For katblu42 and 90 on the 100 Whump Prompt List: 'I'm not a kid anymore so stop treating me like I am!' with Virgil or John
The stamp of a little foot makes her smile, but she hides it from her nine-year-old son as she knows it will just fuel his temper. But her son is so bright and clever, and he stands there, arms folded across his chest and a frown to match his eldest brother at his worst.
Lucy snorts. Nine years going on nineteen…John has been a surprise every step of the way. Almost polar opposite to Scott in every way except this…
'Mommy, you are not taking me seriously.' And again the grin threatens to break out. As she contemplates how she will address this problem John speaks again. 'I'm not a kid anymore so stop treating me like I am! I am not Virgil!'
The seven-year-old object of his lesson glances up at the mention of his name, curiosity clear on his face, but he soon returns to the pile of Meccano he is currently building something from when it is clear that he is not really part of this conversation.
She sighs. Scott was just as stubborn over the same issue last year, but Scott is much more able to take care of himself. John, as bright as he is, is prone to lose himself in his books, his thoughts and miss what is going on around him. Lucy needs to tread carefully. Her boy knows he is smart, and he can see right through the platitudes that both Gordon and Virgil would be satisfied with.
'You're right, John. You are not a little kid anymore, but you are still a kid. Going up to big school next week is a big thing, especially at your age, and I'm sorry if I am a little worried about you.' She smiles to soften the words. Truth is she is worried. John is always a target for bullies and worse, and she knows Scott will look out for him, but Lucy worries just the same.
John rolls his eyes in perfect imitation of his father. He's been looking forward to next week so much, for a little over a year actually. Scott got to middle school a year early because he was bright, and for a short while John was jealous of his only oldest brother's luck. But this year it's his turn.
Parent's don't hold their child's hand and walk them to middle school and kiss them goodbye. He is acutely aware of that, having had this discussion with Scott. But Mom doesn't really see this and is worrying about other things. He huffs. A habit he has picked up from Scott when he can't see what the issue is.
'Moooom,' he whines, knowing that this will get his mom to cave. Lucy can't stand it when he whines because he so rarely does. And she sighs the sigh of a defeated person, holding a hand out to him. He takes it and allows a very brief hug before she holds him at arms-length.
'How about we try it for a week and see how we go, hmm? But you have to walk with Scotty, or the deal is off.' John throws his arms around her momentarily and runs off, flinging a 'thank you Mom,' over his shoulder.
Lucy sighs and sits on the couch next to Virgil, who takes this as his opportunity for time with his Mom. As he snuggles into her side, she looks seriously at him and kisses the top of his forehead.
'Promise me you won't be like your brothers.' His little face, so serious as he contemplates what she's saying, creases slightly, and he reaches over and pats her hand.
'Of course I won't be, Mommy. I am not John.' And with that logical explanation he lays his head on her ever-expanding stomach, giggling as baby Alan kicks him.