Chapter 12

While I was in the hospital recovering from my injuries, the principal allowed me to take classes online so I wouldn't be behind on my assignments. Today is my first day physically back at school and already I broke down like a tower of blocks stacked too high.

The stares.

The whispers.

The pity looks.

It was just all too much. I wanted to stay home with my daughter, but if I want to graduate, I have to finish my senior year.

With Tia by my side, we walk into the cafeteria. Seb and the rest of the gang are at our regular table laughing at whatever Max is saying. As much as I love my friends, this is the last place I want to be right now.

"Come on, girl. You gotta eat something." Tia pulls me toward the food line. After we grab our smooshed burgers and fries, we make our way to the table.

"Hey," I greet everyone while setting my tray down.

"Hey, Reina." Seb is the first one to speak.

I peek through my lashes and give him a small smile.

Conversation flows easily amongst them while my thoughts are pining for Donnie. I avoided his calls and text messages last week. It wasn't because I didn't want to hear his voice; I feared letting him in. Christian is still out there, and I can't ignore that.

My thoughts wander to Josiah, wondering where the hell he is. Hector and the guys haven't stopped looking for him. When I tried calling Josiah's phone the other day, the annoying automatic voice kept repeating, "the number you are trying to reach is no longer in service." I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle the voice until she told me where to find my brother.

I'm barely hanging on, trying to stay strong for my little girl, when all I want to do is crawl under a rock and die. I feel trapped in my own mind, trying to dig myself out, but the pain and sadness keep me from moving on.

Jo.

Mom.

Dad.

Death.

Blood.

Pain.

I can't breathe.

I need to get out of here.

Without acknowledging Tia's asking me where I'm going, I abandon my lunch and bolt out of the room.