Things Only Go Downhill

Chapter 11

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"Nothing has made me sadder than imagining never seeing you again"
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Maverick pulled his hair up and out of his face, using a simple rubberband he knew he'd regret using when he took it out to tie his hair in a bun. His body was exhausted and every movement made it ache. His eyes were heavy and his hands shook due to the exhaustion and caffeine. Nothing felt real in those moments. He was in a daze, living an image of who he thought he was.

The hospital room was mostly empty since Isaiah hadn't arrived with his younger siblings yet. It was agreed that due to the hospital's policy only Maverick could stay overnight with Lani. They had only made an exception the first couple of days because they knew the family's situation.

His back ached from the uncomfortable chair he slept in and his neck desperately needed to be cracked. He glanced over at the monitor to see his little sister's slow heartbeats and his heart slowly broke. His stomach was wrapped for the broken ribs after the nurses had harassed him into getting them checked out. He sighed and ran his fingers down his face before heading out of the hospital bathroom to check on his little sister again. He placed a kiss on her forehead, running his thumb along her cheek in a soothing manner. Every day that passed, the more he was afraid she wouldn't wake up.

"Hey" Isaiah called as he headed into the hospital room, Lucius in his arms and the twins trailing behind him. They all gave uncertain glances to Lani and Maverick's heart clenched. He couldn't imagine how afraid they were. "Any updates"

"No" Maverick whispered. Isaiah let out a long sigh and handed Maverick a backpack.

"Charger, hair ties, brush, and a change of clothes. You smell" Isaiah muttered before collapsing into the chair Maverick had slept in. Maverick mumbled a thanks before plugging in his phone and seeing about a million missed calls from Danny. He hesitated before pressing on one of his voicemails and bringing it to his ear.

"Maverick, we have a serious problem. Some college kid we sold to snitched after he overdosed and the police were just at my door. They're looking for you. I told them you were staying with your mom in Florida, but you have to get the fuck out of here before they realize I'm lying... I haven't been caught yet but I swear to fucking god if you get caught and snitch on me I'll kill you"

All color drained from Maverick's face. Couldn't life just give him a break? Why did they have to pick now of all times? What did he possibly do to deserve this? He couldn't just leave Lani like this. He took a few minutes to collect himself, sitting down in the process. His hands shook and his world seemed to spin.

He was going to jail. And if he did his siblings would starve or be put in the system. Lani would be alone in her last days and by the time he'd get out, there would be nothing left to save. Lani would be gone, Isaiah would resent him more than he already did, Noel, Zackariah, and Lucius would be in foster homes around the United States and Lucius may not even remember his face. He fucked up. He really fucked up.

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After saying goodbye to his little sister, meeting Dorian's mom and Callie, and playing with Jonah's dog, Maze was heading back to his room feeling exhausted. As sad as it was to say goodbye, he was just happy he got to see Noel again. He often wondered what his brothers were doing. He knew Zackariah was living in Hawaii still and Isaiah was in a group home somewhere in Oregon but he didn't have a clue where Lucius had been sent. He just hoped he was okay.

His eyes were tired as he went to open his door only for the handle to be stopped. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion before dread washed over him and he cursed under his breath about a million times. Silas and Maze didn't lock doors. Not even when they both left. Nobody was stupid enough to steal from them and frankly, they didn't value their privacy.