XVI

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It's a bright, sunny afternoon as Mac, Ariah, Mairwen, and little Iyah gather at their favorite family café for lunch. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with soft music playing in the background. The table is filled with plates of food, and the family is enjoying a peaceful meal together. Mairwen is still basking in the excitement from last week’s pageant, while Iyah, full of energy as always, is eagerly chatting away.

Iyah, her eyes wide with curiosity, turns to her sister Mairwen with excitement. 
"Ate, can you show me how to be like you in the pageant? I want to walk like that! You know… like when you won!"

Ariah chuckles softly, exchanging a glance with Mac, who’s smiling as she takes a sip of her drink. Mairwen, amused by her little sister’s enthusiasm, leans down toward her with a playful grin.

"You mean you want to learn how to model?"

Iyah nods enthusiastically, her small face lighting up. 
"Yes! I want to do the walk and be a winner like you!"

Ariah, smiling at the interaction between her daughters, looks at Mac with a knowing glance. 
"Looks like we have a future star in the family."

Mac, laughing, leans forward toward Iyah. 
"Well, little one, I think you’ve got what it takes. But it’s not just about the walk, you know. You have to be confident, like your big sister here."

Mairwen straightens up in her seat and smiles warmly at Iyah.  "Okay, I’ll teach you. First, you have to stand tall like this."

Mairwen stands up beside the table and demonstrates a perfect, poised posture. Iyah watches closely, her eyes shining with admiration. She mimics Mairwen, puffing out her chest and standing as tall as her little frame allows.

"Like this?"

Mairwen chuckles and nods. 
"Exactly! Now, when you walk, you have to imagine you’re walking on a straight line. Keep your head up and take smooth, confident steps."

Mairwen begins to do a simple catwalk demonstration, taking slow, graceful steps. Iyah, full of excitement, tries to imitate her, though her steps are a little wobbly. She giggles as she walks, clearly having fun.

Ariah smiles softly, watching her daughters bond. 
"You’re doing great, Iyah. Keep practicing, and who knows? You might even outshine Mairwen one day."

Iyah grins and twirls around at the end of her pretend runway, looking proud of herself. 
"I’m gonna win all the pageants, like Mimi Ensley!"

Mac reaches over to ruffle Iyah’s hair, her eyes full of love. 
"I have no doubt about that. You’ve got a lot of spirit, just like your mom and sister."

Mairwen sits back down, laughing gently as Iyah continues to strut around the table. 
"You’ll be a natural in no time, Iyah. Just remember it’s not about winning, it’s about being yourself."

Iyah nods, though she’s still caught up in her daydream of becoming a pageant queen. 
"I know, but I’ll win  and be myself!"

Ariah and Mac laugh together, while Mairwen reaches over and gives Iyah a playful high-five. The family continues their lunch, filled with joy and laughter, and the bond between them feels stronger than ever. Iyah’s innocence and enthusiasm bring a lightness to the moment, reminding them all of the simple joys of being together.

As the laughter dies down, Iyah, still buzzing with excitement from her modeling practice, suddenly turns to her parents with a more serious expression.

"Mom, Ma … I also want to learn something else."

Mac raises an eyebrow, intrigued, while Ariah sets down her fork and looks at her daughter curiously. 
"What is it, sweetheart?"

Iyah tilts her head, her eyes wide with innocence. 
"I want to learn… valley."

There’s a moment of silence as Ariah and Mac exchange confused glances. Mairwen covers her mouth, trying not to laugh, realizing that Iyah probably meant "ballet," not "valley." Ariah smiles softly, gently correcting her little one.

"Do you mean ballet, Iyah?"

Iyah’s face brightens with realization, and she nods eagerly. 
"Yes! Ballet! I want to learn how to dance like the pretty dancers on TV!"

Mac chuckles, leaning back in her chair. 
"Well, I didn’t see that coming. You want to dance now, huh?"

Mairwen smiles warmly at her sister. 
"Ballet, huh? That’s a great idea, Iyah. You’d look so cute in a little tutu!"

Iyah’s excitement is palpable as she starts bouncing in her seat. 
"Can I, Mom? Can I start ballet classes? Please?"

Ariah looks at Mac, her smile growing as she sees how eager Iyah is. 
"Well, I don’t see why not. What do you think, babi?"

Mac nods with a grin, her eyes twinkling. 
"I think it’s a wonderful idea. Let’s look for some classes, and we’ll get you started."

Iyah claps her hands in excitement, practically jumping up and down in her seat. 
"Yay! I’m going to be a ballerina!"

Mairwen reaches over and ruffles her sister’s hair, laughing. 
"You’re going to be the best ballerina ever, Iyah."

As the family finishes their meal, they can’t help but smile at Iyah’s newfound passion. The thought of their little girl twirling in a ballet studio fills them with pride and joy.

Ariah gently pats Iyah’s back as she leans down to whisper, 
"Remember, sweetie, whether it’s modeling or ballet, it’s all about having fun and being yourself."

Iyah nods eagerly, her mind already filled with visions of pink tutus, ballet slippers, and graceful dance moves. The excitement carries through the rest of the lunch, and the family’s bond only deepens as they share in Iyah’s dreams.

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