Page 32 of The Outcast
Sparrow and the candidates ran ahead while Aubri and I walked through the forest talking about some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different candidates.
“I like Keith. He’s by far the best candidate when it comes to the practical part of the job. He’s intelligent and gets the job done,” Aubri said.
“Hmm, that’s all fine, but he wouldn’t fit into our culture and he’s not a team player.”
“So we’ll have to nurture that part of him in your culture classes. Can’t you do some practical exercises to help him?”
“I guess. I was planning to teach them all how to flirt today.”
“Good. It would be a shame to lose out on someone with his talents. He’s a born Explorer.”
“Yes, if being an Explorer was a solo job, but it’s not.”
“Just help him, all right?”
“I’ll try.”
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CHAPTER 10
Cultural Session
Banni
That afternoon, I tried to do as Aubri had asked. “Today we’ll go over some social norms. Instead of talking about it, I thought we’d do some role-playing to learn in a fun and practical manner. Keith, why don’t you join me as a volunteer?”
Keith got up fast and stood in front of the group.
“All right, one thing that’s fundamentally different in France is that we aren’t afraid of touching each other. Women and men will flirt with you and it’s crucial that you don’t read too much into it. Remember that striking up a conversation and agreeing to have sex doesn’t mean spending the rest of your life together. This is about physical pleasure and having fun.” Turning to Bianca and Lilly, I asked. “Would one of you like to come up and do a little flirting with Keith to demonstrate?”
They both shook their heads.
“It’s not a test you can fail on. It’s just for educational purposes.”
Lilly excused herself. “I wouldn’t know how to flirt.”
I turned to the men. “Could any of you come flirt with Keith?”
No one volunteered. All I got from them was crossed arms and downturned lips.
“Sparrow, do me a favor and role-play a bit, will you?”
She looked uncomfortable but followed my instructions.
“Now, come on to Keith and ask him if he wants to have sex with you.”
Her face flushed red and her mouth opened and closed.
“You can be aggressive,” Aubri added from the sideline. “People will approach you and ask if you’re free to fuck. It’s not a big deal to them.”
Sparrow’s gaze flew between Aubri, Keith, and me. “I can’t ask that.”
“Then be more subtle. Show us your best flirting,” I encouraged her.
Keith moved from foot to foot and wrung his hands. They were like two teenagers and it was painful to watch.
“Ehh… how are you doing?” Sparrow began and mustered a tiny smile.
