A Little Bit Of Joy | ✔

Chapter Twenty Two : The Grandpa's Support

As we stumbled outside the flower shop, we bumped into my grandpa who took hold of both Logan and my arm and dragged us inside. "Where do you think you two are going leaving the shop like that?"

"Er-I called Shaun, he said that he'll come and look after for a while," I said in a small voice and grandpa narrowed his eyes, raising his white bushy eyebrows simultaneously which made him look funny instead of threatening. 

"Is that why you're getting paid, eh?" His mocking question was directed towards Logan who's lips pursed into a thin line. "Answer me, kid, before I fire your ass right away."

"Sorry sir," Logan mumbled almost grudgingly, his Adam's apple bobbling. 

"Grandpa, we need to really go," I pleaded with my wide eyes feigning innocence as grandpa avoided my gaze, afraid that he would succumb to his dear granddaughter's begging. "Please grandpa, let us go. We have to hurry."

"Where is it you both want to go?" he grumbled and I suppressed my triumphant smile because at least he was ready to hear us.

So, I hurriedly told him the entire story which Logan reluctantly allowed me to. Grandpa surprisingly listened intently, his features softening before slight nervousness overtook him. He understood the situation Logan was in, at least he seemed to understand because he instructed, "Go to the apartment to grab your things kid. You can take the truck. After that, stay tonight in Shaun's room before we can move you in the morning."

It felt so good when an adult took responsibility, especially when we didn't know what to do.

Logan and I visibly relaxed a little and felt pleased at the same time. I asked curiously, "Where will we move him in the morning?"

"The lighthouse," grandpa replied flatly as if he had sorted the entire plan out. The abandoned lighthouse located on the protruding strip of land in the coast would be perfect. Grandpa spent several nights there reminiscing his lovely moments with grandma and I was sure that he would have maintained the place a little even though the ground floor was filled with debris. Besides, nobody went there. Logan would be safe.

"We can move him there now, can't we? It would be safer in case his uncle reports to the police and they come searching at our place," I pointed out and my grandpa's face turned grim.

"I have to clean that place, make sure everything is in order since he's supposed to live there for eleven days," grandpa grunted and I nodded in understanding. We had to trust grandpa, he had more experience in life than us and I knew that his decisions would be wise and thoughtful. I was glad that he even gave up the lighthouse so easily, the place that held profound meaning for him.

"Thank you, sir, for being supportive," Logan thanked a bit too formally, but I could notice the admiration and respect shining in his eyes for my grandpa.

My grandpa brushed it off like it was nothing. "I'm doing this for only my granddaughter."

Logan and I both glanced at each other, a sly, knowing smile etched on our faces and grandpa irritatedly pushed us out of the shop.

"Get out of here you both and don't get caught. There's this shop to be looked after," he grouched dismissively and Logan and I headed to the truck. Logan got in the driver's seat and I made myself comfortable in the passenger seat beside him. We snapped the familiar seatbelt in place and Logan started to drive. I waved at grandpa with a tender smile and he watched us disappear by the end of the street, a sombre expression on his face.

"So this uncle of yours . . . How is he besides ruthless and inconsiderate?" I asked, breaking the odd silence looming over the truck.

Logan's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly and I could notice his knuckles turning white. He let out a sardonic laugh. "Those words wouldn't suffice to how he really is."