Your Real Father

VINCE CAREFULLY SLIPPED out of bed, trying not to make any noise. He had access to his mother's phone and he heard what the receptionist told her. Someone was waiting in the lobby of their hotel—Ezekiel Harrington, his real father. Vince couldn't help but be curious.

He tiptoed to the door. As he began to sneak out, a small voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Vince, where are you going?" Vera's eyes, wide and questioning, looked up at him from her bed.

Vince sighed, knowing there was no way to deter his sister once she got curious.

"Go back to sleep, Vera. I’m just going to see something,” he said.

"But I want to come too!" Vera insisted, throwing off her blanket and padding over to him.

Vince shook his head, but he knew it was futile. Vera had a stubborn streak that rivaled even their mother’s.

"Fine. Whatever."

Vera’s eyes sparkled with excitement. They both crept out of the room and made their way to the elevator.

As they reached the lobby, Vince felt his heart pounding in his