"Do you know why Oliver Scott has so many friends, but you don't?" Andrew Hughes, in a little adult manner, with his brows furrowed in worry, imitated Sir Hughes's tone of speaking, painstakingly lecturing, "It's because you don't know how to talk."
Kids may not understand much, but they certainly know how to imitate.
Staring down at him, Marcus Shaw reached out one hand, palm up, fingers spread wide.
He said with a slight challenge, "Start counting your friends."
Andrew Hughes, hit where it hurts, widened his eyes a bit, his cheeks puffing up as he stared at Marcus Shaw with some defiance.
Then, letting go of his clothes, he grabbed Marcus Shaw's forefinger, pushing it into his palm, folding it in.
He said crisply, "Marcus Shaw."
"One."
Marcus Shaw lazily lowered his eyes, counting for him.
Andrew Hughes gritted his teeth, glaring at him in irritation.
Marcus Shaw acted like he was invisible.
