apter <b>191 </b>
Zachary and <b>Brendan </b>had already told the two brothers everything about Ileana Once everyone knew Alessia was fine, they finally breathed a sigh <b>of </b>relief and didn’t press for any more details.
Ivan settled into school, with York handling pick–up and drop–off duties. With <b>both </b>York and Zane–the ss clowns–around, it was clear Ivan was slowlying <b>out </b>of 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, <b>he’d </b>started 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. So<b>, </b>she 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 <b>insist </b>she rest. But when Mae made it clear she <b>needed </b>something to do–and Alessia didn’t object–they let her help out, still paying
her <b>as </b>usual.
Days slipped by, and soon enough, it was time for <b>the </b>school’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 <b>a </b>single word of discouragement. I’ll be home early to bake that dessert she loves,” Karen added, patting Ethan’s arm.
<b>1/2 </b>
<b>12:03 </b>
Alright, <b>we’re </b>heading <b>out</b>!”
<b>With </bst<b>–</b>minute reminders <b>from </b>their parents<b>, </b><b>Ethan </b>and Liam set off. Meanwhi Alessia<b>, </b>just as she walked into her ssroom, was handed her team <b>jersey </b>by 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 <b>at </b>nine–thirty. The teacher said we need to head down early, so you should <b>hurry </b>and get changed.”
“Where’s Ste?” Alessia nced around–only a few students were scattered around, none of them Ste<b>. </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
<b>Chapter </b><b>192 </b>