Crossed Out Read Online Free PDF Page B

nothing would happen. I so didn’t want to have to deal with Hillary and her wannabes. I had too much on my plate – a wandering spirit and an odd counselor with a fondness for bloody cloths.
    At the moment, I think I preferred the anonymous spirit. Blood always made me queasy.
    I opened my locker and grabbed my English book. I loved my class but hated all the grammar stuff that went with it. Who really cared whether to use a colon or semicolon?
    The whiff of Bath & Body Works Mango Mandarin Eau de Toilette gave Cura away. She always bathed herself in the stuff. I tried hard not to sneeze.
    Cura walked up to the lockers. “Steph, why did you leave Hillary’s place like that?”
    “Ah….” I rammed my book into my backpack. A few papers flew out. “I didn’t feel good?”
    “You could’ve texted me.”
    I couldn’t believe Cura’s mother was part of Mom’s sorority pact. Now, if most of the others, including Hillary, were like Cura, then I’d have no problem wanting to belong. Out of all them, Cura had refused to believe the rumors about me being loco. After the other night, had her opinion of me changed?
    My earlier sick feeling came back. I didn’t want to lose Cura’s friendship. But another equally strong feeling overpowered me.
    Yeah, some friend I am. I can’t even share what I really do.
    I really wanted to think she’d not flake out on me but after the disastrous evening at Hillary’s house, I didn’t want to chance it.
    I felt like crap. “I’m sorry, okay.” I put on my best puppy-dog look. It worked every time. “Forgive me?”
    Cura pouted. “I shouldn’t, you know. You should’ve heard Hillary’s mom and Mrs. Jones. Boy, talk about a piss fest. And what happened in there, anyway?” She leaned over. “You know…the mirror?”
    “It broke. It was a stupid accident. Mom’s making me pay for it.”
    Cura stared at me. “Sometimes I don’t get you.”
    A sinking feeling hit me. I really wanted to confide what really happened, but I wondered if she’d freak out on me like Hillary did three years ago with my revelation about Allison.
    “I’m sorry, Cura. I really feel bad. Let’s say I treat today. One large diet cherry Coke and a half order of skinny fries. Okay?”
    “Well, all right .” Cura smiled. Then her eyes widened. “Hey, check out that guy.”
    “Jeez, Cura,” I said. “Talk about a one track mind.”
    “No really, take a look.”
    A really cute guy walked toward us. Long dark hair framed the most amazing blue eyes. It didn’t hurt that he was really buff too.
    Cura leaned toward me. “He’s sure hot. You’ve seen him before?”
    I shook my head. “He must be new.”
    “Hey,” Cura whispered. “Bag the Coke and fries. I’d like an order of that.”
    “Yeah, me too.”
    At that moment the back of my thighs itched. Great! I thought. Talk about making a good first impression.
    Not!
    I leaned against my locker, trying to rub the backs of my legs and not look like a total fool. All the while a chill went up my spine.
    My eczema and the sudden drop in temperature usually signaled an arrival from the other side. Oh, just great . Why did this have to happen now!
    This never happened in broad daylight. But spirits didn’t show up in bathroom mirrors either. I should’ve listened to my gut when I had the chance.
     
    Crap, late again!
    Next to me, Cura covered her ears in a failed attempt to block out the shrill first period bell. Others heeded the warning and scrambled down the crowded hallway, toting books, notes, and cell phones. While I clung to my locker, all my attention was riveted on the newest arrival to Sutter High.
    The cute guy leaned against his locker, a few buttons on his shirt straining against his muscular chest.
    Note to self: Don’t get distracted by cute guys. This will only get you in serious trouble and possible afterschool detention.
    Though I tried to take my own advice, Dr. Phil I’m not. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the new guy. His