"It kills me to watch Marvin get coddled while Keen''s left wanting," Rachel said, her voice edged with barely restrained anger. "Keen deserves every bit as much -why Ms. Cameron dotes on the very boy bullying Keen, I''ll never understand."


    Keen clenched his fists subconsciously. It was infuriating that his mom seemed to side with everyone but him.


    Rachel turned to the waiter standing nearby, "Could you please bring us what they''re having at that table?"


    "Of course," the waiter replied with a smile before heading off.


    Soon, their table wasid with a spread identical to the one in front of Ste. It was an array fit for kids, mostly sweets and desserts.


    There were milkshakes, cream-filled cakes, and even hot chocte.


    Rachel couldn''t help butment, "I''ve heard this ce is famous for its desserts, Ms. Cameron sure knows how to pick ''em."


    Keen grumbled, "We''ve been here a bunch of times, and she never orders any for me. She doesn''t even let me have a taste!"


    Haynes nced at the desserts and said calmly, "They''re all dairy-based. She''s just concerned about your health."


    Rachel raised an eyebrow and cast a surprised nce at Haynes. It was rare for him to speak in Ste''s defense.


    Lowering her gaze, Rachel gently reminded Keen, "Remember, Keen, you promised me you''d only have a little bit. You have to keep your word, okay?"


    Keen''s face fell, but he nodded reluctantly. "Okay."


    Rachel stayed true to her word, allowing Keen only a fleeting sip of the milkshake before reiming it. Though a shadow of longing lingered in his eyes, he quietly turned to his nd meal. Beneath the surface, however, bitterness coiled tighter in his chest-each bite a reminder of Ste''s perceived betrayal.


    Rachel and his grandma weren''t wrong. If his mom had taken better care of herself during her pregnancy, he wouldn''t have these health issues. It was only fair that she made it up to him.


    Halfway through the meal, Haynes'' phone rang. He saw it was his sister, Callie.


    "What''s up?" he answered, stepping away from the table.


    "Mom''s out of her meds," Callie said. "She''s been having terrible headaches... Haynes, could you get Ste to bring more over?"


    Haynes sighed, "Mom is family, but does it justify everything? Besides, Ste didn''t exactly hold backst time."


    Callie hesitated, "Look, you know Mom''s never been fond of Ste. This time she blew up because she thought Ste was trying to manipte her with the meds."


    "And let''s not forget," Callie added, "Keen''s been having a tough time, and Ste hasn''t been there for him..."


    Haynes cut her off, "You''re dodging the question."


    Ste''s retort had been sharp, but Deanna''s reaction seemed overly harsh.


    Callie''s casual attitude suggested this wasn''t new behavior.


    After a pause, Callie admitted, "Okay, maybe she''s been rough on Ste in the


    past. But things got better... that was until Ste''stest drama and her negligence towards Keen."


    Haynes was quiet for a moment. "I''ll handle the meds. Don''t worry."


    Callie sighed in relief, ready to hang up, when suddenly, frantic voices crackled through the phone.


    "Haynie, something''s happened to Keen!"


    Haynes'' expression shifted instantly, and he rushed back to the table.