Page 2 of Forbidden Harvest

My face burns, and I stare at my plate. I want to defend myself but feel too upset. My stepbrother doesn’t have to be this mean, even if he’s sad about his mom.

“Now, Jared,” Mom says gently, “those are normal things for a girl Aria’s age. I’m sure you’ll both find something you enjoy together.”

Jared shrugs and ignores her. The rest of the meal is awkward and quiet.

That night, as I get into bed, I think having a stepbrother might not be as fun as I’d hoped. Jared already hates me. A single tear rolls down my cheek as I huddle under the covers.

How am I ever going to get him to like me?

2

ARIA

AGED 12

It’s Halloween morning, and I’m buzzing with excitement. It’s not any Halloween—it’s my twelfth birthday! For weeks I’ve been planning my party, and now it’s here.

Bounding down the stairs, the sweet scent of pancakes hits me.

Mom stands at the stove, flipping a stack of chocolate chip pancakes—my favorite.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart!” She pulls me into a hug.

I grin, hugging her back. “Thanks, Mom!”

Jared is slouched at the table, shoveling cereal into his mouth. He doesn’t even look at me when I enter. I try not to let it bother me—today’s my day. And I’m used to him being an asshole to me. I thought he was mean the first day we met, but it only worsened.

I was excited when my mom told me I would have a stepbrother. I’d always wanted a sibling. And yet Jared has made my home a place I dread to be because he’s always so mean.

The hours crawl by waiting for my friends to arrive. When the doorbell rings, I rush to answer it. My best friend, Lisa, stands there with a big smile and a wrapped gift.

“Happy birthday, Aria!” She squeals, hugging me.

Soon, the house is filled with chatter and laughter. We’re playing games in the living room, and I can’t believe how much fun I’m having! Lisa and I are the best at charades, acting out movie titles as our friends shout wild guesses.

“Okay, okay, I need a drink break!” I gasp between laughs.

I head into the kitchen for sodas and snacks. Mom went all-out with Halloween-themed treats—gooey tombstone brownies and candy apples with marshmallow “brains.” I grab a soda and turn toward the counter, eager to look at my birthday cake.

Jared stands there, glaring at the cake. The three-tiered confection is a spooky graveyard scene with RIP tombstones and a haunted tree.

“Pretty cool, right?” I grin at him. He doesn’t return the smile.

“This party is so stupid.” He rolls his eyes. “Dressing up and eating garbage. What are you, five?”

My face falls. Why does he have to ruin everything?

A wicked grin twists his lips, making my stomach dip. “You know what would make this lame party better?” His hand hovers over the cake...

“Don’t you dare!” I cry, rushing forward. But he’s so much bigger, easily blocking me as his fingers curl into the frosting.

I gasp as Jared smears frosting and crushes the delicate sugar decorations. “Jared, stop it!”

He ignores my plea, laughing as he drags his hand through the cake’s center, destroying it. Chunks of cake crumble onto the counter, and tears prick my eyes.

“What’s your problem?” I shove him. “Mom worked so hard on that!”

“Aria?” Lisa calls from the living room. “Everything okay?”

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