That night, neither Eli nor Grace could get much sleep. The image of Eli
sticking his tongue into Nina's mouth just kept playing over and over and
over again on Grace's mind. And if that wasn't enough, the play episode
came back to her brain. She could hear every single word, no, not word, she
could hear every single lie that he told her that night. They were echoing
in her head. *Then do it one more time, just for me.*, *Do it for me.*.
*And did he have to lie about the barrette?*, she wondered as her anger
grew more and more. "Why am I thinking about those things?", she asked
herself out loud. Grace couldn't understand why she was so angry at him or
why she kept remembering all those lies that Eli ever told her. But
thinking about all the times that Eli had deceived her, made Grace come to
a very disappointing conclusion; *There is no truth in him.*, she hummed at
herself as she associated Eli to *Orlando*. Grace snorted heavily then
covered her face, forcing herself to sleep.
While Grace, mentally gathered reasons to hate her step-brother, Eli, her
step-brother, desperately tried to figure why she was so mad at him. He
searched every corner of his memory but couldn't find a good reason. *Is
that because I made her wait? But it wasn't that long or was it?*, he
confusedly wondered. Eli didn't know how to describe the way he felt about
this crazy situation. All he knew was that he felt this weird thing that
was keeping him awake. "Why do I bother? Why do I care if she's mad at me
or not? We're not even friends.", Eli questioned himself. He was sick of
that feeling. He just wanted to sleep. He turned the radio on, closed his
eyes and subconsciously prayed to God that the next day this mess would be
melt away.
*
*
*
Rick came downstairs and walked in the kitchen. He found Lily, Zoe and Jessie there. Lily was cooking eggs with bacon and fried bananas. Zoe and Jessie were having cereal as they watched Lily cooking.
"Morning. Anything to eat?", Rick asked as he checked the weird food his wife was about to eat.
"What?", Lily looked at him, noticing the food slightly disgusted him.
"No, nothing. I'm jus not hungry, that's all.", Rick stated heading to the refrigerator . Zoe and Jessie giggled at his words.
Jessie was putting her bowl in the sink when Eli and Grace came into the scene. They were coming from opposite directions so they bluntly bumped on each other.
"Hey! Are you blind?", Grace blew out in annoyance.
"Sorry, I didn't-", Eli tried to politely apologize but Grace didn't let him to.
"Next time, look where you're going. Okay?"
"Okay, but there's not need to be aggressive, Grace.", Eli spoke without realizing what reaction his thoughtless words would cause on Grace.
"Wait a minute.", Grace frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "You just called me aggressive?", the room seemed to turn to them at that moment.
"What's wrong with you?", Eli said annoyingly.
"Well, I'm not you. So, I should say that there is nothing wrong with me.", Grace meanly insinuated.
"What's that supposed to mean?", Eli was doing the best her could to not shout at her right then. Grace ironically rolled her eyes at him, which made him gasp. "You know what? Never mind."
"Somebody tell me what's going on here?", Lily asked behind a full mouth.
"Nothing is going.", Grace and Eli got out together then they eyed each other with indifference.
"Oh God.", Lily made a weird face.
'What, Lil?", Rick replied.
"I gotta go throw up.", Lily dashed out then into the bathroom.
"Lil?", Rick called then she came back. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. But I'm still hungry."
"But-"
"Mom? Can I use your car?", Grace interrupted Rick. "Oh Grace. You can't use my car today.", Lily began, pouring some milk. "Eli's with Rick's car so. Well we need mine. And you don't need it. I mean, Eli's driving you, anyway."
"I'd rather ride a but.", Grace lowly chuckled at herself.
"Let's go people.", Eli shrugged, grabbing his keys.
"But I haven't had breakfast yet?', Grace disputed.
"Neither had I and I'm not complaining, am I?", Eli snapped. Grace felt an urge to tell him to go f*ck himself but instead she just grabbed her stuff and mutely left.
"Bye.", Lily exclaimed then turned to Rick. "Why are you smiling?"
"I've got good news.", Rick brightly informed. "Colin found another architect to build the hotel in Australia."
"And is that good news?", Lily wondered, knowing it wasn't easy for her husband to refuse an opportunity like that.
"Sort of. Colin wants me to supervise the project.", he began. "This architect will have to come to Chicago once and a while so I can give my opinion about his work."
"And Colin is paying you for that?"
"Yep. And there's more.", he went on. "Colin mentioned me to some of his friends and *these* friends run a company together. They're going to build a new hospital, a restaurant, a new mall and two residence buildings in the next three years, starting next month. And guess who they hired to design all of them?"
"Oh my.", Lily gasped in excitement. "You?!", Rick nodded and Lily threw herself in his arms. "It's wonderful."
"Yeah, I know.", Rick couldn't stop smiling. "And I guess we should celebrate."
"What do you mean, *celebrate*?"
"Drive me to work and I'll explain you on the way there.", They stood up and left.
*
*
*
Eli parked next to the school sidewalk. Jessie, as usual, hurried out, to meet Katie. When Grace was with one foot out, ready to leave, Eli grabbed her arm and pulled her back in.
"What you think you're doing?", she snapped aloud.
Eli bent over her lap, stretching his arm so he reached the passenger's door, closing it. "Will you tell me what the hell is going on here?"
Grace rolled her eyes at him, saying. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yeah, right. So what was that scene last night and the one in this morning?", he raise an eye brow as she looked at him in despise.
"I don't know.", she played the dumb. "You don't know?", she ironically asked.
"No, I don't."
"So, I'm not the one who's gonna tell you.", she sarcastically pointed.
"Did I do something that somehow offended you? I mean, if it's because I didn't get on your friend's house on time, well, I'm sorry. Something came- ", Eli tried to bring things between them back to normal.
"Are you done?', she snorted, predicting he was going to tell her another lie.
"What?"
"I have class.", she added as he looked at her in an awe. "Can I go?"
"Go.", he got out in frustration.
"Thank you.", she forced herself a sarcastic cold smile then jumped out of the car. Eli turned the car on then took off.
Grace went straight to her locker, as she opened it she heard Cynthia call her name as she came along the hall.
"What?', Grace snapped in annoyance as Cynthia approached her.
"Hey, easy.", Cynthia said, noticing Grace was a little out of her normal behavior.
Grace closed her eyes for an instant, snorted then said. "I'm sorry. What do you want?"
Cynthia hesitated for a while which made Grace's annoyance grow but then she finally spoke. "There's something I need to tell you.", she began. "Okay, although you never really talked to me about whatever that was going on between you and Mr. Dimitri, I'm your friend, so it's my duty to tell you."
"What?', Grace frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I know where Mr. Dimitri is working now.", Cynthia revealed and Grace's face fell in sadness.
"You know what? Don't.", Grace mumbled. "There is not point in you telling me where he is. I can't go there. You know it."
"But, Grace-"
"I said *no*, Cynthia.", Grace didn't want to hear what her friend had to say.
"See, this is not a good time. Okay? Please, just let it go.", Grace closed her locker and started out, leaving Cynthia standing there.
At the class break, Grace was at the school cafeteria with A.J and Tad. They were discussing their biology project.
"There you are.", Cynthia stated when she saw them there. "Hey! Grace, I need to talk to you. in private."
"If it's about *that* subject, I don't wanna know.", Grace assumed it was about Mr. Dimitri again.
"Don't be so stubborn. Just come with me.", Cynthia grabbed Grace by her arm and dragged her out.
"I told you, I don't wanna-"
"He's working as a substitute teacher in a college, here in Chicago.", Cynthia shortcut Grace. "My mom knows people who know people that work there."
"What college?", Grace stammered as she looked at her friend with more interest now.
"It's an University, actually. Chicago State University.", Cynthia replied.
The tow girls said nothing after that. Cynthia stood there, watching Grace's weird reaction. Grace didn't move much. She just stood there with a big *I don't know what to do." look on her face.
"You know, I'm feeling like visiting some colleges.", Cynthia smirked, trying to help her friend. "You know, do some research before I fell my applications. next year."
"You know what? Me too.", Grace nodded, slightly smiling.
*
*
*
"Hey!", Nina said, stepping closer to Eli. "You look tense.", he lifted his eyes to her in warning. "I was just talking to my friend, Jane. Well, Jane and her boyfriend are going to the movies next Saturday and she invited us to go with them. You know, like a double date."
"Nina?", Eli seriously warned. "I'm not your boyfriend. We're not together." Nina felt like her face had fallen to the floor when she heard him say that.
"But I thought we-"
"This been fun but that is it.", he went on. "I like you as a friend. we were just fooling around."
"I should've known better.", she began, seeming to be not hurt but disappointed. "I know I threw myself at you but I thought you were different."
"Nina, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"No, I know. This is my fault.", she admitted, smiling. "Friends?"
"Friends.", Eli stumbled and she hugged him.
Grace walked into BookLovers right when Eli and Nina were hugging each other, her face turned read in anger.
"Hey, Gracie!", Judy greeted her niece. "What are you doing here?"
"Um, my mom told me to meet her here.", Grace barely reported, never tearing her eyes from Eli and Nina who were now chatting cheeringly.
"Well, she's not here yet. Why don't you-"
"I'm hungry. I'll get something to eat.", Grace lied, walking towards Nina.
"Hello, Grace!", Nina beamed at her and Eli pretended he didn't see her.
"Hey, Nina.", Grace replied. Her voice was a little too bossy. "You have apple pie?"
"Yeah, always."
"Good. So just get me two slices and coffee with cream.", Grace ordered. Nina's face seemed to puzzle when Grace told her to get her the pie and the coffee. Grace usually severed herself.
"Um, you want me to bring you food?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?", Grace sarcastically frowned and Eli stared her in awe.
"No, it's nothing. It's just that you always served yourself. So-"
"Excuse me, but I thought it was your job. You know, get people food.", Grace slightly raise her voice. "So if you don't want me to report this incident to my father, you better go and get me the damn pie. And don't forget the coffee.", Nina saw Grace was not kidding at all. She turned away and went to counter to get Grace's order but Eli told her not to. He said Grace was mad at him and that he would handle the situation.
"What you're doing?", Eli asked as he moved closer to Grace. "There was no need to talk to her like that."
"Excuse me, but I didn't direct a word to you, Eli.", Grace lightly yelled, catching people's attention, including Judy's.
"Could you speak lower.", Eli warned, noticing the others' stare.
"Why is she not bringing me my order?", inquired.
"Well, because I told her not to.",
"Who put you in charge here?", she angrily glared at him.
"Well, when your father is not around I'm the one in charge of the café.", Eli couldn't keep his voice that low anymore so he barely screamed.
"So you haven't forgotten, hugh?", Grace folded her arms and Eli frowned, not getting her point. "My father is your boss. So it means that you have to do what I tell you to. And I'm telling you to go and get me my pie and coffee, since you told that Missy over there not to."
"What?", Eli snapped, not believing her.
"I'm waiting."
"You know what, Grace? Go to hell.", Eli burst out. "And if you want that pie so bad? Go and get it yourself.", Eli finished then went to the kitchen, leaving Grace spitting fire out.
Judy began to walk in her niece's direction but Grace was so angry that she couldn't stay in there anymore. She trudged out without saying goodbye and totally forgetting about her mother.
A few minutes later, Lily came in BookLovers. "Hey, Judy!"
"Hey, Lil!!"
"Is Grace here yet. I told her to meet here after school.", Lily glanced around the place searching for her daughter.
"You just missed her.", Judy informed, placing some books on the shelves.
"What? She left?"
"Yeah. Grace and Eli had a little argument a few minutes ago.", Judy mumbled. "I always thought they were good friends."
"They were. But now they look like enemies at a war."
"But what brings you here?", Judy pulled a chair as Lily did the same.
"I need an advice.", she snorted. "Colin got Rick a new job here in Chicago. And now Rick wants to celebrate it and the baby."
"That's wonderful.", Judy exclaimed, smiling.
"He wants us to go to Fernando de Noronha. in Brasil.", Lily stated.
"Brasil!!! woaw!!!", Judy made a impressed face.
"I'm not sure if I should go. I mean, the girls' school.", Lily took out of her purse a chocolate bar and a bag of peanuts and began to eat them all. Judy observed in amazement.
"Are you gonna eat all that peanut?", Judy asked. "Yeah. That's all I do now. If I'm not eating I'm throwing up. If I keep on eating like this, I'll gain, at least, fifty pounds.", Lily kinda joked.
"One more reason for you to go to Brasil.", Judy began. " I mean, if you're actually eating that much you say you are, in two months you will not fit in a bikini.", Judy kidded. Lily made a face and threw a peanut on Judy. They laughed a little at it.
*
*
*
Rick, Zoe, Jessie, Lily and Grace were having dinner when Eli furiously invaded the house. "Grace? Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Good evening to you too, Eli", Rick tried to make a joke.
"Not now dad.", Eli nervously stumbled as Grace ignored him. "What the hell is going on with you?"
"Eli?", Rick warned then Grace stood up and went up to her room.
"You had no right to talk to me or to Nina like that.", Eli yelled, making her stop on the stairs.
"You asked for that.", she disputed in indifference.
"No, I didn't.", he disputed back as their family watched them arguing. "I'm your step-brother, you like it or not. You need to respect-"
"You're not my step-brother, Eli. I never saw you that way", she shouted. "You and I are just two strangers who happened to live in the same house."
Eli snorted in disbelief. "You know, I can't stand this anymore. Grace you're nuts. And I'm going to my mom's.", Eli said, heading to the door.
"And don't come back.", Grace angrily teased him and them they heard they door slams. Rick and Lily were shocked to witness that. Grace glared at them once more then rushed up to her room.
"We have to talk to them about this.", Lily reason then she popped up on her chair like she had remembered something. "Eli left with your car?"
"Yeah. I guess so.", Rick replied.
"I need my car tomorrow. You have to leave at 6:30 and I can't drive you."
"Oh, no.", Rick shrugged. "I'll call him after I take a bath."
*
*
*
Henry and Karen were on the couch Kissing, cuddling and enjoying each other when Eli trudged into the house like a madman. "Oh my God. I'm sorry. I'm going to my room."
Karen quickly stood up, fixing her clothes then followed her son to the kitchen. "Eli what are you doing here? Something wrong?"
Eli stopped, shook his head and got out. "That girls is crazy."
"Who? Who's crazy?" , Karen asked in confusion then they heard the phone rings. "Henry can you pick it up?"
"Grace. She's mad at me and I don't know why. She won't tell me. She just attacks me-", Eli stopped when he saw Henry coming in.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but it was your father, Eli. He wants to come back there tonight because he needs his car for tomorrow at 6.", Henry reported.
"Great!", Eli shrugged, not very please with that.
*
*
*
Rick came downstairs and walked in the kitchen. He found Lily, Zoe and Jessie there. Lily was cooking eggs with bacon and fried bananas. Zoe and Jessie were having cereal as they watched Lily cooking.
"Morning. Anything to eat?", Rick asked as he checked the weird food his wife was about to eat.
"What?", Lily looked at him, noticing the food slightly disgusted him.
"No, nothing. I'm jus not hungry, that's all.", Rick stated heading to the refrigerator . Zoe and Jessie giggled at his words.
Jessie was putting her bowl in the sink when Eli and Grace came into the scene. They were coming from opposite directions so they bluntly bumped on each other.
"Hey! Are you blind?", Grace blew out in annoyance.
"Sorry, I didn't-", Eli tried to politely apologize but Grace didn't let him to.
"Next time, look where you're going. Okay?"
"Okay, but there's not need to be aggressive, Grace.", Eli spoke without realizing what reaction his thoughtless words would cause on Grace.
"Wait a minute.", Grace frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "You just called me aggressive?", the room seemed to turn to them at that moment.
"What's wrong with you?", Eli said annoyingly.
"Well, I'm not you. So, I should say that there is nothing wrong with me.", Grace meanly insinuated.
"What's that supposed to mean?", Eli was doing the best her could to not shout at her right then. Grace ironically rolled her eyes at him, which made him gasp. "You know what? Never mind."
"Somebody tell me what's going on here?", Lily asked behind a full mouth.
"Nothing is going.", Grace and Eli got out together then they eyed each other with indifference.
"Oh God.", Lily made a weird face.
'What, Lil?", Rick replied.
"I gotta go throw up.", Lily dashed out then into the bathroom.
"Lil?", Rick called then she came back. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. But I'm still hungry."
"But-"
"Mom? Can I use your car?", Grace interrupted Rick. "Oh Grace. You can't use my car today.", Lily began, pouring some milk. "Eli's with Rick's car so. Well we need mine. And you don't need it. I mean, Eli's driving you, anyway."
"I'd rather ride a but.", Grace lowly chuckled at herself.
"Let's go people.", Eli shrugged, grabbing his keys.
"But I haven't had breakfast yet?', Grace disputed.
"Neither had I and I'm not complaining, am I?", Eli snapped. Grace felt an urge to tell him to go f*ck himself but instead she just grabbed her stuff and mutely left.
"Bye.", Lily exclaimed then turned to Rick. "Why are you smiling?"
"I've got good news.", Rick brightly informed. "Colin found another architect to build the hotel in Australia."
"And is that good news?", Lily wondered, knowing it wasn't easy for her husband to refuse an opportunity like that.
"Sort of. Colin wants me to supervise the project.", he began. "This architect will have to come to Chicago once and a while so I can give my opinion about his work."
"And Colin is paying you for that?"
"Yep. And there's more.", he went on. "Colin mentioned me to some of his friends and *these* friends run a company together. They're going to build a new hospital, a restaurant, a new mall and two residence buildings in the next three years, starting next month. And guess who they hired to design all of them?"
"Oh my.", Lily gasped in excitement. "You?!", Rick nodded and Lily threw herself in his arms. "It's wonderful."
"Yeah, I know.", Rick couldn't stop smiling. "And I guess we should celebrate."
"What do you mean, *celebrate*?"
"Drive me to work and I'll explain you on the way there.", They stood up and left.
*
*
*
Eli parked next to the school sidewalk. Jessie, as usual, hurried out, to meet Katie. When Grace was with one foot out, ready to leave, Eli grabbed her arm and pulled her back in.
"What you think you're doing?", she snapped aloud.
Eli bent over her lap, stretching his arm so he reached the passenger's door, closing it. "Will you tell me what the hell is going on here?"
Grace rolled her eyes at him, saying. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yeah, right. So what was that scene last night and the one in this morning?", he raise an eye brow as she looked at him in despise.
"I don't know.", she played the dumb. "You don't know?", she ironically asked.
"No, I don't."
"So, I'm not the one who's gonna tell you.", she sarcastically pointed.
"Did I do something that somehow offended you? I mean, if it's because I didn't get on your friend's house on time, well, I'm sorry. Something came- ", Eli tried to bring things between them back to normal.
"Are you done?', she snorted, predicting he was going to tell her another lie.
"What?"
"I have class.", she added as he looked at her in an awe. "Can I go?"
"Go.", he got out in frustration.
"Thank you.", she forced herself a sarcastic cold smile then jumped out of the car. Eli turned the car on then took off.
Grace went straight to her locker, as she opened it she heard Cynthia call her name as she came along the hall.
"What?', Grace snapped in annoyance as Cynthia approached her.
"Hey, easy.", Cynthia said, noticing Grace was a little out of her normal behavior.
Grace closed her eyes for an instant, snorted then said. "I'm sorry. What do you want?"
Cynthia hesitated for a while which made Grace's annoyance grow but then she finally spoke. "There's something I need to tell you.", she began. "Okay, although you never really talked to me about whatever that was going on between you and Mr. Dimitri, I'm your friend, so it's my duty to tell you."
"What?', Grace frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I know where Mr. Dimitri is working now.", Cynthia revealed and Grace's face fell in sadness.
"You know what? Don't.", Grace mumbled. "There is not point in you telling me where he is. I can't go there. You know it."
"But, Grace-"
"I said *no*, Cynthia.", Grace didn't want to hear what her friend had to say.
"See, this is not a good time. Okay? Please, just let it go.", Grace closed her locker and started out, leaving Cynthia standing there.
At the class break, Grace was at the school cafeteria with A.J and Tad. They were discussing their biology project.
"There you are.", Cynthia stated when she saw them there. "Hey! Grace, I need to talk to you. in private."
"If it's about *that* subject, I don't wanna know.", Grace assumed it was about Mr. Dimitri again.
"Don't be so stubborn. Just come with me.", Cynthia grabbed Grace by her arm and dragged her out.
"I told you, I don't wanna-"
"He's working as a substitute teacher in a college, here in Chicago.", Cynthia shortcut Grace. "My mom knows people who know people that work there."
"What college?", Grace stammered as she looked at her friend with more interest now.
"It's an University, actually. Chicago State University.", Cynthia replied.
The tow girls said nothing after that. Cynthia stood there, watching Grace's weird reaction. Grace didn't move much. She just stood there with a big *I don't know what to do." look on her face.
"You know, I'm feeling like visiting some colleges.", Cynthia smirked, trying to help her friend. "You know, do some research before I fell my applications. next year."
"You know what? Me too.", Grace nodded, slightly smiling.
*
*
*
"Hey!", Nina said, stepping closer to Eli. "You look tense.", he lifted his eyes to her in warning. "I was just talking to my friend, Jane. Well, Jane and her boyfriend are going to the movies next Saturday and she invited us to go with them. You know, like a double date."
"Nina?", Eli seriously warned. "I'm not your boyfriend. We're not together." Nina felt like her face had fallen to the floor when she heard him say that.
"But I thought we-"
"This been fun but that is it.", he went on. "I like you as a friend. we were just fooling around."
"I should've known better.", she began, seeming to be not hurt but disappointed. "I know I threw myself at you but I thought you were different."
"Nina, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"No, I know. This is my fault.", she admitted, smiling. "Friends?"
"Friends.", Eli stumbled and she hugged him.
Grace walked into BookLovers right when Eli and Nina were hugging each other, her face turned read in anger.
"Hey, Gracie!", Judy greeted her niece. "What are you doing here?"
"Um, my mom told me to meet her here.", Grace barely reported, never tearing her eyes from Eli and Nina who were now chatting cheeringly.
"Well, she's not here yet. Why don't you-"
"I'm hungry. I'll get something to eat.", Grace lied, walking towards Nina.
"Hello, Grace!", Nina beamed at her and Eli pretended he didn't see her.
"Hey, Nina.", Grace replied. Her voice was a little too bossy. "You have apple pie?"
"Yeah, always."
"Good. So just get me two slices and coffee with cream.", Grace ordered. Nina's face seemed to puzzle when Grace told her to get her the pie and the coffee. Grace usually severed herself.
"Um, you want me to bring you food?"
"Of course. Why do you ask?", Grace sarcastically frowned and Eli stared her in awe.
"No, it's nothing. It's just that you always served yourself. So-"
"Excuse me, but I thought it was your job. You know, get people food.", Grace slightly raise her voice. "So if you don't want me to report this incident to my father, you better go and get me the damn pie. And don't forget the coffee.", Nina saw Grace was not kidding at all. She turned away and went to counter to get Grace's order but Eli told her not to. He said Grace was mad at him and that he would handle the situation.
"What you're doing?", Eli asked as he moved closer to Grace. "There was no need to talk to her like that."
"Excuse me, but I didn't direct a word to you, Eli.", Grace lightly yelled, catching people's attention, including Judy's.
"Could you speak lower.", Eli warned, noticing the others' stare.
"Why is she not bringing me my order?", inquired.
"Well, because I told her not to.",
"Who put you in charge here?", she angrily glared at him.
"Well, when your father is not around I'm the one in charge of the café.", Eli couldn't keep his voice that low anymore so he barely screamed.
"So you haven't forgotten, hugh?", Grace folded her arms and Eli frowned, not getting her point. "My father is your boss. So it means that you have to do what I tell you to. And I'm telling you to go and get me my pie and coffee, since you told that Missy over there not to."
"What?", Eli snapped, not believing her.
"I'm waiting."
"You know what, Grace? Go to hell.", Eli burst out. "And if you want that pie so bad? Go and get it yourself.", Eli finished then went to the kitchen, leaving Grace spitting fire out.
Judy began to walk in her niece's direction but Grace was so angry that she couldn't stay in there anymore. She trudged out without saying goodbye and totally forgetting about her mother.
A few minutes later, Lily came in BookLovers. "Hey, Judy!"
"Hey, Lil!!"
"Is Grace here yet. I told her to meet here after school.", Lily glanced around the place searching for her daughter.
"You just missed her.", Judy informed, placing some books on the shelves.
"What? She left?"
"Yeah. Grace and Eli had a little argument a few minutes ago.", Judy mumbled. "I always thought they were good friends."
"They were. But now they look like enemies at a war."
"But what brings you here?", Judy pulled a chair as Lily did the same.
"I need an advice.", she snorted. "Colin got Rick a new job here in Chicago. And now Rick wants to celebrate it and the baby."
"That's wonderful.", Judy exclaimed, smiling.
"He wants us to go to Fernando de Noronha. in Brasil.", Lily stated.
"Brasil!!! woaw!!!", Judy made a impressed face.
"I'm not sure if I should go. I mean, the girls' school.", Lily took out of her purse a chocolate bar and a bag of peanuts and began to eat them all. Judy observed in amazement.
"Are you gonna eat all that peanut?", Judy asked. "Yeah. That's all I do now. If I'm not eating I'm throwing up. If I keep on eating like this, I'll gain, at least, fifty pounds.", Lily kinda joked.
"One more reason for you to go to Brasil.", Judy began. " I mean, if you're actually eating that much you say you are, in two months you will not fit in a bikini.", Judy kidded. Lily made a face and threw a peanut on Judy. They laughed a little at it.
*
*
*
Rick, Zoe, Jessie, Lily and Grace were having dinner when Eli furiously invaded the house. "Grace? Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Good evening to you too, Eli", Rick tried to make a joke.
"Not now dad.", Eli nervously stumbled as Grace ignored him. "What the hell is going on with you?"
"Eli?", Rick warned then Grace stood up and went up to her room.
"You had no right to talk to me or to Nina like that.", Eli yelled, making her stop on the stairs.
"You asked for that.", she disputed in indifference.
"No, I didn't.", he disputed back as their family watched them arguing. "I'm your step-brother, you like it or not. You need to respect-"
"You're not my step-brother, Eli. I never saw you that way", she shouted. "You and I are just two strangers who happened to live in the same house."
Eli snorted in disbelief. "You know, I can't stand this anymore. Grace you're nuts. And I'm going to my mom's.", Eli said, heading to the door.
"And don't come back.", Grace angrily teased him and them they heard they door slams. Rick and Lily were shocked to witness that. Grace glared at them once more then rushed up to her room.
"We have to talk to them about this.", Lily reason then she popped up on her chair like she had remembered something. "Eli left with your car?"
"Yeah. I guess so.", Rick replied.
"I need my car tomorrow. You have to leave at 6:30 and I can't drive you."
"Oh, no.", Rick shrugged. "I'll call him after I take a bath."
*
*
*
Henry and Karen were on the couch Kissing, cuddling and enjoying each other when Eli trudged into the house like a madman. "Oh my God. I'm sorry. I'm going to my room."
Karen quickly stood up, fixing her clothes then followed her son to the kitchen. "Eli what are you doing here? Something wrong?"
Eli stopped, shook his head and got out. "That girls is crazy."
"Who? Who's crazy?" , Karen asked in confusion then they heard the phone rings. "Henry can you pick it up?"
"Grace. She's mad at me and I don't know why. She won't tell me. She just attacks me-", Eli stopped when he saw Henry coming in.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but it was your father, Eli. He wants to come back there tonight because he needs his car for tomorrow at 6.", Henry reported.
"Great!", Eli shrugged, not very please with that.