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surprising that-"
"She was not speaking figuratively, then."
Jolie sighed. "She was not."
"This places me in an awkward position. You know I cannot afford to have an amorous, under aged girl
in my household."
Now, that's not fair! Orlene objected. We agreed to remain in charge while she remained here.
"You know that these things happen," Jolie said carefully. "Schoolgirls get crushes on their teachers, but
the classes go on, and in due course they graduate to more serious involvements."
"I am not a teacher in a classroom with many students. I am a judge, and this child is residing in my
suite. Considering her history, it would be inappropriate for such an arrangement to continue."
No! Vita thought in anguish. I can't live without him!
Jolie considered the complications of moving the host to some other facility and of dealing with the
host's hurt. She wished she had intercepted Vita's rash action in time, so as to have avoided this problem.
But now she had to tackle it directly.
"Roque, I deeply regret that this thing happened, but it is a reflection of the existing state. I feel that it is
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best for all concerned that the arrangement we had just settled on be allowed to stand. Orlene and I will
tutor Vita and see that she qualifies to the necessary standards. We will remain in charge so that you are
not embarrassed by this sort of foolishness again. You will not be left alone with the girl."
"Still, it is essential for a judge to avoid the appearance of impropriety, as well as the reality."
"I think you are being as foolish as the girl," Jolie said tartly. "The appearance is in the eye of the
beholder. Your behavior has been impeccable, and hers will be so in the future. The impropriety
occurred, as it were, offstage-and what was it? A girl impulsively kissed her guardian, who in no way
sought or encouraged such attention. Even a judge should see no impropriety in that."
"What does she say about this?" he asked, wavering.
"I shall put her on again," Jolie said. Then, as she did so: Vita, just sit straight and apologize for
embarrassing him, and be in control. That will show him that you have learned your lesson.
Jolie returned the body to the host. "Vita, here. I, uh, I wish to apologize, and-oh, Roque, please, please
don't send me away! I love you, I want to be with you always, I want to have sex with you, I want to be
your mistress for ever and ever, but I'll behave just perfectly, I'll do anything you want, only I beg you,
please just let me stay!" Her tears were flowing as if turned on by a faucet.
Ouch! Orlene thought.
Vita tried to retreat again, but Jolie refused to take over. Get yourself out of it this time! she snapped.
Roque was looking at her, his face neutral.
"I'm, uh, not adult," Vita continued with difficulty. "I know I've got a lot to learn. I'm just a silly juvenile
girl. I know my emotions get out of control. But with Orlene's guidance, and Jolie's, and yours, I hope to
become what I should be. I really respect you. So-whatever you decide."
"If I allow you to remain..."he said.
She bowed her head, her shame at her outburst bringing her the control she had lacked before.
"Whatever you decide," she repeated.
He nodded. "I think I perceive improvement already."
He stood.
Don't question him! Jolie shot. He's testing you. Vita, chastened, continued their walk, silent.
The Judge let it pass. Jolie and Orlene maintained strict control, and there were no other untoward
incidents. Vita labored assiduously, and did indeed make progress in her education; she took
standardized tests, and Jolie and Orlene refused to help her at all, but she gained. She was a bright
enough girl, as should have been the case, considering her mother's proficiency as a researcher.
Time was passing pleasantly enough, but Jolie knew it could not last. Orlene recovered her equilibrium
and resumed her interest in recovering her baby, but that had to wait until their present mission with Vita
was resolved.
Orlene took it with surprising grace. I know my baby is safe with Nox, and there is no aging in the
Afterlife, so it can wait. When we finish here, I will be better prepared to resume that quest.
It was not that she had lost interest in her baby; Jolie could tell by the ghost's thoughts that it remained
strong. There was something else-and one day that other thing manifested to Jolie's considerable dismay.
Judge Scott was due for his annual vacation. He planned to go to the northern mountains, where a
section of wilderness had been preserved as a giant park. "Have no concern; Vaasta will see to your
needs, as usual," he told them.
I want to go with him! Vita thought urgently.
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"I don't think that's wise," Jolie murmured.
I wish to second the motion, Orlene thought. I identify with the wilderness, because of Norton. That's
over, of course, but the delight remains. If we could accompany him, perhaps tending to the cooking or
other chores that Vaasta does here...
Roque glanced at her. "Your brow is furrowed, Jolie. Is there a problem?"
"I'm afraid there is. The other two want to go with you."
"I doubt that would be appropriate."
"I agree."
Now look, fair's fair! Vita thought. Isn't Orlene supposed to be the one helping me, and you're just along
to help her?
"True, but-"
So Orlene should have a vote, shouldn't she? I mean, she's adult, she knows what it's all about.
Jolie looked up. "They wish to put it to a majority vote-and they are two to my one."
His mouth quirked. "Perhaps I should talk to Orlene."
Jolie turned over the body, uncertain what would come of this. "Orlene, here. No offense to you, Roque,
but Vita and I feel that you do us an injustice by leaving us behind. We would be prepared to handle
routine chores and try to pay our way, for the pleasure of the experience and your company."
"But much of this will involve hiking and camping alone. There would be an impropriety in having
along a female below the age of consent."
"The host may be so, technically, but I was of age when I died; indeed, I was married and had borne and
lost a baby. I am adult, regardless of the body."
"But it would be impossible to avoid the suspicion that we were in some manner involved with each
other!"
"I hope you do not take this amiss, Roque, but I would not be averse to that suspicion."
What are you saying! Jolie thought, aghast.
"I am not certain I follow your implication," the Judge said carefully.
"Then I will clarify it. I have come to hold you in deep respect, and though it would be inaccurate to say
that I care for you in the fashion that Vita does, I would by no means object to getting to know you
better. I hope this is not cause for alarm on your part." [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] - zanotowane.pl
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