Chapter Text
Nicky had been struggling with algebra and many times, he had thrown the math book through the room with a frustrating groan.
“Hey little brother,” Booker said as he kneeled beside Nicky's desk.
“Hey,” Nicky said with a deep sigh. “Are you sure I’m not stupid?”
“You who plays the piano,” Booker replied. “That makes you the smart one amongst us two.”
Nicky gave Booker a small smile.
“I don’t get algebra,” Nicky said.
“Me neither,” Booker replied. “I never understood math to begin with. That’s why I ended up with books instead, so I’m no help either.”
“You help me a lot,” Nicky replied. “But can’t you talk with my math teacher? Ask her if I’ve to do the math test.”
“I’m afraid you have to do it. It's one of those things in life you can't avoid,” Booker replied, which made Nicky let out a groan. “I got an idea. What if I find someone, who can help you with algebra?”
“Like Andy?” Nicky asked.
“That’s a bad idea,” Booker replied. “Remember when she tried to help you with the volcano?”
Nicky let out a laugh.
“It was a fun day,” Nicky said. “Even if we messed up the kitchen and you got a bit mad at us.”
“This time we’ll find someone else, who can help you,” Booker said. “And who won’t end up splashing soda all over the kitchen.”
“Someone nice?” Nicky asked.
“I promise to find the nicest person in the entire London,” Booker replied. “Now come help me with dinner. We’re having tacos and I need someone, who can make the guacamole.”
When Booker had gotten Nicky to bed, he started to search for someone who could help Nicky.
A couple of days later:
“You’re sure she is nice?” Nicky wanted to know.
“Yes, she sounded nice when I talked with her,” Booker replied. “Do you want more breakfast?”
“Could I’ve some toast with jam?” Nicky wanted to know. “And a banana.”
“You’re a bottomless pit,” Booker chuckled. “You just ate 3 bowls of coco pops and you’re still hungry.”
“I’m growing,” Nicky replied. “And it is your fault that I’m always hungry.”
“How can it be my fault, that you’re hungry all the time?” Booker wanted to know.
“Because you make the best food in the world,” Nicky replied. “And I love to eat it.”
Booker laughed as he ruffled Nicky’s hair.
“My little Hobbit,” Booker said with a smile. “Here’s your toast.”
“Thanks Seb,” Nicky said with a big smile. “As I said. You’re the best cook in the world.”
After lunch, Nicky disappeared into his room to do secret things, Booker wasn’t allowed to see, but by how loud Nicky was playing the music, Booker knew Nicky properly was talking with Lykon. It was something Nicky had started to do every time he didn’t want Booker to hear his conversations with others, because as Nicky put it, Booker was nosy as hell.
“Just a moment,” Booker said when it knocked on the front door. He had decided to get an MBA to realize his dream of opening his own bookstore, which was harder than getting his Bachelor's in literature. “Mrs. Lawson?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Lawson replied. “But you can call me Flora. Mrs. Lawson is my mother.”
“I’m Sebastien, but most people call me Booker,” Booker said. “Come in.”
Booker went into the kitchen.
“Do you want something to drink?” Booker offered.
“Tea or water is just fine,” Flora replied. “And I thought my grandson played loud music.”
“This isn’t loud,” Booker replied. “Whenever Nicky practices his piano playing or hears classical music, then he plays loud. Do you want milk or sugar for the tea?”
“Just milk,” Flora replied. “So, Nicky is a musical kid?”
“He is, yes,” Booker replied. “And where it comes from I’ve no ideas about. But as I was told, blind children sometimes are more musical because they listen to music the same way as we watch movies.”
They sat down at the table.
“Is that a problem?” Booker wanted to know. “I mean you helping Nicky with algebra when he is blind?”
“Not at all,” Flora replied. “I got an idea how to help Nicky. But may I suggest something?”
Booker nodded.
“You should offer Nicky a reward to motivate him to learn algebra,” Flora suggested. “And you should give him the reward no matter if he passes his test or not.”
“That’s an idea worth trying,” Booker replied. “Let me get him for you.”
Booker knocked on Nicky’s door, who was laying on the floor reading.
“What?” Nicky asked a bit irritated.
“Don’t talk to me like that,” Booker said.
“Sorry,” Nicky replied. “What’s it?”
“Your math help is here,” Booker replied. “Come on.”
Nicky sat up but when he didn’t move, Booker kneeled next to him.
“If you do this and take your test,” Booker said. “You can choose something you really want to try or do. Call it a reward.”
“Do you mean it?” Nicky wanted to know.
“I pinky swear,” Booker replied as he took Nicky’s little finger. “Come on. I’m sure you’ll like her.”
Booker turned off the music before they went into the living room.
“Nicky,” Booker said. “This is Flora.”
“Hey,” Nicky muttered but a hand on his shoulder made him say “Hey,” a bit louder.
“Hey Nicky,” Flora said. “I understand you got problems with algebra.”
Nicky nodded.
“I don’t understand it,” Nicky replied. “And it’s not because I’m stupid.”
Booker had told Flora over the phone, that Nicky still struggled with his self-esteem.
“You’re not stupid, Nicky,” Flora said. “Math is a hard thing to understand, but I would really like to help you if you want.”
“Ok,” Nicky replied. “Is it ok if Seb is here too?”
“I still got some of my homework to do,” Booker said. “And the dining table is big enough for us all.”
Booker wished he had had a math teacher like Flora when he was a child. The way Flora did it was with Lego bricks and for the first time in ages, Nicky didn’t end up throwing his math book.
Two weeks later:
Andy was waiting outside Nicky's school.
"Nicky!" Andy shouted. "Over here!"
“Andy!” Nicky shouted as he made his way through the crowd of children.
“Hey Kiddo,” Andy said when Nicky hugged her. “My favorite man.”
“Thanks,” Nicky replied. “Can we get something to eat? I got something to show you and also something I need your help with.”
“How does hotdogs sound?” Andy offered.
“Fantastic,” Nicky replied. “And I can eat four today.”
“Your brother will never forgive me if I let you eat four hotdogs a couple of hours before dinner,” Andy replied. “He is such a boring adult.”
Nicky giggled.
“I won’t tell Seb you said that,” Nicky smirked. “If you won’t tell him I ate four hotdogs.”
“Fair enough,” Andy replied. “It’s our secret.”
When Nicky came home, Booker was trying to salvage what he could from the fridge, because it had stopped working sometimes throughout the day.
“Hey Nicky,” Booker said. “Sorry that I couldn’t pick you up.”
“It’s ok. Andy and I had fun,” Nicky replied. “What happened?”
“Our fridge died,” Booker replied. “Together with more than half of our food.”
“What are we going to eat tonight then?” Nicky wanted to know and looked worried. “And tomorrow?”
“I thought we could have dumplings tonight. And I talked with Miss Rosa. She will have breakfast ready for us tomorrow,” Booker replied. “And after that, we’ll get a new fridge and new groceries.”
Booker made a face when he sniffed the milk.
“It has to wait,” Nicky said. “We got something else to do first.”
“Something more important than having a fridge with food in it?” Booker asked sarcastically. “What have you done to my little brother?”
Nicky laughed as he found a paper in his backpack.
“You promised me a reward if I did my algebra test,” Nicky said. “I did my test and I got a perfect score.”
Nicky held out his test with a big proud smile.
“Congratulation, Nicky,” Booker said as he hugged Nicky. “I’m so proud of you and once we get a new fridge, the test will get a place there, so everyone can see it.”
“You can do that,” Nicky said. “If I get my reward.”
“I promised you that,” Booker replied. “So, what do you want as a reward?”
“I want to try a roller coaster,” Nicky replied. “And Andy and I’ve already found one.”
“If that is what you want, then you’re getting it,” Booker replied. “I’ll be waiting on the ground.”
Nicky crossed his arms.
“What?” Booker asked.
“I want to do it with both Andy and you,” Nicky replied. “It’s my reward and I want to share it with you and Andy.”
Booker really hated heights and roller coasters, but he loved Nicky even more.
“Only one trip,” Booker said. “That’s all you get.”
“More than fine,” Nicky replied. “Thanks Seb.