My Jealous Stepbrother
CULINARY SKILLS

Receiving a message from the stalker was a chilling reminder that this wasn't just a passing nightmare. 'I warned you,' the message read. It hit me squarely, reminding me that there was something dark and dangerous lurking in the shadows. So the stalker had gotten angry. Something about how I dared to ignore it. 'If you don't do as I say everyone will replace out what you do with your stepbrother.'

It was a clear threat, but I hadn't read that last message from that day. Ryan's voice reminded me that not everything in this life had to be bad. He smiled sweetly and stroked my cheek tenderly.

"I love being with you, I feel like I can be completely myself next to you," Ryan whispered in his soft voice full of tenderness. Was this between us real or just a passing thing?

Doubts overwhelmed me as I stared into his eyes, full of sincerity. "Is it true that you missed an important game just to be with me?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach.

Ryan took my hand gently, conveying a comforting calmness. "That doesn't matter. To me, being with you is more important than any soccer game."

Worry still gripped me. "But soccer is your passion, Ryan. What if the coach gets mad at you and relegates you to the bench? I couldn't bear to be the cause of that."

With a look full of confidence, Ryan stroked my cheek. "Relax, Sam. I'm the best player on the team, without me they'd be lost. Coach wouldn't dare do that to me. I'll be back soon and everything will be fine, I promise."

"I don't want you to sacrifice your dreams for me," I whispered in a shaky voice.

Ryan brought his face close to mine, his eyes searching mine intently. "Sam, you're my dream. Nothing is more important to me than being with you and making you happy," he declared with determination I felt excited and full of anticipation

as we walked together towards the grocery store. I couldn't help but smile, enjoying every moment by his side. The sun was shining in the sky directly overhead, illuminating our path like we were on stage.

Ryan's laughter was infectious and his confidence infected me with joy. It seemed like the whole world disappeared around us as we immersed ourselves in our own bubble.

After purchasing all the ingredients needed to make a homemade pizza, I was excited and ready to become an expert pizza maker, or at least try. Although, in reality, I had no experience even making a decent bowl of cereal. However, that little detail wasn't going to stop me.

After an hour of intense culinary instruction from my teacher, Ryan, I could see his patience slowly wearing thin. His expression of desperation was really funny and I couldn't help but let out a few laughs amidst all the chaos in the kitchen. I tried to follow his directions to the letter, but on more than one occasion I made mistakes that seemed to bring out green hairs in Ryan. I mismeasured quantities, mixed up ingredients, and even almost set the dish towel on fire. I was a complete culinary disaster, but I couldn't stop laughing at my "teacher's" frustration.

***

After a magical weekend with Ryan, going back to school proved to be a real blow to the heart.

The next day, I had a smile on my face thinking about how things were going with Ryan, I was thinking about doing something special later. Maybe we could play a video game together or go to the movies instead of staying home watching movies. I wanted it to be a surprise, a time to enjoy together and strengthen our connection.

However, my plans came to a screeching halt when I walked into school.

Compromising pictures of us kissing were scattered all over the locker hall, as if they were trophies from someone sick who enjoyed humiliating us. Insults written in red graffiti, such as "slut" and "witch" on my locker, only made the situation

worse.

My phone buzzed, right on cue.

'You think I'm that easy to shut up? Only by ignoring my messages you won't be able to win me over. Just so you know that everything that is happening is because of you. I would have liked to play more time with you but everything got boring already.'

"Samantha, to the principal's office!"

My heart raced as I heard my name echo through the halls. The serious and authoritative tone of the hall monitor made it clear that something serious was going on. Anxiety invaded me as I walked toward his office, each step feeling heavier than the last.

I reached the door to the principal's office and paused for a moment to catch my breath. I opened the door and stepped inside, meeting the serious gaze of the principal, who was seated behind his imposing desk. His face was as red as his tie.

"Please sit down," said the principal, pointing to a chair in front of him.

"I've already contacted your father. He will come as quickly as possible," he said.

I felt a shiver run through my body.What was going on? My father was still overseas. How could he get home in this time of crisis? Fear and despair took hold of me. The situation was becoming more and more terrifying.

I looked at my phone over and over again, desperately searching for a message or a call from Ryan, but there was no answer. Where was he at this crucial time? Why wasn't he answering my messages? Uncertainty gripped me, and tears began to well up in my eyes.

***

Later, alone at home, silence seemed to envelop me, increasing my sense of loneliness and helplessness. Each passing minute became more unbearable. Suddenly, I heard a soft knocking on the door.