Page 191 of Losing Faith

Shaking my head at my entire life, I pull out the water bottle from my bag and take a few small sips. I let the burning numb the pain and guilt. Letting my eyes fall shut, I pull in a deep breath for courage and hurry out of the bathroom.

Just as I turn the corner, I bump into Vidia.

“My bad.” She quickly catches me before bending over to grab my water bottle just as I reach for my bag.

“Thanks.” I take the bottle from her as she wipes her hand on her shirt.

“I think it’s open.”

I quickly close it, but as she takes a whiff of her fingers, her brows furrow before her entire face is covered in disappointment. “Lis…”

“Save it, V. Just run off to Sire.” I try to move past her, but she places a gentle hand on my arm.

“I’m not going to run to him.” She pulls out a piece of gum from her pocket before handing it to me. “You’re here and that’s all that matters. You two can fight tomorrow.”

I look down at the gum in her hand before looking back up at her. “He’s going to be mad at you for hiding this from him.”

She shrugs before pushing the gum into my hand. “Fighting with you is hurting him and if dealing with his anger means he can have a good day with his sister then I’ll take it.”

I nod to myself as I take the gum. “I shouldn’t make you lie for me…” I shake my head at myself as I recognize I’m slowly burning my bridges.

You’re spiraling.

I shake my head of my thoughts, forcing the gum back into Vidia’s hand.

“I don’t need you to cover for me.”

Her brows furrow as she looks between the gum and me. “I know you think you’re undeserving of all shapes and forms of help, but that’s not true.” A somber smile covers her face before she drops it in my hand and walks off.

I look down at the gum and quickly eat it, sparing myself from the headache that’ll accompany me if anyone knows the decision I made.

When I walk back into the main room, my eyes land on Sage talking to the photographer.

She directs all of us on where to stand and as Vidia makes her way back in, she squeezes next to Sire. I glance around at my siblings and their significant others, each of their smiles pulling at my heartstrings.

I wish Jackson was here.

“That’s my foot,” Liam grumbles, and I stifle a laugh as I step away from him.

“Oops.” I flick the Santa hat he’s wearing and considering he’s over six feet, I need to reach quite a bit. Settling back on my feet disrupts my balance and I bump into Vidia.

“You okay?” She steadies me and I turn to her, a smile on my face as I focus on her.

“I’m going to sit.” I nod in agreement with myself as I settle on the ground.

“You’re covering the banner, Lis.” Sire watches me carefully, but before he can ask me anything, the photographer speaks up.

“No, that’s perfect.” She snaps away and I turn to the camera, the alcohol painting a genuine smile on my face.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Jackson

Istepintomyroomfrom the bathroom quietly, but as I turn to my bed, Lisette is already awake, a smile on that pretty face.

“This is a great sight to wake up to.” Her smile grows as she gives me a once-over.

I bite back a laugh as I adjust the towel around my waist. “Did I wake you?”

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