FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 10

~~SELENA~~

The multiple knocks on the door only added to the turmoil swirling within me. I could hear my mom's concerned voice, Ezra's inquiries about my missed class, and Grey's attempts to coax me into opening up. But I couldn't bring myself to face them, not when my heart felt like it had been shattered into a million pieces.

I had believed, foolishly perhaps, that there was something between Cyrus and me. That his kisses held meaning, that his touch was genuine. But now, as I grappled with the harsh reality of his betrayal, I couldn't help but wonder why he had kissed me at all.

I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the traces of tears and anguish. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I saw only red, puffy eyes staring back at me, a stark reminder of my pain.

Feeling drained both physically and emotionally, I knew my brothers would be concerned if they saw me in such a state. They would want answers, to get to the bottom of what had happened to me. But I wasn't ready to face their questions, not yet.

After cleansing my face, I returned to my room, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. The thought of going to school the next day, or even the following week, filled me with a sense of dread. I just wanted to crawl into bed and shut out the world.

Despite my weariness, hunger gnawed at my stomach, driving me out of my room and into the kitchen. The house was eerily quiet, my brothers nowhere to be found. I assumed they were out or in their rooms, lost in their own thoughts.

~~

As I looked at the food in the kitchen, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. I knew my mom was in her room, but the thought of confiding in her about what had happened with Cyrus filled me with apprehension. I didn't want to burden her with my troubles or risk causing any issues between her and Cyrus.

After carefully arranging my meal on a plate, I grabbed a bottle of water before heading towards my room. However, my path was intercepted by the unexpected sight of Ezra and Cyrus in the hallway.

"Lena," Ezra's voice pulled me from my thoughts as he approached me.

"Hi," I greeted, my eyes briefly meeting Cyrus's before darting away.

"Are you okay?" Ezra's concern was evident as he studied my face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied with a forced laugh, attempting to mask my unease.

Ezra's touch on my face sent a shiver down my spine as he remarked, "You look pale, like you've been crying."

"No, I'm just stressed," I insisted, trying to brush off his concern.

"Why? You're sick or what?" Ezra pressed, his worry deepening.

"No... just tired, bye," I hastily excused myself, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere and the presence of Cyrus.

With a quick retreat to my room, I left behind the lingering tension, unable to bear the thought of facing Cyrus in that moment.

~~

Ezra let out a frustrated sigh as he watched Cyrus's indifferent response. "I know she's not okay at all," he muttered to Cyrus, who simply glanced back at him.

"She might just be stressed," Cyrus suggested, but Ezra shook his head adamantly.

"She was crying and locked herself in her room. That looks like someone broke her heart," Ezra stated, but Cyrus remained silent.

"And if I happen to meet that person, it wouldn't be funny at all," Ezra warned, but Cyrus offered no response.

As they continued playing video games, Cyrus suddenly stood up. "Want to walk around" he said, and Ezra nodded. Cyrus led the way out of Ezra's room, heading in one direction.