Page 17 of My Shining Stepbrother

“What are you two doing?!” She shouts at us, but I know she is aiming her anger at me.

“We… Uhhh….” Lost for words is the only way I can describe this feeling. I can’t tell her it's not what it looked like because that is precisely what it is. She saw that. She saw it all.

“I kissed her. I care about her. This isn’t a new feeling between us. You might think this is all new, but I have known her for eight months. I will not keep holding back because you and my dad started dating. We knew each other before that, and the flame was lit before either of us knew.” He defends me and tries to turn her anger towards him, but the look in her eyes tells me it didn’t work.

“Rose! This is disgraceful! You need to learn self-control and not try to brainwash Reese just to destroy my life!” she spits as she takes a step towards me.

I push back the tears fueled by anger and take a deep breath to regain control before allowing the anger to release on her. “Mom! That is enough! I am not a child anymore, and I won’t allow you to treat me as such. I can kiss or be with whoever I want!” My breathing becomes erratic as I stare at her with anger-filled eyes.

Reese steps next to my side and places his hand on the small of my back, calming me down. His touch holds me to my place, grounding the anger inside me.

“My father is fine with us moving forward. Why can't you be happy for your daughter and I? Why can't you support her decision?” He says the thoughts rolling through my head.

“Because I’m not! We are going home! Now, step away from him, Rose!” She steps forward, reaching for my arm, but Reese moves to block her from touching me.

“She said no. I think she needs to rest and be away from everything tonight. I’ll make sure she comes to talk to you tomorrow, and I will make sure my father comes with us.” His hand reaches behind him holding my waist. His protection prevented her from coming closer to me.

I can see her eyes resembling hatred towards the two of us. “Step aside. She is my daughter, and you will act with respect and dignity!”

“Nobody said I wasn’t your daughter! I am my own person, and you have to learn to respect that.” I see her look away and take my chance. I bolt out from behind Reese and run to my car. I know where I am going this time and will call Reese on the way there. I won't hide from him, but I will hide from her.

Chapter 9

- Rose -

My mind races through the events of tonight. I want to sleep at this point and try to start a new day. I decided to calm myself down before calling Reese. I know he is worried, but I needed to get my thoughts straight. I pull into the driveway and release the breath I was holding.

I call Reese, and he answers on the first ring. “Finally! I’m sorry, Rose. Where are you? I tried to find you, but I couldn’t.” I feel the guilt inside of me creeping its way out.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Reese. I'm the one that is sorry. I shouldn’t have run away the way I did. I had to get out of there, though.” I steady myself staring at the house in front of me. “I am at your dad’s house. She won’t come here, but even if she does. She won’t act completely crazy.”

“I will be there in ten minutes. Go ahead and go inside. I’ll call him now and tell him you are there.” He doesn’t waste a second replying to me.

“You don’t have to because I already did. I am going in now, so I will see you when you get here. I promise I won't leave.” I let out an audible sigh of relief as I hung up the phone.

I walk inside Damian’s house and smell the coffee, telling me he is in the kitchen. I make my way to him and breathe in my favorite aroma. He points to one of the seats and waits for me to sit before offering me a cup of the nectar from the gods.

After he hands me a cup, he leans down, puts his elbows on top of the island, and stares at me. “Want to tell me what’s going on, kiddo?”

I set the cup down and thought of how to phrase my words. “I needed to get away from her. I have never seen her this angry, but she snapped once she saw Reese and I. I want us to have a chance to explore our feelings and see where we could go in life. She thinks I am fifteen years old and can't make my own decisions.”

He reaches over and places his hand on mine with care. “What was said at the bridge. Reese already told me about the phone call, but I know more was said.”

I told him about the events at the bridge, and I could feel his hand tense. I can see the betrayal in his eyes, hearing how my mother truly is. I told him how she tried to grab me, but Reese protected me and blocked me from her grasp.

He closes his eyes for a moment before looking back up at me. “I’m so sorry I never saw the signs. I always thought she was proud of you but just wanted to keep you safe with how you dressed.”

“She puts on a show in public, but I’m not an acceptable daughter behind closed doors. I defy her and choose my path in life instead of bending backward and doing whatever she asks of me. Please don’t allow this to ruin both of your happiness. I know how to deal with and handle her. She loves and cares about you so please still give her a chance.” I beg him. She might not always treat me with love and respect, but I still love my mother and want to see her happy in life.

“I have to think about it. I don't see how you can still defend her.” he says it in surprise and shock.

“She is still my mom and deserves happiness in her life. She can be loving at times. She doesn't like it when I don't fall in line.” I tell him in a shorter version.

We sit in a comfortable silence as time passes by until Reese walks in the door. He barely shuts the door behind him before he sprints to me. His arms wrap around me as he holds me tight to him, almost like it could be our last. I hate that I have induced this type of panic inside him in just a short time.

He releases me only slightly before looking into my eyes. “Please don't run from me anymore. I’m not sure I wouldn't burn the city down trying to find you.”

“I didn't run from you. I ran from her if that helps.” I smile, and he shakes his head with a low laugh.

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