Bully Stepbrother

3. Psychopath

When Mom mentioned that Oxford Avenue was closer to school, I'm certain she meant it's closer when driving with Caden because, on a bicycle, I have to admit the distance is quite challenging. Before heading to school, I made a quick stop at Starbucks and picked up my favorite nitro cold brew with sweet cream. I love it because it's low in calories, including sugar, and the cream is absolutely amazing.

Filled with excitement, I made my way to school, still in awe of the campus, despite having seen it numerous times before. The thrill of knowing that I'm finally attending this university courses through my veins, making me feel on top of the world as I ride Jake's Kona bike.

Our first class was an introduction to psychology, and I'm already looking forward to it. I've never been late to school, and I'm determined to maintain that record in college.

To be honest, I'm still surprised that my alarm woke me up in the living room but failed to rouse Caden from his deep slumber. When I left home, he was peacefully sleeping on my bed, as if he didn't have a class to attend. It's infuriating how he takes everything for granted. This is my dream, and he's just living it to bring me down.

The only upside to him not waking up earlier is that I had the freedom to use the shower without any interruptions and get dressed without feeling belittled. That's what Caden strives to make me feel whenever he's awake.

Interestingly enough, I didn't let him get away with what he did to me last night. Oh no! I snuck out and took the books he had brought yesterday. So, on one hand, I'm relieved that I don't have to worry about not having books on my first day of class, but on the other hand, I'm nervous about how Caden might react.

Back in high school, when he intentionally broke my laptop and I borrowed his as a replacement, he stormed into my lecture and threw a fit, claiming that I stole his belongings. He even called me a derogatory term in front of the whole class, fully aware that it could get him detention.

Well, these days, Caden has upgraded to being a calm, emotionless bully. He no longer screams in my face like he used to. Instead, he launches his attacks with nothing more than a smirk.

By the time I arrived at class, my face was flushed. I couldn't help but feel proud of myself for making it to my dream university and being in my dream class. I've always wanted to understand people, and if I'm completely honest, my motivation comes from wanting to understand why some people can be friendly while others happen to be like Caden.

"Is this seat taken?" I asked a guy sitting in the first row. He had brown eyes and brown hair and was nervously chewing on his pen.

"Yeah," he nodded when he looked up at me.

Just as I was about to take a seat, a girl sat down on my right, sandwiching me in the middle. She had a strong smell of garlic, which was quite repulsive considering there were other available seats. But she chose to subject me to her pungent aroma early in the morning.

Before I could think of an alternative, a tall guy with a full beard walked in front of the classroom.

"Why is my class so empty?" And he happened to be the lecturer.

Perfect!

The whole class began to murmur. Yes, our professor was young and extremely attractive. He was dressed formally and carried a brown suitcase.

"I suppose it would be better if I explained how I work with students. But first, you can call me Professor Ian," he introduced himself.

"After each class, there will be assignments, and I will frequently assign topics for you to work on either individually or in groups. I expect all of you to work hard because this is the foundation of psychology, and if you fail to keep up, you'll consider your major a significant failure," he said while taking out some notes and textbooks. "I won't tolerate a disruptive class or tardiness." Just as Professor Ian uttered the word 'tardiness,' the door swung open.

All eyes turned toward the entrance where none other than Caden Thaddeus walked in. He sure knows how to make an entrance. He looked like he hadn't taken a shower, yet the girls started blushing and smiling, clearly hoping he would sit next to them.

I was already annoyed. This was supposed to be my school, my class! But I'm forced to share it with my stepbrother, who apparently thinks he should major in psychology just to spite me.

Rolling my eyes, I turned my attention to the board in front of the class, rather than focusing on the guy who believed he was some sort of perfection or, to put it bluntly, the guy whom people saw as a celebrity.

It's a shame, really. The girls drooling over Caden should have more dignity; after all, this is college! They shouldn't behave like high school girls from those TV shows in the 2000s.

"Holy pepper," the garlic girl next to me muttered to herself.

Alright! Caden had officially succeeded in hijacking my college life. He should proudly display it on his forehead.

Annoyed, I huffed and rested my chin on my palm, hoping that in the next few seconds, things would improve, and class would proceed as if Caden didn't exist. But that was wishful thinking. Of course, he decided to study psychology just to make my life miserable, so why would he sit anywhere else but next to me?

I couldn't believe that all he had to do was smile and nod at the girl beside me, and she was already swapping seats, blushing profusely.

I paused, dumbfounded, as I watched the scene he caused and how nonchalant he appeared about it, not even sparing a glance in my direction.

"I will reiterate, tardiness is not acceptable," Professor Ian sternly addressed my impolite stepbrother.

"Regardless of all the available seats, can't you leave me alone?" I muttered under my breath, clearly annoyed. Caden heard me because he gave me a sidelong glance.

Although, right now, I was grateful for his expensive cologne since it managed to refresh my nostrils after being assaulted by whatever that girl had on.

"Who gave you permission to take my books?" he asked, his attention back on the board.

"Siblings share stuff," I air-quoted his infamous line from yesterday.

Caden leaned in my direction, narrowing his eyes and sporting a smirk. "How interesting. If that's the case, I have plenty of ideas."

Knowing Caden, I was sure he had wicked intentions in mind, so I quickly clarified what I meant. "I meant in terms of books, so stay away from my things and my bedroom altogether." I emphasized my words.

His lips curled up. "My door is jammed. Expect me in your bed tonight. Besides, the couch is fine for you. So what's the matter?" He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Is everything alright over there?" That's when I remembered we were in class, my very first class in college, yet Caden seemed determined to ruin it for me.

"Sorry," I apologized to the handsome young professor.

He didn't respond when he turned his back and focused on writing PSYCH101 on the board.

Caden let out a small laugh without saying a word. It's something he often does when he wants to be rude.

"What?" I scolded him.

"He sure has a terrible sense of style. What's with those overalls? Who wears suspenders as a professor?" Caden snorted.

"You're so disrespectful," I hissed, as the boy next to me discreetly passed a small piece of paper to my hand, signaling it was for Caden.

Letting out an inaudible groan, I handed the note over to Mr. Magnetic, who was seated beside me.

"Why are we even here?" Caden asked me in a mocking tone. I couldn't believe him.

"Because this is my dream. Why are you here?" I replied firmly.

He began to open the note as he answered, "Because of you." He rolled his eyes as if it were obvious. Well, yes, it was obvious, but I never expected him to confess it so readily.

"So you admit that you're just some psycho who has no purpose in life other than to torment me?"

My eyes flicked to the message written on the paper. It contained a phone number and a heart. Some girls would enjoy playing mind games between us.

When he noticed that I had seen it, he curled his lips at me in a supercilious manner and raised his hand. "Excuse me?" Caden blurted out, causing Professor Ian to furrow his brows, although he nodded. "Can we discuss psychopaths?"

The whole class had to struggle to suppress their laughter at Caden's foolishness.

"I just said we're starting with the history and methods of psychology today. Psychopathology is the last topic on our syllabus," the professor informed my ill-mannered stepbrother.

"Too bad. Looks like you'll suffer a whole semester without a cure. Fine by me, though!" Caden shook his head, feigning concern.

"What?" I needed to focus, but I hadn't grasped anything from this class, and there was still almost an hour left.

"Don't act like you didn't choose psychology because you wanted to understand me. Believe me, I'm one of a kind. Nothing will define me. You'll just waste four years of your life trying in vain," he sneered.

I couldn't find a response, knowing that he knew it to be true.

"The two of you, I'll see you in the next class."

My eyes squeezed shut as soon as the professor uttered those words.

This couldn't be happening to me.

But it did happen because Caden was struggling to hold back his laughter as he headed towards the door. The class fell silent, and everyone's eyes were on us. Some reacted to Caden's charm, while others learned from the consequences of such actions, with Caden and me as examples.

No! I didn't just get kicked out of class on my first day of college.

"I have a date at home anyway. See you later," Caden announced contemptuously, as if what had just happened was normal, as if getting kicked out of class was an everyday occurrence, as ordinary as eating a slice of bread.

But what terrified me even more were his words, and my eyes widened instantly. "What? Don't you dare! Caden, I'm not joking. Don't you f*****g use my bedroom," I followed behind him, warning the arrogant boy ahead of me.

He walked down the sidewalk as if I weren't speaking to him and slid into his car without a response.

I had a class in the next hour, but I found myself getting on Jake's bike and heading back to the apartment.

I hoped that by the time I arrived, he hadn't achieved what he wanted.

Leave it to Caden to turn my first day of school into the worst day imaginable.