MY HYBRID STEPBROTHERS AND I

Chapter 9

VIOLET'S POV

Will this ever end?

I packed my books and sucked them all in my back. I've had about three notes to complete and I was starting to hate the whole thing about this ‘school’.

Except of course that brat of a guy will be there. He was really good at ignoring people. He just talked to me like he didn't know me and had not slept with me the night before.

I walked to my car and sat inside, drinking in the smell of the leather and its hotness. I started the ignition and drove out of the school premises. The weather was cool and all through the drive, I was at ease – just for the moment.

I love the fresh hair that tangled my hair and made everything in me cold as I drove, I love the feel of the breeze on my fingertips and I love the warmness I felt from within – until I thought about him again – Aaron.

To start with, what did that jerk take himself for, huh? I still couldn't believe he would look me eye to eye and tell me he's not taking me to school. Like, he had the guts to be fine while I was constantly thinking about him all through today.

The thought of going home to see his face again infuriates me. I can't possibly sit beside him again and pretend everything was fine. I wanted us to talk, I don't even know why, but I wanted us to talk.

Maybe, just maybe I wouldn't be thinking about him all day and falling for his built body and handsome face if we talked about what we had. Damn! He is handsome, arrogant, presumptuous in fact.

I wasn't at ease when I realised I had driven into the street of my step father's house. He would be home, I was sure, he should be back from wherever he went.

I pulled up in the garage and sucked in air before proceeding into the house. I walked through the front door, the sound of laughter greeted me. Peeking around the corner, I saw Aaron engaged in a lively conversation with my mother.

What was odd was that their smiles were infectious, between them, I mean. And they were chatting away heartedly, like there was no care for anything in the world.

I lingered in the lobby, unseen, listening to their chatter. My mother’s laughter filled the room, and Aaron’s supposed easy going demeanour seemed to complement hers perfectly.

“Have you found yourself a girlfriend yet, Aaron?” my mother asked teasingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Aaron chuckled, running a hand through his black, thick hair. “Not yet, Mom. I’m still searching for the right one.”

“Hmm, you will find her.”

Their banter was light-hearted and familiar, a stark contrast to the tension that had formed immediately between Aaron and me.

And suddenly, I was jealous. Was it the easy camaraderie between Aaron and my mother? The way they seemed to share a bond that excluded me? Or perhaps it was simply the fact that they were enjoying each other’s company so effortlessly while I felt like an outsider looking in.

Damn Aaron! Damn him so much! I hated him. Summoning up all my courage, I finally stepped into the room. “Hi, Mom,” I said softly, forcing a smile in Aaron’s direction.

“How was your first day at school?”

“Absolutely well. I need to take a shower.”

“Please do.”

I smiled again in Aaron's direction and retreated to my room. As I closed the door behind me, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of inadequacy that had settled in my chest.

Deep down, I knew that my jealousy stemmed not from their closeness but from my own insecurities and fears of Aaron never acknowledging me. It burned me to think of that.

I had my bath and was called downstairs for dinner by my mum. I made sure I combed my hair well so my mum wouldn't talk about it again like she did this morning and I wore a nice dress and perfumed my body.

Dinner was lavish. I sat at the dinner table, the clinking of cutlery against plates filled the air. My stepfather’s gaze lingered on me expectantly, waiting for me to share about my day at school.

“So Violet, how was school today? Any interesting stories to share?”

I forced a smile “It was good, nothing out of the ordinary.”

“That’s good to hear. How about friends?”

“Just one or two.” I replied.

“It's the best in town. That's why you are there.” He said, obviously proud.

I nodded and stole glances at Aaron, hoping for some sign that he remembered our intimate night together. However, he seemed to be in a world of his own, completely ignoring me as if we were strangers. The weight of his indifference pressed down on me like a heavy stone.

What the f**k is wrong with him, huh?

The conversation at the table continued in a mundane manner, revolving around school and everyday topics. I struggled to maintain my composure, feeling Aaron’s silent presence like a gaping void beside me.

As we finished our meal, I helped the maid move the dishes to the kitchen. I came back and found myself sitting next to Aaron. He was on his phone. The silence between us was deafening, each passing second amplifying my unease.

“You should go to bed soon. Understood?” My mum came to the dining table and she laid emphasis on her ‘UNDERSTOOD’. Yeah, right, I was so done with one night stands.

“Yes, mum.” I replied.

Aaron was left alone and he still wouldn't talk to me. I finally decided it was enough. Tentatively, I said, “I…”

He was up in no time, without looking at me “Have a goodnight rest.”

And then he left. I sat there, with my mouth wide open. I didn't understand what was happening but I was so freaked out of what would happen.