apter b191 /b

Zachary and bBrendan /bhad already told the two brothers everything about Ileana Once everyone knew Alessia was fine, they finally breathed a sigh bof /brelief and didn’t press for any more details.

Ivan settled into school, with York handling pick–up and drop–off duties. With bboth /bYork and Zane–the ss clowns–around, it was clear Ivan was slowlying bout /bof his shell. The whole Morton family was quietly delighted to see it.

Alessia also noticed that even though Ivan still spent most of his days drawing, bhe’d /bstarted reaching for colors he’d never used before. Bright reds and sunny yellows finally made their way into his art, leaving traces where his world used to be only

grey.

Mae’s hand hadn’t healed yet, but after a lifetime spent working, being told to rest for a month left her at a loss. Sob, /bshe starteding by the café every day, wiping down tables, gathering up the silverware, tidying up where she could.

At first, Karen and Brendan tried to binsist /bshe rest. But when Mae made it clear she bneeded /bsomething to do–and Alessia didn’t object–they let her help out, still paying

her bas /busual.

Days slipped by, and soon enough, it was time for bthe /bschool’s annual sports day. The Mortons nearly had their first family argument over just two admission

tickets.

In the end, Zachary and Ivan had to bow out since they’d be in ss. Karen and Brendan gave up their spots too; with the café to run and the family to support, duty called. That left Ethan and Liam the lucky winners of the tickets.

Before leaving, the brothers were in high spirits, while Alessia had to get ready early and left for school with Zachary at dawn.

“Don’t forget, Lessie’s counting on you. Thank goodness we still have the old camera–take plenty of photos, okay? We barely have any of her,” Brendan reminded them as they headed out.

“Rx, Dad. When have I ever let you down with my photography?” Liam fiddled with the camera, snapping a test shot or two before tucking it safely around his

neck.

“And make sure you cheer for her. Even if she doesn’t win, I don’t want to hear ba /bsingle word of discouragement. I’ll be home early to bake that dessert she loves,” Karen added, patting Ethan’s arm.

b1/2 /b

b12:03 /b

Alright, bwe’re /bheading bout/b!”

bWith /bstb–/bminute reminders bfrom /btheir parentsb, /bbEthan /band Liam set off. Meanwhi Alessiab, /bjust as she walked into her ssroom, was handed her team bjersey /bby Penny.

This one’s yours. Everyone else is already in the locker room getting changed. We’re supposed to be on the field at nine sharp, and the opening ceremony starts bat /bnine–thirty. The teacher said we need to head down early, so you should bhurry /band get changed.”

“Where’s Ste?” Alessia nced around–only a few students were scattered around, none of them Steb. /b

I

“She was waiting for you, but I convinced her to go get changed first. She’s probably waiting by the locker room now.”

Alessia nodded and turned to leave, only to nearly collide with Lucy at the door. Quick reflexes saved Lucy from a nasty fall, as Alessia caught her just in time.

“You okay?” Alessia asked, not letting go until Lucy had her bnce again.

Lucy looked pale and shook her head, but said nothing more before slipping back

to her seat.

Alessia exchanged a look with Penny, who shrugged to show she had no idea what was up. Alessia didn’t dwell on it. She and Lucy weren’t exactly close, after all.

“I’ll head over now.”

“Yeah, once you’re changed, go straight to the field. I still need to hand out jerseys to thest two, Penny replied.

Alessia nodded, grabbed her jersey, and left for the locker room. Just like Penny said, Ste was already outside, dressed and waiting for her.

“So, who’sing to cheer you on today?i” /i

“My oldest and third brothers. They argued about it all night yesterday,” Alessia replied with augh.

Ste grinned. “That’s great. Two more people to witness your big win.”

The academy only gave out personalized tickets, and each student could bring a maximum of two guests. Alessia used to toss her tickets every year, but this bei herst one, she was actually d to have familying. Ste, too, was genuinely happy for her.

12:03

bChapter /bb192 /b