Then the Wolf Step In

Chapter 9

Joy’s POV

At that moment, I felt the terrifying aura Ryan possessed.

I struggled to break free while hissing at him, "It's all in your imagination. I barely know that kid. Nothing happened between us. Let me go! People could come by any second. It's not good for us to be seen like this."

“Like what?”

“You’re clinging to me.”

“Do you want to make a bet? They would presume you’re the one jumping on me.”Ryan smirked and loosened me.

I felt vulnerable to challenge that point because I believe this is what gonna happen.

I sighed and turned around to ask Ryan, “Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“I don’t know. You’re acting as if we are close to each other.”

“Aren’t we close?”He leaned forward and fluttered his eyelashes at me, “I thought we were siblings.”

“Step-siblings.”I took a step back, desperate to put some space between us. I was so frustrated that I blurted out, “Why are you following me? Why do you call me slut and then flirt with me? What’s your problem? Trying to get my attention with some teenage boys’ tricks? Are you in love with me? ”

Before he could say anything, I lifted my chin and locked eyes with Ryan and said, “As far as I am concerned, the answer is no. A big no. You're just bored with life and using me for some amusement. Or maybe you’re revenging on me because you think that I stepped into your house with evil intentions. You believe that I am here to seduce you just like what my mom did to your dad. Yeah, quite reasonable deduction and it could be true in my mother’s case. But don’t you ever think that I have such intentions because I am not interested in being accepted by the Davis. I am Joy Morgan and I am proud of being a Morgan. Right now I just want to finish the school and go to a university far away from here. Did I make myself clear?"

Ryan opened his mouth but I ignored him and continued, “And let’s theorize that my purpose is to seduce you. There is still no reason for you to treat me this way. Otherwise, you’re helping me meet my goals. So why don’t you leave me alone and let us stay far away from each other."

I had just finished speaking when the bell for class rang. Amidst the noise I heard Ryan say, "As you wish."

***

After school, I stayed in the library as usual. By nightfall, I received a message from my mom, reading:

"Where are you? Come back now and don’t keep your tutor waiting."

It took me a second to understand who the so-called tutor my mom referred to. My mom must think this interaction is warm-hearted and it can break the ice between step-siblings. Unfortunately it doesn’t work well on Ryan and me.

Ryan only tutored me once, and the next day my mom and Uncle Henry went on the business trip. After that neither Ryan nor I mentioned the studies again and I almost forgot about it.

Then I realize that mom must have returned from her business trip, or she wouldn’t message me this.

My mind was burdened at the thought that mom was back and I had to pretend to be nice to Ryan again. f**k me. Life was never easy.

I sighed and replied the message: On my way.

When I opened the door, I found the light was on, equipping the place with warm atmosphere. Uncle Henry sat on the middle seater reading newspaper. Mom was by his side, resting her head on his shoulder. Ryan occupied the right seater and was playing with his phone.

Together they formed a homey picture and I felt I was redundant.

“Oh honey you’re back.”Mom was the first one to notice me. She beckoned me over, "Why are you so late? Where did you go? Have you fed yet?"

I stood at a distance from them, fidgeting with the strap of my school bag and finally replied, “I went to the library to find some information. I’ve eaten and I am stuffed."

Uncle Henry raised his head from the newspaper and asked gently, "Have you met any difficulties in your studies? If you have any questions, Ryan is at your serivce."

Mom chimed in, "Yeah. Your brother has been waiting for you.”She smiled at Ryan and exclaimed, “You two could form an awesome study group. Come on!"

Ryan didn't move. He rolled his eyes and glanced in my direction.

He was waiting for me to stick my neck out to speak against my mom.

The cunning jeckass. We will never run out of assholes on this planet.

I tightened my grip on strap. After a moment of contemplation, I said, "I’d rather not.”

Ryan raised his eyebrow at me. His expression was unreadable. Then there was a smirk tugging at his lips. He said nothing, but stood up and headed upstairs.

Mom sent me an accusing look and said, “Rejection hurts people’s feelings. You shouldn’t just turn down your brother.”

I shrugged and went upstairs but mom didn’t let go of this. She followed me to my room and stood at the doorway, arms across her chest. A glance at her stance and I knew I was in trouble.

As I anticipated, mom began, “I expect you to behave yourself.”

“What do you want me to do? I don’t need Ryan’s help. I could study myself.”I sighed.

“Then at least tell me why you don't want any help from your brother.”

He is not my brother. I silently argued in my mind.

“I have a fair reason."I offered a reasonable excuse, hoping it would convince my mom. “Mid-term is arriving. Ryan must have his own works to review. Tutoring could cost him plenty of time. "

“Is that true?”Mom asked suspicously.

I confront her inquiring eyes and said, “You’re my mom and you know your daughter. I don't want to cause others inconvenience."

My mom was supposed to buy my words. Since I was a kid, I’d rather rely on myself than seek help from others. Dad raised me this way, and I followed his motto that I should keep my business to myself.

Mom sighed and said nothing. She was about to turned around and left when I stopped her, "Mom, I want to live in school."

She frowned and looked at me with widening eyes, a hint that she was frustrated. "Why do you keep mentioning that? Is there anything wrong with this house?

“No."

“Then why are you leaving? Are you tired of seeing me every day? Do you hate me so much that you can’t stand living with me?”Mom said and her eyes are watering.

“No mom, it is not like that.”I sighed and softened my voice, “You’ve sought your real happiness and I am happy for you. I truly am. You’re Mrs. Davis and you’ve had a new family.”

“This family won’t be completed without you.”

“Don’t lie to my face, please. I feel sick.”

“I am not lying. You’re my daughter and I love you.”

“Really? Then where were you in the last 10 years? You never visited me. Never called me. You never thought of your daughter when dad was still alive. I had wondered if you just forgot my existence. But no, you send me birthday cards and Christmas gifts. The package you sent me didn’t make me happy. They just made my confusion grew.”I said bitterly. “How could you remember your daughter’s existence yet at the same time never pay her a visit? Don’t you miss her?”

“Of course I miss you. I am terribly sorry, Joy. I have a lot of things to address. I have my duty and my people need me.”

I cut her off mockingly, “Your people? Did you run for the presidential election without my knowing?”

“No, the world I live in is complicated…”

“Oh now you’re suggesting that we’re living in different worlds. What is this? You believe in the existence of parallel universes?”

“There are so many things you don’t understand…”

“Well, enlighten me! I am all ears.”I provoked her.

Mom shook her head and muttered, “I can’t. I am sorry Joy. The last thing I want to do is to expose you to dangers. I know it sounds like an excuse but I am trying my best to protect you.”

“From what?”I asked. My mom talked crazy stuff but the sincerity in her tone earned my trust.

“Stop asking. I won’t tell.”mom announced determinedly and I knew this was final. My mom is a stubborn woman and she could be quite tight-lipped when she decides a secret should be taken to the tomb.

Silence stretched between us and eventually mom spoke up, “Why do you want to live in school?”

I kept my head down, so low that it almost touched my chest. I sighed and said, “I don’t fit in here. I am a Morgan. An outsider. What am I to the Davis?" My voice was deep and hoarse, as if I was about to cry. Even I was surprised that this was the voice I produced.

Mom resonated with my sorrow. She stared at me blankly for a couple of minutes and came back to her senses. She reached out and stroked my hair gently. She looked at the hair flowing through her fingers and smiled, “Soft and dense. Remind me of your grandma.”

She paused for a while and compromised, "Don’t live in here then. But you don’t have to live in the school and share a room with a stranger, either. We have an estate near the school, and you can move in and live by yourself. How does that sound?"

“That would be perfect.Thank you mom." I gave her a hug.

Mom smiled and kissed my forehead attentively. It is like a farewell kiss and I think it will be a long time before the next time we see each other.

While hugging mom, I stole a glance at the suitcase lying the corner. It hadn't been a while since it was seated in this pinky room, and now it was ready to leave for another place.

Or rather, escape would be a more proper word.