Page 46 of All for her Forgiveness

It’s taken only a few minutes with Pam to understand that we live in parallel realities.

"Was there something I said that made you want to go to sleep?" She finally seems to notice that I've hardly said a word. Her voice sounds sad.

"No, I'm just tired."

"I really wanted to talk to you about your move to New York!"

"Move?"I was so lost in all the sentences she threw at me as soon as I arrived that I only remember this now.

"Today, I asked Hades if he would let you live with us, and he said yes."

"I'm going to . . .livewith you guys?"

I recall our conversation a while ago.

‘Get inside, Kennedy.’

‘We won't see each other again.’

‘Yes, we will. Now, get inside.’

‘Goodbye, Hades.’

‘Until next time, Miss O'Neal.’

"Say you will, please," Pam pleads. "We live like rich people! The Kostanidou are wonderful to us. You just can't use drugs. Hades was firm about that."

"I don't do drugs," I say, confused. Is that what Aunt Riny told her mom about me?

"Never?"

"No. I don't even smoke or drink."

"Okay, then. You're approved, and our life will be perfect."

"I didn't say I would come," I say, but in my head, I know I will.

Even with all the craziness surrounding the invitation and the fact that I kissed the man who owns the roof over my head, what do I have left in New Orleans? I don't even have a job anymore.

Besides, I'm not a liar. My initial plan was indeed moving to New York. Not having to pay rent for a tiny room will be a huge bonus.

"I accept the invitation. Thank you very much."

Kennedy

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Past

"Good morning,"I say to the lady sitting at the kitchen table, holding a steaming cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Juliet."

I almost correct her, asking her to call me Kennedy, but I decide to let it go.

She continues, "Sit down. We need to talk."

I don't help myself to any coffee. I feel the tension that accompanied me all night but had improved a bit after the quick nap, because I slept very little last night, spread again.

---