Chapter 1. (A PROMISE IS A PROMISE)

  The day began with a heavy overcast and rain. Dad was still away on his trip, and Sophie and James were having breakfast as their mom entered the kitchen, her voice brimming with excitement.

       "Alright, see you soon," she said, having just received a call. "Was that Dad, Mom?" Sophie asked as she swallowed her French toast.

         "Yes, dear. He'll be back by tomorrow evening," Mom replied with a smile. 

          Sophie and James shared a moment of excitement. As Mom sat down to join her kids for breakfast, she received a message; her joyful grin became worried as she read through the message. "What is it, Mom?" Sophie asked, concerned.

       "Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain, the school bus will be unable to reach our bus stop and several others. If possible, parents are urged to drop off their children at school; if not, it's acceptable for the children to stay at home," Mom read from the message sent by the school.

       "Well, looks like I'll be dropping you both today," she said, setting the phone aside.

      "What? But Mom, didn't you have a conference to attend today? If you miss it, it could cause an issue for Dad," Sophie pointed out, her concern evident in her voice.

        Mom's face suddenly  remembered, "Oh right, well  I can drop you both off and then go." She replied. "Mom, even if you drop both of us, you won't make it in time," Sophie reasoned. Then, she had an idea. "How about you drop James, and I'll walk to school," Sophie proposed.

       "What? No, it's pouring outside, and what if that kidnapper returns, Sophie? Anything could happen; you can't go alone," Mom warned, her concern palpable

        "Mom, haven't I walked to school in the rain before? And as for the danger, I'm sure that threat is no longer present. Plus, don't worry, I have my phone with me. If anything happens, I'll call, okay?" Sophie reassured her, her resolve unwavering.

         Mom hesitated at first but took a deep breath, knowing she also had to attend the crucial conference. "Alright, but Sophie, please be…."

"...Careful, I know Mom. It's okay," Sophie assured her, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. 

         After five minutes, they were all set to leave. Sophie grabbed her largest umbrella, while James and Mom entered the car. They bid goodbye, and Sophie set off on her walk to school. As she reached a particular spot along her route, she paused and retrieved a stone from her pocket.

        She clutched the smooth, cool stone close to her heart, shut her eyes, and uttered, "REMIS." Moments later, a radiant, gleeful spirit girl materialized before her. It was Digi.

        "Hi Sophie, you called." Digi greeted Sophie. Digi looked around at the heavy weather. "Wow, sure it's raining Cats and Dogs." She said; Sophie giggled in agreement. "And you are still going to school? I thought you could skip school in this type of weather?" Digi questioned.

         As Sophie briskly walked, her spirit companion Digi floated along by her side. The rain poured down, but Sophie remained determined.

       "Yes, I could, but I promised Faith I would help her rehearse for the singing competition as I am her partner; I can't just abandon her," Sophie explained to Digi. 

         Noticing Sophie's unwavering commitment, Digi smiled and remarked, "Not wanting to leave your friend because of a single promise even in this bad weather, is a sign of positivity in friendship." 

       Sophie nodded, understanding the significance of her decision, and added with a smile, "Thanks. Besides, I also love rainy weather."

        The rain poured down steadily as Sophie began her walk to school, with Digi following by her side. "So, should I go?" Digi inquired. "No, can you stay with me while I walk to school?" Sophie responded with a question of her own. "Sure," Digi replied.

        The sound of raindrops on Sophie's umbrella created a soothing background noise, interrupting the calm atmosphere.

         "So, what do you like doing in the rain?" Digi asked. Sophie couldn't help but giggle in response. "What?" Digi inquired. "OK, so this may sound crazy, but I love eating ice cream during the rain, hehe," Sophie confessed.

         Digi fell into a puzzled silence. "Ice...cream?" she finally uttered. Sophie halted in her tracks, gazing at Digi who wore a genuinely bewildered expression. "You don't know what ice cream is?" she exclaimed in surprise.

            Digi just nodded her head and shrugged. Sophie, with all her might, tried to control herself and gazed at Digi and declared, "First thing on my to-do list is treating you to some ice cream." Sophie replied in a serious tone. Digi just smiled and nodded. Sophie smiled back.

           As they resumed their walk to school, Sophie noticed the stone in her pocket emitting a new, distinct glow. "Digi, is it another call?" she inquired, examining the stone with curiosity. "No, it means you've gained a new power," Digi replied, smiling.

           "Really? What power?" Sophie turned to Digi and questioned with excitement.

              "I am afraid I don't know, you would have to find out." Digi nervously answered. "Okay, No problem. First, let's get to school." Sophie continued walking after putting the stone back in her pocket. 

              After a brief walk, Sophie arrived at her school. Digi said goodbye and went back to the realm.

            Sophie walked towards the gate and noticed two vibrant blue birds on the tree nearby, their cheerful chirping filling the air even in any weather. Just as she was about to enter the school, she overheard a mature voice. 

"Oh my, these poor students had to come to school even in this cruel weather." 

             It sounded like a woman in her thirties, but when Sophie turned around, she couldn't spot anyone nearby, leaving her feeling puzzled.

            As she continued towards the school building, the sound of girls' shrieks caught her attention. 

         Turning back, she saw a senior student exclaiming about seeing a black cat, "Ah, a black cat, now I will have bad luck for the rest of the day, ah," the girl grumbled as she passed Sophie, who quickly moved out of her way to proceed.

               Sophie turned her head to see a sleek black cat nestled in the corner of the brick building, its fur barely providing any protection from the cruel weather. The poor creature appeared weak and on the brink of collapse. As Sophie approached, the cat sprang back in fear, but she reassured it, her voice gentle and calming. 

"Hey, it's okay," she murmured, reaching out to tenderly stroking its fur.

           In response, the cat let out a soft "meow." Feeling sympathy for the cat, Sophie took swift action. Using some discarded materials she found at the side of the school, she fashioned a makeshift shelter to shield the cat from the relentless rain.

              Sophie couldn't resist the overwhelming cuteness of the little cat, and she gently resumed stroking its soft fur. However, without warning, the cat playfully nipped at Sophie's finger.

"OUCH" Sophie gasped.

             As she examined her slightly bleeding index finger, Sophie realized that the cat's behavior was likely due to hunger.

"Are you hungry?" Sophie inquired. In response, the cat emitted a soft "Meow." 

             Sophie retrieved her lunch and generously offered a portion of her sausage to the famished feline.

            "Here," Sophie gently moved the juicy, aromatic sausage closer to the cat. At first, the feline just gazed at it, then curiously sniffed it and tentatively took a bite. Sophie held the sausage in front of the cat, and it eagerly devoured it. Grinning with delight, Sophie headed into her school, glancing back to see the cat watching her as she walked away.

            As Sophie strolled through the hallway and turned right to enter her classroom, she was taken aback to find that only 10 out of the 31 students were present, and Mike was one of them.

            "Good morning," Sophie greeted her classmate as she made her way to her seat.

"Morning," Mike replied softly.

            Dropping her bag, Sophie looked around the classroom and commented, "Looks like the rain got the best of the others."

"Yeah," Mike replied casually as Sophie came to his seat.

             "But is Bella around?" Sophie asked curiously, her eyes searching the space for any sign of her friend. "I don't think so, because I came a few minutes ago, and I didn't see her, so I guess she ain't around," Mike replied.

               "Alright, thanks Mike," she said appreciatively, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

                 Sophie left her class and made her way to section A of the art class. As she entered the room, her eyes quickly scanned the faces, and a bright smile spread across her face when she saw Faith engaged in conversation with the teacher.

Sophie patiently waited for Faith to finish her discussion, and when she did, Sophie greeted her. 

        "Sophie, I thought you wouldn't be able to come," Faith exclaimed with genuine joy as she pulled Sophie into a warm hug.

        "Faith, have I ever let down a promise to any of you guys?" Sophie replied reassuringly.

          Faith nodded, smiling, and said, "Never since we met." Sophie returned the smile and nodded in agreement.

          "Alright, now what's the process for the application? How do I register and audition?" Sophie inquired.

          "First, we will meet with Miss Edna. Then, you can also register," Faith replied in her calm and soft voice.

"Ok then. Let's see her," Sophie suggested in a calm voice.

           "She isn't around yet. In the meantime, we can go to the computer lab. I have to do some updates for the project," Faith explained as she stood up from her seat.

           "Project?" Sophie asked with a puzzled expression, her brow furrowed in confusion. 

         "The computer project on Basic Programming," Faith said, surprised that Sophie didn't remember, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

       Sophie was just in shock. "Oh my God, I completely forgot," Sophie said in a slightly panicked voice.

            "Is everything okay, Sophie? This isn't like you." Faith asked, concern evident on her face.

           Sophie knew it might just be a coincidence as she just remembered the singing competition, because of her adventure but she had to answer Faith's question.

           "No, I am fine, Faith; there was a lot to do on the weekend, so it must have slipped my mind. So I guess we can go to the Computer Lab. First, I will start the project, and you can continue yours, ok?" Sophie waited for an answer, her voice hopeful.

          Faith proposed that they utilize the extra time due to the rain delaying the start of school by 20 minutes by heading to the computer lab and meeting Miss Edna during recess. Sophie warmly agreed as they proceeded towards the computer lab, where the gentle hum of the computers could be heard throughout the room.

               Sophie, with her username and password in hand, opened her account and delved into her work project. Meanwhile, Faith, seated at a separate computer, diligently carried out her software updates. Shortly thereafter, Sophie decided to halt her progress and complete the remainder of her tasks in the comfort of her home.

             They both headed back to their respective classes, walking side by side. As Sophie stepped into the classroom, her eyes lit up with delight as she caught sight of Bella. She rushed over to her, overjoyed to see her Best friend in school. They both took their seats and the school day began.

             As the day progressed, the heavy rains gradually became less intense and gave a gentler weather. During recess, Sophie and Faith reunited and made their way to Miss Edna's office. Upon their polite knock, they were welcomed by the sweet, soft, and calming voice of a woman in her late 50s.

"Come in, dears," they heard her say.

              Faith opened the door, and they both entered to find Miss Edna - a graceful figure clad in a navy blue dress, with her brown hair elegantly tied in a bun. Her perfectly round glasses exuded a nostalgic 1990s charm. Known for being the kindest and most nurturing teacher in the entire school, Miss Edna still cherished her students as if they were her children.

"Hello, Faith, my dear. How are you?" Miss Edna inquired warmly. "Please, have a seat."

              Both Faith and Sophie settled into the chairs in front of the teacher's desk. Miss Edna shifted her gaze to Sophie and remarked, "Ah, you must be Sophie. Faith has spoken highly of you."

"Yes, Miss," Sophie responded politely.

             "I understand that you wish to be Faith's partner for the competition. Faith mentioned that she was feeling a bit shy and would prefer a friend to accompany her. Is that correct?" Miss Edna asked in her gentle voice.

"Yes, Miss Edna," Sophie affirmed.

           "Very well, dear. Let me retrieve the form for you," Miss Edna said as she rummaged through her desk. She extracted the form from a drawer and handed it to Sophie. 

              "Once you've completed the form, you can return it to Mrs. William."

          "Why not to you, Miss Edna?" Faith asked, her tone tinged with a hint of panic.

         "Well, Mrs. William is now the designated chaperone for the competition from our school," Miss Edna explained.

         "But I thought it was going to be you," Faith replied, sounding disappointed and slightly flustered.

           "No, my dear. Mrs. Williams requested the Principal, and she agreed. However, don't worry, I will still be one of the judges," Miss Edna assured her.

             Sophie, who had been silently observing the conversation, inquired, "When should I submit this, Miss Edna?"

           "It would be best to do so by tomorrow to avoid any delays," Miss Edna advised.

            "Thank you, Miss Edna," Sophie expressed her gratitude. She turned to Faith and noticed her looking pale and anxious. Sophie gave Faith a nudge on the elbow causing her to snap, "Alright, thank you, Miss Edna," with a slightly unsteady voice Faith replied. They then left her office.

              As they strolled back through the hallway, Sophie turned to Faith with a look of genuine concern on her face.

           "Hey, Faith, are you alright? What happened back there?" Sophie inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

            Faith hesitated momentarily, her eyes betraying her inner consciousness. She knew she couldn't hide the truth from Sophie.

             "Sophie, you know how I am when I'm in front of an audience. I freeze. I thought having a partner would help, but with Mrs. William in the audience, it's just... intimidating," Faith explained, her voice trailing off.

Sophie's expression remained calm. "So what?" she said with confidence.

                "You know Mrs. William—she's Brenda's Aunt. And to make matters worse, Brenda and her gang are also participating in the competition. They'd do anything to trip us up, and the thought of messing up in front of everyone is just overwhelming. I joined because I thought Miss Edna would be there. She's always been my source of courage. But Mrs. William? Oh..." Faith's voice faltered as her grip tightened.

                Sensing her friend's distress, Sophie placed a comforting hand on Faith's shoulder and spoke with reassuring earnestness. "Listen, Faith, do you like singing?"

"Mhm," Faith nodded softly.

"Do you love it?" Sophie pressed further.

"Yes..." Faith murmured.

          "Then you shouldn't care what others think. You chose me to be your partner, and I'll do everything I can to support you," Sophie encouraged, a warm smile lighting up her face.

Faith returned the smile, relief washing over her. "Thanks, Sophie."

"We've got this, you hear?" Sophie declared with conviction. Faith nodded.

              As the day drew to a close, the entire gang gathered, offering words of encouragement to both Sophie and Faith for the upcoming competition. With their spirits lifted, Sophie bid farewell and made her way home, the weather finally settling into a comforting calm.

              As soon as Sophie arrived home, the warm embrace of her mother enveloped her. Moving into the living room, she was greeted by the heartwarming sight of her dad watching the news and her brother James by his side.

"Father?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"Sophie, surprise!" he replied with a beaming smile.

           Overwhelmed with joy, she rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly. "How is the surprise?" Sophie's mom inquired, joining them in the living room.

"Wait, you knew about this?" Sophie asked, astonished.

"No, it was a surprise for me too. He arrived an hour ago," her mother explained.

"But I thought you were coming tomorrow," Sophie said with a mixture of confusion and happiness.

"It was all part of the surprise, sis," James chimed in with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Indeed," their father added, his eyes twinkling with delight. Sophie beamed and hugged him once more.

                    Later that evening, as night fell, Sophie found herself in her room, engrossed in filling out a form. Her Mom enters the room and asks her, "Do you need any help?" 

"Nope, I am almost done," Sophie replied. "And the Computer Project?" Mom asked.

             "I did some of it in School, and when I tried to do it now, there were some aspects that I didn't understand, so I will ask my friend Miles tomorrow if he can help me," Sophie replied and continued to fill out the form.

"OK, dear. Go to sleep when you are done." Mom advised before leaving the room.

                   After completing the form a few minutes later, Sophie kept it in her bag and stretched, preparing for bed. Suddenly, she recalled the encounter with Digi and her newfound power. Retrieving the stone, she summoned Digi, who appeared seconds later.

"Hi, Sophie; how was your day?" Digi inquired.

"Good, thankfully," Sophie replied. "About my new power, how can I determine what it is?"

"Hmm, maybe if y-" Digi began, interrupted by a sound heard from the bedroom window.

           Curiously, Sophie turned towards the window and spotted the black cat she had helped that morning at school. "It's the cat! I helped this morning." Sophie told Digi as she opened the window.

"It must have followed you as a gesture of gratitude for your kindness," Digi suggested as Sophie gently patted the cat.

"Thank you for helping me," the cat expressed in a soft, low, male voice.

"Aw, you're welcome..... Wait WHAT!!!!!!!" Sophie replied then realised and gasped.