To Become Number One

Chapter 4

Baby steps toward her dreams to become real.

It’s been days since the examination happened, and in those days, it didn’t give me a proper sleep since I’ve been wishing and praying that I hope I’m one of those who will pass, and hopefully, become part of scholars in that Academy.

I don’t really know what to say, especially when we are cleaning the house, and then someone suddenly knocked on our door. My mother opened it; as I continue to wipe the bases, we won in some lottery when I saw mother let go of what she’s holding in shock.

I instantly get nervous at her reaction. Who knows that maybe these are those goons trying to get this land to build another building. If it’s about making this place beautiful and clean, it’s fine, but then, it also means that the people here would lose their homes. That’s why no matter what they said, we disagree on it and continue living in this urban place, even someone, it’s perilous here.

“Artemis, come here!” She just suddenly called me, that’s why my nervousness increased.

I don’t have any choice but to go there, right? So I placed what I’m holding and remove the apron so that my real clothes wouldn’t get dusk since today is the general cleaning that we usually do every Saturday.

I wasn’t even closed when someone finally peeks inside to look at me as my eyes widen, and a gasp escaped from my lips when I saw it!

“So this is your house? It’s small yet so clean and tidy,” She said as she was roaming her eyes around the place that I almost run and push her back because truth to be told, a Princess like her shouldn’t be here, and especially, shouldn’t be in this kind of place!

“Yvonne! What are you doing here?” I asked, a little hesitant and panicking especially when I saw those big guys wearing black outfits, and if it’s what they usually called MIB, short for Men-In-Black, then maybe I’ll lose my mind!

My mother’s dumbfounded at our side that I smile hesitantly at her before I turned my attention to Yvonne, who still looks amazed. I mean, there’s nothing to be surprised at!

“Yvonne…” I called her attention. Maybe that’s also when she looks at me.

“Ah, right. I was asked to give you this since they wouldn’t be able to handle this to you since this is located at the urban place, they said, so I personally got here to go to your house,” She smiles sweetly, but no, I wouldn’t fall from that!

“How did you know about our house?” Our house is located in the middle part of this place, and the only one I placed on the address was at the mailbox in front, which will only deliver into our house.

Before she smiles, “Oh, I asked them in exchange for some monies.” She pointed those people who are watching us as in, and all their eyes are on us! I almost palm my forehead as I pulled her inside.

“Excuse our home. We were cleaning when you came at,” I explained. She just nodded like happy kiddo as she continues to look around the place with amazement that could’ve to be seen on her face.

“I never thought a place like this existing in this kind of place,” She said, looking around. And it was as if she remembered something because she quickly looks at me. “Ah! By the way—”

She couldn’t finish what she was saying when all of us looked at the door when it was harshly opened, and from there, my father, who’s still catching his breath and with his haggard face, only that his work clothes are quite haggard too, entered our home as he quickly goes to the kitchen.

“Honey! I have news! Very very good news! But why are there so many Men In Black outside our home? Are we asked to get out of here? But it’s alright because—”

Because from here in our living room and the distance to our kitchen is only short, I saw Father marching to the kitchen while shouting those words, as my mother, who quickly panicked, trying to point us at his back.

My father, finally, slowly looked at our place as his eyes widen, just before he lost his grip on the envelope he’s holding in shock.

I quickly looked at Yvonne as I chuckled nervously. “So, where are we again?” As when she turned her face to me as I couldn’t understand her expression— is there anything to be amazed at?

“Artemis, your family’s really cool!” She suddenly said that made my eyes widen as they are. Really? Isn’t she just kidding at that? I mean, she was amazed by that?

Just as when I was about to speak, someone speaks ahead of me. “Of course, young lady. Just as how cool our Artemis is, her parents are cool too.” As father suddenly in front of us and acted as if he’s even proud of it. Just as when he fixed his posture and performed like he’s introducing something into some high companies so he’ll get accepted by it.

“By the way, I’m her father. Call me Art,” Yvonne’s mouth gape as her amazement increased after hearing what my father said.

“Art, like Artemis?” She asked innocently, like kiddo hearing an answer to her question. However, my Father joined her trip as he nodded as if he’s talking to a child.

“Yes, Art like Artemis,”

Just as when Mother placed what she’s holding in a small wooden table in between us as I saw there are sandwiches and orange juice on it. “And I’m Valeria,” She said. Yvonne’s gaze turned to her this time.

“So she got her Valkyrie to you, Ma’am?” I think she asked the most obvious question, but whatever.

As I saw my mother being shy. “Yes, but please don’t call me Ma’am. You’re much higher than me.”

“No! Then, I’ll just call you Auntie, Uncle?” She looks at my Father, that my Father’s smile grew, just as when I saw gleaming on his eyes before he averted it.

“I never thought Artemis could have a wonderful friend like you,” He said so dramatically that I almost rolled my eyes.

Yvonne chuckled, and you know the chuckle of those from a wealthy family? That’s it. She placed her hand on her lips to cover it as she laughed softly. Just as when she looks at me as she speaks.

“Why don’t you open to tell about the envelope you’re holding, Uncle? I think that’s a piece of good news from how you acted earlier,” She said it so softly while looking at me that my eyes turned into slits, especially when I saw her smirk widened.

“Ah, right! There a written letter than we won a house and lot with some cars, and the name it is written at is from Artemis’ name.” Just as Dad looks at me. “I never knew you were playing lotto. I might give you a lecture, but right now, we have a new house! Congratulations, my daughter!” He said so happily that even my mother turned to look at the paper he’s holding that even Mom look at it as I saw her tears falling from her eyes when she confirmed it. Now, they are both crying.

My eyes find Yvonne as I saw her laughing softly. When she discovered my gaze, she lifted her brows as if telling me, “You know where it came from,” and it’s only one means.

I sighed. I just couldn’t break their happiness and tell them that Yvonne and Dashiel made a bet for it, right?

They were so happy at those times that I couldn’t look at them as I continue looking at Yvonne, who’s also delighted at their reaction. I suddenly feel bad at those guys since it was as if we took those things from them, especially that house and lot are already too much. What about having cars, right? It’s not as if there’s someone who could drive at us!

“Ah, by the way, Auntie, since I loved Artemis’ lunchbox at the entrance examination, I asked my dad to get you as one of our cooks in our restaurant as head chef. Would you get that position?” My eyes widen in shock.

“Yvonne, that’s too much already…” I said, but she just looks at me.

“Huh? But the restaurant will be useless without your mother. I want her cooking in our menus!” She pouted. Yes, she just freaking pouted. She only used her innocent face’s power in me that she knows I couldn’t say no to that one!

I sighed in defeat. Her smile widens just before she looks at my mother. “Auntie? What’s your decision?” She asked so happily, but my mother looks at me, and that’s when I know she knows something is really happening.

“Well, maybe I’ll ask Artemis about it first,” She said hesitantly, and in her eyes, she’s telling me that I should tell it to her later, which I nodded.

Just as when I heard Yvonne’s voice. “Artemis?” Yvonne asked me, sweetly and softly. Again, I freaking sighed in defeat.

“Mom, it’s okay. I know you wanted to become a chef.” I look at her and smile. “This is it.” I encouraged her because what I said was true. Becoming the head chef is her dream. However, culinary is really expensive, and we don’t have money for that so she couldn’t finish studying it.

“Okay… I’ll prepare my resume for that.” My mother said happily just before they excused themselves. Maybe they know that we have something to talk about.

When I saw that they are finally out of range where they couldn’t hear whatever we are going to say, I faced Yvonne. “Tell me, the house and those cars…” I wasn’t even done as she smiles, closed her eyes, and lifted her palm right in front of my face as if saying that I should listen to whatever she’s going to say.

“I know you’re asking that, and nope. The only thing I asked them is their car keys, right? It was Dashiel who gave those to me and saying that one of those boys came into his father’s company to give those documents and this,” As she gave me an envelope which I think is a letter.

I got it from her as I read what’s inside.

Mr. Vermilion, can you please give Ms. Raven this letter and say we are really sorry for making fun of her. And as compensation for the damage we’ve done, we are willing to give one of our houses to them and the cars, please tell her to accept them. I already asked my father to build a secure base close to their old home since we learned that there are some frequently attacking in that place. I hope yours and Ms. Clover’s family cooperate in this project. We are really sorry and please ask her to forgive us.

And if ever our lives meet again, I hope everyone finally hears the voices inside her heart.

I’m looking forward to that, Ms. Raven! You really made me believe in you. We’re sorry again.

As I closed the letter as I look at smiling Yvonne Levina, just as when she asked. “Are you going to accept it?” I think she read the message too.

I nodded slowly. Her smile widened. “Alright, one down! Now, bid your goodbyes to your parents since we’re going to live together with our future classmates,” As she handed me a gold envelope with a familiar logo that my eyes widened.

“And oh, congratulations on being one of the scholars!” She added that with my hand shaking, I took the envelope she’s handling on me as I slowly lifted my head to look at her, and right now, I really couldn’t believe it.

Did I pass? Am I dreaming? If I am... Please don’t wake me up.

It was when she laughed at my reaction. “Yeah, you silly. You passed! And you’re one of the top 10 students of Northridge Academy!” As with my shaking hands, I opened the letter as I saw what’s written in it.

Greetings, Ms. Artemis Valkyrie Raven.

We are pleased to have you at our Academy, and we are hoping to see you at our upcoming orientation this Monday, August 10, that will be held at Academy’s Auditorium.

We are also glad to inform you that you’re one of our top 10, as we are ready to provide you with the privileges our scholars must-have, and if you have any questions, please contact our email: NorthridgeAcademy.edu

We are looking forward to your journeys inside!

Sincerely yours,

Northridge Academy.