"Sigh..."
As I awoke to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my room, I let out a sigh.
"Haaah."
Stretching my limbs, I relished the comfort of my soft bed beneath me.
Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I sat up and took a moment to gather my thoughts.
"The academy!" I exclaimed as I remembered what today was.
Today was an important day—it marked the start of a new semester at the academy, and I couldn't afford to be late.
"And I'm late!" I exclaimed again, glancing at the time; it was close to nine o'clock.
Hastily, I swung my legs out of bed and rose to my feet.
After a quick bath, I dressed swiftly in my new and crisp academy uniform, smoothing out the wrinkles and adjusting my collar.
Glancing at myself in the mirror, My hair, the color of warm caramel, cascades in gentle waves down her back.
With eyes like pools of liquid gold, that hold a mesmerizing depth.
I nodded twice with a smile and mumbled, "Beautiful."
With that, I made my way downstairs with my bag, greeted by the scent of breakfast mingling with the familiar aroma of freshly brewed tea.
'Tiffany's already awake?'I thought to myself as I entered the kitchen.
And indeed, Tiffany, my younger sister, was already there, humming softly to herself as she prepared our morning meal.
"Good morning, Tiffy," I greeted her with a smile as I walked in.
Tiffany turned to face me, her expression brightening. "Good morning, big sister."
"What's on the menu today?" I asked as I crossed the hall room and approached the table.
"I made your favorite –Raspberry flavored pancakes with maple syrup," she replied, her smile unwavering.
"Couldn't you wake me up to help you?" I asked as I began to set the table and arrange the utensils.
She paused in her work and gave me a strange look. "You've been practicing making cookies since six, and you still can't make them. What help could you possibly offer, big sister?"
Ah, the cookies...
"I'm at least trying," I mumbled, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.
"I don't even know why you're trying," Tiffany remarked, and I glanced at her.
"You know, so I can make the best cookies," I whispered softly, "even for those who can't taste them."
"Anyway, go meet with Mother before breakfast," Tiffany said, and I nodded before heading off to find her.
With a soft click, I opened the door and entered the small room where a photo was placed in the middle.
"Good morning, Mama." I greeted her with a smile as I sat down on the floor and lit up a candle.
"It's my first day at the academy," I mumbled as I looked at her photo. "And I still don't know who that boy was."
The memory of the boy brought a smile to my face.
It had been years since I last heard his voice, his child-like voice that smoothed my worries at the time.
"You know, Mama, like he said, he is taking care of us even though he doesn't come to visit us now," I mumbled again with a light chuckle. "I wish I could see his face at least once."
I wished my eyes had been working back then so I could see him.
"Well, he did tell me that we will meet someday," I murmured, looking at her photo.
"I wish you could be with us, Mama."
I wished she could be with us. Maybe then we could have lived happily together.
"And thank you for sending an angel to help us." Bowing in front of her photo, I then walked out of the room.
Growl.
My stomach rumbled as I took a seat at the table, eyeing the stack of golden pancakes with delight.
"Thanks, Tiff," I said gratefully, digging into my meal. "This tastes amazing."
She beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm glad you like it."
Taking a seat across from me, she continued, "I wanted to make sure you had a good start to your day."
"Hmm, thank you," I replied, smiling as I continued to eat.
"Will you be fine at the academy, sister?" Tiffany asked, making me look at her.
"Don't worry," I replied with a gentle smile. "I got a scholarship and a recommendation as well. I'll be fine."
"No, not that, sister," she replied, shaking her head. "Will you be fine among the nobles?"
Right, the majority of the students in the academy would be nobles.
"Don't worry," I replied, shaking my head. "I'll be fine. And remember, Noah is a noble as well. Maybe I'll see him again."
At the mention of Noah's name, my sister smiled, her expression as pure as it could be.
"If you meet big brother, then bring him to me. I want to see him as well," she replied, her smile widening.
"Do you even remember him? You were four years old when you first saw him, and now you're thirteen," I replied with a chuckle, looking at her.
"Humph, big brother and I have a secret code that will make me recognize him instantly," she replied with the same words she used every day, pouting slightly.
I nodded in reply, and we both ate as she asked again, "Did we get money again?"
"He's still sending us money," I nodded as I replied, "and it's still more than we need."
"So... You're going to donate it again?" She asked, looking at me.
"Children in the orphanage need it as well, Tiffy," I replied softly. "They're like us; they also need help."
She nodded before continuing to eat her food, and so did I.
"I'm going then," I said, finishing as I stood up and walked towards the gate.
"Stay safe," Tiffany said, coming closer and hugging me as she whispered.
"You too, be safe and careful. Even though the society here is good and we are given utmost security, always be alert," I replied, returning the hug and gently patting her head.
"He did too many things for us without even asking anything in return," Tiffany muttered, and I nodded in agreement as I leaned back.
"Bye for now," I waved, walking out of the house.
As I reached the main gate, the towering buildings and houses greeted me, a reminder of the privileged society we lived in, thanks to Noah's support.
Walking towards the bus stop, I glanced around, observing the orderly streets and well-kept surroundings.
It was indeed a privileged neighborhood, reserved for those just below the nobles.
"And we owe it all to him," I mused silently as I made my way to the bus stop.
Upon arriving, several children from the streets noticed me and ran towards me.
"Sister, did you bring food?"
"Sister, me too!"
"Wait, wait, one at a time."
Their eager faces and excited voices warmed my heart as they gathered around me, hoping for treats,their enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Here you go," I said, handing each child a piece of chocolate or a small cake from my bag, their eyes widening with delight as they eagerly accepted them.
"Thank you, sister!" they chorused in unison, their voices filled with gratitude as they clutched their treats tightly.
"Don't be." I replied as I patted there head one by one before they run away.
As the bus pulled up to the stop, I boarded ready for the academy.
.....
.....
.....
Screech.
As the bus came to a stop, I stepped out and glanced around the area.
'Yeah, only students are allowed inside the academy,' I thought to myself as I began walking towards the entrance, the road empty except for me.
"Hum~ hum~," I hummed to myself, enjoying the solitude as I walked, admiring the lush greenery surrounding the road.
"Hello."
"AHH, MUMMY!"
The unexpected greeting startled me, causing my heart to race, and without thinking, I reacted instinctively...
And....
I threw a punch...