James might be small, but he sure knows how to make a point.
“Why didn’t you come to pick me up with Dad if you’re supposed to be my mom?”
Caroline’s face fell, clearly displeased but struggling to keep her cool.
She forced a smile, “Well, not before, but James, from now on, I’m going to be your mom.”
“Why?” James was confused. “I don’t like you. I don’t want you to be my mom!”
He stood up, ready to leave.
But Caroline grabbed him, her patience running thin as she stared him down.
“Listen, James! I’m marrying your dad, and that means I’ll be your mom!”
James, frightened by her tone, wriggled free, “No! I don’t want this!”
And with that, he ran off, bumping straight into Sylvia’s arms. Sylvia embraced her little great-grandson, asking, “What’s wrong, James?” It was clear the boy was scared.
“James!” Caroline followed, anger written all over her face. Seeing Sylvia, she paused, “Grandma.”
“Great-grandma.”
James burrowed into Sylvia’s embrace, turning his back to Caroline.
The message couldn’t be clearer.
Especially since the entire Johnson family knew Caroline wasn’t exactly fond of James.
“Don’t be scared, James.”
Sylvia cooed, feeling sorry for the boy who was born into the Johnson family with a silver spoon yet ended up feeling so alone until he was three.
Thinking about all the hardships and unfairness James had faced, Sylvia wished she could do more to show him love.
“Don’t worry, James, with me around, no one’s going to hurt you.”
At that, Caroline’s temper flared, “Grandma! What are you implying? That I’m hurting him?”
“Caroline.” Sylvia shook her head, troubled. That’s not what I meant… It’s just James is still so young, only three. He’s grown up without much guidance; why hold it againsta child?”
Caroline was stunned, her face turning from red to white.
She knew well how much the old lady valued her descendants.
Being favored by the Johnson family because she had once saved two of
the
ss, she hadn’t expected
Sylvia’s focus to shift so completely to James now.
An outsider would always be just that in the Johnson family.
“What’s going on here?”
Hearing the commotion, Francis arrived.
“Dad!”
James immediately jumped down from Sylvia’s hold and stood up straight, the tiny boy trying to look serious.
“Dad, I’m sorry!” His voice quivered, tears threatening to spill.
He sneakily glanced at Francis, hoping for some sign of forgiveness.
That look broke Francis’ heart.
So young, yet already so adept at
Bult expressions, knowing
e in this family depende
on
Francis, his ‘dad’.
Francis stooped down and lifted James into his arms.
“Dad.” James’ eyes welled up, “I know I did wrong. Please don’t send me away.”
Tears streamed down his face.
“James, don’t cry.”
Francis cleaned his son’s tears, “This is your home, James. No matter what happens, you won’t be sent away.”
“Dad!”
“Oh, my…” Sylvia was beside herself with worry. “Come on, James, let’s go have some ice cream.”
“Okay!”
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