?You?re stronger than me,? he said without any envy or judgment,
just as a fact. ?When you realize that, you?re going to be able to do
things that I never dreamed of.?
?If I?m so strong, then why do I always need you to come and
save my sorry ass?? she asked sarcastically.
?Because fighting is about much more than strength,? he said
seriously. ?Which is good, or Hector would still be able to beat the
crap out of me in a fight.?
?I can still beat the crap out of you in a fight,? Hector shouted
from inside the house. Lucas smirked at Helen and shook his head
as they walked into the kitchen. They didn?t get far.
?Not on my clean floors!? Noel shouted, pointing to Lucas?s and
Helen?s muddy shoes. Then she realized why they were so muddy.
?What did you savages do to my new lawn?? she groaned.
?I had to, Mom. Helen needs to learn.? Lucas dutifully backed out
of the house and took off his shoes, and Helen did the same.
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?Helen, dear. You look hungry. Make sure you eat something before
you leave,? Noel said kindly, before shifting right back into
scolding mode. ?About that lawn, you know the rules, Luke.?
??Fix what you break,? yeah, yeah. And you know I always do,? he
said with a mischievous smile as he came into the house and started
chasing his poor, hassled mother out of the kitchen with the
threat of a tickle. She tried to beat him off with a dish towel, but
she didn?t stand a chance.
As Lucas ran upstairs to change his clothes, Helen could see he
was happy. And so was she. She knew she was still in danger and
should be terrified, but watching Lucas bound up the stairs three at
a time, all she could feel was giddy, bubbly happiness. She still had
no idea what the heck was going on between them, but she was