Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 13

(Hendrix's POV)

I finally decided to leave my room, after days of hiding away. My health had been a convenient excuse to avoid everyone, but I knew I couldn't stay hidden forever. I made my way to my therapy session, hoping to avoid any encounters with Angel. I wasn't ready to face her yet, to answer her questions about what happened at the infirmary.

As I walked out of the dorm, I ran into Eddie, one of my roommates coming into the room. Instead of getting in as intended, he followed me instead. He was a careless guy with a crude sense of humor, always making jokes and causing trouble. "Hendrix! What's up, man?" Eddie exclaimed, surprised to see me leave the room.

I didn't respond, just nodded and kept walking.

"Whoa, okay, dude, no need to be rude," Eddie said, falling into step beside me.

"I'm glad you're finally out of hibernation!" Eddie said and laughed at his own joke.

"We all thought you were going to hide in the room forever and start growing mushrooms or something."

I rolled my eyes, not responding. Eddie was trying to be funny, but his jokes were falling flat today.

"Seriously, man, what's going on?" Eddie asked, his tone a little softer. "You've been MIA for days. We've been worried about you. Well, maybe not worried, but we've noticed you're not interested in when we talk about girls anymore or even leaving the room."

I shook my head, trying to ignore him.

arm down on my shoulder. I shook him off

acting weird ever since." When I remained quiet he probed, "Seriously, is that

face him.

raised his hands, backing off. "Okay, okay, no problem. Be that way,"

him, but

okay, I get it. You're still not talking. But seriously, dude, you need to get

I hastily walked leaving him standing behind me

you need to talk, I'm here. Even if you don't, I'm still here, and I'm going to keep bugging you until you crack."

wasn't someone you told secrets to. Half the center could know by the next

and how I would be able to avoid her. I knew she would have a lot of questions, and I wasn't ready to answer them yet. I needed more

approached the cafeteria, expecting it to be empty. But to my surprise, I heard muffled voices coming from inside. I frowned, wondering who could be there at this time of day. Breakfast was over, and everyone should be in class or therapy. My curiosity got the better of me, and I approached the door, looking through the glass panel at the top. That's when I saw them - Angel and her roommates, cleaning the

Miss Stefan's voice rose above the others, her words muffled but

voice shot back, "This is unfair! We

Okay, that was weird.

authority or spoke back to elders. Even when her mum had unfairly mistreated her, she took it with a grain of

think breaking the rules is unfair? You're

Stefan, her eyes flashing with anger. I could see her

sloppy job? You call that cleaning?

pang of sympathy for Angel and her roommates.

sensed my presence. I quickly bent my head, not wanting to be seen. I heard Miss Stefan's voice again, "Angel, focus!