"So, Ben - how's school so far? Are the teachers nice? Have you made friends?"
"I love school," replied Benjen. "It's nice to be able to go to school each day and fit in without being picked on because of where I come from. The students don't bully and the teachers don't treat me........differently. I get a 'Good Morning' from them and a smile."
He turned toward Erik. He found himself in an involved conversation with him. Doreen just sat and let him have the spotlight. "One teacher, a Mrs. Crocker, she asked a lot about where I came from, where I had been and how Mom and I came here. I wasn't sure why but she was nice. I told her a little about how we got here but didn't give any real details. She was impressed how Mom is a doctor and how we have found such acceptance here."
He took a sip of his soda before continuing, "All of my classmates like me and some have become my friends. One of them has been learning Rheinlandic so she asks me if she is saying certain things right. I like science so I talk that a lot with friends too." He smiled a bit, "Since I have been here, my life has been better. You treat us right and Peter has become my best friend."
Doreen gave a soft smile, saying nothing as her son spoke to Erik. For her it was a relief that they were bonding a bit. The fact that he wasn't intimidated by him was refreshing. Her only fear was that he wasn't afraid to ask an occasional direct question. It wasn't intended to hurt but on occasion, it did. He asked Erik, "If you don't mind, one day, I would like to spend some time in your lab. I bet I could learn a few things there. Would that be OK?"