The Witch's Daughter: BOOK 1 (By Jeff Anthony Lovete & A.I)

CHAPTER 4: School Days

#16: School Days Begin

Bella walked through the school gates, her heart racing with excitement. "I can't believe I'm finally going to school! This is going to be so fun!" she said, her voice full of hope. She looked up at her mom, eyes sparkling. "I'll make so many friends, I know it!"

Morena hugged her tightly, her concern clear. "I hope you're careful, Bella. People can be... different. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about who you are."

"I will be careful, Mom," Bella promised, giving her a reassuring smile as she pulled away, excitement bubbling inside her.

When Bella entered her new classroom, the teacher greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome, Bella! Since you're new here, we'll start you in a special class to help you catch up with the others." Bella nodded, feeling a bit nervous but determined. "I'll try my best," she whispered to herself.

After school, Bella walked home slowly, her mind racing. "I didn't make any friends today, Mom. It's not like I thought it would be," she admitted, her shoulders slumped.

Morena smiled at her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Bella. School can be tough, but you're strong. Just keep trying, alright? You'll make real friends, I know it."

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#17: The Bullies

The next day, as Bella made her way to her locker, she overheard laughter. Megan and Chopao were standing nearby, eyeing her with smirks. "Look at the new girl," Megan said, sneering. "She's so... different."

"Yeah, she looks like a rabbit with those big teeth in the middle," Chopao laughed. Bella could feel her face heat up with embarrassment, but she didn't say anything. She kept her head down, trying not to let them see how much their words hurt.

Later that evening, Bella sat with her mom, her hands fiddling nervously in her lap. "Mom... there are these kids, Megan and Chopao. They keep making fun of me. They say I'm weird and don't fit in."

Morena listened carefully, her face serious but full of understanding. "People like that are often scared of things they don't understand. You don't have to let them get to you, Bella. You're stronger than they know. Just keep being yourself."

Bella nodded, trying to believe her mom's words. "I will try, Mom. I don't want to be like them."

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#18: Nerd Friend

As days passed, Bella started to feel more alone, until one lunch period when a friendly voice caught her attention. "Hi! I'm Ashley," the girl said with a warm smile. "Would you like to sit with me?"

Bella hesitated but then smiled back. "I'd like that, thank you."

They sat together, talking about all sorts of things. Ashley was kind, funny, and easy to talk to. Bella felt her loneliness start to fade. "I'm so glad you came over," she said. "I don't have many friends here."

Morena could tell that something had changed when Bella came home that evening. "How was school today, sweetie?" she asked gently.

Bella smiled brightly. "It was good! I met Ashley. She's really nice. I think I made a friend."

Morena's face softened with relief. "That's wonderful, Bella. I'm glad you found someone kind. Friends can make all the difference."

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#19: IQ Test

One afternoon, Ashley convinced Bella to take an IQ test. "You're so smart, Bella. I know you'll do great! Let's just see what you score. It could be fun!" Ashley said, giving her an encouraging smile.

Bella bit her lip, feeling unsure. "But what if I don't do well?"

Ashley shook her head, smiling. "Trust me, you can do this. I know you can."

Bella agreed, taking the test nervously. When the results came back, she stared at the score, wide-eyed. "I... I got a really high score!" she said in disbelief.

Morena smiled proudly when Bella told her. "I knew you had it in you. You worked hard, and it paid off."

Although Bella was happy, she was also a little scared. "But now... now I'm in advanced classes. It's kind of scary."

Morena gave her a reassuring hug. "You can do this, Bella. Just take it one step at a time."

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#20: The Championship

A few weeks later, Bella decided to join the school championship. Megan and Chopao, who had been picking on her, also signed up, hoping to outshine her. "We'll show her who's really the best," Megan whispered to Chopao.

Bella felt nervous as she walked up to the stage, but she remembered everything her mom had told her. "I can do this. I've worked hard," she whispered to herself.

The competition was tough, but Bella stayed focused. When the results were announced, her heart raced. She had won. The crowd cheered, and Bella couldn't help but smile. But Megan and Chopao looked furious. "How did she win?" Chopao grumbled, still in shock.

Morena watched from the side, her eyes full of pride. "You did it, Bella. I'm so proud of you."

Bella's heart swelled with happiness. "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have done it without your support."

Despite the victory, Bella knew Megan and Chopao wouldn't stop. But she was ready to face whatever came next. With Ashley by her side and her mom's love, Bella felt like she could handle anything.