Falling for My Childhood Sweetheart

Richard was only a year older than me, but he had always used his role as an older brother to control me. When I was younger, he'd scold me for skipping classes. As I grew older and started dating, he still interfered.

One time, my friend joked, "Maybe Richard likes you? You guys aren't even related by blood." Since then, I had tried to keep my distance. But during the holidays, he suddenly brought a girl home.

"Tricia, this is my girlfriend. Say 'Hi'." That night, I locked myself in my room and cried uncontrollably.

He pulled me out from under the covers and gently wiped away my tears. "You could find a boyfriend to annoy me, but I couldn't do the same to you?"

Lately, luck hadn't been on my side. Every time I found a boyfriend, Richard scared them off.

I complained to my friend, "My brother is stricter than my mom!"

Sandra handed me a bag of chips and thought for a moment.

"Could it be that Richard likes you? You guys aren't even related by blood." It was true. My dad and his dad had been old friends, and ever since my dad passed away, his family had been taking care of us.

My mother had always told me to treat Richard like a real brother.

Even though we weren't related by blood, he was more responsible than any real brother.

Back in school, he would watch me do my homework every day and even lecture me if I skipped class.

He was only a year older than me, but he had always acted like an adult.

Whenever I did something wrong, he'd scold me faster than my mom.

"Tricia, that's not polite. Don't do that." "Tricia, don't talk badly about people behind their backs."

The thought that he might like me sent chills down my spine. "Don't say that! You're going to give me nightmares!" After leaving Sandra's house, her words kept echoing in my head, as if they had put a spell on me.

That night, I dreamt that Richard cornered me at the stairwell, gripping my chin and kissing me forcefully. "Who said you could get a boyfriend?" I woke up in a cold sweat, terrified, and immediately blocked his number.

Thankfully, I was about to start my internship and wouldn't be home much longer.

When I opened the door the next morning, Richard just happened to be walking by.

Instinctively, I stepped back and slammed the door shut.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his cold, piercing stare. It felt like a blade cutting right through me.