The Dreamstalker by Barbara Steiner Read Free Book Online Page B

holding Evergreen to only one first down. When the visitors got the ball again, they kicked the extra point for a tied score.
    â€œOh, no,” Karen moaned. “They may be a better team than we thought.”
    The game seesawed back and forth until half time, when Evergreen went ahead by a three-point field goal. Sitting and waiting for fifteen minutes was impossible, so the girls fought the crowd in the bathroom, talking to everyone they knew about their chances.
    On their way back to their seats, they passed Dr. McArthur. “Hello, Karen. Good game, isn’t it?”
    She was surprised to see him there. “Sure is.”
    â€œI think Dr. McArthur has a crush on you, Karen.” Alysia laughed softly.
    â€œHe does not. He’s just being friendly.”
    â€œDid he say, ‘Hi, Alysia?’ No, he only spoke to you.”
    â€œDon’t be silly,” Karen said, and forgot it.
    Kaziah and Lucy were sitting behind them until the second half resumed. They moved down, so now there were four tense girls leaping up and down, screaming until they were hoarse. Easy and Bill played wide receiver. Jesse had his choice on every pass, unless he handed off to Marvin Rollins, Lucy’s current love. Marvin could run the ball through any defense. Single-handedly, he made up Evergreen’s running game.
    The score was tied again, and there were five minutes left when Jesse dropped back, looking for a receiver. Lakeside’s defense had gotten tighter on every play. The home team definitely wanted to win. This was a battle for conference champions, and everyone knew it. The remaining games weren’t even going to count.
    â€œThere’s no one open.” Alysia groaned.
    Karen’s stomach was in French braids. She was right there with Jesse, looking, searching.
    The line broke down. Jesse was in trouble. He ran to the right, then doubled back and twisted away from one tackle. One of his strengths was getting away from tackles and still being able to throw the ball. But there were too many coming at him. He wasn’t going to be able to escape.
    â€œFall down, Jesse,” Karen yelled, jumping to her feet. “Go down.”
    He did, but not by his own decision. Jesse was hit hard by three of the biggest players on Lakeside’s defensive line. Karen felt as if she took the blow herself as Jesse crumpled underneath a pile of red jerseys.
    She bit her lip. Alysia hugged her on one side, Kaziah on the other. “He’s hurt, I know he’s hurt.”
    â€œYou don’t know any such thing,” Kaziah said. “This happens at least once every game.”
    Referees pulled players off the pile until only Jesse was down. Two of them knelt beside Jesse. He wasn’t getting up. Bill was beside him. Marvin looked around and waved for the coach.
    â€œMaybe he got the wind knocked out of him,” Alysia assured Karen, squeezing her arm.
    â€œYeah,” Kaziah added. “That happens all the time.”
    â€œHe’s okay, Karen. He’ll be all right in a minute.” Lucy gave them her opinion freely.
    Karen stuffed both mittens into her mouth to keep from screaming. Get up, Jesse, please get up, she willed him. An icy pain doubled her over, and she had to sit down. Her insides scrambled and bounced. Her brain went numb. She knew, and she didn’t know how she knew, that he wasn’t going to be all right. Jesse was hurt, badly injured.

Chapter 7
    As far as Karen was concerned, the game was over. No one was going to stop her from going to the hospital along with Jesse.
    â€œI have Easy’s car.” Kaziah volunteered transportation, since Karen and Alysia had gotten a ride with Mr. Holland, planning to go out with Jesse and Bill afterwards. “I’ll drive back over here and pick Easy up after I drop you off. He may want to go to the hospital himself.”
    They weren’t far behind the ambulance. The scream of the siren cut through