The cab pulled over and piled on the side of the road. Derek got down before me and ran over to my side, hoping to open the door for me. I bit my lip, believing it wasn't necessary because I was afraid people would be watching, particularly those we knew. Perhaps I was being overly dramatic and exaggerating; it doesn't matter if he opens the door for me like a gentleman. Gosh! All boys do it, including brothers.
He held my hands, intending to give them a quick kiss, but I widened my eyes, signaling him to stop. He nodded, his gorgeous teeth showing through a loving smile, and he paused what he was about to do, sensing my discomfort. The taxi driver peeked at us, dimples appearing on the side of his cheek as he flashed us a cool smile. He was probably admiring how loving Derek was. Aren't I lucky to have such a wonderful soul as him as my mate?
"Thank you," I sighed and mumbles after alighting from the taxi. I was dressed in a pink crop top that exposed my slender tummy and light blue pants that accentuated my pretty legs. I had to let my hair down to conceal Derek's mark on my neck.
We shifted our gazes to Kate's apartment building, which was a large condominium with many neighbors. Derek grasped my hand and looked into my eyes, his lips twitching.
"Let's go," He said and we both moved at once but I felt a little uncomfortable with his hands on mine. We were starting to get stares from people and I'm certain people were obviously wondering who he was.
I gulped down the lump in my throat, attempting to clear my head. I'm not sure what to say when they query about our relationship. It's certain that I won't tell them that we're mates, but telling them we're step-siblings made me cringe a little.
Girls would crowd around him, using it as a way to get closer to him because they thought he was my brother and I couldn't date him.
"OMG! Did you see that dude?" I heard a squad of girls beaming, chirping and bubbling as they stole several glances at Derek. There were numerous teenagers and neighbors gathered outdoors. Some were wearing headphones and earplugs. Some rode on skateboards, while others participated in a rapping competition, but as soon as they saw me and Derek, they stopped whatever they were doing to give us their complete attention. Their gaze shifted from Derek to mine, and I was fairly certain they were wondering if he was my boyfriend.
"Gosh! This dude is so hot! I'm curious to know who he is. Do you think he is Isabel's boyfriend?"
Amy, one with dark bob hair, asked, drooling as she stared at Derek. Derek only smirked and ignored their comments about him but I was more than disturbed within. What if they snatch Derek away from me? What if he ends up rejecting me one day feeling our mate bond as step-siblings won't work?
No. No, Isabel. Stop being crazy. Stop thinking silly, okay. Derek is never going to reject you for someone else..
As we strolled the corridor and made our way into the elevator, I could hear footsteps behind us and I knew they were following us, obviously curious to get more details about Derek. Derek and I entered the elevator, and he delicately stroked my cheek, his emerald eyes beaming with comfort.
"Let's inform them that we're only going to be step-siblings. Let's not reveal to them that we're mates,"
I said, and he caressed my hands tenderly with a reassuring smile.
When we arrived at Bonnie's apartment floor, we chose to exit the elevator together. My phone rang, and I took it up, knowing it was Bonnie.
"Aren't you coming?" Bonnie asked, getting impatient.
"We're there. We're almost at your doorstep," I reassured as I glanced my eyes at each door, finding the one that led to her room.
When I finally saw it, I smiled and opened the door with the phone still clasped to my ear. Bonnie sprung up instantly as soon as she saw me, her face etched with relief.
"Thank you so much for coming, Isabel," she said, bringing me in for a warm hug. After we'd released ourselves from the hug, she looked at Derek, and they both exchanged warm greetings, flashing a bright smile.
"Where are those weirdos?" I asked in a mutter, covering my mouth with my hands as I didn't want anyone to hear me.
Bonnie smiled and before she could reply, Tony and Hayley showed up with pancakes and honey in their hands. Hayley's pancakes dropped abruptly on the table and her jaw fell at once as soon as she sighted Derek.
"Hey!" Hayley called cutely, waving her hands slightly in the air, wanting to grab Derek's attention. She tucked some strands of her hair behind her ear, fluttering her eyelashes and trying to look cool.
Without wasting much time, she scuttled towards him and wrapped her arm around him, entwining her arms and clutching onto him like a leech.
She didn't even care to know if he was my boyfriend or not; All she did was walk up to him and clung lovingly around him. What kind of a maniac does that?
"I'm Hayley Gilbert. Who are you? And you both came in together. Are you guys dating?"
Hayley finally inquired, flicking her gaze between Derek and me, making me irritated.
"I'm Derek Walton and I'm Isabel's step brother to be."
Derek disclosed and I could see Hayley and Tony's eyes widening in shock.
"Tell me you're lying please," Hazel asked again while Bonnie dragged her closer to her and gave her a nod.
"Yes. Whatever you heard from him is true. Isabel's mom will be getting married to his dad and they'll soon be step-siblings."
"Isabel is so lucky. getting to spend every single second and time with a god like you is one of the happiest things that can happen to me." Hayley mumbled, her eyes studying every inch of Derek's details. Bonnie smacked her head slightly, feeling embarrassed at how Hayley was acting around Derek.
Hayley moved towards me and said, "I know I always treat you bad.. I'm willing to mend my ways, Isabel. I am having a serious crush on your stepbrother,"
My eyes opened slightly at Hayley's remark, and I turned to look at Bonnie, who was expressionless. Bonnie approached us and proposed, "Why don't we watch a movie and play some games?" I'm sure it'll be more enjoyable now that we're larger than before."
.
"I can't wait…" Hayley squealed, her countenance radiating with joy. I watched as she pulled Derek to a large sofa, trying all she could to act cool in front of him. If only she knows how annoyed I was seeing her do that way to Derek.
Bonnie's eyes met mine and together, we bit our lips, worry and concern imprinted on our faces.
"It's gonna be a hard one.." Bonnie muttered under her breath and just then, there was a knock at the door.
"I'll go get it," I murmured assuringly, taking rapid strides towards the door. When I opened it, I was shocked to see around seven teenagers our age. My brow furrowed as I pondered what they wanted.
I turned back to face Bonnie, who seemed surprised to see them. She placed her handkerchief into her pocket and walked over to me.
She looked at her neighbors, shock written all over her face. She wasn't the sort to keep company and they rarely visited her as well.
Could they have come here all because of Derek?
"Hey. .can we join you guys? We'd love to get close to the cool dude we saw earlier,"
Jane, one of the girls among them, disclosed, stretching her neck from outside to get a better view of Derek who was inside.
I shook my head and smacked my forehead, obviously tired of how the girls were acting all because of Derek. When I looked back to see Derek, I could see Hayley clinging to him like leech.
When will this ever end? Won't I have to reveal the fact that Derek is my mate to them?