To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

Groaning and with a bad headache, I turned on the bed as I tried to open my eyes slightly. I shook and almost fell off the bed when I realized I was naked with Mason in bed with me.

How did this happen? How did I end up in bed with someone I was supposed to stay away from?

My headache grew worse as I tried to remember how I got here and it eventually dawned on me. I was worried about him when he said he was going to commit suicide and so I went to the address he sent to me.

I groaned and mentally slapped myself when I remembered that we had sex, I knew it was a bad idea to sleep with him especially when he’s going through a lot of things.

We were both tipsy if not drunk. Holding my head, I stood from the bed and stared down at him. He was sleeping so peacefully like he had nothing to worry about.

Even though he’d told me that he has handled things his own way, I couldn’t help but think about how he has a son and my blood boiled again.

I can’t possibly see him again even if I want to because Aisha and his son had already come between us and he needs to take care of them.

Vowing not to meet with him anymore no matter what or get in between him and his newly found family. I packed my things as fast as I could and left the hotel in a hurry before he woke up.

Getting to where I stayed, I went directly to my room to get ready for work. My headache got worse and I had no other choice but to take Tylenol for it.

I got to work but whatever I did, I couldn’t concentrate. I knew I needed to sleep and rest more but I also needed to do something to get my mind off the stupid decision of sleeping with Mason while drunk last night.

“Ava, get the report for that company ready in….” My boss was still talking but stopped when he got to me and I managed to keep my eyes open.

“What is wrong with you?” He asked and I managed to tell him I was fine which he didn’t agree with.

“You don’t look fine,” he pointed out with a sigh, “you’ve been working too hard, you should take the day off.” He added and I shook my head negatively.

My boss, who happens to be my mom’s friend, has always looked out for me and we both know that whatever it is that’s wrong with me isn’t work related.

“I’m really fine, Sir, I just need-”

“You need to rest, you look pale so take the day off and rest, eat too because you really need it.” He cuts in and I knew that he had his mind made up already.

“Thank you, Sir.” I muttered in appreciation as I picked up my bag and went to a nearby restaurant to get breakfast since my stomach was asking for it already.

My phone rang and when I checked to see who it was, I was relieved. Picking up my mother’s call, we spoke for over an hour as we tried to catch up on a lot of things.

“How is Mason and everything between you both?” She asked and although I wasn’t expecting her to ask me about him, I knew she would.

“Everything is fine and we’re good.” I lied with a dry cough. I couldn’t tell her that I recently found out he has a child. I needed to protect him.

It wasn’t my place to tell or break the news, he would eventually tell our parents whenever he’s ready but for now, I don’t have to say a word.

“Why is your voice so down?” She asked and I coughed again, “I could barely hear what you’re saying. Does it have anything to do with work?” She added and I just laughed.

If only she knew what I have had to handle all alone.

“Your temp position would end by the end of this month,” she pointed out and I agreed with her, “if you want, I can put in a good word for you to get a permanent post.” She offered.

“Oh, don’t worry about that mom,” I protested, “Mason offered me a job at his company already.” I added and she let out an excited shriek.

I could tell that she was happy that not only will I be working with Mason, we would get to be together too. She’s happy for me.

“But I don’t think I’ll take it,” I broke out and everything went silent for a while before my mom asked why.

“I’m thinking of leaving San Francisco and going back to LA to meet Nicole and maybe set things up there again.” I explained and she let out a heavy sigh.

“Why would you want to leave?” She asked, “did something happen?” She added and I could hear the worry in her voice.

“Nothing really, I just need some time off by myself.” I replied and I didn’t need to explain further for my mother to know that something was off.

“All of these just don’t sound right to me, I’m sorry Ava but just walk me through here?” She said and it was my turn to sigh.

“I don’t know, Mason just might not be the right man for me and maybe this time away from him would help me decide on what and what not to do.” I explained.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“Something must have happened. Did he do something? You know you both are just trying to figure things out again and things like this are bound to happen.” She started with her lecture but I wasn’t having it.

“Let’s not go there, Mom. I don’t want to talk about it.” I responded and I was glad when she didn’t probe any further.

We spoke for some more before finally hanging up the call.