Page 54 of Act of Brotherhood
“You can sit here,” said the little girl, pointing to a spot on a large rug that had a map of the world on it. He took a seat on part of Asia and followed the children’s lead, assuming the lotus position. It was easier said than done with as long as his legs were.
“He has girl hair,” said a little boy, giggling and leaning towards another small boy.
The girl who had insisted Garth join in gave the boy a hard look. “Boys can have long hair too, and they can braid it!”
Nicolette neared them. “Are we using our inside voices?”
The children shook their heads.
“Sorry, Ms. Henebury,” said the girl.
The boys apologized next.
Nicolette led the children in several songs, and Garth made an attempt to sneak away. That didn’t go as planned. The children had all begun to creep closer and closer to him, effectively pinning him in the center of them all. Asia was a very crowded spot on the map. He didn’t dare move, fearful he’d bump a child and break them or something. He wasn’t sure how easy they were to break and didn’t want to find out.
Nicolette’s gaze moved to him several times throughout the songs. Each time she smiled at him it made his heart melt, and he found himself grinning back at her. It took him a minute to realize the children were all giggling and whispering to one another.
“I think that’s her boyfriend,” said one little girl to another. “He likes her a lot. You can tell.”
“She’s gonna bemygirlfriend,” protested a boy with a head of dark hair. He crossed his arms over his stomach and proceeded to pout.
Another boy laughed. “She can’t be your girlfriend. She’s too old.”
Garth wasn’t aware he had competition for Nicolette’s affection. He nearly laughed as the little boy gave him the stink-eye. He then remembered the last time he’d held a boy. That one had bitten him.
He hoped this one had all his shots.
“Time for our special treat,” said Nicolette, going and getting the box of cupcakes. She assigned helpers, who eagerly set napkins on the round tables in the room and then helped to place a cupcake on each one.
The children dispersed, all going to wash their hands.
Garth seized the moment to stand and stretch his legs. He started for the door to leave, with the intent of returning when the school day was over, only to have several children head him off, forming a mini-adult road block.
“You have to stay for the treat,” said one of them.
The others nodded.
He had to wonder if the tiny humans had figured out a way to mind-link because they acted like a well-trained unit. “I should be on my way now. You go on and have your celebration.”
“You talk funny,” said a different boy. “How come?”
“That’s rude,” added another, giving the first boy a hard look. “Ms. Henebury says we’re not allowed to be rude. It’s not nice. Do you want to get your name moved to red?”
The boy’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “I just got off it this week.”
“We know,” said a little girl.
Garth laughed softly at them. “I talk funny because I’m not originally from here.”
The little boy nodded. “I’m from Kentucky. You from there too?”
Garth smiled. “Ah, no. Have you ever heard of the Vikings?”
The children all nodded.
The boy who had asked where Garth was from stepped back a little. “Are you a Viking?”
“I am,” responded Garth.
