1979

"Hey good evening is Florio there? No damn it i'm this is Julian I'm in a jam and I really need his help I'm at the diner in the city on 79th street you can alright i'll be here" he says. As he hangs up on the pay phone " What happened" she asked, "He wasn't there but his brother in law said he'll come look at me nobody is taking our baby from us. I promise you they can help us come on let's get something to eat and wait" Julian says pulling her close and hugging her then taking her hand and walking back into the diner.

Taking a seat in the very back so that her parent's guards won't find them ordering so food then sitting in silence as he people watched while she ate "So who is this Florio guy" Alexis asked making him smile "He was a my friend Reynaldo's older brother when Rey died he said if I ever needed anything call him. That's why I called him eh's the only one that can help us disappear until this baby is born and so nobody can ever take them from us" he says. Holding her small hands in his tapping his sneakers on the floor impatiently watching everyone who came in and out of the diner "If you don't mind me asking who is Reynaldo again" she questions.

This time he smiled "He was a friend of my big brother Evan he took me under his wing when I use to wanna play baseball and Rey could have been like Roberto Clemente. He was really good and I wanted to play professional ball back then my father was grooming my older brother to run his business and I could have my dream that my mother. God bless her heart that she pushed because it would get me away from my father's business and I can have a life of my own then Rey was killed. Ten days before his 16'th birthday he took down a robber in a grocery store that he and his dad was in he was shot but that spurred everyone else to step in and do something.

It was a small local mom and pop supermarket that was barely making enough money as it was and this was his block his people you know and it was the right thing to do. He use to tell me Jules let the context of your character always speak for itself because people are gonna judge you and talk about you but if your always one way. People won't believe it when it happens he paid me more attention then my own brother" he says when they saw a Hispanic man walk in not much older then he was. As they watched him looking around when Julian nods when Manolo came over "are you Jules" Manolo asked taking Julian by surprise "How do you know that" Julian asked.

Manolo smiled "Esme told me let's go" he replies "Esmerelda Rey twin sister" Julian says as Manolo shook his head making Julian get up putting the money on the table and taking Alexis hand. Then leaving as they left the diner "JULIAN!" they shouted making him look back in disbelief before getting Alexis in the car as the person he jumped in the car. With Manolo speeding off leaving them driving several blocks "Amigo what kind of trouble you in papa" he asked, "Look it's problem my dads guys lose them okay whatever you do don't stop this car okay"Julian said.

"I don't plan on it amigo I'm Manolo by the way" he says when he pulled into a garage "What are you doing you said you weren't gonna stop why are you stop" he said gripping Alexis's hand. "I'm changing cars amigo I don't need or want those people at my house where my wife and son is no vamos" Manolo says getting out of the car with them getting out of the car. And following him "You guys can get into that car right there" he says bending down to change the license plate number on the last car and covering it then with a tarp. Then leaving the garage and driving away until he got to a house uptown that Julian knew all to well with him finally relaxing as they all got out the car and rushed to the house.

"PAPI" Olly shouted running to his father, "eh, eh, eh, eh Ven y termina de comer tu comida Oliveras" Esmerelda says stopping the little boy dead in his track as he looked back then whining. "Oye chamaco don't look at me do what your mother told you to do we will play when your done" Manolo says look down at his son all the while Alexis looked down in awe. As the little boy walked back to the table "Jules how are you what do you need what can we do" Esmerelda said, "we need some place to lay low until she has our baby and her parents and mines don't want us to' Julian said as he hugged her. "What you mean they wanna take your kid que mierda" he said.

New York, New York

May 15, 1993

Jerome brownstone Upper East Side

"Samantha, Elena Para la mierda coño" Esmeralda shouted as she and Alexis separated the girls, "Mami she started it"Elle complained. "Well you called me small" Sam shot right back with Elle pushing her, "well maybe you shouldn't brag Keebler Elf" Elena said. Only making Sam angrier trying to push the other girl as Her mother held her.

"If the two of you don't cut it out this party is over"Alexis says, tapping Sam in the nose. "Already I thought there'd be a lot more chaos" Julian said walking by as he and Manolo talked "Sam yes you are older by a few months but if you can dish it, be strong enough to take it" Manolo said. "Yeah well she hit below the belt she knows I hate being called small" the 13 year old says, Nẽna she's right that was a low blow.

Just like you hate being called Doogie Howser now stop insulting each other and celebrate one and other. It's her day Elena, your day will come" he says. Kissing the both of them on top of the head as the girls looked at each other" sorry" they both said at the same time. "No i'm sorry Sam it's your party but mine is totally gonna be kick ass" Elle says , as Alexis and Esmeralda shake their heads.

"Don't say ass" Alexis says looking at the rambunctious teenagers, "it's not even a real curse word not like the F word or the B word" the 12 and half year old says. "Mami, I know lots of F word's and b word's basketball, board, believe, fantastic, fumble, feathers,"Monty says innocently.

As both women looked exasperated while Julian and Manolo tried not to laugh "si papi those are all f words and B words go play" she says kissing him on his forehead. Then looking at her Eldest daughter "we're gonna just go now" she says as she and Sam walks away "smart idea" Alexis says when a very pregnant Ava comes in.

With Julian going to help "Hey sis I told you it was okay if you didn't have to come" Julian says, "Julian this is my niece's 13th birthday. This is a big age for a girl" she says. "Wow this baby is ready to go" Alexis says hugging her, " just a few more weeks now this baby will be here" Ava said with a smile rubbing her stomach.

Gritting his teeth "Any word from the father" her big brother says, with a sigh "Julian please don't start this again okay. My baby and I will be just fine. I appreciate you guys for helping me get the apartment in the village but I will be going at this alone" she says. As Esmeralda hugged her "if you ever need any help just let us know" the older woman said "he should be helping Ava this is his child he helped create.

And now he doesn't want to be involved now" he says angrily, "Julian now isn't the time okay she doesn't need the stress okay I know but this is her choice" Alexis says rubbing his back. Running his hand through his hair "I need a drink" he says walking away angrily as more people came for Sam's birthday party. As the music blared through the first and second floor the house as the kids ran up and down the stairs.

The men stood outside "so I went. I spoke to Hiroto and he found the son of a bitch and Compai. This is it we have to plan this meticulously" Manolo says, "I think we send Kari, Calvin and Santiago to recon get a lay of the land. Ins and outs"Florio replies. "Hermano but you need to keep your temper in check, Manolo, because this means too much to our family," Carlos said.

"So what's our play?" Julian says, sipping his drink, " Well Hiroto said they are commemorating him in July so I think that we will kill him that night. I will go down in June as a business associate of Hiroto. I won't tell him my last name. But we have one shot at this so we have to make it count" Manolo replies. "So we're going to DR" he says, "yeah will all go down one by one I guess" Florio said.

"What are we looking like on demolition" Chuck questioned, shaking his head "We don't know yet but I guess we'll see when we get down there" he replies. When Big Joe came outside with Koji behind him "Gentlemen" Big Joe says greeted everyone shaking the other mens. "Koji you good mijo I'm sending you down with that stuff it should be there after you do" Manolo says.

As he nods "Tio Jules where's Sam I wanna give her this present I know my parents and grandparents got her something too and okay that's cool Tio" Koji says. "Your english is getting good" Julian said patting the young man on the back as he smiled "Thanks Tio" he replied.

When someone pulled his pants leg "Koko can we play now" Emelda says, making him look down and smile. Then picking her up "What's up Emy" Koji says walking back in the house playing with her and the other small kids.

"Daddy Julian" Lucas shouted as he saw his father running to him with Tony ,Bobbie and BJ coming behind him. "Hi Lucas" Emy says from Koji's arms, "Hey my boy how are you? I wasn't sure if you guys would come. Thank you for that, we all appreciate it, especially the birthday girl who is around here somewhere, " Julian said, hugging his son. "Yeah we weren't sure but Lucas kept asking about going to his big sister's birthday party when he spoke to her" Bobbie says.
With tears coming to his eyes as he held his son "Thanks for coming Sam's around her somewhere.

Hey buddy, how are you doing? How's everything tell me what's going on with you" he says walking in the house. Still holding Lucas in his arms he was afraid to put him down "I'm good daddy we even got Sam a present, Hi Sam" Lucas says. "Hey squirt," Sam says, stopping when she sees her little brother as his face lit up as she hugs him. "Sam look I got you a present" the boy said, as Julian put him down so he could give her the present.

All Alexis could do was watch him with his son knowing he craved to have him all the time but didn't want to uproot his life. As Sam opened it up " Wow Mom, Dad look it can go with my set" the teen said as she picked Lucas up hugging him then Bobbie and Tony excitedly. While everyone watched the siblings interact just when Kristina sr brought little Kristina over.

Making Lucas smile "Mommy look it's my baby sister hi Kristina" he said excitedly when he bent down and kissed her. On the cheek as she smiled up at him making him smile all the while Julian got choked up because he missed his little boy so much. All the while Ava watched him getting choked up "you know your child could have that too.

If you just tell him the truth" Koji says. Shaking her head "Koji don't start with me okay, me and this baby are gonna be just fine" Ava replies. "I have no doubt that you will Ava but parenting is a two person job" he says, " He's married Koji I was paid to seduce him okay I knew what I was doing. And now I will deal with the repercussions of it " she responds, "Then so did he Ava and your giving pass for this guy slept with you without protection that to me.

Tell me that he knew what he was doing Ava " Koji says, "Please don't do this your starting to sound a lot. Like my brother it's gonna be fine you'll see" she says rubbing her stomach as he puts his hands up "Okay I'll leave it alone. But if you ever need anything let me know" he said as he nodded his head before walking away "You and I are gonna be just fine my darling" Ava says.

May 1993

San Cristobal, Dominican Republic

He had just gotten back home from his stay at boarding school and college which he hated but he gained a few friends. But it also got him away from his ex Yenny Morales who tried to take him for a ride, but boarding school. Gave him the space and perspective and cleared his head she wasn't worth losing his chance to go to the states. And his Uncle was right ,by going away would do him good.

He also said it was good for networking with that connection and he made other connections that he could use later. As he watched her walk home "Ko you wanna play baseball with me down at the park" Yoshi asked looking up at his big brother. Who stood at 6 '7 and 250 "nah chamaco you go ahead I'm sticking around mami went to the market "he answered.

"Okay Ko see you love you"the twelve year old said with a shrug before walking away as Koji put his feet down when he saw some guy slap her on the ass. That's when she turned around and hit him making Koji stand up and made his way over just as the guy turned to hit her. Koji grabbed his arm Oye, ¿qué te pasa, hombre? Nunca le levantas la mano a una mujer, estúpido o qué (Oye what's wrong with you man you never raise your hand at a woman you stupid or what )"he spoke calmly.

As the guy tried to pull away thinking twice before speaking "Sueltame coño" Roberto said embarrassed while his friends watched. No seas estúpido, alguna vez te pillo levantando la mano hacia ella o hacia cualquier otra mujer, te voy a pegar, oyete ( Don't be stupid I ever catch you raising your hand to her or any other woman I'm gonna hit you oyete)" Koji said before letting him go. With him storming off and his friends followed as Koji picked up her books and handed them back to her when she looked up at him.

With his smooth medium brown skin and chinky light grayish colored eyes and thick curly hair she knew who he was instantly he looked the most like his mother. Everyone knew Ms. Josefa. She was classy and sophisticated but strong. She wouldn't tell her mother but she admired the woman. The way she carried herself she wanted to be just like her but her attitude wouldn't let her because there was no way.

She would put up with what her own mother and her friends say about Ms. Josefa "Thank you I appreciate that I had it handled. I'm Lissel Rivera - Urena '' she said. Stretching her hands out and shaking it, getting a tingling sensation throughout her entire body when she did " Oh I have no doubt you had it. But it's the principle you don't ever raise your hands at a woman if it's not to hold her or caress her you keep your hands to yourself. I'm Koji Nakamura Villanefa '' he replied.

As they both pulled back slowly "ahh the Nakamura boys I haven't seen you around here though" Lissel says with a smile. Nodding his head with a slight grin"I've just recently came back home from overseas" he responds. "Oh where'd you come from?" she questions "LISSEL , ven aquí, ¿qué estás haciendo?" Her older brother Elvis called to her making her look his way. Before turning back to Look up at him"sorry my brother's calling me it was nice meeting you Koji welcome back " she said with a smile before walking away.

"Likewise and thank you" he says as she walks away with him admiring her then walking back to his house. With her walking towards her brother "yes why are you calling me like that" she asked, "who was that and you better be lucky it was me and not mami" he replied. "Oh, would you relax? He helped me out. It was all relax" she says going into the house as she looked back at Koji before going inside to put her things away.

"Buenos hola Papi, Mami '' Lissel said as he and he brother entered the house greeting their parents as her father hugged her"how was school" Jose Rafael asked as she sat down next to him. "It was fine, I'm gonna need the payment for next semester. It's due so I can register for class, " she says. As her mother looked at her father nodding as he shook his head, " ay mi amor you're not gonna need to go Roberto has a really good job.

So you guys will be okay" Carmen says . Making her daughters head snap "wait what no I'm going to finish and I don't even like Roberto he is an was all Lissel got out before the phone rang. With her mother picking up "Hola buenas hola mi amor Que cálmate muchacho I will talk to her I'm sorry I'll handle it okay cuidese" she says turning around.

Obviously upset, "what's wrong" her husband questions as Lissel rolls her eyes, having a feeling who it was. "That was Roberto, he called to tell me what you did to him in the street. You are going to go over there and apologize to him oyete this is what I'm talking about you will never keep a man.

With that mouth of yours do you hear me no more of this you will marry him next year. We have already talked about this adios to talk to your daughter. We spoke about this because the school was supposed to be for nursing but she's not doing that anymore so it's time to move on and tell her" Carmen says, " Papi I'm not apologizing to him he is a disrespectful jerk" Lissel spat angrily. Making her mother even more angry "you watch how you speak to me entiendes because you are going to marry him and be a proper wife you don't have a choice " the woman says only angering her daughter even more.

As Lissel groans "you don't ever listen to anyone but I won't marry him I'll find someone I like myself I don't need you to " she says. Before leaving the house with her mother calling behind her but to no avail all Elvis could do was shake his head. " Mami, she is a beautiful girl, she doesn't need you to find a man for her, just give her a chance to find one for herself ," her brother says.

Shaking her head "Umm I want the best for my daughters you see Belkis is married to his cousin they have a beautiful family and she will have the same" Carmen said. Meanwhile after she stormed out the house she was so angry going to her friends house and knocked on the door "Amiga, abre la puerta, por favor" she says when Marisela answered"Hey Lis my sisters isn't here what's up"the 16 year old said.

As Lissel looked at her strangely "Mari you okay what the matter" Lissel says , "umm yeah I'm fine Marisa isn't here" the teen says knowing something was off. So Lissel pushes the door open gently, finding Hiro there who waved, shocking the older girl who just nodded "ayy por tambien muchacha" she says.

Shaking her head"Liss it's not what you think we weren't doing anything" Marisela says all Lissel could do was shake her head. "no me diga na oyete but I hope you're using protection" she said. Only making the teen groan"honestly we weren't doing anything umm I'm gonna go I'll see you"Hiro says kissing Marisela on the cheek then leaving as she watches him.

Then looking at Lissel who eyes her "Byee Hiro" Marisela says waving to him as he snuck out the house hoping nobody saw him. When Lissel turns and looks at her with a raised eyebrow as Marisela looks at her scratching her neck"Hmm like I said use protection anyway where's Marisa" Lissel asked, "She's either in class or at work" she answered.

"Alright cuidese let me call my cousin and go by his house"she says as Marisela lets her into the house calling her cousin and then leaving. Then walking to her cousins house "Oye, mira Vic, soy yo." she said knocking on the door when he came from the side of the house. "Mira y K lo K primita" Vic said giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek "ay adio you don't know can I stay here" Lissel says.

"Mira ya tu sabe mami come on" he replies, opening the house door and letting her in as she groans. "Mierda I left my bag back at the house" she says sitting down running her hands over her face in frustration. As he stood there looking at her " what happened now" he questions, "uuuugh My mother and her stupidity" she answered. Making him suck his teeth "you wanna drink so you can tell me what happened this time "Victor said going to pour them a drink.

As she sucked her teeth as well" she is still on this nonsense about marrying Roberto and being a proper wife. Whatever the fuck that means" she says, as he shook his head "Oh the shut up and do as your told housewife shit Lis. Listen to me good don't let her live your life for you okay look at your sister she is miserable okay.

She is 27 with 5 kids by a man she can't stand because she let your mother talk her into that bullshit marriage. I'm gonna tell you like I told your brother yes her to death and do whatever the fuck you want Lissel. Find a guy that makes you happy. You see the shit she says about my wife because she is a morenita she thinks I don't know.

My mother in law heard her and her big mouth. All she does is talk shit and she wants you to marry a man. That is gonna cheat on you on the regular. She is nuts. Imma call Miguelito and have him bring you some stuff" he said passing her a drink. Then sitting down and picking up the phone "Oye Miguelito you going to the house no shit who's there okay then ask him if he can bring some.

Of your sister's stuff she's gonna be staying by me you already know your mothers bull shit" Victor says, sucking his teeth. Listening on the phone with a nod to her as she drinks her drink before he hung up the phone. "He said he is not there but he's gonna call Elvis to distract her while he gets your clothes for a couple of days" he says. "You sure your wife is gonna be okay with it because I don't want to cause any problems" Lissel replies.

"Prima when you called me I called her and I knew something was up because you sounded upset. And every time you're upset or happy you are here so either way you are good but thanks. Now drink he said finishing his drink when she got up and hugged him "thanks your the best seriously Vic.

Oh I almost forgot what started this whole thing. I was coming from school ,bien now I didn't see the asshole until he slapped me on the ass. So I turned around and I clocked him and then I told him not to fucking touch me. First off I didn't know who it was and I didn't care then I saw it. And he goes oh this is mines and I tell i'm not his and he can go fuck himself when he tries to hit me was all she got out.

"You fucking kidding me right you told her this shit right i'm gonna fuck him up who the fuck do he think he is" Vic says getting up and reaching for his draw. "Stoppp this guy stepped in and on my behalf and stopped him they exchanged words then he left like a punk. Because this guy towered over him and embarrassed him, whatever so I went home. And before I get a chance to even tell them he calls and tells her and my mother starts with her shit.

Dique I have to apologize to him and will never have a man with my mouth and how i'm not going to school anymore. Then oh how i'm gonna marry the asshole next year and told her no she says I have no choice oh and dique I'm gonna be a proper wife. But I told her i'm not and I'll find someone just for me and then I left I had to get the fuck out of there. Before I say some shit that I'll regret" Lissel says as he shook his head "As you should this is your life Lissel she wants you to be like JR and be a yes man.

And do as you are told she wants you to have her life and not to think for yourself Lissel you are intelligent. So you need a man who is just as smart as you are not some dumbass who thinks because his dad is a Politician. That everyone is gonna do as you say you deserve better than that prima" he says as she smiled thanks primo your the best.

I fucking love you" she says with a big smile on her face. That he waved it off "tambien muchacha did you eat Cristina left some food for me there's still more left to eat I have to go get her" he said. Finishing his drink then kissing her on top of her head then leaving as she sat there she knew her cousin was right. Her sister all but told her not to do it as Lissel sighs, fixing herself another drink then a plate of food.

Not long after she ate her brother brought her things over so she showered and changed when there was a knock. "Oye mira Victor I got those parts so we can finish fixing that," Koji said, knocking when he saw her drying her hair. As she stopped when she saw him "Umm hi Victor isn't here" Lissel says catching him by surprise "Ooh umm okay thanks tell him I stop by" he says.

In disbelief he had her all wrong it wouldn't be the first time "Umm it's not what it looks like" she says. With him shrugging "It's not my business you don't owe me any explanation Lissel" he said, "I know but. It looks fucked up because he's married and your probaly thinking I don't want the asshole from earlier.

Because I'm fucking Victor and i"m not because he's my cousin" she says rambling starting to feel hot as they both stood staring at the other. "Look it has nothing to do with me, you don't know me from a hole in the wall" Koji says, "I know but I thought you should know that" she answered.

Just as he was about to respond "Oye Mira Ko what are you doing here I see you met my cousin prima this my friend Koji ''Victor said. With his wife Cristina coming in ''Mira Koji y k lo k manito" she says coming and giving him a hug. "Umm we met earlier when some jerk off anyway and i'm good Cris thanks for asking" Koji answered. "Oh that was you thanks manito good looking out"Vic says giving him a five.

"No problem but i got that part so we can fix that " he replies, "okay cool we can do that now" let's go" the man says. And with that he and Koji went back outside to fix the car a while later Koji came in with no shirt on "Hey Cris can I get some water please" he asked. When Lissel turned around surprised all she could do was stare with tattoos covering his chest and back.

"Si mi amor dame segundo Liss" she says, shaking her head "Dime" Lissel answered as Koji smirked. Before she turned around to Cristina who laughed as Lissel walked towards her when Vic came inside. "Mi amor dame un poco de agua" he says looking around, "Sí, voy a buscarlo y traerlo ahora" Cristina says.

The girls went inside the kitchen shaking her head " Wow Diablo '' Lissel says making the older woman laugh. "Yeah he is huge but he is a great guy and he is extremely smart just like you are and he would be perfect for you" she says. "What, what do you mean I don't even know him" she replies, "but you're smitten and I can tell by the way you looked at him. Without his shirt on I mean I can see it.

I mean I love your cousin with all my heart but Ko is just a beefcake" Cris says. "Oh my gosh Crissy" Lissel said, "what I'm not blind you know I have eyes Lissel you are not either, Mi amor, ¿quieren ustedes hielo?" the older girl said. "Yeah put Ice please come on Ko you can't be doing that in front of my wife manito" Victor says with a grin.

"Whatever man that woman loves you I wish I was that lucky" Koji says sympathetically, "Yo Ko I'm sorry manito I didn't know" he said. "Manito it's not your fault I know if you knew you and Cris would have said something" Koji says. When Lissel and Cristina came back in with their drinks and the water with Lissel giving Koji his. "Mucha gracia" both guys say drinking before going back outside with Cristina looking at her and laughing. But Lissel's eyes were focused on where he left at she was in trouble with this one and she welcomed the challenge.