Chapter 2

Dear Diary,

They came after me again today. I thought that once would be enough, but they won't stop. I can tell that they aren't really mad at me, just what I represent to them. I've considered skipping a few days of school, but I'm worried they might go after the store. Yusuke should be back soon, right? How long could he be gone after all? Then once he returns they won't dare lay a hand on me again.

He won't let them.

Unfortunately, I don't even know where he took off too. It was during the three-day weekend that he disappeared without a trace. Atsuko doesn't seem that worried about him, but it's been a whole week! Then again she might have received a letter or word from him that she's not telling me about.

Science Fair Projects are coming up and I still haven't a clue as to what topic that I want to do. I have a couple of months left to decide though. In the meantime Mother's worried about an infestation down at the shop. She saw a cockroach last night and she's worried that a health inspector might catch wind of it.

Who am I kidding? I'm worried sick. It's only been a week since Yusuke disappeared and they're already moving in on me. I'm starting to get really concerned. They're becoming more and more insistent that I help them cheat. I can't do that though! It's wrong, but if I don't do something then they will. I've considered going to the teachers, but I think two of them are in league with the gang. I don't know what to do!

What should I do?

Kuwabara helped me last time some of the members bothered me, but I doubt he could hold his own against thirty or forty of them.

The teachers are corrupt.

I can't stop them myself…

I might have to give in to them.

---Keiko Yukimua---