My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 22: bad day

Their voices grew louder as I crept closer to the window. The argument was far more serious than I had expected, each word slicing through the air like a knife.

"Why are you trying to act perfect?! Why don't you fucking tell me straight that I'm a bastard? I hear that all the time from people. Do I even have a dad or what? Stop feeding me lies!" Bella's voice cracked with rage and pain, shaking me to the core.

"You should be grateful that I didn't flush you out!" her mum spat back, anger burning in every syllable.

"Oh! So you were intending to. Are you a prostitute?!" Bella shot back, venom lacing her words.

"How dare you?" Her mother slapped her across the face, the sound ringing sharply in the quiet street. I wanted to rush in, to stop them, but a small voice in my head whispered that this wasn't my battle to fight.

"Show me my dad if you are not!" Bella shouted, storming out of the room.

"Get back here, Bella! I'm not done talking!" her mother yelled after her.

My heart ached for Bella. To grow up without a father, to feel abandoned and angry—how heavy that must weigh on her. I felt helpless, wishing I could ease her pain.

I decided to go to Helen's house instead, hoping she would be home. But peering through her window, my stomach churned at the sight. She hadn't even drawn the curtains, and there she was with Jake—one of her boyfriends—making ridiculous, loud noises. My face twisted in disgust.

"Gross," I muttered, stepping back from the window.

Now, where could I go? My thoughts went to Stephen's house, but he wasn't there. Where could he have gone? My mind raced—was he with someone else? No... he wouldn't do that to me. I sighed and turned toward Carly's house instead, hoping for some distraction.

⸻

Stephen's POV

"Son! What a pleasant surprise!" my mum, Tess, exclaimed warmly.

I froze. Patricia was there, smiling as though she belonged. I pressed a quick kiss to my mum's cheek, forcing a smile, but my eyes immediately locked on Patricia.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, irritation rising.

"Stephen," she said, her voice sweet but sly, "you just showed up after a long time, and you're asking me what I'm doing here? Isn't it obvious? I came to see my second mum, of course... or should I say, my mother-in-law?" She giggled, twirling the ring on her finger like it was a trophy.

"Stupid ring," I muttered under my breath, storming off toward my room.

The moment I closed the door, the anger hit me in full force. Everything was exactly as I left it, neat and untouched, and it made me want to destroy it. My eyes fell on a picture of Patricia and me—once happy, now a symbol of betrayal. I grabbed it and hurled it to the floor, the frame shattering with a sharp crack. Pillows flew, and anything within reach became collateral damage. My fists collided with the wall, leaving bruises, but I didn't care.

"Why am I so angry?" I growled, voice hoarse with frustration. "She should be with me. Me alone!"

Patricia's voice came from the doorway, tentative at first. "Stephen, what's going on? Are you... alright?"

I ignored her. She stepped closer, concern on her face, and gently reached for my cheeks. I flinched away.

"Tell me... what should I do to take away your pain? I could..." She leaned forward and kissed me.

"Stop it! Get out of my room!" I barked, shoving her back.

"Stop acting like you don't miss those moments. C'mon." She tried to sit on my lap, tugging at my shirt.

"Are you deaf? I said get out!" I pushed her with everything I had, finally sending her stumbling back.

"Okay, fine," she cried, wiping her tears. "Just remember... I told you she's shit."

Her words hung in the air like a challenge, but I didn't respond. My chest heaved, heart pounding with anger, hurt, and a frustration I couldn't shake.