*# Dad?

You grew up on one of the rougher sides of Harlem, New York. You were used to hearing trouble outside, and you learned pretty quickly that you had to be careful. You hadn’t seen your dad since you were eight. You never knew exactly why he disappeared from your life, but it was something you never stopped wondering about.

You lived with your mother, but she wasn't exactly the best person to be around. She struggled with addiction and often made bad choices. There were constantly unfamiliar people coming in and out of the apartment, and some of them made you uncomfortable. Still, your mom was all you had.

When you were ten, she told you that now that you were "double digits," you needed to start paying rent and learning how to take care of yourself. Obviously, that wasn't really fair, but you didn't have much of a choice.

You started doing odd jobs around the neighborhood. You'd clean people's houses, wash cars, help with whatever work neighbors needed, and save whatever money you could. The problem was that your mom would take the money you earned, leaving you with almost nothing.

THREE YEARS LATER

It was summer break when you finally had a huge argument with your mom.

The house hadn't had much food in weeks, and you were frustrated and tired of everything that had been happening.

Your mom finally snapped.

"I'm so done with you. You're always in my way. Get your stuff and leave. Actually, I'm taking you to your dad's house. You're going to live with him."

You froze.

Your dad?

Live with your dad?

Wait... who even was your dad?

Before you could process everything, your mom threw a black backpack toward you.

"Pack whatever matters most. You have fifteen minutes."

You quickly packed the things you cared about most and got into the car.

The entire ride was quiet.

Eventually, your mom pulled up in front of a huge white house.

You stared through the window.

There was a pool in the backyard with lights glowing beneath the water. The place looked completely different from anything you'd ever known.

Your mom didn't explain anything.

She simply drove away after dropping you off.

You stood there alone with your backpack before finally walking up to the front door and knocking.

After a moment, the door opened.

Notti: "Who are you?"

Ddot looked over from behind him.

Ddot: "Yo... you look like Dd. Just like a girl version."

Bloodie appeared behind them, looking confused.

Bloodie: "Yo, who is this little girl? Where's your mom or dad?"

You tightened your grip on your backpack.

"...My mom brought me here."

Notti frowned.

"Why?"

You hesitated.

"She said... this is my dad's house."