Chapter Six

Shelly

We stopped off at the Hork-Bajir home. We informed the other Animorphs about what was happening, met Toby Hamee, and began to erect little huts to stay in.

"Look, hun," Allison said. "I NEED that make-up. YOU convince Rachel to give it to me."

"No, you do not," I replied. "Leave me alone."

"Geez," Jeff said. "You two fight like an old married couple."

"SHUT UP!" two voices yelled.

"Oh, AND I need a hair straightener. If I don't, I have an AFRO," Allison explained.

"I WILL NOT GET THEM!"

Al rolled his eyes, or, at least as much as an Andalite could, and begain a conversation with the Hork-Bajir.

"My God," Jeff muttered. "Those two will drive me INSANE."

"Jeff?" I asked sweetly.

"Yes?"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, Allison, GET THEM YOURSELF!" With that, I stormed into the hut to grab a snack.

I munched on a granola bar, pulling out a notebook where I wrote my poetry, and a CD player to listen to.

Chattering noises. I looked around, shrugged, and returned to the notebook.

"Shell."

I was annoyed. There was no one making the noise.

"SHELLY!" I jumped halfway to the ceiling, knocking my headphones off.

"What?"

Jeff walked in. "Nikkei isn't back yet?"

"Nope. Quite frankly, I like the quiet."

"Aren't you at least a bit worried? Stephanie's out there too, you know," he pointed out.

"The only thing I'm worried about is the sake of my sanity in this place."

"Are you insinuating something?" Jeff asked, hands on his hips.

"No, I just find it a little crazy that we're living with Hork-Bajir. They are, technically speaking, the equivalent of the enemy."

He sighed. "The more you talk, the more I think the war has really taken its toll on you, Michelle."

"No one," I growled, stepping closer to him, a murderous look on my face, "calls me Michelle."

"Your darling Jerry called you that."

I snapped. I jumped on top of him, clenching his neck between my hands. "Shut up, you little..."

"Shell... Can't breathe..."

"That's the point, you tactless little nuisance!"

"SHELLY! JEFF!"

I looked up, angry. Allison was standing in the doorway, confused and annoyed.

"Look, we have enough problems without you two trying to kill each other! Shelly, kindly remove your hands from his throat."

I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"Thank you," Jeff squeaked, rubbing his reddened neck.

Man, I wish I had succeeded.

"Now, Shelly, about that straightener..."

"Not happening," I said, cutting her off. "For one thing, I'm lazy. Also, you in an afro is a vision that might just bring some laughter to this camp. And I, personally, could use a good laugh." I put my headphones back on.

Both Allison and Jeff left the tent, grumbling to themselves.