My Stepbrother secret-possession

Trick Or Treat

I'm dressed casually, just like any other student at Hills High. The school feels normal, like any other Friday. There's no sign of Halloween, which we all respect because Hills High is a school for everyone. It welcomes people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. To ensure equality, traditional or religious events are not allowed in the hallways or anywhere on the school premises.

Today, however, the usual energetic atmosphere is missing. Yesterday's game might be the reason why, given the Cheetahs lost by over fifteen points. We all left the field disappointed. Most of us believe it was bad luck because Leigh, who is healthy and the backbone of the school team, was benched without a fair reason. Everyone can see that no team should bench their best quarterback for an entire game, right?

Although I know the truth, I know why he was benched. He failed an important test. Well, that's what he once told me. Those beautiful days feel like they were ages ago.

"Ava, I have to admit, you did great yesterday, but today is for fun, so practice should be tomorrow at Cole's center. I'm sure you know the location, that's Leigh's favorite gymnasium," Sofia, dressed in skinny ripped jeans and a Cheetahs jersey shirt, informs me by my locker.

It's good to know that Leigh's favorite gym is where the Hills High cheerleaders practice. That means Embry gets to see him all day. Perfect, Leigh, just perfect.

"Yes," I nod once. Of course, I know the location, the place that holds beautiful memories that constantly remind me I won't experience them again.

"Good, I will see you tonight, right? At Brandon's." She smiles sincerely with her Barbie-like features.

Honestly, I don't understand how she does it. She acts nice to me but mean to most of the girls in her crew. I thought Embry was the rudest, but then I realized she's not even close to being tough because she has no say around Sofia Halt. If Embry wants to maintain her reputation, she has to abide by the captain's rules.

"I don't know," I heave a sigh and close my locker. Just then, I notice the familiar leather jacket on perfect shoulders and shiny chestnut hair walking down the hall with five teammates from the Cheetahs.

There must be something about Leigh that attracts not only girls but also boys to him. I can't understand how he walks in slow motion, smiling charmingly at the boys who wave or say hi to him by their lockers. I don't think anyone at Hills High will ever get used to seeing Leigh in the hallways. Right now, all I see are girls drooling, flirting with their hair, biting their lips, and giving sultry looks all day, every day. It makes me want to grab him by the arm and hide him in the basement.

"The king himself," Sofia mutters when he turns the corner without even glancing my way. It hurts so much.

Clearing my throat and struggling to swallow the lump in my throat as I reminisce about the little time we had together, I realize that everything doesn't make sense without him. It sinks my heart deeper, and I blink away the tears in my eyes before Sofia notices.

"You're not missing the party, are you?" Her lips form a frown as she leans her shoulder against a locker.

I'm grounded for four days, so I don't think I'm allowed to leave the house at all.

With an apologetic smile, I reluctantly reply, "I'm grounded."

"Alright, that's bad, but don't worry. I'll stop by and convince Mr. Boyce. After all, this is your first Halloween in America, and you need a memory. Just get ready by seven. That party is going to be great." She smiles and gives me a departing peck on the cheek.