Bromance

007.

WINSTON.

I thought things would turn good between me and Monty. But he avoids me again the next day as if last night never happened.

Dad and Melissa planned a month-long honeymoon in Europe. And today seems to be the day of their departure as I catch them setting their luggages in the van when I wake up; Monty helps dad carry them out.

I'm about to send a smile to Monty when he just walks past me like I'm not there. And what he tells dad pisses me more.

"I won't be surprised if you bring mom home pregnant."

I walk back to my room, locking my door. The idea of Melissa coming home pregnant vexes me. I almost skipped school because of that, and at the same time, I regretted coming to school.

Alex greets me after I put my things in my locker.

"So you didn't tell me Monty is your stepbrother."

I turn, blink and frown. "H-how did you know?" 

I don't want anyone knowing about this. And I don't want to talk about Monty. But I may have an inkling how Alex knew. Monty must've told—

"Charlie told me," Alex says, finishing what's exactly on my mind, confirming my assumption.

I start to walk to our first period. Alex trails behind me. 

"So, your father married his mother?" he continues asking.

"Yeah." I let out a weak huff. "Can we… talk about something else?"

Alex smirks. "You don't like them."

I almost said yes but… I know I don't dislike them. Estela's sweet, and her brother… 

I like Monty. I very much like Monty. But never in a brotherly way.

"It's just… I won't ever see Melissa as my mom, not even a stepmother, nor will I see Monty as my brother. So, I don't see a point in talking about them."

"But they live with you now, right?"

I almost roll my eyes, Alex won't still drop it. 

"Yes," I sigh. "Maybe I just need some time to adjust." 

Alex hums. "That's fair." And he finally stops asking.

* * *

I'm sitting contemplating inside the yearbook club, my phone in my hand, staring at it. I may have asked for Monty's number from Estela. I want to talk to him.

Despite what he said earlier, I can't stay mad at him for long. I want to ask him what his problem is and why he keeps on avoiding me.

Irrational thoughts won't stop running in my head, like I never made him feel good enough. Maybe I turn him off and he doesn't want me anymore. I think I'm ready to hear the truth just to give me peace of mind.

But my thumb seems to stop functioning and just lingers hovering above the green button, one click to call Monty.

I can't. I lose courage.

"Winston?"

It almost slip my mind that Tyler is there, busy organizing the photos he developed scattered on a desk.

I look at him.

"What do you think would be best to be included in today's journal?"