Six

I shut my eyes as soon as I opened them. 

Wtf! 

Why is it so bright in here? What happened? My room is usually dark. When my eyes finally get used to the light I realised it's not my room after all. Where am I? 

Like a flash, I recollect the events of yesterday. Our arrival and then at night, a drunk Ryder. The window, my face went in that direction spontaneously and I realised it's still open. Little wonder it's all bright in here. I stared at the ceiling for a while while I listened to the low…. Coming from Ryder's room. He must really love that band. 

After a while, I decided to get out of bed and put on some clothes as I was done doing this, I heard my door close behind me and I looked up to see the race of the person I so dread. 

Arrgggh

Will I ever get used to seeing his face each day now that we live together? I don't think so.

Stepping away from the mirror, "Have you ever heard the word 'privacy' before?" 

I studied his face, he looks okay, his hair is a little disheveled other than that, he didn't look like someone who's just got out of bed or having a hangover. 

He cocks his head to one side as he stares around my new room moving a little further into the room. "I just want to make sure you don't run your mouth to our parents about last night. Rest especially my dad"

I laughed a little "why? You don't want him to see the asshole he's raising?" 

I watch as his teeth grit tight together and his jaw hardens. He frowns, his lips forming a firm line as he furrows his eyebrows and takes a few hesitant steps toward me. “Just—just don’t say anything.”

I fold my arms then step back giving myself enough space away from him. 

"What are you hiding from him? It's okay to say you had a few drinks and passed out." I took one step closer, suddenly finding my confidence. " Maybe if you tell me I can consider keeping your secrets." 

"Secrets?" He chuckles. "Hey, Rocks I'm not in here for a lecture, I only came to warm you about running your mouth or I that a fucking problem for you?" 

It's not like I'm not expecting him to lash out on me but I swear I wince as he said Rocks. Why can't he call my name? Maybe I'm just insane to think living together with him will change things between the two of us. I laughed at the idea in my head. 

"Are you mad your father is getting married?" I suddenly asked what's been on my mind since last Friday. 

He looks surprised as if my question caught him off guard. He has an unreadable expression on his face so I can't make out if he's telling the truth or not.

"Fuvk, No!"

Then why? Why do you hate me so much. I'm pretty sure it's not because of this step siblings' relationships because he couldn't stand my sight right from school. 

"Just don't say anything" he called and he walked away without closing my door.

Asshole.

****

Throughout that week, I didn't see much of Ryder. At school he stayed the hell away from me and everyone else. Since the blown out episode with him out here, I can finally walk without feeling eyes on my body and hearing people whispering my name in low voices and some oblivious to my hearing. Haha I raised my hands in victory. Cheers to me I can finally love school and not count the days to graduation. I made a couple of friends even though we haven't been that close. Just a couple of hangouts and little chit chats during classes. 

He didn't seem to tell people we're step siblings so I kept to myself too. Well, except Lexi. 

When I got back today, I found the house empty as usual. Mom and James are off to work and Ryder? Off to whether he goes every afternoon. 

"How's Your brother today?" Lexi asked

"Stepbrother" I corrected.

I told Lexi about the night he came home drunk and the next morning how he barged into my bedroom and demanded I keep it away from our parents. 

"You still haven't seen him around?" She asked Surprise is evident in her voice.

"Yes" I nodded. "I'm not sure he's in because his CD isn't on"

Her next question took me by surprise. "You've seen his room?"

"What? No way! He barely even talk to me"

The idea of seeing Ryder's room became intriguing to me. What will it look like? I'm sure the walls will be covered in animal skulls and a huge black snake drawn against his headboard. I waved that imagination away but whatever else I try to picture isn't a good idea.

After a little talk with Lexi, we hung up. On my way downstairs to drink water, I paused by Ryder's door. No sign that he is in yet. I thought about Lexi's words from earlier and I became curious of what it looks like. The dark things he does while locked up in here. Taking a look won't hurt I guess, especially when he isn't here. Without thinking straight, I Sprint back to my bedroom and bring out the old little camera my mom got me some years ago. I dust it off, then wipe its lens. It might be old but works perfectly.

Standing in front of his door trembling, I recited the psalm twenty three three times then muttered a quick prayer of success. I gripped the handle and discovered it unlocked. 

Good.

Now I won't want to worry about breaking into his room. I passed the door open and stepped inside. I was first greeted by the smell of his woodsky Cologne. The room is dark since the lights are off. His look looked entirely opposite of what I had pictured. Instead of Animal skull on his fall, it's replaced with handwriting painted in different colours. If he did this himself, he is well damned talented. I moved to his drawer but I refrain from pulling out its contents to see what he has there. 

I'm not going to stare, just touch. I reminded myself.

I pulled out my old camera and started to record a video. Once I have enough footage of his entire room, I stop the video and smile in triumph. Even my heart problem fades away. I start towards the door but a shadow blocks my way. I cease to breathe when I stare up at my nightmare.

Ryder