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Daniel

As Evangeline and I approach the school gates, Lucas can be seen leaning against the wall in a lax manner, typing on his phone. The moment my junior sets her eyes on him, she seem to brighten instantly. You can see it in the curve of her smile, the squint of her pretty grey eyes.

"Hi, Luke!"

Two heads of familiarly contrasting hair pop out from behind Lucas's shoulder. "Boo."

Evangeline's grin widens even more. "Hey, you guys are here, too!"

"Tsk. Have you forgotten about me?" Asher steps out from behind as well.

Why are all her brothers here?

I stand to the side awkwardly as Evangeline's four stepbrothers fuss over her like mother hens, smoothing back the strands of hair stuck to her nape and temples, taking her bags for her and tutting over how heavy they are and such. It's clear as day to anyone how much they adore their little sister. 

Their little session is interrupted when Jessica bounces over, looking way too cheerful for someone who just finished two hours of rigorous training. 

"Hey, boys, hey, Lukey!" She grins, clutching her clipboard to her chest. The guys murmur their hellos, but they all look slightly uncomfortable. I could've been mistaken, but I think I see Evangeline and Lucas's lips curl infinitesimally, and Lucas squeeze my junior's hand before allowing it to drop to his side.

Could it be that they dislike Jessica?

I'd consider Jessica a nice person overall, aside from her occasional dumb bitchy blonde moments and the fact that she has a bordering-on-obsession crush on Evangeline's eldest brother. Seriously. Not to speak ill of my fellow schoolmate, but she's the crazy yandere type who'd be willing to harm anyone who got too close to her object of attraction.

"Did you know, little Evie here is going for her first ever competition in a week's time!"

I'd expected Evangeline's brothers to start celebrating immediately upon hearing the news, yet they remain straight faced and totally calm. Like I'd mentioned a million times before, the twins and their brothers are basically simps for their stepsister, and it would be such a proud moment for them kinda like having four super proud and overprotective papas. Asher smiles and pats his stepsister's hand lovingly. "Wow. Thats really cool." 

The other guys express their sentiments as well. I catch Jessica watching them with hawk eyes.

Asher's the youngest and the most immature, even compared to Evangeline, who's a year his junior. Knowing him, he'd probably be whooping and jumping around.

Jessica clears her throat uncomfortably, seemingly agitated by Lucas's ignorance of her presence in favour of Evangeline's news. "Um, well,"  She laces her fingers together and glances at Lucas, her siren eyes dropping to Max and Chris and then to me and Asher. "Details are—will be provided in the group chat. If you or any of your family would like to attend, feel free to come!

Max nods. "Okay, thanks. We'll be sure to come and give support." He casts a fond smile at Evangeline.

It was getting super awkward back there, with me standing to the side feeling rather invisible, so I'm grateful when the group takes their leave. As soon as we leave the school compound, the guys buzz over Evangeline excitedly, saying their praises and ruffling her hair. 

Anxiety bubbles inside me. The only reason I'm following them home today is because I have to discuss a super important issue with the twins. About Owen.

My fists curl. I breathe in through my nose, then out through my mouth. The angry aura around me dissipates.

I've been getting better and managing my anger issues, but seeing Owen so often these fast few days has made them a little more intense. I haven't spoken a word at all to that bastard since...since Lara died. And, for some reason, I feel pissed, knowing that Evangeline lives so close to that person.

I fall behind, trailing after the group watching as they interact with such easy flowing camaraderie. A part of me feels kind of left out, but the feeling and any anger I feel toward Owen right now quickly vanishes when Evangeline turns suddenly and smiles. "Why are you so awkward? Come walk beside us."

So I do.


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