Mated to my step brother

Gianna

I had finally landed back in New Orleans - just that I wasn't going back to the same home anymore.

Can I even call it that now?

The moment I stepped into arrivals, I spotted my mum waving a huge cardboard sign that said "Welcome Home, Gia Honey!!!" in bright glittery letters. I rolled my eyes. Classic Olivia Vale - dramatic and way too sweet for her own good.

Before I could even process, she ran straight into me, wrapping me in one of those suffocating hugs.

"God, these months felt like forever!" she breathed, squeezing tighter.

"Mum- I can't breathe," I gasped.

She finally pulled back and kissed both my cheeks like I was still five.

"Jesus, Mum, that's enough," I muttered, rubbing my face.

"Glad to see how much you missed me," she said, pouting playfully.

"Of course I missed you," I said, and she beamed as if I'd just handed her an award.

"Come on, come on, everyone's waiting for you! I can't wait for you to see the house, and Marcus, and Nina-she's the head caretaker-"

She rambled on as we walked toward the car park.

I didn't share her excitement, and I knew she could tell. But that was the thing about my mum - she talked through awkwardness like it didn't exist. So I said nothing and followed her to the car.

When she opened the driver's door, I frowned.

"You didn't bring any of your drivers?"

"Nope," she said, sliding in with a grin. "I knew how much you'd love some privacy."

Okay, fair. I actually appreciated that.

"So," she said as she started the car, "how was the program, honey?"

"It was good," I replied. "You should know - you called me almost every day."

She sighed dramatically. "God forbid a mother just wants to check if her daughter's okay."

I smirked. "Yes, yes. You're the best mum in the world."

"Finally, some credit," she muttered, and we both chuckled.

"You make any friends?" she asked.

"Just one. Rue."

"One?" she echoed, disbelief written all over her voice. But she didn't push it, for once.

Then, after a beat, she said, "And your mate? Did you meet anyone?"

"Not this again, Mum," I groaned, staring out the window.

"What do you mean, not this again? You're eighteen, Gia. You should have found your mate by now."

"Well, I don't want to."

"Why?!"

I turned to her slowly, meeting her eyes. "You need to move on Gia-" she began.

"You're not the one with the scar, Mum!" My voice cracked.

"you're not the only one left with a scar, mine isn't just physical"

The air went heavy. I looked back out the window, jaw tight.

She knew how much I hated talking about that night.

A few minutes later, she cleared her throat softly.