It was late in the night and I had finally got myself in my car. The ride was silent as I imagined possible outcomes in my mind.
What if he turns me a way? I mean the last time we talked he had practically slammed the door in my face
Pushing those thoughts out of my mind. I'm just going to apologize if he chooses to accept that good and if he doesn't, well that's his problem.
I'll listen some music until I arrived but as soon as I reached for the radio my phone went off
"Hello?" I asked without checking the caller ID
"Hey Trudy, it's Francisco."
"What's up? It's been awhile Mr. Estevez"
"Trudy what did I say?"
"Sorry, what can I help you with Francisco?" I asked
"Yeah I'm currently out of town for a while, but I will make it home by Thanksgiving morning"
"So?"
"I'm not really good at cooking, but I want to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with my son. We haven't had anything like that since... Well you know" he said
"Yeah"
"So I wanna make an order"
"What is it?" I asked
"Two large pumpkin pies" he said
"Really is that all you'll be eating?"
"No we can buy something else" he said
"How about this? I'm planning on hosting a Thanksgiving get together and I'd be honored if you two came"
"No we wouldn't want to impose. Well maybe Carlos would"
"You two could never impose" I said
"Well if you insist" he said and I could imagine the smile on his face
"Alright I'm sort of busy now so I'll see you both then" I said
"Sure no problem. Thanks again for the invite," he said, before we hung up
I let out a sigh of relief as I pulled into the parking lot and I walked into the lobby. I was greeted by the sight of both Betty-Ann and Nick waiting in the lobby
"Wow you two look great," I said making my way over to them with the gazes of almost everyone in the hotel on me
"Hey Mrs. Taylor" Nick said as they turned towards me
"You two look quite dashing. Are you going on a date?" I asked
"Thank you Mrs. Taylor" Betty-Ann said
"Oh please stop it with the Mrs. Taylor stuff. You two can just call me Trudy" I said
"Okay Trudy" Nick said
"So what are you doing here? Are you here to see James?" Betty-Ann asked
"No, I'm actually here to apologize to someone" I said before Carl walked back over to us
"Hey, haven't they come down yet?" He asked not noticing my presence
"No but I just texted James. They should be here any minute," Betty-Ann said
"Carl, aren't you dashing? Do you have a date?" I asked smiling
"Oh Trudy, I didn't see you" he said with a smile on his face
And then it started
"Hey look it's them"
"The cougar. Yeah she's actually really pretty. I'd do her" a man laughed
"Haha aren't you too old" another laughed
"I knew she was still going out with that kid"
"Don't these people have anything better to do" Nick said
"What are they in high school?" Carl said
"Oh please some people don't grow up they just get older" Betty-Ann said rolling her eyes at them
"It's alright you guys. Let them say whatever they want" I said with a melancholy smile
"No it's not okay" Carl said
"Look he's defending his girlfriend" the man laughed before suddenly a girl in a pink dress came running up to him and grabbed unto his arm and kissed his cheek
"Hey babe. Sorry I'm late" Britney said clinging on him before looking over to the shocked crowd
"You got a problem?" She glared before they all walked away
"Nicely done" Betty-Ann said
"And who is this ray of sunshine?" I asked
"Britney White" she said turning her attention back to Carl
"Nice to meet you Britney. I'm-"
"James's mom I know" she said not looking me in the eye
"Okay" I said before I noticed a group moving towards us.
James and Sophie were in front, both looking amazing. Seeing them like that reminded me of their first real date. They were both so nervous yet so excited. It was so cute.
As I thought that I looked at Betty-Ann who seemed to be clinching her fist as she watched them laughing and smiling with hands locked together
"Betty-Ann, are you okay darling?" I asked.
"Who me? I'm fine" she said quickly releasing her fist
"Are you really okay?"
"It's fine. I'm the one he chose so I'm fine" she said. Though it was far from believable, it was not my place to interfere. I had already gotten in enough trouble meddling in the affairs of teenagers.
I sighed before looking at Carl and Britney. I hoped she treats him well. Poor boy had already been through enough
I then turned to step off but Betty-Ann stopped me
"Don't you want to say hi?" She asked
"No, I shouldn't get too greedy. I have to take things show" I said before walking away.
I made it to the elevator before looking back at the children
I smiled as James kissed Betty-Ann. Poor girl, I guess I should let them enjoy it while it lasts. I stepped in front the elevator as it opened and pressed the top floor.
Making it to the door I sighed before taking a deep breath then pressing the doorbell
I waited but got no answer so I pressed again
"In a minute" I heard someone said before I stood there looking around until a young lady in purple sweater and straight jeans opened the door
"Good night" I said
"Good night. Is there something I can help you with?" She asked
"Hello I'm Trudy. Is Jacob here?"
"Yeah he's in his room"
"Can you please call him out here please? I want to speak to him"
"Okay please wait a minute" she said before leaving.
I sighed before looking around again then the door opened again
"Hey Trudy. What are you doing here?" He asked walking out and closing the door behind him
"Good night"
"Oh yeah sorry about that. Good night" he said
"I came here to apologize"
"Apologize?"
"Yeah my behavior last week was out of line and inappropriate" I said
"It's honestly alright. I think I should apologize as well" he said
"Apologize?" I said confused
"Yeah I might have overreacted."
"No you were right. I was behaving like a child and I dragged you into it"
"It's fine. I didn't mind"
"Really?"
"Yeah, all's forgiving. Just please don't do anything illegal again. I wouldn't want to have to get my only friend in town out of jail" he smiled oh so sweetly
"Believe me I won't be doing anything like that again" I said
"That's good to hear. We were actually just about to have dinner"
"Oh, am I intruding?"
"No no it's fine."
"No it's alright"
"Would you like to come in?"
"I'm okay"
"Really it's no problem"
"Yeah I'm okay. I should head be heading home"
"It's not like someone's waiting for you at home. Is there?" He said causing my smile to falter
"Oh shit I misspoke. I didn't mean anything by it" he said noticing my expression
"No it's okay. You're right" I said shaking my head before walking away
"Trudy at least have a glass of water" he said before I stopped and turned back to see his smile as he made a way for me to walk in
I shook my head before going back
(Martha)
It has been a few hours since we had landed from the plane. I was really curious where he took me but he wouldn't tell me. I kept asking for the whole 2 hour and 40 minute flight but he said nothing. Even during the drive from the airport but he refused to tell me. When we got out of the taxi he put a blindfold around my eyes and I'm not gonna lie I was a little nervous about his intentions. I didn't mean to judge him because he's been really nice so far but can't be too careful. I guess I watched too much of those serial killer YouTube videos. I honestly felt really bad when he took off the blindfold and I saw the absolutely gorgeous beach we were standing in front of me. Turns out he brought me to a beach in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to be exact. He noticed my starstruck expression on my face and smirk. He asked me what I thought and I made the mistake of answering honestly. He laughed so hard I swear he was gonna die of laughter. I kind of hope he did. I was so embarrassed I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself in it. I immediately asked him to bring me to the hotel where I locked myself in the room face down in the pillow.
"Hey Martha, are you still sulking?" James laughed walking into the room
"Hmph" I said turning my head
"Come on, don't be like that. I'm the one that was accused of being a kidnapper slash serial killer" he laughed
"It's not funny" I said embarrassed
"Yes it is" he laughed
"No it's not" I said throwing my pillow at him
"Alright alright. It's not funny" he said still laughing
"Hmph" I said turning away again
"Fine" he said holding back a chuckle as he sat beside me
"Sometimes you're the cutest thing ever" he said pinching my puffed cheeks
"I'm not a kid" I said as I moved away his hand embarrassed
"Why did you even come in here anyway" I said
"I came to tell you that you should get ready. My friend's expecting us soon" he said standing up
"Oh is it time already?" I asked
"Huh uh so you should take a quick shower and get ready?" he said
"okay but aren't you gonna shower?" I asked
"Of course, if you'd like we could bath together?" he smirked before I threw another pillow at him
"Get out!" I yelled throwing another pillow at him
"Alright alright I'll get out of your hair" he laughed dodging the pillow and leaving
I sighed as I got of the bed and went to the shower. After the shower I took the dressed I promised I was going to wear. The mere thought of ruining the dress terrifying me
After putting on the dressed and looking in the mirror someone knocked the door
"You can come in" I said before James walked in
"Wow you look better than I imagined you would" he said
"Thank you. The dress is really nice but I'd feel much more comfortable wearing one of my own clothes"
"And I'd feel much more comfortable sleeping with you in my arms but that won't happen and you promised to wear the dress so there's nothing we can do about that" he smirked
I looked at him but he only smiled before moving aside
"Shall we?" he said reaching out to me I sighed before taking his hand and walking out with him.
We were soon in an expensive looking car that dropped us off directly to the beach. Once on the beach James brought me to a sealed off section decorated for a wedding
James smiled leading me up to the guard blocking the entrance
"Name?" the guard asked
"James McKnight and this is my plus one"
"Oh sorry I didn't recognize you Mr. McKnight please come in?" he said before stepping aside allowing us to go inside
"James" I said
"Yes"
"Did you bring me to a wedding?" I asked
"Yes"
"You brought me to a stranger's wedding?" I asked calmly
"Yes" He nodded
"Are you crazy? Who invites their roommate to a stranger's wedding."
"Me" he casually said before I sighed
"At least you will be beside me the whole time" I sighed before some woman in a yellow dress ran up to us
"James about damn time. We have to hurry and line up" she said
"Line up?" I asked confused
"I'll be there in a minute. Just let me show her to her seat" he said
"Who is she?" she asked
"This is my plus one"
"She's cute. You still have impeccable taste" she said
"Huh? No it's nothing like that. We're just friends" I clarified
"For now" he winked at me
"Let's get going" she said before James found the seat with my name on it.
"I'll be right back" he said before leaving.
I can't believe this. He brought to a stranger's wedding and left me alone. How can he do that I don't know anyone here. I was really embarrassed as I sat quietly in my seat looking on as two strangers walked down the aisle. Wait James is the best man. Didn't he say his friend wouldn't notice if he wasn't there. I'm pretty sure even a blind man would notice his best man missing. Would he have really not come if I decided to stay home?
I looked up at him as he stood beside his friend. He quickly noticed me and winked at me.
(Trudy)
I walked into the room and was more than a little put off by the eyes looking at me
"Hey guys this is my friend Trudy. She'll be having dinner with us" Jake said as he walked passed his children
"Hello everyone" I said before they looked up at me
"So you're James's mom" the girl in a green dress said
"Yes Ellen this is James's mother" he said
"Oh" she said before turning her attention back to the TV.
"I think some introductions are in order" Jake said before they looked at me
"Hey I'm Ellen" she casually said
"Um my name is Jennifer"
"I'm Roman and this is my brother Tevon"
"Well it's nice seeing you all" I said
"Um Mrs. Taylor" Tevon said
"Just call me Trudy"
"Okay Miss Trudy, can I ask a question?"
"Sure what is it?" I asked
"Um why did you....um..do that with..." he said really nervous. The boy seemed really innocent as he couldn't even bring himself to say the word
"Tevon, you can't just ask a question like that" his brother said
"No it's fine. While not being something I'm proud of, it did happen and it's no use pretending it didn't" I said
"Um...okay so did you...…did you love him?" he asked
"Huh?"
"Well Jake told me you can only do that with someone you love and want to marry. So do you want to marry him?" he asked again
I looked up at Jake silently asking what I should tell him but he only motioned that he didn't know making me sigh
"You see Tevon sex is a complicated thing. While it is right that it should be with someone you love, mistakes do happen"
"So that was a mistake" Tevon said
"Yes it was a mistake and hopefully you won't make mistakes like that in the future, okay" I said before he nodded
"Okay Miss Trudy I'll try my best not to do it with anyone that I don't love"
"That's a good boy. Since you're such a good boy why I don't bake you a pie" I said before I saw him get really excited
"Yes ma'am, I'd like that really much" he nodded
"What about you guys?" I asked
"No no we don't want to trouble you" Roman said
"It's no trouble" I said
"But you're our guest" Jennifer said
"Consider it a welcome to town gift" I said
"But.."
"Can you two stop it she said she doesn't mind" Ellen said before they stopped
"Alright you guys can continue your show while I get baking" I said before following Jake into the kitchen
"I'm sorry about that. I didn't think Tevon would ask that" Jake apologized as we walked into the kitchen
"It's no problem. It was actually pretty cute. Are all your children that innocent?" I asked
"Unfortunately no. But one can still dream" he said before I smiled
"So where are the other two?" I asked
"Huh?"
"Last week you said you had six kids to take care of but there was only four today so where are the other two"
"They're actually out on dates. You might have pass them when you were coming up"
"The girl in pink. That's your daughter?"
"More of a ward. The boy in red that's my son"
"Wait so she's adopted"
"Technically"
"Technically?"
"Yeah the girls were adopted by a sweet old lady next door but she unfortunately passed so I've been taking care of her and her sisters"
"Okay so what about the boys? Where is their mom?" I asked
"Mom?"
"Oh is that a touchy subject? I don't mean to pry"
"No it's nothing like that. They are actually adopted"
"So none of them are yours"
"They are my children just not by blood" he said
"So how did that happen?" I asked
"When I met the boys they were on the street. Their parents had abandoned them at the age of six and they were begging for some money"
"So you adopted them?" I asked
"I admittedly did not. I actually just gave a little cash and left and then there comes the moment I am not proud of"
"Which is?"
"Another day when I was walking by that street again I heard them sing. I was a failing song writer and their unique voices had brought me a sense of inspiration so I took them in. I was a bit distant at first and God knows Aiden gave me hell, but we eventually all managed to get closer and one day I found myself adopting them" he explained
"Yeah it's a heartwarming story if you don't think about the first part" he said smiling at me, "I even got a girlfriend out of it"
"Oh really?" I said
"Yeah too bad that didn't work out" he said
"Why?"
"Conflict of interest"
"Huh?"
"She's was a reporter and she got promoted because of a big scope of Aiden my eldest son"
"That's horrible"
"It's alright she apologized and we're still friends but I couldn't trust her like that again"
"So what did she report on?" I asked
"Well when the boys were letting the fame get to their head I had took them out of the spotlight and let them enroll in school. Aiden got mixed up with the wrong crowd and did something bad" he said. By how vaguely he worded it I knew he didn't want to talk about it so I didn't continue
"Oh yeah what kind of pie do you guys want?" I asked
"I think we have some blackberries in the fridge"
"Okay" I said before we went into the fridge
The dinner started and ended not long after the pie was finished
"Oh my god I'm stuffed" Ellen said putting down her fork
"I don't think I can eat another bite" Jennifer said
"Me neither....Well maybe just one more" Tevon said before eating another entire slice
"I must say Trudy this was absolutely fantastic" Roman said
"Yeah best pie I've ever tasted" Ellen said
"Dido" Jennifer said as Tevon nodded in agreement
"Thank you guys. If you ever want another piece you can come down to my bakery" I said as I took up my plate and got up
"No let me handle that" Jake said taking the plate from me and taking everyone else's
"Tevon, can you put the remaining pie in the fridge please for your brother and Britney?" Jake said before Tevon nodded and took up the remaining pie
"Well thank you all for the amazing dinner. Truth be told it's been awhile since I've had dinner with anyone" I said as I got up
"It was great having you." Roman said
"If you ever want to come again you're welcome anytime" Ellen said
"I'll keep that in mind. Anyway I should be going. Thank you all again for the wonderful night" I said as I went for my bag
"Hold up Trudy I'll follow you down" Jake said
"There's no need I can make it on my own" I said
"Please I insist. Roman you're in charge while I'm out" Jake said before he opened the door
I sighed and smiled before following him down to the lobby
"My car is in the parking lot" I said
"Oh that's quite unfortunate"
"Why?" I asked
"It's such a beautiful night. It'd be a shame not to go out for a walk" he said
"And what about my car?" I asked
"Would you trust me to bring it to your home tomorrow"
"Isn't that too much of a hassle?"
"Not really as long as you don't mind" he said before I sighed
"Fine. Let's go" I said before we walked out and started heading down the door. we stayed for a while but about a mile down the road he asked a question breaking the silence
"So this whole situation it's really messed up isn't it?" he smiled
"Yep, especially when you're the one caught up in it"
"So if you don't mind me asking, how did it start?"
"Well it's kinda a long story" I said
"We have about two more miles before we reach your place so why not kill time this way. I promise I won't judge" he said
"Okay fine. Four years ago I made a mistake"
"Another one huh? You seem too make those a lot"
"So much for no judgement" I said
"Okay sorry, you can continue"
"It wasn't anything major or anything it was just a kiss. It was a guy I dated throughout high school and a little through college. Anyway during a college party I met Hugh and we surprisingly hit it off and one thing led to another and I left my boyfriend."
"So I'm guessing Hugh found out about you and this boyfriend" he said
"Yeah he was actually the one who helped me start my business. He'd help me with marketing and finances and things like that. Somehow we got closer and started reminiscing about the past. We ended up kissing and eventually started sneaking around. One day before Hugh had to go on a business trip I agreed to meet my ex at the bakery to celebrate the grand opening. I had told Hugh that we were just doing last minute preparations. I was surprised when he suddenly popped by holding a horribly made pie in his hand" I said before I somberly smiled remembered the pie
"Trudy?"
"Anyways Hugh ran back to his house and locked himself in. He didn't talk to me the whole time before leaving for a trip. I'm not sure what happened on the trip but when he came back he had forgiven me. Well that's what he said at least. After a couple months I had noticed that he had started taking his work more seriously. He would always go on every company business trip and when he was in town he would stay at the office 'working' late"
"So you think he got some payback on that business trip?"
"More likely coerced into it. I know Hugh he wouldn't sleep with someone just to get back at someone"
"So you're saying your friend coerced him?" Jake asked
"Yep that manipulative bitch was going through marriage problems of her own. Turns out her son of a bitch husband was cheating on her."
"So she convinced Hugh to comfort her?" Jake asked
"Yep I know the bitch better than I care to admit." I said
"Well either way we continued on like nothing happened for another four years. Funny thing I actually just noticed we had never actually talked about it. We just pretend like nothing happened. I guess it was bound to blow up in our face eventually" I admitted before I stopped at a park
"Hey why did you stop?" Jake asked
"Let's go to the park" I suddenly said
"Why?" He asked
"Didn't you want to enjoy the night? The park is extremely beautiful at night. Plus it's a short cut" I said before walking in
"So do you think it was my fault?" I asked as we almost reached the exit
"Honest opinion?"
"Don't you always?" I asked before he smiled
"Fine I think after he came back you were both playing a game."
"A game?"
"Yeah almost like really messed up cards. You might have plucked the first card but he decided to continue the game himself. He could have stopped at anytime" he said
"I don't get it"
"Okay. Maybe I should another example. Let's say you're playing Jenga, in this case your relationship is the tower. This tower is built on the blocks of trust, love and compromise like any stable relationship is. You removed the trust block but you're tower didn't collapse but it was unstable; you guys kept growing that unstable tower instead of reforming that trust so the love block eventually broke away and without that the compromising block became useless and the tower collapsed. By the time it collapsed a lot people were drawn into your game."
"You said you weren't holding a grudge"
"I'm not and I didn't mean me" he said before I sighed
"Do you normally use children games to explain things?" I asked with a smile
"It's worked for you"
"Says who?" I laughed
"Alright fine. What I am saying is a relationship depends on trust. You can love someone without trusting them but that love won't last and when that love leaves then compromise would be pointless. Trust is the most important part of a relationship."
"So what do you think is gonna happen next?" I asked as we made it unto my block
"I don't know. That isn't something I can answer for you" he said before I sighed and stepped unto my lawn
"Anyways thanks for the walk and the talk. I'll come for my car tomorrow"
"Trudy didn't I say I'll bring it over"
"Isn't that too much work on your part?"
"It's fine. It's not like I have a full schedule or anything" he said following me up to my door
"Fine. If you come early I'll make you breakfast and you can take it back to your kids" I said turning towards him
"It's a deal" he said, "Alright I guess I'll see you tomorrow" he said before he stepped away and then I noticed it.
Hugh was across the road in front of Tasha holding unto her hand before dropping to one knee. My heart stopped as he pulled up a small box from his back pocket before opening it revealing a ring in the box.
A couple seconds felt like days as I watched them there, both Tasha and I sharing the same expression before she suddenly nodded yes while trying not to cry. Hugh was excited as if he had won the lottery. He jumped up and spun Tasha around before they shared a kiss while standing on her green lawn with the beautiful star filled night as their backdrop
Tears ran down my eyes as I was forced to admit the fact that it was really the end. The game was over and unfortunately I had lost.
"Trudy" Jake said turning back to me
"No. It's fine. I'm fine. I knew that was gonna happen, right? I guess I should just wait for the divorce papers. Why should I be sad I mean he already told me he chose her over me already? I shouldn't be upset that he'll marry her. It was a given that he was gonna propose. Everyone knows for him this relationship is already over" I said desperately trying not to cry but all my resistance vanish as Jake hugged me tightly and started hushing me. The dams had burst and I cried heavily into his shoulder where my head was resting
"It's okay" he said hushing me