SINBOUND

VIII

It was already nighttime when I woke up. I looked to the left of me and saw Ares and Elio fast asleep, cuddled up on eachother. My heart warmed. Ares was never like that with anyone but me. Carlo was snoring, his head on my lap and drool dripping from his mouth. I quietly gagged and grabbed a pillow, slowly getting up and switching out my legs for it so he wouldn't wake up.

I turned off the television and threw a blanket over them before groggily making my way down the stairs. I kept my eyes closed, hoping my power of memorization of the halls helped me through the sleepiness.

By the time I reached the living room I just ignored the chatter, tuning it out, but it died down. I let out a yawn and stretched my limbs.

"LILIN?!" Somebody screeched, very loudly might I add.

I jumped in the spot, whipping my head around to see Pa, Noah, and Jay on the couch with my elder brothers and father looking pale at me.

"Huh?" I groaned with wide eyes. Awh shucks. I forgot about that.

Noah got up and was about to hug me but I side stepped him. A little fun wouldn't hurt.

"Who the flip are you?" I asked, pointing at them accusingly.

"Excuse me, what do you mean who am I? What the hell are you doing here? We've been trying to—"

I cut him off. "Nope. Don't know who you are. Never seen you in my life."

Armani got up and cleared his throat. "Lilin...please, go to your room, I told you it wasn't safe.." I noticed his hand inching towards his gun but before I could say something there was another shriek.

"NOAH!!" Ares' voice came from behind me and he leaped right into his arms.

Noah attacked him with kisses and tickles and Ares giggled loudly. Pa stood up and came over, so did Jay.

Blew my cover.

I hugged them with no hesitation. "Sorry, I was just messing with you weirdos."

I held on for as long as I could.

Ares finally climbed out of Noah's arms and into Pa's, and then into Jay's. I smiled at the sight. Ares looked happier than he had been ever since mom died.

Pa was about to say something but father of the year spoke up. "What the hell is going on here?"

I looked over to see Armani, Alessandro, and Riccardo staring with pale faces and sweaty palms.

I ignored them and looked at Pa. "Where's Ma?" I asked.

"Where's Ma? Where's Ma?? Where have you been, Lils? Gosh, I've been so worried. We looked everywhere! Left and right, up and down, we literally came here to ask for help, and you're already here?? Oh my gosh, you're here. Why are you here?! In this house. What the hell did you get involved in, Lilin? Lilin Greene I swear if you got into some sketchy shit you're gonna be grounded for months — no, years —" Pa ranted and I cut him off. He would rant for hours if he could.

"Pa!" I yelled, causing him to shut his mouth. "I'm fine. No sketchy shit. Mom —" I cleared my throat. "Mom's dead."

Jay let out a long puff of air before pulling me into a hug as I tried to compose myself.

"Oh, Lilin, why'd didn't you call?" Pa asked, his voice soft now. He pulled me away from Jay and into him, stroking my hair gently.

I shrugged, feeling bad for wanting to mess with them now.

"Is nobody fucking listening to us? What the hell is going on here?"

I looked over at Alessandro and sighed, ready to disappear.

This was gonna be a fun conversation.
___________
WC: 617
Short chapter 😭😭😭