Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 87

(Hendrix's

POV)

Group therapy sessions were supposed to be about healing. About connection. About putting our walls down and sharing our struggles. But today, as I walked into the brightly lit room, all I felt was dread.

Dr. Craig stood at the front with a clipboard in hand and his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Everyone, find a partner," he said as calm and commandingly as ever.

The room filled with murmurs and shuffling as patients paired up. I knew exactly what was coming, and my stomach turned. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thomas heading toward me, his confident stride as irritating as ever. "No," I said sharply before he could even get close.

Thomas paused, his brow furrowing. "What?"

"I'm not partnering with you," I snapped and crossed my arms.

Dr. Craig looked up from his clipboard. He looked confused and disappointed at the same time. "Hendrix, Thomas is your assigned partner for this session."

"Well, change it," I said coldly.

Thomas stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Come on, man. Let's just get through this."

"I said no." My voice was louder now, drawing the attention of the other patients.

Angel's soft voice cut through the tension. "Hendrix, it's just an exercise. Can we not make a scene?"

Her words hit me like a slap. She didn't even look at me when she said it. Her gaze was fixed on Thomas; her expression was calm, almost pleading. She was taking his side. Again.

and tried my best not to let my anger burst

supposed to mean?" she asked, finally looking at

him," I spat

went dead silent. Every patient's eyes were on us now. Their stares

that's enough," Dr.

wasn't done. "I'm not doing this. I'll go see Dr. Joe

see his authority wavering at the mention of

my anger and frustration to make

•

the noise of the center faded into the background. The cold metal of the PS5 controller in my hands was the distraction I needed at the moment. The screen in front of me flickered with the bright colors of the game, but my mind

it was

Angel.

when we were kids. The way she'd stick up for me when I got into trouble. The way her eyes

two of us against the world. But

back, closing my eyes. Her face was there, so vivid and so bright,

have to be

the thoughts away. But

...

(Bundah's POV)

my sleeve. Charlotte was next to me. Her notebook was open on her lap as she scribbled something in neat, tiny letters. "What

turning pink. "It's... nothing. Just some words.

me," I said, grinning. "I need to impress you

her accent was thick as she said, "Okay. Repeat after

bad. She giggled, and it sounded musical. "Non,