"Umm… to be honest, I don't want my mom to marry again. I don't want anyone replacing my dad. I love things the way they are—just me and my mom."
"Yeah, I understand how you feel. I felt the same when I first heard the news. But after seeing how happy they are together, I decided to let go," John said sincerely.
"You have to let go too. Let them be happy. I heard you're not in support of it," he added, gently touching my bare shoulder.
A shiver ran through me. Goosebumps rose on my skin, and my heartbeat quickened. He smiled, his dimples showing, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
"I'll be on my way now. I have some unfinished business. Tell my dad I've left."
He turned to go. My eyes followed him. Just as he reached the doorknob, he paused.
"Think about it."
Then he left.
Why am I feeling this way? And why do I suddenly feel guilty because of what he said?
Jessica, get a hold of yourself. He's your stepbrother.
But… he'll only be my stepbrother if Mom and his dad get married.
If they don't… I might not get to see his face again.
"Oh, Jessy…"
"Jessica, where's John?" Mom asked, returning from her walk with Richard.
"He left not long ago. He said he had something important to do."
"Alright," Richard said.
"I'll be heading to my room," I added, walking away before they could respond.
After freshening up and changing into my nightwear, I lay on my bed.
I couldn't stop thinking about what John had said. Was I really doing the right thing?
If I don't support Mom's marriage… I might never see John again.
Maybe… it's a win for everyone if I just let go.
Guilt settled heavily in my chest. I had disrespected Mom and Richard today.
I owe them an apology.
Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.
__******************************__
"Uh…mmh…John you're getting there harder harder uh deeper" I said my back aching, my legs shaking.
"Uh John please" I moaned harder I think my orgasm Is building up.
"John" I let out a loud scream and came I panted heavily letting out a loud scream.
I woke up with a sudden jolt, my heart racing.
It took me a moment to realize—it was just a dream.
"What is wrong with me…?" I whispered, sitting up.
He's going to be my brother soon. Jessica, you need to get a hold of yourself.
I glanced at the clock. 7:00 a.m.
I must have slept deeply—I didn't even hear the alarm.
Quickly, I got ready for school and headed downstairs. Mom and Richard were already there.
"Good morning," I said softly.
They smiled.
"I have something to say," I added, staring at my feet. I couldn't meet their eyes.
"What is it, sweetie?" Richard asked.
I took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry for how I acted yesterday. I know I was immature. I let my insecurities take over. I was scared… scared that things would change, that you wouldn't love me the same way anymore… especially since we still haven't found Dad's murderer."
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
"Hey… my baby," Mom said gently, opening her arms. "You don't have to cry. I knew you'd come around."
I stepped into her embrace, and we both held on tightly.
We started laughing softly when Richard cleared his throat, reminding us he was still there.
I waved goodbye and hurried out, luckily catching the school bus just in time.
At school, I was pulling out my books from my locker when—
"HAAAA!"
I jumped in shock, my heart nearly stopping, only to see Maria grinning at me.
"What was that for?" I asked, pretending to be annoyed.
"I got you!" she laughed.
I rolled my eyes and walked past her. She quickly followed, still laughing.
So annoying.
When we got to class, there was no teacher. We were supposed to have Chemistry, but Mr. Peter wasn't around.
Free period.
Students were scattered around, doing their own thing. Maria sat beside me while I looked across the room—
And there he was.
Derrick.
Bella, the cheerleader, sat comfortably on his lap as he whispered something into her ear. She giggled, her face glowing with happiness.
A sharp wave of jealousy hit me.
I've admired Derrick since grade one.
But… I guess he never even noticed me.