Jealousy of a Lifetime

Untitled Episode

“Mama are we really in New York? People smell bad here.” Isabella tells her mother as they step off the plane

She starts laughing at what her daughter just said, as they step out of the plane breathing New York air.  She forgot what it was it like. It has been 5 years to the date she left pregnant and didn’t look back. Nothing much had change except for her. She was a just a young girl when she left but she returns as a woman, a mother. Memories of her past came flooding in like avalanche in her brain. She stops herself. She is not here for long or to reminisce. She doesn’t live here anymore. That was another lifetime for her. New York didn’t even feel like home to her anymore like it used to.

She came to New York solely for her sister; whom she couldn’t wait to see and embrace after so long. To be clear it wasn’t that long since she last seen her sister in person. It was about 6 months or so, but it felt like years to them. Last time Tatiana saw her sister was over Christmas. Mila came to Croatia to their little island to give her the big news of her engagement and to introduce Tatiana to her wonderful fiancé, Robert Tate. Mila would brag about him to Tati nonstop, she was so smitten with him. She fell for him hard at first sight.

While Tatiana roamed JFK airport with her daughter in hand looking for the gate, she starts to think of her life she had in NY before she left.

 Tatiana Franko immigrated to United States after her mother’s sudden death. She was goody two shoes for most of her life. Even with tragedy she had to endure at young age she always excelled in school. She was saving her virginity for her wedding night, as promised to her mother. She broke that promise. As she turned 18 years old all plans, she had for her own future had changed.

She never expected to be 18 years old when she had one night stand with none other but her best friend’s Gia Noel’s older brother Simon.

At that time Simon Noel was 20 years old at the time in college studying business in college. Simon was also dating a girl name Vienna Yang.

This one certain night Vienna was absent from the party for some reason. Tatiana didn’t know why.  Tatiana didn’t care whether Vienna was there or not. She actually and for selfish reasons liked having Simon’s attention all to herself.

When Vienna was around, Simon seemed to mostly ignore Tatiana, though not purposely he was just tired of hearing Vienna’s mouth complaining why are Gia’s friends always around him. One person she couldn’t stand seeing around Simon…Tatiana. Vienna was extremely jealous of Tatiana, so much that it was eating her up inside every time she would see Tatiana at O’Neil’s household.

The night that Tatiana conceived was the one and only time Tatiana slept with Simon whether he was drunk or sober wasn’t an issue then, but boy was he was totally drunk to say the least. Sure, enough it wasn’t first time for him, since he was the most popular guy in their local high school and college, girls literally threw themselves at him whenever they saw him out. Guys hated him and wanted to be him, and girls wanted to be with him. For those girls to have the title of Simon’s girlfriend was like being the First Lady. Such an honor in their minds. That was one title Tatiana always dreamed of having one day herself and seeing envy in girls’ eyes and she walks around with him. A girl can let herself dream.

FYI, that night was Tatiana’s first and only time she had ever had s*x with anyone in her life, yet it happened to be with the guy she always secretly wanted, so when she got the chance, she went for it, I mean why the hell not? Like they said better to say, “oh well’ than “what if?’ Her wildest dream came true, and she didn’t want to regret not going for it later.

For once in her life, she was stepping out of her comfort zone and being little rebellious. For years she desperately wanted him to notice her as a girl not just his sister’s best friend. Why would she want to miss it and kick herself for it later? She didn’t even think of consequences. She knew who and what she wanted, but then again remember she was a young horny inexperienced girl. She was unaware the repercussions of that night until weeks later.

After noticing she missed her period and started puking in the mornings which when it first started happening, she would dismiss it as stomach bug, though she had a feeling it was more than that, so she went straight to gynecologist and found out she was expecting. She was shocked and scared to say the least.

 I guess Tatiana wasn’t paying attention in s*x Ed class how important protection is. HAHA.

Poor girl was scared out of her mind when she found out she was pregnant. So many decisions hanging over her head now. What does she do? Does she stay or does she go? Who does she turn to?

She decided not to move forward with telling Simon. She weighted her pros and cons. She wasn’t trying to punish him. She acted out of fear for future of her baby. She went into Mama Bear mode the minute she found out she was expecting.

While she didn’t want Simon to feel guilty. She wasn’t trying ruin his life somehow, and she didn’t want to hear him deny the baby. She didn’t want to look stupid. She also didn’t want him to feel obligated to marry her, or on another hand God forbid Vienna wanted to do something to her or the baby.

Tatiana knew she absolutely couldn’t deal with all that drama especially in the state she was in. She needed to put herself on backburner and think of Baby’s safety. She jumped into protective Mama Bear mode from the moment she found out she was expecting and wanted to protect her future baby from it. So, she made a difficult decision to run and live back in her country on her island and raise her baby there.

Of course, she understood she would ultimately get judged for any decisions she made. Someone will have problem with it down the line.

She knew very well that her actions messed everything up.  Ultimately it led her to make some difficult decisions. But one thing she knew to be a fact was that her baby wasn’t a mistake in her mind, and she never wanted it to feel like that or unloved. She didn’t care what she had to do to give her baby a better life away from any dangers that may have occur. She knew she was being selfish taking her away from her father, but unknown future scared her and in panic mode which forced her to go to one place where she would be safe and so would her baby.

The decision she made was what she thought was best for her and her baby after so much thinking.

She accepted the fact at last that she would most likely never be the girl for Simon no matter how much she wanted him. She always knew they would be so good together. She knew she could make him truly happy unlike Vienna. Their relationship was so toxic. He never gave her any indication that he wanted to be with her. He would always go for someone else, and she wasn’t going to allow her baby to feel the hurt she felt after all these years wanting Simon or to come second to anybody even her own father. She didn’t even tell her best friend Gia.

 When she left, Tatiana didn’t even say goodbye to anyone except for her siblings. Her sister Mila and brother Sean knew exactly why and where she left to. They didn’t want her to leave but they understood her reasons and supported her regardless. They didn’t judge her for it and kept her secret all these years. Every year they would take a trip abroad to visit Tatiana and her daughter Isabella during summer months, sometimes even for holidays. They even flew to Croatia secretly for the birth, which was around Christmas, December 23rd to be exact. They adored their niece Isabella, and they spoiled her rotten with gifts and their undivided attention and trips since she was born.

 5 years later

Mila was getting married to the love of her life Robert Tate. There was no doubt in her mind she wanted her sister and niece to be present and part of her special day and all the activities leading up to the big day. Knowing all the circumstances she begged Tatiana to come to U.S.A with her daughter Isabella to be her maid of honor & flower girl. Mila’s fiancé Robert agreed with her entirely and wanted nothing more than to make her happy for their wedding day and for the rest of their lives. They were soulmates. Mila never thought she would meet a man that would not only put up with her but put her in her place and challenge her when it calls for.

 Robert Tate was picture of a perfect and patient man who adored Mila. He cherished her like she was the Queen of the world, but he was also not afraid to tell her when she was wrong and if it was any other person Mila wouldn’t like that one bit, but she let Robert slide. Robert sweetened Mila up more than anyone has had in the past. Mila and Robert were having a Fairy Tale Wedding that nobody will forget, and they knew it wouldn’t be right if her sister and niece were not in attendance or part of the wedding.

At the JFK Airport

As Tatiana & Isabella stepped out of the plane & headed rushing to the gate to retrieve their luggage with her daughter holding her hand, coincidentally bumped into last person Tatiana expected to see again so soon…… the only and only…. SIMON NOEL

Holy Crap.

Same guy that broke her heart.

Just her luck.

 That one person she is been dreading to see for 5 years, she runs into at most random place.

 She kept thinking to herself silently, “Ohhhh crapola, what is this man doing here now, oh God please no, I definitely don’t need this right now. I only want to see my sister. Calm down Tati, there are lot of people walking around this airport maybe he won’t notice you, you could be safe just stroll in opposite direction pretend you don’t see him, act like a tourist. You seem safe so far he is talking on his phone he is distracted you may pass him by without him glancing twice”. She kept praying hard to herself, “Please God just this once hear my prayer. I promise you God I will go to church often just don’t let him see us”

 He was now a grown man, and even better looking than the boy he was when she left 5 years ago.

She thought to herself, God must be feeling super hilarious today because they came into each other’s full view. They couldn’t miss each other or pretend they didn’t see each other at all.

Simon picked up his head from his phone, looked up, and instantly his eyes opened wide, he froze in place. He felt like a statue. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing in front of him, the one and only, the girl that got away… TATIANA FRANKO.

 He thought “wow it’s been years since I have seen her, but I never forgot my sweet girl. She looks so gorgeous she is now a woman who plumped up in all the right places. She looks amazing. Why did I never notice or given her a chance before. I always saw her as my sister’s annoying best friend. She must be gym fanatic now though she is super fit. Gosh I have missed seeing this girl.” If you say Simon was shocked that would be understatement. He literally froze. He felt like there was ice all around him and he couldn’t move. He kept thinking, “what is she doing here now. He never knew or understood why she had left so abruptly in the first place.

 What happened to her to make her leave without a goodbye to him or anyone, it always made him wonder.

Why she never said goodbye?

Why didn’t anyone tell him she was coming back?

 Today of all days.

Universe must be loving it by playing this game with him!

Take her away then bring her back at worst time.

Universe get it together.

He locked eyes with her. He looks at her intensely burning his eyes a hole into her.

He kept shifting his gaze from Tatiana to the little girl that was with her.

 Tatiana stood still as well. Didn’t know which way to go or what to do next. She couldn’t look away she was staring at him but couldn’t help herself. She felt like an iceberg.

Seeing Simon after 5 years still gave her crazy butterflies in her tummy. She was a nervous wreck. She wished she could move her body and run up to him, give him biggest hug.

She still felt like a chicken even years later.

 He started smiling so hard and blushing ear to ear.

He got himself together before approaching Tatiana and little girl that was with her.

 She kept thinking how she can bolt to the nearest cab but knowing her sister is coming to get her, she knew very well she had no other choice but to stand in place.

 She couldn’t go hide anywhere she was in plain sight of him.

He kept wondering who is that little girl? Is that her daughter? Why didn’t he know she had a daughter if that is her little girl? Gia would have mentioned it to him about that. She must not have known either. Why does the girl look so familiar though?

All these thoughts popping into his head as he is walking towards them.

 Simon nervously approaches Tatiana and her daughter.

He thought to himself- “damn she is married with a kid, I lost her forever, she moved on”, he felt jealousy running through his veins while his face was turning red, he felt it he didn’t even need to look in the mirror.

 Simon- Tati??? Tatiana Franko???  Is that really you??? Are my eyes deceiving me? Wow!!! It’s been ages! So good to see you again. Wow you are looking gorgeous, womanly! You are blonde now, I almost didn’t recognize you, even though I would know you anywhere.  What are you doing here? You know I honestly had no clue you even left NY, or even the country until Gia mentioned something not that long ago that you lived somewhere in Europe now and are successful writer. I admit I used to wonder why you haven’t been coming around anymore but didn’t know you left. Growing up you were always at our house with Gia, Sonia, Juliette, and Mila. Then one day you just stopped coming around and we never saw you again. I would ask Gia, but she would ignore me anytime I bring up your name. It was like she was mad at you. But more important question I have for you is, who is this little cutie with you? Are you married, what is going on? Did her father come too? What’s going on with you?

 His questions were like a knife in her heart. She was so nervous he would recognize his daughter but forced herself to act natural, so he doesn’t notice how nervous he still made her.

 Tatiana- Hi Simon Noel!!! I know right, long time no see, stranger. How the hell are you??? To answer your questions this is Isabella my beautiful daughter. She is 4 and half years old. But unfortunately, her father is not in the picture now mostly due on his part, although we have been more than fine without him. I never did get married. I just never met anyone as special as her father. Her father was the love of my life in high school & it didn’t work out, but I am forever thankful to him because he gave me the greatest gift I could ever possibly ever ask for. My mini me!!! How about you? How’s Vienna doing, if I remember that’s who you were dating when I left? Did you get married to her? Any kids? What are you doing here though? Flying somewhere??

Simon- Me flying??? I think you better!!!! We have a lot of catching up to seems like and FYI, V and I broke up I believe shortly after you disappeared or left, I think. She thought somehow in her crazy mind that you and I had a thing going on behind her back. Yes, I know right laughable?  She kind of overheard something I was telling my mom, took it out of context, got jealous over it and instead of talking to me about it, or at least letting me explain what I meant by what I said to my mom, she decided to just be spiteful. Her true colors showed up at last. So, she went out and she cheated on me. With one my close friend, nonetheless. I think you remember him as Big Nose Sonny as we used to call him. I did not want to deal with drama you know me, so I just let her go and I moved on. Speaking of moving on, I am here now waiting for my new girlfriend Molly coming back from Paris. We been dating almost two years. She travels a lot though. She is an international Victoria Secret model. But wait a minute back to you, I don’t remember you dating anyone in High School? Who was he? Did I know him?

 As Simon is asking Tatijana million questions about her and her life, his new girlfriend Molly comes into the view.

 As they are talking, they hear loud pitch voice behind them calling his name in most annoying way possible, like a screetching sound of a nail on a chalkboard. Tatijana’s heart drops to the floor.

Molly notices them talking and heads straight for Simon, get in the middle and begins to shower him with biggest kisses and hugs. She was tall and blonde model material probably no brains Tatijana thought to herself.

 Tatijana laughs to herself.

 Molly: Hey Baby? I missed you sooo much! Give me some sugar Babe!! (Gives him long passionate kiss in front of Tatijana) Who do we have here? Hi I am Molly, Simon’s girlfriend. How are you doing? Wait,how do you two know each other?

 Simon thought to himself what he wanted to say was that she was the first love of his life, the girl he always wanted, but she doesn’t know. He never had the chance to tell her.

 Molly extended her hand to Tatijana politely.

 Simon: This is Gia’s best friend Tatijana and her daughter Isabella; I actually haven’t seen Tatijana in almost 5 years. We used to go to school together. She was like my little sister until she disappeared.

 Isabella- Mommy, I am very hungry. Are we going to Teta House soon?

Tatijana- We are at JFK airport honey, waiting for your Teta Mila to pick us up. And you just ate remember on the plane.

Isabella- But Mommy, that food was yuck.

 Simon is still confused about the little girl being Tatijana’s daughter, he shrugs it off for now and figures he will talk to Tatijana next time he sees her or just ask Gia about it.

Molly: Oh. Wow she resembles you so much Simon, that’s so weird. That’s so crazy to me how much this little girl looks like she can be your twin. On another not I didn’t know Gia even had best friend name Tatijana though, she never mentioned her to me. I only know of Sonia and Mila and Juliette.

Tatijana -Her biological dad had similar features to Simon. Pure coincidence, I didn’t even notice until you said something about it. Also, Mila is my sister FYI. 

Molly: Thank you God Almighty! For a split second, I thought to myself” oh boy this is going to be one messy situation.”

Simon: I thought that to myself too. It’s crazy how much she looks like me but me being her father would be impossible unless Tati stole my sperm and basted herself or she drugged me and r***d me. 

(Tatijana nervously laughed thinking to herself. He is so oblivious. How could he not know? Who the hell did he think he was having s*x with 5 years ago after his family BBQ, oh wait she knew because he clearly said before falling asleep “go away Vienna I never want to see you again”? Tatijana then ran away from the room crying that night. He didn’t even remember he had s*x with his younger sister best friend who was crushing on him hard all through high school.

She always told her daughter the story of her daddy being a prince in faraway land that got lost looking for them and is too stubborn to ask for directions. Isabella laughs every time Tatijana tells her that story.

 Tatijana- You always had wild imagination Sim!

Simon- Isabella, so can Uncle Simon have a hug?

Isabella- I am sorry Mommy taught me not to give hugs to strangers.

Simon- Smart girl.

Molly: Babe are you ready to go? We have a lot of catching up to do. I have missed you immensely. How is our boy?

 Simon didn’t seem to to want to go yet he was too busy catching up with Tatijana, but Molly looked bored and inpatient, and he kept wishing Molly wasn’t present, but to avoid Molly bugging him more he decided to give in and leave when she said so.

 Tatijana- Wait, you guys have a child together??? Wow! Congratulations!!!

Simon: No, he is not ours. Sammy is Vienna’s & my son. He sure does takes to more and adores Molly like his stepmother, and she simply adores him. They have the cutest relationship. She is more of a mother figure to him then Vienna will ever be.

Molly- We are waiting to get married to have our own, whenever Simon decides to propose.

Tatijana: Awww, that’s great to hear!!! How are things with Vienna? I am happy for you. One big happy family. 

Mila- Hi Tat I am soooooo sorry I was running late to pick you guys up, but you know damn NY traffic!I keep telling Robert we need to move to Florida after the wedding I am over it.  (She stops shorts and looks around) Hi Molly. Hi Simon. (Gives them all kiss on the cheek) Oh boy, I see you all met. What a coincidence? What a place to meet?

Isabella- Teta, hello, am I invisible? you don’t see me down here? I know I am small but still Teta…

Mila- Oh My precious girl!!! How I missed your smart mouth. (Gives Isabella big hug while spinning her around) Can’t wait to have you here for an entire month for my wedding. I am going to spoil you rotten baby girl.

Isabella- You already do with Teta with all your love and gifts.

Simon- Does Gia know that you are back Tat? You should see her while you are here. She missed you so would my parents and my sisters. You should really stop by and say hello to them. They would be ecstatic to see you and meet your daughter.

Tatiana- Say hello to her and your parents and sisters, and please tell them I will see them all soon.

Simon- Don’t forget to stop by the house you know our house has always been your house. You practically lived there during our childhood.

Tatiana- I will soon. I promise. A lot of memories in that house.

Molly: (Stopped rolling her eyes) We can’t wait to celebrate with you Mila, your wedding is coming up so soon. So nice to meet you, Tatiana. Ready Simon! I am exhausted and starving. Let’s go.

Simon- Alright, let’s get going. Nice running into you again Tatiana, and pleasure meeting you, Isabella. Bye guys.

 Mila rolls her eyes to Tatiana. 

Simon and Molly say their goodbyes and head toward the exit. 

 Mila- Oh man that was awkward meeting them here to say the least. Your past caught up to you at the airport.

Tatiana- You think?? I was sweating like a pig entire time, praying he doesn’t notice me, but he did and walked over. Why didn’t you tell me everything that’s been happening around here Mila?? Vienna and Simon had a child and then broke up. When was all this happening?

Mila- Yes because Vienna is one crazy psycho & w*****g herself around. Simon has the child most of the time while V parties and changes boyfriends like panties. I didn’t think it was relevant to you. I didn’t think you cared anymore. You never really asked about him, so I figured, it is best not to bring it up to you. I will tell you all about it as time goes on now that you are here if you want. Omg I just realized, I am sure it won’t be long until GSJ finds out you are here and race over to see you and bombard you with questions. Prepare yourself to be on stand with all their questions. I didn’t tell them anything about your career or Isabella.

Tatiana- He seemed happy and at ease with Molly. I hope I am right.

Mila- They are ok. He would be much happier with you! That’s where he belongs in my opinion. Are you ever planning on telling him?

(Points to Isabella)

Tatiana- I don’t know even know how would I even bring that up at this point like 5 years later? I wouldn’t want to rock any boats especially since he seems so content with Molly.

Mila- He has right to know. Better late than never.

Tatiana- I know he does have the right to know, but I don’t want him to take her away from me, she is my baby. I would die if I lost her. I don’t know how he will react to the news. What if he sues me for custody and we must battle it out in court?

Mila- I think you are overthinking it; I honestly doubt he would go that far. He always adored you he is just so stupid makes me want to hit him over the head most of the time. Did you see how red he was talking to you? That’s the affect you still have on him.

Tatiana- No way. He turned red because of Molly not me. He was shocked to run into me. I just remembered something. I have a bone to pick with you missy though??? You invited him to the wedding??? Without mentioning it to me. Molly too? Is she your new best friend or something? What did you want big reunion and a scandal at your wedding when they all saw Bella????

Mila- Now you are being dramatic. Jealous much? No way!! Initially, I invited whole Noel Family and then Simon responded that he will be bringing Molly as his plus one! 

Tatijana- (rolls her eyes) Why haven’t you told me any of that?? And I thought I was the one with secrets.

 Mila rolls her eyes back at her sister. She missed the sisters bugging each other and teasing back and forth.

They drove to to Mila’s enormous house that she shares with her fiancé Robert who is a multimillionaire. Tatijana and Isabella were impressed and in awe when they saw the house and got the tour.