To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

After some days, I got another message from Mason, he was apologizing for leaving abruptly and not telling me beforehand and was also pleading for me to see him.

I’d wanted to ignore the message and probably delete it so I wouldn’t feel the urge to reply when Nicole’s words kept ringing in my head.

‘Follow your heart.’

It wouldn’t hurt to reply to his text and just ask him to stop apologizing, I wanted us to put the past in the past but how would that be possible when I haven’t fully let go of the so-called past.

After a while of staring at my phone screen and trying to come up with something to tell him, I finally decided to ask him to stop apologizing since it was starting to become embarrassing.

The ringing of my phone caught me off guard and I’d almost dropped it when I cautioned myself. Reluctantly, I picked it up and his voice sounded like music to my ears.

Hearing his voice again was therapeutic and I felt a weird sense of happiness that I haven’t felt in a while. It was strange and I had no idea what to make of it.

Suppressing the thought, I finally spoke and he seemed relieved to hear my voice too. We made plans for dinner and something about going out to eat didn’t really sit right with me.

“We could just have dinner in my house, I’ll cook and that way you won’t have to spend money.” I replied and that was when I knew why the idea felt somehow to me.

I was worried about the money that would be spent since I knew how hard coming across it is and spending money on food outside when I could just make something sounded like a ridiculous idea but he didn’t listen to me.

“You don’t have to worry about where we’re having the dinner, just dress up and send me the address so I can come pick you up, please.” His slightly husky voice came from over the phone and I couldn’t help but smile.

Defeated, I agreed on going out with him and after talking for a while we hung up. I got out of my clothes and started getting ready after I’d sent the address and the time he should come pick me up.

I made sure I shaved my legs and staring into the mirror, I brushed my hair and allowed it to fall freely on my shoulders as I applied a red lipstick.

I picked out a tight and short black gown that had tiny straps and also picked out wedge heels to match. My mouth dropped when I looked into the mirror.

I haven’t really looked like this in days. The makeup covered the eye bags and dark circles and it was almost as if my life was going on really well.

Picking up my phone, I texted Nicole and told her everything about Mason and I but she didn’t reply to any of my messages.

She must be really busy.

Nervously, I kept checking the time and turning my phone in my hand as I waited for Mason. I’d even checked my phone again to be sure I sent the address to the right number.

The knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts and I checked my phone again to see that it was already eight on dot and he didn’t run late.

Smiling, I braced myself up to answer the door and Mason looked like he’d seen a ghost when he saw me. He froze and he looked like he wanted to say something before shutting his mouth.

“You look stunning.” He finally complimented and I felt my cheeks burning hot as I tried to keep my cool and act calm.

Taking my hand in his, we went to his car and drove to the restaurant he’d made reservations at. I thought it was going to be awkward but it wasn’t and Mason and I got comfortable with each other.

Finally getting the nerve to talk to him about it, I told him about how bad my marriage was and how it ruined me and I’d even told him about the immense debts that’s due and I have to pay.

“I’m swamped with lots of debts and no means of paying so, it’s safe to say that my life is a shithole.” I laughed nervously as I took a sip of my wine.

“Why not come live with me then, I have enough room for one more…” Mason offered and I knew he meant no harm but he immediately stopped talking when he noticed the way I was staring at him.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I shouldn’t be offended but him offering me a place to stay sounded more like an insult to me. My blood boiled and I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth in anger.

Moving the chair backwards, I stood up to leave the restaurant. He’d tried to stop me but nothing worked as I hugged myself and made my way to the train station.

Getting home, I couldn’t stop thinking about his offer and even though it came from his pure heart I just couldn’t see it that way.

Is this how miserable my life has become?

Crying as I held my pillow tightly, my eyes started feeling tired and it wasn’t long before I stopped seeing all the lights I once saw.

****

Getting up from bed, I picked up my phone to call my mother and I told her about the finalizing of my divorce with my husband.

“I also lost my job and I have nowhere else to go so I’m coming home.” I explained softly and Danny and my mum immediately told me it was okay.

Danny booked a flight for me after I’d made him promise that he wouldn’t say a word of it to Mason. Packing up the rest of my bags, I picked up my phone and blocked Mason from ever trying to contact me.

Finally getting to the airport, I felt a sense of relief as I moved away from the country I’d spent three sad years of my life in.