Seven Sins

Chapter 25: The Exams

It was finals week of the midterms, and since university admissions were opening soon, everyone was desperate to get their grade up. Including me. I mean the English teacher gave me a C+ on an assignment I did by myself since I missed the term she taught it...

I was in full focus mode. Not worried about anything but getting an A.

It had been a few days since I was cuddled by Evan unknowingly, and I had been using studying as an excuse to not leave my room at all.

I'd wait until everyone went to sleep and I'd sneak out for my dinner.

As I sat on my carpet with my algebra notes infront of me, Juli bit at my pencil

"Yara?" I heard a knock and Carters fatherly voice with it "still alive? I haven't seen you at all this week"

Carter was wearing a button up shirt under a classy vest.

"Finals Carter" I mumbled working an equation

"Listen we're all going out for burgers tonight, and you should come" Carter said petting Juli

"Carter I'd rather not-"

"That's not up for questioning" in one swift movement he picked me right up of the floor and over his shoulder

"Carter! No way!" I yelled punching his back, but it was no help.

He put me down in the elevator and I side eyed him as he laughed at me

"A little burger is not gonna hurt ya" He reassured, pushing the button

In truth, it wasn't the burger I was worried about...it was seeing Evan again... and Axel... constantly thinking about what might come out...

At the table while we waited, I was completely disengaged and busy on my phone looking at my finals schedule

The twins were making jokes with eachother while Evan and Carter discussed his tour schedule

Little Axel was too busy coloring in a picture with crayons the restaurant brought him

And Alex, thankfully, was not even there.

"What's on your mind these days?" Aidan asked his Silver hair, falling over his face as he peered at my phone

"It's finals week" I responded, grabbing a bite out of my burger

"You need any help?" He asked

"It's okay, I think i got it"

"Good, because Ethan was always the smarter one" he joked

"Do you think that?" I asked

He gave me a weird look before answering

"Definitely not in my opinion"

We both laughed for a second before realizing Ethan had caught on and was giving us a smug look.

"I can help you Yara" Ethan said fixing his glasses

Ethan always seemed to carry himself as the most intelligent person in the room

"Really? Wow- umm yeah that'd be great thanks" I stuttered kind of taken aback

Aidan rolled his eyes and sipped his drink. As if outshined again.

-

The next week, everyday Ethan and I studied for hours in the living room.
He had me do enough math exercises to be able fry an egg on my forehead at this point.

I was exhausted, but most of all, I was ready. It was the day before exams
And I had made detailed notes with Ethan.

We sat in the living room as he tested me once more.

He always taught calmly, using examples to better explain. I was so grateful to him. I wouldn't have had this confidence had I tried it myself.

"-and that explains DNA and RNA" He finished

"Thanks Ethan, really I couldn't have done it without you"

"Hey, what are siblings for?" He replied handing me my notes.

We stood up off the couches gathering my work.

"Now do your best okay" He wished me well and gave me a hug

"It's both our hard work going into it at this point-" I joked laughing

I pulled away from him and noticed Aidan hanging over the balcony above us...observing.

"-Jeez! Oh you scared me Aidan" I said to him.

"Need anything?" Ethan asked him

"I'm alright. Thanks" he mumbled from above, before turning to walk to his room.

"What's that about?" I asked, confused by his serious behaviour
Aidan was usually the more upbeat brother.

"No idea, he's been sulking again, won't talk about it" Ethan shrugged

The following week was filled with test after test, and I for once wasn't too worried because I knew I had studied hard for these.

Now we just had to wait for our results.

It would be 2 weeks of school until the holidays, I just wanted to sort things out with Cody, I thought to myself as I walked home after my last exam.

Stepping into the lobby elevator I pushed the buttons and waited for the doors to close when suddenly a hand pushed between them, causing the doors  to effortlessly swoosh open again, I looked up to see Evan.

A smug smile on his face, his hair, perfectly styled, he had on casual clothes, a gap hoodie and some blue jeans.

It was borderline annoying how perfect he was pretending to be all the time.

"Hiding from me sis? My bed has been so empty lately, without you and that cat" He flirted.

I sighed pulling out my phone to distract myself. I didn't want to talk to him at all.

That's when he swooped in and grabbed the phone out of my hands.

"Fuck off Evan!" I grunted as I jumped for my phone that he held out of reach.

"Shh" He put his finger on my lips, them slowly he moved his fingers down feeling the side of my cheek and jaw, he held up my phone in front of my face taking a picture as he held me

I quickly yanked the phone out of his hand and the elevator door opened.

I rushed out angrily, pushing the elevator down button, the doors closed on Evan, sending him down again.

"I'll visit you soon princess" He laughed as his voice faded and he went down again.

I got into my room and locked the door behind me. Clutching my phone to my chest.

Later that night I couldn't help but admire how sweet the picture he had taken of me was. My cheeks turned red from shame... this strange feeling bubbling inside my chest

I stared at my door...wondering if I'd be visited tonight ...