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Chapter 35 (Lou-Lou)
I lean against the church door and look up at him. "I don't know, Ford. I have no guarantee that I can trust you." I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. "I need more time."
"Your time is ru
"I don't even know who they are. How do I know they're not a good person—"
"They're a murderer," he screams. "That make it easier for you?"
"I guess." I play with the end of my ponytail and draw in a breath. "I just don't know. Maybe it's best I wait—"
He waves his hands frantically. "The council isn't going to protect him, Lucia
He walks over to me and rubs my shoulders. "I don't envy your position, sweetheart. Despite what you say, I know you're scared of what will happen to Ricardo." He tips my chin up. "But I also know it's nothing compared to the real fear that's holding you back."
I look away because he's right. If I kill DeLuca...I lose the biggest part of myself...and I'm petrified of what will be left of me when it's all over.
That said, there's no denying that the anger I have for DeLuca bubbling inside my soul is like the world's most dangerous volcano ready to erupt.
It's just waiting for the final crack that causes the pressure to release.
I walk into the lobby and immediately drop down next to a distraught Jackson.
The last time I saw him was during his fight tonight while Alyssa was basically freaking out and declaring her eternal love for him because she thought he was hurt.
I have no idea what the heck happened after that, but I've never seen him like this.
He's sobbing, having trouble breathing, and he won't say a word to
me. He just keeps screaming Lilly's name over and over again while
rubbing the tattoo of her name that's over his heart.
I remember Ricardo once telling me that Lilly was Jackson's sister. He wouldn't go into much detail about it, but he did tell me that she passed away a few years ago.
My heart sinks, because whatever Jackson's going through right now must be devastating.
I give his shoulder a squeeze as I pick up my phone and dial Tyrone's number.
I briefly debate calling Ricardo too, but I know Tyrone's the best bet right now, given Ricardo's fucked up threat the last time I saw him.
He answers on the second ring. "What's up?"
"Something's wrong with Jackson."
"What? What do you mean?"
Jackson's screams for Lilly get louder. "I don't know, Tyrone. He just keeps screaming for Lilly. Get your ass down here!" I yell into the phone before hanging up.
Less than a minute later, Tyrone's helping Jackson up the steps and I breathe a sigh of relief.
That is until I think about what Ricardo accused me of earlier and sadness sweeps over me.
I sink down to where Jackson just was and put my head in my hands.
My hand finds my stomach and I close my eyes.
I pray for the day that I'll be able to wake up from this fucked up nightmare.
I pray for the strength to kill DeLuca.
And despite knowing better, I find myself wishing for freedom again.