Innocent Stalker ✓

15. Strawberry

What are the tropes in Romance books that you absolutely hate?

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Ben

After a long time I feel happy. I thought that I lost the ability to laugh but I was wrong, I can still laugh and be happy. All credit goes to a certain blonde girl, she made me smile after years.

I don't know why but I feel comfortable around her, with her I find peace.

Am I attracted to her? Maybe. But for now I'm happy that she's my friend.

I was quite shocked when she didn't know who I was. I thought she wants to be my friend because I am Martino but she didn't even know my name. That's the reason I accepted her offer, till now she has never judged me for my family. She never asks me hurtful questions, unlike others.

As I walked down stairs I noticed that everyone was sitting in hall.

"Ben come here", Aunt called me and all my ideas of running away got spoiled. " We are going to a party this weekend so will you come? "

" No", I immediately answered and received various glares from my family.

"And why is that? ", Uncle asked in strict  voice.

" I am busy this weekend ", I lied.

Parties are not my thing , dressing up and behaving like a person I am not. The last party I went was few months ago and I ended up having a huge headache. People are so annoying there sometimes I feel like my family is completely fake, my brothers are turning into next Uncle Mason.

"Dad let him go", Theo said surprising me.

Why is he taking stand for me?

I narrowed my eyes at him and he gave me a smile. Something is definitely running inside the mafia mind of his.

" I am getting late for my classes ", I said and walked out.

" I'll drop you ", Theo offered.

I wanted to deny but Uncle Mason's glare stopped me.

" What's sudden change in your behavior? ", I asked looking out at the road.

"Just doing what a big brother should do"

I let out a humorless laugh at his answer, he gave me a confused look.

"Don't you think it's to late for your so called brother duty", I spatted.

His face showed guilt but it didn't have any effect on me. I have been more hurt because of him.

" I know. I  am sorry for what I did. But you need to understand we were kids back then, I didn't mean what I said--", I cutted him.

"Yes, I was also a kid who just lost his father but you just had to let out your anger on me. Angel was not only your sister, I also loved her. Instead of comforting me you started blaming me! ", I didn't care about the burning of my chest as I spoke. It was all too familiar to me by now.

"Ben I regret it and I am apologizing--"

"Stop. The. Car", I said through gritted teeth. " Stop the car!! "

I opened the door and walked out throwing my bag over my shoulder. I could hear him shouting my name but I didn't stop, I feel suffocated with him.

It's so easy to say sorry but it's not easy to  forget everything. I am not that humble to just forgive him, his words have haunted me for years there is no way I'll forgive him.

Bianca

A smile came on my face looking at the strawberries. It makes me remember of Ben every single time.