Rockstar Bay Academy: A Stepbrother Romance

Chapter 7: First Day of Senior Year

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

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The heat nearly suffocates me as I climb out of Mum's air-conditioned car. It's supposed to get to thirty-eight degrees today and I'm dressed in the Rockstar Bay Academy uniform: a white shirt, grey skirt that ends above my knees, a gold tie and blue blazer. I'm going to die of heat exhaustion before the day is over.

"Have a great first day of school, honey. I'll see you this afternoon."

I shut the door and lean through the window once Mum lowers it.

"Be good. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Mum sticks her tongue out at me, and I smile before walking around to the boot of the car to grab my bag and guitar. After closing the boot, I give the car a quick rap with my knuckles and step out of the way so she can drive out of the car park. Waving her off, I look around the manicured lawns for anyone I know.

Aside from a few acquaintances from my year, who I wave at, I can't see any of my friends. Kennedy booked a rehearsal room for the hour before school, so I won't see her until the bell goes. Mason, Briony, Lana and Dean - the rest of Kennedy's and my crew – must be close by, though.

After bounding up the stone steps and through the heavy wooden doors, I head towards the music room where I need to store my guitar. I take in the new posters that have been put up over the break. Posters and pictures of famous musicians and graffiti dedicated to music grace every wall.

"Lilah!"

I turn around when I hear someone call out my name, quickly spotting Briony running down the hallway towards me.

"Hey you!" I hug her when she reaches me.

"Thank God, I found you. I was starting to worry my dream came true and everyone died."

I point to myself. "Not dead."

She grins. "Well, I know that now."

I look behind her. "Where's Mason?"

Mason Kendricks and Briony Webber started dating around the same time Ethan and I did, and they were best of friends before then. It's rare to see one without the other.

She pulls a face. "Talking to Kurt about the new video game he bought."

I laugh at her expression. "How was your time in Byron Bay?"

Briony smiles dreamily and blushes. "Pretty good."

"Say no more. Please," I beg theatrically.

When Ethan and I split, it was difficult to be around Mason and Briony without feeling envy stab through me every time they were affectionate. But I kept reminding myself the two of them were perfect for each other and focusing on how happy they were. I haven't felt the need to avoid them for a while.

That said, I don't want to hear details about their hot summer nights.

She grins then turns serious. "How about you? How are things with Ethan? How was the wedding?"

Briony would have been there, but she and Mason had already paid for holiday accommodation in Byron Bay.

"You really didn't miss that much. Well, except for me almost slapping Asher and the entire incident being caught by the press. Oh, and the interview Ainsley gave about me."

"What? I'll bet that wasn't flattering."

"It was anything but."

"Please tell me Ethan dumped her."