As soon as they finished eating, Edie took Cecil to see Stuart. When they arrived at the L. N. headquarters in England, Edie looked down at Cecil and said, "This is where Stuart was born. He worked here for his mother when he was very young."
Ivan took them upstairs to the top floor and walked over to talk to the receptionist. "We’re here to see Mr. Yates," he told him.
"I’m sorry, but he’s in a board eting," he replied, looking from Edie to Cecil. He looked at them suspiciously, wondering who they were and why they were here to see Stuart.
"Mr. Yates is expecting us," Ivan replied in a firm voice.
The secretary glanced and Edie. ’What is her relationship with Mr. Yates?’ he wondered. "Okay, follow ," he said and took them to a private lounge.
Ivan could feel his heart beating faster, and his anxiety was growing. He leaned against the wall and gave a nervous smile to the secretary. "Thank you," he said. He was frantic with worry and couldn’t stop thinking. ’When is the eting going to finish? He’ll know what to do with this kid.’
Cecil looked up at Edie with his big green eyes wide open. "You said that Stuart works here?" he asked.
Edie could hear the worry invoice. "Yes. Why? What’s wrong?" she said curiously.
"My father works here, and he told his boss is not a nice person. He also said his boss was a little odd," he replied with a severe tone of his voice.
This was so unexpected. Edie stood there speechless for a mont. "What do you an by this?" she replied, her voice sounded edgy.
"My father has a very important job here. He said his boss doesn’t like won, only n. If you look around, the only woman you see is you," he said. He lets out a little giggle and asks, "My father also said that n who like other n are gay. Do you know what gay ans?"
Edie was speechless. It took a while for his words to sink in. ’Did everyone in Britain believe Stuart was gay too? How does Cecil know about the rumors?’ Her brain was spinning with questions. Once she ca to her senses, she hurriedly explained, "It’s only gossip. He’s just an ordinary man....." She hesitated and continued. "You said your father works here. Would he be in the building now?"
Cecil put his arms around Edie’s waist, and she gently rubbed his cheek. "Yes...but I want to be with you. When I grow up, will you be with ? Please...." he said in a pleading voice.
Edie couldn’t stop laughing at his remarks. She rubbed his head and said, "Of course, I will."
Cecil started jumping up and down. "I knew it," he said. His voice is full of excitent. Then he suddenly kissed Edie on the lips. Edie stood there with a stunned expression on her face.
"What do you think you’re doing?" A loud and cold voice shouted from the door. Then a man ca in and lifted Cecil up and set him on the sofa.
"Stuart, what are you doing?" Edie asked frantically.
"He’s a bully." Cecil no sooner got the words out of his mouth and his eyes were full of tears. He saw the expression on Edie’s face and tried to get up, but Stuart held him down.
Edie whispered in Stuart’s ear, "Take it easy. You’re too hard on him."
Stuart never responded. Staring at Cecil, he frowned and narrowed his eyes. "Let go," Cecil sobbed.
Edie looks at Stuart with pleading eyes. "He’s only a little boy. Why are you so upset?"
Again Stuart never responded to Edie. He glares into Cecil’s eyes. "Don’t you put your hands on her. Do you hear ?" Stuart’s voice was cold and firm.
Cecil stayed on the sofa and shut his eyes as the tears ca down faster. "I’m scared! Help !" he cried, his voice hoarse with terror and dismay.
Edie couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed Stuart out of the way and held Cecil in her arms. Looking down, Stuart saw Cecil smiling from ear to ear. Cecil raised his chin and gave Stuart a defiant look. Stuart squinted at the boy and let out his breath in disgust. "Ivan, take him. He’s going ho."
Cecil cried out in terror and clung to Edie’s dress. He scread as loud as he could. "Help ! They’re going to hurt ."
"Master Cecil, behave yourself...Listen to Mr. Yates," Ivan said hesitantly.
Cecil’s identity was revealed. His expression changed; it beca alert and intent. "That’s no fun. My father told I could have soone to play with, and I want her," he said as he pointed to Edie.
Edie was silent for a few monts trying to gather her thoughts. "What did you call him? And how do you know each other?" she said as her voice slightly raised.
"He’s....." Ivan was just about to explain, but Cecil interrupted him.
"I told you the truth. My na is Cecil, but I’m Stuart’s cousin. That’s why I ca to see you today," he explained. He hugged Edie. Then a sly smile spread across his lips as he glanced from Stuart to Ivan.
Edie’s eyes opened wide in surprise. "You’re Stuart’s cousin?"
"Cecil’s my uncle’s son and loves getting himself into mischief," Stuart explained.
Then Edie rembered what Cecil told her. "Bette Yates, I should’ve known who he was," she said in a low voice.
Cecil was putting his hands all over Edie, and Stuart glared at him with cold eyes. "I already told you not to touch her. Take your dirty little hands off her," he demanded.
"NO!" Cecil shouted, shaking his head. "She likes , and she’s going to be my girlfriend when I grow up." He looked at Ivan and Stuart and grinned a sinister smile. "I’m not..."
Stuart picked up Cecil and passed him to Ivan. "I don’t want to hear another word out of you," he said with eyes of steel and completely irritated with him.
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