My Stepbrother secret obsession

By The Door

AVA

"So you guys are fighting again?" Sawyer probes, plopping on her small bed in one of Auntie Catherine's handmade pyjamas.

It was past midnight in London, and we had been on this lengthy video call since three in the afternoon, here, which is over an hour ago, mostly discussing the outline of my pride and prejudice summer essay I had sent to her this morning.

I was lounging on the kitchen six-seater table, forcing myself to swallow the green bean casserole mom had served me, and Lilith, who was equally seated opposite me, with one Airpods drilled into her ears, and her phone buzzing every two to three seconds. This makes me wonder about the use of the AirPods then.

"She is evil. She possessed my mom, and now I am seeing her true colour." I broadcasted with every intention of Lilith listening to my direct affronts.

"Ava, you are always seeing everyone's true colours these days." Sawyer thoughtfully accused with accuracy.

"Are you on my side or not?" I firmly question, blowing out two calming breaths.

She rubs her half-opened eyes and yawns while her reassuring words flow, "Of course, I am with you. You're like my soul mate."

"Good." I grinned at the screen of my phone.

I will have to go to the mall and get some pouch cases for my new phone; I feel like those I have here doesn't fit the new white colour. My old phone was golden, so I have a specific preference for it that I didn't see suitable for this new shade I had picked online.

With her head down, Lilith has lifted up a questioning brow at me. "You know I can hear you, right?"

Am I supposed to be afraid?

"Is that Sawyer?" Mom queried and leaned behind me for a second. She had been travelling around the kitchen barefooted in her trousers and signature tee-shirt, stuffing in the cabinets some pans and other equipment she had used to prepare desserts that were now set in the fridge for later.

"Yes, and Ava is telling her she hates me." Lilith beat me off to responding, sounding derisive.

I rolled my eyes and ignored her since I still wasn't ready to start pretending ordinary around the knave who kissed me and told me she loved me, knowing full well, she can't just do that.

Mom stops by the built-in beverage refrigerator, grabs an energy drink for her husband, who was by the counter, helping her finish the five cups of banana pudding parfaits, and shoots both Lilith and me a pleading glare that says, she's tired of our problems.

"Bye, Sawyer." I smiled at the sleepy girl, barely opening her eyes. She lazily waved me goodbye and hung up immediately.

When mom handed a tin of red bull to her husband, she dropped a cup of coffee for Lilith and asked me if I wanted her to make some tea for me before she left.

Unfortunately, Christian and mom had to cancel our family date for the Fourth of July lake Las Vegas event that was the talk all over town because mom had a patient in the hospital, and instead, Christian will be there with her.

Lilith and myself were supposed to attend the event under our parent's supervision since we're deprived of our independence, though I doubt Lilith let those rules affect her as I do, for I am sure she will be sneaking out of the house any time soon. However, Leigh was the only one legally free to go out with his friends and celebrate independence day. If we were on good terms, I'd only ask for mom's permission, and I will spend today with him doing anything romantic.

"No, I can help myself." I refused.

She frowned but quickly dissolved into an understanding smile when she kissed Christian neck and whispered something to him.