Secret obsession with my stepbrother

Episode 7

HAYLEY.

I took a cab to school after Easton drove off without taking me. My self esteem dropped to zero when Easton said he didn't want to be seen with me. I knew he wasn't God but I just couldn't help it.. I wished I would get rid of the silly feelings I have had since tenth grade. I'm supposed to hate him but I can't.

Arriving at the school, I headed straight to the class after picking some materials from my locker.. Coming closer to the class, Alessia was standing in front of there with Chloe's arms circled around her shoulders and some other girls in Chloe's gang.

“Hayley!” Alessia waved at me with a bright smile when she sighted me. I managed to wave back. I wished she would stop hanging out with these people.

Alessia slipped out of Chloe's arms and rushed back to give me a hug..

“Look at you. I have missed you!” She giggled and I smiled, inhaling her fresh feminine scent.

“You too…” I murmured, returning the words.

She separated from me and took my hands, heading to Chloe's direction.

“Hayley's mom remarried so now she has a new father. Isn't that great?” She announced it to everyone there. Oh gosh, I didn't ask her to and Easton doesn't want anyone to know about us being step siblings.

“Oh wow.. a house party would be nice..” Chole quickly added, biting her gum loudly. I furrowed my brows, another party? Is that all to life?

I wanted to be away from these people. Not even congratulations, a house party instead?

“Oh yes, Hayley. You should invite us for a house party to celebrate your mom’s remarriage..” Alessia supported Chloe’s suggestion.

“ it isn't really necessary….” I replied, my voice gentle. I'm definitely not attending another party ever. That would be my first and last. It was such a disaster.

Chloe scrutinized me from head to toe. “Is it because you don't want to get rejected again? I understand though, girls like you barely get wanted by guys. It's such a shame…..” She said, her voice dripping with malice and still biting her gum noisily. The girls in her gang snorted out a laugh but Alessia kept mute.

I balled my hands into fists a bit, calming my nerves. It wasn't like I could do much but I wanted to avoid Chloe. I hated being picked by her or anyone.

“But wait? Doesn't it look big? It looks bigger than that night!” Chloe exclaimed, her eyes fixed on my chest. I gently took my hands up and crossed it but Chloe reached out her hands and yanked them down.

The girls were staring at me, their faces twisted in mockery. They have drawn the attention of the people in the classroom too.

“She wore padded breasts to make it look bigger. Are you that desperate for attention!” The red haired girl in Chloe's gang added, laughing out her lungs.

I stared down, my face burning with shame. I crossed my arms again, trying to shield myself from their cruel laughter. The sound echoed through my mind, making me feel small, unwanted, and lost.

The mocking laughter and snickers died down the moment Chloe yelled out Easton's name. I turned, my eyes locking onto him for a brief moment,

but he looked right through me, his expression indifferent, as if I was a stranger.

Chloe approached him, and they fell into a passionate kiss. My heart sank, weighed down by a toxic mix of emotions. This was the same kiss he'd rejected me for, the same kiss that had made him dismiss me without a second thought, mocked my insecurity.

I swallowed hard, the bitter taste of rejection and humiliation rising up in my throat. I turned away, my chin dipping in a futile attempt to hide the pain and embarrassment etched on my face.

“Hayley wore padded bras to school” I heard her snicker and a small scoff crossed my lips.

“No chats! Go into your classrooms!” Mr Jonathan yelled and everyone quickly rushed to their seats. I gently walked in and took my seats, he was the one taking us in maths.

Hours passed in school and the bell for break rang.. I sighed deeply, resting my head on the desk. I didn't grab a thing throughout the lecture even though I paid so much attention today. The teachers seem to be speaking in parables!

I lifted my head for a while and looked around for Alessia but she was busy speaking to Chloe and her clique. They were laughing so loudly in the class. She was supposed to have called me for lunch. Is she going to continue with Chloe despite the fact that they mock me?

I breathed out a deep sigh and took my phone to text her. (Aren't you grabbing lunch?) I texted.

The message dropped but she was too busy with Chloe and her gang so I stood up and walked out. I was so hungry, I didn't get to have breakfast enough all because of Easton and he still didn't take me with him.

After adding some meals to my plate, I went ahead to sit alone in the cafeteria. I dived into my meal, devouring them. I turned over for a fleeting moment and my gaze caught those familiar curls in the cafeteria’s hallway. He was busy kissing another girl from another class in the senior year.. He was pressing her bum as well.

I parted my lips, slowly biting them in anxiety. I wished I wouldn't see these scenes anymore. It hurts so much. How does he even maintain his grades when he is always fooling around with everyone.

“Hayley!” Bryan’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts as I turned away from Easton..

He quickly rushed to my table with the meal tray in his hands..

“Where is Alessia?” He inquired out of concern and I twitched my lips before answering..

“She in the class”

“Isn't she having lunch?” He asked again..

Bryan was Alessia’s twin. Three of us were best friends from middle school. Bryan was nothing like Alessia. Alessia loved having fun, parties,and being sociable. She talked to almost everyone in school except she had no interest in knowing you, but she does spend time with us though.

Bryan loved his quiet space, on days he isn't on soccer training, he would study or hangout with us. Bryan took science classes and he was the only guy I talked to so comfortably.

“She will but I guess she is quite busy..” I answered..

“Oh is she? How are you? Hayley. Didn't see you in school yesterday? You vanished after we got a cake for you in the morning of your eighteenth birthday. No texts, no calls..” Bryan grumbled.

“Uhhhh.” I groaned slightly. “Forgive me Bryan. I got busy. Mom suddenly remarried. But you never called me either”

“Oh sorry, Hayley. I got busy too. You know soccer? I'm preparing for the upcoming tournament.” Bryan remarked with a shrug.

“Let's eat…” He suggested and took his cutlery while I resumed from where I stopped.

“So how is your new home and stepfather?” Bryan asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Not bad, Bryan… he is quite okay..” I responded.

“What about siblings? Any kids?” Bryan asked, chewing his food.

Easton 's warning rang in my ears and I sighed. “Yeah but we don't get along. He is such a rude ass” I replied, malice colouring my words.

“Really? If he disturbs or finds your trouble. Let me know. Will teach the dude a lesson….” He muttered, his eyes smiling and I let out a small chuckle.

“Will you?” I inquired and he nodded.

“Been training a lot for tournaments. My muscles keep growing…” Bryan paused his eating and shifted his shirts to show me his muscles.

I giggled non stop. Bryan was the only one I was so comfortable with.. I am with Alessia but she hangs out with different people.

Bryan and I discussed till the break was over and we returned to our classes.