"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.

"Myracles Happen"

Chapter seven





It had been six long days since Troy had shared his life completely with Myracle. Since then it seemed she introduced him to every one in town and had begun hinting him to a relationship between the two. He wondered if this all was because of what he had told her but he hoped it wasn’t. Troy didn’t want Myracle to want to date him because not many had. He didn’t want her to suddenly care because she knew he thought no body had.

Sighing he continued his way through the store. It was three days till Christmas and he hadn’t thought of anything to get the two twins. Giving up on the clothing idea he exited the store and walked up the street. The dancing Santa in a jewelry store caught his attention and he looked at the perfect necklace.

Smiling he entered the jewelry store and caught the workers attention. Troy ordered what he wanted for each twin and walked out of the store. It was done with. Tomorrow he would pick it up and his shopping would be done. Just then his phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. The read out read a number he was not familiar with and so he answered it. “Hello?”

“Hello darling” His mother’s voice said to him.

“Mom? To what due I owe this amazing lovely call?” he asked his tone sarcastic.


“Drop the sarcasm Troy remember you are talking to your mother.” She said.

“My mother? Since when?” He said.

“Troy honestly why are you like this?” she asked her tone seeming sad.

“Listen mom if you haven’t noticed I sort of resent what you guys did to me. Can you just tell me why you are calling and let me move on with my life?” Troy asked.

“So you wish to live your life with out a family?” his mother said her voice sounding confused.

“Why not?” he said “I’ve lived the last fifteen years with out family why would it bother me to continue?”

“You’re sounding so cold hearted Troy I really hate to hear you talk like this.” She said.

“Oh get over it.” He said.

“Look honey how about you come over? For dinner please?” His mother pleaded.

Troy was beyond shocked. Why was his mother offering for dinner? Why were they both suddenly caring about him? It ran through his mind that probably his parents wanted something. His only question would be what?

“Is there some sort of reason you guys suddenly need me in your life?” he asked.

“The only thing I can tell you Troy is that we are sorry. We’ve changed. I promise you that.” With those words his mother hung up leaving him with questions. Troy closed his phone and shook his head. He wasn’t sure if he would go to his parents’ home tonight. He wasn’t sure he would veer. Sure they could have changed but did that mean he would forgive them or change everything to make them feel better?

Rubbing his temple he decided to let it go. He continued his way through the street and stopped into a Blimpie’s. He pulled his phone out and dialed Myracle’s number. The phone rang for a bit and then her voice answered. “ Hello?”

“Hey it’s Troy.” He said smiling.

“Yeah, I know I have caller ID.” She said to him her tone seeming far away.

“What are you up to? Or where are you up to?” he asked.

“well, I’m with a friend discussing some paper work and something but I’m almost done why?” she told him some rattling in the background.

“I’m at Blimpie’s and I thought I would bring you something to eat.” He said.

“Oh, well I’m not hungry but I do have something to tell you so just tell me which Blimpie’s and I’ll be there soon.” Troy agreed to tell her and did so. Thirty minutes later and Myacle stood standing next to Troy outside of the Blimpie’s.

“So what’s this you want to tell me?” Troy asked her.

Myracle smiled wide and said in half squeal “M.N.M . foundation is official! I even bought a building for it!” Troy smiled and was about to tell her how amazing it was when Myracle jumped on him. She surprised him as her arms were thrown around his neck and her legs around his waist. It all had him tumbling backward. He caught his balance and returned the hug. “I’m so excited” she said into his ear.

“I could never have guessed” he said to her his sarcasm obvious from his breathless tone.

Myracle got off him and flattened her shirt. “Sorry,” she said “I didn’t mean to jump on you like that.”

“No problem I’d do it anytime.” He said smiling at her.

“So what’s up in your life?” Myracle asked him.

“Well, my mother called again. She wants me to go to dinner.” Troy said reaching into his pockets and fumbling with the loose change.

“I think you should do it. Not because I like your mother or because I feel sorry for her but because it’s Christmas.” Myracle said looking up at him. “I think around Christmas time family is important.”

“Well, that family isn’t important to me. Not around Christmas and not around thanksgiving.” He said looking away form her blue eyes that pulled at his heart so strongly.

“It hurts me to hear you talk like that Troy.” Troy remained looking away while he knew she was staring up at him. “I don’t think I can hold it back any more Troy.” This caught his attention and he looked at her.

“Hold what back?” He asked.

“This!” Just then Myracle threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her kiss was long and hard and it hit him in every way possible. Within minutes his heart was beating fast and his breaths were short. Her tongue rid his mind of all things around them and he finally found peace. Myracle finally pulled away and all Troy could say was “wow”.

Troy had wanted that since he was fourteen. He had wanted Myracle for so long but never made a move on it. Finally he got a kiss from her and he was going crazy. His senses all tingled and his emotions faded as his hormones rose. He no longer cared about his family and the drama they brought him but only thought about the passion and love he had for Myracle.

“Myracle… to be honest I think you should know that by doing what you just did I don’t know if anything will be the same.” Troy said finally gaining his voice.

“I know. I don’t want it to be the same. Yeah, I am a woman who just got out of an abusive relationship and yeah, you are some one who just got out of the army but I think it all doesn’t matter. I am so deadly attracted to you. I want us to be something.”

His heart leapt for joy at the words. Myracle and he kissed again only this time it was him who did the kissing. He was relieved to hear that after all this waiting he would finally get to be with her. He would finally get to be there for her the way he wanted.

“SO when will we have our first date?” Myracle said reaching for his hand and holding it between the two of hers.

“When ever. I’m available tonight, tomorrow night and the night after that. I’m available tomorrow morning and afternoon as the next two days. My schedule is rather flexible.” He smiled at her.

“I don’t think that you’re available tonight.” She said biting her lip.

“Why not?” He asked. What could possibly be more important then a date with Myracle? A date he had been waiting on for years!

“I think you should go to your parents’ house. Honestly. You should just do it so that you don’t ever have to worry about what if you had.” She said to him.

He nodded his head. “It makes sense so I guess I will go. But I want to go on a date with you sometime tomorrow!”

“Deal” She said to him.

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

“It was one of the most amazing kisses I have ever receive slash gave! I loved it!” Myracle said. She sat on October’s couch a bucket of pop corn in one hand and the remote in the other. October sat next to her with a chocolate bar in one hand and a large soda in the other. She put her soda down and ate at the chocolate bar. “Right now he’s at his parents’ house. Can’t wait to see how that works out.”


“Sounds a bit interesting. I’d actually only like to hear more about you and him. No offence but I find his parents and him a lost case. I mean they did abandon him for fifteen years. Why try?” October said.

“Don’t cal him a lost cause!” Myracle said swapping her sister in the arm. “I think it is worth a try. Fifteen years is pretty long but he can forgive them.” Myracle said nodding her head at her words.

“Well would you forgive what Brian did to you?” Myracle looked at October and said nothing. “Exactly because once some one hurts you, you never really are ready to let it go. The scar is always there and what’s the point in forgiving some one when you are still reminded of it?”

Myracle stared at her sister for a minute then smiled and finally said “you need to grow a heart!” October’s jaw dropped and she play fully slapped her sister’s knee.

“Well you need to learn how to mind your beezwacks but you don’t see me saying anything.” October mocked then stuck out her tongue. “You should let Troy live his own life.”

“I’m sorry that is not apart of my talents.” Just then the door to October’s apartment opened and both girls looked back. Kristian walked through the door and closed it behind him. He walked to the kitchen set his keys and gun and other cop accessories down and walked to the living room.

“Hello ladies, how are you fine girls doing today?” Kristian walked around the couch and sat between the girls. He kissed Myracle’s cheek in greeting and Reached for October’s lips kissing her with passion till Myracle cleared her throat. “nooooo” Kristian protested when October tried to push him away. October giggled and Kristian pulled away.

“Well my day was good.” Myracle said eating more pop corn.

“That’s good to hear. How about you my love?” Kristian asked October.

“It was as good as it gets. Better now.” She said looking at him with a twinkle in her green eyes.

“Can you guys can it for twenty minutes?” Myracle said jealous she had yet ot share anything like that with Troy. She had spent plenty of time with him so yes they were close but she hadn’t been intimate with him. Well that she was sure wouldn’t remain that way. He had her going crazy in every way.

Over time she had assumed the feelings were because she just needed to be comforted but soon she came to realize no matter what happened the feelings were there because of him. Nothing caused those feelings but him. She couldn’t label them as anything but what they were.

“So I have to ask? What made you drop the charges on Brian?” Kristian asked Myracle.

“Well, it just wasn’t worth it anymore. He made a drunken mistake. He’s gone now. I’m ok.” Myracle said no emotion in her tone.

“Wow that’s something that most people wouldn’t be able to do. You’re pretty strong person you know that Myracle?” Kristian said.

Myracle smiled at the man her sister loved. “Yes I do thank you very much” They all smiled and turned to the T.V. why talk more and ruin the perfect moment?

*********************************
Troy stared at the home he thought he would never see again let alone be inside. He watched it glow and call his name. In his heart it was still home. These years had gone by and he had always told himself that he disowned this place. That it didn’t welcome him and he never welcomed it. Yet, here he was staring at it in the cold, in his car and it was calling for him. Like it had been waiting for him to return all along.

Some how he knew that he couldn’t just ignore it anymore. Maybe Myracle was right and maybe he did need family just because it was Christmas. Maybe it was more then that. Maybe all along this is what he wanted. Family and love in his life. Finally Troy found the strength to open his car door and step out.

The night was cold and the sky was dark. The neighbor hood was quiet and he knew with out a doubt his mother would be setting the table about now. His family unlike others ate dinner around seven. They ate everything late and hated to wake up early. He on the other hand had grown used to an early rise, three square meals a day and the skill to concentrate in any conditions.

Troy took the first steps up the long rive way his breath short. He came closer to the door the snow and salt crunching under his feet. Just then the door opened and smiling out at him was a young man. Troy failed to recognize the boy but he knew by looking at him that this was his brother. A brother he hadn’t seen in fifteen years. Suddenly it felt like something had been placed back in his heart. Like what veer void had been there, what ever thing he felt missing he was now complete.