CHAPTER 3

Skylar's POV

The familiar creak of the front door echoed through the house, and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. My mom was finally home, and I could relax. My uncle, who had just been on top of me minutes ago, quickly got off and wore his pants, like nothing had happened.

"Mom's home!" my uncle called out, faking a warm smile as he exited. "I'll go help her settle in."

I sat there for a moment, my heart still racing from what had just happened. It wasn't the first time, not even the second or third, that he'd used me like this.

Why does this keep happening? I thought, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I quickly threw on my pajamas, trying to gather some sense of normalcy. I went to the kitchen where my mom stood, chatting with my uncle like everything was fine.

"Hey, sweetie," my mom greeted me, her face lighting up with a smile. "How was your day?"

I forced a smile, trying to keep my composure. "It was fine, Mom."

Just say it was good, I reminded myself. You can't let her see you like this.

"Hope work wasn't really stressful today?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Um, No, Not really." I tried to sound upbeat.

What a lie, I thought, my heart heavy. You had a f*ck*ng bad day.

My mom continued talking about her day, but I felt my mind drifting. I couldn't shake the feeling of what had just happened.

"Do you want to help me with dinner?" she asked, noticing my silence.

"Sure," I replied, swallowing hard.

As I joined her at the counter, I felt a tear escape. I wish things were different. I wish I could tell her the truth.

"Are you okay?" my mom asked, looking at me with concern.

"Yeah, just a little tired," I said quickly, wiping my cheek.

I can't let her worry, I reminded myself. She's had a long day.

"Alright, well, let's make something quick and easy," she said, smiling.

As we cooked together, I forced myself to focus on her words. I wanted to believe that everything was fine, but inside, I knew it wasn't.

As they continued their small talk, I excused myself and went back to my room, not wanting to deal with the awkward tension that still lingered in the air. I could hear them laughing from the other room, and it made my stomach churn. After a while, my uncle said goodnight to my mom and retreated to his room, leaving me feeling a small sense of relief.

Later, I headed to the kitchen to grab some water. My mom was still sitting at the table, her face looking thoughtful. She glanced up at me with a gentle smile.

"Skylar, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about," she began softly, her hands folded on the table.

I sat down across from her, curious but also feeling the tension rising again. "What is it, Mom?"

"I've been thinking a lot about my future, and... I've decided it's time for me to remarry."

The words hit me like a punch. My mind raced. I never expected this. My mom, who had been so focused on work, had never even hinted at wanting to date, let alone remarry.

"What?" I blinked, trying to process what she just said.

"I know this must be surprising to you," she continued, her smile soft but firm. "But I've known this man for a year now, and he's really good for me. He makes me happy."

My throat tightened. A year? She had known someone for a whole year and never told me?

"He knows about you, of course," she added quickly. "And he has two sons, twins, your age. They're good boys, Skylar. I think you'll like them."

I felt my heart sink. Twins. Two strangers who'd be part of my life now. The thought of sharing my space, my mom, with two boys I didn't even know filled me with dread.

I forced myself to smile. "I'm happy for you, Mom... if you're happy." The words felt heavy on my tongue, but I wanted to support her, even though my mind was spinning with uncertainty.

She reached over and squeezed my hand. "I knew you'd understand, honey. I just... I need to focus on my own happiness now. I've spent so much time taking care of others, and it's time I do something for me."

I nodded, trying to push down the wave of emotions building inside me. After all she had done for me, she deserved happiness. But I couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me about these two boys, this whole new family dynamic.

As I sat there, processing everything, my uncle strolled back into the kitchen with a lazy grin.

"Still up, huh? Thought I'd find you two asleep by now," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "Don't worry, soon enough you'll see me with a job, and I'll be out of your hair. Just waiting for the right offer to come through." He chuckled, as if the whole thing was a joke.

My mom didn't answer, just glanced his way with that polite, forced smile she gave when she didn't know what to say.

"Well, goodnight then," he added with a shrug, strolling back out as casually as he came in.

Later that night, I lay in bed, my mind replaying the conversation over and over. I couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried. Questions buzzed in my head. What if these boys didn't like me? What if they were like my uncle? What if my mom's attention shifted entirely to this new family, leaving me on the sidelines?

I tossed and turned until I couldn't take it anymore. I needed air, something to clear my head. Grabbing a jacket, I slipped out of bed and out the front door into the quiet night.

The cool air hit my skin, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. The street was empty, silent, except for the occasional rustle of leaves. I walked aimlessly, my feet taking me down familiar paths. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over everything.

But as I walked, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. My heart rate quickened. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw a figure in the distance—a man, wearing a hoodie. He was walking towards me, his pace slow but deliberate.

Panic surged through me. I remembered the stalker from before, the one who had threatened me. Was it him again? Had he come back to finish what he started?

I quickened my pace, my mind racing with fear. The man kept following me, his footsteps echoing in the quiet night. My heart pounded in my chest, and I thought about running, but the fear that gripped me made my legs feel heavy. I could hear his footsteps getting closer, and dread curled in my stomach.

"Please, not again!!!"