After a while, Aimee shook her head. "W- wow. That's a lot to take in."

I nodded. "Of course."

"I mean, Max got killed by the leader of a secret society? Sounds like something straight out of some thriller-" She blanched. "Sorry, that was insensitive."

"It's fine." I bitterly laughed. "Honestly, I wish you were right."

She sighed. "Yeah, so do I."

Another short spell of silence occurred, then a chuckle broke free off her lips. "I'm sorry, it's just- it all seems so surreal. The fact my dad knows about all this makes this all even weirder."

"Believe me, considering his status, it'd be even weirder if he doesn't.

"I... I guess you're right." Once again, she chuckled. "I'm surprised I'm still on my feet after hearing-"

Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Wait, you think Max got killed by this Lucas creep, right?"

I stiffened. "Not 'think', know."

"Right, right. This might be kind of a reach, but... do you think it's possible that The Society could be the reason behind my dad's cover-up of my brother's and I's true identities?"

What is she- Oh!

"You think someone at The Society may have ordered for your dad's mansion to be shot up when you were younger?"

"I know it may sound farfetched, but after hearing what happened to Dylan's mum... well..."

A chill ran through me.

She mistook my shock for disbelief, so she added, "I'm not saying that it was Lucas he ordered it, but-"

"No no no, I don't think your theory is far-fetched. In fact, I wouldn't be-"

"There you both are!"

We both turned away from one another, towards Miss Delane, who was glaring at us from the other end of the corridor.

"What are you both doing? You're ten minutes late for rehearsals, everyone else is waiting for you!"

Aimee shook her head, then yelled, "We're sorry Miss, we'd be right there!"

Before hurrying away, she murmured to me, "We'd continue this conversation later, alright?"
.     .     .

Contrary to Aimee's words, I did my best to avoid the restart of that conversation. During rehearsal I sat away from her, ensuring I didn't speak to her unless I absolutely had to (I even went as far as starting up conversations with other people, although I hardly sustained them).

Luckily we didn't have the same lesson for the last period that day, so I didn't have to put in so much effort into avoiding her then.

I left school barely ten minutes after the school day had ended, neglecting to even find out whether I had a session with her set for that afternoon. Honestly, even if there had been one. I wouldn't have gone. At the moment, nothing seemed more appealing than locking myself away from the rest of the world.

Spoiler alert: I didn't get that wish granted. Because Dylan was in my house when I got there.

He froze in the middle of dusting Jeffrey's clothes, and cleared his throat. "Yo, Smith. How are you doing?"

I shrugged. "Meh. You?"

"Same. Uh... I came to pick up my siblings."

"No problem. I'd send someone to help you bring down their things-"

"No, I'm not taking them back home yet, I'm just taking them out."

Jeffrey's eyes lit up. "So we're still staying here?"

"Yes. If it's alright with Angelo, that is."

I nodded. "It's okay with me."

Jeffrey grinned. "Yay!"

Ian rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't you be happy, when you've been gobbling all the junk food in this house?"

"Hey if you have a problem with staying here, then you can always go home."

"I never said I have a problem, you-"

"Ian."

One word and a warning glare from Dylan was all it took to shut him up.

After adjusting his relatives' clothes, Dylan stood upright and cleared his throat. "Right. We'd be going now. I'm not sure when they'd be back-"

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter. They're welcome anytime."

A strange look came over Dylan's face, then he looked away so quickly that I almost missed the tinge of red that spread over his cheeks. "Thanks. Come on, guys."

"And girl," Hailey piped up.

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah, you know what I meant."

I turned away as he ushered them out of the front door.

A short while later, however, he called out, "Hey, Smith?"

I glanced over my shoulder. "Yeah."

He rubbed the back of his head. "Would you- would you like to come with us?"

What?

I blinked rapidly, then blurted out, "You're inviting me along?"

His face flushed. "Well... yeah, whatever. I just thought you'd want to see my mum, now that she's awake."

"Oh. Uh... Thanks for the offer, but I'm really tired."

I actually took a couple of steps before I fully comprehended his words.

Immediately I did though, I whirled. "Wait, what?"
.     .     .

There was no doubt in my mind that Dylan originally had no intention of informing me about his mother's state. That thought should have created tension as we drove to the hospital. However, the anticipation bubbling in my stomach overshadowed all other emotions with ease.

Aimee was already at the hospital when we got there. A tiny voice at the back of my mind whispered that I was meant to be avoiding her, but just like any thought unrelated to the situation then, I disregarded it.

Dylan had to nearly stop Jeffrey and Ian from barging through passersby as they headed to the room their mum was in. Honestly, I don't blame them. Although we were speed walking, it seemed to be taking a long time to get there.

At last, we arrived.

Mrs. Glaxes was talking to a nurse, but her eyes flickered to us as soon as we walked in. Instantly, a smile came over her weary face.

Noticing this, the nurse looked back at us, then smiled. "I'd give you all some privacy- Woah!"

She barely managed to step out of the way before Hailey, Ian, and Jeffrey barrelled over to Miss Glaxes, wrapping their arms around her.

Stepping forward, Dylan yelled, "Hey careful, she's still recovering!"

"It's okay, Dylan." Stroking their cheeks, she chuckled. "Hey, it's good to see you all as well! How have you all been?"

Beaming, Jeffrey said, "We've been staying over at Angelo's house, and it's been great!"

Ian rolled his eyes. "You're only saying that 'cause you get to eat so much junk!"

"That's not true-"

Mrs. Glaxes groaned. "Boys, please don't give mummy a headache! Also, where's Liden?"

We all looked around until Liden peeked out from behind the door.

"There you are! Come here."

Slowly, Liden took a few steps forward, but stopped short of her bed.

She frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just- I just-" Suddenly, his face scrunched up and tears began to leak out of his eyes. "I'm- I'm sorry for putting you in the hospital! It's my fault this happened!"

"What!" Mrs. Glaxes frowned. "That's ridiculous! Why would you think that?"

"It's- it's Ian that- that put that thought in- in his head!" Hailey shrieked.

"Ian!"

"What? It's the truth!" he protested.

"No, of course, it's not, and you better apologize to Liden right now!"

His jaw remained stubbornly set for a few seconds, then he spat out, "Fine! Liden, I'm sorry. Now stop acting like a baby and crying, jeez!"

"Aren't you crying as well?"

"No, I'm not!"

"I'm pretty sure these are tears-"

Ian slapped away Jeffrey's hand, then frantically rubbed at his eyes. "No they're- they're not, I just have something stuck in my- in my-"

His words were cut off by a sob. Soon enough, he was full-on wailing right next to Liden. Not too long after, Hailey and Jeffrey joined in.

A small smile spread across my face. It's a good thing I paid for a private room because I doubt other patients would appreciate this amount of noise.
.     .     .

After the kids had settled down, Mrs. Glasses turned her attention to Aimee and I. "Angelo, Aimee, I'm so glad you both came. How are you both doing?"

"I'm fine," Aimee replied.

"S- same," I stuttered soon after.

Aimee asked, "How are you feeling?"

Mrs. Glaxes grinned. "Practically as good as new! Luckily, I wasn't hit in any vital organs, so the doctor says I would most likely be released in a few days."

My shoulders sagged. Thank goodness.

Aimee exclaimed, "Oh, that's great!"

Jeffrey asked, "But until then, can we stay over at Angelo's house?"

Ian rolled his eyes, while Mrs. Glaxes sighed. "Yes Jeffrey, you can. But no sugary snacks for a week when you get back home, alright?"

His face fell. "Oh, okay."

"Good. Speaking of food, have you all eaten lunch?"

"No, they haven't," Dylan said. "They were about to, but they all rushed here when they heard you were awake."

Glancing at Jeffrey, Mrs. Glaxes grinned. "Even you? So you really do love me!"

"Of course! Now, about that ban on snacks-"

"Not a chance. Once I'm out of here, it's going into full effect! Anyways, I'm sure you all are hungry-"

"N- no, I wa- want to stay here!"

"Go have lunch Hailey, you can come to visit me anytime, I promise. I'm not going anywhere."

Hailey chewed her lips for a while, then slowly nodded. After that, Dylan ushered them all out of the room.

I turned to follow, but I had hardly taken a step when I heard Mrs. Glaxes say, "Angelo, please wait."

I froze, then turned back. "Yes?"

"Dylan told me that you offered to cover the hospital bill. I can't possibly express how grateful I am-"

"Don't worry about it. I'm just... glad you're okay. Especially for the sake of your kids. Losing a parent... it's- it's not easy."

"Mm." She spread out her arms. "Can I get a hug before you go?"

I nodded, then walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her. The smell of antiseptic entered my nose as she wrapped her arms loosely around me and stroked my hair.

I closed my eyes because I could feel them beginning to burn. Thank goodness.
.       .       .

The kids were already piled inside my car when I got outside. Dylan stood beside it, next to Aimee.

He nodded at me. "See you later, I guess."

I nodded back, right before he walked away.

I furrowed my brow as Aimee opened one of the car's doors. "What are you doing?

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm coming with you."

"I wouldn't be able to drop you off at-"

"I know."

Then why are you still coming along?

I sighed. "If it's for a practice session, I'm too tired for that-"

"Then it's a good thing it's not about that. We need to talk."

I stiffened. "Oh. What for?"

She crossed her arms. "What do you mean what for?"

"I think that's pretty self-explanatory."

"Yeah, it explains to me that you're still acting like a giant dick, just like you've been doing all day!"

"What? No, I haven't!"

"Yes, you have! Look, I can leave now if you want, but just know that if I do, any personal relationship between us will crumble here and now. We'd keep things professional, then part ways after this play. Sound good?"

Sounds great! At least I don't have to put up with your pity anymore.

A bit later, I growled, "Get in the damn car."

Glaring at me, she did as I commanded, slamming the door behind her.

Sighing, I climbed into the front seat, beside Tony. You, Angelo Smith, are hopeless.
.       .       .

What did you think of this chapter? Leave your thoughts in comments, and please don't forget to vote if you like it!

Till next time!