Spindle Wood (COMPLETED)

Chapter 24

Pat was sat under the table when the door opened. "Hi, Dada!" He called, recognising his Dada's shoes immediately.

"Hey, little man." Roman crouched down and smiled at Pat. "What're you doing under the table?"

"It's not a table!" Pat protested, sounding scandalised. "It's Smoke's dragon cave! She's protecting the princess from the evil knights who want to take her away and make her marry a man she doesn't love."

"Well, that sounds very noble." Roman said seriously. "I'm sorry for being so blind-sided. It's a very magnificent cave."

"Smoke thinks so too." Pat said, grinning. "She accepts your apology and hopes to work with you in the future."

"That's very kind of her, little man." Roman said. "Any reason why particularly?"

"Because she knows how you go out and protect people from the nightmare man." Pat said, looking down at his new dolls. "She says it's very brave."

"Tell her thank you from me for the generous offer but I will have to politely decline." Roman said. Pat's head shot up.

"Why?!"

"Because I have everything I could ever want in life here." His Dada grinned. "A nice home, doting boyfriend-"

"Shut up, I do not dote!" Vee cut in from somewhere outside Pat's eye-line.

"You're sure about that, Vee?" Roman asked, grinning cheekily. He looked back at Pat and winked, making Pat giggle.

"Anyway, I have enough adventure here to last a life-time." Roman said. "And I wouldn't change it for all the magic in the world."

Pat nodded slowly, digesting the information and turning it over in his mind. "Smoke say she understands." He said. "Maybe another day?"

Roman nodded. "Maybe. Anyway," he pushed himself up from where he was crouching, "how's today been?"

"Fine, love." Vee said as Pat scooted out from under the table. "Pat's finished off painting some spinning tops and I've got a couple soft toys done and it should be good for the market tomorrow."

Roman looked over to the window sill to inspect the toys. Pat giggled excitedly. "D'you like it, Dada?"

Roman nodded slowly. "Very fine painting." He said. "Incredibly fine. You know, Vee, Pat may well take over the business before he's 16."

"I doubt it." Vee's tone was playful enough but there was something in the way he almost glared at Roman. Like a warning sign.

"Papa said I could go outside if it was alright with you." Pat blurted out.

"I did not." Vee said quickly when Roman looked up at him. "I simply said we'd talk it over with Roman first and then we'll see."

"I'm 12." Pat said when Roman looked at him. "That prince I saw ages ago was only 11 when he went out." Pat jutted his chin out. "I'm definitely old enough."

Roman hesitated, glancing at Vee. "I'm not sure, little man." He said.

"But I'm old enough!" Pat insisted. "And it wouldn't be for nothing! I could go out berry picking or- or flower picking! Or apple picking! I can get up more trees and into more bushes than any of you can, even Uncle Remus. I'm small enough and light enough!" He looked from Vee to Roman. "And I- I wouldn't go beyond the river or speak to strangers. I promise! I'd be perfectly safe." He promised.

Roman looked over to Vee. Vee shrugged. "I said wait until you got home, love." He said. "I thought this would be better if we all talked about it."

"If it's for all of us to talk about," Roman said like he was picking and choosing each word carefully, "then I think we should wait until Re-"

"Uncle Remus wouldn't mind!" Pat butted in quickly. "He wants me to be happy and safe." He said slowly. "This would make me happy."

Neither Roman nor Vee said anything. Eventually, Vee crouched down and put his hand on Pat's shoulder. "We're just worried, Pat, that's all." He said.

"I'd be fine, Papa, I promise." Pat insisted. "I'm not stupid, I wouldn't go beyond the river and I know I kinda set a bad example for myself two years ago with the nightmare man and everything but... I just really want to go. Please?"

Vee held eye-contact with Pat for a couple of seconds before sighing and standing up. "Love, what's your thoughts on this?" He asked, tucking his hands under his arms. Roman shrugged.

"I mean, as long as Pat's safe," he said slowly, "I don't see why not." He looked at Pat. "As long as you don't break your promise, okay?"

Pat nodded quickly, brimming with excitement. "I promise, I promise, I promise!"

I actually like this chapter.
FUCKING FINALLY!
Also, happy 2022.
Bye,
Blaize