quickly left Graham’s office. He was meeting Victoria for lunch. He wanted to pick up flowers on his way. He bumped into Alice. She flashed him a nice smile.

“You didn’t stay long. Meeting?”

“Kind of. It’s both business and pleasure. I just wanted to step by and get Graham’s approval on a final document.

“Really? I don’t see why he’d need a legal document right now. Nothing special is going on.”

Gary laughed.

“You sure are thorough but I already knew that. It’s regarding Victoria. I like you, Alice; I want you to take care of my best friend. I’ll take care of Vicky.”

He winked at her and left. He had to get flowers and his act ready before going to that diner.

Chapter 12: Fishing for information

2007-01-16T22:33:00.000-05:00

"Graham, there's a Keshia Harsen asking to see you."

Looking at Alice, he could see she was intringued. She probably recognized Keshia as one of Vicky's friend at the club the other night. It sure seemed weird she would come to see him. Graham tried not to give the impression he was worried and asked Alice to let her in.

"Close the door, please."

"Don't worry, I had every intention to close it Graham, I'm not here to cause you trouble."

" Then why are you here, Keshia? On a mission for Vicky?"

Keshia laughed and approached Graham's desk. She sat on the extreme right corner and turned to look at him.

"No, definitly not. More on a personal mission."

Graham pulled his chair back and walked right next to Keshia who stood up as well.

"What kind of mission? What do you want, Keshia? You're here to threaten me? Try to make my life a living hell?"

"Calm down, Graham, I'm not that kind of girl."

"Really, Keshia? Because I wouldn't put it past you, after all, you are Vicky's friend."

"Well, sometimes I wonder, you know. After what happened between us. How I'm often thinking what an horrible person she is..."

"Keshia, what happened between you and I is in the past. I don't know why you are bringing it up. We were suppose to put it all behind us and never mention it again."

"Easy for you to say, Graham."

"Don't you make me out to be the bad guy. It's not like I raped you or anything, YOU came on to me. And I...I made a mistake."

"I was drunk, you were drunk. I never told Vicky. I'm not about to."

"Good. Then why are you here? I don't have time for games."

Graham hated to be reminded that he hadn't always been faithful with Victoria. Just a minor slip and there he was. He used to think Vicky was lucky to have a friend like Keshia but now he didn't know what to think. She was part of the reason why he stayed with Vicky all this time. The guilt was stronger than he thought.

“Okay, here’s the deal. What are your feelings toward Victoria?”

“Is this a trick question? Why are you asking me that?”

Graham was losing patience. But he could see Keshia was about to lose her temper as well.

“Two years, I didn’t say a word and yet, you still don’t trust me?…”

She looked at him straight in the eyes, ready to burst.

“Maybe I do have an ulterior motive but I promise it has nothing to do with you. It does not really involve you. If anything, I need to know to protect you.”

“Vicky and I are over if it’s what you want to know. I don’t want her back. Not now, not ever. I can’t even seem to remember why I loved her in the first place.”

“Thanks, Graham. That is really all I needed to know. I’ll be out of your hair now.”

“Take care of yourself, Keshy.”

Alice quickly moved away from the door. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop. She never had before. She had an important message to deliver Graham. Just as she was about to enter, she heard Keshia asking about his feelings for Victoria.

He said he didn’t love her anymore. She was happy to hear it even if part of her felt horrible. She shouldn’t have heard, she shouldn’t know. But now that she knew, it was an undeniable advantage.

Chapter 13th: January 21st--

Chapter 11: Different Point of View

2007-01-12T00:31:00.000-05:00

“Now why would you do that?”

“To teach Victoria a lesson.”

“Oh, so let me get this straight. You think that Vicky wind up all alone…and then maybe, just maybe apologize? But to who?”

“She humiliated him, destroyed his reputation.”

“Doesn’t remember and probably doesn’t care.”

Keshy approached Mandy.

“I know you are hoping you and Gary can be a couple. Tell me you are not blaming Victoria for the mess it turned out to be after you met him.”

“Well, just a little bit. He did say the fact that she was my friend didn’t help.”

“Mandy! Gary is a womanizer! He used you, had a good time and now, he’s trying to use you again. Hope you didn’t let him score this time. He had his chance but he chose to sleep with you and then put a disappearing act. You shouldn’t forgive him, much less help him.”

“Are you going to tell Vicky?”

“No. You do realize you are putting me in an impossible situation?”

“I do…But I also want revenge. Sorry if you have to be involved.”

Keshia just hated the whole idea. Victoria wasn’t an angel, far from it. She probably had it coming. Yet it was hard to let it happen. Mandy was betraying Vicky’s friendship and she also was.

Gary would be the reason Victoria would lose it all. Sure, she had left Graham but only because she believed the grass was greener on the other side. Only if he were to see her with Gary, it would be the end of them. No way back.

It was a moral dilemma; she had to know if Graham still loved Victoria. She still didn’t know if that girl he was hanging out with the other night was “just a friend” or something a little more serious.

While she was starting to approve the idea of Vicky finally getting a taste of her own medicine, she couldn’t help but think of how unfair it’s be to Graham if he still had feeling for her.

Chapter twelfth: January 16th --- Fishing for information

Keshy tries to find out Graham’s feelings

Chapter 10: A Cold Hard Look

2007-01-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

Graham’s mind wandered to the last evening he spent with Alice. They both lay on the freshly cut grass starring at the sky. The full moon lighted perfectly her face and made her hair glow. She was more seductive than ever and Graham had to fight the urge to kiss her.

“You are starring”

“I didn’t realize, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

She smiled. He didn’t recognize that spark in her eyes. Was it ok to kiss her? He was so scared of making a mistake. He couldn’t lose her. She was gaining more importance in his life whenever he’d see her. He wouldn’t say he was in love quite yet. But it sure was close to it.

“I think you want to kiss me.”

“Stop reading my mind.”

“I suggest you read mine instead.”

Her tone was flirtatious. He finally stopped holding back. Graham rolled to his side now facing Alice. He starred at her a few more seconds before she turned to face him. He tenderly caressed her face from her forehead to her chin. He gently moved a lock of hair that had escaped her ponytail and leaned in to kiss her.

Graham kept remembering that moment since it happened three days earlier. For some reason, he felt bad towards Victoria. He’d told her he would wait a year but surely after that stunt she pulled at the club…He didn’t know if he should tell her straight up his offer no longer stood. For all he cared, she could keep the house, the free ride for a year but he definitely wouldn’t be waiting for her.

It was hard for him to even recall why he fell in love with her to start with. Sure, she was beautiful but there had to be more. Yet, nothing came to mind. As if the entire relationship was superficial. Sure, she was a determinate person and he found that very sexy. Still, it wasn’t enough to justify his proposal. It hit him hard. After three years of dating Vicky, he couldn’t find one good reason why he was with her for so long.

“Vicky, whenever you get this message, please call me back. It’s Graham. We need to talk.”

He picked up the phone again.

“Hi Alice, it’s been three days since we’ve seen each other. I can’t get you off my mind. Would you join me for a drink and a nice meal later today?”

“I guess that could be possible…I’d be very happy to.”

“Perfect. I will call you around 5 pm and I’ll pick you up soon after. Can’t wait to see you again.”

Chapter eleventh: January 11th --- Different Point Of View

Mandy exposes her plan to Keshy.

Chapter 9: New Romance

2006-12-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

"Your prince charming is in town and he was wondering if you would do him the honor of having dinner with him."

"Gary, I can't believe you'd try hitting on me so soon after the end of my relationship with Graham."

"You should believe it, after all, you were kissing me last night. And Graham doesn't have to know."

Victoria thought Graham didn't have to know but he would. He wanted to spend time with Alice? Fine, she'd spend time with his best friend. That should make him jealous enough to come crawling. There had to be some kind of competition between those two.

On their way to the restaurant, Vicky tried having a meaningful conversation with Gary. He was in a flirtatious mood. He didn’t seem to have anything to say other than she was pretty and a good kisser. That dinner would be close to hell in her point of view. She considered herself intelligent. Yet, Gary was treating her like a stupid airhead. Was it the impression she was giving?

“Gary! I have a university degree! Would you stop treating me like a dumb blonde that only cares about her hair, clothes and nails?”

“Oh, you don’t?”

Vicky shot him a dirty look. He had to change his strategy or else she’d ask him to bring her home. But it was hard to resist. Wasn’t the plan to make her ridiculize herself? Maybe it was too soon, he had to be patient.

“I’m sorry, that wasn’t too nice. From now on, I’ll be a sweet boy. I’ll even talk to you about the theory of relativity…”

Vicky laughed. Gary had always been very funny. She didn’t even have a thought for Graham or Mandy, people she was hurting by going on a date with Gary. She would have a great time. She wanted Graham to hear about it and she wanted Alice to get dumped. Everything would work how she planned. Using Gary was a small price to pay.

“What if I told you I’ve been waiting for this day? For the moment when you and Graham wouldn’t be an item so I could make my move.”

“I’d say you are lying. But I do admit, I am surprised. You never seemed to like me when I was dating him.”

“You think I would have made my intentions clear to Graham? I’m not stupid; now that he’s gone gaga for Alice, I can make my move and he won’t notice.”

“Gaga for Alice? Oh please, that girl is a desperate case. No way. I refuse to believe it.”
“That’s ok, I don’t care about Alice and Graham right now. It’s all about you.”

But Victoria couldn’t think of anything else. Graham couldn’t be gaga for Alice. He still wanted her, of course. Alice was just a distraction. She’d make him see that sooner than later. Hanging with Gary could only help. She couldn’t wait for them to fight; both trying to win her. It would be great. And she wanted Alice to be there and see how she never could be even half the woman she is. Victoria smiled.

“We should go for a walk.”

Tenth chapter: January 7th --- A Cold Hard Look

Graham takes a step back from the madness to analyze his relationship with Alice and Vicky.

Chapter 8: Cooking Revenge

2006-12-26T23:40:00.000-05:00

"Mandy, stop! I think I owe you an apology."

“No Gary, you don’t.”

She kept walking. She had just stepped out of the club and was still shaken after seeing Gary kiss Victoria. She shouldn’t care and she knew but it hurt to see Vicky betray her like this. About a month before, she hooked up with Gary after a double date Vicky had planned. Not hearing from him a few days later, she tried calling him several times. He never returned her calls. Now here he was, kissing Vicky and while she wanted to warn her, she totally blew her off.

“Yes, I do.”

Gary gently grabbed Mandy by the arm forcing her to turn and face him.

“Mandy, I am who I am…Truth is, I have a reputation with the ladies but I’m always honest. I’m not the kind to commit the crime and leave the scene. I’m usually pretty straightforward about my intentions.

I never called you back or returned your phone calls and there are no excuses for that. I’m sorry. We did click but you are friends with Victoria Lane. That is just disturbing to me.”

Mandy started to show signs of impatience.

“I have never been a one woman’s man. I would’ve tried for you, maybe. Instead, I decided I could take this opportunity to get revenge on Vicky through you. It was very insensitive and childish I may add. Tonight, to find myself kissing her…I don’t know what to say…”

“Revenge on Vicky through me??? Why? What did she ever do to you? Hell, she’s done a lot to a lot of people but I don’t think she’d attack Graham’s best friend!”

“Not exactly, back then, she didn’t know Graham, neither did she know me. We were going to university together. You know what? Let’s go for coffee, I’ll tell you all about it.”

Mandy looked at him suspiciously. What if he was only trying to get into her pants again? She decided she should go; after her friend’s stunt tonight, she was mad. So mad, she wanted to know exactly what Vicky did so long ago that she had to end up paying the price for.

“That’s the whole story? The truth and nothing but the truth?”

“Absolutely. And I’m not trying to put a move on you right now. I have to say you’re the only one I told. Graham doesn’t even know.”

“I’m flattered. But I’m afraid to say Vicky hasn’t changed much. She probably doesn’t even remember. You know, I was a little mad at her. After all you told me, it’s gotten worse. I’ll help you get revenge. It’s about time Vicky stops getting her way stepping on everyone she thinks is below her. Including me.”

“Anything in mind?”

“Well she seems to have her mind set on you. Or that’s just to make Graham jealous. Either way, this could work to our advantage. I never cared about being mean. I can always justify myself later. She’ll know what it feels like to be walked on and backstabbed.

First thing when you wake up tomorrow morning, you send her a bouquet of flowers with a nice card. I won’t tell you what to write; I know you can pull that off alone. Get the florist to let you know when they’ll deliver. There’s a phone call you’ll have to make right after they arrive.”

If there was an expert on revenge, it definitely was Mandy. A pissed off woman should never be underestimated.

Ninth chapter: January 2nd --- New Romance

More on:
Alice and Graham?
Mandy and Gary?
Vicky and Gary?

You decide!

Chapter 7: Rude Awakening

2006-12-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

Victoria woke up with a killer headache. Memories came flashing back. How she threw red wine at Alice. Graham pissed and disgusted of her behavior. How she flirted with random guys in the club. Panicked, unable to tell if she should trust her memory, she picked up the phone.

“Mandy, please tell me what happened last night!”

“Oh, it’s you? Keshy, pick-up the phone, Vicky is on the line. Obviously she’s got another convenient memory lost.”

Keshia and Mandy had been roommates for years. Before Victoria moved with Graham she was living with the girls in a big apartment at the heart of downtown. For whatever reason, Mandy didn’t want to speak with Vicky. Keshy picked up the phone.

“Hey Vicky, Mandy is pretty pissed right now. I’d be too if I were her. I’m guessing you told her you can’t remember?”

“Well, not exactly, it’s pretty vague. I did throw a glass of red one at Alice, right?”

“Oh yes, you did. And Graham was anything but happy. I’d say he was furious…anything else comes to mind?”

“Gary?” Said Victoria in a soft desperate voice.

“Yes, Gary…you were all over him after Graham left. You even kissed him.”

Vicky wanted to die; it wasn’t all a bad dream. She had kissed Graham’s best friend.

“You told Mandy to beat it when she confronted you. Gary was really nice. He let me take care of you and he went to speak to her. Apparently you and him have a history. Mandy wouldn’t tell me more, she’s very pissed but also more mysterious than usual.”

“That can’t be good, what is she planning? I trust you would tell me if you knew. Wouldn’t you?”

“Of course, Vicky. Listen, I have to leave. You take care of yourself and I’ll let you know as soon as I know more.”

Keshia felt bad but she had to lie. Somehow she felt more loyalty towards Mandy than Victoria. She promised she wouldn’t tell Mandy’s secret until she chose to. It wasn’t her decision to make. Victoria had excluded herself from their circle with her behavior.

Vicky couldn’t find one good reason why Keshia would want to hang up so fast. It could only be bad news. Especially with Mandy being pissed. So what, she had kissed Gary when she knew she liked him and told her she didn’t stand a chance. The guy was an idiot anyways. Yet she knew she’d have to apologize. What made her more desperate is knowing she'd have to apologize to Graham and Alice as well. Alcohol had definitly gotten her into trouble the previous night.

The doorbell rang. A delivery guy was standing at the door with a huge bouquet of roses.

“Delivery for Miss Victoria Lane. Three dozen roses”

Victoria quickly read the card. The roses were from Gary Sloane…Now what was happening exactly?

Eighth chapter: December 25th--- Cooking Revenge

Gary and Mandy "team" up

Chapter 6: If It's War You Want

2006-12-11T04:03:00.000-05:00

"Come dance with me, beautiful." Gary whispered in Alice's ear when she got back.

"Not interested, your game's a little weak, playa."

She winked at him before turning to Graham.

"I would however LOVE to dance with you, sexy boy."

Too shocked to react, Graham let Alice take him to the crowded dance floor. She was barely recognizable; she was usually so discreet. Tonight, everything from her attitude to her clothes was different. She had her hair curled when she usually worn them straight, her nails were done, she was wearing stilettos instead of flat shoes. Her outfit was very sexy and yet classy. Bare back with just a little cleavage showing, blue was definitely her color. With white pants, the ensemble was stunning.

Now he understood how Gary could find her attractive, she definitely was. He even had to admit he was having a great time and was flattered she’d rather dance with him than his friend who usually had a lot of success with the female gender. Victoria didn’t matter for the moment, only Alice did.

“What are you starring at?” asked Alice, playfully.

“You. You are just so beautiful.”

“I see Gary and you graduated at the same player’s school.”

“No, no, definitely not.”

“Then where was yours?”

She laughed. Her laugh was so melodic, so cute; he hadn’t noticed it in so many years. How could he not? All of a sudden he felt awkward towards her. He really cared that she didn’t see him as a player which didn’t make sense because after so many years she probably already knew that about him. He just had to make sure she never stopped thinking he was a great guy.

“Vicky, I suggest you leave the bar, you’ve had enough to drink and you have to get Graham away from that girl.”

“I know, Mandy, but what can I do? It’s too late now; can you believe she snubbed me? She’s his secretary; she’s nothing! And the plan to have her hookup with Gary is ruined. Look at her dancing with him; it’s making me sick!”

Victoria tried to step off the stool, lost her balance, let out a loud scream before falling. Even though the club was packed and the music’s volume was making it hard to hear anything, a couple of people rushed in her direction to offer a helping hand. She had never been so humiliated in her entire life and she blamed it all on Alice. She got up on her own and promised herself to get revenge.

“Can I have a glass of red wine please?”

“With all the gin tonics you just had? This will make you sick!

“Only if I intended to drink it, Keshia.”

Victoria winked and threw a devilish look towards Alice.

“Oh no, you won’t.”

“Watch me!”

She had a little too much to drink and was definitely out on a mission, even if the club was set on fire she wouldn’t be stopped. Keshia felt bad for Alice. The poor girl probably didn’t know she was playing with fire flirting and dancing with Graham when Victoria was only a few steps away.

“Graham, so nice to see you again! How have you been?”

“Oh, well, I’ve been fine, Vicky. But I think you’ve had a little too much to drink and I’m not alone…”

“True, true, I’m sorry. Hi Alice!”

Victoria turned to face Alice and deliberately spilled the wine on her. She smiled at Alice.

“This is what you get for trying to get my man. You’re warned, back off!”

Graham approached immediately and looked at Alice with a sorry expression on his face before turning to Victoria, he was really mad.

“What is wrong with you? You left me and now you think you can attack my girl friends? Alice, I’m really sorry, come with me, I’m bringing you home.”

“Your place or mine?”

Alice said it loud enough for a pissed off Victoria to hear. Graham looked at her puzzled. She had no intention of going back to his place obviously. Sure the idea had crossed his mind but she wasn’t that kind of girl. Looking at Victoria’s face was priceless, he now understood. Alice had just won a battle.

Seventh chapter: December 18th---Rude Awakening

Victoria sobers up…

Chapter 5: A Night Out

2006-12-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

"I vote for another club!"

"Why Keshy? We all LOVE Kisses, it's the place to be."

Keshia subtly hit Mandy with her elbow and pointed the club's entrance.

"Apparently someone else is in the mood to party."

It was hard to tell if Victoria was mad or amused as she stared at Graham stepping into the club. Mandy was definitely amused and Keshia knew this night would probably be a disaster. Victoria could be so unpredictable, she doubted Vicky saw Gary but it was only a matter of time before she did.

Victoria walked towards the entrance, determined, her night would not be ruined. Graham wanted to move on already? Fine, but she'd make him pay for it. For every minute of fun he'd have tonight, she'd have ten. By the end of the night, he'd be wrapped around her fingers again.

"So Graham is here...can you believe he's already thinking of partying?!"

"Well, you are, Vicky!"

"Shut up, Keshy, I have the right to, that's who I am. I'm furious, do you have any idea how many groupies will be chasing him all night? It's just not something you do right after a break-up!"

"Nice double standard, girl! You don't tell me to shut up, especially not when I'm right. And the groupies might keep their distance, he's not alone."

"You're talking about Gary? You have to be kidding me, he lives for this. And he hates me, I never understood why."

"I don't think Keshia is referring to Gary, there's a brunette with them, well, more with Graham."

"Emergency restroom meeting, I need a plan."

This was Victoria, plans and more plans, the events couldn't just flow, everything had to be planned. Emergency meeting in the restrooms could only mean that she was looking for another tactic. The fun was gone already; she had a goal tonight and would stop at nothing to reach it.

Graham handed out a cosmopolitan to Alice. He was glad he went out, especially with her, he needed to unwind. Gary ruined the whole mood with just one sentence.

"Victoria Lane is in the house!!!"

"What do you mean?"

"She's here, I've been going around to see wherever all the beautiful ladies where hiding. Excepting you, Alice, of course. You don't hide, you shine through and I just followed your glow to find my way back."

Alice blushed; Gary’s attitude was annoying Graham. He felt very protective of her and Gary wasn't exactly a guy he would set her up with. Yet, like any girl, she seemed to like the attention. He thought about Victoria coming to the same venue he chose. Should he avoid her? Go straight to her and say hi? He just didn't know what to do. What if she already knew he was here? Why didn't she bother to say hi? Could it be because of Alice?

"I'm going to the restrooms, boys"

"Don't worry, Alice, we are not going anywhere, Princess."

Alice smiled at Gary, was it the start of a new romance? Thankfully Alice was leaving them alone, probably long enough for Graham to get a message to his best friend considering her.

Alice was done and was about to get out when she heard a familiar voice. She was approached the toilet stall and looked through the small opening. It was indeed Victoria Lane and what she was saying was anything but nice.

"Yuck, he's with Alice!!! Of all people, why her? She's so, so...ordinary. He should go for someone in his league. From me to Alice? I won't tolerate it. I need a plan and quick, I don't want that ugly duck spending the night with him."

"With any luck, she'll end up with Gary. Don't they all end up in his bed anyways? Forget female solidarity, I say we distract Graham and let her fall for the player's game."

"Mandy are you still mad about Vicky not telling you about Gary? From where I stand, this is mean, she seems like a nice girl."

"Who cares about nice, Keshia? I agree with Mandy; this will definitely teach that idiot to stay where she belongs which is the bottom of the ladder! There's no way Graham is interested in her anyways, she's someone you are friends with out of pity. Graham pities a lot of people."

A tear rolled down Alice's cheek, she didn't want to hear of believe Victoria's words and yet they were getting to her. She quickly wiped the tear and decided she would be strong; that evil witch wouldn't win. She flushed, got out of the stall, walked straight to the sink right next to Victoria and her friends. She thought she was moving pretty quickly but the action seemed to be in slow motion.

Alice dried her hand and move towards the exit walking right by Victoria, looked at her straight in the eye before turning her head and leaving while Vicky stood in the same spot in open-mouthed astonishment. Alice had just snubbed someone, and not just anyone! She didn't want revenge but was certainly not going to see the man she loved get tangled in her web once again. As a woman in love and a friend, she had to know she did everything in her power to keep Victoria away from him.

Sixth chapter: December 11th--- If It's War You Want

Chapter 5 continuation

Chapter 4: More Like A Man

2006-11-27T05:43:00.000-05:00

"Oh geez, just as I thought...You look like crap. Like you've been married 25 years to that woman."

"Oh come on, Vicky isn't so bad"

"Hey, don't forget I've dealt with her in the past."

"For like, 3 seconds maybe!"

Graham always liked making fun of Gary when he'd speak of his history with Victoria. Years before Graham ever hooked up with Victoria, Gary and her shared a class in university. He tried asking her out and she rejected him in a way no man had been rejected before. From that point forward, Gary was never too obvious when he would try to get a girl and was also a serial dater.

"Yeah, yeah, you're my hero for getting the girl, but I could've predicted this outcome. She's a bitch, just can't help it, can't fight it."

"She's a strong woman, big difference."

"I've known strong women that didn't have even half her attitude. She's bringing it to another level. She believes she's better than everyone else and that probably includes you. Wake up! You should be celebrating now that she's gone. I'm gonna start working to bringing out the player in you. He has to be hiding somewhere in there."

Graham was very different from Gary; he didn't enjoy casual encounters very much. He didn't even want to get over Victoria for the moment and yet part of him was considering Gary's view. Victoria wasn't the nicest person he knew, far from it. Her selfishness contrasted with his generosity. She could be rude, cruel, and heartless. Even when conducting business; Graham wasn't half as vicious as Vicky would sometimes be with just anyone who would get in her way or even not.

"What if I'm a little angry...Not at her, mostly at myself...well maybe her also."

"I'd say we're getting somewhere, Graham, let's turn you more into a man. I'm thinking night out in a classy club, sexy ladies all around, all you need to get your mind off things. Only the best, for you."

"That's not me and you know it. Thanks for the offer but I'll pass. An anger management class will be more indicated for all that's boiling inside me for the moment."

"Hey, she's just a phone call away, I can dial."

Gary laughed, he was getting a kick out of the situation, maybe Victoria Lane would finally get what was coming to her and maybe, just maybe Graham would wake up and act more like a man.

"So, what will it be? You call Victoria to tell her what you really think of her or you call that sexy friend of yours, your secretary?"

"Alice? You find her sexy? I've never even considered her as anything more than a friend and, of course, a trusty employee."

"Enough of this, you need to get in touch with your masculine side. We're talking about Alice here! That sexy brunette you get to work with everyday. This will sound crude, but how could you not notice her ass in those tight black pants she wears every once in a while? I don't come by your office often and with one visit, I noticed. She's very "girl next door" but in a sexy kind of way. She brings it to a new level."

"Gary, you sound like a predator, you stay away from her."

They both laughed.

"She wouldn't want me anyways, she only has eyes for you. Now you listen to me, write this day down because it is the day when you finally forget about Victoria. Almost every girl out there wants you, I'd kill to be in your shoes so please, make the best out of it. You're calling Alice; we're picking her up in the limo in an hour. Tonight is the night."

Once he had his mind set on something, it was impossible to stop him and Graham knew better. He'd tag along and find any excuse to leave as soon as he could. He had a bad feeling about the outcome of the night.

Fifth Chapter: December 4th--- A Night Out

Anything goes

Chapter 3: Breaking The News

2006-11-20T04:05:00.000-05:00

Mandy tried hard not to laugh. Keshia was totally shocked.

"You mean, the house, this house, is all yours for a year? "

"Yes it is, Keshia, weren’t you listening? Graham needs a backbone. I’m with you on this one, Victoria! Enjoy it, a year goes by fast. You don’t want to have to get back to him because you couldn’t find a suitable replacement. "

Victoria and Mandy both laughed, Keshia didn’t. Her best friends couldn’t be more different. Well, Keshia couldn’t be. She was basically the group’s brain, the grounded one. Sure she had a wild side or else she’d never be able to keep up with the girls, but she was generally nice and well intentioned.

"I can’t bad-mouth Graham, he’s always been nice to you, Victoria. I still don’t understand why you’d do that."

"Listen, Keshia, you are such a nice girl. Unfortunately, like I’ve been telling you forever, nice people get walked on. I don’t want to be walked on and I certainly don’t want a man who’ll be walked on. I’m not interested in wearing the pants in a relationship and this is how it was with Graham.

You know I like man with power, but to me, Graham was barely a man. The same furious energy he puts in his work when negotiating, he doesn’t apply in life. That’s what attracted me to him, his energy and power, so sexy. But instead of dating a « real man », one with raw and vibrant masculinity, I was dating a teddy bear. Graham is a lot of things but definitely not the guy for me. "

"I still think you should have given this more thought. I’m sure he’s so nice because he was scared of losing you. His mother left when he was very young, a part of him probably feels that he’s responsible and that’s why he acts like that, I’m pretty sure he believes that in order to keep a woman around, he has to be nice, dedicated, patient and whatever other qualities he demonstrated while he was with you. Vicky, he’s perfect! "

Victoria and Mandy exchanged a look before bursting out in laughs.

"Wow, Keshy, honey, maybe you should start dating him. Vicky had her reasons to leave him and we should respect that. Of course she totally lacks class and dumped him like a pile of shit, but she won’t change. I’m with her on this one, maybe you think Graham is perfect, but he’s not in her eyes, not in mine either. An angry man, can be so sexy, I totally feel for Vicky. Too nice equals not so sexy. "

"Speaking of sexy man, I could use one drooling over me right now. Graham rejecting me kind of hurt my ego. Especially when, for a second, I actually got a glimpse of the kind of man he could be. So get the phones girls, I wanna party with some sexy men tonight. "

" Vicky, you’ll never change. "

Saying that, Keshia hoped for maybe the millionth time, she’d be wrong. Sure Graham was always accommodating, never got mad in three years of relationship. Even when he caught Victoria in what totally seemed like a situation where she cheated. Always calm and rational, nice and patient. That was the only way to be if you wanted to deal with Victoria anyways.

" I just hope you won’t live to regret it. "

" Regret what? "

" Leaving Graham. "

" Ok, enough of this Keshy! Girls, grab your phones and start dialing! "

Mandy hated wasting time; she was a girl of action. She couldn’t understand why Keshia wouldn’t let go. Sure, she liked Graham; they all did but why dwell on Vicky leaving him? She also wanted to avoid Vicky getting pissed, which might have happened if she hadn’t cut Keshia’s non-sense. Another crazy night of dance and booze should fix it all. In a flash, she had sent out a dozen SMS, and made a few phone calls. They definitely wouldn’t be partying alone. Especially now that they were all single.

" Let’s make a toast, girls: To us being hot and single. "

Now that was a toast! Mandy’s style. The night would be great, a thought they all shared.

Fourth chapter: November 27th---More Like A Man

Introduction of Gary, Graham's best friend
Graham's point of view...

Chapter 2: Life Goes On

2006-11-13T06:10:00.000-05:00

Alice smiled when Victoria walked passed her. She couldn't stand her. That girl thought she was irresistible and acted like everyone else was below her. Alice had to admit the girl was pretty, in a very caricatural way. Long blond hair, blue eyes, long fit legs...Victoria looked like a model. Alice sighted, she knew she was no competition.

Very conscientious, Alice had been working for Graham Bill from the beginning seven years ago, when he was a nobody. More than a secretary she was also a friend. She totally disapproved of his relationship with Victoria but again; she was in no position to tell him what to do. When they started dating, Alice thought it wouldn't last and yet, it had been three years already. Three years of having to deal with his girlfriend's superior looks.

Alice never felt as humiliated as the first time Victoria tried entering Graham's office without asking to be announced first. Alice had stopped her, and she made such a scene everyone on the floor rushed to see and Graham told her under no circumstances she should have Victoria be announced. Like she was a fool, it was so bad, she almost quit. But then he apologized very nicely; it was hard not to forgive him.

"I wonder what she wanted this time."

Every time Victoria would step in the office it'd rarely be for business. Well sometimes it would but always to get a favor, like an extension on an important account. That Victoria was as incompetent as beautiful. Most of the time, Graham would tell her not to worry and hand out the work to another agent rushing him or her to finish on whatever time was left. Publicity is a tough world; Victoria wouldn't have survived in it for a week if it weren't for Graham.

He stepped out of the office visibly upset, she wanted to offer a listening ear but whenever Victoria was involved, it was hard. Truth be told, for the seven years she had been working with Graham, she had been in love with him for five of them. Very respectful of their professional relationship, she thought it was preferable to let this love die quietly. Already being friends with the boss was out of the usual for her.

" Maybe Graham won't care to talk about it..."

Just as Alice made up her mind and decided not to ask and let it go, Graham asked her if she'd join him for coffee. He really needed a friend for the moment. He needed to vent about his feelings towards Victoria, badly.

"I can't believe that girl's nerve! And Graham, how could you be so nice?"

"I don't know...I love Victoria, everything about her, the good and the bad. I love her one moment, I hate her the next but it's always so intense and I just can't refuse her anything."

"Graham, you're just like a toy she plays with. I'm telling you this as a friend. I don't want to bad-mouth Victoria but she takes you for granted and believes that it's as easy as: "I shoot, I score," whenever it has to do with you. She knows you'll never refuse anything to her and she's taken advantage of that over and over again. She made you a favor. Probably the only thanks you'll ever get from her."

He looked so lost, how could such a powerful man be turned into a puppet in the hands of one woman was beyond her. She'd told him all she had to tell. Alice didn't care if she'd later regret it. She just wanted to believe one day, he'd see Victoria for who she truly was.

"Would you dine with me tonight, Alice?"

"Huh...I guess so, yes."

"Thanks, you're such a good friend, I don't want to be alone."

"You'll never be alone Graham."

This was her, another nice person. While it killed her to hear the object of her affection speaking of another girl all the time, she just couldn't say no. First and foremost, he was a friend she couldn't let down.

Third chapter: November 20th---Breaking the news

Introduction of new characters, Keshia and Mandy, Victoria's best friends...
Break-up explanation

Chapter 1: The Break Up

2006-11-06T03:35:00.000-05:00

Victoria went to Graham's office mid-afternoon, she had taken her decision. As always, she didn't knock, somehow it never annoyed him even when he was in the middle of a meeting. He got up when he saw her, she thought he was a true gentleman. He gave her a big hug and flashed that big smile she now hated.

"Victoria, I am so happy to see you!"

"Really, why is that?"

"I just had a talk with Ashley, our wedding planner"

"Oh, well, save your breath, I'm not marrying you! Not now, not ever."

She thought it was pretty straightforward but had never been known as a girl who’d take her time. He choked a bit while replying.

"Wh...What? I mean, aren't you happy? I love you, Victoria, I'd do anything for you. What is it that you want?"

She had to admit she was being very cruel, a real bitch. It was as if, somehow, she had developed all the wickedness he didn't have. She looked at him straight into the eyes and simply said:

"Well, you out of sight would be interesting..."

Getting dumped is hard, especially that way. He got off his chair when she entered the room, now he got back to it chair and then sat...slowly. Didn't say a thing. Victoria didn’t care that the silence was just agonizing to Graham. To her they were no details to work on, except maybe the fact that she was still working for him, but hell, even her job she could no longer stand at that point.

Graham Bill, a name Victoria found very ridiculous, one of the world's most eligible bachelor’s, would be back on the market very soon. “Rich, handsome and EXTREMELY nice,” she thought, “Good luck to anyone he ends up with.”

"Victoria, I can't let you go..."

His voice was breaking. He was so sweet she couldn’t understand how he built such an empire.

"I'd like you to think this over, for as long as you have to"

"It's done, Graham, I don't need to think about it, I don't need you, this job, this life"

Victoria thought: “Am I pushing? Man, I am being mean.”

"Listen, Victoria, I will move out my things from the house and I want you to stay, I'll go to the apartment until you change your mind."

The house in question was a 6 bedrooms Spanish style house Graham had built less than a year ago. Equipped with a huge pool, Jacuzzi hot tubs, private bathrooms; the house was a dream. A few months before, four to be exact, Graham had brought Victoria to this house where they were supposed to live happily ever after, yeah, she’d definitely miss the house but not for romantic reasons. Victoria figured it could be worthwhile to discover how long the offer would last.

"And for how long exactly would you be willing to wait, Graham? It would be interesting to know just how much time you'd give up for me."

"Victoria?! I don't recognize you...Why? What's wrong?"

Manipulation was the main word. She now wanted the house. Badly.

"Graham, maybe you're right, I need to think. I just need to know you'll be out of my hair while I think. Coming to work here for starters will be hard as well."

"Of course, I understand, listen, take a year off. You’ll have your job back after, if you want it or any other that you want. Don’t worry about your expenses; they’re all on me. I’ll try not to call much or visit. I might send you a little message once in a while, I want you to remember I care..."

Victoria wasn't listening anymore at that point. Wow, a year! Having the house all for herself for a year, living the single life again with a nice twist. No Graham, no work and yet, money. When some people would consider her to be a gold digger, she saw herself more like a girl who knew how to seize wonderful opportunities.

"I'll take your offer. One year to think."

She wanted to say something nice, anything, but then she saw he was about to cry. Not wanting to handle that for the moment, this was her exit cue. Yet, she walked towards him, he stood up.

Victoria ran a hand through his hair; he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to his strong muscular body. She was losing control, she had planned on giving him a kiss he'd never forget and make sure at least for that entire year, he'd be hers and instead, he was taking the lead.

He kissed her gently and then more angrily, hmm...she didn't think he had it in him. Now she was running mad with desire and the kissing was getting more and more intense. He was pulling her closer as if that were possible, was touching her like never before. She let out a moan, she was ready to go for it, right here in his office, he was hard, he wanted it bad too.

"Make love to me Graham."

Victoria could've kicked herself for saying that. It also seemed to take Graham away from wherever it is his mind was. He pulled away, turned back and simply said.

"Goodbye Victoria, I'll be waiting."

She had never been rejected before, not her. But he was about to cry, she heard it in his voice, not sexy...and yet not enough to turn off the heat. With all the dignity she had left, she stepped out of Graham's office, single and awfully turned on. Very unexpected, she didn't know he had that fury in him, a real turn on. What was she suppose to do now? There was no way she could go back to jump on him now; she had just dumped him. That was so unfair. What a start!

Second chapter: November 13th---Life Goes On

Introduction of a new character, Alice, Graham's secretary...

Work in progress...

2006-10-30T02:47:00.000-05:00

This is a novel that you get to decide what you want to know more about. Please check out the blog's profile so you know a little more about the novel's main character and the general idea behind the novel. I will write a new chapter every week based on the comments left by the readers on the previous post. What you want is what you get. This is your novel, in a way, the story belongs to you. I'm trying to write with direct insight of what the readers want, it's a new experience and it'd be great if you'd share it with me. Have fun "unveiling" the faith of the caracters.

First chapter: November 6th---The Break-Up

P.S.: Please post the general comments on this post. If you comment on another post, make sure you include what you believe should come next. Any general comment not posted here will be erased.

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