Chapter 2 Going back home

Gregory observed the four-year-old as he sat down behind him. His eyes were full of love, compassion, and just a little fear.

His son's birth was and still is the subject of a humorous tale. He was donating his sperm for research one minute, and the next, a pregnant mother arrived at his door. Not just any woman at that. He had found out later on that she was a witch. Which meant, the child would have some traces of her powers if not all of it. He was ready to be father yet talk more of having to father a child with supernatural powers.

At first, he was upset because he didn't want a child born out of wedlock. But the scientists apologized and told him it was to be a secret.

The woman passed away during giving birth. Initially, he had refused to take the infant into custody, but after seeing the tiny him, he changed his mind.

He tried very hard not to worry, but he couldn't help it. He doubted whether he had properly reared his son. He changed from being a child to an adult in a child's body in the space of a few moments. He might be a really intelligent person. Too intelligent for his age.

Aside that, there were times when he'd show part of his other side. He could tell when you were lying, at least a little bit. He could even make the illusion of another person. His eyes changed colors based on how he was feeling . The blue became green when he was angry, red when he was afraid, and so on.

With the amount of things his son was doing, Gregory sometimes doubted if he be able to protect him from the world. Their world.

Tyler's eyes were fixed on the bird as it flew through the glass while he sat there motionless. With the same gaze of love and awe, he observes as children do. His gaze is fixed on the bird, and the sound of its beating wings soothes him in the same way as the gentle lapping of the sea does.

"Dad, you're staring. It's not good to stare"

See what he meant?

He sighed heavily before speaking.

"Ty, your teacher told me you made your classmate cry again"

"He wanted to be friends and I said no"

"Is that all?"

"Y-yes"

"Don't lie to me"

"He's too dumb daddy"

"You told him that?"

"You said to always say the truth"

"I didn't...

He rest his head on the steering wheel. What has he raised. A four year old calling a four year old dumb.

Was the fault from him or the experiment?

"But you're a four year old "

"With a higher IQ dad so you don't expect me to think like regular four year olds"

Higher IQ. Right! It's definitely the experiment.

He should stop thinking so much, and spend more time with his son. There was nothing too much thinking would do for him. He'll just take each day as it comes. So why even worry?

"But... Let's just go home. Seat belt. " he started the engine with a twist of the key. He'll just let his sister handle him.

"Shouldn't we eat first. I am very hungry."

"We'll eat when we get home"

"But I'm hungry. I want to eat now"

"It'll just be ten minutes and we'll be home"

The boy's stomach growled in response.

"Fine, we'll stop by old Matt's"

His phone rang. He didn't want to answer but seeing it was his mom...

"Hello mom. Good afternoon"

"Good afternoon dear. How are you?" came her faint response.

"Mom? You don't sound okay. Are you well?"

"I'm fine. I just....

"My queen, it's time to take your medicine " came a voice from the background.

"Medicine? Mom? What's going on? "

"It's nothing to worry about. I'll be fine in no time but...

"You need me to come back home"

"Don't you think it's time? The throne isn't mine to keep and let's face it, I'm getting old. I should be resting now"

"Isn't there someone else who can take up the throne. I'm happy with my life here......

"That'll be an insult to your father and the kingdom."

"I..

He was interrupted by a tap from Tyler. He pointed to his stomach and mouthed 'food'

"Let me call you back mom"

"Alright. How's my grandson?"

"Still troublesome" He said glaring at Tyler.

"That's a lie grandma. I'm a perfect gentleman" he screamed.

"I believe you dear" the queen echoed back. "I'll wait for your call George. Send my regards to Hilda. I'll still call her".

"Alright mom. Take care of yourself"

***

The four walled living room was pretty big, maybe the biggest room in the whole house. It's shaped like a rectangle. Let's just say it was huge. There's no clutter, everything looks streamlined and clean.

A mixture of endearingly vibrant colours, made it come to life in an instant. Cotton white walls and dark wood floors acts as a blank canvas allowing colour to be introduced by its furnishings and accessories.

Stripped back and neutral tones dominate the walls and floor surfaces. The Ultra Marin lightweight curtains which covers the full length of the window, from ceiling to floor made up one wall. The second wall held the fire place. Right above it was a beautiful painting. The mini bar made up the third wall. Right beside the fourth wall is an entrance that led to the kitchen.

In the middle were two long sofa. One facing the window while the other faced the fireplace. Between these was a small grey rug with a cocktail table.

Gregory sat, with a glass in his hand gazing deeply into the fireplace and it seemed to stare back as it burned higher.

"Face it big bro. We knew this day would eventually come." Hilda said as she caressed the sleeping boy.

"I guess it came sooner than I thought."

"Sooner? We've been away for over 25 years. No, you've been away. I never got to see home."

"Trust me you're missing nothing"

"How'd you know? You were just five when you left. I doubt you remember how home looked like."

She was right, he remembered nothing. It was all a blur now.

"I don't know about you but I really want to go home. Know my roots and all"

"How sweet" he said half laughing. "I bet you'd be craving to come back here after a week"

"I think not. How's mum? She says she's fine even if she's not"

"I spoke with the physician. He said there'll be nothing to worry about as long as she gets enough rest"

"So we're definitely going back this time. Mom needs us"

"I guess so."

"I'll turn in for the night then. We have a busy day ahead."

George stood up and relieved her of the sleeping boy. He murmured and buried his face in his neck.

"Night bro"

"Night"