Page 54 of Rayzor: Tell Me It’s Mine II

“I have my ways of knowing.” He let out a low chuckle as the truck moved out of the street and onto the road.

I don’t remember telling him about the science fair.

“Oh. Aiight. ‘Preciate that.”

“And where’s your family? You all should be out celebrating.”

“They’re all doing their own thing. I’m good.”

He sat back. “Abandonment builds strong character.”

“Who said I was abandoned?”

“Abandoned is the wrong term to use. My apologies. Sometimes I think before speaking. I’ll say, neglect.”

“I’m not neglected either. You know my mama works different shifts.”

“And she couldn’t put that shift to the side to celebrate you?”

“She was there.” I paused. “Just couldn’t stay.”

“You know, I had a mom that worked too hard as well. That’s why I became rich so that she didn’t have to anymore.”

I thought about Courtland. “If she wanted to, she could as well, but… that’s not how it works in my family.”

“She has a celebrity son and works frequently. Where does that leave you?”

I shrugged. “Don’t know.”

“Exactly. See. Not knowing means you’re unsettled.”

“Everybody got lives. They don’t always have time for me.”

“And does that make you angry?”

I didn’t have to think about it. “Hell yeah.”

“And what do you do with that anger?”

“I play sports. Kick it with boys. Other than that, I listen to music.”

“Anger builds character.”

“That sounds like a bitter nigga.”

He chuckled.

“It sounds like your brother, Rayzor.”

My head snapped in his direction.

“Why you keep bringing up my brother?”

“Because he’s the root of a lot of your problems.”

“How? I never told you that.”

“No. But I can see it. You’re in the shadows of your brother constantly. You’ve told me how your mother is always angry at him and wants to protect you, so you don’t end up like him. There has to be a reason for that, correct?”