Darn Stupid Brother You Are

(Angel's POV)

The news hit us during breakfast. Another inspection was coming. This time it wasn't just a routine check for contraband or monitoring behavior. It was about "mental stability and compliance." The doctors would interview each of us one-on- one and dig into our minds, looking for any signs of resistance or disobedience. Anyone who didn't meet their standards could be transferred to the restricted wing-where people went in but rarely came out. "Great," Hande muttered in frustration as she pushed her food around with her fork. "As if we needed more reasons to stress out."

Cylan nodded with a tense expression. "This could ruin everything. If they find out we've been snooping, we're done for."

A cold chill ran down my spine. This inspection could destroy everything. The journal, our escape plans-everything we've been working towards could be gone in an instant. I needed air and had to clear my head. "I'll be back," I muttered and stood up from the table.

"Angel, where are you going?" Hande called after me, but I was already out the door.

The center's grounds were quiet as I walked. The wind rustled the trees and somewhere in the distance, I heard the faint sound of a bird chirping, but it did nothing to calm my nerves.

I was lost in my thoughts when I saw her-Dr. Nixon. She stood by the garden and looked out over the flowers like she was lost in her own world.

"Enjoying the morning?" she asked without even looking at me.

I hesitated. "Something like that."

Dr. Nixon turned her head just enough for me to see the corner of her smile. "You should be ready, Angel. Things are going to change soon." "Change?" I asked as my heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged a little and kept her eyes on the flowers. "You'll see. Just be prepared."

Before I could ask anything else, she walked away, leaving me even more confused. What was coming? And why did it feel like I was running out of time?

...

That night, after everyone else went to bed, I slipped outside. I needed a moment to breathe and think. As I reached the porch, I saw him-Thomas. He was sitting on the grassy floor with a small dog curled up next to him. He looked up as I approached and gave me a soft smile.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

I shook my head. "You?"

He nodded toward the dog. "This little guy needed some fresh air. Belongs to one of the doctors."

"Which one?" I asked and sat down beside him, feeling the damp grass through my shorts.

"Dr. Casey. He's the only one I can tolerate around here," Thomas replied with a chuckle. "He doesn't treat us like we're experiments."

We sat in silence for a moment and watched the dog sniff around. "Do you prefer dogs or cats?" I asked because I needed to focus on something simple for once.

"Oh, dogs. Definitely," Thomas answered and his eyes lit up. "I had a golden retriever growing up. Her name was Daisy. She was my best friend. We'd go on these long walks, and she'd always listen to me talk about my day, you know? No judgment. Just... there."

"That sounds nice," I murmured.

"It was," he said, his voice full of nostalgia. "When she died, it was like I lost a piece of myself. But I guess that's the thing about loving something or someone. You lose parts of yourself along the way."

We fell silent again and the only sound was the wind rustling through the trees. The dog suddenly barked and ran off, probably back to its owner, leaving us alone.

"You know, we only have two months left here," I said quietly.

"I know," he replied softly. "Everyone's been counting down."

"Except me," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I've just been... drifting, I guess."

Thomas turned to face me and his eyes searched mine. "It's been a lot, hasn't it?"

I nodded and blinked back tears. "Yeah. More than I ever thought it would be."

He reached out and brushed his fingers against mine. "You're stronger than you think, Angel."

His touch sent a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. "Thomas," I whispered, "why do you keep doing this?"

He sighed and looked up at the stars. "Because I can't help it. I care about you. And I know there's something between you and Hendrix. I'm not stupid. But I don't judge you for it."

"You should,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone else would."

"I'm not everyone else," he replied with a small smile. "I'm just me. And I want to be here for you, if you'll let me. No pressure, no expectations. Just... here."

I felt my heart twist and the walls I'd built around myself cracked a little. "I don't know what I want, Thomas. I'm confused. I've been confused ever since this place "

"I get it," he said and squeezed my hand. "And I'll wait. For as long as it takes."

I shook my head and felt tears slip down my cheeks. "You don't deserve someone like me. I'm a mess."

He smiled and brushed his thumb over my cheek. "Then I guess I like messy things. And I don't care. I want you, Angel."

I looked at him, really looked at him, and for the first time, I let myself see the young man in front of me the one who wasn't afraid of my scars or my darkness. "Thomas, I—”

He leaned in and rested his forehead against mine. "Just... see me," he whispered. "Please, just see me."

I closed my eyes and when he kissed me, I let myself fall. It was soft and careful like he was afraid I'd pull away. But I didn't. I couldn't.

When he finally pulled back, he whispered an apology, but I shook my head and pulled him closer. "Don't apologize."

He smiled and cupped my face, his eyes dark and intense. "You deserve better."

I shook my head. "I don't want better. I want you."