Annie looked at Connie for a moment, weighing her trust in the redhead. "It's just that I can't seem to talk to Saki."
"Talk to her? She's just there sitting in class everyday."
"I know," Annie stressed, "I see her there but she keeps disappearing whenever I want to talk to her."
Connie tilted her head down and gave a little mocking grin. "Ooh, maybe she's just avoiding you."
"Avoiding me?"
"Yeah, not everyone wants to be with you."
Annie narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're just not as popular as I am." Connie laughed proudly.
She did not have to point that out so bluntly! Annie knew that Connie was popular with both the girls and the boys, but did she have to be so smug about it? Ah, whatever. Lunch, first. Saki, next. Connie, never. The redhead was not worth her attention.
Annie considered meeting Saki in between class periods. But that was too short a time to ask for help. Perhaps she could ask the Asian girl to meet up with her after school. That would work, if Saki would agree.
But what if Connie was right? What if Saki was actively avoiding her? If that were true, Saki would refuse to meet with her. It would be better to explain her problem and ask for help on the first meeting.
On the last period of the day, Annie prepared herself for the end of school. She had surreptitiously packed her things ready. That earned her a disapproving frown when the teacher noticed. As soon as the bell rang and the teacher dismissed the class, she was on her feet and after Saki, who was already through the door. However, as soon as she stepped into the hallway, she found that Saki had disappeared.
Annie tried waiting at the school gate, hoping to catch Saki on her way home. However, there was no sign at all of the Asian girl. At the appointed time, Mother came and Annie had to go home.
That Asian girl must definitely be avoiding her. No one could unintentionally be this hard to find.
The next morning, Annie waited outside the classroom for Saki. Though she waited until the teacher arrived, the Asian girl was nowhere to be found. Annie sighed and entered the class to find that Saki was already seated at her desk.
When had she gone in? Annie was sure the Asian girl was not in the classroom earlier.
At break and lunch times, it was the same. Saki disappeared at the school bell and she returned just before the teacher.
Annie considered writing her request on a note to hand to Saki. But she did not wish to. She wanted to overcome the challenge of catching the girl. A note would end the game prematurely. It felt like cheating.
However, it was getting frustrating. Maybe she should take it a bit easier. For now, at least, to ease her mind.
Thus, on the last period of the day, she concentrated on the lesson instead of preparing for a quick exit. As expected, Saki was out the door as soon as the class was dismissed.
Was there anyone else she could ask for help? Another student? The teacher? Although it would be interesting to get to know the elusive Asian girl.
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