Page 203 of Losing Faith

When Isabelle asks for a refill on the ice cream, I let her have a few more scoops before grabbing her tablet. I slide the backyard door open and sit her on the couch. Putting her tablet on her lap, I kiss her gently.

“Watch something out here while I talk with the grown-ups.” I slip her headphones on.

She nods mindlessly as she puts a movie on.

Shutting the door behind me, I turn to the living room where I find Lisette’s family.

Sage sits beside her fiancé, her eyes red with tears as she holds his hand. Beside them Hazel sits on August’s lap, hugging him close. I glance over at the entrance where a man with the twins’ green eyes and dark skin stands talking to a woman with tight curly hair. Their parents, I remember from the handful of times I’ve met them.

Sire walks over to me, Vidia’s hand in his. “Sorry for the ambush,” he whispers. “My dad wanted to tell us something, but I needed to bring Belle here and didn’t want to wait. I figured you also wanted to hear so I told them to meet me here.”

I nod in return before thanking him for bringing Belle.

“You okay? What was—”

“I’m okay.” I nod and he watches me carefully before handing me my phone. I quickly text Julia to let her know I’m fine.

At the sound of someone clearing their throat, I look up at Isaac, Lisette’s dad, who steps into the center of the living room.

“My friend thinks they have something but I’m just waiting for his call.”

Beside him, his wife shakes her head before sitting beside Sage.

“What is it?” Sire looks between his parents. “Mom?” He turns to Kat.

She looks over at her husband who silently shakes his head.

August sits up from the couch, a panic in his eyes. “I’ve seen that look before. Don’t withhold stuff from us like we’re kids. What happened?”

Everyone turns to Isaac and I bite my nail nervously.

He fixes his tie before walking over to August. “I don’t want to worry you all before we know for certain.” He rests his hand on his arm. “Let’s just wait for his call. He’ll be there soon.”

“Be where soon?” Sage’s voice breaks as she takes her mom’s hand. “What aren’t you telling us?”

“Dad,” Sire starts, his voice wavering. “Just say it.” He shakes his head gently, tears building in his eyes.

A pit grows in my stomach as I turn to Isaac.

“There was a body reported that fit her description.”

I take a step back but my back hits the glass. Sliding to the ground, I rest my arms on my knees as the room erupts into chaos.

There’s crying, yelling, and pure panic, but it all meshes together in my head and all I can make out is the soft laughing from behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I focus on Isabelle’s smile as she lays there, ice cream smudged on her face and hysterical over a movie she has watched a hundred times.

“How am I going to tell her?” My voice is just above a whisper as I bury my face in my hands.

The room gets louder with every second that passes. I think Isaac and Kat try to get their kids to calm down, but nothing works.

“How did shefitthe description?” I make out Sire’s voice from the crowd. “Half the LA population is white and blonde. She has tattoos all over her left arm. Did they check?”

“Was she in pain?” Sage asks next. “How did it happen?”

“She’sfine,” Sire rushes out. “It’s not her.”

“Sire,” Vidia says gently and when I look over at them, she takes his hand. “You need to prepare for the worst, mi amor.”

“No.” He takes a step away from her. “Don’t think like that.” He turns to August now who’s watching his brother with tear-filled eyes.

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