TWO SOULS, ONE UMBRELLA

OPENING CEREMONY

VIEVE PEREZ HILTON

Mom and I sat together as the names of the new Ivywood Preparatory Academy students were called one by one. I don't know why, but I was nervous. Mom noticed and took my hand.

"You got this," Mom said with a smile.

I nodded, smiling back.

"Zephyr Blackwood… Vieve Perez Hilton…"

When I heard my full name, I stood up and took a seat behind a tall boy.

"…Ethan Sherman… Joshua Jackson… Ember Thomas… Saimon Lewis… Derek Lexington… Alexa Davis… Aries Taylor… and… Gwen Smith… These are the elite students of Ivywood Preparatory Academy."

I made it here. Finally,

"And now, let's all welcome our director, Director Blackwood, to the stage." the host announced.

*Everyone Clapped*

Blackwood? I think I heard that name earlier…

"Good day students and parents, welcome to Ivywood Preparatory Academy. The school has the highest… standards… specializing in our elite students. These elite students were chosen based on their academic achievements, and now, our student representative will speak. A round of applause for my only son, Zephyr Blackwood, who topped them all."

The boy in front of me walked to the stage. So he's the director's son. I clapped, but when he turned, I stopped. I was shocked to see who it was.

The guy who almost killed me?!

"Good luck," he said, as if taunting me.

I saw everyone's shock, those were the only two words he said.

After that, he went down from the stage. He looked at me as he walked closer. He gave me a smirk before turning away.

I couldn't control my anger, I clenched my fists. This guy is making my blood boil. I don't care if he's the owner's son, I'll make sure I bring him down!

"Okay, so everyone, by class, your advisor will tour you around the campus before taking you to your respective classrooms," the host said.

One by one, the teachers approached us. A young man with glasses stood before us.

"Hello, I'm your advisor, Marco Polo, but you can call me Sir Polo," he said cheerfully.

He doesn't seem grumpy.

He toured us around the campus, the gymnasium we were in, the classrooms, science lab, computer lab, art room, music room, auditorium, library, field, principal's office, guidance office, administrative offices, and nurse's office.

I was amazed by the campus, my old school was much smaller. But walking around was tiring.

"And finally, your classroom for elite students."

I was even more amazed by its size, there were only ten tables. There was a large glass window offering a full view. We also had lockers and our own restroom.

"Each desk has your last name on it, and everything you need for your education is there. For now, I won't teach; I want to get to know each of you."

When I sat down in the front, I found myself next to that guy. I glared at him.

I knew it. Introduce yourself on the first day of class.

"Zephyr Blackwood… 18 years old… I have my own business, and I'm the youngest CEO," he said, then sat down.

I stood up. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Vieve Perez… Hilton, 17 years old. I live with only my mother, and I'm the only one in my family with a scholarship at this school. Thank you."

I didn't want to say too much, they only needed to know the basics.

"Hi, I'm Ethan Sherman, 18 years old. My family is known for their sports achievements, and my favorite sport is baseball and basketball."

"I'm Joshua Jackson… 18 years old. I'm a famous actor I've been in many hit movies."

"Hello, I'm Ember Thomas, 18 years old. I'm also a famous actress and a model."

"Saimon Lewis, 18 years old. My family owns famous restaurants."

"Derek Lexington, 18 years, my family owns malls throughout the Philippines."

"I'm Alexa Davis, 18 years old. My family owns a hotel."

"I'm Aries Taylor, 18 years old. My family owns a bakery, and I have my own coffee shop."

"Gwen Smith, 18 years old. My family owns a fashion show, and I'm also designing for our shows."

I noticed, they're all 18, and I'm the youngest here.

"Great, everyone introduced themselves, and I'm your advisor, Sir Marco Polo. I'll be your teacher for History, Science, and Art."

We spent the rest of the time listening to Sir Polo.

"So, does anyone know anything about the history of IPA?" Sir Polo asked.

No one raised their hand except me.

"Yes, Miss Hilton?"

I stood up. "This school was built in 1945. The founder is Reyster Blackwood, basically his grandfather, I pointed to the boy next to me. Ivy. This term refers to a climbing or trailing plant, particularly the species Hedera helix, known for its evergreen leaves. And wood. This word refers to the hard substance that makes up the trunks and branches of trees. Combined, 'Ivywood' evokes imagery of nature, growth, and a serene environment—basically, we come from nature. Preparatory. This adjective means serving to prepare for something; it is often used to describe educational institutions that prepare students for higher education or specific skills. And of course, academy is for higher learning or a school that specializes in teaching a particular subject or skill." I explained.

I saw their surprise at my words. I had to study the school's history, I only mentioned the meaning of the school's name.

"I'm impressed, Miss Hilton. You are truly a smart girl," Sir Polo complimented me.

I just smiled and sat down.

"IPA isn't actually the true name. It was 'Blackwood Academy' historically. This school didn't only have wealthy students; many poor people graduated here. It only became private when my father took over the school and renamed it Ivywood Preparatory Academy, after my mother's name. That's the real gossip," Zephyr said, looking at me.

I felt anger as he looked at me. We glared at each other, creating a tense atmosphere in the classroom.

"Both of you are right, so please stop," Sir Polo said.

I just looked at Sir Polo.

"What Miss Hilton and Young Master said is correct. This school was formerly called Blackwood Academy, after their family, but the director renamed it after his wife, Lady Ivy. The name combines nature and intelligence because it represents both. It was also once a public school for intelligent students from poor backgrounds. But over time, it became private, and only the children of the wealthy attend. But there's still one who got in—a scholar, none other than Miss Hilton," Sir Polo explained.

Annoying! Why didn't I know that? I should have studied harder.

When it was time to go home, I saw Mom waiting for me at the gate. I ran to her.

"Were you waiting long?" I asked.

"Yes. How was it? Were your classmates nice? Did you make any new friends?" Mom asked happily.

"Ah, not yet," I said softly.

"Oh, come on, aunt, she showed off on the first day," Gwen said.

She suddenly appeared behind me. I approached her and gave a 'stop it' sign.

"Really? Wow! But sweetie, don't just focus on studying. You should also make friends, or maybe get a rich boyfriend," Mom said jokingly.

Gwen and Mom laughed, and I blushed at Mom's last comment.

"Mom!" I complained.

They laughed loudly as I blushed even more. While they were laughing, I looked around because a car passed by. I immediately saw Zephyr inside, with his father. My expression turned serious.