“Of course, whatever you need.” Sky watched Nathan attempt to work, her hand still rubbing Simon’s back absentmindedly. She hadn't known the doctor very long but it was difficult to watch him like this. Frowning slightly, the young assistant wondered why Mrs. Burnoise had felt the need to interfere. Even if Sky had been aware of her plans, what did she expect to have been done in just a week? Nathan was who he was and that was unlikely to change. Besides, he wasn't so bad… was he? Pausing for a moment to imagine seeing the scientist out of the lab, in public with normal people, she suddenly doubted her judgment. [i]Well… No. She’s his mother. If anyone, she should love and accept him.[/i]

Simon began to pull back slightly, redirecting Skylar’s focus. She looked at him and smiled softly, despite his runny nose. She watched him use his sleeve and felt her brow twitch. She gently picked him up and began walking over to the desks where they could sit more comfortably and have access to two boxes of tissues.

“I… It’s a bit complicated, Simon.” She sat the boy down in one of the office chairs and grabbed a tissue. She held it to his nose and waited for him to blow as she continued, “We’re not exactly having a fight but your grandfather’s feelings have been hurt. You see, he thinks I lied to him and I don’t really have a way to prove that I didn't. He just needs some time to think things over and decide if he wants to trust me or not. But I don’t want you to worry about it, okay? This is just a bunch of boring old adult stuff and I promise everything will be alright. Okay?” She gave the sweet young boy the most reassuring smile she could and gently bopped his nose with her finger.

“So. What would Mr. Simon like to do while grandpa works?”