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A NEW CHAPTER – PART 45

Sophia sat waiting anxiously at the deli.   One hour passed…another hour…until finally she gave up hope.  “Ryan stood me up”!  She announced to herself in a low whisper.  Once again she felt hurt and anger run thru her body.  Obviously our dinner date was not important to him, she thought bitterly—unaware of the drama that Ryan was going through only a few miles away.

Olivia looked deathly pale as Ryan entered the hospital room.  Her small, frail body looked helpless, he thought sadly.  Angela, Linda and Yvette, his three sisters, were all by her side.  They rushed into Ryan’s arms the minute he stepped in.  Angela, the oldest, spoke first.  “The doctors are hopeful she’ll recover from this Ryan.  Right now they’re monitoring her for any abnormal heart rhythms.  They also gave her some medication for possible blot clots in her arteries.  That’s all that they can do right now”, she said sadly.  Ryan stared at his mom—she had an oxygen mask over her face, which only scared him more.  Linda, seeing his reaction, reassured her brother that it was normal to give heart attack victims oxygen.  “The doctor said that it helps minimize any heart tissue damage”, she added.  Hours passed and the four siblings sat side by side, praying for a miracle.

“What do you mean he stood you up”?  Gizelle was asking Sophia over the telephone.  Sophia had called and explained what had happened.  “Sophie, there’s gotta be a reasonable explanation for this, I’m sure”.  Gizelle offered.  “I’ve been waiting for a reasonable explanation for seven years now Gizelle.  This only proves to me that he doesn’t care about me.  He didn’t even have the decency to call and cancel”!  Sophia was clearly upset.  Gizelle knew that nothing she said or did would comfort her friend.  As soon as the two friends hung up, Gizelle approached Marco, who was sitting on his favorite chair reading a book.  “Marco—I know we made a promise that we would never get involved in Ryan or Sophia’s personal life—but we have to do something!  They’re completely behaving like a couple of irrational school children”!  Marco grabbed his pregnant wife’s hand and sat her on his lap gently.  “I concur.  We’ve kept out of their business long enough”!  He said in agreement.

It wasn’t until the middle of the night that Ryan remembered about his dinner plans with Sophia.  In his rush to get to his mother’s side, he had forgotten to call her.  “I hope she understands once I explain what happened”, he said to himself.  Ryan had urged his sisters to go back home to their respective families.  “You guys have husbands and kids that are waiting for you.  I’ll stay with mom all night and one of you can come and relieve me early so I can go to work for a few hours”, he had said to them. 

As Ryan sat there next to his mother, all sorts of childhood memories entered his thoughts.  He recalled those rainy days when he and Marco would get drenched on purpose, just so his mom would pamper them with hot chocolate and warm blankets.  Olivia stirred in her sleep.  She had such a peaceful look on her face, he thought.  “So this is the only way I can get you to rest mom”, Ryan said sadly.  For years he had been after his mom to quit her job.  She had only agreed to reduce her hours.  “I can rest when I’m dead”!  Olivia had told her children a few years before.  At the time it had been funny—but now, Ryan prayed that her comment did not come true. 

“Mom”?  Ryan asked softly.  Olivia slowly opened her eyes and smiled warmly at her son.  “Mom…I should’ve told you this sooner—but you are the reason why I work so hard.  I have always wanted to make you proud of me mom.  When I was little I always said I wanted to grow up to be just like you—strong and determined, yet kind and loving”.  Olivia’s eyes welled up with tears, but she felt too weak and tired to respond.  She just continued staring at Ryan with loving eyes.  “I made a promise long ago to take care of you mom”, Ryan continued.  “…and I intend to keep that promise”.  He kissed her forehead gently and layed his head against her stomach.  Olivia slowly moved her hands and caressed his hair.  Here was a handsome, successful man—who to Olivia, would always be her little boy.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 46

Ryan’s cell phone rang just as he was walking into his office.  It was Marco and he sounded disturbed.  “Hey Ryan.  We need to talk.  What’s up with you making plans with Sophia and then flaking on her”?  He accused.  Ryan was exhausted and the last thing he needed was Marco getting on his case.  He quickly told Marco everything that had happened the prior night.  Marco begged his friend to forgive him.  “I’m sorry Ryan…I had no idea”, he offered humbly.  Ryan knew his friend had nothing but good intentions.  “Boy…Sophia must be really upset for you to call me and read me the riot act”, Ryan said.  “Yeah, she was pretty upset from what Gizelle told me.  You’d better call her”, Marco said.

Sophia’s night had been restless so she decided to get into work early.  She was putting the finishing touches on her MTA article when her phone rang.  “Editing”, she said quickly.  “Sophia”?  Ryan asked, not recognizing her voice.  She knew immediately who it was and her blood began to boil.  “Oh Wow!  You actually remembered my name?  It must be my lucky day”, she responded sarcastically.  “Sophia, please.  I’m really sorry about last night.  But it’s just that my…”  Sophia didn’t want to hear anymore.  “Listen Ryan, why don’t you do yourself a favor and just leave me alone.  As far as I’m concerned, actions speak louder than words.  And last night you proved to me what I already knew—you don’t care about me and you never did”!  She slammed the phone down hard.  Her hands were shaking and tears were streaming down her face.  “That’s it.  It’s over”, she said softly.

At first Ryan’s feelings had been hurt—but then that quickly turned into anger.  “How can she be so childish?  She didn’t even let me get a word in.  I don’t need this.  My mom is lying on a hospital bed and I have to apologize to her for that?  That’s it.  It’s over”!  Mirdat, who had been sitting at her desk, right outside his office, slowly poked her head in.  “Are you okay Mr. De Silva?  Can I get you anything”?  She asked.   But how could he tell his assistant that all he ever wanted was Sophia? 

The next few days had been intense for both of them.  Sophia was busier than ever at work.  Edward had given Sophia another article which was proving to be more than challenging.  Meanwhile Ryan was exhausted from juggling work and taking care of his mother. 

“Your mom can go home now—but make sure she takes it easy and gets plenty of rest”, the doctor had told Ryan and his sisters.  “I expect to see you for a follow up appointment in 3 days Olivia”, the doctor continued.  Olivia was wheeled out of the hospital complaining all the way.  “I had a heart attack, not a leg amputation”!  She was yelling.  Ryan and his sisters laughed out loud.  “She’s baaack”!  Angela said happily.  But Ryan knew that his mom was putting up a front.   She’s may be tough—but she’s not that tough.  He thought.  “Mom…how would you like to go on a vacation with Aunt Thelma”?  He asked brightly.  Olivia rolled her eyes and mumbled something about vacations being for whimps…which only made Ryan and his sisters laugh even harder. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 47

Gizelle sat at her favorite Italian restaurant waiting for Sophia to arrive for their dinner date.  It had been days since she last talked to her best friend.  Gizelle had left several messages for her, but Sophia had been so busy with her new article that she barely had time to breathe, let alone return personal calls.  Sophia rushed into the restaurant, nearly forty minutes late.  “I’m so sorry Gizzy—Edward just wouldn’t let me leave today”!  Sophia sighed heavily as she sat down.  “That man is gonna drive you straight into the emergency room Sophie”!  Gizelle said angrily.  “You know it’s bad when you’re dad calls me to set up an appointment to talk to his daughter”, she added sarcastically.  “Stop exaggerating Gizelle—I talked to my dad last night, I’ll have you know”!  Sophia was clearly lying, but she wasn’t about to admit to her friend that it had been weeks since she last talked to her parents.

“No entiendo por que no los puede llamar esa niña”!  Fernando was pacing their bedroom, furious that his only daughter had not called them in weeks.  Lety was trying to be calm and not worry him more—but she too was concerned at her daughter’s lack of communication.   She knew that her boss was working her hard, but she wasn’t about to let her husband know.  “Calme.  Calme.  I talked to her yesterday and she’s fine.  She’s just very busy now that she’s writing articles”.  Lety lied to her husband in order to keep him from having a full blown panic attack.  “That’s not good enough Lety!  I want to talk to her too.  I have a right to know what she’s doing”!  Fernando shouted.  He quickly realized he was taking his frustration out on Lety and apologized.  “Perdoname Lety.  I’m just worried, that’s all”.  He admitted sadly.  Lety made a mental note to call Sophia again after Fernando went to bed.

“…Oh my God, I can’t believe what an insensitive jerk I was”!  Sophia was telling her friend.  “I totally jumped to a bad conclusion and told Ryan off”.  Gizelle had just finished telling her about Ryan’s mother.  Sophia knew she had gone too far.  “What should I do Gizzy”?  She asked her dear friend.  Gizelle smiled warmly.  “The only thing you can do Sophie—apologize”.

Ryan was at his mother’s house eating a delicious dinner that his sister, Yvette, had prepared for him.  He had been staying over his mom’s house every night since she was released from the hospital.  “Mom’s going stir crazy Ryan.  I stepped out for about an hour to do some grocery shopping and when I came back she was cleaning out the attic”!  Ryan shook his head.  His mom was as bull-headed as you could get, he thought to himself.  “Well, like it or not, I’m sending mom on an extended vacation to California to visit Uncle Richard.   She’s bound to relax outside of her own home”, Ryan declared.  “…and if Aunt Thelma wants to go, then I’ll send her too”! 

As Sophia was entering her apartment she heard her phone ring and ran to answer it.  “Sophia!  Que bueno que te encontre mija”!  Lety said happily.  “Mami.  I’m sorry for not returning your calls—I’ve just been so busy these past few weeks”.  Sophia knew she had no excuse for not calling her parents, but she hoped her mom would accept her apology.  “Pues you entiendo Sophia, pero tu papa no.  El esta muy preocupado”.  The two women chatted for another half hour and got caught up on all the latest news and happenings.  “Good night mom.  I love you and I will definitely call dad tomorrow, I promise”, Sophia said before hanging up.  She knew that tomorrow was going to be filled with apologies.

Sophia decided that the only way to find out, was to ask Ryan for an explanation. “But I can’t do it face to face”, she said. She decided to handle the situation the only way she knew how—which was to write. She carefully took out a pen and paper and allowed her fingers to do the talking…



Dear Ryan,

Many years ago, a young and naïve teenager confessed her feelings to a young man that had captured her heart. You see, this young girl thought he was kind, loving and compassionate. The young man had dreams of becoming a successful lawyer someday. He wanted to help his family out, especially his dear mother who had worked endlessly to support her family. The two young people became good friends sharing many special moments—but deep inside, the young girl wanted more.

One day the young girl suffered a family crisis and had to go back to her homeland. That awful experience taught her a valuable lesson in life. She learned that life was too short and unexpected, and that you had to live in the moment and not let opportunities pass you by. This lesson gave her the strength she needed to confess her true feelings to the young man that she had left behind in the United States.

She had been terrified to do it—not only for fear of rejection, but also for fear of putting a good friendship at risk. She sat nervously one day at her computer and wrote him an email. Her hands were trembling and her heart was racing as she sent her message. She awaited his response anxiously—praying that the young man felt the same way. But alas, she did not get the response that she so desired. She was devastated and hurt. And when she later heard that he had so easily moved on with his life, she swore to forget about him.

And now those same two people have crossed paths once again, only now they are both much older and wiser. Yet how do you forget the past? How is she supposed to act when the last memory she has of him, is that he broke her heart.

Sophia Mendiola



After printing her letter she placed it in an envelope along with a copy of the emails that were sent so long ago.

“Tomorrow”, Sophia said. “Tomorrow I will give this to Ryan”.

Fernando was waiting anxiously at the airport for his wife. He hadn’t slept good in days. His hair was a mess and he had dark circles around his eyes. Despite his appearance he was happy. He was thrilled that he would have his Lety next to him again. He held beautiful white orchids in one hand. As Lety approached him she smiled brightly. She looked like an angel, he thought. He ran up to her and hugged her tight, lifting her feet off the ground. “Mi amor”! She said in his ear. He caressed her face and looked deeply into her eyes. “Nunca te quiero lejos de mi Lety. No lo puedo soportar”! His voiced cracked as he said this. As she stared into his face, Lety noticed that he had tears welling up inside his eyes. “Ay Fernando! No es para tanto. Solamente fue una semana”. She said with a giggle. “It felt like an eternity to me Lety”, he said seriously. She hugged him tight and kissed his lips softly. “Well, I’m home now”, she said warmly. He gave her the flowers and they walked out of the airport hand in hand.

“Hey Gizelle, It’s Ryan. How are you”? He said into the telephone. “Oh, you know—the usual. Morning sickness, followed by extreme hunger, followed by more morning sickness”, Gizelle replied sarcastically. The two chatted a few more minutes before Ryan told her that he one of Sophia’s bags. “She’s probably looking all over for it. Just tell her to swing by my office to pick it up, will you”? He asked. Gizelle knew that Ryan had Sophia’s work number, but decided not to ask why he didn’t want to call her himself. “Sure. No problem”, she replied. “I’m seeing her tonight and I’ll let her know”. “Hey Gizelle”? Ryan said before hanging up. “In all these years, has Sophia ever mentioned me”? He asked sadly. “It’s just that she seems quite indifferent with me”, he added. Gizelle’s heart ached for her friend. “Ryan, I really can’t answer that. Perhaps you should be asking Sophia and not me”, she replied warmly. Ryan understood. “Thanks Gizelle. Maybe I will”.

“Can’t you just get the bag for me”? Sophia was asking Gizelle over dinner. It was their monthly “Girl’s Night Out”, and as usual, the two friends went to dinner at the same Italian restaurant, Domenico’s. “Sophia you’ve got to be kidding me! You work right next door to Ryan and you want me to get your bag”? Sophia knew she was being childish, but she couldn’t help it. There was so much resentment and bitterness in her. After the fiasco with Tom, she had vowed to never allow herself to fall in love again. She had been on a few casual dates since, but she just couldn’t bring herself to open up to anyone. She didn’t like the way Ryan was making her feel. She felt like the young, college girl she once was—and she didn’t like it. “Gizzy”? She asked softly. “There’s so much I need to tell you”…

That night Sophia talked endlessly. She admitted to falling in love with Ryan back in college. “I knew all along”, Gizelle replied. Sophia told her how heartbroken she had been after his email. Gizelle couldn’t believe that Ryan had done that. She knew that Ryan had fallen head over heals for Sophia as well. “So that’s why you never wanted to know anything about him. That’s why he says you’re so indifferent”, Gizelle said. Sophia stared at her friend, not understanding her last comment. “When I talked to Ryan today, he commented on your indifference towards him”, Gizelle explained. “I don’t know how else to be, Gizelle”, Sophia said sadly.

Sophia continued her story. She went on to tell her all about Tom. Her tears were proof of the immense pain he had caused her. “That bastard”! Gizelle shouted. “I can’t believe he did that to you. Why didn’t you tell me Sophie? I thought we were best friends”? Gizelle asked sadly. “We are. But I don’t know Gizzy…I guess I was ashamed. I felt stupid and I didn’t want anyone to know. Especially you and Marco, who warned me about him. I allowed myself to be fooled by him. But I think what made it worse is that as soon as I gave myself to him that day, I knew immediately that I didn’t love him. I don’t know what hurt more, his deception or the fact that I willingly gave my virginity to a man that I didn’t love”. Gizelle stared at her friend with compassion. “You were young Sophia. You didn’t know any better. I would’ve fallen in the same trap”, Gizelle offered as comfort. “You know that it was Ryan who warned Marco about Tom. When he left for Harvard, he begged Marco to look after you. He told him to keep Tom away from you because he didn’t trust him”. Gizelle said. Sophia’s heart raced. Ryan had cared enough about her to ask his friend to watch out for her. “…and something else troubles me Sophie”, Gizelle continued. “I just don’t see why Ryan would send you that email. I mean, Marco and I were there after you left Columbia. We know for a fact that he wasn’t trying to win Christie back. It was more like the other way around. Christie was pursuing Ryan persistently”.

That night Sophia lay in bed thinking about all that Gizelle had said at dinner. “Could it be that it was all some kind of misunderstanding on my part”? She asked herself. She got up and walked over to her desk. She opened up one of the drawers and carefully pulled out the journal that her mom had given her many years ago. She opened the journal and a piece of paper fell out of it—it was a copy of her email and Ryan’s response. She had kept it all these years. She traced his name softly. “Why didn’t I talk to Gizelle about this sooner”? She asked herself. “What if I was wrong all these years”?

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 41

Sophia spent the rest of her morning making phone calls and doing research for her article.  The Spokeswoman for the MTA had not agreed to a face to face meeting, but was more than willing to answer all of Sophia’s questions over the phone.  “Hmmm…there’s something missing here”, Sophia thought to herself as she started writing her article.  She decided that the best way to write her story, was thru the eyes of the MTA employees.  I will be there voice, she thought.  She grabbed all her stuff and headed out of the office.  “Where you going girl”? Tania asked her.  “I’m gonna spend my evening riding buses and subway trains”!  Sophia announced happily.  “I’m bound to meet MTA workers this way”, she added. 

As usual Sophia had skipped breakfast and lunch.  It was almost three o’clock and she was starving.  “I’ve gotta get something to eat before I head out”!  She said to herself as she entered the elevators and headed downstairs.  She walked across the street juggling all of her bags and her laptop.  She went inside a little deli that she frequented often.  Ryan was sitting at a table reading the newspaper and eating a pastrami sandwich.  He looked amazing in a dark suit and sparkling white shirt, Sophia thought.  She felt the urge to turn around but it was too late.  He had already seen her enter and was smiling brightly at her.  She ordered her lunch and walked over to Ryan.  Her heart was beating fast and her palms were beginning to perspire.  “Hey Sophia—please sit down and join me”, Ryan said—a little too excited.  Sophia smiled warmly and complied.  “Thanks”.  She said—too nervous to say anything else. 

“So tell me, how have you been all these years?  I see you got your dream job”?  Ryan asked with genuine curiosity.  She recalled telling Ryan that someday she hoped to write for the New York Post.  She was both touched and surprised that he had remembered.  Sophia was just about to answer when the waitress came by with her lunch order.  Sophia read her name tag and it read:  ‘Christy’.  Although it wasn’t the same Christie from college, something inside of her snapped and Sophia remembered Ryan’s cold email so long ago.  Luckily Sophia had ordered her food To-Go, she stood up abruptly and stared coldly into Ryan’s eyes.  “Sorry Ryan, but I must go.  Take care”.  She didn’t wait for a response—she turned around and walked out of the deli quickly.  She didn’t even realize that she had left one of her bags on the chair.  Ryan was left wondering what had just happened.  First she was all smiles, and then she seemed upset at him.  He had lost his appetite.  He threw his half eaten sandwich away and grabbed Sophia’s bag before heading back to his office.  His thoughts lost in a sea of memories. 

Sophia was exhausted by the time she got home.  It was late and her mom was still up waiting for her.  “Quieres comer algo mijita”?  Lety asked sleepily.  “No mom…I’m not hungry.  Thanks.  Go get some sleep now”, Sophia responded sadly.  Lety knew something was wrong.  “Que tienes Sophia—problemas en el trabajo”?  She asked with concern.  Sophia didn’t feel like talking about it.  Her day had been great up until she bumped into Ryan.  At first she had been happy to see him, but then she had remembered how much his rejection had hurt hurt.  After she had left the deli, her thoughts had quickly turned to Christie.  She wondered what had happened between them.  Were they still together?  She thought bitterly.  He had sounded so sure of his love in that email.  He had even mentioned marriage.  “Nothing’s wrong mom, really.  I’m just tired”, Sophia finally replied.  She kissed her mom on the cheek and slowly walked into her bedroom. 

“I have always loved you Sophia.  Christie meant nothing to me”.  Ryan said in a low whisper.  He caressed her face lovingly and grabbed her lips softly.  His lips were warm and sweet against hers.  She felt her whole body give in to his touch.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately.  “I love you too Ryan”, she responded.  “YOU’RE ONLY GETTING LEFT OVERS”!  She heard someone shout from far away.  She released Ryan quickly and saw Tom standing there laughing.  His laughter was hideous and loud.  “Hey Ryan—stay away from my woman, Sophie’s mine—or did she forget to tell you”?  Tom asked Ryan coldly.  Ryan looked at Sophia and shook his head in disgust.  “How could you do this to me Sophia?  I thought you loved me.  I thought you were pure and untainted”?  Tears rolled down his eyes as he walked away.  She tried to follow him but Tom stopped her.  He held her tightly and started kissing her roughly.  “STOP IT!  STOP…PLEASE!  RYAN DON’T GO.  HELP ME”!  Sophia was still shouting Ryan’s name when she woke up.  She looked around and was relieved when she realized that it had only been a dream.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 36

Ryan was stunned.  After all these years, he was standing in front of the most beautiful woman he had ever met.  “Sophia”?  He asked, still not believing it was her.  Sophia’s face was turning redder and redder by the second.  She smiled nervously and Ryan felt his heart sore like never before.  He remembered that smile.  How wonderful it was to see her again.  Sophia didn’t know what to do or say.  Ryan was still holding her in his arms, their faces only inches away from one another.  A huge gust of wind swept across them causing all of her papers that were on the floor to fly in all different directions.  “Oh my God, my work—it’s flying everywhere”!  Sophia screamed out.  She started trying to pick the pieces up—her underwear clad body, a heavenly sight to Ryan’s eyes.  She turned to look at him, pleading with her eyes for him to help her.  She caught him staring at her body, which made her blush once again. 

Together they managed to save her work from flying away to the Bronx.  When they were done, they were both breathless once again.  Sophia was just about to thank him when her cell phone rang.  Ryan could hear shouting on the other end, but had no idea who it might be.  “I’m…I’m…so sorry Edward.  I just had a little accident right in front the building.  I was just about to head inside”, Ryan heard Sophia say.  “Yes…I know what time I start Edward, but you see, my dress got caught in a”… Edward didn’t wait to hear her excuse, he hung up and Sophia knew she was in trouble.  Sophia looked over at Ryan who was still smiling from ear to ear.  “I’m sorry Ryan, but I have to go—my boss is super mad at me for being late.  It was so great to see you again”.  She smiled warmly at him.  “Thank you for coming to my rescue—you owe me a dress”! 

Ryan chuckled out loud as Sophia ran into the New York Post building—her black underwear causing everyone to stare at her with curiosity. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 37

“Girl…what the heck happened to you”!  Tania shouted.  Sophia had rushed passed her and was putting her stuff down.  Her hair was a complete mess.  She was limping on one foot because of her broken heel—and there was nothing covering the entire backside of her body.  “Did you get mugged on the L-train or something”?  Tania asked.  Sophia flopped herself on her chair.  Her head was spinning and her heart was beating fast.  She didn’t know if it was from all the rushing or if it was from the excitement of seeing Ryan again.  “SOPHIA!  GET IN HERE—NOW”!  Edward shouted from his office.  “In the famous words of my dear Aunt Lola—no acabo!  No acabo”!  Sophia said out loud.

Not too far away in a beautiful two story brownstone, sat Gizelle and Marco, enjoying their morning coffee.  They both worked from home so they were in no hurry to go anywhere.  Gizelle and Marco had gotten married 2 years before and were now expecting their first child.  The couple had been inseparable since meeting at Columbia.  They both had successful careers—Gizelle as a freelance writer and Marco as a Certified Financial Planner. 

“So—how long do you think it’ll take before Sophia and Ryan realize that they’re working right next door to one another”? Marco asked Gizelle.  “I don’t know honey, but I had to bite my lip hard when Ryan gave us the good news about his new job.  I wanted to laugh so hard at the thought of him working right next door to Sophia.  If that’s not fate, then I don’t know what is”!  Gizelle replied. 

“Well, how ‘bout if we make a bet, my dear wife”? Marco asked mischievously. “I say it’ll take 2 weeks before they run into each other—and if I win, I want a homemade dinner every night for a week”!  He added. “Okay…Okay…I say they’ll bump into each other today.  And if I win, I want a foot massage every night for a week”!  Gizelle said with excitement.  “Deal”!  Marco shouted.  The two continued their morning routine, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper.

Ryan’s day was off to a good start.  After bumping into Sophia, he had marched straight to the Legal Department of Magnum Publishing.  He was pleasantly surprised at the enormous size of his new office.  He had a clear view of the New York Post building.  As he stood their staring out of the window, he couldn’t help but feel proud of Sophia.    “She did it”!  He said out loud. “She actually got a job at the Post”!  He was still in shock from seeing Sophia.  She looked absolutely beautiful, he thought.  Her image was still fresh in his mind.  She hadn’t changed much.  She still had the same gorgeous smile and same sparkling eyes he loved so much.  Only now she looked even better, he admitted.  She was a woman now, he thought, remembering the black underwear and her amazing legs.  “Mmm.  Mmm.  Mr. De Silva”? His new assistant, Mirdat, interrupted.  “Ahh…Yes?  What is it Mirdat”?  He asked, trying to sound professional.  He never had his own assistant before and was unsure how to act.  “Would you like me to get you some coffee”?  She asked politely.  “No, Mirdat, thank you.  Just point me to the coffee machine and I will get my own”, Ryan said.  She looked at him strangely before pointing towards the kitchen. As he started walking away, Mirdat could not help herself.  “Sir, forgive me, but it’s not customary for the attorney’s to get their own coffee”, she said softly.  “Nonsense!  I have two good hands and two good feet—I will get my own coffee.  Can I get you something”?  He asked with a wink.  Mirdat smiled.  She had a feeling that her new boss was much different than all the other attorneys at Magnum.  “He’s a nice guy”, she said out loud as she watched him walk away towards the kitchen.

“I DON’T EVEN WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU’RE LATE AGAIN”! Edward was shouting.  Sophia stood their stoically.  She was sure she was getting fired today.  Nothing she did ever seemed good enough for Edward.  He was always riding her and she couldn’t take it anymore.  Just when she was about to yell back at him, he gave he said the most unexpected thing. “One of my Local and Community Events writers is out sick, and I have no one to replace him.  He was going to write an article on the doctor deficiency in local hospitals.  I need you to take over”.  Sophia stood their in shock.  “DID YOU HEAR ME SOPHIA?  I need you to write the article”.  Sophia nodded her head in disbelief.  She swore she heard him say he wanted her to write the article.  “But…But…I’m an Editorial Assistant”, Sophia said.  “DO YOU THINK I DON’T KNOW THIS ALREADY?  You do want to be a writer someday, right”?  He asked sarcastically.  “Yes!  Of course Edward!  More than anything”.  Sophia responded enthusiastically.  “Well then get to work”! He barked.  Sophia quickly walked out of his office.  “And for God’s sake, put some clothes on”!  He shouted.     

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 38

As soon as Ryan got his coffee he headed back to his office and dialed his best friend’s number.  “When were you guys planning on telling me that Sophia worked at the New York Post”? Ryan demanded.  “Darn it”!  Marco shouted, knowing he had lost the bet.  Gizelle put her feet on his lap and started laughing out loud.

Fernando got to work early.  He had barely slept.  He missed Lety.  He hated being apart from his wife.  He kept reminding himself that it was only for a week—but he knew that the week would feel like an eternity.  He had driven Alex back to the University before heading towards the office. “Will you be okay alone in that big old house dad”?  Alex asked him with genuine concern.  “Cause I can stay with you and you can just drop me off at school every morning”, he added.  “No mijo, no te preocupes por mi.  Voy aprovechar y trabajar como un buro en estos dias”.  Fernando said, trying to sound convincing.  Alex eyed his dad up and down suspiciously.  He knew his dad counted on his mom for everything.  He remembered those months when his mom had been in a coma and how completely lost his father had been.  “Okay dad.  Whatever you say.  But if you change your mind, you know where I’m at”.  Alex patted his dad on the shoulder and got out of the car.  He immediately called his grandmother, Teresita.  “She’ll watch out for him”, he said to himself.

In the New York Post headquarters, Sophia quickly changed into Tania’s gym clothes and started making a few phone calls.  She had a lot of research to do for her article, and didn’t have much time.  Her first interview would be with the Director of St. Luke’s Hospital on Amsterdam Avenue.  She had a whole list of hospitals to cover.  As she waited for a cap downstairs she thought of Ryan.  In all her excitement she had almost forgotten about him.  “Those eyes”, she said softly.

…”Hi, you’ve reached Gizelle’s voicemail.  I’m not available at the moment, so please leave a message after the tone”.  Sophia waited for the beep.  “Gizzy!  You will not believe who I ran into this morning.  Call me.  It’s a pretty funny story”! 

Sophia sat in the cab with her cell phone in her hand and staring out the window.  She wondered why Ryan was heading into the Magnum building.  “Why didn’t I just ask him”?  She thought.   God…he looked good.  He hadn’t changed a bit, she thought.  She was surprised that after all these years, his presence still made her nervous and shy.  

Ryan was having a tough time focusing on anything other than Sophia.  He had made Marco give him Sophia’s direct number at work.  “What for”?  Marco had asked.  “It’s not like you’re gonna have the guts to call her”, he continued teasing.  “Not funny my friend.  I was young and stupid back then.  I won’t make the same mistake twice”, Ryan said.  “I won’t lose her this time”.  All morning he had carried her number in his pocket.  Afraid to make the call.  Afraid that she might reject his invitation for coffee.  “Coffee”.  Ryan said in a low whisper.  He remembered those morning runs so long ago.  He remembered their daily coffee breaks fondly.  “No Sophia Mendiola.  I won’t make the same mistake twice”.  He said to himself.  He took a deep breath before picking up the phone. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 39

“I’m sorry but Sophia is out on an assignment at the moment.  May I take a message”, the Receptionist told Ryan.  “Can I leave a message on her voicemail”?  Ryan asked.  “I am her voicemail”, was her curt reply.  “Oh.  I see.  Okay well.  Hmm, tell her that I can’t stop thinking about her.  NO!  Scratch that.  Mmm, tell her that I hope she didn’t catch a cold—No, that’s not funny.  Mmm.  I don’t know.  I guess.  Well, just tell her that I called”, he finally concluded.  “Hello?  Are you there”?  The receptionist had hung up on him.  “What a weirdo”!  She had said as she disconnected the call. 

Lety was keeping herself busy by cleaning Sophia’s apartment and washing some of her clothes.  “Ay pobresita me niña.  Tan sola.  Sin nadie que le ayude”.  The phone rang and Lety quickly ran to answer it.  It was her dear husband.  “Hola mi amor!  Como estas”?  He asked anxiously—wishing Lety was in front of him now so he could hold her.  Her voice sounded wonderful to his ears.  “No sabes cuanto me haces falta Lety”, he said sadly.  “If I would’ve known how miserable I was going to be without you, I would’ve never allowed you to stay in New York”.  He continued.  Lety giggled and snorted out loud.  She loved her husband so much, and she too missed him desperately.  “Calme.  Calme Don Fernando.  Entre pocos dias voy a estar con usted”.  Lety said in her sexy assistant’s voice.  Fernando couldn’t help but laugh out loud.  “Pues que bueno por que tengo mucho, MUCHITZIMO, trabajo para usted señorita Leticia”, he said playfully.

Gizelle was laughing hysterically as she heard Sophia’s replay of what had happened in the morning.  Sophia was headed to her third hospital and was walking briskly down 77^th street.  “I can’t believe Ryan didn’t tell Marco this”!  Gizelle had said in between her laughter.  “It’s not funny Gizelle!  I was really embarrassed”.  “Yeah, you got the bare assed right!  Get it?  EmBAREASSED?” Gizelle couldn’t help making fun of her friend.  “Very funny Gizzy.  You should switch careers and become a comedian”!  Sophia said.  She wanted to be mad but instead broke out in a fit of laughter.  The two friends were almost crying from all the laughing.  “Well, no wonder why you left quite an impression on Ryan”, Gizelle said.  “He begged Marco for your work number.  “HE WHAT?  HE DIDN’T GIVE IT TO HIM—did he”?  Sophia asked nervously.  “Sophia, relax.  It’s Ryan.  You know him, remember?  Besides, he works right next door to you now—so you’d better get use to bumping into him”.  Sophia was left in shock.  Out of all the places in the world that Ryan could get a job at, why did he have to get one so close to hers?  As if reading her mind, Gizelle said one little word that caused Sophia’s heart to beat fast.  “Fate”, she said.  “It’s gotta be fate”.   

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 40

That night Sophia came home to a clean house and a delicious Poblano dinner.  “Ay mami!  Quieres vivir con migo para siempre”?  She asked her mom playfully.  “I wish, my little one.  But I promise that I’ll be coming down to visit you more often”, Lety responded sweetly.  She was so happy to see the joy on her daughter’s face. 

As the two Mendiola women sat eating their dinner, Sophia told her mom about the amazing writing opportunity that Edward had given her.  “Felicidades Hija!  I know you will do a great job on your article”, Lety said proudly.   Sophia had done all her research and knew she was going to have another late night—but she didn’t care, she was too thrilled about writing an actual article for the New York Post.  Sophia then told her mom all about her funny encounter with Ryan.  “…and he’s working in the building right next door to mine mom”!  She concluded.  “What am I going to do”?  She asked her mom nervously.  Lety smiled at her daughter.  It was obvious that she still had feelings for Ryan, she thought.  “Sophia, just take it slow and go with what your heart tells you”.  Sophia sighed heavily.  Clearly those were not the words of wisdom that she wanted to hear. 

Ryan was sitting in his Manhattan loft, typing away on his computer as usual.  His first day on the job and he was already given mounds of files to look over.  He clicked on his ‘Pictures’ folder and opened up the picture of him and Sophia, taken many years before.  He pretended to caress her face.  “Oh Sophia, if only you knew how often I have looked at this picture”, he said softly.

Ryan never quite understood how or why Sophia had impacted him so much.  He had never quite forgotten about her completely.  Through out the years he had dated a couple of women here and there—but he would never allow himself to fall in love.  His very few relationships had never gotten serious.  Not one single girl had ever met his family.  He had never whispered “I love you” to anyone.  He remembered how Christie had pursued him, even after he had gone off to Harvard.  She would show up at his apartment unexpectedly.  She would call him at all hours of the day and night.  Until finally one day, he had had enough.  He didn’t want to hurt her, but at the same time, he didn’t want to give Christie false hope.  “Christie”, he had said, “It’s obvious that you want more from me than just friendship—and I just can’t give that to you.  If you’re cool being just friends, than great!  But otherwise, It’s probably best if we don’t see each other anymore”.  He had been frank and to the point.  It had been hard for him to speak his mind.  Christie had gotten furious and had shouted all sorts of mean and insulting things to him.  When she had finished, she had felt defeated.  “I hope you and Sophia will be very happy together”!  She had screamed before walking out.  That comment had left him dumbfounded because he had never mentioned Sophia to Christie.  That was the last time he ever saw her. 

Sophia arrived at work bright and early the next morning.  She wanted to put the finishing touches to her article before Edward got in.  She had stayed up almost the entire night working on it.  She was proud and excited because she knew she had done an amazing job—especially on such short notice.

Edward stormed in around 8:00am and rushed right past her and Tania without even saying good morning.  Sophia sat at her cubicle biting her nails.  She had emailed her finished article to him and was waiting for him to call her into his office.  The hours passed without a single word or reaction from Edward.  Sophia quietly walked over to his office and tapped on his door.  Edward looked up and when he saw her, he rolled his eyes in aggravation.  “COME IN.  COME IN”!  He barked.  “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you had a chance review my article yet”?  Sophia asked shyly.  Edward sat back in his chair and put his hands behind his neck.  “Let me make one thing clear to you Ms. Mendiola, because it’s obvious that you have no idea how I operate”, he said in his usual sarcastic demeanor.  “I don’t make it a point to give constructive criticism or pat anyone on the back for a job well done.  I give you an assignment.  You do it.  If it’s up to our standards, I turn it in to Printing.  End of story”.  Sophia still wasn’t quite sure what he meant.  “So…ahh…was my article up to the standards”?  She asked nervously.  “Did I give it back for you to rewrite”?  He asked, clearly annoyed.  Sophia shook her head no.  “Then I guess that means it went to Printing, doesn’t it”?  Edward asked flatly.  Sophia knew that was her queue to exit his office fast—she had already taken up too much of his time.  As she turned to leave he called her name.  “Yes”?  She asked.  “The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is planning to go on strike within the next week.  You need to interview their spokeswoman and get the details for Sunday’s issue—you have until Friday night to turn in your completed article—can you handle that Ms. Mendiola”?  He asked.  Sophia’s eyes could’ve lit up all of Manhattan just then.  “Yes Edward, I can definitely handle that”, she said happily.

Edward watched Sophia leave his office and he couldn’t help but smile.  He quickly remembered who he was and why he was the Editor in Chief of one of the Nation’s most respected newspapers.  He didn’t get this far in his career because he was nice.  But yet, he saw something in Sophia that he hadn’t seen in a long time—passion and dedication.  “She’s gonna make one heck of a writer”, he said to himself.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 31

“SOPHIA”!  “Earth to Sophia”!  Her new boss, Edward Sikes was yelling her name.  Sophia snapped out of her thoughts and quickly apologized.  Edward rolled his eyes and told her to follow him into his office.  “Take a note pad”!  He barked.  She nervously complied.

Later that night, Sophia was at home speaking with her father on the phone.  “I hope your new boss is treating you good”?  Fernando asked forcefully.  “I know how these executives can be”.  He continued, clearly remembering the days when Lety was his assistant.  At first he had treated Lety so bad.  Constantly yelling at her and shouting out orders.  He didn’t want his daughter to go thru that, he thought sadly.  “Well…dad, he’s okay.  I mean…ahh…he is a little paranoid.  Not to mention he’s a perfectionist.  He kind of reminds me of you”, Sophia replied.  “Well, he better not work you to the bone or he’ll have me to deal with”!  Fernando said with determination and anger.  Sophia giggled.  Her dad was still her protector and she adored him.  “Dad, I’ll be fine.  I can handle him.  Don’t worry.  Now, I’ve gotta run, I’m exhausted.  Please give my love to mom and Alex—I love you papi”, she said sweetly. 

As Sophia lay in bed her thoughts took her to the past again.  It was painful to re-live those years.  “Tom”.  She said with disgust.  How he had betrayed her.  How he had hurt her.

She remembered the first couple of months of dating him.  He had been kind and considerate.  He was always there by her side.  Although she wasn’t quite over Ryan, little by little she allowed herself to fall in love with Tom.  He had managed to capture her heart with his sweetness and sincerity.  Unfortunately, what Sophia didn’t know at the time, was that it was all an act.  She didn’t know that after every date, Tom would go back to his friends and say he was one step closer to “sealing the deal”.  His only intention was to claim Sophia as his, and leave her.  He didn’t really care about her.  “This is my last year at Columbia”, Tom said one night to his friends.  “When I leave, I want to have 100 girls under my belt”!  Everyone had laughed at him—but he had been dead serious.  So serious that he even started a bet as to how long it would take.  “Four months tops”!  He had screamed out arrogantly.  “Sophia Mendiola will be mine in four months or I’ll give each of you a hundred bucks”!

“Why didn’t I listen to Marco”?  Sophia asked out loud as she lay there on her bed.  She recalled Marco’s warning when she first started spending time with Tom.  “He’s bad news Sophia.  I can’t say exactly—but there’s something about him.  I don’t trust him”, he had said.  She didn’t understand why he hated Tom so much.  She was even sadder when Marco and Gizelle refused to go out on double dates with them.  “Why didn’t I see what they saw”, Sophia said as she continued remembering that painful time in her life. 

What Sophia didn’t know was that Marco’s hatred for Tom was out of loyalty to his best friend, Ryan.  When Ryan had found out that Sophia had started dating Tom, he was heartbroken.  “How could you have let this happen”?  He had asked Marco.  Marco explained that Sophia was old enough to know what she was doing.  “There was nothing I could do to stop her Ryan.  Really, what was I going to do?  Besides, if it was that important, you should have been there to stop her—you’re the one that fell in love with her, not me”!  Ryan knew he was right.  None of this would’ve happened had he stepped up to the plate and told Sophia how he felt.  He had lost her and it was nobody’s fault but his own.  All he could do now was to move on and try to forget about her, once in for all.  And that’s exactly what he had done. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 32

The bright sun shining thru her bedroom window woke Sophia up.  “Oh my God!  I’m late for work.  Edward is going to kill me”!  Sophia said as she rushed to get ready.  She was still in her work clothes from the day before.  She had been so exhausted that she had no energy but to lie in bed.  As usual, her mind started searching thru so many memories.  She had fallen asleep with a picture of Tom clearly in her head.  Sophia quickly changed and as she closed the door to her apartment, she left her past behind her briefly.  “Today I will focus on my future and not the past—even if it’s just for one day”!  She said with great determination.  She headed outside and caught a cab to work. 

When she arrived outside the New York Post headquarters, she didn’t notice a gorgeous, dark haired man getting out of a nearby cab.  She didn’t see as the man headed towards the same building where her father’s dear friend, Rosalyn Medina, had once worked.

Ryan arrived for an interview with the CEO of Magnum Publishing.  One of the nations top publishing companies.  He was confident that his education and work experience would land him a job in their Legal Department.  He had no idea that his long lost love was in the building right next door.

Ryan stepped into the CEO’s office with confidence.  He maintained eye contact through out the entire interview, and didn’t hesitate to answer any of the man’s questions.  When they were finished the man shook his hand and patted him on the back.  “Very impressive my boy.  You’ll be hearing from us soon, as we’re planning on making a decision in the next day or two”.  With that, Ryan was escorted to the elevator and soon was outside again.  He stared at his surroundings for a few minutes.  He glanced over at the New York Post building and he remembered Sophia.  One of her dreams was to write for that newspaper, he recalled to himself.  He hadn’t thought about her in a long time and doing so now brought a faint pain to his heart.  He made himself focus on something else instead—the way he always did whenever Sophia’s image crept back to haunt him.

“WHY ARE YOU SO LATE SOPHIA”!  Edward was demanding an answer as he hovered inches away from her desk.  “It’s barely your second day on this job and you’re already making me regret hiring you”!  He continued.  Sophia was sitting in her cubicle, embarrassed and afraid.  “I’m…ss..so…sorry Mr. Sikes.  It won’t happen again sir”.  She said pathetically.  “You better believe it won’t happen again—cuz if it does, you’re fired”!  He stormed into his office and slammed the door behind him.  Everyone around stared at Sophia with sympathy.  Edward Sikes was not a man to take lightly.  “Don’t worry girl, he’ll get over it”, his assistant, Tania said.  “You just get to work now you here?  I don’t want him comin’ outta that office and yelling at you again”.  Tania patted her on her back and walked back to her desk.

Sophia couldn’t believe how irresponsible she had been.  She had worked so hard to get this job.  Although she was only an Editorial Assistant—this job could open many doors for her.  “…and I almost blew it”!  She admitted to herself.  She quickly got to work proofreading some articles for the Sunday issue.

“Lety”!  Fernando shouted up the stairs.  “Lety!  Hurry up honey or we’re going to be late”.  Fernando was pacing the room in a panic.  Lety walked down the stairs carefully.  She looked absolutely beautiful in a long, baby blue dress.  Fernando stared at her with his mouth opened.  After all these years, her beauty never ceased to amaze him.  “Wow!  Que bella te vez mi amor”.  He said as he took her by the hand and escorted her out to the car. 

They were headed to an award’s ceremony where Conceptos was being honored as one of the top Media Production firms in Latin America.  They were meeting several of there friends at the event, including Ricky Armstrong and Lola.  “Ay mi Lety…los años han sido Buenos para nuestra impresa verdad”?  Lety nodded in agreement.  Her thoughts were elsewhere…they were on her daughter, Sophia.  She was worried about her little girl.  She was always so busy.  She worked so hard.  It had been months since they last saw her.  “Mi amor, por que no vamos a Nueva York en estos dias?  Tengo tantas ganas de ver a mi niña”.  She asked with sadness in her eyes.  Fernando caressed his wife’s face gently.  “We’ll do whatever you want Leticia Mendiola.  Anything to make you happy”.  Lety smiled and snuggled up against her husband as he drove off to the event. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 33

As Fernando stood in front of a crowded room he proudly began his speech...

"First and foremost I'd like to thank my parent's as well as teh Villareol family who found this company so many years ago.  I remember when I was only a little boy, coming to work with my father.  I would sit on his lap and pretend to be the President of Conceptos.  It had always been my dream to someday run this great company.  All I ever wanted was to be a great President as my dad once was.  I only hope that I have made him proud of me.

Secondly, I'd like to thank my beautiful wife, Lety--without her, I would be nothing.  She made me be a better man.  She made me become the responsible, dignified man you see before you today.  She is the real brains behind Conceptos and she is the person who is responsible for it's tremendous success.  I would not be here tonight if it wasn't for her support.  I love you Lety--thank you for being my right arm thru out these years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my children as well as the rest of the Conceptos family--which obviously includes the staff and all the creative team.  They are the true backbone of this company.  They ensure that the production of each and every project runs smoothly.  Thank you for all that you do".

Lety sat next to Doña Teresita, smiling proudly at her husband.  He was absolutely breaktaking, she thought.  Although his hair was much grayer and the wrinkles on his face were more profound, he still was a handsome man.  His eyes sparkled as he spoke of his beloved Conceptos.  He lived and breathed that company--and it was only fitting that he would be honored with such a prestigious award.

"I am very proud to be here today accepting this award on behalf of Conceptos", Fernando continued.  "I humbly accept this award and thank each and every person that has made my company what it is today.  from my family, to the support staff and creative team--to the hundreds of sponsors and clients that we have established through out the years.  We are here today because of all of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you".  With that, Fernando walked off the stage and everyone stood up to clap.  When he reached Lety's side he kissed her cheek softly and then turned towards his mother and father who were crying with much emotion.  "Estoy muy orgullos de ti, Fernando", his father said as he embraced his son tightly.  Fernando had never felt prouder than at that moment. 

Sophia was so upset that she couldn't make it to the awards ceremony.  It was almost ten O'clock at night and she was still in her cubicle doing some research.  She was tired and burnt out and it had only been her second day.  Everything was dark all around her, she was sure she was the only one left in the building.  Perfect environment for a little nap, she thought.  As she dozed in and out of sleep, her thoughts once again took her to Tom.

She remembered the day she had given herself to him. She had been scared.  They had been dating for about 3 1/2 months and with each date Tom would try to get further and further with her.  Each time, she would slowly push his hands off of her and tell him that she wasn't ready.  He never got upset or frustrated.  But that day had been different.  He had looked deeply into her eyes and for the first time he had told her that he loved her.  Like the naive little girl that she had been, she blindly believed him.  It was over quickly and she was left with an emptiness inside that had never quite heeled.  As soon as Tom had finished he announced that he had to leave. She was left alone.  It wasn't how she had imagined her first time to be like.  Their was no romance--and what she realized that day, was that there was no love. 

Sophia's Cell phone rang just then and it quickly brought her back to the present once again.  It was her dear friend Gizelle.  "Where are you my friend?  Marco and I have been sitting outside your apartment for nearly half an hour"?  Sophia had forgotten about her late night movie date with her two best friends.  "I'm sorry guys, I got caught up at work.  You'd better go on without me".  Gizelle knew this would happen.  "Listen Sophia, luckily Marco and I only live a couple of miles away from you--so it's no big deal.  But we really wanted to spend time with you tonight.  IT'S FRIDAY FOR GOD'S SAKE!  Live a little"! 

Sophia hated the fact that she had become a flaker.  No matter what job she had taken on through out the years, she always became a work-aholic.  Anything to keep her busy.  Anything to keep her away from dating.  If it wasn't for the few times a month she saw Gizelle and Marco, her social life would be non-existent.

"I'm sorry Gizzy.  Please tell Marco I will make it up to him with a fabulous poblano dinner--just like my grandma taught me"!

With that Sophia hung up and continued her long, tedious job of double checking facts for an upcoming article.  "It's gonna be a long night", she said softly.    

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 34

The following two weeks seemed to go in slow motion for Sophia.  No matter how hard and long she worked, there was always a pile of work waiting for her.  Edward was in a worse mood than ever, after being served with divorce papers from his estranged wife, Nicolette.  He was constantly yelling at everyone—but for some reason, he always seemd tot take the bulk of his anger out on Sophia.  “WHERE’S THAT ARTICLE I GAVE YOU LAST NIGHT TO PROOF READ”?  He yelled.  You mean the one you gave me at midnight?  Sophia wanted to ask sarcastically, but bit her tongue.  “I’ll have it ready in about an hour Edward”, she replied calmly.  “If I wanted it in an hour, I wouldn’t have asked you for it now”!  He barked, and stormed off.  Sophia was so tired from the late hours.  She was looking pale and thin—not like her usual self at all.  Sophia exhaled deeply and tried to find a happy thought to focus on before breaking down in tears. 

“Girl, you can’t let him get to you like that”, Tania said coolly.  “You think I’d still be here if I took everything that came out of that man’s mouth so personally”?  Sophia knew she was right, but in all her years, she had never dealt with a more difficult person than her new boss.  “Thank Tania.  What would I do without you”?  Sophia replied sweetly.  Tania once again patted her friend on the back before walking away to the copy room.

As Sophia sat at her desk looking at the mounds of material she needed to go over before the end of the day, her thoughts once again traveled to a time long ago…

Two days had past and she had not seen or heard from Tom.  She looked around campus for him, but did not see him anywhere.  She was upset at him for being so insensitive, but mostly she was upset at herself for giving in to his pleas.  “I can’t take this—I need to speak to him now”!  She announced to herself.  She marched straight to his dorm room in hopes that they could clear things up.  She hoped that he had a good explanation for his behavior.  What she got instead was a smack in the face and a stab to the heart. 

As she approached his room she could hear loud music playing and voices yelling inside.  She tried knocking, but no one answered.  She quietly opened the door and found a bunch of students partying inside.  The place looked like a zoo.  There were empty pizza boxes and beer cans everywhere—but there was no sign of Tom.  Either no one seemed to notice her, or no one cared that she was there—it was as if she was invisible.  She proceeded towards Tom’s bedroom.  The door was semi opened and as she approached she saw Tom frolicking in bed with some girl.  Sophia stood there in shock.  After several seconds that felt more like an eternity, she heard Tom whisper to the girl that he loved her and that he would never do anything to hurt her. 

Sophia’s blood boiled and tears burned through her eyes.  She was tempted to run away but instead she went to the kitchen and poured cold water in the nearest container she could find.  She walked back to his room and stormed in.  Without a second thought she splashed the water all over Tom’s face.  “You sick, jerk”!  She said hysterically, unable to control the anger and resentment that she felt.  At first Tom had been startled by her presence—but he quickly regained his control and started laughing at her.  “And you’re a pathetic little girl who wasn’t even worth my time.  I’ve had better!  In fact, I just did”!  As he said this he threw the girl off of him and told her to get dressed and get out.  The girl looked young—probably a first year at Columbia, Sophia thought sadly.  The girl ran out of the room with her clothes in her hand and in complete tears. Sophia’s heart ached for her, but she was in the same boat.  Tom grabbed Sophia’s arm and threw her on his bed and began groping her.  Sophia struggled with him and was screaming at the top of her lungs.  Just then, Tom’s friend, Daniel walked by and heard her screams.  “What the hell are you doing”!  He screamed at Tom as he pulled him off of Sophia.  “I was just having a little fun”, Tom replied calmly.  Sophia didn’t wait for more—she ran out of there so fast and never saw Tom again.  She often wondered what would have happened to her that day, had Daniel not helped her. 

“Sophia, I have your mom on line one”, Tania interrupted.  Sophia snapped out of her trance and picked up the phone.  She was so happy to hear a friendly voice.  “Ay mami, que gusto me da de escuchar tu voz”, Sophia said warmly.  “Sophia, mi niña—I have great news!  Since you can never take time off to come visit us, we’re going to visit you in New York”!  Sophia’s heart felt full and tears rolled down her eyes with happiness.  “Oh mom, I’m so excited.  I can’t wait to see you.  When will you guys get here”?

Halfway across town Ryan was sitting at his computer when he received a call from Frank Colligan’s assistant, Patrice.  “Mr. De Silva, on behalf of Mr. Colligan and Magnum Publishing—welcome to the Magnum family.  You got the job and we’re excited for you to start working for us”!  Her voice was music to his ears.  Even though he already had a job, this was a terrific opportunity for him and he was happier than ever.  “Thank you!  Thank you so much.  Please let Mr. Colligan know that I will not let him down”.  He hung up the phone and quickly called his sister, Angela to tell her the good news.

“Oh my God Ryan!  Congratulations, I’m so happy for you.  Wait til mom hears the great news”, Angela said happily.  “Well, you all get your fancy clothes ready because I’m taking you all out to the best restaurant in town”!  Ryan announced proudly.  “The best restaurant in Queens, dear brother, is Happy Sam’s Deli—so I hope you’re referring to the best restaurant in Manhattan”, Angela said sarcastically.  The two siblings shared a good laugh before hanging up.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 35

Lety, Fernando and Alex arrived at La Guardia airport four days later.  Sophia was waiting anxiously for them in her apartment. She had wanted to pick them up from the airport, but her dad assured her that it was better to take a cab.  “No quiero que manejes en esta cuidad tan loca”!  He had declared in his usual fatherly tone.

She had invited Gizelle and Marco over to join them for dinner.  She and her mom were going to cook up some polle en mole sauce, Sophia’s favorite dish.  It had been ages since she had some good, homemade food, she thought with excitement.

The evening was fun and relaxing.  As the girls cooked dinner together, Fernando and Alex sat around playing cards with Marco.  Fernando had met Marco several years before, and had liked him instantaneously.  Fernando could tell that Marco was a good man with a good heart.  “Too bad Sophia didn’t find him first”, he had told Lety once.  “That boy has a good head on his shoulders”.  He had added.

Once Gizelle and Marco left, Sophia got the spare room ready for her parents.  She kissed them goodnite and promised to take them sight-seeing the next day. “It’s the sofa bed for you goober”!  She told Alex.  Even though he was no longer a little kid, he would always be her baby brother. 

Alex had grown up to be a handsome, young man.  He was tall and slender.  He had his dad’s dark, curly hair—but his eyes were hazel and his skin was lighter than everyone else in the family.  “You’re the milk man’s son”, Sophia teased.  “You know you were adopted right”?  He responded quickly.  Alex was much taller than her now, so she couldn’t ruffle his hair like she use to—so she pushed him down on the couch and threw the pillow on his face.  “Hey!  You’re messing up my sexy hair”!  Alex screamed.  Sophia rolled her eyes and threw herself on the other couch.  “Let’s watch a movie”, she said—so happy to have all her family with her. 

The weekend flew by and her father and brother had to return to Mexico late Sunday night.  Lety had wanted to stay behind for another week—which made Sophia extremely happy.  “You know mom, I work late hours, so I won’t be able to entertain you much”.  But Lety didn’t mind, all she wanted was to take care of her daughter for a short while.  “You’ll have a warm dinner waiting for you every night, no matter what time you get home”, Lety said as she kissed her daughter’s forehead tenderly.

As usual, Sophia was in a hurry to get to work on Monday morning.  It didn’t matter if she got to work at her regular start time, which was 8:00am—she had to beat Edward in, or else he’d yell at her for being late.  She was rushing out of her cab when she accidentally slammed the door on the back of her dress.  The cab slowly stared driving off and it pulled her backwards.  One of her high heels snapped in two and Sophia dropped her briefcase—all of its contents spilling onto the sidewalk.  She desperately tried to free herself from the slowly moving cab.  “IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE YOUR MUSIC SO LOUD, YOU’D HEAR ME SCREAMING”!  She yelled at the taxi driver.

Ryan was just arriving for his first day of work.  He heard someone yelling and looked to his left.  He saw a woman struggling to free herself from a taxi cab.  He chuckled out loud at the funny sight, but he quickly realized she was in trouble so he ran over to help.  He had no time for introductions.  The light had just turned green and the cab was about to take off.  He grabbed the mysterious woman, whose hair had fallen wildly over her face, and yanked her forward with much force.  The back of her dress tore off completely, leaving her behind exposed.  “Thank God I wore underwear”!  Sophia said out loud.  As she looked towards her savior her mouth completely dropped open.  It was Ryan, standing right in front of her.  It took a few second for him to realize who he was holding.  The two of them stood their breathing hard from the commotion.  Sophia’s face turned a crimson red and Ryan smiled brightly as the woman of his dreams stood in his arms.    

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 26

The months wore on and with each passing day, Sophia’s heart healed a little more and more. Sophia tried to keep herself busy everyday, so that her thoughts would not betray her. She managed to get an internship with a local newspaper, with no help from her influential father. “Dad, I want to get a job on my own merit—and not because I’m Fernando Mendiola’s daughter. Please don’t try to help”. She had begged him. Fernando had reluctantly conceded to his daughter’s wishes.

Lety and Fernando had noticed how much Sophia had changed in the past few months. She didn’t smile as much, and there was a sadness in her eyes, that couldn’t be explained. “I know it has something to do with that Ryan guy that called her”, Fernando had told Lety one day over diner. “Ever since that afternoon, my Sophia has been different”. He had added sadlyl. Lety knew it was indeed because of Ryan that Sophia was suffering. She didn’t dare let Fernando know this—for fear that he would jump on the next plane and go find the poor boy that broke his daughter’s heart.

The holidays came and went and Sophia was truly enjoying her job with the newspaper. The Editor loved her and promised her a real job once she finished school. Sophia appreciated the offer—but she knew that her life would be in the United States and not in Mexico. As much as she loved her family, she wanted to explore the world around her.

By the time Sophia was ready to head back to Columbia University, she had written a handful of articles for the paper. The experience had given her much self confidence. She had been proud of her work and felt that for a novice writer, her articles had been very good and informative.

“I’m so happy that I have a few articles to display in my portfolio now—not to mention a great reference from the Editor”, Sophia was telling Gizelle over the phone. Gizelle was extremely happy that in just a few days, she would have her friend back. She had missed her so much. “I can’t wait to see you Sophia”! Gizelle said happily. The two girls had decided to share an apartment off campus this coming school year. Gizelle had done all the work in finding them the perfect place. She couldn’t wait for Sophia to see their new home.

“By the way—how’s Marco”? Sophia asked. Gizelle giggled. She and Marco had started dating shortly after Sophia had left. They had been inseparable through out the year. “He’s amazing as always”, Gizelle responded happily. Sophia could sense the love in her friend’s voice. “…and Ryan? Mmm…Have you seen or talked to him lately”? Sophia asked, trying to sound casual. “We’re taking him out for a farewell dinner tonight. He leaves for Harvard tomorrow”, Gizelle replied sadly. Ryan was Marco’s best friend, and Gizelle had grown to love and respect him. Sophia’s heart sank. She would never see him now, she thought sadly. She wanted to ask about Christie, but decided against it. She had never confessed to Gizelle her true feelings about Ryan. She never told her about the email and how heartbroken she had been.

Later that night, Sophia’s parents threw her a huge going away party. They invited family, friends and all of Sophia’s co-workers from the newspaper. Everyone was sad to see her go. Lety slowly stood up in front of the room and smiled brightly. “Everyone…I’d like to make a toast. As you all know, last year was a tough one for the Mendiola Family. The accident took me away from my family for many months. My recovery has been a slow one, but I’m so grateful to be standing here before you tonight”. Lety’s eyes got watery as she saw Fernando hugging Alex and Sophia. All three of them had tears in their eyes. “I love each and every one of you in this room”, Lety continued. “You all have been wonderful to us and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But it’s my daughter, Sophia, that I must thank the most. She became the woman of the house in my absence. She took care of her little brother and her father. She put her life on hold so she could keep this family together. She tried to keep our home as normal as possible under the circumstances. Thank you Sophia. I love you. I will miss you dearly. But I want you to go out there and start living your life, with no worries about me…about us. Start making your dreams a reality”!

Sophia ran into her mother’s arms. Everyone raised their glasses. “To Sophia”! Fernando added proudly. Everyone repeated his words and drank the delicious champagne.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 27

Back in Queens, Ryan was packing his bags.  His mom, Olivia, sat on his bed beaming with pride.  “I can’t believe that one of my own is going to Harvard”!  She exclaimed.  Ryan stopped what he was doing and knelt down beside his mom, wrapping his arms around her waist.  She ruffled his dark brown hair and kissed his forehead.  “Mom, I start an internship this year with Abbot and Taylor.  As soon as I start, I want you to quit your job, okay”?  Ryan’s mom smiled.  “I’ve worked all my life Ryan.  What would I do with myself”?  “Mom, you can do anything or absolutely nothing at all.  You can get up late.  Watch TV all day.  Go visit Aunt Thelma.  Whatever you want!  I just want you to relax and enjoy life.  You deserve it mom”. 

Olivia was grateful for her son.  God had given her a great gift when he was born, she thought to herself.  She stood up and caressed her son’s face.  “You just concentrate on school and continue making me proud Ryan.  We’ll worry about the rest when the time comes”.  She smiled proudly at her son.  “Now hurry up or you’ll be late to meet Marco and his girlfriend”!

Ryan had completely forgotten about his dinner plans.  He knew Sophia was coming back soon and was anxious to talk to Gizelle about her.  He rushed out of the house, not before kissing his mom lovingly on her cheek.  He headed to their favorite sushi restaurant.  A vivid picture of Sophia’s beautiful face in his mind.

Ryan, Gizelle and Marco enjoyed a nice dinner together.  Gizelle sat back and enjoyed Ryan and Marco’s endless stories of when they were kids growing up in Queens.  Their evening ended and as the friends said their goodbyes, Ryan slipped an envelope in Gizelle’s hands.  “Can you please give this to Sophia when you see her”?  Gizelle nodded as she put the envelope in her purse.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 28

Sophia walked in to her new apartment and was touched by the ‘Welcome Home’ banner that Gizelle had made for her.  Marco had picked her up from the airport and was carrying her luggage in when his cell phone rang. “Hey man!  How’s it going?  Are you all settled in your new place”?  Marco asked the caller.  Sophia eyed Gizelle, wondering who Marco was talking to.  Gizelle was clearly excited and rushed over and put her ear against Marco’s phone so she could listen in.  Marco playfully pushed his girlfriend away.  “This is Man talk.  You woman…go serve me some food”!  Gizelled rolled her eyes and focused her attention back on Sophia.  As Gizelle showed her to her bedroom Marco stepped out to the balcony for some privacy.

“Is she there?  Did Sophia make in okay”?  Ryan asked with concern.  “How is she?  How does she look?  Is she okay”?  Marco laughed loudly.  “Slow down buddy…what’s with the 20 questions”?  Marco asked sarcastically.  Ryan couldn’t help it.  All weekend long he had kept thinking about Sophia.  He had almost postponed his trip a day, just so he could see her again.  “Relax Ryan.  She’s fine.  She got here safe and sound.  Gizelle is giving her the big tour of the apartment.  She looks great by the way”!  Marco had to throw that last comment in to torture his friend.  He knew Ryan had fallen hard for Sophia. 

As Ryan continued to talk to Marco, he recalled that afternoon when he had called Sophia in Mexico.  He had been devastated with Sophia’s coldness.  He had immediately called Marco on his cell phone and told him what had happened.  He had confessed to his friend that he had fallen madly in love with her and that he felt he had lost her, but was unsure as to why or how.  “Call her again”!  Marco had told him.  But Ryan never got the courage to try again.  He was afraid of her rejection.  He couldn’t take it.  The thought of Sophia moving on with her life…the thought of her ending up with someone else…It killed him inside.  He thought about Tom and how jealous he had been when he had seen them talking together.  Now he was far away from her.  Unable to show her how much he loved her.

“Marco, do me a favor, will you”?  Ryan asked.  “Take care of Sophia for me.  Keep an eye on that Tom character.  I don’t trust him.  Now that Sophia’s back, I’m fearful that he’ll try to move in on her somehow”.  Marco agreed to look after her.  “Take it easy brother”, he said to Ryan.  “I’ll take good care of her.  It’s gonna be strange around here without you”, he added sadly.  The two friends hung up and Marco walked back in to the apartment.  “Woman!  Where’s my food?  I’m starving”!  He yelled.

Gizelle and Sophia giggled when they heard him.  “I’m coming Tarzan.  Jane showing other woman big bedroom and nice view”!  Gizelle responded with a chuckle.  “Oh great!  It’s like being at home with my mom and dad.  You two lovebirds are gonna drive me nuts”!  Sophia said sarcastically.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 29

After Marco left, the girls settled down on their new couches and drank some coffee.  They chatted endlessly about what they had been up to all these past months. 

“Oh my God”!  Gizelled yelled out suddenly.  “I totally forgot to give you something earlier”.  Gizelle quickly got up to find her purse and pulled out the envelope that Ryan had given her. “It’s from Ryan”. She handed it to Sophia and announced that she was going to bed.

Sophia waited until Gizelle was in her room before carefully opening the envelope.   Tears rolled from her eyes as a picture of her and Ryan fell from the envelope.  It was the day that they had all gone to the Observatory together.  In her usual attempt to get the two of them together, Gizelle had pushed Ryan and Sophia close to one another so she could take their picture.  There was a huge smile on Ryan’s face and Sophia’s cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.  It was a nice picture, she thought sadly.  They looked happy together.  A small note remained in the envelope.  His words were few, but sweet.

Dear Sophia,

I thought you’d like a copy of this picture—the only one we ever took together.  I’ve looked at it often in your absence. Not wanting to forget your beautiful face.  I’ve wondered many times what made you blush?  Because I know why there was a smile on my face…it was because of you.

I miss you,

Ryan

Sophia read the note over and over again.  She was confused by his last line.  What did he mean?  She wondered.  But it would be a long time before she ever found out.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 30

The rest of Sophia’s years at Columbia went by fast.  Sophia felt as if someone had pressed the fast forward button on her life.  She had changed so much in the past few years.  She was no longer that naïve 19 year old that left Mexico to study in the United States.  She was a woman now.  25 years old to be exact.  As she sat in her new cubicle at the New York Post, she looked back on the past 6 years of her life…

When Sophia first returned to Columbia she remembered how heart broken she had been.  Even though Gizelle and Marco had continued to see Ryan on a regular basis, Sophia had opted to stay clear away from him.  A brief encounter with Chrisite, shortly after her return to Columbia, only reconfirmed her need to forget all about Ryan.

As Sophia sat at her desk, she remembered that day clearly.  It had only been a month since school had started and it had been raining hard that day.  Sophia had run into the campus coffee shop to get out of the rain.  Gizelle and Marco were sitting at a nearby table when they saw her.  “Hey Sophia!  Over here”!  Marco had called out.  What they didn’t realize was that Christie had been standing nearby and overheard Sophia’s name being called.  Christie had turned around quickly and had seen a beautiful, olive-skinned woman drenched in water, walking towards Marco.  “So this is the mysterious Sophia”, she said to herself.  As soon as Sophia had sat down, Christie came up to greet them.

“Hey Marco!  How are you”?  Christie asked in an ultra nice tone.  Her eyes were completely focused on Sophia as she spoke.  “I jut spent the most amazing weekend with Ryan.  Poor thing.  He was so sad to see me go.  He wants me to transfer to Harvard too, just so we can be together.  I told him I’d think about it”, Christie announced.  Marco stared at Christie blankly.  He knew his best friend better than anyone, and he knew for a fact that Christie was lying.  Unless Ryan was embarrassed to admit this to him for fear of what he would say to him—Marco quickly tried to push his doubts out of his mind.  “Wow Christie!  I can’t believe that Ryan hasn’t mentioned any of this to me.  I mean, I am his best friend and all.  Don’t you think that’s strange Gizelle”?  He asked and Gizelle nodded her head in agreement.  “Well, I’m so happy for you Christie.  I’ll make sure to throw you a Going-Away party before you leave”.  Marco didn’t hide his dislike for her.  He was sarcastic and rude—and he didn’t really care.  Christie pretended not to notice his attitude and smiled sweetly.  “Well, I’ll be seeing you guys around”, she said.  She headed out of the coffee shop with a devilish grin on her face. 

Indeed that day had made Sophia realize that Ryan was a lost hope.  From that day forward she had pushed him out of her heart and mind.  She decided to focus all of her time and energy on school.

Sophia continued to reminisce on her life.  Her thoughts took her down a road that she had tried desperately to forget.  She remembered bumping into Tom Nielsen a few months after she had returned to Columbia.  He had been so excited to see her again.  As the months passed, their friendship grew.  So it came as no surprise to her when Tom shyly announced his true feelings for her.  She recalled how nervous he had looked.  They had been outside watching the Fourth of July fireworks.  He had reached over and pulled her close to him.  “Sophia, I care so much about you.  You’re an amazing woman”, he had said.  “I love spending time with you.  And well…mmm…I was wondering—would you be my girlfriend”?  She remembered how she had wanted to chuckle out loud—I mean who asks this type of question now-a-days?  She had thought.  But she looked into Tom’s eyes and she saw how serious he was.  Her first impulse was to say no.  But then she reminded herself that Ryan had easily moved on, and that maybe she needed to do the same.  She had stared at Tom for a few minutes before answering his question.  He was a handsome man, she thought.  He was tall with broad shoulders, and a very athletic physique.  His hair was a dirty blonde and his eyes were a very bright blue—almost like the sky.  Why not?  She had thought.  He’s a good man.  He treats me well and has always been a gentleman.  She continued to convince herself and soon found herself answering, “Yes.  Yes Tom, I’ll be your girlfriend”.  He pulled her closer to him and softly kissed her lips.  She didn’t feel any sparks, she remembered.  But at the time, she was hopeful that someday she would. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 21

A week after waking up from her coma, Lety was released and allowed to go home. She was still unable to walk more than a few steps at a time before getting exhausted. Alex pushed his mom slowly on a wheelchair, stopping at the entrance to their beautiful, 3 story home.

As the front doors opened, Lety was filled with much joy. Tears welled up inside her as she saw a huge banner that read, ‘WELCOME HOME MOM—WE MISSED YOU’. All their family and friends were there to greet them. Balloons and confetti flew everywhere, as an excited Lety broke down and cried uncontrollably. Her mother, Julietta, was standing to one side—clearly overjoyed at the site of her beautiful daughter.

It had been almost 4 months since her terrible accident and although her recovery was going to be a slow process, Lety was content that the worst was behind her. She felt so blessed at that moment, as she looked around the room and saw the look of love in each of her friend’s faces.

Back at Columbia, Ryan, Marco and Gizelle were sitting at a local sushi restaurant eating lunch. Gizelle still kept in touch with Sophia and Ryan listened intently as Gizelle told them the good news. “Amazing! I’m so happy for them”, Ryan said, as he heard of Lety’s recovery. He remembered vividly the day Sophia had found out about the accident. She had looked so scared and frail. He had comforted her then. He remembered how wonderful her body had felt against his. How soft her hair had been. “Those eyes”, he said out loud. “What”? Gizelle asked. “Umm, Ah..I meant my eyes…they’re feeling a bit irritated right now”, Ryan offered lamely. Gizelle and Marco giggled. They both knew he had a thing for Sophia. “It’s too bad Sophia won’t be coming back until next year”, Gizelle announced. “But…I thought she’d be coming back soon”? Ryan asked sadly. Gizelle continued to tell him that Lety’s road to recovery would be a long and difficult one. “Sophia thought it best to stay with her parents during this time so she could help out with her little brother. She said she’s going to take some writing classes at her local college though—so that’s good”. Gizelle missed her roommate, but she would have done the same thing for her family.

Back in his dorm room Ryan stared up at the ceiling. He knew he needed to forget about Sophia. “She probably doesn’t even think about me”, he said to himself.

“He’s amazing”! Sophia was telling Clarita and Adriana. “He has the most beautiful, green eyes. He’s sweet. He’s smart. Did I tell you he has amazing eyes”? The girls all laughed loudly, which caused Fernando to look over at them suspiciously. Even though her cousins were over 10 years older, she was extremely close to Clarita and Adriana. They were like the big sisters she never had. “Well, I don’t know about you Sophia, but I would hurry back over there before someone snatches him away”, Adriana said seriously.

Just as he was about to doze off, Ryan’s cell phone rang loudly. It was Christie. “She sure is persistent”, he thought. For over 3 months now, Christie had been after him. She wanted a second chance. “We’ve shared so many wonderful memories together Ryan. We have a history. But now I want a future as well”, she had said the last time he saw her. “Hi Chris”, Ryan said when he answered the phone. “Get ready baby—I have tickets to see your favorite band tonight”! Christie announced with much excitement. She was on a mission to win him back—and she would stop at nothing.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 22

The weeks past and Lety’s recovery was going amazingly well.  She was walking better and was no longer slurring her words or stuttering.  Although it took great effort on her part to speak and move around, Lety was looking and feeling great.  Fernando only left her side for a few hours every morning to go into work.  He was happier than he had ever been.  He felt as if he had been given a second chance at life—as if he had been reborn!  “As soon as my Lety is better, we will take a long trip together”, he thought to himself while sitting in his office.  A picture of Lety was proudly displayed on his desk.  He took hold of the frame and traced her face with his fingers.  “Te amo Leticia Mendiola…Te amo como nunca…como siempre”.  He kissed the picture tenderly before setting it back down on his desk. 

The one thing that this entire nightmare had taught Sophia was that life was unpredictable.  That in a blink of an eye, your entire world can change drastically.  As she sat in her bedroom, staring at her laptop, she decided to write an email to someone that she could not get out of her mind.

Dear Ryan,

I hope you are doing well and that you did great on your final exams.  As Gizelle probably already told you, my mom’s recovery is progressing very well and we’re hopeful she’ll be back to her old self again in a few months. 

I guess this whole ordeal has made me see life in a different perspective.  I don’t want there to be any regrets in my life, because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

That is why I’m writing to you now.  I need to confess that I’ve thought of you often, Ryan.  I’m not quite sure why, but I can’t seem to get you out of my mind.  I have missed our morning runs and our coffee breaks very much.  Those quiet times we spent together were extremely special.  I felt a strong connection between us before I left.  I opened up to you like I have never opened up to anyone before.  I’m happy that I also got the chance to know you better.  I loved your stories about your mom and sisters.  I loved our talks about our future and what it might hold for us.  I miss you Ryan.  Very much.

I’m not sure what I expect from this, seeing as when I return to Columbia next year, you’ll be at Harvard.  I just felt I should let you know that you are in my thoughts and most importantly, in my heart.  I’m only sorry that it took me so long to tell you this.   

Hugs and kisses,

Sophia

When she was finished typing, she stared at the screen for several minutes—her heart was racing and her hands were sweaty from nerves.  “JUST DO IT”!  She thought.  With renewed strength, Sophia took one big breath before clicking on the “send” button.  Her hands were shaking afterwards.  She couldn’t wait until Ryan responded. 

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 23

Ryan and Christie were sitting in the library doing homework.  Ryan was typing away on his laptop.  He had a “mock” case to present to his class the next day and he still had a ton of research to do.  Ryan stood up suddenly.  “I’ve got to go get some coffee or I’m gonna fall asleep”!  He announced with an exhausted expression on his face. “Do you want anything”?  He asked Christie.  “I’ll take a Café Mocha”, she replied with a smile.  He left her briefly while he ran to the coffee shop next door.

Ryan wasn’t there to hear the sound of a new incoming email—but Christie was.  Her curiosity took over and she quickly pulled the laptop in front of her and went in to check.  “Who the heck is SophiaMendi@hotmail.com”? She asked herself out loud.  She clicked on the email and proceeded to read what Sophia had written to Ryan.  By the time she was finished reading, jealousy and anger had crept inside of her.  She was not about to lose the man of her dreams to some other woman.  She was about to delete the message when another idea came to mind.  She clicked on the “Reply to Sender” button and quickly started typing—hoping Ryan would not catch her in the process.

Dear Sophia,

I’m glad to hear that your mom is doing better.  I’m sure this makes the entire family extremely happy.

Sophia, our morning runs and coffee breaks were great and I think you’re a sweet person.  But unfortunately, I do not feel the same way about you.  I’m sorry if I gave you a different impression, as those were not my intensions.

Since you were honest with me about your feelings, I think it only fair for me to do the same.  I’m still in love with Christie, my ex-girlfriend.  I have tried to deny it to myself but I can’t any longer.  Since you’ve been gone, I have been trying desperately to win her back.  I think I’ve almost convinced her to give me a second chance.  I see a future with her—maybe even marriage. 

I hope you understand and that we can still be friends Sophia. 

Best wishes,

Ryan

Christie didn’t have time to proof read the email—she pressed send and then went in to delete not only her response, but Sophia’s original message.  “What are you doing”?  Ryan asked as he approached the table.  “Oh..ahh..nothing.  I need to Google something—I hope you don’t mind that I’m using your computer”?  She asked innocently.  She had just enough time to get out of his email account.  Ryan smiled and set their coffee on the table.  The two continued working next to one another for a few more hours.  Ryan was completely oblivious as to the damage that Christie had just caused.  He had no idea that Christie’s jealousy had just caused him to lose the love of his life.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 24

Sophia read his message over and over again.  She was shocked at his response.  Tears welled up in her eyes but she fought hard to keep them at bay.  “I will not cry over him!  He’s not worth one single tear”.  She said this out loud, but deep down inside she didn’t believe her own words.  She was hurt at how cold Ryan’s words were.  “This isn’t the Ryan that I know”, she said softly.  She had the urge to write back but she clicked “delete” instead and ran downstairs to find her mother.

“Que pasa Sophia”? Lety said slowly.  Each word took great effort for her to say.  Sophia knelt beside her mom and placed her head on her lap.  “Ay mami.  Estoy tan triste”.  Sophia replied sadly.  She proceeded to tell her mom all about Ryan.  When she finished she had tears in her eyes from the disappointment she had just endured.  Lety smiled sweetly at her daughter.  How grown up she was now, she thought sadly.  She knew the day would come when her daughter would fall in love.  She knew that Sophia would experience heartache and pain someday—but she was hoping to prolong the inevitable as much as possible.  Lety hugged her daughter and caressed her hair softly.  “It’s not easy to love and not be loved in return, my little one.”,Lety said.  “I too, have had my share of disappointments”.  Sophia looked at her mom.  She found it hard to believe that someone as beautiful and kind as her mother would ever have endured such heartache.  “Perhaps this Ryan is not the one for you Sophia.  Perhaps he was just someone put in your path for another reason.  He taught you how to love.  He made you feel things that you have never felt before.  Be grateful for that Sophia.  Be grateful, but be strong—so you can move on.  You have your whole life ahead of you”.  She kissed Sophia’s forehead and looked lovingly in her eyes.

Just then Fernando walked in and saw the two most important women in his life embracing one another and crying.  He looked from one to the other, neither one of them wanting to confess what was wrong.  Sophia quickly got up and kissed her dad on his cheeks.  “Bye Papi.  See you later”.  She said as she ran out of the room.  Fernando glanced over at his wife.  Lety smiled and shook her head.  “Que Pasa?  Que le pasa a mi niña”?  Fernando was clearly moved by what he saw.  He squinted his eyes together like he always did when he was worried.  Lety walked up to him and kissed the wrinkles on his forehead.  “Te amo mi amor…pero esto era algo entre mama y hija”.  She giggled as she left Fernando standing there alone and bewildered.

Christie and Ryan had finally finished their homework and were heading out of the library when Marco and Gizelle walked up to them.  “Hey Ryan!  I thought we’d find you here.  We’re going to the movies, wanna come”?  Marco asked.  “Sounds great.  I could use some time away from studying.  Just let me drop my books off”.  Ryan responded—grateful for this interruption in an otherwise boring Thursday night.  Christie smiled anxiously as she expected Ryan to extend the invitation to her as well.  She was shocked when Ryan said good night and walked off with his friends.  “How could he”?  She asked herself.  She remembered Sophia’s email earlier.  “I bet this has everything to do with that girl”, Christie said bitterly.

As soon as Ryan was far away from Christie he sighed heavily.  “Thank you!  You guys saved me just now”!  Ryan told them how he had been sitting alone in the library when Christie walked in and decided to join him.  “I don’t get it man.  Why don’t you just tell her to bug off?  She had no problems giving you the boot—why should you”?  Marco was a man that spoke his mind, and Gizelle loved and admired that quality in him.  She giggled as she heard Marco continue to scold Ryan.  Ryan knew he was right, but he couldn’t be rude to Christie, or anyone else for that matter.  He had a good heart, and he was never spiteful.  “So Gizelle…How’s my Sophia”? Ryan asked quickly, trying to change the subject”.  “…and that’s another thing—why don’t you just call Sophia yourself if you miss her so darn much”!  Marco was on a roll now.  Ryan chuckled out loud and hugged his long-time friend.  “What would I do without you Marco”?  He asked with a smile.  “I promise.  I’ll call her this week”, Ryan added.  His heart leapt at the thought of hearing Sophia’s sweet voice again.  He missed her so much.  More than she knew…

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 25

“I can’t believe it!  How could he be so mean to you”?  Adriana asked Sophia angrily.  “I thought you said he was so nice and sweet”?  Clarita chimed in.  Sophia was sitting on the kitchen counter watching her cousins prepare some delicious tortas for lunch.  As the days had gone by, Sophia’s depression had subsided.  It was quickly replaced with a new feeling—anger.  She was angry with Ryan for misleading her.  She was certain she had seen something in his eyes.  She felt the electricity between them—or maybe she just imagined it? She thought bitterly.  “Well, I thought he was nice.  But I guess I was wrong about him”, Sophia said sadly. 

The girls had just sat down at the table when the telephone rang in the living room.  Sophia ran to answer but her dad beat her to it.  “Bueno”?  Fernando answered.  His body quickly tensed as he heard the caller ask for Sophia.  “Who is this”?  He asked suspiciously.  There was a brief pause before Sophia heard her dad say, “One moment please”.  He handed the phone to his daughter.  “Who is it Papi”?  Sophia asked.  “Es un tal Ryan”!  He stated in an angry tone.  “He says he’s one of your friends from Columbia”.  With that he walked out of the room quietly.  He’d get to the bottom of this later, he thought.

Sophia was nervous.  Her hands started to shake wildly…but then she remembered his email.  “He’s still in love with Christie”, she reminded herself.  “Hello Ryan.  How are you”?  She was surprised as to how cheerful he sounded.  As if he hadn’t a care in the world.  She felt her blood pressure rise with resentment.  How could he be so non-chalant, after breaking my heart?  She wondered to herself.  After a few minutes of pleasantries Sophia couldn’t take it anymore.  “Listen Ryan, I’m really busy…I was just about to leave when you called”.  Ryan was stunned into silence.  “Ryan are you there”?  Sophia asked with irritation.  “Mmm…yeah…ah..i’m still here.  You just caught me off guard that’s all.  I…I’m sorry to have bothered you Sophia”.  Sophia’s heart softened briefly.  She heard his voice and he sounded hurt.  “Ryan I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to be rude.  It’s just that…I really can’t talk right now”.  She hung up the phone quickly.  She couldn’t bare listening to his voice any longer.  She was surprised as to how much her heart hurt.  It was at that moment that she realized how much in love she was with him.  She placed her head in her hands and cried softly.  The tears flowed as she pictured Ryan’s beautiful face.  Those dark green eyes that made her heart jump…that smile that always managed to cheer her up. 

“Sophia…Que tienes mi niña”?  Fernando had quietly walked in the room again.  “Por favor.  Dime que te pasa”.  He begged.  Sophia ran into his arms and hugged him tight.  “I hope that one day I will be just as lucky as mom was”, Sophia said in between her tears.  Fernando looked at his daughter, not understanding. “Mom found you dad…a wonderful, sweet man.  I hope I’m as lucky as she was, and that I find a good man like you”.  She held her dad for a few more minutes and then slowly walked back to her cousins. 

The realization that his daughter was suffering because of a man slowly crept up on Fernando.  He wasn’t prepared for this.  He wasn’t ready.  “Lety!  Lety”!  He screamed out as he ran up the stairs in search for his wife.  Through out the years Lety had become his Valeriana.  She was the only one that could comfort and calm him now.  “Mi niña…My sweet, wonderful Sophia”, he said to himself.        

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 16

Sophia arrived at the hospital around ten O’clock.  She rushed into her father’s arms as soon as she entered the room.  “Ay papi…papi…no puede ser. No puede ser”! She took one look at her mom and almost fainted.  Fernando sat her down on a chair and begged her to calm down.  “No se sabe nada todavia Sophia.  The doctor’s say it’s too soon to tell.  She suffered extensive damage, but they managed to stop the internal bleeding”.  Just saying that made Fernando feel nauseous inside—but he had to be honest with his daughter.  She was old enough to handle it, he thought sadly.  “Bbbb…but…I spoke to her yesterday morning.  She…was okay.  She was happy that she was going out to dinner with the cuartel.  She was okay papi…she was okay”.  Sophia couldn’t hold back anymore.  She had tried to be strong in New York, around her friends—but now she couldn’t do it anymore.  She was crying uncontrollably and all Fernando could do was hug her tight and cry with her. 

They stood there for what seemed like hours—until all their tears were spent, and their bodies were exhausted.  Just then there was a knock at the door—it was Carolina de Angeles.  She rushed in and kissed them both on the cheek before turning her attention to Lety.  “Ay dios mio”! She cried out with a gasp.  She hugged Sophia and then Fernando.  “Fernando…te vez muy palido—tienes que comer algo amigo.  No quiero que te tengamos que internar a ti tambien.  Por favor”.  Carolina forced Fernando and Sophia to leave Lety’s side in order to get some food and some fresh air.  “Don’t worry, I won’t leave her side, I promise”.  Carolina said kindly. The two obliged and they left the room hand in hand.

Carolina sat next to Lety, barely unable to control her emotions.  She caressed her friend’s hair softly—wishing that she would wake up.  Carolina started talking to her friend.  Telling her how much she loved her and how worried they all were. “No te puedes ir amiga.  Ya casi se aserca mi boda.  Who will be my Maid of Honor”?  She continued talking to her—recalling wonderful memories they had shared together. 

In the depths of her subconscious, Lety could hear a sweet voice speaking softly.  She wanted to open her eyes…to speak, but she couldn’t.  All she saw was darkness all around her…  

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 17

Two weeks had passed since the accident and Lety was still in a deep sleep. Fernando looked pale and tired. He had only left her side for a few hours at a time in order to freshen up and check in on Alex. He hadn’t even returned to Conceptos since the accident. Nothing was more important than being next to his beautiful, sweet wife. Thankfully I have Tomas, Fernando thought. As the head of finances for Conceptos, Tomas was more than qualified to assume the temporary presidency in his absence. Fernando knew that his company was left in good hands.

Sophia entered the hospital room with a vase of fresh flowers in her hands. “Hola Papi”, she said as she kissed her father on his forehead. Fernando looked up at his daughter. She too looked exhausted. There were dark circles underneath her once bright eyes. She looked as if she had lost some weight—and that worried him. “Mi niña—que no crees que ya es tiempo para regresar a la escuela”? Sophia set the flowers down on a table near her mom and kissed her cheeks softly. “No dad—there’s no way I can leave you and Alex alone. I can’t go back to school now. Besides, I won’t be able to focus on anything”. Fernando looked at his daughter sympathetically. He knew she was right. “I’m going to take a leave of absence from school. I won’t leave here until mom is okay”. Fernando knew that once his daughter had her mind set on something, there was no way talking her out of it. He looked at his wife with pleading eyes—Please Lety, please wake up, he thought.

Ryan was sitting at the coffee shop with Gizelle and Marco when Christie approached them. “Hi baby”, she said sweetly before kissing him on the cheek and sitting down next to him. Ryan didn’t know what to do—He didn’t want Christie there, but he didn’t want to be rude. Christie glared suspiciously at Gizelle. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your new friend, Ryan”? She asked sarcastically. Before Ryan could make the introductions, Gizelle stood up and left the table—not even bothering to say goodbye. Marco, who couldn’t believe his friend was sitting beside the woman that broke his heart, shook his head with disgust. “Well, I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure seeing you again Christie, but I’d be lying”, Marco said coldly before running after Gizelle.

The days passed and Fernando lost track of time. He didn’t know the exact date—he only knew it had been 67 days since the accident. His life had taken on a sad routine. Everyday Fernando would go into Conceptos bright and early before anyone else would get there. He would get a few things done and then head out to the hospital for the rest of the day. He would go home to have dinner with his children, then he'd return to the hospital to sleep in a cot, next to his wife.

Every day Fernando would sit next to Lety and talk to her. He’d tell her about work…about the kids…about everything that her eyes could not see. But most importantly, he’d talk to her about the immense love that he felt for her. “Do you remember that day at the park Lety”? He asked. “I do. That was the happiest day of my life! It was the day that I started to live again. You gave me my life back that day, Leticia”. He kissed her hands gently as tears rolled down his eyes. These months without her had been torture. He wanted to look into her dark, sparkling eyes. He wanted to hear her soft, sweet voice again. He missed the warmth of her body next to him at night. “Lety I don’t know if you can hear me—but I’m here, waiting. I will never give up on you”. Fernando lay his head on her stomach and cried softly.

Lety’s memories were the only light that shined thru the eternal darkness that surrounded her. She remembered every little detail of her life. Her childhood…her adolescence…her womanhood. She remembered the good times as well as the bad. But through it all there was one person that stood out as the most important—and that was Fernando. She floated in and out of a dream like state, but the image of Fernando’s face was always there. She remembered their life together. She pictured Sophia and Alex—little replicas of their father. She wanted desperately to get back to them, but she didn't know how. She was lost in the darkness and all she could do was hold on to her memories. I can’t let go. I must keep my memories alive or I will lose everyone that matters to me.

Lety could feel Fernando’s presence now. She could vaguely hear his soft voice from somewhere far away. “Please don’t give up on me Fernando—Please don’t give up”.

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 18

When Gizelle had first told Ryan that Sophia would not be coming back anytime soon, He was surprised as to how sad he had felt. His heart felt heavy and he didn’t quite know why. He knew that those moments he had shared with her had been special—but he kept reminding himself that he barely knew her.

The days grew busier and busier for Ryan, with studying for mid terms and working at the pizza place. On the weekends he would go back home to visit his mom and sisters. He had decided that it was better to push Sophia out of his mind, for he would be leaving soon. He had made the decision to transfer to Harvard University after the school year was over. A law degree from the prestigious university would surely open up many doors for him, he thought. More than anything he wanted his mother to stop working. He wanted her to enjoy the rest of her years, without the constant financial worries. He was doing this for her, he thought. For all that she had done for him and his sisters.

Sophia had taken charge of the house since her mother’s accident. She was the one who cleaned and washed. She made sure that her little brother got to school on time and that he was doing all of his homework. At night time, she would prepare a nice, warm meal for the three of them. It was the only time they spent with their father, and she wanted it to feel as normal as possible, under the circumstances. “Sophia, why don’t you let me hire a housekeeper to help out”, Fernando had asked her one night over dinner. “Mom never needed one and neither do I”, she had replied proudly. In fact, her mom refused to have any help around the house. “Why have a housekeeper when I’m perfectly capable of doing things myself”, she would always say to her father. Sophia smiled sadly as she remembered her mom.

The past few months had been tough on all of them, but Sophia worried most about her father. She knew that he was lost without her mom. With each passing day he grew paler and thinner. He even had more gray hair, Sophia thought. It was like the life was slowly being sucked out of him and she didn’t know what to do to snap him out of it.

“Tienes que entender, Mi niña”, Paula Maria had said one day over lunch, “Your dad is going thru a very tough time right now. He feels like he’s losing the love of his life”. “I know Tia, but you don’t’ think that Alex and I feel the same way? What about us? Our mother is lying in a coma on a hospital bed. She’s not here for us either—which makes us need our dad even more. We haven’t spent more than a couple of hours with him a day since this happened. You think that’s fair to us”? Sophia was unleashing all her frustration. She was tired. Tired of being strong for the sake of Alex—when her dad couldn’t be strong for her sake. She was angry that this had happened. But she had no one to blame. She cried softly in her aunt’s arms. She missed her mom so much. “Cry Sophia. Let it all out”, Paula Maria whispered in her ear.

Doña Julietta was sitting next to her daughter singing to her softly. She had been going to the hospital everyday since the accident. Everyday she’s wash and change her daughter. She’d comb her daughter’s long hair gently. “Te vez muy bonita mi niña”, she said sadly. She took her daughter’s hand in hers and started to sing an old song. "Te acuerdas mi Lety? Te la cantaba cuando eras muy niñita". Her voice was soft and beautiful as it echoed through out the room.

In the darkness Lety heard her mother’s voice and it filled her body with warmth. She slowly saw a light shining thru the darkness and her heart leapt with joy as her eyes slowly opened. Her mom was still singing softly—she had her eyes closed but opened them suddenly when she felt Lety press softly against her hand. “Lety! Mi niña”! Julietta shouted. Tears rolled down the old woman’s face as she continued to shout with joy. Lety’s eyes sparkled bright as she focused in on her dear mother. She wanted to tell her how much she loved her. How much her memories of her had helped her through the darkness. Lety tried to speak, but couldn’t. She felt drained from the effort. She managed to press her mother’s hand again lightly and her mother kissed her forehead gently. Julietta, beaming with joy, began to pray. “Gracias dios mio, gracias por este regalo tan maravilloso”!

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 19

Fernando was on his way home for dinner when he decided to quickly stop by his parent’s house to see how they were doing. He hadn’t seen them in days and he desperately needed a change of scenery. They were sitting down for coffee when he received an excited call from Sophia. “Papi! Papi! Mom’s awake…she’s awake”! Fernando felt an immense joy fill his entire body as her words sunk in. “Papi, do you here me? Are you there”? Sophia asked. Fernando had dropped to his knees and was crying uncontrollably. For a minute his parents had thought the worst. Fernando had his face in his hands and was rocking himself back and forth. “Mi Lety…Mi bella Lety”! He shouted. But then Doña Teresita saw something on Fernando’s face that she had not seen in months—a smile. Though his cheeks were moist with tears, his eyes were filled with an undeniable joy.

Fernando quickly got back on his feet and hugged his parents tight before placing his cell phone to his ears again. “Sophia, mi niña, disculpame. Es que estoy tan emocionado”! He told his daughter cheerfully. “I’ll have your grandparents pick you up and bring you to the hospital okay? I’m going to head back down there right now…Sophia…I love you and your brother so much…I know I’ve been…I haven’t been…I”. Sophia interrupted her father before he could finish his sentence. “I know dad. I know how important mom is to you. How important she is to all of us. You don’t have to apologize to us dad. We love you too. Now go over there and give mom a big hug and kiss”!

As soon as Sophia had hung up the phone she broke down in tears. She was beginning to doubt that this day would ever come. She ran upstairs and rushed into her brother’s room. Alex was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. Sophia jumped on him and started smothering her baby brother with kisses and pulling his hair. Alex at first thought she was crazy…but when he saw tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, he knew it could only mean one thing. “Mom’s okay”? He asked. Sophia smiled and shook her head. Brother and sister hugged each other tight and cried in each other’s arms. They knew that neither one of them could’ve gotten though such an ordeal without the other. “Come on goober…let’s go see mom”, Sophia said as she playfully socked her little brother on the arm. “SHOT GUN”! Alex roared as he ran down the stairs…

A NEW CHAPTER – PART 20

Fernando rushed into the hospital room with a smile that could light up the blackest of nights.  The cheer joy of having his Lety back brought the color back into his face. 

“Ssshhh”! Julietta motioned to Fernando that Lety was sleeping.  Fernando quietly approached the bed. He wanted to hold his wife…to kiss her soft, sweet lips.  It had been so long since he heard her beautiful voice, he thought.  As he looked at his wife, he noticed that she didn’t look as pale.  Some of the tubes had been removed, which made Fernando even happier.  “She’s going to be okay”, Fernando said softly.  “Si Fernando…nuestra Lety salio del peligro.  Pero el doctor dice que la recuperacion va ser larga y dura”, Julietta said sternly.  “No importa Doña Julietta.  Nada de eso importa!  Lo importante es que esta viva…y con nosotros”!  He hugged his mother-in-law so tight and lifted her off the ground.  She giggled and snorted—a sound that was music to his ears.  “We’ve been sad for too long Doña Julietta.  Tonight—and every night after that, we will celebrate life”! 

Fernando kissed Lety’s hand and held it to his heart.  He felt Lety softly squeeze his hand and his heart filled with an immense happiness. He had been so close to losing the love of his life.  The one woman that had captured his soul and had changed his life forever.  Lety opened her eyes slowly and when she saw her beloved Fernando in front of her, tears streamed down her face.  “Fer..nan..do.  Mi…mi..amor”, she said in a low and strained voice.  “Si Lety, aqui estoy con tigo—para siempre”.  He kissed her hands once again.  “Pense que te hiba perder…Pense que mi Lety se mi hiba a un lugar donde yo no podia seguirla”.  He continued to cry softly and Lety slowly wiped his tears with her fingertips.  She held his hands against her chest and drifted into a peaceful sleep.