Talisman by S.E. Akers Read Free Book Online Page B

the article for any additional information before giving it to Daddy.  Nothing .  The news reporter seemed to be just as “in the dark” as the rest of us.
    “Look what made the front page,” I stated with a smirk as I handed him the paper.
    “I figured as much,” Daddy groaned.   “One of their reporters bugged the heck out of us last night wantin’ to find out as much as he could before they went to press.”
    A subtle “squeak” pounded my eardrums.  Daddy was still chowing down and clearly hadn’t heard a peep.  But I did, and I knew what it was.  I remained still and listened intently, locking on to the sound’s source and direction.  Without looking, I reached down beside my chair and snatched the tiny field mouse in mid-run.  I strutted over to the backdoor for a merciful reprieve.
    “Nice catch… as usual ,” Daddy beamed.  “Is that a new visitor or the same one? ”
    I held the cute little guy up in the air, checking for the familiar gray patch on its belly that resembled a heart.  “Same one,” I affirmed with a wink and then shooed it onto the back porch.
    “I’m going upstairs to finish getting ready for school,” I announced. “Could you be a dear and get rid of that glue trap behind the fridge?  Oh, and be sure to let Mom know that I ‘didn’t touch it’.”
    “ Will do,” my father chuckled.  “And I’ll tell her that our little friend is history… for now .”
    “ Thank you, Daddy,” I grinned and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  As soon as I’d rinsed off my dishes and loaded them in the dishwasher, I headed for my room.
    “See ya after school,” I confirmed as I exited the kitchen.
    “I’m sure you will,” Daddy chuckled.
    My father never liked to say the phrase “good-bye”.  He thought it was inappropriately “final”.  You would have to correct yourself real quick if you ever said it to him accidentally.  He preferred, “See-ya” or the occasional, “Later gator”.  Personally, I thought it was a quirky OCD thing, but I humored him — out of love .
    I scurried up the stairs and over to Chloe’s door where I tapped softly — several times.  “Are you up?” I asked and waited.  When I didn’t hear any movement, my taps turned into bangs , which were notably louder and longer.  That sure got Sleeping Beauty’s attention.
    Her door flew open in a matter of seconds.  “ Jeez!   I’M UP!” Chloe barked.  “Do you have to bang on my door like that?  I’m not freakin’ deaf!”
    “Your breakfast is ready.  Don’t make me late — like you usually do,” I piped back.
    “What did you fix?” Chloe questioned as she took a deep sniff of the aroma lingering through the house.  “Is that french-toast I smell?”
    “Yes ,” I confirmed, “and apple crisp.”
    Chloe tossed her raven hair back and stomped her f oot on the floor.  “Shit!” she raged.  “Why don’t you just throw a couple of sticks of butter on my plate and sprinkle some damn cinnamon on it!  I can’t eat that!   I have to fit into my sophomore court dress tomorrow!  Ugh!   Don’t you ever think?”
    She was certainly being pissy about the menu.  I never see you making an attempt to prepare any meals around here , I grumbled quietly as I humored her little rant.
    “Chloe, just grab a yogurt out of the fridge and quit your bitchin’.   Heaven forbid you have a blow-out on the field tomorrow night.  How embarrassing! ” I exclaimed as I placed my hand over my mouth, pretending to gasp.
    The little witch threw me a dirty look and then slammed the door in my face.
    “Be ready in fifteen minutes ,” I grunted through the door.
    “Mike’s picking me up.  You can leave ANY TIME you want!” Chloe yelled back.
    “Good!” I snapped and dashed into my room.  I quickly ran my fingers through my hair to make sure it was dry.  The last thing I needed was the cold air outside hitting a damp head of hair.  That thought sent a shiver straight down my