Glassheart

Chapter 25

RED'S POV
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The next morning, I awoke to Chloe's alarm, yet she remained sound asleep. Her parents informed me that she needed to rest for the day, as she had experienced a mild fever yesterday. She was nestled against my chest, so I gently rose to begin my morning routine. I made my way to the bathroom, changed my clothes, and attended to my hair and makeup. I opted for a messy bun, slipped into some black sweatpants, and threw on one of Chloe's hoodies. As I emerged from the bathroom, I noticed Chloe stirring. I held my breath in an effort to remain still, but she eventually woke up.

"Red?" she mumbled, groggy from sleep. I sat down beside her, and she rested her head in my lap.

"Princess, I have to head to class soon," I gently reminded her.

"Please don't go," she pleaded. I rubbed her back soothingly, which offered some comfort, but not enough for her to drift back to sleep. A moment later, Harry and Uma entered the room.

"Hey, sis," Harry greeted me, prompting Chloe to sit up abruptly.

"I'm sorry, what?" she exclaimed.

"You didn't tell her?" Uma asked me.

"Um, no. Last night, I was more focused on her," I admitted.

"So you and Harry are siblings?" Chloe inquired, astonished.

"Yes, that's right. He's always known but only revealed it to me yesterday. So, CJ and I are cousins," I explained.

"Oh my gosh. Wow. I can see the resemblance," Chloe remarked.

"That's what Uma said!" Harry chimed in, and we all shared a laugh.

"So, what brings you two here?" I asked as Chloe settled back down.

"I didn't trust that you'd wake up on your own, and I wanted to check on Chloe. Harry just wanted to be here," Uma replied.

"She's my little sister who didn't know we were related. Let me bond with her," Harry said with a lighthearted tone, causing me to giggle.

"Can Red stay here with me?" Chloe asked, her voice laced with hope.

"I'm sorry, Chloe, but she can't," Uma said gently, and Chloe buried her face in my lap.

"I'm sorry, princess. It'll be okay. You just need to rest, and besides, we've missed quite a bit of class," I reassured her.

"Not really. Everything is excused. But if you'd like, I can call your parents or someone else to come down," Uma offered.

"Can you call Audrey?" Chloe requested, looking hopeful.

Uma smiled. "Alright, I will. But Red, you should go on ahead. I can stay with Chloe."

"Oh, okay," I replied. As I prepared to leave, Chloe looked at me with pleading eyes, so I leaned down to hug her and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I love you. I'll see you at lunch," I promised.

"I love you too," she murmured in response.

"I'll walk you down," Harry offered as we made our way out.

"Let's go get CJ," I suggested.

"Alright," Harry agreed.

"Have you told her yet?" I inquired, curiosity evident in my voice.

"Um, no. I was actually going to wait for you," Harry replied, prompting a laugh from me. We arrived at her dorm and knocked on the door.

"Oh, what's up, cousin? Hey, Red!" she greeted us with a smile.