010

CADEN 

The sunlight flickering through the  glass windows made me stir.  A low moan escaped  my lips as my eyes fluttered open. 

Morning already? I could swear I just slept less than an hour ago, but when I reached for my phone—it was 7am. 

Shit.

She didn’t return last night?

I pushed myself off the couch, dragging my feet to her room. I didn't bother knocking. I opened the door—it was empty. 

I stood still for a moment, scanning the room, but the neatly made bed was enough confirmation that she hadn’t slept there.

I thought to call, but one, I didn’t have her phone number, and secondly, it wasn’t my business. 

She could sleep out for all I cared. It shouldn’t affect me… it doesn’t affect me. Besides, she’d have to come back to get ready for school.

I slammed the door shut and returned to my room. Seconds…minutes…maybe an hour, and I was finally done with showering and dressing. 

I walked out from my room, and somehow I found myself standing in front of hers. I knocked once, twice—I opened the door, still empty. 

Where the fuck did she go?

I hated that I was starting to get worried. I didn’t care, but if anything were to happen to her, I’ll be blamed. 

That was the lie I told myself about worrying so much. 

After waiting for another hour, I drove to school in my black Porsche Cayenne Turbo. 

Immediately I stepped onto campus, heads turned, ladies whispering, some calling out my name…it wasn’t a new thing. I had gotten used to it, and honestly, I loved it.

I had my charming smile on my face as I walked down the hallways, only to pause when I saw her. 

Yes, her! 

Ava. 

She stood there, laughing so loudly with her friend. 

The fuck? 

I literally spent my night on the couch, wondering where she’d disappeared to, and here she was laughing like nothing happened.

I curled my hands into fists, walking over to her when someone pulled me.

It was swift, but the smell of her perfume made me aware of who it was immediately.

Maya.

She pulled me to a corner, and before I could react, her lips slammed right into mine fiercely.  

Shit. Not now. 

I broke away from the kiss. “We literally had a good time yesterday, Maya,” I said. 

“So I can't kiss my boyfriend whenever I want to?” She cooed, wanting to lean in again, when I stopped her. 

“Not now, please,” I said, my eyes flickering to Ava, who was still laughing at whatever silly jokes her friend was telling. 

I wondered what—

“And why are you staring at her?” Maya’s voice broke me away from my thoughts. 

“Staring at who?” 

“That freak!”

“She has a name, Maya, and I wasn’t staring.”

She rolled her eyes, pouting. “Baby, you didn’t even call to check if I returned home safely. It’s unlike you.”

I exhaled sharply. “I’m sorry, I was busy.”

“Let me guess, with her?”

I pulled away from her, already getting irritated. “It’s too early for this, and I don't know what you’re thinking, but she’s my stepsister,” I spat. “And unfortunately, my project partner, so we had to brainstorm.”

A frown settled on her face. “Well, I don't like her.” She placed her index finger on my chest, “and I'm not comfortable with her staying with you.” 

I raised one of my brows. “My hands are tied.”

“I know, and don’t get me wrong, darling, I trust you,” Maya said. “But her; girls like her are usually desperate. They are attention-seeking freaks, and you are their perfect target.” 

I shrugged my shoulders. “I think she's different.” 

Maya sighed. “If you say so, but be careful, baby, okay?” She pursed her lips, and I pressed a small kiss to finally get her to leave me alone.

“See you later,” she blew another kiss, waving, and I waved back as she walked out. 

My eyes snapped back to where Ava was standing, but yeah, she was gone. 

But my eyes wouldn’t stop searching for her in every hall. I saw her again in the hallways; this time she was chatting with some guy. 

It was like she was every fucking where. 

 

And funny enough, our eyes met. Not once, nor twice,

—so many fucking times, and she kept looking away!

I had wanted to confront her, but no—two could play this ignoring game, and I knew exactly what could take my mind off her.

The rink. 

I changed into my gear for a quick practice. 

I started slow, missing shots while at it. Turns out Ava’s stupid laugh was a lot harder to shake off than I thought.

But soon, I picked up the pace.

I was quick to use forward strides, then back strides to avoid my opponents, shooting the puck with enough force to tear through the net. 

I kept on for minutes, maybe hours, my energy not derailing. And when it was time for my last shot, I pushed it one more time with every ounce of strength.

The goalie looked at me twice before turning his face towards the net.

I was breathing hard, chest rising and falling.

“Time out.” A whistle blew, and we all moved towards the sitting area. I gulped down all my water as I tried steadying my breathing.

Reid joined me.

“You did good, bro,” he muttered, as we exchanged handshakes. 

“Didn’t see you all day…did something happen?” I asked, looking at him. 

“Not really, I just had to take care of a few things at home,” he replied. “Some family issues.”

“Yeah, I know how that can be,” I said, making him chuckle.

“Since we are on the topic, how are you coping with the whole living arrangement with Ava and stuff?”

A sigh escaped from  me. “Honestly, my stance on this remains the same,” I began. “I don’t care about him starting a new family. I just don’t want to be part of it. I need them away from me.”

“Don’t tell me you’re transferring this aggression on Ava? She seems like a lovely girl,” Reid said.

She is…different.

“I just can’t wait until she’s out of my space.”

Silence.

Then, “Um, speaking about Ava.” He ran a hand through his hair. 

“What about her?” 

He didn’t respond immediately. It was as if he was contemplating. 

“Speak, bro, did something happen?” I added. “Did she try something—”

“No…no,” he cut in. “Do you perhaps know if she's in a relationship?” 

I turned towards him, a bit shocked. 

 

“Why do you ask?”

Reid rubbed his neck nervously. “Well, I was thinking of getting to know her if you don’t mind.”