Aren’t you here to talk about how I dislocated Ileana’s shoulder<b>? </b>
“<b>Silly </b>girl, of course that’s what we’re here for!” Karen gave her a look that clearly said, “How can you be so sharp most days and so clueless right now?*
“What if she goes and gets a doctor’s report and tries to press charges? We <b>need </b><b>to </b>be ready just in case. Your college entrance exams areing up next year<b>, </b>you can’t afford trouble now. I get you acted on impulse, but you did the right thing. Don’t worry if ites to it, I’d sell everything I own to protect you<b>.” </b>
Alessia couldn’t help butugh and cry at the same time, but she quickly reached for Zachary’s phone.
“Rx. I already set her shoulder back in ce. She can’t do a thing to me.”
“Really?” Both of them looked skeptical.
“Really! Don’t worry.” Alessia ended the call before it connected and handed the phone back to Zachary.
“Well, that’s a relief. As long as you’re alright.” Karen finally let out a long breath, and Zachary gave Alessia an approving pat on the shoulder.
“Mae, no matter what, I raised her for seventeen years. If she turned out like this… well, I’m truly sorry. How’s your hand?”
Karen’s face was full of guilt. She might have given up hope on Ileana, but after all, she had raised the girl herself and couldn’t deny some responsibility for her character.
“Oh, don’t worry about me, Karen. I’ve always been a little rough around the edges. Give it a few days and I’ll be fine. Back when I was younger, this would’ve just been
a scratch.<b>” </b>
“Now, now, don’t call me ‘ma’am‘-that makes me feel ancient. Just call me Karen, please. Lessie’s told me so much about you–said you’re a real lifesaver around the house. Once you’ve recovered, you have toe by and show us your skills. With you here, I can finally rx.”
“Are you busy now? If not, would you like to try some of my cooking?”
They chatted as they headed upstairs, leaving Alessia behind, still a little dazed<b>, </b><b>a </b>Zachary smiling as he watched them go. In the corner, three kids huddled together, nibbling on pastries.
<b>1/2 </b>
12:02
<b>You’re </b><b>not </b><b>going </b><b>to </b><b>scold </b>me for hurting Ileana Alessia had braced he <b>lecture</b><b>, </b><b>only </b><b>to </b>be <bpletely </b>thrown off.
“Why would we?” Zachary ruffled her hair with a grin.
<b>“</b><b>You </b>didn’t do anything wrong. She did. And besides, who’s family here<b>? </b><b>We </b>are. You really think we’d take someone else’s side over yours?”
Alessia didn’t answer, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
Zachary grinned wider and ruffled her hair again, full of brotherly affection.
“I’m going upstairs to see if they need any help. Dad’s up there too. Can I leave the three little troublemakers to you?”
Alessia nodded, waiting until Zachary had disappeared upstairs before joining the kids at their table.
“Hi, Alessia,” Zane greeted her sweetly, earning a dramatic “ugh” from York.
Alessia pinched Zane’s cheek and smiled at him.
Zane blushed and leaned toward Ivan. “Your sister’s so pretty–way prettier than that girl next door.”
Ivan nodded. He had no idea who “the girl next door” was, but he knew Alessia was pretty.
The two boys quickly became friends, while York watched from the side, feeling a little left out and grumbling under his breath. If he’d known it would turn out like this, he wouldn’t have let Zanee over at all.
“New friends and you forget all about old ones. No loyalty. Who was it that teased you this morning? Who was it that protected you? Heartless.” He grabbed thest piece of cake from his te and wolfed it down as if taking out his frustrations on the pastry.
Ivan, thinking York just really liked the cake, silently pushed his own te over.
York looked at him. Ivan just smiled quietly, saying nothing, and all of York’s grumpiness melted away.
“You eat it. I’m full.” He tried to sound tough, but with Ivan so gentle, it was no wonder he got pushed around.
Ch