Crossing The Lines

Chapter 1

Leah's P.O.V

He had me trapped between the wall and his body, close enough that I could feel every breath he took.

"Say it again," he murmured, his voice low, dangerous.

My back pressed into the cold surface behind me, my pulse pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I clenched my fists, forcing myself not to melt into him - not to forget everything I was supposed to remember.

"You're my stepbrother," I said, my voice barely steady. "This shouldn't be happening."

A faint smile curved his lips, slow and knowing. "Then why are you still here?"

His hand rested at my waist - the implication was there, heavy and undeniable. My breath hitched despite myself.

"Tell me," he continued softly. "What do you want, Leah?"

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. My heart betrayed me, racing as though it already knew the answer.

I hated him once.

I swore I did.

Yet standing here, caught between what was wrong and what felt terrifyingly right, the truth slipped out before I could stop it.

"I don't know how to stop," I whispered.

For a moment, he didn't move. Didn't speak. His gaze searched my face, intense and unreadable.

How did I end up like this - tangled in emotions I shouldn't even be thinking about?

When did hatred turn into something so dangerously complicated?

It didn't start this way. It started not up to a year ago.

Our final year of high school. Back when he was still my worst nightmare.

***

Brrring!

The school bell rang, signifying break time.

And here I was, heading to my locker, hugging my book to my chest. In the midst of the students walking and chatting here and there, I was like an island unto myself. Maybe that was why I clung tightly to the few people in my life.

My name is Leah Wills, and all my life I had had only one family member - my Mother, Eliana Wills. She raised me to be who I am today.

Getting to my locker, I inserted the key into the keyhole, and just before I could give it a twist, someone held my backpack and pulled me, then another person pushed me. The sudden attack caught me off guard, and I stumbled. I lost my grip on my book, so it fell.

Oh no! I just got this book, and I've been treating it like Cinderella's fragile glass shoe!

I bent down to pick up the book, but another person stepped on my shoulder with force, pushing me forward.

I gasped, instinctively supporting myself with my hand against the floor.

I was pissed off! Who the hell did these people think they were? They're treading on thin ice right now...

"Ouch!" The sharp pain from trying to get up brought me back to reality-I'd sprained my wrist... again.

Oh, I remember the last time I sprained my wrist. That was yesterday, when the quad had paid me a visit in the cafeteria.

Hold on a second... I haven't seen the quad all day. Could it be...

I looked at the pairs of feet before my face. At this moment, I could feel and hear the whispers of the wind. My sense of smell heightened like that of a werewolf, and of course, I was all too familiar with that fragrance-it belonged to Sky, Josh, Finn, and Quinn. Even before the fragrance hit my nose, I knew very well who they were.

"Hello, leech," Finn said, and they laughed.

I wish I could punch his nose! But I couldn't, so I quietly picked up my book. When I got back on my feet, I fixed my gaze on the floor.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Sky snatched my novel, glanced at the cover, then showed it to his friends.

"Oh, look! It's a romance novel," Josh snickered, and they laughed heartily.

They've got a lot of nerve!

"Give it back," I said softly.

Oh shit! That didn't come out as planned. I was supposed to sound fierce, like a Mafia boss lady. I'm sure what they heard was just a stupid goat bleating.

Sky lifted the book above his head and asked, "What exactly should I give back?"

Since words weren't enough, then I'd have to do it the hard way-the violent taketh it by force!

I jumped, trying to reach my novel, but he was far taller than me. I must look stupid right now.

Sky stretched his hand sideways, and handed the novel to Quinn.

Not him! I rushed to take the book from Quinn, but I was held back by Josh, who grabbed my backpack.

"What's wrong?" Sky tilted my chin. "I thought you love sharing. Didn't your mommy teach you how to share?"

I recoiled from his touch, frowning from the bottom of my heart.

"Give it back!" I yelled and tried to get past Sky, but he held my backpack, yanking me back. I struggled and wriggled, hoping to free myself from his grip, but ended up leaving the backpack in Sky's possession.

Shit! That didn't go as planned.

Sky looked at my backpack and smiled. "I wonder what's hiding in here." He slowly unzipped it and said, "Guys, would you like to see it?"

Sky poured the contents of my backpack on the floor, and they laughed again.

"Stop!" I yelled and rushed to gather my writing materials.

"Why the rush?" Josh suddenly pulled my hair.

It felt like the strings keeping my brain together were being pulled. I wanted to twist his hand and punch him in the face, but once my hands touched his, I couldn't bring myself to do anything.

"Ah, it hurts!" I whimpered, weakly trying to make him release his grip on my hair.

"I think we should take our leave now. I'm bored," Sky said as he dusted his hands.

"Thanks for sharing, Leah." Quinn and Finn smiled, dropping my novel on the floor-torn in two.

God, as much as I love twins, I hate this pair. Twins were supposed to be lovely, but take a look at Quinn and Finn-aside from their good looks, they were far from lovely.

I didn't know if seeing my new novel torn in two hurt more than the pain from my hair being pulled, but tears threatened to spill from my eyes, and I tried my best to hold it back.

"Such a crybaby," Josh spat and released my hair, then pushed me to the side, before leaving with the boys.

The commotion attracted a good number of students, who also dispersed when the show was over.

That day after school, I stepped out of the building and on my way to the school gate, I saw Sky in the parking lot. His father came to pick him up today.

I've never seen my own father, and my Mom always avoided the question whenever I asked.

I can't deny the fact that I envied him for having a father who actually cared about him. I watched Sky climb into the black sedan, his father's hand resting briefly on his shoulder before the door closed.

The car pulled away.

I didn't know why my chest felt tight.

I didn't know why I memorized the shape of that car and the sound of the engine.

At the time, I thought it was just envy.

I had no idea that man would soon walk into my life - and change everything

Chapter 2

Leah's P.O.V

When I went home, I wasn't always alone. I had a friend-Melissa. But she was ill, and didn't come to school today.

Once I got home, I was usually alone, until my mother returned from work, which isn't until very late at night, and today would be no different.

Getting to the door, I exhaled in relief, my heart filled with joy. I don't know if I'm weird, but I'm usually happier when I return from school.

I took out my key to open the door, but realized that the door was unlocked. That's odd. My mother left for work the same time I left for school, and I remember locking the door with my own hands.

Could it be that thieves had broken into our house?

I pushed the door open and slowly entered, my eyes scanning everywhere like a detective. Nothing had been stolen yet-well, at least nothing from the dining and living rooms.

I could hear the running tap from the kitchen. Could it be that the thieves had left the tap running?

I peeked in the kitchen, and when I saw that there was no one there, I entered and turned off the tap.

"Leah?" a feminine voice called out my name.

I was startled! My heart raced to Everest and back. I almost screamed, but before my mouth could react, my brain recognized it as my mother's voice.

I turned around with a smile and rushed to hug her. "Mom!"

It was rare to find my mom at home by this time of the day. Though I was happy to see her, I was also worried if something bad had happened at work. Let's say like... being sacked?

"You're back early. Did something happen at work?" I asked.

"I know what's going on in that small head of yours," she chuckled. "Nothing bad happened, silly." Mom brushed her index finger down my nose, and I giggled.

"My boss said I could go home early today. He knew you'd be graduating soon, and suggested that I spend more time with you before you go to college."

"He sure is a nice boss," I smiled. At this point, I finally perceived the sweet aroma coming from the pot. Mom was already preparing dinner!

"Oh! You're making dinner! Can I be of help?" I asked.

"Yes, but you should freshen up first," Mom replied.

"Okay, Mom!"

I ran upstairs to my room. I'm so happy I could finally spend some time with Mom after a stressful day in school. That night, we watched a movie and stayed up late, because the next day was Saturday.

We spent the weekend together, and for once, life felt normal.

On Monday, I went to school in good spirits.

"Oh Lord, may things go well today," I prayed silently.

I got to school early as usual, and throughout the day, Sky and his friends were nowhere to be seen, and I was very happy about that.

After the last class of the day, I walked to my locker confidently. Once I put away some of my textbooks and took the ones I wanted to read tonight, it'd be time to go home.

And just before I got to the locker hall, I heard a voice behind me.

"Hello."

I froze in terror. I could already smell the danger behind me -it was Sky.

"I'm talking to you. Don't you know how to say hi to your friends?" he asked.

I slowly turned around and said nervously, "Hi."

"I'm inviting you to our basketball match. It will be in two days.

Since when did we become this close?!

"Um... I... I don't like sports," I stuttered.

"It's not just an invitation, it's an order. If you don't show up, I promise you'll regret it." His tone lightened as he added with a smile, "After all, what are friends for if you don't support me in every step of the way?"

Without waiting for my response, he left.

"We're not friends," I muttered.

I was relieved he didn't say much, at least this was going to be the last time I'd be threatened by him. Exams would begin next week, and that was a silver lining in the sky for me.

After high school, I'd never see him again.

The day of the basketball match came in the blink of an eye, and before Sky went to the court, he gave me instructions.

"Listen to me carefully. You're going to give me water and a towel when I'm done."

I really wanted to slap him, but I could only nod in agreement. I hoped this game would end soon. The game started, and all I saw was a bunch of idiots running around on the basketball court.

After what seemed like an eternity, the game came to an end, and it seemed like Sky's team won.

When the players left the court, many girls rushed to give them water. Though it was against my will, I got up and went to Sky, but some girls brushed past me, almost pushing me to the ground.

"Seriously?!" I stared at the girls, speechless.

"Sky, look at me!"

"You're so hot!"

"I love you, Sky!"

'These girls are crazy!' I frowned slightly.

I glanced at Sky, who remained expressionless, his chin lifted, looking like a proud demigod. It made me want to punch him!

Then his eyes locked onto mine, a slow, knowing smirk pulling at his lips.

My pulse stuttered.

The game wasn't the worst part. It was what he planned to do after...

Chapter 3

Leah's P.O.V

Sky looked at me strangely, the look in his eyes was as if he were trying to pass a message. Perhaps, signalling me to come over like his personal maid, and do as he had instructed.

I rolled my eyes, but went to him anyway. I pushed my way through to the front, stretched the bottle of water to him, and he took it.

The girls gasped and glanced at the lucky girl, whom Sky had accepted. When they saw it was "Leah", their gaze turned hateful. Of course I knew what they were thinking.

"Why would Sky choose her, of all people? What was so special about her? And since when did they become this close?" And blah, blah, blah.

I, on the other hand, was angry within myself. Everyone was staring at me weirdly, and the girls were unusually silent. Everyone's gaze was fixated on Leah, Sky, and the girls. Just the kind of attention I would've appreciated - if I were famous.

"Great!" I muttered under my breath.

I wanted to leave this place, so badly, as if I'd be infected by the world's most deadliest disease if I stayed any longer. It was awkward being stared at by this kind of crowd, in this kind of situation. I know what everyone was thinking right now - a girl craving Sky's attention was standing before their very eyes, holding a face towel. She even gave him a bottle of water.

Yeah, right. They always made a big deal out of everything.

Good. I've had enough of this. I turned to throw the towel at his face and leave, but just as I lifted the towel to his chest, I gasped loudly.

Sky emptied the bottle of water over my hair. The cold water sent shivers down my spine, and I shuddered involuntarily.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Sky said in a mocking way, and everyone burst out laughing.

Alicia, the lead cheerleader, stepped forward, pressing herself against his arms.

I couldn't help but feel nauseous. I mean what are kids as old as them doing in our class in the first place?

"Sky, you must be thirsty. And having to deal with this filth," she glared at me for a split second, then smiled at Sky, "you must be exhausted."

Alicia opened the bottle of water and handed it to Sky. Surprisingly, he took it, and drank from it.

"Ooh!" The girls gushed.

"They look good together!"

"Skylicia for life!"

"I envy her!"

"Who does Leah think she is, by the way?"

"Leah could never stand up to Alicia."

"Did she think Sky would like a wretch like her?"

"I wish I could be Alicia!"

They went on and on, saying all sorts of nonsense, but soon, they all sounded like distant noises to me.

Did Sky make me come here, just so he could humiliate me and make me a laughing stock again?

If that was his plan, then congratulations to him for succeeding.

Their haunting laughs echoed in my ears once again. I was more than embarrassed. My eyes became misty, and before I could even think twice, I ran out of the hall.

I went to the locker hall, and on the way, people kept staring at me, and I also heard giggles. Not sure if I was the object of their giggles, but it kept echoing in my head.

Once in front of my locker, I opened it and locked myself in. I sat thMy spare uniform wasn't in my locker, and I couldn't go to class looking like this! Lost in thoughts, I fell asleep.

I don't know how long I had been in my locker, but when I came out, classes had ended, and school was almost empty. I touched my body and realized that even my dress had dried up... already? That was fast.

I quickly carried my backpack and went home in a hurry. My body ached all over, and it felt like the burden of the entire world was laid on me! Even on the bus, I kept stretching, but the pain didn't want to leave. The more I stretched, the more I felt the weather getting colder.

When I got home, mom wasn't back yet. Thank goodness! If she had returned before me, she would've been worried sick.

I went to my room, and after freshening up, my head felt heavier, and I sat on my bed. The world was spinning before my eyes, and everything in my room was rolling on the floor.

I felt the need to stand up and arrange them, but I was afraid I'd fall. Just then, my fear came to pass-the bed seemed to glide toward the wall, and I collapsed back onto it. Everything happened so fast that I felt dizzy. I was lying in an uncomfortable position, but I couldn't get up. The next minute, I opened my eyes, the light in my room was blinding.

I closed my eyes, and listened to my environment. Some people were murmuring. Who had entered my room? Are they thieves?

I wanted to take a quick glance, but my eyes felt heavier. Soon, I felt a sharp sting on my arm. I opened my eyes, but saw nothing but pure white, and then heard my name. Was this a nightmare?

Shortly, I opened my eyes and saw some creatures. Their description matched very well with the ones I had read in a horror story -long legs, sharp claws, ugly looking with their fangs bared. Only one thought was in my head-Run!

I turned around to run, but it seemed like I was strolling instead. I glanced back at them, and they snarled and growled, approaching fast. I tried to run, but it seemed like I wasn't moving.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. They grabbed me -one holding my left arm, and another holding my right. I wanted to cry, but the tears weren't pouring. Instead, a sharp headache hit me.

If this was a dream, now would be the right time to wake up!

They threw me in a dark abyss. I kept falling, until I finally opened my eyes. I tried to sit up, but the sharp headache hit me again, and I groaned.

It wasn't until now I realized that this wasn't my room. This wasn't home! Where was I?