Glassheart

Chapter 17

RED'S POV
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It was ten o'clock at night when I was jolted awake by a series of knocks on the door. Confusion washed over me as I tried to fathom who could be visiting at such an hour. I got up, opened the door, and was taken aback to find Chloe standing there, tears streaming down her face.

"Chloe!? What are you doing here?" I exclaimed. Without a word, she threw her arms around me and began to sob.

"I couldn't stay home anymore, Red. I just couldn't do it," she murmured between tears. I guided her inside and led us to her bed, where she settled on my lap, clinging to me tightly.

"Hey, Chloe, it's okay. Where's Chad?" I asked gently.

"No one's here with me," she replied, deepening my concern.

"Chloe, what do you mean?" I pressed.

"I snuck out. My parents never listen to me!" she cried, burying her face against my shoulder. I rubbed her back soothingly, trying to comfort her. Grabbing my phone, I texted Uma to come over and informed Chad about the situation.

"Chloe? What's happening?" Uma asked as she walked in, noticing me holding Chloe protectively.

"Chloe, what's going on?" Uma repeated, kneeling beside us.

"I couldn't stay home! My parents just don't listen," Chloe sobbed, looking up at Uma.

"Did you just leave?" Uma inquired. Chloe nodded, burying her face in my chest again. Uma turned to me.

"Did you know she was coming?" she asked.

"No, I was asleep when I heard the knocking. Honestly, I thought it was CJ," I replied, and Uma nodded in understanding.

"Did you tell her parents?" she asked.

"I informed Chad, and he said he was on his way," I said.

"Alright, I'm going to call her parents. Just stay here," Uma instructed. I nodded and laid back on the bed.

"Please don't make me go back, Red. I can't do it," Chloe cried.

"Shh, Chloe, calm down. I'm not going anywhere," I assured her. I held her close as she eventually relaxed and drifted off to sleep. Despite my own exhaustion, I resisted the urge to doze off, needing to stay alert for Chad or Uma's return. I absentmindedly played with Chloe's hair until Uma came back into the room.

"Hey, Red. I just got off the phone with her parents, and they're on their way with Chad. Is she sleeping?" Uma asked.

"Yeah, she is," I replied, rubbing my eyes.

"Well, they might not arrive until midnight, so try to catch some sleep. I'll wake you when they get here, alright?" Uma said. I nodded as she left, resuming my gentle stroking of Chloe's hair and back. Before long, I succumbed to sleep.

I awoke to Uma gently shaking me. Blinking my eyes open, I saw Chloe's parents and brother in the room, while Chloe stirred awake.

"Oh my gosh!" her mother exclaimed. Chloe turned to them, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

"Please don't make me go back!" she cried, pressing her face into my chest.

"Shh, Chloe, it's okay," I murmured, as she allowed a few more sobs to escape.

"Chloe, we were worried sick! You just snuck out!" her mother scolded.

"I know, and I feel terrible, but I can't be home anymore!" Chloe argued, sitting up. I glanced at my phone; it was nearly one in the morning.