As she reached the bus stop, Alessia’s phone buzzed with messages in the group chat–everyone was asking how much longer until she got home. She had just finished replying when a call came in. Ethan’s name shed on the screen.


    “Lessie.” His voice was calm and steady.


    “Hey, big brother.”


    “It’s over with Quentin. He’s been charged–three years in prison for soliciting and organizing a lewd gathering.”


    “Alright.”


    “As for Zachary, I already chewed him out. But honestly, I think you should give him a good beating for me. Don’t hold back–even if you leave him limping, I’ll handle your legal defense.”


    A smile tugged at Alessia’s lips. <b>“</b>Are you, as awyer, advising me tomit a crime right now?”


    “Nope. As your brother, I’m teaching you the proper way to vent your anger.”


    She couldn’t help butugh, the smile spreading wider. “Got it. I’ll see what I can do. But if I go overboard and end up in trouble, you’d better pull out all the stops to save me.” Sitting on the bench at the bus stop, she stared at the tips of her shoes, swinging her feet lightly.


    “I’m at your service, twenty–four hours a day.” Ethan’s voice always had a way of steadying her.


    “Liam called earlier, too.”


    “Good. Be careful heading home; text me when you get in, okay?”


    She promised she would, then hung up and dialed Liam.


    “Not home yet?” he asked.


    “Still talking about the field day.” Just then, the bus arrived. Alessia tapped her card and boarded. The bus was nearly empty at this hour, so she grabbed a window


    seat.


    “Field day? Are you joining any events? Am I allowed toe watch? You know, <b>my </b>photography skills aren’t bad, and with a sister as photogenic <b>as you</b>, <b>I’m </b><b>bound </b><b>to </b>get some amazing shots.”


    1:12


    <b>191 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>160


    <b>“</b><b>I’ll </b>save you a seat.” Each student was allowed to invite two guests from outside the school. In past years… she’d always given the spots to Pierce.


    “Don’t be fooled by Zachary’s grades–he’s hopelessly slow in real life. I bet he’s spent the whole day stammering and avoiding you, right? That’s what he does every time he screws up.”


    Thinking back on Zachary’s odd behavior, Alessia nodded, only to realize a beat Mater that Liam couldn’t see her through the phone.


    Before she could reply, someone on Liam’s end called his name.


    “Don’t worry, if you need backup, I’ll help you knock some sense int home. No matter what, you’ll always be my only sister. That’ll nev


    “Yeah.” Alessia didn’t even notice how gentle her own voice had be.


    when I get


    Inge.”


    “My coach is here. Gotta go train. Don’t forget to tell me about the field day–I’ll definitely be there, cheering you on. Be careful getting home tonight, okay? If you get hungry, grab a snack at the corner shop. I just sent you some money.”


    “Okay.” Alessia had barely finished speaking before he hung up.


    She sat there, phone in hand, gazing out the window. Letting out a long, slow breath, she watched the city lights drift by.


    One text after another, call after call. For seventeen years, Alessia had always thought the word “family” had nothing to do with her. But now, she’d somehow be the person her family worried about, someone they cared for and missed.


    Getting homete meant someone would call to check if she’d eaten. When she walked home alone, there’d always be someone waiting at the end of the block to walk her back. Someone cared whether she was eating well, sleeping soundly, whether her efforts were seen and never just taken for granted…


    Alessia paused, suddenly understanding why she’d been so angry yesterday.


    She cared–that’s why it hurt