A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) by Christina Escue

showed Manuel and Mrs. Cruz to their rooms she doubled back and opened her bedroom door. Kiara, who was right behind her, gasped as she walked through the door. “Oh wow. Your bedroom his huge.”
    Karla laughed a little and showed Kiara the bathroom and walk-in closet before they headed back downstairs for some lunch.   

Chapter Twenty-One
     
    After lunch they all went outside to the screened in porch and sat at the table. Mrs. Cruz complained about the house being too cold during lunch, but she insisted that she needed to speak with Karla before they went out to dinner later. Once they were all seated Mrs. Cruz looked at Karla and started talking, “I am here because I needed to see the child my brother fathered with someone other than his wife. Manuel and Kiara told me the story your mother told you, but I am not sure I believe it. My brother was young and made a lot of mistakes, including marrying Maria. They said he was gifted, but I never saw him as anything other than stupid. On the day Kiara was born our mother gave Alexander her mother’s sapphire necklace so he could give it to her when she got older. When he died I took the necklace and have had it ever since. I was planning on giving it to Kiara when she turned eighteen, but she isn’t responsible enough to have such a priceless piece of jewelry, so I needed to come here and meet you to decide if you would be worthy of it. After seeing this house and meeting you I have decided that it will be safe here.”
    When she stopped talking Karla was outraged at her. She had never been a violent person, but she really wanted to slap her so-called aunt right now. “Mrs. Cruz, I would be honored to take the necklace, but I need to know something first. If you hated my father so much, why aren’t you just keeping the necklace for your daughter?”
    “I was going to, but when mother died the necklace was willed to Alexander’s daughter, she just never said which one because we did not know about you at the time.”
    Karla had to bite her tongue to keep from saying what was on her mind. “In that case, I will gladly take the necklace and make sure it stays safe.”
    “Good. Now I am going to take a nap before dinner. Bring me some extra blankets so I don’t catch my death in that cold house.” Karla went to stand, but Leslie shook her head and followed Mrs. Cruz into the house.
    Once the door closed behind them Karla looked at Kiara and Manuel and asked, “Is she always like that?”
    “Yes. She has always talked badly about Padre, but we have learned to ignore her. She is jealous of the success he had at a young age. She got pregnant with her oldest when she was eighteen and was never able to do anything with her life so she tries to punish those who have.” Manuel answered.
    “That’s sad.” Karla responded. “Kiara, that necklace is rightfully yours and if you want it you can have it.”
    “Thank you Karla, but I happen to agree with her on this. It will be safer here.”
    “Okay. Just know that if you ever want it you can have it.”
    “I will remember. Thank you.”
    The conversation died down after that and they all went inside. Elliot, Karla, Manuel and Kiara decided to watch a movie and were about half way through it when Karla’s phone rang. When she looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Conner she excused herself and went in the hall to answer. “Hey Conner. What’s up?”
    “Something is up with Callie. She has the door to her room locked and is asking for you and Ry. I called Ry, but she isn’t home. Is there any way you can come over? I know your sister and brother are there, but I’m worried about her.”
    “I’ll be over as soon as I can get there. Do you think I should bring Kiara with me? She’s seventeen and may be someone Callie can talk to about it too.”
    “Sure, bring her, just hurry please.”
    “I’ll be there in just a few minutes. I promise.”
    “Thank you, Karla. I’ll see you in a few.”
    As soon as