To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

“I’m going to have a sleepover At Michael’s, is that okay?” Khalid asked and I smiled as I stroked his hair backwards before giving him a positive nod.

“I’ll drop you off.” I responded and we both got ready to go to Michael’s house. Michael has been his best friend and I’m glad that for someone who barely talks he’s finally getting along with people.

I’m glad that he has stopped asking questions about Aisha and at least for now I don’t have to deal with him thinking that Aisha is in jail.

We finished getting ready and I dropped him off. I was about to leave when the door opened and Michael’s mother came out of the house.

“Ava, Hi.” She greeted me and I smiled as I moved the strand of hair on my face in place, “are you okay?” She added, the question caught me off guard since I had no idea why she was asking if I was Okay.

“I’m fine, thank you so much for asking,” I replied, “I better leave now and thank you for agreeing to the sleepover. Khalid wouldn’t stop talking about it.” I laughed.

“Yeah, it’s okay,” she sighed, “I heard about the situation with his mother and I know how difficult taking care of someone else’s son might be.” She added.

I knew she didn’t mean it in a bad way but a part of me thought what she said was offensive, “he’s not just anyone’s son.” I replied, “He’s Mason’s son, too.” I finished.

“I know. But still isn’t it overwhelming that you have to look after him while his mom is in jail?” She scoffed and I rolled my eyes, it was taking all I had in me to not get angry.

“I understand. Thank you so much for your concern but please do not tell Khalid about his mother, he doesn’t know that she’s in jail.” I said and she nodded.

“It’s fine, I won’t tell him. I totally understand you,” she started after a while of silence, “Also, you can drop him off here anytime you feel like you need a break or some time alone with Mason. He’s always welcome here.” She judged me with a smile.

She already read it in the newspaper or probably the TV or just people talking about it and she now knows about Mason and I’s relationship.

Mason and I seem to be making lots of publicity waves but for all the wrong reasons.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Thank you.” I said reluctantly before backing away from her and making my way back home. I engaged myself in some menial chores and that was when I remembered that Chad wanted to take me out.

I was the only one at home anyways so an outing with a friend wouldn’t be all that bad. Smiling, I picked up my phone to fish out Chad’s number and when I dialed it he picked up on the third ring.

“Hey,” His slightly husky voice said from over the phone, “are you okay? Is everything alright?” He asked like he was expecting me to be in some kind of trouble.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I answered, “I just wanted to tell you that I’m free now and we can go out for lunch.” I explained to him.

“Oh great, I’ll pick you up in an hour’s time?” He said and I agreed with the time before hanging up the call.

Rummaging through my closet, I couldn’t find the right dress to wear and it was making me exhausted. Sighing, I remembered Nicole and FaceTimed her at once and I was glad she picked up.

“Which do you think I should go for, the black, blue or red?” I asked as I picked up the dresses and placed them on my body for her to see.

“The black makes you look like you’re in mourning, the red looks too much, the blue is perfect. Do you have a shoe to go with it?” She asked and I picked up a black wedge heels that she approved of immediately.

“So, what is the occasion?” She asked as I got dressed up and sat to do my makeup while she supervised and told me what to do.

“It’s Chad, he’s taking me out for lunch or dinner or whatever it is today.” I answered and I couldn’t miss Nicole’s dramatic eyebrow raise.

“Well, I wouldn’t say you shouldn’t go since he’s so hot. Have fun but don’t have too much, you have a boyfriend that’s also a potential husband. Don’t blow that.” She advised me and I nodded.

“What do you think?” I asked when I finished with my makeup and she made the ‘Okay’ sign with her fingers before blowing me a chef’s kiss.

“He’ll be here soon and I have to inform Mason so I’ll talk to you later.” I told her before hanging up.

I called Mason and I could tell that he was busy because it went straight to voicemail and I just dropped a message for him.

Chad came the exact time he said that he would pick me up and I was in total awe when he pulled up in a classy restaurant.

It screamed luxury and it was too extravagant for my liking but I didn’t say anything about it. Holding my hand, he led me to our table.

“I didn’t say it earlier because I’m still in total shock of how extremely beautiful you are.” He complimented as his eyes bore into mine.

Thanking him, we started talking about how pleasant the weather was and how nice the restaurant was too, everything was just too classy.

“Tell me about you, your family and all?” He asked and I told him everything that I can about my family, from Danny getting married to my mom and how he’s retired and they’re both seeing the world. Leaving Mason out of it.

Dinner was over and we both went to his car as he drove me back home, “you’re really beautiful.” He whispered as he stared at me.

I’d wanted to avert my eyes from his gaze but I couldn’t and it wasn’t until I could feel his breath on my face did I realize how close he had gotten to me.

“I’m so… sorry, I have to go now. I’ll see you at work tomorrow and thanks for the dinner.” I said quickly before rushing out of the car.