“What do you want to talk about?” She asked confused. Why would he be calling her? They hardly even spoke anymore.
“Anything, Em…. Please. I need a friend.” Nikolas said, with an unmistakable sadness in his voice.
Emily wondered what it was about. He needed her? She couldn’t admit how wonderful those words made her feel. She had to be practical about it. Looking around the room she decided she could use some help going through boxes. “Sure can you come over?”
Nikolas smiled. He didn’t think it would be that easy. “I’ll be over in about fifteen minutes. You are alone, right?”
Emily cringed when she heard his question. She might never live the Juan mistake down. “I am alone, I am in the attic and bring food.” She said before hanging up.
--
When Ned finally opened the door he was stunned by what happened next. The woman at the door didn’t say a word. She stepped into the house, wrapped her arms around him, and held him in a deep embrace. “How are you?” She asked softly.
“Venus?” Ned asked surprised after pulling back from the embrace.
“No the Queen of Sheba.” She said sarcastically. Then she regretted her words. Her friend was mourning. He didn’t need her sarcastic comments. “That’s smart, V.” She scolded herself silently.
Ned ignored her comment. “What are you doing here?” He took her hand and led her to the couch. He feared, if he let go of her, she would leave as quickly and unexpectedly as she had come.
V fought the urge to make her answer sarcastic. “I heard a friend of mine was hurting. I came to check up on him.”
“Lucky guy.” Ned said with a slight smile.
“I hope he feels that way.” V answered. She had been worried he would reject her presence. “How are you?”
Ned gave a defeated chuckle. “I can’t seem to avoid that question. I am worried.” He admitted finally.
“About?” V probed.
“Raising my daughter. I love her. I love her more than words can say. However, we have never been together. We don’t know one another. I don’t know how to make her feel better when she is sad. I don’t know what she likes for breakfast? I don’t know who her favorite cartoon character is. I don’t….” Ned trailed off surprised he felt tears welling up in his eyes.
V moved closer and caressed his cheek. She didn’t stop to wonder if she was crossing a boundary. She had to help her friend. “Now you have a chance to learn.” She said softly.
He turned his head to look into her eyes. “How?”
--
Sonny looked at his father. “I told you to get out.” He said forcefully. Why could Mike never take a hint?
“I’m staying.” Mike answered stubbornly, still studying the pictures.
“Those are mine.” Sonny said angrily, as he got up to grab them.
“You want them back?” Mike held onto them firmly.
“Jesus Christ, Mike, Give them back.” The anger in Sonny’s tone could be heard in the next building.
“Why are they so important to you, son?” Mike continued to remain calm. He prayed Sonny wouldn’t hurt him, however, he wasn’t sure that was a bright move.
Sonny grabbed for the photos. “They are none of your business.” His rage increased with every word.
Sonny held on tight. He wasn’t giving up now.
Both men were too wrapped up in the fight to hear the door open. “What’s going on in here?” Came the female voice. “What is so important about those photos?”
~~~~~~
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