Chapter 226

Norris heard the commotion outside and rushed over. He’d been worried that Claire, being a girl, might have a hard time with Carr. But when he got there, he found her leaning against the wall, laughing so hard she could barely stand.

“Don’t mess with him. Be careful. When people get desperate, they can do something crazy,” Norris said, unable to keep quiet.

Claire shot him a look. When she first met Norris, he’d been distant with everyone. Now, though, she noticed something different about the way he acted around her. It wasn’t anything creepy like Sean had guessed. It was just… hard to explain.

“Norris, I’m heading back to the dorm,” Claire said. She never liked overthinking things. If Norris didn’t mean any harm, that was good enough for her.

Norris nodded. “All right. There’s not much lunch break left, so make sure you rest up. You’ll need your energy for the afternoon classes p>

“Okay.” Claire felt sure now. Norris really was being kind.

After Claire left, Norris finally had a moment to check his group chat with his brothers. If he hadn’t warned Phil and Owen not to call him, his phone would’ve exploded from all their missed calls. The two of them had been blowing up the chat, asking what was going on.

Norris replied, She’s a student at the winter camp. Her name’s Claire. She’s really pretty, and she actually kind of looks like Melissa from those old photos. I’m not going to ask about Melissa yet. I want her to focus on the camp for now.

As the oldest, Norris was used to making decisions. His brothers didn’t always listen

to the elders, but they always followed his lead. Still, that didn’t stop them from wanting to know his reasons.

Phil wrote, Norris, why aren’t you asking? Grandpa’s desperate to find out what happened to Melissa.

Owen chimed in, Yeah, if you don’t ask, Grandpa and everyone else are just going to keep worrying.

Norris answered, I’m worried there’s more to Melissa’s story. If I bring it up, it might distract Claire.

Should we tell Grandpa what’s going on? Owen asked. Padgett had been calling nonstop, just for updates on the girl from the airport. Owen was already starting to regret volunteering to help find her des Norris hadn’t found Claire, he wasn’t sure he could handle Grandpa’s constant questions.

I’ll go over tonight and tell Grandpa myself, Norris replied. He wasn’t looking for praise. He’d spent time around Claire, and honestly, the more he saw of her, the more he liked her.

On her way back to the dorm, Claire sneezed twice. She had no idea anyone was even thinking about her.

As soon as she stepped inside, her roommates surrounded her with questions.

“Claire, are you all right? That Carr guy is the worst. How could he go and snitch like that p>

“I know, right? He actually had the nerve to play the victim. The camp was being nice by not kicking him out on the spot p>

“I just can’t believe some people are here for drama when we’re all supposed to be focused on the competition p>

“We’re barely keeping up with the problem sets as it is p>

Everyone was sticking up for Claire,

but she didn’t seem bothered. She shrugged “Carr’s teacher actually believed his story and went to the office to make a scene, but sammie kicked him out before he could cause trouble. Now Carr doesn’t

even have a mentor. He’l probably lay low for a while p>

Her roommates brightened up at that.

“Forget about Carr. Did you guys notice Norris?” Nanette suddenly asked.