*

Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

*
Wri
tt
enbyRoy
alVel
z.*
Chapt
er1

*
"Innocentpr
ovengui
l
ty"
.*

Idi
dn'twantt
oreli
vet
hosememoriesbutIcouldfeelt
heweightoft
hem pr
essi
ngdownon
me,pushi
ngthei
rwayint
omyconsciousness.WhydidIhavetosuff
erf
orasinthatIdi
dnot
commi t
?Wasitmybadluckori
twassomeone' sconspi
racy
?

Nomat terhowhar dItr

iedtoexplainincourtthatIwasinnocentIendedupbei ngsentencedto
6y earsi npri
sonforattemptedmur der.
An18y earol
dwhoat tempt st
omur derherown
mot her,
that'
sjustabsurd.
FortherecordIlovedmymot herlikenobody '
sbusinessbutitchanged
thedayIr eali
sedthatshealsobelievedthatItri
edtoendherl i
fe.
Howcoul dshebet r
aymeand
humi l
iatemyl oveforherl
ikethat.
Whataboutmyel derbrotherBaileyandmyf atherwhoal so
stoodi nthewi t
nessboxclaimingthatIpoisonedmymot her '
sfood.Tr
aitor
s!.
..

I
sther
eany
onewhoi
sgoi
ngt
obel
i
evemyownsi
deoft
hest
ory
.
Idr
aggedmyt
hought
stor
eal
i
tywhent
henur
set
ri
edt
ofor
cepi
l
lsi
ntomymout
h.

Ijustwantedtopunchherannoy
ingfacebutt
hest
rai
tj
acketwasn'
thel
pingnott
oment
iont
he
factthatmyfeetwerecuf
fedtothebed.

"Thebestyoucandoherei
sopenyourmouthanddrinkthepi
ll
sbecausetr
ustmehoneywe
haveallday
"Shesai
dplaci
nganumberofthebit
terpil
l
sintomymout h.

Ihidthem undermytongue,Iwasn'tgoi
ngtodr i
nkthem knowingverywellthatI'
m not
crazy
.Thiswasconspiracy.Aft
erspendingj
ust2mont hsinanor maljai
l,
theyclai
medt hatIwas
mentallyunst
ablesoIwasdr aggedt oamentalasylum j
ail
whichbecamemyhome. Ial r
eady
spend5y earshereandIcouldn'twaitt
obereleasedthefoll
owingyear.
Ofcour seafterIwas
rel
easedIwasnev ergoingbackt omyf ami
l
yt heybetray
edme. Iwouldstartl
ivi
ngmyownl i
fe
thewayIwant .

Anywaysi
nceIwasf r
eefrom t
hestrai
tj
acketandt
hecuf
fs,
Idr
aggedmysor
eli
mbst
othe
unt
idybat
hroom andhel
pedmy sel
f.

Il
ookedatthest r
anger
'sf
acestar
ingbackatmeont hemi r
ror,
Ohhht
hatwasmyf acebutI
coul
dn'tr
ecognisemyfaceanymore.Iwas23year
sol d,gr
own,wit
hnopropercar
et omy
ski
n,
nogooddi etandnohairt
reat
ment.Ihaddar
kcircles,
myskinwaspalebei
nglightwasnot
hel
ping,myhairwasjustatot
almessandIwasskinnyasf uck.

"
AhhhApri
lj
ustbepati
entnextyeary
ouwillbeoutofher
eok.
."If
orcedasmi
l
etal
ki
ngto
mysel
f.
Ewwbadbreath,
Idon'
trememberthelastt
imeIusedt
oothpast
eandt
hepi
ll
stheyf
orce
metodri
nkdoesn'
tev
endomeanyf avour
s.
Idraggedmy selfagai
nbacktomysi nglebedbalancedonbri
cksandthrewmy self
.Ihav
ebeen
l
ivingi ni
sol
ati
onf ort
hepastthr
eeday sandIwasdamnhungr y.Idon'
tevenknowwhyt hey
i
sol atedmeanywayI '
m notcr
azy,
itwast hatmaniacwhoatt
ackedmef ir
stbecauseIwas
staringather
.

Isi
ghremember i
ngmyfir
stdaywhenIwastakentot
heasy
lum.Icr
iedmyl
ungsoutbuti
tjust
worsenedthesi
tuat
ionf
orme.Theysai
dIhadhyst
eri
a,
soIr
ecei
vedanumberofel
ect
ri
cal
shocksthatday
.

Iwasaweakli
ng,Ibecameunconsci
ousf
ort
hewhol
eweekbutnowel
ect
ri
cal
shocksar
ethe
orderoft
hedayf
orme.

"
Apri
lJuneyouhaveavi
sit
or"Ahoar
sev
oicest
art
ledme.
Itwast
heguar
dcuf
fi
ngmyhandsand
l
egssothatIcoul
dwal
kout.

Av i
sit
or?Noonepaidav i
sitaf
tert
hej
udge'
sver
dictunti
ltoday.
Irememberthel
ooksofpeople
Ithoughtwer
emyf r
iends,t
heyweredi
sgust
edandt heywereful
lofhatr
ed,
theydespi
sedme.To
them Iwasamurderer.

Cur
iosi
tyki
l
ledt
hecatbutt
hecatgotni
nel
i
ves.
Iwassocur
ious,
Iwant
edt
oknowwhoi
twas
whopaidmeavisi
t.
Theguar
ddraggedmetoachai
r.

Isatdown.

Shewasf aci
ngtheot
hersi
debutbecauseofherscentIknewi
twast
heonet
hatpushedme
outofhervagi
na.
"
WhatareyoudoinghereMrsJune"Iaskedal
mostwhi sper
ing.Whatwasshedoi
ngher
ehuh? I
wasangr
ythatshedidnotbel
ievemebutherv i
sit
ingmeafteryear
sIbecamehopef
ult
hinki
ng
t
hatwecouldmendourdestroyedr
elat
ionshi
p.

Shet
urnedf
lashi
ngamil
li
ondol
l
arsmi
l
e,wi
thherhai
rinneatcur
ls,
herhandsmani
cur
ed
wear
ingLVfr
om headt
otoe.

"Theorangeov eral
lsuit
syou,
wel
lI'
mj usther
et otel
lyouthatt
heJunef
amil
yisprogr
essi
ng
withoutyou,
leastyoudidn'
tseei
tinthenews,yourfat
herandIownathi
rdcompanynowweare
doingjustfi
ne.Iwillal
somakesurethatyoustayhereforgoodandnev
ercomeback"She
hissed.

"Mummyit'
smey ourdaught
er,
yourpr
incess.I
t'smeApr i
l.
Youcarr
iedmeforninemonths
mummydoy oureall
ythi
nkIcoulddothattoyou.Mom whywoul dItr
ytokil
lyouhuh.
MotherI
knowtheevi
dencewasagai nstmebuttrustmeIdidn'tpoisony
ourfood.
YesIcookedthefood
butIdi
dn'
tpoisonit
.Iswearwit
hmyl i
feIdidn'
t.Youhavetobeli
eveme."IbeggedandIwas
closet
ocry
ing.
"Savemethepat
heti
clook,
it
sforev
eryone'
sgoodthaty
ou'
reher
e.I
tsfort
hebest
,weareli
vi
nga
goodli
fei
nyourabsenceandIwanttoremaint
hatway"
.Shesai
dwithanevi
lsmirkt
hat'
swhen
i
thitme.

Ichuckl edi ndisbelief."Thatdayy ousentallthehelpersonanunexpect edof f

,youinsi
stedthatI
cookf oryout hatday .Itastedt hef oodbeforegoingtoBai l
eywhocal l
edme. IrememberwhenI
wasgoi ngt oseeBai l
eyIpassedbyy ouholdingabot t
leofpillsI
...
askedy ouwhati twasy ou
saidt heywher efory ourbloodpr essure.Younev erhadbloodpr essurebef oreandIhadt asted
thef ood.Ther ewasnooneel searoundf ormet oclai
mt haty oumayhav ebeenpoi sonedby
someoneel se.Thedoor swer eclosed.Sothatonlymeansy ou..
.youpoisonedy oursel
fmot herto
frameme. ..Iwasn' taf f
ectedbyt hef oodwhenIat eitbutthepi l
l
sy ouhadt hatdaywer e..
..
mom
howcoul dy oudot his.I
twasal l y
ourdoing,t
heCCTVf ootagemi ssing,
megoi ngt ojai
landended
upi nment alasy l
um i twasy ourdoi ngri
ght.
I'
my ourdaught erforcryi
ngoutl oudwhoj eopardize
wi t
ht heirchil
dr en'
sf utureliket hat."

Shelaughed."Ohhhmypoorbabyy oureal
iset
hatnow.Don'
tyouthi
nkit
sali
ttl
etoolat
e?I
deserveastandingovati
on,
agreatmaster
mindindeed.
Inev
erfel
tanyt
hingf
oryou,
youwerea
mistaketobeginwith.
"Shef
li
ppedherhair
.

Il
ookedatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef,
thi
swomanher
ewasmymot
her
.Ioncecal
l
edt
hisSat
an'
ssi
dechi
ck
mymom.
"
Youar
emymom,
howcany
oudot
hatt
ome.
Whatdoy
oumeanI
'
m ami
stakehuh?
"

"Ar
ey oudumbory ou'
rejustpr
etendingt
obe,yesIgavebirt
htoy oubutmyhusbandisnotyour
fat
herok.Yoursur
nameisnotJune. Onesi
llymist
akemymar r
iagewasputonri
skyjustbecause
ofyou.YouwantedtoknowwhyIf ramedy ouri
ght,Idi
ditbecauseIhatey
ou,
IwishIneverhad
you"Shesaidangr
il
y.

"
Soy
ou,yoursonandyourhusbandwher
eint
hist
oget
herThepeopl
eIt
houghtwer
emy
f
ami
ly
.Sowhoi smyfather
?"Imanagedt
oask.

"
Idon'tknowandIdon'tcar
e.I
fyou'
resokeent
oknowabouthi
mt henthat
'supt
oyout
ofi
gur
e
i
tout"Shestoodupfl
ippedherandcatwal
kedl
eavi
ngmeshockedliket
hat.

Iwasbey ondt
hewordshur
t,
angry
,br
okenanddi
sappoi
nted.
Idi
dn'
tevenreal
i
zeswhenIwas
takenbacktothei
sol
ati
on.
Ionl
ycamebacktoreal
it
ywhentheguardthr
ewmei nt
omyroom.

IknewIwasnotmypar ent'
sfavouri
te.Bai
l
eywasalwaystheeperfectchi
ld.
Hewasl i
kea
goldentr
ophythattheyshowedar oundwhil
emeont heotherhandwasj ustabronze
medal.HoweverIdi
dn'tknowthatIwasal i
vingl
i
e,awomanwi thnoidenti
ty.
Isatdownonthe
coldfl
oortr
yingtoprocessever
y t
hing.Thi
swasdefi
nit
elythefi
nalnailt
othecoffi
n.
"Sowhoam IGod. ..
whoam I .
..
.whoam I .
.Hav en'
tyoupunishedmeenoughGod. .
.haven'
t
you..
..
whatdidIdo...
whatsindidIcommi ttodeservethi
s"Ipunchedthewallr
epeatedl
yti
llmy
knucklesstar
tedbleedi
ng.Icouldn'tcr
ybecauseIwasnol ongerthatweakl
i
ngbutIwashur tt
o
thecore.Al
lIwantedwasapunchi ngbagi nthegym butIwasinisolat
ionsoIcoul
dn'tget
accesstothegy m.

IsatdownforaslongasIr
emember .Whentheli
ghtf
rom t
het
inywi
ndowst
art
eddi
mingIknew
i
twasev eni
ng.Iwashungr
y,br
oken,
dir
tyandinpai
n.

Wheni twascompl etelydarksomeoneenteredmycellandIknewexact l

ywhatt heywant edbut
Iwasnowher ecloset ogivi
ngupmycooki e.Themalestuf
fatt heasy l
um hadat endencyof
rapingthepati
entsluckil
yGoddi dmeaf avouront
hisone,Iwasnev erav i
ctim.Trai
ningmar t
ial
artsandboxingreall
ycamei nhandy
.Theyprovi
dedthoseselfdefenseservicesfortheirpsycho
patient
sbutImadesur eItr
ainaswell,
aft
eralli
tme,mysel
fandi .Intheoutsidewor l
dt her
ewas
nooneel setoprotectmeapar tfr
om Godbutweal l
knowGodhel pst hosewhohel pt hemselves.

Anywaywhoeverhadent
eredmycellt
ri
edtotouchme,eventhoughIcouldn'tseepr
operl
yI
usedmysenseofheari
ngandpunchedhimrepeatedl
yunti
lIheardhi
mf all
ingdown.Itookt
he
keysandopenedmycell
.

Ot
hert
hreeguar
dswer
est
andi
ngt
her
eli
kehor
nydogs.
Phewt
hiswasgoi
ngt
obeal
ongni
ght
.

"
Gent
lemanhowcanIhel
pyou"Il
ookedatt
hem wi
thmyar
mscr
ossed.

Theylookedateachot
hershockedt
hatIcaneoutal
i
vebecauset
rustmet
hesepeopl
ewer
e
scar
y.
Theotheronewithascarymarkonhisforeheadsmi
rked.
"Sohewasqui
ck,i
tsourt
urnnow
younglady
.Ihear
dthatyou'
ref
eist
y.Exact
lymyt y
pe"
.Theothert
wol
aughed.

Igav
ehi
m aknockoutpunchonhi
sst
upi
dfaceandhef
ell
down.

Isatonhi
schestandusedt
hekey
stocuthi
m onhi
sfor
ehead.

"Icr
ownedy ou,
nextt
imey
ouwi
l
lknowv
erywel
lnott
omesswi
thme.
"Theot
hert
wower
e
scaredasshit
.

Ipassedthem andwenttot
hedoctor
'sof
fi
ce.
Idi
dn'
thav
ethetimetoknocki j
ustopenedand
hewasbusybangi ngsomenur
sefrom t
heback.
Hewas62y earsol
dforcr
yingoutloudwho
taughthi
mt hosesty
les.
Ewwnast
y!

"
WTFar
eyoucr
azy
"Thedoct
orsai
dtr
yingt
ocov
ert
hemsel
ves.

"DuhhI'
minament al
asylum doyouexpectmet obenor mal.
Any
wayyouarebusybangingeach
otheri
nhereinsteadofcheckingt
hepati
ents.Peoplearerapedi
nthecel
lsbutyoudon'
tcare
abouti
t.Wel
latleasttomorr
owt hegover
nmentof f
ici
alsarecomingt
oinspectIwi
llmakesureI
bri
ngupthi
sissue.Wonder
sshal
lneverendwithawrinkl
eddickl
ikethaty
oualsoknowthe
doggy
styl
e.Nowy oucanmakehercum. Keepitdownnursei
tsnotli
kehegotabigdickor
somethi
ng.
Asfory ouMrJonescoul
dn'tyouseeshewasabouttofakeanorgasm"

Ichuckl
edandbangedt
hedoor
.

Menti
oningthei
ssueaboutt
hegov
ernmentof
fi
cial
swasgoi
ngt
ocomei
nhandy
.Thi
sment
al
asy
lum Irul
edit
,soyeai
twasmyQueendom.

Endofchapt
er1

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er2
*
"It
sjustme,
mysel
fand**
i.
.sol
ori
deunt
ilIdi
e**
cozIgotmef
orl
i
fe"
*

*
Apr
il
.*

Islepti
nmyusualcellwit
hotherinmates,Idi
dn'tgototheisol
ati
on.Il
ivedwit hotherthree
i
nmat eswhoweretrul
ynutcases.Thefir
stonenamedJennyJor danhadschi zophreniaament al
conditi
onwhenonedisint
egratei
nt heprocessoft hi
nki
ngandisdrawnt othewor ldof
fantasy,
shewasi
njail
becauseofki dnappingherneighbor
'shusbandthinki
ngshewast aki
ng
herlovertot
hehoneymoon.Itsnotonlyheroneki dnapcasethough,
soshewassent encedto
12mont hsi ntheasy lum.Theot hertwoNi ckiSi
mmonsandKiaraChesterhadbi pol
ar.Thesetwo
wereinvol
v edindomest i
cv i
olencesot heyeachhad12mont hsaswell.
Nicki'
smot herwasal so
attheasylum shedoesn' twantt otalkaboutthereasonbutr
umorshasi tthati
nt helate80's
shegav ebirthtoast il
lborn,
howev ershebel i
evest
hatshegavebi
rthtoaheal t
hybaby boy
.Aft
er
givi
ngbirt
ht oNi ckishewasdi sappointedbecauseshewantedasont ofil
l t
hev oi
doft hedead
one.Sobecauseoft hatshebecamecr azy.
Youwouldseeherplay
ingwi t
hdol l
sstuffli
ke
that.
It
sapi tyreall
y.

Any waytheset
hreewomani nt
hei
rearl
ytwent
ieswerenotnecessar
il
ymyfr
iendsbutwe
toler
atedeachother
.Iknewhowtohandl
ethem whentheyhadthei
rment
alatt
ackssoyeat
hey
respectedmeforthat.

IwokeupbecauseJenyandKi
arawer
efi
ght
ing.

Ist
oppedt
hem becauset
heywer
eannoy
ingme.Ni
cki
wasf
astasl
eep.

"
What
'swr
ongwi
tht
het
woofy
ou?
"Iaskedhol
dingt
hem apar
t.

"
Shewassnor
ingandi
twassoi
rr
it
ati
ng"Ki
araexpl
oded.

"
Isi
tmyfaul
tthatIwassnor
ing,
doany
onecont
rol
whatt
heydowhent
heyar
easl
eep.
"Jeny
r
oar
ed.
Igav
ethem bot
hanangr
ylook.

"Ser
iousl
yicouldn'
tgetmybeaut ysl
eepbecausey
out
wower
efi
ght
ing.
..Ar
ggh.
Didy
out
wo
hadyourpi
ll
slastni
ght"Iasked.

Iknewt
heydi
dn'tt
akethei
rpil
l
ssoIforcedthem t
otakethem andt
heydi
d.Howev
ert
he
damagewasal
readydonetheyhaddi
sturbedmysleep.

Idr
aggedmyangr
ysel
ftot
hebat
hroom.

Atl
easti
twast
idyt
hant
heoneatt
hei
sol
ati
oncel
l
.

Ididmyhy gi
eneprocessandwentbacktothementalcases.
Theywer
edonecleani
ngthe
room.Theyall
bathedandwewenttot hedi
ninghal
l
.Thisdaywerecei
vedspeci
alt
reat
ment
becauseoftheinspect
ion.

I
nst
eadofst
eamedbr
ead,
cabbageandsoupwehadbacon,
eggsandasl
abpi
eforbr
eakf
ast
.

Af
terwewer
edoneenj
oyi
ngour
sel
vesIwassummonedbyt
hedoct
or.

"
MrJonesIhady
oucal
l
edme"Iwasdi
sgust
edbyhi
m shame.
Iev
enf
eltl
i
kepuki
ng.

"
Well
aboutwhaty
ousai
dlastni
ght
,canwemakeadeal
tokeepy
ourmout
hshut
"St
rai
ghtt
o
t
hepointIl
i
ket
hat.
"
Sowhatdoyouhav
etooff
erformenottotel
ltheoff
icial
sofGeorgiathatyoulett
heguar
ds
r
apet
hepati
ent
sandthel
i
vingcondi
ti
onsherearen'
tpleasantatal
l
..
? "Iasked.

"Iwil
lmakesur
eyouar eoutoft
hispl
acei
nonepi
ecebecausey
ourmot
herwant
syoudead"He
saidkeepi
ngastr
aightface.

Iwasnol ongershockedatall.That
'
sSatan'
ssidechi
ckwhatwoul dy ouexpect."Thati
snot
enought okeepmymout hshutMrJonest r
ustmeifItel
ltheoffi
cial
swhathappensher ey
ou
willbebehi
ndt hebarsinablinkandremembertheyarebringi
ngthejournal
istyourli
tt
le
reputat
ionwill
betarnished"
.

Hegr
indedhi
steet
h."
Whatel
sedoy
ouwant
?"
"Iknowy ouareworki
ngwi t
hmymom t okeepmeher e.
SoIwantyoutogetmeal lmy
document sandwhenI'm outofher
eIwantapl acetoli
veinandajobevencleani
nga
restaur
antwil
lbefi
ne.Onemor ethi
ngourdiethereshoul
dbeimprovedaslongasI'm her
e.Al
so
wedon' twantnast
yguardsinourcell
sevenwhent heyarehornyt
heybett
ermasturbate.
"

Icoul
dseehewaspi
ssedbuthecoul
dn'
tsayi
t.

Iwal
kedt
othedoorandst
opped.

"Al
sowhatev
erJul
i
anJuneisplanni
ngIneedtoknowal
laboutev
ery
thi
ngandt
rustmei
fyou
canful
fi
ll
mydemandsyournastysecr
etwil
lbesaf
ewit
hme"

Henodded,
Ismi
l
ed.
"i
twasgooddoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thy
ouMrJones"

Ibangedt
hedoorandwal
kedout
.

Wel
lasl
ongasIcangetoutofher
e,Iwi
l
lkeepmymout
hshutbutIwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycomebackt
o
maket
hingsr
ight
.

Iwalkedbackt
omycellt
ofoundtheroom cl
eanedourbedcov
erschangedandnewov
eral
l
son
thebed.Ev
enmyinmat
eswerelooki
ngfine.

"
Wowwhatdowehav
eher
e"Iasked
"
Wel
lthankst
othei
nspect
ionwear
eli
vi
ngl
i
keQueensf
orj
ustoneday
"Ni
cki
sai
dcr
ooni
ngl
y.

"
Andwher
ewer
eyou?
"Ki
araaskedwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

"IwasatJones'
off
icewehadadeal
andi
tseemsl
i
keIwi
l
lber
eleasedwi
thy
ouguy
s"Isat
down.

Jenygavemeanol d-
fashi
onedl
ook.
"Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hatol
dwr
inkl
eddi
ckheadt
oget
your
selfoutofher
e".
Il
aughed.
"Noofcour
senot
,Iki
ndathr
eat
enedt
otel
ltheof
fi
cial
saboutt
hecondi
ti
onsher
eso
hemadeadealtogetmeoutofher
e."

"
Ohhhok,
wehear
dyourmot
herv
isi
tedy
est
erdaywhatdi
dshewant
?"Ki
araasked.

"Toinf
orm met hatI'
m notaJuneandever
ythi
ngthef
oodpoi
soni
ngIwasaccusedofwasthei
r
plan.
..
withherasamast ermi
nd.Sheref
usedtotel
lmewhomyactual
fat
heri
s,shesai
dthati
s
formet ofi
ndout."Isai
dangri
ly.

"OhhhI'
m sosor
ryApr
il
,y
oushoul
dhav
ebeenshockedt
ofi
ndoutt
haty
ou'
reani
l
legi
ti
mat
e
chil
d"Ki
arasai
dhuggi
ngme.

"
Don'
tst
ressitf
riendI'
mf i
ne.
Suchi
sli
fe,
expectt
heunexpect
ed.
Eveny
ourownshadowl
eav
es
y
ouwhenitsdark."Isi
ghed.
"Butsomet hingdoesn'taddupApr il
.Whydi dshedot hatwhenyout ur
ned18, whycouldn'tshe
getridofyouwheny ouwer ey oung.
Imeani fyouwer eami st
akeshecoul dhav edumpedy ouor
givenyouupf oradopti
on.Al
sosuddenl ytheygotsuperr i
chwheny ouwer esentenced.Imean
yesy ouwer erichbuttheysuddenlybecamesuperr ichownedcompani es,recr
eati
onal centr
es
andgol fcl
ubs. Ai
n'
tthatsuspicioustoyou.Imaybepar anoidbutIcan'
thel pbutthi
nkthat
may betherei ssomethingshei snottel
li
ngy ou.
?"Jenycanbeament al casebutsheissuper
i
ntell
igent.

"Nowthaty
ouhavesai
dit
,It
hinkt
hatwomanispl
ayingwi
thsomethi
ngher
e.I
fshecouldkeepa
secr
etofmenotbei
ngaJune,Godknowswhatmoresecr
etsshei
skeepi
ng"Isai
dthoughtf
ull
y.

"It
hinkthem attaini
ngt heri
cheshassomet hi
ngwi thyoubeinghereatthement al
asyl
um. May bether i
chestheygothassomet hi
ngtodowi t
hy ourfatherandyouridenti
tydon'
t
youthinkso? I
nt hedaysofy ourcasetheymadeitintheheadli
nes.Twoweeksaf teryouwere
i
mpr isonedtheyal r
eadyacompanyt hatqui
ck.Thewholefamilyhadanet wort
hof10mi l
li
on.
It
s
j
ustsuspi ci
ous."Kiarasaid.
"
Ineedt
ofigur
ethatout
.Ineedtoknowhowtheygott
hecompani
esf
ort
her
ecor
dMrJunewas
j
ustamanager.
WhatshouldIdo.
"Isi
ghed.

"Ihav
eani dea"I
twasNi cki
,
every
onelookedatherandshookt
hei
rheads.
Wel
lwenev
ert
ook
herseri
ouslybecausesheisarealnut
case.

"Whaatyoudon'
ttrustme.LookIgotsomef
ewbucks,someclothesandIhaveawaywhichcan
getyououtofhere.
Youneedaphonet ogoont
heinternetandgoogleev
eryt
hing"Shewas
seri
ousandthatsoundsli
keaplan.

"Soyouwanthertoroam aroundthestreetsofGeorgi
aallal
one.
Besi
desev
ery
oneknows
her,
hercasewasverypopular.
Shewill
ber ecogni
zed"Kiar
awhom wesawasthemotheroft
he
cel
lasked.Shewasalwaysconcernedaboutev er
yone'
swellbei
ng.
"
Andwher
eonear
thdi
dyougetal
lthoset
hingsf
rom Ni
cki
?"Jennyasked.

"Manthi
nkwi ththeirdi
ckssoy eaIhavebeenfuckingthisnurse.
Sogetti
ngthi
sthingswasal ot
easi
er.
AlsoyouJennyy ouwillgowit
hApril
toni
ght.KiaraandIwillbeher
eandhandl i
ngthings
fr
om thi
sside.Justbuyt hephoneandcomeback. Don'tworryaboutApri
lbei
ngrecognizedshe
i
sgrown,ugly
,skinnyandpalenoonewi ll
knowt hatit
sher "
.

OkImi
ghthav
eov
erest
imat
edNi
cki
shei
sst
il
lanut
case.

"Whycan'
tyouj
ustgoandbuyt
hephonef
ormeNi
cki
."
Iasked.

"Ican'
tbecausei
fIdoImi
ghtf
ightsomeoneoutt
her
e.Ihav
ebeenhav
ingat
tacksr
ecent
ly"She
hadapoi nt
.
"
Okt
henIwi
l
lgowi
thJenny
."

Iwasn'
tsur
eoft
hewhol
epl
anbutIwaswi
l
li
ngt
ogi
vei
tat
ry.

Theinspect
ionwentonwell.
Thesecr
ookscover
edev er
ythi
ngupandpretendedli
ket heyt
ook
speci
alcareoft
heirpat
ient
s.Ar
ound8pm wegather
edonmybeddi scussingourplan.

"
SoNicki
wherewi
llwegett
hesedat
ives"Iaskedbecauset
hepl
anwast
osedat
etheguar
don
t
hedoortot
hehal
l
way .

"Ar
gghy ouguysarej
ustst
upid,
theseguysforceust
otakesedati
vesandweall
knowy oudon'
t
dri
nkthem butt
hrowaway.HoweverNickiSi
mmonsi si
ntel
l
igent
,Ist
oremi
neforfut
ure
purposes.
"

Ohhhher
egoest
hebr
aggi
ng.
"
Justshowusthepi
ll
sNi
cki
andst
opbr
aggi
ngaboutusi
ngbr
ainst
haty
oudon'
thav
e."Jenny
wasgett
ingi
mpati
ent
.

Ni
ckiwentandt
ookherpi
l
lowcase.Anumberofsedat
iveswer
est
oredi
nther
e.Wel
lhat
sof
ffor
t
hat.

"
Iknewonedayt
heywoul
dcomei
nhandy
."Shesai
dwi
thpr
ide.

"Oknowwegotthepill
sbuthowar
egoi
ngt
ogi
vet
hem t
hepi
l
ls,
andhowar
ewegoi
ngt
oget
outoft
hiscel
l
"Iasked.

"Welll
eav
ethatt
ome,I
'm goi
ngtoseducet
heguar
dnoonesaysnotoNicki
.Iseducedt
henur
se
andguesswhatwhenhefuckedme,hewasgr
oani
ng.
..
"Ther
eshegoes.
Whendi dwebeenget
ther
e.
"Oksav
eyournast
ydet
ail
stoy oursel
fwegeti
tyouwi
llseducetheguar
dbuttherear
esome
guar
dsatt
hegateandal
laround,whatar
eergonnadoaboutthat?
"Jennyasked.

"
Well
that'
swherethecl
othesIhavef
oryouguy
scomei
nhandy
."Shest
oodupandcamewi
th
t
henursesuni
for
msandsur gi
calmasks.

"
Ahhhser
iousl
yNi
cki
arewegonnagot
othemal
lwi
thpsy
chi
atr
istuni
for
ms"Jennycompl
ained.

"Doyoumay
behaveabet
terpl
an.
?Youarenotgoi
ngf
oraf
ashi
onweekhoneyy
ouar
esneaki
ng
outoft
hement
alasy
lum.
."Ki
arawasannoyed.

"
Oky
out
wodon'
tfi
ght
,at10pm weneedt
oputt
hepl
ani
nmot
ion"Isai
dandt
heyal
lnodded.
Wel
lmay
beI
'
m notal
lal
oneaf
teral
l
.

Ist
art
edpaci
ngupanddown.
Iwasner
vous.

"
Wil
lyoucal
m downnot
hingwi
l
lhappenok,
j
ustst
ickt
othepl
an"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Wel
lyouar
eusedt
osneaki
ngoutt
hismyf
ir
stt
ime"
.

"It
saboutt
ime"
Jennywal
kedi
nful
l
ydr
essedl
i
keanur
sewi
thasur
gical
maskandabl
ack
hoodi
e.
"I
tseemslikeyoucan'twai
tanylonger
,l
etmegoandchangeaswell
.
."It
ookt
hecl
othesand
walkedt
ot hebathr
oom.Ichangedaswel l
.Fort
hef
ir
stt
imein5year
sIwasweari
ngsomething
el
sebesidestheorangeoveral
l
.

"
I'
m goodt
ogo"
,Isai
dwal
ki
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom.

"Nowitsmyturntodomyact i
ngski
ll
s."
Justf
ortherecor
dNicki
is20y
ear
sol
d,st
udy
ingf
il
m
andtheat
re.Howeverhermental
condi
tionj
eopardi
zedherst
udi
es.

"
Ok1.
..
.2.
..
..
3act
ion!
"Ki
araexcl
aimed.

"
Heeeel
p..
..
hel
l
ooutt
her
e..
..
Ineedal
i
ttl
ehel
pher
e"Ni
cki
shout
edi
naseduct
ivev
oice.

Iwassuppr
essi
ngal
aught
er,
ser
iousl
yyoushoul
dhav
eseent
hat
.
Shehadr
emov
edt
het
opofherov
eral
landwasl
eftwi
tht
hewhi
tei
nnert
op.

Well
herpl
annedworkedhecamewi
thi
naf
ewmi
nut
es.
JennyandIwer
einbedsot
hathewon'
t
seewhatwewereweari
ng.

"
Ihear
dyouscr
eami
ng,
what
'
swr
ong.
..
"Heasked,
car
eful
l
yst
udy
ingNi
cki
'
sbody
.

"Wel
l Ikindaneedsomeonewhocanhelpmetakeofmycl
othes.
..
.ummm I
'
m hor
nyandIneed
ser
vicing"Shesaidtaki
ngt
herestoft
heover
all
.

Theguar
dswal
l
owedhar
dandweknewt
hepl
anwor
ked.

Heopenedt
hedoorwi
tht
heI
Dcar
dandcamei
n.

Whenhet urnedlocki
ngt hedoor,
thefourofusattackedhim andbroughthim downwithmeon
thetop.Ipunchedhimr epeatedl
ythinki
ngaboutthedayoft hecase,t
hethingsthatSat
an'
ssi
de
chicktoldme, t
hebetrayal.
Iwasventingi
tallonhi
m. Kiar
apulledmeof fhi
m.

"
EnoughApr
ily
ouneedt
ogonow,
wedon'
thav
emucht
imeok"
"
Whaty
ougonnadowi
thhi
m?"Iasked.

"Wegonnaf eedhimthesedat
ivesandputhim backtohispl
acesothatt
heydon'
treali
set
hat
hei
smi ssing.Youneedtohur
ryok.UsehisIDcardtoopenthegate.
Theguardsatthegat
eyou
hav
etodi str
actthem y
ouaregeniuses"Ni
ckisai
dhandingmeaf ewbucks.

"
Wel
li
tsnowornev
erl
et'
sgo"Jennysai
d.

"
Makesur
eyoucomebackbef
oret
heyr
eal
i
zet
haty
ou'
renother
e..
"Ki
arasai
dandwer
anout
.
"
Sowhat
'st
hepl
an?
"Jennyasked.

"
Wehav
etodest
ructt
hem bypr
etendi
ngt
hatacer
tai
npat
ienti
sact
ingup.
"

"
Okl
et'
sdot
his"Jennysai
d.

Wer
ant
otheguar
dswi
tht
hesur
gical
maskson.

"Thereisabipol
arpati
enti
nWingCweneedy ourhel
pwecan'tcal
m him down.
Heknocked
downt heguardsheisdanger
ous.
"Iwaspant
ingtomakesoundrealbutIhadmyfi
ngers
crossed.
"
Ohhhshi
tlet
'
sgo"Thankf
ull
ytheyboughtt
hatl
i
ttl
eact
.

JennyandIdi
dn'
twast
eti
me.Weusedt
heI
Dtoopent
hegat
eandr
anf
orourl
i
ves.

Theshoppi
ngcent
rewas2km away
,wer
ant
il
lmyf
eetwer
enumb.

"
Phewohhh.
..
my.
..
God.
..
let
'sr
estf
or.
..
awhi
l
e..
"Jennysai
dpant
ing.

"Wedon'thavet
imeJennyr
ightnowt heyar
eprobabl
ydoi
ngar ol
lcal
l
.Weshouldbeback
bef
oretheyreal
i
sewearemi ssi
ng.Icanhandl
etheel
ectr
ical
shocksbutcany
ou?"

Shei
mmedi
atel
yst
oodup

"
Okl
et'
sdot
hisshi
t,
Idon'
twannabeel
ect
rocut
ed.
"

Wecont
inuedr
unni
ngt
il
lwecoul
dseet
heci
tyl
i
ght
s.
"
Wear
eher
eyeeeey
!"Jennyexcl
aimed.

Iwasj
ustaner
vouswr
eck.
Thel
astt
imeIwasatapl
acel
i
ket
hisIwas18.

"
Don'
tbenervouswegott
his.
"Jennydr
aggedmet othi
samazinggadgetshop.Wehadr
emov
ed
t
hesur
gical
masksbecausewewoul dl
ooksuspi
ciousbutweworeourhoodies.

Thankf
ull
yweboughtt
hephonewi
thoutanypr
obl
em andwal
kedoutoft
heshop.

"
OhhhIneedt
obuysomepi
azza,
wai
tforme.
"Jennyt
ookaf
ewbuckst
hatwer
elef
tandr
an.

Ser
iousl
yinasi
tuat
ionl
i
ket
hisshewast
hinki
ngofpi
azza!
Endofchapt
er2

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er3

*
"Your
str
uly.
..
Jon,
DangerandJoss"
*

Loveher?
Yesididtrul
ywithal
lmyheartbutwhatdidshedo.Bet
ray
edmel ikethat
.Ther
ehad
beenati
mei nmyl i
fewhenIall
owedmy selft
orememberthatshenolongerexist
edbecauseof
me.Iwouldcar
rytheburdenoft
hatgui
l
tyf ort
herestofmyli
febutthenagainshedeservedi
t.

Icursedabr
upt
lyasj
usti
nfrontofmeayoungwomanst ar
tedtocrosst
her
oadwithoutl
ooki
ng
causingmetostampmyfootdownonthebrakes.
Mycarscreechedi
nahal
tinf
rontofheras
shef
rozeandt
urnedar
oundf
aci
ngt
owar
dsme.

Ihadamoment aryimpressi
onofhershockedf ace,bi
gey es,
shapeddeli
cat
elyf
emi ni
ne
face,
wit
hblacklongmessyhairwhichwast ousledbythest r
ongbreeze.
Notsot al
l
,notshor
t
eit
herwithanhourglassbodybutskinnyshewaswear i
ngwhitepant
sandabl ack
hoodie.
Howeverasmymi ndmental
lydigest
edt hesevisualf
actsIwasfuel
ledbyanger.

"
Whatt
hef
ucki
sshet
hinki
ng?
"Icur
sedandhoot
edather
.

Asshockfadedherey
esitwasn'
tgui
lt
yorgrat
it
udethatr
epl
acedi
tbutangert
owar
dmeas
thoughIwastheonetobl
ameforherfool
i
shness.

Foraseconditseemedasifshewasabouttowalkr
ightuptomycarandshoutatmebut
beforeshecoul
danotherf
emalefi
gurewear
ingt
hesamecl ot
hessur
pri
singl
ycameand
draggedherawayasthecardri
ver
'sst
art
edhoot
inggrowingi
mpati
entofcourse.

Wai
tshel
ookedf
ami
l
iar
.

Any
wayIcont
inuedwi
thmyj
our
neycur
singal
lthewayt
il
lIr
eachedmymansi
on.

Ipar
kedmycarandki
ckedt
hedooropencur
singatt
hesamet
ime.

Gar
ethwasbusymuf
fi
ngasl
utonmycouch.

"
WTFareyoudoi
nginmyhouse.
..
youwhoregetoutofmyhouseri
ghtnow"Ir
oar
ed,
scar
ingt
he
whor
ehewaswit
h.Shewor
eherclot
hesandranoutimmedi
atel
y.
"
What
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"Gar
ethasked.

"What'
swr
ongisy
oubr
ingi
ngbi
tchesi
nmyhouseandmuf
fi
ngt
hem onmyexpensi
vecouches"
Isai
dangr
il
y.

"
Wai
tami
nut
eisi
tJon,
Joss.
..
.?
"Heasked.

"
Nooi
tsy
our
str
ulyDanger
.I
'm backmi
ssedmeal
ready
."Isai
dwi
thanev
ilgr
in.

"
FuckhowdidDangercome..
.y
ouwerequi
tecal
m wheny
oul
eft
..
.ImeanJonwascal
m..
.and
Dangerwhendi
dyoucome."Heasked.
"Thi
sgi r
ljustcamerightouti
nfr
ontofmeli
kethat,whatpossessedhert
odot hat
..
.Didn'
tshe
real
izehowcl oseshehascomet ocausi
nganaccident
.Whatifmybrakeshadfail
edtowor kso
swif
t l
yorifIhadskiddedorIhav
enotbeenabl
et ostop.
?"Igulpeddownwhiskyli
keitwas
water.

Garet
hsatupstr
aight.
"Soyouaretel
l
ingmey outookoverbecauseoft
hat.ImeanJoncoul
d
havehandl
edt
hesi t
uationwel
landbesidesy
oujustdon'tt
akecontr
olDangeryouonl
ycome
outwhenJonishurt"
.

Isatdown."
Hewascl
oset
obei
nghur
tsoIcameout
."

Hesi
ghed.
"Whydon'
tyoul
etJongett
reat
edDanger
?"
"Ican'
tlethim bet
reat
edbecausepeopl
ewi
ll
takeadvant
ageofhim andhewi
ll
behurtagai
n.I
existbecauseIcanhandl
ethatpai
n.Ki
ll
i
ngmeisnotanopti
on"Igul
pedthewhi
skyagai
n.

Ihavebeenl i
vingImeanJonhav ebeenlivi
ngwithDissociati
veIdent
it
ydisordersi
ncehewas
21nowhei s30.Soi tsbeen9y earsnow.Thement alcondi
tionispopular
lyknownasDI Dor
multi
plepersonali
ties.Sofaritsonlythreepersonali
ti
esthatexisti
nthebody .
Yourstr
ulyJon-
theowneroft hebody ,
cal
m, soft,
carr
ying,
lov
ingandaweakl i
ng.ThenthereisDanger-
evi
l,
cunning,murder er,vi
olentandemot i
onl
ess.Lastl
ythereisJoss-.
.f
unny,cheer
ful
,j
oll
ybut
depressedandsui cidaldeepdown.

Howt
heywer
ecr
eat
edi
sast
oryf
oranot
herday
.

"
Butyouarebeingunfai
rDanger.
Jonwantstobetreat
edbutyoudon'
tal
l
owhi m.
"Gar
ethand
mytwootherfri
ends(
MaxandLewi s)ar
etheonlyguyswhoknowaboutthi
s.Wear
echil
dhood
f
ri
ends.
WelltheyareJon'
sfri
endsnotmine.
Ijustt
oler
atet
hem.

"Youdon'ttel
lmewhattodook.I
tisJonwhocreat
edmeandJosssoonl yhecandestroyus
notsomest upidt
reat
ment.Don'
tannoymeanymoreorIwi
l
lfuckenshootyourbr
ainsout.
Now
i
fy ouexcusemeIhav et
ogetmyhandsomesleep."

Il
eft
.
*
"Neardeat
hexper
ience"
*

Apr
il
.

Iwassolostinmythought
swhenJennyr anofftobuysomepi
azza.
Ever
ythi
nghaschangedthe
mainr
oads,thecar
s,t
hebuil
dings.I
tseemsli
ket heyhav
ebeenr
enovat
edwhileIwasi
nment al
asy
lum pr
ison.Imi
ssedoutonal otwhil
einthatjai
l.

Ev
ery
thi
ngf
eltsonew,
event
hebr
eezewasdi
ff
erent
.

Iwassocaughtupi nt
hebeautyoftheplacewhenasuddenscr eechofacarbr
oughtmeback
tor
eal
ity
.Withoutr
eali
singIhadst
artedt
ocr ossthemai nroadwithoutl
ooki
ngproperl
y.
Howeverthatinnowayexcusedthemani acdangerousnessofthespeedatwhichthedri
verof
t
hecarhav
ebeendr
ivi
ng.
Itur
nedt
olookatt
het
otal
l
yfur
yinhi
sey
esashegl
ower
edatme.

Ofcoursemyownshockhel dmemot i
onless.Howeverthemanwasout r
ageously,dangerously
good-l
ooki
ngwi t
hthick,i
ce-blond,
wellgr
oomedhai rwhichwast r
immedont hesides,chil
l
ingice
greyeyes,
well
chisell
edjawl i
neandf ul
lsexylips.
Eventhoughhewasi nthecarIcoul dn'
thelp
butnoti
cethebroadshoul dersandmuscl es.Butnoneoft hatcompensat
edthefactt hathe
nearl
yranmeov er.
Iwassodet er
minedtostept owardsthecarandgive"MrSexyLi ps"apiece
ofmymi ndthedriverbehindhim hootedimpat i
entl
yandJennycameanddr aggedmeaway .

"
Heysnapoutofi
t.
Arey
oucr azywhatwer
eyout
hinki
ng"Sheshout
edatme.
Shewasannoy
ing
me,
hervoi
cesoundedl
ikebees.

"
I'
m sor
ryIwasjustcaughtupi
nthemomentt
hatIdi
dn'
treal
i
seIwascr
ossi
ngt
her
oad.
"Isai
d
i
nannoyance.

"
Ohhhthenyoureal
i
sedyouwereal
mostranov
erbuty
oudi
dn'
tev
enmov
er,
i
nst
eady
ouwer
eat
ast
ari
ngcontestwi
tht
hatbl
ondyguy.
"Shewasdr
aggi
ngme.
"
Ijustwant
edt ogiv
ehi
m api
eceofmymi nd,
hehasbeendrivi
ngli
keamaniactohavebeen
f
orcedtohaltwit
hsuchascr
eech.
Thatwasaneardeathexperi
ence.
"Idef
endedmysel
f.

"
Whatev
erl
et'
shur
rybackI
'
m sur
etheyar
edoi
ngt
her
oll
cal
latourwi
ngnow"Shest
art
ed
j
oggi
ng.

"Ohhhcr
apIal
mostf
orgot
"Tr
ulyIhadforamomentf
orgott
hatIwasapr
isonert
hankst
othe
cit
yli
ght
sandwel
lumm MrSexyLips.

"
Yeal
et'
sgo.
."West
art
edr
unni
ngagai
nandaf
tersomet
imewehadr
eachedt
heasy
lum.

"
Whatnow"sheasked
"Wedefi
nit
elycannotgobackt
hrought
hegat
ewehav
etoj
umpov
ert
hewi
reatt
hebasket
bal
l
caught
"Isuggested.

"
You'
rer
ightbuti
t'
snotgonnabeeasy
"Shesai
d.

Wewenttot
hecaughtandIhel
pedhert
ojumpover
.Ij
umpedtoothankf
ull
ydi
dn'
tgethur
t.
We
t
ipt
oedandwentt
ooneofthebathr
oomswhichwer
enearourwing.

"
Whatnow?
"Sheasked.
"Wehav
etogothrought
heceil
inghoneywedon'
thavemuchofachoi
ceandwehav
etomake
sur
ewejumpexactl
yinourcel
l
."Isai
dandshenodded

"
Wel
lfr
om t
hisbat
hroom ourcel
li
sont
het
hir
d"Shesai
d.

"Coolthen"Wemanagedt
ogoint
othecei
li
ngandst ar
tedcrawl
i
ngmakingsur
ewedon'tmake
noise.
Luckil
ywej
umpedintot
hebat
hroom ofourcel
l.
Kiar
aandNicki
cameinrunni
ng.

"OhhhmyGodwewer esoworr
iedwhatt
ookyousolong.
Pleasechangehurr
ytheyareonthe
othercel
lnex
ttoour
s"Ni
cki
sai
dgivi
ngusourov
eral
l
sandt akingt
hepiazzafr
om Jenny.

Wequi
ckl
ychangedandhi
dev
ery
thi
ngt
hatcoul
dlooksuspi
cious.

Iqui
ckl
ywenti
ntomybl
anket
sandpr
etendedt
obesnor
ing.

Af
tersomemi
nut
eswehear
dourcel
lbei
ngopened.
"
Wakeupp!
!!
"Thenur
seshout
ed.

Ni
cki
pret
endedt
obey
awni
ng,
whi
l
eIwasannoy
ed.

"
Youar
esoannoy
ing"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Nicki
Simmons"Shesai
d.

"Thebi
tchi
sher
e"Ni
cki
sai
dandt
henur
sef
rowned.
Ibett
heyshar
edt
hesamedi
ckor
somethi
ng.
"
JennyJor
dan"Shecont
inued.

"
Inf
leshbi
tch"Shesai
dtr
ustJennyt
ober
ude.

"
Kiar
aChest
er"
.

"Al
i
veandwel
l
"Ki
araanswer
ed.

"
Apr
ilJune"Shesai
dandIf
rowned.
"
It
sjustApr
ilnoJune.
..
I'
mjustApr
il
"Isai
d.

"
Howcomeal
lofy
ouar
eher
e.Iexpect
edt
oel
ect
rocut
eyouguy
s.ImeanIcoul
dn'
twai
t.
"She
f
rowned.

"
Youneedsomedi
cki
nyourl
i
fe.
Getoutofher
e."Ni
cki
shout
edandt
henur
sej
ustcl
i
ckedher
t
ongueandl
eft
.

Af
terwewer
esur
ethatt
heyar
egone.Wesatonmybedbecausei
twasatacor
ner
.

"Whatshouldwedowitht
heguar
d'sI
D,i
m pr
ett
ysur
ewhenhewakesuphewi
l
lremember
ever
ythi
ng."Iwaswor
ri
ed.
"
Don'twor
ryIdi
dn'
tfeedhi
m sedati
vesonl
ybutal
soal
otoft
hoset
rasht
heygi
veus.
I'
m sur
e
whenhewakeshewon'tevenrememberathi
ng"
.

"Butwhatabouthi
sIDcar
d"Iasked.

"
Letmet
aket
hatback"Ni
cki
tooki
tandl
eft
.Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esshewasback.

"
Done.
Nowcanweeatt
hepi
azzaal
readyI
'
m hungr
y."

"
Wai
tdon'
ttheyCCTVher
e"Jennyl
ookedwor
ri
ed.
"
Att
hissi
dei
tdoesn'
twor
ksor
elax
".

Westar
tedeatingt
hepi
azza,shar
ingj
okesandlaughi
ng.Aft
erweweredone.
Weswitchedt
he
mobi
celpurepl
usIhadboughtandconnect
edtotheWiFi.
WellNi
cki
knewthepasswordsoyear
i
twaseasier.

Ist
art
edsearchi
ngaboutt
heJunef
amil
y'
sbusiness.Al
lther
ichesst
art
edwhent hecasewas
bei
nghel
d.I
mpor t
anti
nfor
mat
ionwasnotpubl
i
cizedexpectt
hepeopletheyhadbusi
nessdeal
s
wit
h.

AtleastIhadsomei nf
ormat
ion.OnceI
'
m outIwoul
dst
artt
ovi
sitTheJacksonf
ami
l
y,The
Johnsandl ast
lyTheMcClai
n.

"Wel lt
hisideaisstupidyouwantt ov i
sitt
hosefami l
i
es.Doy ouknowt hatt
heyarebusiness
tycoons,peopleofhighranki nbusiness.Theyar efearedespecial
lyt
heMcCl ai
nfamil
y.
Thei rson
JonMcCl aini
st hemostf earedhei sadanger ousbusinessmany oudon'twannamesswi th.One
wr ongmov eyouwi l
lgomi ssingandnoonewi lll
ookf oryou.Soyouthi
nkyoujustgoi
ngt oshow
upandsayheyt hereyou'
redoi ngbusinesswiththeJunef amil
yIwanttoknowwhent hat
startedandwhy ...
thatwil
lbey oubeingparanoidandst upi
d"

Ni
cki
repr
imandedmet
hef
oll
owi
ngmor
ningwhenIshar
emyi
deawi
thher
.

"
Sowhatshoul
dIdo,Idon'
thav
eachoi ceNicki
.Af
teral
lthesef
ami
l
iesar
etheoneswhomade
i
mpor
tantdeal
swit
hJul i
anandherhusband"Isai
d
"Bylivi
ngwi thnutcaseshav eyoubecomeoneaswel l
.
Apr i
lli
stent hi
sisimpor
tantand
serious.
Thisisdifferentfr
om sneakingoutoft heasy l
um andki ckingtheguar
d'snuts.
Thisis
abouty ouridenti
tyApr i
l.
YouarejustApr i
lyouneedt oknowwhoy ouare,
sodon'
tmakehast y
planswhi chwillj
ustpr ovetobefatal f
oryouint hefut
ur e.
Youmustknowpeopl eyouare
dealingwith,t
hesepeopl earedanger ousespeciall
ytheMcCl ains.Youmustdrawaf oolproof
plan,beamast ermi nd.Youhavetot hinkdangerouslyjustli
kethem, youhavet
obecunni ngfor
yout osucceed."Kiarasaidaswel l
.

"
FineIheary
ou.
Iwi
l
lthi
nkofbet
terpl
an"Isi
ghed.

"Ohhhbythewayweheardthatyouhadaneardeat
hexper
ienceyoualmostgotr
anov
erby
someblondeguyyest
erday
"Nickisatdownwai
ti
ngformetospil
lthebeans.

"
OhhhMrSexyLi
ps.
."
"
Mrwhaaat
!!
!"Bot
hKi
araandNi
cki
quest
ioned

If
lushedal
i
ttl
e.Nowwhatonear
thpr
ompt
edmet
ouset
hatpar
ti
cul
ardescr
ipt
ionofhi
m out
l
oud?.

"Er
r..
.not
hing.
..Ummm l
etmegoandtakeabat
hit
sal
mostbr
eakf
astt
ime.
"Iqui
ckl
yrant
othe
bathr
oom leavingt
het
wolaughi
ng.

Endofchapt
er3

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er4

*
"Ican'
tremembert
o**
for
gety
ou"
*(Your
str
ulyJon,
DangerandJoss)

WhenIwokeupIwasly
ing,
sti
l
ldr
essed,
i
nbedandMaxwassi
tt
ingonachai
rnextt
oitwat
chi
ng
me.
Myroom hadbeent
iedupsmell
i
ngpoli
shandcof
fee.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Iaskedgr
oggi
l
y.Myt
hroatf
eltsor
eandmyheadached.

"Ifeel
sick"
.Immediatel
yIr
ant othebathroom.I
tseemedli
keali
feti
mebeforemyst
omach
disgorgedi
tsunwantedcontents.I
.cl
eanedmymout haf
terandwentbackt
oMax.

Gr
oani
ng,
Irol
l
edov
erandbur
iedmyf
acei
ntot
hepi
l
low.
"
Dri
nkt
hisconcoct
ion,
youwi
l
lbef
ine"
Hegav
emeagl
assf
ull
ofsl
i
mygr
eensubst
ance.

"Don'
tevent
hinkaboutwhat'
sinsi
dejustdr
ink.
Itwi
l
lhel
pwitht
hehangover
"Hesai
dst
andi
ng
upfaci
ngtothewindowdrinki
nghiscoff
eewi t
honehandi
nhispocket
s.

MaxandLewisJacksont
heyar
etwinsandtheeldest32yearsoldandt
heyar
emy
cousi
ns.
Gar
ethJohnsist
heyoungest29y
earold.Myonlyfr
iends.

Any
wayIdr
ankt
hedi
sgust
ingsubst
ance.

"
Idon'
tremembert
aki
ngal
cohol
lastni
ght
"Isai
d.

"Youdon'
trememberbecausewheny
oucamebackDangerhadt
akencont
rol
"Hesi
ghedand
satdown.
Isatdownat
tenti
vel
y."
W-what.
..
it
'sbeenl
ongsinceDangert ookcont
rol
.Di
dheper
hapshur
t
anyoneormesseduponeofmybusinessdeal
s..
.?"Iasked.

"
Thatswhatsurpri
sesme.Weal lknowt hatifDangertakescont
roli
tseit
hersomeonewi l
lbein
acomaorabusi nessdealwil
lgowr ongbuty ester
dayitwasdiff
erenthedi
dn'tfi
ghtorgetany
t
att
ooorcomebackwi t
hbitches.Hej ustdrankmyexpensivewhiskyandslept.
Garet
hcall
ed
methinki
ngmay behewill
dosomet hi
ngst upidbutnowhenwecamet ocheckonhi m,hewas
f
astasleep,
snor
ingsoundi
ngl i
keapr essurecooker.

Iwasshocked.
"Whaaaat
!Dangerdidnotdoany
thi
ng?.Imeanhowcomei
tsbeenlongsi
ncehe
tookcont
rol
.Af
terki
l
li
ngKat
ieIthoughtt
hatt
henextt
imehecomesbackhewil
lcausemore
harm"

"
Jondoy
oumay
beknowwhatmayhav
etr
igger
edhi
mtot
akecont
rol
"Maxasked.
"Iwasn'
tangry
.Ihadvi
sit
edKat
ie'sgr
aveyester
day
.Iwascalm andIf
oundt
heclosur
eI
needed.
Idon'
trememberhowhecouldhav ecomeout
.Idon'
trememberany
thi
ng"Itr
iedt
o
rememberbutitsl
iket
hememor ywaserasedfr
om mybrai
n.

"Don'
tstressitok.
Youhaveani
mportantmeeti
ngwitht
heshar
eholder
stoday.
Becaref
ulnott
o
tri
ggerDangerorJossint
otaki
ngcontr
olbecauset
heywil
lj
eopar
dizeever
ythi
ng.Thi
sisabig
dealforus."
hesaid.

"
Arghhhi
tsalr
eady8:
15canyoucall
myPAandt
ell
hert
hatImay
beal
i
ttl
ebi
tlat
efort
he
meeti
ng.
"Isai
dgoingtomybat
hroom.

"
Sur
e"Hesai
dtaki
ngmyphone.
Itookaqui
ckbat
handwor
emynav
ybl
uesl
i
mfi
tsui
tandawhi
teshi
rt
.Ibr
ushedmyhai
r.
Iwas
goodtogo.

Iwentdownst
air
sandf
oundMaxandLewi
swai
ti
ngf
orme.
Gar
ethwasnott
her
e.

"
HeyLewi
s,
wher
eisGar
eth"Iasked.

"
Ohhhhheleftj
ustnowanissuecameatthegolfcl
ubssohehadt
oleav
e.Hei
ssendi
nghi
sPA
t
ostandupforhiminthemeeti
ng."
Maxexplai
ned.

"Looki
nggoodt
oimpr
esshuh"
Lewi
ssai
dgi
vi
ngmeashoul
derbump.

Unl
i
keMax, Lewi
sisjol
l
yandcheer
ful
nowondert
heyar
enotident
ical
twins.
Theyarej
ustt
wo
i
ndi
vidual
sthatshar
edawombandbor nont
hesameday.
Theyaretot
all
ydif
ferent
.

"
Ial
way
simpr
ess"Igr
inned.
"Notal
way
s,y
ouarest
il
lcr
ushi
ngony
ourPAandshei
sst
il
lrej
ect
ingy
ou.
What
'shername
agai
n"Hel
aughed.

"
Ruth,
hernameisRut
h.Shei
sjustpl
ayi
nghar
dtogetbutwai
tti
l
lIbanghershewi
l
lcomeback
wanti
ngmore.
"Isai
d.

"WellIt
hinkit
sf ort
hebestifshekeepsonr ej
ect
ingyouJon.Thelastthingwewanti sanother
Katiesi
tuati
on.Ithi
nkit
sbetterf
ory out
ojuststi
cktowhor es.
Nowi fy
oudon' tmindcanwego
tothemeet i
ngwewi ll
belate.
"Maxi sastrai
ghttal
kerl
ikethat
.Heisalwaysseriousanddoesn't
takeanybull.
Alsoheistheonewhounder standDangerbecausetheyjustvi
be,ontheother
handLewi si
sjustLewisheunderstandandv i
bewithJosswhileGaret
hont heot herhandvi
bes
withmeJon.

"
Youneedwhor e-
ther
apy,y
ou'
ret
oodryMax.
Whenl
astdidyougetl
aid"Lewi
saskedmocki
ng
Max,
whojustshookhisheadt
aki
ngthekey
sofmyfavouri
tePor
sche.
"
Wear
eusi
ngy
ourf
avour
it
ebaby
"HeknewIdi
dn'
tl
iket
ousemyPor
sche.

Any
waywedr
ovet
omycompanybecauset
hat
'
swher
ethemeet
ingwasbei
nghel
d.

"
Morni
ngMrMcCl
ain,
I
'm gl
ady
ou'
reher
eear
ly.
"MyPAwhoIhav
eacr
ushonsai
dasshe
f
oll
owedmet
omyof f
ice.

"HyRut
h"Isai
dlazi
ly.
Ihavemademyintent
ionscl
eartoherwaybackt
hatIwantedherbutf
or
somereasonDangerhavebeenmessi
ngthi
ngsupf ormewheneverIt
ri
edtotakeherout
.

"It
houghtyouwoul
dwantmetobri
efy
ouonthepossi
blel
egalcompl
exit
iesoft
heproposed
sharehol
der
smeeti
ng.
"Shesai
dgoi
ngthr
oughherf
il
es,
obvi
ouslyi
gnor
ingmyey eswhi
chwere
pi
erci
ngthroughherskin.
Shewasjustper
fectwi
ththepal
eskintanandper
fect
lyt
ri
mmed
br
unettehair
.Shehadlongbeaut
if
ull
egsandslenderbody
.Justper
fect
!

"
Whyhav
eyounotr
etur
nedmycal
l
?"Iasked.

"
Whenwi
l
lyoubef
reet
ohav
edi
nnerwi
thme?
"Iaskedagai
n.

"
Nott
hisweekI
'
m af
rai
d".
Shesai
dfi
rml
y.

"Ihavemissedyou.
It
sbeensol ongsi
ncewesatdownandtalk.YouknowhowIf eelabout
you.
.Ij
ustwantustotry
.."
IknowIsounddesper
atebutIr
eal
l
ywant edtotr
yitout.
Af t
erKati
e'
s
deathIwantedanot
herrel
ati
onshipwi
thawomanwhounder standsmeandRut hfitper
fect
ly
fort
hatrol
e.

"St
optry
ingt
of l
attermeJonMcCl ai
n.LookIknowver
ywel lt
hatt
herearescoresofwomen
besi
desmeiny ourli
fesodon'tt
ryandtel
lmethaty
oumi ssedme..
.and.
..
"Beforeshef
ini
shedI
smashedmylipsonher s.
Bestwaytoshutagirl
upri
ght.
.
Herbodytr
embledvi
olent
lybeneat
hmyhandsandshemadenomov
etost
opme.
Weki
ssed
l
ikeourl
iv
esdependedonit.

Someonecl
ear
edt
hei
rthr
ought
hat
'
swhenwest
opped.
Rut
hwasnowbl
ushi
ng,
play
inghar
dto
gethuh.

"
Themeet
ingi
saboutt
ostar
t"Maxwasr
eall
yannoy
edandIknewwher
ehewascomi
ng
f
rom.
Hewasconcer
nedaboutmeandpl
ayi
ngbigbr
oofcour
se.

"
Iwanty
out
oaccompanymet
othi
smeet
ing.
"Isai
dtoRut
h.

"Thi
ngshav
echangedalotrat
hersincewehav
edi
scussedthi
smat t
er.Forast
artt
he
shar
ehol
ders.
..
--
"Shest
art
edbrief
ingmeonourwaytotheboardr
oom.

Theotherr
easonwhyIl
i
kerher
.Shewasahar
dwor
kingwomanwhounder
stoodbusi
nessv
ery
wel
l.

Iaccept
edt ochai
rthemeet
ingandi
twentonv
erywel
l
.Wewont
hedeal
.Thankst
oour
negoti
atorwhoknewwhatshewasdoing.

Whi
l
epeopl
ewer
econgr
atul
ati
ngusMrandMr
sJunewal
kedupt
ous.

Theyannoy
edmer
eal
l
y.I
fitwer
en'
tfort
hef
actt
hatmymot
herdi
dbusi
nesswi
tht
hem Icoul
d
hav
enotmadedeal
swi
tht
hem,
theywer
epar
asi
tes.

"I
'
m sendi
ngmyownnegot
iat
orandsol
i
citorovertoyouMrMcClai
nJnr,It
hinktheywi
l
l
conv
inceyout
osel
lme10%ofsomeofy ourshares.
"Jul
i
anthegreedyonesaid.

"Li
keIsaidbef
oreI'
m notsel
l
ingyoumyshares.
Ihav
ealreadyhelpedyoualot.
Youshoul
dbe
grat
eful
."Ismi
ledandlef
twit
htheguysf
orlunchatthi
sluxur
iousrest
aurant
.

Whi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
orouror
derwewer
edi
scussi
ngaboutbusi
ness.Maxwasj
ustqui
et.

"
Andwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"Gar
ethwhohadj
oinedasked.
"
I'
m worri
edaboutJon.
Thisi
ssueaboutDangert
aki
ngovery
est
erdayi
sworr
yingme.
Ontopof
t
hatthi
sfoolwantstobei
nar el
ati
onshi
pwithaweakwomanwhowon'tbeablet
ohandl
ehi
m"
Hesaidshaki
nghishead.

"
Iunder
standy
ourconcer
nsbr
obutRut
hisnotweak.
"Idef
ended.

"LookIreall
ywantyoutobehappyJon.Ir
eall
ywanty outobeinastablerel
ati
onshipbutyou
needast rongwomanforthat.
Aonewhowi ll
notbreakoncetheyknowabouty oument al
condit
ion.Aonewhocanl ovethet
hreeofyoucombi ned.
Imeansomeonewhoi stoughto
handleDanger,
car
ingtohandleJonandsofttohandl
eJoss.Ruthisnotthatgi
rlbuti
fyou'
re
seri
ousaboutherthenyoucangoaheadbutwedon' twantanotherKati
eissue.
"Hewar ned.

"
Ireal
l
yfeell
ikesheistheone.
Thewayshecarri
eshersel
fyoucanseet hatshepossessesal
l
t
hequali
ti
estohandlemeandmyal t
erpersonal
i
ties.
AnywayGarethIheardDangertookcont
rol
y
ester
daydidheperhapstol
dyouthereasonhecameout .
?"Iasked.

"
Youf
orgot
?Appar
ent
lyy
oual
mostr
anagi
rlov
ersohet
ookcont
rol
topr
otecty
out
hat
'swhat
het
oldme"Hesai
d.

"Ial
mostransomeoneov er?HowcomeIdon' tremember .Imeanusual l
yIwouldr
ememberwhy
Dangertakescont
rolwhattri
ggeredit
,whatIwouldn'
trememberi swhatDangerwouldhave
donewhileincont
rolbutt
histimeitsl
ikethatpar
tiscompl et
elyerasedfrom mymemory.I
don'
tevenr ememberanyt
hing"Isaid.

"
May
behei
sdoi
ngt
hatt
opr
otecty
ouort
her
eisanot
herr
eason"Maxsai
d.

"Isuggestyoustar tyourt
reatmentJonbeforeyoubecomeacompl etenutcase.Ormay beyou
mayev enhav eamnesi a.I
maginey ouwal
kingaroundnakedforgetti
ngthatyoudi dnotwear
yourpants,thathappenswi thpeoplewhohav eamnesiar
ight
..
.Thi sisdef
init
elynotyouryear
Jon.Youloveagi rlwhodoesn'twantyouImeany oucan'
tfal
li
nl ovebefor
edat ingorderi
s
reall
yimportantinlif
ehowcany ouwipebeforegoingtot
hetoilethow?"TrustLewist opush
yourlaught
erbut tonsatasituati
onwherey ouhavetobeseri
ous.

"
JustshutupLewi
sify
oudon'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
osay
."Maxwasannoy
ed.
Endofchapt
er4

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er5

*
"Whycan'
tIst
opt
hinki
ngabouthi
m?"
.*

Apr
il
.
Abrupt
lyIshakedmyheadtodi spelmyt
hought
sandcomebacktothepresent
.Myteahas
becomecol dwhi
leIwassti
llsolosti
nmythought
s.Whycoul
dn'
tIstopt
hinki
ngabouthi
m?For
cry
ingoutloudIjustsawhi
m onceandIdon'
tevenknowhi
m.Isi
ghed.

"
What
'swr
ongy
oudi
dn'
ttouchy
ourf
ood?
"Ki
araasked.

Ij
ustshookmyhead.
"It
hinkI
'
m goi
ngcr
azy
"

Ni
cki
bur
stedi
nlaught
er."
Yout
hinki
ngaboutMrSexyLi
ps"
"
Whoi
sMrSexyLi
ps?
"Jennyasked.

"
Theonewhoal
mostr
anherov
ery
est
erday
"Ki
arar
epl
i
ed.

"Hel
loI '
m sti
llhereandf orther ecordI'
m notthinkingabouthim.I'
mt hi
nkingaboutwhocoul dbe
myr eal f
ather.
Whati shedoi ng,wher ei
she,isheev enali
ve"WellIhadtol i
eorthesegirl
swould
l
aughatmet hewhol edayf orthinkingaboutsomeoneIsawonce. Lucki
lytheyboughtmy
stor
y .Thewhol enightandmor ningIwasonlyt hinkingaboutthatguy.Whatwasi tabout
him,
t hatIcouldn'
tgetmymi ndof fhim.
Suddenl yIfeltt
heurgeofsneakingev er
yni ghtand
searchf orhim.Okt hat
'sjuststupid.

"
Don'
twor
ryy
ouf
indoutev
ery
thi
ngok"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Wel
lexcusemeIhav
etogoseemymot
her
,Iwi
l
lbeback"Shel
eft
.
Jennysighed."
Iknowy oujustli
edt ous.
Thatl
ookisnotofsomeonewhoi sworri
edabout
fi
ndingherfather
.Thatlookissoftandshowsalotofemotions.Agi
rlonl
ylooksl
iket
hatwhen
sheisthinki
ngaboutaguy ."
Shesi ppedhert
ea.

"
Argghhy
oumi
sunder
standi
ngme.
Inr
eal
l
ythi
nki
ngaboutt
hiswhol
efami
l
yissue.
"Idef
ended.

"
Ify
ousayso.
"Ki
arasai
dtaki
ngmypl
ateandeat
ingmyf
ood.

"
Evenwhenyourmom t
oldyoutheshocki
ngnewsyouat et
hatdaybuttodayy
oudi
dn'
tev
en
l
ookatyourf
ood.
It
swri
ttenal
loveryourf
acehoney
."Jennycont
inued.

"
OkIt
hinkIneedt
ogogot
hegy
m pl
easeexcuseme.
"Ii
mmedi
atel
yst
oodupandl
eft
.Idi
dn'
t
wannahearwhat
evert
heyhadt
osay
.

Ibandagedmyknuckl
esandst ar
tedwor
kingonthepunchi
ngback.
That
'st
heonl
ywayt
o
expressmyemoti
ons.Ipunchedtil
lmyf
istbecamenumb.

"
Goeasyont
hepunchi
ngbag"Thatol
dir
ri
tat
ingv
oicebel
ongedt
oMrJones.

Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m."
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Iasked.

"Icamewithyourdocuments,t
herealones"Hegavemet hedocument
s.Onmybir
thcer
ti
fi
cat
e
therewasnosurnamenort henameoft hefat
her
.Ial
sohadadi pl
omainhot
eland
cateri
ng.
Alsomynational
IDandotherschoolcer
ti
fi
cates.

"
Howdi
dyougett
hem soqui
ck?
"Iasked.
"Let
'sj
ustsayI
'
m goodatmani
pul
ati
ngandt
wist
ingwor
dssoy
ourmom di
dn'
tsuspect
anyt
hing.
"

"
Soy
ou'
repl
anni
ngt
omani
pul
atemenow?
"Iasked.

"Nooy ou'rewayt oclever.

IfIreall
ywant edtomani pulat
ey ou,Icouldhav etakenadv antageof
thefactt hatIsawy ousneaki ngouty est er
day.Looky ou'r
egoodper sonandI'm sorrythatIhad
tolieabouty ourment alconditi
onsot hatyoucoul dendupher e.
Ireall
yneededt hemoneyf or
myf ami l
ysincet hegov er
nmenti spay ingpeanut s.Iwasdesper atetoo,Ir
eall
yfeelguiltyeach
andev er
ydaywhenIseey ousuf fer
ingbutt r
ustmet histimey ouwillbeout.I
'
ml eavingt his
placeandanewdoct orwhom y ourMondoesn' tknowi scomi ng.IwillmakesurethatIgi ve
him/ heryourreal medicalreport
s.Youhav emywor d.Alsosleepwi thy ouroneey eopeny our
mom want sy oudeadThatwomancandoany t
hingformoneyshei sev i
landgreedy "Hesai d.
I
didn'tknowi fIshouldbeli
ev ehim.

"
Thanky
ouMrJones"If
orcedasmi
l
e.
"
Youar
eal
way
swel
come.
Don'
twor
ryy
ouwi
l
lbeoutofher
e"Hesmi
l
edandl
eft
.

Forsomer
easonIbel
i
evedhi
m.Hewasj
ustgenui
net
hough.

Isatdownandsi
ghed.
Sof
arl
i
fehadt
hrownnot
hingbutl
emonst
omei
tshi
ght
imeImake
somelemonade.

"
IhopeIwil
lbeoutofher
esoon.
Ineedtofi
ndmyf
ather
.I.
needt
oknowmyr
eal
ident
it
y.And
maybeIcanmeetMrSexyLi
ps"Isi
ghed.

Iwentt
omycel l
andplacedthedocument
sundermymatt
resstheytheonlythi
ngsIhad.
Nicki
cameinlooki
ngrat
herdi
stur
bed.Ther
eissomethi
ngof
fabouther.
Ialsoguessithad
somet
hingt
odowi
thherhav
ingbi
pol
ar.

"
What
'swr
ongNi
cki
"Iasked.

Shej
ustsobbedi
nmyar
msandIr
ubbedherbacki
ncomf
ort
.

"
Youwi
l
lbef
inedon'
twor
ry.
"I'
m notgoodatt
hecomf
ort
ingt
hingbutIt
ri
ed.

"
Mymotherissl
owlyl
oosi
ngitApr
il
.Shei
sjusthangi
ngonatinyt
hread.
Mymot
heri
snotcr
azy
l
oosi
nghersonj
usthi
therof
fthewrongway"Sheconti
nuedsobbi
ng.

"
Whatreal
l
yhappened?
"Ev
ent
houghIknewt
hest
oryIj
ustwant
edt
oheari
tfr
om t
hehor
se'
s
mout
h.
"Backi nthe80'ssher eall
ygav ebirthtoaheal t
hybabyboy ,
mybr otherwasst olenApr i
l
.People
thi
nki tsj
ustthePostTr aumat icSt r
essDi sordert hatshehasbutshecan' tbecr azyt othinkthat
hersonwasal i
vef orallthesey ears.Ifi
twast raumashecoul dhavegottenov eri tjustafew
mont hsaf t
erbutshesay st hatshewast henur sest akingawayherbabyandr eplacinghim wi t
h
adeadone. Shewast ooex haust edtodoany thing.Ibel ieveherApr il
.
WhenIwentt oseehershe
i
sj usthangingonat hreadbutt hereisnohopeApr i
l.Thef actthatIpromisedhert of i
ndmy
brotherfor.
heritstheonl ythingt hatkeepshergoi ng.I '
m stuckinthishopelesspl acewhatam I
gonnado, Ican'
tloosemymot herandbel eftwi ththatmonst erIcallafather"Oki tseemsl ike
sheal sohadheri ssuest oo.Iwasn' ttheonl yonesuf feri
ng.Seeinghermot hermusthav edida
numberonherbecauseNi cki i
saj ollynatural
ly .

"Shhhli
stentomeNi ckiwearegoingtogot hr
ought hi
stogethery
ouunder
standme.MrJones
i
sgoi ngtogetmeoutofher .You,Jenny,
Kiar
aandmewi ll
beoutandwewi l
lfi
ndyourbrot
heras
wellasmyf athergetit.
Nowgety oursel
ftogetherandbestrongfory
ourmotherok"She
noddedv i
olentl
yandwi pedhertearsoff
.

Ki
araandJennywal
kedi
n,
Godknowswher
etheywer
e.

"
Andwhataboutt
hewat
erwor
ks?
"Jennyasked.

Inar
rat
edt
hewhol
ethi
ngt
othem andt
heyal
sopi
ti
edNi
cki
.
"Weal lhavestor
iest
otell
,
itsashameno. oneiswill
i
ngt olisten"Kiaracomment ed.That'
swhen
i
thi tme. Ihavebeensocaughtupi nmyownwor l
d,mindingmyownbusi ness,
lookingfor
solutionsofmyownpr obl
emswi thoutl
ookingatthesoul soft hepeopleIli
vedwi t
h.YesIj
ust
knewt hem for10monthsnowbutInev ersatdownt oaskt hem whatdemonst heyfought
wit
h. Theymi ghthavebeenpeoplewiththei
rmental conditi
onsbutt heydeservedsome
att
ent ion.

"I
'm sosor
ryguys,
Iwassosel f
ish.
Iwassocaughtupinmywor ldwit
houtreali
singt
hati
nas
muchasIhav emyownpr oblemspeoplearoundmehav emuchmor eproblemsaswell.
You
havebeenwithmet hr
ought het hi
ckandthi
nbutIwasjusti
gnorantt
owardsy ouguys.
Iwant
you,al
lofyoutotel
lmey ourpr obl
ems.I
'
m will
ingt
oli
sten.
"Isatdown.

Kiar
asighed.
"Bef
oreIt
ell
youmystor
y.Ij
usthaveawish.May
beonedaywhenweareoutof
thi
splacewhenwegetourli
vest
oget
her.Apr
ily
oushouldbeather
api
st.I
tsj
ustmywi
sh.
"

Shesi
ghedagai
n.

"Il
ostababy .Iwasonlyei
ghteen.I
twasanunpl annedpr egnancy.Imov edi nwit
hmyboy fri
end
attheti
me.Idi dnotknowthathedidn'twantthebabybutbecauseIwasy oungandstupidI
thoughtwewer eatt
hesamepage. Hepr et
endedf oreightmont hsandt henhetotal
lyl
ostitone
dayandpoi sonedmeandmybaby .Ihadtobei nlabourf oradeadbaby .Hecouldhavetoldme
youknowt hathewasn' tr
eadytotaket her
esponsi bi
li
ty.Allbecauseoft hepoisonheusedi t
damagedmywombandt heyhadtor emoveit.Thebitternessofloosingt hebabyandthe
thoughtofnotbeingabletoconceiveagainpushedmet otheedget hatIwasi nvolv
edin
domesticviolenceal
ltheti
me.That'swhenIwasdi agnosedofbi pol
ar .
That '
showIendedup
bei
ngher
e."Shewi
pedhert
ear
sof
f.

Ev
ery
onewassnif
fi
ngexpectf
orme,
Ihadt
obest
rongf
ort
hesegi
rl
s.Iwast
aki
ngt
her
oleofa
bi
gsi
sternow.

"I
'm sorryyouendur
edsuchat ragi
clossbutthi
sisnott heendoftheworl
dKiki
.Therear
eal ot
ofchi l
drenwhoareinneedofapar ent
alfi
gure.
YouKi ar
aChesterwil
lfi
ndamanwhowi l
llove
youf oryouandyouwillhav
ey ourownbaby .
Thisisnottheendoftheworl
dhoney .
Iknowthat
noamountofwor dswil
lsoothyourpainbutyou'r
estrongmorethanyouthi
nkok.Jennyyouare
next"Isaid.

"Igrewupi naf ami l

y,ami ddle-
cl assone. Notev erythingcamei nasi l
v erplatt
er.Wehadt owor k
ourbut tsoutt oear nabet terli
v ing.WhenIwas16mymot herwasdi agnosedofcancerand
whenIwas17shedi ed.Mi ndy oushewasasi nglemot her .
Sheleftmemyt wot winsi bli
ngst o
takecar eofJust inandJoy ce.
Theyar e9y earsol dnow. Ididn'
thav eaj obqual i
fi
cat i
on.Soone
dayanr epresentativeofanescor ti
ngagencyappr oachedmeandof feredmeabi gdeal .Ihadno
opt i
onIhadsi bl
ingst otakecar eof ,
soIgav ein.Itwasnotonl ytoescor tbutwehadt ost r
ipand
getf ucked.Themoneyt heygav emewasenought osendmysi blingst oschool ,
topayt hebi ll
s
andt ogetf oodont het able.SoIst artedwor ki
ngf ort hatagency .
Theonl ygoodt hingtheydi d
foruswast oaskt heircli
ent stousepr otect i
onbecauset heydidn'twantust ogetsi ck.Ilostmy
i
nnocencet oanol dmant hanMrJones. ,
that'showdi sgustingi
twas. Thewor kwast iri
ng, you
hadt osl eepwi t
hl i
ke10peopl eaday ,
got ot hreeescor tingbusinessdi nnersandst r
ipf ora
mi ni
mum off i
v ehour s.
Mybodycoul dn'ttakei tsoIst artedtousecocai nesoast okeepupwi th
mywor k.That'
swhenIhadschi zophrenia.Thebadt hingaboutcocai neisy ouwi ll
bei nv olvedi n
cri
met oosoast ogetaf ix.Hencet hepeopl ewhosuppl iedformewoul daskmet oseduce, drug
andki dnappeopl e.
Thest or yaboutmeki dnappi ngmynei ghbor
'shusbandt hinki
ngi twasmy
l
overIjustmadeitup,
hewasav i
cti
m.Sot hat'
showIendupbei nghere.
Ineverwant
edtot el
l
anyonethetr
uthbecauseIwasafr
aidofbeingjudged.Justi
nandJoy ceIheardt
heyaregoingto
betakentoafosterhomefr
om theorphanage.Mypr ayeristhatIgetoutofherebef
orethat
happensorIwouldhavefai
ledt
hem.Mymot hermustbet urni
ngi nhergrave.
Someti
mesIwi shI
knewwhomyf at
herwasaswell.
""
Shestartedsobbing.

"Youdi
dwhatyouthoughtwasright
,whatyouthoughtcoul
dbri
ngfoodtothetabl
e.Iwi
l
lbe
damnedifany
onedarestojudgethechoicesy
oumade. You'
rest
rongert
hanyouthinkmydear
".
Isai
d.

"Yourpussyi
sstr
ongmygir
lit
snoteasyf
ucki
ngdi
cksofal
lsi
zesandshapes.
Ahhhhat
sof
fli
l
one"
.Wellt
hat
'sj
ustNi
cki
foryou.

"
Wil
lyout
ell
usy
ourst
oryal
ready
"Isai
dwi
thmyey
ebr
owr
aised.

Fr
om Ni
cki
youhav
etoexpectany
thi
ngl
i
keIki
l
ledsomebodyandhi
dthem i
nthewoods.
"
I'
m myst
epf
ather
'ssext
oy.
NowonderIhav
eacr
azysexdr
ive.
"

Weal
lgasped.

"Aftermyf atherdiedmom r emar r

ied.
Howev erbecauseofhercur rentsi
tuationshecoul dn'
t
fulf
illherwi f
elyduti
essot hat'
swhenIwasf orcedtostepin.Thatmant ookmyi nnocencewhen
Iwas15. Whenev erhewant edi tIhadt ogiv eittohim sothathecoul dpayf ormymom' s
hospi talbi
ll
s.Igotangrybecauseoft his,wasangr ybecausemyf atherhadt odi e,angrybecause
mymom i sment all
yunstable.Slowlybutsur el
yIfelli
ntodepr essionandt henl aterbipolar.
So
thisot herdaywhenhet r
iedt otakeadv antageofmel i
keanyot herdayIki ckedhi sbut toff
.I
didn'tstop,Iwaseasilyprovokedandengagei nendlessfightssoher eIam. "Wel l shewasn't
cryingany mor e.Shenarr
atedt hest orylikeitssomef airy
tale.Nicki i
sjustNi cki.

Istoodup."Doyourealizethatther
eisal otofinj
ust
iceoutther
e.Iwasfr
amedandthecri
minal
i
soutt herefr
eely.
Kiarayourexboy fr
iendshouldbeinjai
lbutheisnot,
Nicki
yourst
epdad
shouldbeinprisonaswel l.
Jennytheescor t
ingagencyyouworkedforshoul
dbesuedfor
employinganunder age."
Isaid.

Jennychuckled."Idon'tt
hinkIcanev erf
indj ust
icebecauseal
readyIhaveacriminalrecordand
anotsopl easingmedi calrepor
t.
Tot opitallIcanneverfi
ghtagainstt
heJackson
famil
y.
Appar entlyPinkAgencywhi chIwor kedforbelongstotheJacksonbrot
hers.Justli
keJon
McClaintheyar edangerousbusinessmeny oudon'twannamesswi t
h.SoIwil
lj
ustletkarma
dealwit
ht hem" .
"
Excusey
ou!
!Justbecauset
heyar
eri
chdoesn'
tmeany
oudon'
tdeser
vej
ust
iceok"Isai
d.

IknowIdeser
vej
usti
cebutther
eisnot
hingIcando.I
'm st
ucki
nthi
shopel
esspl
ace.
Youal
so
wantmetogoagainstMaxandLewist
hat'
sjustabsur
d"

"
Itcanhappen.
Ther
ear
enotGodsJenny
"Isai
d.

"
Butt
hei
rGr
eekgodswheni
tcomest
ohot
ness.
"Ni
cki
agai
n.
"
Nicki
justshutupal
ready.Apr
ilIcangoagai
nstmyex.
I'
min.
Ihav
etof
indj
ust
icef
ormybaby
t
hatwayIcanf i
ndcl
osure."Ki
arasaid.

"
Wel
lobv
iousl
yI'
min.
Thatmonst
erIcal
lst
epdadshoul
dbei
njai
l
"Ni
cki
sai
d.

Weal
llookedatJenny.
"Ihavetof
indmyf at
herandatsomepoi
ntIwil
lhav
etomesswit
hthe
McCl
ainsandJacksonsareyouinforthi
sJenny.
Onceweareoutofher
ewewil
ldeal
wit
hthi
s
t
oget
her.Aspooraswear eandascrazyasweare"Isai
d.

"
Yeay
eaI
'
min"Shesai
dlazi
l
y.

"
Nowt
hat
'smygi
rl
s".Wehadagr
ouphug.
Endofchapt
er5

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er6

*
"Fat
herv
sson"
*

Your
sTr
ulyJon,
DangerandJoss.
"Mygoodnesswear ehonouredai
n'
twe?Iti
sn'
tver
yof t
entheseday
sthatyoumanagetohave
anamazingdinnerwit
hthefamousfourbusi
nesstycoonswhoaremakingiti
ntheheadl
i
nes"

ItensedasIhear
dthesar
casti
cv oi
ceofmyfat
her.
Wenev
err
eal
l
ygotonpar
ti
cul
arl
ywel
laf
terI
decidedtost
artmyownbusinessandwell
aft
erhe.
..

"
Ihear
dyouwerenotthereont
helastdinnerbutweall
knowyouri
mpor
tantbusi
nesswast
he
r
easonri
ght
".Hecont
inuedsar
cast
ical
lyholdi
ngaglassofwhi
sky.

Igav
ehim anangr
ylookbefor
eret
ort
ing.
"Perhapsi
fyouspendmoreti
medoinggoodiny
our
busi
nessthanf
ucki
nggir
lsyoungt
obey ourdaught
ersandl
esstal
ki
nginot
herpeopl
e'
sli
ves
youcoul
dbeagoodmanr ight
".

Wit
houtgiv
inghi
m anyoppor
tunit
ytoret
ali
ate.
Itur
nedandquickl
ywalkedawayt
hel
astt
hingI
wantedi
sdangertaki
ngcont
rolandbeat
ingthecrapoutofhi
scrazyself
.

Comingtot
hisdinnerwasabadi
deabutt
hankst
oMax,
LewisandGar
ethwhoconv
incedme
thewhol
eaft
ernoontocomeandfacemydemonswel
lmyfather
.
Gar
ethandLewi
sfol
l
owedme.
Maxwast
aki
ngcar
eoft
heguest
.

"
Youdor
eal
i
secomi
ngher
ewasabadi
dear
ight
"Ir
oar
ed.

"
Youdon'
thav
etot
akeev
ery
thi
nghesay
stohear
t.
Hei
sjustol
dandbi
tt
er"Gar
ethsai
dsof
tl
y.

"
Ohhr eal
lyol
dandbitt
ertofuckmyf i
ancéri
ght
.ImeanIdon'tunderst
andwhatKatiesawinhi
m
r
eall
y.
Myownf at
her.
Youalsocan'ttel
lmenottotakeever
ythinghesay st
oheartbecause
wheneverIseehimtheimageofhi m ontopofKati
ecomesback. "Thosewer
ejustbitt
er
memor i
esIneverwantedt
ov i
sit
.

"
Thatol
dmanst il
lhasi
t.
Imagi
nebangi
nghi
sson'
sfi
ancé,
numberonePl
ayboy
."Lewi
snev
er
t
akesanyt
hingseri
ousl
y.

Ichuckl
ed.
"Ij
ustwannal
eav
eri
ghtnowbutt
hemedi
aisal
lov
ert
hepl
ace.
Let
'sj
ustgett
hisov
er
anddonewi
th.
"

"
That
'st
hespi
ri
t"Gar
ethpat
tedmyback.

Luckil
yIhadinvi
tedRuthov erj
ustbyl
ookingatherIcalmeddown. Shewasmi ngl
ingwitht
he
othergir
ls,
thr
owingherheadbackwhilelaughi
ng,showingofftheperf
ectsetofteet
h.Ionl
y
prayedthatshedoesn'
tturnoutli
keKati
ebecauseifthathappensDangerwillmakesureher
andmyf atherwil
lbesixfeetunder
.

"
You'
rel
ooki
ngv
erycr
oss"Mymom st
art
ledme.

"Mom"Ismil
edandhuggedher
.Il
ovedt
hiswoman.
Thankst
omyl
ovef
orhert
hatDanger
spar
edherhusband'
sli
fe.
"
Howhav
eyoubeenmyson"Sheasked.

I
tsbeenlongsi
nceweweretogetheri
noneroom especi
all
ybecauseI
'
m alway
sbusyandshe
l
ovestr
avell
i
ng.Al
soIwasn'
treadytofaceherhusbandaf
terwhathedid.

Westart
edtal
kingdi
dali
lcatchup.
Max,
LewisandGar
ethal
sojoi
nedasweenjoy
edour
conv
ersat
ion.
Outoft
hecornerofmyeyeIcoul
dmakesuret
hatRuthi
ssti
l
lfi
ne.

Aft
ersomet i
mewesatont helongtable,
exchangi
ngsmi l
es,havi
ngbusi
nessconver
sati
onsand
eati
ng.I
twasgreatexpectf
orthefactthatkwassit t
ingopposit
emyf at
herwhokepton
thr
owingdaggersatme.HehatedmebecauseIki l
ledKati
eadIhat edhi
m becausehesl
eptwit
h
mygi r
l.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasgoi
ngonwel
lunt
ilhedeci
dedt
orui
nit
.

Hest oodupandaskedf orat

tent
ion."
Wel lIwoul
dli
ketocongrat
ulat
emysonandhisfri
ends
forgetti
ngthebusinessdeal
.Congrat
ulat
ionssonasyourfat
herI'
mv er
ypr
oud.Nowther
eis
onlyonet hi
ngl
eftitisf
oryoutogetmar r
iedandgiv
emegr andchi
ldr
en.
"Heknewhowsensiti
ve
thetopicistome.Hesatdownandsmi rked.

Il
osti
tandsl
owl
yIf
eltDangert
aki
ngov
er.
..

*
**

Shi
tthi
sol
dhagwasgett
ingi
ntomyner
vesandIf
eltl
i
keshoot
inghi
sfuckenbr
ainsout
.Ist
ood
upandwentt
othewashr
oom wit
hMax,
Lewi
sandGarethonmytai
l.
"
Cal
m downJonwedon'
twantDangert
aki
ngov
er.
Hescar
est
heshi
toutofme"Lewi
ssai
d.

"
Ohhhhel
l
otoy
out
ooLewi
s"Ismi
rked.

"
Danger
!!
"Theyal
lexcl
aimed.

"
Missedmeal
ready
."Ismi
l
edandt
heyj
awsj
ustdr
opped.

"
Idon'
tthi
nkJonwasaf
fect
edt
hatmuchf
ory
out
ojustt
akecont
rol
"Maxsai
d.
"Onl
yIknowhowhefeel
s.Let'
sjustgetthi
soveranddonewi
th.
Aft
ert
hisIwannawear
somethi
ngni
ceandgotoPi nksClub..
ri
ghtLewis"Isai
d.

"
Yesbr
oPi
nksi
tis"
.Weshoul
derbumpedandev
ery
onest
aredatLewi
s.

Hej
ustshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.Ty
pical
Lewi
s.

"Pl
easedon'
tdoanythi
ngt
hatwi
l
lrui
nJon'
sreput
ati
on.Ther
ear
ejour
nal
i
stal
lov
ert
he
pl
ace.
"Gar
ethbegged.

"What
everIdo,
Ifuckendoittopr
otectJonsochi
l
l"Wewor kedoutwit
hmyhandsinmypocket
andasil
lysmir
konmyf ace.
Weallsatdownandthi
sladywasjustst
ari
ngatme.
Toughsheis
notmytype.

Af
terl
i
ke10mi
nsIst
oodup.
"Ummm I'
m sorr
yIcan'
tst
ayher
eforsol
ong,
meandmyf
ri
endshav
etogosomewher
eto
cel
ebr
ate"Isai
d.

"
Ohhhy oumeangoi
ngtoastr
ipcl
ubandsl
eepwi
thwhor
es"Isweari
fthatol
dhagwasn'
tJon'
s
f
atherIwoul
dhaveki
ll
edhi
m bynow.

"Ihav
ei nher
it
edal otofthingsfrom youdadbutbei ngawomanizerisn'
toneoft
hem".Ev
ery
one
gaspedandwel lthejour
nal i
stfoundajuicytopi
c.Idon'
tgetwhytheyhavetoi
nvi
tet
hemedia.I
ts
j
ustaf uckendinner,
peoplewi l
ljustbeeati
ng.

IWal
keroutandJon'
sfr
iendsf
oll
owed.
"Whatwast
hatabout
?"Maxasked.

"Thatoldhagisget
ti
ngi
ntomyner
ves.
Icoul
dhav
eki
l
ledhi
m al
readyi
fnotf
ort
hef
actt
hathei
s
Jon'sfather
"

Isai
d.

Bef
oreher
espondedal
adywal
kedout
.I
tseemsshewascomi
ngourway
.

"
That
'sRut
h,t
hegi
rlJonhasf
eel
i
ngsf
orpl
ayni
ce.
"Gar
ethwar
ned.

"
Iwannaseet
heout
comeoft
his.
"Lewi
ssai
dsuppr
essi
ngal
aught
er.
"Jonreal
l
ydoesn'
thav
eat y
pe.Whatt
hefucki
sthat
,t
hegir
lneedssomefoodshei
sreal
l
y
skinny
.Noass,
nowhat.
..
justbonesmaki
ngthei
rwaytous"Ishookmyhead.

Lewi
swasr
edhewant
edt
olaughbuthewassuppr
essi
ngi
t.

Fi
nal
l
ysher
eachedusandIhadt
opl
aycool
forJon'
ssake.

"
Ithoughty
ousai
dthaty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
otakemeoutf
ordi
nneroft
woaf
tert
his"

Whatwasshet
alki
ngabout
?

"
Didn'
twej
usthav
edi
nner
?"Iasked.

"Seri
ousl
yyou'
regoi
ngt odothisagai
n.Thefol
l
owingdayyou'r
egoingtocomeandbegmet o
gooutwithyoubutthensuddenlyyouchangeyourmind.
Youknowwhatgoandcel ebratewit
h
whoresandstr
ipper
s.Idon'
tevenknowwhyf oramomentIt houghtyoumeantwhatev
ery ou
saidtome.I
'
m done,
sodone...
withyouJon"Sheturnedonherheelsqui
ckl
yandlef
tcrying.
"
Whatdi
dIdo?
"Iaskedl
ooki
ngconf
used.

Lewisbur
stedwithlaught
er."
Joni
sgoingt
obesoangry.
Hehadpromisedt
otakeherout
.You
shoul
dhavejustplayedal
ongDanger
.Nowyour
uinedev
eryt
hingf
orJon"

"
What'
swr ongwi
thJonandweakwoman.Shewasalr
eadycr
yingf
orasi
l
lyt
hing.
Youknow
whatl
et'
sgoandcelebr
atet
heDangerway"Isai
d.

"ForonceIagr
eewi
thyouDanger
.Jonl
i
kesweakwomanany
wayy
ouguy
scangoandcel
ebr
ate.
Ihavesomethi
ngImustl
ookupto"Maxsai
d.

"
Youneedt
oli
veal
i
ttl
ebr
o"Gar
ethsai
d.
"Wel
lI'
m goi
ngt
obeaf
athersoon,
sot
hisl
i
feIhav
etoputi
tbehi
ndme"Hesai
dwal
ki
ngt
ohi
s
car
.

"
Afat
her
?Doeshehav
eapr
egnantgi
rl
fr
iendorsomet
hing?
"Iasked.

"
Hei
sadopt
ing.
"Lewi
ssai
d.

"Ev
ersinceEveabort
edandlef
thi
m,hejustwant
edt
ohav
eababyandset
tl
edown.
Hei
s
obsessedtohavesomeonecal
li
nghim daddy
".

"Ohhhokl
et'
sgopar
tybutIhav
etochanget
hisr
idi
cul
oussui
tthatJonwear
s."

WedrovetomyhouseandIchanged.
Iworebl
ackri
ppedski
njeans,
whi
tet
ightT-
shi
rt
,bi
ker
j
acket
,boot
sandaRolexwat
ch.Iwasgoodtogo.
Itooksomecashfort
hewhoresandwentto
t
hecarpark.
"Well
theLamborghi
ni wil
ldo".It
ookthecaranddr
ov e.
LewisandGarethwerei
nthecar
behi
nd.WedrovetoPinksandt hi
ngswereli
t.
Thestr
ippersdoingt
heirmoves,
sl
ayqueens
dri
nki
ngwinestheycan'taff
ordwithtoomuchmakeupon, somelapdanci
ng,
somesnif
fingdr
ugs
andthemusiconfull
blast.I
twasl i
t.

WesatdownatourVVIPboothaft
ermakingagr
antent
rance.Whor
eswer
ethr
owi
ng
t
hemsel
vesonus.St
ri
ppersdoingt
hei
rthang.

Thi
sonegir
lwi
that
highasspr
obabl
yfakecamet
ome.
Shewast
oof
aket
houghl
ooki
ngl
i
kea
Bar
biedol
l
.

"CanIgi
vey
oual
apdance?
"Sheasked.

"
Doy
ourt
hang"Isai
dsi
ppi
ngonmyexpensi
vev
odka.
Iwashav
ingi
tont
her
ocks.

Shestar
teddanci
ng,
shaki
ngt
hatbi
gass.
Iwast
urnedon,
i
tsbeenl
ongandt
hev
odkawasn'
t
hel
ping.
"
Youknowwhat
.Let
'sgett
ooneoft
her
ooms"Isai
dgr
abbi
ngherhand.

Lewi
sjustl
aughedshaki
ngherhead.

"
Cal
lmei
fyouguy
sar
eaboutt
oleav
e"Isai
d

"
Cool
don'
tfor
gett
owearacondom,
youcan'
ttr
ustt
hesewhor
es"Gar
ethsai
d.

Wewal
kedt
oonoft
her
oomsatt
hecl
ub.
SinceIwasaVI
P.Igott
hebestone.

Assoonasweent
eredIqui
ckl
yki
ssedherr
oughl
ytear
ingherdr
essapar
t.
Wel
lIl
i
kei
troughso
yea.

"
Idon'
thav
eti
mef
orf
orepl
ay,
soony
ourf
our
,I
'
mtaki
ngy
ouf
rom t
heback.
"Ior
der
ed.
Shenoddedandt
ookof
fherheel
sandunder
gar
ment
sandkneel
ed.

Iwasallr
eadyt
ogoinbutwhenIwasaboutt
heimageofthegi
rlIal
mostr
anov
erj
ustf
lashed.
Itf
eltl
i
keshewasseei
ngmeandwasangr yf
orwhatIwasabouttodo.

"
Fuckmeal
ready
,i
mready
"Thewhor
esai
d.

Ir
emov
edt
hecondom andwor
emyj
eans."
Idon'
tfeel
li
kei
tany
mor
e."

"
What
..
.y
oucan'
tj
ustl
eav
emel
i
ket
hisandwhataboutmydr
ess"

It
ooksome$100andt
hrewt
hem ather
.

"
Seewhaty
oucando"
.Il
eftbangi
ngt
hedoor
.Whatt
hef
uckj
usthappened?
Iwentbackt
owher
etheot
her
swer
e.

"Thatqui
ck?
"Lewi
saskedi
nsur
pri
se.

"Idon'
tfeel
li
keitany
mor
e"Isai
ddr
inki
ngt
hev
odkaf
rom t
hebot
tl
ebutIcoul
dn'
tst
opt
hinki
ng
aboutherangryl
ook.

"
WhooaInev
ert
houghtIwoul
dli
vet
oseet
hisdaywhenDangersay
snot
opussy
".Lewi
s
l
aughed.

"Youguy
scel
ebr
ateorgetl
aid.
Iwi
l
lwai
tandwewi
l
lleav
e"Isai
d.
"Wedon'twannast
ayher
eforl
ongwear
egoi
ngt
oleav
eaf
terget
ti
ngl
aid"Gar
ethsai
d.They
stoodupfol
lowedby4gi
rl
s.

Isatt
her
edri
nki
ngandr
eject
ingwhor
eswhower
ethr
owi
ngt
hemsel
vesatme.
Aft
eranhour
Garet
handLewi
scameback.

"
Weaskedt
hechauf
feurt
otakebackt
hecar
.You'
redr
ivi
ngusDangercool
."

Inoddedandwewal
kedoutoft
heboot
h.

Onourwayoutsomeni
ggerbumpedi
ntomespi
l
li
ngmyshi
rtwi
thcheapal
cohol
.

"
Thef
uck!
!"Hesai
d.
"
Dangerl
et'
sjustgo"Lewi
ssai
dbecausewasaboutt
ogodown.

"
Apol
ogi
ze.
"Isai
dthet
oni
ggerwhowasgi
vi
ngmeat
ti
tude.

"Ihat
erepeat
ingmy sel
f".Befor
eherepl
iedIwaspunchi
ngthel
i
vingday
li
ghtsoutofhi
m.Icoul
d
hearpeopl
etakingpict
ures.Fi
nall
yGar
ethandLewismanagedt
opullmeoffhi
m.

Wewal
kedoutwit
hGaret
hshouti
ngatme.
"Doyoureal
isethatyou'
reput
ti
ngJon'sreput
ati
on
ont
hel
ineher
e.Whatt
hefuckwer
eyouthi
nki
ng?Coul
dn'ty
ouj ustl
eti
tbeforonce"

"Idon'
tcar
eaboutJon'
sreputat
ionpeopl
ewillj
usthav
etorespectandf
earhi
m notwal
kall
overhi
m allt
het
ime.Thatni
ggerisl
uckyIfor
gotmygun,Icoul
dhaveshoothi
sbrai
nsout.
"

Iwal
kedt
othecarandwenti
n.
"I
nasmuchasyoucl
aimthatyoudoever
ythi
ngf
orJon'
ssakedoyoureal
i
zesDangerthatat
somepointy
ouwil
lrui
nevery
thingf
orhi
m andhewil
lhav
etocl
eanyourmess"Garet
hsaid.

"
Isi
tbecauseyoudidn'
tgetsometoday
.Imeanweknowy
ournat
urey
oul
i
kef
ight
ingbutt
oday
y
ouwereallrat
chet
."Lewisai
dsi
ppingonhisvodka.

"
Tal
kingaboutnotgett
ingsome,
whydi
dn'
tyougetl
aidt
oday
?"Gar
ethsai
dtaki
ngt
hev
odka
f
rom Lewi
sandsippingaswell

"
It
sal
lbecauseofher
."Isai
dcl
enchi
ngmyj
aws.

"
Her
!!
Who?
"Theyaskedi
nuni
son.
"
Thegi
rlIal
mostr
anov
er"Isai
dfocusi
ngmyey
esont
her
oad.

"
Whatdi
dshedo?
Wassheatt
hecl
ub?
"Lewi
sasked.

"
Nooman. WhenIwasabouttofuckthatwhor
eIjustsawherangr
yfaceandIcoul
dn'
tbri
ng
mysel
ftodoit
..
.Fuckyoudon'
tyouknowhowt odri
ve"Icur
sedatthedr
iverwhoj
ustover
tooki
n
adanger
ousmanner .

"
Whydi
dyout
hinkabouther
?"Gar
ethasked.

"
Asknoquest
ions,
hearnol
i
es.
"Isai
dfi
rml
y.
Theyj
ustexchangedl
ooksandkeptqui
et.
Whenwear
ri
vedIwassupert
ir
ed.
Ijustwentst
rai
ghtt
osl
eep.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmor ni
ngIwokeupwit
habangingheadache.Dangermusthavehadalott
odrink
yest
erday.Iwalkeddownst
air
stot
heki
tchenandfoundMaxdr i
nkingcof
fee,
si
tt
ingl
egcrossed
andholdi
ngat ablet
.Someti
mesheact
sli
kemyf at
her.

"
Comesi
tdown.
"Hesai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ce.

Tol
dyaaheact
sli
kemyf
ather
.Isatdownany
way
.Het
hrewhi
stabl
etl
ucki
l
yIcaughti
t.

Ilookedatwhathewasshowi
ngme.
Itwasav
ideoofmewel
lDangerpunchi
ngt
hisguy
ruthl
essl
y.

"
Many
ouknowt
hat
'snotme"
.Ir
ememberDangert
aki
ngov
eraf
termyf
ather
'snast
yremar
ks.
"Thepeopl eout sidedoesn'tknowaboutt hat.
Tothem JonMcCl ai
nwasactingallr
atcheti
na
str
ipclub..
.stoopingsol owf orabusi nesst ycoon.Di
dy oureadthecomment s,t
heyallnastyand
wehav etodoadamagecont rol.Youwi l
lhav etoholdapr essconfer
enceandcleanthis
mess.Forsomer easonIfeel li
key ounol ongerwantt ogettreat
edJon.Youareusedt oli
vi
ng
wit
hy ouralterper sonal
iti
esf or9y earsnowbutdoy our eali
zeshowmessyt hi
scauses.Also
Dangermessedupt hi
ngswi thRut hy est
erdayandshehadenough.I fyoudon'
tseea
psychologi
stnowy ouwilldi
eal onelyman. "Hestoodup.

"
Seey
oul
aterbr
o"

Hewal
kedout
.

Hewasr
ightIwasnowr
eluct
antaboutseei
ngashr
ink.
Itwashi
ght
imeIgett
reat
ed.

Endofchapt
er6

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er7
*
"Itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ouagai
n".
*

Apr
il
.
Lifeatt heasylum sof arwasgr eat .
It
sbeenamont h.Fort hewhol emont hInevergot
electr
ocut ed.Meandmysi st
erfri
ends( Nicki,
KiaraandJenny )hadst ar
tedmyownsessi onsmor e
l
ikedi scussionswithpat ient
satt heasy l
um.Wedi scussedaboutt hedemonst heybattle
with,
thepr oblemst heyf acedandsof orth.
Somest orieswer ejustapity,somewer ecompl ete
disastersandsomewer efunny.Igottomeetpeopl ewi thdifferentpersonal
it
iesanddiffer
ent
ment alproblems.Somehadpostt raumat i
cstressdi sorder,
Stockholm syndrome,obsessive
compul sivedisorder,bipolar
,schizophreniaandt herewer et wopat i
entswithmultipl
e
personal i
ti
es.Thatwasi nter
esting.

AlsoMrJoneskepthi swor dhesubmitt

edmyr ealmedi
calr
epor
tstothenewpsychologistMr
s
Gomez. Theyweresti
l
l pr
ocessingmyreleasepaper
sbutIwassti
ll
scaredi
fmaybethel awis
againstmebeingrel
easedbef oreIf
ulf
il
lthesent
ence.
Hencef
ort
hmypl eawassenttothecourt
andIwasj usthopi
ngitturnsoutwell
.

"Wakeupguy
sweneedt
ocl
eant
hecel
lbef
oregoi
ngt
othedi
scussi
on"Ishookt
hem oneby
one.

Sincet
hel astt
imetheyconf
idedinmeaboutwhatt
heywentthr
oughIhavebeentaki
ngser
ious
careofthem makingsuret
heytakethei
rpi
l
lsanddonotf
ight
.Imustsayf
orthewholemont
h
nonofthem hadanat t
acksoithasbeengreat
.

Any
wayt
heyqui
ckl
ywokeupandst
art
eddoi
ngt
hei
rchor
es.
Anur
secamet
oourcel
l
.

"
Apr
il
,Doct
orGomezsummonsy
ou"Shesai
d.
Thewholemont
htheywerehandl
ingt
hepatient
swi
thextracar
ebecauseDoct
orGomezwas
st
ri
ctandshel
ovedherj
ob.Tr
eati
ngnutcaseswasherpassi
on.

"
Okl
etmef
reshenupI
'
m comi
ng"Isai
d.

"
Makei
tqui
ckshehasv
eryi
mpor
tantv
isi
tor
stoat
tend.
"Shesai
d.

Iqui
cklyti
edmylonghai
randbr
ushedmyt
eet
h.Myov
eral
lwascl
ean.If
oll
owedt
henur
set
o
thedoctor
'sof
fi
ce.

Weknockedandshesummoneduswi
thhersweetv
oice.

Ient
eredandIwasdamnner
vous.

"
Pleaset
akeasi
tApr
ilandnur
set
hanky
ou,
youmayl
eav
e."
"
Howar
eyoudoi
ngmydear
"Sheasked.

"
I'
m doi
ngj
ustf
inebutI
'
m ner
vous"Isai
dhonest
ly.

"Wellt
herei
snothingt
obener vousabout.Ihavegotgoodnewsf oryou.
Yourappealwas
grant
ed.Wel
lbecauseyourspendfiv
ey earshereatamentalasyl
um jail
whileyouarementall
y
stabl
etheysai
ditwouldbefairi
fyouwi l
lber el
easedt
hisyear
.Butyouwi l
lbeonprobat
ionfora
year.
"Shesmil
ed.

Iwashappysohappy
.Ist
oodupandpacedar
oundt
her
oom.

"
OhhhMyGodar
eyouser
ious!
"Iexcl
aimed.
"
Yesmydear
.Makesur
ewheny
ouar
erel
easedy
oust
ayf
arawayf
rom cr
ime"Shesai
dfi
rml
y.

"
Youhav
etobel
i
evemeDoct
orIdi
dnot
hingwr
ongIwasf
ramed.
"Isatdown

"Ibeli
eveyou.Ihaveanephewwhoi salawy erwhenhewaswat chi
ngy ourcasehecoul dtell
you'rei
nnocentbecauset hereweremanyl ooseends.Firstl
yyoucoul
dn' thavepoisonedy our
mot herwhil
ey ourbrotherandfat
herwerear ound.Al
soy ouhadagoodr elati
onshipsot here
wasabsol ut
elynor easontopoisonher.
SoIbel i
evey ou.
Hereismybusi nesscard,oncey ou'r
e
outofherecal lme.Aft
erseeingyoudoingy oursessi
onswi tht
heotherpat i
entsIreal
isedt hat
you'react
uall
yagoodper sonandy ouhaveapot enti
alofbeingagoodt herapist
.Sopleasecal l
meoncey ouar eoutofhere"Shesaidgiv
ingmehercar d.

"ThankyousomuchDocyoudon'tknowhowmuchthismeanst
ome.I
'm sogl
adthaty
oualso
beli
evemysideoft
hest
ory.
I'
m sogratef
ulDoc,
mayGodri
chl
ybl
essy
ou,youdon'
tknowhow
mucht hi
smeanstome.
"Isaidwithal
lmyheart
.
"Okoky oucanspendalldayher
epraisi
ngmebuti sn'
tt hi
stheti
metoatt
endoneofyour
sessions.Mostofthet
imeIsecret
lywatchyoudoingy ourthi
ngbutt
odayIhav
eimportant
visi
torssoIcan'
tcome."Shesai
dgoingthroughherfi
les.

"
Ohhhyouar
eri
ghtIhav
etogof
ormysessi
onsnow.
Onceagai
nthanky
ousomuch.
"Isai
d
l
eav
ing.

Iwassoexci
tedt
hatwhenIopenedt
hedoorIj
ustbumpedi
ntoarockl
i
kechestandf
ell
wit
h
mybutt
.Whil
eIwasnur
singmyassadeepmasculi
nevoi
cestar
tl
edme.

"
Arey
ouok.
?"

Il
i
ftedmyhead.

Ohhhy
ougot
tabef
ucki
nki
ddi
ngme.
"Um.
.a-
ahhumm.
..
sorr
y .
..
Imean...
I'
mfine"Whatt
hehel
lhappenedtomyv
oice.
Itr
iedt
ost
and
upbutwel
lmyl
egsfai
ledme,theyhadbecomewobblyal
lofasudden.

"
Heyt
akei
teasy
."Hesai
dhel
pingmet
ost
andup.

Fi
nal
l
yIwasonmyf
eetf
aci
ngMrSexyLi
ps.

Icl
osel
yex
ami
nedhi
m.

Hi
sdarkdesignedsuitemphasi
zedthemasculi
nepowerofhisbroadshoul
der
s.Beneat
hthe
cr
ispi
nessofhisshi
rtIcoul
dseehisrockhar
dchestri
singandfall
i
ngashebreathed.

"
Ear
tht
oyougi
rl
..IknowI
'
m goodl
ooki
ngbuti
t'
srudet
ost
are"
.Theat
ti
tudest
inks.

Theot
herguyhewaswi
thchuckl
edandshookhi
shead.

Il
ookedattheeyesthatal
mostpi
ercedmet hedayont
hemai
nroad.
Theywer
en'
ti
cygr
ey
anymorebutseabl
ue.Di
dhewearcontactl
enses?

Theywaywelookedteachotherthatday
,heusual
lyshouldremembermeright
?.Iwasaski
ng
mysel
fthosequest
ionswhi
l
ehel ookedatmewi thconfusi
onwrit
tenal
lov
erhisf ace.

"Di
dy ounothearwhatIsai
d.Letgoofme"
Hesai
dremov
ingmyhandswhi
chwer
eti
ght
ly
hol
dinghi
sarms.
"
OhhhI'
m sor
ry.
"Jesuswhathadgott
enint
ome. Iqui
ckl
yranoutoft
heroom.Onl
ywhenIwas
f
arawayfr
om theDoc'
soffi
cethat
'swhenIreal
i
sedIwasholdi
ngont oabr
eath.

Any wayIwalkedt
othegardennearthecarpar
kwherewewerehav
ingoursessi
onthat
day.Ever
yonehadalr
eadygather
ed.Iwastheonl
yonelef
tandNi
ckihadt
akenoverbusy
cracki
ngjokes.

"
Hel
l
ooo"Iwav
edt
aki
ngmyseatandt
heyr
epl
i
ed.

"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"Jennyasked.

Gi
rlImetMrSexyLi
pst
oday
.Myi
nnerwhor
escr
eamed.
"
Wewer
edi
scussi
ngsomet
hingwi
thDoc.
"Ir
epl
i
ed.

"
Ohhhok"
.Jennysai
d.

Aft
erNickiwasdonecracki
ngt
hej
okesi
twasmyt
urnt
ogi
veanopeni
ngspeech.
SoIst
oodup
andeveryonewentsi
l
ent.

"I
nl i
feweoftenneedlov etostaythecourse.Therear esomanypi t
fal
ls,
l
owpoi nt
sanddarkdays
i
nourl i
veswhenwedesper atelyneedav oicethatstir
sourspi r
itandgivesust heoompht o
carryon.WeareallheretodaybecauseGodhashi sr easons.Theremightisolateyoubecause
youhav eOCD,St
ockhol m Syndrome, Bi
polarorDIDbutj ustknowt hatGodt hegiverofl
i
fehasa
reasonwhyy ouhadt oencount ersuch,
somet i
mesi stot estyouandsomet imesi sto
strengt
henyou..
."Isawt hattheyattent
ionhadshi f
tedt othecarparksoIt urnedtoseewhatit
was.

Wel
li
twasMrSexyLi
psandt
hatguyhewaswi
tht
heywer
elooki
ngatourdi
rect
ion.

"
That
'st
heguywhoal
mostr
anmeov
er"Iwhi
sper
edt
oNi
cki
.
"OhhhmyGody
oumeant
heeJonMcCl
ainal
mostr
any
ouov
er.
"Shesai
dwi
thherey
espopped
out.

"
Youmeant
osayt
omet
hathei
sJonMcCl
ain.
."Iwasshocked.

"
Yesofcour
se,
theesexGr
eekGod,
nowondery
oual
way
sfant
asi
zedabouthi
m."Shesai
d.

Thelit
tl
ecrushIhadonhim wasrepl
acedbyanger.
Wellnotnecessaril
yangerbuti twasn'
ta
fr
iendl
yfeel
ing.Thi
sJonMcClaindefi
nit
elywasworki
ngwi thmymot hersot her
ewasnowayI
couldbeonhisside.
AtsomepointIwasgoingtohavetogoagai nst.
Besi
deshewaspr obabl
y
engagedorhadagi r
lf
ri
endwit
hamodel ki
ndabodyandalsoacl eanbackground.Iknowit
s
absurdbutIhadhopesthatmaybe,
youknowmay besomet hingwouldspark.

Isi
ghedandcont
inuedwi
thmyspeech

Af
teroursessi
onwewentf
orl
unch.
"
Sowhatdi
dthedoct
orsai
dar
eyouget
ti
ngr
eleased.
?"Ki
araasked

"I
'
m gett
ingrel
easedwithyouguy
s.Iwi
l
lbeonpr
obat
ionf
oroney
ear
."Isai
dandt
heyst
art
ed
screami
nginhappiness.

"
Oncewear
eoutwear
egoi
ngt
opai
ntGeor
giar
ed.
!"Ni
cki
excl
aimed.

"WellI
'
m happyf
ory
ou.
Sodoy
oumay
beknowt
her
easonwhyJonMcCl
ainwasher
e?"Ki
ara
asked.
Bef
oreget
ti
ngachancet
orepl
yNi
cki
hasal
readyi
nter
rupt
ed.

"
Andheisthesaneguywhoal
mostr
anherov
ert
hatot
herday
"Youcoul
dheart
heexci
tement
i
nherv
oice.

"
Forr
eal
"JennyandKi
arasai
dinuni
son.

"
YesbutIdi
dn'
tknowt
hathei
stheeJon,
youal
way
stal
kedabout
."
Isai
dlazi
l
y.

"Sowhyar
eyousul
ki
ng"
Kiar
aasked.
"
Umm i
tsnot
hingIcan'
thandl
e.Let
'
sgoandeat
"

Ichangedt
hesubj
ect
.

Lucki
l
ytheydeci
dernott
odwel
loni
t.

"
Sowhat
'sgonnahappenoncey
ououtofher
e"Jennyasked.

"IwillhavetomakesureIworkneartheMcCl ai
nsfi
rsttofi
shoutforinf
ormationaboutallt
he
dealst heymadewithTheJunefamily.Onl
ythatwayImi ghtfi
ndwhomyf at
heris.
Maybemy
fatheristheonebehindal
lther
iches.
May beJuli
ansleptwit
hamar ri
edmanandi nret
urnhe
gav ethem moneytokeephermout hshut.
ManIdon'tknowt hi
swholethingistaki
ngat or
eon
me. "Isaiddry
ly.

"I
tsokhoneyy
oudon'
thav
etost
ressabouti
tok.
Wear
eher
efory
ou"Ki
arasai
drubbi
ngmy
back.
"
Ihat
ebei
ngthespot
li
ghtguy
s.Youal
lhav
eyourownprobl
emsandIshoul
dal
sobet
her
efor
y
ou.I
'
m ol
dert
hanyouIshoul
ddothecomfor
ti
ng.
"Isai
d.

"You'
rehumanApril
.Youmaybet oughandallbutatsomepointyoubreakdown.Eversi
nceI
cameher eIhav
enev erseenyoucryi
ngbutt
hatdoesn'tmeanyoudon'thav eemoti
ons.
It
snot
healt
hyforyoutobottl
ethingsupandputev
erythi
ngunderthecarpet
."Nickisai
d.

"
ForonceNi
cki
sai
dsomet
hingt
hatmakessense"Il
aughed.

"
Whatar
eyouguy
sgoi
ngt
odooncey
ouar
eoutofher
e?"It
ri
edt
ochanget
het
opi
c.

"
EishI
'
m cl
uel
esssi
s.Idon'
tev
enknowwher
etost
art
"Jennysai
d.
"
Ummm Docgavemehercar
dandsaidIshoul
dcallheronceI
'
m outofher
e.It
hinki
tsagood
i
deat
hatwest
aytoget
her
nwhatdoyouthi
nk?"Iasked.

"
Ithi
nki
tsagoodi
deat
oo.
Imeani
tsagoodt
hingt
hatwest
ayt
oget
her
.I
tseasi
er"Ki
araagr
eed.

"
Imi
nguy
s.Iwoul
dli
ket
ost
aywi
thsomeonel
i
key
ouApr
il
."Ni
cki
sai
d

"
Apr
ily
ou'
ret
heonl
yonewhocanputusundert
hel
eash.
"Jennysai
d.

Sowedeci
dedt
ost
ayt
oget
herandf
ightourownbat
tl
est
oget
her
.
*
**

*
"What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ouJon?
"*

"
Okoutwit
hitJonwhat'
swrong?LookIknowthatthedeci
sionofseei
ngashr
inkaf
teral
ong
t
imeit
snotgonnabeeasybutther
eisnootherchoiceher
e."Maxsaidwhi
l
ewewerecoming
f
rom t
heasyl
um.

Isi
ghedbecauset
hatwasn'
tbot
her
ingme,
shewas.
Thatpat
ientIbumpedi
ntoatt
heasy
lum.

"
Thatgi
rlIbumpedi
ntoatt
heasy
lum shel
ooksf
ami
l
iar
.If
eel
li
keIhav
eseenhersomewher
e"

Hegav
emeanol
d-f
ashi
onedl
ook.
"You'
ret
hinki
ngaboutt
hatpat
ient
?"
"Yes.
Doyouknowthatfeeling.
.Imeanwhenitfeel
slikeyouknowsomeonebuty
oudon'
t
remember.
I'
mfeel
ingli
ket hatri
ghtnow.
Whenshel ookedatmeIhadsomebluri
magesof
someonewitht
hatsamel ookshegav eme.
"Iroughlyrubbedmyhead.

"
Doy
out
hinkmay
beDangerorJossknowher
?"Heaskedr
atherl
ooki
ngconcer
ned.

"Nooitsi
mpossiblebecausememor
iesf
rom myal
terpersonal
i
tiesi
skeptawayf
rom me
becausel
iter
all
ytheyarenotmymemori
es.
"Iexpl
ained

"
Well
theremightbeapossibi
l
ityt
hatmaybeDangerorJossisal
lowingyoutoseethei
r
memori
es.I
fnotthenexpl
aint
omewhyy oufeell
ikeyouhaveseenthatgir
lfr
om somewher
e."
"Maxyou'r
emakingsenseyesbutthereasonwhymyal t
erper sonal
iti
eswerecr
eatedisf
orme
tofor
get.
Idon'
trememberanythi
ngthathappenedquar t
erofmyl i
fesother
eisnowayIcan
rememberwhathappenedwithDangerorJoss.I
tcan'tstartnow,i
tsjustacr
azyfeel
ing
other
wisemaybeDangerandJossdon'tevenknowt hegi r
l."Isi
ghed.

"
Sowhyar
eyoubot
her
edbecausey
ouwer
eawf
ull
yqui
et?
"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow

"ManIwasjustworr
iedok.
AnotherIdon'
tunder
standhowapat i
entplaysshri
nktoot
her
pati
ent
s.Di
dy ouseethewayshewasl ect
uri
ngotherpati
ents.Anywaythatdoesn'
tmatt
erl
don'
tknowwhattoweartodayI'
m goingtoseeRuthtoday"

"
Idon'
tseewhyyoubotherwi
tht
hatgi
rl
.Idon'
tthi
nkshecanhandl
ethef
actt
haty
ougot
mul
ti
pleper
sonal
it
ies.
"Hepar
kedsi
ncewehadar ri
vedhome.

"
Shecanhandl
eitt
rustme.
Any
wayhowi
stheadopt
ionpr
ocess.
?"Iasked.
"Wel
li
tstaki
nglongbecauseI
'
m notadopti
onbabi
estheyarekidswhounderst
andthi
ngs
now.
SoIhav etogett
oknowthem sothatt
heywon'tf
eeloutofplaceonceIt
akethem home.
"
Heexpl
ained.

"
Howmanyar
eyouadopt
ing?
"Iasked.

"2theyaretwins.I
.can'
tseparat
ethem.Twinsneedeachot
her
,Iknowthatverywel
l.
AnywayI
havetoleave.
PleasecallMissGomezaf t
erthi
s,shei
sagoodpsychol
ogistandIhaveafeel
i
ng
thatever
ythi
ngwi l
lworkoutforyou."

"Cool
myguy.Iwil
ldoso.I
'
mjustwor
ri
edthoughwi
l
lshebeablet
okeepmysecr
et.
Imeani
fit
goesoutt
hatIhaveD.I
.Dmydadwil
lusethatt
ohi
sadvant
age.
"Iwaswor
ri
ed
"Youdohav etoworr
yaboutthat
.Whatgoesbetweent hepat
ientandt
heDoctorisconf
ident
ial
andi fany
thi
ngcomesoutthenyouwillsueher.
Besidessheknowsbett
erthantomesswi t
h
us.Letmegook.Ify
ouneedcompanyj ustcal
lLewis."Hepat
tedmyshoulderandlef
t.

Iwenti
nandpour
edmy
sel
fsomej
uiceanddr
ank.

Af
tert
hatIt
ookaqui
ckshowerandwor
esweat
pant
sandal
ooseT-
shi
rt
.

It
ookmyBent l
eykey
sanddr
ovet
oRut
h'spl
ace.
Shewasnott
aki
ngmycal
l
sorcomi
ngt
o
work.
Dramat
icify
ouaskme.

Iar
ri
vedandr
angt
hebel
l
.

Af
tersomemi
nut
essheopenedt
hedoor
.

Shewasaboutt
ocl
osei
tbutIwasqui
ckt
obl
ocki
t.

"
You'
rebei
ngi
mmat
urer
ightnowRut
h"Isai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ce.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eJon"Shesai
dfol
dingherar
ms.
"
I'
m her
etoexpl
ainmy
sel
f.
MayIcomei
n?"Iasked.

Shel
edmet
oacozycouch.
Herapar
tmentwasn'
tbadi
twascozyandwar
m.

"Yourapar
tmenti
sgood.
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndspendi
ngt
hewhol
edayi
nher
e."Isai
dsmi
l
ingj
ustt
o
easethetensi
on.

"
Thanky
ou.
"Shesai
dsof
tl
y.

"
Cany
oupl
easecomeandsi
ther
ebesi
deme.
"Isai
d

"
NoI
'
mfi
neher
e".
"Cool then.LookRut hI'
mt oogrownf orthi
shi deandseekgamey ou'r
epl ay i
nghere.Igett ir
edof
thechaset oo.Ther easonwhyI '
m herealsoi stooapologi zefornotliv
ingupt omywor dat
dinnercelebration.I'm sorr
yforthat.
Ihavenoexcuset oj usti
fymyact ionsbutRut hpeopl ecan
gettoknoweachot herwithoutnecessaril
yhav ingtogooutt oaf ancydi nner .
Howev erifthat'
s
whaty ouwantwecangoonadat erightnow. Ijustwantt oknowRut hdoy ouwannabe
offi
cial
lymi neory oujustwannapl aygames. Ihav emademyi ntenti
onsknownt oy ouandi fit
s
notmet hatyouwanti ny ourl
if
eIwi l
l j
ustleave, Iwi
ll
juststopchasi ngaf teryouli
kesome
teenageboy .
Pleasemakeupy ourmi ndsot hatIcanknowwher eIstandi ny ourli
fe.That '
sallI
want edtosay .I
fy ouhav emadeupy ourmi ndt henyouknowwher etof i
ndme, Iwi
ll bewai ti
ng
butIhav ebeenpat i
entfortoolong."
Istoodupandwal kedtot hedoor.

"
Wai
tJon,
don'
tgo.
"Shecamet
owher
eIwasst
andi
ng.

Endofchapt
er7

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er8
*
"Fr
eedom i
scomi
ng.
.**
tomor
row"
*

Apr
il
.

"OhhhmyGodi m soexcit
ednomor eel
ectr
ical
shocks,
nomor ebi
tt
erpi
ll
s,
nomor eorange
overall
s,
nomor estr
ait
jacket
s,nomor edi
sgusti
ngmeals.
..
.f
inal
lymyfr
eedom.
..
.f
inal
lytomorr
ow
Iwil
l beout
..GoshI'
m soexcited.
..
."Idi
dthenaenaedance.
"OkwehaveheardthatforaslongasIremembersavet
hatener
gyf
ort
omor
row.Ihav
enev
er
seeny
outhisexci
ted."Jennysaidshaki
ngherhead.

"Youdon'tknowhowmucht hi
smeansmyfri
end.
Ihavebeenher
eforf
iveyear
s.Iendur
edal
ot
andi t
sreal
lyamiracl
ethatIwil
lgoouti
nonepi
ece.
Idon'
twishany
oneelsetobeinmy
place.I
'
m soexci
ted.!
"Iexcl
aimed.

I
twasmyf r
eedom'sdayeveIwasn'tevensl
eepy.
Iwasexcited.
Ihadalotoft
hingsplannedout
butf
ir
stIhadt oputmyli
feinorder
.Thankst
oDoct orGomezwef oundacheapf l
atin
downtowntorentin.I
twasn'
tfancyli
keshesaidbutitwasoktoli
vein.
Asforthejobwewer e
goi
ngt ohust
leasgirl
s.

Thegir
lstooweresoexci tedabouttheirf
reedom.
Asf
orthei
rmental
conditi
onstheyweredoi
ng
j
ustfi
ne,thankst
o.effecti
vemedicinethatwasgiv
ent
othem byMrsGomez. Shewasreal
lyan
angel
.Whil
ewewer ecel ebrat
ingt
herewasaknock.Oddifyouaskme.Theyusuall
yopenthe
cel
lswit
houtknocking.

"
Tal
ki
ngaboutper
fectt
imi
ng.
"Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y

"
Comei
n"Ki
arashout
ed
Twof
emal
enur
sescamei
n.

"
Thedoct
ori
scal
l
ingy
ou"Oneoft
hem sai
d.

"
Att
hishouri
tsal
mostpastmi
dni
ght
."Ni
cki
asked.

"
It
sokNi
cki
may
beshehassomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
otel
lme.
Let
'sgo"Ist
oodup.

"
ButApr
il
..
"Jennysai
d.
Ii
nter
rupt
ed."
Iwi
l
lbef
ineJennydon'
twor
ryguy
s.Iwi
l
lbebacksoonok.
"Il
eftwi
tht
het
wo
nur
ses.

Whenwewerewal
ki
ngdownthepassageoneoft
henursesfr
om nowher
etookoutakni
feand
st
abbedme.
Thi
shadJul
i
anJunewritt
enall
overi
t.
Thatwit
ch!

Imanagedt
oscr
eam Ni
cki
'
snamewi
tht
hel
i
ttl
epowerIhad.
Ipassedout
.

Beep!
Beep!
Beep!

Okthatbeepi
ngsoundwasi r
ri
tat
ing.Imanagedtoopenmyey esandthefi
rstt
hingIsawwas
t
hewhi t
ewallsandt
hel i
ght
s.Okiwasinhospit
a.It
urnedmyalmostnumbneckandal so
r
eal
izedthatIhadalotofdr
ipsconnectedt
omybody .
Mylowersidewasinser
iouspain.
ThenI
r
emember edIwasstabbed.
Iwast ooweaktoshoutbutthankf
ull
ythedoct
orcamein.Theone
t
hatIdidn'
tknow.

Hestar
tedchecki
ngalotoft
hingswhi
l
e.wr
it
ingdownonhi
sfi
l
e.Myt
hroatwassor
ethatI
coul
dn'
tutt
eraword.

Il
ookedathim andatt
heglassofwat
er.
Thankf
ull
yhemayhadst
udi
edsi
gnl
anguagehe
hel
pedmet odrinkt
hewat
er.

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e.
"
Howmanyf
inger
sar
ethese.
?"

I
tspr
obabl
yol
dagehowcoul
dheaskmesuchasi
l
lyquest
ion.

"
F-i
-v
-e.
..
"Imanagedt
osay
.

Hesmi
l
edagai
n."Iwi
l
linf
ormy
oursi
ster
sthaty
ou'
reawake.
"

Ij
ustnoddedandhewal
kedout
.

Aft
ersomeminutesthewholet
eam wasinmyroom.Don'
ttheyhav
earul
eofhav
ingj
usttwo
peopl
eorsomething?
Iaskedmysel
fwhil
elooki
ngatmygir
lswhowerebombi
ngmewi t
h
endl
essquest
ions.

"
I'
m..
.fi
ne"Imanagedt
osay
.Theydi
dn'
thearmet
houghbecauseInol
ongerhadt
hespot
li
ght
.
Ni
cki
had.
Shewaspaci
ngupanddown.
"ManIhadalr
eadysavedupsomemoneyf
oracasket
.Iwas
def
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
omakesureyougetadecentbur
ial
.
"

Cany
oubel
i
evei
t.
Shest
olet
hespot
li
ghtj
ustt
osayhowmuchshewaspl
anni
ngmybur
ial
.

Ty
pical
Nicki
Itel
lyou.

Jennysmackedt
hebackofherhead.
"Ar
eyoucr
azy
!Di
dyouwanthert
odi
e?"

Shesatdown."
Obv i
ouslyno.Shemeanssomucht
omeandv
icev
ersa.
Shecal
l
edmyname
fi
rst
.Iwasj
ustpreparedforanythi
ng.
"

"YouscaredusApri
l.
Thebl
ood..
ohhmyGod..
Ist
il
lcan'
tgett
hati
mageoutofmyhead.
What
happened..Whydi
dthenur
sesstaby
ou?
"Kiar
aasked

"
I'
m prett
ysurethatithadever
ythi
ngtodowit
hJulian.
Aft
ersheheardIwasgoingt
oget
r
eleased.Shesentthosepeopl
e.AnywayhowdidIgether
e.Whatdayisi
ttoday
.HowlongwasI
out
?"

"DoctorGomezwast heonewhodrov
eyouhere.
Shepaidforev
ery
thi
ngaswell
.Shei
sanangel
thatone.Youwereoutf ort
woweeks.
Soyoucan'
treal
l
yblamemef orsav
ingupmoneyofy
our
buri
al."
Nickiexpl
ained.

"
WowIwasoutf
ort
woweeks.
Thatdef
ini
tel
ymeanst
hest
abwassupposedt
oki
l
lme.
"Ishook
myhead

"
Youlosttoomuchbloodhoney
.Ont
opofthatyourbl
oodt
ypewasr
arei
nthebl
oodbankbut
t
hankful
l
yy ougotananony
mousdoner
."Jennysai
d.

"Anonymousdoner?AhhhIdon'
twannast
ressi
t.
IjusthopeIwi
l
lbeoutsoon.
Howi
sthe
apart
ment."Iasked
"Whoai
tsquit
efancyforourcl
ass.
Ithast
hreebedroomswit
hinsui t
s,aki
tchen,l
ounge,apat
io
andswi
mmi ngpool.
Ont opoft
hati
thasanamazi ngoceanv
iew.
ItsfancybutaccordingtoDoc
Gomezit
snot.Onthatnotei
thassomeofhersecondhandfurni
ture."Ki
arasaid.

"
Sohowdi
dyousur
viv
eyouguy
sfort
hepastf
ewday
s?"Iwasdeadwor
ri
ed

"Ihadsomemoney.Al
soDocboughtussomegrocer
ieswhichwi
ll
lastf
ortwomont
hs.Weare
coveredbutwewi
l
lhavetohust
le,
wecan'
tkeeponrely
ingonherf
orevery
thi
ng.
"Ki
arasai
d
fir
mly.

"
You'
reri
ghtIj
ustneedt
ogetoutofher
esowecanhust
let
oget
her
."Isi
ghedf
eel
i
ngt
hepai
n
f
rom t
hestab.

Wetal
kedf
oral
ongt
imeunt
ilt
heydeci
dedt
oleav
e.Wel
laf
terf
eedi
ngt
hel
i
vingday
li
ght
soutof
me.

Mywoundwasn'
ttoodeepsoIwasdi
schar
gedt
hef
oll
owi
ngday
.Iwasgi
vent
hemedi
cat
iont
o
dr
esst
hewoundpr
oper
ly.

Doct
orGomezcameandpi
ckedmeupandIcoul
dn'
tst
opt
hanki
ngher
.Shewasj
ustki
nd.

"
Wear
ehome"Shesai
dpar
kinghercarnextt
oani
ceapar
tment
.

"
Wowt
hisi
swher
ewel
i
ve.
Thi
sissoni
ce"Iadmi
red.

"
Wel
li
t'
sal
i
lsomet
hing.
"Shesai
dwal
ki
ngt
othedoor
.

"Doct
orit
severyt
hingforus."Wewal kedi
nandwell
Iexpectedthehouset olookli
keahaunted
house.
Youcan'tt
rustNickibecausesheisasl
ob,
youhavetocleanafterherbuttomysurpr
ise
i
twassuperclean.Ev
erythi
ngintherewassimpl
e,
averageandcozy.
"
Gir
ls!
"Docshout
edandwel
ltheyr
andownst
air
sli
kel
i
ttl
eki
dsr
unni
ngf
orcandy
.Theyal
lgav
e
meabonecrushi
nghugmaki
ngmewi nceal
it
tl
e.

Wef
inal
l
ysatdownandt
ookt
urnsi
nthanki
ngDoct
orGomez.

"
Ohhhmygirl
sy oureall
ydon'
thavetothankme.Maybeonedayyouwi
llhel
pmeout
t
oo.
AnywayIwillseeifIcangetyouguysjobsok.
Howeverwi
thy
ourbackgroundsIcan'
tget
y
ouanyt
hingfanciert
hancleani
ng."
Shesaid.

"Anyt
hingi
sok.
Aslongasit
'slegi
t.
Cleani
ngi snotr
eal
l
ytought
houghwecanmanage.
Thank
yousomuchDocyoureal
lyareGodsent .
"Isaid.

"Youar
ewelcome.
Anywayletmenotwastemuchtime.Ineedtohur
rybackandcheckonmy
pati
ent
s.Cal
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hing.
"Shetookhercarkeysandl
eft
.
Thegir
lsshowedmearound.
Wellastheel
destIgotmyownr oom.ThemoneythatNi
cki
had
sheboughtcl
othesf
oral
lofus.
Itwasn'
tanyt
hingl
uxur
iousbutitwaswor
thy.

Atni
ghtt
hegi
rl
sst
art
edar
gui
ngaboutwhowasgoi
ngt
ocook.

Iknewt
hiswasgoi
ngt
ohappenespeci
all
ywheny
oul
i
vewi
thChuckNor
ri
s'
sgr
andki
ds.

"
Ispentt
hewhol
edaycooki
ng.
"Ni
cki
sai
dfol
dingherar
ms.

"
Ohhhbycooki
ngy
our
efert
omaki
ngust
eawhi
chwast
ast
elessont
opoft
hat
"Ki
arasai
d.

"
Wel
latl
eastIwentneart
hepot
s."Ni
cki
def
ended.
"
Icookedy
est
erday
."Jennyshout
ed.

"Ohhhdon'
tbetooproud.Yourchi
ckenlookedli
kei
twasdoingsomekungfu.
..
oritwasgoi
ngto
asurgi
cal
operat
ionswimmi nginoni
onsandt omat
oes.
Itwasdi
sgust
ing.Mathemati
cal
lyi
twas
200%ti
mes+10t ot
alfai
lure"Ki
arashouted.

"Youdon'
tev
enknowmat
h"Jennydef
ended.

"
Okenoughthethr
eeofyou.
Iwi
l
lcook"If
inal
l
yint
erv
enedbecauset
heycoul
dar
gueal
lni
ght
wi
themptystomachs.

"
Buty
ouj
ustcameoutoft
hehospi
tal
.
"Ki
arasai
dwi
thsomeconcer
n.
"
Iwi
l
lmanage.
It
snott
hehandt
hatwasst
abbed.
"Isai
d.

"
That
'swhyIl
ovey
ou.
"Ni
cki
kissedmycheekandr
ant
othel
ounge.
Theyal
lfol
l
owed.

Wai
tami
nut
ewer
etheyr
eal
l
yconcer
nedaboutt
hef
actt
hatIhadwound.
Wel
lpr
obabl
ynot
.

Ist
art
eddef
rost
ingt
hemeatandst
eami
ngsom v
eggi
es.

Theystar
tedar
gui
ngagainov
erachannel orsomethi
ng.I'
m notevenbother
edany
mor
e,t
hat
's
thei
rki
ndoflov
e.I
nter
veni
ngwil
lnothel
p.Icookedanddishedforall
ofthem.

Theywer
est
il
lar
gui
ngGodknowsaboutwhat
.

"
Nicki
,
Kiki
andJenny
".Theshar
pnot
einmyv
oicewassocl
ear
.

Theystoodupandfol
l
owedmet
otheki
tchen.
Ihandedeachoft
hem t
hei
rpl
atesort
heywoul
d
argueaboutt
hatt
oo.

West
art
edeat
ingandt
alki
ng.

"Wefinall
ygotthef
reedom wewant
ed.
Whatnow.
Wehav
eal
otofunr
esol
vedi
ssues?
"Ki
ara
askedfrom nowher
e.
Isi
ghed."
Idon'twannathi
nkaboutt
hatri
ghtnow.Fi
rstIhavetoheal.
Ialsohavetobecareful
.I
'm
outheresotheyarechancest
hatImightbeatt
ackedagain,I
'
m nolongerprot
ectedbythewalls
oftheasyl
um.Ijusthav
etoputmylif
eintheri
ghttrackbefor
eint
erfer
ingwiththeMcClains.
"

"
You'
rer
ightaboutt
hat
"Ki
arasuppor
ted.

*
Twoweeksl
ater
.*

Ir
angt
hebel
lagai
n.

"
Whoi
sit
?"Ay
oungv
oiceasked.
"
Piazzadel
i
ver
y."Ianswer
ed.

Ihear
dfoot
stepsofsomeoner
unni
ng.
Ayoungboyopenedt
hedoor
.

"
It
ali
an?
"Hesai
dwi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es

"
Yesl
it
tl
esi
r"Isai
dsmi
l
ing.Hehandedmef
ivebucksandmut
ter
edt
hanky
oubef
orecl
osi
ng
t
heday.

Phewt hankGodt hatwast helastdeli

veryofthedayIwassodamnt ir
ed.It
ookt hebicyclethatI
usedandcy cl
edbackt oIt
ali
at herest
aurantmeandmygi rl
sworkedin.Wel
lwehust l
edi t
wasn'teasyandl ucki
lytheoldmanwhoownsI t
ali
ahiredt hefourofusdespitethebad
background.Hesai dhedidn'tmi ndheonlywant edpeopl ewhowor khardandwepr omi sed
to.
NickiranerrandsforMrCedr i
ctheownerwhom wer efertoasunclewhitebecauseofhi s
whit
ehai r,
that
'showol dheis.Kiaraworkedont hecount er,
Jennywasi ntocleaningandI
del
iveredthemeal sforthepeopl ewhoor deronli
ne.
Somet i
mesIwoul duset herestaurant'
sold
vanorabi cycletodeli
verthefood.

Any
wayIdrovebacktowor
kandwentt
oinf
ormt
hemanagert
hatIwasdonef
ort
heday
.She
wasanel
derl
ylady.

"
I'
m donef
ort
hedayMr
sCedr
ic"
.Isai
dgi
vi
nghert
hemoney
.
"Ohhhthankyousomuch.
Umm deartheonewhoi ssupposedtotakeoverfrom y
ouhasn't
arr
ivedyetofwhi
chwegotonelastordertodel
iver.
Wewi l
lloosecust
omersi fwemakethem
wait.
Pleaset
akethev
ananddel
i
v ert
hepi azzat
heywantI '
m sureyouareti
redofcycl
i
ng."She
said.

Icouldn'
tsaynotoherdespi
tethefactthatIwasdogtir
ed.Alr
eadytheyhaddoneusabig
favourbygiv
ingmeandmygi rl
sjobs.Totopthatwegotfreemealsandsomeal l
owance.
She
gavemet hecarkeysandtheaddress.Ipassedbythecounterget
ti
ngsomej ui
ce.

"
Andnowwher
ear
eyougoi
ng"Ki
araasked

"
Ihav
eadel
i
ver
ytomakei
nthef
ir
stst
reet
."Isai
d.

"
Whoor
der
sfr
om t
her
e?Peopl
ewhol
i
vet
her
eonl
yeatf
rom hot
els"Shesai
dwi
pingt
hecount
er.
"
Idon'
tknow.
Letmebouncemyguy
,I
'm al
readyl
ate.
"

*
Your
str
uly
**Jon(
Danger
,Joss)
*

"
I'
mfami
shedwhenwi
l
lor
dercome.
"Gar
ethcompl
ained.

"
Youtr
ust
edLewisandal
l
owedhimtoor
derf
rom acheapr
est
aur
anti
ndownt
own.
"Maxsai
d
whi
l
etypi
ngsomethi
ngonhi
sphone.
"Pat
ient
sgent l
emen.
Ial
waysorderfr
om t
hatcheaprestaur
antandt
rustmet
hepi
azzast
her
e
aredeli
cious.
Youwil
lal
sobesavingmoney.
"Lewisdefended.

"
Idon'
tknowwhyt
odayt
heyar
elat
e."

"
Iwi
l
lsuet
hatr
est
aur
ant
,Iswear
.I
'm hungr
y"Icompl
ainedt
oo.

Welli
tsnotl
i
kether
ewasnof
oodint
hehousebuti
t'
sonl
ythatnoneofushadani
deaabout
cooki
ngandall
mychef
swereonanoff
.

"
Buty
ougotagi
rlnow,
sheshoul
dbeher
ecooki
ngf
orus"Gar
ethsai
d.

"
You'
rer
ightshei
smygi
rlnoty
ourper
sonal
chef
s"Isai
d.

"
Buther
eyouar
ehungr
yandnott
ofor
gethor
ny.
"Maxsai
dwi
thasar
cast
icv
oice.
"
Whosai
dI'
m hor
ny?
"Iasked.

"
Hungr
ymenar
ehor
nyman"Ty
pical
Lewi
s.

"
Ahhhwhat
everandit
snotRuth'
sjobtocookformeany
way
.Iknowy
oudon'
tl
ikehersoy
ou
wi
ll
doanyt
hingtopai
ntherbad.
"Idef
ended.

"You'
reri
ghtwedon'
tli
keherforyouandwearenotevengoingt
ohi
deit.
Sheisnotgood
enoughforyou.
Sheisagoodpersonweadmitbutnotfory
oumyguy."Lewi
sneveropposed
anygirl
Idatedt
hiswasafir
st.

"Imi
ghthaveal
waysignor
edyouri
ssueswi
thgir
lsbutaf
terKat
ieIcan'
ttaket
her
isk
anymor
e.Fort
hefi
rstti
meIthi
nkMaxisri
ghtaboutnotl
i
kingRuth"

Hecont
inued.
"Soyou'
resayingnooneisgoodf ormer i
ght
.I
sitmyfaultt
hatIhav
eDissoci
ati
veI
denti
ty
Disor
der
.Ineveraskedfori
t.
Sowhoshoul dIbewithme,nooneshoulddat
eamentall
yunstabl
e
guyli
kemer i
ght."Iwasemotionalal
ready

"Yout
ookitthewrongwayJon.
Lewisdi
dn'tmeanl
i
ket
hat
.Hemeantt
osayt
hatRut
hisnot
goodenoughfory
ou."Gar
ethtr
iedt
oexplain.

"Don'
tgetemoti
onaloverthisJon.
Youhavebeendoingquit
ewellwi
thyourper
sonal
i
ties.They
haven'
tbeent
akingcontrolandtheycan'
tst
artnow.Don'
tgetemoti
onalbr
o"Maxsaid.

Ishout
ed.
"Let
'snotsugar
coatt
het
rut
hhere.
Noonei
sgoodf
ormeandI
'
m supposedt
odi
ea
l
onelymanbecauseI'
m mental
l
yunst
abl
e"

Ist
art
edpant
ing.
Slowl
yIst
art
edf
all
i
ngasl
eepl
eav
ingDangert
otakecont
rol
overmybody
.
*
**

*
Danger
.*

I
tsbeenl
ongsi
nceI.wasoutandImustsayImissedsomewhi
sky
.Il
ookedatJon'
sfr
iends
whowerest
arr
ingatmeliket
heyhaveseenaghosts.

"
Jonar
eyouok?
"Gar
ethasked.Ir
oll
edmyey
es

"
That
'snotJon,
that
'sDanger
.Wassupni
gger
"Nowt
hatwasLewi
s.

Ij
ustshookmyheadandwal
kedt
othewi
necel
l
ar.
"
Don'
ttouchmywhi
sky
"Maxwar
ned.

"
Whydoy
oukeepi
tinJon'
swi
necel
l
art
hen"Isai
drudel
y.

Any
wayIwentandpour
edmy
sel
fhi
swhi
skyandsatdown.

Af
teracoupl
eofmi
nut
essomeoner
angt
hebel
l
.

"
Expect
ingsomeone?
"Iasked.

"
Ohhhit
saboutt
ime,
Iwasdamnhungr
y.Ial
mostdi
ed"Lewi
ssai
dwal
ki
ngt
othedoor
.Iguessi
t
wasf
ooddeli
ver
yorsomet
hing.

"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"Lewi
saskedwhoev
erwasont
hedoor
.
"Wel
lIthoughtIgott
hewr
ongaddr
essandbesi
desIwasn'
tsupposedt
ocomeher
emyshi
ft
hadal
readyended."

Il
it
eral
lychokedont
hewhi
skey
.Ihav
enev
erhear
dsuchabeaut
if
ulv
oicei
nmyent
ir
emessed
upli
fe.

Iwantedt
oseewhoitwasbutMaxandGar
ethhadal
readyt
hrowndagger
satmeaf
terIl
i
ter
all
y
chokedsoIdeci
dednott
ogoandsee.

"
Ohhokhowmuchi
sitany
way
?"Lewi
sasked.

"Di
dn'ty
oucheckwhenyouor
der
ed?Any
wayi
t'
s$25"Youcoul
dtel
lshei
sfei
stybecauseshe
soundedrat
herannoy
ed.

Ichuckl
ed.

Maxgav
emet
hel
ookagai
n.
"
Thanky
ou"
.Shesai
dandLewi
scl
osedt
hedoor
.

West
art
edf
east
ingont
hepi
azza.
Ever
yonewast
oobusyeat
ingwhensomeoner
angagai
n.

Lewi
ssi
ghedi
nfr
ust
rat
ionandwal
kedt
othedoor
.

Hej
ustopenedandst
art
edt
owal
kbackt
ogetapi
ece.

"Yougav
emeext
ramoneyher
e"Thatv
oiceagai
nmademyhear
tpound.

"
Youcoul
dhav
ejustusedi
t"Lewi
ssai
d.

"
Wel
lyoumi
stakenl
ygav
eitt
omesoIcoul
dn'
tdot
hat
.Her
eisy
our$5"

Thist
imeIcoul
dn'
tst
opmy sel
fItur
nedcur
iousl
ytoseewhoi
twas.
Wel
li
twasnoneot
hert
han
thegi
rlIal
mostr
anovert
heotherday.

I
twaspl
ainf
rom herexpr
essi
onthatshehadr
ecogni
zedmetoo.Ii
mmedi
atel
yst
oodupand
wal
kedt
owardsher.
Max,Lewi
sandGar et
hwer
elooki
ngconf
used.
Thi
st i
meshelookeddi
ffer
ent.Shelookedrathert
hickthi
st i
me.Herhairwast i
edi
nat i
ght
ponytai
lwit
hnomakeuponherf ace.Shewaswear i
ngabl ackskinnyjeanwhichshowedherful
l
curv
es.Shewasweari
ngar edgolfT-shi
rtpr
intedI
tali
aont hefr
ont,f
rom thel
ookofityoucoul
d
seeshehadbigboobs.

Any
wayweexchangedcol
dlooks.

Shef
oldedherar
ms.
"Ar
ewei
nast
arr
ingcont
estnow?
"

"Whatthehel
larey
oudoingi
nmyhouse.
Youalmostcausedmetroubl
eonthemai
nroadthe
otherday
,nowyouinmyhouse.
Arey
oust
alki
ngmey ounglady
?"Isai
dwit
hafir
mvoice.

"
Youguy
sknoweachot
her
"Gar
ethasked.
Webot
hignor
edhi
m.

Shechuckl
edandr
oll
edherey
es.
Thenwal
kedt
owar
dsme.

"
Getoffy
ourhighhor
seMrSe--
-.
..
whenImety
ouatthement al
asylum Ididn'
taskyousucha
r
idi
cul
ousquesti
on.
Bythewaywhodri
vesi
nadangerousspeedli
kethat."Shesai
dwithatt
it
ude.
"
Att
heasy
lum?
"Itcl
i
ckedsoJonmether
.

"
Any
waywhatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"

"Am Isupposedt
oanswersuchar
het
ori
cal
stupi
dquest
ion.
"Sher
oll
edherey
esandLewi
s
star
tedlaughi
ng.

"
Itseemssomeonemett
hei
rmat
cht
oday
"Gar
ethsai
d.Igav
ehi
m awar
ning.

"
Wel
ll
eav
eri
ghtnow"Isai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ceandshedi
dn'
tseenscar
edorany
thi
ng.
"
Iwasn'
tpl
anningtostayanyway.
Byt
hewayther
eisnoneedt
oshouty
oudon'
tscar
emeand
t
rustmeIcanshouttoo"Sherol
l
edherey
es.

"
Excusemewhatdi
dyouj
ustf
uckensayt
ome"
Iwor
eacol
dlookt
hatev
enMaxi
sscar
edof
.

"DidIfuckenst
utt
er.
."
Shesaidlooki
ngseri
ous.Ikeptqui
etnotknowingwhattosaynex
t
becausenoonehasev erchal
l
engedmel i
kethisandawomanont opofthat
.

"
Thoughtasmuch.
Any
wayt
hanky
ouf
oror
der
ingatI
tal
i
apl
easeor
dernextt
ime.
"

Shecat
wal
kedandt
urnedgi
vi
ngmeonel
astdeat
hst
are.
Sheopenedt
hedoorandl
eft
.

Iwasst
il
li
nthesameposi
ti
ont
ryi
ngt
odi
gesti
fitwasr
eal
l
ytr
uet
hatIwaschal
l
engedbya
woman.

"
WowIbetthatonei
sfei
styev
eni
nbed.
..
Icani
magi
nehercommandi
ngwhi
l
st-
-"Hedi
dn'
t
f
ini
shhi
sst
atement.
"
Lewi
sdon'
tyouf
uckendar
eev
enf
ant
asi
zeabouther
"Iwar
ned.

"
Heyr
elaxman"
Maxsai
d.

"Expl
aint
ome.
WhenandhowJonmether
?"Isatdown.

"
Theymetacci
dent
all
yatt
heasy
lum.
"Maxsai
d.

"
Att
heasy
lum?Whatwashedoi
ngt
her
e?"Iasked
"
Jonneedst
ogett
reat
edDanger
."Hesai
d.

"Idon'
tcar
eaboutthat.ButwhenJoncomesbacktel
lhi
mthatIsai
dheshoul
dstaythefuck
awayfrom t
hatgi
rl
.Irepeatheshoul
dstayawayorwewil
lhav
eprobl
ems.
Seri
ousprobl
ems"

Theyexchangedl
ooks.

Idr
ankt
hewhiskyinonegoal.
Idon'
tknowwhatIwasf
eel
i
ngbecauseInev
erl
i
ket
hisbef
ore,
i
t
wasanewandforei
gnfeel
ing.

Endofchapt
er8
Pl
easeguy
slet
'scommentsot
hatIknowwhaty
ouguy
sar
ethi
nki
ngaboutt
hest
ory
.

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er9
Apr
il
.

*
"St
ucki
nmymi
nd"
*

"Youngladyareyoustalkingme. .
..
mxm t
hatsonofabi scuitwhothehel l
doeshet hi
nkheis.
Me
stal
kinghim huh.
.howcr azycanhebe..
.t
hat'
sjustri
dicul
ous.Onemi nuteheact
slikehedoesn't
knowheal mostranmeov erandoneminut
eheaccusesmef oral
mostcausinghim
probl
ems. .
.doeshethinkhei sObama'
ssoninlaw.."Isoli
l
oquizedallthewayfr
om Jon'shouse.
Otherdri
verswerehoot i
ngatmebecauseIwoul dattimesstopwhileabsentminded.ThankGod
thetraf
fi
cpol i
cedidn'
tnotice.

Iarr
ivedatther
estaur
antandparked.
Igav
eMr
sCedr
ict
hekey
s.Thegi
rl
swer
ewai
ti
ngf
orme
becauseitwasti
met oknockof
f.
"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong"Jennyaskedgi
vi
ngmeabonecr
ushi
nghug.

"Weweresoworr
iedaboutyou.WethoughtmaybeJul
i
andidsomet
hing.Iwasaboutt
ost
art
sav
ingmoneyf
orburial
.
"Nickisai
dandweal lgav
eherthel
ook.

Sheshr
ugged.

"
WhaatIwasj
ustwor
ri
ed"

"
Andt
hebur
ial
ist
hef
ir
stt
hingy
out
hinkabout
"Jennyl
aughedshaki
ngherhead.

"
Wel
lmyl
astdel
i
ver
ywasatJonMcCl
ain'
shouse.
"Isai
ddr
yly
.
"
Saywhat
!!
"Ki
arasai
dwi
thherey
espoppedout
.

"
Didy
ousuckhi
sdi
ck"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Ewwwser
iousl
y"Jennysai
d.

"
Nooofcour
se.
..
ewww"Isai
dlooki
ngdi
sgust
ed.

"
Sotherei
snothi
ngtobeshockedaboutandany
wayst opput
ti
ngt
hatdi
sgust
ingf
aceony
ou
f
ant
asiedaboutt
hatguyatsomepoint
."That
sNicki
foryou.
"
Sowhathappenedpl
easef
eedust
hedet
ail
s"Ki
arawassoi
mpat
ient
.

"
Let
'sgohomef
ir
st"

Theyal
lsul
ked.
Thewayt
heyl
ovednewst
heset
hree.

Anywaywewenthomeandwesati
nthel
ounge.
Noonewascooki
ngbecausewehadbr
ought
somepiazzaf
rom I
tal
i
a.

"
Sowhathappened"Jennysai
d.

"
Well
Ihaveneverbeentof
ir
stst
reetbef
oresowhenIsawwher
etheaddr
esswasl
eadi
ngme-
-"
Ni
cki
int
err
uptedbefor
eIcoul
dfi
nish

"
Wedon'tcar
eaboutt
headdr
essj
ustgot
othepar
twher
eyoumetJon"Shesai
dlooki
ng
i
mpat
ient.
"
Letherspeakort
hest
orywi
l
lnotmakesense"Jennysai
d.

Ishookmyhead" SoasIwassay i
ngIthoughtIwasgiventhewr ongdr esswhenIarri
vedathis
street.Iwasbattl
ingtogoinbutthenIdeci
dedt oj
ustgo.
Irangt hebellandwasanswer edby
yetanot heryummyl ooki
ngguy.
Hepaidandt hencl
osedthedoor .Iwasaboutt ol
eavewhenI
reali
zedt hathegavemeex tr
amoneysoIwentbackandhehei nv i
tedmei n.Onl
ythenwhenI
wasi nsidethatt
heicyblondeguywhowassi tti
ngonacoucht urnedandi twasnoneotherthan
MrSex yLips.

Weexchangedcoldl
ooksandwordsofcour
se.Butther
eissomet
hingbot
her
ingme
t
hough"
Theylookedatmewait
ingformetoconti
nue.

"
Wel
lther
eissomet
hingaboutJonIcan'
tputmyf
ingeron"

"
Wil
lyout
ell
uswhati
tisal
ready
"Ki
arasai
d.

"
LookwhenIf
ir
sthadanencount
erwi
thhi
m ont
hemai
nroad,
whenheal
mostr
anmeov
erhe
gavemet hi
sangr ylook.
Ican'
texplai
nt hel
ookbutitsentcol dchil
lsdownmyspi ne,itmademy
heartpound.ThenwhenImethi m attheasylum hedidn'thavethatlookany more,it
'sl i
kehewas
someoneel sehewasj ustcool,
thatl
ookmademykneeswobbl ybutdi dn'tsendchi l
lsdownmy
spine.
Thent odayhehadt hatlookagaintheonewhi chsendchi l
lsdownmyspi ne. Thatl ook
scaresmeandt heywayhecl encheshisjawsev enanyonecanpeeont hemselvesbutIdon' t
knowwhysomet hinginmesay sIshouldprovokehim.Iknowmay beI'm notmaki ngsensebut
whenev erIseehim Ifeell
ikeI'
m seeinganewper son".Isaidandtheygav emet hel ooks.

"You'
rer
ightwhat
every
ousai
ddoesn'
tmakesense.
"Jennysai
d

"
Yeat
oyouguy
sitdoesn'
tmakesenseIknow"
.

Iknowi
tmaysoundcr
azybutIwassuperwor
ri
edf
orsomer
eason.

"
Ther
eissomet
hinggoi
ngoni
nhi
sli
fe"

Isai
d.

"Whoawhoawhoaholditr
ightt
hereMissCurious,t
hereisalothappeninginyourl
i
fe
alr
eady
.Yourmot
heri
souttheretr
yingtoendy ou,
youdon'tknowwhoy ourfat
heri
s,y
ouwer e
fr
amed,yougotacr
iminal
recordwhichatsomepoi nty
ouneedt oclearontopofthatyou'
re
fi
nanciall
yunstabl
e.Therei
salotgoi ngoninyourli
feApri
landthelastthi
ngy oushouldwor r
y
aboutiswhat '
sgoingoninJon'
sl i
fe.
Thatguygothisshitt
ogether.
Helivesali
fe,expensi
ve
houses,cars,
whiskyandevengirlf
ri
ends.Totopthathegotafami l
ythatsupportshim.Idon'
t
evenknowwhyy ouar esoworr
iedabouthim.Probabl
yhehasf orgot
tenthatyouev enexist
Apri
l"Jennysaidwi t
haseri
oust one.

"IsecondyouonthatJenny.
Don'tfor
gett
hatt
hisguymaybei
nvol
vedwi
thi
l
legal
busi
ness
dealswithyourmother
."Ki
arasaid.

"
Butguy
s..
"It
ri
edt
odef
end.

"NoApri
lthat
'senough.
What'shappeningwithyou.
Whereisthedeterminat
iontofindyour
fat
her
,t
oknowwhoy ouare,whereisthatcravi
ngforj
usti
ce.
Stopbeinganemot ionalwreckov
er
someonewhosel i
feisper
fectanddoesn'tevencareabouty
ou"Nickisupport
ed.

I
fNi
cki
say
ssomet
hingt
hatmakessense,
theni
tmeanst
hei
ssuei
simpor
tant
.
"You'
rer
ightI
'mloosi
ngfocusovershi
t.
Hei
snot
hingi
nmyl
i
fe,
Ishoul
dn'
tbewor
ri
edabouthi
s
shi
tofali
fe.
Thatsonofabiscui
t"
.

WhenIsaidthatIfel
tmyheartrepr
imandi
ngme,
myconsci
encefol
dedt
hei
rar
msandmybr
ain
satl
egcrossedloweredi
tsspecsandgavemeawarni
nglook.

Ev
ery
oneel
sewasal
sogi
vi
ngmet
hel
ook.
Wel
lmay
beIshoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthatabouthi
m

"
Hei
snol
ongerMrSexyLi
psnow.
"Jennysai
dwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

"
Andisn'
titsupposedt
obesai
dli
kesonofabi
tchnotbi
scui
t"Ni
cki
clappedherhandsand
l
aughed.

"
Ihav
enev
erseeny
oul
i
ket
hisApr
il
,t
hisi
snew"Ki
arashookherhead.

"
Any
wayf
ort
hesakeofpr
ogr
ess,
Apr
ily
ouneedt
ocomeupwi
thapl
anonhowt
oget
i
nfor
mat
ionabouty
ourmother
sdealswit
htheMcClains.
WhatI'
mt r
yingt
oimplyi
s,
it
shi
ght
ime
y
oucomeupwi t
haplant
odeal wi
ththeMcCl
ainsespeci
all
yJon"Jennysai
d.

"
ButIneedt
ogetmyl
i
fet
oget
herbef
oremessi
ngupwi
tht
hem"Isai
d.

"You'
redraggi
ngt
hisdear
,weallknowyourl
if
ewill
gett
oget
herwhenyouknowy
ouri
dent
it
y.
Rightnowitsi
nbi
tsandpiecesandcannevergett
oget
her
"Kiar
asai
d.

"
Wearenotbei
nghar
donyousis,
wewantthebestf
oryouandbesi
desy
ou'
reourpi
l
lar
.Wej
ust
t
hinki
tshi
ghti
metot
ackl
ethi
sident
it
ythi
ng"Ni
ckisuppor
ted.

Isighed.
"You'
rer
ightIhav
ebeendr
aggi
ngt
hisf
ort
ool
ong.
Iwi
l
lsl
eepov
eri
tandt
hinkofagood
plan."
Theyal
lnodded.

Atni
ghtIcouldn'
tsleep.If
eltt
hewall
sofmyr oom cur
vingi
n.Ikeptontossi
ngandturni
ng.Ifelt
suf
focated,
pressuredandburdened.
Itr
iedsomuchnott oworryaboutJonbutmymi ndkepton
goi
ngbackt ohim.Itri
edtotel
lmysel
fmanyreasonswhyIshoul dn'
tworryabouthi
m butst
il
l he
wasstuckinmymi nd.

Iwokeupandmademy
sel
fcof
feet
henwentt
othepat
io.

"
Al otofpeopl
eoutther
epr
etendasi
ftheygettheirl
i
fetoget
herwhil
ether
earesuf
feri
ng.What
i
fthesamei shappeni
ngwi
thJon?MaybeI'
m beingnosybutItr
ustmygutfeel
i
ng"Isol
il
oqui
zed.

*
**

*
Jon*

*
"Mi
ssedme?
"*
WhenIwokeupi nt
hemor ni
ngIhadamot herofallhangovers.WellDangermusthav ehadal ot
todri
nkthen.Idi
dmyhy gi
eneandwal keddownstair
s.Lewiswassl eepi
ngont hecouchl ooking
l
ikehewasr unni
ngorsomething.Popconsandt woboxesofpi azzawer eallovertheplace.I
shookmyheadandwentt ot
hekitchen.If
oundMaxhol di
nghi scupofcof feewi t
honehandi n
hispocketst
arri
ngint
othespace.Hewasn'twearingasui tt
hough. Ontheki t
chencountert her
e
wastheslimygreensubst
ance.Ifrowned.

"Ical
ledthecleaner
stocl
eant
hatmess.
"Hesai
dlooki
ngatt
hel
ounge.
DidIment
ionhei
sa
cleanfreak.

"
Sitdown"
.Hecommanded.

Isi
ghed,
satdownanddr
ankt
heconcoct
ionwi
thoutwai
ti
ngt
obet
oldso.
Nowwhatdi
dDanger
do.
Iwondered.

"
Whatdi
dDangerdoy
est
erday
?DoIhav
etodoadamagecont
rol
?"Iasked.
"
Nohedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.Somet
hingel
sehappened"Hesai
dmai
ntai
ninghi
sser
iousl
ook.

"Ohhhhaveyoual
readytol
dhi
mt hatwemetthegir
lhealmostranover"Idon'tev
enknowwhen
Lewiswokeup.Hi
shairwasamessanditwasclearhehadn'twashedhisface.Hewal
kedt
othe
fri
dge,
openedi
tandtookabot
tlefr
om i
tanddrankfrom i
t.

"
Youdi
dn'
tev
enbr
ushy
ourt
eet
h.Coul
dn'
tyoupourt
hemi
l
kint
hecup"Maxsai
dinannoy
ance.

"
It
'sal
ongpr
ocess"Hecont
inueddr
inki
ngt
hemi
l
k.

"
Areyoualr
eadytal
ki
ngaboutt
heironl
adywit
houtme"Gar
ethwal
kedi
nandwentt
othe
f
ri
dge,
tookoutsomeicecr
eam andsatdown.
"
Okwhatar
eyouguy
stal
ki
ngabout
?"Iaskedl
ooki
ngconf
used.

"
WemetDanger
'smat
chy
est
erday
.Itwasexci
ti
ng"Gar
ethsai
denj
oyi
nghi
sicecr
eam,
ear
lyi
n
t
hemor
ning.

"
Cansomebodyexpl
aint
ome"Isai
d.

"Thegi
rly
oubumpedi
ntoatthement
alasylum i
sthesamegi
rlDangeral
mostr
anov
erandt
he
samegirl
washer
eyest
erday
."Maxexpl
ained.

"
Okwhatonpl
anetear
thwasshedoi
ngher
e"Iasked.
"
Shewasdel
i
ver
ingt
hepi
azza"
.Gar
ethsai
d.

"Thatexplai
nswhyt
hedel
i
ver
ywasl
ate.
Shoul
dn'
tshebeatt
heasy
lum.
"Il
ookedatt
hem
confused.

"
Wewoul
dn'
tknowbutt
hat
'snott
hei
ssueher
e.Dangerl
eftamessage"Maxsai
d.

"AndI'
mt hemessenger
.Hesai
dyoushoul
dstaythefuckawayf
rom herorhewi
l
lcuty
ourbal
l
s
andthrowthem t
othedogs"Lewi
ssai
dsoundingexcit
ed.

"
Hecan'
tcutmybal
l
s,hel
i
vesi
nme"Isai
d.
"
AnywayIdon'
tthi
nkt
hei
ssuei
sser
iousany
way
.Letmegoandcal
lRut
h,shei
spr
obabl
y
wor
ri
ed.
"

Ist
oodup.

"
SitdownJonMcCl
ain"Maxsai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ce.

Isatdown."
Whatnow!
"Iwasf
rust
rat
ed.

"
CanDangerf
all
inl
ove"Maxaskedoutofnowher
e.Thatquest
ionscar
edt
heshi
toutofme.

Il
aughedi
ndi
sbeli
ef."
Nopr obabl
ynot
.Dangeri
semot
ionl
ess,
hedoesn'
tfal
li
nlov
e,hei
sjust
desi
gnedt
oki
ll
."Iexpl
ained
"Whati
fther
eisapossi
bil
it
ythathecanfal
li
nlov
eonceheknowwhatl
ovei
s.It
hinkhej
ust
doesn'
tknowwhatl
oveis"Garet
hsaid.

Ishookmyheadv igor
ousl
y."
Nononohedoesn'tf
all
inl
ove.
Ifi
twasJossIcoul
dhav
esai
d
may bebutDangerhel
lno.
Whyar
eweevental
kingaboutt
hisri
ghtnow"

"BecausewesawDanger '
sreact
iony esterdaywhenhemett hegi
rl
.Thegir
levenpr
ovokedhim
andhedi dn'
tdoany t
hinghewasj usttongue-ti
edwhichisunli
keDanger
.Onnormaloccasi
ons
thegir
lcouldhavebeeni nt
hehospi t
al r
ightnow.WeallknowDangerdoesn'tt
akepr
ovocati
ons
quietwellheret
ali
atesbutyest
erdayhef r
oze."Gar
ethsaid.

NowIwaswor
ri
ed.

"
I'
mjustcur
iouswhathappensi
fthet
hreeofy
ouf
all
inl
ove"Lewi
sasked.
"Inev
err
eall
yaskedmysel
fthatquest
ionbecauseIal
waysknewthatmyal
terpersonal
it
ies
knownothi
ngaboutl
ovebutincasethathappens,
i
twil
lbeasur
vival
oft
hefit
testcase"Isai
d.

"
Sur
viv
aloft
hef
it
testexact
lywhatdoest
hati
mpl
y?"Gar
ethasked.

"
Ifi
thappensthatthet
hreeofusfal
li
nlov
e.Twoper
sonal
i
tieshast
odi
eandt
hest
rongesthas
t
otakecontr
ol oft
hebody"Isai
d.

"
Die?
"Lewi
sasked.

"Notsi
xfeetunderLewi
s.I
fithappensthatwefi
ghtovercont
rol
andmay beDangerwinsme
andJosswillceaset
oexist
,wewilll
it
eral
lysl
eepfor
ever.
Mynewi dent
it
ywil
lbeDangersamei
f
JosswinsandifIwin,
i
twi l
lnotnecessar
il
ymeant
hatIwi
l
lbef
reef
rom DI
D,i
wil
ldev
elopnew
al
terper
sonal
it
ies.
"Isighed.

"
ManInev
err
eal
i
sedhowcr
azyy
ou'
re.Many
ou'
rebananas"
Lewi
ssai
dlooki
ngser
ious.

Weal
ll
ookedathi
m andheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

"WhaaatI
'
mjustsay
ing"
.Hesai
d.

"
Wel
lIguessweshoul
dcal
lDoct
orGomezassoonaspossi
ble"Maxsai
d.

Ist
oodup."
Dangercan'
tfal
li
nlov
emanhewi
l
lmessev
ery
thi
ngupf
orme.
Rut
h,mybusi
ness.
.
Hewil
lrui
never
ythi
ng"

If
eltl
i
ghtheadedandt
henextmomenti
twasl
i
ght
soutf
orme.

*
**
*
Your
sTr
ulyJoss*

It
sbeenl
ikeayearsi
nceIwascagedi
nandIj
ustf
eltt
heur
geoft
aki
ngcont
rol
andI
'
m gl
adJon
all
owedmeto.

"
Hei
sopeni
nghi
sey
es"Ihear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oicesay
ing.

WhenIopenedmyey
esGar
ie,
Lewi
eandWaxwer
est
arr
ingatme.

"
WhathappenedJon"Lewi
ssai
d.

Thisi
smyfavour
it
eamongthethr
eeoft
hem andIdamnmi
ssedhi
scr
azyass.
Ismi
l
edand
huggedt
heli
vi
ngdayl
i
ghtsoutofhi
m.
"
Okokokhol
ditr
ightt
her
e.Ar
eyougaynow"Hesai
dwi
thaf
unnyf
ace.

Il
aughedandsmackedhi
shead.
"Mi
ssedme.
Gar
ie,
Lewi
eandWax?
"

"
Joss!
!?
"Theyexcl
aimedatonce.

"
Inf
lesh"Igr
inned.

Lewi
egavemeashoul
derbump.
"Longt
imenoseemyguy
"Hesmi
l
ed.
Gar
ieandWaxgav
ehi
m
thel
ooks

"
WhatI
'
mjustbei
ngni
ce"
"Sohowhaveyouguysbeen.
Gariehowareyou.
Waxst
il
landi
ronman.
.y
ouneedt
obl
owof
f
somesteam.It
hinkgy
m wil
ldo"Ihi
ghfi
vedwit
hLewi
e.

"
Butgy
misout
dat
edheneedssomewhor
ether
apy
..
.Wax"Lewi
esai
dmocki
ngl
y.

"
It
sMaxnotWax"Hesai
dlooki
ngser
ious.
Theguyr
arel
ysmi
l
es.

"
Ohhhsor
ryaboutt
hat
,y
oust
il
lthehar
dbut
?"Iasked.

"
Hei
sdr
y,heneedst
ogetsome"Lewi
econt
inuedmocki
nghi
m.
"
Saywhaaat
..
.heneedst
hewhor
ether
apyt
hen,
whati
sthatev
en?
"Iasked.

"
Ohhhwhor
ether
apy
..
heneedsl
i
ke6whor
est
ohel
phi
m bl
owof
fthest
eam"Hewi
nked.

"OkIgeti
t.
Okupdat
eme,
whatdi
dImi
ss.
DidEv
egi
vebi
rt
hMaxandKat
iegotmar
ri
edt
oJon?
"I
asked.

Theyal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Kat
iei
snomor
eandwel
lEv
eandMaxar
enol
ongert
oget
hersheabor
ted"Gar
ieexpl
ained.
"
Dangerhappenedr
ight,
Iknewthatfuckerwasuptonogoodandasf
orEv
edon'
tst
ressMaxa
l
otofpussi
esarewait
ingforyou"Ismiledandpat
tedhi
sshoul
der
.

Hej
ustshookhi
shead.

"
Ihav
ebusi
nesst
oat
tendt
o,soseey
ouguy
s."Maxsai
dandl
eft
.

Il
ookedatLewi
e."
Igav
eyoumypaint
sandyoupromisedt
okeepthem saf
efr
om Dangerand
Jon.
Ihopeyoust
il
lhav
ethem.
Iwannagotoanexhi
biti
ont
oday.
"

"
Isti
llhav
ethem andbycoi
nci
dencether
eisanexhi
bit
iont
odayat12.
Iwi
l
ltexty
out
headdr
ess
r
ightnowletmebounce.
"Helef
twithGaret
haswell
.

Ibat
hedandworesomeformalkhakishor
ts,
whit
eshor
tsl
eev
edshi
rt,
afendi
pri
nts
bowti
e,
fedor
aandnicef
ormalshoes.Myfashi
oniconi
sPharel
lWi
l
li
amssoy eaIgof
orhi
s
l
ooks.
It
ookmyFer
rar
icarkey
sanddr
oveout
.

Iwaspl
ayi
nghappybyPhar
ell
Wil
l
iams.

Lewi
etextedmet headdr
esswheretheexhi
bit
ionwast
aki
ngpl
ace.
Whi
l
eIwaschecki
ngi
toutI
hi
tsomethingandheardpeopl
escream.

"
OhhhGodwhathav
eIdone.Ir
ansomeoneov
ershi
i
it"

Il
ookedathershewasl
yi
ngpower
lesshav
inganosebl
eed.

Shel
ookedatmebef
orecl
osi
ngherey
es.

"
Pleasepleasepl
easedon'
tdi
eonmeprett
ypl
ease.
."Icar
ri
edhert
omycarandcal
l
ed
Max.Lucki
lyheanswer
edonthef
ir
str
ing.

"
Iransomeoneov
eri
fshedi
esonmeIswearIwi
l
lendmyl
i
fe.
"Isai
dcr
ying.
"
Whaty
ou'
renotmaki
ngsense.
."Hesai
d

"
Iransomeoneov
erdammi
t.
."Iscr
eamed.

"
Okokrel
axdi
dyoucheckherpul
se.
..
okdot
hist
akehert
oJonespr
ivat
ecl
i
nicIwi
l
lmeety
ou
t
her
ehurr
y"Hehungup

Idr
ovel
i
keamani
acandwi
thi
n10mi
nsIhadar
ri
ved.

If
oundMaxpaci
ngupanddown.
Icar
ri
edt
hebeaut
yinmycar
.

"
Im her
eal
i
ttl
ehel
p."Iscr
eamed.

Maxr
ant
omeandt
hensuddenl
yst
oppedonhi
str
acksoncehi
sey
esl
andedont
hegi
rl
.
Hewhi
sper
ed."
Shi
t"

Endofchapt
er9

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er

Joss.
*
"Imessedup"
.*

"
Wil
lyoust
opsay
ingshi
tandhel
pmeher
e."Iscr
eamedatMaxwhowasst
il
lst
uckatonepl
ace.

Hezonedoutofi
tandhel
pedmeout
.

Wewer
eatt
hewai
ti
ngar
eawhi
l
stt
hedoct
orswer
eat
tendi
ngt
oher
.

"
Socar
etoexpl
ainwhyy
ouact
edl
i
key
ouhav
eseenaghost
"Isai
d.
Hesi
ghed.
"Youar
einr
eal
shi
t"

"OkwhatdidIdo.
IknowIknockedsomeonebuti
tsnotahi
tandr
un.
Iev
enbr
oughtherher
e"I
defended.

"
It
snotaboutt
hat
.It
saboutwhoy
ouhi
t"Her
ubbedhi
shead.

"
Whoi
sshe?
Thepr
esi
dent
'
sdaught
er?
"Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.

"
IfIwasy
ou,
Iwoul
dn'
tbesar
cast
icr
ightnow.
Shei
sDanger
'sgi
rl
"Hesai
dwi
thaser
ioust
one.
Ilaughedli
kehehadcrackedt
hejokeoft
hecentury.Wel
lI'
mf ami
li
arwit
hDanger
,Lewi
eonce
toldmeabouthim.Henevermessedanyt
hingupformebutf r
om whatIhear
dhei
saheartl
ess
bustardandemoti
onless.

"YoumeantheDangerIhear
dabout.
IfIcan'
tfal
li
nlov
e,whatabouthi
m.Howonear t
hdoeshe
haveagi
rlnow.
That'
sridi
cul
ous.Imeanthat'
sagoodjokeyoueasedthetensi
on.
"Ilaughed.

"I
m seri
ous.HeevenwarnedJontostayt
hefuckawayfr
om her.
Youareindeepshit
.Dangerwil
l
comeaf t
erevery
thi
ngthatmeanstheworl
dtoyoustar
ti
ngfrom yourf
avour
it
epainti
ngs,you
artgal
l
ery."Heshookhi
shead.

"
OhhhmyAmer i
ca.
Nononohewoul dn'
tdothat.Thosethi
ngsmeanstheli
fet
ome.Iexpr
ess
myfeel
i
ngst
hroughpai
nti
ng.Hecan'
tdothat.
..
.hecan'
t"Ishout
edandsatdown.

"
Rel
axIdi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyou.
."Het
ri
edt
ocomf
ortme.
"
Nonohei
sgoi
ngt
odestr
oymythi
ngs.
..
heisgoi
ngtodestr
oymyf
eel
i
ngs.
..Ohhnohecan'
tdo
t
hat
"Het
ri
edt
ocomfor
tmebutIwashavi
ngnoneofthat
.

May
becomi
ngoutwasawr
ongmov
etobegi
nwi
th.

Ipassedout
.

*
**

*
Jon.
*

Iwokeupandreal
i
sedIwasi
nthehospi
tal
.Whatt
hehel
lwasIdoi
ngt
her
e.Whi
l
eIwas
wonder
ingMaxwalkedi
n.

"
Jossy
ou'
reawake"Hesai
dsoundi
ngnotsosur
eofhi
msel
f.
"
Josscameout
?,
Ithoughti
twasDanger
.Whathappened.
Whatam Idoi
ngher
e?"Iasked.

"
Youhadapani
cat
tack.
"Hesai
d.

"
Youcouldhav
ecal
l
edt
hedoct
oratmypl
ace.
Jesuswhatt
hehel
lam Iwear
ing"Il
ookedat
mysel
f.

Hel
aughed.
"That'
sJoss'
dressi
ngsense.
Any
wayt
her
easonwhyy
ou'
reher
eisbecauseJoss
r
ansomeoneov er
."

Ist
oodup.
"Thehel
lwhatwashedoi
nghuhandhowi
stheper
son.
."
I.
pani
cked.
"
Wel
lthat
'swher
ethepr
obl
em i
s.Thegi
rli
ntheacci
denti
sDanger
'sgi
rl
."Hesai
d.

Ist
oodupi
mmedi
atel
y."
Saywhaaat
!!
"

"I
'
m seri
ous,i
tsDanger'
sgi
rlandi
tsJoss'
faul
tbecausehewast
ext
ingwhi
l
edr
ivi
ng.
"He
cont
inuedtoexpl
ain.

Ifr
owned."That
'snoneofmydamnbusi ness.Ican'
tcont
inuetocl
eanupthemesst hatmyalt
er
ego'
screate.WhenJosscomesbackhewi l
lhavetodeal
wi t
hthi
smess.Ri
ghtnowI .
needtoget
outofhereandasf ort
hatgir
lIknowthedoctor'
sherewil
ldothei
rbestt
otreatandthel
eastI
candoistopayt hebil
l
.Ihav
eal otoft
hingstodo".
"You'
renotthatheart
lessJonandbesi destheper
sonali
ti
esarey
ours.
Theywerecr
eatedbyyou
andit
sy ourresponsi
bil
it
yt ocl
eanthei
rmess.Theleasty
oucandoistowaitandbeinf
ormed
aboutherconditi
onandt henapol
ogizetoher"
.Hesaidfi
rmly
.

"I'
m notdoi
ngt
hatshi
tok.
Dangerwar
nedmet
ost
ayawaysoI
'
m st
ayi
ngt
hef
uckawayf
rom
her.
"Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngaway.

"
Whati
fshel
odgesacompl
aint
."Hesai
d.Ist
oppedonmyt
racks.

"Idi
dnot
hingwr
ong.
Itwasn'
tahi
tandrun.
Besi
dest
hepol
i
cear
eonmypay
rol
lsot
her
eis
nothi
ngt
heycandot
ome"Isaidboast
full
y.

"
Comeonmany
ou'
renott
hathear
tl
ess.Justwai
tandbeawar
eofhercondi
ti
on.Whati
fit
s
ser
ious,
weal
sohaven'
ti
nfor
medany
onef
rom herf
ami
l
y."
Het
ri
edt
oreasonwi
thmebutIwas
havi
ngnoneofi
t.

"Maxy oucanplaygoodSamar it
anifyouwant.I
'mtir
edofcleaningupthemessmyal ter
personali
ti
esmake. I
'mtir
ed.I
fit
scr i
ti
calIwi
ll
payforwhatev
ertreatmentthatshewi
ll
need.OtherthanthatI'
m outofhere.
Fir
stofal
lIhavetogetr
idoft hi
sri
dicul
ousoutf
it
,Ruth
can'tseemei nthis"
.

"YouhavebeencleaningJossandDanger '
smessf orniney ears.Youhav etakent hebl
ameof
whatevertheyhavedone,whydoy ouwantt ostopnowhuh? WhydoIhav eaf eeli
ngthatit
snot
aboutyourcondit
ionbutitsaboutthegirl
.You'r
et r
yingy ourbestt oavoidherr i
ghtbecause
you'r
escaredoftheoutcome.You' rescar
edt hatshemi ghtbr ingoutsomet hi
nginy outhaty
ou
thoughtneverexi
stedri
ght.Sayitdammi t
..
.!
!!
You'renothear tless,y
ou'r
ej usttry
ingtoavoidher.
If
i
twassomeoneel seyoucoul dn'
thavebeensay ingt hi
sshit."Hesai dclenchinghisjaws.

Ichuckl
ed."
You'
rereadi
ngt
oomuchi nt
othi
ngsMax,maybetheonewhoneedshel
pher
eis
you.
Im outher
e,y
oucannurseheri
fyouwant.
"Iwal
kedout
.

Maxcanbeannoyi
ngi
fhewant
stobe.
Whatthehel
lwashebl
abber
ing.Av
oidi
ngher
?Wel
lshe
i
snotevenanel
ementi
nmyli
fesowhyst
ress.

Iwal
kedt
omycarandswi
tchedmyphoneon.
Ihadt
onesofmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Rut
h.

Ical
l
edheri
mmedi
atel
y.
Sheanswer
ed.Fi
nal
l
yyoudeci
dedt
oanswery
ourcal
l
s".
Shesai
dwi
thasadv
oice.

"
BabeI
'
m sor
ryok.Iwassobusy
".Isai
d.

"Sobusythatyoucoul
dn'
ttel
lmethaty
ouwerenolongercomingf
ort
hedinner.
Youst
oodme
upandithurt
s.Di
dIdosomethingwr
ongal
ready
.Imeanitsonl
yafewday
ssi ncewear
eoff
ici
al
andnowthis.
..
"Shesni
ff
ed.

"Shhhbabepleasedon'tcr
y.I
'
m comi
ngr
ightup.
.Justgi
vemet
hir
tymi
nut
esIwi
l
lbet
her
eand
explai
never
ythingt
oy ouok"Isai
d.
"
Okay
"Shecont
inuedsni
ff
ing.Ihungup.

Idr
ovelikeamaniactoherplace.Ifoundhercurl
edupinhercoucheat
ingicecr
eam.Okaaay
wasIthatbadal
readyinthi
sr el
ationshi
pthi
ng.Ihear
difagi
rleatsi
cecream al
oti
tsabadsign.

"
BabeI
'
m sor
ry.
.Iwasbusyy
est
erday
..I
'
m sor
ryIst
oody
ouup.
"

Iapol
ogi
zed.

Shesni
ff
ed.
"I
tsok"

Isatbesi
desher.
"Noit
snotokyouar
ecurl
edupiny
ourcouchandyou'
rest
uff
ingyour
sel
fwit
h
i
cecream.I'
m sor
ryRuth,
Iwast
oohookedupwi
thwork.
Ipr
omisenextt
imeIwill
dobett
er"

Shel
ookedatme.
"Fi
rstofal
lI'
my ourPAbef
orebei
ngy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.Youcoul
dhav
ecal
l
edme
andwecoul
dhaveworkedtogether
."
Isi
ghed.
"Babei
twasf
amil
yrelat
ed,
Icoul
dn'
ti
nvol
vey
ou.
Youknowhowmyf
atheri
s.Pl
easecan
wedropthi
sandmoveon.
I'
m sorr
y".

Shesmiledweakly.
"It
sokandI
'
m sor
ryf
orbei
nganag.
Ireal
l
ycan'
thel
pitwhenIhav
eaGr
eek
handsomegodf oraboyf
ri
end"
.

Il
aughed.
"I'
myourHer
cul
esnow"

Shel
aughedt
oo.
"Yeay
eamyownper
sonal
Her
cul
es"
.

Sowecuddledt
hewhol
eday,
tal
kingaboutev
er y
thi
ng.Rut
hcamecl eanwit
hthedemonsshe
bat
tl
edwit
h.Wel
lshewasaj
ealousfr
eakandv eryi
nsecur
e.Shehasbeencheat
edsomuch.She
al
sohasbeeni
nabusi
ver
elat
ionshi
psandt
hatdest
roy
edher
.

Ipr
omi
sedhert
odomybestandi
nventt
hebesti
nourr
elat
ionshi
p.

Anywayaround7pm Iwentbackt
omyhouse.
Lucki
lythewholecr
ewwasn'tther
eorelset
hey
wer
egoingt obeonmycasef ort
hewhol
eni
ght.Ij
ustwenttobedbecauseIhadeat
enat
Rut
h'spl
acesoIwascov ered.

Iwasj
ustst
ari
ngi
ntospacewhenmyphonedi
stur
bedme.

Ianswer
ed."
Lewi
swassup"

"
Dot
her
ightt
hingJon.
Dot
hedamnr
ightt
hing.What
swr
ongwi
thy
ou!
"Heshout
ed

"
WhoawhoaLewi
swhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou!
"Ishout
edback.
"Youknowexactl
ywhatI
'
mt al
kingabout
.You'
renott
hathear
tl
essJon,
i
fitwasDangerIcoul
d
havesaidmaybebuty
ou."Hehungup.

Wel
lMaxmusthav
epai
ntedmet
hebadguy
.

Awaveofgui
l
tywashedov
erme.
Myconsci
encewast
appi
ngi
tsl
egswi
thar
msf
oldedl
ooki
ng
atme.

Isi
ghed.

"
Am It
hathear
tl
ess?
"Isi
ghedandt
ookmycarkey
s.

Wel
landdr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.

Ipar
kedandst
art
edt
obat
tl
ewi
thmy
sel
fifIshoul
dgoi
nornot
.

CrazyenoughIhadboughtthr
eediff
erentt
ypesoffl
ower
s.Redroses,
yel
lowandwhit
eli
l
ies.
No
don'tl
ookatmeliket
hat,Iwasjustt
ryi
ngtoproveapoi
nther
e.I
'
m notthathear
tl
ess.

Iwal
kedt
other
ecept
ion.

Ay
oungl
adyt
her
est
art
eddr
ool
i
ng.JeezIr
oll
edmyey
es.

"
Ummm HyIwantt
osee-
-"Ohhhcr
apIdi
dn'
tknowhername.

"
Ummm i
ntheaf
ter
noonIbr
oughtsomeoneher
e,whi
chr
oom i
sshei
n?"
"
Ohhhshei
sinr
oom23i
nthepr
ivat
ewar
d."

"
Thanks"
.

Iwentt
other
oom andst
oodout
side.

Wai
twasIhav
ingcol
dfeet
.

Ipeepedthroughthegl
assthatwasont
hedoor
.Shewasasl
eepwi
thabandageonherhand
andaplastercastonherl
eftl
eg.

Isi
ghedandwal
kedi
n.

Shewasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y,
thatmeansshewasi
npai
n.Washercondi
ti
ont
hatcr
it
ical
?

Ipl
acedt
hef
lower
sint
hev
asesandsatonachai
rwhi
chwasbesi
det
hebed.

Herwasal
lov
erherf
aceandi
twasdi
stur
bingher
.It
uckedi
tbehi
ndherear
sandbr
ushedher
cheek.

"I
'
m sorr
y,IswearJossdi
dn'
tmeant o.
Idon'
tknowwhyI
'
m her
ethoughbutI
'
m sor
ryy
oumust
beinpai
n."Icont
inuedt
obrushhercheek.

"
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgo"Ismi
l
edandst
oodup.
Thenherphoner
ang.
Ihesit
atedtoanswerbutt
henr
eal
i
sedt
hatmay
bet
he"
crazyNi
cki
"whowascal
l
ingwas
probablyworr
ied.

Ianswer
ed."
Bit
chwher
ear
eyouwear
ewor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ou"Shescr
eamed.

"
Umm shei
sinhospi
tal
"Isai
d

"Whaat
,when,
how,why.
Whenthehel
l di
dthathappen,
whodi
dthat
..
.whoi
sthatj
eck!
"OkIdi
dnt
knowIwasalreadyi
nthei
nter
rogat
ionroom.

"Sheisadmit
tedi
nJonesPri
vateHospit
alr
oom 23.
.pr
ivat
ewar
d."IhungupbecauseIwasn'
t
preparedt
oanswerher21quest
ions.

Ilookedatheronemor
eti
meandl
eftt
her
oom.
Iwentt
othedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce.
Lucki
l
yimethi
m on
thepassage.
"
Hydoct
orIwant
edt
oknowt
hecondi
ti
onoft
hegi
rlIbr
oughti
ntheaf
ter
noon"Iasked.

"OhhMrMcCl ai
nI '
m gl
ady ou'
rehere.
WellApri
lhastwobr okenri
bs,
disl
ocat
edarm anda
brokenlef
tleg.Shealsohadanosebl eedwheny oubroughthersoweneedtomakesur et
hat
shedoesn'thav eaninter
nalbl
eedingfrom t
hehead.Wewi llhav
etokeepherforaweekto
monitorher"Heexpl ai
ned.

Irubbedmyhead. Idi
dn'
tknowitwasthisbad."Okthankyoudoctorandpleasemakesur et
hat
sheget sever
ythi
ngthatsheneedst
hebi l
li
sonme. Alsodon'
tfeedheryourtast
elesshospi
tal
food,Iwil
lmakesureshegetsgoodfood.Whenshewakesupdon' ttel
lherthatI
'
mt heonewho
broughtherhere,Iwi
llf
indawaytotel
lhermy sel
f"

"
OkMrMcCl
ain"
.
Iwasaboutt
owal
kawaybutst
oppedonmyt
racks.
"Ummm whatdi
dyousayhernamewas"
.

"
Ohhhernamei
sApr
il
"Hesai
d.

"
Apr
ilwhat
?"

"
Wel
lonherI
Dther
eisnosur
name"Heexpl
ained.

"
Pret
tywei
rd,
any
wayt
hanky
ou.
"Il
eft
.

Onmywayt othepar ki
ngl
otIbumpedi nt
ot hr
eegir
lswhowerelookingl
ikemani
acs.
Theywer
e
al
ldr
essedinnightwears,r
unningar
oundlikeheadl
esschi
ckens.
Ipickedmyphoneandshook
myhead.Theydidn'
tevenbothert
olookbackandapologi
ze.

Ical
l
edLewi
sandheanswer
edont
het
hir
dri
ng.
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Hesai
dinaannoy
edv
oice.

"
Idi
dther
ightt
hing"Ihungup.

*
**

Apr
il
.

"*
Someonei
swat
chi
ng**
me"
.*
WhenIopenedmyey esIwasn'tsurpri
sed.I
tseemsl ikethehospitalhasbecomemysecond
home. Ionlyr
ememberbeingknockeddownbysomecar .
WaitIthinkIsawJon'sfaceormaybe
I'
mr eadingtoomuchintothi
ngs.
Ilookedaroundmyr oom anditlookedexpensi
ve.Ital
so
smelledf r
eshmaybeit
'sbecauseoftheflowersinther oom.Waitwhosendt hem andhowdid
thatpersonknewthattheyweremyf avouri
teespeciall
ytheli
li
es.Isni
ffedt
hem andsmi l
ed.

"
Theyar
esof
resh"Ismi
l
ed.

Any
wayIhear
dchaosout
sidemyr
oom.
Icoul
dtel
li
twasmycr
azycr
ewwi
tht
hev
oices.

Af
tersomemi
nut
esNi
cki
wast
hef
ir
stonet
oruni
n.

"OhhhmyUSAwhathappenedtoyou.
Youl
ooksodead"Shewaswear
ingt
wodi
ff
erentshoes
andherni
ght
wearwasinsi
deout.
Kiar
aandJennyr
ani
nwi
thKi
kiwear
ingashor
tni
ght
dress.
Jennywaswear
ingabat
hrobeanda
showercap.

"
Godwhodi
dthi
stoy
ou"Theysai
dinuni
son.

"Ial
sodon'tknowever
ythi
nghappenedsofast.
.Iwascrossi
ngther oadv
erywellaft
erl
ookingat
bothsi
desandf r
om nowhereacarcameandt henextt
hingI'
mf lyi
ngandlandedthenpassed
out"Il
eftt
hepartwhereIt
houghtIsawJon'sface,
Idi
dn'twantthem tot
hinkIwasgoingcrazy
andbesidesIwasn'
tsuremysel
fpeoplehal
luci
nate.

"OhhhmyGodwhodidthis.
Ain'
ttheper
sonsupposedt
obeher
etoseehowy
ou'
redoi
ng.Thi
s
needst
oberepor
tedt
ot hetr
affi
cpoli
ce.
"Jennysai
d.

"
NoJennyit
'sok.Goodt
hingI
'
m al
i
veandbesi
dest
heper
sondi
dthecour
tesyofbr
ingi
ngmet
o
t
hehospi
tal
."Isai
d.
"
Whataboutt
hehospi
tal
bil
l
.?"Ki
araasked.

"Iwil
ltakecredi
tfr
om MrCedri
csodon'
twor
ry.
..
.Ouuch.
..
I'
minpai
n..
Letmel
i
edown"Isai
d
sincemyr i
bcagewaspainf
ul.

"
Wowt
hesear
ebeaut
if
ul.
..Whogav
ethem t
oyou?
"Ki
araasked.

"Idon'tknow.WhenIwokeuptheywerether
e.Ial
soknowIwil
lsoundwei r
dbutIhear
d
someonet al
ki
ngtome,t
uckedmyhairandbrushedmycheek.
Wellbecauseoft
hemedi cat
ionI
wast oot i
redtoopenmyeyes.
"Isai
d.

"
May
bei
tsasecr
etadmi
rer
,whoknows.
Aft
eral
lsomeoneanswer
edwhenwecal
l
edi
twasa
deepmasculi
nevoice.
SoIthinkthatmal
ecr
eatureistheonewhobr
oughtt
hef
lower
sandt
her
e
i
samasculinescentherecan'ty
ouguyssmell
it.
".Nickisai
d.

Shewasr
ightt
hought
her
ewasamal
escentwhi
chf
il
ledt
her
oom andi
twassof
ami
l
iar
.

Any
wayt
hisgoodl
ooki
ngmal
edoct
orwal
kedi
n.Hel
ookedi
ntohi
sfi
l
e.

"
HyApr
ilhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng"
.

"Ummm It hi
nkIbrokemyribi
tspai
nful
onmychest
.Myar
misal
soi
npai
nandIhav
ea
ser
iousheadache"
Icompl
ained.

"I
tsoky oubr
oket
woribsbutwewil
lmakesuret
hatyou'
ref
ineasfort
heheadacheIwil
l
prescr
ibesomemedi
cinesfory
ou.
Wewi l
lhav
etokeepyouforoneweaksincewhenyouwere
broughther
eyouwer
ehav i
nganosebl
eedsowehavetomakesurethatyoudon'
thaveany
i
nter
nal
bleedi
ng.Hencewehav
etomoni
tory
ou.
"Heexpl
ained.

"
Ummm whycan'tyoudi
schar
gemeIwi
l
ljustcomef
orcheckups.
Imeanst
ayi
ngher
ewi
l
l
i
ncr
easet
hebi
ll
."Isai
d.

"
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatdeart
heper
sonwhobr
oughty
ouher
epai
dforev
ery
thi
ng.
"Hesai
d.

"
Ont
hatnot
ewhobr
oughtherher
e?"Ki
araasked.

"
Wel
lIdon'
tknowmyshi
ftj
ustst
art
edsoIdi
dn'
tseet
hem andnot
hingi
srecor
ded"Hesai
d.
"Thisisaweir
dhospit
al.Therear
epaper
ssi
gnedwher
eal
lthei
nfor
mat
ioni
sfi
l
led"Jenny
said.Shewasalr
eadyangry.

"
Jennyi
tsokumm t
hanky
ouDoct
or.
"If
akedasmi
l
eandt
hedoct
orwal
kedout
.

"
Thi
sisser
iousApr
ily
oucan'
ttaket
hisl
i
ght
ly.
Whati
fit
syourmot
her
"Jennysai
d.

"
Not hi
shadnot
hingwr
it
tenJuli
anov
eri
t.
Ifsher
eal
l
ywant
edmedeadt
heper
soncoul
dhav
e
f
ini
shedmeoffbynow"
Isaid.

"You'
rer
ight
".
Kiar
asai
d.
Sot hegirl
swentbackt oourplaceandt hefol
lowingdayIwasbor edallal
one.Thankgoodness
theygav emeawheel chairsoIwasusi ngthattomov earound.If
eltl
i
keIwasbei ngwatchedbut
whenIt urnedt
oseewhoi twast herewasnoone. Thefeeli
ngkeptgoingonandont i
l
lIwas
afrai
dsoIwentbackt omyr oom. If
oundyetanotherbouquetoff l
owersonmybedanda
card.Thisti
metheywer eli
li
es.Theywerealsoplasti
cbagswi thfood.
Thecolognefrom
yesterdaywasallov
ert heplace.Ismil
edandt ookthecard.

I
tread.

"I
fIhadenoughcour
ageIcoul
dhav
efacedy
ou,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyouI
'
m sor
ry.
Your
str
uly
Joss.
"

"
Hmmm soy
ournamei
sJoss.
You'
resuchacowar
d."

Ismi
l
edandopenedt
hepl
ast
icbags.

Endofchapt
er
*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 1
Apr
il
.

*
"Youagai
n!"
*

WellIhavebeenlivi
ngal i
feinthi
shospital
.Ithasbeenthreeday
ssi nceIwasadmi tt
edandI
havebeentreatedli
keaqueen.Thenur seswer eextr
asoftandni
cewheni tcomestome. Weall
knowhowsomenur sesarebuthereIwast r
eat edl
ikeIowntheplace.Themy st
eri
ousJosskept
onsendinggift
s..
.f
lowers,
teddybears,
chocolates,
cardsyounamei t
.Despi
tethefactthatIdi
dn'
t
knowwhotheguyisIenj
oyedi
tthough.
WheneverIf
eltl
i
keIwasbei
ngwat
chedIknewi
twas
me.Nott
hatIwassurebuti
twasjustahunch.

Thegi
rl
sasal
way
scamet
oseehowIwasdoi
ng.

"Areyouinahospit
alorar
omant i
cfi
lm"Jennysaidwit
hasill
yfrown.
Looki
ngatthefl
owersand
teddi
esthatwereall
overt
heplace.
Nicki
wasalreadystuf
fi
ngherfacewit
hthechocol
atesand
othergoodi
es.
Shedidn'
tevenaskhowIwasdoi ngit
sli
keIdidn'
tevenexi
st.

"
It
snotmyf
aul
tthatsomeonedeci
dedt
otr
eatmel
i
keaqueen"Isai
dsmi
l
ing.

"
Hav
en'
tfoundoutwhot
hisJossguyi
s?"Ki
araasked.

"
It
salr
eadyenoughthatheisspoil
i
ngmewi
tht
hegoodi
es.
Whenhedeci
dest
oshowuphewi
l
l,
I
'
m notgonnastr
essoverit
"Isaid.
"Thenyouwil
lfi
ndoutthathei
sanoldmanwi t
hnof r
ontteet
handheisbusyspoi
li
ngyouwi
th
pensionmoneythat
'swhenyouwi
ll
stressabouti
t.
"Nicki
saidbusyeat
ingmychocol
ate.

Ithrewapi
l
lowather
."
Andy
oubusyeat
ingmychocol
atey
ouf
ool
.Youdi
dn'
tev
enaskhowIwas
doing"

"Ther
ewasnoneedtoaskseeingMrJossi
sdoi
ngagoodj
ob.
Hav
eyoual
readypi
ctur
edhow
helooksl
i
ke"Sher
aisedherey
ebrows.

"
Ohhhel
lnoIdi
dn'
tev
enpi
ctur
eany
thi
ng"
.Isai
d.
"SowiththeeJossguyi
nthepi
ctur
ehav
eyoust
oppedt
hinki
ngaboutJon"
.Jennyaskedl
ooki
ng
ser
ious.

"
Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngaboutJont
hatway
.Iwasj
ustwor
ri
edabouthi
m ok"Isai
dsoundi
ngannoy
ed.

"
Tal
ki
ngaboutt
hathav
eyoucomeupwi
thapl
an"Ki
araasked.

Ifr
owned."
Guyswilly
oustop..
.st
opalready.
You'
repressur
izi
ngmeanditsain'
tcool
ok.
I'
mina
hospi
talwi
thabrokenleg,
disl
ocatedarm,br
okenri
bsandinsteadofnur
singmebacktoheal
th
you'
reaski
ngtoplanandplot.
"

"Iknewi tyouweregoingtosaythis.
Weareherebecausewecar eabouty oubutIcan'thelpbut
feelthatyou'r
eusingustofeelt
heempt yvoidyourfami
lyleft
.Whenhav eyouev erconsider
ed
whatwewantApr il.
Ever
ythi
nggoesaccordingt
oy ourpl
an.Ai
n'ty
out heonewhopr eached
aboutjusticebackintheasyl
um.Ain'
tyoutheonewhopr omisedmet hatIwi l
lhavejusti
ce
becauseofwhathappenedt omeatt hePi
nksclub.Imadeitcl
earthatIdon'twanttogoagai nst
theJacksont winsbutyouencouragedmenowy ou'
rebacki
ngoutbecausey ouhavesomesor t
ofat
hingwi
thJonandonceagai
nwegav
etor
espectt
hat
.You'
resel
fi
sh.
"Jennysnapped.

If
eltgui
l
ty.
"Pl
easel
eav
eIwannapr
ocessmyt
hought
sal
one"
.

Icov
eredmyheadwi
tht
hesheet
s.

Theyl
eftwi
thoutsay
ingawor
d.

Maybewhat ev
erJennyhadsaidwastr
ue,
exceptt
hepartt
hatIwasusi
ngt
hem t
ofil
lthevoi
d
mysocalledfamil
ylef
t.Iwasbei
ngtoosel
fi
shanditwaswrongbutwasi
tmyfaul
tthatI
coul
dn'
tthinkofanypl
anatthi
spoint
.

Ideci
dedt
ogooutandhav
esomef
reshai
rbecauseIwasal
readysuf
focat
ingi
nther
oom.

Ipushedmy
sel
fout
side.

Afterst
ayi
ngt
her
eforawhil
eIdeci
dedwentbackinsi
de.Onmywaybackt
omyr
oom Imett
he
reasonwhymeandmyfri
endsarenowonbadterms.

"
Youagai
n!!
"Wesai
dinuni
son.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e..
arey
oust
alki
ngmenow"Isai
dwi
thar
aisedey
ebr
ow.
Hejustsmir
kedandlookedaway
."Youwi
shIwasst
alki
ng.
Imeant
heeJonMcCl
ainst
alki
ng
Apr
ilthat
'sasi
ckajoke.
"

If
oldedmyar
ms.
"Idon'
tremembert
ell
i
ngy
oumyname.
"Inar
rowedmyey
es.

Heclear
edhi
sthr
oat.
Wesharedaney
econtactandt
hist
imei
twasn'tthatonewhichsendcol
d
chi
ll
sdownmyspine,
i
twastheonewhichmakesmykneesweak.
It
slikethrought
hateye
cont
actwewerecommuni
cati
ng.

"Babewhatar
eyoudoi
ng.OMGdi
dyoucomet
opi
ckmeup.
"Il
ookedatwher
ethev
oicewas
comingfr
om.

Well
itwasyourt
ypi
calwomanwithamodel body
.Beaut
if
ull
egsandgl
owi
ngski
n.Shewas
weari
ngagoodoutf
itwi
thredbot
tom heel
s.
Any
wayMrMcCl
ainl
ookedatherconf
used.
"Umm Rut
hwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

"BabeItextedyouinfor
mi ngyouthatIwouldbehere,
myunclewasadmi t
tedher
ey est
erday
."
Sheexplainedgivi
ngmet helookthatonewhichsays"pl
easeexcuseus"butt
hestubbornme
decidedtogivethelookthatwhi
chsay s.
.."
I'
m notgoi
nganyway".

"Ohhhumm Idi
dn'
tcheckmyphoneI
'
m sor
ryRut
h"Heapol
ogi
zedandIr
oll
edmyey
es.

Thi
sRuthwomanwasprobablyajeal
ousgirl
fr
iend.Al
sotheywayshewast
hrowingdagger
sat
meyouwouldsweart
hatwehaveaper sonalvendett
aorsomethi
ng.
Shewasprobabl
ythose
gi
rl
fr
iendswhowantt
hatunr
eali
sti
ckindoflovefrom aguy.

"
Whoi
sshe?
"Shesai
d.

"
Ohhshei
snoone"Jonsai
dandIdon'
twannal
i
eIf
eltsomet
hingi
nmest
ingpai
nful
l
y.
Shesmiledatmethefakestsmil
eIhaveeverseen.
"Yout
woseemedl
i
key
ouwer
einaser
ious
conv
ersati
on,
didIi
nter
ruptedsomet
hing.
"

Isi
ghed.
"Noy
oudi
dn'
t.Enj
oyy
ourday"
.

Iwheel
edmy sel
fbackt
omyroom andonmybedt
her
ewast
hebi
ggestt
eddyIhav
eev
er
seen.
Youknowthosety
pesy
oucansleepon.

"Jossmusthav
esendt
his.
Iwi
l
lnamey
ouJol
l
y"

AnywayIspenttherestofmyday sinsadness.
Myf r
iendsdidn'
tvi
sitmeaf
terwhatJennysai
d.
OnthedaywhenIwasdi schargedthat'
swhenKiar
aandNi ckicametopi
ckmeupwi thMr
Cedri
c'
sdeli
veryvan.Iwasgivencrutchest
ouse.

Ki
araandIwer
en'
tonspeaki
ngt
ermsbutNi
cki
wasj
ustNi
cki
.
"
Sot
hemy
ster
iousJossnev
ershowedup"Sheasked.

"
Nohedi
dn'
t.ButIhav
eJol
l
ynowIwi
l
lonl
yrememberhi
mthr
oughJol
l
y"Ismi
l
ed.

"
Whot
hehel
li
sJol
l
y?"Ni
cki
asked.

Ishowedhert
hebi
gteddyandshej
ustl
aughed.

"
Kiar
ahowi
sJenny
"Iasked.

"
Fine".Onewor
d.Ther
estoft
hej
our
neywewer
einsi
l
ence.
Theydr
oppedmeof
fandwentback
t
oI t
alia.

Ar
ound7pm t
heywer
eback.

Theyhadbr
oughtpi
azzaandweat
einsi
l
ence.

Theywer
eaboutt
oleav
ebutIst
oppedt
hem.
"I
'
m beggi
ngy
ouguy
spl
easesi
tdownweneedt
otal
k."
Theysatdown.

"I
'
m sorr
yf orbeingsel
fi
shguy sImreal
lysor
rybutJennyi
t'
snottr
uethatI
'
m usingyoutofi
l
lan
emptyvoid.You'
remywor ldguys,
you'
remysist
ers.Youhaveal
waysbeenther
ef ormeandI'
m
grat
eful
.I
'
mr eal
l
ysorryforbei
ngselfi
shandImeani t
"

Theyal
lcameandhuggedme.

"AndI'
m sorr
yf orsnappi
ngatyou.IguessIwastry
ingt
ofi
ndsomeonetobl
ameformyown
probl
ems.You'renotself
ishApr
ily
ouj ustgoti
nvol
vedi
nyourownwor
ldandit
s
underst
andable."

"Jennywhat
'sgoingon.
Areyougoi
ngthroughsomethi
ngt
hatwedon'
tknowabout
.Youhav
e
beenangryatevery
thi
ngandever
yonelatel
y.
"Isai
d

Shest
art
edcr
ying.
"If
oundoutwhoisadopt
ingJust
inandJoy
ce.
Theonlyt
hinglef
tisf
ormet o
si
gnsomepaperst
hentheyaregoodt
ogo.Iknowheisgoi
ngtogi
vethem agoodandluxur
ious
l
i
fet
hatIcan'
tgi
vet
hem.
Butt
heyar
emysi
bli
ngsIwoul
ddoany
thi
ngf
ort
hem.
"Shecont
inued
t
ocr
y.

"
Whot
hehel
li
sadopt
ingt
hem andwhydoweknowaboutt
hisnow?
"Isai
d

"MaxJackson.
..
JonMcClai
n'
sfri
end.
Heistheonewhoisadopt
ingthem.Ican'
tl
eti
thappen.
Maxandhistwinownthepinkscl
ubirui
nedmylif
ether
ewhatifJoycedoesthesamewhen
shegr
owsup. "
Shewai
led.

"OhhhmyAmer i
caMaxist
heoneadopt
ingt
hem andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lusabouti
t.
"Ni
cki
sai
dand
star
tedpaci
ngupanddown.

"
Jennyy
oukepti
mpor
tanti
nfor
mat
ionl
i
ket
hisf
rom us"Isai
dshockedj
ustl
i
keev
ery
oneel
se.
"Youhadtoomuchinyourpl
ateal
readyIt
houghtIcoul
dhandl
eitonmyown.Hesentpeopl
eto
askmet osi
ngthepaper
sandIref
used.It
houghtIcoul
dhandl
eitbuti
t'
sget
ti
ngt
oomuch
now."Shesai
d.

"
Doy
ouknowwher
ehel
i
ves"Ki
araasked.

"
YesIknow.
"Shecont
inuedsobbi
ng.

Ni
cki
stoodup,
wentt
oourr
oomsandcamewi
thourmor
ninggowns.

"
Andnowwhat
?"Iasked.
Shegav
eusourgowns.
"Wear
egoi
ngt
opayMaxJacksonav
isi
t.
"Shesai
dlooki
ngser
ious.

"
Nononoar
eyouj
oki
ngwecan'
tj
ustshowupathi
shouse.
"Isai
d.

"You'
rebeingsel
fi
shr
ightnow.
Wehavet
omakeitcl
eart
ohimt
hatheai
n'
tadopt
ingt
heki
ds
point
blank.
Jennyi
snotgoingt
osi
gnany
thi
ng.
"Ki
arasai
d.

"
Finel
et'
sgot
hen"Isai
dlazi
l
y.

DeepdownIdidn'
tsupportt
hisideaofjustshowi
ngupatabusi
nesst
ycoon'
shouse.
However
toavoi
dtoappearasifI
'
m selfi
shIagreedtogowi t
hthem.
WetookMrCedri
c'
sdeli
ver
yvanand
drov
eoff.
*
**

Jon

*
"Iseey
out
oo"
.*

Ididever
ythi
ngIcouldtoprovethatIwasn'theart
lessasMaxandLewi shadsaid.Iwasfeel
i
ng
guil
tysoIdecidedtodoeveryt
hingIcouldjusttomakehersmile.I
twasJoss'f
aultthatshewas
i
nt hehospit
alwhichmakesitmypr obl
em. SoIwouldconst
antl
ychekconherandmaki ngsure
thatshedoesn'tseeme.Myguyswer esti
llmadatmesoaf terdroppi
ngRuthoff,Ideci
dedtogo
toMax'shouset heguy
swer echil
l
ingthere.

If
oundt
hem dr
inki
ngbeer
,chat
ti
ngandl
aughi
ng.

If
eltl
eftout
.

"
Heyguy
s."Isatdown.
"
Hey
"Theyal
lcont
inuedchi
tchat
ti
ng.

"
Haaacomeonguy
sar
ewegonnaactl
i
kepussi
esnow"Isai
d.

"
Theonl
yoneact
ingl
i
kepussyher
eisy
ou"Gar
ethsai
d.

"Youjustcal
lsay
ingy
oudi
dther
ightt
hingandbyt
haty
oumeanpay
ingt
hehospi
tal
bil
l
"Lewi
s
said.

Ilaughed."Iboughtherf
lowers,
teddi
es,
chocol
atesy
ounamei t
.Iwentt
ocheckonherev
er y
mi nuteIgotdeprivi
ngmyt i
mewi thRut
h.Imadesureshegott
hebesttreat
mentev
erai
n'tthat
ther i
ghtthing"
"
Wowy
oudi
dwhaaat
!!
!"Gar
ethexcl
aimed.

Maxwasj
ustchi
l
led.Ni
ggerr
arel
ysmi
l
es.

"
Anddoessheknowi
tsy
ou?
"Heasked.

"
Ican'
tl
etherknow,
Iwi
l
lbei
ntr
oubl
ewi
thDanger
,soi
t'
sbet
tershedoesn'
tknow"Isai
d.

Oneoft
hehel
per
scamet
oMax.

"
Eveni
ngsi
r,
theyarefourgi
rl
swhoareheret
osayt
heysai
dtheyhav
esomet
hingur
gentt
hat
t
heyneedt
ot al
ktoyouabout"Shesai
d.

"
Got
ell
them Idon'
tmeetany
onewi
thoutanappoi
ntment
"Hesai
dfi
rml
y,
si
ppi
nghi
scof
fee.
You
can'
tsepar
ateMaxf
rom cof
feet
hough.

Thehel
perl
eftandweal
ll
ookedatMax
.

"
Whydon'
tyouj
ustl
ett
hem i
nandhearwhatt
heyhav
etosay
"Lewi
str
iedt
oreason.

"
I'
m notaboutt
owel
comewhor
esi
nmyhouse"
Hesai
d

Weal
lgav
ehi
mthel
ookbuthecont
inueddr
inki
nghi
scof
fee.Thehel
percamebackagai
n.

"
Sirt
heysai
dit
saboutt
het
wins"Shesai
dandt
hatgotMax'
sat
tent
ion.

"
Lett
hem i
n"Hesai
dandst
art
edpaci
ngupanddown.

"
Ist
her
esomet
hingweshoul
dknow"Gar
ethsai
d.
"
Fir
stl
et'
shearwhatt
hegi
rl
shav
etosay
."Maxsai
dandt
hatmomentt
hedooropened.

Ithoughtmyey eswer edeceivi

ngme.Ibli
nkedcount l
essti
mes.Shewaswear i
ngsil
kypyj
amas
andapi nknightgownandwasusi ngthecrutchest obal
ancehersel
f.
Besi
desherwasthree
othergir
ls.
Theot heronewasi nhershor
tnighti
esandani ght
gownt oo,t
heotheronewasinher
pyjamasandherey eswasswol l
enshelookedlikeshewascryingandthelastonehadmessy
hair,
waswear ingdiff
erentshoesandwaschewi ngagum.

"
DoIhav
etoseey
ouev
ery
wher
eIgo.
"If
rowned.

"
It
snotl
i
key
ou'
ret
her
easonwhyI
'
m her
e"Sher
oll
edherey
es.

"Whi
choneofy
oui
sMax?
..
.ohhmyy
oul
ooky
ummy
."Theonewi
thmessyhai
rsai
dlooki
ngat
Lewi
s.
"
Nicki
i
i!
!!
"Thegi
rl
ssai
datonce.

TheNickgirlwal kedt
oLewisignori
ngthegir
ls."Wel
lmynamei sNickiSi
mmonst hesearemy
gi
rl
sJennyJor danther
ewi t
hapuffedfaceshewascr yi
ngbutsheisbeauti
ful
trustmeandshe
i
sthereasonwhywear ehere,
andther
eisKiaraChestert
hecoolonebutwithatti
tudef
orday
s
andthat'
sthef amousApr i
lwellMrMcClai
nher eknowsherver
ywel l
.
Gentl
emansi tdownwe
gotalotoftalkingtodo."

Lewishadasill
ygri
n."
Sincey
ou'r
eheret
otal
kladi
esIt
hinkwegonnaneedt
hewhol
eni
ghtand
thenight
iesy
ou'reweari
ngarenotev
enhel
ping"
.

"Lewi
i
is!
!"
..
Max
,Gar
ethandmesai
datonce.
TheNi
ckigir
lsmackedLewi
s'
shead.
"Si
l
lyloweryourl
ibi
do,weai
n'ther
etofuck.
Getyourasses
downgent
leman".
ShetookLewi
s'
sbeer,
threwhersel
fonthecouchandstart
eddri
nking.

Maxwasi
rr
it
atedhehat
eddi
srespectespeci
all
yinhi
sownhouse.

"Don'
twast
emyt
imewhatdoy
ouwantt
osay
."Maxsai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ce.

TheNi
ckigi
rlscof
fed.
"Many
ou'
redr
y,y
ouneedt
ogetsomet
owashof
fthest
if
fness.Si
tdown
andl
et'
stal
k"

Maxwasabouttor
elali
atebutt
hegirlwit
hapuf f
edfacespoke."Mynamei sJennyJordanlike
shesai
dI'
m Joy
ceandJust i
n'
seldersi
ster.
Igott
oknowt hatyou'
retheoneadoptingt
hem. I
'm
j
usther
etobegyoupleasedon'
ttakethem awayfrom metheyaretheonlyfamil
yIhave."She
sni
ff
ed.

"You'
renotfi
ttotakecrei
fyour
sel
fdoy
outhi
nkyoucantakecareoft
hem.
Youhavebeenon
drugs,
mental
lyunstabl
eandwasinament
alasy
lum doy
out hi
nkyoucant
akecar
eofthem"
Maxsaid.
I
naj
i
ffyJennywasabr
yandshesl
appedMaxacr
osst
hef
ace.
Weal
lgasped.

"
Jennyr
elax"Apr
ilsai
d.

TheJennygi r
lwasn' thavi
nganyofit."NowyoulistentomeMaxJackson. Idon'tcarehow
powerfulyouarebutmoneywi l
lnotbuyy ouhappiness.Youwon'tbuymysi bl
ingshappiness
withy
ourmoney .Imighthavebeenondr ugs,
Imightbement al
lyunstabl
ebutifitmeansIhave
tomov emount ainsorwal konwaterforJust
inandJoy ceIwil
lhavefuckendoi tandnoteven
yourmoneywi llstopme. I
fyouthi
nkI'm goi
ngtosi ngyourshi
tt
ypapersyouhadi tallwr
ong"
Sheclenchedherj awsr i
ghtatMax'sface.

"
Wewil
lshepr
ovi
dedy ourdi
rt
yhi
stor
yift
hesoci
alwor
ker
sar
egoi
ngt
oal
l
owy
out
otake
t
hem.
"Maxret
ali
ated.

"
Okwear
eher
etal
kasadul
tsok"
.Theot
hergi
rlnamedKi
araf
inal
l
yspokeGar
etwasj
ustst
ari
ng
ather
.

"Heyst
opl
ooki
ngatmey
oucr
eep"
Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Gar
ethchuckl
ed.
"Iwasj
ustwonder
inghowcanaper
sonl
ookt
hisugl
y".

Lewi
sandNi
cki
bur
stedwi
thl
aught
erandhi
ghf
ived.
Theset
wogotl
oosecr
ewst
hatInot
iced.

"Ni
ceonether
e"Lewisl
aughed.
Weal
ll
ookedatt
hem wi
thser
iousf
acesbuti
tsl
i
kewehad
pushedt
heirl
aught
erbut
tons.

"
Okcanweactl
i
keadul
tsf
oroncepl
ease.
Canwet
alkpr
oper
ly.
"Apr
ilsai
d.

"
Wehav
edoneenought
alki
ng.
Getoutofmyhouse"
.Maxsai
dfi
rml
y.
"Ohhmyguymeandmygi
rl
sareher
etost
ay.
"Ni
cki
sai
dsi
ppi
ngonMax'
sfav
ori
tewhi
sky
.I
don'
tev
enknowwher
eshegoti
t.

"Ni
ckil
etsgo.Maxisal
readyannoy
ingmeIfeell
i
kepunchinghisstupi
dfaceandthatwascrazy
ofmetot hi
nkhewouldunderst
and.Howev
erthi
sbustar
dgotnof eeli
ngswhatsoever
,ify
ou
badl
ywantchildr
enwhynotimpregnat
esomeone"Jennysaidannoyed.

Max'
slowerl
i
pst
art
edt
otr
embl
e,
thi
sgi
rlhadhi
thomest
rai
ght
away
.

Endofchapt
er1 1

Guy
slet
'scommentpl
easei
twi
l
lmot
ivat
eme.
..
ify
oudon'
ttobat
ana2030ndendi
chi
po.

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 2
*
"Demonsoft
hepast
".
*

Jon.

"
Ummm girl
sIthi
nky oushoul
dleav
eyouhav
esai
denoughal
ready
".Isai
dlooki
ngatMaxwho
wassocl
osetobreakingdown.

Jennysatdownandf ol
dedherarms."I
'
m notgoinganywher
ewi t
houtlet
ti
ngt hi
sbustar
dknow
howselfi
shheis.Howdoy ousleepatnightMax?Knowingver
ywellthatyou'
rehel
lbenti
n
separ
ati
ngsibl
ings.
Imaynotbef i
nanci
allyst
abl
ebutformylit
tl
eonesIcandoany thing
humanlypossi
bletogiv
ethem t
hebestlifebuty
ouMaxJacksonbecausey ouaref
ilt
hyrichy
ou
wanttotakethatawayfrom.Ihav
eal
readyspentsomucht i
meawayfrom t
hem butyouwantit
tobef or
ever
.Ihavenevermetsomeoneasselfi
shasyou.I
fyoubadl
ywantachildgooutthere
l
ookf orawil
li
ngv i
cti
m,oruseasurr
ogatemotheroradoptachi
ldwhodoesn'
thaveanyone.My
sibl
i
ngsdoesn'tneedaselfi
shmanli
key ouf
oraf at
her
."

Themoreshespokey
oucouldseethatherwor
dsstabbedMax'
shear
tami
l
li
ont
imes.
Hehad
bi
thi
slowerl
ipandwascont
inuousl
ybrushi
nghishai
rback.

Lewi
swasdev ast
atedseei
nghistwi
n.Ashi
sfri
endsweweredevast
atedt
oo.
SeeingMaxso
cl
osetocr
yingbrokeourhear
tsbecausehei
semot i
onal
l
ystabl
eamongthefourofus.

"
Jennyyouhavesaidenoughok.Youdon'tknowmybrotheryouhav
enor i
ghtwhat
soevert
o
j
udgehi
ml iket
hat.
Iknowhim bettert
hananyoneandbeingsel
fi
shisnotoneoft
hethi
ngsMax
i
s,i
fany
thingheisadopti
ngJustineandJoycefort
hegoodnessofhisheart
."

Youcanmesswit
hLewiswhi
cheverwayy
ouwantbutmessi
ngwi
thMaxi
sadanger
ous
zone,
youwi
l
lseethewor
stofLewis.

Ni
cki
cont
inuedsi
ppi
ngont
hewhi
skeywi
thnowor
ri
esi
nthewor
ld.
Thegi
rli
sjustmy
ster
iousl
y
f
unny
.

"
Relaxt
iger
.Jennydeary
ouhavesaidsomuchf orj
ustonedaymyearsar
eal
ready
r
ingi
ng.
Whenar eyouguysgonnaf
inisht
hist
alki
ngtal
kingI
'mti
red.
"

Shey
awned.
Apri
lsighedandl ookedatme. Wellsheact uallycaughtmest arr
ingather,Idon'
tevenknowwhy
Iwasst arri
ngt hough. Shef l
i
ppedherl onghai randr oll
edherey es."
Wecameher ehopi ngt hat
wewoul dt alkandset tl
et histhingasadul t
sbuti tseemspeopl ehadal otoffeeli
ngst ovent .I
apol
ogizef orthat.MaxI 'm sor ryonbehal fofJennyi fshesaidany thi
ngthathasof fendedy ou,
tr
ustmeshei sagoodper sonbutweal l
knowt hatwheni tcomest opeoplewel ovewecan
l
ooseal lmor als.
Hopef ul
lyy out wowi llsettl
ethisi ssuerati
onall
yandasmat ureadul t
s.You
can'
treallybehav elikeki nder gart
ensf ighti
ngov ercandy.Youtwomustknowt hattheyar elitt
le
soul
sinv olvedher edon' tpuni shthem f ory ourownper sonalsel
fishness,
itwil
lbereallyunf air
.I
wouldsuggestt haty ournextmeet ingdoi tinpubl i
cwedon' twantpeopl eslappi
ngandt hrowi ng
punchesateachot herok. Ni cki
,Ki
ara,Jennyl et'
sgo. "

WowIwasamazedbyhermat
uri
ty.Inev
ert
houghtament
alpat
ientcant
hinksomat
urel
y.

"Fi
nal
l
yIcanbr
eath"Garet
hsai
dfr
owni
ngatt
heKi
aragi
rl
.Wel
lIdi
dn'
tknowt
heset
wohad
someper
sonali
ssuestoo.

"Getali
fecreepandst
opgawkingatmel
i
key
ouhav
enev
erseenabeaut
if
ulhumanbei
ng
befor
e."Kiarasai
datGar
eth.

"Li
keIsai
dbefor
eIwaswonder
inghowaper
soncanbet
hisugl
y.
Yourf
acei
ssomi
xedup.
."He
sai
dmockingl
y.
Ki
araj
ustcl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

Ni
cki
bur
ped.

"
Ewwww"Ev
ery
oneexceptf
orLewi
sfr
owned.

"Yourwhi
skeyisgoodMrMax.Don'
tbesurpr
isedi
fIshowuphereunannouncedIwi
llpr
obabl
y
becomingfort
hewhiskey
."Shel
ookedatLewisandgri
nned.
"By
ebett
erhalf
..
..
ohhhcomegive
babeahug".

Lewisstoodup."
Withpleasurebett
erhal
f.
Sleepl
i
keaqueenthatyou'
rebabe.
"Ever
yonelooked
atthem wit
houtknowingwhatt osay.Whendidt
heyev
enreachthestagewheretheycall
each
otherbabeandhug.Imeanl i
keWTF.
"
Whaat
!?"Theyl
ookedatus.

"
Girl
sjustgetoutofmyhouse"Wi
thal
lthedr
amat
hatLewi
sandNi
cki
wer
edi
shi
nguswe
f
orgotthatMaxwashurt.

"
Let
'sgogi
rl
s"Apr
ilsai
d.Theyst
art
edt
owal
kout
.Somet
hingi
nmewant
edt
ost
opherbutIj
ust
l
eti
tbe.

"OhhAprildeargetwellsoon,Ihopeyoulov
et hegoodiesthatJonhasbeensendingyou,
but
trustmethoughher eal
lydidn'tmeantoranyouov er.
"Lewisblur
ted.
Iwantedtopunchthe
sill
i
nessoutofhim butreali
sedt hati
twasalcoholthatwasdoingwonders.WhenLewisisdr
unk
hehasal ooseunfil
ter
edmout h.

Shestoppedonhert
racksandlookedatme."
Didwhathej
ustsai
dthet
rut
h.Youar
etheone
whoranmeov er
?"Shesaidangri
ly.
"Ohhchi
l
lgi
rldon'
tactl
i
keyoudi
dn'tl
i
kethegi
ft
shesendy
ou,
youev
ennamedt
hebi
gteddy
Joll
y.
"Ni
cki
blurt
edtooandhi
ghf
ivedwit
hLewi
s.

Iwant
edt
olaughbutt
hel
ookshewasgi
vi
ngmemademet
hinkot
her
wise.

"
Answert
hedamnquest
ionJonMcCl
ain.
.ar
eyout
heonewhor
anmeov
er?
"

Sheasked.

"Jo-
-.
..
Imeanyeay-
yesI
'
mt heone..
whor
-r
any
ouov
erbutI
..
.I
..
..di
dn'
tmeant
ook.
."Isai
dand
don'
tevenaskwhyIwasst
ammer i
ng.

"
Andy
oudeci
dedt
ojustl
eav
emeatt
hehospi
tal
justl
i
ket
hat
"Shesai
d.
"WasIsupposedtonur
seyoubackt
ohealth.
ImeanIev
enpai
dthebi
l
lsandt
hegi
ft
swer
ea
cher
ryonthetop.
Idi
dn'
thi
tandrun.
"Idef
ended.

Sheusedhercr
utchest
ohi
tme.

"
Ouchwhatt
hef
ucki
sthatf
or.
?"Isai
dnur
singmyar
m

"Afuckenapol
ogy..
.adamnsor rywasgonnamaket hi
ngsri
ght..
.Idon'
tcar
eaboutthebil
lyou
shouldhavej
ustsaidsorry.
Whatifmycondit
ionwasverycr
it
icalandwhatifIhaddiedy
ouwer e
goingtosendgi
ftshuh.Justasi
mpleapology,
justasi
mplecourt
esybutnoy ouevenhadtoli
e
tome.AreyouJosshuh! !
"

Shecont
inuedhi
tt
ingmewi
thhercr
utches.Ihel
dherar
msst
rongl
ybutnotr
ough.

"
I'
m sorr
y,I
'
m sorr
yok.I
m sor
ry.
"Weshar
edy
etanot
herey
econt
act
.It
sli
keshewast
ryi
ngt
o
r
eadifIwastel
li
ngthetr
uth.
"Okokcuuuut.
..
cut
..
cut.
.don'
ttel
lmeweareabouttomov
et othatepi
sodewher
eyouguy
s
shoveyourt
onguesineachother'
sthr
oat
s"Ni
ckisai
dhol
dingherwaist
.

"
OkIhav
eseenenoughdr
amaf
ort
odayl
et'
sgo"
.

Shedr
aggedApr
il
.

"You'
regoi
ngt
ohav
etocompensat
eforl
yi
ngt
omeandnotsay
ingsor
ry"
Apr
ilsai
dangr
il
y.

Ireal
l
ydon'
tunderst
andaspeci
ecal
l
edawomandi
dn'
tIj
ustsor
rywhatwast
her
eto
compensat
efor.

Any
wayMaxwentandopenedt
hedoor
.

"
Leav
enowbef
oreIcal
lthesecur
it
y."

"
Wear
eleav
ing,
wear
enotpl
anni
ngt
ost
ay.
"Jennysai
dsoundi
ngannoy
ed.

Fi
nal
l
ytheyl
eft
.

Wesati
nsi
l
encef
oraf
ewmi
nut
esandt
hef
oropenedagai
n.

Boom Ni
cki
camei
nrunni
ng.
"
Youf
orgotsomet
hing?
"Gar
ethasked.

Shei
gnor
edhi
m andwentt
othemi
nibar
,t
ookt
wobot
tl
eofwhi
skeyandFr
enchwi
ne.

"YesIforgotthi
s.Noonesaysnotofreewhiskeyandwine.
Lewi
sbabeimagi
nemenaked
ok.Goodnightgoodpeopl
e."Shel
eftuspicki
ngupourjawsfrom t
hef
loor
.

Whatki
ndofawomanwast
his?

Lewi
sjustgr
innedandshookhi
shead.
"It
hinkwebot
hhav
eahal
fbr
ain"

"Youguyspleaseleav
eIwannabeal
one.
"Maxsai
d.Wai
tdi
dheshedat
ear
.MaxJacksonwas
cryi
ng.Jennyreal
l
ydidanumberonhi
m.

"
Twi
nnyy
ou'
recr
ying.
"Lewi
swentandknel
tbesi
deshi
m.
"
NononoMaxy
ou'
reaman,
thegr
eatMaxy
oudon'
tcr
y..
.nonono"

"Everyt
hingshesaidwast rue..
.I
'
m self
ishrightandI'
m gonnaactl
ikei
t.Everyonet
hinksI'm
selfi
shtheydon'tseethereasonwhyIdowhatIdo. Iwillmakesur
eIwi l
ladoptthosekidswi t
h
everydimei nmyaccount.AllIwantissomeonewhocal l
smedaddybecauseIknowt hatIwil
l
neverfatheranyonethenatural.
I'
m st
eril
e.TheonlychanceIhadwaswi thEveandsheabor t
ed
mybabybutst i
l
l I
'
mt heselfi
shone."Hecr ied.
Ihaveneverseenhi
ml i
ket hi
s.

Wewer
eal
lequal
l
yshockedbyt
henewshej
ustt
oldus.

*
**

Max.

*
"Pastdemonswebat
tl
ewi
th"
.*
"Twi
nnyy ou'
rester
il
eandweonlyknowthi
stodayhuh.I
'my ourot
herhal
fforcryi
ngout
l
oud,howdarey oupret
endli
keyouhady
ourshitt
ogether.
Howdar eyoudidn'
tconfi
dei
nme
aboutthi
sMaxhowdar eyou"

Seei
ngmyt winmadatmel
ikethi
sbrokeme.
Itcameoutwrong,
Idi
dn'
twannashar
ethi
s.I
'
m
usedtosol
vingmyownshi
tdespi
tehavi
ngpeoplewhocanhel
pme.

"
I'
m sor
ryok.
Idi
dn'
twannabot
hery
ouwi
tht
hisLewi
s".
Iapol
ogi
zed.

Jonsighed.
"Maxyouhavealwaysbeent
her
eforuswheneverweneedy
ou.You'
reli
keafat
her
fi
guretous.
Wearey ourf
ri
endsMaxhowcouldyougot
hroughall
thi
sal
one.Youshoul
dhave
tol
dusaboutthi
s".

"
Wast
ell
i
ngy
ougoi
ngt
ohel
pmemakebabi
eshuh.
"Isnapped.
"Thefactt
hatyoucarr
iedthi
sony ourshoul
dersallalonehur
tsus.Wefeel
soinsigni
fi
cant.How
couldyouhidet
hisfr
om usMax.Wehav ebeenthroughshitt
ogetherasateam weneverhide
anythi
ngfr
om eachotherbutthi
s..
.NoMax .
."Garethrubbedhi
shead.

Lewi
sst
oodup.
"Iwannaknowev
ery
thi
nghow,
whyandwhendi
dyouf
indoutaboutt
his.
"

Isi
ghed.
"Ihat
etal
ki
ngaboutEv
eyouknowt
hat
"

"Tal
kdammi t.
Idon'
tcareaboutt
hatbitchofacousinwhoyoulovedj
usttal
kdammitandift
his
hassomethingtodowi t
hherIwil
lfuckenkil
lher
..
Idon'
tcar
eifsheisuncl
eKen'
sfavor
it
e
daught
er"
.IhaveneverseenLewi
sthisangry.

"You'rerightIl
ovedherandt hatt
oxiclov
eledmet omyst eri
l
ity
.Ev
eryonewasagainstour
relati
onshipbecauseshewasmycousi nbutshewasadopt edandIdidn'
tseeherasmy
sister.
WhenUncl eKenmar r
iedheroffIcouldn'tst
oplovi
ngheront opofthatshewasalready
pregnantwi thmybabyherhusbandwaski ndheartedenoughtoletherkeepthebabybutshe
saidIwasj ustoneself
ishbustardtr
yingtoruinherli
fesosheabor t
edwithoutmyknowledge.I
wasdev astat edbr o.
Your ememberwhenIsai dIneededt imeoutandwentt oLondon. Ther eI
start
eddoi ngdr ugsbecauseIwasgr iev i
ngmydeadbabyandt hel ov eIhadf orEv e.Sobecause
ofthedr ugsIdest roy edmy self
.AlreadyIhadal owsper m countt hatIdi dn'tknowaboutbut
beforeIwasdoi ngdr ugsitcouldhav ebeencur edwi thdrinkingmymedi cationandeat i
ngwel l
butIruinedt hosechances.Sot hedoct orssai dIdon'thav easl im chancet oev erimpregnat e
anyone.Ir ealisedt hatIhav er ui
nedmyl ifecr y
ingov erlov esoIdeci dedt owor khar dandmake
anamef ormy sel f
.It
sbet t
ertocr yinmansi ont hanundert hebr idge.Besi deswor kinghel psme
keepmymi ndof fthings.Whent hatgi rlwascal l
ingmeasel fi
shbust ardandt ell
ingmet o
i
mpr egnat esomeoneIf el
tmysoul dyingat housandsdeat hs.Ihav eal way schosepeopl es
happinessLewi sandy ouknowi t
.WhenEv egotmar riedInev ersl eptwi thhershewasal ready
pregnant .IfIr eallywant edIcoul dhav er uinedhermar ri
agebecauseIknewwhi chbut tonst o
pressforhert omel tinmyar ms. Whensheabor tedInev ert ookal egal wayt opuni shher .IfI
wantedIcoul dhav esuedherf orkill
ingmybabywi t
houtmyknowl edgebutIdi dn't.Ideci dedto
dealwitht hepai nmyownbutst i
llevery onesay sI'
mt hesel fi
sh.Wel li
ft hat'sthecaset henI '
m
goingtoshowt hatgi rlhowsel fi
shIcanbe" .Isaidclenchi ngmyj aws.

"Didn'tIfuckentel
ly outost opthethi
ngwi thEve.Howmanyt i
mesdi dItellyouthatshewasour
cousi nbuty ouref
usedt olisten.
Nowl ookwher ethatgotus.Becauseofy ourstubbornnessbr o
wear enotingoodt ermswi thevenourparentsnottoment i
onourr elat
ives,becauseoft hat
stupidt eenagelovey ourui
nedy oursel
fMaxandont opofthatyoukeptal lt
hisasecr et
.Mama
didn'tgav ebir
thtoy oualone,Iwasbyy oursideniggerwearet hesurviv
ingspermst hatni ght
mum anddadf uckedwhi chmeansev eryt
hingwedo, wedoittogetherbutyouhadt hef ucken
nervet ohidethisfrom me. "Lewiswasr eal
lydisappoint
edinme.

"
Ithoughty
ouwoul
dtr
eatmedi
ff
erent
ly"Isai
d
"Seri
ousl
y.
..Despi
tehav i
ngdi
ff
erentf
acesandcharact
er.
..
Iam y
ouandy
ouar
emeMax.
I'
m so
hurtanddisappoi
nted.Youhi
desuchabigthi
ngfrom me"
.

Ever
yonewashurt,
butIt
houghtkeepi
ngt
hisasecr
etwast
opr
otectt
hem.
Topr
otectt
hem f
rom
worr
yingaboutme.

"Wearegoi
ngt oleav
eyouguy
sMaxIwi l
lseeyouwhenI'
mreadytof
aceyouman.
Ineedto
pr
ocessal
lthi
s.Ican'
tbel
i
eveyoukeptt
hisasecr
et"
Jonsai
dwalki
ngoutf
oll
owedbyGaret
h.

"I
'
m notgoingtol
eaveifthat
'
swhaty ou'
ret
hinking.Wit
ht hewayy oukeepsecretsyoumightbe
sui
cidalf
orall
weknow. I
'
m stayi
nghereanddrinkingy
ourwhi skeydonteventalktome
becauseyou'
real
readyannoyi
ngme."Lewissaidandwal kedtooneoft heguestrooms.

HowdidIgether
e?Ifonl
yt hatst
upi
dJennyhadsignedthepapers,
mykidscouldhavebeen
r
unni
ngaroundhere.I
tsnotlieIwasgoi
ngtomaket hem f
orgetaboutherbutnoeshel
eaves
menochoice.
Iwil
ldoanythingtomakethem l
egal
lymykids.

Imusthav
edozzedont
hecouchbecauseIwokeupwhi
l
eLewi
swascar
ryi
ngmet
omyr
oom.

Het
hrewmeont
hebedandgotmeundercov
ers.
Onet
hingLewi
spossessi
stendercar
ehet
akesaf
termom.

Thefol
lowingmorni
ngiwokeuplat
eandbyKateImean8am.Therewasacupofcof
feef
or
me.Lewishadpr
eparedt
hatIknowbecauseheput
stoomuchsugar.

Idr
ankwhi
l
einbed.

Hewalkedi
n."
Wegotafamil
ylunchtodayevery
onei sexpectedthere,y
ouincluded.
Wearegoi
ng
topl
anmamaandpapa'sanni
versar
ythere.
Everyonewillbether
eandbyt hatImeaneven
Eve.
Sogetr
eadyt
ofaceyourdemons."Lewi
ssaidmai ntai
ningastraightf
ace.

"
ButLewi
s..
."

"
NoMaxy
ouhav etof
aceyourdemonssoonerorlat
er.
Forhowlongareyougoi
ngt
oav
oidt
he
f
ami
l
yMax.Todaywearegoi
ngtoget
her
.Nowgty ourasstothebat
hroom."

Hewal
kedoutandbangedt
hedoor
.

IknewIcoul
dnothi
def
orev
er.
Ibat
hedandwor
eabl
ackcr
ispyshi
rt
,bl
ackt
rouser
sandbr
own
for
malshoes.

Ihadl
onghairwhi
chal
mostr
eachedmyshoul
der
s,Ihav
enev
erbeenaf
anofcut
ti
ngmyhai
rso
Ij
ustt
iedi
t.
"
You'r
edone"Lewi
swalkedinwear
ingjeans,
awhit
emuscleT-
shi
rtandNikesneaker
s.Hi
stri
m
i
nthesideswasneat
lybr
ushedandthehairi
nthemiddl
ewaswasneatl
ycombedheusual l
y
l
eavesitmessy
.

"
Yeal
et'
sdot
his"Isai
d.

"
Don'
tgeti
ttwi
sted,
I
'm st
il
lmadaty
ou"

Isi
ghed.Wedroveoff
.Whenwer eachedwewerelateandnowwehadt omakethegrand
ent
rance.Wewalkedinandall
ey eswereonus.Thereli
ke15peopl
einthel
ounge,
tal
ki
ngand
l
aughingbutwhenweenteredeveryonewentdeadquiet
.
"
Didy
our
eal
l
yhav
etokeepqui
et.
..
hel
l
ogoodpeopl
e"Lewi
swasj
ustLewi
s.

Igr
eetedmom anddadthensatdown.Ihadpr
omisedmy selfthatont
hisfir
stvi
sithome,
I
wouldprovetomyfamil
yjusthowmuchIhadchanged,
mat uredanddistantal
mostf r
om t
he
guywhol ov
edhercousi
n.

"Ohhmymywear ebl
essedain'twe.I
tisn'
tveryof
tenthesedaysyoumanaget ot
earyour
sel
f
from t
hedeli
ght
sofGeorgi
a."Iclencedmyj awsheari
ngthesacarsti
cv oi
ceofmycousi
nbro
Kenneth,
Eve'
sbrot
her
.Wenev ergotonpar t
icul
arl
ywellevenaschil
dren.

"
ItwascommentedthatonEasteryouwer
en'
tar
ound,
butweal
lknowEv
ewasr
eal
l
yther
eason
f
orthat
,don'
twe"Hesaidji
bingl
y.

"Spendmor etimethi
nki
ngaboutyourwonr el
ationshi
psandlesst
alki
ngaboutot
herpeopl
e'
s
youmi ghtlear
nsomethi
nggenuinelywort
hwhile,butt
henyouneverweremuchgoodat
appreciat
ingwhat'
sreal
l
yval
ueint hisl
i
fe,werey ouKennet
h?

Il
efthi
mtopi
ckhi
sjawsf
rom t
hef
loor
.
"Hav
eyouspokent
oEv
eandSaul
yet
.?"
Mymom askedsof
tl
y.

"NoIhaven'
t.
..whyshoul
di.ForGod'
ssakewhenisever
yoneint
hisf
ami
l
ygoi
ngt
ost
op
behavi
ngasthough..
.I
'
m...
"Istoppedandtookadeepbr
eath.

"
Lookforthel
astti
me.Evemeansnot
hingtome.Il
ovedhery
es.
Imadeat
otal
compl
etef
ool
of
mysel
foverheryesbuti
tsov
ermom"Isighedandwalkedaway
.

Iwasnev
ergoingtoall
owmysel
ftobeasl
aveofemot
ionst
hat
'swhyaf
terEv
eInev
erwant
ed
tobei
nar el
ati
onshi
pagai
n.

Ist
if
fenedasIsawEv
emaki
ngherwayt
owar
dsmewi
thaababygi
rl
.Ther
ewasnoescapef
or
me.

"
Max"
..

"Ev
e".
..
Isai
dmai
ntai
ningast
rai
ghtf
ace.
Ilookedatherandt
henatt
hebaby
.I
twascl
eart
his
washerbaby
.

"
You'
vekepty
ourhai
rthi
sti
me.
Ili
kei
t.
Itsui
tsy
ou.
Youl
ook.
li
ket
hoseGr
eekher
oes.
"Shesai
d
f
orci
ngasmil
e.

"Thanky
ou"

Asthesi
lencebet
weenusst
ret
chedIwaswel
lawar
ethatev
ery
oneel
sewaswat
chi
ngusand
rememberi
ng.

AsIt
urnedt
omov
eawayf
rom hert
hebabyr
eachedout
,gr
inni
ngandst
ret
chi
ngi
tshands.

Isi
ghed,
mybabycoul
dhav
ebeen9y
ear
snow.

"
OhhhIt
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
osneeze.
Pleaset
akeherf
orme.
"

Bef
oreIcoul
dpr
otestIf
oundmy
sel
fhol
dingabeami
ngf
atbaby
.
"
Nononoi
tsgone.
."Shesai
dbutmadenoat
temptt
otaket
hebabyback.

Isi
ghedandgav
eherbackt
hebaby
."Youki
l
ledmybabyEv
e..
noneedt
orubi
tinbygi
vi
ngme
yourbaby
."

"
MaxI
'
m sor
ry.
..
i"

Iwal
kedawaywi
thoutr
epl
yi
ng.

Thi
swasgoi
ngt
obeadi
sast
erl
unch.

Endofchapt
er1 2
*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 3
Apr
il
.

*
"Youneedsomesensesknockedi
ntoy
ourhead"
*

Aft
ertheincidentatMax'shousewewentbackhomei ncompl etesi
lenceitwasonlyNicki
who
madeherf unnyr emarksandl
aughedatherownjokes.Theytr
iedtotalkaboutthei
ssuebutI
j
ustdismissedt hem andwenttomyroom.Jennyreal
l
yact edsofool
ishandcr azyt
here.
They
weresupposedt ocometoanagreementwhichbenefi
tsbothsidesbutnoshehadt oactall
bi
polarandifIsayany thi
ngIwil
lbet
hebadguy .

Thefol
lowi
ngdaywasaSat
urdaysononeofuswer
egoi
ngt
owor
kandal
soIwasst
il
lonasi
ck
l
eave.

Iwokeupl
atebecauseIdi
dn'
twannadeal
wit
hthoset
hreenut
casesear
lyi
nthemor
ning.

Around9am, Iwokeup,di
dmyhy gi
eneprocessandwenttot hekit
chentomakemy sel
fabowl
ofcereal.Iwenttotheki
tchenandfoundthegirl
sinsil
ence.Nicki
wasdrinki
ngherwhiskeythat
onewhi chshetookf r
om Max '
shouse,
Kiarawasjustst
andingont hesi
nkwithherar
msf olded
andJennywasj ustst
arr
ingint
ospace.

WhenIent
eredt
hat
'swhent
heyl
ookedatme.
"
Goodmor
ning"Isai
dlazi
l
y.

"
What
'ssogoodaboutt
hismor
ning?
".Ki
arar
epl
i
ed.

"Excuseme?
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow.

"Apr
ily
oujustdi
smi
ssedusy
est
erdaywhenweneededt
otal
kdoy
out
hinkev
ery
thi
ngi
sal
ri
ght
"
Jennysai
d.

"Ohhhsoit
smyf aul
tnow.Youwantedmetocelebrateyourst
upi
dit
yJennyhuh.
..
Okifthat
'st
he
casethenyeeeeyJennyyoujustact
edst
upi
dy esterday
."Isai
dwit
hamockingsmi l
e.
Shef
rowned."
Ser
iousl
yyouwant
edmet
okeepqui
etandl
ethi
m wal
kal
lov
erme.
"

Iroughl yr ubbedmyhead. "

That '
st hepoi ntex act l
y.That '
swher ey ouar ewr ongmydear .
Therei s
nothingwr ongwi thhumbl i
ngy our sel fJennyev eni fy ou'rether ightonebutnoy ouhadt ogoal l
"schizophr enia"(Jenny '
sment al condi tion)onhi m. Lookf irstandf ormostIwasagai nstt heidea
ofusgoi ngt her ebecausei knewt heout comeofi tv erywel l,
butnoIhadt ogowi thy ouj ustsoi
provet hatIdon' tonl yt hi
nkaboutmy self.Jennyy ouwer esupposedt oactl i
keaci vi
lizedper son
andmat ur eadul tbutnoJennycoul dn'thav eal lthat .
Youev enwentasf arassl appinghi m, what
wast hatf or .
Yousai dal otoft hingst ohi m andy ouwentasf arasi nsul
ti
nghi m,forall weknow
thathousemi ghthav eCCTV' st hewhol edr amami ghtber ecor dedandy ouknowwhati fhe
usest hatf oot agei ncour thewi ll aut omat icallywi nt hecase. Besi dest hatev eryonesawwhat
happenedt heymi ghtbehi swi tnesses.Doy ouev enknowwhyMaxhast heupperhandr ight
now,hedi dn' tretaliate,hewassocol l
ect ed,hedi dn'tev endoany thingwheny ouslappedhi m.
I
beli
ev et hati fMaxr eallywant edt ot aket heki dswi thoutev eni nvol vi
ngyou, hecoul dhav edone
thatsoeasi lywheny ouwer eint hement al asy l
um. Alreadyy ouhav eal otofdi rtyshitony our
head,youcommi tedcr imes,youwer eondr ugsandont opoft haty ouhav eanunst abl ement al
condi t
ion. Thesoci alwor kersev enwentasf arast aki ngt heki dst oanor phanageaf t
ert heyhad
reali
sedt haty ouwer enotf i
ttot akecar eoft hem. Maxcoul dhav eadopt edt heki dssuccessf ul
ly
buthei nv ol vedy ouj ustasanactofcour tesyJenny .
LookJennydon' tgetthist wistedhoney ,
I'm
ony oursi deandIwi llsupporty oucomewhatmaybuthav eyout ookamomentt oconsi derthe
l
ifethatMaxcangi vet ot hetwi ns? LookIknowv erywel lhowi tfeel stobeawayf rom y our
family,Iknowt hatbet terbutJennyev eni fy ou'regi vent het winshowar ey ougoi ngt ot akecar e
ofthem huh? Asi tisy oucan' ttakecar eofy our selfandy ou'renotsur ei
fy ourment al conditi
on
i
sf i
nallygone.

Iwassuggesti
ngthatyoutalktoMaxandbothofy oureachanagr
eementwhi
chmakeshima
daddyandwhichdoesn'tsepar
ateyoufort
hem.Lastl
yI'm sur
eMaxandthet
winsar
eal
ready
att
ached,
I
'm cer
tai
ntheyhav ebeenbondi
ngforayearnow"
Shesighedandtearsstart
edgushingdownhercheeks."Imessedupgi
rl
s.Ireal
l
ymessedup. I
actedonimpulsewithoutthi
nki
ngthroughever
y t
hingnowIseehowstupidIwas.OhhhmyGodI
messedupev eryt
hing.Di
dy ouseethewayhel ookedatmewhenIwast alki
ngnonsensenon
stop,I
'
m sur
ehehat esmewi theveryf
ibrei
nhisbodyandhewi ll
makesureIwillnev
erseethe
twins".

Ihuggedher
."
Shhhrel
axhoney.
Idon'
tthinkheisthatt
ypeofaperson.Wecanaccusehi
m of
ever
ythi
ngbutIdon'
tthi
nkhecanpossiblysepar
atesi
bli
ngs,
Idoubtthat
."

"
Andhowsur
ear
eyouMi
ssKnow-
it
-al
l
."Ni
cki
sai
dwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

"I
'
m notsayingI'
m hundredpercentsurebutwecan'tbequicktojudgehimforweallweknow
hemightbet hemostnicestperson.Imeandidyouguy snoti
cethatwhenJennywasshouting
athi
m,hewant edtocry.
Hemi ghtbegoi ngthr
oughstuf
fyounev erknow.Al
lI'
m say
ingi
slet'
s
notbequicktolabelhi
mt hebadguy ."Isai
d.
Jennyconti
nuedsni
ff
ing."
Sowhatam Igonnadonow,
howam Igonnaf
acehi
m af
tert
his.
Aft
er
bei
ngallrat
chetonhi
m, whatam Igonnado"

"Youactedonimpulseit
'sunder
standable,
hemi ghtver
yangryandt hr
eatenyouit'
s
underst
andabl
eafteral
lyoudisr
espectedhimi nhisownhouse.Isuggestyougivehimt
ime
i
nfactyoubothneedit.
Thenwheny ou'r
ecollect
edenoughyouwi llf
acehim".Isai
d

Ki
arachuckl
ed."Aft
erthewhol
esagaIdoubti
fMaxeverwannaseeJenny.
Imeanthosespoi
l
t
br
atsareful
lofthemselv
es.
IbetMaxwil
lmakeJennyl
ickhi
sshoesbefor
ehetal
kstoher"

Ichuckl
ed."Youandt
hatGar
ethwhatwasgoi
ngonbecauseIf
eel
li
keal
lthaty
ousai
dis
dir
ectedtohim."
Shefrowned.
"Ohhhmyt hatonehewasgawki ngatmel i
keakidwhichjustsawcandyandt hen
hehastosayI'm ugl
ymyf aceissomi xedup.Ifel
tli
kepunchi
nghim.GoshIhav enevermet
anyonewhoannoy smelikethat.
Fir
stimpressionshoul
dmat t
err
ightandGar et
hisjustf
ull
of
nonsenseandhei ssocreepyarggghhh"Thewayshewasf rowni
ng.

"
Butt
heguyi
shandsomey
ouwoul
dn'
tdenyt
hat
"Jennysai
d.

"
Yeay
eabutmyLewi
sist
hemosthandsomeamongt
hem"Ni
cki
sai
dwi
thaser
ioust
one.

"Ont
hatnotey
ouandLewi
swer
eal
readyhuggi
ngcal
l
ingeachot
herbabe.
..
"Isai
dlooki
ngat
conf
used.

Shegr
inned.
"Ahhhbabeweev
ent
alkedaboutourweddi
ngwhi
l
eyouguy
swer
ear
gui
ng.That
onei
smyf
utur
ehusband.
"

Weal
ll
aughed.
"Justst
opNi
cki
"

Wesai
dandshewasser
iousy
ouwoul
dswearshemeantev
erywor
d.

"Wellbutsti
l
lIcan'
tbel
i
evewemessedupwi t
hthefourmostpopul
arbusi
nessbachelor
sin
Georgia.Iwi
shIcouldt
akeaself
iei
nthatmansi
onandbythewaywhodoy out
hinkisthemost
handsomeamongt hef
ouroft
hem"Jennysai
d.

"
Umm It
hinkGar
etht
akest
hecup"Isai
dtr
yingt
oannoyKi
ara.

"
Ohhhpl
easet
hatoneai
n'
tev
encl
oset
ocut
e."Ki
arasai
dfr
owni
ng.
"
Ithi
nkJontakesthecup.Thatoneheisdangerousl
yhandsomeandthati
cybl
ondehai
rdoes
t
hejusti
ce,
i
tmatcheshisicygreyeyesandpinkful
ll
ips.
Alsot
hehei
ghtisatur
non,
heisthe
t
all
estandgotmusclestodiefor.
"Jennysai
dwi t
hasill
ysmir
k.

Iroll
edmyeyes."Ohhhpleasethaticybl
ondehai
rmakeshimlooklikeagr andpa.I
nmyown
opini
onMaxt akesthecupImeanhav eyouseenhi
shairandhowitjustalmostreachedhi
s
broadshoul
ders.HeisheroichandsomeifyougetwhatImean.
IfIcouldtakethecareerof
acti
ngthenhewoul dgof orThor.
"Isai
d.

Jennyroll
edhereyes.
"I
nthatcasethenIthi
nkLewisisthemosthandsome.Hei
scut
eand
naughti
lyhandsomeisther
eissuchthing.
Imeandidy ouseehi
ssil
lysmir
kandhowhe
conti
nuouslyl
ickhi
slowerli
psital
lscreams.
."
Im anumberoneplayer
".
..
"

"Yeathat
'smybaby..naughti
lyhandsomeisther
eevensuchthi
ngbutany
wayIthi
nkGar
ethis
coolhandsome.Imeanhewasj ustchi
ll
ed.
Kiar
aaccuseshi
m ofgawki
ngbutt
hoseAsi
aneyes
ofhisareatur
non.."Nickisaidandwealll
aughed.
"Soinconcl
usiontheyarealhandsomei ndi ff
erentway s.Jonisdangerouslyhandsome, heis
thatt
ypeofaguywhoget syouwetbyj ustasmi rk,
thenMaxi sheroichandsomet hatoneyou
canimaginehim car
ryingy
out hebridalstyl
e,t
henLewi siscut eandnaught i
lyhandsomet hat
onewhomakesy ouactallnaughtyandt henGar ethiscool handsomeIhav enev erhear dof
suchthoughbutany wayhi
sAsi anlazyey escanmakey oudr opy ourpants.
..
"Jennysai dwitha
naughtygri
n.Onemomentshewascr yi
ngt houghbutdi scussingtheguy seasedt hetensions.

Ismil
edandlookedatt
hem. "Backatt
heasylum i
fsomeonehadtoldmethatonedaywewere
goi
ngtositdownanddiscussaboutguys,
Icoul
dhavepunchedthatper
son,
I'
m sohappywear
e
out
"

"
Nxooo"Theyal
lsai
dandwehadagr
ouphug.

"Guy
sIhaveani
deaonhowtosolv
et heJenny
Maxissue"Ni
cki
sai
dwi
thexci
tementandwe
knewforaf
actt
hatt
heplanwasgoingtobeadanger
ousone.
"
AhahNi
cki
justkeept
hepl
ant
oyour
sel
f"Ki
arasai
d.

"I
tsagoodpl
anApri
lj
usthav
etot
alkt
oJon.
.sot
hatJont
alkst
oMaxt
obeeasyonJenny
si
mple.
"Shesai
d.

Ever
yonelookedatme."Nodontevenlookatmeli
kethat
.Jonisnotmyf r
iendok,
Idon'
teven
knowhimt hatmuchandwear enoti
ngoodbooksandIhat ehisego.Ni
ckisi
nceyousai
dy ou
andLewiswi l
lbemar
riedwhydon'tyoutal
ktoy
ourfutur
ehubbyt otal
ktohistwi
n".
Isai
d
mockingl
y.

"
Eveni
fIwantnoonet
akesusser
iousl
ysoMaxwi
l
lnotl
i
stent
oLewi
s."Shesai
dsul
ki
ng.

"
Butheri
deai
sgoodApr
il
..
.got
alkt
oJon"Ki
araur
ged.
"Nonohellno.Ican'
tev
enhandl
ehi
ssuf
focat
ingpr
esencet
heny
ou'
ret
ell
i
ngmet
ogoandbeg
him.
.hel
lno"Iref
used.

"
Buty
ounamedt
het
eddyheboughty
ouJol
l
y."Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Sowhat
?leav
eJol
l
youtofi
t"Isai
dst
andi
ngup.

"
Butt
heguyi
ssweetApr
ilI
'
m sur
eify
oucoaxhi
m hewi
l
lgi
vei
n."Jennysai
dlooki
ngdesper
ate.
"Whoahol
ditther
egirl
s,whatmakesyouthi
nkmycoaxingwil
lwor
k.Hehasagi
rl
fr
iendgood
peopl
eajeal
ousonesopl easel
eavemeoutofthi
sidea.
AnywayIf
inal
l
yhaveapl
an
hasht
ag#getanswer
sfrom JMcClainmi
ssion.
"

Theyalll
ookedatmewi
thexci
tement
.Ishar
edmypl
anwi
tht
hem andt
heysuppor
tedi
tbutI
hopeitworks.

#Getanswer
sfr
om JM.

*
**

*
Danger
.*

*
"Wheny
ousmi
l
ethe**
whol
ewor
ldst
opsand**
star
esf
orawhi
l
e"*

I
thasbeenhar
dformetotakecont
rolthesepastf
ewdays,Jonwasn'
tlet
tingmebutI
'm gl
adI
managedtot
akecont
rol
duri
nghissleepbecausehewashavingni
ght
mar eswel
lpar
tofthe
bit
termemor i
eswhichareblockedforhim byme.Thefi
rstt
hingIthoughtofwasthatdel
i
ver
y
gir
l.
Howwasshedoi ng?Wasshehappy ?Di
danyonebotherher?Idon'tknowwhyIaskedmysel
f
thosequest
ionsbuty eaIwasjustcur
ious,
unfor
tunat
elyshewasn'ttheretoanswerme.

Iwasdi
stur
bedbyahel
pert
ell
i
ngmet
hatsomeonewant
edt
oseeme.

AhhJon'
speopl
e.

Il
azi
l
ywal
keddownst
air
swear
ingsweat
pant
sandnot
hingont
op.

"
Cal
lthem i
n"It
oldoneoft
hehel
per
swhi
l
esi
ppi
ngsomewi
ne.
Awayt
ost
artmymor
ning.

Hewentoutandcamebackagai
n."
Her
eshei
ssi
r"

Forsomer
easonmyhear
tst
art
edt
ooi
undabnor
mal
l
ybef
oreIcoul
dev
enseewhoi
twas.

"
Geezgowearashi
rt
".

NowIknewt
hatv
oiceev
eni
nmydeepestsl
eep.

Itur
nedandshewasst
il
ll
ooki
ngt
hesame,
itf
eltl
i
keIhav
en'
tseenherf
orages.
Whatki
ndofa
feel
i
ngisthat
?

Ifr
ownedasIsawherbal
anci
ngher
sel
foncr
utcheswi
thapl
ast
eronherl
egandabandageon
herhand.
"Whot
hef
uckdi
dthi
stoy
ou?
"Iwasal
readyst
andi
ngbyhersi
dei
nthatbl
i
nk.

"
Whot
hehel
ldi
dthi
stoy
ou?
"

Shel
ookedatmeconf
usedt
henwentt
osatdown.

"
Answert
hedamnquest
ionwoman!
..
whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?
"Iwasbl
azi
ngal
ready
.

Shel
ookedatt
hewine,
thenbackatmeandchuckl
ed."
Don'tdri
nkst
uffy
oucan'
thandl
enowit
makesyoul
oosey
ourmemor y.Havey
oufor
gottenMrthatyou'
ret
heonewhodidthi
shuh"

Icl
enchedmyj
aws.
Ifuckenmadei
tcl
eart
oJont
hatheshoul
dst
ayawayf
rom herbutnohe
wentasf
arasdoi
ngt
his.

If
eltsuf
focat
edandf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeIf
eltJont
ryi
ngt
otakeov
erwhi
l
eIwasawakel
i
ket
his.

"
Heyar
eyouok.
Arey
ouf
eel
i
ngdi
zzy
"Herv
oicest
art
ledme.

Isatdownanddi
dabr
eat
hingexer
cise.Jonwasr
eal
l
ytr
yingt
otakecont
rol
,
soIkeptont
il
ti
ng
myhead.

"
Ijusthadal
ott
odr
inkIwi
l
lbef
ine"
.

"MygoodnessJonyouar
eredallov
ery
ourfaceandyou'
resweat
ing.
"Wi
thi
nabl
i
nkshewasby
mysi
decheckingmytemper
atur
ewitht
hebackofherhand.

"
Mygoodnessy
ou'
rehav
ingaf
ever
.OhhhGody
ou'
rebur
ning"Shepani
cked.
"
Rel
axIwi
l
lbef
ine"Isai
d.

"
Arey
ouf
uckencr
azy
.Li
edown.
..Hav
eyouseeny
our
sel
f.
"

ShelimpedtooneofthehelpersandIdon'
tknowwhatshesai
dtohi
m butheranli
kea
headlesschi
ckenwi
thamomentt her
ewasabowl wi
thwarm wat
erandatowel.
Some
i
ceblocksandmymedi cal
kit.

"
Rel
axgi
rlI
'
mfi
ne"Isai
dbutshewashav
ingnoneofi
t.

"
Youwantt
odi
einmywatchthentheheadl
i
neswil
lbel
i
ke..
."Amyster
iousgir
lnamedApr
il
mur
der
edMrMcClai
nJnrinhisownhouse"
Shesai
dwhil
ewi pi
ngof
fmycol dsweatwi
tha
war
mtowel
.

Wel
lIwasgl
adIknewhernamewasApr
ilsoIsmi
l
ed.
Whi
chi
srar
eofme.
"
Stopsmi
l
ingi
tsnotf
unny
,you'
renotwel
lyoushoul
dseet
hedoct
or.
"Shesuggest
ed.

YesIwasn'
tokJonwast r
yingt
otakeov
erbymaki
ngmehav eapani
cat
tackbutIwas
suppr
essi
ngit
.Iwonderwhyhebadl
ywantedt
otakecont
rol
thi
swasmydamnmoment .

"I
'
mf i
nether
eisnoneedf
ormet
oseeaDoct
orany
waywhyar
eyouher
e.Ar
eyouher
etosee
Jon?
"Iaskedfr
owni
ng.

Shechuckled."
Don'
tev erdr
inkagai
n.You'
reJonhel
l
ooo.
AnywaythereasonwhyI
'm her
eit
sfor
thatcompensati
onItoldyouabout,
youranmeoverandi
tsagreatdi
sadvant
agef
orme."She
saidwit
haser i
oustone.

Ihadt
ooutmyactt
oget
her
."I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hatsowhatdoy
ouwantmoney
?"

Shenodded.
"YesIwantmoneybutnotforf
ree.
Ineedajob.
Bei
ngi
nasi
ckl
eav
eisnotdoi
ngany
fav
oursandbesideswher
eIworktheydon'
tpaythatmuch"
.
"
Sodoy
ouhav
eaj
obposty
oumi
ghtwant
?doy
ouhav
equal
i
ficat
ions?
"Iasked.

Shesmiled.
Thatwast hemostbeaut if
ulsmileIhaveeverseen.
"I
'm notpl
anni
ngtowor kinyou
companyMrMcCl ai
ni fthat'
swhaty ou'
rethi
nking.Ihav
eadi pl
omai nhot
elandcater
ingbutI'
m
notpl
anningtobechefei t
her.It
hinkahelperwil
ldo.Iwi
llworkduri
ngthedaythenatnightwil
l
beattherest
aurant
.Itwillbenefi
tme".

Isecret
lysmiledtot
heidea.
Shej
ustmademyli
feeasier
.ShewealwaysbearoundandwhenI
takecontr
olIwill
gettoknowherandIwi
l
lseeherevery
where.Herst
rawber
ryscentwi
l
lbe
every
wher e.

"
Umm l
etmecal
lmyl
awy
ert
henweneedt
odr
aftacont
ract
."

Shel
aughed.
"Acont
ract
,whatf
or.
ImeanI
'
mjustbei
ngahel
per
."
Isecr
etlysmil
ed.Shewassocl uel
essIwasdoingt histoprot
ectherfr
om Jon.
Incasehewant s
tofi
reherhewill notbeabletobecausei
fthecont ractandIwasgoingtomakesur et
hatthe
contr
actstat
est hatifhefi
reshershehastherightt osuehimforanyamountofmoney .
Afteral
l
heinj
uredher.
Inf actifhefi
resherhewil
lhavetogi veherablankcheque.
Iknowitscr
azybut
ri
ghtnowherlifei sonholdbecauseofwhathedi d.

"
It
sforJonsecur
it
yreasons"

Isai
dandt
ookJon'
sphoneandcal
l
edhi
slawy
er.

Iexpl
ainedev
ery
thingt
ohim anddemandedthatt
hecont
ractbedr
aft
edi
nanhour
.Si
ncehe
wasonJon'spayrol
lhesai
ditwil
lbedone.

Iwentbackandsatdown.
"Hesai
dthecont
ractwi
l
lbedonei
nanhour
".

Shesmi
l
edandsomet
hingaboutt
hatsmi
l
emademyhear
tleapi
njoy
."Thanky
ou"
Shesai
d.

ForsomereasonIfel
tli
kei
twasresponsi
bil
i
tyt
omakesur ethatshealway ssmi
l
e.Besi
des
ki
ll
ingandrui
ningt
heli
vesofJon'
senemies,
makinghersmil
elikethatbecamepartofmyto-
do
l
i
st.

"
Soi
fyousmi
l
eli
ket
hati
tmeansy
ou'
rehappy
.?"

Iasked.

"
That
'sr
idi
cul
ousquest
ion.Ofcour
sei
tmeansI
'
m happy
"Shesai
d.

Si
nceIdidn'
tknowemot
ions,
Ionl
yknewangerIwasj
ustcur
ious."
Sowhati
shappi
ness,
how
doesi
tfeelt
obehappy"

Shel aughed.
"You'
recrazy
.Any waysi
ncey ouasked.Happi
nessisthatfeel
ingcontent
mentor
pleasure.
Likeyoufeelsat
isf
iedandcontendedaboutsomethingthatyourheartl
eapsinj
oyand
yoursmi l
ebright
ens."

It
ookherhandandmadehert
ouchmychest."
Canyoufeeli
tmyhear
tisl
eapi
ngdoest
hat
meanI
'm happy
.Ist
hishowi
tfeel
stobehappy?"
Iaskedcur
iosl
y.
Shecl
ear
edherthr
oatandr
emov
edherhand.
"Umm y
ourhear
tisbeat
ingabnor
mal
l
yar
eyou
sur
ethef
everi
sgone?"

Isul
ked.
"Soi
tmeansI
'
m nothappy
"

"
Whaty
ouj
ustdi
dther
eitpor
tray
ssadness.
You'
rehappyJondon'
tbesad"

Ismi
l
edandshesmi
l
edt
oo.
"Soi
fsomeonesmi
l
esi
tmeanst
heyar
ehappy
"

"Asmil
ecanhi
deal
otofemot
ionsbutspeaki
ngf
ormy
sel
fifIsmi
l
eitmeansi
m happy
."She
sai
d.
Inodded.
"Umm Appi
e"

"
Appi
e?"Shel
ookedconf
used.

"
It
sshor
tforApr
il
,byt
hewayy
oucancal
lmeDee.
.i
tsmyni
ckname.
"Isai
d.

"
OhhokDee.
."Shesai
dsoundi
ngnotsosur
e.

"Iwantedtosayrememberon21Junethetimeis11:
30am It
oldy
out
haty
ouhav
ethemost
beauti
fulsmil
eIhaveev
erseen"Isai
dlooki
ngseri
ous.
"
You'
resodr
unkandi
fyourgi
rl
fr
iendhear
sthi
sshewi
l
lsl
aught
erme"Shechuckl
ed.

Bef
oreIcoul
drepl
yoneoft
hehel
per
scamewi
thJon'
slawy
er.

Wesatdownanddi
scussedaboutt
hecont
ract
.Appi
ewasshockedwhensher
eadt
hecont
ract
.

"
$5000MrMcClai
n.Iwil
lj
ustbeahelperandt
hiscondi
ti
onofabl
ankchequei
ncasey
ouf
ir
eme
i
tsr
idi
cul
ous.
"Shesaidwit
hhereyespoppedout.

It
ool
thecont
ractandt
heot
hercopyandsi
gned.

"
Sign"Idemanded.

Shehesi
tat
edatf
ir
stbutt
hensi
gned.

Igav
eheronecopyandkeptone.
Thel
awy
erl
eft
.

"
Iknowy
out
hinkev
ery
thi
ngseemst
oogoodt
obet
rue"
Isai
dandshej
ustnodded.

"CanIhav
eyourphone"
.Shegav
eittmehesi
tant
ly.
Ical
l
edoneoft
hesecur
it
yguy
s.

"Pl
easetransf
ertheCCTVf
oot
ageofev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappenedt
odaybet
weenmeandheri
nto
herphone"Isai
d.

"
Oksi
r"Her
ant
othecont
rol
room.
Aft
eraf
ewmi
nut
eshecameback.

"
Her
eyougosi
rit
sdone"

It
ookt
hephoneandgav
eitback.
Shepl
ayedt
hev
ideoandsmi
l
ed.

"
Thanky
ou,
byeseey
ounextweek.
"

Ij
ustnodded.

Shewal
kedout
.

Isi
ghed.
"IhopeIhav
epr
otect
edy
ouenough.
"

If
eltl
i
ght
headedandIf
aint
ed.
Endofchapt
er1 3

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er1 4

*
Max*

*
"Getov
eri
t"
*

Iwaswellawaret
hatbynowev er
yonewaspay
ingatt
ent
iontoev
erymoveofmi
neaf
termy
encount
erwit
hEve.Idon'
tgetwhyI'
m al
way
spaint
edthebadguyher
e.
IsawSaul(
Eve'shusband)maki nghi
swaytowar
dsme.Iqui
ckl
ylookedovermyshoul
der,
butthe
doortot
hekitchenwasbl ockedbymydadanduncl
eKen,whowereindeepconver
sati
on,Lewis
whom Imighthav eexpect
edt obemyal
lyhadmanagedtomeltaway.
Therewasnoescapefor
me.Saul
wasal readybymysi de.

"
Heyman"Hesai
dandweshoul
derbumped.

"
Youhav
ebeenscar
ce.
"Hesai
dwhi
l
esmi
l
ingner
vousl
y.

"
I'
m abusymany
oucan'
tbl
ameme.
"Isai
dsmi
l
inggenui
nel
y.

Hesi
ghed.
"Ist
il
lfeel
gui
l
tyaboutev
ery
thi
ngMax
.Ir
eal
l
ydo.
IfIcoul
dtur
nbackt
hehandsoft
ime
I
--
"
Iint
errupted."It
sbeen9y earsSaulandeverytimewemeety oualwayssayyoufeel guil
ty,
you
apologizeov erandov eragainbutwhat
'stheretoapologizef
or?what
'sther
etof eelguil
ty
for?
Youwer ev i
cti
mi nev ery
thi
ngandEvewasn' tmeanttobemi netobeginwit
h. Don'teverf
eel
l
ikey ouruinedmyl if
ebymar ry
ingEve,
i
twasj ustthatshewasmyf ir
stinever
ythingsoi twas
hardf ormet oletgo.Beli
evemewhenIsayt hisI'
m overherwhenIseeher,
Iseemy
cousin.Thereisnobadbl oodbetweenus.
"Ipat t
edhisshoulder
.

Hesighedi
nreli
ef.
"Ial
waysthoughty
ouhatedmebuthearingy
ousayt
hisI
'
mrel
i
eved.We
shoul
ddoalilcat
chup,Iwi
ll
textyou.
Ihav
ey ournumber
."
Hesaid.

"
Cool
man"
.

Westar
tedtal
kingdi
scussi
ngaboutbusi
ness.Saul
Har
ri
ngt
onhadal
awf
ir
m.Hewasa
r
enownedlawyerhi
mself.

Fi
nall
ylunchti
mecameandwesatar
oundt
hetable.Thechefser
vedusandpeopl
estar
ted
eat
ingandchatti
ng.Somef
aki
ngsmi
l
esandal
lthat.Uncl
eKenwoul dconst
ant
lyt
hrowdagger
s
atme.Isi
ghed.

"Whenar
eyout
winsget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"Uncl
eKenaskedandIj
ustl
ookedathi
m.Iwi
pedmy
mout
hbecausesuddenl
yIl
ostappet
it
e.

Bef
oreIcoul
dret
ali
ateLewi
sbeatmet
oit
.

"
Whyareyousocur i
ousabouti
t,
yoursonKennethJnri
salready35ori
sit40buthei
sst
il
ll
iv
ing
wi
thhi
sparent
s."Lewissai
drudel
yandeveryonegasped.

"IknowwhyyouaskedthatUncleKen.I
'm ov
eryourdaught
er,
I'
m nol
ongert
hatf
ool
ish
youngst
erwhomadeacompl etefool
outofhimsel
foversomeonewhodidn'
tgi
veadamn
abouthi
sfeel
ings.
"Isai
dlookingatEvewhocouldn'
tevenfaceme.

Lewi
sstoodupandtappedhisglasswi
thaspoon."
Att
entionever
ybodyjustsoy ouknowMax
hasagi
rlf
ri
end,
aver
ygor geousone,
ver
yfei
styanddoesn'
ttakebullf
rom anyone.Thi
ngs
bet
weenthem ar
everyseri
ousthatmaybesoonwewi l
lhearweddingbell
s".

Hesmir
kedandIknewhewasgett
ingbackatmef
orkeepi
ngsecr
etsf
rom hi
m.Iknewhewas
angr
ybuthowcoul
dhedomelikethi
s.
Ev
ery
onewassur
pri
sed.

Mom wasov er
joyed."OhhhmyGod. IthoughtIwoulddi
ewithoutseei
ngmydaughteri
nlawbut
myGodf inall
yanswer edmypr ayer
s.OhhLordwhydoweknowaboutt hi
snow.
Howl onghave
youbeent ogether
.Iwantt oknowev erythi
ng.
Infactwhydi
dn'tyoucomewit
hher.
"NowIhadt o
l
iebecauseofLewi s.Icouldn'tdi
sappointmymom andev eryoneonthet
abl
ebuttheprobl
em i
s
Iwasnevergoodatl y i
ng.Ialwaysstammerbutf orLewisi
tjustfl
ows.

"Umm mom thi

slunchisf
orthepr
eparat
ionsofy
ouranni
ver
sar
ynott
odi
scussaboutmy
gir
lf
ri
end.
"Isai
ddrinki
ngsomewater
.

"Andbesidespeopl
ey ouknowMaxisverysecr
eti
veIonlyf
oundoutaboutitaweekagobuthe
hasbeendat i
ngthi
sgirlf
orfi
veyear
snow.Sobeli
evemewhenIsayt hi
s,
soonver
ysoonwewi l
l
hearweddingbell
s..
"Heconti
nuedputt
ingmeinat i
ghtcor
ner
.Il
ookedathi
m andhejust
winked.

Mydadsmi
l
ed.
"Whatabouty
ouLewi
s?"
Serv
eshimr i
ght.
Hel
aughed.
"Weal
lknowt
hisbachel
orher
ewi
l
lgetmar
ri
edat45,
sodon'
tev
en
ask.
I'
m st
il
lyoungaf
teral
l
"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"Wear
etwi
nsduhh.
"

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

Oneofmyaunt
sspoke.
"Andweheardy
ou'r
eadopti
ngisy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendokwi
thitandwhenare
youget
ti
ngt
hekidsany
waybecauseweseri
ousl
ycan'
twai
ttowel
comethem i
nthefamil
y".

Ev
echokedandev
ery
onel
ookedather
."
I-
I-
idi
dn'
tknowy
ou'
readopt
ing"

Lewisbeatmet oi
tagai
n."
Anditsnotli
keyouar
ethatimport
antandther
eissomethingcal
l
er
mindingyourownbusi
ness".
Ibetever
yonecoul
dfeelt
hetensi
on.I'
m sur
eLewishatedEve
l
eft,
ri
ghtandcentr
e.
Isi
ghed."Umm aunt
ytoansweryourquest
ionwel
lther
eisaprocedur
ethatIhav
etodot
o
fi
nal
lyadoptt
hem buti
tseemsitwil
lhavetobeacourt
casenow".

"Ohhmydear,i
fitgoesasf
arast
hatwhydon'
tyoul
ookf
orot
herki
dswhodon'
thav
e
anyone.
"Myf
athersaid.

"I
tsnoteasydadIhav ebondedwi ththem foray earnow.Theyaretwinsandt heyremindmeof
Lewisandmychi ldhoodal ot.
Ihavegr ownt olovethem asmi neandsameappl i
estothem.I
takethem outev eryweekend, soyoucani magineitsnoteasytoletgo.
Theyal waysaskme. .
"
DaddyM whenar ey out aki
ngushome" .
.theyhaveal r
eadystart
edmecal li
ngmedaddyIj ust
can'tdisappoi
ntthem likethat.
Ihaveal r
eadypr omisedthem agoodl ov
e,Ican'tr
aiset
heirhopes
andt hendisappointthem. "
Iexpl
ained.

"Umm i
fgoi
ngtothecourtist
heonelastpr
ocedur
ey ouknowwher
emyl
awf
ir
mis.
Iwi
l
lbeso
happyt
orepr
esentyourcase.
"Saul
saidwit
hasmi l
e.
Ismi
l
ed."
Thanky
ou"

Mom cameandsatbesi
desme.
"Soi
syourgi
rl
fr
iendokwi
thadopt
ing"

"
Y-y
eamom"
.Isai
dandgawkedatLewi
s.

"Greatt
hen.
Iwil
lhav
etoseeher,
Ican'
twai
ttomeether.
OhhhmyGodIhav
etocal
laweddi
ng
pl
anner.
Ohhther
eisalott
odo"Shesai
dpacingupanddown.

Isighed.
"Moom r
elax,
Ihav
en'
tev
enpr
oposed.
Rightnowcanwef
ocusony
ouranni
ver
sar
y
preparat
ions"
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

"Youdon'
tknowt hefeel
ingandy ouwillneverunder
stand.Yout
woar emyonlychi
ldr
enand
heari
ngthatoneofy ouisabouttostartafamilyi
tsgreatnews,
i
t'sl
i
keIhaveachi
eved
somethi
ng.Iwil
ldefi
nit
elyhavetocomeseey ourgir
l,
Ihopesheli
kesme.Idon'
twannabethat
monsterinlaw.Whenyouplantopr oposetellmeIwillgi
beyouthegener
ati
onri
ngok."Shesai
d
anddadjustlaughed.

"
Rel
axwi
fey
,shewi
l
llov
eyou.Youwi
l
lgetal
ong"
.Myf
athersai
d.

Lewi slaughednotreali
singt
hemesshej ustdi
d.Mom hadahear tprobl
em andifIbreakthe
newst hatt her
ewasnowomanf ormet henshewoul ddefi
nit
elyhaveaheartat
tack.Ican'
tri
sk
thatbutt henagainIdon'
twantt obei narel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hany one,Idi
dn'
twanttobeasl aveof
myemot i
onsagain.
AlsoIcouldn'
tlietomyfamilyli
kethis.
Isi
ghednotknowingwhatt odonext
afterthedr amathatLewishaddr aggedforme.

Anywaypeoplestar
tedtodi
scussabouttheprepar
ati
onswhi
l
eIwassti
ll
losti
nmyown
thoughts.
Aft
ert
helunchwasover,
wesaidourgoodbyesandwentt
othecar.
Idr
ovei
nsi
l
ence
andafterwewerefarfr
om homeIlookedatLewis.
"Whatthefuckwasthatf
or.
Maxhasagi r
lf
riend..Seri
ousl
yLewi
sdi
dyouhav
etomakeupsuch
abi
gliejustt
ogetbackatme"Isai
dsoundingfrustrat
ed.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
Iwasjustmadandbesidesy
oual
way
sdi
dthatwhenwewer
eyoung,
youal
way
sput
meonat i
ghtcorner
."Hechuckl
ed.

"JesusLewi st
hisisnotf
unny.Doyouseethemessyouhavejustdone.
Didyouseehowhappy
mom was, didyouseehowhappydadwas.Youknowourmot herhasaheartpr
oblem andi
fIt
ell
herthetruthIdon'
tevenhaveagir
lf
ri
endGodknowswhatwillhappentoher.
NowIwi ll
hav
eto
continuewiththi
sli
eandGodknowst hetr
uthwi
llcomeoutoneday .
"Ir
oughl
yrubbedmyhead.

"WellIdi
dn'
tthi
nkaboutthatbutthat
'
snotabigdealy
ouwil
lj
ustfi
ndaf akegi
rl
fr
iendint
roduce
hert
omom t henlat
ert
ell
t hem y
oubrokeup.
.t
hingsdi
dn'
twor
ksimple"
Hesaidlazil
y.
Ismackedhishead.
"Didyoufor
gett
hepartwheny ousai
dwehav ebeent
oget
herfor5year
s
andweren'
tyouther
ewhenmom wasal readythi
nkingofpl
anni
ngaweddingandgivi
ngmea
gener
ati
onri
ng.Wear einthi
smessbecauseofyou".

Heshr
ugged.
"Idon'tseewher
ethepr
oblem i
s.Youwi
l
ljustf
indagi
rlt
omar
ry.
..Imeanaf
ake
wi
fepeopl
edot hataloti
nthemovi
es"

"
Andmyl
i
fei
samov
ienow.Yout
hinkamar
ri
agei
saj
oket
haty
ouwi
l
lhav
etof
akei
t.
"Isai
d
f
ir
mly
.

Hechuckl
ed."
Fakei
tti
l
lyoumakei
tbr
o"

Ichuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef."
Godwheny
ouwer
egi
vi
ngmeat
winy
ouhadt
ochoosehi
m.Lewi
sI
al
readyhav
eal
oti
nmypl
ater
ightnowandnowt
his.
"

Heshruggedagai
n."
That
'sy
ourbabyt
onur
senow.
Any
wayhowar
eyougoi
ngt
odeal
wit
hthi
s
adopt
ioncase.
"

"
I'
mtaki
ngi
ttot
hecour
t"
.Isai
ddr
yly
.

Helaughed.
"You'remyot herhalfIknowy ouwi ll
nev erdothat
.Iknowyouwi l
lneverprovet
hose
peopl
ewhocal ly
ousel f
ishright.Isawthelookony ourfacewhenshecamei ncryi
ng,Iknl
eyou
fel
tpi
tyforher
.Maxy oumayl ooktough,professi
onal andwearapokerfacebuty oucan'tl
i
eto
me.Youhavethesoftestheartev erit
sonlythatyou'renotgoodatexpressi
ngi tandI'
m damn
suret
hatyouwillneverbeabl etogoaheadwi thseparati
ngsibli
ngs,
thatI'
m sureof.
It
sonlythat
Jennywasrudetoy oubutIknowy ouunderstandwher esheiscomingfrom."

Wel
lmostofwhathesai
dwast
rue,
hei
smyt
winaf
teral
l
.

"
Sowhatam Isupposedt
odo,
yout
ell
me"Isai
d.
"
Adopthert
oo"
.Hel
aughed.

"Thi
sisnotf
unny
.Butsti
ll
Idon'tunder
standwhyshebadl
ywant
sthem,
shewasi
nament
al
asyl
um,shewasi
ntodrugs..She-
-"

Bef
oreIcouldfi
nishhei nterr
upted."
Whoawhoahol ditri
ghtt hereMr..
.Don'tbetooquickto
j
udgeheryoudon' tknowt hereasonswhyshedidwhatshedi dandwhysheendedupi nt
he
asy
lum.Youofall thepeoplecanunderstandthi
sbetter,
youhav ebeenintodrugstoobutno
l
mei susi
ngthatagai nstyou.Haveyoutakenasecondt othinkaboutwhyshet ookdrugsand
whyshewasi nanasy l
um.Foral l
weknowshemi ghthavebeent hr
oughshi tandtaki
ngthe
twi
nsawayf r
om herwi lldest
royherevenworse.
"Forthefirsttimehesai dsomet hi
ng
meaningf
ul.

"
ManIdi
dn'
tthi
nkaboutt
hat
"Isai
d.
"
Nowy
oudi
d.Mysuggest
ioni
syouguy
ssi
tdownandt
alkasmat
ureadul
ts.
"Hesai
d.

Irol
l
edmyey es."
Didyouthi
nkshewi
llagr
eetot
hat.
Imeanoneminuteshewasfragil
eand
anothermi
nuteshewentall
Ramboonme. Di
dIt
ell
youhowmucht hatsl
apst
ings.Besi
desshe
i
ssoi mmatur
enothingpr
oduct
ivewi
l
lcomeoutofthedi
scussi
on.
"

Henoddedhishead.
"You'
rer
ightshei
simmat
urebutshel
ookssoy
oungt
houghbutshei
s
f
eist
ythatone.
"

Il
aughed."
ButDanger
'sgi
rlt
akest
hecup.
What
'shernameohhhApr
il
.Shel
ooksDanger
oust
hat
one"
.
"NowonderDangerhasani
nter
est
"Hesai
d.

"Tal
ki
ngaboutDanger.
Cal
lGar
ethandt
ell
himt
hatwear
emeet
ingatJon'
spl
ace.
Ihav
eto
ask.
forf
orgi
veness.
"

Henoddedanddi
all
edhi
snumber
.

*
Apr
il
*

*
"Wei
rdencount
er"
.*
Onmywaybackf r
om Jon'
shouseIwassoabsentmi nded.
Whatwaswr ongwi
thhi
m,hewas
addr
essi
nghimsel
fint
hir
dpersonnar
rat
ive.AndIf
eltthecoldchi
l
lsagain.
Het
oldmemysmile
i
sbeauti
ful
.

Het
oldmet
oaddr
esshi
m asDeewhatdi
ditst
andf
or.

Ir
oughl
ymessedupmyhai
r,
scr
eami
ng."
Arr
rggghGodwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"

Thet
axi
dri
verl
ookedatmei
nawei
rdmanner
.

"
Arey
ouondr
ugsma'
am"Heasked.

Irol
l
edmyey es.
"Mi
ndyourdamnbusi
nessandev
eni
fI'
m ondr
ugs,
i
tsnoneofy
ourdamn
busi
ness,
dri
vethedamncar.
Ipai
dfori
t"

Hedi
dn'tsayathi
ngandthenhedr
oppedmeof
f.If
oundt
hegi
rlsi
tt
ingi
nthel
oungear
gui
ng
andl
aughingaboutsomet
hing.
"
Heygi
rl
s"Isai
dli
mpi
ngi
n.

Theyal
lrant
omelikeki
nder
gart
ens."
Howdiditgo,
di
dheagr
ee,
didhegi
vey
ouahar
dti
me"
.
Eachoneoft
hem wasaski
ngherownquest
ion.

Isatdownandhandedt
hent
hecont
ractwi
thoutsay
ingawor
d.

$5000forahel
perandabl
ankchequeincasehefi
resyou.
Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ousApr
il
.Ar
eyousur
e
thi
sisareal
contr
act?
"Ki
arasai
dwithaneyebrowrai
sed.

"Iwassur pr
isedaswell
,hecall
edhislawyerandwentasfarasgi
vi
ngmet heCCTVf oot
age
whenev erythi
nghappened.Imeanwhywoul dhedoall
thatandt
othinkt
hatIwi
llhavetobea
snit
ch,goingthr
oughhisbusinessdealsi
skill
ingmeaft
erhedidt
his.
Whatifhel
aterfi
ndsout
therealreasonwhyI'
m doingallthi
s.Hehasbeennicetome"Isi
ghed.
"
It
snotl
i
key ou'
redoi
ngsomethi
ngwr ong.You'
rej
ustgoi
ngt
odi
gint
ohi
sbusi
nessdeal
sand
l
ookf
orinf
ormationt
hat
'sal
l
."Jennysaid.

Isi
ghed."That
'swherethepr
oblem isgir
ls.
Iwil
lbeinv
adinghispri
vacywhati
fIfi
ndthingsI
shoul
dn'
t,youknowthesebusinessmandoi ll
egal
dealsandallt
hat.
HoweverIhavetodoi t,
I
havetoknowwher eIcomefrom, Ihav
et oknowmyor i
ginsandIhavetoknowmyf ather.
"

"
Wear
eint
hist
oget
herdear
,don'
tst
ressi
tbi
tch.
"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"Umm guysIneedtogoandseeDoct
orGomezt
odaybutr
ightnowIneedt
orest
.Wakemeup
at2ok."Iexcusedmy
sel
f.
Iwentandt
hrewmy
sel
font
hebed,
thendr
if
tedt
olal
aland.

Aft
erawhil
eIwasawakenedbycol
dwat
eral
lov
ermybody
.Iopenedmyey
esonl
ytoseeNi
cki
hol
dingabucketsmi
l
ing.

"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme.
Nicki
i
i!
"Iscr
eamed.

"Yousai
dweshoul
dwakey
ouandIdi
djustt
hat
.At
hanky
ouwoul
dbeappr
eci
ated.
"Shesai
d
sit
ti
ngdown.

"
Athanky
ouf
orpour
ingwat
eral
lov
erme"Isai
dli
mpi
ngt
othebat
hroom.

"
That'
stheonlynormalwayIknowofwaki
ngsomeoneup.
Sot
ell
mewassup,
what
'sbot
her
ing
y
ou.Jon?"Sheaskedsmir
king.
Isi
ghed.
"Yeal
etmegoandbat
h"

Ibat
hedandcall
edat axi
whichdrovemet othementalasy
lum.Itookamomentstandi
ngatthe
fr
ontgat
erememberingthefi
rstt
imeIwasboughtatt hi
splace.
Itwashor
ri
fi
c.AnywayIli
mped
mywayt oDoct
orGomez' sof
fi
cegreetingsomepat
iencealongtheway,
Iwaspopularaf
ter
al
l.
Lucki
l
yIfoundherbusywithherfi
les.

Iknockedandwal
kedi
n."
Doct
or"

Shelookedatendcametohugme.
"OhhmyIt
houghty
ouwoul
dnev
ercomeback.
OhhGod
whathappenedtoyou?
"

"
Ami
noracci
dent
.Howar
eyou"Shehel
pedmet
osi
tdown.
"
I'
mfi
nej
ustst
ressedaboutwor
k."Shesi
ghed.
Shel
ookedsot
ensedandt
ir
ed.

"
Whatar
eyouwor
kingonDoct
or?
"Iasked.

"
Ihav
eacase.
Dissoci
ati
veI
dent
it
yDi
sor
derpopul
arl
yknownasmul
ti
pleper
sonal
i
ties.
"Shesai
d.

Isi
ghed.
"I
tmustbest
ressf
ul,
youknowInev
ert
houghti
tact
ual
l
yexi
sted.
"

"I
tdoest
hef
ir
stper
sont
ohav
eitwasf
rom Sov
ietUni
on.
Hehad24di
ff
erentper
sonal
i
ties.
"She
sai
d.
"
24!
!Doct
orhowdi
ditwor
k?"Iaskedwi
thshockwr
it
tenal
lov
ermyf
ace.

"Umm peopl edidn'

tactual
lybel
ievei
tfi
rsttheythoughthewast ryi
ngtofool
them i
ntobelievi
ng
thathehadn'tcommi tt
edacr i
me,appar
entl
yoneoft hepersonal
i
tieshadmurder
ed.Lateron
theyreal
iseditwastruebecauseoneoft hepersonalit
ieswassosogoodatt hi
scertai
n
l
anguagewhi chever
yoneknewt hathewasn'tgoodat .Si
nceitwasaknewment ali
ll
nesst her
e
wasnocur esothevict
im endedupcommi tti
ngsuicidebecauseitwastoomuchf orhi
m. "She
explai
ned.

"
Whatcausesi
t?"Iasked.

Shesighed."I
tsadefensemechani sm whichgoeswr ong. I
nmostcasest hev i
cti
m couldhav e
suffer
edchildabuseorgreatpaininattemptt oblockthemi serytheycr
eateanotherpersonali
ty
knowasanal t
erego.Al
soinattemptt oprotectoneselffrom futur
emiserytheycreat
eanot her
personal
ity
.Eachpersonali
tywill
existforar easonandi nmostoft heti
met heowneroft he
bodywi l
lnotrememberany t
hingtodowi thwhyt hepersonali
tieswerecr
eated"Sheexplai
ned.
"
Wowt
hat
'shect
ic.
Nowondery
ou'
ret
hist
ir
ed.
"Isai
d.

"
YeaIhav
ebeenworki
ngonthi
sforamont hnowandt
hepat
ienti
snotaneasyone.
Iwi
shy
ou
wer
emyPAthisi
stoomuch"Shesighedagai
n.

Il
aughed.
"Ihav
etwoj
obsal
ready
.Any
wayhowi
sNi
cki
'
smom doi
ng?"

"Shei
sdrinkingherpi
l
ls,
eat
ingver
ywell
.Shei
sst
il
lhashopet
hathersoni
soutt
her
eal
i
veand
herdaughterwil
lfi
ndher
"Shechuckl
ed.

Ishookmyheadonl
yifsheknewwhatNi
cki
wasupt
o.

"ButIbel
i
ev eherstor
yyouknow.
Hersonmi
ghtbeali
veoutthere,
maybeshewasri
ghtthather
sonwasst olen.Imeani
fitwast
hetr
aumat
icst
ressdi
sordershecoul
dhavebeenoverit
now.I
tsbeenl
ikewhat30yearsnowandsomeonecan'tbecrazysti
l
lsay
ingt
hesamest
ory
abouthowhersonwasstolen.Whywasn'
tthecasei
nvest
igated"

Shenodded."
Youmay ber
ightbuti
tsacol
dcasenowmostoftheevi
dencewasdestr
oyedand
noonewillbeinter
est
edt
oinvesti
gat
eit
.May
beami r
acl
ewil
lhappenthatt
hedaught
erwil
l
meetherbrother"

Isi
ghed.
"Mi
racl
esdohappen.
"

Wet al
kedandl
osttr
ackofti
me.Around6t hat
'
swhenIdeci
dedtoleav
ebutfi
rstofal
lIwentto
seeNicki
'smom.Shewasdoingj
ustfineandItol
dhert
hatNicki
wasdoingherbestt
ofindher
brot
her.

Lucki
l
yIfoundataxi
.Whenwewerefar
awayfr
om theasyl
um andwer
enowpassi
ngbyt
he
woodsthetaxi
dri
verreal
i
sedt
hatwewerebei
ngfoll
owed.

"
Pleasegetoutofmycarmaam.
Idon'
twannadi
eIhav
eaf
ami
l
y.t
hesepeopl
ewanty
ou
becauseIdon'
thav
ebeefwi
thany
bodyandnooneev
erf
oll
owedmebef
ore.
"Thet
axi
dri
versai
d.

Icursed.
"Fuckman..
.howcany
oubeapussyl
i
ket
his.
Theymi
ghtbecomi
ngaf
tery
oubecause
theyknowy ougotmoney."

Bef
orehecoul
dret
ali
atet
hecarwhi
chwasf
oll
owi
ngusscr
eechedi
nahal
tinf
rontoft
het
axi
.

Twobulkymanmaskedcameoutandmadet
hei
rwayt
othepassenger
ssi
de.
Iknewt
heywer
e
af
terme.

"Wewanther
.Sodr
iveoffandneverbr
eat
heawor
dtoany
one.
"Thet
axi
dri
verdi
dn'
twai
tfora
secondhedr
oveof
fwithinabl
ink.

Theot
heronedr
aggedmebymyhai
r.

Iscr
eamed.
IfIwasnti
njur
edl
iket
hisIcoul
dhav
etaket
hem downbutnowIwaspr
ayi
ngt
hat
Godsendanangeltosaveme.

IbetGodheardmeaf teral
l
,Ihear
dacarcomi
ngourwayandIst
art
edscr
eami
ngf
orhel
pbut
thenthecarpassedandthetwomanstart
edl
aughi
ng.
"
Noonewi
l
lsav
eyout
oday
."

"
Letgoofher
!!
!"Thev
oicest
art
ledt
het
hreeofus.

Weal
ltur
nedandIf
eltt
ear
ssl
owl
ycomi
ngout
.

"
Jonpl
easesav
eme.
."Icr
ied.

Theotherguylaughedagai
nandt
hrewmeont heground.
"Twov
ersusone,
youwi
l
ldi
eifIwas
youIwouldleaveandmymi ndmyownbusi
ness".

"
Shei
smybusi
ness.
"Her
epl
i
edandoneoft
hem t
hrewameanpunchathi
mthatl
andedhi
m on
t
hegr
oundhur
ti
nghi
sheadi
npr
ocess.Hepassedout
.

"Jonpleasewakeup.You'r
emyonlyhope.
Pleasewakeup.
.Pl
easeJonI
'
m beggi
ngy
ouwake
up.Pl
easeJon."Icr
iedcrawli
ng.

Thet
womanst
art
edl
aughi
ng."
Hewasact
ingal
lbossybutj
ustonepunchhepassedout
."

Theyst
art
eddr
aggi
ngmeagai
nandscr
eamedi
npai
n.

"
LetgoofherorIwil
lki
ll
you."Thisti
methevoi
cewast oodeepandhadcommand.Weal
l
t
urnedandhewasbackonhi sfeetagai
n.Hel
ookedangryhi
seyeswerebl
oodyr
edandhad
v
einspoppedoutofhi
sforehead.
"
Youwantt
odi
enowy
oungman.
"Oneoft
hem sai
d.

Ihaveneverseensomeonemovethatquickbuti
nasnapJonwasalreadybreaki
ngthebones
ofthi
stwoguy s.
Hehadturnedt
oacreaturewhowasonakil
li
ngspree.Heheldthem bot
hby
thei
rneckschoki
ngthem.Idi
dn'
twanttobeawi t
nessofamur
dercase.

Icr
awl
edandhel
dhi
sleg.
"Pl
easedon'
tJon.
.Don'
tki
l
lthem y
ou'
renotanani
mal
don'
t".

Imanagedt
ost
andupandhuggedhi
m."Pl
easet
hat
'
senough.
Pleasel
ett
hem go"
.

Endofchapt
er1 4

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 5
Apr
il
.

*
"It
'smyr
ightt
obe**
jeal
ous"
*

"Pl
easest
opthat'
senough.Youhav
ealreadydeal
twi
ththei
t'
senoughnowJon.
PleaseI
'
m
beggi
ngyoustop.
".Icont
inuedt
opleadbecausehewassti
l
lchoki
ngthem.

"Butt
heywant
edt
ohur
tyouAppi
e.Theywant
edt
omakey
ousad.
"Hesai
d.
Icuppedhi
sface.
"LookatmeI'
mfine,
I
'm per
fectl
yokyousav edme,pl
easelett
hem go.
Please
formysake.
Theyarenotwor
thyougoingtojai
l,
l
etthem go"Ipl
eadedagain.

Hef
reedt
hem andt
heonest
art
edcoughi
ngbutt
heot
herhadal
readypassedout
.

"
Nev
ermesswi
thheragai
nify
ouv
aluey
ourl
i
fe"Her
oar
ed.
Hehuggedmet
ight
ly.

"
I'
m sor
ryIt
ookcont
rol
ali
lbi
tlat
e.Di
dtheyhur
tyou"
.Iwassuf
focat
ingmewi
thhi
sti
ghthug.

"You'
rehuggi
ngt
oot
ight
.I
'mf
ineok"
Isai
d.

"
I'
m gl
ady
ou'
ref
inebuty
ouai
n'
tsmi
l
ing.Di
dIdosomet
hingwr
ong?
"Hewasbei
ngwei
rd
al
ready
.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Thanky
ouf
orsav
ingmeJon"
.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
."It
oldy
out
ocal
lmeDee"
.

"Okayt
hanky
ouDee"
Isai
d.

"
You'
rewel
come.
Let
'sgoAppi
e".
"
Umm t
het
axi
dri
verl
eftwi
thmycr
utches.
"Isai
d.

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
nghejustscoopedmeupinabri
dalst
yleandwalkedt
ot hecar
.Ev
ery
thi
ng
wasj
usti
nslowmoti
onforme,Ifel
tli
keIwasi
nsomeromanticact
ionmovie.

Hecar
eful
l
ypl
acedmeont
hecarseatandhel
dthedoor
.

"
Arey
ouok"
.Iwaswor
ri
edbecauset
hosehool
i
ganshur
thi
shead.

Hegr
oaned.
"Myheadi
sachi
ng.
"

Hesatdownandst
artedt
it
li
nghisheadcountl
essti
mes.
Thensuddenl
yhest
oodupi
npani
c
andl
ookedatt
hosetwoguysly
ingontheground.

"
DidIki
l
lthem Apr
il
"Heaskedi
npani
c.
"Rel
ax, y
oudi dn'
t.Imanagedt ost
op,youwerenoty oursel
fitsunderstandabl
e."NowIcould
concl
udet hatthi
sguyhadi ssues,
thewayhej ustactedearl
ierandt hewayhewasact ingnow
wastotall
ydiffer
ent.Youwouldn'
tbeli
eveiti
fIwast otelly
out hattheguyIwasf aci
ngnow
almostkil
ledtwogr ownbulkyassman. Hecamei ntothecarandwesati nsil
enceforsome
minutes.

"Thankyouforstoppingmebef or
eIcoulddosomet hingIwasgoingtoregret
.Iwasjust
angry,
i
m goingthroughi ssueswithmyfami l
ysoIthoughtthi
swasaper fectoppor
tunit
ytovent
myanger .
I'
m notli
ket hat.
Ialsoknowyou'regoi
ngtoaskmei fIhaveeverkill
edanybodywit
h
thewayIactedear l
i
erwel lIdidn'
t.
"Heclearedhi
sthroatandlookedaway.

Isi
ghed."
It
sok,youdon'thav
et oexpl
ainy
oursel
f.
I'
mjustgrat
efulyoucameatt
her
ightt
imef
or
amomentIt houghtIwasgoingtodiebef
oreworki
ngforyou.
"Ichuckl
ed.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thconf
usi
on.

Isi
ghed."Comeondon'
ttel
lmey
ouf
orgott
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
obey
ourhel
per
.Ar
eyousuf
fer
ing
fr
om temporar
yamnesi
anow"
Hechuckl
ed."Nonoumm itj
usthadsli
ppedmymind,
l
ikeIsai
dim deal
ingwit
hal
otsoy
ou
knowthepressur
e.Can'
twai
ttoseeyouatwor
k."
Heclear
edhist
hroatagai
n.

"Well
you'
rer
eal
l
ypr
essur
edt
haty
oual
mostf
orgotwhathappenedi
nthemor
ning"
.Ir
oll
edmy
eyes.

"Any
wayokayumm cany
oudr
iveaway
.Idon'
twantt
hepol
i
cet
ofi
ndusher
e"Isuggest
ed.

Henoddedandst
art
eddr
ivi
ng."
Sowhydi
dtheywantt
oabducty
ou?
"

Obv
iousl
yJul
i
anJunehadev
ery
thi
ngt
odowi
tht
hisbutIcoul
dn'
ttel
lhi
m.

"
Idon'
tknowr
apemeorsomet
hing"
.
"Whydi
dyouhav
etocomeher
eal
lal
oneApr
il
,i
tsdanger
ous."
Hesai
d.

"It
snotli
keihav
emoneytohir
eataxiforf
ourpeopl
eormoneytohir
eguards.
Besi
des,
ifnotfor
thefactt
hatI
'
minjur
edt
hankstoy
ou,Icoul
dhavegladl
yki
ckedt
heirbut
ts"
Isai
dinannoyance.

Helaughed."
Kickedt
hei
rbut
tsy
ousay
.Ar
eyousomesor
tofakungf
umast
erorsomet
hing"
.He
scof
fed.

Nowhewasannoy
ingme.Idon'
tgethi
m onemi
nut
ehei
sthesweet
estguyev
erandanot
her
minut
ehei
ssoannoyi
ng.

"
Youwi
l
lunder
standwhenIwi
l
lki
cky
ourbut
toneday
".

Hej
ustchuckl
ed.
Ther
estoft
hej
our
neyi
twast
otal
sil
ence.
"I'
m dr
ivi
ngtomyhouse,
ther
eIwil
lcal
lmydoctorsothathewil
lmakesur
eyoudi
dn'
tsust
ain
anyinj
ury
.Pl
usyouneedacupofcoff
eetocal
my ournerves.
"

"Okay
".Hel
lnoIdidn'
twantt
ostayonemor
eminut
ewi
thhi
m,hi
spr
esencewassuf
focat
ingme
atsomepointbutmymouthjusthadt
oagr
ee.

Hedrovet
ohi
spl
acet
henpar
kedi
ntoagar
agef
ull
ofdi
ff
erentt
ypesofcar
s.Thi
sni
ggerwas
f
il
thyri
ch.

Hecamet
omysi
deandcar
ri
edmeagai
nashemadehi
swayt
othef
rontdoor
.

"Idi
dn'
tl
eav
ethel
i
ght
sswi
tchedof
f"Hemur
mur
edandopenedt
hedoor
.

Hewal
kedi
nandswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
s.

"
Heybabe"
.Av
oicest
art
ledus.

Hewasshockedandev
enIhadt
opi
ckmyj
awsf
rom t
hef
loor
.
Theroom wasdecorat
edinr
edandwhi t
er osepetals,
scent
edcandl
esanddimredl
i
ght
s.That
gi
rl
,Imeanhisgi
rl
fr
iendwasdressedinaredlinger
ie,bl
ackheel
sandalacyni
ght
gown..
showingof
fherbonystr
uctur
e.

Icoul
dfeel
Jon'
sbr
eat
hingchangi
ngandhi
m swal
l
owi
ngcount
lesst
imes.

Hecar
eful
l
ypl
acedmedownandt
heyshar
edadeeppassi
onat
eki
ss.Hel
lnoi
nmypr
esence!
!

Icoughedt
ogetbot
hthei
rat
tent
ion.

"Youagai
n?Babewhati
sshedoi
ngher
eIt
houghty
ousai
dyoudi
dn'
tknowher
"Sheal
most
shout
ed.

Isi
ghed.
"I
'm hi
shel
per
,hej
ustr
escuedmeont
heway
."

Shewalkedtomeandheldmycol
lar
."
Noonesaidyoushouldspeak.I
'
m aski
ngmymanher e
notanobodyli
keyou.Your
eal
l
ycan'
texpectmetobenicetoyouwheny ouj
ustinvadedour
pri
vacy
,meandmymanbynowshoul dhavebeenmakingloveatthecouchyou'
resit
ti
ng.Al
so
yourui
nedthesur
pri
se."
I
fIwasn'
ti
njur
edt
hisbi
tchcoul
dhav
ebeenont
hef
loorr
ightnowwi
thoutt
wof
rontt
eet
h.

"
Baber
elaxok"
.Jonsai
dsensi
ngt
het
ensi
on.

"ThankyousomuchJonforsav
ingmeear l
ier.
ButnowIhavetol
eaveyouandyourgi
rlt
omake
l
ove."
Isai
dtry
ingt
ostopt
earswhichwerethreateni
ngt
ocomeout .
Idon'
tev
enknowwhyI
wantedtocr
yanyway
,whenmyf amil
ybetr
ay edmeIneverf
eltt
hisway.

"
Buty
ouneedcr
utches"Hesai
d.

"Iwi
llmanage.
"Itr
iedtost
andupbutt
hel
egwasst
il
lpai
nful
soIal
mostf
ell
butt
hankf
ull
yhe
caughtmebeforeIcoul
d.
"You'r
enotstrongenoughyet.Letmegoandcal
lmydriv
ersot
hathecandr
opy
ouof
f.
Babe
pleasebenice."Hewalkedoutleav
ingmewit
hMissFeel
ingmysel
f.

Shechuckl
edandcl
appedherhandst
wice.
"Youanobody
...
.y
ouwantmymandon'ty
oubutl
et
metell
yousomethi
ngIwil
lbedamnedtoletathi
ngl
ikeyourui
nwhatwehav
e".

Ilaughed.
"Yougoti
ssues,
reali
ssues.Idon'
tunderst
andthis,
I'
m anobodyasy ousaidbutyou
feelthr
eat
ened.Jeal
ousyandinsecuri
tywhenitsnotnecessaryit
sat otal
tur
noffletmejust
adv i
ceyoubecauseyouwill
endupmaki ngacompl etef
ool outofyoursel
f."

Shecl
enchedherj
aws.
"Iwi
l
lmakesur
ehef
ir
esy
ou"
.

Ismir
kedremember
ingthecontract
."Bri
ngitonMissy
.Iwannaseet
hathappeni
ng.I
fIwasyou
Iwoul
dgetusedtomypr esencebecauseyouwil
lseemoreofmeherebecauseI'
m her
etostay
Iai
n'
tgoingany
wher
e."
Beforeshecouldretal
iateJoncamebackandcarr
iedmet ohisgaragewhereadr i
verwas
waiti
ngforme.Hecar eful
lypl
acedmeandwalkedoffwithoutsayi
ngawor d.
Hisbonerwas
vi
sibl
eandt hathurtmeonl yGodknowswhybecausethat'
shisgir
lfr
iendandtheyareboundt
o
makel ove.
I'
m anobodyt ohim any
way.
Thechauf
feurdroveoff.

Isi
ghedandswal
l
owedpai
nful
l
y."
Bynowt
heymustbemaki
ngl
oveont
hecoucht
hatIwas
si
tt
ingon"
.

Iwhi
sper
ed.

Any
wayt
hedr
iverdr
oppedmeof
fandt
hegi
rl
shel
pedmet
osi
tont
hecouch.

Ij
usthuggedNi
cki
andwai
l
edi
nherar
ms.

Don'
tev
enl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
,Idon'
tev
enknowwhyIwascr
ying.

"Shhhi
tsok.
.don'
tcr
y..
it
sok"
.Shebr
ushedmyback.

Af
terv
ent
ingi
tout
.Idr
anksomewat
erandt
heyl
ookedatmewi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es.
"
Jul
i
ani
sati
tagai
n"Isai
dsof
tl
y.

Theyal
lgasped.
"Thatbi
tch,
i
ssheapsy
cho"
.Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
Whathappened?
"Jennyasked.

"Iwascomi ngfr
om t
heasy l
um andacarwasfol
l
owi
ngus.Twomancameoutanddragged
me.IthoughtIwasgoi
ngt odie.
Butt
henJoncameoutofnowher
eandhebr
okethoseguy'
s
boneslikei
twasnothing.
"

"Jonr
eal
l
ydidt
hat
?"Ki
arasai
dlooki
ngshockedaf
terIexpl
ainedev
erydet
ail
ofhowheal
most
ki
ll
edt
heguy
s.
"
YesIwasshockedmy
sel
f.Hewasn'
thi
msel
fthough.
"Ishr
ugged.

Ni
ckir
aisedherey
ebrow."
Soi
sthatt
her
easonwhyy
ouwai
l
edl
i
ket
hat
.Whatdi
dJondot
hat
madeyoucryli
kethat
".

Il
ookedaway
."Hedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.I
tsl
i
ket
hingswer
etoomuchf
ormesoIl
osti
t"
.

Theywereal
lnotconv
inced."
Jondefi
nit
elydi
dsomet hi
ng.I
'm sur
e.Howev
ery
oumustbe
prot
ect
inghi
m sowear enotgoi
ngtodwellonit
."Jennysai
d.

Isi
ghedinrel
iefbecauseIwasn'
treadyt
obeplay
edthi
rddegr
eebythem.
"Isawy
ourmom Ni
cki
sheisdoi
ngjustfi
nebecauseshehopesthaty
ou'r
egoi
ngtofi
ndherson.
"
Shesul
ked.
"Wher
eonear
thwi
l
lIf
indhi
m.I
'
m notani
nvest
igat
ornordoIhav
ether
esour
ces.
"

"Wellf
ornowlet'
sdeal
wit
hJennyandApr
il
'
scaseaf
tert
hiswewi
l
lgoon#f
indNi
cki
'
slongl
ost
brot
her"Ki
arasai
dandweall
smiled.

Somet
imesIt
hinkwehadt
oomuchconf
idencet
hough.

Any
wayIr
efusedt
oeatandwentt
omyr
oom.
IlookedatJol
l
ythenIt
ool
herandhuggedher
.

If
eltmyt
ear
smaki
ngt
hei
rwaydown.

IsighedandhuggedJol ly.
"Fri
enddoy outhinkIwilleverfallinl
ov eandhav eaboy fr
iendwhoI
willwearal i
ngeri
efor?Wil
lIeversolvealltheproblemsi nmyl i
fe.Jul
ianisonmycaseandI
wonderwhyshewant st oendmyl ifesobadl y.
Ialsowantt oknowwhomyf at
heris.Al
somy
si
st erfr
iendsneedmyhel p.Jennyandt hetwinsneedme, Ni cki
want stofindherbrotherand
KiaraIknowshehast hi
sv oidinherthatshecan'tfill
.
.herf amil
yabandonedherwhenshe
neededt henthemostandwi ll
sheev erbeabl etogetov ert hefactthatshewillneverhavea
chil
d? Whatdidthefourofusdi dwrong,wedon' tdeservet his?"
Icr
iedsi
l
ent
lyanddr
if
tedt
olal
aland.

*
Jon*

*
"I'
m wor
ri
edabouty
ou"
.*

It
ri
edt
oki
ssherbutshepushedmeof
f.

"Agai
nyouwerewi
thherbuty
out
oldmet
haty
oudi
dn'
tknowhert
heot
herdayatt
hehospi
tal
".
Sheshout
ed.

"Idi
dn'
tdenyknowi
ngher
,Isai
dshewasnoone.
"Isai
dfr
ust
rat
ed.
"Sowhoisshe? Whoi ssheJon?Theotherdayyouwer
ewit
hherwhatwer
eyoudi
scussi
ngand
todayhowdidy ouevenmeether?Youcamei nwit
hheri
nyourar
mswhyandhowam I
supposedt
of eelaboutthat
?"Shefol
dedherarms.

"Arewegonnaar gueaboutt hi
sallni
ghtnow.Okyouwantt hetrut
hhereisthetr uth.
Hernameis
April
Iacci
dentall
yhitherwi t
hmycart hat
'swhyIwaswi t
hheratt hehospital
andI '
m evenl
ucky
shedidn'
tpresscharges.Shedeli
versmealssoherbeinginjur
edwasbei ngadi sadvantaget
o
herIhadtogiveheraj ob.TodayIsavedherf
rom bei
ngabduct ed.
Nowt ell
mei st herea
probl
em? "
Iasked.

Shelookeddown."I
'
m sorrybabeIdi
dn'
tmeantoshoutbuttr
ustmeshewant
syouandshei
s
usi
ngthistoheradvant
age.Shei
snotwhatshel
ooksli
ke.Shei
scunni
ng"
.

Ishouted.
"Rut
hstop,st
opjuststopal
ready
.You'r
ebeingaturnoffr
ightnow. Idon'tunderst
and
whatyourprobl
em isyoudon'tevenknowthegir
lbutal
readyyou'
rethrowingbasel ess
accusati
onsather.
Idon'tgetwhyyougettopuni
shmef oryourpastrelat
ionships,am Il
i
ket he
guy
syouusedt
odat
e.Whyar
eyoupuni
shi
ngmewi
thy
ourendl
essi
nsecur
it
iesandnaggi
ng"
.

Shest
art
edsni
ff
ing.

Ilower
edmyvoi
ce."
LookI'
m sorr
ybabeIdi
dn'
tmeant
oshoutShemeansnot
hingt
ome.
Ilov
e
youandonl
yyouok."
Ihuggedher.

"
Promi
sey
ouwon'
thur
tme"Shesai
d.

"
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t,
nowcanImakel
ovet
omywoman.
"

Shejustsmi l
edandIkissedher.
Minut
eslaterherr
ippedli
nger
ieandmyclothesweref
lyi
ngal
l
overtheplace.Ihadi
thardwit
hherbecauseIwasf rust
rat
ed.Thegi
rlwascaref
ulshehad
every
thingpreparedbecauseweusedprotecti
on.

"
Whoababet hatwasonehellofaf
ucki
ngther
ebutbeeasyonmenextt
ime.
I'
m sor
edown
t
her
e."Shesaidlay
ingherheadonmybarechest
.
"
Year
ight
"Isai
dabsent
minded.

"
What
'swr
ong.Di
dn'
tyouenj
oy"Shesai
dsul
ki
ng.

Ibabyki
ssedher
."
Idi
d,I
'
mjustt
ir
edcanwesl
eepnowmyl
ove"
.

Shesmi
l
edandmi
nut
esl
atershewassnor
ingl
i
ght
lyonmychest
.

Wellasformeifsleepingmeansst ar
ri
ngintospaceandblinki
ngcountlessti
mest henIdi
dj ust
thatt
hewholenight.Iwasexhaust edyesfrom al
lthef
ighti
ngDangerdi dbutIcoul
dn'tcl
osemy
eyes.
Younowthegui l
tyconsci
ence.Ihadt hatbutIdi
dn'
tknowwhati didwrong.
Ont heother
handIwasworriedaboutApr ilsomethinginmewast ell
ingmet hatt
hereissomethingwrongi n
herli
fe.
Imadeament alnotetofindoutwhatitis.
Ar
ound6am Ibat
hedandwor
emysweat
pant
sandav
est
.

Iwentt
othedr
iver
scot
tageandaskedhi
mforApr
il
'
shomeaddr
ess.

Hegav
emeandIdr
oveof
faf
tert
ell
i
ngt
hechef
stopr
epar
eRut
hadel
i
ciousbr
eakf
ast
s.

Idrovetodowntown.Andr
eachedt
heapar
tment
.Itwasn'
tapl
acet
hatIwoul
dwantt
oli
vei
n
butitwasn'
tthatbad.

Iknockedforl
iket
hreet
imesandnooneanswer
ed.Iwasaboutt
ogi
veupbutt
hatmy
ster
iousl
y
funnygir
lopenedt
hedoor.
What'
shernameagai
nohhhNicki
.

"
Ohhmymyl
ookwhatt
hecatdr
aggedi
n.Jonhowar
eyoucomei
nfr
iend"Shegav
emeahug.

Theapar
tmentwasn'
tthatbadt
hough.

Shesatdown.

"
Ohhhpleasesi
tdown,
feelathome"Shesai
dsi
tt
ingl
egcr
ossed.
Shewassocomf
ort
abl
ewi
th
meli
keIwasheroldfr
iendorsomethi
ng.

"
HyNi
cki
"Isai
d.
"I'
mfineMrMcClai
nsowhatcanIgety
ouj
uice,
wat
er,
cof
fee.
..Whatdoy
our
ichpeopl
edr
ink
anyway?"
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ow.

Ismi
l
ed."
Wedri
nkwhaty
oudr
inkbutany
wayt
hanksI
'
mfi
ne.
I'
m her
etocheckuponApr
il
.How
i
sshedoi
ng?
"

"Shei
sdoingjustf
ine,
thankyousomuchforsav
ingherwehear
dyoupl
ayedRamboy
est
erday
butonthatnotewhatdidyoudotoher
?"

Sheasked.

Isi
ghed,
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
hatI
'
m sur
e,unl
essDangerdi
dsomet
hingt
oher
.

"
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng,
whathappened?
"Iasked.
"Thedr i
verdroppedherof fandt
hemomentshesawusshewai l
edinmyarms.Ihaveknown
thatgirlf
orov eray earnow,shei
sthest
rongestamongthefourofus.
Shewentthroughalotbut
nev ershedat earev enwhenshewassupposedt omaki
nguswonderwhattypeofaper sonshe
wasbuty est
er dayshecriedherl
ungsout.
Didyoudosomethingtoher
,di
dyousayany t
hingthat
offendedher.?"

"
NoIdi
dn'
t.Imeanwhywoul
dI?
"Isai
d.

"Fi
nethenbecauseifanyonedarest
ohur
therIswearonmyv
aginat
hatIwi
ll
showthem my
psychosi
de.Anywaysinceyou'
reher
etoseehercomeonIwi
l
lshowyouherroom.
"Shel
edthe
wayandIfoll
owed.

"
Shemustbeasl
eep,
don'
tannoyhershewi
l
lcussy
ou"Shesmi
l
ed.

"
ThanksandIwi
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd.
"
Shepat
tedmyshoul
derandl
eft
.Isl
owl
yopenedt
hedoorandent
ered.

Shewascurledonthebi
gpinkteddybearthatIboughther.
Herhai
rwasall
overherfaceand
herpi
nknighti
eswereonherwaistr
eveal
inghermi xedracecol
our
edthi
ghsandbuttcheeks,
theywer
esoy ell
owandthi
ck.

Ishookof
fal
lthenast
ythought
sandwal
kedt
oherbed.
Icov
eredhert
highsandsatdown.

It
uckedherhai
rbehi
ndherearr
eveal
i
ngherf
ace.
Shewasr
edandpuf
fed.

"
Justl
etmesl
eep.
.f
ivemor
emi
nut
espl
ease"Shesai
dinhersl
eepyv
oicepout
inghersmal
lcut
e
l
i
ps.

"
HeyI
'
m her
etoseey
ouwakeup"
.Isai
dsof
tl
y.

Sheimmedi
atel
yjumpedupandcov
eredher
sel
fwi
tht
hesheet
s.Youwoul
dswearshewasn'
t
asl
eep.
"OhhhmyGodwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e."

Il
aughed."
Youshouldlookatyourf
acer
ightnow.
I'
mjusther
etocheckony
ou.
I'
m sor
ry,
I
coul
dn'
tcal
ladoctoryester
day
."

Shel
ookedaway
."I
tsokayIunder
stand,
butasy
oucanseeI
'
m per
fect
lyf
ine.
Youcanl
eav
enow"
.

"WellI
'
m notl
eav
ingunl
essy
out
ell
mewhyy
ouwer
ecr
yingy
est
erday
.Di
dIof
fendy
ou?
"I
asked.

"
Noy
oudi
dn'
t.
It
'smybusi
nessok.
Whot
oldy
ouany
way
"Shesai
dinannoy
ance.
"
Nicki
tol
dme.
Didper
hapsRut
hsai
dsomet
hing"
.Iaskedl
ooki
ngcr
oss.

"Noshedi
dn'
tandev
enshesai
dsomet
hingIwoul
dn'
tbl
ameher
.Noecany
oul
eav
e"Shesai
d.

"
Whyar
eyout
ryi
ngt
opushmeaway
.Whowi
l
lcar
ryy
out
othebat
hroom any
way
?"Iasked.

"
Iwi
l
lli
mp"
.Shest
art
edr
emov
ingt
hebandageonherhand.

"Nodon'
tdot
hat
.You'
renotheal
edy
et.
"It
ri
edt
ost
opher
.

"
Imf
ineIcanf
eel
it.
"Shesai
d.
"
Arey
ouanx-
raynoe,
cany
out
ell
thatt
hebonesar
efi
ne"
.Isai
d.

Shesi
ghed".Don'
ttel
lmeyoudr
oveall
thewayf
rom t
hef
ir
stst
reetj
ustsot
haty
oucanannoy
me.Whodiedandmadey oumydoct
or?"

Ij
ustshookmyhead.
Idi
dn'
tknowgi
rl
sar
ethi
shar
d.Iwal
kedt
ohercl
osetandt
ookoutal
ong
l
ooseT-shi
rt
.

"
Wher
ear
eyourunder
gar
ment
s?"

Shel
ookedatmel
i
keIwascr
azy
."Okwher
ear
eyourpant
iesandbr
as"
.
"
Whatdoy
ouwantt
odowi
tht
hem?
"Sheasked.

Irol
ledmyeyes.
"Wearthem.Ar
gghgirl
doyoureal
l
yhavetobethishar
d.I
'
m hel
pingout
here..
youwi
l
lbathhavebreakf
astandwewil
lgoforacheckup"
.

Iopenedt
hedr
awer
sandf
oundt
heonewhi
chhadneat
lypackedbaby
pinkandwhi
tepant
ies.

Il
aughed.

Shef
rowned."
Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng.
"

It
ookonepant
yadspr
eadwi
thmyhands.

"
Real
l
ybaby
pink"

Shet
hrewapi
l
lowatme.
"Youper
ver
t,
leav
emypant
ies.
"
Il
aughed.
"Theyl
ooksocut
e,wher
ear
ethebr
as"
.

"
Ihav
enone"Shepout
ed.

"
Why
?"Iasked.

"
Myboobsai
ntsaggy
,doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em now.
Wil
lyoust
opgoi
ngt
hroughmyt
hings?
"

Iignoredherandtookthecl
othesaswell
asherloti
onstothebat
hroom andpl
acedt
hem ont
he
toil
etseat.
Iwentbackscoopedherandplacedheri
nthebatht
ub.

"
Doy
ouwantmet
obat
hyou?
"Isai
dmocki
ngl
y.
"
Ewwgetoutper
ver
t.
"Sheshout
ed.

Il
aughedandwalkedout.
Theapart
mentwasn'tbigsoIeasi
l
yfoundmywayt
otheki
tchen.The
gi
rl
swerebusyeatingwhatev
ert
hatwasintheirbowel
s.

"Ohhhmymywhatisthi
shunkdoi
ngher
e."Theonewhohadaper
sonal
vendet
tawi
thGar
eth
said.Ki
aray
ear
ight
.

Ij
ustchuckl
ed."
HyKi
ara.
HyJenny
".

Jennyl
ookedatmewi
thsor
rywr
it
tenal
lov
erherf
ace.
."HyJon.
"
Shesai
dsof
tl
y.

"
Don'
tbesadI'
m sur
eMaxunderst
andswhereyou'
recomingfrom"
.Isai
dbecauseIwassur
e
t
hatwast
hereasonwhyshehadthatl
ookonherface.
Shejustsmi
ledandnodded.

"Whatar
eyouguy
seat
ing?"
Iasked.

"Cocopopsf
ri
end,
wantsome?
"Ni
cki
sai
d.

"
NoI
'
m good.
ButIt
hinkApr
ilmusteatsomet
hingheal
thyt
hant
his"
.Isai
d.

"Yeaweknowbutcooki
ngi
sal
ongpr
ocess"
.Ki
arasai
d.
Iwasn'
treal
l
ygoodmy
sel
fatt
hecooki
ngdepar
tmentbutIhadt
otr
y.

"
I'
m notgoodmy
sel
fbutshehast
oeatsomet
hingcooked.
I'
mtaki
nghert
othehospi
tal
.
SoIwi
l
l
t
rycooki
ng."

Theyalll
ookedatmewithshock.
Ijustlaughedandst
artedworki
ngonmynotsogood
ski
ll
s.Cooki
ngwasJoss't
hingnotmi ne.Thegi
rl
sweretalki
ngl
aughi
ngandIwoul
djoi
nint
hei
r
si
ll
yconv er
sat
ionher
eandthere.
Ifel
tsocomf ort
abl
ewi tht
hem.

"
Theeggswer
eal
mostbur
ntt
hough"
.Ni
cki
sai
dwi
thasi
l
lysmi
rk.

"Shewil
lhavet
oeatitt
hough"
.Icar
ri
edt
het
raywi
thbr
eakf
astt
oherr
oom.
Shewasal
ready
donesi
tt
ingonherbed.

"
Her
eyougoeaty
ourbr
eakf
ast
.I'
mreal
l
ynotgoodatcooki
ngbutIt
ri
ed"
.Isai
dgenui
nel
y.
Shesmi
l
ed.
"Thanky
ou.
"

Sheat
eev
ery
thi
ng.

"
Forsomeonewhoi
snotgoodatcooki
ngt
hatwasdel
i
cious"
.

"Thanky
ou,
Iwi
l
lcar
ryy
ounow"
.

Myconsci
encesl
appedmet
hatwasaf
ool
i
shl
i
ne.
OkwhywasIev
enbot
her
edaboutwhatt
o
sayt
oher.

Any
wayIj
ustcar
ri
edherandpassedbyt
hel
ounge.

"
Yesmancarryher
,showthem.
..
.hahahaheregoesRamboandhisbri
de"Nicki
sai
dandIj
ust
l
aughed.
Lewi
siscrazybutnot
hisonetakesthecup,
shei
snat
urall
ydrunk.

"
Byegi
rl
sseey
oul
ater
".Isai
d.
"Br
ingherbacki
nonepi
eceanddon'
tyoudar
emakehercr
yagai
n."
Kiar
ashout
edasIdr
oveof
f.

"Youai
n'
tthereasonwhyIcr
iedt
heyar
ebei
ngr
idi
cul
ous.Iwasst
il
li
nast
ateofshock.
"She
saidwi
thastr
aightface.

"
Shoul
dImay
becal
lat
her
api
stsot
hatt
heycanhel
pyougetov
ert
heshock"
.Isai
d.

Sheshookherhead.
"Hello,
Ispentmanyy
ear
sinament
alasy
lum.Idon'
twantt
oseea
shr
ink.
NothanksI'
mfine.
"

"
Ok"
.
Ther estofthej
ourneywewereinsil
ence.
Wesawt hedoctorandtheysai
dherhandwasf i
ne
buttheplasterwastoberemovedaftert
woweeks.Shealsocompl ai
nedofheadachesandthey
gaveherpi l
l
sbecauseapparent
lyshehadmigr
ainesbecauseofthenosebl
eed.Aft
erseei
ngthe
doctorIdrovetothemall
.

"Andwhatar
ewedoi
ngher
enow?"
Sheasked.

"Umm I
'
m gonnabuyaf
ewgr
ocer
iesIwi
l
lbeback"
.

Ihadreleasedt
hati
nheirki
tchenther
ewasn'
tmuchf
oodforfourpeopl
esoIboughtwhatI
thoughtwasenough.Theshopkeeper
sassi
stedmei
ncar
ryi
ngt hepl
ast
icst
omycar .

"
Umm i
sther
eany
thi
ngy
ouwantbef
orewel
eav
e?"Iasked.

"
Candy
floss"Shesai
dsoundi
ngexci
ted.
"
Howar
eol
dar
eyouagai
n"Isai
dwi
thmyey
ebr
owr
aised.

"
Doy
ouwantt
obuymecandy
flossornot
?"Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owt
oo.

"
Okf
inewegonnahav
ecandy
floss"
.Iwentandboughthert
heCot
tonl
ooki
ngl
i
kecandy
.

"Herego"Ihavegtoherandshecl
apedherhandssoundi
ngexcit
ed.Imustadmi
tthatwas
cut
e.Especi
all
yseei
ngherstuf
fi
ngherfacewi
ththecott
onlooki
ngli
kecandy.

It
ookoutmyhandker
chi
efandwi
pedhermout
h."
Slowdownont
hecandy
floss"
.
"I
twi
l
lmel
tdon'
tyouknowt
hat
.Hav
en'
tyouhadcandy
flossasaki
dsheasked?
"

Il
ookeddowninsadnessbecauseIdi
dn'
trememberany
thi
ngf
rom chi
l
dhoodday
s.Idi
dn'
tknow
anyt
hingatal
l
.

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Heywhat
'
swi
tht
hesadf
ace.
Comeont
ryi
tssweet
.Comeoooont
ryi
t"
.

Shei
nsi
sted.

It
ri
edi
t.

"
It
ssweet
,t
hanks"
.Iwi
pedmymout
h.

"Nowwecango"
.Shenodded.

Idr
oveof
f.
"Sowher
eisy
ourf
ami
l
yyouguy
s.Imeant
hef
ourofy
ou"
.
Shesi
ghed.
"Wear
eaf
ami
l
y.Pl
easedontasmemor
equest
ionsr
elat
ed"

May
bei
twasasensi
ti
vet
opi
c."
I'
m sor
ryf
orpr
ying"
.

Ican'
tbel
i
evemeJonMcCl
aini
sapol
ogi
zi
ngl
i
keser
iousl
ywhathasgot
teni
ntome.

Anywaywear r
ivedatt
heapar
tmentandIhel
pedherwi
tht
henewcr
utchest
hatIboughtf
rom
thehospi
tal
.

"
Arey
oucomf
ort
abl
e".

"YesI'
m comf
ort
abl
eandJony
ouar
ebei
ngwei
rd.
What
'sgoi
ngoni
nyourmi
nd?
"Shenar
rowed
herey
es.

"
Ijustf
eel
itsmyr
esponsi
bil
i
tysi
nceI
'
mtheonewhol
andedy
oui
nthi
scondi
ti
on.
"

Isai
dbef
oreIcoul
dsayany
thi
ngmyphoner
ang.
ItwasRut
h.
Icheckedt
het
imei
twas12:
45pm.

Cr
apIl
ostt
rackoft
ime.

Endofchapt
er1 5

Keept
hem comment
sandar
gument
scomi
ng.

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 6

Jon.
*
"Keepy
ourf
ri
endscl
oseandt
hosewhocancont
rol
youcl
oser
"*

"Whatisi
tDeeever
ythi
ngokay
"Apri
laskedl
ooki
ngatmeandIwasshockednotbyt
he
quest
ionbutbyt
henameshejustcal
ledme.

"
W-whatdi
dyouj
ustcal
lme?
"Iasked

"Dee.Yester
dayinthemorni
ngy ousaidIshoul
dcall
youthatandwhenyousavedmeyest
erday
Isaidthanky ouJonbutsai
dyouwant edtobecal
ledDeeremember.What
'sr
eall
ygoi
ngonwi t
h
youJon? "Shesaidlooki
ngconcerned.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
."
Igot
tagoasy
oucanseemywomani
scal
l
ing."

Shejustnodded."
Iunderstandyoudon'twannatal
kabouti
t.
Anywaythankyouf
ort hegreasy
baconandt heal
mostbur nteggsy ouservedmeinthemor
ning,
itwasreal
l
ydeli
cious.Also
thankyouforthegrocer
iesandev eryt
hingaswell
."

Ij
ustsmil
ed.
"Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f.
Iwi
l
lkeepi
ntouchandbyt
hewayIneedy
ourphone
number"
.

"
Idon'
tthi
nky
ourgi
rlwi
l
lbecool
wit
hit
"Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ow.

Isi
ghedandtookherphonethenpunchedmycodesandsav
edmy
sel
fonspeeddi
al.
"Cal
lmei
f
youneedany
thingandifany
thinghappensby
e."
Ibr
ushedhercheekanddr
oveof
fli
keamani
ac.

Iar
ri
vedhomeandfoundRuthonsit
ti
ngonthecouchwat
chi
ngsomet
hingaboutt
hisLos
Angel
esbi
gfamil
yKardashi
anssomethi
ng.

"
Hey
.I'
m sor
ryIl
ostt
rackoft
imeIhadi
mpor
tanter
randst
orun"
.Iki
ndahat
eexpl
aini
ngmy
sel
f.

Shest
oodupandf
oldedherar
ms.
"Ser
iousl
y"

Isighedandroughlyrubbedmyhead."
LookRuthi
fyouwannafightmerightnowdo
i
t.Shout,
thr
owthingsatmej ustdoi
t.
Iwil
lj
ustbechi
ll
edbecauseseri
ouslyIdon'
thav
ethe
powert ofi
ghtyourightnow".

Shechuckl ed.
"YouknowwhatJonMcCl ai
nthisist
hever
ysamer easonwhyIdi
dn'ttobeina
relat
ionshipwit
hy ou.Iknewmysel
f,
IknewthatwhenIlov
esomeone, Il
ovewholehear
tedl
yand
whenIi nvesti
nar elati
onshi
pIgi
veitmyall.
Youhavebeenbusyalmostthewholeweekandwe
didn'
thav eti
met ogetherweonl
ygottheoppor t
uni
tyy
ester
dayandwhatdidyoudo,youcamein
carryi
ngagi rli
ny ourar msandy ouexpect edmet oactmat ureabouti t
.Hav eyoutakena
momentt oputy ourselfinmyshoes. Let'
ssayy ouhavepr epar edar omant icdinnerf ormeand
you'rewear i
ngnot hi
ngbutbr iefst henamanwal ksincar r
yingmei ntheirarms,howwer ey ou
goingtohandl eitwithouthavingt olookl i
keai nsecureandj ealousyboy fr
iend.Ont opoft hat
Jony ouleftearl
yi nthemor ningwi thoutleav i
ngmeanot eorany thingbutj ustanor derf orthe
chefstopr epareadel i
ciousbr eakf astformet hatIwasgoi ngt oeatal one.Iwokeupexpect i
ng
ust omakel ovebutnoIhadt odr agmyhor nysel ft
ot hebat hroom andeatal l
thedel i
cious
breakfastalone.Youdi dn'
tevendot hecour tesyofcallingandt ell
i
ngmewher eyouwer e.Yes
youmi ghthav ehadi mpor t
anter randst or unbutcoul dn'tyouspar eal i
ttl
et i
mef orusor
couldn'tyouatleastwakemeupgi vemeaqui ckieandt henr uny ourer rands.Youmi ghtsayI 'm
nagging,insecureandpuni shingy ouf ormypastr el
ationshipsbutJonar ey ouinvestingy our
all
?Arey oureadyf orthisoryouneedt ogety oushittogetherf irst
?"

Iswearwomenhavethi
stal
entcal
led#l
etmemakehi
mfeel
gui
l
tyt
oday
.Rut
hreal
l
ymademe
feel
guil
tyandIr
eal
i
zedhowwr ongIwas.

Isi
ghedwi
thoutknowi
ngwhatt
osay
.

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Youknowwher
etof
indmei
fyouneedmemyl
ove.
"

Shebabyki
ssedmeandl
eft
.

Isatdown.
DoIr
eal
l
ysucki
nthi
srel
ati
onshi
pthi
ng.
Rut
hreal
l
ydidn'
tdeser
veal
loft
his.
Shehasgonethr
oughal
otandinst
eadofprov
ingtobethe
wor
stguythant
heprevi
ousguy
sshedatedIshoul
dshowhert
hatIcandobett
erthanthem.

Well
anywayIneededt obl
owof fsomesteam befor
edecidingonhowt omakeituptoRuthso
asal
waysIhadtomeett heguys.Aft
eral
lIhadissuestodiscusswit
hthem.
SoIdi dn'
twast
e
ti
meIdrovet
oMax' shouse.Youmustbewonder i
ngwhywenev ergotowork.
Well wear
eour
ownbossessowej ustgotowor kwhenther
eisani mpor
tantissuetot
ackl
e.

Well
Iarr
ivedatMax'
splacebutandasusualt
heywer
ejustt
alki
ngLewi
sdr
inki
ngbeer
.Iswear
t
hisonedrinksl
i
keafi
shbutdoesn'teasi
l
ygetdr
unk.

"
Wassupasshol
es.
"Isai
dgoi
ngt
otheki
tchenandt
aki
ngsomej
uice.

"Fucker
,comesi
tdownwhohasbeenkeepi
ngy
ouawayf
rom us"Lewi
ssai
dandbubbl
yas
always.

"
Obv
iousl
ythatsi
ssyRut
h."Maxf
rowned.
Ismackedhi
shead.
"Leav
emygi
rlal
one.
Sowhatdi
dImi
ss?
".

Gar
ethl
aughed.
"Wel
lyour
str
ulyLewi
sJacksondi
danumberonMax"
.

Isatdown.
"Andwhati
sthat
?"Isai
dsi
ppi
ngonmyj
uice.

"Yourememberthelunchtheywentto.LewisannouncedthatMaxisi
naser i
ousrel
ati
onshi
p
withsomegirl
andhei sevenplanni
ngt omarryher.
Hewentont osaytheyhavebeentoget
her
forfi
veyear
snowMr sJacksonisecst
at i
caboutitandherewearenotknowingwhattodo
becauseMaxhereisfamouslysingl
e."

Ilaughed.
"Ser
veshi
mri
ghtforkeepi
ngt
hingsf
rom us.
Foral
lweknowt
hegi
rlmi
ghtev
enbe
therebutweareint
hedar
k".
Maxsi
ghed.
"ManIdidn'
twannatel
lyouaboutmyst
eri
l
itybecausemyegowasatst
ake.
Come
onguy
sIthoughty
ouwouldtr
eatmediff
erent
ly"
.

Lewi
sscof
fed.
"Yout
houghtev
enIwoul
dtr
eaty
oudi
ff
erent
lybecausey
oushootwat
err
eal
l
y
Max"
.

Atti
mesLewi
scanjustof
fendy
oubutbecausei
tsLewisy
oujusthav
etounder
stand.Hi
s
of
fensemi
ghtbehi
swayofcomf or
ti
ng.
Pret
tywei
rdify
ouaskme.

AnywayMaxsighed.
"YouseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
,al
readyhei
ssay
ingIshootwat
er.
Any
way
guy
sI'm sor
ryok.
"

"
It
sunder
stabl
ewecool
abouti
t.
"

Ishoul
derbumpedMax.
"
Sowhatar
eyougonnadowi
tht
hisnewsi
tuat
iont
hatLewi
scr
eat
edf
ory
ou?
"Iasked.

"
Idon'
tknowandIcan'
tdi
sappoi
ntmom agai
n.Shehasgr
eatexpect
ati
onsf
rom us.
"Hesai
d.

"Fakeitt
il
lyoumakeitbro.Afakegir
lwil
ldohere"Lewi
sshrugged.
Ilaughedlooki
ngatthese
two.
Yestheyaretwi
nstheyhav esi
mi l
ari
ti
esli
ketheeyeandhaircol
ourbuttheyaretheirown
i
ndivi
dual
s.Lewi
s'
scharacterandhispref
erencesistot
all
ydi
ffer
entfrom Max's.

"
Ahhhlet'
sdr
opthis,
wil
lcr
osst
hebr
idgewhenwegett
her
e.Any
wayJonhowi
syou,
Jossand
Danger
?"Maxasked.
Ishookmyhead.
"Idon'
tknowhowt
osayt
hisbutIf
oundsomeonewhocancont
rol
Danger
".

Lewi
schokedonhi
sbeer
,Maxchuckl
edandGar
ethj
ustj
awdr
opped.

"
Youkiddi
ngr
ight
.Imeanwhocancont
rol
thatmonst
er.
Wel
lnoof
fensebutweal
lknowhei
sa
monst
er".

Lewi
ssai
d

"Apr
ilcancont
rol
him"
Isai
dlooki
ngser
ious.

Lewi
sscof
fed."
Youmeant
hedel
i
ver
ygi
rl
,t
hegi
rly
our
anov
er,
thegi
rlwhocamewi
tht
heot
her
gi
rl
s,
thegi
rl
--
"

Ii
nter
rupt
ed."
Doy
ouper
hapsknowanot
herApr
ilIdon'
tknowabout
?Imeanherexact
lyher
"
Maxwassur pr
ised.
"Iknewshewascapabl
e,t
hatgi
rli
ski
ndaDanger
ous.Howdi
dyouf
indout
aboutt
his?
"

"Yesterdayaround6,Ihadanappoi ntmentwithDoctorGomez, apparentlyitwast odiscusswhen

Iwoul dstar
tmysessi ons.OnmywayIsawt woguysmanhandl ingagi rl
.Ipretendedli
keIdidn'
t
seeany thi
ngbutlatercamebackf orthem,t
hat'
swhenIr eal
izedt hatthegirlwasApr il
.Oneof
them punchedmeandIhur tmyhead. That'
swhenDangert ookov er.Asalway sIdon'tknow
whathappenedbutIl atertookcont r
ol wi
thouthavi
ngtopassoutagai n.That'swhenIsawt wo
bulkymanont heground. IthoughtDangerkill
edthem becauseweal lknowheusual l
ydoesand
hedoesn' tl
eaveany t
hingi ncomplete.

Apr
ilt
hent
oldmethatshest
oppedmebef
oreIcoul
dkil
lthem.
Ont
opoft
hatDangerev
ent
old
Apr
ilt
ocal
lhi
m Dee.
Idon'
tknowwhathei
splay
ingat
."

Maxshookhi sheadandsi ghed. "

Thi sisreall
ybadJon. Yesyoumi ghtbel uckythatDanger
foundsomeonewhocancont r
olhim butIr eadsomef ewthingsaboutDI D.Onthefirststage
alt
eregost akecont rolonl
yi fthebodypassesoutori sinpanicmode. Ont hesecondst ageal t
er
egost akecontr
ol any t
imewi thoutt hebodyhav ingtopassout ,
theycanswi tchwhenev erthey
feell
ikeitandthel aststagei swhent heowneroft hebodycanr eacht heext entoftalkingtohis
alt
eregosev enthrought hemi rr
or.LikeyouJony ouwil
ltal
ktoDangert hrought hemi rr
or,your
refl
ectiononthemi r
rorwillbeDanger 'sorJoss' sanditwil
lonlybei ny ourhead. That'sthelast
stagewher eyouwi llbement al
lyunst able.Thisisnotgoodatal l bro.Youneedt ost arttaki
ng
yoursessionswayt ooseriously.I
'm ev ensurprisedthatyouhav en' tstartedy oursessions
yet.
Any wayI'
mj ustpr ayi
ngt hatyouhav en'treachedthesecondst agey et."
Ist
oodupandst
art
edpaci
ngupanddown.
"Thi
sisr
eal
l
ybad"
.

"
Theny
ouneedApr
ilbyy
oursi
de.
"Lewi
ssai
dsi
ppi
ngonhi
sbeer
.Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.

"
Whaat?IknowwhatIsayal
waysdoesn'tmakesensetoyoubutlookJossiseasytocontrol
wher
easDangernoonecancontrolt
hatidi
otwhathesaysgoes,
heneverli
stenst
oany body,he
l
iv
esbyhisownrul
esbutifApr
ilcanstophimfrom ki
l
li
ngitmeansshecant amethatbeast.
"

Inodded.
"Yeamay
bey
ou'
rer
ight
."

Garet
hshookherhead.
"Nonoguy
syoucan'
ti
nvol
veher
.Shei
sreal
l
yinnocenti
nal
loft
hisdon'
t
i
nvolv
eherinyourmess.
"
"
Isecondy
ouont
hat
.Don'
tusehershedoesn'
tdeser
vei
t.
"Maxsai
d

Isi
ghed."
I'
m notusi
ngherguy s.
Iwi
l
ljustbef
ri
endher.Besi
desDangergaveherajobasamai d
andIwil
lbepay i
ngher$5000andifincaseIfi
reherIwill
havet
ogi veherabl
ankcheque.Can
youbel
ieveDangerdidal
lthatandwentasfarassigni
ngacontractusi
ngmysignatur
e."

Lewischuckled."
Sohealreadymadethingseasi
erfory
ou.
Maybey oushoul
dbefri
endherand
stepbystepy ouwil
lint
roducehert
oy ourworl
d.Shewasf
rom ament al
asy
lum soIdon'tt
hink
i
twi l
lbesurprisi
ngt
oher .
Youneverknowmay beherment
alconditi
onwas/i
smor eser
ious
thanDID.
Ont hatnoteyoushouldfi
ndoutwhyshewasi nt
heasylum."

"NoIcan'
tinvadeherpr
ivacyl
i
ket
hat
.Shewi
l
ltel
lmeher
sel
f.
ButIt
hinkt
hei
deaofbef
ri
endi
ng
heri
sok".Isaid.

"AndRut
hwi
l
lbeokwi
tht
hat
?"Gar
ethasked.
"
Shedoesn'
thav
eachoi
ce,
shewi
l
lhav
etoacceptheri
nmyl
i
fe.
"Isai
d.

Maxchuckl
ed."
That
'sar
eci
pef
ordi
sast
er"
.

"Iwi
llcr
ossthatbr
idgewhenIgett
her
e.Any
wayhowdoy
ouguy
ssof
tenawomanwhenshei
s
angr
y".
Iasked.

Lewisrai
sedhiseyebrow."Iwi
llgi
veheragoodnicefuck.
Butany
wayforyou,
youshouldbya
gi
ft,
jewell
eryorsomethingwit
hf l
owersandactal
lromanti
candspendthewhol
eni ghtlove
makingasy ousayit
.Thenthefoll
owi
ngmor ni
nggiveheramorni
ngglor
ythenbreakfastinbed"
.

Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.Lewi
sist
henumberonepl
ayer
,si
ncewhendi
dheknowhowt
otr
eata
woman?

"Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
.Ihav
ebeeni
nmanyf
ail
edr
elat
ionshi
pssoI
'
m wi
senow.
"

"
Okt
hanksbr
ofort
headv
ice"
.

Il
ookedatGar
ethandhewasn'
thi
msel
f.

"Andwassupwi
thy
ouGar
eth.
You'
rehar
dlyt
alki
ngnorl
aughi
ngt
oday
?"

"
IthoughtIwast
heonl
yonewhoi
sseei
ngt
hings.What
'sgoi
ngonGar
eth?
"Maxasked.

Hebr
eat
hedandr
ubbedhi
shead.
"MrJohnsi
scomi
ngbackt
omor
row"
.
"
Ahhhmant
hatni
ggeragai
n."Lewi
sfr
owned.

Well
MrJonhsi
sGar et
h'sst
epf at
heral
thoughGarethuseshi
ssur
name.Theydon'
tgetal
ong
andi
tsv
eryser
ioushoweverthat'
snotmyst or
ytotel
l.

"
Ahhhmany
ougot
tabest
rongf
ort
hatone.
Wheny
ouneeduswewi
l
lbet
her
e".Isai
d

"Year
ight
."
Hesai
dlazi
l
y.

"
Well
guysIhavet
oleave.
Ihavetosur
pri
semywomanwi
thl
atel
unch,
useal
lthet
ipsLewi
stol
d
meandmakeitupforher
."Ist
oodup.
"Waituhbef
oreyoul
eave.
Doyouper
hapshav
eumm Apri
l'
sphonenumber
.Ineedt
otal
kto
Jennysothatwecansetadat
ewherewewil
lmeetandt
alk.
"Maxsai
d.

Lucki
l
yIhadspeeddi
all
edmy
sel
fear
li
er.
SoIgav
ehi
mthenumber
."
Goeasyont
hegi
rlbr
o".

Ismi
l
edandhej
ustnodded.

NowIhadt
omakeupf
orRut
h.

Max.

*
"Thanksf
orsav
ingmy
**r
eput
ati
on.
"*
Af
tert
heguy
slef
tIdebat
edwi
thmysel
fifIshoul
dcallApr
ilornot
.Ideci
dedagai
nsti
t.
Iwasn'
t
pr
epar
edtot
alkt
oJenny.
Thef
oll
owi
ngmor ningIf
inal
l
ydecidedtocall.

Itr
iedt
hreet
imesbef
oreany
oneanswer
edbutwhenIwasaboutt
ogi
veupshepi
ckedher
phone.

"Jennyspeaking.Apri
lisasl
eepwhoist
his?"OhhhGodIdi
dn'
texpectt
ohearhert
inycut
e
soundingvoice.Ikeptqui
etforawhi
l
ewithoutknowi
ngwhatt
osay .

"Ohhhwegonnadothebreat
hingcompeti
ti
onunti
lyourai
rt
imer
unsout
"Shesai
dandy
ou
couldt
ell
from t
het
onethatt
hispersoni
sfei
sty
.

"
Umm hi
Jennyi
tsme"Isai
dnotknowi
ngt
her
ightwor
dst
ouse.
"
Youwho?
"Shesai
d.

Ohhcr
ap.
"I
tsmeMaxcan y
ougi
vemey
ournumbersot
hatIcancal
lyouony
ourphone"
.

Shesi
ghed.
"Umm l
etmej
ustt
exty
ou.Gi
vemeasecond"
.

Shehungupandaf
terami
nut
emyphonebeeped.
Itwasat
extf
rom Jenny
.

"
That
'smynumber
".

Ical
l
edt
hatmi
nut
eandsheanswer
ed.
"Hey
".

"
Hey
".Shesai
daswel
landt
her
ewasamomentofsi
l
ence.
"
Umm Iwant
edust
omeetupandt
alkaboutt
het
wins"
.Isai
d.

"
Ummm okj
ustt
ell
met
het
imeandpl
ace?
"Shesai
dsof
tl
y.

"
Mypl
acear
ound1.
"Isai
dfi
rml
y.

Shesi
ghed"
Ithoughtwewer
esupposedt
omeetl
i
kei
npubl
i
c".

"Isupposewhathappenedtheotherdayisnothappeni
ngagai
n.Ij
ustwantust
otal
kast
wo
ci
vil
izedpeopl
enottoslapeachother"
.Isai
dfi
rmly.
"
Ohokayf
inet
henIwi
l
lcome.
"Shesai
dandhungup.

Ishookmyhead.
Iwondergoesar
oundi
nthel
i
ttl
emi
ndoft
hatl
i
ttl
egi
rl
.Onemi
nut
eshei
sal
l
softbutwi
thi
nabl
inkshei
sChun-Li
.

AnywayIblewof fsomest
eam i
nthegy
m andt ookacoldbat
haf
ter.
Iworemygr
eytrack
pant
s,abl
ackv estandbl
ackNi
kepush-
ins.
Idecidedt
oletmyhai
rloosesoi
twashangingon
myshoulders.

Iwentdownst
air
sandmademy
sel
facupofcof
fee.

Whi
l
emychef
swer
ebusymaki
ngmepr
operbr
eakf
astIwaswat
chi
ngAmer
icanf
oot
bal
l
.

Af
tert
heywer
edoneIhadt
oat
emybr
eakf
astal
one.

Thebigmansi
onreal
lymademef eell
onelywi
thoutt
heguysaround.
Someti
mesIwouldwi
shI
hadsomeonewit
hmewhowoul dkeepmecompanybutt henagainmaybesomeofuswer
e
dest
inedt
obelonel
yfort
herestofourli
ves.

Af
terf
ini
shi
ngmybr
eakf
ast
,Icont
inuedt
owat
chmymat
ch.

Ar
ound12oneoft
hehel
per
scame.

"
Siral
adyi
sher
etoseey
ou"Shesai
d.

Wel
lshei
spunct
ual
.It
houghtIsai
dweshoul
dmeetatone.
"Letheri
n."
Shenoddedandwal
kedoutAf
teraf
ewmi
nut
esIhear
dthedooropeni
ng.

"
You'
reher
esoear
lyIt
houghtIsai
dweshoul
dmeetatone"
.

Isai
dwi
thmyey
esf
ixedont
heTV.

"Expect
ingsomeone?
"

Av
oicest
art
ledme.

"Evewhatthehel
lar
eyoudoingher
e."Iaskedwithshockwri
tt
enall
overmyface.
Wher
ethehel
l
didsheevengetmyaddr
ess.Ontopoft hatsheandherfami
lyl
iv
einTexas.

"
Pleasedt
oseeme"
.Shecat
wal
kedandki
ssedmycheekt
hensatdown.
"Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion"
.Isai
dmai
ntai
ningast
rai
ghtf
ace.

"Iwasdoingbusi nessherei
nGeor gi
asoIt houghtIshoul
dpassbyandseehowy ouare
doing.
Besidesit
sf oroldt
imessake"Shesaidsitti
nglegcr
ossedr
eveali
nghergoldentan
l
egs.Shewaswear ingabodyhuggingredshortdressandredbot
tom heel
s.Il
ookedaway
becausethelastthingIwantedwastobet empt edbythewomansit
ti
ngopposi t
eme,aft
eral
l
sheknewwhi chbut tonst
opr ess.

"
Asy
oucansee,
I
'm per
fect
lyf
ine.
Nowwi
l
lyoul
eav
eIhav
ethi
ngst
odo.
"Isai
drudel
y.

"
Wher
eist
hehospi
tal
i
tyMax
.?"Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
es.

"
Youj
ustshowedupatmyhouseunannouncednowy
ou'
redemandi
nghospi
tal
i
ty.You
shoul
dn'
tbeher
etobegi
nwi
thai
n'
tyousupposedt
obenur
singy
ourbabyr
ightnow"
.Isai
d
fi
rmly
.

Shecameandsatbesi desme."I..
.Iknow..Iwaswr ongtohav e..
.chosenSaul overyou..
b-butit
s
nevertoolatemyl ove..
okay..
I..
Iwillmaket hi
ngsr i
ght .
..
Iwillendt hingswithSaul .
WhenIsaw
youbackont hefamilylunchday..
w- whenLewisannouncedt haty ouhadagi rlf
riendthat
'swhen
Ireal
iz
edt hatIwanty ouinmyl if
e.Ihavebeent hinkingabouty ouall t
heseyearsandIr egret
whatIhav edone.I.
..
Ishouldhav efoughtforus...myl ove..
.Iwasj usty oungandIt houghtthati
fI
hadrefuseddadhewasgoi ngtoabandonmesi nceIam anadopt edchi l
db-butnowmyl oveI
canstandmygr ound...
.MyloveIwi l
l-
"

Istoodupvigor
ously
."Arey
oukiddingmer
ightnow.Areyoufuckenki
ddi
ngmeEv e.
It
sbeen
9years.
.Damn9y earsnowyou'
retell
i
ngmethisshi
t.
.areyouapsycho.
Getoutofmyhouse
now.Whathasgottenint
oyou,
areyouondr
ugs".

Shecuppedmyf ace.
"Comeonbabeitsmey ourEve.LookIevenremov edmyweddingr
ing.
Iwi
l
l
tal
ktomyl awyertodraftsomedi
vor
cepapersok.Ihavelosty
ouoncebecauseofmy
fool
ishnessbutnowi ref
usetol
ooseyouagain.
Iloveyou,
Ineverstopped."
Shesai
d.

Ir
oughl
yremov
edherhands.

Bef
oreIcoul
dgi
veherapi
eceofmymi
ndt
hedooropenedandJennywal
kedi
n.
Thi
swast
heonl
ychancet
ogetEv
eof
fmyback.
"Babe"
.

Isai
dsmi
l
ingatJenny
.

Iwalkedfastertowardsher
,bef
oreshecoul
dguesswhatIint
endedtodo,
Imov edwith
surpri
singswift
nesscoveri
ngherti
nywaistwi
thmyhandsandheldhercapt
ive.Ibendedmy
headov erhersthesamehalfbeatoft
imethatshel
i
ftedherfacet
owardsmeinirri
tabl
e
surpri
se.

"Ma--
-"
.Shecoul
dnotgoanyf
urt
hert
hant
hef
ir
stl
ett
ersofmynamebef
oremymout
hwas
cover
ingher
s.

Icomplet
elyunder
stoodherunpr
epar
edr
eact
ion.Ev
enIwasn'
tpr
epar
edf
ort
hisIj
usthadt
odo
whatfi
rstcameint
omi nd.

Andkissi
ngJennyisthefi
rstt
hingthatcametomi nd.
Remembert
hosel
i
psar
ethesamel
i
ps
thatsai
dshi
taboutyou.Myconsciencerepr
imanded.

If
eltherl
i
pssof
tenagai
nstmi
ne.
Isecr
etl
ysmi
rked,
soIst
il
lhadmygameon.

Any
wayshest
if
fenedandsof
tl
ypushedme.

Iwhi
sper
edi
ntoherear
."Don'
tgett
hist
hewr
ongway
,I
'm beggi
ngy
out
ojustpl
ayal
ong.
"
Shej
ustnoddedwi
thoutsay
ingawor
d.Wel
li
tski
ndadi
ff
icul
ttor
esi
stt
heMaxchar
m.

Ihel
dherwai
standwal
kedt
oEv
e.

Evefr
owned."
Youmustbetheefamousgi
rl
fr
iend.Imustsayy
ou'
rewaybel
owMax'
sleagueno
wonderhekepty
ouasecretforf
ivel
ongy
ears."

Jennyfol
dedherarmsandr ai
sedhereyebrows."
Andy
oumustbethatbi
tt
erbi
tchthatIwi
l
l
neverl
i
keandwhatt hehell
areyoudoinginmyman'shousel
ooki
ngli
keahookerwit
hthe
wholemake-upki
tony ourf
ace?"

OkIwasn'
treadyt
owi
tnessacatfi
ght
.IknowEvewasnev
ergoodi
nfi
ght
ingany
waybutJenny
wel
lshesl
appedmebeforeandt
hatsentamessage.

"
Baber
elaxok.
Thi
sisEv
emycousi
nandEv
ethi
sisJennymygi
rl
fr
iend"
.Isai
d.
Jennyf
rowned.
"Tohel
lwi
tht
hiscousi
nthi
ngyy
out
wopr
obabl
yfuckedr
ight
?"

Okhowdi
dsheknow?Wasi
twr
it
tenov
ermyf
ace.

"
AndI
'
m her
etocl
aim what
'
smi
nebi
tch,
yourt
imei
sov
er.
"Ev
esai
dact
ingal
lrat
chet

Jennyi
gnor
edherandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
Shel
atercamebackwi
thaf
ryi
ngpan.

"Othert hancookingt hiscandoal otofthingsi ncludingpanel beatingthatBar bielookingf ace

ofy ours.Nowify oust i
llval
uey ourli
feandi fy oust i
llwantt owal koutofher einonepi ece,you
willnotsayawor dbutdi sappearbef oreIshowy oumypsy chosi de.Apartfr om knowi ngt hatI'
m
his"belowt heleague"gi rl
fr
iendy oushoul dknowt hatIdon' ttakebul l
from any oneespeci all
y
cousi nswhoar eobsessedwi thmyman' sdick.Icangoal l ghettoont hosef akel ashesand
sil
iconef il
l
edass. Don'ttryme.Nowl eavewitht hel i
tt
ledignitythaty ousti
ll hav e.
You'reluckyI
didn'twakeupont hewr ongsideoft hebedorel seIcoul dhav eshowedy ouhowwedeal with
spoiltbratsli
key ouandIdoubty ouwi l
lbeabl etohandl emyghet t
opsy chosi de,sopl ease
Mi ssFeel i
ngMy selfdisappear.Vanishrightthismomentbef oreIevenbl i
nk. "Shesai dwi tha
straightface.
Evedi dn'twaitanysecond, shel efti
mmedi atelybecauset hel ookonJenny 'sface
woul
dscar
etheshi
toutofany
one.

Shehel
dherwaistandl
ookedatme.
"Nowcaretoexpl
ain.
Icameher
eexpect
ingust
otal
kli
ke
ci
vi
li
zedpeopl
enotformetodealwi
thBar
biel
ookingbi
tches"
.

"
Umm cany ouputthefr
yingpanaway"
.May
beweshoul dhav
emetinapubl
icar
eathelast
t
hingIwantishergoi
ngallChun-
Lionmewit
hfr
yingpansGodknowswhatel
sesheuses.

Shepl
acedt
hepanawayandl
ookedatme.

"OkayI
'
m sorr
yfordr
aggi
ngyouint
omymessandI'm sor
ryforkissi
ngy
ou,
Ij
usthadt
odoi
tto
pr
oveapoint
.Nowcanwesitdownandt
alkaboutt
hetwinsplease."

Shescof
fed.
"Bef
orewegot
her
eYourcousi
nMax
,youf
ucky
ourcousi
ns.
It
syourbusi
nessIknow
butI
'
m curi
ous".
Isi
ghed.
"Shei
snotr
eal
l
ymycousi
n.Any
wayi
tsal
ongst
ory
.Let
'st
alkaboutt
het
wins,
nowcan
we".

Shej
ustchuckl
edandsatdownt
hensi
ghed.

"Iwas17whenmom wasdi agnosedofcanceranddi ed.Iwasl eftwithmyt wosi bl

ingsandIhad
todoev er ythi
ngi nmypowert ot akecar eoft hem.Ineededqui ckcash, soIhadt ohust l
e.Idid
whatIdi df ormyt wosi bli
ngsandl ongt hewayIl ostmysani ty.
I'
m nott ell
i
ngy outhissot hat
youcanpi tt
ymeMrJacksonbutI 'mt ell
ingyouasasi sterwhol ov eshersi bl
ingstoobi ts.Iknow
onourf istencount erIreallyact edoutofi tandIapol ogi ze.Idon'tblamemybehav i
oronany one
butmy sel f
.Istillhadl otofangeri nme. I
'm angrybecausemymom l eftmei nasi t
uati
onl i
ke
thi
s,I'
m angr ybecausedeat hsnat chedawaymymom whenIneededhert hemost ,I
'm angr y
becauseIdon' thav eenoughmoneyt otakecar eofmysi bl
ings,I'
m angr ybecauseoft hewr ong
choicest hatImadei nmyl i
fej ustsoIcanputf oodont het abl
e,I'
m angr ybecauseI'm her e
havingtoexpl ainmy selfrightnowsot hatIcanmakey ouunder stand,sot hatIcant r
yandst op
youf r
om separ atingmeandmysi bli
ngs.Ihavenot hingMrJackson, Ihav enothingtoof fer
them..Ionlyhav emyl ov efort hem. Ri
ghtnowi fyou'r
et otakethismat tertothecour tIhav e
alr
eadyl ostbecauseapar tf rom y ouhav ingconnect ions,Istil
lhav ealotofshi ti
nmyl ife,Isti
ll
havet ogetmyl i
febackt oget hersot hatIcancl ai
mt hem. "

Shecr
ied.

Isoftl
yrubbedherback."
I'
m notreal
lythatevi
lJenny.
Iwouldnev
erbeablet
oseparat
esi
bli
ngs
ok.Imighthavesai
dal otofshitt
heotherdaybutit'
sbecausewhatyousai
dhadhurtmy
feeli
ngsandIsaidalotofthingsinangerbutInevermeantanyoft
hat.
Adopt i
onhasal waysbeenonmymi ndf ory earsbecauseofmyownper sonalr
easons. Sothis
otherdayIwentt oHol yCrossor phanagebecauseIhadf i
nall
ydecidedt oadopt.
Ididn'twantt o
adoptanewbor nwellbecauseIdon' thav eapar tnerandIwant edtoadoptaki dwhogoest o
school.SoIwast akentot hekid'splayinggr oundt hat'
swhenIsawt het winsbui
ldingasand
castlejustthetwoofthem. Thesi ghtr emi ndedmeal otaboutmychi l
dhoodday swi thLewi s.I
fel
linlovewi t
hthem thenIwentov ertot alktot hem.Themor ewet alkedIcouldf eelthatthe
feel
ingwasmut ual.
Theyl ovedmet oo.Day swentbyIwoul dseet hem ev eryweekend.ThenI
real
izedt hati
neveryconv ersati
ont heyt alkedabouty ou.Idi
dal i
ttl
edi ggingandf oundouty ou
werei nament alasyl
um. Icouldn'tadoptt hem, Idi dn'
twanttowi t
houty ourapproval.Ialso
want edy outobeforeverpar toftheirliv
esbecauseIknowhowmuchy oumeant othem. JennyI
l
ov eJust i
nandJoy cesomuchandIhav emadesomuchpl ansfort hem. Youknowwhat ,
come
withmeIneedt oshowy ousomet hing".

Ihel
dherhandandl
edt
heway
.

Endofchapt
er1 6

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er1 7
Max.

*
"Thef
inal
deci
sion"
.*

Shecov
eredhermout
handt
ear
sst
art
edt
osl
owl
yfal
ldown.
"
OhhhhmyGodt
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul.Ihav
enev
erseenany
thi
ngl
i
ket
hisi
nreal
li
fe.
Ial
way
sseei
tin
t
hemovi
es.
"

"
Nowwillyoust
opcryi
ngalready
.JoyceandJust
inar
etwinsbuttheyar
etheironindiv
idualjust
l
i
kemeandLewi s.
Sobyv i
sit
ingfr
equentl
y,Ir
eal
i
zedthatJoycel
ovessandcastl
es.SoIlooked
f
oranexpectt
obuil
dthisforme,t
hat'
showIcameabouti t
."

Ismil
edl
ooki
ngatt
hebi
gsandcast
leonmybacky
ard.
Theonewhobui
l
titspentl
i
keaweek
worki
ngonit
.

"
It
ssobi
g.Joy
cei
sgoi
ngt
olov
ethi
s!"Sheexcl
aimed.

"
ComeIwi
l
lshowy
ouwhatImadef
orJust
in"
.Isai
d.

Shesi
ghed.
"Iwonderwhati
tis"
.
Ij
ustsmi
l
edandhel
dherhandagai
nleadi
nghert
omybacky
ardgar
den.

"
OhhmyGodat
reehouse.
..
!"Sheexcl
aimedagai
n.

"
Youwannagoi
n?"Iasked.

Sheshookherheadv
igor
ousl
y."
Nowewi
l
lfal
landbesi
desI
'
m af
rai
dofhei
ght
s."

Ilaughed."
Wewi
l
lnotf
all
andbesi
desi
tsbi
gtoaccommodat
eadul
tsandal
sot
hewoodusedi
s
verystrong.
"
"
ButMaaax"
..Shesai
d.

"
Comeony
ouwi
l
lnotf
all
.I
'
mri
ghther
eIwon'
tl
ety
ouf
all
.
"Imanagedt
oconv
inceher
.

"
Nowal
lyouhav
etodoi
stocl
i
mbt
hatl
adder
.Youdon'
thav
etol
ookdownok"
.

"Okbuty
oupr
omi
set
ocat
chmei
fIf
all
".
Shesai
d.

"
Trustmey
ouwon'
tfal
l
.Wheny
ou'
reupt
her
edon'
tl
ookdownok"
.

Shestr
ongl
ygrippedt
heladder
.It
ouchedhert
inyhandsandkepthol
doft
hem sot
hather
handswereresti
ngcl
osetothewarmthofmine.
"Rel
axI
'
m her
eok.
"Isai
dsof
tl
yandshenoddedandst
art
edcl
i
mbi
ng.

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esshewasst
andi
ngont
het
reehouse'
sbal
conyl
i
kei
mit
ati
on.

Ist
art
edcl
i
mbi
ngt
oo.

"
OhhhmyGodIdi
dit
".
Shesai
dex
cit
edl
y.

Isatbesi
deher.
"Youknowasachi l
dIhat
edtr
eehousesbutnowIknowwhatImissed.
Wow
ther
eisalotoft
oysinther
e.Just
inwi
ll
lov
ethi
s.Howdi
dyoudot hi
s?"
.Shebeamedi
n
exci
tement.

"I
tsnotmywor k.
Professi
onal
sdi
dthi
s.Andf
rom her
eyoucanwat
cht
hesunset
ti
ng,
itsa
beaut
iful
view.
"Isaidsmili
ng.

Wekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
eandi
twasget
ti
ngr
eal
l
yuncomf
ort
abl
e.Youcoul
dev
ensl
i
cet
he
t
ensi
onwi
thakni
fe.

Shesmi l
edbutnotwi t
hthesameexcit
ementasbefor
e."
Soy oudidal
lthisfort
hem.It
sapit
y
..
.I
..
.Ican'
toff
erallofthi
sfort
hem..
Icoul
dn'
tevengetaJoycejustasandboxbuty oumade
sur
et hatyouwil
lsurpri
seherwit
haverybi
gsandcast
le.
..L-
li
fei
ssounf airsomet
imes".

Isighedandl ookedather .
"Someonei naf i
tofrageoncesai dtomemoneycannotbyy ou
happiness,
yousai dthatt omeandi tst
rue.Imightbeabl etobuildsandcastlesandt reehouses
forthem,giv
et hem thebestt hatmoneycanbuybuti ftheymaycomeasi tuationwher ethe
twinsareaskedt ochoosebet weenmeandmymoneyt henyouandy ourl
ov e.Theywi l
lchoose
you.Youknowwhy. ..wel l
itsbecauseone,bl
oodisthickerthanwat erandtwo, yourloveforthem
overcomesmymoney .EvenifImaysnat chthem awayf rom y
ouandgi vethem al uxuri
ous
l
ife.Theywil
lsleeponki ngbedsandgot oschool i
naLambor ghinibuttheywi l
l sti
l
lask"Daddy
wher eissi
sterJenny ".InasmuchasIl ovethem andcangi vethem agoodl i
fe,it
sallnothi
ng
compar edtot helov
ey ouhav eforthem andthesacrif
icesyoumakej ustsot hattheycanhav e
agoodl if
e.

LookIal wayshopedt hatwheny ou'

reoutoftheasylum y
ouwouldunderstandandall
owmet o
l
ivewi t
ht hetwinsbutsinceIknowy oulovethem somuchJennyI'
m droppingthi
scase.Iwi
ll
stoptheadopt i
onandy oucanhav ey oursi
bli
ngs.Iwil
lj
usthel
pyoufinancial
l
ysothatthey
don'thavetosuf f
erwhent heyoutoft heor
phanage.GodknowsIlovethem butIwil
ltr
yand
mov eonwi thoutthem".
Shel
aughed.Il
ookedatherwi
thconf
usi
on."
You'
recr
yingagai
n.Mandon'
tcr
y".

"
NoI
'
m not
."Idef
endedl
ooki
ngaway
.

Shelaughedandherey
esl
it.
"Ohhmylookher
e,t
heyaretears.
Comeonmybi
gbabyl
etmama
wipethetear
soff
".
Shesai
dcutel
ypouti
ngherl
ips.
Ilaughed.

"
Inowreal
iset
haty oul
ovethem al
otMax.
Idon'
twannat
akethatawayf
rom y
ou.Cont
inuewi
th
t
headopti
onprocessbutIwanttobei
ncl
udedinev
eryst
ep.
Iwanttobepar
tofthei
rli
ves
f
orev
er.
"Shesaid.

Icoul
dn'tcontai
nmyexcit
ement."
OhhhmyGodt hanky
ousomuchJenny
."Igav
eherbr
ief
nonsexualcourt
esyki
ssesonhercheekr
epeat
edly
.
Shel
aughed.
"Okokst
opwi
tht
heki
ssesal
ready
.Ihav
egotenoughf
oroneday"
.

Il
ookedatherandsmi
led.
"You'
rehardtor
eadJennyyouknowthat
.You'
reacompli
cat
ed
maze.Oneminut
eyou'
refr
agi
le,
thenextmi
nut
eyou'r
esweetandinabli
nkyou'
reChun-
Li"
.

Shelaughedr
eveal
i
ngaper
fectsetoft
eet
h."
Real
l
yChun-
Linow.
IfIam Chun-
Lit
henApr
ilwi
l
lbe
Jacki
eChan".

Ilaughedtoobecauset
hesoundofherl
aught
erwascont
agi
ous.
"Howso.
IsApr
ilev
enwor
se
thany ou"
"Sheiswor se.Sheisgoodi nmar ti
al art
sandboxi ng,
sheisaki ckass,sheusedt otrai
nbackat
thement alasylum wit
ht hepr ovidedf acil
i
ties.Sheprotect
edusbackatt heasyl
um.Guar ds
therehadat endencyofr apingpat ientsbutApr i
lwouldknockt hem off.Sherul
edt he
asylum,theyfearedher.Everyweeki twasv erynor mal f
orhertobeei therelect
rocutedorspend
anightoradayi ntheisolat
ioncel l.Butit
shar dt obel
ieveitbecauseshei ssof
tont he
outside.
Shei ssocool butifyoupr essherwr ongbuttonstheny ouwi l
llooseyourfrontt
eeth.I
fit
wasn' tf
orthef actt
hatshei sinjuredI '
m hundr edpercentsuret hatshewasgoi ngt ofi
ghtthose
guyswhot r
iedt oabducther .
".Shesai d.

"Soy
ouguy
shav
ebeent
oget
herf
orl
ong?
"Iasked.

"
Yesforayearandafewmonthsnowbutwear ever
ytighti
t'
sli
kewehav
eknowneachother
f
orl
ong.Eachofushavedi
ff
erentchar
act
ersbutt
hat'
showwecompl i
menteachot
her
..
.Nicki
--
"

Shest artedtel
li
ngmest ori
esaboutt hei
rday sintheasyl
um althoughshedi dn'ttell
mewhat
theywer ediagnosedwi t
h, shemadei tsoundl ikel
ivi
ngattheasy l
um isanor mal thing.
Byt he
ti
meshewasdonet al
kingIwast i
redoflaughing,Ihaveneverlaughedt hatmuchbef ore.
Peopl ealwayssaidthatim seriousandnev ertakeajokebutwi thJennyi tseemsasi fshewas
pressingmyl aughterbuttonsespeciall
ywi t
ht hestori
esofwhatNi ckiusedt obackatt he
asylum.Fr om thestor
iesshet oldmeIcoul df i
nall
yconcludethatNickiisthedr amaqueen,
Kiaraist hecari
ngmot her,
wellJennyi st
hel oudmout hnotinabadwayandApr ili
st he
cool,unpredi
ctableandsor tofdangerous.Ialsogottoknowt hatAprilandDangerf i
rstmet
whent heysneakedoutoft heasy l
um.
Ishookmyheadl
aughi
ng."
Youguy
swer
eahandf
ul"
.

Shechuckl
ed.
"Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknow"
.

Icheckedt
het
imeandr
eal
i
sedt
hatwehav
esentl
i
ket
wohour
sint
het
reehour
s.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Soany
wayhav
eyouev
erwentt
oseet
het
wins?
"Iasked.

"
Notheorphanagedidn'
tal
l
owmei
nbackt
henwhenIt
ri
edsoI
'
m pr
ett
ysur
etheywi
l
lnotal
l
ow
me"
.Shesaidsadly
.

"Youknowwhatl
et'
sgor
ightnow.
Youneedt
oseet
hem t
heyar
egr
ownnow"
.
Isai
dcl
i
mbi
ngdown.Iwai
tedf
orhert
ocomedownaswel
l
.

*
Gar
eth*

*
"Theeper
fectf
ather
"*

Ipi
ckedupmyphoneasi
twasr
ingi
ngnon-
stop.
"
Moom hel
l
o".Isai
dlazi
l
y.

"Garet
hyourdadisexpect
ingyouthisaf
ternoon,
infacthewasexpecti
ngy
ouher
eyest
erday
whatareyoust
il
ldoi
nginGeorgia"
.Shedidn'
tevenaskhowIwasdoi ng.

"
Pointofcor
rect
ionstepdadnotdad.I
'
m comingmom,I
'
m onmyway,
wil
lyoutel
lyourhusband
t
hatIwil
lbether
elikeinanhourorso.
"Ihungupwit
houthav
ingt
owai
tforhert
oscream atme.

"
Pleasedr
iveal
i
ttl
ebi
tfast
er.
"Ii
nfor
medmychauf
feurandhej
ustnodded.

Ir
eal
l
ywasn'tl
ooki
ngupt oseeMrJohns,
ther
eisseri
ousbadbloodbetweenusandi
tsnot
ev
enfunny
.Theonl
yreasonwhyIwasgoingtothathousewasbecauseofmymom.

Otherwi
seIdidn'twantto.Thatmanshecal lsherhusbandirksme,di
sgustme,hegetsonmy
nervesandont opofthatheknowsI '
m anunexplodedbombbuthekeepsont icki
ngmeof f.
I
usedtobehi sperf
ectonlyson,hi
sgoldenchild,
hi
spridebutital
lendedwhenIwasi nvol
vedin
anaccident,
Ihadfal
lenoffthebalcony.Apparent
lyIhadlostalotofbl
ood,soasafatherhehad
tostepin,t
hat'
swhent hetrut
hcameoutt hatIwasn'
thisson.Mom hadpinnedthepregnancy
onhim.Iwas13whenmyl i
febecameal i
vi
nghorror.

Hehatedme, hev ent

edhi
sangeronmei nmanydisgust
ingunacceptabl
eways.Mom didn'
t
l
eavehim becauseshewantedtomakesur eIhadagoodlife.Al
sosheknewthatMrJonhsasa
mayorandbusi nessmanwit
hdir
tylaundryhewoul
ddefi
nitelymakeourli
vesmiser
ablebut
al
readyhewasmaki ngmyli
femiseral
if
e
Idraggedmyt hought
storeal
it
ywhenmychauf
feurwasaski
ngmet
oscanmyf
inger
pri
nton
thegate.
Iscannedthem andhedr
ovei
nsi
dethebigyar
d.

Af
terf
ivemi
nut
esIwasatt
hef
rontdoor
.

Isighedandscannedmypri
ntsagai
n,
thent
hedooraut
omat
ical
l
yopened.Thehousebrought
thousandsofbi
ttermemor
ies,
themoreIst
eppedi
nthemor
eIfeltmysouldyi
ngmill
i
ondeaths.

Mom sawmeandshebecameecstat
ic.MrJonhswasr
eadi
nganewspaperhej
ustbr
ief
ly
peepedov
eri
tandcont
inuedr
eadi
ng.

"
Moom"
.Isai
dhuggi
nghert
ight
ly.

"
OhhhmyGar
ethImi
ssedy
ousomuch"
Shesai
dki
ssi
ngmeal
lov
ert
hef
ace.

Il
ookedatt
heol
dmansi
tt
ingont
heexpensi
vecouch.
"MrJonhs"
.Isai
d
Hel
ookedatmewithanevi
lsmir
k."
MrJohnsJnr
.Iwasj
ustr
eadi
ngabouty
ou"
.Hesai
dfol
ding
t
hepaperandt
hrowi
ngitonthet
able.

Mom sensedt
hetensi
onbetweenus.
"OhhGarethdearyoumustbeexhaust
edpl
easego
upst
air
sandfr
eshenupthenjoi
nusforalat
elunch.
"Shesai
d.

Ifr
ownedt hinkingabouttheroom upst
air
s.Ipr
eferr
edtofreshenupinoneofthe
guestrooms. AfterIwasdone,Iwentandjoi
nedthem on.t
hebor i
nglat
elunch.
Wehadt
oabi
deby
thetablerules,soonlythefol
ksandknifesmadet henoi
se.

Atti
meslikethisImi
ssmyguy
s,Lewi
scoul
dhav
ebeendanci
ngont
opoft
het
abl
ewi
thJon
cheer
inghim on.

MrJonhsst
oppedeati
ng."
MrConnel
ly'
ssonSebasti
angotmar
riedl
astweek.
Itwasr
eal
l
ya
gr
eatweddi
ngindeed.
Herwif
eisf
rom aver
yrespect
abl
efami
ly
".
Sowhatol
dman,
whocar
esaboutt
hat
.Myi
nnerv
oicescr
eamed.

Noonecomment
ed,
hecont
inuedeat
ingwi
thoutsay
ingat
hing.

Het
henst
oppedagai
n.

"I
tsagoodpol i
cyforanambitiousyoungbusinessmanaswel lasthemay or
's"son"li
keyou
Garethtohaveakindofmar r
iagewhi chiscaref
ull
yor
ganizedandbusinessl
ikepolit
ical
patnershi
p,amarr
iagewhereitisautomatical
l
yacknowledgedthatyourworkandt hereput
ati
on
ofthisfamil
ycomesf i
rst
."
Theanalytical
control
li
ngsi
deoft hi
soldmanwasst art
ingtoshow
now.

Il
ostmyappet
it
eandwi
pedmymout
hwi
thanapki
n.

"I
'
m myownman, Iknowexact
lyt
hekindofmar r
iageIhaveinmi
nd.Don'
ti
nter
fer
e,t
hisai
n'
tone
ofyourdi
rt
ybusi
nessdeal
snorisitapol
i
tical
issue".Isai
dfi
rml
y.

Helaughedsarcasti
cal
ly
."Whatki
ndofamarri
agewoul
dthatbebecauset
helastt
imeI
checkedyoudon'tevenhaveagir
lf
ri
endandev
enify
ouhappentohaveone,
youneedmy
approval
."
Ist
oodupinanger
."
You'r
enotgoi
ngtocont
rol
mylifeSam Johnsyouhear
.Mylif
emyr ul
es.
I
wil
lbedamnedtoseeyourui
nmylif
eevenmorebecauseyou'
vedoneenough"
Isaidf
ir
mly.

Mom t
ri
edt
ocal
m medown.
"Gar
etht
hisi
syourf
atherr
especthi
m."

Ishouted."
Nomom no. .
notagai
n.Heisnotmyf at
herandeveryoneinhereknowsthat
.I
'mti
red
ofhim control
l
ingmyl i
feli
keI'
m somerobot.
Ihadtodobusinessbecausehewantedmet o.
I
hadtost udypoli
ti
csbecausehewantedmet o,nowhewantst ochoosethekindofmarri
age
needautomat i
call
ythatmeanshewi l
lbechoosi
ngawi f
eforme. I
'm notl
ett
ingt
hathappen"
.

Hestoodupcalmly
."Kel
l
yyouspoi
lthi
sboyt
oomuch.
Iwi
l
lbei
nmyst
udy
.Knocksomesenses
i
ntohishead.
"Hedi
sappear
edupst
airs.
"Whati
swrongwi
thy
ouGar
eth,
hei
sdoi
ngal
lthi
sfory
ou.
Hewant
sthebestf
ory
ou"
.Mom
scr
eamed.

Iwasagi t
ated.
"Thebestf
ormey ousay.
..Hewantsthebestforme..
him?Areyouser i
ousl
y
kiddi
ngmer i
ghtnow.Hehasbeencontr
olli
ngmylif
easl ongasIrememberandy ousaythat'
s
thebestforme.DoIlookl
ikea13yearoldboytoyou?I'
m 29yearsol
dmom f orcr
y i
ngoutloud.I
don'tgetwhyhebadlywantstomoldmei ntoaper
fectsonI'
m nothisson.
"

Sheslappedme."
Hemadey outobewhoyou'
retoday
.Ev
enaf t
erknowingthaty
ou'r
enothisson
hesti
lldi
dn'
tthr
owusouthetookcar
eofus.You'
rewhoyou'r
etodaythankstohim orel
seyou
coul
dhav ebeennot
hingmyson.Wecoul
dhavebeenont hestr
eets"
.

Ibitt
erl
ysi ghed.
"You'
rerightaboutonet hingmom, hemademewhoIam t oday.Hemademe
hatemy sel
fmom becauseoft hethingsthathedi dtome, hecr ushedme, hedest r
oyedmyself
esteem buty ou'
retooblindt oseethat.
Youdon' thavet hesl i
ght estideaofwhathedi dthat
's
whyy ou'rethisbli
nd.
Yout hinklet
ti
ngusst ayhereafterknowi ngt hetruthaboutmewasoutof
thegoodnessofhi shearthuh? Well
hedi dittosav ehisr eputat i
on, t
osav ehi spoli
ti
calposi
ti
on,
hedidi tbecauseheusedt oshowy ouof flikeatrophywi f
ethat '
swhyt het r
uthaboutmy
i
dent i
tywasnev erdi
scl
osed. Hewant edtosav ehisselfishass. Idon'tknowwhaty ouseefr
om
thatfi
lthyselfi
shbustardyoucal lahusband.I '
mleav i
ng, Ican' tst ayforanot hersecondhereorI
wi
l
lpuke"
.Ist
ormedoutbecauseIcoul
dn'
ttakei
tany
mor
e.

Igav
emychauf
feurmoneyt
ocal
lanubert
hent
ookmycar
.Ineededt
obeal
one.

Wi
thi
n30mi
nsIwasbacki
nGeor
gia.

Idr
ovet
odownt
ownanddeci
dedt
ogot
othef
amousI
tal
i
arest
aur
antLewi
sal
way
stal
ksabout
.

Iparkedmycarabdpeopl
ewer ejustgi
vi
ngmethelooksl
i
keIwasanal
i
enorsomet
hing.I
walkedint
other
estaur
ant
,lucki
lytheywer
eaveryf
ewpeoplei
nsi
de.

If
oundatabl
eatthecor
nerandsatdown.Icov
eredmyf
acewi
thmyhandsandsi
ghed.Thi
s
wastoomuchnow,i
thadtostop.

"
Goodaf
ter
noonsi
rhowcanIhel
pyou.
?"Av
oicest
art
ledmeandi
tsoundedsof
ami
l
iar
.

Il
ookedupandhereyesmetmi
ne.Shewaswear
ingay
ell
owdr
esswi
thawhi
teapr
onandwas
hol
dingat
inynot
ebookandapen.

Ilaughedl
i
ker
eal
l
ylaughed."
Andy
ouj
usthadshowupatat
imel
i
ket
his.
Godhowcanone'
s
facebethi
smi
xedup".

Itwasnonot
herthanKiar
a.Wel
lhowcanIf
orgether
,especi
all
ythecut
eli
tt
lef
rownshemakes
eachti
meIoffendher
.
Shef
rownedagai
n."HowcanIhel
pyouGar
eth?
"Shesai
dsoundi
ngannoy
ed.

Il
ookedt
heot
herway
."Idon'
tknowhowy
oucanhel
pme.
"

Shecamecl
oset
omyf
ace.
"Whodi
dthi
stoy
ou.
Yourcheeki
ssor
edandswol
l
en"
.

It
ouchedmycheekandr
emember
edmom'
ssl
ap.

"
Giv
emeasecondIwi
l
lbeback"
.Shewal
kedawayl
eav
ingmei
nmyownt
hought
s.
Shecamebackmi
nut
esaf
terwi
thabowl
whi
chhadwat
erandanapki
nini
t.

"Letmet
akeal
ookati
t.
"Shesai
dhol
dingmycheek.

"
Wowt
hisl
ookspr
ett
ybad.
Whoev
erdi
dthi
sknewwhatt
heywer
edoi
ng"
.

Shesai
dgent
lywi
pingmycheekwi
thanapki
nwhi
chwassoakedi
nwar
m wat
er.

Ihi
ssedasIfel
tasti
ngi
ngsensat
ion.
."Sor
rytheyprobabl
yslappedyouwit
har
ingonsoy
ou
haveabrui
seandIal
soaddedali
ttl
ebitofsalt
,nowonderit
'
sst i
ngi
ng."

Shesai
d.

Nowaf
ewpeopl
ethatwer
eint
her
est
aur
antwer
elooki
ngatus.

"
Ain'
tyousupposedt
obet
aki
ngcar
eoft
hecust
omer
s?"Iasked.
"
It
sal
readymyknockof
fti
me.
Myshi
ftj
ustended"Shesai
dhandi
ngmeapacketoff
rozenpeas.

"
Placet
hatony
ourcheek,
i
twi
l
lreducet
heswel
l
ing.
Youal
soneedanoi
ntmentf
ort
her
edey
e".

"Thanky
ousomuch"
Isai
d.

Shesmi
l
edandsatdown."
Car
etot
alkabouti
t,I
'
m av
erygoodl
i
stenery
ouknow"
.

Isi
ghed.
"NoI
'
m cool
umm ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne"
.

Shel
ookedri
ghti
ntomyey es.
Shehasthosebeaut
if
ulbi
gbrowneyes,
thoseki
ndofey
eswhi
ch
youf
eell
iket
heyarest
arr
ingintoy
oursoul.
Shewhisper
ed.
"You'
rel
yi
ng".
Isi
ghedandl
ookedawaybr
eaki
ngt
heey
econt
act
.

Wesatt
her
eincomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.

Thenshesai
d."
Apr
obl
em shar
edi
sapr
obl
em sol
ved.
Ipr
omi
senott
ojudge"
.

Ichuckl
ed.
"Tot
hewor
ldI
'
m myf
ather
'ssonbuti
nreal
i
tyI
'
m nothi
ssonatal
l
.Im MrJohn'
sst
ep
son".

Itensedwai
ti
ngforhertogasp,t
obeshocked,tobejawdr opped,tol
ookatmewi ththeeyes
thatsay"
soyou'
reanill
egi
timateson"butIgotnoneoft hereact
ionIexpect
ed.I
nsteadshehel
d
myhandsoftl
yrubbeditassur
ingthatshewasst i
l
lli
stening.

"Anywayt ocutt helongstoryshort.

Wenev ergotalongaft
erhefoundoutthatIwasnothi
s
biol
ogicalson.Hecont rol
ledmyl i
fe,di
dalotofthi
ngst omeandr i
ghtnowIfeell
ikeI
'
m aboutt
o
explode.Ihavebeenst rongfor16y earsnowkeepingupwi t
hhisshitbutnowIhaver
eachedmy
breakingpoint.Ijustcan'
ttakeitany mor
e."Ibr
eathedheavil
y.
Shehel
dmyhand.
"Comeony
ouneedsomeai
r"
.

"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"Iasked.

"RelaxI'
m notkidnappingy ou.Ij
ustfeel
li
key ouneedsomeai r,
youneedabr eather.
Alr
eadyi
ts
clearthatyou'
rehar dl
ysleepingbecausetheey ebagsarev i
sibl
e.Andifsomeonei shar
dly
sleepi
ngi tmeanst heyarenoteat i
ngwel l
too.Wear et
akingast rol
lok,t
herei
st hi
sareawher
e
thereisfreshbreeze"Shesai dleadi
ngthewayaswewal kedoutoft herest
aurant.

Wewal
kedadi
stancei
ncomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.

Thenshelookedatmeandsi ghed.
"Therewasat i
mei nmyl if
ewher eIbot
tl
edthi
ngsupand
neverwantedtoconf
idei
nany oneit
snothealthyGareth.
Itswrit
tenall
overyourf
acethatther
e
i
ssomucht hantowhatyou'r
elet
ti
ngout .
Youdon'thavetoputonapokerf acebecauseyou'r
e
afr
aidpeoplewil
lj
udgeyou.Youdon'thavetoputonapl asti
csmi l
ebecauseyoudon'
twant
peopl
et oworr
yaboutyou.
I'
m notsayingshowev er
yonethatyou'r
esadbutdon'tpret
endrather
bewithsomeonewhoy oucanconfideinandifther
eisnonet hendosomethingthatkeepsyour
mindoffthi
ngs.
Don'
tsweepthingsunderthecarpetbecauseit'
snotheal
thyatall
,y
ouwi l
lend
upfeel
ingli
keyoushoul
drunawayf rom yourownthoughts.
Ihavebeentheretr
ustme" .

Herwordswerel
ikethatsoothi
ngmedi
cineIneededIfel
tlessbur
dened.WhenIf
ir
stmetherI
honest
lynev
erguessedthatshewoul
dsaysuchcomf ort
ingwords.

Il
ookedatherandshelookedbackatme.Il
aughed.
"Goshdon'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
haty
ougotbi
g
br
ownbeautif
uleyesandtheyaresooi
nti
midati
ng."

Shelaughed."
Ithoughtyousai
dI'
m ugl
y,y
oumademef
eel
li
ket
her
eisnot
hingbeaut
if
ulonmy
facebutLordGodbiggerwasbusychecki
ngmeout
"

Ilaughed."
YouwishIwaschecki
ngy
ouout
.Butany
wayt
hankssomuchIf
eel
lessbur
dened
you'r
ereall
ygoodwit
hwords."
Shesmil
ed.
"I
'm al
waysherewhenyouwannatal
kok.
Ialsoknowthatthefactt
haty
ou'
rean
i
ll
egi
ti
matechil
dissomethi
ngthatshoul
dn'
tbedi
scl
osed.Iwi
ll
keepitthatway"
.

*
**

*
Saul
*

*
"Inaj
ail
madeofgol
denbar
s".
*

Justl
i
keanyotherdayIhadtowaitf
ormywif
ewhil
eshushi
ngAli
na.
Thenunnyhadlonggone
homesincehershi
fthadendedat6.
NowEvewasn'
thomeyetandAl
inawascry
ingnonstop.

Shewas6monthsforcr
yingoutl
oudsheneededhermot
herbyhersi
debutt
hent
hisi
sEv
e
workscomef
ir
st.
Hercareeri
simport
ant.

Ihadbathedandf
eedAl
i
nabutt
hegi
rlneededhermot
her
.Isatdownnotknowi
ngwhatt
odo
anymore.
Idraggedmyt houghts9yearsback.Iwasj usta22y earoldambi ti
ouslawy erwi t
hav erypoor
backgroundanddi dn'
thavealuxuriousl i
fetooffermyf ami l
ywhobadl yneededt hehigh
l
ifest
yle.ImetMrKennet hJacksonbecauseappar entl
yIwasassi gnedt ofighthissonKennet h
Jnr'
sassaul tcase.Iwonthecasef ortunatel
yandhecamet omewi thanof fer.Heaskermet o
mar r
yEv ebecauseshewasav erystubbor nchil
dandv er
yspoi l
t.
Irefusedpoi ntbl
ankbuthe
wenttomyf ami l
yandof f
eredthepr oposal andwiththegr eedyfamilyIhadt heyagr eed.Idi
dn'
t
gaveachoi cet hantomar r
yEveandal readyshewaspr egnantwi t
hMax' schild.Iaskedherto
keepthechi ldbutEv ebei
ngstubbor nsheabor ted.I
twasn'teasyt oli
v ewithEv ebutIgr ownto
l
ov eherstubbor nnessbecausethat'swhoshei s.
Slowlythef eel
ingbecamemut ual.

Howeveronceagaini
twashar dtoconvincehert
ohaveachil
dbecausehermodell
ingcar
eer
wouldbeaff
ected.Af
terni
nelongy ear
sshef i
nal
l
yagreedandthat
'showwegotourbeauti
ful
Al
ina.
Butaft
erAliwasconceivedEvebecamemor ehardandevenwentasfarasr
efusi
ngto
br
eastf
eedthebabysayingthatitwoul
dmakeherboobssaggy .

Shebecamedist
antandrarelywant
stohavesexwi
thmebutbecausei
tsEv
eyouwoul
dnev
er
knowshemightbegoingthroughsomet
hing.

Igotbackt
othepresentbecauseoft
hedoorwhi
chwassl
ammed. Al
i
nahadf
inal
l
ydr
if
tedt
o
l
alal
andbutbecausei
fthenoiseshewokeupandst
art
edcr
ying.

Ev
ewal
kedi
nandt
hrewher
sel
font
hecouch.

"
Gethert
oherr
oom shei
smaki
ngal
otofnoi
se"Shedemanded.

Ist
art
edshushi
ngherandthankst
othepaci
fi
ershedr
if
tedof
ftosl
eepagai
n.Iwentupst
air
s
andpl
acedheri
nhercotbed.
If
oundEv
eint
heki
tcheneat
ingherl
atedi
nner
.

"
It
s9pm Ev
ewher
ewer
eyou.
Doy
ouev
enknowt
haty
ou'
reamot
her
".Isai
dfi
rml
y.

"Pl
easedon'
tfr
ust
rat
emeIhadav
eryl
ongday
."Shehi
ssed.

"Tr
yingtoknocksomesenseintoyourheadi
sfr
ust
rat
ingy
ounow.
Evedoy
our
eal
i
zet
haty
ou'
re
bei
ngi mmaturer
ightnow"
Ishouted.

Shesnif
fed.
"Ithi
nkIhavetocallmydad.
What'swrongwit
hy ouSaul.
It
sjustababyok,Ihave
worktodoshegotananny .Shoul
dibeahousewif
ebecauseIagreedtogivebi
rthtoyourchil
d.I
don'
tthi
nkdaddywouldwantt oheart
hatyou'
ret
ryingt
oforcemet oputmycareeronhol d
becauseofyoursel
fi
shness."
Asal
way
sifwehav
eani
ssueshecr
awl
sbackt
oherdaddyanddaddywi
l
lfi
ghtherbat
tl
es.

Isi
ghed.

"
It
smybad,
I
'm sor
rybabeok.
"

Iwentt
oourr
oom andsatont
hebal
cony
.

Ihear
dhercomi
ngi
nandgoi
ngt
otheshower
.It
henhadani
nst
antboner
.

I
tsbeenl
ongsi
nceIf
eltmywi
fe'
swar
m cooki
e.

No-brainer.
Menneedsex. Wel oveit
.Ain'
tnothingonthisplanetlikeit
,nothi
ngelsewewantt hat
badoncont i
nuousdailybasisnothi
ngelse.Speakingformy selfIsimplycannotli
vewithout
i
t.Takemyhouse, takemyj obbutpleasedon' thol
doutont ot hecooki e.
Ineedthecookie.Ineed
tobephy si
call
yengagedwi t
ht hewomanIl ov e.
Iconnectwithmywomandur ingtheact,Iplugi
n
andr echarge.Don'
tplaymeshor tinthatarea.Unfor
tunatel
yEv ehadbeenhol dingoutint othe
cookie,shehasbeendepr i
vingme.

AnywayIheardhercomingoutoft
heshowerandaft
erawhi
l
etheTVwasswitchedon.
Shewas
bi
ngewat chi
ngTheKardashi
ans.
Isweari
fIcoul
d,
Iwoul
ddef
ini
tel
ysuet
hatf
ami l
y,mywif
ewas
soobsessed.

Iwentv
eryt
othebedandgent
lyt
appedhershoul
derf
orat
tent
ion.
Shefrowned.
"Ihadt
ohittheroadtowor k,
gonetobattl
ewithmycowor ker
sandbossar oundf
or
ei
ghthourswithnot
hingbutaninadequateunsat
isf
yingfif
teenmi nutesl
unch.If
inall
yknocked
offanddropi
ntobedexhaustedandI'm hal
fwaythr
oughmyf avourit
eshow,Ij
ustwannazone
outandhereyouarewithashouldert
ap,aski
ngforsex.I
tsjustannoyingSaul.
I'
mf ucken
ti
red"
.Shesai
d.

Ibreathedheav i
ly
."I'
mt iredt oooftheshoul dertapEv e.Ihadwor kedalldayj ustasmuchasy ou
didorev enmor ebutIwashopi ngthatwhenIgethomeIwi llwor kwithy oui nbedal it
tlel onger
becauseI '
mf oreverbusy ,
Igotacompanyt orun,Igotaschedul et okeep.I'
m ont her unt oo.ButI
neverwantt odepr i
vey oursexual needsbecauseIappeart obewor kahol i
c.Likehowy ouneed
towi nddownf rom yourdaybywat chingyourfav ouri
teshow. Ialsoneedt owi nddownby
maki nglovetomywoman. You'r
ealway sti
redofhav ingsexwi thmeandi m alsot i
redofnot
havingsexwi thyou.LordknowsIhav etri
edt ogety oumot ivatedt ogivemet hecooki e,from
romant i
cdinnerstoev erythinghumanl ypossibleandy ou'r
est i
llcomingupwi threasonswhy
youcan'tjustbeintimat ewi t
hme. SinceAliwasbor nIj ustatemycooki et wiceandy ouwer e
drunkonbot hoccasi ons.LookI '
m notsomeani mal buty ou'redepr i
vingmeher eandit snot
fai
r".

Igr
abbedmyj
acketandwal
kedt
hedoor
.

"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"Sheasked.
"
Whi
l
eyouunwi
ndt
oyourf
avour
it
eshow,
Iwi
l
lunwi
ndoutoft
hehouse"
.Isai
dfi
rml
y.

"
Pleasebabest
op"Shesai
d.

Endofchapt
er1 7

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er1 8

Apr
il
.

*
"Yessi
r"
.*
Iwassi
tt
ingwithNicki
int
heloungeandshewasbusyblabber
ingasal
waysnonstopbutIwas
deadworr
ied.
Kiar
aandJennywerenotyetbackhomeanditwaspastei
ghtal
ready
.

"
Arey
ouev
enl
i
steni
ngt
ome"
.Ni
cki
askedsoundi
ngannoy
ed.

"Sor
rywhatwer
eyousay
ing?
".Iaskedl
ooki
ngather
.

Shef
rowned.
"Idon'
tgetwhyy
ou'
resowor
ri
edaboutJont
haty
ou'
renotev
enl
i
steni
ngt
ome"
.
Il
aughed.
"NoI'm nott
hinki
ngaboutJon,whyshoul
dI ?
I'm wor
ri
edaboutKi
araandJenny
.Thei
r
cel
lsar
eswitchedoffandtheyhaveneverbeenthi
slate"
.

Shef
urr
owedherf
orehead.
"Theyar
epr
obabl
yget
ti
ngl
aidwhyshoul
dyoubesowor
ri
ed.
"

Bef
oreIcoul
drepl
yhersomeoner
angt
hebel
l
.Ni
cki
wentt
oopensi
nceIwasi
njur
ed.

Shecamei
nwi
thJennyandMax
.Okaay
,Idi
dn'
tseet
hisonecomi
ng.

If
oldedmyar
msl
ooki
ngatJenny
.Shegav
emeapuppysmi
l
e,t
hatonewhi
chsoot
hesme.

"
IknowIpr
obabl
ygoty
ouwor
ri
ed.
Wel
ostt
rackoft
ime"
.

Ij
ustsmil
edshakingmyhead."Sor
ryf
orbei
ngI
'
llmanner
ed.
Maxpl
easef
eel
athome.
WhatcanI
of
feryoucof
fee,
juiceorwat
er?"
"Ohhhumm I
'm notstay
ingIjustcamet
odr
opherof
f.
Iwi
l
lbel
eav
ingnow.Youguy
ssl
eepwel
l
okay"
.Maxsai
dr eadytoleav
e.

Ni
cki
blockedhi
sway .
"Di
dyouguy
satleastusedpr
otect
ion.
"Heri
ntent
ionwast
owhi
speronl
y
t
oMaxbutwel l
Nicki
isNi
ckiweal
lhear
dit.

Ihav
etosaythi
sIhaveneverseenaguybl
ushbef
orebuti
m cer
tai
nIsawMax'
sfacef
lushi
ng.I
don'
tknowwhatcal
lthat
.

Anywayhechuckl
ed.
"JennyandIdi
dn'
tengagei
ntoany
thi
ngl
i
ket
hatwewer
eatt
heor
phanage,
seei
ngthet
wins".

"OhhokayIwil
lbel
iev
eitfornowbutI'
m cert
ainsomethi
nghappenedbetweeny
ouguy
s.I
tsj
ust
ahunch,
Idon'
thaveevi
denceyet.
"Ni
ckisai
dlookingv
eryclosel
yatJenny
.
Maxj
ustcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
."
Ummm Iwi
l
lleav
enow"
.

Hewal
kedt
othedoorandwhenhewasaboutt
oopen,
thebel
lrangagai
n.

Heopenedi
tGar
ethandKi
arawal
kedi
n.

Idi
dn'
tseet
hisonecomi
ngei
ther
.

Ni
cki
fol
dedherar
ms."
Wonder
sshal
lnev
erend"
.Shesai
dshaki
ngherhead.

MaxandGaret
hlookedateachot
herl
i
ket
heywer
ecommuni
cat
ingwi
tht
hei
rey
esandt
hen
t
heyshoul
derbumped.Okay.
"Umm hel
l
oguy
sIj
ustcamet
odr
opKi
kiof
f".
Gar
ethsai
d.

"
Kiki
!!
!"Ni
cki
andIexcl
aimedatonce.

"
Sheal
readygotapetname,
manandwhendi dal
lthi
shappenbecausethel
astt
imeIchecked
y
ouguyswereateachother
'st
hroat
,r
eadyt
omurdereachother
?"Nicki
asked

Garet
hjustsmil
ed.
"Ij
ustwant
edtogetint
oherner
vesother
wiseInevermeantanyoft
het
hings
Isai
dtoher.Any
wayumm wewi l
ll
eave.Goodni
ghtandKiki
Iwil
ltextyou.
Bye"
.

MaxandGar
ethwal
kedout
.

Icl
appedmyhandsandl
aughed.
"Outwi
thi
tgi
rl
swhatdi
dwemi
ss.
Jennyy
ougof
ir
st?
"
Shelaughed,blushinginprocess.
"Wel l
MaxandIcamet oanunder standi
ng.Heisadopti
ngthe
twinsandIwi l
l beall
owedt oseet hem.Wewentt otheorphanaget odayanditwashardguys
formet ojustwal kovertothetwinsandsayI '
m back.
Maxhadt odoal otofconvi
nci
ngand
fi
nall
yIgatheredt hecouragetowal kov ert
othem.Theyweresohappyt oseemeandt heyl
ove
Maxguy s.I
'm sodel i
ghtedthatfi
nallyt
histhi
ngthathasbeenstressingmei sfi
nal
lygoi
ngtohe
settl
ed.
"Shesmi l
ed.

Nickirai
sedherey
ebrows."
Yesy
ou'
rehappybutIcan'
thel
pbutt
hinkt
hatt
her
eissomet
hing
you'r
enottel
li
ngus."

"
Isecondy
ouont
hatNi
cki
".Isai
d.

Jennycoul
dn'
tbl
ushi
ng.
"Wel
lMaxki
ssedme"
.
Myeyespopped.
"Saywhatnow.
.y
oudi
dwhat
..
.how.
..
why.
..
damny
ouguy
s..
.OkayIdi
dn'
tsee
t
hatonecoming.
"

Shechuckl
ed.
"Hedidn'
tdoitbecausehewant
edt
othough.Hej
ustwat
ert
opr
oveapoi
nt,
he
want
edt ospi
tesomegirl
."

"
Andhowdi
dyouf
eel
aboutt
hat
."Iasked.

"Ihadbut t
erf
li
es,Ihav
etoadmi t
.LookIhavebeenki
ssedwithsomanyguy soutt
her
e,Ihave
beentouched,Ihavebeendisgr
acedb-butwhenMaxheldmeandki ssedmeitfel
tsoright.
..
li
ke
everyt
hingwasf all
i
ngInt
lpl
easeanddon' tknowwhattot
hinkany
mor ebecausemanyt houghts
arerunninginmyheadr i
ghtnow."
Ni
cki l
aughedandcl
apped.
"Fort
herecordMaxandLewisare32year
soldandyou'
re21y
ear
s
ol
d,Idon'
tknowhowitworksbutokay.Inev
ert
houghtIwoul
dli
vetoseeJennybl
ushi
ng"
.

Ir
eal
i
zedsomet
hingwasof
fwi
thKi
ara.
Shewasawf
ull
yqui
et.

"
Kiar
awhat
'swr
ong?
"

Shesi
ghed.
"I
tsGar
eth"
.

Nicki
fur
rowedherforehead.
"Whatdi
dhedonow,
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hatbecausehet
oldy
ouy
ou'
re
uglyi
twil
lgety
outhisbad."
Kiar
ajustsmi
l
edshaki
ngherhead.
"Fort
her
ecor
dhet
oldmeIhav
ebeaut
if
uley
esandhedi
dn'
t
real
l
ymeananyofwhathesaid"
.

"
Okaywehear
dthatwhataboutGar
eth?
"Iasked.

"Ican'thelpbutt ofeelthatsomet hingisnotrightinhisli

fe.Thereissomucht owhathei s
l
ettingout .
Hewal kedintodayatI t
aliayoucoul dseehewassol ostandhewaswor r
ied.
Ifeel
l
ikesomet hi
nghappenedI '
m hisli
fe,somethingbigv erybigbutIcan'tputmyfingeronit.I
knowi tsoundsr i
dicul
ous,Ijustmethi m andalreadyI'
m pryingintohisbusi
nessbutt her
ei sthi
s
urge,t
hisachet hatmay beIshouldandmay beIcanhel p.
Wet alkedtodayandwat chedstars
together,her eall
yisagr eatpersonbuthehi dessomanyemot i
onsbehindasmi l
eandi tsreall
y
notheal t
hy .
"Shesai d.

Isighed.
"That'
sexactl
yhowIf eelwheneverI'
m withJon.Hegi
vesmethisvi
bey ouknow.Ther
e
aretimeswhenI'm wit
hhim andIfeelli
keI'm wi
thsomeoneelseandnothim.I
tfeelssometype
ofway ,
Idon'
tknowhowt oexplainitbutanywayIdon'twannadwel
lmuchont hat,
Ihavea
missionandIdon'twantanythi
ngtodisturbmesoIwi llmindmybusi
ness.Howev er
somet i
mesIwisht her
ewasn'tanyofthesesituat
ions,mehavi
ngtodigi
ntohisbusiness
maybewecoul
dhavebeenver
ygoodfr
iends.
I'
m scar
edthough,
whati
fhefi
ndsoutt
hatI
'
m
goi
ngtospyonhi
m.Hehasbeensoni
cetomebutany wayIcan'
tbackoutnow."

Jennyhel
dmyhands."
May
beIcanhel
p,
Icanbey
ourconf
ident
ial
inf
ormant
,Icandi
gout
i
nformati
onf
rom Max.
"

Ishookmyhead. "Nononodon'tevenJennyyouhearme.Thi
ngshavebeenfi
nal
lyl
ooki
ngupf
or
you,
don'tr
uinitbecauseyouwanttohelpme.I
nfactnoneofyoushoul
d,doyou
underst
and?Thisismyf i
ghtandIwil
lfi
ghtal
one.
IfImessup,
thenitwi
l
lonlybeonmeok."

Il
ookedatt
hem andt
heywer
en'
tbudgi
ng,
theycanbest
ubbor
nift
heywantt
obe.

"
Isai
ddoy
ouunder
standmegi
rl
s".

"Buty
ouhav
eal
way
sbeent
her
eforusApr
il
.Atl
eastal
l
owust
ohel
p."
Jennysai
d.
"
Nogi
rl
s,
youwi
l
lnoti
nter
fer
eont
hisone.
IhopeIhav
emademy
sel
fcl
ear
."

Isai
dfi
rml
yandt
heyal
lnodded.

Thi
swasn'
tgoingt
obeanyeasytaskyesbutIdi
dn'
twantt
oinv
olv
ethem.
Theywer
efi
nal
l
y
get
ti
ngt
heirl
i
vestoget
her
.Thi
ngswerelooki
nguptothem.

Il
ookedatNi
cki
."
Any
wayKi
aradoy
oubuyanychanceconsi
dert
alki
ngt
oyourf
ami
l
y?"

Shefr
owned.
"TheyabandonedmewhenIneededt
hem t
hemost
.Theyexpel
l
edmef
rom home.
You'
remyfamil
ynow"

"
FineIwon'
tdwel
lmuchont
hat
.Let
'
sgot
osl
eep"
.Isai
d.
*
Twoweeksl
ater
*

Thepastdayshav ebeensorockyforme.Mygirl
swer emadatme,theyreal
l
ywantedtohel
pbut
Iwasn'tgoi
ngtoletthem.
Well MaxandJennywer eseei
ngeachotherGodknowswhysans
appli
eswithGaret
handKi ar
a.AsformeandJonwehar dl
ycommuni cat
edbutwerecent
ly
tal
kedbecausehehadt otakemet othehospi
talsothatt
heplast
erwouldberemoved.

Ar
ound2pm hecamet
opi
ckmeup.

"Joni
sher
efory
ou"
.Ni
cki
shout
edf
rom t
heki
tchen.

Ismiledandl
ookedatmysel
fonthemirr
oronemoreti
me.
Ineverpai
dattent
iontomyimage
buttodayIj
ustf
eltl
i
keIshoul
d.Iwasweari
nganabov
ethekneesfl
oral
cutedresswi
thno
shoesonbecauseofthepl
ast
er.
Ki
arawal
kedi
nwhi
l
eIwasst
ruggl
i
ngt
oti
emybul
kyl
onghai
rint
oapony
tai
l
.

"
Hmmm y
ou'
rel
ooki
nggoodbutmakei
tqui
ckJoni
sal
readyget
ti
ngi
mpat
ient
.

"Iwi
l
lbef
asti
fyouhel
pmet
yingmyhai
rnow"
Isai
d.

"
Whydon'
tyoul
eti
tloose.
"Sheasked.

"
BecauseIt
hinkIl
ookmor
ebeaut
if
ulwi
thmyhai
rti
ed.
"Isai
d.
Shelaughed.
"You'
ret
helastper
sonwhowor
ri
edabouthowt
heyl
ook,
car
etoexpl
ainwhat
's
happeni
ngnow. "
Shesai
dtyingmyhai
r.

"
Not
hingi
shappeni
ng.
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing,
taki
ngmycr
utchesandl
i
mpi
ngmywayt
otheki
tchen.

If
oundJonseati
ngontheki
tchenchai
rsbusyl
aughi
ngt
oNicki
'
sj okes.
Ifel
tsometypeofwayI
meanhewasn'tt
alki
ngt
omet hepastdaysandnowhei
sbusylaughingtoNicki
'
sjokes.

OkwhatwasIt
hinki
ngi
tsnotl
i
kehewasobl
i
gedt
otal
ktomeev
ery
dayany
way
.

"
You'
rel
ooki
ngsocr
oss,
whatar
eyout
hinki
ng"
.Ni
cki
'
svoi
cedr
aggedmyt
hought
sbackt
o
r
eal
it
y.

"Ummm i
tsnot
hing.
."Il
ookedatJonwhowasj
ustst
arr
ingatme.
Hest
oodupandcamet
ome.

"You'
rel
ooki
ngdi
ff
erentbuti
nagoodway
.Howev
erIpr
eferseei
ngy
ouwi
thy
ourhai
rdown.
"

Hesai
dremov
ingt
her
ibbont
hatKi
arahadt
iedmyhai
rwi
th.

"
Nowt
hat
'smor
eli
kei
t.
Shal
lwego"
.

Hesai
d.

"
Yessur
elet
'sgo.
Ican'
twai
ttogett
hist
hingof
fmyl
eg.
"Isai
d

Hel
edmet
ohi
scaranddr
oveof
f.

Ont
hewaywewer
einuncomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.

"Umm I'm sor

ryfornotchecki
ngonyout
hepastf
ewday
sIwasbusywi
thwor
kandmy
personalt
oo.I
'm sorr
yreal
ly"Hesai
d.
Isighedsadl
y.
"I
tsnotl
i
key
ouwer
eobl
i
gedt
ocheckuponmeev
erynowandt
hen.
Youhav
ea
l
ifetoo".

"
Buty
ou'
rei
nthi
scondi
ti
onbecauseofme"
.Hesai
d.

Iwasagit
ated."Jonareyoudoingthi
sbecauseyoufeelguit
lyandyoufeell
i
keit
sy ourdut
yor
you'
redoi
ngt hi
sbecauseitsyourhumanit
y.Al
lthecareeveryt
hingyoudi
dtheotherdaywasi
t
becauseyou'
resortofli
kefeelf
orcedtodoso".

Hestoppedthecarandlookedatmewi thanger
."
Seri
ousl
yr i
ghtnow,am It
hatbadt
oyou,doyou
t
hinkIwoulddothatbecauseIfeelgui
l
ty.Wel
lIdi
dthatbecauseIwantedtoandIwantedtosee
youhappy.
Whydoy ouwomenal wayshavetobesocompl i
cated"
.Hesai
ddr i
vi
ngagai
n.
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngIj
ustl
ookedoutoft
hewi
ndow.Idi
dn'
tunder
standwhyIhadj
ustsnapped
ear
li
er.

Wearri
vedatthehospi
tal
andwentst
raighttothedoct
or.
Theydidn'
twast
eti
meandremoved
t
heplast
er,
thenwashedmyleg.
Theyprescri
bedsomepainki
ll
ersformesi
nceIwasst
il
ll
impi
ng
abi
t.

Af
terev
ery
thi
ngwasdonewewentbackt
othecar
,wewer
est
il
lnott
alki
ng.

"
Arey
ouok.
?"Heaskedwhi
l
efocusi
ngont
her
oad.

Ir
oll
ed.
"I
sther
eanyr
easonwhyIshoul
dn'
tbe?
"

Hejustchuckl
ed.
"Okayumm I
'
m goi
ngt
obuysomet
akeawayf
orourl
atel
unchsi
ncei
tsal
ready
3"
.
If
rowned.
"Justdr
ivemebackhomeIwi
l
lhav
eal
atel
unchwi
thmygi
rl
s."

"Wellf
ortherecordyourgi
rl
sain'
thome.
Jennywentwit
hMaxt oseethetwinsbecausetheyare
abouttobringthem home,
Kiarai
swithGar
ethandasforNicki
sheiswit
hLewisaswe
speak.
Sot hereisonl
yonepersonwhocanhavealat
elunchwithy
ouandt hati
sme. "Hesaid.

"
Andy
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendr
emember
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow.

"
Soonerorl
atershewi
l
lhav
etounder
standhowi
mpor
tanty
ou'
rei
nmyl
i
fe"
.Hesai
d

"I
'
mimpor
tanti
nyourl
i
fe?
"Iaskedsof
tl
y.
"
Yesyou'
regoi
ngtoworkformesoyes"
.Hedr
ovet
osomer
est
aur
antandboughtour
t
akeaway
s.Hestar
teddr
ivi
ngtoBr
ussel
s.

"It
houghtaf
tert
hiswear egoinghome.
Imeany
oushoul
dbedr
oppi
ngmeal
ready
.Whyt
henar
e
youheadi
ngtoBrussel
s.?
"Iasked

"Sinceyouwereagitatedear
li
erthi
nki
ngthatwhat
everthatIwasdoing,
Idi
ditbecauseIfel
t
guilt
ybecauseIrany ouoverri
ghtnowyou'
refi
nesoI'm goi
ngtoBrussel
swithyoubecauseI
j
ustwannaspendt i
mewi thyouandbecauseIwanttoandnotbecauseI'
m obli
gedto."He
glancedathiswatch.

"
It
sal
most5al
ready
,I'
m sur
eitwi
l
lbeaper
fectv
iew"
.Hemur
mur
ed.

Ididn'
tsayanythingbecauseIwascl
uel
esst
owhathewassay
ing.
Aft
eraboutanhourwehad
reachedBrusselscit
ecentre.

Hehel
dmyhandandl
edust
owher
etheywer
eal
otofhotai
rbal
l
oons.
"Umm wai
ther
e,Ihav
etot
alkt
othemanageroft
hispl
ace.
"Hesai
d.

Icur
iousl
ylookedar
oundt
hepl
ace.
"Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"
Iasked.

"
Pati
enceisavirt
ueApril
,
justknowy ou'r
egoingtol
ovethi
sok".Hewalkedawayl eav
ingmeon
ahangli
kethat
.Il
ookedaroundt heplace.
Therewasevery
thi
ng,zoos,
malls,
play
ingstat
ions.I
t
wasreal
l
yabeaut i
ful
place.

AnywayJonlatercamebackwit
hwhoIassumedwasamanager
.Heev
enhadt
wocandy
floss
wit
hhim.Ismil
ed.Atl
easther
emember
edhowmuchIlovedt
hem.

"YoumustbeMi ssApr
il
,Imustsayy
ou'
rev
eryl
ucky
.Pl
easef
oll
owme"
Hesai
dheadi
ngt
oone
ofthehotai
rbal
l
oons.

Il
ookedatJonwi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es,
hej
ustsmi
l
edandgav
emeonecandy
floss.

"
MrMcCl
ainy
ouhav
ebeenher
esomanyt
imes,
younev
erbr
oughtanaygi
rl
.Any
waysi
ncey
ou
knowhowthehotai
rball
oonworksIwi
l
laskmyassi
stantt
oli
ghtupf
ory
ouandhel
pyouwhen
youguy
sland.
"Hewalkedaway.

IlookedatJon.
"Ahotai
rbal
l
oonJon.
Ihav
enev
erbeenupi
ntheskybef
oreI
'
m sur
eIwi
l
lfeel
l
ightheaded.
"

Hechuckl
ed."
Youdon'thav
etowor r
yaboutthatIwil
lbet
her
ewithyouandtr
ustmeyouwon'
t
f
eell
ight
headed.Act
uall
yit
'sabeauti
ful
sceney ouknow,
wat
chi
ngthesunsett
ingwhi
l
eupin
t
heskyinahotairbal
loon.
"

Hedi
dal
otofconv
inci
ngandIf
inal
l
yagr
eed.
Wewenti
nsi
det
hesocal
l
edassi
stantl
i
tit
.

I
tst
art
edf
lyi
ngsl
owl
yandIhel
dont
oJonbecauseIwassoscar
ed.

"
Rel
axApr
ily
ouwon'
tfal
ldownandj
ustdon'
tl
ookdown,
focusont
hesunwhi
chi
sset
ti
ng.I
ts
beaut
if
ulai
nti
t?"Heaskedsmi
l
ing.

"
Nott
hatbeaut
if
ulespeci
all
ywhenI
'
m scar
edl
i
ket
his.
"Isai
d.

Hest
oodbehi
ndmeandhuggedmef
rom behi
nd.

"
I'
m her
eoknoneedt
obeaf
rai
dshor
tst
uff
".Hechuckl
ed.

Icl
osedmyeyesonadeepshudderofi
ntensereacti
ontohishandst
hatwer ear
oundmywaist
.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
hiswas,
Ineverf
eltl
i
kethis.
Howwoul dIhavefel
tthiswayaft
erall
Inev
er
wassocloset
oamanliket
hisi
nmyent ir
elif
e.Ididn'
tknowthi
sfeel
ing,i
tfel
tsori
ght.

"Y-
yous-
smel
lsoni
ce.
"Isai
d.Wel
li
t'
snotl
i
keIwant
edt
osayi
tbutmymout
hjusti
nvol
unt
ari
l
y
sai
dit
.
Hel
etoutadeepchuckl
e."
Thanky
ouandy
ousmel
lsost
rawber
ri
es"

Il
aughed.
Atl
eastIwasnolongerthatscaredandImustadmitwat
chi
ngt
hesunset
ti
ngi
nahot
ai
rball
oonwassoamazing.Wefinall
ylandedanditwaspastsi
x.

"
Ithi
nki
tst
imef
orust
ogonow.Doy
oumay
bewannagot
othezoo"
.Heasked.

"NoI
'
mti
red.
May
beweshoul
djustgo"
.Isai
d.

Hedr
oveushomewhi
l
ehummi
ngasongal
ltheway
.Heseemedsohappy
.

Wear
ri
vedatmyapar
tment
.
"
Ummm I
'
m notst
ayi
ngf
orl
ong.
Ihav
etogo.
"Hesai
d.

"
Thanky
ousomuchaboutt
oday
,Ir
eal
l
yenj
oyed"
.Isai
dleani
ngont
hedoor
.

Hemov
edcl
oserandIf
eltmyhear
tbeat
ingi
nmymout
h.Hebendedal
i
ttl
esi
ncehewasv
ery
t
all
.

"
Sleeppeacef
ull
yshor
tst
uff
".Hewi
nked.

"Shor
tst
uff
?"Ichuckl
ed.
"
Yeashor
tst
uff
".Hewi
nkedanddr
oveof
f.

Iwal
kedi
nsi
desmi
l
ing.

Jon.

*
"Shemakesmehappy
"*

Aft
erspendi
ngmydaywi t
hAprilorshoul
dIsayshortst
uff
,Idr
oveal
lthewayt
omyhouse
hummingasong.If
eltsohappy
.IhadgonetoBrussel
swithmyguyssomanytimebutInev
er
enj
oyedli
keIdi
dtoday.

Iwaswhi
stl
i
ngasIopenedt
hedoorofmyhouse.

If
oundt
heguy
sbusydr
inki
ngbeer
sasal
way
sandMaxwasdr
inki
nghi
scof
fee.
"
Heyguy
s".Isai
d.

"Heymanhowwasy
ourday
."Maxsai
dasweshoul
derbumped.

"
Iwasi
nBr
ussel
swi
thApr
il
".Isai
dsmi
l
ing.

Gar
ethgav
emeawar
ningl
ook.
"Lowery
ourv
oice"
.

Bef
oreIcoul
daskRuthcat
wal
keddownthestai
rsandil
ookedattheguys,
theyjust
shr
ugged.
NowIdidn'
tknowwhatt
otel
lheri
fshestar
tswit
hherinter
rogat
ion.
"Heybabedi
dyouwi
nthebusi
nessdeal
wit
htheRussi
ans.
"Shesmi
l
ed.

Il
ookedatmyguy
sandIknewt
hatt
heyhadcov
eredf
orme.

Ismi
l
edandpl
ayedal
ong.

"WellyeaIwont
hedeal
.
Howhav
eyoubeenmyl
ove"
.Iki
ssedherandt
heguy
sgr
oaned
disgustedl
y.

"Getar
oom"
Gar
ethshout
ed.

"
Thi
sismyhouse.
Anywaybabepleasegoupst
air
sIwi
l
lseey
out
her
e.Ihav
esomet
hing
i
mport
antt
osharewi
ththeguys"
.

Shesmi
l
edandl
eft
.
Maxgav
emeast
ernl
ook.
"Br
ussel
swi
thApr
ilser
iousl
y".

"
What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?"Iaskedl
ooki
ngconf
used.

"Imeanshewassadthi
nkingt
hatallIwasdoingwasbecauseIfel
tgui
l
tyIr
anherov
er.
Itook
hertoBr
ussel
sbecauseIknewshewasgoi ngtobehappyther
eandhermoodwasgoingtobe
l
ight
enedassheseethesunsett
ing.
"

"
Youdon'
tev
enr
eal
i
zei
tdoy
ou?
"MaxaskedandLewi
sjustshr
ugged.

"
Real
i
zewhat
?"Iasked.
"
You'
ref
all
i
ngf
orApr
ilandi
tsnotev
enf
unny
.You'
rei
ntoodeep"Gar
ethsai
d.

Il
aughed.
"i
sthi
ssomeki
ndofaj
okebecausey
ounear
lygotmet
her
e".

Maxr ai
sedhiseyebr
ows.
"Idon'
tthi
nkhei
sjoki
ngever
yoneelseher
ecanseethattoo.
Sheisall
youtalkabout
,y
ouspendmor eti
mewheny ou'
rewi
thher
,i
tsal
waysApri
lthi
sApri
lthat
,you'
re
worr
iedabouthermoodsandall"
.

Ishookmyheadv i
gorously."
You'r
ewr ong,Ij
ustcareaboutherokaynost ri
ngsattached,I
'
m
suresheev enknowsthat.Ij
ustcare,
theonet hatIl
ov eisRuthandshei supstai
rswai t
ingfor
me,that'
st hewomant hatIlove.
You'resayingIdot hi
sandt hatforApr
il,
Italkt
hisandt hatabout
Aprilwhatabouty ouMaxi t'
salwaysJennyt hisJennyt hatandGaret
hisal waysKikiasfor
LewisNi ckidoesthatmeany oulovet hem.LookApr i
lisnotevenmyt ypeIdon'tgof or
shorty,
curvywomenandy ouall
knowt hat
.RuthandIhav ebeendoingjustfinepleasedon't
plantideasi nt
omyhead" .Iwasagitated.

Maxchuckl
ed.
"Idon'
tknowwhyy
ou'
reget
ti
ngal
lwor
kedupanddef
ensi
vebutweal
lknowt
he
truthevent houghyou'
retry
ingtodenyit
.Thisi
sgoingtobeeverydangerousJonespeci
all
yif
Dangerf i
ndsoutandohhwhataboutRut h.Ontopofthaty
ou'r
eonst agetwoofDID,
these
feeli
ngsf orApril
aregoingtorui
nevery
thingforyou.
Theyaredanger
ousf eel
i
ngsanditsnot
ev enfunny."

It
hrewmyfavour
it
eflower
vaseont
hewal
l
."I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ouIdon'
thav
efeel
i
ngsf
orher
,what
's
wrongwi
thyouguys"
.

Lewisjustchuckledandshookhi
shead.Hewasn' thi
mselft
hough,
att
hispoi
nthecoul
dhav e
beenblabber i
ngnonstopbuthewasj ustqui
etlosti
nhisownworld.
Normal
lyi
fheisli
kethi
s
thensomet hingwil
lbewrongbutIdi
dn'twanttopayatt
enti
ontothat
.Maxwasreal
lyget
ti
ng
i
ntomyner v es.

"
Rel
axmanwedon'twantDangert
aki
ngover
.Umm guy
sIthi
nkweshoul
dgo.
I'
m sur
eRut
his
wai
ti
ngi
mpat
ient
lyfory
ou"Garet
hsai
d,t
heyal
lst
oodupandlef
t.

Idi
dmybr
eat
hingexer
ciseandwal
kedupst
air
s.If
oundRut
hwear
ingnot
hing.Att
imesl
i
ket
hisI
wassupposedt
oactl
i
keahungr
yli
onbutIj
ustdi
dn'
tfeel
any
thi
ngatal
l
.

"BabeI'
mtir
edok.Wor
khasbeenwei
ghi
ngdownonme,
Ij
ustf
eel
exhaust
ed"
.Isai
dsi
tt
ingdown
andsighi
ngheavi
l
y.

Shecov
eredher
sel
fwi
thasheet
,t
henknel
tbesi
desme.

"Babewher edi
dIgowr ong.
Am I.
..
am Ipushingy
-youawaywithmynagging.
..BabeI
'
mt ry
ing.
.
Ihavebeentryi
ngsinceyoucametomet hatdayaft
erwefought.
..Wher
eam Igoingwrong
babeplease.
.Iwil
lcorr
ectmysel
f".
Shestart
edcryi
ng.

Ihat
eseeingwomenv
ulner
abl
eli
ket
hisespeci
all
ybecauseofme.
"Ther
eisnot
hingwr
ongwi
th
youhoney
."

"
NonobabeIcanseet hatsomethi
ngiswr ong.
Yeswestoppedfight
ingandthereasonwhyI
wasn'tbr
ingi
ngthi
supisbecauseIdidn'twantustofi
ghtbutbabeI'
m notakidIcanseethat
you'
rebecomingdist
ant.
Icanfeeli
tthatyou'
resl
owlydri
ft
ingawayfrom me.
I-i
s...
t-
ther
emaybe
someoneelsei
ny ourl
i
fe..
..
babepl
easedon'tdot
histome...
Ilov
ey ousomuch.
..
Ican'
tkeepon
l
oosingpeopl
eIlovepl
easebabe,
pleaset
ell
mewher eI'
m goi
ngwr ongIwi
ll
corr
ectit
".Shesai
d
cry
ing.

Ihuggedherandmadehersi tonmyl aps.

"WhenIfirstsawy ouyouwerearguingpassionatel
y
aboutsomet hi
ng.Iwasamamzedbecausei twasclearthatyouweresupporti
ngsomet hingyou
beli
ev edi
n,whenyouwerelaughingyouwouldthrowy ourheadbackanditwasaper fectv i
ew
That'sthewomanIf el
li
nlovewi t
h,t
heonlywoman Iwi l
leverl
ove.
Ilov
ey ouokdon'tdoubt
yourself"
.

If
eltl
i
kesay
ingt
hiswast
oconv
incemy
sel
faf
terwhatMaxsai
dtome.

Ar
ggghwhendi
dmyl
i
febecomet
hiscompl
i
cat
ed.

Endofchapt
er1 8

Ir
eal
l
ytr
iedt
omaket
hisi
nser
tasl
ongasIcoul
dbutl
i
keIsai
dmyphonei
sfr
eezi
ngconst
ant
ly
andIassumeitsbecauseIty
pewaytoomuchbutdon'
twor
ryl
ovi
est
hepr
obl
em wi
l
lbesol
ved
soon.
Apologi
esforthety
pinger
ror
stoo.

Any
wayonournexti
nser
twi
l
lbef
ocusi
ngonLewi
s'
sst
ory
.

Pl
easekeept
hem comment
scomi
ngt
heymot
ivat
eme.

Lov
ey'
al
l.

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er1 9

Lewi
s.

*
"Pokerf
ace"
.*
Maxst
aredatmeasIwasqui
etl
ygoi
ngt
hrought
hechannel
slooki
ngf
orsomet
hingi
nter
est
ing
t
owatch.

Hest
oodupandswi
tchedt
heTVof
f.

"
Okaywhodi
dyouhav
esexwi
tht
hatdi
dn'
tappr
eci
atey
ou?
"Isai
dwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

"Thi
sisnotthemomentfory
outobesarcast
ic.
What'
sgoi
ngonwi
thyouLewi
s.Youhav
ebeen
awful
lyqui
et,doy
out
hinkIdi
dn'
tnot
ice.
"Hesaidwit
hhisar
msfol
ded.

Ist
oodupandwentt
othemi
nibart
otakesomewhi
tewi
ne.

"
Not
hingi
shappeni
ngMaxy
ou'
rer
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntot
hings"
.
"Ohhhr eal
l
yI'
mr eadi
ngtoomuchi nt
othingsnow.Li
keyoualwayswearethesurvi
vi
ngsper ms
thatnightmom anddady ahhhyouknowwhatI '
m sayi
ng,somypointi
sIknowy ouvery
wel l
.Thi
spokerfaceyou'
reweari
ngther
eI '
m notf
all
ingfori
t.
Somet
hingisnotri
ght.
Ihavebeen
feeli
ngdepressedfornoreasonnowthatIseeyouIknewi t
syouwhoisdepressedandits
affecti
ngme."

Il
aughedsippingonthewi ne.
"You'
rebei
ngparanoi
dMax. Nothi
ngishappeningwi
thmeI'm
per
fect
lyfi
ne.Idon'
tunderstandyouthoughwhenItal
kt oomuchy ousay"Lewisi
fyougot
not
hingtosaybetterkeepquiet"
..
.AndwhenI'
m quietyoustartworr
ying.
"

Helookedatmethenfurr
owedhi
sforehead."
Tryagai
nbr
other
.Iknowy
oul
i
ket
hebackofmy
hand.
Sooutwit
hitnow!"Hedemanded.

Iwasi
rr
it
ated."
Outwithwhatyou'
renotmyf
ucki
ngf
atherdon'
ti
rr
it
atemeorr
aisey
ourv
oiceat
meorwewi l
lhavepr
oblems".
Hesmirked.
"IgotyouwhereIwantedy out
obenowI'm sur
esomet
hingi
swrong.
Ifi
twast
he
normalLewi
sIknowy oucouldhavetoldmetogoandgetlai
dsoastobl
owoffsome
steam,
youdon'
tirr
it
atedovernot
hing,somet
hingi
sup".

Isi
ghedandsadl
ytossedmyhead."
Thi
ngsar
efall
ingi
ntopl
acefory
ouinnot
imet
hekidswill
berunni
ngar
oundtheplace,
worr
yaboutt
hatok.
I'
m notaki
dIcanhandl
emyownshi
ttrustme".

Heshookhi
sheadandl ookedatmester
nly
."Lewi
sIdon'tknowwhattodoi
fyoufal
li
nto
depr
essi
onagai
n.Idon'
twannaloosemytwin.Pl
easedon'tbet
hatLewi
sagai
n".

Isi
ghed.
"I
'm notdepr
essedMaxok"
.

"Icanfeeli
tLewis,
youcan'
tdenyityou'r
egoingbackther
e..
..Waitaminut
ether
eisonl
yone
reasonforthat
..
..
isper
haps..
..I
sitZendayaagain.
..
Ohhhshi
tLewi s.
..
arey
outhi
nki
ngabouther
again.
Ithoughtyouwereoverherman.".Hestoodupandstartedpaci
ng.
Ilookeddownandst art
edplayi
ngwithmyfinger
s."I
..
I..
.k-
kindasaw someone.
..
n-not
someone. .
.But
..
.butI
..I
..
thi
nkit
sher.
..
Isawher..
.y
ester
day..Icoul
dn'
tbeli
evemyeyes
either.
Aft
ersheghostedmef or3year
s..
shelef
tmebr othenshejustshowsupinmylif
eli
ke
that."

"
ButIthoughtyouwer
eoverher
.It
houghty
ouunder
stoodt
hatwhaty
ouhadwasj
ustsi
l
ly
t
eenagelovenothi
ngel
se"
.Hesatdown.

"Lookwhoi ssayi
ngsill
yteenagelove,webothknowy ouranar oundEv ehalfyourl
if
e.Ihav
e
beenwi t
ht hatgi
rlf
or13y earsandIwentasf araskneeli
ngononeandsheaccept ed.Shejust
disappearedonmet hreeyearsagot el
li
ngmet hatIwasn'treadyf orcommi t
ment.Godknows
thatIlovedonlyher,
shewasmyf i
rstinever
ythi
ngbroy oureall
ycan' texpectmetojustactli
keI
didn'
tfeelanythi
ng.YesI'
m angryIneedanexpl anat
ionbutIst i
llhavehopey ouknow".

ZendayaCornel
lwasmyever
ythi
ng.Wedat
edsi
nceIwas17.Shei
smyf i
rstl
oveandmyfi
rst
ever
ythi
ng.Whenwefir
stmadelovewewer
ebothcl
uel
essabouti
tbutwemadei twor
kandI
mustsayIl earntal
lthesexpositi
onsIknownowwi thher.
Myf uturewascareful
l
yplannedwit
h
herinit.
Likeanyotherrel
ati
onshipthi
ngswereonceortwicerockybutwef oundourwayback
toeachot her.
ThenwhenIt urned29IproposedbecauseIwasr eadytosett
ledown,Iwant
edher
tofinal
lybeMr sJackson.Shegladl
yacceptedandmademet hehappi estmanon
earth.
Everyonewashappyf orusandwel ly
ouknowmymom shehadal r
eadycall
edawedding
plannerfrom LosAngeles,
adesignerfr
om Atal
antaandajewellerydesi
gnerfr
om New
York,t
rustmet hat'
showecst at
icshewas.

Thi
ngswer
esof
inebet
weenZenday
aandi
.

SoonedayIhadpr epar
edar omant i
cdinnerforherpetal
s,
scentedcandl
esandall.
Wehada
bl
issf
ul ni
ght ,
makinglovef r
om allcorners.
I'
m notreal
lyi
ntocuddli
ngbutknowingthati
twas
i
mpor tantforherwecuddl edandwhatnotbabyki ssedandallweir
dstuf
fthatwomen
l
ove..
.Likekissingthei
rtoes..
.ser
iouslythat
'sjustweir
d.

Butanywaywedi dall
that
,t
hefol
lowi
ngmorni
ngIwokeupexpect
ingtoseethel
oveofmyl
if
e
nexttome,expect
ingtogi
veheraver
ygoodmuff.
Howevert
omysur pr
iset
herewasanot
eand
theengagementri
ngIgaveher.

I
tjustread"You'renotyetreadyforsuchabi gcommi tmentLewi s.
"Ithoughtitwasapr ank
becauseZenday awasr eall
yapr ankster.Itri
edherphonei tdidn'tgothrough,Iwenttoher
houseandf oundi tempty.
Ibecameamadmani njustabl i
nk.Isentawhol esearching
team,r
escuingteam y ounamei tbuttonoav ail
.Zendayahadj ustv arni
shed.Knowi ngthatshe
wasf r
om av er
yr i
chf amil
yIknewshewaspr obablyinaj etgoingsomewher efarawayfrom
me,soIgav eup.Sincemyengagementwi thherwasal loverthepaper s,
herdisappearance
becameani ssueagai nwiththemedi a.Formont hst heissuemadei tintheheadlinesandit
wasn'teasyforme. Peopl
ewer ewr i
ti
ngt hingstheydi dn'tknowandwhatsur pri
sesmei sIwas
paint
edt hebadguyf orsomet hi
ngIdi dn'tknow.

Itwasn'taneasyr oadf ormeIwenti nandoutofdepr essi

on.Iexcl
udedmy sel
ffrom thewor d.
I
sawdi f
ferentt y
pesofshr inksbl
ack,
yel
low,
white,
stri
pped,Chinese,
American,Afr
icanbutnoneof
them couldr eal
lyhel
pme. Howcouldtheyhel
pmet hough,theywerenev erghostedby
someonet heylovedfor13y ear
sandwasr eadytomar ry,
theycouldn'
tputthemsel v
esi nt
omy
shoesbecauset heydidn'tknowwhatIwasgoi ngthroughtheywer ej
ustput ti
ngtheirdegreesin
pract
ical.

Mymom wasdistressedshewentasfarashav i
ngahear tatt
ackandonlybecauseofherthatI
for
cedmysel
ftomov eonwhichweallknowdi dn'thappen.Zendayahaddestr
oyedmetosuch
anext
entt
hatIcan'texpl
aini
nwordsbutthat"stupidinl
ove"partofmewasst i
ll
hopi
ngthat
shewoul
dcomebackgi v
emeanexplanationandwewoul dforgetev
eryt
hingandst
artafr
esh.

Wellasformyfamil
yandfr
iendst
heytreat
edmel ikeati
cki
ngbomb,l
ikeIwasgoingtoexpl
ode
anyti
menoneofthem ment
ionedZendayaoranythingt
hatst
artedwi
thZ..
noneofthem
pressur
edmeintoanymarr
iageorrel
ati
onshi
p..Noonement i
onedmyrelat
ionshi
pagai
n
becausetheywereafr
aidIwoul
dexpl
odeanyti
me.
Itl
i
ter
all
ybecameat
abooi
nmyf
ami
l
yto
mentionanythi
ngtodowithmyrel
ati
onshi
p.

Isawhowwor ri
edtheywer eformeandt hatt
ooworr
iedmesot oeasethetensi
onIstarted
withthepokerface.
Iportr
ayedemot ionsonmyf acet
hattheopposit
eofwhatIwasf eel
ing
i
nside.I
twasn'teasyatfi
rstbutslowlyIthefakeemot
ionsbecameapar tofme.I
fIcouldsee
myf amil
ysmiling,l
aughi
ngwi thouthavi
ngt oworr
yaboutme,Ifel
trel
axedandapartofme
washappy .Happyforthem.

Istarteddr inkingmyl i
feawaywel l al
coholdoesn'treall
ysol v
ey ourpr oblemsbutitmakest he
painnumbr ight ,
soy eaIdr anklikeaf i
sh.Theytri
edt ost opmeandt hemedi awr oteshi tabout
mebutt heyf i
nallygott ir
edandst opped.Maxbeggedmet obenor mal andIreal
izedt hatmay be
Iwasbei ngsel fishsoImi ni mizedmydr i
nking.
Ibecameacheer ful,
jollyLewi
sjustsot hatthey
woul dn'twor ryaboutme. Howev erIcouldseethest ernlookst hatMaxgav emeev erytimewe
tal
kedaboutr elationshipasmyt wi nIknewhewasf eel
ingmypai nbuthewasaf raidtobr ingup
theissue. Wel lfort herecor dthoughIt ri
edt odateandf ai l
edsomanyt i
mesbecauset hegi rls
wereei theraf tercashordi ck.
Ideci dedtojustst
opdat i
ngandst i
ckt oonenightstandswel lthat
wor kedf orme. Idon'tknowhowmanywomenIsl eptwi t
handmyf ami l
ybecamesowor r
ied
thi
nki ngt hatIwoul dcont ractsomedi seasesbutI'm alway scarefulhencemyheal thyisacl ean
bil
l,
squeakycl ean.

Any
wayyester
dayI
'm pr
ett
ysureIsawZenday
a,howcanIf
orgethert
hough.
Every
thi
ngcamet
o
ast
andst
il
landal
ltheemoti
onsIhadtr
iedsohardt
oburr
ycamebacki naful
lfor
ce.

Maxsnappedhi
sfinger
satme."YouzonedoutLewi
s..
.I
'
mtal
ki
ngtoyou,
shoul
dIcal
ldadora
doct
or.
..
maybeyoushouldseesomeone".
Hesaidwi
thaworr
ylook.

Ismil
edathi
m genuinel
y."
I'
mfi
neMaxyoudon'
thav
etoworr
yaboutme.
I'
m notgoi
ngback
ther
eok.
Stopworry
ingaboutmeitwi
l
lmakeworr
yaswel
l"
.
Hesighedandgav emeapatonmyshoul der.
"Iknowwhatyoushar edwithZen(Zenday
a)was
amazingandst r
ongitcanneverbecomparedwithwhatIhadwi thEvebutLewisyouhaveto
moveonbr other
,youhavetol
ethergo.Sheisnotwort
hallofthis,
sheisnotwort
hy ou
dest
royi
ngy ourli
feli
kethi
sbutpret
endingl
ikeyougotyourshittoget
her.
"

Ist
oppedthet
earsthatwerethr
eateni
ngtocomeout."
May betherei
ssomelogi
calexpl
anat
ion
toever
ythi
ngMax.Ir
ememberv erywel
lthatweweredoingjustfi
ne.
Maybeshewasforcedt
o
dowhatshedidyouneverknow.MeandZenwer ehappytogether
".

"
May
beIshoul
dcal
ltheguy
s,t
heymi
ghthel
pmeouther
e".
Maxsuggest
ed.

Ishookmyhead."Nodon'
tMax.Youknowhowt heyare.
Garethwillbesi
ckworriedandal
ready
heisgoingt
hroughal
ot.
Alsot
helastthi
ngIwantisforJontowor ryaboutmeandswi t
chto
Joss.
I'
m notr
eall
yint
hemoodtogot oexhi
bit
ionswithhispaint
ings,
especi
all
yatthi
shour."
"
Fineokaybuti
fthi
scont
inuesIwi
l
lhav
etot
ell
them"
.Maxsai
d.

"Don'tworr
ynothi
ngsgoingtohappen.Ij
ustneededansweredifi
thappensthat'
sit
sreal
l
yZen
thatIsaw.
IwanttoknowwhereIgotwrong,whatreal
l
yhappenedf orhert
odomel i
ke
that.
Anywayit
salr
eady9pm I
'
m goingtohitt
othePinksIreal
lyneedtogetlai
d."
Isai
d.

Hej
usti
gnor
edmeanddi
sappear
edupst
air
s.

Hecamebackwi
thmybi
kerj
acketandaboxofcondoms.

"
Ther
eyougo.
..Iknowr
eal
l
ycan'
tst
opy
ou.
Mychauf
feurwi
l
ldr
opy
out
othecl
ubandwai
tfor
y
ou".

Ij
ustlaughed,
that
'st
ypi
cal
Maxheal
way
sdoest
his.
Itooksomecondomsandwor
ethebi
ker
j
acketthenwalkedout.
*
"Theper
fectni
ght
".
*

*
_SNL_
*

*
THI
SINSERTHAS**
STRONGSEXUAL**
SCENES.
.READERS**
DISCRETI
ONI
SADVI
SED.
*

Thechauf
feurdr
oppedmeatPi nksandIwalkedinl
azil
y.Atti
mesl i
ket hi
sIshoul
dhav
ebeen
al
onebutthenIwasafr
aidofthingst
hatIwouldthi
nkofwhenI '
m alone.Themusi
cwasblazi
ng
ever
yonedoingt
hei
rownt hi
ng.Asusualt
hestri
pperswerether
edanci ngandhunti
ngf
orbig
fi
shes.

Ir
eall
ywasn'
tinthemoodf orast
ri
pperIj
ustwantedawomant ofuckwit
hbutnota
pr
ofessi
onal
stri
pper.
IsatdownasIwatchedpeopleenjoy
ingt
hemsel
ves.
Wellt
histi
meIwasn't
i
ntheVIPbooth.Iwasatthebarwit
hthebart
endergivi
ngmeshots.
Welli
twasdoingwonder
s.

ForamomentIstoppeddri
nki
ngasIwat
chedgi
rl
sont
hedancef
loorl
ooki
ngf
ort
heoneIcoul
d
goforandt
henthereshewas.

Shewassway ingherhipsfr
om lef
ttori
ghti
nal acyshortoffshoul
derblackdresswit
hmar oon
heel
s.Icoul
dn'
tseewhoi twasIwascur i
ousbecauset hewayshewast wer
king,
wiggl
i
ngand
swayingthatr
oundbut ti
twasdoingthi
ngstome. Ij
ustpushedthroughthecrowdsandr eached
her.
Iheldherwaistandstar
teddanci
ngtoherrhythm andthenshest ar
tedgri
ndingwell
Ihada
boneralr
eady.

Thesongwentoneandf
inal
l
yst
oppedast
heDJchangedi
t.
Thegi
rlt
urnedandIl
i
ter
all
yhadtopi
ckmyjawsf
rom t
hef
loor
,Icoul
dseeshewassur
pri
sedas
wel
lbutt
henshehadasill
ysmir
konherf
ace.

"
Nicki
!!
!"

"
Lewi
s!!
!"

Weexcl
aimedi
nuni
son.

Ir
eal
lywasn'
texpecti
ngt
oseeheratt
hisplacenotinamil
li
ony ear
s.YesIknewshewasj
ust
cr
azyli
kemefrom themomentIsawherbutIreal
l
ydidn'
texpecttoseeherhere.

Anywaywetr
iedt
otal
kbuti
twasnoisysowewentandsati
ntheVIPboot
h.Thi
ngswer
ereal
l
y
awkwardf
ormemybnerwassovisi
ble.Icov
eredi
twi
tht
hecushi
on.
"
Ireal
l
ydi
dn'
texceptt
oseey
ouher
e.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e."
Iasked.

Beingj
ovi
alandj
oll
yassheisshesmil
ed."I
'
m heretogetlai
dbra,Ihaven'
tbeenget
tingsome
forsometi
menowanditsreal
lynotagoodsign,
Ithi
nkIhavespiderwebsdownthere."

Il
aughedshakingmyheadsheissoblunt
."Don'tlaugh,you'
rehereforthesameIknow, seei
ng
ri
ghtnowy ou'
retr
yingt
ocov
eryourboner
.Idi
dn'tr eal
l
yt hi
nki namill
i
ony ear
sIwouldturnyou
on.HahahaNicki
Simmonsyou'
redoi
ngwonder s."Sher emov edimaginar
ydustf
rom her
shoulder
s.

Il
aughed.
"Jeezdon'
tbet
ooconf
identok.
"

Sherol
ledherey
esandt hatki
ndamademefeel
somet ypeofwayandherexposedthi
ghs
weren'
tmakingt
hingseasierf
orme.
Ili
kedt
heotherwaytr
yingt
ofi
ghtofft
hetemptati
on.
Shechuckl
ed.
"Youwantsomemesobad.
It
swr
it
tenal
lov
ery
ourf
ace"
.

WellIj
usthadtol
oosesomemor al
shere,
si
nceshenoti
cedthatIwant
edherIwasn'
tgoi
ngto
pret
end.Al
soshewasheretogetsomesowewer eeven.
Imadeherseati
nmyl apsandIwas
expect
inghert
obesurpr
isedbutshegavemeasmirkandthattur
nsmeon.

Il
ower
edmyheadandki
ssedherwi
thami
xtur
eofpassi
onanddesi
ret
hatl
eftherhel
pless.

"
May
beweshoul
dgetar
oom"Shewhi
sper
edandIsecr
etl
ysmi
rked.

Il
i
ftedherandoneoft
her
ooms.

WhenIcl
osedthedoorj
ustr
ippedthedressapart
.Shehel
pedmeouti
nremov
ingmycl
othes
wi
thourmouthshungr
il
ydev
ouringeachother.
"
Iwanty
oui
nsi
deofmer
ightnowandIwanti
thar
d."Shedemanded.

Iwor
emyglove,
wel
lnoglov
enolov
e.Wi
thf
ull
forceIdeepl
ythr
ust
edi
ntoher
.Andst
art
ed
movi
ngpul
l
ingherhai
r.
Shewasscr
eami
nginpleasur
e.

"Chokeme,spankme"
.Shedemandedagain.OokayIdi
dn'
tknowshewasi
ntotheFi
ftyShades
ofgreyshi
tbutIdi
dwhatshewanted.
Aft
ersomet i
mewewer ebothl
yi
ngonourbackscatchi
ng
ourbreat
hes.

Ihear
dsomesni
ff
sandIl
ookedather
,shewascr
ying.

Ipani
cked.
"D-
didIhur
tyou.
..
Nikci
..
didIgoi
ntoodeep.
..
.ohhhmyGodNi
cki
".

Shel
aughedwhi
lei
ntears.
"Youworryt
oomuch.I
'
mf inei
tsjustt
hatInev
ergotl
aidf
orsome
ti
meandIgotal
lemoti
onal.
..t
rustmeineasi
l
yd*ckmati
sed."
Ichuckledindisbel
ief
.Isatandl
ookedather.
Shewassolostthatfort
hatmomentIregret
ted
whatIhav ejustdonewi t
hher.
Shemighthavebeenj
ovi
alandjoll
ybutitwascl
earthatshewas
goingthroughsomeshi t.
Wasshemay beli
kemegoodatput t
ingonapokerface?

"
Nicki
what
'
swr
ong?
Pleasebehonestwi
thme?
"

Shesmi
ledandwipedawayhertear
s."
IwantyouLewi
s,
Iwantyout
obeburi
eddeepi
nsideof
mebutIwantyoutobegent
le.I
..
I.
..
w-wantt
oknowhowitfeel
stohav
esexinagent
leandsoft
way"
.

"
NoNi
cki
...
fi
rstt
ell
mewhat
'swr
ong"

"Ijustneverhadsexwithany
onewhoworshipedmybody ,
whomademyt oescurlin
pleasure,whomadememoanscr eamingformore..
.Ithasalwaysbeenhardandr ough.
..
b-butI
wantt oexperiencei
t,
Iwantt
oknowhowitfeels.
Pleasedon'tf
orasecondt hi
nkforamoment
you'retakingadvant
ageofmeokay.
..
Iwantthi
stoo..Iwantthi
ssobadly
..
."Shesaidblunt
ly.
"
Arey
ousur
e?"Iaskedadshenoddedv
igor
ousl
y.

Nei t
heri fusspokef orawhi le.
Ther ewasnoneed. Ireachedoutt owardsher ,wrappingmyar ms
aroundhernakedbody .Ikissedher ,
herlipspartedbeneat hthethrustofmyt ongue. Iwenton
andont ormentinghersot hatshewoul dbecapabl eofexper i
encet hesensual desireand
l
ongi ngofgent leandpassi onatel ovemaki ng.Okar ewemaki nglovehere? Shemoanedand
closedherey esasIcar efullyplacedheronbackont hebed.Istart
edt otouchher ,
caress
her ,
l
ickingherbr easts,
fi
rstonegi vinghert hemostat tenti
onofmyt ongue,gent l
yatf ir
st.She
moanedagai nandi twassocl eart hatitwast oopl easurableforhertobear .SlowlyIkissedmy
waydownt helengthofherbody ,
asIf ir
ml ypar t
edherl egs.
Ikneltbetweent hem t akingmyt i
me
toseeher eandt oknowher ,
allofher .
Istartedstrokingmyf i
ngerti
psgent l
yi nsideofher
thighs.Herbodyt r
embledeager ly.Exact l
y.
.Igotherwher eIwantedhert obe.

Icuppedhersexandslowl
ystar
tedtoexpl
odeitwhil
egiv
inghercount
lesskisses.
Ibendedmy
headtowardshersexandki
sseditf
ir
stthest
arteddoi
ngwonderswithmyt ongue.

Shereachedf
ormyheadandwhisper
ed."Yes..
oh.
.Lewi
s..
now.
..
nowI.
.wanty
ounow.
..
"Ri
ght
ther
eshecurl
edhert
oesandhadherfi
rstorgasm.

Il
i
ckedhercl
eanandwentt
oki
ssher
.

Slowl
ybutsur el
yIplacedmyshaf tonherentr
ancet henwenti nsl
owly.Hereyeswerelocked
withmineasshegaspedf orairandbitherl
owerlip.Ist
artedmov i
ngintoherslowl
yv erysl
ow
andmyey esneverl
efther
s.I
twasmor esensual,mor eeroti
c,morearousi
ngandmor e
i
rresi
sti
bleheari
ngherscream myname, wit
hherey eslockedi nmineandwi t
hhernailsdeepin
myf l
esh.
Itwaslikeheari
ngmyf avouri
temusic,
mostemot ion-
arousi
ngpieceofmusi c.
Af
terawhi
l
ewewer
ebot
hlay
ingbr
eat
hlessl
y.

Thewhol
eni
ghtImadegent
lel
ovet
oherandi
twaswonder
ful
.

Wei
rdenoughIwat
chedherasshewasasl
eep.
Shewasbeaut
if
ul.
Ver
y!

Thenextmor
ningIwokeupandshewasstandi
ngont
hewi
ndowwi
thasheetar
oundherbody
.I
wal
kedovert
oherandhuggedherf
rom behi
nd.

"
Heymor
ning"Isai
d

Shesi
ghed.
"Mor
ning"
.

Shet
urnedandl
ookedatme.

"Youmadel
ovet
omel
i
keIwasawomanandnotawhor
e.

Al
thoughyoucalledmeZendayaatsomepointitkindabr
uisedmyegobutI
'm notgoi
ngto
al
l
owmy sel
ftofeelgui
l
tyorashamedaboutwhathappenedoraboutthewayIfel
tLewis.
..I
t
waswonderful
.."
Shesaidandthenfr
eedhersel
ffrom myhands.

Isi
ghedthi
nki
ngabouthowcall
i
ngherZenday
acoul
dhaveaf
fect
edher
.Imeanevenifi
twas
nostr
ingsat
tachedbuti
fsomegir
lcal
l
smeTom whil
eI'
mfucki
nghermyegowouldbebrui
sed
v
erybr
uised.

"I
'
m sor
ryNi
cki
forcal
l
ingy
ouumm"

Sheint
err
upt
ed."
Noneedtoapol
ogi
zeIdon'
tthi
nkoneni
ghtstandsapologi
zet
oeachot
her
.We
bot
hgotwhatwewantedsoweareeven.
"Shewasavoi
dingey
econt actwit
hme.

Shethendidabr
eat
hingex
erci
se."
OkayMrfeist
yyouki
ndar i
ppedmydr
essapar
tyest
erday,
I
dontwanttowal
kar
oundthestr
eetsofGeor
gianamedpleasemakeapl
an"
.Shewasherjov
ial
sel
fagain.

Ij
ustf
orcedmy
sel
ftosmi
l
eandt
hent
ookmyphonecal
l
ingmydesi
gner
.

*
"Let
'ski
cksomebut
ts"
*
*
Apr
il
.*

"
OkApr
ilwi
l
lyour
elax,
I
'm sur
eshei
sonherwaybacknow"Jennysai
d.

Isi
ghed.
"Youcan'tt
ell
met orel
axJennyshesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
ocomebackl
atey
est
erday
butnowitsal
readymorni
ng".

Ki
arashookherhead."
YouknowhowNi
cki
canbesomet
imes,
shemusthav
elot
str
ackoft
ime
whi
leenj
oyingher
selfanddr
inki
ng"
.

"Andwhatthatmakesme?Acar
elesssi
ster
.Iknowv
erywellt
hatNicki
canber eckl
essand
especi
all
ywhensheisdr
unkbi
tIall
owedhertogooutther
ealone.
Icouldhav
egoneal ongwi
th
her.
Godknowswhatshewasdoi
ngoutther
e.Therear
ealotofdanger
ouspeopl
eandwhati
f
..
.shemaybemetherst
epfat
her
..
.whatwi
ll
IdoI .
..
wil
lnev
erfor
givemysel
f.
"

WhilstIwassti
llpani
cki
ngt
hedoorswungopenandNicki
slowl
ywalkedin.
Shewaswalki
ng
funnythough,
herlegssl
i
ght
lypar
ted.
Icl
osel
yexami
nedherandnot
icedredmarksonherneck
andexposedthighs.

Iwentandhuggedher."
Whatthehel
lhappenedtoyou,
wher
ewereyou.
.di
danyonedi
dany
thing
toyou.
..andl
ordJesuswhataret
heseti
nymar kswer
eyoubi
tt
enbymosquit
oesorsomet
hing"I
askedthe21questi
ons.

Shej
ustlaughedshaki
ngherhead.
Ther
ewassomethingwei
rdaboutherl
aughi
twasempt
y
whenNickil
aughssheroar
snotthi
shahahashej
ustdid.

Ki
aral
aughedt
oo.
"Ther
ear
ecal
l
edl
ovebi
tesorhi
ckey
smi
ssv
irgi
nnotmosqui
tobi
tes.
"

Jennyfurr
owedherf
orehead.
"Idi
dn'
tknowoneni
ghtst
andsbl
esseachot
herwi
thl
ovebi
tes
though"
.
Nickihadal
readyzonedout,
Isnappedmyfinger
sonherf ace.
Shedidherhahahal
aughagain
andIf r
ownedsomet hi
ngwasr eal
l
ywrong.
"GuysrelaxokIhadgonetheretogetl
aidandIgot
l
aidthewholenight
,nowI'
mt i
redandIneedtosleep.Pl
easeexcuseme".

Shedidherf
unnysnai
lwal
kandwentt
oherr
oom.
JennyandKi
aral
aughedatherbutIwassi
ck
worr
iedsomethi
ngwasup.

"GuysIdon'tthi
nki
sf unnyatall
.Shei snothersel
f.TheNickiIknowcouldhav ealreadybeen
fi
ll
inguswi t
hdetai
lsabouthowgr eatthesexwasort heguysdickwassosmal lthati
tti
ckl
es
herthatsheendedupl aughi
ng.That'stheNickiIknow. .
.t
hisI
'mt i
redIhavebeenupal lni
ghtshi
t
Idon'tbuyit
,somet
hingisup,sheev encamebackwear i
ngar edexpensiv
el ooki
ng
dress.Any
wayIwi l
lsolvethi
slaterrightnowIhav etogot owor kwishmel uck."

Theybot
hhuggedmeandIwentt
othetaxirank.
Ifoundataxi
andIgav
ethem t
headdr
ess.
On
thewayIwassowor
ri
edaboutNi
ck.Iwonderwhathappened.

Iar
ri
vedatMcCl
ainmansi
onandwenti
n.

Ir
angthebell
andwel
lJonopenedwear
ingnot
hingbutboxer
swi
thhi
shai
rmessyandhi
sey
es
l
azil
yopened.

Myey
esj
ustpoppedoutasIswal
l
owedachunkofsal
i
va.

Igat
heredmycomposur
ebecauseallt
hosepacks,
musclesandstr
ongthi
ghswer
eki
nda
makingmefeel
somethi
ngsIdidn'
tknow.OhhmyGodt heski
nlookedsosof
t.
"
Umm hel
l
osor
ryt
odi
stur
byourbeaut
if
ulsl
eepI
'
m her
eforwor
k."Ismi
l
ed.

Henoddedav
oidi
ngey
econtactandmadewayformet
oent
er.
"Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknowt
haty
ouwer
e
goi
ngtocomethi
sear
ly.
Yousurelov
eyourj
ob"
.

Wewentandsati
nthel
ounge.

Afterl
onguncomf ortablesi
l
encehef inal
lyspoke."
Theheadoft hemaidsher
ewi l
lgi
bey ouy
our
unifor
m.I'm notsureaboutthesizebutIgavet hem t
hemeasur ement
sIthoughtwoulddofor
you.Theywillassi
gny outoyourduti
esandal sojustbecauseweknoweachot herdoesn'
tmean
Iwillt
reatyoudiff
erentl
ywiththeothers.
Idon'tdofavouri
ti
sm.Am Icl
ear?
"Hesaidfi
rmly.

"
Cry
stal
clear
".Isadl
y.

Ij
ustfel
tli
kehewasbeingcoldtowardsmever
ycoldformyli
king.
DidIper hapsdidsomething
wrongthathi
redhi
m.Hewasn'tthesameguyIhadenj
oy edmydaywi ththeprevi
ousday .
He
wasn'tt
hesameguyIwat chedthesunsetwit
heati
ngcandyfl
ossinahot ai
rbal
loon,t
hisri
ght
herewasthatcol
dseri
ousbossofmi ne.
Hewasn'
tsmil
ingatmenorl ookingatme.Het hen
stoodupleav
ingmetherewithnooneandwit
haconfusedlook.Af
terawhi leamidfort
ieslady
camet
ome.
Shewaswear
ingabl
ackandwhi
tedr
esswi
thawhi
teapr
on.

Shesmil
ed."YoumustbeApr
il
.Mynamei
sLi
l
yIwi
l
lbehel
pingy
ououther
e.Pl
easef
oll
owmeI
wantyoutotryy
ouruni
for
m".

Ifol
l
owedhertoanicedoubl
est
oreycot
tageatt
hebacky
ard.It
ri
edmyuni
for
m wel
li
twasok
butali
tt
lebi
tshor
t.

"
Welli
tlooksgoodonyoujustal
it
tl
ebitshor
tjustav
oidbendi
ng.Any
wayl
etmehel
pyout
ie
y
ourhair.
Iwil
lshowyouar
ound"Shesaidhel
pingmewi t
hmyhair.

"
Thanky
ou"Isai
d.
Sheshowedmearoundandwell
itwasareal
lybi
gpl
ace.
Iwasassignedtocl
eaninthe
l
ounge,
dini
ngandt
hekit
chen.
SoIstar
tedwit
hmyworkeventhoughitwasn'
tther
ealreason
whyIwasther
etobegi
nwith.

Iwassof
ocusedcl
eani
ngtheki
tchenut
ensi
l
sandal
lwhenIhear
dgi
ggl
es.
Theper
songi
ggl
i
ng
cametot
hekit
chenIt
ensed.

"Ohhhheydearcany
oupleasegocl
eant
hemast
erbedr
oom"Iknewt
hisi
rr
it
ati
ngv
oice.
What
's
hernameagain.
YeaRut
h.

It
urnedandl
ookedathershecl
enchedherj
awsandf
akedasmi
l
e.

"
Ohhit
sy ouI
'
m sorr
yaboutlastt
imedeadPl
easegocl
eanourmast
erbedr
oom"
.Il
ookedather
t
henatJonwhogladl
ylookedaway.

"Umm babeIthi
nkIwi
l
ljustasksomeonet
odoi
t.
Imeanshehi
stogetusedt
othi
space
fi
rst
."
Jonsai
d.
"Exact
lybabet
hat
'swhatI
'
mtr
yingt
odoi
fshegett
oknowt
her
oomsbycl
eani
ngt
hem"She
said.

"
Wher
eist
hebedr
oom?
"Iasked.

"Onthesecondfl
oort
hef
ir
str
oom"Shesai
dandIwal
kedov
erl
eav
ingt
het
wol
ovebi
rds
exchangi
ngspit
.

If
oundt
her
oom andopenedi
t.

I
tsmel
l
edsex
,Ial
mostt
hrewup.
Iwentandopenedt
hedooroft
hebal
cony
,thest
art
edcl
eani
ng.

Cl
otheswer
eal
lov
ert
hepl
ace,
pant
iesandcondoms.
Ahhi
twasbey
onddi
sgust
ingf
orme.

Iremov edthesheetsandputt
heninthewashingmachine.
Ifoundsomesi l
kywhitesheet
sin
thewal kinclosett
henImadethebed.Af
terIwasal
ldoneIsprayedsomel avenderai
r
fresherner
.I
tsmel l
edfr
esh.
Theroom wassobigandmanl y
.Onlywhi
te,
blackandgr ey
domi natedtheroom.

Rut
hsuddenl
ywal
kedi
nandhel
dmyar
mti
ght
lyookayshewast
est
ingmenow.
"
Iwon'tl
etyoutakehi
m awayfr
om me,Iwon'
tl
etyoutakehimyouhearme.Hei
smineonly
mineandyou'
renotgoi
ngtosepar
ateusnever"
.Sheconti
nuedt
otight
enhergr
ipwhi
lesni
ffi
ng.

"Letgoofmebef
oreIdosomet
hingt
hatIwi
l
lregr
et.
"Isai
dfi
rml
y.

Shel
etmeandst
art
edpaci
ngupanddownwhi
l
ecr
ying.

"Pl
easeI'
m beggi
ngyoustayfar
awayfrom hi
m.Heismineplease.
..
don'
tdest
roywhatwehav
eI
can'
thandl
eanotherhear
tbr
eak.Ican'
tbeabandonedagai
n.Il
oveJonsomuch" .

Shesatdownr
ubbi
ngherhead,
cry
ing.

Ijustshookmyheadandwal kedout.
Thisreal
l
ywasweird,
shewasbei ngweird,
oneminuteshe
i
sr eadytopounceonmeandanot herminuteshei
scryi
ngandv ul
nerabl
e.Ifthi
siswhatlov
e
makespeopl edothenpl
easespar eme.Iwentbackdownstai
rsandcontinueddoingmyjob.I
couldfeeley
espierci
ngthroughmyski nandIknewitwasJonsitt
ingont hecouchpr
etendi
ng
l
ikehewasdoi ngsomethingonhi sl
aptop.

Iwalkedoutwit
houtsayi
ngawor d.
IfhewasactingcoldtowardsmethenIwasgoi ngtoactl
i
ke
i
ce.I
'm sur
ehewi l
lnotbeabl
etohandlemyf r
eezingatt
it
ude.Wellt
herewasnothingmuchtdo
anywayaroundpm Iwasabouttoknockoffaround2.SoIwenttotheloungetoinfor
m Jonaft
er
changingmyunifor
m.Hewassol osti
nhisthoughtst
hatIhadt ocal
lhimtwice.

"Yesshor
tst
uffwhatdi
dyousay
".Iki
ndaf
elthappyhear
inghi
m cal
l
ingmeshor
tst
uff
..wei
rdI
know.

"
Isai
dI'
m goi
ngnow"
.Isai
d.

"Ohhhumnsure.
"Hewal
kedmetothedoor.
Heopenedf
ormeandIwasaboutt
owal
kout
whenIacci
dent
all
ybumpedi
ntohi
srockhar
dchest
.

Suddenl
yther
oom f
eltsosmal
l
,sohot
,soIdon'
tknow.
..

Wel
ockedey
esandwi
thi
namomenthewasbr
eat
hingonmyf
ace.

Ibr
eat
hedheav
il
yandt
henl
ookedt
heot
herway
.

"
I.I
..
thi
nky
oushoul
dgo"Hest
ammer
ed.

"
S-sur
e".Iopenedt
hedoorandbangedi
twhi
l
ewal
ki
ngaway
.

Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatni
gger
.

Any waythet axi

tookmet oIt
ali
a.Ichangedintoaski
njeanandredgol
dT-shi
rtthenstar
ted
helpingKiaraoutsinceIwasn'
tdeli
veri
ngforthemeant i
me.
Shealsonoti
cedNicki'
sodd
behav i
orandi nf
ormedmet hatshewasawf ull
yquit
e,cl
umsyal
lofasuddenandwaszoni ngout
repeatedl
y .

Iwassuperwor
ri
ed.Af
terawhi
l
etheywal
kedi
ntwoear
lyf
if
ti
esman,
theot
heronel
ookedso
fami
li
ar.
"
Aret
heymyey
esort
hatonemanl
ooksof
ami
l
iar
"Ki
arasai
d.

"
Ithi
nksot
oo.
Likei
tssomeone.
Letmegoov
er.
"

Iwal
kedt
othem andt
heygav
emedi
sgust
ingl
ooks.
Ifel
tmyi
nsi
dest
urni
ng.Li
kewhatt
hef
uck.

"
Gent
lemanhowcanIhel
pyou"
.Isai
dwi
thaf
akesmi
l
e.

"Wearelooki
ngf orNi
cki
Simmonsbutfornowapanpiazzawil
ldo"
.t
hefami
li
aronesaid.
At
thatmomentNickiwal
kedinandwhenshesawtheol
dies.
Isawtear
sfor
minginhereyes.
Itook
oneandoneandgott wo.

Thi
swasNi
cki
'
sdi
sgust
ing,
fil
thy
,rapi
stst
epf
ather
.

Icl
enchedmyj
awsast
heyst
oodupmaki
ngt
hei
rwtt
oNi
cki
whowasal
readywal
ki
ngout
.

If
oll
owedt
hem Ki
araandJennywer
eal
readyonmyt
ail
too,
Iwonderwhocal
l
edJennyt
hough.
"Youthi
nkwewer
enotgoi
ngt
ofi
ndy
ou,
whor
e!!
"Thef
ami
l
iaronehel
dherar
mti
ght
lycausi
ng
hertofl
i
nch.

"
Whati
sthi
s..
.l
ovebi
tes.
.y
ouhav
eal
readyst
art
edwhor
ingar
ound"Theot
heronesai
d.

Iwasdoi
ngmybr
eat
hingexer
ciset
ryi
ngt
obecal
m buti
tdi
dn'
twor
k."
Letgoofher
!!
!"
I
scr
eamed.

Thef
ami
l
iaronel
aughed.
"orwhatgi
rl
yar
eyougoi
ngt
oki
ckmybal
l
s..
.ohhhI
'
m soscar
ed"

Hehadalr
eadyaddedpet rol
totheburni
ngf i
re.Idon'
tknowhowImanagedt or
eachhim wi
th
mypai
nfull
eg.Wit
hinamomenthewasgr oaningnursinghisbal
ls.
Ipunchedhi
mrepeatedl
yon
t
hatst
upidface.
WhilstJennyandKiar
awer edeal i
ngwi t
htheotherone.
Iknewweweremaki ng
asceneal
ready
.

Theybot
hfi
nal
l
ymanagedt
oescapewel
laf
tert
heyhadr
ecei
vedsomepunches.

IhuggedNi
cki
whowascr
ying.

"
Im whor
e,hei
sri
ghtI
'
m awhor
e".Shecr
ied.

"You'
renotawhor
esweet
ydon'
ttakehi
swor
dst
ohear
t.
"Isai
d.

Shewasagi
tat
ed."
Ihadsexwi
thLewi
slastni
ght
.Whatdoest
hatmakeme?
"Shescr
eamed.

"Hol
yMar ymot
herofGod,
blessedar
eyouamongwoman.
..
youdi
dIwhatNi
cki
!!
!"
Jenny
excl
aimed.
Endofchapt
er1 9

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er2 0
Apr
il
.

*
"Youwon'
tbeabl
eto**
handl
ethechi
l
ls"
.*
"
Nicki
whatdi
dyouj
ustsayt
ome?
"Iaskedwi
thaser
ioust
one.

"Idi
dn'
tsayIsawJesus,y
ouheardt
hatr
ightIfuckedLewi
sandwont
heawar
doft
henumber
onewhoreofGeorgi
a".Shesai
dsar
cast
ical
ly.

"OhhhmyAmer i
ca.Ni
cki
howdi dyouevendot
hat.
..
Imeanhowdidyoutwopull
thatoff
.You
knowwhatgir
lsl
et'
sgositdown,Ni
ckiy
ougotalotofexpl
aini
ngt
odo"
.Ki
arasai
ddragging
Nicki
,
whi
leJennyandmef ol
lowed.

ThankGoditwasnowluncht
imeorel
seMrCedri
cwasgoi ngtof
ir
eus.Jennywentandtook
twoboxesofpi
azzawhil
ewewaitf
orNicki
tospi
l
lthebeans.Wef
inal
l
ysettledandl
ookedat
her.
Shesighedandlookedatus.
"Ifl
ookscoul
dkil
lIwasy
oucoul
dhav
ebeendoi
ngmymemor
ial
ser
vicebynow.Thewayy ou'
rethr
owingdagger
satmeyooh"
.

Jennyr
oll
edherey
es.
"Justt
ell
usal
ready
".

Icoul
dseet
hatthi
swashar
dforher
,sohar
d.IwonderwhatLewi
sreal
l
ydi
d.Di
dhemay
be
for
cedhi
mselfonher
?

"Iwasdanci
ng,
mindi
ngmyownbusiness.Iwasn'
tevendr
unk,
Iwasjustt
ipsy
.If
elthandsaround
mywaistandsomeonedanci
ngbehi
ndme. YouknowIlov
ebeingnaught
ysoIstartedgri
nding
onhim andhehadaboner
.

WhenIt
urnedt
oseewhoi
twasboom i
twasLewi
sinf
lesh.

Immabehonesthei ssexyweal lknowthatandwel lIhadsomehot sf orhim butwel lhewas

wayoutofmyl owleagueev ent houghweki ndacl i
cked. Wet al
kedandIwashor nyandhehada
bonerhewashor nytoo.I
twasat wodogsonheatsi tuati
onher e.Heki ssedmeandwewentt o
oneoft hebeaut i
fulroomst her e.RememberIt oldy ouIwasmyst epfatherssext oy ,
hewas
alwaysr oughwi t
hmehai r
pul li
ng,spankings,whips,chokingthat'st heshithedi dtome. .
.soall
thi
sshi tthatwassexaccor dingt ome. SoLewisf uckedt hewayI '
m usedt oandhewasdoi ng
everythi
ngt omycommand.I tallremindedmeaboutt hatstepfatherofmi ne,all
t hetimeshe
breathedonmyback, hisdisgust i
ngsweatdr i
ppingonme. Icoul dn'ttakeitany mor esoIst ar
ted
tocry.Lewiswasner v oushet houghtmay behehadhur tme.ThenIwashonestwi thhimi tol
d
him pointblankthatIwant edt ohav egentl
elovemaki ngwi t
hhi m.Ihonest lyt
oldhi mt hatI
neverhadgent lesexbef orewhi chistrue,
tomesexwasal way sadut y .
Truthbet oldbackatt he
asylum Isleptwiththatnursesot hathedoesn'telectrocutedme, soy ouknowInev erhadsexat
myownwi ll
expectwi thLewi s.

Anywayheaskedmei fIwant
editandIwasdamnsur eIwant
ed.WhenhetouchedmeIf eltt
his
heatbur
ningmeup,Icoul
dn'
tdenymy sel
fthesexual
fulf
il
ment.Al
lIcansayi
sIexperiencedthe
gentl
e,
softandt
enderwarmthofhispossessi
on.Hewassosogood, i
twasmagi cal
.
Theway
oureyesl
ockedthewayhebreathedonmyneck,IswearIcr
iedtear
sofjoy.
Wemadel ov
e
al
mostallni
ght,
hetr
eatedmelikeawomannotawhor e.
Howev eri
nhismindIguessi
twasn'
t
mehewasmaki nglovetoobutagirl
namedZendaya"
.Shesaidsadl
yastearsf
ormedinher
eyes.

Wekeptqui
etwai
ti
ngf
orhert
ofi
nishherst
ory
.

Shesni
ff
edcount
lesst
imes.

"ForamomentIt houghtheknewthathewasworshi
ppi
ngmybody.
..
foramomentIthoughthe
knewhewasmaki ngmagicall
ovetoNicki
Simmons.Howev
ert
hatwasn'
tthecaset
ohim Iwas
hispreci
ousZendaya.

Atfi
rstIt
houghtitwasinmyheadbutwhenhecall
edmef ort
hethi
rdt
ime,
IknewIwasn'
t
wrong.Hehadhiseyesclosedandwhi
sper
edZendayar
ighti
ntomyear
,t
hencomedandpassed
out.

Iwashur t
,myegowasbrui
sed,
Ifel
tused.
Itmighthavebeenaoneni ghtstandbuttomei twas
l
ikethefir
stti
meIwashavingsex,
thenhejusthadtorui
nt hemomentf ormej ustli
ke
that.
Anywaywhatisdonei
tsdoneIhavetoacceptthefactthatIwi
l
l neverhaveany onewho
will
valuemef orme.
Imeanwhowoul dwantdamagedgoodsl i
keme,whowoul dwantlove
someonewhowasmadeasexsl avebytheirst
epfather
,someonewhopeopl elovetotake
advantageof.
"

IhaveseenNi
ckibr
eakseveral
timesbutatthi
spoi
nt,
shewasbey ondbroken.
Idi
dn'
tevenknow
howtocomfort
.Iwasangr
y,howcouldLewisdothi
stoher
,Idon'
tcareabouttheoneni
ghtst
and
shi
t,
howcouldhe.

"I
'm sorr
yNi cki
butt
rustmey ouwil
lfindsomeonewhowi l
llov
ey ouandtr
eatyouli
keaqueen
thatyou'
re.Someonewhowi l
lworshi
pt hegroundthaty
ouwalkon.Don'
teverf
eelunl
oved
becauset herei
saguyoutthereforyou."
Ishushedherasshebrokedowninmyar ms.
Ki
araandJennywerelooki
ngatherwithpi
tyinthei
reyes.
YouknowwhenNi ckiisl
ikethisi
twil
l
bel
iketheli
ght
sareoff,
i
tsonlydar
knessaround.Ev
entheatmospherewil
lchange.It
slikeshe
i
soursourceofhappi
ness,i
fsheisnothappythenitaf
fect
sthefourofustoget
her.

"Thoser
ichsnobsar
egoi
ngt
obet
hedeat
hofmeIswear
".
Isai
dinanger
.

"Thel
astt
imeIcheckedy
ouandJonar
efi
ne.
Imeany
ouev
enwentt
oBr
ussel
stoget
her
"Jenny
saidl
ooki
ngconf
used.

"
Howwasy
ourf
ir
stdayatwor
kbyt
heway
."Ni
cki
whowasdonecr
yingasked.

"Don'tevenask,
Idon'tknowwhatthatsonofabi scui
tthi
nksofhimsel
f.Wewer edoingjustfi
ne
thepr ev
iousdaybuttodayhewassocol d,
somoody ,
hewasn'tev
enlookingatme,it
sli
kemy
presencewasdi sgusti
nghim.
Thenont heothersidether
ewashisgirl
fr
iend,canyoubeli
eveit
sheaskedmet ocleanthei
rbedr
oom justaf
tertheirhadthei
rmorni
ngsexI '
m sur
e.Ihadt o
changet hebedding,pi
ckupusedcondomscany oubeli
eveit
.I
twasbey onddisgust i
ng.Then
shelatercamet omeal lr
eadytoplayRamboonmebutt henminuteslatershewascr ying
beggingmet ostayawayf rom herr
elati
onshi
p.Sheisjustcr
azyofyouaskme. ThatJonIdon't
evenhav ewordsf orhi
m,heactsli
keI'm astr
angertohim whenhisgir
l i
saround."Isi
ghed
angri
ly.

"LewisandJonneedsthefather
,thesonandthehol
yspi
ri
t.
TheyneedJesus,hi
ssaint
sand
warr
iorangel
s.Joni
ssoindecisi
ve,whatr
eall
ydoeshewant.
"Jennysai
dwithafrown.

Ki
arafr
ownedt oo."
Justgiv
ehim doubl
ewhathei
sgivi
ngy
ou,i
fheisgi
vi
ngcol
dshoul
dergi
ve
hi
m aniceshoulder
..Fr
eezethatsonofabi
tchwi
thy
ourat
ti
tude.
"

"
Yesbabyt
hat
'smor
eli
kei
t"
.Jennysai
dsnappi
ngherf
inger
s.

Ij
ustl
aughedshakingmyhead.
Nicki
smi
l
edt
oo,
thoughshewasnther
sel
fbutIwast
her
efor
her
,al
lofuswere.
Any
waywewor
kedal
i
ttl
ebef
oref
inal
l
yknocki
ngof
f.

AtleastNicki
wasnowjoki
ngaroundher
eandther
ebutIcoul
dseet
heempt
inessi
nher
eyes,
itsl
ikeapar
tofherwasl
eftwit
hLewis.

Any
wayIcookedbecauset
hesegi
rl
swer
etool
azyt
o.Weat
ewhi
l
echat
ti
ngher
eandt
her
e.

Isl
eptwi
thNicki
inmyr oom becauseIcouldn'
tj
ustletheroutofmysight
,Godknowswhatwas
goi
ngoninherbrai
n.Westayerinbebedforalongti
mewi t
houtsay
ingathingbutIknewshe
waswideawake,
withthewaysheconst ant
lycl
earedherthroat
.

"
Didy
ouusepr
otect
ion?
"Iaskedoutoft
hebl
ue.

Shequicklysatonthebed."
Wel
l.
..
y-y
esI..
rememberwhen...
wefucked.
..
he.
..hadagloveon..
.b-
but
..OhhhGod. .when.
...
wemadelove..
.I
..
.ummm. .
Idi
dn'
tseehi
m. .
put
ti
ng.
..anyt
hingon.
..
.Shit
..
Iwasso..caughtupinthemomentt-t
hat.
..
..ohhhGod"
.

Iquicklygotoffthebedandhel dmywai stwi

thbot
hhands.
"Areyouki
ddi
ngmeNi cki
Simmons. ..
.Arey oucrazy,
Whatam Ievenaski
ng?Howcany oubesocar
eless,
youfucked
withoutprotecti
on,howr eckl
esscanyoube..
whati
fheissi
ck..
.Whati
f..
.Youknowwhatlet'
s
got othephar macyrightnow!!
!"
Ishout
ed.
"
Rel
axI
'
m hundr
edper
centsur
ehei
scl
eanokay
".Shesai
dsof
tl
y.

"
Ohhhr
eal
l
y,l
et'
ssayhei
s.Doy
ouwantt
obeamot
her
"Ishout
ed.

"
Whyshoul
dIbeamot
her
..
?"Sheaskedl
ooki
ngconf
used.If
eltl
i
kesmacki
ngher
.

"You'
rearesul
tofunprot
ectedsex.Nowdoyougetit
,doyouwanttobepr
egnantwel
lunl
ess
Lewishasagoodpulloutgameorunlessheshoot
sblanks"Isai
d.
Shegotof
fthebed."
Ohhhwhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meear
li
er.
..
JeezIcan'
tfal
lpr
egnant
,.
.Ican'
tbef
at
andhaveabignose.
"

"Iwastr
yingt
ot el
lyou...
andIcan'
tbeli
eveyou'
reworri
edaboutbei
ngfat.
Let
'shurr
ytothe
pharmacybef
oret heyclose.
Wewillhavetobuythosebir
thcont
rol
s..
.t
hose72hoursaf
ter
..
..
I
can'
tbeli
eveyou'r
et hi
sreckl
essNicki
."Isai
dtaki
ngmyni ght
gownandwearingsli
pper
s.

WemetJennyandKi
arahal
fway
.

"
What
'shappeni
ng.
?"Ki
araasked.

"Shehadunpr
otect
edsexwit
hLewis.
.Canyoubel
i
eveher.
.t
hewholeni
ghtf
ucki
ngwit
houta
condom wi
thsomeoneyoubarel
yknow"
.Isai
dwalki
ngoutwit
hthegi
rl
sonmytail
.
"Idon'
tthi
nkmor
ningaf
ter
swi
l
lwor
kher
e".
Kiar
asai
d.

"Forpeopl
ewhoknowsdi
ckssomuchyou'r
ekindast
upi
d..
.therearet
hosewhi
chwor
kaf
ter
72hours.
Wearegoi
ngtobuyt
hem nowbecausewemightforget"
.

Theydi
dn'tsayanythi
ngbutfol
lowedmeli
kelostpuppi
es.Luckilythepharmacywasn'
tclosed
soIboughtthepil
l
sandaboxofcondoms.Theshopkeeperj ustlookedatusinaquest
ioning
manner.
Iroll
edmyey esbecauseIknewwhatshewasthinkingal r
eady.

Wewal
kedoutwi
tht
hem f
oll
owi
ngmei
nsi
l
ence.

"Nickiy
ouwillt
aket hesethedayaftert
omorr
ow.Gir
lsifyoufeelli
kegett
ingl
aidpl
easet
ake
thesecondomswithy ou.OnweekendNicki
wearegoingfortest
ing,Ican'
tbel
i
eveyouwould
putyourheal
thyatr
isklikethat
."

Theyj
ustnoddedi
nsi
l
ence.

Wewentbackhome.

"
Canyoupleasesi
ngalull
abyf
orme".Nickisaidwithacut
epoutonherface.
Shenor
mall
ydies
t
hiswhenI'
m madather.
Welli
nasmuchasIf eltbadf
orherbecausei
fwhatLewi
shaddone,I
wasangr
yatherforput
ti
ngherheal
thyatri
sklikethat
.
If
urr
owedmyf
orehead.
"Iwi
l
lsi
ngal
ull
abyf
ory
ou.
..

Twi
nkl
etwi
nkel
i
ttl
ewhor
e..
.

Cl
osey
ourl
egst
heyar
enotadoor
".

Icov
eredmyheadwi
thasheet
.Shest
art
edl
aughi
nghi
tt
ingmewi
thherpi
l
low.

"
I'
m al
i
ttl
ewhor
enow"
.Shesai
dlaughi
ng.

"Youawardedy
our
sel
fthewhor
eofGeor
giasoy
eay
ou'
re.
..
myl
i
ttl
esi
sterwhor
e".
Isai
dhi
tt
ing
herback.
Wehadapi
l
lowfight
.Atl
eastshewashappy
.Wef
inal
l
ydr
if
tedof
ftosl
eep.
WhenIwokeupt
he
f
oll
owi
ngmorni
ngmywhol ebodyached.

Nicki
'
sri
ghtl
egwasonmychest,t
heotheronehadpushedmylowerbodyf
rom t
hebed,
her
headwasalmosthangi
ngdown,
herhandswerefl
yi
ngallov
ert
heplace.

Ifi
nal
l
yescapedf
rom thebed.
"Remi
ndmenott
oshar
ethesamebedwi
thNi
cki
agai
n.Iwonder
howLewi
sdealtwit
hthis"
.

Isai
dst
ret
chi
ngmy
sel
f,
goi
ngt
othebat
hroom.

It
ookaqui
ckbat
h,l
oti
onedandwor
eabl
ackski
nnyj
eanwi
thawhi
tev
est
.

It
ir
edmyhai
rint
oamessybun.

Iwentt
otheki
ctneandf
oundKi
aramaki
nghercer
eal
.

Imademy
sel
fsomeandanot
herf
orNi
cki
.

IlookedatKi ara.
"WeallknowNi ckii
sthemostfr
agil
eandv ulner
abl
eamongt hefourofus. I
knowt hatseei
ngherstepfatheryest
erdayshewasaff
ected.Don'
tkeyheroutofyoursightnot
evenf oramoment .
Younev erknowthatoldmanmightcomebackagai n.
Weal sowhat'sgoing
oni nherhead,theli
tt
lepri
deshewashol di
ngontowasbr ui
sedbyLewis,
sor i
ghtnowshei sso
vulnerabletakecareofher.
Ifanythi
nghappenscal
lmeputmynumberont hespeeddial.
"Isaid
fi
rml y
.
"
OkApri
l.
Iwi
lldoso.
InfactIwi
l
laskJennyt
orunerr
andsf
orMrCedr
icNi
cki
wil
ldot
hecl
eani
ng,
t
hatwayIwi
l
lbeabletokeepaneyeonher"
.Shesai
d.

Igav
eherNicki'
scereal
.
"Yessoundsl
ikeaplan.
Makesur
esheeat
sandt
akesherant
i-
depr
essant
s.Takecareyour
sel
vesok.
Iwil
ll
eavenow".

"
Don'
tfor
gett
ogi
vet
hatni
ggerani
ceshoul
der
".Shesai
d.

Ichuckl
ed.
"Consi
deri
tdone"

Iwal
kedoutandwentt
othet
axi
rank.

Asusual
Iwasdr
oppedof
fandr
angt
hebel
l
.

Thi
sti
meLi
l
yopenedf
orme.
"
Hel
l
oLi
l
y".Isai
dwal
ki
ngi
n.

Shegr
eet
edmeback.

"
IsMrMcCl
ainar
ound?
"Iasked.

"
Wel
eftf
orwor
kear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
"Shesai
d.

Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
efbecauseIser
iousl
ywasn'
treadyf
orthatni
gger
smoodswi
ngs.
Onemi
nut
ehe
act
sli
keI
'mimport
antandthenextmomentI'
m gabbage.

Ist
art
eddoi
ngmywor
kbutmyai
m wast
oknowev
erycor
nert
hathadCCTV.

Icleanedmyassi gnedroomsandst art

edt ogivemy selfatouraroundthehouse.Almostat
everycornerofeverypassagewaytherewasacamer a,
Idon'tknowhowIwasgoi ngt opullthi
s
off.
Idon'tknowhowIwasgoi ngtogointohi sstudywithouthavingtolooksuspicious.AnywayI
wenti nt
ooneoft heroomswhi chwasdar k.Creepyifyouaskme. Theywerepicturef r
amesor
painti
ngscov er
edwi t
hwhitesheets.
Curiousit
ygotthebestofmeandIuncov eredoneof
them.I'mreal
lynotanarti
stbutIcananal y
sesomet hingandespeci al
lyapict
ure.Itportray
ed
darkness,mi
ser
yandsorrow.
Itwasapaint
ingofaki
dsit
ti
ngdownhuggingt
hei
rknees
everyt
hingel
searoundwaspaint
edi
nblackandther
eshadowsofscar
ypeopl
earound.

"
Thi
sisr
eal
l
ywei
rdwhydoesJonkeepsuchpai
nti
ngs.
"Iaskedmy
sel
f.

Forsomereason.If
eltl
i
kether
ewasmor
ehoi
tthanwhatmeet
stheey
e.Iqui
ckl
ycov
eredt
he
pai
nti
ngandwal kedout.

"Whoar
eyouJonMcCl
ain"
Iwhi
sper
ed.Ij
usthadt
hisunset
tl
ingf
eel
i
ng.

AnywayIwenttothecot
tageandhadmybreakf
astwi
ththeot
hermai
ds.Theywer
esofri
endl
y
andnoneofthem wer
eofmyage.Lil
yusedt
obeJon'snannyf
oraver
ylongtimeandt
heywere
pret
tycl
ose.

"
Soi
sJonar
eal
l
ygoodar
ti
st,
Imeani
ndr
awi
ng,
pai
nti
ngsandst
uffl
i
ket
hat
"Iasked.
Li
lylaughed.
"Ohhhel
lno,
heknowsnothi
ngaboutthat
.Hei
sjustgoodatbusinessandmaking
money .
Growinguphewasn'
tli
keanyotherki
dshewasatypicalner
d,sol
vi
ngmat hsanddoi
ng
accountsatveryy
oungage.
Iknewhewoul dmakeagoodbusinessmanoneday .
"

Il
ookedathercur
iosl
y.
"Wasn'
thesupposedt
obel
i
kepl
ayi
ngwi
thot
herki
dsandst
uff
"

Sheshookherhead."
Nonotr eal
lyhewasmor eofaloner,
hehatedt hecrowds.
Healwaysl
ocked
hi
mselfinhisroom,
heenjoyedhisownpr esenceanditwasr eal
lyveryhardtobr
eakthr
ough
hi
m,that
'sjustwhohewas.Butyearspassedandhehaschangedt hough,heismingl
i
ngand
al
l.
Hesur pri
sedmether
ebutt henIguesshisthreei
nfluencedit
."

Ididn'taskmorequestionsbecauseIwoul
dlookli
kesomeundercoverpaparazzi
.
Ijusthadthi
s
unsettli
ngfeel
ingthough,hi
schil
dhoodwaspret
tywei
rdandthepainti
ngswhokeepssuch
scary,darkpai
nti
ngsli
ket hat
.Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutthi
nkthatt
her
ewasamy st
erysurr
oundingJon
McCl ain.
Ishookmyheadt
odi
spel
mycr
azyt
hought
s."
Okayt
hat
'snoneofmybusi
ness."
Iwhi
sper
edt
o
my sel
f.

Iwenttot
hekit
chenandstart
edcleani
ngsincethechef
sweredonecooki
nglunchfort
hee
boss.
Iwassobusycleani
ng,
singi
ngandmindingmyownbusinesswhenIfel
tthatsomeone
waslooki
ngatme.It
urnedanditwasJonleaningonthewal
l
.

"Umm af
ter
noonMrMcCl
ain"
.isai
dwi
thaser
ioust
one.

Hewasst
il
lav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
.Unbel
i
evabl
e!

"
Heywassupshor
tst
uff
".
"I
tsApr
ilf
ory
ouMrMcCl
ain"
Isai
dcol
dly
.

Hesighed.
"OkaaayApr
ilcany
oupl
easebr
ingonebeerandt
wocupsofbl
ackcof
feewi
thno
sugarpl
ease".

"Sur
ethi
ng".Idi
dn'
tl
ookathi
m, t
her
ewasnopointbuti
ncoul
dfeelt
hathewasst
il
li
nther
oom
andwasstarri
ngatme.
Itoosomecoff
eef
rom t
hecoffeemachi
ne.

"I
sther
eany
thi
ngel
set
haty
ouwantMrMcCl
ain"
.Iaskedwi
thoutl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
."Umm no"
.
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.

"
Justsoy
ouknowst
arr
ingi
srude.
Stopgawki
ngatme,
Icanf
eel
it,
i
tmakesmyski
ncr
inge.
"

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngbutj
ustopenedhi
smout
hinshock.

Ipacedt
het
wocupsofcof
feeandacanofcol
dbeeri
nat
ray
.

"
Closey
oumout
hfl
i
eswi
l
lent
er"
.

Iwalkedout
.Iwasdoneplay
ingMissNice.Nowhewasgoi
ngt
odeal
wit
hthechi
l
ls.
Hest
art
ed
wit
ht hecol
dnessbutnowheistheonefreezi
ng.

IfoundMaxandLewi
sinadeepconver
sat
ion.If
eltl
i
kesmacki
ngLewi
swi
tht
hebackofmy
hand,howcoul
dhebesoi
nsensi
ti
ve.

Ipl
acedt
het
raydowni
nful
lfor
cet
hatt
hecof
feeal
mostspi
l
t.

Theybot
hlookedatme.

Inar
rowedmyey
est
owar
dsLewi
sandhequi
ckl
ylookeddown.

"Af
ter
noonMrJacksonJackson."
Isai
dcol
dly
.
Theybot
hrepl
i
ed.

It
urnedanddr
aggedmyf
eetaway
.Ibumpedi
ntoJoni
npr
ocesswhohel
dbot
hmyar
msand
l
ookedatme.

"
Letgoofme"
.Isai
dsof
tl
ybuthewasn'
tev
enbudgi
ng.

Isnappedmyf
inger
sathi
m."Ear
tht
oyouMrMcCl
ain,
IknowI
'
m goodl
ooki
ngbutl
etgoofme"
.

Yeari
ghtIusedt
hesamel
i
neheusedonmebackwhenImethi
mfort
hesecondt
imeatt
he
asyl
um.

Maxst
art
edl
aughi
ng.

"
Shegoty
out
her
ebr
o,l
etgoofher
".Maxsai
dlaughi
ng.
Heslowlyl
etgowi
thhi
sey
esl
ockedi
nmi
ne.
Ijustsi
ghedandwal
kedawayl
eav
ingt
hem
l
aughingathi
m.

Ar
ound2,
Iwentandchangedmyuni
for
mthenwor
emycl
othes.

Iwalkedt
othel
oungeandt
heguy
swer
etal
ki
ngaboutbusi
nessser
iousl
ythatt
heydi
dn'
tev
en
hearmecomingi
n.

"Mom sai
dIshoul
dgiv
eJul i
anJunet
hedeal
,
Idon'
tgeti
tthoughwhyshoul
dshebet
heonl
y
onebenef
it
ti
ngfr
om t
his.
"Jonsai
d.

If
eltmywhol
eworldcr
umbling.SoIwasri
ghtJonwasdoi
ngdealswi
ththatwi
cked
woman.Howcoul
dhe?Thatwomani swi
ckedevenSat
anisaf
rai
dofher.

Maxsawme."
Arey
ouokApr
il
,y
ouar
elooki
ngl
i
key
ouj
ustseenaghost
"
"
Shor
tst
uffi
s-"

Ii
nter
rupt
ed."
Isai
dit
sApr
ilf
ory
ou"
.Isai
dcol
dly
.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
escl
enchi
nghi
sjaws.
"Apr
ilar
eyouok?
"

"
I'
m ok.I
'
m aboutt
oknockof
fbutbef
oreIl
eav
eIwantt
osaysomet
hingt
oyouLewi
sri
ghther
e
r
ightnow."

Lewi
sshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
y.

"I
'm confrontingyounotasJon'shel perbutasNicki'
ssister
.I
fyoubadlywanttoventoutyour
emot i
onspl easedon'tusemysi ster
,alr
eadyshhasal otinherplatedon'
taddtothat.
I
understandt hatitwasamutual agreementbet weenthebothofy outohavesextogetherbut
youknewt haty ouweredoi
ngt hisbecausey ouwantedt oventoutyourf
rust
rat
ions.
Whaty ou
didhurtthel i
ttl
epridet
hatNickiwashol dingonto.She-
-"

Bef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishmyphoner
ang.
ItwasKi
ara.

Iqui
ckl
yanswer
ed.
"
What'
sgoi
ngon,
i
sNi
cki
Ok?
"Iasked.
Lewi
squi
ckl
yst
oodupandwi
thi
nabl
i
nkhewasst
andi
ng
i
nfr
ontofme.

"
I-
isN-
Nicki
okay
..
.whathappened?
"Hest
ammer
ed.

Igav
ehi
mthe"
justshutup"l
ook.

"
Nicki
'
sstepfatherisher
eagai
n..
.Ihi
dNi
cki
buthei
scausi
ngascene.
Hecamewi
tht
wo
t
eenageboys.Pleasecomesoon".

"OhhhI
'm gonnakil
lthatsonofabi
tch.
Makesur
eNi
cki
isokI
'
m onwayr
ightnow.
Makesur
ehe
doesn'
ttouchNicki
".

Isai
dandhungup.
Nowt
hishasgott
heat
tent
ionofev
ery
onei
nther
oom.

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngoutandt
heywer
efol
l
owi
ngmel
i
kel
ostpuppi
es.
Lewi
s.

*
"Lewi
s'
stenderl
ove"
.*

"
Wheredoyout
hinky
ou'
regoi
ng"
.Apr
ilaskedgi
vi
ngust
hel
ookt
hatcanmakeany
oneshi
tin
t
hei
rpant
s.

"Wewantt
omakesur
eNi
cki
isokwear
egoi
ngwi
thy
ou"
.Isai
d.
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
"Li
key
oucar
e.Shoul
dn'
tyoubel
i
kewi
thy
ourpr
eci
ousZenday
ari
ghtnow"
.

"
Whydon'
tyoucal
lthepol
i
ce?
"Maxsai
d

"
Theyt
aket
imeandt
imei
snotonmysi
de.
"Shesai
d.

Shehadallt
herighttoshoutatmeIwasn' tgoingt otakeittoheart.
Afteral
lwhatIdi
dwas
wrong.
IhadhurtNicki.
Itwascl eart
hatNickiwasgoi ngthroughal otandIactedsoinsensit
ive.
HowcouldIpict
ureZenday ainmyheadwhi lemaki nglovetoNi cki
.Iknowsheactedli
keitwas
j
ustnostri
ngsattachedbutIknowf oracertainshefeltused.Maxwast hr
owingdaggersatme,I
knewheneededanexpl anati
on.Ihadn'
tdisclosedthistoany oneandIknowIwasgoi ngt obe
i
nhotsoup.Myaybei fGarethwasher ehewasgoi ngtosav eme.

AnywayJondrovel
ikeamaniact
odownt
ownwi
thi
nmi
nut
eswehadar
ri
vedatI
tal
i
a.Af
ew
peopl
ewereoutsi
dewatchi
ng.

Ni
cki
didn'
tev
enwai
tfort
hecartbepar
kedshewal
kedoutwhi
l
ethecarwasst
il
lmov
ing.
Wefoll
owedherandIfel
tmyangerr
isi
nginf
ull
for
cewhenIseesomeol
dmandr
aggi
ngNi
cki
byherhai
r.
Kiar
aandJennywer
ebusywill
i
ngsometwoboyswit
hbelt
s.

Befor
ewecouldevendoanythi
ngAprilwasalr
eadyontheoldman'
sface.
Neverinmyl i
fehav
eI
seenagi
rlt
hrowmeanpunchesl i
kethat.
Themanwasgi ventwomeanknockoutpunchesand
hewasontheground.Shesatonhischestandstar
tedbl
essi
nghi
m withpunches.

Ir
ant
oNi
cki
whowascr
yinghuggi
ngherknees.

Ihuggedher"
I'
m her
e..
I'
m her
eokaynot
hingwi
l
lhappent
oyou"

Shewasshaki
ngl
i
kenobody
'sbusi
ness.

"
P-pl
ease.
.d-
don'
tl
ethi
mtakemeaway
..
..
p-pl
eased-
dontl
-l
ethi
m..
."Shecr
ied.

Icuppedherf
ace.
"I
'm her
e..
I'
m her
e..
.Iwon'
tl
ett
hathappen.
.Iwi
l
lbedamnedt
olett
hat
happen.
Youhearme".

Shenoddedherhead.
Ibabyki
ssedher
."
Dontwor
ryev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
nenow"
.
Ihuggedhert
ight
lyandshecl
ungonme.

Ontheothersi
deJonwast
ryi
ngt
ost
opApr
ilf
rom punchi
ngt
hatmanbuthewaspushedand
punchedontheface.

"
Don'
tfuckeni
nter
fer
eyouhearme"
.

Ial
waysthoughtshewast
hesweet
estamongt
hef
ouroft
hem butnowi
twasl
i
keal
i
onwas
unl
eashed.

Themanmanagedt
oescapeasshewasshout
ingatJonwhowasnowhol
dinghi
sbl
eedi
ng
nose.

Thetwoteenageboy
swhoKi
araandJennywasdeal
i
ngwi
thal
sor
anf
ort
hei
rli
vesThesegi
rl
s
werereal
l
ymaniacs.

"If
uckentol
dyout
ofuckenst
ayawayandnowhehasescapedagai
nthankst
oyoumi
ght
yJon
McClai
n."

Thev
ici
ousApr
ilwasaboutt
olashoutatJonbutt
hankst
oMaxhehel
dbot
hherar
ms.

It
ookNi
cki
tot
hecarwhowasst
il
lsni
ff
ing.Shesatonmyl
apsi
naf
oet
usposi
ti
on.

"
T-tel
l.
..
M-maxand..
Jont
oleaveheralone.
..
shei
s..
sti
l
lver
yangr
y..
.t
heywon'
tbeabl
eto
..
.handl
eher"
.Shesai
dwit
hhiccups.

Ical
ledMaxbecauset
herewasnowayIwasgoi
ngt
oNi
cki
alone.
Iinf
ormedt
hem andt
heyl
eft
Apri
lwhojustwal
kedoffi
nanger
.
Theycanet
othecarwithJoncoveri
nghisnosewit
hahandker
chi
ef,Iwant
edt
olaughbutt
his
wasn'
tthemoment.Theycameintothecarandbot
hgavemethelookswhent
heysawNicki
cur
ledonmylaps.

"Dr
ivet
omyhousepl
ease.
"Isai
dtoMaxandhej
ustobl
i
ged.

Wear
ri
vedandIcar
ri
edNi
cki
upst
air
s.

"
Didy
oueat
?"Iaskedcar
eful
l
ylay
ingheront
hebed.

"
Y-y
es"
.Icoul
dtel
lshewasl
yi
ng.

"Don'
tmov
eI'
m comi
ngback?"
Iwentt
otheki
tchenandt
ookt
hef
oodt
hatIl
aidmyey
eson.

Ipassedbyt
hel
oungeandMaxwasnur
singJon'
nose.
Ilaughedandwentt
othebedr
oom.
"Al
lthi
sfood.
..
ohhnoI
'
m nothungr
yLewi
s."
Shesai
d.

"Idi
dn'
taskyou.
Nowy ou'
regoingt
oopeny
ourmout
habdsatt
hef
oodorwewi
l
lhav
epr
obl
ems"
.
Isai
dfir
mlyandstar
tedfeedi
ngher.

Sheat
ehal
foft
hef
ood.

Womensomet
imes.

Imadabat
hforherandaddedal
otofbat
hfoam andsal
tsi
nthewat
er.

Icar
ri
edheragai
n."Comeon,
I
'm goi
ngt
obat
hyou"
.

"
NoIwi
l
ldoi
tmy
sel
f.
"Shesai
dshy
ly.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"Iat
eyoursweetcooki
egi
rlt
her
eisnoneedt
obeshy
."

Ir
emov
edhercl
othesandpl
acedheri
nthet
ub.

I
twasn'
teasyt
houghshewasreal
l
ytempt
ingbutt
hiswasn'
tthet
imenotwhenshei
sbr
oken
l
i
kethi
sandnotwhenImessedup.

If
ini
shedbat
hingheranddr
iedherhai
r.

Nakedl
i
ket
hatIpl
acedherundert
hesheet
s.

"
Her
edri
nkthesepainki
ll
ersandsl
eepi
ngpil
l
s.Your
eal
l
yneedt
orest
.Ihopey
ou'
renotal
l
ergi
c
t
oanyoft
hepill
s."Isai
dgivi
nghert
hepil
l
s.

"
NoI
'
m notal
l
ergi
c".Shet
ookt
hepi
l
lsanddr
ankt
hem.

Igotundert
hecov
erswithher
,huggedher,
brushi
ngherhai
r,
giv
ingherwetki
ssesal
lov
ert
he
facewit
hinsomeminut
esshewasf astasl
eep.

Imadesur
eshewasni
cel
ycov
eredandwentdownst
air
s.
Maxwasr
eadyt
omur
derme.
"Howcany
ouuseherl
i
ket
hat
?"

Thatwashi
sfi
rstquest
ion.

"
Idi
dn'
tmeant
ook.
Ireal
l
ydi
dn'
tmeant
o"Isai
dhonest
ly.

"Youhav
etomakethingsr
ight
.Youcoul
dcl
ear
lyseet
hatshei
sgoi
ngt
hroughal
ot.
Howi
sshe
bytheway?
"Jonasked.

"
Shei
sasl
eepnow.
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoheronceshei
sawake.
Howi
syournosebyt
heway
?"Iasked.
Heshookhishead.
"Thatwasonehel
lofameanpunch.
Remi
ndmeagai
ntol
eav
eshor
tst
uff
al
oneespeci
all
ywhensheisangry
".

Wealll
aughedathim.
"Ihavenev
erseenagi
rlt
hrowi
ngpunchesl
i
ket
hat
.ShewassomeoneI
coul
dn'
trecogni
ze.
"Maxsai
d.

"
Doy
out
hinkmay
beshehasmul
ti
pleper
sonal
i
tiest
oo?
"Iasked.

"NoIdoubtthat
.Jennyoncetoldmet hatsheusedtodoboxi ngandmar t
ialart
sbackatthe
asyl
um.Sheiseveryt
hingthatoneifyouwantasweetgirlyouwi l
lgether
,i
fy ouwantasoftone
youwil
lgetherandifyouwantaf ier
ceoney ouwil
lgether,all
from oneperson.Shei
s
unpr
edict
ableandmy ster
iousify
ouaskme" .Maxsai
d.

Jonshakeshishead.
"Shehasbeengivingmeacol dshoul
derl
atel
y,Ican'thandl
eitanymore.
AllIwast
ryi
ngtodowast ojustst
ayawayf r
om heraft
erMaxplant
edi deasintomyhead.You
knowwhatI'
m goingtoseehernow.Idon'
tcarei
fsheisgoingt
opunchme. "Hestoodup.
"
You'
ref
all
i
ngi
ntoodeepandi
tsnotev
enf
unny
"Imocked.

"
Fucky
ou.
"Hesai
dwal
ki
ngout
.

Maxgav emeaster
nlook.
"I
'm sodi
sappoi
ntedinyou.Makesuret
hegir
lisf
ine.
I'
m goi
ngt
ot ake
Jennytotownwehavetobuysomethi
ngforthetwins.
"Hestoodupandgavemeapatont he
shoul
derbefor
ewal
kingout
.

Iwentupst
air
sandj
oinedNi
cki
inbed.
Icuddl
edheranddr
if
tedof
ftosl
eep.

Iwasl
aterawakenedbyasof
tvoi
ce.
"LetgoLewi
sIwantt
opee"
.
Il
oosenedmygr
ip,
sher
ant
othet
oil
etanddi
dherbusi
ness.

ShecamebacklaterandIst
aredathernakedbodywhi
l
eshemadeherwayt
othebed.
Itwas
complet
eper
fecti
on.Perf
ect
o!

"
Stopst
arr
ingi
tsr
ude"Shesai
dwhi
l
eget
ti
ngundert
hecov
ers.

Igav
eherasmooch.
"You'
rebeaut
if
ul,
ver
ybeaut
if
ul"
.

Shel
ookeddownsadl
y.
"Idon'
tfeel
beaut
if
ul"
.
"
Why
??Tel
lmey
ourst
oryNi
cki
.Iwantt
oknowy
oual
lofy
ou.
"Isai
d.

Shesi
ghed.
"Youwi
l
llookatmedi
ff
erent
lyy
ouwi
l
lbedi
sgust
edbyme"
.

"
Nev
er,
tel
lmey
ourst
ory
"Ii
nsi
sted.

Shebr eathedheav i
ly.
"Mymot herisment all
yunst ablesomyst eldadt hatmany ousawear lier
draggingme. Mademehi ssexsl av esincemom coul dn'tfulfi
ll
herdut i
es.Hest artedr appi ngme
si
nceIwas15, Icouldn'treportbecausehewast heonet akingcar eofmeandmymot her '
s
medical expenses.Itwassohar dformeact inglikeIwasal ri
ghtwhi l
eIwasmol estedl ikethat ,
I
wasengagedi ndomest i
cv i
olenceandt henIwasdi agnosedwi thbipol ar
.Intheasy lum t hat's
whenImett hegirlswewer etheref oreachot herbutdur ingthet i
mef orel ectr
ocut i
oni twas
manf orhi mself
.Therearet wonur sest her ewhousedt of uckmesot hatIwon' tbe
el
ectrocuted.Yestheyal lmighthav eusedpr otectionanspar edmef r
om cont ractingdi seases
buttheydest r
oyedmeLewi s.
WhenwehadsexandwhenIhear dy oucal l
ingmeZenday a,Ifelt
used,Ifel
tnotwor thofany onewor shippingmydamagedbody .
"
Icouldn'
tcont
aint
heangerIwasfeel
ingIj
ustgotof
fthebedandwentt
ostandonthebal
cony
.
Howcanhumandot hatt
oanotherhuman.
Theyweregoingt
opaydearl
yformessi
ngwit
hher
l
ikethat.

Atthesameti
memyconsciencerepri
mandedmef ormybehavi
orhowcouldIhav
enotseeni
t
thatshewasgoi
ngt
hroughalotespeci
all
ywhenshetol
dmet hatshenev
erhadgent
lesex
before.

Icool
eddownandwentbackt
ohershewascr
ying.

"
Iknowy
ou'
redi
sgust
edbyme.
..
Iknow.
..
Iwi
l
ljustgo"
.

Shesai
d.

Ij
ustsmashedmyl
i
psonherandgav
eheronehel
lofaki
ss.

"Iwil
lnev
erbedi
sgustedbyyouok.
Never
.You'
rest
rongandbeauti
ful
.Nowstopcry
ingi
tai
n'
t
cut
eatall
.Tr
uthmetheyaregoi
ngtopayheavi
l
yforwhattheydi
dtoy ou"
.Isai
d.

Shesmi
l
edi
ntear
s."I
'
m ki
ndahungr
y".
"
Letmegowar
m somef
oodf
ory
ouok"
.Ibabyki
ssedherandwentdownst
air
s.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandst
art
edwar
mingsomef
oodwhi
chmychefhadcooked.

Iwashummi
ngasongmi
ndi
ngmyownbusi
nesswhensomeoner
angt
hebel
l
.

Gar
ethi
stheonlyonewhohast
hesyst
em ofdoi
ngt
hatot
her
wiseJonandMaxj
ustki
ckt
hei
r
wayint
heyreal
l
ydon'thav
emanner
s.

Iwentandopenedt
hedoor
.Myj
awsdr
opped.

"
ZENDAYA!
!!
"
Endofchapt
er2 0

Let
'scommentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er2 1

Lewi
s.

*
"Iwanty
out
ost
ay"
.*
IthoughtIwasdr
eami
ngorhal
l
uci
nat
ingbutnoshewasst
andi
ngr
ightt
her
einf
rontofmei
n
fl
esh.

"
Z-zenday
a".
..Ist
ammer
ed.

Shegav
emeabonecr
ushi
nghug.

"Lewi
s..
.myl
ove"
.

Idi
dn'
thavethepowertoevenhugherback.
Ihadwai
tedf
ort
hismomentf
orav
eryl
ongt
ime
andnowthatitwasher
e,If
eltpower
less.
Imanagedt
owal
kinsi
dewi
thhercl
ungonme.

Isatont
hecouchandshesatbesi
desme.

Af
terl
ongsi
l
enceIst
oodup.

"WhyZenday
a..
.why
?"That
'
swhatIcoul
dmanageaskher
.

Shest
art
edcr
ying.

"
Nodon'tcry
,Iwantanswer
s.Whywoul
dyoudomeliket
hathuh,
whywoul
dyoughostmel
i
ke
t
hat
.Afucken13y ear
srel
ati
onshi
pwasdownthedr
ainj
ustl
iket
hat
".

"Ihadnoot herchoiceLewi s.Icouldn'

tmar r
yy ou.
Myf atherwant edtousemymar ri
agewi t
h
youtogainmor eweal th.
Hewant edmet obemar r
iedtoy outhendi vorceyou.Throughthe
divor
ceIwoul dclai
m someofy ourpropert
y.Icouldn'
tdoi tbecauseIsawhowhar dy ouworked
foreveryt
hingt hatyouhav enow. Hegav emeanul t i
matum Lewi seithertomar ryyouanddo
whathewant edort oleavey ou.IhadtoleaveLewisbecauseIcoul dn'tdoit
, Icoul
dn'tbet
rayyou
l
ikethat.
Ididn'twantust ohav eamar ri
agebasedonl i
es.Ihadtosacr ifi
cemyl ovetooforyour
sake..
forus.YouknowmeLewi s,youknowmev er
ywel lLewis.Wewer edoingjustfi
newhy
wouldIbesel fishhuh."
"
Sowhyar
eyoubacknow?
"Iaskedwi
pingof
fmyt
ear
s.

"
Whyar
eyouback?
"

"Icanfi
nal
lyst
andmygr
ound.Icanvoiceagai
nstmyfather
,henolongerhascont
rol
overme
becauseI'
m myownper
son.
I'
m backforyou,
I'
m backf
orus."Shesaidcryi
ng.

Isighedshaki ngmyhead. "Forf ucken3y earsZen.3y ear

sIr uinedmyl if
ebecauseofy ou
becausey ouleftme. Couldn'
ty ouatl eastgav emeaheadsupofwhatwashappeni ng.Moneyi s
notimpor t
antZenandy ouknowIcoul dhav epr
ef er
redtogi vey ourfat
heral
l t
hemoneyt hathe
want edjustt obewi thyou.Notev erythi
ngisaboutmoney .Myl oveforyouwasst rongert hanmy
l
ov eformoney .Wecoul dhav ef oughtt hi
st oget
herbuty ouchoset ogiveupwi t
houtev en
try
ing.Ireadsomewher ethatIfaper sonlovessomeonet heycanmov emountainsfort hem,they
canwal konwat erf ort
hem, Icouldhav egav eupev eryt
hingjustt obewithyou.Youleftmewi th
mymoneybutdi ditgivemehappi ness,diditwarm mybedatni ght?Hel
lnoitdidn't
.Ibecamea
miser ablemanwi thoutZenday a.YouknewhowmuchIl ovey oubuty ouju-
--
"BeforeIfinishedI
sawNi ckistandingont hestairswi thasheetwr appedar oundherbody .
ShelookedatZenday a
thenbackatme, thenatZenday aagai n.

"
Umm.
.ahh.
..
Ithought
..
s-somet
hing.
.h-
had.
..
happened.
..
I.was.
..
Iwi
l
l.
.J-
just
..
..
leav
eyou.
.t
wo"
Sher
anupst
air
s.

Zenday
alookedatme.
"I
sshet
her
ebound?"
Sheaskedwi
tht
ear
sfal
l
ingdown.

Ikeptqui
et.
IknewIhadtomakeadeci si
on,aharddecisi
on.Ihadyearnedt
oseeZenday
afor
yearsandnowshewasher e.
Icompl
etelyunder
stoodthatshewasf or
cedtodothi
sandshedi
d
whatshethoughtwasthebest.
Shedi
dwhatshet houghtwasr i
ghtatthemoment.

"Zenday
apl
easel
eav
e".
Isai
dsof
tl
y.
Ihadmadeupmymi
nd.

"
W-whaatLewi
sar
eyougoi
ngt
ogi
veuponusj
ustl
i
ket
his"
.Shesobbed.
"Ihat eseeingy oucr yi
ngl i
kethi
s.Idon'twanty out ocry.Threeyearsbacky oumadey our
decision,yougav euponussoeasi lywithoutthinki
ngt wice.Youhadachoi ceZenday a,
you
couldhav echosent ost ayandtellmet hetruthandwecoul dhavebeent ogetherev eninpoverty
buty ouchoset heeasiestwayout .YouknowIj ustlearntsomet hi
ngabouty outodayt hatIdi
dn't
knowf or13y ears.Zendayawhent hegoingget stough,your unaway,youchooset oleave.Youdo
nothav ethewilltofightforwhaty oulov e.
ButIwantast rongwomanwhowi l
lfightforandwi t
h
met hroughi tall,
notawomenwhochoosest or unawayf rom thei
rproblemsi nsteadofl ooki
ng
forsolut i
ons.TodayIal somakemychoi ce.I
t'
ssohar df ormebutIhav etoletyougobecause
onedayy oumayj ustpacky ourthingsandl eavewhent hegoi nggetstough.Justgo, wehadour
ti
me, wehadourmoment sbutit
'sov ernow.Youi nsult
edt heloveIhadf oryou,yout ookitfor
granted" .
Isai
demot ionall
y.

Shestoodup."Andy outhi
nkI'm goingtogiveuptot hatonemanIl ov
edf or13years
Lewis.
Thinkagain.Iknowy ou'
renoti nyourri
ghtstateofmindanditsunderstandabl
e,Iwil
lgi
ve
youtimebutI'm notaboutt ogi
veuponus. Il
ostyouonce,I'
m notabouttolooseyouagain.
You
havelovedmef or13y earsLewis,you'r
enotaboutt ogiveuponusov ersomeoney ousaw
recent
ly.Iwon'
tletthathappenmyl ove."

Isi
ghed.
"Justl
i
kehowy oumanagedt ol
eavethreeyear
sback,j
ustdoitagainZen.Imi
ghthav
e
beenwit
hy ouf
or13yearsbutt
hey ouneverknowGod'splans,
theonethatismeantforme
maybesomeoneIjustmetyest
erdaybuti
tfeelsli
keIhaveknownthem forever
."
Iwal
kedandopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.Shebabyki
ssedme.

"
Ilov
eyouandIwi
l
lnev
erst
op.
I'
m gi
vi
ngy
out
imet
ocool
off
".Shesai
dandwal
kedout
.

Thi
swasn'tt
heeasiestchoi
ceeverbecauseshewastheonlywomanIhaveeverl
ovedli
ket
hat
butIhadt
omaket hedecisi
ontolethergo.
Itwasn'
tgoi
ngtobeeasybutIwi
ll
survi
ve.

Any
wayIwal
kedupst
air
sandmetNi
cki
ful
l
ydr
essed.

If
oldedmyar
ms.
"Andwher
edoy
out
hinky
ou'
regoi
ng?
"

Shesighed.
"Ij
ust.
..
wantt
ogi
vet
het
woofy
ouspaceand..
..
I'
m..
.sur
e..
thegi
rl
sar
ewor
ri
ed
aboutme".

Ihel
dherhandandl
edhert
othebedr
oom.
"
B-butLewi
s..
.y
ouandZenday
a..
."Shesai
d.

Ii
nter
rupt
ed."
MeandZendayaareover
..
.Wewer elongoveranyway.
Sheismyexfiancé.
Idon'
t
wannatal
kabouther
.Let
sgoandshower,
thenIwil
linf
orm Apr
ilt
hatyou'
resl
eepi
ngheretoday
".

Shedidn'tprot
est.
Iremov edourclothesandthencar
ri
edhertotheshower.
Wehadani nnocent
shower.Iwasnotgoi ngtodoany t
hingsexualwit
hhernotwhenbothofuswereemotionall
y
dist
urbedliket
his,
ont opofthatInev erwant
edhertofeel
li
keIwasusinghert
oventoutmy
emotions.Shedeserv esbett
er.

Il
oti
onedbot
hofusandcar
eful
l
ylai
dheri
nbed.

"Iwil
lgowarm ourf
oodok"
.ShenoddedIbabyki
ssedherandwentdownst
air
s.Iwar
medour
foodandwentbacktot
heroom.

"
Comel
et'
sfeedy
ouf
ir
st"
.
Ist
art
edf
eedi
ngherandsheat
ehal
fthef
ood.
Iat
etheot
herhal
f.

Icuddl
edbesi
desherandwest
ayl
i
ket
hatf
oral
ongt
imei
nsi
l
ence.

"Shei
sver
ybeaut
if
ul"
.Shesai
d.

Ichuckled."
Hav eyouseeny our
self?You'
remor ethanthewor dbeautif
ul.
Iknowy oustil
l f
eell
i
ke
I'
m usingyouorsomet hi
ngbutthat'
snotthecase. It
rul
yapologizeforcall
i
ngouthername
whil
emaki nglovet oyou,
itwasjustmyweakmomentandemot i
onswer erunningall
ov ermy
head.Iwil
lmakei tuptoy ou.
Ipr
omi se.You'
reverybeautif
ulNicki,
don'
teverfeel l
i
keyou'renot
worthyifanyt
hingy oudeserveonlythebestthatGodcanof fer.
Onlythebest".Ibabykissedher.

"Don'
tthi
nkt
oomuchgot
osl
eepok.
Youneedt
her
est
,youhav
ebeenst
ressi
ngy
our
sel
fso
much".

"
Bef
oreIsl
eepIwantt
ocal
lApr
il
.I
'
m sur
eshei
swor
ri
ed.
"

Itookmyphoneandgav
eher
.Shedi
all
edhernumberandt
hephonewasanswer
edont
het
hir
d
ri
ng.
"
Hel
l
o,whoi
sthi
s?"Apr
ilaskedwi
thast
ernv
oice.

"
Gir
lit
smeNi
cki
,
I'
m usi
ngLewi
s'phone.I
'
m sl
eepi
ngov
ert
ohi
spl
acet
oday
".Shesai
d.

"OhhmyGodIwassodamnwor r
iedaboutyou..
.ar
eyouok?..
.di
dyoueat?
..
.di
dthatsonofa
bi
scuitgi
veyoupr
obl
ems?
...I
fyou'
renotfeel
inguncomfor
tabl
ejustaskhi
mt odri
veyou
over
..
.wherei
sheany
way?
..Areyoualone?"

Apr
ilbombedherwi
thquest
ions.

Nicki
laughed.
"Rel
axsi
shei
sher
ewi
thmeok.
I'
m notf
eel
i
nguncomf
ort
abl
eandIat
eok.
I'
m
f
ine".
Apr
ilsi
ghed."
Finebutdon'
topenl
egsf
ort
hatni
ggerhedoesn'
tdeser
vey
ourpr
eci
ouscooki
e
ok.
Am Icl
ear"
.

Il
aughed.
"Ar
eyouser
iousr
ightnowApr
il
.Shei
sinmybednakedr
ightnow"
.

Ni
ckipi
nchedmeandIst art
edlaughi
ng.Apr
ilst
art
edshouti
ng."
Heyy
ouNickiIwi
l
lgivey
oua
hi
dingwhenyougetback.Noyouwill
begroundednocel
lphone,
noTVyouhearme".

Nickil
aughed.
"St
opmommywear
enotdoi
ngany
thi
ng,
youwor
ryt
oomuch.
Youwi
l
lgetol
d
veryqui
ckly
."

Apri
lchuckl
ed."
Icantel
lyou'
rehappy
,I
'mr
eli
evedbuti
fyouthi
nkofdoi
ngpl
easedon'
tfor
gett
o
useprotect
ion.
..
.By
eIhav et
ogosomeoneisonthedoor"
.
ShehungupandNi
cki
smi
l
ed.

"Apri
li
sreal
l
yst
rangeonemi
nut
eshei
sal
i
onessandanot
hermi
nut
eshei
sasheep"Isai
d
shaki
ngmyhead.

"That'
swhoshei
s.Al
lsof
tbuti
fyoupr
essherwr
ongbut
tons,
youwi
l
lwi
shy
ouhav
enev
ermet
her".Ni
cki
sai
dyawni
ng.

"You'
ref
eel
i
ngsl
eepy
?"Iasked.

Shenoddedwhi
l
eyawni
ng.Ibabyki
ssedal
lov
ert
hef
aceandaf
tersomemi
nut
esshewasf
ast
asl
eep.

Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepawi
nkt
hough.
Ijustcoul
dn'
t.
Af
terhour
sIgotof
fthebedandwentt
othebal
cony
.

Yesi t
ssaidmandonotcr ybutIj
ustcouldn'tcontai
nitany more.I
twast oomuchf ormenow. I
waitedforthreeyear
stogettheanswer sfrom Zennowt hatshetoldmeev eryt
hingIjust
wishedshenev ercameback.Icouldn'
tbeli
ev ethatal
lthemoment swehad, al
lthetr
ial
sand
tr
ibulat
ionswepassedwer ej
ustdownt hedr ai
n.Wehav ebeent hr
oughsomucht ogetherwhen
shemi scarr
iedIwasthereforher,
whenshehadast i
l
lbornIwasst il
ltheref
orher,whenmy
grandmadi edshewast hereforme,sohowcoul dshegav eupsoeasi l
ythattooatthecruci
al
moment .

If
eltsof
tandwar
mthhandshuggi
ngmef
rom behi
nd.

Iqui
ckl
ywi
pedof
fmyt
ear
sandt
urned.

"
Heywhydi
dyouwakeup"
.Iasked.

"Youdi
dn'
tory
oucoul
dn'
tsl
eepr
ight
?"Ni
cki
sai
d.
Ismi
l
edl
azi
l
y."
Yea,
thi
ngshav
ebeenr
unni
ngt
hroughmyheadsoIcoul
dn'
tsl
eep"

Shelookedi
ntomyey
es.
"I
tsgoodt
ocr
yitout
,y
ouknow.
Your
eal
l
ydon'
thav
etopr
etendl
i
ke
ever
ythi
ngisok"
.

Shehuggedmestandingonhertoes.
That
'sshor
tsheis.
Icr
iedi
toutjustl
ikeshesai
d.Af
tera
whil
eIwasfeel
i
nglikeaburdenhavebeenremovedfr
om myshoulders.

"Idatedherfor13y ear
s.Wehav ebeenthroughsomucht oget her
.Iproposedsheaccept ed,I
wasr eadytowi f
eher .
Thenthreeyearsbackshejustghost edme, shejustleftanotandt her
ing
sayingthatIwasn'treadyforsuchabigcommi t
ment .Thent odayshecamebacksay i
ngshe
hasanexpl anati
onf orherbehavi
or.Shetoldmet hatherfatherwant edust ogetmar r
iedand
thendivorce.Throughshewoul dclai
m mypr opert
y.Sohegav eheranulti
mat um andshechose
thelatt
er.
Shechoset oleav
ebecauseshecoul dn'
tlietome, shecouldn'tdoit,shecoul
dn'tmarr
y
mef ormyweal th".
Shesi
ghed.
"Sowhydi
dyoul
ethergo.
You'
rer
eal
l
y..
.m-
miser
abl
e..
w-wi
thouther
".

Ibreathedheav i
ly."Ihadtol ethergo.Themomentshest ar
tedexpl
ainingtomet her
easonwhy
shel eft
,Ireal
izedshewasnev ermeantt obemi ne.
Ireali
zedatanygiventimeshemi ght
l
eav e,whent hingsget sdiff
icultforher.IwantawomanwhoIwi l
lbesur et
hatshegotmyback
nomat t
erwhat .
WhenIgooutt hereI'
mr eadyt obattl
ejustfort
hewomanIl ov
e,Iwanttoletmy
guarddownknowi ngthatmywomani sr eadytobat t
leformeaswell.ForsomeonelikeZenday
a
shecanl eaveatanygi ventimeandIdon' twantthat,
Iwantsomeonewhost ays.
Whowi l
lbe
wit
hmet hroughital l
.Shewasav ict
imi nt hi
stooright,
shecouldhavet ol
dmet hetr
uthwe
couldhav efoughtt hatl
astt ri
al t
ogetherbutshebackedout .

Anddoy ouknowwhyI'
m miserabl
e?I'
mt hinkingaboutallt
hoseyearsIwast
edlov
ingsomeone
whowasgoi ngt
ogiveuponisonthel astmi nute,
lovi
ngsomeonewhowasnev ermeanttobe
minetobeginwi
th.
Butit
sovernowt hereisreall
ynoneedt ocryoverspi
ltmi
lk,
whati
sdoneits
done.If
oundthecl
osureIwant
ed,i
nasmuchasi tishar
d,formetheZendayaCor
nell
Chapter
i
sclosed".

"
Wheny
ouneedsomeonet
otal
kto.
Iwi
l
lbeher
eok"
.Shesai
d.
"Thankyouandj
ustrememberI
'
mther
efory
out
oook.
Wear
ether
eforeachot
her
.Nowl
etsgo
getourbeaut
ysl
eep"
.

Iscoopedherup,
shegi
ggl
edwhi
l
eIwentt
othebed.

*
Jon*
*
"Seal
itwi
thaki
ss"
.*

Ibreat
hedinandoutagai n,
Ihavebeendoi ngthi
sbreathi
ngexerci
seforaslongasI
remember .
SinceI'
m notApri
l'
sfavour
itepersonri
ghtnow,itwasreal
lygoi
ngtobehardt otalkt
o
hermay bewithoutrecei
vi
ngpunches.Ifi
nall
ygatheredenoughcourageandrangthebell
.Ihad
myf i
ngerscrossedwhent hedooropened.ItwasKiarasherai
sedhereyebrowsandfoldedher
arms.WellIguessI'
m noone'sfavour
itepersonri
ghtnow.

"
Lookwhatt
hepunchdr
aggedi
n.HowcanIhel
pyouMrMcCl
ain"Shesai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.

IbetApr
ilt
oldt
hem aboutmycol
dat
ti
tudet
owar
dsher
.

"
Ummm canIseeApr
ilpl
ease"Isai
d.
"Youcoul
dn'
thandl
ethechi
ll
sany
more,
nowy
ou'
rebackagai
n.Comeoni
n"Shel
aughed
shaki
ngherheadandpavi
ngwayforme.

"
Shei
sinherr
oom?
"Iasked.

"
Yesofcourseandbyt hewaygoodl uckyoureal
l
yneedi
t.
IfIwasyouIwoul
dgother
ewearing
ahel
met,youneverknowthingsthatmightbethr
ownyourway"
.Shechuckl
edgoi
ngtoher
r
oom.NowIwasev enmor enervous.

Whywasi
her
etobegi
nwi
th?
.

Theansweri
sIdon'
tknowI
'
mjusther
e.

If
eltmyconsci
encel
ooki
ngatme,
tappi
ngi
tsf
oot
.

Ibr
eat
hedagai
nandt
henknockedonherr
oom.

"I
'
m comi
nggi
vemeasecond."
Sheshout
edwi
thhert
inyv
oice.
Isi
ghedatl
eastshewasn'
tsoundi
ngangr
y.

Butt
heshewi
l
lseey
ou,
whatwi
l
lhappen.Myi
nnerv
oiceasked.

Iwassti
l
lli
steni
ngt
omyi
nnerv
oicewhenherv
oicest
art
ledme.
"Whatonear
thar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e".

Pani
csqueezedthebr
eat
heoutofmyl
ungs,
render
ingmei
ncapabl
eofmaki
nganyki
ndof
ver
balr
esponse.

"
Jon.
Isai
dwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e".Herv
oicewaschar
gedwi
thqui
etf
ury
.

Il
ookedather
,herhai
rwasbunchedupontopofherhead,
shewassti
l
ldampwhi chmeansshe
wastaki
ngashower ,
shewasj
ustcover
edwit
hnothingbutasof
tshor
tcream t
owel.
Thi
swasn'
t
maki
ngt
hingseasi
erf
orme.

"I
..
.umm.
.ahhhIcamet
oapol
ogi
ze.
..
for
..
umm"
Ist
ammer
ed.

"
Apol
ogyaccept
ednowl
eav
e."Shesai
dinanger
.

"
Apr
ilpl
ease.
..
--
"

Shei nterrupted."Whati sitt

hatyouwantJon. Whatdoy ouwantandwhatar ey ouapologi
zing
for.Idon' tgetyou,onemi nuteyou'r
eallcaring,al
lsweett henthenextmomenty oucan'
teven
l
ookatme, it
slikey oucan'tevenstandmypr esence,it
slikeyou'
redisgustedbyme. Whatisi t
thaty ouwantf rom me.Whyar eyouher e,
apol ogi
zing,whyar eyouhereatt hi
stimeoft henight
huh.Oky ouapol ogized,apol
ogyhasbeenaccept ed,nowwhyar ey oustil
lstandingtheremaking
mel iterall
ytosuf focateinyourpresence".Sheshout edandst art
edbr eat
hingheav i
ly.
Il
ookedatherchestandwonder
edhowani
nnocentactofsomeoneangr
il
ybr
eat
hingbeso
sexual
l
ycapti
vati
ng.

Shereali
zedthewayIwaslookingather,
mesmer i
zedshestaredrightbackintomyey es,her
breat
hingsuddenl
ylabour
edandshallow.Di
zzil
yshebl
inkedbutwi thoutbei
ngabletobr eakthe
i
ntensi
tyofmybur ni
ngstar
e.Herbodywasst ar
ti
ngtotremble,Isecret
lysmirked.
Igother
whereIwantedhertobewithjustastar
e.

"P-
please.
..
l-
leav
e..
.r
ightnow"
.Shesai
dst
ammer
ing.

Ismirked."
Theheati
sgett
ingtoomuchhuh...
it
sgetti
ngtoohotinhere,
theroom suddenlyfeel
s
sosmal lhuh.
Whyareyoutrembli
ngshortst
uffhuh,
i
sittheneedthatseemedtohav ebeen
stor
edupsomewher e,nowitscomingoutofnowherereadyt
ocausedest r
ucti
on."Isai
dwal ki
ng
towardsher.

Myhandwasaspanawayf r
om hernow,
shewal
kedbackf
rom me,
herey
esnotl
eav
ing
mi
ne,
unti
lshewasbackedagai
nstthewar
.
"
J-Jon"
.Shepr
otest
edshaki
l
y.

Ipl
acedmybot
hpal
msf
latont
hewal
l
,i
mpr
isoni
ngher
.

"L-
leav
epl
ease.
..
"shepr
otest
ed.

"No.
..
I'
m..
not.
.goi
ng.
..Not.
.so..f
ast"
.It
oldhersof
tl
y,qui
etl
y,
spaci
ngev
erywor
d,sot
hatshe
coul
dfeel
thewarmthofmybr eathonherneck.

Andt henIl
oweredmyheadandkissedherwithamixt
ureofpassi
onandinf
usedangert
hatl
eft
herhelpl
ess,
mymouthburni
nghersasIrefusedtoendtheki
ss,
savagi
ngher,
puni
shi
ng
her,
tormenti
ngherwi
thi
tsburni
ngheat.

Mybodyhassuccessf ull
ydiv
orceditselff
rom t
hebrai
nasmyhandsl ef
tthewallandcupped
hertinywai
st,mybodyclosetothesoftnessofher
s,soclosethatIcouldfeelt
hefierce
poundingofherheart.
Herarmsreachedoutt owar
dsme, wrappingthemselvesar
oundmyneck. I
urgentl
ymov edmyhandsdownov erherbodycomingt orestonthecurvesofhert hickassasI
pull
edheroffthewallandint
othewar mt hofmyembr ace.Idr
aggedmymout hf
rom her s,
asi
caressedhersoftneckandshoulder
sl eavi
ngsomehickeys.
"
..
.P-
please.
.s-
stop.
..
thi
siswr
ong.
..
please"Shemanagedt
osay
.

Il
ookedi
ntoherey
es.
"Doy
ouwantmet
ost
op.
."

"
Pleasest
op.
..
thi
s..
iswr
ongJon.
..
"Shesai
dherswol
l
enl
i
pst
rembl
i
ng.

Iki
ssedherhungr
il
yonemor
eti
meandt
hensl
owl
yremov
edmyhandsar
oundherasshedi
d
thesame.

Isl
owl
ywal
kedoutoft
hedoorandwentt
omycar
.

IroughlyrubbedmyheadasIlookedatmyboner.
Iknewthi
swasgoi
ngtobea"sur
vivaloft
he
fi
ttestsi
tuati
ons"wi
thDanger
.Itwasn'
thel
pingt
hatIwasonst
agetwoofDi
ssoci
ati
veIdent
ity
Disorder.

Iwasi
ndangerwi
thDanger
.
*
Gar
eth*

*
"Squashedsel
f-
est
eem"
.*

Iwokeupsweating.
Itwast heni
ghtmaresagai
n.Ididn'twantorel
ivemypastbutIcouldfeelthe
weightofmymemor iespressi
ngdownonme. Ifeltsodirty,
sodestr
oyed,
sodisgust
ed,sofil
thy.
I
j
umpedof ft
hebedandwentt otakeashower.
Iscr ubbedmy sel
f,
Iusedbathf
oam,tr
yingto
removethedi
rtbutstil
lIf
eltdi
rt
y.Isatdownandcr iedintheshower.Whydidithav
et obe
me.
Whyme?

Iwalkedoutofthebat
hroom wi
thj
ustatowelcover
ingmylowerbody
,Isatdownont
hecol
d
fl
oornotknowingwhattodonextwi
ththedi
rtthatwasal
lovermybody.

ThatmomentKi
aracal
l
ed,
Isi
ghedandanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.

"
Hel
l
o".Isai
dwi
thahuskyv
oice"
.

"Hel
l
oGar
ethIhav
eanunset
tl
ingf
eel
i
ng.
.Ar
eyouok.
..
?"Sheaskedsoundi
ngner
vous.

"
C-canIcomeov
ert
oyourpl
ace?
"Isai
d.
"
Pleasecome,
I
'm sowor
riedaboutyou.
Dri
vesaf
elyi
fyou'
renoti
nyourr
ightst
ateofmi
ndcal
l
y
ourchauff
eur
.I'
m wai
ti
ngf ory
ou"Shesai
dandhungup.

Kiarahasbeentheonlyper
sonwhohasbeengivi
ngmet hemother'
ssoftl
oveIlongedf
or.
She
constant
lycheckedonmeandaskinghowI.
wasdoing.
IhadgrownsofttowardsherandIwas
readytoconfi
deinher,t
otel
lhert
hedemonsthatibat
tl
edwith,
thethi
ngsthatwasdonetome.

Iwor
emywhi
tet
rackpant
sandwhi
tev
est
,t
het
ookmycarkey
s.

Idr
ovet
odownt
ownl
i
keamani
ac,
asIpar
ked.
IsawKi
arapaci
ngupanddownout
side.

Iwentoutoft
hecar
,sherant
omeandgavemeabone- crushi
nghug.
Onl
ymymot herandher
gett
hiscl
oseto.
me.Evenmyguy
sknowthatIdon'
ttol
erateski
ncont
act
,itcr
ingesme.

Shecuppedmyf
ace.
"Howar
eyou.
Ijustf
eltsowei
rdl
atel
y,Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep.
Iwassowor
ri
ed
aboutyou"
.

Icoul
dn'
tcont
aini
tany
mor
eIbr
okedowni
nherar
ms.

"
OhhhmyGodGar
ethwhat
'
swr
ong.
Let
'
sgoi
nsi
de,
youwi
l
ltel
lmeev
ery
thi
ngok.
"

Wewal
kedi
nsi
deandwentt
oherr
oom.

WesatonherbedasIcr
iedl
ayi
ngonherl
aps.

Shecont
inuousl
ybr
ushedmyhai
r.
WhenIwasdonel
ett
ingi
tal
loutIwashav
inghi
ccups.

Shewentt
otheki
tchenandcamebackwi
thagl
assofwat
er.
"
Her
edr
inkt
his"Shesai
d.

Ishookmyhead.
"NoIonl
ydri
nkseal
edbot
tl
edwat
er,
younev
erknowt
heger
mst
hatmi
ghtbe
hangi
ngar
oundthatgl
ass"
.

Shegavemeast
ernl
ookandwentbackt
otheki
tchen.Shecamebackwi
thbot
tl
edwat
er.
I
drank.

"
Didy
oul
ockt
hedoor
?"Iasked.

Shegav
emet
hel
ookagai
n."
YesIdi
d."Shesai
d.

"
What
'sgoi
ngokGar
eth.
Tel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng"
"
Myst
epf
atherr
apedme"Isai
dbl
unt
ly.

Shecov
eredhermout
hast
ear
srandownhercheeks.
Shecameandknel
tbesi
desme.

"
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsayGar
eth?
How.
.whendi
dthathappen?
OhhhmyGodGar
eth!
"

"RememberIt oldy outhathef oundIwasn' thi

swhenIf el
l offt hebal conyandIneeded
blood.AfterIwasdi schar gedf r
om t hehospi t
almom hadgoneot herpar ent'
shouse. Soi twas
onlymeandhi m. Inormal l
ydidn'
tsl eepwi thmydoorlockedsohej ustcamei n.Hecamei nto
bedandknowi ngt hathewasst i
llmydaddespi tethatIwasn' tbiologicallyhisIlethim. Ithought
hejustwant edt osnuggl ewithmesi ncemom wasn' tthereaf terall i
twaswi nter.
Butt henIf elt
hishandt ouchi ngmydi ckandIaskedhi m whathewasdoi ng....
he...
he. .showedme. ..
agunand
...
tol
dmet obequi et.
.Iwasscar ed...So. .
Ikeptquiet
..
.Hest artedgi vi
ngmeanhandj ob. .
.I..
was
onmyear l
yt eenagey ear s..
andIhadj uststart
edhav i
ngwetdr eams. ..somypeni serect ed..
..He
washappyandt oldmet hatIwant edwhathewasdoi ngt ome. ..
then..then..
h-heinser t
ed
himself.
..i
nmyanus. ..
.Itwassopai nful..Icri
edforhimtost op. ..
butthemor eIcri
edi twasl ikeI
wasencour aginghi m,hemov edmor ef astermoredeeper.Mycr i
eswer elikemusici nhi s
ears.
Af t
erhewasdonehet oldmet hatIwasbei ngpunishedf ormymot her'ssinsthenwal ked
outleavingmebr okenanddi r
tyli
ket hat.

Wheneverhef
eltl
i
kei
thewouldcomeandmolestme.
Icouldn'
ttel
lmymom,Iknewshewas
notgoi
ngtobel
iev
esmebecauseaf
tert
het
rut
haboutmyi dent
it
ywasouti
tslikeshebegant
o
l
ov eandobeyhi
m more.WhenIwas15t hat'
swhenImov edoutofhome.
Ihadsav
edupmy
all
owancesoInoughtanapar tment.
Istayedalone,
IplayedonmyownbecauseIthoughtpeople
wouldseeri
ghtthr
oughme. Ineverhadagi r
lf
ri
endbecauseofthat.
Butt
henImetmyf r
iends,
yes
theyknownothi
ngaboutthi
s, Inevert
oldt hem bi
ttheyneverj
udgedmeandtheyweretherefor
me.That'
smystoryKi
ara".

Shecr
iedasInar
rat
edmyst
oryt
oher
."
Wehav
etor
epor
tthi
s."
Shesai
d.

"Wit
hwhatevidence?
Itsbeen14y ear
ssincethi
shappened.BesidesIcan'
tletev
er y
oneknow
aboutt
his,
itwil
lmakeitintheheadli
nes,ev
eryonewi
llbedisgustedbyme.Everyonewil
ll
augh
atme,t
heywilll
ookatmedi ff
erent
ly,
theywil
lpit
yme,t
heywi l
ljudgeme.Ican'
tIj
ustcan'
t."
I
si
ghed.

"I'
m hereforyou,
whateveryoudeci
det odoI'
m al
way sher
eok.Onewayort
heotherkarmawho
wil
lvisi
tthatmanjusti
cewil
lbeservedbutLewis,
MaxandJonshouldknowaboutthi
s.Theyare
yourfri
endstheyshouldknow.Tel
lthem whenyou'
reready
.FornowGar
ethIwantyoutotake
met oyourhousethereissomethi
ngIneedt osee.
"Shesaid.
Iobl
i
gedanddr
ovehert
omyhouse.

WhenIopenedmydoorherj
awsdr
opped,
shecov
eredhermout
hwi
tht
ear
sdr
oppi
ng.

"
Takemet
oyourr
oom.
Iwantt
oseesomet
hing.
"

Iobl
i
gedagai
nandl
edhert
omyr
oom.
Shewentst
rai
ghtt
omywal
kincl
oset
.

"
Almostever
ythingherei
swhite,
gol
dorsi
l
ver.
Yourcl
othesar
ewhi
teandashgr
ey.
Whydoy
ou
f
avoursuchcolours?
"Sheasked.

"
BecauseIcaneasi
l
yspotdi
rt
"Isai
dsoundi
ngconf
used.

"
Thatconf
ir
msmysuspi
cions.
"Shewhi
sper
ed.Shehel
dmyhands.
"
SitdownGar
ethIhav
etot
ell
yousomet
hingandIhopeI
'
m notr
ight
".

"Whati
sit
?"Iasked.

Shesighed.
"LookIneedyout ounderst
andthi
s.You'
rever
ynormal ev
ery
thi
ngi
sokbutifmy
suspi
cionsarecorr
ectGarethyou'r
eshowingearl
ystagesymptomsofamentalcondi
ti
on
cal
ledObsessiveCompulsiv
eDi sor
derpopul
arl
yknownasOCD" .Shesai
d.

Endofchapt
er2 1
Sor
ryf
ort
het
ypi
nger
ror
s.

Let
'scommentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er2 2

Apr
il
.

*
"Hei
sbei
ngwei
rdagai
n".
*
"
Hell
ooyouzonedoutagainwassupwi t
hy ouApri
ltoday
".Jennysaidsnappi
ngherf
inger
son
myface.
IwaslostIwasthi
nkingaboutyester
day
,Iwasst i
l
lthi
nkingabouthowheheldmy
wai
st,
howhestolemyfir
stkiss,hi
ssexyli
psohhhgosh.

"Umm i
tsnot
hingy
oushoul
dbewor
ri
edabout
"Isai
dav
oidi
ngherpi
erci
ngey
e.

"Okoutwit
hitgi
rl
.Yester
dayIhear dy
oushout
ingatJonobv
iousl
yandtodayyouhavel
ove
bit
es.
Whatam Imissing".ThankGodKiar
aandNickiwer
en'
tther
eother
wiseIwasn'
tgoi
ngto
beablet
obaretheinterr
ogation.

"
Jonki
ssedme.
"Isai
d.
Sheopenedher
eeyesandst
art
edscr
eaming."
OhhhmyGodIsawt hi
sonecoming.Icantwai
t
tot
ell
Maxaboutit
.Weknewyoutwohav
eundeniabl
echemi
str
y.Ohhhmymy .
..
"

Irol
l
edmyeyes."
Thekissdoesn'
tmeanany
thi
ngok.
Iknowt
odayhei
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
otr
eatmel
i
ke
somethi
ngdi
sgusti
ng.
"

"
Ohhhhell
no,
heai
n'
tgonnadot
hat
.Wai
tami
nut
e..
..
Apr
ily
ouhav
efeel
i
ngsf
orJon"Sheshout
ed
i
nexci
tement
.

"
NoIdon'
t.
"Ipr
otest
ed.

"ImeanwhywouldI,hehasagir
lf
ri
endhel
ovessomuchandwewor
kswi
thJul
i
an.
Iwi
l
lthe
stupi
destgi
rli
fIf
ell
f orhi
m".
Sherai
sedhereyebrow,Iknewshewasn'
tconvi
nced.Bef
oreshecoul
drespondKiarawal
ked
i
n.Shedraggedher
selfl
azil
yandthr
ewhersel
fonthecouch.
WhenKiarai
sliket
his,
theni
t
meanssomet hi
ngiswrong.

JennyandIl
ookedaeachot
herandwal
kedov
ert
oher
.

"Gi
rlwhat
'swr
ong.
"Isai
dsi
tt
ingbesi
desher
.Shet
hrewher
sel
finmyar
msandsi
gheddeepl
y.

Shelookedatme.
"Ummm Apri
l
.Ij
ustwantedtoknowoutofcur
iosi
ty.Whatar
ethesy
mpt
oms
ofObsessiv
eCompulsi
veDi
sor
der.
"Sheasked.

"
Whyar
eyouaski
ngaboutOCDal
lofasudden"
.Jennyasked.
"Li
keIsai
d,I
'
mjustcur
ious"
Sher
epl
i
ed.

"OkOCDusual lysomeonewhohasi tissqueakycl ean.Vi ctimsar eaf raidofcontracti

ng
germs.Duringt hef irststaget hei
robsessi onswi llbel i
kewashi nghandsconst antl
ywith
sanit
izer
s,theyl ikewear ingwhi t
eclothesbecausei twoul dbeeasi erf orthem tospotdi r
t.Then
onsecondst aget heyshoweral ot,
theyhat eski ncont act,theydi sl
ikeusi ngdoorknobsbecause
everyonetouchest here,t
heyf avourusingseal edt hingsummm whatel seyeaattimeswhen
theyareshower ingt heymi ghtenduphur t
ingt hemsel ves, thent helastst ageisverydanger ous
peopleont hel astst ageofi toftenliv
ei nisolatedment al asy l
umsbecauset heywi l
lbe
dangerousi fyousneezeorcoughi ntheirpresencewi thoutcov eri
ngy ourmout htheymi ghtkil
l
youbecausei nthei rmi ndsy ouwi l
lbet r
yingt ospr eadger ms. Thent hecompul sionsaret he
samedespi tewhi chst agesoconst antl
ychecki fthedoori slocked, ifthelight
sar eswitchedon
oroffandift heel ect r
ical gadget sareturnedof f
,t
hat '
st heircompul sionsissomet hingthey
won'tbeabl etost op."Iexpl ained.

Ki
arasi
ghed.
"C-
cani
tbeheal
edwheni
tsont
hesecondst
age"
.
"
Yesi
tcanbeheal
edi
fthev
ict
imi
str
eat
edqui
ckl
ybef
orei
tst
ool
ate.
"Isai
d.

Jennyshr
ugged."
Whatcausest
hecondi
ti
ont
hough?
"

"
Umm sometimesthevict
imswer
erapedsot
heywoul
dbef
eel
i
ngdi
rt
yort
heymi
ghthav
e
wi
tnessedamurder
."Isai
d.

"
Whohasi
tKi
arawhyar
eyouaski
ngabouti
t?"Jennyasked.

Ki
arasnapped.
"It
oldy
oubef
oreI
'
mjustcur
iousok"
.
Isi
ghed.
"Gar
ethwil
lbeokKiar
a.I
twontevenreachst
aget
hree.
Youshoul
dref
erhi
mtoDoct
or
GomezI'
m sureshewil
lbeabl
etohelphi
m" .

"
Gar
ethhasOCD!
?"Jennyexcl
aimed.

Shef
roze.
"H-
howdi
dyouknow.
..
aboutGar
eth"
.

"Wellidontknowwhathappenedtohim buti
real
isedthathewearswhit
eallt
hetimeandIsaw
him atsomepointwi
pingoffthedoorknobbefor
etouchingit
.Hedri
nksonl
ybott
ledwater
.Am I
ri
ght."Isai
d.
Shesi
ghed.
"Yesy
ou'
rer
ight
.It
sonst
aget
wo.Ihopehewi
l
lbeok.
"

Isoft
lyrubbedhershoulder
."
Don'tworr
yaboutit.
Ref
erhimt oDoctorGomezandmakesur ehe
doesn'tstayi
npubli
cplacesbecausethemor ehest
aysinpubli
cthent hemor ehewi l
lbeafrai
d
ofcontracti
ngger
ms. Hewil
lbefineyoudon'thavet
ostressaboutit
.Bet hereforhi
m alway
s
andexplaintohi
mt hatheisnotcrazybecausehemighthurthi
mself"Itoldherandstoodup.

"
NowIhav
etogoandf
acemyowndemons"Isai
d.

"
Ohhhy
est
erdayJoncamewhathappened"
.
Jennywasecst
ati
c."Theyki
ssed!
"

"WhoaIdidn'tseethi
sonecoming.Iknewthatt
hei
ceshoulderwil
ldri
vehi
m cr
azy
.Manl
i
ke
him wantat
tentionandift
heydon'
tgetitt
heygocr
azybutdoy outhi
nkmaybehef
eel
s
somethingforyou"Shesai
d.

Isi
ghed.
"Ifyouwanttoknowt hataki
sssomet
imesmeansnothi
ngaskJesusaboutJudas.
Let
mebounce,I
'
m almostlat
e".
Itookmyphoneandrant
othetaxi
rank.

Iwashel
lner
vousaboutseei
ngJonespeci
all
yaf
tert
hey
est
erday
'sscenar
io.

Whenthetaxi
droppedmeof fIdi
dabreathi
ngexerci
sebeforeri
ngingt
hebell
.Thedooropened
andwell
Jonstoodtherel
ookingal
lki
ndsofy ummy .
Hewaswear ingal
lbl
ack.Blackbi
ker
j
acket
,bl
ackri
ppedT-shi
rt
,bl
ackjeansandblacksneaker
s.Helookedsogoodincasual.

Hebeamedi
nexci
tement
."Appi
e"

Het
hengav
emeabonecr
ushi
nghug.
Youwoul
dswearhel
astsawmeay
earago.

"
Howhaveyoubeen"
.Hel ookedintomyeyeswit
hhi
sicygr
eyeyesbutIswearyester
daythey
wer
eseabl
ue.
ThenIfel
tthechil
ls,
thecol
dchil
l
.Howdoonepersongi
vemedi ff
erenttypesof
l
ookswhi
chhav
edi
ff
erentef
fect
sonme.
Iwonder
ed.

Ipushedhim of
fsoft
ly."
Ohhhyouexpectmet
obeokaf t
eryouj
ustki
ssedmel
i
ket
hatandnow
you'
rehuggingme.Whatareyoupl
ayi
ngatJon"Isai
dfol
dingmyarms.

Hel
ookedshockedl
i
keIhadsai
dsomet
hingshocki
ng.

Hebr
eat
hedheav
il
y."
Comei
n..
."

Het
henj
ustwal
kedawayleav
ingmeconf
used.Iwentandchangedasusual
andstar
teddoi
ng
myj
ob.
Mymissi
onofthedaywastoatl
eastenteri
ntohi
sstudyandseehowthi
ngsare.

Any
wayIwascl
eani
ngi
ntheki
tchenwhenhej
ustent
eredhol
dingamedi
cal
kit
.

Hestronglyheldmyhandsandf orcedmet osi

tdown.Thel
ookhehadonhisfaceevenscar
ed
theshitoutofme.Itwasn'
tthefr
iendl
ylookbutanangryl
ook.
Iwonderwhatcoul
dhave
happenedt hatpi
ssedhim of
fli
kethat.
"
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Iasked.

Heignor
edmeandtookmyhandsthenst
artedtoappl
ysomeointmentonmyknuckl
es.
Theni
t
cl
i
ckedthathewast
reat
ingmybr
uisesaf
terIhadpunchedt
heoldman.

Hewasr
eal
l
ywei
rd,
Imeanhowcanhebesoangr
yandcar
ingatt
hesamet
ime.
Whodoest
hat
?

Whi
l
ehewasst
il
loni
t,
thedooropenedandMi
ssWor
ldwal
kedi
n.

Isighed,Iknewshewasgoi ngt
ocreateafuss.
Hereyeswereal
readyglassyshewasaboutt
o
cry
.Likeseriousl
y.I
fsheknewthathermankissedt
hehell
outofmet henshewouldcommi t
sui
cide.

"
Babe"
.Shesai
dherv
oiceshaki
ng.

Jonj
ustl
ookedatherandcont
inuedwhathewasdoi
ng.

"Babewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Sheaskedmaki
ngherwayt
ous.

Thatwasj
ustast
upi
dquest
iont
hough.

"
Idon'thaveanener
gyfory
ourfussri
ghtnow.
Findy
our
sel
fsomet
hingt
odo.
"Jonsai
dcol
dly
l
i
kev erycol
dly
.Thatev
ensurpr
isedme.
Sher
anupst
air
scr
yingbutt
hemanher
edi
dn'
tev
engi
veaf
uck.

"
Jonwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou"
.Iaskedaf
terhewasdoneappl
yi
ngt
heoi
ntment
.

"Dee"
.Hesai
dwi
thhi
scol
dlook.

"
DeeorJoni
tst
hesamei
tsst
il
lyou.
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"Iasked.

"Whati
swr ongi
syoudi
dnoef
for
ttost
opmef
rom ki
ssi
ngy
ou.
..
youal
l
owedmet
oki
ssy
ou"He
sai
dclenchi
nghi
sjaws.
"
Ohhhreal
l
ynowitsmyf aul
tthaty
oucametomypl aceandamov eonmehuh.You'retheone
whopi
nnedagai
nstthewarandnowitsmyfault
.Youshoul
dthankmeany wayt
hatImanaged
t
ostopyoubef
oreyoucouldremovemytoweland--
"Befor
eIcouldfi
nishhei
nter
rupted.

Hethrewaf lowervaseagainstt
hewal
l.
"St
op.
..St
op.
..
Idon'
twannahearit
..
..
Idon'
twannahear
anotherwordy ouhavesai
denough.Howcouldyouhaveal
lowedsomethi
ngliket
hatto
happen,youshouldhavestoppedmebefor
eIevenki
ssedyoubefor
eIeventouchedyou.
"He
sai
dst i
ll
clenchinghi
sjaws.

Ilaughedi ndisbel i
ef.Wast hisguydr unkwhenheki ssedme, hadhel osthismindf oramoment .
Howcanher egr etthemomentt hatweshar edlastnightli
ket his."Nowi t
smyf aul
tJon. I
tsmy
faultreal
ly.
Youshoul dn'thavecomet omypl acetobeginwi th,
y oushouldnthav ecome. You'
re
unbel i
evableyouknowt hat.
Yesterdayy oucamel ookingallkindsofsor r
yt hentodayy ou'
re
readyt othrowf itsatmef orsomet hingy oudi d.
.seri
ously.
"Iwal kedangr i
lytothekitchenand
foundsomehel persev esdropping.Ididn'tgiveanFabouti t.
Ist artedloadingalmostal lt
he
kitchenutensilsint hewashi ngmachi ne.Iheardthingbreakingi nthelounge.

Iwentt
ochekcandJonwasbusysmashi
ngev
eryf
rameev
eryv
aseont
hewal
l
.

Howcankissi
ngmeturnhimthiscr
azy.Ir
eall
ythoughthehadenj
oyedt
hisi
nasmuchasIdi
d
butt
henIguesshewasdrunk,
Iwastoofooli
shnottonoti
ce.

IsawRut
hscr
eami
ngr
unni
ngdownst
air
s.
"St
opbabewhat
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ou"
Shesai
d.

Hest
art
edbr
eat
hingheav
il
ylooki
ngather
.

"
Goupst
air
sbef
oreIdosomet
hingIwi
l
lregr
et.
"

Sheranlikeherli
fedependedonit
.Helookedatthemaidswhowereintheroom.Wi
thjusthi
s
col
dst ar
eev er
yoneranbacktodot hei
rbusi
ness.Ir
emainedst
andi
ng,Idon'tev
enknowwher e
Igotthegutsthough.
IhaveneverseenJonthisangr
y,i
twasnewtome.

"
Leav
eAppi
ebef
oreIdosomet
hingIwi
l
lregr
et.
Leav
e."Her
oar
edagai
n.

Ir
emai
nedst
andi
ngwi
thoutev
enmov
ingani
nch.

"Di
dn'tyouhearwhatIj
ustsaid"Heshoutedandanynor
mal per
soncouldhav
eshiti
nthei
r
pantsbutIremainedmoti
onless.Ihavel
i
v edwit
hcr
azypeopleandver
ydangeroust
heydi
dno
harmt omesoi fhewasgoingtot hr
owav aseatmeIwasgoingtoduck.
Itookoneflowervaseandlookedathim."You'
reangrythatIal
l
owedy outokissmeri
ght,
you'
re
angrybecauseyoulit
eral
lycheat
edony ourgir
lri
ght.
I'
m goingtohel
py oubreakt
hisv
ases
becauseI'
m alsoveryangry
,I'
m angr
ybecausei nasmuchasIhat eyour i
ghtnowIst
il
ldon'
t
regretat
hingaboutwhathappenedy est
erday"
.Isai
d.

I
tsl
i
keIaddedf
uel
ont
hef
ir
ehej
ustgav
emeanangr
ylook,
smashedt
hev
aseandwal
kedout
.

Everyt
hingi
nthel
oungewasamessev
ery
thi
ngmadeofgl
asswassmashedt
hebi
gpl
asma
i
ncluded.

Hesur
ehassomeangeri
ssuest
hatone.

Theot
herhel
per
scameandassi
stedmei
ncl
eani
ngt
hebr
okengl
asses.

Rut
hcameandaskedmet
ofol
l
owher
.Ir
eal
l
ywasn'
ti
nthemoodofhernui
sancebutIobl
i
ged.

"
Whati
sit
."Iaskedaswest
oodont
hepassageway

"Whatwasitt
haty
ouweretalki
ngaboutwi
thJon,whywasheangryandwhyhetreatmeli
ke
that
..
.Hei
smineyouhear.
.whatdi
dyoudoy ouwhore,
whatdi
dyoutel
lhi
m aboutme,whywas
heangryhuh?
"Shesai
dangri
lygri
ppi
ngmyar ms.
Ihadhadenoughofthesetwocrazylover
s.Islappedtheshi
tnessoutthatcont
our
edf
ace.
She
l
ookedatmei nshock,
Iblessedherwit
hanot herslapontheothercheek.

"Nowy ouwi lll

i
st ent omecar eful
ly
.Firstl
yI'm notawhor eandev enifIbecameoneIwi llsti
ll
slapy ouify oucal lmet hat.
Ihavealreadyhadenoughwi thyourcrazyboy f
ri
endandnowy ou.
If
yout woar ehav ingi ssuessolvethem andst opv enti
ngitonmebecausewewi l
lhave
problems. Ican'tgav etwoonmyneckal l
dayact i
ngl i
keyoujustescapedf r
om themental
asy l
um. Arey oucr azy..
.whatcanIpossi blydotot hatboyf
ri
endofy ourshuh..Leavemeandmy
mi ser
abl eli
fealonedon' taddtomypr oblemsbecausenextt imeIwon' tbethisnicehav
eI
mademy selfclear."Ishouted

Shstart
edsobbi ng."I
'
m notcrazyok.Iwasjustworri
ed..
.Sorr
y..
sorr
yforeveryt
hingbutIlove
hi
m.Itendtogoov ertheli
mitsok.
I'
m notcrazyok.
Ijustl
ov ehimthat'
sall
.Ican'
timagi
nemyl i
fe
wit
houthim.Ifeelthreatenedbyyourpresencebecausey ou'
reall
kindsofsexyanygirlcoul
d
havebeenthreatedtooImeanhav eyoulookedatyourself.
"

"What
everstopbei
ngonmycase".
Isai
dangri
lydr
aggi
ngmysel
fdownt hestai
rs.
Let
'shopet
he
sl
apsplacedsomesensesi
nherhead.
Iwentbacktot
hel
oungeever
ythingwasalmostin
pl
ace,
thebrokenTVwasremov
edandt
woguy
swer
eal
readywor
kingonr
epl
aci
nganew
one.
Talki
ngaboutmoney
.

Ist
art
edhel
pingoutt
odustof
fthi
ngs.

Jonwal kedi
nagainwi
thhi
sangr yl
ookon.Hematchedupstai
rsandlet
tercamebackdraggi
ng
Ruthbyherarm whowasscreamingherlungsout
.Heopenedthedoorandpushedheroutsi
de.
Everyonecont
inuedmi
ndi
ngt hei
rbusi
nessincomplet
esil
ence,youcoul
dev enhearaneedl
e
fal
l.

"Thelastt
imehewasl
i
ket
hisi
swhenhef
oundoutt
hathi
sfi
ancéwascheat
ingonhi
m."
Lil
y
whisper
edtome.

Hi
sfi
ancé?Hehadaf
iancé?Iaskedmy
sel
f.

"
Heisuncont
rol
l
abl
ewhenheisangry.
"Shesai
d.Ir
emainedqui
et.
Jonreal
l
yhadangeri
ssues
I
'
m sur
e.Imeanhowcanmenotstoppi
nghimfr
om kissi
ngmeturnhimthi
ssavage.

Apartofmewashurt,
Imeanhadi
maginedthatwewoul
dspentthedaythr
owingawkward
gl
ancesateachot
heri
nacutemanneryouknowbuthav
ingtoreal
izet
hatheactual
l
yregr
ets
i
t,
pai
nedme.

Iwasmi ndingmybusi nesswit

hLilyi
ntheki
tchenwhenhewal kedinshir
tl
ess,
weari
ng
sweatpantsonlyandhi stor
soandpackswereouti nal
lthei
rglory.
Ireal
i
sedthathehadsmall
tat
tooshereandt her
ebutnowhehadanewt at
tooont hatcoveredhiswholel
eftar
m.Wit
hthat
scaryfaci
alexpressi
ononhel ookeddanger
ous,seduct
ive,
hot,
sexyandallki
ndsofJamesBond.

Mythr
oat
sweredr
aggedbacktoreal
i
tywhenIf
elthi
sst
ronghadbgr
ippi
ngt
ight
lyonmy
ar
m.Hewasdr
aggi
ngmeupst ai
rs.
"
Letgoofme"
.Ishout
edbuti
tfel
londeafear
s.

Hel
edmet
ohi
sroom andl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Hecl
osedt
hedi
stancebet
weenus,
pinnedmeagai
nstt
hewal
landt
ight
enedhi
sgr
ip.

"St
opi
t.
..
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngJon?
"Iaskedwi
thashockedexpr
essi
on.

"
Didy
ouenj
oyt
heki
ss?
"Heaskedf
ir
mlyandwi
thaser
iousl
ookon.

Ilaughedindi
sbel
ief
."Ar
ewest i
l
lontheki
ssissue,
Iser
iouslyt
houghtwewerewayoverpast
that.Andseri
ousl
yyouexpectmetoanswersucharidi
culousquest
ion.
Waskissi
ngmereall
ya
gr
avemi
stakey
ouev
ermade"
.

"Answert
hedamnquest
ion?"
IswearIsawv
einspoppi
ngouthi
sfor
ehead.
Het
ight
enedhi
s
gri
p.

"Letgoofme.
"Icoul
dfeel
tear
sthr
eat
eni
ng.Iwashur
ti
ng.JonMcCl
ainwasmanhandl
i
ngme.

"
Notunti
lyouhaveansweredthequest
ion.Wastheki
ssreal
lyt
hatgood.Di
dyouenjoyit
?Tel
l
meexact
lyhowyouf el
taboutit
?"Hecl
osedthezer
ospacethatwaslef
tbetweenus,t
hatwe
wer
eevenexchangi
ngbr eat
hs.

Hel
ookedatmyneckandf
rowned.
"Thel
ovebi
test
oo.
Didy
ouenj
oyi
twhenImar
kedy
ou?
"

Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
p."
LetgoJonpl
ease"
.
"
Dee"Hedemandedagai
n.

"
Whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmakey
ou'
reJony
ou'
reDee.
Pleasel
etgo"Isai
dsof
tl
y.

Hebreat
hedheavi
lywi
thangerandhel
dmyt
inywai
stt
ight
lyagai
nsthi
sbody
.Icoul
dseehi
s
l
ipst
rembli
nginanger
.

"
Youenj
oyedi
tdi
dn'
tyou?
"

Therewasn'tti
mef ormet ofeelfri
ghtenedortodoanythingmoretoexpressmyout r
ageashe
l
ower edhisheadandcov eredmyhal fopenedmout hwi
thhi s.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt odoImean
onemi nut
ehei sangryt
hatIkissedhi m andthenextmomenthei ski
ssingme.Ifel
tli
ght
headed
Ifel
tthecoldchil
l
sdownmyspi ne.
Thiskisswasnowher ecloset
othatoftheprevi
ous
ni
ght.Thatonewasgentle,passionateandsensual.I
tmademykneesweakbutt hisonewasa
ki
ssmor eofangerandseduct ion.Itmademewantt or
ipmycl ot
hesoffand..
..

Mybodysoft
ened,
Itouchedhi
sheadandgent
lypul
l
edhi
shai
r.
Agr
oanofsensual
pleasur
e
cameoutofhi
sthr
oat,
Ifel
thi
sboneronmystomach.

Hel
i
ftedhi
shandf
rom mywai
standr
ippedmyuni
for
m apar
t.

Weal
lknowI
'
m notaf
anofbr
as.
Wit
hinabl
i
nkwewer
eont
hebed.

Hetookoneni
ppl
eandsuckedonitwhi
l
egivi
ngthesameat
tent
iont
otheot
herwi
thhi
shand.
I
moaned.
Hewentonandonleavi
ngmehelpl
ess,
wanti
ngmor
e.

Heki
ssedmeagai
n,
gotof
fthebedandt
henwal
kedaway
.Iwant
edt
ocr
y,scr
eam andshout
.
Howcoul
dhel
eav
emehangi
ngl
i
ket
hat
,hor
nyl
i
ket
hat
.

Hecamebackwi
thaT-
shi
rtandt
hrewatme.

Hesmi
rkedwhi
l
ewal
ki
ngaway
.

Ifel
ttearsf
il
li
ngmyeyes.
Howcouldhedomeli
kethi
s.Idr
aggedmyhor nysel
ftothebat
hroom
andwi pedmysel
fdownther
eIwasdri
ppi
ngwetandworetheT-shi
rtwhichreachedmyknees,
thatt
oosmel l
edli
kehi
m.

Iwalkedoutoftheroom.Imetthehel
personpassagewayandtheygavemequestioni
nglooks
butIdidn'
tcar
e,Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtostayforaminutel
ongeratthi
splacenotaf
terbei
ngtormented,
puni
shedandsav agedli
kethat
.Howcouldhe?

Ifel
thandsdr
aggi
ngmeagain.
Itwashim agai
n.Hepi
nnedt
othewal
landsmi
rked.
Iwondrwho
taughthi
mthesmir
kitmadehi
ml ookdangerousl
ysexy
.

"
J-Jon"Ist
ammer
ed.

"
Dee"
.Hesai
dfi
rml
ywi
thhi
sfaceonmi
ne.

"Next.
.t
ime.
.I.
.wil
l.
.puni
sh..
you..
even..mor
e"Hesai
dspacingoutever
ywor
dandemphasisi
ng
onthewordpunish.Herepeatedl
ykissedmyneckandsuckedonit.
Iwasamour
ningmess.

Het
henbabyki
ssedme.
"Hav
eagooddayAppi
e".
Hewal
kedaway
.
Isweart
hist
imeaf
ewt
ear
srandownmycheeks.
Howcoul
dhebesohear
tl
ess.

Iwalkedoutangr
il
y,despi
tet
henastyst
aresIgotf
rom t
hehel
per
s.Iwal
kedoutandwenti
ntoa
taxi
.Thedr
iverdr
oppedmeatI t
ali
a.

Peopl
ewer
egi
vi
ngmenast
yst
aresbutIdi
dn'
tcar
e.Ki
arawal
kedt
ome.

"
Andnow?
"Sheaskedwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

"
Don'tevenst
artwi
thme,
I'
m ahornymessandsexual
lyf
rustr
ated.
..Don'
tev
enstar
t.
Ithi
nkthe
mal
lwi l
ldomegoodri
ghtnow".Idi
dn'
twai
tforhert
orespond.Ij
usttookmyhor
nyselfbackt
o
t
hetaxi.
Saul
.

*
"Manup"
*

Aft
ermybedr oom f
ightwi
thEv etheot
herdaywemadeupandspentt hewholenightmaki ng
l
ove.Ev
erythi
ngwasnowf inebetweenusafterallnomar
ri
ageisper
fectri
ght,
marriageisnota
bedofroses.
Shewasnowt r
yingtobetheperfectwif
ehowev
erIcouldn'
tshakethef eel
ingthat
shewasupt osomet hi
ng.
Iknowmywi feandwhenshei suptosomethingIcaneasilytell
.

"Babewi
l
lyoubet
her
ewhenwewel
comeMax'
ski
dshome?
"Sheasked.
"Yahhofcour
sewhywouldImi
ssthat
.Maxhavebeenaveryl
onel
ymanf oral
ongti
meandI
can'twai
ttomeethi
ski
dsaswell
asthefamousgir
lf
ri
end"
.Isai
dshushi
ngAliwhowasmaki
ng
babysounds.

Ev
ewasapplyi
ngmake-upIguessshewasgoi
ngsomewhereohhIf
orgotwewer
ehav
ingl
unch
wi
thherf
ri
endssoshehadtolookthepar
t.
Womensometi
mes!

Anywayaft
ershewasdonewewentdownst ai
rslunchwasready.Youwouldsweari
twasfood
fort
wentypeopl
ethatwasonthetabl
ebutnuhitwasonlythesixofushavingl
unch.
Eveand
measwel l
astwoofherfri
endsandthei
rpart
ners.Theyhadthei
rfacesdol
ledupaswell
.

Wesatdownandexchangedf r
iendl
ychatswhil
ef east
ingont hefood.
Theladi
eswerel
aughi
ng
t
alki
ngaboutthei
rmodelcar
eersandlabels,
whatevergibber
ishtheywereonabout
.Ust
hegents
werejustmi
ndingourownbusi
nesseatingourfood.

"Sowhenareyougoingt
oseet
hedoct
or?
"Oneofherf
ri
endswhohadt
hickf
ull
li
pswhi
ch
l
ookedsounreal
asked.
Thatcaughtmyat
tent
ion."
Babear
eyousi
ck,
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meabouti
t"

Shelaughed.
"NohoneyI'
m get
tingmywombr emoved"
.Shej
ustdr
oppedt
hebomband
cont
inuedchatt
ingwit
hherfri
endsli
keofwasnothi
ng.

"Ohhgi
rlI
'
m wor
ri
edt
houghaf
tert
heoper
ati
onImeant
hescarIhopeofwon'
taf
fectmycar
eer
"
Shesai
d

"
Naat
her
ear
especi
aloi
ntment
sfort
hati
twi
l
ldi
sappear
"Oneoft
hem sai
d.

Iwi
pedof
fmymout
h."
Eveupst
air
sri
ghtnow!
"Ir
oar
ed.

Shedi
dn'
tpr
otestshef
oll
owedl
i
keal
ostpuppy
.
Idr
aggedheri
nsi
deourbedr
oom andbangedt
hedoor
.

Sheroll
edhereyes."
ThisiswhyIdidnotwantt otel
lyouabouti
tbecauseIknewy ouweregoing
tof
ussaboutit.
Im nothavinganot
herbabySaul .
Itt
ookmeal ongtimetogetoverthest
retch
marksandbabyf atI
'm notgoi
ngthroughthatagain.
Gett
ingmywombr emovedisthebest
opt
ionIcan'
trel
yonpi l
lsbecauseItendtoforget,
Ican'
tgetaninj
ecti
onorIUDbecauseitget
s
mef at
..
"

If
eltl
i
kesmacki
ngherf
acebutt
henI
'
m notawomenbeat
er.
Iwasr
aisedbet
tert
hant
hat
.

"Ar
ey ouev enlisteni
ngtoyoursel
f.Youdiscussthingswithy ourfr
iendsnonotthingsbutour
pri
vat
ei ssuest hengetthei
rapprovalwit
houtaskingmef i
rstthenputyourf i
naldecisi
on.Thisis
aboutthisfamilybutalr
eadyyouhadmadeupy ourmi ndtogety ourwombr emov edwithout
aski
ngmey ourhusband.Di
dyoumar r
yyoursel
fEv e.Youdiscussourbedr oom i
ssuesoutt here
l
ikeyou'retalki
ngaboutdesignerbags.Whatiswr ongwi t
hy ou?"Ishouted.

Shest
art
edwiththewaterwor
ksagai
n."
Idon'
tknowwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ouSaul
ever
ydeci
sionI
makeiswrongtoyou.
"

"Youknowwhat..
.whyam Iev
enwast
ingmyti
metryi
ngtotalkt
oyou".Iwal
kedoutandwentto
mydaughter'
sroom.Lucki
l
yshewasawakeIt
ookheranddroveof
ftothemall
.Ineededt
oblow
offsomesteam.

Ideci
dedtodosomegr
ocer
yshoppingformygirl
.
Iwantedtobuysomefor
mul
af orherbut
di
dn'tknowwhi
chonet
ogo.f
or.
Iapproachedt
hislady
/gi
rlwhowasdoi
nghert
hings.
"Excuseme"
Isai
dandshet
urned.Ial
mostchokedonmysal
i
va.
Ihav
enev
erseensucha
beautyi
nmyli
fe.

"
HowcanIhel
pyou"Sheasked.

"
Iwanttobuybabyf
ormul
aIdon'
tknowwhi
chonet
ogof
or.
Asal
adyIt
hinky
ou'
ref
ami
l
iarwi
th
t
hisar
ea.

Shesmi
ledthemostbeauti
fulsmil
eIhav
eeverseen.
"I'
m notreal
l
yfami
li
arei
therbuthowol
d
i
sthi
sbeauti
fulchubbyl
i
lthingher
e".
Shesai
dplayi
ngwithAli
'
scheekswhogiggl
edshowing
hert
oot
hlessmouth.
"
7mont
hs"Isai
d.

"Oksoy oushoul
dbuyformul
aandporr
idgef
ora7monthdon'tbuyl
essrmorei
twi
l
lbe
unheal
thyforher
".Shet
ookAlif
rom myarmswhi
l
eIt
hrewthingsint
hetrol
l
ey.

Aft
erIwasdonepay
ingIt
hankedher
.Shesmi
l
edandki
ssedAl
ial
lov
erherf
aceandwal
ked
away.

"Shi
tIf
orgott
oaskhername"
Icur
sed.

Idrovebackhomeaf tercooli
ngoffandfoundt
hef
ather
-daughterduoi
nthel
ounge.Ii
gnor
ed
them andwenttoplaceAl ii
nhercoatwhowasnowfastasleep.
Iwentbackt
otheloungeand
fatherwasreadyt
omur derme.
"Whatisitt
hatIhearyoumaki
ngEv
ecr
y.I
fshewant
stogetherwombr
emov
edi
tsherchoi
ce
notyours"Heshouted.

Il
ookedatEve."Soever
yti
mewehav eanissueyou'
regoi
ngtocrytoyourfat
her.Asfory
ouMr
Jacksonyoureall
yhaveti
met ospar
e.Whatkindofamanareyouwhoencour agesherdaught
er
suchthi
ngs.
Ifitwasyourwif
eIcouldhavesaidmaybebutyouseri
ousl
y.
"Isai
d

"
Wat
chy
ourt
oneboy
.Imadey
ou!
"Heshout
ed

"Yesyou'r
er i
ghtyoumademeami serabl
emanIam todaybyf or
cingmet omar r
yyour
disr
espectfulspoi
ltdaughter.
AsforwhatIhav
etodaydon'tevensayy oumademebecauseal l
thatIhavenowi sasar esultofmyhardworkmyblood,sweatandt ears.
Nowy ouwil
lli
stent
o
meI '
mt hemanoft hi
shouseEv esucksmydicknotyoursify
oucont inuethi
sbehavi
orof
i
nter
fer
ingnowandtheni
nourbusi
nesswewi l
lhav
eprobl
ems.Youdon'twantmeexposing
y
ourdir
tydeal
stothewor
ldnowdoy ou?
"IknowIsoundeddi
srespect
fulbutIhadhadenough.

Hewasshocked.
"Youwoul
dn'
t"

"
Tryme!
"Isai
dwal
ki
ngoutl
eav
ingt
heduoshockedl
i
ket
hat
.

Endofchapt
er2 2

Sor
ryf
ort
het
ypi
nger
ror
s.

Let
'scommentandshar
e.
*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er2 3
*
"Anewpuzzl
epi
ece"
.*

Aft
erunwindingatthemal
l
,Iwasfeel
i
ngal otbet
ter.
Iwentbacktoourapar
tment
.IfoundKiara
andJennywel l
itseemsNi
ckiwassti
llwi
thLewis.Theybot
hlookedatmeandJon'sT-shi
rtthat
Iwaswearing.

"
Andnow?
"Ki
arasai
dsi
tt
ingdown.
Ij
ustr
oll
edmyey
esandst
art
edexpl
aini
ngwhatt
ookpl
acef
rom Jon'
sangert
owher
ehel
eft
mehanging.

"Soy ou'
resayi
nghewasangrybecauseyoudidn'
tst
ophimf r
om kissi
ngy
out
henl
ateronhe
kissedyou.That
'sconf
usi
ngt
hough,whywouldhedot hat
"Jennysaid.

"Maybehewasdrunkwhenhecameher
eyest
erday
.Godknowswhathehadbef
orecomi
ng
her
e."Isai
dsi
ghi
ng.

"
Buthowcanhebesoangr
ytoanext
entt
hathebr
eakst
hings?
"Ki
araasked.

"
Isuspecthehasangerissuesthatone.Maybetherei
ssomethinggoi
ngoni nhi
srelat
ionship
wi
thRuththatheisventi
ngouthi sf
rust
rati
ons.Aft
erhedr
aggedRut hout
sidehetookmet ohis
r
oom anddidallsort
stome. Ican'
thel
pbutf eel
li
kehewasusingmey ouknow.Doesitmean
t
hatwheneverhefightswit
hherhei sgoingtocometome.Thiswholethi
ngisconfusi
ngand
st
ressi
ng.
"Isai
d.

Jennysmil
ed.
"Enoughaboutt
hest
ressi
ngpar
t..
.t
ell
ushowwast
hewhol
emaki
ngoutt
hing
though"
.

Ismil
edrememberi
ngwhenhet oremyuni f
orm apar
t."
Itwasamazi ng.Ireal
l
ydidn'
tknowt he
feel
i
ngsthatIwashavi
ngr i
ghtthere.Yest er
daywellhewasgent leandsof ti
tmademeshi ver.
It
mademei maginel
ikeIwasinsomer omant i
cfil
m wher eever
ythi
ngi sredandrosesbuttoday
hewasangryandthewayhewaski ssingmei twaslikehewashungr yformylips.
.i
tmademe
wanttobeabadgirlaveryverybadgi rl.
Itmademef eelli
keIwasi nsomeact i
onfil
myouknow
whatI'
m sayi
ngwhereeveryt
hingjusthasal otofadrenali
ne".
Isaidwithanaughtysmirk.

Ki
aral
aughed.
"It
akeitJoncanbeever
ythi
ng.
..Hecanbegent
leorhar
dasf
uck"
.Shehi
ghf
ived
wi
thJennyandIlookedconf
used.
"
Ohhhy
ou'
rest
il
lsoi
nnocentbuty
ouwi
l
lknowev
ery
thi
ngsoon"
.

Ij
ustdeci
dedt
oleti
tbesi
ncet
heywer
enotgoi
ngt
otel
lmewhatt
heymeantany
way
.

Iwentt
omyr
oom andr
emov
edJon'
sshi
rt
.Ihadhi
sscental
lov
erme.

Il
ookedatmyselfonthemi r
rorIhadl
ovebi
tesal
lov
ermynecksuddenl
yIf
eltt
hisache,
the
needofhi
m deep,bur
ied.
..

Ishakesmynast
ythought
sof
fandt
ookacol
dshower
.Iwor
emybaggyT-
shi
rtandt
iedmyhai
r
i
ntoamessybun.

Ki
arabudgedi
n,
wel
lsher
eal
l
ydoesn'
thav
emanner
sthatone.

"Ther
eissomeguywhoi
sher
etoseey
ou"
.Shesai
d.

"
Someguy?"Iwonder
edwhocoulditbe.
Ifol
l
owedKi
arat
otheki
tchenandf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingon
t
heki
tchenchai
rsweari
ngahoodi
e.

"
Bei
l
ey!
!!
"Iscr
eamedandwi
thi
nami
nut
eIwaspi
nni
nghi
sheadagai
nstt
het
abl
e.
"
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e.Di
dJul
i
ansendy
ou?
"Iaskedpi
nni
nghi
m ev
enmor
e.

Hegr
oaned.
"Hear
..
.meoutpl
ease.
."

Iroughl
yreleasedhi
m."Tal
know, whatdoy ouwant ?
"Iaskedclenchi
ngmyj aws.
Thisguyri
ght
hereusedtobemyoneandonl ybrother
.Iusedtolovehim becausehewassoov er
prot
ecti
ve
andhel ov
edmewel lthat'
swhatIt houghtuntil
thedayhest oodinthewi t
nessboxclai
ming
thatIhadpoisonedJul
ianjustaft
erhehadpr omisedtostandbyt hetr
uth.

"
Howhav
eyoubeenl
i
ttl
esi
s?"Hesai
d.
"Li
tt
lesismyfoot
,Idon'
thavet
imeforchi
tchat
sBeil
ey.
Doyoumay
behav
eamessagef
rom
Jul
ianthaty
ouwantt odel
iv
er,
sayi
tandleave.
"Isai
dangr
il
y.

Hesighed. "
Thepr isonandment alasylum reall
ychangedy ou. Youusedt obeonesweetsoul but
nowy ouhav ethisamazi ngst r
engt handt hesweetApr i
lisgone. Iknowwhathappenedf i
ve
year
sagowasnotf ai
r.I'
m notr eall
ytheenemyher eApril
.TrustmeIr eallywantedtotellt
he
tr
uththatdaybutmom t hreatenedmesay ingifIwast ot ellthetrut
ht heywer egoingto
abandonedme. SincethatdaywhenIt estifi
edagai nstyoui ncour tIhav ebeenlivi
ngwithguil
ty.I
coul
dn'tbelievethatIwasal sopar toft hereasonwhyy ouwer eframedwhenIsupposet o
prot
ecty oulikeabr othershoul d.I'
m nother ejusti
fymyact ionsatal l
,Ifeell
i
keI '
m noteven
worthytoseeky ourforgivenessApr i
l
.Icouldn'tcomev i
sityoubecauseIcoul dn'tmasterthe
courage.Iknowi t
sgoi ngtot akey earsorf oreverf
ory out otrustmeagai nbuttrustmeI '
ma
pati
entbr ot
her,Iwi l
lwait."
Hesai dwipingof fthetearsthatwer enowf al
li
ngdownhi scheeks.

Il
aughedmyassof f.
"Ican'tbeli
eveJul
ianJuneatall
,
af t
erfai
li
ngtokil
lmetwiceshedecidedto
comeupwi thawholenewpl an.
Nowshesenty ousothatyoucangainmyt rustandleadme
astr
ayr i
ght.Imustsayyou'rereall
ygoodatacti
ngBeileybutthi
sgir
lri
ghtherethi
sApr i
lri
ght
herecannol ongerbefooled.Nowy ouassup,gobackattel
l t
hatmotherofyoursthatt
hisplan
againfai
led."

Hesi
ghed.
"Iknewy
ouwer
enotgoi
ngt
obel
i
evemeatal
landIdon'
tbl
amey
ou.
Buti
fIwason
mymother'
ssideIshoul
dn'
thav
est
oley
ourr
eal
medi
cal
repor
tsf
rom herandgav
ethem t
o
doct
orJones.
"

Thatcaughtmyat
tent
ion."
Het
oldmet
hathehadt
her
eal
medi
cal
repor
tsal
lal
ong"Isai
d..

"Yeshetol
dyout
hatbecauseIaskedhi
mt o.Idi
dn'
twanttoreveal
anythi
ngyet
.I
nfactmypl
an
wastocomeherewit
hfulli
nfor
mat i
onaboutyourf
atherbutIcoul
dn'
twaitt
hatl
onger
anymore.
"Hesai
d.

Isatdown.
"Whatar
eyouonaboutBei
l
ey?
"Iasked.

"Ihav
ebeenhelpi
ngy oufr
om af
arApri
l
.Istol
ethemedical
report
sandt hi
splacey
ou'r
estayi
ng
hereitact
ual
l
ybelongstome.Ir
eal
lywantedyoutol
iv
ei naluxur
iousapart
mentbutIknew
mom woul dbesuspici
ous.
Therest
aurantyouworkinbel
ongst ome, Imeancomet ot hi
nkofit
whowoul demploysomeonewhowasi mpri
sonedforpoi
soninghermot her
'sfoodtodeliver
mealsforthei
rcustomers.
Ihadi
tallpl
annedoutandIaskedDoct orGomezt ostepin.
The
moneyandgr ocer
iesshegaveyouwereallfr
om me.I'
m notsayingI'
m asaintandI'
m not
sayi
ngy oushoul
dt r
ustme.Youhaveallt
heri
ghtintheworl
dt ohateme,Iwil
ltakeit
,butI
'm not
theenemyhereApr i
l.
"

IwasshockedyesbutBeil
eyhasal
waysbeenthatcari
ngkindguythatIwassurpri
sedtheday
hetesti
fi
edagai
nstme.Mygutfeel
i
ngdoesn'
tfail
meandt histimeitwastel
l
ingmet hat
ever
ythi
ngisalr
ight
.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtot
rusthi
mt hatqui
ckl
yt houghbutIwasgoingtogivehi
m
thebenefi
tofdoubt.

"
Sowhyar
eyouher
etoday
,whynow.IbetJul
i
anwi
l
lbeony
ourt
ail
onceshef
indsout
."
Isai
d.

"Ihav
esomei nf
ormat
iont
hatIt
hinkmi
ghthel
p.It
akei
tyou'
real
readyl
ooki
ngf
ory
our
fat
her
."Hesai
d.

Isatat
tent
ivel
y."
Yesy
esI
'
mlooki
ngf
orhi
m,whati
nfor
mat
iondoy
ouhav
e?"Iasked.
"Rememberwhenmom sentpeopl et okil
lyout hedaybef orey ouwer ereleased.Icoul dhav e
stoppedi thav eIknownt hatIwaspl an.Howev ertheynev erinvolvedmei nt heirplansaf t
ery our
cour tcasebecauset heyknewhowmuchy oumeantt ome. Any wayIov erheardmom anddad' s
conv ersati
on.Youhadl ostbloodr i
ghtandt heper sonwhodonat edbloodf oryoubackt hen
wheny ouwer eint hehospi t
al i
sact uall
yy ourfather.
Appar entlyfrom whatIhear dhei sa
power f
ulmanApr i
l,heknowsabouty ouandy ourwher eabout sbutIguesshei skeepi ngt hings
thiswayt opr otecthisimage. Idon'tknowwhohei sthoughbutwhenIov erheadt hem Icoul d
pickt hatheisapower fulman. Alsosomeonei shelpingmom anddadi nallofthis,theyar enot
reallydoingthisalone.I'
m afraidthatwhent hetruthabouty ourident i
tyi
sr evealedal otoft hi
ngs
whi charesupposedt ost ayinthedar karegoi ngtocomet ol i
ght ,
theyareal otofsecr et
sApr i
l.
A
l
ot !
"Hesai dshaki nghi shead.

Isi
ghed.Iknewhewast el
l
ingthet
rut
h,af
teral
l
backatthehospi
talIgotananonymousblood
donor
.Beil
eyreal
l
ycouldn'
tmakethatup.
Anotherpar
tmewashur tmyownf athert
oodidn'
t
wantmet oknowhim becausehewasprotect
inghi
simage.

Beil
eyhel
dmyhands."Iknowthisi
sal
lhar
donyoubuty
oureall
yhavetobest
rong.
Theother
reasonwhyIst
rongl
ybeliev
ethathei
sapower
fulmani
tsbecausewhenyouwerei
njai
lwe
suddenlybecomingrich.Ithi
nkthatyourfat
hermadeadeal wit
hmom andIthinkitwasthat
wheny out ur
n18y ouwillownsomecompani esmaybeaswayofcompensatingfornotbei
ngin
yourli
fe,
butmom bei nggreedydecidedtohaveital
lforher
sel
f.
Ial
sothi
nkthatthi
smanwho
couldbey ourfat
herisnottaki
ngact i
onagainstmom becausemom canrev
ealthe
tr
uth.AnywayIhav et
ogonow, Iwi
llcal
lyouIhaveyournumber.
"

Hest
oodupandwi
reaf
akemoust
acheandawi
g.

"
Andnow?
"Iaskedl
ooki
ngconf
used.

Helaughed.
"Di
sgui
sesis.
Youneverknowwhoisfoll
owingmeandbesi
desyounev
erknow
maybethatfat
herofy
ourshavepeoplewat
chi
ngy ou.
AnywayIwi
ll
updatey
ouifIf
indout
any
thingwaitf
ormycall"
.Heki
ssedmycheekthenwalkedout
.

Iwaspuzzl
ed,
shocked,confused,hur
tyounameit.
Ihadafeeli
ngthatBei
leywastel
li
ngt hetrut
h.
Thathur
tmeevenmor e,
themanIwast r
yingsohardtofi
ndwasdoinghisbesttostayaway
fr
om me.WasIreall
ycursedt hatbot
hparentswantednot
hingtodowithme.Themot herlobes
moneyandthefatherhisimagei smoreimport
ant.

Ki
araandJennycameandhuggedmebecauseIwaswaili
ng.Ididn'tknowwhatt
odoanymore
Iwasri
skingmyallt
ofi
ndmyfatherbuthedi
dn'
twantt
obef ound.ForhowlongwasIgoi
ngt
o
l
ovewithoutknowi
ngmysur
nameorwher eIcomefr
om.
"
Sssshhhi
tsgoi
ngt
obeok"
.Ki
arar
ubbedmybackwhi
l
eJennygav
emeagl
assofwat
er.

"Weheardever
ythi
ng.Youwi
l
lbef
ineatl
easty
ouhav
eahi
ntatwhoy
ourf
athermi
ght
be"
Jennysai
d.

Ichuckl
ed."
Ahint?
Thi
shasal
readycr
eatedanot
herpuzzl
eforme,
theyar
esomanypower
ful
mani nGeor
gia.
Whocoul
dbemyf at
her?
"

Ki
arasi
ghed.
"Cany
our
eal
l
ytr
ustwhaty
ourbr
othersai
dthough"
.
Isighed."Beil
eyisnev ergoodatlyi
ng,thatIknowabouthim.Yesit
snoteasytotr
usthim but
what everhsaidIhav eaf eeli
ngt
hatitsthetr
uth.Imeanremembery ouguyssayi
ngmybl ood
wasr arebitlucki
lyIhadananony mousdoner .I
tkindamakessensewhateverhetol
dme. Ibadl
y
wantt oknowwhomi ghtbemyf atherbutIhaveaf eel
i
ngthatthecl
oserIr
eachthetrut
ht he
mor eIwi l
lbedisappointed,If
eel
li
kewhenIknowwhohei sIwouldwishIhadneverknown."I
wipedmyt earsoff.

"
Wear
ether
efory
oual
way
sok"Jennyr
eassur
ed.

Inoddedmyhead.
"Thankyou.
Letmegoandrest
.Todayr
eal
lywasn'
tmyday
,Ihadt
ofi
rstdeal
wit
hJon'swei
rdbehavi
orandnowthi
s.I
'
m goi
ngtogocrazy
".

Ishookmyheadwhi
l
egoi
ngt
omyr
oom.

Whenmyheadr
eachedt
hepi
l
lowIdr
if
tedof
ftosl
eept
hat
'showt
ir
edIwas.

Wi
thoutsl
eepi
ngf
orl
ongIf
eltsomeonej
umpi
ngonmybed.

Il
azi
lyopenedmyeyesanditwasNicki
.Icl
osedthem agai
n,
Ireal
lywasn'
tinthemoodf
orherI
wonderwhodraggedherher
e,wast
hehoney moonmomentwi thLewisover
?

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
escol
dwat
erwasal
lov
ermyf
ace.
"
Nicki
i
i!
!"Ishout
ed.

Shelaughed.
"Yousl
eepl
ikey
ou'
recompet
ingwi
tht
hedead.
Wakeup"
Shesai
dgr
inni
ng.Iguess
theoldNicki
wasback.

Idraggedmysleepysel
ftot
hebat
hroom andshewasonmyt
ail
.
Shesatont
het
oil
etseatwhi
l
e
Itookabath.

"Ohhhmymywhatbi
tyout
her
eony
ourni
ppl
eandy
ourneck.
..
amosqui
to?
"Sheasked
sarcast
ical
l
y.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"It
akei
tthegi
rl
stol
dyou.
"
Shel
aughed.
"Yeay
eaIhear
dyouwer
erunni
ngar
oundt
hewhol
etownl
i
keadogonheat
".

Il
aughed"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngmeser
iousl
y.
."

"
WellIi
maginedt
hat.
Ican'
tbel
i
eveIwasn'
tther
etoseey ourhor
nyface,
ohhhmyi
missedona
l
ott
hankstoLewis.
"Shesai
dsmil
ingwhenshementionedLewis.

Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow."
Hei
str
eat
ingy
our
ighthuh.
."

Shebl
ushed.
"Wel
lyeasendi
ngmet
omuf
ftownhei
sbeendoi
ngt
hatal
ot"
.
Igav
eheraconf
usedl
ook

"
Whati
smuf
ftown"
.

Shelaughed.
"Itendt
ofor
gett
hatI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
ovi
rgi
nMar
ydon'
twor
ryy
ouwi
l
lknowonceJon
sendsyouthere"

If
rowned.
"Don'
tev
enment
iont
hatdogIdon'
twannahearhi
sname"
.

"
Sexual
l
yfr
ust
rat
ed.Her
eal
l
ydi
danumberony
ou"Shel
aughedherassof
f.

"
Don'
tev
engot
her
e..
.Iwast
hrobbi
ngandwetdownt
her
ebuthej
ustgotof
fthebedt
hrewa
shi
rtatmeandsmi
rkedwal
ki
ngawaycany
oubel
i
evei
t.Icr
ied.
"Isai
dfr
owni
ng.

Nickil
aughedev
ent
ear
swer
ecomi
ngoutofherey
es.
"Inev
ert
houghtIwoul
dli
vet
oseet
his
day".

AnywayIf
ini
shedbathi
ngandwewenttot
helounge.
Itwasal
readypastei
ght
.Lucki
l
yLewi
shad
boughtal
otoffoodsother
ewasnoneedtocook.

Ni
cki
wasecst
ati
c.i
twasal
way
sLewi
sthi
sLewi
sthat
.

"
You'
rewhi
ppedandr
eal
bad.
"Jennyr
emar
ked.

Ki
arasmi
l
ed.
"Whatar
eyouguy
sthough?Acoupl
e?"
Sheaskedl
ooki
ngatNi
cki
.
Sheshrugged.
"Lewisjustcaneoutofalongrel
ationshi
pal othashappenedi
nhisl
i
fe.
Ionthe
otherhandnev
erreall
yhadaboy fr
iendandhavebeent hroughalot.Webothneedt
ohealf
rom
thi
s.FornowIdon'tknowwhatwear ebutI
'
m enjoyingwhatwear edoing"

"
Youmeani
ncr
edi
blel
ovemaki
ng?
"Ki
araasked.

"Nowearenotr
eal
l
yhavingsexbutheisbeengi
vingmegoodmuf f
sthatsendsmet
othe
sevent
hheav
en.
Buthav
ingsexwithhi
m wouldn'
tbeabadideaaf
teral
lweoncedidi
tbef
ore.
"
Shesaid.

It
hrewaf
ryather
."
Whaty
ou'
redoi
ngt
her
eisadul
ter
ySexi
smadef
orpeopl
ewhoar
emar
ri
ed"
.
Sherol
l
edhereyes.
"ShowmeAdam andEv
e'smar
ri
agecer
ti
fi
cat
e".
Shesai
d,Ki
araandJenny
st
art
edlaughi
ng.

"Lookatwhoistal
kingaboutsexbei
ngmeantf
ormar
ri
edpeopl
enotl
onggoy
ouwant
edJon
deepinsi
deofyou"
Jennysaid.

It
ightl
yclosedmylegst
othethoughtofit,
thatevenmadet
hem l
aughev
enmor
e."
Lookaty
ou
..
.you'
realr
eadyi
magini
ngthi
ngs."
Nickisai
dl aughi
ng.

Bef
oreIcoul
dret
ali
atet
hedoorbel
lrang.

Ni
cki
wentandanswer
ed.

"
Ohhhmymyl
ookwhoi
sher
elooki
ngal
lki
ndsofy
ummyandt
empt
ing.
!"Ni
cki
excl
aimed.
Iknewitwashi
m,Icoul
dsmellhi
sCol
ogne.
Ireal
l
ywasn'
ti
nthemoodf
orhi
m especi
all
yaf
terhe
"puni
shed"mei
nthemor ni
ng.

Hestoodtherewear
ingbl
ackl
oosev
estwhi
chshowedhi
shar
dchest
,abl
ackdeni
m shor
tad
Guccipushi
ns.

Thegi
rl
smadet
hosesi
l
lyuuuuhsoundsashemadehi
swayt
owar
dsme.

"
That
'sani
cet
aty
ougott
her
e."Jennysai
dlooki
ngatJon'
snewar
mtat
too.

Hesmir
kedandt
heyscr
eamed.
Irol
esmyey
es.
"Thanky
ou.
CanIst
eal
herf
oramoment
"Hesai
d
l
ooki
ngatme.

"
Sur
esur
etakeherandquenchhert
hir
st"Ni
cki
sai
dlaughi
ng.
Iwasquiet
.Hejustscoopedmeupi nbridal
styl
eandt ookmeoutsidetohi
scar,
Iwant
edto
prot
estbuthewast oostrongf
orme. Wewentintohiscarandhemademesi tonhisl
aps
faci
nghim.Hi
shandsbr ushedmythighsagainIfel
ttheache,
theneed.

"
W-whyar
e..
.y
ouher
e..
?"Ist
ammer
edasIf
ail
edt
okeepmy
sel
fincomposur
e.

Hecont
inuedbrushi
ngmythi
ghs.
"Icamet
otel
lyousomet
hingi
mpor
tantbutbef
oret
hatIhav
e
somet
hingelsei
nmi nd.
"

"
Andwhati
sthat
?"Iasked.

Hesmi
rkedagai
n."
Ishoul
dquenchy
ourt
hir
stl
i
keshesai
d".

Hel
ower
edt
hecarseatandcar
eful
l
ylai
dmeoni
t.
"
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Iasked.

"SssshAppi
ejustl
etme"
.Her
emov
edmybaby
pinkpant
ies,
putt
hem i
nhi
spocketandIdi
d
nothingt
ostophim.

Hel
ookeddownonme.
"You'
rebeaut
if
ul"
.

Hesai
dki
ssi
ngme.

"Letmesendy
out
omuf
ftown"
.Hewhi
sper
edt
henwentdownt
her
e.

What
everhewasdoingwit
hhi
stonguewasaaaamaz
ing,
Imour
nedmyl
ungsoutIsweart
he
whol
eneighbor
hoodheadme.

Af
terIr
eleasedsomej
uices,
hel
i
ckedmecl
eanandki
ssedmeagai
n.

"
Giv
ememypant
iesback"Isai
dshy
lybur
yingmyheadonhi
schest
.
"
I'
m keepi
ngt
hem.
"Hesai
dlooki
ngser
ious.

"
keept
hatcooki
eint
acti
tsmi
ne"
.Hesai
dwi
thaser
ioust
one.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"Any
waywhati
sitt
haty
ouwant
edt
otel
lme?
"Iasked.

Hesi
ghedandr
ubbedhi
shead.
"Wel
lAppi
e,
thet
hingi
summm.
..
youknowahhhh.
..
umm"

Het
ouchedhi
sheadagai
n.

"
Arey
ouok?
"Iaskedwi
thconcer
n.

"
I'
m hav
ingaheadache,
pleasegetmesomewat
er"
.Hesai
dsweat
ing.

Iranbacktot
hehouseandfoundt
hegi
rl
speepi
ng.Il
aughedandt
ooksomewat
ert
oJon.
I
f
oundhim hol
dinghi
shead.
"Shor
tst
uff
".
Hesai
dlooki
ngatme.

"
Her
eyougo,
youwant
edsomewat
er.
Howi
sthatheadache"
.Ihel
pedhi
mtodr
inkt
hewat
er.

"Whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
edt
otel
lme?
"Iasked.

Helookedathi
mselfandf
rownedthenbackatme.Hesmi
l
edanddraggedmebymywai
st
pi
nningmeagainstt
hecar
.Hegavemeasl ow,
sensual
,
war
m ki
ssandmykneeswer
eweak.

"
Iwi
l
ltel
lyousomeot
hert
imeok.
RightnowIr
eal
l
yhav
etogo"
.

Heper
kedmyl
i
psanddr
oveof
fleav
ingmeal
lconf
used.

Iwentbacki
nsi
deandt
hegi
rl
swer
eal
readywai
ti
ngf
orme.
"Outwit
hitgi
rl
,ev
erydetai
ldon'
tev
enliebecauseI
'm sureev
ery
onehear
dthe.
..
"ohhhh
Jon.
..
ohhDee"noiseyouweremaking.
"Ni
ckisaidi
mit
atingmyvoice.

"
Ireal
l
ydi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ethi
sbad.
..
int
hecargi
rl
..
.y
ou'
reav
eryv
erybadgi
rl
"Jennymocked.

Ibl
ushedcov
eri
ngmyface.
"Ithi
nkInowknowwhaty
oumeantbymuf
ftown.
Ireal
l
ydi
dn'
tknow
peopl
ecandowonder
swiththei
rtongue"
.

Theyal
lscr
eamedj
umpi
ngupanddown.
Max

*
"Gi
rl
fr
iendf
orr
ent
".
*

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasf
inal
l
yfal
l
ingi
ntopl
ace.
JennyandIwer
epr
ett
ycl
osenow,
ver
ycl
ose.

Ifi
nal
l
ygotthetwi
n'scust
odyandI.
mustsayIwasecstati
caboutit
,Icouldn'
tevenhideit
.Jenny
andIhadpl
annedjustasmal
lint
imatewelcomi
ngpar
tyforthem.I
twasonl ygoingtobemeand
myguysaswellasJennyandhergi
rl
s.Iwasgoi
ngtoi
ntroducethem totherestofthefamil
yon
afamil
ydi
nner.

"Youzonedoutagai
n,y
ou'
rereal
l
yecst
ati
cyoushoul
dseey
ourf
acer
ightnow"Jenny
'sv
oice
broughtmebacktothepr
esent.
Ismil
ed."
I'
m happyandner
vousabouti
tatt
hesamet
ime.
Idon'
tknowi
fI'
m ev
ergoi
ngt
obea
per
fectdad"

Shebr
ushedmycheek.
"You'
reaper
fectdadandIwi
l
lbet
her
etohel
p".

Wedr
ovet
otheor
phanageandal
readyt
het
winswer
ereadyt
ogo.
Theywer
esohappy
.

"
Sodaddyy
ousai
dourhousei
ssooobi
gri
ght
"Just
insai
d

"
Yesit
ssooobig"Isai
dputt
ingt
heirseat
bel
tson."
Soifi
tisr
eal
l
ybi
gwhyi
ssi
sterJennynot
l
i
vingwit
hus"
Joycehasalwaysbeenthesmartone.

Jennysmil
ed."
Iwi
l
lbechecki
ngonyouever
ynowandthen.RememberIwil
lbegoi
ngtowor
kso
Ireal
l
ycan'tl
i
vewit
hyoubecauset
hehouseisf
arf
rom whereIwor
k".
Jennymanagedto
convi
ncethem.

Wedr
ovebackhomeandt
heywer
esoexci
tedwhenwear
ri
ved.
"
OhhhmyGodt
hisi
sbeaut
iful
!!
"Theybothexcl
aimed.Weescor
tedthem t
othei
rroomsand
t
heywr
emoret
hanhappybecausewhatevert
heywantedwasther
e.

Lewi
scamet
omeandweshoul
derbumped.

"
Mant
heyar
ereal
l
ybeaut
if
ulki
dsy
ougott
her
e".Hesai
d.

"Year
ight
.Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?"
Iasked.

"
Wher
ear
etheot
her
s.?
"Iasked.
Lewi
sscr
atchedhi
shead.
"Wehav
easi
tuat
ionbr
o".

Ipani
cked.
"Whati
sit
?"

"Rel
axman, i
tsj
ustthatmom br oughtt hewholeJacksonar myhere.
Insteadoftheintimat
e
welcomingpartywewer eplanningshebr oughtev er
yonef r
om uncleKen,therear
eliketwent
y
peopleoutsi
de.Alsosinceyoudeci dedtohidethef actthatyoui
ntroducedJennyasy our
gir
lf
riendt
oEv ewer eall
ycouldn'tcoverupforyouwhenshest art
edbl abberi
ngabouther.Mom
real
lycan'
twaittomeetJenny .Idon'tthi
nkit
sgoi ngtobeeasyt oescapet hisonebr o"
.Hegave
meapatont heshoulderandwal kedawayshaki nghi shead.Hecreatedthismessf ormebut
nowhewaswal ki
ngaway .

Ihadt
othi
nkf
ast
,ver
yfast
.Iwentupst
air
swher
eJennyandt
heki
dswer
e.

"
JennycanItal
ktoyouforaminut
e"Isai
dsoundi
ngner
vous.Idi
dn'
tknowi
fJennywasgoi
ng
t
oagreetothi
sbutIpr
ayedshedoes.
"
Whati
sity
ousoundner
vous?
"Sheasked.

"JennyIknowt
hissoundsst
upi
dbutcany
oubemygi
rl
fr
iendf
orr
ent
,Imeanmyf
akegi
rl
fr
iend"
Isaid.

Shechuckl
ed.
"Ihav
edonet
hatbef
oreImeanwi
tht
hatBar
biecousi
nofy
our
s,I
'
m goodatact
ing
".

"Thisisdiffer
entJennyapartofmyf amil
yisoutt here,
myparentsincl
udedappar
entl
yEve
spr
eadt henews. Ir
eall
ydon'
tknowwhatshei splayingat.
All
I'
m sayingi
sfornowyouandI
havetopl ayalongandall
owev eryonewhoreall
yisnotawar ethatwearesomuchi nl
oveand
wear eplanningtogetmarri
ed.
" Isai
dsoft
ly.
Shesighedandst ar
tedpaci
ng."You'
resayi
ngyourfami
l
ywithparent
sincludedMaxthi
sis
real
l
ybig.Ineverhadaboyfr
iendbeforeIdon'
tknowhowtoactl
ikeaperfectgir
lf
ri
endi
nfront
ofherfutur
ein-l
aws".

Shewasreal
lybecomingner
vousandt
imewasnotonoursi
de.
Igr
abbedherwai
standki
ssed
hersoastocal
m hernerv
ous.

"Youcandot hi
sokj
ustf
oll
owmylead.
Rememberwedatedforalongti
met hi
sisourfi
ft
h
year
.Imetyouwhenyouwere16i
narest
aur
ant
,Ifel
li
nloveatfi
rstsi
ghtok.
Therestj
ustl
etme
handlei
tok".

Shenoddedner
vousl
y.Igr
abbedherwai
standwewentt
otaket
het
wins.

Wewalkedtot
hebacky
ardandal
leyeswereonus.
Icoul
dseeNi
ckiandLewissuppr
essi
ng
t
hei
rlaught
ert
hoset
wor eal
l
yhav
eloosescrewst
heyneedment
aleval
uat
ion.

Apri
lwasjustst
andi
ngther
eshowi ngnoexpr
essionthatonei
shardtoread.Ki
araandGar et
h
weremissi
ng.JonontheotherhandhadRuthbyhissidethegi
rlwascl
ungonhi m.Idon't
rememberinvi
ti
ngher
.Saul
andEv ewerether
e.Uncl
eKenwasnothi sboastf
ulselfInot
iced.

"
Ohhhmydaddyt
hatabeaut
if
ulsandcast
leandi
t'
ssohuge!
"Joy
ceexcl
aimed

Mom wasecst
ati
candcont
inuedkissingJoy
ceandJusti
nal
l ov
ertheface.
Aft
erIi
ntr
oduced
t
hem t
heyrant
oplaywi
ththeotherkidswheret
heywereeat
ingsnacksandall
.
"
Wat
choutdon'
ttr
ip"
.Mom shout
edbuti
tfel
londeafear
s.

ShecaneandcuppedJenny'sf
ace. "Youmustbemyf ut
uredaughterinlaw.
OhhhmyGody ou'
re
sobeaut
if
ul,
nowondermysonf ellforyou.
.Ihopewewi
llgetal
ongI'm notr
eal
lyamonst
erin
l
aw".
ShesaidandJennyjustsmiled.

Ni
ckicoul
dn'
tcont
ainherselfany
moreshestart
edl
aughi
ngyouknowthetypi
calroarki
nda
l
augh.
Lewiswasredall
ov erhisf
acebecausehewastr
yingt
osuppr
essthelaughwhichhe
f
ail
eddismal
lyashejoi
nedNi cki
.

Ever
yone'sattenti
onwasont hem."
OhhhLwisdeart hat
'sfunnydi
dy ouseehowJustingr
abbed
thechocolatethetwi
nsarefunnyreal
l
yfunny".
Nickisai
dbutweal lknowwhattheywere
l
aughingat .
Mom justshookherheadIbetshereali
sedthatthetwohadloosescrews.

Wesatdownandst
art
edt
alki
ngcasual
l
y.

JonwasbetweenRuthandApr
ilIcouldseei
twasawkwar
dforhim.IsawSaulst
arri
ngat
someoneandfol
lowedwher
ehisey eswerel
eadi
ngIal
mostchoked.Hegot
tabekiddingme.

Lucki
l
ythefami
lydi
dn'
tgi
veusahar dt
imethoughwit
hquest
ions.
Weev
ent
oldt
hem t
hatJenny
wasJoyceandJust
in'
ssi
sterandt
heytooki
tverywel
l.
"
SoJennywher
edoy
ouwor
k?"Ev
easked.

"
I'
m acl
eaneri
nar
est
aur
ant
."Jennysai
dbl
unt
ly.

Mydadst
oppedeat
ingandl
ookedather
.Ev
ery
onef
rom myf
ami
l
ydi
d.

"
Imustsayyou'
rer
eal
l
ycunni
nggi
rl
.Youmadeapl
acef
ory
our
sel
fandy
oursi
bli
ngsi
nMax'
s
l
i
fe"
.Evesai
d.

Apri
ljustgalncedatherandIknewshitwasabouttogodown."IfIwasyouIwoul
dkeepqui
et
youreall
ydon'twannamesswi thJennyinmypresence.Iwon'
tbenice.
Nowstar
teat
ingy
our
foodandst opbeingakil
lj
oy"
.

Thatl
ookevenmademydadshi
ftuncomf
ort
abl
y.uncl
eKenst
atedeat
inghi
sfoodwi
thout
sayi
ngathi
ng.
Mom smil
ed."
Idon'tr
eal
lycar
eaboutwhaty
oudomydearasl ongasyoumakemysonhappy
t
henI
'm happy"
IsighedasIknewthatt
hesi
tuat
ionwasundercont
rol
now.

Af
tereat
ingwest
art
edt
alki
ngandal
lthatIappr
oachedSaul
whowasst
il
lst
arr
ingather
.

"
Many
ou'
remar
ri
edy
ou'
reev
enwear
ingaweddi
ngband.
"Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Hel
aughedner
vousl
y."
You'
rer
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntot
hings"
.

"NaamanIknowt
hatl
ook.
That
'
sJon'
sgi
rl
".
Isai
d

Hesi
ghed.
"Imetheryest
erdayman,
Icoul
dn'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouther
.Imeant
hosel
egsman
damn.
..
what'
shernameIforgott
oask?"
Il
aughed.
"HernameisRut
hMar
ti
ns.
That
'
sJon'
sgi
rl
".
Ilaughedwal
ki
ngawayl
eav
ingt
he
bust
ardst
arri
ngather.

Imanagedt
orescueJonf
rom Rut
h.

"
Thanksman"
.Hesai
dsi
ghi
ng.Lewi
scameandj
oinedus.

"Sowhat'
sgoi
ngon.
RuthApr
ilher
etogether
.Jennyhasbeenupdat
ingmeonhowy
ouandApr
il
weremaki
ngeachot
hermourninthecar
."

Lewi
sgaspedl
ooki
ngatJon.
"You'
ret
appi
ngi
tnow?
"
Herubbedhisey es."
Thatwasn' tmeokt hatwasDanger .
Iev
enf oundApr i
l
'spantiesinmy
pockets.
Whathappenedi sIwentt oapologi zetoApr il
formyat t
itudethenonet hingledto
anotherIki
ssedherok. Idon'tknowwhatshehast hatwaspul l
i
ngmet owar dshert henafterI
l
eftDangertookov er.
Somehowhef oundi tthatIkissedAprilhedest r
oy edmyl oungemanand
chasedRuthaway .Iknowt heydidn'tsl
eept ogetherbutIguessDangerl ickedherdownt here
hadtheyfuckedshewoul dbecr i
ppledtillnow.TodayRut hcamecr yi
ngandy ouknowIhat e
makingwomencr yItookheral ongwi t
hme, thenboom Apr i
lisher e.
Thingsaresoawkwar df or
mebutApr i
lhasev eryt
hingundercont rol.Shei sactingnormal l
ikenothinghappenedandi ts
dri
vi
ngmecr azy
".

Lewisandmechuckl
ed."Idon'
twi
shtobey our
ightnow.
It
sal
readyt
hesur
viv
aloft
hef
it
test
si
tuati
on.
"Wesai
dinunisonandlaughed.

Jonrubbedhi
shead.
"Andt
hedr
essshei
swear
ingi
tsdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
..
.If
eel
li
ker
ippi
ngi
tint
o
twoandjust
..
."

Lewi
schuckl
ed.
"That
'sDanger
'sgi
rlJon"
.
Endofchapt
er2 3

Let
'scommentandshar
e.

Apol
ogi
esf
ort
het
ypi
nger
ror
s.

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er2 4
Apr
il
.

*
"Gety
ourpr
ior
it
ies*

*
str
aight
".
*

Iwast r
ulyhappyforJennyandMax ,
theywerehappysoIwashappyforthem. ButdeepdownI
wasn'thappyforme,Iwasn'
thappyformyself
.Ruthcl
ungonJonl i
kethatdidn'tsi
twellwi
th
me.Shewasal lt
ouchykissi
ngthesamemout ht
hatki
ssedme,t
hatdidwonder st ome.What
angeredmei sJonneverdidanyt
hingtostopher,
shewasbusytongui
ngt hesamemout hthat
tonguedmedown.
"
Lookathereat
ingt
hatsnackl
i
kesheownst
hepl
ace.
"Ni
cki
'
svoi
cebr
oughtmebackt
oreal
i
ty.

Il
aughed.I
fNi
cki
hat
esy
out
henwhat
every
oudoi
rr
it
atesherev
ent
hewayy
ouy
awncanmake
hercr
inge.

"Shewant
edt orui
nthi
smomentforJennyIfeltli
kepunchingtheshi
toutofherLewiswaseven
holdi
ngmylegunderthetabl
eIwascloset
ot hrowf ol
ksather.
"Sheconti
nuedlooki
ngatEve
whowaschitchati
ngwit
hsomeladiesMax'
sr elat
ivesIguess.

"
Heygi
rly
ou'
renotev
enher
e.What
'sgoi
ngon"Shef
oll
owedt
owher
emyey
eswer
eleadi
ng.

"Ohhhhmydear
.NowIseewhyy
ou'
reupset
.Don'
tmi
ndt
hem Apr
il
".Shesai
dlooki
ngatRut
h
andJonwhowereall
touchy
.
Isi
ghed.
"Idon'
tgethi
mthoughonemi nut
eheisdoi
ngwonder
stomeandt
henextmomenthe
i
swithher.
Heisusi
ngmeNi cki
."
Isai
dsoundi
ngemotional
.

Jennycameassoonassher eal
i
zedwhatwasgoingon."
Ohhhgir
ldon'tevengi
vehimthe
sati
sfact
ionok.
Iknowhegi
vesyougoodmuffsbutgi
rldon'
tev
engetal lemoti
onal
.Ir
eal
lycan'
t
bel
ievethataf
terhemadey
oumoar nl
iket
hatheisherewithy
ou"Jennysaid.

Irol
ledmyeyes.
"Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn'
texpecthimtol
eavehi
sgirl
becauseIopenedmyl
egswhi
l
ehe
tonguedmedown.Rut
hwasal
way sbeenhi
sgir
landIgott
aacceptt
hat."

Jennysi
ghed."
Butdidyouseethewayhethr
owinggl
ancesaty
outhough.
I'
m sur
ethedressi
s
dri
vi
ngmecr azy,
gir
ldoyouseethewayi
tsclungt
oyourbodyi
tsl
i
keitwasmadef ory
ou".

Ismil
ed.
WellIwaswearingabl
acklaceof
fshoulderdr
esswit
hanopenbackandbl
ackpenci
l
heel
s.WomaninblackIt
elly
ou.
Kiar
ahadinfl
uenceditsi
nceshei
stheonewit
hthef
ashi
on
senseamongthefourofus.
"WellIgottafeell
i
keawomany ouknow.Any wayIdon'twannar ui
nthi
smomentforyoulet'
sbe
happyok. YouandMaxbot hgotthehappinessandI '
m happyforyouguys.
All
I'
m wonderi
ngis
thatforhowl ongareyouguysgoingtopretendli
keacoupl eandImustsayyouguysreall
yact
l
ikey ou'r
eacouple..I
sther
esomet hi
ngwear emissi
ng".
IfoldedmyarmsandJennystarted
blushing.

"Ther
eisnothi
nggoingonguy
s.Wear
ejustgoodf
ri
endsandI
'
m hel
pinghi
m outher
ebecause
heneedsthehelp"
.Shesai
d.

Ni
ckiandmejustl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed.Iwasf
eel
i
ngal
otbet
teraf
tert
alki
ngt
omy
gi
rl
s.Af
terawhi
leMaxcame.

"Ummm Apr
ilcany
oupleasecomewit
hme.Ineedtot
alkt
oyou."
Hesai
dandstar
tedwal
ki
ng
notal
l
owi
ngmet oprot
est
.If
oll
owedhi
m wonderi
ngwhati
twashewant
edtotal
ktomeabout.
Hel
edmet
oar
oom andt
henIr
eal
i
sedi
twasasetup,
act
ual
l
yhewant
edmet
otal
ktoJon.

"MaxIt
houghtt
hat
..
."
Isai
dlooki
ngathi
m.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thpl
eadi
ngey
es.
"Pl
easet
alkt
ohi
m hei
sli
ter
all
ygoi
ngcr
azy
..
..
"

Hewal
kedoutl
eav
ingt
het
woofusi
nawkwar
dsi
l
ence.

Hest
art
edwalki
ngtowardsme.
Iknewt
hathist
ouchwi
l
lmakemegocr
azy
."Nodon'
t.
..Don'
t
ev
enmov eani
nchclosetome.
Don'
tev
en".

Isai
dwi
thawar
ningt
one.

Her
ubbedhi
shead."
Doy
ouknowwhaty
ou'
redoi
ngt
omeshor
tst
uff
.Thedr
essgosh.
..
.If
eel
l
ike.
...
.shor
tst uf
fy ou'
redr
ivi
ngmecr azyr
ightnow.
."Hesai
dcomingtowar
dsmy
dir
ecti
on,grabbingmywai standsmashinghisli
psonmine.
Agai
nmykneeswereweakandIj
ust
meltedinhis.Thingsweregetti
ngheatedandImanagedtopushhim of
fme.

"St
opJon.Thisi
snotr i
ght
,t
hisisnotfai
randy ou'rebei
ngveryself
ishri
ghtnow. Youhav eRuth
wit
hyouandnowy ou'r
edoingthi
stome. Youwantt ohavey ourcakeandeatitt oo,howselfi
sh
canyoube.Thesamemout hy ouusedt opl
easur emewi t
h,Ruthki
ssedthatmout handGod
knowsyoudi dt
hesamewi thRuthsincesheisy ourgir
lnowy oukissmewi ththesame
mouth.
You'resoself
ishJonMcCl ai
n.Whatisitthatyouwantfrom mehuh,isitsext hatyou
wantfr
om mehuh? "Iaskedwithaser i
oustone.

Hesighed.
"Idon'
tknowwhatI'mfeeli
ngforyoushortst
uff,
it'
ssomethingstr
onganditscares
me.Therei
ssomet hi
ngthati
spul
lingmet owardsyou,
Ican'tstopi
t,
Ican'tpr
etendandIcan't
l
ie.
I'
mf eel
i
ngsomet hi
ngandIcan'tevenexpl
ainit
.Apr
ilI
..
..
"

Iint
err
upt
ed."MrMcCl
ainIwasn'
trai
sedt
obesomeone'
ssi
dedi
sh,
I
'm notcol
esl
awmyguyI
'
m
thepri
merib.
"

Iperkedhi
sli
psandwal
kedoutl
eav
inghi
m shockedorwhat
evert
heexpr
essi
ont
hatwasonhi
s
face.
Iwal
kedt
omygi
rl
sfeel
i
ngmy
sel
f.
Iwaspr
oudofmy
sel
f.

"
Andt
henwhathappened?
"Ni
cki
asked.

"Well
let'
sjustsayIsetmyboundar
ies,
ican'
thav
ehim usi
ngmeliket
hat"
.Ifl
ippedmyhai
rand
thegi
rlsl
aughed.IsawRuthgoi
ngstrai
ghttot
heroom wher
eIcamefrom af
terawhil
eshe
camebacki ntears.

Nickichuckl
ed.
"Ifi
nar
elat
ionshi
pal
lyoudoistocr
ythenyoubett
erasky
our
sel
fify
ou'
re
dati
ngahumanoranoni on".
Shesai
dloudenoughf
orRuthtohear
.

Ipi
nchedher
.

"What
,whyar
eyoupi
nchi
ngme.
I'
mjustsay
ingandaf
teral
li
tst
het
rut
h."
Ruthj
ustcont
inuedcry
ingandoneofMax'srel
ati
veswhowasi
ntr
oducedasSaul
camet
oher
andgaveheraglassofwater
.Whatagent
leman.

Ev
egav
eherhusbandanev
iley
eandIj
ustl
aughed,
ri
chpeopl
eandt
hei
rdr
ama.

Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ngandl
ateronEv
ecamet
owher
ewewer
est
andi
ng.

Nicki
rol
ledhereyes.
"Fakelashesareokayi
ftheyl
ooknat
ural
butsomeofy
'al
lbi
tchesl
ookl
i
ke
yougonnafl
yifyoublinktoofast.
"

Shesai
dlooki
ngatEv
e.

Iknewdr
amawasaboutt
obegi
nandIwasn'
treadyf
ort
hat
.Ihadhadenoughwi
thJon'
sdr
ama.

Ipul
l
edNi
cki
away
."May
beweshoul
dgodr
inksomewi
neorsomet
hing"
.

Ni
cki
wasecst
ati
c."OhhhIwoul
dlov
etogetdr
unk.
"
Lewi
scameoutofnowher
eandgr
abbedNi
cki
'
shand.
"You'
renott
aki
ngal
cohol
dear
."

Ni
cki
sighed.
"WhynotLewi
s,y
ouhav
ebeenst
oppi
ngmef
rom t
aki
ngal
cohol
lat
ely
,why
?"

Hegrabbedherwai
st.
"BecauseIsaysopl
easedon'
ttakeal
cohol
.Isawhowy
ouwer
eonMax'
s
whi
skyandyourint
akereall
ydidn'
tsi
twel
lwit
hme."

OkayIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ost
andt
her
ewat
chi
ngt
hem al
ll
oveydov
ey.
Igl
adl
ywal
kedaway
.

Jennywaswi
thMaxsoIwasal
one.
IfKi
arawasher
eshecoul
dhav
ebeenwi
thGar
eth.

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngatMax'
sbi
gfami
l
y.

Hisfat
herandmotherwerepr
oudofhi
my oucoul
dseebythewayt
heylookedather.
Ilonged
fort
hatlookIl
ongedtohaveapar
entt
hatwouldbepr
oudofmebutIguessIwasn'tj
ustlucky
bothparent
swantednot
hingt
odowithme.

Iwasemot ional
asIlookedever y
onewi t
htheirlovedonesNickiwast
hereargui
ngwithLewis
whichlookedcute,
Jennywasl eaningonMaxshar ingasweetmoment ,
JonandRut hwerejust
standi
ngtherebutatleastt
herewer ether
ef oreachother,
SaulandEv
ewer ebot
hlookingcross
butsti
llt
heywerethereforeachot herwhil
emeont heotherhandwasjustal
onefeel
i
ng
negl
ected.Idecidedtohav
eawalkbecauset
hefamil
ysceneatthebacky
ardwassuf
focati
ng
me.Ineededaf amily
.At23Iwassi
ngl
eandneverhadaboyfr
iendwhichi
sreal
l
ynotcoolatal
l.

Iwal
kedt
il
lmyf
eetf
eltnumb.

Isatdownandstar
tedwai
li
ng.Iwasf
eel
i
ngv
eryl
onel
y.
YesIhav
efr
iendsbutf
orf
ivey
ear
sI
havebeenfeel
i
ngveryl
onel
y.

Iwai
l
edt
il
lIcoul
dn'
tany
mor
e.If
eltst
rongar
mshuggi
ngmeandIknewi
twashi
m.

"
Cryi
tal
loutI
'
m her
efory
ou.
I'
m her
eAppi
e".

Whenhecal l
edmeAppi esomehowmyhear tl
eaped,Il
ovedthesoundofit.
Iscr
eamedmylungs
outwhil
ehehel dmyarmst i
ghtl
yinhi
sembr ace.
Aftervent
ingital
loutIl
ookedint
ohisi
cygrey
eyes.
Hehadhi scol
dlookon.Idon'
tgethi
m,noitsmeIdon' tgetoneminuteIwanthi
mtostay
awayfrom mebutthemomentheput sonthatcol
df acewhichsendchil
l
sdownmyspi ne.
Ifeel
weakanditfeelssori
ght.

Hefrownedashecar r
iedmegohiscar.
"Idon'
tl
ikeital
lwheny oucr
y.Idon'
twanttoseeyou
cry
.Whathappened,
whomadey oucryIwil
ldealwi
ththem r
ightnow.
Iswearabulletwil
lgo
thr
oughthei
rhead."

If
eltl
i
kehemeantev
erywor
dandt
hatki
ndascar
edt
heshi
toutofme.
"
Ummm al
otoft
hought
swer
ejustgoi
ngt
hroughmyhead.
"Isai
d

"
Whatt
hought
s?"Hesai
dlooki
ngser
ious.

"
Youdon'
thav
etowor
ryabout
.I
tsal
lsor
tedJon"
.Isai
d.

"Dee"
.Hesai
dwi
thaf
ir
mtone.

"
Any
wayt
ell
met
het
hought
sthatwer
etr
oubl
i
ngy
ou?
".Heasked.

"
It
snot
hingDee.
"Isai
dlooki
ngoutoft
hewi
ndow.
"Ibr
okeofft
hingswit
hRut
h..
becauseiti
syout
hatIwantAppi
e,Ican'
thaveanyoneel
seexpect
youandyoucan'thav
eany
oneelseei
ther
.You'
remi
ne,
I'
my our
s".Hesaidwit
houtevensmil
ing
atall
.

"Thatsoundsrat
herpossesi
vedon'tyouthi
nk.
BesidesIdon'
tgetyou,
whyareyoubreaki
ng
thi
ngsoffwit
hheranyway.I
sitbecauseoftheencounterwehad.
Pleasedon'
ttel
lmey oubr
oke
thi
ngsoffwit
hheronmyaccount ."
Isaid.

Yesapar
tofMrwaski
ndahappybutIr
eal
l
ydi
dn'
twantt
obet
her
easonoft
hei
rbr
eakup.

"Thi
ngswer
en'tworking.Ihat
eweakwomen.IwantyouAppi
e.Youmakemefeel
for
eignt
hingsI
havenev
erfel
tbefore.WheneverIl
ookaty
ouIjustknowt
hatever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngtobealr
ight
."
Heheldmyhand.
"
Thi
sist
ooov
erwhel
mingJonwhat
'
sgoi
ngon.
"Isai
d.

Het
it
ledhi
shead.
"Howmanyt
imesdi
dIasky
ouy
out
ocal
lmeDee"
.

"
Whatdoesi
tst
andf
ort
hough.
?"Iasked.

Hesighed.
"I
tsstandsforDanger.
Wellit
smyni cknamebecausepeopl
esaythatummm I'm
danger
ouslyhandsome..soyeaIgrewtoli
kethename".Hewasav oi
dingey
econtact
.Iknew
ther
ewasmor etoitbutdecidednottodwell
muchoni t.
Hemademesi tonhi slapsandcuppedmyf ace."I
'm notawar eofwhati mfeeli
ng, Ineverfel
t
l
ikethisbefore,
it
sf orei
gnt ome. LookI'm notaper f
ectmanIhav emyi ssues.I
'm notpr omisi
ng
tobetheper f
ectmanf oryoubecauseIwoul dbel y i
ng.ButIjustwanty outostickwi thmedon' t
giveuponmebecausey ou'r
et heonlysanet hingi nmymessedupl ife.Myli
feisf uckedup
Appie.
Itsnotbedandr osesf ormeandIneedy oubymysi debecausey ou'r
estrongwomanI
knowy ouwi l
lbewi thmeandy ouwillnevergiveuponme. WhenIf i
rstsawy out hedayIal most
ranyouov erIcouldn'tstopthinkingabouty ouandi tdr
ov emet otheedgebecauseIdi dn'
tknow
whatitwasIst il
ldon'tknowbi tIwanttoriskitwi thyou,Iwanttofi
gur eital
loutwi thyou.Ever
sinceIwascr eatednot hi
ngmadesensei nmyl if
ebutt henyoucaneal ong.Ijustwanty outobe
withme. Don'
tgiveuponme" .Hesaidwi t
hgl assyey es.

TosayIwasov erwhel
medisanunderstatement, i
twasmorethanthat
.Noguyhadeversaid
sucht ome,itwasnewandhear i
nghim sayt hatitdri
vemecrazy.
Iknowitmaysoundwrong
thathelit
erall
ycheatedonhisgir
lf
ri
endwi thmeandnowt hi
sbutIwasn'tgoi
ngtodenywhatI
wasf eel
ing,thisguyheremademef eelbutter
fli
esandthi
ngsIneverexperi
encedbef
oreandI
wasr eadytot aketheri
skandexperi
encemor e.

Icuppedhi
sfaceadki
ssedhi
m."
Iwi
l
ltaket
her
iskwi
thy
ouJonok.
Wewi
l
lfi
gur
eev
ery
thi
ngout
toget
her"
.

Hef
rowned.
"Appi
eIsai
dyoushoul
dcal
lmeDanger
."
Isi
ghed.
"Yousur
edol
ovey
ourni
cknamehuh"
.

Hesmir
ked.
"Becauseitsoundssexywhenyousayi
t.
Itmakesmewanttodoalotofdanger
ous
t
hingst
othi
sbody .
"Hesaidtraci
nghi
sfi
ngersonmythighsandbut
ti
nghi
slowerl
ip.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Don'
tev
enwear
eint
hecarDanger
".

Hesmi
l
edasIsai
dhi
sname.

"
I'
m nothur
ryi
ngany
waybutIwi
ll
begivi
ngy
ouv
erygoodmuf
fs.
"Hesai
dsmi
rki
ngandI
l
aughedburyi
ngmyheadonhi
schest
.
Myphoner
angandi
twasNi
cki
.Ianswer
ed."
Bit
chwher
eyouat
!!
"Sheshout
ed.

"
I'
m okayNi
cki
.Iwi
l
lseey
ouwhenIgethome"
.Isai
d

"Gi
rly
ouwi
thJonai
n'
tyou.
..
?"Ij
ustl
aughedandhungup.

"It
hinkweshoul
dgetgoi
ng,
theyar
epr
obabl
ywor
ri
edaboutme"
Isai
dget
ti
ngof
fhi
slaps.

"
Sur
e".Hedr
ovet
otheapar
tment
.Whenwear
ri
vedwesati
nthecari
ncomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.
Hehel
dbot
hmyhands.

"LikeIsai
dI'
m amessedupmanAppie.I
'
mv erymessedup,it
snotevenfunny
.Butj
usthangi
n
thereformeokIknowsomedaysImightactwei
rdaroundyoubutpl
easebarewithmeAppie.
I
willmakethi
ngsr
ight
,I
'
mjustsomessedupandIneedy oubymyside".

Heki
ssedbot
hmyhands,
hehadt
ear
yey
es.

"
Iwi
l
lst
andbyy
ouJo-
--i
meanDanger
."

Iper
kedhi
sli
psandonel
edt
oanot
herIwasnowscr
eami
nghi
snamei
nthecarashemuf
fed
me.

Icameandhel
i
ckedmecl
ean,
thenki
ssedme.

"
Youshoul
dgoy
ourgi
rl
sar
epr
obabl
ywor
ri
ed"
.Iper
kedhi
sli
psandhewal
kedmet
othedoor
.

Hehel
dmyhand.
"Rememberyou'
remi
neAppi
eonl
ymi
neandI
'
myour
sonl
yyour
s"Heper
kedmyl
i
psand
walkedaway
.

Iwal
kedi
nsi
deandt
hegi
rl
swer
eal
readybombi
ngmewi
thquest
ions.

"Onemi nut
eyou'
reangr
yathi
m andthenextmi
nut
eyou'
rescr
eami
ngy
ourl
ungsout
gir
l.
.ser
iousl
ywhat'
sgoi
ngon"
.Jennyasked.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Hebr
okeof
fthi
ngswi
thRut
h".

Theyallscr
eamed."Nowondershewasacti
ngli
keshesmokespanado.
Thewayshewascr
ying
andrubbingherheadyouwouldswearshewasgoi
ngcrazy
."Ni
cki
said.
"
ButMax'
sbr
otheri
nlaw.
..
umm Saul
hei
ssosweethemanagedt
ocal
m herdown"
.Jennysai
d.

"Howevert
heewidetheeonewithfakelashes.
..
yahhEv
eshewasgi
vi
nghi
m anev
ilst
are.
.I
guesst
herei
str
oubleinparadi
se"
.Nicki
said.

"
Iwouldbemadt
ooi
fDangerwast
ogi
veat
tent
iont
oanot
herwoman.
"Isai
dandt
heyal
lgav
e
methelook.

"
Whoi
sDangernow?
"Ki
araasked.
"
Ohhht
hat
'sJon'
sni
ckname.Heki
ndal
i
kesi
twhenIcal
lhi
mthat
"Isai
dshy
ly.

Theyal
ll
aughed"
Whatar
eyou?ani
tem now?
".Jennyasked.

"Idon'treal
l
yknowguy sbuthei
smi neI'
m his.
Likeacoupleissupposedtotel
leachothert
hat
theyloveeachotherr
ight
.Wehaven'
treachedthatst
agey etbutwebelongtoeachothernow."
I
explai
ned.

Ki
aralaughed.
"Idon'
tgetJonsomet
imes.Hej
ustbr
okeof
fthi
ngswi
thhergi
rl
fr
iendandal
ready
hegotyou.Whatisheplayi
ngat?
"

Ismil
ed."
Hejustgavemedif
fer
entki
ndofv
ibetoday.
LikeIt
alkedt
ohim bef
oreandmadeit
cl
earthatIwasn'
tgoingt
obehissi
dedi
sh.
Lateronhecamewi tht
hatcol
dlookonmakingi
t
cl
eart
hathebrokeofft
hingswit
hRuthandhewantedme.
Ijustcoul
dn'
tresisthi
m.Iknowit
s
cr
azyandsoundsrat
herself
ishofmebutIcoul
dn'
thol
dbacktherewasjustsomethingpul
l
ing
metowardshi
m."

Jennysi
ghed.
"Whati
fhef
indsouty
ourmot
iveApr
il
?"

"Iwil
lenjoyfornowandcrossthatbr
idgewhenwegetther
e.ButI
'm sur
eIwi l
lfi
ndoutthe
i
nf or
mat i
onIwantbefor
ehef i
ndsoutwhyI'
mi nhi
sli
fe.
Aft
erthatIcanli
vewi t
houtt
heguilt
y
conscience.Iwil
lj
ustmakesurehedoesn'
tfi
ndout"
.Ideci
dedtochanget hetopi
cbecauseI
didn'
twannabl owmybubble.

"Sohi
sisGar
ethcopy
ing?"

"Hewasr eal
lyworri
ed.Aft
erDoctorGomezdi agnosedthatIwasr i
ghthehasOCDhebecame
sowor r
iedbutIassuredhim Iwil
lbetheref
orhim.Youwi llseel
essofmeher ebecauseIwil
lbe
withhim mostofthetime.HeneedsmebutIconv i
ncedhi mt ot
ellhi
sf r
iendswhathappenedto
him andcomecleant othe.Thenwewillwor
konhi shealing".Ki
arasaid.
"Whathappenedt
ohi
m?"
Nicki
asked.

Ki
adaav
oidedt
hequest
ion.
"Howar
ethi
ngsbet
weeny
ouandLewi
sthough?
"

Iknewt
her
ewassomet
hingbi
gnowonderKi
araav
oidedt
hequest
ion.

Byment
ioni
ngLewisNi
cki
becameecst
ati
c."
Hecanbecrazyandoverpr
otect
ive.Cany
ou
bel
i
evei
thestoppedmefr
om dr
inki
ngt
oday.
Hewasact
ingreal
lyweir
d".

Wejustl
aughed,
aft
eral
lLewi
sandNi
cki
arej
ustwei
rd.
"Sodi
dyouev
erhear
doft
hatZenday
a
agai
n?"
Jenyasked.
"
Noshenev
ercamebackagai
n".Shesai
d.

"I
fIwasy ouIwoul
dbeprepar
edforany
thi
ng.Idon'tt
hinkshewil
lj
ustgi
veupwi
thouta
fi
ght
.LetmegoandrestI
'
m sotir
ed".
Iwenttomyr oom andtookanap.

Wi
thouthav
ingsl
eptt
hatmuchIhear
dsomenoi
sesi
ntheki
tchen.

It
iedmyhai
randr
ant
oseewhatwasgoi
ngon.

IfoundNi
cki
pinni
ngRut
honthegr
ound.
Iwassur
pri
sed,
ImeanIdi
dn'
tev
enexpectherher
eand
howdidsheknowthi
spl
ace.

"Ni
cki
lethergo.
"Sher
eleasedher
.

"
Rut
hwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e".

Shejustst
oodupchar
gingatme,forsomeonewhowaspinnedont
hegr
oundsher
eal
l
yhad
theenergy
.Lucki
l
yIwasquicksoIheldbot
hherhands.

"Howcoul dyou.
..
howcoul
dyout
akehim awayfr
om meyouwhore.
..
.Isawyoutwo.
..
Ifol
l
owed
you.
.Iknewyouhadeyesonmyman..
..
heismine.
.howcoul
dyoudothistoanot
her
woman...
you'
reawomantoobutyoudon'
thav
eahear
t"
.Shet
ri
edt
ost
rangl
emebutIhel
dbot
h
herhandsti
ghtl
ywi
thonehand.

"
Cal
m downwi
l
lyou"Ishout
edandsheknel
tdownandhel
dmyl
eg.

"I
'
m beggi
ngy ouifitsmoneythatyouwantnamet hepr
iceIwillgi
vey oubutpl
easedon'tt
ake
hi
m awayf r
om me. Heismyonlylasthopeforabett
erfut
ureforme. Il
ovehim pl
easedon'
ttake
hi
m away.Thist
imei twil
lki
l
lme,Iwon'tsur
viv
eitthi
sti
mear ound".Shewail
edandIknewt hat
somethi
ngwaswr ong.

Ihel
dherandhel
pedhersi
t.

IaskedNi
cki
togetheragl
assofwat
ershef
rownedgoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.
Nicki
though.

Ihel
pedherdri
nksomewaterandnowshewascalm."Whatdi
dyoumeantbyi
t.
..Whatdoy
ou
meantwhenyousaidi
twi
ll
killmethi
sti
me?"Iaskedwi
thaseri
oust
one.
Sheshi
fted
uncomfor
tabl
y.
"Goaheadgi
rlweknowacr
ackheadwhenweseeone.
"Ni
cki
sai
d.

Ihav
ehert
hel
ook.

Sheshrugged.
"Whaaati
tscl
eart
hegi
rlhasal
oosecr
ewi
nherheadandsheneedsser
ious
mental
ev al
uat
ion"

Att
hisj
unct
urebr
ethr
enIgi
veup.
Nicki
hasal
ooseunf
il
ter
edmout
h.

"
Whati
sgoi
ngonRut
h?"Iasked.
Shestart
edplayi
ngwi thherfi
nger
s."I
tal
lstart
edwhenIbr okeupwi thmyf ir
stl ov
e.Il
ostit
becauseIal
way sthoughthewast heoneforme, Iwantednothi
ngelse.Istartedobsessingov er
hispi
ctur
es,
Istalkedhim andbeggedhimtot akemeback. Imadeacompl etef oolofmy sel
fbut
thenther
ewasapsy chol
ogisti
nourfamil
yhenot i
cedsomethingodd.Idat edt hesecondguy
andthesamet hi
nghappened.Thenmyuncl ediagnosedmewi thEUPD" .Shel ookeddown

Ist
oodup.
"Youmeant
osayy
ouhav
e*Emot
ional
l
yUnst
abl
e**
Per
sonal
i
tyDi
sor
der
*"

Shenodded.

"Butsti
llknowingt hatmyment alconditi
onwilll
eadmet ofearofabandonmentandobsessi ve
l
ov eIri
skedi tal
ljusttobewi thJonbecauseIbel i
evedhewasmywor l
d.Atf i
rstIrejectedhim
foralongt i
mebuthekeptcomi ngbackIf i
nall
ygavein.Seeinghispat i
encewi thmeIf i
nally
thoughtIhadf oundt heonewhowoul dunderstandme,lovemeandacceptmef orwhoIam. You
knowEUPDcanonl ybecuredify oufindtheonewhot rulylovesy ouotherwiset hereisno
soluti
ont oi
tandi tsreall
ybadt hatI'm onthelastst
age.Idon'twantt ori
skany one'
sl i
fe
becausemostoft het i
meIt houghtofki l
li
ngy oubecauseIf el
tyouwer eat hreat.Ireall
ycan't
stopwhatIt hinkandy ouknowwi t
hthisconditi
onmyemot ionswi l
lbev er
yunst ableone
minuteIcanbef r
agi l
eandthenextmi nuteIwi l
lbeangry.I
'
m alreadyobsessedwi thJonandI
don'tevenknowwhatt odo.That'swhyI '
m beggingyoupleaselethim go. .
pleasey ouwi ll
be
savingmyl i
fe."Shest oodup.
"
I'
mr ecent
lyhavi
ngat t
acks.I
'
m sounstabl
elat
elyIwi
l
lleav
ebef
oreIcommi
tacr
imebutpl
ease
t
hinkaboutitI
'm beggi
ngy oupl
ease"
.Shewalkedout.

Thegi
rl
slookedatme.
"Whatnow?
"Jennyasked.

"I
'
m choosingt obeselfish.TodayIchoosemeguy s.
JonandIhadj uststart
edwhat everweare
havingandI'mlov i
ngit.
Thisismyonl ychanceofbeinghappyandI '
m notlett
ingitgo.I'
m not
l
etti
ngJon. .
.I
'm notlet
ti
nghi m.Hemakesmehappy ,
shi
ver
,moarn,scream I
'm notlet
ti
nghi m
go.Yesheisamessedup. manbutwewi l
lcl
earthemesstigyuer.
JustlikehowI '
mt r
yingtoout
myl i
fetogetherRuthshoul ddothesamewi thouthavi
ngtorelyonJon" .

Iwal
kedout
.

Ohhel
lyesIchoset
obesel
fi
sh.
*
Danger
.*

*
"Inl
ovebutunawar
e".
*

Idrankthef
ift
hcupofcof fee.Welldon'
tbesurpri
sedI'
m notafanofcoffee,
ifi
twasuptomeI
wasgoi ngt
odrownmy sel
finalcoholbutIcoul
dn'
ttaketheri
sk.Iwasavoidi
ngtogetdrunk
becauseIknewt hatIwoul
dgetdr unkandJonwoul dtakeover
.Dri
nkingcoff
eealsowouldhel
p
mest ayawake.IwasdoingthisforAppie,
myAppie.Idi
dn'
twanttosleepbecauseIknewJonor
Josswoul dtakeov erandt hatwoul druinev eryt
hingf orme.Ihadj ustclaimedAppeandshe
agreedtobemi ne.Ididn'tknowwhatIwasf eeli
ngbutIknewt hef eeli
ngwasf or
eign.Iwanted
hertobehappyasmessedupasIam Iwasgoi ngt odomybestt oseeherhappy .
EversinceI
wascr eat
edInev erfeltli
ket hisforawoman, thi
swasnewandi twasscar i
ngme. I
nasmuchas
Icl
aimedherIwasaf r
aidoff uckingt hingsup. Iwasaf r
aidofsleepingf orever.Iwasgoingt odo
mybestsot hatIdon' tseizet oexist.IknewJohadey esonmygi r
l andast heowneroft hebody
hehasuppercont rolbutIwasgoi ngt omakesur et hatIstayupf orlong. AtleastIwouldbe
happywi t
hAppi eandi fIsleepf orevert henIwi l
lsleepahappyman. Thinkingofhermademe
smileforthefir
stt i
mei ntheni ney earst hatIhavest artedtoexist.

Myexist
encewasf ormet oprotectJonfrom hi
slastbutwi t
hthewaythi
ngsar eImightbe
for
cedtotakehim backtothepastifIwanttoexistfor
ev erbutt
henagai
nIdoubthewoul dbe
abl
etosurvivehi
sbrutal
pastandi fhediesIwil
ldietoo.Ihadtothi
nkofotherplanswit
hout
havi
ngtobringbackhismemor iestohim.Isi
ghedandr ubbedmyhead.Ihadtokeepmyanger
i
ncheckifIwantedtostayforlongwithAppie.

Icheckedtheti
meitwas3am andIwassti
ll
awakenotknowi ngwhattodo.
Iwentonthe
i
nternettosear
chfort
hethi
ngsthatmakesagi
rlhappybecauseIreal
l
yhadnoideaatal
l.
Alot
ofthingswasshownanditdi
dn'
timpressmeatall
.MaybeIwouldj
ustaskMax'sadvi
ce.

Icont
inueddr
inki
ngmycof
feeandr
eadi
ngt
hingsunt
ili
twas6am.

Ist
ret
chedandwentt
otakeashower
.Af
terIwasdone,
Ical
l
edAppi
e.

Sheanswer
edont
het
hir
dri
ngwi
thasl
eepyv
oice.
"YesDanger
".
Shey
awned.

Iguesssheboughttheni
cknamest
oryIt
oldher
.Tr
ustmeIhat
etoli
etoherbutIdi
dn'
thav
e
muchofachoi cet
helastt
imeIt
ri
edtel
li
nghert
hetrut
hJonover
power
edmesoIdi dn'
twant
thathappeni
ng.
"
Appi
edi
dIwakey
ou?
"Isai
d.

"
Yesy
oudi
dbuti
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Di
dyousl
eepwel
l
"Sheasked.

Iscr
atchedmyhead.
Ifonl
ysheknewt
hatIdi
dn'
tsl
eepawi
nk.
"Yesbabe.
.ummm am i
all
owed
tosaybabe"
.

Shegiggled.
Iknowit
screepybutt
hatt
urnedmeon.
Justhear
ingherv
oicemybodywasal
ready
hott
hat'stheeff
ectshehasonme.

"
Ofcour
sey
ou'
real
l
owedt
o".
"YouknowwhatI
'
m comi
ngov
ert
her
eri
ghtt
hismoment
.If
eel
li
keIhav
en'
tseeny
ouf
ora
year
".
Isai
d.

Ihear
dsomeshuf
fl
ing."
Nonoy
oucan'
tcomenow"Shesai
dinpani
ck.

"
Whynot
..
.Whoar
eyouwi
thAppi
e?"

Shej
ustgiggledandhunguponme.Iwantedtothrowthephonenthewal lbutIr
emember edI
hadtokeepcalm.It
ookoneofJon'
sjeepanddrovelikeaani
actoherplace.
IknowI '
m messed
upandI'
mj ustanalt
erper
sonal
i
tybutIdi
dn'twanttolooseher
,t
hethoughtofitscaredme.

Iar
ri
vedatt
heapar
tmentandknockedl
i
keamadman.

Oneofherf
ri
endswhoIassumei
scal
l
edNi
cki
openedt
hedoor
.

"
Andnow?
"shel
ookedsur
pri
sed.
"
Wher
eisAppi
e'
sroom?
"

Iaskedi
npani
cmode

"Justgostr
aightandtur
nlef
t.
.t
hel
astr
oom ont
hel
eft
".Wenshef
ini
shedt
alki
ngIwasal
ready
knockingonAppies'r
oom.

"Babepleaseopenup.
IknowI'
m messedupandIcomewi
thal
otofbur
denbutpl
easedon'
t
l
eaveforsomeoneelsepl
ease".
Isai
dknocki
ngsoft
ly.

"Troubl
einpar
adi
seal
ready
,youguy
sst
art
edseei
ngsackot
herf
orl
i
keanhourago"
.Ni
cki
sai
d
yawningwhi
legoi
ngt
oherroom.
Appi
eopenedandIgaveherabonecrushinghug.
Ilookedift
her
ewasanyonear oundbutther
e
wasnone.
"Babewhydidn'
tyouwantmet ocome,whower eyouwit
hbabe.
.pl
easedon'tgi
veup
onmeIjustgoty
ou".

Shelookedatmewit
hconfusi
on."
BabeIdi
dn'
twanty
out
ocomebecauseIhadn'
tbat
hed
yet
.Therewasnooneher
e".

Ibr
eat
hedheav
il
y.
"It
houghty
ouwer
ewi
thsomeone.
.It
hought
..
.Ij
ust
--
"

Shecuppedmyf ace.
"Rel
axDangerr
elaxt
her
ewasnooneher
e.Youmadey
our
sel
fcl
ear
yest
erdayandIheardyou"
.
"
I'
mjustafr
aidIwoul
dlooseyou.Apppi
eI'
m somessedupandI
'
m af
rai
dofy
oul
eav
ingme
whenIbecametoomuch."Isatonthebed.

Shehuggedme."You'
ret
hinki
ngwaytoomuch,
you'
renotgoi
ngtol
oosemeok.
Nowr
elaxy
ou'
re
sotensed.
Let
'sgeti
ntobedit
ssti
l
lli
kethemi
ddleoft
henight
."

Isi
ghed.
"I
ts7am babe"
.

"YesandI
'
m st
il
lsl
eepy
.Let
'
scuddl
e".

Sheopenedthecov
ersf
ormeandIgoti
n.Shet
hensnuggl
edbesi
desme.
Shef
eltsooowar
m
andi
tturnedmeon.

"
Somebodyi
sget
ti
ngnaught
y".Shesai
dlooki
ngatmyboner
"Waitt
il
lIshagyou,
youwill
betheoneget
ti
ngnaught
y.Nowgot
osl
eep"
.Iki
ssedherf
orehead
andsheslowlycl
osedhereyes.

Il
ookedatherandknewt
hatIhav
efi
nal
l
yfoundpeace.Ihadt
ogi
vei
tmyal
ltobest
rongand
sur
viv
eonlyforher
.

Endofchapt
er2 4
Let
'scommentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er2 5

Apr
il
.

*
"Momentf
orl
i
fe"
.*

It
ri
edt
ogotothetoi
l
etbutti
ghtandst
ronghandswer
ewr
appedar
oundmyt
inywai
st.That
'
s
wheni
tcl
i
ckedJonwashere.
Iremovedthehandsafteralongstr
uggl
eandr antot hebathroom.Idi
dmybusi
nessand
bathed.
Iwalkedbacktomyr oom hewasfastasleep.Helookedsopeacef
ulwhi
l
ehewasasl
eep.
Hehadhi spinkl
ipssl
i
ghtlypoutedandhewassnor ingli
ghtly
.

"
Ohhhmybi
gbaby
".Iper
kedhi
sli
psandhepout
edt
hem.
Itl
ookedsocut
e,Iev
ent
ookapi
ctur
e.

Iwenttot
heki
tchent
omakesomebr eakfast
sformybi
gbaby
.Iwashummi
ngmysongand
mindi
ngmyownbusinessandNi
cki
wal kedin.

"Somet
hingsmel
l
sni
cei
nher
e"Shesmi
l
edsi
tt
ingdown.

"
I'
m maki
ngbr
eakf
astf
orDanger
"Isai
d

Sheshr
ugged."
Iwi
l
lnev
ergetusedt
othi
sDangernameofhi
sitki
ndacr
eepsmeout
.Any
way
hecamei
nlooki
ngl
i
kehewasgoi
ngt
odi
epoorguywasev
ensweat
ingwhatdi
dyoudo?
"

Il
aughed"Idi
dnot
hingact
uall
yhecall
edsayi
nghewantedtocomeandIpani
ckedsayi
nghe
shoul
dn'
tcomebecauseIhadn'
tbat
hed.Sohepani
ckedthi
nki
ngIwaswi
thsomeone."

Ki
arawasst andi
ngonthedoor
,shesmil
ed."
Heisafr
aidtol
ooseyou.I
tshar
dt obeli
evethathe
i
scr az
yf oryouli
kethat
,y
ouguysdidn'
tgetal
ongatfi
rst
.Wel
lIguesslov
eisjustthebestfeel
i
ng
everai
n'tit
."

Ni
ckit
ookam appl
eandbiti
t.
"Youguyssaylov
eisthebestf
eel
i
ngbutIt
hinkf
indi
ngat
oil
et
whenyouhav
eadiarr
hoeaisthebestf
eel
ingever
".

Ij
ustlaughedshaki
ngmyhead"Buti
tki
ndascaresme.
Jonr eal
lyi
sat r
oubledman.Hehast
his
possessi
venessyouknow.
Idon'
tknowitj
ustscar
esme".Isaidputt
ingthefoodi
nthetr
ay.
"
Maybethat
'showhedeal
swiththosehecaresf
or.
ButIwoul
dn'
tmindt
heat
tent
iont
hough.
I
woul
dn'
tmindaguywhoispossessiv
ebutinasweetway"
.Ki
arasai
d.

"Youmaysayt hat
.butIj
ustdon'tknowwithJonThiswholethi
ngofbei
nghi
sisfr
eaki
ngme
out
.Ij
usthopeitworksout.
Whil
eont heotherhandther
eisRuth.
Iknowf
orsomeonewit
hEUPD
i
tsgogoingtobeveryhardtodealwit
hit
".
Isighed.

"If
eelforyougi
rlyouhavetobepr epar
edf orany
thi
ngbutont
heot
herhandunder
standt
hati
ts
notreal
lyherf
ault
."Ki
arasaid.
Ijustnodded.

"Appi
e..
Appi
e..
.wher
ear
eyou.
.babe!
!"

Jonwasshout
ingf
rom myr
oom.
"
I'
mint
heki
tchen.
"Ishout
edback.Hecamei
n,
al
mostr
unni
ng.

Hehuggedme,
hewassweat
ingagai
n.

"HeyheyheyDangerwhat
'swr
ong.
Whathappened?
"Icuppedhi
sfacebecausehewaspant
ing
andshiv
eri
ng.

"
Whydi
dyoul
etmesl
eep.
.Youshoul
dhav
ewokemeup"
.Hesai
dhuggi
ngmebutst
il
lshi
ver
ing.

"Rel
axdear..
.si
tdownhavesomegl assofwater
..
.Godyou'r
eshiv
eri
ng.
Youlookedt
ir
edwhen
youcameandIcoul dn'
twakeyou,youlookedsopeacefulwhil
esl
eepi
ng.
"Ihel
pedhi
mt osi
t
down,hecoul
dn'tev
enholdtheglasshewasshaki ng.

Ihel
pedhi
mtodr
inkandaf
terawhi
l
ehecal
meddown.Ni
cki
andKi
arawer
esowor
ri
edabout
hi
m andi
twasmaki
nghi
m uncomf
ort
abl
e,
especi
all
ybecauseoft
hewayNi
cki
wasgl
anci
ngat
hi
m.

"Got
omyr
oom Iwi
l
lbr
ingy
ousomef
ood"
.Isai
d.

Hekeptoncl
ungt
ome.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Okf
inel
et'
sgot
oget
her
."

Hehel
dont
omywai
stwhi
l
eIwal
kedt
oourr
oom hol
dingt
het
ray
.WemetJennyont
heway
.

"
Ohhhy
ouguy
sjustl
ookamazi
ngt
oget
her
.Goodmor
ning"Shesai
dyawni
ng.
"
Mor
ningmor
ning"Isai
d

Wewentt
omyr
oom andwesatdown.
Ihel
dhi
shands

"
What
'swr
ongDanger
?"

Heshif
teduncomf ort
ably."
I.
..
Ijusthadani
ghtmar
e.It
houghtIwasgoi
ngt
oloosey
ousoI
pani
cked.
Ijustdon'twannaloosey ouAppi
e".

Icuppedhisf
ace."Iknowyou'
retr
oubl
edmanDanger,
Icanseeitbutyou'
renotgoi
ngtoloose
meok. St
opbeingafrai
dyouwil
ll
oosei
tok.
Iai
n'
tgoi
nganyway.Nowl et
'seat
".
Isai
dstuf
fi
ng
foodinhismouth.

Hebeganeat
ingandsmi
l
ing.

Hef
edmet
oo.
Aft
ert
hatwecuddl
edagai
n.

Hewasplay
ingwi
thmyhai
randIwasdrawi
ngcircl
esonhi
schest.
Wewereincomfort
abl
e
si
l
ence.
Youknowsomet
imessi
lencei
sthebestcommuni
cati
on.Youcoul
dfeel
ther
ewasalot
ofunspokenwordsbet
weenus.Iwassoworr
iedabouthi
m,t
hewayhewasaf
rai
dtol
ooseme
rai
sedquesti
onsinmymind.
Didheperhapsl
ostagir
lf
ri
endbef
ore?

"
You'
ret
urni
ngmeon.
"Hesai
dinhi
sdeepv
oice.
Idr
aggedmyt
hought
sbackt
oreal
i
ty.

Ichuckl
ed.
"Okl
et'
sst
opt
hecuddl
i
ngbef
oresomet
hinggoeswr
ongher
e."
Igotof
fthebed.

"Iwi
ll
comepicky
ouuptonight
.Ri
ghtnowIhavet
ogoseetheguy
s,t
heyhav
ebeencal
l
ing,
it
seemsli
kei
t'
simpor
tant
".Hesaidget
ti
ngofft
hebedt
oo.
"
Okt
hencomepi
ckmeupatni
ghtt
hen"
.Isai
d.

Hehel
dmywai
st.
"Thet
hingsIwi
l
ldot
oyou"
.

Igi
ggl
edandki
ssedhi
m."
Nowl
eav
ebef
oret
hingsgetheat
edupi
nher
e."
Hesmi
rkedandI
wal
kedhi
m out
side

WhenIcamebacki
nsi
deIf
oundNi
cki
waspaci
ngupanddown.

"
Okaywhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"Iasked.

"
I'
m madatLewi
sver
ymad.
."Shesai
dpout
ingherl
i
ps.
"
Whatdi
dhedonow,
thi
ngswer
eoky
est
erday
.Waaai
tisi
ttheal
cohol
issue?
"Iasked

Shepoutedagainanddraggedher
sel
ftoherr
oom wit
houtanswer
ing.What
everLewi
sdi
d,he
wasindeepshitbecauseshewasinabadmood.Ij
ustshookmyhead.

WhenIwasaboutt
ogot
omyr
oom,
someoner
angt
hedoor
bel
l
.

Iopenedandi
twasLewi
s.

"
OhhhheyLewi
showar
eyou?
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing.

Hesi
ghed."
I'
m notr
eal
l
yok.
Nicki
hasbeeni
gnor
ingmycal
l
sIdon'
tknowwhatIdi
d.Ihav
ea
f
eel
i
ngshei smadatmebutIdon'
tknowwhatIdi
dforhert
obeangr
yshei
snotev
enr
epl
yi
ng
mytex
t."Poorguywassowor
ri
ed.

"
Nicki
i
i.
..
.Ni
cki
i
ii
i.
.!
"Ishout
ed,
shewal
kedi
nlazi
l
y.

WhenshesawLewisshefol
dedherar
msandrai
sedaney
ebr
ow.
Iwant
edt
olaughbutI
suppr
essedi
t.
Nicki
real
l
yisadramaqueen.

"BabewhatdidIdoy
ou'
renotanswer
inganyofmycal
l
syou'
renotev
enr
epl
yi
ngmyt
ext
?"
Lewissai
dlooki
ngworr
ied.

Ni
cki
pout
ed."
Youcal
l
edmest
upi
dinf
rontofev
ery
oneLewi
s".

Lewi
spoppedhi
sey
esout
."Whendi
dIdot
hatandi
nfr
ontofwho,
whywoul
dIev
encal
lyou
st
upi
d??
"

Sheshr
ugged.
"Idon'
tknowt
hem t
heywer
einmydr
eams.
..
"

Lewisj
awsdropped.
"SoNi
ckiyou'
resay
ingtomeyouhavebeenangr
yatmethewholemorni
ng,
youwerenottaki
ngmycal
ls,
youwerenotrepl
yi
ngmytext
,youhadmeworr
iedsi
ckbecauseI
cal
ledyoust
upidiny
ourdr
eams"

Sher
oll
edhery
es.
"Yesandi
twasembar
rassi
ng.Youshoul
dapol
ogi
ze"
.

Lewi
sjustl
aughed."
Comeher
ebabe.
"Hehuggedher
.

"I
'
m sorryforcal
li
ngy
oust
upi
diny
ourdr
eamsbabet
hatwi
l
lnev
erhappenagai
n.Ipr
omi
sei
twi
l
l
neverhappen".
Ni
cki
smi
l
ed.
"That
'smor
eli
kei
t,
mydr
eamsdocomet
rueaf
teral
l
".

Ij
ustl
aughedwal
ki
ngoutl
eav
ingt
hem al
ll
oveydov
ey.

Iwentt
omyr
oom andwor
eadeni
mjumpsui
t.

Ical
l
edat
axi
andwentt
oIt
ali
a.

Ev
ent
houghi
tbel
ongedt
oBei
l
eyi
tdi
dn'
tmeant
hatIwasgoi
ngt
odoasi
please.

Tal
ki
ngaboutBei
leyhecal
ledassoonasIst
eppedi
ntoI
tal
i
a.Hehadt
ext
edmebef
ore
i
nfor
mingmethatIshoul
dwaitforhi
scal
l
.

"
HeyBei
l
ey.
"Isai
d.

"Hel
losisummm mom i splanni
ngt ocomeseey ou.
Ithi
nksheisalmostthere,
becauseshei
s
notaroundher
e.Shehadmant r
ail
i
ngy ousotheyfoundoutwhereyouli
veandr i
ghtnowsheis
onherwayt oI
tali
abecausesheknowst hat
'swherey ouat
.It
houghtIshouldinf
ormy ousot
hat
youwouldn'
tbesurpri
sed".Hesaid
"I
tsokl
et'
sseewhatshewant
stosay
".Isai
d

Hesi
ghed".
Don'
tworr
yIhavepeopl
eprot
ect
ingyounot
hingwi
llhappen.
Ify
ouwanty
oumi
ght
moveoutf
rom t
heapar
tment,
Iwil
lsor
tsomethi
ngoutf
oryou"
.

"Don'
tworr
ytoo,
Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
Youdon'
thav
etol
ookf
oranapar
tmentf
orme.
I'
mfi
newher
eI
am".
Isai
d.

"
Inev
ert
houghtonedayIwoul
dhav
etopr
otecty
ouf
rom ourownmot
her
."Hesi
ghed.
"
Suchi
sli
feBei
l
ey"
.Ihungup

Isatdownt
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h,nowIhadt
ofacet
hatdemonagai
n.ThatSat
an'
ssi
dechi
ck.

Isatdownf
orawhi
l
elosti
nmyt
hought
stheIf
eltherpr
esence.

Il
ookedupandt
her
eshest
oodwear
ingMi
chael
Kor
sheadt
otoewi
tht
wobody
guar
ds.

Shesmr
ikedandsatdown.

"
Iseey
ou'
redoi
ngj
ustf
ine"
.Shef
li
ppedherhai
r.

"Yout
houghtIwoul
ddi
eaf
tery
out
ri
eft
ohav
emeki
l
ledt
wice.
You'
rer
eal
l
yacowar
dJul
i
an"
.I
rol
l
edmyeyes.
Sheshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
y.

Ismirked."Yout houghtIwasnevergoingtof
indoutabouti
t.
Likeseri
ousl
ywhocouldbemore
evi
lthany ouint hisworld.
Howheart
lesscanyoubeJuli
anhuh.Fir
stofall
youfr
amedmef or
somet hi
ngIdi dn'tdoandsecondl
yyout r
iedt
okil
lmenotoncebutt wice.
Whatmoredoyou
wanthuh.Ar enty outi
red.?
"

Shegav
emeanangr ylook.
"Theyshouldhavedonet hei
rjob,
nowIhav
etosuf
ferf
ordeal
i
ng
wit
hamateur
s.Youshouldberott
inginhell
rightnow"

Youthi
nkthathur
tme,
naai
tdi
dn'
t.TomeJul
i
anwasj
ustsomemachi
newhi
chboughtmet
o
thi
sworl
d.

Ilaughed."Ohhhthat '
snotupf oryoutodecidedearmommy .
Theonewhoshoul dbeinhel
lis
younooneel se.
Ther easonwhyI 'm notr
eopeningthi
scaseandhavi
ngy outhrownintoj
ail
its
becauseIneedt of indmyf ather.
Ineedmyr ight
sandall
themoneyy ou'
reenjoyi
ngIknowits
mi ne.
Afterevery
thingi sdoneim goingtoexposeyouandyouwil
lrotinj
ailormay bei
nhell
".

Shegi
ggl
ed.
"Howar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
hatbecauseasf
arasIknowy
ougotnor
esour
cesand
nol
eadswhat
soev
er"
.

Ishookmyheadl ooki
ngather .
"Ipi
tyyou,
doy ouknowwhybecauset heproblem i
sy outhi
nk
yougottheupperhandbuttrustmeaspoorasIam, I
'
m goingtofi
ndmyf ather.
Idon'tcar
e
aboutthef
actthathedoesn'twanttobefoundbutstil
lI'
m goi
ngtofi
ndhim. Whatevernasty
secret
syou'
rekeepingI'
m goingtoexposethem.St
artcounti
ngyourdaysJulianbecausethey
arenumbered.
"

"
Finewhat
everthat
'snotwhyI'm her
e.Ihav
eapr
oposal
.
Inf
actI
'
m al
soher
eonbehal
foft
hat
f
athery
oubadlywanttofind"Shesaid.

Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow."
Whatpr
oposal
?"
"Howaboutthi
s.Igi
vey ou3mi ll
i
onandy oustayoutmybusi ness.I
nvestt
hemoneyor
somethi
ngbutjustgety ourassofft
hiscaseandstartanewl i
fesomewher e.
Leav
eGeor
giaand
star
tafr
esh"Shesaidtakingoutsomepaper sinherhandbag.

Ichuckl
edindi
sbeli
ef."
Sowhatyou'
retr
yingtot
ell
mer i
ghtnowi
stoleav
ethi
splace,
giv
eupon
every
thi
ng.St
artaf
reshwit
houtevenknowingmysurnameandwher
eIcomefrom.Ist
hatwhat
you'
retr
yingt
otell
me" .

Shenodded.
"I'
m gl
ady
ou'
recl
evert
heasy
lum di
dtaughty
ouonet
hingort
wo"
.

"
Wellt
her
eissomet
hingyoumissedbei
ngattheasylum t
aughtmet obecl
everandri
ghtnow
I
'
m usi
ngwhatIl
ear
nt.Thi
sproposal
ofyour
sisstupi
d,ver
ystupi
d.I
fyouthi
nkyou'
regoi
ngto
t
hrowamill
i
onatmyfacejustt
okeepmymout hshutthenyou'
regravel
ymist
aken.
Thi
sgi r
l
ri
ghthereisnolongerthatchi l
dyouf r
amed.Ifooleddeathtwice,Isurviv
edint heharsh
conditi
onsofthement alasylum butsti
ll
I'
m surv
iving,
don'tunderestimatemeJul i
an,giv
eme
somecr edi
t.Youknowy ou'
realwaysinmymi nd,Ihavebiggerplansf oryou,bi
ggerthany our
ego.Li
keIsaidyourtimewi ll
come, youdaysarenumber ed.I
'm goingt ounfoldthetruth.
Asf or
thatmanwhoi smyf at
her,t
ellhimthathemustr unasmuchashewantbutI '
m goi
ngt of i
nd
him andthedayIdohewi ll
wi shhehadusedcondom t hedayy ouconcei vedmebecause
peopleli
kemeJul ianaredamagedy esbutwecansur emakehel lfeelli
kehome. "
Isaidlooking
strai
ghtinhereyes.

Shestoodup. "
Iwantt oseeyoutry.
Aft
erall
thesanmemany ou'
ret
ryi
ngtoriskeveryt
hingfor
wantsnothingtodowi thyou.Heabandonedy oujustaft
eryouwereborn.
Noonel ovesy ou
Apri
l
,youwer ejustami st
akeandy ouwil
lal
way sbe.IfIwasyouIwouldstopallt
hisbecause
themorey outrytofindoutthetr
uthyouwillbreakandev eni
fyouknowwhatt hetrut
hisitwil
l
dest
royyou,youwi l
lnotsurvi
veit
."

"
Runasfasty
oucantellhi
mthatIt
oldy
out
hat
,bot
hofy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oregr
etev
erconcei
vi
ng
me,
j
ustwaitf
ori
t"
.Istoodup
Shewalkedawaywithherguardsbyhersi
de,peopl
ewerel
ookingather
,somewer
eevent
aki
ng
pi
ctur
es.Isi
ghed.
Iwasreadytobreak,
Iwasreadyforev
ery
thi
ngthatwascomingmywayas
l
ongasIf i
ndoutwhatthetr
uthwas.

Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchenandst
art
edt
aki
ngor
der
s.

Af
terawhi
l
eIhear
dsomecommot
ionandwentt
oseewhati
twas.

Wel
li
twasNi
cki
shout
ingatsomeguy
.

"
Guy
sguy
srel
ax,
what
'sgoi
ngon?
"Iaskedpul
l
ingNi
cki
offt
heguy
'sf
ace.

"
Hesmackedmyasscany oubel
i
evei
t,
hewasbusyt
ryi
nghi
sluckcany
oubel
i
evei
t.That
'
s
i
ndecency
!!
"Sheshout
ed.

"
Oky
oudi
dwhat?
"Isai
dlooki
ngatt
heguy
.Hel
ookeddown.
Nicki
wasr
eadyt
oat
tackhi
m.
Ihel
dher
."
Nicki
cal
m down"
.

Sheroughlyremovedmyhands.
"Neverinthehist
oryofcal
mingdownhasanyonecalmeddown
bybeingtoldtocal
m downsodon'
tfuckentel
lmet ocal
m downbecauseI
'
m notgoingtocal
m
down."Okaywhywassheacti
ngli
kesheat echi
lli
esint
hemor ni
ng

Shewentont heguy'
sfaceagai
n.Ifel
tpi
tyf
orhi
m,hemadeawr
ongmov
etoawr
onggi
rl
.Ni
cki
wasjustspi
tt
ingfi
re.
"Areyoual
l
er gi
ctonut
s?"
Sheasked.

Wel
ookedatherwi
thconf
usi
on.

"
Yeswhy
?"Theguyanswer
ed.
"BecauseI'
m aboutt
okickyoursuptoyourt
hroat
."Wi
tht
hatsai
dsheki
ckedt
heguyonhi
s
ball
s.Thepoorguysgroanedwhil
enursi
nghi
snuts.

Idr
aggedNi
cki
awaybecauseshewasal
readybl
azi
ngf
ir
e.

"
Okwhat
'swi
tht
her
atchetbehav
iorNi
cki
?"Iasked.

"
HesmackedmyasswasIsupposedt
olett
hatgo.
Ishoul
dpr
esschar
ges"
.Shesai
d.

"Okokcal
m downdi
dyout
akey
ourant
idepr
essant
s?"
Iasked.

Shefurrowedherfor
ehead."I'
m nothav
inganat
tacki
fthat
'swhatyou'
ret
hinki
ng?".Shefl
i
pped
herhai
rwal ki
ngaway.Iguesssomebodywokeuponthewr ongsi
deofthebed.Fi
rstitwas
Lewis,
thepoorguyandnowme.
Ishookmyheadwal
ki
ngaway
.

IcheckedmyphoneandJonhadn'
tcal
l
ed.
Iwasf
rust
rat
ed.
Ihadmi
ssedhi
m sooomuch
especial
l
ythecol
dlook.

May
beIshoul
dhav
egonet
owor
kathi
shouse.

Isi
ghedandcont
inuedwor
king.

Af
terIwasdoneIwentbackhome,
whenIsawaBent
leypar
kedout
sideIwasecst
ati
cIknewi
t
washim.

Ir
ani
nsi
deandwentt
omyr
oom.

Hewasset
ti
ngaf
lowerv
aseonmybedsi
det
hewhol
eroom hadf
lower
sandi
tsmel
tfr
esh.

"Heey
".Ihuggedhi
m.

Hekissedmyfor
ehead."
HeybabeI
'
m sur
eyou'r
estrai
ned.
Ipr
eparedabathf
oryou.Goandtake
yourti
methenaf
tert
hatwewil
lgotomyhouse.
I'
m sorr
yIhadbacktobackmeeti
ngsIfor
gotto
cal
l"
.
Iper
kedhi
sli
ps.
"It
sok,
Il
iket
hef
lower
sbabet
hankssomuch.
Itsmel
l
ssof
reshi
nher
e."

"
You'
rewel
come,
Ijustdi
dn'
tknowwhi
chonesexact
lyt
ogof
or"Hesai
d

"
Ilov
ewhi
tel
i
ll
ies"Isai
dtaki
ngof
fmyj
umpsui
t.

"
Iwi
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd"
.Hesai
d.

Iwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
"Letmebat
hbabe,
Iwi
l
lbedonei
naf
ewmi
nut
es"
.
Hesmi
rked.
"Doy
ouwantmet
ojoi
nyou?
"

Igi
ggl
ed"
Hel
lnosot
haty
oucangetnaught
y".

Wel
laf
terbat
hingwedr
ovet
ohi
shouse.
All
thewayhehel
dmyt
high,
steal
i
nggl
ancesher
eand
t
her
e.

"Focusont
her
oadbabe"
.Isai
d.

Hesmir
ked.
"Ican'
tgetenoughoft
hatbeaut
if
ulf
ace.
Any
wayIhav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ou,
Ihopey
ou
wi
ll
li
keit
".

Ismi
l
ed.
"Ican'
twai
t"
.
*
Gar
eth.
*

*
"Badt
owor
se"
*
Wewai tedforanhouragai
n,Jonhasn'tarr
ived.Meanwhil
etheguyswereupdati
ngmeabout
ever
ythingthatwastaki
ngplaceinmyabsence.Iwasj ustt
ooabsentmindedtopayatt
enti
onto
whatevertheyweresayi
ng.Iwasj ustwonderinghowIwasgoingtoopenupt othem wi
thout
them havi
ngt ol
ookatmedi ff
erentl
yandpityme. Ki
arawasbymysi deandsheconti
nuously
squeezedmyhandi nassurance.

Af
terawhi
leJonshowedup.
..
wai
tami
nut
ethatwasDangerIcoul
dtel
lbyt
hel
ookandt
he
dr
essi
ng.

Hewaswi t
hApri
l,
wellt
hat'
ssomethi
ngnewf orme.
Theywerelooki
ngal l
lov
ey-dov
ey .
Ichuckl
ed
shaki
ngmyhead.Iwonderwhentheyr
eachedthi
spoint
.Theguysdidn'tl
ooksurpr
isedbythisi
n
factt
heywerepl
eased.
Iwonderedwhatwoul
dhappenifJonwast otakeover.

"
Babegoupst
air
s,Iwi
l
ljoi
nyoul
ater
."Dangersai
dtoApr
ilandt
henki
ssedher
.

Lewi
sstar
tedmaki
ngsoundswel
lyouknowhowhei
satt
imes.
Shegr
eet
edusandwent
upst
air
s.

"
Kiar
ayoucangoj
oinApr
il
.Iwi
l
lmanageher
e"Isai
d.
Shesmil
ed.
"Wil
lyoubeok.
Gar
ethi
fyouhav
eadi
ff
icul
tti
mecal
lme.
Iwi
l
lcome"
Shesai
d
fol
l
owingApr
ilupst
air
s.

Dangersatdown."
Sowhati
sitt
haty
ouguy
sar
egat
her
edi
nmyhouse.
Ireal
l
yneedsomet
ime
al
onewithApril
buther
eyour
e?"

"
Jon'
shouse"
.Maxsai
d.

Dangershr
ugged."
What
ever
,doy
ouseeJonher
e?"

Lewi
sof
fer
edhi
m somewhi
skey
."NoI
'
m good"
Weal
lgav
ehi
mthel
ookbuthehadt
rul
ydeni
edi
t.

Dangerdeny
ingal
cohol
,that
'
saf
ir
st.

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat"
Wel
l
...
.ahem.
..
umm"
.

Maxl
ookedatme.
"Whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
edt
otal
ktousabout
?"

"YearsagoIwasi nvolvedinanaccidentbef or
eIev enmety ouguy s.
DuetothataccidentMr
Johnsfoundoutt hatIm notactual
l
yhi sbiologicalson,
y ouallknowaboutthat.
Her apedme
sayingIwaspayingf ormymot her'
ssins.Iranawayf r
om homet hat'
swhenImety ouguy s.
I
couldn'
ttel
lyoubecauseIt houghtyouwoul dt reatmedi ff
erentlyandIhadjustbot
tleitup.
".I
sighedlooki
ngatt hem. Theywerealldeadqui et.
Icontinued.

"Soaf ewday sbackIcamecleantoKiaraandshenoti

cedsomet hi
ngaboutme.Wewentt ose
DoctorGomezandshedi agnosedmewi thObsessi
veCompulsiveDisorderandI
'
m onstage
two.Myobsessionsareshoweri
ngconstantl
yandweari
ngwhi t
eclothes.Mycompul
sionsare
constant
lychecki
ngifthedoori
slockedandifthel
ight
sareturnedoff.
"
Lewissighed."
I'
m notevengonnagetangr
yatyouf
rom keepi
ngthisasecr
etbecauseit
destr
oyedy oursel
festeem butt
hatmandeser
vest
orotinjai
l,
forwhathedi
dtoy ou.
Youshoul
d
presscharges"

Isi
ghed.
"I
thappened14y
ear
sagoIdon'
thav
eanyev
idence"

Maxsighed"Butsomethi
nghastobedone.
Whatev
ery oudecidewear et
heretohel
p.Ican'
t
bel
i
ev et
hatmandi dt
hattoyoubutheact
ssori
ghteousinfrontofpeopl
ejusttopr
otecthi
s
pol
it
ical
image,whodoesthat
."
.

Dangerwasj
ustchi
l
ledbuthel
ookedsol
osti
nhi
sthought
sver
ylost
.

Helookedatmeandsi ghed.
"Ifeel
pit
yf oryoumanbutheyJonhasbeenthroughthr
icewhat
youwentthroughit
seasytowalkoutoft hi
soneal
ivebutIdon'
tthi
nki
fJonknowswhat
happenedtohim hewi
llsurv
ive.
ButGarethyouwi
llpul
lthr
ough.Umm youguysIhavetogoto
mywomanupt
her
eandgi
vehergoodmuf
fs.
Seey
aahandpl
easel
ockt
hedoorony
ourway
out
."

Hewal
kedupst
air
sleav
ingusj
awdr
opped.

Maxshookhi
shead"
Hei st
urni
ngint
oasoft
ieImeanheev
ent
ri
edt
osy
mpat
hizewi
th
you.
That
'saf
ir
st.
Apr
ili
sdoingwonders"
.

Lewiscameandhel
dmyhandtr
yingt
oreassuremebutwhathappenedshockedme.
Ihad
rushest
hati
nst
antwher
ehet
ouchedmeandi twasi
tchy

"
Shi
i
twhat
'
sgoi
ngonwi
thme"
.

"You'
recomi
ngoutwi
thheatr
ushnow.
Whendi
dyoust
arthav
ingski
nal
l
ergy
?"Maxasked.
"Ineverhadskinal
ler
gybefor
eandIwascompl
etel
yfi
newhenIcameher
ebutwheny
ou
Lewis..
wheny ou-
--
"Isatdownandr
ubbedmyhead.

"Yourskindef
ensemechani
sm i
sgoingwrongGaret
h.You'
rer
eact
ingt
oski
ncont
actwi
th
people.
".Ki
arasai
dst
andingonthestai
rswi
thgl
assyeyes.

Ipani
cked.
"W-
whatar
eyousay
ingKi
ara.
IthoughtIwasdoi
ngf
ine,
Ihav
ebeendoi
ngmy
sessi
ons".

"Whatdoy
oumeanKi
ara.
Whatdef
ensemechani
sm?"
Maxasked.
ShelookedatMax."Av i
cti
m ofOCDdoesn'tfavourski
ncont
actbecausetheybeli
evegermswill
bepassedtothem,sincetheyar
eaf r
aidofdi
rt.
SoIt hi
nkt
oavoi
dthatGarethdefense
mechanism i
scausinghimt ohaveaskinall
ergywhenhemakesskincint
act.I
tshisbrai
ntr
ying
tot
ri
ggerthatobsessionofavoidi
ngskincontact"
.

Shecamet
omebutImov
edback.
Tear
srandownhercheeks.
"You'
ref
ineGar
ethy
ou'
reok.
"

"Don'ttouchmepl
easedon'
tcomeclose.
Itwil
lhurtmei
fIIreactt
oyou.
..
pleasedon'
tcome
close..
..
"Iwal
kedbackandever
yonewasjustfeel
i
ngpit
yforme.

Iwashurt
ingver
ymuch.HowwasIgoi
ngt
osur
viv
ethi
s,
howwasIgoi
ngt
oli
vewi
thoutbei
ng
abl
etotouchanyone.
"
Gar
ethl
i
stent
ome.
.j
ustl
i
sten"Shet
ri
edt
ocamet
omebutIwasmov
ingback.

Ir
antomycarbutshef
oll
owed.
Shegoti
ntomycaraswell
,Icoul
dn'
tst
opherIknewshecanbe
st
ubbor
n.Idr
ovetomyhouseandwewereint
otal
sil
ence.

WhenIar
ri
vedIj
ustr
ant
omyshowerbecauseIwant
edt
oremov
ethedi
rt
y,If
eltdi
rt
y.

Iscr
ubbedasmuchasIcoul
dbutIcoul
dn'
tremov
ethedi
rtIwasf
eel
i
ng.

Ibr
okedown.

"
Ican'
tremov
ethedi
rtnomat
terhowmuchIt
ry.
Imt
ryi
ngbutIst
il
lfeel
dir
ty"
.Iscr
eamed

Kiar
awalkedi
nandt urnedofft
heshowershepassedmemybat hr
obe.
Wewal
kedout
sideof
thebat
hroom andsatonthebed.
Iwaskeepi
ngadistancef
rom her
.

"SoIwi
l
lnev
erbeabl
etot
ouchany
onewi
thoutr
eact
ing.
Godwhyme"
Isi
ghed

Shetri
edtotouchmebutImov edbackwar
ds.
".I
tsallinyourmindGar et
h,t
hisi
shappening
becauseyouthi
nkpeopl ewil
lpassger
mstoyou,t
hat'swhyy ourdefensemechani
sm isacti
ng
upcausingt
her eact
ions.Lookwewill
dothi
stogether,Iwi
llhel
py ou,
Iwil
lbether
eforyouevery
st
epoftheway.Lookyouev
enhav
ebr
uisesbecauseoft
oomuchscr
ubbi
ng,
you'
renotdi
rt
yat
al
lGar
eth,
you'
renot"
.

IwantedtohugherbutIcoul
dn't
."Wil
lIbeokKiki
,
justbehonestwi
thme.
Wil
lIbeabl
eto
greet
,hugandki
ssanybodywithoutt
hem feel
i
ngdisgust
ed".

Shesi
ghedy
oucoul
dseet
hatt
hiswashur
ti
nghert
oo.
"I'
m her
efory
ouGar
eth.
Youwi
l
lbef
ine
ok"

Il
ookedi nt
ohereyesandtheysparkled.
Apullf
orcewaspull
ingmet owar
dsher,
Iwat
ertohug
her,
kissheranddoall
sort
sbutt hankstothi
snewaller
gy,
Icouldn'
t.Ascr
azyasi
tsoundsIwas
al
lergict
opeople.
Myphoner ang.

Iwasf
rust
rat
ed,
guesswhocal
l
ed.

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Isai
dassoonasIanswer
ed.
"
Wat
chhowy
out
alkt
omeboy
"Hesai
dwi
thhi
snast
yol
dvoi
ce.

"Orwhat
?Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
omehuh.
"Isai
dwi
thaf
ir
mvoi
ce.

Hesi
ghed.
"Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ory
ourchi
tchat
s.Comehomet
omor
rowt
omeety
ourf
utur
ewi
fe"
.

Ilaughed."
Yougott
abefucki
ngkiddi
ngme. Whatwif
e.YouknowwhatJohnsi
fyoucont i
nuewi
th
thisshitI
'm goi
ngt
oexposeyourfi
lt
hyrealf
acetotheworld.
I'
m goi
ngt
oexposemyr eal
i
dent i
tythenwewil
lseewhereyourpol
i
ticalf
igur
estands.
.Don'
tmesswit
hme"Ishouted.
"
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngme?
"Heshout
edback.

"NoI
'
m not,
Idon'tmakethr
eatsImakepr
omi
ses.
Sot
rymesswi
thmyl
If
eoncemor
eyouwi
l
l
seet
hatI
'm nolonger13but29.
Trymeol
dman".

Hebr
eat
hedheav
il
y.
"Youseey
ourmot
herher
e--
"

Iknewhewasaboutt
ouset
hatcar
donmebutIi
nter
rupt
ed.

"Cutt
hecr apoldman.Shemar riedyouandopenedherl egsforyouatherownr i
sk.
Whatever
youdot oheritsbet
weeny out wosodon'tevert
hinkthatyouwi l
lpull
thatmom cardonmeand
Iwil
lbeaffected.
Inolongercareshewasnev erthereformet obeginwithandIhadtopayfor
whatshedi dsowhatevershityoudoi t
sbetweeny outwo.I
fy outhi
nkyouwer egoi
ngto
thr
eatenmeusi ngher.
Youl ostoldman".Ihungupandbr eathedheavil
y.Il
ovedmymom butI
j
usthadt oleadthi
soldmanast ray
.
Kiar
ahuggedme."It
sgoingt
obefi
neok.Weneedt
opl
anonhowt
oexposet
hatsocal
l
edf
ather
ofyour
swithouty
ourimagebei
ngr
uined"
.

"Yesyou'rer
ightbutIwi
ll
havet
otal
ktomom. Shehasal otofexpl ai
ningtodo.Befor
eIexpose
thisfi
l
thymanIhav etofi
ndmyfat
herfi
rst
.Myrealbi
ologicalfat
her "
.Isai
dandshel ookedat
Mr .
Iknewshewant edtohugmeandtel
lmeev er
ythi
ngwi llbealr
ightbutcouldn'
t.Weboth
sighedlooki
ngateachother
.

Endofchapt
er2 5
Comment
sandShar
e

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er2 6

Lewi
s.

"*
Doubl
e-t
roubl
e".
*
Aft
ertalki
ngtotheguy
sIwentt
opickNickiupsi
nceApri
lwaswithDangerandKi
arawaswi
th
Garet
h,wellasf
orMaxhewasalsopl
anningonpicki
ngJennyup.

Ical
l
edheri
nfor
minghert
hatIwasgoi
ngt
opi
ckherup,
sheagr
eed.
Ihadmi
ssedhercr
azyass.

Ir
eachedatt
heapar
tmentandknocked.

Jennyopened.

"
OhhhHyJenny
,I
'm her
eforNi
cki
".Isai
dsmi
l
ing.

Shesmi
l
edback.
"Sur
ecomeoni
n.Shei
sinherr
oom f
astasl
eep.
"
It
hankedherandwentt
oherr
oom.

Shewassleepingbutappear
edasi
fshewasr
unni
ng,
herl
owerbodywasont
hef
loor
.I
l
aughed,
shakingmyhead.

Icar
eful
l
ylai
dheront
hebed.

Iki
ssedherwhol
efaceandshest
art
edf
rowni
ng,
thensl
owl
ywokeup.

"
Wakeywakey
".Isai
dsmi
l
ing.

Herey
eswer
egl
assy
,shest
art
edcr
ying.
"Babewhatdi
dIdo?
"

Iaskedshocked.

"
Whydi
dyouwakeme.
Iwasenj
oyi
ngmysl
eep.
Ify
our
eal
l
ywant
edt
ogowi
thme,
youshoul
d
hav
ejustcar
ri
edme.
Idi
dn'
twantt
owakeup"Shesobbed.

Isi
ghedandhuggedher
."
I'
m sor
ry,
I
'm sosor
ryIwokey
ou.
Iwi
l
lmakei
tupt
oyouok.
Nowl
et'
s
go,
it
salr
eadyl
ate"
.

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Youpr
omi
sedt
omakei
tup.
Don'
tbr
eaky
ourpr
omi
se"

"
Iwon'
tbr
eaki
t"
.Iwal
kedt
othedoorbutshewasst
il
lont
hebed.

"Andnow?
"Iasked.
Shespr
eadoutherar
msandy
awned.
"I
'm st
il
lfeel
i
ngsl
eepyy
ouknow.
Youai
n'
tromant
icatal
l
Lewi
s".

Ishookmyheadandcar
ri
edherout
.WemetJennyont
hewayandIi
nfor
medhert
hatMaxwas
goingt
opi
ckherup.

WellNi
ckiwasi
ndeedf
eel
i
ngsleepybyt
het i
meIreachedmycarshewassnori
ngl
ight
ly.I
pl
acedhercar
eful
l
yanddr
oveoff.
WhenIreachedmyhouseIcar
ri
edherupst
air
s.

Ii
nfor
medmycheft
ocookl
otsoff
oodbecauseIknewt
hatwhenNi
cki
wakesupshewoul
dbe
sohungr
y.

Iwentandj
oinedheri
nbedwi thi
nminutesIhaddri
ftedoff.
WhenIwokeupt hef
ollowing
morni
ngIpanickedwhenIreal
isedshewasn'ti
nbed,Iusual
lywakeupbef or
eher.Ical
ledforher
butt
herewasnoanswer.Irandownstai
rsal
readyplanni
ngtoshoutatmyguar dsbutIbreathed
i
nreli
efwhenIsawhersitt
ingonthekit
chenchair
s.Shewasbusyf east
ingonjunkiefood.

"
Ithoughtt
her
eisproperfoodinhere.
You'
rebusyst
uff
ingy
our
sel
fwi
thj
unki
e.Coul
dn'
tyout
ell
t
hecheftocooksomethingforyou"Isai
dfi
rmly.

Shel
ookedup,
shaki
ngherhead.
"Nononott
odaySat
annotwhenI
'
m enj
oyi
ngmyf
ood.
"

Shei
gnor
edmeandcont
inuedeat
ingwhat
everwei
rdsandwi
ches.
"
Andwhatthehel
lareyoueati
ngNi cki
.Thatai
n'tev
enheal
thy
".Isai
dlooki
ngcl
osel
yatoneof
t
hesandwi
ches.
Ithadavocados,
fr
iedeggs,cheeseandpol
ony.

Shefr
owned."I
'm mi
ndingmyownbusiness,eat
ingt
omyhear
t'
scont
ent
,theny
ouwakeup
wit
hthatannoy
ingatt
it
udeofyour
sanddi st
urbmymoment
.Leavemeandmyfood
al
one,
what'swrongwi
thyou!
!"
Sheshouted.

Isi
ghednotknowi
ngwhatt
osay
,shehasbeensomoodyandi
t'
snotev
enf
unny
.

"I
'
m sor
rybabe,
Iwon'
tdi
stur
byou.
Iwasj
ustwonder
inghowy
ou'
reswal
l
owi
ngt
hatki
ndofa
sandwi
ch"
.
Shehadglassyeyes,
Iknewwat
erwor
kswasaboutt
obegi
nanymoment
."Soy
ou'
resay
ingmy
foodi
sdisgusti
ng".

Ir
ubbedmyhead.
"NonoIdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
.I
nfactt
hesandwi
chl
ooksdel
i
cious"
.

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Real
l
ysocomesi
tdown,
l
et'
seatt
oget
her"
.

Whaaaat!
!!
!meeat
ingt
hatdi
sgust
ingsandwi
ch.
Ihadt
ocomeupwi
thagoodexcuse.
"I'
m ona
di
etbabe"
.
Shefr
owned."
Okay
,Iwasn'
taboutt
ogi
vey
oumysandwi
chany
wher
e.Goaway
,yoursi
ghti
s
di
stur
bing"
.

Ishookmyheadwal ki
ngaway.
Yesshewasmoodyandal
lbutitwaskindacutetome.Isaton
thelounge,
l
ooki
ngforsomet
hingt
owatchbutt
her
ewasnothingint
eresti
ng.Isi
ghednot
knowingwhattodonext.

Thent
her
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.

Idr
aggedmyl
azysel
fandopened.

"It
houghtIt
oldy
ounott
oev
ershowupher
e".
Ifr
owned.

Sherol
l
edhereyes.
"It
houghtItol
dyouI
'
m notaboutt
ogi
veupony
ou.
Shepushedmeasi
de
andcat
wal
kedintothelounge.

Shesatdowncr
ossl
egged.

Ni
cki
whowaswear i
ngmyT-
shi
rtwal
kedi
n,
eat
ingy
oghur
t.It
houghtshewasf
ull
becauseshe
at
ealotoff
oodbutnaa.
"
HyZenday
a."Shesai
dandsatdownput
ti
ngherl
egsont
het
abl
e.

Zenf
rowned.
"Real
l
yLewi
s,howcanacal
lgi
rlgetsocomf
ort
abl
e".

Ni
cki
justi
gnor
edherandcont
inuedeat
inghery
oghur
t.

"Mi
ndy
ourt
oneZen,
shei
snocal
lgi
rlshei
smygi
rl
".

Zenlaughed."
Areyoukiddi
ngme.
You'
recal
l
ingt
hisyourgi
rl
.Li
stenher
egirl
ygosomewher
eli
ke
whatyoudidthelastt
ime,l
eav
emeandmymanal one.
Weneedt hepri
vacy
".
Ni
cki
cont
inuedeat
ing,
i
gnor
ingher
.

"Di
dn'
tyouhearwhatIsai
dyouwhor
e.Getout
"sheshout
ed.

Nicki
placedhertubdownandlookedather.
"Bi
tchpl
easey
ourv
agi
nahasbeenusedmor
ethan
googlestopcal
li
ngmeawhor e.
Iain'
tone"
.

Iwant
edtol
aughbutthi
swasn'
tthemoment
."Zenday
aCor
nel
ll
eav
emyhouser
ightnow.
I'
m
noti
nthemoodfordr
ama."

Isai
dfi
rml
y.
Sheheldmyarms."
Babear
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ous.
Tomey
ourZenday
a,f
ort
hisf
il
thyher
e.You'
re
choosi
ngheroverme"
.

Ipushedher
."
Stopi
nsult
ingmywomanorwewi
l
lhav
epr
obl
ems.Nowgetoutbef
oreIdo
somethi
ngthatIwi
l
lregret
".

Nicki
chuckl
ed.
"Don'tworr
ybabeshecansaywhat
evershewant
s.Igoogl
ed"
whogi
vesaf
uck"
butmynamewasn' tonthesear
chresul
ts"
.

Shedr
aggedher
sel
ftot
heki
tchen.Thencamebackwi
tht
hosesandwi
ches.

Shesatdownandst
art
edeat
ingl
i
keshenev
erat
ebef
ore.

Zenl
ookedatheri
nadi
sgust
edmannerbecauseshei
saheal
thyf
reak.

"Babelet'
smakethi
swor
konemor
eti
me.Myf
atherwi
l
lnotcomei
nourwayt
hist
ime.
Please
babe".Zensai
d.
Ni
cki
laughed.
"You'
resodesper
ate,
whodoest
hat
"

Zenday
asnapped.
"Bi
tchj
ustshutup.
..
.shutupwi
l
lyou"
..

Ii
nter
rupt
ed."
Zendaay
aa"
.Isai
dfi
rml
y.

Nicki
chuckl
ed."Nolethersaywhat
evershewant
s.Shemusthav
ebeenconcei
vedt
hroughanal
sexbecausether
eisnowayt hi
smuchofbeinganasshol
ecanbenat
ural
."

Zenday
alosti
tandt
hrewacushi
onatNi
cki
."
Getal
i
febi
tch"
.
Ist
oodbetweent
hem becauseIknewshi
twoul
dgodown.
Nicki
inst
eadofr
etal
i
ati
ngshequi
etl
y
wentupst
air
s.

"
Whatthefuckiswrongwithy
ouThi sismyhouseandyoudon'
tcomeheranddi
srespectmy
womanwhodoy outhi
nkyou'
re"
.YesIwasangrybutIwoul
dneverrai
semyhandagainst
woman.Zenknewthatsoshestubbornl
ywentandsatdown,
fol
dingherar
ms.

"I
'
m notgoi
ngany
whereunl
esswesol
vethi
s.You'
renott
hinki
ngst
rai
ghtLewi
s.Wecameal
ong
wayf
orustogi
veupnow."
Shesai
dsobbi
ng.

Iwasfr
ust
rat
ed."
Whycan'
tyouunder
standthi
sZenday
a.Inolongerl
ovey
ou,
ther
eisnot
hingl
eft
forust
ofi
ghtfor
.Leav
ewi
ththel
it
tl
edigni
tythaty
ousti
llhav
e".
Inst
eadofr eply
ingshewailed,
that
'
swhenIr eali
sedthatNi ckihadwhi ppedherwit
honeofmy
belt
s.Idi
dn'tevenreal
izewhenshecamebackdownst air
s.Iwant edtostopherbutshewast oo
fast
.Shewentandst oodinf r
ontofZendayaandstartedwhi ppingtheshitouther.
Thefactthat
shewaswear i
ngashor tdr
esswasn'tevenhelpi
ng.Itriedtohol dherbutshewast oopower f
ul
forme,Idon'tevenknowwher eshegotthepowertopushmeof f.
..
itmustbethosedisgust
ing
sandwiches.

Thehel
per
swer
ewat
chi
ngt
hel
i
veshowasNi
cki
whi
ppedt
heshi
toutofZenday
awi
thmybel
t.

"
Whyarey
oustandi
ngther
e.Comehel
pmeout
".Ishout
edatt
hem butnoneoft
hem mov
edan
i
ncht
heywer
eafrai
dofNicki
.

"Mov
eaninchcl
ose,
Iwil
lmakeyouseeyourancest
ors"
.Sheshout
edasshegav
eZenday
a
whowasscr
eamingherl
ungsoutonel
astwhip.
Imanagedtoholdbot
hherhandsaf
teral
ongstr
uggl
e."Call
menamesagai
n,
Iwon'
tbet
his
ni
ce.
"ShescreamedatZenday
awhowascrawli
ngawayf r
om her
.

ForamomentIf
eltpi
tyf
ory
ear
,shehadv
isi
blebel
tmar
ksonhert
highsandshoul
der
s.

"
I'
m goi
ngt
opr
esschar
ges.
I'
m goi
ngt
odoi
t"Shesai
dwi
tht
ear
sandmucusr
unni
ngdownher
f
ace.

"
Goahead.Jai
li
smysecondhome,
pol
i
cest
ati
oni
smymi
ddl
ename"Ni
cki
shout
edback.

Zendayast
artedlimping."
Youwil
lneverseeyoursonLewis.
Nev
er,
Iwi
l
lnev
eral
l
owi
t.
Thi
s
rat
chetj
ustruinedthechancesofyoumeetingyourson"
.

"Son!
!"
Iwasshocked.
"
Yesson!
!"Sheshout
edandwal
kedout
.Iwasl
eftt
ongue-
ti
ed.
SoIhadasonwi
thZenday
a.

"
Youcanf
oll
owher
,I
'
m sur
eyouwantt
oknowmor
eabouty
ourson"
.Ni
cki
sai
dsadl
y.

Iheldherwai
st.
"Iknowwhaty ou'
rethinking.Iknowy ou'r
et hi
nki
ngI'
m goingtochooseher
becausewehaveasont ogether.
Iwil
l alwayschoosey ouok.Ifi
tist
ruethatwehav eason
togetherwewi
llfi
ndawayt otacklethepr oblem butthereisnowayi m goi
ngt ot
akeherback
becausewehaveason. Therei ssomet hingcal l
edco-parenti
ng.
Icanco-parentwi
thherbutIwi
ll
nevergobacktoher."Iki
ssedherpassi onatelyandshemoaned.

Il
ookedatherwi
thanaught
ysmi
l
e."
Babedi
dyouev
erhadaboy
fri
endbef
ore"
.
Shef
rowned.
"No,
whywoul
dIhav
eone"
.

"
Whydopeopl
ehav
eboy
fri
ends?Soy
ou'
ret
ell
i
ngmey
ounev
erhadone"
.Iasked

Shenodded.
"YesInev
erdat
edany
onebef
ore"

Ichuckl
ed."
Whyt
hough?
"
Shesighed.
"Al
otofgirl
saboutther
egethear
tbr
okenbecauseofthedati
ng.
WhatImeani sy
ou
wil
lthi
nkthaty
ouhav efi
nall
ymetyourkni
ghti
nshini
ngarmourbutitwi
llt
urnoutthati
twas
onl
yaf ooli
nalumi
nium foi
l
"Shesai
dlooki
ngseri
ousandIlaughedmylungsout,
l
ikewhothi
nks
l
ikethat.

"
Sowhydi
dyouask"Shel
ookedatmewi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.

Ist
ammer
ed."
Ummm.
.I
..
.I
..
ahh.
..
Iw-
wasj
ustw-
wonder
ing"
.

Shel
aughed.
"Iwoul
dlov
etobey
ourgi
rl
fr
iendLewi
s.Iknowy
oubadl
ywantt
obemyman"
.
Ismil
ed.
"Thanksf
orbei
ngablet
oreadbet
weent
hel
i
nes.
You'
ret
hebest
.Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndhav
ing
aJacki
eChanasagirlf
ri
end"
.

Shelaughed.
"Ij
usthadtoteachherl
essonort
wobabeshewasget
ti
ngi
nmyner
ves.
Idon'
t
evencar
eofshepr esseschar
gesanyway.
"

Isighed.
"Iknowbabebutdon'
taboutbeat
ingpeopl
eli
ket
hat
.I
tscar
est
heshi
toutofme.
Idi
dn'
t
evenknowwher eyougotthepower"
.

Shejustl
aughed.
Ist
areddeepinhereyesandshelookedatmet
oobutl
ateronshy
lyl
ooked
down.Shecanbeall
ratchetbutshei
sshy,
howcute.

Il
aughedandmadehersi
tonmyl
aps.

"I
'm notpromisi
ngt obetheperfectguyNi cki
.Tobehonestatsomepoi ntImightturnouttobe
afool i
naluminium foi
li
nsteadofbeingy ourknightinshini
ngarmor,butim wi
ll
i
ngt otrytobe
theperfectmanf oryou,
tomeetal l
yourrequirement sNicki
.Gr
owingupIal waysthought
everyt
hingformewoul dt ur
nouttobej ustperfectli
kehowIi maginedit,
Ial
wayst houghtwith
Zendayaev er
ythingwil
lfall
accordi
ngtopl anbutl i
febecamejustacont i
nuousroller
coasterof
pain,tears,
baddeci si
onsandpr etense.Iwor eemot i
onst hatInev erdeepl yfelt,
Iwor eahappy
facewhi l
edeepdownIwasdr owni nginpainbutt hefir
stt i
meImety out hatdaywheny ou
wal kedintoMax' shousewear i
ngashor tnightdr
esschewi ngabubbl egum likether eisno
tomor r
ow, Ij
ustf el
tli
keIhav esetmyey esonawomanf ort hefi
rsttime.Webot hcr azyandwe
discussedaboutourf ut
ureweddi ngt hefir
stdaywemeetbutal lthepl answedi scussedthat
daymi ghtgoaccor dingtoplanwi t
hGod' sgrace.Wear ebot hbrokenNi ckibutmay beourpast
wasmeantt obesodamnbr okensot hatwhenwemeetwecoul dalignper f
ectly.Il
ov eyou,
I
won' tli
e.Ican'tkeeponsuppr essingi tbecauseI'm broken.Youshoul dknowt hatIlov eandIwil
l
cher i
shy oulikey oushouldbecher i
shed.It
snotgoi ngtobeaneasyr oadf orust herewi l
lbe
whi rl
wind,tor
nadoes, hurr
icanes,stormsy ounamei tbutIwantt ofightallwithy ou.Iknowy ou'
re
strongwoman, theytri
edtobr eaky oubutst i
ll
her eyou'r
e, that'
stheki ndofwomanIwant .I
wanty outonev ergiveuponus, nomat terwhat "
.

WhenIf
ini
shedt
alki
ngshewascr
ying.Ishushedherandwi
pedhert
ear
sof
f.

"
Ilov
ey ouNicki
andIknowitwi
ll
taket
imef
ory
out
osayt
hesamet
omebutI
'
m av
erypat
ient
man.Nowstopcryi
ngmybigbaby".

Shesmi
l
edwi
tht
ear
srol
l
ingdown.
"I'
m hor
nybabe"
.

Il
aughedcar
ryi
ngherupst
air
s.
*
Max.
*

*
"Whydi
dn'
tyoucome**
clean"
.*

Lif
ehasbeensplendidformeandmyki ds.
Theyhavealr
eadystar
tedschool
ing.Imadesur e
theywenttooneofthemostex pensivepr i
vat
eschooli
nGeorgia.
Iwantedtohav ethem
homeschooledbutaft
erdiscussingitwithJennywethoughti
twaswiserforthem social
i
zewit
h
theotherki
ds.
Jenyyhasbeenv isit
ingthem eachandevery
daysoalli
nallevery
thinghasbeen
wel
l
.

TalkingaboutJenny,Ical
l
edherthatmoment
.Sheanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.
"Max'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
forrentspeaki
ng..howcanIhelpy ou"

Shelovesansweri
ngherphonet
hatwaylatel
y.Wel
lont
hatnot
eIhadn'ti
nfor
medmyf ami
ly
aboutthetr
uthbecausei
twil
lbr
eakthem.SoIdeci
dedt
okeepthi
ngsthewayt heyar
eunti
l
l
fur
thernot
ice.

"
Myoneandonl
ygi
rlf
ri
end.I
'
m onmywayt oy
ourhouse.
Pleasewearsomet
hingsemi
for
mal
wear
egoi
ngtohav
eaf amil
ylunch.
"Isai
d.

Shesi
ghed.
Iknewi
twashar
dforhert
ocont
inuepr
etendi
ng."
Okf
inel
etmegetr
eady
".
Shehungup.

Iboughtsomef
lower
sanddar
kchocol
atesf
orher
.

WhenIarri
vedattheirapart
mentKi
araopenedf
ormeandt hencal
ledJenny.Shecamewear
ing
agreyski
nnyjeanwhi chwasri
ppedononeknee,
anavyl
ongsleeveT-shi
rt
,ashortsl
eev
enavy
coatandmatchingheels.
Herhai
rwasbunchedupinamessybun.Shewasl ooki
nggoodnoli
e
andwekindamat chedbecauseIwasweari
ngagreysui
t.

"Heyyoulooki
nggood"
.Isai
dki
ssi
ngherf
oreheadandgi
vi
ngt
hef
lower
saswel
last
he
chocol
ates.

"
Dar
kchocol
ates.You'
resur
ear
ethebestboy
fri
endf
orr
entev
er.
"Shebeamedi
nexci
tement
.

"
Thanky
ou,
wel
l
.l
et'
sgoandpi
ckt
heki
dsupbef
orei
tsl
ate.
"Isai
dhol
dingherwai
st.
"Ncoooyouguysar
ejustsweet
,whydon'
tyoubecomear
eal
coupl
eal
ready
".Ki
arasai
dtaki
ng
pict
uresofus.

Jennyr
oll
edherey
esi
nadr
amat
icway
."Naahei
sanol
dieandIdon'
tdool
dguy
s".

Thatki
ndahurtthoughbutIhadtopr
etendl
i
eitdi
dn'
thi
thome.
Imeanwear
e11y
ear
sapar
t,
so
yeaI'
m ki
ndaoldforhertodateme.

"
Ohhhsoy
ou'
resay
ingI
'
m anol
dguynow.
Idon'
tev
enhav
eonegr
eyhai
r.
"Idef
ended

Wear
guedonourwaytothetwin'
sschool
til
lIgav
eup.Iwasnev
ergoi
ngt
owi
nagai
nsther
.She
ev
ennamedmegranny
-boyfr
iend.
Anywaywepi ckedthekidsandtheyweresoexci
tedtomeetthei
rgrannymymom af t
eral
lshe
spoi
lthem wit
hwhat evert
heywant.Wepassedbymyhouseandt heychangedi
ntothei
r
cl
othes.
Itwasanexci t
ingj
ourneyal
lthewaytomyf ami
l
y'shouse.
JoyceandJusti
nwer et
ell
i
ng
useveryt
hingtheydidatschool
.

"Just
inki
ssedagi
rldaddy
"Joy
cesai
d.

Jenny
'sey
espoppedout
."
Youdi
dwhatJust
in.
..
ohhy
ou'
resogr
ounded"
.

Just
indef
ended.
"Itwasj
ustaper
kont
hecheekok,
j
ustacour
tesyki
ss"
.Tr
ustt
heboyt
obe
i
ntel
li
gent
.
"
Leav
emysonal
one,
hei
sjustagent
lemanl
i
kedad.
Rightmyboy
".Wef
istbumped.

"AndJoy
cehasaboy
fri
end"
.Just
insai
d.

"NoIdon'
t".
Shepr
otest
ed.

"Mypri
ncessy
ou'
regoi
ngt
ohav
eaboy
fri
endwheny
out
urn40okayf
ornowf
ocusonschool
".
I
sai
dfi
rmly
.
Jennyr
oll
edherey
es.
"Buti
tsokf
orJust
int
oki
ssgi
rl
snow"

Joycewasexci
ted."
Soi
fJust
ini
sal
l
owedt
ogi
vegi
rl
scour
tesyki
ssesIwi
l
lhav
eaboy
fri
end
whenItur
n12".

Wearguedal
lthewaybuti
twasfunt
hough.
Joy
ceswor
etohav
eaboy
fri
endat12andnoone
wasgoingt
ochangehermind.

Wear
ri
ved,
Ihel
dJenny
'swai
stwhi
l
ehol
dingJoy
ce'
shandandJennywashol
dingJust
in'
shand.

"Isther
esomet
hingwear
emi
ssi
ngher
e".
Joy
cesai
dwi
thaney
ebr
owr
aised.
Shei
sal
i
ttl
edi
va
thatone.
"
Not
her
eisnot
hingy
ou'
remi
ssi
ng"Isai
dhol
dingal
augh.

"
Sowhyar
eyouhol
dingsi
sterJenny
'swai
st.
"Sheasked.

"Becauseshemi
ghtf
all
".
Jennyl
aughed.

"
Imi
ghtf
all
too,
whydon'
tyouhol
dmywai
st?
"Sheasked.

Idi
dn'
thav
eacomebackf
ort
hat
.

Luckil
yJust
incamet
omyr
escue."
Youaskt
oomuchquest
ions.I
tsadul
tst
uff
,l
et'
sgosee
granny"
.
Theyr
ani
nsi
de,
JennyandIl
aughed.

"Shecanbet
oomuchsomet
imes"
.Jennysai
dshaki
ngherhead.

Wewentinsi
det hehouseandIf
rownedwhenIsawUncleKen,
KenJnrandEv
e.Whycoul
dn'
t
t
heyj
ustatleasthavethei
rownl
unchatthei
rownhouse.

Mom cameandhuggedme,
thenki
ssedJenny
.

"Howi
smybeaut
if
uldaught
eri
nlawdoi
ng?
"Shesai
dsmi
l
ing.

"
I'
m doi
ngj
ustf
ineMr
sJackson"
.Shesai
dshy
ly.

"Ohhhpl
easecal
lmemom"
Shesai
dtaki
ngherawayf
rom me.
Ipout
ed.
"You'
rebei
ngunf
airmom,
youl
ovehert
oomuch"
.

Shejustl
aughedwal
ki
ngawaywhil
ehol
dingt
hener
vousJenny
.Iknewshewasnev
erbecauseI
real
i
sedshehadherfi
nger
scr
ossed.

Igr
eet
edev
ery
onebutdadwasn'
tar
ound.

"
Wher
eisdad?
"Iasked.

"
Ohhhhei
supst
air
sinhi
sst
udywi
thMrCor
nel
l
."Mom sai
d.

Wewai tedf ordadwhil

emom waschat t
ingwit
hJenny.Just
inandJoycehaddi sappeared
upstai
rs,Iguesstheywereplayi
ngwiththeotherki
ds.
Myf amil
y'
shouseislit
erall
yacr èche
becausemom t akesal
ltheJacksonkidsonweekends,holi
daysorf
orlunch,
shel oveskids.

Aft
erawhi l
edadcamebackwi t
hMrCornel
ltheyar
egoodbusinesspatner
seventhoughwhat
happenedbetweenLewi
sandZenaffaf
fect
edbutrel
ati
onshi
palitt
le,
butIj
ustdon'
tl
ikeMr
Cornel
lIneverl
i
kedhimthoughhei
sshady.

IsawJennyshi
ft
inguncomf
ort
ably,
whenMrCornel
lglancedather
.Ial
readyf
eltl
i
kepunchi
ng
thatst
upi
dfaceofhi
s,
hebet
ternotbeey
eingmygir
l.
Wesatont hedi
ningtableandmommyhadJennyonhersi
de,
Iwant
edt
osi
tbesi
desherbut
KenJnrbeatmetoi t
,Icussed.

Westar
tedeati
ngandchatt
ing.MrCor
nel
lwoul
dconst
ant
lycheckonJennyandt
hatwoul
d
makeheruncomfor
tabl
e.

"
Swhat
'
syournamey
oungl
ady
"Heasked.

"
Hernamei
sJennyJor
dan"Ianswer
edwi
thaser
iousl
ookon.

"
Ithoughtshecananswerher
sel
f,
shehasamout
hri
ght
".Hesai
d.
"Sheismygir
lf
ri
endsowhat
every
ouwantt
oknowaskme"
Isai
dfi
rml
yemphasi
singt
he
gi
rl
fr
iendpar
t.

Hekeptquietandt
helunchconti
nued.Af
terwewer
edoneJennyof
fer
edtohelpthemai
dst o
t
aketheplatestot
hekit
chen.Iknewitwasawayofget
ti
ngawayfr
om thegl
ancesMrCornel
l
wasthr
owingather.

Wewentt ot
hel
oungeandst
artedchat
ti
ngj
ustgener
alst
uff
.Ev
ewasev
eni
nherbestbehav
ior
Idon'
tknowwhoshewastr
yingtoimpr
ess.

Wehear
dsomenoi
sefrom t
hekit
chenandweal
lwentt
her
e.I
twasMrCor
nel
lhol
dinghi
scheek
whi
l
eJennywasbr
eat
hingfi
re.

"
Howdareyoutouchmewithyourf
il
thyhands"
.Sheshout
ed.
Wit
hinabl
i
nkIwashol
dingt
heol
d
manbyhi
scoll
arpunchi
nghim.Mydadheldme.

"Heywhat
'
swr
ongwi
thy
ouMaxMrCor
nel
li
tsol
dert
hany
ou"
.Hesai
d
"
Idon'
tcar
ehehasnor
ightt
otouchmygi
rl
".Ishout
ed.

Hewi
pedhi
sface.
"Idi
dn'
ttoucher
,Iwasj
ustaski
ngheri
fshei
sst
il
lst
ri
ping?"
Hesai
d.

"St
il
lwhat
?"Mydadasked.

"
Sheusedt
obeast
ri
per
,soIwasj
ustaski
ngi
fshei
sst
il
lonet
henshesl
appedme"
.Hesai
d.

Jennygav
ehi
m anangr
ylook.
"Whataboutt
hepar
twher
eyousmackedmyass"
.
Hechuckl
ed.
"Youusedt
ogetpai
dforsl
eepi
ngwi
thmanol
denought
obey
ourancest
orsso
what
'ssur
pri
sing"
.

Ev
ery
onegasped.
Evel
aughedcl
appi
ngherhands.
"It
hinkweneedt
ogo,
tot
hel
oungef
ort
his"
.

Ev
ery
onewal
kedbackt
othel
oungeandIhel
dJenny
'shand,
Iknewshewasaboutt
obr
eakdown.

"
Isi
ttr
ueJennywer
eyouast
ri
per
"Dadasked.

"
Yesi
tst
rue.
Iwasast
ri
per
"Shesai
dbl
unt
ly.
UncleKenlaughed"Whati
sthi
sfamil
ycomingt
ooNowwear
egoi
ngt
ohav
est
ri
per
sfora
daughteri
nlaw.Wonder
sshall
neverend"
.

IwasangryatJennyfornottel
li
ngmet his.
NoIwasn'
tj
udgi
ngherbutsheshoul
dhav
etol
dme
thi
sbutIwasn'
tgoingtogivethesei
diotsthati
mpr
essi
on.

"Maxdi
dyouknowaboutt
his.
"Mom wasqui
etf
orawhi
l
easked

"
YesIknewabouti
t"
.Il
i
ed.

Evechuckled.
"Soy ou'
regoi
ngtomar r
yawhoreforawif
earey out
hatdesper
ateMax.
Can'
tyou
seeclearl
ythatsheisadamngolddiggerandv
erycunni
ngfir
stofall
shemanagedtomakea
placeforhersi
bli
ngsinthi
sfamil
yandnowshebi t
chedherwayint
oy ourl
i
febuty
ou'
retoo
fooli
shtoseewhatt hi
swhoreisupto".
Mom gaveEveaslapt hathadMi keTysongenesini
t.Ididn'
tevenknowshecoul dslap
someoneli
kethatbecauseshei ssooosoft.
"Don'
teverinter
fer
ewi t
hissuesthatdoesn'
t
concer
nyou,
youhere.Stayinyourlaneandmi ndy
ourlanguaget hi
sisnotyourhouse".

Dadwasagi
tat
ed."
Soy
ousl
appedmyni
ecef
ort
hiswhor
eher
e".

Mom wasagi
tat
edtoo."
AndIwil
ldoitagaini
fIhav
etoy
ouhear.
Sheissodi
srespect
ful
andi
l
l
manner
ed.Whodoesshethi
nksheiscall
i
ngmyJennynameshuh."

"
Idon'
twanttoseethi
swhoreinmyhouse.I
'm notgoi
ngt
ohav
east
ri
pperf
oradaught
eri
n
l
aw.Gett
hisbi
tchoutofmyhouse"Dadshouted.
Iclenchedmyj aws."Cal l herbi t
chonemor et ime,Iwi l
lforgetthatyou'remyf ather .
You' reall
readyt ocr uci
fyherf orsomet hingsheusedt odoandknowi ngmygi r
l Iknowv erywel lshe
didn'tdoi tforthepl easur eofi tbutbecauseshehadt omaket heendsmeet ,shehadt odo
any t
hingandev eryt
hi ngt oputf oodont het ablef orhersibli
ngs.You' rejusttoobl i
ndt onot i
ce
howagr eatandst rongwomanshei s,
shesacr if
icedt ooutherdi gnityont hel i
nej ustf orthe
peopl eshel ovesbutal lofy ouy ou'r
ejustsoj udgement alasifyourlivesar eper fect.Ev eyou'
re
sayingmygi r
lisawhor er ightbutwhatar ey ou,i
fy oucanmast erthecour ageofcomi ngtomy
houset hrowingy oursel fatmeandswear i
ngt odest royy ourmar r
iagewhatnamecanIgi ve
you.Andy ouMrCor nel lasol dasy ouar eyour unaf t
erkgi rl
swhoar ey oungert hany our
daught erandgot ost ripclubsbuty ou'
remar ried.UncleKenandKenJnrIdon' tev enwanna
exposey ourdirtylaundr ybecausei t
sdi sgust i
ng.Wel lasf oryoudeci dey ounol ongerman
decisionsi nmyl i
feim 32not12. Jennyist heonet hatIwanti nmyl ife.You'renotgoi ngt o
decidewhoIwi llbewi thy ouguy sdon'tsuckmydi ckanddef i
nit
elydonotwar m mybedatni ght
soasf orwhowi l
lbemyl ifepat neri
tsupt omet odeci deifyoucan' tacceptJennyt heni will
alsosei zet oexistiny ourlives.Mom pl easemyki dswehav etoleave"

Ev
ery
onewentdeadqui
et.
Shedi
dn'
tpr
otestshet
ookJoy
ceandJust
int
othecar
.

Shecamebackandwippedt
earsof
fJenny'
sface.Sheki
ssedherfor
ehead.
"I
'm notgoi
ngt
ohol
d
yourpastagai
nsty
ouYouwi
llbemydaught
erinlaw.Youguysyouhavemyblessings"

Wewalkedoutandt
hedri
vehomewewer ei
nt otal
sil
ence.
Whenwear r
ivedIaskedt
hekidst
o
got
otheirr
oomstheyobl
i
gedwit
houtquest
ioningbecausetheymi
ghthavesensedthet
ensi
on.
Il
ookedatJennyandshegavemethelookt
ooshewasalsoangr
y."
Whydidn'
tyout el
lmethi
s
Jenny
.Whydidyouhidet
hisf
rom mehuhWhydi
dn'
tyoucomecleanaboutthi
s."
.Ishout
ed.

Sheshout edback.
"Whatdidyouwantmet otelly
ou.OhhhIshouldhavetoldyout hatafift
y
plusoldmanr obbedmemyi nnocence, IshouldhavetoldyouthatIshowedmybodyt othe
worldsothatIcangetmoneyt otakecar eofmysi bli
ngs.Youwantedmet otellyouthatI
fuckedandsuckedmor ethan15di cksadayhuh. Youwant edmet otel
lyouthatIwor kedatthe
samecl ubthatyouownhuh,youwant edmet otel
lyouthatIoncehatedyouforowni ngthat
clubbecausethat'
swheremyl i
fewasdest r
oyed.Ihadtododr ugsandIwasdi agnosedof
schizophr
enia,y
ouwantedmet ot elly
oual lt
hat".
Shewascr yi
ng.

Ihuggedhert
ight
ly."
Youshouldhavej
usttol
dmebabeIwasnotgoi
ngt
ojudgey
ou.
Iwasnot
goingtoj
udgeyouorlookatyoudif
fer
ent
lyJenny
".
Endofchapt
er2 6

Sor
ryf
ort
ypi
nger
ror
s.

Commentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er2 6

Apr
il
.
*
"Wef
oundl
ovei
na**
hopel
esspl
ace"
*

*
2weeksl
ater
*

Thepastday shav ebeenblissfulandsplendid.DangerandIhav ebeensoal lov

ereachother
l
atel
y.Theot herdayt hatsleptiovert ohi
shousehewasMrRomant icdespi
tehavi
ngacol d
l
ookt hatcouldscareanyoneaway .Iknowwhaty ou'r
et hinkingy'
all
,wedidn'
tmakelovehejust
muffedmeandIhadt oreturnthefav ourbyblowinghim. Afteral
ltheatmospherewasromant i
c,
ther
ewer eredr oses,
wineandst uffbuthesai dIwasn'tr eadyandhewant edtotakethi
sslow
unti
lIwasr eadyforhim.Sof arsogoodmyl i
fewasper f ect.Jennyontheotherhandinf
ormed
usthatMax' sfamilyf
oundoutshewasast r
iperandonl yMaxaswel lashismotherwereon
Jenny'
ssi
de.Wel
lasforGar
eth,Ki
arainf
ormedust hathi
scondit
ioni
sgett
ingworsebythe
day,
hedoesn'
tev
enwantany onenearhim si
ncehest ar
tedr
eacti
ngtoski
ncontact
,thi
shas
beenworr
yingKi
arasomucht hatshecanjustzoneout.

"Mor
ningJenny"
.Isai
dasIent
eredt
heki
tchen.
Jennywasbusymaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
,shewasi
na
goodmoodlatel
y.

"Heyheyhowwasy
ourni
ght
".
Shesai
dconcent
rat
ingonherpot
s.

"
Itwasamazi
ng,
Isl
eptl
i
keababy
.Hav
eyouseenNi
cki
around"Iwhi
sper
ed.

WellNickihasbeenali
vingni ght
mar eIt
ell
you.Shei
salway smoodyandweal waysti
ptoe
aroundthehousebecauseonemi stakeanyt
hingcanbethrowny ourway .
Ify
ouyawnt oomuch
shecanget sir
ri
tat
ed,i
fy oulaughtoomuchsheget seasi
lyannoy ed.
ForthepastdaysIhave
managedt oduckfourplates,
twocupsandat eapot.Wehonest l
ydon'tknowwhat'sgoingon
withher.
IfLewisannoy
shert henwear etheoneswhosuf f
er t
heconsequences.
Jennyl
ookedaround.
"Shei
sst
il
lfastasl
eep.
Ijustwannahav
emybr
eakf
ast
,eatandl
eav
eas
soonaspossi
ble.
"

Iwhi
sper
ed."
Sameappl
i
es.
"

Lucki
lyforKi
arashewasn'
taround.
InasmuchasGarethdoesn'twantanyonearoundhi
m,Ki
ki
i
snott heonetogiv
euponhim anyti
mesoon.Shehasbeensleepi
ngov ert
ohishouseand
pract
ical
lyt
aki
ngcareofhi
m eventhoughhekeepsaverygooddistancebetweenthem.
We
evenseelessofherar
oundthehouse.

AnywayIcheckedmyphoneonemoretime,
ther
ewasnoGoodmor ni
ngAppiet
extfr
om Danger
.
Iwasfr
ustrated.Iwant
edt
ocal
lhi
m butIj
ustdeci
dedagai
nsti
t,
youknowsometi
mesaperson
needabreather.

Il
ookedatJenny"
sohowhasbeenmom i
nlawandMax"
.Iasked.
Shesmi
l
ed.
"Ohhy
ouknowherasal
way
sshei
sper
fect
.Shei
sanangel
".

"SowasLuci
fer
".Avoi
cestar
tl
edbothofus.
Weweretry
ingsohar
dtogetoutoft
hehouseas
soonaspossi
blebuti
twasacompletef
ail
uret
hist
ime.
Nicki
wasawake.

"Goodmor
ningNi
cki
".
Jennysai
d.

Shef
rownedandsatdown.
"What
'ssogoodaboutt
hismor
ning"
.

Shest
art
edwai
l
inghol
dingherphoneIguessLewi
shadnotcal
l
edy
et.

"What
'swr
ongNi
cki
?"Iaskedmai
ntai
ningadi
stance.
Shestar
tedsobbi
ng."WhenI'
mlooki
ngatmy
sel
font
hemi
rr
or,
Il
ooksof
ineasf
uck.
..
butwhenI
takeasel
fi
eIlookl
ikeanegg."

Jennyst
art
edl
aughi
ng.It
ri
edt
osuppr
essmyl
aught
erbuti
twasn'
twor
king.

"
Let
'sseey
ourpi
ctur
es"

Imanagedt
osay
.

Shegavemeherphoneandi
ndeedshel
ookedf
unny
.Hernosel
ookedl
i
kei
twasswol
l
enand
herf
acewasoi
ly.

"
Theyar
enott
hatbad"Jennysai
dlaughi
ng.

Shewail
edevenmore.
"Iknowt
heyar
eugl
y,
Il
ookl
i
keanegg.
Letmej
ustcal
lLewi
syouguy
sar
e
notev
enhelpi
ng".
Shet
ookherphoneandwal
kedt
othel
oungedi
ali
ngLewi
s'
snumber
.

JennyandIl
aughed.

"Sohowi
sMax?
"Iasked.

Shebl
ushed.
"Ohhhhei
sfi
ne.
"

Ichuckl
ed.
"Hei
syourboy
fri
endnow"

Shechuckl
ed.
"Yeahei
s,
hehasal
way
sbeen"
Iwasshocked.
"Youser
ious,
youwer
edat
ingMaxal
lal
ong?
"

Shel
aughed.
"Ther
eisadi
ff
erencebet
weenboy
fri
endandboyf
ri
end.
..
Imeantt
hel
att
er"

Ir
oll
edey
es.
"Whatdi
ff
erence.I
tssoundst
hesamet
omeandmeant
hesame.
"

Shesi
ghed."
Thediffer
encebetweenboyf
ri
endandboyfri
endi
sthatl
i
ttl
espacewecal
laf
ri
end
zoneon"boy-
--
fr
iend".
..
yougetit
.SoMaxismyboyfr
iend"
Ijustl
aughed.
"Forhowlongareyougoi
ngtodenywhaty oufeel
fort
heguyandIseethewayhe
l
ooksaty ou.
Hewant syou,
evenwentasfarassuingt
hepersonwhohehadsoldthecl
ubtojust
foryou.
Whyar eyoudenyi
ngwhat'st
herebetweenyoutwo".

Shesighed."I
tscompl icatedApril
.Maxi smat ur
edhewant samat urel
adyandmeont heother
handI'
mj ustlikeagi r
l.I
'
m afrai
dt hatIwon' tmeethisexpectati
onsApr i
l.
Imightactchil
dishand
messupt hewhol ethi
ngaf teral
lInev erhadaboy fr
iendbef or
e,Idon'
tknowhowt oactwhenI '
m
i
nar elati
onshipwi t
hsomeone.Whati fIbecomeoneoft hoseinsecure,nagginggir
lf
ri
endsand
hewillgetti
redandl eav emeev entually
.YesIf eel
somet hingforhim butI'
m soafrai
dApr i
l,
i
ts
scar
y.Ihadadi r
typastandMaxont heot herhandhei scl
eanandwor sethemedi aalwayspost
ever
ythingabouthi sli
fe,i
fIgetinvolvedwi t
hhim, i
twillt
ainthi
si mage.Hedeservesbetternot
someonewi t
hal otofbaggagel ikeme" .

Isighed."Don'
tdenyy oursel
fsomehappi nessbecausey ou'
reworr
iedabouthowpeoplemight
thi
nk.Maxhadt hecour aget ost
andwithy ouagainsthisownf ami
ly,
soyouthinkhecan'
tstand
upf oryouagainstthosel owli
fej
ournal
ist.Iknowyou'r
ewor r
iedaboutt
henothavinga
boy f
ri
endbef or
ei ssuebutJenny,ev
enIdi dn'thaveaboy f
ri
endbutJonandIar ef
igur
ing
everythi
ngoutt ogether.Don'
tdenyyour
sel fhappi
nessbecauseIknowv eryt
hathemakesy ou
happy ".

Shej
ustl
ookeddownandIknewshewashav
ingser
ioust
hought
s.

Icheckedmyphoneagainandsti
l
lnot
hingf
roJon.
NowIwasget
ti
ngwor
ri
ed.
Itr
iedhi
snumber
anditjustsendmest
rai
ghttovoi
cemai
l.

Thedoor
bel
lrang.
Irushedt
oitbutwasdi
sappoi
ntedwhenIr
eal
i
sedi
twasLewi
s.
"
Expect
ingsomeone.
"Hehadnot
icedt
hatIsul
ked.

Imanagedt
osmi
l
e."
Ithoughti
twasJonany
waycomeoni
n."

Ipav
edwayf
orhi
m andhewal
kedi
n.Assoonashewal
kedi
nNi
cki
star
tedwai
l
ingagai
n.

"
Babel
lookl
i
keanegg,
see.
.mysel
fi
esar
esougl
y"Shesai
dshowi
ngLewi
sthepi
ctur
es.

Lewisj
ustsmi
ledandki
ssedherfor
ehead."
You'r
ebeaut
if
ulmygi r
l.
Ther
emustbesomet
hing
wrongwit
hthecamera.
Nowlet'
sgoandgety ousomevel
vetcake".

Shesmi
l
edandt
heywal
kedout
.

Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutsmi
l
etheyl
ookedsocut
etoget
her
,wayt
oocut
e.

Ij
oinedJennyf
orbr
eakf
astandweat
einsi
l
ence.Iknewshewast
hinki
ngaboutwhatIt
oldher
.
Iwentandshoweredaf
ter
war
ds.
Iwant
edt
ogot
oJon'
shousebugdeci
dedagai
nsti
t.
YesIwas
st
il
lworki
ngther
e.

Whi
leIwasdressi
ngmyphoner
ang,
Ithoughti
twasJonbutwasdi
sappoi
ntedwhenIr
eal
i
zed
i
twasLewis.

Ir
oll
edmyey
esandanswer
ed.
"Yeswhati
sit
".

"
Nicki
col
l
apsed.
I'
mtaki
nghert
oJohn'
spr
ivat
ehospi
tal
".Hewaspani
cki
ng,
Icoul
dtel
l
.

"
OkI
'
m onmywayt
her
e."

Iqui
cklyt
iedmyhai randi
nfor
medJenny .
Wecall
edMrCedr
icIi
nfor
minghimt hatwewerenot
showingupforworkandheunderstood,
whatchoi
cedi
dhehaveanyway.Thetaxitookust
o
thehospi
tal
.Wer anli
kemaniacst
owher eLewi
swas.
Onlyt
hewhenwear ri
vediswhenI
real
i
zedIdidn'
thavemyshoeson.

Maxwasal
readyt
her
eandwhenhesawJennyhej
ustf
rozel
ooki
ngather
.Isecr
etl
ylaughed.
Theset
wot
hough.
Ir
ant
oLewi
s."
Whathappened?"

Hemessedhishair.
"Wewerejustgoi
ngintobuysomecakeforherwhenshej
ustfai
nted,
lucki
l
y
Iwashol
dingherwaistsoshedidn'
tfel
ldown.
Theyar
ewithherri
ghtnow,
Iwonderwhat'
s
taki
ngt
hem soalong.I
'
m begi
nningtoworry
".

Ir
ubbedhi
sback.
"Don'
twor
ryshei
sfi
ne.
I'
m sur
eshei
sjustdehy
drat
edorsomet
hing"
.

Af
terawhi
l
ethedoct
orcameandweal
lci
rcl
edhi
m.

"
Howi
sshedoct
or,
what
'swr
ongwi
thher
?"Lewi
swast
hef
ir
stont
oask.
"Ohhhdon'twor
rywemanagedt
ost
abi
l
izeherbl
oodpr
essur
e,i
twasgoodf
orsomeonei
nher
condi
ti
on".Thedoct
orsai
d.

"Whatcondi
ti
on?"
Iasked.

"Youwer
enotawar
e,shei
sthr
eeweekspr
egnant
.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
"Hesai
d.

Wealll
ookedatLewi
swhohadhi
smout
hopen.
"She.
.shei
spr
egnant
..I
'
m goi
ngt
obea
f
ather
..
.ar
eyousuredoct
or.
"
Ismackedt
heback.
ofhi
shead.
"Youf
uckr
dwi
thoutacondom,
whatdi
dyouexpect
,apl
asma
TV?"

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

"Youcangoseeherbutdon'
tsuf
focat
eher
.It
hinkt
hef
athershoul
dgof
ir
st"Thedoct
orsai
d
andwalkedaway
.

Ev
eryonewashappybutIcoul
dn'
thelpbutnot
icesomesortofsadnessMax'
sey
es.
Ibr
ushedi
t
of
fbecauseIhav
eatendencyofreadi
ngtoomuchi nt
othi
ngs.

Weall
wenti ntoseeheratonce,
theywasnowaywewer
egoi
ngt
osuf
focat
eherany
way
.She
wasst
il
lfastasleep.

Lewiswaski ssi
ngherhands,faceandtummyhewasr eall
yecstat
icbutIcan'tsaythesamef or
Nickiyouneverknow.Nowt hatexpl
ainsthemoodswi ngsandweirdcravi
ngsshehad. Andi t
cl
ickedthatsheforgottotakethecontracept
ives.Iwalkedoutandinfor
medKi arathatshewas
goingtobeanaunt .I
twasn'taneasytaskbecauseKi aracannothaveababysoIdi dn'tknow
howt otell
herwithouthavi
ngt oappearli
keIwasr ubbingitonherface.
Idi
dmybestt oinform
heranditturnedoutwellshewasexci t
ed,waytooexcitedtobecameanaunt .Itr
iedJon'sphone
butIcouldn'
tgothrough.IgaveIPandwentbacki ntotheroom.Ni
ckiwaswi deawakenowbusy
waili
ng.

"I
'
m goingt
ohaveabi
gnose,t
oesandfingerswhi
chlooksli
kesausages.
..
OhhhmygodI
'
m
goingt
olookl
i
keawhale.
It
sally
ourfaultLewi
s.I
tsal
lyourf
aul
t"Shecri
ed.

Wewal
kedoutl
eav
ingLewi
swi
tht
het
askofshushi
ngNi
cki
down.

JennyandMaxwer
eal
lov
ereachherandnowIwast
het
hir
dwheel
.
"Ihadbeingthet
hir
dwheelbi
tIl
oveyout
ooguy s"
.Ihuggedt
hem whi
letheywer
ehuggingeach
otherTheyl
aughedandIwal
kedoff
.I
twasal
ready1pm andJonnevercall
edIwasget
ti
ngsuper
worri
ed.

Bei
l
eycal
l
edmeandwedeci
dedt
omeet
.

WemetatIt
aiaandhewasweari
ngahoodi
easalways.
Isatdownandactedi
kei
wasact
edli
eI
wastal
ki
ngtosomeonecasual
l
y,Idi
dn'
twantt
orai
sesuspici
onsaf
teral
lBei
l
eywaswell
known.

"
Wassupsowhatdi
dyouf
ind"
.Isai
dsi
pingonmyj
uice.

Hesmi led."I
tisconfi
rmedheisabusi nessmanwi t
htwocompani es,
twohospit
alsand
supermar kets,buti
t'
sonlyafrontheisactual
lyadruglordandheisint
oil
legalgunsmuggli
ng.
Thereishi st
orythathewasintohumant r
affi
cki
ngbefore.
Iover
headmom anddadt al
ki
ng
aboutitbutunf ort
unatel
yIcouldn'
tcatchthename."Hesaid.
"
ThankssomuchBei
l
ey,
thi
smeanssomucht
ome.
Iwi
l
luset
hisi
nfor
mat
iont
ofi
ndwhohe
r
eal
lyis"
.Isai
d

"I
tsok,i
fIf
indanyt
hingIwill
informy ou.
Onemor ethinghehaspeoplefoll
owingy ou.I
ts
confi
rmed.Lookoverther
e,t
herear epeopleweari
ngallbl
ackl
ookinglikeordinarypeopl
e,buti
f
youlookcl
oselyt
heyhav eearpieces.
Thereareyourshadowguards,
theyli
terall
yliv
einthe
shadows".

Il
ookedar
oundandt
heywer
ether
e.Ispot
tedf
iveoft
hem.

"ThanksBei
l
eyf
ori
nfor
mingme.
Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng"
.Isai
d.

Hesqueezedmyhand.
"Don'
tst
ressi
t.
Iwi
l
lleav
enow"
.

Hewal kedout.
Idecidedt oworkal
it
tlewit
htheotherhel pers.
Nowt hi
st hi
ngofhav i
ngshadow
guardswasn'tsi
tt
ingwel lwit
hme.Soitmeantthatthesocal l
eddadofmi nekneweachand
everymov eImade,that'
swhyIwasjustgoingaroundi ncircl
esandnotbei ngabletofi
nd
hi
m. NowIhadt ofindoutwhatdealsJuli
anmadewi t htheMcCl ains.I
fIgettheinfor
mationand
al
lthepeoplethatwer einvol
ved,
Imightbeabl
et ofindwhomyf atheris.
Around5:45pm Ideci
dedtogobackt ohome.Iwasannoy edbecauseIhadn'tspokentoJonall
day.
Iarr
ivehomeandwentst rai
ght.
WhenIopenedmyr oom ther
ewerer osepetalsonthefl
oor
anddressont hebeditwasacobwebbyknitcreat
ingandwasof fshoulderblackincol
ourand
bl
ackheels.Therewasaredli
ngeri
eont hebedandanot e.

*
"Weart
hist
oni
ght
,I
'
m**
picki
ngy
ouupat
**7.
..
.Your
str
ulyDanger
"*

*
THI
SINSERTHAS**
STRONGSEXUAL**
SCENESREADERS**
DISCRETI
ONI
SADVI
SED!
*

Igiggl
ed,
thewaythi
smanl
ovesbl
ack.It
ookalongshowerandshav
edal
lthepr
omi
nent
areas.
WellIwasgoi
ngt
ogetsometoday,
that
'
sforsure.

AfterIwasdoneIusedmyst rawberryloti
onwel lmymanl ovesi
t.
Icombedmyhai randdeci
ded
toletitf
all
.WhenIwor et hedressitclunglovelyandseducti
vel
ytoev er
ycurveofmybodyandit
wasv eryprovocat
ive.Ismi l
edatmy self,
hewasnotgoi ngtobeablet otakehi
seyesoffme.I
tookapi ct
ureandsenti ttomygi r
ls,theycomment edsayingIwaslookingsexy.
Atexactl
y
sevenDangercal l
edsay i
nghewasi nt helounge.Iwal
kedslowlytotheloungewhenhesawme
heopenedhi smout handmur mured" shi
t".

Hewal
kedov
erandgav
emeapassi
onat
eki
ss.

"Damnbabyy
oul
ookwow"
Hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p.
"
You'
renotl
ooki
ngbady
our
sel
f"
.Hewaswear
ingasui
t,
blacki
ncol
ourasusual
.

"Let
'sgetoutoft
hispl
ace.
..
thi
sdr
essmakesmewhatt
o..
.l
et'
sjustgo"
.

Hel
edmet
oaPor
scheandwedr
oveof
f.

Whenwear
ri
vedathi
shousehel
edmet
othebacky
ard.

Icr
iedl
ooki
ngatt
hewhol
eset
up.
"Babet
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul"
.

Theywererosepetal
sont helawn,
gardenchandel
ier
s-l
i
kel
ight
s,i
nthemiddl
ether
ewastwo
chair
sandat abl
ebeauti
full
ydecor
ated.Ontheothersi
det
heywer ef
ivemenplay
ingt
hecanon
tuneonvi
oli
nsslowly.

"Doy
oul
i
kei
t"
Heaskedsmi
l
ing,
whi
chwasaf
ir
sti
nal
ongt
ime
"
NoIdon'
tl
ikei
t.
..
Ilov
eit
..
thi
sbeaut
if
ul"Ihuggedhi
m.

"ForamomentIthoughty
ouwer egoi
ngt
osayy
ouhat
eit
,i
ttookme.
thewhol
edayt
opul
lthi
s
off.
"Hesai
dleadi
ngmet othechai
rs.

"
Thanky
ousomuch"
.Isai
d

"Youdeser
vei
tyou'
respeci
alAppi
e"Hesmi
rked.

Iunder
stoodonet
hingabouthi
m,heisnotamanofmanywor
ds,
asmi
rk,
bit
inghi
slowerl
i
pis
enoughtomakeyouunderst
andthatyou'
respeci
alt
ohi
m.

Weatei
ncomfort
ablesil
ence.Af
terwewer
edoneeat
ingt
hat
'swhenhedi
smi
ssedt
heguy
s
whower
eplay
ingtheviol
ins.
"
Anot
hersur
pri
se?
"Iasked.

Hesmi
rked"
.Wel
lyeaanot
herdeser
t"
.

Thebackyar
dwasbigenough.Ther
ewast heot
hersidewhi
chwasdecor
atedi
napi
cni
cli
ke
venue.
Wit
hblackandr
edfluf
fyfl
eeces,
reddi
mlight
sandrosest
oo.

Hesmirked."
Ionceaskedy
ouy oursexual
fant
asyandyousai
dtomey
ouwant
edt
omakel
ove
undert
hestars.
SoIgueesyourwishi
sgetti
ngful
fi
ll
edt
oday".

Ismi
l
ed.
"OhhhmyGodInev
ert
houghty
ouwoul
dtaket
hatser
iousl
y".
Hechuckl
ed.
"It
akeev
ery
thi
ngser
iousl
ymydanger
ouswoman.
"

Heknel
tandr
emov
edmyheel
s.

Her
emov
edhi
sshoesandj
acketandwesatdownwat
chi
ngt
hest
ars.

"Appi
eInowbelieveinfat
e.Youknowi tmakesyoumeetimport
antpeopleinunexpected
sit
uat
ions.
Ial
mostr anyouov erwhenIfi
rstsawyou.
Inev
erimaginedthatyouwouldbet hi
s
i
mpor t
anti
nmyl if
e.You'
respecialAppi
eyou'r
etheonl
ysanethi
ngt hathaseverhappenedto
me.You'
respeci
alveryspecial
."

Iwasget
ti
ngemot
ional
,
Ihuggedhi
m andweki
ssed.

"
Iwantt
otel
lyousomet
hing"Hesai
d.

"
Thatcanwait"Iki
ssedhi
mli
kemyl i
fedependedoni
t.
Withi
nabli
nkt hebeaut
if
uldr
esswasin
t
wopieces.Heremovedmybraandusedhisteet
htor
emov ethet
hing,t
hatwassexyandso
t
urni
ngon.Iunbutt
onedhi
sshi
rt
,touchi
ngeachandever
ymuscle.

Her
emov
edhi
sbr
ief
sandl
ookedatme.
"
Wow..
.t
-thi
sisbigandbeauti
ful
..
"Ist
ammer
edl
ooki
ngathi
sshaf
t.
Howonear
thwasIgoi
ngt
o
t
akeal
lthati
n.Iswal
lowedhard.

Hecar
essedhi
smout
hov
ermyneck.
"Iwi
l
lshowy
ouwhat
'sbeaut
if
ul"
.

Sothi
sisi
t,
Iwasgoingt
obeawoman.Iwasonaninj
ect
ionwel
lthegi
rl
sinf
luenceditandJon
hadonceconv
incedmetogof
oracheckupwi
thhi
m andwewerebothsqueakyclean.

Hi
shandssl
i
dfr
om myar
msandcar
essedmybr
east
.Heki
ssedoneni
ppl
esl
owl
yandt
ender
ly.

"Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
..
.Andt
his.
..
"

Hesai
dwi
thahuskyv
oice.
"
Mmh.
."Myv
oicef
ail
edme.

Al
lthebr
eat
hinmyl
ungswheezedoutashesl
i
dhi
sfi
nger
sdownonmycl
i
tgent
lypr
obi
ngi
t.

Hethenkissedi
tandsli
dhist
onguei
n.Iwasnowonlyconsciousofonethi
ngandthati
sthe
needtocomplet
emymagi cal
cycl
ehadbegan.Ihel
dti
ghtlyontothesheet
sashedidwonders
wit
hhistongue.
Ivi
brat
edasIhadmyfirstor
gasm.Hel
ickedmecleanandkissedmeasItasted
mysalts.

Slowlyheent eredme. Yesitwashar dbecauseIwasst i

llsealedbutitwaswor ththepai n.Ibi
t
myl owerlipasIf elttheuniverset urnful
lcirclearoundus.Wef it
tedtogethersowel l
,i
tslikewe
havebeenmadef oreachot her.
Mybodywasr espondi
ngv erywellwitheverymov ementof
hi
s.Wi t
hev erythrust,
ev er
ycar essing,Iholdtightl
yonhim ashel ookeddeepi nt omyey eswi t
h
hi
si cygreyey es.Hisey eswer eglassyandheshedat earofemot i
on.Ial
sofeltmyey esbur ni
ng
withemot ionaltears.I
twasn' tonlytheintensityandsensat i
onofDamger '
sbodyt hatwas
driv
ingmi netot heedge. Iwasst ronglysuret hatthi
swasmydest i
ny.
.ourdestiny.
.j
ustmeand
Danger.

"
Ilov
ey ouAppie"
.Hesai
dshoot
inghi
sload.
Myhear
tleapedasIhear
dhi
m say
ingt
hat
,hehad
j
ustconfessedhi
slov
etome.

"Il
ovey
out
ooDanger
."
Iwhi
sper
ed.

Webot
hlookedont
hest
arswhi
l
ecat
chi
ngourbr
eat
hs.

Al
mostt
hewhol
eni
ghtwewer
emaki
ngl
oveourcr
ysofpl
easur
emadet
hemostbeaut
if
ul
musi
cpi
eceIhav
eev
erhear
d.Af
teral
ongt
imewebot
hdr
if
tedt
osl
eep.

WhenIwokeupt
hesunwasbl
azi
ngonourski
ns.

Il
ookedathi
m hel
ookedpeaceful
.Iki
ssedhi
m al
lthef
ace.
Heopenedhi
sey
est
heywer
esea-
gr
een.Howdoessomeone'
sey ecol
orchangesomuch.

"
Wakeywakey
".Ismi
l
ed.

Hecover
edhi
sbodysof
astl
ooki
ngsoshocked.
"I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
orany
ouov
ert
he
ot
herday"
.

Il
ookedathi
m wi
thconf
usi
on."
Wear
eov
ert
hatbabe.
"

Hesmil
edner
vousl
yandl
ookedaway
.Ipr
ayedi
ttobenotwhatIwast
hinki
ng."
Ummm Danger
whati
smysexualf
ant
asy
".
Hesmi
l
ed.
"Umm obv
iousl
yhav
ingsexonabedwi
thr
osesandchampagneont
hesi
de."

Ist
oodupi
mmedi
atel
yandwor
ehi
sshi
rtsi
ncemydr
esswasr
ipped.

"
Iwi
l
lseey
ousomeot
hert
ime.
"

Isai
dwi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.

Ir
ant
othet
axi
rankwi
thonlyhishi
rt,
noundergar
mentsandnoshi
es.
Iev
eni
gnor
edt
hepai
nI
wasf
eel
i
ngbet
weenmylegs.Iwentstr
aightt
otheapar
tment
.

Thegirl
str
iedtoquesti
onmebutIwasn' tinthemood.Ij
ustwor
esomepant i
es.Lewiswas
aroundsoIjusttookhi
scarkey swit
houtaski
ng.Idr
oveli
keamaniactothement alasyl
um.I
t
wasaround8wi thi
nfi
ft
eenmi nut
esIhadarriv
edattheasyl
um.Ir
aninsi
destraighttoDoct
or
Gomez'soffi
ce.Iwenti
nwithoutknocki
ng.

"
HeyApri
l,
i
tssuchasurpri
set
oshey
ou"Shesai
dlooki
ngatmewei
rdl
y.Iunder
stoodIwas
wear
ingaman'sshi
rtonl
y.
"
Doct
orGomezIdon'
thav
etime.
Ineedyout
otel
lmemor
eaboutt
heper
sonwi
thDI
D.What
's
t
henameandhowlongdi
dtheyhavet
hecondi
ti
on?
"

Shesi
ghed"
Youknowt
hei
nfor
mat
ioni
sconf
ident
ial
".

Icri
ed.
"Pl
easedoct
orthi
sisi
mportant,t
hisisamat t
erofli
feanddeat
h.Iwoul
dn'
thav
ebeen
aski
ngyoutori
skyourj
obifi
twasn'ti
mpor t
ant.
Pleasedoctor
".

Shejustsi
ghedandgavemeaf i
le.
"Icanseehowmucht
hisi
ssoi
mpor
tantt
oyoubutpl
ease
don'
tdiscl
oseanyt
hing,
Iwi
l
lloosemyj ob"
.
It
ookt
hef
il
eswi
thshaki
nghandsandopened.If
ell
onmykneesandscr
eamed.

"
Arey
ouok?
"Sheaskedl
ooki
ngconcer
ned.

Ididn'
thavet
hepowert
oanswerher
.Ij
ustr
anoutt
owher
evermyl
egscoul
dtal
eme.
Whenmy
feetwasfeel
i
ngnumbIfel
tdown.

Howcouldn'
tIopenmyey es.
Ever
ythi
ngwasr ighti
nfrontofmyey es.
Forsomeonewhospent
fi
veyear
sinament al
asyl
um Iwassost upi
d.ThesignsweretherebutIchoset
oignoret
hem
Hehasdiff
erentey
ecolor
sbutIcouldn'
tgetoneadonet ogett
wo. Heseemedtofor
gett
hings
butst
il
lIdi
dntnoti
ce.

JonMcCl
ainhasDI
D.

Iscr
eamed.Ifeltstr
inghandsholdingme.
Itwasamani nblack.
Theshadowguard.
Heledmeto
Lewis'
scaranddr ovetomyapar tmenti
ntotal
sil
enceHegav emethekey saswewal
kedout.
I
j
ustdraggedmyweakf eettot
hedoorandopened. Thegi
rl
swer eal
readyonmycadebutIwent
andlockedmy selfi
nmyr oom.Icri
ed.

"
Godsowhatam Ii
nlov
ewi
th?
..
.Anal
teregoandal
terper
sonal
i
ty"
.

Ihadr
eal
i
zedt
hatt
hiswhol
eDangert
hingwasj
ustanal
terper
sonal
i
ty.I
tsnothar
dtonot
ice
one
Somanyquest
ionsr
ant
hroughmymi
ndbutIdi
dn'
thav
eanswer
s.

Endofchapt
er2 6

Ir
eal
lywant
edtowri
teal
ongerchapt
erbutmyphone'
sbat
ter
yisaboutt
odi
e.Apol
ogi
esIwi
l
l
makeitupt
oyou.

Sor
ryf
ort
het
ypi
nger
ror
.Onceagai
nlet
'scommentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

*Ther
ewasami
stakeont
hepr
evi
ouschapt
eri
twassupposedt
obe27butIwr
ote26.
Sot
his
i
sChapter
*2 8

Apr
il
.

*
"Br
okeni
nami
l
li
on**
way
s".
*
Il
ookedatmyr oom,itwasup,si
de,down.Allt
hef l
owervaseswerebroken,myclotheswer e
everywhere.Ilookedatmyhandst heywerebruised,
mylegshadbrokenglasspiecesont hem
andt heywer ebleedi
ngbutstil
lthepainwasn'tcomparedtowhatIwasf eel
inginside.Mygi r
ls
wer eshouting,screamingandbeggi ngformetoopent hedoorbutthei
rvoiceswoul djust
disappearintothinair.
Theycoul
dn'topenthedoorbecauset hebedwasoni t.
IsatdownasI
screamedandcr ied.

"Apr
ilwhat
'swr
ongpl
easeopenupgi
rl
..
..
pleaseopenl
et'
stal
kaboutt
his"Jennyshout
ed
bangi
ngthedoor.

Idi
dn'
thav
ethepowert
oanswerherIj
ustkeptsni
ff
ingbecauseIdi
dn'
thav
etear
slef
ttocr
y.

"Letmet
ryandbr
eakdownt
hedoor".Ihear
dLewissay
ing.
Het
ri
edbutf
ail
edt
her
ewasnoway
hewasgoingt
obeablet
obr
eakitdownany way
.
"Appi
epleaseopenuplet'
stal
kaboutt
his.
"Ni
ckishout
ed.Whenshecal
ledmet
hatIbr
okeev
en
more.
Appie.
..hewasonlyonewhocall
edmet hat
.Anal
terper
sonal
it
y.

Il
aughedatmysel
f,
li
kereal
l
ylaughed,
howcoul
dIf
all
inl
ovewi
thanal
ter
,at
hingt
hatwoul
d
anyt
imeceaset
oexist.
It
sli
kefal
li
nginlov
ewit
haghost
s.

Ipunchedthemi
rr
orandi
tbr
okehur
ti
ngmei
npr
ocess.Thegi
rl
sscr
eamedbutst
il
lIdi
dn'
topen
thedoor.

Iwentandsatdownsi
nceIwasf
eel
i
ngweak.
FunenoughIpassedoutont
hef
loor
.

Iopenedmyey eswhenIf
eltsomeonecar
ryi
ngme.
WhenIopenedmyey
esIwasona
str
etcher
,t
aki
ngmet oanambulance.

Iweakl
yopenedmyey
esandKi
arawascr
ying.

Theyt
ookmei
nandst
art
edat
tendi
ngt
ome.
Wear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
andt
heyr
ushedmei
n.

Theysedat
edmesoIpassedout
.WhenIwokeupIhear
dvoi
ces.

"
Wehav
etoi
nfor
m Dangeraboutt
his"
.ThatwasLewi
s'
svoi
ce.
"You'
ret
alki
ngaboutDanger
..
Josshast
akenov
er.
Hei
satanexhi
bit
ionl
ooki
ngl
i
kePhar
ell
Wil
li
ams".Maxsad.

"Sowhatar
ewegoi
ngtotel
lheri
fshewakesup,
sheobv
iousl
yexpect
stoseeDanger
around.
Whatar
ewegoi
ngtosay"Lewi
ssai
d.

"
Wil
lfi
gur
ethatout
.Butwhathappenedt
oher
,whydi
dshehur
ther
sel
fli
ket
hat
"Maxasked.

"
Idon'
tknowei
ther
"Lewi
ssai
d.

Iheardthedoorclosi
ngandsl
owl
yopenedmyey
es.
Iwasal
one.
Myhandsandf
eetwer
e
bandaged.Isi
ghed.

Af
terawhi
l
emygi
rl
swal
kedi
n.Iknewt
hatt
hehospi
tal
room wasgoi
ngt
otur
nint
oan
i
nter
rogat
ionr
oom.

"Whydidyoudoit.
Whydidy outr
ytoendy
ourl
i
feApr
il
.Howcoul
dyou'
vesosel
fi
shdi
dn'
tyou
thi
nkaboutusatal
l.
"Ki
arasaidcr
ying.

Isi
ghed.
"Idi
dn'
ttr
ytoendmyl
i
fe.
Ijustpunchedt
hegl
asssomay
beIl
ostsomebl
oodand
passedout"
.

"
Whathappened,
whywer
eyousoangr
y?"Ki
araasked.

"Iwasjustangry
.If
oundoutinformati
onaboutmyf at
her.
Heisacri
minalandIj
ustcouldn'
ttake
i
tanymor e.Li
keI'
mt hedaughterofacri
minal
."Isi
ghedlooki
ngdef
eated.
Ihadt
oputona
convi
ncingfaci
alexpressi
on.
TherewasnowayIcoul dtell
themt
hatIwasmadlyinlov
ewi t
ha
al
terper
sonal
i
tyandont
opoft
hathedef
lower
ed.Al
soI
'
m notev
ensur
eift
heowneroft
he
bodylov
esme.

Nickirai
sedaneyebr
ow."If
eell
ikey
ou'rel
yi
ngbutok.
All
Icansayi
s,
thi
sisdef
ini
tel
ynoty
our
year"Shecont
inuedeat
ingheri
cecream.

"Youwil
lgett
hroughthi
sbutjustknowthatr
esent
menti
sli
kepoi
soni
ngy
ourownf
oodand
expecti
ttoki
l
lyourenemy".Jennysai
d.

Isi
ghedandl
ookedawayi
fonl
ytheyknew.

Aft
erawhil
eanol
ddoct
orcameinchecki
ngmeup,
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
obeadmi
tt
edany
way
.She
i
ntr
oducedher
sel
fasMar
garet
.

Shewasdoinghert
hingwhil
eIwasbor
edasf
uck.
Imeant
her
ewasnoneedf
oral
lthose
cr
osschecki
ngIwasfine.
Ni
cki
breat
hedheav
il
y.
"I'
m sot
ir
ed.
"

Thedoctorl
ookedatherandshookherhead.
"Youngster
stheseday
syoudon'
texer
cise,
you
don'
teatwell
.Lookaty
ouy ou'
ret
ooyoungtobet i
red.
"

Ni
cki
rol
l
edherey
es.
"OkayMar
gar
ety
ou'
ret
oool
dtobeal
i
vebuther
ewear
e".

Thedoct
or'
sjawsdr
opped.

"Whaatdon'
tl
ookatmeli
kethat
im al
sogoodatdi
shi
ngf
act
s.NowI
'
m damnhungr
yyou'
re
goi
ngtosayy ou'
ret
oof
attobehungry"
.

Shewalkedoutdraggingherpregnantass.
Thedoctorwasst
il
lshocked.Jennywassuppr
essi
ng
alaught
er.Iwant
edt olaughtobutthiswasn'
tthemoment.

"I
t'
sthehor
mones"
Kiar
aexpl
ained.
Shesmil
ed.
"Iunder
stand.Any
waycany
oupl
easel
eav
eusIneedt
ohav
eawor
dwi
thMi
ss
Apri
l
".

Theyobl
i
gedandwal
kedout
.

"
Whenam Iget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged,
I'
m notser
iousl
yinj
ured"Isai
dsi
tt
ingupst
rai
ght
.

"Wel
lwewi l
lhav
etokeepyouundersui
cidewatch.Maybewecanf
indsomeoney
oucant
alkt
o
andexpl
ainwhyyouwantedt
oendy ourl
ife"Shesaid.

Iwasf
rust
rat
ed."
Whosai
dIwant
edt
oendmyl
i
fe"
.
"Howcanyouexpl
aint
hewr
isti
njur
ies"
.Shesai
dgi
vi
ngmeanat
ti
tudeandf
oranol
dladyi
t
ki
ndapi
ssedmeoff.

"Wel
ldon'
tmakeassumpti
onswheny oudonotknowthewhol
est
ory
.Ij
ustpunchedt hemirr
or
okandbrokesomevessel
sthatexpl
ainst
hecut
s.Idi
dnott
ryt
oendmylif
eok".Ishouted.

"I
fyou'
renotsui
cidal
theny
ougotr
eal
angeri
ssues.
Youneedt
oseeashr
ink"
Shesai
d.

Ithr
ewapi l
lowdown."
What'
swrongwi thyou.Ihav
ealwaysseenashrinkforf
ivegoodyears
whennot hingwaswrongwithme.JustbecauseIhadablowdoesn'tmeanIhav eanger
i
ssues.Theper sonwhoneedsapsychiatr
istherei
syoubecauseseri
ouslyyoushoul
dreti
re
fr
om thisjob."
Shewalkedoutwit
houtsay i
nganyt
hing.Well
iftheywerenotgoingtodi
schargemeIwasgoing
todi
schargemysel
f.Ijumpedofft
hebedandt ookoffthedri
p.Yesthewoundswerehurt
ingnow
butnotofthi
smattered.
WhatIwasfeelingwasahundr edf
oldthanthephysi
calpai
n.

Whil
eIwasty
ingmyhair
.Lewi
sandJonwal
kedi
norshoul
dIsayLewi
sandJon'
sal
ter
per
sonal
i
tywalkedi
n.

Funenoughtheal
terwasdr
essedi
nbl
ack,
unfor
tunat
elyhi
sey
ecol
orsol
dhi
m away
.Isi
ghed,
so
theywer
eplanni
ngtomakemeacompletefool
.

"
H-heybabe"
.Hest
ammer
ed.Hener
vousl
ycamegav
emeababyki
ssont
hecheek.

Icuppedhisfaceandmi
ssedtheday
li
ght
soutofhim.Atfi
rstourt
eethgnashedandl
aterhe
fi
nall
ygotthehangofi
t.
Iwipedhi
smouthandhetouchedhisli
psli
kesomeonewhojustgot
thei
rfi
rstki
ss.

"Thi
sonemustbeav
irgi
n".
Isecr
etl
ylaughedatmyownt
hought
s.

"Umm Iwill
leaveyoutwo.
Dangerbegoodok"Lewissai
dwalki
ngout .
Iwantedtol
aughmy
l
ungsoutbutIcont r
oll
edmyself
.Thi
sonewasknowwher ecl
oset owhatDangeri
slike.
Thi
s
alt
erIwasfacingri
ghther
ewassmi li
ngf
rom Eastt
oWestofwhi chwhenitcomestoDangerhe
j
ustsmirks.
May bethi
sact
ingthi
ngwasgoingtoworkifhehadtakenJon'
sr ol
ebecausenoone
canbeli
keDanger .

Anywayi
ftheywant
edt
oactl
i
ket
hisIwant
edt
oseehowl
ongt
heycankeepupaf
teral
ltwo
canpl
aythegame.
"
Apri
lwhathappened?
"Heasked.
Ifr
owned,
Imi
ssedbei
ngcal
l
edAppi
eandher
ewascal
l
ingme
Apr
il
.

"
Not
hingser
ious.
I.
wasj
ustangr
y.Let
'
sjustgohome.
"

Iwr
appedmyhandsar
oundhi
snecksandhecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

"Howaboutwegohomeandfini
shof
fwhatwest
art
edy
est
erday
.I'
mfeel
i
ngsor
edownt
her
e
andIneedtobecool
eddown"
.

Isai
dwi
thar
aisedey
ebr
ow.
Hechokedonhi
ssal
i
vaandst
art
edcoughi
ng.

"Wel
lummm babe.
Ithi
nky
ouneedt
orestf
ir
standheal
.You'
rei
njur
edaf
teral
l
".

Hesai
dav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
.
"
Okf i
nebutIwil
lsl
eepoveratyourplacebecauseafterthest
untIpul
l
ed,
mygi
rl
swillt
hinkt
hat
weareinbadter
ms."Isai
d.Iwasjustcuri
ous,Iwantedtoknowhowheactsaf
teral
lIknewhow
DangerandJonactsbutwasfooli
shenought oignoreit
.

"
Umm ok"
.Hecoul
dn'
tsaynoaf
teral
lhewant
edt
oactl
i
kemymansol
ett
hef
unbegi
n.

Wewalkedoutoft
hehospi
tal
andhewaswal
ki
ngal
i
ttl
efast
ert
hanme,
that
'showner
voushe
was.

Wewenti ntothecarandhest ar
tedplayingf
eelsbyPharel
lWil
li
ams, Kat
yPerryandBig
Sean.
Hest art
edsingi
ngal ongsmil
ingnoddinghishead,
hewasr eal
l
yhav i
ngthet i
meofhis
l
if
e.Whilemeont heotherhandjustsulkednotknowingwhattodowi thmyalreadymessedup
l
if
e.ImissedDangeralreadybutIwasangr yandhurt
.Hecouldhaveatleastt
oldmet hetr
uth.

"Maybehetri
ed".Myconsciencewhisper
ed.That
'swheni
tcl
ickedt
hattheot
herdayi
nthecar
hewantedtotel
lmesomet hingandtheprevi
ousdayhewant
edt ot
ell
mesomet hi
ngbutI
st
opped.I
sthathewantstodi scl
oset
his.

Isi
ghedagainfeeli
ngdef eatedbythiswholethi
ng.I
twaswr it
tenclear
lyi
nhisfil
ethatDanger
andJossarealteregos/personal
iti
esandunf or
tunat
elyIhadf al
l
endeeplyforonewhichis
Danger.
Nowt heproblem wasJonhadhot sforRuthhowwasIgoi ngtosur
viveseei
nghim wi
th
herbecausei
twoul dbejustl i
keseeingmyDangerwi t
hRut h.

"Wehav
ear
ri
ved.
."
Hisj
oll
yvoi
cest
art
ledme.

Imanagedt
osmi
l
easIwal
kedoutoft
hecar
.
"Becareful
,youdon'
twannahur
tyour
sel
fev
enmor
e,I
nfactl
etmegi
vey
ouapi
ggy
back"
.He
crouched.

Ishookmyhead,
whathappenedt
ojustscoopi
ngmeupi
nbr
idal
sty
le.

"Getonmyback"
.Hesai
d.

Ichuckl
edandgotonhi
sback.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngi
nsi
det
hehousesi
ngi
ngandj
umpi
ngal
i
ttl
e.

"You'
remyhoneybun,
sugar
plum,
yumpyyumpyyumpki
n,t
heappl
eofmyey
e..
.y
ou'
remy
cupcake,
sweet
pie" Hesangthatki
nder
gar
tensongaswewal
kedi
nsi
de.

Ishookmyheadandl
ookedup.
"Godwhodi
dIof
fend"
.Iwhi
sper
ed.

Hecar
eful
l
ylai
dmeont
hecouchandwentupst
air
s.

Il
ookedar
oundtheywer
epaint
ingsint
hel
ounge.
NowIwasget
ti
ngt
hehangofi
t,
sohewast
he
onewhopaint
edthewei
rdport
rai
ts,
Isawt
heotherday
.

Ij
ustwonder
edwhathi
sst
orycoul
dbe.

Hecanebackwear
ingkhaki
shor
tsandwhi
teT-
shi
rt
.Hel
ookedgoodt
hough.
"
Ummm y
oumustbehungr
ybabe.
Letmecooksomet
hingf
ory
ou"Hesai
dsmi
l
ing.

Icoul
dn'
thel
pbi
tsmi
l
eback.
""
Sur
eumm l
etmej
ustgoandt
akeashower
".

Il
i
mpedupst
air
sandwentt
otakeashower
.

AfterIwasdoneIwal ledtoDanger'swalkincloset.
Hisscentwasal lovert
hepl ace.
Iwor eone
ofhisblackrippedt -shirt
sandsatdown. Istart
edsobbingwhi l
eholdingontohi sshir
t.Iknowit
soundscr azythatIwassobbi ngli
kethiswhi l
ethesameper son,withsamel ookandt hesame
everyt
hing.Thet hingi swithDIDapersonact sdiff
erentl
yallt
ogether.I
twil
lbelikeyou'reinl
ove
withatwinandt heny ou'refor
cedtoloveanot hert
win.Thefeel
ingwillbedif
ferentandy ou
mightnotbeabl etot oler
atetheotheral
ter.
Irubbedmyhai rnotknowi ngwheremyl ifewas
l
eadingmeaf terthis.NowIagr eedtothefactthatfatehaswickedsenseofhumour .

Af
terv
ent
ingi
toutIgat
her
edenoughcour
aget
ogoandf
aceJossdownst
air
s.

Ont
hest
air
wayIwaswel
comedbyav
erydel
i
cioussmel
l
.

Iwentt
othedi
ningandhehasal
readysett
het
abl
e.

"Wow,t
hisl
ooksdeli
cious"
.Isaidlooki
ngatthepi
lchar
dscur
rypocket
s,chi
ckencurr
yand
chi
ckpeasal
adthatwasont hetable.
Sohewasgoodatcooking.Wel
lDangeronlyreachedt
he
ext
entoffr
yingeggsandJonhadnoi deaonhowtocookatall
.
"Pl
easesi
tdownma'
am"
.Hesai
dbowi
ngdownal
i
ttl
eandopeni
ngachai
rforme.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Thanky
ou"
.

Hegav
emeanapki
nandst
art
eddi
shi
ngoutf
orme.

"
Pleaseenj
oyseñor
it
a".

Il
aughed.
"Señor
it
a?"
"YesIalwayswantedtowor
kinaSpani
shr
est
aur
ant
.Sot
heyr
eferunmar
ri
edwomanas
señori
ta".Heexpl
ained.

Ij
ustnoddedandstar
tedeati
ng."Mmmht
hisi
sdel
i
cious,
whydoweneedchef
sher
ewheny
ou
cancooksomethi
ngli
kethisbabe".

"
Youlikeit
?"Heaskedsmi
l
ing.
Wel
lhei
sal
way
ssmi
l
ingIguesshef
orgott
hathewasact
ingl
i
ke
Danger.

"
Ilov
eit
".Icont
inuedeat
ing.Wewer
eincomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.

Af
terwewer
edonehest
art
edcl
ear
ingt
het
abl
e.
"Thanky
ouseñor"
Isai
d.

Hesmi l
edandj
ustnodded.
Ireal
isedhewasn'
tmuchoft al
kerormay
behewasav
oidi
ngt
alki
ng
becausehedi
dn'
twanttosellhi
mselfout
.Onl
yifheknew.

"Umm It
hinky
oushouldlett
hehel
perscl
eanup"
.Isai
dwhenIr
eal
i
sedhewast
aki
ngal
lthe
di
rt
ydi
shestotheki
tchenandwasplanni
ngt
owasht hem.

Hesmi
l
ed.
"Somet
imesIl
ovedoi
ngt
hingsf
ormy
sel
fseñor
it
a".

Ishookmyheadsmi
l
ing."
Iwi
l
lnev
ergetusedt
oyoucal
l
ingmeseñor
it
abutok.
Wel
ll
etmehel
p
youout"
.
"Nodon'
tyou'
reinj
uredr
emember
,justsi
tdownIwi
l
lbedonei
naj
i
ffy
".Hef
orcedmet
osi
t
downontheki
tchenchai
rs.

Hestar t
eddoingt
hedishes.Hewashummi ngsongsandImustsayIkindaenjoyedthewhol
e
scene.ImeanImanagedt otakemymi ndof
fthi
ngs.
Ijustwonder
edabouttheothert
hingst
his
alt
erinfrontofmewascapabl eofdoi
ng.

I
twasal
ready6pm andIwassupert
ir
ed.

Hecamewi
thmymedicat
ion."
Her
etaket
his.
Thedoct
orsai
ditwi
l
lmaket
hewoundsheal
f
ast
erandl
essenst
hepai
n".

"NoIdon'
tneedt
hemedi
cat
iont
hanky
ou"
.Isai
d.
Hedi dn'
tbudge."
Ohhhsowear egoi
ngtohavepr
obl
emsseñorit
at akethepi
l
lsnow"
.Hetri
ed
toputDanger'scoldfacebutfai
l
edmiser
abl
yandthefactt
hathejusthadthi
swarmness
aroundhim wasn'tev
enhelping.

Ichuckl
edandt
ookt
hemedi
cat
ionbecausewewer
egoi
ngt
oar
gueal
lni
ght
.

"Theymakemef
eel
drowsy
".

Iy
awnedaf
terawhi
l
eoft
aki
ngt
hem.

"Umm l
etmegopr
epar
eabat
hfory
ou,
sot
haty
oucanr
elaxbef
oregoi
ngt
obed.
"Hesai
dgoi
ng
upst
air
s.

Ij
ustsighed.
Ihaven'
tknownhimf orl
ongbutheseemedsodiff
erentwit
hJonandDanger .
Yes
eachoneofthem act
stheirownwaybitDangerandJonhassonsli
ghtestsi
mil
ari
ti
estheybot
h
l
ovetatt
oosandtheybothcan'tcookwhi
lstJossonthehandhewasjustJoss.
Itf
eltl
i
keIwas
wit
ha"famili
arst
ranger
".

Hecamebackandhelpedmewal kupthestai
rs.
Iwenti
ntothetubandIGwasr el
axi
ng.
Whatev
erheaddedwasworki
ng.Iwalkedoutwhenthewaterwasturni
ngcol
d.Iappl
iedt
he
l
oti
onandworeDanger'
sT-
shi
rtagain.

Iwenti
ntobedandhecamewi
thagl
assofwar
m mi
l
k.
"Her
edri
nkthis".
Iobl
i
gedanddrankt
hewholegl
ass.
Hesmi
l
edner
vousl
yandmov
edhi
sface
cl
osetomine,
thenperkedmyl
i
psandlookedaway.

"
Umm got
osl
eep,
Iwi
l
ljoi
nyousoon"Hest
oodup.

"
Aren'
tyousendi
ngmetomuff
towntoday
.Imeanit
smyf eeti
njur
ednotmypussyandbesi
desI
misst
hewondersyoudowi
thyourt
onguedownthere"Isaidmockingl
ywant
ingt
oseehis
r
eacti
on.

Hechokedandstar
tedcoughi
ngnonst
op.
Iwant
edt
olaughmyl
ungsoutbutheyIhadt
oact
l
ikeIwasser
ious.

"
B-but
..
.y
-yousai
dyou'
re.
..
feel
i
ngdr
owsy
..
Y-y
oushoul
drestok"
.Hest
ammer
ed.
Isul
ked,
faki
ngi
tofcour
se.
"Whathav
eIdonebabey
ou'
rej
ustact
ingdi
ff
erent
.What
'sgoi
ngon"
.

Hemessedhishai
r,
lookingworr
ied.
DamnIwasgoi
ngt
oenj
oyt
his.
"Youdi
dnot
hingwr
ongok.
..
I
I
..
justt
hinky
oushouldrestpl
ease..
Iwi
l
lmakei
tuptoy
ou.
"

Iconti
nuedsul king.Hewalkedbacktot
hebedandcuppedmyf ace.
Hehadagoodar aaround
him butIcouldn'thelpbutf
eelt
hatbehi
ndthewarmnessandthehappi
nessheport
rayedthere
wasdar kness,sorrowandaholl
owheart.
Hisl
ipswer
et r
embli
nghewasnervous,
Icouldt
ell.

Iknewthiswaswr
ongbutIki
ssedhim,Ij
ustwantedt
ofeel
somet hi
ngandy
esIdi
dfeel
somethi
ng.Thewar
mnesswasj ustsomethi
ngonecoul
dn'
tresi
st.
Theki
sswasasl
ow,sof
tand
fi
ll
edwithsomanyemot
ions.

"
Got
osl
eep,
Iwi
l
ljoi
nyoul
aterseñor
it
a"Heper
kedmyheadandwal
kedout
.

Wi
thi
nmoment
sIwasf
astasl
eep.
WhenIwokeupi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghthewasf
astasl
eeponhebedbutf
arawayf
rom me.

Icov
eredhi
m upandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom

Iti
ptoedandwenttohisstudy.
ThiswastheonlymomentIhadgot.
Theoffi
cewasn' ti
nordera
l
otofpapersandfil
eswereallovert
heplace.
Istar
tedl
ooki
ngforsomet
hingt hatcoul
dhelpme
out.
Therewasnothi
ngserioustoconsi
der.
May begoi
ngtohi
scompanystraightwasgoingto
hel
pt hanbei
ngi
nhi shouse.

It
ipt
oedbackt
obedbutJosswasnol
ongert
her
e.

Iki
ndapani
cked.

Irant
other
oom wher
eIsawhispai
nti
ngs,
ewasnotthere,Iwentt
otheki
tchen,
hewasn'
tther
e.
Isear
chedf
orhi
m al
mostthewhol
ehousebuthewasn'tthere.

Iranoutsi
deandl
ookedbutst
il
lnot
hing,
Iwentt
othebacky
ardandal
mostgav
eup.
Irubbedmy
headlooki
ngup.

"
Nononoyougot
tabeki
ddi
ngme.
Nopl
ease"Ir
anbacki
nsi
det
aki
ngt
hest
air
swhi
chr
eached
t
her
oof
top.

Isl
owl
yopenedt
hedoort
hatl
eadst
other
oof
top.

Hewasst
andi
ngont
heedget
hati
fhet
ookonest
ephewoul
dfal
ldown.

"
Leav
emeal
onepl
ease"
.Hesai
dsof
tl
y.
"Ican'tl
eavey
ouher
eal
one.
Pleasegetbackf
rom t
her
e".
Isai
dner
vousl
ytr
yingt
omov
e
towardshim.

Hest
oppedmebyr
aisi
nghi
shand"
Don'
ttakeast
epcl
oser
.Iwi
l
ljump"
Hel
ookeddown.

"
Babewhyar
edoi
ngt
his.
Whathappened.
.Whatwentwr
ong?
"Iasked.

Hezonedoutlooki
ngsolosti
nthought
s."
Alotofthi
ngsar
ejustwrong.Thi
sli
fei
sjustpai
nful
tobear
.I
tsbett
ertoendi
t.
IknowIsoundself
ishbutt
herei
sreal
lynot
hingtoli
vefor
.Pl
easejust
gobackinsi
de".
Ipani
cked.
"Nonothat
'snothowpr
obl
emsaredeal
twi
th.
Pleasegot
oyourhappypl
acey
ouwi
l
l
real
i
sether
earesomanyreasonst
oli
vef
or.
"

Hesighed."
Thereisnothi
ngt oli
vef or.
WhenIlookbackal l
Iseeispain,
all
Iexper
ienceis
sorr
ow.Ihardl
ysleepbecauseoft hepainf
ulmemor i
esthatwil
lhauntmet hemomentIcl ose
myey es.
Thisli
fehastaughtmet hatnooneisreal
lytherefory
ouev entheoneswhoar eclosest
toyou,i
fourownshadowcanl eav ewhenit'
sdarkthennoonecanr eall
ystaywhenthingsstart
fal
l
ingapart.
Señori
taIcouldn'
tfindar easontol
ivefornomat t
erhowmuchIsear chedf orone.
"

"Can'
ty ouseeI 'm herei nfr
ontofy ou.
.Can'
tyouseet hatIloveyou.Whatdoy outhinkwill
happent omei fy oujumpof f.
Iloveyoudammi t.
.Ilov ey oudon'tdot hi
stome. Iwon'tsurvi
ve
l
oosingy out oo.Ilostmyf amily,Ihadnooney ou' r
et heonl yoneforme, I
'm beggi
ngy oudon'tdo
thi
s"Isai dwhol ehear tedl
y.Atthispoi
ntIdidn'tcar ei fitwasJon, DangerorJossbutt hesight
ofseeinghi mt her et
ry i
ngtoendhi sli
feIcouldn'tst andi t.
Atthi
smomentIv owedt omy self
thatIwouldhav et hr
eehear t
sifpossible.
Iwoul dlear nt oloveallofthem combined,ifhewas
goingtodev elopanot heral
terIwouldhav eafour thhear ttoo.
Ireali
sedatthismomentt hat
whatwasr eall
yl acki
ngi nJon,DangerandJoss'l i
v esi slove.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thgl
assyey
es.
"Youmeantev
erywor
d,y
ousai
d."
Inoddedv i
gorousl
y.Hestartedmov ingbackfrom theedge.Imethim half
wayandgav ehima
bonecrushinghug.Heclungtightl
yonme. Thi
ssentamessage, probabl
ynoonehadev ersaidI
l
ovey outohim whichwasj ustsomet hi
nghewant edt ohear.
NowIknewbeneat hthewar mness
andcoolnessJosshehasahol lowpar twhi
chjusty earnst
obel oved.
Dangeront heotherside
beneaththeangerandcoldnesshehadahol lowpar twhichyearnedforl
oveaswel l.
Seeingthat
Jon'
salterpersonal
it
iesyearnsforlovetheni
twantt hathi
mselfcri
edforitbutnonecoul dsee
i
t.

Maybet
hewhol
ethi
ngwasf
ateaft
eral
l,
ifIhadn'
tspentsometi
mei
nament
alasy
lum Icoul
d
hav
ebeeni
nthedar
kandmaybeJosscouldhavejumpeddown.

"Let'
sgetinside.I
tscol
dhere"Isai
d.Wewalkedbacki
ntot
hebedr
oom andIhel
pedhi
mtogo
undercover.Hewasev enshiv
eri
ng.Irandownst
air
sandmadesomehotchocol
atef
orhi
m.I
helpedhi
m dr ink.

"
I'
m sor
ryforbei
ngsuchaself
ishbust
ard".Hesai
dlooki
ngi
ntomyey
es.
Iwasn'
tusedt
ohi
s
l
ookyetbutIwaswil
li
ngtoadapttohi
mt oo.
Ibrushedhi
shairof
fhi
sfor
ehead.
"You'r
enotsel
fishatal
l
.Butwhenevery
ouf
eel
depr
essed
remember,t
her
eismewhoisafrai
dtolooseyou.
"Iki
sseshisf
orehead.

Hesmi l
edfai
ntl
y.If
iguredoutJosswasfr
agil
einsi
debutall
joll
yontheout
side.If
eltproudof
mysel
fforbei
ngablet ofi
gureoutal
otofthi
ngsjustwhenIfoundoutt
hetr
uthaboutt hi
sDID
si
tuat
ion.

Hewasst
il
lshi
ver
ingal
i
ttl
e.Iwenti
nsi
deandsnuggl
edbesi
deshi
m.

"
Thanky
ouseñor
it
a".

Hewhi
sper
ed

"You'
rewel
comeSeñor
".
Ismi
l
edandaf
terawhi
l
ewebot
hdr
if
tedt
osl
eep.
WhenIwokeupinthemor
ninghewasn'
tont
hebed.
Ipani
ckedbutr
eal
i
sedt
her
ewasast
icky
not
eonmyf or
ehead.

*
"Heyheydon'
tpani
c.I
'
mfi
neI
'
m maki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.Dr
inkt
hewar
m mi
l
kandgot
akeabat
h.*

*
Señor
"*

Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
efanddr
ankt
hemi
l
khehadpr
epar
edf
orme.

Hehadpr epar
edbathformesoIbat hedandwor eDanger
'sT-shi
rt
.Ahugepartofmyheartwas
sti
lloccupiedbyDangerbi
toneoft hedaysIwouldhavetolearnt
oaccommodat eJossand
Jon.WellonJonitwasacont r
oversiali
ssuesi
nceIdidn'
tknowwhathef el
tformebutIwould
crossthebr i
dgewhenIgetther
e.Any wayIwentdownstai
rsandhewasal r
eadydoneprepar
ing
breakfast
.

"
Mor
ning"
.Iper
kedhi
sli
psandheshy
lyl
ookedaway
.

"
Justcut
e"Isecr
etl
ylaughed.
NowIwascer
tai
nJosswasav
irgi
npsy
chol
ogi
cal
l
y.
Wesatdownandenj
oyedourbr
eakf
asti
nsi
l
ence.

Endofchapt
er2 8

Wellapol
ogiesf
ortheshortchapterandt
ypi
nger
ror
sbesi
deskut
ithebatt
eryisaboutt
odi eI
'
m
havi
ngsomepr obl
emswi t
hmyphonebecauseItypetoomuchonitbutIwil
lsol
vetheissue
soonsoon..
Hanginther
elovies!
!!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er2 9
*
Apr
il
*

*
"Get
ti
ngt
oknowhi
m**
bet
ter
"*

Wefi
nishedourbreakf
astincomfor
tabl
esilenceaft
erweweredonehestart
edclear
ingthe
t
abl
e.Icoul
dn'
tstophimfrom doi
nghisdishesbecauseIr
eal
i
zedhei sacleanf
reak.
Afterhe
wasdonehecamet ot
heloungewit
hamedi cal
kit
.

"Ummm señor
it
aIhav
etodr
essy
ourwoundsnow.
"Hehel
dmyhandsandst
art
edt
aki
ngof
fthe
bandages.

"
IhopeI
'
m nothur
ti
ngy
ou"
.

Iwasn'
tev
enconcent
rati
ngt
owhateverhewassayi
ngrdoi
ng,
Iwasl
ooki
ngathi
m,t
hegent
le
car
ehehadwassomet hi
ngt
hatj
ustsoothedmyheart
.
"Di
dIhur
tyou"
.Her
epeat
edbecauseIhadl
i
ter
all
yzonedout
.

"
Hmm"
.Idr
aggedmyt
hought
sbackt
oreal
i
ty.

Hesmi
l
ed.
"Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
.Isai
ddi
dIhur
tyou?
"hesai
dbandagi
ngmyhands.

"
Noy
oudi
dn'
t..
..
notatal
l
".Ismi
l
edback.

Hecuppedmyf
ace.

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulwheny
ousmi
l
e".
Forsomer easonIf
eltshyandl
ookeddown.
Myconsci
encel
ookedatmeandwas
l
ike.
..
"Ser
iously
".

"Thanky
ou"
.Ther
ewasawkwar
dsi
l
ence.

"
Ummm Iwil
ll
eav
etoday
.I'
m sur
emygi
rl
sar
ewor
ri
ed.
"Il
ookeddownandst
art
edpl
ayi
ngwi
th
myf
inger
s.

Hesul
ked.
"Okf
ine.
.Iact
ual
l
ythoughtweweregoingt
ospendsomet
imet
oget
herbuti
fyou
wantt
ospendsomet i
mewithyourgi
rl
stheni
t'
sok".
Ismi
l
edi
nwar
dly
,atl
easthewoul
dmi
ssmypr
esence,
thatmeantsomet
hing.

"
I'
mjustgoi
ngt
oseet
hem t
henIwi
l
lsl
eepher
e."
.

Heconti
nuedsul
ki
ng.Isatonhi
slapsandhel
ookeddown.
BraIwasgoi
ngt
oenj
oyt
his,
i
tsnot
ev
erydayyoumeetashyguy.

"BabeI'mjustgoi
ngt
oseemygi rl
s.I
'm notspendi
ngmucht
imet
her
eok.
Youwi
l
ljustdr
opme
offok.Andwithi
nanhourorso.
Iwil
lbeback."

Hesighedlooki
ngdown.I
tlookedsodamncute.
"Fi
ne.
..
c-canIkissyou".
Hestammered.Nowhe
hadoffi
cial
l
yforgothewasactingl
i
keDanger
.I
fitwashim Icouldhavebeenscr
eamingalr
eady
.

Inodded,hebr
ushedmycheekandl
ookedi
ntomyey
es.
Hewasner
vousIcoul
dtel
lbecausehe
conti
nuousl
ybithi
slowerl
i
p.

Hebreathedinandoutt
henbr
oughthisfacecloser
.Hegent
lysuckedonmyl owerli
p,I
i
nvol
untaril
ypart
edmyli
psandrespondedtothekiss.
Hewasgent l
eitcausedbut
terf
li
esi
nmy
st
omach.

Hewentonsl
owl
ybutsur
ely
.Imoaned,
Iwasal
readyhor
nyandIcoul
dfeel
hisdesi
ref
ormeon
myv
agi
na,
si
nceuwassi
tt
ingwi
thmyl
egont
hesi
desonhi
slaps.

Hest
oppedandper
kedmyl
i
psandsmi
l
ed."
You'
rebeaut
if
ulseñor
it
a,hav
eIev
ert
oldy
out
hat
".

Inoddedandsmi
l
ed.

"Okthenlet
'sgety
outoyourgir
lsbutwit
hinanhourorsoIwi
l
lcomepi
cky
ouup,
I
'm sur
eyou
wil
lbedonecatchi
ngupwithyourgi
rl
s."

"
Okf
iney
ouwi
l
lpi
ckmeupaf
tert
wohour
s".

Isai
d.

"Letmegogett hecarkeys.
Don'
tmov ey
ouwi ll
hurtyourf
eet
.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouapiggy
back"Heran
upstai
rsandcamebackwear i
nghisshor
ts.
Ijustshookmyheadandwel
li
nst
eadofscoopi
ng
meupi nabri
dal st
ylehei
ndeedgavemeapi ggyback.

Hedr
ovet
othehouseandasusual
hewassi
ngi
ngandsmi
l
ingal
ltheway
.

Heperkedmycheeksbefor
edroppi
ngmeoff
.Wel
lhedi
dn'
twannagoi
nandIknewi
twas
becausehedi
dn'
twanttobecaughtupi
nhi
sli
e.

Iwal
kedi
nandt
hegi
rl
srant
omewel
lexpectNi
cki
,
shewasn'
tther
e.
"Andwher
eisNi
cki
".
Iasked.

"
Shei
sasl
eep"
.Ki
arasai
d.

Wewentandsati
nthel
ounge.
Jennywaswat
chi
ngLi
feofKy
li
e.

"Sohowhav
eyoubeen.
Yougotussowor
ri
ed.
"Ki
arasai
dhol
dingont
ome.

Befor
eIcoul
danswerNi
cki
star
tedshout
ing."
Tur
nthatmot
her
fucki
ngTVof
fbef
oreIwhoop
yourasswhor
e".
Jennyrubbedherhead.
"Shi
tIdi
stur
bedhersl
eep.
I'
m outofher
eguy
s,I
'
m notr
eadyt
oduck
teapot
s".
Shewentoutsi
de.

Nickiwalkedindr
aggi
nghersel
f.Il
aughedl
i
keshewasal
readyact
ingasi
fshegotabi
g
bell
y,
holdingherwai
standstuf
f.

Shesmi
l
edwhenshesawme.
Iguesst
heTVsagawasl
ongf
orgot
ten.

"Mygir
lhowhaveyoubeen"
.Shehuggedmebrief
lyandwenttot
hefri
dge.
Shecamebackwith
aweirdl
ooki
ngsandwi
ch.Ij
ustexchangedal
ookwithKi
ara.
Sheshr
ugged.
Jennyl
atercame
backandsatdown.

"Sowhatdi
dImi
ss?
"Iasked.

"
Not
hingmuch.Wewer
ejustadv
isi
ngJennyaboutf
oll
owi
nghi
shear
tnotwhatot
herpeopl
e
wantbecausey
ouwi
l
lnev
erbehappy
."Ki
arasai
d.

"
Guy
syoudon'
tunder
stand"Jennysai
d.

Ki
arasi
ghed.
"Tomakey
ouunder
standIwi
l
lhav
etoactcupi
dony
ou"
.

Ni
cki
rai
sedherey
ebr
ows.
"Andwhati
scupi
d".

"Thegodofl
ove,
youknowt
hef
atbabywi
thwi
ngshol
dingabowandar
rowt
hat
'st
hecupi
d."I
expl
ained

Ni
cki
lookedatKi
ara.
"Soy
ou'
ref
atbaby
,wi
thwi
ngshol
dingabowandar
rownow?
"
Ki
araj
ustsi
ghed,
Nicki
'
shor
moneswer
esomet
hing.JennyandIl
aughedatKi
ara.

"
AnywayIwassay
ing.Jennyyouneedtoactony ourfeel
i
ngsst
opact
ingl
i
key
oudon'
tcar
efor
Maxwhenall
ofusknowt hatyoul
ovehim".Ki
arasaid.

"Justgi
vehi
m achance"
Isai
d.

"
Hei
scomi
ngsoIwi
l
ltel
lhi
m.I
'
mjustscar
edt
hough"
.Shesai
d.

"Gat
herenoughcour
agemydear
."
Kiar
asai
d.
Ni
cki
waseat
ingnonst
op.
Ift
hisi
swhathappenswhensomeonei
spr
egnantt
henspar
eme.

"
Bel
i
keNi
cki
andLewi
stheyar
eeachot
her
sri
deordi
e..
fai
lorf
ly"Ki
aramocked.

Nickir
aisedhereyebrow."
I'
m notar
ideordi
echi
ck.
Ihavequest
ionsl
ikewher
eareweri
dingto,
whydowehav etodie,am Iget
ti
ngf
oodontheway?That
'st
hequesti
onsIgot
".
Shesai
deating
hersandwiches.

Ij
ustl
aughedmyassof
f.

West
art
eddoi
ngt
hegi
rlchat
ti
ngy
ouknow.
Aft
erexact
lyt
wohour
sJosscameandknocked.

Ir
ant
othedoor
.

Iopened,
hewashol
dingt
eddi
es,
rosesandal
oveshapedcake.
"
Ohhhmybabe"
.Ihuggedhi
m.

Heki
ssedandner
vousl
ywal
kedi
n.

Ni
cki
rant
ohi
m.

"HyDanger
.Iwi
l
ljustt
aket
his"
.Hegr
abbedt
hecake,
satdownandst
art
edeat
ing.

"
AndIwi
l
ltaket
his"
.Ki
aragr
abbedt
het
eddy
.

"Wel
lIguessI
'
mtaki
ngt
his"
Jennyt
ookt
her
oses.
Jossr
ubbedhi
shead.
Ireal
i
zedt
hatheusual
l
ydoest
hatwhenhehasnoi
deawhatt
odonext
.

"
Babeumm.
..
letmegobuysomet
hing"
.

Ihuggedhi
m andl
aughed"Youdon'
thav
etobuymeany
thi
nghoney
.You'
reenoughf
orme"
.

Hehuggedmeback."
Wel
lIhav
epr
epar
edsomet
hingf
ory
ou.
Let
'sgo"

Ismi
l
ed.
"Pi
ggy
back"
Isai
dopeni
ngmyar
ms.

Hecr
ouchedandIr
odeonhi
sback.

Ni
cki
cameoutoft
heki
tchenwi
thcr
eam al
lov
erhermout
h.

"Whatar
eyouguy
s..
.ki
nder
gar
tens?
"Shef
rownedandwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.

Josswasl
ooki
ngconf
used,
Ij
ustl
aughedi
tof
faswewentt
othecar
.
Hedrovei
nhishappymoodasalways.
Whenwear
ri
vedwewentt
othel
ounge,
theywer
ethr
ee
pai
nti
ngscov
eredwithwhi
tesheet
s.

"
Whatar
ethose.
Letmesee"
Itr
iedt
ouncov
ert
hem buthest
oppedandsmi
l
edner
vousl
y.

"Youwi
ll
seet
hem lat
er.
Wear
egoi
ngt
otheexhi
bit
iont
odayt
oget
her
.Youwi
l
lseet
hem t
her
e
ok"
Hesai
dsmil
ing.

"
Okf
inewewi
l
lgobutIdon'
tknowhowt
oact
,I
.meanIhav
enev
erbeent
her
e."Isai
d.

"
Don'
twor
ryIwil
lbet
her
eany
way
,Iboughty
ouadr
essIhopey
ouwi
l
lli
kei
t.
"Hest
art
edpl
ayi
ng
wi
thhi
sfi
nger
s.

Ihel
dhi
shandsandki
ssedt
hem.
"Il
oveeveryt
hingthaty
ougiv
emeseñorok.
Nowlet'
sgoandseet
hedress"Hel
edme
upstai
rs,
thedresswasonthebed.
Myj
awsdropped,
Icov
eredmymout
h.

Hel
ookedatmener
vousl
y.Ihuggedhi
m.

"
Thedr
essi
ssobeaut
if
ulseñor
."

I
twasar oy
al bl
uelacemermaiddress,
wit
hlongsl
eeves,
i
tst
heonet
hatcover
sthewhol
ebody
butshowsoffalotbecausei
t'
slace.
Itwental
ongwit
h6inchnav
ybl
uesuedeheel
s.

"
I'
m gl
ady
oul
i
kei
tseñor
it
a."Hesi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.

"Okthenlet
'sgoshowert
oget
her
,t
henwewi l
lgofort
heexhi
bit
iontogether
."Isi
gheddraggi
ng
him andhewasbusycoughi
ngasalway
s.Il
aughedtomysel
f,
it
shightimethisniggerst
opbeing
shy.
Ist
ri
ppedwhi
l
sthewasj
ustst
uckononepl
ace.

Iwal
kedt
ohim but
tnaked,
hewasj
ustrepeat
edl
yswal
l
owi
nghar
d."
Thi
sisnott
hef
ir
stt
imey
ou
seei
ngmenaked,
comeonlet'
sgoshower"
.

Ihelpedhi
m str
ipwhi
leisey
eswer ejustst
uckonmyboobs.
Isecr
etlysmir
ked,
Iwasenj
oying
thi
s.Wewentintheshowertogether,
hewasl i
kef
arawayf
rom me.
Ijustl
aughedandst
art
ed
scrubbi
nghisbag,
hewassot ensed.

"Heyrel
axyou'
resotensed"
.Iwentonmykneesandgav
ehi
m abl
owj
ob.
Hav
eyouev
erhear
da
niggermoar
n,wel
lIdi
d.

Anywayaftert
henaughtyshower,
weloti
onedandhewentt
otheot
herr
oom t
othewal
kin
cl
oset,
Iguessitwasspeci
fi
call
yforhi
m.Joss'
closet
.

Iworet
hedressandi
twassurpr
isi
ngl
yther
ightsi
ze.
Itcl
ungper
fect
lyonmybody
.Iwor
ethe
heel
sandt
heywer et
her
ightsi
zetoo.

Iappl
i
edmi
nimum makeupandbunchedmyhai
rint
oat
ightneatbun.

Het
ext
edmet
ell
i
ngmehewasdownst
air
s.

Isl
owl
ywal
keddownhewassmi
l
inghol
dingwhi
ter
oses.
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulseñor
it
a".
Heki
ssedmepassi
onat
elyandgav
emet
hef
lower
s.

Ismi
l
edandputt
hem i
nthef
lowerv
ase.

Wewalkedtohi
sPorschehandinhand.
Wewerechauf
feurdr
ivent
hisday.
Hewasn'tsi
ngi
ng
t
hist
ime,hewasj
ustsmil
ingsqueezi
ngmyhands.
Aft
erawhil
ewear ri
vedatt
heartgal
ler
y.

Ont
heent
rancet
her
ewasar
edcar
petandal
otofj
our
nal
i
st.

Iner
vousl
ylookedathi
m."It
houghti
twasj
ustasmal
lthi
ngseñor"
.

Helaughed.
"Señori
tadon'
tbener
vousok.
Thi
sist
heof
fi
cial
openi
ngofmyownar
tgal
l
ery
,soi
t
hastobeabigthing"
.

Ipunchedhi
ml i
ght
ly."Atl
eastaheadsupwasgoi ngtobeok.
I'
m sonervousri
ghtnow".Well
thel
astti
me.Isawthismuchjournali
stwasthedayofmycourtcase.
Aft
erthatIhavebeen
nerv
ousofthesepeople,
thequesti
onstheyaskedmeandallj
ustscar
edt heshi
toutofme.
"Rel axseñor i
tayoujustignorethejournali
standwet akeaf ewpi cturesandwenti nsi
de.After
allther earebodyguar dsprotecti
ngussonot hingwi l
l happen.Hewal kedoutoft hecarand
wentt oopent hedoorf orme.ThemomentIst eppedoutj ournal
istwer eallovermyf ace.Thanks
totheguar dswemanagedt owal kthr
ought hem. Wet ookaf ewpi cturesthenwal kedinside
afterthegal l
erywasopened.Wewal kedinandt heplacewasbeaut if
ul.Itwasal lwhit
einside
andgl assyti
les.
Max,Lewi s,
JennyandNi ckiwer et her
et heywer esoexci tedt oseemebutIwas
disappoi ntedwhenKi araandGar ethwerenott herebutIki ndaunder stoodbecausewi t
h
Gar eth'sconditi
onhewi l
lhavetostayfarawayf r
om thepubl icandIknewKi arawouldhav e
l
ov edt obeher ebutshesacr ifi
cedtobewi thGar eth.

"
Gir
lyoul
ookbeaut
if
ul"Jennysai
d.

"
Yout
oo.
..
lookaty
our
sel
f"
.Shewaswear
ingaboobt
uber
edt
ightdr
ess.

"Andy
ouNi
cki
"Ihuggedher
,shewaswear
ingawhi
teof
fshoul
dercobwebdr
ess.
"
Youlookgorgeousandi
t'
skindacut
eyou'
rematchingwi
thDanger
."Wel
lJosswaswear
inga
mat
chingroy
al bl
uesui
tandsuedenavyf
ormalshoes.

Theywer eportrait
sont hewal l
.Anywaywestart
edwalkingexamini
ngeachoneoft hem.Imay
notbeanar t
istbutInot icedthatoneachportr
aitt
heywoul dbeachildsuffer
inginsomesor tof
away .
Peoplelikedt hem sayingtheywereweir
dinagoodwaybutIr eal
izedsomet hing
el
se.Theywer elikepiecesofhi spastunf
ort
unatel
yIcouldn'
texact
lytel
l whatitwast hatwas
happeningIcoul donlyseet hesuffer
ingpar
t.

Thenont
hest
agel
i
ket
heywer
ethoset
wocov
eredpor
trai
tsandagr
andpi
ano.

"
Whatar
ethosepor
trai
tsseñor
".Iaskedcur
iousl
y.

Hesmi
l
ed.
"Pat
iencemyseñor
it
a".
Anywaywest ar
tedtal
ki
ngt odif
fer
ent,healsoint
roducedmetomanybusinesspeoplethatmy
headevenhurtwhil
etryi
ngtomastert hei
rnames.Allthi
swhi
leIhadafeel
ingofbeing
watched,
youknow.wheny oucan'
tbrushthethoughtofsomeonewatchi
ngy ou.
AnywayI
i
gnoredthefeel
inganddecidedtoenjoythemoment .

Af
terawhi
l
eJosswentont
hest
ageandaskedf
orev
ery
one'
sat
tent
ion.

"
Iwoul
dliket
othankevery
onewhohashonour edmyi nv
itati
onandcameher
ethanky
ou.
Thi
s
mayhav
ebeentheoffi
cialopeni
ngofmyartgall
erybutitisal
sothedayi
honourt
hewoman
whomeanssomucht ome, myoneandonl
yseñorita.
"

Heorderedsomepeopl
etoopentheport
rai
ts,
ever
yonegaspedi
ndel
i
ght
.Icov
eredmymout
h
andstar
tedsheddi
ngemoti
onal
tears.

Ni
cki
andJennyst
art
edr
ubbi
ngmyback.
"Ahhhcomeongi
rldon'
tcr
y.JesusJoni
sgi
ft
ed.
"

I
twasmeont hepor
trai
ts.TheotheroneIwasfastasl
eepwi
thasheetcover
ingmeandmyhai
r
messy
,i
tlookedsocute.
Theot heroneIwaslaughi
ngwithmyey
eshalfcl
osed.

Hesmiled.
"Don'
tcryseñori
ta,
itwil
lbr
eakmyhear
t.
Youmeansomucht omemor ethanyou
t
hinkIknowitsnotbeenlongsincewehav
eknowneachot
herbuti
tfeel
sli
keIhaveknownyou
f
orev
er.Il
ovey
ouseñor
it
a".

"Dangerwil
lhav
etof
orgi
vemef
ort
his"
.It
houghtwhi
l
ewal
ki
ngt
ohi
m.Ihuggedhi
m andpeopl
e
clapped.

"Il
ovey
out
oo"
.Iwhi
sper
ed.

Hehel
dmyhandandwebot
hsatont
hepi
anost
ool
.

Hest
art
edpl
ayi
ngPur
posebyJust
inBi
eber
.

Hesangsowel
ll
iket
hesongwashi
s,
hehadabeaut
if
ulv
oice.

Af
terhewasdonej
our
nal
i
stwesnappi
ngpi
ctur
esofus.

Af
terawhi
l
eLewi
saskedt
otakeJosswi
thhi
m.

Iwasl
eftal
oneandIst
il
lcoul
dn'
tshaket
hef
eel
i
ngofbei
ngwat
ched.
Itur
nedt
ryi
ngt
oseewho
i
twasbutIcoul
dn'
tcat
chthecul
pri
t.

Ideci
dedt
osecr
etl
yfol
l
owLewi
s,
MaxandJonwhower
einaser
iousconv
ersat
ion.

"
You'
rei
nlov
ewi
thherai
n'
tyou"Maxsai
dfi
rml
y.
"
YesIam.
Ijustcoul
dn'
tst
opmy selfok.
Shemakesmehappyandf
oroncesomeonemanaged
t
ostopmysuici
dalt
hought
s.Shelovesmetoook".Hesai
d.

Lewisr
ubbedhi
shead."
Butshehasnoi
deat
haty
ou'
reanal
terego,
shehasnoi
deat
haty
ou'
re
notDanger
".

Hesi
ghed.
"Ify
ouwantmet
otel
lhert
het
rut
hIwi
l
lok.
Ilov
eher
,Ican'
tst
opmy
sel
f"
.

Maxsi
ghed.
"Youwer
ejustt
oactf
oral
i
ttl
ewhy
,nott
ocat
chf
eel
i
ngsok"
.

"Icoul
dn'
tpr
etendwithherok.
IknowI
'
m analterandonedayI
.mi
ghtceaset
oexi
stbitpl
ease
all
owmet ojustenj
oythi
smomentwithher
.Forthefi
rstt
imei
nni
neyearsofmyexi
stenceIf
eel
happi
ness.Inowknowwhatiti
stobel
oved.
Pleasedon'
taskmetost
oplov
ingher
dontherdon'
t
robmeoft hi
s.Shei
stheonl
yonewhomakesmehappy ,
justal
l
owmetobehappyforonce.
"

Icri
edsil
ent
lyasIheardhi
m sayt
hat.
Allheverywant
edwastobelovedandIwasgoi
ngt
olov
e
himliket
hat
.Dangersomedaywouldunderst
andthatIdi
ditf
oral
lthr
eeofthem.

Iwal
kedawaywi
thoutt
hem orany
onenot
ici
ngme.

Hecamebackl
aterandhuggedmef
rom behi
nd.

"
Señorhow.
didy
oupul
lev
ery
thi
ngof
f.
Whendi
dyouev
enhav
egott
het
imet
opai
ntme"
.Iasked.

"WellIwokeupear l
yandwatchedyousl
eep.
SoIpai
ntedyou.
ThenwhenIdroppedyouoffal
l
thatIcouldseewasy oul
aughi
ng,y
ouwereinmyheadsoforthosetwohour
sIlef
tyou,I
paint
edy ourpor
trai
t.
Youmeantheworl
dtomeok"Hesaidemotional
ly
.

Icuppedhi
sface.
"Il
ovey
ouseñor
,Il
oveyouandnomat
terwhathappensknowt
haty
our
señori
tal
ovesyousomuchokandIwil
lnev
erst
op".
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"Hecuppedmyf
ace.

Nickicamefrom nowher
e."
WellIhat
ebeingthethi
rdper
sonbutIlov
eyoutooguys"
.Sheki
ssed
bothourcheeksandleft
.Ij
ustl
aughedshaki
ngmyhead.Anywaythepar
tyendedaft
erwehad
enjoy
edsomuch.I twasaround6pm whenwel eft
.

Whenwear ri
vedbackhim.Josswassuperti
edandIunderst
oodhim.Hehadspenthal
ftheday
pai
nti
ng,
organisi
ngtheopeningi
twasreal
lytoomuchforhim.Igav
ehim abl
owjobandhe
sl
peti
mmedi atel
y.

Iwentanddeci
dedt
ocooksomet
hingf
orhi
m.Whi
l
eIwasati
tIr
ecei
vedacal
l
.

"
Hel
l
o".Ianswer
edwi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
eri
dea.

Theper
sonr
emai
nedqui
te.
Icheckedt
heI
D,i
twasapr
ivat
enumber
.

"
Okifyoudon'
twannasayany
thi
ngwegonnadot
hebr
eat
hingcompet
it
ionunt
ily
ourai
rt
ime
r
unsout.
"

St
il
ltheper
sonr
emai
nedqui
et.
Ihungupbecausei
twasget
ti
ngpr
ett
ywei
rd.

Iconti
nuedcooki
ng,
aft
erawhi
l
eJosscamedownst
air
s.Hewasy
awni
ngr
ubbi
nghi
sey
es
l
ookingcute.
"
Señorcomeandeat
".Isai
d.

"Whatdi
dyoupr
epar
eformeseñor
it
a?"
heaskedsi
tt
ingdown.
Whenhesawt
hechi
ckencur
ry
hesmil
ed.

"
Myf
avour
it
e".

Hest
art
eddi
ggi
ngi
nwhi
l
eIwat
chedhi
m.

Myphoner
angagai
nandi
twast
hepr
ivat
enumberagai
n.

Ianswer
ed.

"Hell
oify
oudon'twantt
osayany
thi
ngt
hendon'
tcal
lme"
.Ishout
ed,
Iwaspi
ssed.
Josshel
dmy
handandsqueezedi
t.

t
ryi
ngt
ocal
m medown.
"
Apr
il
".Adeepv
oicesai
d.

If
roze.

Saul
.

*
"Shemakesmehappy
".*
Allt
hiswhileRuthwastheonlythi
nginmymi nd.Iknowi twaswrongf ormet othi
nkabouther
whil
eIwasmar ri
edandhadaki dbutcany oublameme. Thegir
lisbeauti
fulandmyhear tj
ust
l
eapedf orher.
Ihaveneverf
eltt
hisforanyonebef ore.Al
soIhadrefr
ainedmy sel
ffrom the
dangerousIwashav i
ngbecauseIgottolearnthatshewasJon' sgi
rlbutaft
erwat chi
ngthe
newsIgott oknowshewasnol ongerJon'sgirlbutt henagai
nIwasamar ri
edman.

Ev
esnappedherf
inger
satme.
"Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
,I
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou"
.

"
Whatwer
eyousay
ing?
"Iasked.

Shesi
ghedandlookeddown."
Saulj
ustbecauseyougotahol
donmyf at
hery
ou'r
etreat
ingme
l
iket
his.
IknowIhavebeennothi
ngbutabadwi f
ebutSaulmeetmehalf
wayI'
mtryi
nghere"
.

Wel
lev
ersi
nceIsnappedathi
sfat
herEv
ehadj
ustdr
ast
ical
l
ychanged.

Shewaswor
kingl
ess,
spendi
ngt
imewi
thAl
i
.
Iki
ssedher
."
Sor
rybabesomet
hingwasj
usti
nmymi
nd"
.

"
Iwassay
ingar
eyoucomi
ngbackf
orl
uncht
oday
,Iwi
l
lbecooki
ng"

Ial
mostchoked.

Ev
ecooki
ng,
whati
sthewor
ldget
ti
ngt
o.

Ismil
edandbr
ushedhercheek.
"Iwi
l
leaty
ourcooki
nghoney
.NowIhav
etogo,
Ihav
eacaset
o
workon"
.

Iki
ssedherandAl it
henwalkedout.Idrovet
owor kandwor kedonthecase.Wel
l.
itwasawal
k
overaft
erallIwasgett
inghel
pf r
om MrCol l
insthemostfamousl awyerwhoisgoodat
manipulat
ingaswellasint
imidat
ion.Hewant sworkedonthiscompl i
cat
edcasefiv
eyear
sago
betweenamot heranddaughter.
Wellthatwasbeforehestartedworki
ngforme.
"Al
lyouhavetodoi stotel
lthej udgewhaty
ouhaveseen,t
hedateandt hetime.
Every
thi
ngwi l
l
besort
edout,l
eavethattome" .Hetol
dtheonlywi
tnesst
otherapecasewewer ehandl
ing.Mr
Coll
i
nsisactual
lyacr i
minallayerandusual
lyhewouldst
andfitheguil
tybutthi
stimeIforced
himtostandfortheinnocent.Iwasntgoi
ngtobeabletost
anditifarapistwal
ksawayfreely.

Thet
eenageboynodded.
"Oksi
r"
.

Hestar
tednarr
ati
nghisstor
y.Itwasver
yconvinci
ngbutt
hejudgedecidedtopassthever
dict
t
hefoll
owingday.
Wewal kedoutofthecour
troom wi
thMrColl
inst
ell
ingmet hathehadalr
eady
wonthecase.
Ibidmygoodby esanddroveoff.
OnmywayhomeIsawagi r
lsi
tti
ngonabench
wi
thherheadburiedi
nherhands.Iwantedt
odr i
veof
fbutsomethi
ngt ol
dmet ostop.
Iwentto
wher
eshewasandsatbesi desher.

"
Hey
".Isai
dsof
tl
y.
Shel
i
ftedherhead,
i
twasRut
hwi
thaswol
l
enf
aceandpuf
fedey
es.

"Heyheywhat
'swr
ong?
"Iasked.

Shejustwai
l
edinmyar ms."
Hedoesn'
tlov
emeanymore.
..ButIst
il
ldo,
Ican'
tstopmy sel
f.
Itri
ed
goingawayfr
om hi
m,r
ightnowI'
mt r
yingt
ost
optheur
get ohoseehim buti
tsgett
ingharderby
theday.
Whatshoul
dIdo".

Ididn'
tknowhowt
ocomfortherbutIcoul
dfeel
herpai
n,
it
sli
kemyownhear
twasbei
ng
stabbedamil
li
ont
imesbyseei
nghercr yl
i
kethi
s.

"
Heyi
tsok,
don'
tcr
y".
Shecr
iedf
orawhi
l
ethenst
oppedt
aki
ngsomepi
l
ls.
"Whatar
ethose"
Iki
ndapani
cked.

Shesmi
l
edbi
tt
erl
y.
"Ant
idepr
essant
s."

Shedr
ankt
heki
l
ls.

"I
tsf
unnythatwhenev
erIseey ouIj
ustwanttocr
ymyhear
toutbutIdon'
tev
enknowy
our
name.If
orgott
oasktheotherdayatthemall
andatt
hepar
ty.
"

Ismi
l
ed.
I'
m Saul
Har
ri
ngt
on"

Isai
d.Shel
ookedatmyweddi
ngband.

"Andyou'
rehappil
ymar r
ied.
Any
waythankyouforbeingmyshoul
dertocr
yon,y
ourwifei
sone
l
uckylady
.I'
m notstay
ingnowIhav
ev ent
editout,
Ihavetogo.
Onceagai
nthankyou"
.Shest
ood
up.Idi
daswell.
"Hei
snotwor
thy
ourt
ear
s,y
oudeser
vebet
ter
."
Isai
d.

Shesmil
ed."
IknowbutIdon'
tknowhowI
'
m goi
ngt
ost
opmy
sel
ffr
om l
ovi
nghi
m becausei
ts
compl
icat
edv er
ycompli
cat
ed."

Isi
ghed.
"Iunder
stand.
Doy
oumi
ndi
fIdr
opy
ouof
f".

Sheshr
ugged.
"Ofcour
seIdon'
tmi
ndwhosay
snot
ofr
eet
ranspor
t".

Iopenedt
hedoorf
orherandshewenti
n.Shegav
emet
hedi
rect
ionsandIr
eachedt
he
apart
mentwi
thi
nfi
fteenmi
nutes.
"Umm canIhav
eyournumber
,ImeanIwoul
dlov
etocheckony
ou"
.

Shesighedandl ookedatme. "Ir

eallyappreci
ateyourconcernbutIcan'tgivey oumy
number.You'r
emar riedmanSaul don'tworryaboutmef ocusony ourfamily.Icomewi t
hal otof
baggagetherewoul dbeat i
mewher eIneedsomeonet otal
kt oataroundam Ican'treal
lycall
youatthathourbecausei t
'syourfami l
yhourandy ou'
remarrieditwil
lbesoi nappropri
ate.
Maybesomedayy ouwill
help.me.outagainjustt
hroughcoincidence.I'
m sorryIcan'
tgiveyou
mynumber .Ihopey ouunderst
and".

Iwasquieti
mpressedbyherl
evel
ofreasoni
ng."
Iunder
standv
erywel
lRut
handI
'
m qui
et
i
mpressedbyyourreasoni
ngandhonest
y."

Shesmil
edandwal kedoutoft
hecar.
Idroveoffal
lsmi
l
es.
Shemi
ghthav
eref
usedt
ogi
veme
hernumberbutIwasgoingtomeetheragain.

WhenIparkedoutsi
demyhousethat
'
swhenIremember
edIwassupposedt
ohavelucnhwi
th
myfamil
y.
Isighedandwal
kedinsi
de.
IfoundEv
epl
ayi
ngwit
hAli
,
whichwasafir
st.
"
Heymyl
ovel
ytwol
adi
es"
.Isai
dki
ssi
ngt
hem bot
hont
hecheeks.

Ev
elookedatmeandsul
ked.
"It
houghtwewer
esupposedt
ohav
eluncht
oget
her
".

"
I'
m sor
rydear
,Ij
ustgotcaughtupi
nsomet
hing"
.Isai
d.

Shesughed.
"NowIknowexact lyhowy ouf el
twhenIusedt oarri
vehomelate.Ican'
treall
y
changeever
ythi
ngov er
nightSaul,
Ihadmadeal otofmi stakesinthi
smarri
ageandIwasr eal
ly
atthever
geofbreakingit
.Ireal
lywantust owor k.
Any wayIleftsomefoodfory ouinthe
microwavel
etmegowar mi tupforyou".
Shegav emeAl i
naandwal kedtotheki t
chen.Iwasleft
wit
hconfusi
onrunningthroughmyhead, thisreall
ywasn'tEv eshewasEve'
sl ookalikeormay be
thi
swasasignthatIshoul dgiv
eourmar riageonel astchance.

Shecamebackwi
tht
hef
ood.
"Igoogl
edsomer
eci
peont
hei
nter
netwel
lIt
ri
edmybest"
.She
sai
dnerv
ousl
y.
Ismi
l
ed.
"Youdi
dn'
thav
etogoal
lthewayt
houghbabe.
Any
wayl
etmej
ustdi
gin"
.

Ist
art
edeat
ing,
wel
li
twasn'
treal
l
ythatbad.

"Forsomeonewhohadnoideaonhowt
ocookatal
lthi
sisr
eal
l
ydel
i
cious.Iwoul
dntmi
nd
eati
ngthi
sever
yday
".Isai
d

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Thanky
ou.
Umm Iwast
hinki
ngofl
eav
ingmycar
eerandf
ocusmor
eont
hisf
ami
l
y
".

Iwasshocked. "Noy oudon'thavetoleavesomet hi

ngy ouloveEver
.Doyourmodel l
ingcareer
butyoushoul dlear
nt obalancethetwo.Youshouldalway sknowthatfami
lycomesf i
rstno
matterwhat .I
'
ml ov
ingthischangebutdon' tl
ooseyourselfi
ntheprocess.
"Ihuggedherbut my
conscienceont heotherhandwasl i
ke"thisistoogoodt obetrue"
,butIbr
ushedi toffanyway.
Webot ht uckedAlit
osleepandwenti ntoourr oom.

I
twasbeaut
if
ull
ydecor
atedandbeneat
htheni
ght
gownshewaswear
ingshehadast
rawber
ry
l
i
nger
ieon.
"Ithoughtmay beIshoul
dspicethi
ngsup".
Shesaidwalki
ngtowar
dsme. Fort
hefir
stt
imeIfel
t
nervouslikeIwasgoingt
odosomet hingver
ywrong.Al
lIcoul
dseewasRut hcry
ingonthe
bench,Idon'tev
enknowwhyIwast hinki
ngaboutheratthi
smomentafterIhadvowedtogibe
mymar r
iageasecondchance.NowIdidn'
tknowwhattodo,Ij
ustf
roze.

Endofchapt
er2 9

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*
Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.

Chapt
er3 0
Gar
eth.

*
"Ri
ghtbymysi
de"
.*

Myl i
fehasjustbeenmi serableformesof ar.
AllIcansayi sIhadsuccessful
lyquarant
ined
my selffr
om everyone,butKiarawashav i
ngnonofi t.Shehasal waysbeenthereformebutIwas
keepingadistancef r
om her ,
itwasgoi ngtohur tmet oknowt hattheonlypersonIwas
developingf
eelingsIreactt otheirtouchinanegat i
veway .Iwasat t
endingmyt her
apysessi
ons
butnot hi
ngwaschangi ng,nothi
ngwaswor ki
ng.Afteroneoft hesessionsIt
riedhandshaki
ng
someoneIr eactedev enmor ewor se,
Iwasev enredal lov
ermyf aceandalil
bitswoll
en.
"
WakeupGar
eth,
wear
egoi
ngf
ory
oursessi
ons"
.Ki
ara'
svoi
cedr
aggedmyt
hought
sbackt
o
r
eal
i
ty.

"I
'
m notgoi
ngKi
aradon'
tev
ent
ryt
ofor
ceme.
"Isai
d.

"
OhhhI'
m sogoi
ngtodothat
.Gar
ethyouwil
lnev
erheal
ifyoubecomerel
uct
antl
i
ket
his.
Stopal
l
t
henegat
ivet
hought
sandhavefai
thGaret
hyouwil
lbefi
ne."Shesai
d.

Isnapped."
Kiar
ayoudon'tgeti
tdoyou.
Ihavebeendoingnot
hingbutsessi
onsanddoing
everyt
hingtheshr
inkasksme.I
t'
snotevenhel
pingandyouknowthat.
Inst
eadofheal
i
ngI '
m
gett
ingworse."

Shesighed."
Garet
h,i
tsal
li
ny ourmi
nd.
Besidesyoucan'texpectt
oheali
njustamont h.
You'r
eat
stagetwoofOCDGar et
hitsnotsomet
hingthatcannotbechangedover
night
.Itneedspat
ience
andpositi
vi
tyok"
.
Isnappedagai n."Sowhyam If uckenseeingtheshri
nkifitneedstime.Idon'
thavethatti
me
Kiar
aokr ightnowmyl if
eislit
eral
lyonholdbecauseofthis,
Ican'tgoout,Ican'
tatt
endmy
businessmeet ings,
Ijuststayathomei sol
ati
ngmy sel
ffrom thewor l
dandy oufuckentel
lmet
o
havepatience.Mypat ienceranoutok,Ihavenonlef
t."
Ishouted.

"
Gar
ethpat
iencepai
nsbutpay
s.Pat
ience.i
sav
irt
ue.
Youneedt
ogoseeashr
ink"Ki
arasai
d

Ist
oodupv
igor
ousl
y."
Stopf
orci
ngmey
ou'
renotmymot
herorwi
feok"
.

Herl
ipsstar
tedtr
embl
i
ngandherey
eswer
egl
assy
.Ionl
yreal
i
sedwhatIhav
ejustsai
daf
terI
hadalr
eadysaidi
t.
"Ki
araIdi
dn'
tmean.
..
I"
Bef
oreIcoul
dfi
nisht
hest
atementshewal
kedoutsl
ammi
ngt
hedoor
.

Howcoul
dIsaysomethi
ngl
i
ket
hatt
osomeonewhohasbeent
her
eformet
hroughi
tal
l
.Now
shewasgoi
ngtol
eaveme.

Thethoughtofi
tmademehel l
nerv
ous,Ij
ustsatdownnotknowi
ngwhatt
odonext
.Af
tert
aki
ng
alongbori
ngshowerIwentdownst
air
s.

Iwassurpr
isedtoseeKi
aracooki
ngdownst
air
s,Iwassur
eshewasgoi
ngt
oleav
emeaf
ter
whatIhavesaidt
oher.

Shest
art
eddi
shi
ngoutf
ormewi
thoutsay
ingawor
d.

Iswal
l
oedhar
d"Ki
aral
ooki
--
"

Shei
nter
rupt
ed."
Shutt
hef
uckupandeaty
ourf
ood"

Myjawsdr opped.Ki
arai
salway
sthesweet estpersonIhaveeverseenbutt
hisf
aci
al
expressi
onshehadon,Ihav
eneverseenitbefore.
Shelookedseri
ousandmeanteverywor
d.I
star
teddiggi
nginandshewasalsoeati
ng.

Af
terwewer
edoneshest
art
edcl
ear
ingt
het
abl
eandt
henwashi
ngt
hedi
shes.
"
Kiar
alookI
'
m sor
ryaboutwhatIsai
dear
li
er,
Idi
dn'
tmeani
tok.
IjustsnappedI
'
m sor
ry"
.

Sher
oughl
ythr
ewt
het
owel
int
hesi
nkandl
ookedatme.
"Gety
ourassdownGar
eth"
.Shesai
d
fi
rml
y.

"
Huh?
"Iaskedl
ooki
ngshocked.

Shef
oldedherar
ms.
"Idi
dn'
tst
utt
er.
Gety
ourassdown"
.

Isatdownsi lent
ly.Sheheldherwai st
."Listenandlistenver
ycar
efull
y.Garet
hyou'renol ongera
ki
dy ouhearme. I'
m donebaby si
ttingyourassy ou'
regrownassmanandy ouneedt oactl i
ke
i
t.Yousaidi shoul
dn'tactli
keyourmom r i
ghtbutwher ei
ssherightnow,i
ssheheret obaby si
t
you.Ishouldn'
tbel i
keyourwiferight,
doy ouhav eonewhohast hepat i
enceandtolerancethatI
have.LookIunderstandy ou'
regoingthr oughal ot,
itsnoteasyt
oacceptthefactthatonehasa
ment alcondit
ionbutnotacceptingitisnotgoi ngtochangeany t
hinginst
eadyoushoul d
embraceit.
Iwasdi
agnosedofbipol
arGaret
hIembr acedi
tanddidmysessi
onsandnowhereI
am l
ookingheal
thy
.Youshouldstopsi
tti
ngaroundandfeel
ingsor
ryf
oryour
sel
fbecausey
ou'r
e
gi
vi
ngt hatmanwhodidallt
hattoyouthesati
sfact
ion.

Youneedt omanupandbeposi ti
vebecauseeverythi
ngisst ar
tingfrom t
hebr ai
n,
your
brai
n.Li
keIsaidittakestimebecausey ou'
real
readyonst agetwo, i
fyoukeeponbei ngnegati
ve
l
ikethisyouwil
lreachst agethr
ee.Nowi t
suptoy ou,I
'
m nol ongergoingtoforceyouortryto
convi
ncey ou,
it
supt oy outodecideifyouwanttocont i
nuet hi
st r
eatmentornotbutwheny ou
makeadeci si
ony oumustr emembert hatther
earepeopl eli
kemewhocar eaboutyouwho
wantsnothingbutthebestf oryou.
It
supt oyouGar et
h..
.uptoy ou..
onlyyou".

Shet
urnedandst
art
eddoi
ngherdi
shes.

"
Kiar
ai-
-"

Sher
aisedherhand.

"
Don'
tev
ensayany
thi
ng.
I'
m donet
alki
ngt
oyou"
.

Shewi
pedherhandsandwal
kedout
.

Isatdownandsi
ghed.

It
ookmyphoneanddi
aledDoct
orGomez'
snumber
.Sheanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.
"Hel
l
odoct
ori
tsGar
ethher
e"Isai
d.

"
OhhhGar
ethar
eyoucomi
ngf
ory
ousessi
ont
oday
".Sheasked.

"Yesy
essur
eI'
m comi
ngaf
teranhourorso.
Iact
ual
l
ycal
l
edbecauseIneedaf
avor"
.Isai
d.

"Whatf
avordear
?"Sheasked.

"
Iact
uall
ywanttodoubl
emysessions.Makethem t
wicedur
ingt
heweekday
sandonweekends
makethem t
hri
cei
fpossi
ble.
Iwi
l
lpay".Isai
d.
"Wowthat'
sasurpr
iseheari
ngthatfr
om you,
any
wayIwi
l
ldoasy
ousayandi
nfor
myouabout
thet
ime,
waitf
ormyt ext
".
Shesaidandhungup.

Iwentandtookashower.
AfterIwasdoneIworemyusualal
lwhit
eatt
ir
eandcombedmyhair.
I
madesureItookthesani
ti
zerwithmeandwalkedout
.WhenIpassedbythel
oungeKi
arawas
watchi
ngherfavour
it
eshow.

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
."
Ummm i
m goi
ngt
othesessi
onnow"
.

Herey
esdi
dn'
tl
eav
etheTV.
"Oksaf
ejour
ney"
.

"A-
arenty
oucomi
ngwi
thme"
.Iasked.

"NoI
'm not
,I
'm sureyou'
reagrownassmanwhoknowshiswayt
othemental
asyl
um,i
fyou
don'
tthenasky ourGPSIai
n'ttheonet
oaddr
ess"
.Shest
oodupandst
art
edwalki
ngupst
air
s.

Ir
anandbl
ockedherway
,Icoul
dn'
ttouchher
.
"Arey
oust
il
lmadatmeKi
arabecauseofwhatIsai
dear
li
er,
IswearIdi
dn'
tmeani
t"
.Isai
dwi
th
pl
eadi
ngey
es.

Shesighed.
"Youdidn'
tmeani
tbuti
tsthetrut
hGareth.
I'
m ei
theryourmotherorwi
feandmay
be
Iwascaringfory
ouwayt oomuch.
RightnowI'
mjustdoingwhatIwassupposedtodoway
back.
Nowmov eoutofmywayordoy ouwantmet otouchyou"Shesai
d.

Isul
kedandmov
edoutoft
heway
.Shewal
kedt
henst
opped.

"
Andmay
bewheny
oucomeback,
Iwi
l
lbegone.
"

Il
ookedatherwi
thpleadi
ngeyes.
"BabeI'm beggi
ngyoupleasedon'
tl
eavemeok.Pl
easeI
swearIwi
llgocr
azy
.Iwill
looset
healreadysensesthatI
'
ml eftwi
thpl
easeKi
ki
".

Shej
ustl
ookedatmeandwal
kedaway
.

Isi
ghedanddr
ovet
othement
alasy
lum.
Ireal
i
sedt
hatIwassor
tofpushi
ngherawaywi
thmy
act
ions,
yesIshoul
dkeepadi
stancebutmay
beshehadhadenough.

Ionl
ypr
ayedandhopedt
hatshedoesn'
tgi
veuponme.

Idi
dmysessi onanditwasbett
erbecauseIwaspar ti
cipat
ingandconcentr
ati
nginever
y
aspect,
evenDocwasimpressed.Af
terIwasdoneIl ef
t.OnmywayIdeci dedtobuyKiar
aher
favour
it
edeodorant
.IknewIwasgoingt oriski
tbygoingtowherealotofpeoplewil
lbebutI
gather
edenoughcourageandwalkedinsidetheper
fumesshop.

If
oundtheperfumethatIwantedandimmedi atel
ypaidfori
t.WhenIwaswal ki
ngoutIbumped
i
ntosomeone.Irantomycarignoringpeoplewhower egivi
ngmet helooks.
Idrov
eli
kea
maniacbacktomyplace.Byt
het i
meIr eachedthehousemyf acewasswol l
enandhadrushal
l
over
.Iwenti
nsideandcl
osedthedoorbr eathi
ngheavi
lyandscratchi
ng.

Iwasdel
i
ght
edwhenIsawKi
arar
unni
ngdownt
hest
air
s.

"
Ihear
dsomenoi
se.
..
what
'
shappe-
--
..
.OhhhmyGodGar
eth"
.Shesai
dwi
thgl
assyey
es.

Ismil
edbitt
erl
ywhil
escrat
chi
ngandt
heot herhandIwashol
dingherdeodor
ant
.Shel
ookedati
t
tenbackatme."Youwenttot
hemall
?"Sheasked.

Inodded.
"YesIwant
edt
obuysomet
hingf
ory
out
hatwi
l
lcool
downy
ouranger
..
"
Sherantome."NonoKil
idon'
t!"
.i
twastool
ateshegav
emeabonecr ushi
nghigvandheldme
ti
ght
ly.I
tfel
tsogoodtobeinherarmsbutt
henagaint
heal
l
ergy
.It
ri
edt opushheroffbutshe
wastoopowerfulf
orme.

Shesl
owl
yletgo.
"I
'm sor
ryIj
ust
--
"

Shel
ookedatmeandt
hencuppedmyf
ace.

"
OhhhmyGodGar
ethcomel
ookaty
ourf
aceont
hemi
rr
or"
.

"NoonoooIknowt
hatIl
ookugl
y".
Shef
orci
blydr
aggedmet
othemi
rr
or.

"
OhhhGod"
.Isai
dtouchi
ngmyf
ace.
Ismi
l
edather
.

"It
sdisappear
ing,
ther
ushesar
edi
sappear
ingKi
ki
..
.b-
buthowcome.
.y
ou'
ret
ouchi
ngmer
ight
now".

Il
ookedatwher
eshewashol
dingme.
Ther
eact
ionwassl
owl
ydi
sappear
ing.Ihuhhedher
.

"
OhhhGody
ou'
remycur
eKi
ara.
"

Shel
aughed.
"Act
ual
l
yit
sal
li
nyourbr
ain.
Butany
wayI
'
m st
il
lmadaty
ou"
Shepushedmeof
f.

Isul
ked.
"I
'm sor
ryok.
Her
eisy
ourgi
ft
"

Igav
ehert
heper
fumeshesmi
l
edandki
ssedmycheek.
"You'
ret
hebest
."

Shewasaboutt
owal
kawaybutIhel
dherwai
st.
"
Ilongwant
edt
odot
his"Isai
dlooki
ngi
ntoherey
es.
Shel
ookeddown.

"
Dowhat?
"Sheaskedsof
tl
y.

"Thi
s".Iki
ssedthosedamnt i
nyl
i
psli
kemyl
i
fedependeduponi
t.
Sher
espondedi
mmedi
atel
y
andwr appedherarmsaroundmyneck.

West
oppedwhent
hingswer
eaboutt
ogetheat
edup.

"Itf
eelssodamngoodt obeabl etotouchyou.Doy ouknowhowmuchIl ongedfort
his.
Iwasso
scaredthatwhenItouchIwoul dreactbuti
tturnedoutot herwise.
Noeyou'r
emyonl yhopeand
you'
retheonlyreasonthatIneededtohav eaposi ti
vemi nd.
NowIknowIwi l
lbefi
ne
Kiar
a.Thankyousomuchf orbeingwithmef r
om t hewor dgo,Idon'
tknowwhatcouldhav e
happenedtomei fyouwer en'
tthereformeKiki.Idon'tknowhowt othankyouforever
y t
hingy
ou
havedonef ormesof ar.
"
Shesmi l
edandcuppedmyf ace.
"I
talsofeelsgoodtobeinyourarmsGar et
h.Thereareti
mesI
badlywantedtohugwhenIsawy oubreakingdownbutIcouldn'
t,t
odayIcouldn'tst
opmy sel
f
andtrustmeitwasgoingtokil
lmehady our eact
edevenmorewor setomyt ouchbitI'
m gl
adit
tur
nedoutotherwise.
I'
m sogl
adthatIcantouchy ouwit
houtbei
ngaf r
aid.
"

Wehuggedandmyphoner
ang.

Ianswer
ed."
Mom"

"
HeyGar
ethwi
l
lyoucomeov
erf
orl
uncht
oday
".Asusual
shenev
eraskedhowIhav
ebeen.

"I
'
m goodandy
oumot
her
."
Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.
Shesi
ghed.
"I
'mf
inewi
l
lyoucomeov
erGar
eth.
It
simpor
tant"

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"Fi
ne"
.

Ihungup.

Icoul
dn'
treal
l
ysaynot
oher
.Il
ovedmymot
herdespi
tehernotbei
ngt
her
eformeal
lmyl
i
fe.

"
Kiki
wil
lyougowi
thmet
othef
ami
l
ylunchpl
ease.
"Iasked.

Shesi
ghed.
"Am Ineededt
her
e.?
"
"Idon'tcar
eaboutt
hatKi
kiI
'
mj ustgoi
ngwit
hyou.Let
'sgoshower
".Idr
aggedhert
othe
bathroom andwetookani
nnocentshowert
oget
her.

Aftert
hatwebothdressedi
nal
lwhit
esemi
casual
clot
hesanddr
oveof
f.
Ont
hewayIwoul
d
repeat
edlyt
ouchherthi
ghandsmi
le.

Wearri
vedaftert
hirt
yminut
es.Ki
arawasjustamazedseei
ngt
hemansi
on,
thesecur
it
yandal
l
butIwasrat
herdisgust
edbytheplace.

Wewal
kedi
nandIf
oundt
heol
dmani
naser
iousconv
ersat
ionwi
thMrCor
nel
l
.

Hel
i
ftedhi
sheadupandsawme,
thenhel
ookedatKi
araandf
rowned.

"IthoughtIi
nfor
medy
ourmot
hert
hatonl
yyou'
reneededher
eandi
tisaf
ami
l
ylunch"
.hesai
d
fi
rmly.

Ki
aral
ookedatme."I
nasmuchasIrememberloyal
tyi
stheonlythi
ngthatmakesonef
amil
y.
Ki
arai
smyf amil
ysooldmanyoubett
err
elaxandsuckitupbecausey
ou'resogoi
ngtosee
moreofherher
e."

Hewant
edt
oret
ali
atebuthekeptqui
etbecauseMrCor
nel
lwasar
ound.

Whi
l
ewewer
est
il
lthr
owi
ngdagger
sateachot
hermom camedownst
air
shol
dinghandswi
th
Zenday
a.

"
Okwhatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngonher
e?"Iaskedwi
thaf
ir
mface.

"
Mindy
ourl
anguageboy
.Let
'
sal
lsi
tdown.
"Theol
dmansai
d.

Mom camet
omeandt
ri
edt
ohugmebutIsl
i
ght
lypushedherof
f.

"
Sonwhat
'sgoi
ngon"Shesai
d.

"
May
beIshoul
dasky
ouwhat
'
sgoi
ngon"
.Iasked.
"Let
'ssi
tdownson.
"Ki
aral
ookedatmeandweal
lsatdown.

"
Sont
hisi
sZenday
aCor
nel
l
"Mom sai
d.

Il
ookedatZenday
aandshef
rownedandl
ookedaway
."Whodoesn'
tknowher
.Whati
sshedoi
ng
her
e?".
Isai
d.

"
Ummm shei
sourf
uturedaught
eri
nlaw,yourwi
feson.
Wel
lshehasat
hreey
earol
dsonwho
wi
ll
bey
ourst
ep-
son."Theoldmansighed.

Il
aughed.
"You'
real
lsi
cki
nthehead.
Iai
n'
tgonnamar r
ythi
sgirlyouhearme.
Ial
readyl
ove
someoneelse.
Sothi
sshi
tai
n'
tgonnahappen"
.Ihel
dKiar
a'shand.
MrJohnsfor
cefull
yhel
dmyhandandIr eact
edi
mmedi
atel
y.Ki
arahel
dmeandt
her
eact
ion
sl
owlydi
sappearedwit
houtt
hem not
ici
ng.

"
Don'
ttouchme.
Don'
tyouev
erl
ayy
ourf
il
thyhandsonmey
ouhearme"
.Isai
dfi
rml
y

Hesi
ghed.
"Si
tdownandl
et'
stal
kson"
.

Hear
inghi
m say
ingsonmademewantt
opuke.

Ki
aral
ookedatmeandsqueezedt
hem i
nassur
ance.

"Ther
eisnot
hingt
otal
kabouti
fyouwantZenday
asomucht
henmakehery
oursecondwi
fe.
"I
said.
Mom gasped.
"Gar
eth!
!"
sheshout
ed.

"NostopGaret
hingme.Youhavenor i
ghtwhatsoev
ertochooseawifeformebecauseIcando
thatmysel
f.
Youexpectmetomar ryLewis'
sexareyoukiddi
ngme.I
'm notgoi
ngtomarryher
andthatsf
inal
.Babel
et'
sgo".Ihel
dKiara'
shandandwewal kedout
.

Wedr
oveof
finsi
l
ence.

"Idon'
tthi
nkhei
sgoi
ngt
ogi
veupany
timesoon.
"Ki
arasai
d.

"
Ift
hathappenst
henhewi
l
lleav
emenochoi
cet
hant
oexposehi
m."Isai
d.
"
Ofcour
set
hatwi
l
lhappenbuty
ouneedev
idencef
ort
hatr
emember
".Shesai
d.

Inodded."Fi
newewil
lneedapl
anf
ir
stbecausei
fIdr
agthi
slongerhewi
l
lmakemyl
i
fe
miserabl
eandIcan'
tbel
iev
emom i
salsosuppor
ti
ngt
hisshi
t"
.

Isi
ghedandshehuggedme.
"Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sgonnabef
ine,
I
'm her
eri
ghtbesi
dey
ou"
.

"
Year
ightbymysi
de"
.Ismi
l
ed.
Saul
.

*
"I'
mtr
yingt
ofor
getherbuti
tsnotwor
king"
.*

Theprevi
ousni ghtIki
ndadeniedhavi
ngsexwithEveandshesur pri
singlyunderst
ood.Iwas
feel
i
nggui l
ty,
Icouldn'
tdoit,
Iwasjustthi
nki
ngaboutRuth.
Icouldn'
tdoi ttoher.
Thefoll
owing
morningshepr epar
edformebr eakf
astinbed.
Iateandshepreparedabat hforme.Thiswas
j
ustwayt oogoodf orme.AnywayIbathedandfoundherchangi
ngAl i
na'sdiaper.
"
Whathappenedt
otheEv
ethatIknow"Imur
mur
ed.

"
Babewearegoi
ngforshoppi
ng.Ihopey
oudonothav
eacaset
odayandy
ou'
ref
ree"
.Shesai
d
f
eedi
ngAl
inaherbot
tl
e.

"Wel
lumm Idonothav
eacase.Wewi
l
lgof
orshoppi
ngbuti
donotknowwhatt
owear
"Isai
d

"
Ichosesomecl
othsf
ory
ou.
Makei
tsnappy
.Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngi
nourcar
."Shewal
kedout
.

Ij
ustshr
uggedandwentt
othewal
kincl
ost
.Iwor
ethebl
uej
eanandawhi
tet
-shi
rt
,wi
thwhi
te
Ni
kesneakers.

Iwal
kedt
othecarandwedr
oveof
finsi
l
ence.

Westart
edbabyshoppingforAli
na,
thenwewentt obuymyfavour
it
ecologneandsuit
s.Tenwe
wenttot
hel adesshop.
Iwasalr
eadysuperti
red.
Shestar
teddoi
nghert
hing.Iwashol
dingAli
andshejuststar
tedwail
i
ng.It
ri
edshushingherdownbutshewashavingnoneofit.
"
Letmehel
pyououtwi
thher
."Thev
oicemademef
rozeasmyhear
tmi
ssedabeat
.

It
urnedandl
ookedather
.Shewasshockedt
oseeme.
"Ummm ahhRut
h".

Shesmi
l
ed.
"Wemeetagai
n.Letmehandl
eher
."

Shet
ookAl
i
naandt
hengi
rlst
art
edsmi
l
ingshowi
ngof
fhert
oot
hlessmout
h.

"
OhhhmyGodshei
sst
art
ingt
odev
elopsomemi
l
kteet
h."Shesai
dcl
osel
yexami
ningAl
i
'sopen
mout
h.

"
Ohhhr
eal
l
yIdi
dn'
tnot
ice.
"Isai
d.
Westoodther
eint
otal
sil
encewhi
l
eshepl
ayedwi
thAl
i
.Ienj
oyedt
hecut
esceneandev
en
f
orgott
hatEvewasint
hesameshop.

"
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e."Ev
e'sv
oicest
art
ledbot
hofus.

Shewentandr
oughl
ytookAl
ifr
om Rut
h.

"
Umm Rut
hthi
sisEv
emywi
fe.
"Isai
d.

Rut
hsmi
l
edandspr
eadhi
shandf
orahandshake.Ev
ejustl
ookedati
tandf
rowned.

Rut
hsighed.
"Umm Iwi
l
lleav
eyouMrandMr
sHar
ri
ngt
on.Ihav
esomewor
ktodo"
.Shewal
ked
away.

Isul
ked.
"Evey
ourbehavi
orwassouncal
l
edf
or.
Shei
sjustsomeonei
knowt
her
ewasr
eal
l
yno
needtogiv
eheranatt
it
udeli
ket
hat.
"
Shef
rownedandwal
kedt
othecarmWedroveoffi
nsi
lence.
Byt
het
imewear
ri
vedhomeAl
i
wasf
astasl
eep.
Wewenttoherr
oom andt
uckedheri
n.

"I
'm sorryaboutt hewayIbehav edearli
erihavebeennot hi
ngbutabadwi f
e.Seei
ngyoulooki
ng
att hatgir
lIjustbecamei nsecure.
Itsli
keyouwer esoimpressedbyherwhichissomethi
ngI
fai
ledt odo.All
.Ididwasupset t
ingyoubutI'm goi
ngt otr
yandwi nyoubackcomewhatmay .
I
l
ov ey ouSaul.I
'
m sorryfortheshitthatIputyouthroughforthepastni
neyearsandIknowitwil
l
behar dforyout obeli
evemebutIwi l
ldoanythi
ngt owinyourtr
ustandbeagoodwi feaswell
ast obeagoodmot her
.".ShehuggedmeandIj usthuggedherbackandwal kedout
.

Ifel
tli
keal
lthi
schangewasal
i
ttl
ebi
ttool
atebutmay
beIshoul
djustgi
veourmar
ri
agea
secondchance.

Isi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownnowIwasst
uckbet
weenar
ockandahar
dpl
ace.

Ifi
nall
ydri
ft
edtosl
eepwhilel
ostinmyt hought
s.Aft
erawhi
l
eIwokeupandwentdownst
air
s.I
foundEveonthephone,
shedi
dn'tnot
iceIwasthere.

"DadIknow..
..Ikneo..
.geezst
oppr
essurizi
ngmeok.
..
Idot
hingsatmyownpace.
..
Godwi
l
lyou
bepat
iental
ready..
"Shehungupandturned.
"Ummm b-
abeyou'r
eawakeal
ready
.Letmepr
epar
esomet
hingf
ory
ou"Shesai
dandwal
ked
awayi
mmediat
ely
.

Icoul
dn'
tshaket
hef
eel
i
ngt
hatsomet
hingwasr
eal
l
yupwi
thEv
e.

Apr
il
.

*
"Get
ti
ngcl
osert
othe**
trut
h".
*
Whenthatanonymousper soncall
edtheyneversai
dany t
hingbutIhadafeel
i
ngthattheper
son
wasmysocal l
edf at
her.
Inevert
riedtocont
acthim becausehewasusingapriv
atenumber.I
havebeensupertensedandwor ri
ed.
Josshasbeenal waysther
eformemakingmel aughandit
real
l
yhelpedtokeepmymi ndoffthi
ngs.

"Babearey oudone.Ihaveal
readychoseadr
essforyou.
Nicki
hasbeencall
ingnonstopsay
ing
shemi ssesy ou"Josssai
dwhilewait
ingont
hebathr
oom door.Iwal
kedoutbut
tnakedandhe
clear
edhi sthroat
.

Il
aughedandst
atedappl
yi
ngl
oti
on.
Hesl
owl
ycamet
omeandcuppedmybr
east
s.

"
May
bewecandosomet
hingnaught
ybef
orey
ougoseñor
it
ahowaboutt
hat
."

Okwhendi
dJossmast
ert
hecour
aget
odot
his.
"Somethi
ngli
kewhat
?".Isaidbi
ti
ngmylowerl
ip.Heshushedmeandcareful
lylai
dmeonthe
bedandboom Iwassendt omufft
own.
Aft
erscreamingmylungsoutIf
inal
lycameandhe
kissedme.

"Wowseñort
hatwasamazi
ng.Il
ovey
ou"
.Iki
ssedhi
m.Hesmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eyoutoo.
Señori
tai
fsomet
hinghappenst
omeknowt
hatIl
ovey
oual
way
sok"
.Hesai
d
wi
thaser
ioustone.

Igotoffthebedandstar
teddressi
ngupwi thoutsay
ingathi
ng.
Iwasjustemoti
onalal
lofa
sudden.I
tsli
keheknewhewasaboutt ogot osl
eeplet
ti
ngDangerorJontakeover
.Wel
lIhad
missedDangerbutIhadgrownt olov
ehi m somuchandlaughi
ngathisj
oke.Hej
ustmakesme
smil
ealway snowhewast al
ki
ngl i
kethis.
Iwassuperupset.

"Señor
it
adi
dIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
"Heaskedl
ooki
ngwor
ri
ed.
Iwasalr
eadycryi
ngwhi chissonotli
keme."Howcany ousaysomethi
ngli
kethathuh.
You'
re
tal
ki
ngasifyou'r
egoi
ngsomewher eandyou'r
enevercomingback.
Ihatei
t,
Ihatei
sso
much.Whydoy ouhav
et osaysuchthi
ngshuh.Doy
out hi
nkIwill
beabletosurv
ivewit
hout
you,
whowill
makemel augh?whowillpai
ntmyport
rait
s?Answermeseñor".

Hehuggedme.
"I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oupsety
ou.

Isi
ghedandpr
ayedsi
l
ent
lyt
hatDangerf
orgi
vesmef
orwhatIwasaboutt
oask."
Makel
ovet
o
me".

"Huh?
"Hesai
dner
vousl
y.

"
Makel
ovet
omeseñor
,Imi
ssy
ouandi
mheal
ednow.
"
I'
m sur
ehewant
edtoprot
estbutIdi
dn'tgi
vehi
mthechanceto.
Ismashedmyl
ipsonhis.One
thi
ngledt
oanot
herandwit
hinaminuteIwasmoarni
nghisname,di
ggi
ngmynail
sdeepintohi
s
ski
nashemadesweetgentlel
ovetome.

Heshothi
sloadandwel
ookedont
hecei
l
ingaswecaughtourbr
eat
he.

"
Thatwasamazi
ng.Thanky
ousomuchseñor
it
a".Hesai
dbr
ushi
ngmycheek.

Iper
kedhisl
ips.
"Nomatt
erwhathappenstoyoujustknowt
hatIl
ovey
ousomuchJoss"
.Isai
d
l
ookingi
nhiseyes.
WhenIsai
dJosshiseyespoppedout.

Ichuckl
ed.
"Whyareyoulooki
ngl
ikeyouhaveseenaghost
srememberwhenyouranmeover
yousentmeflowersundert
henameJoss,soIj
ustwant
edtoteasy
ouabouti
tbutIact
ual
l
y
thi
nkitsui
tsy
ou.Jossisqui
etabeaut
if
ulname."

Hesmiled.
"You'
rer
ighti
tsabeaut
if
ulname.
Nowl
et'
sgety
ouhomebef
oreNi
cki
showsup
her
e."
Wet
ookaqui
ckshowerandhedr
ovemet
omyapar
tment
.

Iki
ssedhi
m goodby
eandwentinsi
de.ThemomentIst
eppedi
nNi
cki
huggedmewai
l
ing.Jenny
wasbusyontheTVignor
ingher
.

Ir
ubbedherbacksof
tl
yandhel
pedhersi
tdown"
Okwhat
'swr
ongNi
cki
?"

Shepl
ayedanaudi
oonherphone.
Itwasact
ual
l
yheror
der
ingLewi
swhatshewant
edt
oeat
.

Il
ookedatherwi
thconf
usi
on."
Andt
hen?
"

Shesi
ghed."
Irecordedt
hisaudi
oforLewiswhenIr
eplay
editIhear
dthemostannoyi
ngugly
voi
ceIhaveeverheard.
Howcanmyv oi
cebethi
sannoyi
ng.I
sitbecauseI
'
m pr
egnant"
.Shesai
d
wit
hglassyeyes.

Ishushedher
."
It
sokhoneyy
ouhav
ethemostbeaut
if
ulv
oiceev
er"
.
Shesmi
l
edandwentt
otheki
tchenpr
obabl
ytol
ookf
orsomet
hingt
oeat
.

"
Howhav
eyoubeenJenny
"Iasked.

Shesi
ghed.
"Thet
winswantmet
olov
ewi
tht
hem.
I'
m ki
ndast
ressedabouti
t"
.

"
Thengol
i
vewi
tht
hem andI
'
m sur
eyouandMaxwi
l
lbepr
ett
ycl
ose"Isai
d.

"
Thati
sexact
lywhat
'sscar
ingme.
I'
m af
rai
dtol
oosemymor
alswhenI
'
m ar
oundMax
"Shesai
d.
"
Gof
ori
tgi
rl
."Ismi
l
edather
.

Ni
cki
camebackaf
tershewasdoneeat
ing.

Shesatbesi
desJennyandl
ookedather
."
JennyI
'
m bor
edl
et'
sgoanddr
inkmout
hwash"
.

Jennyr
oll
edherey
es.
"Yourpr
egnancyi
smaki
ngy
oul
oosey
ourmi
ndt
oo"
.

Ni
ckist
oodupandhel
dherwai
st.
"Iwastr
yingt
ot el
lyoupol
i
tel
ythaty
ourbr
eat
hest
inks
what
every
ouhadforl
unchi
snotdoingy
ouanyf avours"

Il
auhj
edmyassof
f.
Jennyf
rowned.
"I
tist
hesmel
l
sofy
ourdi
sgust
ingsandwi
chnotmymout
h,I
j
ustat
eicecr
eam sol
eav
emeal
one."

Theystar
tedexchangi
ngwordsbugImanagedtost
opt hem bef
oret
heygetphy
sical
."Gi
rl
swe
shoul
dgof orshoppi
ngthef
ourofusandcatchupali
tt
le."

Jennynodded.
"Isecondy
ouont
hatandweshoul
dbuyt
heguy
ssomet
hingt
oo"
.

Ni
cki
rol
l
edherey
es.
"Whatdomenr
eal
l
yli
keapar
tfr
om ot
herwomen"

Ni
cki
isal
way
sNi
cki
wej
usti
gnor
edherandcont
inuedchat
ti
ng.

Af
terawhi
l
eLewi
s,Max,Ki
araandGar
ethcame.
Iwassur
pri
sedt
oseeGar
etht
houghbutt
he
whol
eti
mehewasjustbyKi
ara'
ssi
de.

Theycal
l
edJennyandNi
cki
.
"OkIneedt
oal
soher
ewhaty
ouguy
sar
etal
ki
ngabout
."Isai
dbecauset
heywer
eact
ingdodgy
aroundme.

"
Okweneedy
out
osi
tdownApr
ilandr
elax
."Maxsai
d.

"Justf
uckent
ell
mewhat
'
swr
ongok.
Wher
eisJon?
"Iasked.
Theyal
lkeptqui
etandl
ooked
down.

"
Wher
ethef
ucki
sJon?
?!!
!"Ishout
ed.

Kiar
al ookedatGar
eth.
"Jonwasinvolv
edinacaracci
dent
.HeisatJohnshospi
tal
right
now".Kiaradr
oppedthebomb.If
eltl
ikethewal
l
softheroom wer
ecurvi
ngin.
"
W-what
?"Isai
dsof
tl
y.

"Weneedtohur
rynow.
Welef
tthedoctor
swor kingonhim hewasser
iousl
yinj
ured"
.Max
sai
d.What
evert
heysai
daf
terwar
dsjustdisappearedi
ntothi
nair
.

Iranoutoft
her oom andwentst
raighttoJohns.
Theother
scaughtupwit
hmeont hewayand
theydr
aggedmet ot
hecar.Maxdrovelikeamaniac.
Whenwear r
ivedwedidn'
thav
etowai
t
muchlongerthedoctorcameaft
erwar ds.

Ir
ant
ohi
m."Howi
sJon?
"Iaskedbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

"
Arey
ouhi
sfami
l
y."Hesai
dwi
thanat
ti
tude.
Ihel
dhim byhi
scol
l
arandshookhi
mvi
gor
ousl
y."
I'
m hi
sfuckenev
ery
thi
ng.Tel
lmewhat
happenednow"
.

MaxandLewi
str
iedt
oremov
emyhandsf
rom hi
scol
l
arbutt
heywer
ejustwast
ingt
hei
rener
gy.

"Hebrokehisri
ghtarm andneck.
Howeverhel
ostal
otofbl
ood.
Heneedsbl
ood,wecouldn'
t
fi
ndhistypeint
hebloodbank.I
fwedon'
tgetbl
oodassoonaspossi
blewemightl
oosehim".
I
l
osttheli
ttl
eener
gyIhadandf el
ldown.

"
Weneedt
oinf
orm hi
sfat
her
".Lewi
ssai
d.

"
Itwi
l
lbet
ool
atebyt
hen"Thedoct
orsai
d.
Endofchapt
er3 0

Let
'scommentandshar
e!

*
Lov
einahopel
esspl
ace.
*

Wr
it
tenbyRoy
alVel
z.
Chapt
er3 1

Apr
il
.

*
"Iwi
l
ldoany
thi
ngt
osav
ehi
m."
*
"I
twil
lbetool
atetosavehi
mi fyouwai
tforhi
sfat
her
?.Whatt
hef
ucki
syourj
obt
heni
fyou
can'
tsavehi
sli
fehuh".Maxheldhi
scol
lar
.

"Wear
edoingev
ery
thingwecanMrJackson.
..
wejustneedt
hebl
oodsot
hatwecansav
e
hi
m.Wear
ewasti
ngtimeri
ghtnow."
Thedoctorner
vousl
ysai
d.

"Testmybl
oodandseei
fit
samat
ch"
Lewi
ssai
d.

"
Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
l
lmat
ch"Maxsai
d.

Lewi
slookedathi
m andsi
ghed.
"I
tswor
that
rybr
o".
Thedoct
orwentwi
thLewi
sandt
heyl
atercameback.

"
Itdi
dn'
tmat
ch"Hesai
dsadl
y.

"
Iwannagof
ori
ttoo"Gar
ethsai
d.

"
Ifi
tdoesn'
tmat
chup,
Iwi
l
ltr
yto"Ki
arasai
dandt
heywal
kedi
n.

Iwaspaci
ngupanddown,
scar
edasshi
t.

Theycamebackagai
nandst
il
lthebl
ooddi
dn'
tmat
ch.

"
Letmegoguy
sandgi
vei
tat
ry"
.Ni
cki
sai
d.
Ij
ustsi
ghedandsatdown.
Theywentwi
thherandaf
terawhi
l
etheycameback.

"Andnow?
"Iasked.

"
Theycoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngI
'
m pr
egnant
."Shesai
dandsatdown.
Jennywentandst
il
li
tdi
dn'
t
match.

"
Sowhatdowedonow.
Timei
srunni
ngout
".Thedoct
orsai
d.

"I'
mt helasthopeguy
sifi
tdoesn'
tmat
cht
henIdon'
tknowwhatt
odo"
Ifol
l
owedt
hedoct
or
nervousl
y.
Het
est
edt
hebl
oodandsi
ghed.
"It
samat
ch"
.

Ismi
l
ed.
"Let
'sgoanddonat
epl
easebef
orei
t'
stool
ate"
.

"
Sur
ema'
am f
oll
owme"
.

Wewalkedtotheroom Jonwasin.
Theydi
vi
dedtheroom wi
thacur
tai
nandconnect
edthe
codeswhichpassedbl
oodbetweenus.
Theyst
art
erdrawi
ngthebl
oodandbyeachdropIf
elt
powerl
essbecauseIhadn'
teat
en.

Af
terawhi
l
ethepr
ocesswasdone.
Iwasupsett
hatIcoul
dn'
tseeJon

Thenur
seshel
pedmeoutbecauseIf
eltpower
less.

Thet
eam r
ant
ome.
"Howdi
ditgo?
"Lewi
sasked.

"
Ijustdonat
edt
hebl
ood.
I'
m weakr
ightnowIneedsomet
hingt
oeat
."Isai
dweakl
y.

Theyt
ookmet
othecaf
eter
iaandIat
esomef
ood.

Af
terawhi
l
ethedoct
orcame,
weal
lrant
ohi
m.

"
Howdi
ditgo?
"Iasked.

"
Herespondedt
othebl
oodver
ywel
lbutwearedoingal
lwecan.
Hei
snotawakey
etwear
ejust
wai
ti
ngforhimt
owakeup.Hei
sst
il
lunconsci
ous"
.Hesaid.

"
Wheni
shegoi
ngt
obeawakedoct
or"Iasked.
"
Wedi
dourj
ob,
i
tsupt
ohi
m now"Hesai
d.

"
Canweseehi
m now"Maxasked.

"
Yesy
oucanbutoneatat
ime"Hesai
dandwal
kedaway
.

"
Yougof
ir
st"Jennysai
d

Igotupandnerv
ousl
yfoll
owedthenur
se.Icri
edaf t
erseei
nghim connect
edt
othemachi
nes
l
ikethat
.Hehadabandagear
oundhishead.Isatdownandheldhishand.
"
Babeyouwil
lmakei
tthr
ough,
you'r
estrong,
youwill
fightt
hisseñor
.Youcangothr
ought
his.
I
j
ustwanty
outowakeupbabeplease.
Youcanfightt
his"Isai
dkissi
nghi
shand.

Iwal
kedoutandt
heot
her
stookt
urnst
oseehi
m.

Wedr
ovebacki
nsi
l
ence.Iwasj
ustcr
yingl
ooki
ngoutoft
hewi
ndow.

Jennysqueezedmyhand.
"Hewi
l
lbef
ineApr
il
.I
'
m gl
ady
ourbl
oodmat
ched.
"

Ij
ustcont
inuedcr
yinglooki
ngoutoft
hewindow."Idon'
twantt
oloosehi
m.Guy
sIdon'
tknow
whattodoifsomethi
nghappenstohi
m.Iwil
lnotsurvi
veit
."

Maxr
ubbedmybacksof
tl
y.
"Hewi
l
lpul
lthr
oughhei
sast
rongguy
.Don'
tgi
veuponhi
myet
"
Ij
ustsi
ghedandlookedaway.Wear r
ivedhomeandIjustwentstr
aightt
omyr oom.Ij
ustsat
downnotknowingwhattodo.Iwascertai
naboutonethi
ng,
Iwouldneverbeablet
ol i
vewit
hout
hi
m...
Iwasnevergoi
ngtobeabl et
osur vi
vewi
thoutmy*"3facedman"*

WhileIwasst
il
ll
osti
nmyt
hought
smyphoner
ang.
Thi
sti
mei
twasn'
tapr
ivat
enumberbutan
unknownnumber.

"
Hel
l
owhoi
sthi
s?"Iasked.

Theper
sonchuckl
ed.Icoul
dn'
ttel
li
fitwasamaleorfemal
ebecauset
heper
sonhadusest
he
voi
cechangi
ngappl
icati
onsotheyweresoundi
ngl
ikearobot
.

"
Thi
swasjustawar
m upmorei
stocomeifyoudon'
tst
ayawayf
rom Jon.
Stayawayf
rom hi
m
y
oumaysavemanyli
ves,
hi
sandyour
sincl
uded"
.
Ist
oodupv
igor
ousl
y.
"Whot
hehel
lar
eyou.
Whot
hef
uckar
eyoucowar
dcomeandf
aceme.
"

"
I'
myourwor
stni
ght
mar
e.Nowbeagoodgi
rlanddowhatIhav
etol
dyou.
Stayawayf
rom Jon"
.

Theyhungup.
Itr
iedt
ocal
lthenumberbuti
twasnol
ongeri
nser
vice.

"Fuckt
hisshi
t"
Irant
othel
i
vingr
oom wher
eev
ery
onewas.

"
Theacci
dentwasi
ntent
ional
.Itwasn'
treal
l
yanacci
dent
."Ishout
ed.

Ev
ery
onegasped.
"Whatar
eyousay
ingApr
il
.Wher
ear
eyouget
ti
ngal
lthat"
Maxasked
"Someonecal
ledmeandIr ecordedthewhol
econver
sat
ion.Icoul
dn'
theart
hei
rvoicebecause
i
twasmodifi
ed.Li
stentothi
s".
Iplay
edtheaudi
obytheti
meIwasdoneMaxhadal r
eady
i
nfor
medfiveguar
dst oguardJonatthehospi
tal
.

"Guar
dthegi
rl
sIneedt
opaysomeoneavisi
t.It
hinkIsuspectJul
ian.
Youguysbesaf
eIhav
eto
gohaveawordwit
hher.
"Isai
dandwentt
ochangei nt
ojeans,v
estandboots.

"Youalsoneedpr
otect
ionApr
il
.I
fsomet
hinghappenst
oyouDangerwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
veus"Lewi
s
said.

Ismil
ed.
"Don'
twor
ryIhavet
hatcover
edguys.
I'
m prot
ectedmor
ethany
out
hinkbuti
fyouwant
tosendguar
dswit
hmet oeaseyourhear
tst
henitsok.
"
"
Ify
ouwantIcangowi
thy
ou"
.Lewi
ssai
d.

Ishookmyhead."Not akecareofNicki
.Yourli
vesar
ealli
ndangerbecauseofme.Sheis
pregnantandsheneedst hesecur
it
ymor ethananyt
hingel
se.
Staysaf
eIwillbef
ine,
I'
mjust
goingtohaveawordwi thawomanwhogav ebir
tht
ome" .

TheyallnoddedbutIcouldseethehesit
ati
on.Iassur
edthem andwalkedout
.Ical
l
edanuber
andgavet hem t
hedirecti
ons.
WellIobv
iouslyknewwher
et hehousewas.OnourwayIsawtwo
bl
ackcar sIknewtheshadowswer efol
lowingme.Thent
her ewasablackhammert oot
hatwas
probabl
yMax' ssecur
ity.

Aft
erminutesIhadar
ri
vedSai
ntMoni
casubur
binf
rontofahugemansi
on.Theywer
eguar
ds
onthegate.

IknewIwasgoi
ngt
ohav
eadi
ff
icul
tti
me.

Ical
l
edBei
l
ey.

Heanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.

"
Sis"Hesai
d.

"I
'
m atthegat
eandIknowt
heguar
dswi
l
lgi
vemeahar
dti
memakeapl
an"Isai
dfi
rml
yand
hungup.
Af
terami
nut
eorsohet
ext
edmesay
ingIshoul
dent
er.

Iwal
kedi
nfear
lessl
y.

Af
terawhi
l
eIr
eachedt
hef
ronthugedooradi
topenedaut
omat
ical
l
y.

Ist
eppedi
nandeveryst
epimademyheartbr
okei
ntopi
eces.
Sot
hiswasi
mpor
tantmor
ethan
me,mymom sacr
if
icedmydi
gni
tyf
ort
his.

Ther
ewasnoonei
nthel
ounge.

"Jul
iancomedownher
e..
..Jul
i
an.
..
Jul
i
ancomedownher
ecomef
acemebi
tch"
.Myv
oice
echoedinther
oom.

Af
terawhi
l
ehecatwal
keddownst
air
swear
ingawhi
tesi
l
kgownwi
thaf
acemask.

Il
ookedatherandmyangerj
ustf
uel
ed.
"Wear
ebl
essedai
n'
twe.
..
theonl
ydaught
erv
is-
-"

Shedidn'
tfi
nishherst
atementbecauseIpinnedheragainstt
hewall
.
Iwasev
enscar
edi
fthe
powerandangerIhadinside.
Shelookedatmewi t
hey espoppedout
.

Theguar
dst
ri
edt
ohol
dmebutIchokedher
.

"
Onemor
emov
etowar
dsmeshei
sdead.
Thi
sti
mear
eal
mur
der
".

Theyal
lst
oppedont
hei
rtr
acks.Jul
i
an'
sey
eswer
erol
l
ingbackandshewasst
ruggl
i
ngt
o
br
eat
hIl
oosenedmygr
ipandl
ethergoshef
ell
downandst
art
edcoughi
ng.

"Ther
easonwhyI '
m notki
l
li
ngy outodayisbecauseyougav
ebir
thtomeandyout
ookcar
eof
mefor18year
s.Nowtellmeifornotyou'
rebehindJon'
sacci
dent
".
Ishout
ed.

ThemanIusedt
ocal
ldadandBei
l
eycamet
othel
ounge.

Whent
hatgoodfornot
hingMrJunesawmehestoppedonhi
str
acksandl
ookedatme.
We
hav
en'
tmetsi
nceIhavecomeoutoftheasy
lum.

"
A-pr
il
..
.y
-your
eher
e..
"Hest
ammer
ed.

"
Yesandi
nfl
esh"
.Ij
ustl
ookedatBei
l
ey,
wehadt
opr
etend.

"Andy
oudearbr
other"
.Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.Hej
ustsmi
rkedandwi
nkedatme.
"Any
wayI'm nother
eforthechi t
chatsandpl
ayi
nghappyfami
ly
.NowJul
iantal
kbefor
eIdo
somethi
ngIwi l
lnev
erregretandt r
ustmethi
sti
meIwi l
lwal
kawayf
reel
yaft
erki
ll
i
ngyou.
Are
youtheonebehindJon'
sacci dent"
.

Shewassti
l
lsit
ti
ngdown.Iwentandknel
tbesi
desherwi
thascar
yface.
Sheshi
fted
uncomf
ort
ably
."Iknownothi
ngaboutJon'
sacci
dent
.Imaybeevery
thi
ngbutnotamur
der
".

Ilaughedsarcasti
call
y."I
fyou'
recapableofdr
inki
ngpoisonjusttoframey ourownchil
dthen
youcandoany thi
ng.I'
m sureyourguar
dianangeli
ssomewher esay i
ng"ifIkeeponbeingwit
h
thisbit
chIwilll
oosemyj obandendupi nhel
lwit
hthismotherfucker.
"You'r
ebeyondtheword
evil
.Nowtell
met hedamnt rut
h"Ishout
edsqueezi
ngherhand.Cal lmenamesorwhat everbut
thiswomanr uinedmyl i
fe.
Iwasdonepl ayi
ngdaughter
.

Sheshi
vered.
"IswearImi
ghtl
ovemoneyandev
ery
thi
ngbuti
m notbehi
ndt
his.
Iknownot
hing
aboutt
his"
.

WellIhavespentei
ghteenyear
swit
hthi
swomansoIknewshewast ell
i
ngthetr
uth,
shewas
behi
ndt hi
sandunfort
unatel
yshewasmyonl
ysuspect
.Icoul
dn'
tsuspectRut
hshewasn'
tthi
s
ev
il
.

Ir
ecei
vedacal
latt
hatmoment
,itwasapr
ivat
enumber
.Ianswer
ed.
"Whoi
sit
".

Ther oboti
cv oi
celaughed.
"Youwi
llnev
erf
indoutaboutme,Ivani
shi
ntot
hinai
r.
JustdoasI
havei nst
ructedyouandstaythef
uckawayfrom Jon.
IfIr
eal
lywantt
okil
lJont
hosestupi
d
guardswon' tevenstopme."

Isi
ghedbit
ter
ly."
Thenyou'
remessi
ngwit
hnoaveragebit
chy ouhearme.
Bri
ngev
ery
thi
ngy
ou
canandyouwillwat
chhowIfightf
ort
hemanthatIlov
e.Bri
ngiton"

Ihungup.

IlookedatJul
ianwhowasnowstandi
ngbesi
desherhusband."
I'
m onlyspar
ingyoufortoday
butwear enotdone.
Ify
ouhadahandint
hisJul
i
ant hentr
ustmet hi
sbarehandswil
l ki
l
l
you.YouwouldwishIwasnott
hesper
mthatsurvi
ved,youwouldregr
etnotusingacondom."

Il
ookedatMrJune.
"
Andy
ouIt
houghty
oul
ovedmebutIguessIwaswr
ong"
.

Hel
ookeddown.
"Apr
ilI
'
m sor
ryi
--
"

"Youwant
edmoneyri
ght
,nowyougotitsodon'
tapologi
zeforshi
tnowl
et'
sseewhatwi
l
l
happeni
fIfi
ndmyfat
her
,youwi
llsl
eepinthest
reet
s".Isai
dfir
mly.

Iwalkedtothedoorandlookedonemoreti
meatt hem t
henwalkedout.Iwenti
nsi
det heuber
andrubbedmyheadr oughly.Whowasmessingwithme.Ii
nstr
uctedthedri
vert
ot akemet o
John'shospi
tal
.Iwasgoingt oseemymanIdidn'
tcareaboutt
hatidi
otwitharobotvoice.

Not
hinghadchangedhewasst
il
lfastasl
eeporunconsci
ouswhat
ever
.

Thedoct
orcamet
ocheckonhi
m.

"Thi
sai
n'
tthev
isi
ti
nghour
s".
Hesai
dwi
thanat
ti
tude.
"Idon'
tcar
ethi
shospit
albel
ongstoGaret
hwhichmeansi
tpract
ical
l
ybelongst
oJontoosoI
dowhatIwant.
Nowt el
lmedoy ouhaveaprobl
em wi
tht
hat"
.Isaidl
ooki
ngseri
ous.

"Myapol
ogi
esMi
ssApr
il
".
Hest
art
edexami
ningJon.

"
Whyishenotwaki
ngup.I
fhei srespondi
ngt
othebl
oodt
hatIhav
ehi
m andt
hemedi
cinet
hen
whyi
shesti
ll
unconsci
ous?"Iasked

"
Wear
edoi
ngal
lwecan"
.Hesai
d.

Ihel
dhi scol
larandpinnedhim againstt
hewall.
Beingadoct orisacal
li
ng,
doyourworkwithal
l
yourheartnotfort
hesakeofi tyouhearme.It
saser iousvocati
onbeingadoct
or.Don'
tj
ust
applyyourdegreeokdoi twit
hyourheartbecausemymani sy ourl
abratt
oapplywhatyou
l
earnt,
heisamanwi t
hal if
eonst akedoitwit
hy ourheart
.Youhearme"
Henoddednerv
ousl
yandIl
ethi
m go,
hef
ell
down.
"Ihear
dyouma'
am"
.Hewal
kedout
i
mmediatel
y.

Ical
l
edMax.
Heanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.

"
Arey
ousaf
e"Thatwashi
sfi
rstquest
ion.

"I
mfine.I
'm att
hehospi
tal
rightnow.
Sendsomeonewi
thcl
othesbecauseIwi
l
lbesl
eepi
ng
over
."Isai
d.

"
Okf
ineIwi
l
lsendsomeonebesaf
e."Hesai
dandhungup.

Isi
ghedandwentt
othebat
hroom,
sincet
her
ewasonei
nhi
sroom.

Iwashedmyf
aceandl
ookedatmy
sel
font
hemi
rr
or.
"
Whendidmyli
fetur
nint
oahorr
ormovi
e"Isi
ghedandwi
pedmyt
ear
sof
f.
AsIwasst
il
ll
osti
n
myt
hought
s,Ihear
dsomeoneopeni
ngt
hedoor.

Isl
owlypeepedoutoft
heroom.Anursecameinsi
deweari
ngasur
gical
mask,
shel
ooked
suspi
ci
ous.Shetookoutasyr
ingeandwentt
oJon'sdr
ip.

Iti
ptoedtoherandbefor
eshedidanyt
hingIhel
dherheadf
rom behi
ndandpushedheront
he
fl
oor.Ii
mmedi at
elyr
angthebel
lasIpi
nnedherdown.Theothernur
sesandt
hedoctorr
an
i
nside.

"
Nowbi
tcht
ell
mewhosendy
ouhuh"
.Isai
dpi
nni
ngherdown.

"Iwoul
dr at
herdi
eandhewil
lki
ll
meanyway".
Sheinj
ect
edher
sel
f.Ii
mmedi
atel
yletherhoand
wit
hinminutesf
oam wascomi
ngoutofhermout
h.

Shestar
tedhavi
ngsei
zur
esthenur
sest
ri
edt
ohel
pbuti
twast
ool
ate,
shedi
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
Her
phonewhichwasonthef
loorr
ang.

Ianswer
edandkeptqui
et.

"
Didy
ouf
ini
sht
hemi
ssi
on"
I
twast
her
obot
icv
oiceagai
n.

Il
aigj
ed.
"It
oldyoutobringal
lyougot,
Iwoul
drat
herputmyl
i
feont
hel
i
nef
ort
hemant
hatI
l
ove.Sobri
ngiton"
.Ihungupandlookedatt
hedoct
or.

"You'
reinchargeoft
hispl
ace,
youshouldmakesur
ethesecur
it
yisti
ghtbutnoamurder
er
almostkil
ledmymanwhi l
eyou'
rei
ny ourof
fi
ceeat
ingmangoachaar.
Iwil
lmakesur
ethewhol
e
secur
ityisfi
red"
.

Iwentt
otheguar
dst
hatMaxhadassi
gned.

Iki
ckedal
lfi
veoft
hem ont
hegr
oins.

"You'
reher
etomakesureJonissaf
ebuthewasal
mostki
ll
edundery
ourwat
ch.
..
youbl
oody
usel
essamateur
s..
.Got
ohellgoawayIwi
ll
dothej
obmyself"
.

Iwentbacki
nsi
det
her
oomsl
eav
ingt
hemannur
singt
hei
rsacks.

Ii
nfor
medMaxaboutev
ery
thi
ngt
hathadhappened.

Withi
nanhourt
heywer
eatt
hehospi
tal
andt
hef
actt
hatt
hemedi
awasal
lov
ert
hepl
acewas
nothelpi
ng.

Ibur
iedmyheadi
nmyhandsbecauseIf
eltcl
uel
essandusel
ess.
"Thi
spersondoesn'
twantmetobewi
thJonandhei
sonami
ssi
ont
oki
l
lhi
m.Thi
sai
n'
tno
ordi
nar
yperson,
thi
sisbi
g"Isai
d.

Lewi
srubbedhi
shead.
"Iwonderwhocoul
ditbe?
"

Ni
cki
lookedatmeandshookherhead.
"Apr
ilt
hisi
sdef
ini
tel
ynoty
oury
ear
".

Isi
ghedandl
ookeddown.

"
Wai
tami
nut
eApr
ily
oumi
ghtknowi
tis"
.Myi
nnerv
oicesai
d.
Saul
.

*
"Pokerf
ace"
*

Iwasn'
tfeel
i
ngeasyaroundEveanymorebecauseshehasbeenr
ecei
vi
ngdodgyphonecal
ls
andansweri
ngt
hem insecret
.Iknewshewaspr et
endi
ng.
NowIwascert
ainshewasupto
somethi
ng.

"
Babear
eyoudoneshower
ing.Shoul
dIcomeandj
oin?
"Shesai
d.

I
fshewasgoi
ngt
opr
etendt
henI
.woul
ddot
hesame.
Aft
eral
ltwo.canpl
ayt
hegame.

"
I'
m al
mostdownbabegi
vemeami
nut
e"Isai
d.
Idr
iedmy
sel
fandwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom.
Shehadal
readychosensomecl
othesf
orme.

Iwor
ethem.
Iavoi
dedeati
ngherfoodandwentt
owor
k.Iwasn'
tev
enconcent
rat
ingonwor
kI
waswonder
ingwhatEv
emi ghtbeupto.

Iknockedof
fal
i
ttl
ebi
tear
lyandwenthome.

WhenIar
ri
vedt
hepl
acewasdeadsi
l
ent
.Isl
owl
ywal
kedupst
air
sandf
oundEv
eonacal
l
.

Shedi
dn'
thearorseemecomi
ng.

"Okok. ..
Iknow. .
Iknow...
wecan' treallyst
eal hismoneydadhewi llbesuspi ci
ous..
..Nonol ist en
tome. ..Hewi l
lknowt hatit
susbecausey ou'reli
kesobr okedadandy ourcompanyi snotdoi ng
well
..
Ifhel ooseshi smoneyandy ourcompanyst art
sbl oomi nghewi llknowhei snotst upid
ok..
..
.nonol i
stentomedadf oroncewi ll
y ou..
.Wecan' tmessswi tht helawi t
shisar eaof
specialtyandwi lll
ooset hi
s..
.wehav et oplayitsmar t
...
.yeay eadadl i
stent ome...
WhatIwi ll do
i
sIwi llconv i
ncehi mtoopenourj ointaccountandt ransf erall
hismoneyi ntothataccount ...I
wil
lalsoopenanaccountwher eIwi llbetransferr
ingthemoneybi tbybi tok...
Youjusthav et o
bepat ient.
..
.Hewi l
lfall
foritobviouslyhet hinksI'
m changedy ouknowandhei sdoi ng
everythingIsaybecauseI '
m noelwt heegoodwi feIheal way swant edtohav e..
(gi
ggl es)Yes
yes.
..
wel l
itsapi t
ythathedoesn' tknowt hathei sactuallyourcar dtoav erygoodlife..
.anyway
bye.
..by e.
..
yes...
yesIwilldothat".Shehungupandsi lentlywentdownst air
safterrecor di
ngt he
wholeconv ersati
on.Theywer esost upi
dt othinkthatIwasgoi ngtof al
l f
ortheplan.NowIhad
morer easonst odivor
ceherass.
"
HoneyI
'
m home"Ishout
edwhi
l
eint
hel
ounge.

Shewalkeddownstai
rs,t
hencameandgavemeakissandtookmybri
efcase.
"Ohhhheyy
ou'
re
backearl
ytoday
.ShouldIr
unyouabat
h.Ohhhy
ourmeali
sinthemi
crowaveIwouldheati
tup
fory
ou".

Onl
yifshewasn'
tpr
etendi
ngshewoul
dmakeagoodwi
fe.

Ismil
ed.
"NoI'
m cool
.Iactuall
ycamet
otakeAl
ihergr
andmawant
stoseehershemi
sses
her
.SoI'
m notst
ayi
ngf orlong"

Shesmi
led.
"Okayl
etmedressherup"
.Sher
anupst
air
s.Af
terawhi
l
eshecamebackwi
thAl
i
whowasdressedi
nall
pink.

Itookmygi rlandwal kedout.

Idr
ov et
omymot her'
splaceanditwasn'thardtoconv i
ncehert o
staywi t
hAl iforafewday sbecauseshehadact ual
lymissedher.Mymot herisactuall
ythebest
per soni
nt hewor ldbutitsonl
ythatshelovesmoneywaymuch. AnywayafterdroppingAlioffI
wentandt r ansferr
edmymoneyt omymy ster
yaccountwhichEv eknewnot hingabout.Ionl
y
l
ef t1kintheaccountsheknew. Welll
et'
sseehowshewasgoi ngtoplaythis.
ifIwasgoi ngto
putonapokerf acethensobei t
.Iwouldactsofooli
shinfr
ontofherandseehowi tgoes..

Howev
erapar
tofmewashur
tdeepl
y.
GodknowsIhadl
ear
ntol
oveEv
efort
hel
asty
ear
sand
shedidn'
tevenlov
emeabi t.Idi
dever
ythi
ngf
orher,
forus.
Ispentni
ney earstol
erat
ingher
nonsenseandstubbornnessbecauseIwasusedtoitandIlov
edher.Couldn'
tsheatleastret
urn
thesamefeeli
ng,thesamel ovewecouldhav
ebeenf i
nehadshenotl i
stenedtoherfather
'sbad
advi
ce.

Isi
ghedanddr
ovet
oabar
.Ast
rongl
i
qui
dwasgoi
ngt
ohel
pmeouther
e.

Ior
deredshotsbutstil
ltheycouldn'
twasht
hepainaway.
Istar
teddr i
nki
ngfrom thebottl
eand
well
thatkindahelps,
aft
ersomet imeIwassuperdr
unkbutIsti
llhadmysensest hough.After
payi
ngIstaggeredoutoft hebarandwenti
ntomycar.
Istar
teddrivi
nginthatstateandIosr ked
i
nfrontofanapar t
ment.Ididn'
tevenknoworrememberhowIr eachedther
e.Iwalkedinzigzag
andrangthebell.

Af
terawhi
l
ethedooropened.

Ismi
l
ednaught
il
y."
Rut
h..
.ohhmy
..
..
ain'
tthi
sgr
eatGod.
..y
ouj
ustsendmeandangel
"Ibur
ped.

Shesighed.
"You'r
esodrunk"Shehelpedmeinsidewhichwasast r
uggleandthrewmeonacosy
couch.Shewentawayleavingmesi ngi
ng.Shecamebackwi t
habowl wi
thwat eranda
towel
.Shekneltdownandremov edmyshoesandpl acedmyf eeti
nthewaterwhi chwas
warm.Shewashedmyf eetandwi pedthem .
All
alongIwasjustsmili
ngli
kear etard.
Aft
ershe
wasdoneshecameandhel pedupt ooneoftherooms.

Shel
aidmecar
eful
l
yont
hebed.
Shewasaboutt
owal
koutIhel
dherhand.
"
Itguestsomuch.
..
.Ihadl
earnttol
oveher.
..
itHur
stsov
erydeepl
y.
..Howcoul
dshedot
hist
o
me..
howcouldshe.
..I
thur
tsRuth"Isai
d.

Shecont
inuousl
ypushedmyhai
rbackwi
thoutsay
ingat
hingandaf
terawhi
l
eIwasf
astasl
eep.

Endofchapt
er3 1

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