Page 32 of I Survived and will rise again

"Good," she replies with a nod of approval and turns back to the stove.

Just then, Jo leans over and whispers in my ear, "Sade, you got a minute?"

I glance over to see our mom watching us intently, but she quickly turns her attention to Sophia. "I'll be back, baby," I say to Sophia as I gently rub her cheek and follow Jo out of the kitchen.

I follow Jo down the hall to his room. Jo and I enter his room, but I notice something is off as soon as the door closes. Jo throws a long envelope on the bed, and worry immediately climbs up my throat. "What's this, Jo?"

He sits on the windowsill and points to the envelope. "That's for you."

Curious, I walk to the bed and pick it up. Nashville Art and Design College is the sender. I feel like my entire life is about to change for better or worse. Jo notices my hesitation and asks, "Aren't you going to open it?"

I shake my head, my lower lip tucked between my teeth. "I'm so nervous," I say, sitting on the bed. "Ash found a contest to win a full scholarship to the art college in Nashville," I add, my eyes never leaving the envelope.

"Close to Donnie," Jo says as a statement and not a question.

I nod, and he says, "So if you got in, you’ll move away." As I glance at my brother, I feel overwhelmed with guilt. Jo has always been my rock, protector, and best friend. Tears well in my eyes, and my lips tremble as I realize what this could mean if I was accepted.

"Sade." Jo walks toward me with a deep sigh and sits beside me, holding my hand tightly. "I already told you I will support you in your decision. And I'll be in the audience when you walk across that stage for your degree. I'll be cheering you on, no matter what."

The silence in Jo's room that follows is only broken by the gentle whirring of the oscillating fan, which casts a soothing breeze across the space.

He breaks the silence with a smile and says, "Congratulations."

Confused, I ask, "What are you talking about? I haven't even opened the letter yet."

"I just know. A brotheralwaysknows," he says, kissing my head. "Just promise me we'll talk every day because I'm going to go through major Sophia withdrawal."

The laugh that erupts from my chest is a welcome relief.

"If you need me to be in the room when you break the news to Mom and Abuela, just let me know. I'll be there for you."

"Thank you, Jo," I say, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Go." He nudges me with his elbow. "Call your boy and let him know you got in.”

I keep my head down, staring at the letter in my hand. "I love you, Jo," I whisper.

"I love you too, Sade."

Forever and always.

It is a gloomy Thursday afternoon, and the sun is hidden behind the clouds due to the continuous rain that’s been pouring for the past few days.

Sophia's tiny finger points toward the state prison, and her innocent voice calls out, "Dadda!" It breaks my heart to see her so aware of the situation, knowing that her father is behind those walls.

Javi stands at the front door, holding it open for me. He exudes a confident aura of leadership with his broad shoulders and toned muscles that are accentuated by his close-fitting black shirt and dark jeans. His badge hangs around his neck, glinting in the light. "You ready?" he asks, his voice steady and reassuring.

I asked Javi to accompany me to break the news to Christian, hoping he will agree with my plan once he understands my reasoning. It took hours of coaxing him, and with Gabby's help,Javi finally caved, and we were on our way to the facility where Christian is being held.

After checking in, we enter the visiting room to meet with Christian. As we walked in, the heavy steel doors clanged shut behind us.

We sit at the table, with Sophia in my lap and Javi beside me. I feel the tension rolling off him as Christian approaches us, wearing a standard-issue jumpsuit and with his hair cut into a buzz cut. His eyes dart between us, but they linger longer on Javi, and I see the worry etched on Christian's face.

Once the bailiff uncuffs him, Christian rubs his wrists and sits across from us. Over the past few months, Christian has been getting better, and I can see it in his eyes. He looks healthier, and he has been taking his medications.

"I wasn't expecting to see you guys today," he says softly. "Is everything okay? What's going on?" he asks, his eyes searching ours for answers.

I take a deep breath and muster the courage to speak. "I have some news, Christian," I begin. "Sophia and I are moving to Tennessee. I got accepted into a college there."

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