Chapter 237 Sam Rejected Them
Colin had come to understand that Sam was grappling with some emotional hurdles, but he believed it was temporary. If they could stabilize Sam's emotions and guide him gently, things could return to normal.
However, getting Sam to accept Sophia again would be challenging. They needed to first calm him down and then gradually awaken his longing for a mother's love.
Sophia made daily visits to the Lancaster Family's old mansion, but each time she came up empty, never catching a glimpse of Sam.
On Monday, Tiffany was notably uneasy sitting in the executive office, not having seen Gabriel all day. She wanted to explain things to him but ended up sending him a series of messages on WhatsApp.
Gabriel didn't check the messages. He was working from home as much as possible, and on the rare occasions he had to leave, he made sure to return promptly.
Madam Lancaster tried to speak well of Sophia to Sam, but as soon as he heard the name Sophia or the word "mom," he would shut down.
Eventually, Madam Lancaster had to give up as well.
By Wednesday, Sam agreed to go to preschool, and Gabriel took him there himself. "I'll pick you up after school," he said.
Sam blinked once, then turned to walk in with his little backpack.
"Sam!"
Ethan and Emma saw Sam and clustered around him. He passed them without any expression, coolly taking his seat.
Their eyes met—it was clear. Sam was giving them the cold shoulder!
They had heard from their godmother about the deep misunderstandings Sam had about their mom. Sam believed his mom had abandoned him, which was why he was ignoring both her and them.
Emma was beside herself with worry. Returning to her seat, she kept talking to Sam.
"Why aren't you talking to me, Sam?"
"We're best friends. If you ignore me, I'll be very sad."
"Sam, what's wrong?"
The more Emma talked, the more upset she became. 'Sam really doesn't want them anymore.' She thought.
Josie sat behind, watching the scene in confusion.
Sam got up to look for the teacher.
After returning, the teacher had reassigned the seating, pairing Sam with another student.
Emma's heart sank, and she felt an overwhelming urge to cry.
She turned her head, teary-eyed, to Ethan.
"Sam's being so unfair. He doesn't want to sit with me anymore."
Ethan furrowed his brow tightly. They hadn't planned on letting Sam in on the truth so soon, but circumstances had changed, forcing their hand.
Yet deep down, Sam longed for a mother's love and had come to see both Emma and himself as siblings. It didn't make sense for Sam to be totally unable to accept the situation.
"Remember how you used to make up with Sam after you'd annoy him with your mischief?" Ethan asked.
Emma nodded, her eyes lighting up with an idea.
Josie's adorable face was filled with puzzled concern.
They were supposed to be the best of friends. Could there have been a fight? Did Emma upset Sam?
"Can I help?" she offered.
During recess, while the teacher shepherded the kids in play, Sam stood alone in the corner. He wasn't interested in joining the others, and given his unique circumstances, the staff didn't press him.
Emma ran up holding her favorite snack, eagerly offering the whole thing to Sam.
He took it reflexively, but his grip loosened once he saw it was Emma, and the snacks dropped to the ground, leaving Emma pouting in sadness.
"I gave you my favorite snack, and you still won't talk to me?"
Sam was lost in his own world, an unbothered little prince, indifferent to the world around him.
Emma picked up the snacks from the ground, trying again to hand them to Sam.
With his hands dangling at his sides, Sam wasn't receptive, so Emma grabbed his hand, insisting he take the treat.
Sam gently brushed Emma's hand away without wanting to receive the snacks.
"Oops." Emma fell down.
Stunned, Sam couldn't believe it. He had barely touched her, so how did she fall?
As he came to his senses, instinctively reaching to help her up, Josie appeared out of nowhere, a self-appointed avenger, chastising Sam: "How could you push Emma?"
Josie blinked nervously, her hands sweating. It was her first time doing something like this, and she was nervous, hoping she had done enough to satisfy Emma.
Emma, sobbing, pouted her red little lips, with tears streaming down like pearls. Ethan stood by, sternly watching the scene with disappointment in his eyes.
Emma burst into tears, crying so hard she was gasping for air, clutching her bottom and elbows.
"My tushy hurts, my hands too. Oww, it hurts so much. I can't stand up..."
Emma's sobs were heartbreaking, and Sam felt an ache in his chest at the sight.
He remembered the kidnapping, how Emma had been blindfolded and gagged, a pitiful sight, but not as pitiful as she was now.
Because this time, it was Sam himself who had pushed her over.
Consumed with guilt and sympathy, Sam hurried to help her up.
"I'm sorry, it... it was an accident."
"You made me drop my snacks too," Emma whimpered, rubbing her eyes until they were redder.
"It was an accident," Sam repeated, barely above a whisper.
"Then why won't you forgive me?"
"I..." Sam was at a loss for words.
Ethan seized the moment, placing a gentle hand on Sam's shoulder, speaking earnestly, "Even if you're mad at Emma and me, you shouldn't have pushed her. She's never cried like this before."
"You've always said Emma's like your little sister. Would a brother push his sister?"
Sam's guilt deepened.
Emma's crying grew louder.
Even the teacher started to take notice.
"It was an accident," was all Sam could say.
Ethan prodded, "Can you tell us why you're mad at us?"
Sam's head hung low, his heart filled with words that he thought could hurt Ethan and Emma, so he chose to remain silent.
Ethan pressed on, "Are you willing to make up with us?"
Silence was Sam's response.
"I'm your brother, Emma is your sister – we're the closest people in the world to you, your best friends. You can't ignore us over a misunderstanding."
Puffing up in her pretend anger mixed with real tears, Emma clamored to her feet, "I want a brother who loves and cherishes me, not one who bullies me. If he doesn't want to be my brother, then I don't want him as one!"
With that, Emma ran off.
"Emma," Josie called out, chasing after her.
Ethan let out a sigh.
The teacher was about to come over and investigate when she saw Emma running and Sam standing with his head bowed.
Ethan reassured the teacher, "It was just play-fighting, Miss, no real argument here."
Convinced by Ethan's earnest eyes, the teacher patted his head with a smile.
She thought she saw Sam trying to speak, giving him a puzzled look.
Then the teacher went to usher the students into the classroom. Ethan turned away, but suddenly, Sam tugged at his shirt and whispered, "I'm willing to make amends."
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