Hex POV
Aunty Luna's car slowed in front of Keiren's house, headlights washing over the gate like quiet waves.
"There you go," she said gently. "Be good, okay?"
Keiren was already outside. Of course he was. Perfect shirt. Shoes clean. Hair like he planned it since morning. I was still tugging at my sleeves, wishing I'd worn something simpler.
"Why do you look like that?" he asked.
"Like what?"
"Like you're going to be interrogated."
"I'm just… tired," I muttered.
Inside, Keiren grabbed a spoon and started eating straight from a bowl.
"You're eating now?" I asked. "We're going to a party."
"I don't trust party food," he said calmly. "Learn."
We left soon after.
The party was loud. Too loud. Music bounced off the walls, kids shouting, laughing, running everywhere. Mila and James were already there near the gate.
Mila smiled when she saw us. "You made it wearing your own outfit but not bad too "
For half a second the noise faded.
She looked… really pretty.
Not flashy. Just glowing. Like she belonged anywhere she stood.
James nudged me. "Bro, you good?"
"Yeah," I said
James grinned. "Took you long enough."
I nodded and immediately moved toward the wall. Corners were safer. Corners didn't ask questions.
Marco was in the center, acting like a king. His mom stood beside him, smiling proudly. Another woman stood close to her, well dressed, calm, watching everything. I noticed her only for a second before looking away.
Music played. Kids danced. Someone almost knocked over a table. Someone screamed from laughing too hard.
I stayed in the corner.
Keiren tried to pull me into a conversation. Mila joined. James cracked jokes. I smiled when needed. Counted seconds when no one noticed.
Then someone shouted, "Cake time!"
Everyone rushed forward.
I stayed where I was.
Marco cut the cake while people clapped. Phones were out. Cream everywhere. When the plate reached me, I lifted my hands.
"No, thanks."
Marco blinked. "What?"
"I'm good."
"It's my birthday."
"I know."
He laughed awkwardly. "Just one bite."
"I said no."
A few kids turned to look. That pressure started again. The kind that squeezes your chest even when no one's touching you.
I sighed. Took the plate. Took a very small bite.
At first, nothing.
Then my tongue felt strange. My throat felt… tight. My skin warmed like I'd been standing in the sun too long.
Marco leaned closer. "Nice, right?"
I swallowed. "What's in it?"
"Peanut flour," he said proudly.
I froze.
I nodded once, calmly, even though my heart started beating faster.
I handed the plate back. "Keiren," I said quietly. "We're leaving."
He looked at my face and knew immediately. "Now?"
"Yes."
Mila stepped closer. "Hex, are you okay?"
I pulled off my jacket. My arms itched. Bad. Like ants under my skin.
I leaned in and whispered to Keiren and Mila, "I'm allergic to peanuts."
Mila's eyes widened. "And the cake—"
"Is peanut," I finished.
I turned toward the door.
Marco grabbed my wrist.
"Hey," he said. "Don't go like that."
"Let go," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Come on, Charles," he said. "Let me fix things. The past stuff."
Keiren stepped in front of him. "Marco, let him go."
Marco's mom sighed. "Charles, don't be dramatic. Let the past be the past."
I looked at her. My breathing felt wrong now. Short. Fast.
"I have to go," I said. "So let me go."
Marco hesitated, then released my hand.
As I walked away, he called out loudly, "Charles Navarro, please stay!"
The room went quiet.
His mom frowned. "Navarro?"
I didn't answer.
I ran.
Outside, the cool air hit my face, but it didn't help much. My arms burned. My neck itched. I scratched without meaning to.
Keiren ran out first. James and Mila followed.
"I'm fine," I lied.
My voice sounded wrong.
"Sit," Keiren said, guiding me down. He was already calling someone. "Uncle Victor? Please come now. Something's wrong with Hex."
Mila knelt in front of me, holding my wrists gently so I would stop scratching.
"Breathe," she said. "Just breathe
"I'm fine," I said, but my voice didn't sound fine at all.
Uncle Victor arrived fast. Too fast. He took one look at me and didn't ask questions.
We were in the car, then his house, then a doctor I barely remember. Medicine. Cool cloth. Voices layered over each other.
Darkness came softly.
When I woke up, the room was quiet. Uncle Victor sat nearby. Keiren was on the couch, arms crossed, eyes glued to me like he was afraid I'd disappear.
"You scared us," Victor said.
I swallowed. My throat felt sore but better.
"Don't tell Jay," I said immediately.
Keiren frowned. "Hex—"
"Please," I said. "She doesn't need this."
Victor studied me for a moment, then nodded. "We won't."
I leaned back, exhausted.
Names. Cake. Peanuts.
Funny how something so small could almost take you down.
I closed my eyes, thinking of Jay, safe in her hospital bed.
Some things she didn't need to carry.
Not tonight.