Ring! Ring!
A hand reached out and tap on the rectangular button. She rolled side to side on the comfy bed before opening her eyes, staring at her reflection on the shining surface of the fan. Felina lifts herself. She gazes at her grand bedroom that she just moved in 2 months ago.
Large window that is as wide as the wall, draped with heavy lilac curtains, dangling gracefully. A thick mattress acts as a bed that is placed right in the middle. Next to it sat a rectangular study table with a chair on wheels. Several cupboards contain books, trophies and stationary. Right in front of her, a wooden sliding door reveals a dressing room that is connected with the bathroom.
She yawns tiredly, stretching her arm up in the air. Feeling refreshed, she brushes her teeth and takes a shower. She dresses up in her uniform before heading down the stairs to fetch her school bag. Felina enters a room, where two animals' eyes watched in the shadow of the boxes, with a smile on her face.
"Mixty, Golder! Here are your lettuces," called Felina.
Although there is no reply, a nose poked into the light followed by two bright, black eyes and four paws. It timidly snatched a piece and retreated into the shadows. Another brown-furred creature came in front and took it off Felina's hand. It undoubtedly showed no fear.
"Do you want another piece, Golder?" asked Felina.
"Yes," Golder squeaked in reply.
Now you must be wondering: How does an animal speak? Well, that is something special about Felina: She can talk and understand animal language. Everyone in Super Ville has a special superpower which is given when they are born.
Felina placed the rest of the lettuce inside their cage. As soon as she left and closed the door behind her, the timid Mixty emerged. Full of confidence, she bravely eats the lettuce with her friend Golder.
Felina picks up her school bag, said bye to mum and dad and aboard a bus to her newly entered school: Season Valley International School.
Upon arriving, the sound of bustling students filled the entire courtyard as they waited for the doors of Season Valley International School to open. A man appeared above the school and swooped in with a megaphone. He is Headmaster Ecolan who has the superpower to fly. Headmaster Ecolan land right in front of the main entrance, catching everyone's attention.
"Good morning students please line up and go to your classrooms. School is about to start!" she shouted with the megaphone amplifying her voice.
With that, she pushed open the glass door; followed by all the students, who disperse to their classrooms. Felina enters Class 94 with her best friend, Melody hot on her heels. Melody's superpower is to read minds (so be careful). After English, Maths and History Class, all students gathered in the school hall.
"What is the announcement going to be?" asked Melody.
"I don't know. Maybe you can read Headmaster Ecolan's mind?" answered Felina
"Hah! Probably some silly event to announce," sneered Alisha.
Alisha is a snobby, wealthy student in Super Ville. Her superpower is turning anything she touches into gold. However there is a law in Super Ville, no one could cast magic on others. So that is why she could only turn objects into solid gold.
Felina rolled her eyes and turn her attention to Melody.
"So…? What is on Headmaster Ecolan mind?"Felina inquired.
Before Melody can reply, everyone clapped as Headmaster Ecolan enter the stage.
"Good afternoon fellow students. Today, I'm going to announce a wonderful event that I know you all will love," said Headmaster Ecolan.
"Told you" whispered Alisha with a bored expression.
"Tomorrow at noon, we will host a Pet contest to see who has the most wonderful animals. You all will get a chance to win medals and awards. The result of each award will be determined by how many votes each pet has. If you want to enter your pet into the contest. Please sign up at Class 104 after school, where Miss Siti will be there. If there is cheating involved, you will immediately disqualify." explained Headmaster Ecolan
Then, Headmaster Ecolan gesture at the medals and trophies that are displayed behind.
"You all must be wondering what awards you will win. Well, to win a medal, you must be voted for the Most Beloved Cat, Most Wonderful Dog, The Cutest Rodent, Most colourful bird and The Most Beautiful Turtle. To win one of these trophies, you must be voted for the Most Smartest Pet, The Best Pet and the Most Talented Pet," said Headmaster Ecolan.
Everyone gave a round of applause after Headmaster Ecolan finishes his speech. When school is over, the next week's pet contest is the only topic students are discussing. Class 104 is brimming with students that Felina and Melody need to line up to the hallway.
"You going to enter your cat Pussy, right?" asked Felina
"Yeah, I hope he can win the Most Beautiful Cat award. What about you? Are you going to enter Mixty and Golder?" reply Melody.
"Yes, I am. I was hoping they will win The Cutest Rodent Medal," said Felina.
When it is their turn, Felina took the sign-in sheet and fills in the form while Melody also does the same. They were about to leave towards the door when Alisha rushed in like a whirlwind, almost knocking down Melody. She snatched a sign-in sheet and quickly scribbles her entry. She gave it to Miss Siti, who was shocked. She sashays out of the room without giving an apology to Melody.
"How dare she," muttered Felina angrily, shocking her fist.
"Don't worry," assured Melody, getting back to her feet. "Let's go home to prepare. It is no use to fuss about it.
They went down the hallway and into the courtyard filled with students who are waiting to return home. Felina was aboard the bus while Melody chose good seats for them.
"Can I come to your house to help you?" asked Felina
"Sure, do you need my help to get ready yours?" reply Melody
"Ok," answered Felina.
Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of the bus horn. The bus driver, Mr. Ken makes sure everyone has their seat belts on. He closed the bus door and checks the attendance of several students before placing his hand on the steering wheel. First, they arrive at Melody's terrace house.
Felina and Melody took their belongings and left their seats. They descended the bus steps. As the bus left, Melody reached to ring the doorbell.
"Do your parents know you are here?" asked Melody.
"Don't worry, I have texted them, they say I will stay for a few hours only," assured Felina, fishing out her phone to show Melody.
The sound of turning the doorknob caught their attention. A slender woman appeared before them. She is a tall figure with soft blue flowing hair. Her face is round with some wrinkles visible.
"Hello, girls. Please come in for a cup of tea." offered Mrs. Sunny.
Felina greeted Melody's mother kindly and step into Melody's house. A lovely carpet is placed in the middle. The couch is in one corner; a television suspended in one of the walls, below a horizontal cabinet.
Pussy appeared in the scene and leaped into Melody's arms. It purred affectionately, rubbing against Melody's clothes and leaving pieces of fur sticking all over. Felina bends down to stroked Pussy's soft fur gently.
"Do you like a cup of tea?" asked Melody's mother with a warm smile.
We politely agreed and Melody's mother disappears behind the kitchen door. Melody picked up Pussy and led Felina into Pussy's room. Purple wallpaper with paw prints pattern covered the walls. There were several houses on the marble floor; Next to it is a scratching post. Two cabinets with six drawers each filled with brushes, toys and reusable pieces of clothing. There was also a table contain with food and packets of meat. A litter box at the left and the room is connected to a washroom.
Melody rummaged through the drawers and took out a brush, a collar, a cat shampoo, towels and a nail clipper. She placed them in an empty box and handed them to Felina.
"Let's hope our efforts won't be destroyed tomorrow. You know how Pussy easily gets dirty." moaned Felina.
"Don't worry, she will stay in the room tonight and won't get dirty," said Melody
"Pussy, you need to try your best to keep clean. Okay?" told Felina.
"No way, I need to meet Susan for our next d-" meowed Pussy.
Before he could finish, he suddenly stops and looks embarrassed and nervous at the same time. Felina giggled, making Melody confused.
"What did he say?" asked Melody
"It seems he is meeting a cat named Susan during the night," smirked Felina teasingly.
As soon Melody hears it, she giggled too.
"I'm sorry, Pussy. But you have to miss the date this time," said Melody, picking him up and touch his nose playfully.
Pussy pouted as they took him to have a bath. Melody rubbed some cat shampoo on every inch of his fur. She took the scooped some water from the bucket to rinse it off, completely drenched Pussy. On the other hand, Felina tried her best to hold on to Pussy as he struggles and protests.
"Meow! Wet! Wet!" complained Pussy.
Finally, Melody wrapped Pussy who is shivering, with a warm towel. She wipes him dry and combed his fur to perfection. She put a collar with a bow on it around Pussy's neck while Felina clipped his sharp claws.
"Perfect," exclaimed Felina, admiring their work.
Pussy yawn with boredom. He ran into his house and curled into a ball for a cat nap. Meanwhile, Felina and Melody closed the door quietly and went to the living room. They sat on the couch where Ms. Sunny waited for them in an armchair.
"Here you go girls," she said, raising her fingers towards the chocolate chip cookies. It floats to Felina and Melody, give them each a cookie.
"I love how you can move things, Ms. Sunny," admired Felina "Imagined how easy and quicker it will be when cleaning. I can clean my room twice as fast!"
"Well that is nice of you," gushed Ms. Sunny.
Melody couldn't resist the delicious cookies. She stuffed her mouth with the snacks selfishly.
"So when do I come over?" mumbled Melody, crumbs falling out to the floor.
"Umm… You can come at 10 am," answered Felina.
"Melody! Look at the crumbs you left on the floor. Don't you know it will attract ants?!" scolded Ms. Sunny.
"Oops, sorry mother. I will clean it right away," apologized Melody.
She hurried to grab a broom and dustpan to sweep the crumbs. She went to place it back. As soon she returned, the sound of honking can be heard.
"Oh that is my Mom's car to fetch me back home," explained Felina.
She got her belongings and bid farewell to Melody and her mother. She entered the car, closing the door behind her. She sat comfortably as she enjoyed the view of houses, trees and mountains they pass by.
Later arriving at her three-story bungalow. She went straight to her room and collapsed in her bed, hugging her pillow.
"I will call you down when it is dinner," reminded Ms. Latty.
"Ok," reply Felina "But don't take the time passed by quickly, I want to take a long nap."
Ms. Latty can speed or slow time. Although she rarely used it, there are times she uses her power unexpectedly. Ms. Latty giggled and promised her before closing the door. Felina soon fell into a deep slumber. An hour later, she was woken by her mother. She heads downstairs for dinner. There were sweet potatoes covered with melted cheese, fried French beans, eggs with mixed egg and rice. She ate her dinner and went to sleep an hour later.
The next morning, Felina woke up by the sunshine which pierces through the window glass. She does her morning routine (shower-brush her teeth- change clothes- combed her hair) and went downstairs to eat her breakfast.
She was about to put down the plates and cup in the sink, the doorbell rang.
"Who would that be?" asked Ms. Latty.
"I bet is Melody" replied Felina.
She put down the plates and rushes towards the door. She opened it and invited Melody in. She greeted Ms. Latty, entered the guinea pig room which was filled with guinea pig odor.
"Eww! So stuffy in here!" complained Melody "I come here so many times but I still can't get used to it.
"You can wear the mask if you want" offered Felina, opening the window to make her felt better.
Melody took the mask while Felina tried to capture agile guinea pigs. Every time she gets closer, the guinea pigs will jump out of her grasp. It took a while but she managed to corner them and scooped them up one by one. She placed them in the wooden basket, cushion with useable clothes.
They bathed them, dry them and put little hats on them.
"Aww, aren't they cute!?" squeaked Melody.
"Yes, they are," said Felina. "Let's put them in the carrier."
Felina picks up the carrier and puts it in front of the guinea pigs with the door open wide. Curious, the guinea pigs jumped into the carrier without hesitation. Melody closed the door before the guinea pig comes out.
"Come on," said Felina.
They quickly hop aboard the car and drive off to their school's pet contest. Halfway, they stop at Melody's house to fetch Pussy.
When they arrive, the courtyard has to turn into a bustling place of sounds of different animals. Chairs for non-participating students while tables for participating students to display their pets. Next to each table has a box for students to place their vote.
Felina and Melody approach Mr. Travis, who is in charge of the register.
"May I asked your names?" questioned Mr. Travis.
"I'm Felina and she's Melody," answered Felina.
Mr. Travis scanned through the list of papers and written two numbers to each small square piece of paper.
"Here you go. Find the table with this number," instructed Mr. Travis, handing them the papers.
"Thank you!" reply Melody and Felina politely.
As they left, they see the number they were given.
"Mine is 9," said Felina.
"Mine is 8," said Melody.
"Then we are seated side by side!" squealed Felina, excitedly.
"Did you hear that Pussy?" asked Melody, hugging her cat tightly and buried her face into the soft, ginger-colored fur.
They settled down in tables 8 and 9. Felina opens her carrier and laid out some carrots and cucumber just right outside of the carrier. Once again, the courageous Golder is the first to step out of the carrier to reach for the treats. Mixty, however, was paralyzed with all the new sounds and smell. Felina picked some cucumber and carrots and put them in the carrier where Mixty ate it more comfortably.
"Hello, girls," a familiar voice speaks behind Melody.
They turn around and to their surprise; Alisha sat on Table 13, which is right behind Melody. On the table, there is a cat as white as snow, licking her paws gracefully.
"I should have known it is you," mumbled Felina.
"Anyway, Melody. I see you have a nice cat there but don't have high expectations of it. Your cat is no match for my cat, Silky," boasted Alisha.
Alisha sashays back to her table, feeling proud.
"Don't listen to her. She just discouraging you," comforted Felina.
"Don't worry, after all these years, I know what her personality is like," assured Melody.
A few minutes later, Headmaster Ecolan makes a speech.
"Good afternoon, students. We will start the competition in 30 minutes. Everyone, please help yourself with the snacks that have been laid out." smiled Headmaster Ecolan. Miss Siti approached Headmaster Ecolan and whispered into his ear. Immediately, the face changed into a worried expression. He followed Miss Siti behind the stage.
"Did you notice Headmaster Ecolan's expression?" asked Felina.
"Yeah, he seems worried," commented Melody.
"Let's go check it out!" exclaimed Felina.
Both of them shove their pets in their carrier and leave them behind. They head behind the stage. Soon, voices can be heard.
"What do you mean missing? How can I continue the competition with missing medals?" panicked Headmaster Ecolan.
"I'm not sure what happened. I was running some errands and when I come to check the awards, the medals are not there. At least the trophies are still here." explained Miss Siti
Headmaster Ecolan twirls around anxiously. He soon caught the sight of Felina and Melody, peeking through the curtains.
"Felina, Melody! You came just in time," exclaimed Headmaster Ecolan.
The two girls came up sheepishly in front of the adults.
"We are sorry Headmaster Ecolan. We didn't mean to eavesdrop. We are just curious," apologizes Melody.
"No time for that. Felina, I heard you are very good detectives. Can you find the missing medals?" asked Headmaster Ecolan.
"Of course," reply Felina.
"Good," said Headmaster Ecolan.
Then, the two teachers left.
"We better hurry. There are only 25 minutes left," warned Melody.
Both of them carefully search for any clues.
"Look there is a blue feather," exclaimed Melody.
"Hmm, I think our culprit is a bluebird," concluded Felina.
"How do you know?" asked Melody.
"Look carefully. Can you see any tracks?" asked Felina
"Um… No," replied Melody.
"Exactly! This means the thief never touches the ground because it could fly. The thief never took the trophies. Instead, it took the medals because it is light and easy to carry. It also left a blue feather from its wings," explained Felina.
"Wow! You are a good detective," praise Melody.
"Thank you," reply Felina who is pleased with the admiration.
"Now our next challenge is to catch that thief," sighed Melody.
"Let's go to the school garden. Perhaps the thief made the nest there," suggested Felina.
They went to the school garden where flowers are blooming. A tree with its greenest leaves brings shade from the shining sun. However, the girls cannot stay and admire. They have a mission to complete.
"Look around trees for clues," instructed Felina.
Melody obeyed and they scanned high and low around the garden. Out of the corner of her eyes, a brown chipmunk is stuffing its cheek pouches with nuts. Felina carefully approached the unsuspecting chipmunk.
"Hello," said Felina
At first, the chipmunk is startled but it calms down after noticing Felina meant no harm.
"What you want?" asked the chipmunk.
"I want to know if you see a blue-coloured bird who stole some medals?" questioned Felina.
"If I tell you what will I get?" asked the chipmunk.
"What about an acorn?" offered Felina.
"You got yourself a deal!" agreed the chipmunk "So the only blue-coloured bird I know is Mandy the Magpie from the tree next to the wooden shed.
"Really? Thanks," exclaimed Felina, excitedly. "Ohh, by the way, I never asked what is your name?
"Mine is Candy the chipmunk. Now if you don't mind, I need to collect more nuts," reply the chipmunk who disappears behind a bush.
Felina is about to call for Melody when she found Melody beside her
"Whoa! You scared me!" exclaimed Felina
"Sorry, I was wondering what you are talking to the chipmunk?" asked Melody.
"Oh, I was asking the chipmunk if he knows anything about a bluebird. He told me the only blue-coloured bird she knows is Mandy the Magpie from the tree next to the wooden shed," report Felina.
"Then let's go," urged Melody.
They head towards the tree next to the shed.
"Hey! Look! There is a nest in that hole," exclaimed Felina.
"Yes. I see that too. But how we are going to reach up there?" asked Melody.
Felina look around and caught the sight of the wooden ladder that leans on the shed.
"I know let's use that ladder," said Felina.
Melody followed her to the ladder and help place it on the tree. Felina climbed up and saw a bunch of shining medals pile up at the corner of the hole. Next to it was a clutch of blue-spotted eggs.
"I got it," shouted Felina with a handful of medals
"That's good. Now come down quickly, the competition is about to start in 1 minute!" urged Melody.
Felina slowly descended the ladder. They put the ladder back where it belongs and rushed back behind the stage where Headmaster Ecolan waited anxiously.
"Headmaster Ecolan, we found the medals!" panted Felina as they ran towards Headmaster Ecolan.
"How wonderful! Thank you very much!" said Headmaster Ecolan
"We found it in a magpie nest," reports Melody.
"Ahh, I'm not surprised. Magpies do like shiny stuff," chuckles Headmaster Ecolan. "Now quickly scampered to your tables. The competition is about to start."
Felina and Melody soon returned to their tables. Felina opens the door of the guinea pig carrier, waking the guinea pigs up who are sleeping in there. Melody also found Pussy has been sleeping too. They waited for Headmaster Ecolan to start the contest. A few seconds later, Headmaster Ecolan appeared behind the curtains.
"Now the time has come to start the pet contest and maybe win some prizes. The non-participating students will get marble for every round. They will vote for the participating student's pet by dropping the marble in their box if they want that pet to win the title and award. After they finished voting, five minutes will be spent for the teachers will count the votes for each table. The results will announce at the awards ceremony." explained Headmaster Ecolan. "First up, the Most Beloved Cat."
An hour later, the voting period is finished. Headmaster Ecolan is been handed an envelope which contains the answers. He comes down the stage and stood in front of the first row of tables. Suspense is rising as he opened the envelope. There is absolute silence with eyes locked on the envelope.
"The Most Beloved Cat is….. Alisha and her cat Silky!" exclaimed Headmaster Ecolan.
Applause rang out as Alisha proudly enter the stage to claim her medal. One by one, Headmaster Ecolan called out the winner of the medals. Max and his dog, Tretter won the Most Wonderful Dog. Ginger and her rabbit, Runner won The Cutest Rodent. Engna and her songbird, Chatt won The Most Colourful Bird. Ben and his turtle, Hector won The Most Beautiful Turtle.
After the medal awards, it is time for Headmaster Ecolan to announce the winner of one of those trophies.
"And now, the time you all been waiting for, I will announce the lucky winner who will take home these trophies. The three lucky winners are ..... Danish, Melody and Felina!" shouted Headmaster Ecolan.
Melody and Felina were shocked with open mouths hanging. They stare at each other and realized it was true. They squealed with delight as they excitedly enter the stage with Danish.
"Danish, your parrot won The Most Smartest Animal. Melody's cat won The Most Loved Pet and Felina's guinea pigs won the Most Talented Pet. Congratulations to all three of you." said Headmaster Ecolan.
Melody and Felina both beamed with pride as they received their trophies. They received praise from classmates and friends. Felina puts the guinea pigs back into the carrier while Melody carries Pussy in her arms. They waited at the front gate for their bus to picked them up. 15 minutes later, they board the bus.
"I can't imagine how our parents reacted if we bring home a trophy for them to display," said Felina.
"Same here. When I get back home, I will give my Pussy an extra-large fish for dinner," said Melody.
A few minutes later, Felina enters the house with a trophy in her left hand and a guinea pig carrier in her right hand. Ms. Latty is busy moping the floor to notice she came in.
"Hi, mom." called out Felina, putting down the carrier.
"Hello dear," replied Ms. Latty, raising her head.
Soon, she noticed a trophy that was held in her daughter's hands.
"Did the Mixty and Golder win something?" asked Ms. Latty, putting down her mop.
"Yes, they did. They are awarded as The Most Talented Pet," reported Felina proudly.
"How wonderful! I can't wait for your father to find out" exclaimed Ms. Latty, hugging Felina. "I'm going to make an extra-large vegetable dinner for the guinea pigs.
As her mother went to the kitchen, Felina enters the guinea pig room. She put the carrier in the cage and opens the door. The two guinea pigs were happily backed into their home sweet home.