To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

The day went by quickly and we both agreed on taking an evening walk. The walk was slightly silent and I knew he was curious and wanted to know why I was so scared of thunderstorms.

“So, in case you’re wondering what my stupid fear of Thunderstorm is,” I started and although the topic was uncomfortable to talk about for me, I wanted him to know why I got so scared.

“You don’t have to talk about…”

“I lost my dad in a thunderstorm,” I continued, he’d wanted to tell me not to talk about it but I wanted to, at least to him, “he’d gone somewhere and had even promised to be back in an hour.” I added.

The memory of my father leaving the house that day was still fresh in my head and I still couldn’t get over the call of my dad being found dead.

“That’s why I get paranoid when waiting for people, you know, when they leave and it starts to rain heavily? I’m always unable to take it and most of the time, I’ll always think of the negative side because of what I’ve been through.” I explained and I could see a hint of pity in his eyes.

“I didn’t know, I’m sorry.” He apologised in a low tone like it was his fault that I’d lost my father in the storm that day.

“It’s…” my voice broke and the tears I was trying to hold back came flowing freely down my cheeks. I’d tried so hard to not cry while I told him about my horrible memory but it didn’t work.

Looking away from him, I tried to dry my eyes before turning back to him again, “I’m sorry.” I sniffed and before I could say anything else, Mason pulled me in a hug.

I was surprised at first and had stiffened up instantly but after a few moments, I relaxed into his warm body and enjoyed the hug. His body was hard and the way he patted my back slowly and stroked my hair made me even more comfortable.

The long hug soon came to an abrupt end and Mason dried my tears for me as he tilted my face upwards until my gaze met his.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised and I raised an eyebrow, I had no idea why or what he’s currently apologising for, “I made fun of you on our first day here when you had only been scared of what might’ve happened to our parents, and the time I had been out in the storm too.” He explained and I shook my head at once.

“It’s the nicest way anyone has ever felt towards me and I should be really grateful.” He finished before pulling me into another hug.

“You were only scared something horrible might’ve happened to our parents, I’m really sorry.” He apologised softly again while stroking my hair.

“It’s fine.” I said, holding him this time and making myself feel his body warmth.

“Let’s take a walk to the beach, we can talk properly there.” Mason suggested after a while of being in each other’s arms and I agreed.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

We got Ice cream and we both sat to watch the stars. The silence between us was slightly uncomfortable but I liked it since I’d just told him about something I might not have wanted to talk about.

“Ava?” Mason called, breaking the silence and I turned to look at him. He looked really handsome in the nightlight and the way his hair fell somewhat on his face lightly made him look even more appealing.

“What?” I asked, wanting to know why he’d called my name like that.

“I’ve been itching to tell you something and there’s no perfect time to do that but now and here.” He continued.

I felt my chest tighten as I anticipated what he wanted to tell me. Part of me was scared and about to tell him not to say it while another part of me was curious and wanted to hear it.

“That day when we first met,” he started and I calmed down slightly, “you were right, I might have not been looking at where I was going.” He confessed.

“But, the spilled coffee ruined my clothes that day too and I got mad at you, plus I was also in a bad mood so that contributed to my rudeness.” He explained.

“Well, my papers got lost in the mud that day and it was for an important presentation, I ended up not presenting it and I also failed my test because of it, that was why I hated you and most of the time I always wished I could kill you to be honest.” I explained and his face dropped.

I could tell that he felt bad from the way he profusely apologised for making me miss my presentation and also fail my test.

Shrugging it off, I assured him that it was fine and now in the past, we’re past that already and we shouldn’t allow it get between us again.

“I have a question though,” I started and he raised an eyebrow, “why do you always play those loud musics every night back at home?” I asked and Mason let out a roaring laughter.

“There really is nothing behind the loud music, I just do that to get on your nerves.” He answered amidst laughter and my mouth dropped open.

“So, they were on purpose?” I asked and Mason nodded, he was still laughing, “You!” I screamed as I hit his shoulder lightly.

“I’m sorry!” He apologised, “you seemed to hate me so much and I kinda usually like it when you get mad at me so I intentionally do things that get you riled up.” He laughed.

The sound of his laughter was like music to my ears as I joined him in laughing and after a while we both promised to get along with each other.

We’re definitely going to enjoy the rest of our vacation from the looks of things so far.