•I

ntr
oduct
ion•

Heyguysmynamei sSi
vi
wePhol
aI'
m 19y
ear
sol
dI'
m shor
tdar
kski
nnedgotbr
eadsI
'
m
sl
enderI
'm Xhosa

Ili
vewi
thmyMom Lul
ekaPhol
ashe'
snotmar
ri
ed.
..she'
s46I
'
mtheonl
ychi
l
dshegav
ebi
rt
h
too

Wellmyl i
feisnoteasyIworkhar
dt oear
nmoneyImeansohar dmyl i
febecamewayhar der
whenIf oundoutmyMom hascanserandi t
suncuredablet
hatruinedev eryt
hingIpl
anedfor
myf ut
urebecauseIhadtolookaftermyMom si
ncewehav enor elat
ivesbutIdon'tcomplai
ne
t
akingcar eofmyMom Ir at
herbewithhert
hanoutther
einthecruelwor ld

Thest
oryaboutmyDadisthathewasagangsterhewaski
ll
edthedayIwasbor
nhewason
hi
swaytothehospi
tal
othergangsshoothi
m Idon'
tknowwhatwasthedeal

Myr el
ative'
sarearoundbutdon'twantusnearthem myMom dat edDadwi thoutherParent
's
condit
ionwhenshegotpr egnantwi t
hmet heykickedheroutmyDadt ookust osomesmal l
nei
ghbor hoodneartownwheret heytel
lusrentar oom sonowI'
mt heonlyonewho'swor ki
ng
topayt hebil
lsputfoodonthetablepayhospit
al bil
lswhenshegoestothehospitalandpaythe
tr
eatment i fusayy ouknowpai nnoudon'tknowr eal
pai
nIworkdayandni ghttr
y i
ngto
makecash

Att
hemor
ningat5Iwakeupandcookpapf
orMom t
hensheeat
shert
reat
mentt
henwor
kon
mysel
f

At8I
'
m att
heFastf
oodshopIwor
kther
easawai
tr
essat3I
'
m done

Athal
f3Igohome

Thenaftert
hatathal
f4IgotoMrsshay
lonhouset obabysi
ther5yearol
ddaughterwhenshe
goesoutoftownbutshedoesn'
tdot
hateverydayshegoesoutofTowninWeekdaystheni
n
weekendsit
seitherI
'
mfreeaft
erwor
korifthere'
ssomeonewhoneedsahairdoneIdoasthat
t
henIgetpai
dI'
m goodatpeopl
eshai
rIl
ovet
hatonedayIwantt
oownasal
on

Ij
ustf
ini
shedgr
ade12l
asty
earbutIcan'
tgot
oCol
l
egebecausemyMot
heri
ssi
ck

Pl
easeguy
sli
keandcommentt
oletmeknowwhaty
out
hinkt
hatcoul
dmeanal
ot

-
Chapt
er1-

(
It
smor
ningIneedt
ogetr
eadyf
orwor
korI
'
llbef
ir
edi
fIshowupl
ate)

Me:
Mom wakeupIhav
etobat
hyouf
ir
st(
shewokeup)

Mom:OhMnt
anam ndi
ngum't
hwaloemagxeni
akho nobandi
nongabi
kho(
ohmychi
l
dI'
mjust
abur
dent
oyouit
sbestifI
'
m notaround )

Me:Nono (
Ididn'
tcr
ytoshowherhowstr
ongIam Ican'
tshowhermytear
sitwil
lbrakeherI
hav
etobebr
ave)Mom don'
tsayt
hatIoweyoumyl
if
e nowwi pethoset
ear
splease

Mom:(shewipedthem t
henIbathedhergav
eherbreakfastwhi
l
eshewaseat
ingIbat
hed
mysel
fthenIgaveMom herpil
lsIalsoat
ethenIcl
eanedmymessup)

Me:Mom I
'
mleav
ingnow(
Iki
ssedhergoodby
e)cal
lmeony
ourcel
li
fyouf
eltpai
norany
thi
ng
I
'l
lcome

Mom:
OKsweet
yuThi
xoabenawe(
MayGodbewi
thy
ou)

(
Ilef
t)

(
Idon'
tevenhav
ef r
ndsatwor
kwhowi
l
lwantt
obemyf
ri
endaugl
yuneducat
edl
owcl
assgi
rl
t
hatbr
eaksmeev er
yti
me)

(It
ookpeopl
esorder
sIdidmyworkwit
hasmi
leonmyfacesoIdon'
tscar
eawayt
he
customer
sthenagroupofwhi
temal
escamei
nIwentt
otakethei
ror
dersnowIwi
shIdi
dn'
t)

Me:
(smi
l
ing)mayIt
akey
ouror
der
spl
ease
Guy
1:I
'
dli
kecof
feewi
thdonut
s

Me:
Donut
sshoul
dhav
e?

Guy
1:Not
hing

Me:
OK.
..
any
onewhowi
l
lli
ket
oor
der

Guy
2:Canweatl
eastbeser
vedwi
thacl
eanl
ady
(laughi
ng )

Me:
Asy
ouwi
shsi
rbutgi
vemey
ouror
der
ssomeoneel
sewi
l
lgi
vet
hem y
ouy
ah

Guy
2:Di
dn'
tyouj
usthearwhatIsai
dwher
e'sy
ourmanager?

Guy
3:Si
monnoshedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng

Me:
Whathav
eIdonet
oyouy
oudon'
tknowmeIdon'
tknowy
ou

Guy2:Shutupyoulowcal
lugl
ythi
ngwewantanotherwai
tr
ess(
hewasshout
ingpplwer
est
ari
ng
other
'slaughi
ngatme)Whydon'
tyouatschool
anywayyouar
echasi
ngmenaroundhuh you
hooker

Me:
Didy
ouj
ustcal
lmeahooker
?

Manager
:Si
vi
wewhat
'sal
lthi
s

Me:
Thi
smancameher
eand.
..

Guy
2:Nononosi
ryourwai
tr
essher
eisv
erydi
srespect
ful

Manager
:Si
vi
wei
nmyOf
fi
ceNOW!
!!

Me:
What
?He'
sly
inghei
stheonewhocal
l
edmenamesIwassoni
ceandpat
ientwi
thhi
m

Manager
:NOW!
!!
(f
uri
ous )

Guy
2:(
smi
l
ingandl
aughi
ngatme)

Me:
YouknowwhatIqui
t(
atearescapemyey
e)

Manager
:Youcan'
tqui
tyouneedt
hisj
ob(
laughi
ng)

Me:That
'sy
ourprobl
em uthi
nkyouhav
eital
landy
oucancont
rol
ppl
Iwon'
tbemani
pul
atedby
youanymoreIear
nPenniesany
wayhere

Manger
:Si
vi
wei
nmyof
fi
ce

Me:
No(
Ithr
owhe'
sbookandpenIwal
kedaway
)

Manager
:Don'
tev
ercomeher
eagai
n
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIwon'
tbot
her

Guy
2:Canwehav
eanot
herwai
tr
esspl
z

Guy
3:Notcool
Bronotcool

Guy
2:Whaty
oul
i
keher
( )

(Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
vejustdi
dohmyGodwhathav
eIdonewher
eint
hewor
ldwi
l
lIev
erget
anotherj
obnow )

(
Iwenthome)

Mom:
Yourear
ly

Me:
Iqui
tMom

Mom:
Iknewy
ouwer
eany
timesoon

Me:
How?
(smi
l
ing )

Mom:
YourBossi
sasnake

Me:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n

Mom:
Heusedt
omani
pul
atemet
oosi
ncey
ourmydaught
erhe'
sdoi
ngt
hesame

Me:
ButwhyMom y
ouwer
etr
yingt
oear
nal
i
vingl
i
keanyot
herwai
tr
esst
her
e

Mom:
Idon'
tknowsweet
yandIdon'
tcar
eany
way

Me: (
myphoner
angi
twasMr
sShay
lon)

Mr
s.S:
Siv
iwey
ouar
efr
eet
odayai
n'
tyou?

Me:
Yesofcause

Her
:Pl
zcomebyI
'
llbeoutofTownagai
ntoday

Me:
OKMam(
shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Me:
Atl
eastnotev
ery
onei
sbadasmyexBoss

Mom:
Noty
etmysweet
ynoty
et
Me:
Whatdoest
hatmeanMom?Mom?Mom?

Mom:
..
.

Me:Mom wakeupNononoooooooonooooo Mom( shakingher )Mommywakeup

Noooooooooooo- oy oucan' tleavemeMommywakeupy oucan' tgol ikethatComeon
Mom i thurt
swher eI '
ll helpyou( Ipul l
edherandIsawal otofbl oodundert hesheet s)Mom how
couldy ounottellmey ouwer einpai nOhMom (
Iwascr yingont opofhert henIsawa
l
etterwr i
tt
en[DearMyAngel ..
.I'
m sor ryIleftl
ikethisIwast ir
edofbei ngabur dent oyou..
.
Themi nutey ouleftIhadahugepai natmybackIknewIwasgoi ngt odi eI'm sorryleavi
nglike
thi
sbutgoandl ivey ourl i
feinpeaceuMamauzakuhl al
aekut handanoTat anakunj alo(Mommy
willal
way sloveyouDaddyaswel l)don'tgiveuphel pisonitswayy ou'l
lfi
ndy ourli
kechangi ng
forthebettereverymi nute I '
l
lal way sbewi thyou ]Icr iedreadi ngi tIdidn'tknowwhatt odo
nexttocallambul anceorwhat ?It oldournei ghbourshewasv erycl oset oMom shesai dwe
mustbur yhertomor rowbecauseIhav enomoneyt opreparefort hef uneral andIdi dn'
tinv
ite
anyonebutIcal l
edmygr andparent stheydi dn'
trespondbutIbur y edmyMom wi t
hmy
Neighbourandherf ami l
ythenextmor ning)

-Chapt
er2-

(I
tsbeen3dayswithoutMom anditf
eel
sli
keages Iwascl
eani
ngherroom whenIsaw
somethi
ngthatcaughtmyat
tenti
onitwasabi
gboxont
opofherwar
drobe)

Me:(ItookitIopenedi
ttherewer epaperswr i
tt
enandl ett
ersandpicturesofmyDadt oo he
wassohandsome t herewasanenv el
opet ooinsi
dethewasaneckl essIbelieveditbel
onged
tomyDadIt ookitIworeit..
.Itmademef eell
ikeIknowDad t heletter
st hatarehereare
from myDadsFat heraskingforfor
givenessIwonderwhathappenedi tlookesl i
kemyDadr an
awayf rom home Iwantt oknowwhybutIwon' tpool f
ormyDad' sfami l
ywhati ftheyrr
ich
they'
ll
thinkI'
m agolddigger)

(Day
sflewaswell
sti
l
llooki
ngf
oraj
obIf
oundnot
hingbutmyl
i
fet
urnedar
oundwhenMr
s
Shayl
oncal
led)

Me:
MrsShay
lonhyt
hisi
sani
cesur
pri
se

Mr
s.S:
Heysweet
ieIj
ustwantt
osayI
'
m sosor
ryabouty
ourMom

Me:
Thanky
ou
Mr
s.S:
Andanot
hert
hingI
'
m mov
ingt
oTownsoIcanbecl
ose.
..

Me:OhhhIgeti
t(
Iwasbr
eaki
ngwhatam Igoi
ngt
odo )
Tobecl
oset
owor
kwowI
'
m happyf
or
you

Mr
s.S:
Whydon'
tyout
ryt
ofi
ndwor
kher
eyoumi
ghtgetsome(
shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

(
Wai
tshe'
sri
ght nextt
hingt
omor
rowI
'
mther
e)

(
Ifi
nishedcl
eani
ngt
henat
ethenof
ftocat
chsomeZzz'
s)

(I
tsmorningIbathedtookoutmyoutfi
tforthedaysinceitwashotbutIneedt owear
appr
opriatebecauseI'
mlooki
ngforworkandI '
m goi
ngt othoseFancybigcompanybusinessI
wanttobeasecr etar
y Iwor emyblackhighri
sejeanwi t
hwhitevestandblackbl
azerwith
bl
ackblockheelsIgotmyblockheel
swhenIwasgoi ngtomat ri
cdance OKBi gtownhereI
come )

(Thefi
rstoneIdi
dn'
tgowel
l.
..
2ndoneIwaskickedoutIdi
dn'
tqual
i
tyt
obeasecr
etar
ywi
thmy
educat
ionastheysay .
..
3rdonetheydi
dn'
tneedasecret
ary.
..

4t
honeIwast oobl
ack...5t
honeI'
mtooyoung..
.Theykeptgivi
ngmeexcuses
whenwil
lthi
snightmar
eendIf
inal
lyf
oundamot elIbookedar
oom fr
om t
hel
east
moneyIgotbett
erl
ucktomor r
ow )

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Dedi
cat
edt
o"Ngcal
iAl
l
y"

(Ahhhi tsmorningalreadyIneedt ohuntf orajobagainIwashedmy selfworemywhi t

epenci
l
skir
twi thwhiteT-shir
twi thbl ackst
ripesIletitl
ooseandmybl ackblockheelsIletmyhair
l
ooset hentookmybagt henwentdownst airsIcheckoutwhil
eIwasgoi ngIfoundaman
sell
ingnewsar t
icl
esandt heyhadj obofferingsatthebackItook1IreaditIfoundacompany
wher etheyareact ual
lylooki ngforasecretarybutitwasfarawaybutI'l
lgoIdon'thaveamoney
forat axiespeci
all
yher et axi f
arecostalot If
oundthebuil
dingitwashugeandbeaut i
ful
i
tsdoor saremadeoutofgl assmanppl gotmoneyhuh?Andt hearepoorpploutt her
ewho
r
eal
l
yneeditIwentt
other
ecept
ioni
stshesai
dImustwai
tthebossi
swi
thacl
i
entIwai
tedf
or
l
i
ke30minutes)

Recept
ioni
st:
Youmaygoi
nMam

Me:
Thanky
ou

(
Iopenedt
hedoorohi
tsanOl
dmant
hiswon'
tbesohar
d )

Hi
m:Takeasi
tyoungl
adyIdon'
thav
ethewhol
eday

Me:
(ohi
tsgonnabesohar
d )

Hi
m:Gi
vemey
ourpaper
s

Me:
(Igav
ehi
m)

Hi
m:Goodgoodsowhyar
en'
tyouatschool

Me:
MyMom gotsi
cksoIhadt
ost
aywi
thherbesi
desIcoul
dn'
taf
for
dtogot
oCol
l
ege

Hi
m:Oht
hat
'ssai
dhow'
syourMom now

Me:
shedi
esaMont
hago

Hi
m:OhI
'
m sor
ryf
ory
ourl
ose

Me:
It
'sok

Hi
m:Sowhyy
ouwantt
hisj
ob

Me:
Toear
nmoneyandt
obui
l
dthebusi
nessofmydr
eams

Hi
m:Whati
sit
?

Me:
Asal
on

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:Touchi
ngppl
shai
rismypassi
onIf
eel
ateasewhenIdot
hatandIcandoal
otofmi
racl
es
whenitcomeswit
hhai
r

Hi
m:Wowy
ouar
eadr
eamerhuh?
(laughi
ng )

Me:
( l
aughi
ng)y
ah

Him:
OKyourgr
adesar
egoody
ouar
ever
yni
ceaswel
landy
oul
ovet
osmi
l
e y
our
emi
ndme
ofmyson
Me:
Wow

Hi
m:Nahwhatt
hehel
lYOUGOTTHEJOB

Me:
Nahhhhf
orr
eal
?

Hi
m:Forr
eal
youcanst
artMonday.
.

At08:00y ourher
eat12:00-13:00i
tsl
uncht
henat16:00-16:
30i
tsbr
eakt
imey oucando
whatev eryoupl
easeandat18:00yougohomeworkisoverandy
ourMont
hlysalar
yis
R5000.00

Me:
Noway

Hi
m:I
sitnotenough

Me:
Whati
tsmor
ethanenought
hanky
ouSi
ryouwoul
dn'
tregr
ety
ourdeci
sion

Hi
m:Ir
eal
l
yhope

Me:
Ipr
omi
sey
ouSi
r

Hi
m:OKy
oucangonow

Me:
Thanky
ousomuchexcuseme

(
Ilef
thi
sof
fi
cesmi
l
ingeart
oear Ican'
tbel
i
evei
tohmyGodIbet
tergot
osl
eepnowI
'
m
t
ir
ed )

-Chapt
er3-

(I
tsMONDAYughIdon' thavetransportmoneyandl unchmoney butI '
l
lbeconf i
dent
I'
mt heretowork...Iwokeupat6bczI 'l
lwalktoworkitsalongroadbutIgotnochoi ceImade
sandwichfrom thebr eadIgother eformyl unchthendidmyhy gi
enepr ocessthenwor emy
blachti
ghtdressitwashotout sidethenmydust ypi
nkheelsIgotthem from Mr sShaylonshe
gavemeal otofclothesIlovethatwomanuwi shIcanseeheragai n It henletmyhai rl
oose
andI'mt hi
nki
ngofdoi ngbreadsagainbczt heysuitmev er
ywellandIl ovethem butwhenIget
mymont hl
ysalary i t'
ssof arawayt houghwhatam Igoingtoeatf ornow Godwi ll
makea
way. .
.Iwasdoneby7t henIwentt owal kit
sal ongwalkandI'
m wear i
ngheel sandI'
m notused
tothem theyarekill
i
ngme. ..AfterawhileIwasatwor kitwas07:45)

Si
a:Heyt
her
enei
ghbour

Me:
HeyI
'
m Si
vi
weI
'
m knewher
e

Si
a:I
'
vebeenwor
kingher
efor3y
ear
snow
Me:
Ohwowhowi
sthi
sli
fet
reat
ingy
ou?

Si
a:Goodv
erygoodmyBossi
sver
yni
ce

Me:Minetoo(wearesecret
ariesfordif
fer
entppl
...Ppl
thisbui
l
dingishugebczppl
her
ear
e
doi
ngal otoft
hingsthi
sbusinessitsaboutdi
amond'stheymakejewelr
ymadeupofdi
amond'
s
andtheyarebeauti
ful )

Si
a:Shhhher
ecomesy
ourwor
stni
ght
mar
e

Me:
Mywhat
?

Guy
:(di
dn'
tev
engr
eethewentst
rai
ghtt
otheBossesof
fi
ce)

Me:
Sirsi
rwai
tyou'
l
lgetmef
ir
ed.
..
(hewenti
nhedi
dn'
tev
enl
ookatmeIal
sowenti
n)

Guy
:(l
ooki
ngatt
hewi
ndow)t
hisi
smyFat
her
sof
fi
ceI
'
lldowhat
everIpl
ease

Me:
Siry
ou'
l
lgetmef
ir
ed

Guy
:(Het
urned)You(
sur
pri
se)

Me:
(angr
il
y)Youuuuu

Guy
:Suchasmal
lwor
ldi
tisbutnoty
ouwhatar
eyouher
e?

Me:
Youmademel
oosemyj
obbutIwon'
tl
ety
ouagai
n

Hi
m:Ohpl
zyousuchacr
ybaby

Me:
(Ishookmyheadandwentout
)

Si
a:He'
samonst
erIknow

Me:
Areal
dev
il

Si
a:Her
ecomespr
incechar
mingandhi
sot
herpr
incechar
ming oht
heyar
esodr
eamy

Me:
Theyar
ecomi
ngher
etoo

Si
a:ohy
es

Me:
OhGod

Guy
:Hey

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Guy
:Mor
ninguhm i
sDadher
eyet
?

Me:
Nohe'
snotbutt
her
e'ssomeonei
n
Guy
2:May
bei
tsJake

Guy
:HeyIknowy
ou

Me:
NoIdoubt

Guy
:Yout
hatgi
rluhmmmmm

Boss:
Boy
syouher
ecomei
nsi
de

(
Theywenti
n)

Boss:
Youar
edoi
ngr
ightt
heydi
dn'
tgi
vey
ouahar
dti
me?

Me:
NoBosst
heyar
esoni
ce

Boss:
Ihopeso

(
Hewenti
ntoo)

Si
a:Howdoy
ouguy
sknoweachot
her?Oht
heyar
esocut
e

Me:
Gir
lIdon'
tknowl
et'
swor
kpl
z

Si
a:Yaht
otal
l
y

(I
tsl
ucht
imewewenttotheki
tchenImademy
sel
fcof
feet
hent
ookmyl
unchwi
thmet
odest
Si
agavemeatakeaway)

Me:
Not
hanksI
'
lleatmi
ne

Si
a:Gi
rlj
usteatandst
opbei
ngst
ubbor
n

Me:
Thanks

Si
a:good

Me:
(ourt
abl
esar
efaci
ngeachot
herwewer
eeat
ingt
henamancameupt
ome)

Si
a:That
'smyBossessoncomi
ng

Me:Wher
e?(Ilookedhelookedl
ikemoneyhegotswagbutnahhhhe'
stoocheesy IknowI
'
m
nott
hetypetojudgebuteii
inohel
lno)

Hi
m:hey
(het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
tthenmyBossesson'
scameoutJakel
ookedatmeand
wal
kedawayIdon'
tknowhe'
spr
obl
em)

Me:
uhmm hy
(Iwasconf
usedshoul
dIl
aughorsmi
l
eorwhat
)

Hi
m:Abeaut
if
ulAngel
li
key
oushoul
dhav
eabeaut
if
ulname

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
wei
tswr
it
tenonmynamet
ag(
theBossesson'
slaughed)

Hi
m:I
'
llseey
ouar
oundSi
vi
we

Me:
I'
l
lbeher
e(t
heyl
aughedagai
n)

Guy
:Youhav
esomesenseofhumourhuh?

Me:
Ineedt
owor
kpl
zit
smyf
ir
stdayIwon'
tri
skt
ogetf
ir
ed

Guy
:Atl
eastgi
vemey
ournumber

Me:
(t
hecel
l
phoner
ang)TheGol
dJewel
ryhel
l
o

(
Hewal
kedaway
)

(
Ital
kedt
omycal
l
ert
henIhungup)

Si
a:Ar
eyououtofy
ourbr
ains?

Me:
What
?I'
m doi
ngmyj
obf
inet
hanky
ou

Si
a:I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutAust
in

Me:
Who'
sAust
in?

Si
a:Theguywhoj
ustaskedf
ory
ournumber

Me:
Whyhewant
smynumberdoesheasl
owor
kher
e

Her
:Yes

Me:
Thenhe'
l
lseemeher
eatwor
k

Her
:Hel
i
kesy
ou

Me:
What
?Si
aacan'
tdat
eatwor
kit
sri
sky

Her
:Hewashi
tt
ingony
ouandmyBossessont
oo

Me:
hel
lno

Her
:Whatar
eyouusi
ngpl
zgi
vemeandhav
eat
ry

Me:
shutupSi
a
Her
:I
fIwasy
ouI
'
dgav
ehi
mthatnumberal
ongt
ym ago

Me:
Toobady
ournotme

Her
:Doy
ouknowhowmanygi
rl
sar
edy
ingt
obewi
thhi
m url
uckymyf
ri
end

Me:
LookIcan'
tdat
eatwor
kit
sagai
nstt
hel
aw

Her
:ButmyBossessondoesn'
twor
kher
e

Me:
Siaj
ustwor
kOKt
hist
opi
cendsnow

(Iworkedmybuttof
fpr
ovi
ngt
omyBosst hatIcanhandl
eitandhesai
dIdi
dagr eatwor
kthen
i
twas6Si aof
f er
edmeari
deandsai
dshe'l
lbemyr i
deatthemorni
ngandaf
terworkIcan'
t
believ
ehowniceshewast
omeandfunnytoo . .
.It
henbathedwor
emyPJst henwentto
sleep)

-Chapt
er4-

(
OhI'
m awakeIfeelamazingitsevenrai
ning ohhowmuchIl ovetherai
nandt hesmellof
t
hesoil
andthefreshnessoftheworldthetreessogr
een t heysmellbeauti
ful It hentook
abat
hthenworemyr edt
rouserswit
hblackpoloneckandbl
ackbootswi t
hmyMom' scoat
t
henaft
erawhil
eSi acall
edsaidshe'sout
sideIwentdownst
air
sthenwentt othecar
)

Me:
Hey
yy

Si
a:Youhav
eamazi
ngcl
othes

Me:
Thanky
ou

Si
a:Yougotanamazi
ngt
ast
eincl
othi
ng

Me:
Thanky
ou

Si
a:Youshoul
dfi
xmywar
drobe

Me:
Isur
ewi
l
l nowdr
iveIneedmyj
ob

(
Shedr
ove)

Her
:Soy
ougotaman?
Me:
No

Her
:Sowhyt
urni
ng.
..

Me:
SianoIal
readyIdon'
tneedt
roubl
enowdr
ive

Si
a:Gi
rl
fr
iend OKI
'
llst
opsowhenwast
hel
astt
imey
ou?

Me:
Iwhat
?

Si
a:Uknowbei
ngt
ouched?

Me:
Siashutup

Si
a:Mel
astmont
hiswearI
'
m pr
obabl
yav
irgi
nbynow

Me:
Siast
opt
alki
ng

Her
:Tal
ktome

Me:
Uhhhi
t'
sbeeny
ear
s

Her
:(
shel
ookedatmeherj
awsdr
oppedshel
ostherf
ocusont
her
oadt
hecarswung)

Me:
Heyy
ou'
l
lki
l
lusj
eez

Her
:Sor
ry t
her
e'sNowaySi
vi
we

Me:
Ahhhy
ep

Her
:Soy
ourst
ii
lfr
esh

Me:
Nowj
ustl
i
ter
aryst
opt
alki
ngpl
z

Her
:Fy
n sopl
zwhowast
heguy
?

Me:
Ahhhwewer
edoi
nggr
ade9heact
ual
l
ybr
okemyv
irgi
nit
y

Her
:Ohw ohi
twasy
oungl
ove

Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terany
waynowIbr
okeupwi
thhi
mthenhel
eftt
ownandchangedschool
s

Her
:I
twasahar
dbr
eakuphuh?

Me:
Ver
yhecheat
edanddeni
edi
t

Her
:Sor
ry

Me:
Ithoughthel
ovedmey
ouknow

Her
:Ohwy
oust
il
li
ntot
hisguy
Me:
Mxm i
tst
hepast

Her
:Weher
efi
nal
l
y(wegotoutoft
hecar
)

Me:
Whatt
imei
sit(
Ilookedatmyphone)i
t'
sear
ly

Her
:Youshoul
dthr
owt
hataway

Me:
Ver
yfunnySi
aver
yfunny I
'
llhav
ethephoneofmydr
eamssoon

(
Wesatonourdeskt
henIgotacal
l
)

Me:
Gol
dJewel
ryhel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
Heybeaut
if
ul

Me:
Who'
sthi
s?

Cal
l
er:
Johnny

Me:
Arey
oucal
l
ingf
orMr
..

Cal
l
er:
NoI
'
m cal
l
ingf
ory
oubeaut
if
ul

Me:
SirI
'
mreal
l
ybusy

Johnny
:HowaboutIt
akey
ouout
?

Me:
SirNot
hat
'sf
inal
(Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Boss:
HySi
vi
wear
emycl
i
ent
sgi
vi
ngy
ouhar
dti
me?

Me:
NoBossi
twasn'
tthem i
twassomeonehar
assi
ngme

Boss:
I'
m sor
ryt
ell
mei
fthatper
soncal
l
sagai
nwe'
l
lbl
ockhe'
scal
landnev
ercal
lyouagai
n

Me:
YesSi
r

(
Hegoti
nsi
de)

Si
a:Whowasi
t?

Me:
Someguycal
l
edJohnny

Si
a:I
tsmyBoss'
sson

Me:
What
?

Si
a:Yahwhatdi
dhesay
?
Me:
Hesai
dhewant
stot
akemeout

Si
a:Ohhe'
sagent
leman

Me:
NoIdon'
twantt
oookendofdi
scussi
on

Si
a:OKsor
ry

Someone:
Hy

Me:
Hy

Someone:
I'
m her
etomeetMrGr
ey

Me:
Doy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
?

Hi
m:Uhy
es

Me:
OKpl
easewai
t(Ical
l
edmybosshesai
dIshoul
dlethi
min)

Me:
Goi
nsi
r

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

(
It
sluncht
ime)

Si
a:Youl
i
kecheeser
ight
?

Me:
Ahy
es

Si
a:BecauseIor
der
edpi
zza

Me:
Uar
espoi
l
ingmeI
'
llgetf
atIswear

Si
a:I
tsbecauseIl
ovey
ou

Me:
Il
ovey
out
oo(
Ihuggedhert
henweat
ewhi
l
ewewher
eeat
ingt
woguy
sappr
oachedus)

Them:
Heyl
adi
es

Us:
Hey

Guy
1:Iseey
ounew

Me:
YahIam
(
MyBoss'
ssoncamet
ous)

Hi
m:Si
vi
wei
sDadal
one?

(
Iwentt
ohi
m)

Me:
I'
m sor
ryi
tsj
ustI
'
m onabr
eak.
..Uhmmm y
ahhehasacl
i
ent

Hi
m:Ohokt
hanks.
..Ohwai
ttel
lhi
m Iwasher
eok?

Me:
Clear

Hi
m:Youl
ookni
cet
oday

Me:
Uhm t
hanks

Hi
m:Wel
come(
hewal
kedaway
)

(
Ibl
ushedhel
i
kedmyout
fi
t y
eeey
)

Si
a:someonei
sbl
ushi
ng

Me:
Me?
??Ohnoy
ougott
hewr
ongi
dear

Si
a:Fi
ne Got
owor
klunchi
sov
er

(
Wet
hengotbackt
owor
kthecl
i
entcameoutIwentt
omyBoss)

Me:
Sor
ryt
oint
err
upt
edbut
..
.

Hi
m:Younev
eri
nter
ruptcomeoni
n

Me:
Ahthi
scameforyout
osi
gnandt
heppl
oft
henextcol
l
ect
ioncal
l
edsai
dthatt
hecol
l
ect
ion
wi
ll
bedonebyFr
iday

Hi
m:Gr
eatnewssof
ar

Me:
Iknowandy
oursoncameby

Hi
m:Whi
chone?

Me:
MrAust
in

Hi
m:Ohhedi
dn'
tsaywhyhewasher
e?

Me:
Nosi
rnotatal
lhesai
dIshoul
dtel
lyouhewasher
ethat
'sal
l

Hi
m:OhhhI
'
llcal
lhi
m..
.Ther
eyougo(
handi
ngmet
hepaper
s)

Si
a:sogotpl
ansf
orSat
urday
?
Me:
Ahy
esI
'
llsl
eept
hewhol
eday

Si
a:NoSi
vi
wey
ou'
l
lgetf
athady
ouseeny
ourbodygi
rl
?

Me:
Idon'
tcar
e

Si
a:Let
'sgoonadi
nnerj
ustat
woofus

Me:
Whyar
eyousobei
ngni
cet
ome?

Her
:Idon'
thav
efr
ndsmyf
ami
l
yli
vesf
arawayI
'
m al
onei
nmyapar
tmentI
'
m basi
cal
l
ylonel
y

Me:
Ohme2webot
hlonel
y

Si
a:Ir
eal
l
yneedaf
ri
end

Me:
I'
m her
ewer
efr
iendsok?

Si
a:Fr
iends

Me:
Nowwor
k

Si
a:

(
It
s6i
tst
imet
ogohomet
henAust
incamet
ome)

Hi
m:Goi
nghome?

Me:
Yah

Hi
m:Wher
e?

Me:
Atamot
eli
nBast
on

Hi
m:Ohwowwhatacoi
nci
dedI'
m act
ual
l
ygoingt
omydr
ycl
eanerst
orei
tst
hesamewayI
woul
dlov
etoof
fery
ouari
deifi
t'
sOKwithy
ou

Si
a:I
tfi
neShe'
l
llov
eitr
ightSi
vi
we?

Me:
(conf
used)y
ahYahofcause (
IlookedatSi
aangr
il
y)

Jor
dan:
Arey
oudone?

Me:
Yahl
et'
sgo

(
Siawi
nkedatmeohhhhI
'
llki
l
lher )
•

I
'
mti
redguy
sI'
l
lwr
it
econt
inuat
iont
omor
row l
i
keandcomment

Andt
hanky
ouf
ory
oursuppor
tyoursuchanangel
s l
ovey
oual
l

Admi
n

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Wegoti
nthecar
)

Hi
m:If
igur
edwher
eIknowy
ou

Me:
Ohwher
e?(
Iact
edconf
usedbutIknewt
oo)

Hi
m:Att
het
akeawayst
orei
fI'
m cal
l
ingi
tri
ght
?

Me:
Ohy
eahIr
emembery
out
oonow

Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryy
oul
osty
ourj
ob

Me:
It
scool
Igotagoodonenowandi
tspay
ingr
eal
l
ywel
l

Hi
m:Goodf
oru.
..
lookSi
vi
weIdon'
twanty
out
ogetawr
ongi
mpr
essi
on

Me:
Noy
ouof
fer
edmear
idet
hat
'
sal
l(t
henhi
sphoner
ang)

Hi
m:Sor
ryIneedt
ogett
his

Me:
OK

(
Ont
hephone)

Hi
m:Heymyl
ove

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:Iknowmyl
oveI
'
m headi
ngt
othedr
ycl
eanert
opi
ckupmysui
tfort
hemyDads
anni
ver
sar
y

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Me:
Toni
ghtf
orsur
emyl
ove

(
Thenhehungup.
.ohhehasagi
rl
fr
iendhmmm)

Hi
m:Sor
ryaboutt
hat

Me:
Don'
tbe

Hi
m:Soy
oui
nar
elat
ionshi
p?

Me:
Meno

Hi
m:Whynot
?

Me:
Whyaski
ngt
hat
?

Hi
m:Imeany
ourbeaut
if
ulandsmar
tanyguywoul
dhappyt
ohav
eagi
rll
i
key
ou

Me:
Ohnot
hanksf
ort
hecompl
i
mentbutno

Hi
m:Ohk

Me:
Yourgi
rlseemsl
i
keshel
ovesy
ou

Hi
m:Shedr
iver
smecr
azy

(
Thenwest
oppedIwasatt
hemot
elal
readyIgotoutoft
hecar
)

Me:
Noyoudri
veyour
sel
fcr
azy
..Thanksf
ort
her
ide(
Icl
osedt
hedoorl
eav
inghi
m conf
used
t
henIwal
kedaway)

(
Wentt
omyr
oom Ical
l
edSi
a)

Me:
Hehasagi
rl
fr
iend

Si
a:Whatnooo

Me:
Whywant
ingt
hissobad?

Si
a:You'
l
llooksweett
oget
heradar
kchocol
ateandasweetv
ani
l
laohhhpi
ctur
eit

Me:
Youar
ecr
azy

Si
a:Fy
nishegotagi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
Nowt
hisendsher
e

Si
a:Fy
n

(
Wehungup Il
oveher
)

(
Thenwentt
osl
eep)

-Chapt
er5-

(Ohi t
stoohottodayIdon'tknowwhattowearanditsFri
daymyBossesanni v
ersar
yist
oday
afterworkI'
m headingther
eheaskedmet ocomewi thSi
aaswel l
...SoIwokeupandwor emy
shortgreendressnottooshortali
tt
leabovemykneesandnottoogr eenuhmmm darkgreen
thenblackheelsthenletmyhairl
oosethenheadeddownstai
rs)

Si
a:Il
ovet
hatdr
ess

Me:
Oht
hanksmyf
ri
end

Si
a:Soy
ouar
est
il
lgoi
ngoutwi
thmet
omor
rowr
ight
?

Me:
YesSi
aofcause

Si
a:Good.
.YourBossl
i
kesy
ou

Me:
Why
'st
hat
?

Si
a:Hei
nvi
tedy
ouonhi
sanni
ver
sar
y

Me:
Itsnotabi
gdeal

Si
a:I
tisabi
gdeal
henev
eri
nvi
tedhi
slastsecr
etar
y

Me:
He'
sbei
ngni
cebesi
deshei
nvi
tedy
out
oo

Si
a:I
fyouwer
en'
ther
ehewoul
dn'
thav
e

Me:
What
'sy
ourpoi
nther
e?

Si
a:I
tmeanst
heBossl
i
kesy
ouandy
oucandat
e1ofhi
sson'
s

Me:
ArggggSi
a st
opaboutt
hisnonsense

Si
a: I
'
m ki
ddi
ngI
'
m ki
ddi
ngIknowy
ouar
est
il
li
nlov
ewi
thy
ourhi
ghschool
sweet
hear
t

Me:
Shutup
(
Wegotoutoft
hecart
henamanappr
oachedus)

Hi
m:HeySi
a

Si
a:(
Bor
ed)HeyLucas

Hi
m:Ar
en'
tyougonnai
ntr
oducedmet
oyourf
ri
end?

Si
a:Si
vi
wet
hisi
sLucas.
..Lucast
hisi
sSi
vi
we

Hi
m:Hy

Me:
Hy(
wehandshake)

Hi
m:I
'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ouSi
a

Si
a:It
oldyoutoleav
emeal
oneLucasi
needt
ogot
owor
kexcusemel
et'
sgoSi
vi
we(
wegot
i
nsi
det hebui
l
ding)

Me:
whowast
hat
?

Si
a:Myex

Me:
Whyhe'
sher
e?(
shewaswal
ki
ngsof
asty
oucanseeshewasabi
tupset
)

Si
a:Idon'
tknowandIdon'
tcar
e

Me:
Wowsocol
d

Si
a:Canwenott
alkaboutt
his

Me:Oft
her
eissomet
hingy
ouar
euncomf
ort
abl
etot
alkabout ohwowI
'
vef
oundy
ourweak
spot

Si
a:(
annoy
ed)wor
kpl
ease

Me: t
hisi
sgonnabegood I
'
llgety
ou

(
Aft
ersomet
imeourmai
lmancamet
omewi
thbi
gredr
oses)

Me:
Thi
sisf
orme?

Mai
l
.M:
YesMam

Me:
Thanky
ou(
Iopenedt
hecar
ditwaswr
it
tent
heRose'
smat
chy
ourbeaut
ynosi
gnwhoi
twas
)
Si
a:.
..

Me:(
siai
ssosadshe'
snott
alki
ngIt
houghtIshoul
dcheerherup)someonei
smi
ndi
ngherown
busi
nesstoday

Si
a:Ican'
ttal
kpl
z

Me:
OKIwon'
ttal
k(Ismel
lthem oh t
heysmel
lsosweetandf
resh)

Aust
in:
Youl
i
ket
hem?

Me:
Dot
heycomef
rom y
ou?

Hi
m:Nononotatal
l

Me:
Ohsor
ry

Hi
m:May
bef
rom asecr
etadmi
re

Me:
Ohpl
zmehav
easecr
etadmi
renev
er

Hi
m:Younev
erknow.
.(
hel
ookedathi
swat
ch)oopsIl
ostt
rackoft
imeIgot
tago

Me:
bye

Hi
m:By
e

Me:Siatal
ktome(
Iwenttoher
)Si
acomeony
oul
ooksaddoy
ouknowhowbor
ingi
tiswi
thout
youtalki
ngImi
ssyoual
ready

Si
a:Oh r
eal
l
y

Me:
Yahdon'
tev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hatOK?

Si
a:OK (
wehugged)

Si
a:sowhobr
oughty
out
hef
lower
s hoooy
ougotasecr
etadmi
re

Me:
Iwi
shIdi
dn'
tl
ety
ouspeak

Si
a:

(I
twas6andat7it
stheanni
versar
yIshoul
dbether
esoSiawentt
othemot
elwi
thmet
o
changet
henwi
ll
goatherapart
mentjustt
osaveti
me..
.Wegoti
n)

Si
a:Yourr
oom i
ssocl
ean
Me:
Idon'
tl
iket
hingshangi
ngar
ound

Si
a:YourMom r
aisedy
ouv
erywel
l

Me:
Shedi
d

Si
a:Sowear
ingwhat
?

Me:
This(i
twasaredlongti
ghtdressi
tshowedmycur
ve'
s Iwor
eitatmypr
om ni
ghti
twas
agi
ftf
rom Mom andblackheel
s)

Si
a:Beaut
if
ulbutnott
hoseshoesI
'
llgi
vey
oumi
neathomeOK

Me:
Ok

Si
a:Nowputont
hedr
essgi
rl

Me:
OK(
Idi
dasshesai
d)

Si
a:Damngi
rll
ookaty
ou

Me:
Don'
texagger
atedSi
a

Si
a:Yourbeaut
if
ulmyf
ri
endl
ookatt
hatAss

Me:
Shutup

(
Wewer
edonet
henwentt
oSi
a'
sapar
tment
)

Si
a:Wel
comet
omyr
oadnott
oocl
eant
houghl
i
key
our
s

Me:
Wowbuti
tsbeaut
if
ul

Si
a:Makey
our
sel
fathomeI
'
m goi
ngt
ochange

Me:
ok

(Afterawhi
leshecameoutlooki
ngstunni
ngshewaswear
ingbl
ackti
ghtshor
tdresswit
hred
blockheel
sthenredl
ipst
ickt
hengavemegoldheel
sthenwewenttotheanni
ver
sary)

Me:
Hol
l
yshi
tthi
shousei
shugeandbeaut
if
ul

Si
a:Iknow

Me:
WowInev
erev
eri
nmyl
i
feev
ert
hinkI
'
llwal
kinahousel
i
ket
hisev
er
Boss:
Siv
iwey
oumadei
tandSi
apl
easecomei
nmakey
our
sel
fathome

I
'
llcont
inuet
omor
row

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Wewal
kedi
nmyBossi
ntr
oducedust
oherwi
feanddaught
er)

Them:
Hy

Us:
Hey
(wehandshake)

Me:
I'
m hi
ssecr
etar
y

Wi
fe:
OhI
'
vehear
dal
otabouty
ou

Me:
Nicet
hingsIhope

Boss:
Don'
twor
ryy
ounev
erdi
dany
thi
ngwr
ong

Gi
rl
:Mi
nehi
sdaught
erLucy

Si
a:I
'
m Si
a

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
we

Lucy
:Urnotwhi
ter
ight
?

Me:
NoI
'
m notmyski
nisdar
k

Lucy
:Ial
way
swant
edabl
ackf
ri
endppl
sayy
ouguy
sar
ecool

Me:
Idon'
tknowaboutcool

Lucy
:Canwebef
ri
endswi
thSi
aofcause

Me:
ofcause

Si
a:Fr
iends

(
Wewer
ehav
ingf
unwhenMrr
udeguycamet
ous)

Hi
m:Ladi
es
(
Iwassopi
ssedIdi
dn'
tev
engr
eethi
m)

Si
a:HeyJake

Hi
m:Lucyt
hecer
emonywi
l
lst
artsoont
heyneedy
out
her
e

Lucy
:By
egi
rl
swi
l
lbei
ntouch

Us:
Bye

(Thecer
emonyst ar
tedi
twassobeauti
fulsay
ingthei
rvowstoeachot
hert
heyl
ookedsohappy
he'swi
felookedsobeaut
if
ult
heygavebir
thtobeauti
fulchi
l
drent
oo)

(
Thenaf
terawhi
l
ethecer
emonywasdoneppl
wer
edanci
ngandhav
ingf
un)

(
Aguyonmyback)

"
Woul
dyoul
i
ket
odance?
"

Me:
(It
urnedi
twasAust
in)
Nowhatwi
thy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendt
hinkshe'
l
lgett
hewr
ongi
dea

Hi
m:Pl
easebesi
desshe'
snother
e

Me:
ButAust
in

(
Hedr
aggedmebymyar
mtot
hedancef
loorwedanced)

Hi
m:Uragooddancer

Me:
Ohpl
z Isuck

Hi
m:Comeony
ougotmov
es

Me:
Don'
texagger
ate Iwi
sh

Hi
m:OKI
'
llst
op

Me:
Yourpar
ent
slooksohappy

Hi
m:Yaht
heyl
oveeachot
hersomuch

Me:
Wowsocut
e

(
wet
alkedInot
icedJakel
ooki
ngatusst
rangel
yur
hIhat
ehi
m)
•

(
Whenwewer
edonedanci
ngwewentt
ogetsomet
hingt
odr
ink)

Hi
m:Sohowabouty
ourf
ami
l
y?

Me:
Idon'
thav
eaf
ami
l
y

Hi
m:Why
'st
hat
?

Me:
Myf
atherdi
edt
hedayIwasbor
nmyMom di
edamont
hago

Hi
m:OhI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryhowabouty
oursi
bli
ngs?

Me:
Ihav
enone

Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryi
tmustbev
eryhar
dfory
ouandy
oual
lal
one

Me:
I'
m usedt
oitnow

Hi
m:Atl
easthav
eSi
a

Me: YahIl
oveheral
ot

Hi
m:She'
scr
azybuti
nagoodway

Me:
Iknowshe'
sgoodcompany

(Wetal
kedal
mostt
hewhol
eni
ghtIhadagr
tty
m wi
thhi
m he'
snott
oobadandt
hent
he
cer
emonywasover
)

(
MeandSi
awentt
othecar
)

"
Heyi
hadagr
eatt
imewi
thy
ou"

(
Itur
nedi
twasAust
in)

Me:
Ihadagr
eatt
imet
oo

Hi
m:Hopei
tcoul
dhappenagai
n

Me:
May
be.
..By
eAust
in(
Igoti
nthecarwel
eft
)

-Chapt
er-

(I
tsSat
urdayt
odaySi
aistaki
ngmeoutonacl
ubi
tsmyf
ir
stt
imebutIr
eal
l
ywannagot
omeet
peopl
eyouknowthenshecal
led)
Si
a:MyFar
eyoudonei
ts6al
ready

Me:
NoIdon'
tknowwhatt
owear

Si
a:I
'
m comi
ngdon'
tst
ress

Me:
Hur
ry

(
Aft
erawhi
l
eshewasher
e)

Si
a:Okf
ashi
ondoct
ori
sher
e

Me:
Oht
hankGodgoandl
ookf
ory
our
sel
fmywar
drobei
sani
ght
mar
e

Si
a:I
tsnott
hatbadact
ual
l
yyougotbeaut
if
ulcl
othesbutnotf
orcl
ubs

Me:
Thenwhat
?

Si
a:Uhmmmm t
ryt
hison

Me:
Nononohel
lnoSi
a

Si
a:What
?

Me:
itst
oomucht
ooshor
t

Si
a:Atl
eastt
ryi
ton

Me:
Fine

(
Iwor
ethem)

Si
a:Seey
oul
ookcr
azysexy

Me:
Letmeseemovef r
om t
hemir
rorpl
z(Isawmy
sel
fmyMom woul
dki
l
lmei
fsheev
ersaw
meweari
ngthi
sbutshewon't
)

Si
a:See?

Me:Il
ov eit
(i
twasashorthighwaist
ednotti
ghtskir
titwasdustypi
nkwithmywhiteT-shi
rt
wi
thblackhighheel
sIletmyhairlooseSiawaswearingshorthi
ghwai
stedleat
hershort
sthey
wer
ebl ackandredT-
shirtwit
hredhighheel
ssheletherhai
rlosset
oowewer esohot)

Si
a:Donel
et'
sgo

Me:
Let
'
sgo

•
•

(
Wewer eatt
hecl
ubthenwewentt
othebartogetdr
inksIdon'
tdr
inkIorder
scockt
ail
sexi
n
t
hebeachsheor
deredi
ttoowewer
enotplanni
ngtodri
nkbuttohavefun)

Si
a:Thoseguy
sar
echecki
ngusout

Me:
huhIcan'
ther
eyout
hemusi
cisl
oud

Si
a:(
inmyear
)Thoseguy
sar
echecki
ngusout

Me:
wher
e?

Si
a:Don'
tl
ooknowbutatt
hecor
nert
abl
eaty
ourl
eftsi
de

Me:
(It
henl
ooked)

Si
a:Isai
ddon'
tl
ooknowoht
heyar
ecomi
ngt
hisway

Me:
OhGosh

Them:
Heyl
adi
es

Us:
Hey

Guy
1:I
'
m Ben

Guy
2:I
'
m Car
los

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
we

Si
a:I
'
m Si
a

(Wetal
kedtot
heseguy stotelly
outhetr
utht
heywerefl
irt
ingbutwewerenoti
ntot
hem aft
era
whil
etal
ki
ngtothem Ihadaf eel
ingasi
fIwaswatchedIturnedmyheadJakewashereatt
he
cl
ubwithsomegirl
sdrinki
nghesawmeIsawhi mt hentheguywhisper
edinmyear)

Ben:
Wannagoouti
tst
oocr
owdedher
e

Me:
(Igi
ggl
edt
henJakel
ookedawayandt
ookt
he2gi
rl
sawayt
heyl
eftwhatt
hehel
li
swr
ong
wi
thhim)

(
Aft
ersomet
imewel
eftt
hecl
ubsobernotasi
ngl
edr
opofal
cohol
)

Si
a:Goodni
ghtmyf
ri
end
Me:
Thanksf
ordr
oppi
ngmeof
f

Si
a:Nopr
obl
em any
time

Me:
Nyt

(ThenIwenti
nitwas10t
hent hesecur
it
yguar
dletmei
nthenwentt
omyr oom Iwassot
ir
edI
didn'
tev
entookoffmycl
othesIdozedofft
heminut
emyheadhi
tthepi
l
low)

(I
tsmorni
ngSundayIkeptt
hinki
ngofJakef
ir
sthewasnot
hingbutr
udet
omenowhe'
sact
ing
str
ange Idi
ot)

-Chapt
er5-

(Weeksfl
webyandmyl i
feisgoi
ngv erywel
lbutcan'
tst
opthi
nki
ngaboutMom ..
.SoIwoke
upit'
spaydayohhhhhI
'm moneyedsanna Iwor
emyredbodyhuggi
ngdr
esswi
thred
heel
sSiaarr
ivedt
henwentdownstr
airs)

Si
a:Whuuuumyf
ri
endy
oursoHOT

Me:
Shutup

Si
a:Youshut
ti
ngmeup

Me:
Shutup (
herphoner
ang)

Si
a:Ahhhunknownnumberputi
tonl
oudVeeI
'
m dr
ivi
ng

(
Idi
d)

Cal
l
er:
Am It
alki
ngt
oSi
a?

Si
a:Yeswho'
sthi
s?

Cal
l
er:
It
'smeLucas

Si
a:Veedr
opt
hiscal
l

Me:
Tal
ktot
heguymay
behegotsomet
hingt
osayt
oyou

Hi
m:Si
apl
easej
ustl
i
stenf
orasec
Me:
Siapl
ease

Si
a:Fi
net
alkLucas

Hi
m:Si
aInev
ermeantt
ohur
tyoucanwemeetandt
alk?

Si
a:Whathel
lno

Hi
m:Ibegy
ou

Si
a:Wher
e?

Hi
m:Thanky
ouahhhatMugandbeanpl
zat6:
30af
terwor
k

Si
a:OK

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Si
a:Yeahwhat
ever

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Me:
Whoi
she

Si
a:Myex

Me:
Whathappened?

Si
a:Thati
diotcheat
edonmewi
thhi
scol
l
ege

Me:
WowI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryt
oheart
hat

Si
a:I
'
vegot
tenov
eri
t

Me:
Your
eal
l
ylov
edhi
m?

Si
a:al
otVee

Me:
I'
m sor
rydon'
tbesai
dyou'
l
lbef
inej
ustmeetupwi
thhi
m andsor
tthi
ngsoutmay
be.
..

Si
a:Ther
e'snowayI
'
m maki
ngupwi
thhi
m

Me:
OKcal
m downy
ouwon'
tj
ustshowup

Si
a:Whatabouty
ou?

Me:
Me?Don'
twor
ryI
'
llcat
chat
axi

Si
a:OK

(
Wear
ri
vedatwor
kthengoti
nsi
det
hebui
l
dingwewentt
oourt
abl
esJakegoti
ntheBosses
wi
thoutgreet
ingagai
nohhe'
sful
lofhi
mselfIcont
inueddoingmyjobt
hengoti
nmyBosses
of
fi
cetoleavesomepapersf
orhi
mt osignIdon'
twanttolooset
hem)

(
Igoti
n)

Hi
m:Lookthi
sismyFat
her'
soff
iceIcancomeandgoasIpl
easesodot
estmypat
ient
s(I
l
ookedathimti
ll
hef
ini
sheshewasangry)

Me:Idi
dn'
tcomeher
efory
ouIcamet
oputt
hesepaper
sonmyBossesdesksodon'
ttestmy
pat
ient
seit
her

Hi
m:Whoar
eyout
otal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
?

Me:
Whatisyourpr
obl
em wi
thme(Il
ookedsad)whydoy ouhat
emesomuchwhatdoIeverdo
t
oyouIdon'
tdeser
vetobet
reat
edli
kethi
sI'
m ahonestwomandoi
nganhonestl
eav
ing

Hi
m:.
..

Me:
Yaht
hat
'swhatIt
houghtSI
LENCEexcuseme(
Iwal
kedout
)

Jake'
sPOV

Hymynamei sJakeI 'm 25someofy oupr obablyhatemebynowI 'mtallwhitehavebear dand

fadeIhavebr ownhai randbl ueeyesbodybui l
derwithal otoftatt
ooswel lwiththeselooksI
cangetanygi rlbutIdon' tli
keusi
nggirlsunl
ikemyBr othersIhadagi r
lf
ri
endbutshebr okeup
withmebecauseoft hewayIam . ..lookI'
m notf unshewant edal otofthingsli
kegoingon
vacati
onsbutIhav etowor kgoi
ngonpar ti
esev er
yweekendsI '
m notdownf orwhateverIhave
alif
eandpl ust hatshelef tmeforanotherguybutshel eftIreal
lylovedher. .
.Ahlet'
stalkabout
thi
sSiviwrgir
l IknowIwasal i
tt
lehardonherbutIwoul dreall
yli
ket oapologiseformybehav i
or
butshewoul dn'tevenwantmenearherespeci all
ynow. .
.Mydadent eri
ng)

Hi
m:Iseey
ouandSi
vi
wear
eget
ti
ngv
erywel
l
Me:
Why
'st
hat
?

Hi
m:Shedoesn'
tl
etany
oneher
ewhenI
'
m nother
ebutl
et'
syoui
n

Me:
ohev
enmyBr
other
?

Hi
m:Yesy
out
heonl
yone

(
DamnIwasdi
srespect
ingt
hisgi
rlshewasnot
hingbutdoi
ngherj
obandbei
ngni
cet
ome)

Hi
m:Sogotanycol
l
ect
ion

Me:
Yahy
ah

Hi
m:Yourheadi
sout
ert
hiswor
ld

Me:
Mepshhhno(
Ifakedasmi
l
e)

Hi
m:OKl
etmeseeournewcol
l
ect
ion

(
Wedi
scussedwor
kthenIl
eftIl
ookedatSi
vi
weIneedt
oapol
ogi
set
oheronewayoranot
her
)

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

Me:
ahhhhIhat
ehi
m whyi
sheev
enl
ooki
ngatmeJERK

Si
a:Who?

Me:
(whi
sper
ing)Jake

Si
a:Ohhh hi
m whatnow?

Me:
Hesai
dhur
tful
thi
ngst
omeagai
n

Si
a:He'
sbi
tt
erbuthasasof
tspot

Me:
Huh(
laughi
ngsar
cast
ical
l
y)Idoubt

Si
a:Andahear
tbutv
erydeep

Me:
wel
li
t'
smustbev
erydeepbczhe'
snotshowi
ngi
t

Si
a:I
tsamat
terof2Iwon'
ti
nter
fer
e
(
Theni
twas6af
terawhi
l
eIwant
edt
ogohomeIdi
dn'
tfeel
li
kedoi
ngany
thi
ng)

(Iwenthomet henwentt
obedtomorr
owI
'm goi
ngtobuygr
ocer
iesandbuyanewphonesoI
couldtakecoolpi
ctur
esandupdat
eonmyFacebook)

-Chapt
er6-

(Iwokeupmyl i
feischangi
ngbitbybi
tisSat
urdaytodayI
'vebeenworki
ngmyassof ft
hispast
fewday st
hemoneyIgotTuesdaydidmeagoodt hi
ngIbroughtanewsmartphoneandI
broughtgr
oceri
esmyl if
eischangi
ngtothebett
erandI'
m happy..
.Iwentt
obaththendidmy
hairt
henatecerealt
henwentdownstai
rs)

Me:
Youal
way
sont
ime

Si
a:Iknow

Me:
What
'swi
tht
heshades

Si
a:If
eltl
i
kewear
ingt
hem (
smi
l
ing)

Me:
Okay

Si
a:Shal
lwego

Me:
Yahofcause

Si
a:(
Drov
eof
f)Iseey
ougotr
idoft
hathi
l
ari
ouscel
l
phoneofy
our
s

Me:
What
?Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hatIst
il
lhav
eit.
..See(
Ishowedher
)

Si
a:Ar
ggetr
idoft
hatpl
z

Me:
Nev
erwef
rom waybackwi
tht
hisone

Si
a:What
ever

Me:
HeyIwanty
out
odomeaf
avour

Si
a:What
?

Me:
Iwantt
ovi
sitmypar
ent
sgr
ave
Si
a:Okaysur
enopr
obl
em when?

Me:
I'
l
ltel
lyouOK?

Si
a:OKi
tsadonedeal

Me:
Thanky
ousomuch

Si
a:That
'swhatf
ri
endsdo

(
Wear
ri
vedatwor
k..
.Andwor
kwasgoodl
i
keal
way
sbutwhensomet
hingshocki
nghappened)

Si
a:Si
vi
weIt
hinky
ouhav
etoseet
his

Me:
What
?

Si
a:Come

Me:
Whatsomeonedi
ed?

Si
a:Nobuty
ouwi
l
l

Me:
Pshhhno

Si
a:Look(
Isawmymot
elonf
ir
ethewhol
ebui
l
dingwasonf
ir
e)

Me:
Nonomyst
uff

Boss:
What
'
sthat
?

Me:
Nononoooo(
get
ti
ngcl
oset
otheTVi
tshugeandont
hewal
l
)

Si
a:(
repl
yi
ngmyBoss)
It
shermot
el

Boss:
Oht
hat
'snotgoodi
tsi
ntoashesnowatl
eastt
hebot
tom hal
fisOK

Si
a:She'
sont
het
opf
loor

Boss:
Ohwowy
oucancomeandl
i
vewi
thus

Me:
NononoBossIcan'
t

Si
a:I
'
m herf
ri
endshecancome.
..

Boss:
NoIi
nsi
sts(
hel
eft
)

Me:
what
?(shocked)

Si
a:Idon'
tknow(
conf
used)
•

BoosesPOV

HyI'
m HenryEllisI'
m Siv
iwe'sBosssheisaverygoodemployeeshedoesherjobver
ywellandI
l
ikeher..Andbr i
nginghertomyhouseisagoodt hi
ngshe'
sav er
ygoodpersonandsokindand
mybabygi r
lLucyl oveshertheycoul
dbegoodf r
iendspl
usLucyismixedupwithbadpeopleI
don'
tli
keherf r
iendsNOW Iwanthert obefr
iendswi t
hLucy..
.AndIcan'
tl
eavemyempl oyee
outonthestreets

Cont
inuat
ioncomi
ngupl
ater

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Si
a:Whuuushi
tthi
sisgonnabef
un

Me:
ShutupSi
a

Si
a:Ok

Me:
Whatam Igoi
ngt
owear

Si
a:I
'
llgi
vey
oumi
ne

Me:
Youragoodf
ri
endt
hanky
ou

Si
a:Af
terwor
katmypl
acef
ory
ourcl
othest
henI
'
lldr
opy
ouof
fatJakesHouse

Me:
Notf
unny okmyf
ri
end

HyI '
m henr
yI'
m Sivi
we'sBossIhopey oual
lal
readyknowuhmmm Iof fer
edSiviweaplacet
o
staybecausesheisagoodempl oyeeshedoesherjobv erywellandIwon'tjustsi
tther
eand
l
ookatmyempl oyeestayi
ngonthest r
eet
snowaypl usLucymydaught erl
ovesherandthey
couldbegoodfriendsplusLucyi
smi xedupwithwrongppl Idon'tli
keherfr
iendstheyar
ebad
i
nf l
uenceonhersoIwanthert obeclosetoLucyandI'm helpi
ngt oo

•
(Wegotbackt
oworkIwasn'tf
ocusedatal
lIwasthi
nki
ngaboutl
i
vingundert
hesameroofas
Jake ohhhitsgonnabeanight
mar et
hatguycan'
tev
enpret
endtoli
keme. .
.Bef
oreInewi
tit
waslat
eandti
metoclose)

Boss:
Siv
iwel
et'
sgo

Me: UhmmnSirI'
ll
got
oSi
a'
spl
acef
ir
stf
orsomef
ewcl
othest
henI
'
llshewi
l
ldr
opmeof
fat
yourhousel
ateron

Boss:
OKdon'
tbel
atedi
nneri
sser
vedat19:
00

me:
Iwon'
tdi
sappoi
nt

Boss:
Okby
e

Me:
Bye

(Let
'sgotheni
twouldbe7soon.
..
wegotinhercaranddr
oveof
f..
.Atsomet
imewear
ri
vedat
herapart
mentsheshowedmehercloset
)

Si
a:Pr
epar
eyour
sel
fthi
sismywor
ld

Me:
Whatnonono

Si
a:What

Me:
Yougotal
otofshor
tst
affher
e

Si
a:Iknowr
ight

Me:
Ican'
tweart
hose

Si
a:Comeony
ou'
l
llookcut
ebesi
desshor
tthi
ngssui
tyouandbegger
scan'
tbechooser
's

Me:
fyn Packy
our
sel
fSi
aIwon'
tIdon'
tev
enknowwhatt
ochoose

Si
a:Ok

Me:
andbequi
ck

Si
a:HeyI
'
m al
lal
onei
nthi
spl
ease

Me:
Sor
ry

(
Aft
erawhi
l
eshewaddonet
henshedr
ovemet
omyBosseshouse)

Si
a:Goodl
uck
Me:
ThanksI
'
llneedi
t

(
Shedr
oveof
fIwentt
oknockont
hedoor
)

Housemai
d:Hy

Me:
HeyI
'
m her
eformyBossMrHenr
y

(
Bossatt
hebackgr
ound)

Boss:
I'
l
lgeti
tMar
thay
oucangonow.
..
comeoni
n

Me:
Thanky
ou

Wi
fe:
Ahhhy
oumustbeSi
vi
wer
ight
?

Me:
Yes

(
Wehandshake)

Wi
fe:
Whatapl
easantsur
pri
se

Me:
Likewi
se

Boss:
Ever
ybodyt
othel
eav
ingr
oom pl
s

(
Yel
li
ngt
heyal
lcamear
gJakei
sst
il
lonhi
sst
upi
dscar
yfacet
hat
'snotnew t
henLucycame
r
unni
ngt
ome)

Lucy
:Gi
rl
(yel
l
ing)

Me:
Hey

Lucy
:Iseebegsar
eyougonnal
i
veher
ehuhhuh?Daddyi
sshegonnal
i
vewi
thus?
??(
exci
ted)

Boss:
Ahhhy
es

Aust
in:
Ohwel
come

Me:
Thanky
oubutf
orj
ustal
i
ttl
ewhi
l
e

Wi
fe:
Youcanst
ayasl
ongasy
ouwanti
tsf
ine

Boss:
Mar
that
akeherbegsupst
air
s

Wi
fe:
Whathappenedaty
ourpl
ace

Me:
Ther
ewasf
ir
ethi
saf
ter
noon

Lucy
:OhIsawi
tonnewst
heysayoneoft
heppl
whol
i
vedt
her
elef
tst
oveon
Me:
Yah

Wi
fe:
OhI
'
m sor
ryi
tsnotsaf
eoutt
her
e

Lucy
:Wannaseemyr
oom?

Me:
Uhmmm

Boss:
Lucydi
nnerf
ir
st

Lucy
:OkDad

(Wewentt
oeatdi
nnerJakewasonasr
cfacehewasn'
tsay
ingawor
d t
hatguyi
sdr
amat
ic
shem)

JakesPOV

(
Siv
iwei
sher
emay
beI
'
llgetachancet
oapol
ogi
set
oherIwasal
i
ttl
emeanandunf
airt
oher
)

(
Att
hedi
nnert
abl
e)

Wi
fe:
Jake?

Jake:
..
..

Wi
fe:
Jake?

Jake:
..
.

Wi
fe:
Jaaake(
yel
l
ing)

Jake:
Huh?
What
?Mom?

Wi
fe:
Whati
swr
ongy
oursi
l
ent

Jake:
Ahnot
hingi
t'
sjustIgotal
oti
nmymi
nd

(Wetal
keditwasfunt
heyareal
lgoodppl
Idon'
tknowwher
eJakegett
hisst
ubbor
nness.
..
aft
er
eat
iyLucyshowedmemyr oom?

Lucy
:I
'm happyy
ourher
eIwi
l
lfi
nal
l
yhav
easi
sterInev
erhad

Me:
Buty
ouhav
eyourbr
other
s

her
:Theyar
ebor
ingpl
ust
heyal
way
sbusyIwantcompany
Me:
Buty
ougot
oschool
right
?

Her
: YesbutwhenIcomehomethat'
sal
lov
erIgetbor
edher
ethi
shousei
shugeandnoone
t
otalkt
oev
enwhenIwantagir
ltal
k.

Me:
LuckyI
'
m her
e

Her
:YesI
'
m happypl
usmybr
other
sar
eal
way
sbusy

Me:
Wit
hwhat
?

Her
:Jakei
sbusywi
thwor
kAust
inwi
thhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendandZay
nwi
thgi
rl
sandcl
ubs

Me:
IsZay
nyourBr
othert
oo?

Her
:Nocousi
n

Me:
Oh

Her
:ButIl
oveherl
i
keabr
other
..
.(
sheopeneddoor
sofanot
herr
oom)

Her
:Thi
sisy
ourr
oom

Me:
It
sbeaut
if
ul

Her
:Iknow

Me:
It
sgol
dIl
ovegol
dandi
tshuge

Her
:Yah

Me:
OkmyGodt
hanky
ou

Her
:Noproblem uhmm thedooronyourl
efti
sJakesroom af
terhi
sdoort
henmineony
ourr
ight
i
sAusti
n'
sr oom aft
erZaynroom y
ouareinbetween.
..DON'TGETITMIXEDUP

Me:Iwon'
t(Iwasn'
tpay
ingat
tent
ion)ohhhmyownbat
hroom andmyowncl
oset ahhht
hisi
s
l
if
ebutforawhile

Her
:Ni
ghtsee'
yah

Me:
Nightt
hisi
samazi
ng

(Ichangedint
oPJsi
twaspi
nkv
estandpi
nkshot
s r
eal
l
ySi
athenIsl
eptohhht
hebedi
s
socomf ort
able)

•
-Chapt
er7-

(I
tsmor ni
ngIt ookashowert hensomethi
ngweirdhappenedIwasput
tingonmyper fumebutI
didn'
treal
isethatIspraywasf aci
ngmyey es nowwhathappenedisthatIspray
edmyey esI
screamedsol ouditwasbur ni
ngmyey eswereIredIsweartheywayt
heywer eburni
ngi tf
elt
l
iketheywi l
lpopoutt ear
swher efal
l
ingonmyfaceIthrewwateronmyey estocl
eant henbutit
didn'
tworkIwascr yingIneededsomeonet obl
owmyey es)

Me:Ishoul
dgot oLucy..
.Lucy(yel
l
ing)whi
choneisher '
sthefir
stdoorontheleftIguess(I
knocked)Lucy( myeyeswereclosedIwaswi t
hmyt owelmyhairwaswetandIwasst il
lwet...
Sheopenedt hedoor)Lucyhelpmepl s(Iwascryi
ng)plsblowmyey esIsprayedthem witha
perf
umeandi thur
ts.
..Lucy?.
.saysomethingf
orGodnesssakebl owmyey es..
.don'tj
uststand
ther
e(sheblowedmyey es)pl
sagai npl
s(shediditagaintheni
tfel
tbett
erthenIwi pedmyf ace
andmyey es)

Me:
Oht
hanky
ouIal
mostdi
edmyey
esar
ehur
ti
ng

Man'
svoi
ce:
Don'
texaggr
ate

Me:
(Il
ookedatt
hisper
son)Jake?

Hi
m:Mor
ningt
oyout
ooSi
v.
..
.

Me:
Nonocutt
heactJakewher
e'sLucy
?

Hi
m:Thi
sismyr
oom gi
rldon'
tcomeher
eandy
ell
atme?

Me:
Youwi
l
lnev
erchange(
Iwal
kedaway
)

Hi
m:Heywai
t

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Cl
oset
hedoorony
ourwayout

Me:
Ahhhh

(
Ilef
thi
sroom Ibumpedi
ntoAust
in)

Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nJakesr
oom wear
ingat
owel
?

Me:
(Idr
oppedmyj
awsIdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
)I.
..
I.
..
uhmmm (
Itol
dhi
mthewhol
est
ory

Hi
m: (
hej
ustl
aughed)
Me:
Yahsi
l
lyr
ight

Hi
m: ohVeeokIgot
tago

Me:
Xo

(Helef
tIwentt
omyroom.
..
howdar
ehehowJakedaret
otouchmeheshoul
dhav
eletmego
bli
ndnx..
.OhGodIsawhi
m wi
that
owelhedi
dn'
thadashi
rton andhesawmewi t
ha
towel ohGod)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Thatgir
lissohar
dheadedIhel
pedhershedi
dn'
tsaythanksshe'
ssost
ubbor
nahhhIcan'
t
wai
tforhertol
eaveandwhyherr
oom i
snexttomineanywayarg)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(IworeareddressSia'
sclothesaresoshort IhopemyBossdoesn'tsayany
thi
ng t hen
blackheel
sthankGodshe'smysi ze..
.Thentookmyhandbagthenfi
xedmybadthenIhear
da
knockthatbet
ternotbethisJakeguyorI'
ll
squeezehi
sbal
lshebett
ernottr
ymeIopenedthe
doorohit'
sMartha)

Mar
tha:
I'
m her
etocl
eany
ourr
oom Mi
ss

Me:
It
sal
readydoneIdi
ditmy
sel
f

Mar
tha:
PlsMi
ssnextt
imeI
'
lldoi
tfory
out
hat
'
swhyI
'
m get
ti
ngpai
d

Me:OhMarthadon'
tst
ressi
t'
sokanddon'
tcal
lmeMi
ssI
'
m bai
l
eyy
ourdaught
ercal
lmeSi
vi
we
orVeeOK?

Mar
tha:
ok
(
Shel
eftohshe'
ssoni
cet
henIwentdownst
air
s)

Lucy
:Howwasy
ourf
ir
stni
ght
?

Me:
Uhmmm good

Lucy
:Comel
et'
seat

(IwenttoeatI
'
m notusedbei
ngservedt
heirhousemai
dsdoev
ery
thi
ngt
jot
heypr
obabl
yget
paidalott
hent hewhol
efamil
ysetdownthenweate)

Wi
fe:
SoSi
vi
wewer
ear
eyourpar
ent
s?

Me:(
Idon'
tl
iket
alki
ngaboutmyf
ami
l
yIgetv
eryemot
ional
butI
'
llkeepmy
sel
ftoget
hernow)
uhmmm myparentsdi
ed

Her
:ohI
'
m sor
ry

Me:
It
sOK

Lucy
:That
'ssadwhen?

Me:
(Lucyisdi
ggi
ngawholeinmeagain)uhmmm myDadthedayIwasbor
nmyMom f
ew
monthsagothedayIl
ostmyjob(
Jake&Austi
nchokedbythei
rfood)

Boss:
Heywhat
'
swi
thy
out
woeatpr
obabl
yory
ou'
l
lgetchokedanddi
einmyt
abl
esopl
z

Wi
fe:
I'
m sosor
rybabygi
rll
i
femusthav
ebeenhar
dfory
ou

Me:
Ver
yhar
d..
.Ohwel
lIbet
tergo

Boss:
Soear
lyt
hengowi
thAust
inhe'
sther
easwel
l

Aust
in:
Ahhhsor
ryVeeI
'
m notI
'
m pi
cki
ngupHanna

Boss:
Forwhat
?

Aust
in:
ForwhatDadpl
ease

Boss:
Stopseei
ngt
hatgol
diggerory
ou'
l
lbesor
ry

(
Aust
inl
eft
)

Boss:
Sondr
opof
fSi
vi
wef
orme

Jake:
YesDad

Boss:
IknewIshoul
dal
way
scountony
ou

(
What
?what
?Ther
e'sNowayI
'
m get
ti
ngonacarwi
tht
hatguynoway
)
Jake:
Let
'sgo

Me:
Ok(
Ifol
l
owedhi
m)

Lucy
:Gi
rl
fr
iendt
hatdr
esshugsy
ou(
hol
dingher
sel
f)sot
ight

Wi
fe:
Lucyy
ouar
emaki
nghershy

Me:

(
Jakewassoannoy
ed)

Hi
m:(
openedt
hedoorf
orme)

Me:
Uhmmm t
hanks

Hi
m:Don'
tthankme

Me:
huhy
ahr
ight(
Igoti
n)

Hi
m:(
closedt
hedoort
henhegoti
nanddr
oveof
f)sor
ryabouty
ourpar
ent
s

Me:
Don'
tgot
her
eyoushoul
dapol
ogi
sef
ort
reat
ingmel
i
keanobodyt
hef
ir
stdaywemet

Hi
m:Aboutt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
osayI
'
m sor
ry

Me:
Ohr
eal
l
ythenwhathappened

Hi
m:lookSi
vi
weI'
m sorr
yfordisr
espect
ingyouandlooki
ngdownony
ouandf
orev
eryot
her
t
hingIdi
dwrongt
oy ouIreal
l
yam (hestoppedthecar)

Me:
OhGoddr
ive

Hi
m:Nol
ook

Me:
(Il
ookedathi
m)

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryf
ormaki
ngy
ourdaysosadt
hatdaywef
ir
stmetIdi
dn'
tknowaboutbyMomma

Me:
(Il
ookedaway
)howwoul
dyouknow

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryIwant
edt
osayt
hisbutIwas.
..

Me:
Waswhathuhbusywi
thy
ouroneni
ghtst
andsatcl
ubs

Hi
m:Iwasscar
edofwhaty
oumi
ghtsayl
i
kenowurshout
ingatme

Me:
I'
m notshout
ingf
inesor
ry(
Ihear
dmy
sel
fIwasr
eal
l
yshout
ing)

Hi
m:I
'
m sosor
ryf
rom t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
t
Me:(Hel
ookedsi
ncer
e)f
inef
orgi
vencany
oudr
ivenow(
Ilookedathi
m hmmnhi
sCol
ogne i
s
sogood)

Hi
m:OK(
hedr
ove)

Me:
(Isawapi
ctur
eofacut
ebabygi
rl
)who'
sthat
?

Hi
m:Mydaught
er

Me:(
Ilaughedsohar
dguy
sitwashi
l
ari
ouswhatcameoutofhi
smout
h"mydaught
er"ohpl
s )
yahri
ght

Hi
m:I
'
m ser
ious

Me:
ther
e'snoway(
heshowedmepi
ctur
es)ohwowshei
syourdaught
erwher
eisshe?

Hi
m:Atabodi
ngschool

Me:
Whyt
aki
ngachi
l
dther
e?

Hi
m:Af
terherMot
herl
eftusf
oranot
hermanshedi
dn'
ttakeany
thi
nggood

Me:Butt
aki
nghert
othatpl
acewasn'
tanopt
ionsheneededy
oumor
ethanev
ery
oushoul
dn'
t
hav
e

Hi
m:Ij
ustr
eal
i
set
hatshe'
scomi
ngbackt
hisFr
idayImi
sshersomuch

Me:
Good.
..She'
ssocut
e

Hi
m:Iknow

Me:Shehasy
ourey
es(
thatsl
i
pmymout
hguy
sIdi
dn'
tknow ohGodwhati
shegoi
ngt
o
say
)

Hi
m:Thanky
ouhermot
herusedt
osayt
hat

Me:
(oht
hankGod )

Hi
m:I
'
m gl
adweputourdi
ff
erenceasi
de

Me:
Yahmet
oo

(
Wear
ri
vedatwor
k)

Hi
m:Ohy
ourher
e

Me:
Yaht
hanky
ousomuch

Hi
m:Any
timey
ourgoodcompany

Me:
(Di
dhej
ustsayany
thi
ngandI
'
m goodcompany
?Hmmm)OKt
hanky
ouby
e(If
eltl
i
ke
someonewaswat
chi
ngmeIt
urnedi
twashi
m whyi
shel
ooki
ngatmet
henhedr
ove)

(Her
ecomesSi
arunni
ngt
omeandsmi
l
ingohshesawt
hatandi
tsgonnabet
het
opi
coft
he
day )

Si
a:Gi
rlwast
hatJakescary
ouj
ustgotof
fin?

Me:Mor
ningt
oyoutooSi
a..I
'm good?OfcauseI
'
m goodIhadanamazi
ngni
ghtwi
thy
ourpi
nk
PJsandmyBossesfami
l
yissonice

Si
a:Veecomeon

Me:
yesi
twas

Si
a:Nocatf
ight
ingIhope

Me:
Noact
ual
l
yheapol
ogi
sed

Si
a:whatMrJakehi
msel
f?

Me:
Yeshi
msel
f

Si
a:Howt
ell
me

Me:
(It
oldhert
hewhol
est
ory
)

JakesPOV

Me:(t
alkingtomy selfinmycar)She'sanicebeauti
full
adywhydidn'
tInoti
cethatshethat?She
l
ookedwaybeaut if
ul whenherhairiswet..
.WhensheaskedmewhyIwasn' tblowinghereyes
i
tsjustshewasi nf r
ontofmehal fnakedandwetwhataguygot tadoIwon'tl
ieIwast ur
nedon
butdidn'tshowitImustl i
kethi
sgi r
lbutnotagirl
fri
endmay beasasist
erbutyoucan'tget
tur
nedonwheny oulookatyoursister butshe' syoungformeshe's20I'
m 26besidessheis
notont hatpagemay besheli
kesmyy oungBr ot
herAusti
n)

•
Si
vi
we'
sPOV

Si
a:Oh t
heey
ebl
owi
ngwashi
l
ari
ous y
oul
i
kehi
m

Me:
Whatewwwnoti
nmi
l
li
ony
ear
s

Si
a:I
'
llt
ell
youwhy

Me:
Idon'
twannaheari
t

Si
a:May
behel
i
kesy
out
oo

Me:
Let
'swor
kpl
sthat
'swhywegetpai
d..
.Act
ual
l
yIaskabouty
ourdat
e

Si
a:Si
vi
wel
et'
swor
k

Me: y
ahIt
houghtsot
oo

-Chapt
er8-

(
Iwasatworkwhenmypur
sef
ell
all
ofmyst
uffwer
eev
ery
wher
eIwast
idi
ngmydesti
twas
t
imetol
eave)

Boss:
Who'
sthi
s?(
Hesawapi
ctur
eofmyDad)

Me:
Mydaddoy
ouknowhi
m?

Boss:
Thatexpl
ainsal
ot

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Boss:
Yourl
onghai
r,
andy
oursmi
l
eIknowt
hisguy

Me:
Whatf
rom wher
e?

Boss:
Hewasmybestf
ri
endnonoIgot
tago

Me:
Bosswai
t..
.wai
tup(
yel
l
ing)Boss(
hewasal
readygonewhatdoesheknowaboutmyf
ather
?
)

Si
a:Whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow(
conf
used)

Si
a:Comeonl
etmedr
opy
out
her
e

Me:
Sur
e(I
'
m st
il
lconf
usedIdon'
tknowwhatmyBossmeantaboutt
hat
)

BossHenr
y

(
Ical
l
edCeci
l
iamyWi
fe)

Cc:
HeyBunny

Me:
Ifoundher

Cc:
Whof
oundwho?

Me:
Sophi
a

Cc:
What
?Wher
eisshe?

Me:
ItsSi
vi
we

Cc:
WhatNowayi
tcan'
tbeher

Me:
Iti
sandi
fsomeonef
indsoutshe'
sBl
ade'
sdaught
ershesdead

Cc:
Ohnowehav
etokeepoutpr
omi
se

Me:
Wehav
eIcan'
tbel
i
evet
his

Cc:
Howdi
dyouf
indout
?

Me:
Shehashi
sphot
oinherpur
se

Cc:
OhmyGodwehav
etot
ell
her

Me:
Arey
oucr
azyIcan'
tdot
hat

Cc:
ThenIwi
l
l

Me:
Don'
tyouev
ent
hinkabouti
t

Cc:
Shehast
oknow
Me:
LookIwasabl
etol
eav
ethoseppl
Iwon'
tdugupt
hepastCeci
l
iapl
s

Cc:
Myl
ovewewi
l
ljustt
ell
heraboutherFat
hershehast
oknow

Me:
Whati
fshegoest
othoseppl
whoki
l
ledhi
m whatwi
l
lshedo?
shewi
l
lgot
her
e

Cc:
But
..
.

Me:
Nobut
'sOK

Cc:
OK

(
Idroppedthecal
lIcan'
tri
skherl
i
fenotnowIjustf
oundherIhavetokeephersaf
eIpromi
sed
Mybestfri
endIwil
lthosewher
ehisl
astwordswhenhedied"pr
otectmydaughter
"andIwi
l
ldo
t
hat..
.)

(
Iwasatt
hehouset
hecel
lrang)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
IsJakehome?

Me:
Uhmmm Idon'
tthi
nkso

Cal
l
er:
Wel
lthencal
lhi
m

Me:
Excusemewhodoy
out
hinky
ouar
e?Huh?
(Iwasangr
y)

Cal
l
er:
Isai
d..
.

Me:
Cal
lhi
minhi
sphonei
diot(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)thatmustbeJake'
sgi
rl
fr
iend

Jake:
Whowast
hat?

Me:
ohy
ourher
eyourgi
rl
fr
iendj
ustcal
l
ed

Hi
m:Idon'
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iend

Me: y
ahr
ight

Hi
m:Iswearbutt
her
e'ssomeoneI
'
mint
erest
edi
nthough

Me:
(wal
ki
ngaway
)ohIf
eel
sor
ryf
orher

Hi
m:Why
?
Me:(
IstoppedandIl
ookedathi
m)Becauseshe'
l
lhav
ethest
ubbor
nnessboy
fri
endi
ntheent
ir
e
pl
aneteart
h

Hi
m:NoI
'
m not

Me:(Iwentcl
osetohim)Youneedawomanwhowi l
lknowhowt
ocal
my oudown.
..Youneeda
womanwhowi l
ltr
eatyouforwhoyouar
e..
.Youneedawomanwhoknowshowtocalmthe
beastinyou

Hi
m:Wowwher
ecanIf
oundher

Me:
Any
wher
eot
hert
hancl
ubs

Hi
m:Heydon'
tacti
nnocenty
out
oower
ether
efl
i
rti
ngwi
tht
hatguy

Me:
Iwasi
nfl
i
rti
ngwi
thhi
m

Him:Heki
ssedy
ourneckandy
ougi
ggl
edl
i
kea3y
earol
dbabygi
rlwhoj
ustgotadol
lon
Chri
stmas

Me:Hewasn'
tki
ssi
ngme t
hemusi
cwasl
oudIcoul
dn'
ther
ewashewassay
ingsohe
gotcl
oser

Hi
m:Theny
ougi
ggl
ed

Me:
Hewassay
ingaj
oke i
twassof
unny

Hi
m:Car
etoshar
e

Me:
Whatnow (
Iwal
kedaway
)

Hi
m:(
yel
l
ing)If
eel
badf
ormanwhowi
l
ldat
eyou

Me:
(Ist
oppedandIl
ookedathi
m)why
'st
hat
?

Hi
m:Yourhar
dheadedy
oudon'
tl
ist
ent
oany
one

Me:
Ido

Mar
tha:
MisscanIcl
eany
ourr
oom now

Me:
NoMar
thaI
'
lldoi
tmy
sel
f

Mar
tha:
ButMi
ssi
tst
heBossesor
der
s

Me:
Mar
thai
tsOK

Mar
tha:
OKMi
ss(
shel
eft
)

Hi
m:See?
??
Me:
Seewhat
???That
?

Hi
m:Yest
hat

Me:
Idon'
tl
ikeppl
doi
ngt
hingsf
ormei
m useddoi
ngmy
sel
f

Hi
m:That
'
swhatImean

Me:
I'
mleav
ingf
orr
eal
thi
sti
me

Hi
m:Comeon

Me:
Theseheel
sar
eki
l
li
ngme (
Ilef
t)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Mom wasst
arr
ingatme)

Me:
Howl
ongwer
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
e?

Mom:
Longenought
oseel
ove

Me:
Mom don'
tbesi
l
ly

Mom: Whynotshe'
sbeaut
if
ul,
smart
,y
ougotalotoft
hingsi
ncommonpl usshe'sthewoman
thatcal
msthebeasti
nyouI'
venev
erseenyouthi
shappysi
nceyourdaught
erleftforboar
ding
school

Me:
Mom don'
texagger
atepl
z(Iwentt
otheki
tchent
odr
inkwat
er)

Mom:
OKy
ou'
l
lknowIwon'
tfor
cey
oubutMYSONI
SINLOVEFI
NALLY

Me:
(Angr
il
y)MOM keepi
tqui
etpl
s

Mom: OKOK(
shel
eft
)

Me:
(Tal
ki
ngt
omy
sel
f)mei
nlov
eyahr
ight asi
f

•
(Iwentt
ositatthecouchgoi
ngt
hrewmyphonet
henSi
vi
wecamedownst
air
sshewentt
othe
kit
chenouthousemaidsweremaki
ngdi
nner
)

Her
:CanIhel
p?

Mar
tha:
NoMi
ssdoy
ouwantust
ogetf
ir
ed

Her
:Noofcausenoti
tsbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIcookedpl
zI'
l
lcookt
hemeatI
'
m goodati
tpl
s

Mar
tha:
OKi
fyoumessi
tup

Me:
Iwon'
t(shewassohappyandsmi
l
ingIf
oundmy
sel
fsmi
l
ingt
oo)

Zay
n:Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?

Me:
(If
ixedmyf
aceIdi
dn'
tseehi
m)uhmmm not
hing

Zay
n:Wher
eyouchecki
ngoutmai
ds?
Dude

Me:
NoIwasn'
t

Zay
n:(
hel
ookedatt
heki
tchenhesawSi
vi
we)y
ouwer
echecki
ngherout

Me:
Ohdon'
tbesi
l
ly

Zay
n:Br
oIsawy
ourf
ace.
..Doy
oul
i
keher
?

Me:
Dudenopl
sI'
m busy(
Ilef
t)

Zay
n:Iknowshe'
shotbr
o

Si
vi
we'
sPov

(
Att
hedi
nnert
abl
ewewer
eal
lgat
her
edt
oget
her
)

Siv
iwe:OKpplIcookedt
hemeatmy
sel
ftot
hanky
ouf
orwel
comi
ngmeaty
ourhomeIr
eal
l
y
appreci
atei
tsomuch

Lucy
:Ohhhy
oushoul
dn'
thav
eitl
ookeddel
i
cious

Boss:
Andsmel
ldel
i
cioust
oo

Wife:Hmmm t
hanky
oubabygi
rlweappr
eci
atei
ttoof
ory
out
ocomeher
esomeppl
'
sli
vesar
e
changed(
smil
i
ng)

Me:
Ohwowr
eal
l
y
Jake:
Uhm t
hanksSi
vi
we.
..Canweeatnow(
Zay
nandMi
ssCeci
l
iawer
elaughi
ng )

Henr
y:Ar
ewemi
ssi
ngsomet
hing?

Lucy
:It
hinksodad

Me:
I'
m al
sol
ost

Cc:
Nonotatall
let
'seat(
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatwasgoi
ngt
heywer
elaughi
ngl
ooki
ngatJake.
..Oh
wel
lit
'sf
amil
ythenweate)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Aft
erdi
nner
)

Me:
Bossweneedt
otal
k

Hi
m:Aboutwor
kohI
'
mti
redcanwet
alkt
omor
row?(
Wal
ki
ngupst
air
squi
ckl
y)

Me:
Boss(
sadwhenwi
l
lhet
ell
met
het
rut
hthenmyphoner
ang)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Sia:Whyy
ousounddowndi
dJakemakey
ousadohhhIsqueezehi
sbal
l
sandshov
ethem i
nhi
s
throat

Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'spossi
ble

Si
a:Yahme2 butIcanmakei
thappen

Me:
Yahr
ight

Si
a:Sohowdi
ditgowi
thy
ourBoss

Me:
Nonews.
..Yet

Si
a:OhI
'
m sor
ry..
.you'
l
lfi
ndsomet
hing

Me:
Thanks

Si
a:By
e
Me:
Bye

Lucy
:Veecomel
ookatt
his

Me:
What
?What
'st
his

Her
:I
tsourf
ami
l
ymemor
ies

Me:
ohi
tsanal
bum

Her
:Yahl
ookher
eMydadwasst
il
lyoung

Me:
Wher
eist
hatpl
ace

Her
:Oht
hat
'sat
att
oost
oreheusedt
ogot
her
ewhenhewasy
oungwi
thhi
sfr
iends

Me:
Ohi
shest
il
lfr
iendswi
tht
hem al
l
?

Her
:Somedi
edIdon'
tknowwhyandhowandmydaddon'
tl
iket
alki
ngabouti
tei
therso.
..

Me:
Ohsomear
eal
i
ver
ight
?

Her
:Yah

Me:
Wher
ear
ethey

Her
:Theyhav
eli
vest
oli
ve.
..
whyal
lthesequest
ions?

Me:
Not
hingsor
ryIwasj
ustcur
ious

Her
:OKandwei
rdt
oo

Me:
Sor
ry.
..Who'
sthi
sli
tt
lecut
ieohhi
ssocut
eahhhl
ookathi
sey
esohw

Her
:ewwww t
hat
'sJakewhenhewas10mont
hsol
d

Me:
Ohhh

(
OKthatwasawkwardt
henLucy
'sDadcal
l
edhershewentt
ohi
m..
.Il
ookatt
hepi
ctur
esal
one
t
heyweresocutegr
owingup )

Jake:
Enj
oyi
ngy
our
sel
f

Me:
(hesatnextt
omei
nthecouch)Yaht
hisi
ssocut
e

Jake:
what
'st
hat
?

Me:
Yourf
ami
l
ymemor
ies
Hi
m:Noooooooo(
hewasshocked)gi
vemet
hat

Me:
Nono

Hi
m:Youhav
enoi
deawhaty
ouar
eget
ti
ngy
our
sel
fint
o gi
vei
t

Me:
noMrNoway

(
Wewe'
ref
ight
inghewant
edt
heal
bum t
ohi
m Iwant
edi
ttoo)

Cc:
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e

Me:
Miss.
..

Hi
m:Mom.
..
i.
..

Me:
Uhmmm.
..
Misshewas.
..

Hi
m:Noshe.
..

Me:
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng(
looki
ngathi
m)

Hi
m:Yesy
oudi
d

Me:
didnot

Hi
m:Youdi
d

Me:
didnot

Hi
m:y
oudi
d

Me:
Didnot

Hi
m:y
oudi
d

Me:
didnot

Hi
m:y
oudi
d

Me:
didnot

Cc:
OKOKenough.
..Butst
opf
ight
ingl
i
ket
woi
nlov
eteenager
s(shel
eft
)

Me:
Asi
f (
Iwentt
odr
inkwat
er)

∆
∆

Jake'
sPOV

(
SeeSi
vi
wei
snoti
nter
est
edi
nmeatal
lIf
oll
owedher
)

Me:
Sowhobr
okey
ourhear
t?

Her
:Excuseme?

Me:
Whobr
okey
ourhear
t?

Her
:Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:
Thewayy
ouar
eyoudon'
tl
etguy
sint
oyourl
i
feasi
fyouwer
edon'
twr
ongbef
ore

Her
:yahIam br
okeIst
il
lam shebr
okemyhear
t

Me:
She?
??

Her
:Yahshe?

Me:
Your
..
.

Her
:Lesbi
any
esIam

Me:
Whatnoy
ournot

Her
:Whydoy
oucar
e?(
Shel
eftIwentt
oLucy
'sr
oom)

Me:
Lucymybeaut
if
ulandonl
ysi
steri
nthewor
ld

Her
:Iam beaut
if
ulandt
heonl
ysi
stery
ouhav
eandwi
l
lev
erhav
einy
ourl
i
fewhatdoy
ouwant
(
annoyed)

Me:
OKIwanty
out
odomesf
avor

Her
:YouwantmoneyIdon'
thav
eit(
annoy
ed)

Me:
HeyIhav
emyownmoneysi
ster

Her
:Real
l
ycany
ou.
..

Me:Noy
oucan'
t.
..That
'snotwhyI
'
m her
eI'
m her
efory
out
oint
err
ogat
eSi
vi
wet
oseei
fshe'
sa
l
esbi
anf
orr
eal

Her
:Awhat
?
Me:
I'
m cr
cher
e

Her
:Noshe'
snotal
esbi
an

Me:
Butshesai
dit

Her
:Shet
oldmeaboutherl
astboy
fri
end

Me:
Forr
eal
(It
houghtt
omy
sel
fwhydi
dshel
i
etome?
)

Her
:Yaht
heybr
okeupbecausehecheat
edonher

Me:
Ohhh

Her
:Whyaski
ngdoy
oul
i
keher
?Nowt
hatexpl
ainsal
ot

Me:
Expl
ainswhat
?

Her
:Whenev
ery
ourar
oundshef
eel
satease

Me:
Real
l
y?

Her
:Yesmay
behel
i
kesy
out
oo

Me:That'
ssi
ll
yI'
m goi
ngtosleep(Iwenttomyroom IgotanSMSt hatIshouldbeearl
yatwork
tomorrowsoIhadtotel
lSi
viwetowakeupearly..
.Iwenttoherroom IknockedbutnoanswerI
openedthedoorIdi
dn'
tseeherthebedwasstil
lmadeIdon'tgetitwheremustshebeIheard
theshowerIwentcl
osetothedoorItwasn'
tsl
i
tlycl
osedISAW HERI NTHESHOWER. .
.NAKED)

Me:
Ohhhshi
t(It
ri
ppedandf
ell
shecamer
unni
ngt
omewi
that
owel
on)

Her
:Ar
eyouok?

Me:
YesIam

Her
:I'
l
lgeti
ce

Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne

Her
:Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngher
eev
erhear
dofknocki
ng?Jeez

Me:
Iknockedmi
l
li
ont
imes

Her
:Yahr
ight

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Her
:I
tsOKy
oudi
dseeany
thi
ngr
ight
?.

Me:
Menowhatwi
l
lIsee? noIsawnot
hing
Her
:Asi
fyouwe'
regonnat
ell
thet
rut
h

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Her
:Youwer
eout
sidemybat
hroom l
ooki
ngatmewhi
l
eIwasi
ntheshower..
ri
ght
?

Me:
What pshhhno

Her
:Youwi
l
lnev
ert
ell
thet
rut
hev
eri
nyourent
ir
eli
fe

-Chapt
er9-

(
It
sFr
idayIwokeupasusual
wentt
owor
k..
.Wor
kwasgr
eatt
hencameback)

Me:
Hel
l
oMar
tha

Her
:HeyMi
ss.
..
howwaswor
k?

Me:
Ahhhgoodasusual
.
..i
sany
onehome

Her
:Av
a

Me:
Ava?

Her
:Jakesdaught
er

Me:
Ohshe'
sal
readyher
ewher
eissheIwantt
omeether

Her
:Att
hepool

Me:
OKt
hanks(
Iputmybagont
hecoucht
henwentt
othepool
itwasqui
ethot)

Me:
Hey
yy

Her
:Hel
l
o

Me:
I'
mtheguesther
eSi
vi
we

Her
:Av
aJakesdaught
er(
wehandshake)
Me:
Sohow.
..

Her
:Lookl
adyy
oudon'
tknowmepl
easel
eav
emeal
one

Me:
OKI
'
m sor
ry(
wowokIl
eftwentt
omyr
oom)

(
Siacal
l
ed)

Si
a:Myf
ri
end

Me:
Whathappened?

Si
a:Lucasj
ustcal
l
ed

Me:
Iwon'
thav
ethatt
pcwi
thy
ou.
..Youdi
dn'
tev
ent
ell
mehowdi
dthedat
ego

Si
a:Fy
n..
.Wet
alkedt
hat
'sal
l

Me:
About
?

Si
a:St
uffandIsl
eptwi
thhi
m(shesai
dthatsof
ast)

Me:
What
???
???
???
??(
myj
awsdr
opped)

Si
a:IknowIknowI
'
m st
upi
dbutt
hatguymakesmykneesweak

Me:
Noy
ournotst
upi
dyoul
ovehi
m

Si
a:Hehasbeencal
l
ingmesi
ncet
henIi
gnor
ehi
m

Me:
Arecr
azy
?

Si
a:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo

Me:
Answerhi
m ofcauseandf
ixt
hings

Si
a:May
be

Me:
Thi
sguyl
ovesy
ouSi
ahei
sshowi
ngy
out
hathest
il
lcar
es

Si
a:Ir
egr
etcal
l
ingy
ou

Me:
Cal
ltheguyar
guewi
thmel
ater

Si
a:Fy
n
(
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

"
I'
m sor
ryaboutear
li
er"

Me:
(It
urnedIsawAv
a)ohcomeoni
n

Her
:I'
m sor
ryIwasr
udet
oyouIwasunf
air

Me:
It
sokl
et'
sst
artov
er

(
Wehadchati
twasf
unshet
oldmeaboutschool
til
ll
ate)

(
Jakeent
eredt
her
oom Ist
oodup)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:Hey

Av
a:Daddy

Hi
m:Sweet
ie(
thehugged)

Av
a:Imi
ssedy
ousomuch

Hi
m:Me2sweet
hear
t

(
Avawasev
encr
yingnchooo )

Mar
tha:
Sor
ryt
oint
err
uptbutt
hedi
nneri
sready

Me:
Wewi
l
lber
ightt
her
eMar
that
hanky
ou

(
Wewentdownst
air
s)

Me:
Wher
e'sLucy
?

Zay
n:Shehasn'
tcamebackf
rom school

Cc:
Why
?I'
l
lhav
eat
alkwi
tht
haty
oungLady

(
Shewal
kedi
n)

Me:
Lucy

Cc:
Comeher
eyoungLadyweneedt
ohav
eat
alk
Me:
May
beIshoul
dtal
kwi
thher

Av
a:It
hinksheneedst
obel
eftal
one

Jake:
Siv
iwei
sgoodwi
thherpl
easego

Me:
Ok

(
Iwentt
oherIf
oundhercr
ying)

Me:
What
'swr
ongwher
ewer
eyou?

Her:
I'
m sor
ry(
shehuggedme)Idi
dn'
tknowhewoul
dtakeadv
ant
ageofme(
shebr
oke
down )

Me:
Woahwoahl
ookatmeLucywhathappenedWhyy
ouruni
for
misr
ipped?Whodi
dthi
s?

Her
:Myboy
fri
end pl
sdon'
ttel
l

Me:
Arey
oucr
azyofcauseI
'
llt
ell
..
.Di
dher
apey
ou?

Her
:Vee?

Me:
Didhe?(
Iwassoangr
y)

Her
:YesIdi
dn'
twantt
ooIknowIdi
dn'
thef
orcedhi
msel
fonme

Me:
Lookdon'
ttakeabat
hdon'
tcl
eany
our
sel
finany
way(
Ical
l
edt
hepol
i
ce)

Her
:Don'
the'
l
lki
l
lme

Me:LookLucynomanwil
ltakeadv
antageofyounggi
rl
sanddowhat
evert
heypl
easehehadno
r
ightt
oforceyoui
nany
thi
ngy oudi
dn'
twanttodook

Her
:He'
sdanger
ousVeehi
sFat
heri
spower
ful

Me:
Idon'
tgi
veadamnJust
icewi
l
lbeser
ved

Her
:Vee

(
Iwentdownst
air
stot
ell
ever
yone)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-
Me:
Guy
sweneedt
otal
k

(
Theyst
oodupl
ooki
ngwor
ri
ed)

Cc:
What
'swr
ongt
omybaby
?

(
Wehear
dthedoorbel
lIr
ushedt
othedoor
)

Me:
Bypl
scomeoni
nIcal
l
edMar
that
aket
hem t
oLucy
'sr
oom I
'
llber
ightt
her
e

Mar
tha:
YesMi
ss

(
Theyf
oll
owedher
)

Cc:
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?

Jake:
Siv
iwet
alkf
orGoodnesssake

Me:
Plsdon'
tfeakout

Henr
y:I
'
mfr
eaki
ngoutbczy
ouar
enotTALKI
NG

Me:
Shewasr
aped

(
Theydr
oppedt
hei
rjaws)

Cc:
Nomypoordaught
er(
sher
ant
oherr
oom)

Me:
Ma'
am noshe.
..
(Ir
ant
oherwegoti
n)

Cc:
Sweet
ieI
'
m sor
ry(
theyhugged)

Her
:NoI
'
m sor
ryMom

(
Thewhol
efami
l
ycame)

"I
'
mthedoct
ortoexami
neherpl
sIdon'
twantany
oneher
eev
ery
bodyl
eav
eIj
ustwantt
obel
eft
al
onewi
thher"

(
Weal
ll
eftwewentdownst
air
sIhadmyhandonmymout
hI'
m soscar
ed)

Cc:
Whatdi
dshesayt
oyou?

Me:
Isawheruni
for
mri
ppedIaskedwhyshesai
dherboy
fri
endf
orcedhi
msel
fonher

Her
ny:
Whoi
sthi
sboy
fri
end

Cc:
Don'
tdoany
thi
ngl
ett
hepol
i
cedot
hei
rjob

Henr
y:Whoi
sheSi
vi
we?
Me:
Shedi
dn'
tsay

(
Wewer
epani
cki
ngt
hedoct
orcamet
ous)

Doc:
I'
m af
rai
dsheneedst
ogot
othehospi
tal
wit
hus

Jake:
Wassher
aped

Doc:
Yessi
rthatonei
scl
ear

Aust
in:
Whysheneedst
ogot
othehospi
tal
?

Doc:Tochecki
fshedi
dn'
tcat
chdi
seasebutwi
l
lcheckpr
egnancyaf
terf
ewweekswecoul
dn'
t
t
ellnow

Cc:
Ohmybabygi
rl

Henr
y:Doev
ery
thi
ngy
oucanDoc

Doc:
Yesexcuseme

(
Iwentt
otheki
tchenf
orsomewat
er)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Idon'
tknowhowt
ofeel
rightnow)

Me:
Arey
ouOKsweet
ie?

Av
a:YesDad

(Il
ookedatSi
vi
wemakingherwaytotheki
tchenlooki
ngsadLucywast
heonl
ypersonshe
connect
edwit
hint
hishousetheywer
ebestfri
endsshemustbesosadandbr
oken)

Av
a:Got
ohersheneedsy
ou

Me:
Who?
(Iact
edconf
used)

Av
a:DadcomeonIseehowy
oul
ookather

Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)nosweet
ie

Her
:DaddyI
'
mfi
nego(
pushi
ngme)y
oual
soneedt
obehappy

Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)OKsweet
ie
•

Me:
hy

Her
:Hey

Me:
Arey
ouOK?

Her
:NoIsawt
hesadnessi
nherey
esshel
ookedbr
okenandembar
rassed

Me:
Itwasn'
tyourf
aul
t

Her
:Nother
'sei
ther

Me:
Ofcausenot

Her
:Ij
ustwantt
hatbust
ardt
obel
ockedbehi
ndbar
s

Me:
Hewi
l
lthedoct
orswi
l
lfi
ndt
hatoutandshewi
l
lpr
esschar
gest
ohi
m cal
m down

Her
:HowcanI

Aust
in'
sPOV

Me:
What
'swi
tht
hoset
wo(
wewer
elooki
ngatt
hem f
ar)

Av
a:MyDadf
oundl
oveagai
nthatI
'
m sur
e

Zay
n:y
aht
otal
l
y

Av
a:Butwedon'
tknowi
fshe'
sint
ohi
m

Me:
Theyar
eint
oeachbutIdon'
tknowwhat
'
sst
oppi
ngt
hem

(
Theyhugged)

Av
a:Dadhuggedher

Zay
n:Sher
espondedany
way

Me:
Theyar
elooki
ngateach
Zay
n:Theyar
egoi
ngt
oki
ssf
orsur
e

(
Theyki
ssed)

Us:
Ahhhhhh(
ourey
espopped)

Me:
What
???

(
Avapul
l
edus)

Her
:Don'
tl
ookagai
nlet
'sl
eav
ethem al
one

Aust
in:
Itwasget
ti
ngi
nter
est
ing

Her
:Nogot
osl
eep

Zay
n:Yahdudel
et'
sgo

(
Wewentt
osl
eep)

-Chapt
er9-

(
Myphoner
angi
tst
henextdayal
ready
)

Si
a:Mor
ningsunshi
ne

Me:
Mor
ning.
.Knowwhatl
et'
smeetf
orl
uncht
odayatmugandbeany
ourt
reat

Her
:That
'sunf
air

Me:
It
sashamebutIgotnopenny

Her
:Fi
ne

Me:
(Jakeent
eredmyr
oom ohGodI
'
m nakedIsl
eptnakedl
astni
ght
)ahhhby
eseey
ah

Jake:
Hey
Me:
Hey

Jake:
Weneedt
otal
k

Me:
Yaht
otal
l
y

Jake:
Aboutt
heki
ssahhhi
twasami
stake

(
Whatweki
ssedal
ongpassi
onat
eki
ssandhet
ell
smeI
TWASAMI
STAKE.
..WoW)

Me:
Yaht
otal
l
yitwasaMI
STAKE.
..Cany
oupl
sgoI
'
m nakedIneedt
otakeabat
h

Hi
m:Si
vi
wepl
slet
'st
alkaboutt
his

Me:
GetoutJake

Hi
m:Si
vi
we.
..

Me:
(Ist
oodupIwr
appedsheet
sar
oundmeIpushedhi
m)Getout
!!
!

(
Thenhel
eft.
..Howcoul
dheIwentt
otakeabat
haf
terIwentdownst
air
sforsomebr
eakf
ast
)

Aust
in:
Isawuy
est
erday

Me:
Wel
lthat
'sal
lov
er

(
Ilef
thi
m hangi
ngZay
ncamet
ouswi
thaf
ri
end)

Zay
n:Fami
l
ythi
sisLungel
oKhany
il
e

(
What!
??Lungel
oKhanyi
l
e)myfr
iendf
rom Par
ishealsol
iv
esnearbyi
sn'
tthatcool
(Ir
eal
l
yneed
t
oseeifthi
sLungel
oist
hesameLungel
othatIknow..
.It
urned)

Lungel
o:Si
vi
we?
(shocked)

Me:
Lungel
o?(
shocked)

Zay
n:Youknoweachot
her
?

Me:
Yes

Luu:
Yesweusedt
ogot
othesameschool

Zay
n:Wowi
sn'
tthatani
cecoi
nci
dence?

(
Wesatdownandat
eJakecamedownst
air
s)

Henr
y:I
'
m goi
ngt
othehospi
tal
lat
erany
onewannacome?

Me:
I'
l
lgot
her
elat
erf
ir
stI
'
m meet
ingupwi
thSi
a
Cc:
I'
l
lgo

Av
a:Met
ooGr
andpa

Jake:
Ineedt
obesomewher
etooI
'
llgol
ater

Zay
n:I
'
llgol
ater

(
Thenweat
eMar
thacamewi
thr
edr
osest
ome)

Mar
tha:
Misst
hiscamef
ory
ou

Me:
(t
aki
ngt
hem)WoW t
heyar
ebeaut
if
ul t
hanksMar
tha

Cc:
Who'
sthel
uckyguy

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Av
a:Iwonderwho?

Me:
Theysmellbeaut
if
ult
oo(Iki
l
led2bir
dswit
honest
oneJakeandLungel
o..
.Lungel
oismy
exf
rom hi
ghschool Iwonderwho'
sthi
s )

Ahhh Ican'
tgetenoughoft
hissmel
l

Av
a:Ohl
etmesmel
lthem .
..
ohhhh Iwi
shsomeonecoul
dgi
vemef
lower
sli
ket
hat
.

Me:
Youwi
l
loneday

Jake:
EatAv
apl
easei
tsj
ustf
lower
s

Me:
Notj
ustanyf
lower
stheymeansomet
hing

Jake:
Ohpl
sSi
vi
we

Me:
Theymeansomet
hing

Aust
in:
(cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat)guy
s

(
Weat
ethenwentt
omeetupwi
thSi
aIt
oldherLucy
'sst
ory
)

Her
:ohpoordol
l

Me:
Yahi
tssosad

Her
:Let
'sgoandmeether

(
Wewentt
othehospi
tal
wef
oundev
ery
onet
her
e)

Me:
Howi
sshe?
Cc:
she'
sdoi
ngv
erywel
lshedi
dn'
tcat
chanydi
seaseshe'
l
lbedi
schar
gedsoon

Me:
Great
..
.I
'
m goi
ngt
ogetsomet
hingt
odr
inkwantsome

Cc:
Not
hanks

(
Iwentt
ogetsomewat
erIpour
edwat
eront
othecupt
henJakecamet
ome)

Me:
Ahhhcan'
tthi
sdaygetanywor
se

Hi
m:LookI
'
m sor
ry

Me:
l
eav
emeal
oneJake

Hi
m:Hehel
dmyhand(
Plsl
i
sten)

Me:Lookt
heki
ssf
orgetabouti
tli
key
ousai
dITWASAMI
STAKE(
Ipul
l
edmyhandandwal
ked
away)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Henr
ycamewi
thLucywehuggedher
)

Lucy
:HeyAv
a

Av
a:HeyLucy

Lucy
:Iwanty
out
otel
lmeal
laboutBoar
dingSchool
whenwegothomeOK?

Av
a:Ther
e'snot
hingt
otel
l

(
ThenwewenthomeIt
ookLucyt
oherr
oom)

Me:
Didy
out
alkt
othepol
i
ce?

Her
:YesIdi
dIt
oldt
hem ev
ery
thi
ng

Me:
Goodhe'
l
lpayf
orwhathedi
dtoy
ou

Her
:I'
mjustscar
ed.
..
thi
swi
thbackf
ir
e
Me:
Noi
twon'
tj
ustr
esti
fyouneedany
thi
ngI
'
llbeher
eyouknowIl
ovey
ou

Her
:Il
ovey
out
oot
hanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng

Me:
Don'
tment
ionei
t

(
Jakeent
ered)

Me:
Ibet
tergoIcan'
tbr
eat
hthesameai
rasot
herppl

Her
:huh?(
Ilef
t)

Jake'
sPOV

Lucy
:Andt
hen?

Me:
What
?

Lucy
:Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?

Me:
Whyi
tsgonnabeme?

Lucy
:BczSi
vi
wei
sagoodgi
rl

Me:
I'
mthebadone

Lucy
:Yesy
ouar
enowt
alk

Me:
Weki
ssedy
est
erdayt
odayIt
oldheri
twasami
stake

Lucy
:What?Doyouknowhowmuchthathur
tski
ssi
ngsgir
lthatl
i
kesy
ouandt
ell
heri
twasa
mist
ake.
..DudemayGodbewi
thyouandmaysheforgi
veyou

Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odonow.
.Ishoul
dn'
thav
eki
ssedheratt
hef
ir
stpl
ace

Lucy
:Tal
ktohert
ell
herhowy
ouf
eel

Me:
yout
hinkt
hatwi
l
lsol
veev
ery
thi
ng?
Lucy
:Iknowso

Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
'
mtaki
nganadv
isedf
rom a16y
earol
d

Lucy
: j
ustgo

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Iwasatt
hel
oungewhenIhear
dthedoorbel
lIwentt
oopent
hedoor
)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:Hy
..
.i
sLucyhome?

Me:
Yahcomeoni
n

Hi
m:I
'
m Jadenherf
ri
endf
rom School

Me:
Ohshe'
sinherr
oom l
etmewal
kyou.
..Soy
ouhear
daboutwhathappened

Hi
m:Yahmybr
otheri
saj
erk

Me:
Themant
hatr
apedheri
syourbr
other
?

Hi
m:Myol
derbr
otherI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Me:
It
'sOKi
tsnoty
ourf
aul
t..
.Goi
n

(
Webumpedi
ntoJake)

Jaden:
HySi
r

Jake:
Youar
e?

Jaden:
Afr
iendf
rom school
Jaden

Jake:
OKgoi
n

(Thi
sguyissosweethebroughtLucyf
lower
s,chocolat
eandaTeddywhodoest
hati
n
nowadays t
hemi nut
ethatboyent
eredLucy'sroom Iwal
kaway
)

Jake:
Plswai
tIneedt
otel
lyousomet
hing
Me:
Sayi
tandr
eal
l
yqui
ckpl
s

Jake:
I..
.I
..
.I

Me:
You.
..
youwhatJakeknowwhatf
orgeti
t(It
urned)

Him:
(Hepull
edmecl osert
ohim ourf
aceswer efaci
ngeachother
)looki
tsnoteasyf
ormet o
sayt
his(welookedateachotherwewereoutsideLucy'
sroom wewereatt
hepassage)Il
ove
youok?Isai
ditILOVEYOU( hesaidt
hatabitlouder)

Me:Shhhdoy
ouwanttobehear
d(myhear
twasbeat
ingsof
astl
i
kei
twi
l
lleav
emychest
)I
don'
tknowwhatt
osayJake

Hi
m:Wor
dscan'
tdescr
ibet
hewaywef
eel
foreachot
herbutact
ionscan

Me:Jakenother
e(weki
sseditswasl
ikeaki
ssthemoviessosl
owandpassi
onat
e God
knowswhatwasgoingt
hroughhi
sheadbutIcoul
dtel
lbythewayheki
ssedmeourmi
ndswer
e
thi
nki
ngali
ke)

Hi
m:Nowt
hatwasuhmmm

Me:
Magi
c

Hi
m:Yougott
hatr
ight(
wewer
ebr
eat
hingheav
il
y)I
'
m sor
ryaboutwhatIsai
dear
li
er

Me:
It
sOKy
ourf
orgi
ven

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Il
ovey
out
oo

Hi
m:Yesshesai
dit

Me:
YesIsai
dit
..
.butwhatwi
l
lyourpar
ent
ssay
..
.Idon'
tthi
nkt
hisi
sagoodi
dea

Hi
m:Wecankeepi
tourl
i
ttl
esecr
ett
il
lwegett
her
ightt
imet
odr
opt
heBOMB!
!!

Me:
OK

(Hepackedmyli
ps DamnIbi
temyl
i
pthi
sguy.
..OhnoSi
a she'
l
lmakeabi
gdeal
outofthi
s I'm dead)

Lucy
'sPOV
(Iwasstar
ti
ngtorel
axmybodywhenJadencamei
nwi
thf
lower
s,bi
gteddyandaboxof
chocol
ateohhe'
ssosweet
)

Hi
m:Hey(
he'
svoi
ceahhh )

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
Fine(
ahhh hecar
es)

Hi
m:Thesear
efory
ou

Me:
Ohwy
oushoul
dn'
thav
e

Hi
m:,
TrustmeIhadt
oo.
..WhatmyBr
otherdi
dtoy
oui
sunf
orgi
vabl
eI'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Me:
It
sOKi
tsnoty
ourf
aul
t

Hi
m:Ofcausei
tis

(
Hesatnextt
omenowwewer
efaci
ngeachot
her)

Him:It
smyf aultbczIwasn'tther
et oprot
ectyou. .
.Itsmyf aul
tbczIdidn'
twar nyouabouthi
m..
i
tsmyf aultnottotel
lyouhowIf eltaboutyouatfirst...LucyIloveyouIlov edy ouforasl
ongas
Icouldremember( helovesmeNoway I '
m dreami ng)I'm sorr
yIreal
lyam ( hepulledmyhai
r
behindmyai r
)Iwasn'tthereIknowbutI '
m hearnowi nfrontofyoudeclaringmyl ovetoy
ou(he
reachedforakissIreachedforaki sst
oot henBOOM! !!Avacamei nrunning)

Av
a:Ohsor
ryohI
'
m sosor
ry(
hel
eftwej
ustl
aughed )

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

Me:
Yahi
tsOK

Hi
m:Getbet
tersoonwemi
ssy
ouusy
ourf
ri
ends

Me:
Iwi
l
lImi
ssy
ouguy
saswel
l

(
Hel
eft
)

Unknown

(
Hymynamei
sCar
losJaden'
sDadandSam'
sDadIj
usthear
dthatmysoni
swr
ongf
ull
y
accusedofr
apet
her
e'sNowaymysoni
sgoi
ngt
ojai
lI'
l
ldowhat
everi
ttakes)

Me:
Wher
e'sJaden?Jaden?

Hi
m:Dad?

Me:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?

Hi
m:Ataf
ri
endspl
aceDad

Me:
AndSam?

Hi
m:Idon'
t

Me:
Hebet
terexpl
aint
omet
hisr
apet
hing

Sam:
Heyf
ami
l
y

Me:Lookwhodeci
dedtoshowupwhat
'
sthi
s?(
Ithr
owedt
hepaper
sonhi
sface)Tomor
rowy
ou
ar
egoingtobeaskedquest
ions

Sam:
Ohpl
sDadshewasasl
ut

Jaden:
Don'
tcal
lhert
hatshewasi
nnocent

Sam:
Idat
edherbczIknewy
oul
i
kedherany
wayInev
erl
ovedher

Me:
Soy
ouwon'
tgot
ojai
lyou'
l
lsaysheal
sowant
edt
oo

Jaden:
Youbot
hsi
ckhowcoul
dyoubesocr
uel

Sam:
Lit
tl
eBr
oshe'
sasl
ut

Jaden:
shutupshutupy
oudon'
tknowher.
..Idon'
tknowwhatshesawi
nyouany
way

Sam:j
ustexceptitalr
eadyshef ir
stsl
eptwi t
hmenownomanwi llevergetcl
oset
oherbczshe
wastr
aumat ized(helaughed)noteveny ouBrot
heryout
ookawhiletomakeamov eonherbut
ujumpedrightinthenBAM If uckedyourli
tt
legi
rl
fr
iend(
hel
aughed)

-Chapt
er10-

•
•

(
It
sbeenweeksnowpol i
cearestil
lont
oLucy'scasebuti
tshardtoar
restSam becausethey
wereacoupl
esotheycan'tt
ell
thatherapedherbutf
ormeal l
thati
sneededisaconf essi
on
f
rom t
hatSam guybutIdon'
tknowhowcanIgeti t ...I
'
m atworkwithSia)

Si
a:Socanwegooutt
omor
rowsi
ncei
t'
sSat
urday
?

Me:
Ahhhh Ican'
tsor
rygi
rl
fr
iend

Si
a:Younev
erev
ert
urneddownmyof
ferwhati
sit
?

Me:
Iahhh (
faki
ngal
aught
er)
I'
m goi
ngwi
thsomeone

Si
a:Wi
thMake?

Me:
Yes

Si
a:I
'
m st
art
ingt
obecomej
eal
ousy
ouknow

Me:
YouandLucasar
eof
fi
cial
whydon'
tyouseehi
m?

Si
a:Nohehasameet
ing

Me:
I'
m sor
rygi
rl
fr
iend

Si
a:Nahhhi
tscool
..
. hav
efunIr
emembery
ounotwant
ingt
oev
enseeJake

Me:
Shutup

Si
a:I
'
llshutup

Henr
y'
sPOV

Me:Fi
ndeveryt
hingy
oucanaboutthi
sSam boyandImeanev
ery
thi
ngy
oucanIcanpaydoubl
e
pr
iceforal
lIcar
edoy ouhearme?

Cal
l
er:
YesSi
rIpr
omi
seIwon'
tdi
sappoi
nt

Me:Good(Idr
oppedt
hecal
lthatboythi
nksI
'l
lbel
i
evehi
sli
tt
leconfessi
on wel
lhebet
ter
t
hinkagai
nmydaughterwi
l
lneverli
eaboutsomethi
ngl
i
kethat..
.Hegotnoi
deawhoi
she
deal
i
ngwi
th)

Nar
rat
ed

(SoIcanupdat eyouonthestorysofarSivi
weisdatingJake. .
.Siaisdati
ngLucashi sex
boyfr
iend. .
.Avaisst
ayi
ngwithusnowshegoest oschool withLucyAvaisdoingf i
nesofarat
hernewschool Lucyisnotateaseatschoolatall
kidsatschool aremakingrumour sabouther
bei
ngasl utsayingshedeser
vedeverythi
ngthathappenedt oher..
.Henryiswanting
i
nformat i
ononSam hewantt oknowwhoi she..
.Zay nandLungelospendmor et
imeoutZay n
doesn'tstayhomelatel
y..
.Andasforthebusiness..
.thebusinessisgoi
ngv erywell

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
NowI
'
m athomeJakeal
soshowedup)

Hi
m:Mybeaut
if
ulQueen

Me:
Hmmm hey(
webabyki
ssed)ppl
wil
lseeus

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

(
Thenwewerei
nter
rupt
edbyabel
lont
hedoorIwentt
oopeni
twasanol
dmanbutnott
hatol
d
maybehewasi
nhis40'
s)

Hi
m:Wel
lwel
lwel
lHenr
ydi
dn'
ttel
lmehehasabeaut
if
ulguest

Me:
HySi
rcomeoni
n

Hi
m:Letmei
ntr
oducemy
sel
fI'
m Mi
guel
Rey
es

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
wePhol
a

Hi
m:(
heki
ssedmyhand)ni
cet
omeety
ou

Me:
Oh(
Ifakedasmi
l
e)ohy
oursoni
ceSi
r
Hi
m:Pl
scal
lmeMi
guel

Jake:
She'
l
lcal
lyouSi
rorMrRey
esr
ightSi
vi
we

Me:
(Lor
dhavemercyonmewhatam Igoi
ngt
odo)I
..
..
I'
l
lcal
lyouMrMi
guel
I'
mver
yfor
mal
...
Mr(
Ifakedasmi
l
e)

(
MyBossHenr
ywal
kedi
n)

Henr
y:HeyMi
guel
youral
readyher
e

Mr
.Rey
es:
HeyPar
tner

(
Par
tner
???OMG )

Mr.
Reyes:Iwoul
dli
kethi
sgi
rlt
obeoneofourModel
sshegotagr
eatamazi
ngbody(
hesai
d
t
hatcheckingmeout)

Jake:
Whatt
hat
'sabsur
dDadcomeon

Henr
y:Sonwe'
l
lhearwhatshesay
s

(Me???ohGodwhatam Igoingtosaythi
sGent l
emanisoff
eri
ngmeagoodjobbutIwantt
odo
hai
rthat'
smydr eam butthi
sishugebeingamodelahhhInev
erdr
eamtofbei
ngonTVbut
ontheotherhandther
e'sJakewhodoesn'tli
kethi
s)

Me:
I.
..
.uhmmm canIt
hinkabouti
t?Imeant
hisi
sabi
gdeal
andbesi
desI
'
m doi
nggr
eatonmy
j
ob

Henr
y:I
t'
sOKSi
vi
wei
tsf
ine

Me:
I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t..
.excuseme

(
Iwentupst
air
stomyr
oom Jakeent
eredbehi
ndme)

Hi
m:Whatwast
hat
?

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Youcan'
tbeamodel

(
Wewer
ear
gui
ng)

Me:
What
?Am Inotgoodenougham Iugl
y?Huh?

Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatURNOTDOI
NGMODELI
NGOK?

Me:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?

Hi
m:(
Hecal
meddown)me?Jeal
ouspshhhpl
ease
Me: y
ourj
eal
ousOMG

Hi
m:I
'
m not

(
Igotcl
osert
ohi
m)

Me:
Yesy
ouar
eandy
oul
ooksupercut
ewheny
ourj
eal
ous

Hi
m:Nogi
rl
fr
iendofmi
newi
l
lbet
akenpi
csnaked

Me:
Iwon'
tbenaked.
..
OKmay
beal
i
ttl
e..
..
comeonbabeI
'
llbeFamous

Hi
m:Fi
net
hen.
..I
fanymancomecl
oset
oyouI
'
llsqueezehi
sbal
l
s

Me:
Yoursoj
eal
ous

Him:YesIam andsomuch.
..
andIwi
shIcoul
dtaket
hosepi
ctur
es(
hegr
abbedmywai
stand
pul
ledmeclosetohim)

Me:
Hmmm i
tsapi
ty

Hi
m:(
weki
ssed)

Av
a'sPOV

Me:
Let
sgot
oSi
vi
weI
'
m sobor
edLucy

Lucy
:Yahl
et'
sgo

(
Nowwegoti
nwedi
dn'
tknockwef
oundSi
vi
weandJakeki
ssi
ng)

Me:
(shocked )uhmmm I
'
m sosor
ry

Lucy
:Ohwsor
ry

Si
vi
we:
(ShepushedJakeaway
)wewer
euhmmm not
hingwasgoi
ngon

Jake:
Yesuhmmm shehadsomet
hingi
nherey
e

Si
vi
we:
I'
mfi
nenowt
hanky
ou

Us:
(wel
aughedatt
hei
rli
tt
lepl
ay )

Me:
Youguy
sar
eter
ri
bleatact
ing
Lucy
: t
otal
l
y

Jake:
Wenot

Me:
Ohy
eahr
ight.
..Let
'sl
eav
ethem Lucy

(
Wel
eft
)

Tobecont
inued

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
WhenLucyandAv
alef
twewer
eshockedbutweknewt
heywon'
ttel
l
)

Me:
wow

Hi
m:Nextt
imewe'
l
llock

Me:
Tot
all
y

(
Myphoner
ang)

Hi
m:pl
sdon'
tgeti
t

Me:
It
sanunknown

Hi
m:Pl
sdon'
tgeti
tIdon'
tspendmucht
imewi
thy
ou

(
Hedi
dpuppyey
es)

Me:
No

(
Heki
ssedmyneck )

Me:
Noi
tti
ckl
es (
answer
ingt
hephone)Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
Heyi
tsmeLungel
o
Me:
Lungel
o??
?(Iwal
kedawayf
rom Jaket
oanswerhi
m)

Me:
Lungel
ouhmm hy

Hi
m:HeyIdi
dn'
tgetachancet
otal
ktoy
out
hesepastf
ewday
scanwemeetupandt
alk

Me:
Uhmmm Idon'
tknowI
'
m sobusyIcan'
t

Hi
m:Pl
ease

Me:
Ican'
t

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Jake:
Andt
hen?

Me:
Ineedt
obeal
one

Jake:
What
?Whowast
hat
?

Me:
PleasegoJake

Jake:
Babei
fther
e'ssomet
hingbot
her
ing.
..
.

Me:
Justl
eav
eJake

Jake:
(hel
ookedsad)OK

Jaden'
sPOV

Me:
HeyDad

Dad:
Hey

Me:
Wher
e'sSam?

Dad:
Idon'
tknow

Me:
Oh

Dad:
Whydoy
ouask

Me:
Not
hing

(
Iwentt
ohi
sroom If
oundhi
slapt
oponIdi
dn'
thesi
tat
etopi
cki
n..
.WhatIsawIcoul
dn'
t
bel
ievemyey esibett
heywerely
ingt
omeIsawmanyvi
deosofgi
rlsSam sl
eptwi
thsohe
vi
deor i
seeverywomenhesleepswit
hot
herwomeni
nher
edon'tl
ooksohappyatall
thenI
heardhim gr
eeti
ngDadIcl
osedit)

Hi
m:ohy
ourher
ehey

Me:
HeyI
'
m her
efory
out
oconf
esswhaty
oudi
dtoLucy

Hi
m:Ar
eyoui
nsane?

Me:
Brot
hery
ouar
erui
ningherl
i
feherf
utur
eshewi
l
lbet
raumat
izedf
ort
her
estofherl
i
fe

Hi
m:Jadengetoutofher
eI'
m notar
api
st

Me:
Youar
eyoudi
sgustme

(
Ilef
t..SoIneedt
ogett
hosev
ideosIcanr
iskmyl
i
fef
orLucyIowei
ttoher
)

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
It
smor
ningIf
eltbadaboutwhatIsai
dtoJakeIt
houghtIshoul
dgoandapol
ogi
se)

(
Iwenttohi
sroom Ididn'
tseehi
m Ibethewasont
heshowerIcl
osedthedoorIl
ockedi
tthi
s
t
imearound ...Ist
ayedthereabi
tIexpl
oredt
her
oom ahhh itsmel
ledli
kehim oh
God)

"
Hy"

Me:
(It
urnedIhadt
heshockofmyl
i
fe)
uhmmm hy

Hi
m:Whatdoy
ouwant
?

(
Hej
ustgotoutoft
heshowerwat
eri
sst
il
lrunni
ngonhi
sabs )

Me:
Heyuhmmm

Hi
m:Tal
kIgotal
ongday
.

Me:
Uhmmm I.
..I
'
m sor
ryaboutwhatIsai
ditwasn'
tfai
rI'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Hi
m:I
'
llf
orgi
vey
ouunderonecondi
ti
on
Me:
I'
l
ldoi
tIpr
omi
seI
'
lldoi
t

Hi
m:Comeher
e

Me:
What
?(Hewasi
nsanehot
)Nonoway

Hi
m:Whaty
ourscar
ed?(
Hegotcl
oset
ome)

Me:
Me?Sacr
edohno

Hi
m:Thencomecl
oset
ome

Me:
NoJake

Hi
m:Theny
oudon'
twantmyf
orgi
veness

Me:
Finef
ine.
..(
Iwentt
ohi
m)see?See?Idi
dthenwhat
?

Him:Kissme(Icoul
dn'
tresi
sthewassmoki
nghotnowIwascl
osert
ohi
m If
eltmyknees
col
lapsing )

Me: (Iki
ssedhim hekissedmebackwet ookitslowhe'
shandswer eonmywai stminewereon
hisbackourlipswer emov i
ngt
hesamer hythm i
t'
sli
keIknowwhatkindifki
sseshel i
kedand
heknowswhatki ssesIli
kewereneverki
ssedli
kethatbef
oreitwassomethingelseIwason
cloudsthenitstart
edtohituphestart
edtohitupIwashitt
inguphelaidmeonhi sbedIwas
feeli
ngthemomenthewasont opofmeourbodi eswereconnect
ingverywell
thenIpull
edout
thekiss)

Hi
m:Ohnononoy
ouar
enotl
eav
ingmel
i
ket
his?

Me:
BabeI
'
m sosor
ryi
t'
sjustIwantmyf
ir
stt
imet
obe.
..
.

Hi
m:Wai
twhat
?

Me:
It
sOKi
fyoudon'
twantt
obewi
thmenowsi
nceI
'
m av
irgi
nit
sOK

Him:What ?I
'
llbeafool
letti
ngyougot
hef
oolthatt
reatedyouli
kenot
hingt
hedayIfi
rstsaw
you..
.Babebeingyourf
irstwil
ldomet
hehonourbutbeingyourl
asti
swhatcount
s..
.Iwantto
bethelastmany oubewith

Me:
Real
l
y?(
Ismi
l
edi
twassobeaut
if
ulwhenhesai
dit
)

Hi
m:OfcauseIdol
ovey
oual
otandIpr
omi
sey
ouy
ourf
ir
stt
imewi
l
lbeunexpect
edand
magi
cal

Me:
Ohpl
syournor
omant
ic

Hi
m:Youcanchangeme

Me:
May
be
Hi
m:Nowpl
easeki
ssmet
ofor
getaboutev
ery
thi
ngbczIneedt
hat

(Wekissedagainhestart
edbrushi
ngmythighsIwaswear
ingaredshor
ttightdresswi
thbrown
shinyheel
sthatgotr
edbot t
omsandmydr essgotazi
patthebackheunzippedmybacksl owl
y
rememberhehadnot hingonothert
hanhi
st owel
onsoIcoul
dfeelhi
sdickprintIdi
dn'
tmind
thatbuthepull
edout
)

Hi
m:Damny
ourdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy(
hest
ooduphehadhe'
shandsonhi
shead)

Me:
Whathappened?
(shocked)

Hi
m:It
sjustyourdr
ivi
ngmei
nsane(
heki
ssedmeagai
n)AhhhIcan'
tgetenoughofy
oul
ook
whatyoudid

Me:
Comeonj
ustal
i
ttl
eti
ny.
..

Hi
m:I
tsnotl
i
ttl
e

Me: Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat

Hi
m:Andnott
inyei
ther

Me:
Nobabei
tshuge(
poppi
ngmyey
esout
)it
shugehuge

Hi
m:That
'
smor
eli
kei
t( hepi
ckedmeupandcar
ri
edme)

Me:
Toohuget
hatIcoul
dn'
ttakei
tal
l

Hi
m:(
heputmedown)whatnono

Me:
Yahi
tst
oomuchf
orme

Hi
m:ComeonI
'
llbegent
le

Me: Iwantyoutobelovi
ng,
car
ing,
gentl
e,Iwantourheart
stobeatt
hesamer
hythm Iwantustoo
feel eachot
herIwantustomakelovenotsexIwanty outomakel
ovetomesowecanbot h
enjoy

Hi
m:Thi
stal
kismaki
nghehar
der

Me:
(Ist
oodup)ToobadI
'
m goi
ng

Hi
m:Wai
twhaty
ourgoi
ng?

Me:Yes..
.Besi
deswhatwejustt
alkedaboutwi
l
lnothappennowort
odayort
omor
rownort
he
dayaft
ertomorr
owsoy ouneedtochil
l

Hi
m:Si
vi
wedi
dyouseeme?

Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tandIdon'
twi
sht
oobczi
tst
oohuge
Hi
m:Notf
unny

Me: By
e

(
Ilef
tIbumpedi
ntoAust
in)

Hi
m:Mor
ning

Me:
Mor
ning

Hi
m:ohy
ougotl
i
pst
ickony
ourf
ace

Me:
Oh(wi
ppingmyf
ace)ohGodwoul
dyoul
ookatt
hatIdon'
tev
enknowhowt
hatgott
her
e(I
f
akedal
aughter
)

Hi
m:Yahi
sbr
otherawake?

Me:
Huh?

Hi
m:I
sbr
otherawake?

Me:
Whyaski
ngme?

Hi
m:Bczy
ouar
ecomi
ngf
rom hi
sroom

Me:
howcany
out
ell
?

Hi
m:Not
hing(
hel
eftIwonderwhatdoesheknowOhGod)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Iwonderwhatisshedoi
ngtomeIneverf
eltl
i
kethiseversi
nceAva'
sMom leftus..
.Butwhat
j
usthappenediswaymorei
twoul
dbedoubleifwemadel ov
ebutwe'll
takebabystepsI'
m
wi
ll
ingtowaitasl
ongasshewant
sthenAusti
nenteredmyroom whi
leiwasinthesedeep
t
houghts)

Hi
m:HeyMan

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Yourcomf
ort
abl
e

Me:
Yeahwhywoul
dn'
tI?

Hi
m:BczSi
vi
wej
ustcameoutofy
ourr
oom br
o

Me:
Pshhhso?
Him:
So?Yourweari
ngt
hatandshewasher
eandIf
oundy
oul
ayi
ngony
ourbedcomf
ort
abl
e
andyougotl
i
pst
ickony
ourli
ps

Me:
Ido(
Itr
iedmaki
ngupexcusesbuthedi
dn'
tbel
i
eveme)

Hi
m:Wer
eyoubangi
ngher
?

Me:
Whatno

Hi
m:Thatgi
rli
sdazzl
i
nghotIwoul
dn'
tbl
amey
ou.
..

Me:
JustshutupAust
in

Hi
m:OKf
inear
eyouguy
sdat
ing?

Me:
Noj
eezj
ustgetout

(
Iki
ckedhi
m outt
hatguyi
saheadacheIswear
)

-Chapt
er11-

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Ifi
xedmysel
fthenwentt
oeatbr
eakf
astIf
oundt
hem al
lseat
edt
oget
hert
heyl
ooksohappyI
wantt
ohaveafamil
yli
kethi
soneday
)

Me:
Mor
ningev
ery
one

Them:
Mor
ning

Henr
y:Sodi
dyout
hinkaboutwhatMi
guel
off
eredy
ou?

Me:
Yah

Henr
y:So?

Me:
YesI
'
lldomodel
i
ng

Cc:
Whatmodel
i
ngwowgi
rl

Lucy
:Real
l
yyou'
l
lbef
amousnow

Av
a:Wel
lcongr
ats
Aust
in:
Ify
ouwer
emygi
rlIwoul
dnev
erl
ety
oudot
hatwoul
dn'
tyouJake?

Jake:
(chokedbyhi
sdr
ink)

Me:
ComeonAust
ini
tsnott
hatbad

Aust
in:
Youwi
l
lbenaked

Me:
Notcompl
etel
ybesi
desI
'
m notwi
thsomeone

Aust
in:
What
every
ousay

Henr
y:WhyI
'
mtheonl
yonel
efti
nthi
stabl
e?

Cc:
I'
mlostt
oomyl
ove

Me:
Lont
oawukwazi
uval
aloml
omowakho

Aust
in:
Transl
atet
hatpl
s

Me:
Not
hing

Henr
y:OKl
et'
seatpl
s

(
Weat eohAustini
sruini
ngt hi
sohGodt
hisGuy
..
.si
ncet
odayi
t'
snotwor
kdayI
'
llv
isi
tSi
aI
missherIshoul
dcall
herfir
st)

Me:
Gir
lf
ri
end

Si
a:Hey(
shesai
dthati
nal
owt
one)

Me:
What
'swr
ong?
LookI
'
m comi
ngov
er

Si
a:Nonono

Me:
Whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ing?

Si
a:I
..
.uhmmm wi
thLucas

Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyousayso OKIwon'
tcome.
.By
e

Si
a:By
e

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Av
a:Comewi
thust
othemal
l

Lucy
:Yespl
swer
egoi
ngf
orshoppi
ng

Me:
SinceI
'
llbebor
edher
ewhynot
(
ThenIgotatextf
rom Jake{
Ist
il
lwantt
oseey
ouf
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
}Ir
epl
i
edwi
th{
Iwon'
tmi
ss
i
tfort
heworl
d}

Lucy
:Whyar
eyoubl
ushi
ng?

Me:
NoIwasn'
tl
et'
sgo

(
Wewentt
othemal
ltheyboughtt
hingsf
orschool
thenwewentt
oar
est
aur
antt
her
e)

Av
a:Si
vi
weI
'
m goi
ngt
oasky
ousomet
hingIwanty
out
obe100%100%sencer
ewi
thme

Me:
Ofcauseaskany
thi
ng

Av
a:Ar
eyoudat
ingmyf
ather

Me:
Avawhatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat

Av
a:pl
easeanswer
?

Lucy
:Pl
sVee

Me:
(IsawLungel
owal
ki
ngt
owar
dsourt
abl
e)

Hi
m:Heyl
adi
es

Them:
Hey

Hi
m:CanIt
alkt
oSi
vi
wef
oramoment

Them:
Sur
e

(
Theywentt
othel
adi
esr
oom)

Hi
m:I
tssoni
cet
oseey
ouagai
nyouknow

Me:
I'
m notsot
hri
l
led

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouSi
vi
wepl
sgi
vemeanot
herchance

Me:Anot
herchancemyf ooty
oucheatedonmemanyt i
mesi nar
owwiththesamegirl
youare
nothi
ngbutabustar
d..
.andwhenIconfr
ont
edyouaboutity
oudeniedi
tthenyoul
eftmeaft
er
that

Hi
m:Hur
ti
ngy
ouwasn'
tmyi
ntent
ion

Me:
Whatwer
eint
ent
ionswi
thmeLungel
o?Huh?(
Iwasgr
iev
ingwi
thanger
)

Hi
m:Veepl
s

Me:
Niggary
ouar
ereal
l
ytest
ingmypat
ient
s
Hi
m:pl
sfi
ndi
tiny
ourhear
ttof
orgi
veme.
..I
'
mleav
ingt
omor
rowt
oPar
is

Me:
Wel
lwoul
dyouheart
hat.
.Got
henLungel
oandi
kudi
ngi
runawayl
i
key
ouusedt
o

Hi
m:Si
vi
weIcan.
..

Me:
Hambaphambi
kwam Lungel
oorI
'
llmakeahugescene

Hi
m:Pl
ease

Me:
Igav
eyouevery
thi
ngLuuev
ery
thi
ngIhadIt
rust
edy
ouwi
thev
ery
thi
ngIhadIgav
eyoumy
l
ovemybodymyinnocence

Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Me:
Getoutofmysi
te

(
Hel
eftAv
aandLucycamet
ome)

Lucy
:Ar
eyouok?

Me:
Yah.
..Let
'sgonow

(
Wewentt
othecar
)

Av
a:What
'swi
thy
ouandt
hatLungel
oguy

Me:
(It
oldt
hem t
hewhol
est
ory
)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Eri
cent
eredmyof
fi
ce)

Hi
m:Br
o

Me:
Yahman(
webr
ohugged)

Hi
m:If
eel
li
keeat
ingsomepussyt
oni
ghtwhatabouty
ou?

Me:
NahhhmanI
'
llbebusy

Hi
m:Wi
thwhatcomeonDude

Me:
I'
m goi
ngoutf
ordi
nner
Hi
m:(
hel
aughedatme)Whatwi
thwho?

Me:
Ahhh(
Ismi
l
ed)

Hi
m:Don'
ttel
lmeal
ovebugbi
tt
erny
ouAGAI
N

Me:
Act
ual
l
yitdi
dandt
hist
imef
orgood

Hi
m:OhJesus.
..DoIknowher
?

Me:
Noy
oudon'
t

Hi
m:i
ntr
oducemet
oheral
readyIwantt
oseeherdude

Me:
All
induet
imemyf
ami
l
ydoesntev
enknowaboutus

Hi
m:WowOK.
..I
shewel
lbui
l
t

Me:
She'
sbl
ackwhatdoy
out
hink

Hi
m:Bl
ack?
??

Me:
Yahwhat
'swr
ongt
othat
?

Hi
m:Not
hingbutdon'
tcheatonherory
ou'
l
lbedi
ggi
ngy
ourowngr
ave

Me:
Thatwomangotev
ery
thi
ngIneedi
nawomanshe'
sthewomanIwantt
ohav
eal
i
fewi
th

Hi
m:Ewwwdudey
ouar
eser
iousl
yheadov
erheel
swi
tht
hiswoman

Me:
Dudeev
enAv
ali
kesher

Hi
m:Wel
lmay
bei
tisagoodsi
gn.
..WhataboutAv
a'sMom?

Me:
Igotnot
hingt
odowi
thhershel
eftus

Hi
m:Tr
uebutIwanty
out
obehappydudeOK?

Me:
ThanksDude

Si
vi
wePOV

(
Wear
ri
vedathome)

Av
a:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryaboutev
ery
thi
ng
Me:
It
sOK

(
Myphoner
ang)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
Ist
hisMi
ssPhol
a?

Me:
Yesi
ndeed

Cal
ler
:Wewouldl
ikei
fyoucouldcomet
oourof
fi
ceatMondayy
ouhav
ebeencol
l
ect
edt
obe
oneofourmodel
scongrat
ulat
ions

Me:
OMGf
orr
eal

Cal
l
er:
YesMa'
am

Me:
Thanky
ou(
shedr
oppedt
hecal
lIwasj
umpi
ngandscr
eami
ngbczofexci
tement
)

Lucy
:Gi
rlwhat
'sup?

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
othemodel
i
ngagencyMonday

(
Ava&Lucyscr
eamedt
oo)

Me:I
'
m sohappy(wegr
oupedhuggedt
henIwentt
omyr
oom af
terawhi
l
eJakewal
kedi
nand
cl
osedthedoor
)

Hi
m:Ihear
dthenewsbabe

Me:
Babe(
Irant
ohi
m andwr
appedmyl
egsar
oundhi
swai
standhuggedhi
mti
ght)

Hi
m:I
'
m sohappyf
ory
ousweethear
t

Me:
Thanksbabe(
wel
etgooft
hehuh)Ican'
twai
t(heki
ssedme)

Hi
m:Sowhatar
eyouwear
ingony
ourf
ir
stphot
oshoot
?

Me:(Goi
ngthr
oughmyphone)theysai
dthey'
l
lshowmeami
nut
eagoIwant
edt
oseei
ttoo
..
.heret
heyaremyfi
rstout
fi
ts(webot
hlookedatt
hem)

Hi
m:What
'st
hat
?

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:i
sthatabr
aanda.
..

Me:
Babecomeon

Hi
m:AhhhNowayInev
erev
enseeny
ounakednowr
andom guy
swi
l
l
Me:
Babecomeoni
tsnotl
i
ket
heyt
ouchme(
bit
ingmyl
i
pIsatonhi
slapsIf
acedhi
m)

Hi
m:Nodon'
tdot
his.
.I
'
llbet
her
e

Me:
Whatnoppl
wil
lsuspectsomet
hing

Hi
m:Butt
hisi
sunf
air

Me:
Doy
ouwantt
oseemenaked?

Hi
m:Iwantt
oosobadbut
..
.

Me:
Butnot
hing(
Iki
ssedhi
m)

Hi
m:Nononott
hist
imear
oundy
ouwi
l
lleav
emel
i
ke.
..

Me:
Iwon'
tj
ustki
ssme

(Westar
tedki
ssi
ngIunbut
tonedhisbl
azert
henunbut
tonedhe'
sshi
rtheunzi
ppedmyback
sl
owlyIsai
dtomysel
fmaybet hi
sisi
t..
.Hepul
ledout
)

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:NoIdon'
twantt
ofeel
li
keI
'
mrushi
ngy
ou

Me:
Yournotok?Iwantt
oo

Hi
m:OK

(Wecarriedwer ewel eftofft

henhet ookofmydr essIwasn' tweari
nganybraandmybr east
aresti
llr
oundmychestwasonhi sthenhekissedmyneckt henhewentdownt omyt it
sI
star
tedtofeel pressur ebetweenmyt highsIstar
tedtomoar ni npl
easurehet
urnedandlaidme
onthebedIst artedt ot earshit
supIt ookoffhe'
sbeltthenhi str
ousershewasleftwi
thhis
boxersonlyIwasl eftwithmybl ackpantiesmylegsarewr appedaroundhiswaisthei
s
coveri
ngmybodywi thkisseswekissedlikei
twast helastti
mewekeptonki ssingoverand
overhewhi speredi nmyear )

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
(Imour
nedout
)Il
ovey
oumor
e

Hi
m:Butnott
odayVeenotnow

Me:
(West
oppedIl
ookedathi
m)i
tsf
inei
tsOK

Hi
m:ButIwanty
out
houghsobadbutIwantust
obebot
hfr
ee

Me:
Sowhatdi
dyout
hink?

Hi
m:WhatdoIt
hink?BabeIl
ovedi
tIcan'
ti
magi
nei
fIwoul
dmakel
ovet
oyou
Me:
OhwIl
ovey
ou(
weki
ssed)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
It
sMondayal
readysoi
tsmyf
ir
stdayatmyphot
oshoot
)

Jake:
Let
'sgo

Me:
Wai
twhat
?Ar
eyouser
ious?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
But
???

Hi
m:GETI
NTHECAR

Me:
OK

(
WowIgoti
nwear
ri
vedt
her
e)

Mr
.Mi
guel
:
Comeoni
ngot
odoornumber12t
hat
'
swher
eyou'
l
lbet
akenpi
ctur
es

Me:
ThanksSi
r

(
Wegoti
nroom 12al
adywal
kedt
ous)

Her
:Wantt
otakeashowerf
ir
st?

Me:
Sur
e

(
Ilef
tJaket
her
eiwentt
otakeashowert
henIwasdone)

Her
:Goodnowweart
hisf
ir
st

Me:
Sur
e

Her
:Ar
eyousur
esi
ncet
hear
emanyguy
soutt
her
eandsi
ncei
tsy
ourf
ir
stt
ime
Me:
NoI
'
llbef
ine

Her
:OKgo

(Iwoul
dbel
yi
ngtomysel
fifIwoul
dsayIwasn'
tscar
edIwasshaki
ng.
..Ihadagownon.
..The
cameramansawme)

Him:Comet hi
sway(
IsawJakef
rom f
arhewassmi
l
ingatmeandl
i
fti
ngt
humbshe'
sso
support
ive)

Hi
m:Ma'am l
etmehelpwit
hwiththegown(
het
ooki
tof
fIwaswear
inggr
eyl
acebr
awi
thgr
ey
l
acepanti
esandIhadali
tt
lecur
lyafr
o)

Hi
m:Got
her
emi
ss

(HeshowedmeposesthenIchangedi
ntoot
herout
fit
sitwasalotoff
unal
thoughIwasabut
ner
vousbutIgotusedt
oit.
..NowIwasdoneshoot
ingthenIl
eft
)

Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouwai
tedf
ormewasn'
tthatbor
ing?

Hi
m:I
twasal
i
ttl
ebutl
ooki
ngaty
oui
sn'
tbor
ingf
ormeatal
l

Me:
ohwww

Hi
m:Besi
desIwant
edt
ost
ayabi
tlonger
?

Me:
Why
'st
hat
?

Hi
m:Iwant
edt
oseeot
hermodel
s

Me:
Wowr
eal
l
ywhydi
dn'
tyout
henImeant
her
ewer
eal
otofbeaut
if
ulmodel
sther
e

Hi
m:I
'
m ki
ddi
ng

Me:
I'
m not

Hi
m:Ar
eyoumadatmenow?

Me:
Nowhywoul
di?

Hi
m:Yoursof
reaki
njeal
ous

Me:
Ohpl
syouwi
sh

Hi
m:Ar
en'
tuhungr
y

Me:
yesss

Hi
m:Me2butI
'
m cr
avi
ngf
orFr
enchf
ri
esandBur
gery
ou?

Me:
I'
l
lgetwhaty
ouget.
..I
'
m goi
ngt
othel
adi
esr
oom pl
sifmyphoner
ingsansweri
tOK?
Hi
m:Sur
e

(
Iwentt
othel
oo)

(
IgotbackIf
oundJakepi
ssed)

Me:
LookIt
ookt
ool
ongIknowI
'
m sor
ry

Hi
m:Lungel
ohuh?

Me:
(ohshi
t!
!!
)What
?

Hi
m:Youhav
esl
eptwi
thLungel
obef
ore?

Me:
BabeIwas.
..

Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
oheari
tlet
'
sgohome

(
Wegoti
nthecari
twaspr
ett
ytensenoonesai
dawor
dtoany
one)

Me:I
'
m sor
ryIwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyoui
tsj
ustwewer
enotof
fi
cial
att
hatt
imeandwewer
eina
f
ight

Hi
m:Howaboutt
hedayy
ousai
duwer
eav
irgi
ntome

Me:
BczIr
egr
etwhatIdi
dandi
fIcoul
dtur
nbackt
imeIwoul
dI'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
..

Hi
m:Buthowcoul
dyou?

Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryok(myey
eswer
etear
y)

Hi
m:Okdon'
tcr
y

Me:
Iev
endi
sgustmy
sel
f

Hi
m:Hesai
dhest
il
ll
ovesy
ou

Me:
Ial
readymadei
tcl
eart
ohi
m Idon'
twantt
oev
enl
ookathi
m hemakesmesi
ck

Hi
m:I
fyouwantmet
ofor
giv
eyout
ell
mewhathappened

Me: Fi
nemeandLungel owewer ehighschool sweetheartsinGrade9wewer eatt hesame
class..
.wewer edati
ngaf t
eramonthheaskedmei fIcouldvisi
thim. .
Iagr
eeddi dn'tknowt hat
he'splaningtosleepwi thme...Af
terawhi l
eIwast herehesaidifIl
ov ehi
m Imustshowi tbuy
sleepingwithhim. .
.Iwassost upi
dandnai veIdidn'tseewhatwashappeni ng..
.Wesl ept
togetherthenhenev ertal
kedtomeev eragainheonl ygav emenast ystai
rsthenIhear d
rumour sthathewaswi t
hsomeoneel seIconf ront
edhi m aboutithedidn'
tevenhesi tatet
ol i
e
onmyf acehesai d"y esIam"Isai
d" i
tsov erbetweenus"t henthenextdayatschool Ineversaw
hi
m..
.Hel
eft.
..ButIdon'
tbl
amehi
m Ial
sobl
amemy
sel
f..
.Hemani
pul
atedmeandIl
ethi
m

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryt
hatwashar
dfory
ou

Me:
Ver
y

Hi
m:Soy
ounev
er.Beenwi
thany
oneel
sesi
ncet
hen?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Wow

(
Wer
egoti
nthehouse)

Lucy
:Veey
ourback?

Me:
Yeshel
l
o

Av
a:Vee

(
Wegr
oupedhugged)

Me:
Ineedt
orestok

(
Ilef
t)

(
Theni
twasdi
nnerf
ort
ime)

Cc:
Howwasy
ourf
ir
stday
?

Me:
Great

Cc:
Seeanyboy
s?(
shegav
emeanast
yst
are)

Me:
(Il
aughedembar
rassed)ahhhnoMa'
am

Cc:
Hmmm(
shegav
emeanast
ysmi
l
ethi
swomani
ssomet
hingel
se)

Lucy
:Mom y
ouar
eembar
rassi
ngher
Cc:
Fine

(
Weat
eIgotaphonecal
l
)

Me:
I'
m sor
ryIgott
ogett
his(i
twasSi
a)

Me:
Gir
l

Si
a:Howdi
ditgo?

Me:
Greatgi
rlt
hanksf
oraski
ng

Si
a:I
'
llpi
ckupt
omor
rowIwantt
oseet
hisModel
agency

Me:
Sur
e

(Wedr oppedthecal
l
...Thenitwast i
mef orbedIwentt
obedIsleptl
i
keababyti
l
lthenext
mor ni
ng...Idi
dmyhy gieneprocessthenworemyblackti
ghtski
rtwi
thawhi
teshir
tandbl
ack
blockheelsletmyminicurledafr
olose)

Me:
Mor
ningMar
tha

Her
:Mor
ningMi
ss

Me:
Myr
oom i
scl
eandon'
tbot
her

Her
:Ial
readyknow

(
Wehear
dAv
ascr
eami
ngy
oucoul
dswearshewasbei
ngst
rangl
edwewentr
ushi
ngt
oher
)

Me:
What
?

Av
a:Youar
eont
hef
rontpage

Me:
Me?What
?Letmesee

(
Itooki
t)

Me:
OMGI
'
m ont
hef
rontpage wowI
'
m speechl
ess

Lucy
:Youl
ookgor
geous

Me:
Thanky
ouIal
readyhav
eal
lthepi
ctur
est
hough

Lucy
:Congr
atsgi
rl

(
Myphoner
angi
twasSi
a)

Si
a:(
shescr
eamedonmyear
)Gi
rly
ouronf
rontpage

Me:
Isn'
tthatamazi
ng?
Si
a:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngi
tsbey
ondamazi
ngl
ookaty
ou(
thenshewhi
sper
ed)di
dMrJakesawt
his

Me:
(Iwentsomewher
epr
ivat
e)Ahhhnonoty
et

Si
a:Okbuty
ouar
ehoti
fImaysay

Me:
Thanks

Mar
tha:
Breakf
asti
sreadyMi
ss

Me:
ThanksMar
tha

(
Iwentt
osi
tdown)

Av
a:Her
eisourmodel
tot
ell
thet
rut
hyoul
ookst
unni
ng

Zay
n:Weal
sowannasee

Jake:
JusteatZay
n

Zay
n:Comeondude

Aust
in:
Iwannaseet
oo

Henr
y:Boy
seatory
ou'
l
lbel
ate

(
Weat
ethenev
ery
bodywentt
owor
kgi
rl
swentt
oschool
)

Av
a'sPOV

(
Wear
eatschool
)

Me:
Ohher
ecomesy
ourboy
fri
end

Lucy
:He'
snothe'
sjustbei
ngf
ri
endl
y

Me:
Don'
tputaguyonaf
ri
endzonehel
i
kesy
oucan'
tyousee

Hi
m:Heyl
adi
es

Us:
Hey

Hi
m:Ther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyouguy
s

Lucy
:Goahead
Hi
m:Sam gotev
ery
thi
ngoncamer
a

Av
a:Whatev
ery
thi
ng?

Hi
m:Her
ecor
dedev
ery
thi
ngt
hatni
ghti
ncl
udi
ngwhenhef
orcedhi
msel
fony
ou

Lucy
:he'
sasi
ckbust
ardnoof
fenceJaden

Hi
m:Nahhhhei
ssi
ck

Me:
Sogott
hev
ideo?

Hi
m:NoIdon'
thav
eitIdon'
tknowhowcanIgeti
t

Me:
Weshoul
dcomeupwi
thapl
ant
hough

Hi
m:Yah

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Atwor
kwear
ehav
ingameet
ing)

Boss:
OKladi
esnextweekwehav eabigshowhereIwantev
eryonet
obetherenoonemustbe
si
ckbecauseIwantev
eryoneonthei
rwellheal
thNOEXCUSESESorit
stheendofyourcar
eer
weworkwithti
mehereok...Youcango

(
Wowoksowear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eashowIcan'
twai
tthenIbumpedi
ntoay
oungguy
)

Hi
m:(
looki
ngdown)
Heywat
chwher
eyougoi
ngl
ady

Me:Ishoul
dwat
chwher
eI'
m goi
ngbuti
twasy
ouwhobumpedmepl
usy
ourbusywi
thy
our
phone

(
Heupl
i
ftedhi
shead)

Hi
m:Ohhey(
hesmi
l
ed)

Me:
DoIknowy
ou?

Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkso...Butwecangett
oknoweachother(
hewaschecki
ngmeoutIwasgoi
ng
f
oraphotoshootIwasweari
ngaredli
nger
ieIdi
dn'
tti
emygown)

Me:
Noti
nmi
l
li
ony
ear
s(Iwal
kedaway
)

Hi
m:(
Hebi
thi
sli
ps)Hmmm
(
Idi
otbuthe'
sfacel
ooksFami
l
iar Hmmm)

-Chapt
er12-

(
Wor
kwasr
eal
l
ygr
eatnowI
'
m att
hehouse)

Me:
HeyMar
tha

Mar
tha:
HeyMi
ss

(
Iwentupst
air
sIov
erhear
dHenr
yont
hephoneI
'
m sor
rybutIear
sdr
oppedhewassay
ing)

Hi
m:Lookmypasti
shunt
ingme

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng.
..If
oundSophi
a

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:I
'
llpr
otectherwi
thev
ery
thi
ngIhav
eIoweherf
athert
hatmuch

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:Iwanty
out
ofi
ndi
fthosemenar
est
il
lal
i
veok

Cal
l
er:
..

Hi
m:Thanks.
.sur
e

(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l.
.Whoi
sSophi
a?Iwonder.
..Iact
edl
i
keIdi
dn'
thearhi
m)

Me:
HeySi
r

Hi
m:Heyhowwaswor
ktoday
?

Me:
Awesome

Hi
m:Goodt
oknowi
fyouwantany
thi
ngt
ell
meok?
Me:
Sur
e

(Hewentdownstair
sIwenttomyroom It
ookanapaft
erawhi
leIwokeupbutIwaswokenup
byamalevoiceIoverhear
dJakeonthephone.
.Thi
sDudeisi
nmyr oom wow. .
.Ipr
etended
l
ikeIwasalseep)

Hi
m:DudeIt
oldy
ouIqui
tcl
ubs

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:By
emanI
'
m notcomi
ngIt
oldy
ou

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:LookIgot
tagoman.
..Hav
efun

(
Hedroppedt
hecal
l.
..WowIcan'
tbel
i
evehet
urneddowngoi
ngt
othecl
ub may
behegot
wor
k)

(
Hesetont
hebedandbr
ushedmyhai
r)

Him:Ir
at herspendt
hewholenightwit
hy ou..
.wat
chi
ngyousl
eepthangoi
ngt
otheclub.
..
Argggy oudr i
vemeinsaneIcan'
tevenfocusonworkwhatar
ey oudoi
ngtome?Yourso
beauti
ful (
thenhest
oppedtalki
ng)

Me:
Don'
tst
opy
ouwer
edoi
ngf
ine(
inasl
eepyv
oice)

Hi
m:Youwher
eawaket
hiswhol
eti
me?

Me:
Yes(
Igi
ggl
ed)

Hi
m:Openy
ourey
es(
hel
aughed )

(
Iopenedt
hem)

Hi
m:Ther
ewego(
hebr
ushedmyf
acesmi
l
ing)y
oursobeaut
if
ulwheny
ourasl
eep,
awakei
n
ev
eryway

Me:
(Iwassmi
l
ingeart
oearIdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
)

Hi
m:CanIsi
ngf
ewl
i
nesf
ory
ou?

Me:
( Il
aughed)sur
eIwoul
dlov
eit

Hi
m:whenIseeyourface.
..(
OMGhesingshor
ri
ble butst
il
lcut
e )t
her
e'snotat
hingt
hatI
woul
dchangecozyouramazingj
ustt
hewayyouare

Me:
Yousi
nghor
ri
ble butIl
ovedi
t usangoneofmyf
avour
it
esongs
Hi
m:IknowIsi
nghor
ri
ble

Me:
Butst
il
lcut
e

(
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadt
henwecuddl
edaf
terawhi
l
ewehear
daknockatt
hedoor
)

Me:
ohshi
t

Hi
m:Askwho'
sit
?

Me:
who'
sit
?

"
It
smeCeci
l
ia"

Me:
Ohnohi
deatt
hebat
hroom

(
Hehi
dther
eIwentt
oopen)

Her
:Ohy
ouwer
easl
eep

Me:
Yah

Her
:Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hing

Me:
Sur
ecomei
ntakeasi
tpl
ease

(
Wesatdown)

Her
:I
tsaboutmyson

Me:
Oh(
conf
used)

Her
:Jake

Me:
Ohw(
sur
pri
sed)

Her:
Lookhehasn'
tbeenwithanyoneel
sesinceAva'sMom l
eftt
hem hereal
lyl
ov edherIcould
seei
tinhe'
seyes.
..Butmypointi
sIseethatsparkagai
nwhenyouraroundhim Icouldfeel
he
getl
ight
enupwhenheSee'syouhegotalit
tlecr
ushony ouI
'
m sayi
ngt hi
sbczIseet he
somethi
ngtoy
ou...I
sther
esomet hi
ngyournottel
li
ngus?

Me:
Ma'
am I
'
m..
..
uhmmm

Her
:I
tsokbuty
ouhav
etocomecl
eanany
timesoon

Me:
Ther
e'snot
hingMa'
am not
hingatal
l

Her
:I
tsokbutf
ornow.
..Excuseme

(
Shel
eftIl
ockedt
hedooronherwayoutt
henJakecameout
)
Me:
Youhav
eacr
ushonme?
( Il
aughedsohar
d)

Hi
m:Hahav
eryf
unny

Me:
I'
m sor
rybuti
tssof
unny

Hi
m:That
'snott
rue

Me:
(Get
ti
ngcl
oset
ohi
m wi
thanast
ysmi
l
e)Ohi
sthatr
ightdon'
tyourey
esspar
kwhenIwal
kin
t
heroom?

Hi
m:No(
annoy
ed)

Me:
Don'
tImakey
ourhear
tbeatski
pfastwhenIt
ouchy
ou?

Hi
m:No

Me:
YourMom sai
dthatnotme

Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhat
'sherpr
obl
em

Me:
Met
ooshe'
sscar
ingmewhati
fshef
ind'
sout
?

Hi
m:Iwoul
dbegl
adI
'
mti
redoft
hel
i
esal
ready

Me:
Butbabe

Hi
m:Let
'scomecl
eanbabeIl
ovey
ou

Me:
Sur
ebutt
il
lthesi
tuat
ionwi
thLucycomesdown

Hi
m:Ok

(
Wecuddl
edt
hensl
ept
)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Att
hedi
nnert
abl
eitwassoqui
et)
Me:
What
'swi
tht
hesi
l
ence?

Lucy
:Idon'
tknow

(
Myphoner
ang)

Me:
Sor
ryIgot
tagett
his(
Iwentt
otheki
tchen)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
Thi
sist
hel
andl
ordoft
heapar
tmenty
ouwant
ed

Me:
Ser
ious

Cal
l
er:
Yesy
ourapar
tmenti
sreadyy
oucanmov
einany
time

Me:
Thanky
ouSi
r(Iwassohappyt
henIwentt
othet
abl
e)

Av
a:Whathappened?

Me:
Igotanewapar
tment

(
Theyal
ll
ookdown)

Me:
What
?

Lucy
:Yourl
eav
ing

Me:
Wel
lIwasgoi
ngt
oleav
eany
thi
ngsoon

Av
a:Pl
sdon'
tgoDaddypl
sbeghernott
ogo

Jake:
Me?Ahhhwel
luhmmm.
..

Cc:
ComeonVeest
ay

Henr
y:Yahpl
syourpar
toft
heFami
l
ynowandy
oucanst
oppr
etendi
ng

Me:
Pret
endi
ng?

Henr
y:Abouty
ouandJakeIknowy
oul
i
keeachot
herbesi
desy
ou'
l
lbecl
osert
ohi
m her
e

Me:
Ahhh

Jake:
(hi
sey
eswer
epoppedout
)

Cc:
Yesweal
lknew

Jake:
Yeswear
edat
ingandIl
ovet
hiswomanwi
thev
eryst
rengt
hinmybody

Aust
in:
ohwww t
hat
'scut
ecanweeatnow?
Zay
n:St
opbei
ngj
eal
ousAust
inst
ickwi
thy
ourgol
ddi
gger

Aust
in:
She'
snot

Henr
y:Any
howpl
sst
ay

Lucy
:YahVee

Av
a:Yespl
s

Me:
Uhmmmmm.
..

Cc:
Please

Me:
Sur
ewhynot

Lucy
:Yes

Av
a:Thanky
ou

(
Thenweat
e)

Zay
n:Ihav
etoannouncesomet
hingt
oo

Cc:
Goahead

Zay
n:I
mleav
ingt
omor
row

Henr
y:Hav
easaf
etr
ip

Av
a:By
e

Lucy
:Yahpeace

Zay
n:Yah

Me:
Stopbei
ngcol
dladi
es Whyar
eyoul
eav
ingZay
n

Zay
n:Igotanewj
obatPar
is

Me:
Oht
hat
'
sgr
eat

(Thenaftersomet
imewewenttosleep...
Igotinmyroom It
ookoffmycl ot
heswenttothe
shower...Whil
eshower
ingIwasthi
nkingaboutmyMom andmyDadev enthoughIneversaw
him buthegotahugespaceinmyhear t.
..ThenIt
houghtaboutwhatHenrysaidonthephone
ohwho'sSophiawhyhehastoprot
ecther )

-Chapt
er13-

•
•

(
It
sSatur
dayIwokeupIwasinmypjsIgotanSMSIlookedati
twithsl
eepyey esitsai
dIgot
moneyfr
om mymodelagencyIt
houghti
twasamist
akeIcall
edthei
rrecept
ionist
)

Me:
Hel
l
ouhmmm y
ouguy
s..
.

Her
:Yougoty
ourmoney

Me:
Yahwhati
sitf
or?

Her
:Mybossaskedmet
oo

Me:
What
?Why
?

Her
:Idon'
tknowMa'
am

Me:
It
stoomuchi
tsmor
ethan3t
imesImadei
nmyl
astj
ob

Her
:Hav
eani
cedayMa'
am

Me:Nodon'
t..
.(
shehungup)hell
o..
.hel
lo..
.shehunguponmeWOW . .
.SomuchmoneyIdon'
t
wanti
tI'
l
lgi
veitbacktohi
m...Iwenttotakeashowerthenwentdownst
air
s)

Cc:
Her
eshecomes

(
Iwant
edt
ogooutst
rai
ghtbutt
heycal
l
edme)

Av
a:Comesi
tdownwhat
'
sther
ush?

Me:
Ahhhnot
hingi
tsj
ustI.
..Not
hingf
orgeti
tlet
'seat

Lucy
:HeyFami
l
yIhav
eabangi
ngheadache

Me:
Sor
rysweet
iedr
inkwat
er

Lucy
:Ok

(
Wehear
dadoorbel
l
)

Me:
I'
l
lgeti
t

(
ItwasKev
in.
..Kev
ini
smymal
efr
iendf
rom t
hemodel
agencyhe'
say
oungmodel
he'
s18)

Me:
Hey
yy

Hi
m:Hy

(
Wehugged)
Me:
Comei
nforbr
eakf
ast

Hi
m:NoIcan'
tst
ay

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:Icamet
ogi
vey
ouy
ourpi
ctur
es

Me:
Ohw (
Ihuggedhi
m)t
hanky
ousomuchIl
ovet
hem

Hi
m:Yourwel
come

"
Heybaby
"

Me:
(i
twasJake)heyl
ove(
weki
ssed)

Jake:
HyI
'
m herboy
fri
endandy
ouar
e?

Kev
in:
I'
m herf
ri
end.
..Ibet
tergo

Me:
okt
hanksagai
nKev
in

Kev
in:
Sur
eby
e

Me:
Bye

Me:
Ohhe'
ssoki
nd

Av
a:HeyVeewhowast
hat
?

Me:
Ahhhaf
ri
end

Av
a:Ohhe'
shot(
bit
ingherl
owerl
i
p)

Me: uhmmm

Av
a:ComeonVeeadmi
tit

Me:
Ahhhy
ahsur
e

Jake:
Nohe'
snot.
..
you(
poi
nti
ngatAv
a)go

Av
a:I
'
m 17(
put
ti
nganangr
yfaceandwal
kedaway
)

Me:
Wowwhysocol
d

Hi
m:Ther
e'snot
hinghotaboutt
hatboyandy
ouknowi
t

Me:
Ido?
(conf
used)

Hi
m:(
Hegav
emeanexcusemef
ace)
Me:
OfcauseIdoy
esbabehe'
snothotatal
l

Hi
m:Goodl
et'
sgoandeat

Me:
(Whuuu )Sur
e

(
Wesatont
het
abl
e)

Henr
y:Ican'
tst
ayIgot
tagot
owor
k

Mar
tha:
Misst
hesecamef
ory
ou

Me:
RedRoses(
Itookt
hem)

Av
a:Ohhht
heybeaut
if
ul

Me:
(Jakewasn'
ttaki
ngt
hisv
erywel
l
)oht
her
e'sacar
d{hopey
ouenj
oyy
ourdaybeaut
if
ul}

Lucy
:Ohhhhbeaut
if
ul

Av
a:Yesugotaspeci
aladmi
re

Lucy
:AhhhIwonder

Av
a:May
behe'
saPr
incechar
ming

Lucy
:Ohw he'
ssosweet

Av
a:Hmmm wi
shIcoul
dgetoneoft
hose.

Lucy
:Hebr
oughty
out
hoseohy
oumustmeansomet
hingt
ohi
m

Av
a:Yesnomangi
veagi
rlf
lower
sfornor
eason

Lucy
:Sot
ruehe'
sakeeper

Av
a:Tot
s

Cc:
GIRLS(
SHOUTI
NG)Respectshe'
sdat
ingJake

Av
a:Ohy
ah

Lucy
:Sor
ry

Me:
Idon'
tknowwho'
sthi
sreal
l
y

Jake:
Ineedt
orusht
owor
k

Me:
Sosoon

Jake:
Yah(
hel
eft
)
Me:
okby
e..
.OhGod

Cc:
Don'
twor
ryhe'
l
lbef
ine

Me:
Im ser
iousIdon'
tknowwho'
sthi
s

Av
a:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Lucy
:Sor
rygi
rl
fr
iend

(
IthoughtIshoul
dgot
oJakesof
fi
cet
oapol
ogi
zeIf
oundhi
m al
one)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
I'
vebeenget
ti
ngt
hem l
atel
yIdon'
tknowwher
etheycomef
rom

Hi
m:Oht
hat
'swei
rd

Me:
Jakepl
slet
'st
alk

Hi
m:I
'
m busysor
ry

(
Ilockedt
heof
fi
ce)

Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

Hi
m:I
tsnoty
ourf
aul
tnormi
ne

Me:
Can'
tyoubeser
iouswi
thmepl
s(hewasbusywi
thpaperwor
k)

Hi
m:(
hest
oppedandl
ookedatme)Howmanyl
i
esar
eyouhi
dingf
rom me?

Me:
Arey
ouser
iousdoy
our
eal
l
ythi
nkI
'
lll
i
etoy
ou?

Hi
m:Youdi
donce

Me:
Thatwasdi
ff
erentandy
ouknowi
t

Hi
m:(
hel
ookedatme)

Me:
Il
iedt
opr
otecty
ouatf
ir
stnow.
..

Hi
m:Topr
otectmehay
ahr
ight
Me:
YouknowwhatI
'
mleav
ingIcan'
tdeal
wit
hyoul
i
ket
hat

(
Ilef
t)

(
Iwentt
oMi
guel
aboutt
hemoneyhegav
eme.
..
Ifoundhi
m busywi
thwor
k)

Me:
Weneedt
otal
k

Hi
m:HeyMi
ssVeey
oul
ookdazzl
i
ngt
oday

Me:
Idon'
tneedy
ourmoney

Hi
m:Ii
nsi
st

Me:
(wal
ki
ngt
hrought
hedoor
)keepi
tIDON'
TWANTI
T

(
Ilef
twhodoeshet
hinkhei
s..
.Iwentt
oSi
a..
.If
oundherwat
chi
ngTV)

Me:
Hey
yy(
Sad)

Her
:Ohwhel
l
ocomesi
tdown

Me:
Jakei
smadatme(
sad)

Her
:Why
?Why
'st
hat
?

Me:
(wewer
eatt
hesof
aIt
oldhert
hewhol
est
ory
)

Her
:I
tsnoty
ourf
aul
tthoughbesi
dest
heoney
oul
i
edabouty
ourv
irgi
nit
y

Me:
Iknowt
hatSi
ahel
pmet
ofeel
bet
terher
enotmaki
ngmef
eel
wor
se

Her
:I
'm sor
ryI
'
m sor
ryokf
ineheneedst
oapol
ogi
ze

Me:
Yout
hink?

Her
:NoIknowhehast
ooy
oudi
dnot
hingwr
ongt
heRosesj
ustpoppedoutofnowher
e

Me:
Iknowr
ightbutt
ohi
mI'
mthebadguy

Her
:Fi
ght
ingi
nar
elat
ionshi
pisNor
ma

Me:
Wej
ustst
art
eddat
ingandwehav
epr
obl
emsWOW

Her
:You'
l
lgetov
ert
hem don'
twor
ry
(
Shehuggedme)

Me:
Imi
ssedy
oual
ot

Si
a:Sameher
e

(
ThenIwentt
othehouset
henst
rai
ghtt
osl
eep)

(About7IwokeupIwassohungr
yIf
oundmypl at
eatt
heov
enIsatdownandat
e..
.Iwasst
il
l
onmydr essandbar
efootmyf
acewaster
ri
ble)

"
Hey
"

Me:
Jake

Hi
m:Iwentt
oyourr
oom ear
li
ery
oul
ookedpeacef
ull
yasl
eepIdi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
b

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?(annoy
ed)

Tobecont
inued.
..
.

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Hi
m:LookI
'
m sor
ry

Me:
(Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m)

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rybabecomeon

Me:
That
'sy
ourapol
ogy
?

Hi
m:(
Hewal
kedt
omeandhol
dmywai
st)I
'
m sor
rybabef
rom t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
tok?

Me:
(Get
ti
nghi
shandsof
fme)Don'
ttouch

Hi
m:(
Hehol
dmet
ight
er)Yousmel
lamazi
ng(
kissi
ngmyneckandshoul
der
)Hmmm
Me:
Nono(
Iwal
kedaway
)apol
ogi
set
her
ightway

Hi
m:Okwai
tup(
Iwentt
omyr
oom)

Hi
m:(
hewal
kedaf
termeandl
ocked)Veewai
t

Me:
Tal
kJake

Hi
m:LookIwaswr
ongI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryIov
err
eact
ed

Me:
Youmademel
ookl
i
keInewwhosentmet
hose(
looki
ngsadIl
ookedatt
hewi
ndow)

Hi
m:Sor
rybabeIwasst
upi
dIpr
omi
seIwon'
tdoi
tagai
n

Me:
(Il
ookedathi
m)Youpr
omi
se?

Hi
m:Ipr
omi
se(
hesmi
l
edatmeandhuggedmef
rom behi
nd)

Lucy
'sPOV

(
I'
mfeel
i
ngdi
zzynow)

Me:
Ava(
ThenIr
ushedt
othet
oil
etIv
omi
ted)

Av
a:(
camer
unni
ngaf
terme)ar
eyouok

Lucy
:NoI
'
m not

(
Shewentt
othedoorandy
ell
edf
orhel
p)

Av
a:Ppl
arecomi
ng

(
Myheadhi
tthef
loort
henbl
ackout
)

Av
a'sPOV

(OMGIwonderwhatwill
happentoheratl
eastshe'
swithaDoct
orwhoexamineherwhenshe
wasrapedshe'
singoodhands.
..Wearepanicki
ng..
.Ical
l
edJadent
oinfor
m him aboutt
his
sit
uat
ion)

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Heyy
ousoundwor
ri
edwhathappened?
Me:
Lucyi
sinhospi
tal

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
Shepassedoutand.
.(Icr
ied)

Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ng

(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

(
Hear
ri
vedDadpani
cked)

Dad:
Avawhatdoest
hisboydoi
ngher
e?

Me:
Dadpl
she'
saf
ri
end

Dad:
Nohemustl
eav
e(shout
ing)

Vee:
Jakepl
sthi
sisahospi
tal
jeezcal
myour
sel
f

Hi
m:No

Vee:
NoJakepl
sdoi
tforLucy

Henr
y:Lethi
m Sonhedi
dnot
hingwr
ong

(
Theyl
efthi
m)

Jaden:
I'
m sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tst
ayhomeaf
terhear
ingwhaty
ousai
dont
hephone

Me:
It
sfi
neIknewy
ouwoul
dli
ket
obeher
ewi
thher

Hi
m:YahIl
ov.
..
ImeanIcar
eal
otabouther

Me:
Youl
oveher

Hi
m:(
hesmi
l
ed)Yahal
ot

Me:
Prayf
orhert
owakeupsoy
oucant
ell
her

Hi
m:Iam

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

Me:
Jakear
eyoui
nsane
Hi
m:Thatboydoesn'
tdeser
vet
obeher
e

Me:
Hedi
dnot
hingwr
onghecamet
osuppor
tuspl
scont
rol
uranger

Hi
m:Fi
nebutIdon'
tl
ikehi
m

Me:
Youdon'
thav
eto.
..Youhat
eev
ery
onet
haty
oudon'
tknow

(
Ilef
thi
m Iwentt
oconsul
ttheFami
l
ythent
heDoct
or)

Doc:
Ihav
egoodnews

Cc:
(wi
thashaki
ngv
oiceandr
edey
esbecauseofcr
ying)Tel
lusdoct
or

Doc:
She'
sfi
nepr
egnantwomanr
eacti
ndi
ff
erentway
s

Henr
y:She'
swhat

Av
a:OhGod

Cc:
Mypoorbaby

Doc:
Shewasn'
tusi
ngcont
rol
l
ingpi
l
lspl
usherRaperdi
dn'
tusecondom

Me:
OhGodbuti
sthebabyheal
thy
?

Doc:
Theybot
hfi
ne

Aust
in:
Issheawake

Doc:
Yesshet
oldmeher
sel
fsheal
sosuspect
edt
hat

Henr
y:Whencanweseeher

Doc:
Shewant
stoseeSi
vi
weIt
hink

Me:
Yest
hat
sme

Doc:
Fol
l
owmeMi
ss

(
Ifol
l
owedher
)

(
Igoti
n)
Me:
Heybaby

Her
:Hey

Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Her
:ThatI
'
m pr
egnantIf
eel
somuchal
i
ve

Me:
It
sgr
eatt
haty
ouhappyabouty
ourpr
egnancy

Her:
Iam itsmineandmi
neal
onewhatwi
l
lthatbust
ardsaynow(
cry
ing)t
hisi
sev
idenceIwant
hi
ml ockedup

Me:
You'
l
lseeky
ourr
evengesweet
yal
li
ndue

Her
:YesIwoul
d(pol
i
cecamei
n)

Pol
i
ceof
fi
cer
:I'
m sor
ryIneedt
otal
ktot
hepat
ientpl
s

Me:
Sur
eby
esweat
y(Iki
ssedherf
orehead)

Her
:By
e

(
Ilef
tthem)

Jake:
Howi
sshe?

Me:
She'
sdoi
ngf
inet
hePol
i
cear
ewi
thher

Av
a:Herr
eact
ioni
swei
rd

Me:
YesIt
houghtshewoul
dn'
twantt
hebabyshe'
sagoodper
son

Henr
y:I
fshe'
sgoodwi
thi
twer
eal
sogoodwi
thi
t

Cc:
Irai
sedawonder
ful
soul

Jake:
Yesy
oudi
dMom

Doc:
Ahhhshecangohomeev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
newi
thher

Jake:
Sur
eI'
m comi
ngt
otakeher

(
Thennowweatt
hehouse)

Lucy
:I
mfi
neguy
sI'
m notsi
ckI
'
m pr
egnantok
Me: y
esweknowsost
opcompl
aini
ng.
..I
'
llt
akeherupst
air
sguy
sok

(
Wegoti
nherr
oom)

Me:
Goodnowl
ayi
nbed

Lucy
:Ineedawar
m bat
hfi
rst

Me:
I'
l
lmakei
tfory
ou(
rushi
ngt
othebat
hroom)

Lucy
:Icandoi
tmy
sel
fyouknow

Me:
(Yel
l
ingf
rom t
hebat
hroom)YahIknownowchi
l
l

Me:
It
sreadycome

Lucy
:Ok

Me:
Jadenwast
her
etoo

(
Shet
ookofhercl
othesandgoti
nIsatont
het
oil
etsi
tIcl
osedi
t)

Her
:Isawhi
m Iwant
edt
otal
ktohi
m butIcoul
dn'
t

Me:
Atl
easthewast
her
etosuppor
tyou

Her
:Yah(
shebl
ushed)

Me:
Am Imi
ssi
ngsomet
hing

Her
:Veeno

Me:
OKI
'
lll
eav
eyou

(
Ilef
therbl
ushi
ng )

Jaden'
sPOV

(
Myphoner
angi
twasLucy
)

Me:
Hey

Her
:HeyI
..
.uhmmm want
edt
osayt
hanky
ouf
orcar
ing

Me:
Ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hat.
..Congr
atul
ati
onsany
wayi
fthat
'sok
Her
:i
tsdoesn'
tmat
terwho'
stheFat
herI
'
mtheMot
herandThanky
ou

Me:
Yourpr
egnancywi
l
lbr
ingsomel
i
ghty
ou'
l
lsee

(
Ihear
dsomeonebandi
ngt
hedoor
)

Her
:Who'
sthat
?

Me:
I'
l
lchecki
tout.
..Pol
i
ce?

Pol
i
ce:
Wel
ooki
ngf
orSam Nor
th

Me:
Yes(
yel
l
ing)SAM

Hi
m:What

Me:
Yourneededdownher
e

(
Hecamer
unni
ng)

Pol
i
ce:
Youunderar
restofofr
apebyLucyCar
ter
..
.

Hi
m:That
'
snott
rueIdi
dn'
trapeherwebot
hagr
eed.
..

(
Cuf
fi
nghi
m)

Poli
ce:y
ouhav earightt
or emai
nsil
ent.
.Ev er
ythi
ngy ousayordowil
lbeusedagai
nstyoui
n
theCourtofl
aw...Youifyoucan'
thavealawyer..
..
.(
theysai
dthatwal
kingawaywit
hhim)

Hi
m:Jcal
lDadpl
s..
.(
hegoti
nthecar
)

Lucy
:Jaden.
..
.Jadenhel
l
o..
..
.hel
l
o..
.

Me:
YesI
'
m her
e

Her
:Whathappeneddi
dtheyar
resthi
m?

Me:
Yes.
..Igot
tacal
lDad

Her
:Sur
eI'
m sor
ryt
houghy
oudon'
tdeser
vet
hist
ort
ure

Me:
Noi
t'
sokby
eok

Her
:By
e

(
Ical
l
edDadIt
oldhi
m ev
ery
thi
ng)

∆
•

Lucy
'sPOV

(
Igotoutoft
hebat
hthenputonagount
henwentdownst
air
s)

Me:
He'
sar
rest
ed

Mom:
Who?

Dad:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
Sam he'
sar
rest
ed(
IhuggedVeeI
'
m st
il
lher
ebczofher
)

Vee:
That
'
sgr
eatbaby

Me:
ButIf
eel
sadf
orJadenhedoesn'
tdeser
vet
his

Vee:
It
'sokbaby(
shehuggedme)

-Chapt
er14-

r
iseandshi
ne

(
Iwokeupwor
emybl
uej
eanswi
thwhi
teshi
rtandbl
ackheel
sthenheadeddownst
air
s)

Mar
tha:
Misst
hiscamef
ory
ou

Me:
Box?I
tsf
rom who

Mar
tha:
Idi
dn'
tcheckMa'
am

Me:
ThanksMar
tha

(
Iopenedi
t..
.It
sdi
amondearr
ingsOHshi
tifJakeseest
hisI
'
m deadal
i
ve)

Me:
Mar
thahi
det
hisf
ormeokIst
il
lwantt
olookati
t
Mar
tha:
OkMa'
am

(
Iwentt
othet
abl
e)

Me:
Mor
ningev
ery
one

Them:
Mor
ning

Cc:
Youl
ookshocked

Me:
Me?PshhhnoI
'
m noti
tsj
ustI
'
m ner
vousf
ort
heshow

Cc:
Oht
hat
'snor
mal
sweet
ie

Me:
Yah

(
Ieatmyf
oodLucycamet
osi
tdown)

Me:
Arey
ouok?

Her
:YahI
'
mfi
ne

Me:
O-k

(
Noshe'
snotOKherey
esar
eswol
l
enl
i
keaper
sonwhohasn'
tbeensl
eepi
ng)

Jaden'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
ovi
sitmybr
other
)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:ohpl
snoty
ou

Me:
Shutupandl
i
sten

Hi
m:Ohagai
nwi
thy
ourspeeches

Me:
She'
spr
egnant

Hi
m:What
!

Me:She'
spregnantSam pl
sdot her
ightt
hingf
oroncei
nyourl
i
fej
ustdoi
tfory
ourbabyt
hat
babydoesn'
tdeserveaFatherl
i
keyou
Hi
m:Getout

Me:
What
every
ousay

(
Ilef
t)

(
AtnoonSi
acamet
ovi
sitmewewentt
omyr
oom)

Me:
Sohowar
ethi
ng'
s?

Her
:Atwor
kbor
ingwi
thouty
ouathomegr
eatsi
nceLucasj
ustmov
edi
n

Me:
What
?

Her
:yesmeandLucasar
eleav
ingt
oget
her

Me:
Don'
tyout
hinki
tsabi
ttoosoon

Her
:Nonotatal
l

Me:
Oh-
kbut
..

Her
:Nobut
sVeebehappyf
ormeasmyBestf
ri
endcozI
'
m happyagai
nwi
tht
hemanIt
rul
ylov
e

Me:
OfcauseIam happyf
ory
ou

Lucy
'sPOV

(
Att
hest
ore)

Me:
Soy
out
hinkt
hesepi
l
lscanmakemeabor
teasi
l
y?

Emi
l
y(Shopassi
stant
):y
es

Me:
Wil
lIf
eel
pai
n

Her
:Ofcauseal
otofpai
n

Me:
ButIdon'
twantt
ofeel
pai
n
Her
:Ther
e'snoot
herway

Me:
FineI
'
llt
aket
hem

(Iwenthomet henstrai
ghttomyr oom IlockedIpour edwat erIr
eadt hei nstr
ucti
onsitsaid
dri
nk3pi l
lsandwaitwheny oufeel pai
ngot othet oil
et...Thiswast err
ifyingthepossi
ble
outcomesar eshocki
ng" t
hebabycansur viveandcanbement al
lydisturbedorbepar aly
sei f
yourfewmont hspregnant..
.It
sit'
sbeenweekst hereare80%chancest hebabycansur vive.
..
"
Oht hi
sismakingmesweat. .
.Ican'thavear apistbabyIj ustwon'tdot hatthatbustar
ddoesn' t
deserveanythi
nggoodt ohim butIdoandt hat'sfreedom notbeingbl essedwi t
hachildthatI'
ll
probablyhat
esoon. .
.Itookthethreepil
lsandwat er...
.

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Me:
SiaLucyl
ookedst
ressedt
hismor
ning

Si
a:Noapr
egnantwomancan'
tbest
ressedVeepl
usi
t'
sbyr
ape

Me:
Sowhatdoy
out
hink?

Si
a:Ppl
li
ket
hatcanabor
tsweet
ie

Me:
Butshe'
sfi
newi
thherpr
egnancy

Si
a:May
bet
hat
'swhatshewant
syout
obel
i
eve

Me:
Noshewon'
tdot
hat

Si
a:Younev
erknow

(
Irushedt
oherr
oom Iopenedi
tit
slockedIshout
edf
inal
l
ysheopened)

Me:
ThankGody
ourOK

Her
:ThankGody
ourhear(
wehuggedshewascr
ying)

Me:
Shhhdon'
tev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hatok?

Her
:YesVeeI
'
m sor
ryi
tsj
ustt
hisbabywi
l
lremi
ndmeoft
het
hingsSam di
dtome
Me:
CanIseet
hisSam guyagai
npl
s

Her
:(
shesear
chedhi
m onFacebookt
hengav
emeherphone)her
ehei
s

Me:Oh(
OMGt hi
sist
heguythatIpumpedint
otheotherdayhewascomi
ngf
rom myBosses
of
fi
cedotheyknoweachot
her?Bczhedoesn'
tworkthere)

Lucy
:Ar
eyouok?

Me:AhhhhyesyesIam .
..Throwthesepil
lsdon'
tl
oset
hatbabyi
tsy
our
sgi
vei
tli
feandf
orget
t
hisabortt
hing.
..Mat
teraffectI
'
llt
akethem

Lucy
:Ipr
omi
seIwon'
ti
tsj
ustIwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ght

Me:
Good(It
ookt
hem t
henf
lushedt
hem ont
het
oil
ett
henwentt
omyr
oom)

Si
a:What
?

Me:
Shet
ri
edt
oaabor
tbutIst
oppedher

Si
a:Oht
hat
'sf
uckedup

Me:
(Iwast
hinki
ngaboutt
hisSam guywi
thmyBossMi
guel
whatconnect
iondot
heyhav
e? )

Si
a:Vee.
.Vee.
..
VEE?
???

ME:
huh?What
?

Si
a:What
'sony
ourmi
nd?

Me:theguyt
hatrapedLucyknowsmyBossIsawhim walki
ngoutofhi
sof
fi
ceandt
hatboy
doesn'
tworkther
eSia:
Sowhatareyouri
nst
inct
stel
l
ingyou?

Me:Not
hingy
etbutI
'
llf
indoutIal
soneedt
ofi
ndoutaboutmyFat
her.
..I
tlooksl
i
kehel
i
ved
her
e

Si
a:Veewhati
fyouf
indoutt
hingst
haty
oushoul
dn'
tbef
indi
ngout
?

Me:
Likemyf
ather
'spast.
..Idon'
tthi
nkso

Si
a:Youar
esost
ubbor
n

(
Iwentdownst
air
s)

Me:
Mar
that
heboxpl
s

Mar
tha:
Her
eiti
sMi
ss

(
Itooki
tupst
air
s)

Me:
LookwhatIwassentt
hismor
ning
Si
a:Ahhht
heyar
egor
geousFr
om Jakeohhhhhe'
ssor
omant
ic

Me:
Noi
tsnotf
rom hi
midon'
tknowt
hisper
son

Si
a:Thesear
edi
amondsVee

Me:
Iknowt
hat.
..Shoul
dIt
ell
Jake?

Si
a:Duhhhy
est
hisper
sonwi
l
lrui
nyourr
elat
ionshi
p

Me:
Butwhatwi
l
lIsayl
i
ke"heybabet
hiscamef
ormet
hismor
ning"
?

Si
a:Yesofcauseev
erychal
l
engef
acei
ttoget
herdon'
thi
det
hingsf
rom eachot
her

Me:
Iguessy
ourr
ight

Si
a:Got
ohi
m now

Me:
He'
snothomey
et

Si
a:Veegohe'
sher
e

Me:
(dr
aggi
ngmyf
eett
othedoorIknockedheopened)

Hi
m:Youar
ethel
astper
sont
oknockatmydoory
ouknow

Me:
I'
m sor
ry(
hewaski
ssi
ngme)st
opst
opSTOPJAKE

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

Me:
Thi
scamef
ormet
hismor
ning

Hi
m:Whati
sit
?

Me:
Openi
t

Hi
m:(
He'
sey
espoppedout)di
amondearr
ings?

Me:
YesIdon'
tknowwhosentt
hem

Hi
m:Idon'
tl
iket
his.
..Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meatf
ir
st?

Me:
Idi
dn'
twantt
owor
ryy
ou

Hi
m:Thi
sguyi
staki
ngt
hingswayt
oof
ar

Me:
I'
m scar
edt
hathe'
sfol
l
owi
ngme.

Hi
m:(
Hehuggedme)Don'
tbesacr
edI
'
lldosomet
hingaboutt
hisok?

Me:
Ok(
heki
ssedmyf
orehead)
•

Sam'
sPOV

(
I'
ll
haveababythi
sisgr
eatnewsbutIdi
dIdoit.
..Lucyi
shur
ti
ngwher
eev
erhei
s..
.I'
l
ladmi
t
t
hetrut
hthenpayf
ormysinsthenDadcametovi
sitme)

Me:
Dad

Hi
m:Son

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwanther
e?

Hi
m:Tot
ell
youy
ou'
l
lbeoutofher
ereal
l
ysoon

Me:
Idon'
twannaDad

Him:
What?Who'sr
eputat
iondoyouthi
nky
ouar
erui
ningher
e?I
'
mthev
eryr
espect
ed
Busi
nessmani
nheredon'
tyoutestmeboy

Me:
ButDad

Hi
m:Dadnot
hing

Me:
She'
spr
egnant(
atearescapemyey
e)

Hi
m:I
tcoul
dbeany
one'
s

Me:
It
smi
neIknowi
tsmi
newhenIsl
eptwi
thhershewasav
irgi
n

Hi
m:What
'
sthatgot
tat
odowi
thany
thi
ng?

Me:Dadthatbabyi
smineIhav
eababyandI
'
llf
ightf
ori
tsr
ight
...
IknowwhatIdi
dis
unf
orgi
vablebutIwi
ll
doitf
ormybaby

Hi
m:Lookher
eboyy
ou'
l
ldowhatIt
ell
yout
odoOK

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eabouty
ouDadIcar
eaboutmyki
dswel
lbei
ng

(
Hel
efthewasf
il
ledwi
thanger.
..I
'
lldot
hisatt
hecour
tformybaby.
..FOTMYBABY)

•
Henr
yPOV

(
Ont
hephone)

Me:
That
'sgoodnews

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Me:
,
Ceci
l
iaIhav
egoodnews

Her
:Tal
ktome

Me:
Sophi
ahav
eaFami
l
y

Her
:What
?

Me:
Yesi
tlooksl
i
keherFat
herr
anawayf
rom homewhenhej
oinedourgang

Her
:Wher
eisi
t?

Me:
Funnyt
hingi
stheyl
i
veher
e

Her
:What
?

Me:
Theymov
edher
eay
earago

Her
:Ohwemustt
ell
her

Me:
Yesbutnotnow

Her
:WhenHenr
ythatpoorgi
rldeser
vest
het
rut
h

Me:
SoonbutIcan'
tri
skhergoi
ngt
her
eourenemi
eswi
l
lki
l
lher

Her
:If
orgott
heysai
dthatni
ght"
Iwi
l
lki
l
lyourdaught
ert
oo"butt
heynev
erf
oundoutwhoi
tis

Me:
AndIt
hinkt
hegi
fsshe'
sget
ti
nggotsomet
hingt
odowi
thal
loft
his

Her
:Babe.
.

Me:
YesIknowwhatI
'
m say
ing

Her
:Yout
hinkt
heyal
readyf
oundout
?

Me:
Yes

Her
:OhmyGod

•
Tobecont
inued.
..

-Chapt
er15-

Jake:
Howaboutdi
nner
?

Me:
Dinnersoundsgr
eat

Jake:
Toni
ghtpl
s

Me:
Real
l
yli
kenow?

Jake:
Unl
essy
ourbusy

Me:
Nononotatal
lI'
m notbusy

Jake:
Ok

Me:
I'
l
lgoandchange

Jake:
Sur
e

(
Ilef
t..
.y
esssss I
'
m goi
ngonadat
efi
nal
l
y Igoti
nmyr
oom)

Me:
Sia.
..Si
a..
.Wher
ear
eyout
hen(Isawapaper
)

{
Ihadanemer
gencyIhadt
orushhomeby
elov
eyou}

Me:
Ohgr
eatt
henIdon'
tev
enknowwhatI
'
llwear

(
Ilookedatmycl
osetIf
inal
l
yfoundaNav
ykneelongpr
incessesdresswi
thbl
ackheel
sthenI
t
ookashowerthendidmymakeupsomeoneknockedatthedoor)

Me:
Goodt
imi
ng

Hi
m:Ohr
eal
l
ylet
'sgot
hen.
..ONt
hebackdoori
don'
twantppl
toseeus

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:Maybewewon'
tcomebackhomet
oni
ghtsoIwantt
hem t
osuspectsomet
hingi
t'
sbet
ter
t
heyt
hinkwer
easl
eep

Me:
"May
be"
?

Hi
m:Yes"
May
be"
Me:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayMrEl
l
is?

Hi
m:Hmmm I
'
mjustsay
ingMr
sEl
l
is(
hol
dingmyf
igur
e )

Me:
Ohdon'
tgety
ourhopesup

Hi
m:oht
rustmey
ou'
l
lbeMr
sEl
i
issoon

Me: Yahr
ightl
et'
sgo(
wal
ki
ngaway
)

Hi
m:(
Standi
ngatmydoor
)whatdoy
oumean?

Me:
(It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m)Let
'
sgo(
Igi
ggl
ed )

Si
a'
sPOV

Me:
I'
m homesweet
ie

Hi
m:Wher
ewer
eyou

Me:
Atmyf
ri
endshouse

Hi
m:Ohher
(l
ooki
ngannoy
ed)

Me:
Yesher.
..What
'st
heemer
gency
?

Hi
m:I
'
m hungr
y

Me:ComeonLucasIal
readycookedy
ourpl
atei
sint
heov
enal
lyouneededt
odoi
stowar
mit
up

Hi
m:Doi
tyour
sel
f

Me:
FineI
'
m noty
ourwi
fey
ouknow

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyousay

(
Hel
ookedscar
yandangr
y)

Me:
Isai
dnot
hing

Hi
m:t
hat
'swhatIt
houghtt
oo

Me:
(Iwarmedhi
sfoodIgav
ehi
m hi
sphoner
angi
twasnearmehewasont
hecoughwat
chi
ng
TVItooki
ttogi
vehi
mitwasSandr
a)
Me:
Her
e'sy
ourphone

Him:
(hetooki
tandanswer
edIl
efthi
m..
.NowIsmel
lcheat
ingi
shecheat
ingonmeagai
n?No
hewon'
t)

Jake'
sPOV

Her
:Thi
spl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Yahi
tmat
chest
oyourbeaut
y

Her:Ohthanks(
shesmi
l
edshekeptontalki
ngbutI
'mj
ustst
ari
ngathershe'
ssobeaut
if
ul
especi
all
ywhenshesmi
les)sowhatdoyouthi
nk?

Me:
(iwasn'
tl
ist
enohGod)

Her
:Babewher
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
ome?

Me:
(sayy
esIdon'
twantt
othi
nkIwasn'
tpay
ingat
tent
iont
oher
)Yesbabei
tsgr
eat

Her
:Real
l
y?

Me:
Yes

Her
:Wowokt
hanky
ou

(
Weor
der
edsheor
der
edwhatIor
der
edt
henweat
e)

Ceci
l
ia'
sPOV

(
Atourbedr
oom)

Me:
Babyar
eyousur
eaboutkeepi
ngt
hisasecr
et?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
Whati
ftheyat
tacknow

Hi
m:Theywon'
ttheyar
enotsur
eyet
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean

Hi
m:Iknowat
hugsmi
nd

Me:
Ofcausey
oudo

Him:
Yessot
heyar
enot100%sur
eit
shi
sdaught
erbutwhent
heydoALLHELLWI
LLBREAK
LOSE

Me:
Don'
tsayt
hatohshe'
sagoodgi
rlandoutsonf
inal
l
yfoundl
ove

Hi
m:Iknowt
hatt
hat
'swhyIwantherhearwi
thusnotoutt
her
e

Me:
Cany
out
ell
mewhathappenedt
hatni
ghty
ounev
ert
oldme

Him:I
tsreall
ysaidtotalkaboutitokhewassohappyabouthisdaught
erthatni
ghtbuthi
s
brot
herturnedagainsthim becauseofmoneysotheykil
l
edhim...Hewasli
keabrothert
omeI
haveall
oft hi
stodaybczofhi mI '
ll
neverf
orgetwhatheri
skedf
orme

Me:
Youar
enotmaki
ngsenseHenr
y

Hi
m:Idon'
thav
eto

(
Hesl
ept)

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

Hi
m:Wedone

Me:
Hmmm y
est
hisi
samazi
ng

Hi
m:(
hepai
dthebi
l
l)l
et'
sgonow

Me:
Sur
e

(
Hedr
oveof
f)

Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
hisi
snott
heway

Hi
m:Iwantt
otakey
ousomewher
e

Me:
Butwher
e?

Hi
m:Tomypl
ace?
Me:
Yourpl
ace?

Hi
m:Yes

Me: Youhav
eapl
ace?

Hi
m:Heymypar
ent
sbor
emesomet
imesok

Me:
Wowokt
henwhyam Igoi
ngt
her
e?

Hi
m:Iwantt
oshowy
ousomet
hing.
..Justst
opwi
tht
hequest
ionspl
s

Me:
Ok Ican'
twai
tfort
his

Hi
m:OhIcan'
twai
ttr
ustme

Me:

(
Aft
erawhi
l
ewear
ri
vedwegoti
n)

Me:
Jaket
hisi
sahouse

Hi
m:It
oldy
oui
tsmyhouse

Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
etal
ki
ngaboutanapar
tment

Hi
m:Iwoul
dhav
esai
dapar
tmenti
fitwasr
ight

Me:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Me:
Sodoy
oudecor
atei
tli
ket
his?

Hi
m:NoIdi
dthi
sfory
ou

Me:
What
?Howdi
dyouknowt
hatwe'
l
ldot
his

Hi
m:Ij
ustknew

Me:
Yourgood

(
Weki
ssedhet
ookmeupst
air
sinbr
idal
sty
le)

Me:
wow f
lower
sont
hebed

Hi
m:I
sitt
oomuchBabe?

Me:
Whatnot
hisi
ssor
omant
icbabeIl
ovei
t

Hi
m:Ohw
(
Weki
ssedagai
n..
..)

SomypplIwon'
tbor
eyouwit
hbor
ingdet
ail
sy'
al
lal
readyknowwhathappenednextonet
hing
l
edtoanot
herwemadelov
e..
.

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Me:
(Whi
l
ewewer
eki
ssi
ng)Hmmm wai
twai
t

Hi
m:What
?Itwasget
ti
nggood

Me:I
'
m..
.Ahhh

Hi
m:Iwon'
thur
t

Me:
Ofcausey
ouwi
l
lwhyy
ouguy
sal
way
sthi
nkt
hiswon'
thur
t

Hi
m:BecauseIwon'
thur
tyoul
i
key
ousai
dIshoul
dbegent
le

Me:
Youst
il
lremembert
hat
?

Hi
m:Whywoul
dn'
ti
?Thatwast
hef
ir
stdayIwasbur
ningwi
thdi
sir
efory
ou

Me:
Real
l
y

Hi
m:Yes

(
Weki
ssedhet
ookof
fmydr
essIt
ookof
fhi
sbl
azert
henwegoti
nbedhewasget
ti
ngf
ast
)

Me:
Woahwoahsl
owdownj
eez(
Inal
owandsexyt
one)

Hi
m:Sor
ryMr
sEl
l
is

(
Igi
ggl
ed)

Hi
m:Hmmm l
i
ket
hat
?

Me:
Yes
(Hewaski
ssi
ngmyneckthenIunbutt
onedhi
sshi
rtHmmm hisabs Nowwebot
hhal
f
nakedhewasgoi
ngdownmybellybutt
onedt
henhewentdownali
ttl
e)

Me:
Nonowai
t(Ipul
l
edhi
sheadup)

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
Youwer
enotgonna(
Isai
dthatl
ooki
ngatmypussy
)

Hi
m: whatdon'
tyouwantmet
oo?

Me:
Not
hat
'sdi
sgust
ingpl
usaf
tert
haty
ou'
l
lki
ssmyl
i
psnoway

Hi
m:I
tsr
eal
l
ygoodbabe

Me:
NoJakeIwon'
tdot
hatIdon'
tl
ikei
t

Hi
m:I
tsok

(
Weconti
nuedt oki
sshetookof
fmybr at
hensuckedmyboobsImoarnedinpleasur
ewhi
lemy
l
egswer
ewr appedaroundhi
swaistt
henhest
art
edmovinghi
slowerpartt
oinserthi
sdi
ck)

Me:
Ahhhwai
t

Hi
m:Yougot
tabeki
ddi
ng

Me:
Don'
tbef
astoki
twi
l
lhur
tandbur
nli
kehel
l

Hi
m:Tr
ustme

(Inoddedhecar
ri
edonhest ar
tedmakinglovetomei tdi
dn'thurtal
otbutIdi
dfel
lpainbut
pleasurewasmoremynai l
swher edi
gginghisback..
.Ibendedmybackt henhestar
tedgoing
fasterImoar
nedevenlouderhealsomoar nedIwaslike
y
esssssssssshealsoenjoy
edi thmmmm butIsaidthat
i
nmyheadppl .
..Sowhenhewasdonewebr eathedheavil
y)

Hi
m:Wow

Me:
Don'
tment
ionei
t

Hi
m: (
hel
ookedatme)Il
ovey
ou

Me:
(Ial
sol
ookedathi
m)Il
ovey
out
oo

(
Weki
ssagai
nthenhest
art
edt
oheati
tup)

Me:
Nono(
Ist
oppedhi
m)

Hi
m:Comeon
Me:
Nooo (
hest
art
edki
ssi
ngmyneckt
henwedi
dthesecondr
ound)

Av
a'sPOV

(
IwenttoVee'
sroom he'
snott
her
eIwentt
omyDadsr
oom t
oohewasal
sonott
her
e t
henI
wentst
rai
ghtt
oLucy'
s)

Me:
Gir
lf
ri
end

Her
:Heywhat
'supy
ouri
nter
dict
ingmyr
eadi
ng

Me:
Vee'
snother
e

Her
:And?

Me:
AndDadt
oo

Her
:What
?

Me:
Yesss

Her
:Doy
out
hinkt
heyar
e..
?

Me:
NoLucydon'
tbeanaut
ygi
rl

Her
:I
'mj
ustsay
ing

Me:
Youshoul
dbedoi
ngt
hatwi
thJaden

Her
:Shutup (
hit
ti
ngmyar
m pl
ayf
ull
y)

Me:
Hmmm someonei
sbl
ushi
ng

Her
:I
'm pr
egnantAv
apl
uswi
thhi
sbr
other
'sbaby
(looki
ngsad)

Me:
Don'
tsayt
hatpl
s..
.Ify
oul
ovehi
m gof
ori
t..
.Andt
hecour
tisar
oundt
hecor
ner

Her
:IknowAv
a..
.Il
ovehi
m somuchIst
il
ldon'
tknowwhyIchosehi
sbr
otherIwassodumb

Av
a:Don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fokcomeher
e

(
Ihuggedher
)

•
•

Si
a'
sPOV

Me:
What
'st
his?

Hi
m:Whati
tsl
i
pst
icki
nmyshi
rtwhatdoest
hatmean

Me:
Cheat
ing

Hi
m:LookSi
aI'
m sur
roundedbywomenatwor
kdon'
tyoudar
etoaccusemeoft
hat

Me:
Ahofcausebczy
ournot
hingbutacowar
d

(
Hesl
appedme)

Me:
(Il
ookedathi
m wi
thshockhenev
err
aisedhe'
shandonme.
..Whatchanged)

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryhunnyi
t'
sjusty
oudr
ovemet
odot
hisIwoul
dnev
ercheatony
ou

Me:
Yousl
appedmeLucas

Hi
m:Sweet
ie

Me:
Youdar
edt
olayaf
ingeronmeLucas

Hi
m:Babey
ouj
ust
..
.I'
m sor
ryhunny

Me:
Yousl
appedmeLucas

(
Ilef
tther
oom)

Igav
eyouy
ourdet
ail
s y
ouguy
sar
enoi
syIl
ovey
'al
l

-Chapt
er16-

(
Ohhhal
readymor
ningatwhatt
imedi
dwesl
eep? Ineedmor
esl
eep.
..Il
ookedatmy
phoneIf
reakedout
)

Me:
(Ist
reamed) ahhhhhhhhJakewakeup(
shaki
nghi
m)

Hi
m:(
Inasl
eepyv
oice)What
?

Me:
Ohwy
oursocut
ewheny
ourasl
eep

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
Ahhhhh(
Isnappedbackt
oreal
i
ty)ahhhImeanWERELATE

Hi
m:Ahhhhi
ts9

Me:
Iknow

Hi
m:Let
'st
akeaqui
ckshower

Me:
Yahl
et'
sgo

(
Wewer
erushi
ngt
otheshower
)

Hi
m:Opent
heshowerqui
ckl
y

(
Idi
dweshower
ed)

Hi
m:Lastni
ghtwasamazi
ngt
hough

Me:
Thi
sisnott
het
imeJake

(
Hewast
ickl
i
ngme )

Me:
Stopst
op wer
egonnabel
ate

Hi
m:Let
'sdumpwor
ktoday

Me:
NoIcan'
ttodayi
sver
yimpor
tantt
her
e'st
hisamazi
ngphot
ogr
aphercomi
ng

Hi
m:Theyhav
emodel
s(st
il
lki
ssi
ngmyneck)

Me:
I'
m oneoft
hem Jake

(
Wegotoft
heshowerwet
owor
k)

(
Atwor
k)

Me:
Kev
in
(
Hecamet
ome)

Me:
I'
m nott
ool
ateam I
?

Hi
m:Wher
ewer
eyou.
..Theyneedy
out
her
e

Me:
Okok(
Irani
nsi
de)

Kev
in:
Sodi
dJakeagr
ee?

Me:
YesI
'
m sohappyIt
houghthewoul
dn'
t

Kev
in:
IfIwashi
m Iwoul
de

Me:
Kev
inpl
sit
snotabi
gdeal
plusi
tsj
ustpi
ctur
es

Kev
in:
You'
l
lbenakedVee

Me:
Stopconf
usi
ngmehesai
dit
sokIt
oldhi
mlastni
ghtatdi
nner

Kev
in:
Ok

(
Hesai
dit
sfi
neI
'
lldoi
tifhe'
sokwi
thi
t)

Lucy
'sPOV

(
Atschool
)

Me:
It
saTr
ial
Sat
urday

Av
a:Yahai
n'
tyouhappyabouti
t

Me:
Iam andscar
edt
oo

Av
a:You'
l
lbef
inel
et'
sgot
ocl
assy
ou'
l
ljustsaywhathappened

Me:
Andnowev
ery
onewi
l
lknowI
'
m pr
egnant

Av
a:Pl
sst
opt
hinki
ngaboutt
hat

•
Aust
in'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
omygi
rl
fr
iend'
sapar
tmentHanna)

Me:
Heyhunny

Her
:Heybaby.
..
Sowhenar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lyourFami
l
ythenews?

Me:
Agai
nwi
tht
hatHannaIcan'
tnowmyFami
l
yisgoi
ngt
hroughcr
isi
s

Her
:AndI
'
m not
?

Me:
HannanotnowI
'
m noti
nthemood

Her
:Whenwi
l
lyoubei
nthemoodAust
inhuh?

Me:
Ibet
tergetoutofher
eIt
houghtIshoul
dspendt
imewi
thmygi
rl
fr
iendandr
elaxbutIwas
wr
ong

Her
:Whenwi
l
lIst
opbei
ngy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?

Me:
Hannawet
alkedaboutt
his

Her
:Wel
lIdi
dn'
tagr
eeonwhaty
ousai
d

Me:
KnowwhatI
'
mleav
ing

(
Ilef
t)

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Ahhhwor
kwaswor
kI'
mti
redsoIwentt
oSi
a'
sapar
tmentImi
ssedher
)

Me:
Ohgi
rl
fr
iend.
..Igot
tat
ell
yousomet
hing butguesswhathappenedf
ir
st

Si
a:.
..
(shewasl
ooki
ngdown)

Me:
Siawhathappened?

(
Ili
ft
edherf
aceupshehadabr
uises)

Me:
Whathappened?

Her
:I
tsnot
hingVeei
tsadoor
Me:
(Lucasent
ered)nonot
hisi
snotadoor

Lucas:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Me:
Didy
ouhi
ther

Si
a:Veeno(
shewasdownandsad)

Me:
(Ist
oodupmademywayt
oLucas)Di
dyouhi
ther
?

Hi
m:Huhy
ourcr
azy

Me:
(Si
awashol
dingmeback)

Si
a:Veepl
s

Me:Youdar
etolayyourfi
l
thyhandsonmygirl
?HuhLucas?Doy
ouknowy
ouj
ustl
ostagood
gi
rl
?Nowdoy oursel
fafavourpacky
ourbagsandl
eave

Hi
m:(
hel
aughed)y
ougot
tabeki
ddi
ng

Si
a:Veest
op

Me:
Leav
eLucasorI
'
lldoi
tmy
sel
f(Iwentt
ohi
scl
osetIpackedal
lhi
scl
othes)

Hi
m:Leav
emyst
uffal
one

Me:
LookhereManshe'
smyfri
endandtheonl
ytr
ulyfr
iendIhav
eIwon'
tl
etascumbagl
i
key
ou
t
akeherawayfr
om meit
sei
thery
ourleav
ingorI
'
llr
eportyou

Hi
m:Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e

Me:
Tryme

(
Hel
eft
)

Me:
Don'
tl
etmencont
rol
yousweet
hear
tther
ear
eal
otofwomendi
ebecauseofabuse

Her
:Thanky
ousomuchmyf
ri
end

Me:
I'
m her
efory
out
hatbust
arddeser
vesev
ery
thi
ngt
hatIdi
dtohi
m

Her
:(
shehuggedme)

Me:
Lookaty
ou.
..
yourf
acei
spi
nk.
..
let
'sgot
othedoct
or

Her
:Not
hey
'l
laskquest
ions

Me:
Theny
ou'
l
lrepor
thi
m

Her
:Nol
ethi
m
Me:
Ok

(
Jakecal
l
ed)

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Ij
ustgoti
nthehouseandy
ournother
ewher
ear
eyou?

Me:
AtSi
a'
swher
eyoul
ooki
ngf
orme?

Jake:
Youknowi
tImi
ssy
ou

Me:
Wel
lI'
m sor
rybabemybestf
ri
endneedsmeok

Jake:
Okl
ovey
ou

Me:
Wher
e's"
I"
?

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Il
ovey
out
oo

Si
a:Sowhatwast
henews?

Me:
Nahhhf
orgeti
t i
tssi
l
ly

Her
:ComeonVee

Me:
Itsnot
hing..
.doy
ouwantcof
feebczIwantone?(
Imadecof
fee)

Her
:Ar
eyougl
owi
ng?

Me:
No

Her
:Yesy
ouar
edi
dyougetsome?

Me:
Nowy
ourexagger
ati
ng

Her
:Yesy
oudi
d

Me:
Fine.
..Yes

Her
:see?Iknowy
ou

Me:

Her
:when?
Me:
Lastni
ght

Her
:Yougogi
rl

Me:
Shutup

Her
:Sonor
edf
lags?

Me:
Justone

Her
:What
?Wasi
tthatbad?

Me:Noi
twasn'
tbad act
ual
l
yitwaswayamazi
ngt
hanIexpect
edokbuthewasgonnamuf
f
me

(
Sial
aughedatmet
il
lshegoneoutofbr
eat
h)

Her
: Ican'
tbr
eat
h

Me:
ShutupSi
ait
snotf
unny

Her
:Youshoul
dlett
hemandoi
t

Me:
Ewwwno

Her
:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Il
ovey
oumor
e

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Aft
erIspentt
imewi
thSi
aIwentt
othehouse)

Me:
HeyMar
tha

Mar
tha:
HeyMi
ssMrJakei
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ouupst
air
s

Me:
What
'swi
tht
heemer
gency
(
Iwentupst
air
s)

Me:
HeyMar
thasai
dyouwant
edt
oseeme

Hi
m:YesIdi
dwhat
'st
his?

Me:
What
'swhat
?

(
Itwaspi
ctur
est
hatIt
ookt
odayatwor
k)

Me:
Ohw don'
tIl
ookhotbabe?

Hi
m:Yournaked

Me:
Wet
alkedaboutt
his

Hi
m:Whatwhen?

Me:
Att
hedi
nnert
abl
elastni
ght

Hi
m:(
hel
ookedconf
usedandshocked)

Me:
Youwer
enotl
i
steni
ng

Hi
m:OfcauseIwas

Me:Noy ouwerenot.
..CozItol
dyout
hatatworkt
heywil
ltakepi
cturesofusnudeyousai
dit
s
okplusI'
m notcompl
etelynudemypr
ivat
epart
sarenotshown..
.Itscleary
ouwerenot
l
ist
eningtome

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rybutt
hisi
stoomuch

Me:
What
'st
hebi
gdeal
?

Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ikey
oushowi
ngy
our
sel
fli
ket
hat

Me:
It
spar
toft
hewor
kIdoandIwasn'
ttheonl
yoneok

(Isnatchthemagazi
neIwasonthecoverIwascovergir
lok thenIsawscoop"Oneofthe
model sofModelagencyi
sdat
ingoneoftheri
chestbusi
nessmaninthecount
ryf
rom l
iv
ingin
dirtt
ol i
vi
ngli
keaQueen")

Me:
Whatnonsensei
sthi
s

Hi
m:Don'
tmi
ndt
hemedi
aok

Me:(
Isawanot herone"ohsheisnotwai
sti
ngt
imeshealr
eadymovedt othei
rHouseisn'
tthat
l
ovel
y"thecomment sonthatsai
d"ohshe'
sagolddi
ggerI
'
m pret
tysureshedidn'
tgetthej
ob
byhersel
f".
.."
Ohshe'sahonestwomantryi
ngt
omakeanhonestliv
ing"thatwasbett
er)
Me:
Ican'
ttaket
hist
heyar
eal
lov
erme

Hi
m:Theyar
emaki
ngupt
hoseugl
ythi
ngsabouty
ousoy
oucangetof
fended

Me:(Iwasangr
ysoangry
)BythewayIwoul
dn'
thavetookthosepict
uresi
fyoudi
dn'
twantme
butyousai
ditwasoknowyourmaki
ngmefeelbadaboutmy sel
fli
keI'
mthebadguyi
nthis
stor
y(Iwal
kedtomyroom t
henl
ockedt
hedoorthenslept
)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Ahhhwoment
hatonei
sgoi
ngt
odr
ivemecr
azy t
henMar
thaent
eredmyr
oom r
ushi
ng)

Mar
tha:
SirSi
rsomeonei
sher
efory
oudownst
air
s

Me:
Whoi
sit
?

Mar
tha:
Ithi
nky
ouneedt
oseei
tfory
our
sel
f

Me:
I'
l
lbedownt
her
e

Mar
tha:
AhhhSi
rshe'
sreal
l
ynott
he"
wai
ti
ng"t
ype

Me:
She?

Mar
tha:
YesSi
r..
.Uhmmm Si
rpl
sdon'
tfr
eakoutwheny
ouseeher

Me:
Whatami
set
ryMar
thaOK

(
Iwentdownst
air
s..
..
-Iwonderwhoi
sshe?
?? )

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
I'
m JadenandSam'
sFat
her.
..TodayIwentt
ovi
sitmyMom shel
i
vesnearby
)

Me:
(Iy
ell
ed)Mom

Mom:
Comet
otheKi
tchensweet
ie

Me:
OhIf
orgott
hatt
hat
'sy
ourf
avour
it
epl
acei
nthi
swhol
ehouse
Mom:
Youknowi
t

Kat
e:Heyuncl
e

Me:
Heysweet
iewher
e'sy
ourMom?

(
Kat
eismyni
ece)

Kat
e:She'
satwor
kherj
obwant
sher24/
7she'
shar
dlyhome

Me:
Shedoesn'
tneedt
hemoneyIdon'
tknowwhyshei
nsi
stondoi
ngnur
sing

(
Zoewal
kedi
nKat
e'sMom)

Her
:I
tsbecauseIl
i
kehel
pingppl
...

(
Looki
ngatKat
e)sweet
iegot
oyourr
oom I
'
llbet
her
e

Kat
e:Okby
eUncl
e

Me:
Byesweet
ie

(
Shel
eft
)

Zoe:
Unl
i
key
ouBr
otherDear

Me:
Okl
ookdon'
tyoudi
srespectmel
i
ket
hatorI
'
ll
..
.

Zoe:
Ory
ou'
l
lwhathuh?Ki
l
lmel
i
keourBr
other
?

Mom:
Okst
opi
tyout
wo

Zoe:
NoMom t
het
rut
hmustbet
oldIsi
ckoft
hel
i
esi
nthi
sfami
l
y

Me:
Icamet
otel
ly'
al
lthatmySoni
sar
rest
ed

Mom:
OhmyGod

Zoe:
Itol
dyouandy
ourwi
fesi
ncet
hatboywasy
ounghe'
l
lbet
roubl
ebecausey
oubot
hspoi
l
ed
hi
m

Me:
Don'
tcal
lmywi
fet
hatmayhersoul
resti
npeace

Zoe:Youcalledt
hatawi f
e..
.Itwasaperfectmat
chinheavenyoubot
hdeserv
edeachot herI'
m
shockedy ouhaveawonderfulsonli
keJadenhe'
stheonlygoodsoul
inal
lofyou(shewalked
awayt henshestopped)ohanothert
hingIhopeherot
sinpri
sonforr
api
nganinnocentgir
lthen
i
mpr egnateher

Me:
Wher
edi
dyouheart
hat
?

Her
:Atwor
k..
.I'
m anur
ser
emember
(shewal
kedawaygoshshe'
sapai
n)
Mom:
Thatgi
rli
spr
egnant
?

Me:
YesMom butI
'
m notsur
emysoni
mpr
egnat
edher

Mom:
Sonst
opbl
i
ndi
ngy
our
sel
fwhathappenedhappenedy
oucan'
tchangei
t

Me:
Mom Icameher
efory
oursuppor
tnott
his.
..Ishoul
dn'
thav
e

(
Ilef
t)

St
il
lmor
etocome.
..St
ayt
uned

-Chapt
er17-

Jake'
sPOV

Me:
Angel
a(Iwasdeadshockedl
i
kewhatt
hehel
l
?)

Her
:Hel
l
omyLov
e(gr
abbi
ngmyhandandsmi
l
ing)

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Her
:I
'm her
efory
ouofcauseandmybaby

Me:
Aft
eral
lthesey
ear
s

Her
:OhJekepl
sIwasYoung

Me:
Huhy
oungkeept
ell
i
ngy
our
sel
fthat

Her
:Youst
il
lgott
het
empery
ouai
n'
tchangeatal
l(smi
l
ingt
ome)

Me:
Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ouandmydaught
ert
oo

Her
:Howi
ssheIwantt
oseeher

Me:
She'
sasl
eepandwhywi
tht
hebags

Her
:OhSweet
iecomeonI
'
m her
eformyf
ami
l
yforust
obeaf
ami
l
yagai
n
Me:
ohpl
syouabandonedusREMEMBER?

(
MyMom wal
kedt
ous)

Mom:
Longt
imenoseeAngel
a

Her
:OhMa'
am i
t'
sjustl
i
fe l
i
fecanf
reaky
out
odobabv
erybadt
hings butI
'
m her
enow

Vee:
Mar
tha(
yel
l
ingf
orMar
thaandr
ubbi
ngherey
es)

Vee:
Ohwhell
o(shehandedforahandshaket
oAngel
ashej
ustl
ookedather
)ohwk(
shel
eft
)
Mart
ha(
sti
l
lyell
ingandlooki
ngforMart
ha)

Angel
a:Who'
sher
?

Me:
Mygi
rl
fr
iend

Angel
a:Ohw

(
Veecamewi
thMar
that
alki
ng)

Me:
Babecomeher
epl
s..
.Thi
sisAngel
aAv
a'sMom

(
Avaatt
hebackgr
ound)

Av
a:MyMom?Idon'
thav
eaMom

Angel
a:I
tsmesweet
ieIcameback

Av
a:(
get
ti
ngcl
oset
ous)Forwhat.
..Formoney
?

Angel
a:Ofcausenotsweet
ie

Av
a:Don'
tcal
lmet
haty
ouwi
tchshewentupst
air
scr
yiy

Vee:
I'
l
ltal
ktoher

(
Shel
eft
)

Angel
a:She'
samom t
omyDaught
ernow?Whatel
sedi
dthatgol
ddi
ggert
akeawayf
rom me

Mom:
Iseey
oucamewi
thbags

Angel
a:Yes

Mom:
Mar
that
ell
theguar
dst
otaket
hesebagsupst
air
sint
heguestr
oom

Me:
What
?
Angel
a:Oht
hanky
ouy
ouwon'
tregr
eti
t

Mom:
AhhhJakei
t'
sthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtshe'
l
lmov
eoutwhensheget
sapl
acet
ost
ay

(
OhwMom VeeandAngel
awon'
tgetal
ong )

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Ahhht
odayI
'
m get
ti
ngpai
donmyj
obsoI
'
m goi
ngshoppi
ngaf
terwor
k)

Me:
Mor
ningppl

Them:
mor
ning

Me:
Wher
e'sLucy

Av
a:Get
ti
ngr
eadyshe'
l
lbeher
e

(
Thenshecamedownst
air
s)

Lucy
:Mor
ning.
..Angel
ayourher
e

Henr
y:Iwasal
soshockedsweet
hear
tpl
seary
ou'
l
lbel
atef
orschool

Angel
a:Sohow'
sschool
guy
s

(
Itwassi
l
entatt
het
abl
e)

Angel
a:Ohwk

Me:
Lucyt
aket
his

Lucy
:ButVeet
hat
sdi
sgust
ing

Me:
It
sgoodf
ory
ourcondi
ti
on

Lucy
:Forapr
egnantgi
rldon'
tbeshyt
osayi
t

Angel
a:Ohy ourpregnant(
pplweresoannoyed)whenIwaspregnantwi
thAvaherFat
herwi
ll
al
waysmakesur eIatewellIgotenoughsl
eepifI
'
mt i
redhe'
l
lalwayswashmyfeetohhewasa
gr
eatfatherandhest i
ll

(
Shoul
dIbeangr
yorj
eal
ousIdon'
tknow )

•
•

(
Atwor
k)

Kev
in:
Theysayy
ourdoi
nggoodbuty
oural
way
slat
eli
kenowy
ourl
ate

Me:
OhI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryIwas.
..
Ahhhuhmmm

Kev
in:
Plsmaket
imef
ory
out
obeont
hatshow

Me:
Yesy
es

Lucy
'sPOV

Me:
Soy
ourMom huh?

Av
a:Pl
sIdon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hat

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

(
Jadenappr
oachedus)

Hi
m:heygi
rl

Us:
Hey

Hi
m:Sot
ri
alsoon

Me:
YahIcan'
twai
tfori
ttopassIcan'
tI'
mtooscar
ed

Hi
m:Don'
tbescar
edy
ougothi
m ony
ourhandsnow

Me:
Yah

(
Wewentt
ocl
ass)

Zoe'
sPOV
(
Iwokeupl
atesi
nceI
'
llgot
owor
katnoon)

Me:
HeyMom

Mom:
HeymyAngel
...Buty
ouwer
ehushony
ourBr
other

Me:Mom webot hknowmyBr otherwaskill

ed hewaski l
l
edt hedayhisbabywasbeingborn
hewassohappyabouthav i
ngachi l
dandmyBr ot
herbetrayedhimI'l
lneverEVERf
orgiveand
for
getthathewastheonlypersonthatunderst
oodmet hatcaredaboutme andy '
al
ldidn'
t
evenbothert
olookfort
hatbabybecauset heMotherwasbl ackyougotnosoul

Mom:
Don'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat

(
Ourv
oiceswer
eont
opoft
her
oof
)

Me:Beli
eveitornoti
fthatbabydiedortheMothery
'al
lwil
lbeheldresponsi
blebecausemy
Fatherlef
tMoneyforJasonitshouldgavegi
ventothem becauset
heycamef rom apoor
background

Mom:
Nost
rangerwi
l
llayhandsonmyhusband'
smoney

Me:
Theydeser
vei
tknowwhatsomet
imesIt
hinkYOUKI
LLEDFATHER bczoft
hemoney

Mom:
Howdar
eyouZoe

Me:
Don'
twor
ryMom Iwon'
tbesur
pri
sedy
oudi
dmanyunbel
i
evabl
ethi
ngsi
nyourl
i
fe

(
Ilef
t)

Thi
ngsar
eget
ti
ngwar
medupppl
don'
tmi
ssi
t

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Aft
erwor
kIwenthomeIf
oundAngel
awat
chi
ngTV)

Me:
HeyMar
tha
Mar
tha:
HeyMa'
am

Me:
HeyAngel
a

Her
:(
sheunder
minedme)hey

(
Iwentupst
air
stomyr
oom It
ookanap)

Jake'
sPOV

(
ArgIf
oundt
hissnake)

Me:
Whyar
eyoust
il
lher
e

Her
:Heyt
oyout
ooLov
ehowwaswor
ktoday
?

Me:
Youri
rr
it
ati
ngemey
ouknow

(
Ilef
twentt
omyr
oom Angel
awal
kedaf
terme)

Me:
Whatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwant
?

Her
:(
shegotcl
oseandcl
osert
ome)Ij
ustwantmymanback

Me:
Yourcr
azyaf
teral
lthesey
ear
swi
thoutev
encal
l
ing

Her
:IknowwhatIdi
disunf
orgi
vabl
ebutpl
sfor
giv
eme

Me:
(pushi
ngheraway
)I'
vemov
edonl
eav
emeal
one

Her
:(
Touchi
ngmycoll
arandr
ubbingmyarms)Webot
hknowI
'mtheonl
ywomanfory
ouI'
m
t
heonlywomanwhocancompleteyounowomani
nthi
swhol
eworl
dcanrepl
acemeand(
she
whi
speredt
hel
astpar
tinmyear)youknowt
hat

(
Thenshel
eft
)

Av
a'sPOV

Me: Yahschool
wasf
unt
oday
Lucy
:Noschool
pract
icewasf
un

Me:
Yahy
ah

(
Wegoti
nthehousel
aughi
ng)

Angel
a:Heygi
rl
s

Lucy
:HeyAngel
a

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omyr
oom (
Lucyf
oll
owedme)

Her
:Howl
ongwi
l
lyoust
opi
gnor
ingy
ourMom?

Me:Idon'
thaveaMothershel
eftmef
oramoneyshedoesn'
tdeser
vemenormyFat
herwear
e
doi
ngf i
newit
houther

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
OhIcan'
tsl
eepmyheadi
shur
ti
ngsomuch.
..It
ookmybagt
henwentt
oseeaDoct
or)

Me:
HyI
'
mlooki
ngf
orDoct
orNgcune

Assi
stant
:Sor
ryMa'
am she'
snother
enowbutcany
ouwai
tforher
?

Me:
OhIcan'
twai
tatal
lbutOKi
t'
sfi
ne

(
Anur
seappr
oachedme)

Her
:Ar
eyouokMa'
am

Me:
Nomyheadi
shur
ti
ngsomuchI
'
m get
ti
ngdi
zy

Her
:Comet
hiswayI
'
llt
reaty
ou

(
Wewentt
oasmal
lroom l
ookl
i
keanof
fi
ce)

Her
:Pl
slayonourbed

Me:
ok(
Ilai
dther
e)

Her
:Doy
ouhav
eal
oti
nyourmi
nd?

Me:
Nonott
hatI
'
m sur
eof
Her
:Don'
tyout
hinkal
otmay
bei
tsst
ress

Me:
YesIdot
hinkal
oti
tsj
ustI
'
vebeent
hroughhel
lthesepastf
ewmont
hs

(
Shewaschecki
ngmybl
oodpr
essur
e)

Her
:Ohl
i
ke?

Me:
MyMot
herdi
edofCancer

Her
:What
?OhImeanI
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat

Me:
It
sokIdi
dn'
thav
ethemoneyt
obuyal
lthoset
reat
mentsheneeded

Her
:I
'mr
eal
l
ysor
rysur
eshegav
ebi
rt
htoasweety
oungl
ady

Me: Thanks

Her
:Okyourdone.
..Uhm st
opusingthepi
l
lsy
ouwer
eusi
ngt
aket
heseandgetenoughsl
eep
t
omorr
owy ou'
ll
fel
lmuchbetterok?

Me:
Thanky
ousomuchy
ouranAngel
from abov
e

Her:
Justdoi
ngmyjob..
.Ohwwwher
e'smycar
dwhenev
ery
ouf
eel
anypai
ncal
lmeorwhen
youneedanymedi
calhel
p

Me:
Oht
hanky
ou Isur
ewi
l
l

(
Ilef
twentt
othehousethenwentupst
air
stomyr
oom It
ookt
hepi
l
lswi
thwat
ert
hengotunder
mycover
s..
.Jakeent
ered)

Hi
m:Heybaby

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Ar
eyouok?

Me:
Ihav
eaheadachet
hat
'sal
l

Hi
m:Letme(
hepl
acedhi
shandonmyf
oreheadandf
ace)
ohy
ourbur
ningup

Me:
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llbef
ineIj
ustcamef
rom aDoct
or

Hi
m:okmyLov
eletmesl
eepr
ightnextt
oyou

(
Hesl
eptr
ightnextt
ome)

•
•

Angel
a'
sPOV

(
Ical
l
edChr
ist
ian)

Me:
Heymany
ourgi
rli
sgi
vi
ngmepr
obl
ems

Hi
m:Youl
ayy
ourhandsonherI
'
llki
l
lyouIt
oldy
oubr
eakt
hem of
f

Her
:I
'mt
ryi
nghe'
stooat
tachedt
othi
sgi
rl

Him:Yourt
hemot
herofhi
schi
l
dear
nhi
str
ustbackandwi
nhi
m ov
erandgett
hemoneyy
ou
deserve

Me:
I'
mtr
yingChr
ist
ianpl
s

Hi
m:I
fyout
ouchmysweet
iepi
eI'
l
lbr
eaky
ourneckdoy
ouhearme

Me:
Lookdon'
tthr
eat
enmeok

Hi
m:Andy
ourl
i
ttl
edaught
er

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hatspoi
l
edbr
atIwantmyManandt
hemoneymay
bet
henI
'
llpr
etendt
o
l
oveher

Hi
m: Thenmybabywil
lbemybabyshe'
l
lbev
eryt
hri
l
ledt
oseemeI
'
mtheonl
ymansheev
er
l
ovedandI'
l
lfor
everwi
llbe

Me:
She'
l
lbey
our
s

Hi
m:Musi
ctomyear
s

(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
lIdi
dn'
tcar
ehecanhav
ehi
sgi
rlbutIwantmyJakeback)

-Chapt
er18-

Si
vi
we'
sPOV
(
Iwokeupi
twast
ooear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
..Iki
ssedJakeal
lov
erhi
sfacesohecanwakeup)

Hi
m:Nol
et'
ssl
eepal
i
ttl
ewhi
l
e(i
nasl
eepyv
oice)

Me:
Nono

(
Hehol
dmet
ightt
ohi
m)

Me:
Noweneedt
ogot
owor
k

Hi
m:Wor
kcanwai
t(
inasl
eepyv
oice)

Me:
Wakeup(
Ipokedhi
minhi
sey
eswant
ingt
owakeupt
henhedi
d)

Hi
m:Butt
hisi
spur
eabusei
t'
sst
il
lear
ly

Me:
YahIknowi
tsj
ustIsl
eptear
lyy
est
erdayandnowIcan'
tsl
eepatal
l

Hi
m:Whataboutme?

Me:
Nahhhy
ouramany
oucanhandl
ethi
s

Hi
m:I
'
lldot
hesamet
oyouoneday

Me:
I'
l
lbepi
ssedaty
ou.
..Youshoul
dtr
yme

Hi
m:Buty
ouar
eabusi
ngme

Me:
You'
l
lbef
ine

(
West
ayedi
nbedal
i
ttl
elongert
henwentt
oshowert
oget
hert
henhewentt
ohi
sroom)

Br
eakf
astt
ime

Me:
HeyMar
thawher
e'sev
ery
one?

Mar
tha:
Theyar
ecomi
ng

(
Angel
acamedownf
ir
st)

Her
:Hey

Me:
Hey

Her
:Sohowl
ongsi
ncey
ou'
vebeendat
ingmyex-
boy
fri
end?
Me:
(Thi
schi
cki
str
yingsomet
hing)Ohwi
tsbeenamont
hIt
hink

Her
:Ohw

(
Isi
snecessaryt
osaymy"ex-
boyfr
iend" pshj
eezbuti
sitnecessar
yatal
ltoaskme
t
hat
..
.ev
erybodycamedownst
air
s)

Av
a:HeyVeeshehuggedme

Me:
Hey
..
.whydoIowet
hesur
pri
se?

Av
a:Ij
ustf
eltl
i
kei
t

Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou

Lucy
:VeeIsawy
ourpi
ctur
esagai
n..
.Ppl
aret
alki
ng.
..Thei
nter
neti
sst
ormed

Me:
Ohwl
etmesee.
..Wowy
ourr
ight

Aust
in:
AhhhFami
l
yIwantt
oshar
esomenews

(
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m)

Aust
in:
Hannai
spr
egnantandI
'
m goi
ngt
omar
ryher

Henr
y:That
'sal
lsheev
erwant
edatt
hef
ir
stpl
ace

(
Henr
ylef
tev
ery
onekeptqui
et)

Me:
Ahhhcongr
atul
ati
onsAust
in

Aust
in:
ThanksVee

(
Heal
sol
eft
)

Lucy
:Awkwar
d

Me:
Whatj
usthappened?

Lucy:
Daddydoesn'
tl
ikeHannaIdon'
tei
thershewant
smoneyf
rom Aust
inbuthe'
stoobl
i
nded
bylov
e

Me:
OhwWow

Jake:
Not
hingpi
ssismeoffthanthatHanna.
..
act
ingasi
fshel
ovesmybr
otherbutal
lshewant
s
i
tshismoneyIdoubti
tshi
schil
d

(
Inot
icedAngel
aisnotcomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hist
opi
c)

Me:
Ineedt
ogo
Jake:
I'
l
ldr
ivey
oul
et'
sgo

(
Thi
sAngel
aishi
dingsomet
hing )

Zoe'
sPOV

Me:
Kat
ehunnyl
et'
sgot
oschool
I'
ll
dri
vey
ou

Kat
e:You'
l
ldr
iveme

Me:
Yeshunny

Kat
e:That
'saf
ir
st

Me:
Heydon'
tbel
i
ket
hatwi
thmegi
rl

Kat
e:Oksor
ryj
eez

(Itookherl
unchboxt hengotinthecar..
.Idrovehertoschoolt
henIwentt oworkonmywayI
sawamandr oppingSivi
weatsomemodel companyIguess..
.Maybeshe'samodel ohwhe
kissedhermaybet heyaredat
ing..
.Ineedt obeclosetot
hatgir
lmay beshe'
sthebabyIwas
searchi
ngforall
thesey ear
sthat'
soneoft hereasonswhyIdidnur
sing)

Angel
a'
sPOV

(
Ical
l
edChr
ist
ian)

Me:
LookmanIcan'
tbr
eakt
hem apar
ttheyev
ensl
eptt
oget
herl
astni
ght

Hi
m:ManI
'
llcutt
hatJake'
sheadof
f

Me:
Heydon'
tyouev
ent
hinkabouti
t

Hi
m:YouknowwhatI
'
llt
akemat
ter
stomyownhands

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean.
..Yournotcomi
ngher
ear
eyou?

Hi
m:By
eAngel
ayourusel
ess
(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l.
..Whati
sthi
smangoi
ngt
odoOhGodhel
pmehebet
ternotshowupher
e)

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
oseemyson)

Me:
Heyson

Hi
m:whatdoy
ouwantDad?
(looki
ngannoy
ed)

Me:
You'
l
lbeout
erher
einnot
ime

Hi
m:DadIdon'
twantt
obeoutofher
eIwantt
opayf
ormysi
ns

Me:Heychi
l
dI '
m notaski
ngy
ouher
eI'
mtel
l
ingy
ounosonofmi
newi
l
lroti
npr
isonf
or
somethi
ngtheydidn'
tdo

Hi
m:(cr
yiy)Idi
dOKIdidIrapedLucy(t
ear
scamer
unni
ng)andI
'
m sor
ryf
ort
hatandI
'
m hav
ing
ababythatiswhatmakesmewantt opay

Me:
We'
l
lseehowl
ongshe'
l
lst
aypr
egnant

Hi
m:I
fyout
ryt
odoany
thi
ngst
upi
dtoLucyI
'
llki
l
lwi
thmyownt
wohandsdoy
ouhearme

Me:
Giv
emey
ourbestshotboy

(
Ilef
t..
.hewasscr
eami
ngandy
ell
i
ngbehi
ndme)

Hi
m:I
'
llki
l
lyoudoy
ouhearmeI
'
llki
l
lyou

Henr
y'
sPOV

(
Ont
hephone)

Me:
Somyf
ri
endsFat
heral
sodi
edmanyy
ear
sago

Hi
m:YesSi
r

Me:
Damni
twi
l
lbehar
dtot
rackdownot
hermember
s..
.Lookf
orhi
swi
fe.
..
I'
l
lgett
othebot
tom
oft
hisev
eni
fit
sthel
astt
hingIdo

Hi
m:YesSi
r

Tobeconti
nued.
..Chr
ist
iani
scomi
ngt
otown.
..Thi
ngsar
eget
ti
ngmor
eandmor
e
i
nter
est
ing

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Aft
erwor
kIwenthomet
heshowwaspost
ponedsoi
twi
l
lbenextweekf
rom now.
..
soIgoti
n)

Mar
tha:
Misst
her
e'saGent
lemanher
etoseey
ou

Me:
Ohwa"
Gent
leman"y
ousayok

(
Iwentt
othel
ounge)

Me:
Chr
ist
ian?

Hi
m:Vee

(
Wehugged.
..Iwassoshockedhewasmybestf
ri
endi
nchi
l
dhoodandmyex-
boy
fri
endwhenI
wasdoi
nggr
ade10butwebr okeup)

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hi
m:Isawy
ouont
hemagazi
nesandpaper
ssoIgoogl
edy
ou

Me:
Ohwwowi
tsbeenawhi
l
e

Hi
m:Yah

Me:
Plst
akeasi
t

(
Wesatdown)

Me:
Soy
ourar
oundt
ownor
..
.?
Hi
m:NoIdon'
tl
iv
eher
eI'
m her
eforbusi
nesssoIl
i
vei
nahot
el

Me:
Oht
hat
'sgr
eat

(
Wet
alkedal
otwecat
chuponourl
i
vest
henJakecamet
ous)

Me:
Hey

Jake:
HeyBabe(
heki
ssedme)

Me:Ohbabet
hisi
sChr
ist
ianmybestf
ri
endwhenwewer
eki
ds.
..Chr
ist
iant
hisi
sJakemy
boy
fri
end

Jake:
Heyman

Chr
ist
ian:
Hey(
theyhandshaked)

Chr
ist
ian:
Itwasni
cet
oseey
ouagai
nyousobi
gnowl
ookasy
ou

Me: comeon

Chr
ist
ian:
Hmmm t
urnar
oundf
orme

(
Idi
d)

Me:

(
Wehuggedt
henhel
eft
)

Jake:
Ibet
tergot
obed

Me:
CanIj
oiny
ou(
blushi
ng)

Hi
m:No(
hel
eft
..
.Andt
hen?Ei
i
iamadodaabel
ungu .
..If
oll
owedhi
m)

Me:
Baby

Hi
m:.
..

Me:
Whatdi
dIdowr
ongt
hist
ime?

Hi
m:ThatguyChr
ist
ian"
Tur
nar
oundf
orme"whatt
hehackwast
hat

Me:
ComeonBabehe'
saf
ri
end

Hi
m:Not
hinghappenedt
oyout
woev
eri
nthepast
?

Me:
Ther
ewassomet
hing

Hi
m:What
?
Me:
It
snotl
i
keI
'
vesl
eptwi
thhi
m

Hi
m:Nev
er?

Me:
Ever
?What
'st
hebi
gdeal
?Ev
eni
fIdi
ditwoul
dbet
hepast

Hi
m:Tomei
twoul
dn'
t

Me:
FineI
'
m sor
ry

Hi
m:Howdi
dhef
oundy
ou?

Me:
Hesawmeonmagazi
ne'
sand.
..

Hi
m:Hesawyourpict
uresandt
heoncey
ourhal
fnaked(
Guy
shewaspi
ssedatmeIwant
edt
o
l
aughhewastur
ningpink)

Me:
Ahhhmay
be

Hi
m:OhGodhel
pme

Me:
BabecomeonI
'
llnev
ert
akepi
ctur
esl
i
ket
hatagai
nok

Hi
m:Heal
readyseeny
ou

Me:
Buthewon'
ttouchme

Hi
m:That
'
saf
act.
.Idon'
tev
enl
i
ket
hoset
ighthugshegi
vesy
ou

Me:
Hehakemhl
olahai
sisnoemnqaml
wezweni

Hi
m:Comeonnowt
ransl
atet
hat

Me:
Not
hingIsai
dit
'sf
ineI
'
llcont
rol
him

Hi
m:Good

(
Ilaughed)

Hi
m:What
'st
hat
?

Me:
Not
hing(
wit
haser
iousf
ace)Ibet
tergot
obed

Hi
m:Heydon'
tl
eav
e

Me:
Whynot

Hi
m:BecauseImi
ssy
ou

Me:
Ohwwwt
hat
'scut
ebutIf
eel
li
kesl
eepi
ngal
one
Hi
m:Ohhhy
ourhadenoughoft
hoset
ighthugsbyt
hatChr
ist
ianguy

Me:
(Icoul
dn'
thel
pmy
sel
fIbust
edoutl
aughi
ng )

Hi
m:Ohi
tsf
unny.
..Goandt
aker
esty
ourbackmustbeachi
ng

Me: Babest
opbei
ngj
eal
ousbuty
ourcut
ethough

Hi
m:I
'
m not

Me:
FineI
'
llsl
eepwi
thy
oubutIdon'
tl
ikei
tbecausewear
eaty
ourpar
ent
shouse

Hi
m:Wannago(
giv
ingmet
hoseey
esandl
i
fti
nghi
sey
ebr
ows)

Me: nol
et'
ssl
eeppl
s

Hi
m:Sl
eep?OhnoIgotsomet
hingwaybet
tert
hansl
eepi
ngr
ightnow(
kissi
ngmyneck)

Me:
I'
m noti
nthemoodr
eal
l
ylet
'ssl
eep

Hi
m:I
'
lldoal
lthewor
kmy
sel
f

Me: y
ourcr
azy

(
Wecar
ri
edonki
ssi
ng)

Chr
ist
ianPOV

(Ican'
twai
tti
l
lVeebeminebecauseshebel
ongst
ome.
..I
'
llgetr
idofany
thi
ngonmyway.
..
AndImeanany t
hing)

-Chapt
er19-

Todayi
tsLucy
'st
ri
al

(
IwokeupItookashowert
henwenttomyr oom Iputonmybl
ackhi
ghr
isej
eanswi
thwhi
te
v
estandpi
nksti
ll
etost
henwentdownst
air
s)

Me:
HeyLucy
Her
:(
wit
hal
ownot
e)heyVee

Me:
Don'
tbedownmyAngel
itwi
l
lal
lgoOKok?

Her
:Ok

Me:
ok

Her
:

Me:
See? y
ourl
aughi
ng

Her
:SomanyOK'
s

(
Wewer
elaughi
ngt
hent
hewhol
efami
l
ycamedownst
air
sincl
udi
ngAngel
a)

Henr
y:SoAngel
ahowl
ongar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
oli
veher
e

Her
:Notf
orawhi
l
eSi
r

Henr
y:Ohw

Me:
Uhmmm Angel
apl
spassmet
hesaucepl
s

(Wit
hthoseeyesofhersI
'
m notscaredofheratal
l.
..Shepassedit.
..
Weat
ethenwenttocour
t
thewholeFamil
yyou'
ll
beshockedwhatSam saidonthestand..
.sowewer
eallseat
edhis
Famil
ywasher eandwewerealsohere.
..
)

Lucy
:I
'm soscar
ed

Av
a:I
tsok

Me:
You'
l
lbef
iney
ou'
l
ldogood

(ThenLucywascal
ledtot
hest
andt
osayhi
ssi
deoft
hest
oryshewasaskedquest
ionsby
Sam'slawyerMrBr
ain)

Hi
m:Mi
ssEl
l
ispl
stakeust
otheni
ghty
ouwer
ewi
thMrBr
own

Her
:Wewer
eatamot
elSi
r

Hi
m:Di
dhef
orcey
out
ogo?

Her
:NoSi
r

Hi
m:Hasheev
erbeenaggr
essi
vet
owar
dsy
ou?

Her
:NoSi
r

Hi
m:Wer
eyoual
way
sfeel
saf
ewhenhe'
sar
ound
Her
:YesSi
r

Hi
m:Hasheev
ermadey
ouf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
e?

Her
:(
Atearescapeherey
e)NoSi
r

Hi
m:Hav
eyouev
ersl
eptwi
thany
onebef
ore

Her
:(
Shecr
iedherv
oicewascr
umbl
i
ng)NoSi
r

Hi
m:Di
dyouhav
eanybr
uisest
hatshowedhev
iol
etedy
ou

Her
:N_
_oSi
__r(
myhear
twasbr
eaki
ngshecan'
tev
ent
alkpr
obabl
y)

Hi
m:Whydi
dn'
tyougot
othepol
i
cet
orepor
thi
m?

Her
:(cr
ying)Iwasscar
edandembar
rassednooneknowshowIf
eltok

Sam:
Idi
d

(
Ever
yonei
ncour
twasshocked)

"
SitdownSon"(
He'
sFat
hershout
edoguesshel
ookedangr
y)

Sam:I'
m sorr
yLucy(
hewentonhe'
sknees)IknowwhatIdi
dwaswr
ong(
Lucy
'sey
e'swer
efi
l
led
tear
s..
.Jakewant
edtogot
here)

Me:
(whi
sper
ingtohe'
sears)DON'
TYOUEVENTHI
NKABOUTI
T(hel
ookedatmewi
thanger
t
henIl
ookedatLucyandSam)

Sam:Pl
sfinditiny
ourhearttoforgi
veme..
.IheardyougotpregnantI'
m sosorr
ybutpl
skeep
thi
sbabyi wannabepartofhe'
sli
fetoo.
..I
'm sor
ryplsf
orgi
veme. ..Pl
s( hewasal
socryi
ng)
ther
eisnotasingl
epasseswi t
houtmethi
nki
ngaboutwhati didtoyou

(
Thenhest
oodupandf
acedusal
l
)

Sam:I
'mreal
lysor
ryMrEl l
isandMr sElli
swhatIdidtoyourdaughteri
sunforgiv
ableIgetiti
f
youdon'
twanttoforgi
veme. ..Ideserveev
eryt
hingthatcomesmywayev er
y t
hingyourhatr
ed
andLucy'
shatr
ed...Ir
uinedyourlivesandherli
fetooandmyl i
tt
lebrot
her'
stoobczIknowhow
muchhelovedLucyandhest ill
doeshei stheonethatmademet oconfess...I
'mreall
ysorry
plsf
orgi
vemeLucyIbegofy ou

Judge:
Plsar
resthi
m

Sam:
Lucy
..
.Lucypl
spl
s

(
Pol
i
cewer
etaki
nghi
m andhewasscr
eami
ng)

Sam:
Lucypl
ssss
(
Hel
eftLucycamer
unni
ngt
ome)

Lucy
:Thanky
ouVeet
hanky
ousomuch

Me:(t
apinghe'sback)Shhhther
e'snoneedtothankme(
ever
yonel
eftt
hecour
twai
tdi
dIj
ust
spotthenursehere?May beI
'mimagini
ngthi
ngs)

Av
a:I
'
m happyf
ory
ouSi
s(weal
ldi
dagr
ouphug)

Henr
y'
sPOV

Wi
fe:
Seewhati
fyout
akent
hemat
teri
ntoy
ourownhands?

Me:
Thatboywoul
dbedeadnow.
..ButIst
il
lwanthi
m deaddon'
tmessar
oundher
e

Wi
fe:
Stopbei
ngsost
ubbor
n

Me:
Leav
emeal
oneCeci
l
ia

(IsawDavi
dhereisSam'sDadDav i
difsoDavidisSi
vi
we'suncl
e Thisi
shel
lIt
elly
ou how
am Igoi
ngtoexplai
nthi
s..
.Davi
dismybi ggestenemyIbethesawmet
ooaft
erwhathi
sson
didtomydaughterwewil
lfor
everbeenemiesFOREVER)

Si
vi
we'
sPOV

(
Wewentt
othehouseLucywentt
osl
eep)

Av
a:Sam shockedme

Me:
Gir
lf
ri
endInev
erknewhewoul
ddot
hatf
ort
hesakeofLucy
'shappi
nessandt
hebaby

Jake:
Yahy
ahst
opgossi
pinggot
obed(
Avar
anupst
air
stohi
sroom andev
ery
onewentt
othei
r
rooms)

Me:
Iam notf
eel
i
ngsl
eepy

Jake:
Ofcausey
ournotIwantsomet
hingbet
ter

Me:
Jakeno

Hi
m:Jakey
es
Me: i
tsnotf
unny

Hi
m:okf
inel
et'
ssl
eept
oget
herpl
s

Me:
Whi
chpar
tofI
'
m notsl
eepyy
oudon'
tunder
stand

Hi
m:Let
'sgo

(Hedr
aggedmetobedIsleptonhischesthewasl
eani
nghi
sheadont
hepi
l
lowhewast
alki
ng
onandonandonti
l
lIfel
lasleep)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Iwokeupi
twas6andJakewasn'
tbesi
deme)

Me:
Jake?Jake?Babe

"
Att
hebat
htub"(
yel
l
ingf
rom t
hebat
hroom Iwenti
n)

Me:
(Isatatt
heedgeoft
hebat
htub)Whywer
en'
tyouanswer
ingmeatf
ir
st?

Hi
m:Youcal
l
edmebymyname

Me:
Oh y
ourcr
azy

Him:AndI
'
m cr
azyenought
o(hepul
l
edmet
ot hebat
htubIwasst
il
lonmyj
eansandIhadmy
phoneonmyhandIwaschecki
ngti
meoni
t)

Me:
Jakemyphoneahhhhh

Hi
m:Wher
eisi
t?

Me:
It
sfi
nedon'
twor
ry

Hi
m:I
'
m not

Me:
Didhur
tyou

Hi
m:Youhur
tmy(
looki
ngatt
hisf
ront
)
Me:
(Igotof
fhi
m)ohI
'
m sor
ry.
..Letmesee(
thenmyphoner
ang)

Me:
Hel
l
o

"
It
smeChr
ist
ian"

Me:
OhChr
ist
ianhey

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?

Hi
m:Ihav
emyway
s

Me:
Yourway
shuh

Hi
m:Yes.
..
ahhhsowhatar
eyoudoi
ng

Me:
I'
m ahhhbat
hing

Hi
m:OhIt
hinkweshoul
dgett
oget
hersomet
ime

Me:
Ohwy
essur
eyah

(
Jakegotoft
hebat
htub)

Hi
m:I
'
llseey
out
hen

Me:
Sur
eI'
l
llety
ouknow

Hi
m:By
e

Me:
Bye

(
Itookof
fmycl
othesIwr
appedmy
sel
fwi
that
owel
?

Me:
Jake?

Hi
m:.
..

Me:
Babe

Hi
m:.
..

Hi
m:.
..

Me:
Okwhatdoy
ouwantmet
odol
etmeseedoesi
thur
tmuch

Hi
m:Noi
tdoesn'
thur
tVee.
..Ofcausei
thur
ts

Me:
Atl
easty
ouknowhowi
tfeel
sbei
nghur
tther
ehuh
Hi
m:What
?Ohpl
s

Me:
Yesy
esIsai
dletmesee

Hi
m:Nono

Me:
Whynot

Hi
m:Whydoy
oucar
eyouwer
ebusywi
thy
our"
bestf
ri
end"
(copi
ngmyv
oice)

Me:
Idonotsoundl
i
ket
hat

Hi
m:Wel
lcl
oseenough

Me:
Chr
ist
iani
saf
ri
endst
opbei
ngj
eal
ous

Hi
m:Whynot

Me:
Causehe'
saf
ri
endandIdi
dn'
tgetwhenAngel
ashowedupher
eoutofnowher
e(Iwas
maki
ngmywaytothedoor
)

Hi
m:Whataboutmydi
ckhuh?

(
He'
sMom wal
kedi
nwhi
l
ehewassay
ingt
hatIgotshockedmyt
owel
fal
lof
f)

Me:
AhhhMa'
am

Her:(he'
sjawsweredr
oppedl
ooki
ngatJakeandMet
henshel
ooksatJaket
henagai
ntome)
I
'm sorry(
shelef
t)

Me:
Seewhaty
ou'
vedone?

Hi
m:Me?Yourt
heonewhodr
oppedy
ourt
owel
...Youl
ooksexyt
houghbabe

Me:
Real
l
yBabe?

Hi
m:Ahhhsohot

Me:Ohwstopit .
.. whatam Isay
ing..Lookt
hatisnott
hepoi
ntI'
m awomanshewasn't
shockedaboutmenakedy
ousaidsomet hi
ngaboutyourdi
ckandwer
ehalfnakedshet
hought

(
Webot
hsai
dthesewor
dswi
thshock)

"Wesl
eptt
oget
her"

Hi
m:Ihav
etoexpl
aint
hist
oher

Me:
Yesgo

(
Heopenedt
hedoorshest
andi
ngout
sidet
hedoor
)
Her
:Ohwy
out
wodoy
oual
way
sfi
ghtov
erl
i
ttl
ethi
ngs(
shewal
kedi
n)

Me:
Wewer
enotf
ight
ing

Her
:Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngt
hen?

Me:
Ahhhdi
scussi
ng

Hi
m:y
esandi
tsnotwhati
tlooksl
i
ke

Her:
It
soktohaveexci
tementi
ny ourl
i
vesbesi
desy
ourst
il
lyoungandbeauti
fulbuty
ou'
l
lhav
e
pl
entyoft
imetodothatImeanlookatmeandmyhusbandweresti
llget
ti
ngiton

Me:

Jake:
OhMom pl
s

Her
:Andoursexl
i
fei
sgoodIcanseey
our
stoo

Me:
Ohnower
ehav
en'
t

Her
:Keepl
yi
ngt
oyour
sel
f..
.Di
nneri
sser
ved

Me:
I'
m nothungr
y

Her
:Whatar
eyouhungr
yfort
hat
?(poi
nti
ngatJake'
spr
ivat
epar
t)

Me:
What
? nono

Jake:
Mom gowi
l
ljoi
nyounow

Her
:Okbuthur
ryupdoaqui
cki
eify
ouhav
etoot
hef
oodi
sget
ti
ngcol
d

Me:
Ok

(
Shel
eft
)

Me:
YourMom i
ssof
unny

Hi
m:She'
snot

Me: whatdon'
tbeembar
rassed

(
Wegotdr
essedwewentt
othest
air
slaughi
nghewast
ickl
i
ngme)

Me:
No n_
__o

Hi
m:

Av
a:Yout
woar
ehappy
Me:
Hewadt
ickl
i
ngme

Cc:
Jakey
ourr
eal
l
yqui
ckdoneal
ready

Jake:
Mom

(
Ilaughedhe'
ssoembar
rassedhe'
schi
cksar
eget
ti
ngpi
nk)

Henr
y:Whathappened?

(
Ourey
eswer
epoppedout
)

Cc:
Ohnot
hingmuchhewasst
il
latt
heshower

Henr
y:Oh

(Thi
swomant
hough myst
omachhur
tsbecauseofl
aughi
ng Angel
aisnotpl
eased
atal
l Iwon'
tpl
easeher
)

(
ThenIhadadi
stur
bingcal
l
)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Me:
..
.I
sther
eany
oneher
e

(
Ionl
yhear
dsomeonebr
eat
hingIdr
oppedi
t)

Jake:
Whowast
hat
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

(
Myphoner
angagai
n)

Me:
Speakupwi
l
lyou

"
Sophi
ait
smeohwImeanSi
vi
wei
tsmeZoe"

Me:
OhwZoehowar
eyou

Zoe:
Greaty
ou?

Me:
Amazi
ng

Zoe:
Iwasj
ustcal
l
ingt
ocheckupony
ou

Me:
NoI
'
m goodact
ual
l
ymyheadi
sgoodt
hanbef
ore
Zoe:
I'
m happyt
oheart
hat.
..Okby
e

Me:
Bye

(
Wedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Jake:
Whowast
hat
?

Me:
Zoeshej
ustcal
l
ed"
Sophi
a"(
Henr
yandCeci
l
iagotshockedbyt
hei
rdr
inks)

Me:
Ohsor
ryar
eyouok?

Henr
y:Yahy
ah(
coughi
ng)

Cc:
Yep(
coughi
ng)

Jake:
Who'
sZoe?

(
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m)

Hi
m:WhatI
'
m aski
ng

Lucy
:Ar
eyougonnaaskev
ery
thi
ng?

Aust
in:
Whenamani
sov
erpr
otect
ivehe'
sinl
ove

Lucy
:Ohhhh

Av
a:Ohwww

Jake:
Shutup

Me:
It
sthenur
sewhogotmet
hoseheadachepi
l
ls

Jake:
Ohhh

Me:
It
sst
rangeshecal
l
edmeSophi
a

Av
a:May
beshegott
hewor
dsmi
xedup

Lucy
:Yah

Me:
Uhmmm y
ahmay
be

-Chapt
er20-
•

(
I'
ll
for
war
ditt
o4weeksl
ater
)

(
Iwaschi
l
li
ngwi
thal
lmygi
rl
sjusthav
ingf
unt
henJakecal
l
ed)

Me:
Heybabe

Hi
m:HeyIf
orgotsomepaper
sinmyr
oom cany
oupl
sgett
hem f
ormepl
s

Me:
Ther
e'snoneedt
obeg.
..OkI
'
llbet
her
e..
.Wher
ear
ethey

Hi
m:Idon'
tremembersweet
iebutl
ookf
or'
em

Me:
Sur
eok

(
Iwentt
ohi
sroom Isawt
hem It
ookt
hem soIwal
kedt
othedoor
)

Si
a:Andwher
ear
eyougoi
ng

Me:
Jakef
orgotsomeofhi
spaper
sher
ehesai
dIshoul
dlendt
hem t
o'em

Si
a:CanIgopl
s

Me:
Ify
ou'
l
ldr
iveme

Si
a:Ok

(Wegotinthecart
henshedr
oveoffaft
erali
tt
lewhilewear
ri
vedwegoti
nthenwentt
ohi
s
off
iceIf
oundhim wit
hsomeguyIguessit
shisfr
iend)

Me:
Hey

Guy
:Hey

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
wet
hisi
smyf
ri
endSi
a

Si
a:Hy

Guy
:HeyI
'
m Er
ickJakesbestbuddysi
ncehi
ghschool
...Soy
ourt
hisf
amous"
Vee"

Me:
Iguess

Er
ick:
I'
vehear
dal
otabouty
ou

Me:
Ihopegoodt
hings
Hi
m:ofcausegoodt
hingsbutIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouhav
esuchabeaut
if
ulf
ri
end

Si
a:Ohwowt
hanky
ou

Me:
Webet
terr
un.
..

Si
a:Towher
eVeeIwasst
il
lenj
oyi
ngt
hisgent
leman'
scompany

Me:
Weneedt
obesomewher
e..
.Her
ear
ethepaper
s

Er
ick:
IhopeIseey
ouagai
nSi
a

Si
a:Sur
e

Me:
Excuseus

(
Wel
eft
)

Si
a:Andt
hen?

Me:
Whywer
eyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thhi
m?

Si
a:Iwasn'
tIwasbei
ngni
ce

Me:
Bei
ngni
cey
ahr
ightl
et'
sgo

Si
a: Youdi
dn'
tsayJakehasahotf
ri
end

Me:
Idi
dn'
tknow

Si
a: okI
'
llst
opt
alki
ng

Me:
Plsdo

Jake'
sPOV

(
Atwor
k..
.Er
ickal
readyl
eftI
'
m al
onei
nmyof
fi
ce)

"
hey
"

(
Ili
ft
edmyhead)

Me:
Angel
ayourst
il
lher
eIt
houghty
oul
eftsi
ncey
oumov
edoutoft
hehouse

Her
:(
Shet
ookasi
t)Nonotatal
lI'
m her
etost
ay

Me:
Ohi
sthatr
ight
Her
:Yesbesi
dest
hatVeegi
rldoesn'
tgi
vei
ttoy
oul
i
keIcan

Me:
Don'
tyouev
enment
ionher

Her
:ComeonJakewhoareyoufool
i
nghere?Meoryour
sel
f?I
'
mtheonl
ygi
rlwhoknowsy
ou
whocompl
etesy
ou(shesatonmydestf
acingme)

Me:
Il
oveher

Her
:Youdon'
tl
oveherJakey
oudon'
ti
fyoul
oveherwhatdoy
oul
oveabouther
?

(
Wor
dscoul
dn'
tcomeouri
tsl
i
keIwasmut
e)

Her:
Sil
entj
ustl
ikeIthoughtyoudon'tl
oveheryounev erdidy ouwereasexuall
yatt
ractedtoher
(t
ouchingmyface)yesIwon'tli
ethatshehasagr eatbodyandbeaut i
fulbuyI(l
aughingthen
shewentdownmychestt ounbutt
onedmyshirt)Iont heotherhandI'
m meIhav eev ery
thi
ng
youneedinawomanI '
m all
thepackage..
.I'
mt hewomany ouchosetobet heMotherofy our
chi
ld(sher
eachedforakissshet r
iedtokissmeIst oodupont i
meIwentt othedoorIopened
i
t)

Me:
Thatwasal
lbef
oreImethernowl
eav
eI'
l
lnev
erbet
rayt
hewomanIl
ove

Her
:Huh(
shewal
l
edt
ome)ofcauseJakebuty
ouwi
l
lbemi
neagai
nthatIpr
omi
sey
ou

(
Shel
eft
)

Vee'
sPOV

Si
a:Whati
fthatwomani
str
yingt
ost
eal
yourmanawayf
rom y
ou

Me:
Areal
mancan'
tbest
olen

Si
a:Tr
uet
hat
..
.Butbecar
eful

Me:
Il
oveJakeandhel
ovesmepl
usIt
rusthi
m he'
l
lnev
erbet
rayme

Si
a:O-
--
kIwasj
ustaski
ng

(
Ohi
fhesl
eepwi
tht
hatt
rampal
lhel
lwi
l
lbr
eakl
oosehe'
l
lknowt
her
eal
me)

•
•

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
Iwaswal
ki
ngt
omyr
oom butIear
sdr
oppedont
heconv
ersat
ionJadenwasonont
hephone)

Hi
m:.
..
goodper
son

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:I
fitwasn'
tforVeey
ouwoul
dn'
thav
erepor
tedhi
m

(
Sosomeonewasbehi
ndal
loft
his)

Hi
m:ThankVeef
orme

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:Forset
ti
ngt
hebeaut
if
ulgi
rlIl
ovef
ree

Cal
l
er:
..

Hi
m:I
tsokIgeti
t

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Hi
m:OkGoodni
ght

(
Aft
erhedr
oppedt
hecal
lIent
eredhi
sroom)

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:HeyDad

Me:
Isawatcour
tanunusual
gir
lcal
l
edVeewhoi
sher

Hi
m:She'
sJake'
sgi
rl
fr
iendLucy
'sol
derbr
other

Me:
Ohshei
stheonewhor
epor
tedt
hecase?

Hi
m:Yeswhyy
ouaskt
hat
?

Me:
Not
hing

(
Ilef
thi
m Iwentt
omyr
oom.
..
ohsot
hisVeegi
rli
stoughhuh.
..Hmmm whoi
sshe?Ihav
eto
f
indout
)

•
•

Vee'
sPOV

(I
'
m asleepinmyr oom JakewaswithmebutI
'
m havi
ngater
ri
bledr
eam i
tsl
i
keI
'm si
nkinginan
oceanandI'm scr
eamingf orhel
pandt
her
eissomeonel
ooki
ngdownatmebutnothelpingme
I
'm st
ruggl
ingIcan'tswim

.
.. Ican'
tmove I '
m dr
owning HELP! !
!HELP!
!!
HELP!
!! NoonecanhearmeI
'
m sinki
ngI'
m
drowni
ngI'
m outofbr
eat
h..
.aft
ert
hatIsawMom underwat
erj
ustl
ooki
ngatme..
..ThenIwoke
up)

Me:
MOM (
Iscr
eamed)

Jake:
(Jakewokeupt
oo)What
?Shhhh(
Iwascr
yingandsweat
ing)
Shhhi
twasadr
eam (
he
huggedme)

Me:IsawMom If el
therpr
esencesandIwasdr
owni
ngi
nwat
eri
ntheoceanand.
..and(
I
br
okedownIcoul
dn'
tsaynomore)

Jake:
SleepBabei
twasal
labaddr
eam (
heputonhi
schest
)

Me:
Itf
eltsor
eal

Jake:
Don'
tsaynomor
esl
eepmyl
ove

Tobecont
inued.
..
.

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Ihardl
ysl
eptsoit
sSundaytodayIwokeupandJakewasi
ntheShowerIjustcoul
dn'
tst
op
t
hinki
ngaboutmydream whati
sMom try
ingt
otel
lmethenmyphonerang)

Me:
Hel
l
o

Cal
l
er:
..
.

Me:
Who'
sthi
shuh?
Cal
l
er:
..
.

Me:
F'
steksbhanxa(
Pissof
fidi
ot.
..
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Jake:
Heybabyhowar
eyouf
eel
i
n?

Me:
Ohhay
ikhandi
yeke(
ohpl
sleav
emeal
one.
..Icov
eredmy
sel
fwi
tht
hecov
ers

Hi
m:YouknowIdi
dn'
theary
our
ight

Me:
Yourl
eav
ingme(
undert
hecov
ers)

Hi
m:Ihav
etogot
owor
k

Me:
Buti
tsSunday

Hi
m:Iknowmyl
ove

Me:
What
evergo

Hi
m:Buty
ourmadatme

Me:
I'
m not(
IgotoutofbedIputonmyj
eansohmycl
othesar
eti
ghtnow)

Hi
m:Il
i
ket
hat
?

Me:
Wha

Hi
m:Thest
ruggl
eyougot
hroughwhenput
ti
ngony
ourj
eansi
tssosexy

Me:
Iam notf
eel
i
ngokok?

Hi
m:(Hewal
kedt
omeandgav
emeahugf
rom t
hebackt
henki
ssesmyback)St
ayal
i
ttl
e
l
onger

Me:
Whosai
dI'
m goi
ng?

Hi
m:Ohy
ournot

Me:
OfcauseIam

Hi
m:Pl
sst
ay

Me:St
opdoi
ngt
hati
tti
ckl
es I
'
m notf
all
i
ngf
ort
hat ahhhst
opI
'
m noti
nthemood
Jake

Hi
m:Pl
smyl
ove

Me:
OnceonceJakeonce

Hi
m:Sur
ebutt
hatdepends
Me:
Let
'
sleav
eitt
hen

Hi
m:Okfi
neonce(heki
ssedmeweki
ssedthenIgotar
eal
l
yst
rangef
eel
i
ngl
i
keIwant
edt
o
t
hrowupIpushedhi
m awayIr
ant
othetoi
l
etIthr
ewup)

Hi
m:Babear
eyouok?

Me:
I'
m notpl
stakemet
oZoe

Hi
m:Sur
ebabynopr
obl
em l
et'
sgo

(
Wel
eft
)

Av
a:Veewhathappenedwhathappenedt
oherDad?

Lucy
:Canwecome?

Jake:
GoIdon'
twannaar
gue

(
Wel
eft)

Me:
Iwantt
obet
reat
edbyZoeok)

Jake:
Yesy
es

( t
hecarwasf
lyi
ngal
ltheway
)

Me:
JakeIknowI
'
lldi
esoonerorl
aterbutpl
sdon'
tmakei
tsoonersl
owdownI
'
m notdy
ing

Hi
m:Whati
fyouar
e?

Av
a:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngVee?

Me:
Gir
lsi
justt
hrewupt
hat
'sal
landgotal
i
ttl
edi
zzy

Jake:
Ali
tt
le?Yougotunconsci
ous

Me:
Ali
tt
le

Lucy
:Let
'
snotar
guewer
eher
e

(
Wegoti
nJakecar
ri
edme)

Me:
Yoursodr
amat
icIcanwal
k

Jake:
Yourst
ubbor
nev
eni
fyoursi
ck.
..Whatel
seIdon'
tknowabouty
ou?

Lucy
:Hywer
elooki
ngf
orZoe

Me:
She'
smynur
se
Assi
stant
:Ok(
shecal
l
edhert
henshegother
e)

Zoe:
Whathappened?
Plscomet
hisway

(
Theyal
lfol
l
owed)

Zoe:
Youal
lst
ayher
eshe'
singoodhands

(
Wegoti
nherr
oom)

Zoe:
Plsl
i
edown

(
Idi
d)

Zoe:
Sowhathappened?

Me:
Ivomi
tedt
hismor
ning

Zoe:
Didy
oueatsomet
hingorwhat
?

Me:
Nonotatal
l

Zoe:
May
bel
astni
ghtor
?

Me:
Iat
etheusual

Zoe:
Okbef
orev
omi
ti
ngdi
dyouf
eel
anypai
nel
sewher
eorany
thi
ngst
range?

Me:
Wel
lIwokeupwi
thamoodandpi
ssedmay
bei
twasat
err
ibl
edr
eam Ihadl
astni
ght

Zoe:
Andt
hen?

Me:Thenmyboyf
ri
endwant
edt
omakel
ovewhi
l
ewewe'
reaboutt
ooIst
art
edt
ofeel
wei
rdt
hen
Ir
ushedtot
hetoi
let

Zoe:
Sot
hatwasy
ourboy
fri
end

Me: Yes

Zoe:
Sowheny
ouri
nti
mat
ewi
thy
ourBoy
fri
endy
ouusepr
otect
ion

Me:(
Waitawhat
?Weneverusedt
hatIsl
eeptwi
thJakemanyt
imesbutnev
erusedpr
otect
ion
whatar
eyoutr
yingt
osameMa'am)

Zoe:
Vee.
..
vee?Vee?

Me:
Huh?

Zoe:
Younev
erusedpr
otect
ion?

Me:
N--
-oohshi
twhatdoest
hatmean?I
'
vedat
edt
hatguyf
or2mont
hsnowIwi
l
lbar
ehi
ma
chi
l
dohGod

Zoe:
We'
renotsur
eyet

Me:
Ohpl
smyGod

Zoe:
OkI
'
llchecky
ou

(
Shedi
dherwor
kIwassoscar
ed ohGodaf
ter30mi
nut
esshewasdone)

Zoe:
Ther
esul
tsar
ein

Me:
(It
ookt
hepaper
s)WHAT?(
Ther
esul
tsIgotIdi
dn'
tev
enknowhowt
ofeel
smi
l
eorcr
y)

Zoe:
Okwer
edoneher
e

(
Wel
eft.
..
int
hecar
)

Lucy
:Sowhathappened?

Me:
Not
hing

Jake:
Not
hing.
..Whatdi
dtheDoct
orsay
?

Me:
It
swhatIat
ethat
'sal
l

Av
a:Ohwbuty
oudi
dn'
teatt
hismor
ning

Me:
Yahi
t'
sjustwhatIat
elastni
ghtdi
dst
aywel
lonmyt
ummy

Jake:
Whyar
eyoubr
ushi
ngy
ourt
ummy
?Doesi
thur
t?

Me:
No(
Ilookedathi
m)nev
erbeenbet
ter

(
Wear
ri
vedJakewentt
ofi
nishedget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orwor
kandAv
awentt
oeat
)

Lucy
:Somet
hingi
supwi
thy
ou

Me:
WhatpshnoI
'
mfi
ne

Lucy
:(shehuggedme)Il
ovey
ounomat
terwhatOK

Me:Ohthanky
ou(
Igoti
nmyr
oom It
ookashowerwor
emyr
eddr
esswi
thwhi
tesandl
es.
..
Jakel
eft)

•
Angel
'
sPOV

(
Iwal
kedi
nJake'
sof
fi
ceaf
terhi
m)

Me:
Hel
l
other
e

Hi
m:Whatdoy
ouwanther
ewoman?

Me:
(Isatonhi
slap)comeonbabe

Hi
m:Getof
fmeanddon'
tbabyme

Her:
Iknowy ouwantt
his(
Ikissedhim heki
ssedmebackIputhishandsonmyassohI
'
ve
missedthoseli
ps andt heysti
ll
thesameasIlef
tthem st
il
lsweetandsof
t..
.)

Hi
m:St
opi
tAngel
a

Me:No( IchangedthewayIwassitt
ingi
nhim Isatinaposit
ionsoIcanfacehi
mi ntheeyes
thenIkissedhim Iputhi
shandsonmyasst henImov edsohecouldgethardyethedidwe
werekissingonandonandonwi thnopassionbutwithdesi
rebczwedesireeachothert
henhe
becamet hebeastIrememberedhewas...Nowt hat
saJakeIknow. .
.

Vee'
sPOV

(
Itookacabt
otownf
ir
stIshoppedf
oraf
ewi
temst
henwentst
rai
ghtt
oJakesof
fi
ce)

Assi
stant
:He'
swi
thsomeoneMa'
am

Me:
Acl
i
ent
?

Her
:Af
ri
end

Me:
It
sok(
May
bei
tsEr
ickIent
ered.
..
)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Chapt
er21-

•
•

Me: Jake

(
Het
urnedt
hechai
rthenst
oodupIl
ookedathi
sassi
stant
)

Me:
Afr
iendhuh?

Jake:
BabyI
'
m sor
ry

(It
oldmy sel
fthati
fhecheat
sonmel i
keI'
l
lmakeahugescenebutno.
..Ithr
ewwhatIbought
onhisfacethenlef
t..
.Howcouldhedothi
s howcoul dhe?Hewasfollowi
ngmeandsay i
ng
sorr
y..
.Igotinacabthenlef
t)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Whathav
eIdone?Iwentt
omyof
fi
ceagai
n..
.It
ookwhatt
hrewatme.
.)

Me:
She'
spr
egnant.
..Mybabei
shav
ingababy

Angel
a:What
?

Me:
Yougetout

Angel
a:Butwej
ust
..
.

Me:
GetoutNOW!
!!

Angel
a:Ohhwk

(SheleftIclosedthedoor .
..
Ilookedatthegif
s i twasaboxandt heresul
tsf
rom Zoe
dammi tJakeyoubl ew...Iopenedtheboxitwasacutepairofbabyshoes andother
stuffforababywel lIdon'tknowwhatar ethey.
..Thatst
hebeauti
fulwaytosayyourpregnant
Ihavetoapologise...It
ookt hegi
fsIwalkedout)

Me:
Cancel
all
mymeet
ingSher
onIhav
efami
l
ypr
obl
ems

Her
:YesSi
r

(
Idr
ovehome)

•
Vee'
sPOV

(Wit
htear
sf al
l
ingdownmycheeksIwentst
rai
ghtt
omyr
oom Ipackedal
lmyt
hingsI
M
LEAVING Iwassobbing.
..Lucycamet
ome)

Her
:Veewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
I'
mleav
ing

Her
:But
..
.Butwhy
?

Me:
It
scompl
i
cat
edLucy

Her
:I
'm wor
ri
edVee

Me:
Don'
tbei
tsnotf
ort
hebaby

Her
:Di
dyougoti
naf
ightwi
thJakebczhecanbeaj
erksomet
imes

Me:
Let
'
sjustl
eav
eit

"
Giv
eusspaceLucy
"

(
He'
sher
eandI
'
m bur
ningwi
thanger
)

Hi
m:Letmeexpl
ain

Me:
Expl
ained?
Jakeexpl
ainwhatIsaw?I
twasper
fect
lycl
eart
ome

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
..
andI
'
m happyy
ourcar
ingmychi
l
d..
.pl
sst
oppacki
ng.
..Babe

Me:
Don'
tBabeme

(
Iwentt
ohi
m)

Me:Youwereki
ssinghery
ourhandswereonherassshewasgr abbi
ngy
ourfaceandki
ssi
ng
you..
..Li
ket
her
e'snotomorr
ow. .
.Gobacktoher.
..Idon'
tcar
ebutI'
mleav
ing..

Hi
m:BabeI
'
m sor
rypl
sfor
giv
emepl
sst
oppacki
ngpl
sst
op

(
Iwasdonepacki
ngIt
ookmybagsdownst
air
shewasf
oll
owi
ngme)

Hi
m:Veepl
s

(
Iwal
kedoutoft
hedoorwentt
oSi
a'
sapar
tmentwi
thmybagsIknockedsheopened)

Her:
Vee(shehuggedmeshet
ookt
hebagsi
nsi
def
ormeIwascr
ying.
..Shemadecof
feewe
satdown)

Her
:Whathappened?
Me:
Isawhi
m ki
ssi
ngAngel
a(Ibr
okedownshehuggedmeandbr
ushedmyback)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Shi
tJakeshi
t..
.Shi
tshi
tshi
tdamn)

Av
a:Andt
hen?

(
Theybot
hcr
ossedt
her
ear
msandl
ookedatme)

Me:
Noti
nthemoodman

(
Iwenttomyroom Isl
eptthi
nki
ngaboutWhatIdi
d..
.Vee'
spregnantev
enwor
sebutI
'
m happy
t
hatshe'
scar
ryi
ngmychild..
.Iwokeupat6wenttoeatdi
nner)

Me:
Heyev
ery
one

Mom:
i
sn'
tVeehungr
y?

Me:
..
.

Av
a:Shel
eft

Mom:
What
?

Dad:
WHAT?

Aust
in:
What
?

Dad:
When?

Mom:
Why
?

Lucy
:Thi
saf
ter
noonwedon'
tknowwhy

Mom:
Jake?

Dad:
Didy
out
oogoti
naf
ight
?

Me:
ki
nda

Mom:
Kinda?

Me:
YahMom j
eez(
Iwasn'
ti
nthemoodr
eal
l
y)

Dad:
Whathappened?
Me:
ShesawmeandAngel
amaki
ngoutatmyof
fi
ce

Av
a:Wi
tht
hatsocal
l
ed"
mot
her
"ofmi
ne

Aust
in:
OuchMany
oubl
ewi
t

Me:(Angry)
Youthi
nkthatIdon'
tknowthatIdi
dn'
tmeani
ttohappenIdi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
ther.
..
Especial
l
yifIknewshe'
spregnantwi
thmybaby

Mom:
Thatexpl
ainst
hear
gument
s

Lucy
:Iknewi
t

Av
a:Youknew?

Dad:
What
?

Aust
in:
YougoBr
other

Me:Yesshe'
spregnantdoyouseehowst
ressedIam .
..She'
l
lnev
erf
orgi
veme.
..AndIcan'
t
j
ust
ifywhatIdi
d..
(Iwenttomyroom)

Henr
y'
sPOV

(
ThatmakesmeandDav idfamil
y..
.Veelef
twhowi
l
lpr
otecthernowi
fDav
idki
l
lsherheki
l
ls
mygrandchi
l
dtoo.
..Ican'
tl
etthathappen)

Vee'
sPOV

Me:
Thanksf
orl
ett
ingmecr
ashi
n

Her
:Yourmygi
rl
fr
iendi
tsnopr
obl
em

Me:
Ihav
etot
ell
youanot
hert
hink.
..I
'
m pr
egnant

Her
:What
?

Me:
I'
m pr
eg.
..
Her
:Ihear
dwhaty
ousai
d(shescr
eamed Ahhhh)
congr
atul
ati
ons

Me: Thanky
ou

Her
:Ican'
tbel
i
evei
tI'
l
lbeaGodmot
her

Me:
Yah

Her
:Doy
our
emembernotwant
ingJakel
ookaty
ousmi
l
ing

Me:
Idon'
tnow

Her
:Ev
eni
fJakehur
tyou.
.Youst
il
ll
ovehi
m..
.Goodni
ghtI
'
m goi
ngt
obed

(
Idon'
tl
ovehi
m..
.OhJake whoam Iki
ddi
ngIst
il
ll
ovehi
m Ist
il
ldo.
.OfcauseIdo
..
. )

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(Iwenttosl
eep...Myphonewasof ft
hewhol eday. .
.Isleptwi
thtearsrunningonmycheeks
thenIhadadisturbi
ngdream again. .
.It
sli
keI'mr unningbutI'
mr unni
ngi ncir
clesandIcan't
reachmydestinati
on I
'm cryingI'
mt ir
edt hi
splacei sdar
k..I'
m screamingbutnoonei s
helpi
ngIdoubttherear
eanyppl .
..Thenat houghtcamet omyhead" whyar eyoucryi
ng?Why
areyourunni
ng?Whatscar esy ou?St opSTOPandSee' swhatwi l
lhappen"Ididasmi ndwas
tel
li
ngmet hensawaper sonwear ingwhi t
eclothescomi ngtowardsme. .
.It
sawoman. .
.Isthat
Mom? ..
.Shesaid{Don'
tbeafraidmychi l
dI'm wit
hy ou}Thenshef aded

{Me:Mom Moooom}buti
twast
ool
ateshedi
sappear
ed.
..ButMom Iknowi
twasy
ou.
..ThenI
openedmyeyes)

Me:
Mom (
itwasadr
eam)Ohadr
eam

(
Ipr
ayedt
hensl
eptpeacef
ull
y)

•
•

Angel
'
sPOV

(
Ical
l
edChr
ist
ian)

Me:
Tikt
okTi
ktokLov
erboyy
ourt
imei
srunni
ngout

Hi
m:Spi
l
lthebeansAngel
aandst
opbeat
ingar
oundt
hebush

Me:
Guesswho'
shav
ingaBaby
?(Il
aughed )

Hi
m:Tal
kAngel
a(hewassoangr
y)

Me:
Yourl
ongl
ostl
ovei
sPREGNANT

Hi
m:Noway

Me:
Iwasj
ustt
ell
i
ngy
ouMrC

(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
..
.NowI
'
llj
ustsi
tbackandenj
oywhat
everhappens.
.It
ookasi
ponmyr
ed
wi
ne.
.. )

Vee'
sPOV

( Riseandshine..
.IwokeupIcal l
edsi
ckI'
m notf
eeli
ngli
keposi
ngf
oracameratodayandI
havetotel
lthem I
'm pr
egnantIhopeIdon'
tl
osemyj obbczmybodyi
swhatIgetpai
dfor.
..
I
wenttot
heki t
chenImadebr eakf
ast)

Si
a:Mor
ning

Me:
Mor
ning

Si
a:Youal
readywokebuty
ouneedr
est

Me:
NoIdon'
t

Si
a:Yournotpl
anni
ngongoi
ngt
owor
kar
eyou?

Me:
What
?Ofcausenot

Si
a:Good

Me:
Bacon?
Si
a:Pl
sandeggspl
s

Me:
Ok.
..
ewwwwt
heysmel
lhor
ri
blear
etheyr
ott
en?
(Iputonadi
sgust
edf
ace)

Si
a: Not
heyar
efi
ne.
..Letmedot
hem .
..Doy
ouwantt
hem?

Me:
Ohnot
hanksI
'
m goi
ngt
owashmyf
acet
hanky
ou

(Iwentt owashmyf acet

henr i
nsemymout h..
.Il
ookedatmy sel
finthemirror..
.Isawa
beautifuly
oungwomanwhoi sful
lofli
febuthasashatter
edsoul whoi sbroken...Iwentto
thekitchen..
.Weat ebreakf
astthenshewentt owork..
.Icleanedthehouse,Icookedthen
watchedmov i
esIputonLogosIwasl aughingnonstop thenIheardaknock. ..Iwas
wearingmygr eytr
acksui
twithgreysocksitwasn'
thoteit
hercoldbutsinceIwasn'tfeelingt
oo
wellsoy ah..
.Iwenttoopenthedoor)

Me:
OhhhhGod

Angel
a:Veegi
rl

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant(
shesatdownIcl
osedt
hedoor
)

Her
:Thati
sn'
tther
ightwayt
owel
comeaguestVee

Me:
Getout

Her
:webar
eJakeachi
l
dand.
..

Me:
Getst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
ntwoman

Her
:Al
lI'
mtr
yingt
osayi
snomat
tery
ougi
vebi
rt
htot
hatmonst
erofy
our
she'
sst
il
lMI
NE

Me:
Hedoesn'
tl
ovey
ou

(
Shegotcl
oset
ome)

Her
:Doesn'
the?I
fhedi
dn'
tl
ovemehewoul
dhav
enev
erki
ssedmei
nhi
sof
fi
ce

Me:
Hel
ovesmeonl
yme

Her:
(shewhisperedinmyear )Whenhemakesl ovetoyoudoeshemoarnl i
keabeast?Doeshe
hol
dy ousotightunderthesheetsti
l
lyoufeell
ikey ourt
ear
ingapart
?Doeshemakesl ovetoyou
sohardlikeyourget
tingoutofbreat
h?Likeit
st helastt
imeyou'
llev
erbehis?Doeshemakes
l
ovetoy outi
llhewhisperinyourear
s"I'
LLNEVERSTOPLOVI NGYOU" ?Ifhenevert
henhesti
ll
l
ovesme

Me:(
Tearswher efall
i
ngof
fmycheeks)Getout(
Iwasscr
eaming)GETOUTGETOUUUUUUUT(
I
t
hrewherout..
.Icri
edsomuchIkeptoncryi
ngonandonandon howcouldiev
erbesost
upi
d
amanlikeJakel oveme..
.WhatIwasthi
nki
ng )

(
ThenIsl
eptcr
yingaf
tersomet
imeIhear
daknockagai
nohIhav
eahugeheadacheIdon'
t
needdr
ama)

"Baby
"

(
Isl
ammedt
hedooronhi
sface)

Hi
m:Babywai
tpl
sletmei
nsowecoul
dtal
kaboutt
his

Me:
GoawayI
'
m noti
nter
est
ed

Hi
m:I
'
m onmykneespl
s

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eJakeGo

Hi
m:I
'
m beggi
ngy
ou

(
Veehe'
sbaggi
ng comeonhearhi
m out.
..Myi
nnert
hought
ssai
d..
.)

Me:
Getupandcomei
n

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

(
Icl
osedt
hedoor
)

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rypl
sdon'
tpushmeaway

Me:
Doy
oul
oveme?

Hi
m:OfcausebabyofcauseIdo(
hegotcl
oset
omet
henl
ookmei
ntheey
eshi
shandswer
eon
mywaist
)

Me:
Doy
oul
oveher
?

Hi
m:Ther
eisnoher

Me:
I'
m notpl
ayi
ngher
eJake.
..
AREYOUSTI
LLI
NLOVEWI
THANGELA?

(
Hedi
dn'
tanswer
)

Me:
Answermedammi
t(
Ishout
ed)

Hi
m:I
tscompl
i
cat
ed

Me:
(Ihi
thi
schest
)Compl
i
cat
ed?

Hi
m:BabeI
'
m so.
..

Me:
Gett
hef
uckout.
..Getout.
..

Hi
m:Veepl
s
Me:
Youst
il
ll
oveher.
..
youst
il
ldo buthow?Am Inotenoughf
ory
ou?

Hi
m:Myl
ove

Me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hat
(Isai
dwi
thanger
)

Hi
m:ofcausey
ourenough

Me:Li
stent
omeli
stenv
erycar
eful
l
y..
.Iwi
l
lnotf
ightf
ory
oubutIwi
l
lfi
ghtf
ormeandmybaby
..
.Nowgetout

Hi
m:Hunnypl
s

Me:
Getout.
..

Hi
m:Whaty
ousaw.
..

Me:
Whatwoul
dhav
ehappenedi
fIdi
dn'
tshowup?Youwoul
dhav
efuckedher

Hi
m:Babe

Me:
Gett
hef
uckout(
Ifel
tpai
ninmyt
ummyIscr
eamed)

Hi
m:Babear
eyouok

Me:
Don'
ttouchme(
ohshi
i
tit
sbur
ningup Iscr
eamed)Mybaby

(
Hecar
ri
edmet
ohi
sCar
)

Me:
Isai
ddon'
ttouchme

Hi
m:Cany
ouj
ustst
opbei
ngst
ubbor
n

(
Idon'
twanthi
mtot
ouchmekodwaI
'
minpai
n I
'
lldi
est
ubbor
n)

Hi
m:I
thur
tswher
e?

(
Hewasdr
ivi
ngt
othehospi
tal
)

Me:
JUSTDRI
VEahhhhh(
thepai
ngotst
ronger
)Jake

Hi
m:What
?What
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:
(Icr
ied)I
'
m bl
eedi
ng

Hi
m:Whatnonono

(
Nowatt hatexactmomentmyli
fef
lashedi
nfrontofmyeyesIdi
dn'tknowwhatwasgoi
ngon
..
.IseedoctorsIseeppl
Iseel
i
ght.
..Thenever
ythi
ngbecameblank)

•
•

Jake'
sPOV

(
Ical
l
edEr
ickf
ir
stIt
oldhi
m ev
ery
thi
ngt
henmyFami
l
y..
.Er
ickgott
her
eont
ime)

Er
ick:
Dudewhathappened

Me:
It
sal
ongst
ory

(
TheDoct
orcame)

Hi
m:Ihav
eter
ri
blenews.
..Thebabymaydi
eandshel
i
vesorshel
i
vesandt
hebabydi
es

(
ohno myl
i
fecr
ashedmywor
ldcr
umbl
eddown)

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Chapt
er22-

Nar
rat
ed

Letmeexpl ainwhyVeecanl oset hebaby. .

.Lookthesethingshappensinceyouallar
ethe
witnessesofVee' sli
feshe' sbeent hroughalot..
.Shehasbeenpr egnantforover4weeks
(sorrybutIdidn'tannouncet hat)anyhowi t'
spossibl
eforhertolosethebabyduet ostr
ess(I
wasgoi ngtoment i
ont hat)AllI
'
mt ry
ingtoexplai
ni st
hatababycanbel ostevenina2- 3weeks
someppl sayitsjustl
ikey ouwer enev erbeenpregnant.
..IhopeImadei tcl
earI'
m notgoodat
explaini
ng butIreal
lyhopeIcl earedsomedoubt s..
.

•
•

JakesPOV

(
Icoul
dn'
tspeakIsatonachai
rthatwasnearmei
coul
dn'
tbel
i
evemyear
s)

Er
ick:
Doci
sn'
tther
eanyot
herway
?

Doc:
I'
m af
rai
dnoSi
r

Er
ick:
Plsdoany
thi
ngy
oucant
osav
eherandt
hebabypl
s

Doc:
I'
m notpr
omi
sing

(
Hel
eft
)

Er
ick:
Best
rongBr
otherbest
rong

(
TheFami
l
yar
ri
ved)

Mom:
Sonwhathappened?

Er
ick:
Shemayl
oset
hebabyorshemaydi
ethent
hebabyl
i
ves

Av
a:Butt
hatj
ustcan'
thappen?

Lucy
:Howl
ongwasshepr
egnant
?

Me:
4weeks

Dad:
Best
rongSony
ou'
l
lov
ercomet
his

Me:
It
smyf
aul
t i
tsal
lmyf
aul
t

Aust
in:
Noneoft
hisi
syourf
aul
t

Vee'
sPOV

(Idon'
tknowifI
'
m dr
eami
ngorwhat
?ButI
'
minabl
ankr
oom t
henaper
sonwear
ingwhi
te
clot
hesagai
nappear
s

{
Me:
Mom i
sthaty
ou?
Her
:Yes

Me:
Mommyhel
pme

Her
:Youl
eftmeSi
vi
we

Me:
Mom

Her
:Yout
urnedy
ourbackonme.
..Younev
erv
isi
tedme

Me:
I'
m sosor
ryMom (
cry
ing)

Her
:Why
?

Me:
I'
m sor
ryi
twasn'
tmyat
tent
ionsMom

Her
:Iknow.
..

Me:
Arey
oumadatme?

Her
:What
?NoIwoul
dnev
ergetmadaty
ou.
..
yourmybabymyonl
ybaby

Me:
I'
m pr
egnantMom

Her
:(
smi
l
ing)Iknow.
..
Iknowy
ourcar
ingmygr
andson

Me:
Grandson?

Her
:Yes

Me:
I'
mfi
ght
ingf
ormyl
i
feand.
..Hi
sasy
ouj
ustsai
d

Her
:Iknow

Me:
Ihav
eabadf
eel
i
ngImayl
osemybabyMommy

Her
:Youwon'
t

Me:
Thenwhathappenedt
ome?

Her
:WhenIwascar
ingy
out
oo.
..
Ihadt
hesamef
eel
i
ng

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Her
:Ial
sobl
eed

Me:
Whatcausedi
t?

Her
:I
twasst
ress.
..Yourst
ressedr
ightnowt
oor
ight

Me:
Yes.
.Mom y
ournotmaki
ngsensewhat
'
sthatgot
tat
odowi
thany
thi
ng?
Her
:Yourst
ressedyout
hinkt
oomuchpl
usy
ourdr
eamsar
ehunt
ingy
oudown.
..Yournotgoi
ng
t
olosethebabyI'
ll
makesureofi
t

Me:
Expl
ainher
eMom bal
anceme

Her
:Don'
tmi
ndt
hebabyhewi
l
lbef
ine.
..Butt
hei
sdar
knesscomi
ngaf
tery
ou

Me:
Butwhy
?

Her
:Theanswer
syouwantar
eony
our
sel
fmychi
l
d..
.

Me:
Mom y
ournothel
ping

Her
:Iwasher
etosav
emygr
andson.
..

Me:
Mom don'
tl
eav
e

Her
:Pl
scomev
isi
tmeImi
ssy
ou

Me:
Mom pl
sdon'
tgo.
..Ineedt
oasky
oumor
e..
.MOM

Her
:I
'l
lal
way
sbewi
thy
ou

Me:
Mom pl
ssss(
shef
aded)pl
sdon'
tgo

(
ThenIhear
dDoct
orst
alki
ng)

"
Shest
oppedbl
eedi
ng"

"
Whati
shappeni
ng?She'
s.
..
"

"
Openi
ngherey
es"

"
Wer
enotl
osi
ngher
..
.comeonppl
let
'
swor
k"

(
Iopenedmyey
e's)

Doc:
Youneedt
osl
eepf
ornowwer
enotdone

(
ThenIsl
eptagai
n)

Jake'
sPOV

Av
a:Don'
twor
ryFat
hershe'
l
lfi
ghtt
his

(
ADoct
orpassusIst
oppedhi
m)
Me:
Dochowi
sshe

Doc:
Shewokebutputhert
osl
eepagai
n..

Me:
Thebaby
?

Doc:
Wer
est
il
lsay
ingt
hebaby

(
Hel
eftGodI
'
llnev
erf
orgi
vemy
sel
fifany
thi
nghappenst
oanyof
'em )

(
Timef
lewst
il
lnonewsI
'
m pani
cki
ngher
e)

Dad:
Soncal
m down

Me:
HowcanIFat
her
?HowcanI
?

Dad:
Findi
tiny
ourhear
tSonbutaf
tert
hisy
ouandIhav
etohav
eal
i
ttl
echi
tchat

(
Thenhel
eft)

(
ThenDoct
orcame)

Doc:
Wewer
eabl
etosav
ethem

Me:
ThankGod.
..I
ssheawake?

Doc:
Nobutany
onewhowant
stoseehercangoi
nbutoneper
son

Me:
MeIwi
l
lgo

Doc:
Ver
ywel
lfol
l
owme

(
Ifol
l
owedhi
m wegoti
nIsawherl
ayi
ngi
nther
emyhear
tbr
okei
ntocountl
essPeace'
s)

Me:
Whatcausedt
hebl
eedi
ngDoct
or?

Doc:
Thiswomani
sst
ressedIknowi
tdoesn'
thappenof
tenbutsav
ingherandt
hebabywasa
mir
acle

Me:
Thanky
ouDoc

(
Hel
eft.
..I
t'
sal
lmyf
aul
tIputy
oui
nthi
sposi
ti
on)

Me:I
'
m sorrymylov
e..
.pl
sforgi
veme.
.pl
s(Itouchedhert
ummy)Iwisht
hiscanbeaboyyou
know..
.I'
dlovet
hatpl
sforgi
vemeIwanttobeinmybabiesl
i
fe(Ihel
dherhand)I
'
m sor
ryabout
whatIdi
d...Il
oveyouonl
yyou..
.Youj
ustmademereali
set
hat.
..Yourt
heonl
ywomanf orme
plsf
orgi
veme( tear
scamerunni
ngtomyCheek'
s..
.Ilai
dmyheadonherbed(af
tersometime
shesqueez
edmyhandIwoke)

Me:
Myl
ove

(
Sheopenedherey
est
hensmi
l
ed)

Her
:Hey

Me:
(cr
yingandsmi
l
ingt
oher
)Hey

Her
:Don'
tcr
y

Me:
WhynotIal
mostl
osty
oumyl
ove

Her
:(
shesmi
l
ed)I
'
m okmybabyi
sOKt
oo

Me:
Ourbaby

Her
:YesourbabybutIhav
en'
tfor
gav
eyou

Me:
Baby
..
.

Her
:ShhhIwi
l
lnotbef
ool
edbyy
ouagai
n..
.Youwi
l
lbei
nmybabi
esl
i
febutNOTMI
NE

Me:
But
..
.

Her
:Iwon'
trepeatmy
sel
fJake

Me:
Ok(
HowcanIev
ermakei
tupt
oherandshowherhowsor
ryIam )

Tobecont
inued.
..

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Vee'
sPOV

Me:
Thanky
ou
Hi
m:Forwhat
?

Me:
Sav
ingus

Hi
m:Ther
e'snoneedt
othankmeIl
ovey
oubot
h

(
Hel
eft i
tbr
okemyhear
ttoseehi
m cr
y )

Jake'
sPOV

Av
a:I
ssheawake?

Me:
Yesshe'
sfi
ne

Mom:
Goandgetsomer
estSon

Me:
Yes

(Wealll
eftIt
ookashowerhomethentookanapaftersomet
imeIwokeup.
..Icoul
dn'
tstop
thi
nki
ngaboutVeewhatIfeelf
orheri
soutert
hisworl
dbutwhatI
'
mfeeli
ngf
orAngelatoois
somethi
ngelse.
..Er
ickent
eredmyroom)

Hi
m:Br
other

Me:
Brot
herhel
pmeher
e

Hi
m:Sur
e

Me:
Isi
tpossi
blet
olov
etwowomenatt
hesamet
ime?

Hi
m:Ar
ewet
alki
ngaboutVeeandAngel
a?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Iaskedy
out
hisbef
ore.
..Younev
ergot
tenov
erAngel
a

Me:
IthoughtIdi
d

Him:Brot
herwhaty oufeelf
orVeeisl
ovetr
uel ovebutAngelashe'sthefir
stwomanyoufelli
n
l
ovewithandbar eyouachil
d..
.ButVeeist
ot al
lydi
ffer
entshespur egoldify
ouloseheryou
l
oseitall
...I
fyoudon'tknowwhichwomeny oushouldchosedot his..
.Imaginey
ourli
fewit
h
Veeandimagi neyourl
ifewi
thAngel
a..
.Whichonecanmakey ouhappy

Me:
Il
ovet
hem bot
h
Him:Noyoudon'
tVeecompl
etesy
ourwor
ldev
enAv
aLov
e'sherwhatdoesshedon'
thav
ethat
Angelahav
e

Me:
Angel
agi
vesmesexwhenev
erIwant

Him:
That
'
sitBrother.
..Veedoesn'
tgi
veyouwhatyouneedsext
hati
s..
.ButAngel
acan.
.My
poi
nti
syournotgoingtobehornyfor
ever.
..SoChosewi
sel
y

(
Hel
eft.
..HowcanIchose?HowcanI
?..
.Dadent
eredmyr
oom)

Dad:
Car
etoexpl
ainwhathappened?

Me:
Dadnotnow

Dad:
LookSondon'
tl
ety
ourmi
ndconf
usey
ou

Me:
I'
m notconf
used

Dad:
I'
veseent
hewayy
oul
ookatAngel
aandI
'
veseent
hewayy
oul
ookatVeet
oo.
..

Me:
Fat
herI
..
.

Dad:
Veei
sthewomanofy
ourdr
eamsnotAngel
adon'
tmaker
emi
ndy
ouwhatshedi
d

(
Hel
eft
..
.Whatt
hehel
lam Igoi
ngt
odo?
)

Dav
id'
sPOV

Me:
She'
spr
egnantev
enbet
ter

(
I'
m onmyphonewi
thoneofmyr
ighthandmanMax)

Max:
Ohast
ranget
hingi
shappeni
ng

Me:
Tel
lme

Max:
YourSi
steri
sent
eri
ngherr
oom

Me:
Zoe?

Max:
Yes

Me:
May
beshe'
sdoi
ngherj
obshe'
snur
sey
ouknow

Max:
She'
snotwear
ingasanur
se
Me:
What
?Wher
edoessheknowher
?

Max:
Idon'
tknowSi
r

Me:
Inf
orm mei
fany
thi
nghappens.
..Andt
ell
mehowl
ongwi
l
lshest
ayt
her
e

Max:
YesBoss

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l.
..Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e..
.Ismel
ltr
oubl
e)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Iwasj
ustst
arr
ingatspacewhenZoeent
eredmyr
oom)

Me:
Zoe

Her
:Veehowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng

Me:
FineIguess

Her:
I'
m happyf
ory
ouIal
sohav
eadaught
erIwoul
dbehur
tifany
thi
nghappenedt
oyourbaby
andyoutoo

Me:
Wel
lmyf
eel
i
ngsar
etheonl
ythi
nghur
t

Zoe:
Weal
lgot
hroughbet
ray
alandwesur
viv
ed

Me:
What
'sy
ourDaught
er'
sname?

Zoe:
Kat
e

Me:
DidKat
e'sf
atherbet
rayy
ou?

Zoe:
Yes.
..
hesai
dIwasn'
tenoughf
orhi
m any
mor
ethatI
'
m notsat
isf
yinghi
mli
kebef
ore

Me:
Didheknowy
ouwe'
repr
egnant
?

Her
:Yesheknewbutdi
dn'
tcar
e

Me:
I'
m sor
ry(
Ihel
dherhand)

Her
:Yourl
uckyv
eryl
uckyy
ouhav
eav
erycar
ingboy
fri
endandsuppor
tsy
ou

Me:
Thanks
Her
:OhIbet
terr
unmyDaught
erneedsme

Me:
Bye

Her
:By
etakecar
e

(
Shel
eft.
..Idon'
twantmybabyt
ogr
owupwi
thoutaf
ather bczIknowt
hepai
n)

(
TimepassIsl
eptt
il
lmor
ning)

Me:
Jake?

Hi
m:Yourawake.
..Hey

Me:
Didy
ousl
eepher
e

Hi
m:Notr
eal
l
yspentt
hewhol
eni
ghtl
ooki
ngaty
oust
arr
ingaty
ou

Me:
Youneedt
obeatt
heof
fi
ce

Hi
m:Ineedt
obewi
thy
ou

(
Siaent
eredr
ushi
ngcar
ingt
hings)

Si
a:Morni
ngmor
ning..
.ohJakey
oul
ookt
err
ibl
e..
.Veemyf
ri
endi
tsoki
fyourmadatmeI
wasn'
therey
est
erday

Me:
Yourher
enowi
tsok

Si
a:LookIbr
oughty
ousomet
hing

Me:
Chocol
ate

Si
a:Yesandl
ook?

Me:
Myf
avour
it
ethanky
ou

Jake:
Itooboughty
ouChocol
ate

Me:ThanksJake.
..Thanky
ouSi
aIki
ssedhercheekby
eIhav
etogoBossl
eftsoIhadal
otof
wor
k

Me:
Gogi
rlIknowhowhar
dist
hatj
ob

Si
a:Takecar
eofmypr
incessok

Me:
Whosai
dit
sagi
rl
?

Si
a:Icanf
eel
it
Me: go

(
Shel
efti
nahur
ry)

Jake:
Idi
dn'
tgetaki
ss?

Me:
Whyy
ourev
enher
e?

Jake:
Bab.
..

Me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hat

Jake:
Vee.
.VeeI
'
mtr
yingher
epl
s

Me:
Hel
pmet
ogot
othebat
hroom pl
sandst
opbei
ngcheesy

(
Iwaswear
ingHospi
tal
gown'
s)

Hi
m:ok

(
Igotof
fthebedmyf
eetcat
cht
hecol
doft
hehospi
tal
til
es)

Me:
Ahhhcol
d

Hi
m:I
tst
il
eswer
ethese

(Heputonmysl
eeper
's.
..Hehel
pedmet
othebat
hroom t
henIdi
dmybusi
nesst
henwentt
oli
e
down)

Hi
m:Doy
out
hinki
tsaboy
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Hi
m:Don'
tyouwantaboy
?

Me:
Ido

Him:
MetoosoIcanpl
aywit
hhim soccert
eachhi
m cr
icketandtakehi
mtogamesandhav
e
SonandDadt
imeandhisMom i
fshewantsto(hesai
dthattickl
i
ngme)

Me:
Okst
op

Him:Therei
sthatsmi
le(
smi
li
ngatme.
..
ohthi
sguy
)Il
ovet
oseey
ousmi
l
eIwanthi
mtohav
e
yoursmil
esoladi
escanbechar
medwhenhesi
mil
es

Me:

Hi
m:Li
keIam char
mednow

Me:
OhJake
Hi
m:Iwasj
ustsay
ing

Me:
Iwanthi
mtohav
eyourey
es

Hi
m:(
hechuckl
ed)why
'st
hat
?

Me:
Itswher
eIl
ookedt
hef
ir
stt
imeIf
ell
inl
ovewi
thy
ou

Hi
m:Thef
ir
stdayweki
ssed

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evewer
eher
enow

Me:
Me2

(
Chr
ist
ianent
ered)

Chr
ist
ian:
Mor
ning

Us:
Mor
ning

Chr
ist
ian:
Thesear
efory
ou

Me:
Flower
stheyar
ebeaut
if
ul

Jake:
Theyar
eRoses.
..Doy
oul
oveRosesChr
ist
ian?

Chr
ist
ian:
Yesal
otandofcauset
heyar
ebeaut
if
ult
heymat
chherbeaut
y

Me:
Oht
hanky
ousomuch

Chr
ist
ian:
I'
m happyy
ourf
ine

Jake:
Whot
oldy
ou?

Chr
ist
ian:
Tol
dmewhat
?

Jake:
Thatshewasi
nhospi
tal
?

Chr
ist
ian:
Iwentt
oherwor
kyest
erdayt
oseeherandt
heguyKev
int
oldmebutdi
dn'
ttel
lme
why

Me:
Jakepl
s

Jake:
Ohshe'
spr
egnantwi
thmybaby

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hati
sobv
ioust
hati
tsy
our
s

Chr
ist
ian:
Ohwel
lcongr
atul
ati
onst
oyoubot
h
Me:
ThanksChr
ist
ian

Jake:
Thanky
ou

Chr
ist
ian:
Wel
lIbet
terr
unI
'
llbel
atef
orwor
k

Me:
Byet
hanksf
orst
eppi
ngby

Hi
m:Pl
easur
e

(
Hel
eft
)

Me:
Samet
oyouMrEl
l
is

Hi
m:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
owor
kti
l
lyougetdi
schar
ged

Me:
OhGodsohowl
ongwi
l
lIkeepupwi
thy
ouher
e

Hi
m:Ti
l
lyougetdi
schar
ged

Me:
Godhav
emer
cy

-Chapt
er23-

Me:
Soooy
ou'
vebeenher
efort
hewhol
eday.
..Don'
tyoul
i
keneedt
imeal
one

Jake:
No

Me:
No?Li
ket
otakeabat
h

Hi
m:Doy
ouwantmet
oleav
e?

Me:
Nonoi
t'
sjust
..
.

Hi
m:Soy
ouwantmet
ost
ay?(
Smi
l
ing)

Me:
Nott
hatei
ther

Hi
m:ComeonVee

Me:
Don'
t"comeon"me

Hi
m:Idon'
twantmybabyt
ohav
eyourt
emper

Me:
Whynot
?
Hi
m:Youal
way
sangr
yal
lthet
ime

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Yes

Me:
Iwi
l
lst
rangl
eyouJake

Hi
m:Ohcomeony
oubar
leycanwal
kyour
sel
ftot
hebat
hroom

Me:
Youdi
dn'
tj
ustsai
dthat

Hi
m:Sweet
ie chi
l
lout(
touchi
ngmyhai
r

Me:
Gety
ourf
il
thyhandsofme(
pushi
nghi
m)

Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouwheny
ourmad

Me:
Mxm

Hi
m:Ohwww

(
Iwassopi
ssedasf
)

Hi
m: ar
eyour
eal
l
yser
ious

Me:
Whatdoy
out
hink?

Hi
m:Yournotf
orr
eal
buti
tsokIknowy
our
..
.

Me:
Mywhatdon'
tev
ensayt
hati
tsBczI
'
m pr
egnant

Hi
m:It
hinkso

(
Iwasbeat
inghi
schest
)

Me:
Youpi
ssmeof
f

Hi
m:Ohwt
hathur
ts

Av
a:Heyheyheyy
ouguy
swi
l
lki
l
leachot
her

Me:
Hest
art
edi
t

Hi
m:Noy
oudi
d

Me:
Me?
What
?

Hi
m:Yesy
ou

Av
a:OkOKoki
tdoesn'
tmat
terwho'
sfaul
tisi
tok?
Me:
It
shi
sanyway

Hi
m:Your
s

Av
a:Doy
ouguy
sal
way
sfi
ghtov
erl
i
ttl
ethi
ngs?

Me:
Heal
way
stobebl
amef
orev
eryf
ight

Hi
m:Noi
twasonet
ime

Me:
Ahhhnoal
lof
'em

Hi
m:Ohnononoy
oual
way
sst
artf
ight
s

Me:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayMrEl
l
is?

(
Avawassoannoy
ed)

Av
a:Guuuuuy
s

Us:
What
?

Av
a:Pl
sst
op

(
Irol
l
edmyey
esathi
m)

Hi
m:Di
dyouseet
hat
?Di
dyou?shej
ustr
oll
edherey
esatme

Me:
WhatnoIdi
dn'
t

Av
a:VeeIcamet
ogi
vey
out
his

Me:
Oht
hanky
ou

Av
a:Iwoul
dlov
etost
aybutIcoul
dn'
thandl
ethi
s..
.By
eandpl
sdon'
tki
l
leachot
her

Me:
Hewant
stoki
l
lme

Hi
m:Noy
ou

Av
a:By
ear
ggg

(
Shel
eft
)

Hi
m:CanIhav
esome

Me:
Hav
ewhat
?

Hi
m:Thef
rui
t

Me:
Ohhhnononoi
tsmi
ne
Hi
m:But
..
.

Me:
Butnot
hing.
..Gohomeandeatt
akeashowerandsl
eepy
oul
ookhor
ri
ble

Hi
m:Justabanana

Me:
Wear
e2her
epl
sdon'
tmakemest
rangl
eyou

Hi
m:I
'
mleav
ing.
..Hopey
ourhappy

Me:
Iam

Hi
m:By
eIl
ovey
ou

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Isai
dIl
ovehi
mthebaby

Me:
Oh

Hi
m:(
hel
ookedatme)

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Yourbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Getout

Hi
m:Fi
neI
'
m get
ti
ngout

(
Hel
eft )

Dav
id'
sPOV

Max:
Bossherboy
fri
endl
eftshe'
sal
one

Me:
Don'
tdoany
thi
ngy
etIst
il
lwantt
oknowwhatZoewasdoi
ngt
her
e

Max:
HowcanIf
indt
hatoutBoss?

Me:
Leav
ethatt
omef
ornowdon'
ttouchheri
nfactl
eav
ether
e

Max:
YesBoss

•
•

Chr
ist
ian'
sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thAngel
a)

Her
:Whoi
sthi
smy
ster
iouswomany
ousai
dishel
pingy
ou?

Me:
Itdoesn'
tconcer
nyou.
..Yourj
obi
stowi
nJakeov
ert
henI
'
llt
akecar
ether
est

Her
:I
'mt
ryi
ngt
oohei
gnor
esmycal
l
s

Me:
Wel
ltr
yhar
derwoman

Her
:Buty
ouknowv
erywel
lthatt
heyl
oveeachot
herChr
ist
ian

Me:
AndIal
sol
oveher

Her
:Ihopet
hisdoesn'
tbackf
ir
e

Me:
Noi
twon'
t

Her
:Ir
eal
l
yhope

Me:
Whatar
eyouscar
edf
orAngel
aforJaket
ofi
ndoutt
het
rut
h

Her
:Whatt
rut
hhuh?
(shewascr
ying)

Me:
Don'
tmakemebr
ingupt
hepastmypr
incess

Her
:Jakewi
l
lnev
erf
indoutt
het
rut
hnev
erI
'
m scar
edf
ort
hebabyVeei
scar
ing

Me:
Not
hingwi
l
lhappennowchi
l
lit
'sJakesf
ir
stbor
nri
ght
?

Her
:Shutup

Me:Ohthat
'
swhyy
ouhat
eVeebczshe'
l
lbar
eJakeababyJake'
sfi
rstbor
nbczAv
aisnothi
s
daught
er

Her
:Fucky
ouChr
ist
ian(
shel
eft )

Zoe'
sPOV
(
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
osomenur
semyf
ri
end)

Me:
Plsdot
hispl
s

Her
:Zoei
fIgetcaughtIcanl
osemyj
ob

Me:
Youwon'
tpl
sdot
hisDNA

Her
:Okf
ine

Me:
WhencanIgett
her
esul
ts?

Her
:I'
l
ldot
hem nowy
oucangett
hent
omor
rownoon

Me:
Thanky
ou

(
ThankGodI
'
llf
inal
l
ycl
earsomedoubt
s)

Lucy
'sPOV

(
Iwentt
oseet
heDoct
orf
ort
hescan)

Doc:
Okt
hat
'sahear
tbeatcany
ouheari
t?

Me:
(at
earescapemyey
e)Yes

Doc:
Itsgoi
ngt
obeaheal
thybaby

Me:
PlsIwantt
hephot
osoft
hescanpl
s

Doc:
Nopr
obl
em .
..That
'sal
lfort
oday.
..
wai
tasecIhav
etopr
intt
hese

Me:
YesDoc

(Heleftthencamebackwi
ththepi
ctur
esi
nanenv
elopt
henIl
eftt
ovi
sitSam Idon'
tknowwhy
butIfeltli
ketogi
vehi
mthese)

(
SoIwai
tedf
orhi
minadar
kroom t
her
einpr
isonahhh i
tSmel
l
'shor
ri
bleher
e)

Sam:
Lucy
?

Me:
Sam
Sam:
Youcamet
ovi
sit
?

Me:
Nosi
tdownpl
ease

(
Wesatdown)

Me:
(Igav
ehi
mtheenv
elope)

Hi
m:What
'st
his?

Me:
Openi
t

(
Hedi
dthenhecr
ied i
tbr
okeme)

Hi
m:I
tsmybaby
?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Whyy
ourbei
ngni
cet
ome?

Me:I
'
m notaev
ilper
sonSam andIwon'
tcuty
ouof
fat(
Idi
dn'
twantt
osayt
hisbutIdi
d)our
baby
'sl
if
e

Hi
m:Ohy
ousai
d"our
"

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:IknowIdon'
tdeser
vey
ourki
ndnessbutt
hanky
ou

Me:
i
tsf
ineIbet
tergonow

Hi
m:Wai
t.
..
I'
m sor
ry

(
Atearescapemyey
e)

Me:
Ifor
gav
eyouSam al
ongt
imeago

(
Ilef
tIwenthome)

Mom:
Hunnywher
ewer
eyou?

(
Ihuggedher
)

Me:
Iwentt
otheDoct
or

Mom:
Ist
hebabyOK?

Me:
YesMom .
..Idi
dscant
hent
ookpi
ctur
es

Mom:
Real
l
ywhydi
dn'
tsaysol
etmesee
Me:
NoMom Idon'
thav
ethem

Mom:
Arey
ouOK?

Me:
Igav
ethem t
oSam Iwentt
oseehi
m

Mom:
Ohsweet
ie (
shegav
emeat
ighthug)

Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatIwast
hinki
ng(
Icr
ied)

Mom:
Noy
oudi
dar
ightt
hingbabydon'
tcr
yShhh

Me:
T--
-hanksMom(
myv
oicewasshaki
ng)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Nar
rat
ed

Soit
sbeenaWeekandandev er
ythi
ngisgoingwellont
heFami
l
yVeeandJakear
eget
ti
ng
cl
oserandJakei
str
yinghi
sbesttowinherover.
..

Vee'
sPOV

Si
a:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng

Me:
Towor
k

Si
a:Whyy
ouj
ustgotoutt
hehospi
tal

Me:
OhSi
aIcan'
tst
ayher
eandst
areatt
hewal
l
sei
ther

Si
a:Comeonl
etmedr
ivey
ou
Me:
Ohwwowt
hank.
..Letmel
ookatmy
sel
f..
.Si
aam Iget
ti
ngf
at

Si
a:Huh?
What
?You?
Fat
?noooooo

Me:
Plsbehonestwi
thme

Si
a:Nogi
rl
fr
iendnooo

Me:
Siaaaaa

Si
a:Okf
ineal
i
ttl
e

Me:
Ohhhhw

Si
a:Don'
tbesady
ourst
il
lbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Yout
hink

Si
a:Iknownowcomeonl
et'
sgo

(
Shedrov
emet omywor
kpl
acethenshelef
t..
.Igoti
nohppl
wer
egi
vi
ngmenast
ylooksi
sit
t
hatbad ..
.Iwentt
omyManager
soffi
ce)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
LookIcanexpl
ain.
..

Hi
m:Yourl
ateVee

Me:
Yournotf
ir
ingme?

Him:Whatnosweet
iey
ouwi
l
lbei
npr
egnantwomensect
ionwher
eyou'
l
ltakephot
oswi
thy
our
bel
lyhuh?

Me:
Uhmmm

Hi
m:Imeany
oudi
dn'
tsi
gnt
hatpar
tify
oudon'
twantt
ooi
t'
sok

Me:
Nonotatal
lbutwhati
fIgetcl
oset
ogi
vebi
rt
hwhi
l
eher
e

Hi
m:Uhhhwehav
eDoct
orsher
ewel
ltr
ainedDoct
ors

Me:
Ok

Hi
m:Soy
ourt
aki
ngi
t?

Me:
OfcauseI
'
mtaki
ngi
t

Hi
m:Gr
eat
Me:
SowhencanIst
art
?

Him:We'
ll
call
whenev
erwewantyouok?Bczi
ny ourcondit
ionwel
li
npregnantwomen
condi
ti
onsyouhavey
ourneedssowecan'
tl
etyouwor kl
ikeanyot
hermodelswehave

Me:
Aft
ergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hwhatwi
l
lIdo?

Hi
m:You'
l
lgobackt
oyourr
egul
arj
ob

Me:
Thi
sisgr
eat

Hi
m:Yesofcause

Me:
OkcanIgonow

Hi
m:Yesy
es

Me:
Thanky
ou(
Ilef
tonmywayt
ogetacabJakecal
l
ed)

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Heyy
ougood?

Me:
yahy
ahy
ou?

Hi
m:Veewher
ear
eyou?Whyi
tsnoi
syt
her
e

Me:
I'
m goi
nghomeIcan'
tfi
ndcabsher
ear
ggg

Hi
m:It
oldy
ouwhenev
ery
ouneedt
ogosomewher
eI'
l
ldr
ivey
ou.
..
wher
ear
eyou?

Me:
Ohcomeondon'
texagger
ateI
'
m ok

Hi
m:WHEREAREYOU?
??

Me:
Inf
rontofmywor
kpl
ace

Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ng

Me:
HeyheyheyIt
oldy
ouI
'
mfi
n..
.

(t
i.
..
ti
..
.t
i..
.di
dhej
usthunguponme?Afterafewmi nut
eshear
ri
v edli
keacr azyper
sonhe
openedadoorformeIgotinheal
sogotinhelookedatmehedidn'tdr
ive)

Me:
IknowIknowI
'
m sor
ryIwi
l
lcal
lyounextt
ime

Hi
m:Ther
eisnonextt
ime

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Yes(
hedr
oveof
f)
Me:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngmeJake?
(Iwassoscar
edhewassoangr
yatme)

Jake:
youwon'
tri
skmybaby
'sl
i
feok?

Me:
I'
m sor
ry(
Ilookedsadmant
hisguywi
l
lki
l
lmei
fIdon'
tactnow)

(
Hel
ookedatmet
henhecal
meddownIwasl
i
key
essssss t
ear
sal
way
swi
n)

Jake:
Okf
ineI
'
m sor
ryi
fIscar
edy
ou.
..Pl
sdon'
tmakememadagai
n

Me:
(Idr
oppedat
ear
)ok

Him:(
Hepull
edt hecarover)Don'tcryI
'm sor
ry(
het ur
nedandfacedmeIf acedhi
mthenhe
wipedmyface)don'tcryok(Inodded)areyoubett
ernow? (
Inoddedy
essst ear
sal
wayswor
k )
gi
v emeahug( ohw he'
ssosweetwehuggedt henwepul l
edwelookedateachot
hert
hen
gotcl
osert
henheki ssedmeIki ssedhim backbutIpull
ed)

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Hi
m:Noi
tsmyf
aul
tI'
m sor
ry

(
Okt
hatwasn'
tthepl
anatal
l
)

Me:
Dri
vepl
swher
eev
ery
ourt
aki
ngme

Hi
m:ok

(Helookedsodown..
.Whatam Idoingthisguyistr
yinghe'
sbestt
owi
nmeov
erandI
'
m
pushinghi
m away.
..I
fIkeepondoingthisI'
l
llosehi
mf orev
er)

Hi
m:Wer
ear
ri
ved

Me:
Isn'
tthi
s..
.

Hi
m:Myhousei
tsour
snow

Me:
Our
s?OhnononoI
'
m not
..
.

Hi
m:St
ayi
ngher
e

Me:
YesI
'
m not

Hi
m:NoIsai
dyourst
ayi
ngher
e

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Act
ual
l
ywest
ayi
ngher
e

Me:
Whatnoway

(
Heopenedt
hegar
agehepackedt
hecart
henwenti
nsi
deIf
oll
owedhi
m)
Me;
Jakepl
sdon'
tdot
his

Hi
m:Wi
l
lbeher
eawayf
rom ev
ery
one

Me:
ButJake.
..

Hi
m:Rememberourf
ir
stni
ghther
e?

Me:
(Theni
ghtwemadel
oveher
eIbeti
tst
heni
ghtIgotpr
egnant
)Yes

Hi
m:(
Hegotcl
oset
ome)i
tst
heni
ghtwemadel
oveher
eourf
ir
stni
ghtt
oget
her

Me:
Iknowt
hat(
Ipul
l
edhi
m away
)

Hi
m:Vee?(
Ilookedathi
m)don'
tyouf
eel
any
thi
ngf
ormeany
mor
e?

(
OfcauseIdo ofcauseIdo)

Me:
Whyar
eyouaski
ngmet
hat
?

Hi
m:I
'mt
ryi
ngsohar
dEv eryt
imeI'
mt r
yingtogetcl
oset
oyouy
oupushmeaway.
..Ev
ent
he
ki
sswej
ustshar
ed.
..ImissyouImissy ousomuch

Me:
JakeI
..
.

Hi
m: Don'
tsayany
thi
ngIknowwhaty
ourgoi
ngt
osay
(hewentupst
air
stot
her
oom.
..
Ifol
l
owed
hi
m hewaslayi
ngonhisbackont
hebed)

Me:Idofeelsomet
hingf
ory
ou(
Isatnextt
ohi
m)Ial
way
sdi
dInev
erst
oppednotf
orasecond.
..
ButI'
m scar
edJake

Hi
m:Iwi
l
lnev
erhur
tyouagai
nIpr
omi
sey
ou

Me:
ButAngel
ast
il
ll
ovesy
ou

Hi
m:Wel
lIdon'
tl
oveherIl
ovey
ou

Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)

Hi
m:Andt
her
e'sal
soChr
ist
iant
oo(
her
oll
edhi
sey
es)

Me:
Don'
trol
lyourey
es Idon'
tl
oveChr
ist
ianasaboy
fri
endIl
ovehi
m assf
ri
end

Hi
m:Wel
lIdon'
tl
ovehi
m atal
l

Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoo

Hi
m:Ir
eal
l
ylov
eyouVeeandmybaby

Me:
Il
ovey
out
ooandmybaby
(
Weki
ssed)

Hi
m:Doy
our
emember
..
.

Me:
Iremember

Hi
m:Idon'
trememberi
tcl
ear
lyy
ouknowcar
etor
emi
ndme?

Me:
Ohnotatal
l

(
Weki
ssed)

Me:
Ahhht
hebabyki
ckedgi
vemey
ourhand

(
Hef
elti
t)

Hi
m:Forthefi
rstt
ime(heki
ssedmybel
l
y)Yourgoi
ngt
obeachampi
on.
..Heki
ckedbczhef
elt
hi
sFather'
spr
esence

Me:
Real
l
y?

Hi
m:Yesandbczt
hisi
swher
ehewasconcei
ved

Me:
Youl
i
e

(
Heki
ssedmeagai
nthenmemadel
ove)

Zoe'
sPOV

(
Dav
ident
eredatt
hedoor
)

Me:
OhMommyi
snother
e

Hi
m:I
'
m her
efory
ou

Me:
OhwhatdoIowet
hesur
pri
sev
isi
t?

Hi
m:Whoi
sSi
vi
we?

Me:
(ActdumbactdumbZoe)She'
soneofourpat
ient
satwor
kbutshe'
smi
neact
ual
l
y

Hi
m:Yourf
ri
endswi
thher
?

Me:
YesI'
mf r
iendswit
hev er
ypati
entatwor
ksoIcanr
elat
etot
hem.
..
whyar
eyouaski
ngme
t
hat.
..Whatdoy ouwantonthatgi
rl
Hi
m:Not
hing

Me:
Iknowt
hewayy
oul
ovey
ounggi
rl
sIst
il
lknowwhaty
oudi
dal
ongt
imeagoBr
other

Hi
m:ShutupZoe

Me:
Yousl
eptwi
thay
ounggi
rl

Hi
m:Isai
dSHUTUP

Me:
Andi
mpr
egnather

(
Hesl
appedme)

Zoe:
That
'
swhatyourcapableofbeat
ingdefencel
esswomen..
.Wherei
sshe?
..
.Yougav
eher
moneysoshecoul
ddisappearaf
tert
hat..
.Yoursontookf
rom you

(
Hewal
kedaway
)

Me:
Ify
oul
ayaf
ingeronSi
vi
weI
'
llki
l
lyouwi
thmybar
ehandsy
ouani
mal

(
Hewal
kedoutoft
hedoor.
..IswearI
'
llki
l
lhi
m..
.)

-Chapt
er24-

(
It
sthenex
tmor
ning)

(IwokeupJakewasn'tar
oundIcalledforhi
m hewasn'tanswer
ing.
..May
behe'
sdownstai
rs.
..I
wasabouttowalkoutoftheroom whenhe'sphonerangItooki
t.. ANGELA..
.Iwent
downstai
rsIf
oundhim makingbreakfast
)

Hi
m:Heyy
ouj
ustr
uinedt
hesur
pri
se

(
Igav
ehi
mthephonet
henwentt
oshowerwhi
l
ehewasanswer
ing.
..
)

Hi
m:Babei
tsnotwhati
tsl
ooksl
i
ke

Me:
IknowIknow
(
Ist
ri
ppednakedt
ogeti
ntheshowert
hent
urnedont
hewat
er)

Hi
m:OkI
'
llf
ini
shbr
eakf
ast

(
Hel
eft.
..OkI
'
lll
ett
hissl
i
dbutIam al
i
ttl
ejeal
ous.
..Al
i
ttl
e )

(
Aft
erdoneshower
ingIwor
ehi
sT-
shi
rtt
henwentdownst
air
s)

Hi
m:I
ssui
tsy
ou

Me:
Whatdi
dyout
alkabout

Hi
m:It
oldhernott
ocal
lmeagai
n

(
Chr
ist
iancal
l
ed)

Hi
m:Vee

Me:Chr
ist
ian(
whyishecall
i
ngmeIdon'
twantpr
obl
emsbonanj
e..
.Jaker
oll
edhi
sey
esand
l
ookedatmewi t
hsuspensi
on)

Hi
m:Canwemeet

Me:
Ican'
tChr
ist
ianI
'
m wi
tht
heFat
herofmyChi
l
d

Hi
m:Ohy
ourbackt
oget
her

Me:
Yeswer
ebackt
oget
her

Hi
m:Ohwi
t'
sgoodt
houghespeci
all
yfort
hebaby

Me:
Yah

Hi
m:Uhm okIbet
tergo

Me:
Yahsur
e

(
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l.
..Jakedi
shedf
orme.
..
giv
ingmet
hescar
yey
es)

Me:
What
?(Bi
ti
ngataBacon)

Hi
m:Not
hing

Me:
Wai
t..
.wher
edoest
hisf
oodcomef
rom?

Hi
m:( Iboughti
t

Me:
Whendi
dyouwakeup?
Hi
m:Idon'
trememberbutv
eryear
ly

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:Iwant
edt
omakebr
eakf
astf
ormybaby

Me:
Ohwww

Hi
m:Andapol
ogi
se i
sitwor
king?

Me:
Tot
all
y

Hi
m:Hmmm(
hegotcl
oset
omeheki
ssedmeIwr
appedmyl
egsar
oundhi
swai
st)

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
Tal
ki
ngt
oMax)

Me:
Lookf
indany
thi
ngy
oucanaboutt
hisgi
rl.
..Hernamei
sSi
vi
wePhol
a..

Iwantmor
einf
ormat
ionabouther.
..Iwantt
oknowev
ery
thi
ngandImeanev
ery
thi
ng

Max:
YesBoss

(
Helef
tther
e'ssomet
hingaboutt
hisgi
rl.
..Whi
l
eIwasi
nthoset
hought
sav
erybeaut
if
ull
ady
wal
kedtomyhouse)

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Her
:NoonebutIknowy
ou

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant

Her
:(
Shegotcl
oset
ome)I
'
mint
erest
edt
otheper
sony
ouri
nter
est
edt
o

Me:
Andwho'
sthat

Her
:Ourwor
stni
ght
mar
eSi
vi
we

Me:
Whatdoy
ouknowabouther
?Andwhyshe'
smywor
stni
ght
mar
e?

Her:
(Shelaughed)Don'ty
ouknowyetMrOl
i
ve.
..Whenshef
ind'
soutaboutherpastshewi
l
l
dest
royyouwithouteventhi
nki
ngt
wice

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?Whoi
sthatgi
rl
?
Her
:It
oldy
ourwor
stni
ght
mar
e

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Her
:(shechuckedt
henwal
kedout
)

Me:
HowcanIf
indy
ouagai
n

Her
:(
shest
oppedandl
ookedatme)Don'
twor
ryMrOl
i
veI
'
llf
indy
ou

(
Shel
eft.
..Whoi
sthat
?)

Angel
'
sPOV

(Iwil
lnev
erfor
getwhatIdi
d Idon'tdeservetobecal
l
edaMot her t hat'
swhyIchoseJake
torai
seherbczhecanrai
seherwellandyethedid Ican'
tgetthatni
ghtoutofmyheadnor
whyIdidit AndJakewi l
lneverl
ovemebutmydaught ercanI
'llt
ryt
owinherlov
e
alt
houghIdon'
tdeser
veit IknowIdon't)

I
'
llcont
inuel
ater

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(Ther
e'sanewpersoni
ntown .
..
soJaketookmetoSi
a'
spl acet
ogetmystuf
fhelef
tme
outsi
dethenher
ushedtowor
kwekissedgoodby
ehel
eft
..
.Ibumpedi
ntot
hisGuy)

Hi
m:Sor
ryMi
ss

Me:
It
sokIwasn'
tl
ooki
ng

(Heli
ft
edhisheadhel
ookedatmewi
thsuspi
ciousey
est
henl
ookedatmybel
l
ymybel
l
ywas
star
ti
ngtoshow)
Me:What?(
heranaway)Heyheyy oungmanwai t..
.Youdropped..
.(
hevanished)something(I
l
ookedatiti
tsaverybeauti
ful
war t
ch)Andlooksexpensi
vetoobuthedidn'tlookri
chmay behe
muggeditsomewhere(argggkidsbutI
'l
lkeepitj
usti
ncase...Iwentt
oSia'sapartmentIfound
heronthephonebutdroppedit
)

Me:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
e

Her
:Whynot
..
.wher
ewer
eyou?

Me:
AtJakes

Her
:What
?Yourbackt
oget
her
?

Me:
Yep

Her
:I
'm sohappyf
ory
ou (
shehuggedme)

Me:
I'
m mov
ingi
nwi
thhi
m

Her
:Ohwwhen

Me:
Now

Her
:.
..

Me:
IknowI
'
m sor
ryt
oleav
eli
ket
hisi
tsj
usthewant
smecl
oset
ohi
m

Her
:Yahsur
eI'
m happyi
fyourhappy

Me:
Youragoodf
ri
end

Her
:Yourt
hebestf
ri
end

(SoIpackedmyt hi
ngsshehelpedmet henshet
ookmet her
et henshelef
tIgotin..
.Iadmir
ed
thatwat
chi t
ssobeautif
ulandvaluablehowcanIeverf
indthepersonwhodr oppedit
? . .
.
AnywayItookacabt othemalltodosomeshoppi ngIwentforgrocer
ies.
..
soIsawbeautif
ul
babytoysforboysIwantedtogetsomebutIwasdoubt i
ngit..
.Iwasbendinglooki
ngatthe
toyswhenat rol
l
eyhitmefrom behind)

Me:
Ouchmyass

"
Owsor
ryMi
ss"

Me:
You?

Hi
m:You?

Me:
Wowweshoul
dst
opmeet
ingl
i
ket
his

Hi
m:Ar
eyouok?
Me:
YahI
'
mfi
ne

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

(
Hel
ookedatmeasi
fheknowsmehesmi
l
edatme)

Me:
DoIknowy
ou?

Hi
m:(
Heputonast
rai
ghtf
ace)Nono

Me:
Nonowhydi
dyougi
vemet
hatl
ookt
hismor
ning?

Hi
m:I
'
mrushi
ngsomewher
eMi
sssor
ryMa'
am

Me:
I'
m notmar
ri
ed"
Miss"

Hi
m:Sor
ryMi
ss

(
Thenav
erybeaut
if
uly
oungl
adycamet
ous)

Her
:HeybabyIf
ou.
..
Who'
sthi
s?

Hi
m:AwomanIj
ustmether
e

(
Theywal
kedaway
)

Me:
Hey

(
Theyt
urned)

Me:
Youdroppedt
his(Igav
ehimit.
..Hel
eft.
..He'
sastr
angeman..
.Idi
dmygr
ocer
yshoppi
ng
t
henwenthomeIfoundJake.
..
hecametomer unni
ngandhuggedme)

Jake:
don'
tev
erl
eav
eli
ket
hati
nfor
m menextt
imeok?

Me:
Iwentt
obuygr
ocer
ybabyt
hat
'
snotabi
gdeal

Hi
m:Don'
tscar
emepl
sI'
l
lkeepy
ouher
eI'
l
ldogr
ocer
ymy
sel
f

Me:
JakeI
'
m pr
egnantnotsi
ck

Hi
m:BabeI
'
m scar
edy
ou'
l
l(hecut
shi
msel
f).
..Justdon'
tok?

Me:
(Hel
ookedwor
ri
ed)I
'
m sor
rybabypl
sdon'
tbemadatme

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryi
tsj
ustIwanty
out
obesaf
e

Me:
Iam saf
ewi
thy
ou

Hi
m:(
hesmi
l
edatme)Ofcausey
ouar
e(wehugged)
Me:
OhImetamant
oday
..
.

Hi
m:Ohw

Me:
Babe?Yournotj
eal
ousar
eyou?He'
sol
denought
obemyol
derBr
other

Hi
m:SodoI

Me:Comeony
ournotthatol
dthanme.
..
(hel
ookedatme)okf
ineal
i
ttl
ebuti
tsnotl
i
ket
hat
pl
ushehasagir
lf
ri
end

Hi
m:Fi
net
alk

Me:Aft
eryoudroppedmeof
fatSi
a'
saguypassbymeanddr
oppedhi
swat
chav
erybeaut
if
ul
val
uablegol
drarewatch

Hi
m:Whatmakesy
out
hinki
tsr
are

Me:
Babyy
oudi
dn'
tsawi
t..
.Itwasnotl
i
keot
herwat
ches

Hi
m:May
bei
twasacompass

Me:
Ver
yfunny noi
twasn'
tIknowacompass ok

Hi
m:Oksor
ryt
alk

Me:thenhelookedatmewithstr
angeey
esasi
fheknowsmet
henher
anIt
ri
edt
otel
lhi
m
abouthiswatchbuthedi
sappeared

Hi
m:Hewasaghost

Me:
Letmef
ini
shj
eez

Hi
m:Sor
ry cont
inue

Me:
thenIsawhi
m att
hemal
ltoday

Hi
m:Whatacoi
nci
dence

Me:
Yaht
henhel
ookedatmewi
tht
hoseey
esagai
nthenhe'
sgi
rl
fr
iendar
ri
ved

Hi
m:Hedi
dn'
thur
tyour
ight
?

Me:
What
?Nowhywoul
dhe

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow

Me:
Nof
ir
sthebumpedi
ntomet
hesecondt
imehi
str
oll
eybumpedmyass

Hi
m:what
?Why
?Wasn'
thel
ooki
ngatt
her
oadhewasgoi
ng?
Me:
Don'
tbesodr
amat
icbabeIhar
dlyf
elti
t

Hi
m:Noman'
str
oll
eywi
l
lbumpmygi
rl
sassok

Me:

Hi
m:I
'
m ser
ious

(
Wewer
elaughi
ngabout
)

Khany
o'sPOV

(Heyguy sI'
m khanyoJamesmyMom diedmanyyear
sagoshewasnev
ermar r
iedmyDadjust
dissapearedimlooki
ngforhi
m her
eI'
m 33y
earsol
dI'm mar
ri
edt
oAshleyJamesshe'
s32
yearsold)

Her
:Sobabywhowast
hatwoman?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Her
:Shehady
ourwat
ch(
she'
sav
eryj
eal
ouswi
fe andIl
oveherf
ort
hat)

Me:
Shel
ookedl
i
kesomeonet
hat
sal
l

Her
:Who?

Me:
Sher
emi
ndedmeofmyFat
herbabysi
l
lyr
ight

Her
:Ohwy
ahsi
l
ly

(Nohereyes,
herl
ips,
herever
ythingthewaysheisherki
ndnessremindedmeofmyf ather i
ts
l
ikeIwasseeingDadagainforthefir
stti
meinforev
er..
.Ipul
ledmyDad' sol
dphot ohewas
weari
ngthewatchIhavenowhel ef
titf
ormewhenIwasl it
tl
eIsti
ll
hav eit.
..Ineedt
of i
ndout
somethi
ngaboutthatwoman)

Vee'
sPOV

(
OhIpul
l
edmyPar
ent
spi
ctur
esohImi
ssMom somuchIshoul
dgoandv
isi
ther
)
"
Wha'
chudoi
n?"

Me:
Not
hing

Hi
m:Letmesee

Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
easl
eep

Hi
m:Wel
lI'
m not

(
Igav
ehi
m)

Hi
m:Yourpar
ent
s

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:YourDaddi
edt
oo?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:How?

Me:
Hewaski
l
ledbygangs.
..Ihat
egangssomuch

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:Af
terwhathappenedt
omyDadIhat
edt
hem t
heyl
i
vef
orspl
i
tti
ngot
her
sppl
sbl
oodt
hat
's
i
nhuman

Hi
m:Somear
etr
yingt
omakeal
i
ving

Me:
Idon'
tcar
easaper
sony
ouhav
etomakeanhonestl
i
vingwet
ri
edl
ookwher
ewear
e

Hi
m:Don'
tj
udget
hem Babey
oudon'
tknowt
hei
rreasons

Me:
Whyy
ourdef
endi
ngt
hem?

Hi
m:I
'
m not.
..I
'
m sor
ry

Me:
It
sfi
ney
ourr
ightIwon'
tj
udget
hem now

Hi
m:Youhav
ehi
sey
es

Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)

Hi
m:Andsmi
l
e

Me:

Hi
m:YourMot
her
'sski
n beaut
y ey
ebr
ows andshape
Me:
Ohwt
hanky
ouMrEl
l
is

Hi
m:Yourwel
comeFut
ureMr
sEl
l
is

Me:
Ohw

(
Weki
ssedt
henwentt
osl
eep)

-Chapt
er25-

(
It
sthenex
tdayIwokeup)

Me:
He'
snother
eagai
n

(
Isawapaperwr
it
ten{
Iwentt
owor
kear
lyIhadanear
lymeet
ing.
.Il
ovey
ou}

Me:
Ohgr
eat

(Imadeupt hebedt
hentookashowert
henwentdownst
air
sImademy
sel
fbr
eakf
astt
hent
he
doorbel
lrangesIwentt
othedoor)

"
Heyi
sMrEl
l
ishome?
"

Me:
Nohe'
satwor
k

"
I'
m Johnt
ell
him pl
sIcameby
"

Me:
Sur
e

Hi
m:Andgi
vehi
mthi
s

Me:
(i
twasanenv
elope)Sur
eI'
l
lgi
vehi
m

Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
..
soy
ourhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?

Me:
Uhmmm y
ah

Hi
m:I
'
m hi
sfr
iend(
wehandshake)ni
cet
ofi
nal
l
yseey
ou

Me:
Owk

(
Hel
eft.
..He'
sfr
iendohk)

•
•

Khany
o'sPOV

Me:
BabyI
'
mleav
ing(
shout
ingwal
ki
ngdownt
hest
air
s)

Her
:(
shewal
kedbehi
ndme)Soear
ly?

Me:
YesIhav
eav
eryi
mpor
tantmeet
ing

Her
:Okl
etmef
ixy
ourt
ie

Me:
Ohwt
hanky
ou.
.

Her
:Yourwear
ingy
ourwat
ch

Me:
Ofcausei
tsmyl
uckychar
m

Her
:Okby
e

(Iki
ssedhergoodbyeIl
eft.
..Wenttoworkt
odaywearemaki
ngdealswi
thoneoft
hebiggest
businesscompany'
sint
hecountryIcan'
twai
tandIhav
emyFather
'swat
chonitbr
ingsl
uck..
.)

Zoe'
sPOV

(
Howam Igoi
ngt
otel
lVeeaboutherbei
ngmyni
ece? )

"
MommyI
'
m hungr
y"

Me:
OhKat
eyoural
way
shungr
ybyami
nut
e..
.Her
eeaty
ourcer
eal
sowecangeti
tgoi
ng

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
Iwasatmyof
fi
cewhent
hatl
adyappear
edagai
n)

Her
:Goodmor
ningMrOl
i
ve
Me:
Mor
ningMr
s..
.

Her
:I
tdoesn'
tmat
terweneedt
otal
kbusi
nessnow

Me:
Busi
nessbutIdon'
tev
enknowy
ou

Her
:Youdon'
thav
etooIgoti
nfor
mat
iont
haty
oumi
ghtneed

Me:
It
sjustIdon'
ttr
ust
..
.

Her
:Youhavenochoi
ceMrOli
veseeher
eit
'sawi
nwi
nsi
tuat
ionwebot
hgetr
idoft
hegi
rlt
hen
webothgetwhatwedeser
ve

Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanaboutt
hat

Her
:Si
vi
wei
syourBr
other
sdaught
er

Me:
That
'si
mpossi
ble

Her
:Thent
ell
mewhyy
oursi
steri
ssoi
nter
est
edi
nthatgi
rl
?

Me:
Howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?

Her
:MrOl
i
vey
ouneedmej
ustl
i
keIneedy
ou(
shesatonmydeskt
henbr
ushedmychest
)

Her
:YouseeMrOl
i
ve

Me:
Ineedev
idences

Her
:I
'v
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
out
osayt
hat.
..Her
e(shegav
emepaper
s)

Me:
What
?

Her
:Nowdoy
oubel
i
eveme(
shesmi
l
edatme)

Me:
Whoar
eyour
eal
l
y?(
Ismi
l
edather
)

Her
:Hmmm

(
Shel
eft
)

(
WowI
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hismomentf
oral
ongt
ime.
..Fi
nal
l
y)

Vee'
sPOV
(
It
sget
ti
ngl
ateJakei
snothomey
etI
'
m get
ti
ngwor
ri
ed.
..Icookeddi
nner
)

"
HunnyI
'
m home"

Me:
HeyBabe

(
Webabyki
ssed)

Hi
m:Sor
ryI
'
mlat
e

Me:
Plscal
lnextt
ime

Hi
m:I
tsj
ustaf
termeet
ingwewentt
ocel
ebr
ate

Me:
Ohi
twasagooddeal

Hi
m:Yep

Me:
Let
'
seatIcooked

Hi
m:Youcancook

Me:
Todayy
oumadebr
eakf
astIdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng

Hi
m:Okokl
etseat

Me:
Good (
weat
e)

Khany
o'sPOV

(
Wewer
ewat
chi
ngTVandmybaby
)

Her
:Sowhydi
dn'
tyoucel
ebr
atey
ourgooddeal

Me:
Idon'
tknowI
'
m noBossmyl
ove

Her
: y
ahy
ournotIknow Iwasj
ustaski
ng

Me: Idon'
tknowke

Her
:Soy
ourwat
chi
swor
kinghuh?

Me:I
tal
way
sdoes.
..
Theywer
ever
yki
ndppl
Ithoughtbczt
heyar
eri
chandweal
thyt
heywi
l
llook
downonus
Her
:Ohwow

Me:
Yahl
et'
sgot
obedI
'
mti
red

Her
:I
'm notsl
eepyy
oual
way
sdot
his

Me:
Plsmywi
fe

Her
:Iwantt
owat
chal
i
ttl
elonger

Me:
Wecandosomet
hingel
set
hat
'
llmakey
ousl
eepyaf
ter

Her
:Babyno

Me:
Plssss

Her
:Babywe'
vebeent
ryi
ngf
orababyf
oral
ongt
imenowbutst
il
l

Me:
It
sokmyl
ovet
heset
hingst
aket
ime

Her
:It
hinkweneedt
oseeaDoct
or

Me:
Ofcausebabywhat
every
ouwant.
..What
every
ouwant

(
Thenwewentt
oourr
oom)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Wewer
eget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orbed)

Me:
Ohbabyt
hiscamef
ory
out
hismor
ning

Hi
m;(
hewasbr
ushi
nghi
steet
hatt
hebat
hroom Iwasl
ayi
ngi
nbed)Whati
sit
?

Me:I
tsaEnvel
op.
..
AguynamedJohndroppedi
ther
ehewassofor
mal hewasWeari
ngabl
ack
sui
tIdi
dn'
tknowyouhadot
herf
ri
endsphofIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadfr
iendsatf
ir
statal
l

Hi
m:Letmesee

(
Heopenedi
t..
.He'
sfacechanged)

Me:
Babe?

Hi
m:
Me:
Babe?

Hi
m:Huh?

Me:
Arey
ouok?

Hi
m:Yahy
ahsur
emyl
ovel
et'
ssl
eepI
'
mti
red

Me:
Come(
hegotundercov
erswesl
ept
)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
Mor
ning)

Me:
Jake(
shaki
nghi
mtowakeup)

Hi
m:(
Inasl
eepyv
oice)What
?What
?

Me:
Yourl
atef
orwor
k

Hi
m:Chi
l
lbabyI
'
llgol
ater

Me:
Oh.
..Why
?

Hi
m:I
'
mtoot
ir
ed

Me:
Iwassowor
ri
ed

Hi
m:I
tsni
cet
oseet
haty
oucar
e

Me: Idoal
ot

Hi
m:Hmmm (
heki
ssedmyf
orehead)l
ett
akeal
ongwar
m sweetbat
htoget
her

Me:
Greati
dea

•
•

Unknown

Heyy'al
lI'
mthe'myster
ygir
l' wel lyouallknowmeandy oual
lwi
l
l beshockedwhenIt
ell
you
mytrueident
it
y sowel ll
et'
sjustkeepitl
ikethisok?BczIknowyou'
ll
tel
lVee shedoesn't
hav
et oknow...Shedoesn'
thavetoknow( Evill
augh )

Vee'
sPOV

(Jakei
sst
il
lgett
ingdr
essedI'
m doi
ngmyhai
rwhenhe'
sphonerangi
twasbesi
desoIwas
goingt
opassitt
ohim buthej
umpedfori
t ok..
.Hewentoutt
oanswer)

Me:
Whatt
hehack?

(
Aft
er30mi
nut
eshegoti
nIact
ednor
mal
)

Me:
Ony
ourwayt
owor
kpl
sdr
opmeatt
hemal
l

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Igott
hingst
odo

Hi
m:Whatki
ndoft
hings?

Me:
Hai
bo.
..
(Ipoppedmyey
esLooki
ngathi
m)

Hi
m:Veewhatki
ndoft
hings?

Me:
Thi
ngsJaket
hings

Hi
m:I
'
lll
endy
ousomemoney

Me:
Ihav
emyownl
et'
sgopl
s

(
Iwasweari
ngmyfloweredshor
tdr
esswi
thbr
ownsandl
esandasunhati
nwaspr
ett
yhot
..
.I
wal
kedoutf
ir
sthewalkedbehi
ndme)

Me:
Hur
ryy
ourassupIknowIl
ookgood

Hi
m:Iwasn'
tl
ooki
ng

Me:
Yahr
ight

Hi
m:Butcan'
tIj
ustl
ookatmybaby
(I
nheadI'
mt hi
nki
ngy
oujustgotacallandwentouttoansweri
tandfor30mi
nyoubet
ternot
becheat
ingonmeagainorIswearIswearI
'l
lneverf
orgi
veyouthi
sti
me)

(
Aft
ersomet
imewer
ear
ri
ved)

Me: Thankyouby e(hepoutedforakissIjustgotoutofthecarandgotinsidethemall.

..
I'
m
pissedy az.
..
Idon'
tevenknowwhyI '
m hereI'
m sodramat i
c..
.IwenttospurIorder
edBur ger
thenshoppedf orli
ngeri
eformybaby r edlinger
ie..
.Thensomef ewfoodi t
ems...ThenIsaw
thewat chguypassingbyIr anaft
erhim Ihel
dhi sarm)

Me:
Hy

Hi
m:Ohhey

Me:
I'
m Si
vi
webutppl
cal
lmeVee

Hi
m:I
'
m Khany
oppl
cal
lmeKhany
o

Me:
Yoursof
unny

Hi
m: canwesi
tandor
dersomet
hing

Me:
Sur
esur
e..
.Let
'sgot
oDebonai
rs

Hi
m:Sur
e

(
Wegoti
nwet
ookseat
sthen)

Hi
m:Sowhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?

Me:
Iwant
edt
ogetoutoft
hehousewoah

Hi
m:What
?Youcan'
tst
andy
ourf
ami
l
y

Me:
ohi
tsmyboy
fri
endbuthe'
satwor
know

Hi
m:Ohy
ouwi
thsomeonephofImeany
ourpr
egnantandal
l

Me:
i
sitshowi
ng?

Hi
m:Yes.
.Don'
twor
ryi
tsnotbad

Me:
Yout
hinkso?

Hi
m:Yesy
ourgr
eat

Me:
NowIf
eel
bet
ter.
..Whyy
ourher
e?

Hi
m:Ohwehadadayof
fatwor
ktoday.
..Thesecompani
esar
ecool

Me:
Ohy
ouwor
kforacompany
?
Hi
m:Yes.
..
I'
m adesi
gnerIdr
awbr
idgesandbui
l
dings

Me:
Ohr
eal
l
ymyboy
fri
endownoneoft
hebi
ggestcompani
esher
e

Hi
m:Whi
chone?

Me:
Craf
tSi
teshe'
sJakeEl
l
is

Hi
m:MrEl
l
isIknowhi
m

Me:
Ohwow

Hi
m:Ohhe'
smyBosshe'
sav
erygoodBoss

Me:
Soy
ourbosseswentt
owor
kbuty
oudi
dn'
t

(
I'
mtr
yingt
osucksomei
nfor
mat
ion)

Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nksot
heyar
etheoncewhosai
dwemustgetr
est

Me:
Ohsi
ncet
hecel
ebr
ati
ont
ookl
ongl
astni
ght

Hi
m:Ther
ewasnocel
ebr
ati
on

Me:
Ohy
eaht
her
ewasnocel
ebr
ati
oni
tsj
ustI
'
m mi
xi
ngupday
s

(
Hel
i
edt
ome HELI
ED)

Hi
m:Yahbuti
tswor
ktomor
row

Me:
That
'sgr
eat.
..Ohy
ouhav
eabeaut
if
ulwi
febyt
heway

Hi
m:Howdi
dyouseet
hat
?

Me:
Isawherr
ingshel
i
kebar
elywant
edmet
oseei
t

Hi
m:She'
saj
eal
ouswoman

Me:
She'
sri
ghtI
'
m al
soj
eal
ousf
ormyman

(
Wel
aughedwhi
l
eeat
ing)

Hi
m:Sohav
eanyf
ami
l
ymember
s?

Me:
I'
m af
rai
dnomybot
hpar
ent
sdi
edandIhav
enosi
bli
ngs

Hi
m:Ohsameher
e

Me:
That
'ssadv
erysad

Hi
m:Yah
Me:
Thatwat
chi
sreal
l
ybeaut
if
ul

Hi
m:Thanky
oumyDadgav
eitt
omewhenIwasv
eryy
oung

Me:
Whathappenedt
ohi
m?

Hi
m:Hewasshott
hat
'sal
lIknow

Me:
Minet
oobuthewasshotbuygangst
ers

Hi
m:Washeagangst
er?

Me:
MyMom sai
dhewasIdon'
tknow

(
Wet al
kedforawhilet
henwelef
tIwenthome.
..It
ookal
ongbatht
henputonmyLingeri
e
t
hencookeddinnerIwai
tedf
orJaket
ohomecomehecamel at
ewhil
eIwasstar
ti
ngtolose
i
nter
est
ed)

Me:
HeybabyIt
ookof
fhe'
sbl
azerandt
ie

Hi
m:I
'
mti
redVeeIneedt
osl
eep

Me:
Imadedi
nnerspeci
alf
ory
ou

Him:
Siv
iweI'
mt i
red(
her
ushedupst
air
shenev
ercall
edmet hat..
. okw. ..It
urnedof
fthe
l
ight
sIwenttosl
eephedi
dn'
tfacemyside fineIsl
eptheart
brokenofcause )

-Chapt
er26-

(Idi
dn'
tsleepawinkl
astni
ght I'
m sohurtIwokeupi
twas5am Iwentt
ot heki
tchent
omake
breakf
astIsti
l
lhadmyli
ngeri
eonaftersomet
imeJakewal
kdownthestai
rs)

hi
m:Mor
ning

me:
Mor
ning

(
Idi
shedf
orhi
m andf
ormet
oo)

hi
m:Thanks
(
He'
snotev
enapol
ogi
singaboutl
astni
ght WOW)

Me:
Youcamehomel
atel
astni
ght

hi
m:Yahi
twasal
otofpaperwor
k

me:
OwIguessy
ouwer
ereal
l
yti
red

hi
m:Yes

(
Igotcl
oset
ohi
m Ibr
ushedhi
sbackgent
lyImi
ssmymanguy
sreal
l
yIdon'
tknowwhatgot
i
ntohi
m)

hi
m:Igot
tagot
owor
k

me:
Whati
sitJake?

hi
m:St
ophi
dingbehi
ndwor
kev
eryt
imeIt
ryt
obei
nti
mat
ewi
thy
ou

hi
m:Yourt
ryi
ng

me:JakeImadespecialdi
nnerforyoul
astni
ghtyoudi
dn'
tevensayany
thi
ngIboughtt
hisf
or
you(poi
nti
ngtomylingeri
e)youdidn'
tevenl
ookatme(hegotcl
osetome)

hi
m:BabeIdi
dn'
tnot
iceI
'
m sor
ry

me:
DoIdi
sgusty
ouJake?

hi
m:Nononomyl
ovey
ourdon'
t

me:(
Thatwasn'
tenoughatal
l
)gogetr
eadyf
orwor
kJake(
Itookabat
hhet
ri
edt
ojoi
nme)Oh
nonotakeashower

hi
m:What
?Why
?Iwantt
otakeabat
hwi
thy
ou

me:
Wel
lyournot

hi
m:Yourmadatme?

me:
Yourgonnabel
atef
orwor
k

(
hewenttotheshower
..
.wher
eev
erhe'
sgoi
ngI
'
m goi
ngTODAYI
STHEDAY.
..
hewasdoneI
wasdone)

me:
What
'sony
ourwai
ts?

hi
m:Not
hingj
ustast
ret
ch

me:
Jaaakedon'
tmakemel
osei
tthat
'
sascar

hi
m:If
ell
babe
me:
Don'
tbabeme

hi
m:Babewhat
'swr
ong?

me:
Yourhandl
eyourphonecal
l
sinpr
ivat
eyoursecr
eti
veandy
ouraski
ngmewhat
'swr
ong?

hi
m:Babei
twasj
ustwor
k

me:
Thesecr
ets?

hi
m:Whatsecr
ets?

me:
Comi
nghomel
ate

hi
m:I
twaswor
ktoo.
..myl
oveIwoul
dnev
erl
i
etoy
ou(
ohy
esy
ourar
enow)

me:
Ok

hi
m:Soy
ourgood

me:
Me?
OhI
'
m good(
Ilaughedsar
cast
ical
l
y )

hi
m:Ar
eyousur
ecozy
ourl
aughi
ngwei
rd

me:
Ohhhhf
ineI
'
m 100%FI
NE

(Iworemyfl
oweredshor
tdresswit
hpl
atpumpsheworebl
uejeans,
Whi
teshi
rtt
hent
ookhi
s
carkeyst
henlef
tItookmypurseandmyshadesIt
ookacab)

me:
Sirf
oll
owt
hatcarDON'
TLOSEI
T

hi
m:Cheat
inghusband

Me:
Ihopenot

hi
m:Ok

(
hedr
oveof
f)

Chr
ist
ian'
sPOV

me:
LikeIsaddonothur
tVee

her
:NoIwi
l
lnotbuti
fsheget
sinmywayIhav
enochoi
ceMrC
me:
Layy
ourf
ingert
ohersi
ngl
ehai
rI'
l
lki
l
lyou

her
:Chi
l
llov
erboywhydi
dyout
wobr
okeupi
fyoust
il
ll
oveher
?

me:
That
'snoneofy
ourbusi
ness

her
:(si
ppi
nghergl
assofwi
ne)
mmm may
bey
ourt
err
ibl
einbad

me:
Veei
snotahoe

her
:Shet
ookmyJake

me:
It
snotherf
aul
tJakenev
ernot
icedy
ouev
enwhenhepassy
ou

her
:(
shegotangr
yandst
oodupandl
ookedatme)br
ingupJakesnameI
'
llki
l
lyou

me:
Youhav
etoki
l
lAngel
afi
rst

her
:Igott
hatundercont
rol

me:
Youbet
ter.
..nooneknowsaboutpl
ansot
hert
hanbot
hofusr
ight
?

her
:Ofcausenooneknows

me:
Good

Angel
'
sPOV

(
Iwaswalki
ngdownthestreetwhenacarstar
tedt
ofol
lowmeIst
art
edt
oincr
easemypace
t
henIf
eltsomeonehol
dingmyhandIturnedwithf
ear
)

me:
Dav
id

hi
m:(
hesmi
l
ed)Angel
a

(
Ihadt
heshockofmyl
i
fet
hel
astt
imeIsawt
hismanwast
heni
ghtwespentt
oget
her )

Vee'
sPOV
hi
m:Her
e'sy
ourhusband

me:
Thanky
ouy
ougood

hi
m:Thankspl
spayupnowt
hisnei
ghbor
hoodi
sver
ydanger
ous

me:
Howmuchwi
l
lthatcostme?

(
IpaidupIgotoutofthecarIhadmyarmssidetosi
deIt
ir
edashel
li
tsl
i
keIwasr
unni
ng.
..I
wentther
eIknockatallmacul
arguypoppedoutohwowhe'
sbi
g)

me:(
IhadmymoodsIdi
dn'
tcar
ehowbi
ghewas)I
'
mlooki
ngf
ormymanhej
ustent
ered
t
his.
..
thi
spl
ace

hi
m:Ladypl
sgo

me:(
Iputonasmileyf
aceIl
ookedathi
m agai
n)Si
rmybabyi
shur
ti
ngIneedt
hatmani
nsi
de
her
eNOW (Ichangedmyatt
it
ude)

hi
m:Ma'
am pl
s..
.

me:
Lookher
eSi
rify
ouwantt
okeept
hishor
ri
blej
obofy
our
syoubet
teropenup

hi
m:Ma'
am.
..

me:
Fort
hel
astt
ime(
Iwasbur
ningupf
uri
ouswi
thanger
)LetmePASSSS

(
Heopenedi
t)

me:
Thanky
ou

(IsawGUNS,
KNI
FE'
Sal
lki
ndsofshar
pst
ufft
oki
l
lpl
ust
her
eal
otofhal
fnakedt
att
ooedmen
here Hmmm ..

Veesnapoutofi
tyourher
efory
ourman.
..t
hemenkeptwhi
stl
i
ngwhenIgott
her
e)

me:Ohnonodon'
tev
enl
ookatmeI'
mtakenseeI
'
m pr
egnant.
..
nowWher
e'smyman(
Ilooked
ar
oundJAKEJAKEJAKE.
..
Aguycametome)

hi
m:Ma'
am pl
sleav
eyouri
nawr
ongpl
ace

me:Lookher
eMrwhat
everyournameisI'
mlooki
ngf
orJakeJakeEl
l
isIsawhi
m get
ti
ngher
e
pl
sdon'tmakememadI'
lll
osemymi nd

hi
m:Ma'
am pl
s

(
hewaspushi
ngme)

me:Whoev erownsthi
smustcomeoutnowI
'
m notl
eav
ingwi
thoutseei
ngJakeam Icl
ear(
get
yourf
il
thyhandsoffme)
"
don'
ttouchherIgott
his"

me:
(Iputmyhandsonmywai
stmyey
esshr
inkal
i
ttl
e)wor
khuh?

hi
m:BabeIcanexpl
ain

me:
Ohhhexpl
ain

(
het
ookmet
oanof
fi
ceIguess)

hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Howdi
dyougether
e?

me:Let'
sseeI'
m pregnantI'
mt i
redI'
vewalkedal
lthrwayfrom acr
osstheroadt
oher eI
'
m
sweati
ngmyf eetarekil
li
ngmey ourbabywaski
ckingthewholedaythesunisheat
ingonmy
preci
ousfor
eheadmyboy fr
iendislyi
ngtomeandy ouraskingmethat?

Jake'
sPOV

me:
Why
?

her
:Bczy
ourl
yi
ngt
omewhatar
eyouhi
dingf
rom meJake?

me:
Youwon'
tbeabl
ehandl
eis

her
:Ican

me:
I'
m agangst
er

her
:OkIcan'
thandl
eit.
..what
?

me:
I'
m agangst
erVeei
tsi
nmybl
oodnowandIownt
hispl
ace

her
:Ineedwat
erandai
rIneedai
r

me:
I'
m sor
ryy
ouf
oundoutl
i
ket
his

her
:Ohy
ourr
eal
l
ysor
ry.
..sowhenwheny
oupl
anni
ngt
otel
lus?

me:
us?

her
:Meandmybaby

me:
SoonIt
hink

her
:Doesy
ourf
ami
l
yaboutt
his?

me:
Yes

her
:Yourpar
ent
s?
me:
Yes

her
:ohwow

me:
Act
ual
l
yVeewer
eal
lgangst
ers

her
:whoi
s"we"
?Yourpar
ent
sar
etheyi
nthi
stoo?

me:
Oht
heyar
ein

her
:What
?Aust
in?

me:
i
n

her
:Mypr
eci
ousZay
n?

me:
Ohhe'
stot
all
yin

her
:Ohno

(
herr
eact
ionswer
esof
unny )

her
:Whatar
eaboutmyt
wobeaut
if
ulAngel
s

me;
Oht
heyknowbutnoti
nvol
ved

her
:ThankGod

me:
EvenMar
thaknows

her
:(
herey
espoppedout
)whatmybeaut
if
ull
yMar
thaknew?

me: y
es

her
:Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t

me:That'
soneoft
hereasonswhyIdidn'twantt
obewi
thy
ouatf
ir
stIt
houghty
ou'
l
lgethur
t
becausethi
sbusi
nessi
sreall
ydangerous

her
:Owbabei
tsoki
tsi
nyoumocIwon'
tchanget
hati
tsok

me:
Real
l
y?

her
:yahandIt
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngonast
ri
pcl
ubbutt
hisi
swor
set
hanast
ri
pcl
ub

me:
Itwoul
dhav
ebeenbet
teri
fIhadgonet
ost
ri
pcl
ub

her:
NO...
thentel
lmethetrut
hthisti
mewhocal
l
edyouthatni
ghty
ouwentt
oanswert
he
phonepr
ivatel
y..
.don'
tev
enthinki
ngofl
yi
ngtomeI
'
llfi
ndout
me:
itwasmymenwewer
erobbed

her
:sot
hatexpl
ainst
hemoods

me:
YesandI
'
m sor
ryf
ort
haty
oudi
dn'
tdeser
vet
hewayIt
reat
edy
ou

her
:I
tsok.
..andt
het
imey
oucamehomel
ate

me:
Iwascomi
ngher
eandIsawt
hatwer
ereal
l
yrobbed

her
:Andt
hescar
?

me:
Igoti
ntoaf
ightwi
thoneofmybusi
nesspar
tner
s

her
:Oh

me:
Ist
hatal
l

(
pleasebet
hatal
l
)

her
:not
her
e'ssomet
hingel
se

(
oht
her
e'ssomet
hingel
se wow)

her
:What
sint
heenv
elop?

(
ohhhhhshi
tI'
m deadIhav
etol
i
eont
hisone)

me:
Itwasj
ustbusi
nesst
hing

(shecan'
tfi
ndoutaboutthatatallorshe'
l
lfr
eakout
...t
hatenv
lopther
ewer ethr
eat
eni
ng
messagefrom myenemy" Shark"hewantstorui
nmehesai di
fIdon'
tlendhim mor
edrugshe'
l
l
kil
lmyfamilymywholefamily)

her
:Okf
ine

(
shewasn'
tpl
easedwi
thmyanswer
)

me:
I'
l
lcal
lmymant
odr
ivey
ouhome

her
:Sur
e

me:
Il
ovey
ouok

her
:Il
ovey
oumor
e

(
wekissedthenIcal
l
edmymantodri
veherhomeIwal
kedt
hem outt
hengotbacki
nmymen
wher
eapplaudi
ngandwhi
stl
i
ngatme)

me:
YahyahIknowshe'
shotbutshe'
sminenowchil
landgetbackt
owor
k (
theseguy
sar
e
t
oodramat
icbutIl
ovet
hatwomanwithhercr
azi
ness)
-Cont
inuat
ion-

(
thatguyt
ookmehomeIswearJakei
shi
dingsomet
hingbehi
ndt
hatenv
elopI
'
m notst
upi
d
.
..
whil
eIwasi
nthoset
hought
smyphonerang)

me:
Hel
l
o

"
Am It
alki
ngt
oSi
vi
wePhol
a"

me:
Itdependsonwho'
scal
l
ing

(
hehadawei
rdv
oice)

"
It
smeKhany
o"

me:
Whatwhydoy
ousoundl
i
ket
hat
?

hi
m:I
'
m si
ckt
hat
'sal
l

me:
Ohwhowar
eyou?

hi
m:I
'
m si
ck andy
ou?

me: I
'
m gr
eatIt
hink

hi
m:Hi
mlookVeeweneedt
otal
kaboutsomet
hingv
eryi
mpor
tantbutIdon'
tknowwhen?

me:
Tomor
rowI
'
mti
redt
oday

hi
m:Tomor
rowi
tis

me:
Sur
e

(
wedr
oppedt
hecal
lwhi
l
eIwasgoi
ngt
orestt
hedoorbel
lrang)

me:
OhhhGodwhocant
hatbe

(
Iwentt
oopenup)

me:
Zoe?

her
:VeecanIcomei
n?

me:
Yessur
ecomeoni
n
(
howdi
dsheknowwher
eIl
i
ve?
)

me:
Wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?

her
:Wat
erwi
l
ldo

(
Igav
eherwat
erwesetont
hecouch)

me:
Sowhat
'sbr
ingsy
oual
lthewayher
e?

her
:Icamet
oseeaf
ri
end

me:
OhwowIf
eel
sobl
essed (
Iwasr
ubbi
ngmyf
eet
)

her
:Yourf
eethur
t?

me:
AlotZoewoah

her
:Letmehel
pyou

me:
Oht
hanky
ou(
sher
ubbedmyf
eett
henwechat
ted)

Angel
a'
sPOV

me:
Dav
idl
etgoofme

hi
m:Angel
ayouknowIl
ovedy
ouwhydi
dyoul
eav
eme?

me:
LetgoofmeDav
id(
Iwascr
yingt
henhel
etgo)

hi
m:Okbutpl
sli
stent
omepl
sAngi
e

me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hat

(
Iwassobr
okent
hisi
stheonl
ymanwhoev
erl
ovedmef
orr
eal
)

hi
m:Pl
sIbegy
oul
i
stent
ome

me:
Dav
idIdon'
twantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ounot
hingwhatwehadi
sov
erandy
ouknowi
t

hi
m:That
'swhaty
ouwantt
obel
i
evey
ouknowdeepdowny
oust
il
ll
ovemeandIst
il
ldo

me:
(He'
sri
ght
)Dav
idpl
sI'
myoungenought
obey
ourdaught
er

hi
m:Iknowt
hatbutIl
ovey
ouAngel
aandy
ouknowt
hatwhydi
dyoul
eav
eme
me:
Justst
opi
tDav
idnot
hingcanchanget
hepastok

hi
m:Lov
ecanAngel
apl
scomebackt
ome

me:
HuhIdon'
twantdr
amay
ourwi
fei
sadr
amaher
sel
f

hi
m:Mywi
fedi
edAngi
eandy
ouknewIl
ovedy
ounother

me:
Plsl
etmebeDav
id

(
Iranawaycr
ying)

hi
m:Angi
epl
scomeback.
..
pls

(hesoundsad ..
.af
terwhathe' swifedidt omeIcan' tgobackhe' swifefoundoutaboutmy
affai
rwi thherhusbandt henhehadmeki dnappedthenbeat enupIwasal sodatingJakeont he
otherhandt henIf ell
pregnanthi swifelendmemoneyt ogetr i
doft hebabyandl eav et heirl
i
ves
foreverorshe'llki
llme soIbl amedJakef ormypr egnancybutIknewhewasn' ttheFat her
bczIsl eptwithhim onceandIwasoni njectionthenIsleptwi t
hDav idatt
hatt i
meIst opped
i
njectingIusedcondom buti tblastthenIf el
l pr
egnant I '
m sor r
yIknowI 'm abadper sonbutI
wasy oungandst upi
d Idi dn' tknowwhatt odoIcoul dhav edoneabor t
ionbutIwant edmy
babyt oliveandhav eaf amil
yIt houghtJakewi l
ldothatandsur ehedid Isav edmybabymy
Dav i
dsbaby Il ovehim Ist
illdobutIcan' tkeephur ti
ngppl Il
ov ebczofmymi stakesI '
l
ltel
l
AvaandJaket hewhol etr
uththenI '
lll
iv
et heirli
vesforgoodIswearI '
ll
neverbothert hem ev er
again )

-Chapt
er27-

(i
tsMor
ningMor ni
ngtodayI'
m meet
ingwi
thKhany
otomor
rowI
'
mvi
sit
ingmyMom'
s
grav
e althoughitwi
l
l besad)

Jake:
Wakeywakeysl
eepyhead(
kissi
ngmycheeksnowt
hatwasav
erygoodmor
ning )

me:
(i
nasl
eepyv
oice)I
'
m awakeIwasj
ustt
hinki
ng(
Irubbedmyey
es)

hi
m:Yourv
oicemakesmeHmmm (
heki
ssedmyneckwhi
l
eti
ckl
i
ngme)

me:
No nost
opst
op
hi
m:no

(
thenwehear
dthedoorbel
l
)

hi
m:Don'
tansweri
t

me:
Noar
eyoucr
azy

(
het
ickl
edmemor
e Icoul
dn'
tbr
eat
h)

me:
W..
.hati
f..
..
it
's.
..
impor
tant
? ahhhst
..
.op

hi
m: f
inef
inef
ine

(
Iwor
emygount
henwentdownst
air
sIopenedt
hedoor
)

me:
Mybabi
es

Av
a:Vee

Lucy
:Hey

(
wegr
oupedhugged)

me:
comei
nwhatapl
easantsur
pri
se

Lucy
:Youdon'
tev
engoandseeus (
shemadeasadf
ace)

me:
OhI
'
m sosor
ryIwassobusymybabi
es

Av
a:Ohwwemi
ssedy
ou

me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo

(
wehuggedagai
n)

"
Mor
ninggi
rl
s"

Av
a:OhwowDady
out
ookVeeawayf
rom us

hi
m:Comeonshechoseme

(
theyal
ll
ookedatme)

me: ohnodon'
tl
ookatme

Lucy
:Any
wayy
ourbel
l
yisst
art
ingt
oshow

me:
Andy
our
stoo

hi
m:AndIcan'
twai
ttoseemyChamp
me:
She'
sagi
rl

Av
a:Yes

Lucy
:Iwantagi
rlt
oo

hi
m:WhatnonoBoy
sIwantboy
spl
s

Av
a:ButdaddyIwantal
i
ttl
esi
sterandacousi
nsi
ster

hi
m:Okbutt
heywi
l
lbeboy
s

(
whi
l
ewer
etal
ki
ngaboutt
hatmyphoner
ang)

me:
Khany
ohey

(
Jakel
ookedannoy
edohhe'
sjeal
ous)

hi
m:Canwemeetnotpl
satWi
mpyf
orbr
eakf
astunl
essy
ourst
il
lsl
eepi
ng

me:
NonoIwasal
readyawakeI
'
llgetr
eadyt
henI
'
llcomeandmeety
ou

hi
m:Thanky
ousomuchf
ort
his

me:
It
snot
hingany
thi
ngf
oraf
ri
end

hi
m:Sur
eby
e

me:
bye

(
cal
ldr
opped)

Jake:
What
'swi
thy
ouandt
hisKhany
aguy
?

me:
He'
saf
ri
endpl
usIgot
tabounceI
'
m meet
ingupwi
thhi
m

Av
a:Howol
dishe?
(shedi
dabl
ushi
ngf
aceJakegotr
eal
l
yannoy
ed)

Hi
m:He'
sol
denought
obey
ourFat
herl
i
keme

Av
a:JeezDadIwasaski
ng

me:Yourwayt
ooy
oungf
orhi
m sweet
hear
t okIbet
tergobutgi
rl
slet
smeetThur
sdayf
or
l
unchok?

t
hem:
Yes

(
Itookashowert
henwor emybl
ackl
ongdresswit
hwhitefl
i
pflopst
heyar
emorecomf
ort
abl
e
t
hencombmyhai rIshoul
dfi
nal
l
ydobrai
dsImissthem t
henputonmyperf
ume)

"
Youl
ookni
ce"
me:
Thanky
ou

hi
m:Per
fumer
eal
l
yVeef
orhi
m?

me:
Babewhosai
dI'
m doi
ngi
tforhi
m Iwannasmel
lgoody
ouknow

hi
m:Wowok

me:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?(
Ist
oopedwhatIwasdoi
ngIl
ookedathi
m)

hi
m:Mej
eal
ousohpl
s

me:
Wel
lthengoodby
e

hi
m:Wai
t

(
Itur
nedt
ohi
m)

me:
Yes

hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

me:
Ohwowt
hat
'
sni
ce

(
hecamet
ome)

hi
m:Imeani
t

me:Don'
tworryi
fIwant
edt
ocheatony
ouIwoul
dhav
edonet
hatal
ongt
imeagoImeany
ou'
ve
seenChri
sti
an

(
Iwal
kedaway
)

hi
m:Whatdoy
oumeanaboutt
hathuh?

(
Ilaughedathi
mthenIl
eft
)

me:
Byel
adi
es

Lucy
:Nowe'
l
ldr
ivey
ouany
waywer
egoi
nghome

me:
Ain'
tst
ayi
ngwi
thy
ourBr
other

Av
a;NonoDadi
sfi
neal
oneher
epl
ushe'
snotagoodcompany

me:
Finel
et'
sgo

Av
a:Pl
usIwannameett
his"
Khany
a"hi
snamesoundshmmm l
i
keabeaut
if
ult
hing

me:
Ahhhnoi
tdoesn'
t y
ouwoul
dn'
tunder
standi
t
Lucy
:Let
'
sgopl
sIhav
etogosomewher
etoday

(
wegoti
nthecarshedr
oveof
ftheypassmet
othemal
l
)

me:
Byegi
rl
s

Av
a:ButVeewhatabout"
Khany
a"(
shemadeasadf
aceshecan'
tev
enpr
onouncet
henamewel
l
)

me:
ByeAv
a

(
theyl
aughedt
hendr
oveof
f)

(Iwentt
oWimpyIsawhi
m atacor
nert
abl
ehel
ookedner
vousl
i
kehe'
sgoi
ngt
opr
oposeor
somethi
ng )

me:
Hey

hi
m:Hey

(
wehuggedt
hent
ookseat
s)

me:
IhopeIdi
dn'
tmakey
ouwai
t

hi
m:Nononotatal
l

me:
Ok

hi
m:LookIcal
l
edy
ouher
eforsomet
hingv
eryi
mpor
tant

me:
Yesy
eswhat
'swr
ong

hi
m:LookIhav
einf
ormat
ionabouty
ourFat
her

me:
What
?Myf
ather

(
he'
sphoner
ang)

hi
m:Hey

.
..
.

hi
m:What
?

.
..

hi
m:NononoI
'
m comi
ngnowwhi
chhospi
tal
?

.
..

hi
m:YesI
'
llbet
her
ethanky
ou
(
hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

me:
What
'swr
ong

hi
m:Igot
tagot
othehospi
tal
mywi
fewashi
tbyacar

me:
Okok

hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryf
ort
hiswewi
l
ltal
kokay

me:
It
soky
ourwi
feneedsy
ou

(
hel
eftohIf
eel
sor
ryf
orhi
m )

Angel
'
sPOV

(
Iwasal
onei
nmyapar
tmentwhenwhenIhear
daknockont
hedoorIopened)

me:
OhDav
id

(
Itur
nedhegoti
n)

hi
m:Angel
apl
s(Iwasn'
tl
ooki
ngathi
m butInot
icedhewassi
l
entf
orawhi
l
eIt
urnedt
oface
hi
m)

hi
m:Who'
sthi
s?

(
ohGodhesawAv
a'spi
ctur
ewhenshewasababy
)

me:
Noonegi
vemet
hat

(
Itooki
tawayf
rom hi
shands)

hi
m:Who'
sthatAngi
e

me:
NobodyDav
idnowl
eav
emyapar
tmentNOW!
!!

Hi
m:Notaf
tery
ouexpl
ainst
his

me:
GetoutDav
id

hi
m:I
sthi
sthechi
l
dmywi
fet
oldmeabout
?

(
Shet
oldhi
mthatBi
tchIwassi
l
ent
)
hi
m:Tel
lmedammi
t

me:
Nonook(
Ist
art
edt
ocr
y)

hi
m:Tel
lmet
het
rut
hAngi
e(hest
art
edt
oshakeme)

me:
Leav
emeal
oneDav
idy
ourhur
ti
ngme

hi
m:Youl
i
edt
ome

me:
It
syour
soki
tsy
our
shappynow

(
hewasr
oami
ngar
oundt
hehousedon'
tknowwhatt
odo)

me:
LookDav
...

hi
m:ShutupAngi
ey oul
iedt
omey
ousepar
atedmeandmybabyy
oul
eftmebczy
ourMot
her
wassi
ckorwasthatali
e

me:
Don'
tyoudar
etur
ntabl
esher
e

him:Il
ovedy
ouAngi
eev enthoughIknewIwasmarr
iedandofcausei
twaswrongofmeto
cheatonmywif
ebutIfelli
nlovewit
hy ouEv
ent
houghyouwereyoungert
hanmeoutofal
lppl
youknowwhatImean

me:
Dav
...

hi
m:Youhur
tmeAngi
eIwassohur
twhenmywi
fesai
dyouabor
tedt
hebabyt
henl
eft

me:Oht
hat
sal
lshesaid(
myv
oicewasshaki
ng)shedi
dn'
tment
iont
hatshehadmebeat
enupI
al
mostl
ostmybabyhuh?

hi
m:Yourl
yi
ng

me:
OfcauseI
'
mly
ingDav
idy
ounev
erbel
i
evedme

hi
m:Angi
e..
.

(
hegotcl
oset
ome)

me:
Don'
tyoudar
ecomecl
oset
omeLEAVENOW

hi
m:I
..
.

me:
LEAVE

(
Tear
swher
efal
l
ingdownmycheekshel
eftIcr
iedt
hensl
ept
)

•
•

Lucy
'sPOV

(
I'
m att
heDoct
ort
oday
)

Hi
m:Yourkeepi
ngt
hebabyv
eryheal
thymi
ssEl
l
is

me:
Thanky
ou

her:
LookLucydon'
tbesadact
ual
l
yyourdoi
nggr
eaty
ourheal
thyandy
ourbabyt
ooj
ustdon'
t
thi
nktoomuch

me:
Theonl
ythi
ngI
'
mthi
nki
ngabouti
sfor
giv
ingSam butIcan'
tbutIwantt
oo

her
:Thatboyt
raumat
izedy
oubutl
ookaty
ounowy
ourst
il
lsobeaut
if
ulasev
er

me:
Thanky
ousomuch

her
:Yourwel
comesweet
y

-Chapt
er28-

(Amonthl
aterJakesphoner
angandhewasn'
tar
oundIdi
dn'
tknowi
ftoanswerornott
henhe
ent
eredt
heroom)

me:
Yourphone

(
Hepickedi
tupbuthewasstr
angehedi
dn'
tl
ookpl
easedwi
tht
henewshehadont
hephone
t
henhedroppedt
hecal
langr
y)

me:
What
'swr
ongmygangst
erman(
Ihuggedhi
mfr
om behi
nd)

hi
m:Not
hingl
ovei
tsj
ustbusi
ness

(
hel
efti
nar
ush)

me:
Iwi
nderwhatpr
obl
emshehav
enow
(
myphoner
ang)

me:
Hel
l
o

"
Veei
tsmeKhany
o"

me:
Wowi
tsbeenawhi
l
e

(
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoorIwal
keddownst
air
swhi
l
eont
hephone)

me:
Haaaai
t'
sbeeny
ear
s

hi
m:Suy
ibaxa( don'
texagger
ate)

me:
Oht
her
e'ssomeoneatt
hedoorpl
shol
d

hi
m:Ok

(
Iopenedt
hedoori
tst
oomal
eswear
ingbl
acksui
ts)

me:
CanIhel
pyou

t
hem:
Comewi
thus

me:
No

t
hem:
Wedon'
twantt
ohur
tyouMa'
am

me:
Leav
emyhouse

"
Veewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"

t
hem:
Dot
hist
heeasywayor

me:
Wher
ewi
l
lyout
akeme?

t
hem:
Ma'
am pl
s

me:
Whyy
ourt
alki
ngatt
hesamet
imedi
dyour
ehear
sthi
s?

t
hem:
No

me:
Noy
oudi
d

t
hem:
Thehar
dwayt
hen

(
theygr
abbedmebymywai
stmyphonef
ell
)

me:
Heygetyourst
inki
nghandsofme.Hel
p!!
!!
Help!
!!
(Iy
ell
edt
heyt
apedmymout
htheyf
orced
meonthecar.
..
Iwasmovingnonest
opandcr yi
ng)
Guy
1:Hur
ryupBr
o

Guy
2:I
'
mtr
yingman

(
theycov
eredt
hei
rfaces)

Guy1:
Idon'
twantt
hisIt
oldy
ounowwer
eki
dnappi
ngapr
egnantwoman

Guy
2:Justdr
ivemany
oucan'
tbackoutnow

Guy
1:I
'
llnev
erdot
hisagai
n

Guy
2:Bosswi
l
lnev
erl
ety
ougot
hateasynowl
et'
sst
opt
alki
ngi
nfr
ontofher

(
Imov
edIkeptonshaki
ngandcr
yingIcan'
tev
enseewher
ear
etheyt
aki
ngme)

Guy
1;Pl
staket
hatt
apeofher

Guy
2:Ar
eyoui
nsane?

Guy
1:shewon'
tdoany
thi
ngshe'
sti
edup

(
thent
heguyt
ookof
fthet
ape)

me:
Wher
ear
eyourt
aki
ngme?
(inabr
eaki
ngv
oice)

Guy
1:Idi
dyouaf
avourt
ogett
hatt
apeofy
ousoshutupanddon'
tsayat
hing

me:
Who'
syourBosshuh?
Plsdon'
thur
tmeI
'
m pr
egnant

Guy
2:Wenot
icednowSHUTUP

me:
Plsl
etmegoI
'
llgi
vey
ouanymoneyy
ouneed

Guy
1:Bl
i
ndf
oldherwer
ear
ri
ved

(
theyt
ookmei
nav
eryst
inki
ngpl
acet
heymademesi
tonachai
rtheycuf
fedmemyhandsand
l
egs)

Jake'
sPOV

(
I'
m atwor
kmycompanyi
satr
iskI
'
mlosi
ngal
otofmoney.
..t
henmyphoner
ang)

me:
Hel
l
ow
"
Am It
alki
ngt
oJakeEl
l
is?
"

me:
Yesy
ourar
e?

"
I'
m khany
o"

(
ohIdon'
tl
iket
hisguywhyhi
scal
l
ingme?
)

me:
HowcanIhel
pyou

hi
m:It
hinkVeei
s..
..

me:
Iswhat
?(Iwasget
ti
ngwor
ri
ed)

hi
m:Ki
dnapped

me:
(I
tshi
m)Leav
eitt
omeDONOTCALLTHEPOLI
CE

hi
m:Butwhy

me:
Justdon'
t

(
Igr
abbedmycarkey
sthenr
anout
)

"
Bosst
her
ati
ngsar
edecr
easi
ng.
..
Boss"

me:
I'
l
lcomebackt
omor
row

(
Idr
ovest
rai
ghthomeev
ery
thi
ngcanwai
tmybabi
esar
eindangerIcal
l
edEr
ick)

Me:
Dudeourenemyi
sst
art
ingt
othr
owbombs

hi
m:Whatdoy
oumean"
Shar
k"t
hee"
Whi
teShar
k"

me:
Heki
dnappedVeeIsweari
fhel
aysaf
ingeront
heI
'
llgoi
nsane

hi
m:Cal
m downwel
lmeetatt
hewear
house

me:
In30ok

hi
m:Sur
e

(Iwasdri
vingli
keamani acIgotinthedoorwasopenVee'
sphoneinonthefl
oorsonoforce
breaki
nginsheopenedf orthem soit
scleart
heyt
ookheraggr
essi
vel
ybczhere'
sherl
eftshoe
heresotheytookheraggressiv
ely GameonShar khur
tmybabeI'l
lhur
tyourbal
l
sthenI
wenttothewear housef
inal
lyIgotinti
me)

me:
Eri
ckcal
ltheI
Twe'
l
ltr
ackVeedown

(
hedi
d)
me:
Okt
rackmygi
rl
fr
iendmant
het
rackeri
sonherbody

Er
ick:
What
?

me:
DudenotnowOK

Er
ick:
NoIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
osay

I
T:That
'sanewone

me:
Justdoy
ourmagi
cpl
s

(
hedi
dal
lthat
snecessar
y)

I
T:OkIf
oundher

me:
Wer
e

I
T:i
n**
*hospi
tal
downt
own

Er
ick:
What
?Buti
t'
sbeencl
osedf
orov
er10y
ear
s

I
T:Andi
twasbur
ntdownt
oo

me:
Let
'smov
eandf
oll
owt
hel
ead

(
Wel
eftt
henwear
ri
vedatt
hisHospi
tal
)

me:
I'
ll
showmy
sel
f

Er
ick;
Nowy
ousmokedweedhe'
l
lki
l
lyou

me:I
fIcameIhadbackupf il
l
edwi
thar
myhewoul
dhav
eki
l
ledVeeatt
heexactt
imebuti
fI
showmy sel
fhe'
l
llethergo

Er
ick:
Andy
ou?

me:
I'
l
lbef
ine

Er
ick:
Thi
sisat
err
ibl
eidea

me:
trustme

Angel
a'
sPOV
(
Ical
l
edAv
aforl
unchandshesai
dyessur
pri
singhuhsonowI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
orher
)

"
Okt
alk"

(
Itur
ned)

me:
Ava

her
:Getst
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt

me:
What
everIsayt
oyouj
ustknowIl
ovey
ou

her
:Spar
emet
hei
ntr
oIgot
tabesomewher
esomeofushav
ebet
tert
hingst
odo

me:
It
sabouty
ourFat
her

her
:Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lhi
m sowecanal
lthr
eet
alk

me:
Hei
gnor
esmycal
l
s

her
:Idon'
tbl
amehi
m

me:
Thi
sisabouty
ourf
ather

her
:Whatabouthi
m?

me:
NoAv
ayourr
eal
Fat
her

her
:What
???
?

-Cont
inuat
ion-

Av
a:NomyFat
heri
sJakeandhe'
stheonl
yFat
herIknowand.
..

me:
He'
snotAv
a(Wewer
ebot
htear
y)

her
:What
?Whatar
eyousay
ingAngel
a

me:
I'
m sor
ry
her
:(
Shestoodup)Yourev
ily
ouhav
enohear
tifyouhav
eonei
tsmadeoutofst
one(
shebr
oke
down)Ihat
eyouIHATEYOUANGELAyougot ohel
l

(
shewal
kedaway
)

me:Av
apl
s(Ibr
okedownr
ightt
her
eIcoul
dn'
thol
diti
nI'
m suchabadper
sonaf
uckenbad
per
son )

Vee'
sPOV

(
I'
m st
il
li
nthi
sdump)

me:Someonegetmeoutofher e(Iy
ell
edIkeptonyel
li
ngbutnooneaft
ersomet imeIwas
get
tinghungr
y)I'
m hungr
y(thenatall
wellbui
l
tmangotinweari
ngbluejeans..
.blackhootand
bl
ackshoeshisfacewascov er
edIcouldseehisey
eshewascarry
ingKFCl unchboxandsoda
heputonthetabl
einfontofme)

me:
Whatt
hehack?Howam Isupposet
oeat
?

(
hegr
oaned)

me:
Jeez

(
het
ookasi
tnextt
omehef
eedmeIkeptbi
ti
ngwhi
l
etal
ki
ng)

me:
Youhav
esuchbeaut
if
uley
esy
ouknow

(
hedi
dn'
tmi
ndmebuyhekeptonf eedi
ngme.
..
okany
wayIat
ethenwhenIwasdonehegav
e
measi
ponthesodabuti
tspel
tonme)

me:
Ahhhi
t'
scol
d(Iwaswear
ingawhi
rtshi
rtandpenci
lski
rt
)

me:
Don'
tj
ustst
andt
her
edosomet
hingI
'
mti
edupNi
ggar

(
het
ookt
henapki
nst
hendr
iedmet
henheunbut
tonedmyshi
rtGoshmybr
awasal
lwet
)

me:
Heyheydon'
tcr
osst
hel
i
neher
egetof
fme

(
hest
ayedback)

me:
I'
mful
lthanky
ou

(
hel
eftnxxxi
diot
)
•

(
Ist
ayedt
her
eformor
ehour
samanwear
ingal
lbackcameont
hedoor
)

me:
Soy
ourt
hebosshuh?

hi
m:Ohy
ourgood

me:
Socar
etoexpl
aint
omewhyI
'
m her
e?

hi
m:Ohy
ou'
l
lknowsoonenough

me:
Plsl
etmego

hi
m:Ican'
tsweetl
i
ps

(
hesetnextt
omehet
ouchedmyf
aceIt
urnedaway
)

hi
m;Wher
edi
dthati
diotgetsuchabeaut
if
ulgi
rll
i
key
ou?
(hewentdownmychest
)

me:
Don'
ttouchme

hi
m:Shhhy
ourchesti
ssobeaut
if
ul.
..(
heki
ssedmyneckIwasmov
ingwhi
l
eti
edupf
orhi
mto
l
etgo)

me:
Don'
ttouchmel
etmego(
Ishout
edbuthedi
dn'
tl
ist
en)pl
sss

(
Jakeent
eredt
her
oom)

Jake:
Lethergo

(
het
urned)

hi
m:Yourhav
ebadt
imi
ngMrEl
l
is

hi
m:Getof
fher

(
Iwasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y)

hi
m:OkMrEl
l
is

me:
Babe

(
Jakecametomethenunt
iedhehadwaspoi
nti
ngagunt
othi
sguyt
henhewasdoneunt
ying
meIhuggedhi
m)

hi
m:MrEl
l
ist
ell
her
me:
Tel
lmewhat

Jake:
Not
hingbabe

hi
m:Ory
ouwantt
otel
lher

me:
What
'sgoi
ngon

hi
m:Wel
lyourboy
fri
endher
esl
eptwi
thmywi
fe

(
mywor
ldcr
umbl
eddown)

me:
W--
-hat
?

(
Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
nghej
ustst
oodt
her
e)

me:
Noi
tsal
i
e

Guy
:Andwhatdoy
ouexpl
aint
hiski
dnappi
ng?

me:
Idon'
tknow.
.busi
ness?
JAKETALK

(
hewasst
il
lsi
l
ent )

guy
:Lastweek

me:
Nonoi
tsal
i
eJaker
ighti
tsaf
uckenl
i
e

hi
m:(
wit
htear
yey
es)I
--
--
'm sor
ry(
itcameasawhi
sper
)

me:
No(
Ist
eppedawayf
rom hi
m)Nonono(
Iwascr
ying)why
?

-Chapt
er29-

Guy
:Okwhat
everLadyhedi
dok

me:
(cr
ying)Iwantt
oknowwhy
?

Jake:
Shei
nvi
tedmef
ordr
inksIdon'
tremembert
her
estbabeIswearIdon'
tremember

me:
AndIshoul
dbel
i
evet
hat
?

Guy
:Okshutupi
tsmyt
urnt
ospeakIwanthi
m deadandnow

me:
ShuuutupI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
omyman(
Igr
ewanger
)
Jake:
Babecal
m downy
ourst
ressi
ngt
hebaby

me:
Thatswhaty
oureal
lycar
eabout
..
.Jakebeenwi
thy
ouf
orawhi
l
enowIknowwheny
our
l
yi
ng.
..
Didyousl
eepwit
hher

hi
m:BabyIdon'
tknowIdon'
tremember

me:Quitt
heactpl
snowI
'
m pay
ingf
ory
oursi
nsbczy
oucoul
dkeept
hat(
poi
nti
ngt
ohi
sdi
ck)i
n
yourpant
s

guy
:Gi
rly
ourwai
sti
ngmyt
ime

me:
Shutup.
..

(
Eri
ckandsomeguyent
eredpoi
nti
nggunsatt
hatguy
)

guy
:Wownowi
tsaf
ami
l
yreuni
on

me:
Ihat
eyouJakeIhat
eyoubutwi
l
lfi
nisht
hisconv
ersat
ionathome

guy
:Woahwoahwoahsl
owdown

(
Iqui
ckl
ytookJakesgunIshoott
heguy
)

me:
Ahhh

Jake:
Vee

(
Eri
ckwentt
ohi
m hecheckedhe'
spul
se)

Er
ick:
He'
sdead

me:
Atl
easti
tsf
ort
ryi
ngt
orapeme

Jake:
Let
'sgoEr
ickt
ell
theguy
stocl
eanupal
lthi
smessl
et'
sgo

(
wegoti
nthecart
heydr
oveushomeIwentupst
air
sIneedt
owashof
fthatdi
rt
)

Jake:
Canwet
alk?

me:
All
I'
m aski
ngandst
il
laski
ngi
sDI
DYOUFUCKHER?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow

me:
ThenI
'
m out
arher
e

hi
m:Pl
sdon'
tl
eav
emeVeeIl
ovey
ou

me:
Youdon'tknowwhatl
oveis.
..
Iwaski dnappedJakealmostgotrapedJakeIkil
ledamanbcz
ofy
ouif(Il
ookedathi
seyesIgotclosetohim mytearsfel
ldownmycheeks) Il
ovey ousooo
muchJakeeversi
ncewesharedthatkissatyourpar
entshouseI'
vebeenlovi
ngy ousinceIl
ove
yourtouch( It
ouchedhisface)Ilovet hewayy oumakemef eelIl
ovethewayy oulovemeIl ove
youIlovey oursmile,
scent,
voice,hugs,lips,
eyes,armswheny ouholdmeIf eell
ikethere's
nothi
ngt hatcouldhurtme...
y ourchestwoul dbemyshel t
er.
..
Ilovel
ayingony ourchestandf eel
yourheartbeatIwouldsmi l
eal onelisteningtoitbczIknewdeepdowni twasbeat ingf orme
andmi newasbeat i
ngforyou. .
.Wheny ouwillmakelovetomei twil
lbelikeI'mI'm Paradise
every
timewer emakingloveitwoul dfeel li
keitsthef
irstt
ime(Ikeptoncr yi
ngwhi l
et alki
ng)
Yourlovesav edmef rom my self JakeEl l
isIloveyousomuchIcanwr i
teabookabouty ou
aboutourl oveawhol eenti
rebookbczy ourtheonlymani nmyl i
feIadorey ouIlovey oubutt he
questi
oni sDOYOULOVEME

(
Iwal
kedawayt
oshowerIl
efthi
m speechl
ess)

-Cont
inuat
ion-

(Ishower
edt
henwor
emyl
ongf
lower
eddr
essandpumpsIl
ovepumpsIgr
ewupwear
ingt
hem
so Yah)

Jake:
Vee

(
Ilookedathi
m wi
thadeat
hst
are)

me:
What
?

hi
m:Youbel
i
evemer
ight
?

(
Ihear
daknock)

me:
Igot
tagett
hedoor

(
hegr
abbedmyar
m)

hi
m:Babey
ouknowme

me:
LETGOOFMEbyt
hewayhowdi
dyouf
indme

(
hel
etgoofmet
hent
urnedaway
)

me:
Youknewbczy
our
eal
l
ysl
eptwi
tht
hatgi
rl.
..excuseme(
Iwentdownst
air
sIopenedt
he
door
)

me:
Khany
o

(
wehugged)

hi
m:I
'
m sohappyy
ourok

me:
Me2comei
nwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?

hi
m:Col
dwat
erwi
l
ldo

me:
Okcomi
ngr
ightup

(
Iwentt
otheki
tchent
hencameback)

hi
m:SoJakef
oundy
ou

me:
Yeshedi
dandi
nti
me

hi
m:I
'
m gl
ad

me:
Ohy
out
oldhi
m

hi
m:YesIdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odo

me:
Ohokany
wayhow'
syourwi
fe?

hi
m:Gr
tthecari
nci
dentwashor
ri
bleshecan'
twal
k

me:
What
?OhnoI
'
m sosor
ry

hi
m;She'
l
lwal
ksoonshe'
staki
ngcl
assi
s

me:
Iwi
shy
ouguy
sal
lthebest

hi
m:Thanks

me:
Sot
hedr
iver
?

hi
m:Hewasdr
inki
nganddr
ivi
nghe'
sar
rest
ednow

me:
Hedeser
vesi
tI'
m sor
ry

(
wehuggedagai
n)

•
Jake'
sPOV

(OkIhadenoughofthi
sKhany
oguy I
'
vehadi
twi
thhi
m nowhe'
shuggi
ngmygi
rl
fr
iendnone
stopwel
lmyf ut
urewif
e)

Nar
rat
ed

(Jaketookofar edboxi nhispocket hel ookedatit"Iwasgoi

ngtoproposet ohertoni
ght"
helookedsad" Ireal
l
yl ovethi
sgirlaf
terwhatshesaidtomeIcouldneverbeensosur einmy
l
ifeIloveher
..
.herwor dsstabbedinmyhear tthemoreshetal
kedit
sli
keshei stwisti
ngthe
knif
eandpushi ngiti
n "Heopenedt heboxit'sagol
dr i
ngaver
ybeautif
ulgoldringwit
h
diamonds t henhesmi l
edatit"OnedayI'l
lmakethatwomanmi neOneday "thenhesmiled)

Angel
'
sPOV

(Iwasinmyapar
tmentcr
yingmyl
ungsoutwhenaknockatt
hedoordi
stur
bedmeIev
enhad
hiccupsmyey
eswereredmynosewasredIopenedt
hedoor
)

Me:
Dav
idwhatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwant
?

(
hegoti
nthencl
osedt
hedoor
)

hi
m:Yourcr
ying

me:
I'
mfi
neOK(
myv
oicechangedbczofcr
ying)

hi
m:Angi
ewhat
'swr
ongy
ouknowI
'
lldoany
thi
ngt
omakey
ouhappy

me:
Real
l
y?t
henl
eav
ethat
'l
lmakemev
erydel
i
ght

hi
m:Angj
eyourhur
t

(
Iwassi
tt
ingont
hecouchhesatnextt
o

me)

me:
I'
m hur
tI'
m sohur
t (
Ibr
okedown)

hi
m:Comeher
e
(Hel ai
dmetohi schestIcr
iedevenworseal lt
het hi
ngsIdi
dwi t
hthi
smancamef loat
ingback
allthememoriesIsharedwithhim andthedayIf oundoutI
'
m pregnantt
hedaythatwoman
kidnappedmeandbeat enmeupIal mostlostthebabythedayIabandonedmybabythedayI
sawhert hesecondtime t heti
meshesai dthosehurtf
ult
hingstome I
'
m brokeninsi
de
andIdeserveeverypainEveyinsult Ideserveit)

hi
m:Don'
tcr
ymyl
oveI
'
m her
edon'
t

Lucy
'sPOV

(
Iwasi
nmyr
oom whenAv
awal
kedi
ncr
ying)

me:
HeyAv
aheycomeher
ehey

(
shecamet
omeIhuggedhershecr
iedi
nmyar
ms)

Av
a:Ihat
emyl
i
feLucyIhat
eit Iwi
shIcoul
ddi
eIdon'
twantt
oli
veany
mor
eithur
ts

me:Shhhh(t
apinghi
sback)don'
tcr
ycomeonpl
sst
opcal
m downt
ell
mewhathappened?
Did
Angelahur
tyou?

her
:I
nthewor
stwaymyf
ri
end

me:
Whatwhathappenedt
ell
me?

her
:Jakei
snotmyr
eal
Fat
her

me: what

her
:Yes(
shebr
okedown)

me:
Don'
tcr
yshhh(
whatt
hef
uck? t
hatwomani
sinsane)

Chr
ist
ianPOV

me:
Sohowdi
ditgo
her
:Idr
uggedhi
m her
efusedt
osl
eepwi
thmeImeanl
ookatme

me:
Idon'
t

her
:OkChr
ist
ianj
ustbecauseIsl
eepwi
thy
oudoesn'
tmeanwe'
l
ldat
eIwantJake

me:
AndIwantVee

her
:Butt
hatJakei
sheadov
erheel
swi
tht
hatVeegi
rl

me:
Veei
snot
hingcompar
edt
oyout
hat
'
swhysheget
sal
lthecup

her
:Ar
eyoumaki
ngaj
okenowt
hathe'
l
lpr
oposet
oher

me:
What
?

her
:Doy
oul
i
veundert
her
ocksorsomet
hing?

me:
Howam Isupposet
oknowIdi
dn'
tdr
ughi
m

her
:What
everhei
spl
anni
ngt
opr
opose

me:
Don'
twor
ryhewon'
t

her
:Ofcausehewon'
tmyhusbandal
readymadesur
eoft
hat

me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

her
:Chi
l
lshe'
sfi
neI
'
mtheonewhoi
shur
ther
e

me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

her
:Sheki
l
ledmyhusband

me: ni
cej
oke

her
:Laughal
lyouwant

me:
Veeki
l
ledaman?

her
:YesChr
ist
iany
oubet
terbackof
flooksl
i
keshe'
sdanger
ous

me:
Nott
ome

her
:What
everbeaher
o

•
-Chapt
er30-

HeyI'
m Vivi
anLewi sI'
m 35I'
m awi dowmydear esthusbandwaskill
edbythatVeegi
rl she
di
dmeaf avourthough allhisassetsarecomingtome I '
M RI
CHandhowIknowt hat
? I
haveeyeseverywheresweetytheI.
Tguywhot r
ackedVeei sworki
ngforme...
Iknowt
heirever
y
movesot heybetterwatchout.
..
SoIcall
edChristi
an..
.Chr
ist
ianwantsVeeandIwantJakeso
weneedt ocomeupwi t
hapl antoruint
heirl
ovestory )

me:
HeyChr
ist
ian

hi
m:Whatdoy
ouwant
?

me:
Ohdon'
tbesocol
dImi
ssy
ou

hi
m:LookI
'
m noti
nthemoodwi
thy
ou

me:
Blahbl
ahbl
ahChr
ist
ian.
..
sot
houghtofapl
any
et

hi
m:WhataboutAngel
a?Sheal
sowant
sJake

me:
Shest
il
ldoes?

hi
m:It
hinksot
hel
astt
imewet
alkedhewant
edhi
m back

me:
I'
l
lmakeapl
an

hi
m:Doi
tqui
ckpl
s

me:
Yahy
ahj
ustchi
l
l

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
lIshoul
dhi
resomeonet
oki
l
lher
)

me:
Ahhhht
heI
.TguyIt
rusthi
m

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
I'
m donewi
thr
evengeIhav
etof
indt
hebabyAngel
ahadIdon'
tev
enknowhowwi
l
lIdot
hator
wher
eshoul
dIl
ook)
•

Av
a'sPOV

(Iwant edtocl
earmymi ndIneedtoj
ustgetawayf
rom ever
yoneIhaven'
ttol
dDadt
henewsyet
Ijustcouldn'
thandl
eall
ofthat.
..
Iwentt
otakeawalkatthebeachIsawaguycomingoutoft
he
wat erholdi
ngasurfbor
d)

hi
m:Hey

me:
Hy

(
He'
scut
ehotandal
lbutI
'
m noti
nthemoodf
orguy
s)

hi
m:Whyabeaut
if
ulgi
rll
i
key
out
hinki
ngabout

(
webot
hst
oppedwal
ki
ngandt
alked)

me:
Aboutmyl
i
feandhi
smessedupi
tis

hi
m:Tel
lmeal
labouti
tfi
rstl
et'
sgetsomei
cecr
eam

me: sur
e

(
Ohhe'
sni
ceheboughtt
wochocol
atei
cecr
eam hel
efthi
sbor
dthenwet
ookawal
k)

hi
m:I
'
m Et
han(
her
eachedf
orahandshake)

me:
I'
m Av
a

hi
m:OksoAv
awhat
'seat
ingy
ouup

me:
Fami
l
ypr
obl
ems

hi
m:It
houghti
twasaboycheat
edony
ou

(
Ilaughed)

hi
m:Iwasgonnasayhe'
sani
diotandbl
i
ndasf

me:
Why
'st
hat
?

hi
m:Abeaut
if
ulgi
rll
i
key
ou?He'
sinsanef
orr
eal

me: Thanky
ou

hi
m:Yourwel
come
me:
Noi
tsnott
hatI
'
m ev
ensi
ngl
e

hi
m:whatwher
ear
eyouf
rom?

me:
***
*

hi
m:Whatguy
sther
ear
ebl
i
ndwal
ki
ngwi
thst
ickshuh?

me: may
be

hi
m: y
ahandwhi
chschool
?

me:
***
HighSchool

hi
m:Guy
satt
hatschool
arebl
i
ndei
ther

me:

(
IlaughedIev
enf
orgotIhadpr
obl
ems)

hi
m:Sowhat
sreal
l
yeat
ingy
ouI
'
m av
erygoodl
i
stenerIswear

me:

hi
m:Comeont
ryme

me:MyMom showeduphelef
tmefory
ear
sandtell
i
ngmet hatthemanwhor ai
sedandt
ook
car
eofmewhenshewasn'tar
oundi
snotmyreal
Fathershe'
srealdev
ilIt
ell
you

hi
m:WowIwoul
dn'
tl
ieandsayIknowhowy
ouf
eel
act
ual
l
yIdon'
tbutIj
ustl
ostmyDadt
oo

me:
OhI
'
m sor
ry

hi
m:I
tscool
Ijustwantt
heper
sonwhodi
ditbehi
ndbar
s

me:
Ihopey
ouf
indhi
m

hi
m:Youmeanher

me:
It
sawoman

hi
m:Yesany
wayenoughaboutmesodi
dyout
ell
yourFat
her
?

me:
AhhhnoI
'
m scar
ed

(
wewentt
osi
tont
her
ockswat
chi
ngt
hesunset
)

him:Youshoul
dtel
lhim andbecal
m wheny
oudosohedoesn'
tfeel
sor
ryf
ory
ouandy
ourMom
forgi
veheratl
eastshetoldy
outhetr
uth

me:
Yout
hinkso
hi
m:Yahshedeser
vesasecondchangesodoy
ou

me:
May
bey
our
ight

hi
m:Yesandst
opst
ressi
ngy
our
sel
fyou'
l
lgetwr
inkl
es (
hehi
tmyar
m pl
ayf
ull
y)

me:
Ipr
omi
se

(
acarbeepedbehi
ndusandawomanshout
ed)

"
Ethanl
et'
sgo"

hi
m:That
'smyMom okby
eni
cet
ogett
oknowy
ouwemetatt
hebeachandt
oldeachot
her
s
pr
oblems

me:
That
'sanewone

hi
m: By
e

me: by
e

(
hel
eftt
hecardr
oveof
fwowt
heyhav
eashof
armay
behe'
sri
ch)

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

me:
Whowast
hatgi
rly
ouwe'
rewi
th?

hi
m:NooneMom st
opmeddl
i
ngi
nmyl
i
fej
eez

me:
Heydon'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hatI
'
myourMom

hi
m:MyDadj ustdi
edMom andt
hrowni
nsomedumpasi
fhewasanAni
mal
findt
hatl
adyshe
mustbel
ockedup

-Chapt
er31-

•
•

3MONTHSLATER

(I
'
vemov edoutofJake'
shouseIgotanapart
mentI'
m solonelyImisshim wi
thal
lofmyhear
t
he'
sjusti
ndenial
..
.I
m onest
epclosert
ogivebir
thsodoesAv aIcan'twai
t)

Chr
ist
ian:
Howaboutdi
nnert
oni
ght
?

me:
OhwI
'
m sor
ryIcan'
tI'
mtoot
ir
ed

(
Iwaswi
thChr
ist
ianj
ustchi
l
li
natmyapar
tmentI
'
mrel
axi
ngonmycouchwi
thacupofcof
fee
i
nmyhand)

hi
m:Ohi
tsokmay
besomeot
hert
ime

me:
Yahmay
be

Jake'
sPOV

Er
ick:
Dudest
opdr
inki
ngy
ourl
ungsoutVeei
s..
.

me:
Don'
tyoument
ionhername

(
Iwasdr
unkasf
)

hi
m:Dr
inki
ngwon'
tassi
sty
ouwi
thany
thi
ngJake

me:
Il
ovehermanIwoul
dnev
erhur
theri
npur
pose

hi
m:Thenf
ightf
orher

me:
Shewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thme

(
Itookanot
hersi
pofVodka)

hi
m:Many
ourki
l
li
ngy
our
sel
f

me:Shel
eftmef orsomet
hingIdi
dn'
tdomanIcan'
tsl
eep.
..
Ican'
teat
..
.Ican'
tdoany
thi
ngI
'
m
usedtohernexttome

hi
m:Br
o..
.

me:
Leav
emeal
oneEr
ickanddr
inki
npeace
hi
m:Whatabouty
ourki
ds?

me:
Idot
hinkaboutAv
aandmyunbor
n andVeet
hatwomanputaspel
lonmeIswear

hi
m:Dudeit
slov
eyoul
ovehernowgety
our
sel
ftoget
herandf
ightf
orherort
hatChr
ist
ianguy
wi
llt
akeher

me:
He'
l
lnev
ert
akeVeeawayf
rom meNEVER

(
Itookanot
hersi
p)

Av
a'sPOV

(t
onightI'
m goingonadat
ewithEthan Ican'twaithe'
staki
ngmet oplayl
andnearthebeach
ofcause . OksoIworemyshortbum short
s,dustypi
nkcropt
op,Nikeki
cksthenappli
edmy
nudelipst
ickti
edmyhairwel
lneatl
ynomakeupandIwassmoki nghotplusIwassmel l
ing
hoooooamazi ng ✔ hetext
edmet hathe'soutsi
deIti
ptoedwalki
ngt ot
hedoorIopeneda
l
it
tle)

"
Andwher
edoy
out
hinky
ourgoi
ng?
"

(
fuck It
urned)

me:
Lucy
?

her
:Wher
ear
eyouof
ftoat21:
00andwear
ingt
hat
?

me:
andwhatar
eyoudoi
ngatt
hist
imeher
e

her
:Iwasget
ti
ngsomet
hingt
oearIgothungr
yandy
ou?

me:
Lucypl
sIr
eal
l
ygot
tagoy
ourdel
ayi
ngme

her
:t
owher
eorI
'
llt
ell

me:
Fine.
..
wit
hfr
iendsok

her
:Fi
neI
'
mtel
l
ing

me:
Finef
ineI
'
m goi
ngonadat
e

her
:Jeshaboutt
ime
(
shel
eft
)

me:
Soy
ournott
ell
i
ng?

her
:NoIgotal
otoft
hingst
otakecar
eofl
i
ket
hisr
ighther
eki
cksnonest
op

me:
Thanky
ou

her
:What
ever

(
Iri
shoutIf
oundEt
hanst
andi
ngout
sideofacarIgr
eet
edhi
m)

hi
m:Heyy
oul
ookamazi
ng

me:
Thanky
ouy
ournotbady
our
sel
f

hi
m:HeyIt
ri
ed

(
wel
aughedt
henl
eft
)

Vee'
spov

(Ican'
tsl
eepI
'mjustatsof
awat
chi
ngt
hest
arsandmoont
oni
ghtt
heyar
esobeaut
if
ult
hen
someoneknocked)

me;
Whomi
ghtt
hatbeatt
hist
ime?

(
Iopenedt
hedoor
)

me:
Jake?

(hef
ell
onmeIcatchedhim Idr
aggedhimtomyroom act
uall
yIcan'
tl
etthef
atherofmychi
l
d
onasofanowaypl
usIdidn'
thaveotherr
oom hewassodrunkandsti
nki
ngofalcohol
)

me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?OhGod

hi
m:Babei
sthaty
ou?
Icamet
oapol
ogi
ze(
hewassay
ingt
hati
nal
owt
one)

me:
Noj
ustsl
eepy
ourt
ir
ed.
..
didy
oudr
iveher
e?

hi
m:NoIt
ookacab

me:
Nvmj
ustsl
eepy
ourgoi
ngbackhomet
omor
row

hi
m:Noooo(
hesai
dwaki
ngup)
me:
okl
aydowny
ournotl
eav
ingj
ustt
akesomer
est

(
Itookof
fhi
sshoesandsocks)

hi
m:Andmypant
spl
s

(
Real
l
y? )

hi
m:Pl
spl
sIdon'
tsl
eepcomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hem

(heor
der
ingmewhi lehe'
slayi
ngont
hebedwi
th0pr
obl
emsonhi
smi
nd.
..andsor
elaxedwi
th
hisey
esclosed.
..It
ookthem of
f)

hi
m:Andmyshi
rtpl
s

me:
Yourdr
unkJakenotsi
ckdoi
tyour
sel
f

(
Iwast
ir
edhe'
sheav
yIj
ustcar
ri
edhi
m al
lthewayt
othedoort
ohear
)

hi
m:Pl
sit
stoohot

me:
Okf
ine

(
Itookofhi
sshi
rtIst
art
edt
ounbut
tonhi
m)

hi
m:Yourt
ickl
i
ngme

me:
I'
m gr
eaty
ouf
oundi
tamusi
ng j
ustsl
eepal
ready

hi
m:I
'
llsl
eep

me:
Fir
stsi
tupIhav
etot
akeof
fyourshi
rt

(
Idi
d)

hi
m:Yousmel
lamaz
ing

me:
Doney
oucansl
eep

(Ichangedtomysil
kynightdresst
hensleptnextt
ohim peacef
ull
yIcl
osedmyey es nowI
cansleep.
..
Iwasstar
ti
ngt oenjoymypeacefulni
ghtt
henJakeroll
edandgrabbedmeandgot
closetomet henwhi
speredinmyear)

hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

( yahr
ight
..
.It
ri
edt
ogethi
m of
fmebuthewassost
rong t
hisni
ghti
sgoi
ngt
obel
ong
veryl
ong)

•
•

-Chapt
er32-

(
it
smor
ning)

me:
Jakegetofme

(
Get
ti
nghi
m ofme)

hi
m:Comeoni
tsst
il
lear
ly

me:
Ineedt
opeeJakepl
s

hi
m:Ok(
hesmi
l
ed)don'
tgoawayok?

me:
wher
ewoul
dIgo?
Thi
sismyapar
tmenty
oushoul
dbegoi
ng

hi
m:I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e

me:
Fornow

(
Iwentt
othebat
hroom)

Av
a'sPOV

me:
Ohhhhhhhhshi
tthesuni
sout

(
Isl
eptwi
thEt
hen ohno)

Et
hen:
HeybabeImadey
oubr
eakf
ast

me:
Nononot
hanky
ousomuchIgot
tago

(
Iwasdr
essi
ngupsof
ast
)

hi
m:Wher
eyourgoi
ngbabe?

me:
HomeduhhhI
'
m deaddoy
ouhearmedead
hi
m:OkI
'
lldr
ivey
ou

me:
Ohnot
hatwoul
dmaket
hingswor
set
hanxt
houghbabe

hi
m:Pl
sI'
l
lpar
tfewhousesaway

me:
Ohy
oursosweetbut
..
.

hi
m:Ii
nsi
st

me:
Finel
et'
sgo

(wegotdr
essedqui
cklyhisMom wasnothomesowewe' r
eal
oneandlastni
ghtt
oo haaaaI
l
ovehim any waybacktot hest
orywegoti
ntheCarthenhedr
oveoffonthewayI'
m
pani
cki
ngwhatam Igoingtosaybcztheyt
hinkIsl
epthome ohnoIhopeLucycoversf
orme
i
fshe'
supsheprobablyasleepbynow Godbewi t
hme)

Et
han:
Cal
m down

me:
Calm downI
'
m get
ti
ngki
ckedoutoft
hehouset
odayf
orr
eal
andt
hankGodDaddoesn'
tl
iv
e
wi
thusanymore

hi
m:You'
l
lbef
ine

me:
NoIwi
l
lnot

(
thenhest
oppedt
hecar
)

me:
Her
eIgo

hi
m:Gi
vemeaki
ss

(
Iki
ssedhi
mthenopenedt
hrdoor
)

hi
m:What
?

me:
What
?

hi
m:Idi
dn'
tfel
titIbar
elyf
elti
tyouwer
esoqui
ck

me: f
ine

hi
m:Ther
ewegocomeher
e

me:

(
weki
ssedal
ongki
ss)

hi
m:Nowt
hat
swhatIcal
lagoodby
eki
ss

me:
What
ever
(Ir
anoutoft
hecart
hentookawalkhomepar
ked2housesawayt
henIgoti
nthegat
eIwas
scaredt
oknock okIshouldf
acemyfear
sIknocked)

Lucy
:Gr
eatt
imi
ngCousi
n

(
shewal
kedaway
)

me:
Wher
eisGr
andpa

(
Igoti
nIcl
osedt
hedoor
)

her
:Theyl
eftt
hismor
ning

me:
Oht
hankGod

(
Itookasi
tthencal
meddownIdi
dbr
eat
hingexer
cise)

Lucy
:Sowhathappened?Yousl
eptwi
thhi
m onaf
ir
stdat
e?

me:
Whatnowe'
vebeenseei
ngeachot
herf
orawhi
l
enow

her
:Andy
ou'
vebeenhi
dingi
tfr
om me?
Doy
ouknowhowbi
gist
his?

me:
IknowI
'
myoungt
odat
ebl
ahbl
ahbl
ahbuthe'
ssohandsome

her
:Ibethe'
snotpl
ayi
ngy
ou

me:
Whywoul
dhe?

her
:Idon'
tknowl
ookwher
eIam

(
shel
eft
...
NoEt
hani
snotpl
ayi
ngme)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Itookashowert
henIwasdoneIgotoutoft
hebat
hroom)

Hi
m:Youl
ooksohotpr
egnanty
ourev
engl
owi
ng

me:
I'
m get
ti
ngwayugl
yify
ouaskmeandf
at

hi
m:Yesbutget
ti
ngf
ati
nther
ightpl
aces

me:
Jakepl
sgoy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendneedsy
ou
hi
m:Inev
ersl
eptwi
thher

me:
Jakeplsdon'ti
ts8i
nthemor
ningIneedsomerestev
enthesuni
soutl
ooki
ngsobeaut
if
ul
i
fIwasn'
tpregnantI
'dl
ovet
ogoonthebeachwear
ingabiki
ni

hi
m:Youcanwearabi
ki
ni

me:
No

hi
m:Butf
orme

me:
Doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nkt
hat
'
ssexy
?

hi
m;Yes

me:
NoImeany
ou

hi
m:OfcauseImeany
ounev
ercompl
ainedbef
ore

me: Jakest
op

hi
m:Youwer
egr
oani
ngal
lfort
his(
poi
nti
ngathi
sabs)

me:
Stop

hi
m:Yes

me:
That
'snotwhatImeantJake pl
s

hi
m:Ohy
oust
il
lgr
oani
ngov
ert
hem?
(rai
singhi
sey
ebr
owsandsmi
l
ing)

me: y
ourcr
azy

hi
m:SeeI
'
m maki
ngy
oul
ough agai
n

me:
Yahbczy
ourcr
azy

hi
m:Comeon

(
het
ri
edget
ti
ngupt
henhet
wist
edhi
swai
st)

me:
OhmyGodar
eyouok?

hi
m:Ahhhhnono

me:
l
aybackI
'
llgi
vey
ouamassage

(
hesmi
l
ed)

me:
Yournotf
aki
ngr
ight
?
hi
m:Whaaatnooo

me:
Ify
ouar
eI'
l
lki
l
lyou

(
Massagi
nghi
m hel
aidt
her
esmi
l
ing)

hi
m:Heyheyy
ourt
ouchi
ngmymanhood

me:
NoIdi
dn'
t

hi
m:Yesy
oudi
dseenowi
ttwi
tches

me:
Ibet
terst
op

hi
m:Nodon'
tst
op

(
Ist
op)

me:
Youraccusi
ngmeofmaki
ngy
ouhor
ny

hi
m:Hunnyy
oumakemehor
nybyj
ustl
ooki
ngaty
ou

me:
ArgggI
'
m si
ckoft
his

(
Itr
iedt
ogetofhi
m)

hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryIwasj
ustput
ti
ngi
toutt
her
e

me:
Yousai
dit
stwi
tchi
ngl
eav
emeal
onet
hat
syourbusi
ness

hi
m:Buty
oupr
ovokedi
t

me:
What
?Idi
dn'
tpr
ovokeany
thi
ng

hi
m:I
tdoesn'
tj
ustgetexci
tedf
ornor
eason

me:
Wel
lIal
socan'
texpl
ain

hi
m:Buty
ousol
vei
t

me:
Whatewwww

hi
m:Ewwwwhatnow

me:
Letmegetup

hi
m:Butcomeont
het
wit
chi
ngi
sget
ti
ngwor
sef
eel
it

me:
Whatnooo

Hi
m:Whaty
ouraf
rai
dyou'
l
ltwi
tcht
oo
me:
Jakey
ournast
y

hi
m:I
fyouwon'
ttwi
tchpr
ovei
t

me:
LookI
'
m notdoi
ngt
hispl
ust
hisconv
ersat
ioni
swei
rd

hi
m:Youdi
dn'
tmi
ndt
ouchi
ngi
tthatt
imewewer
emaki
ngt
hisl
i
ttl
eone

(
hebr
ushedmyt
ummy
)

me:
JakeEwwwokewwwwI
'
m nott
ouchi
ngany
thi
ng

hi
m:Yourwi
thsomeone?

me: Yes

hi
m:Whaaaaaatwhi
l
epr
egnantwi
thmybaby
?

me:
Andwhat
'swr
ongt
othat
?

hi
m:Nonoi
tsj
ustwr
ongsomeoneel
sei
stouchi
ngy
ourbel
l
yev
eryni
ghtandhav
ingal
lmymy
mealt
ohi
msel
f

me:
Whatmeal
?

hi
m:Themeal
isy
oubaby

me:
I'
m noty
ourbaby

hi
m:Sot
hissomeoney
ou'
vesl
eptwi
thhi
m?

me:
Yah

hi
m:Howmanyt
imes?

me:
We'
vebeendat
ingf
oramont
hnowsowehav
esexl
i
ke3-
4ti
mesaday

hi
m:What
?doesn'
thehav
eaj
ob?wher
edoeshegetal
ltheener
gy

(
thenhel
etgoofmet
henIst
ooduphedi
dtoo)

me:
Idon'
tknowbuthe'
sjustamazi
ng

hi
m:Sohehi
tsi
tforr
eal
?

me:
Yesandhismanhoodissobig(
Ihadabi
gsmi
l
eonmyf
acet
henIsetdown)Imoar
nand
moar
noverandoveragai
n(Ibi
tt
enmyli
ps)

hi
m:Iwantt
oseehi
m

me:
Whaty
ouwantt
oseei
t?You'
l
lgetof
fendedmanImean
hi
m:Veecuttheactokt
here'
snoguyyourbei
ngwi
thhere(hegotdr
essedt
henIhear
dhi
m
mumbli
ng)jeesh(hemockmyvoi
ce)3-4ti
mesaday..
..
.3-
4timesadaymyfoot

me: Ihear
dthat

hi
m:Gogetdr
essed

me:
Nowy
ourof
fended wow

Cont
inuat
ion

Lucy
'sPOV

(
I'
m homealoneAvaisoutMar
thai
souttobuygrocer
iesmyparentshav
en'
tcomehomey etso
I
'm att
hel
oungelooki
ngatamagazi
neeati
ngstr
awber r
ieswhensomeoneknockeddi
stur
bed
mypeaceIwenttoopen)

me:
Sam?

hi
m:Lucy

(
WTF )

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

me:
Okal
lyou'
l
ldoi
sgeti
nbycl
i
mbi
ngt
hest
epsatt
hebackt
henst
abher

(
Iwast
alki
ngt
otheI
.TguyShannon)

hi
m:Sot
hisAngel
agi
rli
sal
one?

me:
Yesgoal
readyher
eisheraddr
essIwon'
tshar
emyJakewi
thany
one

hi
m:ButJakest
il
ll
ovesVee

me:
JustshutupanddowhatIj
ustt
oldy
ou

hi
m:(
hesi
ghed)ok
(
hel
eft
)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Iwasatmyapar
tmentJakeal
readyl
eftbutIt
oldhi
m Iwasl
yi
ng .
..
thenmyphoner
ang)

me:
Hel
l
o

?
:HeyVeei
tsmeAngel
apl
sdon'
thangup

me: Whatdoy
ouwant
?

her
:Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou

me:
What
?

her
:IknowIknowi
tscr
azybutPl
sweneedt
ocl
earourdi
ff
erences

me:
Yourot
hert
ri
cksnot
hanky
ou

her
:Pl
s

me:
Byt
hewayI
'
m notwi
thJakeany
mor
e

her
:Comeher
epl
zIal
readyt
ext
edy
oumyaddr
esswhatI
'
m goi
ngt
otel
lyouwi
l
lint
eresty
ou

me:
Whatdoy
oumeanAngel
a?

her
:Pl
s

me: okI
'
m comi
ng

Av
a'sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thEt
hanatt
hebeachi
tsr
eal
l
yhott
oday
)

me:
Butwej
ustsaweachot
herf
ewhour
sago

hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou
me:
Ohw

(
weki
ssedIsawJadencomi
ngourwaywest
opped)

me:
HeyJaden

hi
m:HeyAv
a

(
wehuggedIi
ntr
oducedhi
mtoEt
hant
henwebeganchat
ti
ng)

Jaden:
Iwasheadi
ngt
oLucyIneedt
otal
ktoher

me:
About
?

(
hel
aughed)

me:
Okdon'
ttel
lme act
ual
l
yshe'
sal
oney
oucango

(
hel
eft
)

Et
han:
Whatwast
hatal
labout
?

me:
Hel
i
kesmycousi
n

hi
m:Whoi
syourcousi
n?

me:
LucyEl
l
is

(
hewasshockedal
i
ttl
e)

me:
Whaty
ouknowher
?

hi
m:NahhhI
'
veseenar
ti
clesaboutherbei
ngr
apedy
ouknow

me:
Yahshe'
ssuchast
rongwoman

(
hisphoner
angont
hescr
eent
hewasaf
ami
l
iarwomani
twaswr
it
ten"
Mom")

Hi
m:HeyMom

.
..

hi
m:Att
hebeachwi
thmygi
rl
fr
iend

.
..

hi
m:Okwhenwi
l
lyougethome?

.
..

hi
m:10wowMom sol
ate
.
..

hi
m:Okf
ine

.
..

hi
m:By
e

(
hedr
oppedi
t)

me:
Yoursocl
oset
oyourMom

hi
m:Ver
y

me:
Iwantt
ofor
giv
emi
net
oo

hi
m:Pl
sdof
ory
oursake

me:
Yah

Chapt
er33

(
Iwentt
ot hi
sapar
tmentofAngel
a'
sshebet
terbequi
ckbczI
'
mti
redmyf
eetar
eswol
l
en.
..
Igot
i
nIwenttother
ecept
ioni
stdest
)

Me:
HeyI
'
mlooki
ngf
orAngel
aOr
iano

Her
:Okpl
ssi
gnher
efi
rst

(
WowokIsi
ghed)

Her
:She'
sint
he6t
hfl
oori
nroom 190

Me:
WTFokt
hanky
ou

(
Ist
ruggl
edwal
ki
ngt
othel
i
ftamanwal
kedbehi
ndme)

Hi
m:Whi
chf
loorMa'
am?

(
Ohwhatagent
leman)
Me:
The6t
hfl
oor

Hi
m:ok

(
Hepr
essed6t
hbut
ton)

Me:
Andy
ou?

Hi
m:6t
hfl
oort
oo

Me:
Ohwwhatacoi
nci
dence

Hi
m:Yah

(
ThenIpani
ckedal
one)

Me:
Thatgi
rlbet
terbet
her
eandbet
terbecl
earandshebet
terbequi
ck

(
Theel
evat
orst
oppedwegotouthel
aughed)

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Yourt
alki
ngal
onet
hat
swhy

Me:
youhear
dmesoIwasn'
ttal
ki
ngal
one

(Helaughedhewenttoroom 188Iwent190Damnthi
swhol
ebuil
dingi
sfancyandhuge.
..
I
knocked..
.nor
epl
y.
..Iknockedf
ormorethan5ti
mesevent
hatguywalkedout)

Hi
m:She'
snotopeni
ngshenother
e

Me:
Noshe'
sher
eIwi
l
lnotcomeal
lthewayher
epr
egnantf
ort
hiscr
apnonotnev
er

Hi
m:Tr
ytoopen

(
Idi
d)

Me:
It'
sopent
hanky
ou

(
Hewal
kedaway
..
.Iopenedt
hedoor )

Me:
What
? nonono

(Ahugeknifestabbedinherhear
t.
..
Iscr
eamed)Nooooooooo ohnoohGodnono(I
kneeledwit
hmyknees) Angel
aohGodIt ookafl
eecet
hatwasont
opoft
hecouchIt
ri
ed
stoppingt
hebleedingohGod)

Me:
Angel
aAngel
apl
s

(
ThatGuyent
ered)
Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?
(hesawher
)ohShi
t

(
Hecal
l
edt
hepol
i
cet
hencheckedherpul
se)

Hi
m:She'
sdead

Me:Nono(myeyeswer
eredIwashear
tbr
okenImeanshe'
samot
hershe'
sadaught
ershe'
sa
humanevent
houghshedi
dmanyhurtf
ult
hings)

Hi
m:Ma'
am Ma'
am cal
m downI'
m wit
hthepol
i
ce(
het
ookouthi
sbadge)I
'
m det
ect
iveCr
uise
pl
sst
epasi
dethepoli
ceareont
heirway

(
WhuuuIwassour hehel
pedmeupt
hensetont
hecouchIst
oppedcr
yingIhadhi
ccups)

Me:
Shewasn'
tabadper
sont
hough shehadadaught
er

Det
ect
ive:
itsoky
ournotasuspect
ewel
lIt
hink

Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
out
hi

Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
out
hink?

(
Pol
i
cecamei
nrushi
ng)

Det
ect
ive:
Ma'
am pl
sst
epasi
dewewi
l
lneedy
ourst
atement

Me:
But
..
.

Hi
m:Pl
s

(IWal
kedoutoft
her
oom conf
usedwi
l
lIbeasuspecti
nthi
scr
ime but
..
.but
..
.Ial
sof
oundher
dead )

Av
a'sPOV

Me:
HeyCousi
n

Lucy
:What
?

Me:It
houghtabouti
tI'
mfor
giv
eAngel
aandIwantt
oknowswhomybi
ologi
cal
Fat
hert
henI
'
ll
f
aceDadmy sel
f

Lucy
:Wowwhatmakesy
ousayt
hatal
lofasudden?

Me:
Ethan
Her
:Wowt
hisEt
hanguy

Me:
Shutup whataboutJaden?

Her
:Okt
hat
sgotnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ou

Me:
hmmmmmm ok

Her
:Whenar
eyoul
eav
ingany
way
?

Me:
Nowdon'
tsweati
tCousi
n

(
Ilef
ther
)

(
40mi
nut
esl
aterwai
ti
ngf
ort
heDet
ect
ive)

Hi
m:Ma'
am.
..

Me:
MissPhol
a

Hi
m:OkMi
ssPhol
aweneedy
out
ogohomef
ornow

Me:
(Sarcast
icl
augh)
SirI
'
vebeenher
eforov
eranhournowmyf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngmeanddon'
t
menti
onmyback

Hi
m:Iknowwer
esor
ry

Me:
Any
wayam Ii
ntr
oubl
e?

Hi
m:Ican'
tsayt
hatmuchMi
ssbuty
ouneedt
oleav
efornow.

(
Itur
ned)Anddon'
tl
eav
ethecount
ry

Me:
I'
m asuspectr
ight
?

Hi
m:I
'
m af
rai
dso

Me:
Wow(
inal
ownot
ethenwentdownt
heel
evat
orIbumpedi
ntoAv
a)

Me:
Ava(
myey
eswer
est
il
lredandIwast
ir
ed)

Her
:Vee?

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Her
:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hat

Me:
Uhm.
..

Her
:Whyy
oursopal
e?(
Touchi
ngmyf
ace)

Me:
Ava

Her
:I
'm her
eforAngel
ato.
..
for
giv
eher

(
Mywor
ldcr
umbl
eddown)

Her
:Heydi
dshehur
tu?

Me:
Noshe.
..
she

Her
:Shewhat
?Ist
hatbl
ood?

(
Ilookedar
ounddon'
tknowwhatt
osay
)

Her
:Di
du2goti
ntoaf
ight
?

Me:
She'
sdeadAv
a(cr
ying)

Her
:Who?
Whodi
ed?

Me:
(myv
oiceshaki
ng)
Angel
a

Her
:What
?How?Why
?Huh?

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

(
Shecr
iedwat
chi
nghercr
ybr
okeme ohGodbar
ewi
thme)

Her
:Nonoshe.
..

Me:
I'
m sor
rybabe

Her
:Whathappened?
How.
..
.

(
Itol
dherev
ery
thi
ngi
ncl
udi
ngmeasuspect
)

Her
:Butt
hat
'sj
ust
..
.

Me:
Iknow Idi
dn'
tki
l
lher

Her
:Ofcausey
oudi
dn'
t

(
WehuggedJakecal
l
edme)

Me:
It
syourDad.
..
hel
l
o
Hi
m:Wher
eru?

Me:
Uhm whatdouwant
?

Hi
m:Lucyi
sonl
abour

Me:
Whatwer
ecomi
ngr
ightaway

(
Cal
ldr
opped)

Me:
Lucyi
sgi
vi
ngbi
rt
h

Her
:Whatwow

Me:
Let
'
sgo

Her
:No

Me:
What
?

Her
:Iwantt
osee.
.Mom

Me:
(If
orcedasmi
l
e)Ok.
..
whenIcant
ell
ever
yone?

Her
:Wi
l
ldoi
ttoget
heraf
terLucyget
sdi
schar
gef
rom t
hehospi
tal

Me:
Ok

(
Ilef
tsheal
solef
t.
..
Thisi
swaytooheav
yformyhear
ttobar
ehowcanIputonast
rai
ghtf
ace?
Myhelll
i
febegi
nshereandnow)

Chapt
er34

Dav
id'
sPOV

Me:
WHOKI
LLEDHER?
???
???

Hi
m:Theysayi
tsSi
vi
wePhol
a

Me:
Thepr
egnantwoman?

Hi
m:YesSi
r

Me:
Don'
tpi
ssmeofI
T'SNOTHER

Hi
m:ButSi
r.
..

Me:Idon'
tcar
ewhatthePol
i
cesay.
..
Shedi
dn'
tki
ll
herTHI
Sthi
siswayper
sonal
findt
her
ight
per
sonwhodi dt
hisMaxandbr
ingt
hatper
sonhere

Hi
m:YesBoss
(
Helef
t.
..I
'l
lki
ll
thatpersonIswearonAngel
a'
smemor y Ijustf
oundt
hel
oveofmyl
i
fenow
t
heyki
llherIwantthatpersonDEADI'
l
lgett
othebot
tom ofthi
s)

Jake'
sPOV

Me:
Ical
l
edVeet
heyar
ecomi
ng

Mom:
OhmybabyIcan'
twai
ttoseeher

Dad:
Cal
m downsweet
hear
t

Doc:
Ell
i
sFami
l
y

Me:
Her
eDoc

Doc:
Ourpat
ientgav
ebi
rt
hver
ywel
lther
ewer
enosur
pri
sesshe'
srest
ingf
ornow

Mom:
OhmybabycanImeether

Doc:
Sor
ryMa'
am she'
sst
il
lasl
eepnowbutucanwai
t

Me:
ThanksDoc

(
Hel
eftVeegoti
n)

Me:
Babe

(
Ihuggedher
)

Her
:Wedi
dn'
tmakeup

Me:
Sweet
y

Her
:No.
..
how'
sLucy

Me:
Uhm shegav
ebi
rt
hbutnowshe'
srest
ing

Her
:OhwIcan'
twai
ttoseeher

Me:
Ican'
twai
tfory
out
ogi
vebi
rt
h

Her
:Yout
hinki
tsf
unhuh?

Me:
Iwantt
obet
her
ewheny
ouri
nlabour

Her
:What
ever

Me:
Soy
ou'
l
lletme?
Her
:Yahwhat
everJake

Me:
Thanky
ou

(
Ihuggedher
)

Me:
Thi
siswhyIl
ovey
ou

Her
:Andhert
oo

Me:
Ther
eisnoher

Her
:Don'
tconv
incemeJake

Me:
Il
ovey
ouVeeonl
yyou

Her
:Ibet
tergoandcongr
atul
atey
ourPar
ent
s

(
Shel
eft
..
.Dammi
t SHI
T)

Cont
inuat
ion

Vee'
sPOV

(Lucygavebi
rt
h herbabyi ssobeaut
if
ul shegav
ebi
rt
ht ot
hecutestbabygi
rl
ever ...
WeallatLucy
'sr
oom nowshe'
salr
eadyupshe'
shol
dingherbaby)

Cc;
OhbabyI
'
m sopr
oud

Lucy
:I
'm sopr
oudofmy
sel
ftooMom

Henr
y:She'
sbeaut
if
ul

Me:
IndeedCongr
atul
ati
onsbaby

her
:Thanky
ou

Jake:
She'
ssoador
abl
ewi
thherey
escl
osed

me:
Iknow

her
:Wher
e'sAv
a?

me:
Uhmmm uhhhshe'
sonherway
her
:Shesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
oseeAngel
a

me:
Ohi
sthatr
ight
?May
beshe'
sonherway

Jake:
Doessheknowwer
eher
e

me:
YahIcal
l
edher

Cc:
She'
smi
ssi
ngt
hisbeaut
if
ulmoment

(
shewal
kedi
n..
.i
nar
ush)

Av
a:Her
eher
eI'
m al
readyher
e

Lucy
:Cousi
nyou'
reher
e

me:
Yout
ookt
ool
ong

Jake:
Tookt
ool
ongwher
e?(
hest
arr
edatme)

me:
Uhmmm

Av
a:I
tsgi
rl
sst
uffDadj
eezany
wayI
'
m her
etoseet
hebaby

(
shewentt
oLucy
)

Av
a:Ohwww She'
ssocut
e

(t
heykeptont
alkingJakewasgi
vingmeadeadstar
eheknowsI
'
mly
ing.
..
howam Igoi
ngt
o
expl
aint
his? i
t'sworsebczI
'm asuspect OhGod

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

me:Youdi
dagreatj
obmyI
.Tbutt
hatVeegi
rlbei
ngasuspectwasn'
tmypl
an butIki
l
ledt
wo
bi
rdswit
honestone

Shannon:
Arey
ousur
ethi
swi
l
lnotbackf
ir
ebczwear
einv
olv
ingt
heEl
l
isf
ami
l
y

me:Lookher
ey ourmyrighthandmany
ouknowmey
oushoul
dknowbynowt
hatI
'
mver
y
car
efulwhenIdot hi
ngs

Shannon:
IfJakef
indsouty
ou'
rebehi
ndt
hiswhol
ethi
ngy
ouradeadmeat

me:Hewon'
tnowt
hatst
upi
dgi
rli
sgoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
ojai
lJakewi
l
lbemi
neandy
ouwi
l
lmake
sur
eofthat
Shannon:
But
..
.

me:
Nobut
sIknowwhatI
'
m doi
ng

Det
ect
iveCr
uise'
sPOV

me:
Sogott
heev
idence

hi
m:YesSi
rwewi
l
lhav
eourki
l
leri
njust24hour
s

me:
Goodnowt
aket
hem t
othel
ab

(
hewentout.
..
Evidencebett
ernotpoi
ntt
othatl
adybczshe'
sinnocentIknowi
t shecan'
tgo
t
ojai
lshe'
spregnantforGodsake)

chapt
er35

Det
ect
ive'
sPOV

(
Therewasapr
obl
em att
hel
absoourev
idencedel
ayedwehav
etowai
tforf
ewweekst
oget
t
heresul
ts)

me:
Thomas(
Cal
l
ingf
orhi
m)

hi
m:YesSi
r

me:
Ineedust
ogoandexami
net
hel
ady
'sbodyt
oday

hi
m:YesSi
r

(Wewenttowereherbodywas.
..
Wegoti
nwewer
ewel
comedbydoct
orswhower
eexami
ning
herbodyaswel
l
)
me:
Aft
ernoonev
ery
one

t
hem:
Aft
ernoonDet
ect
ive

me:
Sawany
thi
ngoutoft
heor
dinar
y

Doc1:
Shewasst
rangl
edhernecki
sredandpur
ple

(
Str
angl
ed?I
t'
snotpossi
blef
orMi
ssPhol
atoki
l
lhershegoti
nandscr
eamedshesi
nnocent
)

Doc:
Andl
ookher
eDet
ect
iveshewasst
abbedbyaki
tchenkni
feandav
eryshar
pone

(
mor
eev
idencepr
ovi
ngshe'
sinnocent
)

Me:
Sodoy
our
eal
l
ythi
nki
tsawoman?

Doc1:
Yes

me;
Why
?

Doc1:
Thi
sladyont
hef
ingernai
l
sshehadawomanDNA

me:
It'
scoul
dbeany
one'
s

Doc:
YesDocandf
oundoutf
ingerpr
int
sonherbodyar
oundherneck

(
theygav
emeal
lthef
ingerpr
int
sli
nkedonapaper
)

me:
Whatobj
ectusedt
ost
rangl
eher
?

Doc2:
Acel
l
phone'
swi
re

(
wassheont
hephoneatt
hatt
imebczt
hephonewasl
ayi
ngont
hephonewhenwegott
her
e)

me:
Thanky
ousomuchIcoul
dreal
l
yuset
hisi
nfor
mat
ion

t
hem:
Any
timeDet
ect
ive

(
MeandThomaswegoti
nthecaranddr
oveaway
)

hi
m:Sowhatdoy
out
hink?

me:
Thepr
egnantl
adyi
sinnocent

hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nksowhataboutt
heev
idenceofawomam ont
henai
l
s?

me:
May
bei
tsbi
ther
s

hi
m:Don'
ttr
ustBoss

me:
Itr
usty
ouThomasbutnowIt
rustt
hatwoman'
swor
d
hi
m:Weneedt
omeetDet
ect
iveAl
l
ytoday

me:
Tel
lmey
ourki
ddi
ngshe'
sar
ude,
sel
fi
sh,
sel
fcent
redDet
ect
iveI
'
veev
ermeet

hi
m:She'
swor
kingont
hiscase

me:
That
'sev
enwor
sebczshewon'
tgetal
ongwi
thMi
ssPhol
asheal
sogotanat
ti
tude

hi
m:Leti
tbef
ightofcat
sthen

me:
All
y She'
sapai
nandt
hiscase.She'
l
lmakeMi
ssPhol
a'
sli
femi
ser
abl
e

hi
m:Tel
lmeabouti
t

Dav
id'
sPOV

me:
Gotany
thi
ng?

hi
m:Noty
etSi
r

me:
Anot
hert
hingIwantf
rom y
oui
syout
ofi
ndmydaught
er

hi
m:YesSi
r

(
Ineedt
oknowwho'smybabyandwher
ecanIf
indmybaby..
.Atl
eastIwantsomethi
ngto
r
ememberherwi
thmyAngel
atheonl
ywomanIevert
rul
ylov
ed...
Zoewalkedinf
uri
ous)

Zoe:
Dav
idOl
i
via

me:
Idi
dn'
tfr
ameher

Zoe:
Thenhowt
heHELLdi
dyouknown?

me:
ZoeIam noti
nthemoodf
ory
ourcr
ab

her
:OhandmyNi
ecegoi
ngbehi
ndbar
sforacr
imeshedi
dn'
t.
..

me:(
Igotr
eal
lyangr
y)SHUTTHEFUCKUPZOEy
ouhav
enoi
deaoft
hepai
nI'
mfeel
i
ngnowat
al
lmyheadisspi
nni
ng

Her
:Thenwhodi
dit
?

me:
May
beshegotenemi
esbutt
heyar
edoi
ngmeaf
avourt
oo

Zoe:
Yourpat
het
icDav
id
me:
Idon'
tcar
e

Zoe:
Andwhat
'sst
ressi
ngy
ou?

me:
Doy
our
eal
l
ycar
eZoe

her
:NobutIj
ustf
eltl
i
keaski
ng

me:
JustgetoutI
'
m noti
nthemoodf
ory
ourgames

Zoe:
Veebet
ternotgot
ojai
l

me:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutherIdon'
tcar
eIcar
eaboutmyf
ami
l
yandf
orababyInev
erknew

Zoe:
Youf
oundy
ourbabi
es?

me:
Babi
es?

Zoe:
What
?

me:
What
?

Zoe:
Ibet
tergo

me:
ZOEgety
ourf
atassher
ewhatdi
dyousay
?

Zoe:
Youhadt
winsDav
id

me:
Wit
hAngel
a?

Zoe:
..
..

me:
Wit
hAngel
adammi
twoman(
Ishout
ed)

her
:Yes

me:
How?how?
howt
heHELLdi
dyouknew?

her
:Iover
edy ourl
atewif
eonthephoneor deri
ngmentoki
llAngelaandherbabi
esandt
haty
ou
mustneverf
indoutthenshesawmel i
steningtohert
hent
hreateni
ngtokil
lus

Me:
YoukeptQUI
TEZOE?t
hatev
ilLadysepar
atedmef
rom mybabi
es

Zoe:
I'
m sor
ry

Me:
Ihav
etwi
nswher
ear
ethey
?

Zoe:
Idon'
tknowInev
ersawt
hegi
rl"
Angel
a"t
oo

me:
Soshewasr
ightbutshenev
ersai
dany
thi
ngbyw
t
wins butwhy
?WhyAngel
a?Twi
nsGodknowshowmuchIl
ovedt
hatwoman

Cont
inuat
ion

Av
a'sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thLucyi
nherr
oom andVeet
oo)

me:
Gir
lsIwantt
otel
lDadt
hewhol
est
ory

(
theyal
lknowt
hest
ory*
Jakenotbei
ngmyr
eal
fat
herandAngel
adead*
)

Vee:
I'
m shaki
nggi
rlwhati
fIgot
ojai
l

Lucy
:Noy
ouwon'
tyoumustl
ooki
fther
e'sacamer
ather
eornott
hatcoul
dhel
p

Vee:
Atl
eastt
heDet
ect
ivesawme

Me:
Ihopeheshoul
dhel
p

Lucy
:ButAngel
awhowoul
dwantt
oki
l
lher
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Vee:
Shewant
edt
ofi
xthi
ngs

me:
Iwasgoi
ngt
ofor
giv
eher

Lucy
:NomanCousi
ndon'
tbesad

me:
It
sokI
'
llbest
rongIj
ustwantDadt
obest
rongt
oo

Vee:
Hewi
l
lify
ouar
e

(
Lucyt
ookmyphone)

Lucy
:What
'st
imei
sit(
Tur
ningmycel
lon)Who'
sthi
s?

Me:
Ethanmyboy
fri
end
Lucy
:St
ayawayf
rom t
hisboy
?

me:
What
?Why
?

her
:He'
sbadnewsAv
ahe'
sol
dert
hany
ou

me:
YahIknowbutIl
ovehi
m

Lucy
:(Cr
ying)f
ory
ourowngoodLEAVEhi
m NOW

me:
NoLucywhyrusay
ingt
hat
?

her
:(shecal
meddownshewasbr
eastf
eedi
ngherbaby
)Av
aIl
ovey
ousomuchf
ory
out
ogo
whatI'
vebeent
hrough

me:
Whatrut
alki
ngaboutLucyEt
hani
sagoodguy

Vee:
Gir
lsst
opLucycal
m downy
ourscar
ingt
hebaby
..
.whatrusay
in?

Lucy
:I
'm sor
ryAv
abutEt
hani
sabadboyhe'
sfr
iendswi
thSam

me:
What
?

Vee:
Theguyt
hatr
apedy
ou?

Lucy:
Yes.
..
weusedtobeasquadheusedtodateal
otofy
ounggi
rl
smay
behe'
susi
ngy
ouand
ontopofthathe'
sawomenabuserI
'
veseenhi
m

me:
what
?Noy
ourl
yi
ng

Lucy
:Av
ahei
sSam'
sfr
iendwhatdoy
ouexper
t?Thatguyi
sev
enusi
ngdr
ugsst
ayawayf
rom
hi
m

Vee:
Ava

me:
Nonoy
ourj
ustmaki
ngt
hatal
lup

Lucy
:Hav
en'
tyouev
erment
ionmei
nhi
spr
esence?

me:
YahIt
hink

Lucy
:Whatwashi
sreact
ion?

(
Byt
hel
ooksofi
tnowhi
sri
ght heact
edst
rangeonceIment
ionedLucy
)

me:
He.
..
gotwei
rd

Lucy
:HeknowsmeAv
aI'
vesav
edagi
rlt
hathewasbeat
ingupsobadsheendedupi
nhospi
tal

Vee:
Youneedt
ost
ayawayAv
a
me:
Nononomay
behe'
schanged

Vee:
Menl
i
kehi
m don'
tchange

Lucy
:Ibegy
ouy
ou'
l
lgethur
t

me:
No

(
Iwal
kedout
)

Vee;
Ava.
..
Avapl
s

(
Ilef
tthem.
..
)

Det
ect
ive'
sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thThomasandDet
ect
iveAl
l
y )

Al
l
y:SoDet
ect
ive.
..
tel
lmeaboutOURcase

(
Itol
dherev
ery
thi
ng)

Her
:Sowhatrwewai
ti
ngf
orl
et'
sar
restt
hewoman

me:
She'
sinnocent

Her
:Fi
neI
'
lli
nvest
igat
ecl
osef
ri
endsandr
elat
ives

me:
Shehasadaught
erbyt
henameAr
iel
Swampher
eisherpr
ofi
l
e

(
shet
ooki
t)

her
:Herdaught
erl
i
vesi
nCol
ombi
a?

me:
Yes

her
:Oht
hisAngel
agi
rli
sami
xofwhi
teandaMexi
can

me:
Yes

her
:Who'
stheFat
her

me:Wedon'
tknowshe'
snotmar
ri
edweaskedhernei
ghbor
sshewasn'
ti
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
any
one
her
:Hmmm hav
eanyenemi
es?

me:
Wehav
en'
ti
nvest
igat
edt
hatki
ndof
..
.

her
:Let
'smov
ethendet
ect
iveohwai
tIwantt
hissuspectweneedt
otal
k

(
ohohwher
ewego)

Thomas:
Let
'sgot
hen

her
:West
artbyhersuspect

me:
Okl
et'
sgo

Dav
id'
sPOV

me:
What
?Angel
ahasaki
dbacki
nCol
ombi
a?

max:
YesSi
r

me:
Soi
tspossi
bleshe'
smi
ne?

Max:
She'
stur
ning16t
hisy
eart
hat
'
showol
dyourt
winsshoul
dbe

(
hegav
emeapi
ctur
e)

hi
m:Thi
sisher

(
tear
srol
ldownmycheeks)

me:
She'
sbeaut
if
ul

hi
m:Butwecan'
tfi
ndt
heot
hert
win

me:
It
sokMaxy
ourwor
kisbeaut
if
ulpl
sleav
eme

(
Hel
eft
)

me:
MybabyhasherMot
her
ssmi
l
e

•
Vee'
sPOV

(I
minmyapart
mentwhenIhear
daknockont
hrdoormybabyi
ski
cki
ngnonst
opmanI
'
m
al
wayst
ir
edIcan'
twai
ttogi
vebir
thwoah )

me:
Comi
ng

(
Iopenedt
hedoor
)

me:
Det
ect
ive

(
awomanwal
kedi
nandsetont
hecouch)

her
:Pl
ssi
tdown

(
Det
ect
ivegoti
nandapol
i
cemanIcl
osedt
hedoor
)

me:
Somet
hingt
odr
ink

her
:Wedon'
thav
eal
ldaysi
tdown

me:
Owk

(
She'
sful
lofher
sel
fhuh shedoesn'
tknowme)

her
:Doy
ouknowAngel
aourv
ict
im?

me:
Yes

her
:What
'sy
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
?

me:
She'
swasababyMommat
omyboy
fri
end

her
:What
?

Det
ect
ive:
Angel
ahadanot
herbaby
?

Me:
Whatdoy
oumeananot
her
..
.

her
:Whoi
sthi
sbaby
?

me:
AvaEl
l
is

(
shewr
otedown)

her
:OKsowher
ecanwef
indher
?

me:
at*
**

her
:Any
waywasy
ourr
elat
ionshi
pgoodor
?
me:
Notgoodnotbadei
ther

her
:Icanseey
ourpr
egnant

me:
Yes

her
:Who'
stheFat
her
?

Det
ect
ive:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
s..
.

her
:Iwasaski
ngMi
ssPhol
a

me:
It
'sJakeEl
l
is

her
:fat
herofAv
aEl
l
is?

me:
Yes

her
:Thi
scasei
sgoi
ngt
obecompl
i
cat
ed

(
theykeptonaski
ngal
otofbor
ingquest
ionst
hent
heywal
kedout
)

Det
ect
ive:
Sor
ryabouther

me:
It
sOKshe'
sdoi
ngherj
ob

(
hel
eft
)

me: Thatdi
dn'
tgowel
l

Chapt
er36

2weeksl
ater

Vee'
sPOV

(I
'm alonei
nmyapartmentIcan'
tst
opt hi
nki
ngaboutAngela i tsli
keI
'm gui
l
tyIhave
nightmaresoft
hedayIsawherdeadonherapartment.Ir
olloutofbedIwenttothebat
hroom
torinsemymout ht
henwenttothekit
chentomakemy sel
fsomet hi
ngtoeatImademywayt o
t
hesof
awhenIf
eltawar
mli
qui
dfl
ewdownmyt
highsIwaswear
ingashor
tpj
'
sIl
ookeddown)

me:
Ohshi
tmywat
erbr
oke

(t
henIf
eltcr
ampsinmybel
l
ymypl at
efel
lIcr
awl
tomyphonef
uckt
hishur
ts.
Igr
abbedmycel
l
Ical
l
edtheambul
ancet
hentr
iedcal
li
ngJake)

hi
m:Sweet
ie

me: Iam noty

oursweet
ieahhhhh(
Iscr
eamed)mywat
erbr
okeJake

hi
m:Huh?
what
?huh?wher
eru?I
'
m comi
ng

(Idroppedt
hecall
hedidn'
tevenletmesay.
Thisbabyi
stear
ingmycooki
eapar
tI'
mtel
l
ingyou.
After10minut
estheambulancecametheytookmeJakesawmeget t
ingont
heambul
ancehe
gotinwedrovetothehospi
tal
)

Jake:
I'
m sohappy

me:
(Imadeabassv
oice)JAKEdoy
ouknowt
hePAI
N(Ical
meddown)I
'
mfeel
i
ng

Nur
se:
Breat
hin

(
Ibr
eat
hedi
n)

hi
m:Thenout

(
Ibr
eat
hedoutJakewashol
dingmyhandIwassweat
ingl
i
keapi
gifi
tsweat
s)

Nur
se:
She'
sgi
vi
ngbi
rt
hCar
losmov
emov
e

(
Bangi
ngt
henett
owar
nthedr
iver
)

Jake:
Cal
m babe

me:
Ican'
tCALM

(
aft
eragesofdr
ivi
ngtothehospi
talwegotoutthenur
sespushedmybedt
othedel
i
ver
yroom
i
twassoscaryt
heirbedsweresoscar
yIlookedatJakeinshock)

hi
m:You'
l
lbef
ineMr
sEl
l
is(
hesmi
l
edhewasal
sosweat
ing)

Doc:
Siry
oudon'
thav
etobeher
e

me:
PlsDoc

Jake:
I'
m herboy
fri
endpl
s

Doc:
Okmov
etot
hatsi
de

(
hewashol
dingmyhandal
lthewayev
endr
yingmyf
ace)
Hi
m:You'
l
lbef
ineI
'
llbeher
eal
ltheway

(Iwasl
aidonthebedmylegssepar
atedtheyr
ippedmyshor
ts.
..
TheDocsetonachairi
nfr
ont
ofmethatshi
twashothestar
tedpushi
ngmybel l
ysl
owlyal
l
owingmetopushIscreamedmy
l
ungsout)

Doc:
Push.
..
push.
..
push

(
I'
m pushi
ngGoddammi
tJaket
ookapeakhi
sey
espoppedouthepani
cked)

me:
Whatwhat

(
Iscr
eamedagai
nhedr
iedhi
sfor
ehead)

hi
m:Al
lIknowi
syoushoul
dbedeadbynow

(
Ipani
cked)

me:
Whaaaaaaaaaa

(Iscreamedagai
nthi
skeptongoi
ngJakewassweat
ingmor
ethanmehewasdeadscar
ed
askingmehowI '
m doi
ngever
y5secondst
henIhear
dababycr
ymyworl
dgotrai
nbowsand
freshlysummerbl
oomingf
lower
s)

Doc:
It
saboy

(
IknewJakedi
dn'
t.
Hegav
emet
hebaby
)

me:
Hisbeaut
if
ul

(
Jakeki
ssedmyf
orehead)

hi
m:AboyIl
ovey
ouVee

(
Ilookedathim andsmiled.
..
thenstar
tedpl
ayi
ngwiththebabiesfeetwehadourspecial
bond
t
hereforfewmi nut
esIfeltmybabycryinmyar msthencal
meddown whataspeci al
momentaf t
ersomet i
meDoct orcameandtookhim Iwastakentomyr oom Jakewentto
wait
.Theminutemyheadhi tthepil
l
owIslept)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
omyf
ami
l
y)

Av
a:I
ssheok?
Mom:
Ist
hebabyf
ine?

Er
ick:
Isi
taboy
?

Lucy
:Noi
tsagi
rlador
abl
eli
ket
hisone

(
kissi
ngherbabi
esnose)

Dad:
Howdi
ditgoSon?

(
Thei
rquest
ionsgav
emeaheadacheIsetdown)

Av
a:Dadsaysomet
hing

me:
She'
sfi
nemybabyBOY(
looki
ngatLucy
)isf
inet
oot
heyar
erest
ing

Er
ick:
Congr
atul
ati
onsman

(
wef
istpump)

Mom:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
oumyboy

Av
a:I
'
llhav
eababyBr
other al
thoughIwant
edasi
stert
hough

Lucy
:I
'm sadal
i
ttl
ebuhwhat
ev'
s

me:
I'
m sososohappy

Dad:
I'
m pr
oudofy
ouson

Me:
ThanksDad

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thMaxi
nmyof
fi
ce)

Max:
Iof
fer
edt
hegi
rlt
ocomeheIt
oldherI
'
m herMot
her
sfr
iendsher
efused

me:
Keeponpi
cki
ngherIwantherheart
oexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngmy
sel
fIwantmydaught
er

hi
m:YesSi
randIf
oundy
ourot
herdaught
er

(
Isetup)

me:
Youdi
d?
hi
m:Yesbuty
ouwon'
tl
iket
henewsonebi
t

me:
Tel
lmeMax

hi
m:She'
sJakesdaught
erJakeEl
l
is

me:
Ell
i
s?Whythi
sfami
l
yal
way
sli
nkt
ous.
..
SoAngel
abl
amedJakeEl
l
isf
orherpr
egnancyone
t
winofcause

Et
han'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
ovi
sitSam i
npr
ison)

me;
Heyboy

hi
m:Hey

(
wesetdown)

me:
Sohow'
sli
feher
e?

hi
m:Ter
ri
blebutpl
slet
'snott
alkaboutmewhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e

me:
i
tsy
ourbabyMomma

hi
m:Lucy
?donott
ouchher

me:
Shesai
dsomet
hingt
oAv
a

hi
m:Av
ahercousi
n?

me:
Yes

hi
m:Whathappened?

me:
Shet
oldhersomet
hingabtmeIcanf
eel
it

hi
m:Ev
eni
fshedi
dwhaty
oudi
dwaswr
ong

me:
Shewi
l
lnotr
uinmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thAv
a

hi
m:Anddon'
tyoudar
ehur
tLucyI
'
llki
l
lyouEt
han

me:
NoIwi
l
lnev
ergot
hatf
arIl
oveAv
a
hi
m:Youbet
termeant
hat

me:
PlusI
'
mther
eforar
evenge

hi
m:Rev
enge?

me:
Iknowwhoki
l
ledmyf
ather

hi
m:Who?

me:
Siv
iwePhol
a

Chapt
er37

Twoday
slat
er

(I
'
m wit
hAvaandJakeatmyapart
mentandmybabyboyhisnamei skwenzokuhl
eBl
ueEl
li
s
..
. Bluewhocall
sababybl
ue? buthi
sFatheri
nsi
stedonitIal
sowantedmybabytohavea
Xhosanametoo.
..
Wewerehavi
ngsomuchfunthenweheardabangingknock)

me:
Wowwhomustt
hatbewi
thsomuchanger

(
Iwentt
othedoor
)

me:
Det
ect
ive

(
Thatannoy
inggi
rl
)

Det
ect
ive;
Siv
iwePhol
ayouar
ear
rest
edf
orf
ir
stdegr
eemur
derofAngel
aSwamp

(
JakeandAv
acamet
othedoor
)

Jake:
Wai
t.
..
what
?

me:
NoIdi
dn'
t.
..

(
2pol
i
cemengr
abbedmyar
mst
hencuf
fedme)

Av
a:Shedi
dn'
tdoi
t
(
Thedet
ect
ivesai
d)

"
youhav
ear
ightt
oremai
nsi
l
entbl
ahbl
ahbl
ah"

Jake:
Avay
ouknew

me:
Idi
dn'
tdoi
tIswear

(
Theydr
aggedmeout
side)

Jake:
Angel
aisdeadal
lal
ong

(
wegotout
side)

Jake;
Howcoul
dyou?

me:
YouknowmeIwoul
dnev
erdosucht
hingpl
s

(Hestoodther
enotdoingnothingwhi l
ethemot herofhi
schil
dbeingarr
est edI
'm notaski
ngthe
worl
datleast"Iknowyoudidn'
tdoi tI
'l
lgetyououtofhere" IknowIdon' tdeser
v ei
tImassed
upbutwear emakemi st
akes..
.Paparazziwastakingpi
ctur
esthi
swillbetheScandal ofal
lti
me
newsitwil
lmaket hef
rontPageIt el
lyou)

Av
a:I
'
m sor
ry

(Looki
ngatmecryi
ngmyt earsfel
lbutmyheartbr
okelooki
ngatJakesfacehewasl ooki
ngat
mewi t
hhateIcoul
dsenseit.
..
Iwasforcedtogeti
nthecarIgoti
nshutthedoorIlookedat
Jakeandmybabyonceagainwi tht
earsrunni
ngdownmycheeksIcr i
edti
llIgotweak)

Dav
id'
sPOV

(I
'
m watchi
ngthenewsNahhhIdi dn'
tcareeveni
fshe'sarrest
edshe'l
lgiv
emet imet ofi
gureout
whereherDamnFat herputt
hemoneymyGr andfat
herlefthim Damni t
sMi l
l
ionsofdoll
ars
andnootherpersonwilll
ayhandsont hatmoneyotherthanmeandt heywon'ttakemy
busi
nessmyGr andfat
herbuil
titwit
hmyUncl esnownooutsi derwil
ltakeitawayfrom us

Ar
iel
Swamp'
sPOVt
hedaught
erofAngel
a
(
I'
m wat
chi
ngt
henews )

me:
Nononot hi
sisnott
rueIt
oseet
hiswi
thmyowney
esMom i
snotdead(Tear
sfel
ldown
mycheekst
omychest)OhnoGodNooooooMommy

(
MyGr
annycamet
ome)

Her
:Babywhat
'swr
ong?

me:Mom i
sdeadRosashe' sdeadsheleftmeALONE( Ist
art
edcryi
ngevenworsemyGr
anny
huggedmewebot hcri
ed.Whatrwegoi ngtodo?Wedon'thaveanymoney?Andwai
taseca
mancall
edsayinghi
smyMom' sfri
endIshouldcont
acthi
m againt
ohearwhathewant
s..
..
but
noIcan'
ttr
ustanyofthosewhitepplOhsweetVirgi
nMaryplsbewithus )

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

(
Tingt
ongdoorbel
lChr
ist
iangoti
nfur
ious)

hi
m;WTFVi
vi
an

(IsetonmySof
aagai
neat
ingmyf
reshst
rawber
ri
eswat
chi
ngnewsIsawhowt
hathoegot
arrest
ed)

Chr
ist
ian:
Imt
alki
ngher
ewomanhowdar
eyouf
rameVee?

me:
Shej
ustf
ell
int
othepl
anIdi
dn'
tnew

(
Wit
hal
owv
oice)

hi
m:Idon'
twantheri
njai
l

me:
Wel
lheri
njai
lwi
l
ltot
all
ymaket
hingseasyf
orme

hi
m:(
Hesar
cast
ical
l
ylaughs)Fory
ou.
..
fory
ounotf
ormenorusVi
vi
an.
..
IwantVee

me:
SowhatdoIdo

hi
m:Idon'
tknowbutdosomet
hing

me:
Yesdosomet
hing

hi
m:y
espl
s

me:
Igotabet
terpl
an
(
Shout
ing)
HeyApr
il

(
Mysi
sterApr
ilcameouthewassoshocked)

Apr
il
:Longt
imenoseeChr
ist
ian

Hi
m:Si
a?

(
MeandApr
ilsmi
l
ed)

Cont
inuat
ion

hi
m:Whatki
ndofaj
okei
sthi
s?

Me:
Wel
lChr
ist
ianSi
athesocal
l
edbestf
ri
endofVeei
sact
ual
l
ymySi
ster

hi
m:What
?

her
:Shocki
ngr
ight
?Ipr
etendedt
obeherf
ri
end

hi
m:Shet
rust
edy
ou

me:
ohpl
sst
opbei
ngapussymani
tsal
lov
ernowshe'
sinj
ail

her
:AndI
'
llmakesur
eshedoesn'
tcomeout

hi
m:Howcoul
dyou?

me:
OhshutupChr
ist
iani
t'
sov
ery
oul
ost

me:
I'
l
lfi
ghtf
orVeet
othedeat
hdoy
ouhear

her
:Bev
erycar
eful
ofwhaty
ouwi
shf
ori
tmaycomet
rue

hi
m:ohpl
syoucoul
dn'
thur
taf
ly

(
MeandSi
alaughed)

her
:Whodoy
out
hinkki
l
ledmysi
ster
'shusband?Vee?ohpl
sshe'
snothear
tl
ess

hi
m:What
?

me:LookChr
ist
ianifyout
rypr
ovi
ngVeei
sinnocentwewi
l
lbr
ingupt
hemur
derofmyl
ate
husband mayhi ssoulr
esti
npeace
her
:Gott
hatChr
ist
ian

hi
m:Yourbot
hsi
ck

me:
YahYahwhat
ever

(
Siagotcl
oset
oChr
ist
ian)

her
:I
'l
lteacht
hatst
upi
dgi
rlwhatSi
aisr
eal
l
ycapabl
eof

hi
m:Butwhy
?

her
:That
'sast
oryf
oranot
herdayact
ual
l
y

hi
m:DoesEt
hanknowabout

me:
Ethanohpl
shedoesn'
thav
etoknowal
lheknowsi
srev
enget
owar
dsVeepl
ushewasn'
thi
s
r
eal
Father

me:
Rusi
ckwoman?

me:
Nonononotatal
lact
ual
l
yI'
mtheoneget
ti
ngr
evenge

hi
m:Why
?ButVeenev
erdi
dnot
hingt
oyou

me:
Onceaponat
imeChr
ist
ianonceaponat
imet
hatscumbagofaFat
her
.Vee'
sfat
heronce
r
apedme.
..

hi
m:Wai
twhat
?

me:
Andhisfr
iendsIwantmyr
evenge.
Veewi
l
lfeel
ever
ypai
nIf
eltwhenherFat
herr
apedme
SHEWILLPAY

hi
m:What
?but
..
.shedoesn'
tdeser
veal
lthi
s

me:SheDOESIwas13( asobcameout
)13Christ
iannot
hingcanerasethatni
ghtnorpai
nnow
I
'v
ef oundmyhappi
nessJakethati
s I
'm notl
ett
inghi
m goI'
ll
fightt
otheDeathforhi
m

me:
Thensobei
t

(
Chri
sti
anturnedandwalkedawayhelef
t.
Iwanthi
sDaughtert
ofeel al
lpai
nIfel
tandGod
f
orbi
dthatbustar
dhavi
nganotherchi
l
dbczIwon'thesi
tat
etokil
lthatoneeit
her
)

Vee'
sPOV
(
I'
m behi
ndbar
satpol
i
cest
ati
onandnoonesai
dany
thi
ngt
omeI
'
m cr
yingmyl
ungsout
..
.)

"
Wakeuppr
ett
yface"

(
Itwast
hatAl
l
ydet
ect
ive)

me:
Oham Iget
ti
ngout
?

(
Shewaswi
thapol
i
cemanandunl
ocki
ngmycel
l
)

her
:(
Shel
aughed)Ohpl
sdon'
tki
dyour
sel
fyourgoi
ngt
othei
nter
rogat
ionr
oom

me:
Ohw

(Thenhandcuff
edwewewentt othei
nter
rogat
ionr
oom i
twasj
ustmeandDet
ect
iveAl
l
yshe
star
tedthr
owingquest
ionsatme )

Dav
id'
sPOV

max:
IgotgoodnewsBoss

me:
Singl
i
keabi
rdMax

hi
m:She'
scomi
ng

me:
Who?

hi
m:Ar
iel
Swampt
heot
hert
win

me:
Real
l
y?When?

hi
m:Wel
li
twi
l
ltakeday
str
avel
l
ingf
rom Mexi
cot
oSout
hAf
ri
ca

me:
Sogotev
ery
thi
ngundercont
rol
right
?Fl
i
ghtmoneyev
ery
thi
ng?

hi
m:YesSi
rdon'
tst
resst
hat
..
Whataboutt
heEl
l
isgi
rl
?

me:
OhMaxI
'
m st
il
lthi
nki
ngaboutt
hatnowt
otel
lyout
het
rut
hIdon'
tknowwhatt
odo

Khany
o'sPOV
(
IsawthenewsVeebeingar
rest
edIknowshe'
sinnocentI'
m goi
ngt
oseehowi
sJakehol
ding
t
henI'
l
lgotoher
..
.Iwentt
ohisoff
iceIf
oundhi
m withalady)

hi
m:Pl
sexcuseusFi
onaanddon'
tfor
gett
othepaperwor
kIgav
eyouandt
ell
MrJonesI
'
llbe
wi
thhi
m short
ly

her
:YesSi
r

(
Shel
eft
)

me:
Mor
ningMrEl
l
is

hi
m:HowmayIhel
pyou?

me:
LookJakeIknowy
oudon'
tl
ikemebutf
rom nowony
ougotnochoi
cey
ouhav
etogetused
t
ome

hi
m:I
fyoucameher
etoshoutatmeLEAVE

me:
How'
sVee?

hi
m:Shel
i
edt
omeshehi
dav
erybi
gli
efr
om mehowam Isupposet
oknow

me:
She'
stheMot
herofy
ourchi
l
dGodDammi
t

(
Iwasget
ti
ngangr
y

hi
m:Andwhatdoy
ouwant
?

me:
Tryt
ogetheroutbczshe'
sinnocent

hi
m:Wer
eyout
her
e?

me:
She'
smy
..
.She'
smyf
ri
endIknowhershewi
l
lnev
erdosuchat
hing

hi
m:Shel
i
edt
ome

me:I
fyouwerear ealmanyouwouldhaveseeniti
nherey
esshewast
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
handy
ou
di
dn'
tevenbotherli
steni
ngtoherr
easonsthat
'
showamani nlov
edo

(
Ilef
thi
mther
e)

Chapt
er38

•
•

Nextday

Ar
iel
'
sPOV

(
I'
minSout
hAf
ri
canowmyGr
annyi
scal
l
ing)

me:
Hey

her
:Hel
l
omybabysohowwasy
ourt
ri
p

me:
GreatGr
annynowI
'
minacart
oahot
el

her
:What
?Ai
n'
tyouhappy
?

me;
OfcausenotGr
annyIwantt
olookatt
hewomanwhoki
l
ledmyMom andt
ell
mewhy

her
:Ohsweet
iedon'
tst
ressy
our
sel
f

me:
It
sal
ri
ghtGr
annyI
'
mfi
neohI
'
vear
ri
vedI
'
llcal
lyoul
aterOK?

her
:Ok

(Agent
lemanopenedadoorformethent
ookmybagsIwentwi
thanot
herguyt
hatIwaswit
h
att
hecartother
ecept
ioni
stdeskt
henwewereescor
tedt
omyroom wegotint
hehelper
swent
out
)

me:
SoIdi
dn'
tcat
chy
ourname

hi
m:Max

me:
Ohsoy
ouwer
epr
ett
ycl
oset
omyMom

hi
m:Nott
hatcl
osebuty
ahwewer
efr
iends

me:
OhwsowhenI
'
m meet
ingmymot
her
'ski
l
ler

hi
m:Soonbutf
ornowr
estwet
ook.
.

me:
we?

hi
m:ImeanIt
ooky
ouher
esoy
oucanbecomf
ort
abl
eandt
akey
ourMom backt
oMexi
co

me:
NoIwantherAshes

hi
m:Thenal
loft
hatwi
l
lbear
rangedexcuseme

(
Hewal
kedt
othedoori
sheshyorwhat
?Hewasav
oidi
ngt
olooki
nmydi
rect
ionev
ersi
ncehe
sawmeatt
heai
rpor
t)

me:Heywai
t(Iwentt
ohi
m)Looky
ourani
ceper
sonmay
bet
hat
'soneoft
her
easonsmyMom
l
ikedyou

hi
m:Thanky
ou

me:
Andt
hanky
ouf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orme

hi
m:I
tsnot
hingr
eal
l
y

(
Hel
eft
)

Av
a'sPOV

(Iwasthi
nki
ngabtahugedeci
sionIhav
etot
akeIdon'
tknowi
fIshoul
ddoi
tornot
.Iwentt
o
Lucy'
sroom)

me:
HeyhotMamma

her
:OhI
'
m nothotatal
ll
ookatt
hiswhol
emeetI
'
vegai
ned

me:
Weshoul
dgoandwor
koutt
hen

her
:Yespl
s

(
Wel
aughed)

her
:Sowhat
'seat
ingy
ou?

me:
Me?
What
?noooo

her
:ComeonAv
aspeakupcomeon

me:
Yourgoodwi
thmesooogood

her
:What
evernowt
alk

me:
Iwantt
olookf
ormyDad

her
:Ar
eyoui
nsane?
(Shey
ell
ed)

me:
Shhhh

her
:Ar
eyoui
nsane?
(Inal
ownot
e)
me:
NobutIhav
ear
ight

her
:NoJakei
syourf
athernott
hat
..
.

me:
Youdon'
tknowhi
m

(
Herey
esl
ookedawayf
orabi
t)

her
;I
tdoestmat
terAv
ayouj
ustcan'
tok

me;
Whynot
?

her
:Youcan'
tthat
'sal
l

me:
Doy
ouknowhi
m?

her
:Noofcausenot

me:
Ify
oudon'
twannahel
pmet
henI
'
lldoi
tmy
sel
f

(
Ilef
t)

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
I'
m atmyof
fi
ce)

"
Youl
ookpeacef
ul"

(
Ili
ft
edmyhead)

me:
Henr
yEl
l
ist
heDr
agon

hi
m:Don'
tyoucal
lmet
hat

me:
What
everany
waywhatdoIowet
hesur
pri
se?

hi
m:Whydi
dyougetVeei
njai
l
?

me:
Ohcomeonev enZoeaskedmet
hesamet
hing(
Hisey
esl
ookeddownal
i
ttl
e)You
r
ememberZoer
ight?Mysist
er

hi
m;Thati
snotwhyI
'
m her
e

me:
OfcausenotbutZoej
ustcameupbet
weent
heconv
ersat
ion
hi
m:Dav
id.
..

me:Whathappenedbetweenyoutwo?Huh? Whathappenedt oyour"

Lovest or
y"?It
houghty ou'
ll
l
oveeachotherfor
ever.
WhathappenedHenr y(IstoodupIwentt ohi
m)OhIknowwhat
happenedyour"l
ove"couldn'
tbebecausey oubr okeherheart(
Hedidn'tsayanyt
hingIlaughed)
Canttal
knowMrEl l
is?
Doy ouwantadrink(Igavehi m mybackIpouredsomet wogl assesof
whisky)
it
sapityMrEll
is(Ogavehi
m agl asshel ookedawayIplaceditdown)Wewoul dbea
happyfamil
ynownobadbl ood

hi
m:Youwant
edmeawayf
rom her

me:
OhnonoI
'
minnocent

hi
m:Il
ovedherDav
id

me:
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?

(
Hel
ookedt
othewi
ndow)

me:
Ahhht
hatsay
sital
lyoust
il
lthi
nksaboutherIwonderwhatwi
l
lyourwi
fesayaboutt
his

hi
m:Mywi
fegotnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his

me;
Doessheknowaboutt
hepr
egnancy
?

hi
m:Zoel
ostt
hebabyDav
idandwhy
..
.

me:
That
'swhaty
out
hink

(
Itookasi
pofmywhi
sky
)

hi
m:Whatt
hef
uckar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

me:
Hel
pmef
indAngel
a'
ski
l
lert
her
eal
kil
l
ert
henI
'
llsi
ngl
i
keabi
rdMrEl
l
is

(
Taki
nganot
hersipIt
hensmil
edtohim hewassofuri
oushegotr
edbuthepul
l
edhi
msel
f
t
oget
hert
henwalkedout
.Af
teranhourorsoZoewalkedi
n)

me:
Ahhhwoul
dyoul
ookatt
hissur
pri
seIsweary
ouramat
chi
nheav
en

her
:I
'm nomi
ndr
eaderDav
idwhatrut
alki
ngabout
?

me:
Doy
our
ememberHenr
y

(
Herey
espoppedout
)

me;
Hewasher
eanhouragowehadal
i
ttl
echi
tchatov
ery
ou

her
:Whatdi
dhesayaboutme?
(shegotcl
oset
ome)
me:
Nuhahchi
l
lhe'
samar
ri
edmannow

her
:Iknowt
hat(
shesetdownwi
thadi
sappoi
ntedf
ace)

me:
Hol
dyourhor
sesy
ouev
enl
i
edt
ohi
m any
way

her:
Idi
dn'
tli
etohimy oudidyouneverapprovedofourr
elati
onshi
phewasthemanofmy
dreamsIgotpregnantwi
thhisbabythenlostiti
nhospi
taldoyouknowhowhur
tful
wast
hatI
l
osttwopplIcaredaboutthesamenight

me:
Yoursoni
sfi
ne

her
;Mywhat
?

me:
Wel
lmydear
estsi
stery
oursoni
sfi
nehe'
sal
i
veandki
cki
ng

(
Shest
oodup)

her:
Il
ostmybabyDavidatt
hehospi
tal
Iwasi
nacaracci
dentIv
ari
edmybabynowwhatt
he
fuckrusay
in?
(cr
ying)

me:Youneverlosthi
m wel
lyouranursey
ouknowhowtheseti
ngswork.
Ipai
dprof
essi
onal
doctor
stotakehim awayf
rom yourwombtokeephi
m safeandmakeupthest
oryofyou
l
osingyourbaby

her
:(
Tear
srol
l
ingdownhercheekst
oherchest
)Why
?WHYDAVI
DWHYYY?

Me:
ShhhI
'
m atawor
kpl
aceZoe

her
:Howcoul
dyoubesohear
tl
ess

me:
Doesahear
tl
essr
aiseandt
akecar
eofachi
l
dhuh?Ir
aisedhi
m Ipr
otect
edhi
m

(
Shewhi
ppedhert
ear
s)

her
:Whatt
hef
uckdoy
oumean?

me:
He'
sinboar
dingschool

Her
:Al
lthesey
ear
s?

me:
Yahandy
ourwel
come

her
:Butwhy
?

me:
Iwant
edt
omakey
ousur
ferZoeandy
ouri
diotboy
fri
end

her
:Butwhynowwhysay
ingt
hisnow

me:
Aft
erIf
oundmydaught
erst
hatmademer
eal
i
seIshoul
dal
socomecl
ean
her
:Howl
ongwer
eyougoi
ngt
okeept
hisasecr
et?

me:
Til
lIwassat
isf
ied

her
:Yoursocr
uel

me:
YahIknow

(
Irel
axedonmychai
rshewasst
arr
ingatmet
il
lshewant
edt
ospi
tonmyf
aceshewal
kedt
o
t
hedoor)

me;
Ohpl
scl
oset
hatony
ourwayout

(Shewassodamnangryshesl
am thedoorangr
il
y i
tsmyt
imet
oshi
neZoey
oursonwant
s
nothi
ngt
odowithyouandit
sallbczofmwaaa..
.)

Chapt
er39

Aweekl
ater

Nar
rat
ed

Veei sinprisonnowhert r
ialalreadypassshei ssentenced20i njail t
hatAl l
ygirlmadesur eof
that.
Chr i
sti
andi dever
ythi
nghecoul dev enf indingt heapartmentf ootagecamer asbutnot hing
wascl ear.Khany oi
ssohur tthathislit
tlesist erisinjail
.Jakei sraisinglit
tleBluealonebut
there'snotevenasecpasseshi m nott hinkingaboutVee. Dav i
disget ti
ngcl osertoAr i
el andst i
ll
l
ooki ngforther eal
murderbutnocl ues.Ariel andMaxar epr ettyclosef ri
ends.Lucyi ssohappy
withherl i
feevenherandJadenar enowof ficialtheyaredat ing.Av aisdistancingher selffrom
EthanbutEt handoesn'tgi
v eupandhi sr el
at ionshipwi t
hhisMot heri snotgoodatal lbczt hey
didn'tsayany t
hingaboutVeeki ll
inghisFat her .Vivi
anandSi aarepl anninganat t
acktoChr isti
an
bczhecanspi lthebeansafterwhatt heydi dt oVee.Zoecan' tstopt hinki
ngaboutt heni ghtshe
thoughtshel ostherbaby.
Henr yishav ingsl eepl essnightsthinkingaboutZoeandt hegood
ol'
ti
mes. Veeinjaili
snotdoinggoodt hei nmat esar ecoolbutt heirguar dsar ethei
rwor st
nightmar eandshemi ssesherbaby .
VeeandDet ectiv
eCr uisear ebecomi ngsocl oset he
detectiveblvsinVeebuthercasewast hough. )

•
•

Vee'
sPOV

"
MissPhol
ayouhav
eav
isi
tor
"

(
Iwasescor
tedt
omyv
isi
tor
)

me:
Det
ect
ive

hi
m:Mi
ssPhol
a

(
WesetdownI
'
m notal
l
owedt
otouchanout
sider
)

hi
m:Ibr
oughty
out
hese

(
ItwasabagIl
ooked)

me:
Food?

hi
m:Yourwel
come

me:
Buty
oushoul
dn'
thav
e

hi
m:Ihadt
oOK

(
Wechuckl
ed)

me:
Thanky
ou

hi
m:Sohow'
sitgoesher
e

(
Hesawmycheekbr
uised)

hi
m:Wher
eyoubeat
en?

me:
Iwasi
nvol
vedi
naf
ight

hi
m:Lookaty
ou

(
Hepul
l
edmyhai
rbehi
ndmyear
..
.)

"
Sirnot
ouchi
ng"

(
hel
etmego)

hi
m:Thi
sisdanger
ous

me:
I'
l
lgetusedt
oit20r
emember
(
Myt
ear
sfai
l
edme)

hi
m:Pl
sdon'
tl
osehopemay
beami
racl
ewi
l
lfal
l

me:
HowDet
ect
ive?Imi
ssmyson(
Isob)Imi
sshi
sgi
ggl
esImi
ssmyson

hi
m:Justbest
rong

me:I
'v
ebeent
ryi
ngt
obest
rongf
orsol
ongnow1weekandIf
ail
edt
ell
meabout20y
ear
show
wi
ll
Icope?

hi
m:Justdocr
y

(
Icri
edt
hisj
usthur
tssobadIt
oldJaket
onotcomewi
thBl
ueIdon'
twanthi
mtoseemel
i
ke
t
his )

Av
a'sPOV

(
I'
vebeengoggl
i
ngf
ather
'swhol
ostt
hei
rdaught
ersst
il
lnot
hing how am Igoi
ngt
ogett
his?
)

Vee'
sPOV

(All
themat esar eatthel
unchact
uall
ythispri
sonisabsolutel
ynothi
ngliketheoncey ouusedto
seeonTVt hemat esaremindi
ngthei
rproblemswedon' tfi
ghtact
uall
yt hebruisesIgaveI
've
beenbeat enupbyot herguar
dsbczIrefusedtodothei
rdirtyworkofpoi si
nganotherinmate.
OkIhav ef r
iendshereCocoandRose.Cocois49Cocoi s23Cocoi sinjailbecauseshewasa
druglordherhusbandi sadrugl
ordofallti
meandRosewasf ramedtheysayshewassel li
ng
cocaineinschool shehasbeenheref
or2y ears wel
lCocoov er10I'
vebeenher eforfewdays
andIdon'tlikeitonebit
)

me:
Whyi
sMar
cel
li
ket
hat
?

(Shewasli
keshewaspour
edbycol
dwat
erherbodyi
sal
way
sweakandshe'
sal
way
snot
around)

Rose;
Idon'
tknowany
waywhocamet
ovi
sit
?

me:
Det
ect
ive
Coco:
Hmmm

me:
What
?

Rose;
Not
hing

(
Weal
ll
aughed)

me;
I
tbet
terbenot
hin

(
Nightti
mearri
vedmycel
li
sfarf
rom RosesbutnearCoco'
s.
SoIwasinmycellal
onej
ust
t
hinki
ngaboutmyli
femyl
ovedoncemyBl ueandmyJake If el
tli
kecry
ing)

"
Nonopl
snott
oni
ghtIbegy
ounooooo"

(
Wai
tthatwasRosesv
oiceIcan'
tev
enseewher
ear
etheyt
aki
ngher
)

"
Takeher
"

"
NoIbegy
ouShar
onpl
s"

"
Go"

me;
Shar
onwhatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ng?
RoseRooooooose

(
Shewassl
i
dingherf
eett
hem t
aki
ngherbyf
orceShar
oncamet
omycel
l
)

her
:Heysweetl
i
ps

me:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngmyf
ri
end

her
:Fr
iendy
ouj
ustgother
e

me:
Ppl
her
ear
efr
iendl
yunl
i
key
ou

(
Shar
oni
sar
eal
bit
chshei
stheonewhobeat
enmeup)

her
:Justsl
eepnextt
imey
ou'
l
lbenext

(
Shel
eft
)

"Heynewgir
lyoubet
terkeepy
ourmout
hshuty
oudon'
twantt
oseeherbadsi
de.Andy
ou'
l
l
neverf
orget
"

"
Eveni
fshedoesn'
tdoorsayany
thi
ngt
hatbi
tchwi
l
lfeedust
oherdogs"

me:
Wai
twhat
?

(
Sil
ent
)

me:
Guy
scomeon
(
sil
ent
.Iwentt
obed.
Whatdot
heymean? )

Chapt
er40

Av
a'sPOV

me:
Arggggggg(
Closi
ngmyl
apt
opwi
thanger
)HowcanIf
indt
hisman

(
Lucywal
kedi
n)

her
:Hey

me:
Hey

her
:I
'l
lhel
pyou

me:
Real
l
y?

her
:Wel
lIgotsomei
nfor
mat
iont
hatwi
l
lhel
p

me:
Plst
ell
me

her
:Angel
ahadanaf
fai
rwi
thamar
ri
edmanAv
a

(
Mysmi
l
efaded)

me:
Wit
hawhat
?

her
;Shewas16Idon'
tknowhowol
dwast
hisman

me:
But
..
.

her
:YahIknowshewasy
oungv
eryy
oung

me:
Howdi
dyouknow?

her
:Pl
stakeasi
tfi
rst

(
Idi
dshesetnextt
ome)
her
:Isawherbutshenev
ersawmenorknowIknewshewascheat
ingonJake.
..
Thesaddest
par
tisshelov
edthatman

me:
Whot
hemar
ri
edman?

her
:Yes

me:
What
?Hewasmar
ri
ed

her
:Icoul
dseet
hem t
oget
heral
mostev
ery
day

me:
Wher
e?

her
:IfIt
ell
youAv
a(shest
oodup)t
hesef
ami
l
ieswi
l
ldi
gupt
hebadbl
ood

(
Iupt
oo)

me:
Nopl
stel
lmemay
bet
her
ewi
l
lbepeace

her
:Not
her
ewi
l
lnev
erbepeace

me:
PlsLucy

her
:I
tsDav
idOl
i
veJaden'
sfat
her

me:
What
?

Jake'
sPOV

(
Tingt
ong*
thatwast
hedoorbel
lIwentt
oopen)

me:
Bro

hi
m:Br
o

(
ItwasEr
ickwebr
ohugged)

hi
m:Wher
e'st
hel
i
ttl
eChamp?
Ther
ehei
s

(
Bluewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
stoy
sonhi
sbed)

me:
Whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?

hi
m:I
tsact
ual
l
yVeedude
me:
WhataboutVee?

hi
m:I
'
llt
ell
yout
hist
henl
eav
eyout
othi
nkabouti
t

me:
Tal
kthen

hi
m:Veelovesyoushelef
tever
ythi
ngf
ory
ou.
..
shecar
ri
edy
ourson.
..sheal
mostl
osthi
m..
.she
al
mostlostherl
if
e..
.bczofy
ou

me:
Real
l
yEr
ick?

him:Letmefinish..
.Youcheat edonher .
..
shewaski dnapped..
.sheki l
l
edaman. .
.shewasal most
rapedbythatsickbust ar
d..
.shegav ebir
thtoy ourson.
..
shelov edAv ali
keaMom. ..
Mostofal l
shelovedyounowshe' sinjai
l pay
ingforsomeone' scri
mey oudon' tevenknowhersi deoft he
story.
..
Whoar ey ou?Areyouthatstupidandblind?Butnowi tst oolat
ey oulostherI'
m sureshe
i
sj ai
lbczofyoubuty ouwouldn'tknowt hatbczyourbraincell
sar etangledandy outurnedyour
backonher..
.Itwi l
lbeall

(
Hel
eft
)

Vee'
sPOV

(Att
hemorni
ngwewer
etakenoutt
ohav
ebr
eakf
astIwantt
oseeRoseaf
terl
astni
ghtI
coul
dn'
tsl
eepatal
l
)

me:
HeyCoco

her
:HeyPr
incess

me:
Rose?
Wher
eisher

her
:She'
scomi
ng

(
Shecamet
ousl
ooki
ngdown)

me:
Heysweet
ie

(
Shewasst
ruggl
i
ngt
owal
kandsi
t)

me:
Comel
etmehel
pyou

(
Ihel
pedhersi
tshef
inal
l
ysetdown)

me:
Rosey
ourf
acei
spur
plewhathappened?
her
:Ol
dnewsVee

me:
Theguar
ds?
Thi
siswr
ongguy
sweneedt
orepor
tthem

Rose:Wher
e?Theyaretheoncewhot
akeourcompl
aint
sift
heyf
indoutwear
etr
yingt
oget
them f
ir
edtheywil
ll
iter
all
yki
llus

me:
Buthowl
ongwi
l
lwel
i
vef
ort
hismi
ser
y?

her
:You?20y
ear
s

(
Igotverydi
sappoi
ntedRosewasneverr
udetomei t
sthatShar
onshedi
dsomet
hingshedi
dn'
t
j
ustbeathert
here'
ssomethi
ngbehi
ndthosebeat
ings)

Cont
inuat
ion

Dav
id'
sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thMaxatmyof
fi
ce)

me:
Whyy
ouspendsomucht
imewi
thAr
iel

hi
m:Ahhhshe'
sgr
eatcompany

me:
Ibety
ournotsl
eepi
ngwi
thmydaught
erMax

hi
m:I
'
m ol
denought
obeherol
derbr
otherSi
rI'
l
lnev
erdot
hat

Me:
Ihopesobecauseshel
i
kesy
ou

hi
m:Asaf
ri
endSi
rify
oumayexcuseme

(
Hewalkedout
.ThenAv
aEl
l
iswal
kedi
nrushi
ngIst
oodupIwassoshockedherf
acewasf
il
led
wi
thanger
)

her
:Weneedt
otal
k

(
ThemomentI
'
vebeenur
gingf
orawhi
l
enow)
•

Vee'
sPOV

(
It
slat
ewear
einourcel
l
snow.
..
it
'sl
onel
yher
e..
.)

"
WakewakeVee"

(
Ihear
dchai
nsohGodi
t'
sanot
herbeat
ingswhat
..
.)

Shar
on:Lookaty
oul
ooki
ngal
lbeaut
if
ulev
eni
fcar
edy
ourat
ruer
eal
beaut
ymycl
i
ent
swi
l
lbe
soproud

me:
Cli
ent
s?

(
Theyt
ookmeoutf
orcef
ull
y)

me:
Shar
onpl
sIbegy
ou

(
Itr
iedsnat
chi
ngmy
sel
fofhershesl
appedmeIcr
ied)

her
:Guar
dst
akehernowmymenar
ewai
ti
ng

(
Theymademewal
k)

me:
Shar
ony
oural
soawomanwhyy
oursobi
tt
er?
Plssssdon'
thur
tme

(Shel
ookedatmewithnoregret
sbutshesmi
l
edt
henl
etmel
eav
ebei
ngt
akent
othatsmel
l
y
pigst
yle.
Theguar
dsknocked)

me:
Wai
twher
ear
ewewher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?

(
Wewal
kedf
oral
i
ttl
ewhi
l
eIwassobbi
ng)

"
Justshutt
hef
uckupdamny
ourannoy
ing"

(
Idi
dn'
tIcri
edev
enworse.
Theyopenedt
hedoor
.Ihear
dmencheer
ingandsmoki
ngwhatt
he
f
ucki
sgoingon?
Theyoutmedown)

me:
Whati
sthi
s?Wher
eam i
?

Guar
d:She'
l
lbe20000

(
Sor
ryI
'
llbewhat
?Am Ibei
ngsol
dher
e?)

men1:
ohshe'
sbeaut
if
ulandwor
thev
erypenny
man2:
Ther
eyounowpl
sleav
eust
ohav
esomef
un

(
Whatf
un?
)

Guar
d:Wi
thpl
easur
e

(
Shel
ookedatme)

her
:Sat
isf
yourcust
omer
spr
ett
ydol
l

(
Shel
eft
.wai
twhat
?Amanl
augh)

me:
Nonono

(
Ibangedt
hedoor
)

me:
Letmeoutpl
sletmeout

(
Cry
ingOhGodhowdi
dIgether
e?)

me:
Plsl
etmeoutIbegy
ou

"
Tear
swon'
thel
psweet
y"

(
Isl
i
deont
hedoort
ohol
dmykneesandcr
y.Ther
ear
emor
ethan5menher
e)

me:
OhMom(
Sil
entcr
ies)MommyPl
sdon'
tl
eav
emeal
lal
one

"
Donecr
ying"

(
Thenamanst
art
edt
ouchi
ngmeIst
oodupt
ohi
m)

me:
Donotl
ayahandonme

"
Fei
styhuh?
"

(Looki
ngathisf
ri
endst
heyal
ll
aughedt
hent
urnedt
omehesl
appedmeIf
ell
ont
hehar
d
groundIscr
eamed)

"
Don'
tev
ersaynot
omenorusok?
Wepai
dfory
ounowgot
othatbedI
'
m comi
ng"

(
Ther
ewasabedatt
her
oom.
Ist
oodupwi
thmykneesweak)

me:
No

"
Whatdi
dyousay
?"

me:
Isai
dno

(
Hegr
abbedmyar
mthem t
hrewmeont
hebed)
hi
m:Takeof
fyourcl
othes

(
Het
ookof
fhi
sbel
tandshi
rt
.Il
aidt
her
ecr
ying)

hi
m:I
'
llhel
pyousweet
y

(
heunbut
tonedmycl
othesI
'
m pushi
nghi
m of
f)

me:
Plsdon'
tdot
his

hi
m:(
Angr
y)Don'
tmakememad

(
Hegavemecl
apsf
oll
owedbyhar
dpunchesi
t'
swor
sehi
swear
ingahuger
ingi
tsr
uini
ngmy
f
ace)

me:
Plsst
op

hi
m:Yourat
ti
tudet
urnsmeev
enmor
e

(
Het
ookof
fmypant
sal
ongwi
thshoesIwasf
eel
i
ngt
hepai
ninmyf
ace,
bodyespeci
all
yhear
t)

hi
m:Ohy
ourgor
geousl
ookatt
hoset
highs

me:
Wai
tIgav
ebi
rt
hfewweeksagoI
'
m notcompl
etel
yheal
ed

hi
m:Thati
snotmypr
obl
em

(
Hel
aidont
opofme)

me:
SirIbegy
oupl
sss

(Cr
yingevenmyheadstar
tedhur
ti
ng.
Hecov
eredmychestwi
thhi
ski
ssesIcr
iedev
enwor
se
butnothelpi
ng.Hewi
denmylegs)

hi
m:Yoursowar
m

(
Ibeggedhi
mtost
op)

me: Plsstopyourhurti
ngmepl sstopithurt
sss( Myhear ti
sbreakingthesmokei sstart
ing
maki ngmesi ck.Hekeptonenjoyi
nghimsel fonmewhi l
eIwasi npainbcztheDoct orsaiditwill
takeawhi l
etorecovernowthishappens.Wher eisGodwheny ouneedhim?Wher eisMom? I
'm
dyingslowher e.
Thiskeptal
lthewholenightt heyal
l t
ookturnsIendupnotev encryi
ngnor
doingany thi
ngIgotwayweak. Thosemenki l
l
edmei nsi
deI'
llnevereverf
orgetthem EVER. From
todayI '
m adiff
erentwomanwhohasnot hingnot hi
ngatalleventhemanofy ourdreamst urned
hisbackonme. Buthowcouldaper sonbesohear t
less?How? )

Chapt
er41

•
•

Nextday

Vee'
sPOV

(Aft
erlastIwastakentomycellweakasfmypri
vatepartwasburni
ngli
kehel
l.
Ibar
elysleptI
meant hepainI'
mf eel
i
ngisbeyondthehat
eIhaveforthoseguar
dsandthesemenitsanother
story
.Otherguar
dscameandt ookustotheshowerroom Iwal
kedslowl
ybczIcoul
dn'twalk
probably)

Guar
d:Mov
eal
ready

(Pushi
ngmybackIdi
dnot
hingbutcr
y.Iwal
kedi
nRoser
ant
omegi
vi
ngmehugsshewasal
so
cryi
ng)

her
:Shhhhbest
rong

(
Brushi
ngmyback.
Ihuggedhert
ight
lyandcr
iedi
nherar
ms)

me:
Ij
ustwantt
odi
e

"
Got
akeashowery
out
wowedon'
thav
eal
lday
"

(
Oneoft
heguar
dssai
dRosewal
kedmet
otheshowerIst
ri
ppednakedi
shower
)

"
She'
staki
ngy
ourpi
ctur
esi
tsnotgoodf
ory
out
oni
ght
.Agai
n"

(Oneofthemat eswhisper
edthenwalkedawayIl
ookedatSharonshewasindeedtaki
ng
pict
uresthenshesmilesatmeIgavehermybackthentearsfel
ldown"OhGodhelpme" .
Aft
era
whil
ewewer edonethenwenttoeatItookmytr
ayIwalkedtomydeskSharonhitmytraymy
foodfel
l)

Coco:
Shar
onwhatt
hehel
l
?

(
Shel
aughedandwal
kedaway
.Cocohel
pmeupandwal
ktomysi
t.
Icr
ied)

Coco:
Shhhshe'
l
lst
op

me:
WhenCocot
odayIspot
tedhert
aki
ngmypi
csatt
heshower

Coco:
Comeher
e

(
Shehuggedme)

me:
IwantmysonCocot
hendi
einpeace

Coco:
Don'
tsayt
hatdon'
tsayt
hat
(
Shecomf
ort
edmet
henwewer
etakenout
side)

"
MissPhol
ayouhav
eav
isi
tor
"

(Iwalkedoutescor
tedbyt
heguar
ds.
I'
m noti
nthemoodf
orVi
sit
ors.Igott
her
eIf
ound
Detecti
ve)

hi
m:Mi
ssPhol
a

me:
Det
ect
ive

(
Isatdownst
ruggl
i
ng)

hi
m:Ar
eyouok?

me:
NoI
'
minj
ail
whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat

hi
m:OkI
'
m sor
ry

me:
Whyy
ourher
e?

hi
m:Icamet
oseey
ou

(
Ijustgotangr
youtofspaceIshout
ed)

me:
I'
m noty
ourf
ri
endI
'
m not
hingt
oyouj
ustl
eav
emeal
onel
eav
emeALONE

(
Guar
dst
ookme)

me:
Letgoofmey
ouabu.
..
(Idi
dn'
tfi
nisht
hatt
heycl
osedmymout
htaki
ngmeoutoft
her
e)

"
You'
l
lpayf
ort
ryi
ngt
osel
lusout
"

me:
Plsdon'
tpl
sno

Guar
d:Takehert
otheel
ect
ri
croom

me:
What
?Nononoooo

(
Theot
herGuar
ddr
agmet
her
e)

me:
PlssssssIbegy
oupl
s

(
Myt
ear
sandmyscr
eamsmeantnot
hingt
othem)

•
Av
a'sPOV

me:
Soy
oual
soknew?

hi
m:Av
apl
slet
..
.

me:
Howcoul
dyou?

hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknow

me:
Liary
ouknewt
hatt
hef
atherIcal
l
edaf
atherwasn'
tmyact
ual
fat
her

hi
m:I
'
m sosor
ry

me:
Yourhur
ti
ngmedoy
ouknowt
hat
?

(
Hewal
kedt
ome)

hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
emydaught
erpl
sfor
giv
eme

me:
For
giv
eyouaf
teral
lthesey
ear
s

hi
m:Ij
ustf
oundoutIpr
omi
se

me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttr
ytot
alkt
ome

hi
m:Youknowmyhi
stor
yandy
ourf
ami
l
ies

me:
That
'sgotnot
hingt
odowi
thmyf
ami
l
ythi
sisbet
weenus

hi
m:IknowI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry

(
het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngme)
e

me:
Don'
tyoudar
elayy
ourf
ingeronmehowdar
eyou

hi
m:I
'
m Wi
l
li
ngt
opr
ovei
ttoy
out
hatI
'
m sor
ry

me:
Real
l
y?

hi
m:YesI
'
lldoany
thi
ngj
ustnamei
t

me:
Sincey
ourt
hemostpower
ful
gangst
eri
nthi
scount
ry.
GetVeeout
ajai
lthenwe'
l
ltal
k

(
Iwal
kedout
)

hi
m:I
'
lldoi
t

(
Iopenedt
hedoorIl
efthi
m)

•
•

Cont
inuat
ion

Vee'
sPOV

(
Wegoti
nthedar
kroom wi
thel
ect
ri
csomet
hingIcoul
dn'
ttel
lwhatwasi
t)

"
Takeof
fyourcl
othes"

me:
What
?

(
Wit
hashockonmyf
ace)

"
OkI
'
lldoi
tfory
ou"

(
Shest
art
edundr
essi
ngme)

me:
Nononooooooopl
sst
opIbegy
ou

(
Iwascr
yingdoy
out
hinkshest
oppedohnoshedi
dn'
t)

Det
ect
ive'
sPOV

(
Somet
hingi
sgoi
ngont
oMi
ssPhol
ashe'
sanot
herper
sonnow.
Ihav
etof
indout
.Iwal
kedout
)

Av
a'sPOV

(
Iwentt
othepr
isont
ovi
si
tVee)

me:
HeyI
'
m her
etoseeSi
vi
wePhol
a
her
:Pl
swai
tletmedoaqui
ckcal
l

(
Qui
ckcal
l
?St
range.Shedi
dhercal
l
)

her
:Shei
snotav
ail
abl
e

me:
Notav
ail
abl
e?

her
:Shewasi
nvol
vedi
napr
isonf
ightnowshei
stakent
ohercel
lfort
her
estoft
heday

me:
What
?Veei
snotl
i
ket
hat

her
:Mi
ssy
ourwai
sti
ngmyt
ime

(
Iwal
kedout
)

me:
Butwhy
?Veei
snotav
iol
entper
son

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

me;
Shar
onhunny

her
:Hey

me:
Ismygi
rlt
akencar
eof
?

her
:YouknowmeIal
way
sdowhatIdobest

me:
Goodgi
rlIknewIcant
rusty
ou

her
:Nev
erdoubtme

me:
It
scl
earnow

(
Wel
aughed)

me:
Howaboutt
heol
dhag?

her
:SheknowshowIpuni
shher

me:
Goodmaket
hei
rli
vesmi
ser
abl
etheydeser
vei
t

her
:Wi
thpl
easur
e

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)
Si
a:And?

me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngWELL

Si
a:Andwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourmanneedsy
ou

me:
May
bey
ourr
ightIbet
tergo

her
:Gosweet
ie

(
Ilef
t.
Jakemyl
oveher
eIcome)

Ar
iel
'
sPOV

(
Iwentt
oDav
idsof
fi
ce)

me:
Weneedt
otal
k

hi
m:Wesur
edo

me:
Iwantt
oseemyMot
her
ski
l
ler

hi
m:Sor
ryIcan'
t

me:
Why
?

hi
m:Bczshe'
sinnocenty
ourMot
her
ski
l
leri
sst
il
lroami
ngar
oundt
hest
reet

me:
Don'
tyoudar
eli
ket
omeev
idencei
spoi
nti
ngt
othatSi
vi
wegi
rl

hi
m:I
tsnotherandIhav
eanev
idence

me:
What
?

hi
m:Si
tdownAr
iel

me:
Iwi
l
lnotsi
tdownmyMot
her
ski
l
leri
sst
il
latl
argeorwhat
everj
ustt
alkal
ready

hi
m:Ihaveal
ltheevi
dencepr
ovi
ngSi
vi
wePhol
aisi
nnocentbutIcan'
tusei
tbczIal
sowanther
awayfr
om every
thi
ng

me:
Ever
ythi
ng?

him:
Stor
yforanot
herday
.LookIcal
l
edy
ouher
einS.
Asowecanf
ixourr
elat
ionshi
pandy
ou
canmeetyoursi
ster
me:
What
?

hi
m:Twi
nsi
steract
ual
l
y

me:
AndIdi
dn'
tknowYOUANDMYMOM CANGOTOHELL

(
Ist
ormedout
)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Whenshewasdoneundr
essi
ngmeIwasl
eftwi
thmypant
ies)

me:
Plsdon'
tdot
his

(Shet urnedont heel ectri

fymachinethenplacesthewiresonni ppl
es.
Iscreamedmyl ungsout
mywhol ebodycoul df eelt
hewi r
es.Iwasshakingwithmyhandst i
edbehindmyback. Icri
edI
begf orf or
giveness.IbeggedIbeggedt heydi
dn'tst
opbutt heykeptontwisti
ngthemachi net o
themaxi mum. After2hour sofmaki ngmet hei
rplaythi
ngtheyt omet omysell.
ThatdayIdi dn't
eatlunchnorsuppermybodywashur t
ingmyheadwasst arti
ngtostopfuncti
oningmyhear t
wasf ill
edwi thhat r
edIhat edthoseGuar dswit
hmywhol eheartandthosemenwhot ookt urns
thewhol enightrapingmebutShar onmyhat eforherisbey ondanyhateIwil
lKILLHER. Iswear
onmyMot hersgr ave.ISWEARI 'l
lGETMYREVENGE)

Chapt
er42

Af
ter2weeks

Vee'
sPOV

me:I
'
vehadenoughRoseify
ournotcomi
ngwi
thmewel
lsobei
tIM LEAVI
NGTONI
GHTbut
ki
l
li
ngthatbi
tçhShar
onfi
rst
Her
:Veey
oucangetcaught

Coco:
Nowewon'
twewi
l
lfakeourdeat
hsoourt
arget
sthi
nkwer
edead

her
:Okf
ineI
'
m downf
orwhat
ever
.Wher
eyourgoi
ngI
'
m behi
ndy
ah

me:
That
smygi
rl

(Wedi
dagrouphug.
Inot
icesShar
onlooki
ngatus.
Thatbi
tchwi
l
lgetwhati
scomi
ngonherway
andev
ery
bodywhocauseduspainALLOF'EM)

Av
a'sPOV

(
I'
m goi
ngt
oseemyDadJake.Iknockedaol
dladyopenedup)

me:
Uhm i
smyf
atherhome?

her
:Ohy
espl
scomei
nI'
mthemai
d

me:
OhOK

(
Iwentupst
air
sIf
oundhi
m wi
thBl
ue.
Iknockedont
hedoorbuti
twasopen)

hi
m:Heybabycomei
n

me:
Hey

(
Iki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandBl
uet
oo)

me:
Howy
'al
ldoi
ng?

hi
m:Notgoodhecr
iesev
eryni
ght

me:
Hemi
sseshi
sMom Dad

hi
m:Lookher
eVeesai
dhewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thme

me:
Shesai
ddon'
tcomewi
thBl
ueatj
ail
Jake

hi
m:Iknowf
ewday
slat
ershesentmet
his

(
Heshowedal
ett
erIr
eadi
toutl
oud)

me:
"DearJakewhatwehav
eisov
ernev
ercomev
isi
tme.
..bl
ahbl
ahbl
ah"Jakey
oubel
i
evet
his?
hi
m:What
?

me:
Doyoureal
l
yt hi
nkVeewoul
dsayt
hat?Lookher
ehowmanyt
imehav
eyouev
erdoneher
wr
ong?Sheneversai
dsomethi
ngl
i
kethi
syouweretri
cked

hi
m:WhataboutwhenIv
isi
thert
heysayshedoesn'
twannaseemehuh?

me:What?Ialsovi
sit
edheroncewhenIgott
her
ethenextdayt
heysai
dshewasi
nvol
vedi
na
f
ightandthatshewastakentohercel
l

hi
m:Veei
snotav
iol
entper
son

me:
That
swhatIal
sot
hought

(
Dav
idcal
l
edIcancel
l
edi
t)

hi
m:Who'
sthat

me:
Dav
id

hi
m:Yout
alkwi
tht
hatmanAv
a

me:
He'
smyDa.
..

hi
m:I
M YOURDADdon'
tyouEVERsayhe'
syourDadhedoesn'
tknowy
ouIr
aisedy
ou

me:
I'
m sor
rybut
..
.

hi
m:Butnot
hingAv
a

me:
Ibet
terl
eav
e

(
Ilef
t)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Wewer
epl
anni
ngourescape)

Rose:
Buthowcanweescapeher
ethi
swhol
epl
acei
sful
lofguar
ds

Coco:
Yah

me:
Igoti
tal
lpl
annedt
hesepastf
ewweekswewi
l
lmakef
ir
e

Rose:
Roseppl
coul
ddi
e
me:
Doy
out
hinkIcar
e

Coco:
Vee.
..

Rose:
Whendi
dyoubecomehear
tl
ess

me:TherealmediedthedayImetJakewhenIgetoutofher
ehe'
ll
hearmeout
.Andt
hef
ir
e
t
hinggir
lschil
lweall
prisoner
swi
llescapet
oni
ghtonewayoranot
her

Rose:
all
ofus

me:Ihadthi
sescapet
hingi
nmef oralongti
meandweal lwantthesamet hi
ngSHARONDEAD
andnoonewantitsobadasme.Toni
ghtI'
ll
makefi
remy sel
fifyouwon'tbutfi
rstsomeonehas
tot
urntheal
arm emer
gencybut
tonfi
rstsother
ewi
llbeChaos

Coco:
Wai
thol
'
uphowwi
l
lyoumakef
ir
e

me:
That
snot
hingIal
readyhav
econnect
ionher
eIgotl
i
ght
erswi
thme

Rose:
(Whi
sper
ing)Yourabadbi
tchVee

me:
Iknownowal
lwewi
l
ldoi
tli
ghtupt
hiswhol
epl
ace

Coco:
Howt
her
ear
ecamer
asher
e

me:Chi
l
lCocol
i
keIsai
dweal
lher
eescapi
ngt
oni
ghtIr
atherdi
eget
ti
ngmyr
evengeordi
ebei
ng
ahoehere

Rose:
Wewi
l
lfi
nal
l
ygetf
reedom wewi
l
lfi
nal
l
ygetal
lthosemenpay

me:
Iheary
oumyRosebutdon'
tfor
getSHARON

Chapt
er43

Det
ect
ive'
sPOV

(
I'
m atmyapar
tmental
oneasal
way
sImadedi
nnert
henwentt
oeatwat
chi
ngTV.It
urnedon
t
henews)
"
Ther
ewasahugef
ir
eint
hewestpr
isont
oni
ght
.Al
lthepr
isoner
sar
eatl
arge.
..
"

Me:
Whatt
he.
.?

(
Itookoutmyphonecal
l
ingmyman)

Me:Wehaveanemer gencyIr
epeatanemer
gencyt
hewestsi
depr
isoni
sonf
ir
eandt
he
pr
isoner
sareescapi
ng.MOVEMOVEMOOOVE.

(
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Me:
OhMi
ssPhol
aIcan'
tl
oseher

Jake'
sPOV

(Iwaswat
chi
ngtheTVthenewspoppedoutshowi
ngust
hatt
hepr
isonVeei
sini
sonf
ir
e.Not
onmywomanI '
m goi
ngther
e)

Me:
Gracepl
stakecar
eofBl
ueIneedt
orushsomewher
e

Her
:YesSi
r

(
Iranout
)

Vee'
sPOV

Me:
Idi
dital
lofusl
et'
sgo

Rose:
Thi
sseemswr
ong

Me:
Sweet
yI'
m notbacki
ngoutnowmysonneedsmebutf
ir
st

"
I'
m al
lher
eMi
ssPhol
a"

(
thatwasShar
on.
Itur
nedandsmi
l
ed)

Me:
Ohhhi
fonl
yyoucoul
dknowhowmuchI
'
vewai
tedf
ort
hismoment

(
shechuckl
ed)
Her
:Iknewt
hiswasal
lyourf
aul
t

Me:
Ohwy
ouknowmesowel
l

Her
:Let
'sgett
hisov
erwi
th

Me:
Nahsweet
yIgotnott
ime.
..

Coco:
Veel
et'
sgot
hepol
i
cear
eroundi
ngt
hiswhol
epl
ace

Shar
on:
Justki
l
lmeal
ready

Me:
Not
her
e'smechangeofpl
ansy
ou'
l
lki
l
lyour
sel
f

Her
:Nev
er

Me:
Oky
ou'
l
lsee

Rose:
Veecomeon

(
theydr
agmyar
m)

Me:
You'
l
lpayShar
ony
ou'
l
lbedeadsoonbesur
eoft
hat

(Weranaway.
Idi
dn'
tki
l
lherIdon'
twantherdeat
hinmyhandsbutshe'
l
lki
l
lher
sel
fI'
l
lmake
sur
eofthat
)

Jake'
sPOV

(Idr
ivi
ngt
hereOhGodplskeepmyVeesaf e.
Idon'
tknowwhatI
'll
dowi
thouther
.Iar
ri
vedatt
he
pri
sonpplwerenotal
l
owedinIsneekedi
nIwenttothedet
ect
ive)

Me:
Det
ect
ive

Hi
m:Si
ryournotsupposedt
obeher
e

Me:
PlsIbegy
ouwher
eismygi
rl
fr
iend?

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryMrEl
l
ismanypr
isoner
sdi
edi
nthef
ir
esomeescaped.

Me:
AndVee?

Hi
m:Wef
oundabur
nedbodi
edi
nhercel
l

Me:
Sowhaty
oumeani
sshemaybedead?
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
rybuti
tspossi
ble

(
noi
tsnother
)

Me:
Itcan'
tbeher(
Igotdi
zzyIsetdown)i
tjustcan'
t

I
'
llcont
inuel
aterguy
s

Cont
inuat
ion

Vee'
sPOV

(
wewer
erunni
ngf
ormi
l
es.
Iwasget
ti
ngt
ir
ed)

Me:
wa-
--
-wai
ti-
--
i-
--.
..

Coco:
Thoseppl
hav
ecar
sandar
my.Sweet
ytheywi
l
lcat
chus

Rose:
Yesa-
--
-andwear
eint
he-
--
themi
ddl
eofnowher
e

Me:
W--
-whyy
---
ouguy
sar
e--
-notcat
chi
ngy
o--
urbr
eat
hs?

Coco:
Wet
rai
n

Me:
Wowan-
--
andwhywasn'
ti
--
--
in-
--

Rose:
Let
'sgo

(
Draggi
ngmyar
m wecont
inuedr
unni
ng.Wer
ant
il
lwef
oundahugemusl
i
m chur
ch)

Me:
Her
e

Coco:
Vee.
..

Me:
Theseppl
won'
tnot
iceuswewi
l
lst
eal
somecl
othessowegounder
cov
er

Rose:
Buthowwear
einj
ail
uni
for
m andwher
ewi
l
lwesl
eepandI
'
m hungr
y

Me:
leav
ethatt
ome
Rose:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo

Me:
Come

(Theyf
oll
owedme.
Wesneakedi
ntheMusl
i
m chur
chwhi
l
etheywer
ehav
ingpr
ayer
stheydi
dn'
t
seeus)

Me:
Wasn'
tthateasy
?

Coco;
What
everl
et'
sgetsomet
hing

Rose:
Final
l
yI'
l
lwearsomet
hingot
hert
his

(
Get
ti
ngt
hej
ail
uni
for
m of
f)

Me:
Let
'
shur
ry

(
wechangedwhi
l
eal
sof
resheni
ngup.
Aft
erawhi
l
ewewer
edone)

Me:
Let
'
sgo

Coco:
Wher
e?

Me:
Backt
oourj
our
ney

Rose:
ButI
'
m hungr
y

Me:
I'
l
ltakecar
eofy
ouRosel
i
kemyownIpr
omi
seddi
dn'
tI?

Her
:Yes

Me:
I'
l
ltakecar
eofy
ounowl
et'
sgo

(
Wesneakedoutandwal
kedaway
)

Jake'
sPOV

(
Iwenthomet
heycal
l
edt
oheart
hef
ir
e.Igoti
n)

Me:
Ever
yone

Av
a;Dadt
ell
meshe'
sok?

(
thatbr
okeme)
Lucy
:Shei
sri
ght
?

Mom:
Tel
luspl
s

(
Dadst
aredatme)

Me:
i
---
Idon'
tknow

Av
a:Whathappened?

Mom:
Thef
ir
ehowdi
ditst
art
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Dad;
Tel
luswhaty
ouknowt
hen

Me:
Theyf
indabur
ntbodyi
n--
-i
nhercel
l

(
theycal
lgott
ear
sint
hei
rey
esespeci
all
yAv
a)

Me:
Hunnydon'
tcr
--
-

(
Iwasgoi
ngt
obr
ushherbackshequi
ckl
ymov
edaway
)

Her
:Don'
ttouchme-
--
DON'
TYOUDAREy
ouki
l
ledherYOUDI
D

(
Myhear
tbr
okeshewashur
ti
ng)

Me:
I'
m--
-

Me:
Youkill
edt
heonlywomanwholovedmeli
keaMotherot
hert
hanmyownMot
her
.Shewas
myfr
iend,
amotherever
ythi
ngt
ome.Ihat
eyouIHATEYOU

(
Sher
anupst
air
s)

Lucy
:Shest
il
lhur
t.
Excuseme

(
shel
eftwi
thMom)

Dad:
Youl
ethergot
her
eyoudi
dn'
tev
ent
ryt
ohel
pher
.Yourt
ear
smeannot
hingJake

(
hel
eft
.Isetdowncr
ying.I
'
m sor
ryi
fIhur
tany
onet
hosewer
enotmyi
ntent
ions)

Vee'
sPOV
Me:
Okt
her
eisast
orewedon'
thav
emoneywehav
etost
eal

Rose:
Ther
e'snoneed

Coco:
Tel
luswhatt
odot
hen?

Her
:I
tsay
oungmant
hati
ssel
l
ingr
ightandt
hest
orei
sempt
y

(
ItwasSomal
i
anst
ores)

Me:
What
'sony
ourdi
rt
yRose?

Her
:wewi
l
lneedsexyout
fi
ts

Me:
Wah?

Coco:
Rose..

Her
:Come

(t
herewer ealsoNiger
ianclothingstor
ewest oletheclot
hesthatwer eoutsi
det henrantoa
cornertowear .
Iworesil
vermi nidr
essthatshowedal otofmyasset s,
Rosepinkshor tski
rtwith
whitecroptopandCocobl uej eanswithwhiteshirtwewerewear i
ngwhi t
ejailshoeswedi dn't
care.
Idon'tt
alkaboutouthai r
.Rosehav estr
aightbackwithherownl onghairItiedmyhair
Cocohav eafro.Wewalktot hatstoret
hey oungmanwasst ar
ringatRosewhi l
eshewasgi ving
himt hose"y
ouwantmel ook? "

Me:
Thi
sisy
ourpl
an?

(
Iwhi
sper
ed)

Her
:Wat
chandl
ear
n

Me:
Iwon'
tl
ear
nthanky
ou

(
shewentt
oguyshewal
ktohi
mtheyt
alkedf
orawhi
l
ethenIsawhercomi
ngourway
)

Her
:Takeev
ery
thi
ngy
ouwantI
'
llt
akecar
ethebi
l
l

Me:
What
?Rose

Coco:
What
?

(
Shewinked.Heythi
sgi
rli
scr
azy
.Shewal
kedar
oundt
hecount
ert
osi
tonhi
slap.
What
?She
r
oll
edherskir
tup)

Me:
IsRose.
..
?

Coco:
Yesandcov
eri
ngourassescomeon
(
Westart
edtaki
ngt
hings.Icoul
dhearRosemoansIl
ookedatt
hem t
hey
oungmanwashav
ing
f
unpoorthi
ng)

Coco:
Veecomeont
akeasmuchpossi
ble

Me:
Youguy
sar
ereal
thi
fes

Her
:Fory
ear
sinj
ail
whatdi
dyouexpect

(Ichuckled.Il
ookedatt
hem agai
ndamnRosewasgr indi
nghi
m. Thi
schil
dwill
neverseegat
es
ofheav en.Weshoppedti
ll
wegott i
redbutRosewasn'
tdoneIgotti
redIwenttot
hem itwas
23:00time)

Me:
Rose

Her
:Hmmmmmm Veenol
eav
e

Me:
Ain'
tyout
ir
ed

(
Ilef
ther
.Shecamet
ous)

Her
:Let
'sgo

Coco:
Ify
ouwer
emydaught
erIwoul
dhav
ehangmy
sel
f.
2andahal
fhour
sgr
indi
ngadi
ck?

Her
:Gi
rl
fr
iendhewaswor
thi
t

Me:
Isawy
ourf
acey
ourey
eskeptr
oll
i
ngov
ery
ourback

Her
:Hewassogooooodev
enmypussyhur
ts

Me:
Let
'
sgetapl
acet
osl
eeppl
easeI
'
mti
redandI
'
m hungr
y

Coco:
Plust
hesebagsar
esoheav
y

Rose:
Atl
eastt
hatagoodt
hing

(
wel
aughed)

Rose:
Her
eisamot
el

Me:
Nomoneyr
emember

Coco:
Don'
ttel
lmegr
indanot
herdi
ckf
orar
oom

Her
:WhatnoIgotmoney

(
shet
ooki
tout
)

Me:
What
?How?
Her
:Sweet
yI'
m goodIgoty
ourbacks

(
Wewal
kedf
ir
stt
othemot
elIj
ustst
oodt
her
eamazed)

Her
:Comi
ng?

Me:
Yah

(
wegoti
nerbookedar
oom f
ort
heni
ght
.t
omor
rowwi
l
lsee )

Chapt
er44

Vee'
sPOV

Nextday

(
wewokeup)

me:
I'
mfi
ndi
ngapl
acef
orust
ost
ayt
oday

Coco:
Wher
e?

me:
Toaf
rnd

Rose:
Who

me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter

Coco:
Yesi
tdoesweal
li
nthi
stoget
her

me:
Afr
ndIt
rustok?
AndIgoal
one

Rose:
ButVee.
..

me:
ByeIhav
etogo

Coco:
Youbet
tercomeback

me:
Iwi
l
lweneedapl
acet
ost
ayt
ohi
der
ight
?SoI
'
m sav
ingourassesbczI
'
m get
ti
ngmy
r
evengeBLOODWI
LLPAI
NTTHI
SWHOLETOWNt
hewhol
ewor
ldwi
l
lknowmynameIpr
omi
se
y
ou

(
Ishutt
hedoort
henwal
kedout
.Ihopehecanhel
p)

(
Ifi
nal
l
yar
ri
vedIknockedheopen)

hi
m:Vee

me:
Hey

(
Hewassohappyt
oseeme )

Zoe'
sPOV

(
I'
vebeencal
l
ingboar
dingschool
saski
ngi
fther
e'sachi
l
dwhogott
her
eear
lywi
thoutpar
ent
sI
f
oundMill
i
onofthem.
Thisisusel
ess)

"
MommyMommyt
her
e'samanher
etoseey
ou"

me:
OkI
'
m comi
nggoandpl
ayi
nyourr
oom

(
Sher
ant
oherr
oom.
Iwentt
othedoorIopened)

me:
Henr
y?

hi
m:Zoe

me:
Geti
nwhyy
ourher
e?

(
hequi
ckl
ygoti
n)

me:
Whyy
ourher
eyouwantDav
idt
oseey
ou?

hi
m:Idon'
tcar
eabouthi
m nowI
'
m her
etoseet
hel
oveofmyl
i
fe

me:
Henr
ypl
s

hi
m:Zoey
ouknowv
erywel
lInev
erst
oppedl
ovi
ngy
ou

me:
Ther
e'snot
hingwecandonow

hi
m:Ther
eis
me:
Not
her
eisnotpl
easel
eav
enow

hi
m:ZoeIcamebczIwantt
oknowaboutourchi
l
d

me:
Henr
ypl
sgoI
'
m noti
nthemoodwhatwi
l
lyourwi
fesay

hi
m:She'
smywi
fenotmyMot
her
.Pl
sIwantt
oknow.

me:
LookIt
houghtIl
osthi
m butIwaswr
ongpl
sgo

hi
m:I
tsaboy
?

me:
PlsgoIal
sodon'
tknowwher
ehei
s

hi
m:Fi
neI
'
m goi
ngpl
sjustdr
eam aboutme

me:
Justgo

hi
m:Il
ovey
ou

me:
Leav
e!!
!

hi
m:OkOKki
sses

me:
Youraol
dmanHenr
ythatdoesn'
tsui
tyou

hi
m:AhIcan'
tbel
i
eveI
'
m her
einf
rontofy
ou

(
Iopent
hedoor
)

me:
Go

(
Iwasn'
tev
ensmi
l
ing)

hi
m:Justsmi
l
eal
i
ttl
efi
rst

me:
No

hi
m:Iwantt
oseet
hosewhi
tet
eet
handdi
mpl
es

me:
Youst
il
lst
ubbor
n

hi
m:I
'
m goi
ng

(
Hest
eppedout
side)

hi
m:Il
ov.
..

(
Icl
osedt
hedooronhi
sface.Heymen)

•
•

Jake'
sPOV

(
Itr
ackedVeeIknowshe'
sal
i
ve.
Buyherl
ocat
ioni
snotshowi
ngt
hepl
aceshei
sin.
Ireal
l
ywant
t
oseeher)

Vee'
sPOV

me:
Thanky
ouf
orl
ett
ingmei
n

hi
m:Yourl
i
keaSi
stert
omeI
'
lldoany
thi
ngf
ory
ou

me:
Khany
olookIneedy
ourhel
p

hi
m:Any
thi
ng

me:
Weneedapl
acet
ost
ayt
ohi
deact
ual
l
y

hi
m:We?
Hide?

me;
I
'm wi
thf
ri
ends

hi
m:Vee?
?

me:
Plswer
eal
l
yneedt
ohi
de

hi
m:Whydi
dyouescape?

me:
Forr
evenge

hi
m:Butwhy
?

me:
You'
l
lknowf
ornowpl
shel
p

hi
m:Her
e

(
Hegav
emekey
s)

hi
m:Taket
hem t
headdr
essi
sther
e

me:
Real
l
y?
hi
m:Yesr
eal
l
y

me:
OHmyGodt
hanky
ousooooomuch

(
Ihuggedhi
m)

hi
m:Yourwel
comeany
thi
ngf
ory
ou

me:
Youar
ethebestI
'
llmakesur
ethi
sdoesn'
taf
fecty
ou

hi
m:I
twon'
t

me:
OhIgot
tago

hi
m:OkIwon'
tsayawor
d

me:
Thanky
ouBy
e

(
Iwal
kedbackt othemot
elIdon'
twantppl
not
ici
ngmesoIletmyhai
rloset
ocov
ermyf
ace.
I
f
oundthem paci
ngupanddown.Rosej
umpedtomecr
ying)

her
:Yourokt
hankGod

me:
I'
mfi
nel
ookwhatIgot

her
:What
?

me:
Wegotour
sel
vesahouset
ohi
dei
n

Coco:
Thenl
et'
smov
ewegotsomuchwor
ktodol
i
ket
rai
ningy
ouf
ory
ourr
evenge

me:
Youwon'
tgohar
donusr
ight
?

her
:OfcauseIwi
l
l

Rose:
ButCoco

her
:Nobut
syou'l
lbefi
ghti
ngmeni nthi
swarandIhav
etof
avemyhusbandt
hatbackst
abber
andhi
sli
tt
lesl
utthey
'l
lpayforbet
ray
ingme

(
Herfacetur
nedredshewasreal
l
yangry.Woahsheist
hecoldoneshecanhandl
egunsand
f
ight
ing.
Shewil
lbetr
aini
ngusanyt
hingwepackedourf
oodthenwentout)

Khany
o'sPOV
me:
She'
ssaf
e

hi
m:Iknewshe'
sbr
ave

me:
I'
m sohappy

hi
m:Met
ooIwantheroutoft
roubl
e

me:
Ther
ewi
l
lbeapr
obl
em

hi
m:Whatdoy
oumean?

me:
Shewant
srev
enge

hi
m:WHAT!
!!
!Thoseppl
aredanger
ousespeci
all
yDav
idbczshewi
l
lgett
ohi
m

me:
Idi
dn'
twantt
ost
opherIwoul
dhav
erui
nourpl
ans

hi
m:Leavei
ttomeI '
l
lprot
ectheral
lthewayIgotmyey
etoher
.Iwon'
tl
oseherIj
ustf
ound
her
.Asfort
hatJakeguyI'
l
lblowhisbrai
nsout

me:
Iwi
l
ldot
hehonour

hi
m:Wai
tformycal
l

me:
Wil
ldo

hi
m:Thanky
ou

me:
YouknowVeemeanst
hewor
ldt
omeshe'
sfami
l
y

hi
m:Sur
eshei
s

(
Cal
ldr
opped)

Cont
inuat
ion44

Vee'
sPOV
Rose:
Sowher
eher
e?

Me:
Ahhhi
t'
stheaddr
ess

Coco:
Yourf
rndi
sst
inki
ngr
ich

Me:
That
'st
hepoi
ntt
hishousei
shugeandbeaut
if
ul

Rose:
Atl
eastnoonecansuspectusi
nahousel
i
ket
his

Me:
May
bey
ourr
ight

Coco:
Thel
astt
imeIcheckedwewer
e"MOSTWANTED"

Me:
Yahl
et'
sgoi
n

(
Khany
oist
hisr
ichal
lal
ong?Thi
shousei
sbeaut
if
ulunl
i
ket
heonehi
sin.
Why
?whyi
s..
.)

Rose:
Comel
ookatt
henewsVeewei
nadeepshi
t

(
IrantotheTV"
Thepr
isoner
sthatescapedt
hesepastf
ewday
sar
ecaughtbutt
her
ear
efew
missi
ng.
..
"

Me:
OhnobutIt
houghtwecov
eredev
ery
thi
ng

Coco:
Wedi
djustchi
l
l

Me:
Yah

Rose:
Thi
shousei
sbeaut
if
ult
hough

Me:
Yah

(
itev
enhadst
air
s)

Coco:
Let
'st
rai
nnot
imet
owai
t

Me:
OhI
'
mfi
rst

Coco:
Ok

Vi
vi
an'
sPOV

Si
a:Cal
m down
Me:
Cal
m down?
Cal
m down?
Itst
hose3mi
gos

Si
a:Vi
vi
ancal
m downi
tsnott
hem i
twasi
dent
if
iedt
hatt
her
ewer
ebodi
esi
nthei
rcel
l
s

Me:
Thesur
viv
edoncewi
l
ltel
lev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappenswhent
hesungoesdownt
her
e

Si
a:Theywon'tIknowtheywon'
twej
usthav
etochi
l
lIgott
hisIal
sowoul
dlov
etogett
hem
myselfespeci
all
ythatRose.

Me:
Rosedi
dnot
hingt
oyou.

Her
:Shedi
d

Me:
Yourboy
fri
endl
efty
oubczofheri
tsnotl
i
kesheal
sol
i
kedhi
m

Her
:Lookher
eVi
vi
anRoset
ookhi
m awayf
rom met
hat
'
swhyIpl
ott
edt
hedr
ugsonherschool
l
ockandbag

Me:
Itwasy
ou?

(
Shel
ookedaway
)

Me:
Yousai
dtomeshewasact
ual
l
ythem t
heny
our
epor
tedher

(
shekeptsi
l
ent
)

Me:
Saysomet
hing.
Doy
ouknowwhoi
sRose?

Her
:She'
sRose

Me:
She'
soneoft
hewomanwhocandest
royuswi
thacl
i
ckoft
hisbusi
ness

Her
:Huh?

Me:
Wear
eal
oner
ight
?

Her
:Yes

Me:
LookRosei
sthedaught
erofBi
l
ly

(
theshockonherf
ace)

Her
:Bi
..
.Bi
l
ly?

Me:
yes

Her
:Ohno

Me:
"Ohno"now?

Her
:Wher
eishe?
Me:
Hedi
edwel
lthat
swhatwet
hink

Her
:ButBi
l
lyi
sfuckenpower
ful
howhedoesn'
tknowaboutRose

Me:
HerMot
hersl
eptwi
thBi
l
lyshewasamai
d

Her
:What
?

Me:
YahIt
hinkhedi
dn'
tknowhehadadaught
er

Her
:Bi
l
lyi
snotdeadhe'
saunt
ouchabl
ecr
imi
nal

Me:
Wedon'
tknowr
eal
l
ybuti
fRosef
indsoutandt
rackherFat
herwear
egoodasdead

Her
:Howdoy
ouknow?

Me:
Imar
ri
edoneoft
hebi
ggestdr
ugdeal
ersbaby

Her
:Ial
mostf
orgot

Me:
SoRosei
sgoodasdeadsoshewon'
tfi
nishust
hent
her
e'sCocoandVee

Her
:IwantVeeal
ltomy
sel
f

(
wel
aughed)

Vee'
sPOV

(
Cocoi
stwi
sti
ngmyar
m)

Me:
Ahhhhhhh(
Iscr
eamed)Cocost
opRosehel
pmeeeeeeee

(
Rosewasl
aughi
ngatmeCocol
etgoIbr
eat
hedoutt
henl
aidont
hef
loor
)

Me:
ohhhhhh

Coco:
ComeonMi
ssPhol
a

Rose:
YourweakVeecomeon

Me:
Okf
inel
et'
sdoi
tagai
n

(
Ilostt
hef
ightagai
n)

Me:
Timeoutt
imeout
!!
!!
Coco:
Youwoul
dn'
tbesay
ingt
hati
nwar

Rose: Veecomeon

Me:
Hai
I'
m donewi
tht
hiswoah

Coco;
Let
stakeabr
eakt
hen

Me:
I'
mvi
sit
ingmysonl
ater

Coco:
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?

Rose:
Yout
otal
l
ywantt
ogetuscaught

Me:
Iwast
ell
i
ngy
ounotaski
ngsoI
'
m goi
ng

Coco:
Becar
eful

Me:
Iwi
l
l

(maki
ngmywayupst ai
rsIgotint
omainbedroom It
ookashowerthenopenedthe
cl
oset Ohhhlookhereevenwomancl ot
hes.
Itookoutaredshor
tpart
ydresswit
hal
ong
coat
,r
edheel
sthenputonar edli
pst
ickIl
etmyhairloseIl
ookedhot
)

Me:
I'
m sohotr
ightnow

(
Ipout
edatt
hemi
rrorthenl
aughedatmysel
fandthehear
tl
essmeI'l
lbe.Ohhhht
heybet
ter
wat
chout
.Ti
mehi
t20:00inacli
ckIbet
tergoi
tssafe.
Iwal
keddownstai
rs)

Rose:
Awwwl
ookaty
oul
ooki
ngl
i
keat
wicedi
vor
cedwomanwhomar
ri
edmenf
ort
hei
rmoney

(
Ilaughedsohar
dIf
orgotIwasonmywayout
)

Coco:
Rosey
ourgood

(
sheal
sol
aughed)

Me:
RosenomanI
'
mleav
ing

Me:
Looki
ngl
i
ket
hat
?You'
l
lseduceJake

Me:
Shutup

Coco:
Yesshei
s

Me:
Byeeee

(
Ilef
tIt
ookacabt
her
eIknocked.
Aol
dwomanopened.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
)

Me:
IsJakehome?
Her
:YesMa'
am andy
ouar
e?

Me:
Hisbusi
nesspar
tner

(
Iletmy
sel
fin)

Me:
i
sheupst
air
s?

Her
:Ye.
..

(
Iranupst
air
s)

Her
:Ma'
am pl
s

Me:
Heydon'
tpi
ssmeof
f

(
shekeptst
oppednx.
Ifoundhi
sroom doorcl
osedIopened)

"
vee?
"

Me:
Blue?
Mybaby(
Irant
oBl
uehewasonhi
sar
msIbr
ushedhi
sfor
ehead)

Me:
Ohsweet
y

Hi
m:He'
sasl
eep

Me:
I'
mlat
e

(
Looki
ngsosadIwantt
opl
aywi
thhi
m.Jakeputhi
m dowm)

Hi
m:Iknewy
ou'
l
lcome

Me:
Howdi
dyou?

Hi
m:Igotat
rackerony
ou

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Yah

Me:
Wher
e

(
Hewasl
ooki
ngatmei
naseduct
ivewayImov
edback)

Hi
m:I
'
mtr
yingt
oshowy
ouwher
e

(
Ist
oppedhet
ouchedmycoatunbut
toni
ngi
tthenheki
ssedme.
Thenwhi
sper
ed)

Hi
m:Ri
ghtt
her
e

Me:
Huh?
Her
;It
sbet
weeny
ourt
eet
h

Me:
Teet
h?

Hi
m:Technol
ogyi
ssomet
hingel
se

Me:
Getof
fme

(
Ipushedhi
m of
f)

Hi
m:Ioncet
houghty
ouwer
ereal
l
ydead

Me:
Ohy
ouwoul
dlov
ethat

(
het
oldmet
hest
orywhyhedi
dn'
tcomet
oseeme)

Me:
OhwowJake

Hi
m:Iasur
eyou

Me:
Itsher

Hi
m:Who?

Me:
Yourgi
rl
fr
iend

(
andIst
art
edt
owonder
)

Hi
m:Huh?

(
Idon'
twanthi
mtoknowmypl
an)

Me:
Whi
l
eIwasi
njai
lhav
eyousl
eptwi
thher
?

(
hegul
p)

Me:
Youdi
d(Doi
ngaangr
ysi
desmi
l
e)

Hi
m:Look.
..

(Ishuthi mthenmadehi m sitdown.Ist r

ipinfrontofhi m It
ookof fmycoatev enmyhai rmade
mel ookwaysexy .
OhJakewi l
lknowwhoam If orreal
.Isetontopofhi m helookeddeepi nmy
eyesIki ssedhim.Ist
il
lfeelcomf ortabl
ewi thhim althoughIwasabused. It
ookoffhisshi r
twe
kissedIsweart herewasf i
rewor kshewaspul li
ngmyhai rbackhehel dmywai stmov ingit.
He
rubmyassandsqueezi ngitIwasget t
ingreall
yhor nyandt hatwasn'ttheplaneiJakei sdoing
allthistome butwhydoeshehav et ohurtmesof reakenmuch? Iwoul dbecrazyifI'
dsayI
didn'tlovehimI'
llbel
yingtomy selfbutI'l
lshowhi mt onightwho'sbossany wayhewentdown
myneckgi vingmebiteshisdickpr intwasdoi ngt hemostdamn. ButVeey ournotheref or
this.OnceI'v
eseenhe's100%%%hor nyandhi shandswer epulli
ngmydr essupIstoppedhi min
factIgotofhi m)
Hi
m:Vee?

(Theshockonhisfacewaspri
cel
essnxdog.He'
sey
eswer
esosexydamnhi
sdi
ckpr
inti
s
dri
vi
ngmear ggggggcrazyIbi
temylowerl
i
p)

Me:
Asky
ourgi
rl
fr
iendt
ohel
pyou

(
Isaidwalki
ngoutpicki
ngupmycoat .
Doesher
eal
l
ythi
nkI
'
llgetoutofj
ail
noescapi
ngoutof
j
ail
togiv
ehi m pussyhebet
tert
hinkagai
n)

Hi
m:VeenoVeepl
sbabewai
t

(
hehel
dmywai
ttohi
m)

Me:
Lookher
eI'
m notst
upi
d

Hi
m:Ibegy
out
henwhyy
oudi
dit
?

Me:
fory
out
ohav
easl
eepl
essni
ghthor
nyasf

Hi
m:Youknowy
oudr
ivemecr
azy

Me:
Nopussydr
ivesy
oui
nsanesweet
ynowl
aav
eme

Hi
m:Vee

(
Isnat
chmyhand)

Me:
Cal
lyourgi
rl
fr
iendorgi
vey
our
sel
faHAND(
Iwal
kedawayl
aughi
ng)

Chapt
er45

4MONTHSLATER

Vee'
sPOV

Me:
Readyf
ort
oni
ght
?

Rose:
Nev
erbeenr
eady
Coco:
Ther
e'snoneedt
oaskme

Me:
Greatt
hemenar
eal
sor
eady

Rose:
I'
dlov
etochopt
hei
rbal
l
s

Me:
Ewt
hati
sgr
oss

Rose:
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
nd

(Igotacal
l.
Letmeupdat eyouonhowourliv
eswer ethesepastf
ewmont hs.Ital
kedt
o
detect
iveweareclosenowhedidn'
trepor
tmeact ual
lyhe'
scoveri
ngf
ormeal t
houghhedoesn'
t
l
ikeitbczI'
m put
ti
ngmyl if
eatri
skandhisbutIbeggedhim.Soit'
shi
m call
ing)

Rose:
Ohi
t'
sMrDet
ect
ive

Coco:
Tot
all
y

Me:
Shutup.
Hel
l
o

Hi
m:Hey

Me:
What
'sup?

Hi
m:Not
hingi
tsj
ustIf
eel
bet
terwhenIheary
ourv
oice

Me:
Andwhy
'st
hat
?

Hi
m:Iwoul
dlov
etoknowt
oo

(
Igi
ggl
edohGodIgi
ggl
ed)

Rose:
Hmmmmmmmmm

Me:
Shhh

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
Not
hingnot
hing

Hi
m:OkIbet
tergetgoi
ngI
'
m neededok

Me:
Sur
e

Hi
m:Besaf
e

Me:
Thanks

(
Wedr
oppedt
hecal
l
)

Coco:
Let
'ski
l
lthosebust
ardsal
ready
Rose:
Yeswewillf
ornowIwantVeeov
erher
etot
ell
usi
sshef
all
i
ngf
ort
heDet
ect
ivebczi
fshe
doesourpl
ancan'
tgoaspl
anned

Me:
NoRosewer
efr
ndsandhe'
l
lnev
erbet
rayus

Rose:
IhopesoandJake

Me:
Jakest
il
ll
ovesmeandI
'
mtheMot
herofhi
schi
l
dhe'
l
lnev
erdoubl
ecr
ossme

Rose:
Whodoy
oul
ove?

Me:
Rosecomeonal
readyIt
houghty
oual
sowantr
evengeonSi
awhobet
ray
edus

Rose:
OhI
'
llsquashher

Coco:
AndIwantt
hatVi
vi
an

Me:
Sia,
Viv
ianandDav
idf
ort
hedeat
hofmyFat
herIswearhe'
l
lpay

Rose:
Hewi
l
lmyf
rndwear
eher
etohel
pyouf
ornowt
hosebl
oodyr
api
sthav
etopay

Me:
Ican'
tbl
vsomuchhappenedi
nsuchashor
tti
me

Coco:
Wewi
l
ldr
opt
hisbombt
hendi
sappear

(
wel
aughed)

Jake'
sPOV

(
I'
m homewi
thev
ery
onewat
chi
ngTV)

Lucy
:AmberandBl
uear
egr
owi
ngsof
ast

Jake:
Yah

Mom:
Andst
il
ll
ookador
abl
easev
er

Lucy
:Yes

Av
a:Yesev
enBl
uer
emi
ndsmeofVeehehasherl
i
psabsey
esr
ightDad?

(
Shei
sst
il
lmadatmeandIcan'
ttel
lhershe'
sal
i
veorev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbl
owup)

Me:
YeshehasherMot
her
'si
mage
Lucy
:Ir
eal
l
ymi
ssher

Av
a:Imi
ssheral
otLucyal
ot.
Thatwoman'
sli
fechangedwhenshemett
heEl
l
isf
ami
l
y

Mom:
Ava

Ava:
Yes.Icr
yev
eryni
ghtt
hinki
ngabouther
.WhyGodt
aket
hosei
nnocentl
ovi
ngppl
andl
eav
e
si
nnershere

Lucy
:That
showl
i
fei
s

Av
a:Ther
ear
eal
otofppl
whodeser
vedt
odi
enother

(Newspoppedup. .
."
Wef oundavi
deoonli
neaboutt
hreewoment or
tur
ing5ment henl
eave
them dead.
"Thev i
deoplayedt
hewomenhav emaskontheyaskedthe1stmana
questi
on."
Whyy ourher
e? ""
Bczwewereabusi
ngthewomaninjail
"Shehithim.Thegir
lsv
oice
wasbol dbczshehadsomet hi
ngonhermouth.
"Whatki
ndoffuckenabusiv
e? ""
Weusedt orape
them")

mom:
OhGod

(
thev i
deowasn'
tfi
nishedItookoutmyphoneIwentonl
i
neIsawi
tev
ery
onecamet
o
watch.
Thegir
lst
ookt urnsontor
tur
ingt
hemen)

Av
a:Theydeser
vet
hatandmor
e

"Tel
lthev
iewer
swhol
ety
oui
n?"

"
Ican'
t"

"
Fucky
ou"

(Al
lthegir
lswereshouti
ngIcouldn'
ttel
lwhowast al
ki
ngbutoneof
'em wasfami
li
art
ome.They
werewearingjeansandIknowVee'sassthat'
sherass.
Icant
ell
Veefrom amil
eawayIknow
herthatgi
rli
sher.Shegavecountl
esspunchestot
heman)

"
Youbust
ardy
out
aki
ngt
urnsonusev
eryf
uckenni
ghty
ouper
ver
ts"

(
Wai
twhat
?Veewasr
apedi
njai
lal
ongwi
thhermat
es? )

Av
a:Il
ovet
hatWomanIwonderwhoar
ethey

Lucy
:May
beoneoft
hepr
isoner
sthatescapedandhav
en'
tfound.

Av
a:Woahdoy
ouknowwhatt
hismeans?

Me:
Yes.
Veewasr
apedi
nJai
l

"
WHO?
WHOLETYOUI
NNNN?
"
"
Shar
on.
..
Shar
on.
..
.Shar
onandt
heot
herguar
dsatt
hepr
ison"

(
thegi
rlcamet
othescr
een)

"
Wer
ecomi
ngt
oev
ery
onewhodi
duswr
ongber
eady
"

(
Thev
ideoended)

Mom:
OhLor
dwhati
sthi
swor
ldbecomi
ng

Me:
Takecar
eofmychi
l
dIneedt
obesomewher
e

Mom:
What
?Wher
e?

Lucy
:Jake?

(Iwalkedoutt
omycarIwentt
oErickIneedtot
rackVeedownIneedtotal
ktoher.Idr
ove
off.
Allal
ongIwashomeshewasbeingrapedMYWOMAN. IswearI
'l
lki
ll
thatShar
onand
everyonebehi
ndi
tmysel
fandtoni
ght.
Ical
ledmymen)

Me:
List
ent
omefindsomeonebythenameofShar
onandbr
inghi
m/hert
omydungeonDO
NOTHURTHIM/
HERI '
ll
doitmysel
f.
Iwantt
hatper
sonal
i
veandki
cki
ng

Hi
m:Sur
ebossconsi
deri
tdone

(Idr
oppedthecal
l.
Seeingmywomanf i
ghti
ngli
ket
hatbr
okeme.Shewascr
yingIknowit
sherI
knowitIknowIcanfeelit
.Icanf
eel
it.Iwon'
tl
etherdot
hisr
evengeal
oneI
'
llhel
pher.
Iki
ll
ever
yonewhodidherwr ongandImeanEVERYONE)

Cont
inuat
ion

Lucy
'sPOV

Hi
m:Igotoutt
odaybczofdi
sci
pli
ne

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwanther
e?

Hi
m:I
sthatmybaby
?
(
Seei
nghi
sfacebr
ingsbackt
hatday
)

Me:
Comei
n

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

(
Igav
ehi
m Amber
)

Hi
m:She'
sbeaut
if
ul

Me:
..
.

Hi
m:CanIspendt
imewi
thherj
ustal
i
ttl
e

(
ifDadf
indshi
m her
ehoooohe'
sdead)

Me:
j
ustal
i
ttl
eIdon'
twantmydadt
oseey
ouher
e

Hi
m:Iunder
stand

Me:
Come

(
Iledhi
mtot
hel
oungewesetdownhesetopposi
teme)

Hi
m:Shehasy
ourey
es

Me:
Doesy
ourFat
herknow?

Hi
m:No

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:Iwant
edtoseemybabysobadI
'
veal
way
slookatt
hepi
ctur
eyougav
emet
hatday
.Ir
eal
l
y
want
edheri
nmyar ms

Me:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dgonow

"
Sweet
ywer
eback"

Me:
Dad?

Dad:
Sam?

Me:
Dadpl
she.
.

Dad:
Idon'
tcar
egetoutofher
eboy

Me:
Dad.
..

Mom:
Sweet
ypl
s..
Dad:
Youi
-sai
d-GET-
OUT

Hi
m:YesSi
r

(
Hegav
emeAmber
)

Me;
ItsAmber
'sf
ather

Dad:
GETTTOUT

Hi
m:Ok

(
Heki
ssedhercheekt
henhel
eft
)

Me:
ButDadt
hisi
snotf
air

Dad:
Youal
readyf
orgotwhatt
hatboydi
dtoy
ou?

Me:What
?NoI
'
llnev
erf
orgeti
tbutcan'
twemov
eonandf
orgi
ve.
Didn'
thepay
?It
sherFat
hershe
needshi
m

Mom:
She'
sri
ghtmyl
ove

Dad:
Idon'
tcar
eIdon'
twantt
hatboyi
nmyhouseev
eragai
n

(
Hel
eft
)

Mom:
Youknowhi
m

Me:
It
sfi
nebutIcan'
tst
opSam t
oseeherdaught
erI
'
m nothear
tl
ess

Jake'
sPOV

(
I'
m st
il
latt
hewar
ehouse)

Me:
Whowi
l
ldot
his?

Er
ick:
don'
tyouhav
eenemi
es?

Me:
Nott
hatIknowof
fImeanwemadepeaceher
e

Er
ick:
Thent
hisper
sonwi
l
lleav
euspennyl
essbczwedon'
tknowwhoi
she/
she

Me:
Whoi
sit
?Who?
Idon'
tgett
his
"
Sirwej
ustsawt
henews"

Me:
And?

"
Those5meni
nthev
ideower
efounddead"

Er
ick:
wher
ehow?

"
Theywer
ehangedatt
hebr
idgeandwr
it
ten"Wear
enotdone"

Me:
Thanky
ouAndr
eyy
oumaybeexcused

(
Hel
eft
)

Er
ick:
DamnVeei
sWowdude

Me:
Dudet
hatpl
acet
urnedmywomani
ntomonst
er

Er
ick:
She'
shear
tl
essnow

Me:
YahIwonderwhoi
snext

Er
ick:
Ibeti
t'
snoty
ou

Me:
what
?No

(
Thenppl
wal
kedi
nwear
ingbl
ack)

"
Wel
lwel
lwel
li
sn'
ti
ttheBl
oodhi
msel
f"

Me:
Vee?

Her
:Hey

Er
ick:
Vee?

Me:
Hel
l
o

"
Whoi
shemyf
ri
end?
"

"
ifi
tst
hatone(
Poi
nti
ngt
ome)Iwoul
dn'
tst
aymadathi
m atal
l
"

(
Shebi
therl
owerl
i
pshewassucki
ngal
oli
pop)

Vee:
Rosewi
l
lyoust
op

Rose:
Gir
lf
ri
endy
ourcr
azyhe'
shott
hant
hatdet
ec.
..

(
Veehi
therar
m)

Her
:Ouch!
!!
Vee:
SHUTUP

me:
Whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?

Vee:
Youdon'
taskquest
ionsher
eIdoact
ual
l
yI'
m her
etogi
vey
ouanof
fery
oucan'
tref
use

Me:
Ohpl
s

Her
:I
'm notpl
ayi
ngJakeI
'
m her
eforbusi
ness

Chapt
er47

Vee'
sPOV

Jake:
Thenwhati
syourof
fer

Me:
Hel
pmegetmyr
evenge

Jake:
Excuseme

Me:
Wewanty
ouandy
ourt
eam t
owor
kforus

Jake:
What
?

Me:
Andt
her
e'sonebosst
hati
sME

Hi
m:Noti
syourdr
eamssweet
y

Me:
I'
m notaski
ngy
ou

Er
ick:
Andwho'
sthi
sbeaut
yri
ghther
e

Rose:
It
sRose

(
Shegi
ggl
edGosht
hisgi
rlandmen)

Er
ick:
Eri
ck

(
Heki
ssedherhandshegi
ggl
ed)
Me:OhGody
out
wol
ovebi
rdswear
einaser
iousmeet
ingher
ebutJakedoesn'
twantt
o
cor
porat
e

Hi
m:I
'
llnev
erbeBossedbyy
ou

(
Iwentt
ohi
m)

Me:
Whati
sitJakedon'
tyouwantmei
nyourt
eam andmygi
rl
sor

(
Igotcl
oset
ohi
sli
ps)

Me:
Ory
oucan'
tst
andbei
ngnearmewi
thoutt
ouchi
ngme

(
Iwhi
sper
edhewal
kedawayohhecan'
tdenyi
t)

Hi
m:LookVeenook

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eyougotnochoi
ce

Coco:
Canwepl
sgetoutofher
eIknewt
hiswoul
dn'
twor
k

Hi
m:Who'
sher
?

(
Cocowasl
ooki
ngdown)

Me:
Yourol
dfr
iend

Hi
m:Who?

Me:
LookatmeCoco

(
Shel
i
ftedherhead)

Hi
m:Coco?

Er
ick:
Coco?

Me:
Ahhhy
esCoco.
Nowdoy
ouwantt
ohel
pus?

(Isaidsmil
ing.Cocoiswasthewi f
eofthemanIkil
ledwhokidnappedme.Cocowant
edrev
enge
onhi mforbetray
ingherandthatVivi
angi
rlshe'
sgonnapay
.Ikil
l
edthehusbandCocowasver
y
disappoi
ntedbutshewant sViv
ian)

Jake:
Thi
sisabsur
d.

"
SirBl
uei
s..
."

Me:
MybabymyBl
ue

(
Iwentt
otakehim.
Iki
ssedhi
m all
overhi
sface.Isetdownwi
thhi
m Ihadt
ear
sinmyey
es
f
inal
l
yfi
nal
lyI
'm wi
thmybabyagai
n)
Jake:
Iaccept

.
..

Jake:
Kgm excuseme

Me:
Itwasaof
fery
oucoul
dn'
tref
useJakedon'
tmakei
tli
kei
twasy
ourchoi
cepl
s

(
Ibr
ushedmybaby
'sf
orehead.
Shi
thehashi
sFat
her
'sl
ooks.
Jakecamet
osi
tnextt
ome)

Hi
m:Hehasy
ourey
es

Me:
Buty
ourl
ooks

(
Wel
aughed)

Me:
Andt
heser
iousf
ace

Hi
m:I
'
m notser
ious

Me:
Youar
e

(
Wel aughed.Wel
ookedi
ntoeachot
her
sey
esdamnIl
ovet
hisguywhyhe'
shur
ti
ngmesooo
much.Icl
earedmythr
oatIst
oodup)

Me:
Backt
obusi
ness

Coco:
Final
l
y

Jake:
OkOKwai
tst
opdon'
tyout
hinkweneedt
oknowwhy
?

Me:
I'
m notcomf
ort
abl
etel
l
ingt
hatst
ory

Hi
m:Butwenee.
..

Me:
Ify
ouv
isi
tedmei
njai
lyouwoul
dknow

Jake:
But
..

Me:ISAI
DI'
m notcomf
ort
abl
etel
l
ingt
hatst
oryJakeandst
opmaki
ngmey
ell
I'
m hol
dingmy
baby

Rose:
I'
l
ltel
lthem Imeanhe'
sri
ghtt
heyneedt
oknow

Me:
FineI
'
llbeout
arher
e

(Igotoutoftheroom Il
eftthem ther
etell
ingstor
ies.
WheneverIthinkaboutt
hem IcryandI
don'twanttocryI'
m sti
l
ltry
ingtobehar dcover
.Iplay
edwithmybabyhewasgi ggli
ngt hank
Godhedi dn'
tcry.
AfterawhileJakenealedatthedoorfr
amel ookingatmewi t
hredey esand
teary.
)
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry

(
Wit
hashaki
ngv
oicet
hatmademecr
ytoo.
Ipl
acedBl
ueonhi
sbedt
her
e)

Me:
It
sint
hepast

(
Hehuggedmef
rom behi
ndIbr
okedownIt
urnedar
oundhehuggedmeIhuggedhi
m back)

Hi
m:I
'
m sosor
ry

(
Iswi
pedmyt
ear
s)

Me:
Weneedt
owor
kJake

(
Sni
ff
ing)

Me:
Ican'
tthi
nkaboutt
hisany
mor
e

(
Hemademel
ookhi
mint
heey
e)

Hi
m:I
'
lldoi
tI'
l
lhel
pyouf
ightt
il
ldeat
hIpr
omi
se

Me:
Don'
ttal
kli
ket
haty
ouwi
l
lnev
erdi
e

Hi
m:Fory
ouandoursonIwi
l
lbczy
ourt
hebestt
hingt
hatev
erhappenedt
ome

(
Isni
ff
)

Him:I
'
lldi
efory
ouVeebczIowey
out
hatmuchIowey
oumyl
i
febczIt
ookawayy
our
s.Il
ove
you

(
HekissedmeIki
ssedhim backf
orsuchal
ongt
ime.
Ipul
l
edbackt
heki
sshademot
ionsand
f
eel
i
ngsIcan'
texpl
ain)

Me:
Weneedt
ogo

Hi
m:Yes

(
Wewentt
ojoi
nev
ery
one)

Coco:
Final
l
yyourher
e.Donemaki
ngout
?

Me:
What
?No

Coco:
Real
l
yJake

Jake:
EishIt
ri
ed

Rose:
She'
sthi
ckheaded

(
Theyl
aughed)
Me:
What
every
ourl
aughi
ngati
snotf
unny

Jake:
Tot
all
ybabe

Me:
Wear
enoti
nthatl
evel

Hi
m:Iknewy
ouwi
l
lsayt
hat

Me:
Youknowmesowel
l

Hi
m:I
tsmyj
obt
oknow

Me:
Ver
yfunny

(
Webegant
alki
ngbusi
ness)

Khany
o'sPOV

(
I'
m wi
thFer
nando)

Me:
Sowhat
'snext
?

Hi
m:Not
hingI
'
llgi
vet
hem backt
hei
rshi
pmentI
'
m donewi
thdr
ugs

Me:
AboutJake?

Hi
m:I
'
llmakeapl
annoonewi
l
lmesswi
thVeel
i
ket
hat

Me:
YahwhataboutVi
vi
an

Hi
m:Igothi
sson

Me:
Byt
hewaywhendi
dyouki
dnaphi
m?

Hi
m:Today

Me:
How?
Imeany
ourher
etheyar
ether
e

Hi
m:Ihav
emyway
s

Me:
Hmmm IseeandVee?Woul
dn'
tyoupr
otectVee?

Hi
m:Ial
readyknowwhatshe'
spl
anni
ngt
odayt
heyar
emaki
ngadeal
wit
htheeJake

Me:
What
?
Hi
m:Yep

Me:
Fer
nandohowdi
dyou.
..
?

Hi
m:IgotCocoshe'
smygi
rl

Me:
Cocot
hatdev
il
swi
fe?

Hi
m:Exwi
fe

Me:
Youst
il
lsl
eepi
ngwi
thher
?

Hi
m:WhatnoI
'
m notal
thoughIst
il
ll
ikeher

Me:
You'
veal
way
sli
kedherwhataboutt
heot
herwomeny
ou'
vebeenwi
th

Hi
m:I
'
vel
ovedy
ourmot
herandVee'
stoo

Me:
What
everDad.

Hi
m:Cocoi
shel
pingVeeshe'
spr
otect
ingher

Me:
Howdi
dsheknow

Hi
m:It
oldher

Me:
What
?Di
dn'
tshet
ell
her

Hi
m:NoIt
oldhert
okeepqui
et

Me:Veewil
lhat
eyouf
ort
hisandf
orl
eav
ingheral
lthesey
ear
sandl
osi
nghermot
herwhi
l
eyour
st
il
lali
ve

Hi
m:Yout
hinkIdon'
tknowt
hat
.She'
smySophi
emySof
ia

Chapt
er48

2mont
hsl
ater

•
Vee'
sPOV

(
SincenowI
'
vef
ull
ytr
ainedi
t'
sti
me)

"
Vee!
!!
!"

(
That
'sRoseIr
andownst
air
sIf
oundheratt
hedoort
alki
ng)

Me:
Jake?

Hi
m:Vee

Rose:
I'
ll
li
vey
out
oo

(
Igr
abbedhi
sar
m cl
osi
ngt
hedoorwewentt
oast
udyt
her
eIcl
osedt
hedoort
her
eei
ther
)

Me:
Doy
ouwantmebackt
ojai
l
?Whyy
ourher
e?

Hi
m:Iwant
edt
oseey
ou

Me:
Why
'st
hat
?Bczt
hel
astt
imeIcheckedImeantnot
hingt
oyou.
Justt
ell
mehow'
smyson

Hi
m:He'
sfi
ne

Me:
Iwantt
oseehi
m

Hi
m:Howy
ourl
ockedher
e

Me:
I'
l
ldoany
thi
ngf
ormysonJake

Hi
m:You'
l
lseehi
m atEr
ick'
spl
acei
t'
snotsaf
eatmi
ne

Me:
Great

Hi
m:Howar
eyou?

Me:
I'
m angr
yJakesoangr
yIwantt
ogett
hisov
erwi
th

Hi
m:Don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
dlett
hisgobcz.
..

Me:
Excuseme?
Thenwhatwi
l
lbet
hepur
poseofescapi
ngJai
l
?

Hi
m:Wecanr
unawayandst
artanewl
i
feal
lthr
eeal
lofus

Me:
I'
m nev
erget
ti
ngbackt
oyouJake

Hi
m:Ev
er?

Ibr
eat
hedIdon'
twantdest
ruct
ionatal
l

Me:
Yes
Isai
dlooki
ngaway

Hi
m:Youwoul
dn'
tsayt
hati
nmyf
acel
ooki
ngatmyey
es

That
'st
ruei
diot

Me:
Plsl
eav
e

Hi
m:Yourhear
tdoesn'
tsayt
hatt
hough

(
Ilookedathi
m mad)

Me:
Jake

Hi
m:Yourangert
urnsmeon

HegotclosetomeIfoldedmyar msl
ooki
ngaway.Hemademelookathi
m Idi
dhesmi
ledI
pushedhim of
f.
Hequickl
ygrabbedmyarm andt
wist
edi
tbehi
ndmybackthenmybodywason
hi
s

Hi
m:It
houghty
ouwer
ereadyVee

Me:
Letmego!

Hi
m:Gety
our
sel
fof
far
en'
tyour
eadyf
orwar
?

Thatshi
thur
tImoanedi
npai
nal
i
ttl
e.Iki
ckedhi
slegsi
ncehewasbehi
ndme

Hi
m:Ouch!

Hel
etgowhi
l
ehol
dinghi
sleg

Me:
Don'
tev
erhandl
emel
i
ket
hatbegr
eat
ful
Idi
dn'
tki
cky
ournut
s!!
!

Hi
m:Fi
neI
'
m sor
ry

Me:
GetOUT!

Hewalkedoutslowl
ythenIfoundmy sel
fonhisarmski
ssi
ng.Act
ual
l
yhegrabbedmequicker
mybodylanguagespoketheexactopposit
eof"Leav
e"of"
Getout
"Weki
ssedhestart
edroll
ing
myshi
rtmyhandswer eonhisfaceshithetur
nedmeONher ubbedmyt
highsIswearIgot
wet
.Hestopped

Hi
m:Yousai
dIshoul
dleav
eri
ght
?I'
mleav
ing

(
Hewal
kedout
)

Me:
FUCKYOUJAKE!
!!
!!
!!

Isai
dthr
owi
ngabookathi
m hel
aughedandl
eft
.
Me:
IDI
OT!
!!
!!
!!
!

Yer
rrI
'
m hor
nyasf
.Rosewal
kedi
n

Her
:Whathappenedwehear
dyouy
ell

Me:
Not
hinghewasbei
ngaj
erkasal
way
s

Coco:
Gir
lswegotVi
vi
an'
slocat
ion

Me:
Isn'
tthatbeaut
if
ul?

Rose:
Howaboutwegot
oni
ght
?

Coco:
Yes

Me:
I'
l
lbet
her
eforsur
eIwantt
olookasSi
a'
sface

Rose:
Met
oo

(
Shet
ookabookt
hatwasl
ayi
ngont
het
abl
eopened)

Her
:Howdi
dthi
spi
ctur
egother
e

Coco:
Whoi
she?

Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks

Her
:My
..
.myFat
her

Me:
Yourwhat
?

Coco:
WHAT?

(
Theshockonherf
ace)

Rose:
MyMom sai
dhedi
edbuthowdi
dhi
spi
ctur
egother
e

(
Cocowasst
ressed)

Me:
Cocoar
eyouok?

Her
:YahI
'
m OK

(
Shel
eft
)

Me:
Don'
tcr
ygi
rl

(
Ihuggedher
)

Her
:Mom usedt
ocr
yni
ght
sthi
nki
ngabouthi
m Iwoul
dtooal
thoughInev
ermethi
m.Shesai
d
hewasav
eryhonor
abl
eandki
ndper
sonsheev
erknew.
Imi
sshert
hispi
ctur
eremi
ndedmeof
her

Me:
I'
m sor
rycomeher
e

(
Shecr
iedi
nmyar
ms)

Her
:Whydi
dshel
eav
eme?
Why
?

(
Icr
iedt
oot
hinki
ngabouthowmyMom di
ed)

Her
:I
thur
tssooomuchVeesooomuch

Me:
Shhhdon'
tcr
ydon'
tcr
y

(
Iwascr
yingt
oo)

Coco'
sPOV

Ical
l
edFer
nandohepi
ckedupi
nst
ant
ly

Me:
Igotf
ewmi
nut
esI
'
llbequi
ckBi
l
ly'
sdaught
eri
sal
i
ve

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
Shewaswi
thmet
hewhol
eti
me

Hi
m:Wher
eisshe?

(
Itol
dhi
mthewhol
est
ory
)

Hi
m:Shewasi
njai
l
?Buyhow?

Me:
Shewasf
ramed

Hi
m:Whoi
sdi
ggi
ngt
hei
rowngr
ave?

Me:
TheSi
agi
rl

Hi
m:Shal
lIt
ell
Bil
l
y

Me:
Idon'
tknowi
tssadshet
hinkshedi
ed

Hi
m:Bi
l
lywi
l
lbesohappyadaught
erandf
rom awomanhel
oved
Me:
Yahbutl
i
fehappened

Hi
m:Butwhatnow?

Me:
Igotev
ery
thi
ngundercont
rol

Hi
m:That
'
swhyIl
ovey
ou

Me:
Ohpl
sFer
nando.
Whatabouty
ourdaught
ershest
il
ltal
ksabouty
ouy
ouknow

Hi
m:She'
l
lmeetmesoon

Me:
Yourhur
ti
ngherdoy
ouknowt
hat
?

Hi
m:IknowCocoIknow

Me:
She'
l
lhat
eyouf
ort
his.

I
'
m sor
ryf
ordi
sappear
ingguy
sbutI
'
m backnow

Cont
inuat
ion

Vee'
sPOV

Soi
t'
slat
emeandt
hegi
rl
sar
egoi
ngt
othatVi
vi
angi
rl
.

Rose:
Done?

Me:
Done

Coco:
Ready
?

Me:
Ready

Wewer ewear
ingbl
ackjeans,
blackpol
onecks,
blackl
eat
herjacket
sandblackkneehighboot
s.I
gotbl
ackshor
thairsi
nceIdon'twantt
obenoticed.
Rosegotlongblackst
rai
ghthai
rsheti
edit
backandCocotoo.

Me:
Bags?
Them:
Gott
hem

Me:
Wewor
kedsomuchf
ort
hiswer
obbedbankst
ohav
ethi
swebet
ternotbl
ewt
hisup

Rose:
Canwegoal
ready

Wegoti nt
oourRangeRov
erblackcar
.Honeywegotever
ythi
ngwecoul
deverwi
shfori
nother
wordswereri
ch.
Cocodrovesi
ncemeandRosecan't.
Theridewasl
ongi
fimaysaybutwe
ar
ri
v ed.

Me:
Shi
ttheyhav
ebody
guar
ds

Coco:
Thi
swasmyhouser
emember
?Idesi
gnedi
twi
thmyhusbandt
hatgoodf
ornot
hing.

Rose:
ThankGod

Coco:
Ther
e'sasecr
etdooratt
hebacky
ardt
hati
sleadi
ngt
othebasementi
nsi
de

Rose:
Thebody
guar
dsCoco

Me:
Ihav
eani
dea

Isai
dlooki
ngatRose

Her
:Ohnowhatwi
l
lIdo

Me:
You'
l
ldi
str
ustt
hem

Rose:
How?

Me:You'
llbel
i
key
ouraski
ngf
orauhmmm addr
esswhi
l
eyourt
alki
ngt
othem weandCocowi
l
l
sneekin

Rose:
Igoty
ougi
rlandi
tst
oomenany
wayWHATWI
LLIDO?

Coco:
Oncewer
einy
ouwi
l
ldr
ivet
hecar
..
.

Rose:
Ican'
tdr
ive

Me:
Shi
t

Coco:
Whatar
ewegonnado?

Me:
Whati
fIgoi
nandy
ouandCocobei
nacar
?

Coco:
Iknowt
hehouse

Me:
Damnandt
heguar
dsknowy
ou.

Rose:
Fuck!
Isaw2mai
dswal
ki
ngout

Me:
Ihav
eanI
dea

Them:
What
?

Me:
Themai
ds

Theyl
ookedandsmi
l
ed

Me:
Wewi
l
lbedi
sgui
seast
hem

Cocof
oll
owedt
hem wi
thacarandst
oppedi
nfr
ontoft
hem.
Theyscr
eamedwegott
hem i
nthe
car

Me:
Shutupwewon'
thur
tyouweneedy
ouri
nfor
mat
ionanduni
for
m

Rose:
Howmanyguar
dsar
ether
e?

Them:
Wher
e?

Coco;
Moni
cat
alk

1stmai
d:Coco?

Coco:
Yahmenowt
alk

Her
:Buthow?

Coco:
Moni
cat
alk

Her
:Out
side2

Me:
Wenot
iced.
Howmanyi
nsi
de?

Her
:I
nsi
det
hehouse4

Me:
Wher
eandwher
e?

Her
:Att
hef
rontdoor
,backdoorIdon'
tknowwher
eel
se

Coco:
Whysomanywhathappened?

Her
:Et
hanVi
vi
an'
sSondi
sappear
edshet
hinksshewaski
dnappedbutshedoesn'
tknowby
who

Coco:
Shehasenemi
esot
hert
hanus

Me:
Forhowl
ong?

Her
:Ov
er2mont
hs
Me:
Whocoul
ddosuchacr
uel
thi
ng?

Rose:
IsSi
ather
e?

Her
;Yes

Me:
Wonder
ful
nowweneedy
ourcl
othes

Her
:Butwecan'
twehav
etowor
ktomor
row

Igav
ethem money

Me:
Taket
hisandf
eedy
ourf
ami
l
iesnowt
heuni
for
ms

Her
:Oht
hanky
ou

Rose:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
e

Me:
Rosepl
stheuni
for
msnow

Her
:Ri
ghther
e?

Me:
Noatt
hedr
essi
ngr
oom OFCAUSEHEREWOMAN

Shequi
ckl
yundr
essedherf
ri
endt
oo.
MeandRosewor
ewegav
ethem ourj
eanst
heyLef
t

Rose:
Ilov
edt
hatj
ean

Me:
You'
l
lgetanot
heronenowl
et'
smov
e

Wewentt
otheguar
ds

Man1:
For
gotsomet
hing

Me:
Yesmyv
apemychesti
sbot
her
ingme

Isai
dcoughi
ng

Them:
Geti
nbequi
ck

Wegoti nr
ushi
ngwet
iptoedtothebackyardCocogotther
esheopenedt
hebasementshegot
i
nmeandRosegotinthefrontdangt
hishouseishugewesawtheGuardRoseshothi
m wi
tha
si
lentgunt
henwehi
dhim.

Me:
Onedown3t
ogo

Rose:
Ial
readyl
ovet
his

Me:
Youl
oveki
l
li
ng

Her
:Theyki
l
ledmanyi
nnocentppl
thesedogsIdon'
tcar
e
Wewal
kedi
nfur
therIsawaguar
datt
heendoft
hest
air
s

"
Didn'
tyousayy
ourl
eav
ing?
"

That
sSi
a'
svoi
ceIknowi
t.
Wel
ookeddown

Rose:
I'
m sosor
ryMi
sswel
eftsomet
hing

Her
:Bequi
ckandgetoutofher
e

Wewentt
otheki
tchen

Rose:
Iwant
edt
oki
l
lher

Me:
Theguar
dsf
ir
st

Shewascr
yingnowshe'
smad

Me:
Cal
m down

Her
:I
fIdi
dn'
tgot
ojai
lMom woul
dst
il
lbeal
i
veVeeIhat
ehersomuch

Me:
Youhav
epl
easur
eonki
l
li
ngherIsweari
t

Shecalmeddown.
Shewenttot
hebackdoortoki
ll
theotherguar
dIki
l
ledtheoneatt
hestair
s
wefoundCocoupstai
rsi
nther
oom att
heri
ghtshesai
dnoonegoestheresoIguessi
t'
sfrom
thebasement

Coco:
So?

Me:
1mor
etogo

Coco:Showtimewehideint
hehousethenwef
ir
edgunshot
sbodyguar
dscamerunni
ngweshot
them theywher
e3real
lynowthi
sisbori
ngme.
Wegotoutwecall
edVivi
anandSi
atocome
down

Me:
VIVI
AN!
!!
!!
!COMEHERE!
!!
!

Noonesai
dawor
dIf
ir
egunshotagai
n

"
Okokst
opshoot
ing"

Me:
Thencomedown

ShecamedownIdon'
tknowherInev
ersawherSi
afol
l
owed

Me:
Awy
oul
ooksocut
escar
ed

Rose:
Wemeetagai
nSi
a

Coco:
Isn'
ti
tthehowher
sel
f
Me:
Soy
ourt
heVi
vi
anwhowassl
eepi
ngwi
thmyman

Her
:Hewast
heonewhokeptoncomi
ngbacksweet
y

Theybot
hpul
l
edoutguns

Me:
Ohwoul
dyoul
ookatt
hat

Rose:
Can'
tIshootheral
ready

Viv
ian:
Seethi
sCoco?Youmadei
thappenyougoi
ngtojai
lsleepi
ngwit
hthosemenandme
gett
ingmoneythenIbuymy
sel
fjewel
ri
esandberi
chisn'
tthatsomet
hing

Coco:
I'
l
lki
l
lyou

Her
:Ohi
nyourdr
eams

Me:
Youshoul
dbeashamedy
oursoni
smi
ssi
ng

Her
;Yahwhat
everIdon'
tcar
e

Thenwehear dgunshot sweal llaydownIcr awl edtoacornerIsawVivianr unningIfiredshots

shefellt
henmencamer unningwear ingpoli
ceuni for
m meandmygi r
lsf i
redshot sitwas
bull
etsintheairbutIwant edVivianthereatthattimewhi l
eshooti
ngatt hepol i
ceothermen
walkedinfrom thebackdoorshoot i
ngatt hepol i
ceOhhhIwasamazedt heylooksohot .
OK
anywaybackt ot hest
oryot hermendef endedusshoot i
ngatthepoli
ceIcoul dn'tseet hei
rfaces
thoItri
edshoot i
ngatVivianbczshet ri
edgettingupIshotherarm shef ell
.Themani nfrontof
mewon' tletmeshootanyf urt
herhebl ocked.Theyshootatthepoli
cetil
l theyalldead.Then
theystoppedIpushedt heguyofmeIwentst raighttoVivi
anRosewentt oSia

Rose:
She'
sdead

Vi
vi
an:
Nooooo

Wi
thherv
oicebr
eaki
ng

Me:
Crocodi
l
etear
s

Coco:
NiceshotRose

Rose:
Thanky
ou

Me:Iwantt
olookaty
ouwhenIki
l
lyouVi
vi
anIt
urnedhersoshecoul
dfacemeIpoi
ntedagun
ather

Vi
vi
an:
Kil
lmesomysoncanbel
onel
y

It
ear
sfl
ewdownmycheeks

Me:
Don'
tyoudar
eyoudon'
twanthi
m
Her
;Hedoesn'
tknowt
hathel
oveshi
sMom

Me:
Fucky
ou

"
Baebdon'
tdot
his"

ThatwasJaket
alki
ngIdi
dn'
tcar
eabouthi
m.Iwasshaki
ngpoi
nti
ngagunt
oherandcr
ying

Her
:Don'
tyouhav
ecour
aget
oki
l
lmenowIt
houghtpr
isonwi
l
ltougheny
ouup

Jake:
SHUTUPVI
VIAN

Her
;Iwon'
tshutupdi
dyout
ell
heraboutt
hesect
ionwej
usthad

Jake:
Yourl
yi
ngbaebshe'
sly
ingIswear

Icr
iedev
enwor
sehet
ri
edt
ouchi
ngmeIshakesof
f

Her
:Pul
lthet
ri
ggeral
readyBoosomysoncanbl
amey
ouf
ormydeat
h

Thi
ssont
hisi
seat
ingme

Her
:Af
terev
ery
thi
ngIdi
dtoyouIsleptwithyourmanIgoty
outoj
ailImadeyousleepwi
thal
l
t
hosemenIorder
edyoutobetor
turedthenIsleptwi
thy
ourmanagaindamnI'
m good

Icr
iedEv
eyt
imeshet
alksbczt
heybr
eakme

Her
:Isepar
atedy
ouf
rom y
ourson

Me:
Shutup

Isai
ddef
eat
ed

Her
:Jaket
ell
herwhathappenedl
astni
ght

Jake:
Iwaswi
thmysonl
astni
ght

Her
:St
opl
yi
ngt
ohershedeser
vest
het
rut
haf
tert
hest
eamysect
ionwehadcomeon

Iwal
kedoutcryi
ngIwentt
oourcarIsetont hebackcr
yingIdon'
tknowwhathappenedi
nsi
de
bczIdi
dn'
tcareeveni
fshediesornotIbar
ri
edmyheadonmyl apscryi
ng.Thi
swomanisEvi
l
notmenti
oni
ngJakethenIheardt
hedooropenupIsmel ledhi
sCologne.

Hi
m:Baebshe'
sly
ing

Me:
Getoutmangetout

Icoul
dn'
tshoutory
ell
mypowerj
ustdr
opped

Hi
m:IswearIwaswi
thBl
ue
Me:
Jakehowcoul
dyou?Whathav
eIev
erdonet
oyoual
lIev
erdi
dwast
olov
eyou.

Icr
ied

Me:I
thurtssomuchtolov
eyousoooooomuch.
Iwantnot
hingdi
youhearmenot
hingt
odowi
th
youotherthanmyson

Him:
Notl
i
ket
hispl
shearmeoutIwaswi
thBl
ueVeeIl
ovey
ouIl
oveonl
yyou.
Plsdon'
tshutme
out

Icl
osedmyey
eswi
thmyhands

Me:
Il
ovey
ouJakebutIcan'
tl
ovey
ouy
oukeephur
ti
ngme

Hi
m:VeeI
'
m sor
rypl
soursonneedusbot
h

Me:
Plsl
eav
e

Igett
hehandsof
fmyf
aceIl
ookawayhemademel
ookathi
m.

Hi
m:I
'
llnev
erhur
tyouagai
nIpr
otect
edy
out
her
ebczIl
ovey
ou

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sIl
ookedathi
m

Hi
m:I
'
lldoany
thi
ngf
ory
oupl
sVi
vi
ani
sly
ing

Me:
Then-
--
thenwhydi
dshesayt
hat
?

Hi
m:Tohur
tyou.
Don'
tcr
ypl
s

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sIcl
osedmyey
es.

Hi
m:Yourst
il
lbeaut
if
ulev
eni
fcr
ying

ThenIf
elthi
sli
psonmi
neweki
ssedpassi
onat
ebutIcr
iedt
henwest
opped

Me:
Plsl
eav
e

Hi
m:Vee.
..

Me:
Leav
eIbegy
ou

Helef
tIcri
edevenmor
eandthat
'
swhenInot
icedIgotshoti
nmyl
eftl
egIwasbl
eedi
ngt
he
gi
rl
sgotinanddrov
ebackhome