Jace did not react to his teacher’s teases.
“There’s nothing to be awkward about. I too used to be young. Did you think that a handsome man like
me has always been single? There once was somebody, somebody whom I loved, but back then I
didn’t know better…” said Mendoza.
“Learn from my mistake. Don’t be too proud to admit that you are wrong. Don’t be stubborn like me,”
said Mendoza. Mendoza continued with his life lessons, “If you don’t apologize in time, you might not
ever get the chance. If you don’t try to do what’s right by the people you love, you’re going to regret it
for the rest of your life.”
Jace listened to his teacher silently.
That was the first time Mendoza gave him any advice after his divorce from Sage. When Mendoza was
finished, Jace finally nodded and said, “I know what to do.” Mendoza led Jace to the office after locking
up the safe. His desk was littered with tools and it was apparent that Mendoza was in the middle of a
project.
No matter how hard Mendoza tried, he could not seem to be able to concentrate on his project after a
short about of time. He was always sleepy and just as he nodded off, he was woken up by Jace.
That was why he took Jace here to finish the project, after all, he was the culprit.
Jace flattened the paper and made sure that the quill absorbed the right amount of ink. He stared
intently at the passage he was supposed to restore. Mendoza sat on the rocking chair behind him and
looked on as Jace completed his project for him.
“Did Wayne Norah agree to the restoration project?” asked Mendoza. Jace did not even look up from
the paper as he answered his teacher, “We already sent him the contract based on his terms and if
everything goes right, he has no reason to not take part in it.”
Mendoza snortled as he said, “The older he gets, the more greedy he is. Half of the profit! Who does
he think he is?”
“He’s worth the price. As long as he agrees to take part in the project,” said Jace.
“You’re right. Now that I think of it, it’s been some time since I have last seen them. I could still
remember the days when Wayne, your grandfather, and I were just like you, young and successful,”
said Mendoza. “Really? I heard you guys were usually chased off the streets?” replied Jace.
Mendoza glared at Jace for interrupting him. “Don’t listen to what your grandfather says. Everybody
has to start somewhere. What important is that we were successful in the end.”
“Okay,” said Jace, clearly unconvinced. Mendoza seems to be absorbed in his memories as he asked
Jace, “When’s Wayne coming to Nadeem?”
“You shouldn’t have to wait too long. As soon as they sign the contract, I’ll send someone over to bring
him here,” answered Jace. “If Sage would come too, that’d be great,” said Mendoza.
The quill in Jace’s hand was suddenly pressed down and ink splattered all over the page, destroying all
the work that was done before.
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