[

04/
14,
12:
42]Ron:
SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wr
it
tenby:
Preci
ousMol
oi

Publ
i
shedby:
Visi
onar
yWr
it
ings

Cl
i
ckher
eformor
eaut
hor
s

RATI
NGS

I
ntr
oduct
ion

MynameisFunekaMahl
angu.Iam 22Year
sol
dandi
li
vei
nPr
etor
ia.
.Iam t
heonl
ychi
l
dtomy
par
ent
s,andil
i
vewithmyFather
.

Iusedt
oliv
ewit
hmymot herful
lti
me,butt
henshemetherUnti
mel
ydeat hwheniwas12theni
hadtomoveinwit
hmyFatherbecauseidi
dn’
tknowanysur
viv
ingr
elat
ivesfr
om mymother’
s
si
deothert
hanherbi
gsi
sterwhopassedonbeforemyMother
..

MyMotheri
sSothohersur
namei
sLegaeandmyFat heri
saNdebel
e,af
termymot
her
’sDeat
h
myFat
herchangedmysurnamef
rom Legaet
ohi
s..

Myf ather
’sf
ami
lyhat
esmeal otespeci
all
yhi
smot her.TheysaythatMymot herplay
edmy
fat
hershewasahoeandt heydon’tbel
i
evethatiam myFat her
’sdaughterbecauseiam l
i
ght
andt heyhav
eadarkcomplexi
on.Theysayilooknothi
nglikemyfather.
.

Thatpai
nsmeal otbecausemyFather’
shealt
hisnotgood,hehadtoresi
gnf
rom wor
kbecause
ofhi
sheartcondit
ionbuttheCompanyhewor kedforagr
eedtopayhi
m monthl
yasalar
yof10
000for3Yearsbecausehehaswor kedfort
hem foraveryl
ongti
me..

Thatmoneyi
snot
hingtous,
becausehal
fofi
tgoest
ohi
smedi
cal
bil
l
s.Myf
atherconst
ant
ly
hastogotot
heDoctor
..

Whenifi
nishedmatr
ici
hadtol
ookforajob,asmyf
atherdi
dn’
thav
emoneyt
osendmet
o
uni
ver
sit
yoracoll
egesoihadt
ofi
ndaj obandiwor
katPicknpay.
.

I
t’
snotajobthatpaysal
otespeci
all
ybecauseI
’
m par
tti
me,
Iear
nR2000amont
hbuti
thel
ps
mewithal
otofstafft
hatineed.
.

Il
iveinfearev
ery
day,thatwhati
fmyFatherdi
es,what’
sgonnabecomeofme?Mor eespeci
all
y
becausehisFamil
yputitouttomethatt
heyonlyTol
erati
ngmebecauseofmyFatherandthat
whenhepassesont hatwouldbetheendofme, t
heyevengonnaputmeoutoft
hehouse..

Youwi
l
llear
nmor
eaboutmeaswegoonwi
thmyst
ory
..

IAM FUNEKAMAHLANGU,
ANDMYSTORYBEGI
NSHERE.IHOPEYOUWI
LLENJOYI
T.
*
***
**

Basedonr
eal
li
feev
ent
s,andi
nspi
redby

NEVERFORGI
VE,
NEVERFORGET

[
04/
14,
12:
43]Ron:
PART1SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Myf atherhasaprosthet
ichear
tvalvewherehisTr
icupsi
dwas..Whathappenedisthatitgot
diseasedandthatledtohimtoalmostgetti
ngaheartatt
ack,sotosavehi
slif
eanOpenhear t
surgerywasdonet oremovethediseasedTri
cupsi
dandr epl
aceditwi
thanArti
fi
cial
/Prosthet
ic
heartvalve.
.

Myfat
heri
sal
waysatther
iskofhavi
nghear
tfai
lure,
oroneofhi
shear
tval
vesEl
apsi
ngt
oosoi
al
waysmakesur
ethatweprev
entsuchf
rom happening…

Iboughthi
mthatsequel
pil
lcont
ainert
hat
’swr
it
tenMon-
Suni
tal
way
sremi
ndshi
mtot
akehi
s
pi
ll
s..

Ihav
etotakeext
racareofhi
m,af
teral
lhi
stheonl
yper
soniHavei
nthi
swor
ldandi
fsomet
hing
coul
dhappentohi
mi don’
tknowwhat’
sgonnabecomeofme.
.

Sothereiwasatwor kMondaymorni
ng.Iwashit
ti
ngthe7:
00-14:00shi
ft
..Iwasst
andi
ngclose
tothestovehi
tt
ingupchipswheniheardsomeonecl
appi
ngtheirhandsnextt
omyear..I
almostjumped,idonotl
i
kethatatal
l.

Il
ookedatmyr
ightsi
deandi
twasmyev
eri
rr
it
ati
ngCol
l
eagueNt
sako

Her
:Ar
eyoual
ri
ghtgi
rl
?

Me:
I’
mfi
ne

Her
:Ar
ethechi
psr
eady
?

Me:
ibel
i
eveso.
.

Itookthem out
,andwentt
opourt
hem ont
hatBr
ownandwhi
tedi
sposabl
epapert
hatwason
thecounter
..

I
twaspocketchi
ps,
andil
ookedatt
herecei
ptthecust
omerhadr
equest
edSal
t,spi
ce,
and
must
ard.
.Tomysurpri
sei
foundmysel
fpouri
ngVinegar
..

Me:
Shoot
!!

Idi
dn’
tnot
icet
hatmyManagerwasl
ooki
ngatme,
hewasst
andi
ngbehi
ndt
hecount
er.
.

Hi
m:That
’scomi
ngoutofy
ourpay
!
Me:
ifi
gur
edt
hatout
!!

Iknewhewasj ustpul
li
ngmyleg.
.Seei
nthi
sfranchiseweareall
family
,welookoutf
oreach
otheratal
lti
mes.It
’snotaf
ancypl
acet
owor kat,butit
’sal
wayswelcoming.
.

Nt
sako:
Whydon’
tyouj
ustcal
loutt
heor
der
s,I
’
lldot
hechi
ps

Me:
Thanky
ou

I
t’
snotli
kemetobesl
oppyatwor
kanddocar
elessmi
stakes.Todaywasdef
ini
tel
ynotoneof
mybestday
s..

Iwasverywor
ri
edaboutmyfat
her.Hewascoughi
ngthewholenighty
est
erday
,andt
odayhe
wassti
ll
inbedwhenilef
twhi
chissoounl
ikehi
m becausehi
salwaysawakewhenil
eavef
or
work.
.

Ont
oday
’sshi
ft
.Itwasme,
Ntsako,
andourcol
l
eagueJapht
athent
hemanager
..

Ipi
ckedoutonepacketofchi
psandcal
l
edoutt
heor
derout

Me:
Ordernumber6.
.

Wedi
dn’
thav
emuchcust
omer
sasy
et,
ifwas9:
00am

Theladycamet ocol
l
ectherchi
ps,
from t
hatredl
ipst
ickandhowshewaschewingher
bubblegum pr
ett
ymuchindi
catedt
omet hatshe’
sbri
nginginal
otofat
ti
tude.
.

Her:
Bonafel
a,i
waswait
ingf
ormychi
psal
mostt
hewhol
eday
.Your
eal
l
yhav
etodo
somethi
ngwi
ththi
ssl
owserv
ice

Whatisshet
alki
ngabout
??Weopent
hedoor
sat8:
30andi
twas9:
00.
.Shedi
dn’
tev
enst
and
f
orthatl
ong.
.

Igav
ehert
hepacketofchi
psandsheopenedt
hem r
ightt
her
e..

Her
:Aker
ewabona?Tomat
osaucewhathappenedt
oit
?

Il
ookedather
..

Me: Konj
esi
siucel
i
leukut
hisi
fakei
Tomat
osauce?
?(di
dyour
equestf
orust
oaddt
omat
o
sauce)

Shegav
emeadeat
hst
are,
asi
fli
keshewasr
eadyt
omur
derme.
.

Mymanagerkgaboi
nter
vened.
.

Idon’
tent
ert
ainf
ight
sandar
gument
s,buti
fyoucomeatmewi
thnonsensei
wil
lreact
..

Kgabo:
Sor
rymam’
iwi
l
lrect
if
ythemi
stake
Het
ookt
hechi
pst
oNt
sako.
.Ist
oodt
her
etal
ki
ngt
othei
nnerMe:

“
Getagr
iponFuni
,youneedt
hisj
ob”

Kgabocamet
ome…

Hi
m:Whydon’
tyougetsomef
reshai
r,wal
kar
oundt
ownf
or30mi
ngetsomet
hingt
odr
ink.
.

Me:
Kgabo

Hi
m:i
insi
st

Het
ookoutR10Fr
om hi
spocketandgav
eitt
ome.
.

Me:
Fine.
.Andt
hanky
ou

Itookthemoneyandwent.
.Iwentst
rai
ghtt
opi
cknpayatCent
ral
wal
kboughtmesome
Energadet
henwonderedar
ound…

Itookoutmyphonef
rom myJeanpocketandnot
icedt
hatIhadaWhat
sAppmessagef
rom my
cousinPor
ti
aAkaJozi
…

Joziandi
wev
eryti
ght
,mymot herandhermot
heraresist
ers.
.Hermotherpassedonfir
st
befor
emyMot
her,
she’
spract
icall
ytheonl
ysur
viv
ingrel
ati
vefrom mymom’ sfamil
ythatihav
e..

Unl
ikemeJozi l
i
vesaver
yfancyl
i
fe,
sheworksatAbsabank,
mar
ri
edt
oaguywhoseast
ock
br
oker.Theyhaveat
ownhouseatCent
uri
on.
.

Iwi
shi
hadherl
i
fe,
theonl
ythi
ngshewor
ri
esabouti
swhatshe’
sgonnaweart
oday
..

Jozi
nev erknewherfat
her,
shedoesn’tknowherFather
’sf
amilysobasical
l
yshehasmeasher
onl
yrelati
vebecauseourmot her
’sdi
edandwedon’tknowthatpartofourfami
l
y..Ir
eadt
he
WhatsAppmessageandi tread:

“
Dri
nkst
oni
ghtatZanzu”

Jozi
li
keshav
ingf
un,
she’
sfr
eespi
ri
tedshej
ustenj
oysl
i
fet
othef
ull
est
..

Herhusbandl
et’
sherdoany
thi
ngt
hatshewant
shewor
shi
pshersomet
imesIt
hinkt
hathi
s
whipped…

Jozi
nev
erfi
nishedschool
,shedroppedouti
ngr
ade10,t
henwentt
osomecoll
egetodoashor
t
cour
sei
naccounti
ngshedidfrom l
evel2-
4andnowher
esheisworki
ngatt
hebank.
.

I
’
m suspect
ingherhusbandgothert
hatJob,
becausehehasal
otofconnect
ions…

Anotherpartofmedoesn’ttr
ulybel
i
evethatJozi
’
shusbandisastockbr
okert
hatguyl
ooks
weir
dhast att
oosalloverandhehardl
ygoestowork,
I’
m suspect
inghi
sinsomecri
minal
act
ivi
tiesbuthey,
that’
snoneofmyTuckShop. .
Idon’tknowifI
’
m gonnabeabletododr
inkstoni
ght,
imeanicannotbegoi
ngoutwi
thmy
Fathersicki
needtobether
eincaseHewantsmet odosomethi
ngforhi
m..

Af
terthatcrui
singar
ound,iwentbackt
oworkandcont
inuedworki
ng..Ihadt
oleavewhat
ever
pr
oblem ihadatthedoor,
becausewedeal
withdif
fi
cul
tcustomershereandidon’
twannabe
messingup…

Wedon’
tgetl
unch,
youeatwhi
l
eyouwor
king…

Iwashappyt
hatt
omor
rowi
won’
tbecomi
ngt
owor
k,I
’
llbeof
funt
ilThur
sday
….

Fi
nal
l
y14:
00Hi
tthecl
ockandi
washappy
,iwasv
eryhappyt
obegoi
nghome.
.

Wedidourlastor
dersandthenwentt
otakeof
fourApr
onsandhat
s..Mycol
l
eagueswhower
e
gonnaHi
tthe14:00-
21:00t
ookover…

Asi
waswal
ki
ngt
othedoorkgabopul
l
edmeov
er…

Hi
m:IhopeThur
sdayy
ou’
l
lcomebackf
eel
i
ngbet
ter

Me:
Def
ini
tel
y,andI
’
mver
ysor
ryaboutToday

Hi
m:I
tsf
iney
ouf
orgi
ven

Nt
sakoandi
wemadeourwayt
othet
axi
s,webot
hli
vekoSosha.
.

Shet
ookoutaci
gar
ett
eandst
art
edsmoki
ng

Her
:Whathappenedt
oyout
oday
?

Me:
iwasj
ustwor
ri
edaboutmyf
ather
,wheni
lef
thi
m hewasnoti
nagoodst
ate

Her
:I’
m sor
ry

Me:
Itsokay

Her
:Wantasmoke?

Me:
Don’
ttr
ipl
i
ket
hat
..

Idon’
tsmoke,
butidri
nkl
ikeaf
ish.
.Ir
esor
ttoal
cohol
ast
heonl
yopt
iont
hathel
psmet
o
suppr
essmydepressi
on.
.

Yesiwasdiagnosedwithseverecl
i
nical
depression,i
wasputonant
idepr
essant
saf
ewy
ear
s
agobutist
oppedt aki
ngthem andconsi
der
edal cohol
..

Qui
tef
rankl
yiusedtohat
eAlcohol
andseei
ngmymom dr
unkev
ery
daywheni
wasy
oung,
mademet ohat
eAlcohol
evenmore..

Buti
t’
samazi
nghowl
i
fecansur
pri
sey
oubecausenow,
alcohol
hasbecomemywor
ld.
.
Wegott
othet
axi
,hoppedI
nandi
tgotf
ull
innot
imet
henwewent
.

Iar
ri
vedathome,
cur
tai
nswer
ecl
osedi
twasabi
tdar
kbuti
hear
dtheTvpl
ayi
ng.
.

Iwentt
othel
ounge,
myf
atherwaswat
chi
ngsoccer
..

Seei
nghi
m si
tt
ingont
hatcouchmademet
oeaseup.
.

Me:
Aft
erDad

Hel
ookedatme

Hi
m:Dodoy
oubackf
rom wor
k

Dodoi
swhathecal
l
sme, myfat
herl
ovesmemor
ethananyt
hingi
nthewor
ld.
.Ir
emember
whenhet
oldhi
smothert
hatandshehat
edMeev
enmore..

Hi
m:Jozi
washer
eyou’
vej
ustmi
ssedher

Me:
Ain’
tsheatwor
k?

Hi
m:Lunchbr
eak

Isatdownont
hecouch

Me:
Shewant
sust
ogooutt
oni
ght

Hi
m:I
’
m guessi
ngy
ounotf
ort
hat

Me:
ifi
gowhoi
sgonnal
ookaf
tery
ou,
ithi
nki
t’
sbestwej
ustbuyal
cohol
anddr
inkher
e

Hi
m:Soy
oucanmakeNoi
sef
orme?It
hinki
t’
sbesty
ougoout

Myf
atherhasal
way
sspoi
l
edme.
.Hehasnev
ersai
dnot
ome.
.

Me:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
hat
?

Hi
m:Yes,
iam f
eel
i
ngmuchbet
tert
odayt
henewt
reat
menti
swor
kingwonder
sI’
l
lev
encook

Me:
Okayt
henI
’
llj
ustt
exther

It
ookoutmyphoneandt
extheronWhat
sApp

Me:
“It
’sonFam”

Thel
astt
imei
drankwasl
astweekend,
ireal
l
yneedaf
ixofal
cohol
rightnow.
.

[
04/
14,
12:
44]Ron:
PART2SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Mycousi
nJozicametofet
chmeabitlat
er.Imadesuret
hatmyFat
herhasev
ery
thinghe
want
edbefor
eilef
t.
.Hedidcook,
papandchickenst
ew,myfat
herI
sagoodcookthatJozi
had
somebef
orewel
eft
.

Whenshewasdoneeat
ing,
wewal
kedoutt
ohercaranddr
ovet
oZanzu.
.

She’
sdr
ivi
ngThel
atestQashqai
.
.

Her
:Soar
eyour
eadyf
ort
oni
ght
?

Me:
Ithi
nkso

Her
:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
I’
m get
ti
ngt
her
e,andmyf
atheri
sget
ti
ngt
her
etoo

Her
:That
’sgoodt
ohear
..YouknowZukodoesn’
tcl
osehi
smout
habouty
ou

Zukoi
safri
endofJozi’
shusband,hi
sveryr
ichandJozi
hasbeenhi
nti
ngt
hati
shoul
dgoout
wit
hhi
m andall
that
,butI
’m notoneoft
hosegir
ls.
.

Her
:Youneedaper
sont
otakecar
eofy
ouFuni
.

Me:
I’
ll
takecar
eofmy
sel
f

WegottoZanzuandi twasabi
tquietandbor
ing,I
’m notcomplai
ningt
houghbecauseit
’sa
Monday..Wegotussomecocktai
l
st henwenttositonthecouch.
.Joziwasbusychecki
ngher
phone,
itwasasifl
ikeshewaswaiti
ngforacall
..

Me:
Wai
ti
ngf
oracal
l
?

Her
:Hmmm?

Me:
Youconst
ant
lychecki
ngy
ourphone

Her
:OhwNo,
it’
sjustt
hat
..I
’
mjust

It
hensawZukoandJozi
’
shusbandwal
ki
ngi
n,t
hat
’sj
ustgr
eat
!

Jozi
:Her
etheyar
e

Shest
oodupandhuggedherhubbyt
henki
ssedhi
m

Jozi
:Ni
ceofy
ouguy
stoj
oinus

Theysatdown.
.Zukoi
sver
yhandsomeandhi
sacl
assi
cmani
hav
en’
tseenhi
m wi
thoutasui
t.

Jozi
’
shusbandZakesl
ookedatJozi

Hi
m:Let
’sgogetussomemor
edr
inks

Jozi
:Uhm Of
cause.
Theyst
oodup.
.

Zakes:
Whatshoul
digety
ouNt
wana?

Zuko:
spr
it
eandLi
mewoul
djustdo

Zakes:
Comi
ngr
ightup

Theybot
hwentt
othebart
ogetdr
inks.
.

Ther
ewassomeawkwar
dsi
l
encebet
weenZukoandmy
sel
f,Idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osayandso
di
dhe..

Hi
m:Sohowar
eyou?

Me:
I’
m good,
andy
ou?

Hi
m:I
’
mfi
net
hanky
ou

Me:
Soy
oudon’
tdr
ink?

Hi
m:No.

Me:
That
’swei
rd.
.

Hi
m:i
usedt
odr
inkal
otbackt
henunt
ilsomet
hingt
ragi
chappenedt
heni
hadt
oqui
tal
cohol

Ey
yyonay
int
lel
endonday
omXhosa(
thi
sXhosaguyi
sgoodl
ooki
ng)

Me:
ify
oudon’
tmi
ndmeaski
ngwhathappened?

Hi
m:I
’
drat
hernott
alkabouti
tnow

Hegav
emeasi
desmi
l
e,hewaschar
ming.
.

JoziandZakescamebackwithdr
inks.
.Jozi
andiweweredri
nki
ngHunt
er’
sGol
d,Zakeswas
dri
nkingWindhoekandZukowasdri
nki
ngSprit
ewi
thl
ime..

Wechil
led,drank,andtal
ked.
.Itwasaniceandsloweveni
ng.Iwoul
dst
eal
looksathi
m when
hewasn’tLooking,hewasjustadefi
nit
ionofahotman…..

Iwasget
ti
ngabi
tsl
oshed,
ili
kebei
ngsl
oshedj
ustagoodf
eel
i
ngt
hatr
elaxesme.
.

Zukokeptonchecki
nghi
swr
istwat
ch,
ionl
ynot
icedl
ateri
t’
saSamsungsmar
twat
ch.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryguy
sihav
etogo.

Me:
wif
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ouathome?

Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:No,
mybaby
sit
terwant
stogohomei
t’
sal
readyl
ate

Hegul
peddownhi
sSpr
it
ethenst
oodup.

Hi
m:Wasni
cechi
l
li
ngwi
thy
ouguy
s,hopi
ngwi
l
ldot
hisagai
n

Me:
Youhar
dlyev
enhadf
un,
youwer
edr
inki
ngSpr
it
eal
lni
ght
..

Ir
oll
edmyey
es,
that
’swhatal
cohol
doest
omei
tgi
vesmeconf
idence…

Hel
ookedatmewi
tht
hosesexyey
es,
asi
fli
kehi
sgonnasay“
Comehomewi
thme,
sowecan
f
uckal
lni
ght”

Jozi
:Wasni
cechi
l
li
ngwi
thy
out
ooZuko

Zakes:
Wai
tforme,
ineedt
ocal
li
tani
ghtt
oohav
eal
otofwor
kpaper
wor
ktodo

Heal
sost
oodup.
.

Hi
m:Funi
wasni
ceseei
ngy
ouagai
n

Het
henl
ookedatJozi

Hi
m:I
’
llseey
oul
ater

Webi
dthem f
arewel
l
,andt
heywent
..

Jozi
lookedatme.
.

Her
:andt
hen?

Me:
What
?

Her
:isawhowy
ouwer
ewi
thMrMqel
a

Me:
MrMqel
a

Her
:luzukoMqel
a

Idr
ankmyHunt
er’
s.
.

Me:
idon’
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout

Her
:Youl
i
kehi
m don’
tyou?

Me:
What
?Of
causenot
..Don’
tbesi
l
ly

Isi
ppedonmyHunt
er’
sGol
dwhi
l
eshel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Okayf
ine,
idol
i
kehi
m
Her
:iknewi
t!
!

Me:
Hei
ssoosexy
..

Her
:andsosi
ngl
e

Me:
Don’
tpl
aywi
thme,
thatguycannotbesi
ngl
e

Her
:HewasMar r
iedbuthi
swi
fepassedonf
rom atragi
ccaraccident.Shewaspregnantatt
hat
t
ime,Mi
racul
ousl
ytheysav
edt
hebabybutunfor
tunatel
ytheycouldn’
tsaveher
..

Me:
That
’ssadwhathappened?

Her
:Hedr
ovest
rai
ghti
ntoat
ruck,
ihear
dhewasdr
unk.
.That
’swhyhest
oppeddr
inki
ng.
.

Me:
That
’sv
erysadhey
,tr
ulysad

Latert
hatni
ght
,Jozi
drov
emehome. .Shewasn’
tasdrunkasiam.Ir
eal
lyhadagoodt
imewi
th
herandihopewecandoitagai
n,especial
l
yifMrLuz
ukoisgonnabeinv
ited.
.

Iunl
ockedt
hedoort
henwenti
nsi
de,
figur
edoutt
hatmyFat
herwoul
dbeasl
eepbuthewasn’
t.
.

Me:
ithoughty
ou’
l
lbesl
eepi
ng

Hi
m:Can’
tsl
eepwhi
l
eyououtt
her
e

Me:
Sor
ryt
hati
camehomel
ate

Hi
m:Atl
easty
ousaf
e

Hel
ookedabi
tdi
str
act
ed…

Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Hi
m:Gr
andmai
scomi
ngt
ovi
sitt
omor
row

Ther
ewego,
imi
ghtaswel
lj
ustgooutev
eryni
ghtanddr
ink

PART2SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
45]Ron:
PART3SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwokeupthefoll
owi
ngday,iwashungov
er.
.Idi
dn’
tfeel
li
keeat
ingany
thi
ngordoi
ngany
thi
ngi
j
ustfel
tli
kedr
inki
ngwater
..

Myf
athershowedup,
hewaswel
ldr
essedasi
fli
kehewasgoi
ngsomewher
e..

Hi
m:Goodmor
ning

Me:
Mor
ningdad
Hi
m:hangov
er?

Me:
ater
ri
bleone

Hi
m:Dr
inkst
rongcof
fee

Me:
Sowher
ear
eyouof
ftoo?

Hi
m:Ihav
eaDoct
or’
sappoi
ntmentt
henaf
terI
’
llf
etchGr
andmaf
rom t
hebusst
op

Ist
oodupandmademy
sel
fcof
fee.
.

Hi
m:Dodoi
knowhowmucht
hisi
shar
dfory
ou

Me:
Shenev
erbot
her
edt
ovi
sit
,whynow?

Him:i
fel
tli
keitwouldbebet
tert
ohavesomeonehel
py ouaroundt
hehouse.
.Let’
sbehonest
youar
esti
llyoungyouneedt
oliv
eyourl
if
eyoucannotbealwaysher
etaki
ngcareofme..

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m,whi
l
eboi
l
ingwat
er

Me:
idon’
tmi
ndt
aki
ngcar
eofy
ou

Hi
m:Youar
eyoung,
youneedt
oli
vey
ourl
i
fe

Het
ookhi
scarkey
s,hest
il
lhast
hatv
eryv
eryOl
dMer
cedes-
Benz

Me:
Younotgonnaeatbr
eakf
ast
?

Hi
m:I
’
lleatont
heway
..Seey
ouwheni
getback

Me:
Okay

Hewal
kedout
..Iwasn’
tLooki
ngf
orwar
dtomyGr
andma’
svi
sitatal
l
..

Idr
ankmycof
fee,
thent
wogl
assesofwat
erandwentt
osl
eepagai
n.

Iwokeupabi
tlat
er,
cleanedt
hehousesoi
don’
tgi
vemyGr
andmaanyr
easont
ocompl
ain.
.

Wheni
wasdone,
ibat
het
henwat
chedTv
..

Iwasverybor
ed,sol
aterint
heaft
ernooni
deci
dedt
ogot
otownj
ustdosomewi
ndow
shoppi
ngandthenvi
sitJozi
atwork.

Jozi
metupwi
thmeatChur
chsquar
eonherl
unchbr
eak

Her
:Sohowar
eyou?

Me:
I’
m okay
..Justt
hatGr
ansi
scomi
ng

Her
:ThatDr
agonl
ady
Me:
I’
m notl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoherv
isi
t

Her
:Comev
isi
tmeandZakesf
orawhi
l
e

Me:
Can’
tleav
emyf
atheral
one

Her
:Hewi
l
lhav
ehi
smot
hert
otakecar
eofhi
mint
hemeant
ime

Me:
NaaI
’
llbef
ine….
hear
dfr
om Zuko?

Sheshookherheadno.
.

Her
:Wedon’
tkeepi
ntouch,
ionl
yseehi
m whenhecomest
ovi
sitZakes

Zukoi
saper
sonwor
thKnowi
ng,
andi
feel
li
kei
shoul
dknowhi
m..

Af
terchi
l
li
ngwi
thJozi
,ideci
dedt
opassbyatwi
thchi
l
ledabi
tthenl
ateroni
wentbackhome.
.

Assoonasiopenedt
hekit
chendoor
,iwaswel
comedbysomeni
cesmel
l
..Someonewas
def
ini
tel
ypr
epari
ngadel
i
ciousmeal.
.

MyGr
andmawasatt
heki
tchencooki
ng.
.

Icl
osedt
hedoor
,idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osayt
oheri
t’
snotv
eryeasyt
ocommuni
cat
ewi
thher
..

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
,shet
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Goodev
eni
ngGr
andma

I
twasar
ound17:
00

Shel
ookedatme,
theni
gnor
edmeandcont
inuedcooki
ng.
.

Idi
dn’tent
ert
ainhert
hatmuchi
wentst
rai
ghtt
omybedr
oom andl
aidonmybedwi
tht
ear
s
fal
l
ing..

Whyme?Whyi
sthi
shappeni
ngt
ome?Whatdi
didot
othi
swomanf
orhert
ohat
emesoso
much.
.

Iwishmymot herwasher
eori
wisht
hati
knewherf
ami
l
y,t
heni
woul
dmov
eoutandgot
oli
ve
wit
ht hem….
.

Atar
ound19:
00myFat
hercamet
ogetme,
tel
l
ingmet
hatDi
nneri
sready
..

Thewal
kfr
om myr
oom t
othel
oungewasl
ong,
itwast
hel
ongestwal
kofmyl
i
fe.

Igott
hereandmypl
atewasont
hecof
feet
abl
eal
ready
,itwaschi
ckenCur
ryandsome
dumpli
ng..

It
ooki
tandsatdown.
.
Gr
ans:
SoSamsonnextweekSat
urdayther
e’ssomecer
emonyt
hatwedoi
ngaty
ourAunt
’s
pl
aceiwoul
dreal
l
yli
kei
tify
ouwouldcome..

Hi
m:Wewi
l
lcome

Gr
ans:
Youandwho?

Hi
m:MeandFuni

Her
:I’
m sor
rybuti
t’
saFami
l
ythi
ng.
.

Ther
ewego.
.

Dad:
Mom pl
ease

Her:
Samsoni don’
twannaheari
t,i
t’
sabi
gdayforyourNieceLungil
eshe’
sgoi
ngt
oVar
sit
yand
she’
saVi
rgi
n..Wedon’twantfi
ght
swejustwannacelebr
ateinpeace

Dad:
Whenar
eyougonnaacceptt
hatFuni
ismydaught
er

Her:
Funi i
snotyourDaughter
!!
!Hermom wasbusysl
eepi
ngar
oundsoumkhondokababawaka
Funiasi
wazi(wedon’tknowWhereFuni
’
sFatheri
s)

Dad:
Ma.

Grans:Samsonthi
schil
dmustgoandlookf
orherf
atherandknowwher
eshecomesf
rom.
.If
youdiewedon’twhat
’sgonnahappent
oher
!

Icoul
dn’
ttol
erat
ethi
s,i
stoodupandst
art
edwal
ki
ngout
..

Dad:
Dodo!

Gr
ans:
Myeke(
leav
eher
)

Iopenedt
heki
tchendoorandbangedi
tonmywayout
…

Ihav
etol
erat
edt
hiswomanl
ongenoughandI
’
mjustt
ir
edofhernow.
.

PART3SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAW

[
04/
14,
12:
46]Ron:
PART4SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwentbackhomeandcal
l
edJozi
tocomeandf
etchme.
.

Asmuchasmyfatherl
ovesme,butheal
sol
oveshi
smotherandi
can’
tmakehi
m choose
bet
weenus,
soi
t hi
nkit
’sbesti
goliv
ewit
hJozif
orawhi
l
e..

Ihadpackedmyt
hings,
myf
atherdi
dn’
tli
ket
hei
deaofmemov
ingoutbuthey
,ther
e’sonl
ya
l
i
mitt
owhatahumanbei
ngcant
ake.
.

Idon’
twantmyGr
andmaandherf
ami
l
ybei
ngt
her
easonwhyi
commi
tSui
cide.
.

Jozi
fet
chedmeaf
teranhour
,thenwedr
ovet
oherhouse.
.

Iwasv eryqui
etint
hecarandthi
nki
ngofwhatI
’m gonnadonext
..Ican’
treal
lystaywi
thJozif
or
thatlongbecauseyouknowhowiti
shavi
nganotherfemal
emovingintoyourhousecancreat
e
alotofprobl
ems..

Jozi
’
shousei
sbi
gandbeaut
if
ul,
thi
sgi
rlwasbl
essed.
.

Her
:Shoul
didi
shupf
ory
ou?

Me:
Not
hanky
ou

Her
:Youhav
etoeatmydar
li
ng.
.

Me:
Finet
hen

Wef i
rstwentt
oputmybagintheguestr
oom, il
ikeditbecauseithadTv
..Ij
ustl
ovel
azi
ng
aroundall
daywhenI’
m of
fandwatchReali
tyshowsonTv …Ili
ketheEchanneli
gett
owatch
keepingupwit
hthekar
dashi
ans,
iam Cai
t,andallthat
..

Wet
henwentt
otheki
tchen.
.

Her
:ihav
en’
tcooked

Me:
Sowhatwer
eyougonnadi
shupf
orme?

Her
:Ai
iTsek!I
’
llj
ustputchopsi
ntheov
en

Il
aughed.
.

Atthet
opshehaddiff
erentki
ndsofwhi
ski
es,
shehadashel
fthathadwi
nesandami
nibar
fr
idget
hathadbeer
s..

IgotmeSomeSai
ntwi
neanddr
ankwhi
l
eshewasbusycooki
ng…

Shewasdoi
ngchops,
Bist
rogr
avy
,somespi
nachwi
thcr
eam andpap.
.

Mycousi
nwasagoodcook.

Thedooropenedaswewer
ebusyt
alki
ng,
ZakesandZukowal
kedi
n..

Zukowaswear
ingaJean,
wit
hat
shi
rtandsneaker
s.

Wasmyf
ir
stt
imeseei
nghi
m wi
thoutasui
t.
.

Luzukoi
sjustsooy
ummy
,hi
sper
fect
,hi
shot
,yazi
nihi
sadef
ini
ti
onofahotman.
.
Zakesl
ookedabi
tsur
pri
sedt
oseeme.
.

Hi
m:Funi
??

Jozi
:OhwyaHoney
..Uhm Funiwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
thusf
orawhi
l
e,she’
shav
ingsomepr
obl
ems
athomeihopey
oudon’tmind

Heki
ssedheronhercheek.
.

Hi
m:i
thi
nkso.
.Somet
hingsmel
l
sgood

Her
:Ohwy
aicookedy
ourf
avour
it
echops

Hi
m:That
’sgood

Jozi
:HeyZuko

Zuko:
HiJozi

Jozi
:ihopey
oust
il
lremembermyCousi
nFuni

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:i
sti
l
lrememberher
..

Zakes:
I’
ll
goandf
reshenupt
hen.
.

Jozi
:andI
’
llgoandsetupt
het
abl
e..

Theybot
hlef
t,l
eav
ingmeandZukoal
one

Hewast
appi
ngt
het
abl
e,andi
washol
dingmywi
negl
asscl
oset
omymout
h..

Hi
m:Sai
ntwi
ne

Iputt
heGl
assont
het
abl
e..

Me:
Yeap.
.Goodwi
ne

Hi
m:i
tisi
ndeed

Me:
Oncedr
anki
t?

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..

Hi
m:Uhm Nomy
…Itwasmy
..Ij
ustknowi
t

Me:
Oookay

Thi
sisv
eryAwkwar
d..
Me:
YourNannyi
sgoi
ngt
osl
eepov
er?

Hi
m:Par
don?

Me:
Thel
astt
imey
oul
eftear
lybecausey
ouhadt
orel
i
evey
ourNanny

Hi
m:OhhYes.
.Mysoni
swi
thmymom

Me:
Howol
dishe?

Hi
m:6mont
hs

Het
ookouthi
sfl
ashyphoneandshowedmehi
spi
ctur
es

Me:
Wowhi
sver
ycut
e,whati
shi
sname?

Hi
m:Aphi
weMqel
a

Me:
Hiscut
e,hi
sgonnabr
eakal
otofhear
tswhenhegr
owsup

HeChuckl
ed

Hi
m:i
hopenot

Icoul
dseef
rom t
hecl
otheshewaswear
ing,
tohi
sgadget
sthatt
hisguyi
sdamnr
ich!
!

Me:
Uhm whati
sitt
haty
oudoagai
n?

Thewi
newaski
cki
ngi
n

Him:CEOandf
ounderofMQ,
wemakegamesf
orXboxandPl
ayst
ati
on.Weal
sohav
eaf
ew
Appsonpl
ayst
ore

Me:
Soy
ouagamedev
eloper

Hel
aughed

Hi
m:Iam asof
twar
eDev
eloper

Me:
Int
erest
ing.
.Sowhatar
etheFamousgamest
haty
oui
nver
ted?

Hi
m: i
wasfort
unatetoworkov
erseasf
orafewyear
s,i
waspar
toft
hei
nvent
ionofGTA5,
i
wor
kedunderGoogletoocr
eat
ingAppsfort
hem.
.

Me:
Whydi
dyoul
eav
e?

Hi
m:Toomuchpol
i
tics.
.

Me:
Hear
dGTAI
sagoodgame

Hi
m:Hav
eyoupl
ayedi
tbef
ore?
Me:
No

Hi
m:Youshoul
d

Me:
may
bey
oucant
eachme

Hi
m:May
bei
wil
l

Welookedateachot
her
,Gosht
hisguyI
smaki
ngmykneesweak.
.Thosel
i
ps,
thoseey
es,
that
per
fectchi
n..

Ourmomentofgazi
ngi
neachot
her
’sey
eswasshor
tli
vedwhenJozi
wal
kedi
n..

Her
:ihopemypot
sdi
dn’
tbur
n

Shewentt
ocheckonherpot
s

Idr
ankmywi
ne.
.Af
terchecki
ngt
hepot
sshel
ookedatus.
.

Her
:Di
dii
nter
ruptsomet
hing?

Me:
Noy
oudi
dn’
t

Zuko:
Cani
pleasegoandwat
cht
hegame

Jozi
:for
gott
hatBay
ernMuni
chi
spl
ayi
ngt
oni
ght

Hi
m:Yesandi
can’
tmi
ssi
t.
.

Hesai
dthatwhil
ewal
ki
ngt
othel
ounge,
hehadBr
acket
shewasj
ustper
fecty
azi
ni.
.Jozi
andi
l
ookedateachot
her
.

Me:
Awema!
!Hei
shot

Jozi
:iknowhey
,ifi
didn’
thav
eZakes

Me:
Hotandr
icht
hat
’sar
arecombi
nat
iont
oget

Jozi
:That
’sapot
ent
ial
husbandr
ightt
her
e

Jozi
wast
ight
,hei
sapot
ent
ial
husband.
.

PART4SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
48]Ron:
PART5SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wehadanicedinner
..Chops,
wit
hGr
avy&Spi
nachthenpap.Mycousini
sthebestwhenit
comestocooki
ng,ir
ememberwhenshewantedtohavecater
ingcompanykodwatheAbsaj
ob
seemedmoreadvant
ageous..
Zakes:
Babet
hatmeal
wasdel
i
cioust
hanky
oumyl
ove.

Jozi
smi
l
edathi
m

Jozi
:iknowhowmuchy
oul
i
key
ourchops…

Zuko:
Thanky
ouJozi
itwasagoodmeal

Jozi
stoodup…

Her
:Cupofcof
fee?Any
one?

Zuko:
Notf
orme,
ithi
nkI
’
llcal
li
tsni
ght
..

Me:
I’
ll
hel
pyoucl
eart
het
abl
eJozi

Jozi
:Noy
oudone,
ithi
nky
oushoul
dgoandsl
eep

Me:
I’
m st
il
lfi
ne.
.

Ist
oodupandhel
pedhercl
eart
hedi
shes

Zakes:
ComeonZukoi
thoughtwewer
egonnahav
eani
ghtcap

Zuko:
I’
m sur
emyboymi
ssesmeman,
igot
tabounce.
.

Zakes:
Onedr
ink

Zukobr
ushedhi
sfacewi
thhi
shands.
.

Hi
m:Fi
neI
’
llhav
eonecupofcof
fee

Jozi
:I
’l
lmakei
tfory
ou

Zuko:
Thanky
ou

Wecl
ear
edt
het
abl
e,t
henJozi
madeZukoacupofcof
fee.
.

Jozi
:Youcant
akei
ttohi
m

Me:
Me?

Her
:Youwanthi
mtonot
icey
oudon’
tyou?

Me:
Fine

It
ookt
het
rayt
ohi
m,t
heywer
ewat
chi
ngsoccer

Me:
Her
e’sy
ourcof
fee

Hi
m:Ohhi
thoughtJozi
wasgonnabr
ingi
t,butt
hanky
ouany
way
Iwentbackt
otheki
tchen.
.

Jozi
:and?

Me:
Heexpect
edy
out
obr
ingi
t

Isatdownanddr
ankwi
neagai
n..

Jozi
:Hai
cousi
niam st
art
ingt
ogetconcer
nedaboutt
hewayy
oudr
inki
ng

Me:
ijustl
i
kehowal
cohol
rel
axesme

Jozi
:Asl
ongasy
ouknowt
hatal
cohol
won’
tdoawaywi
thy
ourpr
obl
ems

Me:
iknowt
hat
..

Joziandi
chil
l
edatt
heki
tchen,
shewasdr
inki
ngl
emonj
uiceandi
wasdr
inki
ngwi
ne.
.Itwas
real
l
ygett
ingt
ome..

Zukocamei
ntot
heki
tchenwi
thZakes,
theywer
elaughi
ng

Zakes:
Itwasagoodgame

Zuko:
Itr
ustr
eal
Madr
id.
.

Jozi
:Wheny
ouguy
sar
ehappyl
i
ket
his.
.Meansy
ourt
eam haswon

Zuko:
Youknowt
hat

Zakesphoner
ang,
het
ooki
toutandchecked.Het
henhadasmi
l
eonhi
sface

Zakes:
Ihav
etot
aket
hisexcuseme

Hewentout
..Jozi
lookedathi
m.

Zuko:
ladi
esi
hav
etogo,
Jozi
thanky
ouf
ort
hedi
nner

Jozi
wasconcent
rati
ngonZakeswhowasnotthatf
arfr
om us..Hewasl
aughi
ngandsmi
l
ing
whoeverhewast
alki
ngtooontheot
herl
i
ne,sur
elywasti
ckl
inghim.
.

Zukost
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othedoor
…

Me:
uhm wai
tforme,
ineedt
otaket
het
rashout

Hewai
ted.Ist
oodupf
rom t
hechai
r,i
almostf
ell
iwast
ri
ppi
ngonchai
rs.
.

Zuko:
Youknowwhatmay
bei
shoul
dtaket
het
rashonmywayout

Me:
ithi
nki
needsomef
reshai
r

Il
ookedatJozi
andZakes
Me:
I’
m sensi
ngaf
ightcomi
ng

Hi
m:Okayt
hencome

Hehel
dmyhandandwewal
kedout
..

Weputt
het
rashi
nthedumbst
arandt
henwewentt
ochi
l
lont
hepav
ement
..

Hi
m:Sohowdi
ditcomeaboutf
orabeaut
if
ulgi
rll
i
key
out
odr
inkt
hismuch?

Ohhhhet
hinksI
’
m beaut
if
ul.
.

Me:
ijustl
i
kedr
inki
ng

Hi
m:Ther
e’saf
inel
i
nebet
weendr
inki
ngf
orf
un,
anddr
inki
ngbecauseofanunder
lyi
ngpr
obl
em

Me:
Whatar
eyounow,
ashr
ink?

Hechuckl
ed

Hi
m:NobutI
’
vebeendownt
hisr
oadbef
ore

Me:
Wel
lij
ustl
ovedr
inki
ngt
hat
’sal
l

Hi
m:i
fyousaysot
hen

Ther
ewassomeawkwar
dsi
l
ence.
.

Me:
i.
.Mymom di
edwheni
was12t
henaf
teri
hadt
ogoandl
i
vewi
thmyFat
her
..

Hi
m:Wast
hatabadt
hing?

Me:No,myfatherador
esme.Probl
em i
shisfami
lydoesn’
tli
kemeatal
l
.Theyal
way
stel
l
ing
hi
mt hatI
’
m nothisdaught
ermymothercheat
edonhim..

Hi
m:Andwhatdoeshesay
?

Me:Wellhebel
i
evest
hatI’
m hi
sdaught
er,
butt
hat
’snotgonnahel
pbecausewhenhedi
est
hey
gonnaki
ckmeoutofthehouse.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouwor
kingorst
udy
ing?

Me:
Wor
kingbuti
don’
tmakeenoughmoney

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat

Me:
Itsokay
,I’
veal
way
sknownt
hatI
’
m dest
inedf
ort
ragedy

Hi
m:i
don’
tbel
i
evei
nthatst
atement
.

Me:
Wel
lidobecausemyf
atheri
s..
Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Youknowwhat
,idon’
tli
ket
alki
ngaboutt
his

Hi
m:Sot
hat
’swhyy
ouchoosedr
inki
ngot
hert
hant
alki
ngabouti
t

Me:
ithoughti
sai
didon’
twannat
alkabouti
t

Hi
m:Thendr
inky
ourt
ragedyaway

Il
ookedathi
m,i
didn’
tbel
i
evehesai
dthat

Hi
m: LookI’
m sor
ryt
hatal
lofthi
sishappeni
ngt
oyoubutI
’
m notgonnasi
ther
eandf
eel
sor
ry
f
oryou,youneedtost
opplayi
ngthevi
cti
m

Me:
Excuseme?Hav
eyouwal
kedi
nmyshoes?

Hi
m:Weal
lhav
eaghet
topai
nful
stor
ytot
ell

Me:
Youknowwhat
,youar
eaj
erk!
!Nowonderwhyy
ousi
ngl
enowomani
sgonnal
ovey
ou!

Hel
aughed…

Hi
m:i
thi
nkt
hat
’smyqueuet
oleav
e

Hest
oodupanddust
edhi
msel
f…

Hi
m:Gonnaneedhel
ptogobackt
othehouse?

Me:
I’
ll
findmyway

Hesmi
l
edatMe

Hi
m:Ay
t..

Het
henwal
kedupt
ohi
sBent
leyi
wasst
il
lsi
tt
ingt
her
elooki
ngathi
m.

PART5SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
49]Ron:
PART6SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwentbackt
othehouse,
itwasabi
tqui
etf
igur
edt
hatZakesandJozi
must
’vehadanEar
ly
ni
ght.
.

Ideci
dedt
ofi
nishmywi
ne,
orwhatwasl
eftandwentt
obed….

I
tdi
dn’
ttakemet
hatl
ongt
ofal
lasl
eep,
bef
orei
knewi
tiwasi
nlal
a-l
and.
.

Iwokeupat00:
00am i
wasabi
thungov
ersoi
mademywayt
otheki
tchent
odr
inkwat
er.
.Iwas
al
way
sadv
isedt
odr
inkwat
eraf
terdr
inki
ngt
opr
eventahangov
er.
.

Asi
mademywayt
otheki
tchen,
ihear
dsomeonebusysni
ff
ing.
.

Iswi
tchedont
hel
i
ghtandi
wassur
pri
sedt
oseeJoz
isi
tt
ingt
her
e..

Shewasdr
inki
ngcof
feei
assumebecauseshewashol
dingamug.

Me:
Jozi
?

Iwentt
osi
tdownopposi
teher
..

Me:
Whathappened?

Shebl
ewont
het
issue.

Her
:itnev
erget
sbet
ter

Me:
Whatdoesn’
tgetbet
ter
?

Her
:Zakesi
scheat
ingonme,
heal
way
shasbeen

Thatwasshocki
ng,
imeani
lookedatJozi
andt
houghtt
hatshehadt
hebestofl
i
fe.
.

Me:
What
??

Ihat
emenwhocheat
.Iwasdeepl
yhur
tmymyhi
ghschool
exbf
,af
terbr
eaki
ngmyVi
rgi
nit
yhe
madearunf
ori
t.
.

Me:
ithoughty
ouwer
ehappy
,it
houghthel
ovesy
ou

Her
:Hedoesbut
..Hi
samanhecan’
tresi
stt
empt
ati
on

Me:
Howmanywomen?

Her
:ij
ustknow2.
.

Me:Youdon’tneedtoputupwi
tht
hisJozi.Justbecausehebuy sy
ouGucci
bags,
expensi
ve
cl
othesandcarsdoesn’
tgiv
ehi
mtherighttohurtyouliket
his.
.

Her
:It
samazi
nghowmuchawi
fehast
oputupwi
th.

Me:
Wher
eishenow?

Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s…

Jozi
:Hesai
dheneededsomef
reshai
raf
terourar
gumentsohel
eft

Me:
Thatbast
ard!
!

Her
:Letmegot
obed,
Tomor
rowI
’
m goi
ngt
owor
k
Shest
oodup.
.

Her
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row?Ar
eyougonnaneedal
i
ft?

Me:
Yespl
ease

Her
:Okay

Shet
ookhert
issuesandt
hemugt
henwentupst
air
s..Ist
oodupandgotmeSomewat
er…

Icannotbel
i
evethathewoul
ddosucht oJozi
.ImeanJozi
isabeaut
if
ulwoman,
shehasa
greatbodyt
her
eisnothi
ngthatshel
acks.
.

Af
terdr
inki
ngwat
er,
iwentbackt
obedt
hensl
ept
..

Iwokeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
andpr
epar
edf
orwor
k..Iwashi
tt
ingt
he7:
00-
14:
00shi
ft
..

Wheni
wasdone,
iat
ebr
eakf
astt
henJozi
andi
lef
tforwor
k…

Shedr
oppedmeatmywor kpl
acetheniwenti
nsi
de.
.Whenwegett
owor
kwer
equi
redt
ocl
ean,
fi
l
lupthesaucesandpeel
thepotat
oes…

Todayi
waswor
kingwi
thMyf
ri
endNt
sakot
hent
hemanager
..

Nt
sakowasmopi
ngwhi
l
eiwaspeel
i
ngpot
atoesandourmanagerwasf
il
li
ngupt
hesauces.
.

Me:
Wegonnaber
equi
redt
odoal
otofwor
ktodaysi
nceweshor
tst
aff
ed.
.

Ther
ewasnor
epl
y.Il
ookedatNt
sakoshewasn’
thernor
mal
shel
ookeddi
str
act
ed.
.

Me:
Heywhat
’swr
ong?

Shel
ookedatme

Her
:What
?

Me:
What
’swr
ong?

Her
:I’
mjustst
ressed

Ntsakol
i
veswit
hherbfwhodoesn’
twor
k,t
heyr
ent
ingar
oom atSosha.
.She’
sabr
eadwi
nner
t
heysurvi
veonhersmal
lsal
ary
…

Nt
sako:Thabi
soandiwedon’thav
emoneyt
obuyf
ood.
.Justt
hinkofwhenwegonnagetpai
d?
Wehave3weeksleftbef
orewegetpai
d

Me:
I’
m sor
rygi
rl

I
’v
ealwayst
oldmy sel
fthati
will
neverdat
eabrokeguy,
Imeanl
ookatt
hest
resst
hatt
hey
br
ing.
.Nt
sakoishardl
yhappythisi
sweighi
ngonher.
.
Me:
Ntsakoi
alway
stol
dyou

Her
:ifyoucan’
thel
pmet henpleasedon’
tjudgeme.Thabi
soandi
wehav
ebeent
hroughal
ot
t
ogetherandwegotthr
oughalottoget
her.
.

Imeanwhensomeonet
alksl
i
ket
hatt
her
e’snot
hingy
oucansay
..

Hai
kethedaywentbyandwewor
kedsil
entl
y,ev
ery
onewasdoi
ngwhatt
heywer
esupposedt
o
donoonesaidnot
hingt
onooneunl
essitwasNecessar
y…

Ourmanagerhadgonet
oshopr
it
etogetsomet
hingandi
washol
dingt
hef
ontf
orhi
m…

If
indwor
kingatt
het
il
lmuchbet
terandmuchni
cer
…

Iwasst
andi
ngt
her
ecount
ingcash,
wheni
hear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oice.
.

Voi
ce:
Goodday

Ihopei
t’
snotwhoi
thi
nki
tis,
ilookedupanddamni
twaswhoi
thoughti
twas.
.ItwasZuko.

Thisisaver
yembarr
assingmoment
,thel
astt
hingi
want
edhi
mtof
indoutwast
hati
slav
e
aroundal
ldayf
ryi
ngpotatoes.
.

Il
ookedathi
m,af
tert
hest
unthepul
l
edy
est
erdayi
don’
tcar
e….

Me:
Cani
takey
ouror
derpl
ease?

Hi
m:i
washopi
ngt
hatwecant
alk.

Hewasi
nthatf
lashysui
tofhi
s…

Me:
I’
m wor
king

Hi
m:i
canseet
hat

Me:
Thenor
derorl
eav
emeal
one

Hesentoutasi
l
lygi
ggl
ethenl
ookeddown,
aft
eraf
ewsecondshel
ookedatmeagai
n

Hi
m:iwouldli
ketoorder15packetofchi
psandI ’mtalki
ngaboutt hel
argeones.
.Put
ev
ery
thi
ngexceptforVinegar
.Canialso20ofy ourRussians,ial
sowant25pocketsi
zechi
ps.
On5ofthem putsal
tandspice.
.On7oft hem putsal
t,spice,
andmust ard.
.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Zuko

Hi
m:Am i
goi
ngt
ofast
?

Me:
Finewecant
alk
Hi
m:Thoughty
ousai
dyouatwor
k,andI
’
m bei
ngapot
ent
ial
cust
omer
..

Hehadasmi
rkonhi
sface,
hewasr
eal
l
yenj
oyi
ngt
his.
.

Hi
m:Am i
gonnagetmyor
derorshoul
dispeakt
othemanager
?

Me:
Whyy
out
ryi
ngt
oactf
resh?

Hi
m:Whyy
oubei
ngchi
l
dish?

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantZuko?

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowhey
,si
ncey
oucan’
treal
l
ydel
i
veronmyor
deri
hav
esomet
hingi
nmi
nd

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Di
nnert
oni
ghtatmypl
ace

Me:
Keepondr
eami
ng

Hi
m:ThenI
’
lldr
eam mywayt
oyourmanager
..

Me:
What
ever

Hi
m:Yout
hinkI
’
m bl
uff
ing?

Hewasn’
tbl
uff
ing,
hel
ookedser
ious

Me:
Howdi
dyouf
indme?

Hi
m:bel
i
evemewi
thacousi
nli
keJozi
itwasn’
treal
l
ydi
ff
icul
t.
.

I
’
m gonnaki
l
lJozi
iswear

Me:
FineI
’
llcomet
oyourst
upi
ddi
nner
!Ar
eyouhappynow?

Ismi
l
edathi
m,wasn’
taf
ri
endl
ysmi
l
ewasasar
cast
icone.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m ecst
ati
c..Nowcani
pleasehav
emedi
um chi
ps,
wit
hal
argeRussi
an,
anda.
.

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e

Hi
m:t
hinkacoke.
.

Me:
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
kei
nyourchi
ps?

Hi
m:Whatdoy
our
ecommend?

Me:
idon’
tknowwhaty
ou’
l
lli
ke

Hi
m:Any
thi
ngy
ouputI
’
m sur
eI’
m gonnal
i
kei
t
Iputev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Ipr
epar
edhi
sor
derwhi
l
ehewasonhi
stabwai
ti
ngf
orhi
sor
der

Nt
sako:
Ist
hatLuzukoMqel
a?(
Whi
sper
i

ng)

Me:
Theoneandonl
y

Her
:Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?Thi
sisnopl
acef
orhi
m hi
sbet
terof
feat
ingata5St
arhot
el

Hel
ookedatus,
thi
nkhenot
icedt
hatwewer
etal
ki
ngabouthi
m..Thenaf
terhewentbackt
ohi
s
t
ab.
.

Af
terf
ini
shi
ngwi
thhi
sor
deri
putev
ery
thi
ngi
napl
ast
ic…

Me:
Her
e’sy
ouror
dersi
r.
.

Hecamecl
oser
..

Hi
m:I
’
llpi
cky
ouupat19:
00

Het
henst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway

Me:
Excusemewhatabouty
ouror
der
?

Hi
m:Iboughti
tfory
ou,
Enj
oy

Hegav
emeasi
desmi
l
eandWal
kedout

Nt
sako:
Lor
dhav
emer
cy.
.Thatman’
schar
misl
ethal
.
.

PART6SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
53]Ron:
PART7SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ntsakoj
umpedonthosechi
psandRussi
an.Il
etherhel
pher
sel
ftot
hem,
shewashav
ingi
thar
d
atthemomentsheneededt
hechi
psmorethanme..

Iwor
kedthroughoutmyshi
ftwhi
l
ethi
nki
ngaboutZuko,hewaschar
ming,hewasintoxi
cat
ing,
hemakesmykneesweak.Noguyhasmademef eel
li
kethatsi
ncemyuselessexbfinhi
gh
whohiti
tthenranaway.
.

Wheni
wasdonewi
thmyshi
ftat14:
00,
il
eft
.Ihadt
otakeacabbecauseJozi
wasst
il
latwor
k..

Igothome,
andi
wasner
vousaboutt
oni
ght
,whatam i
goi
ngt
owear
?Wher
eisZukot
aki
ngme?

Wel
lseei
nghowmuchofacl
assi
cmanhei
s,hepr
obabl
ygonnat
akemet
oaf
ancyr
est
aur
ant
….

Ispentt
hewhol
eaf
ter
noont
ryi
ngt
ochooseanappr
opr
iat
edr
essandi
foundone.Wasabl
ack
shor
tdr
essi
wasgonnaweari
twi
thmybl
ackheel
s..

I
’
m notaper
sonwhol
i
kesweav
esi
alway
shav
eboxbr
aids.
.

At16:
00i t
ookalongbath,ij
ustrel
axedwhileidaydr
eamedaboutt
heperf
ectnightI
’
m gonna
havewit
hZuko.Hewasj ustper
fectandatthesametimeiwasscar
ed.Guysl
ikehim ar
e
usual
l
ybastar
dshisjusttoogoodtobetrue..

Whent
hewat
erwasget
ti
ngcol
d,i
gotoutandwentt
odr
essup…

Ihaven’
twor
nmydressinawhi
l
enow,
soi
twasv
eryt
ight
.Iam abi
ggi
rl
,I
’m si
ze36i
justhav
e
thi
ckthi
ghsandCur
ves…

Mymom’
sfami
l
ywewer
eal
lbl
essedwi
thbeaut
if
ulbodi
es,
imeanl
ookatJozi
…..

Atl
eastmyheel
sst
il
lfi
tbecausei
don’
twearmuchofheel
sthatmuch…

Jozi
camebackat18:
00,
iwaswonder
ingwher
eshewasbecausesheknocksof
fat16:
00.
.

Shewassur
pri
sedt
oseemei
nthatout
fi
t.
.

Her
:Andt
hen?Si
yaphi
sowusexyso?

Me:
I’
m goi
ngout

Her
:Whywasn’
tii
nfor
med?Icoul
d’
vecamebackear
ly

Me:
I’
m notgoi
ngwi
thy
ouunf
ort
unat
ely

Her
:Ot
samay
alemang?(
whoar
eyougoi
ngwi
th)

Me:
Wel
lZukoi
staki
ngmeout

Her
:Saywhat
?

IknowJozi
woul
dmakeabi
gdeal
outoft
his

Jozi
:Kengl
ajol
anah?(
Arey
ouguy
sdat
ing)

Me:
Nowegoi
ngoutasf
ri
ends

Jozi
:Hai
idon’
tknowaboutt
hat
,especi
all
ysi
ncey
oui
nthatdr
ess

Me:
Hai
Jozi
don’
tst
art

Her
:Fi
nei
won’
tAnnoy

Shel
ookedatme

Me:
What
?
Her
:Nomakeupny
angage?Gapey
oul
ookv
erysi
mpl
e

Me:
Youknowi
don’
tli
kemakeup

Her
:Aowacomey
ell
owbonei
wil
lti
ti
vat
eyouny
ana

Wewentt
oherbedr
oom andshesatmeont
hatsmal
lchai
rthat
’spar
tofherdr
essi
ngt
abl
e..

Her
:Don’
tbr
eakmychai
rwi
thy
ourbi
gthi
ghsandAss

Me:
Lookwhoset
alki
ng

Jozi
’
smakeupl
ooksv
eryexpensi
ve,
Ohwwel
li
tismycousi
nisv
eryexpensi
ve.
.

Sheev
enwentasf
arasgi
vi
ngmehercl
utchbag.
.

Shehadal
sohadt
iedmybr
aidsi
ntoaneatbun.
.

Shebor
rowedmeherbi
ghoopbl
ackear
ri
ngs.
.

Af
teral
loft
hatshel
ookedatmeandst
art
edwhi
stl
i
ng.
.

Her
:ifonl
yiwasaguy

Me:
mxm y
out
ryi
ngt
omakemef
eel
bet
ter

Her
:Youl
ookv
erybeaut
if
ulcousi
nidon’
twannal
i
e

Ismi
l
ed

Me:
Thanky
ou

Ij
usthopet
hatZukoi
sgoi
ngt
oli
keal
loft
his.
.

Itwasar
ound18:
30now,
wewentt
otheki
tchenandchi
l
ledt
her
eshewasaboutt
ost
art
cooki
ng.
.

ThedooropenedandZakeswal
kedi
n..Hehadabandagewr
appedar
oundhi
sar
m..Hi
sey
es
fr
ozewhenhesawme. .

Hi
m:Funi
ist
haty
ou?

Me:
Uhm Yes

Hi
m:Wowi
didn’
tknowt
haty
oucandr
essup

Me:
ihav
emyday
s

Hi
m:Goi
ngsomewher
e?

Me:
YesZukoi
staki
ngmeout
Hi
m:i
didn’
tknowt
haty
ouguy
swer
ehooki
ngup?

Me:
Wegoi
ngoutasf
ri
ends

Hi
m:That
’sgoodt
hen

Hel
ookedatJozi
,icoul
dseet
het
ensi
onbet
weent
hem.
.

Hi
m:i
thoughtwewer
egonnaeatoutt
oni
ght

Jozi
:ij
ustf
eel
li
kehav
ingahomecookedmeal

Zakes:
Justt
ryi
ngt
odosomet
hingni
cef
ory
ou

Jozi
wasget
ti
ngf
ir
edup,
judgi
ngf
rom howshewaschoppi
ngt
hosecar
rot
s

Her
:Idi
dn’
tasky
out
obeni
ce

Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
nghewal
kedaway
..

Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orZukot
ocomeandr
escueme,
theat
mospher
ewasn’
twel
comi
ng….

Thedoorbel
lrang

Jozi
:I
’l
lgeti
t

ShewenttoopenandZukowal kedin.Tomysur
pri
sehewasweari
ngbl
uecabr
ijeans,
black
chuckt
ail
ors,
andablackVersacetshir
tandaVer
sacecap.
.Het
oppedt
heoutf
itwithasil
ver
i
conneckl
ace,hel
ookedfresh.
.Istoodup

Hel
ookedatmeandwhi
stl
edal
i
ttl
e,hewasdr
ool
i
ng.
.

Hi
m:Youl
ooksexyAsf
uck

Hesai
dthatv
eryl
ow.
.

Me:
Excuseme

Hi
m:Sor
ryy
oul
ook…Youki
l
ledt
heout
fi
t

Me:
Thanky
ouuhm y
oudon’
tlookdr
essedup

Hi
m:Wel
lwegonnameetwi
thacoupl
eoff
ri
endsatsomepubandgr
il
l

Jozi
laughed.
.

Me:
Goshi
feel
stupi
dri
ghtnow

Iwal
kedaway
,hegent
lygr
abbedmyar
m

Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
ngoku?(
what
’swr
ongnow)
Me:
Wel
lit
houghtwe.
.

Jozi
:goi
ngt
oar
est
aur
ant

Zuko:
Ohhei
shI
’
m sor
ryi
shoul
d’
vet
oldy
ou

Me:
Ya.
.

Hi
m:j
ongane,
whydon’
tyouj
ustchanget
heshoesbecausei
real
l
yli
key
ourdr
ess

Hel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoewhenhegott
omyl
owerbodyhebi
thi
slowerl
i
p…

Me:
FineI
’
llgoChanget
heshoes

Iwentt
ochanget
heheel
sandwor
egl
adi
atorsandal
s….

Iwentbackt
ohi
mthenwewal
kedout
…Hewasdr
ivi
nganOr
angeBMW M5.
.

Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandi
wenti
nsi
de.
.

Hewentt
odr
iver
’sseatt
hendr
ove.
.

Befor
eiknewi
twewer
einsomehoodt
hati
real
l
ydi
dn’
tknow.Inev
erknewt
hatZukowas
hood.
.

Idi
dn’
treal
lyt
henei
ghbour
hoodI
’
mt hi
nkingit
’sdangerousespeci
all
ybecausether
e’st
hose
hoodr
atsthatar
eweari
ngamashor
twithbrasetcholdingamaSavannahnjeitwasamess..

Hepar
kedbyt
hegat
e,t
her
ewasal
otoff
lashycar
sitl
ookedl
i
keadopepubandgr
il
l.
.

Wegotoutoft
hecar
,andt
her
ewassomeguywai
ti
ngf
orusatt
hegat
e….

Zuko:
remz
a

Remza:
ZikZat

Zuko:
Don’
tst
artbr
oe

Hegav
ehi
m ahandshake.
.

Thi
sguyl
ookedatme

Zuko:
Ohht
hisFuni
,andFuni
meetmybestf
ri
endRemza

Remza:
Howar
eyou?

Me:
Finet
hanky
ou

Hel
ookedatme,
mademeuncomf
ort
abl
e..

Zuko:
Wecangoi
nsi
de
Remza:
Y..
yaOf
cause

Wewalkedinsi
deZukowashol
dingmyhand.
.Thi
sRemzaguywasn’
tbadl
ooki
ngandhe
l
ookedsuccessf
ult
oojustl
i
keZuko….

PART7SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAW

[
04/
14,
12:
54]Ron:
PART8SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Thepub&gr
il
lwasn’
tasbadasit
hought
.Themusicwasni
ce,theatmospher
ewaswelcoming
ther
ewasacoupleofr
ichguy
switht
hei
rgfs,
ther
ewasBlessersi
twasjustafunpl
acetobeat.
.

Wegotatable,Zukogothi
msel
fAppl
eti
ser
s,RemzagotHei
neken.Andi
gotamaRedSquar
eat
l
easti
don’tgetdrunkqui
ckl
yof
fthat
…

Zuko:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
YesI
’
mfi
ne

Theywer
epl
ayi
ngol
dschool
kwai
to….
.

Theystart
edt
alki
ngaboutsocceri
wasget
ti
ngabi
tbor
ed,
itookoutmyphoneandwenton
Facebook.
.

Af
teracoupl
eofmi
nut
es,
Remzadeci
dedt
oleav
e.

Remza:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouagai
nFuni

Me:
Sameher
e

Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandphonet
henl
eft
..

Zuko:
I’
m sor
ryaboutt
hati
fitseemedasi
fli
kei
wasi
gnor
ingy
ou

Iputmyphoneaway
..

Me:
Itsokay

Hi
m:Justt
hati
hav
en’
tseenhi
mforawhi
l
e

Me:
iunder
stand

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e,hewasmaki
ngmebl
ush

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Youv
erybeaut
if
ul

Ismi
l
ed

Me:
Thanky
ou
Ourey
esl
ockedaswewer
elooki
ngateachot
her
..

Hel
eanedcl
oser
,idon’
tknowwhatpossessedmebuti
lethi
m ki
ssme.
.

Hisli
pswereabi
tcol
d,f
igur
edcoul
dbet
heAppl
eti
ser
shebeendr
inki
ngbecauset
heyl
ooked
verycol
d….

I
twasalongsmoot
hki
ss,
thi
ngswer
eescal
ati
nghi
scol
dhandwasr
unni
ngont
highsal
ready
..I
br
oket
hekiss.
.

Weweresti
l
lcloset
oeachot
her
,att
hatmomenti
tfel
tli
ket
hewhol
eroom di
dn’
texi
stwasj
ust
meandhim..

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryi
fimadey
ouuncomf
ort
abl
e

Me:
Itsf
ineI
’
m sor
ryt
oo

Her
emov
edhi
shandandwecont
inueddr
inki
ng.

Thehar
destt
hingf
ormewasbei
ngi
napl
acewi
thahotguyandgi
rl
skeptonst
eal
i
ngl
ooksat
hi
m..

Hi
sphoner
ang,
andhecheckedi
t.

Hi
m:Sor
ryi
hav
etot
aket
his

Hest
oodupandWal
kedout
.

Isatt
her
eandlookedatpeopl
ewhower
edanci
ng,
somewher
etal
ki
ngev
ery
onewasj
ust
mindi
ngthei
rownbusi
ness..

Zukocamebackaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es,
thatcal
ltookl
ong.
.

Me:
Thatcal
ltookl
ong

Hi
m:YeahI
’
m sor
rywasmybusi
nesspar
tner

Hewasbusysni
ff
ingandr
ubbi
nghi
snose

Me:
Sinuses?

Hi
m:Youcansayt
hat

Hedi
dn’
tlookl
i
ket
hesameZukot
hatl
eftaf
ewmi
nut
esago

Hi
m:Needar
efi
l
l?

Me:
Uhm i
guessi
canhav
eoneort
wodumpi
es

Hi
m:I
’
llber
ightback
Me:
Okay

Hest
oodupandwentt
othebart
ogetmor
eal
cohol

Thedj
wentf
rom ol
dschool
kwai
to,
tohi
phop.
.

Zukocamebackwi
thRedSquar
edumpi
esandagl
assofwhi
skey
…

Hegavemethedumpi
esandt
hengul
peddownt
hewhi
skey
,wasshocki
ngbecausehesai
dhe
don’
tdr
ink

Me:
ithoughty
oudon’
tdr
ink

Hi
m:i
don’
t,
buti
can’
tlety
oudr
inkal
one

Me:
Ohw

Hewasst
il
lsni
ff
ingandr
ubbi
nghi
snose

Me:
Arey
ousur
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Hi
m:I
’
m good

Hi
sey
esl
i
ed,
hel
ookedhi
gh.
.

Hel
ookedathi
swr
istwat
ch.
.

Hi
m:i
hav
eanear
lymor
ningt
omor
row

Me:
Youwantust
ogo?

Hi
m:i
thi
nksopl
usnot
hingmuchi
shappeni
ngher
e

Me:
Okay
.

If
ini
shedmyr
edsquar
eandt
henwewentt
othecar
…

Ir
eall
ythoughtt
hatZukoandi weweregonnahav
eanicedi
nnerorsomet
hingj
ustl
i
ket
het
wo
ofus,buthehadot
herplansbori
ngonesfort
hatmat
ter
..

Wegothi
scarandbef
orewewenti
nsi
dehepul
l
edMeandpi
nnedmeagai
nsthi
scar
..

Wher
ethecar
swer
eitwasabi
tdar
kyoucannotseemuchofwhat
’sgoi
ngon.
.

Icoul
dsmel
lhi
sbr
eat
hthatwasmi
xedwi
thwhi
skey
,wast
hatki
ndt
hatcoul
dint
oxi
cat
eyou

Hecamecl
oser
,hewasbr
eat
hingheav
yonmyneckwi
thhi
shandgoi
ngupi
nsi
demydr
ess.
.

Hi
m:Theonl
ythi
ngt
hatkeptonr
unni
ngi
nmymi
ndwast
ofuckengety
ouof
fthatdr
ess

I
sthi
sgonnabeani
ghtoneSt
and?I
sitt
ooear
lyf
ort
his.
.
Godpl
easehel
pmer
esi
sthi
m…

Heki
ssedmeandi
didn’
tst
ophi
m,i
t’
sli
keheHaspossessedme.
.

Wedecidedt otakethematterf
urt
hert
ohiscar,
neveri
namil
l
ionyearshav
eiimagi
nedbei
ng
fuckedatthebackseatofsomenigga’
scar
.Eversi
ncemyexdidaHitandRunihav
enever
beeninti
matewi t
hanyguy .
.

Iwasont
opofhim,hewaspul
li
ngmydressupandsqueezi
ngmybi
gthi
ghs.Hewascar
essi
ng
mybody,hewant
edmeandi f
eltmy
sel
fwanti
nghimtoo…

Wecont
inuedki
ssi
ngunt
ilt
hingsgotr
eal
l
yheat
edup…

Thenextt
hingiknow,weget
ti
ngcondomsundert
heseatandr
eal
i
tyki
cksi
natt
hatmoment
thati
mahavesexwiththi
sguy.
.

Ihel
pedhi
mtol
owerhi
spant
sandBoxer
s..

Ir
oll
eddownt
hecondom onhi
m,myunder
weari
sal
readydown.
.

Heheldmywai standhel
pedmesl
idedownonhim,i
twasabi
tpai
nful
consi
der
ingt
hef
actt
hat
ihav
en’thadsexinawhil
eandiwasn’
tevent
hatwet
…

Isl
owl
ysl
i
ddownunt
ili
tookal
lofhi
min,
ifel
thi
m deepi
nsi
de.
.

Me:
Idon’
tthi
nki
candot
hisZuko

Hewassqueezi
ngmybodyagai
nsthi
s,hewaski
ssi
ngmeonmyneck.
.

Hi
m:Comeon.
.

Isl
owlymovedupanddown,I’
mtryi
ngnottoscr
eam orcr
ybutthepai
nisj
ustt
ooi
ntense.I
can’
tgetof
fhi
m,hehasatightgr
iparoundmywaist
..Hei
sfor
ceful
lymaki
ngmegoupand
down..

Icannott
akethepai
nany mor
eI’
m cr
yingZukoi
shurti
ngmebuthedoesn’
tseem t
ocar
e,my
breat
hissei
zi
ngI’m beggi
nghi
mtostopbuthedoesn’
t.

Af
terhav
inghi
swaywi
thme,
hej
usthol
dsont
omewhi
l
ecat
chi
nghi
sbr
eat
h..

Igetof
fhi
m,myWomanhoodhasbeenVi
olat
ed,
I’
m Bur
ning,
I’
minexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
nI’
m sur
ei
evenbl
ed.
.

I
’
m cr
yingandl
ooki
ngf
ormyunder
wear
,unt
ili
foundi
t.
.

Af
tert
hisi
don’
tthi
nkt
hati
wannaseeZukoany
mor
e..

Af
terput
ti
ngonmyunder
weari
star
eoutoft
hewi
ndow.
.

Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemehome?
Hi
m:YeahSur
e

Whatki
ndofAni
mal
ist
his?Hi
snotev
engonnaapol
ogi
se?

Af
terf
ixi
nghi
msel
fupheget
soutoft
hecar
…

Hi
m:Uhm i
needt
otakeapi
ssI
’
llber
ightback

I
mmedi at
elyaft
erhewentoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
,il
etev
ery
thi
ngout
.Nev
eri
nmyl
i
fehav
ei
beensexual
lyViol
ated.
.

PART8SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
56]Ron:
PART9SAVEMEFRONMYI
NLAWS

Whenhedr
oppedmeoffatthehouse,
idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngt
ohi
migotoutoft
hecarand
st
art
edwal
kingt
othehouse.
.

Ihear
dhi
m cal
l
ingme,
ithi
nkhewasf
oll
owi
ngme.Af
terawhi
l
e,i
fel
thi
m gr
abbi
ngmyar
m..

It
urnedar
oundandsl
appedhi
mver
yhar
d.

Me:
Don’
tyouev
eri
nyourf
il
thyl
i
fet
ouchmeev
eragai
n!!
!

Iwal
kedupt
othehouse.Iopenedt
hedoorandwentst
rai
ghtt
omybedr
oom…

Il
ockedthedoorandcr i
edmy selft
osleep…Zukohadnor i
ghttodowhathedidtome.Yesi
might’
veledhim onandallthatbutwheni cr
iedforhimtost
op,heshoul
d’vest
opped..Wil
li
evertr
ustanyguyeveragain?Wi lli
evenwannabei nti
matewit
hanyotherguyagai
n?Wi l
liev
er
enjoyhavi
ngsex??Thosewer et hequesti
onsthatkeptonpl
ayi
nginmymi ndoverandover
againunt
iliev
entual
lyfel
lasleep..

Iwokeupl
atet
hef
oll
owi
ngday
,lucki
l
yIwasof
f.
.

Igotoutofbedandwentt
obat
h,t
ookal
ongbat
h…

Wheniwasdone,iwentanddr
essedup.Iwaswear
ingadeni
m shor
twi
thmyLacost
esneaker
s
andawhi
tetshi
rt
..

Todaywaspayday
,mymoneygoti
nat00:
00wasR2000exact
ly.
.

Ideci
dedt
ogot
otownandhav
emeani
cebr
eakf
astatwi
mpy
…

May
bel
ateronI
’
llgoandv
isi
tmyFat
her
,thehonestt
rut
hist
hati
misshi
m al
ot…

Icheckedmypur
seatl
easti
hadR30f
ort
axi
far
e…
Igott
otownandwentt
owi
mpyt
ogetmet
hei
rdel
i
ciousbr
eakf
ast
..

Iwaseat
ingal
lbymy
sel
f,deci
dedt
oconnectt
othei
rwi
FiandgoonTwi
tt
er.
.

Whileiwassti
ll
sit
tingtherebusywatchi
ngVideosonYouTubeiheardsomeguyslaughi
ngand
ir
aisedupmyheadt oseewhatwasgoi ngonandisaw2guy ssi
tti
ngnotfarf
rom Methey
werechatt
ingandlaughingthi
nktheywerewaiti
ngfort
hei
rfood.
.

Iputmyphoneawayandconcent
rat
edononeoft
heguy
s..

Hewasver
yhot,pi
nki
shli
ps,
nicel
yandneat
lytr
immedfaci
alhai
r.Aft
erseeingZukoit
hought
t
hathewastheonl
yhotguyihaveev
erseenbutcl
ear
lyt
here’
smor eguysthatt
ophim out
t
here.
.

Ther
eisnosi
ninl
ooki
ngandadmi
ri
ng,
Yenahewashotshamei
won’
tli
e..

Icoul
dn’
tspendt
hewhol
emor
ningadmi
ri
nghi
m now,
soi
stoodupandwentt
opaymybi
l
l.
.

Ididn’
thavecashonmesoi swi
ped.
.Whi
leIwaswait
ingforthespeedpoi
ntt
opr
ocess
everyt
hingideci
dedt
otakeonel
astl
ookathi
m bef
oreileave.
.

Cashi
er:
Sor
rymam’

Shet
ouchedmyhandandi
lookedather

Her
:Itsay
sdecl
i
ned

Me:
Canwepl
easet
ryagai
n?

Her
:Yeswecan

Shet
ri
edagai
n,buti
tst
il
ldecl
i
ned.Ihat
eCapi
tecsomet
imesbecausei
tdoest
hisal
ott
ome.

Me:
ihav
eR2000I
nmyaccountr
ightnowi
tcannotdecl
i
ne

Cashi
er:
Wel
lyoucanseef
ory
our
sel
f.Don’
tyouhav
eanymoneyony
ou?

Me:
Noi
don’
t,
icangoandwi
thdr
awsomecash

Her
:iam sor
rybuti
cannotal
l
owy
out
oleav
etheshop,
howdoi
knowy
ouwi
l
lbeback

Me:
Excuseme?Doi
lookl
i
keat
hieft
oyou?

Her
:NobutIdon’
tknowy
ouandi
can’
ttr
ysty
ou

Me:
Letmecal
lsomeonet
hen.

Itr
iedtaki
ngmyphoneoutagai
nfr
om mybagbutmybagf
ell
,someofmyt
hingswer
e
scatt
eredont
hefl
oor.
.
Mybagi
sal
way
sful
loft
hings,
unnecessar
ythi
ngst
obeExact
..

Iexhal
edandcr
oucheddownt
opi
ckupmyt
hings…

Isawsomeonecrouchi
ngdowntoo,
hel
pingmet
ogetmyt
hingsf
rom t
hef
loor
..Thesmel
lof
thatcol
ognewasi
ntoxi
cat
ing.
.

Voi
ce:
Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat

Il
ookedupandi
twasMrman,
smi
l
ingatmeandhel
pingmeout
..

Hehadacut
esi
desmi
l
e,t
hisguywasonanot
herl
evel
…

Igotupf
rom t
hef
loor
,andsodi
dhe.
.Hehandedmemyt
hings.

Me:
Th…t
hanky
ou

Hi
m:Youwel
come

Cashi
er:
Excuseme?
?

Il
ookedather

Me:
Ohhsor
ry

Igotmyphoneandcal
l
edJozi
,butshewasn’
tpi
cki
ngup.Whatdi
diexpectt
hough?She’
sat
work.
.

Me:
I’
m sor
rybutt
heper
soni
snotPi
cki
ngup

Her
:May
bei
shoul
dcal
lmymanager

Guy
:IfI
’
m notbei
ngt
oof
orwar
dcani
askwhat
’sgoi
ngon?

Thi
sisanembar
rassi
ngsi
tuat
iont
oexpl
ain.
.

Me:
i.
.My
..Mycar
ddecl
i
nesi
can’
tpaymybi
l
l

Her
eacheddowntohi
spocketandt
ookouthi
swal
l
et.
.Het
ookoutaR100not
eandgav
eitt
o
t
hewait
resses.

Sheputi
tthr
oughandgav
ehi
mthechange.
.

Hi
m:I
tsokayy
oucankeepi
t

Cashi
er:
Thanky
ou

Me:
Thatwasembar
rassi
ng,
thanky
ou

Hi
m:I
tsmypl
easur
e
Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
otheexi
t.
.

Hi
m:Doy
ouhav
eami
nut
eorso?

Ist
oppedt
hent
urnedbackandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m: I
’
m supposedt
omeetupwi t
hsomeonebutt
heyrunningl
atewoul
dy oupleasehav
eone
dr
inkwit
hme?Myf r
iendj
ustl
eftandi
don’
twannalookli
keafoolal
lsi
tt
ingalone..

Il
ookedathi
m,hewast
oocut
eformet
osayno.

Me:
Uhm

Hi
m:j
ustonemi
l
kshake

Me:
Justone?

Hi
m:j
ustone.
.

Weor
der
edt
henwentt
osi
tdown.

Hi
m:I
’
m keeganbyt
heway

Me:
Funi

Hi
m:Ni
cet
omeety
ouFuni

Me:
Sameher
e..

Thewai
tr
essbr
oughtourmi
l
kshakest
ous.
.

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:SoFuni
arey
ouf
rom ar
oundher
e?

Me:
Youcansayt
hat
,andy
ou?

Hi
m:I
’
mfr
om asmal
lcol
oredhoodcal
l
edGel
uksdaal

Me:
Letmeguessonl
ycol
oredsr
esi
det
her
e?

Hechuckl
ed

Her
:Not
her
ear
ebl
ackpeopl
eli
vi
ngt
her
e..Youhav
en’
tbeent
her
ebef
ore?

Me:
idon’
tev
enknowwher
eiti
s

Hi
m:May
beonedayy
oushoul
dcome
Me:
May
be.

Hi
sphoner
ang.
.Het
ooki
toutandanswer
edi
t.
.

Hi
m:Heyman.
.I’
m atwi
mpywai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
.Ay
tcool
myNi
gga

Het
henhungedup

Me:
Arey
ouev
enal
l
owedt
osayt
hewor
d“Ni
gga”

Hi
m:Thi
nki
t’
sgonnamakemesoundr
aci
st?

Me:
ithi
nkso

Hi
m:Atl
eastnoonehear
dmet
hen

Il
aughedal
i
ttl
e..

Me:
May
bei
shoul
dgobef
orey
ourf
ri
endcomes

Hi
m:Don’
tbei
nsaneI
’
m st
il
lenj
oyi
ngy
ourcompany

Ismi
l
edandl
ookeddown.
.

Hi
m:Lookatheral
lbl
ushi
ng.
.

Hewasr
eal
l
ymaki
ngmebl
ush.

Me:
I’
m notbl
ushi
ngHau

Hi
m:Cal
li
twhat
every
ouwannacal
li
t.
.

Hi
sphonebeeped,
hecheckedi
t.
.Thenhet
ypedsomet
hing.

Hi
m:Myboyi
sher
e

Ilookedatt
hedoor,
andi
coul
dn’
tbel
i
evewhoent
eredi
twasZuko.
.Keeganr
aiseduphi
shand
forhimtospothi
m..

Wow!
!Di
dtheypl
ant
his?
?

PART9SAVEMEFRONMYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
12:
58]Ron:
PART10SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Icoul
dn’
tbel
i
evet
hisatal
l
,il
ookeddownandl
aughedal
i
ttl
ewhi
l
eiwast
ryi
ngt
ocompr
ehend
whatwasgoi
ngon…

Keegan:
Am i
missi
ngsomet
hing?
Zuko:
Uhm (
Clear
sthr
oat
).
.Weal
readyknoweachot
her

Keegan:
Smal
lwor
ldt
hatwel
i
vei
n

Il
ookedatZuko…

Me:
wast
hispl
annedhuh?

Zuko:
Funi
I’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou

Me:
Why
?Soy
oucansexual
viol
atemeatt
hebackofy
ourcaragai
n?

Keegan:
hol
dup!What
’sgoi
ngon?

Zuko:
Funi
..

Iwasnowboi
l
ingi
stoodup.
.

Me:sowhat
?Youdeci
dedt ohookupyourhomi
essot
hatal
lyoucangangr
apeme?
??I
sthat
whyyoubuy
ingmeamilkshakeKeegan?
?

Keegan:
Whati
ssheTal
ki
ngaboutZuk?

Ist
oodupandtookmybagt
henst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
,Zukogr
abbedmyar
m.It
urnedar
ound
andsl
appedhi
m…

Me:
Don’
tev
ert
ouchme!
!

Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandWal
kedout
..

Howcani
besuchaf
ool
?Whydi
dn’
tiseet
hatt
hiswast
hei
rwhol
epl
anf
rom t
hewor
dgo.
.

Ipassedbyatt
heATM andwi
thdr
ewR500.
.iwentt
obuyaf
ewt
oil
etr
iesandboughta6-
packof
Savannah.
.

Asiwaswalki
ngtot hetaxi
rankmyphonevibr
atedi
nmybagandi
tooki
tout
..I
twasanumber
Idi
dn’
tknow.Ihesi
tatedtoanswerwhati
fit
’sZuko…

Theper
sonkeptoncal
l
ingt
hatt
heywer
eir
ri
tat
ingmenow.
.

Ianswer
ed

Me:
What
??

Voi
ce:
indl
elay
okukhul
umanabant
uabadal
aley
o(i
sthatt
hewayoft
alki
ngt
oyourel
der
s)

Me:
Sor
ry

I
twasaf
emal
evoi
ce,
soundedabi
tol
d..

Her
:It
sGr
ams
Me:
Ohwhi
Grams

Her
:I’
m cal
l
ingy
oubecauseofy
ourFat
her

Myhear
tsank,
myt
hroatbecamedr
y..

Me:
MyFar
th.
.What
’swr
ong?

Her
:Hei
sver
ysi
ckandhewant
stoseey
ou.Yourdepar
tur
etookat
oll
onhi
m

Idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Her:
Funi mysonl
ovesyou.Iam wi
l
li
ngt
oputasi
demydi
ff
erenceswi
thy
ouf
orhi
ssake.Can
youpleasecomebackhome?

I
ssheBei
ngsi
ncer
e?

Me:
That
’ssomet
hingi
hav
etot
hinkabout

Her
:What
’st
her
etot
hinkabout
?Heraisedyou,het
ookcar
eofyouwheny ouhadnowher
eto
go,
hegav
eyouahomeandputy out
hroughschool
andyouwannaabandonhimli
kethat
?

Ohwwowsoshef
orgott
hati
lef
thomebecauseofher
,andshe’
snotev
ensor
ry.
.

Her
:Hol
donhewant
stot
alkt
oyou

Whatam i
gonnasayt
ohi
m?Wehav
en’
tspokenf
orawhi
l
e..

Hi
m:Funi
..

Me:
Papa.
.

Iwasov
erwhel
medbydi
ff
erentemot
ions.
.

Hi
m:Kunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)

Me:
I’
mfi
ne,
andhowar
eyou?

Hecoughedal
i
ttl
e

Hi
m:ngi
yazama(
I’
m get
ti
ngt
her
e)

Me:
I’
m gl
adt
oheart
hat

Hi
m:Buy
aekhay
aDodo(
comebackhome)

Ihaveal
way sbeenadaddy’
sgir
landbeingawayf
rom myfat
herli
ket
hiswastoohardf
orme.
Webestf r
iends,
hismyever
ythi
ngwe’v
eal way
sbeencl
oseilov
emyf at
hermorethani
lov
emy
mother.
.

Imi
sshi
miwannagobackhome.
.
Me:
iwoul
dli
ket
ocomehome

Hi
m:Pl
easecomehome

Imadeadeal
wit
hhi
mthati
wil
lcomebackhomet
oday
…

Af
tert
alki
ngt
ohi
m,i
wentt
oRomanspi
zza.Gotmeasmal
lpi
zzawi
thacanonI
ronbr
ew.
.

Igotasenseofr
eli
efaf
tert
alki
ngt
omyf
ather
,knowi
ngt
hathi
sal
i
veeasesmyhear
t.
.

Aft
erEat
ing,
itookataxiandwenttoJozi’
spl
ace.
.Seei
ngt
hati
twoul
dbemyl
astdayt
her
ei
deci
dedtocookthem adeli
ciousdi
nner
..

Zakeswal
kedint
othekit
chenwhi
l
eiwasst
il
lbusycooki
ng.Iwascooki
ngwhi
l
epl
ayi
ngmusi
c
anddri
nki
ngSavannah.
.

Hi
m:Someonei
sinagoodmood

Me:
Ohwi
thoughti
wasal
one

Hi
m:i
wassl
eepi
ng

Hesatdown.
.

Hi
m:Whatar
eyoucooki
ng?

Me:
Justbeefst
ew

Hi
m:Can’
twai
ttot
ast
ethat

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orl
ett
ingmeguy
sst
aywi
thy
ou

Hi
m:Youf
ami
l
y

Me:
Butst
il
lif
eltl
i
kei
wascr
owdi
ngy
ourspace

Hi
m:Nonsense!Thi
shousei
stoobi
gformeandJozi

Ij
ustsmi
l
ed.
.

Hi
m:Uhm Jozi

Me:
Yes?

Hi
m:I
’
m notonet
omeddl
einot
herpeopl
e’
saf
fai
rsbut
..

Il
ookedathi
m

Hi
m:Zukohasbeenaski
ngabouty
ou

Me:
Say
ingwhat
?
Him:ThatChapi
sint
oyouFuni
,hi
sreal
l
yint
oyouandsi
ncey
oudon’
twannat
alkt
ohi
m hi
s
beenaheavymess

Apar
tofmewant
stobel
i
evet
hat
,butapar
tofmedoesn’
twantt
oo.
.

Me:
Whyi
shel
i
ket
hat
?

Hi
m:Zuko.
.Afterhi
swi
fepassedonhef
ounddr
ugsasaneasywayt
oescapet
hepai
nthathe
wasembeddedin..

Me:
Zukoi
sint
odr
ugs?

Hi
m:Cocai
net
obespeci
fi
c.Heneedssomeonet
ohel
phi
mthr
ought
hisFuni

Me:
Heneedst
oseeapr
ofessi
onal
,heneedspr
ofessi
onal
hel
pandnotme.
.

I
twassadt
oheart
hat
,butZukoneedspr
ofessi
onal
hel
p

PART10SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
04]Ron:
PART11SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Jozidr
ovemehomeaft
ermeandeati
ngtheDinnerI
’
vecooked.Iwast
hinki
ngaboutwhat
Zakessai
dtome,t
hati
wasver
yquieti
nthecar.
.

Jozi
:Whydon’
tyouj
ustcal
ltheguy
?

Mymi
ndwasf
araway
…If
eltherShaki
ngmeabi
t.

Me:
Huh?

Her
:Justcal
ltheguy

Me:
Who?

Her
:Youknowwho

Me:
Whosai
diwant
edt
ocal
lhi
m?

Her
:Gi
rldon’
tpl
aywi
thme,
youknowwhati
mean

Me:
I’
m donewi
thZukof
orgood.

Wasi
real
l
ydonewi
thhi
mthough?
?…

WegothomeandJozi
par
kedbyt
hegat
e.

Her
:Ar
eyour
eadyf
ort
hatol
dhag?
Me:
pheeew!
!Don’
tev
enst
artwi
tht
hatone

Her
:Wantmet
ogoi
nsi
dewi
thy
ou?

Me:
yay
oucan…

Wegotoutofthecar
,gotmybagatt hebackandWal
kedi
n.Iwasner
vous,
idon’
tknowhowmy
f
atherwasgoi
ngtoreact
,especi
all
yhowi l
eft
..

Weknockedt
henopenedt
hedoor
,theywer
esi
tt
ingi
nthel
ounge.

Myfatherhadaheat
ercl
oset
ohi
slegst
hatbl
ewoutwar
m ai
r.
.Itwasn’
ttoocol
dbuthel
ooked
l
ikehewascold.
.

MyGr
andmawasr
eadi
ngherBi
blewi
thhergl
asseson.
.

Me:
Sani
bonani
(Goodev
eni
ng)

Theygr
eet
edback.
.

Dad:
Sitdowngi
rl
s

Jozi
:iam i
nahur
ryunf
ort
unat
elyi
cannotnotsi
t

Dad:
Howi
sZakes?

Her
:Hei
sokay

Icoul
dtel
lthatt
hist
opi
cmadeheruncomf
ort
abl
e.

Gr
ams:
Ushadi
l
e?(
Arey
ouMar
ri
ed)

Jozi
:Ey
aKoko

Gr
ams:
Doy
ouwor
k?

Jozi
:Yesi
wor
katAbsa

Gr
ams:
Peopl
ewi
thAmbi
ti
on

Iseeshe’
sst
il
lInherway
s..

Jozi
:I
twasgr
eatseei
ngy
ouagai
nMal
ume

Dad:
Yout
ooJozi

Her
:Yal
lhav
eagoodni
ght

Shel
ookedatme

Her
:I’
l
lcal
lyou
Me:
Shar
pMzal
a

Shewal
kedaway
..

Me:
I’
ll
goputmyt
hingsatt
hebedr
oom

It
ookmybagandwentt
oputi
tint
hebedr
oom

It
ookoutmyclothesandputt
hem i
nthewar
drobewhenmyphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng…Il
ookedat
i
t,i
twasapr
ivatenumbers…

Idon’
treal
l
yanswerpr
ivat
ecal
l
sbutt
heper
sonkeptoncal
l
ingunt
ili
answer
ed.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o

Voi
ce:
Hi

Me:
Whoi
sthi
s?

Voi
ce:
Promi
sey
ouwon’
thangup?

Me:
Zuko?

Hi
m:Funi
pleasel
i
stent
ome

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantZuko?
?

hi
m:i
justwannaseey
ouFuni
sowecant
alkaboutwhathappened

Hi
svoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng,
icoul
dfeel
theemot
ionsbehi
ndt
hatv
oice.
.

Me:
Meetupsoy
oucangetmedr
unkandr
apemeatt
hebackseat
sofy
ourcar
?

Hi
m:ndi
yak’
cel
aFuni
(Funi
Please)

Idon’
tknowbuthi
svoi
cewashi
tt
ingmedeepi
nsi
de,
ifoundmy
sel
fwant
ingt
ocr
y..

Me:
NoZuko,
pleasel
eav
emeal
one!

Hi
m:Fu.
.

Ihungedupandt
hrewmyphoneonmybed.

Tear
sburnedmyey
es,
Zukoandi
wedon’
tknoweachot
hert
hatwel
lsowhyam i
evenf
eel
i
ng
l
iket
his?

If
eltsomeonecl
ear
ingt
hei
rthr
oat
,il
ookedatt
hedoor
wayandi
twasmyf
ather
.

Hi
m:Mayi
comei
n?

Me:
Yes
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s…hesatonmybed.

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Me:
Not
hing

Hi
m:Irememberwheny
ouwer
eal
i
ttl
egi
rl
,weusedt
otel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng.
.Wet
alkedabout
ev
ery
thing.

Idon’
tev
enknowhowI
’
m gonnat
ell
myf
atheraboutwhathappened.
.

Isatnextt
ohi
m.

Hi
m:doesi
thav
etodowi
thaguy
?

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?

Me:
Notr
eal
l
y

Hi
m:Howdoy
ouf
eel
abouthi
m?

Me:
Dadi
t’
sawkwar
dtal
ki
ngt
oyouaboutt
his

Him:acer
tai
nguyidon’
tknowi
smaki
ngmybabycr
yit
hinki
needt
oknowwhohei
s..Cani
havehi
snameatleast
?

Iexhal
ed.
.

Me:
ZukoMqel
a

Hi
m:Whendi
dyoumeethi
m?

Me:
Dad.
.

Hi
m:Okayi
m backi
ngof
f.

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead

Hi
m:I
’
m gl
ady
ouback

Me:
met
oo

Hest
oodupandwent
..

Myphonebeeped,
andi
twasat
extf
rom Zukowhi
chr
ead:

“iknowyouhateme, i
knowyouneverwannaseemeagainandidon’
tbl
amey ou.I
ficoul
dtake
backwhati di
dthatni
ghti
would.Il
i
keyoualotFuni
,andI
’
m deepl
ysorr
yaboutwhathappened.
Ihopethatonedayyouwil
lfi
ndthecour
agetoforgi
veme”
Iwishi canj
uster
asewhathappenedt
hatni
ghtbuti
cannot
,wi
l
liev
erFor
giv
eZuko?
?It
rul
y
don’tknowbutihopeiwi
ll
..

Aweekpassed,
thi
ngsathomewer
epeacef
ul.Myf
ather
’sheal
thwasst
abl
emyGr
andmal
efta
daybef
ore.
.

I
twasSaturdayni
ghtar
ound18:00iwasatJozi
’
spl
acemeandherwer
epl
anni
ngongoi
ngout
f
ordr
inks,j
usthaveapeacef
ulnight
..

Jozi
isv
erysl
owwheni
tcomest
oget
ti
ngr
eadyi
hav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
orherf
oranhournow.
.

Shewasweari
ngl
eggingswithheels,abl
ackv estandaleatherj
acket.Iwasweari
ngapurple
j
umpsuit
,wit
hablackbeltandpurpleheel
s..Ihadtakenoffmybr ai
dsi hadanaf
ronyana.
.

Jozi
:Wecangonowbef
orey
oudi
e!

Me:
Itsaboutt
ime!

WetookourbagsandWalkeddownstai
rs….Wemadeourwayt othedoorbutsomeonebeatus
uptoi
tandopenedfi
rst
..Zakeswal
kedin,hewaswi
thZuko.Zukowasholdingaveryador
able
cut
ebabyboywhom ifi
guredit
’shi
sson,hewasal
socarr
yinghisbag.

Jozi
losti
twhenshesawt
hebaby
..

Jozi
:Aphi
we!
!

Shet
ookhi
mfr
om Zuko

Jozi
:Howar
eyoubaby
?Lookaty
oual
lgr
ownup.
.Akasemhl
enj
eZuks.
.

Zukosmi
l
edather
..

Il
ookedathi
m hewasl
ooki
ngf
reshasal
way
s..

Zakes:
Arey
ouguy
sgoi
ngsomewher
e?

Jozi
:Wegoi
ngout

Zukol
ookedatme,
ilookedawayt
ryi
ngt
oav
oidey
econt
act
..

Hi
m:Hel
l
oFuni

Me:
Hi

Iwasn’
tangr
yathi
m any
mor
e,Ihadl
ear
nedt
oli
vewi
thwhathedi
dtome.

PART11SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
06]Ron:
PART12SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
Iwaswai
tingforJozi
tosayt hewordsowecoul dgo.Bei
ngi
nZuko’spresencejustdi
dthi
ngs
tome.St
il
l har
dformetot akeal
lthathot
nessin,i
twasnoli
ethatZukoishot.Iwasmostl
y
l
ooki
ngdownorawayt r
yingtoavoideyecont
act.
.

Jozi
:Let
’sgobabe

Thatwasar
eli
efonmysi
de,
Zukol
ookedatmeunt
ilIexi
ted.
.

Wegott
oJoz
i’
sCarandshedr
ovet
oHat
fi
eld.That
’swher
ewemost
lygetdown.
.

WegottoHat
fiel
dandwewer eplanni
ngtohav
ef unespecial
l
ybecausei
twasaSatur
day.We
st
art
edoffwi
thcockt
ail
s,t
henciders.
.Wewantedtotakeitsl
owwasgonnabealongnight
…

Jozi
wasall
danci
ngandmi
ngli
ngwit
hniggas,i
wasallsit
ti
ngtherethi
nki
ngaboutZuko.
.Idon’
t
knowwhyhewasall
inmymindal
lofasudden,orwastheAlcoholget
ti
ngtome???

Dj
madeMat
ter
swor
sebypl
ayi
ng“
Donal
d_Deni
al”

Especi
all
ywhenhesay
s:

“
Babey oui
ndeni
al,
gir
lyoul
ovemeso.
.That
’st
her
easony
oushoul
dbemi
ne,
gir
lil
ovey
ou
more”

Am i
real
l
yindeni
al?Doi
hav
eat
hingf
ort
hisguy
?

Jozi
camet
ome.
.

Her
:Ai
iMzi
towabhor
awai
tse?

Me:
Whatdi
dido?

Her
:Wecamet
ohav
efunher
eandwenay
ousi
tt
ingdown

Me:
I’
mjustnoti
nthemood

Her
:What
’swr
ong?

It
ookmygl
assf
rom t
het
abl
eandt
ookasi
pthenputi
tback

Me:
Itsnot
hingJozi

Shecamet
osi
tnextt
ome.
.

Her
:KengFuni
?Tal
ktome

If
eltt
ear
sfal
l
ing.
.

Me:
ican’
tgethi
m of
fmymi
nd
Her
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Me:
themor
eiwannahat
ehi
m,i
t’
sli
ket
hemor
eif
all
har
dforme

Her
:Ar
ewet
alki
ngaboutZuks?

Inoddedmyhead

Her
:May
bey
oushoul
dcal
lhi
m

Me:
No

Her
:Thepr
obl
em wi
thy
oui
sthaty
oust
ubbor
n,t
aket
hephoneandcal
lhi
m

Me:
May
bei
t’
stheal
cohol
tal
ki
ng

Her
:al
cohol
makesaper
sonhonest
,Sogocal
lhi
m..

It
ookmyphoneandst
oodup,
ial
mostf
ell
..

Jozi
:car
eful
,doy
ouwantmet
ogowi
thy
ou?

Me:
I’
mfi
ne

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othedoorbecausei
twasnoi
syi
nsi
de.
.

Ihadt
akenof
fmyheel
s,can’
twal
kont
hatwhenI
’
m dr
unk.
.

Iwasnowout
side,
iwasbusyaski
ngmy
sel
fifi
shoul
dcal
lhi
m ornot
..

Me:
ComeonFuni
youcandot
his.
.

It
ookadeepbr
eathandcall
edhi
m..Hi
sphoner
angf
oral
ongt
imebef
oreheanswer
ed.Iwas
ev
enthi
nki
ngofHangingup…

Hi
m:Zukshel
l
o.

Myheartski
ppedabeat
,idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osay
..
whoev
ersai
dal
cohol
giv
esy
ouconf
idence
cl
ear
lyhasn’
tbeeni
nmyshoes..

Hi
m:Hel
l
o??
?

Me:
H..Hi
..

Hekeptqui
etal
i
ttl
e..

Me:
Funi
?

Me:
Ye.
.Yes.
.

Hi
m:Yout
hel
astper
soni
expect
edacal
lfr
om
Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:i
don’
tmeant
hati
nabadway

Me:
Okay
..Uhm Zuko

Hi
m:Ewe?

Me:
im.
.Ij
ustwannal
ety
ouknowt
hat
..I
’
mj.
.I’
mreadyt
otal
k.

Hekeptqui
etagai
n..

Me:
Zuko,
arey
oust
il
lther
e?

Hi
m:Ndi
sekhona(
I’
m St
il
lher
e)j
ustwhaty
ousai
dtookmebysur
pri
se

Me:
iknowi
wast
hinki
ngt
hatmay
bei
shoul
dli
stent
oyou

Hi
m:Howaboutt
omor
row?I
’
mtaki
ngAphi
wet
othezooy
oucancomet
oo

Me:
Thent
hat
’sper
fect
..

Hi
m:Shoul
dipi
cky
ouupor
?

Me:
I’
ll
meety
out
her
e

Hi
m:Okayt
hen

Me:
yai
hav
etogo

Hi
m:Seey
out
omor
row

Me:
Bye

Hi
m:By
e

Iexhal
edaf
terhangi
ngup,
thatwashect
ic.
.

Iwentbackt
othecl
ubandnowIcoul
dhav
efun,
icoul
dtur
nup.
.

Ihadfunwi
thJozidanci
ngl
i
keCr
azyespeci
all
ywhenmyf
avour
it
esong“
Aly
xx
Dione_
Chi
ngal
inga”

Joziandil
eftthecl
ubataround02:
00,
i wasdone.Idi
dn’tgohomewewentstr
aighttoher
houseandicrashedther
efortheni
ght
..Idon’
tli
keknockingf
ormyfat
heri
ntheearlyhour
sof
themorni
ng..

Iwokeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngday
,ihadf
orgot
tent
odr
inkwat
erbef
oresl
eepi
ngsoy
ahangov
erwas
pl
ayi
ngwit
hme..

It
ookmyphoneandi
hadal
otofmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Zukoandmydad.
.Il
ookedatt
het
imei
t
was11:
00am.
.

Ical
l
edmyf
atherf
ir
st,
I’
m sur
ehi
swor
ri
edaboutme.

Hi
m:Funi

Me:
Papa

Hi
m:Whathappenedt
oyou?

Me:I
’m sor
ryJozi
andi
lef
tthecl
ubl
ate,
idi
dn’
thav
emykey
swi
thmeandi
didn’
twannaknock
andwakeyouup

Hi
m:i
waswor
ri
edabouty
ou,
ihar
dlysl
ept

Me:
I’
m sor
ry

Hi
m:Youshoul
d’
veatl
eastcal
l
ed

Me:
I’
m sor
rypapai
promi
seI
’
llcal
lnextt
ime

Hi
m:Whenar
eyoucomi
nghome?

Me:
lat
ert
oday

Hi
m:Okay

Me:
ilov
eyouandI
’
llseey
oul
ater

Hi
m:i
lov
eyout
oo.
.

Af
terhangi
ngupi
cal
l
edZuko…hedi
dn’
ttaket
hatl
ongt
oanswer
..

Hi
m:Bunj
ulam

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:Ei
shsor
ryt
houghty
ouwer
esomeoneel
se

Me:
Ohwy
ourgfmay
be?

Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:May
be

Me:
iwonder
.

Hi
m:Wewai
tedf
ory
ou

Me:
Youhav
eagfZuks?
Hi
m:Yes

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:Shej
ustdoesn’
tknowy
et

Me:
Why
?

Hi
m:Li
stent
othesongI
’
m pl
ayi
ngi
nmycar

Hei
ncr
easedt
hev
olume.
.Thesongwas“
Donal
d_Deni
al”

Me:
Youknowi
t’
ssuchacoi
nci
dencet
hatt
heywer
epl
ayi
ngt
hesamesongi
nthecl
ubl
astni
ght

Hi
m:I
sit
?

Me:
Yes

Hi
m:Thenshe’
sindeni
alf
orr
eal

Thi
scannotbeacoi
nci
dence.
.

PART12SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
07]Ron:
PART13SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Zukosaidt
hathewi ll
comeandseemewhentheygetbackfrom zoo.Ihadt
ogohomet o
prepar
emy sel
f.Icoul
dn’
tdeci
dewhi
chout
fi
ttowear,
ididn’
twannabet ooreveal
i
ngandidi
dn’
t
wannalookDull.
.

I
t’
snotl
ikewegoi
ngonaseri
ousdat
e,t
helat
eti
mei hear
dhesai
dwe’
l
ljustgogr
absomet
hing
t
oeatatMcDonal
dsj
ustchi
l
l,mehi
m andAphi
we..

SoiworemyblackboobtubeMermai
ddress,
andmybl
acksandal
s.Iputonmyhai
rband,
my
br
aidsar
ever
ylongtheyalmostr
eachmybutt.
.

Idi
dn’
tputmuchmakeupj
ustaney
eli
ner
,mascar
a,andaney
eshadowt
hatcompl
i
ment
edmy
Li
psti
ck.

Zukowastofet
chmeathomebecausemyf atherwant
edt
oseehi
m, iwasabi
tnervous.My
fat
heri
snotaDiff
icul
tper
sonbuti
real
l
ydon’tknowhowhi
sgonnareactt
othi
ssi
tuati
on..

Iwaspaci
ngupanddownatt
heki
tchen,
itwasnow15:
00mydadwassi
tt
ingatt
het
abl
e
readi
nganewspaper
..

Hi
m:Si
tdownDodoy
oumaki
ngmedi
zzy

Me:
Sor
ry
Ist
oodbyt
heki
tchensi
nk.Hecl
osedhi
snewspaper
.

Hi
m:Youl
ookner
vous

Me:
Hmmmmm?NoI
’
m notner
vousj
ust
..

Dad:
ifhi
sani
cedecentboyt
heny
oudonothav
etobener
vousaboutmeet
ing.

Me:
Whati
fyoudon’
tli
kehi
m?

Hi
m:i
thoughty
ousai
dyouguy
sar
efr
iends?

Me:
Wear
e..Imeani
li
kehi
m al
ot

Myphonebeeped,
wasat
extf
rom hi
mthathi
satt
hegat
e..

Me:
Hisher
e

Ihadt
exthi
m myaddr
essear
li
er.
.

Dad:
Wel
ltel
lhi
mtocomei
n

It
exthi
mtocomet
othehouse.
.

Me:
Dadpl
easebeni
ce

Hi
m:i
am al
way
sni
ce.
.

Af
terami
nut
eorso,
ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
….

Dad:
I’
ll
geti
t

Iwasver
yner
vous,
assomi
ziwoul
dsaymyhear
tatt
hatmomentl
eftt
hel
eftandwentt
othe
ri
ght
…

Myf
atherst
oodupandwentt
oopent
hedoor
…

Dad:
Cani
hel
pyou?

Thi
sisExact
lywhatIwasaf
rai
dof
f.

Zuko:
Goodaf
ter
noonSi
r,I
’
m ZukoandI
’
m her
eforFuni

MyFat
heropenedt
hedoorandhegoti
n..

Dad:
yourFat
hernev
ert
aughty
out
haty
oumustt
akeof
fyourhatwheny
oui
ndoor
s?

Me:
Dad…

Zukot
ookof
fhi
shat
Dad:
Hedoesn’
tev
enknowasi
mpl
epr
inci
plehowcanIt
rusthi
m wi
thy
ourl
i
fe?

Me:
Dady
ouembar
rassi
ngme

Dad:
Hav
eherhomenotl
atert
han22:
00

Zuko:
Yessi
r

Hel
ookedatme

Zuko:
Arey
our
eadyTogo?

Me:
Yes

Dad:Rememberonei
mpor
tantt
hing,
shemi
ghtnotbet
hebestbutshe’
stheonl
yDaught
eri
have

Zuko:
Yessi
r

Iopenedt
hedoorandwewent
..

Me:
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
,myf
atherI
sjustsomehowsomet
imes

Hi
m:Hi
slooki
ngoutf
ory
ou

Me:
Mor
eli
keheembar
rassedme

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Thanky
ou,
andy
ounotbady
our
sel
f

HewasaJean,
brownt
imbal
andboot
sandawhi
tet
shi
rt
..

Hi
m:Wel
lthanky
ou

Heopenedt
hedoorofhi
sJaguarf
orme,
andi
wenti
nsi
de.
.Hewentt
othedr
iver
’sseatand
dr
ove.
.

Iwasabi
tner
vousbei
ngi
nZuko’
spr
esenceespeci
all
yaf
terwhathappenedt
hatni
ght
…

Me:
ThoughtAphi
wewoul
dbear
ound

Hi
m:Hehadal
ongday
,hehadt
ogohomeandr
estal
i
ttl
e

Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Hi
m:You’
l
lsee

Ihopei
t’
snotacl
uborl
oungeorpubandgr
il
lbecausei
don’
twantusgoi
ngbackt
osquar
e
one.
.

Hi
sphoner
ang,
het
ooki
toutandl
ookedati
t.
.

Hi
m:Whatdoesshewant
?

Heanswer
ed

Him:Fi
kil
e..I
’
m notbusyI
’
mj ustdri
vi
ng.
.Yeyakedidisendyout
oCapeTown?
?..Idon’
t
under
standwhyihavetofet
chy ou…Fi
neI’
ll
ber i
ghtt
here.
.

Hehungedupandcl
i
ckedhi
stongue.

Hekeptquietdi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.Iknowwenotdat
ingkodwai
woul
dli
keabi
tofsome
expl
anat
ion..

Af
terawhi
l
ehel
ookedatms.
.

Him:Ohhsor
ryt
hatwasmysi
ster
,shewasatCapeTowncamebackt
odaynowi
hav
etof
etch
herphay
aeptastat
ion.
.

Hi
m:Okay

Wegott
oPtast at
ionwherebusesst
op.Lookedl
ikebuseshadj
ustdr
oppedof
fpeopl
ebecause
i
twasabitf
ull
..Zukocal
ledheragai
ntotel
lhert
hatweatthest
ati
onandshesai
dshecansee
hi
m..

Afterthatcal
lisawayel
lowboneappr
oachi
ngus,
shehadbagswi
thher
..Di
dn’
ttel
ltakeher
thatlongtoreachwher
ewewer est
andi
ng.

Zukohuggedher
.

Zuko:
kut
heni
uMamaangandi
xel
elangaukubausekapa(
whydi
dn’
tmom t
ell
met
haty
ouatcpt
)

Her
:andazi
(idon’
tknow)

Looki
ngathersheseemedasi
fli
keshehasat
ti
tudeny
ana

Zuko:
Funi
meetmyl
i
ttl
esi
sterFi
ki
lebutwecal
lherf
iks,
andf
iksmeetFuni
..

Shel
ookedatme

Her
:isshey
ourgf
?

Zuko:
Notr
eal
l
y

Her
:Goodbecausei
t’
ll
nev
erwor
kbet
weeny
ouandher

Shesai
dthatwhi
l
etaki
ngherbagsandwal
ki
ngaway
Zuko:
uthi
kut
heni
(whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
)

Fi
ks:
Ndi
thet
hai
nyani
nje(
I’
mtel
l
ingt
het
rut
h)

Me:
Wow!

Zuko:
ify
ougonnabest
ayi
ngatmyhousey
ouneedt
odr
opt
hatat
ti
tude

Weal
lwal
kedupt
othecar
..

Me:
Cani
hel
pyouwi
tht
hebags?

Her
:Noi
car
rymyownshi
t!

Zuko:
Excusey
ou?

Sheor
gani
sedher
sel
f.
.

Her
:Uxol
o(sor
ry)

Zukot
ooksomeoft
hebagsandwewal
ked.Whydoesi
tlookl
i
keI
’
m gonnahav
eithar
dwi
th
thi
sgi
rl
..

PART13SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
10]Ron:
PART14SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wewer eatMcDonaldshav
inglunch.Idi
dn’tt
ouchmymeal
,iwasstar
ri
ngatthi
sfi
ksinmy
mindihaveal
readykil
l
edher.Whatwasl ef
twasformet
ojumpacrossthet
ableandstr
angl
e
hert
odeath.
.

Zukoshookmeabi
t.
.

Zuko:
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?

If
akedasmi
l
e

Me:
Yesi
am

Imai
ntai
nedaser
iousf
aceaf
tert
hatandl
ookedatFi
ks.
.

Zuko:
Fiksf
orhowl
ongar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
ost
ayatmyhouse?

Fi
ks:
Why
?Am i
notwel
comed?

Zuko:
Khangendi
tsho(
idi
dn’
tsay
)

Fi
ks:
Andazi
(idon’
tknow)
Idrankmysoda,
iwascr
avi
ngt
oputmyhandsont
hisbi
tchandt
urnheri
ntoabeaut
y
sandwich.
.

Af
tert
hatl
unch,
wel
eftbuti
didn’
ttouchmymeal
soi
hadi
tasat
akeaway
…

Wedr
oveupt
oZuko’
spl
ace,
hishousewasatI
renePar
k.I
twasbi
gandbeaut
if
ul.
.

Het
ookFi
ksl
uggageandwewal
kedi
nsi
de.Ir
eal
l
yador
edhi
shouse,
wasj
ustv
erybeaut
if
ul.
.

Hi
smai
dorbaby
sit
terwasatt
heki
tchen,
icoul
dn’
tmakeouti
fitwasamai
dorbaby
sit
ter
..

Fi
ks:
Ziy
anda!

Thewomanl
ookedather
..

Her
:Fi
ki
le,
Yey
ake!

Fi
kswentupt
oherandhuggedher
.

Zi
yanda:
uphumaphi
kengoku?(
Wher
eyourf
rom)

Fi
ks:
ndi
vel
eeKapa(
imf
rom CapeTown)

Zi
yanda:
ubuy
okwenzant
oni
eKapa(
whatwher
eyoudoi
ng)

Fi
ks:
zezi
zint
ozemodel
l
ing(
it
’st
hismodel
l
ingbusi
ness)

Zuko’
sphoner
ang.
.

Hi
m:Excusemeguy
s

Hewal
kedout
..

Ist
oodt her
enotknowi
ngwhatt
osay
,orhowt
oreactI
’
m sur
eev
ent
hisZi
yandawon’
tli
keme.
.
Shelookedatme.

Her
:Mol
okal
okusi
si(
Goodaf
ter
noon)

Me:
Hi

Her
:ndi
nguZi
yandakemna(
mynamei
sZi
yanda)

Me:
Funi

Sheshookmyhand.
.

Fi
ks:
LetmegoandPutmyl
uggageupst
air
s,Zi
yanday
oucanhel
pme

Zi
yanda:
Akhongxaki
mnt
akadadebawo

Zi
yandahel
pedherwi
tht
hebagsandt
heywentupst
air
s…
Zukocameback.
.

Hi
m:ThatwasZakes,
him andJozi
areatt
hisot
herl
oungewannat
agal
ong?

Me:
Asl
ongasI
’
llhomebyhome

Hesmi
l
ed.
.

Hi
m:Thenwebet
tergetgoi
ng

Wewal
kedoutt
ohi
scar
,andhedr
ovet
othel
ounge.
.

Me:
Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Il
ookeddown

Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
ngoku?(
what
’swr
ongnow)

Me:
Whywasy
oursi
sterr
udet
ome?

Hi
m:Fi
ksi
sli
ket
hat
,justdon’
tmi
ndher

I
’
dunder
standi
fshewas13kodwashe’
stoool
dtobedoi
ngt
hatshi
t.
.

Wegott
othel
ounge,
wassomewher
ekoJhb.
.

Wewenti nandj
oinedJozi
wit
hZakes.I
twasabusyl
oungewasn’
tthatf
ull
becausei
tlooked
expensi
venotev
eryonecanaf
for
dtobehere.
.

Jozi
:Ni
ceofy
ouguy
stoj
oinus…

Me:
I’
m happyt
obeher
e

Zuko:
Whatshoul
digety
ou?

Me:
Hunt
er’
sGol
d

Hi
m:Okay

Zakes:
Letmegowi
thy
ouman

Theybot
hwent
..

Jozi
lookedatme.
.

Her
:andt
hen?

Me:
imethi
ssi
sterandgi
rlt
hatbi
tchhasat
ti
tudef
ory
ear
s
Jozi
:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?

Me:
Youhav
enoi
dea,
ifel
tli
kest
rangl
i
ngherr
ightt
her
e

Jozi
:don’
tlethergett
oyou….

Iwai
tedandwai
tedf
orZukot
ocomebackwi
thmyHunt
er’
sGol
dkodwaDol
olo(
not
hing)
..

Me:
iwonderwhat
’st
aki
ngZukosool
ong

Jozi
frowned.
.

Me:
What
’sup?

Her
:Theypr
obabl
ydoi
ngcokewher
evert
heyar
e

Me:
Zakesi
sont
hatst
afft
oo?

Shenoddedherhead.
.

Me:
What
’shi
sexcuse?

Her
:idon’
tknowandi
don’
tcar
e

Theyshowedupaf
teranhour
,Zukowasempt
yhanded.
.

Me:
Whathappenedt
omyHunt
er’
sGol
d?

Hi
m:Shi
tif
orgot
…

Hewassni
ff
ingandwi
pinghi
snose

Hi
m:I
’
llgeti
t

Me:
I’
ll
getf
ormy
sel
f.

Hegav
emeaR200not
e,andi
wentt
othebar
..

Me:
Sor
rycani
pleasehav
esomeHunt
er’
sGol
d?

Thebarmanwasmi
xi
ngsomedr
inks,
probabl
ymaki
ngacockt
ail

Me:
Thatl
ooksni
ce

Hesmi
l
ed.

Hi
m:Wannat
ryi
t?

Me:
Yeawhynot
?

Hepour
edf
ormeandgav
eitt
ome.
.
Hi
m:I
tsont
hehouse

Me:
Luckyme

It
ookasi
p

Me:
Hmmmm

Hi
m:And?

Me:
Youknowy
ourst
ory

It
ookasi
pagai
nandhewasal
lst
arr
ingatme.
.

Me:
Somet
hingwr
ong?

Hi
m:Noy
ouj
ust
…Youv
erypr
ett
y

Ibl
ushed.
.

Hi
m:Youmor
epr
ett
ywheny
oubl
ush

Me:
Stopi
t.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m sur
eabeaut
if
ull
adyl
i
key
oui
snother
eal
one

Bef
orei
coul
dansweri
hear
dav
oicebehi
ndmesay
ing

“
youdamnr
ightaboutt
hat
”

Iknewi
twasZuko.
.Hecameupt
ome.Hegent
lysqueezedmycheek

Hi
m:Bunj
uiwaswonder
ingwhat
’st
aki
ngy
ousol
ong

Me:
Wel
li
..Iwast
ryi
ngoutsomecockt
ail
s.

Hel
ookedatt
hecockt
ail

Hi
m:Thatl
ookscheap

Bar
man:
itl
ookscheapbutshewasher
ebuy
ingHunt
er’
sGol
d

Me:
Saywhat
?

Zukot
ookt
hegl
assofcockt
ail
andpour
edi
tathi
m..

Zuko:
Sundi
qhel
akwedi
niy
eva?

Thebar
mant
ookof
fhi
stshi
rt
..Andhel
aughed.
.

Zuko:
Youshoul
dbehappyt
hatI
’
m her
e,becauset
hemoneyi
spendi
nthi
sloungecanbuyy
ou
y
ourl
i
fe!
!

Hai
boZuko!
!!
!….Amazi
ngwhatdr
ugscandot
oaper
son.

PART14SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
11]Ron:
PART15SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wejustgott
ohishouse,heopenedtheki
tchendoorandwewalkedi
n..I
twasj
ustaf
ter00:
00i
coul
dn’
tgohomet hatl
ateandknockformyfather
,ihat
ewaki
nghim up.Pl
usi
didn’
twannago
homeandhearhimt al
ki
ngaboutki
ll
ingZuko..

It
ookof
fmyshoesaswewer
ewal
ki
ngupst
air
s,i
wasf
oll
owi
nghi
m ashewasl
eadi
ngt
heway
..

Iwasangr
y,Zukoshoul
dn’
thav
eact
edt
hatway
..

It
ookoffmyshoeswhenwegott
ohi
sbedr
oom,
het
ri
edcomi
ngcl
oseandt
ouchi
ngmebuti
sl
i
ghtl
ypushedhi
m of
f.
.

Me:
Please!

Heputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s..

Hi
m:i
don’
tunder
standwhyy
ouangr
y

Me:
Whaty
oudi
dwasuncal
l
edf
or,
bububhanxaKphel
a(i
twasst
upi
d)

Hi
m:Uy
iboni
l
elachapukubai
thet
henj
ani
nawe?(
didy
ouseehowt
hatguyt
alkedt
oyou)

Me:
Youcausedunnecessar
ydr
ama

Hesni
ff
edandwi
pedhi
snose.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m notgonnaapol
ogi
sef
orst
andi
ngupt
othatf
ool
fory
ou!

Me:
idi
dn’
texpecty
out
oapol
ogi
se

Hi
m:Good!

Me:
Good.
.

Hi
m:G.O.O.D

Hewal
kedoutaf
tersay
ingt
hat
..

Myr
angasi
satont
hehi
sbed,
itooki
toutf
rom mybagandanswer
edi
twasJozi
..

Me:
Dade
Her
:DadeI
’
mjustcal
l
ingt
ofi
ndouti
fyouhav
ear
ri
ved?

Me:
Yai
did

Her
:wasn’
tyourFat
herangr
y?

Me:
I’
m notathome

Her
:Wher
ear
eyou?

Me:
Don’
tfr
eakout

Her
:Whywoul
dif
reakout
?

Me:
I’
m atZuko’
spl
ace

Her
:What
!!(
shout
ing)

Me:
ijustsai
ddon’
tfr
eakout
..

Her
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngatZuko’
spl
acey
ousupposedathome

Me:
longst
oryJozi

Her
:Fi
net
henIwasj
ustcal
l
ingt
oseet
haty
ouokay

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:I’
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row.
.

Me:
Okaybae

Her
:By
e

Me:
Bye

Ihungedupputmyphonebacki
nmybag.
.

Iwentt
oshower,t
heni woreoneofhi
sTshir
ts…Beforei
goti
nbedi
wentdownst
air
stol
ookf
or
hi
m buthewasn’
taround.Thehousewasveryqui
et.
.

Iwentbackupst
air
sandt
ri
edt
osl
eep.
.

Iwokeupint
hemor ni
ng,t
hesunwashi tt
ingmehard.Igotupandstr
etchedmysel
f..Il
ooked
onmysideanditdawnedonmet hati
sleptal
oneinthatbi
gcoldbed.
.Igotoutofbedandwent
towashmyfaceinthebat
hroom andthenri
nsedmymout h….

Itookoffhist
shir
tandf
oldeditt
henplacedi
tnicel
yonhi sbed.Iputonmydressandwent
downstair
s….Tomysurpri
sehewasI ntheki
tchenprepari
ngbreakfast
.Hewaswearingasui
t
withAphiwesit
ti
ngonthehighchai
rbusymakingnoise..
Zuko:
BoyI
’
m war
ningy
ouf
ort
hel
astt
ime.
.

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:i
wasmaki
ngy
oubr
eakf
ast
,thoughty
ouwer
egonnawakeupt
oadel
i
ciousbr
eakf
ast
..

Me:
Don’
tbot
her
,I’
l
lbeeat
ingathome

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othedoor
…

Hi
m:Funi

Ist
opped.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m,hewasl
ooki
ngatme.
.

Me:
Itsokay

Hecamet
omeandhel
dmyhands.
.

Hi
m:i
act
edl
i
keaj
erkt
hewhol
eni
ghtandI
’
m sor
ry

Me:
Ist
hiswhat
’sgonnahappenev
ery
timewhenwegoout
?

Hel
ookeddown,
hewasashamed.
.

Hi
m:i
..
funi
thehonestt
rut
his.
.

Me:
Is?

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowhowt
otr
eatawomanr
ight

Me:
Howi
sthat
?Youwer
emar
ri
edwer
en’
tyou?

Hi
m:Yesbutt
hatdoesn’
tmeant
hatshewashappyt
hroughoutourwhol
emar
ri
age.
.

Me:
What
’st
hepr
obl
em?Ar
eyouabusi
ve?Doy
oubeatawomant
il
lshecan’
twal
k?

Hi
m:No.
.I.
.

Me:
Emot
ional
abuse?Sexual
abuse?Whati
sitr
eal
l
ybec.
.

Heki
ssedmewhil
eiwasbusyTr
yingt
ofi
nishmysent
ence.
.Af
teraf
ewsecondshepul
l
edout
,
t
hatki
sslef
tmebeggi
ngf
ormore.
.

Hi
m:Woul
dyouj
ustl
etmef
ini
sh?
Il
ethi
m be.
.

Hi
m:i
hav
enev
err
aisedmyhandt
oawoman,
noi
am notabusi
vei
nanyoft
hoseway
s..

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:i
just
..If
ail
toappr
eci
ateawomant
hat
’si
nmyl
i
fe

Me:
Whyi
sthat
?

Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Hi
m:GuessI
’
mjustaj
erkbynat
ure

Il
aughedabi
tatt
hatcomment

Hi
m:Andwhatdoy
ouknow,
thecor
ner
sofhermout
hmov
ed

Me:
Stopi
t

Hi
m:i
li
key
ouFuni
,andi
don’
twantwhathappenedl
astni
ghtr
uinmychancesofbei
ngwi
thy
ou

Me:
Youj
ustgot
tast
opact
ingl
i
key
oucr
azy

Hi
m:Fory
ouI
’
llst
op

Me:
Okay

Hel
ookedatmeal
lsmi
l
ing

Me:
ithi
nkwebur
ningsomet
hing

Het
urnedar
ound.
.

Hi
m:Shi
t.

Het
ookt
hedi
shcl
othandmov
edt
hepanf
rom t
hest
ove

Aphi
we:
Whuuuu!
!

Zuko:
Ther
egoesourbr
eakf
ast

Me:
Atl
easty
out
ri
ed

Hi
m:May
bewecangoout
..

Hel
ookedathi
swr
istwat
ch.
.

Hi
m:i
sti
l
lhav
eaf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oreIgot
otheof
fi
ce,
letmej
ustgogetmyt
hings.
.

Iwal
kedupt
oAphi
wehewasv
erycut
e..
Me:
Heyy
oucut
iepi
e

Il
ethi
m wr
appedhi
sti
nyhandar
oundmyt
humbofwi
shheat
tempt
edt
oputi
nhi
smout
h…

Me:
Youj
usteatany
thi
ngy
oucomeacr
oss

Voi
ce:
That
’sbecausehi
stoot
hing

Il
ookedupi
twasf
iks…Hecamet
oAphi
weandpushedmeof
fthewayal
i
ttl
e

Her
:Heyboy

Shepi
ckedhi
m up.
.

Me:
Fiksr
ight
?

Her
:Whowant
stoknow?

Me:i
fimayask,whydon’
tyoul
i
keme?Imeandon’
tyout
hinki
t’
soddbecausewedon’
tev
en
knoweachot
herthatwel
l
??

Her
:idon’
tknowhey
,letmesee

Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..

Her
:May
bei
t’
sBecausemybr
otheri
sri
chandev
eryt
rashwant
stot
hrowt
hemsel
vesathi
m

Ir
aisedupmyhand,
ial
mostsl
appedher
..

Me:
Ungang’
j
way
eli
kabi
uyezwa?
?

Her
:iwi
shy
oucoul
ddoi
t!
!Iwi
shy
oucoul
dmot
her
fuckensl
apme!
!

Me:
Whyy
oumaki
ngt
hisabi
gdeal
,I
’m notev
endat
ingy
ou!
!

Her
:Mybr
otheri
sme!
!

Wewer
erai
singourv
oicesateachot
her
,Aphi
wewasnowcr
ying…

Fi
ks:
Ndi
zok’
qhekezauy
evaSundi
qhel
a!!(
iwi
l
lbeaty
ouup)

Zukoshowedup,
het
ookAphi
wef
rom f
iks.
.

Zuko:
Fiksgoupst
air
s

Fi
ks:
But
..

Hi
m:I
’
m notgonnar
epeatmy
sel
f

Shecl
i
ckedhertongueandl
eft
..Iwasnowcr
ying,
wheni
gett
ooangr
yij
ustcr
y…Hehugged
mewithhi
sotherarm
Hi
m:Uxol
oBunj
ulam

Idon’
tthi
nkmeandZuko’
sfami
l
ywi
l
lgetal
ong.
.

PART15SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
16]Ron:
PART16SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Zukoandihaddecidedtopersuearelati
onshi
p.Wehavebeendati
ngfor2weeksnow.Our
rel
ati
onshi
pwaspeaceful,
ilovespendingti
mewithhi
m, i
lovewhatwehaveij
ustlov
ebeing
wit
hhim asawhole..

Hewasv erygoodtome,hewasagentl
emanandial
soli
kespendi
ngtimewit
hhisson.
For
tunat
elyfi
ksupandLeft,
shewentbackt
oCapeTownt oper
suehermodel
li
ngcareer
.She
wil
lbegoneforabout6monthsandt
hatwasarel
i
effrom mysi
de.
.

Myfat
herwasi
nhospi
tal
,ther
ewascompl
i
cat
ionswi
thhi
spr
ost
het
icv
alv
ehewasadmi
tt
ed3
day
sago..

Topreventdepressi
onandst ressZukodecidedthatishoul
dmoveinwit
hthem f
orawhi
leunti
l
myfathergetsdischargedbecausehewasscar edthatifil
i
veal
oneathomeI’
ll
const
ant
lykeep
ont
hinkingalotandI’l
levent
uallygetdepr
essed..

I
twasjustar
ound13:
00Zukohadpr
omi
sedt
ocomeandpi
ckmeupsowegoandseemy
f
ather
.

Hedi
dkeephi
spr
omi
se,
hecameear
lyatar
ound12:
45.
.

Iwasi
nt hebal
conyj
ustget
ti
ngf
reshai
randpr
event
ingmy
sel
ffr
om t
hinki
ngt
oomuchabout
thi
ssi
tuati
on.
.

Ihear
dthesl
i
dingdoorcl
osi
ng,
itur
nedar
oundi
twasZuko.

Hi
m:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?

Me:
Ithi
nkso

Henot
icedt
hati
wasn’
tal
ri
ght
.Hecameandhuggedme.
.

Hi
m:Hi
sgonnabef
ine

Me:
ihopeso

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgo

Wewal
kedoutt
ohi
scar
.Zi
yandawasbaby
sit
ti
ngAphi
weasusual
.
Zukowashol
dingmyhandi
nthecarwhi
l
edr
ivi
ng,
her
eal
l
ywast
ryi
ngt
omakemef
eel
bet
ter
….

Wepassedbyatt
hemal
l
,gothi
m abasketf
ull
off
rui
tsandsomegr
eensal
adwi
th100%Fr
uit
j
uice.
.

Iam ver
yscar
edofl
osingmyf
atheri
won’
tli
e,hi
sal
lihav
eandi
fhedi
es,
idon’
tknowwhat
’s
gonnabecomeofme..

Wegott othehospit
al,
hewasi nagov ernmenthospi
talcouldn’
taff
ordputt
inghi
minapriv
ate
hospi
talicoul
dn’taf
for
dthatespeciall
ywithmysmall changeigetatwork.
.Idi
dn’
twannaask
Zukoforhelp,i
didn’
twanthi
mt hinkingthati
m usi
nghi mforhismoney,orI’
minthi
s
rel
ati
onshipbecauseofhi
smoney ..

Ther
easonwhyi askedhi
mt ocomewit
hmet hi
sti
mear oundisbecausei
wanthi
mtoseet
hat
myFatherneedsser
iousmedical
car
eatadi
ff
erenthospi
tal
..

Whenwegott herehewasnotinagoodstat
e,thewardjusthadthi
suncomf or
tabl
efoul
smell
wasjustanenvi
ronmentyouwoul
dn’twannafi
ndyoursel
fin.Myfathershar
esthewardwit
h7
ot
hermen, t
hewar dhad8bedsofwhich2ofthosebedswer eempty..

Hewasl
ayi
ngdown,
hel
ookedpr
ett
ysi
ckhecoul
dn’
tgetup.
.

Me:
Papa

Heopenedhi
seyesandlookedatme.Helookeddr
ained,
hel
ookedweak,
hewaspalewasj
ust
ast
ateidi
dn’
twannafi
ndhimi nbecausey
ester
dayheseemedtobemaki
ngpr
ogress,
but
t
odayhewasgravesi
ck.
.

Iputt
hef
oodonhi
sshel
f.
.

Me:
ithoughty
ouwer
emaki
ngpr
ogr
ess,
youwer
efi
ney
est
erdaywhathappenedt
oday
?

Hi
snei
ghbouranswer
ed.
.

Nei
ghbour
:ahhumnakauphat
heki
l
etoday(
Todayhi
sver
ysi
ck)

Me:
Didheeatany
thi
ngorev
enbat
h?

Nei
ghbour
:Akav
ukanganezet
oday(
hedi
dn’
tev
enwakeupt
oday
)

Me:
Wher
ear
ether
eNur
ses?Coul
dn’
ttheyhel
phi
m?

Nei
ghbour
:ChaSi
siuy
azi
naweukut
hiKunj
ani
(youknowhowi
tisher
e)

Thatwasav
eryhear
tbr
eaki
ngsi
tuat
ion.
.

Nei
ghbour
:ngi
mupheamageubutst
il
l

Me:
Whathappenedt
otheot
her2ofy
ourmat
es?
Hi
m:i
shay
il
esi
si,
ishay
eizol
oebusuku(
Theydi
edl
astni
ght
)

Me:
Thatmeanspeopl
edon’
tlasther
e?

Hi
m:uy
azi
it’
sacar
diacwar
dweneedser
iousat
tent
ionbutt
hisNur
sesdon’
tev
enl
ookatus.
.

Iwashopi
ngt hatZukowashear
ingthi
s,maybethenhewouldwannahelp.Il
ookedathi
m,he
wasonhisphonehedi dn’
tev
enlookedl
ikehecaredaboutwhatwashappeni
ng..Hedi
dn’
tev
en
greetmyf
ather.

Me:
ithi
nki
shoul
dfeedhi
m somet
hing

Nei
ghbour
:it
hingi
kuncede(
letmehel
pyou)

Hegotof
fhisbedtocomeandhelpme.Wesatmyf
atheri
nsemi
upr
ightposi
ti
onandput
pi
l
lowsbehi
ndhisbacktobal
ancehi
m..

Nei
ghbour
:mnakai
ndodakazi
yakhoi
zokubona(
Yourdaught
eri
sher
etoseey
ou)

Hewasbr
eathingv er
yfast
,hedi
dn’
tevenhaveener
gyt
oletwor
ds“
hel
l
o”comeoutf
rom hi
s
mout
h.Hejustlookedatmeandsmiledathi
m..

Istart
edoffbyatleastbrushinghisteet
hihadaskedforaspi
tbowlfr
om thenur
ses,
aft
erthatI
wipedhisfacewit
hhi sfacial
cloth.
.Hisnei
ghbourwasful
lhandsinhel
pingZukowasst
il
l
standi
ngtherebusyonhi sphone..

Myf
atherl
ookedatZuko.
.

Hi
m:Z.
.Zu.
.

Il
ookedatZuko.
.

Me:
Zuko

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Myf
atheri
scal
l
ingy
ou

Hej
ustl
ookedathi
m andnoddedhi
sheadt
henwentbackt
owhathewasdoi
ng.
.

If
eltl
i
keakni
fewasj
ustst
rucki
nmyhear
t.
.

Ifedmyfat
her,
i ev
enlett
hefr i
endeat
.If
edhi
mthegr
eensal
adofwhi
chhedi
dn’
tfi
nishand
thenil
ethi
m dr
inkthefr
uitj
uice..

Nei
ghbour
:awushoSi
siezakwakhol
ezi
?(i
shey
ourbf
)

Inoddedmyhead.
.

Hi
m:ngat
hingi
kengamubonakwel
i
nyei
phephaNdabal
amabhi
zi
nisi
,ungusomabhi
zi
nisi
?(i
oncesawhi
minabusi
nessnewspaper
,isheabusi
nessman)

Me:
Yahi
stheCEOofMQ

Hi
m:ngi
yasho(
idi
dsayi
t)

Afterf
eedingmydadwechi
ll
edjustt
alki
ngmehim andhisfri
end.Thef
riendwastel
li
ngusol
d
funnystor
ies,
myfat
herwasnowlooki
ngabitbet
terthi
nkthatfoodhel
pedhim al
ot…

IwouldlookatZukoev erynowandnow,yazihelookedli
kehewoul
drat
herbesomewhereel
se
thanhere.Helookedirr
itat
ed,hel
ookeddi
sgusted.
.Ithi
nkmyfat
heral
sonoti
cedbecausehe
wouldlookathimt henlookatme..

Af
teranhourt
heNur
ser
angt
hebel
li
ndi
cat
ingt
hatv
isi
ti
nghour
sar
eov
er.
.

Zukoputhi
sphoneaway
..

Hi
m:ThankGod,
youwi
l
lfi
ndmei
nthecar
.

Hewal
kedaway
..

Iwasv
eryembar
rassedandv
eryhur
tbyhi
sat
ti
tude.
.Ist
oodupandhuggedmyf
ather
.

Me:
I’
ll
seey
out
omor
row

Hi
m:Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f

Me:
iwi
l
l

Hi
m:i
don’
ttr
usthi
m Funi
,idon’
tthi
nkhi
sther
ightmanf
ormyl
i
ttl
egi
rl
…

Fri
end:
Ahhmnakadon’tworr
y,bonkeosamabhizi
nisi
bahlal
ababusy
,bukanjebahl
alabacof
a
abomakhal
ekhukhwi
ni(
all
busi
nessmenar el
ikethat,t
heyalway
sonthei
rphones)
..

Hewassay
ingt
hatt
omakemyf
atherf
eel
bet
ter
..

Me:
Papahi
sjustst
ressedt
oomuchwor
kload,
it’
snoteasyr
unni
ngabi
gcompany
..

Hi
m:Ar
eyouhappy
?

If
akedasmi
l
e….

Me:
iam happy
,het
reat
smegood.
.

Myphonebeepedi
twasat
extf
rom Zukowhi
chr
ead“
idon’
thav
ethewhol
eday
”

Me:
ihav
etogoPapai
t’
sJozi
shewant
stoseeme

Ihat
ely
ingt
omyf
ather
,buti
alsodon’
twannast
resshi
m..

Ihuggedhi
m andWal
kedoutt
othecar
…
Igott
othecarandi
coul
dtel
lthatZukohadj
ustdi
ddr
ugs.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Hi
m:t
omor
rowy
ou’
l
lcomeal
one,
I’
m al
readyl
atef
ormymeet
ing.
.

Real
l
ymeet
ingwhi
l
ehi
sthi
shi
gh?

Icoul
dn’
tst
opt
het
ear
s,i
wassaddenedbymyf
ather
’sst
ate,
iwasal
sohur
tatwhatZukodi
d..

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s…

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Hepul
l
edMecl
oserandi
lai
dmyheadonhi
sshoul
der
..

Hi
m:sul
i
laBunj
u,y
ourFat
herwi
l
lbef
ine

Didheseehowhewas?Ohwi f
orgothewasonhi
sphonet
hewhol
eti
me.
.conf
ront
inghi
m
aboutt
hatwoul
dbeusel
essespeci
all
yhi
ghasheis.
.

PART16SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
16]Ron:
PART17SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Hedroppedmeathomeandt
henwentonabouthisbusi
ness.Icoul
dn’
tstopt
hinki
ngaboutmy
f
ather
,icoul
dn’
tst
oppr
ayi
ngforhi
m.Ineededhi
mt obebetter
,Isti
l
lneedhi
m..

Idi
dn’
tdomuchf
ort
heday
,justwat
chedal
otofTvandt
ookaf
ter
noonnaps.

Ziyandaleftataround17:
00andideci
dedt
ocookdi
nner
.Aphi
wewasbusycr
awl
i
ngar
oundon
thekitchenfloorasiwasbusypr
epari
ngdi
nner
..

Onet
hingi
don’
tli
keI
sanot
herwomancooki
ngf
ormyMan,
iam ser
iousl
ynotdownf
ort
hat
..

Icookedr
ice,
chi
ckencur
ryanddi
daf
ewsal
ads.
.

Wheni
wasdonei
dishedupandputourpl
atesi
ntheov
enf
ort
het
imebei
ng.
.

ItookAphi
weandwenttobathehi
m, t
henifedhi
m Butt
ernutandprepar
edhisbot
tl
e,t
hen
rockedhi
mt osl
eepi
nhi
snurserychai
r.Hi
sbedroom wasverybeauti
ful
,wasbl
ueandwhit
e.He
l
aidonmychestwhil
esucki
ngonhisbottl
ebusymakingthosecutesounds.
.

Iam st
art
ingt
olov
eAphi
weli
kehi
smine.
.Iwaspat
ti
nghi
m gent
lyonhi
sback,t
hatidi
dn’t
noti
ceZukowhowasst
andi
ngatt
hedoorwit
hhi
sarmsfol
dedandsmil
ingatme,ismi
ledback
athi
m..
Me:
Shhhhh.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m goi
ngt
otakeashower(
Whi
sper
ing)

Ist
ooduppl
acedAphi
wei
nhi
scr
ib,
thengav
ehi
m hi
spaci
fi
er….

Iwentoutandswi
tchedof
fhi
sli
ght
..

Iwentt
othebat
hroom,
andhear
dtheshowerwat
err
unni
ng.
.

It
ookof
fmycl
othesandwentt
ojoi
nhi
m..

Me:
needsomecompany
?

Hel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoewhi
l
eWhi
stl
i
ng.

Hi
m:Howcani
sayNot
othat
…

Igoti
nsi
deandcl
osedt
heshowerdoor
..

Hestar
tedrunni
nghi
shandsonmynakedbodywithwaterr
unni
ngal
lov
erourbodi
es.We
st
art
edkissi
ng,hewasgr
abbi
ngmyAss.Iwantedhim hewant
edme…

Hel
ower
edhi
shandsandputi
tinbet
weenmyt
highs,
ipar
tedmyl
egst
ogi
vehi
m easyaccess.
.

Wecont
inuedkissi
ngwhi
l
ehewasfingerfucki
ngme.I
twasext
reme,
iwasl
osi
ngmymi
nd,
i
wasf
eel
ingpleasur
eandabi
tofpai
natt hesameti
me..

Iwentdownonhimtoo,
hewasmoani
ngandgr
abbi
ngmybrai
dsoffwhi
chhewasgoi
ngt
opul
l
them out
.Hegotmeupandwasr
unni
nghi
shandsonmycur
ves.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyousoomuch

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo

Wehadcr
azy,nast
ysexintheshower.Zukowashitt
ingal
lther
ightpl
acesmaki
ngmescr
eam
i
npl
easur
e..I
twasjustafeel
i
ngi coul
dn’
texpl
ain.
.

Aftert
hatsteami
nghotsessi
onint
heshower
,wegotoutandwentt
owipeourwetbodi
esi
n
thebedroom.Hepul
ledMeclosert
ohi
stowelandst
art
edwipi
ngme..

Af
terthat
,il
oti
onedandputononeonhi
sshi
rt
s.Iwasn’
twear
inganyunder
wear
.Wedi
dn’
tuse
acondom butl
ucki
lyIwasonapil
l
..

Wewentdownst
air
stoeatdi
nner
,hehadhi
sdi
nnerwi
thI
cet
eaandi
hadagl
assofwi
ne.
.

Hewasl
ooki
ngatmeasi
waseat
ing.
.

Me:
What
?
Hi
m:Youknowaf
termywi
fepassedon,
idi
dn’
tthi
nkt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
olov
eagai
n..

Me:
Youhar
dlyt
alkabouther

Icoul
dseehowuncomf
ort
abl
ethi
stopi
cwasmaki
nghi
m..

Hi
m:I
tsasi
tuat
iont
hati
don’
tli
ket
alki
ngabout
..

Idi
dn’
tfor
cet
hei
ssue.
.

Hi
m:Bef
orei
for
get
,ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou

Me:
Yes?

Hewi
pedhi
smout
hwi
thhi
snapki
n

Hi
m:Your
emembermyf
ri
endRemza?

Me:
ido

Hi
m: Hiswi
feist
hemanagerofsomej
ewel
l
eryshopi
nWonder
par
kmal
l
,St
ernsj
ewel
l
ery
di
vi
sionofTFG.

Me:
idi
dn’
tknowhehasawi
fe

Hi
m:Hedoes…oneoft
hest
affr
esi
gnedandt
heyneedsomeone.
.

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m: i
vetal
kedtoRemzaandhesai
dhi
sgonnat
alkt
oher
,tomor
rowy
oumustdoy
ourCV.
.The
j
obisyoursal
ready
.

Il
ookedathi
m..Idi
dn’
tbel
i
eveZukodi
dn’
trunt
hisbyme,
hej
ustt
ookadeci
sionl
i
ket
hatal
lby
hi
mself
.

Hi
m: Don’
twor
ryi
tpay
swel
lar
oundR5000amont
h.Wor
kinghour
sar
eabi
tchbuty
ou’
l
lpul
l
t
hrough.
.

Idr
ankmywi
ne…

Me:
iwi
sht
haty
oucoul
d’
ver
ant
hisbymef
ir
stbef
oremaki
ngsuchar
ashdeci
sionf
orme.

Hi
m:Youdon’
twantt
hisj
ob?

Me:
idobut
,ij
ustt
hinkt
hatngabeukhul
umenami
kqal
a(i
wishy
oucoul
d’v
espokent
omef
ir
st)

Him:I’
m sor
ryi
didn’
tthi
nki
twasgonnabeani
ssueconsi
der
ingt
haty
ourcur
rentj
obi
smaki
ng
yourpeanut
s

Me:
That
’smyqueuet
oleav
e
Ist
oodupandst
art
edwal
ki
ng,
her
anaf
termeandhel
dmyhand…

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryi
didn’
tmeani
tli
ket
hat

If
oldedmyar
ms…

Me:
Whatdi
dyoumean?

Hecamecloserandputhi
shandsar
oundmywai
st,
wit
hhi
sfor
eheadagai
nstmi
ne.
.heki
ssed
mynose.

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry,
your
ighti
shoul
d’
ver
ani
tbyy
ouf
ir
st

Me:
Youshoul
d’
ve

Hi
m:Doest
hatmeant
omor
rowy
ou’
l
ldoy
ourCVt
hengoandSeeher
?

Iexhal
ed.
.

Me:
FineI
’
llgo

Hi
m:That
’smybabe

Heki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:Howaboutdesser
tupst
air
s?

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmeonmyneck

Me:
I’
dli
ket
hat
..

Hepi
ckedmeupandwewentupst
air
s..

Ij
ustl
oveZukoandi
hopeourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
l
lsucceed.
.

Iwokeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngdayandbat
he,
ihadt
omeetupwi
tht
hatwomanv
eryear
lybef
ore11:
00.
.

Iwai
tedf
orZi
yandat
ocome,
asi
coul
dn’
tleav
eAphi
weal
one.Zukol
eav
esv
eryear
ly,
at6am
hi
sgone.
.

Zi
yandacame,
andi
didn’
tev
enhav
ebr
eakf
asti
wentt
oWonder
par
kst
rai
ght
……….

ImadecopiesofmyCVandcer ti
fiedal
lthenecessar
ydocumentst
henwenttoSter
ns.Idon’
t
knowhowt hi
sisgonnaturnoutbecauseionl
yhav emat
ri
c.Idon’
thav
eanytert
iar
y
qual
if
icat
ion,
nojobexperi
enceionlyhavematri
c….

Iar
ri
vedatSt
ernsj
ewel
l
eryatar
ound10am.I
twasasmal
lbeaut
if
ulj
ewel
l
eryshop.
.

Ther
ewasabl
ackandawhi
tewor
kerar
oundt
hecount
ers.Iwentt
ooneoft
hem.
.

Me:
Excuseme.
.
Shel
ookedatme

Her
:Hi

Me:
hi.
.Mynamei
sFunekaMahl
angu,
andI
’
m her
etoseet
hemanager

Her
:Letmej
ustchecki
fshe’
snotbusy

Shewentt
othebackof
fi
ce.
.

Il
ookedar
oundandi
twasaf
ancyst
ore,
all
thoser
ingsandwhatnot
..

Thel
adycamebackt
ome.

Her
:Youcangoi
n

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Iwentt
oheroff
ice.It
houghtiwasgonnaseeabl
ackwoman,
buti
twasawhi
tel
ady
.Shewas
ver
ybeaut
if
ulandlookedyoungpr
obablyi
nhermi
d30s…

Idi
dn’
tknowRemzawasmar
ri
edt
oawhi
tewoman.
.

Her
:Funekai
sit
?

Me:
Yes

Her
:Pl
easesi
tdown

Shest
ret
chedherhandi
ndi
cat
ingi
shoul
dgi
vehert
heCvandi
did.
.

Shepagedt
hroughi
t.
.

Her
:Zuksi
sput
ti
ngmei
nav
erydi
ff
icul
tposi
ti
on

Iwasv
eryner
vous…

Her
:Youhav
enoexper
iencei
nany
thi
ng?

Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elynot
.

Her
:You’
venev
erwor
kedany
wher
e?

Me:
Nomam’

Shel
ookedatme,
idi
dn’
tknowwhatwasr
unni
ngi
nhermi
nd.
.

PART17SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
18]Ron:
PART18SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
I
’
m st
il
lsit
ti
nginthatchai
r,I
’
mveryner
vous.Thi
swomanl
ooksabi
tint
imi
dat
ingbuthersmi
l
e
i
sver
ysincer
e,i
trelaxesmeabi
t.
.

Her
:You’
venev
erwor
kedwi
thpeopl
ebef
ore?

Me:
I’
m cur
rent
lywor
kingatf
ishnchi
ps,
I’
m notsur
eift
hatwi
l
lcount

Her
:Of
causei
tcount
s,al
liwanti
satl
eastexper
iencei
nwor
kingwi
thpeopl
e.

Shehandsmeacer
tai
nfor
m..

Her
:Si
ther
eandf
il
lev
ery
thi
ngi
n

Shest
andsup,
shet
akeshermugandwal
ksout
..

Il
ookatthefor
m,it
’snotcompli
cat
edjustst
rai
ghtforwardquesti
ons.Ianswert
heQuest
ions,
mostl
yaboutcust
omers.It
’s20Quest
ionsandbeforeiknowit,I
’
m donewi t
hthem.
.

Shecomesback,
shemar
ksi
get18/
20shel
ooksi
mpr
essed.
.

Her
:Cany
oust
artMonday
?

Me:
Uhm YesOf
cause

Shel
i
ftshermugupanddr
inkswhat
everi
sinsi
de.
.

Her
:Congr
atul
ati
onsy
ougott
hej
ob.
.

Wowt
hatwaseasi
ert
hani
thought
.Ist
andupI
’
m happy
..

Her
:onemor
ethi
ng,
wewearbl
ackandwhi
teandbeher
eat7:
45weopenat9:
00andcl
oseat
17:
00

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
youwon’
tbedi
sappoi
nted

Her
:ihopenot
.

Iwalkedoutofther
eandgot owimpy.Igetsomeburger
s,I
’mthi
nki
ngofgoi
ngtoZuko’
s
workplaceiwannasurpr
isehi
m wit
hlunch.Hetakesl
unchat13:
00nowit
’s12:
00butI’
m sur
e
thatwon’tbeaprobl
em..

Hi
scompanyi
ssi
tuat
edatPr
etor
iaWest
,sobef
orei
knowi
tI’
mther
e….

I
t’
sfi
rstt
imebeinghereandhiscompanyisjustwow.Ther
e’sscr
eensar
oundshowingdif
fer
ent
games,t
her
e’spict
uresofgamesall
around.Itwasl
ikeiwaswalki
nginadi
ff
erentworl
d…
Iwal
kuptotherecept
ion,
therecept
ioni
sti
sont
hephoneIhav
ethebur
ger
siboughtwi
thme.
.
Sheseesmethenputsthephonedown.

Me:
Aft
ernoon

Her
:Af
ter
nooncani
hel
pyou?

Me:
uhm YesI
’
m her
eforZukoMqel
a

Her
:Doy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
?

Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elyno

Her
:Letmecal
lhi
m andseei
fhi
snotbusy

Me:
Pleasedo,
tel
lhi
mit
’sFuneka

Her
:Okay

Shepi
cksupt
hephoneanddi
alshi
sext
ensi
on.
.

Her
:Yessi
rther
e’sal
adyher
eshewant
stoseey
ouhernamei
sFuneka.
.Yessi
r.
.

Sheput
sthephonedown.
.

Her
:Youcangot
hrough,
got
otheel
evat
orandpr
ess1.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Iwalkuptotheelevat
or,i
topensandiwalki
nside.I
tcl
osest
heni
sel
ect1.Av
oicel
i
keSar
ie
suddenl
ystart
stalki
ng“Youhavesel
ectedfl
oornumber1”

Thi
sisf
ancy
….

Igett
othef
ir
stf
loorandi
t’
sonebi
gAssof
fi
ce.
.Il
i
ket
hecol
our
soft
hebui
l
ding,
greenand
whit
e…

Iapproachhi
soff
icedoorthere’
sagreenandr
oidRobotj
ustcl
oset
othedoor
..Asi
passi
t,i
t
l
ightsupandstar
tspeaki
ng“ WelcometoMQ”

Iswearthi
swasj
ustbeaut
if
ul.
.Igett
oadeskofsomewomanwhom I
’
mthi
nki
ngt
hati
t’
shi
s
assi
stant.
.

She’
sabl
onde,
she’
sver
ybeaut
if
ul.
.

Me:
Goodaf
ter
noon

Shel
ooksatme

Me:
I’
m FunekaI
’
m her
etoseeZuko
Her
:Youcangot
hough

Iwal
kupt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.Hi
sdoori
sgl
ass,
ever
ythi
ngi
sjustgl
assy
oucanseewhat
everhi
s
doi
ng…

Ist
andatt
hedoorf
ir
stl
ooki
ngathi
m.Hi
sonhi
slapt
op,
hisconcent
rat
inghar
donwhat
everhi
s
doi
ng.
.

Icl
earedmyt
hroat
,hel
ookedatme…Wel
ookedateachot
herf
orawhi
l
ebef
oresay
ing
anyt
hing.
.

Hi
m:Soy
ouj
ustgonnast
andt
her
eandl
ookatme

Me:
That
’st
hewhol
epl
an

Heclosedhislaptop,
andi
closet
hedoor
.Idon’
tknowwhyI
’
m cl
osi
ngt
hedoorbecauset
hey
cansti
llseeus..

Iwal
kupt
ohi
sdeskandhemeet
smehal
fway
..

Iputt
hef
oodont
het
abl
e..Heki
ssesmeonmyf
orehead.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Me:
Yes

Hi
shandsar
ear
oundmywai
st,
hisl
eani
ngagai
nstt
het
abl
e..

Hi
m:Howdi
ditgo?

Me:
Itwentwel
l
,itwentwel
l
,itwentwel
l

Hi
m:That
’sgoodhi
gh5par
tnerwedi
dit

Igi
vehi
m ahi
gh5.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m pr
oudofy
ou

Hepl
ant
saki
ssi
nmyl
i
ps.
.

Me:
ibr
oughty
oul
unch

Hi
m:Youbr
oughtmel
unch

Hi
sphoner
ings,
hepi
cksi
tup.
.

Hi
m:Yes?
..

Hel
ooksathi
swr
istwat
ch

Hi
m:Now?
..OkayI
’
llt
unei
n..
Hetakestheremoteandtunesi
ntosomechannel
.
.Ther
e’sawomanwhoi
spr
eachi
ngi
nan
audi
tor
ium f
ullofpeopl
e

Me:
Your
eli
gious?

Hi
m:Notexact
ly

Il
ookatthescreenagai
n,iknowt
hiswoman.She’
sawell
knownbusi
nesswomananda
phi
lant
hropi
st.Ri
chestwomaninSAsheownsaGoldmine

Me:
Ohwshe’
sdel
i
ver
ingaspeechl
ooksl
i
keasemi
nar
..

Isi
tdown.
.

Me:
ilov
ethi
swomany
oucancal
lhermyr
olemodel

Zuko:
Youdo?

Me:
Yesal
otI
’
m hopi
ngt
oat
tendoneofhersemi
nar
s,shegi
vesgoodmot
ivat
ion

Hi
m:Shei
sgood,
andshehappenst
obemymot
her

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Getouther
e

Hel
ooksatme,
hisnotl
aughi
ngorsmi
l
ing.
.

Me:
Wai
tar
eyouser
ious?

Hi
m:YesBongi
weSi
thebei
smymot
her

I
’
llbedamned!
!What
’snext
?Bi
l
lGat
esi
shi
suncl
e

PART18SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
19]Ron:
PART19SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Mondaycame, i
wasr eadyt ostartatmynewj obbuti wasner vousatthesamet i
me.Ihad
resi
gnedov ert
heweekendatmypr eviousjob,mycol leagueswer everysadaboutt hi
sbutihad
promisedtopopi nforav i
siteverynowandt hen…. sot her
ei wasstandinginf
rontofthemirr
or
l
ookingatmyownr efl
ect i
on.Iwaswear ingahi ghwai stblackskir
tthattookouttheshapeof
mycur vesperf
ectly
,blackfishnetst ockings,Blackhighheel sandawhi teshortsl
eevedtshi
rt
.I
hadmybr aidsti
edupl ikeaneatbunasal wayswi thabl ackbandanaar oundthebun…Zuko
walkedintheroom asi wasst i
l
l starri
ngatmy self
,hehuggedmef rom thebackandpl ant
eda
wetkissonmyneck…

Me:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
omakemel
atef
orwor
k?Justbecausewenay
ouof
fdoesn’
tmeani
m of
f
t
oo.
.

Hi
m:Youj
ustl
ooksosexyI
’
m ev
enaf
rai
dtol
ety
ougot
owor
k..

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
iam abi
tner
vousaboutt
oday

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Itsanewenv
ironment
,idon’
treal
l
yknowany
thi
ngaboutj
ewel
l
erywhati
fif
lunk?

Hi
m:Youwi
l
llear
n,nowcomeonl
etmedr
ivey
out
owor
k..

HespankedmyAssaswewer
ewal
ki
ngout
..

Icouldn’
twai
ttotel
lmydadaboutmynewjob,sinceiwon’
tbeabletovisi
thi
mint
he
aft
ernoonsanymoreiwi
l
lvi
sithi
m atni
ghtf
rom 19:00-
20:
00that
’sifZukoagr
eest
odri
veme.
.

Zukodroppedmeoffatt
hemall
,andsai
dhewi
l
lseemedur
ingl
uncht
ime.Igav
ehi
ma
goodby
eki ssandWentt
owor
k….

Itwas7:
40wheni gott
her
e,t
heBossopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandi
Wal
kedi
nsi
de.
.Shel
ooked
atmyoutfi
tthenwentt
othebackof
fi
ceandif
oll
owedher
…..

Boss:
Nat
ali
ethi
sisFuneka,
andFunekat
hisi
sNat
ali
e..

Nat
ali
egr
eet
edmewi
thawar
m smi
l
e,i
greet
edherback.Shewasapr
ett
ybl
onde…

Boss:
Weal
sohav
eanot
herwor
ker
,shewor
ksf
lexi
blehour
smost
lywor
ksonweekends.
.

Atl
eastt
ell
meshe’
sbl
ackpl
ease.
.

Thebossl
ookedatme,
andcl
ear
edherThr
oat
..

Her
:Funekat
her
e’saf
ewt
hingsweneedt
odi
scussabouty
ourout
fi
t.
.

Okay
…….

Her
:Thef
ishnetst
ocki
ngsar
enotwor
kingf
ormeatal
l
,theymakey
oul
ookl
i
keahooker
..

Ohhwow!
!!
!…

Me:
Ohhsor
ryi
didn’
tknow

Her:
Andpleaseappl
ymakeupnextt
ime.Iam notsay
ingt
haty
ounotbeaut
if
ulbuti
twi
l
lmake
youlookmorepr
ofessi
onal
..

Me:
Yesmam’

Her
:Pl
easecal
lmeTanni
e
Me:
Tanni
e?

Sher
oll
edherey
es.
.

Nat
ali
e:I
tmeansAunt
yinAf
ri
kaans.
.

Idi
disi
Zuluatschool
,sof
ort
hisbi
tcht
ober
oll
i
ngherey
esatmei
ser
iousl
ydon’
tknowwhat
’s
herst
ory….

Tanni
e:Okaygi
rl
s.Today’
star
geti
sR20000,
makesur
eyougi
veoutal
otofr
ewar
dscar
ds,
and
openthosenewaccount
s..

Idi
dn’
tknowwhatshewast
alki
ngabout
,andi
didn’
twannaaskt
oo.
.

Tanni
e:Nat
ali
epl
easegoandshowFunekahowt
hesy
stem wor
ksandhel
pherwi
tht
he
passwor
d..

Nat
ali
e:OkayTanni
e

Nat
ali
elookedatme,
thenwebot
hst
oodupandwentt
othecomput
er.
.

Nat
ali
e:i
thi
nki
twi
l
lbebet
teri
fyoucoul
dgetadi
arysoy
oucannot
edownev
ery
thi
ng…

Shewentt
ogetanot
ebookf
ormet
owr
it
eev
ery
thi
ng….

Natal
i
eshowedmewheretogoandwhattodowhensomeonecomest opayt hei
raccount
,and
al
sowhensomeonewantst
opurchasesomet
hing.I
twasn’
tadi
ff
icul
tprocedure,
justal
otgoi
ng
ontogetmeconf
used….
.

Weopenedt
hedoorsat09:
00,
andistoodbehindmycounter
..Cust
omer
sst
art
edcomi
ngi
n,i
woul
daskNatal
i
etohelpmewher
ei didn’
tunder
stand….

Imustsayiwasdoi
ngprett
ywel l
foranewbi
e,imadeasal
eofR2000onasi
l
verdi
amond
ri
ng.
.Ever
ythi
ngidi
dinoteditdowninmydiar
y…….

Asiwaswor
kingt
her
e,i
wassur
pri
sedt
oseeRemzaandZukowal
ki
ngi
n..Theybot
hcamet
o
me.

Remza:
Hey
,it
’sFuni
right
?

Me:
Yes.
.

Remza:
Soy
ougott
hej
ob?

Me:
Yes.
.

Hi
m:Congr
atul
ati
ons

Me:
Thanky
ou
Het
urnedandl
ookedatNat
ali
e..

Remza:
Mor
eNat
ali
e

Nat
ali
ewav
edathi
m…

Nat
ali
e:Shoul
dical
lherf
ory
ou?

Remza:
NaaI
’
llj
ustsur
pri
seher

Hemadehi
swayt
othebackof
fi
ce.
.

Iwasl
eftt
her
est
andi
ngwi
thZuko.
.

Hi
m:Sokuqhubekant
oni
apha?(
what
’sgoi
ngonher
e)

Me:
Ahhnot
hingmuchj
ustdoi
ngsal
es.
.

Hesqueezedmycheek.
.

Hi
m:i
am v
erypr
oudofy
ou

Me:
Thanky
oul
ove.
.

Wechat
tedabi
t,t
henRemzaandThebosscameoutf
rom t
hebackof
fi
ce.
.

Tanni
e:HeyZukskeepy
ourhandst
oyour
sel
fdon’
tdi
stur
bmyempl
oyees

Zuko:
Whatcani
say
?Yourwor
ker
slooksexy
..

Tanni
e:Let
’sgoboy
s

Theyst
art
edwal
ki
ngout
,Tanni
elookedatNat
ali
e

Tanni
e:ekkom Nat
ali
e

Nat
ali
e:OkayTanni
e..

Theywal
kedoutal
ll
aughi
ngandt
alki
ng.
.Nat
ali
ecamet
ome.
.

Her
:Lookather
,laughi
ngasi
fli
keshe’
sagoodper
son

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Her
:She’
sfucki
ngbot
hoft
hem!

Me:
Arey
ouf
orr
eal
?

Her
:Yes.
.Zukscomesheremostoftheti
meandtheystayatt
hebackof
ficef
oralongti
me,
t
henshewillcomeoutf
ixi
nghershi
rtandZukswi
llbewipi
ngali
psti
ckf
rom hi
sli
ps..
Me:
Wow!

Nat
ali
e:col
l
eague.
.iseey
ouget
ti
ngcl
osewi
tht
hisZuksguy
,st
ayawayhi
sbadnews.
.

Me:
inwhatway
?

Her
:Hi
sdonefuckedgir
lsi
nthi
sworkplace,col
leaguesofmi
newhocameandwent
..Some
womensayhi
sabusiv
e,hisi
ntodr
ugs,hisinvol
vedinGangst
eri
sm.
.

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?

Her
:Yes!Idon’
tify
ouknowZakesbuthi
saGangst
ert
oget
herwi
thRemzaandZuko

Me:
doesn’
tZukoownacompany
?

Her
:That
’sj
ustaf
rontt
ocov
erupf
orhi
sreal
li
fest
yle.

Me:
Ohw

Her
:St
ayawayf
rom Zuko,
heki
l
ledhi
swi
fe

Me:
That
’st
ragi
c

Her
:Hei
sthedev
il
,hei
sbadnews.
.

Iwasv
eryshockedatwhatNat
ali
ewassay
ing.
.

PART19SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAW

[
04/
14,
13:
20]Ron:
PART20SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

I
twasnow12: 00wasmyl uncht
ime,Zukokepthi
spromisehedi
dcomeandwewentt ospurt
o
hav
eluncht
her e.
.AtworkWeget1hourlunch,whenicomebackThebossi
sgonnahaveher
l
unchthenl
aterit
’sgonnabeNatal
i
e…

Iwassi t
ti
ngthereandlookingoutofthewi ndow,mymindwasver
yfarawayi
wast hinki
ng
aboutwhatNat al
iehadtol
dmeear l
ieraboutZuko.Wasshebei
ngTrut
hful
?Am i
trulydati
nga
heart
lessdangerousman, orit
sjustgossip?…….

Idi
dn’
treal
i
sethati
wasdeepi
nmyt
hought
sunt
ilZukoshookmyhand.Isnappedoutofi
tand
l
ookedathim.
.

Me:
Huh?

Hegavemeasi
desmi
l
e..Thatev
ersoseduct
ive,
sexysi
desmi
l
ethatcoul
dtur
nyouonr
ight
t
her
e..

Hi
m:Youhav
en’
ttouchedy
ourf
ood,
ugr
and?
Inoddedmyheady
es.
.

Hi
m:Sowhatar
eyourpl
ansf
ort
hiscomi
ngweekend?

Me:
ithi
nkI
’
llbewor
king.
.Andy
ou?

Hel
i
ftedhi
sfor
ktohi
smout
h..

Hi
m:I
tsmybr
other
’sweddi
ng,
butsi
ncey
ouwor
kingIguesswi
l
lski
p..

Me:
Youcannotski
pyourbr
other
’sweddi
ng

Hi
m:i
can,
andi
wil
l
..

Me:
Zuko.
.

Hei
nter
rupt
edmebef
orei
coul
dev
enf
ini
sht
hesent
ence.
.

Hi
m:Bunj
uyoucan’
ttakeadayof
fyouhav
ejustst
art
edatwor
k..

Me:
Zukohei
syourbr
other
,I’
m sur
eBo.
.

Hehi
tthet
abl
ehar
d,t
hatscar
edmeabi
t.
.

Hi
m:Yi
yekemaanFuni
,kant
iut
heni
na!(
isai
dleav
eit
).
.

Al
lEy
esmov
edt
oourt
abl
e,t
hatwasdef
ini
tel
yanembar
rassi
ngmoment
..

Hecal
medhi
msel
fdownandt
henr
eachedoutacr
osst
het
abl
eandhel
dmyhand…

Hi
m: UxolomaanSkat,j
ustt
hat
..Andi
funi
ukut
het
hangomt
shat
okabr
otherwami
(I’
m sor
ry,
i
j
ustdon’twannat
alkaboutmybrot
her’
sweddi
ng)

Me:
Itsf
ine.
.

Isaidt
hatsothatwecanmov eonfrom whathappened, butt
hetr ut
hofthematterwasthati
t
wasnotfine,i
twasnotf i
neforZukotohavereactedlikethat
.Ididn’
tevensaidanyt
hingthat
wasupsetti
ng,ijustwant
edtobeasuppor t
ivegirl
fr
iendbutitseemsasi fl
ikehehasissues
withhi
sfamily,
andi don’
twannabeapar tofthoseissues…….

Wecont
inuedeat
ingourl
unchi
nsi
l
encei
didn’
twannasaysomet
hingt
hatcoul
dti
ckhi
m of
f.
.

Af
terf
ini
shi
ngeat
ing,
hewal
kedmebackt
owor
katar
ound12:
45.
.

Wegotatt
hedoorandheki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llf
etchy
oul
ater

Me:
Okay

Hi
m:i
lov
eyou
Hesai
dthatwhi
l
esqueezi
ngmycheek.
.

Hi
m:Andsmi
l
eyoucan’
twel
comecust
omer
sint
othest
orewi
tht
hatugl
yfr
ownony
ourf
ace.
.

I
twashar
dnott
osmi
l
e,soi
smi
l
edandl
ookedaway
..

Hi
m:muchbet
ter

Hehel
dmyhandandbr
ushedt
hebackofi
twi
thhi
sthumb.
.

Hi
m:JongaBunj
u,i
am t
rul
ysor
ryaboutear
li
er.Ij
usthav
eal
otofst
ressf
rom wor
k…

Yeahr
ight
!!
!

Me:
iunder
stand.
.

Hesmi
l
edatme.
.

Hi
m:seey
oul
atert
hen

Me:
Lat
eri
tis.
.

Hel
etgoofmyhandandst
art
edwalki
ngaway
,whi
l
eIwal
kedi
nsi
det
heshop.
.Nat
ali
egav
eme
awei
rdl
ookandij
usti
gnor
edher
..

Iwentt
omycount
erandj
ustdi
dmywor
k..

Whenthecl
ockhit17:
00iwastir
edashel
l.
.Myf eethur
tstandi
ngfrom 09:
00-
17:
00wasno
j
oke.
.t
heydon’
tpayR5000fornothi
ng,
youreal
l
yputi nal
lyourener
gy…

Wewentoutoft
heshop,andNatal
i
elockedup.
.Af
terl
ocki
ngup,shegav
eThebosst
hekey
sto
t
hesaf
e.Wesaidourgoodbyest
henwewentoursepar
ateways.
.

Asiwasaboutt
oexiti
heardsomeonecal
l
ingmyname,
itur
nedar
oundandi
twasmybossi
wai
tedf
orher…Iwonderwhatshewant
s.

Her
:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
owai
tforZuko?

Me:
Uhm Yes

Her
:Wellt
hengoodwegonnawai
ttoget
her
,I’
m al
sogonnawai
tformyhusband.Hei
sfet
chi
ng
metoday
,I’
m hav
ingabi
tofsomeprobl
emswithmycar.
.

Me:
Itsokay
..

Wewal
kedoutandwai
tedatt
hepar
kingl
ot.
.

Her
:Sof
orhowl
onghav
eyoubeendat
ingZuko?

Me:
Nott
hatl
ong
Her
:isee

I
twasav
eryawkwar
dmomenti
won’
tli
e..

Her
:imustsayt
hati
wasv
erysur
pri
sedwheni
lear
nedt
haty
out
woar
eseei
ngeachot
her

Me:
Whyi
sthat
?

Shel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
.

Her
:Don’
tgetmewr
ong,
i.
.Inev
ert
houghtt
haty
ouwoul
dbehi
sty
pe

Me:
Whati
shi
sty
pe?

Hi
m:I
’
veal
way
sseenhi
m wi
thdi
ff
erentgi
rl
s..

Me:
Youwoul
dknowt
hatBecausey
ouoneoft
hegi
rl
s

Isai
dthati
nav
eryl
owt
one.
.

Her
:Par
don?

Il
ookedather

Me:
Excuseme?

Her
:LookFuni
iam t
ryi
ngt
obey
ourf
ri
endher
eandl
ookoutf
ory
ou.
.

Igav
eheraf
akesmi
l
e..

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

IsawZuko’
scarappr
oachi
ngus.
.

Me:
ithi
nkt
hat
’smyqueuet
oleav
e,seey
out
omor
rowTanni
e

Shesmi
l
edatme,
buti
twasn’
taf
ri
endl
ysmi
l
e…

Il
efthert
her
eandwentt
oZuko’
scar
..Iopenedt
hedoorandwenti
nsi
de.
.

Hi
m:Wast
hatZel
day
ouwer
est
andi
ngwi
th?

Me:
Ist
hathername?

Hi
m:Youdon’
tev
enknowy
ourboss’
name

Me:
iknowherasTanni
e

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Whywasshest
andi
ngt
her
ewi
thy
ou?
Me:
She’
swai
ti
ngf
orherhubbyt
ofet
chherappar
ent
lyt
her
e’ssomet
hingwr
ongwi
thhercar
..

Hegav
emeaconf
usedexpr
essi
on.
.

Hi
m:Shecamewi
thhercart
hismor
ning

Me:
Real
l
y?

Hi
m:Yes,
hercari
sper
fect
lyf
ine

Me:
Someani
ngshel
i
ed?

Hi
m:Ndi
cinganj
alo(
ithi
nkso)

I
’
llbedamned!
!

PART20SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
37]Ron:
PART21SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wegothomeatar ound18:
00.Iwasti
redashell
,myf eethur
tididn’
twantanyt
hingt
odowit
h
anyt
hing.Ij
ustwant
edtobath,
eatandthensl
eep..Iwasreli
evedtofi
ndthatZi
yandahas
cookedDinner
,andAphi
wewasont hefl
oorpl
ayingwi t
hhistoys…

Zuko:
I’
ll
bei
nmyst
udy
,ineedt
ofaxaf
ewpaper
ssomewher
e..

Me:
Okay

Hewal
kedt
ohi
sst
udy
…

Il
ookedatZi
yanda.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchZi
yanday
oudon’
tknowhowmuchi
appr
eci
atey
oucooki
ng.
.

Althoughi
don’tl
i
kepeoplecookingf
ormyMan, butatt
hisi
nst
ancei
hadnochoi
cei
wasv
ery
ti
red.AndZukodoesn’
tli
ketakeawayst
hatmuch….

Thehousephoner
ang.

Me:
I’
ll
gett
haty
oucangohome

Her
:iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Iwal
kedupt
othewal
landanswer
edt
hephone.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o..
Af
emal
evoi
cest
art
edspeaki
ng.
.

Her
:Whoi
sthi
s?

Me:
thequest
ioni
shoul
dbeaski
ngi
swhoar
eyou?

Her
:Yent
ombazanandi
ni!Ndi
ngat
het
hanony
anawami
?(cani
speakt
omyson)

I
sthi
swhoi
thi
nki
tis?I
sitMi
ssMqel
a?

Idi
dn’
tknowwhattosay,i
feltl
i
keifisaysomet
hingIwi
l
lsaysomet
hingt
hat
’swr
ongsot
he
bestt
hingi
didwastoputthephonedown…….

Thatwasalowmov
e,t
heysayf
ir
sti
mpr
essi
onsl
astandatt
hisi
nst
ancei
mighthav
emadea
badone….

Thewasnothi
ngi coul
ddoaboutt
hesi
tuat
ion,
soi
justwentupst
air
sandt
ookal
ongr
elaxi
ng
bat
h….
justwhatIneeded.
.

Af
tert
aki
ngt
hatl
ongwar
mrel
axi
ngbat
h,i
gotoutanddr
iedmywetbody
…..

It
henwalkedupt othebathr
oom cabi
netandopenedit
, i
waslookingforsometoothpaste
whenist
umbl eduponaf ewbot
tl
eofpill
s..It
ookthem outandputthem onthecounter
.Some
wher
esti
llsealedandsomewherehalfempt y
..

Ir
eadt
hroughandi
twaspr
escr
ipt
ionpi
l
ls…

Me:
“LuzukoMqel
a..Takeonepi
l
l3t
imesaday
”

Ireadfur
therandthepil
lswerefor“
manicdepr
essi
on”
..Thatwasstr
ange,
itwasv
eryst
range
youtry
ingtotell
met hatZukoissuf
fer
ingf
rom ament
al di
sor
der.
.

Iwasveryshockiwon’tl
i
e,whydi
dn’tZukotel
lmeaboutthi
s?Imeanweacoupl
eweshoul
d
tr
usteachotherandbeablet
otel
leachotherever
ythi
ng……

Asiwasstandi
ngther
eint
rospect
inghispi
ll
sisuddenlyheardhi
svoi
cei
nthebedr
oom cal
l
ing
myname..Iqui
ckl
yputawaythepill
sexact
lywhereifoundthem…

It
henhear
dthebat
hroom dooropeni
ng,
heent
eredwhi
l
ehol
dingAphi
wei
nhi
sar
ms.
.

Hi
m:i
wonder
edwher
eyoudi
sappear
edt
oo.
.

Me:
Wasbat
hing

Hel
ookedmybodyt
hatwashal
fcov
eredbyt
het
owel
.
.

Hi
m:Soomanyt
hingsi
coul
ddot
oyour
ightnow,
but
..

Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p…
Hi
m:I
’
llr
est
rai
nfornow

Ismi
l
edathi
m,t
heni
remember
edt
hatImustt
ell
himt
hathi
smot
hercal
l
ed…

Me:
Uhm.
.Yourmot
hercal
l
ed

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Whatdi
dshesay
?

Me:
Justwant
edt
otal
ktoy
ou.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llcal
lherl
ater

Me:
Okay
..

Hi
m:Howwassheont
hephone?

Me:
Shewasuhm okay
..Mi
ssMqel
awasj
ustal
ri
ght

Hi
m:That
’showy
ouaddr
essedher
,asMi
ssMqel
a?

Me:
Isn’
tsheMi
ssMqel
a

Hi
m:No,
she’
sMr
sSi
thebe

Me:
idi
dn’
tknow

Hi
m:asknextt
ime,
shedoesn’
tli
kebei
ngaddr
essedwi
tht
hatsur
name

Me:
I’
m sor
ry.
.Iwi
l
lasknextt
ime

Hi
m:v
erywel
l
..Youwi
l
lfi
ndusatt
hedi
nni
ngr
oom eat
ing

Me:
Okay

Hewal
kedoutwi
thAphi
west
il
li
nhi
sar
ms.
.

Icont
inueddr
yingmy
sel
f,wheni
wasdonei
putont
hel
oti
ont
henwor
emypj
sandwentt
ojoi
n
them.
.

Wehadani
cepeacef
uldi
nner
,Zi
yandawasagr
eatcookowon’
tli
e..

Hi
m:Nowt
hatwasdel
i
cious

Me:
Itwasi
ndeed

Isai
dthatwhi
l
esi
ppi
ngonmywi
ne.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Funi
cany
ouf
unct
ionwi
thoutal
cohol
?

Aphi
wewassi
tt
ingonhi
sHi
ghchai
r

Me:
Excuseme?

Hi
m:Cany
ouf
unct
ionwi
thoutal
cohol
?

Me:
What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?

Hi
m:Youadr
unkFuni
,youneedhel
p..

Woow!
!Thatwasuncal
l
edf
or…

Me:
YouknowwhatZukoi
fI’
m notper
fectf
ory
ou,
I’
ll
justl
eav
e

Hi
m:i
nev
ersai
dthat

Me:
Youdi
dn’
thav
etoo

It
ookmyphoneandst
art
edt
ext
ingJozi
thatsheshoul
dpi
ckmeup,
iwast
ir
edofZuko.
.

Hi
m:Whoar
eyout
ext
ing?

Me:
Mycousi
n..I
’
m doneZuko

Hel
aughed,
buti
twasn’
taf
ri
endl
ylaugh.
.

Hi
m:Nowedone.
.Wheni
sayso

Ist
oodupandt
ookmyphone,
thenst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othedoor
…

Hi
m:Funi
..

Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Mywi
fedi
dami
stakeofwal
ki
ngoutoft
hatdoor
,don’
tdot
hesamemi
stake.
.

Ist
oodt
her
elooki
ngathi
m…

Me:
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngme?

Hi
m:Ithi
nky
oushoul
djustcomebackandwe’
l
lcont
inueeat
ingdi
nnerl
i
keonebi
ghappy
f
amil
y.
.

Il
ookedathi
m,somet
hingwasn’
tri
ghtwi
tht
hisguy
…

[
04/
14,
13:
37]Ron:
PART22SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
Ihadever
ythi
ngofmi nepacked.Iwasatthekit
chenwait
ingf
orJozit
ocomeandf et
chme.I
wasti
redofZuko,iam notgonnabeghi mtoloveme,i
am notgonnabeghimt oappreci
ateme.
.
Yesil
ovehim,Buthislovetomeal wayshur
tsandihaveputupwit
hhi mit’
senoughnow.Iwil
l
notst
ayinadiseasedrel
ati
onship,wi
thZukobeingafl
asheati
ngbacteri
a…

Sother
eiwaswai
ti
ngforJozi
,iwaspaci
ngupanddownatt
heki
tchen.Ihadchangedmypj
s,i
wasweari
ngmytr
acksui
tandsneaker
s….

Zukowasst andingatthedoorwaythatsepar
atedtheki
tchenfr
om thelounge,hehadhisar
ms
fol
dedandwasj ustl
ookingatme.Hewasgi vi
ngmeacol dstare,
thatcamef r
om acoldheart
whichsentshiversdownmyspi ne.Iwon’
tli
e,iwasstar
ti
ngtogetscaredofZuko..

Idon’
tknowwhatthi
sguyi
saboutandqui
tef
rankl
yidon’
twannaknow,
all
iknowi
sthati
need
togetoutoft
her
e…

Myphonerangatt
hati
nst
antmaki
ngmej
ump,
ilookedati
tandi
twasJozi
..Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
t
henanswered.

Me:
Jo.
.Jozi

Her
:Weatt
hegat
ewher
ear
eyou?Open?

Me:
Okay
.

Ihungedupmyphoneandwentt
othemoni
tor
,Itwasnextt
oZuko.
.

Asiwasappr
oachi
ngi
t,myhear
twasbusyski
ppingabi
tev
ery2seconds,
mykneeswer
e
wobbl
yatsomepoi
ntit
houghti
wasgonnafal
l.
.

Igottothemonitor
,andbefor
eicoul
dstr
etchmyarmtopresst
hatbut
ton,Zukol
i
ftedhisandi
ducked.Ireal
l
ythoughtt
hathewasgonnaHitmebuthewasreachi
ngfort
hemonitorand
pressedthebutt
on…….

Iswearwhat
evert
hatwashappeni
ngwi
thZuko,
heneededser
ioushel
p…

Iwentt
ost
andwher
eiwasst
andi
ng,
ineededt
ost
andabi
tfarf
rom hi
m..

Iwasrel
iev
edwhent hedooropened,
andmycousi
nwal
kedi
nwi
thZakes.
.Idi
dn’
twast
eti
mei
ranuptoherandhuggedherti
ght.
.

Her
:What
’swr
ongsweet
y?

Me:
Justgetmeoutofher
e

Her
:OhmyGody
ouShaki
ng.

Shebr
oket
hehug,
andl
ookedatZuko.
.

Her
:Whatt
hehel
ldi
dyoudot
omycousi
nyoudog?
?
Joziwasangry
,shej
ustwant
edt
ogoupt
ohi
m andpr
obabl
yst
rangl
ehi
mtodeat
h,buti
stoppedher
…

Me:
Hei
snotwor
thi
tJozi
let
’sgo!

Zukol
ookedatus,
hesentoutal
augh.
.

Him:Khawubuzey
onal
ecousi
nyakhoukubakuqhubekant
oni
?(asky
ourcousi
nwhat
’sgoi
ng
on)

Zakes:
ithi
nkweshoul
dgol
adi
es.
.

Jozi
wasv
eryangr
y,shedi
dn’
twannahearany
thi
ng.
.

Her
:St
ayawayf
rom mycousi
nyouhearme?
?Pl
ayv
eryf
arf
rom her
!!(
shout
ing)

Zukodi
dn’
tfl
i
nch,
hewasnoti
nti
midat
inghej
ustst
oodt
her
eandl
aughedatusasi
fli
kewe
werecr
azy
…

Zakesgotmybagandweal
lwal
kedoutt
othei
rcar
,anddr
ovet
oJozi
’
spl
ace.
.

Iwasv
eryqui
eti
nthecar
,idi
dn’
thaveanyt
hingt
osay
.Iwasbusyt
hinki
ngofZuko,
alt
houghhe
i
saBastar
dbutIl
ovehi
m.Itr
ulyl
ovehim…..

WegottoJoz
i’
splaceandZakesWentt
oputmybagi
ntheguestr
oom whi
leJozi
mademe
somecamomil
eteatocalm medown…Shecamewi
tht
hetr
ayandsatopposi
teme..

Me:
Thanky
ou

Sheexhal
ed…

Her
:if
eel
li
keI
’
m par
ti
all
yresponsi
blef
oral
loft
his.
.

Ishookmyheadwhi
l
esi
ppi
ngonmycupoft
ea…

Me:
It’
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
.Youdi
dn’
tfor
cemet
odat
eZuko

Her
:Whatr
eal
l
yhappened?Yousoundedsoodi
str
essedont
hephoneandv
eryupset
..

Me:
Somet
hingi
swr
ongwi
thZuko

Her
:isi
tthedr
ugs?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Me:
Ther
e’sj
ustsomecol
dnesscov
eri
nghi
shear
t,hi
shear
tiscol
dasI
ce.
.

Jozi
:Di
dhehur
tyoui
nany
way
?

Me:
No.
.Hedi
dn’
thur
tmei
justdon’
tfeel
li
kewear
emeantf
oreachot
her
.It
’sl
i
keZukodoesn’
t
careaboutanyonebuthi
mself
,hi
sfami
l
yist
hesameashi
mther
e’sj
ustsomedar
kcl
oud
hangi
ngov erontheMqelaf
amily
..

Il
ookedather
…

Me:
Didi
tel
lyout
hathewon’
tbegoi
ngt
ohi
sbr
other
’sweddi
ngonSat
urday
?.

Her
:Why
?

Me:Hesai
d“Youmi
ghtbewor
kingandy
oucan’
taskf
oradayof
fwhi
l
eyouj
ustst
art
edat
wor
k”

Jozi
:Pssshhht
hat
’ssomest
rai
ghtupbul
l
!.

Me:
alli
knowi
sthat
,idon’
twannabeapar
tofsomeBul
l
shi
tissuesbet
weenhi
m andhi
s
f
amil
y.
.

Shest
ret
chedoutherhandt
otouchmi
ne.
.

Her
:ihav
eal
way
sknownZukshadi
ssuesbuti
didn’
tknowt
heywer
ethatdeep

Me:
Howmuchdoy
ouknow?

Her
:Not
hingmuchj
ustt
hathewast
aki
ngdr
ugst
ohel
phi
m deal
wit
hhi
swi
fe’
sdeat
h..

Nowiwant
edtotel
lJozi
aboutwhatZukosai
dbuti
didn’
twantJozi
tof
reakout
,hepr
obabl
y
wasj
ustt
hreat
eni
ngme..

Jozi
:Gi
rll
et’
sgot
obedi
t’
slat
e..

Me:I’
m gonnaneedy
out
odr
opmeof
fatwor
kint
hemor
ning,
can’
taf
for
dtobel
atemybossi
s
psy
cho..

Her
:congr
atsony
ournewj
obgi
rl

Shegav
emeahi
gh5…

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Webot
hst
oodupandwentt
oourbedr
oomst
osl
eep.
.

Hal
fwaythr
oughmysl
eepi
hear
dthewi
ndowbr
eaki
ng,
ijumpedoutoft
hebedi
nter
rorand
scr
eaming.
.

I
tsoundedmor
eli
keaheav
yobj
ectwast
hrownagai
nstt
hewi
ndow.
.

I
tdi
dn’
ttakel
ongf
orJozi
tobusti
nmybedr
oom.
.Shewasf
ast
eni
ngherr
obe.
.

Her
:What
’swr
ong?Whathappened?
Me:
idon’
tit
hinksomeonet
hrewsomet
hingagai
nstt
hewi
ndow.
.

Sheswitchedonthel
ightaswecheckedwhathappenedandwef
oundoutt
hatabr
ickwast
he
onethatwasthrown.
.

Jozi
:Whowoul
ddosomet
hingl
i
ket
his?Andwher
eissecur
it
y??Howdi
dthi
sper
sonev
enget
i
nouryar
d.

Me:
idon’
tknow

Thi
swasj
ustmaki
ngnosense.
.

PART22SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
37]Ron:
PART23SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

I
twasanewday ,andi
wasatwor
k.Iwasstandingatmycount
erthi
nki
ngaboutt
heev
ent
sof
l
astni
ght
,thebr
ickbei
ngt
hrownt
hrought
hewi ndowasiwassleepi
ng.
.

Idi
dexpectZuko,
imeani
thast
obehi
m becauset
hisat
tackhappenedr
ightaf
teri
lef
thi
m….
.

Zel
dacamet
omeasi
wasst
andi
ngt
her
eandt
hinki
ng.
.

Her
:Funi
..

Idi
dn’
thearunt
ilshehi
tthecount
er,
ijumpedal
i
ttl
e..

Her
:Wher
eisy
ourmi
nd?

Icont
ainedmy
sel
fandl
ookedather
..

Mi
na:
i.
.Iam sor
ry.
.Ij
ust
..

Her
:Don’
tjustst
andt
her
eandl
ookpr
ett
y,f
il
lup!
!!

Whenshesay
s“fi
l
lup”shemeansthatimustdi
spl
ayjewel
ler
yinthoseemptyspaceswher
e
j
ewel
ler
ywasbought
.Ididn’
twannaar
guewithher
,soiwenttothesafeandgotafewri
ngs…

Af
terget
ti
ngt
hoser
ingsf
rom t
hesaf
e,i
wentt
odi
spl
ayt
hem…

Alt
houghi waskeepi
ngmy selfbusywit
hwork,buticoul
dn’tstopthinki
ngaboutwhathad
happened.Quest
ionssuchasam i saf
earose,
wi l
lZukohurtme?Whatdi dhedotohiswi
fe?
Am ialsoi
ndanger?Ijusthadtoomanyquestionsandinsuff
icientanswers…….

Iwassit
ti
ngonasmal lchai
r,asi
wasbusyputt
ingt
hoseri
ngsontheri
ngstands.Youst
artof
wit
hanexpensiveone,puti
tonalar
gest
and.Thenaft
ery
ouputthenextoneonanav er
age
st
and,andthecheapestyouputi
tonasmal
lstand…
Asiwasbusydoi
ngmywor
k,i
hear
dsomeonesi
ngi
ngbehi
ndme.I
twasav
oicet
hati
wasv
ery
fami
l
iarwi
th…

Voice:
“Ifi
eversai
dI’
m neverscar
ed,j
ustknowimeanit…Ifiev
ersai
dif
uckedy
ourbi
tch,j
ust
knowi meanit
..Andi
fieversai
dI’
m gett
ingmoney
,justknowimean.
.AndohohohLord
knows,heknowsi meani
t”….

Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingv
eryv
eryf
ast
,mybl
addergotv
eryhotasi
fli
kemyur
inewasbur
ning
me….

Turningaroundtolookatthatper
sontookmemor ethani
anti
cipated,
butfi
nall
yIdidandour
eyesmet .Istar
eddeepinthoseeyesthatr
eflect
edacoldhear
t..Noonesaidany t
hingfora
while,andinoti
cedthatiwasalonei
nt hef
loor.Zel
dawasprobablydoingf
il
li
ngatt heback,
I
havenoi deawhereNatali
ewas…

Isl
owl
yst
oodup,
wit
hmykneesShaki
ng.
.

Me:
Wha.
.Ca…Cani
hel
pyou?

Hewasl
eani
ngonmycount
er,
hewaswear
ingoneofhi
sexpensi
vef
lashysui
ts.
.

Hel
ookedatmef
oral
mostl
i
ke2mi
nbef
oresay
ingany
thi
ng…

Hi
m:Ther
e’ssomei
conbr
acel
eti
woul
dli
ket
osee

Me:
I’
ll
bewi
thy
ou.
.

Icl
osedt
hedi
spl
aygl
assandwewal
kedt
othei
conj
ewel
l
ery
..

Iopenedthegl
ass,whi
lehewasstandi
ngbehi
ndme,
hewasst
andi
ngv
erycl
oset
omei
coul
d
evenfeel
hiswarm br
eathagai
nstmyneck…

Me:
Whi
chonewoul
dyoul
i
ket
osee?

Iwast
alki
ngbut
,icoul
dn’
thearmy
sel
f.
.

Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
,wi
tht
hatsmoot
hseduct
ivev
oice.
.

Hi
m:TheGol
done.
.

Istr
etchedmyhandandgoti
tforhi
m.It
urnedar
oundt
ogi
vei
ttohi
m,andwewer
enowf
aci
ng
eachother.
.

Me:
her
eyougo.
.

Het
ooki
tfr
om myhandandl
ookedati
t.
.

Hi
m:Howmuchi
sit
?

Me:
ithi
nkR1400.
.
Hi
m:i
guessi
twi
l
ldo.
.

Het
henl
ookedar
ound.
.

Hi
m:Andgi
vemet
hatGol
dtempowat
ch

Il
ockedtheglassandwentt
ogethi
mthewat
cht
oowhi
chwasR799,
thenwewentt
othe
count
ersothathecoul
dpay..

Hi
m:cashoraccount
?

Hi
m:cash

Het
ookouthi
spl
ati
num car
d..

Ir
anghi
sit
emsf
orhi
m,andheswi
pedhi
scart
ocl
oset
het
ransact
ion.
.

Hi
m:i
woul
dli
key
out
owr
apt
hem f
orme.
.

Me:Okay
..Dokeepi
nmi
ndt
hatt
hewat
chhasa3Yearguar
ant
ee,
ifany
thi
nghappenst
oity
ou
canj
ustr
etur
nit.
.

Henoddedhi
sheadwhi
l
elooki
ngatme.
.

Aft
erfi
nishi
ngwit
hhist
ransact
ion,andhi
m si
gni
ngther
ecei
ptsiWal
keduptot
heot
hergl
ass
towrapforhi
m..Hecamecloserandwasstar
ri
ngatme.Iwasver
ynerv
ous,
inf
acti
waseven
Shaki
ng…

Nat
ali
ewal
kedi
nasi
wast
ryi
ngt
owr
apt
hosei
tems.
.

Nat
ali
e:needsomehel
p?

Me:
Please.
.

Ist
eppedback,
asshecamet
owr
apf
orme.
.Shel
ookedatZuko.

Her
:Mor
ningZuko

Heputhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
s..

Hi
m:Nat
ali
e

Nat
ali
econt
inuedwr
appi
ngt
hewat
chandbr
acel
etni
cel
y……

Af
teraf
ewseconds,
thebackof
fi
cedooropenedandZel
dawal
kedouthol
dingsomepaper
s..

Her
:Funi
iwa.
.

Shest
oppedwhenshesawZuko…

Her
:Zukswhatasur
pri
se,
arey
ouher
etoseeFuni
?
Hi
m:No.
.Asamat
teroff
act
,I’
m her
etosee

Shesmi
l
ed.
.

Her
:Ohw

IsawNat
ali
erol
l
ingherey
es.
.

Her
:Wel
li
t’
s11:
00soI
’
llgoonl
unchnow,
l
etmegetmypur
se.
.

Zuko:
I’
ll
bewai
ti
ng.
.

Theybot
hsmil
edateachot
her,
theywereal
socommunicat
ingwi
tht
hei
rey
es.
.Youcoul
d
cl
earl
yseet
hatsomet
hingwasgoingonbet
weenthem…

Zel
dat
henl
ookedatme.

Her
:Pl
easesi
gnt
hispaper
sforme,
iwi
l
lfi
l
ethem wheni
getback

Me:
YesTanni
e

Shet
henwalkedt
otheback.Zukowasst
il
lsmi
l
ingbutassoonashi
sey
esmov
edf
rom Zel
da
andl
ookedatme,hi
ssmil
ev ani
shed.
.

Iwasnowscar
edagai
n,soi
lookeddown.
.

WhenNat
ali
ewasdonewi
thwr
appi
ng,
shewentandputt
hem i
napl
ast
icandhandedt
hem t
o
hi
m..

Her
:Her
eyougo

Hi
m:Thanky
ouNat
ali
e..

Nat
ali
e:I
tsmyj
ob.
.

Natal
iet
henmadeherwayt
omeandwest
oodt
her
esi
debysi
del
ooki
ngatZuks,
andhewas
st
arri
ngback….

Zel
dabr
oket
hei
cewhenshewal
kedi
nther
oom f
rom t
hebackof
fi
ce…

Her
:Wecango

Zuko:
Okay

Hel
ookedatme,
thenputt
hepl
ast
icont
opoft
hegl
ass.
.

Hi
m:Thi
sisf
ory
ourf
ather
,tel
lhi
misai
dwel
comehome.
.

Me:
Excuseme?

Hel
ookedatZel
da.
.
Hi
m:Readyt
ogo?

Zel
da:
Yesi
am…

Heputhi
shandar
oundherwai
standt
heywal
kedout
…

Nat
ali
ecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
.

Nat
ali
e:i
wishhecoul
djustdr
opdead!

Me:
Whatdi
dhemeanbysay
ingi
shoul
dtel
lmyf
ather“
Wel
comehome”

Nat
ali
e:i
hav
enoi
dea

Itookthatpl
ast
icandWalkedupt
omycount
er.It
hent
ookt
hel
andl
i
nephoneandcal
l
edmy
father
,heansweredont
he3rdri
ng.
.

Hi
m:Hel
l
o

Me:
Papa

Hi
m:Funi
?

Me:
Yesi
t’
sme.
.

Hi
m:Howi
syournewj
ob?

Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?

Hi
m:Zukot
oldmeabouti
t.
.

Me:
Zukocamet
ovi
sity
ou?

Hi
m:Hewast heonewhodr ov
emef r
om t
hehospi
tal
tohome,
igotdi
schar
gedt
oday
.Het
old
meyoucoul
dn’tv
isi
tbecauseyouhav
eanewjob

Me:
Hedi
d?

Hi
m:Yes.YouknowFuni
,it
hinki
misj
udgedhi
m..

Me:
Papa.
.

Hi
m:Hewant
stopayl
obol
afory
ou.
.

Myj
awdr
oppedont
hef
loorwheni
hear
dthat
.

PART23SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
37]Ron:
PART24SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
Iwasver
ysurpri
sedatwhatmyfat
herwastell
i
ngme.IknowZukoi
scr
azy
,buthecannotbe
thi
scr
azy.Thi
swasjusti
nsani
tyonanot
herlevel
…

Af
tert
alki
ngt
omydad,
Ihungedupandcal
l
edZukoi
mmedi
atel
y,
andheanswer
ed.
.

Hi
m:Hel
l
o

Me:
Zukoi
t’
sme

Hi
m:Youmi
ssmet
hatmuch?

Me:
Don’
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f.

Hi
m:Thenwhati
sit
?

Me:
Zukoi
justcal
l
edmyf
ather

Hi
m:That
’sagoodt
hingt
ocheckupony
ourFat
her
..

Me:
Het
oldmet
haty
ouwantt
opayl
obol
a.

Hi
m:Ohwy
es.
.

Me:
Don’
tyout
hinkt
haty
oushoul
d’
vedi
scussedi
twi
thme?

Him:idon’
thavet
odi
scussi
twi
thy
ou,
iam notpay
ingl
obol
atoy
ou.YourFat
heri
stheonewho
shoul
ddecide.
.

Me:
Zukowhatdoy
out
hinkt
hisi
s?

Hi
m:Whatar
eyouonabout
?

Me:
us?Whatdoy
out
hinkt
hisi
s?

Hi
m:usi
sacoupl
ethat
’swhati
thi
nkofus.
.

Me:
Zukowebr
okeup!
!

Him:Youbrokeupwit
hMe!Ididn’
tbr
eakupwithyou!Sot
echni
cal
l
ywear esti
ll
acoupl
e
becausei
am notdonewi
thyou.Nowstopannoyi
ngmeanddowhat ’
sri
ght,bef
orei
tst
ool
ate.
.

Hehungedupt
hephoneaf
tersay
ingt
hat
..

Ir
eal
l
ydonotknowwhatgoesdowni
nthatman’
shead!

Iconti
nueddoi
ngmywor k,
whichwashandli
ngafewr epai
rsf
orcust
omer
s.Asmuchasour
stor
esell
sjewel
ler
yandcel
lphones,
wealsodorepai
rs..

Wedonotdorepai
rsinsidethest
orethough,
wesendwhatev
ery
ouwantust
orepai
r,t
othe
r
elev
antwor
kshop.Forinstancei
fyouwantustor
epai
ratempowat
ch,t
henwewill
haveto
senditt
oTempoworkshops.Tempowat cheshaveaguarant
eeof3year
s,soacust
omer
doesn’
thav
etopayi
ftheyproducethei
rguarant
eecard.I
ftheguar
ant
eehasexpi
redthent
he
cust
omerwill
hav
etopayf ort
herepair
…

Zel
dawalkedinasiwasbusywrit
ingacust
omer’
srepai
r.Shel
ookedl
ikeawreck,
asi
fli
keshe
wasatt
ackedandraped.Herbl
ousewasTorn,
herhai
rwasamessi tj
ustdi
dn’
tmakesenseon
howshelooked…

Shedidn’
tsayawordtous,
shewalkedst
rai
ghtt
othebackof
fi
ce.Nat
ali
eandi
lookedateach
otherwonder
ingwhatwaswrong……….

I
twasmyt ur
ntogotol
unch,soiwenttot
hebackoff
icet
oinform Zel
dathatI
’
m goi
ngoutfor
l
unch…Iopenedt
hedoorandshejumpedi
nTerror
.Sheonl
yrelaxedwhenshesawthati
t’
sme..

Her
:OhwI
tsy
ouFuni
.

Shelookedl
ikeshehadbeencry
ing,
icoul
dclear
lysti
l
lseethet
ear
sinherey
es.Ist
oodt
her
e
foratl
eastaminutej
ustl
ooki
ngatherandthestat
ethatshewasi
n..

Shehadr
edmar
ksar
oundherneck,
shehadaf
ewbr
uisesonherar
msandherl
owerl
i
pwas
bl
eedi
ng.
.

Me:
uhm Tanni
eij
ustwant
edt
oinf
ormy
out
hatI
’
m goi
ngf
orl
unch

Her
:It
sfi
ne.

It
ookmypur
seandwentt
okf
ctogetmesomeSt
reet
wiset
wochi
ps.
.

Iwi
shicoul
djustknowwhathappenedt
oZel
da,
sher
eal
l
ydi
dn’
tlookokaysomet
hingj
ust
wasn’
tri
ght
……….

Igotmymeal
,thensatdownandat
e..

Wheniwasdoneeat
ing,
ideci
dedt
ogoanddosomewi
ndowshoppi
ngbecausei
had10
mi
nutesl
eftofmyl
unch…

Iwentbackt
owor kat13:
00andt omysur pr
iseNatal
iewasalone,becauseihadgonet
oput
mypurseatthebackandtherewasnosi gnofZeldaandherbag.Afterput
ti
ngmypurseinmy
bag,i
wenttostandwit
hNat al
ieathercount
er..

Me:
Wher
eisbossl
ady
?

Sheexhal
edshowi
ngsomesi
gnsofexhaust
ion.
.

Her
:shewenthome.

Me:
idi
dn’
texpecthert
ost
ay,
imeanshedoesn’
tlookwel
l
..

Nat
ali
egav
emeawei
rdl
ook.
Nat
ali
e:i
veseent
hismanyt
imes

Me:
herbei
ngat
tacked?

Her
:Gi
rlst
opbei
ngamess,
thatbi
tchwasn’
tat
tackedbysomeoneshedoesn’
tknow.

Il
ookedatherngobangat
hiuzaneNdaba.
.

Shest
oppedwhatshewasdoi
ng,
andt
henl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Zuksdi
dit

Me:
Zukoat
tackedher
?

Nat
ali
e:Yeshedi
d

Me:
Whywoul
dhedot
hat
?Imeant
heywentoutofher
eal
ll
oveydov
ey

Her
:Youcannev
erknowwhatgoesdowni
nZuko’
smi
nd.

Iwasshakenbywhatihear
d.Icannotconsi
dert
hisgossi
pany
mor
e,becauset
hef
ir
stt
imeshe
tol
dmet hi
ngsaboutZukot
heyturnedouttobet
rue…

Her:
Letmegoandgetsomet
hingt
oeat
,butI
’
lleatatt
hebackof
fi
cebecausei
can’
tleav
eyou
her
ealonef
ort
oolong.
.

Me:
Itsokaygi
rl

Shewentt
othebackof
fi
ce,
tookherpur
seandWal
kedoutt
ogether
sel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
….

Theshopwasver
yqui
et,
thewasn’
tanycust
omer
scomi
ngi
not
hert
hant
hoseoneswhoj
ust
cameintol
ookar
oundandnotbuyany
thi
ng……

Sowhil
eitwasst
il
lqui
tel
i
ket
hat
,ideci
dedt
odoal
i
ttl
ebi
tofsomer
esear
chon“
mani
c
depr
essi
on”.
.

IwenttoWiki
pedi
abecauseit
’sasourcethatitr
ust.
.Iknowt hatanyonecanj
ustupl
oad
anythi
ngonWiki
pedi
a,butt
henwhat everi
nfor
mat i
onthatyouuploady ouhav
etoprovi
de
ref
erencesy
oucannotj
ustuploadanyt
hingthatisnotref
erenced…..

Iwentt
oreadthr
oughabouti
t,anditwasshocki
ngwhati
found.Ihadf
oundt
hat“
mani
c
depr
essi
on”i
sactual
l
yabipol
ardisorder
…

Nowiknowbi
polartobeaver
yseri
ousmental
disor
der
,andi
fZukohasi
tanddoesn’
ttake
medi
cati
onf
oritthent
hati
saseri
ouspr
oblem…

Afewquest i
onscircl
edinmymi nd,
themajoronebeingwhyi sn’
tZukot
aki
ngmedi cat
ionf
or
hi
ssickness,becauseifi
t’
snotcont
rol
ledi
tcouldpossibl
yleadtodeadl
yconsequences….

Nat
ali
eandi
wor
kedt
hor
ought
hatday
.Itonl
yst
art
edget
ti
ngbusyatar
ound15:
00unt
ilcl
osi
ng
t
ime.
.

Ial
wayslookf
orwardtoclosi
ngt
ime,
alt
houghmyj
obpay
sapr
ett
ygoodsal
arybutt
he
workl
oadisj
ustcr
azy…..

Natal
i
eandicashedup,anddi
dever
ythi
ngt
hatwewer
esupposedt
odobef
orewel
eft
,thenat
ar
ound17:
05wel ockedupandwent
….

Ir
ushedt
ogetat
axi
,ij
ustwant
edt
ogethomeandr
elax
…

I
tdi
dn’
ttakemet
hatl
ongt
ogetat
axi
,andbef
orei
knewi
tiwasatJozi
’
spl
ace.
.

Ifi
gur
edoutthati
twouldbebet
teri
ficouldjustgohomer i
ghtaway,becausemyf
atherwould
needsomeonetotakecar
eofhi
m especial
lynowt hathi
soutofthehospit
alhewi
l
lneedhelp….

Ical
l
edJozi andt
oldhert
hati
am goi
nghome,
andshedi
dn’
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hatsoi
took
mythingsandwent…

Igothomeataround19:
00myfatherwasveryhappytoseemeandi washappyt
oseehimtoo.
Iwasalsohappytoseet
hathewasbetter
,hedidlookbet
teri
guessgover
nmenthospi
tal
sar
e
notthatbadaf
teral
l
…

Me:
Youl
ookgr
eatdad

Hi
m:i
hadt
opul
lthr
ough

Me:
iam happyt
haty
ouar
erecov
eri
ngv
erywel
l
..

Hewentt
osi
tdownont
hecouch.

Hi
m:asamat
teroff
acti
am.

Me:
That
’sagoodt
hing

Hi
m:i
tis

It
ookof
fmyshoesandsatdownt
oo.
.

Hi
m:Youhav
ejustmi
ssedy
ourboy
fri
end,
hewasher
e

Me:
Agai
n?

Hi
m:Yes.Wewer
edi
scussi
ngt
hest
ateofmyheal
th

Isatupst
rai
ghtandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Hehasdeci
dedt
ogetmeahear
tspeci
ali
stf
rom ov
erseast
ocomeandl
ookatmycase

Me:
Hewhat
?
Hi
m:Hesai
dAmer
icanspeci
ali
stsar
ethebest

Whyi
sZukodoi
ngAl
loft
hisnow?

Me:
Daddon’
tyout
hink.
.

Hi
m:i
knowwhati
thoughtofhi
mthef
ir
stt
imebuti
mighthav
ebeenwr
ongabouthi
m..

Ohhhi
wishheknewt
her
eal
monst
erbehi
ndZuko.
.

PART24SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
14,
13:
37]Ron:
PART25SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Idi
dn’
tknowt
hatZukocanbet
hisl
ow.Lobol
ali
ker
eal
l
ynow?
?….

ItwasaSat urdaymorningwheni wokeup.Iwashappybecauseonweekendsweknockof f

earl
y,weknockof fat13:00.Wheni knockof
ffrom work,
iam gonnagotoJozi’splacebecause
myGr andmawascomi ngt ovi
sitf
oraweekendandwedon’ tgetal
ongatall
.Igetalotofstress
from work,andiwasn’tupforthestresst
hatshewasgonnagi vemetoo..Ihadpackedaf ew
clot
hesbecausei wasgonnacomebackhomeMondayaf terwork,
andSundayI’m offtoo.Jozi
andi hadplannedaroadt r
ipnyana,wegonnaHi tt
heroadwhenweknockof ff
rom workwi tha
fewfriendsofhers….

Af
terpr
epar
ingf
orwor
k,i
atebr
eakf
astt
henhuggedmyf
atherandl
eftf
orwor
k..

Iwasseri
ouslylookingfor
wardt other
oadtri
pimeanit’
ssomet
hingthati
trul
yneedr
ightnow
Inmyli
fe,especial
l
ywi t
hev er
ythi
ngthathasbeenhappeni
ngwi
thZuko…

Iwasi
nthet
axi
whenmyphoner
ang,
ilookedati
tandi
twasZukoi
didn’
tansweratal
l
..

Ihav
edeci
dednottoent
ert
ainZuko,
ihav
eDeci
dedtogi
vehim Zer
oat
tent
ionmaybethatwil
l
makehi
m backof
fbecausesometi
meswhenyouent
ert
ainsomeonet
heythi
nkt
hatyoustil
l
wannaf
uckwitht
hem….

Igottoworkat8:45andNatal
iewaswait
ingformeatt
hedoorsothatwecoul
dopen.Oneof
thecompanyrulesi
sthatyounotal
l
owedt oopent
hestor
eal
one,becausei
fsomet
hing
happenst
heny ouwon’tbeabl
etogethel
p..

Nat
ali
eopenedt
hedoorandwenti
nwhi
l
eiwai
tedout
sidef
orhert
otur
nof
ftheal
arm sy
stem.
.

Whenshehaddonet
urni
ngi
tof
f,i
wenti
nandwedr
oppeddownt
hedoor
…

Me:
iam sohappyt
hatwegonnawor
khal
fdayt
oday
..

Her
:andI
’
m mor
ehappyt
hatZel
dawon’
tbecomi
ngt
owor
ktoday
..

Me:
Real
l
y?
Nat
ali
e:She’
sst
il
lshakenaboutwhathappenedy
est
erday
..

Me:
Whydoesn’
tshehav
ehi
m ar
rest
edonceandf
oral
l
?

Shel
ookedatmeasi
fli
keshedi
dn’
tbel
i
evei
justsai
dthat
..

Her
:Youdon’
tgeti
tdoy
ou?

Me:
Getwhat
?

Her:Whenyouwi
thZukst
her
eisnowayout
,youcan’
tbef
reeunt
ilhedeci
dest
hathi
sdone
wit
hy ou…

Me:
Youknowwhat
’st
hepr
obl
em?

Her
:What
?

Me:
Peopl
earescaredofhi
mthati
swhyhedoessucht
hings.
.Ifonl
ysomeonecoul
djustst
and
t
hei
rgr
oundever
ythingwi
ll
befi
ne.
.

Nat
ali
e:Your
eal
l
ydonotknowZukssweet
yif
eel
fory
ou.
.

Me:
What
evergi
rl
y…

Iwasn’
tgonnabeshakenbyZuko.Hehasn’
tdoneanyt
hingtohur
tmesoiam notgonnagi
vei
n
tof
earandshowhimt hatI
’
m scar
ed,i
nst
eadiam gonnastandmyGr
oundandlethi
m not
i
nti
midateme…

Wor
kingwi
thNat
ali
ewasv
eryni
ce,
wepl
ayedmusi
candj
ustcont
inuedwor
kingpeacef
ull
y.
.

Nat
ali
ewentoutt
othebat
hroom andi
deci
dedt
ofi
l
lupaf
ewbr
acel
etsi
nthatdi
spl
ayt
ray
…

Iwassi
ngi
ngi
nal
owv
oiceandj
ustt
hinki
ngaboutt
her
oadt
ri
p,Ir
eal
l
ylookedf
orwar
dtoi
t…

Iwoul
dkeepont
urni
ngmyheadaroundj
ustt
oseei
fther
e’snotanycust
omer
scomi
ngi
n,t
hen
iwoul
dgobackt
owhatiwasdoi
ng..

Me:“Sobendi
mfumaneomuny
eondi
phambani
sanj
engawe.
.Wenauphet
hei
ntl
i
ziy
oyami
Ohh
l
alal
a”

It
henhear
dav
oicebehi
ndmet
hati
didn’
twannahear
..

Voi
ce:
“ihav
ebeencal
l
ingy
ou”

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m.Hewasst
andi
ngt
her
ewi
thAphi
wei
nhi
sar
ms…

Me:
AndI
’
vebeenwor
king.
.

Helookedatmeforal
most2minwi
thoutSayi
ngawor
d.Ididn’
tknowwhathewast
hinki
ng,
i
di
dn’tknowwhathewasf
eeli
ngheport
rayednoemot
ions…
Hethenst
art
edl
aughi
ng,
li
keheser
iousl
ylaughedandi
didn’
tfi
ndany
thi
ngf
unnywi
thwhati
sai
d..

Hi
m:Sonowy
oucanst
andupt
ome,
iadmi
ret
hecour
age…

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantZuko?

Hi
m:What
’st
hisi
hearabouty
ougoi
ngonar
oadt
ri
p?Whoappr
ovedt
hat
??

Me:
Whoapp…Excuseme?Am i
hear
ingy
our
ighthuh?

Hi
m:Yougonnagetdrunk,
yougonnabeoutofcont
rol
whi
chi
sgoi
ngt
omakei
teasyf
ort
his
l
owscumbagstopreyonyou!
!

Wowher
eal
l
yisl
osi
ngi
t…

Me:
Wear
enoti
nar
elat
ionshi
p!!
!!(
shout
ing)
..

Myshoutwassool
oudt
hati
tmadeAphi
wecr
y,Zukost
art
edr
ocki
nghi
mtr
yingt
ocal
m hi
m
down…

Het
henl
ookedatme,
giv
ingmet
hatcol
dst
areofhi
s…

Hi
m:Youshal
lnev
err
aisey
ourv
oiceatme,
especi
all
yint
hepr
esenceofmyson!
!

Zukowasr
eal
l
yfr
ust
rat
ingme.
.

Me:
Am i
supposedt
ogetar
est
rai
ningor
dernow,
ist
hatwhati
tis?

Hi
m: Funii
am tr
yingt
obever
yeasyaboutt
his,
butyourst
ubbor
nnessandy
ourl
i
ttl
etemper
t
antr
um isonl
ygonnapissmeof
f…Iexhal
edtryi
ngt
ocalm mysel
fdown…

Me:
Zukowhati
sitt
haty
ouwant
?

Hi
m:Whenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?Whenar
eyougonnabeMr
sMqel
a?

Igi
ggl
edal
i
ttl
e..

Me:
Your
eal
l
ynott
oget
herupst
air
sar
eyou?

Hi
m:Ar
eyoucal
l
ingmecr
azy
?

Me:
Youar
ecr
azy
!!
!

Hi
m:Don’
tev
ercal
lmecr
azy
!!
!!
!

Thatt
rul
yspi
kedaner
ve….

Nat
ali
e:Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?

Idi
dn’
treal
i
set
hatNat
ali
ewasnowback…
Me:
Canwemay
becal
lsecur
it
yorsomet
hingbecauset
hisgent
lemani
shar
assi
ngme.
.

Nat
ali
egott
hephone.
.

Nat
ali
e:i
hav
ebeenal
way
swant
ingt
odot
his.
.

Zuko:
Ther
e’snoneedf
ort
hat
..

Het
henl
ookedatme….
.

Hi
m:Si
zakuhl
anganaFuni
nobakusenkungwi
ni!

Af
tersay
ingt
hathewal
kedout
.Nat
ali
eputt
hephonedown…

Nat
ali
e:Whatwast
hatal
labout
?

Me:
ihav
enoi
dea

Her
:iwasl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtohav
inghi
m dr
aggedoutofher
ebysecur
it
y..

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Youar
ecr
uel
!

Shel
aughedt
oo…

Natal
ieandiwor
kedthor
ought
hatdaypeacef
ull
y.Af
terdef
eat
ingZukol
i
ket
hat
,if
eltl
i
kei
had
conquer
edtheworl
d…………..

I
twasnowfinal
l
y13:
00icashedupmyt
il
li
mmedi
atel
yidi
dn’
twantanyhol
dupsbecausei
was
l
ooki
ngfor
wardtot
heroadtr
ip…

Nat
ali
eandi
didev
ery
thi
ngt
hatwewer
esupposedt
odot
henwel
ockedupandwent
…..

Iwentt
omyusual spotandwaitedforat
axi
..Awhi
teQuant
um st
oppedandi hoppedi
n..Ther
e
wasn’
tal
otofpassengersi
nit
,justaguyandsomewomant hent
hedri
ver
..Isatdown.

Me:
Cent
uri
onpl
ease

Dr
iver
:Al
ri
ghtmysi
ster
..

It
ext
edJozi
whi
l
ethet
axi
drov
eof
fthatI
’
m onmywayhome,
ijustknockedof
f….

Af
tert
ext
ingher
,iputmyphoneawayandj
ustst
aredoutoft
hewi
ndowal
lsmi
l
ing…

Theguyandt
hel
adyst
art
edt
alki
ngbehi
ndme.
.

Lady
:Thatmomentwhensomeonei
ski
dnappedandt
heydon’
tev
enknowi
t.
.

Guy
:Somet
imescour
ageget
syounowher
e
Thatwasar
atherst
rangeconv
ersat
ion…

Lady
:Icani
magi
nesomeonet
ell
i
ngsomeoneel
set
hatt
heyar
ecr
azy
..

Dr
iver
:Shemustbeshownwhatcr
azypeopl
edo.
.

Thedr
ivert
ookof
fthei
rhat
,andshi
titwasZuko!
!

It
ri
edstandi
ngupbuti
twasl
ate,
theguywasonmyseathol
dingagunagai
nstmyabdomen
ar
ea..

Hi
m:Let
’st
ryandBehav
e..

I
tdawnedonmet
hati
am i
ndeepwat
ers.
.

PART25SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
36]Ron:
PART26SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wegottosomeabandonedcabi
ninthemiddl
eofnowher
e.Theyhadbl
i
ndf
oldedmesot
hati
coul
dn’
tseet
hewayleadi
ngtothecabi
n..

Iwasv er
yhur
tbywhatZukowasdoi
ng,
iwasv
eryhur
tthathewoul
dgot
othi
sgr
eatl
engt
hsi
n
for
cingmetomarr
yhim…

Myphonehadbeent
akenawayf
rom me,myevery
thi
ngwasjusttakenawayf
rom me
pr
event
ingmetohav
eanycommunicat
ionwi
ththeoutsi
deworl
d…

Whenwegott
othecabi
n,Zukohadmet
iedt
othechai
rwhi
chwasi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hel
i
ving
r
oom..

Theother2companionshadbeendismi
ssedbyZuko,soitwasjustmeandhimlef
tinthe
cabi
n.Thecabinwasn’tbad,i
twassmal
landver
ycleanthefur
nitur
ewasvi
ntageanditwas
perf
ectl
yplacedi
nit
spl ace.
.

Zukol
ockedthedooraf
terhi
scompani
onshadl
eftandthenhepunchedinsomecodeint
he
monit
ornextt
othedoor.Hethent
ookadeepbr
eath,t
urnedar
oundandlookedatme.
.

Iwassit
ti
ngtherecr
ying,
iwasthi
nki
ngmor
eaboutwhatt
hiswi
l
ldot
omyf
atheri
meanhi
s
hear
tisnotst
rongenoughtot
akethi
s..

Zukost
oodagai
nstt
hedoorwi
thhi
shandsf
olded,
andhewasj
ustl
ooki
ngatme…

Hi
m:I
’
m notgonnahur
tyouFuni
,socany
oupl
easest
opcr
ying.
.

Her
eal
l
ywant
edmet
obel
i
evehi
m?Imeant
hisguyki
dnappedmeandher
eiam nowt
iedt
oa
chai
randhi
stal
ki
ngabouthei
snotgoi
ngt
ohur
tme.
.

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?

Hewal
kedupt
othecupboar
ds,
andt
ookoutwhatl
ookedl
i
kepi
l
ls.
.

Hi
m:i
justwanty
out
olov
eme.
.

Idol
ovehi
m,buti
don’
tlov
etheper
sont
hathei
s…

Het
ookoutaglassandpouredwater
,thenstar
teddri
nki
ngt
hosepi
l
ls…Inot
icedt
hati
twashi
s
“
manicdepr
essi
onpil
ls”
,ihaveseent
hispil
l
sbef or
e..

Him:i
haveDeci
dedt
hatwegonnast
ayher
eint
hiscabi
n,unt
ilwef
ixourr
elat
ionshi
pandunt
il
youar
ereadyt
omarr
yme..

Whyi
smemar
ryi
nghi
m sooi
mpor
tantt
ohi
m?

Me:
Whydoy
ouwannaMar
rymesoobad?

Hi
m:Becausei
lov
eyout
hatbad,
andi
am scar
edofl
osi
ngy
ou.

Me:
Soy
out
hinkt
hatki
dnappi
ngmewi
l
lhel
pthesi
tuat
ion?

Hel
ookeddownwi
thoutsay
ingawor
d..

Me:
Ist
hatwhaty
oudot
opeopl
ethaty
oul
ove?Ki
dnapt
hem,
andt
hent
iet
hem up?
??

Hehi
tthecount
eri
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
.

Hi
m:Nodammi
t!
!!(
shout
ing)

Helookedatmet
hrought
hathat
,thatal
mostcov
eredhi
sey
esent
ir
elyandt
ri
edt
ocont
ain
hi
mself…

Hi
m:Funi
please.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Hi
m:Okayf
inei
fiunt
iey
ou,
doy
oupr
omi
set
haty
ougoi
ngt
obehav
e?

Idi
dn’
tanswert
hat
…

Hewal
kedcl
osert
ome,
thenst
oodatt
hebackoft
hechai
randst
art
edunt
yingme….

Mywr
ist
swer
epai
nful
,hehadf
ast
ent
hel
i
gat
uret
oot
ight
…

Ist
oodupandlookedathi
m,ihadthi
scl
oudofAngerhangi
ngov
ermeandwi
thoutev
en
thi
nki
ngabouti
tisl
appedhi
m acr
ossthef
ace…

Me:
Youar
esi
ckZuko!
!!
!
Icoul
dseet
hatatt
hatver
ymoment,hefel
tli
kej
umpi
ngonmeandst
rangl
i
ngmet
odeat
h,but
hetri
edsov
eryhar
dtocontai
nhi
mself
…..

Isatdownonthecouchandst
art
edcr
yingwi
thmyhandscov
eri
ngmyf
ace,
iwasTor
nbywhat
washappeni
ng…..

Hecameandsatnextt
ome,
thenputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyshoul
der
sbuti
yankedi
tof
f…

Me:
Don’
ttouchme!
!

Hef
orcedhi
sar
m ar
oundmyshoul
der
sagai
nandt
henpul
l
edMecl
osert
ohi
m…

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry.

Me:
Letmegohome.
.

Hi
m:i
wil
ll
ety
ougohomewhent
het
imei
sri
ght
..

Iwascr
yingwit
hmyheadl
aidonhi
sshoul
derandhi
sar
m ar
oundme,
idon’
tknowwhatZuko
real
l
ywantsfr
om me…

Iopenedmyeyesandreali
sedthatiwasni
cel
ylai
donthecouch,wit
hasof tpi
ll
owundermy
headandawar mfl
uff
yblanketoverme…Theweatherwasver
ypersonaloutsi
de,i
twascol
d
andraini
ngpl
usitwasworsebecausewewereinthewoodsnexttothemountainsmaki
ngit
morecold…

Itwasverywarminsi
dethecabinIthi
nkitwasbecauseoft
hefi
repl
ace.Igotupandsatup
str
aight
,theni
sawZukoatt hekit
chenlookedl
ikehewascooki
ng..
Icl
earedmythroat
,he
tur
nedaroundandlookedatme…

Hi
m:Youawake.
.

Iy
awnedandst
ret
chedmy
sel
f,i
must
’vepassedoutf
rom al
lthatcr
ying…

Hi
m:i
am maki
ngchi
l
lit
omat
osoup,
wegonnaeati
twi
thRol
l
s..

Hewasser
iousaboutwhathewasdoi
ngev
enhadacl
othhangi
ngov
erhi
sshoul
der
..

Ir
eali
sedt
hatbusyaski
nghi
mt ol
etmego,
orwhathewant
sfr
om mei
sat
otal
wast
eoft
ime.
Thi
sguyispr
obablynev
erl
ett
ingmego…

Hi
m:Don’
tyouwannat
akeawar
m bat
hper
hapswhi
l
eif
ini
shof
fher
e?

Me:
Youknowwhati
want
?

Hi
m:Yea?

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
est
ir
ri
ngt
het
omat
osoupi
nthatpot
..

Me:
Iti
stogohome.
.
Thathi
thi
m har
dbecausehest
oppedst
ir
ri
ngt
hepotf
oraf
ewseconds,
thencont
inuedst
ir
ri
ng
agai
n…

Hi
m:Bunj
uWehav
eal
readydi
scussedt
his.
.

Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandWal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
LetmegoZuko!
!

Heclosedt hepotandswitchedof
fthest
ov ethenl
ookedatme,OhhhLordhest
il
ll
ookedcut
e
ashellespeciall
ywitht
hathatcov
eri
nghalfofhisf
aceandthatl
i
neinthemiddl
eofhi
schin.
.
Lor
dwhatdr i
v essuchacuteguyt
odosuch! !

Ihadst
art
edbei
ngemot
ional
agai
n…

Hi
m:Nodon’
tdot
hatpl
ease.
.

Het
ri
edhol
dingmebuti
pushedhi
m of
f.
.

Me:
Takemehome!
!!
!(shout
ing)

Hi
m:Funi
..

Ist
art
edhi
tt
inghi
m onhi
schest
,whi
l
ecr
ying…

Me:
Takemehomezuko.
.Takemehome(
Cry
ing)
..

Hehel
dmyhandsti
ght,
thenpul
l
edMecl
osert
ohi
m andhuggedmet
ight
,hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng
hej
usthel
dmeti
ght….

Af
terawhi
l
eisepar
atedf
rom hi
m.

HeSt
ret
chedhi
shandandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Hi
m:Youdon’
tev
ergett
ir
edofcr
yingneh?

Idi
dn’
tanswerhi
m..

Hi
m:i
wil
ltakey
ouhomei
promi
se.
.

Il
ookedathi
m,hi
sey
eswer
esi
ncer
ehedi
dsoundTr
uthf
ulaboutwhathewassay
ing….
.

Hi
m:Cany
ouj
ustt
rustme?

Icont
inuedl
ooki
ngathi
m wit
houtsay
inganyt
hing..Hecamecloserandst
art
edki
ssi
ngme.As
muchasi want
edtopunchhi
m,icoul
dn’
titwaslikehehadputaspellonme…

Il
oosenedupandl
ethi
m puthi
shandsundermyshi
rt
,hegent
lyr
anhi
shandsonmybody
…..

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouBunj
u..
Hesai
dthatwhi
l
est
il
lki
ssi
ngme.
.

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo.
.

Wasi
bei
ngcr
azy
?

[
04/
15,
10:
40]Ron:
PART27SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Zukoandistay
edi nthatCabinforal
mostaweek.Isawasidetohimthatididn’tknowexist
ed,
ormaybethepil
lswer etheonesthatmadehi
mt hi
smentalst
ableandcalm Ireall
ydidn’
tknow.
Butwhati
know, isthatilov
ethi
sgentlemanandsweetsi
deofhim..

Asmuchaswewantedtost ayi
nthatCabi
nforawhil
elonger
,butweneededt
ogobackt
oour
l
iv
es.Wehav
eresponsi
bil
i
tiesandwecannotignor
ethat…

Idi
dn’
tknowhowZeldawasgonnareactt
oMemissi
ngwor
kforaweek,
imeani
needt
hisj
ob
moret
hananythi
ngandicannothav
eherfi
ri
ngme…….

Wedrovebackhomelat
ert
hatday
,andwheni sayhomeimeanmyhome.Wewant
edt
o
di
scussthel
obol
athi
ngwit
hmyFat her
.Yes!Ihadagreedt
omarr
yhim.
.

Wegothomeandmyfat
herwasdoi
ngtheGar
denout
side,
iwashappytoseehi
mthi
sbet
ter
,it
hasbeenawhi
l
esi
ncehedidhi
sgar
denoranywor
karoundthehouse….

Whenhesawus,
hestoppedwhathewasdoi
ngandlookedatus.Idi
dn’
tknowwhatiwas
goi
ngtosayt
ohi
m becausei
hadn’tcal
l
edhi
mfort
het i
mebeingthatiwasint
hatCabi
n…

Zuko:
ibr
oughthi
m saf
eandsound.
.

Myf
atherl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:i
canseet
hat
…

Heputt
hespadedown,
andwi
pedof
fthesweatf
rom hi
sfor
ehead…

Me:
Youknewwher
eiwas?

Hi
m:Ohy
es,
Zukot
oldmet
haty
out
wowant
edt
ospendsomet
imeal
one.
.

Il
ookedatZuko,
theni
lookedatmyf
atheragai
n..

Me:
Yeahwe.
.Wewant
edt
ohav
esomet
imeal
one.
.

Dad:
Sodi
dyouenj
oyy
our
sel
f?

Me:
Yesi
did.
.

Dad:
ThenI
’
m happy
…

Hewenti
nsi
det
hehouset
hencamebackwi
tht
wochai
rsf
orhi
m andZuko.
.
Me:
I’
ll
goandmakeussomet
hingt
odr
ink.

Dad:
iwoul
dli
kesomegr
eent
ea

Zuko:
agl
assofwat
erwi
l
lbef
inef
orme.
.

Me:
comi
ngr
ightup.
.

Iwenti
nsi
deandgott
hem t
hei
rdr
inks,
theni
wentandgav
ethem.
.

Me:
Papa,
MeandZukowant
edt
odi
scusst
hel
obol
athi
ngwi
thy
ou.
.

Heputhi
scupdownbackont
het
ray
..

Zuko:
We.
.wewer
ewonder
ingi
fwecoul
dst
artwi
tht
henegot
iat
ionsabi
tsoon…

Myf
atherl
ookedatus.
.

Hi
m:Youguy
sar
eser
iousaboutt
his?

Wel
ookedateachot
her
,thenl
ookedathi
m…

Me:
Yeswear
e..

Dad:
inev
ert
houghtt
hisdaywoul
dcome.

Zuko:
Youmeant
hati
nwhatway
?

Dad:i
veal
way
swantedFuni
toremainmyli
tt
legi
rl
,buti
guessagecaughtupwi
thher
.Lookat
you,
youar
eaboutt
obesomeone’swif
e….

Ial
sonev
ert
houghtt
hisdaywoul
dcome,
mar
ri
agewast
hel
astt
hingonmymi
nd…

Me:
ial
sodi
dn’
tthi
nkt
hisdaywoul
dcome.
.

Heexhal
edandl
ookedatZuko.
.

Dad:
iwoul
dli
ket
omeetwi
thy
ourf
ami
l
yfi
rst
..

Zukochokedonhi
swat
erandst
art
edcoughi
ng.
.Iwentandpathi
m onhi
sback.
.

Me:
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?

Henoddedhi
sheady
es.
.

Dad:
ithi
nki
twoul
dbeagoodideaifweal
lmetupov
erdi
nner
.Iwannaknowt
heki
ndoff
ami
l
y
t
hatmydaught
eri
sgonnabemarri
edofft
oo…

Thatt
opi
creal
l
ydi
dn’
tsi
twel
lwi
thZuko…

Hi
m:i
am notsur
eaboutt
hat
..Myf
ami
l
yisal
way
sbusy
.Mymot
heri
sal
way
str
avel
l
ing,
my
br
otheri
sadoct
orhei
sal
way
satwor
kandmyl
i
ttl
esi
steri
sal
sochasi
ngaf
terherown
dr
eams…

Dad:
Whatabouty
ourFat
her
?

Zukosqueezedthatgl
asshar
dthati
tal
mostbr
okewhi
l
egr
indi
nghi
steet
h.Thenaf
teraf
ew
secondshecalmedhimsel
f…

Hi
m:Myf
atheri
snoti
nmyl
i
fe.
.

Dad:
Hei
snomor
e?

Hi
m:No,
he.
.Hej
ustwasnev
eri
nmyl
i
fe…

Dad:
I’
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
..

Zuko:
Itsf
iney
oui
kindagotuset
oit
..

Hel
ookedathi
swat
ch.
.

Zuko:
Unf
ort
unat
elyi
hav
etogo,
ineedt
ocat
chupwi
thmywor
k.

Hest
oodup…

Dad:
Youwi
l
ltel
lmewheny
ourf
ami
l
yisr
eadyt
omeetup.
.

Henoddedhi
shead.
.

Dad:
Letmegetbackt
omygar
den,
iguessI
’
llseey
ouar
oundZuko.
.

Zuko:
iguesssot
oo….
.

Iwentt
oputt
heGl
assandt
hemugi
nsi
det
hehouset
hencamebackandWal
kedZukot
ohi
s
car
…

Me:
iam sor
ryi
fmyf
ather
’squest
ionswer
euncomf
ort
abl
efory
ou.
.

Hi
m:I
t’
sal
ri
ghtBunj
u,hei
str
yingt
olookoutf
ory
ou.
.

Idi
dfi
nditabitstr
anget
hatZukohasn’
taskedmetomeethi
smot
her
.Imeanhehasmetmy
fat
her
,iwoul
dr eal
l
yli
kei
tifimethi
smot hert
oo…

Me:
iwoul
dreal
l
yli
ket
omeety
ourmot
hert
hough,
sheseemsl
i
keagoodper
son.
.

Hi
m: Yaiwi
ll
cal
lherandaskheri
fshe’
snotbusyt
hisweekend,
theny
ouandy
ourFat
hercan
meether
..

Ismi
l
edathi
m..

Me:
ican’
twai
t.
.
Hesmi
l
edatMet
oo.
.

Aft
erZukolef
tidi
dn’
tdomuch,
Ijustsl
eptthewholeday
.Iwokeupl
aterandcooked,
aft
er
cooki
ngisatandwat
chedTVunti
liwenttobed.I
twasabori
ngdayiwon’tl
ie……

Thef ol
lowingdayiwokeupandprepar
edforwork.Iwassbitscar
edofhowZel dawasgoi
ngto
reactimeani missedwor
kforaweekwi t
houtanylogi
cal
explanat
ion.Ij
usthopet
hatshewi
ll
belenientandnotfir
emeatleastgi
vemeawar ni
ng………

Wheni
wasdonepr
epar
ingf
orwor
k,i
atebr
eakf
astt
henwentandgotat
axi
towor
k..

Igottoworkatar
ound8:
30t
hedoorwashal
fopenmeani
ngt
hatZel
daandNat
ali
ewer
e
al
readyther
e..

It
ookadeepbr
eat
handwentt
oknockatt
hedoor
…

Thedooropenedaf
ter30secorso,
andi
Wal
kedi
ntheni
tcl
osedagai
n…

Isl
owl
ymademywayt
othebackof
fi
ce,
Zel
dawassi
tt
ingt
her
ecount
ingsomemoney
..

Me:
Goodmor
ningTanni
e..

Shel
ookedatmeandt
henputt
hemoneyaway
..

Her
:puty
ourbagawayandgof
il
lup,
wehav
enewwat
chest
hatar
ri
vedy
est
erday
..

Soj
ustl
i
keThat
?Noy
ell
i
ng?Nonot
hing.
.

Idi
dn’
twannagiv
eherar
easont
ochangehermi
ndsoi
wentandputmybagawayt
henst
art
ed
wit
hwhatshetol
dmetodo.
.

PART27SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
41]Ron:
PART28SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Satur
dayfinal
lycame.Zukohadsetupameet i
ngbetweenhisfami
lyandmyf amil
y.Hi
sfamil
y
sl
eptoverathisplace,t
heyar
ri
vedyest
erday
.Forthefactt
hatever
yoneinhisfami
lydeci
dedto
putever
ythingasi
det ocomedownhereandmeetme, itwasahugedealforme..

Iwon’ tli
easmuchasi l
ookedforwardint
omeet i
ngthem,butiwasscaredatthesamet ime
becauseZukocomesf r
om averysuccessfulandeducatedfamil
y..Hi
sbigbrotheri
saGeneral
practi
tioner,
ihear
dhiswif
eisaclini
calpsychologi
standHismot her,
wellhi
smot herhasaPhD.
Shei sabusinesswoman,shei
salsoaphi l
anthropist
.Andiam j
ustamer esalesperson
assistant.

Onmysideiwast
aki
ngal
ongmyf
atherandJozi
.Ihav
etohav
eJozi
ther
e,shewi
l
lmakeme
l
essner
vous….

Wewer
etomeetupatLa’
Aquel
lsome5st
arhot
elj
ustabi
tout
sideofpt
a..
Iwaswear
ingapur
pledr
esst
hatwasabitbel
owmykneelev
el,
andihadonpurpl
eheels.
.Ihad
cover
edmyhai
rwit
hapurpl
eshawl
,hear
dZuko’smot
heri
sabitol
dfashi
onedandTradit
ional
.
.

Icoul
dn’
tst
opShaki
ng,
iwasv
eryscar
edi
meanwhowoul
dn’
tbei
nthi
ssi
tuat
ion.
.

Iwasdri
vi
ngupther
ewit
hJozi
andmyfat
her.Weweretaki
ngJozi
’
scar
,Zakeswasal
so
taggi
ngal
ongyouknowt
omaketheat
mospherel
essi
ntense.
.

Asweweredri
vi
ngt
her
e,weki
ndagotl
ostabi
ther
eandt
her
ethat
’swheni
cal
l
edZukoandhe
di
rect
edus.
.

Zakeswasdri
vi
ng,myfat
herwassitt
ingatt
hef
rontseatandi
wassi
tt
ingatt
hebackwi
thJozi
,
it
hinkshesawthati
wasscared.Shehel
dmyhand…

Her
:Justr
elaxbabe

Me:
Itst
hatev
identhor
eI’
m scar
ed?
…

Her
:Of
causei
tis.Nowr
elaxbabeI
’
m sur
etheyar
egoodpeopl
e..

Me:
ihopesot
oo…

Iwasst
arr
ingoutoft
hewi
ndow,
itwasdar
kout
sideandi
waspr
ayi
ngt
hatt
oni
ghtgoeswel
l
..

Il
oveZuko,
andhel
ovesmet
oo.Soi
prayt
hisgoeswel
l
.

Wef
inal
l
yar
ri
vedatt
hehot
el,
wepar
kednott
hatf
arf
rom t
heent
rance.
.

Wegotoutoft
hecarandmadeourwayt
otheent
rance.
.Iwashol
dingJozi
’
shandt
ight
,thati
s
howscar
ediwas…

Igotabi
trel
i
evedwheni
sawZukowai
ti
ngf
orusatt
heent
rancei
ranupt
ohi
m andhugged
hi
m..

Hi
m:Youar
eShaki
ngwhat
’swr
ong?

Me:
iam v
eryner
vous…

Webr
oket
hehugandi
wasal
readyt
ear
y..

Hi
m:Cal
m downy
ougoi
ngt
ocausey
our
sel
fanunnecessar
ypani
cat
tack.
.

Me:
I’
ll
tryt
ocal
m down.
.

Hewentont
ogr
eetmyf
atherandJozi
.

Zuko:
Thanky
ouf
orsuppor
ti
ngFuni
..

Jozi
:Wefamil
y,wesupposedt
osuppor
ther
..Andj
ustsoyouknowifoneofyourf
ami
l
y
memberssl
aysonFuni.
.Manidon’
twannaseewhat’
sgonnagodowninther
e..
Zuko:
ibel
i
evey
ou.
.

Jozi
:Youshoul
d,becausei
keepasni
peri
nmycarandI
’
m nott
alki
ngaboutWesl
ey.
.

Weall
laughed..Iwashappyt
hati
broughtJozi
along,
herpr
esencej
ustr
elaxesmeabi
t.Zuko
hel
dmyhand. .

Hi
m:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogoi
n?

It
ookadeepbr
eat
handnoddedmyhead…

Me:
Yesi
am.
.

Weallwal
kedinandsomel adywaswai ti
ngforusjustbytheent
rancewhol edustothedinni
ng
Hal
l.
.Iam notgonnalie,
thi
spl acewasoutoft hi
sworld.I
twasverybeauti
fulandever
ythi
ng
wassetupperfect
ly.Thecoloursthatwereusedmost l
yatthedi
nningtabl
ewasPeachand
whi
te,i
twaspretty
..

Wewer
en’
ttheonl
yPeopl
ether
e,t
her
ewasal
soaf
ewguest
smost
lybei
ngwhi
tepeopl
e…

Wegott
oourt
abl
e,andhi
sfami
l
ywasal
readysi
tt
ingt
her
e…

Hi
smotherandhisBrot
hertheyhadt helooks,theywerebeautiful
justl
i
keZuko..Hi
smot her
waswear
ingsometradi
tionalclothing,somethingthatNiger
ianwomenwoul dwear
,buthers
wasmorebeaut
if
ulandst y
li
sh..Zuko’ ssist
erinlawwaswear i
ngli
kear eal
Xhosabride,
she
al
sohadonsomet r
adit
ionalclothingwhi chmademet heoddoneout …

Bef
orewet
ookoutseat
sZukoi
ntr
oducedus,
icoul
dseet
hathewasal
soabi
tner
vous…

Zuko:
Funi
thati
smymom Bongi
,thati
smybr
otherLoy
isoandhi
swi
feNol
uvuy
o….

Igr
eet
edt
hem t
hebestwayi
knowhowandt
hatIwi
thr
espect
,andt
heygr
eet
edmeback.
.

Zuko:Thi
sisf
uni
’
sfat
heruTat
’hl
angu,
thati
shercousi
nJozi
andt
hati
sZakeshei
smar
ri
edt
o
Jozi
..

Weal
lgr
eet
edeachot
her
,hugsandhandshakeswer
eexchangedandaf
terwet
ookourseat
s..

Afterafewsecondsofussit
ti
ngdown,t
hewaiter
sbroughtussomej
uice.I
tlookedl
i
keGuav
a
j
uice,i
talsohadstr
awberr
iesandsomemint
yleavesi
nside….
.

Zukowassi
tt
ingonmyr
ightsi
de,
thenJozi
wassi
tt
ingonmyl
eftsi
dej
usthowi
want
edi
t.
.

Zukot
ookoneoft
hej
ugsandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Shoul
dipourf
ory
ou?

Me:
Yespl
ease.
.

Hepour
edt
hej
uicef
orme.
.
Thi
ngswerereal
l
ytense,
noonewassay
ingany
thi
ngandi
waswi
shi
ngt
hatt
hegr
oundcoul
d
openupsoicoul
dgetburi
edi
nsi
de…

Zukodeci
dedt
obr
eakt
hei
ceaf
teraf
ewseconds.
.

Zuko:iwouldli
ketothankever
yoneforcomingtosuppor
tmeandFuni.Especi
all
yyoumama,i
knowthatyouwer esupposedtobedoingoneofyourseminar
satDur
banbutyoudecidedt
obe
herei
nstead.Thatmeansalott
ome, thankyou.
.

Shesmi
l
edathi
sson.
.

Her
:Any
thi
ngf
ormyson.
.

Maybehismotheri
snotbadaf
teral
l
,may
beshei
sagoodper
sont
hatIal
way
sseeonTv
..She
t
henlookedatme.

Her
:SoFuni
,youl
ookl
i
keadecenty
oungwoman.Zukot
oldmet
haty
ouwer
erai
sedv
erywel
l
..

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Thankyou.AndYesi
wasr
aisedwel
l
,bymyf
atherher
aisedmeasasi
ngl
epar
entaf
termy
mot
herdi
ed.
.

Her
:iam sorryt
ohearabouty
ourmot
her
.AndiadmireyourFat
herf
orst
eppi
ngupt
ohi
s
r
esponsi
bil
it
iesli
ket
hat,i
meannotal
lmencandothat…

Me:
Thanky
ou,
andi
wil
lfor
everbegr
eat
ful
tohi
m..

Shel
ookedatmyfatherandsmil
ed,notonl
ywast
hiswomanbeaut
if
ulbutsheal
sohadt
he
mostbeaut
if
ulsmi
leihaveeverseen…

Her
:iadmi
rey
ouSi
rforr
aisi
ngsuchabeaut
if
uly
oungl
ady
..

Dad:
Thanky ou,andi
admi
reyoutooforr
aisingsuchay
oungdecenty
oungman.I
’
m sur
eit
wasalsonoteasybei
ngasi
nglepar
entony oursi
de.
.

Thesmi
l
eimmedi
atel
yvani
shedf
rom Bongi
’
sface.
.

Her
:Ohw.
.

Zuko:
itol
dhi
mthatDadwasnev
erar
ound.
.

Shesmi
l
edagai
n,butt
hist
imear
oundi
twasn’
taf
ri
endl
ysmi
l
e..

Her
:Wow.
.Seemsl
i
key
ouhav
etol
dthi
speopl
eal
otaboutus,
andweknowl
essaboutt
hem.
.

Thi
speopl
e?Li
ker
eal
l
ynow?
?..

Jozi
:woooow(
lowv
oice)
Loyi
so:iam j
ustsi
tt
ingher
eandwonder
ingi
fshe’
sther
easonwhyy
oudi
dn’
tcomet
omy
wedding.
.

Zuko:
idi
dn’
tcomebecausei
wasbusy
..

Loyi
so:
butagai
nhereiam.
.Ideci
dedt
oputawaymybusyschedul
etobeher
efory
ouandy
ou
coul
dn’
tdothesameforme!
..

Nol
uvuy
otr
iedi
nter
fer
ing.
.

Vuy
o:St
handwakhawuy
ekeTor
ho.
.YhuubawoYi
ntoni
kakade(
myl
ovecany
oupl
easest
op)
..

Loy
iso:
Yey
akeNol
uvuy
o!Ndi
funauZukoandi
chazel
euku….(
iwantZukot
oexpl
aint
omewhy
..
)

Bongi
hitt
het
abl
ewhi
chmadeev
ery
onej
umpal
i
ttl
e..

Bongi
:Loy
isokhawume(
Loy
isowai
t)
..

Iwasnowhol
dingZuko’
shandundert
hetabl
etry
ingt
ocalm hi
m downbecausei
coul
dcl
ear
ly
seet
hathewasslowl
ybutsur
elyr
eachi
nghisboi
li
ngpoi
nt…

Helookedatme,
andi
smi
l
edathi
m.Heal
sof
orcedasmi
l
ethr
ought
hatbi
tt
erf
aci
al
expr
ession….

Bongi
:Nowcanev
ery
onecal
m downandact
ual
l
ytal
kaboutwhyweher
e..

Iwaswonder
ingi
fmyf
ather
’shear
twasgonnakeepupwi
thal
lthi
stensi
on.
.2wai
ter
smade
thei
rwayt
ous..

Wai
ter1:
Goodev
eni
ng,
canwebr
ingt
hest
art
ers?

Bongi
:Yespl
ease.
.

Wai
ter1:
theyar
eont
hei
rway
..

Shet
henwal
kedupt
otheki
tchen.
.

Zukocoul
dn’
tcont
ainhi
sAngerany
mor
e,hewasev
ensweat
ing.
.

Hi
m:Cani
beexcused?

Hest
oodup.
.

Bongi
:Yi
ntoni
ngoku?(
what
’swr
ongnow)

Het
hrewt
henapki
nont
het
abl
e..

Hi
m:i
justneedsomef
reshai
r.
.

Heki
ckedt
hechai
routofhi
swayandst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
otheexi
t.
.
Me:
I’
ll
goandmakesur
ethathei
sal
ri
ght
..

Bongi
:NoI
’
llgo.
.

Me:
Itsokayi
..

Bongi
:isai
dI’
l
lgo!
!!

Herv
oicewasabi
tfi
rm.Af
terr
eal
i
singt
hatshewashar
sh,
shesmi
l
edatme.
.

Her:Af
teral
lhi
smyson,
icar
ri
edhi
mfor9mont
hs.Iknowwhatt
odowhent
hrowsoneofhi
s
si
ll
ytantr
ums..

Shest
oodupandl
ookedatus.
.

Her
:Excuseme.
.

Sheshi
ft
edherchai
randWal
kedout
..

Thet
abl
eremai
nedsi
l
entandawkwar
d..

Jozi
:Chakudl
ali
wengathil
a(t
heyhaveplay
edwi
thusher
e)…Imi
ghtaswel
lgoandgetme
someglassofwine,
wherei
stheki
tchen?

I
fitwasn’
tformyi
nlaws,
iwoul
dpr
obabl
ybeonmy5t
hgl
assofwi
ner
ightnow.
.

PART28SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
42]Ron:
PART29SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Zukoandhi
smothercamebackaft
erafewmi
nut
es.Zukol
ookedabi
tcal
m compar
edt
ohow
hewaswhenhestormedoutoft
heroom..

Iser
iousl
ydi
dn’
tthi
nkt
hatourmeet
ingwasgoi
ngt
obel
i
ket
his,
itt
rul
ywasadi
sast
er.
.

Bongi:i
thi
nkit’
ssafetosayt hat
,weallgotoffonthewrongfoother
e.Foral
li
t’
swort
h,andfor
thesakeofpeaceiapologi
sef orev
eryt
hingthat’
shappened.It
hinkt
hatthemosti
mportant
thi
nghereisFuniandZuko,let’
snotrui
nt hi
sforthem…

Thatwasagoodspeechshegav
e,f
ort
hesakeofpeacei
dohopet
hatweal
lgonnagetal
ong…

Ther
estoft
heev
eni
ngwentpeacef
ull
y,weat
eandchat
tedt
hingswer
ereal
l
ylooki
ngup….

Zukotappedhisgl
asswi
thaf
orkanddemandedat
tent
ion…Het
henhel
dmyhandbef
ore
sayi
nganythi
ng…

Hi
m:iwannat
hankallofyouf
orcomi
ngouther
e.I
treal
l
ymeansal
ott
ous.Ther
e’sonet
hing
t
hati
needtoannounce.
.

Theyal
ll
ookedathi
m..
Hi
m:i
hav
eDeci
dedt
hati
wannaMar
ryFuni
.
.

Ther
ewasabi
tofsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e…

Bongi
:Uhm t
hati
sabi
gdeci
siondi
dyouev
ent
hinkabouti
t?

Zuko:
Yesi
hav
e,andFuni
isal
lthati
want
..

Bongi
:Ther
eiscompl
etel
ynor
ushZukoy
ouCanj
ust
..

Zuko:
ihav
emadet
hedeci
sionandi
am st
icki
ngbyi
t.
.

Theyal
lkeptqui
et,
theyl
ookedv
eryspeechl
ess.
.

Loy
iso:
Funi
whati
sitt
haty
oudoagai
n?

Me:
i.
.

Ev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ngatme.
.

Me:
iwor
kataSt
ernsj
ewel
l
eryasasal
esassi
stant
..

Bongi
:Wow…

Idon’
tknowi
fshemeantt
hati
nagoodway
,oradi
sappoi
nti
ngway
..

Loy
iso:
Whatqual
i
ficat
ionsdoy
ouhav
e?

Me:
i.
.Ionl
yhav
emat
ri
c..

Loy
iso:
Youknowsuchj
obsar
ever
yusel
ess!

Nol
uvuy
o:Loy
iso.
.

Loy
iso:
Yint
oni
?Ndi
thet
hai
nyani
nje(
what
?Iam speaki
ngt
het
rut
h)

Bongi
:it
hinkwhatmysonmeantwasdon’
tyouhav
eanygoal
sinl
i
fe?Wast
hatwhaty
ou
al
wayswantedtodo?

Me:No.
.Unfor
tunatel
yaf
termatr
icmyf
athercoul
dn’
tsendmet
oter
ti
arysoi
hadt
olookf
ora
j
ob,
i
nsteadofsit
ti
ngathome..

Jozi
:andi
admi
rey
ouf
ort
hatcousi
n..

Bongi
:Whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
edt
odoaf
tercompl
eti
ngschool
?

Me:
iwant
edt
ost
udyFashi
ondesi
gn.
.

Loy
iso:
Thati
sjustasusel
essaswhaty
oudoi
ngnow!

Dad:
boyi
thi
nky
ouar
ebei
ngoutofl
i
nenow!
Jozi
:Wayoutofl
i
ne!

Zuko:
Youknowwhat
,Iknewt
hiswasgoi
ngt
ohappen!

Bongi
:Zuko.
.

Zuko:
No!Iam t
ir
edoft
his.
.

Hel
ookedathi
smot
her
..

Hi
m:Youhav
econt
rol
l
edusl
ongenough,
andi
tst
opsnow!

Hest
oodupandst
ret
chedhi
shandoutt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Youknowwhathappenswheny
ourf
ami
l
ydoesn’
tli
key
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?

Theyl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Youdumpy
ourf
ami
l
yandbecomeanor
phan…

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Funi
ist
heonl
yfami
l
yineed.
.

Thatwasv
eryemot
ional
.

Hi
m:Asl
ongaswehav
eeachot
herandt
hesuppor
tofy
ourf
ami
l
y,t
hati
sthatmat
ter
s

Ismi
l
edathi
m,wi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgetoutofher
e..

Me:
Okay
..

Jozi
star
tedcl
appi
ngherhands.
.

Her
:Yougogi
rl
!!

Zuko’sf
amil
ydidn’
tlookhappyaboutwhatZukosai
d,
andmeont
heot
herhandi
wasv
ery
shockedatwhathesaid….
.

Zukoandi
Walkedoutoft
her
ewhi
lehol
dinghands.Wewalkedupt
ohi
scar
,heopenedt
he
doorf
ormeandiwentinwhi
l
ehewentt
ot heothersi
de.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgett
hehel
loutofher

Hest
art
eddr
ivi
ngof
f……

It
houghtmay
bewewer
egonnagot
ohi
spl
ace,
butwej
ustdr
ovear
oundi
nst
ead…

Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngexact
ly?
Hi
m:i
don’
tknow,
butal
liknowi
sthati
don’
twannagohomebecauset
heywi
l
lbet
her
e..

Me:
Youcan’
tignor
ethem f
orev
er

Hi
m:Di
dyouhearwhati
sai
dbackt
her
e?I
’
m donewi
tht
hosepeopl
e..

Me:
Theymeanwel lZuko.Imeany
ouv
erysuccessf
ul,
whi
l
emeont
heot
herhandI
’
mjusta
mer
elousyassi
stant
..

Hel
ookedatme,
thenl
ookedatt
her
oad.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouunder
mini
ngy
our
sel
f?

Me:
I’
mjustst
ati
ngf
act
s

Het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouFuni
.
.

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo.
.

Hi
m:Whydon’
twedr
ivet
othecabi
n?

Me:
Soundst
empt
ingbuti
hav
ewor
ktomor
row.Remembersomeofuswor
konSunday
s..

Hi
m:Youcanski
p

Me:
ivebeenski
ppi
ngwor
kal
otZukoi
can’
tski
pagai
n..

Hi
m:I
tsj
ustonef
uckenday
..

Me:
Andt
hatonedaycangetmef
ir
ed.
.

Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..

Hi
m:I
’
llt
alkt
oZel
da

Me:
Yesy
ouwi
l
ltal
ktoherv
elebecausey
ouf
ucki
ngher
!!

Iser
iousl
ydon’
twhatl
edmet
osayt
hat
..Hepul
l
edt
hecarov
er.

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Whatt
hef
uckdi
dyouj
ustsay
?

MysweetZukowasgone,
thebi
pol
armonst
ercameback….

Ididn’
tsayany
thi
ng,iwasstart
ingt
ogetscaredbecausehewasget t
ingangry.
.Hegotoft
he
carandcamet omyside.Zukodidt
heunbel
ievabl
e,heli
ter
all
ybrokethewindowwithhi
selbow
andpulledMeout.I
twasv er
ypainf
ul,
thebr
okenglasseswerecutti
ngmeandt ear
ingmy
dress…
Het
henwenttot
hecaragai
nwhi l
eiwasont
hegr
ound.Youcoul
dpr
obabl
ysayt
hati
shoul
d’v
e
r
anawaykodwamymindfroze.
.

Hecamebackwi t
hagun,ifoundmysel
fShakingt
hati
li
ter
all
ypi
ssedonmy sel
f.IthoughtZuko
wasgonnaki
llme,buti
nst
eadhehitmeonmyheadandonmyf acewitht
hebackofhi sgun.
Alli
rememberfr
om thei
nci
dentwasmet ast
ingmyownbloodbecauseiwasbleedingvery
bad..

PART29SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
42]Ron:
PART30SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwokeupatt
hehospi
tal
.Thefi
rstt
hingi
didwheni openedmyeyeswastothankGodthati
am
al
iv
e.Idi
dn’
tthi
nkt
hatiwasgonnamakeit.Icoul
dfeelthati
hadabandagewrappedar
ound
myhead…

Ihadanexcruci
ati
ngpai
narisi
ngfr
om myhead,especi
all
ywheni
tri
edt
omov
eit
…il
ooked
aroundandsawmyf at
herandJozist
andi
ngther
e...

Me:
Papa

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Funi

Theybot
hcamet ome.Jozi
stoodonmyrightandmyf
atherstoodonmylef
t.Myl
eftey
ewas
ver
yhardtoopen,
itwashal
fopenedcomparedtomyr
ightey
emor eli
kei
twasswoll
en.
.

Me:
ican’
tbel
i
evet
hatI
’
m st
il
lal
i
ve.
.

Isawt
ear
sfal
l
ingf
rom Joz
i’
sey
es.
.

Her
:Youwer
einaComaf
orawhi
l
e,i
thoughty
ouwer
enotgonnamakei
t.
.

Dad:
Letmegoandgetadoct
or

Hel
etgoofmyhandandWal
kedout
….

Me:
Het
ri
edt
oki
l
lmeJozi

Sheputherhandonherchest
,whi
l
ecr
ying.
.

Her:
I’
m sorr
y.If
eelr
esponsi
blef
orwhathappened,
imeani
am t
heonewhoKeptonf
orci
ng
youtogoforhi
m..

Me:
Don’
tev
ert
hinkt
hat
..I
tisnoty
ourf
aul
t.
.

Myf
athercamebackwi
tht
hedoct
or…
Thedoct
orcamest
rai
ghtupt
omeandst
art
edshi
ningsomesmal
ll
ighti
nmyey
es.
.

Doc:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Me:
iam i
npai
nespeci
all
ywheni
tryt
omov
emyhead.
.

Doc:
Howi
syourv
isi
on?

Me:
Myl
eftey
efeel
sswol
l
en

Shewav
ed2handsatme.
.

Her
:Howmanyf
inger
sam i
hol
dingup?

Me:
2..

Her
:Okay
..Howmanynow?

Shewaswav
ing4f
inger
s..

Me:
4

Shet
henl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Youar
eluckyt
obeal
i
ve…

Iwasi
ndeedgr
eat
ful
andhappyt
hatIwasal
i
ve.
.

Her
:Buty
ouwi
l
lbehappyt
oknowt
hatt
heyar
rest
edt
heper
pet
rat
orswhodi
dthi
stoy
ou.
.

Me:
per
pet
rat
ors?

Her:Yes.
.Yourboy
fri
endgaveastat
ementofwhathappenedt
hatni
ghtt
othepol
i
ce,
heal
so
descri
bedhowtheperpet
rat
orsl
ookedl
ikeandtheygott
hem..

Me:
Ther
ewasnoper
pet
rat
ors.
.

Thedoct
orl
ookedatme.

Doc:
idon’
tunder
stand.
.

Me:
Myboy
fri
endi
stheonet
hatat
tackedmet
hatni
ght
..

Doc:
Whywoul
dhel
i
e?

Me:
Becausehei
sasi
ckbast
ard!
.

Shej
ustl
ookedatme.

Jozi
:Cl
ear
lyt
hepol
i
cehav
ethewr
ongpeopl
e..
Doc:
Seemsl
i
ket
hat
..

Me:
Cani
giv
east
atement
?

Her
:Wel
lyes,
buti
wanty
out
ogetbet
terf
ir
st.Yousuf
fer
edsev
ereheadt
raumasor
elax.
.

Me:
icannotr
elaxDocknowi
ngt
hathemi
ghtcomebackt
ofi
nishme!
!.

Doc:
Pleasecal
m downiwil
lgetsecur
it
iest
ost
andbyy
ourdoorandmakesur
ethathedoesn’
t
comeanywhereneary
ou.
.

Dad:
Thanky
ouDoct
or

Doc:buthowcanhewanty oudeadifhi
stheonewhobr
oughty
oui
n,hi
sev
enpay
ingf
ory
our
hospi
talbi
ll
sitj
ustdoesn’
tmakesense.
.

Jozi
:Becausehi
sfeel
i
nggui
l
ty.
.

Thedoct
orl
ookedatJozi
..

Doc:
coul
dbe.
.

Thedoct
orf
ocusedherat
tent
iononmeagai
n..

Her:
Fine,
iwil
lmakesur
ethatt
her
e’ssecur
it
yaty
ourdoor
..I
nthemeant
imei
wil
lgetanur
set
o
gi
veyouyourmeds.
.

Shet
henl
ookedatmyf
atherandJozi
..

Her
:Pl
easedon’
tkeepherupf
oral
ongt
imeshehast
orest
..

Dad:
Ofcause.
.

Thedoct
orwal
kedout
…mydadl
ookedatme.

Dad:
Wel
lyouhear
dthedoct
or.
.

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.

Hi
m:GuessI
’
llseey
out
omor
row.
.

Me:
iguesssot
oo.
.

Jozi
huggedmeandt
heyl
eft
…

Af
teraf
ewminut
esofJozi
andmyf
atherl
eav
ing.TheNur
segoti
nwi
thf
oodandmymeds.
.It
wasahebyt
heway.
.

Hi
m:Howi
smynewpat
ient
?

Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
I’
m get
ti
ngt
her
e,hopef
ull
y.
.

Heputt
het
raynextt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Sandwi
ch,
frui
tsal
ad,
orangej
uice?

Il
ookedatt
hef
ood,
itdi
dn’
tlookt
hatbad.
.

Me:
Whynot
?

Hesmi
l
edandst
art
edf
eedi
ngme.
.

Openi
ngmymout
hwi
dewasv
erydi
ff
icul
tbecauseofal
lthebr
uisesi
nmyf
ace.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedt
oyou.
.

Me:
Itsokay
..

Hi
m:whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Me:
Myboy
fri
end,
buthi
spi
nni
ngal
loft
hisoni
nnocentpeopl
e….

Heputt
hebowl
off
rui
tsal
adbackont
het
ray
..

Hi
m:domest
icv
iol
enceissomet
hingwecannotr
unawayf
rom.Appr
oxi
mat
ely1i
nev
ery4
womeni
skil
l
edbythei
rpart
ner
..

Me:iam notgoi
ngtobecomeast
ati
cofwomanabuse.Iwi
l
lfi
ghtt
ohav
ehi
mlockedawayf
or
whathedidtome..

Hesmi
l
edatMe.
.

Hi
m:That
’st
hespi
ri
t.Andi
suppor
tyou.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Iy
awned.
.

Hi
m:Ti
red?

Me:
Yasuddenl
yif
eel
sosl
eepy

Hest
oodup.
.

Hi
m:Dr
inky
ourmedssoy
oucansl
eep

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hegotmewat
ert
henIdr
ankmypi
l
lsandt
ri
edsl
eepi
ng………
Unfor
tunat
elyi
coul
dn’
tsl
eep,
ihadt
hisTer
ri
bleheadache.I
twasevenmaki
ngmenauseat
ed
thati
slowl
ygotupandmademywaytothebathr
oom.Iwasev env
erydi
zzy….

Igottothebathr
oom andst
art
edvomit
ing,
aft
ervomiti
ngaf
ewt
imest
heHeadachewas
gett
ingbett
er…Iri
nsedmymout ht
henopenedthedoor.
.

Asi
wasaboutt
ost
epout
,isawt
hedoct
orst
andi
ngnextt
omybedhol
dingasy
ringe.
.

Doc:
Diel
i
ttl
ebi
tch!
!

Sheopenedmycover
sandreali
sediwasn’
tther
e..Shet
hent
urnedar
oundandsawme
Standi
ngatt
hedooroft
hebathroom.
.

Her
:It
sti
mef
ory
out
odi
e!!

Iqui
ckl
ycl
osedandl
ockedt
hedoor
..Shest
art
edbangi
ngoni
t.
.

Her
:Openup!
!

Imov
edbackwar
ds,
iwasscar
edt
hati
wasev
enShaki
ng.
.

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
?

Iwon’
tli
e,i
wasv
eryscar
edandscr
eami
ng.
.

Her
:Youdonotmesswi
tht
heMqel
afami
l
y!!

OhhhLor
dWhatdi
digetmy
sel
fint
o?

PART30SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
43]Ron:
PART31SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwasstil
ltr
appedinthebathroom scar
edashell.Youknowwhenadr
enali
necr
eepsinyoueven
for
getthatyouinj
ured.Af
terawhileshestoppedbangingont
hedoor
.Iwasscaredtoopen,
whatifshe’
snotgonewhati fshe’
sjustst
andingther
eagainwai
ti
ngformetoopen……

Af
terappr
oxi
mat
ely10mi
nther
ewasaknock,
myhear
tski
ppedabi
tagai
n..

Voi
ce:
Funekaar
eyout
her
e?

Soundedl
i
ket
hemal
enur
se.Isl
owl
ygotupandopened,
itwast
hemal
enur
se….

Igotoutandhuggedhi
m..

Hi
m:What
’swr
ongar
eyouokay
?

Ishookmyheadnoaf
terwehadbr
okent
hehug.
.
Hewal
kedmet
omybed,
andi
satt
her
e..

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?Youl
ookl
i
key
ouhav
eseenaghostorsomet
hing

Af
teri
hadcomposedmy
sel
fandgat
her
edst
rengt
h,i
star
tedt
alki
ng.
.

Me:
Shet
ri
edt
oki
l
lme.
.

Hi
m:Whot
ri
edt
oki
l
lyou?

Me:
TheDoct
ort
ri
edt
oki
l
lme…

Hi
m:Wai
t,y
ounotmaki
nganysense.
.

Aswewer
etal
ki
ng,
thedoct
orwal
kedi
nandact
edl
i
kenot
hinghappened.
.

Her
:Howi
smypat
ientdoi
ng?

Ihel
dont
othenur
se’
shandt
ightandandi
didn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Shecameupt
omeandFearj
ustcr
eepedi
n…Sheputherhandonmyf
orehead.

Her
:it
hinkweshoul
dsedat
eher
..

Me:
Sedat
emef
orwhat
?

Her:
Darl
i
ngyouhavebeenthroughal
ot.Sl
eepi
ngmustbebr
ingi
ngy
ouni
ght
mar
eshey
,
ni
ghtmar
esofwhathappened.
.

Me:
iam f
ine.
.

Shel
ookedatt
heNur
se.
.

Her
:Gett
hedi
sposabl
esy
ringeandt
heAmpul
e..

TheNur
sel
ookedatme,
andt
henl
ookedatt
heDoct
or.
.

Nur
se:
I’
m sor
ryDocbuti
thi
nkFuni
isj
ustf
ine.
.

Thedoct
orl
ookedathi
m,shewasst
art
ingt
ogetabi
tir
ri
tat
ed.
.

Her
:I’
m sor
ryt
hel
astt
imei
remember
edi
am t
heDoct
orher
e,Ist
udi
edf
or6y
ear
s..

Nurse:
ifi
remembercorrect
lywemost
lysedat
eagi
tatedandPar
anoi
dpat
ients.Funil
ooksj
ust
f
inetome,unl
essOfcauseyouwantmetogetasecondopini
onfr
om t
heotherdoctor
s…

Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.Shet
hensmi
l
ed,
buti
twasaconni
vi
ngsmi
l
e…

Her
:Fi
nei
gety
ourpoi
nt.

Shel
ookedatme.
Her
:iguesswewi
l
lseeeachot
hert
omor
rowFuni
…

Af
tersay
ingt
hatshewal
kedout
..Il
ookedatt
heNur
se.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hi
m:I
tsokay
.

Me:
Whaty
oudi
dpr
ovest
omet
haty
oubel
i
eveme.
.

Heexhal
edl
oudl
y…

Hi
m:i
don’
tli
keher
.Ther
e’ssomet
hingsi
nist
erabouther
.Soy
a,i
bel
i
evey
ou.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Ther
e’snot
hingmor
egr
eatassomeonebel
i
evi
ngy
ou.
.

TheNur
sechi
l
ledi
nmywar
dfort
her
estoft
heday
,unt
ilatni
ght
..

Me:
Isn’
tsupposedt
obet
heendofy
ourshi
ft
?

Hi
m:i
tisbuti
cannotl
eav
eyoual
onei
nthi
sst
ate.
.

Hewassoosweet
..

Me:
iappr
eci
atet
hat
..

Hi
m:i
wantt
ogetussomet
hingt
oeat
,buti
don’
twannaLeav
eyoual
one.

Me:
Ifi
t’
sal
l
owedwecangot
oget
her
…

Hi
m:i
thi
nkt
hat
’sagoodi
dea.
.

Hehel
pedmegetoutofbedwewalkeduptothecanteen,
andisatdownatthet
abl
eashegot
ussomet
hingt
oeat
..Thecant
eenwasabitempty,j
ustafewpeopleweret
here.
.

Hecamebackwi
thbur
ger
sandcool
dri
nks.
.

Hi
m:Wecan’
teather
e,i
t’
sforst
affonl
y

Me:
Ohwy
a

Ist
oodupandwewentt
omywar
d..

Hi
m:i
figur
edt
haty
oubet
ir
edoft
hishospi
tal
food…

Me:
iam.
.

West
art
edeat
ing.
.Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
idi
dn’
tgety
ourname…

Hi
m:Mar
vin,
Nur
seMar
vinBr
own.
.

Me:
Howdi
ditcomeaboutf
ory
out
obeanur
se?

Him:Iwantedtodomedi ci
nebutunf
ort
unat
elypar
ent
sCoul
dn’
taf
for
d,sot
obei
nthemedi
cal
f
iel
di wentfornur
sing.
.

Me:
Ther
e’snomuchmal
enur
ses

Hi
m:t
ruet
hat
..

Me:
YounotGayar
eyou?

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:NoI
’
m st
rai
ght
…

Me:
That
’sgood.
.

Myheadachest
art
ed,
icl
osedmyey
es.
.

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Me:
Thi
sexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
nigeti
nmyheadhasst
art
edagai
n..

Hi
m:Letmegety
ousomepai
nki
l
ler
s…Tr
ytaki
ngaf
ewbi
tesandI
’
llber
ightback…

Me:
Okay

Hequi
ckl
yranoutasi
for
cedmy
sel
ftoeat
……

Mybi
ggestf
earwal
kedi
nasi
waseat
ing.

Hi
m:Bunj
u

Iswearf
oramomentev
ery
thi
ngst
opped.
.Mymi
ndf
rozei
didn’
tknowhowt
oreact
..

Hewal
kedcl
oserandt
ookaseat
,het
henl
ookedatt
hef
ood….
.

Him:i
payalotofmoneyher
efory
out
ogett
hebestandt
heyf
eedi
ngy
out
hisnonsense,
thi
s
ver
yunheal
thy…

Mymout
hwentdr
yimmedi
atel
y.

Me:
What
…whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Hi
m:I
’
m her
etoseey
ou.
.

Iwaspani
cki
ng,
ilookedf
ort
hepani
cbut
tonandi
wasaboutt
opr
essi
t.Hecameandputhi
s
handonmymout
h..

Hi
m:Let
’snotov
err
eact

Mybr
eat
hingsei
zed…It
hensawMar
vinwal
ki
ngi
n.

Mar
vin:
Heywhatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hi
m:St
andwher
eyouar
e

Mar
vin:
I’
m cal
l
ingsecur
it
y

Zukot
ookouthi
sgum andpoi
ntedi
tatMar
vin.
.

Zuko:
Doy
ouknowwhoi
am?

Me:
Z..Zuko.
.I.

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Shutt
hef
uckup.

Het
henl
ookedatMar
vin.
.

Hi
m:i
nev
erwannaseey
oui
nthi
swar
dev
eragai
n,i
wil
lhav
eanewnur
seAssi
gnedf
orme…

Me:
Zuko.
.Pl
ease.
.

Zuko:
Funi
isai
dshutt
hef
uckup!Idon’
twannahur
tyoumor
ethani
alr
eadydi
d..

Zuko:Wewi
l
lgot
other
ecept
ionandy
ouwi
l
ltel
lthem t
haty
ounol
ongerwannabeFuni
’
s
Nurse.
.

Me:
Zukol
i
sten…

Hi
m:Funi
i.
.

Me:
Someonet
ri
edt
oki
l
lme.
.

Hel
ower
edhi
sgunandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:What
?

Il
ookedatMar
vinashesl
owl
ywal
kedbackwar
ds,
theni
lookedatZukoagai
n…

Me:
aDoct
ort
ri
edt
oki
l
lme.
.

Hi
m:Wt
f?

Al
li
nal
liwashopi
ngt
hatMar
vincomesbackwi
thhel
psoon
PART31SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
44]Ron:
PART32SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Nur
seBr
owndi
dn’
twast
eti
me,
hecamewi
th3secur
it
ieswi
thi
ntheper
iodof5mi
n..

Hi
m:Cany
oupl
easegett
hismanoutofher
e.Hei
sat
hreatt
omypat
ientandhei
sar
med.
.

Theyquickl
yrestr
ainedhi
m,het
ri
edput
ti
ngupafi
ghtbuthel
ost
.Af
terr
est
rai
ninghi
m,t
hey
walkedhim out
..NurseBr
owncametomeandhuggedme.

Hi
m:Di
dhet
ryt
ohur
tyou?

Ishookmyheadno.

Hi
m:Nowi
cancl
ear
lyseet
haty
ounotsaf
eher
e..

Me:
Hewon’
tst
opunt
ilheki
l
lsme.
.

Him:
iwil
lal
waysmakesur
ethaty
ouar eguardedespeci
all
ywheniknockoffi
nthemor
ning.
Youmustal
way
shaveaguardatyourdoor,
andanur seherei
nyourward.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
.

Hesatdown.
.

Hi
m:Wast
hathi
m?

Inoddedmyheady
eswi
thmyey
escl
osed.
.

Hi
m:Hedi
dn’
tseem okayt
ome,
imeanwhocomesatt
hehospi
tal
wit
hagun.
.

Me:
Hisbi
pol
ar

Hi
m:Thati
saser
iousment
aldi
sor
deri
shet
aki
ngmedi
cat
ionf
ori
t?

Me:
Hedoesn’
tdr
inkhi
spi
l
lsr
egul
arl
y.
.

Hi
m:i
figur
edt
hatout
..

Me:
iwi
sht
hathecoul
dleav
emeal
one.
.

Hehel
dmyhand.
.

Hi
m:Wewi
l
lmakehi
m payf
orwhathedi
dtoy
ou.
.

Ij
ustnoddedmyhead.
.

Hi
m:Whydon’
tyout
ryt
ogetsomer
est
,iwi
l
lseather
eandguar
dyou.
.
Me:
Won’
tyougett
ir
ed?

Hi
m:I
’
m aNur
se,
I’
m usedt
oni
ght
shi
ft
s..

Atl
easti
cansl
eeppeacef
ull
ywi
thNur
seBr
ownt
her
e,hei
stheonl
yonei
trusther
e….

I
twashar
dsl
eepi
ng.I
’
dgetni
ght
mar
esofZukoat
tacki
ngmet
hatni
ght
,itwasj
ustcr
azy
…

Nur
seBrownsatt
hereandreadaNovel
whi
l
eguar
ding,
ial
sosawaguar
dst
andi
ngatt
hedoor
t
hatmademyparanoi
aabitbett
er…

Iwokeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
andNur
seBr
ownwasn’
tar
oundi
nst
eadi
sawaf
emal
esi
tt
ing
ther
e..

Me:
Wher
eisNur
seBr
own?

Her
:Nur
seBr
ownwenthome,
heonl
ydoesni
ght
shi
ft
s..

Me:
Ohw

Her
:iam Mel
i
ssaandi
wil
lbehol
dingi
nforhi
m,unt
ilhi
sni
ght
shi
ft
..

TheQuest
ioni
s,cani
trusther
?

Her
:Whydon’
tyougoandt
akeashower
,andt
henwe’
l
ltakei
tfr
om t
her
e..

Igotoutofbedandwentt
othebat
hroom,
imadesur
ethati
lockt
hedoorIdi
dn’
twanther
creepi
nguponme……

Aft
ershower
ing,
idr
iedmybody
,appl
i
edl
oti
onandt
henputont
hehospi
tal
gownandwent
backtomybedagai
n…

Mel
i
ssahadmademybedni
cel
y,t
henshewentt
ogetmebr
eakf
astwhi
l
eil
aidont
hebed.
.

Shecamebackwi
thscr
ambl
edeggs,
bacon,
sausages,
andt
oast
edbr
eadwi
thj
uiceont
he
si
de…

Her:
Browntol
dmet
haty
oudon’
treal
l
yli
kehospi
tal
food,
soi
thoughty
ouwi
l
lpr
obabl
y
appr
eci
atet
his.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou,
that
’sv
eryki
ndofy
ou…

Asi
bentdownt
opi
ckupt
hej
uice,
ifel
ttheexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
nagai
ninmyhead.
.

Her
:Takei
teasy
..

Shel
aidmebackandputt
het
rayonmyt
highs…
Her
:bet
tereatf
astbef
oret
hedoct
orcat
chesy
ou…

Me:
Isi
ttheFemal
edoct
oragai
n?

Her
:No,
DrSmi
thi
ssuspended.
.

Me:
Whathappened?

Her
:Thankhospi
tal
managementsawt
hef
oot
agewhenshet
ri
edt
oat
tacky
ou.
.Shemi
ghtgo
t
ojai
lforal
ongti
me..

Wowt
hatwasgoodt
ohear
..

Me:
That
’sgoodnews

Her
:I’
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened,
wehav
enev
erhadsuchi
nci
dencesi
nthi
shospi
tal
Bef
ore.
.

Me:
Itwasshocki
ngwhathappened.
.

TheDoct
orcamet
ocheckuponmel
ater
.Thi
sti
mei
twasahe,
andhedi
dn’
tlookl
i
kehewas
sentt
oki
llme.
.

Hi
m:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
hismor
ningMi
ss.
.

Shel
ookedatmyf
il
e….

Hi
m:Mi
ssFuneka

Me:
exceptf
ort
heconst
antshar
ppai
nthati
geti
nmyhead,
I’
mfi
ne.
.

Heunr
oll
edt
hebandagef
rom myhead.
.

Hi
m:Thest
it
chesar
est
il
li
ntact
.It
hinkweshoul
dn’
tputt
hebandageany
mor
e..

Iputmyhandonmyhead,
icoul
dn’
tfeel
myhai
rtheonl
ythi
ngi
fel
twer
eaf
ewst
it
ches…

Me:
am i
bal
d?

Dr
:Yes,
buty
oust
il
ll
ookgooddon’
twor
ry

Me:
idoubtt
hat
..

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Youar
easur
viv
orofabr
utal
att
ack,
thatmakesy
oubeaut
if
ul.
.

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hel
ookedatt
heNur
se.
.
Hi
m:I
bupr
ofenwi
l
lbegoodpr
efer
abl
y400mg.

Heputhi
shandonmyf
orehead…

Him:Shedoesn’
thaveaf
eversoidon’
tthi
nkpar
acet
amolwi
llbenecessar
y,pl
usI
bupr
ofeni
sa
goodanal
gesiconit
sowntoo.Andgiv
ehersomevit
ami
nstoo..

Mel
i
ssa:
I’
m oni
tdoct
or

Dr
:iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowMi
ss.
.

Hel
ookedatmyf
il
eagai
n..

Me:
MissFuneka

Hi
m:i
twi
l
ltakemeawhi
l
etogetusedt
othename.
.

Me:
ItsokayDr
…

Hi
m:DrCowen.
.

Me:
DrCowen.
.

Hechuckl
ed,
ial
sochuckl
ed.
.

Hel
ookedy
oung,
andv
eryat
tract
ive…

Hi
m:Tr
ytogetsomer
est

Me:
Ain’
tthatacl
assi
cli
net
hatal
lthedoct
orst
ell
thei
rpat
ient
s?

Hechuckl
edagai
n..

Hi
m:Thenaskt
henur
set
otakey
ououtf
orawal
k…

Me:
PssshhhI
’
m sur
eil
ookl
i
keamonst
er,
idon’
twannascar
epeopl
e..

Hi
m:i
fmonst
ersdoexi
st,
theny
ouabeaut
if
ulone.
.

Igi
ggl
ed…

Me:
Don’
tpl
aywi
thme.
.

Hi
m:Youdon’
tbel
i
evet
hatI
’
m beaut
if
ul?

Me:
Wel
lnotaf
tert
his.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
What
?
Hi
m:I
’
llt
akey
ououtonadat
etomor
row,
not
hingmuchbutwe’
l
lgetsomet
hingatt
hecant
een.
.

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:wi
l
lthatmakey
ouf
eel
beaut
if
ul?

Me:
iguessso.
.

Hesmi
l
edatMe.
.

Hi
m:Tomor
rowi
tist
hen.
.

Ismil
edathimtoo.
.Oursweetmomentwasi nt
err
upt
edbysomeonecl
ear
ingt
hei
rthr
oat
..We
concent
rat
edonthedooranditwasBongi
,shewaswithNol
uvuy
o..

Iwonderwhatshe’
sdoi
ngher
e..

PART32SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
45]Ron:
PART33SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

DrCowenwal kedoutasBongiandNol
uvuy
owalkedi
ntosi
tonthatsmallbenchnexttomybed.
Bongil
ookedatme, shedi
dn’tbel
i
evet
hatahumanbei
ngcanenduresuchabr ut
alat
tackand
st
il
lli
vetotel
lthestor
y….

Bongi
:Howar
eyouFuni
?

Me:
iwi
shi
coul
dsayt
hatI
’
mfi
nebut
..

Her
:iunder
stand.
.

Iwi
sht
heycoul
djustsaywhyt
heyher
eal
ready
..

Bongi
:Ar
etheyt
reat
ingy
ougoodher
e?Howar
etheNur
ses?

It
houghtoft
ell
i
ngheraboutt
heAt
tackf
rom t
hatDoct
or,
butt
heni
t’
snoneofherbusi
ness.
.

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne.
.

Her:Areyousur
ebecausei
fev
ery
thi
ngi
snotgoodt
henwecanhav
eyougot
oanot
her
hospit
al…

Me:
I’
mfi
neBongi
thanky
ou.
.

Shest
oppedf
ussi
ngandl
ookedatme.
.

Her:i
am sosor
ryaboutwhathappened,
icannotbegi
ntoi
magi
net
hepai
nthaty
ougoi
ng
t
hrough.
.
Me:
I’
ll
beokay
…

Her
:Hav
eyout
alkedt
othepol
i
ce?

Me:
about
?

Her
:aboutt
heAt
tack?

Me:
Noty
et.
.

Vuy
o:Doy
our
ememberwhoat
tackedy
out
hatni
ght
?

Ar
etheyki
ddi
ng?Of
causei
rememberwhoat
tackedMe…

Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elynot
..

Isawasi
gnofr
eli
eff
rom her
..

Her
:Wel l
uhm Zukohasal
readytal
kedt
othepol
i
ceony
ourbehal
f.Hei
dent
if
iedt
hecul
pri
tsand
t
heylockedupaswespeaking.
.

If
akedasmi
l
e..

Me:
That
’sgood

Shesmi
l
edt
oo.

Her
:That
’sv
erygood.
.

Nol
uvuy
ocl
ear
edherThr
oat
..

Bongi:Ohwyauhm. .Wehavedeci
dedt hatsi
nceyougoingtobeourbri
desoon,wewouldli
ke
totakeyoutoschoolsoyoucanstudyFashiondesi
gnandweal sogonnapayfory
ourFather
’s
tr
eatmentunti
lyouworkandcanaffordtopayforhi
streatment
..

Wow,soshewannahideherson’
sdi
sgr
acebyusi
ngmi
net
obr
ibeme.
.Noamountofmoney
canf
ixwhatZukodi
dtome..

Me:
uhm t
hat
’sbi
g..

Her
:it
’sourGi
ftt
oyou…

Me:
Bongi
youdon’
thav
etoo.
.

Her:iwantt
oo..Funil
ookwenotsayi
ngthaty
ouarenotgoodenoughf ormyson,
buttheMqel
a
famil
yisver
yeducated.Ev
enourrel
ati
veshol
dver
yhighqual
if
icat
ions.Doyouknowthatmy
sist
er’
ssonisstudyi
ngatEngl
and?

Me:
Noi
didn’
tknow…
Her
:Wel
lhei
s.Don’
ttaket
hist
hewr
ongway
,butwedon’
twanty
out
obet
heoddoneout
..

Me:
Ohw

Her
:ihopet
hatdi
dn’
tcomeacr
ossasmedespi
singy
ou…

Me:
Notatal
l
..

Shesmi
l
ed.
.

Her
:iguesswecangonowNol
uvuy
o..Uhm Funi
wewi
l
lseey
ousomeot
hert
ime.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngt
ovi
sitme…

Shest
oodupandhuggedme.

Her
:Any
time.
.

Nol
uvuy
ohuggedmet
oo.
.

Vuy
o:getwel
lsoonwest
il
lhav
eaweddi
ngt
opl
an,
andI
’
mtal
ki
ngabouty
ourweddi
ng

Me:
I’
ll
try
.

Thent
heyl
eft
..

Thener
vet
hough!
..Ir
eal
l
ydon’
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
tht
heMqel
afami
l
yatal
l
…..

Iwaschi
l
ledi
nmywardt
hewholedayj
ustwat
chi
ngTVandl
azi
ngar
ound.Myf
atherdi
dn’
t
cometoseemewhi
chwasunl
i
kehim,unl
esshi
ssick……

Jozi
camet
oseemeatar
ound16:
00shewasal
lal
one….

Her
:Heycuz

Shehuggedme…

Me:
hi…

Her
:iv
ebr
oughty
oukf
cihopei
t’
sgoodenough.
.

Sheputi
tonmyshel
f.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngmymi
ndwasf
araway
,ver
yfaraway
….

Jozi
:Funi
..

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
Huh?
Her
:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Me:
Yai
am.
.

Her
:Don’
tli
etome.

Il
etoutasi
gh.
.

Me:
whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ousawmyf
ather
?

Her
:Thatt
imewhenwewer
eher
e..

Me:
Thatwast
hel
astt
imey
ousawhi
m?

Her
:Yesbae,
what
’swr
ong?

Me:
idon’
tknowi
t’
sjustunusual
forhi
m nott
ocomeandv
isi
t.

Her
:May
behedoesn’
thav
emoneyf
oracab.
.Youknowt
axi
far
eisexpensi
vet
hisday
s….

Me:
Yamay
be…

Her
:nowdon’
twor
ryl
oosenupabi
t.
.

Jozi
chi
l
ledwi
thmeunt
il18:
00,
wej
ustt
alkedaboutr
andom t
hingsi
trul
yenj
oyherpr
esence….

Shelef
tassoonasnur
seBr
owncamei
nforhi
sshi
ft
,andpr
omi
sedt
ocomeandv
isi
t
tomorr
ow…..

Br
own:
Howar
eyou?

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
ehuggi
ngme…

Me:
I’
mfi
net
hanksandy
ou?

Hi
m:I
’
m good.
.Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou

Me:
Nur
seMel
i
ssawasgoodt
ome

Hi
m:i
trustherwi
thmyl
i
fet
hatone.
.

Me:
Youshoul
dbecauseshe’
sgood.
.

Hi
m:Whatcani
dof
ory
ou?

Me:
Not
hingmuchhey
,justsi
tdownandl
et’
stal
k..

Hepul
l
edupt
hebenchandsatdown.Aswewer
eaboutt
ohav
eani
cechat
,Zukowal
kedi
n..

Br
own:
presst
hebut
tonhel
pwi
l
lcomev
eryf
ast
..
Ir
eachedf
ort
hebut
ton.
.

Zuko:
iwoul
dn’
tdot
hati
fiwasy
ou…

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Hewashol
dingat
ab.
.Hecamet
omeandgav
emet
het
ab.
.

Hi
m:i
woul
dwat
chv
erycar
eful
l
yifi
waswi
thy
ou.
.

Hepl
ayedsomevi
deoandicouldn’
tbel
ievewhatisaw.I
tmademyheartsi
nk,i
tmademy
st
omachtur
nint
hatidr
oppedthetab.
.Ilookedathi
m wit
htear
sinmyeyes.
.

Hi
m:May
beweshoul
dtal
khey
..

Hesatdown.
.Il
ookedathi
m

PART33SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
46]Ron:
PART34SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ihavenev ercameacr osssuchanEvil

person.TheVideoshowedmyf at
herlayingonwhat
l
ookedl i
keahospi tal bed,
buticoul
dclearl
ytel
lfr
om hissurr
oundi
ngsthathewasn’ tata
hospi
tal.Theyperformedanopenhear tsur
geryonhim,andputsomethinginhisheartthat
l
ookedl i
keasmal lcr eatur
ewhichwassqueezinghisheartever
ynowandt hen.IlookedatZuko
wit
hey esf ul
loft
ear s..

Me:
Yousi
ckbast
ard!

Hi
m:i
don’
tthi
nkt
hat
’ssomet
hingni
cet
osay
..

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?

Him:Yousee,
that
’sapar
asi
te.I
t’
ssl
owl
ysqueezi
nghi
shear
tandi
fit
’snotr
emov
edsoonhi
s
hear
twon’tmakei
t..

Me:
WhyZuko?Whati
sitt
haty
ouwantf
rom me?

Hi
m:Somet
hingt
hatI
’
veal
way
swant
ed,
iwanty
out
omar
ryme.
.

Br
own:
Youcannotf
orcesomeonet
omar
ryy
oubyput
ti
ngt
hroughsomet
hingl
i
ket
his.
.

Zukol
ookedame.
.

Hi
m:Whoi
sthi
sfool
?

Il
ookedatNur
seBr
own.
Me:
Pleasegi
veussomef
ewmi
nut
es

Br
own:
I’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e

Me:
Brownpl
ease.
.

Hel
ookedatZukot
henl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Fi
ne.
.Ifsomet
hinghappensdon’
thesi
tat
etopr
esst
hebuzzer

Me:
iwon’
t.
.

Het
henwal
kedout
..Il
ookedatZuko.

Hi
m:idi
dmyl i
tt
ler
esear
chonyou.Youdon’
thav
eaf
ami
l
yot
hert
hany
ourFat
her
.Soi
fhedi
es
t
hati
sgoingt
obetheendofyou.
.

Ihadnost
rengt
htoar
gueorf
ighthi
m..

Hi
m:I’
m gi
vi
ngyouanoppor
tuni
tyofali
fet
ime.Mar
rymeandi
promi
set
ogi
vey
out
hebestl
i
fe
ev
er,
andyouar
egonnasaveyourFat
her.
.

Iwasj
ustl
ayi
ngonmybedwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown…

Hel
eanedcl
oserandwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Hi
m:ComeonFuni
,i
t’
snotl
i
keI
’
m aski
ngy
out
osacr
if
icey
ourl
i
fe.
.

Zukocannotbeahumanbeing,
nohumanbei
ngcandot
hist
oanot
herhumanbei
ng.
.Hest
ood
upandkissedmeonmyforehead.

Hi
m:t
hinkabouti
t,andknowt
haty
our
unni
ngoutoft
ime.
.

Hel
ookedathi
stab.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m gonnal
eav
either
e,I
’
m sur
eitwi
l
lhel
pyout
omakeagoodchoi
ce….

Af
tersay
ingt
hathewal
kedout
..

Itookthetabandthr
ewitont hef
loor
.WhyisZukoPit
tonmet hroughsomuchpai
n?You
cannotsaythaty
oulovesomeonebutt hent
reatt
hem l
iket
his.
.Hei sabusi
ngmement
all
y,
physi
call
y,andemoti
onal
ly.Idon’
tknowhowmuchoft hisi
cant ake…

Br
ownCamebackasi
wassi
tt
ingt
her
ecr
ying.

Hi
m:Youcannotmar
ryhi
m Funi
,wewi
l
lfi
ndaway
..

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
Zukoi
sdanger
ous.Thebestt
hingt
odoi
stoj
ustgi
vehi
m whathewant
s…
Br
own:
Wet
alki
ngabouty
ourl
i
feher
e

Me:
Andwet
alki
ngaboutmyf
ather
’sl
i
feher
e..Whatwoul
dibewi
thouthi
m?

Br
own:
Youf
orget
ti
ngonet
hing.
.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:HeisnotGod,hei
sahumanbei ng..Thi
sZukoofy
our
shast
ohav
eaf
law.Whenwef
ind
hi
sfl
awsthenwecannotuset
hem againsthi
m…

Iunder
standwhatNur
seBr
ownwassay
ing,
butt
hati
sgonnat
akel
ong.
.

3day
spassedwi
thmesti
ll
thi
nki
ngaboutwhathappened.Icannotl
osemyfat
her
,imeani
fhe
di
esmyGrandmai
sfi
nal
l
ygonnakickmeoutofthathouseandwher ewoul
dIgo?

Ihadcal
lZukot
ocomet
odaybecauseIwant
edt
olethi
minaboutt
hedeci
siont
hati
hav
e
made………

Itdi
dn’
ttakehimlongtoarri
ve,whi
chjustgoestoshowhowmucht hi
sisi
mport
anttohim.
.He
stoodatthedoorall
looki
ngathim.Ial
solookedathim andthoughtt
omysel
fwhatdri
vessuch
acuteguytodot hethi
ngsthathedoes.Iwisht
hathisheartwasasgoodashowhelookson
theoutsi
de..

Hesl
owl
ymadehi
swayt
ome.

Hi
m:Ey

Me:
hi

Hegr
abbedt
hebenchandSatdown.
.

Me:
ithoughtaboutwhaty
ousai
d

Hi
m:And?

Me:
I’
ll
doi
t.
.I’
l
lMar
ryy
ou.
.

Hesmi
l
edatme.
.

Hi
m:i
knewt
haty
ousmar
t.That
’st
hebestdeci
siony
ou’
vemade.
.

I
fonlyheknewthatI
’
m doi
ngthisformyf
ather,
assoonasyoufat
heri
sokayi
wil
lfi
ndawayt
o
getawayfr
om Zukoeveni
fitmeanscommitt
ingsui
cidei
wil
l
..

Hi
m:Sowheny
ougetdi
schar
gedy
ou’
l
lcomeandl
i
vewi
thme.
.

Me:
Okay

Hi
m:Funi
iknowt
haty
ouhav
einsecur
it
iesaboutme,
buti
assur
eyout
hatwegonnahav
ethe
bestr
elat
ionshi
pev
er.
.

I
’
dli
ket
oseet
hat
..

Ij
ustsi
gnedmydeat
hwar
rant
y..

PART34SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
47]Ron:
PART35SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Somet i
mesi nlif
ewear efacedwi t
hdiff
icul
ti
esthatcr
it
icaldecisi
onshavetobemadei norder
tosavet hosethatwelove.Ilovemyfathermor et
hanli
feitself
,andiam notgoi
ngtolethi
m die
l
ikethis..
Ihadagreedtomar ryZukoinexchangeformyf ather’
sli
fe,
agreei
ngtomarryhim was
l
ikesigningmysoul tothedev i
lbutwhatcani say
?Ireall
yneedt oseemyf at
heral
i
ve.Seeing
himint hatvi
deov ul
nerabl
elikethatt
rul
ykil
ledmedeepi nside…

TodayIwasget
ti
ngdischar
ged,
Zukowi
l
lcomeandf
etchmebecausehewant
smet
omov
ein
wit
hhim per
manent
ly….

Iwasst
andi
ngt
her
einmywar
dwi
thNur
seBr
ownf
ixi
ngmyhat
.

Hi
m:Thi
shatsui
tsy
ouv
erywel
l
…

Icoul
dn’
tgoouti
npubl
i
cwi
thal
lthosest
it
chesandscar
s..

Me:
Thanky
ou

Heputhi
shandsonmyshoul
der
s..

Hi
m:Best
rong,
wear
egonnagethi
mrememberhei
snotGod.
.

Isatdownont
hebed.

Hi
m:Youhav
emynumberst
oredi
fany
thi
nghappenscal
lme.
.

Nur
seBr
ownhast
hisi
deat
hatwemustgetsomet
hingonZuko,
somet
hingt
obr
eakhi
m wi
th….

Me:
ijustwantt
obr
eakhi
m,i
wanty
oucr
ushhi
ssoul
thesamewayt
hathedi
dtomi
ne…

Hesatnextt
ome.
.

Hi
m:Youar
est
rongFuni
,andwegonnagett
hrought
his.
.

Me:
ihopeso.
.

Zukowal
kedi
nonusst
il
ltal
ki
ngl
i
ket
hat
..

Zuko:
Goodmor
ning

Wegr
eet
edback…
Br
own:
I’
ll
gogety
ourmedsatt
hedi
spensar
y…

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hest
oodupandwent
..Zukocamecl
oserandki
ssedme.

Hi
m:I
’
m sohappyt
hatt
odayI
’
m Br
ingi
ngy
ouhome…

If
akedasmi
l
e..

Hi
m:Wecandot
hisFuni
,wehav
eourwhol
eli
vesaheadofus.
.

Iser
iousl
ywonderwhyZukowant
smet
omar
ryhi
m soobad.
.

Me:
ihav
eoner
equest

Hi
m:What
?

Me:
iwoul
dli
ket
oseemyf
ather

Hi
m:No.
.

Me:
Please,
ijustwannaseehi
m..

Hesi
ghed.
.

Hi
m:Okaywe’
l
lgoandy
oucanseehi
m…

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Nur
seBr
owncamebackwi
thmymedsandgav
emeahug,
whi
l
eWhi
sper
ingi
nmyear
..

Hi
m:Best
rong.
.

Iwi
shicoul
dbest
rong.
.Af
teraf
ewsecondswebr
oket
hehugandi
bidhi
mfar
ewel
lthenwe
l
eft
….

Zukodidn’twannat
akeanychances,
sohebl i
ndf
oldedmeal lt
hewaytowhereiwasgonnasee
myfather.Hemadeitcl
eart
hatishouldn’
tknowt
her out
eincasei
tryt
ocontactt
hepoli
ce….
.

Wegott her
e,andhet ookt
hebli
ndf ol
doff.Itl
ookedlikeanabandonedwar ehousei
nthe
middl
eofnowher e,westar
tedwalkingtotheentrance..Iwasnervous,
iwant edtodi
eimean
seei
ngmyf atheri
nthatcondi
ti
onisgoingt okil
lme..Thei nsi
deofthatplacewaspurewhit
e,i
sawalotofchemicalsandwhatlookedli
kescientist
sbusymi xingchemicals.
.Soall
thi
speopl
e
workforZuko…

Weweremadet
owearthosewhi
tesui
tsbecauseappar
ent
lymyf
atherwas“
highl
ycont
agi
ous”
andt
henwewer
etakentohi
m..

Seei
nghi
mlay
ingt
her
ejustdi
dthi
ngst
ome.Hel
ookedv
eryv
ulner
abl
ewi
tht
hatpar
asi
tesl
owl
y
squeezi
nghi
shear
t…

Al
thoughhewasunconsci
ous,
icoul
dseet
hathewasf
ight
ingt
ost
ayal
i
ve.
.

Idon’
tknowwhatt
onameZuko,
ther
eisnohumanbei
ngwhocandosucht
oanot
herhuman
bei
ng..

Icoul
dn’tt
akei
tanymor
e,i
Walkedoutoft
hatr
oom i
ntear
s..It
hent
ookof
fthesui
tandWal
ked
outwit
hZukofoll
owi
ngme..

Hi
m:Funi
!.
.

It
urnedar
ound.
.

Me:
Leav
emeal
oneZuko!
!!

Her
anaf
termeunt
ilhecaughtupwi
thhi
m,het
hengr
abbedmebymyar
m…

Hi
m:Seet
hisi
swhyi
didn’
twanty
out
oseehi
m..

Isl
appedhi
m acr
osst
hef
ace…

Me:
iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ouany
mor
eyouhearme?

It
henst
art
edwal
ki
ng,
idi
dn’
tknowwher
eiwaswal
ki
ngt
oobuti
keptonwal
ki
ng…

Ithenreali
sedthatev
eni
fiwalkawaybuthishol
dingmyf
ather
’shear
tcapt
ive.
.Ist
oppedand
turnedaround,
hewasstandi
ngbyhiscarandimademywayt ohim..

Whatwasr
unni
ngi
nmymi
ndwast
hati
want
edt
oki
l
lhi
m…

Hi
m:Ar
eyoudonewi
tht
hrowi
ngy
oursi
l
lyt
empert
ant
rum?

Idi
dn’tsayany
thi
ng,
iopenedt
hecardoorandwenti
n…HegotI
nonhi
ssi
deandst
art
ed
dri
vi
ng…

Hi
m:YourFat
heri
sgoi
ngt
obej
ustf
ine…

Idi
dn’
tsaynot
hing.
.

Hi
m:af
terwegetmar
ri
edi
wil
lrel
easehi
mfr
om t
hissor
row….

Wegott
ohi
shouse,
andf
ikswasatt
heki
tchenf
eedi
ngAphi
wehi
spur
it
y..

Zuko:
mol
weni
(gr
eet
ings)

Fi
kst
urnedandl
ookedatus.
.

Fi
ks:
andt
heyar
ehome.

Zuko:
Sor
ryweabi
tlat
e,west
oppedsomewher
efi
rst
..
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Fi
ks:
HiFuni
..

Me:
hif
iks.
.

Zuko:
ithi
nkFuni
needst
orestal
i
ttl
esoI
’
llwal
kherupst
air
s.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgo.
.

Welef
tthem ther
eandt
henwewal
kedupst
air
stohi
sbedr
oom…Hi
m:Thi
sisgonnabey
our
homefrom nowon..

Me:
I’
m ecst
ati
c..

Hi
m:YouknowFuni
idon’
tunder
standwhyy
ouhav
etobenegat
iveaboutt
his.
.

Inot
iceddr
ugsont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e,l
ookedl
i
kecocai
ne…

Me: di
dn’
tyourmot
herteachyouthatyoucan’
tmi
xdr
ugswi
thmeds,
especi
all
ysomeonei
n
yourcondi
ti
onyoucannotbedoingdrugs.
.

Hi
m:Don’
twor
ryaboutmeandmycondi
ti
on.
.

Il
ookedatt
hosedr
ugsandiimmediat
elyhadani
dea,
whati
fipoi
sonhi
m?Subst
it
utet
hat
cocai
nepowderwi
thadeadl
ysubst
ance..

PART35SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
48]Ron:
PART36SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iam notgonnabeonet
hosewomenwhobecomeast at
isti
cofdomest icvi
olence,ort
hekindof
womanwhoget skil
l
edbythei
rpartnert
hroughdomesti
cviolence.Iam 22andi havemywhole
l
ifeaheadofme,i
fZukothi
nksthathehasmewr appedaroundhi smiddlef
ingerthenheshoul
d
thi
nkagain….
.

Iwentbacktothebedr
oom aft
erdri
nkingmypai
nkil
ler
sandhewasstandi
ngt
her
einf
rontof
themir
rorfi
xi
nghimself
.Hewasalldressedupi
nablacksui
tasi
fli
kehewasgoi
ngtoan
i
mportantcl
assymeeti
ng,orasifl
i
kehewasmeet i
ngupwi t
hObama….

Hi
scol
ognef
il
ledt
her
oom i
ntoxi
cat
ingmeasi
Wal
kedI
n..

Hel
ookedatmet
hrought
hemi
rr
or.

Hi
m:i
am goi
ngoutf
orawhi
l
e..

Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
itwasnow16:
00ont
hedot
…
Ifi
twasn’tapublichol
idayi
wouldactual
l
ybeli
evethathewasmeet i
ngwithabusiness
associat
e,butthenagainwi
thhowgoodhelookedanot herpartofmetoldmethatheis
meetingupwi t
hawoman.I thastobeawoman, theisnoot herl
ogi
calexpl
anat
iontohowgood
helooked,towhyhewoul dtakesoomuchti
mei ntoprepari
nghimself
..

Hecameupt
omeandpeckedmeonmyl
i
ps.
.

Hi
m:I
fyougetbor
ed,
fiksandAphi
wewi
l
lkeepy
oucompany
…

Me:
Fiksdoesn’
tli
keme.
.

Hi
m:I
’
vespokent
oher
.

Me:
Itsf
ine

Hi
m:Don’
twai
tupf
orme.
.

Iwasn’
tpl
anni
ngonwai
ti
ngupf
orhi
mvel
e..

Heki
ssedmeagai
nandt
henwal
kedout
..

Iwishicouldf
indoutwhatmadeZukotobeli
kethis.Noonecanwakeuponedayanddeci
de
tobethishear
tless,
ther
ehast
obear ootf
oral
lhispainandment
alil
l
ness.
.

Iwalkedov
ertothedressi
ngtabl
eandlookedatthepict
ureofhim andhi
swife,
theylookedsoo
happyShame.Wasapi cofthei
rweddi
ngday ,
shewasi nawhitedressandhewasi nasuit
.
Theyweresmil
ingateachotherashearchedherback,
asifl
ikehewasgoingtokissher…

Iputthepi
ctur
ebacki
nitspl
ace,
andt henstar
edatt
hatsmall
plast
ict
hatcont
ainedcocai
ne.I
di
dn’twast
eanyti
mei wentandf
lusheditdownthet
oil
et……

Idi
dn’
tdomuchf ortherestoft
hatday,Iwasv er
yboredofsit
ti
ngi nt hatbedroom al
lonmy
ownwhi l
eZukowentt ofuckanotherbi
tch.Iwishicoul
dsaythati didn’tcar
eaboutthat,Iwi
shi
coul
dsayt hati
tdidn’
thurtmebutunfortunat
elyitdi
dhurtal
it
tle.Imeanapar tofmelov
ed
Zuko,andthatpartofmewi l
lal
waysbehur ti
fhisacti
onsaretohur tme…. .

I
twasnowaround18:00,
i hadj
ustbatheandwor
emypjs.Zukohadwentt
ogr
eatl
engt
hsi
n
buy
ingmecl
othesoffwhichidi
dn’tknowhowheknewmysize….

Imademywaydownstai
rsandfi
kswasSi tt
ingont
hef
looratt
heTVr
oom pl
ayi
ngwi
thAphi
we,
ist
oodt
her
elooki
ngatthem unt
ilshenot
icedme..

Me:
Sor
ryi
didn’
tmeant
oint
err
upt
..

Her
:It
sfi
ne,
youdi
dn’
tint
err
upt
..Youcanj
oinus…

Me:
Okay

Iwentt
osi
tdown.Fi
kswoul
dst
eal
looksatme,
wheni
not
icet
hatshewasl
ooki
ngatme,
she
woul
dqui
ckl
yconcent
rat
eonsomet
hingel
se.
.

Me:
Itsokay
,iknowhowhor
ri
blei
look.
.

Onet
hingi
hat
eispeopl
epi
tyi
ngme,
andf
iksl
ookedatmeasi
fli
keshewaspi
tyi
ngme.
.

Her
:It
’snotl
i
ket
hat
,justt
hat
..

Il
ookedather
,shedi
dn’
thav
eanyr
ightwor
dst
osay
..

Her
:i.
.Thosest
it
chesl
ookpai
nful
.
.

Me:
Wel
liwasoutwhenDoct
orsst
it
chedme.
.

Her
:Funi
looki
am t
rul
ysor
ry.
.

Me:
No,
pleasedon’
tdot
hat
..Don’
tpi
tyme.
.

Shekeptqui
et,
shedi
dn’
thav
eany
thi
ngt
osay
..

Me:Whydoesheactl
iket
hatt
houghFiks?Hasanythi
ngev
erhappenedt
hathur
thi
m soobad
andnowhewannainf
li
ctt
hesamepaintootherpeopl
e?

Shel
ookeddownst
il
l.
.

Me:
Fiksi
fyouknowsomet
hingpl
easet
ell
me,
icannothel
phi
mifi
don’
tknowt
het
rut
h..

Shel
ookeddownagai
ncl
ear
lyi
ndi
cat
ingt
hatshe’
shi
dingsomet
hing,
thenl
ookedatmeaf
tera
fewminut
es…

Her
:imadeMac&Cheesewantsome?

Me:
Fiks

Her
:Yi
yekeFuni
!(l
eav
eit
)

Idi
dn’
treal
l
yexpectsuchar
esponsef
rom her
..

Her
:ifhehasn’
ttol
dyout
heni
tmeanshedoesn’
twanty
ouknowi
ng!
!

Shest
oodup.
.

Her
:Doy
ouwantt
heMac&Cheeseorwhat
?

Me:
Yeasur
e.

Shequickl
ywal
kedoutoft
her
oom.Fr
om howf
ikswasact
ing,
icoul
dcl
ear
lyseet
hatshewas
hi
dingsomethi
ng….
.

I
twasusel
esspushi
ngi
tbecauseshewasn’
ttel
l
ing,
soi
justl
eti
tgo.
.
Wehadt
heMac&Cheeseshehadpr
epar
edandi
tdi
dn’
ttast
ethatbad.

Me:
Soy
out
ell
i
ngmet
haty
oupr
epar
edt
hatony
ourown?

Shel
aughed.
.

Her
:Well
notr
eal
l
y,i
justboughtMac&Cheesemat
ethenaddedmi
l
kandmagar
ineandputi
tin
t
heoven.
.

Me:
Wel
li
ttast
edgoodt
hough

Her
:Thanky
ou.
.

Myphoner
angatt
hati
nst
ant
,andi
twasbr
own.
.

Me:
Sor
ryi
hav
etot
aket
his.
.

Her
:Nopr
obl
em…

Ist
oodupandwentt
oanswert
hephoneatt
heki
tchen.
.

Me:
Brown

Hi
m:Di
dicat
chy
ouatt
hewr
ongt
ime?I
shet
her
e?

Me:
NohewentoutWadup?

Hi
m:i
hav
efoundsomet
hingi
nter
est
ingonourMai
nman.

Me:
Whati
sit
?

Hi
m:i
hav
ehi
sol
dmedi
cal
recor
ds.
.

Me:
I’
m notf
oll
owi
ng.
.

Hi
m:i
wasatt
hef
il
eroom andf
unnyenoughi
cameacr
ossZukoMqel
a’
sol
dmedi
cal
recor
ds.
.

Me:
And?

Him:Well
accor
dingt
owhatI
’
m seei
ng,
hewasbr
oughti
natt
hishospi
tal
alotwhenhewas
young.
.

Me:
Whatwast
hepr
obl
em?

Hi
m:mi
nori
njur
ies,
minorbur
ns,
shal
l
owbr
eat
hing,
andt
hel
i
stgoeson.
.

Me:
Wow.
.

Br
own:itseemsli
keZukowasal
wayssi
ckasachi
l
d,becauseonsev
eral
occasi
onshewas
br
oughtinatl
eastonceamont
h..
Me:
Lookst
hatway
…

Hi
m:Wel
lthat
’sal
ligotf
ornow.

Me:
Thanky
ouev
enThoughi
don’
tknowhowt
hati
nfor
mat
ionwi
l
lhel
pus,
butt
hanky
ou

Hi
m:Samehere,
butit
houghtishoul
dletyouknowbecausethehospi
tal
isgoi
ngt
odest
royt
he
Fi
l
estheyv
eryol
dandtheyat
tract
ingmiceint
hestor
eroom..

Me:
Wel
lthent
hanky
ou,
forl
ett
ingmeknow.
.

Hewasqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..

Me:
Brown?

Icoul
dheart
hathewaspagi
ngt
hor
oughsomet
hing.
.

Hi
m:Younotgonnabel
i
evet
his.
.

Me:
What
?..

Hi
m:Your
eal
l
ynotgonnabel
i
evet
his.
.

Me:
Whati
sitbr
own?

Hi
m: Ther
e’samedicalr
epor
therestat
ingt
hatZuko’
smotherwasar
restedaft
eri
nvest
igat
ions
pr
ovedthatshewastheonemakinghim si
ck.I
noneOccasi
onshepoisonedhim,
Doctorsfound
hi
ghamount sofsodi
um i
nhisbody.
.

Me:
Brownwhatar
eyout
ell
i
ngme?

Hi
m:i
tlooksl
i
kehi
smot
hert
ri
edt
oki
l
lhi
m al
otoft
imes,
eversi
ncehewasababy
..

Myj
awl
i
ter
all
ydr
opped.
.

PART36SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
49]Ron:
PART37SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Weal waysqui cktojudgesomeonebasedont heiractionsbef oreweactuall

ydat edeeperi nt
o
fi
ndingoutwhatmadet hispersont obethewayt hattheyar e.Idonotbelievethatthere’s
someonewhowasbor nanabuser ,ar
apist,orevenaser ialkil
l
er.Therei
ssomet hi
ngt hatled
them todowhatt heydoing, f
oreverypainthatanot herPer soninfl
ict
sonanot herpersont hatis
mainlybecauset heyalsobeenhur tal
otoftimes..Idonotmakeexcusesf oranabusi ve
behaviour
,orabadbehav i
ourbecausequi tefranklynobadactshoul dbeanexcusef oranot her
persontohurtsomeoneel se.Butcanwef orjustonesecondputour selv
esint hatperson’s
shoes?Nev erinyourlifejudgesomeonebecauseoft heiractsuntily
ouknowwhatmadet hem
tobelikethat.Mymot herwoul dsayratherPrayfort hatper sonthantojudge……

I
twasaf
tert
hatphonecal
l
,wher
eif
oundmy
sel
fsi
tt
ingont
hebedt
hinki
ngaboutZuko,
thi
nki
ng
aboutt
hepai
nhisbeenputthr
oughbyhisownmother
..
bel
i
evei
tornott
her
ear
emot
her
sout
ther
ewhoarear
ecapableofhati
ngt
heirownchi
l
dren…

Il
ookedatthet
imeandi
twasexact
ly23:
30.Iwassi
tt
ingont
hebedwait
ingforZuko,iwasn’
t
ev
enlayingont
hebediwassi
tt
ingt
herewit
hmyphonei nmymyhandsthi
nkingaboutwhat
Br
ownt oldme.
.

Thebedroom dooropenedaf terafewmi nut

es,
andhewal kedin.
.Hewasn’tdr
unk,hedi
dn’
t
evenl
ookhighhej ustlookedabittir
ed.Icoul
dn’
tevenfindtr
acesthathewaswithanot
her
woman, hewasjusthisor di
narysel
fwhichmademer eal i
sethatimi
ghthavemisj
udgedhi
m on
mystatementearl
ierthathewasmeet i
ngupwi t
hanotherwoman…

Heputhi
sphoneandcarkey
sont
opoft
hatsmal
ldr
essi
ngt
abl
eChai
r.
.

Hi
m:It
houghty
ou’
dbesl
eepi
ng,
itol
dyounott
owai
tupf
orme.
.

Il
ookedathim andmyhear tjustbrokeint
opiecesimmedi at
ely
.Hegrewupt obethismant hat
heisTodayknowingthathi smot herhadtri
edtokill
him notonce,
nottwi ce,
butseveral
times..I
meanfrom howtheirrelati
onshipis,hemustknowt hathismom doesn’tlovehim..
icanjust
i
maginehim wit
nessingt helovehisfri
endsandt hei
rmot her
ssharedwhilehewasy oung,and
knowi
ngthathedoesn’ thavet hat
.Wor sehisf
atherwasnev eri
nthepicture,hi
schil
dhood
must’
vebeenpainful
..

Il
ookedathi
slipsmoving,
hewastal
ki
ngaboutsomet
hingbuti
tfel
londeafear
s,hewasbusy
doi
nghiscuf
fl
inkstooashewastal
ki
ng..

Zukoisaveryst
rongperson,
hehasahear tofali
ontowould’v
esurvi
vedall
ofthat
.knowing
mysel
fi woul
d’
vecommi tt
edsui
cideaft
erfindi
ngoutthatmymotherdoesn’
tlov
eMe…Il ooked
athi
m, ashewastal
kingbusyshowingthatsexychar
mingsidesmil
eofhis.
.

Me:
Zukoi
lov
eyou.
.

Hest
oppedwhathewasdoi
ngandl
ookedatme…

Hi
m:What
?

Iseri
ousl
ydon’tknowwheret
hatcameFr
om,butal
liknowisthatapartofmelov
eshim,
Becauseher
ei am bei
ngshut
ter
edbyhi
spai
nimeani fidi
dn’
tlovehi
mt heni
wouldn’
tbe
feel
i
nghispain..

Ididn’
tevenreali
sethati
wasnowcrying,unti
lif
eltt
earsbur
ningmycheeksandey es.Hewas
standi
ngtherelooki
ngatme,wasthatprematureformetosay?Especial
l
ybecausehereheis
tr
y i
ngtokil
lmyf at
herandher
eiam proclai
mingmyl ov
eforhim,am ibei
ngsel
fi
sh? .
.

Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osayatt
hati
nst
antsoi
stoodupandwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me:
iam sosor
ry.
.Idon’
tknowwhatgott
ome.
.
Ist
art
edwalki
ngt ot
hedoorandbefor
eicouldeventouchthedoorhandl
e,hegrabbedmeby
myhandandpulledmeclosertohi
sshi
rt
lessbody.Al
thoughhewasshi r
tl
ess,
buti coul
dst
il
l
smell
hiscol
ogne,mytear
sf al
l
ingont
hatsmoothskin…

Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry…

Iwassobbi
ngBi
tt
erl
y,i
don’
tknowwhyt
hiswashur
ti
ngmesoobad.
.

Hi
m:I
sthi
sabouty
ourFat
her
?

Iwant
edt
osaysomet
hingbutwor
dsf
ail
edme,
butwhenev
erwor
dsf
ail
met
ear
sal
way
sfi
nd
me….

Idon’
tknowhoworwheni f
ell
asl
eep.All
irememberwasmecr y
ingandhim hol
dingme,
and
usmov ingtot
hebedt henimust’
vecri
edunti
lifel
lasl
eep.
.Igotoutofbed,
ihadan
excr
uciati
ngheadache..Iwi
shthi
sheadachescoul
dgoal r
eady.
.

Imademywaytothebat
hroom tobr
ushmyteet
handwashmyface.Myey
eswer
eswol
l
enand
abi
tredcl
ear
lyi
ndi
cat
ingthati
hadbeencr
yingt
heni
ghtbef
ore.
.

Wheni
wasdonef
resheni
ngup,
imademywaydownst
air
s……

.
.

Whil
eiwasgoi
ngdownthestai
rsisawhi m pl
ayi
ngwit
hAphiweattheki
tchenandfi
kslooked
l
ikeshewaspr
epari
ngbr
eakf
ast.
.AlthoughZukoishoweveryouwanttopainthi
m,kodwaheis
adamngoodFather
….

Imademywayt
othem.

Me:
Mor
ning.
.

Het
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Mor
ning

Hel
ookedr
eadyf
orwor
k..

Fi
ks:
HiFuni
sitdowni
madebr
eakf
ast
..

Me:
Letmej
ustdr
inkpai
nki
l
ler
sfi
rst
..

Zuko:
What
’swr
ong?

Hewashol
dingAphi
wenowi
nhi
sar
ms.

Me:
Justaheadache.

Igott
othepant
ryandgotsomepanadot
hendr
ank.
.
Zuko:
Wantmet
otakey
out
otheDoct
or?

It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:
I’
m sur
ethati
wil
lbeokay
.

HeputAphi
weont
hef
loorwhocr
awl
edal
ltheWayt
othel
ounge.
.

Zuko:
Bet
tergoandcheckhi
m..

Fi
ks:
Whenar
eyouexact
lypay
ingmebecausei
tseemsl
i
keI
’
myourbaby
sit
ternow?

Zuko:
Youl
i
vei
nmyhouseandy
ounotpay
ingr
ent
..

Fi
ks:
That
’snotf
air

Shesai
dthatwhi
lemaki
ngherwaytothelounge.
.Zukowentandr
emov
edt
hepanf
rom t
he
st
ove,t
henaft
erhecameandstoodnextt
ome. .

Hi
m:Howar
eyout
oday
?

Me:
I’
mfi
ne.
.

Hi
m:i
didn’
tli
keseei
ngy
oucr
yingl
i
ket
hatl
astni
ght

Idi
dn’
twannat
alkaboutl
astni
ghtbecausei
wasgonnacr
yagai
n..

Me:
idon’
twannat
alkaboutLastni
ght
..

Hi
m:F.
.

Me:
Zukopl
ease.
.Nott
oday
.

Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..

Hi
m:Fi
ne,
letmegett
owor
k..I
’
llseey
oul
ater
.

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
oreheadandWal
kedupst
air
s..

Aft
ereat
ingandbat
hing,i
deci
dedt
hatmay
bei
shoul
dmeetupwi
thbr
ownsowecant
alkabout
thi
swhol
eZukomess. .

Ihadgot
tensomecashf
rom f
iksandi
wentst
rai
ghtt
othehospi
tal
tot
alkt
obr
own…

Unfort
unat
elybr
ownwasabitbusywheni
gott
her
e,soi
wentandwai
tedf
orhi
m att
he
Canteeniwaswit
hDrCowen.
.

Hi
m:Ihopet
hiswi
l
lbe“
ourdat
e”
Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Younev
erf
orgetdoy
ou?

Hi
m:Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ory
ou,
idonotf
orget
..

Wegotcof
feeandmuf
fi
nst
henwentt
osi
tdown…

Hi
m:I
tsgoodt
oseey
ou

Me:
Goodt
oseey
out
oo

Hi
m:Youl
ookgood

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Don’
ti?

Hi
m:Yeapy
oudo.
.

Me:
Cani
asky
ousomet
hing?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Offt
her
ecor
d?

Hi
m:Of
fther
ecor
d..

Me:
Howdanger
ousi
sBi
pol
ari
fit
’snotcont
rol
l
ed?

Hi
m:Coul
dbepr
ett
ydanger
ous

Me:
Deat
hdanger
ous?

Hi
m:Youcoul
dsayt
hat
..

Me:
Ohw.
.

Hi
m:Whyask?

Me:
Justast
udyt
hatI
’
m doi
ng

Hi
m:Wel
licanbor
rowy
oumynot
esonment
aldi
sor
der
s

Me:
Thatwoul
dbegr
eat
..

Wecont
inuedhav
ingourcof
feei
npeace.
.

PART37SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
49]Ron:
PART38SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
Brownmetupwi t
hmeassoonashewasdonewi t
hhispati
ent
.Wewentt
osomerestaur
ant
nextdoorandgotsomedr
inks….
onl
yigotachefsal
ad,andi
ceteawhi
l
ehegotanApplej
uice.
.

Me:
Nothungr
y?

Hi
m:i
woul
dn’
tsayt
hatI
’
m nothungr
y..

Me:
What
’swr
ong?

Hi
m:Whenyouar
eanur
se,
youcomeacr
osscer
tai
nthi
ngst
hatcanmakei
tdi
ff
icul
tfory
out
o
ev
enpr
ocessf
ood.
.

Me:
I’
m sor
ry.
.

Hi
m:I
’
vebeenaNur
sef
orqui
teawhi
l
enow,
buti
sti
l
lcan’
tgetusedt
oot
hert
hings.
.

Me:
iforoneadmi
reNur
ses.I
fitwasn’
tfory
ouguy
smanypeopl
ewoul
dsuf
fer
..

Hewasbusyst
arr
ingathi
sgl
ass.
.

Hi
m:Yea.
.

Het
henl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Ar
eweher
etot
alkaboutmyj
ob?

Me:
Notr
eal
l
yi.
.

Hi
sphoner
ang.
.Hel
ookedati
t.

Hi
m:i
Hav
etot
aket
his,
it’
smyf
iance.
.

Heanswer
edandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
..

Hi
m:Hi
babe

Voi
ce:
Hel
l
ohoney
…

I
twasamal
evoi
ce,
somysuspi
cionsaboutBr
ownbei
nggaywer
eTr
ue.
.

Br
own:
Whatdoy
ouhav
eforme?

Hi
m:i
hav
efoundal
otofi
nter
est
ingt
hings.
.

Br
own:
iam act
ual
l
ywi
thFuni
,soy
oucant
alkandy
ouonl
oudspeaker
.

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowi
fit
’ssomet
hingi
shoul
dbet
ell
i
ngy
ouguy
sov
ert
hephone…

Br
own:
Tal
klov
e..

Hi
m:Okay
.Itt
urnsoutt
hatt
her
easonwhyZukoandhi
sfat
herar
enotcommuni
cat
ingI
sthat
,
Hi
smot herhasbeenbrainwashi
ngZukoev ersi
ncewhenhewasy oung.Thathisfatheri
sev i
l
,
hi
sfat
hertri
edtokil
lthem byburni
ngthei
rhousedown..Shet
oldhim qui
tealotofthingsthat
madeZukohat ehi
sfatherwhenhewasgr owingup.
.

Br
own:
Wher
ethoseaccusat
ionst
rue?

Hi
m:No.

Iwasl
ost
,howdoesBr
own’
sfi
anceknowaboutZukoandhi
sfami
l
y..

Me:
BrownI
’
mlost
..

Br
own:
I’
ll
findy
oul
ater
,fornowl
i
sten.
.

Fi
ance:
Zukoandhi
ssibl
i
ngstheyal
lhavedi
ffer
entfat
hers,andshehaskeptal
loft
hem f
rom
havi
ngcommuni
cat
ionwitht
hei
rfat
her’
sexceptforFi
ki
le.
.

Me:
Fiki
l
est
il
lhascommuni
cat
ionwi
thHerf
ather
?

Fi
ance: Sortoff.Yousee,Bongi
issti
l
llegal
l
yMarri
edtoFi
ki
le’
sFather
.Thereasonwhytheynot
l
ivi
ngt ogetheristhefactt
hatheusedtoabuseZuko,
andBongiwouldtur
nablindeyeunt
ila
social
wor kerinter
venedandthat’
swhenBongisai
ditwasbet
teri
fhemov edoutthanher
l
osingherchi l
d..

Me:
Whywoul
dBongi
notwannal
oseZukoi
fshenev
erl
ovedhi
m?

Fi
ance:
bit
smet
oo.
.

Il
aidbackonmychai
rwhi
l
eexhal
i
ngl
oudl
y.
.

Bongi
wasmaki
ngmeangr
y,shewasmaki
ngmev
eryv
eryv
eryangr
y….
.

Fi
ance:
Lookguy
sihav
etogo.
.

Hehungedup,
ther
ewassi
l
encebet
weenmeandBr
ownf
orawhi
l
e..

Br
own:
Thatwasqui
tesomei
nfor
mat
ion

Me:
Whati
sitt
haty
ourf
inancedoesagai
n?

Br
own:
HisaPI
.

Me:
Thatexpl
ainsi
t.
.

Hi
m:i
needt
ogetbackt
owor
k,i
wil
lkeepi
ncont
actwi
thy
ou.
.

Me:
Okay
..

West
oodupandhuggedeachot
her
..
Hi
m:Weget
ti
ngt
her
eint
ofi
ndi
ngsomet
hingt
hatwecanuseagai
nsthi
m..

Ifl
ashedafakesmile.I
fonl
yBr
ownknewt
hati
didn’
twannagetbackatZukoany
mor
e,al
lof
thi
swasjustcrushi
ngme….

WhenBr
ownwentbackt
owor
k,i
deci
dedt
ogot
oZukoj
ustsur
pri
sehi
m wi
thsomel
unch….
.

Igott
otheof
fi
ceandever
ythi
ngwashay wi
re,
every
onewasgoi
ngupanddownl
i
keheadl
ess
chi
ckensi
twascr
azy.
.Iwentt
otherecepti
oni
st.

Me:
Cani
goup?

Ihav
elongpassedt
hest
ageof“
Makeanappoi
ntment
”

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:idon’
tknowi
fyoushoul
dgoup.
.

Iputt
hef
oodont
opoft
hecount
er,
shel
eanedcl
oser
..

Her:Zukoisintheboardr
oom andhei
shav
ingaf
it
!Hei
syel
l
ingatev
ery
one,
hei
sfi
ri
ng
ever
yone,hisjustgonecr
azy
!

Me:
Why
?Whatt
ickedhi
m of
f?

Sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s..

Her
:Whati
hear
dw.
.

Ihear
dav
oicebehi
ndus.
.

Voi
ce:
Lungi
stopwi
tht
hegossi
pal
ready
!!

It
urnedar
oundwast
hisbeaut
if
ulbl
onde.
.

Her
:Yousawhowangr
ythebossi
sandy
ouwannagetusmor
eint
otr
oubl
e?

Shel
ookedatme,
thenl
ookedatLungi
.
.

Her
:Youcoul
dn’
tgossi
pov
ert
hephoneany
mor
e,sonowy
oubr
ingi
ngy
ourghet
tof
ri
endsher
e?

Il
ookedathernotbel
i
evi
ngwhatshej
ustsai
d..

Me:
Ghet
to?

Lungi
:Act
ual
l
yshe’
s.
.

Her
:idon’
tcar
e,j
ustgether
eoutofher
e!!

Shet
henwal
kedherski
nnyt
otheel
evat
or.
.
Il
ookedatLungi
..

Me:
What
’sherst
ory
?

Lungi:Shegothi
redl
astweekandal
way
swannabei
nZuko’
sgoodbooks…she’
smor
eli
ket
he
teacher’
spuppet
.

Shel
eanedov
eragai
nandWhi
sper
ed.
.

Her
:it
hinkshecr
ushesonhi
m

Me:
Isi
t?

Shenodded.
.

Her
:Buty
oudi
dn’
theari
tfr
om me

It
ookt
hef
ood.
.

Me:
Myl
i
psar
eseal
ed.
.

Iwal
kedupt
otheel
evat
or,
togot
oZuko’
sof
fi
ce…

Igottotheboardroom andLungi
wasn’
tly
ingZukowasl
osi
ngi
t…Ist
oodatt
hedoorand
watchedevery
thing..

Zuko:imightaswel
lj
ustwor
kal
oneatMQ,
becauseobv
iousl
yihav
ehi
redabunchof
amateurs!
!

Thebl
ondi
ewast
her
etaki
ngdownnot
es.
.

Her
:MrMqel
ait
hinki
speakf
oral
lofuswheni
say
,cany
oupl
easegi
veusal
astchance….

Theot
herempl
oyeeswer
enoddi
ngt
hei
rheads.
.

Zuko:
Kat
ewhatar
eyoui
nthi
scompany
?

Her
:YourPer
sonal
assi
stantSi
r.
.

Zuko:
Keepi
tatbei
ngmyassi
stant
!

Icoul
dn’
tcontai
nmysel
figi
ggled.Idi
dn’
treal
i
semygi
ggl
ewasl
oud,
nowev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ng
atmeandi di
dn’
tknowwhattosay..

Zuko:
Seeev
enmyGi
rl
fr
iendi
slaughi
ngaty
ou.
.

Het
henst
oodup,
andl
ookedatt
hem.
.

Hi
m:Youar
eal
lfi
red,
iwi
l
lrunt
hiscompanyal
one!
!

Het
henwal
kedupt
omeandwewentt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
.
Me:
Theyar
efi
red?

Hi
m:#Bonke

Iputt
hef
oodont
het
abl
e..

Me:
What
’swr
ong?

Hesatdownonhi
schai
r.
.

Hi
m:Not
hing.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:Someonehasbeendi
ggi
ngi
nfor
mat
ionaboutme.
.

Me:
Whoset
hat
?

Hi
m:That
’swhati
needt
ofi
ndout
!They
’vebeendi
ggi
ngaboutmyf
athermymot
her
..

Hehi
tthet
abl
e..

Hi
m:Cl
ear
lyt
hatper
sondoesn’
tknowme!
!!

Ist
oodt
her
ewi
thmyhear
tbeat
ingf
ast
,ihopeBr
own’
sfi
ancedoesn’
tgetbust
ed.
.

PART38SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
51]Ron:
PART39SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wewerenowbackatt
hehouse,wasjustaft
er17:
00.Seeingthemoodt
hatZukowasi n,i
qui
ckl
ycrushedaf
ewpanadot
ablet
s,putthepowderi
nt hatsmal
lpl
ast
icandthenputitwher
e
hi
scocai
newas..

Al
liwaspr
ayi
ngf
or,
wast
hathedoesn’
tnot
icet
hatIhadr
epl
acedhi
scocai
newi
thPanado.
.

Wewereinthebedroom,
hewaschangi
nghi
ssui
ttoamor
ehomer
elaxi
ngout
fi
t,andi
was
si
tt
ingonthebed.
.

Hi
m:Feel
li
ket
akeaway
stoni
ght
?

Me:
Yawecandot
akeaway
s.

Hi
m:Whatdi
dyouhav
einmi
nd?

Me:
Notr
eal
l
ysur
e,may
bewecangoout
..

Hi
m:That
’sapl
an.
.
Hemov
edcl
osert
othedr
essi
ngt
abl
ewher
ehi
scocai
newas…

Me:
I’
ll
letf
iksknowt
hen.
.

Hetouchedhi
scocai
neandist
oodup.Thewalkt
othedoorwast
hel
ongestwal
kofmyl
i
fe.
.I
wasthankf
ulwhenit
ouchedt
hedoorhandl
e.

Hi
m:Funi
..

Istoodtherefr
ozen,
iclosedmyey eswasprayi
ngthathedidn’
tcal
loutmynamebut
unfort
unatel
yhedid.
.Islowlyt
urnedaroundandlookedathi
m..Heopenedthatsmal
lpl
ast
ic,
dippedhisfi
ngerini
tthentast
edwhatwasi nsi
de…

Hi
m:Car
etoexpl
ain?

Ishookmyheadno.
.Idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osay
,butmost
lyi
didn’
twannapi
sshi
m mor
eof
f.
.

Hi
m:Ey
ySundi
qhel
aFuni
!

Iwasscarediwon’tl
ie,iwasv er
yscared…Iopenedthedoorandt
ri
edrunningaway ,but
unf
ort
unatelymylegsandf eetfai
ledme.Zukogotaholdofmebeforeicouldputmyf ooteven
ononestair
,andhedr aggedmebackt othebedroom wher
eHebeatmesensel ess.Icri
ed,i
scr
eamed, i
apologi
sedbutev eryt
hingfel
londeafear
s…

Forthat3minutesofhi
m ki
cki
ngMer
epeat
edl
yal
lov
ermybodywhi
l
eIwasont
hef
loor
,was
theworstpartofmylif
e…..

Whenhewasdonewi
thme,
het
ookhi
scarkey
sandl
eft
…

Ihaddr
aggedmypai
nful
bodyt
osi
tont
hebed.Mywhol
ebodywaspai
nful
,Zukoal
mostki
l
led
me..

Asiwassit
ti
ngthere,
itol
dmy sel
fthati
am donewithZuko.Iam onl
y22year
soldandI’m not
gonnabeoneofthosegir
lswhogetsabusedthenuses“butil
ovehim”cl
i
ché,noiam goi
ngt o
l
eavehimforgoodthi
stime…

It
ookmyphoneandcal
ledBrownt
ofet
chme,
becausei
knowt
hatBr
own’
spl
acei
stheonl
y
pl
acewher
eZukowil
lneverf
indme.
.

Aft
erl
earni
ngaboutwhathappened,
Brownwast
ednot
imehepr
omi
sedt
obeher
einl
esst
han
anhour
……….

BrownKepthispromise,
hecamewi t
hhi
sfi
anceandtheyt
ookmet othei
rpl
ace.Theyl
i
veina
smallbeaut
if
ul2room fl
at.Hi
sfl
atwasv
erycl
eanandneat
.Ever
ythi
ngwasperfectl
ypl
aced
whereitwassupposedtobe..

Iwassi
tt
ingont
opoft
heki
tchencount
ernextt
othesi
nk,
wit
hBr
ownexami
ningmybr
uised
body
..
Br
own:
Wel
lidon’
tthi
nkt
haty
ouhav
eint
ernal
bleedi
ng.
.

Me:
it’
sver
ypai
nful
though

Hel
ower
edmyt
shi
rtagai
n,andhi
sfi
ancécamewi
thagl
assofwi
ne.
.

Hi
m:Wi
nej
ustl
i
key
ouwant
ed

Me:
Thanky
ou…

Hi
m:Cal
vi
n,mynamei
sCal
vi
n

Me:
Thanky
ouCal
vi
n..

It
ookt
hatgl
assofwi
nef
rom hi
m andj
ustgul
pedi
tdownwi
tht
hem l
ooki
ngatme…

Cal
vi
n:Uhm i
hav
etogoandcar
ryoutanassi
gnment
..Iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
slat
er.
.

Heki
ssedBr
ownandl
eft
..

Br
own:
Wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Hi
m:Somet
hingt
odr
ink,
exceptf
oral
cohol
Ofcause

Inoddedmyheadno…

Me:
Heknowst
hatweonhi
m..

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:I
’
m notf
oll
owi
ng.
.

Me:
Zukoknowst
hatwedi
ggi
ngupi
nfor
mat
ionabouthi
m andhi
sfami
l
y..

Br
own’
sey
espoppedout
..

Br
own:
How?Becausewehav
etakenpr
ecaut
ions.
.

Me:
Becausehei
sthatgood!

Br
own:
Cal
vi
nhasbeenaPIf
or3y
ear
snowandhehasnev
erbeencaught
..

Me:
Wel
lhedoesn’
tknowt
hati
t’
susbutheknowst
hatsomeonei
sdi
ggi
ngsomet
hingonhi
m..

Br
own:
Thi
smansoundsdanger
ousFuni
..

Me:
Hei
s..

Wewentt
obedt
hatni
ghtBr
ownmadesur
ethati
waswar
m andal
lthat
.Onl
ythati
coul
dn’
t
sl
eepbecauseofmyt err
ibl
eheadaches.Ifoundmysel
fquickl
yjumpi
ngoutofbedandgoingto
vomitatthetoil
et.
.Isankdownont hefl
oor,iwasdi
zzy,i
wasnauseated,
andihadaterr
ible
headache.Theheadachesstart
edrightaft
erwhenZukoattackedMefort
hefir
stti
mebyhi t
ti
ng
mer epeatedl
ywithhisguninmyhead………

Wheni
wasdonev
omi
ti
ng,
iwentbackt
obedbuti
didn’
tsl
eepi
wasbusyt
ossi
ngandt
urni
ng…

Idon’
tknowwheni f
ell
asleep,
butiopenedmyey
esandr
eal
i
sedt
hati
twasanewday
.Thesun
wasshinni
ngbr
ightt
hroughthebl
inds.

Igotup,
andsatupstr
aight
.Mybodywasmorepai
nful
todaythani
twasyest
erday
..It
ookmy
phonefr
om undert
hepil
lowandihad30mi
ssedcal
lsf
rom Zukoandr
oundabout20
messages.
.

Myphoner
angasi
wasaboutt
oreadhi
smessages.
.

Me:
Zuko

Al
thoughwewer
emi
l
esawayf
rom eachot
her
,buti
sti
l
lgett
hatf
earwheni
tal
ktohi
m..

Hi
m:Bunj
u

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?

Me:
Zukowhatdoy
ouwant
?

Hi
m:Comehomepl
ease.
.

Me:
Whathome?

Hi
m:Bunj
udon’
tbel
i
ket
hat
..

Me:
Youal
mostki
l
ledmeZuko

Hi
m:Iknow,
Iknow.
.Butcomehomesowecant
alkaboutt
his.

Me:
for
geti
tiam nev
erev
ercomi
ngback,
idon’
twantnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ouany
mor
e!!

Hi
m:St
opwi
thal
lthi
snonsenseandcomehome!
!

Hi
svoi
cewasn’
tpl
eadi
ngany
mor
e,i
twasf
ir
m andcar
ri
edt
omuchaut
hor
it
yini
t.
.

Me:
ByeZuko

Hi
m:Doy
ouknowwhat
’sgonnahappent
oyourFat
her
?
Yesiwaswor
ri
edaboutmyf at
her
,yesi
thi
nkofhi
m andhi
sst
ateev
ery
daybutI
’
mti
redofZuko
bl
ackmai
li
ngmewit
ht hat
..

Me:
kil
lhi
m Zuko.
.

Iknowhewasn’
tgonnaki
l
lhi
m,becausei
fhedoest
henhewon’
thav
eany
thi
ngt
obl
ackmai
lme
with.
.

Hi
m:i
giv
eyou24hour
stocomehomeorel
sey
ourFat
heri
sdead!

Het
henhungedup…

Thedayt
hatt
hisguydi
es,
itwi
l
lbet
hedayt
hatI
’
m gonnacel
ebr
ate.
.

PART39SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
10:
51]Ron:
PART40SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

IwasatDrCowen’
ssurger
y,ihadconsul
tedbecauseofmynev erendi
ngheadaches.
.hi
s
sur
gerywasj
ustbeaut
if
ulandabitbusy.Youcanjustt
ell
thatnotever
yonecanaffor
dtocome
her
e..

Me:
idi
dn’
tknowt
haty
ouownasur
ger
y

Hi
m:Ther
e’sal
ott
haty
oudon’
tknowaboutme.
.

Me:
Howdoy
oumanagewor
kingatt
hehospi
tal
,andhav
ingt
obeher
etoo?

Him:ipr
ior
it
ise.
.Iam partt
imeatthehospi
tal
,imost
lyhel
pwithsur
ger
iesespeci
all
yheart
t
ranspl
antsurger
iesbecauseiam t
hinki
ngofbei
ngaheartsur
geonsothat
’sgoodexposuref
or
me..

Me:
Yoohy
ouhav
ebi
gdr
eams.
.

Hi
m:Medi
cinehasal
way
sbeenaf
iel
dthati
want
edt
ospeci
ali
sei
n..

Hef
li
ppedt
hroughmyf
il
e..

Hi
m:Thepr
egnancyt
estcamebacknegat
ive.
.Atl
eastweknowt
haty
ounotpr
egnant
.

Me:
ThankGodt
hatI
sar
eli
ef.

Hi
m:Youdon’
twannabeamom?

Me:
Itsnott
hat
..

Hel
ookedatmewai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ion.

Me:
Itsal
ongst
ory
.
Hi
m:Youhav
emi
grai
nes.
.

Me:
Ist
hatdanger
ous?

Hi
m:Notexact
ly…y
ousai
dPar
acet
amol
doesn’
twor
k?

Me:
Par
acet
amol
?

Hi
m:Sor
ryPanado.

Me:
Nopei
tdoesn’
twor
k.

Him:it
hinkt
hatIbupr
ofenwill
workbett
er,
it’
sagoodanal
gesi
cespeci
all
ywheni
tcomest
o
Tensi
onheadaches,Migr
anes,andI
nfl
ammat i
on.
.

Me:
Yout
heDoct
orhey
..

Hi
m:I
’
llgi
vey
out
hat
.

Hewentt
ohi
sShel
f…

Me:
Thankagai
nDrCowenf
orl
ett
ingmeconsul
twi
thoutpay
ing.

Hi
m:I
tsal
ri
ght
..

Me:
Real
l
yiwi
shi
coul
drepayy
ou.
.

Het
ookt
hepi
l
lsandl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:act
ual
l
yyoucan.

Me:
How?

Hi
m:anof
fi
cial
dat
etoni
ght
?

Me:
Youdon’
tgi
veupdoy
ou?

Hi
m:nev
er.
.

Hegotmewat
erandi
drankt
hepi
l
ls.
.

Me:
ihav
etogo,
Browni
swai
ti
ngf
orme.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llseey
out
oni
ght

Hegav
emeapadandpen.
.

Hi
m:Addr
esswher
eicanpi
cky
ouup

Me:
iam cur
rent
lyl
i
vingwi
thBr
own.
Hi
m:Per
fectt
heni
knowBr
own’
spl
ace.
.I’
l
lpi
cky
ouupat19:
00

Me:
Itsadeal
.

Ther
ewasanawkwar dmomentwerewej
ustgazedi
ntoeachot
her
’sey
es.
.Ibr
oket
heey
e
cont
actbecausei
twasget
ti
ngver
yawkwar
d…

Me:
uhm i
hav
etogo.
.

Hi
m:YesOf
cause

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n.

Hi
m:I
’
llseey
out
oni
ght

Ismil
edathim andtookt
hepill
sthenwalkedouttomeetBr
ownatther
ecept
ion…Br
owni
sa
ver
yfreesoul
,ifoundhi
mt al
ki
ngwi t
htherecept
ioni
standi
wentuptot
hem..

Me:
ithi
nkwecangonow.
.

Hi
m:Thanky
ou,
foramomenti
thoughtt
haty
ouwer
enev
ergonnacomeoutoft
her
e..

Me:
Don’
tbesi
l
ly

Hesai
dhi
sgoodby
est
other
ecept
ioni
standt
henwewentt
ohi
scar
..

Hi
m:Sowhatdi
dhesay
?

Me:
Not
hingmuchj
ustMi
granes

Hi
m:i
nter
est
ing.
.

Hest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.

Me:
alt
houghi
agr
eedt
ogooutonadat
ewi
thhi
mtoni
ght
…

Br
own:
Yousl
ut!
!

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Br
own:
Sodoy
oul
i
kehi
m?

Me:
Wel
lidon’
tknow.
.

Br
own:
Wel
lihav
ewor
kedwi
thhi
mforawhi
l
enow,
andheari
tfr
om mehei
sani
ceper
son.
.

Me:
ithi
nkhei
stoo.
.

Ther
ewasn’tmucht
odoatt hatt
hefl
atot
herthanj
ustl
azi
ngar
ound.
.Br
ownpr
epar
edf
orhi
s
ni
ghtshi
ft
,Cal
vi
nwentabouthisownbusi
ness.
.
Iwassi
tt
ingatt
hel
oungewheni
gotaphonecal
lfr
om Mycousi
nJozi
..

Me:
Heyl
ongt
ime.
.

Her
:HeyFuni

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Her
:I’
m good.
.Thi
sisnotasoci
alcal
l

Me:
Okay
..

Hi
m:I
tsabouty
ourFat
her
..

Isatupst
rai
ght
,myt
hroatwasdr
y..

Me:
Whatabouthi
m?

Her
:Hi
sinhospi
tal
,andhei
sinav
erycr
it
ical
condi
ti
on.
.

Me:
Hospi
tal
?

Her
:Appar
ent
lyhewasdr
oppedatt
hehospi
tal
ent
rancel
astni
ghtbyt
wouni
dent
if
iedmen.
.

SoZukohasf
inal
l
yletmyf
athergo.
.

Me:
Whi
chhospi
tal
?

Her
:iwi
l
lSmsy
ou.Idon’
thav
emuchdet
ail
sbutt
hat
’sal
liknow.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ori
nfor
mingme.
.

Her
:Shar
p

Shehungedup.If
eltasenseofr
eli
ef,
yeshi
sinacr
it
ical
condi
ti
onbutZukohasf
inal
l
ylethi
m
go.
.

PART40SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
05]Ron:
PART41SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Cowenandi
didgoout
.Wewentt
othi
sbeaut
if
ulI
tal
i
anr
est
aur
ant
.Her
eal
l
ywental
loutt
o
i
mpressme…

Weweresi
tt
ingther
e,opposi
teeachot
herhewasabi
tner
vousandsowasi
butIguessal
lfi
rst
dat
esar
eli
kethat.
.

Hi
m:i
hopey
oul
i
kei
t.

Me:
doesn’
tlookl
i
keabadr
est
aur
ant
.
Thewai
tr
esscamet
ogi
veusmenus.
.

Hi
m:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway

Me:
Thanky
ou,
andy
oudon’
tlookbadei
ther
..

Hesmi
l
ed.

Iwentt
oor
deradi
sht
hathadchi
ckeni
nit
.Chi
ckenwast
heonl
ythi
ngi
recogni
sed.
.

Hi
m:Howar
etheHeadaches?

Me:
Notbadany
mor
e,t
hankst
othepi
l
lst
haty
ouhav
egi
venme.

Hi
m:I
’
m gl
ad.
.

Me:
idon’
tmeant
obef
orwar
dbut
..

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:But
?

Me:
Youar
ewayt
oper
fectt
obesi
ngl
e..

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
Arey
ougay
?

Him:NoI
’m not
..I
t’
shar
dtokeepawomanwithmylineofwor
k.Iam al
way
sbusy
,iam har
dly
athomesothat
’sthemai
nreasonwhywomanCannotstaywi
thMe…

Me:
Wel
lthat
’snor
easont
oleav
e,Imeany
ounotat
otal
psy
cho.
.

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Tot
alpsy
cho?

Il
ookedathi
mtoonotr
eal
i
singofwhati
sai
d..

Me:
uhm j
ustal
ousycomment
..Wewentont
oeat
.

Cowenandi hadanicedinneratther
estaur
ant
,wealsohadanicetalk.Ir
eal
lyl
iket
heperson
thathei
s.Heissweet,heiskind,
hehasawar m hear
tandal
lthatbutthenZukocamel
ikethi
s
tooandlat
erifoundoutthathewascrazy….
.

Hedr
ovemest
rai
ghthomeaf
terourcosydat
ethatwasabi
tawkwar
dtoo….

Me:
Thanky
oui
real
l
yhadagr
eatt
ime

Hi
m:Thanky
ouf
oragr
eei
ngt
ogooutwi
thme.
.Hopi
ngwecandot
hisagai
n.
Me:
ihopesot
oo.

Hi
m:i
fyougi
vemey
ournumberi
wil
lcal
lyou.
.

Iwr
otemynumberdownf
orhi
m.

Hi
m:Thanky
ou

Me:
Bye

Hi
m:By
e

Igotoutofhi
scar
,andWal
kedt
othef
lat
..

Thef
latwasempt
ywheni
goti
nsi
deBr
ownwasatwor
k,andCal
vi
nwasdoi
nghi
sPIwor
k..

Idi
dn’
tdomuch,
ijusthadmy
sel
fcof
fee,
tookawar
m bat
htooandt
henwentt
obed…….
.

.
.

Iwokeupthefol
l
owi
ngday,Br
ownwaspr
epar
ingascr
umpt
iousbr
eakf
astandCal
vi
nwas
si
tt
ingatt
hetabl
ewi
thhi
slapt
op.
.

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Theygr
eet
edback.
.

Br
own:
Sitdown,
I’
ll
dishupf
ory
ou…

Me:
Thanky
ou.It
houghty
ou’
dbesl
eepi
ngt
hough,
nightshi
fti
snoj
oke.
.

Br
own:
I’
m usedt
oit
..

Asi
wassi
tt
ingt
her
emyphoner
angacr
osst
het
abl
e,andi
wentt
oansweri
t.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o

Voi
ce:
HeyFuni

Me:
uhm whoi
sthi
s?

Voi
ce:
It’
smeZel
da

Me:
Ohwhey

Her
:iam j
usti
nfor
mingy
out
hati
hav
erepl
acedy
ousodon’
tbot
hercomi
ngt
owor
k.

Wel
lif
igur
edt
hatout
..

Me:
iwasn’
texpect
ingy
out
ogi
vemeanot
herchance.
Her
:Thengood.
.

Shedi
dn’
tSaymuchshehungedup…Br
owncamet
omewi
thapl
ateoff
ood.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:Enj
oy

Iexhal
ed.
.

Br
own:
What
’swr
ong?

Me:
ineedaj
ob,
Icannotkeeponl
i
vingof
fyouguy
s..

Br
own:
Real
l
ywedon’
tmi
ndhav
ingy
ouar
ound…

Me:
iknowbuti
needt
ost
andonmyownhey
.

Cal
vi
n:i
getwhaty
ousay
ing,
butwon’
tyourexpur
suey
ou?

Me:
Wel
lhehasn’
tcont
act
edmeorany
thi
ng

Br
own:
Yout
hinki
ngt
hathehasl
ety
ougo?

Me:
I’
mthi
nki
ngso.
.

Thef
actt
hatZukohasn’
tcont
act
edMer
eal
l
yisodd…

Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
tdomuchf
ort
her
estoft
hatday
….

Lat
eroni
hadJozi
comeandf
etchmesowecoul
dgoandv
isi
tmyf
ather
..

Ir
eal
l
ycoul
dn’
twai
ttoseehi
m,i
missedhi
m andi
am v
erygr
eat
ful
thathei
sst
il
lal
i
ve……….
.

Wegottot hehospit
al,andhi sstat
ewasnotimpressi
veatall
hehadpipeshelpi
nghi
mto
breat
handallthat
.Ithur tseeinghi
minthatst
ate,hehasbeenthr
oughalotandnowhei
s
fi
ghti
ngforhisdearli
fe..IlookedatJozi

Me:
Doy
out
hinkhei
sgoi
ngt
omakei
t?

Jozi
:Wel
lhei
sver
yst
rongt
hat
’sonet
hingi
know.
.

Someoneclear
edt
hei
rthr
oatandwelookedatt
hedoor
.ItwasBongi
,idi
dn’
texpecthert
o
comehere.
.Shewashol
dingf
lower
s.

Bongi
:Mol
weni

Wegr
eet
edherback,
andshewal
kedi
n..

Her
:iv
ehear
dabouty
ourFat
herandi
wanty
out
oknowt
haty
ouhav
eourf
ull
suppor
t.
.
Me:
Yourf
ull
suppor
t?

Her
:Yes,
ust
heMqel
afami
l
yyouri
nlaws.
.

Woooow!
!

PART41SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
06]Ron:
PART42SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwassi
tti
ngattherecept
iontr
yingt
ocalm mysel
fdownfr
om Bongi
’
sunexpectedv
isi
t.We
di
dn’
texchangealotofwords,
shesaidwhatev
ershewant
edtosaythenl
eft
..

Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orJozi
,whowentt
oconsul
tforsomet
hing.
.

Asi
wassi
tt
ingt
her
e,mi
ndi
ngmyownbusi
ness,
thi
sbeaut
if
ull
adycamet
osi
tnextt
ome.
.

Her
:ihopet
hischai
risnott
aken.
.

Me:
Noi
t’
snot

Shechuckl
ed.

Her
:Thent
hat
’sgood.I
magi
nesengi
hlel
isot
hensomeoneshowsupandsay
sthat
’smyseat
..

Il
aughed.

Me:
ift
her
ewassomeonesi
tt
ingher
ethent
heydi
dn’
tleav
eanameornumber
..

Shel
aughed.
.

Her
:iam Ol
onabyt
heway

Me:
Funi
..

Her
:Cameher
etov
isi
tsomeone?

Me:
Yes,
myf
ather
..

Her
:Okay

Mr
:andy
ou?

Her
:icamet
ocheckuponmyl
i
ttl
egi
rl
..

Me:
I’
m sor
ry.
.What
’swr
ongwi
thher
?

Her:Aghdon’
tfeel
badt
hatonei
snaught
y.Shebr
okeherar
m ont
hesl
i
deatt
hepar
k
yest
erday
..

Me:
oucht
hat
’spai
nful
!
Her
:Thatwi
l
lteachher
..

Me:i
don’
tmeant
obef
orwar
dbut
,icant
ell
thaty
oui
ntof
ashi
onj
udgi
ngbyhowy
out
akepr
ide
i
nhowyoudr
ess.
.

Il
i
keherst
yle.Shewaswear
ingawhi
tej
umpsui
t,al
ongBr
ownl
eat
hercoat
,hadabr
ownbel
t
ar
oundandbrownheel
s…

Her
:Wel
liam af
ashi
ondesi
gneri
hav
emyownsmal
lbout
ique

Me:
That
’sgr
eat
,ihav
eal
way
swant
edt
obeaf
ashi
ondesi
gnermy
sel
f.
.

Her
:Whathappened?

Me:
Lif
ehappened,
buti
ficoul
dbeaf
for
dedachancet
ogost
udyFashi
ondesi
gni
wil
l
..

Her
:Youknowwhat
,myassi
stantqui
tandi
am l
ooki
ngf
oranassi
stant
..I
nter
est
ed?

Me:
Arey
ouf
orr
eal
?

Her:
ili
keyou,
andit
hinkt
hiswi
l
lbegoodexposur
efory
ousi
ncey
ouwannast
udyFashi
on
desi
gnsomeday.
.

Me:
idon’
tknowwhatt
osay

Sheopenedherbag,
andhandedmeapamphl
et.
.

Her
:Theaddr
essi
sther
e,y
oucancomet
omor
rowmor
ning7am shar
p..

Iser
iousl
ycoul
dn’
tbel
i
evet
his.
.

Me:
ireal
l
ydon’
tknowwhatt
osay
…

Her
:Justsayt
hanky
ou

Me:
Thanky
ou,
andi
won’
tdi
sappoi
nt.

Her
:I’
l
lseey
out
omor
rowbutnowi
hav
etogo…

Me:
I’
ll
bet
her
e

Shestoodupandl
eft
.Il
ookedatt
hatpamphl
et,
andt
houghtt
omy
sel
fthatAngel
scomei
n
di
ff
erentfor
ms…

Jozi
camebackaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es,
andwewentoutt
oeatbef
oregoi
ngbackt
othef
lat
..

Wewer
eatKFChav
ingbur
ger
sandSoda.Iam obsessedwi
tht
hei
rbur
ger
s..

Me:
Sowhatdi
dtheDoct
orsay
?

Her
:Justgav
ememeds.
.
Me:
Sti
l
lcan’
tbel
i
evet
haty
ouconsul
tedf
orahear
tbur
n..Peopl
ewi
thmoneyneh.
.

Her
:iv
omi
tev
ery
timet
hati
eat
,soi
t’
sser
ious.
.

Me:
Doy
ouf
eel
li
kev
omi
ti
ngnow?

Her
:Af
terdr
inki
ngt
hepi
l
lshegav
emenoi
am f
ine.
.

Me:
Thent
hat
’sgood.
.Soy
ouwon’
tbel
i
evewhathappened?

Her
:Yes?

Me: wheniwassi
tt
ingt hereatt
herecept
ionwai
ti
ngf ory
ou,
thi
sotherchi
ckcomesandsit
s
nexttome.She’
saf ashiondesi
gnerbyprof
essi
on,shehasabout
iqueandoff
eredmeajob…

Jozi
:Wowt
hat
’sni
ce…

Me:
Hav
etobet
her
eat7am

Jozi
:Gowi
thsomeonet
hough,
toav
oidt
hej
obscam t
hing.
.

Me:
Yai
wil
l
…tel
lmewhenl
astdi
dyouseeZuko?

Her:beenawhil
e.Hedoesn’
tcometothehouseany
mor
e..Theymeeti
ncl
ubswi
thZakes
becauseidon’
twanthi
mi nmyhouse.
.

Me:
Itsst
ranget
hathi
squi
et.
.

Her
:Youshoul
dbehappyt
hathehasl
aidof
fony
ou.
.

Me:
Yai
shoul
d

Aft
erourmeal,Jozi
drov
emest rai
ghthomeorshoul
disaytoBr
own’sFl
at.Ipr
omi
sedt ocal
l
herandcheckuponhersinceshewassick.
.WeHuggedeachot
herandthenshel
eftandiwent
tothef
lat
…….

Br
ownwaswat
chi
ngTVwheni
goti
n.

Me:
Hey

Hi
m:Heybabe

It
hrewmy
sel
font
hecouch.
.

Hi
m:Howi
syourFat
her
?

Me:
Hisnotsoogood,
buthi
sst
il
lhangi
ngi
nther
e…

Hi
m:That
’sst
il
lposi
ti
ve…

Me:
Yat
her
e’shope.
Wedidn’
tdomuch,
lat
ert
hatdayihel
pedhim cooked.Wecookedani
cemeal
,andt
heni
also
t
alkedt
oCowenonthephonebef
oreiwenttobed..

Cowenandi wewerebecomi
ngprett
yclosenow,heevenagreedt
odriv
emet ot
hebout
iquei
n
themor
ningbecauseihadnoonetodri
vemet her
e…Allthoughmyli
feispeacef
ul,
buti
coul
dn’
tstopbei
ngcuri
ousaboutZukobeingt
hissi
lent
….

Thef
ollowi
ngdayiwokeupandbathe.Iwor
emyskinnyjeanwi
thapi
nkshir
tandpinkheel
s.
Myhairwasgrowi
ngbackbutitwasst
il
labi
tshor
t.
.Iputonmakeup,bi
tofjewel
l
eryireal
l
y
want
edt omakeagoodimpressi
on….

Cowencamet
opi
ckmeupat6:
30am andt
hedr
ivet
othebout
iquewasn’
tthatl
ong…

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ordr
ivi
ngme

Hi
m:Thanky
ouf
oraski
ngmet
odr
ivey
ou.
.Wasn’
tsaf
efory
out
ocomeal
one.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n..

Wegott
othebout
ique,
Coweni
nsi
stedt
owal
kint
her
ewi
thmehedi
dn’
twantanymi
stakes….

Thebout
iquewassmal
lbutv
erycl
assy
,ver
yel
egant
,andi
twasi
napor
chnei
ghbour
hood…

Wegotin,
andOl
onawasput
ti
ngcl
othesi
nhanger
sandshel
ookedgood,
shewaswel
ldr
essed
upt
oo..

Onethi
nginot
icedwast
hatshehasanAssf
ory
ear
s,shewaswear
ingbl
ackl
eggi
ngssot
hey
r
eall
ytooki
tout.
.

Shel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.

Her
:Heyy
oucame

Me:
Tol
dyoui
won’
tdi
sappoi
nt

Shecamet
ous.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
nforgi
vi
ngmet
hisj
ob,
isweari
won’
tdi
sappoi
nty
ou.
.

Her
:iknowy
ouwon’
t

Shel
ookedatCowen.
.

Me:
Thi
sismyf
ri
endCowen,
andCowent
hisi
sOl
ona.
.

Theygr
eet
edeachot
herwi
thahandshakeandCowenki
ssedmeonmymycheekt
henhel
eft
..

Ol
ona:
Gir
lhei
sfi
ne.
.

Me:
Hei
sai
n’
the?
Her
:Ar
eyouguy
sdat
ing?

Me:
Nowef
ri
ends.

Hi
m:Hmmmm i
fiwasn’
tengagedi
wasgonnagof
orhi
m..

Inot
icedt
her
ingonherf
ingerwi
thabi
gst
one.
.

Me:
Beaut
if
ulr
ing,
whendi
dyougethi
tched?

Her
:3day
sago

Me:
Sosweet

Shel
ookedatherr
ing.
.

Her
:Hei
sper
fect
,andi
lov
ehi
m..Hei
ssweethel
ovesmeandmydaught
er

Me:
ishoul
dmeett
hisMrper
fect

Her
:Act
ual
l
yyouwi
l
l,hei
scomi
ngbynowl
ater

Me:
Can’
twai
t.
.

Shewenttoshowmewhati wassupposedtodo.Sheshowedmehowt ost

eam clot
hesof
whichwasver
yeasy
,shet
oldmet othatf
ornowandshewi l
lteachmeot
hert
hingsaswego
al
ong…

Iwasatthebackst
eami
ngclothes,whenihear
dthedooropen.Si
nceOl
onawasatt
hef
ronti
di
dn’
tcheckwhoitwas,
theniheardheryel
li
nginexci
tement
…

Ol
ona:
Baby
!!
!

Voi
ce:
Bunj
ulam.

Iswearatt
hati
nst
anti
dr oppedthest
eamingi
ron,somebodyt
ell
met
hatmymi
ndi
spl
ayi
ng
gamesonme!Tellmethatit
’snotwhoit
hinki
tis.
.

PART42SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
07]Ron:
PART43SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Mymi
ndwasn’
tdecei
vi
ngmei
twasZuko,
iknowt
hatv
oicet
oowel
l
.

Theywerestil
lhav
ingtheirsweetmomentandmymomentwasn’tassweet .Al
lthose
fl
ashbacksofhowheusedt obeatmecamebackcr
owdingmymi ndthatIfel
tli
kei wasabout
tohaveaheartatt
ackrightther
e.Myhear
twasbeat
ingwaytoofast
,myhandswer esweati
ng.I
fel
tsomet i
ngl
ingsensati
onundermyfeetasifl
i
keihadover50Needlesssti
ngi
ngme. .
Ifel
tsomehotsensat
ioni
nmychest
,iwasst
ruggl
i
ngt
obr
eat
handi
tdawnedonmet
hati
am
havi
ngaheartat
tack.
.

Isl
owlymovedbackwar
dsandsatont
hatl
i
ttl
echai
r,t
ookoutmyphoneanddi
all
edCowen’
s
number….

It
ri
edhi
m al
otoft
imesbef
oreheanswer
ed.

Hi
m:Cowenher
e.

Me:
ItsMe…

Hi
m:Ohwsor
ryi
answer
edmyphonewi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
erI
D..

Me:
I..I
..

Hi
m:What
’swr
ongy
ousoundl
i
key
ouar
ehy
per
vent
il
ati
ng.
.

Ihavenev
erhadsuchafeeli
ngbefor
einmylif
e.Itwasafeel
i
ngt
hatIcoul
dn’
texpl
ain,
I’
m sur
e
evenaheartat
tacki
sbet
terthanwhatiwasexperi
enci
ng…

Me:
I’
m goi
ng….Idon’
tknowwhat
’swr
ong.
.

Hi
m:t
ryt
ocal
m down,
arey
oust
il
latt
hebout
ique?

Me:
Pleasecome.
.

Thosewer
etheonl
ywor
dsi
hadmangedt
osaybef
oremyphonedr
oppedont
hef
loor
..

Ist
oodupandwentt
osi
tatsomecor
ner
,iev
enf
eltl
i
kei
wasgoi
ngcr
azy
..

Me:
Pleasest
op.
.Pl
easest
op.
.

Iwasnowcr yi
ng,iwasstruggl
ingtobr
eat
hev
erythi
ngseemedtobemovi
ngsl
ow.
.Isatt
her
e
forabout10minbusyrepeati
ngthosewor
ds“
Pleasest
op”.
.”Pl
easest
op”
..

It
hensawthedooropeni
ng,
andOl
onawal
kedi
n..Shewasr
eal
l
yconcer
nedwhenshesawme
si
tt
ingt
her
e…

Shequickl
ymadeherwayt ome, i
sawherli
psmov ing,
isawhertal
ki
ngbuticouldn’
theara
wordshewassay i
ngi
twasalmostasifl
i
kei hadgonedeaf..Ihel
dontoherarmv er
ytight,i
waslosingmymi ndandhavi
ngaheartat
tackatt hesametime.Notbei
ngabletobreat
ht ook
thet
rophy,becauseIwasst
arti
ngtogetabitdizzyandweakf r
om br
eat
hingabnormall
y..

Me:
Makehi
m..Makehi
m..He.
.

Shewassti
ll
talki
ngbuti
coul
dn’
thearwhatshewassay
ingunt
ilshest
oodupandhel
pedmet
o
st
anduptoo..

Mykneeswer
eweak,
ever
ythi
ngappear
edwhi
tenotonl
yam i
tot
all
ygoi
ngi
nsane,
butI
’
mlosi
ng
myv
isi
ont
oo…….

Idon’
thow,
buti
endedupi
nhercarandshedr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.
.

Iwasst
il
li
nthatst
ate,
idi
dn’
tknowwhatwaswr
ongwi
thmebutwhat
everi
tis,
it’
sser
ious.
.

Wegottothehospit
alandDoctor
sattendedmei mmediatel
y.Itwasfunnybecausewheniset
footI
nthehospi
tal
Buil
ding,myhear
tstartedbeati
ngnormal.Alt
houghmybr eat
hingwassti
ll
abnor
mal,buti
twasbettert
hanwhenIwasatt hebackr
oom oft heBouti
que………..

Sothereiwassit
ti
ngonthathospi
tal
bed,wit
hanoxygenonmymout
h,andt
hatBPcuf
fonmy
ar
m. .Atl
eastt
hedoctor
saregonnafindoutwhat
’swr
ongwit
hme.
.

Thedoct
ort
ookdownal
lther
eadi
ngsf
rom t
hatBPmachi
ne…

Ol
onawaspaci
ngupanddown,
shewasr
eal
l
ywor
ri
ed.

Doct
or:
Whatr
eal
l
yhappened?

Olona:if
oundhercuddl
edupinacorneratthestor
eroom ofmybout
ique.Shel
ookedr
eal
l
y
scared,
wasalmostasifl
ikesomet
hingfri
ghtenedherr
eal
lybad…

t
hedoct
orl
ookedatme…

Hi
m:Hav
eyouev
erbeendi
agnosedwi
thast
hmabef
ore?

Il
ower
edt
heoxy
gen.
.

Me:
No

Hi
m:Pneumoni
a?

Me:
No

Hel
ookedatt
hatf
il
ethathewaswr
it
ingon.
.

Him:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
snor
mal
,yourbl
oodpr
essur
eisnott
oobad.Ev
ery
thi
ngseemst
obef
inewi
th
you.
.

Ol
ona:
Yougot
tabeki
ddi
ngme!

Dr
:it
ookt
her
eadi
ngs4t
imesnow!

Olona:
Yousawhowshewaswheni broughtherher
e!Shel
ookedl
i
keshewasaboutt
odi
e
fr
om ahear
tat
tackorsomet
hingoft
hatnature.

Ol
onaseemedv
eryupset
..
Dr
:Whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?

Ol
ona:
Yourj
ob!

Me:
Olonacomedown.
.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
htocal
m her
sel
fdown…

Her
:Sowhatdoy
ouexpectust
odoDoc?Whati
fshegoeshomeandt
hist
hingst
art
s?

Dr
:Wel
licankeepherher
eov
erni
ghtt
oobser
veher
..

Ol
ona:
Cany
ougetussomet
hingwhoact
ual
l
yknowswhatt
heydoi
ng?

Dr
:Mam y
ouneedt
ocal
m down.
.

Shecomposedher
sel
f.
.

Her
:I’
m goi
ngt
ogetsomewat
er.

Shel
ookedatme.

Her
:Wantany
thi
ng?

Ishookmyheadno,shethenwalkedout
.NowIseewhyOl
onaI
swi
thZuko,
hert
emperi
sa
defi
nit
enot
heyprobabl
ydeserv
eeachot her
…

TheDoct
orl
eftme,
andsai
dhewi
l
lcomebackandt
hatt
heoxy
genwi
l
lhel
popenupmychest
…

Bei
ngI
nthatr
oom al
onemademev er
ypar
anoi
d,
iwast
hinki
ngt
omy
sel
fthatwhati
fZuko
wal
ksi
n?Whatifhehur
tsmeagai
n?..

Iwastot
all
ygoi
ngi
nsane,
iwasl
osi
ngi
tforr
eal
andt
hesadpar
twast
hatDoct
orscoul
dn’
t
di
agnoseMe….

Iwentbackt
omycal
m st
atewhenOl
onawal
kedi
nwi
thabot
tl
eofbonaquapump.
.

Shesatdownnextt
omeandsqueez
edmet
ightwhi
l
eexhal
i
ng.
.

Her:
Youreal
lyscar
edmebackt
her
e.I
fsomet
hinghappenedt
oyouandy
ou.
.Whatwasi
gonna
saytoy
ourfamil
y?

Il
ower
edt
heoxy
genagai
n..

Me:
I’
m sor
ry.
.

Her
:Whatscar
edy
ousoomuch?Ev
ennowy
oust
il
lscar
edi
cansee.
.

Iwishicantel
lOl
onathetrut
h,wi
shicantel
lherabouthowmuchofamonst erherFi
ancei
s..
Buticouldseei
tinherey
esthatshel
oveshi
m andi don’
tthi
nkshe’
sgonnabeli
eveme..
Me:
i.
.Wel
l
..

Shelookedatmewait
ingf
oranexpl
anat
ion.
.Imi
ghtaswel
lgi
vehert
hev
ersi
onoft
het
rut
h
thatBongicr
eat
ed.
.

Me:
seet
hisscar
sonmyheadandf
orehead?

Her
:Yeswhataboutt
hem?

Me:iwasonceat
tackedandbadl
ybeat
enwi t
hagun.Theper
sonwhoat
tackedmer
epeat
edl
y
bashedmeonmyheadwi tht
hebackofthatgun.
.

Iwasnowst
art
ingtobeemot
ional
,youcannott
alkaboutt
hisandexpectnott
ocr
y..Icl
osed
myeyesast
earsfel
l
..

Me:icri
ed,i
apologi
sedbutt
heevi
li
nhi mreal
l
ywant
edt
oki
l
lmenoMat
terhowmuchi
was
bl
eedingandreadyt
opassoutheneverst
opped.
.

Icoul
dseet
ear
sinherey
est
oo.
.Sheputherhandonherchest
.

Her
:idi
dn’
tknowsuchhappenedt
oyou.Icanr
elat
etoy
ourst
oryv
erywel
l
..

Tear
sfel
lfr
om Herey
est
oo.
.

Her
:My(
breaki
ngv
oice)

Shecl
ear
edherThr
oat
..

Her
:Myexhusband.Mybabydaddyhetr
iedt
oburnmei
nourhouse.
.Heputmet
hroughhel
l
t
hatev
entodaythoseni
ght
maressti
l
lhauntme.
.

Icoul
dseet
het
ear
sref
lect
ingherpai
n.Shewasdeepl
yscar
dtoo.
.

Her:it
hankGodf orZuko.Hei
ssoogoodtomeandmydaught
er.Ipr
ayt
oGodandt
hankhi
m
ever
ydayforbr
ingingZukoinmyl
if
eattheri
ghtt
ime.
.

Apar
tofmewant
edt
otel
lhert
het
rut
h,butapar
tofmet
oldmenott
oo.
.

Shegi
ggl
edt
hrought
hoset
ear
str
yingt
oshameherpai
nwi
thagoodemot
ion.
.

Her
:icannotbel
i
evet
hati
am cr
ying.
.

Shest
oodupandwentt
ogetust
issues.
.

Her
:Thati
swhywomenl
i
keusshoul
dst
andt
oget
her
.It
hinkGodbr
oughtust
oget
herf
ora
r
eason.

Me:
ithi
nksot
oo.
.

Her
:iwi
l
lgi
vey
oumyt
her
api
st’
snumberandy
oucanMakeanappoi
ntment
.Hi
sver
ygoodhe
hel
pedmegett
hrought
his.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Herphoner
ang.
.Shel
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
Dandsmi
l
ed.
.

Her
:It
sZuko,
sor
ryi
hav
etot
aket
his.
.

Sheanswer
ed

Her
:Babyi
am soogl
adt
haty
oucal
l
ed.
.

Shegotal
lemot
ional
agai
nthenst
oodupandWal
kedaway
..

OhhhGodwhatdoi
donow?

PART43SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
08]Ron:
PART44SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wehadgonebackt
othebout
iquesi
ncet
hedoct
orscoul
dn’
tfi
ndwhatwaswr
ongwi
thme.
.

Iwashappyt
ofi
ndCowenwai
ti
ngf
orust
her
eandhel
ookedv
erywor
ri
ed.
.

Cowen:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
ifeel
abi
tbet
ter

Cowen:
Whatr
eal
l
yhappened?

Ol
ona:
Shej
usthadamel
tdown

Cowen:
mel
tdown?

Me:
I’
ll
expl
aint
oyoul
ater

Thedooropenedaswewer estandingthereandZukowal kedi

t….
myfearcamerushi
nginagai
n,
myheartwasdoi ngbeat
sofit
sowni wasf eel
i
ngt hesamewayihadfel
tatthest
oreroom.
.I
watchedhim ashewalkedi
n,ever
ythi
ngj uststart
edmov i
ngsl
owmyinsanit
yfeel
i
ngcame
backtoo.Cowenheldmyhandandi j
umpedal it
tl
e..

Hi
m:I
tsj
ustme.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thingi
justl
aidmyheadonhi
schestandhewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundme.
.Zuko
wal
keduptoOlonaandhuggedher
..

Ol
ona:
didn’
tthi
nky
ouwer
egonnacomenow

Hi
m:I
’
lldr
opev
ery
thi
ngf
ory
ou,
sowher
eisshe?
Ol
onapoi
ntedatme.
.

Ol
ona:
iwasv
eryscar
edwheni
foundheri
nthatst
ateatt
hest
orer
oom.
.

Zukoturnedandlookedatme,ourey
esmetandlocked.Icoul
dn’
ttel
lwhathewasthi
nki
ng
becausehisfacedi
dn’thav
eanyexpressi
onhel
ookedatmeandscar edmemorethatihel
d
ti
ghtl
ytoCowen…

Zuko:
Thi
sisy
ourassi
stant
?

Ol
ona:
Yes,
hernamei
sFuni
andFuni
thi
sismyl
ovi
ngFi
anceZuko.
.

Zukol
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
ebef
oresay
ingsomet
hing.
.

Zuko:
NiceMeet
ingy
ouFuni

Sohegonnaactl
i
kehedoesn’
tknowme…Het
henl
ookedatCowen.

Zuko:
Youl
ookf
ami
l
iar

Cowen:
Youl
ookf
ami
l
iart
oo.

Zuko:
ZukoMqel
a

Cowen:
DrCowen.
.Yout
heCEOofMQam i
right
?

Zuko:
Youv
eryr
ight
..Andy
oucomehi
ghl
yrecommendDoc.
.

Cowen:
I’
mjustgoodatwhati
do.
.

Zukol
ookedatme,
thenl
ookedatCowen.
.

Zuko:
Sonowy
ouf
ucki
ngmy
…

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..

Zuko:
Meantar
eyout
woacoupl
e?

Cowen:
asamat
teroff
actwear
eacoupl
e,
shei
smyQueen.
.

Whati
sCowenpl
ayi
ngat
???

Icoul
dseet
hatst
atementmadeZukouncomf
ort
abl
e..

Zuko:
Cher
ishhershe’
sav
eryr
arepr
eci
ousst
one.
.

Cowen:
Youdon’
thav
etor
emi
ndme…

Ol
ona:
Theyj
ustl
ooksobeaut
if
ulandper
fectf
oreachot
her

Zukof
akedasmi
l
e…
Zuko:
Yest
heydo

Cowen:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogosweet
hear
t?

Me:
Yes,
please.

Cowen:
Thanky
ouagai
nfort
aki
nghert
othehospi
tal

Ol
ona:
Itsmypl
easur
e,I
’
mjustgl
adt
hatshe’
sokay
..

Cowen:
Youguy
shav
eagoodday

Ol
ona:
Bye…I
’
llcal
lyouFuni

Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
.

West
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..

Zuko:
Wai
t.
.

West
opped,
thent
urnedar
oundandl
ookedathi
m.

Zuko:
Howaboutwegooutonadoubl
edat
etomor
rowni
ght
?

Ol
ona:
thatsoundsl
i
keapl
an

Zukol
ookedatus.
.

Zuko:
Sowhatdoy
oul
ovebi
rdssay
?

Cowenl
ookedatme.
.

Cowen:
Whatdoy
ousaybabe?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s

Zuko:
ComeonFuni
,i
t’
ll
beni
ce.
.

Ol
ona:
andi
twi
l
lbeagr
eatst
artf
orus.
.

Me:
Uhm i
don’
tknowi
fCowenwi
l
lbebusy

Al
lat
tent
ionwasonCowennow…

Cowen:
iam onl
eav
e,soi
wil
lbef
ree…

Zuko:Gr
eatwe’
l
lmeeteachot
heratt
hatFr
enchr
est
aur
antdownt
her
oadhowdoes19:
00
sound?

Cowen:
19:
00soundscool
Ol
ona:
Great
,we’
l
lmeeteachot
hert
her
e..

Webidthem f
arewel
landWalkedoutt
oCowen’
scar
..Hest
art
eddr
ivi
ngbutt
henpul
l
edov
er
af
terawhil
eandlookedatme..

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
justl
ookeddown.
.

Cowen:
Arey
ouscar
edofhi
m?

Inoddedmyheady
es.
.

Cowen:
Whatdi
dhedot
oyout
hatmadey
out
obet
hisscar
edofhi
m andot
hermenasawhol
e?

Myt
ear
swer
ever
ynear
,buti
tri
edmybestt
ohol
dthem back.
.

Him:Soican’tgetashotwit
hyoubecauseofhi
smistakes.I
sthi
showyougonnabef
uni
?
Puni
shi
ngev erymanthatcomesyourwaybecauseofyourex’
ssins?

Me:
I’
mjustscar
edCowen

Hi
m:i
am nothi
m..

Hesi
ghed.
.

Hi
m:Stopgi
vi
nghim powerovery
ourli
fe,st
opletti
nghi
m cont
rolyou.
.Thef
eart
hathesmel
l
s
f
rom y
ouiswhatmakeshim Godoveryourl
if
e..Youneedtofi
ghthim…

Me:
icannotf
ightZuko,
hisj
ustt
oo.
.

Hi
m: I
m notsay
ingi
nthatway
.Fi
ghtbackbyshowi
nghi
mthaty
oucanl
i
vey
ourl
i
fedespi
te
whathedi
dt oy
ou..

Someofwhathi
ssay
ingi
sri
ght
..

Heputhi
shandonmychi
nandmademet
ofacehi
m..

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouandi
am notgoi
ngt
osuf
ferbecauseofwhathedi
dtoy
ou…

Hel
eanedcl
oserandki
ssed.
.

Him:all
owmet ochangethepercept
ionthaty
ouhaveaboutmen,
all
owmetoshowyouthat
notever
ymant hatcomestoyourli
feismeanttohur
tyou.Somemencomet
orest
orewhat
wasstolenorbr
oken..

Iwasnowi
ntear
s..

Hi
m:Justal
l
owmet
olov
eyoupl
ease

Me:
Zukoi
sgonnaki
l
lyou.
.
Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:Nohewon’
t…

Me:
hewi
l
l

Hi
m:Hedoesn’
tknowwhoi
am,
andwhenhef
inal
l
yfi
ndsoutwhoi
am hewi
l
lpeei
nhi
spant
s..

Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?

Hest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.

Me:
Cowenwhatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?

Cowen:
ithi
nky
oushoul
dli
vewi
thmenow,
icanpr
otecty
oubet
terwheny
oucl
oset
ome.
.

Coweni
sscar
ingmeabi
t,whoi
she?I
sheev
enadoct
or?

PART44SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
09]Ron:
PART45SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wegott oCowen’ spenthouseandi twassomet hingihaveneverseenbefore.Ihav

ebeent o
beaut
if
ul houses,ieventhoughtthatJozi andZukohadthemostbeaut if
ulhousesunti
lisaw
Cowen’spent house.
.Il
ov edeveryt
hingfrom thefur
nit
uretothepaint
ingsont hewall
.
.Whati
hadnoti
cedwast hathisfavouri
tecolour
swer eBlack&whit
ebecauseev ery
thingwasblackand
whit
e.Event hecasualclotheshewear salwaysBlack&whit
e…

Isl
owl
ytur
nedar
oundwhi
l
eadmi
ri
ngev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Me:
Wow…

Hi
m:Youl
i
kei
t?

Igi
ggl
ed.
.

Me:
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?Of
causei
li
kei
tihav
enev
erseensuchper
fect
ion.
.

Hecameandpl
ant
edawetki
ssonmyneck.
.

Hi
m:Youshoul
dli
kei
tbecauset
hisi
sgonnabey
ourhomef
rom nowon.
.

It
urnedar
oundandf
acedhi
m.Hegotmyhandsandki
ssedt
hem.
.

Hi
m:i
wanty
out
ofeel
athome.
.

Hel
ookedatmybodywhi
l
ebi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p..

Hi
m:ev
eni
fyouf
eel
li
kewal
ki
ngar
oundnakedy
oucandot
hat
,thi
sisy
ourhome.
.
Me:
Youar
esoonaught
yMrCowen

Hi
m:Pl
easeaddr
essmeasSean.
.I’
m SeanCowen.

Me:
May
bei
justl
i
keCowenmor
e

Hepull
edMeclosert
ohim andkissedmewhilegrabbi
ngmyAss.Idon’twannalie,Cowen
knewhowtopl
ayhischarmingandkissi
nggame..Ifel
tmyselfbei
ngl
ostinthatkiss.
.Hespoke
i
nbetweent
hatkisswhi
leourli
pswer est
il
ll
ockedtoeachother.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
twannaf
orcey
oui
ntoany
thi
ng,
iwanty
out
obecomf
ort
abl
e..

Hesaidt
hatwhi
letaki
ngof
fmyt
shi
rt
…Iwasst
il
li
ntoxi
cat
edbyhi
ski
ssnotev
enZukohasev
er
ki
ssedmeli
kethat
..

Me:
Younotf
orci
ngmei
ntoany
thi
ng.
.

Hegent
lysqueezedmywai
st.

Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?

Inoddedmyheadwhi
lekissi
nghim.
.Hewentontopl
antwetki
ssesonmycl
eav
age.Mybi
g
cl
eavagewasnowexposedsincemyshi
rtwasr
emoved.
.

Hi
m:Tel
lmehowdi
dhenotappr
eci
atesuchbeaut
y?

Hepushedmeagainstt
hewallandrai
sedmyhandsupwhi
l
eti
ght
lypi
nni
ngt
hem agai
nstt
he
wal
l.
.Hestar
tedt
alki
ngdir
tynextt
omyear..

Hi
m: Doyouknowhowmuchi
wannabei
nsi
deofy
our
ightnow?Ri
dey
ouunt
ily
oubegf
orme
t
ostop?

Me:
woul
dthatbeabadt
hing?

Heki
ssedmet
henbr
oket
heki
ssaf
teraf
ewseconds.
.

Hi
m:Yes.
.

Hel
etgoofmeandpi
ckedupmyt
shi
rtf
rom t
hef
loorandhandedi
ttome.
.

Hi
m:Thi
nky
oudr
oppedy
ourt
shi
rt

Il
ookedathi
m,i
sthi
sguycr
azyorwhatMar
a?It
ookmyt
shi
rtwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyougoodwi
thl
asagne?

Me:
What
ever

Yesi
wasmad,
youdon’
tjustdot
hatt
oagi
rlandl
eav
eheral
lhi
ghandl
ow…
Hi
m:i
wasr
aisedbymyGr
andmot
hersoi
knowmywayar
oundt
heki
tchen.
.

Me:
What
everCowen!

Hepickedmeupandpl
acedmenextt
otheki
tchensi
nkwi
thhi
shandsont
hesi
desofmy
t
highs.
.

Me:
Whatnow?

Hi
m: Therewil
lbeal
otofti
mef orf
ucki
ngbutnowiwannashowy oumylov
e,iwantyout
ot r
ust
me.Iwantyoutolov
emewi thoutsexbei
ngi
nvol
vedi
nourrelat
ionshi
psoyoucanknowthati
wantyourhear
tandnotyourbody.
.

Me:
Arey
out
hishonestory
ouj
ustf
ront
ingi
mean…

Hi
m:Youmean?

Me:
Not
hing.
.

It
ri
edget
ti
ngdownbuthehadat
ightgr
iponme.
.

Me:
Cowen.
.

Hi
m:Iaskedy
ouaquest
ionwhatdoy
oumean?

Il
ookeddown.
.

Him: i
wil
lneverhurty
ou,andmostimpor
tant
lyiwillnev
err
aisemyhandony ou..Yesther
e’s
ti
meswheny ougonnamakemeangr yt
othatpointwhereiwoul
dwannast r
angleyouandsnap
yourneckti
ll
y oudi
ethenBuryy
ouatasecretlocat
ionwhereim gonnagr
owt omatoesony our
graveandnoonei sgonnafi
ndyou.
.

Il
aughedatt
hatandhel
aughedt
oo.
.

Me:
Woul
dyour
eal
l
ydot
hat
?

Hi
m:Naaj
ustwant
edt
omakey
oul
augh

Me:
Woul
dyoueatt
het
omat
oest
hough?

Hi
m:dayandni
ght
..

Me:
Yousoohear
tl
ess

Het
ickl
edme.
.

Hi
m:Sayt
hatagai
n..

Iwasl
aughi
nghy
ster
ical
l
y.
Me:
Okayst
opI
’
m sor
ry.
.

Hest
opped.
.

Hi
m:That
’swhatIwannasee,
mor
elaughi
ngandl
essst
ressi
ngorcr
ying…

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
Areyouser
iousaboutme?Orthi
sisjustaphase?Todayy
out
reat
ingmel
i
keaQueent
hen
t
omorr
owyoubashingMewiththebackofyourgunonmyhead?

Icoul
dseethatcommenthi
thome,al
thoughhet
ri
edsoomuchtoconsumehi
sAngerbuthi
s
heavybr
eat
hinggavehi
m away.
.Hetouchedt
hescaronmyf
orehead.

Hi
m:Hedi
dthatt
oyou?

Inodded….

Hi
m:Okaygof
reshenupdon’
tbescar
edt
owearoneofmyTshi
rt
siwi
l
ldot
hel
asagnef
orus.
.

Wowi expect
edhi
mt osy
mpathisewit
hme..Iwant
edhi
mtomakemef
eel
bet
terbycussi
ngon
Zukoandmakinghi
m abadpersonbutnoneoft
hat.
.

Hi
m:Hear
dthatboobear
?

Thatbr
oughtmet
oreal
i
ty…

Me:
Uhm y
eah.
.

Hehel
pedmegetdown,
andki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:Youwi
l
lfi
ndy
ourwayupst
air
stot
hebat
hroom.
.

Me:
ithi
nkso.
.

Hi
m:Andi
fyougetapani
cat
tackj
ustl
eti
tbe,
itwon’
tki
l
lyou.
.

Me:
Pani
cat
tack?

Him:Fr
om howy
ouwer
ebr
eat
hingont
hephonei
tgav
eyouawayt
haty
ouwer
eexper
ienci
nga
pani
catt
ack.
.

Me:
Nowonderwhydoct
orscoul
dn’
tfi
ndwhatwaswr
ongwi
thme.
.

Hi
m:Gobat
hI’
l
ltel
lyouabouti
tlat
er.
.

Islowlywalkedtot
hestai
rs,
butthenstoppedandl
ookedathi
m.Myf
ear
scameback,
the
“Panicatt
ack”cameback.Helookedatmeandshookhishead.
.

Me:
Cowen.
.
Him:Noboobooyouneedtoknowt hatsomet
imesy
ougot
taf
acedi
ff
icul
tsi
tuat
ionsal
onei
wil
l
notal
waysbether
etoholdyourhand..

Myt
ear
swer
enear
,if
eltl
i
kei
wasgoi
ngcr
azy
..If
eltl
i
keZuko’
spr
esencewasi
nthi
shouse.

Me:
Coweni
thi
nkhei
sher
e

Hef
oldedhi
sar
msandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
I’
m goi
ngt
odi
eCowen.
.

Hesai
dnot
hingj
ustl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Cowen.
.

Hi
m:Gobat
hiwi
l
lpr
epar
eust
hel
asagne

Il
ookedatt
hestai
rsiwasscar
edtogoup,iwasscar
edtobeint
hatbat
hroom al
one.Iwas
scar
edofbei
ngconsumedbythatf
earofZukowanti
ngt
okil
lme..

Me:
CowenI
’
m scar
ed…

Het
ookt
hepanoutandst
art
edwhi
stl
i
ng.
.

Me:
Cowenpl
ease.
.

Hi
m:I
m cooki
ngbubudon’
tdi
stur
bme.
.Il
i
keconcent
rat
ing

Heopenedt
hef
ri
dge.
.

Il
ookedathi
m andthoughtt
omy
sel
fthatCoweni
smor
ehear
tl
esst
hanZuko.
.Howcanhenot
pr
otectmewhenI’
m scared?

PART45SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
11]Ron:
PART46SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ididfi
nal
lygetthecour
aget
ogoupst
air
sandbath.I
twasn’tagoodsit
uat
ionforonet
obein,
becauseevery
timewhenicl
osemyeyestospl
ashwateronmyf acememori
esofZukowould
keeponflashi
ng…

Bei
ngaloneinthatbat
hroom wasscar
yconst
ant
lyhav
ingt
olookatt
hedoorhopi
ngt
hathe
doesn’
twalki
n,andkil
lme..

Ipr
omi
sey ou,
li
vi
ngal
i
fel
i
ket
hishav
ingt
obescar
edandal
way
slookov
ery
ourshoul
derI
s
dev
ast
ati
ng……..

Wheni wasdonebathingiwenttoCowen’sbedroom andstar

tedgoingthr
oughhisstaf
ftr
ying
tofi
ndat shi
rtandaboxer
..Whatcaughtmyattenti
onwheni Walkedint
ohishouse,wasthat
hiswholewallatt
hedinni
ngareawasfil
ledwit
hPaintingsofskul
ls.Nowiam goi
ngthroughhis
cl
othesandmostoft
hem hav
easkul
landal
loft
hem ar
eei
therbl
ackorwhi
te…

Hi
m bei
nganEMOst ruckmymi nd,butthenCowenlooksabi
tmatur
eforsucht
hings..
notonl
y
di
dhiscl
otheshaveaprintofaskul
lonthem buthi
sduvetwasbl
ackandhadwhiteskull
s
whi
chreal
lyrai
sedupalotofquesti
ons….

Iputontheboxerandhi
stshi
rt
,thenhungmycl
othesont
hechai
randi
wentt
omeethi
m upf
or
di
nnerdownstai
rs…..

Whileiwaswal
ki
ngdownt
hest
air
sihear
dhi
m speaki
ngt
osomeoneont
hephonewasonl
oud
speaker
..

Voi
ce:
Soy
out
ell
i
ngmet
hatMQ(
Zuko)i
snowaper
sonofi
nter
est
?

Cowen:
That
’swhatI
’
mtel
l
ingy
ou

Voi
ce:
thatguyl
ookshar
mless

Cowen:
Hisabi
tdanger
ous,
orsohet
hinkshei
s..

Voi
ce:idon’tt
hinktheSkul
l
saregonnaappr
ovethi
s,imeanwehav
eal
way
swentaf
terser
ious
andreal
lydangerouspeopl
e.MQdoesn’
tfi
tint
hecategor
y..

Cowen:
Arey
ougonnadoasi
sayorwhat
?

Voi
ce:
It’
sgonnabehar
dbutI
’
llt
ry.
.Any
waywhatdi
dhedot
oyout
haty
ouwantust
owal
k
ont
opofhim?

Hi
m:Let
’sj
ustsayhe.
.

Het
urnedar
oundandsawmeSt
andi
ngt
her
e..

Hi
m:Shabbai
hav
etogo.

Shabba:
Buti
sti
l
lneed.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llcal
lyoudon’
twor
ry

Shabba:
Aytcool
man

Hehungupandl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Lookaty
ou,
youdi
dn’
tdi
enowdi
dyou?

Iwal
keddownt
hest
air
sandwentt
ohi
m..

Me:
Whatwast
hatal
labout
?

Hi
m:Justmybusi
ness
Me:
Whatbusi
nessi
sthat
?

Hi
m:I
tsknownas“
noneofy
ourbusi
ness”

Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
.

Hi
m:Shal
lwe?

Hepoint
edatt
hesmallt
abl
eandt her
ewer
epill
owsonthefl
oornextt
othet
abl
e.Thel
asagne
wasther
ewit
hplat
esandwine,
lookedabi
tcosyandni
ce..

Me:
Thi
slooksni
ce

Hi
m:i
tbet
tert
ast
eni
cet
oo,
iputmyf
ooti
nit
..

Wewentandsatdown.
.

Hi
m:May
bewecangogety
ouaf
ewcl
othest
omor
row.
.

Hedi
shedupf
orme.
.

Me:
Thatwoul
dbegr
eat
.

Heal
sopour
edwi
nei
nthegl
assesf
orus.
.Iwentandt
ast
edt
hel
asagne.

Me:
Thi
sisgood

Hi
m:MyGr
andmot
her
’sr
eci
pe

Me:
Lemeguess,
it’
sasecr
etr
eci
pe?

Hi
m:Yout
ookt
hewor
dsr
ightoutofmymout
h..

Me:
Tast
esr
eal
l
ygoodt
hough…

Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
.Andwhatel
sedoy
ouwannadot
omor
row?

Me:
iwannagoandv
isi
tmyf
atheratt
hehospi
tal
.
.

Hi
m:i
shesi
ck?

Me:
Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
..

Hi
m:Ei
therhi
ssi
ckorheI
snotsi
ck,
ther
e’sno“
Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
”

Me:
Hei
ssi
ck.
.Happynow?

Hi
m:I
m ecst
ati
c..

Me:
Arey
oual
way
sthi
scocky
?
Hi
m:Thi
sismej
ustbei
ngme.
.

Me:
Okay
..Cani
asksomet
hing?

Hi
m:Youcanaskany
thi
ng

Me:
Doy
out
hinky
ourf
ami
l
yisgonnal
i
keme?

Hi
m:Whyy
ouaskt
hat
?

Me:
imeanZuko’
sfami
l
ythey
…

Hi
m:They
?

Me:
Justdi
dn’
tli
keme.

Hi
m:Whydi
dn’
thedr
ophi
sfami
l
yandbecomeandor
phan?

Me:
Soi
fyourf
ami
l
ydon’
tli
kemey
ougonnadr
opt
hem andbecomeanor
phan.
.

Hi
m:Yes.Iam notgonnamar
rymyf
ami
l
yandhav
eki
dswi
tht
hem am i
?

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Youj
ustcr
azyai
n’
tyou?

Hi
m:i
trynott
obe.
.

Wecontinuedeati
ngourdi
nnerwhichwasver
ydel
ici
ous,andt
henwhenweweredoneeat
ing
weputtheleftov
erseasi
nthefr
idgeandwashedt
hedishes…Aft
erwashi
ngt
hedi
shes,we
wentupstai
rs.

Hi
m:I
mjustgonnat
akeaqui
ckshower

Iwassi
tt
ingont
opoft
hebed.
.

Me:
Okay

Hetookof
fhi
stshi
rtandhehadani
cebodybutwhatr
eal
l
ycaughtmyat
tent
ionwast
hisbi
g
t
att
ooofaskul
lonhisback.
.

Iwannaaskhim aboutt
hatbut
,thenmay
behedoesn’
twantmeknowi
ngabouti
t.SoI
’
mjust
gonnawaitonhi
mt osaysomething.
.

Hewenttot
akeashowerwhi
l
eioccupi
edmy
sel
fwi
tht
heTVsoIdon’
tgetpar
anoi
dand
scar
ed….

hecamebackaf
terawhi
leanddressedup,di
dn’
tevencar
ethati
wasi
nther
oom,
didn’
tev
en
l
ookli
kehewasembarr
assedformet oseehi
m naked.
.
Whenhewasdone,
hecamet
ojoi
nmei
nbed.
.

Me:
Yousmel
lni
ce

Hi
m:compl
i
ment
stomyshowergel

Hecamecl
oserandt
ri
edt
oki
ssmebutmyphoner
ang.
.

Hi
m:i
gnor
eit

West ar
tedki
ssingwit
hhishandti
ghtl
ysqueezi
ngmyt
highs.Asmuchasi
tri
edt
oignor
emy
phone,buti
tjustdi
dn’
tst
opringi
ng…

Me:
Coul
dbei
mpor
tant

Hi
m:You’
l
lcal
lthem l
ater

Me:
ihav
etot
akei
t.
.

Hi
m:Fi
ne

ISt
ret
chedoutmyhandandgoti
t,sur
pri
singl
yitwasmygr
andmot
her
…Ianswer
ed.

Me:
Hel
l
o

Shewascr
ying.
.

Me:
What
’swr
onggr
ams?

Her
:Ukhohl
akel
efuni
!(y
ouar
eev
il
)

Thatst
atementt
ookmebysur
pri
se.
.

Me:
huh?

Her
:Mysoni
sdeadbecauseofy
ou!
!

Me:
What
?UPapaushoni
l
e?(
myf
atherhaspassedon)

Her
:Youshoul
dbecel
ebr
ati
ngwi
thy
ourwhi
teboy
fri
endt
haty
oul
i
vewi
thnow…

Howandwher
edi
dshegett
hati
nfo?

Me:
idon’
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
..

Her:
TheMqel afamilyt
olduswhathappened,t
heytoldusevery
thing.Theywantedt
omar ryyou
andputyouthrewschoolbutwenangobaugcweleubufebeyouranawaywi t
hyourwhi
te
boyf
ri
end.YourFathersuf
feredahear
tatt
ackaftersuchdi
sappointmentfrom y
ouanddied,he
coul
dn’
thandletheshamet haty
oubroughti
ntothefamil
y.youkil
ledhim!!

Idr
oppedmyphone,
icoul
dn’
tli
stent
othosehur
tful
wor
dsany
mor
eiwasShaki
ng,
iwascr
ying,
t
hepani
cat
tackcamebackf
ull
for
cewhi
chwast
ri
gger
edbyMest
il
lhear
inghercussi
ng….

Cowen:
What
’swr
ong?

Iwasr
ocki
ngmy
sel
fbackandf
ort
hwi
thmyhandscov
eri
ngmyear
s..

Hepi
ckedupmyphone…

Cowen:
Whoi
sthi
s?

Idon’
tknowwhatmyGr
andmasai
dtohi
m buthehungedup.
.

Iwast
rul
ybr
okent
hatmyGr
andmawoul
dbel
i
evet
heMqel
asl
i
ket
hat
..

PART46SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
12]Ron:
PART47SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Nothingcouldamountt othepai nthatiwasfeeli

ngDeepi nside.Iwasbreathi
ngbutinsideiwas
dead.Thefactt hatiwasforbiddentoattendmyf ather’
sfuneralki
ll
edmemor e,
especiall
y
becausemyGr andmaandt heMqel afamil
yhavepoi sonedmyot herrel
ati
vesagainstmet hati
am thereasonbehi ndmyf ather’
ssuddendeath.Onl yme,myf ather
,andZukowi l
lknowt he
tr
uth..Myfatherdiedbecausehi sheartcoul
dn’tkeepupwi ththeparasi
tethatZukoandhi s
goonsputinhi sheart.
.

Ir
efusedtoeat,
i r
efusedtosleep,orev
ental
k.Iwasnumb,iwasemot
ionl
essif
eltnot
hingi
t
wasalmostasifli
kei wasn’
tli
vinganymor
e..Mymotherdi
edwheniwasyoung,
nowmyf at
her
i
sdeadt ooiam pract
ical
lyal
onenow. .

YesCoweni
sal
way
sther
eformebutwhati
fhebecomesl
i
keZukoandt
urnsonme…….

I
twasaquietdayandiwassit
ti
ngont
hecouch,
justst
arr
ingatt
hesmal
lcof
feet
abl
ethati
s
whati
hav
edoi ngfort
hepast30mi
nut
es.
.

Cowencamet
omewi
that
rayoff
ood,
hesatont
hecof
feet
abl
efaci
ngme.
.

Hi
m:i
madey
ousomet
hingt
oeat

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
cont
inuedst
arr
ingatwhati
wasst
arr
ingat
..

Heexhal
ed.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llj
ustputt
hef
oodher
eincasey
ouf
eel
li
keeat
ing…

Ist
il
lkeptqui
et.Hest
oodupandputt
hef
oodont
het
abl
eandWal
kedawaywhi
l
esi
ngi
ng.
.

Hi
m: “
Lov
ey ourz,
ther
e’snosucht
hingasal
i
fet
hat
’sbet
tert
hany
our
z..
nosucht
hingasal
i
fe
t
hat’
sbet
terthanyour
z”

Thosewor
dshi
thome.HowcanCowensayt
hat
?Ist
oodup.
.
Me:
Yousel
fi
sh!
!

Hest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.

Me: Howcanyousaythat
?There’speopl
ewhower ebornwithasi
lverspooni
ntheirmouth.
.
There’
speopl
ewholiveni
celi
veswhodon’ tcometoexperi
encewhati hav
eexper
iencedand
thenyougonnabol
dlysi
ngthatther
e’snoli
fethat
’sbet
tert
hanmine?

Hi
m:Andi
sti
l
lst
andbymywor
ds.
.

If
eltt
ear
scomi
ng….

Me:
Youknowev
ent
houghZukoi
saj
erkbuthenev
erdancedont
opofmypai
nli
key
oudoi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Wher
eisy
ourZuko?

Hest
art
edl
ooki
ngsi
deway
s

Hi
m:Yai
ain’
tseet
heni
ggaher
e..

Me:
Itsov
erCoweny
ouhearme?I
’
m done!

Ist
art
edappr
oachi
ngt
hedoorandhequi
ckl
ycameandbl
ockedmyway
..

Hi
m:Younotgoi
ngnowher
e

Me:
Getoutofmyway
!!
!

Hesai
dnot
hingbutcont
inuedsl
i
ght
lypushi
ngmeof
fasi
tri
edt
oreachf
ort
hedoor
..

Me:
ihat
emenCowen!
!Ihat
eZukoandi
hat
eyout
oo!
!

Hesai
dnot
hingj
ustl
ookedatme.
.

Iwasnowcr
ying.
.

Me:
Yeahi
hat
eyou!
!Isai
diti
hat
eyou.
.

If
eltl
i
kegi
vi
nghi
m api
eceofmymi
nd,
andt
hat
’swhati
did.
.

Me:Hetooktheonl
ythingthatmatt
eredtome…Ihavenolifewit
houtmyfat
her,
howam i
gonnali
veal
one?Whatam i gonnado?.
.Myfat
herhasalwayslovedmeandshel
ter
edmeand
what’
smoresadisthatmyf amil
yblamemeforhi
sdeath,theyhatemeCowentheyal
way
s
wantedmeoutofthepict
ure..

Nomatterhowmuchhewastr
yingtol
etmypai
nandbr
okenst
atenott
oaf
fecthi
m buti
coul
d
seet
hatDeepdownthi
swashurti
nghi
mtoo.
.

Me:
imi
ghtaswel
lki
l
lmy
sel
ftoo,
whyam i
sti
l
lher
e??
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s.

Me:
idon’
tknowwhyI
’
m st
il
lher
e..

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me: Cowencany
oupl
easeki
l
lZukof
orme?Cany
oupl
easeki
l
lhi
mforal
lthepai
nhehas
causedme?

Heshookhi
sheadno.

Him:
iwannakil
lhi
m soobad,bel
iev
emeidobutt
hatwoul
dbeeasy
..Iwanthi
mtof
eel
the
samepai
nthathehasputyouthr
ough.
.

Il
ookedathi
m wi
thmyey
esf
ull
oft
ear
s..

Him:Theonlywaytobreakhimisforyoutogetbackupandliv
ey ourl
ife.
.Whatyoudoingnow
wil
lmakehim happy,
hewi l
ldel
i
ghtinseeingyoubreaki
ngdownbecauset hat
’swhathewants
tosee,
youslowingdyi
ng..Boobeartheonlywayyougonnadefeatthi
sguyistoneverall
ow
himtobreakyouli
kethi
s..

Icannotbeli
eveCowenri
ghtnow,i
don’twannahearwhathistel
l
ingmenowbuti wannal
iv
ein
awor l
dfreeofZukoandhegonnatel
lmethisshi
t??Iwanthimtokil
lZukoandhegonnagi
ve
met he3rddegree…

Me:
Soy
ounotgonnaki
l
lhi
m?

Hi
m:Noi
am not
..

Iwashur
tthatCowendoesn’
twannaunder
standmeorwhatI
’
m goi
ngt
hroughr
ightnow.
.

Me:
Wow

Iwal
kedawayupst
air
s,iwashurtiwasbr
oken..Igott
othebedr
oom andt
hrewmy
sel
font
he
bedandst
art
edcry
ingli
kether
e’snott
omorrow…..

Af
tercr
yingf
orwhatseemedt obeli
kefor
ever
,igotoutofbedandwentt ogetsometissueto
wi
pemyt ear
s..Iopenedhi
sdrawert
ryi
ngtofi
ndmor eti
ssuesandthat’
swheni bumpedintoa
st
ackofcashand4carkey s.
.It
ookthest
ackofcashanditlookedl
ikealotofmoney.
.

It
ooki
tandt
ookt
hedodgecal
i
bercarkey
s…

Iwentandwashedmyf
acet
henaf
teri
Wal
keddownst
air
s….

Brownhadcametodropmyclothesear
li
er,
iwaswear
ingaboobt
ubet
shi
rtwi
thdeni
m shor
t
andmyAddidassi
l
verSneaker
s..

Igotdownst
air
satt
hel
oungeandt
her
ewasnosi
gnofCowen….
Iwentstr
aightt
ot heel
evat
orandwentdownst
air
s.Igott
othepar
kingl
otandsawal
lhi
scar
s
ther
e,iwenttothedodgegoti
nandstart
eddri
vi
ng…

Iam notmuchofagooddr
iverbuti
ain’
tabaddr
iverei
ther
..

Icr
uizedaroundwithhi
sdodgeunti
limadeast
opatsomebar
,thatiswhati
exact
lyneeded
somet hi
ngtodri
nk.Saywhat
every
ouwannasaybutial
way
sfi
ndal cohol
asmycomf or
terand
abetterwaytoeasemypain.
.

Igotoutoft
hedodgeandmademywayt
othebar
…

Igotinther
eandI
twasmostl
ymenwhichwasawkwardbuti
don’
tbl
amet
hem becauset
he
wait
ressesser
veal
cohol
int
hei
rbr
asandbum shor
tsonl
y.
.

Imademywayt othecount
erandsomeoft
hement
her
ewer
est
arr
ingatmyt
hickt
highsasi
f
l
ikeI
’m somecheaptr
ash.
.

Igotatt
hecount
erandsatonbarst
ool
.
.Thebarwomancamet
ome.
.

Her
:Goodaf
ter
nooncani
gety
ousomet
hing?

Il
ookedaroundandhavi
ngthosemenstar
ringatmel
i
ket
hatwasv
eryuncomf
ort
abl
e…It
ook
outt
hestackofcashandhandedi
ttoher.
.

Me:
Keept
hosedr
inkscomi
ng.
.

Shel
ookedatt
hatcashwi
thherey
eswi
deopenandherj
awdr
oppi
ng….
.

Her
:That
’sal
otofmoney
..

Me:
That
’swhyi
saykeept
hedr
inkscomi
ng.
.

Shet
ookt
hecashandkeptt
hedr
inkscomi
ng.
.

Iwasnowgett
ingdrunkandf
eel
i
ngver
ycomfor
tabl
e…iwasont
opofthatcount
erdanci
ngwi
th
al
lthosemenadmir
ingmeandmybody.
.Iwasdanci
ngto“Wor
k_Ri
hanna”

Ireal
l
yfel
timpor
tant
,fr
om al
ltheat t
ent
ioni
wasgetti
ngfrom t
hosemen,t
hatwassomet
hing
thatmademefeeli
mportant
,iteasedmypain.
.Il
ookedatthebarwoman.

Me:
Giv
eev
ery
onedr
inksonme

Her
:Mam getdowny
oudr
unk!

Me:
I’
m notdr
unk,
youdr
unk!
!Nowgi
veal
lthi
smendr
inks!
!

Theycheer
edme.
.

Her
:Mam!
Me:
Oopsi
didn’
theart
hat
..

Her
:Getdown!

Me:
Sor
rybuti
can’
theary
ou.
.

Oneoft
hemencameandgotmeof
fthecount
erandputmedown…

Hi
m:Whydon’
tyoucomeandpl
aypool
wit
hmeandmyhomeboy
s?

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
erunni
nghi
shandonmyt
highs.
.

Barwoman:
Treypl
easedon’
tst
artt
roubl
enott
oni
ght
..

Hegav
eheradeat
hst
are.
.

Tr
ey:
ify
ouknowwhat
’sgoodf
ory
ouwi
l
lst
ayoutofmybusi
ness!

Thebarwomansaidnomor e.Fr
om howPeopleInthebarwerescar
edofTreyicoul
dt el
lthat
hehascausedal
otoftroubl
ehere,
heisarespect
edandfearedbadboyhere.
.Hisfr
iendswere
har
assi
ngthewait
ressesandhewasalluponme. .Hesqueezedmycheekswhichwasv ery
pai
nful
..

Hi
m:Sowhatdoy
ousay
?

Me:
soundst
empt
ing

Hi
m:i
vebeenwat
chi
ngy
oual
ldayandi
mustsayi
real
l
ywannaknowy
ou

Me:
iwannaknowy
out
oo

Heloosenedhi
sgr
ipandki
ssedmei
didn’
thesi
tat
etoki
sshi
m back.
.Af
terawhi
l
ewebr
oket
he
ki
ss..

Hi
m:Whati
sabeaut
if
ull
adydoi
ngher
e?

Me:
Wel
lj
ustt
ryi
ngt
ohav
efun.
.

Hewasv
erycut
eicoul
dn’
tst
opki
ssi
nghi
m..

Hi
m:Yourboy
fri
endl
ety
ougooutony
ourown?

Me:
Wel
lmyboy
fri
endCoweni
sapussy
..

Hi
m:Cowen?

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
YesDrCowen,
SeanCowen.
.

Hest
eppedawayf
rom me.
.
Hi
m:Youdat
ingBr
aga?

Me:
Whoi
sBr
aga?

Hewhi
stl
edandhi
sfr
iendsgav
ehi
m at
tent
ion.
.

Hi
m:boy
slet
’sgetoutofher
e..

Me:
Wai
twher
eyougoi
ng?

Hi
m:st
ayawayf
rom me.
.

Hest
art
edwalki
ngaway,igr
abbedhi
sar
m andhepushedmehar
dthati
fel
lont
opofsome
t
abl
eiwon’
tli
ethathur
t.
.

Me:
Ouch!
!

It
ri
edget
ti
ngupbuti
twashar
dsi
nceIwasdr
unk.
.Theni
hear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oicet
alki
ng…

Voi
ce:
Nextt
imebecar
eful
whoy
oupush!

Il
ookedatthedi
rect
ionoft
hevoi
ceandi
coul
dn’
tbel
i
evewhati
saw…wasCowenhewaswi
th
whatseemedtobeasquad..

Theywerewear
ingbl
ackdeni
m ski
nnyj
eans,
whi
teshi
rt
s,bl
ackkneeboot
sandcapsthathad
skul
ls.
.Hi
ssquadwascomposedofbot
hmenandwoment heywereal
socar
ryi
ngexes…

Tr
eyst
art
edst
eppi
ngback.
.

Hi
m:Br
aga!
!.
.I.
.Sw.
.

Hel
ookedsov
eryscar
edofCowen,
isweari
becamesobert
hesamet
ime.
.

PART47SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
17]Ron:
PART48SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ithoughtt hati
wasgonnaseet hoseaxesfl
yingaroundandpeopl
ebeingsl ay
edandcutint
o
pieces.Ithoughti wasgonnaseeahor r
ormov i
elive,someSaworWr ongTurn.Iwon’tl
iei
was
veryscaredandsower ethepeopl
einattheBar.Cowenandhissquad,lookedli
kethoseki
ndof
peopleonewoul dn’tdaretomesswitht
hem..

Hewalkedupt
oTrey,myheartwasdownonmykneesatt
hatmoment
,iwasscar
edf
ormy
sel
f
andTr
eyonlyf
atewouldknowwhatCowenwoul
ddotoTrey…

Hehadsomeonef
rom hi
ssquad,
comeandt
aket
heAxef
rom hi
m..

Thatwasagoodsi
gn,
showedt
hathi
snotgonnausei
tonTr
eywhol
ookedv
eryscar
ed…
Tr
ey:
i.
.I.
.SwearBr
agai
didn’
tknowshewasy
our
s..

Cowenl
ookedathi
mforawhi
l
e,notsmi
l
ing,
notl
aughi
ng,
notshowi
nganyemot
ionwhat
soev
er.

Cowen:
Youj
ustpi
ssedony
our
sel
f.
.

Thatwasadownrightembar
rassment
.Thebaddestbul
l
yint
hebarbei
ngscar
edt
oapoi
nt
whereheev
enpissedonhimself
…

Thatsurel
yisgonnamakeever
yoneloser
espectforhi
m.Cowenl ookedatme,iwasbusyt
ryi
ng
topulldownmyshortswhi
chidon’
tknowwhyi wasdoi ngthatbecausetheywon’
tmir
acul
ousl
y
belong…Hesignall
edtomethatwemustgo,ididn’
tprotest.
.

Whatidi
dn’
tunder
standwashowhef
oundmebecauseIdi
dn’
tleav
eanot
eorr
ecei
veanycal
l
f
rom hi
m……….

Wegotout
sideandt
heyall
bideachotherf
arewellandwenttot
hei
rrespect
ivecar
s.Theywer
e
dr
ivi
ngBl
ackSUVswitht
heskulll
ogoatthesidesoftheSUVs….
.

i
twasnowjustonl
ymeandhi m st
andi
ngther
ehi
ssquadhadl
eft
.Icoul
dn’
tlookhi
mint
heey
e,
i
wasscar
edandv eryashamedofwhatidi
d..

Hest
ret
chedouthi
shandt
oMe.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgohome.

ISt
ret
chedoutmyhandt
ohi
mtooandwewentt
ohi
sSUV….

Nowordswereexchangedinthecar
,iwoul
donlyst
eall
ooksathi
m whenhei
snotl
ooki
ngat
mebutassoonashel ooksinmydir
ecti
oniwouldl
ookaway…

Ir
eal
i
sedr
ightt
her
ethatCowenmi
ghtnotbewhoi
thi
nkhei
s..

Wegothomeandwentupstair
stot
hebedr
oom.Isatdownonthebedwhi
lehepacedupand
downli
keapar
entthi
nki
ngofhowtopuni
shthei
r16yearol
ddaught
erwhosnuckoutoft
he
houset
ogopart
yinganddr
inki
ng….

Hestoppedpaci
ngandlookedatme,
hisl
ookpi
ercedt
hroughmyski
nandi
twasmaki
ngme
ver
yuncomfort
ableandmorescar
ed…

Hi
m:Mycarkey
spl
ease.
.

Ist
oodupandgotthem outofmypocketandhandedt
hem t
ohi
m.Hel
ookedatmyhandt
hat
wasShaki
ngvi
gorousl
ybeforet
aki
ngthekeys…

Hi
m:Nextti
meyouwannastealoneofmycar
sjustknowt
hatt
heyhav
eat
racker
,iwi
l
lfi
ndy
ou
nomat
terwher
eyout
ravel
wi t
hthem.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
satdownont
hebedagai
nwhi
l
elooki
ngdown…
Hi
m:i
fyouwer
einmysi
tuat
ionwhatwoul
dyoudo?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Hi
m:Gobat
hI’
l
lmakey
ousomecof
fee.
.

Ist
oodupandstar
tedwal
ki
ngt
othebat
hroom buthebl
ockedmyway
,icoul
dsenset
hathe
wasst
arr
ingatmybody.
.

Him: I
m gonnagiv
eyousomethi
ngthaty
ouwenttothatbarf
or,I
’
m gonnagi
vei
tyousoomuch
thateventomorr
owyoudon’
tgoaroundmar
keti
ngthatsexybodyofyour
sinpl
acest
haty
ou
shouldn’
tbeat.
.

Hecamecl
oserandpul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m..

Heli
ft
edmychinupandstar
tedki
ssi
ngme.Atf
ir
sti
wasabi
ttenseandal
lthatbutt
hat
smoothki
ssendedupr
elaxi
ngme..

Hewentont
oundressingme,whi
leIhel
pedhi
m undr
esst
oount
ilhewasl
eftwi
thhi
sboxer
s
andi
wasonlyl
eftwit
hmybr aandunder
wear…

Hewasst
arr
ingatmybodyagai
nbusyadmi
ri
ngi
t.
.

Hi
m:Doy
out
hinkt
hatTr
eywasgonnausepr
otect
ion?

Wowwhataquest
ion.
.

Me:
idon’
tknow.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
tthi
nkso

Heconti
nuedki
ssi
ngmeandhi
shandmadeitswayinsi
demyunderwear.
.Hesli
ppedone
fi
ngeri
nsi
demewhichwasabi
tpai
nful
igasped.
.Hewentt
oinser
tanotherf
ingernowthatwas
pai
nful
.

Me:
AhhCowen!

Hi
m:i
fyout
hinkt
hati
spai
nful
,wai
tunt
ilIr
eapy
ourpussyapar
t.
.

Hepickedmeupandpi
nnedmeagai
nstt
hewal
lhewasst
rongert
hani
thoughtt
obecar
ryi
ng
al
lofmyheavywei
ght
..

Him:asmuchasi wannamaket hi
sapai
nfulexper
ienceforyoubutIwon’t
,isaidI’
l
lneverhurt
youandI’
m st
andingbymywords…Heputmedownwhi leiwassti
llagai
nstthewallandhe
wentdownonme.Het ookoffmyunderwearandjuststart
edsucki
ngmet il
lIlostmymi nd,
til
lI
f
eltl
ikeiwasver
yclosetocoming…

Hi
m:Noty
et

Het
ookof
fhi
sboxer
sandpi
ckedmeupagai
nwi
thmyl
egsar
oundhi
swai
standheent
ered
me.
.

I
twasn’
taspai
nful
asi
thoughti
twasgonnabe,
andhej
ustwentf
ori
t.
.

Iwasscr
eaminghi
sname,hewasmoaning.
.Ihadmynai
l
sdeepi
nhi
sski
nwasj
ustani
ntense
sessi
ont
hatnotev
enZukoeverf
uckedmeli
kethat
……

Wemadel
ovet
hatni
ghtunt
ili
fel
tmyVagi
nagi
vi
nguponmet
hat
’swhenwest
opped.
.

Iwassooti
redfr
om al
loft
hat
,thati
passedoutimmediat
elyaft
erwefi
nished.
.Wewer
elay
ing
si
debysidewit
hmyhandsaroundhisneckandhishandr
unningsmoot
hlyonmynakedbody.
.

Fort
hef
ir
stt
imei
nmyl
i
fei
sleptl
i
keababy
,hav
inghi
mri
ghtnextt
omemademet
ofeel
saf
e….

Iwokeupthenextmor
ningandhewasn’
tnextt
ome.Iwasi
npai
n,butmostofal
liwasv
ery
hungov
er.

Igotoutofbedandmyheadwasbangi
ng.Iwentt
othebat
hroom andwashedmyf
acet
hen
brushedmyteet
h..

Iputonmygownandmademywaydownst
air
s…

Cowenwassitt
ingont
hecouchwit
hal
otofmedi
cal
textbooksandhisl
apt
opont
opofhi
s
thi
ghs.Heev
enhadhisspect
acl
esont
hat’
showser
ioushelooked…

Ist
oodt
her
elooki
ngathi
m whi
l
esmi
l
ingi
didn’
twannadi
stur
bhi
m asy
et…

It
houghtt
hatmomentwoul
dlastf
orev
erunt
ilhenot
icedmeSt
andi
ngt
her
e…

Hesmi
l
edandt
ookof
fhi
sspect
acl
es.

Hi
m:Goodmor
ning

Iwasbl
ushi
ngal
i
ttl
e.

Me:
Mor
ning

Wehadawkwar
dmomentbet
weenusaf
tergr
eet
ingeachot
her
.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Hi
m:iwant
edt
omakeyousomet hi
ngtoeatbut
,unfor
tunat
elyI’
m swapped.
.Ihav
eal
otof
st
udy
ingt
odoihav
eacli
nical
assessmentcomingupin2day s.
.

Me:
ItsokayI
’
llmakemy
sel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
,anddoy
ouwantsomet
oo?

Hi
m:Not
hanky
ou,
cof
feewi
l
ldof
orme.

Me:
Ify
ousayso
Weconti
nuedl
ookingateachotherwhi
l
esmil
ing,
hedidn’
thavethewi
destsmi
l
e,j
ustal
i
ttl
e
cur
veatt
hecornerofhi
smout h,whi
chmadehimlookmorecute.
.

Me:
I’
ll
justgoand.
.

Hi
m:y
agoanddot
hat
..

Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchenbutt
henst
oppedhal
fway
..

Me:
Uhm Cowen.
.

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme

Me:
I’
m sor
ryabouty
est
erdayi
shoul
dn’
thav
etakeny
ourcarandy
ourmoney
..

Hi
m: i
t’
sokayweallgothr
oughthatphasewherewethi
nkal
cohol
wit
heaseourpai
n,butt
he
mosti
mportantt
hingi
stonotlooseyoursel
fint
hepr
ocess.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ng

Hi
m:i
onl
yunder
stoody
est
erday
,butnextt
imei
won’
tunder
stand.
.

Me:
OkayBr
aga

Hegav
emeawei
rdl
ook.
.

Hi
m:I
tsCowent
oyou.

Me:
ican’
tcal
lyouBr
aga?

Hi
m:No.
.

Me:
Why
?

Hecl
osedhi
slapt
op.
.

Hi
m:I
m nev
ergonnast
udyam i
?

Me:
Ohwsor
ry

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandprepar
edmyselfasandwi
ch.Asi
wasmov
ingar
oundi
keptonl
ooki
ng
athi
mtryi
ngtofi
gurehi
m outandwhatheis.
.

Me:
Okayhei
sadoct
orwhoi
sspeci
ali
zi
ngi
nthemat
ter
soft
hehear
t(Whi
sper
ing)

Atti
mesi woul
dn’
tev
enlookwher
eim goi
ngi
woul
dbumpi
ntot
hingst
henhewoul
dlookatme,
thengobacktost
udyi
ng…

Il
eanedov
eront
heki
tchencount
erwhi
l
est
arr
ingathi
m.

Me:
Whoar
eyouMrBr
aga?(
Whi
sper
ing)
PART48SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
19]Ron:
PART49SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

ThedaythatIwasn’tlookingfor
wardt oocame.Thedayofmyf ather
’sfuner
al.Thef
actthati
wasn’
tgonnaat t
endhi sfuneral
hitmehar d,iwaswishi
ngthati
couldjustsl
eepthewholeday
andneverwakeup.Ireal l
ywantedtobet heretobidhimfar
ewell
,iwantedtoseehimforthe
l
astti
mei nthecoff
in.Iwant edtobeont hatburi
alsi
teandseehiscoff
ingoingdown,soicoul
d
havecl
osurethatiwil
l neverseehim everagain.
.

Unli
keme,Joziwasal
l
owedt
oat
tendj
usti
magi
nei
am goi
ngt
ohearaboutmyf
ather
’sf
uner
al
fr
om mycousin…

Itwasar
ound8am,iwasst
andi
nginf
rontoft
hebathr
oom l
ooki
ngatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
orcr
ying.
Ihadnoint
ent
ionsi
nli
vi
nganymor
e,Ireal
l
ywantedtodi
e..

Ihadj
usthadfi
nishedbathi
ng,Cowenandiweweregoi
ngtov
isi
thi
sfamil
ytheywer
ehav
inga
gett
oget
herandhet houghtt
hatki
ndofcompanywil
lmakemefeel
bett
er.
.

Hecamei
nthebat
hroom whi
l
esi
ngi
ng.
.

Hi
m:“
heav
en,
mustbemi
ssi
nganAngel
,mi
ssi
ngoneAngel
….Becausey
ouher
ewi
thme”
..

If
acedt
heot
herwayandwi
pedmyt
ear
sbecausei
didn’
twanthi
mtoseemecr
ying.
.

Hi
m:Younotr
eadyy
et?

Me:
iwi
l
lbet
her
enownow(
sni
ff
ing)

Hi
m:Youst
il
lhav
ethet
owel
wrappedar
oundy
ourbody
,yourhai
risst
il
lwet
..

Me:
iwi
l
lbet
her
eCowen.
.

Hi
m:I
m gi
vi
ngy
ou10mi
n

Me:
Fine

Ihear
dfoot
stepsapproachi
ngmyway ,al
liwant
edwasf
orhi
m nott
ocr
owdmei
needsome
ti
mealone.
.Ij
ustneedtobealoner
ightnow.

Ifel
thi
sst
ronghandsatthesidesofmyarms,andhi
ssof
tpi
nki
shl
i
pspl
ant
ingawetki
ssatt
he
backofmyneck.Hesqueezedmeabi tt
ight
…

Hi
m:I
’
llwai
tfory
oudownst
air
s

Inoddedmyhead.
.Heki
ssedmeagai
nandwent
..

Iwipedmyt earst
henwenttodr essup.Iwor
eal ongdress,
withmysneakers.Iputonmydoek
j
ustcoveredmyhai ri
nst
yle.Iputonbighoopear r
ingsandabitofmakeup.Iputonmyshor t
Jacketi
reallywant
edtomakeagoodi mpressi
onhear dCowen’sgr
andmotherisoldyouknow
howol
dpeopl
ear
e…

Iwalkeddownst
air
sandhewassi
tt
ingont
hecouchdr
inki
ngor
angej
uice,
hecoul
dn’
ttakehi
s
eyesoffme..

Hi
m:Youl
ookgr
eat
..

Me:
Thanky
ou,
youl
ookgoodt
oo

Hedi
dlookgoodi
nhi
sbl
ackandwhi
teout
fi
t.
.

Hi
m:Readyt
ogo?

Il
ookedatmydr
essonemor
eti
me.
.

Me:
Yesi
bel
i
eveso.
.

Hi
m:Let
’sgot
hen

Hetookhiscarkey
s,andi
hadmysmal
lbagwi
thme.
.Wewal
kedoutt
otheel
evat
orwhi
l
e
hol
dinghands.

Assoonastheel
evat
orcl
osedhepul
l
edMecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedme.
.Thewayheki
sses
mesti
llmakesmeabitdi
zzy.

Me:
Whatwast
hatal
labout
?

Hi
m:Justf
indi
ngy
ouv
erysexyi
nthatl
ongdr
ess.
.

Me:
Yousay
ingt
hatj
ustmakemesmi
l
e…

Hi
m:i
sitwor
king?

Me:
kinda

Isai
dthatwhi
l
esmi
l
ing……….

Wegott
ohi
scar
,andwedr
ovet
ohi
sgr
andmot
her
’spl
ace…

Iwasreal
l
yner v
ous,whati
fwegetthereandhisgr
andmot
herdoesn’tl
i
keme.Ihavear
eall
y
badexper
iencewit
hinlaws.Henot
icedthati
wasabitner
vous,
het ookmyhandandki
ssedit
…

Hi
m:You’
l
lbef
ine

Ismi
l
edathi
m..

Iwasexpecti
ngust ogotoawhiteneighbourhood,buttomysurpr
isewewereinablack
nei
ghbourhood.Iam nott
alki
ngaboutsuburbsi am t
alki
ngaboutahood,
ghett
o,kasioneway
..

Me:
Uhm Cowen?
Hel
ookedatme

Me:
Arewel
ost
?

Hi
m:Nowenotl
ost
..

Hepar kedhiscarnextt
ot hi
sbeauti
ful
smallhouse.I
twasn’tt
hatsmal
l
,lookedlikea6room
house.Iwon’tli
eitwasper f
ect
,hadabeaut
if
ul gar
den,pav
ementand2gar ages.Other
expensivecarswereparkednexttot
hehouse..

Wegotoutoft
hecarandmadeourwayi
n..

Somepeopl
ewher
echi
l
li
ngout
sidedr
inki
ngbeer
,itwasonl
ybl
ackpeopl
e…

Cowengr
eet
edaf
ewt
henwemadeourwayi
nsi
det
hehouse.
.

Theinsideofthehousewasbeaut
if
ult
oo,
mar
blewal
l
s,Whi
tewal
l
-cupboar
dsi
twast
oo
beauti
fultobeinthathood.
.

Wef
ound3womencooki
ngatt
heki
tchen.
.

Cowen:
Wehome

Theyt
urnedandlookedathi
m,st
art
edmaki
ngnoisetheyl
ookedv
eryhappyt
oseehi
myou
knowhowblackpeopledowheni
t’
safamil
ygat
heri
ng..

Theycameupt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m..

Lady1:
sbusi
sowehappyt
oseey
ou.
.

Il
ookedathi
m conf
usedandhegav
emet
hat“
iwi
l
lexpl
ainl
aterl
ook”
..

Lady2:Kodwawhydon’
tyoucomeandv
isi
t?I
fitwasn’
tfort
hisf
ami
l
ygat
her
ingwewer
enev
er
gonnaseeyour
ight
?

Cowen:
ijustj
usthav
eal
otgoi
ngont
hat
’swhyi
har
dlycomet
ovi
sit
..

Theyl
ookedatme,
iwasl
ooki
ngdowndi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Cowen:
Ohht
hisi
smygi
rl
fr
iendFuni
.
.

Lady3:
Shamebonaunamahl
oni
yenaunana(
lookathowshyshei
s)

Lady2:
Akasesemuhl
eyenauput
sununukaSbusi
so(
she’
sbeaut
if
ul)

Cowen:
Let
’scuti
tyour
eal
l
ymaki
nghermor
eshy
..

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Thi
sar
emyAunt
ies,
all
thi
s3womenhel
pedmyGr
andmai
nrai
singme.
.
Aunt1:iusedt
ochangehi
snappiesbef
orehebecamethisyoungmanthathei
stoday
,ngeke
ung’
tshel
enexngal
obhuti
(youcannott
ell
menothingaboutthi
sbr
otherher
e)

Shesai
dthatwhi
l
eli
ft
ingupaHunt
er’
sdr
ybot
tl
eanddr
inki
ng.
.

Iwasst
il
lshockedathowCoweni
swhi
tebuthav
eabl
ackf
ami
l
y…

Aunt2:
Sbusi
soy
oucangogr
eety
ouruncl
esi
nthel
ounget
heybeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
.

Cowen:
Shi
t!

Aunt3:yashi
twon’
thel
pyouhamba!Soy
oucanexpl
aint
ouMal
umej
abuwhyy
ounev
erv
isi
t
home..

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othel
oungei
fol
l
owedhi
m…

Aunt1:
hai
bosi
siucabangaukut
hiuy
aphi
?(wher
edoy
out
hinky
ougoi
ng)

Il
ookedather
…

Her
:buy
auzoker
aamacar
rot
s(comeandpeel
thecar
rot
s)

Il
ookedatCowenheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Aunt1:Buyaphel
amakot
ipl
usngathi
uSoftngi
zokugugi
saamabhodoamakhul
u(comepl
us
youlooksofti
wil
lmakey
oucar
rythebigpots)

Il
ookedatt
hosecar
rot
sandt
heywer
eal
ot,
igott
ir
edal
ready

PART49SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
20]Ron:
PART50SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

For
tunat
elyformeidi
dnotpeel thecar
rotsonmyownhadabi tofhel
pfrom t
hesameAunt
whoaskedmet opeelthem.Ireal
lyenj
oyedbeingi
nthecompanyofCowen’sAunt
ies,
theyf
ree
spi
ri
ted,
theytal
kaboutanyt
hing,theyv
eryfunnyandj
ustni
cetobewith…

Thedooropenedaswewer esti
llbusyandSomewomanwalkedi
n.Shelookedabi
tol
d,butnot
thatold.Shehadl
ongbeaut
if
ulsoftnat
ural
hair
,shewasdar
kski
nned,
sli
m bodyandwas
wearinganiceout
fi
t…

Aunt1:
Mamak,
youar
eback.

Mamak:
Aghwewental
lar
oundt
ownbutdi
dn’
tgetmuch.

Aunt2:kubi
kel
okhongobat
hinasi
yacal
angamasal
ad(
that
’sbadbecausewear
est
art
ingwi
th
thesal
ads)

Mamak:
That
’sbet
teri
meanby12:
00i
wantev
ery
onet
obehol
dingapl
ateoff
ood.
.
Shel
ookedatt
het
heot
herAuntt
hatwasdr
inki
ng…

Mamak: kodwaThenj
i
weuzophekazonasowuqalaukudakwa(
Thenj
i
wear
eyousur
eyou
gonnabeablet
ocooksincey
ouhavestar
teddri
nking)
..

Thenj
i
:Awwsengenzeni
manjengobauyazingi
yal
i
shay
aibhodosdakwaornot
(Whathav
ei
donenow,
youknowthatI’
m agoodcook)
…

Mamak:
asaz
ibutpl
easedon’
tbur
nmymeaty
oudon’
tknowhowexpensi
vei
tis…

Aunt2:
Mbul
eloandhi
sfr
iendsar
eatt
hegr
il
ltheyhav
est
art
edwi
tht
her
ibs.
.

Mamak:
atl
eastsomeonei
sawake.
.

Shel
ookedatme…

Her
:andt
hencov
erpage,
int
roduct
ionubani
kel
o?(
whoi
sthi
s).
.

Thenj
i:
tableofcont
ent
spage3Aut
obi
oabasemaphepheni
bat
hiumakot
iwakho(
It
’sy
our
daught
erinlaw)

Mamak:
Umakot
iwami
?(mydaught
eri
nlaw)

Aunt1:
phecel
ezi
ezi
kasbusi
sokushoi
ntat
hel
i(I
t’
ssbusi
so’
sgf
)

Mamak:
OhwuSbusi
soukhona?(
sbusi
soi
sher
e)

Thenj
i
:Yebouhl
eli
eLonguenabomal
ume(
hisi
nthel
oungewi
tht
heuncl
es)

Shel
ookedatmeagai
n….

Her
:Makemeacupoft
ea,
I’
ll
bei
nmybedr
oom 2doort
oyourr
ighti
needt
oready
oumi
ss
cov
erpage.
.

Shet
henl
ookedatThenj
i
..

Mamak:
akuy
ekeukudakwaboupheke!(
stopdr
inki
ngandst
artcooki
ng)
…

Mamak:
Haumamakwhatdi
didot
oyou?

Mamakdi
dnotsayany
thi
ngshewal
kedt
othel
ounge…

Thenj
i
:Kant
ingi
menzeni
bo?(
whatdi
didot
oher
)

Theot
herAunt
iesl
aughed.
.

Thenj
i
:Sbongi
l
eni
ngahl
eki
nokhabo(Sbongi
l
eandKhabodon’
tlaugh)
……

Shel
ookedatme.

Thenj
i
:Youshoul
dpourwhi
skeyi
nthatcupoft
easoshecangetdr
unkandsl
eepal
i
ttl
e..
Wel
aughed.
.

AuntKhabowastheonehel
pingmewitht
het
easi
tuat
ionbecauseappar
ent
lyMamaki
sfussy
andwantsthi
ngsdoneacer
tainway
..

Shedoesn’
tdowellwi
thyourt
ypi
cal
teabags,
sheusual
l
ydr
inksEar
lGr
eywi
thwar
m mi
l
kshe
cannotpr
ocesspowdermil
k.

Shedoesn’tdowellwi
thwhitesugarshewant
sBr
ownsugar
,iwasal
readyget
ti
ngaheadache
fr
om al
lthoseinst
ruct
ions.
.

Af
termakingherteathatwasaccompaniedbyChoiceassor
tedbiscui
ts,
itookt
heTrayand
mademywayt oherbedroom.Ipassedt
heloungeandtheunclesweremakingnoi
sewhile
watchi
ngsocceranddrinki
ngsomebeers…

Igott
oherr
oom andknocked.

Her
:Comei
n..

IopenedandWal
kedi
nwhi
l
ebei
ngext
racar
eful
sot
hatt
het
raydoesn’
tfal
lort
het
eadoesn’
t
spi
ll
..

Shewassi
tt
ingont
hebed,
andCowenwassi
tt
ingont
hatsmal
ldr
essi
ngt
abl
eChai
r.
.

Cowen:
Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
..

Hestoodupandcametomet henhel
dtheTrayforme,whi
leIcl
osedthedoor.It
hent
ookt
he
Tr
aybackandwehappenedtostarei
neachother’
seyeswhil
esmil
ing,andi
endedup
bl
ushing…Mamakclear
edherThroat
..

Wewentt
oher
,Cowent
ookt
hesmal
lchai
randbr
oughti
tcl
osersoi
coul
dputt
het
rayoni
t.
.

Mamak:
danki
e..

Ist
oodt
her
enextt
oCowen.
.Shet
ookonebi
scui
t,bef
oreshecoul
dtakeabi
teshel
ookedatus.
.

Her:
manjewhyar
ey outwostandi
ngl
ikey
ouar
eaboutt
obemar
ri
ed,
ican’
tev
ent
hinkst
rai
ght
youmaki
ngmedizzypleasesi
tdown.
.

Wesatdownont
hebed.
.

Mamak:
Sof
uni
Cowenwast
ell
i
ngmeabouty
ou.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
lookeddownt
hiswomani
nti
midat
esme.
.

Her
:Ar
eyouguy
sser
iousabouty
ourr
elat
ionshi
p?

Wel
ookedateachot
herandr
epl
i
ed…

Us:
Wear
e..
Mamak:
bef
orewegof
arwi
tht
hisconv
ersat
ionl
etmei
ntr
oducemy
sel
f…

Shedr
ankhert
ea,
thenputt
hecupdown.
.

Her
:iam Mar
thaKunene,
butt
heycal
lmeMamak.Ir
aisedCowensi
ncehewasababy
..

Shewenton.
.

Her:iam asocial
wor ker,andialsousedtovolunteeratsomehomel essshel t
erintown.There
wasthisyounggirlt
hink16y earsold.Shewasat roubledteen,
shecar r
iedalotofheavinessin
herheart
..Shecamet ot heshelt
erbecauseshehadr anawayfrom home, herUncleusedt o
rapeherandherAuntact edl
ikeshedidn’
tknoworseewhatwashappeni ng..Unfor
tunatel
ythe
l
itt
legir
lherwhosenamewasKar i
nafel
lpr
egnantandwhenshest artedshowi ngherAunt
askedwhoi sthefat
her ,
Shet ol
dherAuntthatherUncl eisthefat
her.TheUncl ewasaskedand
hedeniedsoherAuntbeatheral mosttodeaththatsher anawayfrom home. .

Thi
swasget
ti
ngv
erydeep…

Her:
Whenshecamet otheshel
tershewasdir
ty,smell
i
ng,shehadondi r
tycl
othesl
ookedlike
shedidn’
tbathf
orav
erylongti
me.Shetoldusherstor
y,andthataft
ershehadranawayfrom
homeshehadnowheretogososhest ar
tedsl
eepingonthestreet
swereshewasalsoraped
andbeaten.
.

Mir
acul
ouslyt
hebabyshewascar
ryi
ngwasst
il
lal
i
veshewas8mont
hspr
egnantwhenshe
cametotheshel
ter
..

Shestayedwi t
husunt i
lshegavebirt
h,butdiedaf
terafewmi nutesbecauseofsome
complicat
ions.Shegavebirt
htoababyboywhom shenamed“ SeanCowen” .Si
ncet
her
ewas
noonet otakecareofhim,iadoptedhim andnamedhim“ sbusiso”becausehewasabl
essi
ng
tomebuti pr
omisedmy sel
fthatIwon’tchangehi
snamef rom SeanCowent oSbusi
soKunene
becauseiwant edtohonourandrespecthermother……

Aft
ertel
li
ngt
hatstor
y,t
her
ewasabitofsi
lencewewer
ejustsni
ff
ingt
hatr
eal
l
yhi
tmedeep
i
nsideidi
dn’
tknowaboutt
hatPar
tofCowen’sli
fe.
.

Icanjusti
magi
nehi
smot hergoingt
hroughallofall
that,
shewasastr
ongwoman…Somet
imes
youthinky
ouhavei
thar
di nli
fe,
butotherpeoplehaveitmor
ehard.
.

PART50SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
21]Ron:
PART51SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ionlyhearaboutsuchthi
ngsorseet hem i
nthemov i
es,butineverreal
lyknewt hatthere’
s
peoplewhogot hroughsuch.ForCowen’smot hertohavegonet hr
oughsuchandatt heend
managedt okeepherSonal i
veinsi
dehertummyt r
ulyisamazing.Icanonl yimaginehow
Cowenf eel
sknowi ngt
hathisgrandfat
herisal
sohi sFather
,it
’sveryheartbreaki
ng.Ican
i
magi nehim notknowi
nghisrealfamil
y,havi
ngt ogrowupi nablackneighbour hoodasawhi te
person,havi
ngtoacceptmamakashi sowndespi tethecolourofhisskin.I’
m surehef aced
al
otofr
aci
sm,
discr
imi
nat
ionandbul
l
ying.
.

Whenwehadall
set
tl
eddownandf
ini
shedsheddi
ngaf
ewt
ear
sMamakwast
hef
ir
stonet
o
br
eakt
heice…

Her
:Funi
ithi
nky
oushoul
daccompanymet
othemal
l
,ineedt
obuysomef
ett
acheesei
for
got
t
obuysomewhil
eiwassti
ll
atthemal
l.
.

Shet
hengi
ggl
ed.
.

Her
:I’
m get
ti
ngol
dMar
aai
n’
ti?

Il
ookedatherthi
swomanhast hemostbi ggestheartever
.Yesshe’
sstr
ict
,shedoesn’
ttake
shi
tbutwhatihavenoti
cedI
sthat,peoplewhoar el
ikethataret
heoneswithbi
gheartst
hey
car
eandlovetrul
yunl
ikequi
etpeoplethoseonesar edeadly
…

Cowen:
Youguy
smi
ghtnotf
indmeher
ewheny
ougetback.
.

Mamak:
uyaphi
?(wher
ear
eyougoi
ng)

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
…

Hi
m:cousi
nVusi
iscomi
ngandwegonnadr
ivear
ound…

Mamakl
ookedathi
m,wi
thherhandsatt
hesi
desofherwai
st.
.

Her:Sbusisoawukaqedinehourulaekhay
aalr
eadysowugcwal
ainagay
onkel
e(hasn’
tbeenan
hoursinceyougothereandalreadyyouwannabeal
lovert
hishood)

Hi
m: ahmamay ouknowcousi
nVusiandi
grewupt
oget
her
,itwon’
tber
ighti
figobackt
omy
pl
acewit
houtspendi
ngti
mewithhi
m..

Mamak:
hai
yenzal
okhuobanangat
hikur
ightf
orwena(
dowhaty
out
hinki
sri
ghtf
ory
ou)
..

Cowen:
Hausowuy
akwat
akanj
alo(
soy
ougonnagetangr
yjustl
i
ket
hat
)

ImustsaythatCowenspeaki
nganAf r
icanl
anguagewasjustsur
prisi
ngimeanyouwouldn’
t
expectsuchf
rom hi
m especi
all
yify
ouseehimy ou’
l
lthi
nkhisAfr
ikaans,
theoneofDut
chorigi
n..

Mamak:
asambef
uni
(let
’sgoFuni
)

Shehel
dmyhandandwewal
kedoutwi
thCowenf
oll
owi
ngus….

Aswewasappr
oachi
ngtheki
tcheni
hear
dsomedi
stur
bingnoi
secomi
ngf
rom t
her
e,t
hinki
hear
dsomegi
rl
smakingnoi
se…..

Wegottotheki
tchenandmyassumpt i
onsweren’
twrong,
itwas2girl
swholookedl
ikethey
wereofmyagegroup..Theonlydif
ferencebet
weenmeandt hem i
sthatbonatheyl
ookedwide,
youcoul
dn’
tmissthatpartbecausetheywereholdi
ngdumpiesandthei
routf
it
swereanono….
Theywerewear
ingsport
sbr asandbumshort
swi t
hAllstars.Theyal
sol
ookedliketheyhaven’
t
sl
eptthepr
evi
ousday,al
thoughtheyweredancingandmaki ngnoisewi
tht
heirscratchyvoi
ces
makingnoi
sebutyoucouldn’tmi
ssthatt
heylookedti
red..

Gi
rl1:
kodwaci
shesaf
aMar
ayazi
(weal
mostdi
ed)

TheAunti
esseemedtobeent
ert
aini
ngthem..Thebumshort
scov
er edhal
foft
hei
rbut
ts,
and
theyhadhugecl
eav
agesbehi
ndthosespor
tsbras,bi
ggert
hanmine..

Thenj
i
:kodwawher
ewer
eyouguy
sdanci
ngl
astni
ght
?

Gir
l2:ehhbesj
aivakudesisi
ngi
thi
umdi
dibowuhambakphel
a(wewer
ever
yfarbusydanci
ng
andShakingourassess)
..

Theyst
art
edv
ibr
ati
ngt
hei
rassess.
.

Gi
rl1:
YouseeMosswhenwest
art
eddoi
ngt
hisi
mal
ii
ngenal
eftandr
ight
,ev
enal
cohol
..

TheAunt
ieswer
ebusycheer
ingt
hem up,
thatt
heyonl
ynot
icedusst
andi
ngt
her
eaf
terawhi
l
e.

Gi
rl1:
Eishmama.
.

Mamak:
kodwauy
aswabi
saDl
ozi
(youar
eanembar
rassmentDl
ozi
)

Shelookeddownasi
fli
keshewasr
eal
l
yashamedorf
aki
ngi
t,i
coul
dn’
treal
l
yreadher
expr
ession.
.

Mamak: I’
m notgonnasayany
thi
nganymor
e,yougoal
lar
oundtheneighbourhoodshami
ngthe
kunenesurname.Doyouknowhowpainf
uli
tiswheniwal
karoundandhearingpeopl
etal
ki
ng
badthi
ngsaboutmydaughter?

Soshei
sCowen’
ssi
ster
….

Mamak:iwon’tevensayany
thi
ngt oyouany
mor
e,i
sweari
am t
ir
edDl
ozi
may
bey
ourbr
other
wi
ll
saysomethingbutminaI
’m done.
.

Thefr
iendwasbusylooki
ngatCowenandbl
i
nki
ngal
otwhi
l
esmi
l
ingandbl
ushi
ngt
oo.
.Il
ooked
atCowenandhelookeddisgust
ed.
.

Fr
iend:
Hausbuday
ouwon’
tev
ensayhi
toMe?

Cowenl
ookedatherfr
om headtotoethencl
ickedhi
stongue.
.Het
urnedandki
ssedme,
thi
s
guyMar
awasn’tevenafr
aidofhi
sgrandmother…

Cowen:
I’
ll
seey
oul
ater
,cal
lmewheny
ouf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
eandAl
lthat
..

Me:
iwi
l
l.
.

Hegent
lysqueezedmycheek.
.
Hi
m:i
lov
eyou

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo.
.

Hel
ookedatmamak.
.

Him:MaI’
ll
seeyoul
aterI
’
m goi
ngt
ocousi
nVusi
andwegonnameetnamaGent
sanddoabi
t
ofcat
chi
ngup.
.

Mamak:
Itsokayj
ustdon’
tgeti
ntr
oubl
eiknowy
ouandv
usi
..

Cowen:
I’
m 30ma.
.Ihav
egr
ownf
rom t
hat
..

Hei
s30andi
am 22,
imean8y
ear
sisnott
haaaaaatbad.
.

Heki
ssedMamakont
hecheekandwi
nkedatmet
henl
eft
..

Fr
iend:YohDlozi
manj
eyi
ningobr
otherwakhoangasi
bul
i
si?(
Dlozi
what
’swi
thy
ourbr
othernot
gr
eetingus)

Dl
ozi
:uy
azi
Mossnawemybr
othert
hinkshi
ghl
yofhi
msel
f.
.

Mamak: VoetsekDlozigobat
handdr
essup!Youruncl
esar
eint
hel
ounge,
whenIgetbacki
wannaf
indy oudressedupandcl
ean.
.

Dl
ozi
:Yesmama

Theystart
edwalki
ngtotheroom wit
hherf
ri
end,
assoonast
heypassedusmamakhi
tthem at
thei
rbackswhi
lekicki
ngthem t
oo..

Her
:ni
yangi
dina!
!(y
out
wodi
sgustme)

Theyr
ant
othebedr
oom.
.Mamakl
ookedatt
heAunt
ies.
.

Mamak:
yini
eni
fundi
sal
abant
wanaukungcol
a(y
out
heoneswhoar
eteachi
ngt
hiski
dsf
il
th)

Theydi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngt
heyj
ustl
ookeddown.
.

Isweari
lookatmamakandsher
emi
ndsmeofmam’
rubyf
rom gener
ati
onst
heonl
ythi
ng
missi
ngisashebeen….

Shet
henl
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Mi
sscov
erpageasambe(
misscov
erpagel
et’
sgo)

Thiswomanint
imidat
esmeal ot
,shedoesn’
ttakeshi
tatal
lespeci
all
ywheni
sawherbeat
ing
Dlozi
andherfr
iendigotscar
edalit
tl
e….
.

Wegott
oherr
edLandRov
erandshest
art
eddr
ivi
ng…
Shewasdri
vi
nga2015LandRov eroffwhichst
il
ll
ookedgood.Herl
eatherseatswereengrav
ed
“Mamak”andsowerehernumberplates.
.Shewasroll
i
ngwi t
hanSamsungS7t ooyathi
s
womanisri
chorCowenistaki
ngcaregoodofherespecial
l
yherhousetooitreall
ydi
dn’t
bel
ongi
nthatnei
ghbour
hood…

Her
:Thi
schi
l
drenwi
l
lmakemecat
chacaseandi
am t
ooy
oungf
ort
hat
…

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng,
iwasv
eryscar
edofher
..

Shel
ookedatmeandgav
emeasi
desmi
l
e..

Her
:Doy
oubel
i
evemewheni
sayI
’
myoung?

Shelookedl
ikeshewasi
nherear
ly60st
hewast
racesofwhi
tehai
rkodwashewast
aki
ng
goodcareofhersel
f.
.

Me:
ibel
i
evey
ou.
.

Iwasonmyphonebusyhal
ari
ngatCowenonWhat
sAppandhewast
aki
ngf
orev
ert
orepl
y

……………WHATSAPP……….
.

Me:
Babe

Me:
Cowen!
!

Me:
Cowen!
!

Me:
!!
!

Me:
!!
!

[
AFTER5MI
N]

Cowen:
Sor
ryi
wasdr
ivi
ng,
wadup?

Me:
Yourmom orGr
andmascar
esme…

Hi
m:Lol

Me:
Itsnotf
unny

Hi
m:She’
sli
ket
hatbutunder
neat
hal
lthatshe’
sabi
gsof
ty.
.

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?doesn’
tlookl
i
ket
hat
..

[
AFTER2MI
N]

Cowen:
Boobearihavet
ogo, I
’
llcal
lyoul
ater
.Cousi
nVusi
cal
l
edamaGent
sandweaboutt
o
unwi
ndathi
splaceev
eryt
hingisset
..
Me:
Okay

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouMr
sKunene

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo.
.

….

Iputmyphoneawayandmamakwasconcreti
ngont
her
oad,
ial
sodi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
t’
shar
d
tostar
tar
andom conv
ersat
ionwi
tht
hiswoman.
.

PART51SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
22]Ron:
PART52SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Mamakandi
gotev
ery
thi
ngweneededatt
hemal
l
,suchasmor
eveget
abl
es,
spi
ces,
sauces
et
c..

Whenwewer
edone,
wewentt
omi
l
kyLanej
ustgotour
sel
vessomei
cecr
eams…

Mamak:
I’
m get
ti
ngol
dfort
hisshoppi
ngt
hing…

Myanswer
smost
lyt
oherst
atement
swer
e“Yes”
..
”No”
..
”iagr
ee”
..OrI
’
llj
ustgi
ggl
eandsmi
l
e..

Her
:Younott
alkat
ivear
eyou?

Me:
Notr
eal
l
y

Her
:doy
ousaymor
ethan3wor
ds?

Me:
ijustdon’
ttal
kmuch.

Her
:unamahl
oni
?(ar
eyoushy
)

Me:
Sor
tof
..

Her
:hai
ket
hathast
ogo,
youseehowcr
azywear
eint
hisf
ami
l
y?

Inoddedmyhead.
.

Her
:Howar
ethi
ngsbet
weeny
ouandsbusi
so?

Me:
Cowenandi
wear
efi
ne.
.

Hi
m:Ohwy
our
efert
ohi
m asCowen.
.

Me:
ihopet
hat
’snotabadt
hing

Her
:Notatal
l
,idoWanthi
mtocar
ryonusi
nghi
smot
her
’ssur
name

Iwentbackt
omyi
cecr
eam.
.
Her
:Youseem veryni
ceFuni
,andy
ouknowwhatt
heysayaboutni
cepeopl
e.Theyt
heones
whocar
ryalotofpai
n..

Idi
dn’
tli
kewher
ethi
sconv
ersat
ionwasgoi
ng.
.

Her
:iam asoci
alwor
kersoi
canseer
ightt
hroughy
ou.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
justl
ookeddown.
.

Her
:Gi
vemey
ourphone

Iunl
ockedi
tandgav
eitt
oher
..

Her
:That
’smynumberdon’
thesit
atet
ocal
lmewheny
ouwannat
alk,
evenaboutt
heweat
heri
am av
ail
abl
eforanyki
ndoftal
k..

Il
aughed.
.

Her
:ev
eni
fyoumi
ssy
ourper
iodcal
lme.
.

Myl
aughv
ani
shed.
.

Her
:ahadi
dihi
taner
ve?

Idi
dn’tknowwhattosaybecauseCowenandi
wehav
en’
tbeenusi
ngpr
otect
ionandI
’
m
cur
rentl
ynotoncontr
acept
ion.
.

Her
:Funi
ist
hesomet
hingy
ouwannat
ell
me?

Ishookmyheadno…

Her
:Di
dsbusi
soscor
e?

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
…

Me:
Wej
usthav
en’
tbeenusi
ngpr
o…pr
otect
ion.
.

Shecl
appedonce.
.

Her
:Soy
ounotsur
eify
oupr
egnant
?

Inodded

Her
:I’
m gl
adwehadt
hist
alksonowy
oucant
akepr
ecaut
ionsonwhaty
oueatandal
lthat
..

Shegav
emeawei
rdl
ook.
.

Her:
Youguysar
efast,I
’m sur
eyouhaven’
tbeendat
ingt
hatfort
hatl
ongandal
readyy
ou
wannabepar
ent
s..Nenzekenishade(
youmustgetmarr
ied)
…….

Whatmamaksai
dreal
l
ygott
ome.
.Imeant
hei
sapossi
bil
i
tyt
hatImi
ghtbepr
egnant
.Idi
dn’
t
real
l
ythi
nkofaski
nghimt ouseacondom t
hatni
ghti
twasaHi
toft
hemoment
,iwasdr
unk
andever
ythi
nghappenedsoofast
…

Her
:Webet
tergetgoi
ngdear
,it
’sal
readyl
ate.
.

West
oodupandwent
..

All
thewaybacktothehoodi wasthinki
ngofthispregnancyissue,
whatifireal
lyam pr
egnant
.
Notthatiwoul
dabort
,butidon’
tthi
nkI ’
mreadyt obesomeone’ smotherimeani haveal
otof
shi
tgoingonalr
eadyandineedtofixmef i
rstbefor
ei cantakecareofanotherhumanbeing….
.

Wegott
othehoodandi
tlookedl
i
keev
ery
onewashav
ingf
unnow.
.

Dloziandherfr
iendhadchangedi
ntomoreappr
opr
iat
eout
fi
tsandt
heyhadt
hei
rcampi
ng
chair
sont hest
oeptogetherwi
tht
heirdumpi
es.
.

Ot
herpeopl
ewer
edanci
ng,
lookedl
i
keev
ery
onewasHav
ingf
un.
.

Dl
ozi
:It
’sFuni
right
?

Me:
uhm Yes

Sheext
endedherhandt
oMe.
.

Her
:I’
m Dl
ozi
sbusi
so’
ssi
ster
..

Me:
Nicet
omeety
ou

Shewasal
lsmi
l
eswi
thme,
didn’
tlookl
i
keabadper
sonatal
l
..

Her
:Comesi
twi
thus,
sit
ti
ngwi
thol
dpeopl
ecanbeabi
gbor
e..

Mamakgav
ethem aser
iousl
ook.
.

Dl
ozi
:Wewon’
tmakeherdr
inkmama.
.

Mamak:
idon’
twantanyi
ssues.
.

Dl
ozi
:Youwon’
tgetany

Her
:Good!

Shet
henl
ookedatme…

Mamak:
iwi
l
lgety
ouachai
randsomecool
dri
nk.
.

Me:
Thanky
oumamak

Shewentt
othehouseandgotmeachai
randacool
dri
nk…

Dl
ozi
:Soi
heart
haty
ouar
esbusi
so’
sgf
?
Me:
Yesi
am.
.

Her
:Ni
cef
orhowl
onghav
eyout
wobeendat
ing?

Me:
Nott
hatl
ong.
.

Dl
ozi
:Okay
..

Herf
ri
endcl
ear
edherThr
oat
.

Dl
ozi
:Ohwt
hisi
smyf
ri
endTamar
a..

Tamar
a:I
tsaboutt
ime!
..Hi
Funi

Me:
HiTamar
a..

Tamar
a:Soy
oudat
ingmyexhuh?

Dl
ozi
:Tamar
a

Tamar
a:What
?I’
mjustsay
ingshe’
sdat
ingmyext
her
e’snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hat
..

Dl
ozi
:Don’
tst
artt
roubl
eyouknowmamak.
.

Tamar
a:Fi
nengi
zomuy
eka(
I’
ll
leav
eher
)

Thewasamomentofsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e…

Tamar
a:Sodoeshest
il
lknowhowt
ofuck?

Dl
ozi
:kodwal
esf
ebe(
thi
sbi
tch)

Tamar
a:I
tsnosecr
ett
hatCowencanf
ucky
out
il
lyourwombhur
ts.
.

Me:
uhm i
don’
tthi
nki
t’
sappr
opr
iat
eformet
obedi
scussi
ngmysexl
i
fewi
thy
ou.
.

Her
:Hai
boawumesi
si(
wai
tami
nut
e)f
ucki
ngmeansnot
hingsochi
l
l.
.

Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
tli
kewher
ethi
swasgoi
ng.
.

Tamar
a:woul
dyoubel
i
evemei
fisaywef
uckedl
astweek?

Dl
ozi
:Nazoke(
her
ewego)

Tamara:
Itst
rueicanev
endescr
ibethecor
nersofhi
spent
houset
hatt
hisgi
rlher
edoesn’
tev
en
knowabout…doeshesti
ll
hav
ethatskul
lduvet
?

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Cani
beexcused?
Dl
ozi
:kahl
eFuni
..

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..Ir
eal
l
ywasn’
tdownf
ort
hisatal
l
..

Il
it
erall
ywal
kedoutthey
ardandWalkedar
oundinahoodt
hati
didn’
tev
enknow.Iwant
edt
o
bealoneandgetsomeai
r,becausei
wasveryupset
..

PART52SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
23]Ron:
PART53SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwalkedar oundi
nthathood,apar
tofmewasabi tscar
edbecausethoseboyswhochi llatt
he
cornerwoul dwhi
stl
eatme, somewouldcometomebutbackof fassoonasi sayI’
m with
sbusiso..I
t’
ssohumblingtoseehowCowenisfearedandrespect
edinthathooddespitethe
factthatheiswhit
e.Imeany ouwoul
dexpectpeopl
etoplayonhisheadandallthatbuthewas
trul
yfeared..

ASaintfoundmesi t
ti
ngatt
hecor
nercr
yingwheni
waslostandcoul
dn’
tfi
ndmywayhome
any
mor e,theydeci
dedtowal
kmehomeassoonasi t
oldt
hem wherei
mf r
om….

Atthehousealmostev
eryonewasworr
iedsi
ckaboutme,
theyweregoingupanddownlooki
ng
formeandi r
egret
tedwhatidi
didon’
twantCowen’
sfami
lythi
nki
ngthatiam at
roubl
emaker
ofsomesort…..

Sot
her
eiwas,
inmamak’
sroom shewasbusyt
alki
ngt
omeaboutwhati
did.
.

Mamak:kodwaFuni
,Dl
ozi
tol
dmewhatTamar
asai
dtoy
ou.Inev
err
eal
l
yli
kedt
hatgi
rlshe’
sa
t
roubl
emaker
…

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
wast
ooashamedofwhati
haddonet
hati
coul
dn’
tlookheri
ntheey
e..

Her:Yourr
eact
iontowhatTamarasai
dshowsthaty
oul oveuSbusi
sobutyoushoul
dn’
tli
stent
o
suchthi
ngsespeci
all
yfr
om abomandi
ndaest
hebeniabafananoTamara.
.

Inoddedmyhead.
.

Her
:idon’
twannal
i
eyoureal
l
yscar
edus,i
meanbesizot
hinikusbusi
soifsomet
hinghappened
t
oyou(whatwer
ewegonnasayt
osbusi
soifsomet
hinghappenedtoyou).
.

Shewasr
ight
..

Me:
Sor
rymamak.
.

Her:
Youj
ustdon’
tknowhowmuchi
wasv
erywor
ri
edabouty
ou,
iam gl
adt
haty
ouar
eokaymy
baby.
.

Ismi
l
edather
,thi
swomant
rul
ydoeshav
eawar
m hear
t…
Asweweresi
tti
ngther
eonherbedt
alki
ng,
thedoorf
lungopenandCowenwal
kedi
n.Hedi
d
notl
ookv
eryhappy
..

Mamak:
Someonebr
oughtherhomenotsol
ongago…

Hegav
emeadeadst
are,
myhear
tst
art
edr
aci
ng.
.

Cowen:
Letmet
alkt
oher
..

Shel
ookedatme,
thenst
oodupandWal
kedov
ert
oCowen.
.

Her
:Goeasyonher
..

Shethenwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndher
..Cowenwentt
ofet
cht
hechai
randsat
opposi
teme.
.

Hewaslooki
ngatmewhi
l
etappi
nghi
sonef
oot
,hewashol
dingacanongr
apet
iseronhi
sri
ght
hand.
.

Him:Tamaraandidatedlongti
meagot hi
nksincefrom i
was13t il
l16whenimov
edaway
fr
om here,
that
’swhenwebr okeup..Ihaven’
ttouchedher,seenher
,orev
encommuni
cat
edwi
th
hereversi
ncefr
om thatdayunti
ltodaywheni sawher…

Iwant
edt
osaysomet
hingbuti
figur
edi
t’
sbestt
okeepqui
etf
ornow.
.

Hi
m:Doy
oubel
i
eveme?

Il
ookeddown,
andhesnapped.
.

Hi
m:Dammi
tFuni
!

Hedi
dn’
tshoutbuthi
svoi
cewasf
ir
m andi
nti
midat
ingt
hati
gotabi
tscar
ed.
.

Hi
m:isthi
showourrel
ati
onshi
pisgoi
ngtobe?Youbeli
evi
ngstr
anger
soverme?Soev
erygi
rl
whocomestoyouandtel
lsyousomet
hingaboutmeyougonnabel
iev
ethem?

Hewasr
ight
..

Hi
m: ift
hat’
showt hi
ngsaregoingtobethenourr
elat
ionshi
pisgoi
ngt
obemeani
ngl
ess,
a
r
elat
ionshi
pwithoutt
rustwil
lneverwor
kout..

Iwasst
il
lsi
l
ent
..

Him:ungang’
casul
i(don’
tir
ri
tat
eme)deci
denowi
fyouwantust
ost
ayori
fweshoul
dgo
home..

Hest
oodup.
.

Hi
m:I’
l
lbewaiti
ngf
ory
ouatt
heki
tchen,
ify
ouwannagohomet
hent
akey
ourj
acketandbag
t
henwe’l
lgo.
.
Hewal
kedoutaf
tersay
ingt
hatwhi
l
ebangi
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m..

Isatt
hereforawhil
ethinki
ng,
ihav
ecausedenoughdr
amaf oradayinthi
sfamil
yandidon’
t
wantthem t
hinki
ngotherwi
seofme,i
thi
nkit
sbestil
eavenowbeforeiembarr
assmyselfmore.
.

Ist
oodupt
hent
ookmyj
acket
&bagt
henmademywayt
otheki
tchen.
.

Hewasst
andi
ngatt
heki
tchenwi
thmamakandaf
ewofhi
sAunt
ies.
.

Thenj
i
:Hausekuy
ahanj
wanj
ekanj
alo(
youguy
sar
egoi
ngj
ustl
i
ket
hat
).
.

Al
ley
eswer
eonmewai
ti
ngf
ormyr
esponse.
.

Me:
I’
mjustt
ir
ed

Mamak:
YoohuDl
ozi
nal
ent
oyakhebazebasi
cedel
aubumnandi
(Dl
ozi
andhert
hingr
uinedour
f
un)

Khabo:
speakoft
hedev
il

Dl
ozi
andTamar
aWal
kedi
n.Thewer
einsepar
abl
eli
ket
wins,
al
way
stoget
her
…

Dl
ozi
:uDl
ozi
wenzeni
manj
e?(
whatdi
dDl
ozi
do)
..

Mamakr
aisedherhandt
othem asi
fli
keshewasgoi
ngt
ohi
tthem agai
n..

Mamak:
Yoohy
azi
ningi
hlel
ient
any
eni
(youguy
sar
eonmyneck)

Thenj
i
:kant
iDl
ozi
nit
heni
kuFuni
?(whatdi
dyouguy
ssayt
oFuni
)

Tamara:
Ohhthatthi
ngy
aziminabengi
zi
dlalel
ashamekant
iuy
ithat
heser
ious?(
iwasj
ust
ki
ddi
ngdidn’
tknowshewasgonnatakeitseri
ous)

Mamakt
ookabr
oom andchasedt
hem out
..

Cowen:
Mamabay
ekeuFuni
uyat
etemanj
e(mamal
eav
ethem Funi
isj
ustbei
ngacr
ybaby
)..

Iam st
il
ltr
yingt
ogetusedt
oCowenspeaki
nganAf
ri
canl
anguage.
.Het
henl
ookedatme.

Hi
m:Let
’sgo

Hi
sAunt
ieshuggedme.
.

Thenj
i
:si
buhl
ungushamet
haty
ouguy
sar
eleav
ingl
i
ket
his.
.

Me:
Itsokay

Khabo:
uhambekahl
esi
si(
gowel
lsi
ster
)

Me:
Thanky
ou…
Wewalkedouttothegat
eandbumpedi
ntomamakbusyy
ell
i
ngatDl
ozi
andTamar
aont
he
st
reetwhi
l
estil
lholdi
ngt
hebroom.
.

Mamak:Angisaf
uni
ukubonaumqondowakhowenaTamar
ala(
inev
erwannaseey
ouher
e
agai
nTamara)

Cowen:
Wel
eav
ingMa.
.

Shedr
oppedt
hebr
oom andcamet
ohugme.
.

Her
:cal
lmewheny
ougethome.
.

Me:
iwi
l
l

wet
henexchangednumber
s..

Mamak:
Don’
tbest
ranger
sphel
a..

Me:
Wewon’
t.
.

ShehuggedCowent
henwegoti
ntot
hecarandwedr
ovet
othepent
house….

Wedidn’
tsayanyt
hingint
hecar
,hewaspl
ayi
ngmusi
cwhi
l
econcent
rat
ingont
her
oadandi
wasonFacebookallt
heway.
.

Wef
inal
l
ygott
other
eandwentt
otheEl
evat
or….

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasashowwel
efti
t,goodt
hingwedon’
thav
eki
dst
omaket
hepl
acedi
rt
y….

Hi
m:I
m goi
ngt
otakeashower
..

Hewal
kedupst
air
s..

Iputmyjacketandbagonthecoucht
henwentt
omakesomet
hingt
oeatsi
ncewedi
dn’
teatat
hi
splace,iwasdeadhungr
y…..

Asiwasprepar
ingsomethi
ngmyphonerang,
probablyisMamaki ev
enf or
gottocal
lher
..I
wentandt
ookmyphonet henl
ookedatt
hecall
erIDitwasZukomyhear tst
art
edraci
ng.
Al
thoughi
don’thavehi
snumberssav
edanymorebuti sti
l
lrecogni
seit.
.

Whatt
hehel
ldoeshewant
?

PART53SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
24]Ron:
PART54SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Idi
dn’tanswerhi
scalls,
hemust’
vecal
l
edr
oundabout5t
imes,
all
idi
dwast
ojustst
areatt
he
phone.Ireal
l
ydon’tknowwhat
Zukowant
sit
houghthewashappywi
thOl
onai
meant
heyev
enengaged…

Icoul
dn’
tev
eneatany
mor
e,hi
sphonecal
l
srui
nedmyappet
it
ecompl
etel
y……….
.

Cowencamedownasi
wasst
andi
ngnextt
otheki
tchencount
erbusyst
arr
ingatmyphone.
.

Hi
m:Di
dyoueat
?

Il
ookedathi
m,hewasshi
rt
lessandonlywear
inghislongbl
ackt
rackpant
sandhadabl
ack
neckl
acear
oundhi
sneckt
hathadalit
tl
esil
verpendantskul
l
..

Heal
sohadafewskullt
att
oos,
onhi
sbody
.Abi
goneonhi
sbackandoneonhi
sri
ghtbr
east
t
henoneonhi
swri
st,andneck.
.

Me:
I’
m nothungr
yany
mor
e

Hegothi
msel
fagr
apej
uicef
rom t
hef
ri
dge.
.

Hi
m:Why
,whathappened?

Isi
gned.
.

Me:
igotmul
ti
plecal
l
sfr
om Zuko

Hi
m:Whatdi
dhesay
?

Me:
idi
dn’
tanswer

Hi
m:Passmey
ourphone.
.

Ipassedhi
m myphoneandhewentt
hroughi
t.
.

Hi
m:Funnyenoughi
gotacal
lfr
om t
hisv
erysamenumber
…

Ist
oodupst
rai
ghtandl
ookedathi
m..

Hedr
ankt
hej
uice.

Hi
m:i
twasOl
onashewasl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou.
.

Me:
Whywoul
dOl
onacal
lmewi
thZuko’
sphone?

Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Me:
Andwhywoul
dshecal
lyou?

Hi
m:i
don’
tev
enknowwher
eshegotmynumber
sfr
om.
.

Myphoner
angagai
nitwast
hesamenumber
,il
ookedatCowen.
.

Hi
m:Answer
Ianswer
edandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
..

Me:
H..Hel
..Hel
l
o

Shesni
ff
ed.
.

Ol
ona:
Funi
it’
sOl
ona

Me:
HeyOl
o..

Her
:Hi
..Sor
ryI
’
m cal
l
ingy
ouwi
thmyf
iancé’
sphonebecausei
lostmyphoney
est
erday
..

Me:
Ohwi
t’
sokay

Her
:Di
dCowent
ell
yout
hati
wasl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou,
ical
l
edhi
m..Igothi
snumberf
rom mydoct
or

Me:
Itsokay
..

Her
:Remembery
ouwer
ewor
kingf
ormesoi
don’
tknowwer
ewest
andwi
tht
hat
?

It
otal
l
yfor
gotaboutt
hat
…

Me:i
am verysorr
yaboutt
hatOlona,
ihadal
otgoi
ngonmyf
atherdy
ingandet
c..Ishoul
d’v
e
t
oldyoubutever
ythi
ngj
ustsl
ippedmymind.
.

Her
:It
sfi
nei
under
stand,
any
waydoy
oust
il
lwantt
hej
oborshoul
digetsomeoneel
se?

Il
ookedatCowenandhenodded.
.

Me:
ist
il
lwantt
hej
obi
fit
’sst
il
lav
ail
abl
e…

Her:i
washopi
ngyoucoul
dsaythat,
canyoupleasecometomorr
owat8:
00am i
am aloneand
icoul
dusesomehel
pther
e’sal
ottodoiwil
lpayyouextr
a,f
orext
rat
imet
haty
ouputin..

Me:
OfcauseI
’
llbet
her
e

Her
:Seey
out
hen.
.By
e

Me:
Bye

Ihungupandl
ookedatCowen.
.

Hi
m:Youdon’
twantt
hej
obany
mor
e?

Me:
idon’
tknowCowenespeci
all
ywi
thZukoar
ound.
.

Him:Youcan’tl
i
v eyourl
if
ebeingscaredofhi
m, youneedt
ogot ot
hemal li
fyouwanttoo
wit
houtyoufeel
ingafrai
d,youneedtoli
veyourli
fefr
eeofZuko.
.Pl
usi wasthi
nki
ngthatyou
canusethi
sasagoodexper i
enceandgotoaf ashi
ondesi
gnschoolnexty
earwhil
eyouknow
al
otaboutthefi
eld.
.
Me:
Youhav
eapoi
ntt
her
e..

Hi
m:Youwer
egonnagot
hisy
ear
,buti
thi
nkr
egi
str
ati
onsar
ecl
osednow…

Me:
ili
kehowy
out
hink.
.

Hi
m:Youshoul
d..

Hecamecl
oserandki
ssedme.
.

Me:
Buthowar
ewegonnakeepZukoawayf
rom me?

Hi
m:Leav
ethatt
ome

Me:
RightonBr
aga.
.

Hegav
emet
hatwei
rdl
ookagai
n..

Hi
m:Cal
lmet
hatonemor
eti
me,
andi
sweari
won’
tber
esponsi
blef
ormyact
ions.
.

Me:
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngmeMrBr
aga?

Hegav
emeasi
desmi
l
e..

Hi
m:Don’
ttr
ymewoman

Imov
edawayf
rom hi
m..

Me:
Braga.
.Br
aga.
.Br
aga.
.

Thenexti
knowheischasingmeall
thewayupthestai
rsandtot
hebedr
oom.
.Het
henpi
cks
meupandt hr
owsmeont hebed,
whileI
’
mlaughingl
i
kecrazy.
.

Me:
Wai
tletmecat
chmybr
eat
h..

Hel
ooksatmewhi
l
eI’
m st
il
lbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
.

Me:
What
?

Hesmi
l
es.
.

Hi
m:Not
hing.
.

Heki
ssesme.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyou…

Hesay
sthosewor
dsandi
looki
ntohi
sey
esknowi
ngt
hathemeanst
hem.
.

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo
Her
unshi
sfi
ngeronmyl
i
ps.
.

Hi
m: Ther
eisnot
imeoft
hedaywher
eIdon’
tfi
ndmy
sel
fthi
nki
ngabouty
ouandnotsmi
l
ing
al
one…

Me:
Ncoooht
hati
ssoosweet
..

Heki
ssesmeagai
nandt
hist
imet
hingsescal
ate,
hei
srunni
nghi
shandundermydr
ess.
.

Me:
Weneedt
otal
k..

Heopensmyl
egswi
dewi
thhi
sst
ronghandsandget
sinbet
weent
hem wi
thmydr
esshi
ghup
mywaist
..

Me:
Cowenwai
t.
.

Him:Comenowbubui
don’
twannaf
orcemy
sel
fony
ou,
causet
hatwoul
dber
apeandI
’
m not
aboutt
hat
..

Heisbit
ingmyneckandhi
sst i
ffmanhoodisagai
nstmyVagi
na,al
thoughi
sti
l
lhav
emy
under
wearonicoul
dfeeli
trubbingmycli
tasheisbusymovi
ng.
.

Me:
Butweneedt
oo.
.We…I
..

Hepinsmyhandsagainstthebedagai
n,whatihavenoticedIst
hatCowenlikestodominat
e,he
l
ikestofeel
incont
rol
inthatdepar
tment…Isoowannat ellhi
mthatimightbepregnant
,buti
can’
tit
’smoreli
kehehascastedaspell
onme, iam underhissexual
spell
…

If
eel
mysel
fwant
inghi
m,andi
feel
mysel
fwant
inghi
m now.
.

Me:
OhhhhCowen.
.

PART54SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
26]Ron:
PART55SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

ItwasaSundaymor ningandIhadjustf
ini
shedprepar
ingmysel
fforwor
k..Iwaswear
inga
blackjumpsui
twithagoldbel
taroundmywai standbl
ackheel
s..Myhai
rhadgrownbutist
il
l
keptitasanafr
o..Iputonmygoldstudearri
ngsandmakeup…

It
hent
ookmycl
utchbagandwentdownst
air
s….
.

WhenIwasatt
hetopoft hest
air
s,aboutt
ocl
i
mbdowni
hear
dCowent
alki
ngt
osomeoneI
st
oodther
eandli
stened.
.

Cowen:
Shabbay
ouar
etokeephersaf
e..

Shabba:
OfcauseBr
aga.
.

Cowen:
ifhet
ouchesher
,ev
eni
fit
’sast
randofherhai
riwi
l
lki
l
lyou.
.Funi
meansev
ery
thi
ngt
o
meandiwastal
ki
ngtomymom onthephone,
shetoldmethatFunimightbecar
ryi
ngmybaby
..
Sot
hat’
smyfamily
,myhear
tandi
fsomethi
nghappenstot
hem Shabba….

Ai
itr
ustmamakt
okeepasecr
et.
.

Alt
houghi
wasatafardi
stancei
couldseeShabbawasi
nti
mat
edbyCowen’
sst
atementi
mean
iwoul
dbetooCowencanbescarysometi
mes…

Cowen:
I’
ll
const
ant
lycal
lher
,ifshedoesn’
tanswerI
’
mther
e..

Shabba:
Bragawhydon’
tyoudoi
tthenmancausenowy
oui
nti
midat
ingmeasf
uck.
.

Cowen:i
fidoit
,thenwhat
’st
heuseofhavi
ngyouasaskul
l
?Plusineedtostudyabit,
tomor
rowI’
m goingtodomyver
yfi
rstopenhear
tsur
ger
yneedtoAcethatcl
i
nicalassessment
..

Shabba:
Okay
..

Ideci
dedtogodownt
hest
air
swhi
l
ecl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
,soCowencoul
dst
opscar
ingpoor
Shabba…

Cowen:
andt
her
eshei
s..

Iwal
kedupt
othem,
heputhi
shandar
oundmywai
standki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:Thi
sisShabba,
andShabbat
hisi
smyhear
tFuni
..

Het
ookof
fhi
shatandext
endedhi
shandt
omef
orahandshake.
.

Hi
m:Ni
ceknowi
ngy
oumi
ssFuni
.
.

Soomuchr
espect
,Cowenr
eal
l
ygott
ohi
m.

Me:
Sameher
e..

Cowen:
Shabbawi
l
ldr
ivey
out
owor
kandkeepandey
eony
ou.
.

Me:
Hisgonnabei
nsi
det
heshopl
i
keabody
guar
d?

Cowen:
Yes.
.

Il
ookedathi
m def
eat
ed.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
twantanymi
stakes.
.

Il
ookedatShabbahewasav er
ycuteyoungman,
andl
ookedv
erychar
mingbuthi
stat
toosand
al
lthatmi
ghtscar
ethecust
omer saway…

Me:
idon’
tthi
nkmostcust
omer
swi
l
lbecomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
his

Cowen:
Youcanev
enputhi
m att
hebackoft
hest
orer
oom i
don’
tcar
e,i
justwanthi
mther
e..
Me:
Fine

Heki
ssedmewhi
l
ear
chi
ngmyback.
.

Hi
m:Hav
eani
cedayandcal
lme

Me:
YesBr
agai
wil
l

HespankedmyAssv
eryhar
d..

Me:
ouch!
!

Hi
m:i
tol
dyout
hati
t’
sCowent
oyou.
.

Ist
uckoutmyt
ongueathi
m..

Hi
m:Don’
tdot
haty
oul
ookl
i
keapuppy
..

Me:
puppi
esar
ecut
e

Hi
m:What
ever
..

Ismi
l
edathi
mt henShabbaandiwentt
otheelev
ator…Il
ookedatShabbaandhel
ookedy
oung,
whyi
sheint
hisskul
lthi
ngsheshoul
dbeatschool.
.

Wewentt
ohi
sbl
ackdodge,
it’
sli
keev
erymemberoft
heskul
lhadadodge.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoucomf
ort
abl
e?

Me:
iam i
nthecarnoti
nbed.
.

Hechuckl
ed.
.Iwasreall
ytr
yingt
omakehimfeelatease.
.Het
henst
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.Wewer
e
qui
etf
orawhile,
unt
ilideci
dedtobr
eakt
heice.
.

Me:
Shabba

Hi
m:YesMi
ssFuni

Me:
Pleaseaddr
essmeasf
uni

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..

Hi
m:YesFuni
?

Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?

Hi
m:I
m 23mam’

Me:
Thoughty
ou19

Hi
m:NoI
’
m act
ual
l
y23
Me:
Okay

Il
ookedatt
her
oad,
thenl
ookedathi
m agai
n..

Me:
Cani
asky
ousomet
hing?

Hi
m:Yesmam.
.

Me:
Whatar
etheSkul
l
sal
labout
?

Hi
m:Di
dyouhav
ethi
sconv
ersat
ionwi
thCowen?

Me:
No.
.

Hi
m:Theni
can’
ttel
lyou.
.

Me:
Comeon.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
twannar
iski
tifBr
a..Imeani
fCowenf
indsoutt
hatIt
oldy
ouhi
sgonnaki
l
lme…

Me:
iknowhi
snamei
sBr
agasor
elax
..

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
ComeonShabba

Hi
m:No

Me:
It’
l
ljustbeourl
i
ttl
esecr
et,
isweari
won’
ttel
l
..

Hi
m:No.
.

Ikeptonbeggi
nghi
m unt
ilhegav
eup.
.

Hi
m:Pl
easedon’
ttel
lBr
agat
hati
hadt
hisconv
ersat
ionwi
thy
ou.
.

Me:
icr
ossmyhear
tandhopet
odi
e..

Him:TheSkul
lsi
sagangthati
scomposedofmenandwoman.
.It
’st
hemostbi
ggestand
danger
ousaft
erTheBl
oodsandThecri
ps.
.

Me:
int
erest
ing.
.Whydoy
ouguy
swearBl
ackandwhi
teonl
y?

Hi
m:Justl
i
keot
hergangsourcol
our
ssy
mbol
i
sesomet
hing…

Me:
WhatI
sthat
?

Hi
m:Bl
acksy
mbol
i
sesdeat
h,weki
l
lwi
thoutmer
cy.
.

Me:
Andwhi
te?
Hi
m:sy
mbol
i
sespur
it
y

Me:
pur
it
yfr
om what
?

AfterKil
li
ngsomeonewecovert
hei
rbl
oodybodywi
thawhi
tecl
otht
opur
it
your
sel
vesf
rom
theirdeat
handtobewit
houtsi
n

Me:
Yooh.
.Soy
ouguy
suseAxes?

Hi
m:Notonl
yAxes,
butgunsandkni
fest
oo.
.TheSkul
l
sai
mst
opr
otecteachmember
…

Me:
Othert
hanki
l
li
ngwhatel
sedoy
ouguy
sdo?

Hi
m:depends

Me:
Doy
ouguy
sdoot
hercr
imest
hatear
nyoumoney
?

Him:TheSkull
hassuccessf
ulpeopl
e.Wehav
elawy
ers,
doct
ors,
nur
ses,
det
ect
ives,
super
int
endents.
.

Me:
Wowy
ouhav
eCopst
oo?

Hi
m:Wehav
eev
ery
thi
ng

Me:
Whatar
eyou?

Him:idon’
thaveaprof
ession,
someandtheot
hermember
swhower enev
eraf
for
dedthat
oppor
tunit
ytogotoschoolwebombATMs….Butev
erymemberbenef
it
sfr
om t
hatther
e’sa
cer
tai
nsalaryy
ougetfrom bei
ngaSkul
l
..

Me:
Sowhoi
sthel
eader
?

Hi
m:Ev
erypr
ovi
ncehasal
eader
,usher
eInGaut
engBr
agai
sourl
eader

Me:
Her
unst
hegang?

Hi
m:Yes.
.

Me:
Yoohi
nter
est
ingst
aff
..SohasCowenki
l
ledsomeonebef
ore?

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:Wenawhatdoy
out
hink?

Me:
iam notaskul
lidon’
tknowwhatt
othi
nk.
.

Hi
m:Thenl
et’
sleav
eitl
i
ket
hat
..

Wefinal
lygott
othebout
iqueandi
spot
tedZuko’
scarpar
kedout
side,
ist
art
edget
ti
ngabi
t
scar
ed..
Shabba:
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Yesi
am.
.

Wewenti
nsi
det
hebout
iqueandOl
onawasatt
hef
rontal
one.
.

Shesmi
l
edwhenshesawme.
.

Her
:Hey
,thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng

Iwentupt
oherandt
ri
edhuggi
ngherbutshest
oppedMe.
.

Her
:Sor
rymybodyi
sAchi
ng

Me:
Whathappened?

Her
:longst
ory
..

Shel
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Ohwt
hisi
smybody
guar
dShabba,
andShabbameetmybossOl
ona.
.

Theygr
eet
edeachot
her
..

Me:
ihopey
oudon’
tmi
ndi
fhest
icksar
ound.
.

Ol
ona:
Uhm i
don’
tthi
nkso,
hecangosi
tbyt
hecouch.
.

Shabba:
Thanky
ou

Shabbawentt
osi
tatt
hecouch.
.

Ol
ona:
Whaty
ouneedabody
guar
dfor
?(Whi
sper
ing)

Me:
longst
ory(
Whi
sper
ing)

Her
:Hi
scut
e(Whi
sper
ing)

Me:
Ver
y(Whi
sper
ing)

Il
ookedar
oundandsawal
otofboxesl
yi
ngar
ound…

Me:
Looksl
i
kewehav
eal
ott
odo

Ol
ona:
Your
ightaboutt
hat
..

Me:
Iseey
ourf
iancé’
scarpar
kedout
side,
isheher
e?

Her
:Wel
lhe.
.
Zukocamei
naswewer
ejustt
alki
ngabouthi
m..

Ol
ona:
Speakoft
hedev
il
..

Hewashol
dingapackagef
rom t
hepharmacy.
.It
ri
edtopr
eventmy
sel
ffr
om bei
ngscar
edof
hi
m,it
ri
edrememberi
ngevery
thi
ngthatCowenhadsai
dtome..

Ashecamecl
osert
ous,
Shabbast
oodup.
.

Zuko:
goty
ourt
hings

Ol
ona:
Thanky
ou

Shedi
dn’
tev
enl
ookathi
mint
heey
e,i
coul
dfeel
thev
ibebet
weent
hem.
.

Ol
ona:
I’
ll
puti
tatt
heback

Shest
art
edl
i
mpi
ngherwayt
otheback.
.Zukol
ookedatmewhi
l
ewewer
est
andi
ngt
her
e.

Hi
m:Hi

Me:
Hel
l
o

Hi
m:l
ongt
ime

Me:
longt
imei
ndeed

Hi
m:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul

Me:
Thanky
ou

Hi
m:Youandy
ourboy
fri
endoweust
hedoubl
edat
edi
nner

Me:
I’
ll
tal
ktohi
m

Hel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
.

Him: i
hav
eneverseeny
out
hisj
oyf
ulhemustbet
reat
ingy
our
ighti
canev
enseet
hecur
vesar
e
gett
ingmorewi
der.
.

Me:
asamat
teroff
acthei
str
eat
ingmer
ight
…

Hi
m:That
’sgood

Me:
ya

Thent
hewassomeawkwar
dsi
l
encebet
weenus.
.

Me:
Sor
ryi
hav
etohangt
his,
excuseme…

Asi
waswal
ki
ngpasshi
m hehel
dmyhand.
.
Hi
m:Funi
i…

Il
ookedathi
shandandhel
etgo,
Shabbacamet
ous.
.

Shabba:
Excusemebutdowehav
eapr
obl
em her
e?

Zukol
ookedatShabba.
.

Zuko:
I’
ll
justgot
ocheckonmyf
iancé….

Het
henst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
otheback.
.

Shabba:
Arey
oual
ri
ghtmi
ssFuni
mam?

Me:
I’
m al
ri
ghtShabbat
hanky
ou

Somethi
ngdidn’
taddupwi
thZuko,
hel
ookedabi
tst
ressed,
andempt
yli
kesomet
hingi
s
missi
nginhi
slif
e..

PART55SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
27]Ron:
PART56SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

3weeksl
ater

Myl
i
fewasv
erypeacef
ul,
fort
hef
ir
stt
imeev
eri
foundmy
sel
fenj
oyi
ngl
i
fe….

Alt
hougheverythi
ngseemedt
obegoingwell,
buti st
il
lhadthatv
oidandpai
nofmi ssi
ngand
needi
ngmyf atherev
erynowandt
hen,iguessthatwil
lnevergoawaynomatterhowmuchi t
ry
toavoi
dthi
nkingaboutit
…

Iwasst i
l
l worki
ngforOlonaandshewashav i
ngherupsanddownswi t
hZukoshej ustdidn’
t
l
ikeopeningupaboutwhat ’
shappeningathomebuti couldseerightt
hroughherthatshe
wasn’thappyatall
,shewasbr eaki
ngeachday …Zukowouldstill
comet otheBoutiqueevery
nowandt hen,t
heonlywordswewoul dexchangewere“hell
o”thatwasjustroundaboutitthen
hewillgoonabouthi sownbusiness.Hejustseemednottobehi snormalselfany
mor e.Ididn’
t
real
l
ycar e,butidi
dwannaknowwhat ’
shappening,
iam thatnosey….

SinceZukowasn’
tbot
heri
ngmeany more,Cowenr
eli
evedShabbaf
rom beingmybodyguar
d
becausehealsohadr
esponsi
bil
i
tiesofhisownespeci
all
ywit
htheSkul
ls,butCowenwouldcal
l
meev er
ydayatworkt
omakesur ethatiam al
ri
ght
….

Olonawasnolongerf
ullhandsonatt
hebouti
que,someti
messhewon’tshowupf
orworkatal
l
andnotevengiv
eanexplanati
onsoifoundmysel
frunni
ngthebout
iquei
nmyamateurst
ate
butatl
eastshehir
edatempt ohel
pme….

I
twasaFr
idaymor
ningi
didn’
tgot
owor
kaf
terwor
kinghar
dthepast4day
s,Ol
onagav
eme
t
hisdayof
fbycl
osi
ngt
hebout
iqueonl
yfort
oday
,andi
won’
tli
eiwasr
eal
l
ywor
ri
edabouther
..

Iwassitt
ingonmybedst arri
ngatthe2ndpregnancytesthopingt
hatitwouldhavediffer
ent
resul
tsbecausethe1stonecamebackposi t
ive,
soont hi
sonei washopingfora“ negati
ve”at
l
eastbutunfort
unatel
yt heresul
tscamebackt hesamei wasindeedpregnant.
.Iknowt hat
Cowenandi wehav en’tbeenusingprot
ect
ionandi shoul
dn’tbesurpr
isedatwhati wasseeing
butheyireal
lydi
dn’texpecttheresul
tstot
urnoutthisway …

Iexhal
edt
hent
ookt
hepr
egnancyt
estandwentdownst
air
stoCowen…

Si
nceitwasmydayof
f,heal
sodeci
dedt
otakeadayof
ftoo,
sowecoul
dspendsomequal
i
ty
ti
metogether
….

Ipassedhi
m bythecouchi
nthel
oungeandwentt
otheki
tchen,
hel
ookedl
i
kehewaswat
chi
ng
somemedicalshow….

Iputthepregnancyt
estonthecounterandwentt
oboilsomewatert
omakemy sel
fsome
coff
ee.Ithentookamugf r
om thecupboardandbangeditont
hecount
ersoohar
dthati
t
al
mostbr oke.
.

Iwasbangi
ngev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
touched,
andi
wasbumpi
ngi
ntoev
ery
thi
ngt
hatIcamecl
ose
too…

i
wasr
eal
l
yupsetaboutsomet
hingt
hati
alsodi
dn’
tknow.
.

IsawCowenmaki
nghi
swayt
omeaf
terhehadt
hroughl
yobser
vedmybehav
iour
…

Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
nghej
ustl
ookedatmeasi
wasbusygoi
ngcr
azy
…..

Het
hent
ookt
hepr
egnancyt
estandl
ookedati
t.

Hi
m:Howmanyoft
hisar
eyougonnadof
ory
out
obel
i
evet
haty
ouact
ual
l
ypr
egnant
?

Ikeptqui
etandcont
inuedwi
thwhati
wasdoi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Bubu.
.

Il
ookedathi
m andsnapped.
.

Me:
WhatCowen?Whatdoy
ouwant
??!(
yel
l
ing)

Hi
m:i
just
….

Hesi
ghed…

Hi
m:Nev
ermi
nd.
.

Hest
oodupst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..

Me:
iam scar
edCowen
Hest
oppedt
hent
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatme.
.

Him:Thenwhydon’ty
ouj
ustt
alkt
omeabouti
tinst
eadofgi
vi
ngmeat
ti
tudeandal
i
pwi
thy
our
chubbycheeks……

Igav
ehi
m aser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:I
m sor
ryy
oudon’
thav
echubbycheeks,
thatcameoutwr
ong.
.

Hecameandsatdownopposi
teme…

Hi
m: par
tofthi
sismyfaul
t,asamani shoul
d’
veusedprotect
ionandweshould’
vetal
kedabout
t
hisbecausenowyouf
indi
ngy our
sel
finasit
uati
onthatyouwasn’tr
eadyandprepar
edfor
….

Hewasr
ight
,iwasn’
treadyf
ort
his.
.

Cowenhasawayofmakingeveryt
hingf
inewi
thwor
ds,
het
rul
yhasawaywi
thwor
dsandal
so
meansever
ywor
dthathesays..

Hest
oodupandcamet
omet
henj
ustwr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Me:
I’
m notr
eadyCowen.
.

Hi
m:i
under
standandI
’
m sor
ry.
.

Idi
dn’
tev
ent
hinkofabor
ti
onbecausei
tist
hel
astt
hingonmymi
nd,
idon’
tbel
i
evei
nabor
ti
on
atal
l…

Hel
i
ftedmychi
nupsoi
coul
dlookathi
m,wi
they
esst
il
lful
loft
ear
s..

Hi
m:i
coul
dal
readyseemybabygi
rlhav
ingt
hosebi
gbeaut
if
ulspar
kli
ngey
es.
.

Her
anhi
shandonmyl
i
ps.
.

Hi
m:Thosebeaut
if
ult
hickl
i
ps.
.

Het
hensqueezedmycheek.
.

Hi
m:Andt
hosechubbycheeks

Het
henwentont
oputhi
shandundermyl
eftbr
east
..

Him:
butimostl
yimagi
neherhavi
ngyourgent
ley
etper
sev
eri
nghear
t.
.Yourhear
thasendur
ed
soomuchpai
nbutyousti
l
lstandi
ng.
.

Isentoutasl
i
ghtl
aught
hrought
hoset
ear
s..Hepeckedmyl
i
ps.

Hi
m: i
loveyounev
erf
orgett
hatandwe’
l
lgot
hrought
hist
oget
her
,iwi
l
lnev
erl
ety
ougot
hrough
t
hisal
one..
Me:
Doy
oumeant
hat
?

Hi
m:i
promi
sey
out
hat
..

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Hi
m:gobat
hI’
l
ltakey
ououtf
orbr
eakf
ast
..

Me:
Okay

Ist
art
edwalki
ngawayandashewasaboutt
ospankmybut
t,i
qui
ckl
ytur
nedar
oundand
l
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Don’
t.
.

Hecur
vedhi
slowerl
i
p..

Hi
m:Sor
ry.
.

Me:
Doy
ouev
enknowt
hatIgetr
edmar
kseacht
imewheny
ouspankmybut
t?

Hi
m:Nowy
ouov
erexagger
ati
ng.
.

Me:
I’
mforr
eal

Hi
m:Yeawhat
evergobat
h

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngbutst
oppedagai
n..

Me: uhm don’tfor

getwehavetogotoZukoandOlona’
splacetoni
ghtfordinner
,theyhav
ebeen
tr
yingtodot hisdoubl
edatethi
ngandwehavebeentur
ningthem down..
Ithinkweshouldjust
go,youknowgeti toveranddonewit
h..

Hi
m:Yourexi
sobsessed

Me:
Whyy
ousayt
hat
?

Hef
oldedhi
sar
msandl
ookedatme.
.

Him:af
terthi
sdinnert
oni
ght
,theywi
ll
invit
eusagai
nforanot
herdi
nnerdate,
thenanotherone,
andanotherone.
.Hesti
ll
wannakeeptrackofy
ourl
if
eandwhat’shappeni
nginitf
orev
er….

Me:
Yout
hinkso?

Cowen:
I’
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
butwor
rynotaboutt
hat
..
goandbat
h.

Iwalkedupst
air
swhi
l
ethi
nki
ngaboutEv
erythi
ngthatCowenhassai
d,butZukohasn’
tcal
l
edme
orbother
edmesohemighthav
ereal
lyl
aidback….

Igotupst
air
sandr
anmeawar
m bat
h,i
hoppedi
nsi
deandj
ustr
elaxedt
ryi
ngt
odecr
easemy
st
ressl
evel
s….

Ihav
eal
otgoi
ngonl
atel
ymyl
i
fei
sver
ybusyespeci
all
ywher
ewor
kisi
nvol
ved….
.

Igotoutofthebat
htubaf
ter30mi
nut
esandmademywayt
othebedr
oom wher
emyphonewas
busyri
nging….

Iwenttogeti
tonthebedandi twasZuko,
idon’
tknowifit
’shi
m cal
l
ingmeori
fit
’sOl
ona
becausel
atel
ytheybeenshar
ingthesamephonesoijustanswer
ed.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o

Zuko:
Funi
it’
smepl
easedon’
thangup.
.

Me:
Zuko?

Hi
m:Yesj
ustdon’
thanguppl
ease

Me:
Whati
sitnow?

Hesoundedsoodown.
.

Hi
m:I
t’
sOl
ona.
.

Me:
WhataboutOl
ona?

Zuko:
She’
sinhospi
tal
,shehur
ther
sel
fandshewant
stoseey
oupl
easecome.
.

Me:
Whathappened?

Hi
m:i
cannotexpl
ainont
hephonepl
easecome.
.

Me:
Okaycal
m downi
am onmyway

Ihungupandr
andownst
air
stoCowenwi
thmyt
owel
sti
l
lon.
.

Me:
Baby
!!

Hel
ookedatmeandsawt
hati
wasabi
tshaken.
.

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Me:
Weneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
.
.

Hi
m:What
?Ar
eyouokay
?Ist
hebabyokay
?

Me:
I’
mfi
ne.I
tsOl
onashe’
sinhospi
tal
,shet
ri
edhur
ti
ngher
sel
fWehav
etogo!
..

Hel
ookedatmeanddi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng…

Me:
Cowen!
!
Hest
art
edl
aughi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Thi
sguyi
sgood

Me:
What
?Cowent
hisi
snotf
unny
!!

Hehel
dmyhandasi
wasaboutt
owal
kawayal
lpi
ssed.
.

Hi
m:Cal
myourt
it
ti
esdownBoobear
.

Me:
Cowent
hisi
snotaj
oke!
!Howcany
oubesooi
nsensi
ti
ve?

Hi
m:i
tis,
comeandseet
his.
.

Hegothi
slapt
op,
openedi
tandwor
kedi
toutt
hent
urnedi
ttome.
.

Me:
Thi
sbet
terbegood.
.

Il
ookedathislapt
op,
andwhati
sawmademyj
awdr
op.
.Zukoi
sasi
ckbast
ardandhewi
l
l
neverchange.
.

PART56SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
28]Ron:
PART57SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

WhatCowenshowedmewasav i
deowhereZukowasholdi
ngOlonacapt
ive.I
tlookedl
iket
hey
wereinanoldwarehouse.Ol
onawast i
edtoachai
r,wi
thsomethi
ngaroundherneck.Shewas
cr
yingpai
nful
lyandbeggingforherl
i
fe.
.Zukowasbusywalki
ngaroundwit
hagunandhad
ot
her3guyst her
ewithhim..

Ol
ona:
Zukopl
ease.
.

Zukot
urnedandl
ookedather
…

Zuko:thatbi
tchbet
tershowuporyoudead!
!Seethatbombneckl
acear
oundy
ourneck,
it’
s
count
ingdown.Ifiwereyouiwoul
dstar
tprayi
ng.
.

Ol
ona:
Zukopl
ease…Ican’
tleav
emydaught
eri
am al
lshehas…

Zukogotcl
osert
oherandst
art
edshout
ingather
..

Zuko:Youthi
nki
giv
eaf
uckaboutt
hatl
i
ttl
ebr
at?
?Shei
snotmyseedi
don’
tgi
veaf
uck!
!
(shout
ing)

Ol
ona:
Please.
.I’
l
l.
.I’
l
l.
.Doany
thi
ngj
ustdon’
tki
l
lme.
.

Zuko:
Cany
ougetFuni
her
e??

Shedi
dn’
tsaynot
hingshecont
inuedcr
ying.
.
Zuko:
Exact
ly!
!

Hegotawayf
rom Ol
onaandl
ookedathi
sguy
s..

Zuko:
Wher
emyphoneat
?

Oneofthem gavehim hi
sphoneandhedial
l
edsomenumbert
henputi
tnextt
ohi
searwhi
l
e
busywalki
ngaround…Afterafewminut
eshethr
ewi
tagai
nstt
hewall
.

Zuko:
She’
snotanswer
ing!
!She’
sfuckennotanswer
ing!
!!(
shout
ing)

Ihav
eseenZukoangr
y,buti
hav
enev
erseenhi
mthi
sangr
y….

Ol
onawasst
il
lcr
yingi
coul
dseet
hatshewasv
eryscar
ed…

Zuko:
Khawut
hul
emaan(
shutup)

Hecont
inuedwal
ki
ngupanddownagai
n…

Isawoneoft
heguysapproachi
ngthedoor….Al
lat
tent
ionwenttot
hedoor
,thenIsawBongi
walki
ngi
nidon’
twannali
ei wasshockedt
oseethatshewasalsoi
nonthi
s..

Bongi
:She’
snother
e?

Zuko:
ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lhershe’
snotanswer
ing.
.

Bongi
lookedatOl
ona.
.

Bongi
:Whyi
sshecr
yingl
i
ket
hisasi
fli
kesomeonehaddi
ed?

Zuko:
Youdon’
tknowhowmuchshe’
sir
ri
tat
ingme….
.

Cowenclosedt hel
apt
op,i
wasbroken,
iwasshocked,
ihadmi xedemot
ionsal
otwas
happeni
ng..IputmyhandovermymouthandputmyotherhandonCowen’sar
m..

Me:
ohhmyGodCowen.
.

If
eltapani
cat
tackcr
eepi
ngi
n..

Me:
What
’shappeni
ng?

Hi
m:Cal
m downbubu.
.

Me:Whyt
heydoi
ngt
his?Whyt
heywannar
uinmyl
i
fesobad?Whyt
heyaf
terme?Whatdi
dido
t
othem??
…

Hehel
dmyhandandWal
kedmet
othecouchwer
ehesatmedown…

Hi
m:I
’
llgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink.
.

Hewentandgotmeagl
assofwat
er.
.
Hi
m:i
putabi
tofsugar
..

Idr
ankt
hewat
er.
.

Hi
m:Cal
m down.
.

Me:
ican’
tcal
m down,
iam scar
edCowen…

Heputhi
shandsonmycheeks.
.

Hi
m:Lookatme

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Yout
rustmer
ight
?

Me:
Yes.
.

Hi
m:Thent
rustmewheni
saynoonei
sgonnat
ouchy
ouokay
?

Me:
Okay
..

Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:goandgetdr
essedt
henwe’
l
lgoout
..

Myeyespoppedout
,isCowenf
orr
eal
?Iam i
ndanger
,Ol
onai
saboutt
oexpl
odeandhewant
s
ust
ogoout .
.

Me:
Cowen.
.

Hi
m:Yousai
dyout
rustme.
.

Il
ookedathi
m,y
esi
trusthi
m.Hehasnev
erl
etmedown.
.

Ist
oodupandwentupst
air
stogetdr
essed….

Whenigotupst
air
sicheckedmyphoneandi
hadami
ssedcal
lfr
om Zuko,
ithi
nki
twaswhen
hecal
l
edmeandi di
dn’
tpickup.
.

Youhavenoideahowi
wasf
eel
i
ng,
iwast
rul
ybr
oken,
myhear
tachedf
orOl
onashedoesn’
t
deser
veal
lofthi
s…

Iwasst i
l
lsi
tt
ingont
hebedcryi
ng.Ifeltl
i
keihadnofeel
i
ngsany
mor e,iwasnumb..Ev
eryt
hing
thatZukodi
dt omecamebackcrashingandcr
owdingmymindifel
tli
keiwasgoingcrazy
…I
putmyhandsonmyhead..

Me:
Getoutofmyhead!
!.
.Getoutofmyhead!
!!
…

Iwasf
eel
i
ngsomet
ypeofway
..
Me:
Getoutofmyhead!
!!
!!(
shout
ing)

If
eltsomeonet
ouchi
ngmei
jumped.
.

Cowen:
Itsme…

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Tel
lthem t
oleav
emeal
oneCowen!
!.
.Tel
lZukoandhi
sfami
l
ytol
eav
emeal
one!
!

Iwasnowcr
ying.
.Hehuggedme.

Hi
m:Youal
ri
ght
..
iwoul
ddi
ebef
orei
lett
hosepeopl
etouchy
ou.

Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
ed.
.

Hi
m:Mama…OkayI
’
m comi
ng….Yashe’
sher
e..Okay
…

Hehungedup.
.

Hi
m:I
m comi
ng,
mamaki
sher
e..

Helookedatmeasi
fli
kehedi
dn’
twannaLeav
emeal
one.
.Butt
hen,
heev
ent
ual
l
ylef
tme
al
one…

Iwi
shZukoCouldknowhowmuchhewasbr
eaki
ngme,
howmuchhewashur
ti
ngme.
.Iwi
sh
hecoul
djustl
eav
emealone.
.

Cowencamei
nwi
thmamak.
.

Mama:
Ohhumnt
wanawami
kodwa.
.

Shel
ookedwor
ri
edaboutme.
.

Icr
iedagai
nwheni
sawher
..Ist
oodupandwentt
ohugher
…

Her
:uzobar
ightnono,
aski
es.
.(y
ou’
l
lbeal
ri
ght
)

I
tfel
tgoodbei
ngi
nherar
ms,
ifel
tthewar
mthofherhear
tasmyheadl
aidonherchest
..

Cowen:
Arey
ouguy
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
?

Mamak:
Yes.
.

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
Wher
eyougoi
ng?

Hi
m:I
m goi
ngt
ogety
ourf
ri
end.
.

Hi
sphoner
angagai
n..
Hi
m:i
t’
sShabbai
hav
etot
aket
his.
.

Hewal
kedaway
…..

Iwasv
eryaf
rai
dofwhatwasgonnahappenwhenCowenget
sther
e..

PART57SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
29]Ron:
PART58SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Ihadbeensleepi
ngforawhi
lenow,ireall
yneededt
oforgetaboutwhatwashappeni
ngjustfor
ali
tt
lebi
t.
.Iwon’tli
e,i
wasveryscar
edf orCowenimeanZukoi scr
azy,Zukoi
sveryver
ycrazy
andwhatifhekil
l
sCowenwhati sgonnabecomeofme? ?

Igotoutofbedandwentt
othebat
hroom t
ofr
eshenup,
myey
eswer
eabi
tswol
l
en….

Il
ookedmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
orwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.Tear
sseemedt
oal
way
sbecl
oset
his
days.
.

Iexhal
edal i
ttl
e.Iwasemot i
onal
lydrai
ned,iwast i
redofever
ythi
ngthatwashappening..Iwas
oncejustt
hissweetgirlworki
ngatFishnchi ps,
howdi dmyli
fegettobesoocompl icated?
??
Howdi digettoattr
actsuchmen? ?Couldn’
tCowenj ustbeanormalbloodydoctorwithno
str
ingsatt
ached?Couldn’tZukobenormal andnothav ebi
pol
ar??Ihadalotofquest
ionsbut
l
essanswer s…..

Wheni wasdonefr
esheni
ngup,imademywaydownstair
s….Ispot
tedShabbasi
tt
ingatt
he
ki
tchencount
erandlooki
ngatCowen’
slapt
opbusyl
aughing…

Istoodthereandl ookedathimforawhil
e…Cowenhassoomuchfai
thinShabbathathecan
protectus,butwheni lookathi
mi seet
hiscutey
oungmanwhoshouldbedoingacertai
n
courseatVar si
tyandenj oy
ingVar
sit
yli
fewit
hhispeer
srat
hert
hanbei
ngina
cri
mi nal
/Gangstergang…

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m,hedi
dn’
tnot
icemeatf
ir
sthehadhi
sheadset
sonbusyl
aughi
ngandt
alki
ng
al
one.
.

Shabba:
Gethi
m ni
gga,
hedoesn’
tknowusweGangst
er….
.

Whenigottohi
m hequi
ckl
yclosedt
helapt
opbutitwasl
atei
hadal
readyseenagl
i
mpseof
whatwashappeni
ng…Hetookoffhi
sheadset
s..

Hi
m:Mi
ssFuni
idi
dn’
t…

Me:
Whatar
eyouwat
chi
ng?

Hi
m:I
t’
snot
hingj
ust
…

Me:
Showmewhaty
ouwat
chi
ng.
.
Hi
m:i
…

Me:
NowShabba!
!!(
Yel
l
ing)

Heopenedt
hel
apt
op,
andpl
ayedwhatwashappeni
ngatt
hewar
ehouse…

Me:
mov
eboy
….

Hegotoutoft
hechairandisat.
.Cowenandhi
screwwer
eal
readyatt
hewarehouse,
Bongiand
Zukowerehel
datgunpointandisawoneoft
hefemal
emembersmakingherwaytoOlonaand
touchi
ngt
hebombnecklace..

Ol
ona:
Pleasedon’
ttouchi
t,i
twi
l
lexpl
ode…

Her
:Tr
ustmei
am t
rai
nedt
odot
his.
.

Theyallkeptqui
etandobser
vedwhatshewasdoi
ng….Iwasal
soscar
edwhati
fshemessesup
andtheyalldi
e…Icl
osedmyey es

Me:
Shabbapl
easet
ell
mewhent
heydone.
.

Hi
m:r
elaxshe’
sapr
oatt
his.
.

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esi
hear
dpeopl
echeer
ing,
evenShabbamadeabi
tofnoi
se….
.

Shabba:
Yes!
!!
!.

Iopenedmyeyesandlookedatt
hescr
een,
theneckl
acewassaf
elyr
emov
edf
rom Ol
ona’
s
neck.
.Iwasver
yrel
iev
ed.

Cowen:
all
yal
lmot
her
f**
***
!Wer
escar
edi
wasn’
t,
iknowf
ait
hist
hebest
!Shewast
rai
ned
wel
l…

Ol
onast
oodupandhuggedf
ait
h..

Ol
ona:
Thanky
ousoomuchf
orsav
ingmyl
i
fe….

Fait
h:Youwel
come.
.Don’
tsqueezet
oot
ighti
sti
l
lhav
eabombi
nmyhandt
hati
shoul
dn’
t
drop….

Theybr
oket
hehug.
.

Cowen:
Someonet
akehert
othecar
,she’
snotsupposedt
oseewhat
’sgonnahappenher
e….

Anot
hergi
rlescor
tedOl
onaout
,iwasatpeacet
oseeheral
ri
ght
…

Fai
tht
urnedandl
ookedatt
hecr
ew.
.

Fai
th:
Howshoul
dwedi
sposet
his?
Cowen:
Ihav
eani
dea.
.Let
’ssi
therhi
ghnessont
hechai
randCr
ownher
…..

TheywentandsatBongi
ont
hechai
r,al
thoughsheact
edst
rongbuti
coul
dseeshewas
scar
ed…

Theyt
iedhert
othechai
r,andt
henf
ait
hputont
heneckl
aceonher
..

Zuko:
Noooo!
!!

Hewast
ryi
ngt
ogett
ohi
smot
herbutt
heyhadat
ightgr
iponhi
m.

Theskul
lcr
ewl
aughed.
.

Cowen:
Lookatt
hesont
ryi
ngt
obesuper
man…

Guy1:
li
kehegonnaf
lyI
nthi
sshi
t….

Cowen:
Tri
ppi
ngsonofaseabi
scui
t.
.

Theycont
inuedlaughi
ng,ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
tli
kewhatwasgoi
ngany
mor
eCowenandhi
scr
ewwer
e
bei
ngunnecessarynow..

Shabba:
sonofaseabi
scui
t,t
hat
’sagoodone(
laughi
ng)

It
urnedandgav
ehi
m aser
iousl
ook,
hest
oppedl
aughi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Sor
ry.
.

It
urnedbackandl
ookedatt
hescr
een….

Fai
th:
shoul
diseti
tof
fBr
aga?

Cowen:
Notnow.
.

Zuko:YouBraga?Iknewt
haty
ourf
acel
ookedf
ami
l
iar
…DoesFuni
knowaboutt
heskel
etonsi
n
yourcl
oset
?

Cowen:
Eyydon’
tbr
ingmywomani
nthi
s!!

Wasmyf
ir
stt
imeseei
ngCowenr
aisi
nghi
svoi
ce.
.

Guy
3:What
’st
henextst
ep?

Cowen:
iwannahav
efun…

Fai
th:
niggay
ouwannar
ap?

Cowen:
iwannar
ap?

Fai
th:
musi
cpl
ease!
!!
It
henHear
dthoser
apsongspl
ayi
ngatt
hebackgr
ound…

Fai
th:
Yout
hemanoft
hey
ear

Cowen:
iam t
hemanoft
hey
ear
..

Het
urnedandst
aredatt
hecamer
a…

Cowen:
YowShabba,
hopemymot
herandmygi
rlai
n’
tseei
ngwhatI
’
m aboutt
odo.
.

Het
hent
urnedbackt
ohi
scr
ew.
.

Shabba:
Fu.
.

Me:
ShutupShabba!
!!(
shout
ing)

Ir
eal
l
ywant
edt
oseewhatwasgonnahappen.
.

Cowent
ookof
fhi
sjacketandoneoft
hecr
ewmember
shel
ditf
orhi
m..

Cowen:
it’
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
astdi
dthi
s..

Theyl
etZukogo,
iknewwhatwasgonnahappennextt
heygonnaf
ight
..

Zukol
ookedathi
smot
her
,thenl
ookedatCowen.
.

Het
henr
ant
oCowen,
butCowensi
ght
lyshi
ft
edandZukof
ell
.
.Thecr
ewst
art
edl
aughi
ng.

Cowen:
iai
n’
tev
ent
ouchhi
myet
..What
’swr
ongMQ?’
boutt
ohav
eyourper
iodsoon?
??

Cr
ew:
Ohhhhhhwww

Zukogotupandattemptedagain,
butthi
sti
mear oundCowendi
dn’
tshi
fthepunchedZukoso
hardt
hathefel
l
..Ihaveneverseennobodypunchli
kethat
..

Cowenjustcont
inuedr
appi
ngal
ongt
othesongswhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
orZukot
orecov
erf
rom t
he
punch…

Cowen:
“iai
n’
taki
l
lerbutdon’
tpushme”
..

Zukost
oodup,hewasabi
tdysf
uncti
onalandbl
eedi
nghecoul
dn’
tev
enseet
hedi
rect
ionhe
wasgoi
ngin.
.Bongi
wassi
tti
ngther
ecryi
ng..

Cowenwentt
oZukoandst
art
edpunchi
nghi
mrepeat
edl
y.
.

Cowen:
“iam Br
agamot
her
f**
,i
fyouai
n’
tonmyt
eam t
heny
oushoul
d’v
eranawayf
rom me”
…

Fai
th:
beat
ingwomenuphast
urnedhi
mint
oapussy
,heneedst
hatsexchange…

Theyl
aughed.
.
Cowenhadnomer
cyhepunchedZukothatZukocoul
dn’
tmov
eany
mor
eandBongi
wascr
ying,
pl
eadi
ngwit
hCowent
hathemuststop….

Inev
erknewt
hatCowencoul
dbet
hishear
tl
ess,
isawacompl
etedi
ff
erentsi
deofhi
m..

Cowen:
gun!

Fai
thgav
ehi
mthegun.
.

Cowen:
Thi
sisf
ormybabe

Hest
art
edbashi
ngZuko’
sheadwi
tht
hebackoft
hegun.
.Thi
swasst
art
ingbet
oomuchf
or
me.
.

Me:
Cowenst
op!
!!
!

Shabbaputhi
shandsonmyshoul
der
s..

Shabba:
Funi
..

Me:
Leav
emeal
oneShabba!
!!

Cowen’
swhi
tet
shi
rtandhandswer
ebl
oody
..

Hethenst
eppedawayfr
om Zuko,
isawoneoft
heotherguy
scomingwithachai
nandput
ti
ngi
t
ar
oundZuko’
sneckandwasdraggi
nghi
m ar
oundt
hef l
oorl
ikeadog….

I
twasapool
ofbl
oodont
hef
loor
..

Cowengothimselfacanofcokeandstar
teddr
inki
ng.
.Iwasshockedt
hisguy’
shandsand
ever
ythi
nghasbloodandthenhegonnastar
tdr
inki
ngacooldri
nkli
kenothi
nghappened…

Zukowasdr
aggedar
oundt
hef
loorl
i
keadogf
orawhi
l
enow.
.

Cowen:
Eyyheshoul
dn’
tdi
e..Dr
aghi
m out
sidet
hencal
lanambul
ance.
.

Guy
1:Sur
eboss

Theguydr
aggedZukoout
..

Cowen:
Act
ivat
ethebombNeckl
acef
ait
h

Fai
th:
Yessi
r!

Bongi
wasbeggi
ngf
orherl
i
fe.
.

Al
lthecr
ewwentoutandf
ait
hact
ivat
edt
hebombandwentoutt
oo,
leav
ingBongi
aloneand
cr
yingt
here.
.

Af
terl
i
ke20mi
nther
ewasanexpl
osi
onandt
hecamer
aswentdown…
Icl
osedthel
apt
opandputmyhandsonmymout
h,whati
sawt
odayi
ssur
elygonnahauntme
for
ever
…

PART58SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
30]Ron:
PART59SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

IknowCowenmeanswel lbutwhatisawwasj usttoosensi

ti
veanddramatic.Iti
str
uewhat
theysay“
karmaneverl
oosesanAddr ess”f
orallt
hebady oudotootherpeople,i
twil
lcome
backtoyou10t
imesmor epainf
ul.
.

WhatZukoputmyf
athert
hrough,t
henhav
inghi
sMom di
eli
ket
hatwasv
erysad,
butt
omei
t
wasjust
icef
ormeandmyf at
her…

Il
oveCowenwithallmyhear
t,andseeingt
hatsi
deofhimreall
yisgonnamakemeabitscar
ed
ofhi
m buthehasn’
tgiv
enmear easontot
hinkt
hathemightbeabusi
vetowar
dsme…

Shabbacameandbr
oughtmewat
erwi
thl
emonsi
nit
..

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Me:
YaI
’
mfi
neShabba.
.

It
ookasi
poft
hatwat
er.

Hi
m:maywenott
ell
Bragaabouty
ouseei
ngwhaty
ouwer
en’
tsupposedt
osee?

Iexhal
edandl
ookedathi
m..

Me:iwon’tbeabl
etol
ookhi
mint
heey
eandactl
i
kei
didn’
tseeany
thi
ngwheni
did,
hewi
l
lsee
r
ightt
hroughme…

Shabba:
I’
ll
hav
etost
artpl
anni
ngmyf
uner
alt
hen.
.

Me:
iwon’
tlethi
m ki
l
lyoudon’
twor
ry.
.

Shabba:
We’
l
lseeaboutt
hat
…

Me:
Any
waydoy
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?

Hel
ookedatme…

Hi
m:Whataquest
ion

Me:inowt
akey
ouasmyl
i
ttl
ebr
other
,soasabi
gsi
steri
wannaknowwhatgoesdowni
nyour
l
if
e..

Hi
m:i
fyoumustknow,
Idon’
thav
eagf
..
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?

Hi
m:Doy
out
hinkt
her
e’sanygi
rlwhowoul
dtol
erat
emydanger
ousl
i
fest
yle?

Me:
iam t
ryi
ngt
ogetusedtoCowenbeingBragaandbei
ngaSkul
l
,I’
m sur
ether
e’sagi
rlout
t
her
ewhocanunder
standandaccepty
outoo..

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowaboutt
hat
..

Me:
Soy
out
ell
i
ngmet
haty
ouhav
en’
tbeenl
aidl
atel
y?

Hi
m:Nowt
hati
cannott
alkt
oyouabout
…

Hest
oodupandwentt
omakehi
msel
fcof
fee.
.

Me:
ComeonShabba…

Hi
m:i
am notsay
ingany
thi
ng

Theelevat
oropenedandmamakcamet
hroughf
rom t
heel
evat
or,
lookedl
i
keshehadsome
grocer
ieswit
hher…

Her
:Sor
ryt
hati
tookl
ong,
themal
lwasf
ull
.
.

Sheputev
ery
thi
ngont
opoft
heki
tchencount
er.
.Thenl
ookedatme.

Her
:exceptf
ory
ourswol
l
eney
es,
youl
ookbet
ter
..

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
idof
eel
abi
tbet
tert
hanky
ouMa.
.

Her
:That
’sgoodbecauseIam goi
ngt
ocookmyf
amousbeefst
ew.
.

Shabba:
thatsoundsy
ummy
.Ihav
en’
thadahomecookedmeal
inawhi
l
e…

Me:
Youwoul
dn’
tvel
eyouabachel
or.
.

Mamakl
ookedathi
m..

Mamak:
ahandsomemanl
i
key
oui
ssi
ngl
e

Shabba:
Yeap.
.

Mamak:
Hmmmm I
’
mthi
nki
ngy
oucanchangeDl
ozi

Me:
hel
lno….
.

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Dlozi
wil
lst
ressShabba
Mamak:
ngat
hisowuy
aphapha(
youbei
ngf
orwar
dnow)

Me:
Ohwsor
ry

Shel
ookedatShabba.
.

Mamak:
butmi
sscov
erpagehasapoi
nt,
Dlozi
issomehow.
.

Shabba:
iunder
standy
ouguy
str
yingt
ohookmeup,
buti
gott
his.
.

Me:
Yougoti
tal
ri
ght
..

Mamak:
Babydi
dyoueatany
thi
ngt
oday
?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Her
:I’
l
lmakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
,may
besomesandwi
chwhi
l
eicook.
.

Me:
I’
ll
wai
tfory
out
ocookMa.
.

Her
:itwasn’
tar
equest
,I’
l
lmakey
out
hesandwi
ch.
.

Shabba:
countmei
ntoopl
ease.
.

Me:
Shabba.
.

Hi
m:Don’
tst
artFuni
please.
.

Theel
evat
oropenedagai
n,Cowen,
fai
th,
andOl
onawal
kedi
n..

Fai
th:
iwast
heonewhoputmor
eef
for
tinev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Cowen:
What
everni
ggar
iangi
rl
..

Ol
onal
ookedatme,
ilookedathert
oo.
.

Her
:Funi
..

Ist
oodupandmetherhal
fwayt
henweHuggedeachot
her
..

Me:
I’
m sor
ry,
ishoul
d’
vet
oldy
ouaboutZukof
rom t
hev
erybegi
nni
ng.
.

Shewast
ear
ingup,
andsowasi
..

Webr
oket
hehugandsheputherhandsonmycheeks.
.

Her
:It
snoty
ourf
aul
tsweet
y..

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:it
houghti
wasgonnadi
e,i
fitwasn’
tforCoweni
…Whatwasgonnahappenwi
thmy
daught
er.
.

Ishookmyhead.
.

Me:
Don’
tthi
nkl
i
ket
hat
,it
’sov
er

Shet
urnedandl
ookedatCowen.
.

Her:
Thankyousoomuch,i
don’
tknowhowy
ouguy
swor
kori
fit
’sappr
opr
iat
eformet
osay
t
hisbutmayGodblessy
ou.
.

Cowenj
ustsmi
l
edather
..

Iwasexpect
ingCowent
obewear
ingabl
oodyt
shi
rt
,buthel
ookedcl
eant
hinkhechanged….

Ol
ona:
Uhm i
thi
nki
shoul
dgetbackt
omydaught
er.
.

Mamak:
Nonsense,
stayf
ordi
nner
..

Ol
ona:
iwoul
dreal
l
ylov
etooMabut
,af
tert
odayi
real
l
ywannabewi
thmydaught
er.
.

Fai
th:
I’
ll
giv
eyoual
i
ft.
.

Ol
ona:
Thanky
ou.
.

Me:Don’
tworr
yaboutt
hebout
iquemeandThal
uewe’
l
lkeepev
ery
thi
ngr
unni
ngt
il
lyour
eadyt
o
comeback.
.

Her
:Thanky
ousoomuchFuni
..

Me:
Youwel
come.
.

Shehuggedmet
henwentwi
thFai
th….

Cowencamecl
oset
ome.
.

Hi
m:Bubu

Isl
appedhi
mri
ghtacr
osst
hef
ace.
.

Hi
m:Wt
f?

Il
ookedathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Hi
m:Lemeguess,
yousawwhathappened?

Ist
il
ldi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Cowen:
Shabba!
!!

Shabba:
inmydef
encei
tri
edt
ost
opher
…
Het
ri
edgoi
ngt
oShabbabuti
blockedhi
sway
..

Hi
m:Funi
i.
.

Hel
ookedashamed,
didn’
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Hi
m:i
….

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andj
ustki
ssedhi
m…

Mamak:
respect
!!

Isepar
atedf
rom hi
m..

Me:
ilov
eyou.
.

Hesmi
l
edatme.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyout
oo,
but
…

Me:
But
?

Hi
m:I
m st
il
lgonnaki
l
lShabba

Hemovedmeoutoft
hewayandwenttohi
m,Shabbar
ant
heot
hersi
det
hencameandst
ood
behi
ndmemaki
ngmehishumanshi
eld…

Me:
Real
l
yShabba?

Shabba:
Yougotusi
ntot
hismess…

Cowen:
Funi
mov
e..

Me:
Wel
lit
hinky
ou.
.Youneedt
ogot
hroughmef
ir
st.
.

Mamakcameandst
oodnextt
ome.
.

Mamak:
andme.
.

Shabba:
ha!
!!
!Whaty
ougonnadonowBr
aga?

Cowen:
Tagt
eam i
see.
.

Hewentandgotoneoft
hecushi
onsont
hecouchandst
art
edhi
tt
ingus.
.

Me:
That
’showy
ouwannapl
ayi
t?

Weall
wenttogetcushi
onsandst
art
edhi
tt
ingeachot
herwhi
l
elaughi
ng,
runni
ngar
ound,
and
f
all
i
ngwasjustafunmoment..

PART59SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS
[
04/
15,
13:
32]Ron:
PART60SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Di
nnerwasv
erydel
i
ciousmamakr
eal
l
yknowsherwayar
oundt
heki
tchen,
shei
sagr
eatcook.
.

Aft
erdi
nner
,shewentst
rai
ghtt
obedwhi
l
eiwentt
obat
hleav
ingCowenandShabbat
oti
dyup
andwashdi
shestoo…

Wheniwasdonebat
hing,
iwentdownst
air
stocheckupont
hem andt
heywer
est
il
lwashi
ng
di
sheswhi
ler
appi
ng…….

Cowen:
“Meandmyni
ggast
rynageti
t,y
abi
sh”

Shabba:
“yabi
sh”

Cowen:
“Hi
tthehousel
i
ckt
ell
mei
syouwi
thi
t,y
abi
sh”

Shabba:
“yabi
sh”

Cowen:
“Homei
nvasi
onwasper
suasi
ve”

Shabba:
“wasper
suasi
ve”

Cowen:
“Fr
om ni
net
ofi
veIknowi
t’
svacant
,yabi
sh”

Shabba:
“yabi
sh”

Ideci
dedt
osur
pri
set
hem andj
oini
n…

Me:
“backt
oreal
i
tywepoor
,yabi
sh”

Theybot
htur
nedandl
ookedatme,
ihopei
gott
hel
yri
csr
ightbecausei
hav
ehear
dthesong
onl
yonceort
wice.
.

Shabba:
“andy
oudonebat
hing,
yabi
sh”

Cowenhi
thi
m att
hebackofhi
shead.
.

Cowen:
wat
chi
t.
.

Shabba:
ithoughtwewer
est
il
li
nthespi
ri
tofr
appi
ng.
.

Iwentandsatdownont
hehi
ghchai
r.
.

Me:
Youser
iousl
yneedt
ogetl
aidShabba.
.

Shabba:
Mymyandhowdi
diknowy
ouwer
egonnasayt
hat
?

Cowengav
ehi
m aser
iousl
ook.
.

Me:
Leav
emeal
oneShabba.
.
Cowendr
iedhi
shands.
.

Hi
m:wantsomet
hingt
oeatKoochi
koo?

Shabbagi
ggl
ed.
.

Me:
Wher
edoy
ougetal
lthi
sret
ardednamesf
rom?

Hewentt
othef
ri
dgeandgotcr
anber
ryj
uice…

Hi
m:Koochi
koosoundsbet
tert
hanchubbycheeks.
.

Shabbagi
ggl
edagai
n..

Shabba:
But
-her
-cheeks.
.

Cowen:
Eyyuzoswabaj
oh(
you’
l
lbesor
ry)

Me:
Whatdoesbuthercheeksmean?

Shabba:
itmeanst
haty
oubeaut
if
ulbuty
ourcheekscan’
tsaymuch….

Iputmyhandsonmycheeks.
.

Me:
Whataboutmycheeks?

Shabba:
That
’sal
lI’
m say
ingf
ornow“
but
-her
-cheeks”
..

Cowenwentandputhi
shandatt
hebackofshabba’
sneckandputhi
mfacedownont
he
ki
tchencount
er.
.

Shabba:
Ouch!
..

Me:
nowi
seewhyhi
ssi
ngl
e..

Cowen:
Iai
n’
theary
ousay
ingany
thi
ngShabbacani
getav
ow?

Shabba:
FineI
’
m sor
ry…

Cowenl
ethi
m go.
.

Iwashear
tbr
okenatwhatShabbasai
d..

Me:
Yousay
ingI
’
m ugl
yShabba?

Shabba:
Noi
wasj
ustj
oki
ng.
.

Il
ookedatCowen…

Cowen:
Shabbai
sjustbei
ngaj
erkbabydon’
tmi
ndhi
m..
Shabbal
ookedatmeandwi
nkedatme.
.

Shabba:
iwasj
ustki
ddi
ngumuhl
esaan(
youbeaut
if
ul)

Me:
Youj
ustsay
ingt
hatbecauseI
’
m sadnow.
.

Shabba:I
’mforreal
,umuhl
e..
”BabyWashi
ngt
on,
ngat
hiuKer
iWashi
ngt
on.
.besek’
qal
inki
nga,
besekhal
i
’st
ina”

Cowen:
Eishung’
khumbuzaphi
skeem (
yout
aki
ngmeback)

Bot
h:“
shewantmydi
ng-
li
nguf
un’
ukuy
ibambaandi
tmadeherswi
ngandsi
ngoohnananana

t
hewayy
oushi
nent
omboz
any
oungdi
va

bat
hingi
bli
ndngobangi
bonawenakphel
a”

Il
ookedatt
hem ast
heywer
esi
ngi
nganddanci
ngnj
ejustbei
ngt
oof
orwar
d…

Thenaf
tert
heyst
art
edmaki
ngnoi
se.
.

Shabba:
EishKonj
eyi
l
eskhat
hiusaphet
heu.
.(I
t’
sthatt
imey
oust
il
lhad…)

CowenShookhi
sheadsi
gnal
l
ingt
hathemustst
op.
.

Shabbal
ookedatme.
.

Shabba:
Eish.
.

Me:
Qhubekay
il
esaskhat
hiasaphet
heubani
?(car
ryon,
it’
sthatt
imewhenhest
il
lhadwho)

Shabba:
ithi
nki
shoul
dgo…

Cowen:
Yai
thi
nkt
hat
’sagoodi
dea.
.

Theyst
art
eddoi
ngt
hoseGangst
erhandshakes.
.

Shabba:
I’
ll
seey
out
omor
row.
.

Cowen:
plusi
wanty
out
odr
iveFuni
towor
ktomor
row.
.

Shabba:
Aytcool
man

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Shabba:
I’
ll
seey
out
omor
rowmi
ssbuthercheeks.
.

It
ookt
hatbot
tl
eofcr
anber
ryj
uiceandt
hrewi
tathi
m…

Hi
m:i
sweart
her
e’st
oomuchv
iol
encei
nthi
shouse…
Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
otheel
evat
or…

Shabba:
layhert
oni
ght
,sheneedst
hatD-
tox
..

Cowenl
aughed,
ilookedathi
m..

Me:
Iti
snotf
unnyatal
l
..

Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
pwhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
.

Me:
Don’
tgetanyi
deas

Hecamet
omeandputhi
shandsonmyshoul
der
swhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmeonmycheek.
.

Hi
m:i
canf
eel
somet
ensi
onandst
ress,
your
eal
l
yneedt
hatD-
tox

It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Whatdoy
ousay
?

Het
ri
edki
ssi
ngmebuti
tur
nedmyf
aceandt
heki
ssl
andedonmycheek…

Hi
m:Whatdi
didonow?

Il
ookeddown.
.

Me:
Not
hing

Heputhi
shandsonmyt
highswhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
tli
kei
twheny
oukeepsecr
ets.
.

Me:
Fine,
whatdi
dZukomeanwhenhesai
d“doi
knowaboutt
heskel
etonsi
nyourcl
oset
”

Him:MQ..MQ..ishoul
d’
veki
l
ledhi
m,becauseev
enwhenhi
sinI
CUhi
sst
il
lthebi
ggestf
act
ori
n
ourr
elat
ionshi
p…

Ist
art
edbei
ngcheeky
…

Me:
Thenhi
sri
ght
,ther
eisskel
etonsi
nyourcl
oset
?

Hi
m:Don’
tgetcheekywi
thme.
.

Me:orwhatBr
aga?Yougonnabeatmeupandhav
emedr
aggedacr
osst
hef
loorwi
thachai
n
ar
oundmyneckli
keadog??

Hel
ookedatme…

Hi
m:Wow.
.

Me:
Andwhatdi
dShabbameanbywhathesai
d?Ar
ether
ebi
tchesi
nyourl
i
fet
hati
don’
tknow
aboutCowen?
?

Hi
m:y
azi
niFuni
icanseet
haty
out
ir
ed,
thi
nky
oushoul
dgot
obedandsl
eep.
.

Het
henwentandt
hrewhi
msel
font
hecouchandwat
chedTV.
.

Me:
Cowen!
!!

Hei
ncr
easedt
hev
olume.
.

Ist
oodupandwentt
ohi
m..

Me:
Cowen!
!!
!

Hi
m:Sor
ryi
can’
theary
ou!
!

TheTVwasr
eal
l
yloud.
.

Me:
Tur
ndownt
hev
olumeI
’
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou!
!

Hi
m:What
???

Me:
iai
n’
tpl
ayi
ngr
ightnow.
.

Hi
m:i
can’
theary
ou!
!!

Me:
YousuchanAss!
!!

Hi
m:huh?What
’shappeni
ngSat
urday
???

Ist
oodt
her
eandl
ookedathi
m…

Het
henl
aughed…

Hi
m:What
’shappeni
ngSat
urday
?

If
eltt
hecor
ner
sofmymout
hcur
ving,
isoowant
ednott
olaughbuthewasmaki
ngi
thar
dfor
menottoo.
.

Hel
ower
edt
hev
olume.
.

Me:
Goodni
ght
..

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
,hewasl
aughi
ngv
eryl
oud.
.

Hi
m:her
eiwast
hinki
ngy
ouwer
egonnaassassi
nat
eme,
from howy
ougotof
fthatchai
r.
.

Igav
ehi
mthemi
ddl
efi
nger
..

Hi
m:Comebackandassassi
nat
eme…Assassi
nat
emebi
tch!
!!
Hecont
inuedl
aughi
ng,
andi
foundmy
sel
flaughi
ngt
ooasi
waswal
ki
ngupt
hest
air
s…

PART60SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
45]Ron:
PART61SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwokeupv
eryl
atet
hef
oll
owi
ngday
.Ihadt
oqui
ckl
ypr
epar
emy
sel
fandgot
othebout
ique.
.

Thebout
iqueopensat09:
00exact
ly,
andatt
hatt
imei
wasr
ushi
ngdownt
hest
air
s……

Shabbawassi
tt
ingatt
heki
tcheneat
ingbr
eakf
ast
,wi
thmamakbut
ter
ingmor
ebr
eadf
orhi
m….
.

Shabba:
yabomamak,
ngcwel
engawe(
mamaki
li
key
ou)
…

Mamak:
Aisukaugcwel
engokudl
akwami
notmi
na(
youonl
yli
kemyf
oodnotme)
..

Iputt
hef
il
esont
het
abl
ewi
thsket
ches.
.

Me:
ohmywor
diam v
eryl
ate!

Mamak:
hai
bowher
ear
eyourmanner
s?

Me:
Sor
ryMa,
howar
eyou?

Her
:I’
m goodandy
ou?

Me:
iam f
inet
hanks.
.

Il
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Let
’sgo

Mamak: Notsoof
astsi
si,
imadescr
ambl
edeggs,
fri
edwor
s,andbaconsosi
tdownandbr
ace
your
sel
f.
.

Shabbawasenj
oyi
nghi
msel
f.
.

Shabba:
tast
esr
eal
l
ygood.

Me:
Sor
ryMa,
buti
wil
lgetsomet
hingonmywayt
othebout
ique.
.

Her
:Okay
,wheny
oucomebackhomey
ouwon’
tfi
ndmeher
e..

Me:
Sowuy
ahamba?(
youar
eleav
ing)

Her
:Yes,
ihav
etogohomet
omyr
esponsi
bil
i
tie

s.
.
Me:
That
’ssad,
I’
m gonnami
ssy
out
hough.
.

Shecameandhuggedme.
.

Her
:I’
l
lcal
lyou

Me:
ihopeso.
.

Il
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Let
’sgo.
.

Het
ookt
hel
astpi
eceofwor
sandt
henwewent
..

Wear
ri
vedatt
hebout
iqueatexact
ly10:
00am…Thal
uewasal
readywai
ti
ngf
orme.

Me:
iam sov
erysor
ry

Shesmi
l
edatme.
.

Her
:It
sokay

Igav
eShabbamybagwhowasst
arr
ingatThal
ue.
.Theni
tookoutt
hekey
sandopened.
.

Me:
Wehav
eal
otofwor
ktodot
oday
..

Her
:I’
m al
lhands.
.

Il
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ordr
ivi
ngme

Hewasst
il
lst
arr
ingatThal
ue.
.

Hi
m:nopr
obl
em.
.

Me:
Youcango

Iguesshedi
dn’
theart
hatbecausehedi
dn’
trespond.

Me:
Shabba!

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Youcango.
.

Hi
m:wha.
.Hel
lno!
!

Me:
Zukoi
sinhospi
tal
,wear
esaf
e..

Heputmybagont
hecount
ert
henwentt
osi
tdownont
hecouch.
.
Hi
m:i
am nott
aki
nganychances.
.

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandst
art
edpl
ayi
ngwi
thi
t.
.

Il
ookedatThal
ue.
.

Me:
Youcanst
eam i
ront
hej
eans,
thenunpackt
henewTshi
rt
swegot
..Don’
tfor
gett
olayout
t
heSal
esi
gn.
.

Her
:Yesmam.
.

It
henwentt
othebackof
fi
ceandst
art
edwi
tht
hef
il
ing.
.

Ihadsoomucht
odo,
whi
chwasaheav
ybur
denonmesi
nceOl
onai
snotar
oundt
ohel
p..

Inev
erknewhowdemandi
ngr
unni
ngabusi
nessi
s….
.

Ihadtodof i
l
li
ngforyest
erday
’sr
ecei
pts,
ihadt
odoSensi
ti
vet
ransact
ions,
ihadt
ocal
lMar
c
Jacobsforspeci
alor
ders…

Ol
onadoessomeofthedesi
gns,andthensheal
soget
ssomeofhercl
othesov
erseasf
rom
ot
herwel
lknowndesi
gner
sfrom ther
e…….

Asi
wasbusydoi
ngbanki
ng,
ihear
daknockatt
hedoori
lookedandi
twasThal
ue.
.

Her
:Hey
..

Me:
hi

Her
:Sor
ryt
obot
hery
oubut
..

Me:
But
?

Her
:It
sver
yhar
dformet
owor
k..

Me:
Whyi
sthat
?

Her
:Hi
sjustsi
tt
ingt
her
eandst
arr
ingatme,
it’
sver
yint
imi
dat
inganduncomf
ort
abl
e….

Me:
Who?

Her
:hi
m..

Me:
ohwwShabba.
.

Her
:Yes.
.

Me:
I’
ll
handl
ehi
m..

Ist
oodupandwentt
othef
ront
..
Me:
Shabba.
.

Hel
ookedatme.

Me:
Woul
dyoubesooki
ndast
ogobuymebr
eakf
ast
?

Hi
m:Now?

Iputmyhandonmyt
ummy

Me:
Yespl
easewear
ever
yhungr
y..

Heexhal
edt
henst
oodup.
.

Me:
iwantsl
abchi
ps,
fri
edquar
terchi
cken,
atchaarand2Por
tugueser
oll
s..

Hi
m:That
’sawei
rdcombi
nat
ion

Me:
Arey
ougonnagetme?

Hi
m:Yes.
.Of
cause.
.

Hel
ookedatThal
uef
ort
hel
astt
imeandt
henbi
thi
slowerl
i
p..

Me:
Shabba!
!!

Hi
m:I
m goi
ng

Hewent
…

Il
ookedatThal
ue.
.

Me:
Nicedr
ess

Her
:Thanks.
.

Me:
Youl
ookgoodi
nred

Her
:It
smyFav
our
it
ecol
our
..

Ismi
l
edandwentbackt
othebackof
fi
cet
ocar
ryonwi
thmywor
k..

[
THALUE]

Iwashol
dingdownt
hef
ont
.Wedi
dn’
thav
ecust
omer
sasy
etsoi
star
tedt
ost
eam t
hej
eans.
.

Asi
wasst
eami
ngt
hecl
othesi
hear
dthedooropeni
ng.
.

Me:
I’
ll
ber
ightt
her
e..

Idi
dn’
tev
enl
ookatt
heper
son.
.
Af
terawhi
l
eif
eltsomeonehuggi
ngmef
rom t
heback.
.

It
urnedar
oundandi
twasf
ait
h,i
remov
edherhandsf
rom me.
.

Me:
fort
hel
astt
imef
ait
hiam notal
esbi
an

Shel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
.

Her
:Youl
ooksosexyi
nthatdr
ess.
.

Il
ookedar
oundt
omakesur
ethatFuni
isst
il
latt
heback.
.

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Her
:Can’
tiv
isi
tmyl
ady
..

Me:
col
l
eaguet
hati
swhatwear
ecol
l
eagues.
.

Her
:Fi
nehav
eity
ourway
!!

Me:
Whatdoest
hebosssay
?

Her
:Hi
smadt
hati
am st
il
li
nthi
scl
othes….
sodi
dyougetany
thi
ngf
rom her
?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Me:
Funi
andi
wenott
hatcl
oseasy
et.
.

Her:
Yousl
acki
ng!
!Iwannabeoutoft
hiscl
othest
heymaki
ngmesi
ck!
!!
!!
!Iam abl
oodnota
skul
l
!!!

Doy
ouknowhowhar
diti
sformet
owearal
lbl
ack?
??

Thal
ue:
Youneedt
ocal
m down!
!Tel
lthegangI
’
mtr
ying.
.Howi
sOl
ona?

Her
:she’
l
lsur
viv
eshe’
sabl
ood!
!

Me:
ihopeso

Fait
h:Wecannothav
eTheSkul
lsr
uli
ng,
theyover
shadowi
ngusnowandi
t’
snotgood.
.The
Bloodsusedt
orulei
thasal
way
sbeenli
kethat
!.

PART61SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
46]Ron:
PART62SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

#FUNI

Iwassur
pri
sedt
oseeFai
thi
nthebout
iquewheni
wentt
othef
ront
..

Me:
Fai
th?
?
Her
:HeyFuni
..

Me:
Howar
eyou?

Her
:Goodandy
ou?

Me:
I’
m okay
..Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Her
:OhwCowensentmet
ocheckupony
ou.
.

Me:
That
’swei
rdbecauseShabbai
sher
e..

Her
:Hei
s?

Me:
yai
justsenthi
m somewher
e..

Hi
m:ohkt
heni
nthatcase,
ther
e’snor
easonf
ormet
obeher
e…

Shel
ookedatThal
ue,
thenl
ookedatme….

Her
:I’
l
lseey
ouar
oundl
adi
es…

Shet
henwent
…

Me:
Thatwaswei
rd,
Cowendi
dn’
ttel
lmeaboutf
ait
h..Any
waycany
oupl
easeE-
mai
lthi
sto
Mar
cJacobs.
.

Her
:Okay

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othebackof
fi
ce.
.

Her
:Funi
..

Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
…

Her
:Di
dyoubr
ingt
hesket
ches?

Me:
Sket
ches?

Her
:Remembert
heoneswehav
etosendt
othef
act
orybef
ore13:
00?

I
thi
tmet
hati
lef
tthem att
heki
tchencount
er…

Me:
ohhhwshi
t!
!

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
ifor
gott
hem ont
heki
tchencount
erathome,
I’
ll
cal
lsomeonet
ogogett
hem f
orme.
.

Her
:icango.
.
Thal
uei
sani
cesweetgi
rl
,buti
don’
tli
kel
ett
ingst
ranger
sinsi
demyhome….
.

Me:
Nodar
li
ng,
Ineedy
ouher
e..

Iwentt
othebackandgotmyphone,
ithencal
l
edCowen…Heanswer
edont
he4t
hri
ng.
.

Hi
m:Hel
l
o…

Me:
Heyhoney
..

Hi
m:i
didn’
tcheckt
hecal
l
erI
D,howi
smychubbycheeksdoi
ng?

Me:
Don’
tst
art
..

Hel
aughed…

Hi
m:What
’supbaby
?

Me:
Arey
oubusy
?

Hi
m:Youcoul
dsayt
hat
,I’
mjustwai
ti
ngf
oranot
herpat
ientt
ocomei
n..

Me:
Ohw

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Me:
iforgotsomesketchesathomeandi
thoughty
oucoul
dgett
hem f
orme,
ihav
etosend
t
hem t
ot hefact
orybef
ore13:00…

Hi
m:Im sor
rybububutaf
terseei
ngt
hispat
ientI
’
llhav
etogot
othehospi
tal
,I
’l
lbei
ntheat
er
f
rom 12:
00-
18:00…

Me:
That
’sbad.
.

Hi
m:AskShabbawher
eishe?

Me:
Hewentt
ogetmesomet
hingt
oeat
..

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowt
hen.
.

Me:
Itsf
ineI
’
llaskhi
m..

Hi
m:Okaybubu.
.

Me:
Uhm Cowen?

Hi
m:I
m st
il
lher
e

Me:
Didy
ousendFai
tht
ocomeandcheckuponme?

Hi
m:i
hav
en’
tspokent
ofai
thi
nawhi
l
enow.
.
Me:
That
’sst
rangebecauseshewasher
e..Sai
dyouaskedhert
ocome.
.

Hi
m:i
didn’
tsendhert
her
e,i
don’
ttr
ustany
oneneary
ouot
hert
hanShabba.
.

Me:
That
’sv
eryst
range.

Hi
m:I
’
llcal
lher
,andI
’
llal
socal
lShabba…

Me:
Okay
..

Hi
m:i
hav
etogo.
.

Me:
Byehav
eaf
rui
tf
ulday
..

Hi
m:I
’
llbedoi
nganoper
ati
onnot
hingf
rui
tf
ulaboutt
hat
..

Il
aughed.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyou

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo

Hi
m:bot
hofy
ou

Me:
Andwel
ovey
out
oo,
bot
hofus.
.

Hi
m:By
e

Me:
Bye

Ihungedup,andjuststar
edatt
hewallthi
nki
ngabouthowbl
essedi
am t
ohav
eCowenunt
ila
famil
iarv
oicedi
sturbedmythought
s..

Voi
ce:
Sot
hisi
showy
our
oll
nowhuh?

Il
ookedatt
hedoorandi
twasBr
own.
.

Me:
Ohwmywor
d,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Ist
oodupandwentt
ohughi
m..

Br
ownandhi sfi
ancéwenttoLondonwhenZukofoundoutthatt
heyt
heoneswhoweredi
gging
i
nhispast
,soforthei
rsaf
etyt
heyhadtogoinhi
dingunt
ili
twassafefort
hem t
ocomeback…

Hi
m:Lookaty
oumyf
ri
end.
.

Me:
Nol
ookaty
ou,
youl
ookv
erygood.
.

Wewentandsatdown.
.

Me:
Sohowdi
dyouf
indme?
Hi
m:gi
rl
,myf
iancéi
saPIy
ouf
orgot
?

Me:
Ohwy
aitdef
ini
tel
ywasn’
tthathar
dtof
indme.
.

Her
:Notatal
l
…

Me:
SohowwasLondon?

Hi
m:i
twasgood,
can’
tcompl
ain.
.

Me:
Didy
oumi
ssme?

Hi
m:al
otwi
shedy
ouwer
ether
e..

Me:
nextt
ime

Hel
ookeddown.
.

Me:
What
’swr
ong?

Hi
m:i
t’
snot
hing.
.

Me:
ComeonBr
own.
.

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Hi
m:i
wentt
othehospi
tal
today
..

Me:
And?

Hi
m:i
sawZuko

Me:
uhm okay
..

Hi
m:Hi
smaki
nggoodpr
ogr
essFuni
,hemi
ghtbeoutoft
hecomai
nnot
ime.
.

Me:
What
??

Hi
m:Youcan’
tkeept
hedev
ildown

Me:
iguesssoo.
.

Thosenewsi
wasn’
tpr
epar
edf
oratal
l
,ifi
twer
eupt
omeZukowoul
dbei
nacomaf
orev
er…

PART62SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
47]Ron:
PART63SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iknockedofflat
eatar
ound18:
30.Wehadal
ott
odoatt
hebout
iquewhi
cht
ookv
eryl
ong,
my
feetwereki
l
lingme,mybodywasAchi
ng.
.
I
twasj
ustcrazy.Al
liwantedt
odowast
ogethome,
takeal
ongbat
handgot
obedwi
thmy
manmassagingmyf eet
….

Butmypl
answer
ecutshor
twhenwehadt
ogoandmeetupwithCowenatsomer
est
aur
ant
.
Wedon’
tdomuchcooki
ngathome,
wemostl
yli
veont
akeaway
s…

Me:
Thal
uet
hanky
ouv
erymuchf
ort
oday
,youwer
eof
fgr
eathel
p..

Shesmi
l
edatme…

Her
:iam j
ustgl
adt
hati
coul
dhel
p..

Me:
Tomor
rowsamepl
aceandsamet
ime.Ihopewe’
l
lknockof
fat17:
00.
.

Her
:ihopesot
oo.
.

Me:
Seey
out
omor
rowt
hen.
.

Her
:Okayby
e..

Shabba:
icandr
opy
ouof
fathome

Thal
ue:
Noneed,
someonewi
l
lpi
ckmeup.
.

Shabba:
Boy
fri
end?

Her
:somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
..

Shabba:
eit
hery
ou.
.

Me:
Shabba!
!

Shabba:
Itsf
inel
et’
sgo.
.

Me:
ByeThal
ueI
’
llseey
out
omor
row

Her
:By
eFuni
andgetsomer
est
..

Me:
Yout
oo.
.

Wet
henwal
kedt
oshabba’
scar
,andwentt
omeetupwi
thCowen…

Wegott
other
est
aur
antandCowenwasal
readywai
ti
ngf
orus,
heal
readybookedat
abl
efor
us.
.

Iwentupt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m..

Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?

Me:
Justt
ir
ed.
Hi
m:Wel
ll
et’
seatt
henandgohomeaf
ter
,I’
l
lgi
vey
ouamassageofal
i
fet
ime.
.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
Youhav
ereadmymi
nd.
.

Weal
lsatdownandl
ookedatt
hemenus.
.

Cowen:Shabbawhat
’st
hisi
hearaboutFai
thshowi
ngupatt
hebout
iqueandcl
aimi
ngt
hati
senthert
ocheckuponFuni
?

Shabbal
ookedatme…

Shabba:
Shedi
d?

Me:
Yeswhi
l
eyouwer
egone.
.

Cowen:
andwhywher
eyougone?

Shabba:
iwentt
ogetBut
-her
-cheeksov
ert
her
esomet
hingt
oeat
..

Igav
ehi
m aser
iousl
ook.
.

Me:
uzoswaba(
you’
l
lbesor
ry)

Cowen:
Let
’sj
usteatandgo,
mybabyi
sti
red.
.

Shabba:
Whaty
ougonnahav
ebut
-her
…..ImeanFuni

Me:
I’
m gonnahav
esomet
hingcal
l
ednoneofy
ourbusi
ness.
.

Cowenl
aughed…

Shabba:
Yougot
tast
opbei
ngangr
y,i
t’
snotgoodf
ort
hebaby
..

Me:
What
ever
!

Weorder
edsomethi
ngtoeat,
igotamealthathadsl
abchi
psbecauset
hatwasmyobsessi
on.
.
CowenandShabbagotSt
eaksandsal
ads.
.

Ialwaysenj
oybei
ngi
nthepr
esenceoft
histwomen.Theymakemelaugh,
theymakemeangry
,
theyir
ri
tat
emesometi
mesbutili
kebei
nginthei
rpr
esenceandt
heprot
ect
ionthatt
heygi
ve
me……

Aft
erourmeal
,weheadedst
rai
ghthomet
hist
imear
oundi
rodewi
thCowenwhi
l
eShabba
fol
l
owedus..

Wegott
hereandtooktheel
evat
orst
rai
ghtt
othepent
house.
.Shabbawascr
acki
ngj
okesas
al
waysi
ntheelev
atorandwewerebusyl
aughi
ng………
Ourl
aughsei
zedwhenwegott
othepent
house.
.

Somet
hingwasof
f,t
heTvwasonandsomemusi
cvi
deowaspl
ayi
ng.
.

Iwasn’
tver
yfami
l
iarwi
thi
tbuti
twasoneoft
hosehi
phopsongsoft
hei
rsi
twentsomet
hing
l
ike:

“
Longasmyni
ggasal
ri
ght
,thenweal
ri
ght
..Longast
hedr
inksoni
cet
henweal
ri
ght
”.
.

I
twasr
eal
l
yloud.
.

ShabbaandCowenl
ookedateachot
her
,thent
ookoutt
hei
rguns.
.

Iwassur
pri
sedt
oseet
hatCowent
akeshi
sgunt
owor
k..

Ist
art
edget
ti
ngabi
tscar
ed,
whatwashappeni
ng?I
sther
esomeonei
nthehouse?

Cowenl
ookedatShabba,
thenpoi
ntedupst
air
s…

Shabbanoddedandsl
owl
ywal
kedupst
air
s..

Cowenkeptmebehi
ndhi
m Al
lthet
imewhi
l
ewemadeourwayar
oundt
hel
ounget
henhe
tur
nedof
ftheTv
,andwemadeourwaytot
heki
tchen….

Thei
snot
hingmor
epai
nful
,l
ikenotbei
ngsaf
einy
ourownhouse…

Isawaredbandanaontheki
tchencount
er,
Cowent
ooki
tandr
eadt
hemessaget
hatwas
writ
tent
her
einblack.
.

Cowen:
Fuck!
!!

Shabbacamebackf
rom upst
air
s..

Shabba:
Not
hingupst
air
s..

Assoonashegott
ous,
Cowent
hrewt
hebandanaathi
m..

Shabbacaughti
tandr
ead.
.

Shabba:
Fuck!
!!

Me:
Fuckwhat
??What
’shappeni
ng?

It
ookt
hebandanaf
rom Shabbaandi
tread:

“
Stayi
nyourLaneBr
aga”

Cowen:
Shabba

Shabba:
Yeah?
Cowen:
Didy
ouguy
sinv
adet
hewestsi
de?

Shabba’
stonguewast
ied,
hedi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osay
..

Shabba:
i.
.We.
.Wel
l
…

Cowenwentupt
ohi
m,andputhi
shandonshabba’
sneck.
.

Cowen:
I’
m gonnaasky
ouonel
astt
ime!Di
dyoui
nvadet
hewestsi
de?

Cowenwasst
rong,
Shabbacoul
dn’
tgetCowen’
shandof
fhi
sneck…

Af
terawhi
l
eCowenl
etgo,
andShabbast
art
edcoughi
ng.
.

Shabba:
thecr
ewhi
tBar
clay
slastni
ght
..

Cowen’
sey
espoppedout
..

Cowen:
Wtf
!!
!!
!!
…

Ihadnocl
uewhatwashappeni
ng.
.

Cowen:Thel
astt
hingiwanti
sRi
l
eyandhi
scr
ewonmyback!
!Whydi
dthecr
ewRobAbsa?
Absai
snotourbank!
!.
.

Hest
art
edpaci
ngupanddown.
.

Cowen:
Whocal
l
edt
hiswhol
eoper
ati
on?Becausei
hadnot
hingt
odowi
thi
t!
…

Shabba:
Faa.
.Fai
th.
.

Cowen:
SincewhendoesFai
thr
unt
heSkul
l
s?Soy
ouguy
sli
stent
ofai
thnowhuh?

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngupt
oshabbaandi
stoppedhi
m…

Me:
Cowen.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:St
ayoutoft
his…

Cowen:
Howmuchdi
dyouguy
sscor
e?

Shabba:
50mi
l
li
on

It
urnedandl
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
50mi
l
lincash?

Hi
m:Youal
readyBut
-her
-cheeks,
don’
tbebut
-her
-br
ainst
oo.
.
Me:
ishoul
d’v
elethi
mfucky
ouup.
.

West
art
edar
gui
ng.
.

Cowen:
Eyyi
don’
thav
eti
mef
ory
ournonsenser
ightnow!
!!

Wekeptqui
et…

Hetookouthi
sphoneanddi
all
edsomenumber
,heputi
tonl
oudspeaker
..Theper
son
answer
ed,wasmoreli
kehewaswait
ingf
ort
hecal
l…

Per
son:
Braga…

Cowen:
Sni
per
..

Sni
per
:gotmymessagei
see.
.

Cowencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..

Cowen:
ihear
daboutwhatmycr
ewdi
d,i
wannamakei
tri
ght
..

Sni
per
:Youknowwhatt
odo.
.

Cowen:
ican’
tgi
vey
out
hemoney
..

TheSni
perl
aughed.
.

Sni
per
:Br
agadon’
tst
artsomet
hingy
ouwon’
thandl
e..

Br
aga:
Youai
n’
tget
ti
ngt
hemoney
..

Sniper
:Youwannapl
ayt
hist
hehar
dwayi
see…Howi
sFanzi
,feni
..Funi
..What
’shername
again?

Cowen’
sjawdr
opped.
.

Cowen:
Howdoy
ouknowaboutFuni
?

Sni
per
:Youshoul
dknowmebynow.
.

Br
aga:
Stayawayf
rom myf
ami
l
y..

Sni
per
:Dot
her
ightt
hing!

Het
henhungedup.
.Il
ookedatCowen.
.

Shabba:Whyi
sitt
hatRi
leyAlway
shast
ogof
orhi
sopponent
’sf
ami
l
y?Whycan’
themanup
andfacehi
senemystr
aight
…

Coweni
gnor
edhi
m,hel
ookedasi
fli
kehewasi
ndeept
hought
s..
Shabba:
Braga?

Cowen:
Let
’sj
ustgi
vehi
mthemoney
..

Shabba:
ithi
uyadl
ala(
tel
lmey
oupl
anni
ng)

Cowen:
ihaveal
otonmyplat
e,MQi
saboutt
orecov
ersooni
needt
oconcent
rat
eont
hat
,ican’
t
hav
eTheBloodsonmyback.
.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..

Cowen:
giv
ehi
mthemoney
!

Il
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Whoi
sTheSni
per
?

Hi
m:Leaderoft
heBl
oods,
justl
i
keCoweni
sthel
eaderoft
heSkul
l
s..

Me:
Hesoundsdanger
ous….

Shabba:
Youhav
enoi
dea.
.

WhenCowenwalkedawayi
coul
dseet
hathewasv
erydown,
soi
deci
dedt
ogoupst
air
sand
checkuponhi
m…..

Istoodatt
hedoor
way,hewassi
tt
ingont
hebedwi
thhi
sshi
rtunbut
tonedandhewasbusyon
hisphonet
hathedi
dn’
tnot
iceme.
.

Me:
“wegott
hatGangst
erl
ovenot
hingcancomebet
weenus”

Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
.

Iwentt
osi
tnextt
ohi
m andl
aidmyheadonhi
sshoul
der
…

Hi
m:SomeoneI
sbet
ray
ingme,
idon’
tdowel
lwi
thbet
ray
al.
.

Me:
Howso?

Him:f
orRil
eyt
oknowt
hatmycr
ewr
obbedBar
clay
slastni
ght
,someoneont
hei
nsi
demust
havet
oldhi
m..

Me:
Yooh.
.

Hi
m:i
hav
ear
ati
nmycr
ew.
.

Me:
Whodoy
oususpect
?

Cowen:
Fai
th.
.
Me:
Fai
th?

Cowen:
I’
m suspect
ingf
ait
hisabl
ood…Ri
l
eyputoneofhi
sowni
nmycr
ew.
.

Me:
Whywoul
dfai
thbet
rayy
out
hough?
?

Hi
m:I
m notmuchofal
i
kabl
eper
son.
.

Me:
Sowhaty
ougonnadot
oher
?

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowy
et.
.

Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
texpectt
hatf
rom f
ait
h..

PART63SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
48]Ron:
PART64SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
3mont
hsl
ater
]

Al
othaschangedi
naper
iodof3mont
hs.
.

Cowendidfi
ndoutthatf
ait
hwasbetr
ayinghi
m.ShewasintheSkul
lsbutherloyal
tywaswi
th
theBl
oods…Notonlywasfait
hrul
edoutarat
,buti
twasal
sofoundedthatOlonaandThal
ue
wereal
sopartoft
heBloodgang….

Olonabeingabloodcameasashockt
ome.Tothi
nkthati
trust
edher
,imadeherafri
end,
I
kepthercloset
omyheart,
iev
enhadherr
escuedandal
lal
ongshewastaki
ngmef orari
de…

Iwasbey
ondhur ti
won’tli
e,i
thoughtif
oundfr
iendshi
pinherkant
ial
lal
ongshewasj
ustusi
ng
mesothatherandhercrewcanbringdowntheSkull
s…

Cowendidn’
ttell
mewhathedi
dtot
hem,
iaskedhi
m sev
eral
Timesandal
lhesai
dwas“
it
’s
besti
fyoudon’tknow”
…

Iknewthathedidsomethi
ngt
othem becausei
nev
erhear
dawor
dfr
om anyoft
hem ev
ersi
nce
thati
nci
denthappened…

Ihadmyhearti
ntot
hebouti
que,
soCowendecidedtobuyi
tformef
rom t
heBloodsofwhi
ch
theychar
gedhi
m al
otofmoneythatwewentbr
okeandwenowdependantonhi
ssalar
yonl
y…

If
eltli
keRil
eychar
gedhi
mthatl
umpsum ofmoneyonpur
posej
ustt
oamusehi
msel
f,i
real
l
y
di
dn’tl
ikehi
m…

TheBl oodsandTheSkullsmadeat r
ucethattheywill
stayoutofeachother
’swaybecauseif
theyturnall
ofthisi
ntoWar,itwoul
dbeawart hatwe’
llendupverybadandinnocentpeopl
e
from bothpart
ieswouldhavetopaywit
htheirliv
es.Sotheydeci
dedtomakeat rucebecause
noneoft hem wasprepar
edforthat
…

Mybout
iquewasnotmaki
nganymoney
,assoonaspot
ent
ial
cli
ent
shear
dthatOl
onai
sno
l
ongertheowner
,theypul
ledoutbecauset
heydidn’
thavemuchfai
thi
nmesincei
wasan
amateuri
nthi
swholefiel
d.Thatmadeourfi
nancial
str
uggl
estobeworse.
.

Notonl
ywast hebouti
quenotmaki
ngmoney,butiwasindebtbecauseal
lthedesi
gnercl
othes
f
rom ov
erseasOlonadidn’
tpayf
ort
hem asy
et,andicouldn’
ttaket
hem backsoiwasv er
y
muchdrowningindebt
…

Toeasemyfinanci
altroubl
es,
ihi
redayoungl
adywhohadactuall
ywenttoVarsi
tytostudy
Fashi
ondesi
gn,butthenhadtost
ayathomeaftergr
aduat
ingbecauseshecoul
dn’tgetajob.
.

Shewasveryhappywheni
off
eredhert
hej
ob,
iwaspay
ingherR5000amont
h,of
fwhi
chcame
fr
om Cowen’
ssalar
y….

HernamewasDimakatsobutwecal
lherDi
maandi
wasv
eryhappyt
ohav
eherar
oundshe
wasasweetanddedi
catedyoungl
ady…

Shedidn’
tevenmindbeingpai
dpeanut
sshewasjusthappyt
ohav
efoundaj
ob,atl
eastt
his
wil
lgainherabi
tofexperi
encei
ncaseshewoul
dwannagoandworksomewher
eelseint
he
nearfut
ure.
.

Iwasnow2mont hsandacoupl
eofweekspregnant,
alt
houghCowenandiwewerestr
uggl
ing
fi
nanci
all
ybutourl
iv
eswerever
ypeacef
ul.Wewer efr
eefr
om theBl
oods,
andf
reefr
om Zuko….

Ihav
en’
thear
dany
thi
ngf
rom Zuko,
becauset
heyt
ransf
eredhi
mtoanot
herhospi
tal
….

I
twasaMondayaf ter
noon,
wasj
ustaboutt
ohi
t13:
00andi
wassi
tt
ingi
nmyof
fi
cel
ooki
ngat
ourf
inanci
alr
ecor
ds…

Theonl
ymoneywemadewaswhenpeoplecameint
obuy,andthatmoneywasn’tenough.You
woul
dfi
ndthatwemake25000aweek,
andthatmoneywi
l
l hav
et ogoandcovermydebt s…

Di
mawalkedi
ntomyof
fi
ceasi
wassi
tt
ingt
her
escr
atchi
ngmyheadt
ryi
ngt
omakesenseof
ev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Her
:it
hinkt
haty
ouneedt
otakeabr
eak.
.

Shewashol
dingapaperbag.
.

Shecameandputi
tonmyt
abl
e..

Her
:Lunchf
rom y
ourf
iancé.
.

YeapCowenf
inal
l
yputar
ingtoit
..hepr
oposedaf ewweeksago,andhowhepr
oposedmadeit
ver
yhardf
ormetosayNobecausehedidi
nfrontofhi
swholefamil
ywhenwevi
sit
edthem….
.

Unfor
tunat
elywecoul
dn’tplanourweddi
ngasy
et,
wewi
l
lhav
etoputt
hatonhol
dunt
ilour
fi
nanci
alpr
oblemsaresorted…

Iwentt
hrought
hepaperbag,
andi
twaschi
ps,
wit
hchi
cken,
rol
l
s,andj
uicej
ustwhati
needed.
.
Shesatdownacr
ossme.
.

Her
:Ar
eyouwi
nni
ng?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Her
:Cani
hav
eal
ook?

Igav
ehert
hebooksandshewentt
hrought
hem asi
waseat
ing…

Il
i
keDi
mabecausenotonl
yisshesweetanddedi
cat
ed,
butshe’
ssmar
ttoo.
.

[
AFTER5MI
N]

Her
:Pl
easedon’
tfi
ndt
hisdi
srespect
ful
.
.

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:it
hinki
knowhowt
oeasey
ourf
inanci
albur
dens.
.

Ial
mostchockedonmychips,
howcanshefindasol
uti
ontomyprobl
em soqui
ckl
y.
.Imeani
havewentt
hrought
hosebooksforaweekandIcoul
dn’
tfi
ndanysol
uti
on.
.

Her
:fi
rstofal
lit
hinkt
hatweshoul
dcutt
hedesi
gnercl
othesf
rom Ov
erseas,
that
’swhat
’s
Ki
ll
i
ngy oumostl
y…

Me:
ican’
tdot
hat
..

Her
:Whysel
lof
fsomeone’
swor
kandnamei
fyoucansel
lof
fyourown?

Il
ookedatherconf
used.
.

Her:Look,i
fyousell
anythi
ngforMichaelKor
s,youactual
lygett
inghi
m mor
ecustomersand
youmaki nghi
mr i
ch.Lookatthi
sway ,
ifI
’
m wearingsomet hi
ngmadebyMichael
kors,
andmy
f
riendsli
keithowmanyoft hem woul
dactual
lycomeher eandbuytheit
em?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Her:
Exactl
y,whycomehereandbuyitatanexpensi
vepr
icewhi
l
eyoucanj
ustor
deronl
i
nef
ora
l
esserpr
iceexcl
udi
ngtheshi
ppingpr
ices…

Ihat
etoadmi
tit
,butshewasr
ight
..

Her:
icandraftsketchesf
oryou,t
heny
ousendtothef
act
oryandtheydesi
gnthecl
othesfor
you.
.Yesyoumi ghtloser
ichcust
omer
sbutheyst
arty
ourownbrandrat
herthanwor
kingon
someoneelse’
sbr and…

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeenal
lmyl
i
fe?
Shechuckl
ed.
.

Her
:I’
l
lcomewi
tht
hesket
chest
omor
rowsot
haty
oucant
akeal
ookatt
hem andseei
fyoul
i
ke
t
hem..

Me:
Pleasedo.
.

Shest
oodup.
.

Her
:Letmegobackt
othef
rontbef
oresomeonecomesi
nandSt
eal
s..

Me:
You’
l
lgof
orl
unchaf
teri
hav
efi
nishedmyl
unch.
.

Her
:Noi
t’
sokay
,ial
readyat
eapi
eear
li
ersoI
’
m st
il
lfi
ne.
.

Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orbei
nganAngel
inmyl
i
fe.
.

Her
:Thanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ngmet
hisj
ob.
.

Shesmi
l
edatmeandwentbackt
othef
ront
,whi
l
eicont
inuedeat
ing.
.

[
ZUKO]

Ihadj
ustf
ini
shedmyphy
siosessi
on,
myphy
siot
her
api
sti
steachi
ngmehowt
owal
kagai
n..

Theroadtor
ecov
eryisnoteasy
,al
otofdamagewasdonet
omet
hatphy
siot
her
apyandspeech
ther
apyhadt
oint
ervene…

Bot
hthet
her
apist
sandthedoctor
swerever
yimpressedwi
thmyrecov
eryandhowdedi
cat
edi
was,i
meanihadtobededi
catedi
fiwant
edtogetoutofher
e..

Myphy si
other
api
stputmebackonmywheel
chai
r,af
terouri
ntensesessi
onmyl
egswer
e
pai
ning…

IlookedatFuni
’
spict
ureonthewal
l
…Iam doi
ngt
hisf
orher
,ineedt
omakeaf
ull
recov
eryso
thaticangetmyBunjuback.
.

Me:
Canwegoagai
nfor5mi
n?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her:NoMQweshoul
dn’
tov
erdoi
t,y
ouwi
l
lst
rai
nyourmuscl
esandt
henwewi
l
lbebackt
o
squareone.
.

Shel
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
etoo…

Her
:Someonewhomeansal
ott
oyou?
Inodded.
.

Her
:ihav
en’
tseenhercomi
ngt
ovi
sitt
oyou.
.

Me:
That
’sbecause…

Knowi
ngt
hatFuni
ishappywi
thanot
herman,
especi
all
ymyenemybr
ingsoutt
hedev
ili
nme….
.

She’
ssupposedt
obewi
thme,
tobehappywi
thmeandnooneel
se….

Iwheel
edmyselft
othewall
andil
ookedatherpi
ctur
eagai
n.Ther
agebui
l
tupi
nsi
deofme,
i
wasbeyondangry
,if
eltl
i
keiwant
edtomurdersomeone.
.

Me:
Damny
ouBr
aga!
!She’
smi
ne!
!!

Iam notgonnal
ett
hatf
ool
win,
nev
er!

PART64SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
48]Ron:
PART65SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
FUNI
]

Di
maandiknockedof
fear
lyat16:
00.Ther
ewasn’
tmucht
odo,
andwehadnocust
omer
s
ei
ther
..

Di
ma:
Tomor
rowi
wil
lcomewi
thaf
ewofmysket
ches.
.

Me:
Yespl
easedon’
tfor
get
..

Her
:iwon’
t…

Me:
Seey
out
omor
row.
.

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..

Her
:Funi
..

Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
,shet
hencameupt
ome.
.

Her
:I’
mreal
lysor
ryt
hatwehadtocutanddoawaywi
tht
heDesi
gnercl
othes,
butt
hat
’st
heonl
y
waywegonnasavet
hebout
ique.
.

Me:
iunder
standy
ouri
ntent
ionsbehi
ndt
hatandi
don’
tbl
amey
ou.
.

Shesmi
l
edatme.
.

Her
:I’
l
lseey
out
omor
rowt
hen

Me:
Tomor
rowi
tIs.
.
Shewal
kedawayal
lexci
ted.
.

Okaynowi am start
ingnottobesureaboutDima..Shei
stoosweet,
sheistooinvol
vedin
savingmybout ique.It
’sj
ustunusualf
orsomeonet ogothi
smuchintohel
pingsaveaboutique
thatisdrowningfardownatt hebott
om oftheseaandexpectnotmuchofapay ,
somethi
ng
wasj ustoff
…..

WhatOl
onaandThal
uedi
d,mademet
ohav
elesst
rusti
npeopl
e…

Iwentt
omymazda3,
iunl
ockedi
tandwenti
nsi
de…

Cowenwant
edt
obuymeanewcarbutbecauseourf
inanci
alpr
obl
emshedeci
dedt
ogi
veme
hi
smazda3…

Ihadgot
tenmyl
i
censeaf
ewweeksback,
soi
wasl
egal
tobeont
her
oad…….
.

Asiwasonmywayhomei
wasbusyt
hinki
ngaboutr
andom t
hings,
unt
ilsomet
hinghi
tmy
mind…

WhenmyGy naecologi
stDrNor asentasampleofmyur i
netothel
abt obetest
edtheresul
ts
camebackposit
iveandt hatiwas2monthsand3weekspr egnant
..Thatwasveryoddishoul
d
beatl
east3mont hsandacoupl eofweekspregnant
,ishoul
dbeappr oachi
ng4monthsjudgi
ng
fr
om t
hepregnancytestsi t
ook….

Igothome,
andCowenwassi
tt
ingatt
het
abl
ewi
thhi
slapt
opandaf
ewdocument
s..

Me:
ithoughty
ou’
l
lbeatwor
k..

Hi
m:i
deci
dedt
otakeadayof
f,needt
ocat
chuponmyst
udi
es…

Me:
Ohw.
.

It
hrewmybagont
hecouchandwentupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Whatar
eyoust
udy
ing?

Hepul
l
edmecl
oserandki
ssedmyt
ummy
,wi
thhi
shandar
oundmywai
st…

Hi
m:Justsomecompl
i
cat
edi
sh.
.

Ipul
l
edt
hechai
rnextt
omeandsatdownnextt
ohi
m..It
henl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:am i
int
roubl
e?

Me:
Noi
needt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hing.
.

Hi
m:Okay
..

Me:
Rememberwheni
showedy
out
hepr
egnancyt
est
ssomewhi
l
eback?
Henoddedhi
shead.
.

Me:Howcomet
hel
abr
esul
tscomebackt
omebei
ng2mont
hspr
egnant
,ai
n’
tisupposedt
obe
f
arahead?

Hi
m:DrNor
aact
ual
l
yE-
mai
l
edmet
hel
abr
esul
ts…

Me:
Shedi
d?

Hi
m:Yay
est
erday
..

Me:
Youguy
sar
ebackt
odi
scussi
ngmeagai
n?

Hi
m:i
t’
snotl
i
ket
hat
…

Me:
Itsl
i
kewhatt
hen?

Hi
m:We…

Hekeptqui
etandl
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e..

Hi
m:Canwegobackt
othepr
egnancysi
tuat
ion.
.

Me:
Okay
,butwesur
elygonnacomebackt
othi
stopi
c..

Hi
m:Wer
eyouonsomebi
rt
hcont
rol
met
hod?

Me:Yai havebeenusi
ngpent
agonbuti
thi
nki
ski
ppedaf
ewdat
es.
.Myl
astt
imewheni
hadi
t,i
don’
treall
yremember.
.

Hi
m:Wher
eyouusi
ngt
heonef
or2or3mont
hs?

Me:
3mont
hs.
.

Hi
m:Damn!
!

Me:
Whyi
smybabygonnabeaf
fect
ed?

Hi
m:Not
hatonei
shar
dtoweanof
f.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Him: ioncehadapat i
entwhowasont hat
,butsinceshewasr eadyt
ostartherownf amilyshe
stoppedusingit.
.Shecamer egul
arl
ytocompl ai
nt hatit
’sbeen3mont hssinceshewasweaned
offthepentagonbutstil
lshecan’tfall
pregnancy..Someot herpeopl
eittakeslongerforift
oget
outoft hei
rsyst
em hencey ourdelayedpregnancy..Idon’
tthi
nky ouf
ellpregnantthefi
rstti
me
wehadunpr ot
ectedsex…

Me:
Butt
hepr
egnancyt
est
?
Him:Pregnancyt
est
sarenot100%accurat
esameasbi r
thcontr
olmet
hods,
that
’swhyi
shoul
d’vetakeny
outoNoraaft
ert
hatpregnancyt
estsotheycoul
ddoalabt
est…

Me:
Butwhatcoul
d’v
emadet
hepr
egnancyt
estt
osayposi
ti
ve,
whi
l
eiwasnotpr
egnant
…

Hi
m:i
thi
nky
ourur
inehadt
racesofCor
pusl
eut
um,
that
’swhatmadei
ttobei
naccur
ate.
.

Me:
Huh?

Him:
Thepi
tui
tar
ygl
andattheBaseofyourbr
ainbr
ingsaboutal
otofhor
mones.
.Tel
lmedi
d
youl
ear
naboutt
hemenst
rualcycl
eatschool
?

Me:
Wel
li
…Coweni
wasst
udy
ingt
opassatschool
andnott
oremember
..

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m: Wel
lther
e’scer
tainhormonesthatpl
ayarol
einthemenstr
ualcycl
e,suchasFol
l
icl
e
st
imul
ati
nghormone,luteni
singhor
mone,Oest
rogen,
andprogest
erone.
.

Me:
Okay
..

Him:ThetwomajorhormonesareOest
rogenandProgester
one.
.Oest
rogenbeingresponsi
ble
tobri
ngaboutmenstr
uati
on,andpr
ogester
oneresponsi
blet
obri
ngaboutPregnancy..Ar
eyou
sti
l
lwithme?

Me:
Yes.
.

Him: Whent heovum hasmat ured,theovarywillreleasei tanditwillgot othef all

opiantubes..
Wecal let hatovul
at i
onwhi chhappensonday14. .
pr ogesteronewi l
lincrease,andOest r
ogenwi l
l
decreasebecausepr egnancycanaccouratany t
ime, youatahi ghr i
skoff all
ingpr egnantand
thenthat ’
swhenaf emalewi l
lsecretCorpusleutum ay ell
owishf l
uid..SotheOv um willwait
thereint hefall
opiant ubesforasper matozoatof ertil
iseit,andifferti
li
sati
ondoesn’ toccur
afteraf ewday spr ogesteronewilldecr
easeandOest rogenwi l
lincreasebr i
ngingabout
menst ruation.Theunf erti
l
izedOv um wil
lbeshedt oget herwiththeEndomet ri
um. .Soi nyour
casey ouknowt hatpent agonbringsaboutt heimbal anceofhor monesandi rregular
menst ruation…..

WhentheOv um wasst
il
lmaturi
nginy ourovar
y,t
helut
eini
zinghor
monesecretedCorpus
l
eutum t
henthat’
swhatthepregnancytestdet
ectedonyoururi
nemakingi
tinaccur
atewhile
t
herewasn’tovul
ati
ont
hattookplacebecausetheremighthavest
il
lbeent
racesofpentagonin
yoursy
stem….

Me:
Soov
ulat
iondi
dn’
ttakepl
ace?

Him:Notherewasjustanimbalanceofhor
monesmakingprogester
onetodominat
eov
er
oestr
ogenthat
’swhereconfusi
oncameabouti
ny ourr
eproduct
ivesyst
em..The
miscommunicati
onofyoursexhormones..
Iwon’tl
ieiwasv er
yconf
usedal
lthi
smedi
cal
andbi
ologi
cal
ter
mswenti
noneearandcame
outoftheotherear.
.

Me:
Am i
pregnantorwhat
?

Hel
aughed.
.

Hi
m:Youar
epr
egnant
,2mont
hsand3weekspr
egnant
…

Me:
Thehor
monesar
enotpl
ayi
ngwi
thmer
ight
?

Hi
m:Not
heynot
..

Me:
Thengood.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
ithi
nki
shoul
dcook,
imeanwecan’
taf
for
dtomi
susemoneyonTakeaway
s..

Hel
ookeddown.
.

Hi
m:Yeapr
obabl
y.
.

Thisfi
nancialstr
ugglewasr eal
lyki
ll
ingCowen, notbeingabletoprovi
deformeandhi sfami
ly
l
ikeheusedt oobef or
emadehi mf eellessofaman. .Alt
houghhet ri
ednottoshowit,
buti
couldseeitwaski l
l
inghiminsideofwhi chitwaskil
li
ngmet oo.Imeanifeelr
esponsi
blefor
everyt
hingheboughtt hatBouti
queformeandnowi t’
snotmaki ngmoney,iswearatt
hat
momenti f
eltl
ikemeet i
ngupwi thRi
leyandgi v
inghim apieceofmymi nd…

[
ZUKO]

Iwassi
tt
ingonmybedwi
thmyl
apt
op,
justbecausei
wasi
nhospi
tal
doesn’
tmeant
hati
cannot
runmycompany
..

Iwaschecki
ngt
hefi
gures,
ifmycompanywasmaki
ngmoneyorl
osi
ngmoney
..For
tunat
elyi
t
wasmakingmoney
,guessihav
ethebestt
eam.
.

Iwasdi
stur
bedbysomeonecl
ear
ingt
hei
rthr
oat
,il
ookedatt
hedoorandi
twasZakes.
.

Hi
m:Nt
wana.
.

Me:
Yeahdog.
.

Hi
m:Zi
thi
ni?

Me:
AhhI
’
m get
ti
ngt
her
e

Icl
osedmyl
apt
op.
.

Me:
ihopey
ouhav
egoodnews.
.
Hi
m:st
rai
ghtt
obusi
nesshuh?

Me:
Youknowi
don’
tli
kegames

Hi
m:i
didf
indsomeonewhocanbr
ingdownBr
agaf
ory
ou,
andhi
scr
ew.
.

Me:
Itsaboutt
ime!
!

Hi
m:Ther
e’sonl
yonepr
obl
em.
.

Me:
Idon’
twannahearpr
obl
emsdogi
wantsol
uti
ons.
.

Hi
m:Hi
sthebesti
gotf
ornow.
.Pr
obl
em i
shi
sinj
ail
..

Me:
Thenwe’
l
lbai
lhi
m out
..

Him:That
’swher
ethepr
obl
em i
s..Hegotl
i
fewi
thoutt
hepossi
bil
i
tyofpar
ole.
.Hei
snotcomi
ng
out.
.

That
’sj
ustGr
eat
,Zakesi
sver
yusel
esst
ome.
.

Zakes:
But
..

Me:
But
?

Hehandedmeanenv
elope,
iopenedi
tandwaspi
ctur
es.
.

Me:
Fuckhowdi
dyougett
his?

Hi
m:ihavemyways.
.It
hinkwecanbr
eakt
hem upwi
tht
hatf
ornowunt
ilwef
indawayt
o
br
eakoutourmai
nmanoutofjai
l
..

Il
ookedatt
hepi
csandsmi
l
ed.
.

Me:
idoubt
edy
ouatf
ir
stBr
a,butt
his.
.Shi
t!
!!

Hi
m:I
t’
saki
l
ler
..

Me:
ifFuni
thi
nksI
’
m ev
ilwai
tunt
ilsheseeswhatherMrper
fecti
scapabl
eof
f.
.

Thi
swasmyt
ickett
oget
ti
ngFuni
back.
.

PART65SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
49]Ron:
PART66SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

#FUNI

Cowenandi
wer
esi
tt
ingont
hecouch,
andwat
chi
ngTV…

Hewasl
ayi
nghi
sheadonmyt
highs,
andi
waspl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sshor
tsof
thai
r…
Wewerewat
chi
ngsomet
ypi
cal
cri
meSer
iest
hathel
i
ked,
andi
wast
hinki
ngmost
lyt
han
wat
chi
ng….

Me:
Cowen.
.

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
I’
mthi
nki
ngofsel
l
ingt
hebout
ique.
.

Hi
m:Whywoul
dyouwannadot
hatf
or?

Me:
It’
stheonet
hat
’sKi
l
li
ngus.
.

Imeany
ouboughti
tforahi
ghpr
iceandi
t’
snotmaki
ngusanymoney
…

Hi
m:Don’
tbecr
azy
…

Me:
But
..

Hi
m:NoFuni
idon’
twannaheari
t.
.

Me:
Whycan’
tyouseet
hingsl
i
kei
do?

Hi
m:Whydoy
ouhav
esuchl
i
ttl
efai
thi
nyou?

Me:
Cowen.
.

Him:Nobubuiboughty
outhatbout
iquebecauseit
’sy
ourdream..Ibel
i
evey
oucant
urni
tint
o
somethi
ngbi
g,nowwhatyouneedtodoistobeliev
einyour
self
…

Me:
Buti
am dr
owni
ngi
ndebt
s..

Him:Nobusi nesswasstar
tedinaneasyWay….Someotherpeoplehadtoqui
ttheirj
obsandsel
l
thei
rpropert
iestomaketheirdr
eamsareali
ty.
.Youhavethepotent
ial
tomakey ourbout
iquea
success,andyoualsohavethepot
enti
alt
odest r
oyi
t…

Ihat
ethathi
sal
way
sri
ght
..

Me:
ihat
ethaty
oual
way
sri
ght
..

Heputhi
shandar
oundmyneckandpul
l
edmecl
oser
,thenheki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:i
bel
i
evei
nyou,
nev
erf
orgett
hat
..

Ismi
l
edathi
m,ashesmi
l
edatmet
oo….

Me:
Letmegobat
handsl
eep,
tomor
rowi
hav
eanear
lymor
ning.
.

Hi
m:Okay
..

Me:
plusDi
mawant
stoshowmesomeofherdesi
gns.
.
Hi
m:soundsl
i
ket
hisDi
maper
soni
sver
ycommi
tt
ed.
.

Me:
Shei
s,andt
hatscar
esmeal
ot…

Hi
m:Why
?

Me:
Wel
lrememberhowi
trust
edOl
onaandFuni
,thenr
ememberwhathappened?

Hi
m:Don’
tletwhathappenedbet
weent
hoset
womakey
ounott
otr
ustany
one.
.

Me:
Wel
lwewi
l
lseeast
imegoesoni
fDi
mai
ssi
ncer
e….
.

Theel
evat
oropenedandShabbawal
kedi
n…

Shabba:
wadupl
ovebi
rds?

Me:Can’
tyoujustpresst
hei
nter
com andwai
tforust
otel
lyout
ocomeupst
air
s,whycan’
tyou
bel
i
keev er
yoneelse?

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
ewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng…

Hi
m:Okay
…Any
wayt
hiscamei
nfory
ou,
theDel
i
ver
ymancoul
dn’
tmakei
tupst
air
s…

I
twasabr
ownenv
elopet
hataddr
essedt
ome…

Cowen:
WhatI
sthat
?

Me:
idon’
tknow…

Hi
m:Wel
lopeni
t.
.

Il
ookedati
t.
.

Me:
probabl
ymor
ebi
l
ls.
.

Shabba:
ifor
gott
haty
ouguy
sar
edr
owni
ngI
ndebt
..

Me:
What
everShabba!
!.
.Lemej
ustgoandbat
hthengot
obed.
.

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othest
air
s..

Shabba:
But
-her
-cheeks.
.Ihear
dther
e’sanewsexypai
rofl
egsaty
ourbout
ique.
.

Me:
Stayawayf
rom myassi
stantShabba…

Shabba:
Howdoi
stayawaywheni
hav
en’
tev
enseenher
?

Me:
Stayaway
!!
!

Isai
dthatwhi
l
ewalki
ngupst
air
stobat
h…i
lookedatt
heenv
elopeonemor
eti
me,
thenj
ust
stuf
fedi
tinmydr
awer…
It
henwentt
otakear
elaxi
ngbat
h..

#FUNI

Icoul
dn’
tsleepatal
liwaswai
ti
ngf
ornewst
hatFuni
lef
tBr
agaaf
teropeni
ngt
hatenv
elope,
but
ihear
dnothing…

I
twasv er
yfr
ustr
ati
ng,
sheshoul
d’
vegott
heenv
elopebynowandhadopenedi
t.
.What
’st
aki
ng
hersoodamnlong?
??

It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edZakesi
mmedi
atel
y.
.Heanswer
edont
hesecondcal
l
..

Hi
m:MQ.
.

Me:
Whyi
sFuni
sti
l
lwi
thBr
aga?

Zakes:
idon’
tfol
l
ow.
.

Me:
Wast
heenv
elopesent
?

Hi
m:Yesi
didsendi
t.
.

Me:
Thenwhat
’st
aki
ngsof
uckenl
ong?

Hi
m:i
hav
enoi
deaman.
.

Ihungedup,idon’
tli
keitwhent
hingsdon’
tgomyway
..Tomor
rowi
mustgetoutofher
eandgo
handl
eevery
thingmy sel
f.
.

Iwon’
tli
eineedt
hebestandt
hest
rongestI
nthi
sGangst
ergamet
obr
ingBr
agadown.
.

Ni
ghtmaresofwhathedi
dtomeandmymotherst
il
lhauntme,
icannotf
acehi
m al
one,
yesi
am scar
edtofacehi
m al
onehewi
l
lcr
ushmeli
keabug….

Ilaidi
nmybedthi
nkingaboutwhatZakessuggest
ed,
may
bei
shoul
dtakehi
sof
ferandgoget
thisper
sonf
rom j
ail
…

#FUNI

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
iwokeupandpr
epar
edmy
sel
fforwor
k..

Ihadnomot
ivat
iont
ogot
othebout
iquewhat
soev
er,
butheyi
hav
etodowhati
hav
etodo…

Iopenedmydrawert
ogetmyl
ipst
ickandisawt
heenv
elope.
.It
ri
edi
gnor
ingi
tbuti
coul
dn’
t
anymore,
cur
iosi
tywaski
l
li
ngmeli
keitki
ll
edacat
…

It
ooki
toutandopenedi
t,t
her
ewaspi
ctur
esi
nsi
dei
tookt
hem outandl
ookedatt
hem….

Myheartst
oppedbeat
ingf
oraminut
eortwoasi l
ookedatt
hosepict
ures..Idon’
tknowi
f
someonewasplay
ingmindgamesorwhatbutt
hosepicsdr
ainedmystrength,t
heymademy
kneesweakandt
heymademyhear
tski
ppedabeatev
erysecond….

Thewasanot
ethataccompani
edt
hepi
cs.
.Andi
tread:

“i
paidDrCowentoputt
heparasi
tei
nyourf
ather
’shear
t,CowenakaBr
agai
snotwhoy
out
hink
heis,
andthepi
ctur
espr
oveit
”..

PART66SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
50]Ron:
PART67SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwasst
il
lhol
dingt
hepi
ctur
esi
ndi
sbel
i
efwhenCowenwal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:If
orgotmyl
apt
op.
.

Isatdownont
hebed,
bef
orei
fai
nt……

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Apani
cat
tackcr
eepedi
nimmedi
atel
y.
.Thi
sisamant
hati
lov
ewi
thal
lmyhear
t,andheki
l
led
myFat
her
….

Hecamet
ome.
.

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?

Myt
hroatwasn’
trai
singanywor
ds.
.Ihandedhi
mthepi
ctur
esandhel
ookedatt
hem….

Hi
m: Wtf
,wher
edi
dyougett
his?
?Doy
ouknowt
hatt
heper
sonwhol
eakedt
hiscanget
ar
rest
ed?.
.

Il
ookedathi
m,wi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.
.

Me:
That
’smyf
ather
..

Hi
m:Ohw.
.I’
m sor
ryf
orwhathappenedt
ohi
m..

Me:
Youshoul
dbesor
ryf
orki
l
li
nghi
m!!
…

Hel
ookedatmev
eryshocked.
.

Hi
m:What
???

Me:
Cowendi
dyouki
l
lmyf
ather
?

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e,andt
hensentoutal
augh…

Hi
m:What
’st
heuseofexpl
aini
ngi
fyoual
readymadeupy
ourmi
ndaboutme.
.
Hel
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
esagai
n…

Hi
m:Seewhathi
sdoi
ngt
ous?

Me:Ohhhpl
easeCowendon’
tpai
ntthi
sonhi
m!!Thi
spi
ctur
esshowy
ouoper
ati
ngmyf
ather
!!I
s
t
hist
heskel
etonshewastal
ki
ngabout?

Hi
m:doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?

Il
ookedathi
m notbel
i
evi
ngwhathej
ustaskedme.
.

Hi
m:Her
eyouar
edef
endi
ngandt
aki
nghi
ssi
det
hanmi
ne,
sameshi
tyoudi
dwi
thTamar
a!!

Me:
That
’sdi
ff
erent
..

Him:idon’tknowwhat
’st
heuseofourr
elat
ionshi
pifwedon’
thav
etr
ust
.Nor
ephr
aset
hat
,you
don’
ttrustme!!

Me:
Ohhhhsoy
ouwantout
?

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
YouwantoutCowen?

Hi
m:Inev
ersai
dthat
..

Me:
Thenwhatar
eyousay
ing,
Braga?

Hegav
emet
hatser
iousl
ookheal
way
sgi
vesmewhenIcal
lhi
m wi
tht
hatname.
.

Hewentandt
ookhi
slapt
op.
.

Hi
m:I
’
llseey
ouwheni
getback.

Me:
Youwon’
tfi
ndmeher
e!

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Thi
sishar
d,buti
t’
sbestf
ort
hebot
hofus…i
thi
nkweshoul
dendourr
elat
ionshi
p…

Hekeptqui
etf
orav
eryl
ongbef
oresay
ingsomet
hingonmyst
atement
…

Hi
m:i
sthatwhaty
ouwant
?

That
’snotwhati
expect
edhi
mtosay
,it
houghthewaspr
obabl
ygonnaf
ightf
ormeandal
lthat
..

Me:
Y..Yes.
.

Thatwor
dwashar
dtout
ter
..

Hel
ookeddown,
thenl
ookedatmeagai
n..
Hi
m:i
fthat
’swhaty
ouwant
,I’
l
lgowi
thi
t.
.

Het
henwal
kedupt
othedoor
..

Me:
Soy
ounotev
engonnaf
ightf
orme?

Him:Youf i
ghtwi
thsomeonewhoi swil
li
ngtofi
ghtwit
hyou..YouconfusedFuni,youl
ovemeat
thesamet i
meapi eceofyourhear
tbel
ongstohi
m..Iam notl
ikehi
m,I’m notgonnapul
louta
gunony ouandbeaty out
odeathtomakeyoustaywithme….i
fleav
ingmef eelsri
ghtt
oy ou
thenther
e’snot
hingicando…..

Iwon’
tli
e,att
hatmomentif
eltl
i
kemyhear
twasrippedoutofmychest
..Il
oveCowenandi
t
hur
tsl
eavinghi
m,butatt
hesameti
mehisr
ighti
don’ttr
usthi
m…

Heopenedt
hedoor
,andbef
orehewal
kedouthel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouFuni
,andi
wil
lnev
erhur
tyou.
.Especi
all
ynotl
i
ket
his.
.

Heclosedthedoorandwent
..Tear
swerenowf
lowi
ng,
ifel
tbr
oken,
hur
tihadal
lthose
uncomfort
ablef
eeli
ngs….
Thi
strul
yhur
ts…

[
ZUKO]

Thedoct
orwasbusyl
ooki
ngatmewhi
l
ewr
it
ingmypr
escr
ipt
ion.
.

Hi
m:MrMqel
a..

Me:
isai
diwi
l
lrecov
erathome,
andi
wil
l
..

Ihadmywalki
ngstickwit
hme,ist
il
lcoul
dfeelt
heexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
ninmyl
egsbutonet
hingi
wasn’
tgonnaacceptist
obewheel
chair-
bound.
.

Dr
:Youar
est
rai
ningy
our
sel
f,y
oust
il
lneedt
obei
nawheel
chai
rfor
..

Me:
Eyykhawubhal
endi
funauk’
goduka.
.(j
ustwr
it
eiwannaLeav
e)…

ZakescameinasiwasarguingwiththeDoctor
..Zakesismoreofapuppett
omet
hanan
act
ualfr
iend,
hetel
l
shimselfthathi
smyf r
iendbutI’m usi
nghi
m…

Zakes:
Arey
our
eady
?

Me:
yai
just
…

All
ofasuddeni
fel
tli
kei
wasgonnacollapse,
myl
egswer
egi
vi
nguponme.
.Thedoct
orcame
tohol
dmeandsatmeont hewheel
chai
r..

Dr
:Thi
siswhatI
’
m scar
edof
f.
.Youcomi
ngal
ri
ghtbutst
rai
ningy
our
sel
f,y
oumi
ghtr
elapse.
.

Me:
signt
hedamnt
hingsoi
cango!
!!
Hef
ini
shedt
hePr
escr
ipt
ionandhandedi
ttome.
.

Il
ookedatZakes,
het
ookmyt
hingsandwheel
edmeoutoft
hehospi
tal
…

Me:
iam t
hinki
ngweshoul
dpassbyatt
hepr
isont
oseey
ourf
ri
end.
.

Zakes:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
hat
?

Me:
Hav
eiev
erbeenunsur
eaboutany
thi
ng?

Hi
m:I
’
llt
akey
out
her
e..

Me:
Good.
.

Icannotwai
ttoseet
hisguy
,may
behecanbewhatIam l
ooki
ngf
or…

[
FUNI
]

Ihadpackedmyt
hings,
iwasl
eav
ingCowenf
orr
eal
.
.

Ihavebeendr
ivi
ngaroundnotknowi
ngwheretogo.It
houghtofgoi
ngtoJozi
butmeandher
haven’
tbeent
alki
ng,
gonnabeawkwar dj
ustshowi
ngupwi t
hbags…..

Br
ownwoul
dn’
tmi
ndhav
ingmear
ound,
buti
don’
twannabeabur
den.
.

Afterdoi
ngal
otofthi
nki
ng,
onepersoncamet
omymi
nd.
.It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhi
m,l
ucky
formehedidn’
ttakel
ongtoanswer.
.

Shabba:
Shabsher
e..

Icoul
dn’
tspeak,
iwascr
ying.
.

Shabba:
Hel
l
o??

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
ItsFuni
..

Hi
m:HeyFuni
,ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Me:
No.
.I’
m..Iam cur
rent
lyhomel
ess.
.

Hel
aughed.
.Butst
oppedl
aughi
ngwhenhehear
dmecr
ying.
.

Hi
m:Ar
eyouser
ious?Whathappened?

Me:
Longst
ory
..

Hi
m:Okaycomet
omyf
latandwe’
l
lsor
tthi
sout
..I
’
llSmsy
out
headdr
ess.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.
IhungedupandheSmsedmet
headdr
ess…

[
ZUKO]

Wegott
oModabbeePr
ison,
andwewer
esi
tt
ingatt
hev
isi
ti
ngar
eawhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
ort
hisguy
…

Il
ookedar
oundandt hi
swasnopl
acef
oraper
sont
ofi
ndt
hemsel
vesi
n,j
ustbei
ngher
evi
sit
ing
gi
vesmethecreeps…..

Thedooropened,
andt
heguar
dusher
edhi
min……

Bot
hhishandsandf
eetwerechained,
wehadtohaveatl
east3Guar
dspr
esentt
her
ebecause
hei
srul
edasthemostdangerousthuginsi
det
her
e…

Hesatdownopposi
teus.
.Iwon’
tli
ethi
sguyscar
edmeal
i
ttl
e..

Zakes:
Lai
zermyman.
.

Zakesext
endedhi
shand,
butt
heni
ggaj
ustl
ookedati
t…Zakeswi
thdr
ew.
.

Zakes:
Zukst
hisi
sMpumel
eloNkosi
,butt
heycal
lhi
m Lai
zer
,andt
hel
adi
escal
lhi
m Lai
Lai
.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Nicet
omeety
ou.
.

Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng,
het
henl
ookedatZakes…

Hi
m:Ubekway
ini
la?(
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e)

Zakesl
ookedatme,
thenl
ookedathi
m..

Zakes:
We.
.Busi
nessbr
oughtusher
e…

Lai
zer
:Nomay
ini
ang’
gcwal
isaan(
what
everi
tis,
I’
m noti
nter
est
ed)
..

Zakes:
AhhhhLai
zerNt
wana.
.

Lai
zerst
oodup,
ilookedatZakesandheshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s…

PART67SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWs

[
04/
15,
13:
51]Ron:
PART68SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Igott
oShabba’
spl
ace.Hel
i
vesi
nagat
edcommuni
tyandhi
sfl
ati
sver
ybeaut
if
ulandl
ooks
ver
yexpensi
ve.
.

I
twasn’
tcl
ean,
andwasn’
tthatdi
rt
yei
therj
ustaf
ewt
hingsl
yi
ngar
ound…
Hewasstandi
ngbyt heki
tchencount
erwheniWal
kedi
n,hewaswear
ingawhi
tev
est
,wi
th
bl
ackt
rackpants,
sleeper
sandabeaniehat…

Looki
ngathi
sout
fi
ticoul
dseet
hathehadnoi
ntent
ionsofgoi
ngout
…..

Hest
oodt
her
ethenl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Comeher
e…

Iwentupt
ohi
m andhegav
emeav
erywar
m hug,
justwhati
needed.
.

Hi
m:I
m sor
ry.
.

Iam gl
adt
hathewasn’
thi
sjoki
ngsel
f,becausei
wasnotr
eal
l
ydownf
ort
hat
…

Alt
houghmyhear
twasbr
oken,
andi
want
edt
ocr
ybuti
hadcr
iedal
oti
nthecart
hati
didn’
t
haveanyt
ear
sanymor
e……

Me:
Cani
pleasest
ayher
eunt
ili
knowwher
etogo?

Hi
m:Youcanst
ayher
easl
ongasy
ouwant
,I’
m ev
engl
adt
haty
ouconsi
der
edmef
ir
st…

Me:
Yeah.
.

Myphoner
ang.It
ooki
toutandi
twasDi
makat
so…

Me:
Agh.
.

Shabba:
What
’swr
ong?

Me:
iwassupposedt
obeatwor
kby09:
00,
nowi
t’
s10:
00.
.

Shabba:
Youcanst
il
lgo.
.

Me:
idon’
tfeel
li
kegoi
ngany
mor
e..

Hi
m:Theny
oucanwor
kfr
om t
hef
lat
..

Me:
That
’snotabadi
dea.
.Nowi
don’
tknowhowDi
mai
sgonnagether
e..

Hi
m:i
canf
etchher
..

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Yeahr
ight
..

Hi
m:NoI
’
mforr
eal
…

Il
ookedathi
m,i
coul
dhav
ehi
mfet
chherbutwoul
dsheal
l
ow.
.

Af
teraf
ewt
ri
esandr
ingsi
answer
ed….
Me:
Hey
..

Her
:HeyFuni
,ar
eyouony
ourway
?

Me:
uhm unf
ort
unat
elyno.
.Sor
ryaboutt
hat
..

Her
:Ohw.
.

Me:
LookDi
maI
’
llhav
esomeonef
etchy
ou,
wecanwor
kfr
om mypl
ace.
.

Her
:Okay

Me:
Itsaguy
,hi
snamei
sShabba.
.

Her
:idon’
tknowFuni
.
.

Me:
I’
ll
comewi
thhi
mthen.
.

Her
:Thatwoul
dbebet
ter
..

Me:
Weonourway
..

Her
:OkayI
’
llwai
t.
.

Me:
Okay
..

Il
ookedatShabba.
.

Me:
Shehasagr
eedbutI
’
m comi
ngwi
th.
.

Hi
m:i
washopi
ngi
twoul
djustbemeandher
…

Me:
Don’
tst
art
..

Her
:Fi
ney
ou’
l
lcomewi
th.
.l
emegogetr
eady
..

Hewal
kedt
othebat
hroom whi
l
eisatt
her
eal
oneandt
hinki
ng.
.

Iam al
readymi
ssi
ngCowen,
I’
m usedt
ojustbei
ngmeandhi
m..Fort
hef
actt
hathewasn’
ther
e,
real
l
ygottome….

It
ri
edsear
chi
ngf
orf
eel
i
ngst
hati
hadf
orZuko,
butt
her
ewasn’
tany
…..

Af
teral
lheputmet
hrough,
ifel
tnot
hingbutAngerf
orhi
m…

Il
oveCowenwithal
lmyhear
tandsoul
.
.Nothav
inghi
m her
eandt
hingsbei
ngl
i
ket
hisbet
ween
usiwastr
ulybr
oken….

Ij
ustsatt
her
eal
lcr
ying,
iletal
lthet
ear
spouroutl
i
kear
iver
..

Apar
tofmej
ustwannast
opt
hismadnessandgobackt
ohi
m,butanot
herpar
tofmest
il
l
r
emi
ndedmeofwhathedi
d….

Het
ookawayt
heonl
yper
sont
hatmat
ter
edi
nmyl
i
febef
orehi
m,i
meant
her
e’sev
enpi
ctur
es
t
oprov
eit
….

[
ZUKO]

Unf
ort
unatel
yLai
zermeanti
twhenhesai
dheisnoti
nter
est
edi
ndoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thus.
.He
di
dn’
tevenwannahearwhatwehadt
osay….

I
fhet
hinkst
hatI
’
mjustgonnagi
veuponhi
m,hehasanot
hert
hingcomi
ng….
.

Thecarpar
kedatt
hedr
ivewayofmyhouse,
fi
nal
l
yiam home…

Zakesgotmyt
hingswhi
l
eigotoutoft
hecarandwemadeourwayi
n…

Wef
oundZi
yandaandmysi
sterFi
ksatt
heki
tchen….

Me:
Mol
weni
….

Theybot
hlookedatme,
andf
iksr
anupt
omeandhuggedme.
.

Her
:Ohhmywor
dZukoi
waswor
ri
edabouty
ou!

Me:
Notsoot
ight
..

Shel
etgo…

Her
:Sor
ry…

Shet
henl
ookedatmeandmywal
ki
ngst
ick.
.

Her
:Whathappened?Icomehomeandheart
haty
ouatt
hehospi
tal
.
.

Me:
Funi
andhernewboy
fri
endhappened…

Her
:Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:
Longst
ory
..

Her
:inev
erl
i
kedt
hatgi
rl
,iknewshewasbadnewsf
rom t
hest
art
..

Me:
Don’
tst
art
…

Il
ookedatZi
yanda…

Me:
Wher
eismyboy
?

Zi
yanda:
day
car
e…
Me:Okay
…Li stenher
ebot
hofy
ou,
Funi
isgonnacomebacksooni
woul
dli
key
ouguy
stot
reat
herwi
threspect….

Fi
ks:
ithoughty
ousai
dshehasabf
..

Me:
Tempor
ari
l
y..

Fiks:
Zukoarey
ouhear
ingy
our
sel
f?I
fsheandherbfdi
dthi
stoy
out
her
e’snot
ell
i
ngwhatshe
candonext…

Me:
Fiki
l
e!!
!

Her
:NoZuko!
!!Funi
isev
iland.
.

Me:
Fiki
l
eMqel
aiam war
ningy
ou!
!!
!!
!!
!!(
Yel
l
ing)

Me:
Nowt
akebackwhaty
ou’
vej
ustsai
daboutFuni
.
.

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandf
oldedherar
ms.
.

Me:
ify
ougonnabel
i
ket
his,
theny
oumi
ghtaswel
lgohome!

Fi
ks:
iwi
shmom washer
e…I
ssheev
enr
esponsi
blef
ormom’
sdi
sappear
ance?
?

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:Noonehashear
dfr
om mom i
nmont
hs.
.

Zi
yanda:
yourBr
otherev
enal
ert
edt
heCops,
ther
e’sev
enacampai
gnt
hatwasst
art
ed“
HELP
FI
NDBONGI ”
….

Al
lthememor
iescamebackofwhathappenedt
hatday
,mymom wasbombedal
i
ve….

PART68SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
52]Ron:
PART69SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Wegottothebout
iquet
ogetDi
ma. .Shewasal
readyst
andingatt
hedoorwi
thherbag,
and
anot
herf
lat
boardbagofwhi
chiassumeithashersket
ches…

Me:
iam r
eal
l
ysor
ry…

Her
:It
sokay

Shabba:
Hi.
.

Di
ma:
Hi.
.

Thewasal
otofbl
ushi
ngf
rom hersi
de,
shewasal
ll
ooki
ngdownandwhatnot
…

Me:
Shabbat
hisi
smyassi
stantDi
ma,
andDi
mat
hisShabbahei
smor
eli
keal
i
ttl
ebr
othert
o
me….

Shabbaext
endedhi
shandt
oDi
ma…

Shabba:
Niceknowi
ngy
ouDi
ma.
.

Di
ma:
sameher
e..

Me:
Wecangonow.
.

Shabba:
ithi
nkweshoul
deatbr
eakf
astf
ir
st.
.I’
l
ltakebot
hofy
ouout
…

Me:
Whocansaynot
ofr
eebr
eakf
ast
…

Weal
lgott
othecar
,andShabbat
ookoutoutf
orbr
eakf
ast
….

Wewentt
oWi
mpyi
lov
ewi
mpybr
eakf
ast
..

Me:
SoDi
madoy
ouhav
ethesket
ches?

Her
:Yesi
do,
andi
hav
edesi
gnedal
ogof
ort
heBout
ique…

Me:
Hmmmm t
ell
memor
e..

Her
:It
hinkwecancal
ltheBout
iqueFusi
on.
.

Me:
Car
ryon…

Her
:All
thesketchesareaf
usi
onoftwocol
oursandmat
eri
als,
sot
hat
’swhyi
thought“
Fusi
on”
woul
dbestdescribey
ourbr
andanddesi
gns….

Shabba:
Notj
ustapr
ett
yfacebutshegotbr
ainst
oo.
.Unl
i
kesomeonei
know…

Ipunchedhi
m onhi
sar
m….

Me:
ili
kei
t.
.

Thewai
tr
esscamewi
thouror
der
..

Me:
We’
l
lcont
inuewi
tht
hisathome…

West
art
edeat
ing…

Shabba:
wimpybr
eakf
asti
stooni
ce.
.

Me:
Ver
y…

Myphoner
ang,
itooki
toutf
rom mypocketandi
twasmyGy
naecol
ogi
stDrNor
a…

Me:
DrNor
a
Her
:Wher
ear
eyou?

Me:
iam outwi
thf
ri
ends.
.

Her
:Don’
ttel
lmethatyouhav
efor
got
tenaboutourappoi
ntment
.Wehadanappoi
ntmentat
10:
00nowit’
s11:
30..

Me:
Wasi
ttoday
?

Her
:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?

Me:
Can’
tweschedul
e?

Her
:li
tt
legi
rli
don’
thav
eti
mef
orgames.
.

Me:
FineI
’
llbet
her
e..

Ihungedupandl
ookedatThem.
.

Di
ma:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Me:
ifor
gott
hati
hav
eanappoi
ntmentwi
thmyGy
naecol
ogi
st.
.

Shabba:
so?

Me:
ihav
etogo,
wecanhav
eal
loft
hisasat
akeaway
…

Shabba:
Let
’sgot
hen.
.

Weaskedwai
tresst
omakeourbr
eakf
astat
akeawayandshedi
d,t
henaf
terwedr
ovet
othe
Gy
naecol
ogi
st………..

Wearr
ivedther
eandi
wentt
oherof
fi
ce,
whi
l
eDi
maandShabbawai
tedf
ormeatt
he
r
ecept
ion…

Me:
DrNor
aiam v
erysor
ry.
.

DrNor
aispr
ocl
aimedt
hebestGy
naecol
ogi
st,
ofal
lti
me….

ShehasbeenaGy
naecol
ogi
stf
or20y
ear
sorso,
todayshe’
s63andst
il
lgoi
ngst
rong….

DrNor
aisnoty
ourt
ypi
cal
Gynaecol
ogi
stt
hough,
sheshout
s,shey
ell
sandal
lthat
….

Her
:Doy
ouknowt
hati
hav
eot
herpat
ient
stoat
tendt
oo?

Me:
Yesmam

Her
:JustbecauseyouengagedtoaDoct
orwhohappenst
obeagoodf
ri
endofmi
ne,
doesn’
t
meanI’
ll
giveyouspeci
altr
eatment
…

Ir
oll
edmyey
es….
Me:
Yesmam.
.

Her
:getont
hebed…

It
ookof
fmyshoesandi
hoppedont
hebed…

Thedooropened,
asi
wasl
ayi
ngt
her
eandmyev
ersohandsomeandchar
mingFi
ancéwal
ked
i
n…

Hi
m:am i
lat
e?

Dr
:Noy
ouar
ejusti
nti
me…

Hepul
l
edachai
randsatnextt
ome….

Dr
:I’
l
lgogety
ourf
il
e..

Shewentoutt
ogett
hef
il
e……

Thi
ngswer
ever
yawkwar
d,wedi
dn’
tsaynot
hingt
oeachot
herunt
ilDrNor
acameback.
.

Dr
:Let
’sbegi
n…

Shegott
hegel
andwest
art
edwi
tht
hescan……

Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
eandi
star
tedt
ogetwor
ri
ed…

Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?

Cowen:
Thehear
tbeati
stoof
aint
…

Il
ookedathi
m….

Me:
Cany
oul
etDrNor
adoherj
obpl
ease.
.

Dr
:Hi
sri
ght
,thehear
tbeati
stoof
aint
..

Shel
ookedatme.

Her
:Hav
eyoubeenst
ressedl
atel
y?

Il
ookedatCowen.
.

Me:
Youcansayt
hat
..

Dr
:Cowenar
eyoust
ressi
ngmypat
ient
?…

Hegi
ggl
ed…

Hi
m:Youwi
sh,
may
bey
oucanaskherpsy
choexboy
fri
end.
.
Il
ookedatDrNor
a..

Me:
Arewedone?

Her
:Notexact
ly.
.

Me:
ithi
nkwear
e..

Igotoutofbed,
gott
hepapert
owel
andwi
pedof
fthegel
..

Cowen:
Wer
eherexi
sconcer
nedy
oucannotsayshi
t!
!!
….

Iwor
emyshoesandWal
kedout
..

[
ZUKO]

Iwasgoi
ngt hr
oughmyf
il
est
ryi
ngt
oseewhat
’sbeenhappeni
ngi
nmycompanywheni
gota
cal
lfr
om Zakes.
.

Me:
Ntwana…

Hi
m:i
hav
egoodnewsf
ory
ou.
.

Me:
Yea?

Hi
m:Funi
hasl
eftCowen,
sheev
enmov
edout
..

Me:
Wow.
.That
’st
hebestnewsev
er.
.

Hi
m:buti
hav
ebadnewsal
so.
.

Me:
What
?

Hi
m:She’
spr
egnant
..

Thatcameacr
ossasashockt
ome.
.

Me:
What
???

Hi
m:Pr
egnantandengaged.
.

Me:
ithi
nki
tst
imef
orpl
anB.
.

Hi
m:Shoul
dii
mpl
ementt
hepl
an?

Me:
pleasedo

Funi
won’
tseewhathi
ther
..

[
FUNI
]
Iwassi
tt
ingatt
heki
tchent
abl
e,l
ooki
ngatt
hosepi
ctur
eswhi
l
ecr
ying…

Howwi
l
lCowenandi
evergett
hrought
his?Howdowegetov
erhi
m ki
l
li
ngmyf
ather
..

ShabbaandDi
macamei
n,t
heywer
egonet
ogetI
cecr
eams…

Di
ma:
Funi
arey
ouokay
?

Inoddedmyhead.
.Shel
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
es…

Her
:Ohhhy
aI’
ver
eadaboutt
hisi
nci
dent
..

Il
ookedather
..

Her:
DrCowenandot
hersur
geonswer epresentedwit
hthi
scaseofapat
ientwi
thapar
asi
tei
n
hi
shear
t.
.Theyt
ri
edremovi
ngitbutunfor
tunatelyt
heycoul
dn’
t.
.

Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Her
:Youdi
dn’tr
eadaboutt
hisi
nthenewspaper
s?Al
thought
hispi
ctur
esl
ookl
i
kei
thasbeen
t
emperedwi
th…

Shet
ookoutherphoneandshowedme.
.

Her
:Thi
sist
heor
igi
nal
pict
ure,
offwhi
chi
twaswr
ongt
obel
eakedt
otheI
nter
net
..

Thepi
ctur
eshowedCowenandot
hersur
geonst
oget
herwi
thNur
sesatt
heRedCr
osshospi
tal
.
.

Me:
ohhmyGodi
am soost
upi
d!!

Di
ma:
Why
?

Me:
Cowendi
dn’
tki
l
lmyf
ather
,theyt
ri
edt
osav
ehi
m!!
!

Ist
oodup…

Shabba:
wer
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Me:
togetmyman…

It
ookmycarkey
sandwentt
omycar
…Howcani
bet
hisst
upi
d??

Asiwasdr
ivi
ngi t
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edCowen.
.Heanswer
edaf
terawhi
l
e…For
tunat
elyi
cametoar
edlight.
.

Hi
m:Funi
..

Me:Babyiam sosor
ry.
.Ihav
ebeenst
upi
d!!
!Your
ight
…Zukot
ri
edt
osety
ouup.
.Il
ovey
ouand
iam comi
nghome!!!

Thosewer
etheonl
ywor
dsi
remembersay
ing,
whenacarr
anar
edl
i
ghtandknockedmeoutof
t
her
oad…Mycarr
oll
edandwor
sei
wasn’
twear
ingaseat
bel
t…

PART69SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
53]Ron:
PART70SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
COWEN]

Funi
hadanacci
denthercarwasf
oundatt
hesi
deoft
her
oad….
.

Whatwasbattl
i
ngaboutt
hewholeor
dealwasthat
,herbodywasnotinthecarof
fwhi
chmakes
methinkt
hatherpsy
choexhadsomethi
ngtodowithheracci
dent
,al
lihear
dwhenwewere
t
alki
ngonthephonewasherscr
eami
ng…..

IknowFuniandi,hav
en’
tbeenseeingey
etoey
elat
elybutt
hat
’smywomanandi
lov
eherwi
th
all
mybeing,she’
smyeveryt
hing…

Iwasatt
hewar
ehousewi
tht
hewhol
eteam,
Ihadcont
act
edt
hem af
teri
hear
doft
hisi
nci
dent
..

Me:iknowwhatim abouttoaskyouguysi
stotal
lyoff
.TheSkul
l
sshoul
dn’
tbehandl
i
ng
per
sonalaf
fai
rsbutatthi
spointi
ntime,
Iam verydesper
ate…

Il
ookedatt
hem asi
wasbusypaci
ngupanddown…

Me:Someonekidnappedmywoman.Someonei
sreal
l
ytest
ingme.
.I’
m gonnaneedever
yonet
o
beonthei
rfeet
.Findoutev
ery
thi
ngy
oucanaboutMQ,andhowthi
sconnectshi
mt ot
he
ki
dnappi
ng…

Ihav
enodoubtt
hatMQi
sbehi
ndt
his,
hei
stheonewhocangot
hisf
ar.
.

Thecr
ewagr
eedt
ohel
pout
,theywentoutt
ost
artt
hei
nvest
igat
ions.
.

MQi
snotsmar
t,i
knowhehasaf
ewl
oseendsandt
hati
swhat
’sgoi
ngt
oleadmet
ohi
m…

Shabbacameupt
ome…

Hi
m:Thi
sisal
lmyf
aul
t.
.

Me:
Noman.
.

Hi
m:i
shoul
dn’
thav
elethergooutal
one.
.

Me:
Noonewaspr
epar
edf
ort
his.
.

Hi
m:Your
ightaboutt
hat
,buti
sti
l
lshoul
dn’
thav
elethergo.
.

Me:
yabutwe’
l
lgett
othebot
tom oft
his…

Hi
m:Wher
edowest
art
?
Me:
Weneedt
ogetsomeonecl
oset
ohi
m whoknowsabouthi
sbusi
nessandshadydeal
i
ngs.
.

Shabba:
Yout
hinkhi
snotdoi
ngt
hisal
one?

Me:
No.
.Hehast
ohav
ear
ighthandman.

Shabba:
I’
ll
getonwi
tht
hat
..

Me:
Cool
man.
.

Wheni
findhi
m,i
wil
lreuni
tehi
m wi
thhi
smot
her
…

[
FUNI
]

Iopenedmyey
esandi
wasabi
tdi
zzy
,andv
erymuchi
npai
n…

Il
ookedar
oundandi
wasn’
tfami
l
iarwi
thmysur
roundi
ngs…

It
ri
edt omovebuti
fel
tsomeexcr
uciat
ingpai
nari
singf
rom myabdomi
nal
area.
.Ir
anmyhand
onthatar
ea,
andfoundthati
hadbeenoperat
ed.
.

Idi
dn’
tknowwhatwashappeni
ng,
andt
her
ewasnoonear
oundt
oexpl
aint
ome.
.

Af
teraf
ewseconds,
thedooropenedandZukowal
kedi
n..Hewaswi
thaDoct
or…

Hel
ookedatmef
oral
ongt
imewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Thef
earcr
eepedi
nagai
n,Icamet
oreal
i
sehowscar
edi
wasofhi
m..

TheDoct
orcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
,br
ingi
ngusbackt
oreal
i
ty.
.

Zuko:
Isshegonnabef
ine?

Dr
:Yes,
shej
usthast
otakei
teasy
..

Me:
wha…whatdi
dyoudot
ome?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:Thanky
ouDoc,
ithi
nki
wil
lhav
etobr
eakt
hisnewst
oher
..

Dr
:I’
l
lbei
ntouch

Zuko:
Ofcause.

Thedoct
orwal
kedout
,andZukomadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Myhear
tst
art
edbeat
ingf
ast
,myt
hroatbecamedr
y..

Hesatnextt
omeandl
ookedatme.
.
Hi
m:Youst
il
ll
ookbeaut
if
ulasal
way
s…

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
omeZuko?

Him: Rememberthefi
rstt
imewhenwemet ?Youwerev
eryf
eisty
,rude,andheavyont
he
bott
le…Ilookedatyouandtol
dmysel
fthatt
hisi
sthewomani am goi
ngt omarr
y..

Iknowthathimtal
kingl
i
kethatIssupposedtobri
ngbackmemoriesofus,andthelov
ethatwe
hadforeachother
.Butiser
iousl
ydidn’
tfeel
anyt
hingf
orZukoatall
,al
lif
eltforhi
m wasjust
fearandAnger.
.

Hest
ret
chedouthi
shandt
otouchmybr
aidsbuti
mov
edmyheadal
i
ttl
e..

Hi
m:Yout
hinkI
’
m gonnahur
tyou?

Hehashur
tmeal
otoft
imes,
andi
knowt
hathecandoi
tagai
n..

Hi
m:i
lov
eyouFuni
,I
’m notgonnahur
tyou.
.

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
omeZuko,
whyam i
Insoomuchpai
n?

Hi
m: Youhadanacci
dent
,ihadt
ogett
hebestDoct
ort
owakey
ouupandbr
ingy
oubackf
rom
t
hatshock.
.

Me:
My?
?..Whyi
smyabdomi
nal
areasoopai
nful
??Whywasi
oper
ated?

Hi
m:Ohwy
aiwasr
ect
if
yingami
stake.
.

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?

Hi
m:i
hadt
hatcur
ser
emov
edf
rom y
ou.
.

Iwashopi
ngt
hathewasn’
tgonnasayt
hat
..

Me:
You.
.You.
.Mybaby
??

Heputhi
shandonmyshoul
der
..

Him:Bunj
uever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nenow,
wef
inal
l
ygonnabet
oget
herwi
thoutAny
thi
ngst
andi
ng
betweenus…

Me:
Youki
l
ledmybabyZuko?

Hi
m:i
twasacur
se,
thatCowenputi
nyou!
!

Me:
Youki
l
ledmybaby
?

Hi
m:St
opsay
ingt
hat
!!
!

Zukohassucceededi
nhur
ti
ngme,
incr
ushi
ngmysoul
..
[
COWEN]

Iwassi
tt
ingt
her
eandst
arr
ingatFuni
’
spi
ctur
e….

Iwaswonder
ingi
fshewasscar
ed,
whatt
hatbast
ardI
sdoi
ngt
oher
.

Whatwaswor
sewast
hat
,ihadnowher
etost
artl
ooki
ngf
orher
..

Shabbawal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Br
aga.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Wehav
efoundsomeonewhowor
kscl
osel
ywi
thMQ

Me:
Who?

Hi
m:Hegoesbyt
henameofZakes.
.

Me:
Hav
eyouf
oundoutwer
ehest
ays?

Hi
m:Yeap,
hei
smar
ri
edt
oFuni
’
scousi
n..

Me:
Whywoul
dhedot
his?Doesn’
theknowt
hatwhathi
sdoi
ngcanhur
thi
swi
fe?

Shabba:
Noti
fthewi
feknowsabouti
t.
.

Me:
Yout
hinkFuni
’
scousi
nknowsaboutt
his?

Shabba:
Yeap

Me:
Gethert
hef
uckher
e,shehasal
otofquest
ionst
oanswer
!!
!

Shabba:
iam oni
tboss…

[
FUNI
]

Iwascr
ushed,
ifel
tli
kemywhol
ewor
ldhasendedj
ustl
i
ket
heMay
anspr
edi
cted….

ApartofmeandCowenwast akenawayf
rom us.
.Iwi
l
lnev
erbeabl
etohol
dmybaby
,ki
ssmy
baby
,orexper
iencehowi
tfeel
stobeamother.
.

Icoul
dn’
tst
opt hetear
s,iwasshutt
eredif
eltl
i
kei
didn’
twannal
i
veany
mor
e.I
fitwasn’
tfor
Cowen,i
probablywouldki
llmysel
fnow..

PART70SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
53]Ron:
PART71SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
COWEN]
#RESCUE-
PART1

Ideci
dedtomeetupwithFuni
’scousi
natar
est
aur
anti
nst
eadoft
yingherupi
nachai
rand
beati
ngthel
i
vingday
li
ghtsouther.
.

Shedi
dn’
tkeepmewai
ti
ng,
sheshowedupi
nti
me…….

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng…

Igav
eherahandshake.Shewasbeaut
if
ulandbi
g,assumi
ngshe’
s6mont
hspr
egnant
…

Wesatdown.
.

Me:
li
kei
sai
dont
hephoneI
’
m Cowen,
SeanCowen.
.Iam y
oursi
ster
’sf
iancé.
.

Her
:I’
m Jozi,Funi
’
scousin..WowFuni
nev
ert
oldmeabouty
ou.Idon’
tbl
amehert
hough,
we
hav
en’tspokenforaver
yl ongti
me.
.

Me:
Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouspoket
oher
?

Her
:Justbef
oreherf
ather
’sf
uner
al.Thi
nkshe’
sst
il
lBeat
ingher
sel
faboutnotbei
ngt
her
e..

Shel
ookedar
ound.
.

Her
:it
houghtFuni
woul
dbeher
e..

Me:
YaFuni
is…

Her
:She’
swhat
?

Me:
kidnapped

Shef
reakedout
..

Her
:What
?Whatdoy
oumeanFuni
iski
dnapped.
.

Me:
Zukoki
dnappedher
,andi
thi
nky
ourhusbandi
sinoni
t…

Shedi
dn’
tlookshockedatt
hatst
atement
…

Her
:ican’
tsayI
’
m sur
pri
sed.
.

Me:
Why
?

Her
:Zakesi
sZuko’
sfr
iend,
hehel
pshi
minev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Me:
That
’swer
eyoucomei
n..

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
ineedy
out
otel
lmewer
eyourhusbandi
s..
Her
:Youwantmet
obet
raymyhusband?

Me:Funii
scarryi
ngmybaby,
theyar
eindangert
her
e’snotel
l
ingwhatthatpsychopat
hcando.
.
Hekil
ledherf
ather,
whatI
fhekil
l
sher?Doyouwantthatony
ourconscious?

Shel
ookeddown,
ithi
nkmywor
dswer
eget
ti
ngt
oher
..

Her
:iwi
l
ltel
lyouwer
ehei
s,onl
yinonecondi
ti
on.
.

Me:
Okay
?

Her
:iwantmyhusbandr
etur
nedt
omeunhar
med.
.Iam 5mont
hspr
egnant
,ineedhi
mi
r
ecent
lyl
ostmyjob.
.

Thatwasahar
dbar
gai
n…

Me:
Youhav
emywor
d..

Her
:Penandpaperpl
ease.
.

[
FUNI
]

Foodwasbr
oughti
nforme,
buti
hadnoi
ntent
ionsi
nEat
ingany
thi
ng….

Al
liwanti
sforCowent
ofi
ndme,
iwannabei
nhi
sar
msr
ightnow.
.

I
twasay
ounggi
rlwhobr
oughti
nmyf
ood.
.

Gi
rl
:Zukosay
sthi
sisy
ourf
avour
it
e

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Her
:Youhav
etoeat
..

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Whyar
eyouhel
pinghi
m?

Shel
ookeddown.
.

Me:Zukoi
sabast
ard,
hedoesn’
tcar
eabouty
ou.
.Hi
spr
obabl
ygonnaki
l
lyouwhenal
loft
hisi
s
done…

Shest
il
lsai
dnot
hing.
.

Me:
Looki
canhel
pyougetoutoft
his.
.

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Her
:Mypar
ent
s..TheyoweMQ,
iam pay
ingf
ort
hei
rdebt
s..
Me:
li
keI
’
m say
ingi
canhel
pyou,
ify
ouhel
pme.
.

Her
:How?

Me:
ineedy
out
ocal
lsomeone,
andt
ell
him exact
lywer
eiam.
.

Her
:No….

Me:Please.
.Pl
easei
am beggi
ngy
ou.
.Zukohe.
.Heki
l
ledmybabyandhecanki
l
lmet
oo
pl
ease..

Iwasnowcr
ying.
.

Me:
Youawoman,
youcanf
eel
mypai
n..

Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..

Her
:What
’st
henumber
?

It
oldher
..

Her:
ican’
twr
it
eitdownbecauset
heygonnaseeust
hrought
hecamer
as.
.I’
l
lhav
etomemor
ise
i
t…

Me:
Pleasedo…

Shet
ookt
hepl
ateandhandedi
ttome.
.

Her
:Noweatpl
ease.
.Bef
orey
ougetmei
ntr
oubl
e..

It
ookt
hepl
ateandst
art
edEat
ing,
whi
l
epr
ayi
ngt
hatshecal
l
sCowen.
.

[
COWEN]

WehavegotZakes,
wehadti
edhi
m onthechai
r.
.Wegav
ehi
m bl
owsaf
terbl
ows,
buthest
il
l
wasn’
ttal
ki
nghewasloy
alt
othi
sbast
ard.
.

Zakes:Youcant
ort
ureandbeatmeal
lyouwant
,buti
am notsay
ingany
thi
ng!
!Ki
l
lmei
fyou
wanttoo…

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
espi
tt
ingbl
oodont
hegr
ound.
.

Accor
dingt
omei
woul
d’
veKi
l
ledhi
m,buti
promi
sedFuni
’
scousi
nthati
wil
lkeephi
m al
i
ve.
.

Shabba:
idon’
tknowwhatt
odonow.
.Thi
sni
ggaai
n’
tsay
ingany
thi
ng…

Me:
Hiswi
l
li
ngt
odi
eforhi
m..

Myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng,
itooki
toutandi
twasapr
ivat
enumber
..

Shabba:
May
bei
t’
sZuko.
.
Ianswer
ed.
.

Me:
Cowenher
e..

Theper
sonwasqui
et.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o..

Theper
sonst
il
lsai
dnot
hingwheni
wasaboutt
ohangupaf
emal
evoi
cest
art
edspeaki
ng…

Her
:“147Dur
ban’
sRoad.I
t’
sawar
ehouseshe’
sher
e”.
.

Me:
Excuseme?

Her
:Shesai
dishoul
dcal
lyou.
.Shewant
syout
ofi
ndher
.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

It
henhear
damal
evoi
cei
nthebackgr
ound.
.

Voi
ce:
Youl
i
ttl
ebi
tch!
!!
!

Her
:Pl
easef
indher
,bef
oret
heymov
eher
..

Theni
hear
dherscr
eami
ng,
andaf
tert
hel
i
newentdead….
.

Shabba:
Whatwast
hat
?

Me:
Guy
spackup,
wegoi
ngt
oDur
ban’
sRoad…Wehav
efoundher
…

[
FUNI
]

Ihear
dthegi
rlwhowasher
eear
li
erscr
eami
ng,
idi
dn’
tev
enknowwhatwashappeni
ng…

Igotoutofbedandsl
owl
ywal
kedupt
othedoor
,iwasv
erymuchi
npai
niwon’
tli
e…

Af
teraf
ewseconds,
ihear
dthedooropeni
ng…

I
twasn’
tZukowhocamei
n,wasj
ustsomeni
gga.
.

Hi
m:Tr
yingt
oescape?

Iwal
kedbackwar
ds.
.

Het
hencl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Wer
eisZuko?

Hi
m:Hej
ustwentout
…Yout
hinky
ousmar
tneh?

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsme.
.
Hi
m:i
wil
lshowy
ou,
whati
dot
oSmar
tpeopl
e..

[
COWEN]

Iwasdri
vi
ngli
kecr
azyt
othel
ocat
ion,
ihadev
encal
l
edt
heot
herSkul
l
swhower
ecl
oset
othat
pl
acetogother
e….

Wheni
dof
indt
hisbast
ardi
am goi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
mint
hemostpai
nful
wayev
er…

PART71SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
55]Ron:
PART72SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
FUNI
]

#FI
NAL_
RESCUE

Thi
smani
shol
dingmedown,
hei
spr
essi
ngmeont
hebedt
ryi
ngt
ohav
ehi
swaywi
thme.
.

Iam st
il
li
npai
nduet
omyOper
ati
ont
hatwasper
for
medwi
thoutmyconsent
….

Icoul
dfeelhi
sbreat
honmyneck,heisbusyl
icki
ngmycheek.Icoul
dpr
obabl
yscr
eam,
but
what’
stheuse?Becausenoonei
sgonnahearme…

What’
shappeni
ngt
akesmebacktowhenZukorapedmei
nhi
scar
,I’
mjusthopi
ngt
hisguy
coul
ddowhathewantst
odo,anddoi
tqui
ckly
……

Ashewashol
dingmedown,
iseet
hedooropeni
ngandZukor
ushesi
n…

Zuko:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Zukor
unsupt
ohi
m,andher
emov
edhi
mfr
om met
henst
art
edbut
ter
inghi
m….

Zuko:
itr
usty
ouwi
thmygi
rl
,andher
eyouar
edoi
ngshi
t…

AsI’
mt ry
ingt
ogetoutofbedi
am v
erymuchi
npai
n,especi
all
yint
hatar
eawer
eihadbeen
oper
ated..

Zuko:
Getupandgetawayf
rom her
e!!
!

Theguyst
oodupandmadear
unf
ori
t…

Zukot
henmakeshi
swayt
ome.
.

Zuko:
Howar
eyou?Di
dhehur
tyou?

Iputmyhandonmyabdomi
nalarea,
andi
justknowt
hatsomet
hingi
swr
ong…It
hensuddenl
y
feel
dizzyandf
eel
li
kev
omit
ing.
.

Me:
Zukosomet
hingi
swr
ong,
Iam notf
eel
i
nggood.
.
Hi
m:wasi
twhenhehel
dyoudown?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Me:
ifeel
ver
ysi
ck

Hi
m:Okayl
etmegocal
ltheDoct
or.
.

Hehel
pedmet
osi
tont
hebed,
thenwentt
ogett
hedoct
or…

Butt
hen,
hecomesbacki
nther
oom andhei
swal
ki
ngbackwar
ds.
.

It
henseeal
adyhol
dingagunathi
m,shei
snotal
oneot
herni
ggaswal
kint
oo…

Her
:Rest
rai
nhi
m..

Fr
om whatt
heywear
ing,
icoul
dseet
hatt
heymember
soft
heSkul
l
s..

Shet
henl
ooksatme.
.

Her
:Ar
eyouFuni
?

Inodded.
.

Her
:Mynamei
sChel
seai
am t
hel
eaderoft
heSkul
l
sinDur
ban.
.Cowencal
l
edust
ocome….

Youdon’
tknowhowIf
eltatt
hatmoment
,ev
eni
cannotexpl
aint
hef
eel
i
ng….

Me:
Wher
eisCowen?

Her
:Hi
scomi
ng.
.

Shet
henwal
kscl
osert
omeandl
ooksatme.
.

Her
:Youdon’
tlookgood…

Shet
urnsandcal
l
edoneofherpeopl
e…

Someni
ggamakeshi
swayt
ome.
.

Her
:Thi
sisMega,
andj
ustl
i
keCowenheaDoct
or.
.

Me:
Theyoper
atedme.
.to.
.to.
.Remov
emybaby
..

Het
henr
aisest
hegowni
waswear
ing,
ifeel
him pi
nchi
ngmewer
eihadbeenoper
ated.
.

Me:
ouch!
!

Hi
m:Sor
ry…

Ast
hatwasgoi
ngon,
isawChel
sea’
sfacechangi
ng,
itwasmor
eli
keshewasdi
sgust
edand
t
hewassuddenl
yaf
oul
smel
ltoo…

Mega:
Justasi
thought
,shehasani
nfect
ion.
.

Chel
sea:
Whatdowedonow?

Mega:
Sheneedsant
ibi
oti
csandanant
isept
ic.
.Wet
aki
nghert
othehospi
tal
…

Me:
No.
.

Theyl
ookatme.
.

Me:
iwannaseeCowenf
ir
st.
.

Mega:
But
..

Me:
Please.
.

Chel
seat
ookoutherphoneandWal
kedout
..

Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn’
twannagowi
thoutseei
ngCowen…………

Weweresti
llsi
tt
ingtherewai
ti
ngf
orCowen,
im sur
eithasbeenhour
snowandmyst
ateof
heal
thwasdeter
ior
ating….

Thenatt
hatpr
esentmoment
,thedooropenedandi
sawhi
m wal
ki
ngi
nwi
thShabba…

Icoul
dn’
tst
opt
het
ear
s,i
letev
ery
thi
ngout
..

Hemadehi
swayt
omeandhuggedme,
ihel
dont
ohi
mti
ghtasi
fli
kei
wasnev
ergonnal
etgo.
.

Notonl
ywasi
theonl
yonecr
ying,
ihear
dhi
m sni
ff
ingal
ot…

Webr
oket
hehugandheputhi
shandsonmycheeks.
.

Foramomenti
evenf
orgott
hati
wassi
ck.
.

Me:
ithoughti
wasnev
ergonnaseey
ouagai
n..

Hest
art
ski
ssi
ngmet
hroughmyt
ear
s..

Hi
m:I
m sor
ryi
tookl
ong.
.

Heput
shi
shandonmyt
ummy
..

Hi
m:Ar
eyouguy
sal
ri
ght
?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Hi
m:What
’swr
ong?
Thesi
cknesssuddenl
ycomesback,
andi
vomi
tonhi
m buthedoesn’
tseem t
ocar
e..

Hi
m:Whathappened?

Mega:
Theyoper
atedherandnowshehasani
nfect
ion…

Cowen:
Oper
…Oper
atedherwer
e?Andwhy
?

Mega:
aroundherabdomi
nal
area.
.

Me:
Her
emov
edourbaby
..

Cowenr
unshi
shanddownt
her
eunt
ilhemakesi
ttomyst
it
chesandi
fli
nchi
npai
n…

Whathappenednext
,noonewaspr
epar
edf
ori
t…

Cowent
ookandAxeandmadehi
swayt
oZuko…

Al
lihear
dwasZukoscr
eami
ngbecauseofmybl
urr
yvi
sioni
coul
dn’
tseemuch….

Shabbamakeshi
swayt
omeandhugsme…

Hi
m:I
m sor
ry.
.

Mega:
Weneedt
ogethert
othehospi
tal
.
.

Ihol
dShabba’
shand.
.

Me:
Comewi
th.
.

Hi
m:Yeahsur
e..

Shabbapi
cksmeup,
andwewal
koutt
hat
’st
heonl
ythi
ngi
rememberbef
orei
passedout
..

PART72SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
55]Ron:
PART73SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Iwokeupatt
hehospi
tal
,iwasst
il
labi
tsomehow.
.Icoul
dst
il
lfeel
abi
tofpai
nar
isi
ngf
rom my
abdomi
nalar
ea…

Isl
owl
ymov edmyey
esandi
sawCowenst
andi
ngwi
thMega,
lookedl
i
ket
heywer
edi
scussi
ng
somet
hing….

Iwasst
il
ldi
zzy
,st
il
lfel
tli
kev
omi
ti
ngandal
lthat
…

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandt
heybot
hlookedatme…

Mega:
Final
l
yshe’
sawakeLetmegett
heAnt
ibi
oti
cs.
.

Hewal
kedout
…
Cowencamet
ome,
andki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.

Hi
m:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?

Me:
sti
l
lfeel
i
ngnotgood.
.

Hesatonmysmal
lbedbesi
deme.
.

Me:
I’
m sor
ry,
all
oft
hisi
smyf
aul
t.
.

Hehel
dmyhand.
.

Hi
m:i
don’
twannaheary
out
alki
ngl
i
ket
hat
,noonewaspr
epar
edf
ort
his…

Me:
Didy
ouki
l
lhi
m?

Hel
ookeddownandnoddedhi
shead.
.Thatwasar
eli
ef,
nomor
eZukoi
nourl
i
ves…

MegacameI
nwi
tht
hepi
l
lsandagl
assofwat
er,
ithengul
peddownev
ery
thi
ng.
.Itwasal
otof
pi
l
ls…

Me:
Whencani
gohome?

Mega:
Youst
il
lnotst
rongenoughf
ormet
odi
schar
gey
ou.
.

Me:
Can’
tibet
reat
edbackathome?

Hi
m:Youdon’
tli
keDur
ban?

Me:
Itsnott
hatI
..Ij
ustwannabehomewi
thmyf
iance.
.

Hi
m:Youwi
l
lgohomeoncey
oust
artFeel
i
ngbet
ter
..Ri
ghtnow,
youi
nnost
atet
obet
rav
ell
i
ng….

Thatwasabummer
…

Hi
m:I
’
llcomeandcheckupony
oul
ater
..

Cowen:
Thanksman…

Mega:
Don’
tment
ioni
t…

Het
henwal
kedoutoft
hewar
d..

Me:
Pleasedon’
tleav
e..

Hi
m:I
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e..Tr
ytor
est
,I’
l
lev
ensi
ngy
oual
ull
aby
…

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Youknowhowt
osi
ng?
Heki
ssedmyhand…

Hi
m:Fory
oui
cant
ry.
.

Ismi
l
edathi
m….

Hepul
l
edMecl
osert
ohi
m,myheadl
aidonhi
schestwasgoodhear
inghi
shear
tbeat
….

Hi
m:Cl
osey
ourey
esandt
ryt
osl
eep…

Icl
osedmyey
esashesangmet
hel
ull
aby
…

Hi
m:“
iknowt
hisgi
rl

Andhernamei
sFuni
..

Andi
tspastherbed

T-
I-
M-E….

Shegoest
osl
eep

Andshecanj
ustdr
eam

Andnothav
etobe

I
nthi
sst
inkyhospi
tal
wit
hme

SowhenIf
eel
blue

Anddon’
tknowwhatt
odo

Il
ookaty
ou”

Day
spassedbyi
wasr ecov
eri
ngverywel
l
,al
thoughiwasr
ecov
eri
ngphy
sical
l
ybutt
he
emoti
onal
pai
noflosi
ngmyonlybabywasst
ill
ther
e…

Cowenandihav
enott
alkedaboutt
hat
,idon’
tknowhowhef
eel
saboutt
hatbecausehi
snot
showi
nganyemoti
onwhatsoev
er.
.

Todayiwasgett
ingmyresul
ts,
thedoct
orshadbeenr
unni
ngt
est
stodet
ermi
nei
fmywombwi
l
l
bestr
ongenoughtocar
ryababyfull
ter
m….

Cowenwasnother
e,Iwaswi
thShabbawhowasr
eadi
nghi
sHy
pemagazi
ne.
.

Cowendi
dn’
tcometoseemey est
erday,andev
ent
odayhewasnotcomi
ngi
twasmor
easi
f
l
ikehewast
ryi
ngt
odistancehi
mselffr
om me..

Me:
Shabba

Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Whyi
sCowendoi
ngt
his?

Heexhal
ed,
andcl
osedt
hemagazi
ne…

Hi
m:That
’showCowendeal
swi
thpai
n,bydi
stanci
nghi
msel
ffr
om ev
ery
one…

Me:
iam al
sohur
ti
ng,
hei
snotbei
ngf
air
..

Shabba:
Justgi
vehi
mti
me….
.

Me:
Howmucht
ime?Becauset
omor
rowI
’
m get
ti
ngdi
schar
gedandwemustgohome…

Hi
m:i
don’
tknowbuthewi
l
lcomear
ound…

Coweni
sreal
l
ybei
ngunf
airt
ome.
.

MegacameI
nwi
thAnot
herDoct
or.
.

Mega:
ithoughtCowenwoul
dbeher
e..

Me:
Youandi
bot
h..

Hi
m:Any
wayt
hisi
sDrZwane,
she’
saGy
naecol
ogi
st.
.

Shegr
eet
edus….
.

Mega:
Wehav
eyourr
esul
ts…

Myhear
tstar
tedbeat
ingwaytoofast
,Godpleasedon’
ttakeawayt
heonl
ythi
ngt
hatmakesa
woman,andt
hat’
sbeingabl
etoconceive…

Mega:
Rel
axnodamagewasdonet
oyourwomb.
.

Thatwasar
eli
efandablessi
ngatt
hesamet
ime…Knowi
ngt
hati
canst
il
lhav
echi
l
dreni
nthe
fut
ure,
wast
rul
yablessi
ng…

Thefoll
owingday,Shabbaandiheadedbackt
oPr
etor
iawi
thoutCowen.
.Appar
ent
lyhemade
thet
ripyester
daydidn’
tevent
ellme..

Iwashur
tbywhathewasdoi
ng,
andhowhewashandl
i
ngev
ery
thi
ng….
.

Hedoesn’
thav
etoshutmeout
,hemustt
alkt
ome….
.

Shabbaandi
,woul
dst
opher
eandt
her
etogetf
ood,
ort
oref
resh.
.

IJustcoul
dn’
twai
ttobehome.
.

…
Wefi
nal
l
ygothomeaf
terawhi
l
e,i
twasl
ateatni
ghtandi
wast
ir
edashel
l
..Al
liwant
edt
odo
wast
osleep.
.

Me:
Final
l
ywehome.
.

Hi
m:Thatwasal
ongdr
ive.
.

Wemadeourwayt
otheel
evat
or,
whi
cht
ookusupt
othepent
house…

Whenwegottothepent
house,Cowenwassi
tt
ingatt
hel
oungewi
thabot
tl
eofwhi
skey
,itwas
myfi
rstt
imeseei
nghim dr
inki
ngofwhi
chcameasashocktome.
.

Shabba:
Heyman.
.

Cowen:
Hey

Hewentandgav
ehi
m ahandshake…….

Het
henl
ookedatme.
.

Cowen:
Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngherhomesaf
e..

Shabba:
Nopr
obl
em….
ithi
nki
shoul
dgo,
iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
stomor
row.
.

Hecameandgav
emeahug.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou.
.

Hi
m:Any
time

Het
henwal
kedupt
otheel
evat
or.
.

Il
ookedatt
heel
evat
orasi
tcl
osed,
andt
heni
lookedatCowen.
.

Justt
othi
nkabouthowmuchwor
ri
edi
wasabouthi
m,andhi
sher
edr
inki
ng.
.

Hi
m:Howar
eyou?

Ist
art
edsl
owl
ymaki
ngmywayt
ohi
m…

Idi
dn’
twast
eti
mei t
hrewmy
sel
fathi
m,i
washi
tt
inghi
m,bi
ti
nghi
m al
loft
hat
..That
’show
muchangr
yiwasathim.
.

Hehel
dbot
hmyhandst
ight
..

Hi
m:Wt
fFuni
???

Iwasnowcr
ying.
.

Me:Younott
heonl
yonewhol
ostourbabyCowen!
!Iam al
sohur
t,andgr
iev
ing!
!Isshut
ti
ngme
outwor
kingf
ory
ouhuh?
Hegotmeof
fhi
m,t
hent
ookt
hebot
tl
eandappr
oachedt
hest
air
swi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng…

Ir
eal
i
sedt
hati
hur
tmy
sel
finmyabdomi
nal
areaasi
wasbusyphy
sical
l
yat
tacki
nghi
m…

Ihav
enev
erseenCowendr
inki
ng,
sof
orhi
mtobedr
inki
ngdoesshowmet
hathi
shur
ti
ng…

PART73SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
56]Ron:
PART74SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

Af
teri
hadgat
her
edabi
tofst
rengt
h,i
slowl
ywal
kedupst
air
stot
hebedr
oom.
.

Goi
ngupt
hest
air
sinf
li
ctedabi
tofpai
nwer
eiwasoper
ated.
.

Ithoughtt
hatiwasgonnaf
indCoweni
nourbedr
oom,
buthewasnott
her
e..Pr
obabl
yhewasi
n
theguestroom.
.

Inot
icedsomebl
ueboot
ies,
bluebabysocks,
hat
,andababyv
estl
aidoutont
hebed…….

Iwentandsatdownnextt
othem pr
obabl
yCowenboughtt
hissomet
imeago….

Seei
ngt
hatcr
ushedmyhear
t.Ther
e’snowor
dthatcoul
ddescr
ibehowbr
okeni
wasi
nsi
de.
.

Losi
ngmyf
ir
stbabyl
i
ket
hat
,real
l
ywi
l
ltakemef
orev
ert
ogetov
er….
.

Whydoesitseem l
i
kei will
neverfi
ndpeaceinmyli
fe?Allmyli
fei
haveexper
iencedpai
naf
ter
pai
nandthepaindoesn’tseem t
ogoaway ,buti
nst
eaditget
sworseandworse…

Iam j
ust22abouttotur
n23soonbuti
Hav
eexper
iencedmor
ethi
ngst
hanwhatpeopl
eint
hei
r
40swouldexper
ience…

Il
oveCowenandthi
sisdri
ft
ingusapar
t,i
knowhebl
amesmeforl
ett
ingZukoi
ntoourl
i
ves
al
thoughhi
snotsay
ingi
tbutbyhowhistr
eati
ngmei
tsay
sal
ot…

Icuddl
edmy
sel
finbedwhi
l
ehol
dingt
hosecl
othest
ightandcr
yingmyey
esout
..

Ever
ypai
nihav
eexper
iencedcamebackt
ome,
thepai
nofl
osi
ngmymot
her
,myf
ather
,and
nowmybaby….
.

Idon’tseemy
sel
fbei
nghappyev
eragai
n,becauset
hepai
nthati
hav
ewentt
hroughi
tki
l
ledme
i
nside…

Idon’
tknowwhenandhowifel
lasl
eep,
butiopenedmyeyesandreal
i
sedthati
twasmor
ning.
Thesunwasshi
nningt
hrewsoobri
ghtt
hati
hadnochoicebuttowakeup…

Isatupstr
aightandst
art
edthi
nki
ngaboutwhatI
’
m gonnat
odaybecausei
cannotbel
ockedup
i
nt hi
shousethewholeday…

Ist
oodupandwentt
othebat
hroom,
myey
eswer
eswol
l
enandheav
y…
Il
ookedmysel
fint
hemi
rr
or,
howdi
dthi
ngsgetsoomessedup?notl
ongagoCowenandi
we
werehappy
……

Iam wayt
ooy
oungf
oral
loft
his.
.

Iwentt
orunmybat
h,andj
ustsatt
her
ewai
ti
ngf
orwat
ert
ofi
l
lup.
.

[
COWEN]

Iwasatmysur
ger
ycar
ryi
ngoutmydut
iesf
ort
heday
….

Iwasabithungov
erf
rom al
lthedr
inki
ngt
hati
didl
astni
ght
,dr
inki
ngl
otsofwat
erdi
dn’
thel
p
thatmuch…

Il
ookedatFuni
’
spi
ctur
ethatwasacr
ossmyt
abl
e..

Il
ovet
hissoul
andi
feel
li
kei
hav
edi
sappoi
ntedher
,inway
sthati
can’
tev
eni
magi
ne…

Hadi
beenqui
ck,
iwoul
d’v
esav
edbot
hoft
hem…

Iam Br
agaandi
don’
tlose,
alt
houghi
kil
l
edZukobuti
sti
l
lfeel
li
kesomehowhehaswon.
.

Iwaslooki
ngf
orwardtobei
ngaf
ather
,bei
tagi
rlorboyi
justwant
edt
obewhati
nev
erhad,
andthati
sagoodfather
…

I
fiki
ll
edZukot
hatt
imetogetherwi
thhi
smot
hert
hennoneoft
hiswoul
d’v
ehappened,
ifai
l
ed
Funi
ihur
tFuni
andican’
tevenFaceher
..

Iam notaper
sonwhoopensupaboutmyhur t
s,i
don’tl
i
ketal
ki
ngijustdi
stancemy
sel
ffr
om
ever
yoneandkeepev
ery
thi
ngtomy sel
fthat
’st
hekindofper
soniam…

Ihavenevert
ouchedal
cohol
inav
eryl
ongt
ime,
sof
ormet
ogobackt
othataf
tersool
ongwas
real
l
yfuckedup.
.

Iwasdi
stur
bedbyaknock,
itwasmybubbl
yandgayRecept
ioni
stSphi
we…

Hi
m:Docar
eyour
eadyf
ory
ourf
ir
stpat
ient
?

Me:
Yes.
.

Mypat
ient
sloveSphi
we,
hisbubbl
yandf
ri
endl
ysel
fbr
ingsi
nal
otofpat
ient
sforme,
my
Sur
ger
yisalwaysf
ull
…

Myf
ir
stpat
ientwast
heev
ersoocompl
aini
ngMr
sshai
.
.

Her
:ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngCowen.
.

Mr
sShai
hashy
per
tensi
onanddi
abet
esTy
pe2.
.

Shehasbeenmypat
ientf
orav
eryl
ongt
imenow.
.
Me:
iknowMr
sshai
andI
’
m sor
ry.
.

Shewal
kedi
nandsatdown.
.

Mr
sShai
hasbeenmar
ri
edf
or30Year
sbutunf
ort
unat
elyherhusbandpassedonl
asty
ear
..

Me:
Howar
eyout
odayMr
sShai
?

Her
:iam goodCowenandy
ou?

Me:
iam goodt
oo.
.Youmi
ssedy
ourappoi
ntmentl
astmont
h..

Her
:Youwantmet
ocomeev
ery
daysoy
oucaneatmymoney
?

Me:
Mrsshai
idon’
tchar
gey
ouadi
me.
.

Thatwast
rue,
idon’
tchar
geMr
sShai
adi
me.
.

[
FUNI
]

Af
terbat
hing,
iputonat
owel
aroundmybodyandWal
keddownst
air
stocal
lShabba.
.

Ineedt
ogobackt
omybout
iqueandj
ustkeepmy
sel
fbusyt
her
e,bef
orei
gocr
azy
…

Igott
hephoneanddi
all
edhi
snumber
…

Hi
m:Shabbar
ist
oher
e..

Me:
HeyShabba.
.It
’sFuni
..

Hi
m:Ohwhey
..

Me:
Comeandf
etchme.
.

Hi
m:wer
eyouwannago?

Me:
Mybout
ique

Hi
m:Thebout
iquehasbeencl
osedev
ersi
ncey
ouri
nci
dent
..

Ihear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oicespeaki
ngatt
hebackgr
ound.
.

Voi
ce:
Babe…

Shabba:
I’
m comi
ngnunupi
e..

Me:
Wai
tist
hat
??

Shabba:
Yesi
t’
sDi
ma…

Me:
Cani
tal
ktoher
?
Hi
m:Okay
..

Ther
ewassomesi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e,t
henaf
tershespoke.
.

Her
:Funi
!!
!!
…

Me:
Heyy
ou.
.

Shewasgi
ggl
i
ngbutobv
iousl
ynotatwhati
wassay
ing.
.

Her
:Shabbast
op.
.I’
m ont
hephone.
.

Me:
Am i
dist
urbi
ngsomet
hing?

Her
:No.
.You.
.

Shegi
ggl
edagai
n..

Her
:isai
dst
opI
’
m onmyphonewi
thmyboss…

Me:
iwanty
ouatt
hebout
iquet
omor
row…Tomor
rowmor
ning.

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.
.

Me:
Dima…

Obv
iousl
yI’
m wast
ingmyt
imeher
e,soi
hungup.
.

Il
ookedatt
hephoneanddi
all
edCowen’
snumber
,af
teraf
ewr
ingsi
ttookmest
rai
ghtt
o
voi
cemai
l.
.

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
hungedup.
.

I
fCowenwant
stopl
ayl
i
ket
his,
thent
wocanpl
ayt
hisgame.
.

PART74SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
57]Ron:
PART75SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
COWEN]

Iaskedmymot
hert
ojoi
nmef
orl
unch,
att
hispoi
nti
nmyl
i
fei
needsomewomanadv
ice…

Mymot heri
sver
yinsi
ghtful
andwise,shehasbeenasoci
alwor
keral
mostal
lherl
i
fesoI
’
m
sur
ethere’
ssomebetteradvi
ceshecangiveme….

Ist
oodupandhuggedherassheappr
oachedt
het
abl
e….
.

Her
:Hi
babyhowar
eyou?

Wesatdown.
.
Me:
Whatcani
say
..

Her
:What
’shappeni
ng?

Me:
ihav
eal
readyor
der
edpi
zzaf
ormy
sel
fidon’
tknowwhaty
ougonnahav
e..

Her
:I’
l
ljustgogetmy
sel
fsomechefsal
ad.
.

Me:
I’
ll
gett
hewai
terf
ory
ou.
.

Her
:Nosweet
hear
t,t
hatcanwai
t.
.

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
idon’
tev
enknowwer
etost
art
..

Her
:St
artf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng.
.

Me:
SoFuni
’
scr
azyexki
dnappedher
…

Herey
eswi
dened.
.

Her
:What
?Whywasn’
tit
old?

Me:
Ever
ythi
ngj
usthappenedsof
ast
…

Her
:Wer
eissheshenow?

Me:
She’
sbackathomesaf
e..

Thewai
terbr
oughtmypi
zza.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:I’
l
lshar
eyourpi
zzawi
thy
ou.
.

Me:
Youwel
come.
.

Her
:I’
mjustgr
eat
ful
thatshe’
ssaf
e,poorbabyshehasbeent
hroughal
ot.
.

Me:
That
’snott
hewor
st.
.

Her
:What
’st
hewor
st?

Me:
Shel
ostt
he…

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h…

Her
:Si
busi
so.
.

Me:
Shel
ostourbaby
…
Herj
awdr
oppedt
hatt
hepi
zzaal
mostf
ell
from hermout
h..

Her
:OhhhhNo!
!

Me:
Yeap,
thebabywasext
ract
edf
rom herwombat2mont
hs.
.

Sheputherhandsonhercheeks.
.

Her
:hai
bosbusi
soungi
tshel
ani
(whatar
eyout
ell
i
ngme)

Me:
She’
sbeent
hroughal
otmom.
.

Mom:
Thi
xowami
kodwaumnt
wanomunt
u..Howi
sshehol
dingup?

Me:
She’
snothol
dingupatal
l
..I
tbr
eaksmeseeingheri
nthatst
ate.If
eell
i
keihavef
ail
edher
i
naway.
.Iwassupposedt
obether
e,iwassupposedt
osavethem andiwasl
ate.
.

Sheshookherheadno.
.

Her
:Don’
tev
ert
hinkl
i
ket
hat
,don’
tbl
amey
our
sel
f.
.Whathappenedwasnobody
’sf
aul
t…

Shehel
dmyhand.
.

Her:Myboy,someti
mescer t
ainsi
tuati
onsar
ethrownatusbuttheyshouldn’tbr
eakus.
.They
meanttotoughenus,andnottobreakus.
.Fory
ouandFunitobegoingt hroughsuch,i
t’
s
supposedtostr
engthenyoutwo,i
t’
ssupposedtomakeyourrel
ati
onshipstrongerandnotbr
eak
youapart
…

I
t’
sli
kesheknewwhatwasgoi
ngoni
nmyr
elat
ionshi
p..

Me:
ijustcan’
ttal
ktoherMom.
.

Her:Don’
tshutherout
..Whati
havenoti
cedIsthatFunihasbeent
hroughal
ot,
andshe’
sver
y
vul
nerabl
ethere’
snotell
i
ngwhatpeopl
einherstatecando..

Me:
ican’
tmom.
.Ican’
tfaceher
,whati
fidi
sappoi
ntedher
,if
ail
edher
…

Her
:Whati
fshedoesn’
tseeitl
i
ket
hat
??Si
busi
sohav
eyouev
erwonder
edhowFuni
feel
s?
Hav
eyoutr
iedt
alki
ngtoher?
?

Me:
Mom…

Her:
Nobaby,
iknowhowy ouare…Iknowhowyoudealwit
hyourpai
n,butbackt
henyouwer
e
al
onenowyouhaveFuni
..I
t’
snotaboutyouany
more,kodwai
t’
saboutyouandher…

Mymom wasr
ight
,ineedt
ost
opshut
ti
ngFuni
out
…

Me:
Andt
hat
’swhyy
out
hebest
..

Shesmi
l
ed.
.
Her
:thi
nky
ouneedt
ocal
lher
..

Me:
I’
ll
dot
hatatt
heof
fi
ce.
.

Her
:anddon’
tfl
oody
our
sel
fwi
thwor
kpr
event
ingt
ogohome,
I’
ll
beCal
l
ing…

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
I’
ll
fixev
ery
thi
ngt
oni
ght
..

Ihav
ebeensel f
ishiwon’
tli
e,
ineedtof
oundouthowFuni
feel
sineedt
oconsi
derherf
eel
i
ngsi
n
al
lofthi
s..Af
teral
lI’
m al
lshehas…

[
FUNI
]

Ihav
efoundacoupl
eofwhi
ski
esar
oundt
hehouse,
andi
drankmypai
naway
..Ori
thi
nkt
hati
wasdri
nki
ngmypainaway
…

Ist
il
lhadmyt
owel
wrappedar
oundmybody
…

Thi
nki
ngaboutal
lthepai
nI’
vebeent
hrough,
mademet
odr
inkmor
eandmor
enotknowi
ngt
hat
iwasr
eachi
ngmyl i
mit…

Ist
art
edbyv
omi
ti
ng,
iwasweakandst
il
ldr
unk.
.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasj
ustcr
ashi
ngdowni
namat
terofseconds…

[
COWEN]

Af
tert
hel
unchwi
thmymot
her
,imademywayt
otheof
fi
ce.
.

Ior
der
edsomef
lower
siwant
edt
osur
pri
seFuni
,may
beaf
tert
alki
ngwecangooutf
ordi
nner
..

It
ookt
hephoneandcal
l
edher
,butshewasn’
tanswer
ing.
.

Iwascal
li
ngont
hehousephonebecauseshedoesn’
thav
eacel
l
phoneany
mor
esi
ncet
hat
acci
dent
…

Itr
iedherafewt
imesbutshewasn’
tanswer
ing,
may
beshe’
swi
thDi
maatt
hebout
iqueor
something.
.

Ihungedupandcal
l
edShabbaonmycel
l
…

Hi
m:Br
aga.
.

Me:
Yeahmanwher
eisDi
ma?

Hi
m:She’
sdoi
ngsomesket
ches.
.

Me:
Funi
isnott
her
e?
Hi
m:Noshe’
snot
..

Me:
ivebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lherbutshe’
snotanswer
ing.
.

Shabba:
That’
sweird,shecal
ledmet hi
smorni
ngtocomeanddr
ivehert
othebout
ique.
.Idon’
t
thi
nkshelef
tthehouse,shedoesn’
thaveacar
..

Me:
I’
ll
cal
lheragai
n

Hi
m:Cool
man,
keepmeupdat
ed.
.

Ical
l
edherAgai
nbutshewasn’
tanswer
ing,
that
’swheni
star
tedt
ogetwor
ri
ed…Somet
hingi
s
notr
ight
..

Iputmyphonedownandt
ookmyt
hingst
henwentt
omycar
..

It
oldSphi
wet
ocancel
ever
yremai
ningappoi
ntmentf
ort
oday
..

Imadesur
ethatt
hedr
ivet
ohomewasshor
t.
.

Igott
her
eandqui
ckl
ymademywayt
otheel
evat
or,
andt
henupt
othepent
house…

Theel
evat
ordr
oppedmeatt
hepent
houseandi
wenti
n..

Me:
Funi
!!
!

Thehousewasv er
yquiet.
.Il
ookedf
orherupst
air
sint
hebedr
oom,
bat
hroom,
guestr
oom and
al
lthatbutshewasn’
tther
e……

Theplacewer
eif
oundherwasont
heki
tchenf
loor
..Ther
ewasv
omi
tev
ery
wher
eandbot
tl
esof
whiski
es.
.

Idr
oppedev
ery
thi
ngandwentt
oher
,shewasunconsci
ous.
.

It
ri
edwaki
ngherupbutnot
hing.
.

It
ookmycarkey
s,andpi
ckedherupt
henr
acedt
omycar
..

PART75SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
57]Ron:
PART76SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
COWEN]

I
thasbeen3day
snow,
Funi
sti
l
lhasn’
twokenup…

Shehadal
cohol
poi
soni
ngduet
oconsumi
ngat
oxi
camountofal
cohol
..

Herbl
oodalcohol
wasv
eryhi
ght
hatI
twasconsi
der
edt
oxi
c..I
fidi
dn’
tshowupi
nti
me,
Icoul
d
havel
osther…
Agai
n,i
hav
efai
l
edmyf
iance.
.

Iwassi
tt
ingont
hechai
rnextt
oher
,whi
l
eshewassl
eepi
ngont
hatbedpeacef
ull
y…

Me:
ipr
omi
sey
out
hingsar
egonnachangef
rom nowon…

Aknockdi
stur
bedme,
itur
nedandl
ookedatt
hedoori
twasDi
maandShabba….
.

Hav
ingt
hem ar
oundsuppor
ti
ngus,
iswhatweneeded.
.

Shabba:
Howi
sshe?

Me:St
il
ltheSame,
butt
heI
Vwi
l
lhel
passoonassheget
sfl
uidsi
nherbodyshewi
l
lbef
ine,
nowshe’
stooweak…

Shabba:
ishoul
d’
vewentt
her
ewhenshecal
l
ed.
.

Me:
ishoul
dn’
thav
eshutherout
,if
ail
edheragai
n..

Shabbaputhi
shandonmyshoul
der
..

Hi
m:West
il
lhav
eheratl
east
..

Wethenhear
dsomeonewal
ki
ngi
nbusyshout
ing,
ourat
tent
ionmov
edf
rom Funi
tot
hedoor
andi
twasMymother.
.

Mom:
Whathappened?
?

Il
ookedatShabba,
heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Sheputherbagont
hebed,
thenl
ookedatme…

Her
:Whathappened?It
houghty
ousai
dyouf
ixi
ngt
his!
!!

Me:
iwasgonnaf
ixi
t.
.I.
.

Her:YouknowCowenifthisi
showy ougonnat
reatt
hispoorgi
rl
,theny
oumi
ghtaswel
lj
ustl
et
hergo..Shehasbeent
hroughenough!
!!

Noonesai
dany
thi
ng.
.

Her
:Whatexact
lyhappened?

Me:
Alcohol
poi
soni
ng.
.Butshe’
sgonnabeokay
…

Shel
ookedather
.

Her
:OhwFuni
…

Thequest
ioni
swhocal
l
edmymot
her
…
[
FUNI
]

Idon’
tknowwhatwashappeni
ngt
ome,
buti
foundmy
sel
fatapar
konet
hatmyf
atherusedt
o
takemetoowheniwasyoung.
.

Ir
emembert
heswi
ng,
iremembert
heSl
i
de,
andi
remembert
hei
cecr
eam t
ruck…

Il
ookedar
oundandi
sawki
dspl
ayi
ng,
itwasabeaut
if
ulday
..

Ther
ewasalevel
ofpeacethatcameov
erme..Icont
inuedl
ooki
ngar
oundandi
coul
dn’
tbel
i
eve
whoisawsi
tt
ingonthebenchitwasmyfat
her
…

Isl
owl
ymademywayt
ohi
m,am i
deadWhat
’shappeni
ng?
??

Me:
D…Dad?
?

Hewasr
eadi
nganewspaperandputi
tawayassoonashesawme.
.

Hi
m:Babzi
e…

Hest
oodupandcamet
ogi
vemeav
erywar
m hug…

Iwasv
eryemot
ional
,idi
dn’
twannal
ethi
m gobutev
ent
ual
l
yidi
d..

Me:
What
’shappeni
ng?Am i
dead?

Hesmi
l
edandshookhi
sheadno.
.

Hi
m:Younotdeadmybaby
…

Me:
What
’shappeni
ngt
hen?

Hi
m:Wedon’
thav
eal
otoft
ime,
thatwhi
teboyst
il
lneedsy
ou…

Ev
eni
ndeat
hmyf
atherst
il
lremai
nssar
cast
iconmyr
elat
ionshi
ps…

West
art
edwal
ki
ng…

Hi
m:I
m sor
ryt
hati
hadt
omakey
oumeetmel
i
ket
hat
…

Me:
Itsf
inei
guess.
.

Ij
ustwant
edt
oknowwhatwasgoi
ngon.
.

Hi
m:i
knowy
ouhav
ebeenf
eel
i
nggui
l
tyaboutnotAt
tendi
ngmyf
uner
al.
.

Me:
iwant
edt
obet
her
e,i
want
edt
obi
dyouf
arewel
l
…

Hi
m:I
m gl
ady
ouwer
en’
tther
e..

Howcanhesayt
hat
?
Hi
m:iknowhowfragi
l
ey ouar
e,hady
oubeent
her
eyouwer
egonnagetahear
tat
tackandwe
woul
dbeghost
stogether
…

Me:
Butst
il
l,
iwant
edt
obet
her
e..

Him:Mychil
d,y
oubeingt
her
eory ounotbei
ngther
edoesn’
tchanget
hef
actt
hati
lov
eyou.
.
Youshoul
dstopbeat
ingy
oursel
faboutnotAt
tendi
ngmyfuneral
…

Me:
Bei
ngt
her
ewasgonnagi
vemecl
osur
e…

Hi
m:bei
ngt
her
ewasgonnagi
vey
ouahear
tat
tack…

Wet
hensawawhi
tel
i
ghtar
isi
ngf
rom t
hesky
…

Hi
m:I
tst
imef
ormet
ogo,
andf
ory
out
ogoback.
.

Me:
No,
don’
tleav
emeal
one.
.Iwannagowi
thy
ou.
.

Heshookhi
shead…

Hi
m:I
tsnoty
ourt
ime.
.

Me:
ican’
tli
vewi
thouty
ou,
ican’
tdot
hisal
one.
.

Hi
m:buty
ounotal
one…

Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Him:Younotal
one,
remembert
haty
ouhav
eaf
ami
l
ythatl
ovesy
oudear
ly,
justdon’
tshutt
hem
out.
.

Hecameandhuggedme.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyoumydaught
er.
.

Me:
ilov
eyout
oodaddy
..

Hi
m:i
wil
lal
way
sbewi
thy
ou,
iwi
l
lal
way
sbewat
chi
ngov
ery
ou…

Het
henwal
kedt
othel
i
ghtanddi
sappear
ed.
.

Washar
dseei
nghi
m goagai
n…

Asi
wasbusyst
andi
ngt
her
ecr
ying,
ihear
dfami
l
iarv
oicebusyar
gui
ngandshout
ing…

Nextt
hingi
know, myspi
ri
tisfl
oat
ingar
oundt
hehospi
tal
war
dandgoi
ngbackt
omybody
t
hat’
swheni openedmyeyes…

Iwasf
eeli
ngweak,
anddrai
nedl
ikeihaven’
tdrankwat
eri
nawhile,
butmostofal
laf
tertal
ki
ng
tomyfat
heri
wasatpeace.I
twasli
kethisheavyl
oadhadbeenl
i
f t
edoffmyshoul
ders.
.
Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngi
wat
chedt
hem t
alki
ng,
mamakwasher
sel
fasal
way
s…

Mydad’
swor
dspl
ayedi
nmyheadt
hati
am notal
one,
idohav
eaf
ami
l
y….Andt
heymycr
azy
f
amil
y..

Di
malookedatmeandi
signal
l
edt
ohert
hatshemustkeepqui
et,
iwasst
il
lenj
oyi
ngt
he
moment.
.

Shabba:
Mamak,
youdon’
tunder
stand!

Mamak:
idon’
thav
etounder
stand,
all
im say
ingi
syouguy
sshoul
d’v
elookedaf
terher
…

Cowen:
Wedol
ookaf
terher
..

Mamak:
Thenwhyar
eweher
e?

Shabba:
Weher
ebecauseshei
sst
ubbor
n!

Me:
iam notst
ubbor
n..

Myv
oicewasscr
atchy
,myt
hroatwasdr
y..

Theyal
lkeptqui
etandl
ookedatme…

Mamakmadeherwayt
ome.
.

Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnowmi
sscov
erpage?

It
houghtshewoul
d’
vef
orgot
tent
hatname.
.

Me:
Sti
l
lfeel
i
ngweak.
.

Il
ookedatCowen,
heal
sol
ookedatme…

Mamak:
Let
’sgi
vet
hem somef
ewmi
nut
es.
.

Theyal
lwentout
…

It
ri
edl
i
fti
ngmyupperbodyupsoi
coul
dsi
tupst
rai
ght
..

Cowen:
Letmehel
pyou.
.

HePr
epar
edt
hepi
l
lowst
hensatmeupst
rai
ght
…

Hi
m:Funi
i…I
mver
ysor
ryab.
.

Me:
idon’
twannat
alkaboutt
hat
..

Hel
ookedatme,
ismi
l
edatme.
.

Hesmi
l
edatmet
oo…
Dad’
swor
dsst
il
lpl
ayedi
nmyhead“
thatwhi
teboyst
il
lneedsy
ou”
.

Me:
asmuchasi
wannaki
l
lyou,
buti
m notgonnaki
l
lyouf
ornow.
.

Hi
m:i
wasaboutt
otel
lyout
omakei
tal
esspai
nful
deat
h…

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Hi
m:i
promi
sey
out
hingsar
egonnachangef
rom nowon.
.

Me:
iknowt
heywi
l
l.
.

Het
henl
eanedcl
oserandki
ssedme.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyousoomuch

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo

PART76SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
58]Ron:
PART77SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
5Mont
hsLat
er]

Thi
ngsbetweenmeandCowenwereabl
iss.Hei
sal
way
sther
e,hei
smor
eopenand
communicat
eswit
hmeabouthi
sfeel
i
ngs….

Wehavebeenseeingatherapistt
ohelpusdealwi
thwhathappenedespeci
all
yonmysi
de
si
ncei
couldn’
tgetoverthekidnappi
ngandlosi
ngmybaby..

Coweni
snowaqual
i
fiedhear
tSur
geon,
imv
erypr
oudofhi
mthathest
uckt
hrought
hatunt
ilhe
gr
aduat
ed…

Anothert
hingt
hat ’
schangedisourfinanci
alstat
e,wegotbackt oourf
eetthankstohisbi
gfat
chequehegetsfrom theSkull
s,andhissurger
ythatsmakinghi
m moneyt ogetherwi
thhis
sal
aryheacquir
esf r
om perfor
mi ngsurger
iesatdi
ffer
enthospi
tals.
.

I
m am notmuchdependentonhi
mthough,
becausemyBout
iquei
sdoi
ngwel
lnowwenamedi
t
“
FuniFusi
on”
…

Idon’
thavebi
gcli
entsasy
et,
butwedesi
gndressesformatri
cul
ant
swhoaregoingonthei
r
matri
cdance,weal
sodesi
gnout
fi
tsf
orlocal
celebr
it
iesi
ftheygoi
ngtof
unct
ionsli
keDurban
j
ulyandAwards……

Dimahasbeenasweet
hear
t,wewentpassthe“
Empl
oyee”and“
Empl
oyer
”rel
ati
onshi
pwenow
verycl
osewegoodf
ri
endst
ogetherwi
thbrown.
.

That
’smyci
rcl
eoff
ri
endshi
p,t
hosear
etheonl
ytwopeopl
eit
rust
…

Thi
ngsbet
weenmeandmyCousi
nJozi
arenotpr
ett
yGood.Af
terf
indi
ngoutt
hatherHusband
Zakeswasi
nvol
vedi
nmyki
dnappi
ngi
justf
eltt
hatI
tsbet
teri
fwekeepourdi
stancef
rom each
other
…………

I
twasaSat
urdayni
ght
,wewer
eal
lcoupedupatBr
own’
sfl
at.
.

Wasj
ustme,
Dima,
andBr
ownwewer
ejusthav
ingamer
egi
rl
sni
ght
….

Wewer etal
kingaboutt
hingsandwat
chi
ngchi
ckf
leekmov
ies,
whi
l
edr
inki
ngwi
neandeat
ing
chocol
ates.
.

Idon’
tdr
inkmuchany
mor
e,oneort
wogl
assesofwi
net
heni
mfi
ne.
.

Wewer
esi
tt
ingont
hel
oungef
loorwhi
l
epl
ayi
ngsomegame….

Br
own: Soy
out
akeapi
eceofpaper
,readt
hewor
doutandsayt
hef
ir
stt
hingt
hatcomesi
nto
mind.
.

Me:
Im game.
.

Br
own:
Dimay
oucanst
art
.

Di
mat
ookapi
eceofpaperf
rom t
hebowl
,unf
oldedi
tthenr
eadwhatwaswr
it
tent
her
e..

Her
:“Fun”

Me:
What
’st
hef
ir
stt
hingt
hatcomesi
ntoy
ourmi
nd?

Di
ma:
Par
tyi
ng.
.

Br
own:
Itsy
ourt
urnFuni
.
.

It
ookapi
eceofpaper
,unf
oldedi
tandr
eadt
hewor
dthatwaswr
it
tent
her
e..

Me:
“babi
es”

Theyl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Cut
e..

Di
ma:
Theyar
ecut
e,j
ustnotwhenar
est
il
lnewbor
ns.
.

Me:
Yourt
urnBr
own.
.

Het
ookoutapi
eceofpaperanddi
dthesamet
hing.
.

Hi
m:“
French”

Wel
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Tongue.
.
Me:
Younast
y..

Wel
aughed.
.

I
twasDi
ma’
stur
nagai
n..

Her
:“passi
on”andt
hef
ir
stt
hingt
hatcomest
omymi
ndi
s..“
kiss”

Me:
kissofpassi
on.
.

Br
own:
ili
ke.
.

Me:
Myt
urn.
.

It
ookoutapaperandagai
nigot“
babi
es”
..

Somethi
ngwasjustnotr
ight
,icheckedal
lther
emai
ningpaper
sint
hebowl
andt
heywer
eal
l
wri
tt
en”babi
es”
…

Il
ookedatDi
maandBr
own.
.

Me:
Cani
seey
ourpaper
s..

Theygav
eme,
andt
hei
rpaper
swer
ewr
it
ten“
babi
es”
…

Me:
What
’sgoi
ngon,
didCowenputy
ouguy
supt
othi
s?

Ther
ewasamomentofsi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e..

Me:Sohedeci
dedtocr
ashourgi
rl
sni
ghtbyi
nfl
uenci
ngy
ouguy
stopr
essur
isemeabout
hav
inganot
herbaby
?….

Di
ma:
Hisj
ustwor
ri
edabouty
ouFuni
andsoar
ewe.
.

Idi
dn’
twannabr
eakdowni
nfr
ontoft
hem.
.

Me:
Let
’sj
ustt
alkaboutsomet
hingel
se.
.

Br
own:
Okay
..

Di
mahasbeenal
i
ttl
edi
stantev
ersi
ncewegother
e….

Me:
What
’swr
ongar
eyouokay
?

Her
:huh?

Br
own:
Youseem di
stant
..

Sheexhal
ed.
.

Her
:Shabbawant
stopayLobol
aforme.
.
Me:
Soqui
ck?

Her
:Hewant
smet
omov
einwi
thhi
m andmymot
herwon’
tal
l
owunt
ilhepay
sLobol
a..

Br
own:
That
’ssupposedt
obeagoodt
hingr
ight
,imeany
ouguy
slov
eeachot
her
?

Di
ma:
Yes,
but
.

Me:
But
?

Her
:if
eel
li
kehi
shi
dingsomet
hingf
rom me,
andi
m sensi
ngI
tssomet
hingbi
g…

Br
ownandi
lookedateachot
her
,thenwel
ookedatDi
maagai
n..

Br
own:
Hav
eyouconf
rot
edhi
m aboutt
hat
?

Di
ma:
iwant
edt
ohav
epr
ooff
ir
st.
.Can’
tconf
rothi
m ov
eraf
eel
i
ng.
.

Il
ookedatmywr
istwat
ch.
.

Me:
ithi
nki
shoul
dgetgoi
ng,
Itsl
ate.
.

Di
ma:
ithoughtwewer
est
il
lgonnawat
cht
hisl
astmov
ie…

Me:Tomor r
owCowenandiwegoingtohismot
her
’shouse,t
here’
sanunvei
li
ngsoweleav
ing
earl
yithi
nkitsbesti
hav
eanear
lyni
ght.
.Weall
shoul
dhav eanearl
yni
ghtbecausey
ouguys
arecomingtoo..

Br
ownst
oodup.
.

Hi
m:Funi
isr
ight
..

Di
ma:
Wel
lthat
’sabummer
..

Di
maandi
alsost
oodupt
henweal
lhuggedeachot
herandbi
deachot
herf
arewel
l
…

Me:
Youwantal
i
ftDi
ma?

Her
:Noi
l
lcal
lShabba

Me:
Okayguy
sseey
out
omor
row.
.

Theyagr
eed.
.Theyt
henwal
kedMet
omynewcart
hatCowenboughtmewasaToy
otaRav
4…

[
DIMA]

Ical
l
edShabbat
ocomeandf
etchme,
hedi
dn’
ttaket
hatl
ong.
.

Af
terr
eci
evi
ngatextf
rom hi
mt hathi
swait
ingout
side,
huggedBr
ownt
heni
wentt
oShabba
whowaswait
ingf
ormebyt hegateinhi
scar…
Me:
Hey
..

Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.

Hi
m:Howwasy
ourni
ghtwi
tht
hegi
rl
s?

Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..

Hestar
teddri
vi
ng.Somethi
ngwasdefi
nit
elynotri
ghtwi
thShabba,
thebl
ackcl
otheshewear
s
t
he“Skull
”si
gn.If
eell
ikehi
shi
dingsomethingf
rom me.
.

Hekeptonst
eal
i
ngl
ooksatmewhi
l
ehewasdr
ivi
ng.
.

Me:
Yini
?(what
)

Hi
m:Whyusourso?

Me:
idon’
tknowhowt
orepl
ytot
hat
..

Hekeptqui
et…

West
oppedatcal
tex
..

Hi
m:I
m gonnagetsomer
edbul
l
,wantsomet
hing?

Me:
achocol
atewoul
dbeni
cet
hanky
ou.
.

Hi
m:Okayi
m comi
ng.
.

Hegotout
,ashewaswal
ki
ngt
otheent
rancei
tookhi
sphone.
.

Iknowsnoopi
ngar
oundi
swr
ongbut
,ir
eal
l
ywannaconf
rothi
m wheni
hav
epr
oof
…

Hecamebackt
othecaraf
terl
i
ke30sec,
iputhi
sphonebackwer
eif
oundi
t.
.

Me:
Thatwasqui
ck…

Hi
m:ng’
khohl
wei
bel
l
asl
ami
(if
orgotmyphone)

Het
ooki
t…

Hi
m:ngi
yabuy
a(i
m comi
ngback)
…

Het
henl
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:angi
k’
thandi
mowukwat
eso(
idon’
tli
key
ouwheny
oumad)

Me:
Im notmad.
.

Hi
m:Yeahwhat
ever
..
Hesqueezedmycheekandt
henwent
..Shabba.
.Shabba.
.Ihopehei
sst
rai
ghtwi
thme.
.

PART77SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
59]Ron:
PART78SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
DIMA]

Iwasatt
hef
lat
,Wheni
mean“
thef
lat
”imeanShabba’
sfl
at…

Mymom al
lowsmet
ovi
sithi
m onsomeweekendsbutdoesn’
twantusmov
ingi
ntoget
herunt
il
hepay
sLobola.
.

Hi
snotev
enal
l
owedt
ost
epf
ooti
nmyhouse,
heonl
ydr
opsmeatt
hegat
eandt
hat
’st
hat
..

Iwasbusypr
epar
ingFuni’
sweddi
ngout
fi
t,y
esont
uesdayshe’
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edof
fwhi
chshe
doesn’
tev
enhaveanidea.
.

TuesdayItsherbi
rt
hday,
soCowendeci
dedthathewannasur
pri
seherwi
thaweddi
ngatt
he
roof
top,andwealloutt
omakeitaper
fectni
ghtfi
ther
…..

Hehasaskedmet odesi
gnherweddi
ngout
fi
tandi
m ner
vousbecauset
odayI
tsSat
urdayand
t
uesdayi
sjustar
oundthecorner
..

Itwasnowar ound1am,
ihav
ehadmy3rdcupofJacobspuregroundcoff
eeineedt
ofi
nisht
he
sketchoft
hisoutfi
tsoi
coul
dhavei
tputi
ttoget
herf
orheratthefact
oryorCoweni
sgonna
murderme..

I
twasawhi
teLongt
ightski
rt
,wi
thawhi
tet
shi
rtt
hathasagol
dli
ning.
.

Funi
isabi
ggi
rlsoi
hav
etogett
hemeasur
ement
sri
ghtandev
ery
thi
ngel
se……

Shabbawal
kedi
nonmeaf
terawhi
l
e..

Shabba:
Howf
aral
ongar
eyou?

Me:
almostt
her
e..

Hesatont
hechai
randl
ookedatmeasi
wasbusysket
chi
ng.
.

Me:
Youmaki
ngi
thar
dformet
oconcent
rat
eyouknow?

Hekeptqui
etandspokeaf
teraf
ewseconds…

Hi
m:What
’swr
ongkant
i?

Me:
Not
hingShabbai
justwannaf
ini
shFuni
’
sout
fi
tbef
orei
got
obed….
.

Hi
m:Skatl
ookatme.
.
Ist
oppedwhati
wasdoi
ngandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Tal
ktome,
ngi
kwenzeni
(tal
ktome)
…

Hegav
emeadesper
atel
ooki
nexchangef
ormyhonest
y..

Iputev
ery
thi
ngdownandexhal
ed,
howdoesoneev
enbegi
ntoasksuch….

Hi
m:Youdon’
twantust
opr
oceedwi
tht
heLobol
a?

Il
ookedathi
m,howcanheev
ent
hinkoft
hati
lov
ehi
m andi
wannabewi
thhi
m..

Me:
Whyy
ousayt
hat
?

Hi
m:Becausey
ounothappySkat
,imeanai
n’
tgi
rl
ssupposedt
obehappywheni
tcomest
othat
?

Il
ookedathi
m,hel
ookedsoocut
eanddesper
ateatt
hesamet
ime.
.

Hi
m:i
under
standi
fyoudon’
twannagoonwi
tht
henegot
iat
ionsi
m notgonnaf
orcey
ou.
.

Me:
Itsnott
hatShabba.
.

Hi
m:Theny
ini
?(whati
sit
)

Imightaswel
lj
ustt
ell
himt
het
rut
h,i
fican’
tbehonestwi
thhi
mthenwhoam i
gonnabe
honestwit
h?

Me:
ijust
….

Il
ookedathi
m andhi
sey
esmademegai
ncour
aget
oconf
rothi
m..

Me:Shabbawhati
sitt
haty
oudof
oral
i
ving?Whyy
oual
way
swear
ingbl
ack?Whati
stheskul
l
f
or?

Hechuckl
ed.
.Idi
dn’
tknowt
hatwasamusi
ng.
.

Hi
m:That
’swhat
sbeenbot
her
ingy
ou?

Inoddedmyhead.
.

Hi
m:Okay
..

Iswal
l
owedhar
d,hel
ookedl
i
kehewasaboutt
omakeabi
gconf
essi
on.
.

Hi
m:Letmeputi
tinawayt
haty
ougoi
ngt
ounder
stand.
.

Me:
Oookay
..

Hegav
emeaser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:pr
omi
sey
ouwon’
ttel
lany
oneorl
eav
eme?becausei
fyoudot
heni
l
lhav
etoki
l
lyou.
.
It
houghthewasgonnasay“
imj
oki
ng”butnohewasser
ious.
.

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Pr
omi
se?

Me:
i.
.Pr
o..Pr
omi
se.
.

Him:I
nlamestter
msandnottoconfuseyou..Iam aGangst
er,
andpar
tofacrewcal
l
edthe
Skul
l
s..Ourcr
ewiscomposedofdoctor
s,lawyers,
Copsetc.
.Wealway
slookoutf
oreachot
her
..

Wear
eineachandev
erypr
ovi
nce,
eachpr
ovi
ncehasal
eaderandourl
eaderher
eisCowen.
.

Weprof
essi
onal
thugs,
weonl
yrobbankst
hat
’swhywet
hisr
ich,
andweonl
yki
l
lthosewho
meanushar
m..

Aft
erki
l
li
ngy
ouweputawhi
tecl
othov
ery
out
osy
mbol
i
sepur
it
y,cl
eansi
ngour
sel
vesf
rom y
our
deat
h….
.

Thi
sist
oomuch,Ihav
eneverexpect
edmeandmysel
ftobeinv
olv
edwit
hsuchadanger
ous
per
son.
.OhhGodwhatismyfamil
ygonnasay
??Whatam i
gonnasayhi
spr
ofessi
oni
s??

Hi
m:Any
thi
ngel
se?

Ishookmyheadno.
.

Hi
m:Di
mzozoi
lov
eyouSkatandi
l
lnev
erhur
tyou.
.

Icoul
dseei
nhi
sey
est
hathemeanti
t.
.SoFuni
isal
sodat
ingaGangst
er?
??

[
FUNI
]

Cowencamehomeat2am.Iwasst
il
lup,
ican’
tsl
eepwi
thouthi
m bei
ngher
e..

Hewasv
erysur
pri
sedt
oseemeup….

WhatihateaboutCoweni
sthatsi
ncehebecameahear
tSur
geonhei
sal
way
sbusyandhar
dly
athome..

Hewasv
eryt
ir
edi
coul
dtel
l
,hi
sey
eswer
eev
enr
edandheav
y..

Iwaswear
ingmyshor
tni
ghtdr
ess.
.

Hi
m:t
houghty
ou’
dbesl
eepi
ng.
.

Hesai
dthatwhi
l
eyawni
ng…

Me:
Youknowi
can’
tsl
eepwi
thouty
oubei
ngher
e..

Het
ookof
fhi
swhi
tecoatandt
hrewi
tont
hecoucht
hencameupt
ome.
.
Hi
m:Har
dtor
esi
stcar
essi
ngy
ourbi
gthi
ghsi
nthatsexynumber
..

Her
anhi
shandupmyt
highswhi
l
eigav
ehi
m aser
iousl
ook.
.

Hi
m:Somet
hingt
ell
smet
hati
mint
roubl
e..

Me:
Whydi
dyoucr
ashmygi
rl
sni
ght
?

Hegav
emeaconf
usedl
ook.
.

Me:
Bragawhydi
dyouf
orcemygi
rl
stopr
essur
isemeaboutt
hebabyt
hing?

Hi
m:Ngi
zok’
shay
ayouknowy
ounotsupposedt
ocal
lmeBr
aga.
.

Ikeptqui
etandl
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m: I
m sor
rybubu,
ithoughtt
hatmay
bei
fitcamef
rom y
ourf
ri
endsy
ouwoul
dact
ual
l
ygi
vei
ta
t
hought.
.

Cowenwant
sababyandi
hat
ethathi
spr
essur
isi
ngme,
im notr
eady
….

Me:
Coweny
ouknowi
m notr
eady
,pl
easedon’
ttakemebackt
her
e..

Heki
ssedmyhands.
.

Hi
m:i
knowandi
m sor
ry.
.

Me:My..Ourbabywasext
ract
edf
rom mywombi
nthemostpai
nful
way
,iseet
hescarev
ery
day
andi
tremindsmeofwhathe…Didtome.

Il
ookedathi
m wi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.
.

Me:Arey
ougonnaleav
emei fir
efuset
ogiveyouababy?Iknowhowmuchy ouwantyour
babi
es…Hepul
ledmeclosert
ohim andhuggedmeti
ghtwhileWhi
sper
ingi
nmyear..

Hi
m:Don’
tbecr
azy
,babyornoti
l
lal
way
slov
eyou.
.

That
’sal
lineededt
oknow,
himl
ovi
ngme

PART78SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
13:
59]Ron:
PART79SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
FUNI
]

Unfort
unatel
ywedidn’
tgotot
heunvei
li
ng,Cowenwasveryt
ir
edfrom t
henightbef
ore.
.Het
old
met hatusnotbei
ngther
ewon’
taf
fectany
onebecausether
elat
ivewasnotevensomeone
cl
oset ohi
m.

Ihadt
ocal
lBr
ownandDi
mat
ocancel
……
I
twasaround8:55andiwasinmybraandmat
chi
ngunder
wearsi
ncewenotgoi
ngt
othe
unv
eil
i
ngi deci
dedtogotochur
ch.
.

Iam ver
ymuchconnect
edt
oGodnowandi
feel
li
kei
shoul
dal
way
sbegr
eat
ful
fort
hel
i
fei
havenow…

Cowenmadehi
swayi
nasi
wasbusychoosi
nganout
fi
t.
.

Onl
yaf
ewcl
othesf
itmenow,
iwasgai
ningwei
ghtdr
ast
ical
l
y..

If
elthim squeezi
ngmybut
tandki
ssi
ngmeonmyneckasi
wasi
nthecl
osetgoi
ngt
hroughmy
cl
othes…

Me:
Cowenst
op.
.

Hi
m:Howcani
resi
sty
ouwheny
out
hissexy
?

Me:
Youcan’
tev
ennot
icet
hati
mfat
?

Hi
shandsmadet
hei
rwayt
omybut
tcheeks.
.

Hi
m:I
m notcompl
aini
ngbecausey
ougai
ningwei
ghti
nal
lther
ightpl
aces….

Me:
Stopi
t,i
m pr
epar
ingf
orchur
ch.
.

Hi
m:5mi
n..

Me:
Im al
readyl
ate.
.

Hi
m:2mi
n..

Me:
asi
fli
key
ouwoul
dreal
l
ygof
or2mi
nut
es?

Hi
m:i
l
ltr
y

Me:
Yeaht
heny
our2mi
nwi
l
lbe15mi
n..

HeExhal
edandi
fel
thi
swar
m br
eat
hhi
tt
ingmyneck.
.

Me:
Ain’
tyousupposedt
obesl
eepi
ng?Yout
ir
edr
emember
?

Onet
hingaboutCowenist
hat
,nomat
terhowt
ir
edhei
shewi
l
lnev
ersl
eept
hewhol
eday
..He
al
wayswakesupbefor
eme..

Hi
m:I
m notsl
eepy
..

Icoul
dfeel
hishar
dshaf
tagai
nstmybut
t.
.

Me:
Thengobuymeapr
esentf
ormybi
rt
hdayont
uesday
..

Iam exci
tedaboutmyBi
rt
hdayOnt
uesday
,iam most
lyl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hegi
ft
sim gonna
get
.Ihav
ebeenhi
nti
ngCowent
hati
wantaMer
cedes-
BenzGLAi
hopehebuy
sme.
.

Hi
shandsmov
edt
omybr
east
sandhesqueezedt
hem,
hewasReal
l
ytur
ningmeon.
.

Me:
Cowenst
op…

Hi
m:Ski
pchur
chf
ort
oday
..

Me:
Justbecausey
oudon’
tgot
ochur
ch,
doesn’
tmeanweal
ldon’
tgo…

Het
urnedmear
oundt
ofacehi
m..

Hi
m:Doy
oust
il
lhav
etheMor
ningaf
terpi
l
l?

Inodded.
.

Hi
m:Thent
hat
’sgood.
.

Heli
ft
edmeupandi
wrappedmyl
egsar
oundhi
swai
stwhi
l
ehebal
ancedmeonmybut
tsoi
don’
tfal
l
..

Forhi
mtot
akeal
lmywei
ght
,hewasv
eryst
rong.
.

Hemov
edbackwar
dsunt
ilwemadeourwayt
othesmal
lcouchj
usti
nthecent
reatt
hecl
osest
..

Hesatdownwi
thmeont
opofhi
m andwewer
ebusyki
ssi
ng…

Hewasr
unni
nghi
shandsonmyback,
whi
l
eourt
ongueswer
edanci
ngar
ound…

Wecont
inuedki
ssi
ng,
andhim car
essi
ngmeallov
er.Iwasal
readyget
ti
ngwet
,ev
ery
timewhen
Cowent
ouchesmeinasexualwayigetwet
…..

Hewentt
otakeof
fmybr
a,andi
tookof
fhi
sTankt
op.
.

Hi
m:i
lov
eyousoomuchbaby
..

Me:
ilov
eyout
oo.
.

I
namatterofsecondswewer
enaked,
iwasst
il
lont
opofhi
m whenhehel
pedmeSl
i
demy
sel
f
onhi
m..

Ev
ery
timewhenheent
ersmei
tcomeswi
thabi
tofpai
n..

Ihadmyhandsonhi
sshoul
der
s,andhehadhi
shandsonmywai
st.
.

Me:
Ouch!
!

Hi
m:Pai
nful
?

Me:
ali
tt
le.
.
Hi
m:Sor
ry.
.

Isl
owl
ytookal
lofhi
min,
andi
coul
dfeel
itdeepi
nsi
de.
.

Me:
Itwe.
.Itwenti
ntoodeep.
.

Hi
m:We’
l
lbedonei
nnot
ime.
.

Hest
art
edki
ssi
ngmewhi
l
eiwentupanddownonhi
m…

Aft
erafewminut
eshewashol
dingmywai
stveryt
ightandmaki
ngmegoupanddownonhi
m
ver
yfast
…Ifel
thi
mindeepwhi
chwasabituncomfort
able.
.

Me:
Cowe.
.Cowen…

[
DIMA]

Iwasatt
heki
tchendr
inki
ngcof
fee.
.Icoul
dn’
tev
ensl
eepl
astni
ghtaf
terwhatShabbat
oldme.
.

Il
oveShabbaandi
m notgonnaleav
ehi
m,i
mjustwonder
inghowwegonnawor
koutandwhat
am i
gonnasaytomyfamil
y???

Ihav
eneverdat
edabadboy ,
ial
way
sdat
edsweetguy
syouknowy
ourt
ypi
cal
“Boynextdoor
”
whowereevenscar
edofsex….

Ireal
l
ydi
dn’tknowhowourr
elat
ionshi
pwasgonnawor
kout
,buti
lov
ehi
m al
oti
meant
hisi
s
thesameguywhotookmyvir
ginit
y…

Iwasbr
oughtbackt
oreal
i
tywhenheputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyneckandki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.

Het
henwhi
sper
edi
nmyear
..

Hi
m:Thi
nki
ngt
oomuchi
snotgood.
.

Het
henwentt
omakehi
msel
fcof
fee.

Hi
m:Howar
eyou?

Me:
Goodandy
ou?

Isai
dthatwhi
l
eyawni
ng.
.

Hi
m:Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngwhensomeofuswer
esl
eepi
ng?

It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Justhadahect
icni
ght
..

Hi
m:St
il
lbot
her
edbywhati
tol
dyoul
astni
ght
?

Inoddedmyhead.
.
Me:
ivenev
erdat
edabadboybef
ore.
.

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Im wonder
inghowwegonnawor
kout
..

Hi
m:i
tol
dyout
hati
m nev
ergonnahur
tyou.
.

Me:
Buti
fil
eav
eyout
heny
ouwi
l
l?

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
Sor
ryt
hatcameoutwr
ong.
.

Hi
m:I
tsay
t..

Ikeptqui
etandsi
ppedonmycof
fee.
.

Hi
m:Doy
ouknowwhatot
hert
hingst
hatbadboy
sar
egoodat
?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
no.
.

Hi
m:wannaknow?

Me:
ifi
t’
snotdanger
ous

Heputhi
smugdownt
hencamet
omeandki
ssedme….
.

Hi
m:That
..

Wecont
inuedki
ssingandhepi
ckedmeupandputmeont
opoft
heki
tchencount
er,
andcame
i
nbet
weenmyl egs,whi
lewewerest
il
lbusyki
ssi
ng….
.

PART79SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
14:
01]Ron:
PART80SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
DIMA]

Tuesdaycame,
itwasFuni
’
sbi
rt
hdayandsur
pri
seweddi
ng.
.

Ever
ythi
ngwastobesetupattheroof
topbefor
esheget
sbackf
rom wor
k,andi
fev
ery
thi
ngi
s
notyetseti
am supposet
okeepherbusy….
.

Ihadf
ini
shedwi t
hherout
fi
t,i
evensentt
hesket
chest
othef
act
oryper
sonal
andf
etchedi
ttoo
wheni
twasr eady……

Ihopeshel
i
kesi
t,butmostofal
lihopei
tfi
tsherespeci
all
ybecausenowshehaswi
der
curv
es….
Iwasner
vousasi
fli
kei
mtheoneget
ti
ngmar
ri
edi
naf
ewhour
sti
me…

Coweni
sgonnabeher
einnot
imet
ofet
cht
heout
fi
t.
.

Me:
Herout
fi
tisdone,
ihopeshel
i
kesi
t…

Iwasbr
eat
hingi
nandout
…

Shabbal
aughed,
ilookedathi
m..

Me:
Im gl
adt
haty
ouf
indi
ngt
hisf
unny
..

Hi
m:Whyar
eyout
hisner
vousagai
n?

Me:
Excuseme?

Him:Noexcusey ou.
.Di
may oudidever
ythingyoucoul
d,y
ouev
enwentanextr
amil
e.I
fthi
s
doesn’
tworkoutthenIt
snotyourfaul
t.
.PlushowdoweknowthatFuni
isev
engonnabehappy
aboutal
lthi
ssurpri
seweddi
ng?

Me:
Yourightaboutt
hat
.If
eell
ikeCowenshoul
d’v
emay
begav
eal
i
ttl
ethoughti
ntoal
loft
his.
.
Aweddi
ngisnotwhatyousur
prisesomeonewi
th.
.

Hi
m:Exact
ly,
whaty
oushoul
dbewor
ryi
ngabouti
syourLobol
anegot
iat
ionsonSat
urday
..

Me:
Andt
hent
her
e’st
hat
..

MyLobol
anegot
iat
ionsar
eonSat
urdayi
am al
soner
vousaboutt
hat
…

Me:
ifeel
soomuchst
ressi
don’
tknowi
fil
lbeabl
etokeepup.
.

Wet
henhear
dthedoorbel
l
..

Shabba:
mustbeCowen…

Hest
oodupandwentt
oopen,
indeedi
twasCowen….

Cowen:
Mor
ningguy
s..

Wegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.

Me:
Herout
fi
tisont
hecouch.
.

Hewentandgoti
t…

Hi
m:Thanky
ouv
erymuch.

Shabba:
Doesshehav
easl
i
ghtcl
ueaboutal
loft
his?

Cowen:
naashe’
snotsuspect
ingany
thi
ng…
Me:
Thent
hat
’sgood.
.

Cowen:
18:
00att
her
oof
top…

Shabba:
We’
l
lbet
her
e

Cowen:
Don’
tbel
atet
oo.
.

Shabba:
Nev
er.
.

Het
henl
ookedatme…

Hi
m:Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
iowey
oubi
gti
me.
.

Me:
Youwel
come.
.

Het
henwal
kedout
..

Me:
Letmegogetmyt
hings.
.Af
tert
hewhol
ecer
emonyi
sdonecany
oupl
easedr
ivemehome?

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Hi
m:i
smyf
latbor
ing?

Me:Noi needtogohomemymom want

smehomesowecanal
sost
artpr
epar
ingf
ort
he
negot
iat
ions…

Her
aisedhi
shandsupasi
fli
kehewassur
render
ing.
.

Me:
Letmegogetmyt
hingst
hen.
.

Hi
m:Okay

Iwentt
ogetmyt
hings.
.

[
FUNI
]

Iwasdonepr
epari
ngforwor
k,i
keptonchecki
ngmyphonehopi
ngt
ogetat
extorphonecal
l
fr
om Cowenwishi
ngmeahappybir
thday
,butnot
hing….

Myhear
twasverysor
eiwon’
tli
e,Shabbahadwi
shedmeahappybi
rthday
,Di
mahadwished
meahappybi
rt
hdaytoo.
.sodi
dBr own,ev
enmyCousi
nJozi
call
edandCowenfor
got
…

It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhi
m…

Hi
m:Bubu

Me:
Heyhoney
..

Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:
Yes.
.

Hi
m:Thent
hat
’sgoodt
ohear
..

Me:
uhm Cowen.
.

Hi
m:Yes?

Me:
aren’
tyouf
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing?

Hi
m:Somet
hingl
i
ke?

Me:
idon’
tknowwashopi
ngt
hatmay
bey
ouwoul
dwannat
ell
mesomet
hing?

Him:Ohwyaayourresul
tscamebacky
ounotpr
egnant
….It
hinky
ougai
ningwei
ghtBecausey
ou
eati
ngal
otofunheal
thyfood.
.

Me:
Ohw.

Hi
m:Yeap.
.Ar
en’
tyouatt
hebout
ique?

Me:
Wasonmywayt
her
e..

Hi
m:Okayhav
eal
ovel
yday
,andi
lov
eyou.
.

Me:
met
oo.
.

Hi
m:By
e

Me:
Bye

Ihungedup.
.Thatwasat
hor
ntomyhear
t……….

Mydayatt
hebouti
quewasver
ysl
owandnoti
nter
est
ing,
ormay
bei
sitbecausei
wasst
il
lmad
t
hatCowenfor
gotmybi
rt
hday.
.

Ihav
ebeenhi
nti
nghi
m aboutt
heMer
cedes-
Benzt
hewhol
eofl
astweekbutst
il
l……

Iwasr
eli
evedwhent
hecl
ockst
ruck17:
00,
icangohomeandsl
eepmybr
okenhear
taway
…

Di
macamet
omyof
fi
ceasi
waspacki
ngmyt
hings….

Her
:bossl
ady
.

Il
ookedather
..

Her
:Don’
tyouwannagoout
,getI
cecr
eam orsomet
hingi
meanI
tsy
ourbi
rt
hdayaf
teral
l
..

Me:
Thanky
ou,
butno.
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoust
il
lmadt
hathef
orgoty
ourbi
rt
hday
?

Me:
Youdamnr
ighti
am.
.Howcoul
dhe?

Her
:Thent
hat
’swhyy
oushoul
ddr
owny
oursor
rowsi
nicecr
eam.
.

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
Wel
lmay
bey
our
ight
,let
sgo.
.

Shesmi
l
edatmeandwewent
….

Wedidn’
ttaket
hatl
ongatt
hemall
,wejustgoti
cecr
eamsanddi
dabi
tofwi
ndowshoppi
ng
unt
ilwegotbor
edandwenttomypl
ace….

Dimawaswear
ingabeaut
if
ulgol
d&whi
tedr
essl
i
keshe’
sgoi
ngt
oat
tendsomei
mpor
tant
funct
ion…

Thehousewasqui
etwhenwegoti
n,Coweni
sdef
ini
tel
ynotback.
.

Me:
Letmegoputmyt
hingsupst
air
s…

Her
:il
lj
usthangar
ounddownher
e.

Me:
Okay
..

Iwal
kedupst
air
stomybedr
oom,
andwhati
sawwheni
gott
her
ereal
l
yshockedme.
.

Abeaut
if
ulgol
d&whi
teout
fi
twasl
aidoutont
hebedwi
thgol
dheel
sandanot
e…

Iwentt
ogett
henot
eandi
tread:

“Wemeti nthemoststrangewayev er,youwer ejustamer epati

entofmineandi wasyour
doctor.Nev eri
nami l
li
onyearsdidi t
hinkthattodayillhavet
hecouragetomakey oumywi fe.I
l
ov eyou, andiwannaspendt herestofmyl if
ewi thyou.Ivel
ostyoumanytimesbef or
e,and
todayi wannakeepy ouforev
er..Al
lim SayingFuni Mahlanguis,
wouldyoupleasemar r
yme?
Putont heout f
itandcomeatt herooft
op,ifyounother einanhourthenil
lknowthatyour
answeri sno..

Andbef
orei
for
getl
i
ftupt
hepi
l
low”
..

Il
i
ftedupthepi
ll
owandi sawCarkey
s,Mercedes-
Benzcarkey
stobeExactwi
thasmal
lri
bbon
wrappedar
oundthem wr
itt
en“
happybir
thday”
…

Iwasv
eryshocked,
idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
odoort
hinkatt
hatpoi
nt.

Whati
sCowent
hinki
ng?Thi
sissomet
hingt
hatweshoul
d’v
edi
scussedf
ir
st…

[
COWEN]
Iwaswai
ti
ngatt
her
oof
top,
thepl
acewasdecor
atedgol
d&whi
te.

Ourcl
osef
ami
l
yandf
ri
endswer
ether
e,mymom wast
her
eev
enhercousi
nJozi
wast
her
e…

Ti
mehadwentandFuni
wasnotshowi
ngup…….

Fort
hefir
stt
imei
nmyl
i
fei
wasscar
edmay
bei
crossedt
hel
i
ne,
ishoul
d’v
edi
scussedt
hiswi
th
herf
ir
st…

Ev
ery
onewasst
art
ingt
ogetabi
twor
ri
ed…

Di
mawal kedint
otakeherseatandi
lookedather
,shet
henshookherheadandmumbl
edt
he
words“
Sorry”
…

Myhear
tsank,
ireal
l
ythoughtt
hatFuni
wasgonnaacceptmypr
oposal
..

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
hePast
or…

Me:
Uhm i
am v
erysor
ryaboutwhat
’shappeni
ng.
.Ir
eal
l
ythoughtt
hat
..

If
eltShabbapoki
ngmeonmyshoul
der
..
Ilookedathi
m…

Me:
Wai
tmani
m st
il
l.
.

Hi
m:Lookatt
heemer
gencydoor
..

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
hedoorandt
her
eshewasmaki
ngherwayt
omeandl
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ul
asever
…

Ev
ery
onest
oodup….

Shel
ookedv
erybeaut
if
ulandper
fect
.Whenshehadmadeherwayt
omeev
ery
onesatdown…

Shel
ookedatme,
wit
haser
iousf
acei
knewt
hatdeepdownshewant
edt
oki
l
lme…

Me:
ihav
eaf
uner
alcov
er.
.

Her
:Youbet
ter
……

Af
teraf
ewsecondsshesmi
l
edatmeandi
smi
l
edathert
oo….

Iwasv
erygl
adt
hatt
oni
ghtshei
sgoi
ngt
obeMRSSEANCOWEN.
.

PART80SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
04/
15,
14:
02]Ron:
PART81SAVEMEFROM MYI
NLAWS

[
2YEARSLATER]
Iam i
nmyhot
elr
oom si
tt
ingont
hebedaboutt
ovi
deocal
lMamak….

Cowenandi
madet
hist
oDur
banbecauseDi
maandShabbaar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
omor
row.
.

TheyHav
edonepr
ett
ywel
lfort
hemsel
ves,
theyhav
eahouseandshe’
s4mont
hspr
egnant
..

Ther easonwhyittookt
hislongfort
hem togetmarri
ed, i
sthatDima’
sfamil
ytri
edtobreak
them upafterf
indi
ngoutthatShabbaisaSkull.I
twast hel
owestpointi
nDima’sli
febecause
nomat t
erhowmuchshet ri
edtoconv i
nceherfamil
yhowhappyshei swi
thShabba,t
heyjust
didn’
twannahearnoneoft hatandtheydisownedher.Shecouldn’
thandl
ethenewsv er
ywell
thatshegotseveredepr
ession.
.

Itt
ookherawhilet
oputtogethert
hebrokenpi
ecesofherpsy
chi
atr
y…Aft
ert
hatwhole
exper
iencewhensher
ecovereddecidedt
oplanthei
rweddi
ngandherewear
etoday……..

Di
maandShabbal
oveeachot
her
,idi
dn’
tknowt
hatShabbacanact
ual
l
ylov
esomeone…

Befor
ei madet
hecal l
,istoodupandwenttolookatt
hescari
nmyabdomi nal
areabutt
his
ti
mear oundmyatt
it
udet owardsi
thadchanged.Iam l
ooki
ngatitnott
hinki
ngaboutwhatZuko
oncedidtome,butthi
nkingaboutthet
wohumansbei ngst
hatcamef r
om ther
e…

2mont
hsagoi
gav
ebi
rt
htot
winboy
sSeanCowenj
nr,
andSadeCowen….
.

Itwasnotaplannedpr
egnancy
,whathadhappenedisthat
..
Cowenandiwenttot
heBahamas
forouranni
vesar
yandwedidthedeedunf
ortunat
elyicoul
dn’
tgetanymor
ningaf
terpi
l
lther
e
sothat’
showmyboy swereconci
eved…

Iwentandt
ookmyphonet
henv
ideocal
l
edMamak…

Her
:Mi
sscov
erpage,
ithoughty
ou’
l
lbeat
tent
ingy
ourf
ri
end’
sbr
idal
shower
?

Me:
Im aboutt
ogo,
justwant
edt
oseemyboy
simi
sst
hem…

Her
:It
sonl
ybeen2day
s,y
ouhav
eal
readycal
l
edus50t
imes.
.

Nowshe’
sexagger
ati
ng…

Me:
iknow,
ijustmi
sst
hem al
ot.
.

Her
:Theysl
eepi
ng.
.

Me:
Cani
seet
hem?

Shet
urnedherphoneandt
heywer
esl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
y…Iwat
chedt
hem wi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.
.

Her
:hai
boFuni
.
.

Me:
Youj
ustdon’
tunder
standhowmuchi
misst
hem.
.

Thedooropenedasi
wasspeaki
ngt
oMamak,
andCowenwal
kedi
n…
Hi
m:ShabbaandD.
.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thdi
sappr
oval
.
.

Me:
ijustmi
sst
hem Okay
?

Hi
m:Thi
sist
he50t
hti
mey
oucal
l
edhome.
.

Hecamet
osi
tnextt
ome.
.

Cowen:
ubul
away
isepar
ati
onanxi
etymamaungamunaki
..

Het
ookmyphoneandcancel
l
edt
hev
ideocal
l
…

Hi
m:everysecondyougety
oualwayssepar
ati
ngy
our
sel
ffr
om usandcal
l
inghome.
.Your
f
ri
endneedsy oushe’
saner
vouswreck.
.

Me:
May
bei
hav
ebeenabi
tsel
fi
sh.
.

Hi
m:Youhav
e..

Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Let
’sgo.
.

Hi
m:Noty
et.
.Badgi
rl
sdeser
vet
obepuni
shed.
.

Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m andi
fel
lont
hebedwi
thhi
m comi
ngont
opofme…

Hi
m:Howdi
dwegether
e?

Me:
G5.
.

Hi
m:Noi
meanwemar
ri
edandwehav
etwi
ns,
howdi
dwegett
ohav
ethi
sper
fectl
i
fe?

Me:
Justbl
essi
ngsonbl
essi
ngs.
.

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedme…

Icamever
yfarformetohavethi
sli
fe.Wheni
hadgivenuponeverf
indinghappi
nessand
peacei
nmylif
e,someonenevergav
euponmei nst
eadhesavedmef rom myinlawsbei
ng
Zukoandhi
sfamily
…

Iusedtocr
ywhenigodownmemoryl
ane,
butnowi smil
ewhenigodownmemor
ylane
becausei
fZukodi
dn’
tbashmewi
thhi
sgunthatni
ght,t
heniwoul
dn’
thav
emetDRCowen…

Someti
mespai
nfulexperi
encesar
eactual
l
yst
eppi
ngst
onest
oabr
ight
erf
utur
e,nev
eri
nyour
l
if
eviewapai
nfulexper
ienceasacur
se..
Thanky
out
oev
ery
onewhot
ookt
hei
rti
met
oreadmyst
ory
.

IAM FUNICOWEN,
ANDTHI
SWASMYSTORY

*
***
***
***
***
THEEND*
***
***
***
**