Mom, I’m off to school!
Nathaniel watched his little nephew with a mix of envy and frustration. When had this kid ever been so affectionate with him? It seemed like his attentions were always directed elsewhere.
…
Outside Sunnybrook Elementary.
Nathaniel parked the car and had just helped Julian out when he noticed two striking figures standing a short distance away. It was Lysander and Giselle. Seeing Adrian with them made it clear they were dropping their child off together.
Nathaniel frowned slightly but decided to approach them, guiding Julian along and greeting them from afar.
Giselle beamed with surprise when she saw them and glanced at Julian. As she reached out to touch the boy’s cheek, she said, So this is Julian? What a charming little guy.
But Julian ducked away before her hand could make contact, leaving her hand hanging awkwardly in the air.
Nathaniel, slightly embarrassed, quickly explained, Don’t take it personally, he’s just very shy and not used to strangers.
Giselle stood up, her smile unfazed. He’s a quiet little sweetheart.
She had heard snippets of the Pembroke family’s past. While she didn’t know the full story, she was aware that Julian had been kept mostly at home, so seeing him seemingly healthy, she guessed any issues were more psychological. No reason to get upset with a child like that.
I believe he’s eight, right? A year older than Adrian, which makes him Adrian’s big brother.
Giselle nudged Adrian playfully, saying, Adrian, say hello to your big brother.
Adrian eyed Julian, who was peeking out from behind Nathaniel, full of curiosity and an inexplicable fondness. Despite Giselle’s urging, Adrian was reluctant. This kid wasn’t even taller than him; if anything, Adrian thought he should be the one called big brother.
Lysander glanced down at him, adding, Julian will be visiting us often. Look after him at school and treat him like family.
Who’s the little brother here!
Adrian, less than thrilled, responded, Got it. I’ll take care of… my big brother.
The two children, hand in hand, were escorted into the school by the adults. Despite his relief, Nathaniel still felt the need to speak with the school staff, asking them to keep an eye on Julian and to contact him if anything seemed off.
Not that the school was eager to take on a potentially troublesome child, but with Nathaniel’s generous donation of a new wing, they were more inclined to be vigilant.
Once the arrangements were settled, Nathaniel joined Lysander and Giselle as they left, feeling content.
However, as soon as the adults had gone, Adrian roughly pulled his hand from Julian’s grip and gave him a hard shove.