Chapter 24

At long last, Stephen and Diana were ecstatic Alex had avoided the latest school scandal. Albeit, like their son, felt devastated to learn of Karen's ambitions. Over the years, they'd remained the voice of reason, though, this time, Karen was acting of her own volition.

On that premise, Diana consulted Jessica, while Alex mediated between Karen and Luis. Already, his best friends weren't speaking for frivolous reasons, and the strains of seconding were more than he could handle. This is why Alex believed that attending the winter festival together would settle tensions.

“How's she doing?” Diana inquired, turning to Alex.

“Better than before,” he assured.

Several days earlier, Jessica and Jordan had taken an impulsive holiday in Wales, so Karen decided to make an impromptu visit.

“We have to be supportive,” Stephen professed.

That said, Alex watched as his mother catered.

“Are you also going to spoon-feed her?”

Instantly, Stephen looked up with a naive expression.

“We understand how you feel,”

“I know; I'm sorry,”

“Good morning,” Karen announced, entering the kitchen.

“You seem content,” Diana observed.

“Of course I am,”

Thereupon, Diana rested a cup on a coaster and brushed Karen's shoulder.

“Be careful; it's hot,”

Graciously, Karen beamed.

“Thank you; you're always so considerate,”

Turning, Diana glanced.

“How else am I supposed to be?”

Abruptly, Karen looked upon Alex while sampling coffee.

“Looking forward to the festival?”

Contemplating, Alex shrugged.

“I guess,”

Sluggishly, Stephen again emerged from under the paper.

“It's a big event, so try and enjoy it,”

Smirking, Alex glanced at Karen.

“I hope it's better than the event at Birmingham last year,”

There and then, Karen grinned.

“Then, stay home if it doesn't interest you,”

All at once, Alex scowled and retreated to the bathroom.

“Did I say something wrong?” Karen asked, gesturing.

Instantly, Stephen groaned, intent on changing the subject.

“Did Alex talk to you?”

Unsurprisingly, Karen appeared confused.

“About?”

“Stephen,” Diana interjected, arranging a dishtowel. “Let Alex tell her,”

Shortly, Alex reverted to the kitchen, delighted to spring a surprise.

“Luis is chaperoning,”

Immediately, Karen appeared anxious while sliding further into the seat.

“I suspected as much,” she admitted. “However, I look forward to it.”