My Stepbrother: secret possession

Fourteen February

"I feel guilty for not being able to attend the show. I heard it was fantastic."

"Don't worry about it. Thank you, it was quite alright."

"Quite alright? Mrs. Gomez has never had a genuine British lead in her classic inspirational dramas. You should see how proud she is today." Sofia smiles sincerely.

"Well, then, I suppose it was good."

"It was perfect. You were perfect. Congratulations, love. I hope we can celebrate later at my place after the game."

She looks lovely, just like every day in her cheerleading uniform, but I imagine she must be freezing in this cold weather.

I'm not sure about attending her party, but I reply anyway. "Alright."

My fingers anxiously tap on the familiar black tea flask I received from a freshman backstage, after receiving applause from the audience for my participation in the school Valentine's Day drama.

"You should come. I can't handle another rejection from you. Do you know I'm letting Maria Pete take the lead today? Her routine is challenging for the team." A worried frown deepens on her face as she recalls her cheerleading squad.

"You should let Embry Wesley take her place. I think she's good at it and suited for it." I counter, folding my arms over my red hooded cape coat.

"Never. I'd rather do a thousand pounds than let Embry take over. She's not deserving." She remarks, and my eyes widen for a second.

"I doubt there's anyone that heavy." I giggle at her unwavering determination to annoy Embry.

"Why do you care about her? She's clearly some psycho who's not worth it." Sofia shrugs in confusion.

Smiling to myself as I recall last year's lesson at my previous boarding school. "You shouldn't respond to evil with evil."

"You respond with kindness?" She asks, wearing an indistinct expression on her face.

Ever since what happened at the park, I've promised myself to avoid the girls as much as possible. I haven't seen any of them, and I even skip some joint classes and have lunch in the locker room or the library.

I intentionally ignore Quinn's phone calls. However, she surprises me with her persistence. She refuses to give up and sent me an appreciation message on Monday and an apology message last night.

"Exactly."

"Oh Ava, you're so naive." She smiles and pats my shoulders. "You better find a seat before they're all taken."

"Yes, you're right. Good luck." I agree as I glance at the few remaining available seats.

"Good luck to all of us." She courteously teases before heading towards her team on the field.

Yes, I managed to have a proper conversation without strangling Sofia Halt with my hands. The entire week, I've been deliberately avoiding Sofia and Leigh with my evasive tactics. I always leave them with frustrated, confused expressions as they search the hallways for me.

I make my way to the third row and immediately regret sitting next to a girl angrily tapping her mobile phone screen.

Evie is spending today with her family, so I'm on my own for the rest of the evening.

"Bro, if not, I won't be able to live with myself for missing this game. What school lets their team play on Valentine's Day?" Eric Joseph groans right behind me.

"Apparently yours and West Falls." A senior whose name I don't know responds.

"I should be taking someone out tonight."