It's Saturday. The day for the homeless food drive, and later, the party where Greg will propose to his love. Needless to say it will be a beautiful day in many ways, but most powerful is those who have lost their homes will know that there are people in the world who care and want to be of help to them. Yesterday, Laurent requested that his assistant contact his hair stylist to come to his home this morning to give him cornrows. He loves to wear his fro as it's free and so relaxing when the wind blows through it, but the weather is supposed to be warm and since they will be very active today he thought cornrows would be better. She's almost done when his doorbell rings so he excuses himself to answer it. It's Greg so they greet each other with a smile and a bro hug before Laurent invites him in. Greg also greets the stylist and as Laurent takes his seat again...

Laurent: *smile* "I wasn't expecting to see you until the food drive".

Greg: *smile* "I know. I just wanted to stop by".

Laurent: *smile* "You're nervous about tonight".

Greg pauses for a moment then he takes a big exhale and replies...

Greg: *smile* "So nervous bro".

Laurent: *chuckles* "I get that, but everything will be beautiful and you know she will say yes".

Greg: *smile* "I hope so. You know how much I spent on that ring"?

Laurent: *laugh* "You are something else".  

Greg: *smile* "I just really want to marry her bro".

Laurent: *smile* "You two are made for each other so I'm ready to see it".

Greg: *smile* "Thanks man". *pause* "So I'll see you in a few hours".

Laurent smiles as he extends his fist for a pound then Greg says bye to the stylist and heads for the front door. After he's all braided up he walks over to the mirror to check them out then pays as he thanks her, and in true Laurent fashion, gives her a big tip. After she leaves he does some light cleaning then relaxes until it's time to leave...

Laurent gave himself plenty of time to arrive before the scheduled start time as he wants to help set up. He's happy to see the catering trucks arrived before him. He also sees Kara directing the set up of the tables for the clothing drive. Already his heart is warmed by the enthusiasm displayed by his staff. They happily greet one another and now that the tables for the food are set up, buffet style, Laurent begins bringing over the entrees to place on them. To ensure the food stays warm they're placed over small catering heaters. Since it's an outdoor event the food remains covered, but there are labels in front of each dish so everyone who partakes in the food will know what's inside. Laurent is pleased to see that his request was honored for a variety of vegetables. There's broccoli, green beans, asparagus, corn, a vegetable medley that includes peas, carrots and onions. There's also some carb choices such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta salad, rice, macaroni and cheese and rolls. Proteins include baked chicken, a turkey tenderloin, steak and salmon. It's an abundance of food and nothing will go to waste because if there's still some left Laurent will request that the remainder goes to a shelter. The beautiful people they're serving watched them set up and with everything ready Laurent waves them over with a friendly smile. When they're closer he tells them to get as much as they like as there's plenty. His staff is behind the buffet with gloves on and smiles on their faces ready to serve. The food drive is now underway and everything is going beautifully...

*****

The morning after Larry was kicked out of his home he woke up to a bright sun prompting him to shut his eyes. The pain to his cheek was still unbearable, but he was thankful that danger didn't come to him as he was forced to sleep outside. Before he could even move his mind replayed the devastating altercation between he and Michael. He could hear his mom screaming at Michael to stop, then suddenly he has a vision of screaming only it wasn't Katherine's and he becomes extremely confused. He's also certain he hears cries of a baby and thought perhaps there's  a baby close by so he begins looking around. He didn't see anyone such as a mother pushing a crying baby in a stroller so he's all the more confused. He just ignored the vision and proceeded to stand to his feet, but because of Michael's attack on him his whole body felt weak and he barely had the strength to get to a train station that would take him to a shelter, but he made it and has been staying there ever since. The shelter also provided food which he was also thankful for. His face is now getting better and since it's the weekend, and he's close to some retail stores, he walks around to see if any of them have hiring signs in their windows. He passes a few that unfortunately don't have a sign and the discouragement he's felt only becomes stronger. He suddenly smells a strong aroma of savory food so he begins walking in the direction it's coming from. He sees a large group of people with most of them smiling and chatting among one another so he assumes it's a party or gathering of some sort. He isn't aware that it's a food drive and he wouldn't be turned away if he requested a plate. He just turns around and begins walking away. Greg sees the back of his head and begins calling out, "Laurent?! Laurent"?! His face instantly turns to confusion when he doesn't get a response. He calls his name once more when he hears, "I'm right here". Greg turns around and the look on his face is that of shock...

Laurent: "You oki bro"?

*brief pause*

Greg: "Yeah I'm ok. I just um, I thought I saw you walking away. There's a guy with cornrows too and he's about your height so I thought it was you".

Laurent: "Where did he go"?

Greg: "That way".

Still looking confused Laurent looks in the direction Greg pointed, but he doesn't see anyone...

Laurent: "Well he's gone now, but I hope he got some food first if he needed it".

Greg: "I'm not sure. I only saw the back of his head".

Laurent: "Oh". *pause* "Well will you help me bring out some more food trays"?

Greg: "Yes of course".

Laurent thanks him then turns around and begins heading for the catering van, but Greg looks back in the direction the unknown man walked in...his eyes scrunched because whoever the person is seemed to really favor Laurent even though he didn't really see him. He just chalks it up to being tired then turns around to go and help set up more food. Laurent retrieves a few catering trays when a feeling comes over him that can only be described as intense as being awakened by the sounds of shouting and the burning sensation on his cheek. Why he's feeling this now is a mystery, but naturally he begins to think about his dream and vision too. He tries his best to stay in the moment as this food drive is as successful as he hoped it would be. When it's over Laurent helps with the clean up and suddenly can't resist looking in the direction the mystery man from earlier went. He was really concerned if this person was able to get some food as it would be devastating to know that someone walked away hungry. There are a few leftovers so a member of his staff volunteers to take them to the nearest shelter. Laurent thanks them then heads home to get some more rest before Greg and Jalisa's party...

*****

Larry was on his way back to the shelter after walking around again looking for hiring signs, but still seeing none. He's trying his best to take Harold's advice about not becoming discouraged and that something will come, but even if something does there's still a wait to get his first paycheck and since he's no longer getting cash from Katherine he needs money now. He doesn't know any other way to get it as what he's thinking. It isn't his first choice or the right one, but he's also desperate. He reluctantly makes his way to see a friend who he hasn't seen in a long time, but is certain this friend has what he needs. Roughly twenty minutes later he arrives at the friends home. Now is the time to change his mind and turn around to leave, but now the door is swinging open and there stands Eric...

Eric: "Larry".

Larry: "Hey".

Eric: "Come in".

Larry nods then steps inside the apartment. It appears Eric is alone which is a good thing as he would prefer this conversation is private...

Eric: "Wow. It's great to see you".

Larry: "You too. How have you been"?

Eric: "I'm doing well. Can I get you something to drink"?

Larry: "That would be great. Um, do you have any food or snacks I can have too"?

Eric: "Uh, sure. I have some peanut butter crackers and a few small bags of popcorn".

Larry: "I'll take both if that's oki".

Eric: "Yeah it's fine. I'll go and get them for you".

Larry: "Thank you".

Eric: "No problem at all".

Eric is happy to give Larry what he asked for, but he also wonders why. Besides the fact that he looks disheveled and he can't pretend he doesn't see the bruise on his face, albeit a healing bruise, it's still very noticeable. He decides not to ask as it may be something Larry doesn't care to talk about so he just requests that Larry has a seat while he goes to get the snacks. He didn't tell Larry this, but he also has some wrapped up turkey sandwiches he just made so he puts a few in the bag as it now hits him that Larry obviously isn't eating much. He puts everything in a plastic bag then heads for the living room to give to him...

Larry: "Thank you again".

Eric: "You're very welcome". *pause* "Is there anything else you need"?

Larry: "I was just wondering if you still have one of those...you know".

Now, his interest is really peaked because what Larry is requesting he's never requested before...

Eric: "Yes I do".

Larry: "Good because um, I need one. I don't have any money but I was just hoping you can help me out".

*brief pause*

Eric: "Judging from that bruise on your face, I take it you need it for protection"?

Unbeknownst to Eric that isn't the reason he needs it, but Larry won't tell him the actual reason so he just goes with it as he's sure he will be more inclined to give it to him...

Larry: "Yes I do".

Eric: "Sure thing. I'll be right back".

Larry nods and while waiting he looks inside the plastic bag as it appeared to have more than he asked for. He sees the sandwiches and immediately grabs one to open and begin eating. The shelter does offer food, but it's for so many people he can't eat as much as he would like. Eric comes back and sees him basically inhaling it. To see him so hungry does something to him and now all he can think is what's happened to have him in such a state. Larry balls up the wrapper and puts it in the bag then pulls out a bottled water to take a swig of it. That's when he sees Eric so he puts the cap back on and stands to his feet. Eric walks back over to him and as he's handing him this particular object he says, "here you go" in a soft voice. Larry looks down and stares at it...internally nervous to take it...but he ultimately does and stuffs it in the back of his pants. He then tells him that he appreciates it and that he has to leave. Eric follows him so he can lock the door back, but first he tells Larry to wait. He goes to the refrigerator to retrieve two more sandwiches and a few pieces of fruit then goes back over to him and when he hands the food over he tells him, "just in case you need more to eat". Larry puts the items in the bag then extends his fist for a pound to show his gratitude then turns around to leave. As Larry walks to catch a train back to the shelter he can feel a knot forming in his belly at the horrible things that's happened over the last few days...and even more so...what he feels he has no choice to do at this point to survive. He never imagined he would be taking such a risk, but he's also sure he doesn't have too many choices at this point...

~meanwhile~

Katherine has been extremely depressed since the night she was forced to kick her only son out of his home. She hasn't slept. She's barely eaten because she's been beside herself in worry about him and how he's getting by. While Michael works she drives around the city to look for him as she fears he's living on the street. Each day she doesn't find him that concern only grows and she bursts into tears each time. She's in the kitchen making dinner that Michael will be the only one eating. She's once again in tears. Every time they stop, they return and dinner tonight is no different from other nights since this nightmare. She doesn't put her everything into the preparation as she normally does, and this time, she doesn't season anything. When Michael comes home she slaps everything on the plate then brings it to him and just drops it on the table...

Michael: "What is your problem"?

With swollen and red eyes...

Katherine: "Are you seriously asking me that"?

Michael ignores her and casually picks up his utensils to begin eating. He takes one bite then immediately spits it out...

Michael: "No seasoning. Are you serious"?

Katherine: "You're eating. My son may not be".

Silence falls as she glares him. He glares right back. He then stands up and walks over to stand in front of her...his eyes cold and intimidating. He then scans her up and down before turning around to walk away. Never has she wanted to pick up something heavy that will hurt upon contact and throw at him. She hears him grab his keys and a second later he leaves. She comes over to the kitchen table to have a seat, looks at his uneaten plate then in heavy anger she picks it up and throws it across the kitchen. It shatters against the wall then the shattered pieces crash to the floor. She places her elbows on the table and drops her face in her hands to have a hard cry. She then has a feeling come over her and gets the sense that her son is in some kind of trouble...

~evening~

Laurent is dressed in an all black suit...the top button on the dress shirt underneath unbuttoned giving a glorious glimpse of his caramel skin. His dress shoes, brand new with a nice shine and his cornrows still perfect. After a few sprays of his favorite cologne he gave himself one more look in the mirror and made sure everything was turned off then grabbed his phone and his keys to head out for Greg and Jalisa's party. He's excited for this and it warmed his heart to see the glow in Greg's eyes knowing he will be an engaged man. He also can't wait to see Jalisa's expression when he pops the question. With an excited smile on his face he hits the button on his keyless entry to unlock the doors to his car then gets inside and buckles up before cranking the engine up and taking off. He's slightly laid back as he cruises the town in the direction of the venue. It's a beautiful starry sky. The perfect night for such an occasion. He finally arrives and parallel parks a few feet away as there are several guests who arrived before him and got the parking spots closer to the building. He steps out and locks the doors back then in that smooth walk he heads for the entrance. The lobby is decorated with beautiful flowers. Not too many, not too little. Just enough to set the ambiance. He can hear music coming from the main room he assumes the party will be held so he walks in the direction the sound is coming from. He guessed correctly because he sees several people he knows. He then sees Monica. She's adorned in a beautiful flowing dress, her soft hair pulled back in a ponytail so the beauty of her face is really shining through and stiletto heels. She spots Laurent so she smiles and waves then walks over to greet him with a friendly hug as Laurent gives her a kiss on the cheek...

Laurent: *smile* "You look beautiful".

Monica: *smile* "Thank you, and you look very handsome".

Laurent: *smile* "Thank you".

Monica: *smile* "This is going to be a great night. I can't wait for it to get started".

Servers are dressed in all black with aprons secured at their waist. Champagne and appetizers are on their trays and when they stop by Laurent and Monica they each take a glass of champagne. Monica then excuses herself to go mingle with other people she knows and Laurent does the same. Laurent's back is turned against the entrance so when people start clapping he turns around to see that Greg and Jalisa have arrived so he smiles. Still having a champagne glass in his hand he's unable to clap so he just raises it and smiles at Greg when they spot each other. Greg and Jalisa begin working the room to speak to everyone then come over to Laurent who greets his good friend with a bro hug and a kiss to the cheek for Jalisa. Now that they've arrived the party can begin. They have a choice of entrees and Laurent chooses the prime rib with a variety of sides then converses with some people he knows at his table until his food arrives. Everything is going smoothly and when Laurent looks at Greg he receives a smile and head nod from him so Laurent knows that this is the big moment. He stands up, takes Jalisa's hand to help her up like the gentleman he is and leads her to the middle of the dance floor. They dance as they gaze in each other's eyes. They can also be seen speaking to each other and Greg makes her laugh. It's a beautiful sight to witness. When the song finishes he asks for the mic...

Greg: *smile* "I would like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the two year anniversary of me and my lady love, who I love more and more every time I look at her".

There's a resounding sound of "aww" from most people and a huge smile from Laurent...

Greg: "It's been an incredible night, an even more incredible two years with this gorgeous woman, this beautiful soul". *pause* "There's one more thing that will put the cherry on the sundae".

Greg gives the mic back, takes the ring out of his pocket as he slowly gets down on one knee while Jalisa's eyes go wide as she covers her mouth...

Greg: "Jalisa, my love. You are the best thing in my life and I can't imagine not spending the rest of it with you". *opens ring box* "Will you marry me"?

Jalisa has tears rolling down her cheek as she swiftly nods as she says, "yes I will". He smiles as he slips the ring on her finger and as the crowd claps he stands up, wraps his arms around her as she wraps her arms around his neck and they engage in a sweet kiss. Now everyone is on their feet clapping and smiling. A few people go to congratulate them including Laurent and after he gives Greg a bro hug he tells him, "I told you she would say yes". Greg just chuckles then thanks him for being in attendance and for being such a supportive friend. Everyone goes back to their seats while Greg goes back to Jalisa to have their first dance as an engaged couple. Laurent is about to take his seat when Monica comes over and asks him for a dance which he graciously accepts...

Monica: "That was so beautiful".

Laurent: "Yeah it was. I'm very happy for them".

Monica: "So am I. Their love is so palpable and I can't wait until the big day".

Laurent: "Yeah me too". *pause* "So how have you been"?

Monica: "I'm doing well. I hope you are".

Laurent: "I'm doing very well. Thank you".

At that moment he catches her looking in a certain direction so he looks too. He sees someone staring at her so...

Laurent: *smile* "It looks like you have an admirer".

Monica: *chuckles* "I guess. It's a bit weird though".

Laurent: *smile* "How"?

Monica: "Well he keeps asking me if I want a certain appetizer or a certain entree then he asked me if I wanted something special off the menu. It would be fine if he was asking other people at my table the same questions, but it's just me. I don't know if he's flirting or...."

Laurent: *smile* "A psycho"?

Monica: *laugh* "Yeah".  

Laurent: *smile* "I'm sure he just finds you attractive, but maybe he hasn't dated much and doesn't know when he's doing too much".

Monica: "Yeah maybe you're right".

Laurent: "If he asks for your number will you give it to him"?

Monica: "Should I"?

Laurent: "It's up to you. If you think he's acting weird or coming on too strong then just say thanks, but I would rather not. No beating around the bush. Just give it to him straight".

Monica: *smile* "That's great advice, thank you".

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome". 

The song ends so she thanks him for the dance then tells him she wants some dessert so she's going back to her table. Laurent goes back to his and decides that he will only stay for a little longer then call it a night...

~one hour later~

Larry is sitting in an inconspicuous place...on the side of a building where there's just enough light to see what he's doing. His heart has been pounding so hard from being so nervous at what he's about to do he's sure he can hear it. He looks down at the gun he received from Eric, small but powerful, and he closes his eyes as he can feel tears building because this isn't at all what he saw himself doing especially so soon after being released from jail. He tells himself that he can still forget this and just get up and leave, but if he does he doesn't know how he's going to get by since he has no one to turn to anymore. Before he steps out he opens the chamber to the gun to actually take the bullets out. He can't imagine leaving them in. He tosses them to the side then closes his eyes once more, takes a few deep breaths, then opens his eyes again and stands to his feet. He walks to the end of the alley and begins looking around. That's when he sees a man walking in what appears to be the direction of their car and after taking a quick look around to see if anyone would possibly see what he's about to do he begins running over and when he's directly behind him he raises the gun and demands, "give me all your money". The unsuspecting person proceeds to turn around in order to see the person behind the voice the voice that gave him this demand so Larry yells, "don't look at me"! But, it's too late. Laurent's panic and reflex has set in and he turns around with his hands in full surrender, but when they notice each other their eyes go wide as they're in pure shock as what they see before them...is the same face...

-----------------

A/N: I know it's been a while guys, but you all know it wouldn't be a lestwinsdesire production if there wasn't at least one cliffhanger. Have no fear, the update is near. I can assume that most of you thought they would meet by Larry going to Laurent's agency for help so I imagine this is a big twist and turn. Where will it go from here? Stay tuned to find out. Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments. :)