Rafe didn’t answer, and I decided to leave his nickname in my phone as was. I’d almost felt bad about it for a second, but whatever. They were both dicks. I was only speaking to them because it would benefit Skye.
Alexander went on, speaking about how he’d be around, he’d be visiting professors, he’d be meeting with some students individually.
“Morbidly, I am also announcing several new students have joined us. As you all know, there was a waiting list last term, and given the loss of recent life, we now have room.”
Skye made a disgusted noise, and several students were on their phones, already alerting their parents. It wouldn’t do anything, of course, but I was glad to see we weren’t the only group who were pissed.
“Willow,” I said lowly. She turned, her blue eyes flashing at me. “Can your dad do anything about this?”
“I’m not speaking with him currently,” was all she said before turning back around, whipping Skye’s knee with her curls.
Huh,I said to Skye.
Agreed,she replied.Also, how awkward for new guy. He’s only here because someone fucking died.
We leftthe assembly a while later, when Alexander realized no one was really listening to him. Coach had gained everyone’s attention back to tell us all not to be little shits and to get back to our business.
New guy was gone the moment we were dismissed, so at least I didn’t need to worry aboutthatdick right now.
“Is that…Lana?”
I followed Skye’s horrified expression, and my eyebrows shot up when I saw her.
It was her. Lana Iykos looked like shit.
She wasn’t an ugly girl on a regular day, she just…didn’t really do it for me. But her little-girl bangs and school uniform look could’ve been cute for the right guy, I supposed.
But those bangs were rumpled. There were deep purple bags under her reddened eyes, and her pale green gaze wasn’t focused on anything. Makeup was smudged around her eyes, and it wasn’t intentional. It looked like when Skye went to bed without washing her makeup off first, she’d wake up with raccoon eyes.
“Holy shit, she looks bad.” Willow said a little loudly. Mia shushed her. “What?! What is she doing here? Her brother just died!”
Skye was frozen, staring at Lana, her chest rising and falling faster and faster. A deep pit of agony opened up in my stomach, and I grabbed Skye just as she took a step in Lana’s direction.
Her silver eyes darted toward me. “I have to say something to her.”
“Baby,” I said gently. “I love you, and I love how big your heart is, but I don’t think talking to Lana is a good idea.”
Skye’s lips twisted.
“Babe, she’snuts,” Willow said gently. “She’s had an actual psychotic episode before, and now her brother is dead? It’s not good.”
“What are you going to do? Tell her you’re sorry for killing her brother?” Mia added, so quiet we almost didn’t hear.
Skye flinched hard.
“You’re right,” she said softly. “I just…he wanted me to tell her he was sorry.”
We all went quiet at that.
I hadn’t known that detail. Then again, I hadn’t asked. Skye woke up so often from a nightmare, I didn’t want to be contributing to it by asking questions.
“I just…I know I’d be broken if I lost Zephyr.”
“Lana and Landon aren’t you and Zephyr,” I said softly. “Lana and Landon had…issues.”
Skye shrugged, but dropped it.
We filed past Lana, who stared as if she wasn’t seeing anything at all. Skye watched her for a long time, then finally turned back forward as we made our way into the dining hall.
