Chapter 21: 21-Even Selling Myself

Helanie:

While everyone unpacked their belongings, I sat and waited for Lamar to leave. He didn't unpack his bags.

After a few seconds of silence, he rose from his mattress, slid his phone into his pants pocket, and glanced at everyone while walking toward the door. I only gave him a few seconds' head start because I didn't want to be left too far behind. Immediately, I made my way to the exit.

"Hey! If you're going, check if the warriors are bringing food for us," I heard Sydney yell, but I didn't respond to her. I was already out the door and didn't plan to go back inside until I had this talk with Lamar.

As he had mentioned, he was waiting for me by the tree, a cigarette in one hand and some cards in the other.

"You said you could help me," I approached him, still carrying my bag over my shoulder. There was nothing in it worth unpacking—just a few items I preferred to keep close.