To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

I watched TV with my mum throughout the night and had even fallen asleep on the couch. The excitement of my mother’s engagement still filled the air and mum’s excitement was really contagious.

The week went on slowly as I kept going to school and back, my mum wouldn’t stop talking about her fiancée and of course, I was genuinely happy for her.

She deserves to finally find happiness again.

“What do you think about this?” My mum asked and I lifted my gaze from my phone to find her dressed in a gorgeous white dress.

She looked really beautiful and the smile she had on made her look even prettier, the preparation for the wedding was starting to take place and I’d decided I was going to follow her to try some dresses on.

Although she’d decided she didn’t want a big, fancy wedding, I insisted she got dressed like a bride at least and I was happy when she agreed.

“Mum, you look really beautiful.” I answered as I stood up and examined the dress, it was the perfect size and the design was perfect too. The diamonds on the dress formed a big heart in the middle of her chest, and It had little florals on it that made me love it even more.

“Really? Thank you.” She gushed and I nodded. I watched as she went back to the dressing room to get changed and she’d asked that the dress be held down for her since she’d be taking it.

“You’re meeting him tomorrow, are you excited?” My mother asked and I nodded, I’d almost forgotten about the meeting and I couldn’t help but be grateful that she’d reminded me.

“Yes, I really can’t wait. I need to see the man behind your smiles and the one you’re about to abandon me for.” I teased but she took it a little personally.

“Don’t say that, I’m not abandoning you. Is that how you feel?” She asked, her face falling and I shook my head immediately.

“No, I was just pulling your legs,” I answered and she raised an eyebrow, she wanted to be sure I was okay with the wedding.

“Mum, c’mon. I was only teasing you. I want this for you just as much as you do.” I added and she sighed.

“I want you to know that I love you so much and no one, no one can ever take your place in my heart.” She affirmed as she leaned down to press a kiss against my cheek.

I knew she loves me and I love her just as much.

“I know, mum and I love you more.” I smiled and she stood as we continued our walk to the car and drove home.

The drive home wasn’t as filled with a lot of chitchat, and we began talking about how many people to invite, the better cake flavors and designs and all other stuff.

We got home and my mother fixed us a nice plate for dinner, we both ate heartily and had decided to watch TV before I retired to bed.

“Goodnight mum.” I yawned as I stood up.

“Goodnight, Angel.” She replied and I slowly made my way to my room as I laid on the bed and stared outside the window.

I will be meeting him tomorrow for the first time, and in a way, I was looking forward to it. I want to know the man who was marrying my mother, even though I might never grow to see him as a father to me.

~~~

The blaring sound of my alarm ringing woke me up from my sleep, I jumped when I heard it sound unexpectedly and I only relaxed when I realized it was just my bedside alarm.

I hopped to the bathroom and cleaned myself up.

I walked outside to meet my mother, happy and energetic, she was cleaning the house as usual and hadn’t noticed me until she turned.

“You’re awake.” She said, “I’m just cleaning up, you know. I’m arranging the house.” She explained and I laughed.

“I know mum, you don’t have to explain everything.” I laughed as I made my way to the kitchen, it still isn’t till evening before he shows up and my mum and I had thought of picking up groceries in the afternoon.

“What’s for breakfast?” I asked and I soon heard footsteps as my mother joined me in the kitchen.

“How about I fix you a plate of sandwich then we get to eat after grocery shopping?” She asked and I nodded in agreement.

I watched as my mother danced around the kitchen preparing my breakfast for me. I finished eating and was scrolling through my phone, waiting for my mum to be done with her chores so we could go shopping together.

“Let’s go.” She announced and I stood to join as we both made our way to the grocery shop, we’d decided we were going to walk to the supermarket since it wasn’t all that far and the weather looked quite nice today.

~~~~

Night finslly arrived.

I took the plain black gown that I had hung and put it on, I also did my makeup– a light one, and then I dropped my hair so it fell down my mid back in soft curls.

“You look really beautiful.” I gushed when I saw my mother, she had a red gown on and a red lipstick to match, her hair fell a little bit past her shoulders and the side of her face was covered with it.

She looked gorgeous, like a model.

That’s where I got my hood looks from.

“Thank you. You look absolutely breathtaking as well.” She huffed out around a giggle just as we heard the doorbell ring.

“I’ll get it.” She called out as she walked to the door.

~~~

“You must be Ava.” The man said with a warm smile just as mum began to introduce us properly. The rest of the dinner was well spent and when mum had asked about his son, he’d told us that his son couldn’t accompany him tonight because he had some urgent things to tend to, but would definitely be meeting Ava on the wedding day.

After the pleasant dinner, I waited in the car while he exchanged a kiss with mum while whispering things I never wished to hear, into her ear. Soon, she was sliding into the car, cheeks heated up and eyes twinkling with excitement.

He made his way into the car as well and I retired into my bedroom as soon as we arrived home, waiting to give my mother and her fiancée as much privacy as they’d want.

I was exhausted. The dinner was better than I had expected. Even though I didn’t get to meet with the man’s son tonight, I didn’t mind. I had a feeling I was going to get along with him just fine, seeing how easy it was for me to get along with my mum’s fiancé.

I couldn’t shake off the look of undiluted happiness on my mother’s face while we’ve been having dinner with her fiancée tonight.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen her that happy, ever since dad died.

Maybe this marriage really was a good thing.

But, I do miss my dad though.

I let out a small sigh as I picked the picture of him I had by my bedside table.

‘I miss you dad.’ I whispered, kissing and placing it back in its spot, and then I closed my eyes to sleep, I have a long week ahead of me.