Chapter39
Thinking of Tanya’s race tonight, and seeing her again, Sam cheered up. He checked his phone, then frowned. Tanya usually replied quickly, but she hadn’t answered. Was she angry? He texted her again: Aunt Tanya, what’s wrong? Are you mad? You know I don’t want Mom to take me to school; I like you better. Don’t be mad, okay?
Tanya still didn’t reply. Ashley came to find him. “Sam? Are you ready? Let’s go downstairs for breakfast.”
Sam was anxious. He snapped. “I know! Why do you always talk so much? It’s annoying!” He abbed his backpack and went downstairs. Ashley followed him silently, noticing he was wearing something she hadn’t seen before. Since he’d been in LA with Chase, his style changed. He was influenced by Tanya, who excelled in skateboarding, rock climbing, and paragliding. Sam admired her and copied her style.
Ashley was sad Sam was so close to Tanya, but she didn’t say anything. She even bought him clothes according to his new tastes, but he only wore clothes Tanya picked for him. Seeing his outfit, she understood everything. She acted as if she didn’t notice and went downstairs. Yonnie and the others were still asleep, but Emily was awake.
“You’re up early!”
Ashley smiled.“Good morning, Grandma.”
Sam mumbled, “Good morning, Great–Grandma.”
Emily asked, “Sam, are you upset?”
He didn’t answer. The butler, who’d heard Ashley knocking, said, “Probably because he was woken up.”
Emily smiled and asked, “Where’s Chase? Still asleep?”
Ashley said calmly, “Chase went out last night.”
Emily’s face fell. She guessed what had happened but didn’t say anything in front of Sam.
< Chatto
