Story 08 – Part 3 – Choices to Make

Everyone had gathered into the lobby while the children were in one of the apartments. The oldest of the children who were still left were only a few years younger than Tech, so they easily kept the rest of the children upstairs and quietly waiting for their fate to be discussed by the adults below. That certainly did not sound right. It would be more appropriate to say that the adults were discussing the options that the children would have.

“Well,” Carmine said, signaling the start of the impromptu meeting, “luckily the children all come from the same country. Well, all except for two of them, but those two also have no family.”

“We’re no family?” Boomer teased.

Carmine laughed, glad his friend was there. “You know what I mean. Anyway, most of these children belong to the Kenti tribe and I do know that the tribe will take in the six who have no family. Arrangements can be made for the children to leave as soon as possible.”

“I bet they’re really excited to be going home,” Agent Michaels said.

“Yes and no,” Carmine stated. “As I said, they’re Kenti and that tribe is way back in the rainforest. Few children ever really leave or get a chance for schooling. Everything they learn is from those who come back and teach them. So, even though these kids want to return home, they want to bring back something to teach the others.”

“Really?” Mrs. Thompson asked. “Oh, that’s just wonderful that those children love knowledge so much.”

“You sure know a lot about the Kenti,” Owens observed.

Carmine grinned and leaned back as everyone started talking about a way to help the children with learning. The children did not have a real school in the tribe and so no one wanted to feel like they were depriving the kids from an education. Still, no one wanted to keep those kids who had family away from their family.

“Can they hire teachers?” Mr. Thompson asked.

“It’s not as easy as that,” Carmine explained. “The Kenti tend to be suspicious of outsiders unless they’re vouched for.”

“Even if it was me?” Mrs. Thompson asked.

“Mom?” Jordan said in surprise.

“Some adorable students who love to learn,” Mrs. Thompson replied. “It just sounds so wonderful.”

“Dear, it would be in the middle of the forest,” Mr. Thompson said.

“And I love camping.”

“I’m wondering who has to do the vouching,” Jordan said. “If they’re that suspicious, I doubt they let just anyone do the vouching.”

“Carmine can do that,” Vire interrupted. “He doesn’t talk about it much, but Carmine’s on good terms with the Kenti.”

With a sigh, Carmine nodded. It really was something he rarely mentioned, mostly out of habit than anything else. It was not a common topic of conversation and, as had been mentioned, the Kenti did have a highly cautious nature. Still, he had no problem with vouching for Jordan’s parents. They were good people as far as Carmine could see.

“How come you’re in good graces with an isolated tribe?” Agent Driver asked.

“Well,” Carmine said, “that’s really not important.”

“Vire?” Agent Driver asked.

“If you want that information,” Vire said, “you have to get it from my brother. I honestly doubt I know the half of it.”

“Look,” Jordan interrupted. “Before we even make any decisions, can we at least have all the options? It is my mother who wants to live in a tribe.”

“We come up with the options,” Carmine said. “The six other children have to make a few choices.”