2) Miss Lewis, Teacher.
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Colony children were boisterous. Miss Lewis had learned soon that the only way to be heard was to speak louder. Otherwise, fists and tears would do the talking. This was one of such episodes.
The black haired girl stood in ashamed silence. Behind her sat the two boys she had slapped – punched, bit – as well as a small Batarian.
"Momma said to look after the youngest. Not hurt them! They tried to hurt him!" Her little finger pointed at the boys and her voice was pure childish outrage.
Again. Miss Lewis had been against the Batarian's presence. Children weren't accepting in the best of situation, never mind with such an unusual companion. "Nevertheless, Jane. They don't understand difference. And Matt is a bit…different. You can't solve this with your fists."
The girl raised her head, indignation shifting into confusion. If she was older, Jane would have said something like what the hell?
"He laughs and plays. He likes to build things with sand. Likes drawings. Like me. Am I different too?"
Matt smiled by her side – to Jane, not the teacher – and in that action laid the answer to Jane's question.
Yes, she was. And he was grateful for that.
