Destiny

By Cheryl Samuels

Destiny is the coming-of-age story of Richard and Rachel. They are twins who were separated in a tragic car accident resulting in the death of their mother while they were still toddlers. Raised separately in very different settings, they are reunited at age eighteen. The story unfolds with the truth about the events of that long-ago day; along with their lifelong friends Lisa and Ryan, they find adventure, mystery, and love that overcomes all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Nov 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781489700384

Cheryl Samuels

Cheryl Samuels is a sixteen-year veteran of the US Army currently employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, California. She is a wife and mother of three, with two granddaughters. She has lived a very interesting life due to her heritage of Cuban and Creole parents. She loves karaoke and has been a lead and backup singer in several small bands. Her hobbies include reading, music, drama, writing, and APA pool league. She is in the process of starting a small business as a Sisterlock Consultant and enjoys grooming and training her four dogs. She starting writing her autobiography more than twenty years ago for personal therapy and found a new outlet. At the suggestion of a coworker, she began writing Destiny, her first attempt at fictional writing and the embarkation of a new career as an author.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Part I Destiny

Chapter 1

The Envelope

Chapter 2

Meeting Ryan

Chapter 3

Back To Reality

Chapter 4

The Joining

Chapter 5

Louis

Chapter 6

Truth to Consequences

Chapter 7

Ryan’s Oil

Part II Destiny Continued

Chapter 1

Confronting Dana

Chapter 2

The Invitation

Chapter 3

The Girl’s Shopping Trip

Chapter 4

The Guys Shopping Trip

Chapter 5

Rachel Gets The Urge

Chapter 6

Board Review

Chapter 7

Rachel and Ryan’s Walk

Chapter 8

Captain Dunn

Chapter 9

Wednesday Evening

Chapter 10

Lisa’s Story

Chapter 11

Close Encounters

Chapter 12

The Investigation

Chapter 13

Romeo’s Truths

Chapter 14

The Pier

Chapter 15

The Storm

Chapter 16

The Slumber Party

Chapter 17

The Sting

Chapter 18

Party Preparations

Chapter 19

Final Touches

Chapter 20

Dana’s House

Chapter 21

Meeting Dana

Chapter 22

Dinner

Chapter 23

The Proposal and Confrontation

Chapter 24

Ryan’s Home Friday Night

Chapter 25

Dana’s Confession

Chapter 26

Ryan’s Sleep Over

Part III Destiny Found

Chapter 1

Saturday Morning Glow

Chapter 2

Breakfast

Chapter 3

Clean up

Chapter 4

The Lawyer

Chapter 5

Back to Oakland

Chapter 6

Going home

Chapter 7

Sunday The day after Louis’ death

Chapter 8

Home again

Chapter 9

Ryan Returns

Chapter 10

Monday Madness

Part I

Destiny

Chapter 1

The Envelope

H e was not the type to carefully consider his options. His promiscuity well known by his friends, what little he had of them. Just above average height, he had dark brown hair with just enough curl and length to make it fun to play with but still very masculine. He possessed a body that never lost its bronze coloring and showed discipline in that area alone. Plus a face that people stared at as his deep brown velvet eyes made their brief contact before moving on. He was used to being mistaken as homosexual and was approached by males as often if not more than females. Over the years he had learned to accept it as a compliment and was very cordial when correcting their assumptions. In fact he had several close friends who were very open and would party with them on occasion.

Although he was beautiful by any standard he was not cocky which made him even more attractive. It was rare that he would come across a woman that had enough confidence to risk approaching him first. So when the nervous waitress at the coffee shop made eye contact with him for the first time since she started work there over a month ago he was surprised at the sultry depth of her eyes in her tan face. He saw that the name tag read simply Rachel. She quickly looked away as she handed him his receipt and a small envelop. She rushed on to her other customers as the morning crowd started to file in. He looked at the message written hastily on the outside of the envelope which said Do not open till Midnight. The back of the envelope was closed with a wax seal baring the initials R.C. He left a $3.00 tip, twice the amount his order had cost, and glanced her way on his way out. He was surprised to be slightly intrigued by the exchange. He had gone in to have his morning coffee and peruse the morning’s paper as he did every day. Little did he know his life would never be the same.

His legal name was Richard M. Jones but his friends called him Romeo because of his playboy antics. He was an only child and heir to a fortune he would never be able to spend in his life time. Try as he might. He often felt guilty for having so much when he was surrounded by people who were one paycheck short of being homeless. Of course he did not have to ever live in such an environment but it was the only place he felt alive. After all the years in strict and stuffy boarding schools and visits to his widowed mother’s cold and unforgiving home during breaks it was just the release his soul needed.

Here he was just another pretty face and that’s what he preferred. He told most of his friends he was a semi successful producer for foreign films. He did not want to lie to them but had found out in the past that the truth made him an instant outsider. At least this explained his leisurely life style and obscurity. Only Ryan knew the truth. His parent’s home was nestled in an exclusive area of San Francisco but he rented a pent house closer to the Pier. He could have paid for it out right or bought the whole building but paying month to month made him feel more normal. This is where all the action was for him. He was a vagabond at heart.

He walked the short distance back to his place and greeted the doorman Louis as he did every weekend. Louis was an elderly black man with skin the color of caramel who worked Saturdays and Sundays to subsidize his moderate pension check from the Government. Romeo noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes as they normally did when he tipped his hat and held the door open for him. He felt a slight tightness in his abdomen and a chill down his spine despite the warmness of the morning, as Louis said Good day to you Mr. Jones and allowed him passage into the foyer.

He had not felt that uncomfortable since the last confrontation with his mother on his 18th birthday. He was born on December 31st, 1987 and had been planning his escape for months if not years. He found out about the vacant penthouse through the grapevine and immediately set out to have it. He offered to pay six months cash in advance if the owner would overlook his age. They assumed he was into something illegal until he proved who his parents were. The owner agreed to let him have it but not until he turned 18. He moved in on the 1st of January.

Romeo shook the cold feeling off, checked his mail and took the elevator up to the 8th floor. He let himself in to the large open space he had made his own over the last six months he had lived there. It was exactly how he wanted it and without his mother’s cold touches that spoke of the ultra-wealthy. Here he indulged in all the fantasies he had held in check since he was a young boy. He did not have a happy childhood after his father died and never felt wanted by his mother. She had tried at first but just was not equipped to mother such an affectionate child. Hugs and kisses were not allowed because he would somehow mess her clothes or make up. He did not remember ever seeing his mother undone. Even at his father’s funeral she would not allow tears to ruin her carefully applied makeup or the tears and runny nose of an eight year old mar her perfect appearance. He started boarding school the soon after that. Now ten years later he had achieved more happiness and acceptance than he ever thought possible but something was still missing.

He took another glance at the envelope he still held in his hands and felt his middle tighten once again. The phone rang jarring him from his trance like state. He dropped the envelope on the dining room table along with his keys and wallet and ran to catch the phone. He refused to get an answering machine. He felt they were rude and cold. The select few people who had his home number were those he wanted and looked forward to talking to. Plus he had his cell phone for when he was away and wanted to be reached. He answered with a breathless Romeo here. The silence crept through the phone line. He was about to repeat his greeting when a soft female voice that was barely audible said Beware the bewitching hour. In the silence that followed the hair on his neck and arms prickled and stood on end. Just as he was about to demand who was calling the line was disconnected. The dial tone was more unnerving than the previous silence. He slowly looked back to the table where he had left the envelope. It was no longer there! He checked the area around the table and floor. His pockets were empty and it was nowhere in sight. He walked down to the bathroom knowing he had not been in there since his return home but it was the only other room. He glanced around and not seeing anything went to the sink to splash his face with cold water. He was frantic. What the hell is going on? he thought. The face looking back at him in the mirror was his old self. The person he had tried so hard to forget and leave behind. This was his new life and he was not going to let anyone or thing stop him from being happy this time.

He got the bottle of Valium from the medicine cabinet and poured two into his shaking palm, put the bottle back and walked to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door he grabbed a beer, popped it open and drank down the pills. He had to get control of himself. He was 18 years old and had everything he wanted. An adult, not some scared little boy anymore. Someone was just playing a practical joke on him that’s all. He decided to lay down on his couch for a little while and let the mindless chatter on the T.V. take over his thoughts. Soon he was dozing.

The smell was what he noticed first. The smell of the ocean was sweet with salt. He could feel the sun bathing his body in warmth and the sand between his toes as he walked along the shore. He felt like he had been there before and walked this path many times before. The sun was starting to set, turning the sky a multitude of colors ranging from bright oranges to deep purple and blues. He was walking toward a small beach house that was not familiar but just what he would have wanted if he had one. As he was about to pass it he saw a silhouette of a woman behind the screen door wave to him.

He could not make out the face clearly but she obviously knew him. He started back toward the house and was about to climb the stairs when this incessant ringing started in his head. Startled out of his sleep he got up to answer the phone and tripped over his shoes in the darkness. He must have set the timer on the T.V. to shut it off. He waited for his eyes to adjust and made his way to the phone.

He remembered the last phone call he received and was apprehensive about hearing that voice again. He finally answered on the 6th ring and secretly wished the caller would just hang up. His voice caught as he said Hello. He let out breath he did not realize he was holding when his good friend Ryan asked Dude! What’s the game plan for the night? Romeo replied, Man this has been the freakiest day ever! What happened? You sound kind of weird. I’m not even sure but I’ll fill you in at the club tonight. What time are you going to be there? Ryan asked. Romeo looked at the time on his cable box since it was the only one in the place with the correct time. All the other clocks were 15 minutes fast or slow on purpose to motivate him depending on the situation. The digital display read 7:45 p.m. in the color of blood red. He quickly calculated the time it would take to shower, dress and walk the few blocks to their hang out spot. I’ll be there by nine. Ryan said Cool and hung up. He was always there for him.

Chapter 2

Meeting Ryan

R omeo had known Ryan since the third grade. He had not had his summer growth spurt and was one of the smaller boys in his class. That combined with his pretty boy looks made him an easy target for bullies. The girls all loved him for his quietness and the mystery that surrounded him. He kept to himself for the most part and because of that some considered him a snob. It was well know that he came from money.

On the Friday afternoon they met, Romeo was being picked on by the regular bullies in the boys bathroom. Ryan was a year ahead of him in school and age, popular and well liked. He knew many of their classmates through his family’s catering business. Although he rarely got into trouble he was well respected because everyone knew that if anything was said or done it would get back to his parents and Ryan’s family was the most used catering service in the area. His mother had turned down jobs offers before based on the reputation some of the problem children had. It was considered a great honor to have your affair catered by them.

When Ryan entered the bath room the two smaller boys were trying to wrestle Romeo into one of the stalls with the intention of giving him a swirly. This consisted of pushing the victim’s unwilling head into the toilet bowl while it was flushed. The head of this motley crew, Leon was urging them on and threatened to do the same to them. By weight alone he was one of biggest kids in the class by at least forty pounds but was smart enough to have subordinates do his dirty work. He was a true professional thug in the making.

They did not even notice that Ryan had entered until he casually said What’s up guys? Although smaller than Leon, the two boys holding Romeo were still more intimidated by him and released their hold enough for Romeo to break loose. Trying not to look like a rescued pup, he made his way over next to Ryan. He did not even know who his savior was but felt he had finally made a friend. Not much was said as the mini gang made their way out with some mumbling under their breaths and side glances.

Romeo was straightening out his rumpled clothing and trying to recover from his embarrassment. Thanks. No problem, those guys have always been jerks. Yeah I guess. You’re Richard right? Romeo nodded as he splashed some cold water on his face. My name is Ryan. I live up the street from you. Romeo dried his hands and face then shook the hand that was offered in friend ship. The final bell rang and the noise quickly escalated with the sounds of their classmates being freed for the weekend. Cool. Thanks again. Romeo picked up his back pack and opened the door to leave. Ryan followed him out. Mind if I walk with you? Glad for the company after the trying afternoon and more than a little relived at not giving the bullies another shot at him on the way home he let him catch up. Just about everyone they saw in the hallway and out onto the street called out to Ryan. See ya Monday! Or just Bye Ryan! Never rude or conceited he made an effort to respond to each salutation.

Not long after that the crowd thinned out. Most of the students were from modest to middle class income homes. Ryan and Romeo were in the small percentage of high income to filthy rich families living in the San Francisco area. After a short period they fell into a comfortable walking pace. Ryan broke the silence by asking Why do you walk to school? Don’t you have a driver? I’m in no hurry to get there. Not giving Ryan a chance to ask why he turned the question around. What about you? You live on the hill too. I don’t mind. My mom doesn’t want to spoil us so she tries to keep me and my sister grounded by making us get around the way regular folk do. He smiled and used his fingers to make the quotation mark signs. Besides, they’re probably busy getting ready for whatever event is happening this weekend, and it gives me more time to hang out before I have to help out there. Oh. Romeo replied.

Romeo was quietly wondering what it was like to be in a family that actually did things together. His home life was getting more unbearable by the day. His dad was O.K. when his mother wasn’t around but it was rare that that ever happened. He usually stayed in his room and dreamed of the day he turned 18 and could be on his own and away from them both. He was in the middle of thinking of his next fantasy when Ryan broke into his thoughts. I live over there. He pointed to a large but understated home down to the left. Romeo looked in that direction and noticed there was a big delivery van at the top of the driveway with the back opened and someone was putting in large trays of food. They both stopped walking and there was a short awkward pause. Romeo broke it by saying Oh, O.K. Well thanks again for helping me out at school. It was nothing, I’m sure you’d do the same. Romeo was less sure but hopeful. He responded Yeah, well see ya around. He turned to continue up the hill. Ryan called out Hey are you doing anything later? Nothing special. Why? It should be pretty quiet around here in a couple more hours if you want to come down and play some video games or something. I’ll see if I can. If not maybe we can walk to school together on Monday? Great! I’ll meet you here at 7:00 on Monday if I don’t see you later! Cool!

Romeo could not remember the last time he had a smile on his face walking home. Boy did it feel good to have someone he could call a friend. Over the next few years the friendship flourished in to what it was today with many more situations that would have been a strain on most relationship instead solidified theirs.

Chapter 3

Back To Reality

R omeo looked around the room he had loved less than twelve hours ago and felt very lonely but not alone. He turned on the main light and the sudden brightness made him close his eyes for a second while they readjusted. He went to his closet and reviewed his choices of attire for the evening. This was usually the highlight of his ritual. It was like being an actor. He could put on any disguise he wanted and people would only see what he wanted them to and nothing more. Tonight nothing called to him. He decided to take a shower in hopes that the hot water would relax him and put him in a better frame of mind.

The hot water felt great as it pounded out the tension in neck and back. He enjoyed taking hot showers. Feeling hands move over his body it did not matter if they belonged to him or someone else. The desire to be touched and held was deep seated in him. He had craved it for most of his life and by God he deserved it!

Feeling more like his old care free self he stepped out of the steamy shower and watched the small bathroom fill with what looked like fog rolling in off the bay. He could barely see his feet and hands through the dense mist. He reached for his towel and felt a breeze on his back. As he wrapped the towel around his waist he swore he smelt the ocean and could hear the waves crashing. He got light headed, swayed and would have passed out had he not sat on the edge of the tub just in time. He put his head between his knees and took slow deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He remembered learning that long ago somewhere.

After several minutes he was able to stand. The fan and heat lamp had cleared the room enough see and he walked out and over to his closet. His mood set, he decided on his black Diesel pants and black silk Gucci short sleeve shirt. He never looked bad in black or anything else for that matter. After returning to the bathroom to brush his teeth and make the finishing touches on his hair, he stepped back to get a good look at himself in the full length mirror on the back of the door. Satisfied, he glanced at the cable box and checked the time. It was 8:45 and time to head out if he did not want to break a sweat rushing. He grabbed his wallet, keys and cell phone off the table and out of the corner of his eye saw the red crest of the envelope sticking out from under the morning paper. Determined to follow through with whatever destiny had in line for him, he folded it in half and stuck it in his pocket. At least when he opened it he would be around friends and probably have a pretty good buzz by that time and not care what it held. The joke would be on them.

He pushed the call button for the elevator and took the envelope out of his pocket. He was drawn to the seal on the back. It had cracked where he had folded it but still held the envelope closed. He wondered why it looked vaguely familiar. Finally the elevator came and he took it down to the 1St floor. He saw that Louis was still on duty out front and hoped the old doorman would not want to make conversation as he often did. He took his cell phone out and held it to his ear as if he was busy in conversation. As he passed Louis on the way out Romeo was hesitant to make eye contact and but heard him say Be careful tonight Sir, that’s a blood moon rising. He ignored him and picked up the pace of his step.

True to his word he walked through the doors of the local dance club at 9:00 pm. He asked the bouncer if Ryan had arrived yet and he told him he had not. He slipped him a fifty dollar bill guarantying their entrance. He immediately walked over to the bar and ordered a shot of Patron’. His wealth gave him celebrity status and his generosity granted him and whoever was with him access to any club in the bay area. He had downed it before the bartender could give him back his change and ordered another waving his change away. He told the bartender to keep them coming and handed him his credit card to start a tab. He put the envelope on top of bar face down so no one would see the ominous message on the front. As he was finishing the third one he felt a tap on his shoulder and he barely contained the scream building in his throat. He jumped and spun around nearly dropping the shot glass. He startled Ryan who had jumped at his reaction also.

Shit! Don’t do that! Romeo said loudly. Looking rather amused Ryan said What’s got you so worked up? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something. His hands shaking Romeo picked up the envelope and handed to Ryan without a word. Ryan turned the envelope and noted the message and seal. What’s this? I don’t know. Romeo said then continued, This waitress at the coffee shop gave it to me as I was leaving and weird things have been happening to me ever since! Did you put her up to this? Ryan gave him the envelope back and replied I don’t know anything about it. Are you going to open it? All Romeo could say was I think I have to.

He quickly gave Ryan a run down on what had happened to him starting with the eyes that he could have drowned in belonging to the waitress named Rachel. He told him about the comment from Louis when he got home, the phone call and the disappearance of the envelope and was starting on the dream and the woman at the beach house when Ryan interrupted him asking Man! What are you on? I have never seen you this messed up. Romeo took another shot and looking Ryan straight in the eye said, I’m not on anything! I took a couple of Valium and I’m on my fourth shot but I did not make all this up! I know this is something I have to finish and all I’m asking of you, my friend is to have a little faith in me and see me though this without thinking I’m crazy! He did not realize his voice had risen enough to where he was drawing attention to himself and the bartender gave him a warning look that said he was close to being cut off.

He took Ryan by the arm and led him toward the back near the restrooms. At least the volume of the music was lower there and he could speak normally and not be overheard. Ryan’s eyes showed his concern and that touched Romeo’s vulnerable side. He could not afford to lose his closet friend. He was the only person he had shared some of his secrets with. Of course this was always under a cloud of misc. drugs and Ryan never remembered in the morning so it was safe. So he understood why Ryan would have assumed that he was on something. He needed him to believe and stand by him on this mission. That’s what it was. A mission. He checked the time on his watch which was fifteen minutes fast and saw that he had a little under two