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Chapter 91 Take It Easy
Jonathan tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed Vivian’s words. He was no stranger to people trying to “handle” him carefully—he was smart, too smart for his own good sometimes, and it often made adults wary. But his mother, Cecilia, had always been gentle with him about it. He wasn’t sure how to feel about this reminder, but he understood what Vivian meant.
“Of course, Ms. Kennedy,” he replied seriously, adjusting his backpack. “I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. But I just… don’t like to be underestimated.” He looked up at her with those large, knowing eyes that were a mixture of his mother’s and Nathaniel’s, calculating and perceptive.
Vivian smiled awkwardly, taking a seat beside him in the car as the driver began to pull out of the school parking lot. “It’s not about underestimating you,” she said carefully, “but sometimes, showing everything you know can put you in a position where people… feel threatened. Especially when you’re this young and brilliant.” She shot him a glance, trying to gauge his reaction. “People tend to want to take advantage of that.”
Jonathan nodded thoughtfully. “I know. But… I think that’s why I need to learn everything I can.” He added, almost as an afterthought, “Mom says knowledge is power. And I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning.”
Vivian chuckled softly, charmed by his earnestness. “Your mom’s a wise woman, Jon. You’re going to go far.”
The car ride was quiet after that, both of them lost in their thoughts. Jonathan, as usual, was calm, but Vivian could see the wheels turning in his head, always thinking a few steps ahead. She wondered what it would be like for him to grow up in a world where both Nathaniel’s and Cecilia’s legacies hung over him—two powerful, vastly different forces. It was a lot to carry for someone so young, and Vivian couldn’t help but feel protective of him, though she knew better than to be too overt about it.
As they neared their destination, Jonathan finally spoke up. “Ms. Kennedy, what was Grandma Elena doing at my school today?” He had remembered the brief interaction with Elena before leaving with Vivian. It was clear from his tone that he wasn’t entirely comfortable with her.
Vivian’s expression shifted, her lips curling slightly as she sighed. “She’s been showing more interest in you lately. I can only guess what she’s planning. But don’t worry, Jon, she’s harmless. Just… very curious.”
“She called me a stranger,” Jonathan mused quietly. “She’s probably just trying to be nice, but I don’t like it. I’m not used to strangers trying to get too close.” He shifted in his seat, his gaze turning distant. “She probably doesn’t know that I have a family who takes care of me already.”
Vivian gave him an understanding nod. “People can be strange like that sometimes. But you don’t have to worry about her, okay? You have your own family, and that’s what matters.”
“Thanks, Ms. Kennedy,” Jonathan said, his tone softening. He appreciated her reassurance, though his thoughts were still tangled. He could feel the invisible threads that tied him to so many people—his biological father, Nathaniel, who seemed to be keeping his distance while still showing up in strange ways; his mother, Cecilia, who was still protective but also far more complicated than he could fully understand.
As the car pulled up to the Kennedy house, Vivian glanced at him one more time. “Don’t forget to be careful, Jon. The world doesn’t always make sense, but you’ve got people who will protect you. Your mom, me, others who care about you.”
Jonathan nodded seriously. “I won’t forget.”
As he stepped out of the car, he paused for a moment to look back at Vivian. “Maybe I’ll ask mom about Grandma Elena later. I don’t want to leave any mysteries unsolved.”
Vivian smiled and waved him off. “Good luck with that,” she said, watching him head into the house.
Inside, as Jonathan entered, he saw Cecilia already waiting for him. She was sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of tea in front of her, but she looked up with a gentle smile when he walked in.
“How was school, Jon?”
Jonathan’s expression softened. “It was fine, Mom. Ms. Kennedy was with me today. She said you wanted me to be careful about how much I show off at school.”
Cecilia nodded, her eyes thoughtful. “You’re brilliant, Jon. But sometimes people don’t know how to deal with that. I just want you to be happy and safe.”
Jonathan gave a small, tight smile. “I know, Mom. I don’t mind. I’m just… trying to figure everything out. There’s so much to learn. But I think I’m getting better at it.”
“You are,” Cecilia said softly, her voice filled with pride. “But don’t forget, you don’t have to do it all alone.”
Jonathan paused, then met her gaze. “I know, Mom. I’ve got you.”
Cecilia’s heart softened at the sincerity in his words, and she reached out to ruffle his hair. “You’re going to be alright, Jon. Just remember to always trust yourself. Trust the people who care about you.”
Jonathan gave her a brief, warm smile before heading upstairs to his room. As he walked away, Cecilia’s thoughts returned to the events of the day—the strange encounter with Nathaniel and the mysterious boy at the hospital. She had a feeling the storm was far from over, but for now, all she could do was protect Jonathan and keep him grounded, no matter what happened.
But one thing was certain: whatever lay ahead, she would face it with him, together.
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