To my lovely readers: I know you all are going to be like, "wtf is she doing?" or "Is she crazy to forgive him so easily?"..... the answer is yes. She is crazy. But just for now. I promise Steph will stand up for herself soon and come to bite Brian in the ass for being an asshole. P.S This is going to be a second chance story with a lot of groveling, and, well, Brian will have his reasons for doing whatever he is, and I promise there will be a lot of character development in the two leads, so stick with me!
Steph's Pov “Are you sure you're going to be okay? I could stay back home from school.” I asked Simon as I put his medicine next to the breakfast I had made for him. Boiled eggs on toast. He'd been sick for a while due to the excessive practice sessions, and Rita had forced him to speak to his coach and get a day off. “Either you talk to him, Simon Hudson, or I will and you know that won't be nice.” Rita had put her foot down firmly. So here he was groaning and enjoying the breakfast in bed I was serving. “Yeah, you go; I'll be fine. Rita will be coming over after school anyway.” I rolled my eyes at that. Men were such babies when they'd get sick. They needed someone or the other to babysit them. “I'm here!” Kylie announced from outside. “Okay, I'm heading out. Don't be on your phone; make sure you rest as much as possible.” I said to Simon as I rushed out. ***** We walked into the corridor towards our lockers laughing, but our smiles quickly faded. I see in big red letters th
Steph's POV I wake up with a heavy weight on my stomach. I look down to find an arm. Brian's arm. I turn around to find him sleeping right next to me in my bed, in a peaceful slumber. I am unable to register this situation, and I do not know how to react. This is the first time Brian has woken up next to me. I feel delighted, but at the same time, I feel like this is not how I should react, so I try to stay very still. I like the weight of his strong, muscular arm on my stomach. It makes me feel secure and protected. Brian's frown deepens as his eyelids flutter open. His eyes immediately meet mine, and for a moment, confusion clouds his face. Then concern takes over, sharp and unrelenting.“Steph,” he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep but laced with worry. “Are you okay?”I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, he sits up, brushing his disheveled hair back and scanning me from head to toe as if searching for any sign of discomfort.“Did you sleep well? Do you feel alr
Steph's Pov I had deliberately woken up late that day, and boy did I regret it. I walked down to the kitchen, wanting peace and quiet. I just wanted to be numb today; I did not want to think or feel, and they all understood that. However, they wanted me to celebrate it too. They wanted me to appreciate my seventeen years too, and I, on the other hand, could not fathom how. Simon and Brian were already in the kitchen. Simon was eating cereal, and Brian was making himself some coffee. I did not look at them yet. I could feel their eyes trailing all over my face, trying to read my expression, and I hated it. Then I thought I was being really unfair. Simon had been through it too. We both needed each other today. So, when he came to my side and said, "Hey, happy birthday," I fixed a fake smile on my face and received it with warmth. Thankfully, Brian did not say anything. He did not even touch me, and I was really grateful today. I did not want anything this day; I just want
"Where are you? You promised you'd be home by now," I had said, my voice laced with evident annoyance. "You might as well not come." That was what I had said. In those last moments with them, when I could have said anything to them, this was what I had chosen to tell them. Like they had promised, they would fulfill any wish I made that day, but they did not come back. I have hated myself ever since. Had I known that was the last time I would be hearing their beautiful voices, I would have just listened to them talk. I would have told them how much I loved them. They were the most important people in the world to me.It had taken me years to not think about it every single day. To move on with life and not blame myself every time I looked at myself. But today had been especially good. In the midst of my tears, I did not hear the door creak open. I only noticed when a warm body was sitting right next to my crouched body, hugging me from behind. His familiar scent and touch made it a lit
Brain’s PovThe school had organized a trip to the beach. The bus ride to the beach was supposed to be fun, but nothing about this trip felt remotely enjoyable. Why?Because of that one woman whom my mind just cannot take a break thinking about. Steph. She was sitting with Cole. And me? I was right at the back with Simon. Gosh, I hated this feeling too much. I clenched my jaw as I watched her laugh at something Cole said. Her head tipped back slightly, her smile lighting up her face. She was stunning, but the sight made my stomach twist painfully. Why hadn’t I seen her in the same light that I see her in now before Lyla? WHy hadn’t I realized it was not Lyla who was the one for me. But…"Why are you glaring at Cole like he just stole your lunch?" Simon asked without even looking up from his phone.I forced my hands to relax on the seat in front of me. "I’m not glaring."Simon smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."The ride dragged on, every second punctuated by the sight
Steph’s povThe weekend had finally arrived, but instead of relief, I felt an odd weight in my chest. Ever since the beach trip, Simon had been hovering, checking on me every few hours. I knew he was worried after what happened, but his overprotectiveness felt like a constant reminder of the incident I wanted to forget. The weekend had finally arrived, but instead of relief, I felt an odd weight in my chest. Ever since the beach trip, I caught cold and felt like shit, burning in fever all day long. Simon had been hovering, checking on me every few hours. I knew he was worried after what happened, but his overprotectiveness felt like a constant reminder of the incident I wanted to forget.It had all happened so fast. I had gone to the water with Kylie and Nick, their laughter filling the air as they splashed around. I tried to join in, but my heart wasn’t in it. My mind was elsewhere—on him. On Brian.I couldn’t stop replaying the day in my head. The way he had laughed and joked with e
Steph's PovI called Brian's number and both times, it took me to the voicemail. I didn't like this sickening feeling in my chest. Yes, I had agreed on not giving official tags to our relationship, but I did think, we were close enough that I deserved to know if he was going away for six months. Or had that been his plan all along, to just completely ghost me? To use me, when he needed. I could not believe I had been this blind and stupid. He really did not give a single fuck about me. Kylie had been right all along; I should've just listened to her. But I had been in denial. In that moment, it was fun lying to myself, but now when I could feel my heart sinking, I didn't think it was worth it. No one should get to treat me like this. Yes, he was hurt then, but I had sacrificed enough of my own happiness to take his pain away. I was not going to make a fool of myself anymore.***Brian's voice called out as the door creaked open. “Do you want to join us for a game of Mo
Brian’s PovI despised myself in that moment. Every muffled sob that came from the other side of her bedroom door pierced my chest like a blade. Steph’s tears always broke me in ways I couldn’t describe, and the fact that I had caused them made me loathe myself even more.Leaning against her door, I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay put, to not burst in and hold her. But I was a coward. A coward who had ruined the one person who trusted me without question. I pressed my forehead against the cool wood, each wail behind it twisting my insides tighter. I couldn’t stay. I needed to be away—away from everyone, especially from her. But most of all, away from myself.By the time I reached my room, I was barely holding it together, the rawness of my emotions clawing at me. I slammed the door shut behind me, but it didn't stop the chaos swirling inside my mind. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor, my back pressed against the cold wood, my breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps.
Steph's Pov The previous week had been quite eventful, and now that things had settled down, Simon had left, the volunteer program had ended I was ready to settle down and get back into by routine and study. Studying came like second nature to me. I felt most relaxed and like myself when I studied. I slicked back my hair into a ponytail, pulled on a flannel shirt to class today. The day flew by, and in just one day I had a load of five different assignments to be submitted just this week. I sat at the cafeteria working on some practice questions while the girls went to grab some food. “D'you want something Steffie Bear?” Stella asked. “Yes please a glazed doughnut and some cold coffee would be great.” I returned back to my practice questions immediately, if I needed to stay on top of things, I couldn't afford to waste even a single moment. “Well hello there, with your nose in a book.” I heard a familiar voice and smiled. It
Steph's Pov “Order away friends, this broke friend of yours brought you to a place that serves delicious meals at cheap prices, so order away, it's my treat.” I had brought Simon, Rita and the girls to Mr Burger, a local fast food restaurant. The girls and I would often come to this place, to celebrate our short wins like, acing Mitchell's quizes, which to be fair weren't that small of a quest. As I placed the order, the girls took Rita, towards the photo booth, to take some cute pictures. “Hey, can we talk?” I heard Simon ask. Uh oh, here we go again. Whenever Simon asked me, before actually asking the question, it always meant trouble. It meant one of us was going to get mad at the other and the day would be ruined. And I didn't want today to be ruined, because it was our last day together. Last family time, until I don't know when we'll get to see each other again like this. I took in a deep breath and braced myself. It's ok Steph, we'll try to remain as calm a
Steph's Pov The day of the final match rolled in. I couldn't believe this league was coming to an end. As much of a relief as it was, I probably wouldn't have excuses to stick by Brian anymore. Coincidentally, the final match was between Omega and Inferno. Yet again I did not know which team to root for. All I could do was pray no one got severely injured, although that sounded very hard considering that it was the last day. They'd probably plot on giving their lives up but not losing. As Omega's nurse I had checked each one of them thoroughly, to make sure they were fit enough to live up to their potential today. I had checked their vital signs, evaluated theiruacles, joints and ligaments for any signs of strains, sprains or injury. Not only that, the night before the match I had shown up at Simon's hotel door too, to inspect him. I dropped pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines and warm compresses at his place, and made him stretch right in front of
Steph's Pov I slowly tugged on the golden ribbon of the box to untangle the gift wrap. I found a black velvet box inside. I looked at Brian, unsure, but his eyes encouraged me to open the box. I took in a deep breath and slowly opened the box, as my curiosity piqued. It revealed a beautiful silver necklace with a small, delicate pendant."I wanted to get you something special," Brian said, his voice filled with emotion. "Something that would remind you of...of what we shared.”I narrowed my eyes as confusion etched onto my face. "What do you mean?”Brian scooted closer taking my hand in his, "I went back to the hospital, Steph. I asked them if they still had the records from...from when you were expecting.” The second, he said it, the necklace began to feel very heavy in my hands. Tears began to well up in my eyes, falling into the necklace. "Why would you do that?" I whispered."Because I wanted to honor what we had," Brian replied, his voice cracking. "I wanted to h
Steph's Pov “Steffie Bear, you still have time to inform me, if you want something in particular for your twenty-second birthday.” Lucy hugged me and asked while rocking me. “Luce, I swear I hate this name so much and second, no I promise, I do not want anything for my birthday, I don't want y'all, wasting your time, worrying about my birthday gift. We have RN’s to prepare for and hospital duties to perform.” I said to all three of them. As soon as September had rolled in, I knew they were up to something. My birthday was in the second week of September but we also had exams in the first week of December. “Jesus, grandma, live a little, you're turning twenty two, it's supposed to be young and fun.” Sarah said. I wanted to. I wanted to live and enjoy life, but honestly, I had lost the will, I’d busied myself enough to get through the daily mandatory chores, without overthinking. Besides, I knew the girls wouldn't let me sit quietly in the apartm
Steph's Pov I rushed down the hospital corridor, a stack of files clutched tightly in my arms. As a nurse, I was no stranger to the chaos of hospital life, but today felt particularly hectic. I had stayed up all night preparing for the Registered Nurse exam and had rushed to the hospital for my long shift on the ward. All night I had been running around, doing errands for the senior nurses, bringing food for them. Then I was also asked to stay up at night and keep an eye for them while they went to bed at eleven and woke up at six in the morning. So, I was looking forward to handing the stack of files at the nursing desk and taking a well deserved break when I felt a sudden pull, and before I knew it, I was being dragged into the storage room. The door slammed shut behind me, and I found myself face to face with the last person I expected to see – Brian. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at him, my mind racing as he held me in his arms. What was h
Steph's Pov I pull my hand away from his. It burns where his hand had been. However, we're still sitting quite close to each other on the couch, so close that our knees are touching. “Is there no way for me to fix this?” he says, as his eyebrows scrunch up. I can tell he's trying to stop himself from crying and my heart goes out to him. I wipe his eyes with my thumb, shaking my head. I wish I could answer his question, but neither do I have the answer, nor do I have any energy left in me. I watch him run his long fingers through his hair, in agitation. He then picks up the bottle of alcohol from the centre table and takes another swig from it. How has he not passed out from so much alcohol, I think to myself. A searing pain rushes to my head, maybe I could do with a little alcohol too. So I take, the bottle from his hand and put my mouth to it. When he sees me, he tries to pull it away from me. “So, you're the only one who can get drunk?” I ask him and he slowly
I call for an Uber and rush outside, my phone vibrates against my palm, notifying me of a text. It's from Kevin, Brian's team mate. I didn't know what exactly was happening, but Kevin had begged me to hurry up and come to the texted address, as Brian really wasn't okay. I kept hearing sounds of things breaking in the background. At first, I was afraid Kevin was hurt, but he had assured me that was not the case. 786, Oaks street. The text read. I immediately entered the address on Google maps, it said, it was a ten minute drive. I explained the address to the driver. My hands were shivering slightly with all the panic. I hoped Brian was okay. He had always managed to hurt me, but my heart still couldn't bear seeing him in pain. I had received two texts from Beck too. Please keep me updated And if you need any help, do not hesitate before calling me Steph.He'd called me Steph, not Hudson. That showed how concerned he was. Honestly I didn't like leavin
Steph's POV I walked out of my dorm building, taking determined steps towards my Uber ride that I had called for. The clickety-clack of my heels, added to my confidence, which I was very much in need of today. I had woken up early today, meditated and convinced myself that this was going to be easy. At the back of my head, I knew, even if it wasn't easy it had to be done. My Uber ride stopped in front of a brown, ruggedy stoned building. I took in a deep breath and got out. Beck’s father asked him to attend court cases with him in the afternoon to help him. We had planned to sneak out together, the second the trial ended. Beck needed an escape from his tyrannical father, and I needed a favour from Beck, a huge one too. I walked inside the trial room and quietly found a seat for myself in the fourth row. Beck sat next to his very serious and stern looking father in the first row. Beck looked really attractive in his formal attire, taking down notes att