Page 9 of My Shining Stepbrother

I'm way too deep with him. This would have never come to my mind if I didn't see him and learn about his knowledge of two of my favorites in Greek Mythology.

The rest of the day, I do walk-ins, as usual, trying to get him off my mind. When it’s closing time, I fold up the picture I drew so nobody can see it and put it into my pocket. I left the shop more confused than when I entered it today.

When I get home, I see Damian’s car there and wonder what they have planned for tonight. I walk inside to a deafening silence instead.

“Mom! Are you home?!” I yell out, but there is no response.

“Damian?!” I yell again with no verbal response.

Instead, my mother marched in, looking angrier than I had ever seen. “Rose Elizabeth! Sit Down Now!” Her angry tone throws me off, and I try and think about what I could have done. What the Hell did I do this time?

Chapter 5

- Rose -

I take a seat, unsure of what is going on. I watch her walk away to get Damian, but he doesn’t look angry. Instead, he seems happy.

“So, can I be filled in on what the hell is going on?” My tone was angrier than I wanted it to be. I try to hold back my sarcasm, but I find it impossible as I snap at her in my current state.

She glares at me with disgust filling her eyes. “Did you see Reese today?” she asks, and I roll my eyes. Is this seriously why she is upset? All because Reese came to see me today?

“Yes, he came by and received a tattoo from me. Why?” I don't shy away from her, and I won't. I have spent my whole life living in fear of her, and I’m done.

She lets out a heavy breath, and I swear I see the smoke roll out of her ears and nostrils. She opens her mouth to speak but pauses to think of the words. “He sent Damian a picture of it! How could you put something so raw and exposing on someone?!” Her disgust laces her words.

I roll my eyes once again, already over this whole conversation. “He asked for it, Mom. What was I supposed to do? He saw the leg tattoos I did on myself and wanted me to do his.” Sitting back in my chair, I cross my arms over my chest. I won't let her phase me.

She shakes her head, pushing her anger back as she tries to calm down. “Rose, it's not okay to see him like that. Do you understand me?” Her tone was almost soft but still laced with anger.

Does she think I am still a young child begging for her mother's acceptance? Does she think he was completely naked in front of me? He was almost entirely naked but still had on his briefs, which held my eyes.

“See him like an adult? That's what he fucking is, unlike you right now!” I shout at her. she holds a hand over her chest as if I broke her heart.

The hurt look on her quickly fades as my words finally sink in, and anger replaces me. “Excuse me?!” She slams her hands down on the table as she yells at me.

Poor Damian sitting here stuck between us, wondering if war might break out. He lifts his hand and begins to speak. “Let’s calm down, ladies. Anita, honey, he loves that tattoo and got what he wanted. I only showed you so you could see how amazing she is at her job. Why can’t you accept her for who she is?”

His words hit me like a boulder. He does see it. I thought he was mostly blind to it all this time, but he sees it.

My mom snaps her head to the side, looking at him. “I do accept her. I just don't think they should be alone together anymore. It’s not right.”

I roll my eyes at her sweet, caring tone. I don't care anymore. All the anger inside of me rushes to my head. “First off, you don’t accept me. Second, we are fucking adults. Third, he isn’t my brother or my actual stepbrother, so there is nothing wrong with it. Nothing is going on between us. If you need a reminder, this isn’t a matter of you deciding my life for me. Those days are over and done with.” I let my words fall and feel instantly at ease with myself. Finally, I got the courage to stand up to her.

“Then how did he see your legs? I told you to keep them covered at all times and to hide those tattoos,” she quips back with anger and hatred.

“He saw them while I was at work. Now, I’m done explaining myself.” I start to stand from the table, but before I have a chance to leave, Damian stops me.

“Anita, calm down, please. They are adults, sweetie, and she is right. They are doing nothing wrong. Even if we married, they are not related and knew each other before we introduced them.”

Always to my rescue with his words. I smile and turn to nod at him. I look back to my mom and the venom refills. I can’t look at her. “Thank you, Damian. I’m going to my room now, bye.” I start to round the table, walking away.

My mom grabs my arm tight and stops me. “No, this conversation is not over. This is serious, Rose!” she yells, and I feel her spit land on my face.

“It is over. Now you can either let me go to my room, or I’m leaving the house.” I gave her the ultimatum, but by the look on her face, I only made it worse.

“You will be doing neither of those. We are talking, so sit your ass back down.” Pure poison spills from her lips.

I pull my arm away from her and walk further away, not giving her a second glance. “Then I’m leaving.”

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