My Stepbrother secret-possession

Homecoming: Friday Night Game

I'm wearing a cheetah jersey, a pair of jeans trousers, and a hat. By my side is Evie, dressed in the same outfit, as we all marched together with students, alumni, staff, and members of the surrounding community, celebrating the spirit of the hills. You can spot security personnel inspecting the event peacefully by the pavements.

The parade has led to some road closures as the streets are packed with creativity, kids riding in flatbed, traditional, or walking floats. Entertainers dressed in various stuffed costumes are dancing to the instrumental music played by the school band. Ahead of us, a pickup truck with banners throws candies at the walkers.

"Why do I feel a kind of authority?" Evie asks as her eyes wander around the crowd.

I shrug and wrap my arms around her shoulders, supporting my almost tired self. "It's our school parade, and being young is exhilarating," I reply to her.

"Duhhh... But I'll give you a yes, for this event is really exhilarating," she says as we both laugh.

The parade is truly festive, with bikers, trucks, vans, and cars, including Lilith's and Harry's. However, the girls will be entertaining everyone later in the evening. So Sofia, the cheerleader captain, split her team into two. Those performing in the parade won't be cheering for the night game. Lilith and her friends will start their duties at the Friday night game kickoff.

When my energy levels can barely take any more excitement, I wearily grasp Evie's forearm and lead us to my soon-to-be stepsister's Range Rover. I pull open the back door, and we quickly jump in. The car moves at a leisurely pace as Evie and I sink into the cool and refreshing air.

"It's so hot today," I complain. "We've tried. Two hours of walking in that scorching atmosphere. I won't be surprised if I've lost weight by now."

"I know, right," Evie giggles.

"God knows I can't go out there," Lilith says from the passenger seat, handing me two bottles of water. "You two will need some perfume, by the way, and I don't share the same scent with others," she adds, showing her caring side in her usual Lilith way.

"Who's she?" Suri gestures towards Evie, taking her hands off the wheels.

"Evie... that's Suri and my sister, Lilith." I use Lilith's favorite word against her, and it actually works, as she smiles and waves at Evie.

"Big sister, yes. Ava's the baby of the house," she announces, causing my eyes to roll automatically at her claim of being elder. "Here, don't waste it. I just bought it and haven't even tried it," she hands me a bottle of Ferragamo perfume, and I blow her an appreciative kiss.

I give Evie the bottle of water after we use a satisfying amount of fragrance on ourselves.

We continue to follow the events in the car as Suri drives at a slow speed. Ahead of Lilith's car is Harry's Jeep, with Quinn, Embry, and some boys riding along.

"It's so beautiful," I exclaim as the car radio plays a medley of songs in the background. The sun has already disappeared below the horizon, and the parade is heading towards the school center for the kickoff.

"Honestly, I don't want the week to end. I'm excited for tomorrow," Suri cheerfully says.

Lilith laughs and winks at her curly-haired friend. "Of course, you are," she says, instantly making Suri blush. "Well, I know it's wrong for me to say, but I don't care about who wins tonight. In my optimistic plan, all I'm hoping for is Leigh scoring ten points."

My eyes feel like they're about to pop out of their sockets. My heart almost drops from its ribcage to my stomach. Why does Lilith care if Leigh scores? Did he tell her? Why would he? He said we shouldn't let anyone know about us.