To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava's POV

"Oh shit! Shit!" I hissed as I jumped out of bed and hurriedly made my way to my bathroom. I had a presentation today and I had stupidly slept in! I really shouldn't be blamed cause I was completely tired and knocked out from all the research and reading I'd had to do last night

I put my hair into a high ponytail as I scampered out of my building, I also had to walk to the bus stop, I sighed as I hurriedly walked and it was as though I was walking on hot coal, thanks to the insanely hot weather.

I heard footsteps as I walked, my presentation material was cradled carefully in my arms and I held it tightly against my chest.

It all happened in a few seconds.

One moment, I was walking briskly while going over my presentation in my head, and the next moment, out of nowhere, a solid mass of muscles collided against my side, propelling me sideways.

The collision had been so intense and sudden, I stumbled and lost my footing. I staggered and in a bid to keep my foot on the ground, I dropped my perfectly crafted practical, just as I felt insanely hot liquid seep through the front of my shirt and arms. Next, I was falling on the hard ground, where I later realized had been soiled up by the rest of the hot coffee that had poured over me.

My head was reeling. It had collided with the hard granite flood and now, it was pounding.

I took a look at the glass door of the supermarket right by the side of the spot where this commotion had taken place, and to my horror, I looked a mess; my neatly packed hair had coffee in it and my cloth was a total ruin.

I looked horrible.

I winced as I tried to pick myself up from the floor but a sharp pain shot through my left leg. I had bruises over my elbow and knees, pain shot up the rest of my body and I knew the pain was going to linger for a while. The bruise on my elbows needed to be tended to as well.

I placed my hand on my back and I moved sideways, I could feel the ache as I moved, and then my eyes flew wide open as soon as I laid eyes on my now shattered project.

"Oh my god. Oh my god." I said, trying to keep myself from crying as I stared at the damages done to me by the stranger who had collided into me.

"Watch where you're going, Jesus." I heard a masculine voice yell at me just then, and my jaw dropped as I took a glance at my ruined project scattered over the wet ground. A few empty cups of coffee lolled on the ground as well, proving to me that the stranger's entire pack of coffee had poured over the floor and some had gotten on my clothes when he had collided into me.

I then glanced up at the stranger who was standing a few feet away from me. He had a glare on his face, and his clothes was spotless, whereas mine was completely ruined.

He had bumped into me and instead of apologizing, he dared to stand there and point fingers at me, for something he had done. It took me days and lots of sleepless nights to get my project and presentation ready.

And, that had literally gone down the drain right now.

"Watch where I'm going?!" I screamed as I stood up in a jiffy, not minding the excruciating pain that shot through my body.

"You bumped into me, and spilled your stupid coffee everywhere, and instead of you tendering an apology, you had the nerve to tell me to Watch where I'm going?!" I shot at him.

The adrenaline rush made me more energized than I should currently be feeling. Seeing as I was already running late and the presentation had most definitely already began, coupled with the fact that my project was already ruined, I had automatically failed the test– which means I'm going to have to study extra, extra harder if I wanted to pass the class with a 'C'.

My life was literally so fucked right now.

"Look," He started, squeezing the empty cup of coffee he had in his hand as he moved closer to me, his figure was intimidating but I wasn't scared one bit, if there was anything to describe my emotion then it would be anger. Immense anger.

"If anyone should be apologizing, then it would totally be you. You came out of nowhere and walked right into me. What are you? Five? Shouldn't you watch where you're fucking going? I literally cannot believe you right now, and you're demanding an apology? Oh please." He scoffed and rolled his eyes as made to walk past me, but was shocked when I pulled him back without warning.

I also shocked myself with that move.

"That," I started saying, the hot tears at the back of my eyes threatening to fall, and my voice was starting to shake as I spoke. I wasn't about to let him see me in a vulnerable state so I shook my head, cleared my throat and braced myself up properly.

"That scattered on the floor," I started once again as I pointed at my scattered papers which were already soaked through with coffee on the floor. "– is months of hard work, months of sleepless nights and you just pushed it down the fucking drain!" I yelled, stomping my feet on the ground as I spoke.

My blood boiled the more he kept staring down at me without saying a thing and I clenched my fist in anger when I saw the scowl forming on his face. He had the nerve to scowl at me after all that he's just put me through?

"Are you slow or you just have a hard time comprehending words said to you?" He asked and my mouth fell open once again. I made to say something, but nothing came forth, and so I slapped my mouth shut.

"If your eyes were where you were going, then we wouldn't be having this conversation right now! My shoes are also ruined because of you so you don't get to stand here in front of me and start telling me about how I'd ruined months of your hard work. Do you know how much my freaking shoes cost? It definitely costs more than your dumb projects." He finished with a hiss and that was where I lost it.

"You know what you are?" I asked, my voice getting a little bit higher as I spoke, as I shoved at his chest harshly. "A jerk, a total jerk! That is what you are!" I screamed at him, shoving at him once again for good measures.

"Whatever you think of me or whatever name you've deemed fit to describe me is none of my fucking business, it's yours." He hissed as he walked past me.

I didn't want to let him have the last word, he was walking away and I was losing. If I didn't do or say anything at this point, I would find myself staying up late while thinking of all of the possible ways I could've had the last laugh in this situation.

Without thinking, I reached forward and I shoved him as hard as I could. I watched as he slipped and fell face down into some of the coffee on the ground and a satisfied smile played out in my face, doing that was not going to put my presentation back in place but I was a tad bit satisfied.

"Now, we're even." I breathed as I turned around to pick up my bag and phone from the ground. I attempted to pick the soiled papers but it was of no use. I hadn't been able to back the project up, so there was no way I wasn't going to be doing all these from scratch.

"What do I do now?" I sighed in frustration as I continued my way to the bus stop, looking like I just got out of a dumpster. The bus must have definitely left by now, and it would be an hour or more before another bus comes by.

I was nothing but doomed today.

I took another deep breath as I silently prayed my day wouldn't get any worse and that the stupid stranger who had caused all these to me would definitely have a miserable and horrible day today, and throughout the rest of his life.

"I hate people like that and I wish I'd never have to come across the arrogant asshole ever again!" I muttered under my breath while glaring down at my ruined shoes.

Ava's POV

"You look like the real definition of a thoroughly beaten horse." One of my friends commented and I only rolled my eyes.

"Tell me about it." I huffed out as I sank into the spot next to her. By the look of things, it was obvious that the entire class were done presenting their projects, and all that's remaining is the quiz test which was supposed to be held after the presentation.

This subject itself was a really important one and I couldn't afford to fail it, and I have no idea of how well I'd do without my presentation.

I wrote my test and I made sure I did my best. I answered the questions I knew and I silently hoped it was going to be enough, especially since I hadn't presented any project.

I waited nervously, resting my head in my palms and lightly drumming my fingers on the table. I couldn't wait to get my papers back and see how I'd done.

"Ava," The professor's voice was loud as she spoke and I immediately, I knew I had fucked up. Whatever she wanted to say would be definitely horrible.

"You failed, mainly because you failed to present a project like the rest of the class did. Why is that? Anyways, you need to work extra hard or better still, take extra measures at studying, to avoid you having to come back here next year." She explained as she handed me my paper.

The mortification that engulfed me knew no bounds, and once again, I cursed the stupid stranger who had collided into me this morning.

He was the cause of all these. The stupidly, arrogant bastard.

I got my test results back and as expected, I'd failed the test. Now, I have no other choice than to work extra hard to not fail this course.

How convenient.

My day was going way smoother than I had expected. It had all been roses and sunshine since I stepped out of the house this morning.

~~~~~

"I hate him, I hate every inch of him and now I'm dealing with this predicament because of him!" I grumbled under my breath as I walked into the house and slammed the door shut behind me.

It wasn't long before I was shrugging my bag off and sinking into the couch in the sitting room.

I thought about the stranger again and my blood boiled, the anger and hatred I felt towards him only intensified.

If he had at least apologized, I was sure I wouldn't be feeling this angry. But, he refused to apologize and even had the audacity to pull the victim card out.

How honorable and manly of him.

The scent of my mum's cookies invaded my thoughts and I inhaled deeply. I knew she'd already be home, but I hadn't wanted her to see me like this, full of anger.

A few minutes passed with me trying to gather myself on the couch, when the sounds of mum's familiar footsteps began to draw closer.

I opened my eyes at once to see my mother standing in front of me with a tray of her freshly baked cookies, she was all smiles and it was as though she'd just won the lottery.

"What's the matter, Angel?" She asked as soon as she noticed the frown still sitting on my face, calling me by the pet-name she'd assigned to me. I'd wanted to tell her about my encounter today and the useless stranger that had bumped into me thereby making me lose my presentation and fail my important test but I decided against it, because I'd noticed something else.

"Why are you so happy?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, everything about my mother was different in a way tonight and I didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Take a guess." She said as she took her seat beside me graciously, picking one of her cookies and munching away happily.

"He proposed?" I asked, raising my eyebrow a little bit higher and my mother's shriek threw me off-guard, I was right.

"How did you know?" She asked, looking really happy and I told her it was nothing but a lucky guess, lying through my teeth.

I had already caught the glimpse of her ring finger and the shiny diamond ring she had on it was hard to ignore although she tried really hard to hide it beneath the cookie tray, but I had noticed it just fine.

"When?" I asked, my curiosity taking over, I knew how much my mum loved the man she's been going out with and I just felt genuinely happy for her because she was always really happy whenever she was out with him.

They'd been going out for over six months and she would occasionally tell me about how she knew it was too early but couldn't wait to have something real with him.

"Today and I said-" she answered excitedly and I found myself grinning from ear to ear as she slowly brought forth her hand for me to see, "Yes!" She finished and I gasped dramatically.

"Oh my god! It's so beautiful."

"Thank you so much, the proposal was beautiful and oh my god, Ava, the setting was one of a kind, I couldn't say No!" My mother explained and I couldn't help but be happy for her.

She deserved all of the happiness and love she was getting and although I wasn't quite comfortable with the fact that I would have a new father figure in my life, I didn't show it. I still haven't gotten over my father's death, we shared a really deep bond that was hard and literally impossible to forget, and having someone else replace him was something I just wasn't really ready for.

"Congratulations, Mum. I really am happy for you." I said as I pulled her in for a long hug and she held me tightly as though she wasn't ready to let go of me.

"I know this might seem a little bit too sudden for you and if you don't want me to go through with this, you can just let me know." My mother spoke softly. This was another thing I loved about her, she wanted my happiness and she usually always put me first even before herself.

I watched the look on her face and her smile faded a little when I was taking too long to say anything. I know how much she wanted this and I'm really not about to ruin it for her.

"I really can't wait to meet him!" I shrieked with as much enthusiasm I could muster, and she clutched her chest as she pulled me in for another hug. She'd probably thought I was going to disapprove.

"And, you know what?" She started as she pulled away from me.

"He has a son too, he's around your age and you both will get along pretty good. He's the sweetest soul and I swear you will love him." She explained excitedly as she took another bite of her cookie.

"Really?" I mused, I was really excited now and I knew she could see the glint in my eyes as she nodded.

"Yes, really. He's sweet and you both can start acting as brothers and sisters as soon as we get married! About Danny, you don't have to call him dad or anything-" I watched as my mother kept talking, she was starting to overthink again and I knew I needed to stop her.

"Mom," I called and she stopped talking, "I'm okay with all this, Dad would also want you to be happy and you deserve to be happy. And, about me calling him dad, let's just see how things flows." I watched as her expression softened and tears was already welling up in her eyes.

"Our family will finally be complete once again. I really am excited and so happy for you." I completed and she leaned in to hug me once again.

"Okay, you're squeezing me too tight now." I let out and she laughed as she released me, drying up her tears as she stood.

"I'll go get us a glass of milk so we can enjoy these cookies." She stood and made her way to the kitchen as I followed her every step.

I've never seen my mother this happy, she was usually only always burying herself in her work so this sight was a beautiful one.

Our family has been given another chance to be complete and now I can't wait to meet and welcome the rest of the family.

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.