Stepbrother//Jack Avery

Chapter 2

5 months later

*Lia's POV*

It had been five months since my mom was kicked out. I sat in my room watching Netflix until I heard the garage open. I raced down the stairs and saw my dad carrying a bunch of groceries.
"Hey dad! Need help?" I asked.
"That would be great Lia!" he smiled as I grabbed bags from the trunk.
We unloaded the groceries and I sat at the island while he began to take out a bunch of cooking utensils.
"Lia, I know this might be strange for you but...I'm currently dating. I know this is sudden but I'm having her for dinner along with her kids tonight," he turned to face me.
My mouth hung open, surprised but happy for him, "Wow dad, I'm so happy for you."
"Really? I thought you were going to be sad or angry," he replied, relieved, "Anyways, they will be here at 5:45 so until then relax."
I nodded and rushed back upstairs, continuing to watch my show.
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It was around 5:30 so I decided to change into something a bit nicer than my hoodie and Nike shorts. I grabbed a pair of blue jeans and a maroon and white striped t-shirt and slipped on my white vans. I looked in the mirror, hoping I wasn't to casual. I sat on my bed and went on Instagram until there was a knock on the door. I heard voices and soon my dad called me down. I slid my phone into my back pocket and walked down the stairs into the living room where I was greeted by four new faces.
"Hello Lia! I'm Kristin. I've heard so much about you, your father loves you so much," Kristin beamed.
  "Thank you! It's nice to meet you," I replied.
  "This is Sydnie, Ava and Isla," Kristin pointed to each of her kids.
  I waved shyly.
  "So who's ready for dinner?" my dad asked.
  There were a chorus of yes's and we headed to the dining table. I sat beside Sydnie.
  My dad and Kristin began having a conversation with Isla and Ava and I sat there awkwardly.
  "So Lia, how old are you?" Sydnie asked.
  "I'm twenty," I replied, "And I do go to college locally so that's why I live with my dad."
  "That's cool. I've heard you and your dad are really close," Sydnie said.
  "Yeah, he was really all I had beside my friend Quinn. My mom was abusive and always drunk so I couldn't get close to her at all," I muttered.
  It was always difficult talking about my mom to others, I always felt like I was exposing or hurting her, though she was the one hurting me.
  "I'm sorry about that," Sydnie responded, her voice filled with sympathy.
  "Don't worry about it, she's gone and I have nothing to be scared of anymore," I forced a smile, "What about you?"
"I'm twenty three and unlike you, I was lucky, my previous dad wasn't abusive, their relationship just didn't work out," she gestured toward her mom.
I nodded, "I'm sorry, life can honestly be super hard sometimes. You just have to take a step back and appreciate everything that is great in your life."
Sydnie chuckled, "Wise words Lia, I like you."
I gave her a smile as we finished up dinner.
  I was clearing the table along with Sydnie, because she volunteered, when she got a phone call.
"I'll be back in a bit, I have to take this."
I nodded as I grabbed more plates from the table and began to wash them.
A few minutes later Sydnie came back and I overheard her talking to my dad.
"Jack said he's sorry he couldn't make it since his band's on tour he couldn't fly back just for dinner. He said when he comes back to L.A. he would love to meet you," Sydnie explained.
"No big deal, a dinner isn't worth leaving tour," my dad chuckled as Sydnie walked back into the kitchen.
"Is Jack your boyfriend?" I asked as I scrubbed off the food stains on the plate.
Sydnie started to laugh and I gave her a confused look.
"Jack's my brother, he couldn't make it tonight."
Oh, well don't I feel stupid.
"That would make more sense," I laughed along with her.
"Yeah, he's on tour with his band at the moment but comes back in a week."
I nodded as we finished cleaning up and sat on the couch, turning on the TV.
"Care what we watch?" I asked as I flipped through channels.
She shook her head, "Nope."
I nodded and put on Impractical Jokers since I usually watch the show. We watched and laughed along as our parents continued to talk.
About an hour later Kristin and her kids were by the front door as we all said our goodbyes.
"I'll call you when Jack gets home so you can meet him. Maybe we could go out to dinner?" Kristin suggested.
"Sounds perfect," my dad beamed as he pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head.
I adjusted my position in discomfort, it just is weird seeing my dad kiss someone other than my mom, though they hardly kissed in the first place.
He released her and said goodbye, closing the door. He turned to me and let out relieved sigh.
"So what did you think?" he asked nervously.
"She was very nice, perfect for you. Her kids are cool too," I replied, "You've got nothing to worry about."
He gave me a grateful smile and we both said our good nights as we headed to bed.
I lay on my bed under the covers, staring at the ceiling as I thought for a moment that one day in the future, I might have a mom again. The thought was scary but comforting as well. I had always wanted to have a mother to talk to about boys and girl things, but with my mom I never had the chance. Things could really change in the future, hopefully for the better.

A/N- Hope you liked this chapter! I'm currently trying to relax because I was stung by a bee on the inside of my mouth and I'm allergic. We were at a water park and the bee was inside my straw when I drank it. We couldn't find my mom. If my reaction got worse, which it did, and my mom didn't show up I would have had to go to the hospital. I hate the doctors so I wouldn't have done well. But luckily my mom came and we got my medicine or whatever it's called. Now my cheeks all swelled up and I broke out in hives but I'm good now. Just thought I'd share a story time😂