Page 91 of King

I tell my new Uber driver to wait, and tip-toe back in the house, up to my room. I'm quiet as I stuff my favourite clothes in my backpack. My notebook and the stash of money I earned from Isaac goes with it. Better with me than in this room as evidence. Besides, where I’m going, I'll need it. I write a note for Willow and leave it on the pillow next to her, along with the phone. I can’t take it. I’ll be too easy to find.

If I'm out of the equation, Willow will have a better chance.

I kiss her on the head, light enough so she won’t stir and exit through the window again.

Once I’m off the property and back in the car, I give the driver the address for the train station.

I’ll be back in The Grove by dinner. Away from the Eden Gardens police. Away from Lea and her manipulative tactics. And away from Damien King and everything toxic about him.

If he rules Eden, I want no part in it.

When I arrive in Glendale Grove, I have no appetite. The air smells like stale bread and yeast, with a hint of burnt rubber. Pulling my leather jacket around me for warmth, I'm not even sure if this place feels like home anymore.

I’m walking down the main street in the downtown strip, no clue where I’m going, or what I’m doing.

Anansi’s Kitchen has Miss Anita's pumpkin curry on special. Even that doesn’t stir up tummy grumbles or the saliva in my mouth. It’s a shame because for once, I have the money to afford it, plus a tip.

The streets in The Grove look more rugged than ever. Eden Gardens has smooth pavement and cobblestone streets that make intricate designs. Glendale Grove has potholes, rocky roads and missing manhole covers.

“Hey, baby girl.” Passing by an alley, I avoid eye contact with the group of guys hanging out near a dumpster.

It reminds me of hanging out with Zane and the guys, drinking a stolen case of beer or rolling up a few joints. I’m dying to see the boys, but I know that Zane wouldn’t be too far away if I do. As much as I’d like to think they care about me, I know where their loyalty is. Zane would know I was around whether they want to tell him or not.

This also reminds me that I’m back in their hood. My old one. It’s comfortable to wander around, but being out and about might not be the best thing if I’m trying to keep away from Zane. I’m back but it doesn’t mean that I need to take the bullshit he shelled out that night at MOCHA. Zane is off the rails, and I’m not the one to save him this time.

The sign for the Glendale Library comes up ahead and I decide to go inside. This library was where I spent so much time growing up. From Children’s books to Young Adult, the library always made it easy to escape my problems.

An old man holds the door open for me and I thank him as I walk in, wiggling the cold evening air out of my bones. Metal shelves and blue walls welcome me and when I move through the detector there's a familiar smiling face. Mrs. Angela Jenkins.

“Jo!” She pulls her gold metal glasses off her face and it hangs off her neck by a gold chain. “What a nice surprise!” She winks, reaching under her desk to pull out a tattered copy of The Hunger Games. “I know you were asking for this so I put it aside for you.”

I find it hard to choke back my tears and can hardly thank her when she hands me the book. She pushes the tissue box on the administration counter in front of me. “Are you okay, hun?”

I force a smile, and even though I know it’s weak, I hope it’s enough to have her not worry. “Just a little tired.”

“Alright well…” She leans over, looking down the path towards a study area. “There’s no one in your usual spot. Why don’t you go over there and relax? I’ll bring you some tea.”

Thanking her again, my boots thud against the dirty brown carpet. I make my way to what became my second home in The Grove.

I’m not sure if Mrs. Angela knows my situation. Or if she feels bad for me. Growing up in The Grove, she was the only mother figure I had after the accident. Whether it was picking me up patties from Anansi’s or packing herself an extra apple, she always had a snack, a book, and a smile to welcome me.

Sitting at the table, I take in the smell of old musty books and mildew. Sure the library in Eden smells like leather, wood, and chamomile but there’s nothing like the smell of this one. I settle into my seat before Mrs. Angela comes over with a white paper cup, steam coming from the top.

“Peppermint,” she says with a smile as she lays it down. “I remember this was your favourite.”

“Thank you so much.” I take the cup with two hands and she looks at me like a concerned mother.

Her wrinkled red lips twist. “Are you hungry?”

I shake my head. “The tea helps enough.”

“Well.” She smiles. “I’ll be at the front and you can stay as long as you like. Might as well milk it while we got it.”

I look up at her. “What do you mean?”

She nods. “Mhmm, Sebastien King brings the first signs of gentrification. This library will be a condo by next year.” Shaking her head, she rubs at her wrinkled mahogany forehead. “Damn shame. This place is great for the kids.” I'm still piecing together what she's saying when I hear someone call her name from the front desk. She puts her hand on my back. “I’ll be at the front.”

Of course. Even back in The Grove, the King's name is ruining everything. I let my forehead hit the table and I don’t hold back the tears anymore. Why should I?

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