Owned By My Step Brother

Alice’s Point Of View “I am getting married!” My mom announced excitedly, showing me the princess-cut diamond that sat beautifully on her left finger. The words my mother uttered took some time to truly register and when they did, I almost lost my mind. “You are getting married again?” I screamed angrily, slamming my fists on the table and glaring at her. My mother gasped in shock, blushing in embarrassment as whispers erupted from every corner of the tea shop we were having lunch in. “Come on Alice, I know that since your dad died, my other marriages didn't work as well as I expected but I'm sure he is the one,” my mom whispered softly, placing her hands on mine in an effort to calm me down. “You said that the last five times, this will be your seventh marriage, aren't you tired of this endless circle?” I asked wearily, running my hand through my hair in frustration. “Listen, Alice, I know my marriages haven't really lasted more than a few weeks but I'm sure this time I promise,” my mom said desperately, wanting me to turn in her direction. I was looking out the window at that point with tears welling up in my eyes and I didn't want her to see me cry. “Alice,” my mom called softly, squeezing my hands gently. Taking a deep breath, I finally found the courage to look at her. “Listen, Mom, I am tired of this charade, I already know how it goes, you'll be back in a few months with all the reasons why he was not the one, so please don't push it,” I said firmly, looking into her eyes. My mother took a deep breath, looking like she wanted to burst into tears, and began to speak again. “I need you to be happy for me at least,” she whispered tearily, her voice breaking as she spoke. I knew what she was doing already and decided not to fall for her manipulation this time. “I am here on my lunch break, I need to get back to work, see you later Mom,” I said coldly, picking my bag and storming out of the tea shop. Tears began to roll down my face, blurring my vision as I struggled to open my car. As soon as I entered my car, it felt like a dam had just been broken and my heart began to explode. I cried and screamed, needing some relief from the pain in my heart but even after a long time the pain still lingered. “You have a life and a job to return to,” I reminded myself after a while, as I took another deep breath trying to steady myself. Just then my phone began to ring and clearing my throat I picked up the call immediately. “Where are you girl? Lunch break is almost over,” Claire asked anxiously, raising her voice at me. “I'm on my way,” I said sharply, ending the call abruptly. I was in no mood to talk to Claire and even if I knew she was just worried about me like the good friend she had always been I couldn't help but shut her out. “What's going on with you?” Claire asked calmly, immediately I sat on my work chair. “Nothing, I am reporting for work, thanks for the call,” I said flatly, plugging in my headphones and getting to work. The day went on without a hitch and it was finally time to go home. “What's with the attitude Alice?” Claire asked angrily, holding my hands and stopping me from leaving. “Nothing, I just need some time to cool off,” I lied flatly, staring into space. “You know you can tell me anything right,” she asked quietly, her eyes softening as she let go of my hand and gave me a hug. I stiffened at first, shocked by the gesture but after a few seconds, I took a deep breath and hugged her back, grateful for her friendship. “We'll talk about this later, I just need to get some drinks and cool off first,” I said honestly, squeezing her hand as she let go of me. “Okay, I understand, be safe out there,” she said calmly, a smile plastered on her face. “I will,” Was my response, as I hurried out of the office and straight to my car. Immediately I closed my car door, the sinking feeling returned and I knew I couldn't handle it alone, so I decided to call my boyfriend Nick. “Hi, baby!” Nick said cheerfully, as soon as he picked up the call. “Hey, I was wondering if I could stop at your place today, I have a lot on my plate and need some comfort,” I said truthfully, taking a deep breath after I finished speaking. My relationship with Nick had been a very rational one so I knew better than to beat about the bush. “I am so sorry baby, I'm working late today but you can always come over tomorrow, I need to go now,” he said hurriedly, ending the call immediately he finished speaking. I sighed deeply, feeling a flash of anger in my chest. I knew Nick had a very demanding job but I hated the fact that he was never there for me when I needed him. Deciding to just go for a few drinks as I had originally planned, I started my car engine and drove down to a bar. “What can I get you?” The waiter asked politely, motioning to an empty seat. “Something strong,” I said exhaustedly, running my hand through my hair as I sat on the chair he had offered. Every time I felt like my life was going well, something unexpected always came up and it always had something to do with my mother. “Thank you,” I said calmly, taking the cup and finishing the entire shot in one gulp. The drink stung the back of my throat but not as much as the pain in my heart. After a few more drinks, I decided it was finally time for me to talk about what bothered me and drove straight to Claire's house. I had a spare key to her house so I let myself in hoping she was still awake and willing to talk but nothing prepared me for what I was going to see.