Page 6 of The Mentor
“What’s your favorite thing to do?” I asked to get us back on track.
Archer started walking again. “I love everything related to nature. Skiing, hiking, swimming, sailing, running, or something as simple as spending a summer night out in the open.”
“You sleep outside?”
“Sometimes.” He began telling me about camping as a child, and soon he had me laughing with funny anecdotes.
After strolling more than twenty laps around the school we finally took a seat on a bench and continued talking until the sun was low on the horizon.
“I can’t believe how many hours we’ve talked,” I said. “And we haven’t even begun to discuss the curriculum.”
“We can do that tomorrow. Today I’m just thrilled to get to know a real woman. I only wish…” Archer’s blue eyes shone brightly and then he shook his head.
“What?”
“You asked me what I love about nature, and one of my favorite times is when the fireflies come out. I wish I could show you that.”
I lit up. “I’ve always wanted to see real fireflies.”
Archer shot a discreet look in the direction of Boulder, who was still working on the building.
“Where are the fireflies?” I asked. “Is it far?”
“No,” Archer answered softly. “There’s a lake ten minutes from here where I think we could find them, but Boulder would kill me if we went without permission and you already heard him: I’m not your protector. So you’ll have to ask Magni to take you tomorrow night.” Disappointment was all over his face.
“No,” I said resolutely. “It was your idea and I want to see my first fireflies with you.”
“You do?” He lit up.
“Boulder,” I called out, steeling myself to win this round.
“What?” The large man looked over with a tool in his hand; I had no idea what it was.
“Archer is going to show me fireflies,” I said, using my no-nonsense schoolteacher voice.
“Sure, just stay close so I can see you.”
“We’re going to the lake but you’re welcome to join us,” I pointed out.
“Don’t have time,” he said and brushed away sweat from his forehead.
“That’s okay, we’ll be back in half an hour.”
Boulder laughed and shook his head. “Nice try, Archer, but you know the laws.”
“Hey, it’s me that wants to go,” I said in defense of my new friend.
Boulder shrugged. “I don’t care, you’re not going.”
Indignation flamed in my stomach. I was no child and didn’t like to be limited by their nonsensical rules. “What are you so afraid of?” I challenged Boulder.
“That he oversteps your boundaries, of course.” Boulder sighed.
“And what if I overstep his?” I asked with an arched brow. “I’m an adult and I don’t appreciate being treated like a child.”
“You’re a woman and it’s my duty to protect you until Magni takes over.”
“That’s very kind of you,” I said in a polite tone. “But right now, I’m taking full responsibility for myself and I’ll go to the lake to watch fireflies with my new friend.”
