"Compadre!"

I feel like my world stop spinning. That voice awaken me from my deep thoughts. A very familiar voice I've heard before. A voice that once whispered me with sweet words full of passion and love but replaced with anger and hatred. " No! It can't be." I told myself as I feel my cold sweat run down my spine as I ready myself to face the owner of the voice.

A man in Armani suit meet my eyes. He's smiling with his well-aligned white teeth, neatly combed hair and 100% confidence. He's about my father's age and this is the first time I saw him.

"Compadre! I didn't know you're back. It's been a long time." I heard my Dad as they hugged each other. They seemed long time friends which I don't know exactly. I mean I know my father's circle of friends personally and in business since I am dealing with them in the past years since I took over but this man is unknown to me. And why I remember someone with the sound of his voice? He reminds me of someone I don't want to remember.

"Yeah! I know it's been a long time since I took an off but it's worthy Compadre. Everything paid off and I'm back with him."

"Well, that sounds great. You finally found him and I hope everything was okay now." My Dad said as if he understands everything this gentleman said.

"Yes Compadre. He's with the company now. Actually, he was running the vineyard in Napa Valley in the last 5 years to be exact. We had settled all our differences and we're good now."

"I'm happy to hear that. I hope I can meet him one of this days before I took another month off." My father was planning to have another vacation with my mother. They're like catching up with the lost times when he was still running the company.

"You will Compadre. Angelli will be throwing a homecoming party for him. You should be there and your daughter."

"Of course we'll be there and by the way, meet my daughter Katarina. She's my boss now." My Dad said jokingly as he presented me to his friend who's still a stranger to me.

"Rufos Perantes! It's my pleasure to meet you Katarina. I heard a lot about you from Jensen" I stiffened when he uttered his name. Of all the name in the world why it has to be Rufos?

"My pleasure too Sir. Now I know where Jensen got her charm and good looks." I tried to be calm. So he is Jensen's father.

"The last time I saw you was six years ago. You've grown up to be a very fine lady." He uttered.

"Thank you sir. You're blessed with a very fine daughter too Sir. Intelligent and beautiful. I bet you're having a headache with her suitors right now."

"She can choose any man as long as he can be trusted and he loves my daughter more than his life. How about you Katarina? I'm sure your father here is having more headache than me. Isn't it compadre?"

"I'm more than lucky to have a daughter like Katie Compadre. I'm pushing her to date and marry and give me beautiful and handsome grandsons but I think I should be blamed for giving her wish to run the company." I heard my Dad but I keep myself from giving him any hope with his wish

"And why is that Compadre? Don't tell me this beautiful, intelligent, hardworking sexy lady beside you has no boyfriend yet?"

"A lot of guys tried to catch her attention but it seems that my baby here is very focused. Hope she finds the one soon before I retire in peace."

"There's always a perfect time for that Dad. I'm still young and besides you'll live longer than you expect." I assure him to change the topic that's giving me goose bumps.

"You're right Katarina and I expect you to come at my party to meet my son. I'm sure you'll have his attention."

"My pleasure Mr. Perantes. I'll be there. I'll excuse myself for a while Dad, Sir. I'll check something outside." I told them which I received a nod and smile from both of them.

I look for Callie at the bar and found her with Jim. I felt relieved as I approached them.

"Hi Katie." Jim greeted me with full grin when I sat down beside Callie on the bar.

"Hi Jim. Glad you made it. White wine please." I told the bartender assigned for the party.

"Hey, you had enough wine tonight bestie and you haven't eaten any food since lunch." Callie reminded me which I totally forgot.

"I'm not hungry and I want to get drunk. There's a lot of things inside my head. I want to erase them for the meantime."

"Like what? I told you set that aside and we'll talk some other time. It's not good to see the head of this empire drunk at her father's surprise birthday party." She added. She sounded like a mother again.

"I know. I'm setting that aside but new ones were coming and I think it's more difficult to handle." I took a sip of my wine and closed my eyes as I felt the liquid in my throat. "Dad was talking about me dating, marrying and have kids. It's mind blowing bestie."

"I guess Tito is right after all, with your age, I mean at our age now that should be happening." She said it with a smirk which I didn't mind. I know she's taunting me again with the topic.

"I'm busy and it can wait. Besides, are you ready to give your parents grandkids?" I return her favor and drink all the wine that's left in my glass.

"Only God knows when and if He grant that then I will accept. After all, my parents are not getting any younger bestie like Tito and Tita."

"Stop it Callie! You're not helping." I gestured another glass from the bartender.

"Hey, relax. I'm just kidding. Stop that drinking will you?"

"Last shot. I need this." As I drink straight the new wine handed to me. I felt better after that last shot.

"Better now?" Callie asked. I turn to face her and noticed that Jim was no longer beside her.

"Yeah. A bit better. I'll just run tomorrow to clear everything out of my head." I told her which reminds me of my schedule with Gustav tomorrow since it's a big Thursday.

I settle in the bar until the guest starts to leave the party one by one. Mom and Dad left ahead too which I understand since they must be tired already from their travel and for the long evening in the party. Callie was sent home by Jim around eleven as we start to pack the area. I keep an eye on the staff not that I don't trust them to do a good job but because I don't want to be alone yet.

I parked my car in the garage around one o'clock in the morning and tiptoed to my room avoiding any noise that might wake anybody in the house especially my parents.

I went to bed after a quick hot shower and change of sleepwear. I felt relieved as my back touches the sheets but afraid to close my eyes. I'm afraid of what I might dream of this time. Afraid that I get to see his face with all those hatred in his eyes that's killing me every time I look intently into it.

I grab my phone on my side table and dial. One ring. Two ring. Three ring. He must be sleeping right now. I opt to stay awake after I cancelled the call.

"I wish I get to see you again. I wish I get to tell you I'm sorry for what happened." I utter the words not noticing tears started to roll down my cheeks. I can't help but pour my heart out feeling helpless again. I was never been at peace since that day and until now I'm still hurting inside with my own mistake.

I've gone to sleep keeping him in my mind with tears in my eyes.

The clock says four o'clock when the alarm went off. It's Thursday and I have to meet Gus downstairs for a run. I took a hot shower and step into my running gear. I look at myself intently in the mirror after I get dressed and noticed the emptiness inside me as I look deep into my eyes.

"You'll be fine soon. When? I don't know yet." I told myself before I turn my back and left my room.

Gustav (Gus as I usually call him aside from my Dad) was already waiting for me at the garage.

"Slept well?" He asked.

"A bit just like other nights Gus." I told him. He's one of the few people whom I trusted to confide about my problems. Been like a father to me since Dad assigned him to me as my driver slush security aid slush running buddy. I confide to him almost all my problems, worries, heartaches though not all about what happened six years ago.

"We better get going. You must be early in the office today. Investors will visit." He reminded me which I almost forgot.

"Yeah right. Thanks for the reminder Gus. Let's go." I hit the road first when Graciano opened the gate for us. I know he'll catch up with me after some last minute reminders made to Graciano, my Dad's driver.

"You're pacing reminded me that I'm really getting age." I heard him beside me as we do our usual rounds around the village.

"Age don't matter Gus. It's just numbers. Even if your hair turns gray, you'll always be my running buddy." I said with a smile.

"Any news about him?"

"None so far. You're right after all. We can't hear nor see someone if they don't want us to hear nor see them."

"And I hope I'll be right also when I said he'll be home soon and you'll be fine."

"I hope so Gus. I really do. I miss him so much."

"I know he misses you too and your mom and Dad and grandpa. Maybe he just need some more time."

I hope Gus is right. I hope my brother will be home soon.
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A/N: I'm sorry if it took so long before I post this.

Hope this is worth of your time reading.

More to come