While the community may assist in child rearing, it is important to foster the parent–child bond.
—Internal memorandum from Affinity
Fruit was set out in the mess hall. Mia didn’t care about it though. Carter stopped to make a plate but Mia ran straight for Zack.
“Can I—”
Before Mia could finish Zack interrupted.
“You can’t go see Andrew,” he said. “Dr. Drum released him, so he’s on his way to find you.”
Mia felt like a fist holding her heart had released its grip. She let out a sigh of relief. Zack wore a goofy grin on his face.
“When?” Mia asked.
“After breakfast,” Zack said.
“But he’s okay?”
“He’s fine,” Zack said.
Carter came up behind Mia and took a seat at Zack’s table. Mia followed his lead and started picking fruit off his plate. He didn’t seem to mind. After hanging out with the group last night both of them had been exhausted and fallen right to sleep. Now they each had renewed energy.
“Rex has to stay in the infirmary,” Zack said. “You’re really not that concerned about him?”
“We just met him,” Carter said. “We’re glad he’s fine.”
“Well, we want to wait till he’s out to introduce the four of you,” Zack said. “So you three will have the next few days to yourselves.”
“He’s not staying here,” Mia said.
Again Carter gave Mia’s leg a kick.
“She means we’re not sure of his plans,” Carter said.
“Either way,” Zack said. “Familiarize yourselves with this place, get to know some of the people, ask questions about their work, observe how we live. I’ll escort you three this morning, then I have some work that needs my attention. Sarah had some of her duties reassigned, and starting this afternoon she’ll be with you. I’ll join whenever I can.”
Mia couldn’t think of a better guide. There was still a lot she wanted to learn about her new friend.
“Our blood tests,” Carter said. “Did they come back . . . ?”
“You two are clean,” Zack said.
Mia thought that was a formality. She was shocked to see the look of relief on Carter’s face.
“About work,” Zack said. “Do the two of you have any passions? Any skills you’d like to hone? I can tell you what to observe.”
“I like music, art,” Carter said. “I’m not a bad fighter.”
“Well,” Zack said, “everyone here knows how to defend themselves.”
“Teaching,” Carter said. He looked over at Mia and gave her a smile. “I’m a good teacher.”
She nodded. Part of her was excited to demonstrate everything Riley had taught her.
“Mia is an amazing cook,” Carter said.
“We can always use one of those,” Zack said.
Suddenly cooking food didn’t seem like such fun anymore.
“Driving,” Mia said. “I like to drive.”
“Hmm,” Zack said. He gave her a head nod.
Carter looked over at Mia. She shrugged. If they were going to stay here she wanted a position with more action.
“Well,” Zack said, “if you stick around the field you’ll see the different groups working on their physical skills today. If you head down to the lake you can see the children and the teachers. We don’t have any permanent driving positions at the moment, but that would be under my command so I’m sure I can set something up.”
Before Mia could ask where the lake was, she heard the door to the mess hall open. She spun around and saw a figure standing with the sun pouring in behind him. Without waiting for confirmation she jumped up from her seat, knowing exactly who it was. She sprinted and as the doors shut the sun faded out and Andrew stood there. Mia almost knocked him over when she hurled herself into his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him as tight as she could. His lean frame didn’t seem real. She felt him return her grasp. His arms were around her shoulders. One of his hands went up the back of her head and into her hair. He held her close, her face pressed against his chest. Mia blinked away tears of happiness. They were together, and nothing would ever separate them again.