Rose: Hey!! Annie, wait up, damn it!
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 [https://img.wattpad.com/d375943c6454b50767f4e1eddf92665a595e5216/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f776f79476c4863685434446631513d3d2d313436323833373635372e3137653335393462623665336539306239323935383338383931382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
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.