Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 90

Chapter 90

(Hendrix's

POV)

I sat cross-legged on my bed, my headphones blaring music loud enough to drown out the chaos around me. It was the only way to quiet my thoughts those days. But the vibration of my phone against the mattress pulled me out of the trance. I picked it up lazily and glanced at the caller ID.

Dad.

I hesitated. It had been weeks since we last spoke. My father wasn't exactly the most attentive parent, but when he did call, it was usually for a reason. I pressed my lips together and answered. "Hey," I said flatly.

"Hendrix, how's my boy?" His voice was warm, but there was an edge to it, like he was trying too hard to sound casual.

I leaned back against the wall. "Still breathing."

He chuckled, though it sounded forced. "That's good to hear. How's the... uh, treatment going?"

I clenched my jaw. The word treatment grated on my nerves. "Same as always."

There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear him choosing his next words carefully. "Listen, kid, I know this isn't easy for you. But you're doing the right thing. You're strong, just like your old man." I rolled my eyes, though he couldn't see it. "Right. Strong. Sure."

"Come on, don't be like that," his tone dipped into something more serious. "I'm trying here."

"Trying what, exactly?" I snapped, unable to hold back the bitterness. "You shipped me off to this place, and now you want a pat on the back for calling once in a blue moon?" Travis sighed heavily. "Hendrix, you know that's not fair."

"Isn't it?" I challenged.

Another pause. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter. "How's Angel?"

My entire body stiffened at her name. "Why are you asking about her?"

"She's your sister-"

"Stepsister," I corrected sharply.

I just... I want to make sure you

you

" He stopped himself, then his voice dropped into a low growl. "This isn't

is it about?" I

a moment, I thought

"Something big is coming."

like a slap. I sat up straighter. "What does

going to get... complicated. Just keep

more," Travis said firmly. "Just trust me

there was no humor in

listen to me for

name sent a jolt of anger through me. "You don't get to tell me what to do," I snapped.

"Hendrix-"

I tried to process the conversation. What the hell was he talking about? Scrutiny? Complications? And why did he care so much about

it didn't sit right. What did my father have to do with the center? And why did I get

hand through my hair as my thoughts continued spiraling. I should tell Angel. She had a right to know. But the idea of facing her, of seeing her with Thomas, made

I'd figure this out on

...

(Thomas's POV)

few whispers. A couple of sideways glances in the cafeteria. By the time Angel and I sat down at our usual table, it was impossible to ignore the buzz of gossip

replied. "She's

was oblivious. Her focus was entirely on the tray of food in front of her. I couldn't help but admire her-how she carried herself, how she didn't seem to care what anyone

noticing us. They were starting to talk. And while part of

something wrong?" Angel asked. Her voice

my head quickly. "No.

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