Chapter 12 :Growing Together Without Permission
The Silvertone estate had many gardens, but this one was reserved for family gatherings.
Wide lawns stretched under soft afternoon light, bordered by tall hedges and blooming flowers that shifted gently in the wind. It was the kind of place designed for children to run freely—safe, private, and quiet enough that adults could watch without worry.
Today, however, it did not feel entirely quiet.
Aven sat on a soft blanket placed beneath a shaded tree. Hazel was nearby speaking with other adults, while Luca stood a little further off, always observant. The older brothers were scattered—Ethan standing like a tiny guard near the edge of the garden, Aaron already exploring something he absolutely should not be touching, and Ian sitting calmly beside Aven as usual.
And Alder—
Alder was right next to her.
As always.
His small hand gripped her sleeve lightly, as if confirming she was still there every few seconds.
Aven didn't mind anymore.
It had become normal.
Comforting, even.
But today, something was different.
Footsteps approached from the garden path.
Aven looked up.
And saw them again.
Leon.
Ray.
And two other boys she vaguely remembered from the birthday.
They weren't running like Aaron.
They weren't hesitant like strangers.
They simply walked in like they belonged there.
Alder noticed immediately.
His grip tightened.
Aven glanced at him.
Then back at them.
Leon stopped a short distance away, eyes landing on her first.
Still observant.
Still unreadable.
Ray, however, smiled immediately.
"You're always sitting here," he said casually, as if they had spoken before.
Aven blinked slowly.
"…I like it here," she said softly.
It wasn't much.
But it was the most she had spoken to them so far.
Ray's smile widened slightly.
"See? She talks."
Alder made a small displeased sound beside her.
Leon glanced at him.
Then back at Aven.
"…he doesn't like us," Leon said simply.
Alder stiffened.
Aven looked between them.
Then quietly said, "Alder likes me."
It wasn't meant as comparison.
Just truth.
But the effect was immediate.
Alder relaxed slightly.
Ray laughed softly.
Leon didn't react outwardly—but his gaze lingered a second longer than before.
Not intense.
Just… thoughtful.
As if storing the sentence somewhere.
That day, they stayed longer than before.
Not interacting much.
Not forcing themselves into her space.
Just existing nearby.
And somehow—
that was enough to make them feel less like strangers.