Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 58

(Angel's POV)

Thomas was becoming a constant in my life and I didn't hate it. He was persistent but not in an overbearing way. I'd catch him waiting for me outside the cafeteria or standing beside me during group therapy sessions, the ones Hendrix always conveniently missed. There was something about his attention that felt nice, like warmth spreading through my chest every time he singled me out. I couldn't help but blush whenever he sat beside me and always flashed that boyish grin. It felt like he was everywhere lately and his presence had become compulsory in my day-to-day life at the center. I hated to admit it but it was comforting.

One afternoon, Hande, Cylan, Eddie, Bundah, and I were lounging in the game room with our small group scattered across the various corners. Cylan and Bundah were locked in an intense pool game and their banter echoed around the room while Hande and Eddie were engrossed in their video games.

I had tried playing a VR game but my mind wouldn't settle. I sighed and yanked the headset off and decided to grab a snack instead. The cafeteria was emptier than usual and the faint hum of the lights buzzed overhead. I turned a corner too quickly and collided with a guy wearing glasses who was holding a tray. My bowl of candy went flying and scattered across the floor.

"Sorry!" I blurted out and scrambled to gather the scattered pieces.

The guy nodded and bent down to help me, then he moved back to his line without another word. I stood up and brushed my hair behind my ear when I heard someone behind me.

"Move over," a familiar voice instructed.

I turned and saw Thomas holding a broom and dustpan. I rolled my eyes but stepped aside and watched as he swept up the mess. "You didn't have to do that," I muttered as I crossed my arms.

He shrugged and that easy grin slipped across his face. "You're always making a mess, Angel. Someone's gotta clean up after you."

I wanted to be annoyed but a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Thanks," I said and tried not to sound too grateful.

I headed to the bathroom to clean up and splashed some water on my face. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but think about Thomas and how he always seemed to be there when I needed him. It was nice. Cute, even. I felt my cheeks heat up and I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

When I stepped out, I found Thomas standing there holding my bowl of candy and a smirk played on his lips. "Lost something?" he teased.

I couldn't help but smile. "You're such a dork," I said and took the bowl from him.

"but

both laughed and for a moment, everything

...

day... (Thomas's

and I needed to know if there were any updates, if our escape plan

game room, the lounge, the cafeteria-but I couldn't find her. I became very frustrated as I headed to the treatment rooms and hoped she'd be

their bodies were too close, their faces were inches apart. They looked so wrapped up

Angel's voice cut through the air with nervousness

replied and kept my

but I saw right through it. I nodded once and forced a tight smile. "It's fine. I'll

...

(Hendrix's POV)

us. Thomas sat across from me and he was silent and

me. It didn't help that Bundah decided now was

Hendrix," Bundah began and leaned back in his chair, "you've heard

and set down my

to answer, but Cylan kicked him under the table and glared daggers at him. "Drop it," she warned and nodded toward Angel who looked like she

I want to know," I insisted

where Cylan had kicked him. "She's been spreading stuff about you

been running her mouth all over the

around my fork, and my pulse hammered in my ears. Angel shifted uncomfortably beside me and

a scrape. "I'm going to

followed him and something