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.

want to make sure you two are looking out for

like how you

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

I pressed.

a moment, I thought he might hang up. But then he spoke in a tight and

"Something big is coming."

a slap. I

careful," he said. "The center's under scrutiny, and things are going to get... complicated. Just keep your head down and stay

say more," Travis said firmly. "Just trust me

but there was no

almost begging. "Just listen to me for once. Stay close to Angel. Keep

me. "You don't get to tell me

"Hendrix-"

before he could say anything else and threw my phone onto the bed. My chest heaved as I tried to process the conversation. What the hell was he talking about? Scrutiny? Complications? And why

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

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

figure

...

(Thomas's POV)

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

replied. "She's totally out of his

I glanced at Angel. She 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,

what it meant. People were noticing us. They were starting to talk. And while part of me liked the idea of being with her openly, another part

asked. Her voice pulled

head

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