Suki Dominguez

Suki Dominguez-Stompel Age 23

Job: Draftsman, architect career

Marital Status: Married to Hayden Stompel (currently unemployed) age 29


Suki came home and she couldnt believe what she walked in to. Normally any woman would be happy to see that their husband bought brand new furniture. This was not the case with Suki. Suki had now been Married to Hayden going on three years. In the beginning of their relationship everything was not perfect but livable. Now she looks back and realizes how she was wrong in believing Hayden would improve. She had now lived three years with a man who has held numerous odd jobs without even maintaining one. When she met Hayden he was working in an office and then from one day to the next he was unemployed. Suki tried to pick up his spirits but Hayden fell into a state of depression. Suki tried not to push but with his severance package from work spent and her draftsman salary they were not making it. Suki tried to maintain a tight budget but that was impossible with Hayden who spent like he did when he was employed. Now here was Suki sitting on her brand new furniture which she didnt know how Hayden had paid for since they were almost broke.

"Hey baby. I thought I heard you come in. Do you like your surprise?"
"Hayden. I do like the furniture. More importantly how did you pay for it. Were broke."
"Suki, were fine. I have a new job lead. Besides we need something new for the house."
"Hayden we cant afford it. How did you pay for it?"
"With our account why?"
"HAYDEN??!! That was the money set aside for our rent. What were you thinking. "
Suki walked to their room and shut the door. Hayden looked at the closed door and didnt know why she reacted that way.

* * * *

Hayden's job lead didnt pan out. Contrary to what Suki thought he really tried to find a job. It was hard being let go of a company where he had invested blood, sweat and tears in. Hayden tried jobs here and there but he used to be the executive director. Now he was starting from the bottom again. He just couldnt see himself starting from the bottom. Now that his severance package was gone he needed to execute the plan. He thought that buying the furniture might cheer Suki up. In the end it just made things worse. He and Suki were not connecting like they once were. Like so many couples their main arguments were about money. The other day he heard her talking to Atani on the phone. He didnt want to believe that Suki was telling her family about their situation. there was nothing worse than having your in-laws stare at you and look at you like a loser. He needed to do something. He felt like he was losing Suki and he didnt like that feeling. He heard Suki coming home so he ran into their spare room to avoid her angry glare.

"Hayden have you been home all day?"

"yes. Why?"

"Hayden. What happened to your job lead?"

"It didnt pan out. Are you OK?"

"Im not. Hayden im getting tired of this. We are broke do you hear me? Are you hearing me? Seriously Hayden you buy things like we are earning the big dollars. Were not! I dont think that you are listening to me."

Suki walked out the room with tears in her eyes. She didnt want to face the fact that her husband was not going to change. She had invested three years of her life and now she felt that she needed out. She didnt feel like Hayden was ready now or ever to face their true financial situation.

Hayden followed Suki out and decided it was time that they talked. Hayden let his fears out about his job situation while Suki let her true feelings be known.

"Hayden I think we need to see a counselor because I am not really seeing us together in the future."

"What do you mean? Suki my feelings for you have not changed."

"but they have for me. I need to feel secure. You live in this world where money is always flowing. Welcome to reality. Its not! We are broke. I am going to have to borrow money from my parents to pay our rent. When did we get like this? I have never ever needed to borrow money before I got married to you."

"so im to blame? Suki your telling your whole family instead of it just being between us."

"and I have to because im about to explode! Look if you want counseling im willing if not then its over you decide."

* * * * *

Months later they were in the same boat. As much as Suki arranged and rearranged the sessions Hayden was always a no show. Suki was tired of it that she decided to make the last stand. She had decided to end her relationship with Hayden. This was a decision that she ponder for several months. She was tired of having to make her relationship work. This was too much work and she as over it. She called her old college friend Toby Brueing who was now a top lawyer at his firm. Toby hesitated but in the end he agreed. Suki didnt want a scandalous divorce. She wanted something low key but most of all quick. She was ready for Hayden to be out of her life.

When Hayden got home he saw Toby and asked Suki what was going on.

"Its over Hayden. It was time for this marriage to dissolve. im tired of you and the lies that you tell me over and over. Toby here has the paperwork for our divorce. I need you to come over here and sign."

"You have got to be kidding me. You want me to sign when we have not discussed it. Suki you have gone mad. this is enough. Im sorry Toby but we need some pirvacy. Its not over and tell me that I need to sign here."

Toby realized that he needed to leave them alone, "Suki I thought you had talked to him about this. Im sorry Hayden apparently I was fooled. Suki I expect a phone call tomorrow."

Suki and Hayden waited until the next day so that they could talk calmly. They began talking and before they knew it they were yelling at each other non stop. Suki told Hayden that she didnt love him any more and wanted out.

"You want out? Fuck it Suki.. you got it. You got your precious freedom. Nice of you to kick a man when he's down." With out allowing her to respond he walked out of their apartment and her life.

In the next following weeks Suki would come home and find out more and more of Hayden's things had been moved out. Suki didnt react any way since all she wanted to get rid of this whole mess.

She invited her parents over not only to break the news to them but also to get some company. Oddly the apartment felt big and empty without Hayden. Was she making the right choice? She knew that she could not continue at the pace she was going.

Her mother was shocked to hear that Suki and Hayden were getting a divorce. As always Austin was the first to react. He got up and hugged Suki and she let her tears stroll down her cheek. Her mother sat there thinking what had gone wrong in Suki's marriage to lead to divorce. Austin hugged his daughter and let her weep. He told her that everything was going to be OK.

* * * *

Finally the dreaded day was here. Suki sat down with Toby and did small talk. Toby was no longer upset at Suki. Suki looked at Toby and recalled the moment he had asked her out. She couldnt believe that this guy that had a crush on her was actually the one that was finalizing her divorce. As always Hayden was running late. She was beginning to think he was not going to show when they heard a knock on the door.

"I thought you werent coming" said Suki.

"Trust me if anything I can do is sign to give you your freedom. where do I sign Toby?"

Toby noticed the alchohol on Hayden's breath but choose to ignore it. These past few weeks he had the opportunity to know Hayden's history and it wasnt pretty. He was glad that he was able to end this for Suki. Hayden signed the divorce papers slid them to Suki got up and said, "good luck in your life" and walked out. Toby looked at Suki and said, " Im sorry. I cant believe he reacted that way."

* * * *

Suki thought that being divorced it would ease her mind. Now instead she kept thinking about being a divocee at 25 years old. Her life did not turn out like she thought it would.

Atani came over often to keep her company. Suki appreciated that her family came over to make sure she was OK. Atani encourage her sister to go out and socialize. Maybe a change of scenary was due in her life.

* * * * *

Toby had called Suki to inquire how she had been doing. He worked out the courage and asked her out for a friendly dinner. She was going to say no but it had been 4 months since her divorce and needed to get out. She was glad that Toby invited her and she tried to keep the conversation light.

They danced and Suki managed to relax a little bit. Maybe Suki had too much to drink because Toby started to look real good. Toby loved being there with her. Through out college he wanted to pursue her but she was into her studies more than she was into dating. Now here they were as if destiny had maybe given them another opportunity. Toby didnt want to take advantage so he took Suki home and then he went to his own house.

Suki had settled in and almost wished Toby didnt go home. She heard a knock on her door and she ran to open it.. she opened it with a big smile only to see her ex-husband standing in her doorway.

"late night huh?"

"what do you want Hayden?"

"Just because were divorced doesnt mean we cant be civil. I wanted to tell you that I miss you and want you back."

"Its not happening. You need to go home."

She slammed the door. Maybe it was too soon to go out with Toby. Seeing Hayden on her doorstep made her realize that her wounds from her previous relationship were too fresh. She will call Toby and let him know that she needed space.

Toby did return to Suki's house but to leave a dozen roses. He didnt know how Suki felt but he felt on top of the world.

Not only did Suki receive flowers from Toby but Hayden also came by TWICE to leave her flowers. Hayden was going to do everything to get Suki back.

Atani Dominguez--Chapter 3

Atani Dominguez, Age 23
Job: Flamenco Master
Marital Status: Currently dating Alec Rainer 26

Atani has been dating Alec Rainer whom she met at her apartment building for about two years now. The past two years have been wonderful for the both of them. Healed was the broken heart that Atani had when she met Alec. Alec himself had grown in many ways since he met Atani. At first it was strange dating and living in the same apartment building but they managed. Alec decided to ask Atani to have a celebration party for their two year anniversary. Atani loved that her boyfriend enjoyed being part of her family. She loved how well her family responded to Alec inviting him to every single function that was planned. If she dared to go alone right away everyone would ask where Alec was at.
At the dinner Alec made the announcement of his anniversary gift to Atani. He informed her family that he was taking her away to the far East. He knew how much Atani loved the far East so he thought to himself there would be no better place for them to celebrate their anniversary.
Atani was so shocked that her sister Suki had to tell her to react to the news. Everyone was happy to see that Atani and Alec were together and that finally they were both happy.

Alec check in after he inspected the room that he checked out online. He needed for this anniversary to go smoothly. He still remembered their failed first anniversary celebration. The new restaraunt he took Atani too was horrible. He felt so bad that he knew he had to make it up on this trip.

After they settled in and got their hot stone massages, Alec went to find Atani by the lake enjoying the view.
"are you having fun?"
"Oh yes. Alec this is such a wonderful surprise. I am so shocked that you managed to plan this without me knowing."
" You babe, I can do things on my own."

Alec softly pulled Atani up from the bench and held her in his arms.
"I love you and im happy that we get to come together to the place that you love."
"I am happy too. I love this place Alec. Its so peaceful and calm. I can sit here for hours and stare at the quietness of the lake."
"I know. Your much calmer here than at home. I love seeing you like this. Can you imagine us here together forever?"
"If we could afford it? Yes I can. I love it here."
"One day. One day we will but for now. Atani I love you and I can not see myself with no one that is not you. I miss you so much even though we live in the same apartment building. I have been trying to plan this but I cant wait. Atani, I wanted to ask you to marry me?"
"Oh Alec. I will marry you. I have always dreamed of being with someone like you. I cant wait for our lives to be joined as one."
Atani had never been happier. She was now engaged and could not believe that it happened in her favorite vacation place.

"I wanted to propose something to you?"
"What Alec?"
"How about we get married here?"
"Sure why not. I love this place and im sure my family would love to come here."
"I meant lets get married on this vacation"
"What? and have my family miss out on my wedding? Honey come on."
"Baby this is your favorite place and honestly the wedding is for US. I love your family and your mom and dad didnt mind the idea."
"You told my parents? They were OK with it?"
"Yes. All they want is a big party when we get home. Come on Atani. Its our day."
"OK fine. You better not be lying to me Alec."

It was a perfect day for a wedding. Atani looked at Alec placing the ring on her finger. Funny she thought that a ring could mean so much. For them it meant trust, love, friendship and respect for one another. It meant that their lives would be joined for this life and beyond.
Alec's hands were trembling. "How is it that this ring seems so small that I could drop it at any minute" he thought. He longed for this day forever and here it was. Atani and he were now joined as husband and wife.

Alec thought that Atani could not give sweeter kisses than she already did but he was wrong. This was a kiss of a wife to her husband. He squeezed her tight and never wanted to let her go.

"Were married! I still cant believe my parents or family were not here. But your right baby. This is our day and our night. Lets go and enjoy the rest of our vacation"
"I agree. Lets go."

* * * *

A week later, Suki arrived at Atani's apartment in desperate need to talk to someone. She had a note written but was surprised to hear noise coming from with in. To her surprise her sister Atani and her new husband Alec were back from their Vacation/honeymoon.

"Im so happy that your back. When did you guys get in?"

"We got in last night right Atani? We were going to call but it was so late. The flight got delayed before we could catch the flight back to Viramontes."

"Im so happy that you guys are back. I really missed you Atani...and you too Alec"

"Suki? What are you doing?"

"Im calling the family. Alec now that your back its time for us to celebrate that finally you are part of our family"

"OK well Ill get the food at the store while you call the family over."

"Thats what im talking about Alec"

Atani and Alec felt so blessed to have such a large family. They all came over with gifts and well wishes for the newlyweds. Atani was happy that her husband didnt mind that her family came over with short notice. This is what made her love him even more.

Atani was busy cleaning up and noticed that her husband was no where to be found. She saw Suki and went to ask her if she had seen Alec. Atani felt bad because right when she approached Suki she noticed that she was arguing heavily with Hayden.

Was this the reason why Suki came over to look for her today? She knew that something was wrong because she knew her twin well. She excuse herself and headed outside to where Hayden saw Alec disappear to. She was about to go out there when her mom, Estelle cut her off.

"Honey Alec and your dad are talking. Give them a minute."

"Oh OK."

"Alec I could not be happier for the two of you. I must admit that I have never seen Atani so happy as she is today. We welcome you with open arms and hope that you feel that you are part of the Dominguez family as Atani is part of yours".

"Thank you so much. I do feel part of the family and I thank you so much for coming over today."

Alec liked his father-in-law but sometimes so much sentiment made him feel nervous. Instead he thanked his father-in-law and rushed inside to help Atani with the cleaning.

* * * *

A year later they were getting ready to purchase their new home. Alec got tired of the noisy and nosy neighbors. They had managed to save enough for a down payment and they found this lovely house. Atani at first could not even imagine living in a place painted as this house was. Alec saw her disapproval of the exterior paint that he stepped in , "think of the potential. We can do a lot with this place. We can even start a family when were ready"

"Your right.if you promise to paint the exterior first then you have a deal."

"Deal" Alec looked at his wife and was happy that they purchased their first home.

Here is the house after Alec, Austin and Miguel spent a whole day painting and laying floor tile on the exterior porch. Atani loved her new house and she couldnt be happier.

They had their first of many house parties to come. Atani loved seeing her niece Dominica play with her mom Laci. There were times when she wanted to start a family but being 24 she decided to wait a while before they actually had a baby.

Alec was sitting down eating his meal when Hayden (Suki's husband) just plopped himself down. Alec could smell the liquor on his breath. He just hoped that his brother-in-law would keep his food down.

"Alec...Alec so you married into the family huh? Well get ready bro because before you know it they will be here all the time. Especially if she has a temper like her twin, my wife Suki, then WATCH OUT. That girl has a temper and she is so fucking annoying".

"Hayden. Watch your mouth. There are kids around. Look if you dont like your marriage or you have problems please lets talk about it another day."

"No, I cant stand being married. Every day is the same thing. We argue about money. She doesnt understand that I look for a job and then they let me go. What am I supposed to do? Dont you agree?"

"Hayden. I told you we can talk about this another day. Not now. Not while the family is here."

Without giving him another chance to respond, Alec got up and left. He couldnt believe that Hayden would disrespect his sister-in-law like he did that night.

Meanwhile Atani and Suki were enjoying the new pool.

"Atani, are you happy?"

"Yes. Why Suki? I have been meaning to ask you. Are you OK? Everytime I see you well dont get offended but you seem angry. Almost like your upset at something or is it someone?"

"Atani, things are not always what they seem. I just hope that things are better for you than they are for Hayden and myself. He is not the man that I thought I would spend the rest of my life with."

"Suki...what are you saying?"

"Im reaching the end of my rope Atani. I really am. You see him.. hes over there drinking like there is no tomorrow. I better get him out of here before he make a big mess."

Once the party was over Alec and Atani sat down for a nice glass of milk before they went to bed. As if they were reading each others mind Alec asked Atani,

"Is your sister Suki OK with Hayden?"

"Why do you ask Alec?"

"He was saying some things that were rude at the dinner table. He needs to learn to hold his liquor. I hope Suki is OK."

"I do too Alec. I hope she is OK as well."

Austin Miguel II--Chapter 3

Austin Miguel II, Legacy heir. Job:Master Architect, Age 25


Austin sat looking at his computer thinking about his career and how he could make his promotion happen. It had been two years that he had graduated college and began his job. He was now a Master Architect which was noting to frown up but he wanted more. In other aspects of his job he was doing fine. He was currently still dating his co-worker Jordan Bachman but his feelings towards her had begun to fizzle.

Jordan Bachman had also risen up the corporate ladder much like him. She was pretty, intelligent and knew what she wanted in life. What she did know was that she wanted to marry Miguel and she wanted to do it badly. Miguel sometimes felt bad because he really didnt correspond the way a man "in love" should. Perhaps ever since his college sweetheart Kea left him he would never love again. Either way he started to think that maybe it was time for him to settle with Jordan. She gave him everything he needed except keeping him interested.

Jordan managed to come over often to his place for dinner. Finally Miguel had told her that they should maybe see other people. For Jordan this was not going to happen. He doesnt remember how or when but next thing he knew they were still together. Miguel had enough of being faithful to someone he didnt love nor wanted to understand that he needed out. As much as he tried he began to see other women on the side. Miguel didnt know if Jordan knew he was seeing other women or plain just didnt care. She would still come over but she never gave up on them being an item.
"Jordan. You have to understand. Look were collegues and I know that you and I have to see each other at work. Honestly its over dont you think?"
"No I dont. I think that you are scared of commitment. We have been dating for almost two years and your scared im going to force you to marry me. Don't worry I wont. I know were meant to be. I have been with you since you had the fall out with your ex-. I know that we can make this work."
No matter how Miguel tried he choose to give up rather than to keep repeating the same thing over and over again.
* * * *

He went out with several girls but one that caught his eyes was Jill Smith. He met Jill by accident. He had gone out with his sister Asia and there was Jill. Jill so happen to know Asia from the neighborhood. One thing led to another and they began to see each other regularly. Finally Miguel began to feel as though he could fall for this girl. She was not pushy nor was she always asking if he needed something. Jill was a good girl and he planned on dating her more. Who knows maybe she could be the one!

They loved to do various things including Karaoke. For Miguel this was the most embarrassing thing yet he loved that Jill made him do it. These were the types of things that he liked her for. At the end of this date he questioned Jill if she wanted to become exclusive. To his surprise she said no. She just wanted to continue dating and didnt want to feel or make anyone feel tied down. Miguel was fine with that and they continued to talk to each other once in a while.
* * * *

With the holidays approaching Jordan became more insistent that they get back together. Miguel wanted to avoid her but unfortuantely for him they were assigned to a project. He didnt want to do it but he had to focus on his career. The day Jordan came ove Miguel happened to get a call from another girl he had dated briefly, her name was Shelby Downie. Shelby had called to see if he wanted to go bowling but with Jordan there he had to refuse.

The phone call seem to set Jordan off. She began arguing with him and trying to get more of a commitment from him. He finally had to put a stop to all of this. It was almost christmas break and he did not want to spend the next two weeks arguing with Jordan.
"You know what I had enough Jordan. I dont know how to make you understand that were done. I know that we have to work together and make this project work. Look I rather give up my chances of promotion than to be with you."
"No you dont have to do that. I will pull myself off this project. Miguel what happened to you? If you think im going to stand here and let you disrespect me by talking to these girls then your wrong."
"Whoa wait a minute. Disrespect you how? I have done nothing but be nice to you but im done. This is over! Get out of my house."

"Miguel you do not throw me out of your house. This shit is over for me. I have wasted my last two years trying to get you to realize that im a good woman and your a good man. I am done trying to convince you that we should be together. For all I care you can rot in hell. I am done with your sorry ass. "
"Good now after break either you get off this damn project or I will!"
"Fine. Like I said dont call me because were through!"
"FIne by me Jordan."
Jordan left slamming Miguel's door. She slammed it so hard that it slightly reopened.

He was sitting there fuming at what Jordan had said and done. She thought she wasted two years? What about him? He was sitting there fuming when he heard a light knock on the door. "great" he thought to himself, "shes back for more."
"Jordan come in if you think that your apology will change anything...." His words were caught in his throat..

"Hi, im sorry Miguel is this a bad time?"
Miguel swore that he was dreaming. He didnt know how to react..was this a result of some hallulcination?
"Miguel. Im sorry maybe your too upset to talk to me"
"Kea?"
"Ya."

Miguel got up and just rushed to her hugged her and after several minutes he let her go. He regretted what he did because it had been three years since he had seen her. For all he knew she could be married with kids.
"What brings you here? Wow I cant believe your here."
"I still cant believe that you live in the same place. I for sure thought that I would have to search for you. How are you? Are you married now? Is that who Jordan is?"
"What married? No. How about you? Are you married now?"
"No. Miguel. . . I dont know how to tell you this."
"just tell me."
"I made a mistake. I dont want to waste another minute with out you. I want to be with you but I understand if im too late."
"What made you change or realize that you made a mistake"
"The emptiness inside. I need you."

"I know this is crazy Miguel but I cant loose you. Your my first love and I want to be with you forever. I know this may be akward but I want you to marry me."
"Whoa.. whats wrong?"
"Just say you'll marry me. Do you still love me. I dont care about our past. I dont care about who you have been with. Miguel I only care that you be with me today and always."
Miguel didnt know what to think. Here was his love of his life resurrected from his past and here in his present. He knew that no woman would fill him like she did. With out even thinking he answered,
"yes I will marry you."

They spent the rest of the night just hugging and kissing. They wanted to catch up on old times. neither mentioned their past relationships or loves. They talked about her career and his. Soon it was dawn and it was time for her to go back to her apartment. Miguel questioned if she meant to proposal and she said yes. For the first time in a long time Miguel knew this would be a great holiday season.
* * * * *

They dated each other for several weeks when Miguel finally introduced her to his family. It was more her decision to wait to meet his parents. He felt so wierd saying, "Mom this is Kea McMillan and she is going to be your new daughter-in-law"
"What? Oh my your getting married Miguel? Wow this is sudden. I just...wait are you the Kea from college?"
"yes ma'am I am. Its been a while but im back and were getting ready to get married."
"well. this is a nice surprise." said Estelle. Estelle looked back at her son and then at Kea. She honestly couldnt tell who was beaming more...her son or her futher daughter-in-law. She was happy that Miguel was getting married to the girl that owned his heart.

Austin was happy to hear that his son, the legacy heir was finally getting ready to settle down. Austin was a little concerned when he heard that Miguel began dating all around town. Now that Kea was here he saw a difference in Miguel. His son looked mature and ready for the married life. He was proud that his son was getting ready to began his life.
* * * *

Before they knew it, the wedding day was soon upon them. After months of planning Miguel and Kea would be formally married. Kea came to visit Miguel the day before the wedding.
"Baby what is it? Are you getting prewedding jitters?" asked Miguel.
"No. Miguel, this has been a fast engagement and wedding. I just want to make sure your ready."
"Kea dont do this. Are you try to back out on our wedding?"
"What? NO. Miguel I love you so much it would only be death that separates me from you. I just want to make sure that this is what you want."
"Of course it is. Baby I love you so much. I have been waiting for you forever. Now its almost midnight and its bad luck to see you on your wedding day. Come on. Ill call you a taxi and get ready baby because our wedding is tomorrow!"
* * * *

They were married at last. Miguel held his wife in his arms and could not believe that they were finally married. Who would have thought that almost four years ago he would be here marrying the love of his life. It all happened so fast. After all it had only been six months since Kea proposed. Now they were here getting married in front of everyone. He had never been so happy.

They exchanged their vows in front of Miguel's whole family. He looked at them and his father waved and smiled. Both his parents were so proud of him and he knew it. Here he was finally a married man.
* * * * *

A couple of months after their wedding Kea discovered that she was expecting. She also discovered a piece of Miguel's past. When Miguel came home he was surprised to see that on his couch were Jordan and a man he never saw before. Ever since they broke up Jordan had quit and went to a competing archtectual firm. He didnt know what her agenda was so he was careful. To his amazement she had been there to congradulate him on his latest building and to offer him a position at her brand new firm. Jordan had parted ways with her employer and was now seeking a people to join her firm. She left him with a contractual agreement and said she hoped to hear from him. She also managed to wish him well on his new marriage and their forthcoming baby.

When they left Kea couldnt help but suspect that there was something else there. Something told her that Miguel and this Jordan person either liked Miguel or worse they dated. She didnt want to tell him what to do but inside she hoped he would say no to the offer.
"Are you going to take the offer Miguel?"
"Its defintely a bonus than where im working at now. But with a baby on the way I have to think about it."

Later that afternoon Asia came by to look for Miguel who had left to visit his dad. Kea feeling sick decided to stay behind. Something made her confide in her sister-in-law. She told Asia how she felt insecure of Miguel working with Jordan. Asia couldnt believe her ears she knew that Jordan and Miguel had dated but didnt think that he would accept the offer. Asia told Kea that she was sure that Miguel loved her unconditionally. She quelled Kea's fears and vowed that she would talk to Miguel and make sure that he didnt make the wrong choice.