I'll do it

Professor Thomas fixed Joseph with one of his deep stares. He said, "Well you see, your father doesn't want Helen to study at the academy any longer. Do you want her to stay here?"

Joseph: "Of course. The academy is after all thr best place to learn and hone our skills. But if father doesn't want..."

Professor Thomas: "He has agreed to let Helen stay at the academy only under one condition. If you take responsibility for her."

Joseph: "But how?"

Professor Thomas: "You will have to undergo punishment on behalf of her, as it is naturally difficult for Helen to help out with any tasks. Moreover, you will have to watch her behaviour, and make sure what happened today never happens again."

Joseph: "And what if it does?"

Professor Thomas: "She will naturally be expelled. But.." He watched Joseph up and down, "You will be expelled with her."

Joseph: "What?"

Professor Thomas: "On account of not being able to uphold your duties. Of course, we are not forcing this responsibility on you. You are free to accept or decline."

Joseph opened his mouth to say something, but Professor interupted him, "I'm afraid you will have to make your decision now."

Joseph looked from Professor Thomas to his father, who said with a stern face, "You are almost a full-fledged bendor now, not a child. You cannot rely on anyone else to make your decisions now."

Joseph looked around the room, examining each and every one's faces. Professor Thomas was expressionless, his father was looking at him a little impatiently, Helen looked ashamed of herself with a little anticipation mixed with it, Jacob was looking at Helen with a heart-broken look on his face. And Aria was staring out of the window behind Professor Thomas, determined not to look at anyone in the room, her face showing clear signs of having come to a decision which would not change even if the sky split open.

Joseph looked at Helen once more and then at his father. He was sad to see a little disappointment mixed with his impatience. Joseph closed his eyes and said, "I'm really sorry Helen. From the bottom of my heart, I'm truly sorry. But I cannot do this. I cannot forfeit my training here like this."

A wave of disappointment flickered in Mr. Scott's eyes for a second. He concealed it immediately but was sure that Professor Thomas had caught it. Mr. Scott stood up and helped Helen up as he said, "Very well then Joseph. As you can see Professor, he has made his decision. So I'll be taking Helen with me. Someone will be here to get her luggage."

Joseph glanced ashamed at Helen's face. He had expected tears, Helen was very quick to cry. But Joseph's heart broke upon seeing the empty look that had come over her face.

She seemed like a doll as she was helped up by their father and bowed to Professor Thomas.

Just as the two turned towards the door, however, Aria and Jacob suddenly shrieked together, "I'll do it. I'll take responsibility for her."

Joseph, Helen and Mr. Scott were very surprised at the sudden outburst. And Aria and Jacob too, as they looked shocked towards each other. But Professor Thomas merely glanced at the two kids from an unknown village over the tips of his fingers.