Chapter 39
Chapter 39
The next morning, Yvonne woke up and sat at the dining table for breakfast while Lillian stood nearby, trimming rose stems
for her.
The thought of going to school again filled Yvonne with joy. She swing her legs happily, her good mood obvious to anyone who saw her. This cheerful little girl of energy was a stark contrast to Jeremy, who sat beside her looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.
Jeremy couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. He wished he’d been this enthusiastic about school when he was her age
After breakfast, Lillian packed the roses into Yvonne’s kitten–shaped backpack and reminded her with a smile. “Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, sweetheart.”
Yvonne nodded obediently, then waved goodbye in her sweet, drawn–out baby voice, “Bye–bye, Lillian- See you later!”
Lillian waved back, watching Yvonne leave before turning to her other tasks,
Today, Jeremy was the one dropping Yvonne off at school. Their schools were close by, so after dropping Yvonne off, the driver would take Jeremy to his school. In the car, Jeremy turned Yvonne’s face toward him, his expression serious as he looked into her confused eyes,
Yvonne, there’s something important I need to tell you. Pay attention.”
Yvonne stared at him for a few seconds, then sniffled. “Jeremy, you look so serious.”
Jeremy nodded gravely. “That’s because this is serious. You need to take it seriously too.”
“Okay.” Yvonne replied, her voice soft and compliant.
Seeing her so obedient, Jeremy felt a little reassured. “If anyone at school bullies you, you have to tell me, okay? No matter who it is or how tough they think they are, if they mess with you, don’t take it lying down. Our family isn’t weaker than anyone else’s.
Yvonne blinked, looking utterly lost. Jeremy, slow down.”
The driver, glancing at Yvonne’s adorably clueless expression in the rearview mirror, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mr. Adler. she’s only three. I don’t think she understands what you’re saying”
Jeremy cupped Yvonne’s face, his gaze firm. “No, she’s smart. She’ll get it if I say it enough times.”
By the time they reached Yvonne’s kindergarten, Jeremy finally let go. He glanced at the teachers greeting students at the gate and made Yvonne repeat his instructions one last time.
“…If anyone bullies me, I’ll tell Jeremy. Our family is super strong…”
Yvonne recited it perfectly, and Jeremy finally released her with a satisfied nod. “See? I told you she’d get it. Alright, off you
go
Yvonne practically bounced out of the car, relieved to be free. She turned and waved at Jeremy with a bright smile. “Bye, Jeremy! See you tonight-
Then she skipped off toward her teacher, her little kitten–shaped backpack bouncing with each step.
Jeremy watched her until she disappeared into the school, then told the driver to head to his own school. He was about ten minutes late, and the entrance was nearly empty. That’s when he spotted Oliver, who was also running late.
Jeremy walked over, curious. “You’re late too?”
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Chapter 39
Oliver looked annoyed. So are you”
“It’s not the same,” Jeremy said proudly. I was dropping off my sister
Then it hit him. “Wait, were you dropping off your sister too? I didn’t see your car at the kindergarten”
Oliver’s expression darkened. Don’t even ask. She threw a tantrum this morning, refusing to go to school. My mom was trying to calm her down while I waited. By the time she finally agreed, I was already late”
Jeremy tried to hold back a laugh but failed.
Oliver shot him a glare. “You think this is fumy?”
Jeremy stifled his laughter and patted Oliver’s shoulder sympathetically. “Kids, right? But I can’t relate. My sister’s like a little angel. She’s so excited for school, it’s like she’s racing to a bullet”
Oliver groaned. I don’t want to talk to you. You’re annoying
Jeremy just smiled, thinking. Oh, buddy, your troubles are just beginning.
Back at the kindergarten, during break time, the kids lined up at Yvonne’s desk, waiting patiently for her to hand out roses. Lillian had called the school the night before to confirm the number of students, so there were just enough roses for everyone. After distributing them, Yvonne had one left–her own. Lillian had included her in the count
Now, each of her classmates had a rose in hand, and every teacher who came into the room was met with the sweet scent.
Wow, it smells so good!”
Looking at the roses, one of the teachers asked with surprise, “Where did these flowers come from, children?”
The kids pointed at Yvonne and shouted excitedly.
“Teacher, it’s from Yvonne!”
“Yvonne gave them to us!”
“Everyone has one!”
Yvonne blushed, embarrassed by the attention. The roses weren’t as fragrant as the ones she usually grew, but they were still beautiful–the kind you could buy if you were willing to spend a little extra.
The teacher admired the rose wistfully before handing it back. ‘If only I were a kid again, she thought.
After this, Yvonne became even more popular. She was the youngest in her class, so the other kids naturally treated her like a little sister. The biggest kid in class, a chubby boy, started calling her “Yvonne–y‘ and declared himself her big brother, promising to look out for her at school.
Yvonne, being her sweet self, nodded along no matter who offered to be her protector. Before long, she had not one, but several self–proclaimed big brothers and sisters. If Jeremy found out, he’d be furious. Not only was he no longer her only big brother, but he was now one of many.
Meanwhile, in the classroom next door, Marian had finally been dropped off by Nina to endure another day of what she considered boring, childish activities.
Marian hated school, but as she looked around at her classmates, an idea struck her. These kids came from wealthy, influential families. If she could get them to like her now, they might grow up to be powerful allies. The thought made her smile. This could be my ticket to something big
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Chapter 40
