Step Brother

seven

I woke to the sun shining low through my window.

I kept my eyes closed for a little while, trying to ease myself back to sleep when I became very self aware.

The first thing I felt was an arm draped over my waist and a rock-hard chest against my back.

I felt the tickle of my hair dancing at the nape of my neck from someone's breath hitting it.

My eyes slowly opened as I looked toward the wall covered with a mirror.

I instantly noticed myself, and relaxed when I noticed Kyle behind me.

My memories shot to last night and I smiled, thinking of how safe I felt sleeping next to him.

I felt like I could be myself with Kyle. Jokes and laughter flew so easily between us.

I could already feel one of the strongest bonds that I will ever go through forming.

I just know it.

I leaned over and grabbed my phone from my side table and stared at the screen with wide eyes.

37 missed calls from Mom.
11 unread text messages from Mom.

"Fuck!" I cursed under my breath as I opened the messages.

Mom:
8:21 am
Good morning sweetie. Me and Rob have made it to the city and we are going to be out and about all day. Keep in touch. Love you lots.

Mom:
9:48 am
Jessie, hunny? Are you still asleep. Make sure to do your workouts today, especially since the big meal from last night. Up and at em! I'm going to call you now.

Mom:
9:51 am
You didn't answer my call. Just call me as soon as you wake up hunny. Love you

Mom:
11:30 am
Jessica! It's 11:30 now! You should be awake young lady😠. I'm going to call Kyle and tell him to wake you up.

Mom:
11:32 am
Kyle didn't answer. I'm assuming the both of you are still asleep. Just answer me whenever you wake up.

Mom:
12:58 pm
It's nearly 1 pm Jessica. How late did you stay up? You need to get started on your day. What's left of it anyways 🙄

Mom:
1:21 pm
I've called about two dozen times already Jessica. You need to wake up right now.

Mom:
1:21 pm
Wake up!

Mom:
1:21 pm
Wake up, right now Jessica!

Mom:
2:03 pm
Jessica Rain! You better wake your ass up right now. Is Kyle at the house? He isn't answering his cellphone, either. Wake! Up!

Mom:
3:37 pm
Jessica, you have until 5:00 pm sharp! until I send the cops to the house to make sure you are still breathing. I am not playing with you. Let me know you are okay!

I hastily sat up in bed as I glanced over at the clock.

It was 4:42 pm.