Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2098
She spoke of Lucius’ home life with passion and in detail.
She might not have participated in his past but, ever since adopting him, she remembered very clearly every single moment they spent together. She recalled the way he did his homework, and when he helped Ms. Young water her plants, helped Joan herself with the housework, laundry, among other chores.
Sometimes, after she ended her shift at the supermarket and was so exhausted that she collapsed on the sofa once she got home, Lucius would come over and massage her shoulders and back.
The parents around her listened very intently to her story. Even Caiden found himself attracted to Joan’s tone and expressions.
“There you go. That’s our boy, Lucius. I’m always thankful to the heavens for granting me such a wonderful child…” As her tale came to an end, a round of applause filled the air.
“Lucius really is a good kid…”
“I say, we really ought to learn from his mother…”
“I do agree. Look at him. He must have inherited good genes, with such a handsome father and a good-looking mother. Both of them are so educated, well-mannered, and seem to have great parenting skills. No wonder Lucius turns out so fine…”
“Nonsense! Mr. Caiden’s not the father. He’s just attending the field trip on behalf of Lucius’ real father.” Another woman gently shoved the one in front of her for making the wrong assumption.
“Oh, my goodness! I’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t know.”
“Don’t worry about it. Next, let’s have Mr. Owens say a few words too, shall we?” The homeroom teacher arranged for the next speaker.
Caiden raised his head slightly and smiled at the group. He did not come prepared with a speech. He merely believed that no matter who the children lived with or where they stayed, happiness should take priority.
“Lucius, tell me. Are you happy?” Caiden patted the child on the back.
Lucius was stunned for a moment as he glanced at the man, and then quickly composed himself.
“Yes. I’m very happy,” Lucius answered without missing a beat.
Caiden turned away to look at the adults at the campsite.
“It’s just like what Lucius said. As long as he’s happy, that’s more than enough. To the children, it doesn’t matter who attended the field trip with them, whether it be their parents or other relatives. And it doesn’t matter how the trip starts and when it’ll end. As long as they’re happy, I suppose we’ve achieved our goal…”
A round of applause came from the crowd before Caiden even finished.
Although the field trip was a product of Caiden’s selfish intentions, he truly meant what he said.
In the past, he did not like kids very much. In fact, one might even say that he hated them, absolutely abhorred them, because he thought of children as a menace. They would cry and cause trouble for no reason at all. And then it would be the parents or teachers who would have to clean up their mess. Now that he thought about it, it was exactly those experiences that allowed the children to gradually learn and grow into the adults they would one day become. Moreover, that was how he himself came to be. What excuse did he have to feel disdain or contempt towards them?
“So, please, I implore you. Take good care of your children, especially when it comes to morals. You’ll always be your child’s first teacher…”
He spoke in a formal manner, his delivery no different from that of the headmaster, and with the air of a wise scholar.
“As expected of a college graduate! He’s so classy even when he speaks!”
“Yes, he’s brilliant…”
Some parents, filled with admiration and envy, had begun to talk about Caiden among themselves.
The so-called “chat” went on for some more time after that. It was only over after the headmaster gave his final statement.
“Alright, everyone! Bear in mind, safety first. Every family gets a tent. Students, you’ll be helping your parents to set them up…”
It was then that Joan had an epiphany. Oh my gosh! One tent? How are we supposed to sleep? Sharing a tent with Lucius is fine, of course, but Caiden? Why, if that gets out, we’ll be the talk of the town!
