Lazily, Benjamin open the store door and let Kate walk in. "I have a strong feeling that your sister is still in bed from hangover?" Benjamin yawn and nod. "She had too little too much last night. Marshall and I had to drive to the club and pick her up."

Kate chuckle. "I think you're lying. Why are you so tired then? Did you joined her last night?" Kate raise both eyebrows, waiting for his answer. Kate shake her head when Benjamin give her a sheepish smile. "What can I say, our party animal sister really get into our head."

Again Benjamin yawn. "You know what to do. I'll be behind the counter today until Cathleen's up." Kate nod and proceed to do her part. She was cleaning up the alcohol aisle when she heard a loud yawn behind her. It's Marshall.

"As you were." He said when Kate turn to him. Kate chuckle and wipe the dust off the bottles and rearranging it.

It's lunch time when Kate grab a sandwich, a bottle of orange juice and when to the counter. Benjamin look at her and wave her off. "On the house." Kate thank him and went to the back room for her meal.

She was having her last bite when the door barge open and Cathleen were looking at her and the surrounding back and forth. "Are you done?" Kate nod. "Good. Follow me." Kate wipe her mouth with some tissue and follow Cathleen to her car.

"Where are we going?" Kate ask when she's inside the car. "I need your help." Cathleen said before start to drive. "Help? What kind of help?" Kate ask again. "You look like someone who knows a lot about dress and shit. So we're going shopping."

Kate turn to the windows and chuckle. "It's so funny huh? Yea. My big mouth friends set me up with a guy I don't even know. They said if I don't go, they will embarrass me for years and years to come. Like it or not, I have to. If only they know I'm gay."

Cathleen realised what she had said and turn to Kate. "I usually don't blurt it out like this. Only when I'm mad." Kate didn't say anything. "What? You have a problem with the LGBT people? Grow up!" Kate chuckle. "I don't mind. I'm open minded. My parents. They both woman."

Cathleen's face turn red. "I'm sorry. I should be more polite." Cathleen park her car near the mall and ask Kate to follow her. "Before that. Lose the apron." Kate look down and untied the store's apron. "Come on. Guide me. I need help."

Kate look around and point at a decent looking store. "Come on." Kate walk first and guide her boss into the store. There's a lot of variety but only one will fit. Kate look through every dress that's in store and finally she founds it. "Simple yet elegant." Kate show the dress to Cathleen.

The dress covers her shoulders almost fully and flows down into a stylish draped neckline. It's a tight fit which emphasizes her breasts in an elegant and dignified manner.

Her arms are completely uncovered. A good choice too, as her skin and the color of the dress form a perfect combination. Kate gave the dress to Cathleen so she can try it on. After few minutes, Cathleen walk out giving Kate a thumbs up.

"This will go perfect with platform heels." Kate noticed how she tilted her head, confuse.

"You don't know what's a platform heels?" Cathleen shake her head. "Never mind. I'll show you later." Kate smile and went to the counter to pay for the dress. Cathleen gave the girl her cash and went out. Kate nudge her boss's side and went to a shoe store.

"This is a platforms heels."

Kate waved for the salesgirls. "What's your size?" Kate ask. "6." Kate turn to the salesgirls. "Can I have this in size 6." The girl smile and went to a room where they kept the remaining stock. "You do wear heels right?" Cathleen nod.

"Platforms just like high heels. It's just more.. taller." Kate smile. Minutes later the salesgirls came back with their shoes. "Try it on." Kate gave the heels to Cathleen to try it on. Cathleen can't believe she's actually wearing something so.. feminine.

"It's so tall!" Cathleen complaining. "Come on. Do you want to be embarrass?" Cathleen sigh and try to walk. Kate clap her hands excitedly. It's been a while she's having fun like this. Usually her mother would be her shopping companion.

Kate would choose everything while Natalia will try it on. They have a special bond. That's why it's hard for them to be separated. "See. It's perfect." Kate turn to the salesgirls.

"We'll take that one." The girl smile and help Cathleen took off the heels. They both went to the counter and pay for it. They were both outside the store when Cathleen suggest to grab something to eat.

"I used to love coming here." Cathleen said after they both seated. The waitress greeted them and place two menus in front of them. "I know what I want. The midnight special. For both of us." Kate was about to order but it seems Cathleen already did.

"You have to try the midnight special." Kate nod. "What do you mean by used to love coming here?" Kate ask. "I used to come here with my ex. That's all." The waitress came back with two glasses of orange juice.

"Do you have any siblings?" Cathleen ask while Kate took a sip of her orange juice. Kate nod and place her glass down. "I have a older brother."

"He's a handful?"

Kate shake her head. "He's not. But he's over protective of me sometimes."

Cathleen chuckle. "So boys can't date you without asking his permission?"

Kate chuckle. "You can say that." Kate said and remove her elbow from the table for the waitress. "The midnight special." She place two plates of burger and fried chicken in front of them. "This is for you. From the gentleman in the white dress shirt."

Kate look at the paper and smile. The waitress smile back and continue to do her job. "Looks like you have admirers." Cathleen joke. Kate smile and start to eat her meal.

***

"This is it?!" Vanessa, Jacob's girlfriend said to her boyfriend. Jacob put his handbrake up and nod. "This is it. This is where Kate live. See how worried I am." Vanessa look around the people who has been looking inside their tinted windows for the last minute.

"Isn't that my rust bucket? She's asking for it because she wanted to use it?! I myself never even drive it this far. It's a good thing it didn't broke." Vanessa shake her head. Jacob turn off his engine. "Let's meet her." Vanessa nod and got out of the car.

"Wow..."

Series of whistling and picture taking from teens and adult, man and woman as if they never seen anyone so perfect created by God before. But when Jacob got out, everyone was afraid because of his tattoo filling body and how mean looking he was.

Nevertheless, he's a jaw dropper. He made his ways to his girlfriend and enter the building where Kate lives in. "Um excuse me. I never seen you here before." When Vanessa notice Jacob being rude, she smile.

"We're here to see Kate Christ. She's our friend." The landlady smile at Vanessa. "Usually at this hour shes working at the local grocery store. Just down by the road. Royale Grocery."

"She's working in a grocery store?" Jacob ask. Vanessa squeeze Jacob's hands.

"Thank you. We'll meet her there." The landlady nod and Vanessa excuse themselves. As they were walking back to the front door, Jacob seems to be awfully quiet. "What's in your mind?" Vanessa ask.

"My sister working in a grocery store. She's living in luxurious all her life before moving here. She's living in this dumb. She's driving that bucket." Vanessa lean her head on her boyfriends shoulder.

"It's her choice. Don't be this way. Like it or not, she's wants to live like mom Jac did when she was growing up. She want some of her own adventure." Vanessa chuckle. Jacob smile. "You got that right." Vanessa stop walking and look up to a store sign. "This is it." Jacob look up and into the store.

He lead his girlfriend and went inside the store. "Welcome.." Jacob look at him and didn't say anything. Vanessa smile at him. "Is there anyone named Kate Christ?" The boy didn't say anything at first.

When they all heard a box fell down on the floor, they turn. "Kate?!" Jacob immediately went to his sister and help her. "Jacob? What are you doing here?!" Kate asked. Vanessa smile and wave at her. Kate wave back.

"We miss you."

"This is not a place for friends to meet." Cathleen suddenly said when she came out off the back room. Jacob was about to face her when Kate pull her back in. "She's my boss!" Kate whisper. Jacob sigh.

"We're not friends." Jacob said under his breath but Cathleen heard him. "Then what are you?!" Cathleen's eyes widen. "Don't tell me you.. oh Kate.. life was that hard for you, you have to borrow money from him?!" Vanessa suddenly laugh.

Everyone turn to her.

"I see you tonight." Jacob said and wrap his arm around Vanessa's shoulder. Kate misses her brother so much. But if they hug, everyone would know. Vanessa smile and Kate watch them went out. "Tell me the truth, who are they to you?" Cathleen ask.

"He's scary looking. He looks like a loan shark." Benjamin added.

Kate chuckle. Cathleen shake her head. "This is about your life and death, you find it's funny?" Kate shake her head and continue to do her job.

It was closing time when Kate said her goodbyes to the Royale siblings. She's walking towards her apartment building when she felt someone following her. She's turn around and was in shock when a figure suddenly hug her.

"KATE!" It was Vanessa.

Kate hug her back and pull away. She was waiting for her brother when he never came. "Jacob?" Vanessa smile. "He's waiting in front of your apartment building. I'm here because I need some tampon. It's that time of the month."

"Awww. Poor Jacob then." Kate joke. Vanessa hit her shoulder playfully. They arrive in front of the apartment building and notice Jacob was smoking. "If mommy know, you'll be dead." Kate said. Jacob throw the cigarette away and hug his little sister.

"I miss you princess. Mom and mommy too. They can't make it. They're both in Italy now." Kate pull away. "For work or..." Jacob chuckle. "You know how they can't even be separated for even a minute. Of course its for their honeymoon.. again... and again.."

Kate shake her head and invited them both to her apartment. "Hello..." Kate greet her landlady. The middle age woman smile. "She's nice?" Jacob ask when they all inside the lift. Kate nod. "She actually very nice."

The lift door opens and Kate lead the way. She was unlocking the door when her neighbour coming out of his apartment. "Great. More people." The old man said under his breath. Vanessa pull Jacob back hard.

"Don't make any problems for your sister!" Vanessa whisper. "Good to see you to Mr Charles." Kate chuckle and let her brother and girlfriend in. Jacob was surprise to see the apartment look even better than he imagine.

"This wasn't so bad Jacob. You said there's moss and stuff. I can't see anything." Vanessa said. Jacob smile and pat his sister head. "Good job sis." Kate smile. That hold a lot of meaning coming from her brother.

Kate went to the kitchen and prepare some refreshment. "Hey, you guys going back to LA after this?" Jacob and Vanessa look at each other. "We were hoping to stay here for a night or two. Jacob has business to do." Vanessa inform.

Kate nod. "You are welcome to stay here. You two can have the room if yah want. I can sleep here by the couch." Kate offer them a smile. "Oh no way. You can have the room. We'll sleeping outside. Tomorrow we're going furniture shopping." Vanessa wink.

"What's wrong with my furniture?" Kate ask.

Jacob laugh. "Sis, it looks like someone just vomit on it. The last tenant must be an alcoholic brat. Beside, you have no entertainment system whatsoever. And the room need some colours. It's so dull." Jacob finally said it.

Kate place the spoon she's using to stir the tea. "Jacoby Lucas Christ. Tell me the truth. Are you here for business or are you here to see how I'm doing and change everything that I own?" Jacob turn his focus from looking at his little sister.

Vanessa chuckle beside his boyfriend who's afraid of a 23 year old. "JACOB!" Jacob flinch. He clear his throat. "You can say that." He said under his breath. Kate grab the spoon and stir the tea again. "I can't believe you two."

Kate carried the tray to her brother and future sister in law.

***

"In here guys. Be careful! That's almost $20,000 dollars worth of couch." The guys eyes widen. Vanessa watch as the guys from LA volunteer coming to help them carried the new stuff to Kate's apartment. The landlady came out and ask what's happening.

"Ooo.. well take your time. You may use the service elevator. It's much bigger to carried all the stuff in." Vanessa thank her and slip a couple of hundred dollars in her hands. "Oh please miss. Kate has been a great tenant. I don't need this." Vanessa smile. "I insist. Beside, we have to throw the old stuff you own out."

The landlady tried to refuse but Vanessa will never let her refuse anything. The landlady finally giving in and thank the brown hair woman. Another truck pull in and the guys went to Vanessa. She told them what floor and room number so that they can finally bring it up.

Inside the apartment, Jacob and the others have been busy painting the walls and covering any parts or hole that need to be fix. They even change the toilet, sink and even a newer shower head. "Why dark blue, white and gold?" One of the guys ask their boss.

"It's Kate's favourite colour." Jacob said who's painting the ceiling. For someone who loves the art, he's quite a magnificent painter himself. He's recreating a Vincent Von Gogh painting, the Starry Night.

"Wow boss. If you're not in this kind of business, you may be a brilliant painter. That looks exactly like original." One of the guys said while painting the walls. Jacob chuckle. "My mother's loves the art. Mom taught me how to paint since I was 5 while Kate took ballerina class with mommy."

The guys chuckle when their boss still call his mother as mommy. "What's so funny?" Jacob ask. The guys shake their head and continue their job. The door was opened and a couple of guys carried a couple of couch in. "Please cover it up with newspaper. The paint still wet."

"Yes boss."They tried to finish everything by tonight so that Kate could see how remarkable it turn to be.

At the store, Benjamin ran inside the store out of breath. "KATE!" He yell. Kate walk out of the back room. "What's going on?" Benjamin lost his words when Kate walk out with her hair in a messy bun. "Wow.." Marshall hit his brother and he's back to reality.

"There's a lot of cars in front of your apartment building. They all mean looking. And the woman from yesterday giving out orders to them. And those guys didn't even tried to disobey her!" Kate shake her head.

"And this is my problem because..." Benjamin sigh.

"Aren't you afraid staying in an apartment with people who's giving out orders to bulky guys?!" Kate laugh. "No. I'm not afraid of anything. Don't worry Benjamin. If I ever have any problem, you'll be the first person to know." Kate smile and continue to do her job.

She wonder what those two had done to her apartment. If Benjamin ran here because of that, only God knows what they did. Kate sigh. Her little independent adventure just went from being a loner, to a whole lot of attention to herself.

"You!" Benjamin yell. Kate look up to see Vanessa. "Hey Kate.." Vanessa said in her bubbly tone. "Hello.." Vanessa look at Benjamin's name tag. "Benjamin.." Vanessa grab a basket and start shopping for grocery. From canned foods to vegetables and raw meat. From fish to chicken. Fruits and juices.

Kate watch her. She wonder what she's planning. "What are you planning?" Kate whisper beside the brown hair woman. "A little dinner to thank the boys. Beside you need some house warming party." Vanessa went to the alcohol section.

"Benjamin... can you help me please." Vanessa call him out. "Yes miss." Benjamin walk over to Vanessa. "3 box of beers please. Put it in my car." Benjamin nod and went to counter. Vanessa pay for everything.

"This way to my car." Benjamin went to grab 3 box of beers and followed Vanessa to her car. "Just put them in the drivers seat." Vanessa polite said and open the door. Benjamin didn't see it clearly until he place the box inside.

"Oh... my... god.. ITS A FUCKING FERRARI!" Benjamin cover his mouth with his hand. "I'm sorry miss. My language." Vanessa chuckle and went inside the car. "It's okay little boy." Vanessa thank him and get into the yellow sports car.

Benjamin watch her go. Kate notice how his demeanour change when he enters the store. "What happen to you?" She ask. "That woman.. she drove a Ferrari. A hot woman driving a Ferrari.. damn.. that tattoo guy is lucky man... too lucky.."

Kate shake her head. "She may be driving a sports car. But to get where she is now, she need a lot of will to live. The things she saw and endure. It's bad." Kate said without even thinking. "You do know her didn't you?" Benjamin ask.

"You can say she's a school friend. Not close. Just friends." Kate quickly said and return to her job. She nearly blew it with Benjamin.