Chapter 76 76
"My classmates said my daddy doesn't love me. That is why you never took me to school and that is why I didn't know you. Do you love me -"
"Of course I love you." Nathan quickly interrupted Liam. "I love you with all my heart. You are my son. Tell those of your classmates they are going to be seeing a lot of me dropping you off at school."
Liam's face lit up again. "Really!" He said.
"Yes, my son." Nathan confirmed before giving him another hug, while sitting on his lap.
Meanwhile, Brooke was watching the whole union of father and son unfold. Tears streamed down her face. She could clearly see longing in Liam's eyes as he spoke to his father. At that moment, she felt like that bad parent. How could she have missed it all this while?
Nathan finally looked her way while Liam was saying more things about his classmates. He mouthed a 'Thank you' to her.
Brooke shook her head and mouthed back. 'No, Thank you.'
"Edward and Mila are my best friends. We play together and have lunch together. But sometimes, Edward always wants to try my lunch instead and I don't like that at all." Liam reported.
Later that evening, the three were having dinner when Liam kept talking nonstop. He will be quiet for two seconds and the. Find another story to tell his father.
Nathan on the other hand, listened with interest. He asked questions where he felt necessary and acknowledged when needed. He gave Liam most of his attention than to the food on his plate.
"Why is that?" Nathan asked.
"I am not sure." Liam raised his shoulders up and put them down again, pouting his lips. "I guess it's because he has the same metal almost everyday. So he sometimes wants to try mine."
Nathan caressed Liam's cheek. "Liam, my son, maybe his parents are too busy and don't have time to cook different meals everyday. Or maybe they don't have the means to do that."
"What do you mean by they don't have the means? I don't understand." Liam said with a confused expression.
Nathan turned to Liam, giving him more attention. "What I mean is, not everyone has enough money to buy varieties of food to cook different meals everyday. So with the little they have, they buy something cheaper. Then make a lot of the same meal so that it can last them longer and they won't go hungry."
Liam listened attentively. When Nathan finished explaining, he had his mouth in 'O'.
"Now I get it." Liam said.
"Good boy. And do you know, there are more blessings to give than receive?" Nathan asked. "So I think you should sometimes share your food with your friend."
"There is definitely more blessing to give than receive?" Liam repeated, thinking about the words.
"Liam, we talked about sharing. There is love in sharing." Brooke reminded him.
"It is not everyone that is as privileged as you. You won't run out of food. So it is good to share with those that do not have or don't have enough." Nathan continued. "The person who gives, is the same person that gets more in return."
"When you are being generous, it will come back to you in many ways." Nathan went on to describe how he saved a hospital back in Carefree town. The hospital is for children that are sick. Because of that, the community gave back by visiting the park. That helped in generating more. That can be used for the children that need medical care and cannot afford it.
Liam kept asking more questions. While Nathan continued to explain things in more simple terms than will be easy for him to comprehend.
Brooke looked between the two and kept smiling while she ate her dinner. She knows Nathan to be a very generous person. She recalled how he was so worried about winning the bid on the Carefree national park. His intention was mostly on saving the children's hospital.
"Also, Liam, being generous is not all about sharing your meal or snacks with friends. Putting a smile on a sad person's face is too. Helping a friend up when he fell down. Giving someone direction when they are lost or confused and much more. All these generous acts are good for your health too."
"Really, mommy?" Liam asked.
Brooke nodded. "Yes, sweetie."
Liam bowed his head down. "Now I feel bad. I will share my food with my friend next time."
"How about..... More food is prepared so that you and Edward can have enough?" Brooke suggested.
After that, she looked up and her eyes looked with Nathan's. He smiled at her but her own smile faded away. She turned her attention to Liam again. "You are almost done. Finish up your food, sweetie."
"How about a race to see who finishes first." Nathan said.
Immediately, Liam began to eat fast. He had like four spoons left in his plate, while Nathan had one spoon. But he ate his slowly so that Liam would finish before him.
"Yes! Mommy, I won. I finished my food before daddy did." Liam celebrated. "Do I get a prize for my win?" He asked.
"Sure, sweetie." Brooke said. "How about a cookie?"
Liam turned to Nathan. "I don't want cookies mommy. I want daddy to put me to sleep."
Nathan was overjoyed.
Brooke paled. "Sweetie, your daddy must have to go now. Your grandpa is still in the hospital and he has to go to him."
She narrowed her eyes at Liam. It was meant to be a warning. But her attempt failed because Liam continued to plead.
"Please.... Please.... Please mommy." Liam continued to plead. "Please I just want to spend more time with daddy. I promise I won't take long before I sleep. Pretty please." He gave her his pout and gave his puppy dog eyes.
"Bee, I will just put him to bed. Immediately he falls asleep, I will leave." Nathan also joined in the conversation.