The stepbrothers

-New life

Adriana Adams

My name is Adriana Adams. The most important people in my life are my mom and dad. My dad is like a hero to me; I love him very much. But maybe my mom didn't love my dad that much. My entire childhood was spent listening to their fights.

I was one of the main reasons why they didn't want to get divorced. I always wished that they would stay together as a family—just the three of us: my dad, my mom, and me. But that wish remained just a wish. It was never fulfilled.

I turned eighteen, and they started to think they could finally get divorced. They didn't even think about whether I would be able to handle all this shit.

My parents divorced, and my mom got custody of me. A year later, she found someone new, and it wasn't long before they got married. I was mad at her for getting over Dad so quickly. But after meeting my new stepdad... I couldn't blame her for it anymore.

His name is Eric Derick, and he's just like Dad, though he looks different.

He was very sweet.

Funny, too.

And before I knew it, my mom had sold the apartment... and I was moving into his house!

I am in the car right now with my mom. Mom is very happy, but I'm not. I have a very different feeling. It feels like my life is about to change. It feels like my life is about to get stuck somehow.

But I don't want my mom to be upset. I've never seen her so happy before—not even when she was with Dad. I don't want her happiness to disappear after seeing my stupid, sad face.

The scenery here is very different. The view is beautiful. It seems as if there's nothing but fresh air everywhere, and somehow, in that air, I feel as if someone is calling me and I'm moving toward it.

I reached my stepdad's house, and now my stepdad is introducing me to my new older stepbrothers.

Mateo and Jake.

Writer

Eric: "Adriana, these are your new stepbrothers, Mateo and Jake."

I look at them and say, "Hello."

Mateo gives her a smile and a small wave, while Jake simply stares at her with a blank expression on his face, giving her a nod in greeting.

Adriana

I look at my stepdad and say, "Uh... where's my mom? She came here after getting out of the car."

Eric points upstairs.

Eric: "She's upstairs unpacking the suitcases. She should be down in a minute."

I nod.

I look around the house. The house is very beautiful. The furniture is expensive but not too showy. I can see some family photos on the walls. Eric and my mom are in a few of them.

I hear some footsteps coming from upstairs, signaling that my mom is coming down.

Soon, my mom walks down the stairs, a smile appearing on her face as she sees me. She quickly makes her way over to me and pulls me into a hug.

Mom: "Honey, how are you feeling?"

I say, "I'm feeling better."

She smiles, running her hand through my hair.

Mom: "That's good. I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise you we'll all get along great as a family! You'll love your new brothers."

I nod.

Jake finally breaks his silence, smirking slightly.

Jake: "You're quiet. Bet you're plotting how to escape."

Mateo rolls his eyes, shoving Jake lightly.

Mateo: "Ignore him. He's an idiot. But... welcome, I guess."

They're not as bad as I thought.

I say, "Thank you."

Writer

Jake just grunts a little, while Mateo flashes her another smile.

Eric chuckles lightly in the background, amused by the interaction.

Eric: "I think you'll fit right in here."

I smile.

Her mom smiles back at her, ruffling her hair lightly.

Mom: "Alright, how about I show you your room? I think you'll like it."

She begins walking toward the stairs, gesturing for her to follow.

Adriana

I follow my mom up the stairs. Jake trails behind us, the creak of the steps beneath my feet echoing through the hallway. He walks with his hands in his pockets, while Mateo walks beside me, glancing over with a small, reassuring smile.

My new room is at the end of the hall—spacious, with sunlight spilling through sheer curtains. The walls are freshly painted light gray, and my bed is already set up with soft-looking sheets.

Mom: "I helped pick it out. I hope it feels like home soon."

I say, "It's nice."

Mom beams, hugging me sideways.

Mom: "Good. I'll let you unpack and settle in. Dinner's at six—no excuses, okay?"

Then she goes downstairs.

Jake pokes his head in, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk.

Jake: "Don't take forever. We don't wanna starve 'cause you're folding socks like a perfectionist."

Mateo shoves him lightly from behind.

Mateo: "Dude. Chill."

He turns to me, softer.

Mateo: "You good?"

I say, "Uh, yeah. I'm good."

Writer

Mateo gives her another warm smile.

Mateo: "Cool. Let us know if you need anything, got it?"

Jake just gives a teasing salute and leaves, while Mateo follows suit, closing the door behind him. Now she's alone in her room. The quiet is almost deafening as she starts unpacking.

Adriana

I spend some time unpacking my belongings and organizing them around the room. After a while, the sun starts to set, casting a warm glow through the window. It is quiet and peaceful until I hear a light knock at my door.

I say, "Who?"

I hear Jake's familiar, playful voice through the door.

Jake: "It's me. Don't worry, I'm not here to terrorize you. At least not yet."

The doorknob slowly turns, and Jake peeks in, raising an eyebrow.

Jake: "Mind if I come in for a sec?"

I say, "Uh... yeah, of course."

Jake steps in, his hands behind his head like he owns the place. He kicks the door shut with his heel and glances around my room.

Jake: "Nice. You're way neater than Mateo's dungeon. You're not one of those crazy neat freaks, are you?"

He plops down on my bed without asking, arms behind his head like it's his own personal throne.

Jake: "Anyway... welcome to the chaos. Dinner's soon. Try not to disappear—you'll make Mom cry."

His smirk softens just a bit—almost sweet—before he ruins it with a wink.

Jake: "And trust me... nobody wants that."

I say, "Uh... yeah, I'm coming."

Jake stands up, stretching dramatically like some kind of cat. The smirk returns to his face as he looks at me.

Jake: "Yeah, you'd better. Can't have you missing out on the fun at our family dinners."

He walks over to the door, leaning against the frame again.

Jake: "See ya downstairs in a few. And don't let Mateo get annoying. He's like a damn puppy."

Then he leaves.

Writer

After some time, she makes it downstairs. The faint sound of chatter and the clinking of silverware grows louder as she gets closer to the dining room.

When she gets there, she sees her mom and Eric already seated, talking and laughing. Mateo looks up from his phone and grins at her, waving.

Mateo: "Hey, there you are. Thought we'd starve before you came down."

I smile and take my seat.

Mateo and Jake are sitting on either side of her.

Eric looks over at her with a warm smile.

Eric: "Glad you could join us. Dig in."

Both Jake and Mateo immediately pounce on the food, piling their plates high.

Mom: "Don't be so greedy, boys. Leave some for the rest of us."

Adriana

Jake ignores my mom completely, already stuffing a piece of garlic bread into his mouth as he reaches for the mashed potatoes.

Jake: "No promises."

Mateo rolls his eyes but quietly passes me the chicken parm before taking some for himself.

Mateo: "Don't let him scare you. He's just... hangry."

Eric bursts out laughing while my mom sighs dramatically, though there's a smile tugging at her lips.

Mom: "I'm feeding animals tonight."

I force a smile and start eating my dinner.

The conversation at the table is lively, filled with laughter and playful banter. Despite Jake scarfing down most of the food, there is plenty to go around. I'm mostly just watching the conversation, enjoying the atmosphere.

At one point, Jake finally slows down, leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach.

Jake: "Damn, Mom... good job as always."

My mom laughs, shaking her head.

Mom: "You say that after every meal."

Mateo chuckles, nudging Jake with his elbow.

Mateo: "Just admit it, man. You have a serious food addiction."

Jake smirks and rolls his eyes.

Jake: "Hey, I can stop anytime I want, alright? I just choose not to."

Eric raises an eyebrow, amused.

Eric: "Really now? I'd pay to see you skip even one meal."

After some time, everyone finishes their dinner, including me.

Soon enough, the dinner plates are empty, and everyone is full and satisfied.

Mom starts clearing away the dishes, while Jake lets out an exaggerated groan, patting his stomach.

Jake: "Ugh... I ate too much."

Mateo rolls his eyes.

Mateo: "You say that every time, you idiot."

Eric snickers, shaking his head.

Eric: "Somehow, you always have enough room for dessert, though, huh?"

Jake grins, already eyeing the pie cooling on the counter.

Jake: "What? Can you blame me? I need my sweets, man. It's a crucial part of the food pyramid."

Eric and Mateo roll their eyes simultaneously, used to his food obsession.

Mateo: "More like a crucial part of your diabetes."

I quietly excuse myself from the dining room, leaving behind the chaotic energy of my stepbrothers and my mom and Eric laughing in the background. I make my way up to my room, the silence a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere downstairs.

I close the door behind me, the quiet of my room enveloping me once again. The stress of the day seems to weigh a little less as I take a moment to settle in.

Then, without another thought, I start calling Dad, my one and only hero.

I sit on my bed, pulling out my phone and dialing my father's number. It rings a few times until I hear his voice come through, warm and familiar.

Dad: "Hey, kiddo. Is everything alright?"

I say with a sigh, "Just missing you, Dad."

My dad's voice softens, the kind of warmth that only he has.

Dad: "I miss you too, sweetheart... every single day."

There's a pause—just silence for a second, but not an awkward one. The kind that holds all the words I can't say at once.

Dad: "How's it going? New house? New brothers?"

I look around my room—at the new bed, the unfamiliar walls... but also at my favorite photo of me and Dad taped to my mirror.

I say, "It's... different."

I say, "But I missed you. Having dinner together with you and Mom, just the three of us, was so much better."

My dad lets out a gentle sigh, and even through the phone, I can hear the mix of nostalgia and a bit of sadness in his voice.

Dad: "I know... me too. But sometimes... we gotta roll with the changes."

He pauses, then continues, trying to infuse some cheer into his words.

Dad: "How are your new brothers, at least? Treating you well?"

I say, "Yeah. They are good."

My dad chuckles softly, and I can almost picture his kind eyes.

Dad: "Good, good. I'm glad they're treating you well. I mean, they better... or I'll have to have words with them."

He says it jokingly, but I can hear the protective note in his voice.

Dad: "Have they been acting like typical big brothers? Teasing you a bit and all that?"

I say, "I don't know."

My dad hums thoughtfully, the phone rustling a bit as he readjusts.

Dad: "They'll warm up to you, sweetheart. It takes time."

He pauses, then adds softly:

Dad: "And I just want you to know... I'm always a call away. If things get tough, or if you just want to talk, you know I'm here, right?"

I say, "Always, Dad. Okay, bye. Good night."

My dad's voice warms again, a hint of love and care seeping through.

Dad: "Alright, kiddo. Get some rest. Sweet dreams... and I'm always with you. Remember that."

The call ends, leaving me in the silent room. But the warmth of my dad's last words lingers, bringing a small smile to my face.

I lie back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling as the house grows quiet around me. The moonlight spills through the curtains, painting soft shadows across the floor.

From down the hall, I hear a faint knock, then my door creaks open slightly. It's Mateo, peeking in with a quiet look.

Mateo: "Hey... everything okay?"

He doesn't wait for an answer before stepping in a little further.

Mateo: "You seemed kind of far away at dinner."

Jake suddenly appears behind him, arms crossed and smirking—but less harsh than before.

Jake: "Dude's checking on you like Mom #2."

Mateo flips him off without looking back.

Then he turns to me again, softer now.

Mateo: "Just making sure you're good."

I say, "I'm good."

Mateo studies me for a second—like he's deciding whether to believe it. Then he nods slowly.

Mateo: "Alright... but if you're not, you can say it, y'know?"

Jake leans against the doorframe, arms still crossed—but his voice is quieter now, less teasing.

Jake: "Yeah. We're not that annoying. Usually."

A small silence settles—not awkward, just... there.

Then Jake pushes off the frame and smirks again.

Jake: "Get some sleep, new sibling."

Mateo gives one last soft nod before they both back out and close the door behind them.

The house falls quiet again. I curl up under the covers, the day's emotions slowly settling like dust after a storm.

Outside, the wind brushes the trees. Inside, my room feels a little less strange. A little more... possible.

And for the first time since moving in, I fall asleep not wishing I were somewhere else—but wondering what tomorrow might be like here.

The door creaks open again—this time without a knock. Jake pokes his head in, already dressed and holding a steaming mug.

Jake: "Rise and whine, sleepyhead. Breakfast's getting cold."

Mateo appears behind him, tossing a folded hoodie onto my bed.

Mateo: "We saved you pancakes. Don't let him steal yours again."

Jake: "Hey! I left plenty!"

(He says it like it's believable.)

Sunlight spills across the floor as the two of them stand there—one smirking, one smiling—waiting for me to get up.

And somehow... that strange new house feels just a little more like home.

I nod.

I throw off the covers, the lingering grogginess replaced by the promise of pancakes and brothers waiting. I pull the hoodie over my head and follow them downstairs, the scent of breakfast growing stronger with each step.

In the kitchen, Mom is chatting with Eric, and the table is almost ready with a spread of food. She looks over as I enter.

Mom: "Ah, look who's up. Ready for breakfast, sleepyhead?"

She grins, her eyes lighting up with warmth.

I sit down at the table, still a little sleepy, but the scent of food is waking me up. My stepbrothers take their spots as well, Jake already grabbing the syrup and pouring a dangerous amount onto his pancakes.

Mom places a plate in front of me.

Mom: "Enjoy. And make sure to leave some for these greedy vultures."

She shoots a teasing look at Jake and Mateo.

I say immediately, "Mom, I wanted to talk to you about something."

At that, Mom's attention is immediately on me, her expression turning more serious. She sits down next to me, concern in her eyes.

Mom: "Of course, sweetheart. What is it? Is everything alright?"

I say, "Actually, I want to go to the club tonight with my friends. I mean, have a night out."

Mom blinks, then laughs softly, clearly relieved it's not something serious. But then she crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow.

Mom: "A club? Hmm. You just moved in, and it's only been a day."

Jake suddenly perks up, his mouth full of pancake.

Jake: "Wait—she's going out? Can I come?"

Mateo shoves him lightly.

Mateo: "Shut up."

Eric chuckles from across the table, sipping his coffee.

Eric: "I think a night out with friends sounds perfectly fine, as long as someone checks in every once in a while. And no disappearing into the chaos."

He winks at Mom.

Eric: "Right?"

She sighs dramatically but smiles.

Mom: "Fine... but curfew is midnight. Text me when you get there and when you leave—and absolutely no sneaking around."

Jake leans over to me with a smirk.

Jake: "Congrats. You've survived Stepfamily Bootcamp."

I say, "Thank you, Mom."

Mom ruffles my hair again.

Mom: "Of course, sweetheart. You deserve some fun. Just promise me you'll be careful—"

Jake: "And bring me something back."

Mateo facepalms. Mom shoots Jake a stern look.

Mom: "You're not getting anything, you little vulture."

I get ready, picking out a nice outfit for the night. The sun has already started going down, bathing the house in evening light.

Eric and Mom wave to me from the living room couch as I head toward the door.

Eric: "Have fun, but not too much fun!"

Mom: "Be safe, sweetie. Text me when you get there."

Behind me, I hear Jake and Mateo in the kitchen, arguing about what's for dinner.

Jake: "I need to eat real food, man! Not just vegetables and air."

The city pulses with energy as I meet up with my friends outside the club, the bass already thumping from inside. Neon lights flash, music spilling into the street as people laugh and dance in the warm night air.

My best friend grabs my hand and pulls me toward the line.

Biana: "Finally! We thought you'd never get here!"

Inside, it's loud and vibrant—strobe lights cutting through the smoky air, laughter bouncing off the walls. For a moment, everything feels normal again.

And as I dance under flashing colors with other girls beside me... that new life—those new brothers, that new house—it doesn't feel so heavy anymore.

Just for tonight... I'm just me.

The beat drops, and suddenly, through the flashing lights, a guy appears in front of me—tall, smirking, with that "I know I look good" vibe. He leans in slightly so I can hear him over the music.

Guy: "Hey. Been trying to work up the nerve to come over. You're dancing like you own this place."

One of my friends raises an eyebrow and whispers:

" Ohhh, he's cute. But is he trouble?"

He grins at me—half-charming, half-mischievous—and offers his hand.

Guy: "Wanna dance?"

I say, "Uh..."

The guy raises an eyebrow at my hesitation—a challenge in his eyes. Like he's used to girls who swoon immediately, and he's not sure what to do with me.

Guy: "Scared of a little fun?"

He steps a little closer, the music pulsing around me.

Guy: "C'mon, it's just a dance."

Then I nod.

The guy's smirk widens as I accept. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer into the crowd.

The bass thumps through my ribs as he starts dancing with me, the neon lights flashing across his face. He moves with practiced confidence, and for a moment, in the chaos of the beat, it's almost fun.

I can feel my friends watching from the side, giving each other looks and giggling. At least one is already recording for documentation, of course.

Then I say, "What's your name?"

The guy leans in close so I can hear him over the music, his breath warm near my ear.

Guy: "Alex. And you're way too quiet for someone dancing like that."

He grins, pulling back just enough to catch my expression—half teasing, all charm.

Alex: "Should've named you Danger."

I say, "Adriana."

Alex laughs, spinning me under his arm before pulling me back.

Alex: "Well, Adriana... you keep surprising me. First the moves, now the sound of your voice. What's next? A secret talent for moonwalking?"

His eyes gleam in the flashing lights as he pulls me a little closer, the space between us shrinking with the beat. My friends are definitely taking even more videos now.

I smile.

Alex grins, clearly pleased he finally cracked my cool exterior.

Alex: "There it is. Knew you had a smile in there."

He spins me again, smoother this time—like he's actually good at this—and pulls me back with a playful wink.

One of my friends shouts over the music:

Friend: "ADRIANA, I'M SENDING THIS TO JAKE!"

I laugh—because of course they would—and for a moment, everything feels electric. The music, the lights... even the tiny thrill of knowing someone back home might see.

But then Alex leans in again.

Alex: "Wanna get some air? It's getting wild."