POV: Hex
I sent maybe.
Then I just stared at the ceiling.
The lights were off, but my eyes were open. I counted the tiny cracks I already knew by heart. One… two… three. My chest felt funny, like something was sitting on it.
I didn't want Jay to worry.
I really didn't.
One Week Ago
Break time was loud like always.
I was talking with Mila and James, sitting on top of a desk like I wasn't supposed to. Mila was laughing about something stupid James said when a boy entered the classroom.
I didn't even look properly.
I didn't care.
But Mila nudged my arm. "That boy kinda looks like you, Charles. Mostly the eyes."
James leaned forward. "That's Marco Reyes. I heard he wasn't feeling well, that's why you're just seeing him now."
I shrugged. "Whatever. Not my problem."
We stood up to leave, but before I could step out—
"Hey. New kid."
I ignored him.
Then he stepped in front of me.
"Stay away from her."
I frowned. "Who?"
He pointed straight at Mila.
I blinked. "Bro, she's older than you. Like… two years."
"Stay away from her," he repeated, jaw tight.
Mila crossed her arms. "Marco, I'm not yours. And you're not my type."
The whole room went quiet.
Marco scoffed. "Oh yeah? Then who is?"
Mila looked at me.
"That's none of your business."
Before anyone could say anything else, the teacher walked in.
"Break's over. Everyone to your seats."
I went back to mine. Mila sat beside me. James took the seat on my other side.
"Don't mind him," James whispered. "He just likes attention."
I shrugged again. "I've seen people like that."
Class went on like nothing happened.
After School
School was over.
I waited at the gate for Aunty Luna like always.
Then a car stopped.
A woman stepped out and stood near the gate like she was waiting for someone. I almost walked toward her without thinking.
But then—
"Mom!"
A boy ran into her arms.
Marco.
He hugged her tight. She smiled at him.
Then Marco looked at me and smirked.
"What?" he said loudly. "No one came to pick you up? Must be sad. At least my mom still shows up."
His mom glanced at me for a second.
Then she looked away.
They left.
My throat felt tight.
"Mom…" I whispered. "Don't you remember me?"
A second later, Aunty Luna pulled up.
I got into the car and put my headset on before she could ask how school was.
If Marco calls her mom…
Then that means—
He's my little brother.
At Home
When we got home, I went straight to my room.
I opened my closet and pushed things aside until my fingers touched something familiar.
A photo.
Me and my mom. Before she left.
I sat on my bed staring at it.
"Mom… don't you remember me?"
"Is Marco the reason you left me?"
A knock came.
"Hex?" Aunty Katherine said softly. "Dinner is ready."
"I'm busy," I replied. "You can cover it for me."
She paused. "Okay, dear."
I changed out of my uniform, did my homework quietly, and sat on the small couch in my room.
I picked up my phone.
Should I tell Jay I saw Mama?
Nah… I don't want to worry her.
I lay back, still holding the photo.
My eyes closed.
And I fell asleep like that—
with my mom's picture in my hand.