Ever since 19 year old Vera's dad died her mother changed. She's become violent towards Vera and is never home.
Even after everything she's going through she still has a good heart and sees the good in people and the world.
Vera needs someone's he...
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*** Me: Hi, what are you up to?
Holden<3: Just finished a meeting, sweetie. What about you?
Me: Just left the cafe, can we hang out? I know we did last night. I just miss you and I don't have anywhere to go.
Holden<3: Send me your location. I'm on my way to pick you up. ***
I share my location and take a seat on a nearby bench. His car comes to a halt in front of the bench. I got off the bench, stood up, and smiled gratefully at him.
We arrive 14 minutes after he leaves for his place. We get out of the car and into the house, where we remove our shoes.
As I accompany him into the kitchen, I observe him as he gathers various vegetables, fruits, and ingredients for making sandwiches. My stomach flutters with butterflies when I realize he's going to make us lunch.
He chops up some fruit and vegetables once he's finished. I take two plates and fill them, giving one to him. He walks over to the refrigerator and grabs some apple juice for me and some water for him.
On the island, we talk and dine together. After we've finished, I wash our plates and put them in the dishwasher. I turned to face him and awed at his good looks.
We've decided to watch a movie together. I could choose between the living room, the theater, or his room. I pick his room; we go upstairs and situate on the bed.
I smiled and thanked him as he handed me the remote. I feel my face drain with worry and anxiety as I flick through Disney+, wondering if he'll criticize me for what I chose.
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Vera seems uneasy as she chooses what to watch. I gently take hold of her chin and turn her to face towards me. "Baby, if you want to watch a Disney movie, then we're going to watch a Disney movie," I stated, arching my brow.
As a result, she visibly relaxes and slumps into me as she presses the play button. While I'm watching the movie, my mind goes to this morning, when I awoke with her in my arms. It sparked a sensation in me I did not know I had.
I knew she'd appreciate it if we all knew each other when she left to see Nadia, whom I needed to meet, which reminds me she still hasn't met the boys.
I made a mental note to speak about it.
I put those thoughts aside and geared to her mother. She still hadn't returned home, Vera had stated repeatedly. It's been a week and a half since she last saw her mom.I'm not sure where she is.
Veras told me that her mother has never gone away for this long and normally returns every other day.
Eden was pressured to learn more. I texted him to seek more about her whereabouts and what she's been up to. Then I put my phone on the table and focused on the movie.
——————————————— Eden sent me a file 45 minutes into the movie. Knowing it's about Vera's mother makes me uneasy, and I hope she isn't dead.
I mean, I'm sure Vera dislikes her mother. But she's emphasized that she doesn't loathe her, but rather that she doesn't understand her. I started reading after opening the file.
*** Name: Brenda Mary Hope
Current location: unknown
Age: 56
Eye color: Green
Hair color: Brown
Children: Vera Lilith Hope
Husband: Deceased ***
I sigh in frustration at the lack of information. Which made me question Eden, knowing he can locate more. I put down my phone and turned back to face Vera.
I turned off the movie when I saw she was sleeping. Cover her up and exit the room in search of Eden.
As I approached Eden's bedroom, I'm not sure if that was all there was to know about her. It's a possibility, given that she's a drug addict.
I knocked once and Eden said, "Come in." I walked in and saw him at his desk. Which has a complete cyber-hacking setup.
"Hey, was that all you found out about Vera's mother?" I inquired.
"Aside from bank records, that is. Which reveals a lot of debt and a bad credit score," he replied, his gaze falling on me.
I sighed, nodded, and walked out of his room. As I walked into mine, I noticed she had awoken and was searching the room for me.
"Hi baby," I say, and she smiles back before yawning.
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"Can you take me back home? I have homework that I need to get done, and if I go another day without doing it, I'll never get it done."
He seems sad but agrees, "Yeah of course, c'mon lets go."
We left after double-checking that I had everything I needed and arrived in 15 minutes.
After kissing me, he said, "Text me if you need anything or just want to talk, okay, baby?" I nodded and smiled.
I walked to the front door after opening the car door and quietly closing it. I close the front door, lock it, and go to my room once I'm inside.
I go into my closet to change into more comfy clothing. I sit down at my desk and begin working after I finish changing.
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I jumped at the sudden beating on the front door an hour later, lifting my brow as I got up. I reach for my phone, not liking how I feel.
As I descend the steps, I hesitantly unlock and opened the door. Seeing three towering, hefty men dressed in some strange clothing makes me uneasy.
"Are you Brenda Hope, Ma'am?" The tallest inquires, and I respond with a feeble no.
He spoke again, exhaling after looking at the other men. "Are you her daughter?" I gave a nod.
