Secret obsession with my stepbrother

Episode 3

HAYLEY.

*The next day*

I couldn't stop thinking about that encounter with Easton, he saw me watching them bang inside that restroom.. Easton looks more troublesome than rumoured. He was in the same class with me but I only cared about his looks more than anything. But I knew he was a playboy and it hurts me each time he fooled around with girls from our class or other classes. I wasn't that good at studying, for me it was the last thing I ever wanted to do. But I could spend hours surfing Easton's social media account, drawing him or fantasising a romantic relationship with him.

Mom woke me so early in the morning since it was Sunday, she took a leave off work.

Surprisingly, when I came to dinning room, she had finished setting the tables for breakfast. The delicious scent of the sandwich crowded my nostrils.

“Good morning mum.. This smells so good” I greeted, groaning in delight.

“Good morning hunny” She responded, sipping her coffee. I switched up and let out a low grunt, coming to sit down. I couldn't even tell why I grunted but last night’s memory haunted me badly.

“Aren't you going to church?” She asked me and I shook my head disapprovingly. I think I would skip church today. I'm still so unhappy about what happened . I left the party even though Alessia continued pestering me to stay. I couldn't stay.

“Are you okay, hunny? You seem a little unhappy?”

“I'm fine, mom. Just a little ups and down but I promise I'm fine..” I stated with a firm voice.

“Did you enjoy the party with Alessia, you came home earlier than I thought…” Mom said. I really didn't want to talk about it.

“Yeah, that's because I don't belong with them. I'm not friends with any of them… I was uncomfortable. ” I answered and Mom heaved a sigh.

I took the sandwich she made and forced them into my mouth. It smelt so nice to abandon,even though I was out of appetite.

Mom bent over and next thing, she placed a box on the table. “It may be little but I got you a gift, Hayley.” She said and shifted the gift to me. I opened it and It was a set of jewellery, my lips broadened into a smile that minute. Mom is so sweet..

“Thank you so much, Mom. This means a lot to me!” I thanked, admiring the necklace. This actually gave me a mood lift.

“I'm glad you like it, Happy eighteenth birthday.” She spoke softly with a smile etched on her face.

“It's so beautiful mommy!” I squirmed and took out the necklace entirely as I wore it. Mom kept watching me closely.

“Mommy has another news, Hayley” She mentioned while I was busy admiring the necklace. I lifted my gaze to her.

“What news?” I asked.

“Ermmm,well. I got engaged!” She shouted, raising her hands to show me the ring on her finger.

I froze for a second, engaged?! I never even knew she was in a relationship. Is this some sort of joke or does she mean it?

“Mommy, stop it if it is a joke…” I warned, furrowing my brows.

“I'm serious, Hayley. I'm sorry I never got to tell you I was dating. I was caught with work and I never thought he was going to propose to me. It came as a surprise to me too” Mom explained and I'm seeing the sincerity in her eyes. It's not a lie.

“You mean this ? Mommy? You are engaged for real?” I inquired again out of doubt but she nodded and I erupted into a shout.

“ahhhhh!” I exclaimed, rushing to her to embrace her. I embraced her from behind. I love this for her.. Mommy has been lonely since Dad died in my early age. She has dated a few guys but they end up breaking their relationship which I don't know why.

“Congratulations, mama. I love this for you!” I proclaimed,kissing her cheeks.

“Thanks, Hun.” She remarked. I withdrew from her and went to sit down, my face brimming with excitement.

“We are going to be meeting him and his son tonight.” Mom announced.

“He has a son?” I asked back and she nodded.

“He does. Someone about your age.”

“Really?”

“Yes..You will meet him tonight, Hayley and after our marriage, we have to move into his house” Mom revealed and I shrugged in approval. It's only normal, right? I don't have anything against whatever decision taken as long as mom is happy, I'm okay.

~

Mom gave me the dress her fiance gave her, it was so beautiful, a red evening dress. He knows how to pick nice things. Everything happened so fast but I was really excited for mom. The way she talked about her fiance, I could see the love that brimmed in her eyes.

Night came by so quickly and we prepared for the first meeting. Mom and I got to the restaurant through a cab. We were waiting for her husband to be. But this restaurant was quite more expensive than the one Mom managed. Was Mom marrying a big shot?

As we sat in the table at the restaurant, a figure emerged from a distance, accompanied by someone familiar. My heart skipped a beat as they drew closer, their features slowly revealing themselves. My eyes widened in shock, and my breath caught in my throat.

"Chris!" Mom exclaimed, waving enthusiastically.

Chris approached, hugging Mom, and kissed her hands. "You look stunning, Tiana."

But I remained frozen, my gaze fixed on the person standing beside Chris, Easton. His piercing eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken tension.

"And this is my son, Easton," Chris announced, his voice dragging me back to reality.

My mind reeled as Easton's gaze intensified, his expression a mix of curiosity and familiarity. The world around me melted away, Easton was really going to become my stepbrother, this isn't so great, I feel like I'm doomed. .