"Myracles Happen"

Chapter Eight

Troy turned the key in the ignition and waved to Myracle’s parents. It was now 3 in the afternoon and they had spent the last four hours in that home exchanging gifts and enjoying each others company on Christmas. Myracle kissed her mother good bye and joined him in the car. Every one gave their last good bye and he pulled away. Sighing he reached for Myracle’s hand. “That wasn’t so hectic.” She said to him.

“No it wasn’t. Good thing because I could only handle one hectic pair of parents in one day and that is where my parents come in.” He said turning a corner.

Myracle smiled at him but shook her head in disagreement to what he said. “Your parents aren’t so bad. Don’t exaggerate.”

“well you can ay that after we visit them then maybe I’ll listen to you.” He said squeezing her hand.

“I will…” she said.

“Until then think about this… three more hours till our first real date.” He said smiling.

Troy was truly eager. He waited for this his whole life. While he enjoyed the last week or so doing things like kissing Myracle and doing things together what he really wanted was to go out with her. On a date like real couple. He lost so many years that he had been away and now he was trying to get it all back.

“Yes! I’m excited. Where are you taking me? Oh boy.” Myracle smiled.

“Don’t smile like that. You’ll make me crash.” He said to her with a smile himself. Myracle blushed and he concentrated on the road. “Anyway, I told you it was a Christmas surprise.”

“Yeah, yeah, but I don’t like surprises.” She told him.

“Don’t worry I promise it will be all romantic and mushy loving and stuff.” He told her puling up to his parents’ home.

“Well that’s good because I love me some mushy romantic loving stuff.” She teased him with.

“Good.” He unbuckled his seat belt and grabbed her face. He kissed her one last time before he got out of the car. She was such a temptation. If it were up to him they would drive far away from every one and get a hotel room. They’d never return and they’d never separate. Of course if you really thought about it… that idea was a bit scary.

Troy stepped onto the crunch snow mixed with not very good salt. He closed and locked the car doors and walked with Myracle onto the front porch. Myracle had some presents in her hand while Troy carried the rest. Since his conversation with his parents on the phone and his dinner with them he decided he’d try to have a family. He’d try to have them here for him.

Bitter moments always occurred when he was around them but he hoped that those moments would disintegrate as he got to know the old couple. Within minutes some one opened the door and hugged him. He smiled at his sister and continued into the house. He introduced Myracle and his sister took their jackets and disappeared into another room.

Myracle did not know any of his siblings because he hadn’t known about a couple of them. His sister was actually a sister from her father’s mistress. His sister was a year younger then her but apparently when her mother died his father and mother worked things out to raise her as there own around when he left. It still shocked him that his father could ever do such a thing and his mother just accept it and move on. Maybe they were truly in love.

His parents went on to adopt a couple more and have two more. Now they were a large and loving family. It brought Troy to wonder why his parents choose the others to be their kids and not him. What was it about him that made them send him away? For today he would leave it all alone. Every body would act like all was good and take in the holiday cheer.

Troy brought Myracle into the living room with him and introduced her to every one he knew. Children ran around the house and adults joked and laughed paying no attention to them.

“Children, children please! Stop running around the house you’ll break grandmother’s precious vases!” his mother yelled before coming toward him. “Well who do we have here?”

“Mom, I don’t know if you remember her but this is Myracle Bennet. She’s my girlfriend.” The room went quiet and every one looked at her. She waved at them and inched closer to Troy.

“Your girlfriend? The young little twelve year old you used to go around with when you were younger is now your girlfriend? Wow… she sure has changed.” she said skeptical meaning in her voice.

“People change...” he said to his mother.

“I don’t think you believe that really Troy.” She said looking at him her eyes soft with love. Was she referring to herself or Myracle?

“Hey she’s hot I say way to go!” Myracle laughed and Troy smiled.

“Matt!” Laura, his foster sister, yelled to her fiancé. Matt raised his hands in the air as a sign of innocence and winked at her. His mother nodded and walked away. The party continued and Troy lost any concern about what his mother thought.

“That was odd.” Myracle whispered in his ear.

“I know… I’m sorry. Don’t worry about anyone. Just try to enjoy yourself. I’ll see what I can get us to drink and then rush them on this gift exchanging thing.” He said to her. She nodded his head and he reluctantly ripped himself away from Myracle and headed to the kitchen to get drinks.


***************************************

Myracle walked slowly as Troy guided her. She was blind folded and had no idea where she was going. The night was cold but there was no wind. It was seven thirty and she just couldn’t wait to see what Troy planned. “Ladder” he said to her grabbing her hand and showing her she needed to climb up a ladder. Myracle climbed and resisted the urge to rip the mask off. When she ran out of steps to climb Troy’s hand grabbed her and led her further down. Ten minutes later he removed the mask and she looked around. They were on the roof of what looked like a castle? There was candles everywhere with fires that moved side to side as a soft wind blew. There was a table close to them with food and yet more candles on it.

“A castle?” She said curious.

“Actually it’s a military base that looks like a castle but I thought such an occasion deserved to be acknowledged as something royal. Like a prince and his princess having a meal on the roof of their castle.” He smiled and passed a hand across her cheek. “Come..” he said pulling her hand. She walked with him to the edge of the roof.

“Oh my god, we’re at the top of the tallest tower!” she exclaimed looking around. “Wow… this view is so amazing.”

“As are you...” he said holding her close to his body. “I want this night to be the best date you’ve ever been on.”

“With you Troy…” she said honestly “any date would be the best I have ever been on.”

“Good… I’ve been hoping to hear that for so long.” He said to her.

“a month or so of wanting me wouldn’t kill you.” She said chuckling.

“try some where along the lines of 15 years of waiting for you.” Myracle looked away when he said it and thought about his words.

“You have wanted me since we were younger???” she questioned him. What?!

“I have. I’ve always loved you Myracle. I just never had a chance to show you or even get to explore the love.”

“So you love me now??” she asked hoping the answer was yes. She needed his love.

“Yes, more then I have ever.” His eyes glistened and her heart melted.

“I love you too. I love you so much. I need you in my life. You have been such a great help and I don’t think I could continue life with out you. Really Troy. Brian was a horrible boyfriend and I regret what he did to me and the child I would have had. But now I am starting over fresh. I’m going to have a family with you Troy.” She said believing her words completely.

“And I’m going to have dinner with you Myracle.” He said to hr with a smile. Myracle caught herself laughing hysterically.

“Dinner yes lets do that. I am hungry.” She said following him to the nice table.

They continued on with the date enjoying their dinner and moving onto dissert. Dissert consisted of multiple kisses and a cheese cake. The night was perfect and Myracle couldn’t imagine being there with any one else. Maybe things would be ok. Maybe everything would go as planned now. At least she felt complete. What wasn’t there in her life before Troy came along was now there.

**************************************


October and Kristian lye together on the bed. October on her back and Kristian’s large frame just flopped onto her, his head resting on her chest. Kristian looked up at her and she looked down at him brushing back the short locks of hair he had. They stared at each other with out speaking but words were being exchanged in their own way.

October read his eyes and saw passion while he saw the lust she had for him. She saw that he was ready to be hers and he knew that she would be his with out a doubt. Together their eyes read love and the moment was warm. October and Kristian knew that everything would be ok.

“Let’s elope…” October suggested.

Kristian’s eyes widened and he laughed. “What???”

“Forget about waiting and planning. Forget about bride’s maids and best man crap. Let’s elope. We’ll take Myracle and Troy… and just get married.” She said smiling.

“Uh, wow.” Kristian said stunned. He sat up and looked at her. She sat up also and smiled at him. “Yeah, let’s do it. Let’s elope!”

"American Hangover"

Chapter Six

Christine Duggan walked Hand in hand with her soon-to-be husband at the park. They walked In harmony and total peace looking like a picture perfect couple. The conversation between the two flowed as usual along with the interrupting kisses and the random moments they felt the urge to hold each other intimately.

“So, Jolene is pregnant… again.” Chrissy told Zhi.

“Really? Wow, that’s good for her. Hope she can handle two babies.” Zhi said with a whistle to exaggerate the amount of children she had in total.

Chrissy gave his hand a tug which signaled him to stop and turn to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. He raised his eye brows and awaited Chrissy’s response. “When we marry… do you want to start the baby thing immediately?” Chrissy asked.

“well… if I say no will we have to stick with this abstinence thing?” he asked with a smile.

“Zhi!” Chrissy yelled.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” he said with a smile. He held her closer and Chrissy stiffened her posture. Zhi puckered his lips and made sound while attempting to make contact with Chrissy’s lips. Chrissy stood serious and her eyes were stone solid. She wanted an answer. “I want to have children with you Chrissy. I want children with your gorgeous eyes and my smile. Your freckles and my skin complexion. I want it all. If we have a child after marriage… I wouldn’t be unhappy.”

Chrissy smiled at Zhi and said “Good because if you would have said no I would have dropped you faster then the speed of light.” Chrissy chuckled as Zhi’s eyes widened.

“Hey!” he said.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” she said mocking him. “I couldn’t ever let you go. Where on earth would I find yet another Asian as hot as you or even as great as you?” She asked. Her question was rhetorical and so Zhi didn’t answer and kissed her instead. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and looked into her eyes.

Unfortunately Chrissy’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She considered ignoring it but with a month to the wedding she didn’t want to miss a detail. Nothing would go wrong with out her knowing and no one would do anything with out her permission. At her wedding everyone had to ask her how to do it right or they wouldn’t do it at all.

Answering her phone she greeted the person on the other line with a hello and a smile they couldn’t see. “Chrissy come home.” Lydia said her voice sounding distressed. This caught Chrissy’s full attention and so she turned away from Zhi who was no longer fondling with her hair and holding her.

“What’s wrong Lyd-e?” Chrissy asked.

“I came home with Kiral and I opened the door and there he was. Staring right at me with these eyes that brought chills to my body.” Lydia said her voice shaky.

“He?” Chrissy questioned.

“Ahmet…” Lydia said. Chrissy gasped and shook her head. She glanced around a bit paranoid and stepped closer to Zhi. For some reason she suddenly felt vulnerable. He was in her home? What was he up to? Why did he come back? Where was he? So many questions ran through her head.

“Is Kiral still there?” Chrissy asked.

“Yes and he’s also changing our locks. He wants to make sure he doesn’t get back into our home. Kiral is so angry. This is all so complicated. I just want Kiral to go home and stay out of this. He’s not supposed to be apart of this.” Lydia said breathless. From the sound of it Chrissy knew Lydia was crying.

“Neither was Ahmet, Lydia. But I think you should let him be apart of this. It affects him too Lydia. Ahmet can’t just pop up out of no where and do this to you with out it affecting Kiral.” Chrissy spoke into the phone.

“Just come home.” Lydia said before hanging up.

Chrissy shoved her phone into her pocket and looked at Zhi. “I have to get home.”

****************************************


Lydia watched Kiral work with the screw driver and drill setting up her new lock. His facial expression was hard and emotionless. Lydia couldn’t believe the life she was living. Lydia couldn’t believe what was actually happening. Lydia sat on the counter staring at their living room. A plain living room. Memories of earlier replayed in her mind.

Lydia giggled as she pulled Kiral out of the elevator. “How about a movie??” She said with a smile on her face. She led them to her door and reached into her pocket for her keys. She put them in the lock and paused. She looked up at Kiral and smiled. He was amazing. She continued turning the lock and opened the door. She stepped into her home and threw her keys onto the side table by the door.

Suddenly a moment caught her attention and she saw Ahmet. He was standing in front of her refrigerator with the door open. He stared at her and she stared at him their gazes locked on each other. His eyes were strong with heat and she felt her body burning up. She looked away and finally released the breath that she had been holding. “Get out…” Lydia said looking down at the floor then back up at him. “Get out now!”

Kiral’s posture stiffened behind Lydia and his breaths became shallow. Lydia stepped closer to Kiral and reached for his hand. She wanted some way to absorb his strength and to subdue his anger.

“So you’re with this guy now?” He asked her.

“I’m with this guy now. Get out.” Lydia said.

“Shame…” He said. He closed the door to the refrigerator and walked toward her. He stopped in front of her and looked her up and down. “You lost some weight, changed your hair a little, and got a tan… nice. You looked better before.” He said then headed toward the door. Before he was completely gone he called back to her “I’ll be back when you’re alone!”

Lydia sighed and turned to Kiral. She hugged him and he stared at the door. She held him tightly fearing any minute he might run for Ahmet. She wanted some comfort from him but what she wanted most was for him to leave it all alone. What was she thinking? She couldn’t ever bring a man into her life and have a normal relationship. This as honest to God proof.

Just then the touch of Kiral grabbing her face made her jump and brought her back to reality. He kissed her and settled all her thoughts. She closed her eyes and let it all go away. He was hypnotizing and she was ready for it to take her into another world. Lord knew she didn’t want to be in her own world anymore.

*********************************


Kiral stretched out his arms as he sat in front of his computer. His house was quiet and everything was calm. Perfect for writing. Kiral had a good amount done but not yet finished. Kiral was picky about the length of his articles. He didn’t want it to be too short because then he felt unsatisfied with his own work but if it was too long then he sounded like he was going on and on.

Sighing Kiral got up from the chair. He glanced around his room and wondered what came next. Something was different. He felt it. Feeling thirsty he walked toward his door. He opened it and with out warning a hand came flying through the air. The hand wrapped around his neck and he stumbled back a couple steps. Instincts kicked in and Kiral swung not even knowing who he was hitting.

His knuckles came in contact with the side of a man’s head and the hands grip tightened around his neck. Kiral grabbed at his arm and pulled it off his neck. Fists were flying around and eventually one actually hit Kiral dead in his nose. Kiral hit the ground and grabbed at his bleeding nose.

Memory and experience told him exactly what to do. He held his nose and inhaled the blood. His nose burned and felt sore but he was able to bare the pain. Soon enough Kiral knew it was Ahmet. Kiral was on the ground when Ahmet swung his foot toward him to kick him in the ribs. Kiral caught his foot before it made contact with his body and pulled him to the floor also. Kiral rose quickly and pinned Ahmet to the ground. He punched him multiple times on the face till Ahmet looked drowsy.

Kiral sighed and released Ahmet. He moved over to his bed and sat against it. He looked at Ahmet who groaned and grabbed his face. Kiral shook his head and looked around the room. Just then the phone rang and both men looked at it. Ahmet waved for him to do as he pleased and turned his back to him still lying on the ground.

Kiral rose and grabbed the phone. “Hello” he said into the phone then licking his cut lip.

“Hey” Lydia said.

“Lydia...” he said looking at Ahmet. Ahmet turned to him and they locked eyes. Lydia spoke some more and Kiral responded. Kiral was aware of Ahmet listening and wondered what he thought. He probably didn’t even care anymore. From what he had heard Ahmet was a man above all man. He was a man who rarely cared and barely showed any emotion. Even now his eyes were stone cold dark brown.

Lydia said she’d be hanging up now and Kiral nodded his head. “Alright, I’ll talk to you later…” he paused and looked at Ahmet. “I love you” he said hitting speaker.

“I love you too…” Lydia replied with out hesitation. The phone went click and Lydia was gone.

Ahmet shook his head and sat up. He stared down at the floor and said nothing. Tension and silence filed the room. Kiral sat on the floor no where near Ahmet. “It’s over man…” Kiral said to Ahmet.

“You don’t understand…” Ahmet said not looking at him. “It can’t be over.”

“It is…” Kiral said. “Now leave.” He added. He was done with the fighting and he was done with this man. He understood that it must be hard to watch your previous partner be with another person but what he also understood was that he abandoned Lydia. He left her and he shouldn’t have expected her to not move on. After all, it is human nature to move on. What was Ahmet missing in his nature that stopped him from moving on?

With a grunt Ahmet got up and left. Gone and hopefully for good.

********************************

“He said I love you!!!” Lydia said a smile on her face as she screamed the news to Chrissy who stood right in front of her.

“Wow…” Chrissy said “what did you say back?”

Lydia excitement died down. “I said I love you too…”

“Why the sudden sadness?” Chrissy inquired.

“I’m not sure I meant it...” Lydia replied. With a sigh she sat down on her couch. Did she love him?

"American Hangover"

Chapter Five

Lydia leaned into her dresser and closer to her mirror as she carefully applied lip stick and then lip gloss. She traced her lips with the stick carefully then colored in the rest of her lips. She rubbed her lips against each other for a bit until she was fully satisfied. Her lips looked plump and luscious. She only hoped her attempts wouldn’t be completely ruined when she greeted Kiral.


Today was the day they went to his boss’ home. She wanted to make a good impression with the man because he was an important figure in Kiral’s life. Kiral looked up to the man and considered him a role model. The man was filthy rich and very successful. He had everything Kiral wanted in his life… with the exception of Lydia. Kiral had Lydia. Something no one else in the world had also. Lydia smiled at the thoughts of Kiral.


There was a knock at the door that startled Lydia. She ripped her face away from looking at the mirror to see Danny standing at her doorway. “Hey...” she said to the unexpected guest.


“Hey…” Danny replied entering her room. His long strides quickly led him to her bed behind her dresser. She watched him in the mirror. His facial expression was tight with emotion and his eyes worrisome. What ever was to be said Danny seemed hesitant to say it. “Yeah?” Lydia said waiting for it.


“I have to tell you something Lydia.” He said to her. They each locked eyes and Lydia some how felt what was coming next. She walked to the door and closed it. She looked down at the floor and gathered strength hoping she could handle what was about to be said. She returned to her dresser looking at Danny in the mirror. She reached for a tube of mascara and pretended she was reapplying.


“Ahmet is alive Lydia. I saw him.” Danny said. A large ball formed in Lydia’s throat. The ball made up of emotions she wished would flea from her body and heart. She swallowed hard trying to repress the components of the ball only to end up feeling it all in her stomach.


“I think I knew this would happen eventually… I’ll show you.” Lydia said. She put down her mascara tube and opened up a draw from her dresser. She reached to the back of the draw and pulled out the letter. Lydia walked to Danny her heals clicking. She sat next to him and looked down at the letter that was in her hands. She handed it to Danny.


Danny looked at her and she avoided the eye contact. He opened up the envelope that revealed and index card that read “WoW”. Lydia involuntarily smiled at it. IT was so ridiculous.


“I don’t get it…” Danny said to her his eyes demanding reasoning to this all.


“It wasn’t meant for you to get. It’s like some kind of Ahmet Lydia language.” She said. She took the card from Danny and said “WoW is actually an abbreviation for a video game Ahmet was crazy for at one time in his life. When I saw it… I knew he was alive. I knew he was coming back. I didn’t know when.”


“Peaches…” Danny said his voice strong with reassurance.


“I know. Don’t worry. I won’t let him back in my life Danny. I don’t know why I kept this. Maybe to prove that he was still alive at one point but I do know I don’t need it anymore. I don’t want it. I’m at a better place now. I’m happy.” Lydia said handing Danny the card. “You should shred it.” She said to him.


“No, Lydia… shredding it is your job.” He said to her putting the card down on the bed.


Lydia ignored the card and smiled at Danny. “I’m going to marry him Danny.”


Danny’s eyes glowed with shock and hope. “Kiral??”


“Yeah… I’m going to marry him. We aren’t engaged or anything of that matter. We’ve never even talked about it really. But I just know I’m going to marry him. I feel it… I want it. He’s just great.” Lydia said her eyes looking away from Danny. She saw his face. She saw his chiseled chin smile and his glowing beautiful eyes. With out him being there she saw his nicely cut hair and his bronze tan skin. His face was burned into her memory.


“I can see that…” Danny said. They each looked at each other. Danny hugged her and she smiled. There was a knock at her door and the two looked at the door.


“hey Lyd… Kiral is here.” Chrissy said behind the door.


“I’ll be there in a minute!” Lydia called out to her.



***********************************



Kiral watched as Lydia entered the backyard through the gate. She had left a half hour ago into the home for a “bathroom” break and hadn’t returned since. Kiral stood sitting on the outdoor bench his boss had in his back yard. He watched her close the gate and turn to him. Her eyes glistened and her nose was red. Was she crying? Kiral stood up immediately and moved toward her.


She walked slowly and stared at the ground. Her steps were reckless and she barely paid attention to where she stepped on the grass. Kiral grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. She looked up at him with sorrowful eyes. He held her against his chest tight hugging her tenaciously. Lydia’s arms wrapped around his waste and she held onto him. “Let’s get out of here...” Kiral whispered softly into Lydia’s ear.


Lydia nodded her head and let go of him. Kiral affectionately kissed Lydia’s forehead before walking away from her. He glanced back at her long enough to notice her clenched fist and her top teeth gnawing at her bottom lip. Kiral’s heart leapt at the sight.


He approached his boss solemnly and held out his hand. “I’m sorry to leave so early but something has come up. We had a good time. Next time at my place.” Kiral offered. His boss shook his hand and nodded away. He added some final words before letting Kiral leave. Kiral walked out of the bark yard through the gates with his arm around Lydia.


They rounded the block and walked further till he spotted the car. Kiral looked at the car and froze. There was a man sitting on the car. Lydia’s arm wrapped around his waist and she hugged him tight. “Make him go away…” she said to him. It was the first sign of weakness Lydia had ever displayed. Even at times of emergency when Lydia bled through her skull she hadn’t asked for help nor carried herself like she needed it. Yet, at the moment when he looked at her he saw something fragile in her eyes.


Kiral pulled himself away from Lydia and moved closer to the car. “Excuse me!” Kiral said causing the man to look up. The man had a head of long hair and a beard that covered half his face. His eyes were dark and solid his stance was mean. He looked at Kiral and not a faint of emotion showed. “Can I help you? Is there a reason you’re leaning on my car?”


The man scrunched his lips and shook his head. “No,” he said “No reason at all. Sorry for bothering you.” He then got up and began walking down the street. Kiral watched him walk away. Suddenly the man turned back and winked then continued on his way.


Something about the man had Kiral feeling threatened. He watched the man till he was out of sight. It was only then he remembered to relax and loosen his facial expression. His chest was cramped with emotions he couldn’t name. Taking a deep breath he hit the open button on his car keys and opened the door for Lydia. Lydia stepped in and then stepped out. Kiral looked down at her and she looked up. She jumped up and kissed his lips quickly before getting into the car.


Kiral walked around the car and jumped into his side. He turned the car on and drove out of his parking spot. He drove for minutes the car silent. He thought about the man he saw and considered his face. Judging by Lydia’s reaction she knew him. Within seconds Kiral’s mind jumped to a conclusion that the man was in fact her missing ex. This thought had his mouth speaking before his brain thought “Lydia if you’re not over him tell me now.”


Instantaneously her hands moved for her face. “I am over him.” She mumbled behind her hands.


“That doesn’t sound so great. I don’t want to be your rebound guy. I don’t want you to leave me now because he’s back Lydia. I need you.” He said his words fading as he said them.


“I don’t want him back Kiral.” She said a serious tone her face still hiding with in her hands. Kiral looked at her and pulled into the nearest available parking spot. He put the car in park and sat there. For minutes Lydia sat with her hands covering her face and Kiral sat with his head leaning against his chair.


Lydia moved slowly dragging out her movements of uncovering her face and prolonging the moment she had to look Kiral in the eyes. Finally her face was revealed and Kiral saw her eyes. They looked soft and tender. “Are you angry?” she asked.


“No” he answered quickly. “I’m not mad the least bit.”


“I want to be with you Kiral.” She said to him not a hint of hesitation in her eyes. Not one bit of a sign that she didn’t mean what she was saying.


“Then he won’t be a problem.” Kiral said.


Lydia reached for her seat belt and removed it. She moved up on her seat and smiled before grabbing Kiral and kissing him. She kissed him long and hard every moment she gained power as she seduced him with her tongue. Lydia pulled away finally and smiled yet again.


She sat back in her chair and buckled her seat belt. “Oh yeah,” she said “I’m really sorry we left your bosses party so early.”


“It’s alright, it was worth it.” He said turning the car on. “Where to?”


*****************************



Lydia sat on the couch with Chrissy. Chrissy held a bucket of popcorn on her lap and the remote in her hand. Lydia sat on the couch with a blanket and a bag of chips on her lap. Chrissy looked at Lydia and raised an eye brow. “What?? They’re low fat!” Lydia said in defense. Chrissy smiled and hit play on the button. The movie began and for the first two minutes they were quiet afterward it was a lost cause.


“I’m really excited.” Chrissy said.


“You should be. You are marrying a gorgeous Asian in exactly three weeks.” Lydia said taking a bite of a potato chip making a loud crunch. “Whyed we wait till your wedding was almost here to buy your dress again?” Lydia asked.


“I don’t know…” Chrissy replied pretending to actually pay attention to what she was watching.


“Kiral’s going to be my date to the wedding.” Lydia said.


“Good.” Chrissy replied.


“To my wedding also…” Lydia said


Chrissy laughed and Lydia’s face remained serious. “Really??” Chrissy came to question.


“Eventually… I’ll get that man to love me... and when I do. He’s going to propose. I like him a lot. I feel it! This is going to work out and it won’t be anything like Ahmet and I. Instead he’s going to marry me before he goes missing!” Lydia laughed.


Chrissy smiled at Lydia and threw some pop corn at her. Lydia flipped a potato chip at Chrissy and Chrissy grabbed a pillow. She threw it at Lydia and knocked the chips out of her hand. The bag landed on the ground with out spilling anything and Lydia grabbed the same pillow. Chrissy put the popcorn bucket on the table and was prepared to bolt. Just then the sound of the bathroom door opening stopped them both. Jolene walked out and looked at them both. Lydia was frozen with a pillow in her hand, in a position that gave away her plans to throw it at Chrissy, while Chrissy was in a position where she looked like she was ready to run a marathon.


Both Lydia and Chrissy looked at Jolene.


“Guys, I’m pregnant.” Jolene said rubbing her stomach.

"American Hangover"

Chapter Four




Lydia trotted to the kitchen her eyes not even open. She pulled herself to make it to the kitchen where she sat at the table. She put her head down and grunted. It was five in the morning and she was incredibly tired. It had been yet another couple days since she had spent the night playing Candy Land with Kiral in her living room and they had had yet another three dates. He was the first thing on her mind in the morning and the last person she thought about before she slept.

“Lydeeeee” Chrissy said causing her to raise her head and fully open her eyes.

“How dare you be this chirpy so early in the morning?” Lydia said her voice crackling.

“Lyd you said you wouldn’t complain. You said you would get up and you’d come shopping with me. In return I would do your hair for that thing with Kiral’s boss. We had a deal Lydia.” Chrissy said moving around the kitchen so fast Lydia only saw a blurry figure that resembled her adopted sister.

“But I never said anything about waking up at five in the morning to began shopping preparation. I never said anything like that.” Lydia said. “But what ever… FINE! I’m up and I’m going to shower and I’ll be ready by six thirty.”

Lydia got up and retreated to her room. She sighed and jumped onto her bed. She laid there hoping she had imagined it all and Chrissy wasn’t moving around in the kitchen. Lydia sat up and looked around her room. She wasn’t anything close to ready to get up. Her body was protesting and her eyes refused to even stay open for at least a minute. Lydia gave her room a slow scan.

Lydia looked at her desk and saw the picture. It had been there for a couple of days and she had yet to touch it. She had yet to shred it or reframe it. She wasn’t exactly sure she needed to destroy the picture. Surely it wasn’t the possession of a picture of him that decided when she was over him right? Maybe she also didn’t want to forget him. Getting over an ex boyfriend didn’t mean forgetting them completely.

Lydia got up and walked to her desk. Reluctantly she reached for the photo. She finally held it in her hand and she looked at it. What was she going to do? When Kiral sat in front of her she was so sure of what she wanted. She was so sure that Kiral would replace the void. She was so sure that she didn’t need the photo and that she’d have a new photo of her and Kiral. Now she wasn’t sure of anything.


One thing she adored about Kiral was that she felt sure of herself around him. She felt like her life was stable and she knew where she was going when she was around him. When she was with Ahmet she had never felt that there was a future in her life. She was always running on the adrenaline of today and the mystery of tomorrow. With Kiral she had the concrete feeling of knowing that today she would like him and tomorrow she would like him and in a year she would like him. Her heart was sure she wouldn’t encounter moments she hated his existence in her life like she had with Ahmet. She was sure!

For the first time in her life Lydia was alright. She knew where she was going. She knew how she was getting there. IT felt good to her. It felt like nothing she had ever felt in her life. Lydia looked down at the photo and crumpled it in her hands. She crumpled it slowly and when it was its final wrinkled up ball she held it in her hand tightly. “I’m done.” She said then threw the ball into her mini trashcan.

At exactly six thirty Lydia came trotting out of her room. She had showered and dressed and applied the little make up she wore. Her lips wee glossed and her sneakers fit right. She wore nice fitting jeans and a comfortable t shirt. The t shirt had a Yellowcard symbol on it and was a memory of her first yellow card concert. Lydia’s hair was curled through use of gel and watch resting on her left wrist. She wore the minimal jewelry and her usual earrings.

“Good Job you’re ready at six thirty. We’ll be at Jo’s by seven.” Chrissy said to her keys in her hand and purse over her shoulder.

Lydia grabbed her own purse and walked out the door with Chrissy. Chrissy led the way down the steps making light taps every time her foot hit a step. Lydia followed her feet heavy and stomping every time she stepped down a step. Lydia exited with her looked at the grey sky. At this time she loved to lye in bed. She loved the look of the sky and she found it just perfect to cuddle with her blanket.

Lydia had changed her classes and arranged everything for the fact that she hated waking up early. Why on a Tuesday morning would Chrissy do this to her!? Lydia sighed and jumped into Chrissy comfortable small car. It was small in it’s owns cute way and it was painted this cute turquoise color. Chrissy turned it on and pulled out of her parking spot.

Chrissy spent the next twenty minutes picking up breakfast at McDonald’s while Lydia day dreamed about Kiral and drank juice. Lydia stuck to her diet as did Jolene. She never ate breakfast, enjoyed a good lunch and ate a light dinner. It worked for her as she had gone from a size twelve to a size seven. Lydia was proud of the size she wore. She had some final weight to lose but she certainly wasn’t aiming for a size one.

By 7:09 they were at Jo’s house. Chrissy eagerly jumped out of her car while Lydia slowly pulled herself out of her side of the car. She dragged her feet to make it to Jolene’s front door and rang the bell. Jolene opened the door before soon and of course as always she and her darling daughter were up early. “Doesn’t any one ever sleep?” Lydia mumbled.

*****************************

Danny sat on his and Jolene’s bed staring ahead. Sounds came from downstairs where Lydia, Chrissy, Jolene and his daughter spoke and moved around. The house was screaming with early morning family joining. Danny sat there considering the thought of going down stairs to the four females. At this moment Jolene was quite disappointed with him. Days ago he had came home late and she demanded to know where he was. He could only promise it was nothing bad but he refused to tell her where. How could he? Danny’s mind ran on memories of what had occurred.

Five O’clock and Danny was ready to go home. He thought of entering his home and seeing the beautiful faces that greeted him each day. He continued and turned the corner to find his car. On his car sat a man with his back to him. Danny sighed at the thought of making another person scurry away like a roach when you turned on the lights. He hated when they sat on his car.

Danny was at his car on the driver’s side when he knocked on his car and said “hey!” The man turned around and Danny knew immediately who he was. Even the mans long hair and stubble beard could not hide his identity. His baggy clothes and long trench coat added not one bit of a mystery. It was Ahmet.

“Wow, if it isn’t a dead man walking.” Danny said shaking his head. Where in the hell did he come from??

“So does that mean that you thought I was dead or that you are going to kill me??” Ahmet said a smile forming on his face. Ahmet stood up and walked around the car. He stood in front of Danny and held his hand out in a hand shake offering.

“I’m not going to kill you. I’m not going to shake your hand either. Where the hell did you disappear to??” Danny said frustration in his voice. The man in front of him lead Lydia on an emotional roller coaster for years on end to then direct the ride straight into a ditch. He definitely wasn’t a friend.

“And I was expecting an ‘I’m glad you’re ok welcome home!’ sort of thing.” He said even more of a smile on his face.

“Well aren’t you feeling disappointed? I’m not glad that you’re ok and you aren’t welcomed to come back.” Danny said. Ahmet crossed his arms and leaned on Danny’s car. Ahmet was a good couple inches taller then Danny but Danny was never intimidated by him.

“I think I would be welcomed back if Lydia wasn’t with this other guy. I’ve been following her around some… Who is this guy anyway?” He asked.

“Why is it any of your business?”

“Because she is my girlfriend that’s why!” Ahmet said releasing his arms from their previous position.

“She WAS your girlfriend. Now she’s his. Listen go back to where ever you were before. Lydia is better now and she’s with a nice guy.” Danny said pushing Ahmet off and away from his car. Danny opened the car door and Ahmet watched his jaw clenched. Danny jumped into his car and turned on the ignition. He rolled the window down and said to Ahmet “By the way, he’s Turkish.” Danny smiled and pulled away.

Driving away Danny looked into his rearview mirror and watched as Ahmet jumped into his car and began after Danny. Unsure of where this was going Danny pulled his phone out of his pocket. He dialed his friend Shack’s number and waited till he picked up the phone. “Hey man, I’ll be over there soon.”

“Yeah D? aight. We’re all here. Guess the Mrs. Finally let you loose huh?” Shack replied.

“Funny...” Danny said hanging up and looked at his rear view mirror. Still behind him and smiling was Ahmet. What in the lord was he doing??? Danny drove to Shack’s house checking his mirror often Ahmet still tailing him. A block before he reached Shack’s house Danny hit the breaks. He couldn’t take it! Danny angrily pulled off his seat belt and opened his car door. He was out and walking to Ahmet’s car in seconds.

“What are you doing?!” Danny yelled. “Are you following me?!” At this point anger rushed through Danny’s veins his temper uncontrolled at the annoyance Ahmet was.

“Why? Does it bother you?” Ahmet’s amused smile gave Danny the urge to punch him.

“Go home Ahmet.” Danny said.

“I have no home!” He replied.

“Well that isn’t my problem. Stop following me…” Danny said walking off.

“No!” Ahmet called out from his open window.

Danny stopped dead in his tracks and almost looked back at him. If he really wanted to follow him then he could, Danny decided. Danny Returned to his car and continued the rest of the way to his friends house. Quickly he was there. He turned off his car and continued to his friend porch. His friend opened the door and they exchanged hand shakes.

Ahmet pulled behind Danny’s car and waved at them. “Who’s that?” Shack asked.

“Some one who chose to follow me. Some one who’s not welcomed to follow me home.” Danny told Shack. Danny looked at Ahmet and shook his head. He entered the house and closed the door. He needed to be with his boys anyway. He hadn’t hung with them in weeks and it was about time.

“Do you need help with him?” Shack asked cracking his knuckles.

“Nah man. Don’t worry about him. If he knows what’s good for him he’ll pull away from this house and never come in contact with me or my family.” Danny said nodding his head then heading to the living room where the rest of the gang awaited his arrival.

“Danny!!!” Jolene’s voice called to him from down stairs. “You planning on coming down anytime soon???” she questioned.

Danny shook his head and rose from the bed. He walked out of his room and to the staircase. “On my way sunshine.” He said to her leaving any thoughts of Ahmet behind.

*****************************************


Kiral lay in bed his hands under his head, his chest bare and his legs free as he wore boxers only. He looked up at the ceiling and thought about how much his ceiling resembled his mind at the moment. Blank. His ceiling was blank, his mind was blank, and his writing ability was absent. He was assigned something new today and he was stumped yet again. He was hoping his muse would give him a call. His last article on police work was a hit and most of it was Lydia inspired. Maybe she could help him out once again.

Just then the phone beside his bed rand and he grabbed it. He hit talk and greeted the person hello. “Hi darling.” Lydia said her voice sounding tired.

“Hey! How was your day?” he said excited now to hear her voice.

“It was good. A little on the crazy side but it was fun also.” She said her voice softer then usual.

“You sound tired.” He said to her.

“I am very much so… I woke up at six O’clock! We got to Jo’s at seven... spent hours looking at bridal gowns that were possibilities. Then went out and looked around, hours of shopping. Oh how I hate shopping baby. I hate it so much. But we found it, the perfect dress. You should have seen Chrissy’s eyes. It’s beautiful and just perfect.” She said sighing at the end.

“That’s good. I’m sure Chrissy is excited.”

“Hysterical…” Lydia replied. There was a short comfortable quiet moment. Neither of them said anything but for those moments neither of them wanted to. It was the perfect silence. “Oh, I’m sorry. How was your day?” Lydia finally came to say.

“It was ok. Boring really. I wish I had gotten to see you though. What has it been... almost two days since we were last together? I’m having Lydia withdrawals.” He teased. Lydia giggled a bit and he knew she was smiling.

“Don’t be silly. We’ll have lunch tomorrow promise.” She said. “So did you get a new assignment?” she asked.

“Yes I did and once again I am stumped. Boss says he wanted this one just as good as the last. I think you’re my lucky bit of inspiration.” Kiral said to Lydia.

“Well I think you’re my tiny bit of sanity.” Lydia said to him.

“I consider that a compliment.” He said to her. “And if we were in person this would be the part that I kiss you.”

“But we aren’t… that’s alright... I’ll save you one for tomorrow.” Lydia did a bit of a giggle and they continued their conversation.

"American Hangover"

Chapter Three




Jolene cooed with her child as she worked to feed her dinner. She made sound effects and made her best attempt to get the child to eat. The child looked at her and shook her head yet again. Jolene sighed and put the spoon down. “I will get you to eat Adyli. Mark my words you will be full by the time I get you into bed. If ever I get you into bed. Are you angry at mama? You definitely need to start going to bed early.” Jolene patted her daughter head and covered the plate of food.

She placed the food in the microwave and began cleaning up her kitchen. Adyli was in her high chair. She watched her mother and said not one word. Jolene cleaned her kitchen absentmindedly as she thought about her husband who had yet to arrive home or even called.

It was eight thirty and he usually would be home by six or seven at the latest. If ever he went out he’d call her but neither had happened. Jolene looked at her daughter and round innocent eyes stared back at her. “Are you guys protesting today? You’re going to drive me nuts my dear child.” Adyli blinked a bit and Jolene walked to her highchair.

Jolene picked her up and hugged her. Adyli did some squirming but eventually rested her head on her mothers shoulder. Jolene held her hug and said “I love you guys so much. I’d do anything for you darling.” As expected Adyli did not respond. She was a happy baby but even at the age of one she was quiet. She laughed and smiled and jumped around but she didn’t talk much.

Just then the phone rang and Jolene jumped. Adyli stood up and looked at the ringing phone then glanced at Jolene. “You’re right. I should answer that. Smart baby” Jolene put the child down and walked to the phone. She answered it hello and turned her attention to the child standing in front of her.

“Jolene Duggan where are you?!” yelled a voice that sounded some what like Kelly.

“I’m home… OBVIOUSLY” Jolene said smiling.

“Why aren’t you here? You promised you’d be here Jo! I need your help if I’m going to tell him I’m pregnant! I need you.” Kelly yelled.

“Take a deep breath! I’m so sorry I forgot but I’ll be there!” Jolene said ripping the phone from her ear and holding it against her chest. She mouthed the words “HOW COULD I FORGET!” to herself and returned the phone to her ear.

“Please.” Kelly said then hanging up the phone.

Jolene shook her head and rushed out of the kitchen. She ran into her hallway and grabbed her jacket and Adyli’s jacket. She slipped into her jacket and looked around. Realizing she had never grabbed her daughter she ran back to the kitchen and found her daughter still standing where she had left her. She picked her up and kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry mommy is crazy.”

“Crazy...” Adyli said and smiled. Jolene shook her head and loaded her daughter into her baby sized jean jacket.


**********************************


Kiral licked his lips relishing the flavor of Lydia’s lips on his. Lydia stood just inches from him smiling. “What?” he said wondering just what that smile meant.

“I guess we are now officially dating.” Lydia said biting down on her lip.

“That’s great.” He said grabbing her face and tugging it closer to him. His lips were so close to hers he felt her breath and smelled her lips scent.

“Wait..” she said. “I want to do something… you can come with me if you want.”

Lydia then jumped up from the couch they were sitting on and began toward her bedroom. Kiral was confused but decided to follow her. He got up and walked behind her. They entered her bedroom and she went straight for her desk. Kiral studied her room and let it take him in. Her entire room smelled like her times four. The room was a calming shade of green that matched every last thing in the room. The lamp matched the bed sheet and the curtains while the closet, a darker shade of green, matched the doors outlining and her desk’s base color. Everything was matched and placed into its rightful place. It was peaceful.

Kiral refocused onto Lydia who was standing infront of her desk. She pulled open a draw and picked up a picture frame. Curious Kiral walked over to Lydia and looked at the picture. Her eyes were glowing with passion and pain. Her eyes showed a hint of something he couldn’t name. The picture was of her and another man. Birthday cake and smiles portrayed in the picture.

“Who is that?” Kiral asked almost not even realizing the words were coming out of his mouth. The question was more supposed to be a thought but he saw nothing wrong with asking.

“My last boyfriend. He kind of disappeared on me. Missing person no body cared to work hard enough to find. I’m over him now… I just thought that its time to get rid of this god awful picture.” She said as she worked with the frame to remove the picture. She slid the picture out and gave it one last look.

It was in that moment that Kiral recognized what remained in her eyes. Regret. Her eyes glowed with regret along with pain. The passion seemed to fade as the pain took over. Was she truly over him? Kiral watched as Lydia reached to insert the photo into a shredder. Just then the bell rang and both of them jumped.

Lydia laughed at herself and put the picture on her desk. “Let me just go answer the door.” Kiral nodded and let her leave the room. He stared at the picture that had yet to be shredded and grew a sense of envy. This man once had Lydia’s heart and shared memories with her. This man had the opportunities to look into her eyes and see the passion he saw. This man tasted her and smelled her more then Kiral could ever imagine. Only death could ever tear a man away from something as great as that.

Kiral wasn’t jealous though. Kiral envied the man for the time he had with Lydia... but he did not feel jealous. Kiral was the one who had Lydia now. Kiral had no reason to be jealous of a man who once had when Kiral was the one who has now. Kiral turned around and exited the green room. He stepped into the hall way and immediately spotted Jolene.

Jolene took one look at him exiting Lydia’s room and her eyes went wide. “Maybe now isn’t the time really Lyd!”

Kiral shook his head and imagined what could be going through Jolene’s mind at this moment.

“What? No! I love this little girl it really is fine Jo.” Lydia said. Walking down the short hall it wasn’t long till he spotted Lydia with the young girl on her hip.

“Yeah Jo, don’t worry about it.” Kiral actually had no idea what he was talking about but he decided it’d be best to support Lydia.

Jolene nodded her head and kissed her daughter some more. She hugged Lydia and gave Kiral a look that said “good bye and stay away from Lydia”. Kiral waved to her and the door shut.

“She was in a rush.” He said to Lydia.

“She had to go help a friend last minute. So we’re baby sitting.” She smiled at him.

“So that’s what I was talking about…” he said. He looked at Lydia and they shared a moment till he shrugged his shoulder and bobbed his head toward the living room. Lydia smiled at him and they walked to the living room. Once there Lydia reached for the remote. She turned on the T.V. and started scanning the channels.

“What are you doing?” Kiral asked her.

“Looking for something to watch…” she said not even looking at him. Young Adyli sat on her lap staring at the screen also. Kiral reached and took the remote from Lydia. He turned off the T.V. and both girls looked at him.

“We should play a game.” He said smiling.

*****************************************


Lydia sat her shoes off, her legs crossed, her niece on her lap, and Kiral across from her close to looking the same. His hair was ruffled and he was now in a t shirt. When he had arrived everything was intact and neat. He looked drop dead gorgeous and ready to present something at a board meeting. Now he had removed his dressy shirt and his nice shoes. He still looked drop dead gorgeous but he had more of a homey look to him. Lydia stared at him indulging herself to every look he made and every sexy attribute he bared.

In front of them was the ever and always entertaining board game of candy land! Lydia giggled a bit and watched as Kiral picked up a card. He frowned and moved his piece back a couple spaces. “Shame” he said. He sighed and said “Ok darling your turn to pick up a card.”

Lydia reached for the deck and he grabbed her hand. “Not you darling the other one.” Adyli did some giggling and reached for a card. She rose from Lydia’s lap and shockingly walked over to Kiral. She showed him the card and did some more giggling. Lydia stared open mouthed as she watched her own niece adapt to this man so easily.

“You’re good with kids huh?” she said not really intentionally saying it. He nodded his head and continued to pay attention to Adyli. “Plan to have any?”

His head snapped faster then ever as he looked up at her his eyes baring fear. It was then Lydia realized she had just broken an almost law about asking about children. “Sorry...” Lydia said as they stared at each other.

“No, don’t be. I do want children. I’m in no rush to have any but I do want them to happen sometime in my life.” He said honestly. Lydia stared at his gorgeous eyes as they were solemn. “What about you?” he asked.

“I don’t know…” she said. She honestly didn’t know.

"American Hangover"

Chapter Two

It had been eight whole days since Lydia had gotten her staples. She was eager to get them removed but was told she’d have to wait another two to three weeks. They were constantly on her mind and they itched like crazy. Turning up the speed on the tredmill she ran faster. Lydia was running along side Jolene.

Jolene and Lydia had started exercising and dieting together a month after Jolene had given birth. It was now ten months later and Lydia was twenty five pounds lighter. Jolene had lost about thirty three pounds and was very satisfied with herself. Lydia loved going to the gym with Jolene because it was just about the only time they spent together alone.

Jolene and Lydia had agreed that they would leave Chrissy out of it. Chrissy weighed in on about 120 pounds and didn’t need to loose anything. Lydia was fine with it all. Burning up Lydia gulped down some of her bottled water. “Hey Jo” Lydia said breathless still running.

“Yeah?” Jolene replied her voice just as breathless as Lydia’s.

“Remember that guy from Ady’s birthday party? I’ve sort of been meeting with him for lunch and dinner here and there.” Lydia said not looking at Jolene. Just then Jolene pulled the emergency quick stop button on her treadmill and turned to Lydia.

“You have been dating a guy for more then a week and I didn’t know?” She said her hand on her hip.

Lydia stopped also and drank some of her water. Lydia stepped off the treadmill and Jolene followed. “We aren’t really dating.”

“Well you have been on dates.” Jolene said. Lydia walked down the steps of the gym and the girls went into the locker room.

“Yeah, but we’ve done nothing boyfriend-girlfriend sort of stuff. I mean I can’t even get myself to kiss the guy.” Lydia said. They stopped when they reached their lockers and both took the time out to open their lock.

“Why not?” Jolene did a sort of laugh and said “Since when does Lydia have trouble kissing guys?”

“Jo!” Lydia yelled swinging open her locker. “I don’t know what it is. Well… I think I do. See every time I’m about to kiss him something in my mind screams ‘NO! he’s not Ahmet’ and I stop.”

“Lyd you have to get over this guy.” Jolene told her removing her shirt and pants.

“I know I’m trying. But would u be able to get over Danny if he just up and poofed into thin air? What if ahmet comes back?” Lydia said.

“There is a major difference between Ahmet and Danny. Danny is sweet and nice and he tells me he loves me every chance he gets. He wanted to marry me right away and he never once insulted me. He doesn’t put me down and he does everything he can to make me happy. Ahmet did none of those things Lydia!”

“If ahmet is dead Jolene God will smite you for talking about the dead that way.” Lydia said not even looking at her friend.

“Lydia this guy seems cool. Go out with him. Have make out sessions and have fun. You deserved some one better. Maybe this is God giving you some one ten time’s better then him!” Jolene said pleading with her friend as she slipped into her jeans.

“It’s harder then make out sessions Jo!” Lydia said slamming her locker close. She put her face in her hands and leaned on the locker. “When you’re close to some one Jo. As close as we were. You can’t just let it go and move on. I spent six years with that man. That’s six years worth of waking up with him and six years worth of laughs and teasing. Six years worth of showers together and watching boring movies! It’s hard to let it all go. Besides… what if he comes back?”

“He’s not…” Jolene said simply. Jolene embraced her friend in her arms. “I’m sorry.”

“me too…” Lydia said.

***************************************

Kiral sat at his desk tapping his pen on his pad. All day he had been flipping through news articles and files of missing persons. He couldn’t believe his boss had assigned him the article on police work on missing person’s cases. For the first time in his life he had no idea where he would start.

Kiral worked for the New York Times as a journalist. He had been doing the job for quite a while now and he thought he had all his techniques pin pointed. It was then that he received this assignment. The article called for the policemen’s lack of attention toward missing persons cases.

Kiral had no idea how police handled their cases. Giving up he just grabs all his papers and shoved them in a draw. His desk was nice and clear. He felt good.

Just then his phone rang. Kiral answered it “New York Times Maximus here.”

“Maximus. Now there is a sexy name.” said the female voice on the other line.

Kiral smiled and said “Well Lydia is a pretty amazing name also.”

“Right… so dinner at my place?” She said.

“Jumping to the point of it all?” He said holding the phone between his ear and shoulder.

“Yes, so you in?” she asked.

“Dinner at your place with Zhi and Chrissy?” he assumed. “Sure, I’ll go for it.”

“Well I hate to disappoint you but Chrissy and Zhi won’t be there. Just you and I having dinner. My cooking.” She said.

Kiral noted that this would be their first dinner alone. They had been on dates maybe four times. They weren’t anything special and he wasn’t even sure they were dates. Unsure of her intentions he agreed to it. He said his good byes and she quickly hung up the phone.

The dinner date wasn’t until seven and it was five. He had time to waste till six and then he would go home and change. He would buy flowers to make it romantic. Of course with Lydia he couldn’t predict how she wanted the night to be.

Lydia at moments was a sucker for romance and looked at him like she was dying to be his. Other times it seemed that love wasn’t important to her and she wasn’t the least bit interested in anything but friendship from him. Judging by the tone of her voice he’d say it was a romantic dinner.

Kiral opened his lap top and hit the explorer icon. He googled the word missing person and explorer some of the people. Most cases that popped up were the ones that were the oldest. He really didn’t care much for the old cases because the older the case the less the police could have done. He wanted a fresh case that technology could have played a roll in.


Kiral spent a half hour searching and an additional half hour just thinking. By six he was more then ready to run out of his office. Kiral turned everything off and grabbed his jacket. He quickly locked up his office and continued down the carpeted office walkway. As he walked a door ahead opened and his boss stepped out.

“Kiral, heading home?” He said to him as he slid his key into the door knob no dobt locking his own office as Kiral had his.

“Yeah, but I won’t be there for long. I have a date tonight.” Kiral said to the two walking together.

“really? You think you will still have this date next week?” He asked.

“Maybe why?”

“Birthday party at my house. My wife’s birthday and she wanted to see some of my best writers. Will you be there?”

“sure” Kiral said with a head nod.

“Great. I’ll have my secretary drop off the details with an invitation on your desk tomorrow morning.” Kiral nodded his head yet again and exchanged small conversation with his boss till he reached his car.

*********************************


Chrissy popped her head around the corner of her building. Standing behind her was Zhi as they waited in the ally watching the entrance. Tonight was Lydia’s first time with Kiral alone and for some reason Christine wished to see him enter the building. Christine scanned the entrance way and the cars around the front of the building. Zhi tugged at her hand and she surrendered to him and returned to the ally way.

Zhi slid a hand around Chrissy’s waste and pulled her closer to him. Chrissy giggled and shook her head. Zhi pouted his lips and nodded his head. Chrissy made a move to free herself from Zhi’s grip but he held onto her. “We’re going to miss him and I just want to see him enter the building!”

“C who cares? Why do you need to see him when you have me?” Zhi smiled at her and made a move for her lips. Chrissy darted her eyes to the corner of the building but didn’t budge. Zhi smiled and kissed her lips softly. His lips were warm to the touch and Chrissy found she was hardly able to even think about Kiral. Chrissy took one more glance at the corner of her building and closed her eyes. She continued kissing Zhi until she heard the sound of a very loud car door closing. The sound snapped her back to her surroundings and she pulled herself away from Zhi.

“Kiral!” Chrissy pulled herself free from Zhi’s hold and peeked around corner. There was Kiral dressed extremely nicely. He was in his formalwear looking like he was ready for a business meeting. Chrissy whistled and said “spiffy” to herself. Hovering over her Zhi shook his head. “I should be angry at that guy for making you say his name after kissing me.”

Kiral had flowers in one hand and his car keys in the other. Chrissy waited till he was in the building before she turned around. “Zhi you know I love you right?” she said to him.

“Yes I do. I know that you love me and adore me and I know that if I ever lost you I’d loose all meaning to life.” Chrissy smiled at his words. She took a second to stare into his eyes. She took a second to appreciate the Asian attributes she loved so much about him.

“You’re so hot!” Chrissy spat out before she jumped into his arms.

Next Story in the American Lifestyles Series

"American Hangover"



Chapter One


Lydia sighed and crossed out the date. It was exactly the 365th day since Ahmet was last seen. It was also exactly a year since Jolene had given birth. Lydia looked at the date she’d crossed out and felt over whelmed. Eight months ago she had decided that she would give him a year to return. If he returned they were meant to be. If he didn’t then she would move on. And so today was the day she let him go.

Lydia put her pen down on the desk under her calendar and tightened her grip on her bag. She was headed to the park and bat up some. Afterward she would shower and get ready for Jolene’s four o’clock party for one-year-old Adyli.

Lydia had grown so close to the baby. She had come to call her Ady and passed down her Hispanic background to her. She played with her and babysat many time. The little girl had even come to call Lydia titi. Lydia smiled and pressed her fingers to her lips. She passed her hand over a picture of Lydia and Adyli.

Glancing at the other side of her desk she grabbed a picture of her and Ahmet framed. The frame was decorated in hearts and was a picture of him and her on Valentine’s Day. Ahmet had birthday cake on his cheek. She loved that his birthday was on Valentine’s Day. They never celebrated Valentine’s Day. She sighed yet again and put the picture in a draw. If she were to get over him she had to rid her room of his presence.

But now was not the time. She finally walked away from her desk and out of her room. The apartment was empty and quiet. The previous night Chrissy had chosen to sleep over Jo’s house. Lydia had declined their offer for her to come and said that she needed to study. Indeed it was hard to juggle school and working and she needed all the study time she could handle.

She slipped out of her apartment quickly and walked down the steps. In her hands she held her purse and her bag with her bat and glove. Since ahmet had gone she spent some time in learning about the game he despised. With Zhi around she played a lot of family games. Now it seemed it was her outlet for stress.

She walked out of her apartment and stalked to her car. She opened it up and loaded herself and her things into the car. Within twenty minutes she was at the park. She parked her car in the lot across from the field and jumped out. She trotted onto the field and set herself up in front of a pitching machine that was attached to the ground. She began hitting some bats and releasing her tension.

Tenty minutes later Lydia was sweating under the suns rays. Her arms burned and her heart beat almost out of her chest. Lydia was tired but continued. The machine blinked yellow and she positioned herself. She waited a second or two concentrating on the slot that would throw the ball out full speed. The light turned green and Lydia swung. She tipped the ball and it flew upward. Lydia followed its movements only to watch it bounce off the fencing above her head and ricochet back. The ball made a clunk sound making contact with her head and Lydia stood there shocked for a moment. A second past and the field was spinning. Lydia’s eyes rolled back and she was on the floor.


Lydia’ eyes fluttered open and she watched the roads past and the streets move. She watched the car come to a stop at the red light and took a second to glance at the wheel. A set of hands nervously tapped its thumbs on the wheel. She moaned at the pain and raised her hand to her face. She touched the side of her face and winced. She looked at her hands that now had blood on it. She thought for one agonizing slow second and then jolted up her eyes now completely open. “Oh my god!” She said. She looked ot her side and jumped at the sight of the man driving the car. “STOP!” she yelled.

“Wait calm down!” He yelled back his hands raised as a sign of surrender and peace.

“I can’t calm down I’m in some weird car with my head slashed open! What the hell is going on!?” Lydia screamed then held her head wishing she hadn’t screamed so loud.

“I’m taking you to the hospital.” He said returning his hands on the wheel and continuing on his way.

Lydia sighed and leaned back in her chair. Her head was killing her and she couldn’t take an argument. She relaxed in her seat and watched as the car drove. The movements trouble her stomach and she had trouble controlling her gagging. The car came ot a stop and Lydia let her stomach settle.

“I’m never returning to that park ever again. It’s just a bad luck kind of park for me.” Lydia muttered.

“What do you mean?” He asked her.

“Just around this time… last year. Some Asian kid broke my window. He’s engaged to my friend now. So I guess it was a bit good he broke it… but he broke it! And now here I am all hurt from THAT park.”

“How do you know this incident wont bring you love?” he said to her. It was then Lydia actually turned and looked at the man who was talking to her. His eyes sparkled blue and his chiseled chin fit his strong boned face. His smile was teasing and sexy. His hair was short and a strand of it fell over his head. He was amazing.

Lydia swallowed and said “I guess I don’t really know.” The next hour went by quick. Lydia had some staple work done and she agreed to be careful. She was luckily and thankfully out soon enough for her to go to her apartment and get ready for the party. She would be maybe an hour or so late but she wasn’t as late as she had thought she would be.

Her new male friend escorted her through out the entire thing. She had come to talk a lot with him and had much time to dwell and admire his amazing eyes. They stood together in the parking lot standing near Lydia’s car, his car not to far away.

“I know I was a bit rude in the beginning. I was just shocked. Last thing I’d expect in this world is to show up in the hospital with some guy I don’t know. I’m not like that at all. But my point to this all is that I want to thank you. It was great to have some one there.” Lydia smiled up at his 5’9” figure.

“It was no problem. I’m happy you’re ok.” There was a moment they looked at each other and he glanced away. He looked beyond her out into the sun and said “well I guess I should go then.” His eyes yet again glistened and sparkled in the lighting. They were amazing! His eyes were fantastic and Lydia was ecstatic. It wasn’t everyday she met some one from the good Bronx with eyes like that.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Lydia said disappointed.

“Hopefuly see you around.” He shook her hand looked at her four staples for a moment and then moved on.

Suddenly Lydia knew she couldn’t let this man just walk off. “Wait!” He turned around and raised his eye brows at her. “I think that you should tell me your name. I can’t believe I haven’t asked before and I also think that you should come to my niece’s birthday party later today if you possibly have nothing to do.”

He shook his head and said “I’m Kiral, Kiral Maximus the third.”

Lydia laughed and looked around “The third? Well that’s adorable. I’m… wait I think you heard my name in that hospital like a million times!”

“yeah, I did. But I wouldn’t mind hearing it one last time.” Lydia couldn’t help but blush. It had been so long since she’d flirted with a man!

“Lydia, Lydia Rosario the first!” Lydia smiled and he nodded his head.


***************************************

Kiral Held the gate handle in his hands but made no move to open it. He listened in on the conversation between to women. “Jolene he is gorgeous! I had to invite him. What was I supposed to do after he helped me?”

“Say goodbye? Lyd, you already have a million people from your family here who we can’t feed!” The voice responded. Kiral guessed it was Jolene.

“FINE! I’ll go get pizza! But we will not deny the fabulous looking man entrance to my niece’s party!” Just then the door flew open and hit Kiral in the head knocking back a couple steps to stumble and fall.

He landed with an oomph and a stinging pain in his head. He touched his head afraid they would have to return to the hospital but felt no blood. “Oh wow! I’m so sorry!.... what were you doing behind the door?” Lydia held her hand out and he lifted himself using her help.

“I was entering the party or at least considering it.” He said brushing off his pants.

“Considering it?” Lydia questioned.

“yeah, I might have over heard a bit of a conversation.” He admitted.

“Oh…” Lydia’s eyes softened. “Don’t worry about it you’re-“ Lydia was cut off by a female who had been watching the entire time.

“You can stay! Lydia hasn’t introduced us so I’ll say I’m Jolene.” Jolene shook his hand.

“Kiral” he said in response as Jolene shook his hand enthusiastically.

“I’m going ot need to introduce you to a couple people here and there if you don’t mind?” She said letting go of his hand and signaling for the party past the gate.

He was about to say yes when Lydia jumped in. “Actually he’ll come with me to get pizza and you can do introductions later.” Jolene agreed to it all and Lydia and he were off. They were in his truck and he was driving when they pulled away from Jolene’s home.

“If ever I gave you a chance to leave it would be now. Did you see that crazed look in Jolene’s eyes? Sheesh.” Lydia said shaking her head then saying ouch and raising her hand to her staples.

He shook his head and responded “no, I don’t want to leave.”

Lydia smiled at him and said “Well, if you are going to stay I should give you a quick summary of what you might face in there. I think the best way I could explain it is telling you the way I like to think of it. My life is like a good old fashion American Hangover. A major head ache, everyone is always yelling, and the pain and nagging never ends. Plus there is never any brand of aspirin that actually works.”

“In the end… all hangovers are worth the fun.” He said to her.

“Yes! I think you’re getting it.” She smiled up at him. He smiled back. Lydia was irresistible.



Message From the author:
Sorry for the typos! too busy to edit it all. hope you enjoy!
I love you all!!!
-Mizz Lyd

"American Girl Breaking Traditions everywhere"

Chapter Ten




Two weeks later…

Jolene sat on her couch her bloated legs elevated on a stool and the phone near her. She was due any day soon and she wasn’t aloud to do anything but breath. She sat with a pen and a paper pad on her stomach for a table. Her stomach was large and round and she was ready to relieve herself of this child. On the paper she wrote things she wanted to do after giving birth.

Her first on the list was her dire need to loose at least thirty pounds. The second would be to get close to Danny like she hadn’t since she’d entered her third trimester. The third would be to lecture Lydia about secluding her from the fun because she was pregnant. The list continued on until ten. The list was her way to state how she felt out on paper. She hadn’t been able to write in a while because she didn’t enjoy the position of sitting in front of the computer.

Jolene began writing number eleven when but stopped abruptly at the feel of liquid leaking from her. Wide eyed she grabbed the phone and dialed Danny. Tossing the pen and pad to the side she attempted to arise. After about five minutes she was up only to look back at her seat that was covered in warm liquid. Sighing at how much she would go through to rid the couch of that stain she walked to her room. She flipped on some slippers and grabbed her bag.

Just then she had her first contraction. The pain was over bearing and she gripped the bag and tried to handle the pain as best as she could. Remember she had dialed Danny she listened in on the phone ringing. Finally Danny answered and Jolene simply said “It’s time!” she hung up the phone and took a seat on her bed. She began breathing in and out.

It was only ten minutes till Danny arrived and loaded her into the car. Danny drove down the early morning street and rushed to the hospital. With in minutes they were in front of the near by hospital. It was nine in the morning and the hospital was tame. Danny had her registered and the hospital workers loaded her into a wheel chair that quickly directed her to a room.

Jolene sighed and put a hand on her stomach. It wouldn’t be long till she held her beautiful baby in her arms. Her contractions were strong and they were close to each other. The doctor checked and announced that she was fully dilated. This wouldn’t be a long birth. She wouldn’t be in labor for hours on end. She would have this baby soon.

***********************************

Lydia rolled over in Ahmet’s now empty bed. She sat up and looked around the room. She hated being alone in his bed. It wasn’t her bed so she never felt quite right laying there. She threw the bed sheets back and jumped out of the bed. She walked around a bit picking up clothes and putting them on. She walked out his room slowly and listened. The apartment was silent and the air was warm. Lydia walked to the kitchen and looked around. Nothing said that he had eaten breakfast and there wasn’t even some kind of note. Lydia shrugged and sighed and moved into the living room where her purse would be. She reached into her purse and pulled her phone out. She had missed one call.

Smiling she was sure it was him to tell her where he’d gone off to. She flipped her phone open and to her surprise it was a missed call from Danny. She called her voicemail entered her password and listened to the message he left her.

“Lydia Jolene is having the baby!” The message was short and simple. It told Lydia exactly what she wanted to hear and gave her reasoning to rush out of the house.

Lydia did one more quick search around the house for Ahmet and gave up. She threw her shoes and sweater on and was out of the house. She jumped into her car and rushed to the hospital. Lydia made it to the hospital in no time and ran into the front entrance after squishing her car into a parking spot.

“I need to know where Jolene Duggan is giving birth and I need to know NOW!” she said to the worker at the front office desk. Lydia had received the call around ten and had actually listened to it around one. She wasn’t one to sleep late but with out being awoken by Chrissy’s early morning movements Lydia would sleep till dark.

Twenty minutes later Lydia found herself in a room with Chrissy, Danny, Zhi and Jolene. “Oh my god let me see!” Lydia said walking in. Lydia removed the child from Chrissy and held it in her arms. She looked down at a beautiful baby girl.

“Isn’t she the greatest?” Chrissy said.

“Amazing” Jolene added.

“Yeah she is amazing.” Lydia said looking down at the child.

“No I meant its amazing you read my mind and didn’t bring Ahmet to ruin the moment.” Lydia smiled at Jolene’s ability to find an insult at such a moment.

“I don’t know where he is actually so I guess you just lucked out.” Lydia said giving the baby to Danny.

“Looks like you lucked out too Lyd” Zhi said pointing to her head. Just then Lydia gasped and grabbed at her hair.

“NO!” She had forgotten about her hair. She had run out of the house so excited to meet her new niece she had forgotten about her hair. Lydia’s cheeks blushed red and she attempted to fix her hair.

************************************
Zhi lay on a blanket in the grass while Chrissy lay beside him. They were both looking up at the stars. After the hospital they had gone their separate ways but something had made him want to be with her. It was late at night and he called her. He invited her to the park with him and here they were lying in the grass on a blanket staring up at the sky.

Zhi rolled onto his side and looked at Chrissy. He brushed back some of her hairs and stared into her eyes that reflected the full moon above them. Her eyes were beautiful and he found it mind boggling how she had managed to stay single this entire time. God was good to him. Now Chrissy would never again bare the single stasus. Zhi wanted to make Her his for the rest of his life.

Zhi reached and kissed Chrissy’s lips. Chrissy smiled up at him. “Christine Anne Duggan you have just about the most wonderful smile I have ever scene. I hope I get to marry and live my life with you.”

“Well Zhi I have bad news for you. I plan to spend AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE with you. I adore you in the strongest way I could have ever imagined.” They shared a moment of silence and what felt like true love.

The air was warm, the night was calm and everything was finally at ease. His life was finally going the way he wanted it to. “You know C… if I had to say anything about you. It would be that you are an American girl breaking traditions EVERYWHERE!” Chrissy giggled and pulled him to her. They kissed under the stars and nature swallowed them in the peace and righteousness of being together.

"American Girl Breaking Traditions everywhere"

Chapter nine




Chrissy’s heart pumped with excitement as she thought about zhi. She found it hard to focus at work with her ring on so she had decided to remove it and put it in her pocket but it didn’t work. She knew the presence of the ring and she knew what it meant. It had her smiling and humming all day.

Chrissy washed off the conditioner in her client’s hair and lifted her head from the water. She put a towel on it and began to dry off her hair. She took a cart full of rollers and pins and rolled it over to her chair. She worked on her client’s roller for a half hour until she was finally done. She then placed a piece of sponge on each of her ears and put a cap on her head. She sent her to the machine and set it for an hour. It was Monday morning and Monday’s were always slow.

Chrissy looked at the clock and decided to take a lunch break. She grabbed her purse and waved to the busy manager. She walked out of the salon in time for a gust of wind to hit her face and cool her down. The salon was hot from the machines and the wind felt good. “Chrissy!” said a male’s voice form beside her. Chrissy turned to look at Braheem.

Chrissy stared at the dark chocolate man she once dated a while back. She smiled at his sight. Chrissy had good times with him but she figured it wouldn’t work out when she discovered they were better as just friends. He was a great guy but she wasn’t attracted to him as she desired.

Chrissy hugged him in joy. She hadn’t seen him in so long! “B! What’s up? Wow, how great to see you. You look good.” She said circling him and looking him up and down. He did look good. Just as good as he had when she began dating him and when she ended it. Chrissy found it funny how she left B and agreed to marry Z. Although Z was the last letter in the alphabet he seemed to be first on her list.


“You’re not looking to bad yourself Chrissy. Where are you off to?” he asked.

“Oh I’m just about to go to lunch.” She said pointing at a near by diner.

“How about I join you?” He said to her wrapping an arm around her waist and tugging her in the direction of the diner.

Chrissy giggled and followed him reminiscing on the sweet times they had. They crossed the street together and walked to the diner. They walked in and Chrissy choose a close table. They sat down and Braheem smiled at her. “you really look good Chrissy” he said biting down on his lip his eyes glowing with seduction. Maybe if he had walked back into her life a month ago she would have melted at that look but at this moment she could careless. She loved Zhi! She loved him with a deep love that no seductive look could make her forget. Just then she reached into her pocket and pulled out her ring. She slipped it onto her finger and winked at Braheem.

“C?? Engaged? Married? NO!” He said sounding truly surprised.

Chrissy smiled and nodded her head. “It is true I am engaged to a lovely Asian man.” Braheem busted out laughing and Chrissy waved on his laughter rushing him to end it soon. B had always found her fond feelings towards Asians entertaining and so she expected this.

“Well I’m a little disappointed but I’m happy for you. I’m glad you found some one who will make you happy and remember, if he doesn’t you always have me.” Chrissy smiled at his flirtatious ways and looked at the menu. She was happy she found some one to make her happy also.

********************************

Zhilan laid on her bed her hand over her head. The house was finally quiet as Meiling had decided she would go to her friend’s house and it was yet time to cook. The house was occupied by her husband and herself. Sighing she turned over in her neatly made bed. She was a tired woman. She wasn’t one to fake or lie. She knew she was of old age and that her age was catching up with her. Her hot flashes said so everyday and her mood changes screamed it to every one in the room. She was a woman on the edge.

Her family did nothing to help her with her menopause. They simply all avoided her. She didn’t mind so much it was just a bit hard to deal with. Her son it seemed to make it a new hobby of his to come to dinner and make her go crazy. Every night he came over for dinner he came with something new to anger her. His last stunt being the woman he had told her he would marry on her answer machine today.

The answer machine was no longer working.

Zhilan smiled at the thoughts of her smashing the machine. She had lost it and there was no turning back. Maybe America had gotten to her after all and she was just another crazy American. Her smile disappeared at the sound of the doorbell. She ignored it knowing her husband would answer it.

Minutes later her husband walked through the door. “Your son is downstairs waiting to talk with you.” Zhilan nodded her head and waved at her husband to move along. As years gone by her husband became the man she lived and slept with and not the man she loved. She left her country in search of the perfect way for them to be together and now it seemed that she could care less if they were together.

Her husband stepped closer to the bed and sat next to her. “What is going on in your head?” He asked surprising her.

She lowered her eye brows and said “what are you talking about?”

“What are you thinking when you tell him not to date her?” Yet again Zhilan was surprised.

Zhilan blew out some air mocking her husband’s words and said “who are you to decide to start talking now?”

“I am a father” He said his words stone. His eyes looked into hers and he seemed so sure of what he was getting to. He looked at her and she felt his concern.

“Go on” she said to him telling him that she was listening to his point in all of it.

“I am Zhi’s father and I want the best for him as do you but I do not believe we should band him from dating this girl. Sure she isn’t Chinese as we would like but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t worthy of his love. Did you even see the look in his eyes when he looked at her?” He questioned.

Zhilan looked at him and watched his lips move as the words spilled out and drowned her. He was right in many ways but still she could not help the feeling she felt towards this girl. She didn’t want her son to date or marry a woman who wasn’t apart of his kind. This country was an open country but the last thing she wanted was her son to forget he was still from China.

As the years passed she watched her children do American things. She watched as they grunted and complained about traditions. She wouldn’t let them forget who they were. Zhilan loved her country and adored traditions. She worked her hardest to keep them with her anywhere she went but most importantly she wanted to pass them down.

Her husband lifted her face with his hand and said “Listen to me. If you deny him of this girl he will hate us. We will loose our son because of our selfish thoughts of traditions first hearts later. Not because of America. Even worse… what if he doesn’t stay with this girl? What if she was what made him happy? Could you live with yourself if you caused his pain and removed the happiness in his life? Think about us when we were younger.”

************************************


Zhi ran up the steps three by three eager to get to her apartment. Finally he made it to her apartment and knocked on the door multiple times. The door swung open and Chrissy looked at him confused. Smiling he lunged at her and kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. He finally released her lips and began kissing her neck and cheeks.

“Wow, what is all this for?” Chrissy said her voice breathless. Zhi said nothing but continued his passionate mission to express his love for Chrissy. “zhi, honey, you’re killing me!” Chrissy said trying to pull away.

Zhi caught his breath pulled away from her and smiled. “My mom said that she is fine with us marrying. I’m not sure what made her change her mind but she suddenly is fine with it and she even wants to be apart of the planning.”

Chrissy’s face lightened up and she jumped at him hugging him and holding him close. “We don’t have to marry immediately. I understand we need more time I’m just happy.” He said to her.

“Zhi you have no idea how happy I am also.” They kissed at her words and Zhi had trouble letting go of her until he heard the sound of an applause. It was then he looked beyond Chrissy and saw both Lydia and Ahmet on the couch clapping.

Lydia jokingly wiped at her eyes and said “Wow, this is so touching I think I just might want to start making out with Ahmet!” Ahmet smiled and poked her moving closer to her lips. Lydia laid a hand on his lips and said “I said I think I might I didn’t say I wanted to you dog!” Chrissy laughed and Zhi couldn’t imagine what lay ahead of him in this new relationship with Chrissy.