Him And I

Chapter 2

When Dad said he'd bring me a surprise, I thought it would be a pony, a new Barbie Dreamhouse or news that a Kpop Singer was coming to tour nearby.

But no.

He brought a boy with him.

Although this boy looked much better than the boys in my school, the disappointment on my face was very obvious and it made Dad angry as he and the boy stood in the foyer by the front door.

Elise being Elise, ran and cooed the boy. I however stayed frozen.

Until Dad came over and pulled me to his work study.

Dad's floor in Westley Mansion had Dad and Elise's bedroom, their bathroom, Elise's creating room and Dads work study.

His work study was more of a library with a computer and a wooden table in the centre.

Extremely boring if you ask me.

I remember how Dad had lectured me that day. A summary of he's words would be :"Lara, stay out of Grayson's way. Don't bother him at all. He's going to be living with us. He's going to be running the business when he's older. He's going to be in your school so don't embarrass him."

And that was the end of it.

Huh. I wasn't asked if I even wanted HIM here.

That was when I first saw HIM. Standing in our foyer. A confused look on HIS face.

Of course we crossed paths but not much was said between us, dinners around the table consisted of Dad drilling HIM about school and asking me if I cleaned my room or asking me what after school programmes I would take up.

Looking back, interactions between HIM and I started the afternoon of my first day in seventh grade and HIS first day in High School. Elise was teaching me to make icing roses.

I was in my pink tank top and denim shorts. I had just started wearing bra. My hair, a auburn colour, was loose. I'd always had curly hair that would frizz at the slightest breeze.

I had moved to tie my hair when someone took the elastic from me.

That was when I met Eren. He was the handsomest boy I'd ever seen. He tied my hair with a easy smile and told me how soft it was.

HE was furious. Said I was ditzy and pulled Eren away.

Now HE stands before, looking awkward.

I don't know what to say either, which is why I choose to ignore him and walk up the stairs.

Only I'm stopped when he grabs onto my free hand." Nothing to say to your big brother huh?" He asks with a slight drawl.

I turn around, put the food on the counter and fake ignorance, " I don't have any siblings. Brother or sister", I say and look him dead in the eye.

He stumbles, " Lara... " He begins but I laugh,

" You actually think I would want to have a conversation with you? I have things to do" I say.

I don't even think as I slip my feet in my shoes, put the delicious food down, grab my coat and head outside. I call for James and ask him to take me to my apartment. I get in the car and don't dare look back.

Once safe in my apartment. I undress once again, take a shower and put on a T-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. I head out to go get Baxter.

As I walk I realize its snowing.I don't even feel the cold because my heart hurts.

While I walk, I dial Ana's number and explain HE'S visit. She furiously whispers and curses HIM.

She was currently at a conference for her Dad's business but she promises that she'll come to my apartment later.