Page 21 of Fighting the Odds

I step into the kitchen to make us something to drink, wanting to give them a moment.

When I step back into the living room with three glasses of ice water strategically gripped within my hands, I clear my throat and they pull away from each other. He helps Sierra over to the couch, and they both sit. Rico angles his body toward her, as I hand each of them a glass. We sit quietly for a moment—so much information has been shared tonight that we’re just trying to process it all.

“I need the names of everyone at this party.” Rico’s cold voice interrupts the silence.

“Why?” Sierra asks, tapping her finger on the glass.

“Because I’m going to find out who hurt you and make them pay. Then I’m going to that fucking school of yours and teach each of those pricks a damn lesson. You’re never going back there.”

“Yes, I am. The day after tomorrow. I need to get back to some semblance of normalcy, and I don’t want to give them any reason to doubt me.”

“Sierra,” Rico and I say in unison.

“No, I’m doing it. Besides, Mr. Stevenson is my guidance counselor and I can use our sessions to check on how Sam is doing until I can see her.” She tries to smile, but I can tell it’s forced. My girl is so brave.

“And what about the dicks bullying you?” Rico asks.

“I’ve put up with it for so long, it’s second nature. I’ll be okay. Rico, I meant it when I told you I wanted to do those private dances and go back to work. Just promise me you won’t watch me dance, and I don’t want anyone to know we’re related.”

He doesn’t answer. I can tell he’s struggling to back down and know exactly how he feels. But I also know Sierra isn’t going to back down, she won’t let anyone dictate her life. We sit there in silence, sipping on our water. When I look over at her, she’s fighting to keep her eyes open. Sierra’s fucking exhausted, and I plan to make sure she rests.

“Sierra, let's get you back to bed. I have online classes tomorrow so we can sleep in, and I’ll even cook you breakfast. Then we can go upstairs, and you can see Mrs. Butler. I’m sure she’s worried about you and Sam.”

She nods, and we all stand. Rico grabs her and hugs her tightly, placing a kiss on the top of her head. “I’m so glad you finally know who I am. I’ve waited so long to hug my niece, tell you I love you, and how proud I am.”

“I want to say I love you back, but it’s new and weird. I’d like to get to know you as my uncle and build a relationship. Just don’t keep stuff from me anymore.” She gives him a smirk. My heart warms, knowing that for just a moment she had some of her spunk back.

“Oh, before I forget, the reason I came by is I went by that old foster home of yours and got your stuff. I wasn’t sure if you needed anything in it or not.” He picks up the bag that I didn’t even notice sitting on the coffee table.

“Thank you,” she whispers softly, taking it from his hands.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’ll lock up when I leave.” He goes to hug her again, but stops himself and gives an awkward wave instead before heading to the front door. When he opens it, he takes one last look over his shoulder at us as he walks out. A second later, we hear the click of the deadbolt.

“My phone is in the bag. I just need to put it on the charger so I can check on Sam in the morning. Hopefully, either Zander or Braxton will tell me.” Her face drops.

“I’ll plug it in for you. Go on back to bed, and I’ll be there in a minute.” She nods, pulling the phone and charger out of the bag, handing them to me. Sierra heads to the hallway, and I know I need to say more. “I’m sure they’ll tell you. Anyone who would fight for you like they did hasn’t turned their backs on you.”

“I hope not.” With those words, she walks out of sight.

I’m going to do my damndest to make sure she never looks that sad and defeated again.

Chapter 11

Wesley

Me: Make sure to have your ass at school today with my flash drive.

Savvy: Calm down baby. I told you I was having major cramps and that’s why I wasn’t at school yesterday.

Me: I don’t need to hear about that shit. If that was the case why didn’t you answer the door when I came by?

Savvy: You came by while I was out getting tampons and Midol. I’ll meet you at your locker.

Savvy: What’s so special about it anyway? The way you’re acting you’d think it was some prized possession. And why does it have the sluts name on it?

Me: Just be there.

Savannah and her delusional dreams of us being together is pissing me the fuck off. She didn’t show up to school yesterday and when I went to her house, no one would answer the door. I don’t believe her bullshit lies. I saw her fucking car in the driveway. Does she think I’m a fucking idiot?

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