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Adeline's Pov
I woke up with a headache.
It was expected when I slept with tears in my eyes. But I didn't ruin my remaining peace by thinking of what happened yesterday. Today was a new day and the day of my stepfather’s birthday.
The person who was my first ever father figure. The one who did for me what a parent should for his child. The one that I got when I longed for a father.
I smile to myself as I think of how happy George would be when we surprise him. I know he misses me a lot so I wanted to make his day special.
I'm glad nobody at home was against the idea of me traveling two hours. Ever since I’ve started vocalizing my displeasure, my family has become more lenient.
I spent the whole breakfast avoiding Cyrus and stuffing myself so I don't have to eat more before the party because I need to make room for cake. Nobody talked about what happened yesterday nor was I in the mood to discuss it.
After breakfast I retracted back to my bedroom to get ready. I had to change from three different outfits before finally settling on one that was baggy enough to cover my bump.
It was a yellow jumpsuit with a square neckline which was perfect since the party was midday in the backyard. I wore beige flats and added a simple bracelet to complete the look.
The whole ride to the party Julian was telling me about the changes in literature through different eras. He's very passionate about classical literature. So much so that I think he’ll be a professor if he drops the idea of torturing people.
My legs cramped sitting in the car for such long hours. Once we got there I instantly jumped out of the vehicle and stretched my limbs.
Since it was my first time coming here, Julian went to ring the bell and confirm if we're at the right place. After a few seconds Josh opened the door. He completely ignored Julian and ran towards me engulfing me in a tight hug.
“Took you long enough, loser.” He muttered.
I pushed at his side as he was putting too much pressure on my abdomen. When he pulled back he looked at me silently asking ‘what’s wrong’.
He knows I like hugs that squeeze the life out of me but I can't tell him that I need to be careful for a few months.
“When is George coming?” I asked, holding both of his hands.
He wasn't bothered by the change of topic. “In fifteen minutes if I'm guessing correctly.”
A grin appeared on his face telling me exactly how proud he is of his little lie. When I texted we’ll be there in ten, Josh called George’s office saying he's injured himself and would appreciate it if his father could be with him so George got a half day.
I was about to move inside to see if Josh has done anything right —because I cannot trust him when it comes to decor— when he placed his hands on my eyes.
“I have a surprise for you.”
I love surprises. Today wasn't my day but I won't mind getting a gift for myself. I smile to myself as he starts taking me inside.
“Careful. Don't rush her.” Julian said with a clear distress in his voice.
He was on care duty for me today. As he was the oldest among Adam and I, everyone has told him to make sure I was alright. And being the great brother he is, he was stressing so much about it.
“I'm being careful. She won't die if she accidentally falls.” Josh said back rudely. He doesn't like how controlling my family can get.
According to him it's only going to be a scratch or a small bruise or a cut at most but he doesn't know that falling can be way worse for me.
“Josh!” I smack his arm. “He's just looking out for me.”
“Leave it, Addy. He won't understand.” Julian drawled.
“I understand everything. Especially when my sister is concerned. I'm pretty smart, you just don’t know it yet.” Josh scoffs.
“Someone who won't mind if his sister falls when in his care, sure he must be pretty smart.”
“Atleast you acknowledged she's my sister too.” I can imagine Josh bearing his signature grin.
Julian didn't say anything further. We move through the house and I can hear many people talking as we pass them. I felt like everyone was staring at me as I walked without seeing what's in front of me.
Josh is very clumsy and since he's the one guiding me I nearly bumped into a few people which made Julian hold my hand and help me navigate my way.
We finally reached a room at the back of the house and Julian's tension ended. I could feel there was someone else in the room who was standing directly in front of me.
“Surprise!” Josh said, taking his hands off my eyes.
I enthusiastically opened my eyes and looked at the person in front of me. My breath caught up in my throat as I stared at him.
Josh must've thought I would love the surprise. He must've thought I would jump from excitement and hug the person in front of me. He didn't know I'd be shocked to the core.
I didn't know what to say. I had no idea how to act in the situation my brother has put me in. I just stayed frozen trying to calm myself down and kept my eyes on him.
He gives me his classic smile. The one I used to love. He stays quiet. He's waiting for me to say something. When I don't he brings his hands around me and pushes me gently towards himself.
My face touches his chest and I resist the shudder that comes with it. I used to love his gentle caresses but it all feels strange now.
His arms rub my back as a loving gesture while mine just hang at my sides. When I realize how wrong it would look if I didn't reciprocate —or push him away— I force my arms to lightly touch his back.
I don't want to create a scene. Not only because it's George's birthday but also because I don't want to answer the questions which will follow.
No one will understand what relationship we have that let him take my first kiss or what reason I have to be bothered by just a hug three years later.
If they don't understand my reason behind hiding my pregnancy, why would they understand that I had a boyfriend six years older than me.
What if they think I was lying about the rape? How will I ever convince them that it wasn't consensual? All of this will break the trust they have on me.
How will they ever understand that loving someone felt right at the time? They'd blame me for it. And the twins would call me a slut yet again.
We pulled back and he kept looking at me. Maybe he's expecting me to smile or cry happy tears seeing him after so long.
“It's really great to see you after so long, Addy.” He said it like he meant it.
I gulped the discomfort and averted my eyes to the side of his face so I wouldn't have to look at him. The more I saw of him, the more uneasy it made me.
“It's good to see you too.” I mumbled.
“Who’s that, Adeline?” Adam asked, displeasure clear in his voice.
“That’s my cousin Jordan.” Josh replied.
I’ve never considered how Josh would react if he finds out I used to date his cousin. Would he be mad that I had feelings for someone so closely related to him? Would he react like the twins did?
Josh knows that I had a crush on Jordan. But he doesn't know to what extent our relationship was. He doesn't know that the guy I was going to sneak out for is his cousin.
He thinks it was just a silly thing in the past which he still brings up to tease me. If it wasn't for Josh, Jordan would’ve never known I liked him. And he might've never made a move on me.
Josh thought it was funny how I blushed talking about Jordan and so he told him about it to make fun of me. Jordan laughed and said I was cute.
Some days later he asked if I actually liked him. I admitted my feelings and he asked me out to hangout. That was the first day when I lied to mom saying I was going to meet a school friend.
We started hanging out regularly. He took me to parks and cafes. He bought me so many gifts which always made me feel so special. And soon he asked if I wanted to be his girlfriend.
“Julian. Adeline's brother.” Julian offered his hand to Jordan.
“Jordan. Adeline's former crush.” He chuckled and shook hands with my brother.
My face turns red and I resist the urge to hide somewhere. Not even in my scariest nightmare would I ever want anyone to find out I used to date someone at such a young age.
When Jordon notices Julian's glare he chuckles again. “Relax man. It was just a joke. She was a kid back then. They have crush on everyone that’s nice to them.”
“I can't be mad at my little sister. And fyi she's still a kid. A minor.” Julian said with a face dead of emotions.
“Woah dude.” Jordan raised his hands up. “I know she's a minor. You need to chill man, enjoy the party. Don't get railed up before it even starts.”
He’s always been great at making it all seem like it's not a big deal. His flirting and fights were all in a playful and kind tone —unless he wasn't in a good mood which was rare.
“And don't give me hope that she still might have a crush on me.” He smiled playfully and nudged my arm with his elbow. “Do you, Addy?”
I immediately stepped away so he’d stop touching me and tried to act normal. I tucked a loose strand behind my ear and took a breath.
“I'm older now.” I tried to keep my voice even.
“Are you?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Three years and you already forgot me?” He pouted, placing a hand on his heart.
“He's here!” Someone shouted from the living room.
I didn't think twice before moving towards the door. I wanted to get out of this room. I needed to get away from him.
I used to imagine what meeting him after so many years would be like. And every time I concluded that I don't want it to happen anytime soon.
I was scared of how it would be. And it was even worse than I thought. I never imagined he’d tease me about our relationship in front of everyone. I don't understand why he's doing it now when he was the one who wanted to hide it in the first place.
It's messing with my head thinking about what would happen if he ever decides to reveal it to everyone.
Josh grabs my hand dragging me out so both of us can stand in front of the door to surprise George. I nearly tripped twice but caught myself. I need to tell Josh I'm pregnant so he wouldn't treat me so roughly.
Julian follows right behind with his hands out to catch me in case I did actually decide to kiss the floor. Adam's next to him as we all rush to the entrance.
The moment we stand in front of the doors, on cue George opens it and steps inside. His eyes widen seeing the house all decorated and then his sight fell on me.
“Happy Birthday!” We all shouted.
Seeing the surprise and happiness on his face made me forget the awkward situation I was just in. I didn't want to ruin his day so I willed myself to be happy.
He came towards me but Josh hugged him first, telling him ‘happy birthday’ a thousand times then pulled back after George kissed his hair.
He then made his way towards me and took me in for a hug. When we pulled back he had tears in his eyes but blinked them away as so many people were watching us.
“I'm so glad you are here, Addy.” He kissed my head. “You made my day special.”
My eyes water seeing him so happy just because of my presence. Even if we weren't technically family anymore, I’m glad we're still at the same stage as we were before.
“This is for you.” Julian handed George some premium alcohol that he picked on our way here. “Happy Birthday.”
“Thank you.” George took it from him and had to leave as there were other people waiting to wish him.
Josh came to my side after excusing himself from his relatives who were too interested in why I'm here since our parents have divorced. They were the bunch Josh and I always avoided since they were very judgemental.
“Everyone's been here for too long, I think we should serve now.” He said.
“Yeah, let's get to work.” I was about to follow him to the kitchen when Julian stopped me.
“Where are you going?”
“Kitchen.” I answered.
“Why?”
“To heat up the dishes and serve.”
“Rhyett would have my head if he gets to know that I let you work.”
“He doesn't have to know…” I proposed.
He shook his head. “You can come but you won't do anything, I'll help Josh set up. Okay?” It doesn't seem like a bad idea.
“Okay.” I agreed.
Julian turned around and called Adam to come over —who was busy flirting with some girls way older than him— so he wouldn't have to help out alone.
Adam made a face because he wasn't planning to do anything more than being a guest and followed us with the slowest steps, delaying the act as much as possible.
I was laughing at his tantrums when my eyes connected with the person on the other side of the room. He was looking at me with soft expressions and a gentle smile.
I kept looking at him for a moment before I had to avert my eyes as we turned towards the hallway.
Whatever it was, it was in the past. It's been a long time since I last thought about my ex boyfriend. I've moved on and I'm sure he's too.
He was only joking. None of his words held any meaning. He wouldn't tell anyone that we were in a relationship. I know he wouldn’t do anything I won't approve of.
He's always been respectful but then why am I panicking?
I went to wash my sweaty hands in the sink before rearranging a few items on the cheeseboard as Julian and Josh heated up the lunch while Adam set up the dishware.
“I forgot George’s gift.” I slapped a hand over my forehead. “Give me the keys, I'll go get it from the car.”
Julian handed me the keys. “Don't take too long.”