Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page B

roar coming from inside the cafeteria. I threw my hands over my eyes, and turned my head from left to right several times, and wept in silence.
    I dabbed my eyes with my sleeve, and then searched my arm again. Could I have imagined the gash and the pain? I sobbed, wiped the tears away again, and went back into the cafeteria. I tried to look inconspicuous but met a few curious glances from the student body. I kept my eyes on the checkered linoleum. They saw the spectacle and wondered what happened. I prayed no one would ask me. No one did. Everyone reverted back to chatting. By the end of the day, I’m sure the tale will be tall and along the lines of hair pulling.

    The pit in my stomach ached worse than the scar had, and I regretted telling Bethany anything. I couldn’t tell another soul or I’d undoubtedly be confined to an institution for the mentally insane. There I would probably live out the rest of my days chased by werewolves.
    Once I was back at our table, I noticed Bethany had left her cell phone beside her tray. Fantastic, I thought. I couldn't call her. I snatched the phone and the blemish free, crumpled ribbon of gauze and threw them into my bag. I dumped both our trays, and left the cafeteria. My first stop was the parking lot. Bethany's car was parked in the same spot she’d parked in this morning. I went to all my afternoon classes in a daze waiting outside of each, hoping to run into Bethany. But she never showed up to any of them. At some point I checked with our school nurse. She assured me that Bethany hadn’t been in to see her at all today.
    Finally the last hour was over. I waited a half hour by Bethany's car. I would have waited longer had I not been scheduled to work tonight. I called her home several times but only got the answering machine. I left a couple messages, but she didn’t return any of my calls. I walked the eight blocks to the gift shop. The hours dragged longer than usual.
    I thought about going over to Bethany’s house, but was skeptical of what her reaction would be of me showing up uninvited. I thought better of it, and caught the bus home as usual. I entered my house through the backdoor, and tip toed into the kitchen.
    I wasn’t prepared to be tackled with a barrage of questions regarding my day. From the living room, I heard the grumbles and low whistles escape my dad’s nose as the sports caster summed up the game. I detected a soft pattern of footsteps above my head. Mom preferred working out in her bedroom, and in the evening. The aroma in the kitchen was savory, something cheesy with plenty of onions; yet again I didn't have an appetite.
    A bright yellow Post It stuck to the center of a covered dish on the kitchen table, caught my eye. I got close enough to read the message without being seen from the living room. Bethany had called, and my mom took the message. Why hadn’t she call me on my cell?

    The note read:
    Delia –
    Bethany called.
    She said she’ll pick you up tomorrow after work.
    She asked that you hold onto her phone.

    Nice, I thought. No explanation on her disappearing act. I didn’t know what to think, but I was relieved that she wanted to meet up. We were still friends. I needed her, and I couldn’t bear losing her friendship. I was drained, and had no desire to dwell on it anymore tonight.
    I gave my dad a feathery peck on the forehead. He stirred a bit, but didn’t wake up. I heard the shower come on and knew I’d better get to my room, or risk running into my mom. I slipped into my bedroom unnoticed, and pretended to be asleep when my mom checked in on me. My light was off so she poked her head in for a quick second, and then shut my door.
    I was extremely apprehensive about falling asleep, and afraid that I may not survive the dream this time. A chill coursed through my body from the base of my neck to the tip of my toes. Although I was thoroughly exhausted from the accounts of the day, I planned to stay up all night. I spent the next couple