Darn Stupid Brother You Are

(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.

"Maybe," he replied, "but I'm your dork."

We both laughed and for a moment, everything felt okay.

...

Later that day... (Thomas's POV)

I needed to talk to Angel. Dr. Nixon had been more elusive than ever and I needed to know if there were any updates, if our escape plan was still in motion. I couldn't shake this feeling that time was running out.

I searched everywhere the 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 there. And that's when I saw them.

Hendrix had Angel pressed against the wall of his treatment room and their bodies were too close, their faces were inches apart. They looked so wrapped up in each other that they didn't even notice me standing there and watching. I cleared my throat.

"What are you doing here?" Angel's voice cut through the air with nervousness lacing her tone.

"I wanted to see you," I replied and kept my voice even, "but it looks like you're busy."

She opened her mouth, probably to make some excuse, but I saw right through it. I nodded once and forced a tight smile. "It's fine. I'll see you later." And I left before I said something I'd regret.

...

(Hendrix's POV)

Lunch that day was a mess. We were all gathered in the cafeteria and I felt the tension simmering between us. Thomas sat across from me and he was silent and brooding while Angel kept her eyes fixed on her tray. Eddie cracked jokes and remained completely oblivious while Cylan picked at her food and was clearly uninterested.

I couldn't take my eyes off Angel. Every time Thomas glanced her way, something twisted inside me. It didn't help that Bundah decided now was the perfect time to bring up the rumors.

"So, Hendrix," Bundah began and leaned back in his chair, "you've heard what people are saying about you and Angel, right?"

I frowned and set down my fork. "No. What are they saying?"

Bundah looked like he was about 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 was about to bolt.

"No, I want to know," I insisted and my voice hardened. "What's going on?"

"It's Ava," Bundah admitted as he rubbed his shin where Cylan had kicked him. "She's been spreading stuff about you and Angel. That it's, you know... more than just sibling stuff." My blood went cold. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Bundah replied. "She's been running her mouth all over the center."

I felt my grip tighten around my fork, and my pulse hammered in my ears. Angel shifted uncomfortably beside me and her eyes darted toward Thomas.

Thomas stood up suddenly and pushed his chair back with a scrape. "I'm going to the gym," he muttered and didn't look at any of us.

Angel's eyes followed him and something in me snapped.

When she stood up and headed for her dorm, I couldn't bear it.

I stood up, not caring who was watching, and walked out, heading for the doors.

(Hande's POV)

"Well, that went well," Eddie said as he bit into his sandwich, completely oblivious.

I shot him a glare and planted my hands on my hips. "Seriously, Eddie? Can you not read the room?"

"What? What did I say?" Eddie looked genuinely confused and that only made me want to smack him.

"Just think before you speak, alright?" I scolded and tugged on his ear for emphasis.

"Ow, okay, okay! I'm sorry!" Eddie laughed and rubbed his ear, but I could tell he didn't really get it.

Bundah just shrugged and stayed unbothered, but I saw Cylan glaring at him with her arms crossed. "You're an idiot, you know that?" she muttered. "Hey, I was just "

"Don't," Cylan interrupted and shook her head. "Just don't."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. It felt like everything - including our friend/escape group - was falling apart and I had no idea how to fix it.