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that the girl was back in the band.
    Most of the Star Darlings were standing in the Star Quad, the area in the middle of campus. Their secret S.D. lessons, the last class of the day, had just let out. The girls usually chatted outside a bit before they headed off to their respective clubs, sports, lessons, studies, and other leisure activities before dinnertime.
    â€œWhat time will it be over?” Cassie asked. “Maybe we could do it afterwards?” She really didn’t feel confident confronting the two roommates by herself.
    â€œNo, then I’m meeting Professor Elara Ursa to talk about an extra-credit assignment,” Vega explained.
    Cassie wanted to ask if that couldn’t wait until the next starday, but she saw the determined look in Vega’s eyes. She knew that Vega’s dream was to be the top student at Starling Academy and that she would do whatever it took to get there. She turned to Scarlet.
    â€œAnd I have an Intuition study group,” offered Scarlet. “I’ve really got to go since I missed all those classes. Star apologies.”
    â€œSo I have to go get the flowers alone?” Cassie asked.
    â€œCan’t it wait till tomorrow?” asked Vega.
    Cassie glanced at Astra and Clover, who were arguing again. She gasped as Astra snatched the hat off Clover’s head and tossed it into the air, levitating it with wish energy in a cruel game of keep-away.
    â€œI guess you’re right,” said Vega. “The sooner, the better.”
    â€œAnd this is the only afternoon Astra has off from practice this week,” Cassie explained. “I overheard her saying she was going back to her room to watch old holo-vids of the team they are playing on Bopday.”
    Vega considered this. “You’ll have to convince only her,” she said. “Clover will be at band practice with us.”
    â€œThat’s a plus,” said Cassie, her mood lightening a bit.
    â€œSo what’s your plan?” Scarlet asked.
    â€œOh, look!” shouted someone. Cassie turned around and gasped. The nimble Clover had scrambled up the trunk of a nearby ballum-blossom tree and now stood on a sturdy branch, her arms held out to the sides. She didn’t hesitate for even a moment before walking its length like a tightrope. Clover paused for a starsec, then leapt off, plucking the hat out of the air. She landed neatly, not a hair out of place. With a smirk at Astra, who looked like she was fuming, Clover jauntily placed the hat on her head and gave a deep bow. The rest of the Star Darlings applauded.
    Vega shook her head. “I keep forgetting that she’s one of the Flying Molensas,” she said, referring to the most well-known circus family on Starland. “That girl is a born acrobat!”
    â€œImpressive,” Cassie said, turning back to Vega and Scarlet.
    â€œSo, your plan?” Vega prompted her.
    â€œRight,” said Cassie. “My plan is…” She sighed. “Actually, my plan is to come up with a plan on my way to their room.”
    Scarlet snorted.
    Vega sucked in her cheeks. “Not much of a plan,” she said.
    â€œYou’re telling me,” Cassie replied.
    â€œWell, good luck with that!” Vega said, grimacing. “If it doesn’t happen, we can always try again tomorrow.”
    Scarlet nodded. “I’m free.”
    â€œStar salutations,” replied Cassie. She was determined to put an end to the nonsense that day.
    She watched as the two girls headed to the Lightning Lounge with Sage, Leona, and Libby. That was good. Sure, Scarlet was straggling behind, keeping apart from everyone, but she was getting back into the swing of things and that was what mattered.
    Cassie turned around, looking for Astra, but she had already left. Cassie hopped on the Cosmic Transporter, hoping that the girl had gone straight back to her room. The flower business needed to end that day. She had a bigger dish to dry. She