FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 26

                            SELENA 

I wrapped my arms around Marco, losing myself in the sensation of his kiss. His hands moved gently across my back, sending shivers down my spine. Just as I was about to lose myself completely, my phone buzzed loudly on the table beside us.

I pulled back, breathless, and glanced at the screen. Ezra's name flashed, along with his photo. My heart skipped a beat, anxiety immediately setting in.

“It’s my brother,” I said, my voice tinged with worry.

Marco raised an eyebrow, his hand still resting on my waist. “You gonna answer it?”

I nodded, taking a deep breath before swiping to accept the call. “Hello?”

“Selena, you need to come home,” Ezra's voice was firm and urgent. “We need to talk about something.”

My stomach dropped. “Is everything okay?”

“It will be. Just get home as soon as you can.”

I glanced at Marco, who was watching me intently, then back at my phone. “Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

Ending the call, I turned to Marco, who looked concerned. “I have to go. Ezra says it’s important.”

Marco sighed, his disappointment evident, but he nodded. “Alright. Do you need a ride?”

“No, I’ll be fine,” I replied, grabbing my things. “Thanks, though.”

As I hurried out of Marco’s house, my mind raced with questions about what could be so urgent. I ordered a ride which took me straight home.

When I finally got home, I opened the door to find my brothers in the living area. Reggie and Teddy were deep in conversation, while Cyrus lounged on the couch, his attention fixed on something unseen. I stepped into the room, offering a quiet greeting to my brothers and Teddy.

“Hey, guys,” I said, but Cyrus didn’t even look up. I sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of his indifference.

Ezra came to the center of the room, clearing his throat to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, listen up. We’ve decided to go on a camping trip,” he announced. “Just us and our friends. It’s a chance to get away and relax for a bit.”

Wow!! That sounds fun.....but...... Cyrus is gonna be there!!!!!

Teddy grinned, clearly excited about the idea. “Sounds awesome! When are we leaving?”

“This weekend,” Ezra replied. He then turned to me, his expression serious. “Selena, if you’re planning to bring anyone along, make sure it’s not a male friend. Understood?”

I nodded, Not as if I was gonna bring any male friend at all “Got it.”

My gaze shifted to Cyrus, who remained distant and detached. He hadn’t spoken to me since that awkward encounter, and his silence was starting to feel like a heavy cloud hanging over us.

Ezra continued outlining the details of the trip, but my mind kept drifting back to Cyrus. His coldness was hard to ignore, and I wondered if things would ever return to normal between us. As the meeting wrapped up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this camping trip might be more complicated than a simple getaway.

~~

The next day at school, I found Eva by our usual spot, sipping on her coffee. I took a deep breath and approached her, my mind set on convincing her to join us on the camping trip.

“Hey, Eva,” I greeted, sliding into the seat next to her.

“Hey, you,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “What’s up?”