For the next few days, Estella played with Roxanne at home but had no playmates at the kindergarten.
She could only watch as Archie and Benny played with the other children and ignored her entirely. Finally, she plucked up her courage to run to them.
The boys shared a look and put on stern expressions. “What do you want?”
Estella clutched the corners of her skirt until it was all crumpled up. Her brows snapped together as she stared at them solemnly. Parting her lips, she tried to make a sound.
Archie and Benny were both worried and anxious.
If they had no idea she could actually talk, they wouldn't be forcing her to talk now.
A while later, they were about to give up when they heard a tiny whisper, “Arch... Ben...”
Estella's cheeks were flushed, but she only managed to utter a syllable from each of their names. She hung her head low despondently.
Both Archie and Benny were elated. They gave her a hug and exclaimed, “Good job, Essie!”
Estella was taken aback by their sudden hug. Hearing their praises, she snapped back to reality and broke into a smile.
After the first try, it was easier for her to pronounce their names.
As she seemed to have overcome an obstacle, Archie said solemnly, “Mommy treats you well, and you adore her, too. Am I right? But you've never called her name. I believe she's way more upset than Benny and me.”
Estella grew flustered once again. She grabbed Archie's shirt and said, “Arch... ie!”
She wanted him to teach her how to comfort Roxanne.
A cunning look flashed across Archie's eyes as he explained slowly, “You called our names, so we've forgiven you. If you can call Mommy 'Ms.
Jarvis,' she'll be delighted!”
Estella nodded vigorously.
She then spent the entire day at kindergarten practicing the word “Ms.
Jarvis.”
Roxanne was really busy these few
days.
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