Chapter 17_ Minted Pilot

Kane glimpsed briefly into Alex's room, observing his engagement in a virtual car racing game before turning his attention to the boy. "Hey there, kiddo. Do you have a fondness for car racing?" A thrill of excitement laced his words.

"I am the best at it. However, I do wish to learn how to drive like that in real life. That would be extraordinary," remarked Alex, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm.

"Oh, I could teach you," offered Kane, earning a bright smile from Alex.

"Really?" gasped the boy, his excitement evident.

"Absolutely not," interrupted Arya.

With her words, Alex's excitement dwindled as he questioned, "Why not?"

"Because it is dangerous and you are too young, Alex," stated Arya.

"I was already driving at his age. He is a remarkable kid, I believe he can handle it with ease...with the right instructor," commented Kane.

"I said no, Kane," retorted Arya, her gaze fixed on him.

"Uff... I am not a child any longer," scoffed Alex, earning a smile from Arya.

"When you start washing your own dishes, then maybe I will consider treating you like an adult," quipped Arya, not waiting for a response before heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Kane followed her, entering the small kitchen behind her.

Arya skillfully maneuvered around the kitchen, pulling out bread, salad, tomatoes, cheese, and all other necessary ingredients for club sandwiches. Kane watched as she deftly sliced the ingredients, impressed by her seamless movements. "You know your way around the kitchen, tigress," he complimented.

"I know my way around the world, Daddy's boy," countered Arya, her focus on the sandwiches. Once the sandwiches were ready, they were immediately devoured by Kane, who couldn't help but express his satisfaction. "You are the best, tigress. It tasted exquisite. Though, next time, I would fancy some pickles," he said, happily pecking Arya on the cheek as Alex observed them with a knowing look.

"Phew! Should I leave the kitchen?" Alex joked, and Kane was about to respond when Arya grabbed a leaf of salad from the counter and used it to quiet him.

"Don't even try it, Alex. I refuse to be alone with this creature." She joked, with a grin that caused both Alex and Kane to laugh along.

Arya washed the dishes and then opened the fridge, only to realize they were out of food. She checked the time, 8:30pm, and decided to take a walk to the store and buy some groceries to restock their kitchen. Turning to Alex and Kane, she announced, "Alright boys, I'm off to the store. I wasn't expecting to have another mouth to feed with this insatiable beast around." She joked, and both men nodded before settling into the living room as she headed out.

=====

As Arya made her way back from the store, wandering through the familiar streets of her neighborhood, she noticed something strange. Kane's car was moving slowly towards her on the side of the road.

‘What's happening?’ Arya pondered silently, waiting for the car to reach her. As it got closer, she blinked to confirm who was behind the wheel. Alex was driving with a big grin on his face, while Kane sat beside him, giving instructions.

"What the hell? I'm going to strangle that idiot." Arya seethed, marching towards them as the car screeched to a stop.

"Easy with the brakes, my friend. This isn't like squashing a cockroach; a smooth, gradual motion is key." Kane advised Alex, who listened intently with a serious expression.

"Alright then." Alex nodded. Before Kane could continue, Arya knocked on the window, prompting Alex to roll it down with glee.

"Look! I'm driving, Arya!" He exclaimed, brimming with joy. It had been a while since his sister had seen him so happy. She held back her annoyance and commented,

"Yes, I can see that. Now switch seats with your reckless companion and let's head home." Arya instructed. Alex's shoulders sank in resignation.

"Oh, come on, Arya. I'm doing great." Alex insisted, looking at her with hopeful eyes. Arya glanced at Kane, who spoke up in Alex's defense.

"Actually, he's doing very well. Plus, it's completely safe. There are no other cars and I'm right next to him." Kane chimed in, and Alex nodded in agreement.

"Please, Arya. Don't ruin this for me. Today is the best day of my life." Alex pleaded, his eyes full of longing. Arya knew she couldn't say no to him.

"All right...but be careful." Arya conceded, opening the back door of the car and getting in with the items in her hands. She looked at Kane through the rear-view mirror and warned, "And you, Mr. Driving Instructor, keep an eye on your newly-minted pilot and be ready to intervene."

"Don't worry, he's a natural. Let's go, Alex. Show your sister how it's done." Kane cheered on in an excited tone.

"Thank you, Arya. You're the best sister ever." Alex beamed, and Arya smiled back at him. Slowly but steadily, Alex drove them all the way back home. His happiness was palpable as he hopped out of the driver's seat and took the groceries from Arya before walking into the apartment. Arya stayed in the car with Kane, while he found a parking spot for his car.

"So...you really love driving, huh?" Arya inquired, hoping to engage Kane in a conversation about his interest in car racing.

"Absolutely. It's one of the few moments in my life when I feel completely in control," Kane responded.

"And who taught you how to race? Your Dad?" Arya asked curiously.

There was a pause before Kane answered solemnly, "No, I would have ended up resenting it like everything else he had taught me. My mother was the one who taught me how to drive." He fell into a reverie at the mention of his mother, and Arya knew not to intrude. Though she was eager to know more about his relationship with his father, she didn't want to push too far. She had finally broken through his walls tonight and didn't want him to build them back up again. It was best to proceed with caution.