Ennui. VIII

In the village, excitement laced the faces of the people. Jovial was the mood, mainly because the four kids will be coming back for the two months for their yearly break.

Banners with the words 'Fantastic Four' written on it stretched across the entrance of the village. Balloons, blue and white were placed at every house. Every conversation was either about the four kids returning home, or them bragging about the fact the kids were celebrated throughout the village.

"Lorraine was the top scorer this year I heard!"

"Evermore did well herself!"

"My kid did pretty well for himself don't ya think? Second place ain't too shabby."

"I didn't receive any complaint letters so I guess that's that."

The food stalls lined up along the main street. Today, they were giving out food for free. Even the usually stingy Mr. Sifud will sell his crabs and fishes for free. Imagine the surprise when the villagers caught wind of that fact. The moment he set up his stall, a long line of drooling faces appeared.

Then, as the conversations continued and the younger kids playing with one another, the mood got even brighter. Someone spotted the cart. Immediately, applause and cheer for the four kids were uttered.

The cart slowed down nearing the entrance. Out of the cart, the kids jumped out looking more confident. A puffed out chest and a boastful smile, even Evermore's parents were surprised. What did the school do that they couldn't achieve in the ten years she spent with them?

The four kids were led up a makeshift stage to stand above and in front of the crowd. Their faces warranted a louder applause and the mood got even brighter. They could see their parents proud faces among the sea of villagers, tears flowing from some of them.

Mr. and Mrs. Woods, Lorraine's parents, wore their most regal clothing they could get. Donned in the kingdom's colors, all eyes were on them. Such bright colors were rarely seen on people, mostly on their plates. Their hairs were combed neatly.

Mrs. Debois, Evermore's mother was the only one present. Her father had been tasked with escorting a merchant to the next town over but he will be back soon. Proud of her daughter for breaking out of her shell, her tears often clouded her glasses. She too was wearing her most regal clothing. A full white dress that covered her legs and puffy short sleeves, one might mistake her for a noble in the city - though a low ranking one.

Warren and Jacob's parents stood side by side. They had been close companions ever since their children had established a solid bond playing games. As neighbors as well, interactions were an everyday occurrence, especially in a tight-knit community.

The elder soon got up on stage, holding what seem like a huge basket filled to the brim.

"Everyone, may I have your attention please!" his voice rang throughout the whole village.

"It is my pleasure to present this gift basket to the four prodigies who would soon become great magicians!"

Applause ensues. As it died down, the elder turned to face the four kids and raised his voice.

"Inside this gift basket is the whole village's efforts over the past year. If children can work hard, so can the adults!"

He passed the large basket to Lorraine who received graciously. The other kids proceeded to huddle around her like she was the mother chicken and they were her kids. As their eyes glared gratuitously at the gift basket, the elder beckoned them to open it.

They flipped the lid open and their eyes bulged open as if they had seen a dead body.

Inside it was four gems of different colors. They seem to radiate an 'out-of-this-world' feeling, a feeling similar to magic.

Lorraine looked up to the elder for explanation.

"The past year, the adults have saved up some money so we could all collectively buy four magic gems for the four of you! This magic gems can only be sold in the capital, and would help you give your magic a boost!"

Jacob, extremely jovial, jumped for joy. In the midst, he hugged whoever was nearest him and forced them to jump with him.

Evermore's glasses nearly jumped out of her face when Jacob suddenly grabbed him. Her face turned as red as the fire spells she learnt. To be hugged so expressively in front of the whole village was embarrassing. What more being hugged by Jacob.