A weekend with the Alpha novel Chapter 116

He looked disoriented and shaken and it must have been from having found her lifeless body first. It brought back images of almost two years ago when I found Lionel face down in his apartment when he had overdosed. It was a horrific sight, and it shook me for days even after the doctors assured me he was stable. That memory was one that still shook me whenever I went back to it. So I did my best not to go back. I didn't know how he was coping with what he saw, and I knew he'd need help and therapy.

Lionel paused as if sensing our presence and he turned to the door, his eyes weak and wounded. My heart went out to him and I rushed over, wrapping my arms around him.

"I'm sorry," I said while stroking his hair and he shook his head as if to tell me it wasn't my fault.

"Tia is gone," he repeated and my eyes welled up and I blinked the tears back.

"What has the pathologist said so far?"

He pulled away, "Nothing, yet. They are running an autopsy on her to determine the cause of death." he turned to Aaron, who stood at the entrance watching us and nodded at him. "The last time we spoke, she told me about the guy at work that asked her out. The date was this Friday and I remember how excited she was about it. I can't believe she is gone."

A tear ran down my face, and I quickly brushed it off. I opened my mouth to speak but shut it when I heard.

"Where is she?" Betty's voice demanded, and I knew she was asking for Tia as well.

Lionel, knowing who it was, excused himself and stepped out to go meet Betty. I didn't want to go close, but I couldn't help it. There was something Betty and I had in common. We loved Tatiana and so I knew I shared in her grief.

I moved to the door, watching Lionel wrap his comforting arms around her as she sobbed aloud. Tears ran down my face and I brushed them off.

I couldn't stand and listen to it anymore and I took my leave. I wanted to stay and know what the next preparations for Tia were and I wanted to know what my contribution would be in achieving it, but I couldn't stand and have Betty tell me how her life was miserable because of me and so I took my leave.

"Zera!" Aaron called to me, but I didn't want to stop, not until I was out of the building.

He caught me by my hand and pulled me closer to himself, and I struggle to set myself free from him. I needed to be away from him and from everyone as well, but he didn't let go. He knew the last thing I wanted was for him to let go and so he didn't. There I broke down, sobbing in pain and weeping for losing my sister. I didn't even get to see her before leaving and it hurts so much.

"Let it out. I'm here," he assured, stroking my back tenderly.