GENESIS
Mr. Del Monte and his wife left that morning. Dante had asked for some time alone with them in his office while she went about her morning routine. She was surprised when three of them came downstairs all smiles and having a friendly conversation.
It was refreshing to see them get along like that, she was even happier to see that the couple had earned Dante's forgiveness. All they wanted was to be a part of their grandson's life and she was glad that Dante had given them that opportunity.
They said their goodbyes and she got busy with making breakfast. Although, she was not really comfortable when Dante informed her that he had invited Luke over for breakfast. It was obvious that he no longer liked her and was convinced that she was adulterous.
And it was like her thought of him caused him to materialize in their house, because he walked through the kitchen's door not too long after his thought crossed her mind. She ignored him to the best of her abilities as he just stood there and looked at her. She really was not ready to challenge him that morning.
Then he shocked her when he greeted, saying, “Good morning, Genesis.”
She looked at him, not bothering to hide her shock. “Huh?”
“I said good morning.”
She stared at him for a moment, trying to process what was happening. Where was this coming from? Or was she beginning to imagine things? Yes, that must have been it, she was definitely seeing things now.
“Your surprise is understandable, given how I spoke to you the last time we saw.” He admitted. “But I really was just trying to protect my friend. He lost Evelyn way too early and I did not want to stand by and watch anybody play with his heart. He has explained everything to me and I now understand that I was very wrong. And I'm sorry. He trusts you and that's all that matters.”
“Wow…” Genesis breathed. This was really happening. “It's okay, Luke.” We're good.”
“Sure?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, giving him a small smile. “All's good.”
“Great!” He smiled back and offered her a handshake. She took it as she chuckled.
Then he left the kitchen, leaving her still smiling and with a lighter mind. She went back to preparing breakfast; this time, without any worry about what having breakfast with Luke was going to be like.
*****
Sara was the person she called immediately after breakfast. A lot had happened within the last forty eight hours and she was itching to tell Sara about everything.
“What's up, Girl?” Was the first thing Sara said when she picked the call. “You good?”
“Yes.” Genesis responded. “And boy, do I have a lot to tell you…”
“Okay…” Sara now sounded worried. “I'm listening.”
Genesis went on to tell her everything that had happened, and Sara was on the other end exclaiming every few seconds. She really could not blame her friend. The last two days of her life felt like a movie, like a scene straight out of a soap opera.
“So… yeah, that's it. I'm just glad everything's okay now.” Genesis exhaled. “I can have peace now.”
“Girl, you have been through a lot.” Sara said. “And that brother of yours deserves to die and rot in hell.”
“I don't even want to think about him anymore.” Genesis shook her head. “Right now, I just want to focus on starting afresh.”
“As you should.” Sara encouraged her. “You deserve this peace.”
“Yeah…” Genesis trailed off as she remembered that she had to check up on Elon. “We'll talk later, okay? I have to check up on El.”
“Okay, bye.” Sara said and ended the call.
She went up to Elon's room and found him with his Rubik's cube. He had been extra quiet since that night that Rodriguez came. She had tried to speak with him but Dante and Luke had barged ik during the time she got to be alone with him. 
She was not sure if he noticed her coming in the room because he did not even look her way despite the sounds of her footsteps. Actually, she was sure that he was aware of her presence and he was just intentionally ignoring her. 
“El?” She called out to him. But he was still quiet, his eyes still on the cube. “I know you can hear.”
“Yes, I can.” He shrugged. “I just don't feel like talking.”
“You've been saying that since yesterday.” Genesis said as she sat on his bed. “Please, stop this.”
He still did not give her any response.
“Look, I'm sorry—”
“Nothing that happened is your fault.” The kid said to her. “It's just been difficult for me to process everything I saw.”
“Oh El…” Genesis caressed his face. “I'm sorry you had to witness all that.”
“I saw the man that took my mom's life face to face.” Elon said. “I don't even know how to describe what I felt as I was looking at him.”
“He's in police custody now.” Genesis informed him. “And he'll get the punishment he deserves.”
“It's a shame that that will not bring my mother back.” Elon shook his head. “But I hope he suffers for the rest of his life.”
Genesis sighed and pulled him into a huge. This was the best form of comfort she could offer at that moment.
“Everything is okay now, El.” She whispered to him.
“I know.” He responded.
She smiled when she felt him hug her back, wrapping his arms around her torso. It felt like he needed that hug, and she was willing to stay like that for as long as he needed her to. 
******
She was at the front of the house, watching the fountain in the middle of the space. Recently, she had found a liking to just watching the water flow in the air. 
But it was not long before the smile that was on her face dropped as she sighted Lana approaching from the gate. Even though the woman had saved her life, she was still stuck on the fact that Lana worked as an insider for Rodriguez. All the while, she thought the woman was someone that she could trust to be with Elon.
Now, Lana was right in front of her, looking guilty as hell. 
“Jenny…” She started. “I hope you're in the mood for us to have a conversation now…”
“I'm really disappointed, Lana.” Genesis went straight to the point. “I trusted you with Elon and it turns out that you've been working with a criminal all the while?”
“Jenny, I did not have any other choice.” Lana said. “He threatened to kill me and my family if I did not do what he wanted.”
“But it was my own family you ended up putting at risk.” Genesis countered.
“And I'm sorry for that…” Lana exhaled. “I truly am. That was why I called the police on him the other night. I could not let him go through with whatever he was planning.”
Genesis sighed. Even while she was angry, she could not deny the fact that she was still here with Dante and Elon only because of Lana. If Lana had not informed the police about Rodriguez that night, then she would have been home by now, having to look at Rodriguez’s face every day. 
So the woman deserved grace, like the one Dante has granted her. She had lied to him too, and he forgave her. So who was she to not forgive Lana?
“You won't lie anymore?” Genesis squinted at Lana.
“Never again.” Lana promised. “But please, even if you won't be giving me my job back, forgive me at least.”
Genesis smiled softly at her. “It's okay, Lana.”
“Really?”
“Yes, yes.” Genesis giggled. “And you can still be Elon's teacher.”
“Ugh! Thank you!” Lana enveloped her in a tight hug. “You're so kind.”
“You can let me go now.” Genesis struggled to speak as Lana's arms were a little too tight around her.
“Sorry.” Lana released her and they both laughed.
They went upstairs to see Elon together and the kid was more than happy to see Lana again. He even made Genesis join them to play monopoly.
That evening was eventful and laughter filled. In fact, it was the most she had laughed in a while and she felt really content with where her life was. She was more than grateful. And as she watched Elon and Lana laugh, she smiled to herself. Things were really falling into place.