Fidelis sat in his second-period class, his mind lost in thought. The teacher's lecture was background noise, easily tuned out. This was the second week of Sera's absence. Not having her nearby was torture. His mark flared up constantly, crying its loneliness and sadness for its missing counterpart.
He was sleep-deprived and cranky. Michaelus had given him herbs to alleviate the symptoms. For a few days, it had worked. Now, however, nothing was stopping his suffering. He couldn't even begin to imagine what Sera might be experiencing if his was like this. Was her pain the same, less, or worse than his? Did she even feel it since she was a human?
So many thoughts and worries tumbled about his mind. He was literally going mad from the separation. His friends tried to take his mind off things, but even that no longer worked. Today was Thursday. He had to wait four more days until Sera was back. His phone vibrated in his pocket.
He slid it out and read the message. He frowned. It was from Liz. She said they needed to talk at lunch. He was tired of talking. Nothing came of it. Until Sera was back, any plans they made were useless. The bell rang, and he stood ignoring Blainel's and Sodalitas's worried glances.
Fidelis robotically moved through his next periods. None of his teachers bothered him, which was a relief. He didn't think he could be civil, not with the way he was feeling. He went to lunch and saw his friends all assembled in their usual spot.
Drake didn't even give him time to sit before saying, "Where's Sera?"
"Drake!" hissed Penelope.
"What? We haven't seen her in almost two weeks. Al doesn't sit with us, so we don't know what's happening. Is she sick? Is she hurt? Did she go on a trip or something? I mean, what the hell? Friends shouldn't ghost each other."
Fidelis slammed his fist down on the table, his anger rising at Drake's words. How dare he talk about Sera like that?
"Romeo."
Liz's voice penetrated the haze of rage building in his soul. He slowly unclenched his fingers and let out a calming breath. He shouldn't get mad at Drake or the rest of the group. They didn't know about Sera's circumstances. He turned to look at Liz. He could feel her Alpha energy coiled and waiting.
"You good?" she asked.
"Yes," he calmly replied. He turned to look at Drake. "I don't know what's going on. I can't get in touch with her."
Drake frowned. "Hmm, is that why Amy keeps hovering around you? Is that the reason she keeps showing up even when you tell her to get lost?"
"Probably," Fidelis admitted.
That was another thorn irritating his mood. Amy seemed to think that it was open season on him while her twin was away. Fidelis was not a violent person by nature, but he felt he would be doing the universe a favor by making Amy permanently disappear.
As if conjured up by their thoughts, Amy sashayed toward their table. Could this day get any worse? Fidelis stifled a groan of annoyance when she stopped at their table.
"Hello, Romeo," she purred, making sure to give a seductive look.
"Go away, Amy. I'm not in the mood," he snapped.
She giggled, the sound high and grating on his ears. "Don't be such a baby. I can help fix your mood," she offered and licked her lips.
Disgusting. Absolutely gross. He closed his eyes, forcing himself toward a calmness he didn't feel. He had to get rid of her. His self-control was holding on by a thread.
He opened his mouth to refuse her offer, but Penelope beat him to it.
"I'm sorry, Amy, but I think you must be lost."
Amy frowned. "What are you saying, loser?"
Penelope laughed, and the mockery of her tone wasn't lost on those present.
"It takes one to know one." She continued without giving Amy a chance to speak. "Second, the table for hoes is that way." Penelope pointed at the table on the far side of the cafeteria where Amy's minions sat.
Fidelis choked back a laugh at Penelope's swift and cutting counter. He truly had the most amazing friends in these humans.
Amy's face flushed red with anger. "Who are you calling a hoe?" she hissed at Penelope, taking a threatening step toward her.
Penelope calmly rose, her eyes gleaming in challenge. "Please, arrogant bitch. Make my day," she taunted.
Amy balled her hands into fists. Her furious gaze promised retribution.
Penelope came around the table. "Come on, Amy. Scared to take on someone who isn't afraid of you? Afraid you'll get your ass handed to you?"
Amy took a step, paused, her eyes scanning the group. Slowly, she relaxed her fists. "You know what? You're not worth my time." She turned her attention back to Fidelis.
"Romeo, you'll see who the better twin is soon. I can't wait to see you crawl to my side when you get a clue about Sera," she spat.
Fidelis shook his head. This girl was so damn delusional that it made him pity Sera for having such a crazy family member.
"Whatever, Amy. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you."
She glared at them before leaving. Griff made gagging noises at her retreating back.
"How does she even sleep at night with that level of delusional?" said Griff with a grimace.
Fidelis shrugged. He didn't know either. "Let's go. It's time to get back to class."
The group rose and left for class. Fidelis spent the rest of the day pondering how to get in touch with Sera before he fully lost his mind and self-control.