Chapter 8

Stephan stopped at a home, dirty green in color and dilapidated in condition. The lawn was overgrown, the windows boarded up, and the roof chinked in places.

“What is this?” I asked, getting out of the car.

“Clown Face’s house.” He said, coming up next to me. I turned around to get back into the car. He laughed heavily and said, “I am kidding. It maybe the house that my dad lived in. Whitney was one of the reasons I am here, but this is another.”

“Maybe?” I asked curious.

“I was pretty much raised by my mother and stepdad. My mother only ever told me my father’s real name. I knew nothing else. Until I started doing some research. I found out this is where he grew up. Not sure where he is now. He may not be alive.”

“This honestly explains so much about you. I get why you are so nice now. Boys raised by women tend to be kinder—according to the data.”

“You think I am nice?” We both looked at each other. Stephan gave me his innocent boyish smile and my heart did somersaults.

“I was