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“I think it’s admirable that what makes your heart pound is the idea of helping people,” April said. “And having adventures.”
“And flying,” Minerva said dreamily.
Of course.
“Just like your dad,” April said, nodding. “You take after him in all the best ways.”
Minerva’s color deepened again.
“Does he know about this?” April asked quietly.
Minerva shook her head vigorously.
“Why not?” April asked.
“I don’t know.” Minerva shrugged and bit her lip. “I’m not sure he would like it.”
April nodded, but didn’t say anything, hoping the girl would share more. Whether or not Khall liked it, Minerva should share with him. It made April sad to think of hiding anything from family.
Though she had shared everything with her family, and it had gotten her permanently cut out. So maybe her advice wasn’t the best.
“You okay?” Minerva asked.
“Sorry,” April said. “I was just thinking about my own family.”
“Are you homesick, April?” Minerva asked worriedly.
“Not even a little bit,” April said, realizing it was true. “Isn’t that weird?”
“I guess it depends on how much you liked being home,” Minerva ventured, wise beyond her years.
“I like it here more,” April said. “I really like being with you guys. You have an interesting life.”
She prayed the girl wouldn’t just think it was the fancy penthouse and the money she found interesting. It wasn’t at all what she meant.
“I’m glad you’re here too,” Minerva said. “You’re good for Bo.”
But April had heard the note in the girl’s voice that was glad for her own sake. It was a small thing, but it somehow made April feel like she had won the sector lotto.
“So, what’s the cadet program like?” she asked, changing the subject back to the brochures.
“It’s during the school break,” Minerva said immediately. “And there aren’t that many spaces. They want to really train the cadets hard. And it’s at the palace, so there are security clearance requirements.”
“That sounds pretty intense,” April said. “Would there be many other girls?"
“Military training is compulsory for all genders on Ulfgard,” Minerva said proudly. “And after Nordholm, they may put women on the front lines too, once enough of us are of age.”
April was struck by the girl’s bravery. Her mother had literally died as a volunteer on the beach at Nordholm, and yet here she was, ready to be a hero herself.
“After the Women, a lot of girls are more interested in serving,” Minerva said.
April reached out and squeezed Minerva’s hand on top of the island.
Suddenly the girl was blinking, as if the tears wanted to come.
“Want a hug?” April asked quietly.
But Minerva shook her head, probably afraid to speak for fear of crying.
“You know what, this chocolate needs something,” April declared, letting go of Minerva’s hand. “I’m going to get out some swizzle crisps. It’s barbaric to have anything this sweet without something salty.”
Minerva laughed and April felt a surge of gratitude that she was allowed to be part of her life.
I will make sure she talks to her dad about this,she promised herself. Somehow.
