Love or Vengeance

Somewhere in New York ( Manhattan ) , a building stood tall with its captivating allure, it looked down on another building beside it. The well manicured garden and beautiful streams oozed luxury . The house was busy as loud music played while the maids busied themselves . Alejandra , then , just a child of seven years , kept grinning from ear to ear as her brothers teased and made fun of her . She didn't mind because it was her big day , a day when she got all the love in the world from both small and great. “ Aunt is here !” Her brother Carlos yelled happily as their aunt , Sarah, stepped in elegantly with a wide grin . Sarah was someone who never forgot to bring her all sorts of gifts whenever it was her birthday. Alejandra fixed her blue eyes on the box so greedily that the entire crowd watching her bursted into laughter . She ran to her aunt and gave her a heart warming hug which Sarah responded by lifting her up as she twirled her around in the air . Making Alejandra giggle sweetly . “ Happy seventh birthday my beautiful niece “ she whispered to her ear . Alejandra hugged her “ thank you aunty “ she whispered as Sarah carried her down , paving way for her brothers to continue teasing her . She had two brothers , Carlos , the eldest and the one who often teased her. George , the second and the bookworm of the family , all he cares about is to help Alejandra with her assignments which Carlos would never do . Her brothers were top notch handsome boys and she has pictured them as popular men in the future. Carlos black hair was always a mess but it didn't decrease the quality of his hair and his exquisite beauty . George also had dark hair , always in good condition but he always covered his black angelic eyes with spectacles making him look bookish. Alejandra would always paint them and everytime she painted nonsense , Carlos would tease her while George would shake his head in pity and leave. But Maverick, he always visited them and was the closest friend to her brother ,Carlos not minding the age gap between them . Maverick would always smile and say that her paintings were priceless and beautiful which would immediately put a smile on her face . “ Carlos you are just jealous that you don't have my hair “ Alejandra said fiercely trying to push off Carlos as he was smacking on her well -groomed hair and was now irritating her . Carlos didn't stop, instead he pushed her down, making the adult at the table to laugh so hard . “ Okay , that is enough guys , let's cut the cake “ her mother, Ariana lane said as she pulled Carlos off Alejandra who was still huffing with anger . The entire family gathered with Alejandra at the center of attention. She stood in front of the cake, her cheeks flushed. This was the seventh time she felt so special. Whenever it was her birthday, the entire family would be here , from the paternal down to the maternal family . “ Someone should make a toast to Alejandra , I have been doing it for the past six years “ Augustus Torres , Alejandra’s dad said . His words earned laughter from various people on the table . “ I will do it “ a silk and little voice rang out . Everyone looked around to see who it was , Maverick's petite figure pushed passed the crowd , Alejandra’s extended family wasn't little so it was not a new thing that he would be lost amidst the crowd . “ I said I will make a toast, “ Maverick said again , his gaze landing on Augustus . Torres’ eyes were wide with shock , it was just a mere joke , he wasn't expecting anyone to take it seriously and especially not his son's 12 year old friend . Gazes kept flying as they all stared at maverick who looked determined with his well sculptured face in perfect view. “ Sure son, why not ?” Their paternal grandma said with a smile … “ Mom…” Torres butted in but was immediately interrupted by his mother . “ I would love to hear what he would say,” she said, her hands high in the air . “ Go on son “ she added as she nodded towards maverick. Maverick smiled and looked towards Alejandra who was beaming with smiles . Everyone's gaze was now fixed on Maverick , they all wanted to see what the young lad would say . Some were whispering that it might be the usual teasing they usually indulged in . “ Happy birthday to my amazing friend , Alejandra. I hope your day is as awesome as you are ! Being seven years old is so cool and when I was your age , I got to play more , eat more cake and have more adventures , although I ended up being flogged “ he said the first line and everyone bursted into laughter . It wasn't what was expected, they thought it would be lame but it was getting interesting . Maverick smiled and continued, “ I am so lucky to have you as a friend , you always make me smile with your paints and I would love to see the world through your curious eyes . I'm wishing you many more fulfilling years ahead and that is why I say : cheers to you on your new age !” He said finally his voice loud and clear Everyone said cheers and Alejandra cut through the cake , gaining a loud applause. grandma smiled as she held his hand , “ you would make a wonderful guide “ Maverick gave a little smile and immediately went off to stay with Carlos' cousins . Alejandra felt the night was so perfect with the touch of peace and serenity. The night was the best, maybe because Maverick toasted her or because the entire teasing was replaced with gifts from various people. It was more of the latter than the former Suddenly the lights went off as everyone gasped, “ why did the lights go off ?” Her mother asked while switching the lights on and off . The next minute , a body dropped in front of the door. Her aunt Sarah went closer to the door as she turned on her phone's torch light. The tension in the room was palpable as no one knew why the lights went off while every other building out there had their light still on. it was obvious , someone or something dangerous had done it . Alejandra’s face was pale from fright as she felt a warm hand slip into hers , “ mom ? What is that? She asked , her voice trembling. “ Nothing that could hurt you “ she said , her voice exuding confidence as she pressed her petite hands . Alejandra felt suddenly reassured by her mom as she smiled even in the dark room , “ have faith in darkness “ she whispered to herself . Sarah approached the body as she turned it around , its face was scratched so deeply that it looked disfigured , when she looked closely , she noticed that his neck had been sliced, making blood spout so fast. Sarah screamed as she dropped her phone in fright . Like someone has been waiting for her to make such a reaction, her throat was slit as well as she fell weightlessly to the ground. Screams erupted as the entire family went into a frenzy . Ariana immediately carried Alejandra , and made for the room, “ maverick , where is Carlos ?” She asked , as soon as her eyes fell on the young disoriented boy …….