Page 26 of Fighting the Odds

Me: She misses you. You’re all she talked about last night

Me: How are you? Dad said someone from your family has you

I wait for her to respond. Bubbles appear, then disappear. The longer it takes, the more anxious I get.

MYGIRL♥?: Will you tell her I miss her too?

MYGIRL♥?: and that I love her?

Me: Of course but she knows you do

MYGIRL♥?: can you send me a picture of her? I just need to see that she’s okay.

MYGIRL♥?: I didn’t do what they said I did. I hate whoever accused me of that.

Fuck! She doesn’t know who did it.

Me: Of course I can. When I get home I’ll do it. I know you didn’t do anything to Sam. You are the best sister anyone could ever have.

Me: I won’t tell Dad because I don’t know if we’re supposed to but it’ll be our secret.

MYGIRL♥?: thank you

Me: I know you’re with family but are you coming back to school?

Me: Can I see you? We are partners so you can’t leave me hanging now can you?

I hope my girl can find some humor in that and laugh. She deserves to after the nightmare she’s been through. Hopefully, one day, she will open up and tell me everything.

My girl, whether she accepts it or not, that’s what she is to me. If I have to share her with my brothers, or even, as much as I hate to admit it, that guy at her apartment, I will if that’s what she wants. All I want is Sierra in my life.

MYGIRL♥?: Yeah I’ll be back at school soon, as much as I don’t want to be there. I have to until I turn 18 at least. I don’t want to give the courts any reason not to give me custody of Sam.

Custody? But how? Surely she doesn’t make enough at a burger joint to provide for her and Sam. Would she drop out of school to work full time? I have so many questions, but I don’t want to pry. Not yet anyway.

Me: Can I see you?

Me: Please?

MYGIRL♥?: If I don’t make it back to school by Friday then I’ll think about it.

Me: You mean all I have to do is wait one more day to see you?

MYGIRL♥?: Maybe. I don’t know.

Me: I’ll take it. But can I at least message you? I miss you.

MYGIRL♥?: ok

A smile stretches across my face. My phone vibrates in my hand again, and I look down.

MYGIRL♥?: I miss you too. Braxton too. Please don’t forget the picture and let Sam know.

Me: I promise

I can’t wait to tell Braxton and Sam. This will lift her spirits more than anything. I just need to make sure she knows we can’t tell anyone. Not even Dad. If he were to get in trouble for letting them have contact, then we risk Sam being removed from our home. I won’t let that happen.

The back door opens, pulling my attention. Colton has a bag with two tubs of ice cream, and Braxton is right behind him with four boxes of pizza.

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