3 CHAPTER 4: THE ACADEMY (1/2)

Aye woke up early that morning because she's scheduled to cook. She prepared eggs and toast some bread then added some hot pancakes with syrup on top for herself. She set the table and her mother came down first. They were suppose to start eating but her father decided to join them too.

”Good morning, Wow! That looks tasty dear. Thank you.” Her father commented the food.

”Why don't you give grace because we are going to be late.” Shea asked her brother.

Paul prayed for the food and for the rest of the day, then they all said 'AMEN!'. They ate while discussing the school Aye planned to enrol but suddenly the doorbell rang. Paul stood and check who was there, he then came back with bunch of letters. He set it on the table and started to open the first letter while Aye and her mother look for a letter to open. Shea picked the letter from Audessus Essai University, Aye opened the water and electrical bills. While, Paul called their attention.

”We have another letter from a different school for Aye. It says here BERTRIM LUNE ACADEMY. I think I have heard it before.” Paul read the envelope.

”It's inviting me to their school for free and there's no entrance exam.” Aye reading the letter over her father's shoulder.

”I remember now, that is the school Mr. Bien was talking about when we were in college. He said it was a very extraordinary school and few are given privilege to enter.”

”Why don't we discuss this tonight because we have to leave for work, and that means you to. Also I might be late in coming home, I have a date.” Shea told them.

Both her parents left and Aye used the time to further read the letter. The envelope was in light shade of blue with her name written in silver. The paper used was translucent and empty aside from the ordinary paper along with it were the invitation was written. She looked inside the blue envelope and found a half inch bracelet. She tried it on and fitted perfectly, she decided to remove it before she cleans the table but even how much she pulls it out, it won't loosen. To stop herself stressing out from removing the bracelet she settled the paper in the table and enjoyed drinking her favourite hot tea, now warm. While sipping her tea a few drops went in the translucent paper, she tried to wipe it off. She was busy drying the paper and her bracelet changed in style, it doubled in width and a weaving like design of black and white gold colour with 2 different flowers. She look at it and surprise to see the change. Since she'll be late she just put the letter back in the envelope and left for work. She failed to notice that their were already words appearing in the paper.

Her workplace is just a 10 mins drive or 30 minutes walk, she works as a cashier in a coffee shop owned by her teacher.

”Good morning, how may I help you?” Rei asked the costumer.

”I'll have ice mocha latte and could you hold it for a minute?” The costumer asked while holding and talking to her phone.

”Hey brother, what do you want me to buy?” The girl asked the person on the other side of the phone.

”Just get me some coffee and something sweet.” He replied to her.

”OK, bye. Don't forget you have to pick me up. Oh, miss please add some espresso and chocolate cake.” the costumer said adding from her first order after talking to her phone.

”Hey Akira are you still there? Before you leave kindly bring my sweater. Thanks.” Sera turn off her phone and faced the cashier.

”That would be 380. Would that be dine in or...?”

”No I'll have it 'take away' I'm meeting my brother. Here's an exact amount and thanks.” Sera replied.

”No problem, please find a sit and i'll bring your order once ready.” Rei replied to her costumer.

The customer took a sit near the window while Aye continued to take orders. The shop was so busy until 5 in the afternoon. Aye didn't notice the the time has pass by and her shift is ending. She stayed a bit longer because she has to get her payslip. She left after and went straight to the bus stop. Once inside the bus she bump-in to someone and was about to apologise.

”Miss keren? I'm sorry I bump in to you.” Rei said apologetically.

”Yes dear, its me, and you must be Rei Aye Crimean. It's alright, I'm fine. Why don't we sit and lets talk?” Keren asked.

”Yes, that's a good idea. Where are you going?” Rei asked after they have seated.

”I'm actually visiting a family, whose entering the Academy I'm teaching.” She replied.

”Really? And what school do you work? I didn't asked the last time.”

”The school is not actually known but since you are a family friend to the owner it is: BERTRIM LUNE ACADEMY.”

”Oh, Bertrim Academy, hmmm...”

”Have you heard of it? It looks like you have.”

”I don't, I'm not sure, I might read it before. Oh, I remember they did sent me a letter this morning, anyway thanks Ms. Keren but I think this would be my stop. I hope to see you again.”

”Of course , I hope to meet you again, bye.” Ms. Keren replied to her.

Aye left the bus and started walking home but the sun has already set and getting dark. She was already halfway when she suddenly notice that it's too quiet. She tried to walk fast and was able to normally breath in air properly as she reach the house. Aye turn around and tried to lock the gate but noticed a man few feet from her and made a step back. She tried to see who it was that scared her.