Unwritten Chords

Chapter 14: Deadline.

Author's POV

Adrian stepped into his house, the warm scent of baked lasagna hitting him as soon as he opened the door. The familiar hum of his family filled the air.

“Adrian, is that you?” his mom called out from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” he replied, slipping off his shoes and heading toward the dining room. He tossed his guitar bag onto the couch as he passed, the grin from earlier still lingering on his face.

The dining table was set, plates of food neatly arranged, with his dad already seated at the head of the table. Edward Marshall, ever the picture of authority, glanced up from his glass of water. “Finally decided to join us, huh?”

“Nice to see you too, Dad,” Adrian replied, pulling out a chair.

“You’re late,” Ava said, barely glancing up. Then, as she got a good look at him, her brows furrowed. “What’s with your face?”

Adrian frowned, dropping into his seat. “What about my face?”

“You’re smiling,” Ava said, pointing her fork at him like she’d just discovered some great conspiracy. “It’s weird.”

Mrs. Marshall came in from the kitchen, carrying a steaming bowl of vegetables. “Smiling? Adrian? Now that is unusual.”

“I’m not smiling,” Adrian muttered, serving a portion lasagna to his sister and then,to himself.

Ava leaned forward, grinning like she’d caught him red-handed. “Oh, you are. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Did something happen? Did you win a secret lottery?”

Edward finally looked up from his phone, adjusting his glasses. “Is that true, son? You’re smiling?”

Adrian rolled his eyes, groaning. “Can everyone stop analyzing my face? I had a good day, that’s all.”

Mrs. Marshall sat down, her gaze soft but curious. “Good day, huh? What happened?”

“Nothing,” Adrian said quickly, but his lips twitched, betraying him.

“Nothing doesn’t make you look this smug,” Ava pressed, leaning closer. “Did someone compliment your playing? Did you make the winning shot at basketball? Did a girl—”

“Ava,” Adrian interrupted sharply, glaring at her.

“What?” Ava said innocently, though her smirk was anything but. “I’m just trying to figure out what caused this miracle.”

Edward chuckled, folding his hands on the table. “Let the boy have his peace. Smiling isn’t a crime.”

“No, but it’s rare for him,” Ava shot back.

Adrian sighed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“Whatever it is,” Mrs. Marshall said with a small smile, “it’s nice to see you like this. You should have good days more often.”

Adrian softened slightly at her words but didn’t reply, instead focusing on his plate. Ava, however, wasn’t done.

“Mark my words,” she said, pointing her fork at him again, “I’ll figure it out.”

Adrian smirked slightly as he chewed his food, ignoring her. He knew she would never let it go, but for once, it didn’t bother him.
_______________________________________

Meanwhile Anya stepped into her aunt’s cozy home, the warm aroma of cumin and spices greeting her as she slipped off her shoes. This house was like a sprinkle of India here, in The States.