Lessons to Learn

I enter the game room, quietly following William. Computers line the walls. Thin paper screens separate the machines, giving a semblance of privacy to the people who sit at the keyboards, typing in commands almost without seeming to think. A variety of colors and images flash across their monitors. I look to William questioningly, so he tries to explain.

"Each one of these games is meant to help the superdudes who play them develop their talents. They also give a subtle awareness of the importance of team work. You will discover this as you play the games. You don't have time for that today, however. I want to help get you familiar with the grounds and introduce you to some of the older superdudes. I wouldn't want you to think I am your only friend here."

His warm smile does not melt the ice around my heart. I've felt so frozen and disconnected since I last saw my parents. This all still feels so unreal, even the faint sweetness of icing that still clings to my lips from the Danish seems like a trace of a vivid dream. I expect to wake up at any moment to find my mother smiling down at me as she folds down the covers and kisses my cheek to invite me into the morning. I expect anything but all of these new things that assail my senses as I follow in William's shadow.

Soon we are standing out in the sunlight. He points to a small group of superdudes who are standing in the middle of the quad talking and laughing, "I really want you to meet a couple of these SD'ers. I think they'll help you feel more comfortable."

As we approach the group, most of them disperse, leaving only two people standing there to meet us. The first turns to face us, and I find myself smiling despite all of my worries and all of my pain. About my size, he appears to be a lizard complete with crown and a golden scepter. His purple cloak flows gracefully out behind him as he bows before me and takes my hand warmly, "Well, hello, I am Little Lizard King, and this is Edifier."

His voice is soft and gentle and, for a moment, I almost believe that I see a beautiful girl shining through. I shake my head a little bit, but still feel my smile firmly and sincerely in place. I turn now to look at Edifier, feeling almost overcome by awe. Large wings rise out of his shoulders, seeming to come from the very fabric of his robe. His face is suffused with peace and framed by long wavy hair. He holds a sword in his hand, tilted downward to indicate that there is no threat, but I am certain should the need arise, he can wield it expertly. He nods to me, and I find myself fascinated by the fact that even in the golden glow of the sun, everything about him seems to be cast in a calming blue.

Finding my voice, I reply, "I'm Bella."

"Yes, this is our little Bellabooo, the youngest superdude who has yet tapped into their potential," William says putting an arm around my shoulder as my father used to do when he was telling someone how proud he was of me.

I feel myself bristle at the mention of my youth, but try to dispel the anger before it washes away the peace I feel in the presence of these two new friends. Seeming to notice my mood slipping, Little Lizard King moves a little closer and taps my forehead very lightly with his scepter. He smiles sweetly and says, "Ah, but never too young to be a lady, are we?"

I feel there is some sort of challenge behind his words, but I can't make it out. It is not one made of malice, however. Of that I am certain. I open my mouth to ask what he means, but Edifier speaks in a voice that is soft and gentle yet carries great power, "Perhaps, we should introduce her to some other members of the clan."

"What a wonderful idea." Little Lizard King says.

"Thanks. I knew I could count on you guys to make her feel at home," William says, "Bellabooo, I'll see you tomorrow. Wear something comfortable. I think I'll introduce you to the arena."

"Okay," I reply, feeling a little bit sullen.

I only have a few moments for that, however, as I am whisked away between a lizard and an angel. The image I have of what this must look like is enough to make me giggle, but neither of my new friends comment as they begin filling my head with stories of all the wonderful people they are taking me to meet. I could not begin to describe all of them if I tried, but perhaps someday, their tales will be told and others will learn to love them as I have. The morning quickly grows into night, and I fall into wearily into my bed. I am happy and at peace, for the moment.