We are not family

Moving in

Picture of Alex (Lindsey Shaw)

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*Alex' P.O.V*

I never had a big family. My mom died when I was little, so it was always just my dad and me. I was happy with that. I never wanted a big family. Not that I don't like Judy. She is lovely. She loves my dad and makes him happy, so I'm happy too. I actually really like her. It's her sons that I don't like. We've known each other for about a year now, and we don't really get along. Nick and I get into a fight every single time we see each other. He hates my guts. Zack? Well, he just ignores me. Somehow three of us managed to avoid spending time together. Well, until now.

At the moment, I'm sitting on my front porch steps and reading my favorite book. My dad is carrying the rest of the boxes in the house. Judy and the twins are inside unpacking. Yep. They moved in. How nice of them. Note sarcasm. I mean we always knew this was going to happen. They will soon be married after all, but this sucks. 

"Honey, why don't you go help your brothers?"-asked my dad as he walked out of the house.

"Stepbrothers, dad. We are not related."- I said, not looking up for the book. I hear him sigh.

"Alex, we had a deal. You have to play nice."

"Yeah, yeah I know."

"Go and help them."

"They don't need my help."

"I thought you want those tickets, but I guess..."-he started. Dammit. He knows my soft spot. I close my eyes trying to contain my anger. 

"Fine. I'm going. But this isn't fair"- I said as I stood up and walked into the house.

"Life isn't fair, honey."- I could hear him say.

I had no choice. He found one thing that can work on me. Dammit. So what now? Nick's out of the question. Helping him would probably end with the house upside down. How is this living thing going to work? I made my way to what used to be a guest room, but not is occupied by Zack. The door was open just enough for me to see the mess he made inside.

I knocked on the door and he turned to look at me. 

"Hi."-I said

"Hey. What's up?"-he said raising his eyebrows, probably wondering why I was in his room. See, we had this silent agreement that we'd keep out of each other's way. 

"I was wondering if you needed any help."- I said and he looked at me like I said the weirdest thing, so I explained:" My dear father blackmailed me into helping one of you. As you know Nick and I aren't on speaking terms. You are my only option. So could you maybe do me a favor by letting me do you a favor?"

"You know that sounds really weird, right?"- he said as a small smile made a way to his face.

"Welcome to my life. So..."

"Come in."- he said as he handed me one of the boxes with books.-"You can put these on that shelf." 

And I did as he told me. We were working quietly. I occasionally glanced around the room. I was actually surprised to see how many books he has. 

"So... "- he said and I looked at him. He was packing something in his drawer. "Didn't know your dad was a blackmailing type."

I sighed and turned back to the books. He didn't know half of it. "Well, he's a lawyer, so go figure."

Once I was done, I said: "Is this okay?"- pointing at the shelf.

„Yeah. It's good."-he said.

„Do you have anything else?"