Chapter 003

It was a little bit quiet when Aaron and his Dad left the dining room, leaving Chloe and her mother.

“Did… I do something wrong?” Chloe asked doubtfully, not sure what her mother wanted to talk about. It seemed as though it was something very important that couldn't wait.

Victoria’s lips curved into a smile when she heard her daughter's question.

“You haven't done anything wrong, my love.” She said in a relaxed voice. A breath which Chloe had no idea she had been holding all this time left her lips.

Victoria held her daughter's hands, giving them a gentle squeeze. “I can't believe this is your final year in Golden Willows High. It feels… surreal.” The smile on her lips broadened. Her eyes sparkling.

"You have no idea how proud I’m of you. It's not that I have been a good example to you. However, I’m happy that you have been a good girl. All I would like to tell you is…” Victoria paused, then heaved a deep sigh.

Chloe's heart warmed up when she saw her mother happy.

“Focus on your studies since this is your final year. You have a whole future ahead of you, my love. I would like you to go to university, something that… I wasn't able to do. I don't want you to end up like me.” Victoria blinked countless times, holding back tears.

Chloe knew what her mother was talking about. Victoria gave birth to her daughter when she was seventeen years old in her senior year. She wasn't able to go to college because she had to take care of her daughter.

“It's okay, Mother. Even though you didn't go to college, you tried your best to provide for me.” Chloe's lips curved into a smile, staring softly at her mother.

Chloe has to admit that… life wasn't that easy while growing up because her mother had to work three jobs to make sure that she had a comfortable life. However, as time went by, she saved some money and started a flower shop which is doing pretty well right now.

Victoria looked so happy when she heard her daughter's touching words. The two hugged so tightly.

“I know that… I can't control your life because you're a big girl now. However, remember what I always tell you. When you and William…”

“Mother… We haven't done it. William and I agreed that we need to finish high school first.” Chloe defended before her mother could even finish her statement.

Chloe knew what her mother wanted to tell her. She wanted to remind her to use protection when she gets intimate with her boyfriend.

Victoria has always been open with her daughter about sex life. She didn't want her daughter to end up like her.

“Well, I didn't say you did anything. Just reminding you to be careful…” Chloe’s cheeks flushed from embarrassment when her mother teased...

_________

A FEW MINUTES LATER

“WELCOME TO WILLOW HIGH,” The words were written in bold. Chloe inhaled deeply, bracing herself to face the first day of senior year. The door beside her clicked open, and to her surprise, it was Aaron who had opened it, stretching his hand out for her to hold onto.

Chloe swallowed when she saw his outstretched hand, not expecting his kind gesture. She wanted to push it away. However, she thought that would be rude. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand in his.

His touch was surprisingly gentle. Soothing. His hand warm and soft against hers. The exact opposite of what she expected. It was the first time they had made such intimate contact. Chloe could not explain what was happening to her, but… she felt this weird sensation at the tip of her stomach. An alien feeling that she had never felt before. Not even when she and William kissed.

Aaron cleared his throat, recapturing Chloe’s mind which seemed to have left her body. And… that was when Chloe realized that she was still holding onto his hand. Not wanting to let go. She pulled her hand away almost immediately, embarrassed, as though she had been burned.

“Thank you,” she blurted, looking away almost immediately and avoiding eye contact with Aaron.

Aaron did not miss the faint taint of red on her cheeks. The corner of his lips curved into that sickening smirk which he always put on whenever he was up to no good.

All eyes were on them as if they were the center of the universe, which made Chloe feel a little uncomfortable. Chloe knew very well they were not looking at her. They were looking at the famous green-eyed QB of the Phantom football team.

Aaron darling Harrison.

“Damn it, he looks hotter than the previous year.” Chloe heard girls whisper amongst themselves. She almost erupted into laughter but tried to keep her composure. To be honest, Chloe did not see the difference they were talking about. Perhaps she was blind or… she needed to get glasses to have a good view.

“He looks a little bit taller too. I think he has added an inch or two. He wasn't this tall,” another girl giggled.

“And who is she? I have never seen her. Is she his new girlfriend? She doesn't look like the type of girl that he hooks up with," Chloe heard someone ask. She was not surprised that most of the students did not know her because she always minded her business.

Chloe knew damn well that she was not Aaron's type. Not even close.

Aaron loved girls who wore clothes that were too tight and revealing, while she wore standard clothes. Aaron mostly hooked up with blondies, while she was a brunette. Chloe wasn't apologetic for being the exact opposite. Well, he wasn't her type either.

_

“Both of you be good kids, okay?” Jacob said, looking between the two. Chloe nodded at his words, a small smile touching her lips.

“In case of anything, don't hesitate to reach me. Do you understand, Chloe?” Jacob asked in a calm voice. "Yes, uncle," she responded with a smile.

Chloe knew Jacob was paying attention to her because he didn't want her to feel left out. Jacob was aware Chloe grew up without a father. However, he assured Chloe that he'd try his best to be one to her. From the look of things, it seemed like he was trying his best.

Unlike Aaron, Jacob was a calm person and easy to get along with. He had welcomed Chloe warmly when she moved in with her mother four days ago.

After saying goodbyes, Jacob slid behind the wheels and drove away instantly since he had important business to take care of.

Heaving a deep sigh, Chloe turned around, almost bumping into Aaron.

“Watch out, sis. Wouldn't want you to get hurt,” He warned, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk.

Aaron was still playing the sibling-getting along pretty good-game, pretending he cared that much. There was no need for him to play the dumb game since their parents were out of sight. They could go back to hating each other’s guts like it has always been.

Chloe rolled her eyes upon hearing his words,a little pissed, turned around then walked away. Never caring enough to look back.

Aaron watched as she walked away. Her wavy long black hair bouncing on her shoulders with each step that she took away from him.

Chloe was wearing a black dress, not too long or too short. Not too tight either or...too loose. Fitting her perfectly that it was hard for Aaron not to notice the perfect curves that were hidden underneath the fabric.

Perhaps he had a good eye…

_

Most of the students were gossiping, talking about what they did with their boyfriends during the holidays. Well, Chloe didn't have that much to say. Sometimes she felt as if she didn't belong in Golden Willows High. Maybe...it was because of the age difference. Chloe was a little bit older than most of the students in her school. While many students were in their early teen years, most ranging from 15-18, Chloe was nineteen, older than most students.

Older than Aaron, who was 18 like most of his peers.

“Chloe!” Someone called her name in the noisy, crowded hallway. Chloe didn't't need to turn around to know who it was because she would recognize the voice even in a deep slumber.

With a big smile spread across her face, Chloe turned around and came face to face with Elara, her best friend. Elara was breathing heavily, evident she had run to catch up with her.

“When you told me that Aaron was your stepbrother, I didn't believe you. But then a while ago I saw you alighting in the same car.” Elara said, trying to catch a breath.

“Good morning to you too.Well, I think you believe me now. I would never lie to my best friend, you know,” Chloe said teasingly, earning a low groan from Elara who had forgotten about the simple etiquette. Jumping straight to the itching conversation.

“For the first time I thought you were. I still don't believe it. Like, why Aaron freaking Harrison of all people?” Elara whisper-yelled, still wrapping her mind around the twisted dynamic.

Chloe shrugged her shoulders, unable to explain to her friend because that was the exact question she had been asking herself. However, she was not able to come up with an answer.

“Chloe?” A deep, familiar voice sliced through the air, making Chloe's heart jump in her throat. That voice only belonged to one person.

William Lockwood.