Chapter 13

Serena landed with a soft thud, scraping her palm raw. The sting was sharp, but the crumpled drawing in her hand sent a wave of panic through her. The fall had torn the paper.

"My mommy's drawing!" she cried, her voice trembling. The pain was nothing compared to the fear. She quickly checked Grayson's face; thankfully, only the edge was torn. Relief flooded her.

Stella, the girl who'd slapped her before, stood smirking above her. Serena's thoughts raced: She's so mean, always stopping me from talking to Sonny... but Sonny likes her. Oh well.

Serena huffed, dusted herself off, and held up the drawing. "Look," she said, determined, "this is you! Mommy drew it. See? I didn't lie. You're my brother."

She held the portrait to Grayson's face. His eyes widened. The smile in the drawing – so carefree – stirred something unfamiliar in him. It had been so long. She said Mom drew this…

Stella, nearby, gritted her teeth. Grayson's interest sparked a jealous fire. Marissa's words echoed: That little kid is cuter than you.

A knot tightened in Stella's chest. Grayson was captivated, and she couldn't bear it.

"Who cares about that stupid drawing?" she snarled. She snatched the picture, ripping it in half with a vicious tear. With a smirk, she tossed the remains into the trash.

Serena froze, disbelief washing over her. Her chest heaved. The picture, her hope, her connection to her brother… gone.

In a daze, she scrambled to the trash, her hands trembling. She fished out the sodden, smeared remains. The ink bled, the edges soaked and filthy. The picture was beyond saving.