" 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 learn 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 … I promise I'll 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 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 tarnish 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 . 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 stil ! couldn't quite believe it . He drifted along in a daze , half - convinced he was 1/2 15:38 dreaming . " 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 . Zachary had been the first of the Mortons to truly welcome Alessia . From the start , he'd quietly watched over her . If he noticed a mosquito bite on her hand , there'd be bug spray , repellent , and even an electric zapper outside her door the next morning . 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 . 2/2