Trojan Horse

13 - Too Much In Her Head

Wymack unlocked the door to let them on, and he got them on the road as fast as he could. Minna spent the ride staring out the window and trying to figure out the consequences of what Neil had done. Minna knew harmless conversation with her teammates and friends was better than her dire thoughts, but she wasn't in the mood.

They were almost halfway back when Andrew had to take his medicine again. Abby went to the back of the bus to make sure he really swallowed it. Minna half-expected Andrew to fight it after what had happened at Kathy's show, but Andrew was surprisingly compliant.

They stopped only to get gas and made good time back to campus. Minna was so relieved to see Palmetto State again it was almost painful. Wymack let the bus idle out back of Fox Tower and watched everyone climb out. He said nothing until Andrew approached, then put a hand in Andrew's path.

"Be smart."

Andrew flapped a hand at Wymack. "I know, I know."

Minna didn't know if Wymack actually trusted Andrew, but Wymack nodded and dropped his hand. Andrew took the stairs down and didn't slow on his way to the dorm. Wymack didn't leave until they were all inside. They took the stairs to the third floor, and Dan stopped outside Andrew's room.

"Hey," Dan said as Andrew unlocked his door. "Let's have lunch together as a team. We don't have to talk about this morning if you don't want to."

Andrew pretended to think about it. "No."

He opened the door and stepped out of the way to send Kevin a pointed look. Kevin started into the room.

"Don't worry, Minna, Kevin," Dan said. "We'll figure this out together."

Kevin glanced back at her, but he didn't get to answer. Andrew put his hand to Kevin's back and shoved him into the bedroom. Dan scowled at Andrew as Aaron and Nicky followed Kevin inside. Andrew smiled and slammed the door in her face.

"Asshole," Matt said.

"They're upset," Renee said. "They couldn't help him today."

"They didn't have to," Matt said. "Neil did it for them."

Minna glanced at her teammates.

"Go," Laila urged. "They can help you better than we can."

Minna nodded and slipped inside. Nicky was waiting at closed the door behind her. Minna went straight to Kevin and hugged him. He was curled up on a beanbag chair and pulled her into him, and cradled her there.

Minna felt tension melt off her shoulders and felt herself begin to drift in the safe embrace of her big brother. The shattering of glass snapped her back and Kevin flinched slightly. Nicky squeezed Minna's hand gently. Then a minute later he was gone to check on Andrew and then to go talk to the others. Minna's eyes closed again, still bundled in Kevin's arms.

The door banged open and Minna glanced up, startled out of dozing yet again. It was Nicky and Neil. Aaron was washing dishes in the kitchen and didn't look up as they went by. Nicky pointed down the hall and went to sit with the Days. Neil went alone into the dark bedroom and closed the door behind him. It was several long minutes until Neil re-emerged.

He left as fast as he could, but he only made it as far as the hallway. The door slammed and Minna turned back over.

Everything was going to hell.

•|⚜️|•

Not only am I six hours late, im also giving you guys an extremely short chapter. Sorry!