Chapter Eight
 

The setting is a beautiful autumn day in Harmony. As an amazing blue sky overheads the little town and it’s residents. Everyone enjoyed the nice change in the season as the leaves on the trees began to turn to bright shades of yellow tones, golden oranges and deep reds. The month is September, a month of returning to the schedule of school and classes for students across America. Like that of Simone Russell, this semester was like a new version of her former self, full of promise and hope. Right now, she could be found nestled under a huge glorious Maple tree on the University’s campus. She sat, deeply in thought overlooking her Literature notes she recently took in her first class that morning.

Soon, appearing in the morning scenery we see one of our newest storyline characters Gabriel Carrington. He was walking on the campus dressed in a burnt orange suede jacket; his hair full with wild, carefree curls as he approached a bench. He sat at the moment taking pictures of the local college students as they headed out of their morning classes and began rushing towards the next. Or now appeared to be playing games of catch the freebee in the grass. He sat waiting for his roommate John to get out of his honors biology class. Sitting there, Gabe seemed relaxed and content, he felt himself getting use to the charm this little town had to offer.

He laughed to himself glancing as squirrels ran around and scampered up the tops of trees. Soon, he began capturing pictures of the carefree event. Secretly, photographing had become a big hobby of his; in his mind his fascination with photography had began after getting his first camera at age eleven by his Uncle Michael, his namesake and his Mother’s younger brother. Soon, his camera lens came across a picture of a young woman sitting in the grass as he tried to focus his aim. Usually, he would have turned away preferring action packed shots instead, but something inside made him stay focused on her. Maybe it was the fact, that all around her were people playing games, being loud and obnoxious yet she stayed focused on her reading. He glanced at her intently; she was reading the works of William Shakespeare. “What could be so interesting about Shakespeare that makes a person so deeply into it?” he thought to himself.

Soon, John appeared coming towards him. “Hey!” he said.
“Oh, hey man.” “How was class?” Gabe asked.
“Pretty good.” John replied. “What are you up to?” he asked.
“Nothing much, just snapping pictures.” “Oh, guess what, my sister is coming up for a visit today.” “You want to come and meet her?” Gabe asks.
“Sure,” John responds. “So, what’s you’re next class?”
“American History.” Gabe replies.
“Cool, hey afterwards you need to come by the Book Cafe with me?”
“I’m telling you they have the best coffee there!” John states.
“Alright.” Gabe says as they began walking around the campus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, we drift over to the Book Café as we see Whitney Russell. She appeared outside the coffee shop waiting for her best friend to show up. She stood there is deep thought, glancing down at her feet. Her mind was wondering with thoughts and images of her previous confrontation with her sister from the day before. “Oh, Simone when are you going to come around?” she thought. Just then, she looks up seeing Theresa on her way. Whitney turns and begins going towards her.

Unaware, that crossing her path was the beautiful Blair Carrington. She appeared out for a quick stroll of the town. Dressed in a stylish baby blue top, with a beautiful sapphire butterfly hair clip in her hair it all matched her ensemble with her lovely royal blue velvet jacket on. Blue was of course one of her signature colors. At the moment she walked in search of a little shop where she was going to pick up some things for her brother while he was in the dorms.

As Whitney passed by her, Blair bumped her out of her way on the small path nearly knocking her down on the short sidewalk crossway.
“Whoa!” Whitney says trying to balance herself as she passed by.
“Excuse you.” Blair states flipping her raven colored hair over her shoulder.
As Whitney stumbles towards Theresa. “Whit, are you okay?” Theresa asks.
“Yeah, I think so.” Whitney replies looking back towards Blair.
“Man, that girl was rude!” Theresa snaps.
“I know, she nearly knocked me down.” Whitney replies.
“Do you know her?” Theresa asked.
“I’ve never seen her before.” Whitney said brushing herself off.
“Anyway,” she said catching her breath.
“Hey, how have you been?” Theresa asked concerned. “You sounded so down on the phone.”
“It’s nothing really, I just had another run in with Simone yesterday!”
Whitney replied brushing curls away from her face.
“Oh, what happened?”
“Well, it was ugly to say the least.” Whitney told her as they went over to sit on a bench.

“Yesterday, I stood there just begging for her to forgive me and get past this thing with Chad, you know.” “And she just shot me down, she just wouldn’t listen.” “Theresa, she told me that she didn’t need me in her life!” “That now, all she needed was herself because she was just tired of me ruining things and taking her happiness away.” Whitney said upset.
“Poor, Whitney.” “I can imagine how that made you feel.”
“Really, really low.” Whitney says trying not to cry. “I mean, she just won’t try to understand anything, and all I want is to be there for her like we use to, you know.” Whitney states.
“Oh, Whit it’s going to be alright.” Theresa says comforting her.
“I hope so.” “I just don’t understand why she’s so cold to me.” “I mean, I know my being with Chad hurt her but I thought she would be over it by now.” Whitney says quietly.

“Well, Whitney just don’t give up hope okay.” “She’ll come around I know it.” Theresa said.
“Yeah, well today my Mom arranged for us to have ‘Girls Day’ again!”
“Well, that should be fun.” Theresa said.
“Yeah, I just hope that Simone will show up.”
“Hey, if it helps I think she will.” Theresa said with a bright smile.
“You do, Theresa?” Whitney asked.
“Of course, your sister loves shopping.” “It’s one thing that she got from us huh, she wouldn’t miss this!” Theresa assured.
Whitney began to smile. “I admit it, Theresa sometimes I really love your eternal optimistic and I just hope you’re right.”
***************************

Across town, in his new Art Gallery sat Lane Carrington, Gabe’s father. At the moment, he sat deeply puzzled by all the number crunching he had been during for the past three hours now. He was having a time trying to figure out exactly how much money it was going to cost him to open up his new gallery by early October. Just then, there was a knock on his office door. “Sorry, but the gallery’s closed right now!” he said with his head still buried in the books.

“Oh, really.” “Even to me?” said the person opening the door.
Lane looked up, only to see his beautiful wife walk through the door.
“Oh, Jules honey!” he says surprised. “Of course not, my door is always open to you.”
“Oh well, good then.” Julia replied walking towards his desk.
“So, what are you doing here?” Lane asks with a smile.
“Oh, nothing really.” “I just got tired of being around the house decorating and all.” “And I saw that Blair slipped out, so I thought about you.” “Here at the office and thought that you might want to have a late brunch?” she stated putting down the picnic basket she was carrying.

“Well, that was sweet of you.” Lane replied. “So a late brunch, huh?” he asked questionably.
“Yes, remember like the one’s we would have before the kids were born?” Julia said with a smile.
“Oh, well sweetie.” “I’d love to have brunch but I’m swamped with work right now.” Lane replied. “I’ve been crunching numbers until my head hurts.” he said rubbing his temples.
“Oh, you poor thing.” Julia said. “See, that’s why you need this food, get your mind off things.”
“Honey. .” Lane responds.
“Shhh, hush.” Julia said crawling into his lap as she opened up the picnic basket. “Here, have a strawberry.”

Soon the two are consumed with eating fresh fruit on silver platters nestled in one another’s arms, heavily embracing. Julia knew that Lane biggest fear was not measuring up, ever since he changed his own destiny. He was consumed with being the best at everything, especially business matters. He always thought that he had something to prove to the world, especially his family. He wanted to show them that he had made it, to be a successful businessman. That determination, that ambition was something that Julia and he both shared. She admired that determination in him, yet feared it at times. Especially with being back in the town of Harmony, she only hoped that the move for their family would be a good one, instead of forecasting doom. Yet, her thoughts now went towards kissing his husband ear.

“So, how’s the house coming?” a more relaxed Lane asked.
“Oh, fine except for Blair’s demands of silk bed sheets and some weird craving for low fat milk.” Julia replied.
Lane laughed, “Good.” he responded. “What about your practice?”
“It’s building up.” Julia replies nibbling on some canloupe. “The contracts are coming in slowly, but that’s to be expected considering my break from CBG.” “I’ll win over more clients soon, I’m determined on that.”

“Honey, . .” Julia starts up flipping a strand of her ebony hair over her ear.
“Mmm,” Lane replies biting on a small crossinant.
“I want to talk to you about something?” Julia says.
“And what’s that?” Lane asked dreamy eyed.
“Sweetie, it’s Edward.”
“Honey, no.” “Not the E word, don’t ruin my mood!” Lane warned.
“But, this needs to be said.” “Honey, your father has issues!” Julia states.
“Okay, next tell me something that we don’t know.”
“Well, Lane I don’t like how he’s influencing the kids.” Julia says.
“Jules, he’s an old man just stuck in his ways, that’s all.”

“Please, Lane.” “He’s very much aware of his actions.” “And like I’ve said once I don’t like how he’s influencing Gabriel and Blair!” Julia replies.
“And how’s that?” Lane asks taking a deep breath.
“Well, take the other night at dinner.” “Where he was trying to pour all different types of liquor down Gabe’s throat!”
Lane begins to laugh, “Jules, he was not that bad.”
“Please, or did you not hear the comment he made during dessert about how it was good that Blair was going to medical school because there she could catch herself a rich husband!”
“Well, what’s wrong with that?” Lane asked kissing her small slender hand.

“Lane!” Julia yells her brown eyes glaring at him.
“Sweetie, it was a joke.” Lane responds.
“Well, it’s not funny.” Julia says. “I’m serious, we have to get a hold on this now before it gets out of hand.”
“Honey,” Lane states in a soft tone.
“No, Lane I’m serious.” “He starts off with smart remarks and comments and then he’s going to step over the line.” “Like with this crazy demand, for these Sunday dinners.” she says with her arm folded up.
“Sweetie, he’s just trying to reconnect with us and the kids.” “So, please try to be reasonable okay.” “Look, I know that you’ve always got your guard up when it comes to Edward after all these years, but just try to be accepting of this for me.” “For me?” Lane pleads with puppy dog eyes.
“Fine,” Julia quietly says.

Lane wrapped his arms around her, “Jules, honey.” “You know what I just thought, that we all just need a little faith, patience and no distractions to transition here.” “For all of us, you, me, the kids and father.” “Were all going to have to get along, together.” “That was the purpose of us moving back here to Harmony to reconnect.”
“I guess, you’re right.” Julia agreed.
“I know I am.” Lane replied with a smirk kissing his wife as his thick beard gazed the bottom of her neck.
“You’re so funny.” Julia said with a smile as his beard tickled her soft skin.
As he leans in closely, and they began to kiss more passionately. Soon, there’s a knock on the door. “Hello?” the person said opening the office door, making their presence known.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” the person states seeing them together.
“Oh, that’s okay?” Lane says still looking deeply into his wife’s eyes.
He then looks up and sees standing before him no other than Julian Crane.
“Julian?!?” he says looking at the doorway. “Is that really you?”
“It’s me, the one in the same.” Julian replied sheepishly.
“Jules, sweetie.” “It’s Julian Crane!” Lane states not able to believe his eyes.
“I see that.” Julia says getting up from his lap.

Lane soon jumps from his seat and begins shaking Julian’s hand, giving him a hug. “How are you, old man?” he asks.
“Me, it seems that you were the one caught indisposed.” Julian says with a sly smile glancing at Julia.
“Oh, no!” “Julian, this is my wife Jules!” Lane told him.
“Honey, come and meet someone that I haven’t seen in a really longtime!”
“Hi, it’s very nice to meet you.” Julia says sweetly shaking Julian’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure, to meet such a lovely woman such as yourself.” Julian says slyly.
“Well, I’ll give you two time to catch up.” Julia says. “Honey, I’ll see you back at home.” she says kissing him on the cheek. “And we’ll discuss that topic later.”

She then left, “So old man?” “What are you doing here?” Lane asked.
“Well, I was thinking of asking you the same thing.” Julian states.
“What?” Lane asked bewildered.
“Lane, what are you doing here in Harmony?” “I thought you were gone for good!” “And now suddenly out of the blue you’re back!” Julian asks.
“Things change, Julian.” Lane states. “So, how did you know that I was back?”
“Well, Father informed me of the article in the Harmony Herald.”
“Oh.” “Well, I see Alistair is still ruling the town with a tight fist.”
“Yes, he is.” Julian states. “And if he even thought that I was here, he’d have my head!” he says scratching the back of his ear.

“Oh, yes.” “Stay away from the black sheep right?” Lane said in a harsh tone.
“It’s not like that, Lane.” “But, it’s been over twenty years. .” Julian starts.
“And I guess time doesn’t change everything.” Lane replied.
“Especially people’s opinions, and I should know.” Julian admits.
“Well, you’re right about that.” “So, why are you here?” “What, to see if I’m the failure everyone else thought I was!” Lane asked.
“No, of course not.” “Despite my feelings back then, I’m a changed man.” Julian replies.
“Yeah, well I changed too in the last twenty years.” Lane replied rubbing the back of his neck.

Soon, there was an awkward silence that filled the room.

Then Julian broke the ice, “Look, I came here today to see you.” “See, if you were real or just a figment of my imagination.” he explains with a slight laugh.
“Well, I am real.” Lane says folding his arms.
“Right then, I’ll leave you to your business.” Julian says as he begins to leave.
“Alright,” Lane says looking down at his feet. He then looks up and says, “Julian, thanks for stopping by.” “You know, you’re welcome to come by again.”
“I will.” Julian said with a small smile.
“Good, then no harsh feelings.” Lane says.
“Alright, and I’m glad to see you’re back.” Julian replies.
“For good, this time.” Lane states sternly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Now back to our series starlet, Simone appeared in her History class at the moment. Attempting her best to focus on what her instructor was saying about the Revolutionary War. Yet, she couldn’t seem to focus she kept wondering about other things whether they were relevant or not. So, she sat there trying to listen and jot down notes. She couldn’t believe how long the class seemed to be, did she really sign up for a class this long she thought to herself. Soon, her thoughts fluttered again, as she sat there twirling her pen in her hand. Then she looked over towards Kay, who was glancing dreamy eyed over Miguel on her left. Of course you knew that was going to happen, Kay choosing classes he was in.

“Kay. .Kay.” Simone whispered.
“Huh?” Kay replied coming out of her daze.
“Wake up!” Simone responds looking at her instructor.
The last thing, that Kay remembered hearing was her professor say was to choose a study partner to work with on a major history report that counts for half your semester’s grade. As to be expected her first thought went to Miguel, he was going to be her partner, she thought. Class was then dismissed and everyone began pairing up. Simone began looking around, especially seeing Kay casually dart over towards Miguel.

She turned to her right seeing a curly haired guy sitting in the corner. He was looking around as well, soon they caught one another’s eye and Simone waved him over.
“So, want to partner up?” he asks.
“Okay.” Simone replies. “Um, you look familiar?” she says looking at him closely. “Have I seen you before?” she asked.
“Maybe.” he replies.

Soon, Kay comes back beaming from getting Miguel as your partner. “Hey, you’ll never guess what happen?” she states in a high-pitched tone.
“Oh, hi.” she says seeing the guy.
“Hey,” the guy replies. “So, what’s you name study partner?” he asks turning towards Simone.
“Oh, sorry.” she says. “Simone Russell.”
“Gabriel Carrington,” he responds extending his hand.
“Oh, and this is Kay.” Simone says. Soon, the two exchange numbers and email addresses and say later, till next meeting . . .
********************************

Now, we turn our attention towards Eve and Whitney Russell as they have just finished a day of shopping. We find the pair, walking towards Harmony’s wharf. “Thanks, again Mom.” “I really had a great time today.” Whitney says with a smile.
“It was my pleasure, sweetheart.” “You know, I’ve always loved sharing days like this with you and your sister.” Eve states hugging her.
“Well, I know it was out of your way and all especially since you’ve been working those extra shifts at the hospital.”
“Oh, honey but this is special, our little special tradition.” Eve says smiling.

“Yeah, I just wish that Simone could have joined us like she use to.” Whitney says lowering her head as she walked.
“I know, honey.” “But just give your sister time to come around.” “I think that right now, Simone is just trying to prove some point of seeing if she can be on her own now.” “She just needs some space, sweetie.” Eve assures her.
“Yeah, maybe next time.” Whitney says softly.
“So, honey you know what?” “I think that the dress you picked out for the 1920’s dance is going to be perfect!” “Truly beautiful.” Eve says trying to cheer her up.
“Yeah, I really like it too.” “I just wish Chad could be here to see it.” “But, by that time he’ll still be in Los Angeles so, . .” Whitney responds down.
“Oh, honey cheer up.” “Hey, what about lunch?” “Are you hungry?” “How does the Seascape sound?” Eve suggests seeing they were near the restaurant.
“That sounds good, Mom.” “I’ll go and check to see if we can get in.” Whitney says.
“Okay, honey.” Eve replies standing on the wharf.

“Oh, Mom it looks like there’s a wait.” Whitney says quickly coming back.
“Oh, well sweetie.” “We can go somewhere else then.” “Anywhere, you suggest my treat!” Eve says.
“Alright, then um. .” Whitney says biting her bottom lip.
Just then, Whitney’s cell phone begins to ring. “Sorry,” she says.
“Oh, it’s Chad!” she says excitedly. “I’ll just be a second, okay Mom!”
Eve puts up her hands, “Take your time sweetheart.” she says.
Eve was happy to see Whitney smiling again; while she waited she glances out towards the ocean overlooking the enchanting view.

“Well, my, my Eve.” says someone behind her after a few minutes had passed.
The person startled Eve at first as she turned around. “Oh!”
“Well, what do we have here a day of leisure and shopping with your daughter?” “How sweet!” the person continues seeing Whitney nearby.
“Liz!” Eve announces.
“Yes, who were you expecting the President?” “Well, I heard he’s busy!” Liz replies.
“My Eve, how the times have changed!” she states looking at Eve’s shopping bags.

“You were once a whore.” “Julian Crane’s drugged out whore to be exact!” “And now look at you the respectable Dr. Eve Russell, out for a day of shopping.” “How the hell did that happen?” Liz asks.
Eve breathes deeply, “Shut up!” she responds glancing around.
“Why?” “What, you don’t want everyone to know who you really are and how far you’ve come?” Liz says trying to play shocked.

“Tell me, one thing Eve?” “How are you able to have everything, the respectable profession, the wonderful husband, kids and I’m. .I’m well living in misery!” Liz states with a harsh tone.
“What, are you talking about?” Eve asks.
“Oh, don’t play dumb Eve.” “Now, you know that that’s suppose to be my life in bliss and you.” “Well, you’re supposed to be somewhere trying to find your next hit around some gutter!”
“You’re insane!” Eve states. “Go!” “Leave me alone!”
“No!” “Eve, you stole my life.” “By some cruel twist of fate our lives were switched.” “That’s suppose be my life you’re living!” Liz yells.

Eve glares at her for a long time, seeing if she was serious and then states. “Look, we’ve been over this before Liz.” “What happened back then, happen!” “I can’t go back, you can’t go back and that’s all.” Eve says defensively.
“Oh, don’t you dare lecture me about the past, Eve.” “Because the way I remember it, you won’t like!” Liz says.
“Liz, please.” Eve begs putting up her hand.
“What?” “You started this about the past.” “So, I’m answering you, Eve.” “No, the way I remember it, my sweet Charles died because the former whore turned good doctor couldn’t stop him from getting in that damn car!” Liz yells as tears full of emotion form in her eyes.

“Liz, please back then, I . .I.” Eve tries to say.
“Didn’t save him!” Liz states her eyes glued on Eve.
“It’s not my fault!” Eve whines.
“Yes, it is because no matter what you may claim Eve.” “The end result is that you didn’t save him.” “That’s all I know and that’s all I need to know.” Liz tells her turning away.
She then starts ranting to herself out loud, “God, I was so happy and Charles had everything to live for.” “And that was all taken away from me, because of you and that damn Crane!” “And now you stand here all high and mighty, living it up!” “Well you just wait, because your time has come.”
“What?” Eve says bewildered.
“Yes, I said it, your precious fantasy of a life is going to come crashing down around you.” “Wait and see Eve, then you’ll get to see how it feels to have your husband and all your dreams taken away from you!” “With one moment, one hour, one day, everything your whole life will be destroyed!” “You just wait, you’ll feel it.” “That pain, heartache, everything that I’ve endured and your life and your family will be over!”
“You. .you stay away from my family!” Eve warns.

“Please, like you can stop me.” “Eve, your days are numbered once TC finds out about your little deceitful past, your life will be over.” “And I’ll be there to pick up every little piece, I’ll have everything you hold dear.”
“As my own!” Liz says with a smirky smile. “Oh, and as an added bonus I get your beautiful girls too.” “Well, lucky me, I’ve always wanted a family!”
“Liz, you . .” Eve says.
“Save it, Eve.” “And just enjoy these precious moments while you can.” “Because when I’m done with you, they’ll all be mine!” “I’m going to make your life as miserable as you made mine, I promise you that.”
“I promise you.” Liz says with a laugh. “Ta, Ta for now!” she says before walking off.
~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

It is now afternoon, as we appear in the Book Cafe, as we see best friends Kay and Simone hanging out sipping on their favorite cups of joe. Simone sat checking out a dream book of symbols and signs while, Kay bragged on and on about her latest plot to get Miguel back in her grasps.
“Simone, it’s so perfect!” she stated twirling strands of her reddish-brown hair. “Hey, are you listening to me?” she asked.

“Yeah, Kay I’m listening.” Simone replied. “Man, this book has some great stuff in here.” “Now if only it can help me shake that crazy dream I had.” she said with her eyes still focused on her book.
“Oh, Simone forget that stupid dream!” “And listen to me, okay.” Kay said commanding her attention.
“I can’t, it’s still in my head Kay.” Simone says.
Right then, Kay reaches and snatches the book out of her hands.

“Hey, Kay give me back my book!”
“Simone, listen to me okay.” “This dumb book isn’t going to tell you anything, that we don’t know already!” Kay shouts gestering with the book. “Your dream just meant that you hate Whitney.” “We know that already, okay so get over it.”
“Kay!” Simone says staring wide-eyed at her.
“What?” “Well, it’s the truth.” Kay said rolling her eyes.
“I can’t believe you just said that to me.” “I don’t hate her, Kay.”
“Come on, Simone.”
“I don’t, I just don’t like her much.” Simone admitted.
“Yeah, enough to punch her lights out in a dream.”
“Kay, please.” Simone states.
“Whatever, Simone.” “You always have this bad habit for not seeing things as they are.”
“Namely, things like Chad and Whitney and look how that worked out for you.” Kay responds.
“Oh, you’re one to talk!” Simone replied with her arms crossed.

“Whatever, Simone.” Kay said glancing through a magazine.
Soon, Simone got up from her seat and snatched back her book.
“I’m going to get some more coffee!” she announces.
“Oh, could you get me some too?” Kay said with a smirky smile.
Simone looked at her, “You better be glad, I’m your friend.” she warned.
“Thanks, Simone you’re the best!” Kay said smiling.

Simone goes up to the counter and orders her favorite Hazelnut latte and one for Kay too. As she did, in came Gabe with John finally deciding to check out the coffee shop that John kept raving about. Simone goes back to her table, while the guys order their coffee delights.
“Don’t look now Simone, but there’s your study partner.” Kay states.
“Huh?” Simone says looking. “Man, where do I know him from?” she asked bewildered.
“You know him?” Kay asked.
“I think so, I just can’t put my finger on where from?” Simone states shrugging as she sips her coffee.
“Anyway. . .” Kay says.

That’s when it finally pops in Simone’s head where she’s seen Gabe from before. “The dining hall!” she announces.
“What?” Kay asked.
“That’s where I know him from, he was the guy who gave me the muffin that day I was running late.” Simone exclaimed happily.
“Wait, that’s muffin guy!” Kay replied looking towards Gabe’s direction.
“Yes, I mean Kay.” “Don’t call him that he might hear you!” Simone responds.
“So. . anyway Simone I’m very happy that you figured out this big mystery and all.” “But could we possibly get back to me, and my plans for Miguel and I.” Kay demands.
“What?” Simone said. “Kay, that’s just it.” “There is no you and Miguel!”
“There’s just you, alone still chasing after a guy who doesn’t want you.”
“Whatever, Simone you were in my same situation couple of months ago.”
“Come on now, Kay.” Simone said stunned by her friend’s words.
“Simone, you just don’t understand how. .” Kay starts up.

Just then, the two were interrupted as John walks up to their table.
“Hey, Kay. .Simone.” he says with a smile.
“Hey, John.” Simone replies.
“Hi,” Kay says sitting back in her chair.
“How have you been?” John asks them.
“Pretty good,” Kay states with a look on her face like go away.
“Oh, hey guys I want you to meet my new roommate Gabe.”
Gabe steps up after getting his coffee. “Hey,” he says seeing familiar faces.
“Hi,” Kay and Simone say in unison.
“We’ve all met already John.” Kay said stirring the contents of her hot coffee.
“Really?” John says surprised.
“Yup, Kay and Simone right!” Gabe says with a wink.
“Yeah,” Kay replies.
“So, what are you guys up to?” Simone asks.
“Nothing much, just hanging out.” “John wanted me to check out this place.” Gabe responds glancing around the café.

“You guys?” John asked.
“The same.” Kay said plainly.
“Wow, it’s three already?” Gabe asked himself looking at his watch.
“Oh, I have to go.” “I’m suppose to meet Blair soon.” he says to John.
“Oh, well see you later girls.” John says following Gabe.
“Okay,” Simone said.
“Yeah, it was nice seeing you guys again.” “And Simone I’ll call you later about the project okay.” Gabe said leaving.
“Alright,” Simone replied.

“So, that’s Muffin guy.” Kay states staring out the window as the guys left.
“Yup,” Simone replies sipping her latte.
“I’m in shock!” Kay responds.
“Why?” Simone asked looking up from her book.
“Because John finally as a friend.” “It’s a miracle!” Kay told her.
Simone just rolled her eyes and went back to her book.
“Okay, now where was I.” Kay states.
“Oh, yes Simone what you just don’t understand is that Miguel and I were. . .”