Stalking Shadows (Scary Mary) Read Online Free PDF

recommendation?”
    She nodded. “Yeah, Mrs. Pillar has already agreed to recommend me. She’s a nurse at the hospital.”
    “She sounds very appropriate. Have you chosen which program you’d like to do?”
    “The hospitality cart sounds good. I’ll go around and ask people if they want books or games and give them whatever I have on the cart. I figure I can do that.”
    Mr. Landa nodded. “That sounds like an excellent program. Just be sensitive to people’s needs. The hospital is not a place people want to be, but they have to be there. Just be mindful of that, and you should do fine.”
    She nodded, surprised by his insight into the matter. He may not get her at all, but he could be pretty perceptive every once in a while.
    “You mentioned Vicky. I hope you understand how terrible her situation is and how much worry and strain it is putting on her family and friends. Her condition is not a laughing matter and should be handled with respect, even if no friendly feelings are present.”
    Remembering Mrs. Nelson’s tear-covered face, she looked down at her clasped hands. “I know. I shouldn’t have made that joke. I’ll wait until she regains consciousness to mustachio her.”
    Mr. Landa snorted. “I am serious, Mary. There are a lot of people worried about her. You may not share their concern, but you should at least respect it.”
    She twisted her fingers. She knew who was concerned. Cy was concerned. He'd finally come back to school that day, but he looked awful. He had bags under his eyes, and he was moving slowly. He looked like he’d spent weeks by Vicky’s bedside. People were already whispering how romantic it was, just like Sleeping Beauty.
    “I do respect their concern. I’m sorry I keep making jokes, but it seems unreal. I feel like I just spoke to her.”
    He nodded. “I understand. Hopefully she’ll wake up before you start to miss her. I’ll work on this recommendation. I really think this will be good for you.”
    She leaned back in relief. The bell ending fifth period rang. Mr. Landa waved her out as he turned to his computer.
    As she exited the guidance counselor’s office, she looked toward a side door out of the building. She debated skipping sixth period, but she had to turn in a paper and didn’t want to get it marked off for being late. Still, she was worried about where Cy would sit. He’d always sat beside her in class, but now, it felt like he shouldn’t. He was dating Vicky. She felt betrayed and like she was “the other woman.” How could he have hung out with her while being interested in Vicky? She’d go to class. If he didn’t sit with her, it would be a clear signal that their friendship was over. He hadn’t spoken to her since the accident anyway. Maybe their friendship was already over.
    She took her usual seat at the back of the room. She watched the door as her classmates streamed in. When Cy entered, she felt a jolt go through her like she’d been electrocuted, even though it was him she’d been watching for. She didn’t blink as he came straight to the back and slipped into the seat beside her.
    She cast a sideways glance at him. He had a cast on his left arm and a serious sling holding it in place. He looked exhausted.
    “Hey, how are you doing?” she asked.
    He leaned back in his chair and stared ahead. “Can I Xerox your notes after class?”
    “Sure.” She was a little put off by his coolness to her, but the day had probably been really rough for him. Everyone had been giving him looks and talking about him. She knew how awful that was, but then, the looks directed at her were usually nasty and the talk mean. Still, it had to be tiring.
    She thought about asking him about Vicky but couldn’t do it. She really didn’t want to hear what he had to say, but she didn’t know what else to talk about with him.
    She looked across the room to the conspicuously vacant seat. All three of them had shared this class, but still, they’d managed to keep