Jack and Abby both looked at each other with concern as Sophie explained to them what she had heard.

“While you two went over to Emma I wandered off to see what that girl was talking about.” Sophie said as she pointed to the group of kids who were listening to a girl speak. “Emma is spreading rumors saying that she saw Jack give you a gift and then hold hands, which she says proves that you have a crush on each other.” As soon as Sophie said this, Jack and Abby stepped away from each other.

“I am not surprised,” Abby said.

“Well what are we supposed to do about it.” Jack asked. Abby looked at Jack surprised at his calm reaction. Jack smiled at Abby. He knew what she was thinking.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he began, “and yes I am angry but after what just happened. I don’t want to give Emma the pleasure of knowing she got under my skin.” Suddenly Abby got an idea.

“That’s it Jack!” she said excitedly

“What’s it?” Sophie asked

“Remember when Jack confronted me on the playground and I stood my ground” Abby said.

“That’s not one of my fondest memories,” Jack said blushing a little. “I have to admit that once someone stands up to you, any further attempts are useless.”

“That’s what I’m thinking,” Abby said. “Last time Emma did something embarrassing to us there was a big reaction. So maybe if there isn’t a big reaction she’ll stop.”

“And what if that doesn’t work” Sophie said.

Abby stopped. She hadn’t thought about that part.

“Well it can’t hurt to try,” Abby said.

“Any way,” Sophie began, “you and jack have been targeted twice so I’m probably next on the target list.”

“That’s another thing:” Abby said. “It’s seeming like it’s me and Jack she’s after, not you.” Everyone was silent at what Abby had said for it was true. Emma had only tried to humiliate Jack and Abby, but not Sophie. Abby wandered back over to the jungle gym and started hanging upside down again.

“Are you sure you should do that?” Jack asked. “— after the accident I mean.”

“Don’t worry,” Abby responded, “I’m fine and even if I do fall, I have a hard head.”

“In more ways than one.” Sophie said joining Abby on the gym. Suddenly a voice called out.

“Hello Abby,” Abby was so startled that she almost lost her grip and fell down.

“Oh didn’t mean to startle you” said a boy who was climbing onto the gym too.

“How do you know my name?” Abby asked, confused that this boy knew her name and she had never spoken to him.

“Oh everybody knows your name,” the boy began, “you’re the reason I can now play at recess without worrying I’ll get picked on by Jack. Ever since you stood up to him, everybody knows you. Rumor has it that even Emma Lopez is jealous.” Abby looked at Jack and Sophie then turned back to the boy.

“So you’re saying that I’m more popular then Emma?”

“Yep,” The boy began. “The same thing happened to my sister when she went to England. Everybody wanted to talk to her about England and she became really popular. Emma noticed this, so she asked my sister to join her circle of friends and then after that Emma became even more popular.”

“I think I remember that,” Sophie said, “Yes, your sisters name was Meria and she is one of Emma’s friends.” The boy nodded and continued

“I’d watch out if I were you.” He said jumping off the gym. “My sister is shy and timid so when Emma asked her to join she did, but I can tell you she hates it. You, from what I can tell, can’t be forced into doing stuff you don’t want to do. So Emma might try some other ways for you to do what she wants.” Abby, Sophie, and Jack all looked at each other in total shock. They now knew what Emma was after. They now knew why she was doing all that she was doing.

“So that’s what’s happening” Jack said. “Emma’s after your popularity.” Abby didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say. She looked back at Emma who was smiling a kind of smile you give to your enemy before you do something truly horrible, and unfortunately she had no idea what it was going to be. Abby noticed the boy was now looking around nervously.

“Look,” he whispered, “my sister is in Emma circle of friends if you want I can ask her to tell you what they are planning if you can help me.”

“What is it” Abby asked hardly taking a breath

“My sister has been miserable ever since she joined Emma, but she is too afraid to leave.” the boy said glancing over to Emma. “I want you to talk to her and convince her to leave. Convince her that she’s brave enough to speak her mind.”

“But why me?” Abby asked

“You’re the perfect person,” the boy said “after all you’re the bravest person in the school and maybe some of your bravery will rub on to her. You’re the only one I know that can help her so will you do it?” Abby said nothing then smiled.

“Were can I find your sister.” she said. The boy pointed in the direction of his sister, then quickly put his hand down so Emma wouldn’t see. But it was too late. Emma had seen the whole conversation and while she couldn’t hear it, she knew something was up. Quickly Emma signaled for Meria to come. When she did Emma pointed to where Abby and her friends were standing. By the way Emma’s face was you could tell she was not happy. Emma kept talking and pointing to the group.

“Uh, oh,” Abby thought to herself “this doesn’t look good.” Suddenly the bell rang telling them it was time to go back inside.

“Whew,” Abby said to herself “At least Emma can’t do anything inside.”