Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

Chapter 2

Kyra moved down the sidewalk with purposeful strides, her heels clicking on the pavement. She was aware of the looks she received but paid them no mind. Sleek business attire and killer stilettos wasn’t the usual way of dressing in that particular neighborhood. Her gaze roamed the block and sadness assailed her. Seeing people live in such conditions broke her heart.

Youths who should be in school were strewn along the block, probably looking for quick cash. Kyra let out a sigh and kept moving. If only she could make things better for everyone, but deep down she knew that wasn’t possible. It comforted her somewhat that she was on her way to help at least one family. The Griggs. Mother and daughter were awaiting her visit, hoping for good news. Thankfully, she had good news to give.

Chelsea Griggs, a fifteen-year-old girl battling leukemia and her faithful, longsuffering mother were about to get help with Chelsea’s mounting medical bills. The family, she held close to her heart and their case, she took personal. If her own family had someone to help them, Kyra’s life would have been much better growing up. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on her depressing childhood, however. All of her focus should be on Chelsea and her mother.

With new pep in her step, Kyra sped up. She gave one last concerned look over her shoulder before heading into an apartment building. She prayed she would come back and find her car. Although, she didn’t know who would want to steal the piece of junk.

Entering the lobby, Kyra looked around forlornly at the dilapidated condition of the room. The entire building was in bad condition. To think that people had no choice but to live in such poorness was depressing and it brought memories of her own childhood to the surface. She passed the broken down elevator and made her way up the narrow stairway, trying to ignore the musty smell of the old building. She wished she could get Chelsea out of the building. It was no place for a sick child. It was no place for anyone really.

Finally, she reached the eight floor. “I have to see what I can do about that elevator,” she murmured to herself. It must be difficult for Chelsea to make the journey to the eighth floor via the stairs. Kyra knocked and patiently waited. While she waited, she mustered up a bright smile to accompany the good news she was about to deliver. She couldn’t wait to see the looks on both Chelsea and Deborah’s faces.

Soft footsteps sounded behind the door. She knew it was Chelsea. When the door opened Kyra said, “Chelsea! Hi.” Her smile slipped and then disappeared when she saw that it was Deborah and she had tears in her eyes. Worry was apparent on her face. Kyra’s heart lurched. Did something happen to Chelsea? She had just spoken with her the day before when she left the hospital.

“D-Deborah. Where’s Chelsea? She always opens the door when she knows I’m coming. Is she alright?”

Deborah shook her head, realizing Kyra’s concern. “Kyra, hi. Chelsea is fine.”

Kyra let out a relieved sigh. “Good.” She studied Deborah closely. “What’s wrong, Deborah?”

The woman let out a breath and stood aside. “Pease, come in. See Chelsea first, she’s dying to see you. Your visit is all she’s been talking about since this morning. We can talk after.”

Kyra reluctantly agreed. “Alright.”

She followed Deborah through the living room to Chelsea’s bedroom door. “I’ll give you two a minute,” Deborah said and made off back to the living room.

Kyra knocked.

“Kyra, is that you? Come in.”

Kyra stuck her head around the door. “Hi, Chels.”

The teenager’s face lit up as she sat up in bed. “Kyra!”

Kyra rushed to her bedside to embrace her. “How are you honey?” She tried to keep the concern absent from her tone. Seeing Chelsea in bed, apparently weak and pale tugged at her heart. Though Chelsea was ill, she was usually energetic and upbeat.

Chelsea leaned back against her pillows. “I’ve been better but at least I’m home.”

Kyra perched on the bed. “I’m glad you’re home. I’m sorry I couldn’t come to the hospital yesterday. I really wanted to see you walk out of there.”

“It’s cool. I’m glad you’re here. I missed you, Kyra.”

“I missed you too, Chels.” It killed Kyra that she couldn’t be there for Chelsea more than she already was. Chelsea had made it known that she felt comfortable talking to Kyra about things she wouldn’t talk about with her mother. The two had become good friends.

“Guess what?” Chelsea smiled. “I can go back to school on Monday. Well, the doctor said if I feel up to it. I’m not feeling too great now but I know I’ll be one hundred percent by Monday.”

Kyra laughed. “I’m sure you will. I bet your friends miss you. And I bet you miss a certain guy named-“

“Oh, my God! Kyra, don’t even say his name.” Chelsea blushed making Kyra laugh.

“Okay, changing the subject. I have good news for you and your mom.”

“That’s great.” Sadness played across Chelsea’s face. “We need all the good news we can get after yesterday.”

Kyra sat straight. “Okay, what is going on? Your mother seemed upset when she let me in. I’m going to go and speak with her right now.”

Chelsea grabbed her hand to stop her from getting up. “She thinks I don’t know. She tries to hide things from me but I know how much she’s struggling with bills and stuff. With my medical bills on top of it, I know it’s really bad.”

“I really should get your mom, Chelsea.” Kyra didn’t feel comfortable discussing such things with a child. She didn’t think Chelsea should be worrying about those things.

“It’s okay, Kyra. I’m old enough to know and understand what’s going on. When we got home yesterday, there was a letter in the mail. We can’t live here anymore. Mom is really stressed because we have nowhere else to go. We can’t afford to move.”

Kyra’s brows furrowed. “Wait, what do you mean you can’t live here?”

“Well, I saw mom reading the letter and I saw how miserable she was after. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. She told me not to worry about it. When she went to bed, I sort of searched for the letter and read it.” Her light brown skin turned a shade of pink and she averted her gaze. “I know I shouldn’t be snooping but I couldn’t help it.”

Before Kyra could stop her, Chelsea continued. “We’re basically being kicked out of the building because it’s going to be renovated or something.”

Confused, Kyra shook her head. Chelsea’s revelation took her by surprise. She hadn’t heard anything about the building being renovated. Then again, she’d been super busy for the past few weeks. “I don’t want you to worry, Chels. I’ll talk to your mom about this. You just focus on resting and recovering. Okay?”

Chelsea gave her a sad smile and nodded. “I’m glad we have you Kyra. You’re awesome.”

“Well, I happen to think that you guys are awesome too. I’m going to go and get your mom so we can all talk, okay?”

“I can come to the living room.” Chelsea scooted off the bed.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

Admiration for Chelsea shot through Kyra. “Let’s go.”