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Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
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Prologue
Tina fell in love with her high school sweetheart Jared Lopez. They got
married immediately after high school ended and went to college
together. Things started to take a turn for the worst towards the end
of their senior yeah in college when he started to become more
aggressive and violent. Tina couldn’t take it anymore and filed for
divorce when she found out that she was 4 months pregnant and didn‘t
want to chance loosing the baby. After the divorce was final she
applied for law school and had a baby girl. She worked double time to
keep a roof over her and the baby's’ head, paid off her law school
debts, and kept her grades up. She finally graduated top of her class
and took the bar exam in both her home state of Kansas and Florida
where she currently lives away from her past.
Tina was hired to work in a high profile Orlando Law firm working along
side the best lawyers in the state. She assisted many court trials
until one day when she was given a case of her own defending the one
and only AJ McLean who was accused of assault and battery. Knowing what
he was charged of brought back memories of when she was in college and
the dreaded divorce she wished she never would of went through. Then
she thought if she didn’t go through all of that she wouldn’t have the
most precious thing in her life today. Her 4 year old daughter Jelina
Marisol Lopez.
What will happen when they meet? Is AJ guilty or not? Will Tina be able
to handle the case?
Back
Chapter 1
Tina sat all day in her office preparing files for the most important
case of her life. One that would make or break her criminal law career.
Tina started to look at a picture of her daughter remembering when she
asked Jared for a divorce right before their graduation from KU. She
thought He had nothing going for himself anyways except for the NBA
career he wanted, but that was all messed up when he started to use
drugs, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and started to become
abusive. A buzz came from the secretary bringing Tina back to reality.
“It’s time for you to go and visit Mr. McLean ,” Janie her secretary
exclaimed.
“Ok thank you Janie,” Tina replied before setting the picture of Jelina
back in place then stood up to gather her things , got into her blue
Toyota Celica and was on her way. She began thinking about how this
case would change her life greatly. Jared might come after her maybe
even kidnap Jelina. She was so scared about what could happen in the
future. Tina finally arrived she walked in and was greeted by AJ’s
mother who was so happy to see her. “Ms. McLean, would you like to go
in with me to talk to you son,” she asked in a serious tone hoping she
would say yes.
“Yes , please call me Denise.” Denise replied. Following Tina back to a
conference room were AJ waited.
“Hello, Mr. McLean. I am Tina Lopez. I am here to represent you in
court,” Tina replied shaking his hand before she sat down in the chair
across from him as Denise sat next to him.
*Authors Note*
Even though Tina divorced Jared she still retained the last name.
“Hello,” was all he could say noticing how stunningly beautiful she was
and recovering form the that were chills sent down his spin when they
shook hands. “Oh um please just call me AJ” he insisted.
“Ok, would please tell me what happened starting from the beginning.”
Tina asked grabbed a pad of paper and pen out of her bag ready to write
down the important information of his side of the story.
“Yeah,” he replied in a serious tone.
“Ok you may begin.” she responded ready to listen to what he had to say.
“Well it all started when I met my ex-girlfriend Michelle. We started
out as friends and then started dating. About a year ago we moved in
together and noticed money missing and Michelle began to change. She
was the one beating me if I hit her it was only in self defense. Then
not long after I found out she was cheating on me and the guy she was
cheating on me with was the one that was beating her.” he explained
before taking a drink of water.
“So do you have any evidence that she beat you. Did you take pictures
of any wounds or bruise.” Tina asked as she finished up writing what he
had just told her.
“Yes, I do as a matter of fact I gave them to my mother for safe
keeping.” he answered.
“Ok. Denise could you bring them to me next time. We can submit it as
evidence. Before I go back to the office I will stop by the police
station and talk to the officers in charge of the case to see what they
have found out.” Tina explained.
“Yeah of course I can bring them.” Denise explained.
“AJ if she beat you why didn’t you go to the police about it.” Tina
asked concerned.
“I..I was afraid of being.. well being know as a wimp for getting beat
up.” AJ said shyly.
“Well you should of been the one to put her behind bars,” She
explained. “Well, if her boyfriend beats on her again before the trial
then they will know immediately it wasn’t you, but we will just have to
hold our ground and find the best evidence we can possible to prove
that you are not guilty.” Tina finished explaining then looks at her
watch. “Shoot, I am going to have to come back another time. I am late
for some personal business. I will see you two again tomorrow at the
same time.”
“Ok thank you for coming,” Denise said standing up to give her a hug.
“Hold in there everything will work out,” Tina assured her. “AJ it was
nice meeting you” shaking his hand once again before picking up her
stuff.
“Nice meeting you too.” he replied before she left.
Tina was back in her Celica driving to the police station to pick up
any new information and see if they had any evidence to prove him
guilty. She then went back to the office to get some files and headed
home to where her beautiful little girl Jelina and her best friend,
roommate and babysitter Tiffany waited for her.
Is Jared going to find Tina and Jelina? If so what will her do? Will
Michelle’s boyfriend beat her again? Will she press charges against him
if he does?
Back
Chapter 2
“Mama don’t go to work today?” Jelina cried.
“Mija mama has to go to work.” Tina replied unable to deny her
daughter‘s puppy dog eyes. “Ok. You can go with me, but you have to
behave.” giving in.
“Ok mama I will,” Jelina smiled running to get her teddy bear.
“Tiff you have the day to your self today, I am gonna take Jelina with
me to work.” Tina said.
“Aright see you guys later,” Tiff replied.
“Bye” Jelina yelled to Tiff before leaving and heading over to the
office.
When Tina got to the office she tired to stay busy as long as she
possible could not wanting to take Jelina to the jail just so she could
talk to AJ. The day flew by quickly when the time came for Tina to go
visit AJ.
“Jelina míja do you want to go home to be with Tiffy?” she asked
hoping she would say yes.
“No mama I wanna stay with you.” Jelina whined.
“Ok, but you have to behave we are going someplace I really don’t want
to take you.” Tina explained.
“Ok mama I will.” Jelina replied.
Tina gathered the files and information she had received the day before
and put them into a bag. Jelina got into the car and buckled up as Tina
got in and did that same before leaving. At the first stop light Tina
popped in her Black and Blue CD and Jelina and Tina sang along with the
songs. Tina finally parked in front of the jail and reminded Jelina to
behave once again before heading inside to meet up with Denise.
“Hello Denise sorry I am late.” Tina said holding Jelina by the hand.
“Its ok.” she replied looking down at Jelina. “And Who is this?” she
asked.
“I’m Jelina,” clinging to her teddy bear as well as Tina.
“Hello Jelina,” Denise replied. “You are just so cute.”
“Thanks you. Everyone says I look like my mama,” Jelina replied
clinging to Tina‘s hand even tighter.
“You do look like your mama,” Denise replied looking up at Tina.
“Míja we have to go into this other room to talk to somebody.”
“Ok mama,” she replied as she was lead into the conference room seeing
AJ sitting patently in a chair, “Mama, mama he’s a backstreet boy,” she
quickly pointed out.
“Sí, Míja he is. He is in trouble that is why I am here,”
Tinaexplained.
AJ sat that the table quietly thinking about how gorgeous Tina looked
and was shocked to find out that she had a daughter but that didn’t
stop his attraction to her.
“Oh ok mama, I will let you get to work now,” Walks over to Denise,” Do
you wanna play a game while mama works.”
“Ok sweetie,” Denise said,” Oh here are those pictures you asked for”
handing Tina the pictures.
“Thank you, but we won‘t be needing them anymore,” handing them back to
her. “ I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that Michele was
beat up again by her boyfriend James. The good news is that all the
charges are against him and AJ is off the hook and will be able to go
home tonight.” Tina stated.
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Chapter 3
“So I guess everything is done here,” Tina exclaimed standing up as a
police officer walked in.
“Mr. McLean, you are free to go. Come with us to get your stuff. Your
family and attorney will be waiting for you in the waiting room.” The
officer stated as everyone gathered their things and followed him out
of the room.
“Mama what is happening?” Jelina asked.
“Míja we are just going out to the waiting area. AJ is getting
out of jail.” Tina explained.
“Yay” she yelled happily holding Denise’s hand. Bringing a smile to
everyone’s face.
“Congratulations Denise I told you everything was going to work out,”
Tina said in the waiting lounge giving her a hug.
“Thank you so much. If it wasn’t for you AJ still might be in jail.”
Denise responded sitting down as tears began to stream down her face.
“It’s ok, Don’t cry,” Jelina said
crawling in the seat next to Denise giving her a hug.
“I am only crying because I am very happy sweetie,” Denise replied
whipping the tears from her eyes and then hugged Jelina. “You are such
a sweet heart,” she replied with a smile on her face.
“Thanks you,” Jelina replied with a big happy smile on her face.
Jelina’s attention was then turned to AJ coming out. She immediately
ran up to him and gave him a hug. Tina smiled thinking of how much she
loves her daughter and how she has the ability to make people around
her happy.
“Hey there,” was all that came out of AJ’s mouth. Picking her up and
carrying her back to where his mom and Tina were.
“Congratulations, and fell free to stop my office sometime,” Tina
exclaimed to both AJ and Denise. “Míja we better get going.”
looking at her daughter in AJ’s arms thinking how good looking he still
was. As well as why he wasn’t married yet.
“No, mama.” Jelina replied clinging to AJ like a letch.
“Why don’t we go out for dinner to celebrate,” Denise mentioned.
“Yeah,” Jelina replied hoping her mom would say yes.
“Ok, that sounds great,” Tina replied looking out of the door seeing a
sea of reporters from around the world. Tina wasn’t shocked. “Well if
we are going to leave we better do it now before the crowed gets any
bigger out there.” Tina pointed out.
“Yeah,” AJ and Denise agreed sticking close together as they left the
building.
“How does it feel to be a free man?” A reporter yelled out as several
photographers snapped photos.
“Did you get treated any different from the other prisoners.” yelled
another reporter.
AJ walked through the crowd of reporters holding Jelina close ignoring
all the reporters
and photographers that were there walking to his moms car which was
parked next to Tina’s.
“Denise you and AJ could follow me back to my house and I will cook
something for us.” Tina replied walking over to AJ to get Jelina from
him.
“If you insist,” Denise replied.
“No mama, I wanna ride with Denise,” Jelina yelled.
“If its ok with her,” Tina replied looking over at Denise for her
response.
“It’s fine with me,” she replied unlocking the door.
“Ok,” Tina replied giving her a kiss on the forehead before she got
into the car.
“I’ll ride with you that why you wont be alone,” AJ replied.
“Ok, that’s cool,” Tina replied back having a feeling that Jelina was
up to something.
Back
Chapter 4
As she drove to her house, Tina called Tiff on her car phone.
“Hello,” Tiff answered.
“Tiff, hey its me,” Tina exclaimed.
“Oh hey Tina.”
“I’m on my way home. I am bringing a couple of people over so could you
straighten up the house a little bit before we get there.” Tina asked.
“Yeah.” Tiff complied.
“OK thanks see ya in a few.” Hanging the phone up. Turning to look at
AJ “ So did any of the guys come and visit you?” she asked.
“Nick and Howie did. Brian and Kevin were going to come visit, but I
was released before they got a chance to.” AJ replied.
In 30 minutes they arrived at Tina’s house. “This is it.” Tina said to
AJ turning the engine off, removed her seat belt and got out of the car.
“Wow, you have a nice house.” AJ said after getting out of the car.
“Thanks,” Tina replied waiting for Jelina and Denise to meet up with
then. They then walked into the house, “Tiff we’re home.” Tina yelled
out. Looking around for her.
“Hey,” Tiff said surprised to see AJ and Denise there.
“AJ, Denise, This is my friend and roommate Tiffany,” Tina stated
before they said their hellos. “Why don’t you all go into the living
room while I change?” she excused herself and went into her bedroom.
Jelina, AJ, Denise and Tiff made their way to the living room and
chatted. Tina came out wearing her favorite yellow tank top, jeans and
let her long dark hair down.
“So what does everyone feel like having for dinner?” Tina asked sitting
down in the only open spot which happened to be next to AJ. Tina looked
over at Jelina and noticed her giggling. Tina then knew she was up to
something and went over to her and began to tickle her “What are you up
to?” she asked while Jelina laughed.
“Nothing Mama,” she replied giving Tina an angelic face.
“Ok,” Tina replied not buying her answer. “I love you míja,”
giving her a kiss on the forehead.
“Te quíero mucho, tambien mama” she said giving her mom.
“So what are you guy hungry for?” she asked.
“How about we just order a Pizza or something,” Tiff mentioned.
“Ok, how about Pepperoni” said AJ. Denise agreed.
Tina picked up the phone. She calls Pizza Hut and orders two large
Pepperoni pizza’s. “So do you all want to watch a movie or something
while we wait for the pizza.
“Yeah mama lets watch Road to El Dorado.” Jelina replied hopping into
AJ‘s lap.
“Yeah, that sounds like a good movie to watch,” AJ said.
“Ok,” Tina said. She got up, took the tape off the shelf and put it in
the VCR. Then sat back down on the couch next to AJ and Jelina. She
then put the movie in and sat down on the couch next to AJ and Jelina.
Five minutes later the doorbell rang. Tina wondered who it could be
knowing that it wasn’t the pizza guy.
“Who could that be?” Tiffany asked.
“I have no idea. I will go see who it is.” Tina said getting up to
answer the door.
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Chapter 5
Tina took a deep breath before opening the door to find the one person
she ever dreaded seeing again.
“What do you want Jared?” Tina said with a stern look on her face.
“Hey Beautiful, I missed you,” he replied back with an evil glare on
his face.
“You are not suppose to be here, good bye.” she stated glaring back at
him before shutting the door.
Jared put his foot into the door and pushed his way into the house
pinning Tina against the wall.
“Come on, I know you missed me too.” he said softly in her ear.
“Get away from me,” Tina yelled pushing him off of her. Catching
everyone else’s attention. “If you don’t get out of here I am going to
call the cops,” Tina replied reaching over for the phone.
Jared smacked her till she fell to the floor. Then began kicking her.
“Mama,” Jelina cried witnessing what was happening.
AJ ran and stopped Jared holding him back before he had the chance to
hurt Tina anymore than he has already. While Tiffany picked up the
phone and called the police. Jelina and Denise walked over to Tina,
holing and comforting her until Jared was arrested.
“Are you ok?” AJ asked giving Tina a hug.
“Yeah, I’ll be ok.” she replied hiding her pain inside. She didn’t want
him to let go of her because she felt safe in his arms.
“Ms. Lopez, I think you should be taken to the hospital and see if you
have any internal injuries.“ the police officer stated.
“No, I‘m fine.” Tina protested.
“Maybe you should go,” AJ replied hoping she would go.
“Yeah mama please,” Jelina pouted.
“Ok, I will go.” Tina replied.
“I will come to the hospital and ask you a few questions later this
evening.” the officer stated.
“Ok,” Tina replied as she was helped up by AJ. “Thank you,” she said as
their eyes locked on each other. Tina snapped out of it asking herself
“What the hell am I doing?” Tina had giving up on love after dating a
few guys. They were all really into her except when they found out
about Jelina they all ran.. She continued to think to herself “I can’t
let this happen again. Plus he is my client well was.”
“We should go,” Tiffany said knowing what Tina was thinking.
“I will watch Jelina you three go. I will bring her up later,” Denise
stated taking Jelina’s hand as everyone else left and headed to the
nearest hospital.
AJ let Tina and Tiff off at the doors and then parked the car. Tiff
waited in line with Tina. Tina stood alongside Tiff until finally
arriving to the desk and telling the receptionist what the problem was.
She then pulled out a wheel chair for Tina to sit in until a nurse took
her back to an available room and began testing to see if she had any
serious internal injuries. AJ came in and waited with them in the
waiting room until they took Tina into the ER.
Back
Chapter 6
Finally Tina was taken back into the ER. Tiff and AJ waited for the
doctor(s) to finish the tests.
“You really like her don’t you,” Tiff asked seriously.
“Yeah, I do.” he admitted. “There is just something about her I have
never seen in a woman before,” he finished.
“She likes you a lot too, but its not going to be easy to get her to
admit it.” Tiff explained.
“So who was that guy at the house today?” he asked.
“That was her ex- husband and Jelina’s father. She divorced him because
he abused her and she had just found out that she was pregnant with
Jelina. ” Tiff explained.
The doctor then came out of the room. AJ and Tiff turned their
attention to him hoping everything is going to be ok.
“Well it appears she has a few bruised ribs as well as a slight
concussion. We will keep her over night for observation to see if
anything else shows up that might have been missed. You may go into see
her now.” the doctor explained. “She will be put into a room shortly.”
“Ok thanks,” Tiff replied quickly before entering the room with AJ “I
really hope she doesn’t turn him away” she thought to herself walking
over to here with AJ not far behind. “How are you doing?” Tiff asked.
“I will be ok,” Tina replied, “I am just a bit sore that is all.”
“We are ready to take you to your room.” said the doctor as a another
bed was rolled in to put Tina on it and take her to her room.
By the time she was situated the police officer had arrive to question
her about the incident After he finished Denise and Jelina arrived. The
Rest of the evening passed by quickly.
The next morning Tina was released and was told to stay home and rest
for the next couple of weeks. Tina’s mother heard about what happened
and flew down there on the next flight. Tiff went to pick her up when
AJ dropped by for a visit to see how Tina was.
“Hey AJ,” Tina said opening the door.
“How are you doing?” he asked concerned.
“Better thanks for asking. Would you like to come in /” Tina asked
moving out of the way for him to come in.
“Sure,” was his reply walking inside the house.
“So how are you and your mother doing?” Tina asked thinking how sweet
they both were.
“She is doing good and so am I?” He answered before pausing a moment,
“Oh, these are for you.” he stated pulling a dozen red roses out from
behind his back.
Tina was speechless for a moment. “Thank you,” she finally was able to
get out taking the flowers from him and smelling their beautiful scent.
“You welcome,” he replied with a smile on his face, “I have just one
question. Would you like to go out sometime?”
“Out, you mean on a date?” she asked not believing what she was hearing.
“Yes,” he responded.
“Um, I don’t know.” she stated in a regretful voice.
“May I ask why?” he asked taking her hand and looking into her eyes.
Tina tried to avoid eye contact but was unable too. “Because, I am not
into dating anymore. I gave that up along time ago.”
“Please, just give me a chance. I want to get to know you better.” He
replied hoping no praying she would say yes.
Tina just looked up at him for a few seconds. “Ok.”
AJ hugged her. He was so glad that she said yes. “How about you come
over to my house tonight and I will cook dinner for you.” he replied.
“How about tonight you invite your mom over and we can have dinner over
here.” Tina paused for a second, “Because, my mom is here. Tiff and
Jelina just went to pick her up.”
“Ok then. We can have dinner at my place tomorrow.” he responded.
“Ok.” Tina agreed before
AJ picked up his cell phone to call his mom, “ Hey mom would you like
to come over to Tina’s and have dinner over here tonight.” he asked.
“Ok Son, I will be right over.” Denise replied before hanging up.
Back
Chapter 7
Right then Tina’s mom, Tiff and Jelina walked into the door.
“AJ” Jelina yelled glad to see him as she ran up to him giving him a
hug.
“Hey Mom, Make your self a home.” Tina said walking over to give her
mom a hug.
“Hey sweetie, I am so glad that you are doing better” her mom said
giving her a gentle hug. “Hello you must be AJ” she said walking over
to him.
“Um Yes I am.” he replied.
“Jelina told me all about you on the way back to the house.” her mother
explained before sitting down and making her self comfortable.
“Oh she did,” AJ said picking Jelina up and began tickling her after he
sat down on the couch.
About 10 minutes later Denise arrive and helped Tina, Tiff and Tina’s
mom cook dinner while AJ and Jelina watched TV. Once dinner was
finished everyone ate.
“Tina, why don’t you go spend some time with AJ and Let your mother,
Tiff and I clean up.” said Denise.
“Are you sure?” Tina asked.
“Yes now go before I have to kick you out,” She joked.
“Ok” Tina said walking into the Living room with AJ and Jelina.
“Mama I am tired,” Jelina said.
“Ok. míja.” Tina said taking her from AJ.
“AJ will you come too,” Jelina asked sweetly.
“Alright,” he replied following Tina to Jelina’s room.
Tina took out a clean pair of pajamas for Jelina. “ Here Míja go
to the bathroom and put theses on AJ and I will be waiting here for you
to get back.”
“Ok mama,” Jelina said before running off to the bathroom and changed.
“Ok I am ready. AJ will you sing something to me please,” she begged
giving him puppy dog eyes.
“Ok,” He replied as he began singing More than that. Jelina and Tina
were mesmerized by his wonderful voice. “Go to sleep now,” he said
after he finished singing.
“Ok,” she smiled as Tina tucked her in.
“Good Night Míja,” Tina said kissing her on the forehead before
heading back to the living room with AJ to watch TV and talk.
The night passed by quickly AJ and Denise went home. Everyone went to
sleep for the night. The next day passed quickly and Tina went over to
AJ’s house at 7o’clock and a candle lit dinner was ready.
“Wow,” was all she could say.
“This is all for you,” He replied. “ I really care about you even
though we have known each other for only a few days.” he explained.
“Thanks. To tell you the truth I care a lot about you too. It seems
like we have known each other forever.” she stated.
“Well lets have dinner.” he said walking over to the table and pulled
the chair out for her. Then sat across from her. The couple ate dinner
and had a good time and decided to watch a movie after dinner. AJ held
Tina close throughout the movie not wanting the night to end.
“Thanks for the great evening,” Tina said after the movie was over.
“I am glad that you came.” he replied.
“Call me,” she smiled before they both leaned and kissed each other
passionately. “Um, I will talk to you later,” she stuttered after the
amazing kiss.
“Ok,” he replied as he watched her get into her car and leave.
Tina’s mom went home when she went back to work. Tina continued to date
AJ for several months until he asked for her hand in marriage and
wanted to adopt Jelina.
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