Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2101
“Oh, me? For the first half of the night, outside; for the second half, inside,” Caiden answered.
“Ah, so that’s how it is…” Cogs began turning in their heads when the adults heard his statement.
“Oh, they slept together.”
“Right? How odd. I thought he said he’s not the father? Then why have they spent the night together?”
“Who knows. And who knows what Joan’s thinking. How could she sleep with another man?”
The women began to gossip on the side. Joan had gotten wind of their rumors long ago. They did not bother her anymore. At the very least, she knew there was nothing going on between Caiden and herself.
“Caiden, did you sleep well last night? I have to tell you, I tend to kick around and hit stuff in my sleep…” Lucius elaborated on his question.
Yes, I know that much. A faint grin spread across Caiden’s face. Last night, the kid had indeed given him a pounding, albeit a light one.
“It’s no big deal. I’m fine,” Caiden assured him.
“Alright, everybody. Let’s wash up and get some breakfast. There’s more time for chit-chat later. Our time is running short and we must get home before the sun sets today,” the headmaster hollered to everyone on the grounds, interrupting the group of women who were talking about Joan and Caiden behind their backs.
Soon, everyone dispersed and got to work packing their belongings.
“Mom, what are those women talking about just now? I think they mentioned your name.” Lucius took his mother’s arm.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Maybe they’re discussing the speech I gave last night. You know, Lucius, we don’t have to bother what other people think, as long as we’re true to ourselves. Got it?” Joan squatted down to talk to her son.
Caiden’s heart ached when he saw the two in conversation.
He had been listening to comments from those nosey women, but he had not intervened. He did not want to admit it but, honestly, he knew he could be quite cruel. In order to set off a scandal, he had to stand by and watch Joan bear the brunt of endless criticisms.
“Lucius, aren’t you tired? Do you want me to give you a piggyback ride?” Caiden gently patted the child’s back.
“It’s okay, Caiden. I can walk,” Lucius replied.
He could not possibly let Caiden carry him. He had caused the man much trouble already. Caiden should not have to spend his energy on him.
“Keep up, everyone. Our final activity for the day is rock climbing, family-style! It’s our last camping trip, so I hope everybody cherishes the time we have together, alright? Come on, let’s get ready now,” announced the headmaster.
There was a round of applause as the crowd cheered.
But Lucius did not feel good about it.
At the sight of the rock formation before him, he instantly got terrified for no reason.
“Lucius, come on, let’s get ready. It’s our turn soon,” Caiden said, facing the boy.
“Caiden, I… Um…” Lucius stammered.
He seemed uptight and agitated.
“What is it, Lucius? Are you feeling alright?” Joan quickly checked in on him.
“Mom,” Lucius called Joan, his voice quivering.
Joan freaked out.
“I’m scared, Mom. I don’t want to climb up there. What if I fall? I don’t want to die. I still want to see Dad and Grandma…” Lucius wailed.
Joan had known the boy was afraid of heights, but she was not aware that his fear had taken a turn for the worse.
“Lucius, this is our first and last camping trip. Once we finish this, the journey comes to an end. Hang in there, just a little more, okay?” Joan looked forward to her son’s reply.
“No, Mom. I really can’t. I don’t want to do it…” Lucius whimpered as he wiped away his tears.
“What’s going on here?” The homeroom teacher walked over to them.
