When supper had finished, Stephoné had retreated to her room, closing the door just enough that it still was a crack.

She pulled one of her blankets over her body after putting on her pink floral pajama pants and shirt. She buried her head in her pillow, letting out a long sigh. 'I wish my mood swings would improve. I was just doing good and felt happy… Now I feel empty.' She thought to herself, closing her eyes.

Lillian passed by her daughter's room. She peeked in and saw her daughter cuddled under a blanket on her bed. 'Oh, Steph . . .' Her thoughts trailed off as her expression softened the longer she looked at her daughter.

She figured the depression medication wasn't working any longer, and it could mean she was becoming resistant to them. That made her heart drop because Stephoné's mood swings were unpredictable.

She took a step back from the door, letting out a small sigh. She walked into the living room, and she took the phone off the stand on the kitchen counter. She pressed the buttons to redial a specific number she had called many times.

"Hello?" A raspy yet feminine voice on the other end of the line spoke. There was a moment of silence and what sounded like the TV playing in the background.

"Hi, Margaret," Lillian smiled softly, hearing the women had answered the phone. "I was wondering if you and Will could come over to my house." She twisted the curly phone cord around her finger, chewing on her lip. "Stephoné is having one of her mood swings, and I don't think she's going to be able to do the chores, and I don't want to leave her alone like this with my boss calling me back into work."

Margaret McDaniel's voice on the end of the line sounded sympathetic, concern laced in her tone. "Of course, we'll be right over. Give us about 5 minutes and we'll be at your place." She gently replied, pushing her curly blonde ponytail to her back, her brown eyes softening as she spoke.

Lillian sighed in relief, a small smile tugging on her lips. "Thank you so much. I hate to bother you when you both have your own lives—"

"Lillian, Stephoné and you are like family," Margaret's warm, soothing tone cut Lillian off before she could even finish. "I know I've said it before, but we're always here for you and Stephoné. It is never a problem."

"You're a blessing, Margaret." Lillian felt the tension in her shoulders, easing at Margaret's words. Even though Will and Stephoné were only half siblings because they shared the same father, Margaret was like a sister from another mother she never had.

Margaret let out a small laugh, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "You always flatter me, Lillian. But seriously, it's no bother at all. I am more than happy to lend a hand."

Lillian let out a soft chuckle, feeling a sense of ease. "I know, but I still appreciate it, you and Will. You're more of a family than my own parents and brother." She softly said, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Sometimes family isn't blood, but the people you choose." Margaret's voice softened on the other end. "How bad is it this time?" She asked, her grip tightening on the phone receiver, her concern for Stephoné clear.

"Pretty bad." Lillian admitted, sighing as she leaned against the kitchen wall, her gaze fixed on her daughter's closed bedroom door. "She's been having these mood swings more often lately, more extreme. I don't think her medication is working anymore." She felt a pang of worry in her chest as those words left her lips.

Margaret's concern deepened, her voice softening further. "Has she been struggling to sleep or lacking appetite?" She asked, concern lacing her voice as she wanted to get the feel of the situation.

Lillian nodded, her worry increasing as the conversation continued. "She's been having trouble sleeping, but her appetite is still the same. She had like eight dinner rolls before and during dinner." She informed, running her hand through her disheveled brown hair.

Margaret furrowed her brow, her motherly instincts kicking in. "I see," her voice trailed off, her heartstrings being tugged on. "She should probably get an appointment with her doctor to switch medication."

Lillian let out a weary sigh, leaning her head on the wall. "I'll make an appointment with the doctor tomorrow afternoon. See when is the earliest I can get her in."

Margaret glanced at the clock, letting out a sigh. "Good, that's good." She felt a bit better knowing Stephoné would be going to the doctor for new antidepressants. "Now, we will be over soon. See you in a few minutes.”

“See you in a few,” Lillian confirmed, putting the phone back on the phone body and pushing off the wall. She ran her hand through her hair again before starting to put it up in a loose ponytail.

〰❦〰

About five minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Lillian opened the door up with a tired smile as she slipped in her flats. "I’m so sorry I can't stay and chat for a bit, I have to get back to work within fifteen minutes." She gave an apologetic look to the blonde-haired mother and son duo.

Will blew his messy blond hair from his face, his bright brown eyes soft under the dim lights. "It’s fine," He reassured, slipping off his sneakers and stepping onto the beige carpet with his socked feet.

Lillian smiled, grabbing her purse and slipping it over her shoulder. "Bye Stephoné, love you and see you later," She called out to her daughter, earning a soft love and bye back before looking at Margaret and Will. "Bye,” she closed the door behind her with a soft thud and lock of the door.

Margaret turned to her son. She put her hands on her hips and ran a hand through her hair. "I'll get started on the laundry." She departed from her son and made her way to the little back porch where the washer and dryer were located.

Will walked down the hall and up to his half-sister's door. He pushed it open slightly and peaked in, seeing Stephoné looking like a little burrito under the plush purple comforter on her bed. She looked absolutely adorable like that.

He knocked on the door softly, drawing her attention to make sure not to startle her. “Hey, Sunshine, can I come in?” He asked gently, not wanting to intrude on her safe haven that was her room.

Stephoné let out a sigh as she turned in bed, facing the door. "You can come in, Will." She opened her eyes as she heard the door open all the way. She pulled the blanket up to her chin. “You don't need permission.”

“Of course I do. You might be my sister, but you deserve privacy and respect.” Will closed the door behind him after he had stepped into the room. He shuffled over to the bed. "Can I lay down with you for some therapeutic cuddles?”

Stephoné nodded her head, lifting the blanket a bit as she scooted over. "Yeah, sound nice." She murmured, her voice quieter than usual as she met her brother's gaze with tired eyes.

Will climbed onto the bed, laying down next to her under the comforter. "What's on your mind?" He asked, his voice gentle as he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer against him.

She cuddled into his side, resting her head on his chest, her ear right by his heart. "Everything?" She replied vaguely, the atmosphere weighing heavy as she recoiled. "Mostly, I've been thinking a lot about . . . our dad,”

Will frowned at her words, his grip around her tightening slightly. "Sabrina said something about last week's father/child fundraiser at school, didn't she?" He asked softly, knowing the only reason she'd bring that up if someone had mentioned it

Stephoné nodded against his check, her hands gripping the fabric of his T-shirt. "Yeah, she did..." her voice trailed off, resolving not to repeat the words said or else shed break down. "I just wish we knew who he was... like, I wish he never abandoned us . . . it'd be nice to have that bond Dad's have with their kids…”

Will let out a heavy sigh, his heart clenching at her words. He knew how much it hurt Stephoné that they never met their father, how she longed to have that connection and bond. "I understand," he gently responded, his hand beginning to move along her back soothingly.

"Neither of our moms will tell us anything about him, so we couldn't even try to find him if we wanted." Stephoné mumbled, knowing it was still a touchy subject for her mom, how his ditching when she was pregnant wounded her with an irreversible wound.

"I know," Will said in a soft, sympathetic tone, running hand through her hair. "All I know is his picture is nowhere in our moms' high school year books, and my mom has only said she and him weren't serious. It was just a casual thing."

"My mom," Stephoné whispered, her body becoming slack in his embrace. "Has only said he was pretty popular and was a real charmer with the girls." She sighed, closing her eyes, listening to the sound of his steady heartbeat.

Will mustered up a smile and try to be optimistic. "At least we have each other because I've got the best sister in the world,” He grinned, pulling away from her just enough to brush some of her bangs from her eyes.

Stephoné blushed slightly at his words, averting her gaze to his chest and then burying her face in it. "You are the best brother a person could ask for." She whispered to him, closing her eyes and just feeling safe in her older half-brother's arms.

“The best brother, huh?” Will gave a lopsided grin. He couldn't hide the pride on his chest to hear Stephoné agree he was the best half-brother she could ask for. “I try my best, Steph, I really do because you mean the world to me.”

Stephoné let out a content sigh, inhaling deeply the fresh scent of the fabric softener his mom used. "Sometimes though, if I'm being honest," she mumbled against his chest, her words slightly muffled. "I don't think I'm the best sister most of the time... I feel like a sucky sister because of my depression, anxiety, and mood swings, which don't allow me to be the best sister you should have.”

"Hey, hey," Will's arm tightened around her as those words left her lips, his heart heavy. To hear Stephoné say that about herself was like a punch to his gut. "Don't talk like that. You're not a sucky sister.”

He sighed softly, letting there be a pause before continuing so he didn't become riled at her words. “You have mental health issues, Steph... it doesn't make you a bad sister, it doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you human. You're the best sister, regardless." He gently chided then reassured her, his voice filled with a mix of protective concern and love.

Stephoné chewed on her lip to keep, unsure why she was feeling flattered by his comment when the nagging voice in her mind said otherwise. "You really think so? Despite all that, I'm still the best sister? Sabrina doesn't think so..."

“Steph,” Will frowned, his eyes darkening slightly at the mention of Sabrina again. "It doesn't matter what Sabrina thinks. She is the worst judge of character as superficial as she is. She doesn't know you like I do, so please don't believe anything she says.”

Stephoné's fingers gripped at the fabric of his shirt. "It's kind of hard not to," she confessed, tears burning in her eyes. "When she's said it my entire life... ever since we were kids..."

Will wished he could take all that away from her, all the doubts, the insecurities, but he was powerless to do anything but be encouraging. "Steph, look at me," he gently coaxed, hoping she'd look at him.

Stephoné slowly albiet, reluctantly pulled her head away from his chest, and met his gaze as tears spilled over her eyes and down her cheeks.

Will brushed his fingertips over her cheek, gently wiping away a tear. "You are not what Sabrina says," he stated firmly. "Remember, I see you for you. I know how big of a heart you have. I always have. I always will.”

Stephoné groaned, feeling her cheeks heat up even more. "Why must you do this to me? Why are you so supportive and kind... I don't deserve it... all I've done is be that dark cloud looming over everyone..." She murmured, Sabrina's words echoing in her mind once again.

Will's heart ached at her self-deprecating words. "Steph, you do deserve it," he asserted, his expression hardening as he heard the familiar echoes of Sabrina's words.

"You're not a dark cloud. You're my sunshine on a rain day. Ariana would always agree, and so would Grace and a whole lot of other people at school." He pulled her back securely into his arms.

Stephoné's heart melted, feeling the warmth surging through her at his words and the comfort of his arms holding her. "You're just saying that..." she protested weakly, snuggling into his chest and fluttering her eyes closed.

"No, I'm not," Will firmly stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm serious. I would even swear and bet my life on it.”

Stephoné allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of her lips. "Well, if you put it that way," she paused, letting out a soft sigh. "I guess I'll believe you then.”

"Whoo! Small victory!" Will let out a lighthearted laugh, his heart feeling lighter than it had all day. "I love you, Steph, never, ever forget that.”

"I love you too," Stephoné pulled back just enough when his arms loosened to see his face. “Are you excited to find out the prom theme? Ariana has been bouncing like she's on a sugar high to find out what Secretary Xena is picking out tomorrow.”

"As excited as the average person," Will replied, recalling how excited that girl was. "I need to know why Ariana, Secretary Xena, and the rest of the planning committee have had this under such lock and key, other than Ariana mentioning voting for prom queen and king was going to be fair.”

"I guess we'll find out tomorrow," Stephoné murmured, wiggling out of his arms and rolling onto her back with a sigh. "I don't know if I want to go to prom," She paused for a beat and then lifted up her head again. "Mom said she'd support my decision whether I would attend or not.

Will turned on his side, propping himself up on his elbow to look at her. "Well, if you don't want to, we can have our own little anti-prom, if you want?" He inquired softly, blowing a blonde curl from his eyes. "But if you do choose to go, you can be my prom date.”

Stephoné sighed softly, twisting a lock of her hair around her finger idly. "Really? You'd want to go to prom with me?" She asked incredulously, her eyes wide with surprise. "What if a pretty girl asks you to the prom instead? Would you still go with me?”

Will rolled his eyes playfully, reaching out and poking the tip of her nose with his finger. "Please, no other girl could match my disco move dancing other than you. Besides, I'd still go with you even if a celebrity or a princess asked me to go." He reassured her, smiling gently.

Stephoné smiled at that, a warm, fluttery feeling welling in her. "But you know our disco dancing is just us not having any clue how to dance," she said with a laugh, her mood lifting a little.

Will mock gasped in response dramatically. "Hmm, you're right. We don't exactly dance. We wiggle and worm and shake and act like a tree bending in the wind of a storm." He joked with a chuckle.

Stephoné rolled her eyes, letting out an amused huff as she titled her head back and forth as she rested her hands on her stomach. "Do you think Ariana will allow me to add a ton of my favorite songs to the prom playlist?" She asked, glancing at her brother at the corner of her eye.

Will crackled a smile, his eyes starting to sparkle. "Duh, of course," He confirmed, nodding his head. "Remember, she said she'd even accept requests from our classmates, as long as they were appropriate for high school.”

Stephoné nodded, a small smile tugging on her lips. "Yeah," She agreed softly, her eyelids feeling a little heavy. "I do think Secretary Xena will have to approve of the songs."

Will noticed the tired look in her eyes and reached one arm back and turned off the lamp on the nightstand.  "You should get some rest," He suggested, gently wrapping his arms around her again, pulling her against him. "I'll stay here until you fall asleep.”

Stephoné snuggled into his embrace, feeling safe and secure in his arms. "Okay," she mumbled sleepily, resting her head on his chest again.

Will smiled softly, running his fingers through her hair again. "Sleep well, Steph, I love you." He whispered, pressing a soft kiss into the crown of her head.

Stephoné closed her eyes, her mind starting to drift away from consciousness. "I love you too," she murmured as she surrendered to the drowsiness.

Will held her close, his heart filled with affection and love for his half-sister. He felt her body relax, her breathing evening out as she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. "You deserve so much, Steph, you deserve the world." He whispered, closing his own eyes as the sound of rain beginning to come down again lulled him to sleep.

〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰♛〰

A/N:
Haha, once again, the other half of the previous chapter.

Some of these chapters will be around 2k words, which is much smaller than what the 3k I'm aiming for. I may edit and add more as time goes on, but right now, I'm just focused on editing.

Chapter Talk:

Stephoné and Will have such a beautiful sibling relationship. I really enjoyed writing it since you don't get a lot of non-chaotic sibling relationships. I wanted to show the affection and trust they have in each other, and it's so sweet. I always wanted a brother, lol.

Edit: This round I did drop a bit more lore into it, especially regarding their father and their mothers, which I didn't do previously. So, that was fun to add in, especially since I've been doing a tiny but of revamp of the characters.

Thanks for reading!