Resist My Twin Stepbrothers

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

"Drop me off here," Anita said quietly.

I looked and saw where she pointed, then parked the car in a free spot and turned off the engine. I eyed a group of boys hanging around the entrance to an apart—ment building a bit ahead. They were staring right at us.

"Let me walk you to your place," I offered.

"No way," she said immediately.

I frowned. "Why?

She looked embarrassed. "Someone might steal your car or something. Thanks, but you can leave now."

Before I could say anything more, she jumped out of the car and ran off. I watched her until she disap—peared from view, then turned my car around and got out of there.

Evan

I woke up early in the morning. Not because I re—membered to set my alarm clock. These days, I didn't even need to.

My parents were arguing, and even with my door closed, the noise was hard to muffle. I groaned and rolled off the bed, and went to take a shower. Not for the first time, I was glad to have my own bathroom. I didn't have to get out there with them to get ready. I was ready way too soon, and I picked up my stuff. It was too early for school, but I couldn't stay there anymore.

Mom and Dad had moved their argument down—stairs. I heard something like glass break and hurried over. I stuck my head into the kitchen, but it was noth—ing. A glass just fell, and neither of them noticed. Mom was probably the one who threw it. I looked at her, and it took less than a second to realize she was drunk.

Mom? Already? My thoughts turned sour and I knew my day was ruined already.

I said nothing as I ducked back out, and felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out, and scoffed, wondering if she'd planned this or something. It was a message from my sister, asking if I was okay. She did it often ever since she left home. I sent her a quick text back saying I was fine. She didn't need to know Mom and Dad only got worse after she left, because all they were left with was me, and I couldn't measure up to Harper.

Jumping into my car, I tossed my bag on the pas—senger seat, slammed the door, and leaned back against the headrest, closing my eyes and breathing slowly, re—lieved at the silence.

Then, I had an idea. Instead of sitting in the drive—way until it was time to go to school, I could give Anita a drive.

I don't know exactly where she lives, though.

I looked at the time on my phone, wavering. I de—cided to go anyway. It was early enough; if I didn't see her, I'd just have to wait around for her. Mind made up; I drove to her area from memory. I didn't make it to the place I dropped her off, because I saw her walking on the sidewalk. She was staring right at my car, frozen, and I grinned as I came to a stop beside her, lowering the window.

"Hey. Would you like a ride to school? Hop in."

Anita gave a slow blink. "Sure."

She hesitated, staring at me, as if wondering why I was there, but she hurried around the car and jumped in.

Anita

"So, what do you like to do in your free time?"

I was surprised he was talking to me. Hell, I was surprised he'd driven all this way just to pick me up for school. I'd even wondered if I was dreaming and pinched my arm just outside the door before I jumped in, and I was subtly rubbing the small red mark.

"I read," I said after a minute. My tone sounded normal, but I couldn't be any further from calm. My heart was beating wildly in my chest, but I was a better actor than I thought.

"What do you read?"

"Um," I frowned, thinking quickly. "I'm in the middle of a book called Christine right now. I circle dif—ferent authors, and when I find ones I like, I go through the backlist, but not all at once, and I'm back on Ste—phen King for now. After that one, I'll read Carrie and The Shining, then find something else to read."

"Really?" Evan said, glancing at me, a wide grin on his face. Before I could ask why he was so happy, he told me. "I love Stephen King books. There are some newer ones out, but some of my favorites are some of the older ones. How did you get into it? It's all horror stuff. Most people get squeamish."