Chapter 21
Alessia didn’t miss a b
beat before steering the conversation in a new direction.
“Hey, didn’t you study law, big bro? Why not draw up a contract? I’ve got a pretty good eye for this stuff. Mom’s barely opened shop today and already has several orders lined up. At this rate, I might actually end up ahead.”
“That’s… Dad’s glad you’re thinking that way, but-
“Let’s not rush any decisions just yet. Dad, don’t be so quick to shoot this down. Lessie’s idea is actually pretty solid, but we can talk through the details later. For now, let’s focus on what’s in front of us. We’ll see how things go and make plans from there.“”
As the eldest, Ethan had a calm steadiness about him that naturally inspired confidence. The discussion had come full circle, and with nothing more to add, Alessia excused herself and headed to her room to rest.
A new bed really did wonders for her sleep. When Alessia checked the time, it was already ten o’clock.
Just like Ethan had said, Ivan was a quiet sleeper, and when he woke, he simply sat in the corner sketching, silent as a shadow. If it weren’t for the occasional sound of a pen cap twisting off, you’d almost forget anyone else was there.
Not wanting to disturb him, Alessia slipped out and opened the door. She found Brendan, Karen, and Zachary gathered around the living room table, counting something over and over, exchanging excited whispers they could barely suppress.”
“Moming.”
Lessin, you’re u
up! Did we
wake you?“!
“No, I was already awake. Did you guys do well at the market today?” Alessia couldn’t help but catch their infectious good mood–her voice naturally lifted with theirs.
“Yeah, it was just a soft opening, so we didn’t make much, but everything sold out. We made almost two hundred.” Karen’s eyes sparkled as she sorted through a handful of small bills, looking nothing like the gentle, grieving woman she’d been just days before.
“All thanks to Lessie. We hadn’t even left the building and we’d already sold a bunch Brendan added, unconsciously straightening his back with pride. “It takes me back, honestly. Feels a bit like those early days starting out, that thrill of landing our very first order. Today was just like that ”
His tone was thick with nostalgia. He ran his fingers over the crumpled stack of bills, expression caught between pride and longing. “Dad, school officially starts tomorrow. There’ll be way more foot traffic, and we’ll be a lot busier. Don’t get all flustered like you did today, okay?” Zachary picked up on his father’s mood and smoothly changed the subject.
“True, and thank goodness Zachary came straight from school to help: Karen chimed in. “Anyway, Lessie, you must be hungry. Let you something light lunch will be ready soon,”
me fix
“Thanks, Mom: Alessia accepted without protest. “Oh, and this afternoon, I’m going out
Zachary.”
“You two really hit it off, huh? Brendan, give Lessie some cash. She hardly gets out, so let her treat herself–whatever you want to eat or drink, go for it.” Karen’s smile was warm and genuine, clearly delighted that her two teenagers were already heading out together.
Seventeen and nineteen–they exchanged a look that was equally amused and helpless.”
In the end, Alessia couldn’t win against Brendan and Karen’s insistence. Standing at the bus stop, she stared at the handful of small change in her palm–something she’d never usually carry–and couldn’t help but laugh at herself.8
“Don’t overthink it, just take it,” Zachary said, noticing her awkwardness.
Alessia was a curious mix, if someone tried to strong–arm her she’d push back even harder. But faced with sincere kindness, quite knew what to do
she
never
She still hadn’t figured out how to accept these unexpected little gestures of warmth with ease.X
The bus arrived. Alessia got on first, Zachary following behind and dropping coins into the fare box. Their destination was closer than expected, they hopped off midway to pick up a few things, then caught another bus for the second leg.
All told, the whole journey took barely half an hour!!
Zachary gazed at the old alley ahead, its faded charm straight out of a bygone era, and his eyes softened.X
“I never knew Silverpine City had a place like this.”
“You fit right in here, you know Alessia said, the compliment slipping out so naturally it made Zachary flush a little X
They wandered deeper into the maze of lanes, and the scent of herbs in the air grew stronger.
“Think you can tell whats in the air?” Alessia suddenly grinned, turning to look at him, curiosity lighting up her face
Chapter 22
