Chapter 23 Chapter
23
"That''s right," she replied, though she couldn''t miss the relief that shed across his face.
"Cool" Alex said, turning back to his phone, his excitement bubbling over as he continued chatting with Linda.
He felt better, probably because he thought he would then go to Linda''s ce and enjoy herpany instead...
When they arrived at the practice field, Alex hopped out of the car and disappeared toward the locker room without so much as a nce back.
Norn shook her head and made her way to speak with Alex''s new coach about his progress.
The building stood tall and proud, its red brick fa?ade framed by neatly trimmed hedges and rows of flowering shrubs.
The early morning sunlight east a warm glow over the arched windows and ivy covered walls, giving the structure a weing charm.
Arge clock tower rose from the center of the building, its golden hands ticking rhythmically.
The sound of children''sughter filled the crisp air, blending harmoniously with the chirping birds and the distant hum of car engines
The yground buzzed with energy.
Children of all ages darted across the field, their colorful backpacks bouncing with each step.
A group of younger kids gathered around the swings, giggling as they tried to see who could swing the highest.
Near the sandbox, a cluster of preschoolers dug tunnels and built castles, their tiny hands caked with sand.
Older students, meanwhile, yed a lively game of tag, their sneakers kicking up a fineyer of dust
Parents lingered by the drop off zone, some kneeling to adjust a wayward scarf or nt a quick kiss on a forehead before hurrying back to their cars.
SUV''s and sedans lined the street, engines idling as drivers waved goodbye to their children. Others walked hand in hand up the stone path, taking a moment to chat with fellow parents or the asional teacher who hade out to supervise
Near the entrance, Nora stood with her usual calmposure, her light jacket catching the breeze. She watched the cheerful chaos, a small smile ying on her lips..
Suddenly, a small hand suddenly gripped her leg.
Startled, Nora looked down to see Brian, a cheerful little boy with messy brown hair and bright eyes. "Hi Miss Nora he chirped, hugging her leg tightly.
Nora''s face lin up. "Brian! How are you, sweetheart?" she asked, crouching down to his level
Brian beamed. "Good! You saved me that day, remember? I wanted to say thank you again."
"Of course I remember," Nora said, smiling warmly. "Tm so d you''re doing well."
Their conversation was Light and yful with Brian''s natural charm drawingughter from Nera.
She barely noticed Alex approaching until he roughly shoved Brian aside.
"Get away from her," Alex snapped, his voice sharp.
Brian stumbled but caught himself with surprising agility, his eyes narrowing at Alex.
Nora immediately grabbed Brian''s arm to steady him, her protective instincts kicking in
"Brian, are you okay?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.
After I left. Aloha father and son went cra
Irian nodded, brushing himself off. "Tm fine," he sail rally, shooting a challenging look at Alex Alex''s face flimbed with anger.
He opened his mouth to retort but stumbled on his words as he realized how Nora had rushed to Brian''s side instead of his.
The sight of her holding Brian''s hand and fussing over him made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar bitterness.
"You didn''t have to help him," Alex mumbled, his voice low but edged with resentment.
Nora turned to him, her brow farrowing, "Alex, what''s gotten into your n''s just a little boy"
He''s not as innocent as you think." Alex mustered darkly, his eyes locked on Brian.
Brian crossed his arms, meeting Alex''s ce without flinching. "I didn''t do anything to you. You''re the one he one being mean."
"Youll see who''s mean," Alex suapped, stepping closer. "I''ll make you cry in sster."
Brian smirked. "We''ll see who cries"
"That''s enough!" Nora interjected, her voice firm. She ced a hand on Alex''s shoulder, pulling him back. "There will be no fighting, Alex. Do you understand me?
"No buts," she said firmly. "You''re here to learn and grow, not to pick fights with your ssmates."
Brian, sensing the shift in her tone, looked up at Nora with wide eyes. "I never start fights, Miss Nora. I promise."
Nora smiled at him, her expression softening, "I know, Brian. You''re a good boy. I trust you."
Hearing her praise Brian was the final straw for Alex.
His eyes welled up with tears, and he turned away, unable to hide his frustration and hurt.
Why do you always take his side?" Alex blurted, his voice cracking. "You don''t even care about me anymore!"
Nora blinked, startled by his outburst. "Alex, that''s not true-"
"It is!" he interrupted, his tears falling freely now.
"You''re always nice to everyone else, but you''re so hard on me. You like them more than me!"