THIRTY NINE

GRAYSON'S POV

As we drove, I kept stealing glances at them, my heart aching for Zendaya. I wanted to find a way to connect with her, to let her know that she could trust me and lean on me. I was determined to be there for them, no matter what.

We pulled into a small ice cream parlor, and I turned to the backseat. “How about some chocolate fudge sundaes?”

Zenith’s eyes lit up a little. “Okay.”

Zendaya shrugged again but didn’t protest. I took that as a small victory.

Inside the parlor, I let them pick whatever they wanted. Zenith chose a colorful sundae with sprinkles and gummy bears, while Zendaya quietly picked a simple chocolate cone. We sat at a small table by the window, and I watched as they slowly ate their treats.

“So, how was school today, besides... what happened?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation to a more positive note.

Zenith shrugged. “It was okay, I guess.”

Zendaya remained silent, licking her ice cream without much interest. I racked my brain for something to s