Disclaimer: I do not own the Clique, etc..

Warning: Mild language


Chapter 3: Lost in Translation

And here I was hoping to worship the next Chanel.

"So, Anime is Japanese cartoons?" I ask, perplexed. Ally and a few of her surrounding friends laugh. "See, I told you she was precious," Ally says while giving me a light punch to the shoulder.

"Haven't you ever heard of Akira before?" I knew I should have joined the Animal Lovers club.

"Does she make shoes?" First their eyes grow wide, followed by a pause of silence, but that is quickly broken by a fit of laughter.

Oh-Kay, now I'm annoyed. "S'cuse me, but is there something I'm missing?" One of the boys in her group gains his composure long enough to give me an explanation. "Don't worry, you'll learn all our Otaku lingo in time, newb." Otaku? Newb! I don't think I'll find those definitions in Websters. Too embarrassed to ask their meanings, I decide to let the words get lost in translation.

"Come on guys, give her a break, she's new in town." Now I must admit, it's kind-of sad that the first time I really needed someone to cover for me was at an Anime club. "So, where'you from? North Shore?" Pushing a strand of hair behind my ear, I proudly respond, "Scarsdale."

Going, "Oh," and shaking their heads, a few seconds pass until one asks me, "So, is that near the Mall?" I have the compulsion to slap my forehead. "No, it's in Westchester." Again they nod their heads, but the same sharp as a spoon boy asks, "So, is Westchester near the Mall?" What's with this Mall?

Yah know what? Let's change the subject.

"So, what 'Anime' do you enjoy?" Showing some artificial excitement in the subject, one of the members pulls a book out of her knapsack and hands it to me. It's backwards. Maybe she's dyslexic.

"Ooh, Magical Princess Lovey Dovey." The girl's eyes light up. "I know. It's so good." When did I tell my mom to pick me up? Four? Glancing ever-so slightly down to my watch, the digital screen reads 3:15. Awh-crap.


"So, I never knew you were into Anime," My Aunt states. "Oh, I was, about until I realized it wasn't a French shoe designer," I respond, not bothering to hide the satirical tone edging my words.

"I take it you didn't enjoy the meeting," My mother says while putting down the paper and looking up towards me. "They thought Scarsdale was located near the Mall. And I didn't even know this Island 'had' a mall." My Mom smiles and laughs. "Of course it does. It's located right near the dump." Now that, I knew existed. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's the only thing this stupid Island is known for. New York City's conveniently located across the harbor dump.

"You know what, Mass? How'about I take you there?" My Aunt shouts towards my mother and enthusiastically. "Just don't expect BCBG or a True Religions outlet."

So maybe "Anime" wasn't some French equivalence of Roberto Cavalli, but nothing brightens my day like a trip to a mall. ANY mall.

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A/N: I wrote this at the same time as chapter 2. I'm on a roll! Remember, show your support and review!

Bah, there was alot of inside humor in there I'm not up to explaining in footnotes, so expect an update soon...