I circled his name.
My parents got a divorce when I was in junior high school. Something about not getting along. They reminded me over and over again that it wasn't my fault which only made it seem like it really was. A few years later, I realized that my stepdad was probably cheating on my mom. It explained everything; why my mom would get disgusted every time his name was mentioned and why they were always fighting. My real stepdad left and now he only contacts me on my birthday. I get a nice amount of money in a card but it doesn't replace the relationship we lost.
My mom met Noah during my sophomore year at business conference. It was one of those whirlwind type of romances where they met, got engaged, and married all in a couple months. At first I was shocked and then angry. Noah big, strong, and fifteen years younger than my mom. Everyone knew they were crazy, including me. I had only met the guy once before they exchanged their vows.
He moved in immediately and it was tough at first. Noah wanted to be a father figure but he was way too late. It also didn't help that he was so young. He could've been my brother. I couldn't take him seriously.
Now I had to find out if he was spying on me.
“What's for dinner mom?” I asked as I came downstairs.
“Meat and potatoes. Maybe a salad if I can get it done in time,” she replied. The aroma of all the food cooking made my stomach groan with hunger.
“How's the homework going?” my stepdad asked.
I turned my attention towards him, studying his face for any indication that he was the spy. Nothing was out of the ordinary. His goofy smile was the same as always and his big eyes stared at me like they usually did.
I couldn't just outright ask him about the camera, especially with my mom in the room. It didn't help that I didn't have any evidence other than a gut feeling. I couldn't accuse him of something like this and not have consequences. I had to be sure.
“It's going good. I still have a lot to do before the test tomorrow.”
“You know what I used to do. I always made flashcards before a big test. It helped tremendously. If you want, I could help?”
Maybe he was using the role of a father to get close to me. Maybe he was trying to get in my pants the entire time.
“I think I can do it myself, but thanks for the offer.” I turned back to my mom. “Call me down when dinner's ready.”
I went back upstairs to study but more importantly to figure out if my stepdad was really spying on me.
I woke up with my face buried in my Roman Empire book and the sun spilling through the blinds. My eyes could barely open and I had to wipe dried drool from my cheek. I checked the clock and realized I only had twenty minutes until my history test started.
I raced to school, ignoring stop signs and street lights, weaving in and out of cars. My makeup was only half done and my socks didn't even match. But it didn't matter because I made it to Mr. Draper's test on time.
Halfway through the exam, I remembered the spy camera. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I looked around the classroom at all the boys taking the test and I didn't really know any of them. It seemed insane that someone I barely knew could steal my stuffed animal, put a camera inside, and replace it without me knowing. My best friends didn't even come over to my house. All the signs pointed to my stepdad. It had to be him.
“Okay kids, pencils down. Time's up,” Mr. Draper announced.
My mind snapped back to reality and I looked down to see a mostly blank test. I was so distracted that I didn't even finish. My classmates all turned their papers in while I waited until everyone was gone.
“Mr. Draper, I wasn't able to complete the test. I really tried but I don't feel good at all.” I coughed a couple times to make it sound authentic.
The teacher eyed me up and down, deciding if I was telling the truth. “Okay Ava, come in at lunch tomorrow and you can retake it. This test counts for forty percent of your grade and if you don't show up tomorrow, then I'll have to fail you.”
“Oh thank you thank you,” I said. “Don't worry, I'll be here tomorrow.”
Instead of going to my next class, I went straight home. Both my parents worked so I would have the house all to myself. Plenty of time to investigate my step-father.
Their cars weren't parked in the driveway but I did a thorough check of the house to make sure I was truly alone.
Once I was satisfied, I opened the door to my parent's master bedroom. I instantly got the feeling that I was doing something wrong. My parents never let me in their room when I was young and I never had the desire when I got older. It all felt sacred, like I shouldn't touch anything.
Massive floor-to-ceiling drapes blocked out most of the light except for a small sliver of sun. I didn't dare open them, fearing a neighbor would see me. I turned on the lamp on the nightstand by my stepdad's side of the bed. I looked around the room for his laptop, carefully opening and closing drawers. I got down on my knees and peeked under the bed. It was immaculate save a lone black laptop. I pulled it out with a giant grin on my face.