Forced to be Yours

Peace Offering Steak

SOPHIE’S POV:

My room busted open. “Persophonie Duval, is it really that hard to text or call me?” Luke said, slamming the door behind him.

I glared at him, “Is it that hard to knock?”

He ignored my question, “I was worried!”

“Oh please! I’m sure you’re very much preoccupied with Hanna to even think about worrying.” I continued to scroll to my phone. I don’t get why he’s so mad when it’s his fault.

“Seriously? This is about her? I don’t even-..” I cut him off.

I sighed in frustration and stood up from my bed, “Look, I don’t care okay? You can be with her all you want. Just because were forced marriage doesn’t make me your responsibility. Hook up with anyone but all I’m asking is for you to be there when both our parents asks for us. We can’t disappoint them, they’ve got high hopes.”

Hurt was visible in his eyes, “Is that really what you think of me?”

“That’s what everybody thinks of you.”

His eyes became sharp and opened my bedroom’s door, “Right. Sorry.” He went out of my room, closing the door in the process.

I sighed, sitting down my bed. It’s true. He’s known for being a flirt. There was a sudden knock on my door, it slowly opened revealing Tyler. “Hey, this may not be the right time, but may I come in? I saw Luke coming out.”

I gave him a light smile. “Yes, you may.”

He nodded and went in, closing the door behind him. He grabbed the chair from my study table and sat down in front of me. “Soph, I have to tell you something.”

“What’s up?”

I can sense he’s hesitant but he continued. “It’s about me and Luke.” He started. “We’re half-brothers. Mom, Jessica Dawson, is not my real mom. Two months after dad got Jessica pregnant, he had a one nightstand with another woman. That other woman is my real mom. He somehow got her pregnant too and that’s how…I was made. And eventually, my real mom didn’t want to take responsibility of me.” His voice were shaking and I knew he was about to cry but he stopped himself. “Jessica was nice enough to forgive dad and take me in too. She treated me like her own son. Making sure she treats me the same way as Luke. Both Luke and I only found out when we both turned 8. Luke took a pretty good hit because of how dad hurt Jessica. That’s how he started changing. He became the guy dad didn’t want him to be out of anger. He’s also blaming himself for not being enough that’s why dad decided for another son. I and Luke continued to be brothers but not as close as before. So yeah, I guess it’s kinda my fault how he ended up being like this.”

I was speechless the whole time. That explains how they’re the same age for brothers who aren’t twins. “Tyler, it’s not your fault. He chose down that path. Don’t blame yourself.”

“Well, you can’t blame him too.” He looked at me, “Sophie, I know I got mad at him too but I’m sure he had his reasons why he didn’t come after you. He cares about you so much Soph.”

It made me feel guilty. I was harsh to him, I didn’t even let him explain.

“Please talk to him Soph.”

I gave him a smile of reassurance, “I will Ty. Thank you for telling me.”

~

Luke didn’t come down to eat dinner with us. I promised Tyler I’ll talk to Luke, even if I didn’t, I’ll still talk to Luke. Tyler said he wasn’t in his room but his car was outside so I’m assuming he’s just around the house. Trisha and Tyler went to the theater room to watch a movie so I am now putting a filet mignon steak and a glass of water to a tray.

There’s a place in this house that he loves going the most so I’m going there first, hoping he’s there.

Going straight to the backyard, I carried the tray carefully, trying my best not to spill anything. Seeing through the glass doors, I can see the reflection of the fire from the fire pit so I knew he was there. I placed the tray to the table just beside the door, opened it and brought the tray inside.

There, I saw him sitting to one of those bean bags. He didn’t seem to notice me so I spoke up. “Hey.”

Luke snapped his head to me, looking annoyed. Finally realizing who I was, his eyes came back to its original look but didn’t answer and continued to look at nothingness.

Oh well, “So uh, I brought you food. Why didn’t you eat with us?” I placed the tray on top of the table to his left.

“…wasn’t hungry.”

I sighed. “Luke, I’m sorry for how I reacted a while ago.”

“Not your fault.”

“Uhm, Tyler told me about you two.” I bit my lip, unsure if it’s the right time to bring it up. “I don’t exactly know how you felt but I just wanna let you know that everybody understands you and that no one blames you for it.” Still got no answer. “I understand why you’re mad so I’ll just leave you alone for now. Talk to me when you’re ready. I’ll just be in my room.” He didn’t seem like he wanna talk so I stood up and was about to leave.

Someone suddenly grabbed me by my wrist, pulling me to face my back and my face met a hard chest.

I sighed in relief.

“I didn’t come after you during lunch time because I wanted to be the one to talk to Hanna to get away from my life. I was gonna do it but the others walked out too so I did it with no one around. And when I was about to find you, the bell rang so I didn’t get the time. After class, I explained it to the guys but Tyler wasn’t around anymore and they told me your car’s not in the parking lot, that’s when I called you.”

He does have a reason after all. I slowly slid my hand up to each side of his waist, grasping his clothes. “I’m so sorry Luke.”

We just stayed like that for about a minute until I broke the silence, “You know, your steak’s waiting.”

I felt his chest rumble as he gave out a low laugh and let go of me, “right.”