chapter 17

Joan’s pov

Mom asked about everything that happened, if it was odd, but she asked only about Fred’s new bruise. I couldn’t tell her he fought a new kid; I had to play the role of a new stepsister who wouldn’t complicate herself no matter what.

“He got into an argument, and you know, guys, they would probably hit each other.” She wanted to ask more questions, but I had more dare situations than answering her questions. Isaac demands I go out with him, but I can’t without permission, so I asked mom, and she agreed, which was nice till I saw him again.

“So who is he to you, your new boyfriend?” Fred asked. He was seated on my bed, ice on his cheek and his legs crossed. I hated how he had access to my room, but gone are those days when I had a room all to myself with no sibling driving you to the verge of your sanity.

"I am talking to you, Joan; tell me, do you even know him?”

“It’s none of your business. So get out of my room.” I walked into my closet, dropping my bag. I walked into the