“Jamie, why did you badmouth Robbie so?”
Ellie was extremely shocked. After all, this was the first time Jamie was angry with Robbie.
“I know that you resent Great-grandpa because of Mommy. You’ve been criticizing him and causing him trouble here and there. Now that he’s fainted, are you now happy?” Jamie shouted angrily while clenching his fists tight.
“Yes! I’m the one who shocked Great-grandpa until he fainted,” Robbie raised his head and glared calmly at Jamie as he admitted, “If he dies, I’ll pay for his life with mine!”
Upon hearing these words, Jamie was momentarily stunned. His eyes widened and he dared not to say a word.
“Robbie…” Raina was frightened at his outburst and hurriedly consoled him, “Don’t say that. This is purely an accident. No one could blame you for it…”
“Yet, but…” Robbie suddenly interrupted Raina, as he continued looking at Jamie intently, “Shouldn’t you hate him on Mommy’s behalf?”
“I… I…” Jamie was too taken aback to mount a reply.
“Forget it. You know nothing, Jamie.” Robbie muttered with a bitter smile. However, he could understand Jamie’s sense of attachment and thoughts. After all, Great-grandpa was really good to all of them. He was also the only one who witnessed the whole scene where Mommy was forced away.
Jamie and Ellie had no idea of the whole thing.
Moreover, after the incident, Great-grandpa and Daddy unanimously agreed to tell the lie that Mommy passed away unexpectedly due to her illness.
Sadly, they had all believed the concocted lie.
Only Robbie knew the truth.
“Robbie, what do you mean by that?” Jamie anxiously asked, vaguely feeling something was amiss. “Are you hiding any secret from me?”
“Nothing,” Robbie replied coldly before sarcastically retorting, “Just continue to be the naive kid that you are!”
With that, he turned and left…
“Robbie…” Jamie chased after him and pestered, “I don’t understand why you have to hide everything from us every time. It is understandable to keep things away from Ellie since she’s a girl and we need to protect her as brothers. But I’m a boy just like you and I want to share the burden with you. If you never tell me things, yet you said that I know nothing…”
Upon this outburst, Jamie felt wronged and started to sob…
Turning to face Jamie, Robbie felt slightly guilty. After all, the seemingly naive Jamie had now grown up…
“I know I’m not as smart as you, nor as capable,” Jamie uttered in a choking manner as he wiped away his tears, “But I’m also a member in this family. The search for Mommy is my responsibility too. After all, she’s our Mommy, not yours alone…”
“Shush! Shut up!” Robbie quickly cupped his hand over Jamie’s mouth as he warned in a low voice, “This is a secret. No one shall know.”
Jamie’s tear-filled eyes widened as he nodded vigorously.
“Don’t ever speak of this anymore,” Robbie warned in a serious tone as he removed his hand.
“I’m sorry. I was too caught up just now,” Jamie apologized as he bowed his head. “However, Great-grandpa has been good to us. I still hope that he’ll get better. In the future, don’t be angry with him, okay?”
“Understood…” Robbie nodded his head as well. Turning to face Ellie who was standing awkwardly at the door looking at them with tears in her eyes, Robbie immediately scolded Jamie, “Look, you’ve scared Ellie. Now she’s the one crying.”
“Don’t forget Fifi!” came in indignant squawk.
Fifi was curled up like a little green ball in Ellie’s arms shivering.
“Ellie, Fifi, I’m sorry.” Jamie walked over and gave Ellie a hug with his small arms. “I must’ve scared you!”
“Boohoo…” Ellie started sobbing.
Robbie hurriedly walked over and hugged them both. “Don’t cry. Don’t be afraid. With me around, nothing will happen…”
The three siblings were in a group hug. The two brothers tried to console their little sister. There were tears in Jamie’s eyes, but he held them back with all his effort.
Robbie meanwhile had a look of courage and firmness in his eyes. His little shoulders were now shouldering the responsibility to protect his younger siblings – as a true big brother would.
At the corner of the promenade outside, Charlotte stood there and peeked at the unfolding scene quietly. Her heart was trembling and tears started to stream down inexplicably as she lowered her head…
