Page 102 of The Outcast
“They thrive here. We never have any trouble with the French children. It’s as if…” Archer thought about it. “It’s as if they don’t have high expectations in life or personal goals. They are group oriented but not in a Motlander kind of way. It’s hard to describe.”
“Do you mean that they’re willing to sacrifice themselves for the group?”
“Yes, I suppose that’s a way of putting it. The Northlander children are ready to conquer the world, the Motlander children wish to better the world, but the French seem content to just be here.”
I smiled. “I get that. Our culture is based on a mindset of survival that was shaped over centuries. We are taught that our purpose in life is to reproduce and make sure that the next generation has it easier than we did. Aubri and Indiana always compare our society to a beehive with everyone doing their job and knowing their place.”
“Hmm.” Archer stopped and watched me. “And will you be able to function without your fellow bees? Living here isn’t always easy for Kya but at least she can go back to the Motherlands to visit friends and family whenever she wants to. Will you have that option?”
“I doubt it, but soon I’ll be able to communicate with my friends on a social network.”
“What will you miss the most about France?”
“I'll miss my friends, my favorite foods, and the sense of familiarity, and the language, of course. Hopefully, one day, the borders will open up and I can go back to visit whenever I want. I would love to show Sparrow my country one day.”
“Hmm.” Archer nodded. “I’m curious as well. I’ve seen pictures but I sure would love to walk those colorful streets and see the subterranean levels for myself one day.”
I smiled. “I won’t miss living underground. This, right here is a dream come true for me.” I spread my hands to the forest surrounding the school. “Access to nature and houses with room to move around in is something we don’t have.”
“I can imagine. Have you and Sparrow talked about the practical details? Like, where will you live?”
“Well, we’re both instructors at the academy and making money. Besides the rooms we’ll eventually have at the academy, we haven’t talked about it.”
“You should do like Aubri and Indiana. Build a house here on the island.”
“I wouldn’t know how,” I admitted.
Archer patted my shoulder. “Then it’s a good thing that Sparrow has a strong family and resourceful friends, not to mention that her godmother is Christina.”
“What’s a godmother?”
“It’s an honorary parent of sorts. In case something happens to your own parent, your godmother or godfather will take care of you.”
“I see.”
“This island is owned by Boulder and Christina. Not just anybody can build a house here, but with Kya and Christina being best friends from the time they were roommates in the Motherlands, we always embraced each other’s kids as if they were our own. I’m one hundred percent sure that you and Sparrow will be allowed to pick a spot and build your house and that you’ll be given permission to harvest the trees needed to build it. We all helped Indiana build his house and right now, we’re helping Jones finish his. Believe me, we have all the experience needed to help you and Sparrow build a house for your family as well.”
My smile was wide as I stuffed my cold hands into my pockets. “I’m so relieved that you’re accepting of me. I know how important family is to Sparrow.”
“We’ll be your family as well, Banni.” Archer’s blue eyes were surrounded by wrinkles. “Now, tell me, how long will the Explorer project last? We could use your help as a French teacher here. I can’t stand the one they sent us.”
I grinned. “I hope for a long time, but it’s good to know there’s something for me to fall back on, and no matter what, I’ll enjoy speaking French with the kids. Belle and I could perhaps offer our help in some capacity.”
He smiled back at me. “I’m sure we can figure something out.”
We had looped around the school and with my hands and feet getting cold, I was happy to see the warm lights from the Rex family house. When we opened the door and walked in, I picked up on the changed atmosphere in the room right away.
Sparrow and her brothers seemed tense as they pointed to Kya and whispered that she was on a call with Pearl.
“What’s going on?” Archer asked Ryder.
With a solemn expression on his face, he answered, “It’s Thor. He’s missing.”
“What do you mean he’s missing?” I asked. “I just saw him yesterday.”
“Yes, but he took off less than an hour after you returned from Old Europe. Now, he’s gone missing.”
I looked to Sparrow in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
