Rain dappled the window with transparent monochrome droplets, obscuring my view of the trees that passed by in a dark blob. I kept my eyes from wandering in my father’s direction. I didn’t want to say a word to him—ever again. The only sound in the car came from the windshield wipers, as they fervently cleansed the glass. As cars passed us, I kept thinking of how much further I was from home—the house I grew up in, the people I knew, and my mother’s grave. All were back in New Castle. I wouldn’t forgive him for taking me away from everything I cared for. My mother wasn’t even dead three years, and he goes and proposes to another woman. And the fact that I’ve never met her is even more nerve racking. “We are almost there,” my father says. I feel his eyes on me, but I keep mine focused on the passing nature outside of the window. We passed a couple of signs, but I didn’t pay them mind. I wasn’t too keen on knowing where we were headed. I didn’t care and I planned on returning home with my boyfriend, who, of course, was still in New Castle. Another important thing I was leaving behind. We drove for a couple of miles until we reached a community. It was gated and my father had to put in a code to get inside. The houses were just like any other homes, with brick foundations, flower beds and well maintained lawns. We drove slowly for what seemed like an eternity before he pulled into a driveway. That’s when I saw her—my father’s fiancé. She was medium height, with brown curls that fell just above her shoulders. She waved to us, and my father grinned like the Cheshire cat. I hadn’t seen him smile like that in a long time. I had to push that thought in the farthest part of my mind and remember how absurd this whole engagement business was. Besides, my dad was too old to remarry. “Ronnie! You’re early.” Her voice was soft, almost angelic. And as she got closer I could see why my dad would fancy her—she was beautiful. Her skin was flawless, and her lips were a plush and red. Her eyes were a bright blue green. I couldn’t deny the warm vibe I was receiving from her; she seemed harmless. “This must be Athena; gosh you are even more beautiful in person. I’m Anne!” She embraced me in a hug, and not to be rude, I hugged her back. “Your father talks about you nonstop. It is great to finally meet you.” Her smile never faltered. My father began to bring in some of our bags. The rest of our stuff would be here tomorrow. But for now, we only had what our SUV could hold. “Let me give you a tour.” She states when we enter her foyer. “I’ve been cleaning all day; wanting everything to be nice for your arrival. I was a bit nervous.” She confides. I take a look around, impressed with what I see. Her home was lovely, as much as it pained me to say, it was indeed…homey. “The kitchen’s through there and the living area is to your left.” Her house smelt of cinnamon and apple pie. I was so starving I was about to eat the air. I guess choosing not to eat the whole trip, in protest to your father, isn’t the best idea. My stomach grumbled, and Anne heard it. She giggled, then glared at my father. “You haven’t gotten her anything to eat, Ronald?” my father dropped the bags he was carrying and held up his hands. “Hey! She refused to eat. Maybe we can order pizza and just relax. It was an exhausting drive and all I want to do is kick up my feet.” Anne smiled and beckoned me into the kitchen. “To hold you off until we order the pizza, help yourself to anything in the fridge. I’m going to go help your father with the rest of the luggage.” She disappeared from view, leaving me alone. I felt a bit weird rummaging through her fridge unattended. But my stomach was pissed at me, and if I didn’t feed it soon, it would just get worse. There wasn’t anything in the fridge that didn’t require being heated in the microwave. I would have better luck in the cabinets. Crips sounded good, and I’m sure every household has those. I grabbed a coke from the fridge. And just as I closed the door, a person appeared right next to me. I jumped, dropping the can of coke. “Holy mother of God!” I laid a hand on my chest, staring up at the one who almost gave me a heart attack. The first thing that I noticed was his eyes—big, bright, blue and mesmerizing. My stare averted to his hair, brown curly locks that fell into his cerulean eyes. His skin was light, porcelain. He wore a white V-neck shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, showing off mildly tones arms; he had on black form fitting jeans, and brown pointed-toe boots. My mouth became intensely dry and I felt like I was in a room full of people naked. “You must be my soon to be step-sister.” His eyes trailed me up and down, and I felt even more self conscious. His eyes narrowed, and he leaned down, his face inches from mine; his hot, mint breath fanning my face. “Just stay out of my way, and everything will be copasetic.” He began to walk away, leaving me with my mouth left ajar. “Don’t forget to pick up your coke.” He calls over his shoulder. What the hell? ‹ Summary