One More Chance: Book 1

Ch.29 - Transparent Glass

15 weeks...

(Devyn)
Today, I smile.

I felt relieved after that night with my brother. He made me realize a lot of things.

But that night, I saw Xander in pain.

I don't know what it is yet.

Something is telling me maybe Hero was right, that's not Xander.

His behavior is like an on or off switch with him.

He's vulnerable and sick as if he's going to puke every last dinner he's had his entire life. Or he's an arrogant jerk like Ethan.

I haven't seen Ethan in a while.

But seeing Xander this way makes me believe he's still in there.

...Flashback: Three weeks ago...

Zed held Xander up to support him while he tried to stand.

"What does it look like?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen it. I just know when I get sick like this, it wears out after a couple of days. He injects it immediately so I can't go far."

"Is he obsessed with you?"

"Eh, I don't fucking know. I just want to be home. I don't want to give my Mom hell anymore so I haven't gone back."

My heart broke for him.

I still love him but this state, it was like he was losing himself.

"Xander? Why don't you leave him? You easily walked away from home. Do the same with Ethan. Get away from him. Come back home."

"Dev, it's not that easy. Talking to you hurts more than hurting anyone else. I'm not supposed to be around you."

He looked into my eyes as the green ember was no longer there, "He would kill me if he saw me around you."

I knew he was talking to me. Saying sorry behind his words even though that wasn't what he was saying.

"I miss you."

Without a second thought in my mind, I hugged him wrapping my arms around him.

His stayed at his sides, moments passed before he touched me.

Xanders hug was shaking and scared yet snug, comforting.

I missed his hugs.

"Help me."

...End of Flashback...

Hugging him felt like a dream come true but his mind is wired to obey Ethan like some task.

Somethings entirely wrong. I know it is.

"Devyn?"

"I'll be down in a minute."

I grabbed my phone and my hoodie walking downstairs meeting Hannah and Emery at the bottom of the steps.

"Ready to go?"

"Yea. Just one last thing."

I grabbed my wallet from the kitchen island and we headed out the door.

After I locked the door behind us, we get into Emery's car and headed to the nail salon.

"We thought you would need this as a relaxation day from everything."