The Ghost in Me Read Online Free Page A

still the only choices I have now. So, Slayer chose for me."
    I shake my head, let out a breath. "Some choice. I can't even think the word drama, let alone say it without getting itchy all over. Look at this." I hold out my arm. " Welts . Big red welts. And they're spreading. And I'm not even near a stage."
    I try to give myself a hug, settle for grabbing my elbows. "It's crazy. The whole idea of it. I can't act. Can't dance. Can't sing. Can't even get up in front of a class and talk. Ask anyone who wanted to know about the cockroaches yesterday. Or, anyone who's going through the speech segment with me in English right now."
    "I'm in English with you now."
    Crap.
    That's Duey.
    And he's right behind me.
    Before I can think of an excuse to run away, Roz spins me around. It's amazing what a simple navy blue tee-shirt and jeans can do to a girl when they're combined with a green backpack casually slung over a shoulder and topped off with a mouth turned up in a grin.
    "Hey, Myri."
    They can send a girl's heart into convulsions.
    And to think Roz started it.
    "Duey," Roz says, making her voice go serious to draw his attention. "You're just what we need. Tell Myri she's going to be okay."
    "Why?"
    Squeezing my arms, she hooks her chin on my shoulder. "Myri's been sentenced to drama club."
    His mouth drops in mock surprise. "Drama club!" He stumbles back against my locker, as if he's been shot, making it clang and rattle. "For the bug thing?"
    Oh, well. At least he knows the project was mine. For future reference. Which almost makes the future pain and suffering I'll face worth it. Because based on how he checked it out at the science fair, I know he liked it.
    "Yep." Roz hands me off to Cass, so she can follow him, as he backs down the hall. "And I'd say you owe her one, since this never would have happened, if it weren't for you."
    "Me?" Duey looks bewildered. "What did I do?"
    "You gave us the roach idea." Stepping forward, she bumps him with her hip, which bangs him into more lockers.
    "Oooft! That hurt."
    Yes, like a knife through the heart. Because it's playful moments like this that show he and Roz should still be a couple.
    Rolling off the lockers, Duey straightens and wiggles his fingers at me. "Well, Myri, make sure you take this friend of yours, Tank, with you." He juts his chin down at Roz, who starts glowing over her new nickname. "Ardenport Theater is haunted, you know."
    "Oh, you're so funny," I say.
    "Roz," he says turning to her, placing a hand over his heart. "I'm honestly trying to look out for your friend's best interest. Tell her I'm being serious."
    "Well, thanks," Roz says, pushing him on the arm, "but look at her. Ghosts are the least of her worries. The girl's problems lie with performing for an audience. Besides, Wolford Academy has its own theater, thank you very much."
    He gives a crooked smile. "If you say so."
    "Yes, we say so," Cass says, linking her arm through mine. She gives him a salute. "So, don't worry, Duey. She'll be protected, wherever we are."
    "Good."
    "But, just so you know," Cass adds, tipping her ear to her shoulder, "you could be protecting her, too, if you hadn't ducked out on drama this year. Maybe you should join--"
    "Mr. Williams!" For once, I'm thankful to hear Slayer's voice. He steps into view at the end of the hall.
    Duey stands taller, trying to look innocent.
    Slayer circles his hand, beckoning Duey to come toward him. "In my office."
    "Now? But I'll be late for class."
    Slayer points down the hall behind him. "Yes. Office. Now ."
    Duey sighs and starts forward. After a moment Roz calls out, "Careful! I hear his office is haunted!"
    My head jerks at the remark. But I don't have time to give it much thought, nor the giggle from Roz that follows, because a moment later, the bell rings, and everyone scatters like a deck of tossed cards.
    Everyone, that is, but me.
    I stay where I am--like a scrappy two of clubs pressed flat to the floor. Because compared to where I need to go, the