Chapter 5

Alex

My favorite thing to do is to look out the windows of my agency that overlook Central Park. There I imagine what it would be like if Sarah were still alive, and I am sure that things would be very different than they are now.

Sarah is dead and now I have a crazy woman after me, accusing me of sexual harassment. My children need me. I am going crazy. I don't know what it is to have a moment of peace anymore. I only want one thing: to have a little peace with my children, because they need me so much. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. Well, now I have to take care of them, because it's not their fault what I'm going through. And it's all because of that first-class tramp. All she wants is money. I refuse to pay, I haven't done anything. If I had, I would even pay for the blackmail of that scammer. But I would never betray Sarah's memory because of a worthless whore, because I don't want any other woman in my life. I loved my wife so much that when she died, I thought I would die with her. But I had to be strong for my children. I couldn't even cry for her...

I hear my cell phone ring and see that it is my friend, Rafael, who is one of my best friends. Only he knows how I felt with Sarah's death.

- Hello? - I answer the call.

- Tell me Alex, how are you? - he asks. What should I tell him, that I am still suffering for a love that I have already lost. No, he already knows this. So, I always give the same answer.

- I'm fine, Rafael! - I answer, tired of the same old talk.

- That's good, my friend. And the children, how are they? - he asks curiously.

- Fine, too," I say, as I look at my Rolex and realize that it is about time to go home. - Why did you call me at this hour?

- I missed tormenting you," he says with a laugh.

- Wow, really. You really need to get a girlfriend urgently! - I joke.

And I remember all the times Ralph has helped me. I have done so many stupid things wanting to kill myself. That only he knows! Many times I would leave bars drunk, asking God that the worst would happen so that I could be with my Sarah again. I think Ralph tries to distract me in every way, so that I don't dive into my worst thoughts...

- I miss the children - Ralph comments.

I can feel in his voice the love he has for my children, they also love him, after all, Uncle Ralph always does everything they want.

- The children also miss you, although you are not a good influence - I joke in response to his comment, knowing that Ralph would never do anything against my children or my other friends.

- Gee, Alex. What do you think of me? - he groans, playing the poor guy.

- Ralph, you look like a child when you are with my children. I know you are not capable of doing anything bad to them, but you do all kinds of things with those children... Enough fooling around, just tell me the reason for this call? - I speak impatiently.

- Since you are so polite to me, I'll get right to the point. I have already hired a bodyguard to stay close to you and the children.

When he tells me this, I am a little surprised. I had no idea that he had already found someone so quickly for the job.

- Ralph, can this person be trusted? - I ask because I am more worried and, at the same time, afraid of having another crazy stalker. And for this reason I wouldn't let a strange person near my children.

- Totally. I know the person well. I would never leave the children with a stranger if I didn't know they were trustworthy," Ralph answered confidently.

This was true. My friend would not put my children at risk.

- I am sorry, I trust you. - I feel bad for the comment I made.

- I understand, after all, if they were my children. - he says this in an affectionate way.

- Ralph, I can't stand it anymore! That woman is a curse - I sigh sadly, but I want to go to her house and make her confess that it's all lies.

- Alex, my friend, everything will be fine. You will see. - At this moment I realize that Ralph is more hopeful than I am.

- So, tell me the reason for your call?- I ask curiously.

- Tomorrow, do you have some kind of meeting or appointment early in the morning? - Ralph asks.

- Just a moment, I'll check my agenda. - I go to the desk outside where my secretary is and check it.

- What do you mean, Mr. Mendonça, looking for the agenda? - he provokes.

-Wow, what happened? Are you attacked, my son? - I question.

- My friend, it's very funny to see you doing some things by yourself, without asking others. - He laughs at my face.

- Hahaha, very funny," I ironically say, and check my calendar, confirming that the twins have a pediatrician.

- Talk, I'm getting anxious. - Ralph jokes and I roll my eyes.

- You can't stop talking," I grumble, not affirming that your chatter helps distract me.

- Tomorrow I can only go after 9 a.m.. The twins have an appointment with Dr. Tiago earlier.

- Wow! Tiago, it's been a long time since we've made an appointment? Alex, the kids are fine