Allison
I trudged home, still reeling from my fight with Colby. Goodness! What was wrong with me? I mean, us. What the heck is wrong with us?
As I entered the house, I saw Mom, Jayden, and Tom already seated at the dining table, enjoying their breakfast.
“Hey, come join us!” Mom called out. “You must be starving.”
“I’m fine,” I muttered, unable to meet their eyes. I hurried upstairs, eager to escape the conversation. Who knows what Mom could ask next.
As I climbed the stairs, I heard Tom ask, “What’s wrong with her?”
Mom’s reply was laced with concern. “I have no idea. Jayden, do you want to check up on her?”
I reached the top of the stairs and continued to my room, shutting the door behind me. I didn’t want to talk to anyone.
Just as I thought I’d finally have some peace, there was a knock on the door. “What is it, Jayden?” I asked, trying to sound firm.
“I want to talk about what’s happening,” he said, his voice gentle but persistent. “What’s wrong with you? And shouldn’t you come eat? I’m sure you’re hungry.”
“I’m not hungry,” I sighed. “I already ate at Colby’s place.”
“You went to Colby’s place?” Jayden’s tone changed, and I could sense his slight anger. “Open the door. Let me talk with you.”
I sighed, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I don’t want to talk, Jayden. Please, just go. I want to be alone right now.”
“Fine,” he uttered. “But remember your promise.”
“What promise?” I asked, opening the door, but he didn’t come in.
“Oh, you keep forgetting, don’t you?” he asked, raising a brow. “Tonight is my birthday, remember?”
“Oh,” I muttered.
“I’ll be expecting my gift then?” he smirked, his eyes scanning me from head to toe like he was trying to see past my clothes. “See you tonight,” he said before turning and leaving.
I sighed deeply, wondering how and when I had forgotten something so important. Well, all thanks to my supposed best friend, Colby Banks.
Shaking my head, I went back inside and shut the door. I grabbed my phone and sent a message to Sally. “Hey, are you coming to Jayden’s birthday tonight? We’re having a small party.”
But there was no response from Sally. Again. And that fucker was online! Hell! I didn’t just call my sister a fucker now, did I? Whatever, her behavior sucks, so she had better get used to it now.
“Hey, fucker!” I messaged.
Snubbed.
A deep frown etched on my face as I felt a surge of frustration. What was wrong with this girl?
I decided to call her, but she didn’t pick up. I tried a video call, but she ignored that too.
“Really, are you going to ignore me like this forever?” I asked, feeling annoyed.
As if she was trying to mock me, she went offline and came online again, but she still didn’t respond. I messaged her again, not giving up anytime soon. “Mom told me I shouldn’t trust you. What’s going on between you two? What’s happening in this family, exactly?”
Sally’s response came faster than I expected. “What did she say? Did she say anything stupid?” she asked, her messages rapid-fire.
“Wow, so you can have fingers? Totally forgot,” I said, sarcasm dripping from my words.
“Why did mom say she didn’t trust me?” she asked, ignoring my other message.
My response was, “I have no idea.”
“Are you going to tell me or not?!” Sally shot.
“Fucker! Mom didn’t tell me anything,” I replied.
“So tell me, are you going to tell me what’s happening between you two and this family? What the fuck is going on?”
Instead of giving me a clear response, Sally dropped a bombshell. “I don’t have time to talk to you, and I’d prefer it if you didn’t talk to me either.”
And with that, Sally went offline.
I scoffed, “Such an obnoxious brute!” Turning off my phone, I set it aside.
Just then, I remembered Jayden’s birthday gift. I should get him something. Grabbing my wallet and phone, I headed downstairs.
When I headed downstairs, I saw Jayden watching TV with his dad. Mom was taking dishes to the kitchen. “I’m going out,” I announced.
I glanced at Jayden, who gave me nothing but a wink, and I quickly looked away. What was wrong with him? Acting like that with his father sitting right next to him.
Mom’s voice echoed from the kitchen, “Where are you going?”
“I want to get something,” I replied, already heading out the door.
Once outside, I saw Yvonne stepping out of her house. She walked over to me, a curious expression on her face. “Is Jayden home?” she asked, cocking her head to the window.
“Yes,” I replied.
Yvonne looked me up and down. “Seems you’re going out.”
“Not your business,” I said with a shrug.
She chuckled. “Indeed it’s not, but since you’re going to be my future sister-in-law, you’re going to be my business anyway.”
I rolled my eyes, but Yvonne continued, “I’m going to get a gift for Jayden. Do you know what he likes?”
“I have no idea,” I sighed, clenching my fists. “Even as his sister, I’m also thinking of what to get him. Off to some store to get him something though.”
“Both of us can go together, right?” She linked her arm through mine. “Let’s go. I’m sure they’ll have ideas on what to get for our boyfriend and brother.”
I clenched my jaw, a wave of fury and irritation rising inside me. Really? A future stepsister? After what she did to Sally? The nerve!
As I walked alongside Yvonne, we finally found ourselves standing in front of a trendy gift boutique. The sign above the door read “Unique Finds,” and the window display showcased an assortment of eclectic items.
Yvonne pushed open the door, and we stepped inside. The saleswoman greeted us with a warm smile. “What can I help you ladies find today?”
Yvonne spoke up, her voice bubbly. “My boyfriend’s birthday is today, and I want to get him a special present. I’m not sure what to get him, though.”
She gestured to me. “This is his sister, and she also wants to get him a gift.”
I nodded softly, feeling a bit awkward. The saleswoman smiled knowingly. “I think I have just the thing. Follow me, please.”
As we trailed behind the saleswoman, Yvonne shot me a cheerful smile, but I simply looked away. Who the hell was she smiling at? Real fucker.