Chapter 11

One after another, Alex regarded expressions as Karen's timbre resounded. Moreover, it stood clear that the attraction between she and Luis remained strong.

"Hey you." she stated, greeting Alex with a delicate embrace.

Next, she narrowed on Luis as he offered his best friend suggestive glances.

"Are you taking law?" Alex asked, in hopes of diverting her attention.

"Of course." she replied, noting the disdain on Luis's face.

Like always, she seemed provocative, but Luis wouldn't humor a confrontation. Not the less, anxieties grew as Karen moved closer.

"Would you mind if we had a minute?" she requested of Alex.

Anxiously, he glared into Luis's eyes.

"Uh, I suppose so."

Ultimately, he didn't want to leave them alone, but with everything, she intended to speak her mind.

"I need to explain, then, if you never want to see or talk to me again, I'll understand."

"You don't have to justify anything." he interjected.

Instantly, Karen's expression changed.

"You have resentment, and I understand, but moving away wasn't my decision."

Surprisingly, Luis didn't interrupt because he needed to hear her side.

"When you're fifteen, and your parents impose their will, you do what they want."

Luis scowled, thinking of Jessica.

"I can only imagine..." he stated. "Though, you're an adult now, so you won't have to worry."

Pondering, Karen groaned.

"Even so, I'm sorry you feel hurt, but there wasn't anything I could do."

Agreeably, he nodded.

"Thank you for saying that, and I'm glad you're doing well."

Right away, she seemed agitated while motioning Alex over.

"Call me later." Karen suggested, before heading inside.

Nodding, Alex agreed.

"It's good to see you again." she admitted to Luis with an elusive stare.

"You too." he replied, straining to make eye contact.

Cautiously, Alex drew near, appearing apprehensive.

"That wasn't awkward."

From there, Luis sheltered as Karen occupied the doorway.

"Is she watching?"

Instantly, Alex sneered.

"Surprised?"

Luis laughed and shook his head.

"It's good to see her anyway."

"You handled yourself well." Alex expressed as he and Luis headed to the car.

"Thanks, but I'm surprised she's alone."

Alex concurred.

"As you know, the sisters are close, but it's Luen making the decisions."

Luis gathered his keys.

"Nothing's changed."

That said, Alex groaned.

"Not at all, but she's been through a lot, so I have a lot of respect for her."

"In any event..." Luis remarked. "What do you say we forget all this and hit the beach?"

Finally, as the boys departed, Karen occupied the curb, watching. Yet, unbeknownst to either Alex or Luis, she wasn't alone.

"That didn't go as expected." Dena indicated as Sienna and Lesley arrived.

Seething, Karen blazoned a sinister lour.

"It's not over."