Games “I didn’t know you had a son,” I casual mention when my dad and Anne returned. “Harry? He is home? I thought he’d be out with friends. And your father never mentioned?” She stares at my father expectantly, and his eyes widen. “I did tell you, remember?” I shook my head, replying, “I would have remembered if you said she had a son.” A cute and rude son to add. He was told about me, why didn’t my father say anything? That’s something you would definitely mention. ‘Oh, hey! By the way, you will not only be gaining a step-mum, but a step-brother as well!’ Yes, that’s something you would for sure tell. “Oh, well I’m sorry. I was sure I had told you. Any who, you guys seem to have been introduced.” He smiles, and wraps an arm around Anne. “We might as well order pizza now that everyone seems to be home. What toppings do you guys usually get?” my father asks, pulling out his phone. Anne shrugs, “We’re not picky, but Athena, you should go ask Harry what he wants. We’ll do a half and half pie.” I wanted to die; there was no way I would go and confront that dick again. But I couldn’t let Anne know how much of an ass Harry was to me. Maybe he’s just as mad about the situation as I am. I can’t really blame him. A second chance might be what he needs; I guess I would be going upstairs to ask Harry what toppings he would prefer on his pizza. Damn. “Which room is his?” I ask, beginning to walk up the steps. “Second door on your right, he has the room right across from yours!” She says from the kitchen. Well, isn’t that just great? He had a Ramones poster on his door; I couldn’t deny that he had good taste in music. I lightly knocked, and heard shuffling from the other side. In seconds he opened the door, and stood there, glaring down at me. “What do you want?” He snaps, his eyes not leaving mine. His stare was paralyzing. And the words that came out of my mouth sounded like a jumbled mess. “Your mum wants to know what toppings you’d like the pizza?” He broke his eyes away from mine, and I took a deep breath. I was able to move again. “I’m not hungry.” And with that, he slammed his door. I felt like punching it; if I hadn’t have torn myself away I would have kicked it in. He blew his second chance; I hated this situation but at least I was being polite. I wasn’t acting like a child throwing a temper tantrum. If Harry wanted to me stay clear of his way, I would. Just because we were step siblings doesn’t mean we were obligated to speak to one another. I think it would be best if we ignored each other completely. “What did Harry want?” Anne asked when I returned to the kitchen. I shrugged, taking a seat at the table. “He doesn’t really care what’s on it. So anything I guess.” When the pizza was delivered, my father and I had finished settling in. My room was bigger than my old one, which was a plus. A queen sized bed was already made up for me, all I had to do was add my comforter and it was set. The walls were bare, and Anne said it was alright if I wanted to paint them. The furniture was general; dresser, two nightstands and a vanity. I had my clothes unpacked and in drawers. All I had to do now was wait for my other stuff to arrive. When my dad called me down to eat, I had thought it would just be the three of us, seeing as Anne’s angelic son said he wasn’t hungry. But when I walked into the dining room, he was sitting down, chowing down on a slice of pizza. I almost choked; I was hoping it would have been just the three of us. I really didn’t want to be in his company; not after his pleasing introduction. “There she is!” my father called when I sat down. The only chair available was across from the devil himself, who was smiling at me. I knitted my eyebrows; bipolar much? “Harry, you’ve met Athena.” Anne speaks. “Yes, I have. Again, it was great to have met you. I’m so glad to have new additions to the family.” He declares sweetly; I wanted to barf. It was obviously an act. Little Harry here was quite the actor. Well, two can play game. “It’s good to see you two getting along!” My father really didn’t know the whole story. But if Harry wants to play tit for tat, I was down. “Yeah, I feel we’re already the best of friends.” Sarcasm couldn’t have dripped from my voice any more than it did. But my father and Anne seemed oblivious to it—which it made it even more fun. Harry held his smile, but I saw in his eyes that he knew I was toying with him, and it didn’t appear that he liked it. Good. We continued to eat, small chat consuming the spare time in between bites. Soon we were finished eating, and I offered to do the dishes; and so did Harry. Once we were alone, he dropped the act. “What do you think you’re doing?” He barks. I play dumb and hold up the cleaning sponge. “Cleaning dishes?” He screws his eyes shut, and holds the bridge of his nose. “No, you twit. Just stay out of my way, okay?” I wanted to smash the plate across his face. What a prick. “You’ve already made that clear, you prick. We both hate this whole marriage thing. But my dad’s a great guy, and your mum seems happy. So get over it.” With that I dropped the sponge and headed out of the house. I didn’t answer my dad as he asked what the matter was. I just needed air and walk to cool myself down before I knocked Harry out. My tolerance was now obsolete. As much as I didn’t want my father to be with anyone else, I couldn’t deny the fact that he was happy. I hated moving hundreds of miles away from the place I grew up, my friends and my boyfriend. But if my dad was happy…so was I. Harry did one good thing tonight—showing me how blind I was to this engagement. I was being selfish. I missed my mother, and so did my dad. But he couldn’t be alone forever—my mum wouldn’t want that, so why should I? I didn’t know how far from the house I was. I just kept walking. I was about to turn around when my name was called. I look behind me and see Harry jogging toward me. I sighed. What the hell did he want? “What?” I snap, when he was a good five feet from me. He looked taken back, but I didn’t care if I sounded bitchy. He deserved it. “I just…” He was out of breath; did I walk that far? “You just what?” I couldn’t help how rude I was now sounding. I felt a small twinge of guilt hit my heart. A small twinge. I stared at him, as he was leaned over his knees, taking deep breaths. He took one last deep breath before standing up straight; I was shocked at the words that left his mouth next. “I’m sorry.”