My Stepbrother: secret possession

Spirit Week x Proposal

"I just want the best for him; he needs someone better than Hailey. She's caused him a lot of pain," Lilith says while driving.

Resting my head against the window, I mumble, "That's good." I'm trying to push away any thoughts related to Leigh and Embry; I've already seen enough. By now, Leigh has probably introduced Embry to Christian, and it wouldn't surprise me if she joins us for dinner tonight.

Lilith's expression when Embry announced she was giving Leigh a ride to school is still etched in my mind. Lilith seemed to soften towards Leigh while Embry pecked him on the neck. She really wants her brother and her best friend to be together. Meanwhile, I'm the other sibling—soon to be a half-sibling—who can't stand seeing my soon-to-be stepbrother with another girl.

I used to think I was protective of Leigh because Embry is a mean brat who always gets what she wants. But now I'm realizing it's not just protection; it's jealousy. I don't want Sawyer to come to Las Vegas anymore, I don't like Sofia Halt being around Leigh either, and I have no interest in hearing about his past relationship with Hailey Morgan. I even find myself wanting to harm the girls who gawk and giggle when he walks by. Shit, I finally understand my feelings, and it's not pretty.

"What's wrong with you? You seemed lively earlier. What changed?" Lilith asks with concern, glancing back and forth between the road and me. "If it's about your flask, we can always turn around, you know? Or is it the outfit?" She asks sadly.

Before I can say no, she continues. "Today is Twin Tuesday anyway, and we didn't have enough time to go shopping over the weekend. The dress shirt isn't bad, Ava. It's Ariana Grande's dressing style. I mean, she wore the exact high boots at a concert a month ago. And right now, we're matching with shirts that read 'sisters'; we look so adorable." Lilith seems genuinely excited, though I'm sure I appear the opposite.

As Lilith explained earlier, it's spirit week, and we involuntarily ended up twinning in black dress shirts, knee-high boots, and kitty hairbands—something she ordered for both of us. I feel lucky that I don't have to dress like Embry, who looks like a witch. It's not pleasant when she expects Leigh to accompany her as her twin. Embry didn't care to join Lilith and me while we were getting dressed, which only increased my anger. What is Leigh doing with her downstairs, anyway? If he's as desperate about me as he claims, he wouldn't be getting involved in her manipulative games.

After getting dressed, I practically ran out of the house to avoid witnessing whatever Embry and Leigh were up to in the living room. I not only abandoned my tea but also left my homework behind. I'd rather face punishment than go back inside that building and confront my fears.

It's uncomfortable knowing what Leigh feels like, what he tastes like, and seeing another girl experience it. I don't want to share him with anyone. I know it's impossible for me to have him to myself, but that doesn't change how I feel. I don't know what I'm doing or where this is heading. I used to know right from wrong and believe in realism, but now I yearn for something that doesn't exist in reality.

"No, I'm just thinking about class," I respond, only half-truthful. I'm worried about my neglected homework. I'm not sure what the consequences are for late assignments at Hills High, but in my boarding school, students were usually given detention or a zero mark.

"Don't stress about anything, enjoy your teenage days. Thinking is for adults. It's homecoming week; let's celebrate," Lilith advises me in a strange way that sparks ideas in my head.

She adjusts her kitty hairband and shrugs. "I'm going to grab IHOP coffee." She adds as we approach her favorite morning spot.

***

"I know I didn't ask for your approval, but my human geography homework is about you," she announces with closed eyes, fearing my reaction.

She doesn't have to worry because I'm intrigued. "Seriously? I didn't know you admired me that much," I joke and giggle under my breath as the lecture continues.