It was after school on Thursday.
Annie was walking along the school corridor when she found a cloth bag on the floor. When she turned it over, she saw the words 'Hope Blossom' on the cover.
Oh no. Saki!
Hearing a shout outside, Annie grabbed the bag and hurried out of the building to see Saki desperately trying to run from Second Sis. It was cloudy and the wind was blowing. It would be a particularly pleasant time to exercise, if one were not chased by a crazy blond sister.
"I just want to talk!" Carrie called after the little Asian girl.
The students left in the school were watching the chase. A few were concerned but did not know what to do. One or two found the scene amusing. Annie spotted a black-haired boy scribbling on a notepad. Keith McDowell, Reporter-In-Training. She wondered what was going to be in the student paper next week.
Annie turned her attention back on the chase.
Second Sis was faster. But each time she came close, Saki nimbly dodged out of the way and dashed in a different direction. She missed a dodge once, however, when Carrie reached out and grabbed the black-haired girl's jacket by the sleeve. Saki slipped out of the jacket and ran up the driveway.
"Carrie sure is spirited today," a voice came from above Annie.
Annie looked up to see Darren.
"Hi, there." The tall boy flashed his charming grin. "Uh, you've never told me your name."
"It's Annie," the girl said as she continued watching the chase.
"Annie..." Darren tried the name, "Cute name for a cute little girl."
This was not the time for cuteness! "Darren, you've got to stop Carrie."
"Ah, don't worry." Darren shrugged with a smile. "Carrie wouldn't hurt that girl."
Saki crashed between flower bushes while Carrie jumped after her onto the pathway beyond. The Gardening Club was not going to be happy about the broken branches and the mud on the pathway. Carrie shouted for Saki to stop again as she chased the smaller girl into the gymnasium.
The gym should be empty that day. Annie had not seen any sign of activity from the building.
Annie turned to Darren. "The small girl's my friend. Please go check that she's okay," she pleaded.
"Since you asked, I'll go." Darren gave her that grin of his again before making his way to the gymnasium. Keith followed after him.
Annie waited. Darren, Second Sis, Saki and an observer were in the same place. This whole misunderstanding should be cleared up. After a while, Keith and Carrie came out together, having a quiet argument between them. They walked off together.
Darren walked out a moment later and came towards Annie. "Your friend's safe," he reported as he passed. He forced on a smile before wandering off.
Saki appeared a minute after that and went for her discarded jacket.
Annie walked up to her friend. "Saki," she called as she held up the cloth bag.
"Billings. Thanks," the Asian girl acknowledged as she received her bag.
"Are you okay?"
Saki nodded. "I-I'm fine."
"My sister didn't hurt you or anything?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Saki said wearily, "I-I have to go." She walked away without even waiting for a reply.
Annie was concerned that something might have happened in the gym. She waited for a chance to question Second Sis.
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