I rushed out of the house in full emotional outburst working inside my heart and mind, not knowing where I planned on going. I didn't know this place. Not finding any other option, I dropped down on a minute bench in the vast lawn. I buried my face in my hands and started sobbing heavily. At this point, I didn't know whether I should hate my father or my mother. Quick approaching footsteps drew my attention; Jonas was sprinting towards me.

"Amyra, there you are!" he panted.

I wiped the tears from my face and reoriented myself. He probably understood that trying to console me would be of no use, so he didn't attempt it. Instead, he went for his usual peculiar ways.

"I'm disappointed!" he exclaimed, flopping down on the bench beside me.

"Do you realize how huge a crush I had on you? But the world had to be so round that you had to turn out to be my step sister!"

He faked a sigh while he said it.

"You're never changing, Jonas Amberson," I commented with a weak smile as I nudged him with my elbow.

He was indeed successful in distracting my mind, won't disagree with that. He placed an arm around mine as I rested my head on his shoulders. It felt good to have a shoulder to cry on.

The still air was only stirred by the autumn leaves falling from the interlocking branches above.

"I still hate you for receiving my share of mom's love for the past eight years, you know," I whispered.

"Don't kill me for that," he giggled.

"I just can't forgive her yet..."

"Take your time Amy," he advised as he patted my shoulders.

"Hmm," I breathed.

"Well curious, isn't it? You were my best friend, and now we turn out to be step-siblings," he chuckled.

"Well, we're not genetically step-siblings if you see the thing biologically," I remarked as I parted my head from his shoulders to sit straight.

Time to flex my Biology knowledge.

"Ahhh Amy, did I ever tell you that I had dropped Biology back in my ninth grade?" he heaved. "So these shits won't get into my tiny head."

"It's really simple actually, it's about genes. You and I don't share the same genes because our biological parents are not the same," I kept on blabbering.

"Yes yes, makes sense why I'm smart, and you're not-" he boasted, pulling the collar of his t-shirt.

I pinched his arm, conveying my irritation.

He muttered a high pitched 'Ouch' before continuing, "-and you're beautiful while I'm not."

I actually chuckled this time as he gently pulled my delicate cheeks.

"Are you staying here today?" I asked.

My mood was quite lighter now, thanks to my newly discovered stepbrother.

"I guess so. Can't leave mom alone in this state, you know."

I nodded.

"Stay with her, I'll go back alone."

"Can't you stay here too? She would have felt better," he suggested.

"I can't, I need some time."

"Should I call and inform Xav Bro to pick you up from here then?"

"I can drive, don't underestimate me," I huffed out.

"Fine fine, but we'll see your driving skills some other day. Let's get you a taxi today."

I stared at him through squinted eyes. Did he actually underestimate me?

"No, I don't underestimate you, ma'am," he chuckled as he got up.

"Then?" I asked.

"Psychology says that you mustn't drive when your state of mind is not under control."

"I had good grades in psychology by the way," he added with a grin.

"Amy!" mom's voice called out from the back.

I turned my head to find her hurrying towards us.

"Are you leaving already, dear?" she muttered with teary eyes.

"I'll come back some other day," I replied without making eye contact with her.

"June, get me a taxi please."

Not finding any way to solve the conflict between us, Jonas gestured me towards the road.

He looked back at mom and mouthed something like, "I'll get her back, don't worry."

"Bye stepsister," he teased as I got into a taxi.

He was probably trying to normalize the matter.

"It's not funny, June," I replied meekly.

He waved at me with an emotional look as the taxi roared to life. I stared vaguely out of the window at the blue, hundreds of memories flashing in front of my eyes. The journey felt unusually long, probably because this was the first time I was travelling alone.

All the blows from the case seemed too minor compared to this one. I groped my locket that was around my neck and opened it. Mom and dad's picture.

Why did luck have to be like this?

When Pappa was there, mom wasn't. Now that mom is here, Pappa isn't.

How ignorant was I so as not to get any hint about what was going on between my parents?

I didn't want to hate any of them.

I missed my father, a lot. He was the closest person to me all these years. I wanted to hold my mom tightly and never let her go away like Pappa. At the same time, I couldn't ignore the gush of hatred towards each of them that inundated inside me in turns.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize when the taxi stopped.

"Ma'am, is this the house?" the driver inquired.

I glanced at my left to see "Xavier's Bungalow".

"Yes," I muttered.

Jonas had already paid the driver, so I didn't have to. I tottered out of the car towards Mrs. Arabella's house to get Bruno. However, just before I was about to ring the doorbell, I paused. For some reason, I didn't want to face her now. I knew she wouldn't mind if Bruno stayed there for the day, and Bruno was probably enjoying it there too. So I turned back and made my way up the stairs.

Kelvin opened the door even before I rang the bell. He had probably seen me coming from the balcony.

He observed me in silence, probably trying to figure out my state of mind.

"You knew," I mumbled.

"She told you on the call, didn't she?"

He gave a slight nod. I entered inside without saying anything further.

"You didn't have lunch, did you?" he called out from the back as I was about to get into my room.

I shook my head.

"Go freshen up, I'll serve the food for both of us then."

I glanced at the clock on the wall, it was 6 pm.

"You didn't have your lunch yet?"

"Jonas informed me in the afternoon that you were coming back. I knew you didn't have lunch, so-" he shrugged.

He was waiting for me?

I don't know why, but it felt good.

Please don't forget to vote, comment, and share if you enjoyed reading this chapter!

- Love,
Your dear author <3