Falling in Love with My Step Brother

Chapter 3

... I forgot to fucking lock it. 

. . .

I mentally cursed at myself as I tried to push against the force of the door. Sadly, I was quickly shoved aside, and a mop of brown hair popped out from behind the oak wood. I sniffled in annoyance and let out a low groan.

"Did my mom send you? You can leave, okay. I'm fucking a-okay," I grumbled, standing up and turning away from him. I knew my face was a mess. My eyes were so swollen that I could barely see out of them. 

"You clearly aren't okay," Noah said with a slight scoff. Suddenly, I felt him grab my shoulders. Out of surprise, I let out a small gasp as I found myself face to face with my soon-to-be step-brother. For a moment, I found myself lost in his eyes again, but I quickly shook off the trance and glared daggers at him. 

"Fuck. Off." I spat the words out as I yanked myself out of his grasp. I was angry. No, I was beyond angry. I was furious. Who did he and Steve think they were to just barge into my house and join the family like that? I growled under my breath and walked to the other side of the room, trying to get as much distance between the two of us as possible.

"Hey, I know you're not happy." I rolled my eyes. He's a genius, who knew?

"And I'm not either, but you saw how happy they looked," he said cautiously. I felt my lips quiver once more, knowing he was right. That was the happiest I had seen my mom in years. I cussed under my breath as tears began clouding my vision once more. 

I was being selfish as usual.

I bit my lip as I felt the familiar burning trails stain my cheeks. My shoulders trembled with the sobs that left my throat, and I bowed my head, letting my long hair cover my shame. It just wasn't fair. 

I felt a warm hand on my back, rubbing it gently. Noah didn't say anything, but he stayed there with me as I cried. Even though he was the last person I wanted to see, his presence comforted me, even if it was only a little. 

Soon, the tears stopped, and I just stood there, sniffling. 

"So... Why aren't you happy about the wedding?" I muttered, trying to retain the little dignity I had left. I wiped the remaining tears off my face and stepped away from him awkwardly. 

I kept my gaze away from his eyes and watched as his hand slowly dropped to his side. Noah looked away from me and smiled sadly, glancing out the window at my empty backyard. His shoulders slumped forward, and he rested his forehead against the glass.

"Well... My mom..." His voice seemed to have gotten caught in his throat, and he stumbled over the words. "She... passed away two years ago." He closed his eyes and inhaled a few shaky breaths before facing me again. 

"I'm sorry I'm being so sensitive," Noah chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I'm just not quite ready to move on, I guess." All I could do was nod in silence, feeling a deep guilt and sadness for him. I couldn't even handle my dad leaving, who knew what I would do if he was dead. 

"Anyway," he cleared his throat, "I guess we're siblings now." I froze in place, staring blankly at him. Regardless of his backstory, I still couldn't accept the marriage, at least not this fast. 

I was about to refute his statement when I heard my mom call my name. We looked at each other, and I took in a deep breath. Noah gave me a reassuring smile and nodded his head.

"Just remember, this is for your mom's happiness." I glanced at him once more as I was leaving, not giving him a valid response. What did he know about my mom's happiness? He didn't even know my mom. 

I sighed and jogged down the stairs to meet my maker. 

This was going to suck.