7

CHAPTER SEVEN

JULIA

Thankfully, I have no more weird dreams.

My phone’s alarm woke me up. I had planned to go running with my Mom, to scout out the neighbourhood, and settle fully into my new life. Truly, I am excited for what this new life has to offer.

I change into my biker shorts and a plain tee. I pack my hair in a bun, then walk out of the bedroom, only to bump into Sebastian.

Heat flushes through me immediately, and I clench my jaw hard.

“Watch where you're going, bitch!” He spits, angry as ever.

I don’t take the bait. Instead, I walk past him and jog down the stairs. I am done doing this back and forth with them. It’s exhausting and leads nowhere. I have school to look forward to.

“Hi, darling.” Mom smiles.

She is in the kitchen, which is strange because Mom never cooks. Steve is with her, holding a cup of tea, it seems.

I smile, “Hi, Mom. Hi, Steve.”

“Lovely morning, Julia. Going running?” He asks, leaning forward.

I nod, “Mom and I are going running.”

Mom winces, and I frown, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay, darling. I just don’t think I am on for running this morning. I have a painful headache. Is it okay with you if we take a raincheck? Maybe later in the week?” She massages her forehead, avoiding my eyes.

I narrow my eyes at her but smile, “It’s alright. You should stay in bed. I’ll make you breakfast when I return.”

Steve shakes his head, “Oh, no, you don’t have to cook. I have housekeeping coming in later. I’ll introduce you to them later. About your run, do you mind if I come with you? We don’t have to hold a conversation. I just want to be with you, show different places.” He asks cautiously, shoulders squared like he’s bracing himself for rejection.

“That sounds like the best idea, Steve. What do you think, Julia? You know I’m not really the best runner. You and Steve can create a routine or something.” Mom is so apparent in her meddling, but it’s cute, so I don’t point it out.

“Alright, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your day.” I shrug, warmly.

“Absolutely not. Give me a second to wear my shoes.” He smiles at me and walks towards the bedroom.

I give my mom a knowing look, and she shrugs, feigning oblivion. Steve returns moments later, and we leave. We walk side by side, then stop, trying to see where to go first.

I glance back at the house, amazed by how big it is. It’s a mansion, a very huge mansion. There’s a thick woods behind the house, it surrounds the house in a way, like a letter C. I have always been adventurous, so maybe I can explore it sometimes. How does Steve afford this? Maybe I’ll ask him later.

“Come on, Julia.” He nudges my shoulder lightly and takes off for the street.

I catch up to him, jogging, keeping pace with him. For the first twenty minutes, we run in silence, stopping to drink, but that’s all. It is then that I notice that the house is so secluded from the city. It takes us about twenty-five minutes to get to the city, and when we do, Steve still hasn’t broken a sweat. I, on the other hand, am sweating like a tap and dripping like a faucet.

My heart is pounding hard.

“Let’s take a break before you pass out.” He frowns and leads me to the coffeehouse close by.

I am panting and sweating profusely.

I am oblivious to the way the coffee house falls silent immediately he walks in, or the way everyone bows slightly when they walk past.

“Come on, drink it all.” He presses the bottle in my hand.

I nod and drink it all. Only then do I calm down a little.

“Maybe we should get a ride back home?” He stares at me, brows furrowed, concern in his gaze. I made him worry.

“Oh, no, we can slow down, though, well, you can slow down. I was trying to meet up with you.” I confess, my cheeks heat up.

He scoffs, “I am a man in my forties, who weighs a lot and eats like an elephant. You’re younger and smaller. You shouldn’t compare yourself to me, but you’re right. I’ll slow down.” He admonishes, and I nod.

I look around the coffee house, taking it all in for the first time. It is cosy and has a certain fluidity. Everyone is in constant motion, including the girl behind the counter who keeps looking at me.

“This is a nice place.” I tell Steve, and he nods, “Yes, it is. I know the owners.”

The girl walks to us, holding a pad. “Hi, I’m Bree. What would you like to start with?”

“Give me the usual, Bree,” Steve says, voice thick with authority.

“This is Julia, she’s my stepdaughter,” He introduces, then says, “Julia, this is Bree. You’ll meet in school and classes.”

I blink in surprise.

“Oh, nice to meet you, Bree.” I smile.

“You too, Julia. What do you want to start with? We have delicious drinks, as well as mouthwatering pastries.” She explains.

Desperate to make my first friend, I say, “Why don’t you surprise me? I trust your judgement.”

She nods, walks away, and returns ten minutes later with the most delicious treats.

“This smells like heaven, Bree. Maybe you can teach me one or two someday.” I try.

She nods, pleased, “I would love that.”

Then, she leaves us alone. Steve smiles at me, “Bree is a wonderful girl. She’s also good in school. In a way, you both complement each other perfectly.”

I flush and nod.

We walk back home in silence. I ordered more pastries for mom.

“School is starting tomorrow. You need to focus on work, and if the boys give you any trouble, let me know.” Steve tells me, and I nod.

The boys, not my boys?