Glass Hearts [BL]-Chapter 258: Just Don’t Be Dumb Forever

Ash’s POV

I stayed where I was for a while after Marcus left, staring at the floor.

Love should never cost you your happiness.

The sentence wouldn’t leave my head.

I stood up slowly, and walked down the hallway. Alia’s door was slightly open. I pushed it gently, careful not to make a sound.

She was still asleep, curled on her side, one leg tangled in the blanket.

There was a half finished coloring book on her bed. Crayons scattered on the floor. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

I stood there, staring at her.

How could I forget you?

How could I be so careless?

I sat on the edge of the bed, resting my elbows on my knees.

"I’m so stupid," I whispered.

I stayed there, listening to her breathe, till I dozed off.

A small finger poked the side of my neck.

I jumped slightly and looked up.

Alia was sitting up now, folding her arms.

"Hey, baby," I said softly, trying to smile. "You’re awake."

"Don’t talk to me," she snapped immediately.

"You forgot me," she continued. "I was at school alone. Miss Torres called you so many times."

"I know," I said quickly. "I know, and I’m so sorry."

She turned her face away. "You’re not my brother anymore."

I slid off the bed and knelt in front of her.

"I messed up," I said honestly. "I messed up really badly. But I didn’t forget you because I don’t care. I forgot because I wasn’t thinking, and that’s not okay."

She rolled her eyes, and scoffed.

"I ordered chicken wings for you," I added quietly. "I remembered that. I just... failed the important part."

Her lips trembled.

"I was hungry," she muttered.

My throat burned. "I know. And I hate myself for that."

She stayed quiet, arms still crossed.

"I’m sorry," I said again. "I promise I’ll do better. You can be mad at me as long as you want, but I’m still your brother. I’ll always be."

She hesitated, then looked down at her blanket.

There was a soft knock at the door.

June stood there, holding the frame like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed inside.

"I... uh," she said quietly. "Can I come in?"

Alia didn’t answer. She just climbed back under her blanket and turned her back to me.

June stepped inside anyway.

She walked over slowly and crouched beside the bed, softening her voice.

"Hey, Alia," she said. "I’m really sorry about yesterday."

Alia peeked out from under the blanket, glaring.

"You too?" she asked. "So you both forgot me?"

June winced. "Yeah. We did. And that wasn’t okay."

She didn’t try to explain. She also apologized.

"I should’ve made sure you got home," June continued. "You didn’t deserve that."

Alia stared at her for a long moment, then sighed dramatically.

"You adults are so annoying," she muttered.

June smiled faintly. "That’s fair."

She stood up and looked at me.

"I think I should head home," she said softly. "Before my dad wakes up and realizes I’m not there."

My chest tightened a little.

"Oh," I said. "Okay."

She hesitated at the door.

"And... about the talent show tomorrow," she added. "I still don’t know if I’m doing it."

"That’s okay," I said. "You don’t have to decide right now."

She nodded, looking relieved.

"I’ll text you later," she said.

Then she glanced at Alia again. "Bye, troublemaker."

Alia didn’t respond. But she didn’t pull the blanket tighter either.

June slipped out quietly.

The house felt different without her.

I stayed sitting there for a while, watching Alia’s back rise and fall as she drifted back to sleep. When I was sure she was out, I stood and closed her door gently.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out.

Mr. Sun:

You’re scheduled for a gig tomorrow night. 8:00 PM

I frowned and kept reading.

Mr. Sun:

Small family event. Fancy place. Nothing stressful...just serve and look presentable.

Another message popped up.

Mr. Sun:

You and two others. Don’t be late.

I exhaled slowly, staring at the screen.

I typed back.

Me:

Understood. I’ll be there.

"ASH."

I turned just in time to see Alia standing in the doorway, holding the blanket behind her like a cape.

I snorted. "Go back to bed."

"No," she said firmly. "I woke up and I was still mad."

She squinted at me. "Marcus says you’re not evil. You’re just... dumb sometimes."

I nodded. "He said that?."

She walked over and plopped herself on the couch, kicking her feet against the cushion. "He said you make bad decisions."

"We all do sometimes. It’s an adult thing."

She tilted her head, studying me.

"So when I grow up... am I gonna be dumb too and make bad decisions like you?"

I groaned and dropped onto the couch beside her. "Wow. Straight to the throat."

She shrugged. "Just asking."

"No," I said seriously. "You’re gonna be smart. And powerful. And scary."

Her eyes lit up. "Scary like a dragon?"

"Exactly like a dragon."

She nodded, looking satisfied. Then crossed her arms again, clearly remembering something important.

"I’m still mad," she said.

"I know."

"But..." she hesitated, rocking her feet back and forth, "...I still want my chicken wings."

My chest loosened.

"I will buy you chicken wings every day for the rest of my life," I said immediately.

"With extra sauce."

"Extra sauce."

"And fries."

"Done."

She glanced at me. "And ice cream."

I pretended to think. "That’s pushing it."

She narrowed her eyes.

"...Fine," I sighed. "Ice cream."

She scooted closer and leaned against my arm.

"You’re still my brother," she said quietly. "Just don’t forget me again. Or I’ll tell Mom."

I turned to her, and widened my eyes. "Okay, that’s emotional blackmail."

She grinned. "Marcus taught me."

I laughed, and pulled her into a hug.

"I’m sorry," I murmured into her hair.

She patted my chest like she was comforting me. "It’s okay. I forgive you. Just don’t be dumb forever. Okay?"

"I’ll try." I chuckled, and kissed her forehead.