Lissy Romano

35| Hysteria.

Lissy Romano

I was sitting in Santino's car, Jax on my lap, parked in front of the school.

"What's wrong?" Santino asked, concern in his voice as he looked at me.

"I don't want to go in there..." I admitted, my words heavy with the weight of what happened with Noah.

"Why?" Santino asked, furrowing his brow.

"What if I see Noah..." I closed my eyes, trying to block out the thought.

"No. You won't. I promise," Santino said, forcing a small smile.

How could he promise that? It felt strange.

"You can't promise that," I replied, absentmindedly petting Jax's head.

"Oh... I can," Santino said, his jaw clenched tight.

"I don't want to leave Jax..." I sighed, feeling torn.

"I'll take care of him. He'll be alright. After tryouts, we'll wait for you, okay?" Santino assured me, his hand gently resting on my shoulder.

"Okay. I'll message the twins," I said, pulling out my phone.

I messaged them that I was right outside the school...as you made me do. Bye.

After sending the message, I looked at Jax. His little belly, my cutie.

I carefully placed Jax on Santino's lap, kissing his little paws. He stared up at me with his big, trusting eyes.

"Take care of him, okay?" I asked, looking at Santino.

"I will," he answered softly, petting Jax's head.

Jax will be okay.

I gave Santino a tight hug. He chuckled, probably relieved that Jax stayed with him... maybe.

I got out of the car, closed the door behind me, and, with my backpack on, walked into the school, feigning confidence in the midst of my sarcasm.

As I entered the empty hallway, three guys approached me. I froze when I realized who they were—Noah's friends...the assholes.

"Where are you going?" one of them sneered, blocking my way.

"You can only blame yourself for dressing like a slut and walking into the boys' locker room," another spat.

"Where's Noah?" the third guy barked angrily.

"What?" I asked, completely confused.

"Are you dumb or something? Where's Noah?" The guy stepped closer to me.

"I don't know. How would I know?" I stammered, fear surging through me.

"You're a killer," the first guy snarled.

"Killer slut!" the second one added, his face twisted in disgust.

"Why? I didn't do anything..." I protested, tears welling in my eyes.

"Maybe you didn't. But your killer brothers did. They killed Noah!" The third guy spat as they all walked past me, one shoving me roughly.