Skylar, I need to talk to you in the other room. He said, gesturing out the door.
I saw Dustin about to argue, but shot him a look to stay silent.
I nodded and got up off of the bed, walking over to Dustin who was now in a sitting position and whispered in his ear. I’ll tell you everything he tells me when we’re done, Sargent Delta.
I stood back and he grinned up at me, quickly wiping it off after and nodding, doing his best to hold a stern, tough face. My heart melted even more.
I turned and followed Nathan now, who was currently giving me a questioning look.
What was that all about ? He asked once we stepped outside the room, showing a small smile. I followed him to his own room now.
I’m sorry, I can’t tell you. I said mischievously.
He just studied me, before sighing and choosing to drop it.
Smart boy.
So what do you need to tell me ? I asked innocently as I sat at the edge of his comfy bed.
He closed the door then turned to me. I’m going away for two days. He started. Something came up-
Or someone I thought, remembering Alvin’s words : ‘she’s been asking about you’.
Was it his secret girlfriend ?
and I need to leave immediately. I need you to look after Dustin. Can you do that ? He asked.
Sure ! I said in a cheery tone.
He looked relieved and astounded at the same time, certainly not expecting me to easily agree.
Well, at least he was correct on that.
After you tell me why, what is that something that came up, and if Alvin will be staying back ? I let the questions pour out casually, giving him a sweet smile.
He simply let out an exaggeratedly long sigh. I need to see someone. I can’t tell you who or why. It’s very important to me and I’m sorry for leaving so fast, but I promise to be back as soon as I can. And don’t worry about Alvin, he’ll be going with me. He cryptically answered.
I debated on whether I should shoot my next line of questions, or appreciate the little that he did tell me and drop it.
And you trust me to not run away ? I asked instead with a raised brow.
No, I’m not that stupid. He rolled his eyes, causing me to glare at him. You couldn’t, even if you tried. He added with a shrug.
Whatever. I’m not mean enough to leave a baby behind all on his own. I crossed my arms defensively.
He’s eight. He countered.
Whatever ! I said loudly.
He just laughed at that. I need to go and pack my stuff. He said, gesturing me to leave.
Alright, but you’re telling me everything when you come back in a non-cryptic way. I added nonchalantly.
He simply smiled at me, his eyes glinting with amusement. Yes mother.
Now go and pack, you’ll be late. I ordered, turning back around to walk out.
You really are starting to act like a mother. He muttered.
I turned back and stuck out my tongue at him, before running out his door and slamming it shut behind me.
Loser. He yelled out and chuckled.
I ignored him and skipped to Dustin’s room.
So, what did he say ? He asked me with big eyes the second I walked in.
He’s going away for two days, which means we can have an awesome party alone and watch movies and build tents ! I explained excitedly, breaking the sad news to him in the best possible way.
Although I felt slightly chapped to say the least, I was really looking forward to the next two days where I could dump out all my responsibilities and weights and act like Dustin’s age without anyone trying to stop me.
I was still undeniably curious about whoever it was that Nathan was leaving to go see, but I had no right to get protective. Over my kidnapper for God’s sake… Plus, I trusted him to tell me the entire story upon his return, and I strongly believed that the story would be worth it.
Just the two of us ? Dustin asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Yeah, just the two of us. I said mischievously.
He grinned back and started jumping on his bed.
We’re gonna have so much fun ! And play games like hide-n-go-seek and watch movies and make s’mores and build forts and drink lots of apple juice and and- he started rambling on excitedly.
I’m leaving now. We both snapped our heads to the doorway, where Nathan was standing with a black duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
Wow, he was a fast packer.
We’re coming. Dustin said. Just give us a minute.
I held back a laugh.
He stared at me oddly, glancing between the two of us curiously, before sighing and going to the door.
You didn’t tell me everything. He turned to me with his small arms crossed.
He said he’s going because something came up, and he’ll tell me when he gets back. I explained to him.
He nodded, looking more than satisfied with the juicy information he had just discovered.
I followed him out the door shaking my head. He was a smart and stealthy boy. I could definitely see him becoming an agent for the CSI.
We met Nathan at the front door who bent down to give Dustin a hug.
You behave alright ? I’ll see you soon little man. He said, ruffling his hair up.
Dustin giggled and nodded, doing the same to his older brother.
I watched in admiration at the two brothers grabbing at each others hair, until Nathan finally stood up and took a step towards me.
Have a good trip. I said, giving him a small smile.
He nodded and we both just awkwardly stood there, before Dustin broke the tension.
Well ? Aren’t you gonna give her a hug too ? He scolded his older brother.
We both laughed at that adorable kid.
Nathan turned to me and smiled, taking small steps towards me until we were about two inches apart.
Take care of him. He said quietly.