Four

You two know each other?" It was my mom who spoke next, breaking the awkward silence I seemed to bring with me since my arrival. I realised I was still standing so I took a seat at the extreme, making sure it's not anywhere near Ryder.

A lot is going through my head right now. My mom is engaged to Saint James, father of my bully. Do I just open my mouth now and tell mom? Should I make her call off the engagement because of the rifle between me and Ryder. She waited sixteen years after dad and now that she's got a man do I just ruin it.

Is life playing a game with me? Why do I have to always be entwined with Ryder? When I thought I have a year to endure more only to be thrown into a family relationship with him.

"We're in the same English class, Sophia" he said looking at me meaningfully

"She just don't talk to me" 

The last part holds meaning only both of us understand. 

"Really, Genie?" I can feel her eyes questioning me.

"I don't talk to most people mom" I muttered not meeting her gaze, afraid she'll see the lies in them. I picked up my glass of water to avoid talking further.

"It's okay, they'll definitely get along once they live together" James concluded

"What?" I almost choke on my water, pouring back the contents into the cup. 

"What?" I asked again as if I didn't hear the first time. Horror and Surprise spread on my face.

But mom smiled. "We were going to keep it a surprise but it's of no use now" she grabbed James hand across the table and entwined her fingers with his. 

"Since you kids attends the same school I realised it's best we move it together as we plan the wedding" 

What?

"When's the wedding?" She couldn't help herself but ask. If mom had everything figured without telling me then I have a right to be mad at her. For keeping it from me and keeping me in the dark. I looked between mom and James the Ryder. He sat down there as if none of this was anything he wasn't expecting. 

Why isn't he saying anything?

Did he know all this all along? Does he know my mom's been seeing his dad? Does he have an idea that I'll be his step sister soon? 

Not only am I shocked to find my bully as my stepbrother but moving with him is something that's alarming. I wanted to speak and make an objection but the look on my mom's face tied my tongue down. She looked her happiest. I couldn't ruin this for her. At least not now.

"We haven't decided yet, your mom doesn't want an enormous wedding so I guess it will be soon"

I only nodded. I don't see reason in me asking for the date of the wedding because whether I like it or not, it's happening anyways.

A waitress appeared and took our orders. I haven't had enough time to check out the menu so I just picked the first thing I set my eyes on. And Ryder, I looked up at him to find his gaze on me but he looked away after being caught. I wonder what will be going through that mind of his. Is he cool with this? Why isn't he saying anything? Does he pretend to be a good kid while his dad Is there and turns a rebel behind me? He holds an expression that's unreadable. He looked back at me and caught me looking. I looked away embarrassed. 

The waitress returned with our orders, I forgot what I ordered anyway. It turns out to be an Italian salad, I'm glad it's not anything I won't be able to eat.

"So, Ryder, tell me what your plan is after high school," mom asked.

"Focus on football I guess. Perhaps get into an ivy league school or something" he shrugged and said it so casually like he's said it all over.

"James didn't mention you play" mom looks back at James in defense.

"Yeah. I'm the quarterback" 

"I'd love to come watch you play one of these days right Gen?" 

"Umm… yeah… " I struttered suddenly feeling nervous and not finding the right word to say. 

"The next match is on Friday, you should come" Ryder says

"Oh really… I'll need to reschedule my meeting this week then" 

"You don't have to but thanks, Sophia"

"What are your plans Genevieve?" James asked the same question my mom just threw at his son.

"Me?" I was taken aback by his question. I've never really decided on what I'll do yet. All I know is that I want to get away from here first.

"Ummm…" I paused. "Haven't decided" He nodded in understanding. The rest of the dinner was okay and at the end, we hugged and waved goodbye to my soon to be stepdad and stepbrother. The moment I got into mom's car, my phone vibrated. Thinking I've got a message from Lexi, I pulled it out. It's from an unknown contact. I opened it.

  Unknown: So, stepsister ugh?

I don't need anyone to tell me before I figure out who the sender is. 

~~~~

"Holy shit" Lexi's voice raged through the speakers. I facetimed her as soon as I reached my room.

"That's fucked up" she said and I nodded in agreement. It's more than fucked up.

"I can't believe Ryder's going to be my Stepbrother. I mean giving our story and all that" I pace around the room with my laptop in my hand.

"Well… might be a good thing you know…."

"No fuvkng way!" I charged

"Sorry, just kidding" she laughed but I knew she didn't mean it. There's no way in the world Ryder and I will get closer. He uses every chance he gets to remind me how awful my presence is to him. I hate him so much but now stepbrother??

After a little chat I ended the call with Lexi with the promise to catch up on Monday. I take a shower and put on my pajamas. I was about to start an essay that's due on Tuesday when I heard my phone chirping. I picked it up to find another message from Ryder. 

What does he want from me?

Unknown; I know you aren't asleep

I left it on read but didn't reply but since Ryder's being Ryder he didn't let me rest.

Unknown; Are you ignoring me, sis?

Sis?

Is he being serious right now?

Almost immediately I got another message.

Unknown; Reply me and I will stop

Me; How do you get my number?

Unknown; I'm Ryder Saint,Sis.

I rolled my eyes as if he could see me.

Me; Cut the attitude and stop calling me sis and stop texting me. I care about my grades so I have to study. Goodnight.

I hit the send button then switched off my phone. Ryder texting me?? Unbelievable. I returned back to studying but Ryder seemed to have ruined my mood so I went downstairs to get a cup of water.

I met mom in the kitchen. 

"Want a cup of coffee?"

 She asked, watching me carefully. Since the surprise of throwing Ryder in my face we haven't discussed much. The car ride on our way back was silent. Neither of us didn't know what to say to each other. Somehow I believe I was acting like a bitch. This is the same woman who has taken care of me and gave me her all since the penis donor didn't want it. I want to blame all of this on whoever my father is, if he didn't abandon us in the first place, none of this would be happening. 

"No thanks, I'll just have some water then go to bed" 

I replied

"You're okay with moving with James right?" 

So this was it. How do I explain that I'm okay with moving but not okay with having Ryder as my stepbrother. 

"Of course, James is cool and Ryder I can deal with it" I feigned Excitement and shrugged it off like it's nothing.

"Are you sure" 

I nodded. " You should get some rest" 

She smiled and hugged me goodnight, and I closed my eyes and let the familiar floral scent of her perfume wash over me. I wondered if she’d start wearing something more expensive now that she was marrying a billionaire, and my heart ached a little as I thought of all the other little details that might change in the near future