by Cindy Wilder
Taken by My Bad Boy Stepbrother #1
I sat in my last hour math class willing the clock to spin faster. It had been a long day, and I wanted to get home. My mom was at work and wouldn't be home until well after I went to bed. Those days were pretty awesome. I liked spending time alone. It was better than hearing about her newest conquest in the boyfriend department. It usually didn't take long to finish my homework. I would have hours to myself on my computer.
My name's Lauren. I had just started my senior year and couldn't have been happier. In six months I would be eighteen and legally an adult. A little over three months after that would be graduation. I couldn't wait to get the fuck away from my mom and her sleazy ways. My grades were amazing, and I was going as far away as possible for college.
I looked up at the clock again. It seemed to be frozen in place. You'd think class would have gone faster with Ethan in it. That guy was something else. He didn't care what anyone thought about him. I've never seen someone fight the system as much as he did. I have to admit, he was very nice to look at even though he was a complete smart ass. He was the total bad boy package with his shaggy hair, muscles, tattoos, motorcycle, tight jeans, and even tighter t-shirts. We were pretty much opposites. The only thing we had in common was being in advanced classes together. He definitely had the grades to put him there. You would never imagine that by seeing his attitude. I actually envied him. It would be nice to live life not thinking about what other people felt. I seemed to worry about everyone's opinion but my own. He was in the middle of arguing with the teacher over the assignment when the bell rang, and I sprinted out of the classroom.
Quietly, I walked to my locker and collected my homework for the weekend. My small, older car was parked at the far end of the lot. All the other kids stood gathered together in groups in the hallway or out by the cars. They were all making plans for the weekend. I made my way to my car and out of the lot without a word from anyone. That was exactly how I liked it. My life wasn't fancy like many of the kids at school. I didn't have money to shop with or anywhere to go. My weekends were spent at home in my room. No matter where we lived, I always had my own room. That was the only consistent thing I had.
Not many people knew anything about my life. I was just a quiet, shy girl as far as all of the beautiful people were concerned. With my good grades, I was considered a nerd. I didn't need anyone feeling sorry for me. I definitely didn't want anyone talking about my family behind my back. Instead, I tried my best to blend into the background. The less people noticed me the better.
It was just me and my mom. We were currently living in a two bedroom apartment. It wasn't in the best part of town, but it was home at the moment. My mom had broken up with her latest boyfriend and moved us out of his house a few months before. I was sure it wouldn't be long before she was moving us in with yet another man. We didn't have much and that was okay. It was less to have to move from place to place. She worked odd jobs around town. At that time, she was working at a little grocery store as a cashier. I didn't really bother with her or her boyfriends. My only concern was her staying away from anyone I went to school with or their dads. We lived two cities away from where I was attending high school, so I was pretty safe.
I worked after school on the weekdays at a small bookstore by the school. Friday was usually an off day for me. I parked in the lot of our apartment building, let myself in, made a bowl of soup, and sat on my bed with my computer.
It was the one place I was able to have a life and not worry about anyone else. Nobody knew who I was there. They didn't know if I had the newest shoes, a huge bank account, or that my mom couldn't keep her legs closed for longer than a minute. I made sure never to put a picture of myself on my social profile. Sometimes I posted pictures I took with my camera. My profile picture at the moment was of a scene at the park by the school. It made me think about how beautiful things in the world could be. One day, I was going to make a life for myself. It would be nothing like the one my mom had created for us.
I ate my soup quickly before it got cold. The bowl sat on the nightstand, as I leaned back on the bed and looked to see if I had any messages. There were a couple of people I messaged back and forth with. Most of them weren't from anywhere near me. Some liked taking pictures and others liked writing. I loved finding people with similar interests. It was cool to hear about the places they lived and things they did. Some were even from different countries. I opened my message box. There were two messages I was expecting. They were from people I talked to all the time. There was a third one. It wasn't from anyone I knew. Their profile picture was of a picture of a Harley. It was a very nice looking bike.
My mom dated a couple of bikers through the years, but I was never able to ride with them. One day I was going to ride. I knew nobody would ever expect that out of me, but not everyone is always as they seem. Sometimes, people appear to be what they think is safe. That way they avoid having to deal with judgmental people and the reality of life. The thought of riding on the back of a Harley was amazing to me. I imagined it would be freeing and relaxing. You could feel the wind in your hair and forget your worries, if only for a few minutes.
I opened the message, curious to see who it was from. Their profile name was Ride or Die. That was a little creepy. I pulled up their profile and friend list before reading the message. Maybe we had mutual friends or something. We only had one friend in common. It was someone from school, but they had no idea who I was. We just stumbled upon each other one day through a comment on a photography post. The Ride or Die person had their profile locked up pretty tight. The only thing I could really see was that one common connection. Maybe they were into photography and saw me in a community, I thought. I wasn't sure if it was a guy or girl. They couldn't be that bad. I decided to read the message.
Ride or Die: Hello. I noticed we have a common friend and you like the photography communities. Do you take pictures? Is it just a hobby?
I was worried for nothing. It was just someone with a common interest. I decided to answer back.
Me: I don't really know them. We just have the same interests. Yes, I love photography. It's just a hobby. I don't have a great camera. Just a small one. What about you? Nice Harley.
If wasn't two minutes later when the friend request came through. I accepted it right away. I was curious to dig deeper into their profile. Just as I accepted the request, my chat box popped up.
Ride or Die: I have an okay camera. I plan to get a nice one eventually. Taking pictures is something I do for fun. It relaxes me. I can't explain it. It's one of the few things I can do to get away from it all. Thanks about the bike. It's the one nice thing I have that's mine. What's your name?
I still couldn't figure out if it was a guy or girl or how old they were. There was no way I was giving them my name. What if they went to school with me or something?
Me: It's nice. I don't give my name out on here. It's the one place I have that I don't have to think about other people and their opinions. What's your name? How old are you?
Ride or Die: Do you ride? Well, you can call me whatever you want since we aren't giving out names. I'm seventeen. How about you?
Me: I'm seventeen as well. I have never been on a bike. My mom dated a few guys that had them, but I wasn't allowed around them. I plan to one day. I imagine it would be pretty awesome. Not that I'm into biker guys or anything. I just think it would feel good to feel free.
Ride or Die: Sounds a bit like my mom. She can't stay with the same guy for very long. My dad is better about that, but we fight a lot. He doesn't like how I am. They split when I was two. What's wrong with biker guys? You say that like it's a bad thing to be into bikes. It feels amazing on the road without a care. I don't care what anyone thinks. That's part of the reason I fight so much with my dad. I live with my mom most of the time. Where do you go to school?
Me: My dad was never around. I don't know anything about him. I didn't say there was anything wrong with biker guys. There's a guy at sc
hool that does his own thing. He doesn't give a shit about anyone. I envy him. I wish I could live my life that way. He pisses me off sometimes with his attitude, but it's better than being fake like everyone else. The guy's smart as can be though. I'm a senior. Don't need to know where I go.
Ride or Die: I'm a senior as well. I can't wait to get the hell out of here. I'm out the day I graduate. I can't stand it. What do you like besides photos?
Me: I like to write. It takes me away from reality for a bit. I don't fit in here, so I don't have friends. My camera and computer spend time with me. I know it sounds silly. Not many people know much about me. I like it that way. You sound like me. I'm just putting in my time until graduation so I can get out of here. I get really good grades. That way I can go to school far away. Maybe then I can stay in one place for a bit. I get sick of moving around.
We went back and forth. The time flew by. He seemed pretty nice, and we seemed to have a lot in common. Both of us had the photography thing. We both seemed to have pretty messed up family lives. I looked over at the clock and noticed we had been chatting for three hours. My mom would be home any minute. If she knew I was up, she would want to talk. I just didn't feel like it.
Me: I'm going to get off of here now. I'll talk to you later.
Ride or Die: Do you turn into a pumpkin or something?
Me: No. My mom will be home soon. I like to go to bed before she gets here. It was nice talking to you.
Ride or Die: You seem pretty cool. I'll be out for a few hours tomorrow, but I'll be on later in the day. Maybe we can talk again. Have a good night.
Me: You too. Later biker.
Ride or Die: Goodnight sunshine.
I couldn't help but wonder what biker looked like. Was he tall, short, handsome, or nerdy? Did he have tattoos? He was seventeen. Where did he go to school? Maybe we knew each other. That would be crazy. I liked the mystery. It would be cool to get to know him without knowing who he was.
As soon as I heard the front door open, I flicked off my light and went to bed.
The next day I found myself checking my messages a million times. That wasn't like me at all. Usually, I just checked once a day. I messaged back and forth with a couple different guys. None of them were anything more than just a person with the same interests. There were cute guys at school and all, but I never really thought about dating any of them. It wasn't that I wasn't into guys. I definitely was. I just planned on avoiding them until college. I didn't want to be like my mom. When I found someone, I hoped that I would be able to keep them around. Maybe it would be better just to avoid them all together. I don't know. Would I be better than her, or would I end up following in her footsteps without even realizing it?
There was no message most of the day. Just when I was about to give up and turn off my computer, I heard the ding sound and saw the box pop up. Excitement ran through my veins. I couldn't believe it.
Ride of Die: Hello, sunshine.
I purposely waited a few moments to answer.
Me: Hey, biker.
Ride or Die: How was your day?
Me: Good. I went to the park for a few hours to write and snap shots. I uploaded some to my page. How about you?
Ride or Die: I was on my bike for most of the day. One of the guys from school wanted to ride. My mom brought some new guy home. He seems okay.
Me: I'm hoping my mom stays single for a bit. Some of the guys she has been with haven't been that nice to me. I only need nine more months. Tomorrow she wants to spend the day together. I'm not sure why. It's not usually a good thing. I have two tests on Monday. That sucks.
Ride or Die: I hope they've never hurt you. I usually get along with most of the men my mom dates. She just doesn't keep them around long. This guy seems to have a great job and all. I have a test Monday too. My teacher's an ass. I'll do fine no matter what, so I probably won't study. I might hang out with my dad tomorrow. We usually do okay with each other for a few hours. He's just not that easy to live with. I'm used to doing what I want. He has too many rules. What's your favorite class in school? I'm going to check out your shots from earlier.
We talked the entire night. I didn't go to sleep until two in the morning. He really did seem like a nice guy. It was comfortable talking to him. I felt like I had known him for years. We joked around about what we thought the other looked like. He said I was probably over six foot with warts. I said he was probably short and stocky. Talking to him was fun and made me forget about normal life.
The next morning my mom made me breakfast. She talked about a new guy she met. He sounded like a nice guy. She always made them sound good at first. He didn't have a bike. She said he was a suit. That meant she was keeping him around as long as she could. How could the men not see through her? They were supposed to be smart, but I had to question that. She seemed really excited about him. Maybe he would be the one to change her. She could settle down and make a life with him. That would be cool. I always gave her the benefit of the doubt. The day was actually pretty good. We stayed home and watched movies, but it was nice to sit and talk to her.
Monday morning I was up and ready for the day early. The sun was shining and I was actually excited about school. That was very unusual. Maybe I would be able to talk to biker after school. He knew I had to work and would be home at nine.
The day went pretty quickly. My second test was last period of the day. As soon as we walked in, Ethan started arguing with the teacher. I don't know why, but it was driving me crazy. If I didn't get the test right away, I knew I would never finish it. My grades were important to me. I always did well, but I worked my ass off. Ethan got all A's and probably never even cracked open the book. I couldn't take it anymore and finally snapped.
“Would you shut the hell up,” I yelled.
His head spun around, and he shot me a dirty look.
“What?” he snapped.
“I have to finish this test. If you keep going on about whatever it is your saying, I'm not going to be able to finish. Could you at least wait until he hands out the tests to start shit with him,” I requested.
“You do have a voice,” he said with a shitty look on his face.
“Yes, I do,” I said.
“Can you please give the princess her test?” he asked.
The teacher shrugged his shoulders and handed out the tests.
“Carry on,” I shot back to Ethan. “You might want to actually take the test.”
“I will,” he said. “It won't take as long for me.”
He had to be sarcastic and point out that he was smarter than me. While I still envied his carefree attitude, I also wanted to kick his ass.
“You don't have to be a jerk about it, Ethan,” I snapped. “Some people have to study. It doesn't come natural for me. I just want to make sure I finish.”
“Fine,” he said. “Do your test, princess.”
“Asshole,” I mumbled.
He let out a growl and snatched the test from the teacher. I noticed he was quiet the rest of the class. As soon as I handed in my test, he looked up and smirked.
“Did the princess finish her test?”
“Yes, I did,” I said. “Thank you, asshole.”
I walked out of the room with my head held high. Maybe speaking up wouldn't be so bad.
Work seemed to drag. The clock hands barely moved. As soon as I got home, I made myself a frozen dinner, hurried through my homework, and turned on my computer.
Ride or Die: Did you miss me today, sunshine?
Me: You have no idea, biker. This school year can't get over fast enough.
Ride or Die: How did your tests go? Mine went awesome. It would be so cool if we went to school together. We could hang out at lunch and after school.
Me: Still not telling you. I'll make you a deal.
Ride or Die: I can't wait to hear this.
Me: If we are still talking in nine months, I'll tell you where I go to school.
Ride or Die: Nine months. You are kidding. If we're stil
l talking the day you turn eighteen, you have to let me call you on your birthday.
Me: Deal. Tell me something about yourself. Something personal.
Ride or Die: I'm not at all who people at school think I am. Your turn.
Me: I'm still a virgin. Do you have any tattoos?
Ride or Die: Really. Drop a bomb like that and then ask if I have tattoos.
Me: Well.
Ride or Die: Yes, I do. Are you saving yourself for Mr. Right?
Me: No. I told you I keep to myself. I don't have friends or boyfriends. I don't want to be like my mom.
Ride or Die: You can't live life like that just because you don't want to be like your mom. You have to live it for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You're the only one that matters.
Me: How many girls have you slept with?
He didn't answer. I hoped I didn't offend him.
Me: Or guys? I didn't mean to assume anything.
Ride of Die: I had to take a piss. Give a guy a minute. Only two. They weren't from school. They were both older than me.
Me: Like old ladies.
Ride or Die: No, not old ladies. I know what I'm doing. I can show you if you want.
Me: You are too funny. I don't think so. I'll make a deal with you. If I'm still a virgin when I graduate, I'll let you show me.
Ride or Die: Deal. I'm pretty good with words too. I'll show you on your birthday. What date is that exactly?
Me: What?
Ride or Die: When I call you.
Me: You're pretty confident that we'll still be talking then. It's March 16. When is yours?
Ride or Die: I am. You need to start thinking more highly of yourself. You're an amazing person. People need to treat you that way. Who cares where you came from or what you have. It's all about what you think. That's how I live my life. My birthday is November 15. Remember to respect your elders.
Me: That's funny. I stuck up for myself today. I've never done anything like that before. Usually, I'm really quiet. I think you're rubbing off on me.
Ride or Die: I will be.
Me: What?