On Saturday, Ana’s mom dropped her off at the mall, and she ran straight to the bookstore to meet Cara. Ana gave Cara a huge hug.
“What was that for?” Cara said with a shy smile.
“It’s a thank you,” Ana said. “For reminding me that I love two things equally. Playing softball with my team and being the biggest Endless Saga fan ever — with you.”
Cara hugged her back.
They joined the long line to get their copies of the book. As they waited, Ana looked out the window into the mall. She saw Mali walking by with her brother. Ana waved.
Mali waved back and then, unexpectedly, she and Niran came into the bookstore. Niran smiled at Ana and said hello.
“Hi,” Mali said. “What are you doing?”
“Getting our new Endless Saga books!” Ana said excitedly.
“Is that the book series about the queen and the princess battling to win a kingdom?” Mali asked.
“Yes!” Ana and Cara said at the same time. The three girls laughed.
“I’ve been meaning to read that,” Mali said. “It sounds kind of cool.”
“Stand in line with us!” Ana said. “You can buy the first book while we buy this one.”
“OK,” Mali said.
“Hi,” Cara said to her. “I’m Cara, Ana’s best friend.”
“I’m Mali,” Mali said. “Ana’s best softball friend.” The girls grinned at each other.
Ana put her arms around both girls. It looked like her two favorite things were about to become closer.