CHAPTER 26: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

KEVAH'S POV

I swallow my spit to wet my dry throat. Manny exits the car and comes around the passenger's side to help me out of the station wagon.

I don't want him to think I'm weak or broken, but I let him help.

What my mama did to me, what she said to me, opened my third eye. Not everyone who is blood is family. My mama was never my mother. She is my pain, my shame, and the reason for all my problems. I have worked so hard just to hear her say; I love you, or I'm proud of you. But no matter how hard I try, it's never enough.

Manny takes my hand and heaves me to my feet, and as soon as our skin touches, all my worries melt away. I can't believe I've only known him for two days, and I am already madly in love with him.

We walk up to the glass doors of the old apartment complex. I punch in the security code and the doors open. Manny and I step inside the building, and we see Eddie, the security guard, but really he is the apartment thief.

"Hey Kevah, who is your friend?" The old f