Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Sophie couldn’t help but laugh upon seeing Calvin’s serious demeanor.
Though Leila had been haunted by sadness recently, she pulled herself together quickly. In the end, life kept pushing onward.
Despite her dwindling hope that Chloe was still out there, Leila hadn’t ceased her efforts. She organized a search party to scour for any sign of Chloe. The possibility of a clue remained. Clayton claimed Landon had been spotted on the streets of Ysland, which redirected Leila’s focus to that area. Searching there was akin to looking for a needle in a haystack-a daunting, nearly impossible task-but not entirely hopeless.
On a particularly upbeat day, Leila decided to drive Sophie and Calvin to their school, the prestigious academy in Burmoos.
This institution served students from elementary through high school and boasted exceptional resources. Many families dug deep into their pockets to secure a spot for their children. Sophie and Calvin, however, attended without the hefty price tag, thanks to their extraordinary talents.
Sophie was an exceptionally talented artist. Despite her youth, her interests spanned various musical instruments and dance styles. Leila fully supported Sophie’s artistic endeavors, allowing her to explore her passions freely without rigid guidelines.
Surprisingly, Sophie showed remarkable aptitude in all these areas. She had accumulated an impressive collection of prestigious international awards. Commendably, these achievements didn’t detract from her academic performance. Her scores were among the top ten for the elementary school entrance exams in Burmoos.
Calvin was a prodigy in his own right. Blessed with a photographic memory, he had a particular knack for numbers. Despite his young age, he was already delving into advanced mathematics. His mechanical aptitude, a gift from Leila, led him to compete in various model and mechanical competitions.
Both Sophie and Calvin were exceptional, and Leila never fretted over their studies. Sometimes, she wondered whether the fact that her children were gifted and thoughtful was truly a blessing.
At school, everyone recognized Sophie’s and Calvin’s academic and artistic excellence, but few knew their true identities.
One day, after promising to treat Sophie and Calvin to dinner, Leila chatted with them outside the school. That was when she spotted a familiar silhouette out of the corner of her eye. She stopped mid-sentence, her gaze fixed in a mix of surprise and disbelief. It took a moment to place the face. The child, Elma, silent and somber, was walking with an elderly woman.
Sophie recognized Elma immediately and exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t that the little girl from before? I had no idea she went to school here too.”
A message from Noa: Hey there! Hope you had a great day. God loves you, and Noa is sending you the warmest wishes! (????)
Leila was somewhat dazed, recalling certain rumors that had reached her ears. Word had it that Clayton had returned with his sister to settle in the country.
Yet, Leila had shaken off such rumors previously and believed Clayton was too tied to his businesses abroad to relocate permanently. Now, their unexpected return threw her off. What exactly was the Morgan family planning? Could they be harboring a grudge against her past deeds, possibly seeking retribution?
Lost in her thoughts, Leila’s brow furrowed as she braced herself mentally.
Meanwhile, Sophie had already bounded forward to greet Elma. “Elma, hello! What a surprise to see you here. Do you remember me?”
Sophie beamed, her smile bright and engaging, a natural charm that usually won hearts.
Elma, however, merely looked up at Sophie and responded with a chilly stare.
Sophie was visibly puzzled by such a frosty reaction.
Leila waved at Sophie. She had yet to reveal to Sophie and Calvin that Elma was their half-sister. She had her reasons. Despite everything, she couldn’t bring herself to dislike Elma. Besides, Elma was just a child, innocent of the adults’ past misdeeds.
Sophie approached Leila, her brow furrowed slightly without voicing any direct complaints about Elma’s less-than-courteous behavior. She simply murmured, “She doesn’t look very happy.”
Leila had noticed the same. On top of that, the woman accompanying Elma wasn’t Betty, whom they had met before. The woman was a stranger to them.
With a soft sigh, Leila remarked, “Don’t you think it’s somewhat inappropriate for Elma to be attending this school? She’s too young.”
Calvin offered an explanation. “I noticed her uniform. She’s enrolled in the preschool program. It’s designed as a bridge from kindergarten to elementary school, even catering to kids as young as three or four. However, the program is rigorous. It’s a boarding school. I’m not sure if she’ll be able to adjust.”
“Boarding school?” Leila echoed, taken aback. The thought lingered heavily in the air. How could Cara and Landon even consider sending Elma to a boarding school at such a tender age? No wonder Elma seemed so upset.
The children admitted here were either gifted or diligent. Leila could empathize with the parents’ perspectives, yet she couldn’t help but sympathize with Elma.
After a moment of thought, Leila gently patted Calvin’s head and remarked, “The elementary school must be near the preschool. Since you know her, could you check on her when you get a chance?”
Calvin nodded, his smile bright. “Of course! She might be a bit moody, but I find her quite adorable.” Leila smiled.
Elma entered the classroom and observed the uniformed children. Most bore expressions of innocence, yet there was a hint of detachment.
A mix of restlessness and sorrow overwhelmed Elma. Abruptly, she grabbed her backpack from the servant, Keely Happer, and hurled it to the floor with force, her anger erupting. “Get lost! I don’t want to see you.”
Keely’s expression chilled instantly. Her already sharp features seemed even more severe, and her voice carried a threatening edge. “Miss, Ms. Morgan made herself clear when she decided to have you study here. This is the top school. If you don’t excel here, forget about returning home.”.
Tears streamed down Elma’s cheeks, having already gathered in her eyes. She raised her hand against Keely, though her young age meant her blows were weak. “Just get out of here! Fetch Betty! I want her, not you.”
Growing impatient, Keely glanced around to ensure no one was watching before shoving Elma forcefully.
Elma, already upset, tumbled to the floor, her sobs intensifying. Keely, smoothing her clothes with deliberate calmness, spoke sharply. “Let’s get one thing straight. I’ve been Ms. Morgan’s right hand since her childhood. I know her better than anyone. From this point on, you will follow my commands as if they were hers. She has given me explicit permission to discipline you should you step out of line, and I won’t face any consequences for it. Keep crying, and it will only get worse for you.”
Elma, now thoroughly frightened, wept even more profusely.
As Keely raised her hand, ready to strike, a firm voice halted her. “Stop!”
Calvin appeared suddenly, positioning himself between Keely and Elma as a shield.
Taken aback, Keely stuttered, “Who… Who are you? What do you want?”
“I’m a student here, obviously. I’m here to stop you. Aren’t you aware of the school rules? Physical punishment is strictly prohibited. Cross that line, and I’ll make sure security escorts you out.”
Though furious, Keely restrained herself, fully aware of the setting within the school where many students came from powerful or influential backgrounds.
Keely realized that crossing someone with influential ties was playing with fire.
She shot Elma a fierce glare and stormed out, seething with anger.
Once Keely was gone, Calvin gently helped Elma to her feet. Her tears had stopped, and although a flicker of gratitude appeared in her eyes as she looked at Calvin, she said nothing in appreciation.
Understanding her stubborn nature, Calvin offered comfort. “I understand that being here makes you long for your parents. But the week will fly by. My sister and I are also students here. If you ever feel lonely, we’re here to keep you company.”
Elma, dabbing her eyes, muttered defiantly, “I don’t need your help.”
Unperturbed, Calvin guided her to a nearby chair and sat beside her with a serious expression. “I know you’re strong-willed and stubborn. But if you find yourself in a similar situation again, don’t confront it head-on. It’s tough for young people to challenge adults directly. You should seek help from someone you trust.”
“Seek help from someone I trust?” Elma echoed, her voice laced with confusion. “Who’s there to protect me?”
Calvin listed a few options. “You could approach a teacher, confide in friends, and if all else fails, your parents are always there, especially your mom. She’d be most concerned.”
At the mention of her mother, a sharp ache struck Elma’s heart, igniting her anger. In a fit of rage, she swept items from the table. “Stop pretending you care!”
Calvin exhaled slowly, foreseeing a tumultuous stay for Elma, given her fiery temper. He resolved to keep a closer watch over her. He remained calm and observed silently as Elma unleashed her fury.
After Elma regained her composure, she approached Calvin, guilt in her demeanor. “Why aren’t you upset with me? Why don’t you tell me off?”
Calvin looked at her, puzzled. “Why would I tell you off? Everyone loses their temper now and then. It’s perfectly normal.”
Elma shook her head dismissively. “No, it’s not like that.” At home, any outburst from her would be met with scolding and punishment. Cara insisted that while others might be allowed their bouts of temper, she was an exception, as her very existence was granted by Cara.
But Elma kept these thoughts to herself.
As Calvin prepared to leave, he scribbled his classroom and student number on a piece of paper and handed it to Elma. “Feel free to seek me out if you’re feeling down. Remember, it’s better not to lose your temper around people you don’t know well.”
Elma accepted the note, her gaze fixed on the floor, remaining silent.
Just as Calvin reached the doorway of the classroom, Elma hastened after him, her small legs barely keeping up. She clutched his shirt and looked up at him with timidity. “Calvin, do you know how to find someone who’s gone missing?”
Calvin couldn’t fully grasp Elma’s words, but when she called him in that soft tone, it stirred something unfamiliar within him. A newfound sense of duty and purpose seemed to wash over him.
Was this what it felt like to be an older brother? If Chloe were around, would she cling to his shirt, calling him in the same tone?
Calvin didn’t dismiss Elma’s question lightly. He responded earnestly, “Missing? Who’s missing? If someone’s missing, you need to tell the police. They’re here to help.”
“Forget it.” Elma pulled her hand back, her expression turning melancholic. It was futile. Betty had disappeared, yet Cara forbade anyone from searching for her or asking about her, insisting that Betty had left on her own. Even when Landon had suggested contacting the police, Cara had vehemently opposed it, threatening to throw out anyone who dared to do so.
Worse, Cara had warned Elma not to speak of Betty’s disappearance, saying that it would cost her the chance to see Landon. Yet, Elma longed to see Betty. Despite her youth and naivety, Betty had always shown her genuine kindness-something rare in her life.