Rose shouted, panting heavily as she finally caught up. Annie turned to her with a puzzled expression.
Annie: What is it?
Rose: I want to... talk to you...
Rose managed to say, pulling Annie into the school just as the bell rang.
Rose: Shit... I'll talk to you after school, just wait for me, okay? I really have to get to class...
Suddenly, Annie felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hello, Annie!" said a familiar voice. Annie turned around and was stunned to see Darren—the mailman.
Annie's thoughts: Darren??? The mailman???!!!
She had always assumed Darren had dwarfism.
Bell: Wow... I guess someone's not into short guys...
Annie's head: Look who's talking...
Darren: Anyways, I will guide you through your final year of elementary before high school!
Darren said happily, pulling Annie by the hand.
Annie: Not to be mean, but... umm... what grade are you in?
Darren stopped for a second and laughed a bit.
Darren: I look like an elementary boy, don't I?
He said cheerfully, not seeming offended.
Darren: I'm just born like this! And yes, I do grow, just very slowly. When I'm a senior, I'll be like a junior high or possibly sophomore! And I'm in grade 8.
Darren smiled.
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Annie: I guess that explains most of it...
Annie said quietly as Darren continued to lead her.
Darren: Your first class is a short quiz! But for the first week of the quarter, it's usually a personality test!
Annie's mind raced with thoughts about the personality test. Would she be judged and bullied again?
Darren: You should also answer honestly because the pen you use for the personality test is a magical truth pen! If you lie, the pen won't write. It only generates ink when you tell the truth!
Darren and Annie stopped at the locker area.
Darren: I'll get you checked into your locker after school!
Just then, the school made an announcement.
"Attention all students of Mahika High School, the class will start at 9:10. Thank you for understanding and please wait patiently for your next class."
Annie's thoughts: Ain't that just perfect...
Darren: Perfect! Come on, let me show you everything!!!
Darren exclaimed, pulling Annie toward an elevator. Yes, there was a freaking elevator in the school! As they hurried along, Darren accidentally bumped into three mysterious boys. Annie managed to keep her balance, but Darren fell to the floor.
Darren: Ouch!
He yelped in pain. Annie helped him up.
One of the mysterious boys walked up to them, looking at Annie with an inscrutable expression. Annie made a disgusted face.
Annie: I know it's our fault, but not even a sorry?
The students around them gasped as if she had insulted a celebrity. Annie didn't care.
The mysterious boy, tall at about 5'7", looked at Annie for a while.
"You're brave for a rookie divine user," he said quietly, his voice old and authoritative.
Darren stood up and stepped in front of Annie, his expression worried.
Darren: Clark... I'm sorry I bumped into you... Please mind Annie's manners... she's a new student...
Darren pleaded, clearly scared. But Annie, a girl who wouldn't back down, pushed Darren aside and faced the tall, masked boy.
Annie: Sorry my ass... You should be the one saying sorry. If you do, then I'll say sorry. Understand, pal?
The students around them "ooh" -ed, impressed by Annie's boldness.
Clark let out a dark chuckle, almost maniacal.
"The name is Clark. Now move. Also, Darren, meet me after school... you know where..."
Clark said, leaving with his two mysterious friends. Darren's face was pale with terror. As they walked, Darren was no longer cheerful like he had been a few minutes ago.