Prologue
Prologue
Nova sat cross legged on the couch, a bowl of popcorn in her lap and the remote control next to her. She stared intently at the television as the suspense from her favorite show was being built.
Normally she’d be at practice. With the newbies, starting training was a must. The cheers and combinations could be difficult and if they had problems picking up on a routine or two then the entire squad would be affected. However her mother had stressed the importance of tonight so there was no saying no to her.
The front door opened, the distant sound of chatter and laughter filtered into the large house drifting to where Nova sat.
The click clack from her mothers heels echoed closer along with two different other heavier footsteps.
Turning her head she watched her mother walk through the large archway into the livingroom, her heels sinking into the carpet.
“Hello darling” her mothers smooth silky voice slightly settling her nerves.
The truth was Nova was extremely nervous about what her mother wanted to talk about. The last time this had happened, her mother had told her she was divorcing Novas father.
Biting her lip and playing with a few pieces of popcorn she eyed her mother who was giving her a nervous smile.
The footfalls came closer.
It was easy to deduce that the two that came through the entry way were father and son. Where the father had dark hair the son had light, but their eyes were the same and the son simply looked like a younger version of the man beside him.
The father smiled at Nova in greeting, she gave a small tentative smile back unsure as to what was going on.
The younger man beside the father stared at her, a sinister smirk forming at the corner of his mouth, his eyes held an evil glint. Nova shivered, she could practically feel the hate simmering from him.
Nova was completely confused, she didn’t know this kid, she’d never done anything bad to him, so why was he staring at her like she’s his personal demon?
Her mother stepped forward grabbing the fathers hand, they intwined their fingers together, Nova briefly caught sight of the young mans disgusted face as he shifted his hate towards the entwined hands.
“Son please take a seat”
Nova stilled as he walked around the couple and took the lone chair next to the couch.
Her face was full of confusion as she tried to place where she’d heard that voice before.
Then it hit her. He’d come over before, she’d never seen him, she’d only heard them talking downstairs and in her mothers bedroom late at night.
Her mouth formed an O and she began to realize what was going on.
Her mother nodded, knowing Nova had put two and two together. “Nova this is Thomas Reed, we’ve been seeing each other for awhile now and I know you havent officially met him but we’d like to make an announcement”
The son leaned forward onto his foremans, he gave the couple an irritated disapproving glare. Novas mother looked anywhere but at the son, it was obvious he made her a bit nervous with his rude demeanor.
“I’ve asked your mother to marry me and she’s said yes” Thomas Reed announced.
Nova fell back into the couch, her body giving way to the surprise announcement. They all watched her, waiting for her reaction. She couldn’t give them any other kind of reaction besides surprise. She was completely baffled.
“If it makes you happy” she whispered, her voice barley making a sound.
“This is bullshit” the son shouted standing up from the couch, “You stupid bastard! You leave my mother to cozy up with this-”
“You watch yourself Axel, I will not tolerate disrespect towards anyone in this house!” Thomas Reed yelled stepping towards his son, shielding Novas mother from Axels murderous stare.
Axel scoffed but fell back into the seat, his gaze fell on Novas small form.
“Axel this is Nova your soon to be step sister”
