Chapter 3

As Boss stood there, cradling Pat and feeling a simmering mix of emotions, he decided to have a word with Pat's teacher about the incident. He approached the teacher with Pat still in his protective embrace, his demeanor calm but resolute.

"Excuse me, Teacher," Boss began, his voice steady but concerned. "I wanted to discuss what just happened. Pat shouldn't have to endure such treatment."

The teacher, a compassionate and understanding educator, nodded in agreement. "I completely agree, Boss. This has been an ongoing issue, and I've had conversations with Pat's mother about it."

Boss's eyebrows furrowed as he listened intently. "What's the reason behind this bullying? Why is that child targeting Pat?"

The teacher sighed, choosing her words carefully. "It's a bit complicated, Boss. You see, the other child bullies Pat because, well, Pat looks more like a girl than a boy. It's caused some confusion among the classmates, and the child doesn't quite understand. Unfortunately, it's led to this unacceptable behavior."

Boss's protective instincts flared up once again. He turned to look at the child who had been tormenting Pat, his gaze intense and piercing. The young bully, sensing Boss's wrath, felt a chill run down his spine. He had never seen such a stern and intimidating expression before.

In that moment, Boss's eyes seemed to blaze with a fiery determination to protect Pat. He didn't say a word, but his glare spoke volumes. It was a look that conveyed not only anger but also a clear message: harming Pat was not something to be taken lightly, and it would not go unpunished.

The young bully, who had previously felt emboldened by his actions, suddenly found himself trembling with fear. He stepped back, his bravado evaporating in an instant. In Boss, he saw not just an older student but a protector, someone who cared deeply for Pat and would go to great lengths to ensure his safety and well-being.

The teacher, observing this exchange, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that someone like Boss was in Pat's life. She knew that Boss's presence and unwavering support would make a significant difference in how Pat navigated these challenging situations.

As Boss continued to hold Pat close, he sent a silent message to the young bully - a message that said, "I'm here to protect Pat, and I won't tolerate any harm coming his way." It was a powerful moment, one that would leave a lasting impression on both Pat and the young bully, ultimately shaping their understanding of the complexities of friendship and the importance of empathy and respect.

After coming out of the school, Boss, Pat, and Plan headed towards Boss's store. Boss, ever thoughtful, knew that Pat might be hungry, so he decided to invite him for a quick meal. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when a group of Boss's female classmates approached.

One of the girls, a bit embarrassed but determined, stood by Boss and boldly suggested that they all go to the mall for some food. Boss, a bit flustered by the sudden invitation, was about to respond when Pat, ever the clever strategist, made his move. He stepped forward, his face a picture of innocence, and asked Boss to hold him as if he were still scared.

Boss, quick to catch on, bent down and wrapped his arms around Pat, positioning himself so that his back was facing the girl. Pat, with a sly and triumphant smirk, observed the girl's dissatisfaction as she realized that her plan to spend time with Boss was foiled.

After a brief moment, Boss gently released the hug, and the girl asked him if he could come for food with her to a nearby mall. Boss, always considerate of Pat, hesitated. He knew Pat hadn't eaten yet, and he didn't want to leave him alone. He proposed that he could go but would take Pat along.

The girl, understanding the situation, declined gracefully but suggested that Boss and Pat could join them for ice cream at a nearby shop. Boss agreed, and the girl, with a polite smile, went on her way with her friends.

Plan, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, couldn't help but admire Pat's strategic thinking. He saw how Pat had cleverly maneuvered the situation to ensure that Boss stayed with him. It was a testament to Pat's resourcefulness and the strength of the bond he shared with Boss.

With the brief encounter behind them, Boss, Pat, and Plan continued their journey to the nearby mall. Pat, now assured of Boss's undivided attention, felt a sense of triumph in his heart. As they entered the mall, they were ready for an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and perhaps a few more surprises, as their adventures together continued to unfold.

As they finished their meal, Pat's eyes were immediately drawn to the colorful ice cream counter nearby. The tempting display of frozen treats was too enticing to resist, and he eagerly asked Boss if he could have an ice cream.

However, Boss, ever the responsible and caring figure, hesitated. He knew that Pat had a tendency to catch a cold easily, and indulging in ice cream might not be the best idea. With a gentle but firm tone, he said, "Pat, I'm sorry, but you can't have ice cream today. I don't want you getting sick."

Pat, not one to give up easily, began to whine and pout, trying to persuade Boss to change his mind. He pleaded, "Please, Boss, just one ice cream won't make me sick. I promise!"

But Boss was resolute in his decision, shaking his head. "I can't take that risk, Pat. Your health is important."

Frustrated and determined to get his way, Pat resorted to a tactic that he knew would grab Boss's attention. He turned his gaze towards Plan, who was sitting nearby. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Pat declared, "Fine, Boss! If you won't buy me ice cream, then I won't talk to you. I'll just go sit with Plan."

Pat made his way over to Plan and sat down on his lap, shooting a playful, challenging look at Boss. Plan, caught in the middle of this delightful drama, raised his hands in a gesture of innocence, as if to say, "It's not my fault, Boss."

Boss watched this with a mixture of amusement and jealousy. Seeing Pat comfortably perched on Plan's lap, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. It was a playful rivalry that had developed between the three of them, and in this moment, Pat's stubbornness had won out.

Unable to resist Pat's tactics and feeling a bit left out, Boss let out an exaggerated sigh and eventually gave in. He approached the ice cream counter and bought Pat a small cone with a single scoop of his favorite flavor.

As he handed it over to Pat, he couldn't help but feign annoyance. "Here you go, Pat. Happy now?"

Pat's face lit up with delight as he took the ice cream. "Thank you, Boss! You're the best!"

Despite the pretense of being angry, Boss couldn't help but smile as he watched Pat enjoy his ice cream. It was a small victory for Pat, a moment of playfulness and camaraderie that only deepened the bond between them. As they continued their day together, their adventures seemed to be filled with endless surprises and heartwarming moments.