Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 8

(Angel's POV)

I didn't budge. I paced the hallway, my eyes fixed on the door, willing Hendrix to come out. Two hours felt like an eternity, but finally, the door opened, and Hendrix emerged.

My heart skipped a beat as I took in his appearance. He looked tired, but okay. No more blood gushed from his body, and I felt suddenly relieved.

I immediately pulled him into a tight hug. "Jeez... Hen, what happened? A-are you okay?" I asked him, staring at his face.

Hendrix just shook his head and smiled, looking every inch the handsome rogue brother I had promised to protect. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and I felt a bit worried. He seemed to be hiding something. What had really happened in that room?

His clothes were still stained with blood, and he glanced down at them with a grimace. "I need to take a shower and change," he said, his voice low and husky. It sent a thrill down my spine.

"Yeah... yeah you should," I nodded, releasing him reluctantly. Some of the blood had transferred to my clothes, but I didn't care. I was just glad that he seemed okay, even though he wasn't looking me in the eye.

As Hendrix walked away, I followed him, my mind racing with questions. What is up with this place? Why were they being so secretive? And why did Hendrix act so different than before? He seemed pensive and a bit distant.

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present. Hendrix was safe, and that's all that mattered.

He walked to the dorm in silence, with me following behind. I knew Hendrix had something to say, but he seemed to not want to talk about it. Not yet, anyway. I watched his shoulders slump as he sighed heavily.

As we got into the elevator, I caught sight of myself in the mirror inside. My clothes were stained with blood, and my hair was disheveled. I looked like I'd been through a war.

Hendrix chuckled, noticing my reflection. "You look like you've been fighting a battle, Angel," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "Shut up, Hendrix."

grinned, and for a moment, everything felt okay. Okay. Maybe he was really fine. Or maybe it was just

(Hendrix's POV)

had happened. One minute I was eating

hesitated. "So, are you sure you're okay?" she

smiled, trying to give a tough act. "Yeah, I told

looked uncertain, but I could tell she was trying not to push me. "Okay, if

than I felt.

turned to leave. I watched her go, feeling guilty for dismissing her so quickly. But I needed some time alone. I couldn't deal with her

was probably still in their classes. I was relieved to be

guys who thought I was cool, the girls

Fuck!

clear my thoughts. I needed to focus on getting

though, my lovely stepsister, who worried endlessly about me. I didn't want her to worry

of pity, and I hated it. I didn't want to be the one who was

needing Angel to swoop in and save

the look in her eyes when I came out of the ward. One that spoke of her planning to do something. She had always been that way. And now with...what had happened in

memories of the past few hours. I wanted to

didn't want her to feel like she had to protect me again. I wanted to handle it

of the bathroom, shaking my head like a dog trying to get rid of water. The shower had been a good idea. The water was warm, and I didn't stink or

not focusing on one thing in particular. I knew now I was just delaying the inevitable. I had to figure out what was

them into the hamper, my hand brushed against something in the pocket. I pulled it out, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw the small white

size of a typical aspirin. It was round and had a smooth surface,

pretended to swallow it in the infirmary, but I had actually sneaked it into my pocket. I didn't trust them anymore, and I was thankful I hadn't taken it. Even