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Terry Carson (Janelle's Step-Father) JuneBug Carson (Janelle's Blood Brother) Brandon James (Janelle's Half Brother) Denise Ford (Aunt) Patricia Carson (Mother) Janelle Carson (Main Character ) Ashley James (Janelle's Half-Sister)
Janelle POV
My legs felt heavy as I walked up the stairs. Every step felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. My stomach hurt, and not from morning sickness—more like guilt, embarrassment, that tight feeling when you know you disappointed the one person you wanted to make proud.
I stopped outside my mama's door and wiped my face with my sleeve. I could still hear her crying earlier. That hurt worse than anything.
I knocked softly. "Mama?"
A pause. Then her voice, small: "Come in."
I stepped inside.
She was sitting on the bed, eyes red, pillows in her lap. When she looked up at me, I felt like I shrunk to the size of a paper clip.
I stood there awkwardly, hands clasped together.
"Mama...I'm sorry."
The words came out wobbly. She stared at me for a long time—long enough that I started crying again. Finally, she said:
