SIXTY-NINE

Love and Chaos

“I’m sorry,” Lolita started to say, grasping Samantha’s hands to her chest. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into this. What did he do to you? Oh, my god…”

Samantha looked away from Jarrod to focus on the frail being in front of her. “No, no. You didn’t do anything. I wanted to come here myself. I tracked you and now…”

“You tracked me?”

“Yes. I first went to Hayden—”

“Oh, Hayden.” Lolita glanced momentarily at Jarrod, tears streaming down her face. “He’s changed so much, Sammy. He’s been torturing me. He’s real.”

“He’s not here.”

“He’s by the corner, Samantha, look.” Lolita paused and licked her lips, hope coming into her eyes. “He’s not here? He’s an illusion? He didn’t hurt me? Have I been dreaming all these while?” Her eyes brightened even further. “Have you come to save me?”

Jarrod laughed by the corner. He remained where he was, watching the scene before him. Samantha was struck with how mad her friend looked and sounded. She held Lolita’s hands tightly, willing both th