Her Stepbrother's Obsession;His Kitten

~Claire

"What...what do you mean you're getting a divorce?"I asked with glassy eyes staring at Dad who looked so fucking remorseful but also helpless. "And you? You're getting engaged?"I was hardly the type who spoke loudly so my words came in a whisper.

I was aware our home was in trouble. It started with Dad loosing his job due to God-knows-what, and then becoming a gambling addict. And then, Mum suddenly changing from being the supportive wife and mum she used to be, to a nonchalant one. She began spending late nights out and would blame it on work. Who knew working as a salesgirl in a boutique took so much time all of a sudden.

Sure,I knew things were far from okay and that's why I spoke to them about this about five months ago. I made it clear that their now toxic relationship was taking its toll on me. I was beginning to feel depressed and I thought it was best to speak to them about it. They'd promised to try, for my sake. I was getting tired of the midnight yells and curses. I needed my peaceful, joyful home back and they'd promised me to work on it. So what the hell was this?

Not even in my wildest dreams had I imagined them turning to divorce as a solution. Of every damned thing they could think of..... divorce? That wasn't even supposed to be among the options.

"Honey, it's for your own good. Some things are beyond repair,and this marriage,"mum gestured between herself and dad. "Happens to be one of those things. It's best we end things here before any more harm is done,"she spoke calmly. Dad remained silent. He's been that way since I came down for the supposed meeting.

"You promised to work on it. You promised to not let me go through the pain of experiencing a broken home,"i spoke hurtfully,my eyes burning with tears.

"And that's what I'm doing. Claire,your Dad still gambles. He promised to quit it the last time I remember. Hell, he's made that promise a bazillion times!"her voice came out firm. Decisive. "There's no redemption for him and soon, he'd be loosing this house and we wouldn't be able to do a damned thing about it. We can't live like this and you know it."

I nodded as though I was understanding her words when in reality, my head felt way too heavy to make sense out of what was being said.

"So,the divorce is only because of dad's gambling addiction?"I asked and mum nodded.

"Got it. Then your said engagement? Cause as far as I know, you're still married to Dad,"I spoke wanting her to explain.

"We're getting divorced soon, Claire. That shouldn't be an issue,"she deadpanned. I laughed hurtfully.

"What isn't an issue? The fact that you've been cheating on Dad for only-God-knows-how-long, or the fact that you're truly divorcing Dad for your new lover and not because you truly care about me or how I live,"I spoke and I instantly regretted it. A slap landed my face the moment I finished and the sting was hellish.

"Helen." Dad spoke for the first time,his tone void of any emotion. "Don't. Push me. Hit her one more time and you'll regret it,"Dad spoke in a daring tone. It was the first time I'd ever heard Dad speak like that. Mum scoffed.

"Listen here, Honey. You're going to have to pack cause by tomorrow morning, we'll be on our way to Pennsylvania. That's all I have to say,"she spoke and turned her heels around, walking away.

I looked at Dad who casted me a sorry look.

"She won in court. She's the one having you in her custody,"he broke the news and my tongue felt bitter. "But don't worry, you're allowed to visit me whenever you want."

They went to court without my knowing? Just how far behind was I in this whole thing? But then again,it wasn't like I had a say or anything.

What truly surprised me was mum's sudden change. She'd never ever hit me since my birth. Up until today, I'd always had a say. What changed?

I had no idea I was crying until Dad joined me on my couch, wiping off my tears.

"I'm sorry, honey. It's all my fault. I couldn't do anything."

Was it? Maybe it was. Maybe none of these would've happened if he didn't suddenly loose his job and dive into gambling. Maybe mum never would've stopped loving him.

"Why did you suddenly start gambling? If you hadn't,maybe she'd still be here,"I voiced out my thoughts.

No girl would fancy having her family broken. For me, divorce was a disease I deeply dreaded. I'd never for once dreamt it would happen right in my house, with me being so fucking helpless.

Dad sighed. "I was trying to survive for you and your mother, princess. When I lost my job, your mum was far from being sad. She was more of mad. She didn't care how I did it,all she knew was I had to provide the same way I was when I still had my job. No company was willing to take me for different reasons,so I had to look for an option,"he explained. "I thought that would be the best way out until I started falling into more debts. It was never my intention to cause you discomfort or pain, believe me,"he squeezed my hand.

"So,in other words, it's mum's fault?"I asked quietly. Dad never would've taken to gambling had she supported him like she made me believe she did. Together,they would've found a way out. Not this hole we were digging for ourselves.

"I wouldn't say that, princess. It's too late to push blames around,"he spoke sadly. If there was one thing I knew,then it's the fact that my Dad adored my mum. He looked at her like she was the only person in the room. Even during the times mum degraded him,compared him with her friends husbands, he'd remain silent,and then apologize thereafter. So what? Apart from money,what was Dad lacking?

"Its fine if you both think the divorce is the way out,but Dad? I'm not in for her engagement shebang. It can't happen,"I sobbed lowly.

"Princess,your mum seems happy with her new....."he searched for the right word.

"Boyfriend?"I arched a brow.

"I wouldn't say that,but okay. She looks happy with her new boyfriend and it's her happiness we want,isn't it?"he asked and I sighed before nodding.

"Exactly why we have to just support her in whichever way we can. You'll have to accept her decisions,okay?"he spoke softly and I couldn't help but wonder how this whole thing was okay with him.

"I'll try,"I mumbled.

"That's my girl,"he kissed my forehead. Looking closer,I could see the wrinkles of stress on his face. "I have a quick errand to run. I'll be back later okay?"

"Sure,"I managed a small smile at him. He returned it before leaving.

I looked around the house that used to be a safe haven once upon a time. These four corners used to be where we spent our happiest times. Back then, Dad still had his job. He spoiled mum and I like the Queen and Princess he always called us. Our family was perfect until Misfortune struck.

It hurt though. I'd always admired how strong of a woman mum used to be but it seemed like she had only been there just for the money. That was the only logical explanation I could give as to why she changed the moment she knew Dad lost his job. But then,I guess it's useless thinking of how things would've been if Dad hadn't lost his job. He did and this was the harsh reality I had to face.

By tomorrow, I would be moving in together with mum, and my soon-to-be stepdad.

"Exciting,"i mumbled, dragging myself off the couch and up the stairs. I made my way into my room, hoping to get the nightmare of packing, off my neck, but then my phone chose to ring.

I smiled a bit on seeing the caller. At least someone who could finally lighten my mood was calling.

"Hey,"i spoke quietly, walking closer to my closet to begin my packing.

"I refuse to let you kill my happy mood. Hello girl!!!!!"Amaya yelled into the phone.

"Too loud, Maya,"I rolled eyes, pulling off my dresses one by one.

"And you're too low,"she retorted with her usual tone of disapproval.

"Anyways, I just heard something really exciting. Guess what?" I could bet my future that wherever she was,she was wriggling her brows.

"Someone's throwing a party?"I asked, walking over to throw the heap of clothes I held onto the bed.

"Well, that's the second thing on the list. First thing is.... There's a newbie in town and I hear he's freaking hot! Shocker is, he's gonna be attending Falcon high with us. Isn't that thrilling?!!"she squealed. "I can't wait for summer break to be over,"she spoke dreamily.

"Oh, about that...."I trailed off.

"What is it? You okay?"she asked,every playfulness is her voice,gone and replaced with concern. I was beyond thankful to have Maya. She's been my friend since we were six.

"I'm fine. It's just..."I took a deep breath. "They're getting a divorce,"i finally spoke and the other end went silent completely.

"Maya?"I called to make sure she was still there.

"Where are you?"she asked.

"Maya, I'm fine. I just....."

"Where are you, Claire Scarlett Rainer?"she asked seriously and I sighed in defeat.

"I'm home,"I replied lowly.

"Good. I'm on my way,"she spoke and hung up.

Literal Amaya. She's so protective of me and always wants to make sure I'm really fine. I'm the kind of girl that could be on fire and still say she's fine. Amaya knew that and that's why she never trusted the I'm-fine word.

I returned to taking my clothes out of the closet and by the time I was done, Amaya was here.

"Sweetheart,"she gave me that worrisome look when she came in.

"Hey,"I gave a small smile, moving to hug her.

"Tell me, everything. You're leaving nothing out,got it?"

"I know,your highness,"I rolled eyes and sat on my bed leaving her to follow suit.

"Earlier, mum came by,"i spoke.

"After two weeks of letting you worry of her whereabouts? The hell did she say she went to?"Amaya spoke,a hint of sarcasm mixed with anger evident in her voice.

"Turned out she got herself a rich boyfriend,"I sighed out.

"Wait....what? I thought she's married to your Dad. That's cheating....isn't it?"she asked with confusion etched on her face.

"It isn't exactly cheating when they're getting a divorce,"I mumbled and she mouthed an O upon recalling that I said that earlier on the phone.

"So what now?"she asked.

"They've gone to court and it's been decided that I'll be with mum. She says we're moving to Pennsylvania tomorrow. I think we'll be living with her fiancé,"i spoke.

"They're engaged?"she asked and I nodded.

"How much messier could this get?"she muttered.

"I'll be fine. It might be a bit difficult to associate with the other kids at my new school,but it's just a few months and I'll be done with highschool. It can't be that hard,"i shrugged, folding a winter gown and putting it in my opened luggage.

"Oh,dear,"she hugged me and I returned it.

"You'll be fine okay? I'll call you every single day,I promise. FaceTime,"she assured and I nodded.

"Thanks, bestie,"I beamed.

"It's nothing. Just do me the favor of checking how hot her new boyfriend is, okay?"she wriggled her brows and I laughed.

"Will do,"I assured.

"Perfect. Lemme help with the packing."

I hoped everything would go well. I really hoped things would be fine from here on. But maybe it was all too much to wish for,cause I had a feeling that it wouldn't. Something in my gut told me it just wouldn't.

My name is Claire Scarlett Rainer. And this? This is my story.

~Claire

"There we go,"mum gave a happy smile as she shut the car's trunk closed. It was happening for real, wasn't it? We were really leaving and I couldn't do anything about it.

I'd spent my night, staring at the ceiling and hoping. Praying. That mum somehow changed her mind. Or that she'd show up wearing a joker's mask and then say, "hahahaha. I was just kidding!"

But nope. It was all just wishful thinking, unfortunately.

I sighed tiredly, walking towards my dad who had this faint but visible hurt look on his face. Mum broke him real bad. She broke me too so yeah, I could pretty much understand how he was feeling.

"Dad,"I flashed hum a sad smile and he pulled me in for a tight hug. I could feel his pain.

"My princess,"he whispered, stroking my hair softly. "I can't believe I won't be seeing you for a long time. I hate this,"he spoke in a sad tone.

"I hate this too, but don't worry. I'll make sure to come visit you as often as I can,"I patted his back, in an effort to make him feel better.

"I doubt you would. Your mother's gonna do all she can to make sure I don't see you again."

"She told you that?"I asked, breaking the hug so I could see his face.

"Indirectly,"he answered.

"That's her problem. I'll definitely come find you no matter what she says, so don't worry, okay?"I held his hands and squeezed on them. He nodded with a small smile.

"You'll be fine, right?"I asked.

"I'll try to be. Only Gawd knows if I'll be able to survive without your sumptuous meals,"he teased and I rolled eyes.

"C'mon Dad. I learnt how to cook from you so duh. I think you'll be just fine,"i beamed.

"I guess you're right. Have a safe flight, Princess. Call me when you've settled?"

"Will do, Daddy. Love ya,"I pecked his cheeks before walking over to Amaya who's been unusually silent.

"Hey,"I called lowly. "Are you okay?"I asked. My question seemed to burst a whole balloon of emotions cause she burst out crying.

"Why do you have to leave, huh? How the hell am I supposed to live in this boring town without you? Can't you just stay?"she cried, balls of tears gushing down her eyes.

"C'mon, you were fine with my moving yesterday...."I was saying.

"That was before I did some thinking. Who's gonna wake me up early in the morning? Who's gonna make sure I don't get too drunk at parties and stay out of troubles? Who's gonna eat with me during lunch time? I can't do highschool without you,"she cried, her face getting all red and puffy.

A sad expression fell on my face. I understood her perfectly. I've lived here in Florida all my whole fucking life. Amaya was the most constant thing in my life, after my parents of course. Leaving my life here behind wasn't easy on me either.

"Come here,"i pulled her in for a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you like hell. I'll miss you, babygirl,"she sniffled and I sighed, trying hard not to tear up as well.

"We'll be fine,okay? We'll call everyday like you said. FaceTime,"I repeated her words.

"That shit doesn't level up to the real thing,"she snorted tearfully.

"Yeah, but that's our best option right now,"I spoke as a matter of fact.

"I guess,"she broke the hug, wiping off her tears.

"Besides, it's just a few months left and highschool's over. We're still sticking to our plans. Same Uni,"I reminded.

"You're right. I'll just have to cross fingers and pray I survive the next six months without killing someone,"she sighed and I laughed.

"I'll pray too. I can't have you turning wild,"I chuckled.

"Yeah,yeah. Whatever,"she rolled eyes, hugging me again.

"Don't forget to do a video of your new room, okay? And also check out the new stepdad. He'd better be hotter than your dad, else I'm definitely going to be telling Helen my mind,"she frowned. Well, I think it's safe to say Amaya once had a small crush on my dad cause of how handsome he was.

"I won't forget to do as you asked, don't worry,"I mumbled.

"Aren't you girls done yet? Claire we need to fucking get moving!"mum yelled from her car. Yeah, the car I think her boyfriend bought her.

"Go on, bitch. I love you,"she kissed me goodbye and I returned it before running off to join mum in the car.

As we drove off, I continued waving goodbye to my dad and Amaya till they were out of view. I kept my eyes outside the window after that.

"Sweetheart,"mum sighed after minutes of silence. "This move is going to benefit you as well. This could be an opportunity to get you to loosen up a bit,huh?"she suggested.

"I love the way I am, mum. I get that you're extroverted. You socialize and do crazy stuff, but that's you. I'm me and I think you'd better accept it. Whether we move or not,I ain't changing,"i deadpanned. Was being an introvert a crime? Fuck, the conversation was exhausting.

"It's okay. You can do whatever it is you want then. I'm sure you'll love it there,"she gave me a warm smile. The same smile that once upon a time gave me comfort. But now? It just annoyed the crap out of me.

"Did you even love Dad at all?"

"Oh,honey. Not this question,"she frowned.

"I'm asking cause I'm curious. I need some answer,"i spoke with a shrug.

"It's a talk meant for adults, Claire,"she snapped and I held back a scoff.

"Perfect. I'm 19."

"Claire Scarlett!"she banged on the wheel in front of her.

"Fine,"I let my back fall back on the chair's rest as I folded my arms while looking out the window.

The rest of the drive to the airport was so damn silent. We got to the airport and mum drove us to some private area before getting out. I followed suit and then realized some men in black were waiting for us.

"Miss Lance. The jet's ready for your flight to Pennsylvania,"one of them spoke and I gave mum a look.

We were flying to Pennsylvania on a fucking jet? A PRIVATE jet?? Where the hell did mum find this man?

"Thank you, Jack. Get our things off the car. Claire?"mum called me as she walked towards the pretty jet. I followed suit, trying not to make my awe obvious.

Did I say the exterior was amazing? Well the interior was Nirvana. It was so fucking beautiful.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"mum commented and I hummed in agreement, taking my seat in silence. Only Gawd knew if mum loved this one for real or it was just his money she loved.

Putting on my headphones, I shut my eyes closed, my mind spiraling round all the recent events in my life. I slept off sooner than I expected.

★★★

"Honey? Baby, wake up. We're here,"mum's distorted voice pierced into my ears causing me to snap my eyes open.

"We're in Pennsylvania. Get your ass up,"she spoke again before walking away.

"Shit,"I mumbled tiredly, rubbing on my eyes before getting up, my phone and earphones in hand as I followed her out.

A Lamborghini was waiting to take us and this time, I wasn't as surprised. If the man could afford a fucking private jet, what was a car?

I got in, my eyes still so heavy with sleep. Fuck, I needed my bed.

"We're almost there, Claire. Please, behave. Rowan's a good guy, you'll like him. He draws too, just like you,"she spoke and I rolled eyes.

"Oh really? Yippee,"I mumbled sarcastically. Well, I was a pretty good artist. Won a few small awards from my school.

"C'mon, Claire. I'm not asking you to accept him immediately. I'm just saying to put an effort, 'kay?"

"As if I have any other choice. I've heard you,"I muttered lowly and she nodded.

"We're here,"she announced about five minutes later and I looked up from my iPad to see we just drove into a huge compound.

Dude was surely so fucking wealthy. What on Earth could he possibly have seen in mum?

"Mum, are you sure he knows you have a child as grown as me?"I asked and mum replied with a glare.

Okay, fine. I take it that he knew.

"Ma'am,"another guy on black opened the door for mum and I.

"Thanks, Dave. He's home, right?"she asked with a smile on her face.

"Yes, ma'am,"he bowed politely.

"Come with me,"she nodded at me before walking towards the main building's door. She pushed the bell and about thirty-five seconds later, the door opened.

"Babe? Fuck, you're here,"the man smiled and my nervous system dropped to sixty percent.

"Hmm. Missed me?"Mum stalked her way closer to him before pressing her lips on his.

Uhm, I'm here. No PDA please!

"Hell, yeah. I did,"he chuckled playfully.

Gawd. He was hot. Amaya needed to hear this.

Blue green eyes, pale fair skin, moderately long black hair which draped over his forehead. The man looked so damn young and curse me for saying he and my mum looked good together.

I could see how he looked at her. He loved her just as much as Dad loved her.

"I take it that you're Claire?"his voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Uhm....."my hold on my iPad tightened. I had a problem with socializing, don't judge. "Yeah. That's me,"I gave an awkward smile.

"Well believe me when I say I've heard a lot about you. It's good to finally meet you,"he extended his hand for a handshake and I hesitantly take it.

"I'm Rowan Finn." He looked nice.

"Claire,"I returned.

"Now that the intro part is over, I'll have someone take you to your room. I know you're exhausted. Flights can be pretty tiring,"he spoke understandingly.

"Yeah, thanks,"was my reply.

"I got you. Uhm, Sarah?"he called, pulling mum inside and I followed, locking the door behind me.

"Boss Rowan,"a blonde scurried into the scene.

"Ma'am Helen. It's nice to see you here. Ma'am,"she nodded towards me and I nodded back stiffly.

"Take Claire to the room I had you clean up yesterday,"he instructed.

"Alright, boss."

"Claire? You can take a look at it and tell me if there's anything you'd want to change,"he spoke and I nodded.

"Okay. Thanks,"I spoke before hurrying after Sarah who'd began walking up the stairs.

"Here you go,"she pushed open a door and my jaw nearly dropped.

How the hell did he know I loved black? Hell, it was perfect.

"Thanks. Help me tell Rowan I like it,"I spoke lowly and she nodded.

"Will do,"she smiled before walking off.

"This is amazing,"I mouthed to myself. I plopped down on the bed and hell, I didn't feel like I ever wanted to get up.

I remembered I hadn't contacted dad and Amaya, but hell. My eyes seriously wanted to be clamped shut so I just gave in, making a mental note to call them when I woke up for dinner.

~Claire

Thud.

Thud.

The sound of paper being flipped.

"Fuck, who in nine hell's disturbing my sleep?"I complained in my head, trying hard to force my eyes open.

When I finally succeeded, I got the blurry vision of a guy standing in front of the study table in my new room. Instinctually, I sat up hastily.

"Who...."my voice came out small so I cleared my throat. "Who're you?"

Whoever the guy was probably didn't receive any home trainings cause he didn't reply me. I looked closely to see he was going through the huge diary I used for drawing.

I frowned in displeasure. "Hey. You can't just snoop around my stuff,"I tried sounding firm but failed. Argh. Curse my small voice.

He finally clapped the book closed and turned to me. My breath hitched. I literally felt my heart thumbing hard and fast against my chest. Was he human?

He kept mute, his eyes locked with mine and then he walked closer. I gripped on tight to the hem of my dress.

He was this close to me and then reached out. I almost thought he was about touching me only for him to pull off the hairband holding my hair up. My hair came falling on my shoulder and down my back, resting on my bed.

My hair was what Amaya used to call a supernatural one. It was really long and I'd been contemplating on getting it trimmed for a while now.

I looked up at him wondering why he did what he did and I got my answer when he gathered his braided hair in his hands and tying it up with my hairband. I'd be a twisted lier if I said it didn't suite him better than it did me.

He was wearing an all black clothing. A denim jacket and baggy pants. A diamond Rolex resting on his wrist, a black earphone in his right ear. He looked hotter than fire if I was being honest.

I wondered what he was doing here in my room. Who was he by the way? If I were to judge by his looks, then I'd say he was Rowan's younger brother. Only, he was the hotter version of Rowan.

I looked closely at him and noticed a small tattoo on his neck. It looked like he had one too many under those clothes of his.

"Dinner's ready,"he finally spoke and I blinked. Was it possible to get soaked with just the voice of a guy? The answer's no. But when it's a strikingly hot dude like the guy in front of me, hell, it would be abnormal if you didn't.

He made to walk away when I called him back.

"Uhm....sorry, who're you?"I summoned courage to ask even when his demeanor screamed the don't-talk-to-me shit.

He kept mute for exactly fifteen seconds before probably dimming it fit to reply me.

"I'm Jace...."he looked over his shoulders, looking me in the eye. "And I think I'll be seeing you often around here, Kitten,"he walked out after that.

K... kitten? You see those people who love being called nothing else but their actual names? Well yeah, I was the cheerleader of that association. What I didn't understand was why and how the name 'Kitten' sent shivers down my spine. Translation? I actually.....liked it? Fuck, what's going on?

I stared at the now closed door, replaying his words in my head. Was it strange that an image of me on my hands and knees, crawling towards him popped up in my head? Argh. Remind me to keep away from Ana Huang's books please. It's been messing with my head and the first Greek god I'd ever seen, opened my eyes to that truth.

Geez, this wasn't good. I wasn't happy with coming here and it should remain that way.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself off the bed and into the bathroom to take a quick bath. I was beyond exhausted due to the flight and moving around shit.

Deciding to go for something way more comfortable than the corsets I was putting on, I threw on a silk PJ and let my feet soak in the relaxing feeling of my cotton slip-ons. I grabbed my drawing tab, hugging it to my chest as I made my way downstairs for dinner.

"Where's she, Jace? You're sure you called her?"I heard Rowan's voice from the dinning area.

"Why don't you go call her yourself then?"a deeper voice replied him.

Jace. Hearing his voice still gave me the goosebumps.

"You don't speak to me in that tone, young man,"Rowan said firmly, sounding slightly pissed.

"Rowan, Baby. Let it go, please,"I heard mum's soft voice and I almost did throw up. It was sickening to hear her sounding this loving when the last time I heard her use the tone was when dad still had a job.

Realizing I'd been rooted to the last stair for too long, I let out a gentle sigh and headed for the dinning. I met mum, holding on to Rowan's shoulder as the man glared at Jace who looked like he'd rather be anywhere than in that room.

"Uhm.... Good evening, Rowan. Mum,"I spoke quietly and I saw Rowan's shoulders relax as he gave me a genuine smile.

"Evening, Claire. How was your nap?"he asked sounding like he cared and I had a feeling that he actually did care. I think he was really trying to make sure things worked out.

"It was okay, thank you,"I returned his smile with an awkward one before moving towards an empty seat.

"Sit opposite Jace, Claire,"mum instructed, leaving Rowan and grabbing her own seat beside him. I ignored the feeling of nervousness that hit me hard and just did as I was told.

The room was silent, just as I liked it. Just the sounds of knifes cutting through steak and forks going into them, filled the room. I muttered a silent prayer for the silence to remain till I went back up to the peace of my new room. Well, God certainly ignored my prayers cause Rowan broke the silence.

"So, Claire. Tell me.... What do you think of everything so far? Me as a person, the house and your brother,"he nodded at Jace who hadn't taken eyes off me since I entered the room.

Wait....what? Br...brother? The hot geek was my brother?

I looked up, finally locking eyes with Jace for the first time since I walked in. Jesus, he was fine as hell. His eyes were like these kinda mirrors that I could stare at for an entire eternity and not get tired. Two of his long braids fell over his face and I was tempted to help him push it back in place.

He sent me a smirk that had me looking away. Thou Lord, help thee to resist all temptation that thine enemies shall send thy way, Amen.

"Brother?"I asked in a whisper as I stared at Rowan in disbelief. Rowan looked too young to have birthed a guy like this. It wasn't possible.

"Yes. You didn't know? Helen, you didn't tell her?"he looked over at mum who gave a faker-than-fake laugh.

"It totally slipped my mind. I'm sorry,"she pouted and Rowan nodded, staring back at me.

"I didn't introduce you two earlier cause I thought your mum told you about him. Claire? This is Jace. My son. Jace? Meet....."Rowan was still talking when the creepy guy interrupted.

"Claire Scarlett Rainer. Age 17 and in her last year in highschool,"he spoke, not blinking.

O...kay? That was weird. How did he know me when I didn't even know I was having a brother till about thirty seconds ago?

"Uhm...hi,"I tried but failed to speak loudly. He nodded at my greeting and finally took eyes off of me. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding in.

Weirdo.

"Jace is 19 and in his finals in highschool,"Rowan spoke and I frowned at Jace who had his attention on his plate.

19? What the hell was a 19 year old guy like him doing in highschool? I was thinking maybe he'd be in college or something.

"He isn't really the bright kinda guy,"Rowan answered my unspoken question. Ohhhhh.

So that was the reason. Was it funny that the Jace in question actually looked like he was some kinda genius or something?  Anyways, let's not judge a book by it's cover.

"Oh,"was all I could mutter in response as I slowly picked on my food.

"Listen, Claire,"his call had me looking up at him again.

"I know it's hard for you to adjust with all these, but give it time. Give it a chance, give ME a chance. I know your dad's always going to be the number one in your heart, and your mum's the number two, but I'd be glad if you could make me number three. I'm not asking you to just give in. I'll work hard to ensure I earn that title from you,"he spoke with a fatherly smile and I shifted on my seat uncomfortably.

I didn't like the way everyone on the table had eyes on me. It felt awkward. I saw Jace give his dad a short, cold look through the Corner of my eyes.

He definitely didn't seem like he had a good relationship with the his dad. What could it be that they had going on?

"It's none of your business, Claire. Just stay out of their issues,"I internally scolded myself.

Wasn't trying to poke nose, but there was something about Jace's eyes. They held alot of sadness in them. It made me wonder what the issue was.

His dad was filthy wealthy, and super nice - to me, at least. So what could the issue have been?

I realized I hadn't said anything I'm response to Rowan's mini speech when my mom pinched my thigh from underneath the table.

"Oh, uh.... Thanks..... for the hospitality,"I chuckled awkwardly and silence reigned after that.

.......

Thanks for the hospitality?!! How and why the hell did I have to say that!? It sounded super awkward, and to top it all, embarrassing!

Cheers to my amazing personality as an introvert.

Letting out a sigh if frustration, I grabbed my drawing tab, and began sketching.

I loved drawing alot. It reflected my emotions and feelings best. Most times, I never even have a particular thing in mind to draw. I just let my heart lead me and this was one of those moments.

Pausing my work midway, I connected my iPods to my phone and turned on Lily by Alan Walker. The song was just too amazing to not listen to.

"Lily was a little girl, afraid of the big wide world,"I hummed alongside Emilie Hollow.

I wasn't done with the drawing yet, but boy....I could tell it'd turn out beautiful.

With the song 'Lily' on replay, I continued my draw till I was finally done in two hours. That was when I took a good look at what I drew.

Jace.

Maybe it was because I was just so curious about his entire personality, but he was definitely on my mind and that was what brought the result I was looking at.

One of his braids escaped the tight grip of the hairband, dangling in front of his right eye. He had a small smirk on his naturally pouted lips.

Man, he was beautiful. I caressed the photo, a small smile subconsciously resting on my lips.

Fuck, Claire my he's gonna be your fucking step brother really soon. Snap out of it!

Deciding not to let anyone see the picture I drew, I Iocked it in my safe folder. I would have deleted it, but it was just too fine an art to be wasted.

Taking a deep breath, I put the tab aside. That was enough for one night.

Ah shit. I still hadn't called Amaya or Dad yet. I felt too tired to do any of those, so I just sent same text to them both.

:) I arrived safely! Will call tomorrow, I'm too tired, need to sleep.

Making sure the text was delivered, I shut down my phone and clamped my eyes shut, letting sleep embrace me in it's dark arms of darkness.