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SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD GLORIA'S VISIT
Marlin’s maniacal laughter went on in the background as a loud knock sounded on the door of the small apartment snapped him back to reality. He gathered himself and managing to wash the evil grin off his face and proceeded to walk to the door. He could only think about who could be coming to see him at such a time of the night. There was a sound of the door being slowly opened and in came Gloria who is Phoebe’s sister, and is younger than her. Gloria was a beautiful woman of approximately twenty-five, she had the Phoebe’s eyes but overall appeared more business-minded and purposeful. That is how she was standing there with her facial features that were majorly carved out of look of concern but also a look of determination to do the needful. ”Gloria,” Marlin said, faking a surprised tone. ‘’What are you doing here?’’he asked. Gloria entered without being offered to do so, her gaze moving around the room, taking in the mess in the apartment. It was a very simple conversation that
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD ANOTHER LEVEL OF OBSESSION
He would not be deterred by pleas or by threats from her.“She doesn’t understand,” in his mind. “No one does” “but I will prove them otherwise, I will force them to understand” He crossed the room and pulled the curtains apart to stare at the night-lit city of Kingston far in the distance. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but one thing remained clear: He also would not give up on Phoebe no matter how painful the rejection had seemed to be. He’d never let Gloria get in the way of his work again. And now he remained in front of the window looking at the city outside and still, he could hear the words of Gloria. But he repelled them dismissing the thoughts and ideas staying with his strategies only. H e would do all that lies within his power to make sure that Phoebe gets back with him. Marlin sat up, his stomach twisting into knots, Realising that he had a long fight in front of him, he closed his eyes and take a deep breath. It was far from being over he said to hi
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD TOUR PREPARATION
Sunlight began to enter the Seth and Phoebe’s warm apartment through the windows as they enjoyed cups of coffee while sitting on the chairs in the kitchen area around the table. They got immensely involved with their eloquent expressions about the impending tour atmosphere in the air. Phoebe sat back on the chair and she looked provocatively at Seth across the table wearing a smile on her lips. “Are you even realizing we are doing this?” she asked as smile stretched across her beautiful face all ear to ear. ‘He pulled out a brochure, ‘A couple’s tour, just you and me’. Seth smiled back at her and there was happiness in his eyes like in her. “Oh, I can hardly wait”, he said, and taking her hand across the table, he held it in his. “It seems to me that this is just the kind of moment we need now to stop for a while and just spend some time together.” She looked into his eyes and smiled, Phoebe squeezing his hand appreciatively, felt a rush of heat pass through her. "Absolutely,
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD The KIDNAP
The sound of the hurrying traffic and the monotonous yelling of the salesmen and the constant annoying beeping of cars’ horns – all of that was drowned by the clashing of freshly squeezed fruits and vegetables and by the smell of spices and fresh hot smell of the oil which surrounded Phoebe at the market. She carefully selected items that would sustain them during long drives and leisurely picnics: There are cakes, some homemade finalist cheeses, crust bread, many types of fresh fruits, and some chocolates when people wanted to feel a little naughty. The snack section and Seth was also an irresistible combination that she couldn’t pass without availing herself of some trail mix and other treats that would help give a taste of the region to their holiday. Each garment she bought made her think of Seth’s pleasant response and their future happiness while en-route in their small joys. Phoebe right went to stand and make her purchases when she felt a tap on her shoulders. Looking back,
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD THE KIDNAP (2)
She has dreams and hope for freedom, consequently, she understands that her life is in the balance and the only way to survive is to be ready for the chances that will show up. The van eventually halted at an area that is surrounded by some trees, in an area that is far from the city. Phoebe was then lead out and into a warehouse that was rather dark before being introduced a man with his face half masked. He sounded confident when he talked and that was the last thing Phoebe wanted to hear. “You and your husband are valuable clients,” he started, though his tone openly hostile. “There lies our hope; we need his cooperation,” the other man said, “You will remain here with him until he gets it into his head that there are repercussions for rebellion.” Deep down Phoebe’s heart dropped and she knew that the situation they were in was really a bad one. She understood that Seth would not stop till he found her again, but she also did not want him to die. Phoebe’s heart raced as she was
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD POLICE REPORT
‘’Can I help you?’’ the officer inquired, his voice falling on the ears listlessly. ‘Yes, my wife is missing,’ Seth said in a tone that clearly showed he was very worried. ”This is supposed to be a young lady and she was to have returned hours ago, the only call I received is that she has been kidnapped.” The reaction of the officer immediately transformed into wakefulness and clear-sightedness. ”Please sit down,” he said indicating to a chair. “I will call somebody who will attend on you, right now.” Seth nodded in agreement, and hesitantly he dropped himself in the chair and raked his fingers through his hair. A few minutes later a tall detective with an embarrassed look on his face walked up to him saying he was Harris; a detective. “Mr. Rivera, the wife is missing,” Harris said, this time his tone was quite authoritative as he posed the questions to the man. Seth sighed and began narrating what happened in the evening, Phoebe going to the market and up to the time he received
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD FINDING THE CULPRIT
Seth’s cellphone rang as they were setting off to the market. It was a message from Sasha The sender’s name, in this case the person we received the message from, was Sasha. “Tell me more about Phoebe please or Are there any other ways that I could assist?.” Sasha asked pretending not to know about phoebe. Seth hesitated. Sasha had become a point of conflict recently, but he could not spare anyone who might assist him. “Currently I am browsing through the security cameras’ tapes” he said “If you hear anything, or see anything strange, let me know, okay?” “Will do,”Sasha responded. Seth began to plan his every move accompanied by Officer Smith driving him to the market. He had to be strong for Phoebe as much as the situation required it. They went to the market; full of people carrying out their activities as they did their shopping. Sherlock felt out of place for looking for clues from within the usual routine reality. The discussion went on until Smith said, “So let me kick it
SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD THE SUSPECTS
“Where is Phoebe Patterson?” Seth blurred out, advancing. ‘The words are all that echo the unheard screams, the unheard pleas, the hatred, the pain; “What have you done with her?” Seeing this, Victor looked around nervously and one could clearly see the expressions of fear on his face. ”It was not the girl that I picked, I have no idea where she is at the moment.” “Then why are you hiding?” The question came from Harris but the tone of his voice reflected the suspicion that was in him. “I have to pay Marlin some cash,” went on saying Victor. “He went to my place looking for me He sent people after me I have been living here in order to avoid them.” Seth looked at Harris, and they both gave each other a nod. As it often happens in such cases, the situation was much more complex than they had predicted. “Do you know anything about Phoebe’s disappearance?” Harris insisted within his probe. Absolutely not, ‘No’ spilled out of Victor’s lips through a vigorous shake of his head. “No,
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- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
"What Regret"
“Regret,” she said with a sneer. Regret is just a euphemism for guilt. It doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t wipe the slate clean, and it definitely does not heal the mess that you made.‘Christian,’ she said softly, ‘don’t come any closer.’ He stopped, as she decided to step back from him.Phoebe flared up again and asked him: “You said you came for the truth?” “Fine. Here’s the truth, Christian. I loved you. With everything I had. And you destroyed me. You were able to make me question myself in ways that I never knew existed. And now you stand here, asking me for what? Closure? Redemption? Forgiveness?”“No,” he said firmly. All I am demanding is an opportunity to prove that I can improve.” That I am better.”She scoffed. “And you believe that one conversation is going to make a difference?” You think I can just what? Stare at you and forget the years I struggled to climb up the ladder and get a life again?“No,” he repeated again, and there was no quiver in his voice. “But I can’t
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Need You
Christian did not answer this for a while. He looked down, his hands were tightly bunched into fists at his sides. “I know it caused pain,” he said, his voice rising in a hoarse whisper. “I know I can’t undo that. But I can’t just let things be this way. Not anymore. If that means living with your hatred then let it be so.Phoebe only chuckled bitterly and began to pace in front of the fire. ‘Christian, you keep saying all the right things.’ Saying sorry, admitting my mistake, promising to take my anger on myself. But you don’t seem to understand. It’s not about you. Not anymore.”He stared at her with a frown on his face. “Then what is it about?”“It’s about me,” she said angrily, turning to him. ‘That’s about the years I’ve spent struggling to climb out of the pit you dug for me to fall into.’ It is about finding out how to be independent, how to live without the feeling that my chest is going to collapse. It’s about healing, or at least, about trying to put myself back together aft
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Believe inYou
Phoebe shook her head, her arms wrapped around herself. “You don’t get it, Christian. Other people also had the same feeling as you; they were scared. I was terrified too. Of losing you, of not being good enough. But I stayed. I fought. And you didn’t.”“I know,” he said and his eyes welled up with tears. “And I hate myself for that. I wish I could have been stronger and did not leave when I did. But I’m here now, Phoebe. And I’m not running this time.”She glared at him and her eyes were red with rage, hurt and something else which she could not describe. “You say that now,” she whispered. But what happens when things get hard again? This begs the question, what happens when the cracks start to show?“They won’t,” he said firmly. “Because I’ve come to realize that running in particular does not solve anything. It just leaves a trail of broken pieces behind.”Phoebe only shook her head and a tear rolled down her face. She gently removed it as if she was embarrassed to show her weaknes
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
“I’m confused”
It’s convenient. You were waiting until you felt I was ready and powerful enough to take the news. Until you thought I didn’t need you anymore.”“That is not true,” Christian said quickly, getting up, his voice a high pitched note. “I have been taking this guilt with me every day since I left.” I did not return because of convenience. I returned because I could not continue living such a life knowing that I destroyed something that was wonderful.Phoebe whirled on her toes, glaring. “And what about me? Have you ever thought what it feels like to wake up every day with the marks you have made on others? To have to break yourself down and begin to build yourself up again from scratch just to have the one who was responsible for tearing you down appear with an apology?”“I do now,” he said quietly. “Because I do, I see it in your eyes. I hear it in your voice. And I hate myself for being the reason it’s there.”She was breathing raggedly, her hands were balled up at her sides. “You don’t
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Either you believe or not
Christian sighed deeply and rested his hands on the table. “I am a man who wants to know how to accept what I have done. To challenge it, rather than avoiding it. To be able to admit that I can change the future but I can’t change the present and I can’t change the past.”Phoebe scoffed. ‘You really believe that taking responsibility is sufficient?’ You really believe that saying you were wrong in any of this makes it alright?”“No,” Christian said quickly. “It doesn’t make it okay. Nothing can make it okay. But it’s a start, isn’t it? A step toward being better. Towards becoming a person who does not destroy things.”Phoebe looked at her sister with her face impassive and then shook her head. “You want to be better? Good for you. But you don’t get to use me as your redemption arc. I am not some check-point on your way to self-improvement.”“I’m not asking you to be,” Christian said, his voice quiet, but commanding. I don’t need your forgiveness or your approval for anything I am doin
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Lingering pain
“Phoebe,” he started cautiously, “I’m not here to put more load on you regarding this.” I know you didn’t want any of this and I’m not going to say that I’m so great for coming here now. But I’ve been attempting to take responsibility for my actions. And part of that means realizing how much I caused you pain.”Phoebe’s lips formed, her arms drawn tightly around her in the manner of a shield. “It does not heal the wound, Christian.” Oh do you think that knowing you regret it will give me back the time I lost? The trust I lost? The parts of me that had to be reconstructed?”“No,” replied Christian, who now looked ashamed. “I don’t. And I’m not asking you to forget what I did or even forgive me. I just had to tell you that… I can see it now. I can now understand how self-centered I was and how unable to notice your suffering.She tilted her head to the side, her mouth tightening as she looked out the window and saw the rain running down the glass. “Blind, huh?” she said with much bitter
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
All about Phoebe
Phoebe went back to the fire, her hands folding over her chest. For what seemed like a long time she did not respond. The fire crackled in the background, and its heat was the only thing that made the atmosphere between them warm.“What do you want from me, Christian?” she asked after a long time her voice was so low that it was barely audible.“Nothing,” he said quickly. “I don’t want anything from you. I just… I had to share it with you because it is the truth. To say sorry and let you understand that I noticed your suffering. That I see you.”Phoebe only managed to stifle a sarcastic laugh. “You see me now? That’s rich. Where was this clarity two years ago?”Christian moved a little closer and spoke slowly and calmly as if he was pleading with her. I was blind back then Phoebe.” As if the rest of the world does not exist, or, at least, I don’t exist to the rest of the world. But now… now I see everything I should have seen before. I understand how powerful you are, how much you inv
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Get rewarded
“Sorry isn’t enough,” said Phoebe, tears rolling down her cheeks. “They think they can just come out and apologize and that’s the end of it.”“I’m not expecting that,” Christian said quickly. I know that I can never reverse the wrong I have done. But I had to tell you. I had to stop bringing this with me without doing something about it.”Phoebe exhaled hard and then rested her weight against the windowsill. “Well, did you even know what you left behind?” “How much I had to tidy up after you?”“I’ve thought about it,” Christian said, softly. “But I know that thinking about it isn’t the same as living it. I still can’t fathom how difficult it must have been for you.”Phoebe looked at her and shook her head, fuming again. “And you didn’t just hurt me, Christian.” You made me doubt, everything, including us, including myself. I used so much time thinking why am I not enough. Why I couldn’t repair whatever was ailing you.”Christian cringed as if the words that came out of her mouth had h
- SETH RIVERA AND THE ULTIMATE BLACK CARD
Another Game
One part of him wanted to kick Christian out, shut the door and never see him again. But there was another part, a lesser, more contemplative part of him that was interesting. What if Christian really had transformed? What if this wasn’t just another one of his games?“Alright,” Phoebe said in the end, the word coming out sounding more like a bitter grumble. “You want to talk? Talk. ‘I’m not making any guarantees here,’ I tell him.Christian nodded and his shoulders dropped down as well. He looked around the room, and then looked at the couch. “Do you mind if we sit?”Phoebe frowned, then reluctantly gestured at the couch with a nod. He stayed on his feet, leaning with his arms folded against the wall, a defensive air about him.Christian leaned back on the couch, placing his elbows on his knees and his hands on top of each other. He looked at the floor for a moment with a blank face, then he said something.“I know I hurt you. And not just once—repeatedly. You wanted to help me and I
