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 each

how you looked out for me?

voice dropped into a low growl. "This

what is it about?" I pressed. "Why

other end, and for a moment, I thought he might hang up. But then he spoke in a

"Something big is coming."

I sat up straighter. "What

careful," he said. "The center's under scrutiny, and things are going to get... complicated. Just keep your head down and stay out of trouble." "Scrutiny from who?" I

Travis said firmly. "Just

laughed again, but there was no

please," he was almost begging. "Just listen to me for once. Stay

sent a jolt of anger through me. "You don't get to tell me

"Hendrix-"

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

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

had a right to know. But the idea of facing her, of seeing her with

yet. I'd figure

...

(Thomas's POV)

a few whispers. A couple of sideways glances in the cafeteria. By the time Angel and I sat down at our usual

replied. "She's

as 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

about the whispers or the stares, but about 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 of me knew

Angel asked. Her voice pulled me out

shook my head quickly. "No. Everything's

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