After Leo left the restaurant he went home and went into the storage building where they kept many of the old things that used to belong in the mansion. Originally the mansion belonged to Sarah's parent's, but it was given to them as a wedding gift by her father. He decided to buy a nice penthouse with his wife so they could relax, and he expected that the mansion would be filled with children in no time considering the age of his two kids. However Sarah decided that she would go to college to get an MBA first. (that is correct everyone Sarah Helen Boykevich was supposed to take over the company). Leo decided that he would take the lead at the butcher shop, and also do some extra studying on his own about business to help his father grow their company however things to a sad turn when Leo's mother died after having a stroke, when he was 20. Unfortunately the pain of losing his wife of 40 years broke Frank's heart, and he died in his sleep three years later. This incident forced Leo to take full control over the butcher shops, since both of his brother's were still in college.
These events along with helping his wife study at night gave Leo the incentive to run the company on his own, and also impressed his father in law who took Leo in under his wing and taught him everything he knew. This pleased Sarah to think one day she and Leo would work side by side running their parent's businesses. However nothing goes as planned. Sadly the day Sarah graduated with a Master's Degree, her parent's died in a car crash when her father being drunk ran their car off the road. This prompted three changes. The first change it made Sarah want to get help for her own drinking problem, two it made her force Leo to take a stronger role in running both companies, and three it made her decide then and there that she wanted children, as soon as she was certain she had beaten her addiction.
Leo went through all these memories as he passed each box, and picture or item of memorabilia in the storage house. He then came upon a section of material that once belonged to Sarah's father Ben Helen Sr. He looked at the picture of the man standing so tall and lean with a thick mustache, he smiled. He saw his son's image in his face so easily they could have been twins. He then saw a picture of Sarah sitting on her father's lap with her older brother next to him. Ben Jr. was tall and lean like his father, but he had his mother's hair like his sister. A trait of their Jewish heritage as Sarah liked to say. Her father was Irish Catholic, but her mother was Jewish, and proud of it. She made sure that both her children focused on school, and temple very vigilantly.
Unfortunately Ben was a strict man, who put a lot of emphasis on his son to take over their company, and be strong. Ben however was not that strong, and he was very emotional like his own son. When B.J. realized that he would fail out of college the young man could not with stand to see the disappointment in his father's face, and took his own life. This situation caused the rift in their whole family. It made each of them distance themselves from one another. Ben distanced himself because his pride refused to let him see that he was wrong to pressure his son so much. Sarah's mother Rachel distanced herself out of guilt for allowing her son to be pressured so much by his father, and Sarah distanced her self out anger at both her parent's for her brother's death.
Leo sat down on a box and wondered if he was repeating the same mistakes as Sarah's father. He was always forcing Ben to do the right thing to help everyone else, but he never really considered what the right thing actually was. He realized that Amy may have been pregnant the first time Ben spoke of her throwing up, he knew he should have interjected then. However he let the pride of his own words earlier of telling Ben to take a risk with Amy overlook that knowledge. He overheard Ben's conversation with Ricky, and thought he should intervene and see if he could forge a friendship between them, however he should have realized that friendship is a two way street, and Ricky was one sided. He thought that after how Ben talked about Adrian, and seeing how well they got along they could be right for each other like Reuben suggested, however he forgot to take in account the damaging effects that their relationships with Ricky and Amy had on both Ben and Adrian.
He knew when their child died that he should have been stronger for his son who truly needed him, but he let the troubles of his own marriage, blind him to his sons' pain. He always did that put what other's had been through, or were going through over his son's. To this day he had never really asked his Ben how he dealt with his mother's death. He still remembered how Ben managed to disappear everyday after school, up to her death. He thought it was odd until one day Sarah told him that he would sneak into her room and hide under the bed. Leo thought that was a bad idea, but Sarah insisted that stopping him would be wrong. She knew Ben didn't want her to be alone, and deep down she liked having her little boy close to her in her last days. This is why he was brokenhearted when his wife died, and he found Ben lying next to her with his head on her chest as the monitor beeped one line. Ben had tears all over his young face, and he had no idea how to help him. He had the same problem when his granddaughter died, and he had the same problem now. He had no idea how to fix any of the problems his son had. Deep down he wondered if he had made those problems worse. Or if in truth he was the cause of all those problems.
It was not Ben's responsibility to take care of Amy, and if Amy had truly loved Ben she would have been honest with him about everything even the pregnancy but she wasn't. If Ricky were truly a good man, and had indeed changed, he would have helped his son in some way. If Adrian loved Ben and the child she carried she would have tried hard to save their marriage, or at least been more respectful to Ben after they're break up. If Henry and Alice were truly his friends they would have supported Ben in his time of need, not taken advantage of the situation for their own selfish gain. Unfortunately if he had truly been a good father he would have realized what Vincent said, and not forced him to shoulder so much responsibility at such a young age. In the end he blamed the problems that were in Ben's life on him, when in truth Ben took the problems other's had and made them his own.
Leo sighed heavily at this realization, he wondered if it took him this long to realize what Ben did had any of his old friends realized it at all? Unfortunately Ben had this realization nearly nine years ago, its' why he left. All any of them had been to Ben were burdens, which is what they were became once again. Leo then got up and picked up what he had come for, and left. Before he closed the door he looked back at the memories in the storage house, and wondered would these be all the memories he would have, he then closed the door and locked it.
November 27, 2024
Saturday, Night 6:45 PM
Suite of Ben Helen
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
(Ben has been working out and is very tired his friends left earlier, but before they did they left him the keys to the Cuda. Vincent, and 3-Jay both thought that Ben could use the car since he seemed to need it more. After dropping them off he went to the gym and did a work out, he got a lot of attention from a few of the women. Some were impressed by his physical appearance and athleticism. Most were just interested in the young man who was also the Prince of a Billion Dollar Empire. Ben's body was not big like jack, but he became physically fit with muscle that outlined his small frame. When he got home he was in the shower when he heard someone at his door)
Ben: Hold on. (going to the door in a towel, he had no clean robe since having Vincent 3-Jay and Gram over housekeeping hadn't made it's rounds yet, opens the door to see Zoe wearing a white tank top, and black jeans with sneakers and a sweater)
Zoe: (in shock to see Ben's small frame had changed into what Ricky's used to be when he was younger, but also shocked at his knife scar, tattoo, and burn) She also noticed another tattoo on his left shoulder in old writing) Hi, Ben I didn't mean to interrupt you. (snapped back to her senses)
Ben: Then why are you interrupting me? (closes the door so he can hide himself more)
Zoe: I came by to apologize to you about how I acted at the office with Adrian. I didn't mean to cause a scene, I knew I should have handled myself more professionally. It's just when I saw her, and the way she looked at me, I just reverted back to my old self.
Ben: Hold on a minute. (closes the door and goes to change into a pair of boxers, jeans, and blue t-shirt returns later to open the door) Come in.
Zoe: Thank you. (enters, and is a bit disappointed Ben covered himself she was enjoying the view)
Ben: Zoe I accept your apology, but that still does not mean I will give you your job back.
Zoe: I know, but I needed to apologize any way. Ben you were nice enough to give me a great job with great pay, and I should have shown you, and the company more respect than that. It's just when it comes to Adrian, and Ricky I have little tolerance.
Ben: Are you sure that Ricky is in that category? From what I remember you seemed to get a long pretty well with him, until he dumped you.
Zoe: Ricky didn't dump me. We were never together.
Ben: Well you were in his apartment a lot Zoe.
Zoe: Ben a lot of girls were in his apartment, a lot... I was just there for a quick lay, that's all.
Ben: Regardless of your past with Ricky Underwood Zoe, I don't need an assistant who will lose her temper with every person she has a problem with. (not wanting to get into any intimate details of her relationship or activity with Ricky Underwood)
Zoe: I know, and I'm not trying to make an excuse for my actions. I acted unprofessionally and I deserved to be fired. But, I still wanted you to know that I'm sorry. Ben you are a great guy, and you don't deserve to be dis-respected any more than you already have. I like to pretend that I'm better than Amy, Ricky, Adrian, and the other's. But I ended up letting my vengeful attitude with Adrian do to you exactly like they did.
Ben: Zoe you didn't do me like they did. You embarrassed me in private, and you were much more cheaper than any of them. (making a small joke about the money spent dealing with his past)
Zoe: Yeah, I guess I was. (smiling)
Ben: So, if I decide to give you another chance will you try to act with a higher degree of professionalism this time?
Zoe: Yes, I swear it. (excited to think she may get her job back)
Ben: Then fine. Be at the office on Monday, no later than 8'o clock.
Zoe: I'll be there at seven with a fresh pot of hot water, and honey for your flower.
Ben: You noticed that, huh. (referring to the wild flower tea he drank instead of coffee or normal tea)
Zoe: Yeah, I thought it was odd that you didn't drink coffee, or tea. What is that flower anyway?
Ben: Its' an old Indian herb that I use. It gives you strength and energy for hours without the harmful side effects of caffeine or energy drinks.
Zoe: Maybe I should try it sometime?
Ben: Well I share a cup of tea with you at the office on Monday.
Zoe: It's a date.
Ben: No, it's tea. Goodbye Zoe, I'll see you on Monday.
Zoe: Goodbye Ben, and thank you for giving me a second chance.
Ben: Everyone deserves a second chance Zoey. But this time don't waste it.
Zoe: Trust me I won't.
As Ben walks Zoey to the door they open it just in time to see Leo about to knock.
Ben: Dad, what are you doing here?
Leo: I came to talk with you. Did I come at a bad time? (shocked to see Ben with Zoe, and she was looking very lovely. He thought Ben and she may have been getting intimate)
Zoe: No, Mr. Boykevich I was just leaving. Bye, Ben and I'll see you in the office first thing Monday. (casually hugs Ben and waves good to Leo as she steps past him)
Leo: Well Zoe seems to be looking lovely, it was nice of you to hire her back. Does this mean that you will talk with Adrian, too?
Ben: About what? Zoey came here and apologized for how she acted, Adrian didn't. Zoe knew what she did was wrong, and being a good person she realized her mistake and wanted to make atonement. Seeing as she felt bad about what happened, and was willing to humble, and explain herself I thought she deserved a second chance.
Leo: Don't you think Adrian feels bad, and deserves the same courtesy.
Ben: I have given Adrian, and the other's enough chances already. Is there a reason why you're here? (becoming agitated at Leo's interference)
Leo: Yes, I came by to give you this. (hands Ben a box similar to the one he gave him earlier)
Ben: I don't need that name plate, and if you went out and bought a new one you shouldn't have wasted your money. (irritated to think Leo is still trying to buy his forgiveness)
Leo: I didn't buy it, just open it.
Ben: (opens the box to see a wooden name plate that was old from the 1980's with his name on it) What's this?
Leo: It was your Grandfather's, the first Ben Helen. We had his things in the storehouse out back, and I thought since you have his name, you might as well have his nameplate. You are the new C.E.O. after all
Ben: (looks longingly at the name plate he never had anything that belonged to him before) Acting C.E.O. temporarily, but thank you. I really do appreciate this.
Leo: It's no problem I'm sure he would have wanted you to have it. You are his only descendant after all, and the company was built for you.
Ben: Really, I always thought it was built for Ricky. I mean that is why you were training him wasn't it.
Leo: Ben, don't act like this. You know I always wanted you to take over the company, but you acted like you didn't want it. When you disappeared without a trace what else was a I supposed to do.
Ben: I don't know, train Chloe your adoptive daughter, who is a far better choice than Ricky. I have been back for less than a month, and she has already proven to me that she can do the job. Or one of my cousin's since the company is also there's as well. Or have you forgotten that unlike Ricky they share your last name. Or one of the other board member's or their children, like me they grew up knowing everything about the company. But tell me why Ricky?
Leo: Because he unlike you acted like he wanted it, you never did.
Ben: No, I didn't, and too this day you never asked why.
Leo: (accepts Ben's reply) You're right, I didn't. I spent years thinking that running the company was what you should have wanted, but I never asked if it was. I just assumed you did, since...
Ben: Since I was your son, Since I was the "Sausage Prince", since I was the rich boy with a rich daddy, and a rich company. Is that why you thought that?
Leo: (looks at Ben never realizing he had such animosity toward the company) Ben the company is your name sake your birth right.
Ben: Exactly, I never got a say in it. I was born a Boykevich. I was born to a wealthy family that had more than everyone else, and everyone else hated me for it.
Leo: Ben that can't be true.
Ben: You really forgot what it was like to be a teenager in high school didn't you? (amazed at Leo's ignorance about the cruelty of children, and the horrible things people do to other's for any reason)
Leo: Ben, I remember that kids who were rich when I was growing up were mean, I tried to make sure you weren't like that.
Ben: So that is the real reason why you wouldn't let me go to private school.
Leo: That, and I thought you would get better friends there. Private school kids are different, they're spoiled and snobby, I didn't want you to end up like that.
Ben: Really have you ever met with kids from a private school.
Leo: Dylan went to a private school or have you forgotten them.
Ben: Point taken, but have you forgotten neither one of them slept with me while we were dating. Henry slept with my wife, and tried to steal Dylan. I'm also pretty certain neither one of them tried to fuck Dylan when we burned down her school.
Leo: She burned down your school.
Ben: What ever it was an accident. All I know is in public school I had two friends, just two who I thought were loyal, and honest. Two people who liked me for me, and that was a lie.
Leo: That's not true, Alice and Henry loved you they and everyone else cared about you. They just made mistakes.
Ben: Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes, that word get's tossed around like football. The only mistake that was ever made was me, EVER BEING FRIENDS WITH ANY OF THOSE CONS. You think they liked me because of me, they liked me because of the money you had. They wanted to hang out with me for the parties you would throw, and the gifts you would give them. Look how you lavish them with gifts. How many times did any of their parents invite me on a trip with them, or to concerts, or anything. How many cars, or homes did they buy me. They didn't give a Damn about me.
Leo: Ben that's not true. When you disappeared the were all worried about you.
Ben: No they pretended to be worried about me, for you. Deep down they were happy that I was gone. I mean with me out of the way Rick and everyone else could move right on in and hold out their hands for the rewards. How many trips did you take them all on, how much money and gifts did you get for them and their kids. I mean with my kid dead, I'm sure they were happy to shove their kids in your face.
Leo: BEN!
Ben: What did that strike a nerve? But tell me aren't they all calling you Gram-pa Leo now?
Leo: Yes, and they were all there for me when I had my heart attack.
Ben: Of course they were, they had to make sure that you didn't croak without them being in your will. They are in your will aren't they.
Leo: (looked at Ben with guilt, because they were) That doesn't matter.
Ben: Of course it doesn't they were your friends, because they sure as hell weren't mine. My friends don't want your money. That's why unlike them they threw it in your face.
Leo: So they told you.
Ben: No, unlike you. I know you, and how you think. But I also truly know them, and trust them. Unlike everyone else who claimed to be my friend they actually are, because they're family.
Leo: Ben...
Ben: You know the reason I didn't want to run the company, because since the day I was born it has never been anything but a curse to me. It has only ever attracted the worst people, who claim they care about you. I wanted to be rid of that curse, and never burden my kids with it, like you did me.
Leo: (looks at Ben with a heavy heart) If you believe that then why are you running it now?
Ben: Because of you. Because I promised my mother I would help you. When it's done, so am I, and so are we. So you can give the company to Ricky, and even your name. I have absolutely no use or need of them. I never did. So thanks for the name plate, and good night...
Leo: (feels sad his son is ashamed of his name) I'm sorry you feel that way, good night. (leaves)
Ben: (feels a certain shock from his necklace) Yeah, yeah, (takes off his necklace and sits down, goes through his PET and dials home. Waits a few minutes before a familiar voice picks up) Hey it's me...
HOME OF OMAR/ADRIAN
Saturday 8:35 PM
November 27. 2024
Adrian has by, by surprising him. She has given Tony to her mom, and has lit several candles in their home leading a path way to their bedroom. But instead of her being on the bed like she usually would be in a situation like this she has left a card titled "CONGRATULATIONS" attached to a to tell Omar about the baby
Omar: Adrian! Baby are you home. (see's the candle's and becomes intrigued) Oh, I know what this is for. (is excited and follows the candles upstairs until he see's the card and pacifier) HUH?
Adrian: Hi. (sneaks up behind him wearing one of her maternity gowns).
Omar: Adrian what is this?
Adrian: This is our second child. (takes his hand and guides it to her stomach) Are you excited?
Omar: Hell yes, baby I can't believe this. But what about Law School you wanted to start this year?
Adrian: We'll figure it out, but for right now let's just be happy, we're gonna give Tony a little sister.
Omar: Yeah, I can't wait to have our daughter. (hugs tightly but not too tightly to her)
Adrian: Neither can I. (in the back of her mind what Ben said to her haunts her)
Ben: Our daughter... Since when was she our daughter? Last time I checked she was my daughter because I am the only one who even gave a damn about her since her death.
Adrian wonder's what her daughter with Ben is thinking about her now, and if she was proud of her, or completely ashamed. She hugs Omar tighter hoping to seek comfort in his arms the way she once found it in Ben. Unfortunately that is something she only ever found with Ben and Antonio. Not with her husband.