Page 449 of K.I.N.: Karma Is Near

“That’s between you and Xay.”

He walked out of the bedroom.

“Keith!”

The door slammed.

I stood there holding Carter against my chest.

My phone started ringing again.

Mom.

This time, I answered.

“What?”

“Avery?”

I closed my eyes.

“What, Ma?”

Her voice softened immediately.

“Baby, are you crying?”

I looked toward the bedroom door.

Then down at Carter.

And for the first time since this whole shit blew up, I couldn’t blame Xay.

Couldn’t blame Heather.

Couldn’t blame Sam.

Couldn’t even blame Keith.

I had done this shit to myself.

“Yeah, Ma.”

“What happened?”

I swallowed.

“Can me and Carter come stay with you guys for a little while?”

14

HEATHER & XAVIER

HEATHER

Christmas and New Year’s had came and fucking went, and honestly, I barely noticed either one.

Too much shit had happened.