As they stepped out under the cloudy afternoon sky outside, the little girl glanced at Sandy. "You can call me Annie," she introduced herself.
"Sandra," the taller girl replied, "I'm usually called Sandy, though." As they continued towards the school gate, she asked, "Where are we going?"
"Greasy Aunt's," Annie answered curtly.
Sandy knew the place. It was a diner a stone's throw down the street, on the opposite side of the school. Because of its proximity and its menu of sweet and fatty treats, it was a popular hangout for Fernham High's students. The fare served there tasted better than the school's cafeteria food, though the price was higher.
Sandy herself had only been there once. If it were not for the bribe she had received to join that unknown club in the past, she would not have been able to afford the two ice cream sundaes she had eaten there at that time. She had really spoiled her appetite that evening, and had earned a stern lecture then from Momma Lois.
Greasy Aunt's that afternoon was lively with students from her school. There were groups of girls and boys gathered at various tables, with waitresses weaving between them to take orders and deliver drinks and treats. There were boys playing with the arcade machines in the corner, showing off their skills to their peers. A few of them challenged each other at the foosball table.
Sandy sat opposite Annie at one of the empty tables next to the store window. They were handed menus by a waitress who wore a pink uniform with a white apron and matching cap.
Both girls turned immediately to the dessert section of their menus. They were quick in deciding their desired treats. Annie called the waitress. Sandy ordered herself a big banana split with strawberry syrup while Annie settled for one covered in chocolate.
Once the waitress had left with their orders and the menus, Annie fixed her piercing blue eyes on Sandy. "Don't your parents give you enough to buy ice cream once in a while?"
Sandy lowered her eyes to the clean white surface of the table. "I don't have parents. And my allowance isn't much."
"Where do you stay then?" Annie questioned further.
"At the Sunshine Girls Home," Sandy answered.
"Are there many girls there?"
"Just the four of us and Momma Lois," Sandy replied.
"Momma Lois?"
"She's looks after me. She runs the home."
"I see." Annie stopped her questions. She leaned back and watched the cars passing outside the window.
Sandy did the same.
The waitress arrived with their orders balanced on a tray. She expertly arranged a serviette, a metal spoon and the correct treat before each girl. After checking that everything was in order, the waitress left with her tray.
Sandy quickly started with a scoop of ice cream mixed with strawberry syrup. It was sweet and cool. She loved that taste. "If I had the money, I'd buy one of these everyday," she said.
"Really?" the girl opposite her asked.
"Yeah, I'd get nice clothes like you," Sandy continued, "Shoes too."
"That'll take a lot of money," Annie pointed out. She ate a small scoop of her own ice cream.
"Yeah, but don't worry," Sandy blabbed on, "I'll be rich someday."
Annie watched the taller girl's expression. "How?"
Sandy shrugged. "Dunno. I just know I'll be."
"How can you be so sure?"
With some ice cream melting in her mouth, Sandy explained, "I had my fortune told during the summer. It said I would be rich." She pulled out the burnt card from her back pocket and extended it to Annie. "Here."
Annie gingerly took the card. She studied the writing on the card, allowing Sandy the chance to thoroughly enjoy another scoop of ice cream. Then the black-haired girl passed the card back. She sat back and stared distantly.
The brown-haired girl pocketed her card and continued eating.
"Sandy," Annie asked suddenly, "What would you do for money?"
"Anything," Sandy replied, "I tried to get a part-time job but I can't get a work permit."
Blue eyes focused on Sandy's face. "Why not?"
"Well... Mrs Johnson thought it's best I concentrate on my studies." Sandy was embarrassed to admit that.
"Mrs Johnson? The guidance counselor?"
"Yeah. She's the one who's supposed to get me the work permit." Despite the sweet ice cream, Sandy was starting to feel a little sour with the conversation.
"So you'd really do anything for money?" Annie asked.
"Yeah."
Mercifully, that was Annie's last question. The girls continued eating quietly after that. Sandy was glad for the chance to fully concentrate her senses on her smooth ice cream without being interrupted by a question. She thoroughly enjoyed every cool mouthful. So intent was she that she did not notice what the other girl was doing.
She had not noticed Annie narrowing her eyes in thought.
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