Bullied By My Alpha Stepbrother

Jason Davenport

A knock interrupted me as I was about to start breakfast. Since Dad wasn’t home I’d started the habit of taking my food upstairs to my room. And I was really starting to like it.

I could lie down lazily on a chair, or even on my bed, my food in a tray, eating at my own pace and leisure.

Dad would never had allowed me to do that. We always ate proper. Always on a dining table.

But as I was alone, I’d started to indulge in little things I’d never done before.

“Come in!” I ordered, throwing a potato fry in my mouth.

A servant walked in swiftly. “Mr and Mrs Davenport are on their way from the airport. Mr Davenport said to inform you.”

Oh. They were back. Finally.

I breathed out slowly. Dad was okay. Nothing went wrong.

“Okay,” I responded, waving her away.

She gave a short nod and walked out, clicking the door shut.

I quickly downed the rest of my breakfast and jumped into the shower. I’d also resorted to showering and eating whenever I felt like.

As I turned on the shower, my mind raced. I needed to start planning as quickly as possible. Ashley might strike any time now. And I needed to prepare.

First things first, find out what she’s planning, follow her when she leaves the house at odd hours, or answers weird calls.

I would get to the bottom of this if it’s the last thing I do.

Amelia Forbes

I settled down on the cold, hard pavement a few metres from the bleachers.

It was 5pm. I’d come back to school after classes were over. By then, sports teams and study groups were done with their sessions for today. And I could sit here all alone, letting my mind wander, and feeling the cool evening breeze on my face.

This was exactly what I needed. Peace.

I’d sat enjoying the scenery for a while when I heard the footsteps of someone approaching. I was suddenly on guard, wondering who would be in school by this time. Well except security and the janitor.

I narrowed my eyes, watching as Adrian came into view. He was too busy wiping sweat off his forehead to notice me.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

What was he doing in school, I wondered. There was no practice today.

A few feet to where I sat, he sighted me.

A look of surprise came over his face as he strolled towards me. I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as I recited to myself.

Relax, Mel. Breathe. He’s not Jason. You’re doing just fine.

My fingers dug into concrete as he finally approached.

“Hey,” He murmured as he stood watching me. “Can I sit here?”

My heart pounded. Relax, Mel. Breathe.

“Yeah sure,” I whispered, scooting to the side.

“Thanks.”

He gestured to himself. “Well, I’m really sweaty, I hope you don’t mind.”

I didn’t, really. So I shook my head.

We sat like that for a while. No conversation. Just two people, each lost in their own thoughts. For a second, I wondered what demons Adrian had. Because as soon as he’d sat, it was like he’d been transported to another universe. He just sat there, gazing.

“What are you doing in school?” I asked, suddenly suspicious.

He turned to me. “Oh. I knew no one would be here, that’s why I came. To play basketball and stuff. It helps me clear my head.”

Oh. I suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. He was only here for the same reasons I was. And here I was, all up in his case.

I turned away from him.

“Oh okay,” I replied, not knowing what else to say.

“Are you okay, Mel?” He asked, gently, carefully. As if he knew he might hit a nerve.

I felt my jaw tic. “What makes you think I’m not?” I said, carelessly.

Why couldn’t everyone just leave me alone. . .

“I didn’t say you weren’t. I just want to make sure. You’ve been looking pretty tired lately. . .” He trailed off.

“I’m fine, Adrian,” I said suddenly feeling angry. I don’t know why I felt angry, as I knew there was no reason to. But the anger came notwithstanding. “I don’t need you or anyone else to play babysitter.”

“Mel,” He called gently. I refused to look him in the eyes.

“Mel, look at me,” He repeated.

The assurance in his voice prompted me to face him, and when I did I could see the sadness in his face.

“I’m not trying to play babysitter.”

He reached for my hand. “I really care about you, Mel.”

My breath caught in my throat. And from the initial fear of him holding my hand to the warmth of his hand against mine, my eyes widened as I realized what he meant.

Adrian Goldfield just admitted he liked me.

Seeing the confusion in my eyes, he continued. “Hey, I know it’s a lot to take in, and it’s kinda weird that I chose this moment to say this. But. . . I really do like you.”

He paused.

“You’re smart, funny, weird sometimes,” He laughed a little. “But it’s the most adorable thing about you. Your kindness. . . the way you are, it makes me strive to be a better person. And I know that we haven’t spent a lot of time together but, I feel more like myself with you. I feel like. . . I can discuss anything, be who I really am, and not be scared of you judging me. And it’s the most beautiful feeling.”

He smiled at me, his eyes shining brightly. I felt something wet on my cheeks and I realized I’d been crying.

“If you give me a chance, Mel, I’d-”

“Stop,” I whispered. “Please. . .”

I felt like I was choking.

Gently, I took my hand away from his. “I’m sorry, Adrian. I-I can’t do this.”

My hand shook and I tucked it away safely in my hoodie. I looked up to see the hurt in Adrian’s eyes.

“I just-I have a lot going on-” I took a moment to calm down.

“I respect you, Adrian. I really do. And I respect our friendship.” My voice shook. “But I-I’m not sure I feel the same way.”

I refused to let the broken look in his eyes stop me.

“Yes, I admire you. And I admit I kinda liked you, at least I thought I did. But now it’s out there. . . I just realize that I like having you around. We flow in conversation more than I ever did with anyone. You’re nice to me, and you don’t bully me like the rest of your friends. And it’s. . . great. But I don’t think about you. . . in that way.”

I swallowed, willing myself to continue.

“If I dated you now, it’d only be because I’m grateful to you, not because I like you. I mean, I do like you. But not. . . like that.” I added.

Yes, that was part of the reason. I also didn’t feel like I was ready to be in any relationship with anyone. Not after what happened. I wouldn’t be able to bear it.

I still flinched every time someone came twenty feet to me. I couldn’t handle a relationship.

“And it doesn’t seem like the right reason to date you. . .” I trailed off. I felt like I’d said enough.

The pain in his eyes said all that he wasn’t willing to. And so, I made up my mind.

“It’s probably best we stay away from each other,” I said, getting to my feet and planting my hands deeper into my hoodie.

“Mel.” He said, surprise coating the pain in his voice.

“No,” I stopped him. “It’s my decision. You don’t have a say in it-”

“Amelia you don’t have to-”

“No.” I stated, wiping the tears on my face furiously. “Stay away from me, Adrian,” I said finally, turning away from him and walking away as quickly as I could.