Ben started at Sister Abigail intently. There was no way he was going to the nursery, so he had to think of something. As Ben was thinking, Sister Abigail's face went from a stern look into a smile.
Sister Abigail put her hand on Ben's shoulder, "I said it was the Nursery for you young man, however, I shall give you nine weeks with one of our special mentors. There will be changes young man, and you may not like those changes. So it is your choice, to go to the Nursery and let us teach you right from the start, or you can go the Mentor route. Your mentor is free to make whatever changes are needed to get you ready as a productive member of this school and society."
Ben spoke as soon as Sister Abigail stopped, "Mentor. Let's do the mentor thing."
Sister Abigail shook her head, "You spoke hastily, but you made the choice. I suggest you rethink, and let me guide your education and start over in the Nursery. Last chance, are you sure you want to take the Mentor route?"
Ben nodded, "Yes, I am sure. I am not going to the Nursery."
Sister Abigail smiled, "Here you will learn to be confident and not stubborn." Sister Abigail pressed a button on the phone on a nearby desk, which was answered by the operator. Sister Abigail told the operator, "I have a new candidate for our Mentor program, Ben." The operator acknowledged and said Jerry would be by to pick up Ben at reception.
Sister Abigail turned to Lucie, "Follow me dear, and we will get you settled," then she turned to Ben, "Please remain here until Jerry arrives. We will meet again in four weeks." Sister Abigail stood next to Lucie, where she gathered her bags and the two left the office.
Ben sat in the office, alone. He was bored, and was playing a game on his phone when Jerry came in.
Jerry walked up to Ben and stuck out his hand, "Hi, I am Jerry."
Ben looked up from his phone, and shook Jerry's hand while sitting. Jerry was dismayed, but then offered, "Can I carry your suitcase? You and I will be sharing a room this semester, or as long as I am your mentor."
Ben shrugged and pointed to the two suitcases he came in with and Ben followed Jerry through various hallways and breezeways to Jerry's room. Jerry was very spartan. No posters, no papers, a very clean, uncluttered room. Jerry put the suitcases on a dresser, and began to unload the contents into the dresser.
Ben stepped up to stop Jerry, "I can handle that."
Jerry pushed Ben back, "It is my role as your mentor to get you started right, besides we are roommates."
Ben was not happy, but watched intently as Jerry expertly put all of his clothes and toiletries in their place. Jerry stood up after sliding the two suitcases under the bunk bed and asked, "Top bunk or Bottom bunk, your choice."
"Top please," chimed Ben.
Jerry nodded, "Top it is.
For the next few minutes, the two looked, stared, but said nothing. Then Jerry looked at his watch and said, ....