Christina sat on the balcony of her bedroom, gazing intently at the shimmering stars above. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. She questioned whether her acceptance of her mother's decision was a betrayal of her own feelings. The prospect of having a new father left her feeling uncertain.
What was his background?
What kind of person was he?
Would he treat her mother with kindness?
Did he have children of his own?
A sense of unease settled in her stomach. The notion of a new, blended family was both exciting and daunting. The following morning, she attended school as usual, but her focus on her studies was lacking. Fortunately, Katherine was absent, and Emma was preoccupied with Jayden, allowing Christina to avoid any probing questions about her situation.
She glanced at her watch; it was 1:46 PM. With a visit to his house scheduled for 6 PM, she decided to remain at school to participate in play practice. As she entered the hall, an eerie silence enveloped the room. Most of the students had already left for the day. She placed her bag on the floor and began to read through the script.
The narrative felt strikingly personal. It told the tale of a young girl who had lost her parents and was returning to her childhood home. Although there was a supporting character named Elena, Christina chose to concentrate on her own lines. Her character was named Ruby.
The script read
"Are you sure about this?" Elena stared at the blackened shell of the house.
Ruby hesitated, her heart racing. "I have to go back. I can't keep running away."
"But it's... it's just ashes. The memories..." Elena trailed off.
"I know," Ruby whispered, her voice trembling. "But I need to face it. I need to remember them."
Elena took a deep breath. "Alright. But I'm right behind you."
With a nod, Ruby stepped forward, her legs as if possessing a mind of their own leading her toward the charred frame of her past.
"Do you think it's safe?" Elena fidgeted, glancing around as shadows twisted under the settling twilight.
Ruby pushed through the door, feeling the resistance of the scorched entryway. "I don't know... but I want to be here."
Ruby's hand brushed against the cold, brittle wall. Memories washed over her—the laughter of her mother, her father's warm embrace. Suddenly, a soft whisper danced through the air, chilling her skin.
"Ruby..."
"Did you hear that?" Ruby gasped, her voice a strangled whisper.
"It's her," Ruby breathed. "It's Mom!"
"Ruby, stay focused. What are you saying? No one is here.!" Elena pulled her friend's arm.
"NO, it's mom. She is here. I can feel it." Ruby shook her head, her heart pounding with determination.
Christina breathed stopping there. Her heartbeat was strong, she turned the page reading her next lines.
"Ruby, Stop it. Let's go now."
"NO! Elena, you don't understand. I can't leave my mom again." She shouted, pushing her back.
"MOM WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME? TELL ME! I WANT AN ANSWER."
She cried falling down her knees. The air thickened, filling with the scent of smoke and warmth, as if the flames had conjured their spirits.
YOU ARE READING
Mafia Stepbrothers
Teen Fiction"sooner or later, secrets are going to reveal" Christina, a 16-year-old innocent, kind-hearted, and sweet girl, excels in everything she does and lives with her mother, Daisy. Suddenly, her mother finds a partner who has five sons. All of them are h...
