Free Within by Rachel Rae Page B

and figure out what am I going to do.”
    “Sure, it can wait. But I guess in the meantime, you must investigate,” Aunt Courtney said with a nod.
    ***************************
    Ten days later, I was released from the hospital; my hands didn't sting as much as they did before, but they were still a bit tender. My father still didn't agree to what I wanted to do, even though he didn't want me to go ahead with my plan, I refused to let that stop me. As I was sitting there, waiting on my aunt to pick me up, I found myself gazing out the window, lost in my thoughts, when an all too familiar voice spoke loudly.
    “What the hell do you think you're about to do? You think what you about to do is gon’ solve yo problems?”
    I stayed quiet, trying not to give Akira any energy, but it seemed the more I ignored her, the louder she became. I took in three big breaths attempting to center myself. It seemed to be working, but I knew it wouldn't hold her too long. Quickly, I opened the bag that held my things and reached for the pill bottle, shaking two into my hand.
    “Excuse me?” I asked, softly walking up to the help desk. “Is there a water fountain or something nearby?”
    “Go straight; make a left by the gift shop and you'll see it on your right.” She smiled.
    “Thank you.”
    I sped walked to the fountain and as soon as I got there, I popped the pills and drank some water.
    “You can't contain me for long,” I heard the voice say silently. It got lower and lower, until it was no longer there. I hate to admit it, but Akira was probably right, I can feel her getting stronger, the one moment I forget to take that pill. I took another sip of water and then rushed back to my things.
    “Excuse me ma'am, but did you see someone take my stuff?” The receptionist just smiled at me and pointed outside. I told her thank you once more, and headed in the direction she pointed.
    Aunt Courtney was standing by the passenger side, while my daddy was putting my bags in the car.
    “Why is he here?”
    “I'm here, because I'm learning to be supportive. I didn't give you a chance when your illness began to show, and I'm sorry for that. When you spoke about forgiveness; it made me think, maybe I should start from the beginning myself.”
    “Forgiveness from whom?” I asked, confused.
    I sat in the car as my father and aunt begin to tell me a long story about what Grandma had done to me, when I was just a baby. My mind wandered off, thinking maybe if I focused long and hard enough, I could remember or recollect what they were telling me, but I got nothing.
    “So y'all want us to forgive someone that tried to roast me, someone that I don't even know?” I asked, breaking my silence.
    “No Krystle, this will be my forgiveness, something I have to do. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to.”
    “I don't plan on it,” I said, sucking my teeth.
    “All I'm saying is you've helped me realize some things and… Look, what kind of example am I setting as your dad, if I can't do the same thing you're doing?” he asked, parking the car.
    We got out and headed inside The Hamptons assisted living facilities; it reminded me of a nursing home, but with the people being more mobile. When we got to her room we knocked, but it meant nothing, because Aunt Courtney opened the door with a key anyway.
    She was sitting in an older cloth recliner, looking out a window when we walked in.
    “Hey Ma, I brought you some company.”
    “You stopped coming by, so I assume you've been busy,” she said, slightly rocking back and forth, still looking out the window.
    “Yeah a bit, did you hear what I said though? I brought some people to see you,” Aunt Courtney said, walking a little closer.
    “I heard you the first time gal, I haven't even put on my wig.”
    “It's alright, Ma, you don't need it,” Aunt Courtney said, smiling slightly.
    “If she wants to put on her wig, she can,” my dad spoke, taking a couple of steps up, now standing