Chapter 26

JOJO: A week had passed and it was time to get back to work. That meant another whirlpool of emotions while hugging Mel and Valerie. I did not have knowledge of when next I would be allowed to return and I hated being away from them. I had also promised Valerie she would return to school very soon. I handed the rest of the money Bentley had given me, to Mel, even though she vehemently refused it at first.  I almost thought of an excuse in my head. Any lie to allow me to turn back and be with them. But, all the money we needed wouldn't make me do that. I boarded a cab and headed to the casino.   While in the cab, I thought back to what Valerie had spoken to me about Aunt Elowen's visit to the hospital. It was hard to believe she had come to ask for money, even after all she had done. Mel had assured me she would never be allowed to visit my mother's room again. It was a great relief.  I soon dropped off in front of the huge building and I paid for the cab, before trotting inside. Compar