My Jealous Stepbrother
IGNORE THE CONSEQUENCES

"I didn't do it," was all I could say. I should have defended myself better, but... What was the point? If I showed him the pictures, he would show me that he checked and I wasn't willing to risk so much. Should I have resigned myself to letting the stalker win?

He hadn't even told me what exactly he was after with all this, oh yeah?

"I have to go."

I didn't say anything else, I just turned and walked as fast as I could away from Tyler and all that whispering. I just wanted to get out of that hallway and as far away from the school as I could. My footsteps echoed down the hallway as I tried to get away from the chaos that had erupted around me. I felt the curious eyes of my classmates glued to me, fueling the rumor that was now spreading like wildfire. I could no longer bear the pressure and the weight of the unjust accusations. I left the school and took refuge in a secluded corner of the courtyard, trying to catch my breath. My thoughts were racing, trying to decipher who could be responsible for this whole nightmare. Why would someone insist on ruining my life like this?

I felt a lump in my throat and tears threatened to well up in my eyes. I couldn't let this tear me apart, not after everything I had overcome.

My head was filled with paranoia, trying to figure out who the suspect Zack mentioned might be. Why didn't he just tell me straight out? Also, I was puzzled by the fact that he wasn't angry about everything that had happened and was still willing to help me. Had I been insensitive by taking advantage of his feelings just to get his help? I could no longer torment myself with such thoughts.

The looks from my classmates only added to my discomfort, so I decided to head home earlier than expected. I just hoped Ryan wasn't there so I wouldn't have to explain my early arrival.

I wanted too much, as I walked into the house to replace Ryan sitting on the couch, I felt a slight nervousness. We weren't officially dating, but we had shared several kisses and had confirmed our feelings for each other. It was clear that there was more than just a momentary attraction.

I decided to act natural and be myself. I had no reason to act aloof or awkward. Ryan got up from the couch as soon as he saw me, and although he seemed surprised by my early arrival, he didn't mention anything about it.

I kept my cool and smiled politely at him. There was no need for tension between us. "Hi," I said in a serene voice. "How was your day?"

I wanted to avoid any awkwardness and, at the same time, maintain a friendly attitude. I had decided not to avoid my feelings for him and enjoy the time we shared together, no matter what the nature of our relationship was at the moment. I would worry about the consequences later.

"Sam, yesterday... well, it wasn't exactly a date and I was thinking that I wish we could have one. A real one, not just stay at home watching a movie," Ryan whispered with a mixture of nervousness and sincerity in his voice.

My heart was racing. Something in me sparked as I listened to what Ryan had to say and despite the fact that it might change the relationship I have with my father. I walked over to him, stood on my tiptoes, and grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him to my lips without uttering a single word. It was time to take control and have things my way. An intense kiss brought us together, and in that instant I felt that all was well. The stalker, the drama at school... it all seemed so far away when I was kissing him.

After we broke apart, my gaze met his. Ryan seemed surprised by my outburst, but also intrigued. I was ready to listen to his explanation, ready to hear the whole story he had been hiding.

"I hear you." His lips were addictive but I wanted to deepen our interactions more, beyond just a kiss, and something as simple but meaningful as a date is best.

Ryan nodded, trying to compose himself.

Right then I wanted to tell him everything that was going on with me and have him help me through it. Relationships were based on trust. I wasn't sure what kind of relationship we even had, but we had to continue to be honest with each other to make this work.

How honest could I be with him?

"Ryan, I like you. Not as step-siblings, not as family. I like you... much more than that." I knew he would understand. Even if I didn't know how to explain myself he would understand. Was it wrong to want to stay by his side?