Bully stepbrother

7. Parenting

I made it to the first period on time and slid into my regular seat. I still feel embarrassed under the gazes of people who might have been talking about me.

Asher hasn't arrived yet, and all I am hoping for mentally is for him to come over and accompany me. I never thought that friendship would play such a significant role in my life until now, relying on a boy I only met a few weeks ago.

It's strange, I know.

"Someone woke up early."

I smiled at the familiar tone. I don't have to lift my head to know it's Asher, my only friend.

I believe I mentioned Caden successfully isolating me from everyone while growing up.

"You can imagine," I huffed.

He props his head in his hand and looks at me with concern. "What happened?" he asked.

"Just the usual Caden problem," I exhaustedly replied.

"I'm so sorry, Maddie."

"It's not your fault. I mainly blame destiny. If only I had seen all of this coming before my mom married his father, I would've rebelled against the wedding upfront. But who knew cute boys could be devils?"

I always thought the same, wishing that everything currently happening in my life was just one crazy nightmare. Hoping that a pinch could wake me up, but unfortunately, this world isn't some magical Disney universe.

"It will be okay," he assured me just as Caden's overpowering cologne invaded our conversation. Caden approached and lowered himself into the seat beside me, without uttering a single kind or simple word.

Whatever.

I was suspicious, so I asked Asher to check behind me in case Caden had another sign placed on my back with more humiliating messages, just like the one from a few weeks ago.

"Hey, babe," some girl purred at Caden.

"Move."

When the word registered in my head, I shifted my eyes and met the golden blonde-haired girl wearing a dress that seemed more suited for a stripper. She sassily chewed gum while her deep blue eyes held expectation.

"You mean me?"

"Who does it look like I'm talking to?" she scornfully responded.

"I'm already seated, and I don't want to switch."

"Yeah, I don't care... Now dismiss yourself." She waved her fingers in the air with a touch of witchcraft.

I almost cringed.

"Ashley, be a good girl and find yourself another seat," Caden remarked when no one thought he was paying attention.

"Can't she just find somewhere else? I did your homework; I can take your notes," she offered, her forehead wrinkled.

Wow! This is so sad.

"Do you know her name's Avery, not Ashley?" Asher chuckled in a whisper.

"I noticed," I murmured.

It's not the first time Caden has done this thing where he mixes up names without apologizing.

"She's an economics major and head of the school student council."

"Who would've thought girls like her weren't immune to my stepbrother syndrome?"

"I think girls like her are the first victims," Asher chastised.

He's right, girls like Avery are superficial. All they care about is fame and money, and they would do anything to get it, even if it means doing a freshman's psychology homework. It's pathetic.