— My brother? What do you mean, my brother? Elisa stammered, her voice trembling with confusion.
Her father, still calm, replied:
— Yes, that's right. This is Kethia, your future stepmother.
This is Grace, your future sister. And him... he's Nasser, your future brother.
Elisa felt a whirlwind of thoughts flood her mind.
Everything was a mess inside her head: This can't be… No, what do you mean, my brother? Why him, of all people? Why not Luc's mother? She's single... Why? Just when I wanted to forget about that arrogant guy, he walks right back into my life! This isn't normal. But… if he really becomes my brother, at least I won't have to worry about what my friends will say.
Catching her breath, she hesitantly said:
— Good evening, everyone... I... I'm Mr. Arly Evit's daughter. My name is…
She abruptly stopped as her gaze met Nasser's intense stare. Panic rose within her, her heart pounding wildly. Why is he looking at me like that? she thought, quickly looking away.
She took a deep breath and tried again:
— Good evening, everyone... I... I'm Mr. Arly Evit's daughter. My name is…
Once again, she paused when she noticed Nasser's intense stare fixed on her. Her heart pounded, and, panicked, she suddenly blurted out in a loud voice:
— My name is Elisa! Nice to meet you!
Kethia, smiling, replied gently:
— Hello, dear. Your father has already told us so much about you. I won't dwell on introductions—I'm just happy to meet you.
— Then let's eat! Elisa's father suggested joyfully, a warm smile on his face.
As they shared the meal, Nasser's sister, Grace, turned to Elisa and asked:
— Elisa, tell me, have you known Nasser for a long time?
Elisa froze, unable to answer as fear tightened her throat. Before she could speak, Nasser intervened with a teasing smile:
— We met today during the lunch break at school. I blocked her way, and she literally ran into me. That's how the little mouse got noticed.
Elisa, red with embarrassment, muttered:
— Stop calling me little mouse…
Amused, Nasser raised an eyebrow and continued eating in silence, leaving Elisa lost in her troubled thoughts.
Why does he say that? Elisa thought, irritated. He didn't block my way—it was me who was in his path. But whatever, I won't dwell on it now. I just need to get through this dinner peacefully.
They ate and talked for over an hour, the atmosphere gradually becoming more relaxed. When the clock struck 10 p.m., Kethia stood up and said with a warm smile:
— Well, we're going to head out now. But don't worry, we'll be back very soon.
— See you soon, sweetheart! Elisa's father responded enthusiastically, escorting his guests to the door.
As Nasser was about to leave, he cast one last mocking glance at Elisa and said:
— See you tomorrow… little mouse.
Elisa, frozen by his words, clenched her fists to contain her frustration. Why does he keep calling me that? Is he doing it on purpose? she thought as she watched the door close behind them.
---
The Next Morning
On the way to school with her friends, Elisa hesitantly said:
— Girls, do you remember the guy from the other day?
Ino, intrigued, replied with a smirk:
— Oh, of course. His name is Nasser, right? Ooooh, are you doing some research on him?
— No! Elisa exclaimed, slightly flustered. It's not that... It's worse… He's going to become my brother.
Emilie, wide-eyed, stopped dead in her tracks:
— Your brother? What do you mean, your brother?
Elisa sighed before explaining:
— My dad is going to marry his mom.
— WHAT?! Ino shrieked in shock.
— So that's it. You'll never be able to date him now, since he's going to be your brother!
Lusia, always mischievous, added with a playful smile:
— You're tied together despite yourselves, huh?
— Stop saying that! Elisa protested, her cheeks flushing with frustration. I'm going to have to see his face every day now… What a nightmare!
As they walked to school, the girls chatted about homework and other light topics.
— Hey, Elisa, did you know there's an open house at school on Tuesday? Lusia asked excitedly.
— Really? Wow, I'm definitely coming! No way I'm missing that, even if I struggle with crowds, Elisa replied, laughing nervously.
As they continued their conversation, Ino spotted Nasser walking across the courtyard. Without hesitation, she rushed toward him and blocked his path:
— Hey, you're Nasser, right?
Surprised, he answered calmly:
— Yes, I am. Got a question?
Ino, excited, turned back and called out to the others:
— Girls, come quick, it's him!
Lusia and Emilie hurried over, while Elisa hesitated in the background, her face red with embarrassment.
— It's him, girls! Ino announced, pointing at Nasser.
Ino grabbed his arm and dragged him toward Elisa.
— You're Nasser, our best friend's future brother, right? she asked.
Nasser, confused, replied with an amused smile:
— Hmm, yeah, I think… Well, I'm pretty sure. You're talking about Elisa, right?
— Yes! Emilie confirmed. It's over now, huh!
— What's over? Nasser asked, intrigued.
— Oh, nothing, nothing… Emilie said, giggling.
Nasser turned his attention to Elisa, who was still standing back, visibly uneasy.
— How's it going, little mouse? he teased with a smirk.
Elisa, unable to hold his gaze, stammered:
— Y-Yeah, I'm fine…
But as she tried to walk forward, she tripped and fell. Nasser caught her just in time, his arms preventing her from hitting the ground. Elisa's heart pounded as she realized how close they were. She could hear his heartbeat, which only made her more nervous.
Quickly straightening herself, she pulled away and stammered:
— Let go of me, I'm fine!
Nasser raised an eyebrow before replying with a teasing grin:
— Relax, I'm not going to do anything to you. But next time, stop always falling for me. It's getting repetitive. And remember, I'm going to be your brother. That's not appropriate.
He turned and walked away, leaving her speechless.
Elisa stood frozen for a moment before murmuring, panicked:
— No… this isn't possible.
Turning to her friends, she declared:
— Girls, I have a problem.
— What problem? they asked in unison.
She lowered her gaze and muttered in a trembling voice:
— I think… I think I'm in love with my future brother…