Twisted Turns: A T.C.S. Story

Alicia sat in her car, shivering. She kept putting her hand in her gym bag on the seat next to her, touching the gun to make sure it was still there. “Am I really going to do this?” she whispered as her fingers wrapped around the cool metal of the handle.

She pulled the pistol out of the bag and held it over her lap, starring at the barrel. How funny that the same gun Shane had given her to protect herself on nights he wasn’t home was the same gun she was planning to use on him. Ducking her head, she looked up at her ex-boyfriend’s window and and tried to determine her next move.

-Paperdoll

When she saw Eva, the devil herself walking up to Shane’s house. Alicia was beside herself, wondering why was Eva there. Was she there to tell Shane what was about to happen? Was she there to curse him out and take the pleasure away from Alicia?

As soon as Shane opened the door, Alicia’s jaw dropped….. There it was, the lip lock that the whole salon would be talking about for years to come…. The lip lock that cost someone……. their toe. The lip lock that caused someone……….

-Ashee

The lip lock that caused someone……….

To slap Alicia……..Alicia stood there dumbfounded when Eva was about to raise her hand again. Shane jumped in the middle of them and tried to restore order but Eva wasn’t trying to hear that. What the hell is she doing here!!!!! she screamed. All Alicia could think about was all the times that her and Shane spent making love and plans for the future and now those plans were ruined by Shane’s betrayal. Eva continued on her rant until Alicia pulled the gun from her trench coat and pointed it in Eva’s direction…..

-KEIONI’S MOM

Eva continued on her rant until Alicia pulled the gun from her trench coat and pointed it in Eva’s direction…

when a struggle ensued. Eva, not knowing what else to do, grabbed Alicia’s arm and the two struggled. They fell to the ground clutching each other desperately. Each one had a plan, a mission, a goal. Alicia wanted to be vindicated and Eva, wanted to live.

As the two women tussled and clawed at one another for what seemed like an eternity, Shane tried to break them apart. He did not want to see them fight any more. Just as he reached for the gun, a loud pop could be heard.

Silence fell.

Shane was just about to reveal…

-Webby

Shane was just about to reveal….

His missing toe. Yes, his toe was shot off during the struggle between the two women. While in the emergency room Shane overheard two men agreeing that you never jump in the middle of two women fighting.

Shane was embarrassed. Now he couldn’t wear the $600 pair of Gucci sandles that Eva bought him. He no longer felt sexy…. His goal of being a foot model was over.

But Alicia felt that this was justice. How dare he try to come between two sisters…. Twins at that!

-Ashee

Alicia smiled to herself as she recalled kicking the mangled toe into the gutter. “Let them try to re-attach that!” she thought. He had always been so proud of his pretty feet…good for his ass….

The thud of the patrol car hitting a pothole jolted her from her satisfying memory. She looked at the back of the two officers heads as they drove her to the police station. Her wrists throbbed from the tightened handcuffs and she twisted uncomfortably against them. The seriousness of her situation suddenly weighed down on her and she realized that life would never be the same again. How had she ended up here? Three weeks ago, she was engaged, living with the man she loved and planning a future…

-Sweetest_Honey

A future that soon brightened just as quickly as it dimmed….

Alicia, now at the police station in the mist of being booked for assault saw Eva and a stranger in a suit. This stranger was soon to be revealed as Tristian Javier Ramos, the sexiest, youngest, and smoothest attorney to grace the courtrooms of New York City to date.

After coffee and a brief heated exchange with her twin sister Alicia soon sat down with her savior, Tristian. He told her that Eva paid for his retainer and insisted that he rushed over to make this whole situation go away.

“Wow, that was quick”, Alicia muttered to herself as she walked out of courtroom #24 in the Bronx. “Yeah, you lucked out with Judge Jinkins”, whispered Tristian. “She usually doesn’t take it so light with gun charges but I was able to tell her that you were never in trouble before and blanked out. Eva said she brought the gun.”
“Eva did that for me?” Alicia couldn’t believe that Eva would take the blame for the revolver; she felt both shock & love for her sister. Realizing that nothing could break their bond, only bend it.

Alicia couldn’t get Tristian off her mind, even while she was thinking of an excuse for all the busy-bodies at work. She wouldn’t hear the last of it from them but she was ready. She made it…. only 1 hour before she leaves work and not one inquiry about what happened…. well only if you don’t count the mailman, the vendor guy, her secretary (Ms. CNN herself), and seven of her co-workers that she tries not to spend too much time with.

Then it happened…. the call…… that led to a wonderful beginning…… “Hello, may I please speak with Alicia Desmond?” “Whom may I say is calling?” “Tristian, Tristian Ramos…….” Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. Tristian? I hope nothing’s wrong or that the judge changed her mind and doesn’t want to drop the charges. “Hello Mr. Ramos, I mean Tristian. How are you today? Is something wrong?” “No, nothing’s wrong…. well sort of….” Alicia couldn’t take it, the fear was building up. “I know that this is highly unusual but I thought that since I no longer represent you that maybe we could have dinner…. tonight perhaps?” What was happening was a foggy dream come true. “As long as it wouldn’t cause I problem, I would love to have dinner. What time?” The words were coming out of her mouth faster than she could stop them and think. Before she knew it she was headed to Soul Cafe for dinner.

Breaking all the speed limits from the Bronx to Brooklyn and then to Manhattan, Alicia found herself sitting across a 6’3″, caramel, smoothed skinned man with a deep voice, great sense of humor and hands that she hoped would embrace her soon enough…..

-Ashee

Shane was now a distant memory to Alicia. In all honesty, Alicia had not heard a word of what Tristian was saying. Looking at him was intoxicating. Sitting across from him sent chills up and down Alicia’s spine. As well as a few other places. “Alicia?”, she heard Tristian say, “Are you here?”. “I am sorry. It’s been a very long day and I guess I was just dreaming.”, replied Alicia. Tristian paid the bill and they proceeded to leave. He was a perfect gentleman. Unlike Shane who would spend all day going on and on about his feet. Alicia chuckled a little at the thought of Shane’s toe rolling into the gutter. Enough of Shane, Alicia had a new cup of mocha that she wanted to taste tonight.

Since Alicia had three glasses of wine, she decided to leave her car and allowed Tristian to drive her home. As they pulled into the driveway of Alicia’s house, she noticed that her sister’s light was not on. She wondered if her sister would ever spend one entire evening at home. As Tristian walked her to her door, she was able to get a good look at him. Funny how she had not noticed before just how muscular he was. She shivered at the thought. “Are you cold?”, asked Tristian as he wrapped his arm around her. “Not anymore’, Alicia replied as she looked up at him. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”, she asked.

Tristian tried to play it cool and simply replied, “Sure”.

‘Of course you do’, Alicia thought to herself. Of course you do……

-Cherokee

Unlocking the door took some effort. She was unsure whether it was all the wine or the butterflies in her stomach that made her feel so clumsy. “Need a little help?” Tristan asked, flashing his brilliant smile and guiding her hand. His touch made her knees weak and any butterflies she had now became the size of eagles.

“Thanks.” Alicia said nervously, attempting to maintain her composure. Her slight trip on the welcome mat made that task even harder.

The walk down the hallway was also difficult for her. All of her concentration was on giving off a sexy strut, but in the end, it came off as more of a tipsy stumble. “Why don’t you have a seat.” she said as she showed him to the living room. “I’ll go and put some coffee on.” Once safely out of his view, she used the wall for support and edged her way into the kitchen.

She immediately turned on the tap and sprinkled some cold water across her face. It had been so long since she had the chance to entertain someone this fine! Any slip ups now would only crumble the small amount of confidence that she had left.

After dumping what was probably too many Arabica beans in the grinder she pressed the brew button and suddenly the room smelled of coffee. The scent relaxed her as she leaned against the counter and closed her eyes. The only noise throughout the house was the faint trickle of the coffee percolating, but when she opened her eyes…Tristan was standing before her.

“I thought I’d come and offer some assistance” he said as he reached for the cups on the shelves next to her. She deeply inhaled the soft scent of his cologne. Her eyes roamed across his body. His unbuttoned shirt..the loosened tie all made him seem less like a hardened attorney and more like someone on the cover of GQ. “Thank you” she forced out. “Your very welcome.” he said, his voice deep and brilliant. It made every nerve in her body vibrate. It also caused her stomach to do somersaults.

“Will you excuse me?” Alicia said as she rushed past him to the bathroom with her hand covering her mouth…

-Sweetest_Honey

“Alicia, are you alright?” Tristian asked concerned. He gently pushed the door opened and saw Alicia huddled over her porcelain god… Holding her dark chocolate hair back from her face Tristian comforted Alicia through her moment of embarrassment.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry. I’m so embarrassed.” “No need to be Alicia. Maybe I shouldn’t have dared you to that shot of Tequila after all.” Alicia looked up into Tristian’s sexy brown eyes and…. fell asleep. Kissing her on her forehead Tristian tucked her into bed and locked the door behind him.

Knowing the she would never see him again after last night Alicia called Kings County Hospital to see how Shane was doing. The nurse said that he would be leaving in the next day or so and was a huge baby; I guess it helps to make friends in high places. Alicia felt bad but not bad enough to let Shane know she asked about him or was slightly concerned.

Hearing his voice again was amazing…. Tristian called. He wanted Alicia to join him for lunch. He would be in court but be done around 1pm. He promised, no Tequila. Alicia felt that this was her time to make a great second impression, a better one. She didn’t want to have things move too fast but she wasn’t about to sleep on this sexy, caramel treat either.

Eva heard about the date was happy that they hit it off so well. She was even happier to tell Alicia that she was moving out. “What? When? Why? Is it about what happened? I thought we talked it all through?” “Yes we did. Alicia, it’s nothing bad, it’s just time that I get back out there on my own again.” Well, you know if you even need anything that you can call me now you hear?” There she went again, being a mother instead of a sister but Eva was used to it and loved every second of it.

At Pax Eva and Tristian had an interesting lunch. Eva was very happy to find out that Tristian was health conscience but not a freak. She didn’t know how long she could eat grass and wheat for him.

-Ashee

A huge family, 5 brothers and 4 sisters and he’s the youngest boy… Family is from Puerto Rico – Old San Juan…… His family moved here when he was 8…… He just turned 26 and has made big strides in his short life…. Last girlfriend was very jealous…. They broke up over a year ago but she still wants to get back together…. His motto is never look back….. He wants a big family….

Alicia was recapping every thing she learned over lunch. She and Tristian hit it off well and were looking forward to behaving like tourists… Seeing sights of their city that they never paid attention to. The next date would be touring New York and realizing the wonders that were in their back yard. “Webster Avenue, this is it.” Alicia looked around to see which buzzer belonged to Eva. Thankfully a neighbor helped open the door and Alicia took the elevator to see where Eva has chosen to be her new home.

“Hi sis!! I’m so glad you made it!” Squealed Eva. She admired her sister and wanted her approval of the new home. “Of course I made it, did you think I would let you spend one more night in a new place and not see you?” After hugs, gifts, drinks and laughter Eva took Alicia on a tour of her three bedroom apartment. Over looking one of the busiest streets in the Bronx and one block away from the craziest streets in the Boogie Down, the apartment was a very good find. Eva swooned over the fact that she had good parking and public transportation everywhere. “I’m so happy for you baby, this is a huge accomplishment…” Ever the big sister Alicia couldn’t stop smiling from pride, the pride of knowing that her twin was finally getting back on her feet.

“Oh Alicia, he sounds like a dream” “Yeah, I don’t want to get drawn in too quick so I’m stepping lightly.” Eva was annoyed. “Stepping lightly for what? Do you still think that Shane will change and become the husband you thought he could be?” “No, I just don’t want to make the same mistake twice.” Alicia has been hurt too many times, mostly by Shane. She was still wounded but she knew Eva was right, she needed to get over Shane and Tristian just might be able to help.

3:15 am was all that Tristian could make out on his clock. Something strange was going on…. some loud pounding, but where could that be coming from? He thought that maybe he was dreaming but then he heard a bell…. What in the…..? Tristian bumped into the wall facing the bathroom and was knocked awake. He crept up to the door & glanced through the peep hole. “Hell nah. This isn’t going down today.” It was Nina, Tristian’s ex. “Tristian!!!! Tristian!!! Are you home!!! Marisa and Juan need you!!!”

He hated to do this but he knew that if he didn’t he would hate himself for it. What if they really did need him? What if they were in trouble? But wait, she used them before to get to him and he swore it would be the last time. Marisa was 6 and Juan just turned 9. He raised these children because he thought they were his, but alas because of a medical emergency he found out the truth. They weren’t his children. Nina cheated on him on numerous occasions and had two children as a result. She knew that Tristian would take care of them with no questions asked. Juan would have been his first born… a son…. His family was so excited. It was too painful to relive. “Tristian? Please baby, we need you.”

Tristian made his decision… “What is it Nina?” “Can I come in?”

-Ashee

“Yeah. Come on.”

Nina, pushed past Tristian like he wasn’t even standing there.

“Damn girl. What’s the matter?” He asked her, noting that underneath her coat she didn’t seem to have on much else.

“Baby, the kids miss you. I miss you. When are you going to let us come home?” Nina whined. Her voice instantly set him on edge.

“I’m not.” he yawned, wiping his eyes. It was too early for this. He took his hand down and focused again on Nina, it was then he saw that she had loosened the belt on her coat and he was absolutely right. She didn’t have anything else on. Nina’s forehead wrinkled ever so slightly, an expression Tristian was all too familiar with. She was going to cry.

“Papi, I can’t do this alone. The kids cry every night. Why did Papi leave us? Why doesn’t Papi love us? What am I supposed to tell them Tristian.” Nina said,crying, her coat falling open to expose her body, naked except for a white satin thong.

“How about tell them that I’m not their REAL Papi, Nina?” Tristian was exasperated.

“But, you are baby..you’re the only Papi they know.” Nina moved in closer, dropping the coat

“Nina, put your damn coat back on!” The sight of Nina’s body was having its normal affect on him. He wished he had thrown on a robe before he opened the door. Instead there he stood, in just a flimsy pair of boxers. He felt himself become erect and hoped Nina didn’t notice. But of course she did and walked up to him and grabbed it, only making it harder than it was.

“Baby,” she said, moving her hand the way he liked, kissing his bare chest. “We have to be together. We have to. I love you and you’re the only man I can be with …now.”

Tristian tried to push Nina away. “What do you mean ‘now’ ?”

Nina leaned back to look in Tristian’s eyes. He saw a look he’d never seen before in his face…fear. And then she started to cry again.

“Oh Tristian. I went to the doctor today. And I have….you have…Oh my God..the doctor told me that I have…”

PaperDoll

Oh my God..the doctor told me that I have… crabs, chlamydia and gonorrhea.” Bawling and reaching out for Tristian Nina was uncontrollable. Tristian was trapped, against a wall not wanting to be touched by Nina…. In the blink of an eye his love muscle fainted, just as he wish he could. “Well that’s a damned shame Nina… I haven’t touched you in over a year and 9 months. My last appointment to the doctors came up clean, ever nook and cranny. You better tell your last couple of bed bunnies this mess.”

Furious Nina slapped Tristian and closed her coat. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to maricone!” She spat at him nearly missing him. “Cerdo! I treated you like a king…” Here we go again… Tristian thought to himself. “You were my everything. My children look up to you!” Tristian cut her off, “You’re right your children not mine…. don’t forget that. They would know their father right this moment and maybe even be with him if you weren’t a hoe and tossed your goods all over the place!” Knowing that he was right made Nina angrier. “So who was that pendeja puta you were with for the past week?”

Tristian was stunned. “Are you following me? You are the only puta I know. Your home is where I left your ass – go back there and never let me see your face or hear your annoying voice again. All you ever will be to me is a dirty piece of tail.” Hurt and viciously angry Nina stormed to the door but didn’t leave without one final promise. “If you won’t be with me I’ll make sure no one will ever want you again, not even the gay go-go dancers at my job!”

Groggy, angry, and moody Tristian tried to drink some coffee and water to calm him down before Alicia got there. He was so on edge that he was looking over his surroundings. “Were you followed?” “Excuse me?” laughed Alicia thinking that Tristian was joking as he normally does. “Were you followed?” Alicia now realized that he looked nervous and upset. “Babes, what’s wrong? Talk to me?”

Knowing that he couldn’t put her in danger Tristian told Alicia everything. Alicia was tentative and supportive. “Baby, you don’t have to worry, I won’t let her shake me.” “I can’t put you in her line of sight”, Tristian said. “She’s lost it. Got a disease from some cat and tried to turn her children against me again.” Alicia felt his pain. Having someone use your weaknesses again you. Then they both couldn’t believe their eyes.

There she was. In all of her 5’1″ glory – Nina. Her jet black hair badly dyed to tacky dirty blonde and matted into an very untidy bun on the top of her head. Still in her $900 JLo Trench coat from the rip-off collection bought with money she swindled from a sucker who thought he fathered Marisa. Her run-over slippers with a tong missing from the right one. Alicia was in shock, Tristian was in fear. He was so drowsy that he didn’t see what the sunlight showed him and the darkness kept a secret from him. Then the phone call. “Hello Tristian?” Marisa was on the other end worried and wanting to warn him of her mother, but it was too late. “Yes, I see her Marisa, call 911 and tell them what I taught you last year. Call your abuela so that she and abuelo can pick you and your brother up…”

BAM!!!! Was the sound that the bat made when it connected to Alicia’s front fender…..

Ashee

All Alicia and Tristin could do was watch in horror as Nina continued to dismantle Alicia’s Mercedes. BAM!!!!!! there goes the back window…….. Nina in a crazed state runs to the front of the car and starts in on the windshield it took three tries for her too break it but it crumbled under the force of the bat. She screams at Tristian. “I told you that I will make your life a living hell. Since you didn’t take me seriously, your little girlfriend here will get a taste of what’s to become of the both of you!” Are you threatening me you diseased infested wench?!” responded Alicia. Tristian tried to lunge at Nina but she was too quick for him in his pursuit of her………. He was halted by the sirens of NYPD.

Alicia and Tristian wait for the police to arrive and make complaints against Nina and fill out paper work for her damaged car. Alicia continues too think too herself. What in the hell did I get myself into? I know that Tristian is sexy as all hell and makes me weak in the knees but damn to have his crazy deranged ex trash my car and threaten my life. I didn’t sign on for this shit……….

As Nina scurried like a rat in the NYC sewers she managed to get away from Tristian and the police……….she ducked behind a dumpster to watch Tristian and Alicia with the police and vowed to herself “No one is going to have Tristian if I can’t and I swear on my life if Alicia don’t move out of my way I will make her permanently………

KEIONI’S MOM

…. regret being with him. Alicia spoke to Sean, her brother. He was a detective and was able to counsel Alicia and Tristian through this. They made plans to reinforce the restraining order that Tristian had in place and get it amended to add Alicia. Sean said that his officers that were on the scene were willing to testify for them.

“I am so sorry, I’ll pay to have everything fixed ASAP.” Alicia saw how Tristian was truly sorry for Nina’s actions but got over the car real quick. “That’s ok, I had to get rid of it sooner or later. I got this car as a birthday gift from Shane and it was a gas guzzler.” They walked over to Tristian’s car and he drove her to his place.

After telling his family what happened the Ramos Family Protection Shield was activated. When you mess with one you mess with them all. Mrs. Rosie Ramos always wanted to care for Nina’s children and this was another page in the book that she was going to beat Nina with – in court. Eddie, Tristian’s second eldest brother was on his was to Brooklyn to make sure his brother and his new woman were alright.

Sitting in front of the wide screen, wall mounted television the two talked about everything good and bad in their pasts. Before they knew it the time was 1:45am and the buzzer was active. Alicia, thinking that it could be Nina got into her kickboxing stance. Tristian held his titanium bat in preparation to throw down – male or crazy female.

“Heeeeeeey, where are you going with the bat and what’s up with Kung Fu Jane? Haaaa Haa!” It was Eddie, late as usual with his clothes for a months stay. “Awww man, what’s up bro?!” The two hugged as if they haven’t seen each other for years but saw one another just two days ago. Eddie and Alicia became acquainted and Tristian was all too pleased. She turned out to be one of the coolest chicks he’s ever had meet one of his idols and they were hitting it off lovely – just as he knew they would!

Ashee

That evening was spent playing cards, drinking beers and laughing at off-color jokes. The drama of the afternoon was forgotten and the room filled with laughter. Alicia really enjoyed Eddies company and could see where Tristian got his sense of humor. And the resemblance was uncanny! Eddie looked like a slightly grayed, taller version of Tristian. A few fine lines around his eyes gave him the appearance of wisdom but when he laughed he seemed twenty years old again. The bond between the brothers was remarkable. She wondered if everyone in his family was this beautiful.

After a long night of hanging out, Eddie announced it was time to turn in. As he turned to go upstairs Tristian hugged and thanked him for coming. “Anything for family.” he said, winking at his younger brother. “Very nice to meet you Alicia.” “And you too Eddie.” she replied “Have a good night.”

Alicia went into the kitchen. Standing near the kitchen sink, she began washing and rinsing plates and cups. Tristian stood talking to his brother for a minute but soon joined her and started drying and stacking the plates. She pulled her hands out of the sink to examine her pruned fingers. “In some countries, this is considered slave labor.” she quipped. “Which countries?” he asked, his brow raised. “Crypto-Yugo-Fin-Africa-land” she said confidently. Tristian laughed. “You know you just made that up!”

Alicia and wiped a soap bubble from her cheek. “I think I heard of it on the Discovery channel” she giggled. “Well, who am I to argue with the Discovery channel.” he said as he dried the last dish.

They walked hand in hand to the living room and relaxed on the couch.
“What do you want to do now?” Tristian asked, sliding closer to her. “I..um..I guess we could watch a movie.” she suggested.
“Sounds good.” Tristian said, pointing to a large tower filled with movies. Alicia stood and now capable of pulling off a sexy strut, walked over to the tower. Tristian watched her as she walked and smiled. After careful negotiation which included nixing Friday and SpaceBalls from the line-up, Love and Basketball was selected.

They cuddled together on the soft leather couch, his fingers interlocked with hers. With her back against his chest, she could faintly feel his cinnamon-scented breath on her neck. Any noise in the house became a dull hum, including the sound of Eddie cursing about the broken zipper on his duffel bag.

Soon the movie began to play on the screen, but when Tristian began to run his fingers through Alicia’s hair, she found it hard to concentrate on the film…

-Sweetest_Honey

The time was now 6am and the two were waking up to see Eddie smiling and eating breakfast at the dinning room table. “Morning you two. Being that it was a long night I though you would have hit the sack but all I kept hearing was Omar and his corny voice.” Yawning Alicia took a moment to realize where she was. Tristian was reluctant to release her from his grasp. “I hope you didn’t hog all the eggs like you usually do,” teased Tristian. “I made breakfast for everyone thank you very much, would you like me to feed you like I usually do?” Alicia couldn’t help but breakout into laughter.

On their fourth tour of New York they visited almost every museum in the city, went to lunch at the Tavern on the Green and did a ferry ride to Ellis Island. Eddie joined them on this round and picked up his girlfriend on the way. Both couples had a ball and were already making plans for another day, maybe a night on the town and dinner.

Eddie and Tristian both received messages from Mom Ramos. She said that the lawyer needed to see them on Monday and the social worker needed to speak with the whole family on Thursday. It was in motion. Alicia was amazed that this family would all ban together to give these two children a good and stable home. Nina would have to make some major changes to prove that she was a fit mother. It’s been five years and no one would step forth to claim that they fathered these children. Rosie didn’t want to cut Nina out of their lives completely but she felt that they deserved something much better.

_Ashee

Tristian and Alicia walked together up the stone steps of her townhouse. Once on the landing the two felt like awkward teens trying to navigate their first date. “Your brother is a great guy. I really had a wonderful time Tristian. ” Alicia said. Tristian softly brushed a long strand of hair from her cheek. “I did too.” he said. “I only wish that you hadn’t had to see that ugly part of my past. It makes me worry that you may not be interested in our future.”

Alicia smiled at those words. Our future. It had been quite sometime since she felt like she could have a significant future with someone else. But there was something about Tristian that made her feel comfortable and safe. She knew deep down that it would take more than a bat wielding stripper to make her leave.

When a gust of wind picked up, Tristian pulled Alicia closer. She buried her head in his chest while the breeze tousled her hair around their heads. He felt so warm and his arms were strong around her. When the gust died down Alicia could tell her hair was a mess. Her instinctive need to primp kicked in and she immediately attempted to break away.
Tristian was having none of that. “Where do you think your going?” he asked. “I..thought..I’d just…Tristan you know I look a mess.” Alicia giggled while attempting to smooth down her hair.

“But you are going to miss the best part.” he said with a smirk. She looked down at his chest, feeling the butterflies in her stomach again.
“What could possible make this day any better?” Alicia asked, in a shy quiet voice.

He smiled at her innocence and gently tilted Alicia’s chin. His eyes stayed focused on hers as he attempted to fully appreciate how beautiful she was.
Slowly, he brought his lips down to meet hers in a soft beautiful kiss. It was unlike anything that she had ever felt. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly, hoping that she could make that moment last forever.

_Sweetest_Honey

5… 4…. 3….. 2….. 1…. Happy New Yeeear!! The sound of the crowd, the noise, the music, the cold… It has been an amazing year and now to welcome in the new by kissing the old good-bye. Tristian and Alicia stood in a mass gathering at Time Square as if they were the only two there. The kiss felt like forever until Eddie, Tina, and Marisole, a few of Tristian’s siblings, interrupted their moment. The two families spent time in Puerto Rico for Christmas and became a tight unit. The next family gathering would be in Atlanta. Alicia’s Eldest sister, Diane also known as Diva, would host.

“Hey, let’s get out of the cold lovebirds…” Eddie always had a way with words. Everyone hustled into a dinner to eat something and try to make the day last even longer. No one wanted to go to bed, for fear of missing something – What, no one knew.

The custody battle really wasn’t a battle at all. Nina acknowledged that she was out of control. The tales that came out during the trail were amazing and scary at the same time. Juan told of six different “uncles” that trolled in and out of the apartment, all sleeping in mom’s room. Marisa told the judge that her mom wasn’t the same whenever she took her “special medicine”, come to realize that the medicine was Ecstasy. Juan told her the truth. Tristian tightened up his grip on Alicia’s hand with every new reveal. Nina was hurt and angry to realize that she lost Tristian forever. The judge gave her two choices: #1. Go to jail for endangering her children and have her children enter the system and lose contact with the only “family” they’ve ever known or #2. Agree to allow Mrs. Rosie Ramos and her family to have full custody with visitation to her and she would go into rehab. Nina reluctantly chose option #2.

Another weekend with the children and Tristian Alicia was able to see how he would make a great father and husband. They waited until Alicia was comfortable to make the relationship a physical one – 8 months. The wait was worth every second. Alicia could not believe how far a year and 5 months has brought them but she was glad to reach this new place in their lives. Alicia moved back to her old brownstone in Brooklyn and sold the townhouse. This way she would be closer to her job and Tristian.

“Alicia, what are you doing tomorrow night?” Tristian asked excitedly. “Umm, nothing as of now, what do you have in mind?” “I would love to have dinner with you and spend some time with you after work.” They have only been able to see each other during the weekends because of their busy schedules. Alicia was dressed in her new backless Crimson dress that ended 3 inches above her knee. Her heels were so high that she almost met Tristian throat to eye. Her dark chocolate tress was halfway up, a few strands brushing the top of her lower back. Her lips were perfectly painted and very inviting. She was ready to do damage, her man hasn’t seen this dress and she didn’t want him to forget it. All eyes were on her as she entered the restaurant. Tristian wired her money and asked her to take a cab there, he was planning something big. Eva cooled her down and told her that maybe there was a reason the he couldn’t pick her up. She should just chill and go with the flow – Tristian never let her down.

-Ashee

The night was almost over and Alicia began to believe that the special surprise that Tristian had in store was… dinner…. She was trying not to look disenchanted but her face always betrayed her. “This year has been amazing, hasn’t it?” Tristian interrupted her thoughts. “What?” “I said this year has been an amazing one, hasn’t it? Where is your head tonight?” Alicia was trying to pull herself together and put her disappointment aside, “Oh, yes this has been an amazing year. Who would have thought that I would be so happy with the man who represented me in a courtroom?” “Yes well, you have been the best client I’ve ever had. Someone who made me work twice as hard just to stay focused on their case.” Alicia blushed whenever Tristian complimented her. He always knew how to make her feel like the only woman in the world.

“I want you to spend the rest of your life with me. No waiting. No long engagements. No games.” Alicia sat there speechless. At that very moment she was staring into the eyes of the man of her dreams holding an Equestrian Horseshoe Ring – a secret treasure of the Caribbean known to be found in St. Thomas. Tristian knew that Alicia appreciated different things. They would pick-out the wedding ring together but Alicia didn’t want her man to pay a bank load of money for an engagement ring when it could go towards their future. “Oh my stars!”, squealed Alicia. “Yes baby, oh yes! I’ll marry you. I love you babes!!” With applause surrounding them they kissed and embraced, sharing one of their special moments with the public.

Phone Bill: $369. Incoming Emails: 2034. RSVPs: 489. For the past two months this has been a crazy pattern for both Tristian and Alicia. Calling everyone to share the news, getting guests to confirm or decline, booking plane tickets for their destination wedding in St. Kitts, booking the European Honeymoon tickets, confirming plans with the caterers, the church, the photographer, the florists…. thank God for Tristian. He didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and Alicia was all too happy to have him share the headaches. They were to be married by next year April – it was August. They worked it all out where they would be done paying for everything four months before the wedding. The money that both sides of the family chipped in helped a lot. Marisa was so excited to be a bridesmaid and Juan could stop looking at his tux for his position as an usher. They were able to invite a few friends and began to spend more and more time at Tristian’s place. It would be an instant family.

It’s been almost eleven months and Nina was being released from rehab. The doctor told her that she was on the right track but still needed to attend Anger Management in order to be in good standing with the courts. This was noted on her file. Nina agreed and was anxious to see her children…. and Tristian. Maybe if her saw how much she changed he would give her another chance. She wanted to spend this time getting ready to welcome in 2007 with the people she loved and who loved her. With a Barbie doll and a Tonka Truck in a bag Nina lost touch with what her children would like as gifts, she was hoping these would work. Marisa is about to be eight and Juan almost eleven they have begun to find new likes and Nina didn’t know any of them.

Hearing the laughter of her children made tears swell up in her eyes. Nina was excited and scared at the same time to meet her children. “Nina, when are you going to introduce me?” A 5’8″ fella was by her side. He had on dirty oversized jeans, a white tank top on and a Silver chain around his neck, lying to people that it was platinum. He was a dead ringer for Juan. Could have been his older twin. In rehab, one of the exercises was to make amends. Nina sent Alicia a long 6-page letter apologizing for what she did and promising to pay her for her car. She also sent Tristian a 20-paged letter – mostly just ramblings and far-a-way thoughts, but she told him that she was sorry for hurting him and would always love him. The ultimate task that she had to complete was to attempt to find the father or fathers of Juan and Marisa. The doctor didn’t want it to turn into a Maury Povich moment so she had Nina think hard on her past (drug induced and sober) to narrow down her candidates.

Derek Jones. 36-yr-old aspiring rapper. Living in his mother’s basement in the Bronx. Part-time job as a bag boy at Associates Supermarket. Father of seven children, not including Juan and Marisa. This was the man who paternity tests came up with. Juan and Marisa and the Ramos family knew that their father or fathers were being sought. Nina knew that the Mr. and Mrs. Ramos were successful in gaining full-time custody of her children. After four months of thinking, reading legal papers and having a court appointed attorney speak with her and advise her, she agreed to the adoption. Being that the children were at a certain age, Juan was allowed to speak on his sister’s and his own behalf. A meeting with Derek was a formality so that they could get to know him.

“Be quiet! Don’t you see that you will meet them today? Geeze,” snapped Nina. “I just have to make sure that they are ready to see you.” Derek was annoyed, he didn’t want to wait, he wanted to get this over with. “Look, because of you I now have two more kids to support. I don’t see why I should have to if they got adopted.” Derek wasn’t the best choice for a father but since Nina was 13-years-old she was in love with him… that is until she met Tristian.

-Ashee

“Bytch!” “Whore!” “Momma don’t….” “So Derek, did you just come here to start trouble?” “You’re not her mother, I am…..” “I thought you changed, now you want Tristian back?” “I’m getting married, you know this…..”

Tristian couldn’t stop the flashbacks from coming… The past two months were full of twists and turns. People getting put in their place and feelings getting hurt. “Tristino… Tristino….” called Rosie. That was her nickname for him since he was a baby. Rosie has been trying to help with the finishing touches of the wedding and keep Nina at a distance. Sean was working over time pulling strings at his precinct making sure that Nina knew that he could make her life a living hell if she touched her sister one more time. The fight caused tension in the family but instead of pulling them apart it only made them stronger.

As the round kick connected, Nina’s head tilted back like an Annie rag doll’s when left to flop around. The hate in Nina’s eyes scared Marisa and Juan had to hold her back so that she wouldn’t get hurt in the scuffle. Rosie and her eldest son, Hector Jr., ushered the children in away from the violence. “Call the police Isabella,” instructed Rosie. “Nina is attacking Alicia but Alicia might kill her.” “Ay Dios mios,” was all you heard from Marisole, Catherine and Tina. “Kick her again,” said Abuela Marianna, Tristian’s grandmother. She never liked Nina to begin with and seeing her get broken down was a treat. Derek was on the sidelines cheering on the fight, “Nothing like a good catfight to get a brotha all warm and tingly, nah mean?” Sean arrived just in time to give out orders to the surrounding guests in breaking up the fight.

“Donny, grab Nina…. Eric help me and Tony grab Alicia!!!” Alicia was in mid flight when she felt her momentum jolted and she was whisked backwards into a bush. Nina’s head was shoved in a bowl of potato salad that had cayenne pepper in it – no one wanted anymore after that. For someone a mere 5’4 and 122lbs, Alicia was no joke. She’s a black belt but never registered as she was supposed to. She knew that she couldn’t fight anyone without getting in trouble because she would have been known as a lethal weapon. Sean would make her register in the following weeks, for her own good. Nina was on the ground, bloodied and in pain. Her body felt like it was broken in half. It was hard to believe that she was older than Alicia and Tristian – she should have known better than to behave in such a manner that even the dogs and cats of the household sat in shock. The golden retriever, Ralphie, couldn’t eat for three days after the fight… he was traumatized and Julisa was pissed, he is her dog.

Alicia almost forgot hot to do the Jujitsu kick to the throat and chop to the lungs until her instincts kicked in. Nina was out of breath from the first round kick to the head but she kept on coming. Nina didn’t know how to stop, she was fighting for her life – at least that’s how she felt. No one could figure out how an indoor-BBQ turned into an match at The Ultimate Fighter – Kickboxing Style. Where most could agree on was when Nina was seen charging Alicia, Marisa and Eva with a skewer from a finished shish kabob. “What set Nina off?” asked officer Ruiz. Derek was all too entertained and animated as he recapped the day’s events for officer Jones. “Well you see my brotha, Nina here saw her ex man kissin’ up on his fine fiancée there. Then she saw this blazing ring on sista girl’s finger and it was on,” Derek said as he did a small hop. Nina knew that they were getting married but when she saw the ring and how they interacted with each other there was a smaller chance of her winning him back.

This winter would be a harsh one. Nina and Dr. Elaine Roberts, her doctor from the rehab, had an appointment at 2:30pm and Nina was late. Dr. Roberts was worried that Nina was spiraling back into her back habits. “Did you ever join the Anger Management group I signed up up for Nina?” “Why you asking me like you don’t know?” Nina was very irritable today and Dr, Roberts probed her to find out why. “Well, now my daughter don’t want to see me by herself, my bills are three months behind and I don’t like my job,” snarled Nina. Nina has only been out of rehab for five months, the fight was two months ago and Tristian’s wedding is next month. Nina has been in a miserable mood and didn’t know the first step to take in order to get out of it. “Nina, nothing will go right for you until you can face the fact that Tristian is your past. Nothing more, nothing less. That door is closed for you. He has said this with his words and shown this in his actions. You have begun to make amends for your past discretions but I fear you thought that if Tristian saw a “new you” that he would take you back. That is not why you are here. You are not here for Tristian, Juan or Marisa,” Nina slowly began to hear the words that Dr. Roberts was saying and on her way to comprehending them. “You must be here for Nina or we are simply wasting each other’s time and putting your children in the position of fearing you and not wanting you in their lives.” Dr. Roberts grabbed her car keys and placed her coat on the hook, “Let’s go Nina, your group is meeting at 4, we have 40 minutes to get there.”

-Ashee

“Hi my name is Trudy and I have an anger problem….” “Hi my name is Rob and I have an anger problem….” “……..Tina, I have an anger problem…..” “……. Daniel……. blah, blah, blah, blah……” “…….My name blah blah blah…….” Today there were at least six new members who had anger problems. Nina thought she would only have to say a few words, get a prescription, maybe a tongue lashing and she’d be done with this whole mess in at the most… two weeks. Things were definitely not looking that way. They have talked about everything that Nina has done: the shooting when she was sixteen, the rapes, the prostitution, Tristian, her children, Derek, her family, her childhood. Everything that she could think of that Oprah would want to talk about, now what? It seemed like they were digging for something within her but she just didn’t know what or else she would have given it to them on day two. The group leader was Dr. Miguel Rodriguez, he was 45-years-old, amazingly he still had his dark, thick, curly hair – no balding in sight. He stood at 5’9″ and had been married to his high-school sweetheart for 12 years. They reconnected after 15 years of living separate lives. With four children and twelve grandchildren, Miguel felt like a fulfilled man.

Nina was his most difficult case to date. He recognized her inability to focus on the real issues and work on them. Nina was a projector, she projected her inner feelings onto others. If she felt like she was worthless then she had to make someone else feel worthless. She didn’t care about herself or those around her enough to straighten up and fly right. “Nina? How have you been since our last meeting?” It was obvious that her daydreaming was interrupted. Nina now found a new obsession to add to her list…. Marcus O’Callaghan. He was a very sexy Black Irish man who was 6’2″, bald, dimples on both cheeks, skin as smooth as a baby’s butt and a smile that would melt the wicked witch of the West. “Nina?” “Huh? What?” Dr. Rodriguez repeated himself, “How have you been?” “Great doc. I’m still clean, haven’t used in over a year now. My ex is getting married in a few days and I wish him the best.” Trudy couldn’t stand it when Nina lied to the group. She knew that Nina still had dreams about Tristian leaving Alicia at the alter and running away with her. She had the Different World episode on tape…. the one where Dwayne stole Whitney at her wedding in Virginia….. that’s all Nina watched.

“Doc, I think I’m ready to be done with the ‘group process’,” Nina said with a slight whine. “Not again. How can you be ready to leave group when you’re hoping your ex leaves his fiancée for you and now you’re obsessed with a married fireman down the block?!!!” Trudy was enraged. Trudy was here to work on being a busybody. She would get outrageously upset when someone else made a personal choice that she didn’t like. “Mind your business whore! Nobody asked you and dang thing…. Puta!” Both ladies were on their feet now. Dr. Rodriguez stood up and two orderlies were on hand to take them down. “Ladies, quiet!! Sit down!! Trudy please don’t feel that it’s up to you to reveal something for another group member. We spoke about this already.” Dr. Rodriguez would make that Trudy’s last warning. “Nina, you are not ready to leave the group in my opinion. The is a voluntary group but according to your records, you don’t have much of a choice.

The church was decked out in crimson and cream. The colors of royalty, purple and gold, graced the reception hall. Yes, Tristian and Alicia found a way to incorporate their love for their organizations into their wedding. Dr. Rodriguez was an old friend of Tristian’s dad, Hector. Marcus was a high school and now fraternity brother of Tristian’s. They reconnected at a state meeting and have never lost touch since. Alicia’s sister Diane was her maid of honor and Eddie was Tristian’s best man. Five bridesmaids and five ushers seemed to flow seamlessly. The wedding coordinator’s country twang could be hear on corresponding headpieces…. “slow down the pace….. make sure the cake is in the fridge….. I need more flowers at the hall…. where’s the flower girl….. he threw up where…. 10 hours to go……”

To think all that they have been through in order to make this day happen. Rosie was relieved when the priest completed the phrase….. “if anyone objects to these two getting married speak now or forever…..” with no incidents. I dos were exchanged and the kisses were just to be enjoyed when the squeaking of the doors echoed throughout the church. There stood Nina… hand-in-hand with….. Shane Roberts.

-Ashee

Shane had been cocky all night. He was grinning like the cat who swallowed the diamond studded canary. Hector, Sean, Diane all made sure that nothing went down. They took on the rolls as bodyguards, if Shane or Nina made a move towards the couple they would tackle them as if there were only two seconds left in the last quarter of the Super Bowl.

Juan and Marisa kept their mom as busy as they could but they could tell that Nina wanted to greet Tristian. “Then my teacher sad that I would be great in A.P. English, Spanish, and Math.” Nina was barely hearing Marisa’s words. “I really want to get into A.P. Science too but the exam is very hard. Alicia said that I can do it if I want it bad enough…” As dinner was wrapping up the couple made their way around to their guests. The night was half over and drama was almost avoided when it happened. When Tristian was called away to prepare for their departure to the Honeymoon, Shane made his move. He side-stepped the guards and made his way to Alicia. “Hey baby, you missed Big Daddy?” Shane was invading Alicia’s personal space and she could smell the cheap cologne on his $15 suit and the garlic thriving on his breath. “Please step ten paces back and approach the bride in the proper manner,” Alicia was taking no mess on her special day and she refused to allow him to get her mad. “Come on baby, don’t be that way. I don’t even know why you’re frontin’ and marrying this punk. He can’t treat you like I can.” Shane stood there as if he said the magic words to have Alicia running back to him. Alicia was waiting for this day the day that she could let all her emotions pour out…

*smack* Tristian couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Baby, baby… hold up. Don’t let him get to you.” Shane was doubled over holding the right side of his jaw. He forgot that Alicia had a mean right hand, if she was able to finish what she started he would have been carried out. “That’s why we are not together Shane. You think you are God’s gift to women and I am not the seventeen-year-old fool who used to be infatuated with you.” Alicia felt a large sense of joy wash over her. “Oh that would never happen again baby. That fool no longer is the reason I live and breathe, you are my King.” As Tristian bent down slightly Alicia raised up to her tip toes and they united for another long kiss. “Excuse me…,” Nina worked her way to the couple. “Um, I just wanted to apologize. Shane asked if he could be my date, I just met him two days ago and he seemed really nice. He wanted to take me out and thought that a wedding would be a great first date.” Diane couldn’t believe how dense Nina could be. With all the chasing of men she still couldn’t tell when she was getting played. With both of her crushes in the same place Nina felt foolish now that she was alone. “I just wanted to wish you both well and to let you know that I would no longer interfere with your relationship. I just want to be able to visit my children when I want.” Nina seemed actually genuine and the couple wanted to bury the hatched, for the sake of the children. Even though the party went into the wee hours of the night, Tristian and Alicia were on their way to their Honeymoon destination.

“Mamma, Mamma, Mamma.” There was a sound that Alicia longed to hear each day at 4:15 pm. She and Tristian rearranged their entire schedules so that they could enjoy their nights together, as a family. Two bright-eyed little boys about the age of two were running in Alicia’s direction, they were twins. Alicia gave birth to her sons nine months after the wedding. She and Tristian saw no reason to wait before having children. Marisa and Juan were great at being a big brother and sister. They were a nice bonded family and Nina seemed to fit in seamlessly. She too had found her place in this world and had Anthony De Luca to help her if she stumbled along the way. She met him at dinner that the family threw, he was a co-worker and friends with Marcus. Anthony became Nina’s rock and he was crazy about her, it was no surprise when he proposed or that she excepted.

-Ashee

to be continued…..

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