Buttercup

Chapter 3 The spoilt brat

Chapter 3 The spoilt brat

'Fourth, we want to start the hike right away. The spoilt brat should be fit again by now,' Mark shook his head, "you are the only one who can talk to him. It's not acceptable that he doesn't participate in any group activities. Please can you persuade him!" Fourth couldn't keep his demanding look.

For six days, Gem's foot had been painfully unchanged. At least he grimaced in agony when Fourth tried to let him stand without support. The sprain didn't seem to heal, and Gem demanded the 'buttercup's' son personally at his side to recover.

He was so far away from his mother and longed for the loving care she had always given him.

Fourth seemed to be the perfect replacement.

He was so kind, strong and gentle.

Gem enjoyed the care he received from him to the full.

'You do realise that this fierce guy is only faking it so that he can continue to be pampered by you,' Mark repeated what Satang had said first and Perth next.

Since the accident in the forest, Gem had been unwilling to leave his hut for the group meetings. The educators had visited him several times to assess his condition. Fourth was amazed every time how Gem immediately reverted to the angry boy when others were around. He was grim, annoyed and short-tempered.

'You'll have to do without me. My foot still hurts. It'll be better tomorrow!' he simply turned around in bed and demanded to be left alone.

No one wanted to go near him.

Fourth was the only one allowed to visit him.

He brought him food, helped him get up and his small hands gently massaged the badly injured foot.

'I think we should take you to the doctor. Why aren't you feeling better?' Fourth worried on the second day.

But Gem's answer triggered incessant giggling in Fourth.

'No! I don't want to go to the doctor!' he pouted childishly, "As long as you take care of me, I'll get better every day!" he smiled, "I'm in a good mood with you. The others just annoy me and I can't heal!" he explained his decision to Fourth.

And he looked at Fourth with big, demanding eyes.

'Hehehehehe!' Fourth giggled and felt honoured.

The angry boy was tame and friendly in his hands, after all.

Even though Fourth knew full well that Gem was using him for his own purposes, he felt willing to pamper him with his care.

'Fourth, will you stay with me?' Gem asked, obviously enjoying the younger one's giggles, "Please!" his eyes rolled adorably.

And what else could Fourth have answered?

He felt so comfortable by Gem's side. They laughed, talked, and listened to each other as they told stories of their lives.

A friendship developed that took such deep roots.

Both felt the power that attested to their bond and for the first time in his life, Fourth allowed himself not to consider the consequences of his absence.

'Mark, he's not a spoiled brat!' Fourth replied hesitantly, "I'll take care of him. You guys go hiking!" he patted him on the shoulder.

And Mark's irritated face was no longer looked at.

'Fourth, the rules at the 'Buttercup' apply to everyone. Gem can't just avoid the activities!' his voice sounded serious, "Besides, we need you on the hike. You know your way around the woods best," Mark searched Fourth's mind.