Chapter 26
“You’ve got real potential, kid. You seem steady, too. And since your health needs some looking after for the next six months or so, why not stick around? I can teach you. Would you like to learn?”
Zachary stared in astonishment, mouth parted, utterly speechless. Alessia, unable to bear the awkward silence, pressed gently on his back, nudging him forward into a respectful bow toward Xander.)
“It would be… such an honor to leam from you, sir. Ever since I started down this path, I’ve admired you so much. I’ve read your papers and books a dozen times over, and every time I get something new from them. I even planned to major in medicine at college. I’ve always dreamed of meeting you in person. I promise I work hard. I won’t let you down.”
Zachary’s heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. The tips of his ears were scarlet, and his voice trembled with nervous excitement.
Xander narrowed his eyes, chuckling softly, clearly in a good mood.
“This is all rather sudden, but some traditions can’t be skipped. We can forgo the complicated rituals, but a cup of tea is still in order. Six, bring the tea.”
“Yes, sir!” Six answered at once and hurried off.
Six was
was never the most gifted–he’d followed Xander and picked up what he could, but he was always a bit of a jack–of–all–trades, more reliable in a pinch than truly skilled. He called Xander “mentor” every day, but he knew his own limits and had never formally been accepted as an apprentice, worried he’d tamish Xander’s reputation!
Alessia was talented, and Xander had considered taking her under his wing, but her ambitions lay elsewhere. So this cup of tea for a formal apprenticeship–it was the first time Xander had ever accepted one.8
He half–closed his eyes and nodded. If it had been anyone else, he might have hesitated, but since Alessia had brought Zachary, his mind was nearly made up.
It was rare to meet someone with real promise he wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. There was just something about Zachary that resonated with him.
No one had expected things to turn out this way. On the way home. Zachary still couldn’t quite believe it. He drifted along in a daze, half–convinced he was dreaming.8
“That’s Xander, after all. When I was a kid and visited the hospital, everyone talked about him–he’s a legend, right out of the textbooks. And now he’s my mentor?“”
“Yes,” Alessia replied, every time Zachary asked, her patience uncharacteristically steady!
“Lessie, did you ask Mr. Dawson to do this? How could he agree to take me on after meeting me just once? And that note… Lessie, what exactly is your relationship with Mr. Dawson?
“You seized the chance. The old man values talent. If you put your heart into learning from him, you’ll gain a lot. Don’t waste his efforts.” Alessia didn’t explain her connection to Xander.
“I was already planning to apply to medical school,” Zachary said, barely able to contain his excitement as he stood before Alessia. “But I never dreamed…”
“Just do your best,” Alessia said, patting his shoulder with her usual calm, her tone unwavering 8
Zachary had been the first of the Mortons to truly welcome Alessia. From the start, he’d quietly watched over her. If he noticed mosquito bite on her hand, there’d be bug spray, repellent, and even an electric zapper outside her door the next morning.8
There were countless little gestures like that–he’d always observed everyone’s moods, soothing them in his own unobtrusive way.
Xander was right–she could have helped Zachary herself without ever bringing him to Xander But connections are complicated. Building relationships is one thing, nurturing someone’s abilities is another.
She only meant to test his capabilities, never expecting he’d surpass her expectations, If she was the guide who brought Zachary to the threshold, it was he who found the courage to open the door. He’d seized his chance, and that would only benefit both of them.
Chapter 27
