I am his

46

As days turned into a week, I couldn't help but notice Kaden's behavior, as if he were trying to erase the memory of our awkward encounter. He avoided me at home, at school, and even in the car, making any conversation an awkward and distant exchange. Amidst this strange atmosphere, I found solace in the company of my newfound friends, Asher and Maddie.

Their playful banter never failed to lift my spirits, and one day, Asher playfully teased me, "Girl, Jackson's got eyes for you." I couldn't help but smile, despite the underlying tension with Kaden.

"Too bad my brother is an ass," I responded, finding humor in the irony of the situation.

But the teasing didn't stop there. Maddie chimed in, saying, "Oh, girl, your brother is hot." Asher, always mischievous, added with a smirk, "Mhmm, I'd have to agree. If he asked for me in his bed, I'd be in it."

We burst into laughter, enjoying the lighthearted exchange. "Guys, stop," I chuckled, playfully rolling my eyes at their antics.

Amidst the laughter, Asher playfully clarified his orientation, saying, "I'm gay, and I'd let him hit." The flick of his non-existent long hair only added to the humor of the moment.

"Sorry, Asher, but my step-brother isn't gay," I said, gently touching his shoulder as a sign of camaraderie. Our laughter continued, forming a bond between us that transcended the complexities of family dynamics.

In the midst of this playful repartee, I couldn't help but reflect on the contrast between the awkwardness with Kaden and the easy camaraderie with my new friends.

-

Returning home, I was met with a curious atmosphere in the kitchen. Kaden's glance, tinged with an air of distance, sent him swiftly upstairs. "I need to put my stuff away," I offered with a smile, seeking to dispel any awkwardness.

In contrast, Amanda's warm smile greeted me, and I reciprocated the gesture before bidding farewell to my dad. Heading upstairs, I threw my belongings on the bed and shut the door behind me, finding solace in the solitude of my room.

As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but run my hands through my hair, seeking a sense of reassurance in my appearance. The lingering uncertainty gnawed at me, prompting a whispered affirmation to myself, "I'm not ugly, I'm hot."

Taking off my bra, I was left in my jeans, and a newfound sense of self-assurance washed over me. It was empowering to embrace my own beauty, free from the judgment of others.

Just then, my phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen to see a text from mom.

With my hands running through my hair, I decided to throw on a comfy hoodie before heading to Kaden's room. "Come in," his voice called from within.

"Um, your mom wants us to do movie night," I relayed the message tentatively, sensing Kaden's disinterest in the proposition as he remained absorbed in his phone conversation.

"Okay, well, tell her I'm not coming," he responded dismissively.

Feeling a bit deflated, I quietly retreated from his room and made my way downstairs, where Amanda and my dad were already watching the movie. It was a thrilling show, packed with fighting and action, captivating our attention. But my mind was preoccupied with Kaden, wondering what could be occupying him so much on his phone.

Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by Kaden's shirtless appearance downstairs, a smile on his lips as he continued to scroll through his phone. I couldn't help but admire his carefree demeanor as I watched him head into the kitchen.

Seizing the opportunity to engage him, I followed him into the kitchen, wearing a smirk that I hoped would draw his attention. "Hello, brother," I greeted playfully, hoping to spark a lively conversation.

However, his initial response was a blank expression, but I quickly reminded him of our favorite show. "Oh, come on, it's the show," I urged him, trying to reignite his interest.

But he playfully refused, calling it a "shitty vampire show." Determined to persuade him, I turned on the charm and whined, "Please, it's so good."

Kaden remained steadfast in his decision, but I was not one to give up easily. "What do I have to do to convince you?" I groaned, trying to find a way to sway him.

A mischievous idea struck me, and I suggested we make mac and cheese together. His face lit up at the proposition, and he agreed, leaning against the counter with a smile.

As we prepared the meal, I couldn't resist proposing an even more exciting idea. "Oh my God, we should build a fort in the living room," I beamed, eager to share my imaginative ideas.

Kaden laughed in response to my suggestion, but I refused to be discouraged. "You make my ideas sound so bad, brother," I pouted, playfully nudging him.

But he surprised me by agreeing to my fort-building idea, claiming to be the best fort maker around.

With an exasperated eye-roll, I couldn't help but respond to Kaden's nonchalant agreement, as he casually agreed to build a fort in the living room. As he sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving me with a mix of amusement and surprise, I couldn't help but wonder how this seemingly random idea would unfold.

But before I could ponder further, Amanda's head appeared through the open door, her warm smile radiating the affectionate bond she shared with both of us. "I'm glad you two are getting along," she remarked, her maternal pride evident.

Her words resonated with me, and I smiled in return, appreciating the newfound camaraderie between Kaden and me. Our journey as step-siblings had been a mix of ups and downs, but in this playful moment, I felt a sense of connection and acceptance that transcended the complexities of our past.

"Yeah, me too," I replied genuinely, savoring the significance of this simple statement.