As Hugo disappeared through the door, I turned and headed to the dining room.
Jasper was already by the door, his backpack slung over one shoulder, ready to leave for school.
Ava stood beside him, her hand in his, the two of them laughing together like the perfect picture of a family.
Then she saw me.
Her fingers slipped from his hand as she straightened, an uneasy smile on her lips. "Audrey, I’m so sorry. Jasper asked me to take him to school. Do you want to do it instead?"
Before I could utter a word, Jasper tightened his grip on her hand and shot me a glare.
"I don’t want you to take me. You don’t deserve to."
His words cut deep, but I met his gaze without hesitation. "Are you sure?"
"I’m sure."
"Alright. Then hear me clearly: I swear, for the rest of my life, I will never take you to school again."
Jasper faltered. He hadn’t expected me to be so resolute. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face before he threw out a final challenge.
"You better not regret it."
Neither of us backed down. The tension crackled between us until Ava quickly stepped in, her voice dripping with forced lightheartedness.
"Oh, come on! No need to argue like this. Let's just talk things through..."