The Incident

There was Shona, Lilly, Georgia and Melanie. Anneliese stood slightly apart from them, part of the circle, yet not. Her arms were tightly folded and she looked like she wanted to withdraw into herself, yet her head was held high.

The ball was coming up and so they were discussing their dream dates. To tell the truth Anneliese felt herself slightly above this type of conversation but she still wanted to feel part of the group. Lilly held her hand on her heart "my heart belongs to King Greenwood"

Georgia poked her tongue out "Ewww. You know he is about forty years old. An old man!"

Lilly winced 'Not an old man!".

"Prince Lennox" Melanie said smartly, cutting into their feud "He is our age at least".

"Oh yes" they seemed to collectively sigh. Shona was not part of their daze though, she gave an apologetic smile to Anneliese "how about you".

Anneliese just shook her head slightly, she had no idea "how about you" she shot right back at her.

Melanie broke out of her trance and broke into Shona's reply "No princes could compare to Shona's Johnny" she said. Shona blushed bright red negating the need for any reply.

Anneliese grinned to herself she had a hunch Johnny's feelings for her were mutual. She was glad, she liked Shona.

Melanie now turned piercing comments on Anneliese "Suppose you think you're above this do you Annie?"

Melanie on the other hand irritated her beyond belief, that smug look just made her want to say anything to shock, disturb that confident act. She knew a second too late that although her words achieved their aim, they went perhaps too far.

"If only I had the love of the birdman" she said drily.

There was a pause which lasted for far to long. Lilly squeaked. Melanie shook her head at Anneliese with a look of disgust. At that moment the bell rang, and what was a circle split into two groups one with Anneliese the other with the four girls.

Georgia muttered to lilly "she sure knows how to alienate herself. We try to include her."

Melanie piped up "Oh don't bother Georgia. She thinks she's superior to all of us, she'll probably be glad if we all leave her alone".

"I don't think she wants that" said Shona quietly, Melanie ignored her.