Confidante

Children Children

You didn't know where you were going, but in George's wise words, any road will take you there.

You glanced out the window of the passenger seat, noticing more countryside features approaching.

You began to wonder just where Paul had planned to take you.

Suddenly, the car stopped, where you laid your eyes on a series of rolling hills.

"Why are we in a flower field? This is stupid." Jake wailed.

"Come on, Jake, have a little fun," Veronica encouraged, running around while there was still daylight, forcing Jake to do the same.

The sun started to set on the horizon. Paul slides his hand in yours, resting his head on your shoulder.

"Pretty, isn't it?" He asks.

"Beautiful."

The glowing light disappears, replacing itself with another. Paul takes both of your hands and kisses you under the moonlight.

"Alright, I've had enough," Jake snaps. "Why'd you even bring us here if this was all for you? Just to make us watch you kiss? Some people don't want to see that!"

Paul sighs and turns away from everyone, even you.

"Paulie?"

You looked at him to see he was on the verge of tears.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"What?"

"Why does Jake despise me?"

"I wish I knew...all I know is that he doesn't like it when we show affection."

Pau stood up and walked to the car.

"Oh...you want to leave? I understand..."

"No, we're not leaving just yet. I'm going to try to create some fun for us all, " he had grabbed his guitar, something you didn't even know he brought with him. "Bring them over."

"What are you-"

"Trust me, Y/N. Bring them over."

You sighed and brought Jake and Veronica over to Paul, terrified of the reactions that could result.

Paul began a light strumming on his guitar, closing his eyes and singing a peaceful tune you remembered:

"I know a tiny waterfall, a magic little place, where we can play together and watch the fishes race. Children, children, where are you? Hiding in the forest, playing in the rain. I hope you're not too far away for me to see again."

You knew this couldn't end well. Depending on how Jake took the events of today, an attempt to make him smile most likely would only make things worse.

Wait...do your eyes deceive you? Is he there with Veronica huddled around Paul, actually interested?

You decided to stand back in case it all went wrong, smiling at their enthusiasm and Paul's more playful actions on the second verse.

"Well I know where there's a fairy who will invite us all to tea, but she won't let me in alone, you'll have to come with me. Children, children, where are you? Hiding in the forest, playing in the rain. I hope you're not too far away for me to see again."

You couldn't believe it. Both of them were giggling and having a blast.

"Alright, you two, I want to hear you sing this time, ok?" Paul urged.

"That means you too, grandma!" Jake yelled, unexpectedly.

You gladly joined them, repeating the first verse and chorus once more.

"Well, it's getting late now. We should probably head home."

A sudden whine is heard from both grandkids.

"Sorry, but we have to go home sometime. And what happened to not having any fun, Jake?" you teased.

Jake didn't say anything for the rest of the night.