"Good morning," I embarrassingly greeted the innocent young man seated in the front row, as usual.

"Hey," he responded with a genuine smile as I settled next to him.

"You beat me here."

Asher playfully narrowed his eyes and pointed, "I always make it to class before you."

His innocent gaze intensified my guilt, and I looked away. As always, I found myself apologizing for Caden's behavior. "Asher, I'm really sorry about what Caden did to you."

Over the weekend, I doubted if I could ever look Asher in the eyes after my ill-mannered stepbrother's actions. But he was my first and only friend in college, and I couldn't let Caden ruin that for me. I had to salvage the friendship I found. Besides my studies and my recent friend Caleb, Asher had been one of the positive aspects of my college experience so far.

"It's okay," he simply said.

"It's not. I should have done something; it's not fair," I muttered quietly.

Of course, I should have taken action. I knew I had nothing forceful enough to affect Caden's emotions, but I should've tried. Maybe I could've called Dad and framed the asshole so he would face the consequences he deserved. Dad would undoubtedly choose me over him without a second thought. What Caden did last week was unreasonable and very childish. I felt so ashamed admitting it to Asher.

"Don't blame yourself, Maddie. He cares about you. I'd do the same for my sister."

And that's Asher, the naive young man who believed bullies had their reasons. Well, maybe some did, but Caden certainly didn't. He chose to exist only to manipulate me and destroy my contentment.

"You wouldn't hurt an insect; you're kind," I pointed out. The constant assurance I was receiving from people these days about how much Caden cared for me was starting to provoke me. If only they knew how cruel he really is; none of them would see my situation from their weird perspectives.

"Right," Asher mumbled in agreement.

I let my face fall into my palms, feeling ashamed.

This was insane. I had to stand up and set boundaries with Caden. If I didn't, this would never end, and I would be left alone, just as he planned.

"Please forgive me for dragging you into this."

"It's okay, I'm serious," he smiled widely, meaning the words he spoke.

He didn't have to go through my mess, but he still offered to help. "What if, after class, we go see my uncle and get you a job?" he suggested, nudging my ribs gently until a smile formed on my face.

"That sounds great."

"What sounds great?" The familiar rich and controlling tone interrupted, followed by a scent that stirred something in the pit of my stomach, setting off fireworks in my vision. That's how I knew it was my arrogant, prideful stepbrother.

"None of your concern," I sternly replied without looking at him. I couldn't afford to struggle with the strange feeling his closeness invoked. Looking at him would only make things worse, and worse meant trouble when it came to Caden and me. He was my stepbrother, and I should only hate him, not the other way around.

"Fine, come to my left. You're sitting in Avery's area," he said with a smirk.

Okay, I looked. My eyes flew to him, and it was like I hadn't heard him correctly. Damn, if he didn't look better than any boy I'd seen on magazine covers.

"You must be kidding," I managed to breathe.

"No, get moving, or do I have to pick you?" He had a bold expression on his face as he lowered and slid into the seat next to me.

A sudden burn surged in my chest at his request.

"I'm not going anywhere. I will not move for some probable dropout student," I angrily objected, shooting a rebellious stare at the snotty-nosed girl above me.

"Watch your tongue, little girl. I would do the talking if your brother hadn't 'fifty shaded' me in the expanse of your kitchen." She slowly released her lip between her teeth and winked, acting like the bitch she was. Suddenly, everything I had for breakfast this morning rose to my throat.

"You what?" I turned to Caden and exclaimed.

"Excuse me?" Caden appeared neutral, making sure to maintain his attention on some naughty text message, probably from some girl. I could see it from my position, and I felt sympathy for the girl standing above me, thinking she possessed him.

"You had your thing in the kitchen," I blurted, trying to calm myself down with the thought of never eating from that area anymore, even though it should be part of my home.

He glanced at me with an amused smile on his lips. My heart could have skipped a beat for his charm if it wasn't pounding with anger.

"Yes, just say the word, Mad. Well, here's the reason: probably because it's my kitchen. It's not like we fucked everywhere; it was just around the bar stools and the island." He licked his lips, and breathlessly, I rasped, "You're disgusting."

"He's ruling, my dear. Now get your little butt moving," Avery waved her fingers dismissively.

Wow, she sure had audacity.

"Go back to your department; you have no place here," I countered sassily.

"I'm not joking, move."

"Neither am I," I defiantly reciprocated.

"Aiden? Come to my left," Caden said, wearing his stupidity like a crown and playing his dumbass game.

"What?" Avery and I said in unison, though both for different reasons.

Caden ignored us and sternly commanded again, seething, "Now!" He urged Asher.

What the fuck?

I immediately grabbed Asher's arm and held him in place. He didn't get to control people like that. "He's not going anywhere," I protested, knowing full well that Caden would never listen.

"Look, I don't know if it's 'catamenia' growing your sudden balls, but I will release that arm if I were you," Caden threatened, his eyes furious.

I should've slapped his flawless face until I left a mark. I should've let him know that I deserved respect when speaking to him. But unfortunately, I froze and let the enemy take malicious pleasure in seeing my vulnerable side.

Asher flashed me an apologetic smile that said 'it's okay' and slipped out of my grasp before moving to find another free space.

"Go sit there," Caden ordered his girlfriend reluctantly, inclining his head.

Of course, girlfriend. She meant more to him than I did. I had expected too much from him.

"What?" Avery protested.

"I want to believe you're not deaf," Caden responded without taking his eyes off his phone.

"Babe, I want to sit close to you," she pouted.

I almost snickered after the pathetic words left her mouth. If she thinks Caden is the snuggling type, then good luck chasing her shadow. She has no idea how overweening Caden is.

"Well, I am not moving," she said defiantly.

This should be interesting; is this the part where she insists they get married, and Caden becomes a father in the auditorium?

Instead, the asshole beside me shot her a warning glare, and just like that, she moved to settle herself on Asher's former spot.

I don't know how, but a pleasurable smile took over my face while she scowled at me.

Whatever.

"Hello class, today we're discussing more cognitive psychology. Last time we talked about internal mental processes, everything that goes on inside our brains," the professor's voice monopolized the lecture hall, making me aware of my surroundings, knowing we were in for a two-hour lecture.

But still, my mouth went on, and I asked, "What's the meaning for what you did?" It's like when it comes to Caden, I do things without reasoning.

I should've let it go, but instead, I wanted to know why. Or maybe I wanted to hear him speak. I can't quite discern.

"You shouldn't be sitting next to a man. Well, a boy," he corrected haughtily with a smirk on his lips. I took a few seconds to stare at him before huffing, mostly in response to my body reacting to his charm, and with disdain for his attitude, I told him, "You're unbelievable."

"I've always been."

How can a person be this arrogant and disrespectful?

"It includes a lot of activities, for instance, thinking, human memory, concentration, perception, problem-solving, and more," the professor continued discussing while my mind was wrapped up in thoughts of the person next to me.

"Are you writing it down?" Caden questioned, his smug tone clear.

I ignored him and pretended to focus on the active lecture.

"This lets us observe more about people and achieve more knowledge of the human brain. With that, it enables psychologists to formulate new ways of helping people dealing with psychological difficulties."

I sensed Caden leaning toward my nape, and his warmth blanketed my side, making every hair on my body rise. He whispered, "This is what you're after, isn't it? To observe me." I didn't know why his closeness gave me goosebumps and an abnormal heartbeat, but it felt good, so I remained quiet and lived in the rapture of my stepbrother's closeness. "I will be dedicated to this topic." He smirked and shifted back, leaving me with that weird feeling in my stomach and a sudden forlornness.

By the end of the second period, Caden was practically running to get to his Porsche when I followed behind him. We still had another class in the next ten minutes, and he couldn't leave, mostly when I knew where he was going. Probably to work his way between some giggling girls, which shouldn't happen. I can't have the house fully defiled with germs from his fuckery.

"Where are you going? You can't be ordering Asher around." I knew it wasn't my concern, so to make it sound neutral, I added the last line.

"I have my own business to attend," he said, pulling open the driver's door.

I studied him while he did so. Sometimes, like right now, I had this hope, wishing Caden and I were normal human beings with no bad blood between us. I'd be yanking the passenger door and enjoying a ride next to him. Maybe we might talk about our high school experience because we had good memories. He didn't have to ruin anything for me. Maybe we'd be laughing at the family dinners we had because he didn't have to provoke everyone at the table and eradicate every dinner memory we had. Maybe we'd share something even more powerful because we are family, and that's what family should do. But we weren't that perfect. We were disarrayed, and everything that made us up was particles of ashes scattered in the depths of hell, so deep we could not collect the pieces and patch them up.

"What is it?" I pressed, mentally wanting to hit my head for having these weird emotions, knowing he's probably going to see some girl and nothing changes that.

"I'm running errands."

He didn't spare me another look, driving out of the lot and leaving me standing with something that felt like fear and stabs in the chest.

***

After school was over, Asher and I had agreed to visit his uncle at the healthcare center, hopeful I might have a job, and that meant hours of freedom from you know who.

"My bicycle?" I worriedly asked Asher as we headed towards his car.

He halted after me and turned around. "It's in the trunk, is it okay with you?"

"Yes, please." I smiled and hopped into the vehicle.

"Cool." I heard him say before joining me inside the comfort of his car. "So how were the classes?"

"Statistics was so long, and I'm exhausted." I relaxed into the seat as Asher pulled out of the parking space.

"Yeah, the professor always goes for an additional hour. Maybe we should grab something to eat?"

"No, I'm not hungry. The excitement of a new job has occupied me. I'm just exhausted." I smiled.

"Don't let Caden get to you."

Honestly, I have to say, I don't know why I am blessed with someone as gentle as Asher; I could only be grateful.

"I survived him through high school; I should be able to do the same in college." Depending on how far he is willing to keep following me.

"Yes, besides, it's not like he'll follow you forever. He will soon grow up and realize all this was a waste of time," Asher said.

Could that be true? Could I be free from the misery and wretchedness Caden had imposed on me?

I heaved a sigh and watched the vehicles behind us through the side mirror. "I want to believe so," I mumbled.

I want to know what an unrestricted and free world feels like. I need to live it, perceive it, and let myself dwell in it.

"I am certain of it. Caden bullying you for no specific reason, of course, he's gonna regret it someday," Asher assured, the most improbable possibility. The probability of having Caden off my route is too low; I can barely retain hope.

"We are here," he notified shortly after a brief silence.

"It's close," I said when we emerged from the car and advanced into what looked like a five-story building.

"Told you, you can stroll from your apartment."

Accurate, I doubt the walk from here to Oxford Ave could exceed ten minutes.

"Asher, you finally decided to visit." A middle-aged man in a white button-down shirt tucked into grey formal pants and a smile as every male cartoon character is programmed for, uttered and stopped right opposite us by the reception.

"I see the place is getting packed," Asher looked around the slightly crowded environment.

"Patients are mostly referred here. You know, qualified psychological help center," the man winked at Asher, and I suddenly want to believe he's Asher's Uncle.

"Yeah, yeah, uncle." And Asher confirmed my thought.

"How are school and work?"

"Good. Work is good, actually. And today we have some activities going on for freshers, but I'm not attending."

Oh yes, today is event day, and with that, there are varieties of festivals set for the day, which I find relatively to high school; I guess that's why it's for the SU freshers. When it comes to events like that, I am not the perfect candidate. I've never been interested in fun activities that include too many people. Thanks to my life vandal, Caden; I've always stayed away from social gatherings to avoid his public pranks.

"You should learn to live life, son," Asher's uncle suggested, slapping his nephew's arm.

"Sure, uncle." Asher chuckled, facing me. "Alright, this is Madison Thaddeus, I told you about." He tells his uncle.

"Hello, Madison. I am Enzo Maximus, the boss." Asher's uncle holds out his hand, and I immediately take it.

"It's nice to meet you." I smile and shake his hand.

"Me too. So, are you on the same level as Asher?"

"Yes, we have the same classes," I answered.

"Alright, you can start with the minor phase."

Confused, I asked, "Minor phase?"

"Most of our interns are mainly tasked with data collection or providing administrative support. But Asher had a lot of good things to say about you..." He smiled at my friend, and I couldn't help but smile too, seeing him blush faintly. Asher is just a sweetheart. "And I can't say no to my nephew. So, you'll start with the benefits we offer senior interns. You'll get to observe therapy sessions, have access to courses and training from Reagan, which will help elevate your skills and give you a strong record for the future. If you complete your training, you might even be considered for specialized roles down the line. Charlie will take your personal information and payment details." By the time Enzo is done explaining, I am smiling widely.

"Why does it sound like I have a job?" I inquired.

"Because you're hired. Asher, can you please show the way to her office."

My mouth falls open. No way. This is too good to be true.

That's so easy! Yet people complain about being jobless.

"I have an office?" I exclaimed.

"Congratulations. Anything for Asher's likable friend. You can start this week or next Monday," Enzo informed, smiling at my excitement.

"I will, Sir."

"Call me Enzo, please."

"Thank you so much." I quell the smile of joy and nod at the man in formal clothing, who's now my boss.

What excites me more is having a real boss that isn't Caden and his pretend game. For the first time in my life, I have some changes that I am proud of. I would rather be controlled by the whole world than have Caden stop ordering me around like his footman, or rather, foot woman? Is there something like that?

"If Asher is right, you are dedicated in whatever you do, of course, we will love having you here." Enzo praises with a sincere smile pulling on his lip before he pats his nephew's shoulder and excuses himself.

Without a second thought, I jump onto Asher and wrap my arms around his neck firmly. "Dedicated and likable, huh? Those are very thoughtful words to vouch for me." I whispered in his ear.

"Omg God, thank you."

"It's okay." He chuckled and holds me by my waist.

"Stop saying it's okay and accept you're a kind person."

He has no idea what this means to me. It signifies I can have some hours to breathe without having Caden getting under my nose every second of the day. For that, I am so grateful to Asher.

"Thank you, Maddie. Now come, I will show you to your office." He pulls me along while my eyes wander around my workplace.

I have the urgent need to call Mom and Dad and tell them everything immediately. Asher opens a small room with a medium desk completed with two pairs of Ontiveros lounge chairs for guests. I am sure my parents would be proud.

"I can't believe I have an office." I grin, circling the desk and slump into my breathable mesh chair.

"And you fitted it well." Asher remarks playfully and lowers into the chair across me.

"I know, right?" I moan softly, enjoying the satisfaction the office gives.

"Now let's practice." He clears his throat and stretches before he continues. "I am a patient coming for a session I've booked."

"But that's only if I pass the training and the courses." How am I supposed to fit these studies in with my schoolwork?

"With how resilient you are, I'm sure you'll pass that in no time. You'll wow this organization. So let's prepare for that coming success."

Oh my God, I needed to hear that. I envisioned myself with patients coming in. Yup, I already felt like a professional therapist. I'll figure out those courses, even if it means sleepless nights.

"Hello, I'm Asher Cooper, and I have an appointment today."

"Sure, I'm Doctor Thaddeus, but you can call me Madison. Please sit, but you're already seated." I bite a smile and appear serious again.

"Thank you." Asher chuckles.

I lean forward and curiously lace my fingers on the desk. "So, Asher, how are you doing?"

"Struggling." He frowns with a sigh.

"Can you share with me? I promise to listen and provide the help I can afford."

"Of course." He nods. "I have a friend, and she's hungry, but she refuses to eat her lunch." A smile tugs on his lips, just like mine, but we both stifle the smile and try to focus on our tryout.

"That depends. Are you sure there isn't something more than hunger?"

"She says she's more excited for her new job, and I believe eating is over all those activities." His eyes arch while my lips twitch.

"If you feel that way, maybe you can get her a bowl of ice cream; she might like it," I suggest something I can never lose appetite for. Yes, ice cream.

"She shouldn't eat a bowl of ice cream on an empty stomach," Asher protests, wrinkles forming on his forehead.

"I think she will prefer a bowl of ice cream," I insist, nodding.

"Hello, sorry for the interruption. I'm Reagan, Reagan Emerson. I will be helping you with one or two things to get you set on track. So come to me anytime." A gorgeous woman in formal clothing stands by the door.

When I say gorgeous, I mean really stunning-blonde hair, long legs, bewitching smile that easily attracts attention. You know that kind.

"Oh, cool, I mean thanks." I quickly shoot up from the chair and round the desk until I'm standing next to her. "I am Madison." I offer a smile to appear at least kind? What else can I offer? I don't have captivating features like this Reagan of a woman.

"Yes." She smiles and nods. Okay, she already knew my name. Like I said, what else can I offer?

"Okay," I mumble and fold my lips between my teeth, waiting for her to save the awkwardness.

"This a card with log in details for the web courses. You should take time and study everything attentively. There's my number written on the last page; feel free to call me if you have any questions, but please do not at night. I easily wake up but hardly get back to sleep when I do." She quips, and I know she meant it.

"I will keep that in mind."

"Or you could put the phone on silent," Asher adds.

Reagan tilts to her left and blurts out, "Asher?"

"Hello, Reagan, how are you doing?" He grins at the gorgeous woman.

Of course, he would, anyone would. Wait, he knows her? Then again, his uncle is the boss here; it's possible he knows everyone who works here.

"I am good. I hope you are well too."

Asher stands upright and adjusts his shirt while he says, "Yes, I'm just about to go get my friend some bowl of ice cream," causing an instant rush of blood to my cheeks.

"Well, that's gracious." Reagan's eyes switch between Asher and me before she appends, "I will see you later then."

"I can show you around. You will enjoy working here. We have some interns like you too." Reagan informs and ushers me to the door to begin my tour and whatever I have ahead of me.