Hidden Moon by K R Thompson Read Free Book Online Page B

finished.”
    “I don’t mind,” Brian interjected as he gave Adam a cold stare.
    I put a hand on Brian’s arm and smiled up at him in an effort to diffuse the situation, “I know you don’t mind, but you’re already stuck with me playing chauffeur twice a day now. Besides, if I’m home I can keep an eye on Emily if Mom needs to go out.”
    Adam smiled. “Okay, it’s settled. I’ll come to your house.”
    “I live right past Brian.”
    “Don’t worry, I know where you live,” he said over his shoulder as he walked away from us.
    I’ve found you before , the whisper echoed in my mind.
    Brian frowned as Adam walked away, as if he didn’t like the idea of my spending time with Adam alone. I had to hand it to him. If I had seen what he had seen a few minutes ago, I might be thinking the same way.
    He affirmed my suspicion when he said, “Maybe it’s not such a good idea. You did say you saw him outside your window. If you want I can come hang out while you help him. It wouldn’t be a problem. Mom’s working late today, so I’ll stop by the house and leave her a note in case she makes it home before me.”
    “No, I’ll be fine, honest. You just drop me off at the house and then go home and get your nerves ready for tomorrow’s driving lesson. You’ll need your rest. I may make it into fourth gear tomorrow morning!” I laced my arm through his and grinned up at him.
    “Are you sure? I don’t mind to come up.”
    “I’m sure.” I smiled and tried to change the subject, “So I wonder what they’ve got to eat for lunch today?”
    He laughed. “That wasn’t very subtle, but I’ll let you off the hook if you promise you’ll call me if you need me.”
    “I promise.”
    John and Beth were sitting at the same table as we got our plates and came over to sit with them. The table across the room was empty. I felt panicked, though I didn’t know why.
    Beth looked over at me and smiled. “They go back to the reservation at noon, two or three times a week to learn their ‘traditional’ stuff. Penny explained it to me last year when I did an article for the paper. It’s part of how they keep their tradition alive.”
    “I’m surprised they talked to you. I didn’t think they would like outsiders.”
    “Quite the opposite. They are a very proud people and they like to share their way of life with others. They like to teach, you’ll see. I overheard Mrs. Graham say that we’ll be going over to the reservation soon for a field trip. I’ll have to get ready to write the article for that, although it should be the same as it is every year.” She frowned as if thinking of different ways to describe the same thing that happened year after year was going to be a challenge.
    “Speaking of articles,” I said, “thanks for not putting me in one.”
    “Don’t get too comfortable. The only reason you’re not is that I know that now you’re part of the squad and something better to write in the next few days may pop up. I’ve seen Tiffany give you some evil looks today. I’d watch out if I were you.”
    “You could take Tiffany, hands down.” Brian grinned at me, and then he added, “but all kidding aside, you may want to watch your back where Tiffany is concerned. She’s sneaky, so keep your eyes open.”
    I sat there staring down at my half-eaten burger and wondered what on earth I had gotten myself into. I now had an arch-enemy and it was only the second day of school.
    The rest of the day went by at a snail’s pace. I realized that I was looking forward to seeing Adam after school. I kept replaying the moment outside the door of English class. Thankfully, none of the teachers called on me to volunteer any answers even though a couple of them looked at me as though they suspected my mind was elsewhere.
    The bell rang and Brian drove us home. He hesitated when I thanked him and jumped out of the truck. I leaned back in to grab my book bag.
    “You’re sure you don’t want me to stay?” he