Chapter 638 Refuse to Exchange
"Absolutely."
Charlotte pondered all she had done thus far as an evaluation of whether she could remain.
One might argue that Charlotte had been anxious about her father's retirement.
"Later, I'll escort you to school."
"School?" Charlotte asked, puzzled.
"Are you concerned?" Fiona sensed Charlotte's discomfort.
"There are numerous strangers at school, and it's not secure," Charlotte candidly voiced her worries.
Charlotte could discern familiar faces in disguise, but strangers could approach her without any disguise.
It was exceedingly perilous.
"I'll take you to see it first, and then you can decide whether you want to go or not."
"Okay." Charlotte nodded.
Charlotte genuinely admired Fiona.
Fiona stood apart from people Charlotte had encountered previously, and Fiona never imposed anything on her.
Charlotte was free to stay if she wished.
Charlotte could also depart if she chose to do so.
Charlotte could attend school, or she could opt not to attend.
"Well, let's go."
"What about Father?"
"He will join you later. He is not ready to reveal himself at present."
"Okay."
Charlotte was very agreeable.
In next to no time, Charlotte boarded the school bus.
The vehicle proceeded straight into the campus.
It was still during the final exams. Fiona escorted Charlotte to the principal's office.
Coincidentally, Ethan, who had been absent for a long time, was also present in the office.
"It was challenging for me to assist you in applying for the one-year exchange program in Los Angeles. Why didn't you go!" the principal exclaimed angrily, "Ethan, I've observed that you've become more rebellious!"
Ethan was still clad in a worn-out jacket.
Ethan appeared to have grown a bit taller, but his hair was neatly groomed.
Ethan stood before the principal, silent, with an expression that conveyed, 'Say what you will, I won't heed.'
Fiona knocked on the door.
The principal glanced up and saw Fiona, immediately putting on a smile.
"Is this the child of Chicago's mother? Your relative's child?" the principal inquired.
Upon hearing the words "Chicago's mother," Ethan's ears reddened, and his brow furrowed instantly.
"What's the matter?" Fiona placed her palm on Charlotte's back and gently ushered her inside. "Is Ethan going to Los Angeles for the exchange?"
"Not going!" Ethan replied impatiently.
"Don't be obstinate!" the principal exploded in frustration.
"Principal, take it easy. Don't rush," Fiona said helplessly, attempting to mediate.
"This is a truly rare opportunity. Ethan excels in physics; he would greatly benefit from spending a year there!" The principal pounded his chest and stomped his feet.
"You talk. I've completed my exam and turned in my paper. I'm leaving," Ethan stated, lifting his foot to depart.
Little did he know, Charlotte had taken two steps and stood at the door, scrutinizing him like a hawk. "She didn't say you could leave."
Ethan's expression darkened.
"Charlotte, let Ethan go." Fiona hadn't anticipated Charlotte's actions.
Charlotte complied and stepped aside.
Ethan looked speechless.
He had just heard the principal mention that Chicago's sister would also be joining the school.
It seemed they would be in the same class as Chicago.
Her sister didn't seem like an ordinary person.
Chicago could be subjected to bullying.
Ethan frowned at the thought, but left without uttering a word.
The principal, feeling perplexed, smiled and said, "May I see that report card first?"
"Charlotte was homeschooled before, but let me show you her latest test paper," Fiona said, retrieving Charlotte's test paper.
As the principal perused it, he was rendered speechless. "These characters..."
"Charlotte is still practicing. When she officially starts school, she will definitely do better than this," Fiona said gently.
Charlotte nodded in agreement.
The principal carefully examined the test paper. "This is a test paper from the second half of the second grade, right? The accuracy rate is not bad."
"I came here to ask if the entrance exam could be based on the second half of the third grade."
"In theory, it is possible. I will arrange it to have Charlotte come for the entrance exam in a few days," the principal said, looking at the test paper again.
Charlotte excelled in science, yet her proficiency in Literature still warranted discussion due to her poor handwriting.
"Okay." Fiona nodded. "What about Ethan? Does he not want to go to Los Angeles because he doesn't have money?"
"Ethan has a full scholarship, including living expenses. We teachers discussed it, and if he short of funds, we will chip in. I have a relative nearby who is also willing to be his foster family for this year. But Ethan's flat-out refusing to go and won't say why. It's driving me crazy!"
"Ethan is fortunate to have a teacher like you," Fiona sincerely said. Some parents couldn't do as much as the principal.
"He's got potential, and I hate to see it to go to waste!"
"But at his age, his own wishes are also important. As he gets older, in high school and college, he will have the opportunity to apply to the best schools."
"He doesn't want to, and all I can do is console myself this way!" the principal lamented, thumping his chest.
The exam finally wrapped up. Chicago, being a timid child disliked bustling environments. So, she waited until everyone had cleared out before descending the stairs, engaging in light chatter with her classmates.
As she passed by the water pool, she saw a familiar figure. "Ethan!"
Ethan was tying his shoelaces and glanced over. Chicago ran over excitedly. "Will you come to my house to play during the Christmas break?"
Ethan hesitated, uncertain.
"I'm busy," Ethan replied.
Disappointment flickered across Chicago's face. "Okay."
"How did you do on the exam?" Ethan asked.
Chicago chewed her lip, contemplating.. "I think I did pretty well."
"I'm leaving," Ethan said, about to walk away.
"Goodbye, big brother."
Ethan paused at that.
Gripping his backpack strap, he pivoted to offer Chicago some advice.
"Your sister doesn't seem very easy to get along with. Don't be afraid. If she bullies you, tell your mom, okay?"
Chicago, puzzled, stared with wide eyes.
"Sister? What sister?"
"You're so clueless!" Ethan chuckled at Chicago's bewilderment.
Ethan felt somewhat helpless.
"I'm tough, no one can bully me!" Chicago said seriously afterward.
Perhaps Ethan had misjudged her strength due to witnessing her abduction.
But Chicago was the one who knocked down her dad during boxing practice.
"You'd better be!" Ethan replied.
As he finished speaking, he spotted Fiona approaching with Charlotte in tow.
He turned and headed off.
Chicago felt lost.
As soon as she turned, she saw Fiona.
A smile immediately spread across her face.
"Mama!" she exclaimed happily, running over.
When Fiona approached, Chicago noticed an unfamiliar girl trailing behind her.
Charlotte regarded Chicago with a serious expression, as if observing a curious specimen.
She had heard Chicago's pleasant voice.
Much like the stray kitten that Charlotte had saved before.
"Sweetie, this is Charlotte," Fiona introduced them, "Charlotte, meet Chicago."
"You're so adorable," Fiona remarked solemnly to Chicago, before Fiona could finish her sentence.
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