Emily “She was arrested?” Nina asks with her eyes wide and I nod. I'm still failing to believe she would stoop so low as to murder her friend’s mother just to drag me down. The message I had received two nights ago when I went out with Liam still sends shivers down my spine and the more I think about it the more panic I feel. I got the news yesterday that Victoria had been arrested and that took so much weight off my shoulders, I called Nina and Dad immediately Liam told me. She picked me up and brought me for lunch after we dropped off the twins at Liam’s father’s house and Spike was more than happy to play with them. He had promised to take them to school himself and after having such a long week, I was more than happy to accept the offer. My heart warmed when I remembered that it was Spike’s discomfort that brought this family into my life. “Yes, she was. So sick right?” I sip my drink as I continue to dwell in shock at Victoria’s thirst for control. “So evil, the bitch has no

“You made it?!” Nina exclaims with joy as she pulls me into a hug. “We are late, I’m sorry.” I smile while giving Liam a side glare. His actions delayed us but not that I’m complaining. “Hi, Nina. Congratulations.” Liam says right before he adds. “This is my friend, Theo, he loves to read.” Liam laughs at how cringeworthy what he just said sounds and I join him. “That’s a lame pickup line,” I whisper to him and he grabs me into his arms in response. Theo who is always serious stands awkwardly as if regretting his decision to tag along. “Nice to meet you.” He says and stretches out his hand. All those years I’ve known Nina, I know that she is never too stunned to speak but right now, it seems her mouth seems to have lost its voice. And the sight is surreal. “Nina?” “Oh.. sorry uhm. I tend to freeze a little during a book launch.” She lies and I almost laugh out loud but I know she will kill me later so I watch in silence. “How many books have you launched so far?” Theo ask

Liam “Was that the girl who used to follow you around a lot when we were younger?” Theo asks and I nod, as I take a turn on one of the corners. “That’s some messed up shit. She used to scare me a little.” He adds with a laugh and I join in. I didn’t want to leave Emily alone but the look on Theo’s face told me I had to be there for my best friend. Seeing your young sister resort to drugs isn’t the prettiest sight. After going back and forth I finally gave in but I insisted on having her at my Dad’s house. Diane has been my childhood friend and even though I wasn’t very open, she did a pretty excellent job at following me around everywhere. Her parents got killed by some thugs as they were taking a walk for fresh air. It’s a pretty sick history but after seeing how her uncle was bent on mistreating her and even raising his hand on her, I decided to talk to Dad so that we could live with her. Everyone assumed we would eventually date and have some pretty babies and I let them think

Liam “But are you sure about it?” Emily asks as we lay in bed. I sigh as I pull her close to me leaving a kiss on top of her head. “No baby, I’m not.” “Then why are you doing this and does Theo know?” Emily asks me as she throws her leg on top of mine. “Yes he does and he’s okay with it. I know your medical research can help her and frankly, I don’t trust anyone else right now.” She nods deep in her thoughts when the door opens revealing my two precious angels. “Daddy!” They shout in unison and I smile as I open my arms for them to jump on the bed. Emily touches her heart as if she’s hurt before gasping, “What about me?” “But we’ve been with you all day long Mummy,” Kayden says and I laugh. It’s always refreshing to hear what answer they have for every question. Sometimes I forget they have such high IQs that I still get shocked at their responses. As the twins climb onto the bed, giggling with excitement, I pull them into a warm hug, the last days have been so hectic that I

Theo I watch as Emily quickly drags out Liam leaving me with Nina all by ourselves. Nina is a beauty and I fell for her the moment that I laid my eyes on her during her book launch. When that fucker tried to make her uncomfortable, I lost it, and Liam and I have never spoken about it since that day. There is a quietness between us as she fidgets with her hands. She is wearing a beautiful dress that holds her curves with canvas and her black curls make her big brown eyes pop out. “I’m guessing she didn’t tell you?” I ask her and her cheeks flush a beautiful red making me smile. “No, and I’ll kill her for that.” She smiles and it sends my heart pounding. “Do you want me to drop you off at home?” I ask her because I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable, especially with how unstable Kate is lately. “No, I didn’t mean it like that. Let’s make that tonic. Did she leave the instructions?” She asks as she places her purse on the couch and walks to what I assume is the kitchen but en