Page 104 of Steps

I turn to him and smile. “We could always run awayto the countryside.”

He sighs deeply before pressing his lips to mine.“Come on. Let’s go face it together.”

Early Monday morning, the van arrives to take usto the airport. We say our goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa Kirby as the driverpiles our luggage inside the van.

“It was so lovely having you with us, Latoya,”Grandma Kirby says while hugging me. She kisses my cheek.

“Yes, please come back soon,” Grandpa Kirby addswhen he reaches in for a hug as well.

Grandma Kirby squeezes Varen’s arm and touchesAlison’s face. “All of you. I’ll miss you, dearly.”

They hug once more. I’m happy they’re left in thedark. Don’t need anyone else eyeing us with disgust.

We wave and get into the vehicle, then drive overhalf an hour to the airport.

For the journey home, I hold Varen’s hand. We’reaware things will be even harder from here on, but we take comfort in knowingwe have each other.

Alison switches to another seat upfront since theplane isn’t as packed, and she wants nothing to do with us. She’s barely madeeye contact after last night when her brother pretty much told her to get outso he could fuck me.

It’s almost eight at night by the time we reachthe house. Alison can’t wait to get out of the car. Carry-on bag draped overher shoulder, she hops out and marches up the walkway to the front door.

My heart rate climbs when Daniel and Mom greether. “Couldn’t they have stayed in Paris longer?” I groan.

“Come on,” Varen mutters. “Whatever happens, don’tgive up on us.”

I nod, and we exit the car together and walk tothe front door, carrying our suitcases with us. The driver sets down Alison’sby the door and leaves.

When we enter, both Daniel and Mom shoot usnerve-racking looks. The tension in the air is as thick as fog.

Alison glares at us while standing off to theside.

“Is it true?” Daniel fires away, screwing up hisface. “Are you two…” He can’t even bring himself to finish, he’s so repulsed.

“Yes, Dad,” Varen replies without hesitation. Hesqueezes my hand. “Toya and I are in a relationship.”

“Jesus.” Mom touches her stomach and wobbles herhead in disappointment. “I’d suspected but ignored it because I never imaginedyou’d do that.”

“Mom, please, let us explain,” I mutter.

Daniel snaps, “How could you possibly explainthis? You’re stepsiblings! You’ll have a brother or sister soon. How could youdo such a thing?”

“We couldn’t fight our feelings,” I say boldly.“We care about each other a lot.”

“Care?” Mom repeats, angry. “Do you have any ideahow wrong this is?”

“My God.” Daniel wipes his face harshly. “All thistime I thought you two were just becoming good friends. It never crossed mymind.” He hisses. “How long have you been carrying on like this behind ourbacks?”

“Two weeks after moving in,” I answer honestly.

Their brows shoot up at this revelation.

Alison yelps in horror. “Over two freakingmonths?”

“You can’t be together!” Daniel barks at us. “Endit now!”

“We won’t,” Varen counters. “I love Toya.” Hearinghim say it out loud in front of them seals it. An onslaught of emotionscascades over me. As I turn to him, he looks at me and adds, “I love you morethan anything in this world, and I’m never letting you go.”

My voice comes out shaky as I tell him, “I feelthe same way.”

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