FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 6

~~SELENA~~

Did he really just say that, my eyes widening as I looked at him, searching for any hint of jest. Please, let this not be one of those surreal dreams. let it be real, I silently prayed.

"Se-se," I stuttered before I could find the right words to express my disbelief.

"Hey, sexy," Teddy interjected with a smirk, plopping down between us as if he owned the place. What in the world...

Today, right at this moment, I could feel the seeds of resentment taking root towards Teddy.

My gaze shifted to Cyrus, who seemed oddly detached, his eyes wandering elsewhere as if the conversation was of no interest to him.

"Ezra would be so excited to hear that," I remarked, trying to inject a semblance of normalcy into the awkward situation.

"What? You don't need to tell them, baby girl," Teddy retorted, his casual demeanor contrasting sharply with Cyrus's silent disapproval, which I could sense more than see.

"Just get me a drink, I'm thirsty," I said, eyeing my now-empty cup, eager to divert the conversation to a more better topic.

"Anything," Teddy chuckled before sauntering away, leaving me with Cyrus and my lingering doubts.

Oh, right, Reggie warned me earlier not to accept any drinks from Teddy.

It's not that we don't trust Teddy, but his penchant for reckless behavior has earned him a cautious reputation among us.

"Thank you," I said to Cyrus, though he remained stoically focused on whatever had captured his attention.

"You're welcome," he murmured, his response tinged with a hint of warmth that belied his aloof exterior.

Let's just say the party was enjoyable, and I found myself seated next to Cyrus for the duration, his presence a calming noise amidst the chaos of the festivities.

And the best part? This guy doesn't even drink or smoke, which made it even better.

"Goodnight," I bid Ezra, who nodded with a tired smile before disappearing into his room.

"I love you," I told Reggie, who shot me a playful yet exaggeratedly disgusted look, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Ewwn," he scoffed, his mock-revulsion accompanied by a playful shove before he retreated to his own room.

"Dream about me," I teased Blue, whose playful banter never failed to lift my spirits.

"Ahhh, nightmare," he quipped with a smirk before darting off to his room, leaving me to savor the quiet solitude of the night.

Phew.

Now, let me go to my room and carefully remember every detail of what transpired today, savoring every moment of what might just be the best day of my life.

---

A whole week had passed, and my parents had just embarked on their trip, leaving me to fend for myself alongside my brothers. Anya had been fortunate enough to escape to Aunt Kate's house. Lucky her. And so it was just me and my brothers.

Ever since the incident at the party, Cyrus had become increasingly distant, barely acknowledging my presence, let alone engaging in conversation. Gone were the days when his words would light up my world with compliments. It felt like we had regressed back to square one. I know it was only once that he complimented me though.

"Thanks," I said to our housekeeper, handing her my plate hurriedly. Time was ticking, and I needed to make it to school ASAP.

"Bye," I called out to Grey as I rushed past him.