We're Not Related Anymore...

You're My Dad's Girlfriend's Son?

"Really? That's so cool!" Shelley says, and even her sister seems impressed by my violence. Their mom, on the other hand, is not.

"I remember your father telling me about that incident... and on the first day of school," She tsks, not looking up from her menu. She's put reading glasses on and they're perched on her nose so that she looks like some scary librarian.

The waiter comes by to take our drinks and food orders. While we wait, Lilian asks my brother how he's finding school. He answers in his usual monosyllabic way.

"How do you already know my brother?" I ask when there's a break in conversation. My dad tenses at my question but Lilian, not sensing the danger, answers me.

"He and your dad stayed at our place last year," She says and all the puzzle pieces fall into place. I remember Jacob saying as much when we met in the Principal's office. I'd forgotten until now. It also explains why I'm only finding out about their relationship today. Last year, my parents were still together. I really hope my dad and Lilian only got together when they reconnected this year.

"When was this?" Mary asks the first words I think she's uttered since I've met her. Her voice is slightly deeper than her twin's.

"You were at Dad's when they stayed with us," Jacob tells his sister, looking at me curiously. I guess it's because my eyebrows have risen up all the way to my forehead. I know I must have a judgemental look on my face. "What's wrong?" He asks me.

"Nothing, just doing the maths. Ow," I say when Josh kicks me under the table. He shoots me a warning look and I know what it means. Keep your mouth shut.

Our food and drinks arrive and we eat with the occasional conversation. (My twin orders me a burger). (Thank goodness). Josh is able to get Mary to say another two words and Shelley tells me all about the dance recital she's practicing for.

"You should come," she tells me, hope in her eyes. "You're so pretty all the other girls will be so jealous of my older sister."

"You have a pretty older sister!" Mary insists moodily while Jacob says, "She's not your sister."

Both Lilian and my dad turn to look at Jacob. Lilian runs a finger nervously over the lip of her glass of water. "Actually, Jacob, that might not be the case."

Jacob swivels to look at his mother sitting at the bottom of the table. "What are you talking about?" He demands, his voice hard but quiet.

My dad clears his throat and Jacob's attention turns to him. "Well, the reason we wanted everyone to meet today is because your mom and I have an announcement: I've asked her to marry me."

The table grows quiet as everyone looks between our parents. "Oh," is all Jacob says, looking conflicted.

"Congratulations?" I say, trying to break the tension that's growing. Unfortunately, it comes out more like a question than a salutation.

"This is coming out of nowhere," Mary says, glaring at her mom.

"Well, if it means Maddie will be my sister then I'm happy!" Shelley says and I can't help but smile down at her.

"I'll toast to that!" My father shoots me a relieved look after my words and we all lift up our different drinks in a toast.

"To new beginnings," Josh says staring into Lilian's and our dad's eyes. I catch Jacob's eyes during the toast. While everyone else has seemingly gotten over the shock of the announcement, he still seems upset about it.

I wonder if, like me, he's thinking about his other parent. Maybe his mother also betrayed his father like my dad betrayed my mom. I catch his eye and give him a sad smile. His eyes linger on my mouth longer than they should, causing me to blush.

I look away when I see Josh looking at me weirdly out of the corner of my eye.

-

Jacob comes up to me while I wait by my dad's car. He and Lilian are busy paying the bill. The twin girls are already in their mom's car. Shelley's gotten hold of the stereo and is blasting the new Dua Lipa song while Mary scowls at her cell phone.

"So, the second time I meet you, I find out you're going to be my stepsister," Jacob says, leaning against my dad's car with me. I laugh, moving my hair out of my eyes when a gust of wind pushes it in my face.

"It's crazy. I barely know you and we're going to be related," He nods, turning his head to look away from me. I watch him watch the cars that drive in and out of the parking lot. "How come I never see you at school?" I blurt out.

I blush when he turns his attention back to me. There's something about the way Jacob stares at me that makes me feel like I'm the only person in the room. Or in this case, the parking lot.

"Do you use the library?" He asks and when I shake my head he smiles. "Well, if you want to see me, you'll find me there."

"Into reading?" I ask.

"Studying, mostly." He pushes himself off of the car when he sees our parents exit the restaurant. I also see Josh return from the men's bathroom. "I'll see you around, Maddie," Jacob says.

"You too," I say feeling strangely mournful. I barely know this guy and it's not like I had a humungous crush on him or anything, but it kind of sucks that we will be related soon. It was fun checking him out while I could.

He turns to look at me before he gets in his mom's car. I wonder if he's thinking the same thing. Nah, he's much more sensible than that.