A Sadness Within by Sara Fiorenzo Read Free Book Online Page B

did, there were dark dreams about glistening eyes watching from the dark. 
     
     
    The next morning, the rain was drumming softly outside my window when my alarm went off. I suppose today would be as good as any to take a break from running, I thought, not wanting to emerge from my warm cocoon. My dreams from last night resurfaced and I was instantly glad that I wouldn’t be venturing out in the dark. The thought of all of those eyes watching from the shadows was unsettling.
    I squeezed my eyelids together tightly and tried to think of happier things. Fortunately, the comfort of my bed allowed for several more minutes of snuggling underneath the covers. I faded in and out of sleep until finally, the need for breakfast encouraged me to get out of bed. I took my time getting ready, but I still managed to arrive at school 40 minutes early. I might as well get some things done. It was Friday and if I got enough done, there would be far less work to do over the weekend.
    “Oh Julia, just the person I wanted to see. Could I talk to you for a few minutes?” John Mason, the principal said. I had stopped in the office to get my mail and nearly ran right into him.
    “Sure. I’ll be right in,” I replied, a bit worried. It’s funny how on edge I was about being called into the principal’s office even though I was no longer a student.  I had to remind myself that I had done nothing wrong as I grabbed my things and took a seat across from him in his office.
    “How are preparations coming for the play auditions? Is there anything I could do for you? Do you need anything else?” My body instantly relaxed at his questions. He was a small, balding man who had been principal of this school for several years. While his tone was always harsh, he was a kind man who went out of his way to make sure both staff and students were happy at the school.
    “Actually, I think I’m doing okay. I still need to find someone to act as an assistant director,” I said, suddenly remembering that everyone had said no. When I had asked Steve the day before, he said he didn’t have time to help this year, leaving me slightly panicked.
    No one else seemed to want to give up their nights and a few weekends. Nothing like abandoning the new girl. “If it’s okay with you, I might have Mallory Marshall do it. She’s a senior, and has been in all the shows before.”
    “Oh, that would be fine as long as you think you can handle the logistics. I think she would be a great help to you.” He grinned back at me in a fatherly way.
    “Well, I suppose that I should get back to work.” I stood to leave. “Unless there was anything else you wanted from me.”
    “No, that was it,” he said, and began shuffling papers on his desk, signaling to me that we were finished.
    “Thanks for the heads up. And I’ll let you know if I need anything for the play,” I said walking toward the door.
    “Actually, there is one more thing I should mention,” he said, stopping me. “I hired a new maintenance guy for after school and evenings. His name is William Bradley. He’s Celia Bradley’s older brother.”
    “Oh?” I tried to stop any emotion from showing on my face, although I could feel the warmth spreading though my cheeks.
    “Their father has helped the school out financially over the past few years,” he continued, “so I owe him a favor, I suppose. Apparently, his son is home for a while and needed a job. He won’t be in your way, but I didn’t want you to be surprised if you saw him around during rehearsals.” He went back to the pile of papers on his desk.
    “Thanks for letting me know. If I don’t see you, have a great weekend,” I replied and slipped out the door in a slight daze. I had been thinking about the Bradley’s far too much lately and knowing another one of them would be around was intriguing. 
    “You too, and don’t forget… let me know if there is anything I can do for the play,” I heard him add as I was walking down the