Chapter 2
Tears of heartbreak and humiliation streamed down my face.
Henry’s words echoed in my head, each syllable destroying what was left of my self–worth.
If I hadn’t heard it myself, I wouldn’t have believed the guy who’d passionately made love to me last night could be the same person. I guess you don’t need love to be intimate. Even in those moments of intense passion, lies can still fall from your lips.
What I foolishly thought was the start of something real was just a joke to them–just another conquest for the hockey star who happened to be my stepbrother.
The more I cried, the worse I felt, trying to muffle my sobs as my body shook.
After what felt like forever, my phone buzzed.
Henry: [Take an Uber home. Got team celebration tonight, can’t drive you.]
I didn’t respond.
Henry: [Don’t forget to get Plan B yourself, I’m busy with post–season shit today. Make sure you take
it, ok?]
I stared at the messages, speechless.
Last night, from dusk till dawn, Henry had been insatiable. Before we fell asleep exhausted in each other’s arms, he’d drowsily whispered twice: “Sorry I wasn’t more prepared. I’ll get you Plan B first
thing tomorrow.”
He’d even lectured me about taking care of myself, insisting I needed to take the pill to protect my
health.
Back then, I thought he was being responsible. I thought I’d finally found my happiness.
And now…
Reality hit me like a bucket of cold water.
I dug my nails into my palms, forcing myself to stop crying. After cleaning myself up, I left the
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Offside with My Step Brother: Hockey Star Refuses to Accept My Goodbye
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Chapter 2
bathroom.
Too embarrassed to go to the pharmacy, I ordered Plan B online. Even then, I waited forever after the delivery driver left it at my door before sneaking out to get it.
After swallowing the pill through tears, I collapsed onto my carpet, completely drained.
Ever since my mom married Henry’s dad, I’d followed my stepbrother around like a lost puppy. For ten whole years, practicing violin in the garage just to catch his attention when he’d come home from hockey practice.
I’d never imagined a world without him in it. Never wanted to.
But now I had no choice.
Outside my window, city lights flickered on and off as evening settled in.
Time blurred until my best friend Melody’s FaceTime lit up my screen.
“Iris, why aren’t you at the hockey victory party with Henry tonight? That girl Gianna from cheer squad showed up and she’s all over him. They’re making everyone uncomfortable.”
Melody flipped her camera around.
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