Dark Truths

Chapter 11

Zack's POV

I groan when the memories of yesterday flood my head.

I kissed him.

I fucking kissed Leo, the annoying insufferable asshole who makes me question my sanity.

Why the fuck did I do that?

I groan again, keeping my eyes closed, hoping I'll drift off to sleep, and will be able to forget this just for a little while longer.

I'm suddenly slapped in the face.

I scowl. "Noah, actually fuck off" I mutter, then hear a familiar giggle. I open my eyes, seeing Riley sitting on her knees beside me, giggling.

I smile at her. "Little brat" I pretend to be angry, but she just smiles, leaning down and kissing my cheek.

"Riley, if I find out you hit someone, tigers getting locked away for the day," Cameron says, and I laugh when I see the frown on Riley's face.

Sitting up, I stand up off the bed, checking the time. Two pm... I'm up early today. I blame he who shall not be named for disturbing my sleep.

I feel a hand on my upper back, and I turn to see Riley standing up on my bed. I grin, grabbing her and throwing her over my shoulder while she squeals, hitting my back lightly.

She is easily the cutest toddler ever.

I walk out of my room and into Noah's. The first thing I see is Noah, lying on the floor staring up at the ceiling, while Cameron is sitting at his desk, doing work.

I put Riley down, and she runs over to Noah's wardrobe and climbs inside, closing the doors behind her.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask, looking down at Noah. "Life" He sighs.

I glance at Cameron. "His favourite show got removed from Netflix," Cameron says, staring at Noah in pity. "Shit, is he gonna be alright?" I mumble, staring at my mess of a brother who looks miserable.

"He needs time," Cameron says, and I nod in understanding.

I walk out of his room, going to my own to grab some clothes before having a shower.

***

A few hours have passed, and I groan when I realise I need to leave for work soon.

I physically cannot face Leo today. Or ever. And thinking of getting Cameron to kidnap Charlotte, just so Leo doesn't show up to work.

I go back into Noah's room. Everyone is where they were before, the only difference is Noah is now asleep. Still on the floor.

"Is he serious?" I ask. "He was awake when I got here. Probably didn't sleep" Cameron says, and I roll my eyes. "Of course, he didn't. Dumbass" I mumble, walking over to where Cameron is working at the desk.

"What are you doing?" I ask, looking at the books spread out on the desk, quickly recognising the math equations. Math on a Saturday...poor guy.

"Would that be right?" Cameron says, and I look at his copy. I was rather good at math in high school. "Yeah, it's right," I tell him, and he lets out a breath of relief. I smile sadly at him, patting his back.

Cameron would probably die before admitting he's struggling to juggle school and minding his sister Riley.

And it's hard to help someone, who's too damn stubborn to accept help.

I leave him to work and go over to the wardrobe. I knock on the door. "Come in!" Riley yells from inside. I chuckle, opening the door to see her sitting inside underneath Noah's shirts and jumpers.