Chapter 3: My Step-Father?

Ginny’s plane touched down at JFK International Airport with a gentle thud, the familiar skyline of New York City visible through her window. She slowly stood up and alighted, after retrieving her luggage.

She made her way through the bustling airport terminal, her heart racing as she dialed her mom's number. The phone rang twice before her mom’s cheerful voice echoed through the line.

"Ginny! Sweetheart, you’ve landed!" Her mom’s excitement was palpable, bringing a small smile to Ginny’s lips despite her unease.

"Yeah, Mom, I’m here" Ginny replied, trying to match her mother’s enthusiasm. "I just got off the plane."

"Oh, that’s wonderful! Listen, I’ve arranged for a cab driver to pick you up. He should be holding a sign with your name on it."

Ginny scanned the crowded terminal, her eyes searching for the driver. A few moments later, she spotted a man waving a cardboard sign with her name scrawled across it. "I see him, Mom. I’ll be home soon."

"Good! Drive safely, honey. I can’t wait to see you!" Her mom’s voice was filled with warmth and anticipation, making Ginny feel a pang of guilt for the turmoil brewing inside her.

"I’ll be there soon. Love you, Mom" She hung up the call and rolled her suitcase toward the driver. The man greeted her with a friendly smile as she approached.

"Miss Ginny, welcome to New York! Let me help you with your bags" He said, taking her suitcase and placing it in the trunk of the cab.

"Thank you" Ginny muttered, trying to muster a smile as she slid into the backseat of the car. The driver quickly closed the trunk and hopped into the front seat, starting the engine with a smooth hum.

As the cab pulled away from the airport, Ginny gazed out the window, the city’s towering buildings and bustling streets whizzing by. She attempted to clear her mind, pushing aside the anxiety that had taken root in her chest. Her mom was excited about her coming home, and Ginny didn’t want to disappoint her. She forced a smile, hoping it would eventually feel real.

The cab ride seemed to stretch on forever, though in reality, it was only a short drive. When they finally arrived at her childhood home, Ginny felt relieved. She hadn’t been back since she went to college, which was approximately three years ago. Her mother was remarried now and the thought of meeting her stepfather filled her with unease.

The cab came to a sudden stop, Ginny took a deep breath and stepped out, her eyes immediately falling on her mother, who was already rushing out the front door with open arms.

"Ginny!" Her mom called out, pulling her into a warm, tight embrace. "I’m so glad you’re here. Come inside, sweetheart."

Ginny hugged her mother back, the familiar scent of home bringing a brief sense of comfort. "It’s good to see you, Mom" She said, her voice soft as they pulled apart.

"Come on in" Her mom urged, leading her up the steps and into the house. "Raymond arrived not long ago; he’s just taking a shower."

At the mention of her stepfather, Ginny’s expression darkened. She glanced at her mom, her tone laced with irritation. "Mom, was it really necessary to remarry? I mean, couldn’t you just wait a little longer?"

Her mom’s face softened, a hint of sadness in her eyes as she reached out to touch Ginny’s arm. "Ginny, we’ve talked about this. I know it’s hard for you to accept, but I’m happy, and I think you’ll like Raymond. Just give him a chance."

Ginny sighed, biting back her retort. She didn’t want to start an argument the moment she got home. "Fine" She muttered, moving to sit on the couch. The soft cushions provided little comfort as she tried to brace herself for the inevitable introduction.

Her mom walked to the bottom of the stairs and called out, "Raymond! Come downstairs, Ginny’s here!"

Ginny’s heart pounded in her chest as she waited, her mind racing with a mix of emotions. She had no idea what to expect, and the anticipation was making her uneasy.

A few moments later, she heard the sound of footsteps descending the stairs. Ginny looked up, and as Raymond turned the corner to face her, she froze in place. Her breath caught in her throat, and her mind went blank.

Standing before her was the man from last night—the man who had turned her world upside down in the span of a few hours. The same piercing eyes, the same chiseled features... it was him.

Ginny's heart plummeted into her stomach as the realization hit her like a freight train. Her mother’s new husband, her stepfather... was the man from her one-night stand.

Everything in her world seemed to crumble in that instant, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and dread. This couldn’t be happening. Things were getting fucked up.

Raymond’s eyes widened in recognition as he stared back at her, but he quickly masked his expression with a polite smile. "Ginny, it’s so nice to finally meet you."

Ginny couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. She just stared at him, her mind screaming in silence as she tried to process the horrific twist of fate that had just unfolded before her.