Body, Ink, and Soul (36 page)

"Nix, are you okay?" Levi asked. He appeared beside me, gripping my arm.

I couldn't answer because I was too focused, staring into the baby blue eyes of this man, trying to sense any connection between us. There was nothing tangible. I couldn't recall him from my past, but I knew with certainty that I wasn’t wrong about this.

King B. still stared at me, his eyes grazing across me from head to toe, as if he were trying to place me.

"Phoenix, you’re pale and shaking, baby. Are you okay? Maybe you should sit down," Levi ordered. He tried to pull me towards a chair, but I resisted his efforts.

"Do I know you?" Brian questioned quietly.

Answers ran through my head, but remained unvoiced.
Yes, you should know me but you don't. You should have been here all along but you weren't. Where were you? Why did you abandon me?

It took a minute before I could say anything. "Dad..." I blurted out. "I'm your daughter, Phoenix."

Silence descended in the immediate area, as people around us stared and Brian stood motionless, staring at me in disbelief.

"Hold my hand," Levi muttered against my ear, intertwining his fingers with mine.

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-THE END-

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I wrote this story a year ago and a lot of people helped me along the way.

Tracey, Tracy, Cara, Megan and Mavvy. THANK YOU!

If this story shines, it’s all because of Debbie Williams and her hard work. I’m sorry I put you through this but I promise it won’t always be so complicated. I’ll never be able to

thank you enough on this one.

Tracey Millen who helped me through the process and supported me as usual. A big thank you to you too. You are my rock!

Sandra Chevrier who used to listen to my blabbering after work on our way home. Merci and I miss you beaucoup!

Megan Noelle, your help and mental support mean so much to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me with this story. I owe you one. Maybe more than one...

Kari March and her magnificent talent. She created the perfect cover. I’m sorry for all the edits I asked you. Peace?

And lastly, thanks to my family for their continual support.

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Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, and has spent the last twelve years with her partner.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.

Besides working full time and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

She is currently working on a novel called Safe with you. Coming soon!

Www.judeouvrard.com

www.facebook.com/judeouvrard

@JudeOuvrard

Join my street team on facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks/

Also by Jude:

• Under the Sun
  
• Wonderland
  
• Lost Dreams