Step-brother

“What the hell is happening?” I don’t know how many times I’ve whispered that while staring at my laptop, watching a serial killer documentary.

I couldn’t focus on what I was watching because my mind was still stuck on what happened at dinner earlier. Of all the possible sons my mom could have fallen for, why did it have to be that arrogant bastard?

Fate must be messing with me. “Ah, shit!” I couldn’t help but curse and threw a piece of popcorn at the screen out of sheer frustration.

“No wonder my stomach hurts. Someone’s probably cursing me right now.”

“Fuck!” I screamed when someone suddenly spoke. I immediately looked up, and my irritation only grew when I saw who it was—standing with his hands on his hips, leaning against the door frame.

“What the fuck, you really know how to get on my nerves, fucker.”

Instead of getting annoyed, he laughed even more. “Oh, come on. Let’s be real here. Why are you even mad at me? I didn’t do anything wrong. And to tell you the truth, I should be the one pissed here. You said some hurtful things about me when you don’t even know me, right?”

I scoffed. “Oh, come on, Cole. We both know it’s true.” I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to my screen. “Get out, and lock the door on your way out.”

“Wow, is this your house?” Sarcasm dripped from his voice, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want to see his face any longer.

“You’re heartbroken because your mom has a new family, and you feel neglected. Don’t worry, dear stepsister, I’ll make sure you feel like the most loved new part of the family.”

If looks could kill, this man would already be six feet under. He even had the audacity to smirk before finally closing the door.

That fucking guy—my blood was boiling even more.

“Are you okay?”

I was startled when Sue suddenly nudged me. That’s when I remembered we were in the cafeteria, eating breakfast. I didn’t eat at home because I couldn’t hide my irritation there.

“Yeah,” I said plainly, wincing when I saw my pancake looking like it had been clawed at by a chicken. I must have taken my frustration out on it. But, of course, I was still going to eat it—it’s my favorite.

“Who are you murdering in your mind? Have they been buried yet?” Sue asked, laughing.

I rolled my eyes. “How I wish,” I muttered and continued eating.

The cafeteria was noisy since it was still early. Many students were just hanging out, probably waiting for their first classes. You could tell someone’s course by their ID, since we didn’t have uniforms. Sometimes, it was a hassle picking outfits every day.

“Oh, hello, Faye.”

My forehead creased as I quickly looked up upon hearing my second name. And, of course, my annoyance doubled when I saw who called me—who else?

“You didn’t eat breakfast?” He glanced at my massacred pancake. “You should always eat breakfast. You should be eating with your family.” Then, just like that, he walked away with his followers trailing behind him.

As soon as they were gone, murmurs spread throughout the cafeteria.

“What the fuck, Lau?! When did you start being close to him?!” Sue exclaimed, shaking my shoulders. “Just the other day, you were judging him. And now, you two are talking casually?!”

“Let me go, bitch!” I retorted, prying her hands off my arms.

“You freak!” She huffed. “And how the hell does he even know your second name? You don’t even put that on your test papers!”

“I don’t know, damn it. Can you please tone down your voice?” I glanced around. Some students were still staring at me while whispering, but others had already gone back to their business.

Sue narrowed her eyes, like a detective investigating something. “Something’s definitely going on between you two. I’m invested in this now. Let’s go before we’re late—class starts in ten.”

I nodded, grabbed my bag and book, stuffed the rest of my pancake into my mouth, and picked up my milk carton.

Two subjects later, Sue and I had planned to eat outside, but she had something to do, so I was on my own. I don’t have many friends, as I’ve mentioned.

Instead of eating out, I just went to the cafeteria. Going outside the hall felt like a hassle, and there were food places inside the school premises anyway, though they were farther from our building. The cafeteria was the nearest option.

I ordered a piece of bread, fries, and coffee. The place was quieter than in the morning since it was already 2 PM—most classes were ongoing, and some students were eating out. It wasn’t as crowded, though there were still a few people around.

I pulled out my book and flipped to where I had left off. I’ve loved reading since I was a kid. I was so engrossed in my novel that I didn’t notice someone sitting across from me until I heard a soft knock on the table.

I lowered my book and frowned when I saw his smirking face.

“Hello, Faye,” he said, stealing one of my fries. “This is not a healthy lunch, by the way. You should’ve at least eaten rice.”

I sighed and set my book down, already losing my appetite at the sight of this guy. “Why do you even care? You’ve been messing with me since this morning, huh?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Oh, that’s a strong word, Faye. It’s not very ladylike to swear and be so tactless.”

“And what made you think I give a shit about that bullshit?”

I started hearing murmurs around us again, which only irritated me more. I bit my lip in frustration.

“Listen, Cole. Stop this nonsense and don’t test my patience. Just pretend you don’t know me and get a life, creep.”

“Uh-oh. Why would you say that? I mean, we’re going to be family. You should get used to this.”

“Used to what? You—bullshitting around? Nah, I’d rather have my peaceful and unknown identity until I graduate,” I said, exhaling sharply. “So, please, stop teasing me and go mind your own business.”

He didn’t respond. He just kept smirking like he had already won some kind of battle. I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Your request is kinda hard to grant now, Faye. I mean—you’ve already piqued my interest. And when that happens? I stick around until I lose the feeling. So while I’m at it, I’ll make sure to enjoy every second of it.”

I frowned, my jaw clenching in annoyance.

This piece of shit.

“You can either play along or fight back. Either way, it’s still in my favor. So good luck figuring out what you want to do, Faye.”