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As the prime experts and innovators of Westalis’s beverage market, TRENDY BLENDS is always on the lookout to bring you the drinks that matter to you! We adults have many types of drinks that suit our tastes, but what about the fine children of this nation? What are the drinks most suited to their growth and success?
That’s why we asked ourselves: what are the brightest children of our time’s favourite drinks? We were fortunate enough to get a chance to speak to three children from Eden Academy to let you know the trends of the future!
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Thank you all for letting us interview you today. Let’s start with introductions! First up, Damian Desmond, son of Donovan Desmond and brother to Demetrius Desmond! He is certainly one to watch out for as he grows up and proves himself worthy of the Desmond name!
Damian: Why do I have to be here…
AHEM, well! Next up, we have Anya Forger, the first student to have obtained a Stella Star in her year. She won it four years ago for a great act of service, at that! We’re all keeping our eyes peeled on this future woman of the people.
Anya: That’s right! Make sure to watch out for me! I’m gunning for headmaster of Eden Academy!
Wow, such ambition. And lastly, we have Becky Blackbell of Blackbell Industries!
Becky: …Is that all you have to say about me? How rude!
Well, let’s get into it, then. Becky, let’s start with you.
Becky: Hmm, of course. I’m the one with the most taste here.
Damian (muttering): Yeah, right.
What is your favourite drink?
Becky: I’m so glad you asked! I’ve actually had it prepared for this very interview. If you’ll pick up the tea cup in front of you?
Damian: Here we go…
How delightful! I’ll take a sip—oh. Oh, dear…
Anya (giggling): How does it taste, mister?
Becky (taking her own sip): Wonderful obviously! There is nothing so divine as the coffee beans they harvest south of Westalis. You can truly taste the flavour profiles and richness of the coffee!
I, uh. I can’t help but notice there is no cream or sugar in this. It is very. Strong.
Becky: Daddy always says that anything in good quality coffee will just ruin it, and I entirely agree.
Damian: Or maybe he’s just lost his tastebuds after years of drinking it.
Becky: Shut up, Damian!
Er, Becky, aren’t you nine years old? Is this coffee appropriate for someone so young?
Becky: Of course, why wouldn’t it be? The Blackbells have drunk coffee starting at the age of six for generations!
I see. I see. I…see. Ahem. Alright, Damian! What is your favourite drink?
Damian: Finally. Let’s get this over with. I brought some samples of my own—Emile, Ewen, now, please.
[Damian’s friends present us with several shining brown bottles.]
Becky: What on earth is this?
Damian: The drink of the future. Champagne water! It’s water but it fizzes and pops in your mouth! My parents’ connections find it immensely entertaining and refreshing. Father quite likes it, too! And I’ve grown to enjoy it as well.
Anya (taking a sip): Soda.
Damian: …what.
Anya: It tastes like soda. Without the soda. It’s just water that’s like soda.
Damian: It is not! It’s champagne water!
Becky: No, I agree with Anya. This tastes like soda. She made me have it one time when we went shopping and it’s just like this.
Damian: Like you would know! You’re only the eighth richest family in Westalis! What would you understand about trends?
[Becky bares her teeth. Damian scowls. Anya looks unfazed. I decide to intervene before this gets out of hand.]
No, no, Damian, I certainly see the appeal of this…champagne water. Very innovative indeed.
Damian: Hmph.
Anya, let’s turn to you!
Anya: Okay! This is easy. I love hot chocolate!
Damian: Bahahaha, hot chocolate? Don’t you know that drink is for commoners?
Anya: How would you know? You’ve never tried it.
Damian: Wha—? How did you—I have too!
Anya: Have not.
Damian: HAVE TOO!
Becky: Calm down, Damian! Though even I’ve had it, so you really are missing out. It’s not refined, but it tastes good!
Hot chocolate isn’t one I would have expected to hear from an Eden Academy child…
Anya: Oh, uh…oh…
How refreshing! Tell me, Anya, what do you like about it?
[For a moment, Anya is silent, and then, her face splits into what I can only describe as a beam of pure joy.]
Becky (soft, fond): Aww, Anya, you’re smiling. You like it that much?
Anya: I do! I love hot chocolate because I drink it with Mama and Papa. We make it together, and Papa makes a safer version for Bond because did you know dogs can’t have chocolate? And then we sit down in our living room and drink it and talk and laugh. They’re my family! I love them so much!
Oh, how lovely! Anya, you’re truly such a loving and sweet child.
Becky: You’re so family-oriented, Anya!
Damian, you’ve gone rather quiet. Are you alright?
Damian: …What? I’m fine. Mind your own business!
Anya: Damian…you look…
Damian: What? Why are you squinting at me like that?
Anya: Just…you know, you can come over any time to our house and have hot chocolate with us. My parents and I would LOVE to have you.
Damian: You would? Oh…
Anya: Maybe your mom and dad could come, too! Your mom is friends with mine, and I’m sure your dad and mine will get along!
Damian: Oh, no…Father won’t…um. I’ll be sure to…convey that to him.
Anya: So you don’t have to be sad, okay?
[I watch as she pats his shoulder, and Damian looks down.]
Damian: I…I’m not sad. What’s there to be sad about? [He pauses.] …thanks.
Becky: Damian, you’re so red!
Damian: Shut up, Becky!
Well, there you have it, everyone! Coffee, champagne water, and hot chocolate are the way to go for children to reach the pinnacle of success, like these three brilliant young minds at Eden Academy. Thank you all again!
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Editor’s note: To sample Trendy Blends' new versions of all these drinks, make sure to fill out the order form at the back of the magazine!