What're You Doing Stepbro?

“Elena, this is your new brother.” My father declared as he set me down on the sidewalk in front of the park. My father had just gotten remarried, it all happened quickly, so I didn’t get to meet my new family members until after they eloped. I hid behind my father's leg, feeling shy. “This is Cole and your new mother Sylvia.” He said gently, trying to coax me out from behind his leg. “H-hello...” I squeaked out to them. Sylvia crouched down, a big smile lighting up her face. “Hi sweetie! I heard you were eight! Cole here is ten, so he’ll be your big brother!” Sylvia had a warm presence about her, she had blonde hair and light brown eyes. I felt myself start to relax. I looked over at the boy who was meant to be my new brother. He had brown hair, and light brown eyes that matched his mom’s. He looked uncomfortable, but not mean. I shakily extended my hand to Cole. “Nice to meet you.” I said softly, still feeling a bit nervous. He grabbed my hand, gently shaking it. “Do you want to play?” Cole motioned towards the park while he still held my hand. I nodded, and he looked to our parents, awaiting their approval. They shooed us along quite happily, excited we were already getting along. Our parents sat on a bench talking while we walked to the playground. Once we were out of sight behind some of the playground equipment, his hand tightened painfully around my own. I winced trying to pull away. “I don’t want a sister, and I don’t want a new father.” Cole said coldly. “Stay away from me from now on.” My lips started to tremble as the tears stung my eyes, rushing down my cheeks. This guy was a jerk. He dropped my hand and went on to play without me. I sat on the ground letting the tears fall for a little bit before going back to sit with my dad and Sylvia. “Oh sweetie, what happened?” My father asked, his concern wrinkling his forehead. I just shook my head sitting beside them and waiting for Cole to get done playing. 14 years later I woke up feeling groggy, not having gotten much sleep last night. Cole would be back to visit today. I hadn’t seen him since he left for college six years ago. Sylvia and my dad go to visit him every now and then, but I never join. After the day we met, he remained cold and aloof towards me. I had hoped that at some point we would form some sort of bond, seeing as we were family, but it never happened. I’d been dreading this day for the past week when Sylvia excitedly announced her boy was coming home. I sighed heavily, patted my face a couple of times to wake myself up, and threw my blankets off of me. Time to get ready. It was early June, and it was starting to get hot, so I picked out a cute white sundress. I let my curls hang loose down my back and decided on some light makeup. Sylvia was picking Cole up from the airport, and we were meeting them at his favorite restaurant. Since we were going out in public, I might as well make myself presentable. “Elena!” My father called from the bottom of the stairs. “Sylvia just texted, she said she just got Cole and their headed to the restaurant.” I felt a pang in my stomach from nervousness. I slipped on some white sneakers and grabbed my purse. “Coming!” I hurried out of my room and down the stairs. As we drove the short distance to the restaurant, I pondered if Cole had changed for the better. Now that we were both adults, maybe things could be different. Heading into the restaurant, we noticed Sylvia and Cole weren’t there yet. My father asked for a booth for four, and we were brought to sit in one at the back by the hostess. My dad and I sat across from each other. Our waitress approached us taking our drink order. I ordered myself a pop, and dad ordered for the rest of them, making sure to let the waitress know that we were expecting two more people. “How have things been going with Zane?” My father asked, trying to make small talk while we passed the time. Zane and I have been dating for about two years now. We had a couple of the same classes in college. One day, we had been assigned to be partners and everything had been uphill since then. “They’ve been going well. He said he wants to come over for dinner with you guys soon, that it’s been too long.” I let out a little laugh. “Yes! Tell him we would love to have him over again. He’s like a second son to me.” he said excitedly. Even though I hadn’t formed a bond with Cole, my dad was eventually able to succeed. With Cole gone, my dad felt lonely, being the only man in the house. After I started dating Zane, he perked back up. His cheerfulness brought joy to me; I was glad they got along so well. After chatting for a little while, my father received a text from Sylvia. “They’re right outside.” I felt my heart start to beat faster, the calm completely washed away. If things got too bad, I suppose I could play on my phone.