- up. I can help you if you need.

- manage.] I know that was some hard shit to talk about. I love you and that shit will never happen again if I have anything to say about it. [I patted E on the shoulder and went back to the kitchen, turning my attention to Z.] the microwave is right behind you. It’s kind of hidden. It’s also way -

- something to eat. Rice is in that pot. There’s still wings over there. There’s mac & cheese in that tin right there plus a bunch of more stuff. [when I heard Lexi talking about Thomas and even Dante, I stopped what I was doing and walked into the living room, giving her the biggest hug I could -

[I smiled, leading the way upstairs knowing that Lexi was talking to everyone about what was going on. Talking about Bishop was always difficult, but I gave her a nod of encouragement, pulling Z behind me to the kitchen.] there is always food in this house. You don’t understand there’s always -

- through. If you need somebody to listen, I’ve been told I’m good at that. You don’t have to. I’m just offering. Juice is a good dude provided you don’t ask him to knock out a dog. Don’t know if you’ve heard that story but funny shit trust me shall we go see what they are up to up there?

[I took her hand and kissed the back of it. Maybe it was cheesy to some, but I just liked seeing her smile.] well it is nice to meet you. I’m gonna have to come up with a nickname for you that nobody else uses. [I offered her my hand as we headed for the stairs.] I don’t know what you’re going -

- anyway. I was born and raised in Oakland. Shit went down quite a few years ago, and I decided to go somewhere different after everything. I kind of regret it though.

[I chuckled at her question.] I’m very observant so I see a lot of him in your face. Plus, he’s one of Lexi’s closest friends. It’s kind of hard to go without noticing that’s sort of thing. [I shrugged my shoulders stuffing my hands in my back pockets.] you could say that, but Arizona isn’t home -

- do for juice.

- there was a decent-sized picture of Creep on the wall back here. I liked it. I loved the fact that Lexi honored her loved ones instead of erasing them. I walked back over to Z smiling a little bit.] I’m Manny by the way. You are safe here. Lex is good people. there isn’t very much she wouldn’t -

- of the room opening more windows. I must have sneezed four times in the process.] I don’t know how these people could sit in this. It stinks so bad. [I picked up the garbage bag again filling it with everything I could find.] Slobs I swear. No damn respect for anything. [I noticed then that -

[I had to laugh at her comment because she was probably right. I grabbed the garbage bag and started helping because this was just disgusting.] I promise we aren’t all like this. Some of these fools don’t even care where they are. You probably know Lexi‘s uncle then. Happy? [l walked to the back -

- much less say boo, around these pricks. [My eyes landed on @radiantdisarray.bsky.social who’d started cleaning.] You don’t have to clean, pretty girl, you didn’t do all this shit.

- crashing here, you may stay. If you don’t? GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE NOW! Clean up your fucking messes, too. It’s a new kingdom, fellas, and you'd better learn quick. [I bumped into @rivenlegacy.bsky.social when I turned around.] Sorry, E, but Bishop ran shit so twisted, Lexi is afraid to move, -

- upstairs, and Diana quickly went into mama mode. [I ran downstairs and whistled, making everyone stare at me.] Listen up, you guys are a bunch of disrespectful fucks. You would never do this in Marcus’ home! If you are related to Lexi, E, or the kids, you can stay. If you have the PRIVILEGE of -

- this shit? [Each word had a wheeze in front of it, and I was PISSED. “Don’t… know… can’t… breathe…” I let him lean on me as I headed for the stairs.] GILLY! We need to turn into the bastards from Oakland because this shit has gotta go, man. Lemmie get P to Ma or something first. [I brought Pedro -

[I loved having E home because maybe shit would change. I was outside with Angel and Coco for a bit, but by the time I walked back inside, I couldn’t see shit. I heard fucking wheezing, though, and I knew it was Pedro.] Yo, P, let’s get you upstairs, your lungs can’t handle this shit. Who started -