The Richard Willes Fundraiser Gala

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

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

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

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

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

He was absolutely right.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The music started and so was our dance.

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

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

-Lucy, you have some explaining to do!

Edith Willes.

TO BE CONTINUE

Disaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then I heard how the world collapsed;

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

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

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

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

-Edith, are you ok? - Mason asked.

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

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

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

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

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

He went to the bathroom and locked the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Exactly.-Mason finished

-Edith…- he tried to talk to me.

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

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

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

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

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

Edith Carpenter no more.

TO BE CONTINUE

Parenthesis.

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

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

Three weeks have passed since we´ve been here.

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

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

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

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

Surprised Manson Windstock.

TO BE CONTINUE

Back to my life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He stood up and was leaving.

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

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

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

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

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

-Of course. See you soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wished her well and we said our goodbyes.

The phone rang to bring more news.

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

And just like that I lost my head of security.

Edward Woods.

TO BE CONTINUE

Thirst.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Let him in please. - I replied.

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

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

He was directed to the living room.

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

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

-Ok.

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

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

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

-Wait, you’re not?-I was shocked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- No, you’re not.

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

 A very long and dry decade.

Edith.

TO BE CONTINUE

South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-          Yes. - She replied.

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

She was hesitant.

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

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

-          Yes? - She looked confused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TO BE CONTINUE

Senior won´t wait

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

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

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

-          You´re lying. - I said.

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

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

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

-          Do you think we need one?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allan Reginald Woods III.

TO BE CONTINUE