This is my first submission to Literotica of what I hope to be many more. Please, feel free to comment so I can improve my writing skills. Thank you to SyleusSnow for his helpful, insightful hints on writing, punctuation, formatting and how to make a story move.
This is a work of fiction. All characters are 18 or older.
Jake came into our lives as a friend and a year later, Mom and Jake were married, and it's been a blissful 3-year arrangement ever since.
Jake is kind, understanding but can be stern when needed. He is all about family, education and taking the time to listen to others. I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, and when I didn't manage to get a scholarship for college, Jake stepped up, and made sure I went to college. I truly love him as my dad and tell him that often.
Like all good things, there's a downside with Jake. He came with some baggage, a son. Brian and I didn't hit it off at all. He's smart, tall, thin and lanky, the kind of person my girlfriends would call a nerd. Don't misunderstand me, he's cute looking, but his shyness and stutter, especially around girls, is a real conversation killer.
Brian and I are like gasoline and fire and I'm usually the match that sets him off. It all started when I caught him looking at me after I had just showered, in my bathrobe while I was in the bathroom. I forget the exact name I called him, but it wasn't nice, and neither was his reply.
From there it went downhill. Now, when I think about it, it probably wasn't the bad look type of thing he was doing. Curiosity maybe? At times I wish I could have reacted differently. Being a year older than Brian, as mom points out, makes me a bit more responsible. I'm not so sure that ten months really counts for much here, but that's mom's opinion.
One day, mom popped her head into my room and asked, "Got time for a mom-daughter chat?"
My mom is remarkable, insightful, and free spirited. She's always encouraged me to speak my peace, talk freely about the things I liked and disliked. This included discussions about sex. Mom and I share most everything. There are a few things we don't, like the details of a date, just the outcome of what we did.
"Sure," I answered.
Mom walked in, sat on my bed and I turned away from my desk, in my chair, "What's up?"
"You and Brian have got to come to some sort of a truce," she said.
"That's a hard ask, mom. He's always such a jerk, mad at something and blaming me."
"Funny thing Jen, he said the same thing about you."
"Oh, so you went to him first. Favorites?" I asked, the sarcasm dripping from each word.
"Nothing like that sweetie, I wanted to talk with the both of you at the same time, and that didn't work out. So, the next best thing is to talk to each of you. He just happened to be first."
I sighed, "So what do you want me to do?"
"This is serious. Jake and I can feel the tension at dinner when you both are there, in the living room when we're watching a movie, just about everywhere the two of you cross paths. We hear the unpleasant names you call each other, and it really needs to stop. You don't have to be best friends or anything like that, but you and Brian need to come to a truce.
"And soon. You know Jake and I are finally going on that trip to Paris next week, and we both are concerned," she paused for a moment, "and want to come home to a house that is still standing. It's almost as if the two of you are married and are having hallway sex." she added with a grin.
"Gross Mom," was my first reaction, then I asked "hallway sex?"
Mom smiled, "Each time you pass one another you say, 'Fuck you' and he says 'Fuck you' right back. Hallway sex."
I giggled then added seriously, "How can I talk with someone who doesn't want to listen? Or to be more precise, doesn't want to listen to me?"
"Well, seeing how I've already spoken with him, he should listen. The two of you need to listen to each other. Both of you are responsible and it will take both of you to figure it out and make it work."
"Well, I can try. Any suggestions?" I asked.
"Try compromising, offer suggestions. For example, I know how you feel about your breasts, so tell him that it hurts. I know calling him a, what is it, a 'witless ass', hurts his feelings too. So, make a deal to not use the terms. Things like that."
"It's a dickless ass that I call him, and I know it hurts him right back," I paused for a second, then seriously added "Ok, mom, I'll try."
"Ok sweetie, here's some advice; be sincere and keep your word if you do make a compromise, ok?"
"I'm always sincere!"
"Yeah, I know, you're so sincere we can see the sarcasm dripping from the words."
"Did Brian get the same lecture you're giving me?"
"This isn't a lecture, but if you want, I'll make it one. I'll bring you both into the dining room, sit your asses down and have it out. But I'd prefer my angels work it out between themselves."
"You didn't answer the question, Mom."
Mom sighed, "Close enough to the same talk, just change things to be for his point of view. Ok? One last thing."
"What now?" I asked with some sarcasm.
"You must have it done before we leave for Paris. If it isn't, Jake and I will step in."
"Step in?" I wasn't sure what she was thinking, and a small wave of panic washed over me. I've got it easy here with no rent, money, plenty of food, a car that runs and gets me to work and school.
"Let's just leave it at that," mom replied, then added, "consider it an incentive, Angel."
"But what if he's..."
"It takes two, sweetie, and Jake and I really need you two to work it out before we leave. I want to be sure the house is still here and the both of you are alive when we get back, ok?"
"I don't know, mom."
"I do, and I know you'll find a way to make things work, you always do."
With that mom stood up from the bed and walked out of the room, leaving me in thought about the conversation, the task at hand and whatever they mean by "stepping in", something I'm sure I don't want to find out.
'How do I make friends with someone who hates me?' I mused.
Later that evening, I saw Brian come out of the bathroom in the bathrobe I gave him for Christmas this year and commented, "That looks good on you,"
"Umm, thank... thank you."
"I know mom and you talked because she had the same talk with me. I think we should sit down sometime soon and see what we can work out," I said.
"Y... Yeah, she d... did. I... I'm off Saturday, d... does that work for you?" he replied, looking down.
"I'll make it work if we can do it in the evening. I've got a fundraiser I need to be at."
"O... Ok, I'll offer the f... first olive branch. I'll order p... pizza for dinner, ok?" Brian offered.
"That works. Remember, pepperoni and extra cheese," I answered as I went into my room.
