Chapter 240: Chapter 240 Dramatic group of little actors
"GOOOOD MORNINGGGGG!" the babies shouted in chorus, their little voices bursting with excitement as soon as Alina stepped into the classroom.
Boo even twirled in a clumsy disco spin, his arms flailing happily as he tried to impress her.
Alina chuckled, placing her bag neatly on her desk. "Oh my, oh my... all the babies look very excited today?" she asked with a teasing smile, her eyes sweeping over their eager faces.
"Teacher... we’re just happy!!!" Drake pouted dramatically, his cheeks puffing out, while Luna gave a firm nod beside him, agreeing without words.
Ever since teacher had complimented them that day, their parents had been glowing with pride, showering the little ones with affection at home. The memory made the children giddy and full of joy, their hearts bubbling with happiness that carried into the classroom.
"Alright then," she said warmly, her eyes crinkling with affection. "Let’s begin."
She picked up the attendance sheet, her voice gentle yet lively as she started calling their names one by one, while the little ones wriggled in their seats, still too excited to sit still.
And Sable was looking especially cheerful this morning, his shadows bouncing playfully around him as though they shared his mood.
Alina couldn’t help but smile. The classroom felt lighter than ever, full of positive energy that wrapped around the little ones like sunshine.
"Alright," she said once everyone had settled, "today we’re starting with language class. I’ll tell you a story, but before that, I have something important to say." She paused, watching their curious eyes turn to her. "We’ve already learned so many things together, and before finals, I’ll have to give you two small tests. Of course, it’s only to track your progress..."
The babies’ expressions shifted instantly, their earlier excitement melting into dread. Not a single one looked happy.
"Test??" Drake blurted, his amber eyes wide. "What’s that? Can I eat it?" He looked around hopefully, as though someone might hand him a plate.
Alina burst out laughing, her shoulders shaking. "Drake, don’t pretend you don’t know what a test is!"
But Boo spun in his chair and threw his arms in the air. "Teacher, he’s right! I don’t know either. Is it round? Does it bounce? Is it a kind of fruit?!" He twirled once for emphasis, nearly toppling over.
Luna crossed her arms and scowled. "I’ve never heard of a test in my life. I think you made that word up." She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Are you tricking us, Teacher?"
Vlad Jr. sighed like a tiny prince, resting his chin on his hand. "If it’s not edible, I’m not interested. I’ll pass, thank you."
Kelpie tilted his head innocently. "Do we need water for it? Because if not, I don’t think I can participate."
Rocky raised his hand timidly. "U-um... is it heavy? Because if it’s heavy, I might just turn into a rock until it’s over..." His cheeks turned pink as he fiddled with his sleeve.
The whole class erupted in chatter, little voices tumbling over each other.
"Maybe it’s a new kind of game!"
"Nooo, it’s a monster!"
"What if it eats us?!"
"I’m too small to be tested!"
Alina tried to keep a straight face, but her shoulders shook with laughter. "You all know exactly what a test is!" she said firmly, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
"Nope!" Drake declared proudly, puffing out his chest. "Never heard of it. Not once. Not in my whole life."
"Yes, never!" Boo agreed, spinning again. "We’re completely innocent babies, Teacher. Completely!"
Lucien, who had been quiet this whole time, finally looked up from his book. His crimson eyes glinted with dry amusement. "You’re all lying."
The class gasped in mock horror.
"Lucien!" Drake cried, pointing at him like he’d just betrayed them all. "Why would you expose us like that?!"
Lucien smirked, closing his book with a soft thud. "Because your acting is terrible."
The others groaned dramatically, and Alina laughed so hard she had to lean against her desk for support.
Alina clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head with a mischievous smile. "Okay, I assume you all know what a test is. And if not... well, I’m going to tell you. Isn’t that why I’m here?"
The babies froze. Their eyes widened like she had just announced the arrival of a monsters.
Drake gasped so loudly it echoed through the classroom. "Nooo, Teacher! Don’t say it! I don’t want to hear scary words this early in the morning!" He said dramatically.
Boo spun halfway out of his chair and whispered with fake horror, "She’s going to reveal the monster’s name. Once we know, it will appear!"
Rocky covered his face with his small hands, peeking between his fingers. "I–I’m too young to be cursed..."
Luna rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "You’re all so dramatic. It’s just a test." But then, when Alina’s grin sharpened, even she tilted her ears back nervously. "...Right, Teacher? Just... just a normal test?"
Vlad Jr. sighed like a weary noble. "If it’s something dreadful, I refuse to participate. My poetry soul is too delicate for torture."
Kelpie raised his hand innocently, shadows rippling at his feet. "Do we get snacks during this... ’test’? Because if there aren’t snacks, I don’t see the point."
Alina tapped her chin thoughtfully, her smile growing even more wicked. "So... a test is—"
"NOOOO!" all the babies shouted at once, throwing their hands in the air as if to block the word itself.
The classroom erupted in chaos, little voices overlapping with cries of "Save us, Teacher!" and "I don’t want to vanish into the test world!"
Alina chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh my... I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a dramatic group of little actors before."
The she clapped her hands again, her smile playful but firm. "Alright, alright, calm down, little ones. A test is not a monster, and it’s definitely not a curse. It’s just... some questions on paper. You write the answers. That’s it."
The classroom went silent for exactly three seconds.
Then Drake raised his hand slowly, his expression tragic. "Teacher... you mean... we have to think?"
Boo gasped and spun dramatically in his chair. "Thinking on command?! That’s torture!"