LOGINSienna's POV
The room was already dark when I finished placing the book I’d been reading on the nightstand beside the bed. The soft patter of rain outside the window made everything feel calm, as if the world itself was taking a long breath before sleep.Noah had been fast asleep for nearly an hour, after briefly whining and asking Liam to stay with him and read one short story.Liam and I were getting ready for bed too, and I had just pulled the blanket over myself when he switNoah's POV I looked at her. I wondered why she had that look on her face. Why did she even care about me?Rachel took another step closer to me. Her eyes were fixed on me like she was scared I would fall apart. "You have done enough," she said in a voice but I could hear the firmness in it.Her hand went up a little like she wanted to touch me. She stopped herself.I let out a laugh. It was a laugh. "Enough?" The word sounded strange to me. I shook my head a little. A sharp pain went through my head. "Not yet it is not enough."I tried to take another step. My legs gave way. I lost my balance. If my coach was not holding me I would have fallen on the asphalt again."Look at yourself Noah," my coach said loudly. I did not turn around. I did not care. I was looking at Rachel."I promised," I whispered to myself. "I said I would win."Rachel shook her head quickly. This time she
Noah’s POVThe end line was coming near, more clear with each moment and I could sense it I was nearly there. My hands gripped the handles tight, my breath not steady but my brain was focused on one thing, winning.I turned the gas harder, and the pace shot up right away. The breeze hit my body while the motor loud like it was driving me ahead, giving my willpower."I can do this," I said softly, my mind getting clearer. I looked to the side and saw one rider still trying to keep up, not wanting to lag behind.No, I wouldn't let him. I pushed the speed more, not caring about the strain growing in my body as I closed the gap to finish.Just a bit more. It's nearly there. But then I saw it, a sharp turn before the finish line.I ought to hav͏e eased up. I ought to have watched the turn slowly, thought about each move like I was taught to do.But I did not. I was too fixated on the end point, too ca
Noah's POVAs soon as I stepped outside I took a deep breath. The morning air felt fresh. My mind was not calm at all.I put on my helmet. I got on my bike. The engine. It made me feel excited.I closed my eyes for a moment. I thought about Rachel, the promise I made to her all the training I did and the pain I felt. Today I would show her what I can do.I opened my eyes. I started riding my bike without waiting. There was no going now.The sound of engines was loud as I entered the racing area. I could smell the asphalt, gasoline and heat.This place was full of energy. People were everywhere cheering and shouting. The other racers were already ready.I stopped my bike. Took off my helmet. Today I would find out if all my hard work was worth it.My eyes looked around the crowd until I found Rachel.She was standing near the stands, alone. She looked very elegant. She
Noah's POV Today is finally here.I stood in front of the mirror taking a breath as I adjusted my jacket. My helmet was already in my hand. My gloves were resting on the table.My heart was beating faster than usual. Not because I was afraid. Because this was something I had to win. One of the things I had promised Noah had to do.I looked at myself in the mirror. There were still bruises on the corner of my face and my body felt tired. My eyes were full of determination.I said to myself. "I have to win."Without waiting longer I stepped out of my room and headed downstairs. Soon as I reached the living room I saw Mom already standing there as if she had been waiting for Noah.My steps slowed slightly."NOAH!" I Looked at mommy.."Where are you going now?" she asked, her voice calm but filled with suspicion.I let out a breath. "I am going out for
Sienna's POVI looked at Liam closely. "Including Noah.”It was quiet between us for a moment. Liam did not say anything for a second.Then he spoke again. "Our job now is not to hold Noah back, " he said in a soft voice.I frowned. "Then what is our job?”Liam said, "To give Noah a chance.”I could not believe what I was hearing. "A chance?" Liam added, "Time.”I shook my head quickly. "Time for what? To move away from us?”My voice got louder again. "Our job as Noah's parents is to guide him and not let him get lost.”Liam looked at me intently. "I am not letting Noah get lost.”His voice was still calm. It was firmer now. "I am making sure Noah does not feel alone.”I stopped talking.Liam kept talking, "You are worried. I know that.”He looked at me with eyes. "That is normal.”I lowered my head a lit
Sienna's POV I stood in the living room, looking at the stairs where Noah had gone just a few seconds ago.The noise of his steps was gone now. His room door must be closed. And weirdly that only made the tightness in my chest more bad .“Liam this isn’t good.” My voice was low but full of weight.I did not turn back but I knew he was still there behind me.“What isn’t right?” he asked calmly.I turned to face him immediately. “All of this.”My hands closed up without me seeing it. “The way he acts. The way we let him.”I stared right into Liam’s eyes. “You always pick his side”Liam took a long breath. “I ain't on his side Sienna.”"Then what?" I said fast. My voice began to go up again."You keep saying 'just let it go' 'he will tell us' 'give him some time,' how long, Liam?"I stepped closer. “Can’t you see he’s changed?”
Sienna's POV Emily and calm were two words that could never exist side by side.“But how could she end up hugging Liam like that?” I asked, my voice breaking. “Why was she even in Liam’s room? Why didn’t Liam leave immediately? Why did it all look like something that had happened between
Sienna's POV The sound of the front door opening nearly made me drop the spoon I was using to stir the soup.“He’s home!” I exclaimed reflexively, even though there was clearly only one person I’d been waiting for since this afternoon.Liam, lounging casually in the living room, rai
Sienna's POV I grinned. “Mommy’s just making sure.”“We’re just classmates,” he added quickly. Too quickly.“All day?” Liam asked lightly.Noah sighed softly. “Our schedules just happen to match.”I restrained myself from launching into dozens of follow-up questions.But
Sienna's POV Noah was silent for a few seconds. I could see his reflection in the rearview mirror, his brows furrowing slightly.“I’ll be a little scared,” he admitted honestly. “But if someone needs help, I have to be brave.”That answer made me smile without realizing it.







