Jaylan's pupils shrank to pinpoints as he lay stiffly on top of me.
"Get off." I hissed, nudging the blade forward for emphasis.
Inside, I cursed silently, “What the hell? Did he really think I was still that naive girl from ten years ago?”
Reluctantly, with a glare that could scorch, he stood up, his face twisted in rage, "Aaliyah, you're ruthless."
With the knife still pointed at him, I rose to my feet, matching his furious gaze, "Jaylan, you've brought all this on yourself. If you had even a shred of decency, we wouldn't be here right now, not knowing where our own child is. You're the biggest joke in Goldenvale Town. You better pray I find my kid soon, or I swear, I'll make your life a living hell."
"Aaliyah, you listen to me. You better wire me some cash, or you'll regret it." Jay knelt on the couch, his eyes blazing with venomous fury.
I backed out of the living area with a scoff, "You're about to be homeless, and you're making threats? Better keep an eye on this last place you've got before Farley cuts you off for good. There are no more cheap lofts to crash at."
With that, I turned and strode to the door, not looking back as I swung it open and stepped out.
Hannah was outside, pacing anxiously. As soon as she saw me, she rushed over, looking me up and down, "Allie, are you okay?"
Her eyes tightened when she noticed the knife in my hand, "What was..."
"It's nothing. Don't worry." I tossed the paring knife into the communal trash bin, "Let's talk downstairs."
We hurried down the stairs, but as fate would have it, we ran into Farley and Fannie on the second floor.
Those two, shameless as ever, clung to each other like conjoined twins, their hands roaming uncontrollably over each other's bodies. No wonder the neighbors were always cursing Farley out.
He was a disgrace to his age.
Just watching them made me sick.
I stood on the staircase, looking down at the pair entangled as they ascended.
Farley seemed to realize someone was above and stopped his wandering hands to look up, only to find me, looking down with utter contempt.
He instinctively let go of Fannie and took a step back, trying to put some distance between them, his eyes shifting guiltily to mine.
But then he remembered I was no longer part of their family, and his anger flared, "You little tramp. What are you doing here? Why are you back?"
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