Page 2 of The Mentor
“What is it?” I took a soothing breath to make my heartbeat slow down.
“How would you like to be part of a historic project that will change the world?”
“What kind of project? Are you asking me to help you with an archeological job?” I asked, but Christina was already explaining with eagerness.
“No, it’s nothing like that. Our council and Lord Khan – you know, the ruler of the Northlands…”
“I know who he is.”
“Good, so anyway, they’re creating an experimental school to see if it’s possible to integrate children from the Motherlands and Northlands.”
“What?” I furrowed my brow. “They’re letting Nboys into the Motherlands?”
“No, they’re placing the school here where I live and bringing ten children from each side of the border together. The place is secluded so it’ll be safe but we need the best teacher in the world to make it a success. And that’s whereyoucome in.” Her last sentence rose in volume.
I couldn’t help chuckling over Christina’s rapid speech and excitement. “Mother Nature, I missed you, Ina,” I exclaimed. “It’s just not the same here without you.”
“Did you find a new roommate?” she asked.
My eyes fell to the couch where the last candidate had sat. “Not unless you count fleas and lice.”
I told her about the hopeless candidates that I’d interviewed, and our shared laughter communicated much more than words ever could. The love, the bond, and the joy of being connected again.
“So what do you think about the experiment? Did you hear the part about you being the best teacher in the world?” Christina repeated.
“Thank you for your vote of confidence. It sounds intriguing, but I can’t move to the Northlands.”
“Why not? You’re the perfect person for the job. I told them that you specialize in children with behavioral disorders and that I’m sure you can handle ten rowdy Nboys.”
“Really? And have you met those Nboys?”
“No, not yet.”
“So, you basically guaranteed that I could handle a group of children you haven’t met yet?”
“Absolutely; in fact I didn’t even hesitate.”
Christina had always been my biggest supporter, and I was grateful for it. “But it’s in the Northlands,” I said slowly. “Is it even safe?”
“Do you think I would ask you if I didn’t think you’d be safe? Don’t worry, you’ll love it here. The school is being built just a few miles from where I live on Victoria’s Island. As I said, it’s isolated, tranquil, and beautiful. Do you realize what that means?”
“That I’ll be a long way from civilization?” I teased.
“It means that we’ll be close again. I miss you!” Her last words were pleading.
“And I miss you, but…”
“Then come,” she interjected.
It was tempting to just say yes and go, because just hearing my friend’s voice made me happier than I had been since she had left. “Okay, but how long are we talking about?”
“Three years.”
“Three years!”I shrieked. “But what about…” My questions were queuing up and I didn’t know where to start.
Christina waited.
“There are so many things I would miss here.”
