Page 158 of Losing Faith

“Call your brother,” Bay rushes out. “Right now, call him while I’m on the line with you.”

“No.” If I call Sire, he’ll help. I don’t want help. I want a drink.

“Yes, Lisette. Call him.”

“I’m fine,” I lie, and when the tears stop, I know I made up my mind. “You’re right, I have another mile.” I rise from the floor before stepping out of the closet.

“Go get rid of the bottle in your car. I’ll stay on the phone.”

I nod to myself as I walk downstairs. With both Jackson and Isabelle taking a nap, the house is so quiet. I try to keep it that way as I tread lightly for the front door.

The walk down the driveway feels like those illusion hallways that get longer with every step you take. Dread pulls at the pit of my stomach with every move I make. When I finally reach my car, my vision is blurred.

“You there?” she asks.

I hum in response, not trusting my voice. Grabbing the bottle, I twist the cap off and my heart races in excitement.

“Just dump it on the side of the road. The ants will appreciate it.”

My brain doesn’t compute her words as I bring the bottle to my lips and take a slow swig. A burn courses through me followed by relief.

I let out a tired breath as I pull the bottle away and close the cap.

“Is it gone?” she asks.

I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth before lying. “Yeah, thanks, Bay.”

She says something I don’t fully grasp before hanging up.

I keep my eyes on the bottle, and I know I said I’d only take one drink, buttechnicallythat was onesip.The bottle is half empty, I’ll just finish it and start with a clear mind tomorrow.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Lisette

Ilied.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Lisette

Istareatmyselfinthe mirror, convincing myself that I have everything under control.

“I’m not throwing my life away,” I tell myself again. I nod in agreement before turning to leave. When I trip over something, I quickly catch my balance.

Glancing down at Isabelle’s shoes, I blame that on my bad balance rather than the alcohol coursing through me.

“Belle!” I whip around the corner just as she does and she crashes into me so hard, I stumble back. “Woah there, tornado.”

I steady myself before catching her. “Are we okay? Do we have all our limbs?” I pat her down before patting myself and she lets out a sweet laugh.

“You called?”

“I sure did.” I hand her the shoes in my hand. “Didn’t Daddy tell you to pick up your shoes?”

“Can’t remember.” She shrugs, snatching the shoes from me.

“Mhm,” I hum. “Go put those away.” I push her away.

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