Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

May 1993

Hiroto and Josefa's house

He was glad he made it on time. It was his favorite time of the day she still took his breath away always had. They grew up together and he knew her his entire life . But The first time she caught his attention was when they were 12 years old and they were in church. She was always dressed on point, her and her sister Milagros who was three years older than her and the complete opposite.

She was fair skin and light brown hair who looked like their father Josefa had this long jet black hair. With this smooth brown skin complexion and she was tall and built like a model she helped his mother in building the church garden and she was so well spoken. That's when he asked his mother to help in the garden so he could get to know her. That is where he learned how hard she worked smiling to himself.

Watching her as she worked in their garden when someone touched his arm "you should know that it's inappropriate for you to touch a married man" Hiroto said.Without even looking back at the foolish woman who was trying this patience"Ay mi amor why do we play these games you know I am better suited for you Hiroto" Clara said. She was Carmen Urena-Rivera's younger sister and she was a thorn in his and Josefa's side since they moved to this side. And she was eight years older then they were but it didn't stop her incessant need to speak to him. Or to think that he would ever even look her way was absurd and down right ridiculous "Look I would appreciate it if you not touch me.

Okay I've already told you I am not interested okay I am a happily married man and I take my vow. To my wife very seriously now have a good day Mrs. Espinal" he says as he looks down at his watch. "It's Ms. Urena now Martin and I are no longer together" she says, making him roll his eyes not responding "Hey Papi" Katana said his eldest daughter called to him.

Making him and the woman turn around as Katana who glared at the woman "Mi amor where's your brother and sister" he questioned hugging and kissing her. She hated these classless women as fawning over her father and openly jealous over her mother. Her mother was gorgeous, classy and sophisticated. She wished she was like her mother but she would have punched her already.

But she loved hitting people and a lot of these women were begging to be hit all the time. As he hugged his daughter "Training I got there earlier I'm done they are with Tio Hiraku he said he'll bring them back when they are done" Katana says. With a nodded "Hola Katana what are you training for " Clara said putting on a fake smile "Bitch please you don't like me and quite frankly I don't like you either.

You nor that bitch of a sister of yours who lives what across the street somewhere but you're standing here. Bothering my father as he does his daily routine watching my mother in the sunlight as she gardens. Now I can never be her because I would have knocked you the F ... was all she got out when her father stopped her.

"Tana, come help me now. I appreciate you speaking but it isn't worth the time or energy to give women like her. Now mi nina how was school where's is your brother and sister" Josefa says coming over taking off her gloves. Kissing her daughter on the cheek then her husband the girl stood 5'10 well over 160 as Clara rolled her eyes.

"Josefa como estas" the woman says putting a fake smile on her face making Josefa smirk " Muy bien gracias y tu. Are your legs tired yet after chasing my husband around finding reasons to be around him because he is where he is everyday. So why don't you find someone else's husband to chase after this one is taken and not up for grabs. But I heard Mr. Madera is looking for Mistress ,Hola mi amor would you like some lunch" Josefa says. With Hiroto wrapping his arm around her then walking away with Clara glaring before walking to her sisters house.

"Ugh what does he see in that woman she isn't nothing but a girl from the campo. I am a lot more his type. I'm absolutely gorgeous with class and status" Clara says angrily as she storms into the house. "Oh you know why she got pregnant and he had to marry her and he only stays for the kids he doesn't want her. I mean look at her I could never " Carmen says shaking in disgust with her sister laughing "I couldn't either imaginate. But I will have him and we will have our children and because those others have to go I mean I'll keep Federico, Yoshi and Kaiya. I've never seen his eldest son but I hear he looks just like her so she can keep that one and Katana.

Then I can teach Kaiya how to be a proper woman, unlike that woman please her , Soledad and Mercedes have similar features. Have you ever seen the eldest son" Clara ask angry thinking about what Katana said? To How Hiroto watches her everyday when she's in her garden just the look on his face when she sees him. She had to have him and she was going to get him one way or another "No I haven't even seen the moño myself. But hermana that woman has nothing on you and trust me with my help you can get him.

Please now I need your help with Lissel. I need you to have Soledad talk to her. And don't get me started on Jose he is no help he gives her what she wants every time I let it go this far because she said nursing. I was okay with that then she switched to psychiatry against my wishes. He okayed it and he is doing the same thing now, not this it's too important to my daughters future. I've started looking at places to have the boda but I can't book anything for next year because he's spending the money to send her to school, " Carmen says, annoyed. When her sister smiles "their children are going to be gorgeous with Lissel high stature and straight hair and Roberto's straight nose and blue eyes" her sister says with a smile.

"Hermana exactly, do you know what she did? She hit Roberto in the street and she made it his fault when the girl doesn't know how to keep her mouth shut. Jose has made it okay for her to just say whatever she wants when I talk to her. It's the attitude I tell him to talk to her and he doesn't. I didn't have this problem with Belkis. Now I love him but the man is infuriating. I don't interfere when he speaks to the boys and he shouldn't when I do with the girls" the woman says annoyed.

"Claro que si he pays the bills and takes care of everything but you run the house and your daughters are your concern" Clara replies. "Exactly, I know what is best for my daughters so I need you to have Soledad to talk to her. I know she will hear her. Because all I ever get is an attitude this has to stop"Carmen says, " You need to put your foot down like you said this is too important to her future" her sister says.

"Her education is important to her and you know that ,but you want her to do what you want to make you happy. She's very intelligent and she loves learning. She's alot like my grandmother , strong and opinionated now normally I stay out of things. But you are pushing for her to give up her dreams to follow Roberto who I just saw with some other young woman. In the backseat of his car and you want that for our daughter no I will not " Jose Rafael said coming into the house. Making them both stop and look at him "this is more important this is her life Jose, her life do you want her to be single forever.

Because with that attitude she will if you don't stop undermining me with her this stop now. Enough of this nonsense when I was a young woman you carried yourself like a woman" Carmen says hotly. "I've never undermined you Carmen. Is she just supposed to shut up and do as she is told to do really. Just because she's strong and opinionated doesn't make her less of a woman, she still carries herself with respect. It just means she needs a strong man who can handle her opinions. I've never treated you that way Carmen ever.

So I will not allow my daughters to be treated as such and you were very opinionated " he says, as she scoffs "ay por favor I KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR MY DAUGHTER. And can you blame Roberto she embarrassed him in the street for the world to see and you don't do that. It is not how I raised her. I am not letting this go Jose when she gets home from school I will speak to her. Do not fight me on this I know what is best she marry Roberto they are perfect together if she will get out her own way" she spat. Making him chuckle " so it's okay for him to disrespect her in the street.

That's okay Carmen neither one of them seem to like each other and this is what you and his mother want. Not either of them want it let it go Carmen" he answered, "With all do respect Jose that boy loves Lissel. And she disrespects him every chance she gets " Clara inputs, making him turn around and look at her. "Clara, this is between me and my wife. Stay out of it, matter of fact you should go ,her and I need to talk" he said respectfully. As she looked at him in shock then looked at her sister "Be careful or you don't have a wife Jose" the woman spat before grabbing her purse and leaving.

She turned glaring at him "HOW DARE YOU EMBARRASS ME IN FRONT OF MY SISTER HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND" Carmen spat angrily. All he did was look at her "Carmen, are you done? Lissel is 19 years old and just like I did with Belkis she didn't want to continue her schooling. But that was a lie. You talked her out of it, she wanted to study abroad in Europe like JR but you told her she needed to be married first. And she did as you asked and got married even when she wasn't ready herself for it but it was the only way you would be okay with it. Then what happened ,she got pregnant and couldn't go and kept getting pregnant. That was her dream to see Europe.

And she never got to go. Now Lissel comes along. She wants to go to school and I will not have another daughter who doesn't get to live her dream. Not yours do you understand that" Jose said calmly, "Dreams are nice but she needs a husband and family more. And Roberto is a good boy from a decent family. He would be a great husband to her and you wanna know what you were my dream. Being your wife that was my dream and I want the same thing for my daughter and if you can't give me this then no I can't and I will not do this. She comes home today this will stop, you will tell her she is marrying Roberto " Carmen says storming off angrily hoping to get her way.

Nakamura house

Meanwhile after they got back to the house "Mi amor your lunch is on the table, Katana come help me in the garden" Josefa says. Making the teen groan "Can I change my clothes" she says, "go ahead let me warm up your fathers food" her mother replies. As the teen leaves to go and change her clothes when he puts his hand up "Mi Reina I got it don't worry would you like some tea" Hiroto asked. "Yes please" she answered as he nodded, then put the tea pot on the stove and taking the tea out. With his wife washing her hands then sitting down at the table taking the cover off his food and cutting him a piece of avocado.

"Josefa I said I had it" he says not even looking back at her as she smiled "I know you did but I can help. Plus you're making the tea right now" she replies, " umm where are the boys" he said setting up the tea cups. "Federico is probably training but Koko I don't know he left here earlier saying he was going to go to the university in the city. And then going to take care of some things he should have, been done by now" she says looking at her watch making him smirk. "He's a man now Josefa and he's not leaving, he's already told you he is sticking around" Hiroto said, "I know he is.

But I just don't want all of his progress to go down the drain if he runs into Yenny and her child. You know the one that she tried to put on him. As one last dig to hurt him knowing that child wasn't his just to get money out of him " she says shaking her head, "we can't stop him from hurting we did our part. Josefa plus he seems a lot more calm these days he is not easily triggered and he will find someone who loves him. And she will be perfect for him don't worry I have faith in him that he can handle things" he says sitting down. Then eating his food, "I have faith in him too Hiroto, it's just that girl knows which buttons to press with him,"Josefa says.

"I think you're worried for nothing. I have a good feeling everything will be okay" he replies before getting up. Then pouring the tea for the two of them and sitting back down "Fine but he's my son I can't help it. You know we just got him back and I don't want anything to get in the way of that" she says. Taking a sip of her tea when he reached for her hand and kissed her hand gently "Mi amor look at me I will not let anything happen to him now how was your day" Hiroto said. "Well I took care of that thing and it's looking like July it will be a go we have two months to prepare. Everything down to a T and from what Esmerelda told me Karina, Calvin and Santi.

Are coming but he isn't staying because of Angelina and the baby and they want Koko to run recon with them. And I also spoke to my brother Alejandro about the hardware. He said he can do it and he's gonna come by in a few weeks to speak to you and Manolo" Josefa says. When Katana came in "I'm ready Mami look i didn't even put on my good sneakers" she says when there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it, I better not be that bitch or she'll get a beat down "Katana said walking away as her mother shook her head. And making her father laugh when they heard it "What are you doing here Ramon" she questioned, "Tana it's not what you th…. Was all he got out when she punched him in the stomach.

Making him peel over holding his stomach brings her parents inside "Katana what happened" her mother asked. "No, No Mrs. Nakamura it's fine Tana please just listen to me it wasn't what you think okay she came over and hugged me. I didn't even see who it was until I turned around please I don't like her okay I like you and all your crazy ways. I love that you eat everything with chopsticks. I love how you get excited about boxing and baseball. That girl is jealous because I don't look her way because you're who I want. I don't care or want anyone else but you. Katana Maritza Nakamura- Villanefa I love the way your eyes light up when you're happy because it makes me happy.

When you're happy ,so be as mad as you want to be but don't ever think that I would cheat on you" the 18 year old said. Standing up straight "I know what I saw Ramon don't bullshit me" she said coldly, as he nodded okay "What did you see then tell me" he questions. "You know what I saw you were there Ramon" she says, "yeah and so were you think Tana did you see me hug her or her hug me" Ramon says. As she crossed her arms "All I saw is someone else in your arms, what else is there to say" Katana said. "What else is there to say I love you Tana you okay I don't want that fucking girl she's mad because she heard when I said.

I got you this" Ramon said, taking a ring out of his pocket shocking her "Ohh shit" Yoshi says from behind them. With Hiro, Kaiya and Hiraku standing there with Kaiya slapping Yoshi upside his head as he covered his mouth. All the while Katana stood shocked "Wha.. wha… what is that'' she stammered out in disbelief. "I bought this because you're gonna marry me one day, Katana. I asked your father and he said it was up to you. But when we get a little older you're gonna be my wife and you will know that I will never hurt you. I'm not Teodoro" Ramon says. As she looked back at her father who winked at her as her mother smiled then looked back at him.

"I… I….. I.. don't know what to say" Tana said, "It can be a promise ring for now but when you turn 18 it will be an engagement ring. So tell me you'll say yes please Tana" he says as she bites her lip then smile "for now i'm sorry" she answers with a smile. "Thank goodness, '' he said, pulling her in for a hug as he picked her up and twirled her around. Before kissing her lips happily " Just don't hurt me okay" Katana whispered in his ear as Clara stopped. Watching as she was going to her watching Hiroto hug then kiss his wife as she wondered what was going on She would have him no matter what it took.

New York, New York

Upper East side

Jerome House

He was driving as quickly as he could to get to there as fast as he could cutting in and out of traffic. He didn't trust the old bat. Around his family especially his daughters "Julian slow down before the cops pull you over. I want to get to the kids just as much as you do. But we can't do that if you get pulled over" she says as he tries to relax. when his car phone went off "Answer that please"Julian said with her picking it up "Hello hey Manolo what's going on are you guys at our house. Okay we are on the way. What's going on is she still there, fabulous, what is she waiting for me for what? .

My goodness just get the kids out of there quickly WHAT HOW MANY is there anything you can do '' Alexis says. "What's going on Alexis" he questions as she sighs "he says there are probably about five men with her two outside and the rest inside the house. But they are not sure he said he, Florio, Joe, Rey, Carlos and Chuck are all there waiting. On you and Johnny to go in because they don't know how many are inside so the more people they have the more they can contain the situation" she says. When they heard the siren "DAMN IT" he spat angrily, "No we just got pulled over we're about.

A block away from the house now Johnny's there now let me go handle this I'll see you in a little bit" she says. As Julian gritted his teeth as he rolled down the window "Don't tell him anything about your crazy mother. Good afternoon Officer is it Brian . I know I was speeding and going in and out of traffic but I was just in a rush to get to the hospital. My baby sister is having a baby and I just want to get there. I do apologize" he says, "License and registration please" the officer said. When Alexis reached for his license out of his jacket pocket then got his registration from the glove compartment.

"Here you go officer" he says trying to remain calm but happy he put his wallet inside his breast pocket. Because he would be in a world of trouble had it been in his back pocket he thought as he tapped the steering wheel. "Just relax, don't give him any reason for him to pull you out of this car Julian Victor Jerome '' she said. "Alexis, we need to go. I have who knows how many people in my house where my children are, " Julian says angrily. That's when they saw the cop walking back "Here you go Mr. Wells everything checks out slow down okay have a great day" the man said with a nod and walked away.

With Julian peeling off trying to take his time his blood was burning because all he needed was for Bobbie and Tony to find out. Helena broke into his house and that would be it for Lucas staying over he thought as they drove the rest of the way . As he rushed to his house finding the other men outside and nobody posted outside. "What happened to the other two? " he asked, Joe nodded to the truck as Alexis rushed into the house "Wait Alexis shit"Julian says, rushing after her.

Finding Helena sitting there on the sofa"why are you breaking into my house mother"Alexis says with Julian and the other men coming in behind her. "Breaking in foolishness I simply let myself into my daughter's home gentlemen why hello" Helena said, "let yourself in how you dare let yourself into my home. Last time you let yourself in you tried to kidnap my daughter"she says, "oh nonsense Natasha I was trying to help you were merely a child yourself. Samantha would have been taken care of just like Nikolas and it would have given you time to see that you didn't have to run off and marry the first guy you meet" the older woman spoke.

"You mean me when you set me up, look I love your daughter and Sam is well taken care off so get out of my house before I put a bullet in you" Julian said boiling in anger. As the guy went to pull his weapon making Manolo disarm him just as fast"don't do that there are children in this house" he said. With The rest of the men taking Helena's guards weapons "You weren't good enough for my Natasha just like you still aren't. What don't you understand Natasha you could have so much more than this commoner can ever give you.

So emotional Julian I was just stopping by to give my granddaughter her birthday present. I presume my invitation most have gotten lost in the mail" Helena says. Making Alexis toss her head back"a call would suffice mother you come to me not to Samantha she is a child you don't approach her mother we have been here before. You come, you make these grand gestures, and then you make me regret it last time with that Cherly woman who he dated before Sam was born. You paid her to seduce and drug my husband and she gets pregnant with Lucas then she dies and you're gonna tell me you didn't have a hand in that" Alexis says.

"Nonsense I had no hand in that she didn't attain what I paid her for. So serious everyone relax the children are safe no harm will come to them Natasha sit down let's talk and get your sister how many months is little Kristina now"she said. Making Julian step forward and Alexis stopped him putting her hands on his chest" you want us to sit and relax after everything you put us through including your latest setting up that Nanny to have access to our home our children '' Julian spat coldly. "I wanted the very best for my grandchildren. They are a part of me I never understood what you saw in him, Natasha.

You had your pick of the creme de la creme and you chose him. Is he the reason I can't see my grandchildren? Because if you want to keep him you don't need to live like that my darling" Helena says. As Alexis shook her laughing " Really that's what you wanna do manipulation enough leave my home you are not a part of the girls lives because I say so. Me okay Because every time I give just a little bit you want to take control I'm not 16 anymore Mother. I am a 29 year old woman with a career and house and I've managed to raise a pretty decent kid. You know she has her moments. But otherwise we did a really good job with her on my own might I add and yes I know you paid for school Thank you.

And you never let me live that down so me and my husband decide if you get to be in their lives now goodbye"she says. "I've come all this way and you're really not going to let me see my grandchildren Samantha reminds me a lot of you Natasha. You can tell she's Cassadine" the older woman says, with the guys looking at her " She's a Jerome okay lady. Now I don't give a damn if you like me or not but how about respecting your daughters boundaries" Julian said.

" Umm Julian we're gonna get the kids and go if you got it from here hey lady you ever threaten my kid. Seeing your granddaughters will be the least of your worries yous assholes get the fuck outta here" Chuck said. With Florio checking the house for bugs As Joe opened the door for Helena's guards to leave "Vamos payaso" Big Joe said when the guys looked at Helena. Making the men all shake their heads as the woman nods and they leave with Carlos taking the lock off then putting a brand new lock on the door.

While Rey went to his truck to make copies of their new house keys then coming back"here you go all new keys" he said handing it to Julian. "Well amigo, this was interesting. I told Sam to take her sister upstairs and that one of you will come get her, " Manolo says. "Pops look what I made" Kat said proudly, tossing the makeshift bomb making him whistle. "I for one is very happy you didn't light it, Mother" Tina said stopping when she saw her, "Hello darling good to see you. I thought Natasha was going to stop me from seeing my own daughter" Helena says, making Alexis toss her head and sigh.

"Bella principessa, da quanto tempo?" Chuck asked looking at it with such pride, "7 minutes give or take" Kat answered as the rest of the kids came out. "Well this was fun after school special" Elle says sarcastically, "Next time let's just go to afterschool" Ramona says shaking her head. "I second that prima" Clara adds, " are you guys gonna talk abo…. Was all Tina got out when they all looked at her. Making her stop and shook her head "Hey Tina should I tell you know" Elle said looking at her with a smile. "No it's not necessary Elena bye see you tomorrow at the party" Tina said , "your right see you tomorrow this was fun" the teen said leaving.

"Julian will talk Oh and Mrs. Cassadine we put your guards in your car gentlemen collective children let's go have a great evening" Florio said. Leaving as they all got in their cars the cops pulled up getting out of the car and stopping Big Joe and Carlos. "What seems to be the problem officer" Joe asked, "someone reported you stuffing someone inside a car. In which they both shrugged" nonsense we helped two gentlemen to their car" Carlos says, 'I can attest to that as well officer they are right there in their car"Johnny Sterling said.

That is not what I saw, the officer I saw them put the man in the truck" the woman says pointing to the truck. Carlos shook his head "Officer you can knock on the car window right there" Carlos says when the officer knocked on the window. As Helena's guards rolled down the window "How can I help you officer" Costos asked, as the cops looked in. " I'm sorry sir there was a crime reported that those two gentlemen put you and another man in the trunk of his truck" the officer says. When he shrugged "Sorry Officer as you can see we are all here not in anyone's trunk" he answered. "But Officer I saw it" the woman insisted, "'as you can see officer there was no crime committed can we go I have my son in the car.

We picked up our kids from their friend's house. Now we would like to go home so are we free to go" Carlos says. "You guys are free to go," the officer says angering the lady, "Officer I know what I saw and I saw those two men put him and another guy in that truck" she says. With Big Joe shrugging "Officer this crazy it's the middle of the day geeze put the booze down lady" he says looking at the officer. Making the officer look at the lady"Have you been drinking ma'am" the officer questions as he and Carlos walk with a grin. As they got inside their cars both driving away and going back home.