Page 16 of Fighting the Odds

One evil for another. It was a lose-lose situation. In the long run, Sarah was the better option. Going into her care allowed Sam and I to stay together. Now I have to focus and do what I need to clear my name and get custody of Sam.

“Why come forward now?”

“Because he’s dead. Earl sent me word when it happened. I only wish I would have stepped up as soon as I found out.” My heart sinks.

He’s dead. My father, a man I never knew, is dead. A man I never laid eyes on, a monster, who helped create me, is dead. I’m not even sure how I’m supposed to feel.

“I promise you, Sierra, you’re going to be okay and Sam will be back with you. I’m already working on it.” He turns back around, puts on his seat belt, and starts up the car.

We sit in silence the entire way to my apartment. Knowing that I’m going to be walking through those doors without my sister tears me up inside.

When we pull up outside of my apartment building, all the emotions flood me at once, suffocating me. I can’t hold up the brave persona I’ve been trying so hard to do.

“Come on, Sierra. Let’s get inside.” He opens his door and gets out, making his way over to me.

“I don’t have my keys. We’ll need to go to Mrs. Butler’s.”

“We’re good. We can get in.” I don’t even have the energy to ask him how. Instead, I just follow him inside, my head down and arms wrapped around my body.

Chapter 8

Sierra

I’m exhausted and all I want to do is fall into my bed and sleep. No, scratch that. I want to sleep in Sam’s bed. To smell her scent wrapping around me as I pretend like she’s here with me.

I skip the elevator and head straight for the stairs. Something about being in that tiny little box with him has me feeling uneasy. It shouldn’t—he’s never made me feel that way before, but it seems as if my whole life has been a lie.

When we get to the landing, I head straight to my apartment, stopping in front of the door and waiting. I can’t get in. My bag with my keys is still at the foster home. Mrs. Butler and Cyrus are the only other ones that have one.

“What are you waiting for?” he asks as he steps up behind me.

“I don’t have my keys. When CPS took us, I locked the door when we left.” My eyes roll into the back of my head. He knows that, I’m not sure why he’s asking.

“Turn the knob, Sierra.”

Taking hold of the handle, I turn it. The door opens, and standing there in my living room is Cyrus. A weight lifts off my chest. I didn't realize how much I feared I wouldn’t see him again until this moment. Before I can even take a step inside, he’s across the room, pulling me tight into his arms.

“I’ve fucking missed you. I didn’t know if I’d see you again,” he whispers, placing a kiss on my forehead.

“How did you know I’d be here?” I haven’t messaged anyone. My phone was barely charged when I left and I didn’t have my charger. It’s now dead at the foster home with my bag.

“Rico.” I turn to face my uncle at Cyrus’ words.

“Allow me to formally introduce myself. I’m Ricochet Williams, but I go by Rico, and I’m your uncle.”

“You’re her uncle. But you gave her a job at the club. Oh, fuck, I’m going to be sick. You watched her dance. Saw her in the dressing room.” Cyrus brings his hand to his mouth. Sadly, until this moment, I hadn’t even thought of that. Now I feel sick too.

“No, I never watched her dance. Whenever you were on stage, I kept my eyes elsewhere. Same thing for when I went into the dressing room. My eyes were on the floor. Never would I look at my niece like that.” Rico steps past us and begins walking around the apartment, taking everything in.

“I’ve missed you so bad. Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Are you feeling okay? Come on, sit down and rest.” Still holding my hand, Cyrus guides me over to the couch and we sit. I haven’t let go of him yet and I don’t plan on doing so, ever.

His hand strokes up and down my arm as I rest my head on his shoulder. I inhale his smoky scent. “You were at the club?”

His chest shakes as he lets out a laugh. “Yeah, no school today, so Rico asked me to cover. Now I know why. When he called and told me he was bringing you home and to get my ass over here, I did. Didn’t even get a chance to shower. Where’s Sam?”

“He didn’t tell you?” I lift my head to look into his soulful chocolate eyes.

“No, what happened?”

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