Cravingz [Editing]

Ch.32

Ashelyonna's POV

Chadie😒💙❣

Hey, I'm home! The house is empty and locked up. Why? Where are you???

I read the text over and over, a knot tightening in my stomach as I jumped up from the couch. I glanced over at Stefan, who was watching me with a curious expression.

"My brother, he—" I started, running my hand through my hair in frustration.

"He's home," I finished, my mind racing as I began to pace the room.

"Oh?" Stefan replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh? Stefan, he's my big brother! What do you mean, 'oh'?" I snapped, anxiety flooding my thoughts. A million scenarios flashed through my mind—what if he was upset? What if he had questions about me being out late with Stefan?

Stefan stood up and walked over, gently holding my shoulders to calm me down. "Babe, you're clearly overreacting," he said, his voice soothing.

I sighed, trying to take a deep breath and center myself. "Yeah, maybe you're right. But I still gotta go, Stefan." I looked down at my feet, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on my chest.

"I'll be back," I reassured him, grabbing my shoes and heading toward the door.

But as I reached for the doorknob, it hit me—I needed a ride. Slapping myself on the forehead, I sheepishly turned back to Stefan. "Um, can you drive me home?" I asked, a little embarrassed.

His expression softened, and he nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Of course, I'll take you."

As we made our way to the door, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. I needed to confront my brother and figure out what was going on, but I also didn't want to leave the comfort of Stefan's presence just yet.

"Thanks, Stef. I appreciate it," I said, glancing up at him.

"Anytime," he replied, and with that, we stepped outside into the cool air, ready to face whatever awaited us at home.

Chadwayne's POV

"Look, you dragged me out here, so the least you can do is cut me some slack." I said into the phone, my irritation rising with each passing second.

"I don't care what it is you want to do, but you better not screw this up, Chadwayne, or—"

"You'll what? Kill me? Ha! We both know you need me more than any of these idiots you have doing your bidding," I cut her off, rolling my eyes as I paced back and forth.

"You're getting way in over your head, Chad," she warned before hanging up.

Great, just what I needed—another threat from someone who couldn't get their own hands dirty. I shoved my phone into my pocket, feeling the frustration boil inside me. I had texted Ashelyonna a half-hour ago with no response, so I decided to let myself into the house.

As I entered, I was met with an eerie silence. "Ash?" I called out, but there was no reply. The emptiness of the house felt unsettling, amplifying my anxiety.

I walked through the living room, glancing around to see if anything seemed out of place. The air felt charged, like a storm was brewing, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was just my sister being weird, but I couldn't help but feel a knot in my stomach.

I moved to the kitchen and opened the fridge, hoping for something to eat, but all I found was a half-empty jug of milk and some old leftovers. With a sigh, I closed the fridge door, still feeling on edge.

As I leaned against the counter, I pulled out my phone again and scrolled through my messages, trying to find something to distract myself. Still no word from Ash.

"Come on, sis, where are you?" I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of my responsibility as the older brother settle heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to find her, and fast.

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Ashelyonna's POV

It took about twenty minutes to get to my house, and I told Stefan to pull up on the curb so I could walk the rest of the way. He was being stubborn, insisting on carrying me all the way to the door. I didn't know how my brother would react to Stefan's presence, let alone what he would think of him.

"Stefan, please just wait here," I begged, my voice laced with urgency.

He finally relented but not without a reluctant sigh. As I approached the house, I noticed the front door was already ajar. My heart raced as I peered inside, scanning the dimly lit interior.

"Hello?" I called softly, my voice barely breaking the silence.

The house felt empty and unsettling. I dropped my bag by the door and stepped inside cautiously, keeping my senses alert.

The kitchen was vacant, too quiet for comfort.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice, which startled me. "Hey, Lyly."

Turning around, I spotted my brother, Chad, sitting at the kitchen island, stuffing his face with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Peanut butter was oozing out from the sides as he took a huge bite, and I couldn't help but shake my head in amusement.

"Really, Chad?" I laughed lightly as I walked over to him for a hug.

Using his free hand, he wrapped his arm around me, and the warmth of his embrace was a comforting reminder that I was home.

"I'm safe, he's here, and no, he won't hurt me," I reassured Stefan silently in my thoughts as I let go of Chad.

Chad eventually finished his sandwich, and we both settled around the island. The silence hung heavily between us, and I could sense a storm brewing beneath his calm facade.

Finally, he broke the ice. "Sorry I missed Mom and Dad's funeral." His voice was low, and I noticed the frustration etched on his face.

Looking into his eyes, I saw them glisten with unshed tears. My heart ached for him as I instinctively walked over and hugged him tightly. Moments later, I felt my shirt dampen as he began to cry.

Watching him break down brought tears to my own eyes. The weight of our loss was overwhelming, and in that moment, it felt like the world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us clinging to each other amidst the chaos.

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Hey guys hope u enjoy this chapter. Sorry it short though.

Byeeeee