Little Justin was squatting in a corner alone when Edward and Luke reached the school gate. Almost all his classmates were back home and it was only him who was left to wait for someone to pick him up. His cute baby face wasn't looking good because of anger. His eyes were down as he stared at his shoes. It was not even rocket science to figure out that the child was depressed.
"Justin." Edward called him softly from outside the high electric school door. The view of Justin squatting there alone squeezed his heart so bad as it reminded him of his childhood. He had experienced the same, squatting at the corner alone while waiting for someone to pick him up. The only thing different was that nobody came for him before except for the guards. While in this case, his son had him. That was why he insisted to come there no matter how busy he was. He never wanted his son to have the same bitter memories as he had.
Daddy! I am here!" The little child quickly raised his head upon hearing that familiar voice. His gloomy looks instantly lit up as a slight smile cracked his lips. Then, he sprang out from where he was squatting and dashed towards the door. In a heartbeat, he jumped to his father's wide open arms. "Are you here to pick me up?"
"Yes! I'm sorry! Daddy is late," apologized Edward as he wrapped the kid in his strong arms and carried him. He lovingly scanned his little boy's face. Then without a word, he rubbed his nose playfully with Justin's.
"That's all right. I know you will come to pick me up," giggled the child as he put his tiny arms around his Daddy's neck. He was accustomed to waiting since Daisy had always been late due to her work before. Everything was fine with him as long as his Mommy and Daddy remembered to pick him up.
"Son, we may be late for a while because your mom and I are working. But never will we forget to come for you no matter what." Edward gently pinched his child's face and stepped toward the car Luke had parked near the road.
But you were on a business trip today. How come you still have time to pick me up?" Curiosity was on Justin's voice as he asked. It was a little embarrassing for him to be carried by his Daddy since he was already a big boy. Nevertheless, he enjoyed how it felt to be pampered.
"I came back as soon as I finished work. Why do you ask that? Don't you like Daddy picking you up?" Now it was Edward's turn to ask his young boy. He settled his son inside his luxury car as soon as they reached it and started immediately fixing the child's seat belt. It was only after making sure that Justin was comfortable that he moved to the seat next to his child.
"How'd you say it? I am really happy that you came to pick me up. If only you and mommy could pick me up every day." The little boy tilted his head and saw Luke at the driver seat. His smile went wider as he sweetly called the man, "Hi, Uncle Luke!"
"Why? Isn't it good that grandpa and grandma pick you up?" Edward's handsome face crunched a bit as he looked at his son. He wondered what he was thinking.
"It's not bad. It's just that people who don't know our relationship always think they are my parents." Justin explained while pursing his lips. The scenario about his grandparents taking him home from school was embarrassing. Not a single soul believed him when he said that they were his grandparents. Everybody thought he was lying and that he was their child instead. His grandparents were just too young!
"That's not a big deal! Explain it to your classmates, and it will be okay." Edward hadn't really thought about this thing. He had to admit though that he had always been questioned the same way as Justin when with them. People just couldn't believe that they were his parents. He just got used to it that he ended up ignoring the idea subconsciously.
"No, the way they look at me is awful." Little Justin continued to grimace. It wasn't that pleasant when others got weirded out after he explained. They all thought that his family was strange!
Why? Did they say anything bad?" asked Edward with furrowed brows. If so, then he really needed to take the problem seriously. He did not want Justin to experience anything bad.
"No, they didn't. I don't like it anyway." Seconds more and little Justin began to behave spoiled. He reached out his chubby hands to his Daddy's face and started pinching him nonstop. Edward had to grasp his child's small hands to stop him.
"We shouldn't be caring too much about what others think, Justin. It will just drain us every day. We should learn to adapt to society rather than wait for the society to adapt to us. Okay?" Edward said seriously as he placed his hand on his son's head and patted it gently. He got no clue if Justin understood him or not. But he hoped that Justin would live a free and easy life. He wanted him to learn how to not give much attention to the outsiders.
Understood, Dad! What I need to do next time it happens is to adjust my mind and think differently." Justin shut his mouth tightly after the words. He felt that what his father said was true. He needed to stay calm.
"Remember, as a man, we must be strong and rational. Only in this way can we become really good men." Edward scratched the tip of his nose. He could only influence his child but could never control nor replace him. Justin would need to learn how to live his entire life happily.
"I'll keep it in mind, Dad." Although Justin couldn't understand what Edward exactly meant by saying those, he felt the love and good intention behind it.
"Very good! You are indeed my child!" Edward said happily. Justin had always been his pride as he not only inherited all his good qualities but also his mother's kindness and courage.
Of course, I am the World Invincible Warrior!" Justin's face beamed with pride as he heard how his Dad praised him. He was suddenly lively and all charged up.