2 #1 The Life of Rio Gonzales

Rio Gonzales, daughter of Benjamin Gonzales Jr. who is the CEO of Gonzales Technologies, and the late Lady Cynthia Lee-Gonzales. And the eldest sister of Benjamin (Jamie) Gonzales III, who is next in line to run the family business.

After Rio's mother died of cancer, she decides to step out of the company and wanted to run the small flower business her mom started. Plus, she never wanted to get involved in the family business, not because she's not proud of her family. But rather, she just wanted to live a normal and a peaceful life, just like her mom who decides to leave the business life as well.

As much as Rio's father loves her, he respected her decision and supported her in finances, especially her studies, in which she is now in college studying architecture. Her father is also prioritizing in mentoring Jamie to the family business at such a young age (he is still 16), knowing that he will be following their dad's footsteps. And Rio being the supportive sister, would help him out, and would be a mother figure to her brother in absence of their mother. And not just to her brother, but she's also a supportive daughter to her father, who understood and still supported her in her desire of living a peaceful life outside the business life.

(RIO'S POV)

I'm at the car waiting for the traffic to die down. I was on my way to the auditorioum where Jamie's graduation is going to be held. I can't believe that he's moving up to high school already. Oh, how time flies. Seems like yesterday when we still play tag with water guns, and he would give me a surprise attack. He's becoming an adult now.

Mom, if only you were here. I wish you could've seen this. Seeing your son grow up to become one day a man our father would be proud of. I miss her. Its been a year since mom died. I still remember when she told me to look after Jamie, even dad, which is hilarious but I would visit him after school. I would bring him lunch every afternoon, and I would cook dinner when he gets home, just to show him that nothing has changed, even with mom gone, me and Jamie would be there for him.

After about an hour, I finally arrived at the venue. I start parking the car before entering the auditorioum. As I was walking to the hallway, I heard my beeper. I took it from my purse, to see Jamie's message "SIS WER R U?" I didn't reply since I'm on my way.

As I enter, I saw him, wearing a dark blue suit that dad have him on his 15th birthday. He said he wants to wear it on this specific day, and he did. I feel so proud already. "Jamie!" I called, as I wave at him. Then he saw me, smiling and waving back. "Rio, over here!" he answered as I was coming towards him, giving him a hug right after. "You're late" he whispered. "I know, and I'm sorry, heavy traffic." He just quietly laughed at my answer, knowing that he already knows that its been a habit of mine that "stuck in traffic" is my only excuse if ever I'm late.

"Of course. Good thing its not my turn yet. Plus I have to make a speech." he replied back. I straighten his suit and look at him in the eye. "I bet you're going to do great. Plus, when you become part of dad's company, there will be more speeches for you *chuckles*. Think of this as your training in the future."

"Ugh, you have no idea how dad pressures me a lot when you're not around. I wish mom was here" he said as a tear fell from his cheek. I wipe it with my thumb and smiled at him. "I miss her too you know, but if she were here, she would told you to man up for the family and would tell you that she's so proud of you."

"Thanks Sis. That means a lot coming from you." he said as he gave me a hug. I rub his back to comfort him. "I'll always be here for you Jamie, no matter what okay?" "Thank you again" he replied back.

He really is growing up. Seeing him grow as a mature young man, makes me so proud that I have a brother like him. I bet mom and dad would be proud of him as well, seeing that they raise us very well.

He releases from the hug when someone called him. "Bro, we're almost up. Are you ready?" his best friend Tyson said. "Yeah, I'm ready" Jamie replied as he wipe his tears. "I'll be on the other side of the stage okay?" I said to him.

As I was about to leave, he grabs my wrist, making me look at him in confusion. "What is it?" I asked. "Do you think that he's coming?" he asked, now knowing who he meant. "You know that he's busy with the company. Plus, he told me that he has an important meeting this afternoon, so he's preparing for it." "He's always busy. Can he just cancel it for my sake?" he said, pouting. "You know him right? But don't worry, I'm sure that he's more than proud of you right now, even though he's not here to see you. You know that, right? He loves us very much, Jamie. He has always shown that." I said just to give him assurance. "Yeah. Well, at least you're here." he said, making me smile and I hug him again. "I'm proud of you" I whispered. "Thank you" he said before releasing from the hug. "Go, I'll be on the other side of the stage." "Okay" he said, before leaving.

As I was walking to the other side of the stage, I accidently bump into someone. "I'm sorry" I said. "No its fine" the guy said. I know that voice. I turn around to see the guy, and smiled right after. "James?" Yes, my friend, James Parker. I knew him since his dad and my dad are business partners. "Rio, Hi" he greeted. "What are you doing here?" I asked. "*chuckles* my brother is also here, you know, Tyson." Oh, that's right, Tyson is James' stepbrother. Although they're not related, they still treat each other like real brothers.

"Dad's busy, so he call me to proxy for him" he said. "Oh yeah, I heard that they're having an important meeting with someone." "Yeah, very big client, that is why they're getting tense at the company right now" he said.

"Oh. Well, I'm also here for Jamie since my dad's not here. I didn't know that it was 'that' big of a client" I should make it up to dad after this.

"Hey, Rio. I think we should go. They're waiting" James said, making me snap back to reality. "Oh yeah I forgot, sorry *chuckles*" "Same old Rio Gonzales, still her head up in the clouds huh? *chuckles*" he said. "Haha very funny" I said making him laugh while we're heading near the stage.

But to be honest right now, I'm glad that I get to see him again, after he decided to study abroad. I haven't seen him ever since high school. He looks so different now, which made me blush a little.

It was nice seeing you again, James Parker.