He says"Hi."

2

The walk to Daniel's was filled with awkward silence if you don't count the busy streets. I tried coming up with something, anything to ease the tension. But I drew a blank. I sighed in defeat as we continued onwards.

"Hey, sis?"

My head shot up slightly. And I turned to see Marcus with a curious expression.

"Yeah?" I replied.

"What was that? Back at the house?"

"What do you mean?"

Despite knowing what he meant, I feigned ignorance. Because in all honesty, I didn't even know what that was.

"Dude, Arthur asked you to go shopping with him. Shopping! That's like the most basic bonding activity ever."

"So?" I replied, with a shrug.

"So, you have been saying how much you wanted a better relationship with him. That could have at least been a good starting point."

"Marc, you know I gave up on that a long time ago."

"But, you would've gotten some clothes out of it."

"What's wrong with the clothes I already have?"

"No offense but 'hipster chic' is overdone in your case." Marcus said with a cheeky grin.

"Whatever, man." I replied, smiling back.

The rest of the walk was less awkward. But I still couldn't shake the thought that Marcus may have been right.

Sigh

And I just blew it. Despite me saying otherwise, there were still instances where I thought about being a better stepdaughter. Or maybe tried to make more of an effort. If not for my sake then at least my mom's. I think she was finally over this 'reluctant stepdaughter' thing. Unfortunately, she would have to deal with it a little longer until my brain stopped making me feel like complete shit.

***

Our short journey had come to an end as we found ourselves in front of a modern double-story house. As we approached the front door, I was alerted to the sound of the garage opening. Out came a grey Toyota Camry. Recognising the driver, I quickly sauntered over to it.

As I did so, the window opened to reveal a young man. About 18-20 in appearance.  He had a fairly large build, which was covered by jeans and a hoodie. A light brown scruff littered his porcelain face. With a waft of wavy brownish auburn hair almost covering his hazel eyes.

"Hey babe, I was just coming to get you."

"You're sweet, Noah. But I already told you that I was walking with Daniel and Marcus today."

"Must've slipped my mind." He said.

Noah opened the car door and before I knew it I was in his arms.

"If I'm not having you in my car, can I at least get a little something sweet from you?"

Knowing what he meant I gave him a kiss on the lips. Which he immediately deepened. I gripped his arms, gently shoving him off me.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm just not feeling it today." I said slightly shifting back.

"That's what you said yesterday and the day before. When are you going to stop being such a tease, huh?" He muttered.

With no answer, I wrapped my arms around my waist and slightly faced away.

I heard a scoff and immediately felt Noah's hand gripping my face. There was a mix of anger and frustration in his eyes. He brought our faces closer, to the point where our noses touched. After what felt like an eternity, he let go. He turned to his car and after a loud slam of the door, he was off.

I let out a breath I didn't even realise I'd been holding and made my way back to the front door.

"I know you said you like them 'rough around the edges.' But that was a bit much, don't you think?" Marcus said, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Yeah, yeah." Was the only response I could give.

Noah always had trouble with his temper. 'Liking things rough' was the easiest explanation for any marks on me. Regardless of how many times he initiated, we never ended up doing anything. Despite us being together for a year and a half, Noah never felt like the right person to do it with. And to be honest, I just never felt ready for it. And that, apparently, makes me a major tease.

Sigh

***

Play music now

Knock
Knock
Knock

The door had swung to reveal our most favourite person on earth.
"Danny!" We exclaimed to the point where the whole neighbourhood could hear us.

Daniel has been our best friend for as long as any of us could remember. He had been there through our ups and downs. And was our most immense comfort when dad died. I honestly could not have asked for anyone better.

"Keep it down you two! I swear if you guys were anybody else I would hate you forever for making me come to school so early."

"Daniel, you always say it's too early." I replied.

"I know but now it really is too early."

"Sis, you can't argue with that."

"Ugh fine, let's go boys."

With that, we were off.

***

We arrived at school about 10 minutes before our first lesson of the day. So, we decided to hang around the courtyard. As we headed towards a nearby bench, I heard a voice and immediately felt a tug at my heartstrings. I turned around to take a look, and there I saw, Noah.

I gave him a small wave which was ignored. I lowered my hand in defeat and focused my attention on Daniel and Marc.

"So what's this I'm hearing about you and Noah?"

"What are you on about Dan?" I asked.

"You two almost getting freaky in the driveway." Daniel elaborated with a cheeky grin.

Almost immediately I directed my gaze to Marcus, who replied with an awkward shrug.

Before the conversation went any further, the bell rang.

"Lucky me." I uttered, before standing up.

I quickly closed my bag and headed to class, avoiding any eye contact with my brother or Daniel. As I was walking, I quickly looked over my shoulder to see the boys also gathering their things. Guess they were over it, at least until the day was over.