Chapter 5. Blood Tie.

Mathew Anderson.

After Liam told me that Stella was somehow involved in the mysterious calls received by both Steph and me, I felt my blood boil. I became livid! But I must admit that it doesn't surprise me at all. She has always envied Stephanie, for her family, for her life, and for me.

After the kissing incident, two weeks ago, Steph banned me for a week. She talked to Stella and in the end chose not to believe her. Steph threatened her and warned her that if she came back into our lives again, she would talk to her father.

It's true that I have never cheated on Steph, especially not with her, except for the incident, two years ago when stella crawled into my bed. In the end I decided not to say anything to Steph, as I didn't want to hurt her. Despite having done things with Stella, I didn't know it was her.

I believe that the warning given on that occasion had no effect. That means I'll have to be more drastic, and now, there's the credit card mess. I don't want Steph to have to deal with this alone.

Damn, I love her so much that I want nothing to bother her! If she deals with her sister alone, I’m sure she will trick her and say anything stupid to get out of the problem. It is a poisonous snake that is always causing trouble wherever she goes.

I still remember little Stephanie sitting on the side of the lagoon with her lost look and her melancholy eyes.

I thought at that moment: “Wow, what a beautiful girl!” and I had to stop to catch my breath. Twenty years have passed, and I feel the same way every time I look at her. I am so lucky that this beautiful woman reciprocated me!

I would love to place it in plastic wrap and wrap it so she doesn’t contact anyone but me, but I know I can’t. She’s too bright to be held captive. The world needs her brilliance. She is one of those women who not only turns you on because of her beauty, but also because of her intellect.

Stella is the complete opposite. She was not gifted with great intelligence, and I doubt she inherited her father’s IQ. The man is supreme in business, despite his age. The girl has been expelled from all prestigious schools in the city. She is the black sheep of the family. In order to attract attention or evoke pity, she has willingly exposed herself to many embarrassing situations. And Steph has been there, to get her out of trouble, before her father finds out.

How is this woman not able to understand that she provokes absolutely nothing in me? No, that’s not correct. Yes, she provokes many things in me: repudiation, disgust, disdain. Which is, completely beyond my knowledge, how you do something like that to your own sister? I will never understand it. With all this, I am always grateful that my parents did not have more children.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my bubbling anger. My jaw clenches and my vision darken. Steph looks at me, bites her lip, and calmly says, “Honey, I’ll deal with my sister. She won’t bother you again in the future, I promise. I’m sure there must be a logical explanation for all this. Please don’t be mad at her, my love.”

I look at her, indignant at what she just asked of me. “No Steph. I’m tired of you being the one who always must deal with the stupid things your sister does. I don’t care what her dramas, sorrows, or insecurities are. I’m not a psychiatrist to deal with. Understand, I don’t want her near you. Did you hear me? No matter how close she is to you, I WILL NOT LET HER NEAR YOU!”

I watch as Steph hardens her gaze. That means she’s ready to argue, and so am I. “I don’t care what you want, Matt. She is my sister. Either way, I’m the one who has to deal with her. Not you! It’s not your place! My sister, my problem! You heard me? Stop wanting to be the hero!”

“Ha! I thought we shared a life together Steph, that means your problems are mine too! Thank you for enlightening me by telling me to stay out of your business.”

Stephanie touches her forehead so she can calm down, but it’s too late. She went into fight mode, and so did I. I’m very upset. No, I'm ANGRY!

“This is non-negotiable, Matthew.” Then she raises her voice, saying, “STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER! I don't want to exercise any opinion on the matter without first talking to her!”

To which I yell, “I WON’T LET HER HURT YOU AGAIN! How do you not understand? How can you not see it? SHE IS PURE POISON!”

Then I add. “What happened two weeks ago? Don't you remember how affected you were? Don't you remember that it almost cost us our relationship? You almost don't believe in my innocence! That's what she always does! Distorts the truth and you fall for it every single time. SHE’S ENVY YOU! For being so exceptional!”

She breathes heavily, trying to contain her anger, as she tells me. “Yes, she has problems. She had a tough childhood, and she didn't have the same opportunities as us. But it’s not your place to judge her, Matt. IT’S NOT YOUR BLOOD!”

I laugh sarcastically as I reply, “Now, is that what is all boiled down to? To the blood? Well doctor, tell me then, is the blood responsible for your sister being a slut?”

Stephanie glares at me as she slaps me across the face, then yells, “Fuck you, Matt!”

She leaves the apartment, slamming the front door, leaving me angry and embarrassed, with an impetuous desire to go after her and beg her forgiveness. But I will not. She must react and realize that Stella is a bad weed. It grows uncontrollably, choking and killing everything that sneaks around it.