Cravingz [Editing]

Ch.34 (Confused.)

Ashelyonna's POV

I couldn't shake the image of Stefan killing that vampire in front of me, completely devoid of remorse. What was his deal? My mind raced with the implications of what I had just witnessed.

Once I got inside my house, I plopped down on the couch and rubbed my temples, trying to ease the tension in my mind. The warmth of the house wrapped around me, but the atmosphere felt thick and heavy, as if it were holding onto all the unsaid words and emotions.

"Chadwayne!" I called out, a shiver running down my spine as I felt the unsettling presence of someone-or something-lurking in the shadows.

I scanned the dimly lit corners of the room, my heart racing, but then I spotted my brother. He was leaning casually against the doorframe of the kitchen, a smirk on his face.

"Hey, dork," Chadwayne said, flicking his finger at my forehead, a playful gesture he'd used on me since we were little.

I rubbed the spot where he'd flicked me, a smile creeping onto my face despite the tension from earlier. I missed my moron of a brother, but something felt off. I could sense the heaviness in the air around him as he stepped aside and headed upstairs.

"Hey, ever since Mom and Dad died, have you been in their room?" he asked, the question catching me off guard.

"Um, yeah. The first few nights, I slept in there before... Jessica came over," I replied, hesitating for a moment before almost letting Stefan's name slip out. "Why?"

"Nothing," he sighed, turning back to face me as he descended the stairs.

"What is it, Chad?" I pressed, gently rubbing his shoulder to offer support.

"I tried going in there today, but the door was locked," he admitted, his voice strained.

"Oh," I said, guilt washing over me for having locked the door after my last visit.

"I just wanted to feel their presence once more. I-I refuse to believe they're really gone," he continued, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Without hesitation, I pulled him into a tight hug. "Chad, it's okay to miss them. I miss them too," I reassured him as he sobbed against my shoulder. The comfort of the moment felt bittersweet, but I knew it was necessary.

After a few moments, I gently let go of my brother. I walked over to the key pot on the table and retrieved my parents' bedroom key, holding it out to him with a meek smile.

"Here. You can go in," I offered softly, watching as he took the key with a mix of gratitude and sadness.

With that, I decided to retreat to my room, needing some time to process everything.

Once upstairs, I laid down on my bed, stretching out and releasing a big yawn. Kicking off my shoes, I rolled over onto my stomach like a lazy kitten, then reached for my phone to check for any messages or notifications.

As the screen lit up, I couldn't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me. It had been a long day, and I knew that the events of the evening would weigh heavily on my mind for a while. I needed to unwind, but the lingering thoughts of Stefan's actions and Chad's grief made it difficult to find peace.

Stefan's POV

I sat on the couch, my gaze fixed on Timiria sprawled out on the floor. I didn't bother to move her; she could stay there for all I cared.

Feeling the need to drown out the tension, I made my way to the kitchen, grabbed a scotch glass, and poured myself a generous amount of bourbon. I gulped it down, hissing as the liquid burned its way down my throat, leaving a fiery warmth that momentarily distracted me from the chaos swirling in my mind.