Shayera's heart leaped with joy as Zephyr practically launched himself into her arms, his face beaming with pride. The relief of knowing he'd passed washed over her, momentarily eclipsing the lingering sense of unease she couldn't quite shake.
"That's wonderful, sweetie!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
"I knew you could do it!"
Lee Zhang watched from far so she saw him as his son? He didn't know why but he felt upset in his heart but didn't show it. Shayera took her son hand and daughter hand and walked out of the school.
Aella school is close to there home so when they got there. Aella was so excited she held on Zephyr hand as she pointed straight ahead. Shayera was walked out of the car.
"Mama what does it say!?" Aella shouted. Shayera looked up once again.
Shayera squinted, deciphering the elegant Japanese script adorning the grand entrance of the academy. It read:
"Hoshi no Gakuen Academy of Stellar Arts."
"It says… 'Hoshi no Gakuen Academy of Stellar Arts,'" she translated slowly.
Aella gasped, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Wow! It sounds so magical, Mama!"
As they approached the entrance, a young woman with a warm smile and neatly styled hair stepped forward. She wore a crisp uniform and carried a clipboard.
"Welcome to Hoshi no Gakuen," she said politely.
"I'm Ms. Gino, the admissions coordinator. Are you here to enroll your daughter?"
"Yes, I am," Shayera replied, offering a polite nod.
"My daughter's name is Aella."
Ms. Gino shook Shayera hand who did the same and pulled her hand away.
"Your daughter will go and do a written test after that she would a test on her activities and what skills she is good at," Ms. Gino said and Shayera nodded her head her beautiful hair was babbled up in a messy bun. The twins ran around.
Aella, buzzing with nervous energy, darted around the entrance hall, her eyes wide with wonder. Zephyr, ever the watchful older brother, trailed closely behind her, occasionally offering a reassuring pat on her shoulder.
"Be careful, Aella!" he called out playfully.
"Don't want to get lost in this amazing place!"
Shayera smiled, observing their playful interaction. It was moments like these that reminded her of the simple joys of motherhood—the laughter, the camaraderie, the unwavering bond between siblings.
Ms. Gino led them to a spacious testing room filled with colorful artwork and interactive displays. Aella's eyes lit up as she took in the vibrant surroundings.
"This is so pretty!" she exclaimed, pointing to a mural depicting a starry night sky.
"Alright, Aella," Ms. Gino said kindly. Aella walked inside a classroom which had the other kids as well and she waved bye to her mama who smiled sweetly at her. Shayera sat down she crossed her arms and Zephyr played on Shayera phone who was now taking a nap. Zephyr put his mama head on his lap.
Mama truly loves sleeping.
Inside the classroom Aella was looking out the window and when chubby four year old boy Thomas Williams looked at Aella and kicked her chair.
Aella eyes were sharp.
"'Mama said poor people like you shouldn't do be here!" Thomas said. Aella rolled her eyes.
"Well mama said to burn bullies!" Aella said. A teacher walked inside.
"Alright this is a written test math, English, Japanese, and science you have two hours take your time," the teacher said as she put the iPads on their desk. Aella was not scared she started answering each questions.
Thomas, however, was not so confident. He scowled at the iPad, his small hands fumbling with the touchscreen. He glanced over at Aella, who was diligently working through the questions with a focused expression. Jealousy flared within him, fueling his already volatile temper.
He leaned over and whispered loudly to the girl next to him.
"She's cheating! Look at her! She's too fast!"
The teacher, a stern woman with a nononsense demeanor, overheard Thomas's accusation. She quickly approached their desks and fixed Thomas with a disapproving glare.
"Thomas," she said firmly.
"There is no cheating allowed in this classroom. If you have any concerns about another student's behavior, please raise them respectfully and provide specific evidence."
Thomas mumbled an apology, avoiding the teacher's gaze. But the damage was done. Aella sneered in her heart Williams Williams why is that name so familiar? Ah yes she now remembers mama once said she was a member of the Williams but they banished her she dislike the Williams Family only Great Grandpa Sang was the only good one to mama no one else so she turned her head and stuck her tongue out and went back to her test.
Shayera, dozing lightly with Zephyr's head resting on her lap, stirred at the sound of raised voices. Her eyes snapped open, instantly alert. She scanned the room, her gaze settling on Aella and the disgruntledlooking boy beside her. A flicker of concern crossed her face as she observed the tense exchange between them and the teacher.
She debated whether to intervene, but decided to give Aella the space to handle the situation herself. She knew her daughter was capable and resourceful—she wouldn't back down from a challenge.
Meanwhile, inside the testing room, Aella continued to focus on her test, determined not to let Thomas's taunts distract her. The memory of her mother's words about the Williams family – a lineage steeped in wealth and power but marred by internal conflicts – flashed through her mind.
The test concluded, and the students filed out of the classroom, their faces a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Ms. Gino greeted them with a warm smile.
"Well done, everyone! You all did wonderfully."
She approached Aella and Shayera, holding a sheet of paper in her hand.
"Aella's results were exceptional," she said with a pleased expression.
"Her scores were remarkably high across all subjects, particularly in creative writing and artistic expression. She clearly possesses a natural talent."
Shayera's heart swelled with pride.
"That's wonderful to hear," she replied, beaming at her daughter.
"Aella has always been a very creative child."
Ms. Gino nodded approvingly.
"She's definitely a stellar candidate for Hoshi no Gakuen," she said.
"Alright Aella now you need to choose what kind of skills you want to learn," Shayera said.
"Music, piano, violin, and acting!"
"Okay."