Chapter 22 Its nothing he said hastily , pinning it to his shirt with practiced precision . Nora tilted her head , curioun . Nothing , huh ? Its from Aunt Linda , Alex admitted reluctantly , his tone softening as he stared at the badge . The corners of his lips lifted into a rare sulle . She gave it to me last week . Im wearing it to choot her on tonight at the Fall Moon Speed Rare The mere thought of the rare seemed to light a spark in Alex He straightened his posture , his earlier grumpiness momentarily forgotten . But the flicker of happiness dimmed when he realized something Aunt Landa hadnt called lum yet today . She was usually quick to reply to his texts , often sending him playful voice messages or sharing her plans for the day . Alexs chest tightened . Was she angry with him ? The memory of yesterdays argument resurfaced , gnawing at his mind . Hed accidentally spilled juice on her prized racing gloves , and although shed laughed it off at the time , he couldnt shake the feeling that she might be upset after all Frantically , he grabbed his phone and sent her a string of texts : Aunt Linda , are you mad at me ? Im sorry about yesterday ! * 1 like you more than Mom , okay ? Dont be angry , please ! Minutes passed , but there was no response . Alex tried mindlinking her , but her side remained eerily ily silent . His fingers hovered over the screen , a lump forming in his throat . Alex , hurry up ! Noras voice cut through his thoughts . Frustration boded over , and Alex shoved the room door open , storming out . Youre so annoying he snapped , brushing past her . Nora blinked , taken aback by his sudden outburst . Whats gotten i a into you ? she murmured , watching as he stomped downstairs . There was a sound of feet coming towards the kitchen , and there she was , Noras mother in law ,, her sharp eyes observing the interaction between mother and son Good morning , the old lady greeted her voice calm yet probing . Good morning . Nora replied , trying to mask her unease Wheres Arnold ? the old lady asked , referring to Alexs father . He left last night for some urgent matter , Nora explained . 1926 Chapter 22 The old ladys lips thinned , a flicker of understanding passing through her gaze . Thit she said nothing more , her focus shifting to Alex , who sat willenly at the table . After a quiet breakfast , the duo made their way to the car . As they prepared to leave , Alex suddenly announced , I need to use the restroom . Wait here . He bolted back to the house , leaving his phone on the passenger seat . Moments later , the device buzzed to life . The screen hit up , displaying a new message from Linda . Noras eyes instinctively darted to the phone . She knew it wasnt her place to look , but curiosity got the better of her . The message was simple : Dont worry about yesterday . Tim not mad . See you tonight . But it wasnt the test itself that caught Noras attention , it was the conversation history below it The drive to the practice field was quiet , except for the occasional hum of the car engine . Nora glanced at Alex in the passenger seat , his eyes glued to his phone , his fingers tapping away with enthusiasm . A small smile played on his lips , the kind she hadnt seen directed at her in weeks . Her heart tightened as she recalled the messages she had accidentally seen earlier . Alex , who had been so cold and dismissive toward her , had been messaging Linda every day without fail . His good morning texts to Linda were brimming with warmth and care , something he no longer seemed willing to share with his mother . Alex let out a chuckle , breaking her thoughts . Linda says she trained late last night for the competition . She woke up late today . Thats why she didnt reply earlier , he said , more to himself than to Nora . Noru forced a smile . Thats nice of her to let you know , she said gently , her tone betraying none of the sadness she felt . Alex didnt pick up on her mood . Yeah , shes awesome . She works so hard . Im glad shes not mad at me about yesterday , he added , his thumbs flying over the screen as he typed a reply Nora gripped the steering wheel tighter , her knuckles whitening She envied how easily Linda had become the center of Alexs world , how effortlessly she brought out this side of him By the way , Alex suddenly said , breaking her thoughts again , do you have anything planned for tonight ? Nora glanced at him . Yes , 1 have a meeting later in the evening . Why ? she used to know was back Alexs grin widened , and for a brief moment , it felt like the boy she Oh , nothing . Just wondering . That means you wont pick me up from school right ? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!