Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) (41 page)

“Yeah, and why was he out that way? He lives on the other side of town. It’s really weird.” Cat shook her head and then froze, as she met Ulla’s cold stare over Hannah’s shoulder. “Your mom doesn’t look very happy,” Cat whispered.  Hannah turned her head and sighed as she looked at her mom.

“I’ve got to go, Cat. That’s her ‘come-here-right-now’ stare. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she murmured, making her way to her mother’s side.

“Mom, what’s up with Mrs. Bancroft? She’s always giving us the evil eye.”

“Just ignore her. Ulla has always been like that. I think she thoroughly enjoys making people uncomfortable. Oh, there goes the bell. Let’s go find your dad and Taylor.”

Rachel stood and moved to the front of the class to say goodbye to Miss Amaya, not seeing that Ulla was also moving forward. “Miss Amaya, thank you for taking over the class, even though it’s under such tragic circumstances. Cat is especially grateful that you did,” Rachel said reassuringly.

“So this is how you get the witch into your corner!” Ulla’s menacing whisper made Rachel turn quickly.

She glared at Ulla, and was thankful that they were the only ones left in the classroom. “I see you still haven’t worked on your manners, Ulla,” Rachel replied.

“How dare you talk about my manners, you filthy mutt! I loathe that my children have to go to the same school as your offspring. You keep your Cath-”

“Ladies, please for your children’s sake, cease this behavior.”  Miss Amaya’s eyes met Ulla’s with a warning.

“Sorry, you’re right. This isn’t the time or the place. Please forgive me. And thank you again for everything,” Rachel said and shook Miss Amaya’s hand before leaving the room. Without a word, Ulla scowled at Miss Amaya and then followed Rachel out.

Outside in the parking lot, away from the crowd, Trish’s parents, Roland and Anna Digby, were in a heated argument with the Stone twins’ parents, Tegan and Meredith.

“I don’t believe you!” Roland said, standing toe-to-toe with Tegan.

“I don’t care what you believe! Our children did not attack that boy!” Tegan shot back.

“It seems strange that after the incident at the dance, Matt has an accident. If we find out that anyone in your group caused this, things will change in this town, starting with you all leaving!  It was a bad idea for Aldon to allow it in the first place! You better just keep an eye on your children and what they’re up to!”

“Are you threatening my kids?  If so, you better watch your back!” Tegan growled, shoving Roland who in turn pushed back.

“Stop, Roland! Let’s not do this here. Somebody might see us. Please, honey, let’s go,” Anna pleaded.

“Yes, I agree, Anna. Tegan, look, here come the twins, let’s leave,” Meredith said, pulling Tegan toward the car.

“Meredith, we need to resolve this, otherwise it will only get worse,” Anna said while gently taking her arm.

“Anna, I know the boys can cause a little trouble, but they’d never hurt anyone. Please believe me,” Meredith replied.

“Don’t grovel to those animals, Meredith, let’s leave!” Tegan roared, his teeth elongating. Meredith sent another pleading look to Anna and turned to follow her husband.

Anna and Roland watched as the Stone family got into their car. “Roland, I think we need to have a meeting. If they’re telling the truth and it wasn’t them, we have a serious problem on our hands,” Anna said, clutching her husband’s arm tighter as they made their way back to the school to find Trish.

 “What a game! I lost count how many times I held my breath. Those last seconds were so tense! I thought I was going to lose my mind! That final pass Taylor threw to Ryan was amazing. I can’t believe we won State! I can’t wait to see Taylor! I just wish I didn’t have to go home and change, darn soda. I’m glad you guys are giving me a ride though.” Trish finally took a breath and stopped talking, causing the three others in the car to burst out laughing.

“What are best friends for? Oh, and are you sure you don’t want someone to drive to the Colvins’ with you?” Beth asked, looking at Trish through her rearview mirror.

“No, that’s okay, you guys go ahead. I’ll meet you there. I think I might be a little while anyway. I don’t want this soda stain to become permanent. I’m just so excited!” Everyone laughed again as Beth pulled the car into Trish’s driveway. “Okay, I’ll see you guys soon. Way to go, Panthers!” she yelled as she shut the car door and made her way to the front porch while fumbling for her keys. Beth beeped the horn and backed out of the driveway.

Trish smiled as she heard, “
We are the Panthers, the mighty, mighty Panthers
,” coming from the open windows of the car.

The house was dark and quiet.
Oh yeah, I forgot my parents went to the game with the Colvins
, Trish thought. Hurrying up the stairs, Trish’s cell phone rang and she grinned as she heard Taylor’s ringtone.

“Hi Taylor!”

“Hey, sorry about the background noise. This locker room is insane! I can’t wait to see you. I love you! Sorry, I can’t hear if you are talking back, but I just wanted to let you know I can’t wait to see you. I know I just said that, but it’s true. So hurry, but be careful, and get your cute butt over to my house.  I’ll meet you there. Love you!” 

“Love you too, Taylor!” Trish yelled into the phone before he hung up. Trish beamed as she removed her stained jersey, an exact replica of Taylor’s, and pulled an identical one out of her closet.
I’m so glad I’ve got this back up,
she thought. While pulling the jersey over her head, she heard a strange noise coming from outside her window. Looking through her curtains, she saw nothing but snow-covered trees illuminated by the Victorian streetlamp outside. Retrieving her jacket from the floor, Trish started down the stairs, her keys jangling in her pocket. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, the doorbell rang. “Who is it?” Trish asked jokingly, thinking that it was her friends at the door. There was no answer. Opening the door, “Guys, I told you I-” Trish stopped as she noticed no one was on the front porch. “Guys?” she asked unsure. Shrugging, Trish closed the door behind her and locked it. She walked to her car with a bounce in her step, excited at the thought of seeing Taylor soon.
What’s that smell?
She thought turning her nose up to the air. Hearing a low growl, Trish turned on her heel coming came face to face with long teeth and jet black eyes.