Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Enemies On Both Fronts (Part 7)

Don turned around to face Summer with a bit of confusion, his eyebrows raising slightly. "Huh? Oh, hey? How come you haven't started off for school yet?" he asked, genuinely curious. He had fully expected her to be long gone by now.

Summer stood there awkwardly, her hands fidgeting slightly. "I don't need to hurry for club today," she said, her voice a little hesitant. "So... I thought I'd have breakfast with you guys first."

Don was inwardly surprised. He hadn't expected his words to have such a big impact on her. He had aimed to make her feel a little guilty, sure, but he hadn't anticipated that she would actually stay behind to have breakfast with them. It was a surprising change, and he wasn't entirely sure how to respond.

Summer avoided eye contact, her gaze shifting to the floor as she spoke again. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Don tilted his head slightly, unsure of what she was apologizing for. "What are you sorry for?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious.

Summer struggled to find the right words, her voice faltering as she tried to explain. "I... I don't know, just... for everything, I guess," she mumbled. "It's not that I don't want to spend time with the family, but... sometimes it just feels like no one gets me."

She sighed, her frustration evident as she shook her head. "I'm not making sense, am I? Just... forget it."

Don thought about it for a moment, realizing that his earlier words had left her feeling more guilty than he had intended. But her apology, especially directed at him, made him feel like she was starting to warm up to him. There was no need to push it any further.

"I get it," Don said, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. I didn't mean it in a bad way."

Summer visibly relaxed, her shoulders loosening as she nodded. "Alright," she said, her voice sounding lighter. "Let's go eat then, since the food's ready."

She started to turn toward the door but then paused, her eyes falling on the car. "Wait, why are you looking at that car?" she asked, her tone shifting to one of curiosity.

Don smiled, glancing back at the Mustang. "Mom's thinking of giving it to me," he replied casually, still admiring the car's sleek lines.

Summer's expression went from awkward to surprised in an instant. "What?!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "That's not fair!"

Without another word, she spun on her heel and marched out of the garage, yelling as she went. "Mom! Why is Don the one getting Dad's old car?" Sёarᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Samantha, who was in the kitchen setting plates on the dining table, let out a sigh. She had almost forgotten how these two could find something to argue over even during breakfast. "Donnie will need it more since he'll be moving around a lot," she answered back, her tone calm but firm. "And he's older."

Don appeared in the doorway just as Samantha finished speaking. "Exactly," he agreed, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe again. He then glanced at Summer, a teasing glint in his eye. "Besides, do you even know how to drive a manual?"

Summer's face flushed slightly as she fumbled for a response. "I... I can learn!" she declared, though her tone lacked the usual confidence.

Don couldn't help but laugh, more to tease her than anything else. "Don't worry," he said, his tone light and playful. "I'll give you rides whenever you want."

Samantha smiled at Don's words and added, "See, you can count on your brother."

Summer looked at Don, her expression softening slightly. "You mean it?" she asked, sounding almost hopeful.

"Yeah," Don replied, though he couldn't resist adding with a grin, "for a small fee."

Summer's brief moment of happiness quickly turned into a frown. "I knew it," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

In the next moment, they all proceeded to the dining area to eat.

Don settled into his seat at the dining table just as Amanda descended the stairs, joining them with her usual upbeat energy.

She was dressed in her familiar jean shorts, paired with a crisp white top, and a flannel shirt layered on top. Her casual attire, along with her radiant smile, brought a certain warmth to the room.

"Good morning!" Amanda greeted cheerfully, her eyes scanning the table before landing on Summer. She paused, her brows lifting in surprise. "Am I seeing things, or is that really Summer sitting down for breakfast?"

Summer rolled her eyes, her tone full of sarcasm as she replied, "Ha ha, very funny, Aunt Amanda."

Amanda chuckled as she took a seat next to Summer, her amusement clear. "I'm just surprised, that's all. It's been a while since you joined us for breakfast."

Don, curious, looked over at Amanda. "Is it really that rare for her to stay for breakfast?"

Amanda nodded, her smile widening as she spoke. "Oh, absolutely. It's probably been over a year since I last saw her do it."

Summer immediately objected, her voice rising defensively. "That's not true!"

Don raised an eyebrow, amused by her reaction as he took another bite of his breakfast. "Wow," he said, his tone teasing as he continued to eat. "I'm impressed."

"It's not true!" Summer insisted again, her frustration evident.

Don merely shrugged, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Why do you care what I think?"

Summer huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Because it's lies! This is why I don't stay for breakfast. Everyone gangs up on me."

Don chuckled, shaking his head. "You're so dramatic. Just eat before you're late for class."

Summer shot him a glare, clearly wanting to say something sharp in return, but she bit her tongue, remembering the deal they had made. Instead, she reluctantly picked up her fork and focused on her food.

Samantha, sensing the tension easing, smiled gently at Summer. "Take your time, sweetie. I'll drop you off at school on my way to work." She then glanced at the clock, her eyes widening slightly. "Speaking of which, I better go get ready."

She quickly stood up, grabbing her plate and placing it in the sink before hurrying out of the kitchen and up the stairs. The sound of her footsteps faded, leaving the three of them at the table.