The Mask That Sang Read Online Free Page B

wasn’t a threat to her. And when he ordered them a welcome pizza, she didn’t turn it down outright.
    So they all ate around the little kitchen table, surrounded by boxes and bags, while the light began to gradually fade outside, and the kitchen glowed warmer and warmer. Mr. Gregor told them funny stories about his students. Like about the time they all came in walking backward and sat backward in their chairs. So he taught the class from the back of the room, facing the wall, until nobody could keep from laughing.
    Mom was laughing too by the end, her face lit up and her eyes bright in the way Cass loved. Like nothing bad had ever happened, like Mom hadn’t learned to be scared of everyone who came along. She was the hopeful, joyful Mom who came out only when it was safe.
    At last, when it was quite dark, Mr. Gregor stood up and said, “Well, I hate to leave this welcome party, but Bessie will be waiting for her supper, so I must go!”
    â€œThanks for your help,” Mom said, not looking at his face, suddenly shy again. “And the pizza.”
    â€œIt was great!” Cass said with huge enthusiasm, to make up for Mom.
    Mr. Gregor started carrying plates over to the little counter.
    â€œNo, leave it!” Mom said, jumping up.
    Mr. Gregor ignored her, picking up the glasses next. He asked Cass, “Are you starting school tomorrow? If so, I’ll see you there.”
    An electric shock ran through Cass.
    School.
    â€œNo biggie,” said Mr. Gregor lightly. “You can ignore me in the halls, I can take it!”
    â€œNo, no,” said Cass. She couldn’t think of anything to say after that, though. It was too big, and too horrible.
    â€œCass has had a rough time at schools. There’s been a lot of bullying.” For the first time, Mom was looking right at Mr. Gregor, with all her helplessness and love for Cass all over her face, making Cass adore her more than she thought was possible. “It never seems to get any easier.”
    Mr. Gregor studied Mom’s face. He looked from Mom to Cass. Then he nodded. He got down in a squatting position in front of Cass, who was still sitting in her chair. He looked her in the eye. “I’m making you a promise, Cass. It’s going to get easier now.”
    Cass flushed.
    â€œTomorrow,” said Mr. Gregor, “will be a piece of cake. That’s a guarantee. Whatever flavor you like. You and me, we’ll take them all on.”
    His eyes crinkled at her, and for a second, she almost believed him.
    ™
    Before Cass got into bed, she opened the drawer. That drawer. She pushed back the tissue paper. She and the mask looked each other in the eye.
    â€œI think I like you,” Cass said after awhile. “But let’s not go too far.”
    Too late , the voices seemed to sing, filled with satisfaction at their own funny selves, pleased with the mischief they had played while hiding and being found. Now they had a new playmate, and they darted around Cass as if they were strings binding her. But friendly strings, friendlier than what waited tomorrow.
    Later Mom tucked her in, hugged her hard, kissed her on the forehead.
    â€œI don’t want to go,” Cass whispered.
    Mom stroked her forehead. “I’ll go with you. We’ll walk together.”
    â€œI hate school. I can’t go back.”
    â€œMaybe it’ll be different,” Mom said helplessly. “With Mr. Gregor there, I mean. He said he wouldn’t let anything happen.”
    But Cass knew how it worked. Bullies did things only when teachers weren’t there. And Mr. Gregor couldn’t be there every minute of every day, nobody could.
    â€œAll we can do,” Mom said gently, “is start again. Over and over, as many times as we have to. And be brave. We can’t change what is coming, but we can face it with courage. You are my girl who doesn’t give up, no matter what. You are my powerful