Together

Chapter 4

Chloe's POV

That day was the first day I felt like I was a part of the family, before I was just an outsider in their home, but now I was a part of it

It was slow building a bond with Toby, we were definitely making progress but it also definitely didn't work out straight away

He let me take him to school a few times but when people saw me rather than his dad they made fun of him for it, apparently having me as a stepmom is embarrassing

When he was around his friends he still acted like I was embarrassing to him or like he didn't really like me but at home we were making progress

I took him mini golfing a couple of weeks ago and then we went out for ice cream and we had a really good time, we really bonded, he was totally normal around me and it was really nice

I know I'm not his mom but he lets me do more stuff with him now and it makes me really happy, I know it makes Ryan happy too

Tonight's his school dance and Ryan being the lovely idiot he is signed us both up as chaperones, I love him to pieces but did he really think that Toby would want me at his school dance? All the kids who don't know think I'm his sister or something except the ones who are crazy and think I'm actually his mom, no wonder the word slut came up, I'd have been like 10

"Babe is this really a good idea?" I ask Ryan and he zips up my dress

"What's wrong?" He asks, it's cute how oblivious he is to all the things wrong with this

"Ry most of the kids make fun of Toby because of me, the ones who know I'm his stepmom laugh at him for it and those who don't think I'm his sister" I explained to him as gently as I could, I think he kinda knows but I'm not sure

"Chloe sweetie is this about Toby or you, I know Toby doesn't really worry about that stuff" he tells me, oh uh doesn't he?

"What do you mean?" I ask in confusion

"I know they say nasty things about you, I know the other parents give you dirty looks, if that's why then I'll just say you were ill, I don't want you to be uncomfortable about this, but I think Tobes was kinda hoping you'd come" he explains to me, wait Toby actually wants me there? Why?

"I...I don't know, I didn't think that was why but maybe, I'll happily go I was just worried it might affect him" I tell Ryan who nods before kissing me and then hugging me tightly

"I love you Chloe" he tells me and I snuggle into his chest

I take a few deep breaths, steadying myself in the embrace of my husband, he is right, they are really judgey, this dance is 3 hours long, 3 hours of whispers and dirty looks

But Ryan will be there, everyone loves Ryan at the school because he helps out a lot, maybe they'll be okay

I sigh before finally replying

"I love you too"

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Well that was interesting how do you think this is gonna go down and do you think Toby really wanted her there? If so why? Xoxo