To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

We walked back to class with me being mad at Nicole for giving the waiter my number without my consent.

“C’mon Ava, chill out already.” She cajoled as she followed behind me while we both made our way to the evening class, which was our last class for the day.

I knew Nicole wasn’t one to concentrate in class and this evening wasn’t different. She was blowing bubble gums and texting Ryan, barely paying attention to the lecture that I had to occasionally tap her to bring her to reality.

“Out of my class this minute.” The professor said after being unable to take it any longer, making me stare dejectedly as Nicole picked up her bag to leave the class, making me mood get sour in an instant.

She sometimes does this on purpose so she can be sent out of the class, and because of that. I had personally pleaded with her multiple times to at least try and listen in class today, she was lagging behind on her grade but she still wouldn’t listen.

“Hi.” The guy who took Nicole’s space greeted me and I only scoffed before ignoring him and focusing back on the ongoing lecture. I tried my best to listen and jotted down what I needed to research on as the class progressed.

The class ended and everyone instantly started to leave at once.

One thing I really hated, was rushing to leave the class room immediately after lectures, because that just creates unnecessary ruckus which I’d rather not be mixed up with.

“Hi, I’m Xander,” I heard a low voice say behind me and I shut my eyes tight in frustration for a moment as I turned around to regard him curiously, realising that I didn’t know what he looked like.

“I’m new here so I’m just trying to make some new friends.” He added and I forced out a smile.

“I’m Ava, nice to meet you.” I said, introducing myself as I held out my palm for a handshake which he gladly accepted. I’d only done this so I wouldn’t appear rude to him.

I turned back and was about to leave when my professor suddenly called me over , making me huff out a long breath sa I headed over to him.

He talked to me for a few moments before gesturing to Xavier who was back to standing behind me, surprisingly.

“Have you met Xander?” He asked and I nodded affirmatively as I told him that I’d met Xander earlier and we already introduced ourselves.

“Okay, that’s good,” He said, “Since you’re the leading student in the class and of course, my best one.” He said with a proud smile that made me feel a little gleeful.

“Thank you, Sir.” I muttered politely.

“Of course, dear. Also, yes, I would like for you to tutor Xander, he’s new and he needs as much help as he can get so he doesn’t fail the class.” He added and my eyes widened a little in shock at the unexpectedness of his request.

I had absolutely no intention of tutoring anyone, especially not anyone that looks like Xander.

“I’m sorry, Sir but I don’t think I’m the best one for the job.” I started, trying to make excuses for the reason I wouldn’t be able to tutor Xander.

“Why, if I may ask?” My teacher started, wrapping both arms over his chest with an eyebrow raised in curiosity..Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Because…” I started when I realised I didn’t have a tangible reason in my head right now.”

“I’ll let you lecture in one of my classes if you agree to tutor him.” He said and my eyes widened and I could tell that he could see the glint of excitement that I had in them.

“Really?!” I yelled in excitement and he nodded affirmatively.

“Yes, only if you agree to do that.” He added and I shrieked. That was definitely a perfect way to get me to do his bidding, and I wasn’t surprised that he knew that.

“Yes, Sir. I’ll do it.” I let out and he nodded.

“Since you both met earlier then it wouldn’t be much of a difficult task for you.” He answered and I nodded affirmatively.

~~~

I walked out of the class to find that Nicole wasn’t outside waiting for me, I looked around in confusion as I tried to think of the possible places she could be when my phone chimed.

‘Ryan came and I had to leave with him but don’t worry, I’ll see you again in two days when we have classes together. Xoxo.’

I read the message out loud and a sense of irritation stirred in me as I stared at my phone screen. Shrugging the feeling off, I walked out of the school building to find a taxi to take me home.

I got home after an hour and the sight I got to see made me jealous for weird reasons. Mason was baking cookies with my mum and they were grinning from ear to ear.

I ignored him as I walked over to hug my mum from behind, “Hey, my gorgeous mum.” I breathed out as I pressed a kiss to her cheek and she answered amidst laughter as she turned to look at me.

“How were classes today?” She asked.

“Fair.” I answered, stretching my hand to pick one of the cookies, but unexpectedly, Mason slapped my hand away, making me drop the cookie I had already picked in reflex.

“Why would you do that? Are you insane?!” I demanded angrily.

“Don’t touch it, it’s not even yours to start with. I was clearly part of the people who baked that, the least you could do is to ask for permission before taking anything off the plate.” He shot back and I breathed out a scoff.

God, I want to behead him so bad.

When I fell silent, he carried on. “Your hands are also dirty. At least wash them first.”

“How dare you tell me my hands are dirty? I washed them.” I argued vehemently but he only shook his head and tugged the plate of cookies to his side, making me roll my eyes in irritation.

My mum picked a piece of cookie and fed it to me, I smiled at her as I said my thanks and stuck my tongue out at Mason as soon as I done, and as soon as my mum wasn’t looking, I gave him the middle finger, one which he eagerly returned without wasting any time.

Mason rolled his eyes at me as he brought out his phone and started going through after a few moments, just as my mum brought out the lists of things she needed me to help her get from the grocery store.

She had agreed to do the shopping herself with Danny, but it seems like the plans are already changed.

“Where’s Danny?” I asked curiously. He could accompany me to do the shopping since we’ve both decided to hang out with each other now.

“He has an important meeting to attend to and he won’t be able to go with you but you can go with Mason.” My mother was explaining and my head shot up at once.

“What?” Mason and I said in unison as we both stared at my mother who only laughed heartedly.

“It’s not that big a deal. Both of you would do great,” my mum said as she cleaned her hand with the napkin, “Ava, go get ready so you and your brother can go together.” She finished and I scoffed beneath my breath at the word ‘brother’..

“You don’t mind right, Mason?” She asked.

“I don’t.” He responded sweetly, and if my mother was as sane as I’d like to believe, then there was no way she was supposed to buy that response.