Jayjay POV
The front door closed behind me softly.
Before I could even react, arms wrapped around me.
"Jayjay…" Aunty Gemma hugged me tightly, her voice full of relief. "You scared us."
I stood there for a moment, then slowly hugged her back. I didn't know how tired I was until that moment.
But the peace didn't last.
"Where did you go?"
Angelo's voice cut through the room, sharp and angry.
I pulled away from Aunty Gemma. Angelo—my cousin—was standing near the couch, his face dark. Aries was beside him, already staring at me like he knew the answer to every question.
"I got a call from your school," Angelo continued. "They said there was no one from your class. No explanation. No permission. Do you think that's okay?"
I stayed silent.
"So?" he snapped. "Why did you skip school?"
Before I could speak, Aries opened his mouth.
"Let me guess," he said coldly. "You were with Keifer. And the Section E boys."
I looked at him. "Why do you always jump to conclusions?"
"Because every time something goes wrong, their names come up," Aries shot back. "Were you with them or not?"
"And if I was?" I replied.
Aries scoffed. "So you admit it."
"That's not what I said."
The room started to feel too loud, their voices overlapping.
"Enough."
Aunty Gemma stepped between us. "She's home. That's what matters."
She turned to me gently. "Jayjay, you should eat something."
"I already ate," I said. "At the hospital."
Everything stopped.
Aunty Gemma froze. Aries' eyes widened. Angelo's expression turned sharp instantly.
"The hospital?" Angelo said. "Why were you there?"
I met his eyes. "That's not something you need to worry about."
"I'm your cousin," he snapped. "Of course it's my business."
"No," I said firmly. "It's not."
Angelo clenched his jaw. "Jayjay—"
"If you hadn't refused to let me leave him in that place," I cut in, my voice shaking, "I wouldn't have had to skip school."
"Leave who?" Aries asked.
Angelo exhaled sharply. "Jayjay, you know I can't bring him here."
"I never said your house," I fired back.
The room fell silent.
Before anyone could speak again, I turned and walked away.
"Jayjay!"
"Wait—!"
I ignored them and went straight to my room, closing the door behind me.
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my body heavy, my thoughts spinning.
A knock came.
"Jayjay," Aries' voice. "Open the door."
I didn't answer.
Another knock. Louder this time.
"Jayjay, I know you're awake."
He knocked again. "Jayjay, please."
I knew it was him.
I still didn't move.
Sleep came quietly, pulling me under before I had to explain anything… or anyone.