My Best Friend's Brother : The Billionaire - Book 1

Chapter 2: The Request

Chloe:

I ran inside, holding the notice in my hand. "Mom!" I called out. I dropped my bag on the ground and looked around frantically in search of her.

"Mama? Lisa?!" I called out again, this time calling my sister. No answer. I went up the stairs, two at a time to mama's room. She was sitting on her bed, sobs wracking from her body.

"Mom, did you know about this?" I whisper-asked. I knelt in front of her and her eyes met mine and for the first time in years I saw sadness in her eyes.

She nodded mutely and I furrowed my eyebrows in question. But then another question popped into my head. This is the time mom is usually now home from work. Why isn't she in her work clothes?

"Mama." I whispered, "Did you go to work today?"

"N-no hija." her quivering voice rasped out. "I-I got fired two weeks ago."

This long? And they never told me? "Why..."

"I'm sorry, Chlo. We were late for last month's rent too and we didn't want you to find a job with school and all." Another sob wracked from her.

"Oh mom." I cried and pulled her in a hug. With me being so short it was almost impossible but I was still able too.

"What are we gonna do?" I asked a few minutes later, when her sobs had died down.

"I don't know sweety. I don't know." she whispered back. I sighed. I hope it wouldn't have to come to this but I've got no choice. I have to ask Rachel for help.

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"Oh, Chlo! You're such a big silly billy. Of course I'll help you. I'll just need to talk to my brother first but you've pretty much got that money." Rachel exclaimed .

"Thank you so much Ray." I breathe out and she pushed my shoulder, jokingly. "Don't mention it. What a besties for?"

This girl is such a life saver. We talked for a while and she said she'd go talk to him later today. After that whole conversation with mom, yesterday, Lisa came home with my niece Lisabeth.

That's why she was away so long. She went to see her at her father's house and when she saw what was happening, she took her daughter and brought her to live with us.

That was when I knew I needed to get this money. Not only for the three of us but also for Lisabeth.

I was walking home now and I couldn't help but smile. It's times like this when I'm happy to have a friend like Rachel. She's simply the best.

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Christian:

Someone knocked on my door and in came my little sister, Rachel. She smiled at me and I gave her a small smile in return.

"Hey big bro." she chirped as she sat across from me. "I know you told me not to ask but I really need to."

I stopped what I was doing and quirked a brow at her. "Go on."

"My best friend's in a little bit of trouble and I want to lend her the money she needs. Soooo, is it okay?" she said quickly.

A friend?

Her best friend you idiot! The voice in the back of my head screamed. This is the first time she's asking for money and it's for a friend?

My mind ran on the letter I got yesterday. Claudia would not leave me alone and I know she's a tricky woman. Just like her daughter. She'd do anything to seal the deal between me and her.

Maybe it's a sign. Maybe it's a ticket out of this. To get out of this mess.

Hmm.... maybe. "Give me her name. I want to do a background check on her and then I want to meet her." I told her and her eyes lit up.

"Okay. Her name is Chloe Santiago. When would you like to meet her?" She asked excitedly.

"Sunday. Bring her at 2pm sharp at my house." She nodded and then she left. Well, not without hugging the life out of me.

As soon as she left, I pulled out my phone and dialed Brian's number. "Y'hello." he answered.

"Brian, I need you to do a background check on someone for me." I said, not wasting time with formalities.

"Sure thing, boss."

"Her name is Chloe Santiago. I want everything there is to know about her." With that said, I cut the call and went back to work.

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Chloe:

I took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself down. "Don't be nervous Chlo. He's a big sweetheart." Rachel said over the phone.

I tucked my knees under my chin and sighed. If that's what it takes to help my family, I will. "Okay, when does he want to meet?"

"Sunday, 2pm. Be ready by 1pm."

With that, I heard the dial tone. "Aunt Chloe!" Lisabeth called and ran into my room. She jumped onto my lap, giggling and I couldn't help but smile.

She was really cute, dark skin like her mother, big brown eyes and for some reason her hair is a brown-gold color. It reaches her back in big curls like mine.

Lisa had Lisabeth when she was eighteen years old. It was a mistake really but Lisa loved her nonetheless. Her father took her away because he was way older at the time, by five years.

Lisabeth is actually in second grade now and I haven't seen her since she was four. I was surprised she even remembered me, when she came yesterday and ran to me.

"Yes, baby. What is it?" I asked her as she peered up at me. "I have math homework." she pouted. "And mommy said you go to school right now so you can help me better. Will you help me?"

I giggled, "Sure. Go bring your book." She smiled and kissed my cheek, before jumping off me and running outside.

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