The Little Giant

Frustration and Joy

"Hello, Joshua. "The last thing Ben wanted was for the counselor to request a short meeting ten minutes after Noah's. More importantly, Bruce targeted Carlos.

"Mr. Prince was it?" Joshua had a round face, blue jeans, and a navy polo shirt. He was mid 30's yet resembled a school teacher and a young college student.

Carlos was too busy eying the green carpet, violet walls, a small fancy chandelier, and a beautiful carved books shelf. Joshua's desk had a rainbow cup filled with multi-colored lickerish. Red and yellow leather chairs were the seating. "Woah!" He discovered the recliner lever.

"Carlos...." Ben elbowed his friend.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, I'm Carlos Prince."

Joshua checked his notes, a large forest green binder holding comments regarding Noah's appointment.

"Noah's very fond of you," Joshua noted. "

There's always a catch with Joshua.

"Im deeply worried though."

Knew it.

"Worried? I wouldn't dare hurt Noah." Carlos said.

Joshua grabbed a purple lickerish and nibbled the tip. "Physically? I spot no danger. Mentally? Yes, there's a high-risk factor. Noah shared his concern about staying a week and leaving. The kid's grown attached to you, an unhealthy attachment."

"Unhealthy? Carlos is a great influence." Ben's fingernails dug into the armrest.

"I agree, however, have either of you two considered the risk if Carlos leaves? Noah's lost his parents has zero friends and is adjusting to life with his brother. If he loses Carlos, I fear Noah will be devastated. Ben, I'm also shocked you allowed a stranger to enter your lives without thinking."

Ben was pissed. He knew Joshua pointed out valid points. He wasn't expecting Noah would befriend Carlos, he didn't even know he would care for Carlos too. Ben honestly created the situation carelessly.

"There's a chance Carlos will stay," Ben told Joshua.

"A chance, even worst since Noah's been given false hope."

Carlos stood and towered above Joshua.

"False hope? False hope?! What did Noah have prior? Sadness? Loneliness?! Hope is what he needs! Do not dare say all hope is false! I'm determined to stay!"

Damn...his pissed-off mood is hot.

"Then stay, Mr. Prince. If Noah's important enough, you'll settle whatever's holding you back."

Are we being selfish? Should we help Carlos leave behind his kingdom? He won't be a prince here, he'll be stuck living an average human life. No fantasy adventures, royal balls, or huge palace feasts. He'll leave behind his world. I'm convincing myself we're wrong. I'm wishing and hoping my mind tricks me to believe Carlos's choice is wrong.  On the other hand, my heart wants him to stay forever.

"I'm trying." Carlos huffed.

"Recommend trying harder and faster." Joshua huffed back.

Ben was tired and had enough. Time to leave was a good choice. "Thanks, sir, if there's isn't left we'll leave."

Joshua's button pen clicker under his thumb obnoxiously. "Mr. Prince, leave us. Ben, stay."