Chapter Four

"Paton, please!" said James.

"No, you gave up my sister for...for...for that little whiney... thing" cried Paton staring at the wall.

Paton had kept his back to James since they got home.

"Paton, it's what she wanted, we'll go back for her, I promise."

"No. Don't you ever promise me anything, you promised me the trip to Yorwynd would be fun, and what happens? Mum dies! You said we would never leave family behind anywhere, but you wouldn't trade Lyell for Nita! Do you even care about her?"

"Paton! Of course I do!"

"Then why would you do this?"

"Because I need to think! Venetia said she wouldn'tt orgive me if I gace up Lyell... and because I need a break... everything is happening so fast... I just can't think straight."

"WELL WE'VE BEEN HOME FOR THREE HOURS, HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF SOMETHING?"

"Well... not yet..."

"That's what I thought, Daddy... that's what I thought..."

"Paton, listen. I'm just... stressed..."

"That's an understatement," grunted Paton.

"So you forgive me?"

"No."

"Go to your room... maybe we both need some space..."

Paton stood.

"Gladly... bet you don't need any space from your new favorite son." he pointed to Lyell before running to his room, locking the door and collapsing onto the bed.

Help me... he thought Nita and mum were the only people who understood me... now they're lost to me... if... if I coul just take things in without feeling the pain I'd like it more... and Paton fell asleep deep in thought.