To Hate My Stepbrother

Mason’s POV

“Since this is decided, we can move to the next,” Aisha sighed as she pointed the gun at Ava and just at that moment the cops stormed in and I heaved out a breath that I had no idea I was holding in the first place.

What took them so long? I was beginning to think that they weren’t going to come.

“You did this?!” She asked in a yell and I could see her eyes blazing with rage and fury as she shot stares like daggers at me.

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Aisha.” I persuaded but something about what I said seemed to set her off even more.

“Shut the hell up!” She yelled as she moved from pointing the gun at Ava to pointing it at me, “you have no fucking right to tell me how it’s supposed to be like when you caused all of these in the first place!” She responded.

Her breathing paced and I could see her heart beating fast as her chest moved up and down beneath her dress.

“We’re married like we should be, we should be thinking about starting a new Chapter of our life.” She added.

“You’re surrounded, drop your weapon and place your hand behind your head.” The voice of one of the cops from the public address system brought us back to the realization that the cops were around.

Laughing hysterically, Aisha switched focus back to Ava, “I won’t hesitate to shoot her dead right now if anyone dares come close to me!” She affirmed and I took a glance at the cops who only paused in their tracks.

I knew that they were trying to reduce the amount of casualties and make sure that no one gets hurt but I just couldn’t help but think about what would happen if Aisha really decides to pull the trigger.

Without thinking, I leaped in front of Aisha and I’d tried to yank the gun off her hand when the sound of a gunshot filled the air.

My world froze and time seemed to have stopped as the sound echoed again in my head. The smell of gunpowder hit my nose and the sound of Ava’s scream made my heart stop.

Did she shoot? What just happened?

Turning, the sight I was met with was even more terrifying than I’d expected it to be. Khalid was laying down on the floor in pain and was clutching his side.

The bullet had hit him and he was bleeding profusely as Ava cried while she struggled to set herself free so she could go to him but the rope she was tied up with was too tight.

“Khalid!” I screamed before pushing Aisha off and sprinting to my son’s side. His eyes dilated with pain before squinting back slowly.

“No, no, no. Don’t do this, keep your eyes open. Stay with me.” I tried to get his eyes to stay open and I slapped him gently.

“Daddy,” he called softly and my chest tightened as every one of my being got filled with horror and I didn’t want to think of all the terrible things that could happen right now.

“Is Ava Okay?” He asked and the next thing I heard was Ava’s loud sob. That was when I realized how magnificent the love he had for Ava is.

“She’s fine, Ava is here.” I answered amidst bitter laughter as I watched my son’s eyes closed and I couldn’t help the scream that came out of my mouth.

The gun had left Aisha’s hand and before she could gain another access to the gun the cops already seized her.

Watching as the cops took Aisha out of the building, I tried really hard to find a heartbeat and performed CPR on Khalid.

The only emotion I felt was relief when Khalid gasped and that was the only assurance I needed to know that he was still alive.

I’d almost given up. I thought I lost him.

Leaving Khalid’s side for a while, I ran over to set Ava free and cradled her close to my chest as I smothered her face with kisses.

“You’re fine! You’re fine, I’m glad you’re fine. Are you hurt?” I asked like it wasn’t obvious enough and I didn’t stop the tears from letting itself free as Ava nodded.

Placing her head on my chest, she sobbed on my chest, “I love you.” She muttered and I smiled as I told her how much I love her too.

“I love you too, Ava. I love you so much Ava. Thank goodness you’re fine.” I replied as I kissed her hair and stroked it lightly.

“Khalid,” She cried, her voice breaking and her lips quivering as she pointed towards Khalid, “he needs help.” She added and I nodded.

“The paramedics are on their way with the ambulance and they’ll be here soon.” I assured her as the both of us went back to Khalid.

Ava was too weak to walk but she’d heard the boy ask about her well-being and didn’t want to leave him there.

Placing Khalid’s head on her lap, I watched as she stroked his hair, leaned in to kiss him and whisper to him how much she loved him.

The rest of the building was cleared and three other men were arrested with Aisha. The police took all of them away and soon the ambulance arrived.

“How is he doing?” I asked and one of the paramedics explained to us that it looked like the bullet grazed him so no major damage was done since his heart and rib are still in good shape.

“That’s great.” Ava whispered and something about the way she looked didn’t seem right to me. Her eyes closed and she fell on me.

Quickly, she was rushed into the ambulance and it took the three of us to the hospital so we’ll be properly attended to.

I’m just glad I didn’t lose any of them.