Author's beginning note: I'm very sorry, faithful readers! I didn't notice that I got reviews. Well, those positive reviews make me very happy.

Onwards!

Chapter Two

"Okay," Laura pinged her Dirk, "so, this girl, Rhino, invited me to the 'bubble-making' (real quote, no joke!) pond today. I'm going to go. You tagging tonight?"

Within seconds, she heard the little ping and checked without bothering to cover the noise or acknowledge the hopeful faces of her peers.

"You're always such a giver, sis," Dirk replied. "But I'm tired of the commoners. I'm going gate-crashing tonight. Totally 'bubble-making'."

Laura laughed. "Whatever, bro. See you at home!"

She leaned back in her chair and put on some sunglasses for a little nap. Her dreams were the same as always. She was surrounded by dozens of adoring fans, all grinning, laughing, trying to get her attention—

Suddenly, the school bell woke her up. She sat up and smiled at her dream—her everyday reality. She pulled off her sunglasses to see, unsurprisingly, a cluster of students standing at her desk.

"Come on, kiddies," Laura announced, "I have to go to History."

They all were talking to her at once. She was pretty sure she heard that girl, Rhino, asking for her reply, but Laura never really paid attention to what anyone said. Just smile and walk, she reminded herself. She never had to say anything; her presence was enough to appease them.

--

The end of the school day couldn't have come sooner. Being Pretty was exhausting. All of this attention was nerve-making. However, it was all deserved. Being Pretty was a wonderful gift to be embraced, adored, and envied.

She entered the housing building to see Dirk sitting at the table.

"Skipping class again, bro?" she asked the boy.

"I've just been getting so tired of these Uglies lately," he responded. He got up and grabbed the same coat he always wore. "Alright, I'm leaving. Don't do anything to… 'bubble-making.'" He snickered and left.

Ah, Laura thought, stupid, little Rhino.

She sat at the table and told her ring, "Snack."

A chocolate bar instantly appeared in front of her when she blinked. She took a bite of the sugary goodness. It was blissful-making.

--

She left her unit thirty minutes after the Established Meeting Times. If they wanted to party with her, they'd have to make sure they knew patience. Her time is precious, and was not to be wasted.

She slowly strolled the long path to the pond. After a while, she could a few girls and guys giggling and talking excitedly. She continued to amble over to the spot when one of them noticed her and notified the others. They turned to her instantly.

Well, not as quick as I expected, Laura reflected, but you can't expect much from them.

"Hey," she said and nodded in their general direction.

A larger girl with dark hair ran up, "Ohmigod! I can't believe you came. I know you didn't have to and…" Rhino sounded like she didn't take a breath. She just closed the gap and hugged her.

Rhino quickly pulled off and blushed. "That wasn't out-of-line, was it?"

Laura just smiled and waved it off.

She listened to them obsess over her for a couple minutes. Then, they slowly transitioned their conversation to more menial topics. They kept asking her opinion, but she didn't really answer except nodding or shaking her head.

Her attention, however, was soon onto the pond. It was crystal-clear—perfect for gazing.

"Like the view, huh?" someone said from outside the group. "Well, that makes one of us."

"Excuse me?" Rhino began to defend. "Oh, it's you, Squint. Ugh, get out of here."

"Whatever, that eyesore was ruining a good time, anyway."

It took Laura a moment to realize that this Squint girl was talking about her. She got up to defend her own honor, but Rhino turned to her before Laura could catch Squint leaving.

"Don't worry about Squint, Laura," Rhino tried to cover.

"Yeah, she's just a freak who thinks she's cool," another boy added.

--

Author's ending note: Good place to end, right? Don't worry. I'll explain why Squint is outside of her town. I should not write after midnight. It makes my chapters short. Oh, well. Review, please!