Page 20 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Last night was only a scare tactic to get her home. I didn't mean a word of what I said, and I would never hurt or take her against her own will.” my mom's eyes shot to me, asking me to speak on her behalf.

I choose to use my strength instead and ignore her pleas. “Take a seat, mom. We have a lot to talk about.” I pull out a chair for myself, and Reese sits next to me.

“I don't even get a hello?” The fake look of heartbreak causes Reese to laugh as his father walks in, kissing me on my forehead before taking a seat for himself and ignoring my mother.

“I'm not feeling too friendly today. I'm sure you understand.” I reply sarcastically.

Reese reaches his hand over and rests it on my thigh. My mom is too busy trying to push this image of her being this loving mother to even notice. By the smile on Damian's face, I know he saw.

My mom clears her throat, drawing our attention to her. “So, what did you want to discuss?” Her innocent tone caused me to roll my eyes again.

“You cannot be serious right now, mom.” she glares at me with angry eyes.

“Yes, seriously, Rose. You are the one throwing tantrums and running away from conversations.” Her eyes turn to Reese with a mischievous smirk. “Reese saw one of them when you ran from the bridge all because you weren't getting your way. You are out of control, Rose.” Her eyes snap back to me. I would love to smack the smirk off of her face right now.

“Reese knows why I stormed off.” I feel his grip tighten on my thigh and move my hand to cover his.

“He knows your version of the story.” She glares at me before leaning into Damian, who moves an inch back from her. Hurt fills her eyes, and for a quick moment, I feel guilty.

“You are aware he saw it, right? He was standing there listening to what you said and how you reacted.” I retort while Damian nods, telling me it will be okay and to continue.

“Then I guess he must be blind like you are.” Her tone changes from sweet and innocent to one of annoyance.

I lean forward, putting my elbows on the table. “What the fuck do you mean by that?”

The way she relaxes her body makes me believe that she thinks she has the upper hand. “It means that you are so blinded by thinking I am forcing you to be someone else that you won't allow me to accept you. You push me away whenever I begin to accept you, sweetheart,” she says innocently.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” My jaw drops, almost hitting the table in shock. “You don't fucking accept me, nor have you ever tried! I will call Rachel right now, and she will say the same.” Of all the things I have heard her say, this might take the cake.

“But will she? She never lies, unlike you.” Her sickening wicked smile causing the rage to boil deeper.

Reese's body tenses up, and he leans forward, never letting go of me. “Anita, I heard the phone conversation as well.” she gasps in horror at his words.

“That is an invasion of privacy! Do you not have any manners or respect?!” Her true colors are now coming to full display.

“I let him listen because I needed someone else to hear. He deserved to know who you truly are,” I return her smile from moments ago.

“That was a family matter, Rose. He had no right to listen in on that conversation.” her defensive tone tells me she is backed into a corner now.

“If you didn't say anything wrong, why does it matter?” I ask her with newfound confidence.

Damian touches my mom's shoulder, acting clueless and changing her focus to him. “Anita, what's going on?”

“A small misunderstanding, dear.” she grabs his hand, begging him to listen to her.

“There is no misunderstanding. I'm done hiding and holding back. They need to know who you actually are.” My eyes lock on her as she turns to me in anger.

She stands up, slamming her hands on the table. “Here you go ruining my life again!”

Damian jumps up in my defense. “Anita!” He yells at her.

“I'm sorry, but it's the truth! She can never accept the things she does wrong! She drove her father away and is trying to do the same with you. She doesn't want to keep her legs closed to your son, and she knows I will never allow this to happen if we are together.” She waves her hand around, circling Reese and I.

“I gave them my full support knowing we were together, and you know that. They are not doing anything wrong. How could you treat your own daughter this way?!” Damian yells at her. Not only is my mom shocked, but so am I. He is always so calm and collected, but now I'm seeing a new Damian.

My hands start shaking. This isn't what I wanted. I never wanted to come between them like this. I wanted someone to see who she truly was and get her the help she needed.

I stand up and walk to Damian, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Damian, it's okay. I am used to this and can handle it.” He nods and takes a step back, clearing the path for my mom and I. “Mom, it's not my fault dad left. I was only six years old and a child. It also won't be mine and Reese’s fault if you and Damian do not work out in the end.”

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