The Scent of 14

Chapter 14

The thought of Wynn’s racing competition tonight and seeing her looking as cool as ever lifted Jordyn’s spirits. After putting on the outfit, she grabbed her phone for another look.

Almost immediately, she frowned.

Normally, Wynn replied to her texts quickly. But this time, she hadn’t responded at all, not even after Jordyn had finished getting ready

Could Wynn be upset?

Panic bubbled up in Jordyn as she quickly typed out another message. “Wynn, are you mad at me? You know I didn’t want Mom to take me to school but you! Please don’t be mad at me, okay?”

Even after a while, there was no reply.

Celeste came back to check on her. “Jo, are you done? It’s time to go down for breakfast.”

Frustrated, Jordyn snapped, “I know! Mom, do you have to always nag? You’re so annoying!” With that, she grabbed her bag and stormed downstairs.

Celeste quietly followed. She did notice, however, that Jordyn’s outfit looked unfamiliar.

Celeste had always been the one to prepare Jordyn’s clothes While she’d always ensured Jordyn liked what she picked, Jordyn’s preferences had shifted drastically since visiting Andostan with Trevor.

Apparently, it was because Jordyn had taken up climbing and skateboarding under Wynn’s influence.

Wynn was not only academically accomplished but also an adventurous, charismatic woman with many hobbies. Jordyn idolized her, to the point of adopting her style and interests.

Celeste was saddened by Jordyn’s growing attachment to Wynn but never voiced her feelings. She even adjusted her choices when buying clothes for Jordyn, tailoring them to her current tastes.

Yet, Jordyn barely touched anything Celeste bought. She only wore outfits Wynn selected for her.

Seeing Jordyn in the camouflage outfit, Celeste could guess exactly where it came from. Nonetheless, she simply acted as though she hadn’t noticed and walked downstairs with her usual composure.

Teagan and the others were still asleep, but Martha was already awake.

“Cel, Jo, you’re up early.”

Celeste greeted with a smile, “Good morning, Grandma.”

Jordyn mumbled, “Morning, Nana,”

Martha noticed her tone lacking enthusiasm and asked, “Jo, are you upset? What’s wrong?”

Jordyn didn’t respond. She didn’t feel like talking.

Peter, who had heard Celeste knocking on Jordyn’s door earlier, chimed in with a chuckle. “She’s probably just grumpy from being woken up too early.”

Martha smiled at Peter’s comment but turned to Celeste. “Where’s Trevor? Is he still asleep?”

Celeste remained composed. “He went out last night for something.”

Chapter 14

+25 BONUS

Martha’s face darkened. She had a good idea of what that “something” might be. However, since Jordyn was present, she refrained from criticizing Trevor openly and let it go.

After breakfast, as they were preparing to leave, Jordyn realized she had forgotten something and ran upstairs to fetch it. Celeste stayed downstairs, waiting for her.

Moments later, Jordyn’s phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up, displaying the contact name “Wynn” with a heart emoji.

Celeste froze for a moment.

Though Jordyn was still young, Celeste had always respected her privacy. She’d never once snooped through her phone. But now, Celeste couldn’t help picking up the phone

She quickly scanned their chat history and pieced together why Jordyn had been irritable all morning. Jordyn messaged Wynn each morning to say good morning, and they chatted frequently at length.

Hearing the elevator, Celeste swiftly placed the phone back where it had been.

When Jordyn returned and saw that Wynn had replied, her mood shifted instantly. Wynn’s message reassured her that she would never be mat at Jordyn and that she had only woken up earlier.

Jordyn beamed with happiness after reading the message.

Celeste glanced back subtly. She knew exactly what had brightened Jordyn’s mood but said nothing.

Meanwhile, Jordyn was too engrossed in her joy and didn’t notice Celeste’s glance.

After that, Jordyn sat in the backseat of the car and happily chatted with Wynn on her phone. Occasionally, she would sneak glances at Celeste to see if she was paying attention.

However, Celeste remained focused on driving. Satisfied, Jordyn continued messaging

The distance to the school was considerable. After about half an hour of chatting, Jordyn set her phone aside. As her mood was now entirely lifted, she began talking to Celeste.

“Mom, are you free this afternoon?”

Celeste asked without looking back, “Why?”

Jordyn, avoiding the question, whined playfully, “Just tell me.”

“There’s a lot going on lately. I don’t have time. What is it?”

Jordyn grinned. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

She thought giddily, “If Morn is busy, she won’t have time to pick me up after school. That means I can go straight to Wynn after class without worrying about being caught.”

At school, Celeste accompanied Jordyn to speak with her homeroom teacher, Donna Alper. Donna then led them to Jordyn’s classroom.

Just as they were about to enter, a sweet, childlike voice called out, “Ms. Rodriguez!”

Celeste paused and turned, only to see a tiny figure barreling toward her. Hastily, she crouched to catch the child so that they wouldn’t fall.

When the child looked up, Celeste quickly recognized her.

“Sylvia?”

+25 BONUS

It was indeed Sylvia, the little girl she had saved from a dog attack several days ago.

“Mm–hmm!” Sylvia smiled brightly, looking particularly adorable with her twin braids.

Celeste’s voice softened instinctively. “Sylvia, do you go to school here too”

Before she could finish, Jordyn abruptly pushed Sylvia aside

“Jo” Celeste exclaimed as she caught Sylvia from falling. Sylvia, are you okay?”

Sylvia shook her head and looked at Jordyn confusedly. “Why… Why did you push me?”

Jordyn had initially been confused by Sylvia’s sudden appearance. But when she noticed how close Celeste seemed to be with Sylvia, she became annoyed.

Sylvia was on the verge of tears, and Jordyn’s face twisted with disdain.

“You’re so weak. You look ugly and disgusting in pink!”