[

7/17,
12:
15PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERTHI
RTYSI
X

Kendi
dn'
ttal
ktonei
therPadmanorVanessaaboutwhatYuv
raj
did,

Hewasn'
tgoi
ngy
ost
oopasl
owaspl
ayi
ngsuchchi
l
dishgameswi
thYuv
raj
.

Yuv
raj
wasasuccessf
ulmodel
andi
fhesol
elywant
s,

Hecant
ainthi
scar
eerandi
njustaf
ewhour
s,

Ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lgodownf
orhi
m,

Buthedi
dn'
twantt
odot
hat
.

That
'l
li
nvol
veget
ti
nghi
spar
ent
swi
ndofwhati
shappeni
ngandhedoesn'
twantt
hat
,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
hem t
oinv
olv
ethei
raf
fl
uencei
nhi
sper
sonal
li
fe.

Fort
hef
ewday
sthatf
oll
owed,

Heshowedupl
essatVanessa'
s.
Shewant
edt
otal
ktohi
m aboutwhatt
hepr
obl
em was,

Hewaski
ndawi
thdr
awnl
atel
ybuteacht
ime,

Heal
way
stol
dhert
hathewasf
ine.

"
Mom di
dyounot
icesomet
hingwi
thKen?

He'
ski
ndadi
stancel
atel
y.
"Shet
oldPadmaaf
teri
tbecamet
ooobv
ioust
ohert
hatsomet
hing
waswr
ong,

"
Somet
hing'
sbot
her
inghi
m Iobser
ved,

Di
dhet
alkt
oyouaboutany
thi
ng?
"Padmaaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
Nohedi
dn'
t.
"

"
Thenmay
bey
oushoul
dtr
ytal
ktohi
m abouti
t,

Hemi
ghtopenupt
oyou.
"Padmat
oldher
,

Shemadeament
alnot
etot
alkt
ohi
m whenev
ershegott
hechancet
o.

Meanwhi
l
eYuv
raj
wasn'
trel
ent
ingonhi
sinv
est
igat
iononKen,

Heev
enwentasf
arasget
ti
ngi
nfor
mat
ionont
heMedi
cal
School
Kenhadgr
aduat
edf
rom,

Hewentt
her
etogetdet
ail
sofKen.

"Hi
sparentswhichnamewerej
ustgi
venasMrandMr sStedmanar
edoctor
sinBost
onandhi
s
y
oungerbrotherNat
hani
elSt
edmanamedical
pract
it
ioner
sinNewYork.
"
TheAdmi
nist
rat
iveof
fi
cet
oldhi
m,

"
Why
'st
her
ejustl
i
ttl
einf
ormat
ionconcer
ninghi
m?

It
houghty
ouguy
skeptenoughdat
aforeachst
udentbot
hpastandpr
esent
."Heaskedt
heman,

"
Youngman,
"Theadmi
nist
rat
orcal
l
edhi
m,

"
It
'sagai
nstt
her
ulet
ogi
vei
nfor
mat
ionofanyofourst
udent
stost
ranger
s,

That
'st
heonl
yinf
ormat
ionocangi
vey
ouconcer
ningKenSt
edman,

I
fiti
sn'
tenough,

ThenIguessy
ougot
tagof
indt
her
esty
our
sel
f.
"Themansai
dtoYuv
raj
,

Hav
ingenoughofhi
sbossi
ness,

"
Ify
oudon'
tmi
nd,

Leav
emyof
fi
ce,

I
'
vegotsomanyi
mpor
tantt
hingst
odo.
"Het
oldYuv
raj
asheshuthi
ssy
stem down.

I
nanger
,

Yuv
raj
stoodupandl
eftt
heof
fi
ce,
cur
singt
heol
dmanunderhi
sbr
eat
he.

I
mmedi
atel
yhel
eft
,

Themanbr
oughtouthi
sphoneandmadeacal
l
,

"
GooddaySi
r,
I
t'
sMrAndr
ewsspeaki
ng.
"Het
oldt
hemanhecal
l
ed,

"
Amanj
ustl
eftmyof
fi
cenow,

Hewast
ryi
ngt
ogeti
nfor
mat
ionaboutKen,

It
oldhi
mthenor
mal
sbutguessi
ngf
rom t
hewayt
hemanwaseagert
ogeti
nfor
mat
iononhi
m,

If
elthewasupt
onogood,

SodecidedIshoul
dcal
lyouf
ir
stsi
nceKenhascutof
fal
lsor
tofcommuni
cat
ionwi
thme.
"He
tol
dthemanhecal l
ed.

Themanaskedhi
m somet
hing,

"
Yes,

Hesai
dhe'
sYuv
raj
PrasadSi
ngh.
"Her
elay
edt
otheman,

"
Okay
,

Hav
eani
cedaySi
r.
"Hesai
dtot
hemanandhungup.

Kenwaswor
kingouti
nhi
smi
nigy
mroom whenhi
scel
l
phoner
ang,

Hewassonotbot
her
edt
otaket
hecal
lbutwhenhepeer
edt
othescr
eenandsawwhoi
twas,

Het
ookt
hecal
lfl
i
ppant
ly.

"
Hel
l
o,

Gooddaydad.
"Hegr
eet
edt
heman,

"
Son,
How'
rey
oudoi
ng?

Yout
akeni
tupnott
ocheckupony
ourol
dmanany
mor
e,

That
'snotgood.
"Themansai
dtohi
m,

"
It
snott
hat
,

I
'
vebeenki
ndabusyl
atel
y,

How'
rey
ouguy
sdoi
ng?
"Heaskedt
heman,

"
Wel
lwer
edoi
ngf
ine,

MrAndr
ewscal
l
edmet
oday
."Themanbegan,

"
Hesai
damannamedYuv
raj
PrasadSi
nghcamet
otheschool
todayt
ogeti
nfor
mat
ionony
ou,

Hegav
ehi
mthenor
mal
sbutst
il
lcal
l
edmeupt
oletmeknowandaswel
ltel
lyout
oo.

Sonwhat
'shappeni
ng?
"Theol
dmanaskedhi
m,

Kenr
ubbedhi
sey
esandsi
ghed.

"
It
'snotser
iousdad,

Not
hingr
eal
l
yser
ious,

Justsomecuntt
hatt
hinkshecangetawaywi
thev
ery
thi
ngeasi
l
y."Kensai
d,

"
Wel
lthanksf
orcal
l
ingmeup,

Myr
egar
dst
omom t
oo.
..
."

"
Yourbr
other
?"ThemanaskedKen,

Hesi
ghed,
"
Myr
egar
dst
ohi
mtoo.
"Hesai
dtot
heman,

"
How'
smygr
anddaught
er?

She'
sdoi
nggoodr
ight
?"Theol
dmanaskedKen

"
Yesdad,

Ar
ianai
sdoi
nggood,

Bet
tert
hanIt
hought
."Het
oldt
heman,

"
Okayby
e."Themanhungup.

Kenkeptt
hephoneont
hesi
t-
upbenchandsatbesi
dei
t,

"
What
'sYuv
raj
upt
oot
hist
ime?
"Heaskedhi
msel
f,

"
Hehassucceededi
nget
ti
ngmeoutofwor
k,

Whatdoeshest
il
lwant
stodo?

Ineedt
ospeakt
oVanessaaboutt
hisone,

May
beshemi
ghthav
eacl
ue.
"Hesai
dtohi
msel
f.

Goi
ngt
othel
i
vingr
oom t
ogetanot
hergl
assofwat
er,

Hehear
daknockont
hedoor
.

"
Ken,
i
t'
sme.
"Hehear
ditcl
ear
ly,

I
twasVanessa'
s,

Li
keaki
dwhowasexpect
ant
,
Her
ushedt
othedoorandopenedi
t,

Ther
eshewasgi
vi
nghi
mthoseherhear
twar
mingsmi
l
est
hatal
way
sdr
ovehi
m nut
s.

Hemadehercomei
nsi
de,

"
Iwashopi
ngt
ocomet
alkt
oyoul
ateron.
"Het
oldher
,

"
Guessso,

Ij
ustwant
edt
ocheckupony
ou,

You'
vebeenki
ndawi
thdr
awnl
atel
y.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Shewasgoi
ngf
rom r
edt
ocr
imsont
opi
nk,

Mor
eofl
i
keachamel
eon.

"
Yeah,
"

Hedi
dn'
twantt
otal
kaboutwor
ktoher
,

Hedi
dn'
tev
enwantt
otal
kaboutYuv
raj
too,

Hewant
edt
otal
kaboutt
hebot
hoft
hem.

Hecamecl
oserandl
i
ftedherchi
n,

Sohecoul
dseeherf
ace,

"
Ken.
."

Heshutherupwi
thhi
sli
psonher
s,

Hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundherasheki
ssedher
.
Mi
ndbl
owi
ngki
sses,

Fl
i
cker
ingev
erypar
tofhermout
hwi
thhi
stongue,

Heki
sseswer
etooar
ousi
ngf
orhert
okeept
rackof
,

Hecamesl
ow,

Hewentur
gent
,

Thensl
owagai
nashet
rai
l
edi
ttoherneck,

Herey
eswast
ight
lyshutashel
i
nger
edhi
ski
ssesal
lov
erherf
aceandherneck.

Soonhebentandswoopherupherf
eetmet
icul
ousl
yenoughnott
obr
eakt
heki
ss,

Hecar
ri
edhert
ohi
sroom andl
ayheront
hebed,

Herey
eswer
est
il
lfi
rml
ycl
osedashel
ayhert
her
e.

Heki
ssedherpassi
onat
elyl
i
kehi
sbr
eat
hedependonherki
ss,

Het
rai
l
edi
ttoherneckashi
shandsf
ondl
edwi
thherni
ppl
es.

Thatsentapar
ti
cul
arf
eel
i
ngdownt
oherV,

I
twasaf
orei
gnf
eel
i
ngandshecoul
dn'
thel
pbutmoanl
oudl
y.

Rawsensat
ionf
il
ledherbodyherhepl
acedhi
sli
psonherni
ppl
esandsuckedt
hem,

Whi
l
ehesuckedone,

Hef
ondl
edt
heot
her
.
God,
thi
sissomi
ndbl
owi
ng,

Shef
igur
edi
twasst
uff
sli
ket
hist
hatmadepeopl
ewanthav
esex.

Shehadn'
ttol
dPadmashewascomi
ngov
er,

Fear
ingshewoul
ddi
scour
ageherf
rom comi
ng.
.

Anddon'
tcl
aim herwr
ong,

Shei
sn'
tdoi
ngt
hisf
ort
hef
eel
i
ngbutcl
ear
ly,

Shej
ustwant
edt
oexper
ienceandshewant
edi
tfr
om nooneel
set
hanhernei
ghborKen,

Themanwho'
dtakeni
tuponhi
msel
ftopr
otecther
.

Whi
l
eheri
nnersel
fscr
eamedt
hatheshoul
dst
op,

Shecoul
dn'
tut
teranywor
dthanmoanast
hemansuckedherni
ppl
es.

Si
ncehercot
tonshi
rtwasmor
eli
keanobst
ruct
iont
ohi
m,

Heunbut
tonedi
tandhel
pedhergotofi
t,

Theundi
dherzi
p,

I
twasf
unandpl
easur
abl
e,

Shehasnev
erf
eltsot
hiswayf
oronce,

Hesl
i
dthepantshewasput
ti
ngonandt
her
eshewas,

Al
lforme.
Hi
shungerf
orherbecomeaggr
avat
edsohi
gh,

Hewant
edt
ogor
oughonherbuthadt
ocaut
ionhi
msel
f.

She'
sdoi
ngt
hist
hiswayf
ort
hef
ir
stt
ime,

Hehast
omakei
tpl
easur
abl
eandwor
thwhi
l
e.

Sl
owl
y,hesl
i
dhi
shandsbet
wixtherl
eg,

Hercot
tonpantwassowetf
orhi
m,

"
Nessa,
you'
resowet
,

Sobeaut
if
ul.
"Hecommendedherashesl
i
dhi
smi
ddl
efi
ngeri
ntoher
,

Shewassot
ight
,

Sot
ightherbodycl
ampswhenhewentf
urt
her
.

Hecameoutagai
nandt
hist
imet
ickl
edhercl
i
t,

Al
lthi
swhi
l
eshemoanedwi
thdeeppl
easur
eashedi
dhi
smagi
conher
.

Hesl
i
dhi
sfi
ngeragai
nbutt
hist
imedi
dn'
tcomeoutsoon,

I
nther
e,i
twaswar
m andwet
,

Al
lforhi
m,

Hedi
dn'
tfeel
li
kecomi
ngoutany
mor
e.

Sl
owl
yhecameoutandsl
owl
yhewenti
n,
Shecr
iedashedi
dthat
,

"
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ohur
tyouNessa,

I
'
m nev
ergoi
ngt
o.

Wheny
ougetuncomf
ort
abl
e,

Justl
etmeknow.
"Heassur
edher
,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
orui
nthi
smomentf
orher
,

Henev
erwantt
o.

Hecameupt
oheragai
nandki
ssedawayt
het
ear
sthatl
efthercl
osedey
es,

Heki
ssedherl
i
ps,

"
Itwon'
thur
tyou,

Justr
elax.
"Het
oldheri
nbet
weenki
sses,

Shenodded.

Hewentdownt
oheragai
nandt
hist
ime,

Hebr
oughthi
sheadbet
weenher
,

Het
ickl
edheragai
nwi
thhi
stongue,

"
You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
"Hemoanedagai
n,

Het
ickedhersev
eral
timebef
orehel
i
ckedhert
her
e.

Shewasi
nKen'
sspace,
Not
hingel
semadesenset
oherapar
tfr
om hi
stonguewor
kingmagi
conherV,

I
twassogood,

Shef
eltherbodyt
ight
eni
ngi
napar
ti
cul
arr
hyt
hm.

Seei
ngshewasaboutt
ocome,

Hesl
owl
ybr
oughtoutt
hel
urki
ngdev
ili
nhi
m andpl
acedi
tbet
wixtherl
eg,

Posi
ti
oni
nghi
msel
finagoodway
,

Hesl
i
dint
ohersl
owl
y.

Shewasaboutt
oyel
lwhenhecov
eredhermout
hwi
thhi
sli
psashesl
owl
ythr
usti
nandoutof
her
.

I
twaspai
nful
,
doubl
i
ngt
hef
actt
hatherheadwentcr
azywi
thi
magesashedi
dthat
,

"
You'
regoi
ngt
obef
ine.
"Shehear
dthev
oice

"
You'
rer
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
odof
ine.
"Itr
epeat
ed.

Kenki
ssedherwi
thpassi
onashesl
i
d.

"
Iwon'
tl
astl
ongNessa,

Itcan'
t.Youcanhii
shmealon+233544142683tobeaddedtost
oryheadquar
ter
sroom f
ormor
e
excit
ingstor
ies.
"Hesai
dtoherashef el
thimsel
fcoming,

I
nal
lthi
sshesai
dnowor
dnordi
dshel
ookedathi
m whi
l
ehewasati
t.

Soont
hebot
hoft
hem camei
ntheci
rcl
eofeachot
her
,
Kencol
l
apsedonherashedi
dwhi
l
eshesmi
l
edt
oher
sel
fandt
oJer
emyandt
oKen,

Idi
ditJer
emy
,

Idi
dit
.

Kenr
oll
edf
rom herbodyandl
aybesi
deher
,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
olookathi
m whi
l
ehecuddl
edhercl
osert
ohi
sbody
.

Theywer
esweat
yandmessy
,

Thebedwasal
lrumpl
edandt
her
oom r
eekedofpl
easur
ebutt
heydi
dn'
tmi
nd,

Theydi
dn'
tgetup.

Shef
ell
asl
eepwhi
l
eKenwat
chedher
,

Wat
chedherasshel
aysl
eepi
l
ybesi
dehi
m,

Wat
chedherasshesnor
esqui
etl
yandl
essdeaf
eni
ng.

Wat
chherasshei
nhal
eandexhal
e,

Henev
err
egr
etdoi
ngwhathedi
dwi
thher
,

Hewoul
dnev
er,

Andi
fgi
venanymor
echance,

Hewoul
ddoi
tov
erandov
eragai
n.
Shemi
ghtseet
hisasnot
hingandseehi
m asagr
eatf
ri
endshe'
dherf
ir
stgoodsexwi
thbutt
o
hi
m,

I
tmeantmor
ethant
hat
.

He'
saddi
ctedt
ohernowandwoul
ddoev
ery
thi
ngt
omakesur
eshenev
erl
eav
eshi
m.

Thi
sisn'
taf
li
ngt
ohi
m,

No,

Rat
heri
t'
sanopeni
ngt
oal
i
fel
ongr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
.

Andasf
orYuv
raj
,

He'
l
lmakesur
ehenev
erhav
ethechancet
ohur
therany
mor
e,

Hewoul
dpr
otectherwi
thev
ery
thi
ngandwi
thany
thi
ng.

DearJer
emy
,

Het
hought
.

Yourbestf
ri
endVanessai
snowmi
net
opr
otect
,

Thanky
oual
otf
orl
eadi
nghert
ome.

I
'
llpr
otectherandIpr
omi
sey
ouIwon'
tmakehercr
y,

Iwon'
thur
ther
.

Iknowy
oul
ovedhermor
ethanj
ustf
ri
endsandIpr
omi
sey
out
odayt
odoubl
ethatl
ove,

Shewon'
thav
etoshedt
ear
sagai
nbecauseshe'
dagr
eatf
ri
endl
i
key
ouwho'
swat
chi
ngher
al
way
sandagr
eatmanl
i
kemewhowoul
dpr
otectheral
way
s.

You'
l
lnev
err
egr
etsendi
nghert
omeJer
emy
,

Youwon'
tev
er.
..
.

WhenVanessawokeup,

I
twasal
readypastnoon,

Shecheckedt
heal
arm cl
ockonKen'
sbedsi
dedr
awer
,

15:
47.

Shesl
owl
ygotKen'
shandf
rom herbodyandsl
i
ddownf
rom t
hebed,

Shet
ookhershi
rtansoonshewasal
ldr
essed.

Shel
ovedbackatt
hemanwhowasl
yi
ngont
hebed,

"
Thanky
ouKen.
"Shemut
ter
edt
ohi
m andsl
owl
yandqui
etl
ylef
tther
oom,

Soshewon'
thav
etowakehi
m up.

kenwokeupawhi
l
elat
er,

Hi
sey
eswer
egr
oggyandsowher
ehi
sthought
s,

Recal
l
ingwhathadhappenedear
li
er,

Hesmi
l
edt
ohi
msel
fthenst
ret
chedouthi
sar
mtohugVanessa.

Butsur
pri
singl
yforhi
m,
Hi
shandscaughtnot
hingbutt
hinai
r,

Heopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedatt
hebed,

I
twasj
usthi
m andhi
sthr
eepi
l
lowsont
hebed.

Hesi
ghed,

"
Shel
eftal
ready
."

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
19PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERTHI
RTY SEVEN

Vanessaav
oidedKenf
ort
henextf
ewday
sthatf
oll
owed,

Heknewwhy
,

Shewasmay
bescar
edorshyorpr
obabl
yregr
ett
ingwhyshedi
ditwi
thhi
m.

Buthedi
dn'
tregr
eti
t,

Hesti
l
lst
oppedbyatherpl
aceandhav
edi
nnert
her
emostt
imesbutt
heywer
enev
ercaught
al
onewit
heachot
her.

"
Arey
ouav
oidi
ngme?
"Heaskedheroneni
ght
,

They
'vej
usthaddi
nner
,
Theki
dswerewi
thPadmahelpi
ngherpackherst
uff
scauseshewasl
eav
ingsoonandVanessa
wasgoi
ngtodot
hedishesi
ntheki
tchenwhenKeninter
cept
edher
,

"
NoI
'
m not
."Shel
i
edt
ryi
ngt
ogoi
n,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
obest
andi
ngcl
oset
ohi
m,

"
It
'sobv
iousy
ou'
re.

Youhar
dlysai
dawor
dtomet
oni
ghtont
het
abl
e,

Youdon'
tcomebyany
mor
eandy
ou'
ret
ell
i
ngmey
ouar
en'
tav
oidi
ngme,

Idon'
tbuyt
hat
."Hesai
dtoherar
msi
naki
mbo.

"
Ther
e'snot
hingt
obesai
dKen,

Idon'
tcomebybecauseI
'
m ki
ndabusyl
atel
y.
..
"

"
Busy
,

Youhav
en'
tbeenbusyt
il
lrecent
ly,

Why
?"Heaskedher
,

Shedi
dn'
trepl
yhi
m.

Hef
reedhi
sar
msandcuppedhercheeks,

"
Kenst
op,

Wecan'
tbedoi
ngt
hispl
ease.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Mov
ingherf
acef
rom hi
spal
ms.
"
Idon'
tunder
standy
ouany
mor
eVanessa,

Wear
en'
tdoi
ngany
thi
ngwr
ong.
"Het
oldher
,

Hi
svoi
cewer
en'
tconv
inci
ngnow.

"
VanessaIwanty
ou,

Ineedy
ou,

Howel
sedoy
out
hinkIshoul
dhav
etoexpl
aint
hat
?"Heaskedher
,

"
That
'st
het
hingKen,

Idon'
tknowwhatIwant
.

I
'
mint
hemi
ddl
eofamessydi
vor
ceandmysoont
obeexhusbandi
sn'
tmaki
ngi
teasyf
orme.

I
'
mly
ingt
ohi
m ofbei
ngmar
ri
edandcl
aimi
nghi
ssoni
sanot
herman'
s,

Idon'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ng.
"Shecr
ied,

"
Itf
eel
sli
keI
'
m noti
ncont
rol
any
mor
e."Shesai
dtohi
m.

"
Isi
tbecauseofwhathappenedt
heot
herdaybet
weenus?
"Heaskedher
,

Shesai
dnot
hing,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
obet
alki
ngaboutwhat
'dhappenedt
hatday
.

"
AnswermeVanessa,

I
sitbecauseofi
t?"Heaskedagai
n,

Shenodded.
Hesi
ghed,

Heknewi
twasbecauseofwhathappenedbuthedi
dn'
tknowwhyi
t'
s.

"
Vanessal
ookatme.
"Het
oldher
,

Shel
ookedupathi
m,

Hi
sexpr
essi
onwasn'
tahappyonenorwasi
tasadone,

I
twasj
ustpl
ain,

Pl
ainl
i
kei
tusedt
obe.

"
Whatdoy
ouf
eel
forme?
"Heaskedher
,

Hewasl
ooki
ngatherdi
rect
lyi
ntheey
esev
ent
houghshekeptav
ert
inghergazef
rom hi
s,

"
Tel
lmewhaty
ourf
eel
i
ngar
eforme.
"Het
oldher
,

Shekeptmut
e.

Herf
eel
i
ngsf
orhi
m?

Shef
eltonegr
eatl
oveshecan'
texpl
ainbutdeepwi
thi
n,

Shewasscar
ed.

Scar
edofwhatmi
ghthappen,

Thenev
erendi
ngpr
obl
em t
hey
'l
lbeboundt
ofaceoncesheaccepthi
slov
e.

Yuv
raj
woul
dgoext
rami
l
eandi
fpossi
blenev
ersi
gnt
hosepaper
s,

I
fhedoesn'
tthenherf
eel
i
ngswer
ewor
thl
esscausei
twoul
dn'
tbel
egal
.
"
AnswermeVanessa.
"Her
emi
ndedher
,

Shesi
ghed,

"
KenIcan'
texpl
ainwhatIf
eel
fory
ou,

Butcanwepl
easenotgett
oodeepwi
tht
his.

I
'
m aski
ngf
ormuch,

Let
'snott
aket
hist
hingdeepert
hani
tal
readyi
s."Shesai
dqui
etl
y,

Shewoul
dn'
twantany
oneel
seespeci
all
ynotPadmat
oheart
hei
rconv
ersat
ion.

"
Iunder
standy
ourpl
i
ghtVanessabutdon'
tyout
hink.
..
."

"
Ther
e'snot
hingt
othi
nkaboutKen,

Wewentov
erboar
dwi
thev
ery
thi
ng.

I
twascl
ear
lyt
obest
atedasf
ri
endshi
pbutwhatI
'
mfeel
i
ngnowf
ory
oui
sn'
tfr
iendshi
p,

Idon'
tknowwhati
tisbutIknowi
t'
ssomet
hingdeepert
hanf
ri
endshi
pandf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imei
n
foury
ears,

Ir
eal
i
zedt
hatwast
hesamef
eel
i
ngI
'
dforJer
emy
,

Godbl
esshi
ssoul
.

Idon'
tknowabouty
oubutwhatI
'
m bat
tl
ingwi
thi
nsi
deofmeev
ery
dayi
ssomet
hingwaybi
gger
thanme,
Idon'
twantt
otaker
isk.
"Shet
oldhi
m pl
ainl
y,

Buti
twasr
eal
l
yhur
ti
ngherchesti
nsi
de.

"
Youdon'
twantt
otaket
her
iskofbei
ngal
oneagai
nri
ght
?

Wel
lmeIcan'
tri
sknotbei
ngwi
thouty
ou,

Ican'
tri
sky
ougoi
ngbackt
oYuv
raj
,

Ican'
ttakesuchr
isk.
..
"

"
Keny
ou'
remaki
ngt
hishar
der
..
."

"
NoI
'
m not
."Hesai
d,

Hi
svoi
cewasabi
tloudernow,

Ver
yshr
il
li
ng,

Hewasr
agi
ng.

"
I'
m not
,

You'
remaki
ngi
thar
derf
ory
our
sel
f,

Forus.

Youdon'
twantt
ogethur
tbuti
nthepr
ocessy
ou'
rehur
ti
ngme,

You'
remaki
ngmesuf
ferf
ort
hecr
imeIdi
dn'
tcommi
t,

Iwanty
oubadl
yVanessa,

That
'snosi
n,

I
t'
sdef
ini
tel
ynot
."

Hi
sey
eswer
eredandhi
svoi
cewasl
oud,
Vanessawi
shedPadmaandtheki
dswer easl
eeporbet
terst
il
ll
ist
eni
ngt
osomet
hingel
se
l
oud,t
heywon'
thavet
oheart
hem argue.

Thet
houghtofl
oosi
ngKeni
swhat
'sscar
ingher
,

She'
dlostJer
emyandi
twasv
erybad.

Whati
fshel
ostKen,

Shedoesn'
tthi
nkshecanev
erf
orgi
veher
sel
ffori
t,

Shewon'
t.

"
Vanessa,
"Kencal
l
edhercal
mly
,

Shel
ookedathi
m,

Seei
ngt
hesi
ncer
it
yandhur
tinhi
sey
espai
nedher
,

"
Let
'sgi
veour
sel
fachance,

Wecandobet
tert
hant
hispl
ease,

Don'
tshutmeout
."Hepl
eadedwi
thher
,

Shecoul
dn'
tdot
hist
ohi
m,

Notwhenhewasweakeni
ngherwi
thhi
spl
eas.

"
Ken,
I
'm notshut
ti
ngy
ououtbutl
et'
snotdot
his,

Iwon'
tgobackt
oYuv
raj
andI
'
m notl
eav
ingsoon,

Butl
et'
snotdot
his.
"Sher
eassur
edhi
m.
Hef
eltl
i
keshi
twhenhel
eft
,

Het
houghtshewoul
dgetov
erev
ery
thi
ngbutcl
ear
lyshehasn'
t,

She'
sti
l
lscar
ed,

Thi
sti
meshewasn'
tscar
edofany
oneel
sebut
.she'
sscar
edofher
sel
f,

She'
sscar
edofher
sel
fforher
sel
f.

Shedoesn'
twantt
ogetemot
ional
l
yat
tachedt
oany
one,

I
nawayt
hatshecansur
viv
ewhatel
secomesherway
,

Shedoesn'
twantt
obev
ulner
abl
ethewayshewaswhenJer
emyl
eft
.

Heunder
stoodherwel
lbutwhycan'
tsheunder
standhi
mtoo,

Af
tert
hatdayt
heyhadat
hing,

I
t'
sbeenr
eal
l
yhar
dtogetherof
fhi
smi
nd,

Hei
sn'
tev
enwor
ri
edt
hathe'
sjobl
essandwi
l
lsoonr
unoutofcash,

Hewasn' tworr
iedthatsoonhisexwi
femightshowupt ocausetroubl
einhisli
feorthathi
s
mot heri
sgoingaroundtowncomplai
ningtothewholeworl
dt hatherf
ir
stsonhasrefusedto
stayhomeandenj oyhisfat
her'
sweal
thorwor stt
ri
gger
edthathisyoungerbrot
herisbenton
taki
ngallthei
rfat
herswealth.

Hi
smi
ndwasj
ustf
il
ledwi
tht
houghtofVanessaandheof
tenr
ecal
lthei
rmoment
stoget
her
.

Thenextday
,

Kendi
dn'
tcomet
oherpl
aceasusual
,

Shemi
ssedhi
m al
otbutcoul
dn'
tadmi
tit
.
Shewasr
est
lessf
ort
hedayandev
enscol
dedt
heki
dsf
orspr
inkl
i
ngwat
eront
heki
tchenf
loor
,

I
twasPadmawhocosol
edthetwosulki
ngangel
sandsentt
hem t
othei
rpl
ayr
oom whi
l
eshe
wenti
ntohav
eawordwi
thVanessa.

"
What
'shappeni
ngt
oyou?
"Sheaskedher
,

Vanessal
i
ftedherheadupf
rom t
hedeskwher
eshewassupposedt
obewor
kingon,

"
It
'snot
hingma,

I
'
mjustcr
anky
."Shet
oldPadma,

Padmanoddedandpul
l
edt
heot
herseatt
obesi
deher
,

"
Youguy
shadar
ehav
ingar
ought
ime?
"Sheaskedher
,

Vanessar
aisedherheadupandl
ookedatPadmai
nawei
rdway
.

"
Iov
erhear
dthebot
hofy
oul
astni
ght
."Shedef
ended,

Vanessasmi
l
edwanl
y,

Theywer
epr
ett
yloudespeci
all
yKen.

"
Mindi
fyout
ell
mewhatt
her
eal
probl
em i
s?"Padmaaskedher
,

Vanessal
ookedather
,

"
Iwon'
tbej
udgment
al.
"Padmaassur
edher
,

Shenodded.

"
Hewant
smor
ethanIcangi
ve,
Idon'
tthi
nkIcangi
vehi
m mor
ethanwhatI
'
m gi
vi
ng.
"Shesai
d,

Padmaf
rownedsl
i
ght
ly,

"
Youshoul
dknowt
hat
'st
heonet
hingaboutcommi
tment
,

Sexi
snotenoughf
ori
t.
..
"

Vanessast
aredatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef,

"
Mom.
..
"

"
Youdon'
thav
etowor
ry,

Iknowi
thappened.

Isawi
tiny
ourey
est
hatdayy
ouwentupt
ohi
shouseandmi
ssedl
unch,

Isawiti
nyoureyesbutconf
ir
medmysuspi
ciony
est
erni
ghtwheny
ouguy
shadi
theat
ingup.
"
Shetol
dVanessa,

Shewental
lredhear
ingPadmat
ell
hert
hat
.

Li
ket
hepopul
arsay
ing,

"
Bef
oreAbr
aham,
Jesuswas.
"

"
I'
m sor
rymom.
"Vanessamut
ter
edi
nshame,

"
Youdon'
thav
etobe,

Alt
houghitwaswrongonsomeaspectt
haty
ousl
eptwi
thhi
m si
ncey
ouwer
est
il
lmar
ri
edt
o
Yuvraj
butitwentf
oral
li
twort
h,

I
twasgoody
out
ri
edi
t,
Iwant
edt
osuggestt
hatear
li
erbuty
ouguy
swentaheadofme.
"Padmasai
d,

Shedi
dn'
tseem angr
yatwhatwenton,

Vanessawasr
eli
eved.

"
See,
you'
vegi
venhi
m aheadson,

I
t'
snowonderhe'
saski
ngf
ormor
e.

Whenamanr
eal
l
ylov
esy
ou,

They
'l
lwantmor
ethanj
ustsex,

Theywi
l
lwantcommi
tmentandl
i
fel
ongr
elat
ionshi
p.

Keni
sani
cemanandhi
sfeel
i
ngsf
ory
oui
sver
ytr
anspar
entIknowy
oucanseei
t,

Don'
tl
ety
ourf
ear
sgetabet
terofy
ouandr
uint
hel
i
fey
ouhav
en'
tl
iv
edy
et.
"

Padmaadv
isedher
,

Vanessasi
ghed.

"
Ify
ou'
rewor
ri
edaboutYuv
raj
,

Ijustwishy
oucoul
dmakehimtheleastofyourpr
obl
em nowandenj
oyt
heswi
rl
ingr
omance
thatiscomingy
ouway
."Padmaencouragedher,

"
Youdeser
veev
eryhappi
nessandcastt
hosesi
l
lyf
earasi
de,

Theydonogoodt
oany
one.
"Shesai
dtoher
,

Vanessasmi
l
ed.
Shewi
shedev
erymot
heri
n-l
awwoul
dbel
i
kePadma,

She'
sappar
ent
lyt
hemostsel
fl
essper
sonshehasev
erseen,

Shesi
ncer
elypr
ayst
hatsheget
stomeetmor
eofPadma'
sinherl
i
fe.

Yuv
raj
didn'
tgetanyconv
inci
ngi
nfor
mat
iononKennordi
dhegetany
thi
ngoutoft
heway
,

Sohedeci
dedt
oleav
ethemat
tert
orest
,

St
il
lhewasn'
tgoi
ngt
osi
gnt
hosepaper
s.

Hedeci
dedhewasgoi
ngt
opayVanessaav
isi
t,

I
t'
sbeenqui
teawhi
l
esi
ncehesawherl
ast
.

Sohesenthi
sdr
iverov
erf
ir
st,

Hewant
edt
obesur
ethatsonofabi
tchwasn'
tar
oundwhenhecameby
.

Thedr
iverwentaheadt
osear
chonhi
m,

Hecal
l
edYuv
raj
,

"
Goodnewsboss.
"Hesai
dtohi
m,

Yuv
raj
wasexci
ted,

"
Tel
lmewhati
tis.
"Hesai
dtot
heman,

"
Yourmom i
sleav
ingandVanessa'
stheonegoi
ngt
odr
opherof
f,

Bot
htheki
dsar
ewi
thherbutKeni
snowher
etobeseen.
"Her
elay
ed,

Yuv
raj
smi
l
ed,
Now'
stheper
fectt
imet
otakeact
ion.

"
Wat
cht
hem cl
osel
y,

OnceVanessai
sal
onewi
tht
heki
ds,

Cal
lme.
"Het
oldt
heman,

Themanhungup.

SoonVanessawasdriv
ingawaywi t
hPadmai
nfr
ontofherandbot
hAr
ianaandSekani
neat
ly
andcar
eful
lyst
rappedatthebackseat
s,

Whent
heywer
eli
keaf
ewy
ardsaway
,

Themangoti
ntohi
scarandf
oll
owedt
hem.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
21PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERTHI
RTYEI
GHT

Af
terdr
oppi
ngPadmaof
f,

Vanessadi
dn'
tfel
tli
kegoi
nghome,

Homewasl
i
kear
emi
ndert
ohert
hatshest
il
lhasKent
ofaceandYuv
raj
tobat
tl
ewi
th.

Shel
ookedatt
hebackseatwher
ethet
woki
dswer
eneat
lyst
rappedeachhol
dinghi
sandher
i
Pad,

"
Kidswher
edoy
ouguy
swantt
ogo?
"Sheaskedt
hem,

"
BigMac'
s!
"Sekani
sai
d,

"
NoMacDonal
d'
s.
"Ar
ianaar
gued,

"
MacDonal
d'
sdon'
thav
egamesy
oudummy
."Sekani
sai
dtoher
,

Thel
i
ttl
egi
rlf
rownedhear
inghi
m cal
lherdummy
,

Shet
urnedt
oVanessa.

"
Tel
lhi
m nott
ocal
lmedummy
,

I
'
m notdumb.
"Shecompl
ained,

"
Sekani
..
"Vanessadr
awl
ed,
l
ikeawar
ning,

"
Stopcal
l
ingAr
ianaadummy
,

Nowapol
ogi
zet
oher
."Shet
oldherson,

Her
oll
edhi
sey
es,

Anacthebor
roweddi
rect
lyf
rom hi
smama,

Thenl
ookedatAr
ianawhohadasadexpr
essi
on.

"
Sor
ry,
you'
renotadummy
,

You'
resmar
tli
keme.
"Het
oldher
,

Herf
acel
i
tuphear
inghi
m sayt
hatt
oher
.
"
Forr
eal
?"Ar
ianaaskedhi
m,

Henodded,

"
Yay
!"Thel
i
ttl
egi
rlwashappy
,

"
Let
'sgot
oBi
gMac'
sfi
rstt
hent
oMacDonal
d'
saf
ter
war
ds.
"Ar
ianasuggest
ed,

Vanessanodded.

Shewi
shedadul
tli
veswer
eassi
mpl
east
hesel
i
ttl
eki
d'
s,

Theyf
orgi
vey
ouoncey
ousaysor
ryandgetov
ert
hingsqui
ckl
y.

Whent
heyar
ehappywi
thy
ou,

Youf
eel
itandwhent
hey
'r
esad,

Younot
icei
tbutadul
tli
fei
smor
ecompl
i
cat
ed,

Especi
all
ywheni
thast
odowi
thr
elat
ionshi
psandcommi
tment
.

Thenwedon'
ttal
ktoy
ouwhenwedon'
twantt
oandwhenwewantt
o,

Wet
alkandpl
aybutnowi
t'
sdi
ff
erent
.

Nowwegett
otal
kwhenwedon'
twantt
oandal
sodot
hingsf
oreachot
her
,

Muchi
sex
pect
edf
rom y
ouunl
i
ket
heki
ds.

Shesi
ghedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion,

Buti
tcanbeal
otsi
mpl
ert
hough,

Whenwe'
reabl
etof
orgi
veandsacr
if
ice,
Li
ket
heseki
dsdo,

Theyf
orgi
veeasi
l
yandar
eal
way
sreadyt
osacr
if
ice.

Li
kePadmahadt
oldher
,

Thet
hreev
ital
thi
ngsi
nrel
ati
onshi
par
e,

Knowi
ngy
ou'
rewr
ongandapol
ogi
singf
ori
t,

For
giv
eness,

Andber
eadyt
ost
artal
lov
eragai
n.

Tr
ust
,l
oveandhi
ski
nscomesr
ightaf
tert
hese,

Howsur
eist
hat
?

Whi
l
statBi
gMac'
s,

Sekaniwascoachingbli
ndf
oldedAri
anonhowt ohitt
hepiñat
at owi
nabigteddybearwhi
l
e
Vanessawassitt
ingcloset
ot het
ranspar
entdoorwhensheturnedt
olookoutsi
de,

Onl
ytoseeYuv
raj
comi
ngoutf
rom hi
scar
,

Hewassur
vey
ingt
hewhol
epl
ace.

Goodness,

Whymusti
thav
etobenowofal
lti
mes?

Sheaskedher
sel
f.

Whycan'
thej
ustal
l
owherbe?

Si
gnt
hosedamnpaper
sandl
etherl
i
veherl
i
fe.
"
Sekani
,

HerAr
ianal
et'
sgo.
"Sheannouncedt
otheki
dswhenshesawYuv
raj
comi
ngi
nthr
ought
hedoor
.

He'
ssodespi
cabl
e.

Bot
htheki
dscameoutoft
hecubi
clesul
ki
ng,

Not
eddybear
,

Nonot
hing,

"
Butmama.
..
"

"
Kidsi
tst
imet
ogo,

I
'
llbr
ingy
ouguy
sanot
hert
ime.
"Shet
oldt
hem,

"
Youdon'
thav
etost
opt
hem f
rom hav
ingf
unj
ustbecauseofme.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Hi
svoi
cewascal
m butdeep,

Justl
i
ket
heni
ghtsea.

Butdeepwi
thi
n,

Sheknowsi
twasf
arf
rom cal
m,

I
twast
hev
oiceofamonst
erwai
ti
ngf
orhert
ofal
lashi
spr
ey.

Shedmade

Shesai
dnot
hingt
ohi
m,

I
tsusel
esst
ryi
nggoar
guewi
th.
..

Yuv
raj
bentdowni
nfr
ontoft
heki
dsandsmi
l
edatt
hem,
"
Kids,
Iknowt
hisAmusementFai
rnotf
arf
rom her
e,

Mi
ndi
fIt
akey
out
her
e?"Heaskedt
hem,

Ar
ianasmi
l
edbutSekani
didn'
t,

Hi
sfacewashar
dandcol
dforasi
xyearol
d.

"
Not
hanks,

Mamasai
dweshoul
dgohome,

Andwewoul
dn'
tev
enwantt
ocomewi
thy
ouapar
tfr
om t
hat
."Theboyt
oldhi
m of
f,

Wi
thasenseofpr
ideandar
rogancet
hatr
emi
ndedYuv
raj
abouthi
msel
f.

"
But
..
."Ar
ianawant
edt
osaysomet
hing,

Shedi
dn'
tl
iket
hef
actt
hatt
heni
cegent
lemanwasbei
ngt
urneddownbybot
hSekani
andhi
s
mama,

"
He'
sbad,

He'
sabadmanAr
i,

Hef
oughtwi
thy
ourdaddyonet
imeandhedi
stur
bsmamaal
ot.
"Sekani
sai
daccusi
ngl
y.

Ev
enVanessawassur
pri
sedatt
het
oneatwhi
chhersonspoke,

TheboyhadKen'
sst
onyexpr
essi
ongi
vi
ngherdomesenseofchi
l
l.

Recal
l
ingwhatt
heboyhadsai
d,

Shesi
ncer
elyhopedt
hatYuv
raj
woul
dnot
iceany
thi
ng.
Shet
ookt
hei
rhandswer
etur
nedt
oleav
e,

"Tel
lthati
l
legi
ti
matesonofabi
tchhusbandofy our
sthatget
ti
nghi
mfi
redf
rom hi
sjobi
sn'
tthe
onlyt
hingIwoulddotomakesureIgetyouback,

Tel
lhi
m Isai
dther
ear
emor
etocomef
orhi
m."Hey
ell
edl
oudenoughsoVanessawoul
dhear
hi
m.

Shest
opped,

Whatdi
dhej
ustsay
?

HegotKenf
ir
edf
rom hi
sjob,

Kenl
osthi
sjob.
..
.

Gr
aci
ous,

Hedi
dn'
ttel
lherabouti
t.

"
Hedar
edl
aidhi
sfi
l
thyi
mpov
eri
shhandsonme,

I
'
llmakesur
eheget
snoot
herj
obasl
ongasI
'
mint
hisci
ty,

Tel
lhi
m IYuv
raj
PrasadSi
nghsai
dthat
."Yuv
raj
boast
edmor
e,

Hehasf
inal
l
ygot
tenVanessawher
ehewant
ed,

He'
shadenoughofherpr
ide.

"
Ohhedi
dn'
ttel
lyout
hathegotl
aidof
ffr
om wor
kthesamedayhef
oughtwi
thme?

Ah,

He'
ssupersecr
eti
ve.
"Yuv
raj
smi
rkedashecamecl
osert
oherandt
heki
ds.
"
Yuv
raj
you'
rea.
..
..
"

Shel
ookeddownatt
heki
dsst
andi
ngbesi
deher
,

Shewant
edt
ocal
lhi
m asl
i
me,

Abast
ard,

Ani
twi
t,

Anasshol
e,

Butshecoul
dn'
tsayt
hosecur
sewor
dsi
nfr
ontoft
heki
ds,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
obeset
ti
ngbadexampl
esf
ort
hem.

"
You'
reasor
eloser
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Nobaby
,"Hehal
fsmi
l
ed,

"
Imi
ghtbesor
e,

Butdef
ini
tel
ynotal
oser
.

Youri
l
legi
ti
mat
ehusbandi
sandt
ell
him Isai
d,

I
'
llst
opatnot
hing,

Absol
utel
ynot
hingt
ohav
eyouback.
"Hesmi
rked.

I
t'
susel
essbat
tl
ingwor
dswi
thhi
m,

Vanessat
ookt
heki
dsandl
eftwhi
l
eYuv
raj
stoodbehi
ndher
,

Hisat
tent
ionwasont
hel
i
ttl
eboywhot
urnedandst
ickhi
mtongueathi
mfr
om Vanessa'
sbl
i
nd
spot
.
Theboyr
emi
ndedhi
m al
otofhi
msel
f,

Het
houghtashewat
cht
hem l
eav
e.

Vanessawai
tedt
otal
ktokenaboutwhatYuv
raj
tol
dher
,

Shedi
dn'
tbel
i
eveKenwoul
dhi
desomet
hingassensi
ti
veast
hisf
rom her
,

Whywoul
dhedot
hat
?

Shewai
tedt
il
ll
atert
hatni
ght
,

Shedj
ustf
ini
shedpr
epar
ingdi
nnerwhenshewentt
ochecki
fhe'
sback,

Hewasn'
tbackal
ready
.

Shecheckedt
het
ime,

I
twaspr
ett
ylat
e,

Al
mostgoi
ngt
went
y.

Shecal
l
edhi
m buthi
scel
l
phonewasn'
tgoi
ngt
hrough.

Shet
ri
edsev
eral
mor
eti
mesbuti
twasf
uti
l
e,

Wher
ehashegonet
o?"Sheaskedher
sel
fasshecamebacki
nsi
deherhouse.

Af
terser
vingdi
nner
,

Shedeci
dedt
ocal
lhi
m agai
nbef
oregoi
ngt
ogett
heki
dsbutst
il
li
twasn'
tst
il
lgoi
ngt
hrough,

Ther
eshebecamer
eal
l
ywor
ri
ed.
Whati
fsomet
hingbadhadhappenedt
ohi
m?

Maybehewasangr
ythatshewasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
ohi
m andhaddr
over
eckl
essl
yandmi
ghthav
e
metanacci
dent
.

Whati
fhe'
sly
ingont
her
oadwi
thnoonet
ohel
phi
m?

OhGod,

Pl
easekeephi
m saf
eformepl
ease,

Don'
tl
etany
thi
nghappent
oKenpl
ease.

Shepr
ayedassheser
vedt
heki
dsdi
nner
.

Shel
ostherappet
it
efordi
nnerashermi
ndwav
eredar
oundt
hinki
ngofwher
epossi
blyKen
woul
dbe.

Shet
houghtofcal
l
ingPadmabutdeci
dedagai
nsti
t,

I
tmightbeaf
alseal
arm andshewoul
dn'
twantt
obebot
her
ingherwi
thev
erywhi
msofher
pr
oblem.

Hal
fwayt
hroughdi
nner
,

Hercel
l
phoner
angf
rom t
hel
i
vingr
oom,

Shegotupandhast
il
ywentt
ogett
hephone,

I
twasKencal
l
ing.

"
Whyhav
en'
tyoubeent
aki
ngmycal
l
s,

Iwaswor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ou.
"Shesai
dtohi
m notwai
ti
ngt
ohearhi
m speak,
"
Hel
l
o."Thecal
l
ersai
d,

I
twasn'
tKensv
oice,

I
twassomeoneel
se,

Someot
herguy
.

"
Hel
l
oma'
am,

Yourhusbandi
sint
hehospi
tal
now.
"Theunf
ami
l
iarper
sont
oldher
,

"
What
?"Shecr
ied,

"
Whi
chhospi
tal
ist
hat
?"Sheaskedt
heman,

I
tshockedher
.

"
Stor
montVai
lHospi
tal
."Themant
oldherandshehungupi
mmedi
atel
y,

"
OhGod,

Pl
easepr
otectKenf
orme,

Not
hingshoul
dhappent
ohi
m."Shesi
l
ent
lypr
ayed.

Si
nceshecoul
dn'
tl
eav
ejustt
heki
dst
osl
eepal
oneandi
twoul
dbet
ool
atet
ogetababy
sit
ter
f
orthem,

Shedeci
dedt
odr
opt
hem of
fatt
heKi
ngal
i
's.

"
Whydon'
twegotoUncleKen'
shousemama?
"Sekani
askedherasshel
edt
hebot
hoft
hem t
o
t
heKi
ngal
i'
sdoor
step,
"
Uncl
eKenhadgonef
oramedical
semi
narandwon'
tbebacksoonandIhav
eav
eryi
mpor
tant
wor
ktodo.
"Shel
iedt
othem,

"
Okay
."Theboysai
d,

Nott
hathedoesn'
twantt
ost
aywi
tht
heKi
ngal
i
'sf
ort
heni
ght
,

Theoldcouplear
ef unt
obewi t
handwoul
dtel
lthem alotofbedt
imest
ori
esandal
sost
ori
esof
whathappenedinthepastwaybef
oret
heywer
ebor n.

Butst
ayi
ngwit
hUncl
eKenwoul
dhav
ebeenmor
efuncauseheget
stodeci
dewhent
osl
eep
andwhennott
o,

Uncl
eKenal
l
owshi
m gethi
sway
.

Leav
ingt
heki
dswi
thMrKi
ngal
i
s,

Vanessawentt
otheki
tchent
oexpl
aint
otheol
derwomant
henat
ureoft
heur
gency
.

"
What
?"Thewomany
ell
ed,

Thencov
eredhermout
hqui
ckl
ysot
heki
dswon'
thearher
,

"
Don'
twor
ry,

I
'
llwat
cht
hem f
ory
ou,

Takeasmucht
imeasy
ouwant
."Shet
oldacr
yingVanessa,

"
Thanksal
otma'
am,

Thanky
ousomuch.
"Shet
oldt
hewoman,

"
You'
rewel
come,

Nowgoqui
ckl
y.
"Thewomanur
gedVanessaasshehur
ri
edawayt
othel
i
vingr
oom.
Bot
htheki
dswer
eseat
edar
oundMrKi
ngal
i
srocki
ngchai
rneart
hear
ti
fi
cial
fir
epl
ace,

Themanwasobv
iousl
ytel
l
ingt
hem st
ori
esofhi
syout
hday
s.

Shewentt
otheki
ds,

"
Sor
ryt
oint
err
upt
,

Gi
vemamahergoodni
ghtki
ss.
"Shesai
dtot
hebot
hoft
hem,

Theyst
oodupandeachgav
eheraki
ssoneachcheeks,

"
Goodni
ghtl
ovel
i
es.

Goodni
ghtMrKi
ngal
i
s."Shet
oldt
hemananddashedoutoft
hehouse.

Tur
ningont
heGPRSofhercarsoshecanl
ocat
ewher
ethehospi
tal
issi
tuat
edeasi
l
y.

Tobecont
inued

[
7/17,
12:
22PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERTHI
RTYNI
NE

Vanessadr
ovel
i
keamani
acf
oll
owi
ngt
heGPRSt
ogett
hel
ocat
ionoft
hehospi
tal
,

Shef
inal
l
yfoundi
t.
Notwai
ti
ngf
ort
hesecur
it
yper
sonnel
toai
dherpar
k,

Shet
hrewherkey
satt
hemanandr
ushedi
nsi
det
hehospi
tal
bui
l
ding.

Shewentt
other
ecept
ioni
stwhowasal
mostget
ti
ngal
lherr
ecor
dsf
ort
heday
,

"
Miss,
I
'ml
ooki
ngf
oraman,

KenSt
edman,

Hewasbr
oughti
nher
eawhi
l
eago.
"Shet
oldt
henur
se,

"
Yes,

Got
othel
eftwi
ngoft
heCasual
tyWar
d,

He'
sther
e."Thenur
sesai
dtoher
,

Shenoddedat
hanks,

Cl
utchedherpur
seandwenti
ntowwi
thherdi
rect
ions.

Ther
ewasamanst
andi
ngout
sidet
hewar
d,

Vanessar
ushedt
ohi
m,

"
Goodev
eni
ngSi
r,

Youwer
etheonewhocal
l
edmer
ight
?"Sheaskedt
heman,

Henodded.

"
Wher
e'she?
"Sheaskedt
heman,

Hepoi
ntedi
ntot
hewar
dwher
eKenwasl
yi
ngont
hebedandanur
sewasbesi
dehi
m,t
reat
ing
hi
m.
"
Shesai
dweshoul
dwai
tti
l
lshe'
sdone.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Seatandcal
m down,

She'
l
lbeoutsoon.
"Themant
oldher
,

Shesatdownt
hewai
ti
ngseatbesi
det
hedoor
,

Whi
l
ethemansatbesi
deher
.

"
Myname'
sOl
i
ver
,

Isawhi
m byt
hesi
deoft
her
oad,

Hewasbl
eedi
ngbad,

Seemsl
i
kehe'
dbeenat
tacked,

SoI
'
dtobr
inghi
m her
e."Themant
oldher
,

Shewi
pedherf
aceandl
ookedatt
heman.

"
Thanksal
ot.
"Shet
oldhi
m,

Henodded,

"
It
'snot
hing,

I
tcoul
dbeany
oneandI
'
dtohel
p."Themansai
dtoher
,

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
he.

Kenwasat
tacked,

Whodi
dthi
s?

Yuv
raj
,

I
tshoul
dbehi
m,
Noonewoul
dst
oppedt
hisl
ow,

Justhi
m.

Thenur
secameoutawhi
l
elat
er,

"
He'
sst
abl
enow,

Atl
eastnoser
ioushar
m wascausedt
ohi
m."Shet
oldt
heman,

"
Canwegoseehi
m?"Vanessaaskedt
henur
se,

Shel
ookedathi
m,

Thenatt
hemanwhowasbesi
deher
,

"
She'
shi
swi
fe,

Ical
l
edherher
e."Heexpl
ainedt
othenur
se,

Shenodded.

"
Yesbuthe'
snott
odi
stur
bed.
"Shesai
dtoher
,

"
Okay
."

Vanessaopenedt
hedooroft
her
oom andwenti
n,

Ther
ewasanot
herpat
ientont
heot
herbed,

He'
dacastonandhi
sri
ghtl
egwasmi
ddaysuppor
tedwi
thanot
hercast
.

"
Ken.
"Shewhi
sper
edt
ohi
m,

Hewasl
yi
ngpeacef
ull
y,

Thoughhadsomef
ewbr
uisesonhi
sfaceandbandager
oundhi
shead.
"
I'
m sosor
ryI
'
dtodr
agy
oui
ntot
hismessKen,

Sor
ryYuv
raj
didal
lthi
sbecauseofme.
"Shecr
iedbesi
dehi
m,

"
Kenpl
easegetwel
lsoon,

Idon'
twantany
thi
ngt
ohappent
oyoupl
ease.
"Shecr
iedbesi
dehi
m.

Sheknewsowel
lYuv
raj
wasbehi
ndt
his,

He'
dtol
dherear
li
ert
hathewoul
ddoany
thi
ng,

Any
thi
ngt
obr
ingherback.

She'
ssur
ehemusthav
edi
dthi
stoKent
omakeherscar
ed,

Tomakehercomebackt
ohi
m.

Shedoesn'
twantKent
osuf
ferf
orany
thi
ngper
tai
ningt
oher
,

Shedoesn'
twanthi
mtosuf
ferbecauseofher
.

She'
l
lhav
etoputanendt
oal
lthi
ssoon.

Af
ewday
slat
er,

Kenwasdi
schar
gedf
rom t
hehospi
tal
,

Vanessabr
oughthi
m home.

Thedoct
orhadt
oldhi
mtohav
eenoughbedr
estandheshoul
dn'
tdomuchexceptt
orest
,

Hi
sexpr
essi
onhadhadVanessar
eadi
ngsomuchmeani
ngt
othat
.

"
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"Heaskedherwhent
heygott
ohi
shouse,
"
Sentt
hem t
othegr
ocer
yshopwi
thMr
sKi
ngal
i
s,

Di
dn'
twantt
hem t
oseey
oul
i
ket
his.
"Shesai
dtohi
m.

Theyhadn'
tsai
dawor
dort
wowhi
l
eshedr
ovehi
m backhome,

Thedr
ivewasawkwar
dlyasi
l
entone.

"
Okay
."Hesai
dtoher
,

Shehel
pedhi
m gett
othecouch,

"
Letmegett
hebagsf
rom t
hecar
,

I
'
llber
ightback.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Henoddedandshel
eftt
ogethi
sbagsf
rom t
hecar
.

Unf
ort
unat
ely
,

Thedev
ilhi
msel
fwasout
sidewai
ti
ngf
orheri
nfr
ontofhi
scar
.

"Goodaft
ernoonwi
fey
,"Hel
efthi
scarandcamet
oher
swhenhesawhercomi
ngoutoft
he
house,

Shesi
ghed.

"
IthoughtIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
omeety
ou,

How'
syourl
overdoi
ng?
"Heaskedher
,

Wi
thani
rr
it
ati
vesenseofpr
ide,

"
Hemustbecr
yingnow,

I
magi
ngl
oosi
ngy
ourj
obandIhear
dhewasat
tackedbysomer
obber
s,

Sopat
het
ic.
"Hesmi
rked,
Vanessasai
dnowor
dtohi
m.

"
Youdon'
thav
etot
ell
meany
thi
ngsweet
hear
t,

Iknowy
ourmi
nd.
"Hecamecl
osert
oherandr
est
edonhercar
,

Wi
thhi
sint
rusi
on,

Shecoul
dn'
tcl
osehercar
.

"
Yuv
raj
excuseme.
"Shesai
dtohi
minacal
m way
,

Hesmi
l
edar
rogant
ly.

"
Idon'
twantt
o,

Iwantt
obecl
oset
oyouwhenIt
alkt
oyou.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Lethergo.
"

Bot
hYuv
raj
andVanessat
urnedt
oseeKenbyt
hedoor
,

"
Ohh,

Thel
oseri
sher
eal
ready
."Yuv
raj
taunt
edhi
m,

"
Ken,
goi
n,
I'
l
lbei
nsi
desoon.
"Shesai
dtohi
m buthedi
dn'
tmov
eani
nch.

Vanessal
eftt
hecarcar
ryi
ngKen'
sbagandwentupt
ohi
m,

"
Ken,
l
et'
sgoi
n,

I
t'
susel
esst
alki
ngt
ohi
m."Shesai
dtohi
m andhel
pedhi
m goi
nsi
de,

Leav
ingYuv
raj
out
side,

Sheshutt
hedoor
.
"
Youdon'
thav
etor
eactt
owhat
evernonsensehe'
sspewi
ng.
"Shet
oldKenast
heygoti
nsi
de,

Hewasf
umi
ngwi
thanger
.

"
Hedi
dthi
sri
ght
?"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hesai
dnot
hing,

"
Kent
alkt
ome,

Hedi
dthi
s,

Hesentt
hosement
ohur
tyour
ight
?"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
oher
.

"
Kenwhyar
en'
tyout
alki
ngt
ome?

Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmewhenhegoty
ouf
ir
edf
rom y
ourj
obandy
ouar
en'
ttal
ki
ngt
omenow,

What
'st
hepr
obl
em?
"Sheaskedhi
m asshesatbesi
dehi
m.

Hest
il
ldi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
oher
,

Hei
sn'
tgoi
ngt
otel
lherwhathe'
saboutt
odo,

Yuv
raj
hasdef
ini
tel
ycr
ossedt
hel
i
ne,

He'
sgoi
ngt
odeal
wit
hhi
minhi
sownway
.

WhenKendi
dn'
tgi
veheranyanswer
,

Sher
esol
vedt
oher
sel
ftodot
hingsherway
.

Shej
ustwi
shhewoul
dtal
ktoherabouti
t,

Sher
eal
l
ywant
edhi
mtot
alkt
oher
.
Thenextt
imeYuv
raj
cal
l
ed,

Hesai
dhewant
edt
otal
ktoher
,

Hewant
edhert
omeethi
m al
one,

Shef
lat
lyr
efused.

"
Idon'
twannahur
tyou,

Ij
ustwantust
otal
k,

That
'sal
l
."Het
oldher
,

"
Yuv
raj
we'
venot
hingt
otal
kabout
,

Justsi
gnt
hosepaper
sandl
etmego.
"Shesai
dinf
rust
rat
ion,

"
Let
'sj
ustseef
ir
standt
alkpl
ease.
"Heper
sist
ed,

Shesi
ghedi
nresi
gnat
ion,

"
Okay
."Shesai
d,

"
You'
recomi
ng?
"Heaskedher
,

Hi
svoi
cewasf
il
ledwi
thexci
tement
.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
heandl
eti
toutwi
th,

"
Yeah,

I
'
m comi
ng.
"Sheadded,

"
I'
ll
comepi
ckup.
"Het
oldherandhungupi
mmedi
atel
y.
..

Shoul
dshet
ell
Kenaboutt
hisornot
?

Thebot
hofthem ar
ehav
ingapr
ett
yroughpat
chnowandshedoesn'
tthi
nkhe'
l
lagr
eet
olether
goseeYuv
raj
.
"
No,

You'
renotgoi
ng.
"Hesai
d,

Hi
stonewashi
gh,

Theki
dswer
easl
eepandshewon'
twantt
hem t
owaket
heki
dsup,

"
Ken,
you'
rer
aisi
ngy
ourv
oice.
"Sher
emi
ndedhi
m.

Hesi
ghed,

"
Sti
l
lno.
"Hesai
dnow,

Hi
svoi
cewasn'
thi
ghbuti
twasn'
tconv
inci
ng.

"
It
'sj
ustadi
nnerandhesai
dhej
ustwant
stot
alk,

I
tsnotl
i
keI
'
m goi
ngt
ohi
shouse.
."Shet
ri
edt
oper
suadehi
m,

Ev
ent
houghI
'
m notsur
eoft
hel
ocat
iony
et.
"Shemut
ter
edunderherbr
eat
heandhehear
dher
.

"
Vanessay
ou'
renotgoi
ngst
il
l,

I
'
m notl
ett
ingy
ougowi
thhi
m,

Notev
enforamil
l
isecond.
"Hesigni
fi
edt
hemil
l
isecondbymeasur
inghi
sindexf
ingerwi
thhi
s
t
humpleavi
ngonl
yasmal l
spaceonthet
op.

"
Youdon'
tknowYuv
raj
'
scapabl
eofdoi
ngt
ogety
ouback,

Whati
fhedr
ugsy
ouandt
akey
ouaway
,

Orwor
sthedoessomet
hingbadt
oyou?

Ican'
ttakesuchr
isk.
"Het
oldher
,
Thi
sti
mei
namor
ereasonabl
eandscar
edway
.

Sheunder
stoodhi
sfear
sbutheshoul
dunder
standher
,

Shej
ustwant
edt
otal
kYuv
raj
int
osi
gni
ngt
hosepaper
s.

I
fshet
alkt
ohi
m cal
mly
,

Hemi
ghtl
i
stent
oherpl
easandsi
gnt
hosepaper
s.

Kenwentt
othel
i
vingr
oom,

Whi
l
eVanessawenti
ntow,

"
Cany
ouj
ustl
i
stent
omef
oronce?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

"
No,

You'
rebei
ngunr
easonabl
e."Het
oldher
,

Shesatbesi
dehi
m andl
ayherheadonhi
schest
,

"
Am Ibei
ngr
easonabl
enow?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hef
oughtani
mpul
set
osmi
l
e,

Shewast
easi
nghi
m andsheknowst
hat
.

"
That
'snott
hepoi
nt.
"Hesai
dst
il
lfei
gni
ngaf
rowni
ngf
ace.

Sher
eachedupt
ohi
m sl
owl
yandki
ssedhi
mli
ps,

"
Am Ibei
ngr
easonabl
enow?
"Sheaskedhi
m agai
n,

Hel
etoutt
hesmi
l
e.
"
You'
renot
,

You'
rebei
ngseduct
iveandt
empt
ing,

Don'
tfr
eakoutwhenIdon'
tov
ercome.
"Het
easedher
,

Shewentr
ed.

"
I'
mjustwor
ri
edabouty
ouVanessa,

Idon'
tthi
nkIcansur
viv
elosi
ngy
out
ohi
m orany
one.
"Het
oldher
,

Hi
sfacewasj
ustaf
ewi
nchf
rom her
s.

"
Iknow,

Butl
et'
sjustt
ryi
tthi
swaypl
ease,

I
tmi
ghtbeouronl
yway
."Shesai
dtohi
m andsl
owl
yki
sshi
m onhi
sli
psagai
n,

Af
orm ofbr
ibe.

Hecuppedherchi
nandki
ssedhersl
owl
yonherl
i
p,

"
Shoul
dwebedoi
ngt
his?
"Heaskedher
,

Hedi
dn'
twantcr
osst
heboundar
ieswi
thherandhav
eherav
oidhi
mli
keshedi
dtheot
hert
ime.

Shewashav
ingt
hef
ami
l
iart
ingl
i
ngagai
n,

Herbodywasy
ear
ningf
orhi
stouchandwar
m mi
l
kwer
egushi
ngal
lov
erhersy
stem.

"
Ify
oudon'
twantt
o,

Iwon'
tfor
cey
ou.
"Hesai
dtoherr
eal
qui
ett
hatsomeonei
not
hercouchwon'
tev
enhearhi
m.
"
Ken.
..
."

Het
ookherl
i
psagai
n,

Bi
tthi
sti
mei
twasn'
tsl
ow,

I
twasr
avenous.

Hewasachi
ngsobadf
orherandsowasshe,

Hewhol
ebodyscr
eam hernameasheki
ssedhersof
tli
ps,

He'
snev
ergoi
ngt
ogetenoughofher
.

Heki
ssedherf
orasl
ongashecoul
drememberandeacht
ime,

Heneededmor
e,

Hewant
edmor
eanddesi
redmor
e.

Wi
thherni
ppl
espoki
nghi
sbar
echest
,

Hesl
i
ppedhi
shandsundert
heni
ghtdr
essshewaswear
ingandf
ondl
edt
heni
ppl
es,

Hehear
dhermoanf
rom besi
dehi
m.

Hel
i
ftedt
hedr
essupandwentt
obot
hbr
east
s,

I
twasanost
oppi
ngf
orhi
m,

Hef
ondl
edi
t,

Suckedandki
ssedt
hebot
hgi
vi
ngt
hem enoughat
tent
iont
osoot
hthem bot
h.

Vanessacoul
dn'
texpl
ainwhatshef
elt
,

I
twasar
awsensat
ionbui
l
dingupasherbodycl
amps,
Heshedherslowl
yinawayshedi
dn'
tknowwhatshewasgoi
ngf
orunt
ilshef
elthi
shandson
hernakedbut
t.

"
Nessa,
"Hedr
awl
edl
i
kesomeonet
hatwasi
ntoxi
cat
ed,

"
Idon'
twantt
ohur
tyou,

I
fyouf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
e,

Justt
ell
meandI
'
llst
op.
"Hesai
dtoher
.

Shedi
dn'
tl
ookathi
m,

Di
dn'
trespond,

Herbodydi
dthatf
orher
.

Seei
ngherbodyr
eli
ed,

Kendr
ovehert
ohi
ghcl
oud,

ToKen'
sspacewi
thhi
sfi
nger
.

Shewast
ight
,war
m anddr
ippi
ngwet
,

Al
lforme.

Het
hought
,

She'
sfucki
ngwetf
orme.

I
tcamesof
astandsoqui
ck,

Soont
heywer
ebot
hint
hecy
cleofeachot
her
.

Vanessaf
eltpr
ett
yuncomf
ort
abl
e,

Whet
herKenhadwhi
tt
ledhergeni
tal
i
awi
thhi
sthr
ust
ing,
Shedoesn'
tknow,

Butsheknewt
hatt
hel
astf
ewmi
nut
eswoul
dbeoneembeddedi
nhermemor
yfor
ever
.

Lat
eron,

Kenhel
pedherupandl
edhert
other
oom,

Sheopt
edt
ohav
eanot
hershowercauseherbodywassweat
yandshecoul
dn'
tgot
obedt
hat
way.

Shewasi
ntheshowerwhenshef
elthi
sar
msar
oundherwai
stagai
n,

"
Kenst
op,

Iwannashower
."Shesai
dtohi
m bi
ti
ngherl
i
ps,

"
Let
'sshowert
oget
her
."Het
oldher
,

Sheobj
ect
edasshedr
ewt
het
owel
onher
sel
f.

"
You'
reshy
,

Youshoul
dn'
tbe.

Youshoul
dpr
obabl
ygetuset
othi
ssoon.
"Hesai
dandt
ookt
het
owel
from her
,

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulst
il
laf
terhav
ingSekani
."Het
oldher
,

Admi
ri
ngherst
ri
ki
ngbodyf
eat
ures.

Thosef
eat
ureYuv
raj
hadt
akenf
orgr
ant
edwhenhecal
l
edherugl
y,

Hedi
dn'
tknowhert
hem buthebel
i
evedshewasv
erybeaut
if
ulandl
ovel
ythen.

"
Iseem t
ohav
eaddedabi
taf
terhi
m."Shesai
dtohi
m,
"
That
'sgoodt
hough,

Youl
ookbet
tert
hisway
,

May
bet
hat
'swhyYuv
raj
ishel
lbentonhav
ingy
ouback.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
Iguessso.
"Shesai
d.

Het
ookt
hesoapf
rom her
,

"
Letmewashy
ou.
"Heof
fer
ed,

Shewasshyatf
ir
stbutwhenshef
elthi
shandsonherback,

Sher
elaxed.

Hewashedhernott
hor
oughl
ybutsl
owl
y,

I
tfel
tmor
eli
kehewasmassagi
ngherbodyt
hanwashi
ngher
.

Af
terwashi
ngher
,

Hehandedt
hesoapt
oherandaskedhert
owashhi
m,

"
What
?"Sheasked,

Henodded,

"
Don'
tactl
i
key
oudi
dn'
thearme,

Washmepl
ease.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Ken.
..
"Hegav
ehert
hesoap,

"
Iwantt
ofeel
youhandsonmybody
,
Iwantt
ofeel
you.
"Hesai
dtoheri
naseduct
iveway
,

Shebl
ushed.

"
Arey
oual
way
sli
ket
his?
"Sheaskedhi
m whenshebentdownt
owashhi
schest
,

"
WhenI
'
m wi
thy
ou.
"Hesai
d,

Shef
oundt
hathar
dtobel
i
eve.
.

"
Whatabouty
ourexwi
fe?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hef
rowned,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
obet
alki
ngaboutJul
i
enow.

"
Tel
lmeabouther
."Vanessasai
dtohi
m,

Hegr
oaned,

Notbecauseofherr
equestbutbecauset
hef
eel
ofherhandsonhi
m wer
edr
ivi
ngcr
azy
.

"
Am Ihur
ti
ngy
ou?
"Sheaskedhi
m seei
ngt
hewayhewasgr
oani
ng,

Heshookhi
shead,

"
No,

You'
remaki
ngmewantt
ogoov
eragai
n."Hesai
d,

Sheunder
stoodwhathemeantbutdi
dn'
treact
,

"
Tel
lmeabouty
ourexwi
fepl
ease.
"Shet
oldhi
m.

"
Jul
i
ewasv
eryni
ceatt
hest
art
,

Ir
eal
l
ylov
edhert
hen,
Butaf
terAr
iana'
sbi
rt
handwhenIl
efthomet
ost
artof
fmyownl
i
fe,

Shechanged.

Shedi
dn'
twantmet
oleav
e,

Shewant
edmet
ost
aybehi
ndt
oenj
oymydad'
sweal
th,

ButInev
erwant
edt
hat
.

Iwant
edt
obemanonmyaccor
dnotonewi
thpar
ent
albackup,

Shet
ooknoneoft
hat
."Het
oldher
,

Vanessaf
rowned,

"
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
oul
efty
ourpar
ent
's.
"Sheacknowl
edged,

"
I'
m sor
ry,

Idon'
tl
iket
alki
ngaboutt
hem,

Iwantpeopl
etoseemef
ormeandnotasMrGeor
geSt
edman'
sson,

Iwant
edt
hem t
oseemeasMrKendr
ickSt
edman,

SoI
'
dtol
eav
e."Het
oldher
,

"
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
ttel
lyouabouti
tsi
nce.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Irespecty
ourdeci
sionKen,

Mostt
imeswej
ustwantt
obeoutofourpar
ent
'sshadow.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedheragai
n.
Af
terwashi
nghi
mthebestwayshecoul
d,

Theybot
hcameoutoft
hebat
hroom,

Shegotanot
herni
ght
ieandcl
adher
sel
f,

Kenhadnotmuch,

Sohewor
ebackhi
spaj
amaspant
s.

Shi
rt
less,
hel
aybesi
deheront
hebedandcuddl
edhert
il
lshef
ell
asl
eep.

Tomor
rowi
sanot
herday
,

Butt
oni
ght
,hehast
hisgor
geousl
adyt
ohi
msel
fandt
hatwasmor
eimpor
tant
.

Tobecont
inued.
..

[
7/17,
12:
27PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTY

Yuv
raj
wasget
ti
ngev
ery
thi
ngf
orhi
sdi
nnerwi
thVanessapr
epar
ed,

He'
dmader eser
vat
ionsf
ort
hesui
tehewant
edandhadev
enpr
epar
edt
hecart
hatwoul
dgoget
Vanessa.

Forhi
m,
Hewasexci
tedt
hatshewasgoi
ngt
obet
her
eandheal
sowi
shedt
hati
fhi
spl
answer
e
execut
edpr
oper
ly,

Shewasn'
tev
ergoi
ngt
oleav
ehi
m.

Hewascal
l
ingt
hehot
elmanagerwher
ehe'
dmadehi
sreser
vat
ionswhenhi
sdr
iverbar
gedi
nto
t
her
oom.

Hegl
aredatt
hemanwi
thanger
,

"
I'
ll
cal
lyoubackl
ater
."Het
oldt
hemanagerandhungup,

"
Howdar
eyoui
nter
ruptme?

Camei
ntomyr
oom wi
thoutknocki
ng,

Whati
mpuni
ty?
"Hescol
dedt
heman,

"
Sir
,I'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
byou,

ButIf
oundsomet
hingwhi
chIt
houghty
ouwoul
dbei
nter
est
edi
n."Themant
oldhi
m,

Yuv
raj
backeddownbutst
il
lhadt
hehat
eful
frownonhi
sface.

"
You'
rel
uckyI
'
minagoodmoodnow,

Tel
lmewhaty
ouf
ound.
"Hesai
dtot
hemanashesatdownont
heont
hebed.

"
Sir
,

If
oundoutf
rom sour
cessomet
hingt
hatwoul
dint
eresty
ouaboutVanessa.
..
"

"
LadyVanessay
oui
diot
,
Cal
lherLadyVanessa.
"Heshout
edatt
heman,

Themanj
olt
edf
rom wher
ehewas,

"
I'
m sor
rySi
r,

ImeanLadyVanessa.
"Hesai
dtoYuv
raj
,

"
Don'
tthi
nky
ou'
l
lst
il
lcal
lhert
hatwhenIt
ell
yout
his.
"Hemut
ter
edunderhi
sbr
eat
he.

"
Whatdi
dyousay
?"Yuv
raj
askedhi
m,

Themanshookhi
shead,

"
Absol
utel
ynot
hingSi
r.
"Hesai
dtoYuv
raj
toav
oidhav
ingaf
itf
rom hi
sanger
.

"
Whatwer
eyousay
ingaboutmyLady
?"Heaskedt
heman,

"
Siri
t'
saboutt
hoseki
ds,
"Hebegan,

"
Whataboutt
hem?
"Yuv
raj
askedhi
m.

"
Sir
,

Thoseki
dar
en'
tsi
bli
ngs.
"Hebegan,

"
Accor
dingt
osour
ces,

LadyVanessagav
ebi
rt
htot
heboyi
nGeor
gia,

Af
ewmont
hsaf
tersher
anawayf
rom homeandAr
ianawasbor
ninBost
on,

Andhermot
her
'snamewi
thhel
d.

Att
hatt
imebymyobser
vat
ionandf
indi
ng,

LadyVanessawassti
ll
inGeor
giaUni
ver
sit
yandwasst
il
lnur
singhersonwhowasaboutay
ear
andafewmont hs.
"Themanrel
ayed,
Yuv
raj
wasshocked.

"
Wher
edi
dyougett
hati
nfor
mat
ion?
"Heaskedhi
m,

"Imadeacont actwit
hapr
ofessorIknewi
nGeor
giaUni
ver
sit
yandhewast
ell
i
ngmeabout
anotherpr
ofessor,

Jer
emy
.

Iwashi
sfat
her'
struckdri
verwhil
eatLosAngel
esandt
hismanwast
ell
i
ngmet
hatJer
emydi
ed
i
nacaracci
dentaboutfouryear
sago.

Gi
vi
ngmet
hedet
ail
s,

Hemadement
ionofMsVanessaRy
anandt
hatwaswhenIgotabi
tsuspi
ciousandIwas
t
empt
edtoaskmore.

HetoldmethatJer
emyandVanessawasdat
ingatt
hatt
imeandVanessaal
readyhadat
wo
yearol
dsonforanunknownman.

Heronl
yfami
l
ymemberwashermot
her
,

PadmaSi
ngh.

Doesn'
tthatst
ri
keany
thi
ngi
nyou?
"HeaskedYuv
raj
aft
err
elay
ingev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
m..
.

"
Youmeant
hatVanessahadhersonbef
oremeet
ingKen?
"Heaskedt
heman,

Henodded.
"
Shel
i
edt
ome,

Shef
ucki
ngl
i
edt
ome.
..
"Hesmi
l
edev
il
ly
,

"
She'
sgonnapayf
orl
yi
ngt
omeIswear
,

She'
sgoi
ngt
opayf
orl
yi
ngt
ome.
"Het
oldt
hemanandst
oodup,

"
SirI
'
m suspect
ingt
hatt
heboy
'sy
ourson.
"Themanbl
urt
ed,

Yuv
raj
lookedathi
m wi
thshock,

"
Can'
tyousee,

Shegav
ebi
rt
htohi
m af
ewmont
hsaf
terl
eav
ingy
ourhouse,

Checki
ngf
rom t
het
imi
ng,

Shewaspr
egnantwhenhel
efty
ourhouse.
..
."

"
Butmom sai
dshelostt
wopr
egnanci
esi
nthet
hreemont
hsshewaswi
thme.
."Yuv
raj
mut
ter
edtohimsel
f,

"
Arey
out
alki
ngt
omeSi
r?"Thedr
iveraskedhi
m,

Heshookhi
shead.

"
Sir
,

Theboy
'ssi
xyear
sol
d,

Andi
tsappr
oxi
mat
elysi
xyear
sandsomef
ewmont
hssi
nceshel
eft
,

Thataut
omat
ical
l
ymakest
heboyy
oursonbyhumangest
ati
ont
imi
ng.
"Themanexpl
ainedt
o
Yuvr
aj.
..
"
Shehidyoursonf
rom y
ouandev
enl
i
edt
oyout
hatshe'
smar
ri
edt
othatMrKen
what
ever
hisnamei
s,

Shel
i
edandt
ri
ckedy
ou.
"Het
oldhi
m,

Yuv
raj
wasst
unned.

Vanessat
ri
ckedhi
m,

DoesPadmaknowsaboutt
hist
oo?

Heaskedhi
msel
f,

Sheshoul
dknow,

Shehasbeenseei
ngVanessasi
nceandmusthav
ebeeni
nthei
rgame.

Hecan'
tbel
i
evehi
sownmot
herdi
dthi
stohi
m,

Suppor
ti
nghi
swi
fet
ohi
dehi
ssonf
rom hi
m andal
sol
i
edt
ohi
m.

Doesshehat
ehi
mthi
smuch?

Heaskedhi
msel
f.

Hi
shappi
nesshasbeenr
uined,

Nowhe'
sgoi
ngt
ogetbackatt
hem.
.

ThanksGodhef
oundoutaboutt
his,

Nowhe'
sgoi
ngt
ousehi
ssonandgetbackVanessa,

He'
sgoi
ngt
ouset
heboyt
ogethi
swomanback.
.

They
'veputhi
m ont
headv
ant
agesi
denow.
Meanwhi
l
e,

Vanessawokeupi
nKen'
sar
ms,

Sl
owl
ywi
thasmi
l
ingf
ace,

Shet
ookhi
sar
msof
fherandwant
edt
ogetupbuthepul
l
edherback,

"
Wheredoy
out
hinky
ou'
regoi
ngt
o?"Heaskedherwi
thami
schi
evoussmi
l
epl
ast
eredonhi
s
f
ace.

"
Theki
dsmi
ghtbeawakenowandwon'
tgetupseti
fIdon'
tgot
othem ear
ly.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Tr
yingt
opr
yhi
sar
msof
fher
.

"
Spendmor
eti
mewi
thme.
"Hepl
eadedwi
thher
,

Shewentr
ed,

"
Idi
dn'
tcheckont
heki
dsl
astni
ghtandIt
hinkt
heywi
l
lbeawakenow.
"

Sheexpl
ainedt
ohi
m,

Hepul
l
edhercl
osert
ohi
sbar
echest
,

"
Ilov
eyouNessa,

Idon'
tknowwhat
'sov
ermebutIknowy
ou'
ret
heoneIwant
,

Il
ovey
ousomuch.
"Hest
atedt
oherasamat
teroff
act
.

Shesmi
l
ed,

She'
sreadyf
ort
his.

"
Ken.
..
.

Il
i
key
ousomuch,
Ir
eal
l
ydo.
"Shet
oldhi
m,

Hef
rowned,

"
Justl
i
ke?
"Heaskedher
,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
You'
recut
ewheny
ouf
rown.
"Shet
easedhi
m,

"
Ken,

Il
i
key
oual
ot,

I
'
venev
erf
eltt
hiswayf
orany
one,

ExceptwhatIf
eel
forSekani
andAr
ianaandt
hatofcour
sei
samot
her
'sl
ove.
..
"

Hi
sfr
owni
ngsl
owl
ydi
ssol
vedt
owhatshesawasami
schi
evousgr
imace,

Shechuckl
ed.

"
It
snotamot
her
'sl
oveIf
eel
fory
ouKen,
"Shehi
thi
schest
,

"
Ishoul
dhav
ewonder
ed,

Iwant
edt
oasky
out
obr
east
feedmenow.
"Hesai
dpl
ayf
ull
ytoher
.

"
Howwoul
dyoul
ovei
fwegetmar
ri
edaf
tert
hismessydi
vor
ce,

I
'
mreadyt
owai
t,

Wai
tti
l
lyou'
rer
eadyt
ogi
vemeachance.
"Heaskedher
,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
Wecanj
ustcohabi
t,
It
hinkmar
ri
ageshoul
dwai
tforl
ater
.

Butt
hat
'sagr
eati
dea.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed,

"
Iwoul
dwai
tforasl
ongasy
ouwant
..

Ev
eni
fitmeanswai
ti
ngt
il
lI'
m ahundr
edandf
if
tyy
ear
sol
d,

Iwoul
dst
il
lwai
tfory
ou.
"Het
eased,

"
Nopr
obl
em mi
ster
,

Nowl
etmegot
otheki
ds.
"Shet
oldhi
m asshest
ruggl
edt
oleav
ehi
m,

"
Justoneki
ss.
"Heaskedher
,

Shebentdownandgav
ehi
m aki
ss.

Howev
erhest
il
ldi
dn'
tl
ethergo,

She'
dtopi
nchhi
m har
dbef
orehedi
dletgoofher
,

"
Naught
y."Shet
oldhi
m asshel
eftt
her
oom.

Vanessaexpect
edYuv
raj
tocal
lhert
hatdayf
ort
hei
rmeet
ingt
hatmor
ningbuthedi
dn'
t,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
ocal
lhi
m soasnott
osendawr
ongmessaget
ohi
m..
.

"
Hehasn'
tcal
l
ed?
"Kenaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
May
behewasn'
tser
iousaf
teral
l
."Kensai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y,

Shesmi
l
ed,
"
Younev
erwant
edhi
mtocal
li
nthef
istpl
ace,

That
'sshoul
dbeapoi
ntf
ory
ou.
"Shet
oldhi
m asshel
eftt
het
abl
ecount
erandcamet
osi
t
besi
dehim,

"
Youcansayt
hatagai
n."Het
oldher
,

Shesmi
l
edandr
est
edonhi
sar
ms.
..

"
Mama!
"Shehear
dSekani
cal
l
edf
rom out
side,

Shest
oodup,

"
Letmegoknowwhat
'supwi
tht
hoset
wo.
"Shet
oldKenasshel
eft
.

Kenhadboughtabouncysl
i
depool

f
ort
heki
dsf
rom Amazon,

"
It
'ssummer
,

Theyshoul
dbei
nthebeach,

Butt
hisbeachi
smor ebett
er.
"Hetol
dherwhenhebr
oughti
thomeandhadt
hemai
ntenance
mansetitupatVanessa'
sbacky
ard.

Whenshewentt
othebacky
ard,

Ar
ianawasst
andi
ngbesi
det
hesl
i
dewi
thSekani
ont
heot
hersi
de,

Yuv
raj
wasbesi
det
heboy
.

"
Heywi
fey
."Hecal
l
edherwi
thanai
rofpr
ide,

"
Yuv
raj
whatdoy
ouwantandhowdi
dyougeti
nher
e?"Sheaskedhi
m madl
y,
Shewassur
etohav
elockedt
hegat
etot
hebacky
ard,

Howdi
dhegeti
nher
e?

"
Iwasj
ustcomi
ngov
erwhenIhear
dsomeki
dsl
aught
er,

Icameinandsawt
hem angel
shav
ingf
unandt
houghtIshoul
dtodr
opbyt
osayhel
l
otot
hem.
"
Herepl
i
edher,

Looki
ngatheri
nthemostawkwar
dwayev
er.

"
Idi
dn'
thur
tthem i
fthat
'swhaty
ou'
rescar
edof
f,

Il
ovet
hem l
i
kemyownki
ds.
"Hesai
dtouchi
ngt
heboy
'shai
r,

Hegav
eVanessaal
ookt
hatshecoul
dn'
tunder
stand.

"
Sekani
,

Ar
ianacomet
omama.
"Shet
oldt
hem,

Theboyl
eftYuv
raj
immedi
atel
yandbot
hhi
m adAr
ianar
ant
oVanessa.

"
Yuv
raj
ify
oudon'
tmi
nd,

Iwanty
out
oleav
enow.
"Shet
oldhi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed.

"
Leav
ebef
oreIcal
lthecopsony
ou,

Remembert
hecour
tser
vedy
ouar
est
rai
ningor
der
."Shet
oldhi
m,
"
That
'saboutt
ochangesoon.
"Het
oldher
,

Shedi
dn'
tunder
standwhathemeantbyt
hat
.

"
Goodby
eki
ds.
"Hewav
edt
obot
hSekani
andAr
iana,

Especi
all
ySekani
,

Bl
owi
ngt
heboyaki
ssashel
eftt
hegat
e.

Vanessar
ushedandl
ockedt
hegat
ebehi
ndhi
m,

"
Fun'
sov
er,

Let
'sgety
ouguy
sinsi
de.
"Shet
oldt
heki
dsasshel
edt
hem i
nsi
det
hehouse.

Notwant
ingKent
ogetmadagai
n,

Shemadet
heki
dspr
omi
sedhert
hatt
heywon'
ttel
lKenaboutwhat
'shappened,

"
Butwhy
?"Sekani
askedher
,

"
Itwon'
tbegoodandhe'
sgonnagetr
eal
l
ymadandwantt
ofi
ghtt
hatuncl
e,

Soi
tsbet
terwedon'
ttel
lhi
m."Sheex
plai
nedt
othebot
hoft
hem.

Theynodded,

"
Wewon'
ttel
lhi
m at
hing,

I
t'
stopsecr
et,

I
sn'
ti
tAr
iana?
"Heaskedt
hel
i
ttl
egi
rl
,

Shenodded,

"
Topsecr
et.
"Shesai
dtoVanessai
nanassur
ingway
.
Vanessawasr
etur
ningf
rom wor
kthenextt
woday
swhenYuv
raj
cal
l
edher
,

Heaskedheri
fshewashomeandshet
oldhi
m shewasal
mosthome,

Hesai
dhe'
dasur
pri
sef
orherbutshe'
sgoi
ngt
ogeti
twhenshegethome,

Bef
oreshecoul
dsayanot
herwor
d,

Hehungup.

Sher
eadnot
hingt
oitandf
elti
twasoneofhi
str
icksagai
n,

Ti
l
lshegothome.

Kenhadstay
edhomewitht
hetwoki
dsandt
heywer
eint
hel
i
vingr
oom t
eachi
ngAr
ianahowt
o
pl
ayavideogamewhenshecamehome,

"
Mama!
"Sekani
cal
l
edher
,

Bot
hhi
m andAr
ianar
ant
ohugher
.

Sheki
ssedt
het
woki
dsasshecamei
nsi
de,

Kenj
ustsmi
l
edatherf
rom t
hecouchhewassi
tt
ing.

Soont
hedoor
bel
lrang,

Shel
ookedatKen,

"
Arey
ouexpect
ingany
one?
"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
Kidsl
etmegett
hedoor
."Shet
oldt
het
wodumpl
i
ngswhocl
utchedt
hemsel
vest
oher
.
Theydi
dn'
tl
etgoof
fhert
il
ltheywer
eatt
hedoor
,

Shepeepedt
hrought
hepeephol
e,

I
twast
hemai
l
man.

Sheopenedt
hedoor
,

"
Ma,
thi
sisf
ory
ou.
"Hehandedheramani
l
afi
l
e,

Shet
ooki
tfr
om hi
m andhegav
eherhi
scheckbookt
osi
gnwhi
chshedi
dandcl
osedt
hedoor
,

"
What
'st
hat
?"Kenaskedher
,

Shel
ookedathi
m,

Gest
uri
ngt
ohi
m shehasnoi
dea.

"
Openi
t.
"Het
oldher
,

Sheopenedt
heunsi
gnedmani
l
laf
il
eandbr
oughtoutsomewhi
tepaper
soni
t.

Shekepti
tont
het
abl
eandt
ookoutt
hef
ir
stpaper
,

I
twasaDNAResul
t.
.

Shecheckedt
hebear
er,

I
twasaDNAt
estconduct
edonSekani
andYuv
raj
,

Herf
acewentpal
e.

Kenwhonot
icedcol
ordr
ainedf
rom herf
ace,
Hest
oodupandt
ookt
hepaperf
rom herandwasshockedonwhathesawi
nthepaper
,

Hewasf
orcedt
ogot
hrought
her
est
,

Theywer
ecour
tpaper
s,

Yuv
raj
wasf
il
edf
orSekani
'
scust
odyi
nthecour
t,

Thi
sisbadnews.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
27PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYONE

Kenwasv
erymad,

"
Howdar
ehe?

Howdar
ehef
ightf
ort
heboy
'scust
ody
?"

Hey
ell
ed,

Vanessawasconf
used,

Shewasl
ost
.

WhywasYuv
raj
try
ingt
otaket
heonet
hingt
hatmeantt
hewhol
ewor
ldt
oher
?

Howdi
dheknowt
heboywashi
sson?
Wher
ehasshegonewr
ong.

Kencamear
oundandhel
pedhersatdown,

"
Uncl
eKenwhat
'shappeni
ngt
omama?
"Sekani
askedhi
m,

Hel
ookedatt
heki
ds,

"
Youguy
sshoul
dgot
oyourr
oom,

I
'
llcomi
ngt
ojoi
nyouguy
ssoon.
"Shet
oldt
hem,

Obedi
ent
lybot
htheki
dswentt
othei
rroom.

"
He'
sgoi
ngt
otakemysonawayf
rom me.
"Vanessasai
d,

Herey
eswasl
ostt
ospace,

"
Hewant
stot
akemySekani
from me.
"Shesai
d,

Kenl
ookedatherwi
thpi
ty,

He'
snev
ergoi
ngt
oal
l
owYuv
raj
succeedi
nthi
s,

Yuv
raj
isnev
ergoi
ngt
otaket
heboyawayf
rom her
,

Nev
er.

"
Buthowdidhefi
ndouttheboywashi
sanhowwasheabl
etocar
ryonaDNAt
estont
heboy
wi
thoutt
hei
rknowl
edge?

Het
roubl
edhi
msel
fwi
thquest
ionshecoul
dn'
tfi
gur
eoutt
heanswer
shi
msel
f.

SoonVanessa'
sphoner
ang,
Kent
ookt
hephoneandcheckedt
hecal
l
er,

I
twasYuv
raj
.

"
Hel
l
owi
fey
."Hi
svoi
ceboomedf
rom t
her
ecei
vi
ngend,

"
Howdoy
oul
i
kemysur
pri
se?
"Heaskednotwai
ti
ngf
orar
epl
y,

Nowor
ds.

"
Iknowy
oumustbeshockednow,

Youmustbesur
pri
sedandshockedseei
nghowIwasabl
etopul
lthi
sthr
oughundery
ournose.

Yousee,

I
'
m mor
esmar
tert
hany
oui
nal
lway
s,

Ial
wayshadmydoubtabouty
ouandthatlov
erboyofy
our
sbutIdi
dn'
twantt
opr
yint
oitunt
ilI
wasabl
etogetsomedetai
lsf
rom y
ourAlmaMater,
GU.

Igotal
lthei
nfor
mat
ionIneededt
her
eandput
ti
ngt
woandt
wot
oget
her
,

Igotapr
oof
,

Al
thoughIneededsomet
hingsol
i
d,

Notassumpt
ions,

Butsol
i
dpr
oof
.

Idi
daDNAt
estont
heboy
,

Idon'
tthi
nkIshoul
dbot
hery
ouwi
thhowIdi
ditort
hepr
ocessI
'
dtogot
hrough,

ButIknowt
her
esul
tcameoutposi
ti
ve,
Thatt
heboy
'smyson,

Myf
leshandbl
ood.
"Hesai
d,

Kencoul
dheart
hepr
idei
nhi
svoi
ceashewasspeaki
ng.

"
I'
veaskedt
hecour
tformysonscust
ody
,

Tel
l
ingt
hem y
ouhi
stheboyf
rom mehi
sfat
herf
orsi
xyear
sandnow,

Letmej
ustsay
,

We'
l
lmeeti
ncour
t.
"Hesai
dandhungup.
.

Thener
veoft
hatbast
ard,

Kent
hought
.

Yuv
raj
isabast
ardandi
tst
imet
oputhi
minhi
spl
ace.

Hehel
pedVanessacal
m downandsenthert
oherr
oom t
orest
,

Shewasr
eal
l
yshakenbywhathadhappened.

Whenshewasf
arr
est
ingi
nther
oom,

Het
ookhi
sphoneandcameout
side.

Heneededt
odosomet
hing,

Heneededt
odosomet
hingt
ofi
nal
l
ymakeYuv
raj
letgoofVanessaandSekani
.

Heknowst
hatYuv
raj
doesn'
twantt
heboy
,
Hej
ustwantt
ouset
heboyt
ogetVanessaback,

Thatwasi
t,

He'
str
yingt
ouset
heboyt
ohi
sadv
ant
age.

Het
houghtofcal
l
inghi
slawy
er,

Act
ual
l
ythel
awy
erhi
sfat
herhadgot
tenf
orhi
m,

No,

Het
oldt
hem hewasn'
tgoi
nggetany
thi
ngf
rom t
hem.

Hedi
dn'
twantt
ogobackonhi
swor
dsbutont
hesamet
ime,

Hewant
stohel
pVanessa,

Hedi
dn'
twanthert
oloseheronl
ysour
ceofj
oyt
othatmonst
erYuv
raj
.

Hebr
oughtouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edhi
sfat
her
,

"
Hel
l
odad,

Goodday
."Hesai
dtot
hemanwhenhet
ookt
hecal
l
,

"
Yesson,

How'
rey
oudoi
ng?
"Themanaskedhi
sson,

"
I'
m gooddad.
"Hesai
dtot
heman.

"
You'
venev
ercal
l
edmel
i
ket
hisf
orawhi
l
e,

What
'st
hepr
obl
em son?

Youknowy
oucant
alkt
ome.
"Themansai
dtohi
sson,

Kensi
ghed,
"
Dad,
i
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed.
"Hesai
dinf
rust
rat
ion.

"
Iknow,

I
t'
ssomet
hingt
hatsuper
sededt
hat
'swhyy
oucal
l
edmer
ight
?"Hi
sfat
heraskedhi
m,

"
Yes.
"Kensi
ghed,

Notthati
tsuper
sededhi
m butheneedsav
erygoodl
awy
ert
oensur
ethatVanessawi
nst
he
caseincour
t.

"
DadIneedal
awy
er,

Ineedav
erygoodl
awy
er.
"Het
oldt
heman,

"
Whatdoy
ouneedal
awy
erf
or?
"Hi
sfat
heraskedhi
m,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
otel
lhi
sfat
hermuch,

Buthe'
dto,

Theonl
ywayhecoul
dgetwhathewanti
stot
ell
him.
..
.

"
Youdon'
twantt
otal
ktomeabouti
t?"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
Youshoul
dn'
thav
eto,

I
'
llgety
out
hel
awy
ery
ouwant
."Hi
sfat
hert
oldhi
m..
.

"
It
'snoti
tdad,

I
t'
snotact
ual
l
yforme,

I
t'
sfor
..
..
"

Howwashegoi
ngt
oexpl
aint
ohi
sfat
hert
hathehasanot
herwomanwi
thoutt
heman
ov
err
eact
ingandget
ti
ngov
erexci
ted.

"
Okay
,

I
'
llt
ell
youbutpr
omi
semey
ouwon'
ttel
lmom aboutt
his.
"Het
oldt
heman,

"
Tel
lyourmom,

Hav
eIev
ert
oldherany
thi
ngabouty
oubef
ore?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
Nope,

ButIf
eel
thaty
oumi
ghtgett
empt
edt
otel
lhert
hisbutpl
easedon'
t.
"Het
oldt
heman,

"
Okay
."Themansai
dtohi
m.

Kentoldhi
sfat
herever
ythi
ngaboutVanessaandYuv
raj
andev
ery
thi
ngt
hatt
ranspi
redbet
ween
them ast
heli
tt
leheknows,

Het
oldt
hemanabouthi
sfeel
i
ngsf
orVanessaandherson,

HowAr
ianal
ovesherandhersonandf
inal
l
yYuv
raj
'
sthr
eatandt
ri
ck.

Themanwassur
pri
sed,

"
Inev
erknewt
hatsomeonecoul
dbeascr
uel
andwi
ckedl
i
ket
hatt
ohi
sownwi
fe.
.

Iwoul
dhel
pyout
hebestwayIcan,

Notbecausey
ouev
enl
ovehercauseshedeser
vej
ust
ice.
"Theol
dermansai
d,

"
I'
ll
getev
ery
thi
ngr
eadyandsendhi
mtoy
ou.
"Het
oldhi
m,

"
Thanksal
otdad.
"Kensai
dtot
heman,
"
I'
ll
payy
oubackwhenIgetagoodj
ob.
"Het
oldt
heman,

Hedoesn'
twanti
ttobeaf
avor
.

"
No,

Theonlypay
backiwant
sist
obeoppor
tunet
oseet
hel
ovel
ywomant
hathascaughtmyson'
s
at
tent
ion.
"Hetol
dKen,

Hechuckl
ed,

"
That
'sj
ustwhatIwant
,

Tomeether
."Het
oldt
heman,

"
Okaydad,

ButI
'
m st
il
lpay
ingy
oubackf
oral
ltheser
viceonceIgetabet
terj
ob.
"Het
oldhi
sfat
her
,

Theol
dmanknowsbestnott
oar
guewi
thKen,

"
Okay
."Het
oldhi
m andaf
tersomef
ewpl
easant
ri
es,

Hehungup.

Yuv
raj
won'
tknowwhat
'scomi
ngf
orhi
m,

Hehasmessedwi
tht
hewr
ongguy
.

Thecour
tsessi
onbeganaf
ewday
saf
ter
,

Thatmor
ningbef
oret
heyl
efthome,

KenandVanessat
oldSekani
thatwhatt
hey
'r
ewasbecauseofhi
m,

Theboywasconf
used.
"
Idon'
tgeti
tmama.
"Theboysai
dinaconf
usedst
ate,

Het
houghtt
heywer
eal
lgoi
ngt
oset
tl
eacasei
ncour
t.

"
Noboy
."Kensai
dtohi
m,

Vanessacoul
dn'
texpl
aini
ttot
heboy
,

Kent
urnedt
heboyt
ohi
msel
f.

"
Sekani
dar
li
ng,

Youseet
hatuncl
ethatdoescomeher
eal
way
s,

Thatonet
haty
ousai
dyoudon'
tl
ike.
..
"

Theboynodded,

"
Howwi
l
lyouf
eel
ify
ouar
etol
dgost
aywi
thhi
m?"Kenaskedt
heboy
,

Hef
rowned,

"
No,
Iwantt
ost
aywi
thmymommyandy
ou.
"Hesai
dtoKen,

Henodded,

Thi
swoul
dbehel
pful
.

"
Okay
,

Thet
rut
hist
hatt
hatmani
syourbi
ologi
cal
papa,
"Theboy
'sf
acef
ell
,

"
Yes,
he'
syourr
eal
daddyj
ustl
i
keI'
m Ar
iana'
sdaddyandnowhewantstotakey
ouawayf
rom
y
ourmama."Kent
oldt
heboywhowaslooki
ngatVanessawhowascry
ing.

"
Yourmamal
efthi
m bef
orey
ouwer
ebor
ncausehehur
thersobadandnowhewantt
otake
y
ouawayf
rom her
,

Soshecancomebacksohecoul
dhur
theragai
n."Kensai
d,

Fi
ght
ingt
osuppr
esst
her
awangert
hatwasbui
l
ding.

"
Keny
oudon'
thav
etodot
hat
."Vanessat
oldhi
m,

Sheknowswhathewast
ryi
ngt
odobutsheseem i
twasn'
tri
ght
.

Shecan'
tspoi
lhersonagai
nsthi
sownf
ather
,

Nomat
terhowbadhe'
s.

"
Mamai
shesay
ingt
het
rut
h?"Theboyaskedhi
smot
her
,

"
Sekani
..
..
"Theboyr
anandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundher
,

"
Mama,
I
'm nev
ergoi
ngt
oleav
eyou.

I
'
m goi
ngt
ost
aywi
thy
ouandnothi
m,

He'
sbad.
"Theboysai
dtoher
,

Shebentandhuggedhi
m pr
oper
ly,

"
Thanky
ouson.
"Shet
oldt
heboy
,

"
Okayl
et'
sgo,

Weneedt
obei
nthecour
tear
lysot
omeett
hel
awy
er.
"Kensai
dtot
hem,

Soonheusher
edt
hem al
ltot
hecarashedr
ovet
othecour
t.
Att
hecour
tsessi
on,

Yuv
raj
smi
l
edoccasi
onal
l
yatSekani
andt
heboyal
sosmi
l
ed,

Vanessaf
oundt
hatconf
usi
ng.

Whent
heywentonaf
ewmi
nut
esbr
eak,

Yuv
raj
camet
oaskhert
hathewant
stot
aket
heboyt
othei
cecr
eam par
lornear
by,

Sher
efused.

"
MamaIwantt
ogowi
thhi
m,

He'
smypapaaf
teral
l
."Theboyt
oldher
,

Shewassur
pri
sed.

"
NoSekani
,you'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
e,

Uncl
eKeni
staki
ngy
ouandAr
ianat
otheEatn'
Take.
"Shet
oldt
heboy
,

"
NoIwantt
ogowi
thhi
m."Theboywasadamant
,

Bef
oreshecoul
dsayanot
herwor
d,

Hel
etgoofherhandsandr
ant
oYuv
raj
.

Yuv
raj
smi
l
edev
il
lyatherandl
eftwi
tht
heboy
.

Dur
ingt
hel
astsessi
onoft
hecour
tper
iod,

Sekani
wascal
l
edoutbyt
hej
udge,
"
Lit
tl
eboy
,

What
'sy
ourname?
"Thej
udgeaskedt
heboy
,

"
MynamesSekani
ArkashSi
ngh.
"Theboyr
epl
i
edhi
m,

"
Sekani
,

Howol
dar
eyou?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
I'
m si
xyear
sol
d."Hei
ndi
cat
edi
tshowi
ngt
hemanhi
ssi
xfi
nger
s.

"
That
'sgood,

Doy
ouknowwhywe'
reher
e?"Themanaskedhi
m,

Theboynodded,

"
I'
m her
etochosewhoIwantt
ost
aywi
th,

Ei
thermymamaormypapa.
"Theboyr
epl
i
edhi
m,

Vanessaf
rowned,

What
'swr
ongwi
thSekani
?

Yuv
raj
hasbr
ainwashedhi
m.

"
Ify
ou'
reaskedt
ochose,

Who'
l
lgowi
th?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
Mypapa.
"Theboysai
d,

Vanessawasshocked,

Shel
ookedatYuv
raj
,

Hewassmi
l
ingathi
sson.
"
Whatdi
dyousay
?"Thej
udgeaskedt
heboyagai
n,

"
Iwantt
ogowi
thmypapa.
"Theboyr
epeat
edagai
n,

"
Yesson,

Papal
ovesy
ou.
"Shehear
dYuv
raj
sai
dtot
heboy
,

Tear
str
ickl
eddownherey
esasshewat
chedhersonl
eav
ethewi
tnessboxandr
ant
ohi
sfat
her
.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
29PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYTWO

"
Mamawakeup,

We'
reher
eal
ready
."Sekani
tappedVanessawhowassl
eepi
ng,

Shewokeupandl
ookedatt
heboybesi
deher
,

Ohgosh,

Thatwasonehel
lofabaddr
eam.

Hersonwasst
il
lwi
thher
,

"
Mamaar
eyoual
ri
ght
?"Sekani
askedt
hewoman,

Shenoddedandl
ookedatKenwhowasdr
ivi
ng.
Theywer
eal
readyatt
hecour
tandi
tseemedt
obeabi
tcr
owded.

"
Vanessat
aket
heki
dsoutwhi
l
eIpar
kthi
scarpr
oper
ly.
"Kensai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

"
Kidshel
pyour
sel
fout
,

Iwantt
otal
ktoUncl
eKen.
"Shet
oldt
heki
ds,

Kenl
ookedather
,

Hesawshewaswor
ri
edandscar
ed.

Hewoul
dn'
tbl
ameher
,

Shewoul
dn'
twantt
oloseherson.

"
Ken,

I
'
m scar
ed.
"Shet
oldhi
m,

Bot
htheki
dswer
eout
sidet
hecarl
ooki
ngar
ound.

"
Nessay
oudon'
thav
etobe.
"Hecuppedherchi
n,

"
Hecan'
ttaket
heboyawayf
rom y
ou,

Sekani
'
syoursonandbyal
lri
ght
,

Heshoul
dbewi
thhi
smommyandIknowhe'
sgoi
ngt
ochosey
ouov
erhi
m."Kenencour
aged
her
..
"
Whati
fhedoesn'
t?

Ihadadr
eam wher
eSekani
choset
obewi
thYuv
raj
inst
ead,

Hewasbehav
ingst
rangel
yinmydr
eam,

Whati
fhechooseshi
sfat
hert
ome?
"Sheaskedhi
m wi
tht
raceabl
efear
sinherv
oice.

"
I'
vef
ait
hthathewoul
dn'
t,

Hebarelyl
ikesthemanandIdon'
tthi
nkt
hej
udgewoul
dgr
antYuv
raj
cust
odyaf
terev
ery
thi
ng
hedi
dt oyou."Kent
oldher
,

"
Andmor
eov
er,

I
'
m her
ewi
thy
ou,

Hecan'
ttaket
heboy
."Headded,

Shemanagedasmi
l
eashel
etgoofherchi
n,

"
Goi
nsi
dewi
tht
heki
ds,

I
'
llj
oiny
ouguy
slat
eron.
"Kensai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

Thenopenedthecarandgotoutwhi
leKenpar
kedt
hecari
nanappr
opr
iat
ewaybef
orehe
st
eppedouttogolookfort
helawyer
.

Yuv
raj
camewi
thhi
slawy
erpr
iort
owhent
hecasewoul
dbegan,

Hewal
kedt
owher
eVanessawasst
andi
ngwi
thAr
ianaandSekani
andhebentbef
oret
heboy
,

"
How'
rey
oudoi
ngboy
?"Heaskedt
heboy
,
Sekani
sai
dnot
hing,

Hewasj
ustst
ati
nghar
datt
heman.
..

Onl
yifl
ookscoul
dki
l
l.

"
See,
Igott
hisf
ory
ou.
"Yuv
raj
broughtoutani
cel
ywr
appedpar
cel
andgav
eitt
otheboy
,

"
Idon'
twanty
ourgi
ft
,

Leav
emeandmamaal
one.
"Heboyt
oldhi
m ar
rogant
ly.

"
Youshoul
dknowwhati
tisf
ir
st.
"Yuv
raj
sai
dashet
ookt
heboy
'shandsandpl
acedt
hegi
fton
i
t,

Thenhel
eftbef
oret
heboyhadt
hechancet
oar
gue.

"
Mamaar
eyousur
ehe'
smypapa,

He'
sacti
ngl
i
ket
hosef
atpi
gsi
ntheRedRi
dingHood.
"Theboybadmout
hedt
hrowi
ngt
hegi
fton
t
hefloor
,

Ar
ianagi
ggl
edsheepi
shl
y,

"
Oinkoi
nk,

Fatpi
g,

Oi
nkoi
nk,

He'
saf
atpi
g."Shesai
dinar
hyt
hm asshel
aughedatwhatSekani
sai
d.

Vanessacoul
dn'
thel
pbutsmi
l
e,

Theseki
dsar
esomet
hingel
se.
"
Sekani
,

He'
syourpapa,
sodon'
tsayt
hatabouthi
m andi
tisn'
tgoodt
othr
owpeopl
esgi
ftaway
,

Youcangi
vei
toutt
osomeoneel
sei
fyoudon'
tl
ikei
t.
"Shet
oldt
heboy
,

Hebentandpi
ckedupt
hegi
ftwi
thhi
slef
thand,

I
ndi
cat
inghi
sri
ghthandi
stoopr
eci
oust
otouchi
t.

I
mmedi
atel
yKencamet
ojoi
nthem,

"
Thel
awy
er'
sher
e,

Let
'sgoseat
ed.
"Het
oldVanessaandt
heki
dsandsoonev
ery
onewasseat
ed.

"
Let
'st
hecour
tsessi
onbegi
n."Thej
udgesai
d.

Inthel
ongr
unbot
hYuv
raj
'
slawy
erandVanessa'
slawy
erbat
tl
edonwho'
sri
ghtt
obewi
tht
he
kid.

Seei
ngthefactthathi
scl
ientwasgoi
ngtolosecustodyoft
hechi
l
dbear
ingt
hef
actt
hathe'
d
abusedhi
swi f
eandshe'dlostt
wopregnanci
esforhim,

Themanmadeapet
it
iont
ocour
t.

"
Yourhonor
,

Theboyi
nquest
ionshoul
dbegi
venhi
sri
ghtt
ochosewhohewant
s,

Butasi
tst
andsnowhe'
sdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
ochosehi
smot
her
.
I
fmyclientwoul
dbegi
vent
heoppor
tuni
tyt
ohav
etheboyl
i
vewi
thhi
mforj
ustt
woweeksand
af
tert
woweeks,

Theboyshoul
ddeci
dedwhoheact
ual
l
ywant
stost
aywi
th.
"Yuv
raj
'
slawy
ersai
d,

Vanessagaspedwhi
l
eYuv
raj
nodded,

Thi
swasal
lhi
sidea.

"
No!

No,
mysoni
sn'
tgoi
ngwi
thany
one.
"Vanessacr
ied,

Shet
urnedt
oKen,

"
Hewant
stot
akemysonaway
,

He'
sdoi
ngt
hissohecant
akemyboyaway
."Shecr
iedt
oKen.

"
Obj
ect
ionmyhonor
..
."

"
Obj
ect
ionov
err
uled.
."

Thej
udgei
nter
rupt
edKen'
slawy
er,

Themansatdownback.

"
Myhonor
,i
fmycl
i
entshoul
dbegr
ant
edt
hisoppor
tuni
ty,

I
t'
ll
hel
pingi
vi
ngt
heki
dabal
ancedment
ali
ty,

Sohecanknowbet
terwhot
ochose.

I
fnot
,i
twoul
dbeunf
airt
omakehi
m chosenowwhenhedoesn'
tnowhowmuchhi
sfat
herl
ove
hi
m."Thel
awy
ersai
dindef
enseofYuv
raj
.

"
Thi
sisdef
ini
tel
yagoodi
dea

MrCal
l
ist
o,"Themant
urnedt
othecour
taudi
ence,

"
Doesany
onehasany
thi
ngt
oaddt
othi
sbef
oreIpassmyj
udgement
?"Heasked,

Vanessa'
slawy
erst
oodup,

"
Yourhonor
,

Iwoul
dli
keoft
heday
sinquest
ionshoul
dber
educed,

Twoweeksi
stoomucht
osepar
ateamot
herf
rom heronl
yson.
"Themansai
dandsatdown
back,

"
Okay
,"Thej
udgel
ookedatYuv
raj
'
slawy
er,

Themannodded,

"
Iagr
ee.
"Hesai
d.

"
Theni
t'
sset
tl
ed,

Theboywoul
dli
vei
nwi
thhi
sfat
herf
oroneweekandaf
tert
hat
,

He'
stodeci
dewhohewant
stost
aywi
th.

Thi
scour
tsessi
oni
sadj
our
nedt
oThur
sdaynextweekf
orf
inal
hear
ing.
"Thej
udgesai
d.

Vanessabr
okedown,

Theywantt
otakehersonawayf
rom her
,

Thi
sisal
lthei
rpl
ant
otakehersonawayf
rom her
,
OneweekandYuv
raj
woul
dbr
ainwashhersonl
i
kehedi
dinherdr
eam,

Theboywoul
dev
ent
ual
l
ytakeupwi
thhi
sfat
herandwoul
dleav
eher
.

Af
tert
hecour
tsessi
on,

Kenwentt
omeethi
slawy
er,

"
MrSt
edman,

Ther
e'snot
hingt
hatcanbedoneher
e,

Wej
usthav
etowai
tti
l
ltheoneweekel
apsest
oknowwhatnextt
odobutf
ornow,

Wecan'
tdoat
hing.
"Het
oldKen.

Kenwasmad,

Hecan'
tbel
i
eveYuv
raj
coul
dpl
aysomet
hingl
i
ket
hisont
hem,

Her
eal
l
ysnuckpasst
hem t
hist
ime.

Theonl
ythi
nghecoul
ddowast
oconsol
eVanessaast
heydr
ovehome,

"
Itcoul
dhav
ebeenwor
stbuti
tisn'
ttoobadnow,

Wej
ustgatt
owai
tti
l
lthi
soneweekel
apse.
"Het
oldher
,

Shewassobbi
ngandsai
dnot
hing,

Hej
ustpi
ti
edher
.

ItwasKenwhot ol
dSekani
ofthecour
tdeci
sionandi
twasKenwhoconsol
edt
heboyand
hel
pedhi
m packedhisst
uff
s,
Vanessawast
ooweak,

Tobr
okent
odot
hat
.

"
Isn'
tmamacomi
ngwi
thme?
"TheboyaskedKen,

"
No,

You'
regoi
ngal
one,

You'
regoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thy
ourpapa.
"Het
oldt
heboy
,

"
ButIdon'
twantt
o,

Iwantt
ost
aywi
thmama.
"Theboycr
ied,

"
That
'swhatweal
lwantbutt
hecour
tdeci
dedy
ou'
l
lhav
etost
aywi
thy
ourpapaf
oroneweek,

Thenaf
tert
hatt
hey
'l
lknowwher
etopl
acey
ou.
"Kenexpl
ainedt
ohi
m,

"
Buty
ouhav
etodomeaf
avor
..
"Het
oldt
heboy
,

"
Isawi
tint
hecommer
cial
sthatPS5hasj
ustbeenr
eleased,

Howwoul
dyoul
i
kei
fIgeti
tfory
ou?
"Heaskedt
heboy
,

Hesmi
l
edandnodded.

"
You'
vet
opr
omi
semet
hataf
terev
ery
thi
ng,

Youwon'
tl
eav
eyourmama.

Nomat
terwhaty
ourpapadoesorwhathesay
,
Youshoul
donl
ychosey
ourmamaokay
."Het
oldt
heboy
,

"
I'
ll
nev
erl
eav
emymama,

Nev
erev
er.
"Sekani
sai
dpr
oudl
y,

"
I'
m mymama'
sli
tt
leguar
dianangel
andIwon'
tev
erl
eav
eher
."Theboypr
omi
sed,

Kensmi
l
edandr
uff
ledt
heboy
'sni
cecur
lyaf
ro.

Hehopest
hatt
heboyl
i
veupt
ohi
spr
omi
seandnev
ergetbr
ainwashedbyYuv
raj
int
hel
ongr
un.

SoonYuv
raj
knockedont
hedoor
,

Kenwentt
ogeti
t,

"
Myboy
."Yuv
raj
smi
l
edatt
heboy
,

Hedi
dn'
tsmi
l
eback,

"Don'
tworr
y,y
ou'
regoi
ngt
ohaveasmuchf
unasy
ou'
veev
erhadsi
nce.
"Heassur
edt
heboybut
sti
ll
thel
it
tl
emandidn'
tsmil
eback,

"
Okayl
et'
sgo,

Youwon'
twannami sswhatI
'
vei
nst
ockf
ory
ou.
"Het
oldt
heboyashet
ookhi
sli
tt
lespi
der
man
l
uggagef
rom Ken,

Tookt
heboy
'shandandwal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoor
.

"
Mama!
"Theboycr
iedashewasl
edout
sidebyYuv
raj
,

"
Mama!
"Hecr
iedl
ouder
,
"
Mama!
"

"
Sekani
!"Vanessar
ushedout
side,

Shewascr
yingasshewentt
owher
ehersonwas,

Theboyl
etgoofYuv
raj
'
shandandr
anbackt
ohi
smama.

"
Mama,
Idon'
twantt
ogowi
thhi
m,"Hecr
ied,

"
Idon'
twanthi
m orany
body
,

Ij
ustwanty
ouandnooneel
se.
"Hecr
iedashel
ayhi
sheadonhershoul
der
,

Vanessawasi
ntear
stoo.

"
Sekani
mommydoesn'
twanty
out
oleav
etoo,

Mommywant
syout
obebyhersi
def
orev
er.
"Shesai
dtot
heboy
,

Kenwashear
tbr
okenseei
ngherl
i
ket
hat
,

Hecamecl
oserandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundher
.

"
Mama,
don'
tl
etmegopl
ease,

Don'
tl
ethi
mtakemewi
thhi
m,

Ij
ustwantt
ost
aywi
thy
ou,

Don'
tl
etmego.
"Theboywascr
yinghar
der
,

I
tki
l
ledKenmor
etoseet
heboyl
i
ket
his,
"
I'
ll
beagoodboy
,

Iwon'
tcal
lAr
ianadummyandIwon'
tbenaught
ybutdon'
tsendmeaway
.

Iwon'
tmakeanyt
roubl
eandwon'
taskf
ormor
echocol
atesbutpl
easedon'
tsendmeaway
,

Don'
tl
etmego.
"Hecr
iedmor
e.

Yuvr
ajcametowheret
heboywascr
yingandt
ookhi
mfr
om Vanessaev
enwhent
heki
dfought
har
dnottoletgo,

Yuv
raj
tookhi
m byf
orce.
..

"
Mama!

"
Mama!

MamaIdon'
twantt
ogo.

MamaI
'
llbeagoodboy
,

Idon'
twantt
ogomama!
"Hecr
iedl
ouderashef
lewhi
sli
mbsev
ery
wher
e,

Hewi
ggl
edhi
sbodyhar
d

Yuv
raj
didn'
tl
ethi
m go.

Hecr
iedl
ouder
,

Sol
oud,

Hi
svoi
cebegant
ocr
oak,

Louderi
tpi
ercedKen'
searmor
e.
Soonsomeonet
uggedhi
slegs,

"
DaddySekani
isl
eav
ing,

Daddydon'
tl
ethi
m gopl
ease,

Tel
lthem t
obr
ingSekani
backt
ous.
"ItwasAr
iana,

Thel
i
ttl
egi
rlwascr
yingt
oo.

Soonshel
eftherdaddyandr
ant
oVanessawhowasst
andi
ngaheadofhi
m,

Shewentt
oherandt
uggedherdr
ess,

"
Tel
lhi
mtobr
ingSekani
backaunt
,

Heshoul
dn'
ttakehi
m awaypl
ease.

We'
renotgoi
ngt
obenaught
y,

Sekani
isn'
tnaught
y,

I
'
mthenaught
yone.

Tel
lhi
mtobr
inghi
m back.
"Thel
i
ttl
egi
rlcr
iedt
uggi
ngVanessa'
scl
othes,

Shecoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.

Yuv
raj
car
ri
edt
heboyandst
rappedhi
mint
othebackseat
,

Thenhel
ockedt
hedoorandwentt
othedr
iver
'sseat
.

Fr
om wher
etheywer
est
andi
ng,

Theycoul
dst
il
lseet
heboyhi
tt
ingt
hewi
ndowgl
asswi
thhi
sfi
stt
ryi
ngt
ogetout
,
Hewascr
yingcal
l
inghi
smama,

Tel
l
ingherhewon'
tbeabadki
dany
mor
e,

Hewasgoi
ngt
obegood,

Tel
l
inghert
ocomegethi
m,

Hedidn'twantt
oleav
eherandwat
chi
nghercr
yasshecal
l
edhi
snamebutt
heycoul
dn'
tbewi
th
eachother,

Atl
eastnotf
ort
henextsev
enday
s.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
30PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYTHREE

Yuvr
ajhaddr
oveaboutaf
ewmi
l
esf
rom Vanessa'
swhenhenot
icedt
heboywasn'
tcr
ying
anymor
e,

Het
urnedandsawt
hel
i
ttl
eboyhadf
all
enasl
eep,

Hebr
oughtouthi
scel
l
phone.

"
Hel
l
o."Hewascal
l
ingsomeone,

"
We'
reonourway
,

Makesur
eev
ery
thi
ng'
saccommodat
ingandgoodf
orasi
xyearol
d.
I
sthenannyt
her
eal
ready
?"Heaskedt
heper
sonhecal
l
ed,

"
Okay
,

Expectusl
atert
oni
ght
,

Iwantt
oal
l
owhi
m hav
esomef
unbef
orebr
ingi
nghi
m home.
"Het
oldt
heper
sonandhungup,

Hel
ookedatt
heboyagai
n.

"
Youwon'
twantt
ogobackt
oyourmommyaf
tert
hisoneweek,

I
nfact
,she'
l
lhav
etocomest
aywi
thusi
nournewhouse.
"Hesai
dandbegandr
ivi
ngagai
n.

I
nbi
dtomaket
heboyhappybef
oregoi
nghome,

Hedeci
dedt
otakehi
mtoani
cecr
eam par
lourt
hatwasout
sidet
own.

Whenhegott
her
e,hewoket
heboyupandcar
ri
edhi
minsi
det
heshop,

"
Putmedown.
"Theboysai
dtohi
m.

I
nor
dert
opl
easet
hechi
l
d,

Hecar
eful
l
yputhi
sfeetdownandt
ookhi
shand,

Theboyt
ookhi
shandsf
rom hi
m andwal
kedi
ntot
heshopal
one.

Whent
heygoti
n,

Yuv
raj
order
edf
ormi
xedf
lav
ori
cecr
eam f
ort
heboy
,

Sekani
sai
dnot
hingt
il
lthemanbr
oughtt
hei
cecr
eam bowl
tot
heboy
.

Sekani
didn'
ttoucht
hei
cecr
eam,
"
Sondon'
tyoul
i
kei
t?"

Yuv
raj
askedashet
ookascoopofi
t,

Theboydi
dn'
tl
ookathi
m,

Di
dn'
trai
sehi
sheadup.

He'
str
yingt
osnubme,

Want
ingt
odr
ivemecr
azy
.

Het
houghtt
ohi
msel
f,

Butnowor
ri
esson,

I
'
llputupwi
thy
ourchar
act
er.

Hecal
l
edt
hei
cecr
eam manandaskedhi
mtot
akeawayt
heunt
oucheddef
rost
edi
cecr
eam,

Sekani
sti
l
lsai
dnot
hing.

Af
terst
ayi
ngf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esal
onet
hinki
ngt
heboywoul
dsayany
thi
ngt
ohi
m,

Sekani
smashedhi
m bad,

Hedi
dn'
tev
enl
ookatt
hemansey
esnorsai
dany
thi
ngt
ohi
m,

Hewasj
ustt
her
e,

Thi
nki
ngofhi
smama.

Hav
ingenoughoft
heboyat
ti
tude,

Yuv
raj
stoodup,

"
Let
'sgo.
"Het
oldt
heboy
,

Theboyst
oodupandf
oll
owedhi
mtot
hecar
.
Thenextpl
acehewentt
owast
heMal
l
,

Hewant
edt
ogett
henotsomet
oys.

Ki
dsl
ovet
oys,

Thosepl
ushi
esandst
uff
edt
oys,

Car
sandt
rucks,

Heknewf
oroncehi
ssonwoul
dbr
ight
enup.

Butt
ohi
sut
mostt
heboywasn'
tmov
ed,

Notev
enwhenheshowedhi
mthenewHotwheel
cart
rackscol
l
ect
ion.
.

"
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?

I
t'
sver
ybeaut
if
ul.
"Hesai
dtot
heboyasheshowedhi
mthebox,

Sekani
sai
dnot
hing,

"
Youdon'
t,

Let
'sl
ookf
orsomet
hingel
se.
"Hesai
dtot
heboy
,

Hewentt
othet
ruck'
sbox,

"
Wow.
..

Ar
en'
tthi
samazi
ng?

Ther
ear
edi
ff
erentt
ypes,

Chooset
heoney
ouwant
."Het
oldt
heboy
,

Sekani
stoodandwat
chhi
mli
kest
atuemov
ingwhennecessar
y..
..
.
He'
str
yingt
odr
ivemenut
ssoIwoul
ddosomet
hingst
upi
d,

ButIwon'
t,

Nev
er.

Yuv
raj
tookadeepbr
eat
heandwentt
owher
etheboywasst
andi
ng,

"
Don'
tyoul
i
kei
ther
e?"Heaskedhi
m cal
mly
,

"
Ther
ear
emanybeaut
if
ult
oysy
oucanchoosef
rom,

I
'
llgety
ouany
oney
ouwant
,j
ustment
ioni
t.
"Het
oldt
heboybutst
il
lhesai
dnot
hing,

Hewasj
usthol
dinghi
siPadl
i
kehemeantmor
ethanal
lthet
oysi
ntheshopputt
oget
her
.

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Yuv
raj
yel
l
ed,

He'
dhadenoughoft
heboy
'sat
ti
tude,

Hepl
acedhi
shandsont
heboy
'sshoul
derandshookhi
m har
d,

"
Tal
ktomeboy
,

Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Hey
ell
edl
ouder
,

Peopl
etur
nedandwasl
ooki
ngatt
hem,

"
Tal
ktome,

You'
renotdumb,
you'
redr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
."Hey
ell
edatt
heboy
,

Soont
heboyst
art
edcr
ying,

HeleftYuv
raj
andr
ant
otheunf
ami
l
iarel
der
lywomanwhowaspushi
nghercar
tpastt
het
oy
sect
ion.

Thewomanwassur
pri
sedast
heboyhuggedherandbegant
ocr
y,
"
Iwantmymama.
"Hecr
iedsof
tl
y.

Yuv
raj
wal
kedupt
othem,

"
Sekani
comeher
enow,

I
'
m sor
ryIl
ostmyt
emper
."Shesai
dtot
heboy
,

"
Lit
tl
eboy
,"Theel
der
lywomancal
l
edt
heboy
,

Hel
ookedather
,

"
Iwantt
ogot
omymama.
"Hesai
dtoherwi
thhi
stear
ssmear
edf
ace,

Shel
ookedatYuv
raj
,

"
Wher
e'shi
smot
her
?"Sheaskedhi
m,

"
She'
soutoft
own,

Wi
l
lbebacknextweekend.
"Hel
i
ed,

"
Boygot
oyourpapaokay
,

Yourmommywi
l
lbebacksoon.
"Shet
oldt
heboy
,

Yuv
raj
camecl
oserandt
ookt
heboyf
rom t
hewoman,

Sekani
rel
uct
ant
lywentwi
thhi
m butst
il
lsai
dnowor
dtohi
m.

Hehel
dtheboy
shandandl
edhi
mtot
hecar
,

Car
eful
l
yst
rappedhi
mint
henhedr
oveof
f,

Nowt
hist
ime,

He'
staki
nghi
m home.
Home,
het
hought
.

I
twasanewl
ypur
chasedhouseheboughtj
ustbecauseoft
heboy
,

I
twoul
dn'
tbewi
set
aki
ngt
heboyt
othehot
el,

Sohet
houghti
t'
sbet
tert
ogethi
msel
fagoodhouse.

Thi
snewhousewassi
tuat
ednearRi
oVi
sta,

I
twasadupl
exmansi
onwi
tht
hewat
err
ightbehi
ndi
t.

I
t'
speacef
ulnessandser
eni
tywaswhatmadehi
m geti
t,

I
tremi
ndedhi
m mor
eofhi
sBeachhousei
ntheOut
erBanks.

Whenhedr
ovei
ntot
hel
argeent
rance,

Hewasf
ir
stgr
eet
edmyhi
ssecur
it
yguar
dandhi
sdr
iver
,

"
Wel
comeSi
r.
"Theyt
oldhi
m whenhegotout
,

Sekani
wasasl
eepagai
nint
hepassenger
'sseat
.

"
Gett
heboy
'sl
uggageandt
akei
ttohi
sroom.
"Het
oldhi
sdr
iver
,

Heopenedt
hebackdoorandt
her
ewast
heboy
,

Coi
l
edupont
her
edl
eat
herseat
,

Hewassl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
y.

Hebenti
nandcar
ri
edt
heboy
,
Hemuf
fl
edsomeobsceni
ti
eswhi
chYuv
raj
didn'
tunder
stood.

"
Ist
henannyher
e?"Heaskedhi
sdr
iver
,

Themannodded.

"
Tel
lhert
opreparehi
m awarm bat
handaskt
hecookt
oopr
epar
ehi
sdi
nner
."Heor
der
edt
he
manashecarr
iedtheboyi
ntot
helivi
ngr
oom.

Soont
henanny
,anel
egantl
ooki
ngl
adyr
usheddownst
air
s,

"
Wel
comeSi
r.
"Shesai
dtoYuv
raj
,

Hel
ookedathi
sdr
iverandsmi
l
ed,

Themangothi
m absol
utel
ywhatheneeded.

"
Takehi
m andgethi
m awar
m shower
,

Iguesshewoul
dn'
twantacol
dbat
h."Hecar
eful
l
yhandedt
henott
oher
,

Shecoul
dn'
tcar
ryt
heboy
,

Soshehadt
owakehi
m upsohecangoupst
air
swi
thhersuppor
t.

Hi
sroom wasel
egant
lyf
urni
shed,

Wi
thl
i
ghtbl
uewal
l
sandt
hecei
l
ingwasal
lwhi
tewi
thdi
mli
ght
ings.

Hi
sbedwasdoubl
ethesi
zehe'
dathomewi
thhotwheel
'
sbl
anketspr
eadneat
lyoni
t,

He'
daTVi
nther
oom,

Thet
oycabi
netandal
sohi
sbooksshel
fandacomput
erdesk.
Thel
adyl
edhi
minandmadehi
m si
tont
hecomf
ybed,

Shehel
pedhi
m unt
iehi
ssneaker
sandhi
ssocks,

Shel
edhi
mtot
hebat
hroom,

Hi
sMi ckeyMousedesi
gnedbat
hroom andwant
edt
otakeof
fhi
scl
othessoshecoul
dbat
he
hi
m butheref
used.

"
Boyy
ou'
vet
otakeof
fyourcl
othessoy
oucanhav
eashower
."Shet
oldhi
m,

Hest
oodandst
aredatherl
i
keshewasspewi
ngt
rash.

"
Youneedt
ogetof
fyour
..
..
."

Hest
art
edcr
ying,

Shef
rowned,

"
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Youdon'
twannahav
eyourshower
?"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hesai
dnot
hing,

Hej
ustcl
osedt
hel
eat
hercur
tai
nhangi
ngar
oundt
hebat
htub,

Gotof
fhi
scl
othesandshower
edhi
msel
f.

What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hischi
l
d?

Thel
adyaskedher
sel
fsur
pri
sedatt
heboy
'sat
ti
tude.

Sekani
ref
useddi
nnert
hatni
ght
,

Ev
enwhenYuv
raj
pleadedwi
thhi
mto,
Hel
eftt
hedi
ningtabl
eandwentt
other
oom wher
ehewasl
ooki
ngathi
smama'
sphot
oinhi
s
i
Padti
ll
hefi
nall
yfel
lasl
eep.

Meanwhi
l
eVanessawast
hrowi
ngherownf
itathomeaf
terYuv
raj
lef
twi
tht
heboy
,

Sher
efusedt
otal
ktoany
one,

Ref
usedl
unchanddi
nnert
oo.

"
Vanessapl
easeeatsomet
hing,
"Kenpl
eadedwi
thher
,

I
t'
sbeenaf
ewhour
ssi
ncet
heboyl
eftandshe'
dref
usedanyf
ood.

Shesai
dnot
hingt
ohi
m nei
therdi
dsheev
enl
ookathi
m,

Shewasy
ear
ningf
orherson.

I
tbecamesobadwhensher
efuseddi
nnert
oo,

Kenhadt
ri
edev
erypossi
blemeanst
omakehereat
,

Ev
enpr
omi
singt
ofacet
imeSekani
butshedi
dn'
tbul
ge.

Hebecamesoscar
edhe'
dtocal
lPadmaandt
ell
heroft
henewdev
elopment
,

Padmawasshocked.

"
Whydi
dn'
tany
onet
ell
meaboutt
hissi
nce?
"SheaskedKen,

"
Sor
ryma.
"Kensai
dtoher
,

"
Wher
e'sVanessa?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

"
She'
sinherr
oom.
"Kenr
epl
i
edher
,
"
Getheront
hephone.
"Shet
oldKenandhewentt
ogi
vehert
hephone.

WhenVanessahear
dPadma'
svoi
ce,

Shebr
okedownagai
n,

I
ttookqui
teal
otf
rom KenandPadmat
ofi
nal
l
ycal
m herdown.

Padmapr
omi
sedhershe'
l
lbecomi
ngsoon,

Shesaidshewant
edt
owr
apupt
heSummerI
ceChar
it
yEv
entandwi
l
lbei
nHoust
onbef
oret
he
weekrunsout
,

ButmadeVanessapr
omi
sehershe'
l
leatandwon'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
dbef
oresheget
sther
e.

Af
tert
hephonecal
l
,

Kenwentt
ogetherdi
nnerbutwhenhecameback,

Vanessahadshutt
hedoorf
rom i
nsi
de,

Shewant
edhersonandnotdi
nner
.

Thenextt
woday
swer
ehect
icf
orYuv
raj
andKent
hankst
oSekani
andVanessa,

Bot
hmot
herandsoncaughtf
everandhadr
efusedmedi
cat
ioni
fnott
akent
oeachot
her
.

"
Sir
,hehasr
efusedhi
smedi
cat
ionagai
n."Thenannyt
oldYuv
raj
ont
het
hir
dni
ght
,

"
Agai
n?"Heasked,

Thel
adynodded,

"
What
'supwi
tht
hatsonofmi
ne?
He'
ssohar
dheaded.
"Hesi
ghed,

"
He'
sjustl
i
kehi
sfat
her
."Thedr
ivermut
ter
ed,

Yuv
raj
glar
edathi
m.

"
Yousai
dwhat
?"

"
Not
hing,

Isai
dheneedst
otakei
t.
"Themanj
erkedandl
i
edbef
oreYuv
raj
woul
dventhi
sangeronhi
m.

"
Wher
e'shenow?
"Heaskedt
hel
ady
,

"
Inhi
sroom Si
r.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Let
'sgoseehi
m."Yuv
raj
sai
dtoherandt
heyal
lwentt
omeett
heboy
.

Sekani
wasl
yi
ngont
hebedwi
tht
hebl
anketonhi
m,

Whent
hedooropened,

"
Mama.
"Hi
ssmal
landweakv
oicecal
l
ed,

"
It
'snoty
ourmamaboy
,

Yourmamahasr
efusedt
ocomeher
e.

Ical
l
edherbutshesai
dshe'
snotcomi
ng.
"Yuv
raj
li
edt
otheboy
,

Hesatbesi
dehi
m andt
ookhi
shead,

"
Ijustcal
l
edy
ourmamanowt
ocomeseey
oubutshesai
dshedoesn'
twanty
ouany
mor
e,

Shesai
dshe'
snotcomi
ngt
oseey
ouagai
n."Hel
i
edt
otheboy
,

Thedr
iverandt
hemai
dfr
owned,
"
It
'sal
i
e."Theboysai
dweakl
y,

"
Mamawoul
dnev
erl
eav
eme,

Mamal
ovesmeal
otandshewoul
dnev
erl
eav
eme,

Shesai
dshe'
l
lal
way
sbet
her
eforme.
"Theboyar
gued,

"
I'
mtel
l
ingt
het
rut
h."Yuv
raj
sai
dwi
thapat
het
icf
ace,

"
Iwassur
pri
sedt
oowhen.
..
."

"
Cal
lhernowl
etmet
alkt
ohermy
sel
f,

Cal
lhernowandl
etmet
alkt
oher
."Hechal
l
engedYuv
raj
,

Themanwasshocked.
.

Whatki
ndofasoni
sthi
spl
ease?

Heaskedhi
msel
f,

Thi
sboyt
rusthi
smot
herwayt
oomuchi
twon'
tbeeasyt
osethi
m agai
nsther
,

I
twon'
tbeatal
l
.

"
Cal
lhernow.
"Theboysai
dinhi
sal
readyweakv
oice,

"
Ify
oudon'
tcal
lher
,

Iwon'
ttakemymedi
cat
ionandI
'
llbecomemor
esi
ck.
"Het
hreat
enedt
hem,

Ev
ent
hedr
iverandnannybecamesur
pri
sedt
oo.

"
OkayI
'
llcal
lher
."Yuv
raj
sai
dtot
heboy
,

Hebr
oughtouthi
sphoneanddi
all
edt
hewr
ongnumber
,
I
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough.

"
Yousee,
shehasr
efusedt
otakemycal
l
s."Het
oldt
heboy
,

Theboyf
rowneddeeper
,

"
Cal
lheragai
n."Het
oldhi
m,

Hedi
dcal
lagai
nbuti
twast
hesamewr
ongnumberhecal
l
edear
li
er.

I
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough,

"
She'
snott
aki
ngmycal
l
snow.
"Hesai
dtot
heboy
,

"
Nowt
akey
ourmedi
cat
ionson,

I
fyousee,
I
'mt
heonl
yonet
hatcar
esabouty
ou,

Yourmommydon'
t,

Shemustbepr
obabl
yhav
ingf
unwi
tht
hatot
hermannow.

Theyhav
efor
got
tenabouty
ou,

ButI
'myourf
ather
,Iwon'
tfor
getabouty
oucauseIl
ovey
ousomuchandIdon'
twanty
out
obe
hur
torsi
ck,

Takey
ourmedi
cat
ionboypl
ease.
"Het
oldt
heboy
,

Thent
urnedt
othenur
sewhenhesawt
heboyhasmel
ted,

"
Giv
eitt
ohi
m."Het
oldher
,

Shenodded,

Camecl
oseandgav
etheboyt
hemedi
cat
ions.

"
Youcanr
estnowokay
,
I
'
llwat
chov
ery
ou.
"Het
oldher
,

Theboyr
est
edhi
sheadonYuv
raj
'
sthi
ghsandi
nnot
ime,

Hef
ell
asl
eep.

I
mmedi
atel
yhedi
d,

Yuv
raj
snuckoutoft
her
oom,

Thenannywasl
essbusysi
ncet
heyboywasasl
eep,

Soheaskedhert
ocomet
akecar
eofhi
mint
urn.

Shut
ti
ngt
heboy
'sr
oom,

Hel
edhert
ohi
s.

I
nthenextf
ewday
slef
t,

Yuv
raj
succeededi
nwi
nni
ngt
heboyov
er,

I
twasn'
teasyashi
ssonwasat
oughupboybutheev
ent
ual
l
ydi
d.

Hemadehi
m bel
i
evet
hatVanessat
ookhi
m awayf
rom hi
m andr
efusedhi
mfr
om seei
nghi
m.

Hetoldt
heboythatVanessawant
edt
oleav
ehi
mforKenandt
hatwaswhyshe'
sly
ingt
ohi
m
abouthi
sfat
her
,

Hetol
dtheboysomanyil
lthi
ngsaboutVanessaandl
i
keev
erychi
l
dSekani
bel
i
evedhi
m
f
orget
ti
nghispr
omiset
oKen.

Vanessa'
sil
l
nessgotsobad,
Kenbecamescar
ed,

Sher
efusedt
oseet
hedoct
ororev
enal
l
owhi
mrunacheckonher
.
Shedi
stanther
sel
ffr
om ev
ery
oneandev
ery
thi
ng,

He'
dtobundl
ehert
othehospi
tal
byf
orce,

Sendi
ngAr
ianat
otheKi
ngal
i
s.

Thedoct
ordi
dsomef
ewt
estonherandt
oldt
hem t
ocomet
henextdayf
ort
her
esul
t,

Kenagr
eedandt
ookherhome.

Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ort
hem,

Ar
ianaf
ell
il
lthenextdayandt
heycoul
dn'
tgot
ogett
her
esul
t.

Kenhadtost
ayhomeandnurset
hel
i
ttl
egi
rlwhocaughtacol
dforst
ayi
ngi
ntheai
r-
condi
ti
oni
ngi
nawetclot
hes.

Vanessawhowasn'tint
erest
edintheresul
tfel
tit
'sout
ri
ghtusel
esst
oremi
ndKenabouti
tpl
us
tomorr
owisthecourtfi
nalhear
ingandshe'l
lgettoseeherson,

She'
dmor
eimpor
tantt
hingst
owor
ryaboutt
hanameagert
estr
esul
ttowor
ryabout
.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
32PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYFOUR

Thenextmor
ning'
srout
inewaspr
ett
yint
ensei
nbot
hhouse,
Yuvraj
wast
ryi
nghi
sal
lpossi
blebestt
omakeSekani
seer
easonsonwhyhe'
dtochosehi
s
daddy.

"
Ify
oudo,
yourmommywi
l
lhav
etocomel
i
vewi
thusbuti
fyoudon'
t,

Yourmommywill
takeyouawayfr
om meandwewon'
tbeacompl
etef
ami
l
yany
mor
e."Het
old
theboydoi
ngt
hei
rmorningwor
kout.

Thenewr
out
inehe'
dthel
i
ttl
eboyadj
ustt
o,

Hecal
l
sitwor
kingoutwi
thdaddy
.

"
Whati
fmamadoesn'
twantt
ocomewi
thus?
"Heaskedhi
m,

"
Doesi
tmeanI
'
llhav
etol
eav
ewi
thoutmymama?
"

Yuv
raj
sighed,

"
Yourmamacan'
tref
usenotst
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou,

Shel
ovesy
ouandwoul
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ou.
"Het
oldt
heki
d,

"
ButIt
houghty
ousai
dshedoesn'
tl
oveus?
"Theboyaskedhi
m,

"
Whendi
dIsayt
hat
?"Yuv
raj
wasget
ti
ngpi
ssedof
fnow,

"
Yousai
ditwhenIwassi
ck,

Yousai
dmamadoesn'
tl
oveusandshel
ovesuncl
eKenandAr
ianamor
e."Theboyt
oldhi
m..
.

Howbestam Igoi
ngt
oexpl
aini
ttot
hisboyt
hatheshoul
dacceptmenothi
smot
her
?

Yuv
raj
askedhi
msel
f.
"
Youdon'
t.
..
..
"

"
Sirt
her
e'sacal
lfory
ou.
"Hi
sdr
iveri
nter
rupt
ed,

Yuv
raj
tur
nedt
otheman,

"
Who'
sthat
?"Heasked,

Thedr
iverdi
dn'
twantt
osaywhot
hecal
l
erwasi
nfr
ontoft
heki
d..
.

Yuv
raj
under
stoodi
mmedi
atel
yitwassomet
hingpr
ivat
e,

Het
urnedt
ohi
sson,

"
Sekani
,

Daddywi
l
lbebacksoon,

Ineedt
otakeacal
l
."Het
oldt
heboyandl
eftt
hegy
mroom.

Af
terwai
ti
ngf
ormor
ethant
hir
tymi
nut
esf
orhi
spapat
ocomeback,

Sekani
goti
mpat
ientandl
eftt
her
oom,

Hewashopi
ngonget
ti
ngbacktohisr
oom upst
air
sandhav
ethenannygi
vehi
m hi
smor
ning
bat
hwhenhehear
dhi
sfat
her'
svoicef
rom t
hestudyr
oom.

Temptedtohearwhat'
shappeni
ngsi
ncehi
sfat
herwasy
ell
i
nghewentt
othedoorandpeeped
thr
oughthel
it
tleopeni
ngbythedoor
,

"
Ifhei
nsi
stongoi
ngwi
thhi
smom,

Thenwe'
vet
oputpl
anBt
owor
k."Hehear
dhi
sfat
hersay
,

"
Tel
lthephot
ogr
aphert
ober
eadyandwel
lonwher
ewewanthi
m,
Heneedst
ocapt
ureev
ery
thi
ng,

Thati
diotwoul
dleav
eVanessaf
orgoodofourpl
anwor
ks.
"Theboybecamescar
ed.
.

Ar
etheypl
anni
ngonhur
ti
nghi
smama?

Whatpl
anar
etheyt
alki
ngabout
?

Hesnuckupst
air
sandf
lewt
ohi
sroom whenhenot
icedhi
spapat
urnt
othedoor
,

"
Whatar
etheypl
anni
ng?
"Heaskedhi
msel
f,

Hewasper
tur
bed,

Thatmeanshi
spapawasabadper
sonl
i
keUncl
eKenhadt
oldhi
m..
.

NoIcan'
tst
aywi
thhi
m,

I
'
llgot
omymama,

I
fI'
m wi
thhert
hennoonewoul
dhur
ther
,

Noone.

Meanwhi
l
ebackathome,

Kenwasmaki
ngser
iesofcal
l
s,

Heneededt
omakesur
eSekani
doesn'
tgowi
thYuv
raj
,

I
twoul
dbr
eakVanessat
hemor
eandshe'
l
lbef
orcedt
odr
opt
hedi
vor
cecaseagai
nstYuv
raj
,

Hecan'
ttakesuchr
isk.

Att
hemai
nti
me,

Padmacal
l
ed,
Shesai
dshe'
l
lbel
andi
ngsoon.

"
Vanessaar
eyour
eadyy
et?
"Kenaskedl
oudl
yfr
om out
side,

She'
dbeeni
nherr
oom f
orqui
teawhi
l
enow.

Nor
epl
y,

"
Vanessaar
eyour
eadyy
et?
"Heaskedagai
n,

Thi
sti
meaboutl
ouder
,

St
il
lnor
epl
y.

Hi
shear
tsank,

Hasshedonesomet
hingst
upi
d?

Hepul
l
edt
heknoboft
hedoorandopenedi
t,

Herr
oom wasempt
y,

"
Vanessa.
"Hecal
l
edher
,

Nor
epl
y.

Hedeci
dedt
ocheckt
hebat
hroom si
ncei
tsdoorwassl
i
ght
lyaj
ar,

Hepushedi
tandwenti
nsi
de.
..
.

Ther
eshewasi
nthewat
erf
il
ledbat
htub,

Shewascr
ying.

Her
ushedt
oherandsquat
tedbesi
deher
,

"
Vanessawhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
oyour
sel
f?"Heaskedher
,
"
Iassur
edyout
hatSekani
isnev
ergoi
ngt
ogowi
thYuv
raj
eveni
fitmeansmet
aki
ngdr
ast
ic
measur
es,

Iwon'
tal
l
owi
t.
"Het
oldher
,

Shesai
dnot
hing,

"
Vanessa,
stopcr
yingpl
ease,

Ihat
eseei
ngy
out
hisway
."Hesai
dashel
i
ftedherup,

Somet
hingf
ell
int
othet
ubbuthewast
oobusyget
ti
ngheroutt
onot
icewhati
tis.

Whenhegotherout
,

Het
ookhert
other
oom andgotherdr
essed,

I
twasnobi
gdeal
bei
ngnakedi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Thereweresomefewthi
ngshedidn'
ttakenot
eofwhi
lecl
addi
ngherandshewasatl
east
grat
eful
hedidn'
torpr
obabl
ynot
icedanddidn'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.

Whenhef
ini
shed,

Shelaybackont
hebedwhi
l
ehewentt
opr
epar
ebr
eakf
astf
orherandAr
ianawhowasabi
t
bet
ternow.

I
twasr
eal
hect
icf
orhi
m andhej
ustwi
shedPadmawoul
dbear
ri
vi
ngsooner
,

Hecan'
tbet
aki
ngcar
eofVanessaandAr
ianaatt
hesamet
imewi
thoutget
ti
ngmad.
..

Women.
Thecour
tsessi
onwasbynoon,

Sohe'
denought
imet
ogetpr
epar
edf
ori
t,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
orushi
ntot
hingsandendupr
uini
ngt
hem.

WhenPadmaar
ri
vedVanessawasasl
eepi
nherr
oom,

SoKenaskedhert
owat
chov
erVanessawhi
l
ehet
akesAr
ianat
othedoct
orf
orherl
ast
tr
eat
ment.

"
Sekani
..
."

Vanessawasmur
mur
ing,

Padmacameandsatbesi
deher
,

"
She'
sdr
eami
ngbouthersonagai
n.

Vanessa.
"Shet
appedher
,

"
Vanessa.
"Shecal
l
edasshet
appedhersl
owl
y,

Vanessaopenedherey
es,

"
Mom.
"Shecal
l
edPadma,

Thewomansmi
l
ed,

"
YesI
'
m her
e,

I
'
dtocomebef
orey
ouendupki
l
li
ngy
our
sel
f,

Sowhat
'supwi
thy
ou?
"Padmaaskedher
,

"
Ma,

Yuv
raj
hasgotSekani
..
.

I
'
m af
rai
dSekani
mightchoosehi
sfat
herov
ermeatt
hecour
ttoday
."Shesai
d,
"
Whydon'
tyouwantt
hat
?"Padmaaskedher
,

Vanessawassur
pri
sedt
hatPadmacoul
daskhert
hat
.

"
Vanessal
i
sten,

You'
vegatnot
hingt
obescar
edof
f.
..
.

Youcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
ourson,

Iknow.

Butyout
hinki
t'
l
lbeki
ndaunf
airi
fyoucompl
etel
ytaket
heboyf
rom Yuv
raj
too?
"Padmaasked
her
..
..

"
Idon'
twanty
out
oseet
hist
hatI
'
m suppor
ti
ngmysoncauseI
'
venev
erdonet
hatandy
ouknow,

Butt
het
rut
hst
il
lremai
nst
hatYuv
raj
isSekani
'
sfat
hert
oo.

Iknowhemightnothav
easmuchr i
ghtasy
oudoov
ert
heboybutIdon'
tthi
nky
oushoul
dtake
theboyawayf
rom hi
m compl
etel
y.

Youcanst
il
lgr
anthi
m accesst
ohi
sson,

Hav
etheboyspendt
imewi
thhi
mtoo.
"Padmasuggest
ed.

WhatPadmawassay
ingwast
het
rut
hact
ual
l
y,

Fort
hef
actt
hatshewon'
tret
urnt
ohi
m,

I
twoul
dbef
airandj
usti
ftheboycoul
dal
soseehi
sfat
her
.
I
tisn'
tamusthewoul
dli
vei
nwi
thhi
m,

Butt
hecour
twi
l
lgr
anthi
m per
missi
ononwhent
oseet
heboy
.

i
e-Iweekev
erymonthi
fthey
'regoi
ngtobeint
hesameci
tyort
hreet
ofourt
imesamont
hand
may
beheshoul
dspendvacat
ionswit
hhimtoo.

"
Youdon'
thav
etowor
ryabouthi
mtaki
ngt
heboyawaycompl
etel
yfr
om y
ou,

I
'
m goi
ngt
obewat
chi
ngov
erhi
mtoo.
"Padmaadded,

"
Okayma.
"Vanessasai
d,

Shecan'
tref
usePadma.
..

Atl
eastev
eni
fshedon'
ttr
ustYuv
raj
,

ShedoesPadmaandaf
terev
ery
thi
ngt
hewomanhaddonef
orher
,

I
t'
sthel
eastt
hingshecoul
ddof
orher
..
.

Nott
akehergr
andsonawayf
rom hert
otal
l
y.

"
Okayma.
"Vanessasai
dtot
hewomanandl
ayherheadbackot
hewoman'
sthi
ghs.

"
Mom wher
e'sKen?
"Sheaskedher
,

"
Hel
eftwi
thAr
iana,

Sai
dsheneedst
otakeherl
astt
reat
mentt
oday
..

He'
sreal
l
yexhaust
edIcansee.

YouandAr
ianahadsnappedhi
m outofl
i
fewi
thy
ourheal
th.
"Padmaj
okedbuti
twast
het
rut
h.
"
Iknow,

Wegav
ehi
m ar
athert
ought
ime,

Ihopehe'
sfi
ne.
"Shesai
dtoPadma.

Heshoul
dbe,

Theyhav
equi
teal
ott
otal
kabout
.

Theyl
eftf
ort
hecour
tbef
orenoon,

Atl
eastt
hankGodPadmawoul
dbear
ound,

Herpr
esencewoul
dhel
pal
ot.

Kenwaswi t
hVanessa'
slawyerwhi
l
eVanessa,
PadmaandAr
ianawer
etoget
heri
nthecour
t
ent
rancewhenYuvr
ajcame..
.

"
Mama!
"Sekani
cri
edf
rom t
hecarashesawhi
smot
her
,

"
Papa,
Iwantt
omeetmymama.
"Theboyt
oldYuv
raj
,

"
Boynotnow.
..
"

"
No!

Iwantt
omeetmymamanow.
"Theboyy
ell
edi
nanaut
hor
it
ati
vet
one,

Thedr
iverl
ookedatYuv
raj
once.

"
Sekani
whatdi
dyouandpapat
alkaboutathome?
"Yuv
raj
askedt
heboy
,

Hi
svoi
cewascal
m..
..

"
Mama!
"Theboycr
iedoutagai
n,
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
hewi
ndowgl
asswasupandsoundpr
oof
,

Soonecoul
dact
ual
l
yhearhi
m.

"
Sekani
beagoodboyandpapawoul
dtakey
out
othei
cecr
eam shopaf
tert
his.
..
."

"
Mama!
"Theboycr
iedagai
n.

"
BossIdon'
tthi
nkhe'
l
lli
stent
oyounow,

Lethi
m goseeher
..
."

"
Shutupy
ouf
ool
!"Hey
ell
edatt
hedr
iver
,

"
Youal
way
sgi
ver
easonsassi
l
lyasy
ou.
"Hei
nsul
tedt
hemanwhokeptshuti
mmedi
atel
y.

Yuv
raj
lookedatt
heboy
,

"
Sekani
lookatme.
"Heor
der
edt
heboy
,

"
Mama!
"Theboywassqui
rmi
ngi
nthebackseatnotev
enpay
ingat
tent
iont
ohi
m,

Sohe'
dtohol
dhi
m down,

"
Nowl
ookatme.
"Hi
svoi
cewasabi
tloudert
hist
imeandt
heboyst
opped,

"
Nowwheny
ougoi
nsi
deandi
saskedwhoy
ouwantt
obewi
th.
..

Youbet
terchoosemeorel
se.
..
"

Hi
sphoner
ang.

"
Boyi
fyour
eal
l
ylov
eyourmama,

Youbet
terchooset
oli
vewi
thmeorI
'
llt
akey
ourmamaawayf
rom y
ouf
orev
er,
Yougetme!

Don'
tdar
emakemeangr
ycausey
ouwon'
tl
ikeme.
"Het
hreat
enedt
heboy
.

Theboyhadt
okeepst
il
l,

Hedi
dn'
twantt
ochosehi
spapa,

Hewant
shi
smama.
.

Why
'spapaf
orci
ngmet
ochoosehi
m?

Theboyaskedhi
msel
f.

Af
ter
war
ds,

Theyl
eftt
hecar
,

Thel
i
ttl
eboycoul
dn'
tgot
ohi
smamacauseYuv
raj
war
nedhi
m nott
o.

He'
dtost
aywi
tht
hedr
iverwhi
l
eYuv
raj
got
alkt
ohi
slawy
er,

"
Uncl
e,
"Hecal
l
edt
hedr
iver
,

"
Iwantt
ouset
her
est
room.
"Het
oldt
heman,

Themansi
ghed,

"
Okayl
et'
sgo.
"Het
ookt
heboy
'shandandl
edhi
mtowar
dst
her
est
room.

Unawar
ebyt
hebot
h,

Kenwasr
ightbehi
ndt
hem,

Hewasdi
sgui
sedsonoonewoul
dknowi
t'
shi
m.

Heneededt
otal
ktoSekani
bef
oret
heboywoul
dbeputf
ort
htospeak,
Heknowssowel
lYuv
raj
musthav
epoi
sonedt
heboy
'smi
nd,

Sohehasapl
anofhi
sown.

Fol
l
owi
ngt
henotandYuv
raj
'
sdr
iverwasv
eryeasyf
orhi
m,

Takent
hef
actt
hathe'
daf
acebear
donandwaswear
inganov
ersi
zedcar
digan.
.

"Uncledon'
tyouknowwher
ether
est
room i
s?"Sekani
askedt
hedr
iverseei
ngt
hemanl
ooki
ng
confused,

"
Shutupboy
,

Iknow,

I
'
mjust
..
..
"

"
Heyboy
,

What
'r
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
"Thedi
sgui
sedKenaskedSekani
,

"
Iwantt
ouset herest
room butthi
suncl
eher
edoesn'
tev
enknowwher
eit
's.
"Sekani
tol
dthe
manunbeknownsttohimthatit
'sKen.

"
Okay
,

Letmet
akey
out
her
e,

Youseem t
ohav
ewal
kedpassi
t.
"Hesai
dtot
hem andt
ookt
heboy
'shand.

Hel
edt
heboyi
ntot
hemal
e'
ssect
ionoft
het
oil
etwhi
l
ethedr
iverwai
tedout
sidef
ort
hem.
I
mmedi
atel
ytheygoti
nsi
de,

Kenpul
l
edoutt
hatf
akebear
d,

"
Sekani
."Hecal
l
edt
heboy
,

Theboyt
urnedt
ohi
m,

"
Uncl
eKen.
"Hecal
l
edexci
tedl
y,

"
Wedon'
thav
eti
menow.
..
..

Whodoy
ouwantt
oli
vewi
th?
"Kenaskedt
heboy
,

"
Mymamabutpapasai
dIbet
terchoosehi
mifnothe'
sgoi
ngt
ohur
tmama.
"Theboysai
dsadl
y,

"
Okay
,

Iwanty
out
ochoosey
ourmamal
i
key
ouact
ual
l
ywant
edt
o,

Yourpapawon'
thur
thercauseI
'
llsor
toutev
ery
thi
ng.
"Het
oldt
heboy
,

Smi
l
eret
urnedt
ohi
sface,

"
Sur
e?"

"
Yes,
Ipr
omi
sedy
out
hatPS5v
ideogamer
ight
?

I
'
llgi
vei
ttoy
ouandal
somakesur
eyourmamai
ssaf
e,

Justchooseher
."Het
oldt
heboy
,

"
Anddon'
ttel
lyourpapat
hatwespokeokay
."Het
oldt
heboy
,

Henodded.
..

Thedooropenedi
mmedi
atel
y,
"
Heyar
en'
tyoudone?
"

Thedr
iver
'sv
oiceboomed.
..
..

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
34PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYFI
VE

Keni
mmedi
atel
yst
uckbackt
hef
akebear
ds,

"
Heyar
en'
tyoudone?
"Thedr
iveraskedt
hem comi
ngi
nsi
det
her
est
room.

"
I'
m done.
"Sekani
sai
dtot
hedr
ivert
ost
ophi
mfr
om comi
nganyf
urt
her
,

Themanf
rowned.

"
Theni
fyou'
redone,

Let
'sgo.
"Themansai
dtot
heboyt
aki
nghi
shands,

"
Thanky
ouUncl
e."Sekani
sai
dtoKenast
hemant
ookhi
m away
.

"
It
'st
ool
atef
ory
ouYuv
raj
,

Youcan'
tsucceedt
hist
imear
ound.
"Kensmi
l
edt
ohi
msel
fashet
ookoutt
hef
akemoust
ache
fr
om hi
sface.
Soont
hecour
tsessi
onbegan,

Sekani
wassi
tt
ingbesi
dehi
sfat
her
..
.

Twi
ceVanessal
ookedatt
heboydur
ingt
hesessi
on,

Hedi
dn'
tsmi
l
eback.
.

He'
sfi
nal
l
ybr
ainwashmyson,

Shet
houghtt
oher
sel
f.

Sekani
isn'
tmi
neany
mor
e,

Her
eal
l
yisn'
t.

"
YourHonor
,

It
hinki
t'
spret
tyi
rrel
evantt
ryi
ngtof i
ghtf
ortheboy'
scust
odyespeci
all
ywhenbot
hpar
ent
s
ar
en'tr
eal
lydi
vor
ced."Kenlawyersai
dtothejudge,

"
Yuvr
aj haven'
tyetsi
gnedthedi
vor
cepaper
sandbyal
lri
ghtst
il
lmar
ri
edt
oVanessaonl
ythat
t
heyaren'tl
ivi
ngtoget
her.

They
'r
esepar
atedbutst
il
ll
egal
l
ymar
ri
edsi
ncei
thasn'
tyetbeannul
l
ed,
"

Vanessawassur
pri
sed,

Whatpoi
nti
sthel
awy
erdr
ivi
ngat
?

"
Sincet
hedi
vor
cepr
ocesshasn'
tbeenl
egal
l
ycar
ri
edout
,

I
'
llsuggestt
heboyst
ayswi
thhi
smot
hert
il
lhi
sfat
heri
sreadyt
odi
vor
ceher
."Hesai
d..
.

Mur
mur
ingbegan,
Thej
udget
ooknot
e.

"
YourHonor
,

Mycl
i
enthadsi
gnedt
hedi
vor
cepaper
sandi
swai
ti
ngf
orMrSi
nght
osi
gnt
hem t
oo,

Si
ncehehasn'
tsi
gnedt
hem,

Whyf
ightf
orcust
odyoft
hechi
l
d?

I
t'
sjustl
i
ket
aki
ngachi
l
dfr
om hi
smot
herf
ornoj
ustcause,

IsuspectMrSinghhasanulteri
ormoti
veforwant
ingt
heboyandst
il
lnotwant
ingt
ogr
anthi
s
wifedi
vorce.
"Ken'
slawyersaidtothecour
t.

"
YourHonor
,"

Yuv
raj
lawy
erst
oodupi
ndef
ense,

"
Mycl
i
entMrSi
nghhasnoul
ter
iormot
ivei
fnotget
ti
nghi
sfami
l
ybackt
oget
her
.

Heknowshiswifewoul
dcomebackt
ohi
mifhehast
heboyandt
hat
'swhyhehasn'
tsi
gnedt
he
di
vor
cepapers.
.

Pl
uswear
en'
ther
efort
hedi
vor
ce,

We'
reher
eforwhoget
scust
odyoft
heboy
."Yuv
raj
lawy
erdef
endedhi
m..
.

"
YourHonor
,

Thegr
oundf
ordi
vor
cear
edomest
icv
iol
enceandr
ape,

Whi
chwomani
nherr
ightsensewoul
dgobackt
osuchmar
ri
age?

MrSinghi
sn'
tev
enr
emor
sef
ulf
orwhathedi
dtohi
swi
feandhe'
sst
il
lpr
oudt
ofi
ghtf
orcust
ody
ofhi
sson.
Thesonheal
mostki
l
ledwhi
l
est
il
li
nhi
smot
her
'swomb,

Thesonheknowsabsol
utel
ynot
hingaboutt
il
laf
ewweeksago,

Asonhe'
susi
ngf
orhi
sownsel
fi
shgame.
"

"
Obj
ect
ionYourHonor
."MrCal
l
ist
osai
d,

"
Obj
ect
ionov
err
uled.
"

Themansatdownf
umi
ngwi
thanger
.

"
Mycli
enther
eMr
sVanessaSi
nghwentt
hroughal
oti
nthet
hreemont
hsshewasmar
ri
edt
o
MrSi
ngh,

Loosi
ngt
wopregnanci
esinthr
eemot
hswasmor
ethanenought
raumaespeci
all
ywi
than
abusi
ver
aci
stofahusband.

Amar
ri
ageshef
ledf
rom v
iahermot
heri
n-l
aw'
shel
p,

Andy
ouexpecthert
ogobackt
osuchmar
ri
age,

Let
'scal
laspadeaspade.
"Themansai
dtot
hem,

"
Itwoul
dbebet
teri
ftheboy
'sal
l
owedt
ochoosewhot
ost
aywi
tht
il
lthedi
vor
cepr
ocessi
sov
er,

Buthandi
nghi
mtohi
sfat
her
,

Hi
sraci
stf
atheri
snotsomet
hingadv
isabl
etot
hishonor
abl
ecour
t.
"

Vanessa'
slawy
ersai
dandsatdownwai
ti
ngf
ort
hej
udget
odeci
dewhatnext
.

"
Lett
hel
i
ttl
eboycomeoutandt
ell
ushi
schoi
ce,
Causei
tact
ual
l
ydoesmat
teral
ot.
"Thej
udgeor
der
ed.

Yuv
raj
'
swentt
owher
eSekani
wassi
tt
ingbesi
dehi
sfat
herandt
ookt
heboy
'shand,

"
RememberwhatIt
oldy
ouboy
."Yuv
raj
mut
ter
edt
otheboy
,

Qui
etl
yonl
ythel
awy
erandt
heboyhear
dit
,

Theboynoddedandwasl
edt
othewi
tnessst
andbyt
hel
awy
er.

"
Lit
tl
eboy
,what
'sy
ourname?
"Thel
awy
erasked.
..

"
I'
ll
askhi
m my
sel
fAt
tor
neyCast
il
lo.
"Thej
udgesai
dtot
heman,

Hef
rowned,

Thengr
udgi
ngl
ywentbackt
ohi
sseat
.

"
Lit
tl
eboy
,

What
'sy
ourname?
"Thej
udgeaskedt
heboy
,

"
Myname'
sSekani
ArkashRy
anSi
ngh.
"

"
Howol
dar
eyouSekani
?"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
I'
m si
xyear
sol
d."Her
epl
i
edt
heman,

Nowhewasl
ooki
ngathi
smama,

Uncl
eKenwashol
dingherv
erycl
osel
yandgr
andmawashol
dingherf
rom t
heot
hersi
de.
.

Hel
ookedathi
spapa,
Hewassmi
l
ingv
ict
ori
ousl
yathi
msel
f,

Thedr
iverwassay
ingsomet
hingt
othel
awy
er.

"
Sekani
,

What
'sy
ourf
avor
it
edi
sh?
"Thej
udgeaskedt
heboyseei
nghowner
voushehasbecome,

"
Ihav
emanyoft
hem.
"Hesai
dtot
heman,

"
Cany
oument
ionsome?
"Themanaskedt
heki
d,

"
Yes.
.

I
cecr
eam,
mixedf
lav
orwi
thgr
anol
aspr
inkl
esoni
t,

Cr
abcakes,
mar
shmal
l
ows,

Hotchocol
atesandMcDonal
d'
sbur
gernosesameseeds,

I
'
veal
l
ergi
est
onut
sthough.
"Hement
ionedbutf
ew,

"
Soi
fIgety
oual
lthi
snow,

How'
l
lyouf
eel
?"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
I'
ll
behappy
."Theboysai
dtohi
m,

Themansmi
l
ed.

"
Whogi
vey
oual
lthi
smor
e?"Themanaskedt
heboy
,

"Uncl
eKenl etmehavehotchocol
atesandMcDonald'
sBurgeranyti
meIwi ni
nourvideogame
competit
ionwhichIal
waysdoandmamagi vemet herestbutnotalway
s."Theboysaidi
nall
honesty
..

"
Who'
sUncl
eKen?
"Thej
udgeaskedhi
m,
Hepoi
ntedt
oKenwhowasst
il
lhol
dingVanessa.

"
Uncl
eKen,

Hi
."Thej
udgewav
edt
oKen,

Kenwav
edback.

"
Sekani
boy,
ifIpl
ayv
ideogameswi
thy
ouwi
l
lUncl
eSekani
giv
emehotchocol
atest
oo?
"The
manaskedhim,

"
Hemi
ghtonl
yify
ouwi
nme.
"Theboysai
dtot
heman,

"
I'
ll
winy
ou.
"Themansai
dpl
ayf
ull
y,

"
Noy
oucan'
t,

I
'
mthef
ort
hti
mechampi
oni
nourcompet
it
ion,

Youcan'
twi
nme.
"Theboysai
dpr
oudl
y,

Kensmi
l
ed,

Heknowswhatt
hej
udgei
sdoi
ng,

He'
str
yingt
omaket
heboyl
essner
vous.

"
Wecanhav
eagameatUncl
eKensaf
tert
his,

I
'
llwi
nyou.
"Sekani
tol
dtheman,

"
Okay
,I
'l
lsur
elybet
her
e."Thej
udgesai
dsmi
l
ing,

Hi
str
ickwor
ked.
.

Heneednott
oaskmuch,
Theboy
'sl
ongi
ngt
obewi
thhi
smot
her
.

"
Sekani
doy
ouknowwhywe'
real
lher
e?"Thej
udgeaskedt
heboy
,

"
Yes,
youwantt
ocomepl
ayv
ideogamewi
thme.
"Theboysai
d,

Thecour
twentupr
oarwi
thl
aught
erev
ent
hej
udgecoul
dn'
thol
dbacknow,

"
Isn'
tthatwhaty
ouwer
easki
ngme?
"Sekani
askedt
heman,

Henodded,

"
Yest
hat
'si
t.
"Hesai
dami
dstl
aught
er.

"
Sekani
boy
,"

Thej
udgecal
l
edhi
m whent
hel
aught
erdi
eddown,

"
Ify
ouwer
egi
venachancet
ochoosewhot
oli
vewi
th,

Who'
l
lyouchoose?
"Heaskedt
heboy
,

"
Uncl
eKen,

He'
sreal
l
ycool
."Theboyr
epl
i
ed,

Kensmi
l
ed.

"
Whati
fyou'
djusty
ourmamaandDadat
ochoosef
rom,

Who'
l
lyouchoose?
"Heaskedt
heboy
,

"
Mymama.
"Theboysai
d..
Hi
swor
dst
ruckVanessaandYuv
raj
att
hesamet
ime,

"
Yousai
dwho?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
Mymama.
"Theboyr
epeat
ed,

"
Whyy
ourmama?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

"
Mymamai sver
yniceandshetakescar
eofmeandAri
anaandshecooksni
cedi
shesandshe
l
ovesmeandAri
anasomuch."Theboytoldt
heman.
..

"
Whatabouty
ourDada?
"Themanaskedhi
m,

Theboyl
ookedatYuv
raj
,

Themanwasl
ooki
ngcool
li
keev
er,

"
Papa'
sni
cet
oo,

Heget
smewhatIwantt
oo.
"Theboysai
d.

"
OkaySekani
,

Youcannowgo.
"Thej
udgesai
dtot
heboy
,

Vanessa'
slawy
ercameandhel
pedt
heboyoutoft
hewi
tnessst
and.

"
Theboyhasdeci
dedandy
oual
lhear
dhi
m,

He'
l
lst
aywi
thhi
smot
heratl
eastt
il
lthedi
vor
cepr
ocessi
sfi
nal
i
sed,

Aft
ert
hathi
smamacant
akef
ull
cust
odywhi
l
ehi
sfat
hercanhav
ehi
svi
sit
ingday
stoo.
"The
j
udgesai
d.
Vanessacoul
dn'
tcont
ainherhappi
nessandsowasKenandPadma.

Af
tert
hecour
tsessi
on,

Yuv
raj
cor
ner
edVanessa,

"
Congr
ats.
"Het
oldher
,

She'
ssai
dnot
hing,

Justnodded.

"
Arewef
ight
ing?
"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
No.
"

"
Ifi
gur
edouty
oucan'
tbewi
thoutt
heboy
,

Soi
t'
l
lbebet
teri
fhest
ayswi
thy
ou.
"Het
oldher
,

"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryf
orev
ery
thi
ngI
'
dputy
out
hrough,

I
'
mver
ysor
ry.
"Heapol
ogi
zed,

Shewassur
pri
sed,

Het
ookherhands,

"
Imeanev
erywor
dofi
tNessa,

I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
"Hesai
dtoher

Shenodded.

"
Ify
ou'
ret
hent
rul
y,

Thensi
gnt
hosedi
vor
cepaper
sandl
etmego.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,
Henodded,

"
I'
ll
,

I
'
lldoj
ustt
hatt
opr
ovet
oyouhowsor
ryI
'
m.

Butcany
oudomeonef
avor
?"Heaskedher
,

Shef
rowned.

"
Let
'shav
edi
nnert
omor
row

Wecoul
dn'
tgot
hroughwi
tht
heot
herone,

Let
'shav
edi
nnert
oni
ghtandI
'
llsi
gnt
hosepaper
s,

You'
ref
reet
oleav
e."Het
oldher
.

"
Justdi
nnerpl
easeVanessa.
"Hepl
eaded,

Shel
ookedathi
m,

Hel
ookedsi
ncer
e.

"
Okay
,

Justdi
nnerandy
ousi
gnt
hepaper
s."Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed,

"
Justt
hat
."Hemut
ter
ed.

Shel
efthi
mther
eandwentt
owher
ePadma,
Kenandt
heki
dswer
e.

Kendr
ovet
hem home,
Theywer
ehav
ingar
eal
l
ybi
gfeast
,

Padmawascooki
ngabi
gtur
keyandt
heyev
eni
nvi
tedt
heKi
ngal
i
sov
er.

Af
terdi
nner
,

Theki
dswer
eal
readyasl
eep,

(
Sekani
missedhi
sroom andwenti
near
ly)
,

Padmawast
alki
ngt
oMr
sKi
ngal
i
sint
hel
i
vingr
oom aboutsomet
hing,

MrKi
ngal
i
shadal
readygonehi
m,

He'
sanear
lysl
eeper
.

Vanessawasout
side,

I
twaspr
ett
ycol
dout
sideandt
heskywascl
earandst
arr
y.

"
Whyar
eyououther
eal
one?
"Kenasked,

Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m,

Hesmi
l
edt
hencameandsatbesi
deher
,

"
It
'sst
arr
youther
e."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Yeah,

I
t'
spr
ett
y."Hecompl
i
ed.

Notcomf
ort
abl
ewher
ehewas,

Hest
oodupandsatr
ightbehi
ndher
,

Maki
ngherr
estonhi
sbody
.
"
You'
readdi
ngup,

Di
dyounot
ice?
"Heaskedher
,

"
No,

May
bei
t'
sjustbei
nghappy
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Iguessso.
"Hemut
ter
edt
oherear
,

Shesmi
l
ed.

Shedi
dn'
twanthi
mtoknow,

Atl
eastnotnow.

Shecant
alkabouti
ttomel
aterbutt
hat
'l
lbeaf
tert
hedi
vor
ce.
.

Tal
ki
ngofdi
vor
ce,

Shehasn'
ttol
dhi
m aboutYuv
raj
'
sof
fer
.

Shet
urnedandl
ookedathi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed.

I
fIt
ell
him now,

I
t'
ll
rui
nev
ery
thi
ng,

Hewon'
tal
l
owmego,

Hewoul
dnev
er.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"Heaskedher
,

Shenodded,
"
Iam.
"

"
Doy
ouwantt
otel
lmeany
thi
ng?
"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead.

"
Doy
out
hinkIwantt
otel
lyouany
thi
ng?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

"
No,

Iwashopi
ngy
ouwantt
ocauseIr
eal
l
ywantt
otouchy
ou.
"Hesai
dnaught
il
y,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
Youal
way
swantt
otouchme.
"

Hemadehert
urnt
ohi
m andheki
ssedherf
ull
ont
hel
i
ps.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
36PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYSI
X

Thenextmor
ning,

Af
terbr
eakf
astandKenl
eav
ing,

Vanessahav
ingf
oughtwi
thher
sel
fwhet
hert
otel
lKenaboutherpl
ansornot
,
Deci
dedt
otel
lPadmaabouti
t.

"
Whywoul
dheasky
out
ohav
edi
nnerwi
thhi
m?"Padmaaskedher
,

"
Hesai
dhe'
sgoi
ngt
osi
gnt
hedi
vor
cepaper
sonl
yifIcome.
"Shet
oldt
hewoman.
.

"
Didy
out
ell
Kenabouti
t?"Padmaaskedher
,

Vanessashookherhead,

"
Why
?

Yout
hinki
t'
snotnecessar
y?"Sheaskedher
,

"
It
'snott
hatmom,

I
t'
sjustt
hatKenwon'
tal
l
owmegoseeYuv
raj
,

Iwon'
tev
enwantt
ogobutsi
ncehesai
dhe'
l
lsi
gnt
hedi
vor
cepaper
s,

Thi
scanbemyonl
ychance.
"Sheexpl
ainedt
otheol
derwoman.

"
ButIst
il
lthi
nky
oushoul
dtal
ktohi
m abouti
t,

Heshoul
dknow.
"

"
Ma,

YouknowhowKeni
s,

Hewon'
tal
l
owmegooncehef
indsoutaboutt
his.
..
"

"
Whati
fYuv
raj
dosomet
hingbadt
oyou?
"Padmaaskedher
,
"
Ma,
I
'm notgoi
ngt
ogi
vehi
mthechancet
opl
us,

Iwon'
tbehav
ingany
thi
ngt
her
e."Sheassur
edPadma.

Sher
eal
l
ywant
edt
ost
opVanessaf
rom goi
ng,

Butseei
ngt
hatshehasr
easons,

I
twasbet
teri
fsheal
l
owshergo.

I
twasal
mostt
imef
orhert
oleav
eandKenwasn'
tbackhomey
et,

Shewant
edt
ocal
lhi
m butdi
dn'
t,

Hemi
ghtst
il
lbeangr
yforwhathappenedl
astni
ght

FLASHBACK.
..

"
Vanessa,
Il
ovey
ousomuch.
"Kensai
dasheki
ssedher
,

Hewasachi
ngf
orherbadl
y.

Si
ncet
hel
astf
ewday
sbutt
hesi
tuat
ionathandwasn'
tconv
eni
entf
oranyr
omant
icpl
ay,

Butnowi
s.

Hehashert
ohi
msel
fnowandhe'
sgoi
ngt
omaket
hebestofi
t.

Theki
ssesbecamet
ooi
ntenset
hati
fnotcar
eful
,

Theymi
ghtendupmaki
ngl
oveoutont
het
err
ace.

"
Let
'sgoi
nsi
de.
"Hewhi
sper
edt
oher
,
Shenoddedandhehel
pedherup.

Padmawasst
il
lwi
thMr
sKi
ngal
i
swhent
heypassedt
hem,

"
Wher
ewer
eyouguy
s?"Padmaaskedt
hem,

"
Wewer
eout
sidef
orsomef
reshai
r,

She'
scol
dandwedeci
dedt
ocomebacki
n."Kensai
dtot
hem,

Bef
orePadmacoul
dsayanot
herwor
d,

Hel
edVanessai
nsi
deandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

"
Sowher
ewer
ewe?
"Kenbeganki
ssi
ngher
,

Shewasn'
treal
l
yupf
ori
tbutdi
dn'
tknowhowt
otel
lhi
m.

Yes,
shewaswet
,

That
'st
heonewayheaf
fect
edherbad,

She'
sal
way
swetf
orhi
m.

Butt
oni
ght
,

Herbodywasn'
tyear
ningf
orhi
stouchl
i
kehewasf
orher
.

Secondl
y,

Shecan'
thav
esexcauseofhercondi
ti
onwhi
chshe'
sst
il
lyett
oconf
ir
m.

"
Ken,

Ken.
"Shecal
l
edhi
m sl
owl
y,
Hewasget
ti
ngabi
tcar
ri
edawaywi
thher
.

"Ken.
."Shedr
awl
edoutagai
n,

Hest
oppedandl
ookedather
,

"
What
'si
t?"Heaskedher
,

"
Let
'snotdot
his.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hef
rowned.

"
Isany
thi
ngt
hemat
ter
?

Di
dIhur
tyou?
"

Hewasconf
usedast
oherr
equest
,

"
I'
m notr
eal
l
yupf
ori
t.
"Shesai
dsl
owl
yanddi
sappoi
nti
ng,

Hegotof
fher
.

"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryKen.
"Shecr
ied,

Hemadehersi
tont
hebedandhesatbesi
deher
,

Thei
rbodywasn'
ttouchi
ngeachot
her
.

"
Isi
tbecauseofhi
m?"Heaskedhercal
mly
,

Her
eal
l
ywant
edt
oknowwhy
,

I
twascl
earshewaswetf
orhi
m,

Sowhatwentwr
ong?

"
It
'snothi
m Ken,

Buti
t'
sme.
I
'
m notj
ustupf
ori
t.
"Shesai
dagai
n,

"
Thenwhydi
dn'
tyoust
opmesi
nce,

Whygi
vemeaheadon?
"Heaskedher
,

"
I'
m sor
ryKen.
"Shemut
ter
ed,

Hehear
dher
,

Buti
tmeantnot
hing,

He'
sal
readyhar
d.

"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
"Sher
epeat
ed,

Henodded,

Ther
ewasnot
hinghecoul
ddo,

Nott
hathecanf
orcehi
msel
fonherandhav
eherbyf
orce,

That
'l
lbecal
l
edr
api
ngandhei
sn'
tar
api
st.

Hegotupf
rom t
hebedandwentt
othecoucht
osi
t,

Shecoul
dn'
tl
ookathowdi
sappoi
ntedhewaswi
thher
,

Soshegotupandwenti
ntot
hebat
hroom t
ohav
eaqui
ckshower
.

Whenshecameout
,

Hewasal
readygone,

Shel
ayont
hebedandshutherey
es,

Hopi
ngf
orsl
eept
ocome.
 ENDOFFLASHBACK.
..
..

"
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?
"Padmaaskedheronemor
eti
me,

Shenodded,

"
Yesma.
"Shet
oldher
.

SoonYuv
raj
'
scarar
ri
ved,

Hecameoutoft
hecarandcamet
omeetVanessawher
eshewasst
andi
ngwi
thPadma.

"
Goodev
eni
ngmom.
"Hegr
eet
edPadmai
nav
erypol
i
teway
,

"
How'
rey
oudoi
ng?
"Padmaaskedherson,

Henodded.

"
Wedi
dn'
tgett
omeetatt
hecour
t,

Congr
atsma.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Hepi
ckedaf
lowerf
rom t
hebouquethewashol
dingandgav
eitt
oher
.

"
Thi
sisf
ory
ouma,

I
'
m sor
ryf
orev
ery
thi
ngIdi
dint
hepast
,

Fort
aint
ingy
our
sanddad'
sname,

I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.

I
'
llseet
omakeupf
oral
lmycr
imesnow.
"Het
oldher
,

Padmawasshocked.
TheYuv
raj
sheknowsi
sn'
tl
iket
his,

Hef
indsi
thar
dtoapol
ogi
zef
orany
thi
ngandal
way
scl
aim he'
sri
ght
.

"
Nopr
obl
em son,

Gl
ady
ou'
reback.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed,

"
How'
sSekani
?

Real
l
ymi
sshi
m."Heasked,

"
He'
sinsi
det
hehouse,

Shoul
dIgethi
m?"Padmaaskedhi
m,

Heshookhi
shead,

"
Nah,

Sendmygr
eeti
ngsandt
ellhi
mI'
m goi
ngpl
ayv
ideogamewi
thhi
m someoft
hisday
sandbethe
can'
twi
nme."Hesai
dtoher,

Padmachuckl
ed,

"
I'
ll
."

Yuv
raj
tur
nedt
oVanessa,

"
Let
'st
akeourl
eav
enowsoIcangety
oubackhomeear
ly.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shewasner
vousbutwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oal
l
owhi
m seet
hat
,

"
Okay
."Het
ookherhandandl
edhert
othecarwhi
l
eshewav
edatPadma.

Shedi
dn'
teatwhatYuv
raj
order
edf
ort
hem,
"
Whyar
en'
tyoueat
ing?
"Heaskedher
,

"
Not
hing,

I
'
dabi
gdi
nnerf
rom home,

SoI
'
m notr
eal
l
yhungr
y."Shel
i
ed.
.

"
Doy
out
hinkI
'
lldr
ugy
ou?
"Heaskedher
,

"
No.
"

"
Whydon'
tyoul
ookatmewhent
alki
ngt
ome?
"Heaskedher
,

"
It
'snot
hingYuv
raj
,

I
'
m st
il
lnotusedt
oit
."Shepl
ainl
ytol
dhi
m,

Hesmi
l
edather
.

"
Arey
ouwi
tht
hepaper
s?"Heaskedher
,

Shenodded,

"
Giv
ethem.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Sher
eachedf
orherbagt
otakei
tout
,

Yuv
raj
sli
ppedpi
l
linherdr
inkwhi
l
eshedi
dso.

"
Her
eit
's.
"Shehandedhi
mthedi
vor
cepaper
s,

Het
ooki
tfr
om herandl
ookati
t.

"
I'
ll
alway
slookbackt
othi
smoment
,

WhenIl
ostt
hemostpr
eci
ouswomanev
er.
"Hesai
dsadl
y,
"
Ijusthopey
oucanf
orgi
veme.
"

"
Idi
dal
readyYuv
raj
,

Iowenogr
udgeagai
nsty
ou.

May
bewewer
en'
tev
endest
inedf
oreachot
heratal
l
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hegav
eherawr
ysmi
l
e,

"
Iguessso.
"Hesai
d.

Hesi
gnedt
hepaper
sri
ghti
nfr
ontofher
,

'
I
'l
lsuggesty
out
aket
hist
othecour
ttomor
row,

I
'
m set
ti
ngy
ouf
reenow.
"Het
oldher
,

Shet
ookt
hepaper
sfr
om hi
m af
termaki
ngsur
ehe'
dsi
gnedt
hem.

"
Thanksal
otYuv
raj
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Whydon'
twecel
ebr
ateoutannul
ment
?

Thi
sisourl
astt
imet
oget
her
."Hesai
dtoher
,

"
You'
vehadnot
hing,

Let
'sj
ustt
oastatl
east
."Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatshoul
dbenecessar
y."Shedecl
i
ned,

"
Theny
ouhav
en'
tfor
giv
enme.
"Hesai
dsadl
y,

"
It
'sj
ustat
oastandnot
hingmor
e,

I
fyoudoi
tI'
l
lknowy
ou'
vef
inal
l
yfor
giv
enmeandev
eni
fIdi
e,
I
'
lldi
einpeace.
"Hesai
d.

"
Yuv
raj
youar
en'
tdy
ingsoonandI
'
vef
orgi
veny
ou,

Imeani
t.
"Sheexpl
ainedt
ohi
m,

Hewasst
il
lfr
owni
ng.

"
Please,
j
ustat
oast
."Hest
il
lpl
eaded,

"
Okayokay
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
I'
ll
hav
ethef
rui
tjui
ce,

I
'
m notgoodwi
thal
cohol
."Shesai
d,

Henodded,

Thencal
l
edt
hemaî
tr
etogetherabot
tl
eofnonal
cohol
i
cdr
ink.

Shecameawhi
l
elat
erwi
thabot
tl
eofDasant
éNonAl
cohol
i
cDr
inkandkepti
tont
het
abl
e.

Yuv
raj
openedi
tforher
,

Whi
l
eshepour
edt
hedr
inki
nthegl
assaway
,

Hesl
i
ppedt
wopi
l
lsi
ntot
hebot
tl
e.

Shegav
ehi
m hergl
assandhepour
edsomef
orher
,

Het
ookuphi
sownwi
neandt
heydi
dat
oast
,

Thendr
ankt
hei
rdr
inks.

Heaskedhert
otel
lhi
m mor
eaboutSekani
,
Howt
heboygr
ewupandmostoft
het
hingshemi
ssedouti
ntheboy
'sear
lyl
i
fe.

Shewast
alki
ngabouti
twhenawav
eofdr
owsi
nesswashedher
,

Shebecamedi
zzyal
lofasudden,

"
Isany
thi
ngt
hemat
ter
?"Yuv
raj
askedherl
ooki
ngconf
used,

"
Myhead.
..
"

Shepassedout
.

Si
ncehe'
dal
lhi
spl
ansper
fect
lymappedout
,

Hecar
ri
edherupf
rom t
hef
loorandt
ookhert
ohi
sal
readyr
eser
vedr
oom.

Hecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m andl
ayheront
hebed,

Het
racedhi
sfi
nger
sonhersl
eepi
ngf
ace,

"
OhVanessa.
"Hemoaned,

"
You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
"Heki
ssedherl
i
ps,

Het
ast
edt
hewi
neshe'
dear
li
er.
..

You'
real
lmi
neVanessa,

Al
lmi
ne.

Kenwasdr
ivi
nghomet
hatni
ght
,

Hi
sthoughtwasal
lonVanessaandwhathappenedl
astni
ght
.

Shedi
dn'
tal
l
owhi
m hav
ehi
swaywi
thher
,
Sai
dshewasn'
treal
l
yupf
ori
t.

She'
dgi
venhi
m headsondur
ingf
orepl
ayandhesawshewaswetf
orhi
m,

Al
lofasudden,

Shebackedoutsay
ingshewasn'
tupf
ori
t,

I
ttookal
ott
ocal
m hi
msel
flastni
ght
.

Hewaspr
ett
ymadathert
hough,

Whygi
vehi
m headsonwhensheknewshewasn'
tupf
ori
t?

She'
sbei
ngwei
rd.

Hewasal
mosthome,

Justaf
ewkm whenhi
sphonebeeped,

Amessagecamei
n.

Hepi
ckedt
hephonef
rom wher
ehe'
dkepti
ttocheckt
hemessage,

I
twasf
rom anunsav
ednumber
,

Hecl
i
ckedoni
ttoseewhati
treal
l
ywas.

I
t'
samedi
amessage,

Heopenedi
t.
..
..

.
..
..
..
..
..

"
Yuv
raj
."Hehear
dhercl
ear
ly,

Shecal
l
edhi
sname.
I
twasVanessaandYuv
raj
int
hev
ideo,

Shewasl
yi
ngbesi
dehi
m.

WhenandHowt
hephonef
ell
from hi
shands,

Hecoul
dn'
ttel
l
.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
39PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYSEVEN

Padmawasout
sidet
hehouse,

Shewasst
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orVanessat
ogetbackhomebef
oreshegoest
osl
eep,

Thenshesawacarmov
ingt
owar
dst
hehouse,

I
twast
hesamecarYuv
raj
hadusedear
li
ert
ocomet
akeVanessa,

Sheheav
edasi
ghofr
eli
ef.

Thecarst
opi
nfr
ontoft
hehouseandf
rom t
hef
rontseatYuv
raj
cameout
,

Hi
sfacewasawor
ri
edone.
Padmar
ushedt
othecarexpect
ingVanessat
ocomeout
,

Butshesawherl
yi
ngont
heseat
.

"
Whathappenedt
oher
?"SheaskedYuv
raj
wor
ri
edl
y,

"
Shewaski
ndal
i
ght
headed,

SoIdeci
dedt
obr
ingherhome.
"Hesai
dtoPadma,

Hav
inghi
smostsi
ncer
eface.

"
Whatdi
dsheeat
?"Padmawaswor
ri
edaboutVanessa,

"
Sheat
enot
hing,

Sai
dshedabi
gdi
nnerathome,

Sosheat
enot
hing.

Justt
ookhal
fagl
assofDasant
é,

That
'sal
l
."Het
oldher
.

Hehel
pedherbr
ingVanessaoutoft
hecarandt
ookheri
nsi
deperPadma'
sdi
rect
ion.

"
I'
ll
takei
tfr
om her
e."Padmasai
dtohi
m ashel
ayheront
hebed,

Shewasmumbl
i
ngsomet
hingi
ncoher
ent
ly.

Yuv
raj
mov
edf
rom her
,

"
Ma,
I
'l
ltakemyl
eav
enow,

I
'
vesi
gnedt
hepaper
sal
ready
,

Sowe'
regoi
ngt
ocour
tIguessl
atert
omor
row.
"Het
oldPadma,
Shewaski
ndasur
pri
sedanddi
stur
bedal
sobutputnocl
aimt
oit
.

"
Okay
,

Thanksf
orbr
ingi
ngherhome.
"Padmasai
dtohi
m,

Henoddedandl
efti
mmedi
atel
y,

Whi
l
ePadmanur
sedVanessat
il
lshecompl
etel
yfel
lasl
eep.

Meanwhi
l
eKendi
dn'
tgobackhomet
hatni
ght
,nort
henext
,

Hewasmad,
fur
iousandwasr
agi
ngwi
thanger
.

Howcoul
dshedot
hist
ome?

Idi
dev
ery
thi
ng,

Ev
ery
thi
ngj
ustt
omakesur
eshe'
shappy
,

Iwentext
rami
l
eandaskedhel
pfr
om mydadj
ustt
omakesur
eshehashersonback,

Howcoul
dshe?

Hewassomad,
her
efusedhercal
l
sandhert
ext
sfort
henextf
ewday
s.

Hedr
oveal
lthewayt
oTopekat
obewi
thhi
sfat
hersohewon'
tendupdoi
ngsomet
hingst
upi
d,

Heguessed,
bei
ngwi
thsomeonecl
oset
ohi
m woul
dreal
l
yhel
phi
m pul
lthr
ough.
"
Hav
eyout
alkedt
oherabouti
t?"Geor
geaskedhi
sson,

"
Ther
e'snot
hingt
otal
kaboutdad,

Shebet
ray
edmeandi
t'
scr
yst
alcl
ear
."Hesai
dtot
heman,

Bothf
atherandsonweresi
tt
ingoutsidei
nthepor
chofKen'
sJet
tyHousecl
oset
oLake
Shawneeandtheywer
ehav i
ngdrinks.

"
May
beshehasherr
easonsori
tmi
ghtnotbewhaty
out
hinki
t'
s.
"Theol
dermansai
dtohi
sson,

Kenbr
oughtouthi
sphoneandpl
ayedt
hev
ideot
otheol
dman,

Thev
ideohe'
dfort
hepastf
ourday
smast
eredandhe'
dev
eryi
nchofi
tinhi
smemor
y.

"
Yuv
raj
..
."Hehear
dVanessamoaned,

That
'swhathur
thi
m most
,

Shecal
l
ingcal
l
inghi
sname.

Thenameoft
hesamemawhomol
est
edandabusedher
,

Shewasmoani
ngouthi
sname,

Thenameoft
hatbast
ard.

"
Kenl
i
sten,

Youar
en'
tgoi
ngt
olett
hisv
ideor
uinwhaty
ouf
eel
forher
.

I
t'
scl
earyoulov
eherandthi
ssocal
l
edhusbandofher
sisj
ustt
ryi
ngt
ocr
eat
ear
if
tbet
ween
y
outwo."Theol
dmansaid.

Hest
il
ldoesn'
tbel
i
evewhatwasshowni
nthev
ideo,
Imean,

I
tmi
ghtsoundl
i
kei
tbuthebel
i
evest
her
e'smor
etot
hev
ideot
hatwhati
t'
sshowi
ng.

"
Youl
oveher
,Icansee.

Atl
easty
oul
efty
ourdaught
erwi
thher
..
."

"
I'
m goi
ngt
ogobr
ingmydaught
erback.
"Kensai
dandst
oodupandwentt
other
ail
.

"
May
bethi
swholef
indi
ngtr
uel
oveorbei
ngaf
reemi
ddl
ecl
assmanandhav
ingawomanl
ove
y
out
hatwayar
eall
bull
shi
t,

I
'
m goi
nggetmydaught
erbackhomeandwe'
l
lli
veher
etoget
her
,

Icar
elessaboutanyot
hert
hing.
"Hesai
dtohi
sfat
her
,

"
Howdoy
out
hinkshe'
l
lfeel
ify
out
aket
hegi
rlf
rom her
?

Shel
ovest
hegi
rlsomuch.
"Geor
geaskedhi
sson,

"
Don'
ttakedeci
sionwheny
ou'
reangr
y,

Theyt
endt
orui
nyoul
ater
."Themansai
d,

"
Idon'
tcar
eabouthowshe'
l
lfeel
,

Shedi
dn'
tcar
eabouthowI
'
llf
eel
whenshewentbackt
ohersoont
obeexhusband,

Sowhyshoul
dIcar
enow?

Mor
eov
er,

Shehasherson,
Hermot
heri
n-l
awandherwhol
efami
l
y,

MeI
'
vej
ustmydaught
erandmy
sel
f.
"Kensai
dst
ernl
y.

"
RememberwhatIsai
dear
li
erKen,

Don'
tmakehast
ydeci
sionswheny
ou'
reangr
y,

I
trui
nst
hingsal
ot.
"Themanr
emi
ndedhi
m agai
n,

"
Da,
thi
sist
heonl
ywayf
ormet
omov
eon,

I
'
llgetmydaught
erandwe'
l
lmov
ebackher
e,

I
t'
susel
essj
oini
ngmom i
nBost
on.
"Kensai
d,

Hehasdeci
ded,

Hi
m andVanessaar
ebet
terof
fnott
oget
her

"
Byt
hewayy
ourbr
othercal
l
ed,

Hesai
dhe'
sbr
inghi
sgi
rl
fr
iendhomenextweekend,

I
'
llbehappyi
fyouar
eher
ewhenhecomes.
"Themani
nfor
medhi
m,

Kennodded,

He'
dnegl
ect
edhi
sfami
l
yforl
ong,

May
bei
t'
sti
met
oaccepthi
sresponsi
bil
i
tiesast
hef
ir
stsoni
nthef
ami
l
y.

Vanessawasi
nherr
oom,

Shewasl
osti
nhert
hought
,

Kenhadn'
tcal
l
edherorev
enaccept
edal
lhercal
l
s.
I
sheal
ri
ght
?

She'
dcal
ledhi
mt hemor ni
ngbefor
eshewentt
ocour
twi
thYuv
raj
tof
inal
l
ysubmi
tthei
rdi
vor
ce
paper
sbuthedidn'
ttakehercal
l
,

Shecall
edhi
m sev
eral
timesaf
tert
hedi
vor
cewasf
inal
l
ylegal
i
sedbutst
il
lhedi
dn'
ttakeher
cal
ls.

Fort
hepastf
ewday
sthatwer
eal
mostt
urni
ngi
ntoweek,

Shehadcal
l
edhi
m sev
eral
timesbutnoneofhercal
l
swer
eaccept
ed.

She'
dal
ott
otel
lhi
m buti
twasl
i
kehej
ustl
eftherandt
heki
ds,

Shecoul
dn'
tcontactany
oneelsei
nhisf
ami
l
ycauseshedi
dn'
thav
ethei
rcont
actandAr
iana
coul
dn'
tdoheranygoodinthatar
ea,

I
twasr
eal
l
yfr
ust
rat
ingf
orher
.

"Thi
nkingabouthi
m agai
n.Joi
nusont el
egram t
hrough+233544142683togetmor
eint
ri
gui
ng
stor
iesfrom t
her
e."Padma'
svoicej
erkedherupfrom hert
houghtful
ness,

"
Yeah,

Hehasn'
tcal
l
edback.
"Shesai
dinf
rust
rat
ionasshehuggedt
hepi
l
lowcl
osel
y,

"
He'
l
lcomear
oundsoon,

May
behe'
ssomewher
eel
seandcoul
dn'
tgett
oyou.
"Shesai
dtoher
,

Vanessanodded,

Shesi
l
ent
lypr
ayedt
hatshoul
dbet
hecase.
Theywer
est
il
lsi
tt
ingt
her
e,

St
il
ltal
ki
ngabouthi
m ast
hesoonst
art
ingaut
umnbr
eezebl
ewi
ntoherr
oom.

Whent
heki
dscal
l
edt
hei
rat
tent
ionf
rom out
side,

"
Theki
dsar
ecal
l
ing.
"Padmasai
d,

Theybot
hst
oodupt
ogoknowwhatt
hepr
obl
em was,

Sur
pri
singl
yKenwasi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"
Ken.
"Vanessacal
l
edhi
m,

Wi
thmi
xedemot
ions,

Shewashappyandmadt
oo,

Whyhadn'
thecal
l
edher
?

Het
urnedt
oher
,

Herf
acewasov
erwhel
medwi
thsur
pri
se.

"
Kenwher
ehav
eyoubeen?

I
'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ouf
oragesnow.
"Shecr
ied,

Hi
sfacewascol
dandexpr
essi
onl
essbutdeepwi
thi
nhewasbot
hangr
yandhappy
.

Angr
ycausehecoul
dst
il
lseet
hev
ideopl
ayi
nhi
shead,

Happycauseshe'
sdoi
ngf
ine.

"
Icamet
otakemydaught
erhome.
"Hesai
dtoheri
nacol
dvoi
ce,

Shewassur
pri
sed.
"
Kenwhathappened?
"Shecamecl
osert
ohi
m,

"
Not
hing,

Ij
ustwant
edt
ocl
earmyheadf
ir
stbutnowI
'
m cl
ear
ed,

Iwantt
otakeAr
ianahome.
"Her
epeat
ed,

Bot
hVanessaandPadmawer
esur
pri
sedathi
sat
ti
tude.

Het
urnedt
ohi
sdaught
er,

"
Ari
ana,
gopacky
ourt
hings,

Wer
egoi
nghome.
"Het
oldt
hegi
rl
,

Hercount
enancechangedandsodi
dSekani
'
s.

"
Kidscomel
et'
sgot
oyourr
oom,

Let
'sl
eav
etheadul
tst
otal
k."Padmasai
dtobot
htheki
ds,

Thenshet
ookt
hei
rhandsandl
edt
hem t
othei
rroom.

Sheknewthi
ngswer
en'
tgoodnowandwoul
dn'
twantt
heki
dswat
chwhat
everwasaboutt
o
happen.

"
Kencany
out
alkt
ome,

What
'st
hepr
obl
em?
"Vanessaaskedhi
m agai
n,

Hi
sexpr
essi
ondi
dn'
tchanged.

"
Ijustwantt
otakemydaught
erhome,

Don'
tmakei
thar
dert
hani
tal
readyi
s."Hesai
dtoher
,
Shewasal
mostbr
eaki
ngdown.

Why
'shedoi
ngt
hist
oher
?

"
Isi
tbecauseofwhathappenedt
heot
herni
ght
?

Ken,
I
'm sor
ryf
ort
hat
,

Ij
ustwasn'
ti
nthemoodt
o..
."

"
Buty
ouwer
eint
hemoodt
osl
eepwi
thhi
m."Her
etor
ted,

Nowhecoul
dn'
tcont
rol
hisangerany
mor
e.

"
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?"Vanessaaskedhi
mfr
owni
ng,

Shewasr
eal
l
yconf
usedwi
tht
hewayhewasact
ing.

"
Vanessa,

Let
'snothur
tour
sel
vesmor
e,

Ij
ustwantt
otakeAr
ianabackhomewi
thme.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
KenIdon'
tunder
standwhat
'shappeni
ng,

Tal
ktome.
"Shecr
iedt
ohi
m,

"
Your
eal
l
ywantt
otal
kabouti
t?"Heaskedher
,

Shenodded,

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandpl
ayedt
hev
ideof
orher
,

"
Thi
siswhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
."Hesai
dtoher
.
"
OhmyGod.
..
"

Shel
ookedatKen,

"
What
'st
his?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Shewasshockedbey
ondwor
ds.
..

"
Vanessa,
getmymydaught
er,

I
'
veaf
li
ghtt
ocat
ch.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Tookhi
sphoneandwentt
other
oom t
ogett
hegi
rl
.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwentnumbf
orVanessa,

I
twasl
i
ket
hewhol
ewor
ldwasonahol
dincl
udi
ngt
ime.

Shedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayorev
endo,

Yuv
raj
hassucceededi
nrui
ningheronceagai
n.

Tobecont
inued

[
7/17,
12:
42PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYSEVEN

Padmawasout
sidet
hehouse,

Shewasst
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orVanessat
ogetbackhomebef
oreshegoest
osl
eep,
Thenshesawacarmov
ingt
owar
dst
hehouse,

I
twast
hesamecarYuv
raj
hadusedear
li
ert
ocomet
akeVanessa,

Sheheav
edasi
ghofr
eli
ef.

Thecarst
opi
nfr
ontoft
hehouseandf
rom t
hef
rontseatYuv
raj
cameout
,

Hi
sfacewasawor
ri
edone.

Padmar
ushedt
othecarexpect
ingVanessat
ocomeout
,

Butshesawherl
yi
ngont
heseat
.

"
Whathappenedt
oher
?"SheaskedYuv
raj
wor
ri
edl
y,

"
Shewaski
ndal
i
ght
headed,

SoIdeci
dedt
obr
ingherhome.
"Hesai
dtoPadma,

Hav
inghi
smostsi
ncer
eface.

"
Whatdi
dsheeat
?"Padmawaswor
ri
edaboutVanessa,

"
Sheat
enot
hing,

Sai
dshedabi
gdi
nnerathome,

Sosheat
enot
hing.

Justt
ookhal
fagl
assofDasant
é,

That
'sal
l
."Het
oldher
.

Hehel
pedherbr
ingVanessaoutoft
hecarandt
ookheri
nsi
deperPadma'
sdi
rect
ion.
"
I'
ll
takei
tfr
om her
e."Padmasai
dtohi
m ashel
ayheront
hebed,

Shewasmumbl
i
ngsomet
hingi
ncoher
ent
ly.

Yuv
raj
mov
edf
rom her
,

"
Ma,
I
'l
ltakemyl
eav
enow,

I
'
vesi
gnedt
hepaper
sal
ready
,

Sowe'
regoi
ngt
ocour
tIguessl
atert
omor
row.
"Het
oldPadma,

Shewaski
ndasur
pri
sedanddi
stur
bedal
sobutputnocl
aimt
oit
.

"
Okay
,

Thanksf
orbr
ingi
ngherhome.
"Padmasai
dtohi
m,

Henoddedandl
efti
mmedi
atel
y,

Whi
l
ePadmanur
sedVanessat
il
lshecompl
etel
yfel
lasl
eep.

Meanwhi
l
eKendi
dn'
tgobackhomet
hatni
ght
,nort
henext
,

Hewasmad,
fur
iousandwasr
agi
ngwi
thanger
.

Howcoul
dshedot
hist
ome?

Idi
dev
ery
thi
ng,

Ev
ery
thi
ngj
ustt
omakesur
eshe'
shappy
,

Iwentext
rami
l
eandaskedhel
pfr
om mydadj
ustt
omakesur
eshehashersonback,
Howcoul
dshe?

Hewassomad,
her
efusedhercal
l
sandhert
ext
sfort
henextf
ewday
s.

Hedr
oveal
lthewayt
oTopekat
obewi
thhi
sfat
hersohewon'
tendupdoi
ngsomet
hingst
upi
d,

Heguessed,
bei
ngwi
thsomeonecl
oset
ohi
m woul
dreal
l
yhel
phi
m pul
lthr
ough.

"
Hav
eyout
alkedt
oherabouti
t?"Geor
geaskedhi
sson,

"
Ther
e'snot
hingt
otal
kaboutdad,

Shebet
ray
edmeandi
t'
scr
yst
alcl
ear
."Hesai
dtot
heman,

Bothf
atherandsonweresi
tt
ingoutsidei
nthepor
chofKen'
sJet
tyHousecl
oset
oLake
Shawneeandtheywer
ehav i
ngdrinks.

"
May
beshehasherr
easonsori
tmi
ghtnotbewhaty
out
hinki
t'
s.
"Theol
dermansai
dtohi
sson,

Kenbr
oughtouthi
sphoneandpl
ayedt
hev
ideot
otheol
dman,

Thev
ideohe'
dfort
hepastf
ourday
smast
eredandhe'
dev
eryi
nchofi
tinhi
smemor
y.

"
Yuv
raj
..
."Hehear
dVanessamoaned,

That
'swhathur
thi
m most
,

Shecal
l
ingcal
l
inghi
sname.

Thenameoft
hesamemawhomol
est
edandabusedher
,

Shewasmoani
ngouthi
sname,
Thenameoft
hatbast
ard.

"
Kenl
i
sten,

Youar
en'
tgoi
ngt
olett
hisv
ideor
uinwhaty
ouf
eel
forher
.

I
t'
scl
earyoulov
eherandthi
ssocal
l
edhusbandofher
sisj
ustt
ryi
ngt
ocr
eat
ear
if
tbet
ween
y
outwo."Theol
dmansaid.

Hest
il
ldoesn'
tbel
i
evewhatwasshowni
nthev
ideo,

Imean,

I
tmi
ghtsoundl
i
kei
tbuthebel
i
evest
her
e'smor
etot
hev
ideot
hatwhati
t'
sshowi
ng.

"
Youl
oveher
,Icansee.

Atl
easty
oul
efty
ourdaught
erwi
thher
..
."

"
I'
m goi
ngt
ogobr
ingmydaught
erback.
"Kensai
dandst
oodupandwentt
other
ail
.

"
May
bethi
swholef
indi
ngtr
uel
oveorbei
ngaf
reemi
ddl
ecl
assmanandhav
ingawomanl
ove
y
out
hatwayar
eall
bull
shi
t,

I
'
m goi
nggetmydaught
erbackhomeandwe'
l
lli
veher
etoget
her
,

Icar
elessaboutanyot
hert
hing.
"Hesai
dtohi
sfat
her
,

"
Howdoy
out
hinkshe'
l
lfeel
ify
out
aket
hegi
rlf
rom her
?

Shel
ovest
hegi
rlsomuch.
"Geor
geaskedhi
sson,

"
Don'
ttakedeci
sionwheny
ou'
reangr
y,
Theyt
endt
orui
nyoul
ater
."Themansai
d,

"
Idon'
tcar
eabouthowshe'
l
lfeel
,

Shedi
dn'
tcar
eabouthowI
'
llf
eel
whenshewentbackt
ohersoont
obeexhusband,

Sowhyshoul
dIcar
enow?

Mor
eov
er,

Shehasherson,

Hermot
heri
n-l
awandherwhol
efami
l
y,

MeI
'
vej
ustmydaught
erandmy
sel
f.
"Kensai
dst
ernl
y.

"
RememberwhatIsai
dear
li
erKen,

Don'
tmakehast
ydeci
sionswheny
ou'
reangr
y,

I
trui
nst
hingsal
ot.
"Themanr
emi
ndedhi
m agai
n,

"
Da,
thi
sist
heonl
ywayf
ormet
omov
eon,

I
'
llgetmydaught
erandwe'
l
lmov
ebackher
e,

I
t'
susel
essj
oini
ngmom i
nBost
on.
"Kensai
d,

Hehasdeci
ded,

Hi
m andVanessaar
ebet
terof
fnott
oget
her

"
Byt
hewayy
ourbr
othercal
l
ed,

Hesai
dhe'
sbr
inghi
sgi
rl
fr
iendhomenextweekend,

I
'
llbehappyi
fyouar
eher
ewhenhecomes.
"Themani
nfor
medhi
m,
Kennodded,

He'
dnegl
ect
edhi
sfami
l
yforl
ong,

May
bei
t'
sti
met
oaccepthi
sresponsi
bil
i
tiesast
hef
ir
stsoni
nthef
ami
l
y.

Vanessawasi
nherr
oom,

Shewasl
osti
nhert
hought
,

Kenhadn'
tcal
l
edherorev
enaccept
edal
lhercal
l
s.

I
sheal
ri
ght
?

She'
dcal
ledhi
mt hemor ni
ngbefor
eshewentt
ocour
twi
thYuv
raj
tof
inal
l
ysubmi
tthei
rdi
vor
ce
paper
sbuthedidn'
ttakehercal
l
,

Shecall
edhi
m sev
eral
timesaf
tert
hedi
vor
cewasf
inal
l
ylegal
i
sedbutst
il
lhedi
dn'
ttakeher
cal
ls.

Fort
hepastf
ewday
sthatwer
eal
mostt
urni
ngi
ntoweek,

Shehadcal
l
edhi
m sev
eral
timesbutnoneofhercal
l
swer
eaccept
ed.

She'
dal
ott
otel
lhi
m buti
twasl
i
kehej
ustl
eftherandt
heki
ds,

Shecoul
dn'
tcontactany
oneelsei
nhisf
ami
l
ycauseshedi
dn'
thav
ethei
rcont
actandAr
iana
coul
dn'
tdoheranygoodinthatar
ea,

I
twasr
eal
l
yfr
ust
rat
ingf
orher
.

"
Thi
nki
ngabouthi
m agai
n."Padma'
svoi
cej
erkedherupf
rom hert
hought
ful
ness,

"
Yeah,
Hehasn'
tcal
l
edback.
"Shesai
dinf
rust
rat
ionasshehuggedt
hepi
l
lowcl
osel
y,

"
He'
l
lcomear
oundsoon,

May
behe'
ssomewher
eel
seandcoul
dn'
tgett
oyou.
"Shesai
dtoher
,

Vanessanodded,

Shesi
l
ent
lypr
ayedt
hatshoul
dbet
hecase.

Theywer
est
il
lsi
tt
ingt
her
e,

St
il
ltal
ki
ngabouthi
m ast
hesoonst
art
ingaut
umnbr
eezebl
ewi
ntoherr
oom.

Whent
heki
dscal
l
edt
hei
rat
tent
ionf
rom out
side,

"
Theki
dsar
ecal
l
ing.
"Padmasai
d,

Theybot
hst
oodupt
ogoknowwhatt
hepr
obl
em was,

Sur
pri
singl
yKenwasi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"
Ken.
"Vanessacal
l
edhi
m,

Wi
thmi
xedemot
ions,

Shewashappyandmadt
oo,

Whyhadn'
thecal
l
edher
?

Het
urnedt
oher
,

Herf
acewasov
erwhel
medwi
thsur
pri
se.

"
Kenwher
ehav
eyoubeen?

I
'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ouf
oragesnow.
"Shecr
ied,
Hi
sfacewascol
dandexpr
essi
onl
essbutdeepwi
thi
nhewasbot
hangr
yandhappy
.

Angr
ycausehecoul
dst
il
lseet
hev
ideopl
ayi
nhi
shead,

Happycauseshe'
sdoi
ngf
ine.

"
Icamet
otakemydaught
erhome.
"Hesai
dtoheri
nacol
dvoi
ce,

Shewassur
pri
sed.

"
Kenwhathappened?
"Shecamecl
osert
ohi
m,

"
Not
hing,

Ij
ustwant
edt
ocl
earmyheadf
ir
stbutnowI
'
m cl
ear
ed,

Iwantt
otakeAr
ianahome.
"Her
epeat
ed,

Bot
hVanessaandPadmawer
esur
pri
sedathi
sat
ti
tude.

Het
urnedt
ohi
sdaught
er,

"
Ari
ana,
gopacky
ourt
hings,

Wer
egoi
nghome.
"Het
oldt
hegi
rl
,

Hercount
enancechangedandsodi
dSekani
'
s.

"
Kidscomel
et'
sgot
oyourr
oom,

Let
'sl
eav
etheadul
tst
otal
k."Padmasai
dtobot
htheki
ds,

Thenshet
ookt
hei
rhandsandl
edt
hem t
othei
rroom.

Sheknewthi
ngswer
en'
tgoodnowandwoul
dn'
twantt
heki
dswat
chwhat
everwasaboutt
o
happen.
"
Kencany
out
alkt
ome,

What
'st
hepr
obl
em?
"Vanessaaskedhi
m agai
n,

Hi
sexpr
essi
ondi
dn'
tchanged.

"
Ijustwantt
otakemydaught
erhome,

Don'
tmakei
thar
dert
hani
tal
readyi
s."Hesai
dtoher
,

Shewasal
mostbr
eaki
ngdown.

Why
'shedoi
ngt
hist
oher
?

"
Isi
tbecauseofwhathappenedt
heot
herni
ght
?

Ken,
I
'm sor
ryf
ort
hat
,

Ij
ustwasn'
ti
nthemoodt
o..
."

"
Buty
ouwer
eint
hemoodt
osl
eepwi
thhi
m."Her
etor
ted,

Nowhecoul
dn'
tcont
rol
hisangerany
mor
e.

"
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?"Vanessaaskedhi
mfr
owni
ng,

Shewasr
eal
l
yconf
usedwi
tht
hewayhewasact
ing.

"
Vanessa,

Let
'snothur
tour
sel
vesmor
e,

Ij
ustwantt
otakeAr
ianabackhomewi
thme.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
KenIdon'
tunder
standwhat
'shappeni
ng,
Tal
ktome.
"Shecr
iedt
ohi
m,

"
Your
eal
l
ywantt
otal
kabouti
t?"Heaskedher
,

Shenodded,

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandpl
ayedt
hev
ideof
orher
,

"
Thi
siswhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
."Hesai
dtoher
.

"
OhmyGod.
..
"

Shel
ookedatKen,

"
What
'st
his?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Shewasshockedbey
ondwor
ds.
..

"
Vanessa,
getmymydaught
er,

I
'
veaf
li
ghtt
ocat
ch.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Tookhi
sphoneandwentt
other
oom t
ogett
hegi
rl
.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwentnumbf
orVanessa,

I
twasl
i
ket
hewhol
ewor
ldwasonahol
dincl
udi
ngt
ime.

Shedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayorev
endo,

Yuv
raj
hassucceededi
nrui
ningheronceagai
n.

Tobecont
inued

[
7/17,
12:
43PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE
 LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYEI
GHT

Ov
erAMont
hLat
er,

Vanessawasout
sidet
hehouse,

Act
ual
l
yherdad'
shousei
nOut
erBanks.

Thewonder
ful
bungal
owneart
heCr
eek.

Shedi
dn'
tst
il
ldi
dn'
tknowwhyherdadwoul
dsel
ltheol
dhouset
obuyt
hishousebuti
twor
thi
t,

Thehousewasagr
eatsi
ght
.

Wi
thwat
erbehi
ndi
tandgr
eatci
vi
li
zat
ioni
nfr
ontofi
t,

Shej
ustl
ovei
t.

Shewasal
lal
oneout
sideandi
ntheent
ir
ehouse,

Herdadhadal
l
egedl
ytol
dherhewasgoi
ngt
oseeaf
ri
end,

I
tsur
pri
sedheral
ot,

Causeherdad,

Si
monRy
an,

TheownerofRy
an'
sGr
ocer
iesi
nOut
erBankskeepsnof
ri
end.

Biankaexcusedhersel
ffr
om st
ayi
nghomesay
ingshewant
edtomeetupwit
hsomeHigh
SchoolWriter
'sCl
ubinWestwoodandCar
menwentoutwit
hSekani
andherboy
fri
endLoui
s,
Whol
i
vesaf
ewki
l
omet
ersf
rom t
hei
rhouse.

Andshe,
whohasnoonet
ovi
sitwasst
uckathome,

"
It
'sbor
ingouther
e."Shesai
dtoher
sel
f,

I
t'
str
uet
hough,

I
tmi
ghtbecool
andr
efr
eshi
ngl
i
keev
eryot
herAut
umn,

Buti
twasbor
ing.

Herl
i
fehasbeenmor
eofbor
ingsi
nceSept
ember
,

Si
nceKent
urnedhi
sbackonher
,

Si
ncehecal
l
edi
tov
erbet
weent
hem.

Sher
ubbedherst
omach,

I
twasget
ti
ngpr
ett
yhar
dnow,

Alt
houghnoonehadtakenotst
il
lcauseshewear
smor
eofl
osesandbaggycl
othesbutshe
knewshewascarr
yinghi
sbaby.

Thei
rbaby
,

Thebabyt
heymadedur
ingt
hei
runpr
otect
edcr
azyl
ovemaki
ng.

I
tshockedhert
hough,

Shegotafewhunchesbef
orewhenshewassi
ckbutwhenshedi
dahomet
estt
hedayhe
foundheri
nthet
ub,
Shewast
err
if
ied.

Shedi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m nordi
dshet
ell
Padma,

Al
though,
sheguessedPadmami
ghthav
enot
icedbutdi
dn'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t,

Put
ti
ngt
hewayshekeptaski
nghert
otakecar
eofher
sel
flat
ely
.

Shekepti
tasecr
etf
ort
hem causeherl
i
fewasamesst
hen.

Shewasn'
treadyf
oranot
herchil
dst
il
lhav
ingt
otakecar
eofSekani
,
Ari
anaandgoi
ngt
hrougha
messydi
vorceandfi
ghtf
orchi
ld'
scust
ody.

Shewaspr
ett
yscar
edKenwoul
dn'
tl
iket
hei
deaandsowoul
dthesoci
ety
,

Shewasn'
tyetdi
vor
cedt
henandhest
il
lwasn'
tst
il
ldi
vor
ce,

I
twoul
dbei
l
legi
ti
mat
eandshenev
erwant
edherbabyt
obet
ermedi
l
legi
ti
mat
e.

Ar
eyour
eadynow?

Sheaskedher
sel
f.

Shei
sn'
tst
il
l,

Noj
ob(
Shequi
tt
edherj
obaf
terKenl
eftandi
sn'
treadyt
ogetonesoon.
)

She'sl
eav
ingunderherdad'
sroof(
Houst
onr
emi
ndedheral
otofKenandwhat
everhappened
betweent
hem.)
Herl
i
fei
samess.

Shest
oodupf
rom t
hechai
rshesaton,

Thenwal
keddownf
rom t
hepor
chandwentcl
oset
othewat
ers.

Herl
i
fehasbeenamesst
hedayKenshowedhert
hatv
ideo,

Shef
eltv
iol
atedandabusedagai
nal
lthankst
oYuv
raj
.

Speaki
ngofwhi
ch,

Henev
ershowedhi
sfacet
oheragai
n,

Shehear
dfr
om Padmat
hathel
eftHoust
onaf
tert
hedi
vor
cewasset
tl
ed.

Shecoul
dn'
tev
ent
ell
Padmaaboutwhathedi
dtoher
,

Feari
ngshemightendupr
uini
ngt
hemot
herandsonr
elat
ionshi
pthatwassl
owl
yfor
ming
betweenthem,

Shekepti
tal
ltoher
sel
fandbor
etheshameal
one.

Kendi
dn'
tgobackonhi
swor
dsei
ther
,

Hecutof
fal
lconnect
ionwi
thherandt
oldheri
t'
sov
ert
hatday
.

I
twasst
il
lfr
eshi
nhermemor
yli
kei
twasj
usty
est
erday
,

Hel
eftwi
thhi
sdaught
erandt
heywer
egonef
orgood.

Shecoul
dn'
tl
iv
eany
mor
eaf
terhi
m,

I
twasl
i
keherwor
stni
ght
mar
e,
Loosi
ngsomeonecl
ose.

Shedeci
dedi
twasbestt
oleav
eHoust
onf
orsomet
ime,

Shequi
tt
edherj
obwheni
tdemandbecamehi
gher
,

Letherhouseonl
easeandshebundl
edhersonbackhomet
oOut
erBanks,

Sheneededt
ogetcont
rol
ofherl
i
fe.

Shedidn'
ttel
lherdadt
her
easonshecamebacknei
therdi
dshet
ell
hersi
ster
sany
thi
ngabout
Ken,

Sheev
enaskedPadmanott
otal
kabouti
ttoo.

I
twasreallypai
nful
putti
ngt
hefacthet
houghtshe'
dbet
ray
edhi
m whensheknowsheact
ual
l
y
wasn'
tresponsi
blefort
hatf
act
.

Shedi
dn'
trecal
lany
thi
ngaf
terpassi
ngoutbutsheknewYuv
raj
hadn'
tsl
eptwi
thher
,

I
fhedi
d,

Shewoul
dhavenot
icedi
tthoughcausesheal
way
shavesl
ightdiscomf
ortaf
terev
eryl
ove
maki
ngbutshenev
erhadanywhenshewokeupthenextmorning.

Buthowcoul
dsheexpl
aint
hatt
oany
one,

Li
ket
hecar
e,

Noonecar
esasl
ongast
hey
'venocl
ue.

Shepi
ckedupast
onef
rom t
heshor
eandt
hrewi
tint
othewat
ers,
Tum!

Shepi
ckedanot
herandt
hrewi
ntot
hewat
er,

Shedi
dn'
twantt
ogobacki
nsi
det
hehouse,

Notnownoonewasi
n.

Soonshehear
danengi
nedr
ivi
ngt
owar
dst
hehouse,

Thef
rontdoorwascl
osed,

Sot
her
e'snowaysomeonecoul
dgeti
nift
heydon'
thav
eakey
,

They
'l
lhav
etopasst
hrought
hebackandshe'
l
lseewhoev
eri
t'
s.

Soont
heengi
nest
oppedr
unni
ngandshehear
dthedoorcl
osewi
thal
oudsound.

Soonshehear
dsomeoneknocki
ngf
rom t
hef
rontdoor
,

Whoev
eri
t'
sshoul
djustgoaway
.

Shet
hought
.

Sheknewi
twasn'
tnonofhersi
bli
ngscauset
hey
'dt
hekey
,

I
tmi
ghtbesomeonewhowant
stoseet
hem.
..

Can'
tyouseet
hedoori
slockedandj
ustgoaway
?

Sheaskedr
het
ori
cal
l
y,

Shenev
erexpect
edananswercausesheknowt
heper
soncan'
tev
enhearher
.
Theknockwasget
ti
ngl
ouder
,

"Letmegoseewho'sther
e."Shesai
dtohersel
fasshebr
acedt
heshawl
thatwashangi
ngon
hershoul
derandshewentintot
hehouse,

"
Who'
sther
e?"Sheaskedl
oudl
yasshegott
othel
i
vingr
oom,

ThankGodshecoul
dst
il
lgett
oopent
hedoorf
rom i
nsi
de.

Anot
herknock,

Shesi
ghedandpul
l
edoutherkey
,

"
MrRy
ani
sn'
thomeandsoar
ehi
sdaught
ers,

Comebackl
ater
."Shesai
dtot
hest
ranger
,

Anot
herknock.

Sheopenedthedoort
oshunt
heper
sonbutsur
pri
singl
ywhenshepul
l
edt
heknobandsett
he
doorapar
t,

Shewasshockedatwhoshef
oundonherdoor
step.

"
Nessa.
"Hecal
l
edher
,

Hi
svoi
cewasst
il
lasi
tal
way
swas,

"
Nessa.
"Hecal
l
edheragai
nandt
henextt
hing,
Hepul
l
edheri
ntoanembr
ace.

Vanessawassoshocked,

Sosur
pri
sedt
oputt
opl
acewhatwasact
ual
l
ygoi
ngon.

"
Nessa,
I
'm sosor
ryf
orl
eav
ingt
hewayIdi
d."Hesai
dtoherashecont
inuedt
ohugher
,

"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shedi
dn'
tmov
eorev
enshakeaf
terhel
etgo.

"
Nessat
alkt
ome.
"Hesai
dtoherwhenhef
ounddoutshehasn'
tsai
danywor
dsi
nce.

Saysomet
hingdummy
,

Shesai
dtoher
sel
f,

Whatshoul
dIt
ell
him?

He'
sapol
ogi
zi
ngt
ome,

Whatshoul
dIt
ell
him?

Sheaskedher
sel
f,

Tel
lhi
mtocomei
nfi
rst
,

Youdummy
.

Av
oicei
nherheadsai
dtoher
.

Shemov
edoutoft
heway
,
"
Comei
n."Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hecamei
nsi
det
hehouseandsatont
hecouch.

Shewant
edt
oleav
etogogethi
m somet
hing,

Buthest
oodupandcamet
oher
,

"
Vanessawai
t.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
VanessaI
'
m sosor
ryf
orl
eav
ingt
hewayIdi
d,

Youdon'
tknowshowr
est
lessI
'
vebeenf
ort
hepastmont
hwi
thouty
ou,

I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryNessa.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

Shemi
ssedhi
m al
ott
oo,

Shemi
ssedev
eryi
nchofhi
m andt
her
ewer
ethi
ngsshewant
edt
otel
lhi
m,

Thi
ngsshewant
edt
otal
ktohi
m aboutbutt
hatcoul
dwai
t,

He'
sher
ewi
thher
.

"
I'
m sor
ryt
ooKen,

I
'
mreal
l
y..
..
."

Bef
oreshecoul
dgetherwor
dsoutcompl
etel
y,

Hecl
aimedherl
i
psandt
ookheri
naki
ss.
"
Nessa,
Imi
ssy
ou.
"Hesai
dbet
weent
heki
sses.
..
.

Ohgoshi
twascomi
ngagai
n,

Shecoul
dn'
tthi
nkany
mor
e,

Shemi
ssedhi
ski
ss,

Hi
stouch,
hi
sev
ery
thi
ng.

Shedi
dn'
tev
encar
eifev
ersomeonewoul
dwal
kinangergett
hem t
hisway
,

Shecar
edl
ess.

Hesl
i
ppedhi
sar
mst
oherbut
tandgr
abbedi
t,

Assof
tasev
er.

"
Imi
ssy
ousomuchNessa.
"Hemoanedbet
weent
heki
sses,

"
Imi
ssy
out
ooKen.
"Shehear
dher
sel
fsay
ing,

Herbr
aincoul
dn'
tev
encooper
atewi
thherassheki
ssedhi
m,

I
twentbl
ankcompl
etel
y.

Hecar
ri
edherupandl
edhert
othenextav
ail
abl
eroom,

For
tunat
ely
,itwasher
s,

Gooddi
rect
ion.

Hel
ayheront
hebedcar
eful
notbr
eaki
ngt
heki
ss,

"
OhVanessa.
"Hemoaned,
Hi
ssy
stem wassur
ginghotashet
ouchedher
,

Her
eal
l
ywant
edt
ogoi
ntohernow.

Heki
ssedherbr
eastandt
henhet
ickl
edherwi
thhi
stongue,

Shewasi
necst
asy
.

Heslowl
ytookoft
heshawl
thatcl
ungt
oherandsl
i
ddownt
het
hinmat
eri
alofdr
esst
hatr
est
ed
onherbody,

Herbr
eastwer
evi
sibl
etohi
m,

Theywer
ehar
dandpoi
nted,

I
tseemedf
ull
ert
hani
tal
way
swas.

Sheseemedt
ohav
eaddedabi
t.

Hecuppedoneandt
ether
edi
twi
thki
sses,

Heki
ssedi
tashef
ondl
etheot
her
.

Forov
eronemont
h,

He'
dmi
ssedheranddr
eamtofmaki
ngwi
l
dlov
etoher
,

Nowi
t'
sadr
eam comet
ruef
orhi
m.

Het
ender
edbot
hbr
eastwi
thhi
ski
ssesasshemoanedl
oudl
y,

Herbr
eastwasr
eal
l
yhert
urnonpoi
nt.
Herst
omachwashar
dli
keabasebal
landhernav
elwer
eal
mostshoot
ingout
.

Hesawandnot
icedbutbei
ngt
ooengr
ossedandachi
ngf
orherbadl
y,

Hedi
dn'
tsay
,

Atl
eastnott
il
lhewasdone.

Soonhesnakedhi
msel
ftoherV,

Li
keal
way
s,

Shewaswetandsl
i
pper
yforhi
m.

Hewassoi
mpat
ientt
ohav
eaf
eel
ofherwet
ness,
hedi
dn'
tbot
hert
ofi
ngerf
uckher
,

Hehel
pedhi
msel
foutandsl
i
dint
oher
,

"
Ouch!
"Shecr
ied,

Shewast
ightagai
n,

Hel
ovedhert
hatway
,

Al
way
sti
ghtf
orhi
m.

Tokeepherf
rom br
ingi
ngt
hebui
l
dingdownt
hebui
l
dingwi
thhermoan,

Heki
ssedherashet
hrusti
ntoher
.

Sl
owandgent
le,

Thenhei
ncr
easedt
hepaceashedugi
ntoher
.

Hernai
l
scl
ungt
ohi
sski
nasher
odeher
,
Shewasont
hev
ergeofi
t,

OhGodVanessa,

Hol
dmet
ight
.

Soont
heywer
ebot
hcomi
ngi
nthecy
cleofeachot
her
,

Shewasweakhecoul
dseeandherey
eswer
etear
y,

Heki
ssedhert
ear
saway
,

"
Iwon'
tev
erl
eav
eyouVanessa,

Iwon'
tev
er.
"Hesai
dtoherasher
oll
edf
rom herbodyasl
aybesi
deher
,

Hecuppedherheadandmadeherr
esti
tonhi
schest
.

"
I'
m sor
ryf
orl
eav
ing,

I
'
m sor
ryf
ornotf
ight
inghar
der
,

Il
ovey
ouNessaandj
ustwantt
obewi
thy
ou.
"Hesai
dtoher
.

Thi
sti
meshewashav
ingt
hedi
scomf
ortagai
nandi
twaswor
set
hati
t'
dal
way
sbeen,

Shet
ight
enedwheni
tcameagai
n.

"
Nessaar
eyouokay
?"Heaskedherseei
nghowherbodywast
ight
eni
ng.

Sheshookherhead,

"
Let
'sgety
ouup.
"Hesai
dashet
ri
edt
ohel
phergetupf
rom t
hebed.
Whenshest
oodup,

Henot
icedsomet
hing,

Herdr
esshadbl
oodst
ainoni
t,

"
Vanessay
ou'
rebl
eedi
ng.
"Heexcl
aimed,

Herf
acewentpal
eimmedi
atel
y,

Shesl
owl
ytouchedherl
owerbut
tandl
ookedatherhand,

I
thasbl
oodst
ainsoni
t,

Wi
thf
earr
iddenf
ace,

Shel
ookedatKen,

"
Pleasecal
lemer
gency
.

No!

Dr
ivemet
othehospi
tal
."Shecr
iedhi
m,

Wor
ri
edandscar
ed.

What
'shappeni
ng?

Heaskedhi
msel
f,

"
Kenpl
easebef
ast
."

Shecr
iedagai
ninpani
c.

Tobecont
inued.
..

[
7/17,
12:
44PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE
 LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFORTYNI
NE

Kencar
ri
edVanessaandr
ushedt
ohi
scar
,

Shewasagi
tat
edandhewasl
ost
,

What
'shappeni
ngt
oher
?

Heaskedhi
msel
fashedr
ove.

Ati
nter
val
s,

Heav
ert
edhi
sgazef
rom t
her
oadt
oher
,

Eacht
ime,

Shehel
dunt
othel
eat
hert
ight
ly,

Shewasi
npai
n.

Lucki
l
y,hewasabl
etogett
othenear
esthospi
tal
wit
hhi
sGPS,

Hedi
dn'
twai
tfort
hehospi
tal
staf
fst
ocomehel
phi
m getheri
nsi
de.

Hegotdownhi
msel
fandr
ushedt
owher
eshewasandgotherout
,

Car
ri
edheri
nhi
sar
msandr
ushedi
nsi
de.

Sheseemedwei
ght
ierwhenhecar
ri
edher
,
Unl
i
ket
hehowshewasbef
ore.

Seei
ngt
hemanr
ushi
ntot
hehospi
tal
hyst
eri
cal
l
y,

Thenur
seondut
yrushedt
ogetast
ret
cher
.

"
Sirwhathappenedt
oher
?"Sheaskedhi
m whent
heycamewi
thast
ret
cher
,

Kencar
eful
l
ypl
acedVanessaoni
twhi
l
ethenur
sepushedt
hest
ret
cheri
ntot
hecheckupr
oom.

"
Idon'
treal
l
yknow,

Shewasbl
eedi
ng.
"Hesai
dtot
henur
se.

Soont
hedoct
orwascal
l
ed,

Lucki
l
yKenknewt
heman,

"
Doct
orSt
edman,

I
t'
syou.
"Themansai
dwhenhesawKencl
utchi
ngVanessa'
shandwhenhecamei
nsi
de,

Kenr
aisedhi
sheadupt
othemanwhoj
ustcamei
n,

I
tst
il
ldi
dn'
twi
peoutt
hewor
ryl
ookonhi
sface,

"
Gooddaydoct
or.
"Hegr
eet
edt
heman,

He'
dabsol
utel
yfor
got
tent
hename.

"
Letmehav
eal
ook,

Whathappened?
"ThemanaskedKen,
Hewentt
owher
eVanessawasl
yi
ngandt
ookherhand.

Kent
oldt
hedoct
orwhathappenedi
nav
eryaccount
abl
ebutshor
tdet
ail
,

"
Howf
arhav
eyougone?
"HeaskedVanessa,

"
Tenweeksnow.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Shecoul
dn'
tl
ookatKen,

Hel
ookedconf
usedandl
ost
.

"
Doy
ouf
eel
anysi
gnofcont
ract
ions?
"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
Justpai
ns.
"Shesai
dnotl
ooki
ngatKen,

Whowasl
ooki
ngatherconf
usedl
y,

"It
hinky
ouhav easl
ightcer
vixr
upt
uredur
ingt
hei
nter
cour
seandt
hat
'swhyy
ou'
rebl
eedi
ng.
"
Thedoctorsai
dtoher,

"
Iyett
oconf
ir
m butwej
usthav
etor
unaf
ewt
eatt
obesur
e,

I
fit
's,

Thenwe'
vet
ost
it
chi
tbackpr
oper
ly.
"Het
oldher
,

Shenodded,

"
Okaydoct
or.
"Shesai
dtohi
m.

SoonKenwasaskedt
oexcuset
hem whi
l
etheycar
ryoutt
hest
it
chi
ngpr
ocessonVanessa.
Hegotacal
lfr
om Vanessa'
sfat
heraf
ter
war
ds.

"
Wher
ear
eyouguy
s?"Themanl
yvoi
cedaskedhi
m..
..

"
We'
reatt
hehospi
tal
now,

Vanessawasn'
tfeel
i
ngt
owel
l
."Het
oldt
heman,

"
Whi
chhospi
tal
?"Si
monasked,

Kencoul
dsenset
hemanwaswor
ri
edf
orhi
sdaught
er.

"
Manv
il
le,

Justr
ightaf
terCent
ral
UPS.
"Het
oldt
heman,

"
Idon'
tthi
nky
oushoul
dcome,

We'
l
lsoonbehome.
"Het
oldt
heman,

Hedi
dn'
twanthi
mtowor
rymuchabouther
.

"
We'
recomi
ngt
her
e,

Sekani
'
swor
ri
edabouthi
smom.
"Themansai
dtohi
m,

"
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea,

We'
l
lbehomesoon.
"Kenr
epeat
ed.

"
Okaybuty
oushoul
dmakesur
eshe'
snothur
tcauseofy
ou.
"Themanwar
ned,

Ty
pical
Afr
icanFat
her
.
"
OkaySi
r.
"Kent
oldt
hemanandhungupi
mmedi
atel
ybef
oreheget
smor
elect
ures.

Soont
hedoct
orcameoutoft
her
oom,

"
Doct
or,
how'
sshe?
"Hehur
ri
edl
yaskedt
heman,

"
Iguessedasr
ight
,

She'
dasl
i
ghtcer
vical
openi
ngbutwe'
vehandl
edi
t,

Shej
ustneedst
orest
.

Makesur
eshehav
eal
otofheal
thyf
ood,

She'
slacki
ngl
owonener
gyandi
tisn'
tgoodf
orherandherbabi
es.
"Het
oldKen,

"
Herbabi
es?
"

"
She'
scar
ryi
ngasetoft
win.
"Themant
oldher
,

"
What
?"Hewassur
pri
sed,

"
Yes,

She'
scar
ryi
ngasetoft
winbutt
hedanger
ouspar
tist
hatherPVl
evel
isdr
ast
ical
l
ylow,

Sheneedst
oeatmor
eheal
thyf
ood.
"Thedoct
ort
oldhi
m,

Henodded.

Hesur
ehassomayt
hingst
hey
'l
lhav
etot
alkabout
.

"
CanIgoseeher
?"Heaskedt
hedoct
or,
Themannodded,

"
Yesy
oucan.
"Hesai
dandl
eftKen.

Whenheent
eredt
her
oom,

Vanessawasl
yi
ngpeacef
ull
yont
hebed,

Theanaest
het
icwer
est
il
lwor
kingheguessed.

Vanessawokeupabi
tlat
er,

Kenwasbesi
deher
,

Hewasasl
eep,

Hemusthav
efal
l
enasl
eepwat
chi
ngher
.

Shesl
owl
ywant
edt
ogetupbuthewokeupi
mmedi
atel
y,

"
Thedoct
orsai
dyoushoul
drest
."Het
oldher
,

Thengotupf
rom t
hechai
rhewassi
tt
ingon.

Hehel
pedherupandshesatst
il
lcoul
dn'
tl
ookathi
m.

Hewaswait
ingf
orhert
otal
kandi
ntur
nwaswai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtoaskwhi
chsheknowhewoul
d
ev
ent
ual
lydo.

Hedi
dn'
tbot
herhert
il
ltheygothome,

Ev
eni
nthedr
ive,

Heonl
ytookhi
sti
met
oobser
veher
,
Hi
slookswer
eundi
sput
edf
il
ledwi
thquest
ionsonl
yshe'
dtheanswer
s.

"
Mama!
"Sekani
cal
l
edwhenhesawt
hem comei
nsi
de,

"
Uncl
eKen!
"Hel
eftCar
men'
ssi
deandt
hrewhi
msel
fatKenwhocaughtt
heboy
.

"
How'
rey
oudoi
ngboy
?"Heaskedt
heboy
,

"
I'
mfi
ne.

Uncl
eKen,
wher
e'sAr
i?"Heaskedwhenhel
ookedbesi
dehi
m anddi
dn'
tseehi
sfav
ori
te
pl
aymat
e,

"
She'
snother
ewi
thme,

She'
dgonet
ost
aywi
thhergr
annyf
orawhi
l
e."Kent
oldt
heboy
,

Soonfor
mal intr
oduct
ionwasmadewer
eVanessat
ri
edasbestaspossi
blet
oski
pthepar
tof
herr
elat
ionshipwit
hKen,

Shei
ntr
oducedhi
m asaf
ri
endandhernei
ghbor
.

Si
monandCar
menpr
epar
eddi
nner
,

Bakedbar
bequechi
cken,
bakedmacar
oni
,gr
eensmokedt
urkeyandcandi
edy
ams.

Whi
l
eatt
hedi
ningt
abl
e,

Kenoccasi
onal
l
ylookedatVanessawhowasseat
edbesi
deherdad,

Sheat
elessandf
edSekani
mor
e,

"
Vanessay
ouar
en'
teat
ing?
"Kenaskedher
,
Ev
ery
onel
ookedather
,

"
I'
m notr
eal
l
yhungr
y."Shesai
dtohi
m wi
thherheaddown,

"
Youknowy
oushoul
deatmor
e."Hesai
dtoher
,

Shel
ookedathi
m pl
eadi
ngl
y.

Heguessedr
ight
,

Shehasn'
ttol
dany
oneabouthercondi
ti
ons,

She'
sst
il
lkeepi
ngt
hem i
nthedar
ktoo,

What
'sr
eal
l
ywr
ongwi
thher
?

Aft
erdinner
,Kenwasassi
gnedt
otheguestr
oom whi
chwasf
ort
unat
elyf
orhi
m nextt
o
Vanessa'
s.

Sekani
alway
ssl
epti
nhi
sgr
andf
ather
'sr
oom,

Whi
l
eCar
menandBi
ankahadt
hier
stot
hemsel
ves.

Vanessacoul
dn'
tsl
eep,

Shekeptt
ossi
ngandt
urni
ngont
hebedt
il
lshehear
daqui
etknockont
hedoor
,

Sheknewwhoi
twasal
ready
,

Thenshegotupandwentt
oopent
hedoorf
orhi
m.

Ther
ehewasdr
essedi
nhi
spaj
amas,

Hesmel
l
edofPacoRabanne.
"
Weneedt
otal
k."Hesai
dtoherasheent
eredt
her
oom,

I
twasgi
rl
ishl
yfur
nished,

Hehadn'
ttakennot
eoft
hatwhenhef
ir
stcamei
nsi
de.

Hesatont
hebedbutshedi
dn'
t,

Sheknewwhyhe'
dcome.

"
Isi
tmi
ne?
"Hebr
oket
heawkwar
dsi
l
ent
,

"
Yes.
"Shemut
ter
edasshehel
pedher
sel
ftot
hechai
rbesi
det
hev
ani
tyt
abl
e.

"
Tenweeksgone,

Whendi
dyouf
indout
?"Heaskedher
,

"
Thedayoft
hef
inal
ver
dicti
ncour
t,

Igotcur
iousanddi
dahomet
est
,i
tcameoutposi
ti
ve.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Herackedhismemor iest
ocheck,
tor
ecal
lwhathewasdoi
ngt
hathedi
dn'
tnot
iceherr
una
homepr egnancycheckonher
self
.

"
Thebat
hroom.
..
"

Yesi
twasi
t,
shewasi
nthebat
hroom cr
ying,

Whyhadn'
thenot
icedi
t?

"
Wast
hatwhyy
out
urnedmyadv
ancesdownt
hatni
ght
?"Heaskedher
,shenodded.
..

"
Amongstal
lthi
ngsy
es.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,
"
Thenwhykeepmei
nthedar
k?

Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?

Samewayy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ouwher
egoi
ngf
oradi
nnerdat
ewi
thYuv
raj
."Hesai
dtoher
,

"
CauseIwasscar
edandwasn'
treadyt
hen.
"Sher
epl
i
edhi
m,

"We'dSekaniandAriana,
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt ocopewi
thaddi
nganot
herwhenwewer
en'
tyet
div
orcedfrom ourspousesyet
."Shesai
dtohim,

"
Soar
eyour
eadynow?
"Heaskedher
,

Hergazewi
denedasshel
ookedathi
m sur
pri
sed.

"
Arey
our
eadynowVanessa?
"Her
epeat
ed.

Tobecont
inued.

[
7/17,
12:
48PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFI
FTY

Vanessasai
dnot
hing,

"
VanessaRy
anar
eyour
eadyt
ocar
rymybabi
es?
"Heaskedheragai
n,
Shef
rowned,

Babi
es?

I
sshecar
ryi
ngat
win?

At
win.
..
.

Gosh,
she'
sdef
ini
tel
ynotr
eadyf
ort
his.

Buthowcansheexpl
aint
hist
oKen,

He'
sver
yexpect
antandhopi
ng,

Hewoul
dn'
twantt
ogi
veuphi
ski
dsandshewon'
tev
endar
e.

Kencamecl
osert
oher
,

Hemadeherst
andup,

"
Vanessat
alkt
ome,

Ar
eyour
eadynow?
"Heaskedagai
n,

Sheshookherhead.

"
Ken,
Idon'
twantt
ogetst
randedany
mor
e,

I
tisn'
tl
ikeIdon'
twantt
obi
rt
hyouki
ds,

Ourki
ds.

ButIdon'
twantt
ogetst
randedi
fyoul
eav
emeagai
n.

Idon'
tthi
nkIcancopewi
thi
t.
Notespeci
all
ywhenI
'
m hav
ingat
win.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hi
sfacef
ell
,

Henev
erexpect
edhert
obet
hissel
fi
sh.

"Why
'si
tal
way
sabouty
ouVanessa?

Youdon'
tmakesacr
if
ice,

Youdon'
ttaker
isk,

Youdon'
tl
etpeopl
eineasi
l
y,

Whyal
way
syou?"
Heaskedher
,

Hi
svoi
cewasn'
tcal
m andi
twasn'
thar
sh,

I
twaspai
nful
,
fil
l
edwi
thhur
t.

"
Ken.
..
."Shewant
edt
otouchhi
m buthemov
edf
rom her
,

"
No,
l
et'
sgett
hiscl
earher
eandnow.

You'
veal
way
sbeensel
fi
shandsel
fcent
ered,

Fi
ght
ingf
ory
oursel
fandy
ourhear
tal
one,

Don'
tdoy
ouev
ert
endt
ocar
emeorwhatI
'
llf
eel
?"Heaskedher
,

"
Don'
tyou?

Doy
ouknowhowIwasabl
etomanaget
hisf
ewweekswi
thouty
ou?

I
twasn'
teasy
,

Icoul
dn'
tdoi
t.
I
'
dtogooutofmywayt
ogeti
ntouchwi
thPadmaandshet
oldmey
ou'
reher
e,

I
'
dtomaket
hesacr
if
icecauseIcoul
dn'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
ou.

Nomat
terhowangr
yIwasseei
ngt
hatv
ideoandpl
ayi
ngi
t,

Icoul
dn'
tdoi
t.

Youdidn'
ttel
lherwhathappenedbet
weenusandnei
therdi
dsheknowwhathappenedbet
ween
youandYuv r
aj.
"

Shecuthi
m shor
t,

"
Not
hinghappenedbet
weenmeandYuv
raj
,
Ken.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hef
rowned,

"
Hedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
ome.
"Shet
oldhi
m,

"
Howdi
dyouknow?
"Heaskedher
,

Wasshedef
endi
ngher
sel
forYuv
raj
?

Hedi
dn'
tunder
stand.

Noguywoul
dst
ayt
hatcl
oset
oherwi
thoutdoi
ngany
thi
ngof
fhi
sbound,

"
I'
mver
ysur
e."Sher
epl
i
edhi
m undi
sput
ed,

"
IknowIwasv
erywr
ongf
orgoi
ngoutt
oseehi
m wi
thoutt
ell
i
ngy
oubutI
'
dmyr
easonsKen,

Ididaccepthi
sdi
nneri
nvi
tat
ioncauseIwant
edt
ogethi
m si
gnt
hosepaper
s,soIcanbewi
th
you.
HelostSekani
andIknowhewoul
dn'
twantt
oletmego,
thatwasmyonl
ychanceandI
'
dtouse
i
t,

Ev
ent
houghi
tdi
dn'
treal
l
ywentasexpect
edbuthesi
gnedt
hepaper
sandIgotwhatIwant
ed,

Whatwebot
hwant
ed,

Idi
ditforus.
"Shet
oldhi
m al
mostbr
eaki
ngdownf
il
ledwi
tht
het
houghtofKent
hinki
ngshe
bet
rayedhim.

"
Youdon'
twantt
oloseme?
"Heaskedher
,

Shenodded,

"
AndIdon'
twantt
olosey
out
oo,

Ican'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
ouNessa,

We'
l
lgetmar
ri
edandbet
oget
her
..
."

"
Nomar
ri
ageKen,

Ij
ustl
eftoneandIdon'
tthi
nkIwantt
ogeti
ntoanot
her
,

Wecanbet
oget
her
.

Hav
eourki
dsandl
i
vet
oget
herwi
thbot
hSekani
andAr
ianabutnomar
ri
ageKen,

Nomar
ri
age.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Asl
ongasIhav
eyouwi
thme

Idon'
tcar
eifwegetmar
ri
edornot
.
Whenev
ery
ou'
redonewi
tme,

Youcanaswel
lthr
owmei
ntot
het
urnpi
ke.
"Hesai
dcasual
l
y,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
That
'l
lbet
hedeat
hofme.
"

Hecamecl
oserandt
ookherf
acecl
osert
ohi
s,

"
Ijustwanty
ouandy
oual
one.
"Hewhi
sper
edt
oher
,

Shesmi
l
ed,

"
Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ngmeKen,

Idon'
tknowwhatIcoul
dhav
edonewi
thouty
ou.
"Shesai
dtohi
m whi
l
etheyhugged,

"
Met
oo,

Iowemyl
i
fet
oyouVanessa.
"Hesai
dtoher

Het
ouchedherbel
l
y,

I
twashar
dandhernav
elwasout
.

"
DoesPadmaknowabouti
t?"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

"
Ihav
en'
ttol
dany
oneabouti
t,

ButIknowshemusthav
enot
iced,

Put
ti
ngt
hewayshewasf
ussi
ngaboutmenoteat
ingpr
oper
ly.
"
"
Didy
ouev
ert
houghtofget
ti
ngr
idofi
t?"Heaskedher
,

Hej
ustwant
edt
oknowwhet
heri
tev
ercamei
ntohermi
ndt
ogetr
idofhi
sbabi
es,

Thei
rbabi
es.

"
Yeah.
."

"
Whydi
dn'
tyoudoi
t?"Heaskedher
,

Shel
ookedathi
m,

I
nherhear
tsheaskedhi
m,

Ar
eyousur
eyouwantt
oheari
t?

Henoddedl
i
keher
eadhermi
nd.

"
Iwant
edt
ocar
ryy
oual
ong,

They
'r
eyourki
dsandIneededy
out
oknowaboutt
hem.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed,

Shewasr
eal
l
ythi
nki
ngofhi
m,

Thi
swomanmusthav
ecast
edaspel
lonhi
mtomakehi
m notgetmadather
.

I
fitwast
obeJul
i
ewho'
ddonet
his,

Hewoul
dhav
ereact
edi
nav
eryhar
shwayt
oherbutwi
thVanessa,

Hekepthi
scool
.

Shehasr
eal
l
ydonesomet
hingt
ohi
m andt
hatsomet
hing,
he'
sinl
ovewi
th.
I
nthel
ongr
un,

VanessaandSekani
wental
ongwi
thKent
oTopeka,

Thel
it
tl
eboywashappyt
hathewasgoi
ngawaywi
thhi
sfav
ori
teuncl
eandsoonhewoul
dget
tomeetAr
iana.

Kenwasmet
icul
ousaboutVanessapr
egnancy
,

He'
dthewhol
ehouser
efur
bishedpr
iorherar
ri
val
,

Madehereatheal
thyandmadesur
eshewentf
orhercheckuponweekl
ybasi
csi
nst
eadoft
he
nor
malonceineverymont
h.

Heact
ual
l
ywentbackt
owor
k,

Thi
sti
mear
ound,
i
twashi
sownhospi
tal
,

Thehospi
tal
hisf
atherhadbeenl
ect
uri
nghi
m aboutsi
nce,

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasundercont
rol
agai
n.

"
Ken,

Padmacal
l
edt
oday
."Vanessat
oldhi
m af
terdi
nneroneni
ght
,

Theywer
eget
ti
ngr
eadyt
ogot
obed,

Theki
dswer
eal
readyasl
eep.

Vanessawasal
readyi
nhersev
ent
hmont
handherbumpswer
eal
lout
,

Showi
ngt
hewhol
ewor
ldt
hatshe'
spr
egnant
.
"
Whatdi
dshesay
?"Heaskedher
,

Vanessat
ookadeepbr
eat
he,

Kenl
ookedather
,

"
Somet
hingbadhappened?
"Heaskedher
,

Shewasbehav
ingal
lwei
rdanddown.

"
It
'sYuv
raj
,
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Hegoti
nvol
vedi
nanacci
dentandi
scomat
osed,

Shewant
edSekani
tocomeseehi
m."Shet
oldhi
m,

She'
daf
eel
i
ngKenwoul
dn'
tagr
eet
oitbutwant
edt
otel
lhi
m abouti
tfi
rst
.

"
Doy
ouwanthi
mtogoseehi
m?

I
t'
snot
hingwr
ong,

Yuv
raj
ishi
sfat
herst
il
l.
"Kensai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

Nomat
terwhathe'
sst
il
lthef
atheroft
heboyandshecan'
ttaket
hatr
ightawayf
rom hi
m.

"
Wecangoseehi
m ov
ert
heweekend,

Jul
i
e'scomi
ngnextweekt
oo,

She'
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edandwant
stof
inal
l
ylegal
i
seoursepar
ati
on.
"Het
oldher
,

Shesmi
l
ed,
"
Atl
eastshe'
sdoi
ngi
tinamor
ereasonabl
eandmat
uredway
,

Justhopeev
ery
thi
ngendswel
l
."Shesai
dtohi
m,

"
Luckyf
orus.
"Hesai
dashemadeherl
ayont
hebedi
nthemostcomf
ort
abl
eway
.

I
fYuv
raj
hadact
ednat
uredl
yli
keJul
i
e'sdoi
ngr
ightnow,

Shewon'
thav
ehadanypr
obl
em wi
thhi
m..

May
beKar
mai
spay
inghi
m av
isi
t,

Shesi
ghed.

Tobecont
inued

[
7/17,
12:
53PM]+233544142683I
shmeal
Ome: BEI
NGHI
SWI
FE

LOVE,
HATE,
ABUSEANDREVI
VAL

CHAPTERFI
FTYONE

LASTCHAPTER.
..
..
..
.

Kentoget
herwi
thVanessa,
Sekani
andAr
ianawentt
otheOut
erBankst
ovi
sitYuv
raj
that
weekend,

He'
dregai
nedconsci
ousnessandPadmawaswi
thhi
m..
.
Padma.
.

Thewomanhadagedunl
i
kehowshewasbef
ore,

Herf
acegav
eof
fhersor
row,
wat
chi
nghersonl
yi
ngbedr
iddenont
hebed.

"
Ohy
ouguy
sar
eher
e."Padmawentt
ohugVanessaasshecamei
nsi
det
her
oom wi
thKen,

Theki
dswer
eatVanessa'
shouse.

"
Whatr
eal
l
yhappened?
"Kenaskedher
,

Hemi
ghthat
eYuv
raj
'
sgutbuthe'
sforsur
esadaboutwhathappenedt
oher
.

"
He'
danacci
dentt
hedoct
orsai
d."Shet
oldt
hem,
herv
oicegav
eawaypai
nandsor
row,

"
How'
shedoi
ng?

Hast
her
ebeenanyconcl
usi
ononhi
sheal
th?
"Kenaskedher
,

Vanessawast
oosadandshockedt
out
terawor
d.

Shewant
edYuv
raj
topayf
orwhathedi
dtoher
,

Butshenev
erwant
edhi
mli
ket
his.

"
Hebr
okehi
scor
d,"Padmacr
ied,

"Thedoct
orsai
dhebr
okehi
scor
dandt
her
e'sabsol
utel
ynochanceofhi
m usi
nghi
slegs
anymore,

Myson'
sgoi
ngt
obeconf
inedt
oawheel
chai
r.
"Shecr
ied,

Hur
tfi
l
ledherey
esasshet
oldt
hem,
shepar
ti
all
ybl
amedher
sel
f.
I
fshe'
dtr
iedt
omakehi
m knowt
heconsequencesofwhathewasdoi
ng,

I
fshe'
ddr
ewhi
m cl
oserenought
oadmoni
shhi
m,

Hewoul
dn'
thav
ebeent
hisway
,

Shet
otal
l
ybl
amedher
sel
f.

"
Mom,
he'
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ghtokay
,

He'
sgoi
ngt
odowel
l
."Vanessamanagedt
osay
,

Shef
eltPadma'
spai
n.

"
I'
ll
ref
erhi
mtoav
erygoodphy
siot
her
api
stIknow,

Hewi
l
lbeabl
etohel
pYuv
raj
getbackonhi
sfeet
."Kensuggest
ed,

"
Thesedoct
orscandohi
m nogood,

They
'l
lonl
ymakemat
ter
swor
st.

Apr
ofessi
onal
andgoodphy
siot
her
api
stwi
l
ldot
hewor
kper
fect
lywel
l
.

St
opcr
yingnowma,

Andr
emembernonoft
hisi
syourf
aul
t.
"Kenadded.

Fort
hel
i
ttl
ehe'
dcomet
oknowPadma,

Hef
igur
edshel
i
kebl
ami
ngher
sel
fforal
mostev
ery
thi
ng.

"
Yout
ri
edy
ourbestma,
Youexceededt
heexpect
ati
onsofamot
herandIappl
audy
ouf
ort
hat
.

Don'
tbl
amey
our
sel
fift
hingsdon'
tgoasexpect
ed.
"Hepul
l
edhercl
oseandhuggedher
.

Padmawasoneoft
hebestmot
herhe'
dmetaf
terVanessa,

Shet
ookcar
eofVanessaandhel
pedhergetbadonherf
eetaf
terhersonal
mostr
uinedherl
i
fe,

Someonel
i
kehi
sownmom woul
dhav
esuppor
tedhersoni
fshewer
etobei
nPadma'
sshoes,

Heknewhi
smasowel
lbutf
orPadma,

Shewasar
aregem.

Shef
oughthar
dforVanessat
omakesur
eshewasf
reef
rom Yuv
raj
'
stor
tur
e,

Madeheri
ntobel
i
evi
ngt
hatot
hergoodmenwer
eoutt
her
eandsheshoul
dn'
tl
osehope.

Hewi
shedev
erymot
herwoul
djustbel
i
kePadma,

Her
eal
l
ywi
shed.

WhenYuv
raj
wokeup,

Hewassur
pri
sedt
oseeVanessaandPadmabesi
dehi
m,

He'
dtol
dhismom hewant
edt
oseeherbuthenev
erknewshewoul
dagr
eet
ocomeaf
teral
l
whathedi
dtoher
.

"
Ma.
."Hecal
l
ed,

Bot
hthewoment
urnedt
ohi
m,

"
Yuv
y,y
ou'
reawake.
"Padmasai
dtoher
,
Herv
oicewasconcer
nfi
l
led.

I
thur
thi
m somuchhe'
dtoputhert
hroughal
otoft
roubl
einhi
sli
fet
ime,

She'
dagedwi
thhi
str
oubl
es.

"
Ma.
..
"Hemanagedt
osayagai
n,

Hi
sthr
oatwasdr
yandcr
oaky
,

Heneededwat
ersobad.

"
Ma.
..

I
'
mthi
rst
y."Hesai
dtoher
,

Shel
ookedatVanessa.

"
Yuv
raj
cany
ouwai
tal
i
ttl
elonger
,l
et'
sgett
hedoct
or,

He'
l
ldeci
dewhet
hery
ou'
ret
obegi
venwat
erornot
."Vanessasai
dtohi
m ki
ndl
y,

"
Mom,
l
etmegogett
hedoct
or.
"Shesai
dandt
urnedt
oleav
e,

"
No,
I
'l
lgogethi
m,

Youst
ayher
eVanessa,

Youshoul
dn'
tbest
ressi
ngy
our
sel
finy
ourcondi
ti
on.
"Padmasai
dtoher
,

Shet
urnedandl
eftwhi
l
eVanessasatont
hechai
r.

Nowor
dwer
edi
dbet
weent
hem,

Sheknewhewasbor
ingherski
nwi
thhi
sst
aresbutshecoul
dn'
tdoat
hing,
Shei
sn'
tscar
edofhi
m any
mor
eandhedef
ini
tel
ycan'
thur
ther
,

He'
sbedr
idden.

"
VanessaI
'
m sor
ry.
"Shehear
dhi
m say
,

Hi
sspeechwasn'
taf
fect
edbyt
heacci
dentbutst
il
li
twasn'
tcl
earal
thoughshehear
dhi
m,

Shet
urnedt
ohi
m andnodded,

"
Ifor
giv
eyouYuv
raj
,

Theonl
ythi
ngy
ouowemeust
ogetwel
landbet
ter
,

Mom i
sreal
l
ywor
ri
edabouty
ou.
"Shesai
dtohi
minapl
ayf
ulway
,

Hesmi
l
ed.

"
Ishoul
dn'
thav
edonewhatIdi
dthen,

I
twasv
erybadofme.
"Hesai
dagai
n,

Shenodded,

"
Weal
lmakemi
stakesomet
imes,

I
t'
snot
hingandIf
orgi
vey
ou.
"Shesai
dtohi
m now,

Butonamor
eser
iousnot
e.

"
He'
sthef
ather
?"Hesai
d,i
twasmor
eofaconcl
usi
ont
hataquest
ion,

Shet
ouchedherbump,
i
twasv
eryv
isi
blyoutf
orasev
enmont
hnow.
"
He'
sagoodguy
,hedeser
vesi
t.
"Yuv
raj
sai
d,

"
Thanks.
"Shesai
dinawaynott
ogi
veanyemot
ion,

Keni
sagoodguyanddeser
vesomet
hinggood.

"
Youguy
smar
ri
ed?
"Heaskedher
,

Sheshookherhead,

Whyshoul
dheaskhersomet
hingper
sonal
ast
hat
,

Shedoesn'
tthi
nkshehasthel
i
ber
tyt
otel
lhi
mthatBEI
NGHI
SWI
FEhe'
drui
nedherchanceof
bei
nganotherman'
swife,

She'
sfr
eaki
ngscar
edofget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.

"
Youshoul
d,

Youdeser
vet
obewi
thabet
termanandKeni
sthatbet
terman,

Thebot
hofy
ouar
eagoodmat
ch.
"Headv
isedher
,

"
Don'
trui
nyourchanceswi
thhi
m causeofwhathappenedbet
weenus,

Iwasbei
nganar
cissi
sti
cjer
ktol
oseawomanl
i
key
ou,

Don'
tl
oseKen.
"Het
oldher
,

Shenodded.

SoonPadmacamei
nwi
tht
hedoct
or,

Hewentt
owher
eYuv
raj
wasl
yi
ngandbegant
ocheckonhi
m,

"
Hispul
seandhear
trat
ear
egood.
"Het
ouchedhi
sthi
gh,
"
Doy
ouf
eel
anypai
nher
e?"HeaskedYuv
raj
,

"
Ican'
tev
enf
eel
yourhandsi
fnott
hatI
'
m seei
ngy
ou.
"Hesai
dpol
i
tel
y,

Thedoct
ornodded.

"
MrSt
edmanhadar
rangedf
oraphy
siot
her
api
sti
nBost
ont
otakeov
er,

I
fyouwontmi
nd,

We'
llbefl
yi
ngy
out
oBost
onbyTuesdayaf
teral
lfor
mal
i
tiesar
echecked.
"Thedoct
orsai
dto
Yuv
raj,

Hel
ookedatPadma,

Thennodded.
..

Yuv
raj
wasf
lownt
oBost
ont
hesameweekJul
i
ecamet
oKen'
shouse.

Shecameal
ongwi
thhersoont
obef
iancéandherf
ivemont
hsol
dpr
egnancy
.

"
HeyKen,

You'
rel
ooki
nggood.
"Shesai
dtohi
m,

Hesmi
l
ed,

Shel
ookedgoodt
oespeci
all
ywi
thherpr
egnancygl
ow.

"
Thi
sismyf
iancéeDer
ri
ckSt
onewal
l
,

He'
sasof
twar
eengi
neer
,"Shet
urnedt
otheguybesi
deher
,

"
Der
ri
ck,
thi
sisKen,
KenSt
edmanmysoont
obeexhusband.
"Shei
ntr
oduced,

Themenshookhandswhi
l
etheyset
tl
eddown.

"
Wewon'
twast
emuchofy
ourt
imeKen,

Her
ear
ethepaper
s."Shesai
dtohi
m br
ingi
ngoutt
hedi
vor
cepaper
sandhandi
ngi
ttoKen,

Whor
eadi
tcar
eful
l
y.

Jul
i
edi
dn'
tsi
gnanyofhi
spr
oper
ty,

Shej
ustwant
edonl
yvi
sit
ingr
ightt
oherdaught
erAr
iana.

"
Wher
e'sAr
iana?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Hesmi
l
edandpi
ckedt
hehomephone,

"
Heyhun,

Br
ingt
heki
ds.
"Kensai
d,

Jul
i
ewassur
pri
sed,

Ki
ds,

Whatki
ds?

SoonVanessacamedownwi
tht
heki
ds,

Wi
thAr
ianacl
i
ngi
ngunt
oherandSekani
rushi
ngt
ocomeandmeetKen.

"
Ari
!"Jul
i
ecal
l
edt
hechi
l
dexci
tedl
ybutt
hegi
rldi
dn'
tl
eav
eVanessa,

"
Ari
gosayhi
toy
ourmommy
."Vanessaur
gedt
hegi
rl
,

Shedi
dn'
tmov
eaway
.
Vanessahadt
ocar
ryhert
oJul
i
esot
hewomancant
oucht
hechi
l
d.

"
Kidssaygooddayt
oourguest
."Vanessat
oldt
het
woki
ds,

"
Goodday
.

Goodday
."Theybot
hsai
dtot
hesur
pri
sedJul
i
eandherf
iancé.

Si
nceAr
ianacoul
dn'
tl
etgoof
fVanessa,

She'
dtot
aket
hegi
rlbackt
othecouchandshesatbesi
deKen,

"
You'
remar
ri
ed?
"sur
pri
sedJul
i
easked,

"
Soont
obe.
"Vanessasai
dtohershenoddedwhi
l
stKensi
gnedt
hepaper
sandgav
eitt
oher
.

"
Thanksal
ot.
"Der
ri
cksai
dtoKenashet
ookt
hepaper
sinJul
i
e'sst
ead.

Vanessast
oodup,

"
Letmegety
ouguy
ssomet
hing.
..
"

"
Noy
oudon'
thav
etost
ressy
our
sel
f,

Wer
ehav
ingl
unchatmyf
ami
l
yhouse,
i
sn'
ti
tbabe.
"Hesai
dtoJul
i
e,

Shenodded,

"
Okay
,

Myr
egar
dst
oyourpar
ent
s."Kensai
dtoherast
heyst
oodup,

Kenst
oodupt
oowhi
l
eAr
ianahungunt
oVanessawhowasst
il
lsi
tt
ingdown.
..
"
Letmeseey
ouof
f.
"Kensai
dtot
hem,

Hecamebackandki
ssedVanessaont
hel
i
ps,

"
I'
ll
bebacksoon.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shenoddedashel
eftwi
thSekani
too.

Vanessacameoutwi
thAr
ianal
ater
,

Sekani
waspl
ayi
ngsof
tbal
lwi
thKenasshewat
chedAr
ianapl
aywi
thherbar
biedol
l
,

SoonSpr
ingwi
l
lcomeandev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeal
ri
ght
,

Shesi
ghed.

Lat
eMayni
ght
,Vanessawokeupwi
thur
get
ogopee,

Shegotupf
rom t
hebedandwal
kedi
ntot
hebat
hroom.

Butbef
oreshegott
her
e,

Shef
eltt
hel
i
qui
drunni
ngdownhert
highs,

Shecont
ract
edhercer
vixt
ohol
dthel
i
qui
dbutshecoul
dn'
t,

Soonherpaj
amaswasdr
ippi
ngwet
.

Shewantedtogobacktot
her
oom t
ochangei
ntoanot
herpaj
amaswhenshef
eltav
eryshar
p
pai
ninherpelv
icar
ea,

Shecoul
dn'
tshout
,

Shegr
it
tedhert
eet
handpl
acedherheadont
hewal
lsuppor
ti
ngi
twi
thbot
hherar
ms.
Kenwokeup,
Vanessawasn'
tont
hebed,

Hegotupt
oseei
fshewasi
nthebat
hroom whenshehear
dhersof
tcr
y,

Heopenedt
hedoorqui
ckl
yjustt
oseeheri
npai
ns,

"
Vanessa!
"Hecal
l
edher
,

Shecoul
dn'
tl
ookathi
m,

Shewascl
ear
lyi
npai
ns.

Her
ushedt
oherandhel
dherup,

Sl
owl
yhegotheroutoft
hebat
hroom andcar
ri
edhert
othel
i
vingr
oom.

Lucki
l
ytheki
dswer
easl
eepandhadn'
twokenupt
oVanessacr
ies,

Hel
edherout
sidet
othecar
,

I
twaschi
l
lycol
dandwi
ndywascl
ear
lyaboutt
orai
n.

Kengotheri
ntot
hecar
,

Hewashy
ster
ical
ashedr
ovet
otheKansasSt
ateHospi
tal
near
by,

Therewasabsol
utel
ynoonecl
osebyhecoul
dcal
ltohel
phi
m wat
cht
heki
dswhi
l
ehest
ayed
wit
hVanessa.

Vanessawaspl
acedont
hest
ret
cherbyt
henur
seondut
yandwast
akent
othel
aborr
oom,

Kenwenti
nsi
dewi
tht
hem ev
enwi
tht
heheadnur
sedi
sappr
oval
.

Fi
nal
l
yaf
terov
eranhourofi
ntensel
abor
,
Ov
eranhourofcr
iesandKen'
sencour
agement
,

Thef
ir
stbabycameout
,

I
twasababyboy
.

Wi
thhi
m out
,

Hi
syoungerbr
othercamei
ntowqui
ckert
hanexpect
ed.

Vanessapassedoutbef
oreseei
ngherbabi
es.

ShesawJer
emy
,

Shesawhi
m,

Hewassmi
l
ingather
,

Hewaswear
ingwhi
teandwassmi
l
ing.

Shewassmi
l
ingt
oo,

Shecant
ell
.

"
Youmadei
tVanessa,

Youmadei
t.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
Youf
inal
l
ymadei
t.

You'
veawonder
ful
fami
l
ynow,

You'
veSekani
,

Myf
avor
it
eUncl
eOz.
You'
veAr
iana,

You'
veKenandnowy
ou'
vey
ourt
wowonder
ful
sons.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

"
You'
vegotev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneedNessa,

You'
vegotev
ery
thi
ngy
oudeser
ve.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

She'
sgotev
ery
thi
ngshedeser
ved,

Shedeser
vedal
lthi
s.

Shel
ookedatJer
emy
'sey
es,

Hi
sey
eswer
egr
ayi
shbl
ue,

Gr
ayl
i
keMonday
s,

Li
ket
hoseMonday
sther
ewer
etoget
her
,

I
twasgr
ayi
shbl
ue.

"
Whatabouty
ouJer
emy
?

Di
dyougetwhaty
oudeser
ve?
"Sheaskedhi
m,

Henodded,

"
Yes,
Igoty
ouasmybestf
ri
end,

Mybestl
overandmyev
ery
thi
ng,

I
'
vegoty
ouandI
'
m cont
ent
edwi
tht
hat
.
I
'
m cont
ent
edasl
ongasI
'
m al
way
siny
ourmemor
y,

I
'
m happy
."Hesai
dtoher
,

Shenodded.

"
Goandseey
ourki
dsandKen,

They
'r
ewai
ti
ngt
ocongr
atul
atey
ou.
"Hesai
dtoher
,

Shesmi
l
edashel
eft
.

Whenshewokeup,

Kenwasbesi
deher
,

Thenur
seswer
etoo.

"
Ken.
."Shecal
l
edhi
m weakl
y,

Hesmi
l
ed,

"
Congr
atul
ati
onsma'
am.
"Shehear
dthenur
sesay
.

Theyhandedoneoft
hebabi
est
oher
,

"
He'
sthef
ir
st.
"Thenur
sesai
dtoher
,

Shenodded,

Shel
ookedatt
heboy
.

Hi
sti
nynoseandpout
ingsmal
ll
ips,

Thosef
lushyr
edcheeksandal
i
ttl
est
randofhai
rsonhi
shead,

Herbabyboysmi
l
edather
,

Hi
sti
nyey
eli
dswe'
rebat
tl
ingt
oopen.
Thespeci
alf
eel
i
ng,

Theoneshedwhenshebi
rt
hedSekani
andwhenshewat
chedAr
ianasuckl
ebesi
deher
,

Shewashav
ingt
hem agai
n.

She'
samot
heragai
n,

She'
samot
hernow.

I
ntur
nsshel
ookedathert
wobundl
eofj
oy,

Theywer
eal
i
kei
nal
lway
s,

Ver
ycut
e.

Shef
edt
hem bot
hint
urnsandl
ayt
hem ont
hei
rcr
ibnextt
oher
,

She'
sahappymot
hernow.
..
..

Aweekaf
terSekani
'
ssev
ent
hbi
rt
hdayandf
ivey
ear
saf
terJer
emy
'sdeat
h,

VanessaandKenwer
eathi
sgr
avesi
tei
nStMar
k'sGr
avesi
te.

She'
dcomet
opayt
ri
but
etohi
m agai
nli
keshe'
ddonef
ort
hepastf
oury
ear
s.

She'
dlef
ttheki
dswi
thPadmawho'
dcomet
ovi
sitt
hem,

Sekani
wassev
enal
readyandAr
ianawassi
x,

Thet
winsJer
emyandJoaqui
nwer
etwomont
hsol
d.
Jer
emyr
emi
ndedVanessaal
otofJer
emy
,

Heandhi
sbr
otherwer
eident
ical
exceptt
heyey
ecol
or.

HerbabyboyhadJer
emyMacy
'sey
escol
or,
gray
ishbl
ue.

Whi
l
ehi
sbr
otherhadKen'
sey
escol
or,

Li
ghtbr
own.

Undert
heJul
ySummer
,

Ken,
VanessaandFatherMaj
ett
ebowthei
rheadforaf
ewmi
nut
esast
heyobser
vedamoment
ofsi
l
entinfr
om ofJeremy'
sRober
toMacy'
sgrav
e.

'
JEREMYROBERTOMACY.

1977-
2010.

RestI
nPeace.
'

Thatwaswhatwasi
nscr
ibedonhi
sgr
avest
one.

"
DearKen,

Don'
twor
ryabouty
ourbestf
ri
end,

I
'
m goi
ngt
opr
otectherwi
thwhatIhav
e.

I
'
m nev
ergoi
ngt
oev
erl
eav
eher
,

That
'sapr
omi
seI
,

Kendr
ickLeonSt
edmani
smaki
ngt
oyouont
hisday
."

Kensai
dwi
thi
nhi
msel
f.
Upf
rom somewher
e,Jer
emywat
chedandsmi
l
ed,

Hi
sVanessahasmadehi
m pr
oud.

TheEnd.
..
..
..
..