Page 86 of The Pacifist
“Can we go talk to her now?”
“We sure can.”
After I turned off the light in the large storage room and locked the door behind us, I put my arm around Freya and walked back down the long corridor. “One day, you’ll make a fine leader.”
“Thank you, but I can’t be the ruler of the Northlands. My dad won’t allow it because I’m a girl.”
“For now!”
Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “You think I can change his mind?”
“I think you can do anything you set your mind to. You’re strong, Freya.”
“As strong as you?”
I smiled. “You think I’m strong?”
“Of course you are. Even when your dad was at his worst and threw things at the wall you kept going back into his room.”
“That’s because I love him.”
“Still, you could have hidden in your room. It takes a lot of strength to love someone who is that mean to you.”
“Not when you can see the person is in pain and that their anger has nothing to do with you.”
Freya was close to my height and snaked her arm around my waist. “All I’m saying is that anyone couldn’t do what you do, Mila. You make everyone feel loved. That has to be some kind of super power.”
I laughed. “It’s a shame that it’s not the kind of super power that can make money grow on trees or make your dad see that he needs to change that stupid rule and make it possible for a woman to run for president.”
“Maybe that will bemysuper power.”
I squeezed Freya’s shoulder a little. “You know what, I have a feeling it will be.”
CHAPTER 18
Recruitment
Jonah
Seeing Anne at the dinner table was both wonderful in a nostalgic way and sad because her dramatic return to our family also meant that Cole was absent.
We had made it through some of our family’s favorite dishes and with Anne sitting across from me, I could see how many times she had teared up when someone brought up memories from her childhood.
The first half hour had been a bit awkward, but Anne had given us all another heartfelt apology and we had all seen her on the News this morning expressing her remorse in public too. Several times, she repeated that she would do anything to clean up the mess she had made.
When we reached the dessert, my wristband vibrated with an incoming call.
“It’s Cole.” I scanned their faces. “Maybe it’s best if I don’t answer. What if he gets sad to see us all gathered without him?”
“Answer it!” Hunter, who was sitting to my right, elbowed me, and as soon as I projected Cole up in a hologram, Hunter spoke: “Cole, my friend, so nice of you to drop by. How’s the vacation going?”
Cole took in the room full of family and frowned a little. “You’re having a family dinner?”
“That’s right. When the boss is out, the employees party.” Hunter seemed oblivious to how painful it had to be for Cole to see us like this and not be able to be part of it. “So, tell us how you’re enjoying your break. I’ll bet you’re lousy at being lazy!”
To my surprise, Cole’s lips tugged upward. “Turns out I’m good at taking it slow. Except for walking, reading, meditating, and taking naps, I haven’t done much.”
“Sounds boring,” Emanuela pitched in.
