Path to Starry Pool (MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter Seven: Things Never Needed To Know

 Astoria awoke in the morning, the sun shining in her eyes. She sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. So there's a thief. Most of them suspect it's a volunteer. Should I investigate? Astoria shook her head and stood up, walking out into the hall. No, I shouldn't put myself where I don't need to be. She yawned and looked up at the clock on the wall. She stood stock-still with shock. I'm going to be late for the field trip!

In panic, she rushed down the stairs and grabbed a banana, carefully avoiding Sidney. Sidney was still mad about the Mr. Whiskers situation. She got ready in under five minutes and began dashing down the road. With frustration, Piper began cruising beside her on her bike.

"You late too?" Piper asked, slowing her pedaling to match with Astoria's running pace.

"Yeah! I've got to get on a bus to my field trip in a few minutes, too!" Astoria panted, still racing forward.

"Want a ride?" Piper asked.

"Yeah, thanks!"

Astoria hopped onto the back of Piper's bike. Piper smiled and took off at full speed. The school was in sight, as well as a student-filled bus. They skidded to a halt at the sidewalk, and Astoria hopped off the bike quickly.

"Thanks, Piper, see you later!" Astoria said hurriedly, then dashed away from the bike and up to the bus.

The doors to the bus were about to close as Astoria hopped inside. As expected, Mr. Brandenburg was snoring in the first seat of the bus. The majority of the class was in the very back, chatting loudly. With a sigh, Astoria slid into the seat across from Mr. Brandenburg. Oh, right, I forgot. The orphanage people are supposed to be there too. She leaned back in her seat with exhaustion. Great, more bothersome stuff. Now I'm starting to sound like Mari.

Eventually, the bus pulled into a large parking lot. Astoria peered out the window, taking in the sight of the museum. In front of the door was exactly what Astoria dreaded to see. The orphanage children and Miss Anderson. It was only the children with their volunteers, Astoria could observe, and was surprised to see Piper with Mari and Cass by her side and a confident smile. Towards the corner of the kids, Astoria was even more surprised to see Chin-Hae and Sara, eagerly staring at the bus. Astoria leaned over and tapped Mr. Brandenburg on the shoulder rather strongly.

"What?" He asked, looking at her groggily.

"Do you know how many of the orphans are supposed to be here?" Astoria asked with a perplexed expression.

"No, but I suggest you voice your questions to Miss Anderson," Mr. Brandenburg answered, standing up shakily and walking out of the open bus door.

Astoria followed out the door, setting her feet down on the ground. Looking up at the sky, she saw that it was grey and cloudy. I hope we don't have to do outdoor activities. As she walked further out, she stepped towards Miss Anderson. Just as she was about to open her mouth, one of the volunteers stepped forward. Astoria recognized him as Eddy, the boy who had greeted her first when she had volunteered. He smiled broadly down at her, Astoria almost thought it was in a teasing way. He was a tall raven-haired male with sharp brown eyes and a piercing stare.

"Astoria it was, am I right?" He blithely asked.

"Yeah, it is," Astoria nodded her head, then tilted her head. "Would you know if all the volunteers were supposed to be here?"

Another one of the volunteers stepped forward, a petite girl with pitch black hair reaching her waist and bright caramel colored eyes. "Not necessarily. Just the children with volunteers were required to come, seeing as they could learn from their personal caretaker. It was not required, but most of us came anyway. Oh, how rude of me! I'm Ashley, Eddy's best friend. You'll see me around very little, but I do hope we can become good friends."