NINE MONTHS WITH MY STEPBROTHER

Chapter 1

“It might not be as bad as you are trying to make it look like,” Kira walked over to foot of my bed.

She picked up the gold necklace that was spread on the bed and twirled it around her finger.

I scoffed. “Yeah… You are not the one moving in with a total stranger.”

“You realise you will have to stop calling him stranger once he’s married to your mom?” She narrowed her green eyes at me.

“We will take that step once we get there. But right now, I can call him whatever I want,” I almost snapped, but refrained myself.

I was becoming too short-tempered these days, and I easily get edgy.

From the moment my mom walked in, displaying her engagement ring. I knew something was about to change.

I just could not place my finger on what exactly it was.

“You have to get away from that window, Lexi, and help me move all these boxes,” Kira whined.

“Why should I help you move them?” I frowned from where I was seated.

I always love the view of the garden from up here, it was my little escape paradise.

“Because I’m not the one moving, so why should I be the one suffering right now?” Kira groaned as she dragged yet another bag

I placed my hand over my mouth to keep myself from laughing so hard when I saw Kira shove the bag away from her.

“What is so funny?” She huffed.

“Oh! Nothing,” I giggled

“That is, it! She threw her hands up in the air. “I am not lifting a finger anymore.”

I burst out laughing, the action causing me to move away from the window. I placed my hand on my tummy, not able to stop the laugh.

“You should have seen your face Kira, you look like a squashed tomato,” I told her, causing Kira to fold her arm over her chest

“Go tell that squashed tomato to help you with your bags,” she made to walk out, but I grab her arm.

“Oh! come on,” I laughed. “You know, I was only joking. Why do you like taking my jokes so serious?”

She pouted and turned away from me, but I knew she was only faking her anger. So, I engulfed her in a warm sisterly hug.

"You should know by now that you mean a lot to me. You didn't have to act like someone took your candies away." I added that last part on purpose.

And she glared hard at me, so I smiled at her sheepishly.

She finally relented. She got in the bed and patted the space beside her, but I had a better idea.

I pulled her to the window side and sat her down, so she can see the beauty that stares back at me every single day that I look out.

"This is beautiful," she cooed.

I knew she was going to like it.

“So…” she drawled. “Where is it you are moving to?”

“California,” I chewed on my tongue. “I wish we didn’t have to leave.”

“Come on girl, don’t let that weigh you down,” Kira pushed away from the window and stared at me.

Her green orb shone brighter, and without being told, I knew she already has a bad idea brimming around that small head of hers.

“Let’s go clubbing,” she squealed. “Like good old friends, let's laugh and do what we want for the last time,” she urged.

“I don’t think I can do that; mom might decide to show up any time, and I don’t want to be the one to hold her back.”

Kira pulled out her phone and dialled a number

“What are you doing?” I stared at her.

Hello Mrs Cornell… Is it okay if Lexi and I go clubbing tonight?… I just want to spend time with her for the last time…

Oh okay! Of course… I will make sure we are back home before dawn… Thank you so much.

She hung up the call and looked at me.

“Now there is no reason for you to refuse to go with me,” she smirks.

“Ugh!” I groaned.

Kira pulled at my hand and tugged me into the bathroom. She giggled when I pouted my lips.

“Stop sulking like a little baby and take off your clothes so we can have our bath,” Kira laughed.

I finally pulled off my clothes and stepped under the shower with my bestie as we scrub our bodies clean.

******

One hour later

The two ladies stepped out of the room, looking as ravaging as they could manage.

“Don’t you think this dress is too short?” I tried to pull at the tip of my gown.

“There is nothing wrong with-it babe, it is perfect for tonight,” Kira winked. “Remember, tonight we won’t hold back and have all the fun we can get.”

I nodded sluggishly. Even though I am not comfortable with it, I decided not to hurt Kira’s feelings.

Her car finally stopped in front of a classy club, and we got down.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked her.

“I couldn’t be surer,” she smiled, but it soon drops, and her expression became serious.

“We already talked about this, Lexi, even If you wouldn’t let any guy have his way with you. Then at least let them buy you a drink and dance with you, okay?”

“Fine… Fine, I heard you, mom,” I rolled my eyes. “You don’t have to nag at me.”

“We are going in,” she told me, and I have a feeling she was trying to warn me.

“Let’s go,” I tried to appear calm, but my racing heart refuse to calm down.

She stretched her hand out to me and I took it. With our hand entangled together, we walked into the club.

“Now this is what I’m talking about,” Kira beamed, as we stepped in.

My eyes took over my face at the sight in front of me, and I swallowed hard

"I am definitely in trouble."