Chapter 6: A Cigarette and a Promise
The ‘veteran’ drove smoothly and swiftly, but Aya, sitting in the passenger seat, was not pleased.
“Senior, slow down! You’ll run a red light!”
The man glanced at the rearview mirror. Bubbles, her face a mixture of anxiety and curiosity, sat quietly in the backseat.
‘My driving skills are impeccable after all these years.’ He thought to himself, but nonetheless, he eased off the accelerator.
“Bubbles, you have to listen to your teachers at school, okay?”
“Okay, Aya.”
“Don’t fight with your classmates. Make lots of friends.”
“Okay!”
“You’re still growing, so no picky eating.”
“Okay! Bubbles is a good girl, Bubble never picky eats.”
“And pay attention in class…”
Bubbles’s heart warmed as she listened to Aya’s endless list of reminders.
“Bubbles will study hard and make her teachers proud!” She declared resolutely.
No matter how slow the journey, there was always an end.
“We’re here.”
The car rolled to a stop. Aya studied the imposing building before them, “Private Cherry Blossom Elementary School,” her expression grim.
Located far from the city center, the school was secluded and eerily quiet. Surrounded by towering walls, with burly, watchful guards stationed at regular intervals, it felt less like an educational institution and more like…
“This is private property. State your business.” A stern-looking man approached them, his eyes wary.
Aya noticed the gun holstered at his hip and frowned as she presented their documents.
“We’re here to enroll this child.”
The ‘veteran’ flashed a friendly smile, offering a cigarette. “Care for one, comrade?”
The man remained impassive. He took the documents with one hand and began examining them carefully.
Unfazed by the cold shoulder, the ‘veteran’ put the cigarette in his mouth and was about to light it when Aya nudged him discreetly.
“?”
He followed her gaze and saw the little girl watching them with wide, curious eyes.
‘Can’t corrupt the youth.’ He sighed inwardly, reluctantly putting away the cigarette.
“You have twenty minutes. Leave the premises after that.” The man said curtly after verifying their documents, stepping aside to let them through.
“Come on, Bubbles.”
Aya took the little girl’s hand and led her through the gates, her heart heavy with apprehension.
“Ms. Eve is a good teacher.” The man’s voice called out as they passed him.
The ‘veteran’ paused, turning back to see the man’s usual stoic expression, as if he hadn’t spoken at all.
“Thanks, comrade.” The ‘veteran’ gave him a nod and hurried after Aya and Bubbles.
“Welcome to Private Cherry Blossom Elementary School.”
Bubbles, with her yellow safety helmet, red backpack, and a small bag of snacks, froze.
Standing before them, in front of the school building, was a tall, elegant woman with long, wine-red hair. A warm smile graced her lips.
“Children, this is your new classmate. Let’s give her a big round of applause.”
“Welcome, welcome!”
“A warm welcome!”
“Clap, clap, clap!”
A chorus of small voices rang out as the children behind the woman clapped enthusiastically, their eyes filled with curiosity as they looked at Bubbles.
Aya hadn’t expected such a reception. She had imagined this place to be much more… sterile, perhaps.
The ‘veteran’ studied the young woman before them. Tall, with cascading auburn hair and kind eyes, she exuded an aura of warmth and compassion.
“And you are?”
“I’m Eve. I’ll be this child’s homeroom teacher.”
After shaking hands with both adults, Eve crouched down to Bubble’s level, her eyes meeting the little girl’s. “Won’t you introduce yourself, dear?”
Aya let go of Bubbles’s hand and gave her a gentle nudge. “Go on.”
Flushing bright red, Bubbles shuffled over to the group of children. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Finally, she stammered, “H-hello everyone.”
“I’m Bubbles!”
“The snacks… they’re… they’re for everyone!”
She held up the plastic bag. “Here, take some!”
A moment of silence, then a wave of excited shouts.
“Ooh!”
“Jelly! And milk candy!”
“Look, croissants!”
“I want spicy strips!”
“…”
The contents of the bag disappeared in a flash. Seeing their happy faces, Bubbles couldn’t help but grin.
“What a sweet child.”
Eve’s smile widened. “Thank you both for your thoughtfulness.”
“It’s no problem at all.”
Aya hesitated for a moment, then exchanged a look with the ‘veteran.’
Understanding her silent cue, the man stepped forward, positioning himself between the women and the children.
Eve looked at him in surprise, but before she could speak, Aya pressed a red envelope into her hand.
“Thank you for all your hard work, Ms. Eve. A small token of our appreciation. Please take care of Bubbles…”
Before Aya could finish, Eve clasped her hand.
“Ms. Eve?”
Aya stared at her, bewildered.
“Are you Bubbles’s older sister?” Eve asked, her expression serious.
“No.”
“Her mother, then?”
“That’s… I’m not old enough to be her mother.” Aya chuckled awkwardly.
“A relative, perhaps?” Eve pressed on.
“No, Bubbles and I aren’t related.”
“In fact, we haven’t even known each other for a fortnight.”
“Oh?” Eve nodded slowly. “Then why are you so concerned for her, Ms. Aya?”
“…”
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Aya finally spoke. “Bubbles is a good kid. That’s all the reason I need.”
“I hope you find my answer satisfactory, Ms. Eve.”
The ‘veteran,’ sensing the sudden shift in Aya’s tone, knew his partner’s temper was about to flare. He was about to intervene when Eve smiled again, reaching out with her other hand to clasp Aya’s between hers.
“Please, trust me.”
Her voice was sincere, filled with warmth. “I share your sentiments, Ms. Aya.”
“This child has suffered enough.”
“I cannot change the past, but I can promise you this…”
“From this day forward, I will care for Bubbles as my own.”
“I will do everything in my power to ensure her well-being and help her grow.”
“Believe me, she will rejoin society as a healthy, happy young woman one day.”
Eve’s words, spoken with unwavering conviction, resonated deeply with both Aya and the ‘veteran.’
Exchanging a look with her partner, Aya felt a weight lift from her heart.
She was suddenly embarrassed by her earlier suspicion.
Returning Eve’s smile, Aya squeezed her hand gently.
“Ms. Eve…”
“Bubbles, you’re in good hands now.”
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