The classroom erupted into cheers after a brief moment of silence. Children stood up, clapping their hands, some shouting "welcome, welcome." Others jumped and yelled, all displaying excited expressions.
"Wow, Anderson's sister is so beautiful."
"Yes, like an angel."
"So cute."
"I really like her."
Suddenly, all attention turned to Alisha.
Mr. Middleton could no longer contain the atmosphere in the classroom as children kept leaving their seats to run up to her. Mr. Middleton tried to get them back to their seats, but more and more kids gathered around her.
Gradually, Mr. Middleton lost control, unable to shout above the noise, as children surrounded Alisha. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Alisha fidgeted with her hands, unaccustomed to being surrounded by so many people all of a sudden. She felt a bit fearful.
Seeing this, Anderson walked up from the back and gently separated the children, taking Alisha's hand.
"Come, let's sit in the front row."
Alisha nodded quickly, huddling close to Anderson.
Finally managing to pull the children away, Mr. Middleton told Alisha, "Go on, the seat in front of Anderson is for you."
She then exclaimed, "All children, please return to your seats. It's time to start the lesson."
Other children returned to their seats, enthusiastically glancing back at Alisha, their eyes full of admiration.
Anderson tapped Alisha's shoulder, encouraging her, "Don't be afraid. They won't bite. I'm here."
Alisha nodded, reassured. It wasn't fear that made her uncomfortable; it was just the unfamiliarity of the situation. But meeting so many new friends made her very happy. In her previous memories, she was always locked in a room, isolated from the outside world. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay strong.
Meanwhile, some children were whispering among themselves.
"Do you think Alisha is beautiful, or Kiki?"
"Of course, Alisha is beautiful. Just look at her brother, they look alike. Obviously siblings."
"I agree. I used to think Kiki was beautiful, like a fairy in my eyes. But now with Alisha here, Kiki is overshadowed."
"Well, each has their beauty," some disagreed.
"I don't care, I want to be friends with Alisha."
"Me too."
"Me too."
Kiki overheard these conversations, and her expression changed as she felt a twinge of jealousy. Despite the fact that Alisha was Anderson's sister and getting closer to Anderson meant getting closer to Alisha, making friends and building a relationship with her was inevitable. But as a girl, seeing the beautiful Alisha, Kiki couldn't help but feel envious. Competition among peers always stirred up some dissatisfaction.
Kiki subconsciously adjusted her hair, trying to look more beautiful.
Westbrook noticed this subtle movement and gently pulled Kiki close, comforting her, "Kiki, you are always the most beautiful in my eyes."
"Really?" Kiki looked back at him.
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