Since when does Paul help with anything? At home, I had to do everything myself! All he did was hand me some tape and comment on everything I put in the boxes.
Paul takes off his jacket and puts it on the sofa. The sofa that will be my bed from tonight on.
“Where’s the bathroom?” He asks the children.
They point to the corridor.
Paul disappears and I approach them. “Can I give you a hand or something?”
Logan laughs mockingly.
“I’m not that old,” I say, a little hurt.
“It’s not because you are old,” Emily informs me. “It’s because he doesn’t need anyone.”
I overlook the fact that no one here has confirmed that I am not old.
“Oh yeah?” I ask Logan, who lifts his head and adjusts his glasses.
“Let’s just say I can take care of myself.”
“He’s a nerd, you know.” Mason provides the bit of information that still eludes me. “One of those nerds that makes you nervous.”
“Well, there’s nothing wrong with being a nerd,” I say, trying to join the conversation.
“And who said otherwise?” Now Logan looks angry.
I raise my head towards Paul, who has just returned to the living room for a little help, but in response, he mimes a sarcastic “You’re doing great,” before joining Mr Yang in the kitchen.
I have only just set foot in this house and I have already made a poor impression.
I’m not good with children. That’s why I avoid them. And yet here I am, walking through the front door into their home and life, all in the space of a few weeks.
What the hell am I doing?
“I’m going to ask Mr Yang if he needs any help,” I warn them, before walking away to catch my breath.
“They’ve already cut you up, haven’t they?” Paul asks me, laughing.
“I don’t think they like me.”
“They’re suspicious,” Mr Yang warns me.
“I understand that.”
“They don’t know how long you’ll stay. And how much damage you will do.”
“I’m not here to do any harm, Mr Yang.”
Mr Yang looks at me over his shoulder but does not answer.
I have been here for five minutes and I already regret it.
“Perhaps I’ll set the table,” Paul offers, on the pretext of leaving me alone with Mr Yang.
“I understand that you are also very cautious.”
‘I love these children. And I love Seth.”
