The Girls

"Come with me," said Naomi, taking Pippa by the hand and leading her away again. They crawled into a shelter, where two girls sat on a queen-sized mattress. One was had red hair and a sharp face, and was reading a book. The other, who was much younger and had dark, curly hair, was playing with a doll.

"Girls, this is Pippa," said Naomi. "She's going to stay with us."

"Hello," the redhead said, looking up abruptly from her book. "I'm Frances."

"I'm Daisy," said the little girl shyly, leaning against Naomi.

"What's in there?" Frances asked, pointing at Pippa's satchel.

"Just some school books," Pippa said, opening the bag. "And my sketchbook."

"And a storybook!" Frances grabbed Pippa's copy of Little Women, then looked disapointed. "If only it was another adventure story. I'm already read Treasure Island three times!"

"Sorry," Pippa said nervously. "Books with a lot of action make me scared."

"Frances, stop badgering her," said Naomi. "And put that book alway. It's time for bed."

"Fine," grumbled Frances. "How's real life, newbie?"

"Uh, fine, I mean, not too great," Pippa said, as Frances and Daisy plopped on the bed.

"Frances, I mean it," Naomi scolded. "Pippa is new, and probably very tired. Give her some time."

Pippa, for her part, was gratified that Frances was showing her a little attention. Usually, when she got to a new place, she was ignored. "Naomi?" She asked. "How many clans are there like this one?"

"About five, I think," she answered drowsily. "Don't worry, we're all very peaceful."

"Okay," Pippa said, gingerly lying down on the mattress. It was old and creaky, but still confortable. She easily fell asleep.