The Apprenticeship

Consequence

"Today, we are going to take a bit of a curve." Owen says as he's walking toward the door. "Avery, there's someone I want you to meet."

He opens the door and a lady with reddish brown hair walks in, "Hi Avery, I'm Abbie. Owen said you were in the process of training."

"Avery, Abbie and I have known each other since we were in training. I believe it would be beneficial for you to have someone as amazing as Abbie here with you."

I mutter to myself, "just get a room already."

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

"Avery."

"I'm sorry, it's just, I don't understand any of this, how's another person explaining it going to help anything?"

"Avery." He sounds so stern, not like usual. I reply with what he'll want to hear.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again." Of course, I meant part of it. The 'I'm sorry' part, not the rest. It probably will happen and I'll apologize again, it will be a continuous cycle.

"Avery, we will discuss this."

So theres a little bit I never mentioned. After I said I trusted him, he made me swear to just follow instructions, not talk back, along with other things. He also said about the consequences for not following those rules. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention but, a part of me is nervous for whenever we do discuss this.

I nod my head and sit in a chair. "Anyway Avery, Abbie will be starting with us next week. For now, we will discuss what just happened." He turns back to Abbie, "Thank you so much Abbie, we will see you next week."

"Of course Owen, anything for you." She then proceeds to walk out the door.

After the door shuts, Owen turns around to me. "Avery, do you not remember anything we discussed yesterday?"

"It's not that Owen. Those rules, those guidelines, they're just not me. I'm sorry, I really am."

"You broke so many rules Avery. I don't know what to do."

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry Owen."

"How long has it been since you've been in remedial?"

"Please Owen, not remedial. I'll do anything if it means not going to remedial."

"I don't know what else to do."

"Please," I'm tearing up, "please."

"I suppose, this once, we can just extend your training for two weeks. Instead of five hours of training and three of independent study, it'll be eight hours of training and four hours of independent study."

"That's twelve hours," I must look shocked.

"There has to be something. I can't let this go. Look Avery," he sits down on the chair across from me, "there are consequences for every action we make, some are good, some bad. They help us understand that certain actions are acceptable and others are not. Sometimes, like this one, it's not good for either of us but, it will help you learn what is okay and what isn't. Do you understand Avery?"

"Yes. I do understand."

"Good. I'm glad you are at least saying you understand."

"I'm sorry Owen."

"Your extended training will begin tomorrow and end two weeks from tomorrow. You are dismissed Avery."

I stand up and walk to the door not looking back, "Owen."

"Yes Avery."

"I don't want to be conformed to society's standards."

"Don't worry Avery, I don't think that will happen."

I open the door and walk out. Now to prepare myself for the next two weeks.