*Beep* *Beep*
The sound of my alarm clock had awakened me from my slumber. “Argh!” I groaned, still very sleepy. My alarm continued to go off slowly bringing me back to my consciousness. I sat up rubbing my eyes as a yawn escaped my mouth.
“Good morning, world, ” I mumbled after giving my body a good stretch. I hopped off my bed sliding on my angry bird puff slippers before walking into my bathroom.
I stood in front of the mirror staring back at myself as I passed my hand over my bare face. “I really need to get rid of these eye bags, ” I mumbled running my fingertips across the dark, saggy bags underneath my eyes before continuing with my morning routine.
After my morning routine, I exited the bathroom to change into my tracksuit since every morning I usually go for a run. Tightening my ponytail as I checked myself out in the long mirror before grabbing my phone and ear pods.
Jogging towards the kitchen to fetch a bottle of water, I met my mom and Roger having breakfast acting all lovey-dovey.
“Hey, honey!” Her mother greeted her with a warm smile. “Good morning, mom, good morning Roger, ” I greeted back while searching for a bottle of water.
“You know, you can call me dad, right, ” Roger said with a reassuring smile.
“I know, but it's just so foreign to me ever since, you know, ” she said, glancing at her mother who sent her an 'I'm sorry' look.
“It's alright, Ashely, call me whatever you want as long as it makes you comfortable, ” he said as she gave him a small smile.
“Thanks, Roger, now I gotta go, enjoy your breakfast, ” she said, getting ready to leave.
“Okay honey, have fun on your run and be safe, ” her mom yelled as Ashely jogged towards the front door.
“OKAY MOM! I WILL!” she yelled back before opening the front door.
abruptly stopped when she saw a young man who was about to ring the doorbell. The sight before her instantly made her weak in the knees leaving
that fit perfectly over his thick, muscular thighs, and black shoes. He had black hair nicely parted with fades to the sides and back of his head. He wore tinted sunglasses blocking his eyes and the right side of his nose laid a sexy nose piercing. His lips were thin but
In his hand was a green army duffle bag that caught Ashley's attention. “Is
his throat snapped her out of her thoughts. “Uh, does Roger James live here?” He asked as his deep, husky voice sent chills down her spine.
Ashley and the guy stood there
Soon his footsteps were heard. “Ashely, I thought you
Roger's words trailed off as he saw the guy in front of the door. Ashely stood in between
“Jake!” Roger said in
leaving me speechless. I turned to stare
did he just call you Dad, Roger?” I was still shocked, but I got no answer.
trying to get their attention before my mom walked in. “Hey, is
earning a soft gasp from me and my mother. Jake stood there with a smirk while checking out both me and my mom. I scrunch my face
to meet you, ” she said while glaring at Roger before Jake
he when he's busy cheating," he mumbled but loud enough for my bat ears.
My mom invited him in as we all headed towards the living room. I wasn't even in the
it was the stepfather bullshit now he has a son, oh
his throat. "Uh, girls, could you give us some time alone?" He asked and before I could open my mouth to protest my mom dragged me to the kitchen leaving
"How could Roger not tell me he had
secretive bastard," I thought, which was interrupted by shouting.
to the living room to find both Roger and Jake on their feet staring intensely at each other.
mom asked, feeling the tension between them. "Everything is fine, Katie, but Jake will be staying here for a while,"
I
wanted an answer. "I'm sorry, Ashely, but Jake has no choice but to stay here," he said, sending my blood pressure up. "Unbelievable!"I mumbled while exiting
asked coming after me. "I'm going on my run, I honestly don't want to be here right now," I said as my mom sighed. "You know I wouldn't be acting this way if he had told us, he had a son in the first place," I argued, "I know honey but," she said but I quickly cut her off. "I'm sorry mom, but I don't want to be here right now," I said
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!