The Legend of the Firewalker Read Free Page A

chest. What will people think about this one? she thought, as her cheeks and ears reddened. She could only imagine what people were saying about her and her middle-of-the-night screaming. “Lafonda, I — I ...”
    “I forgot my body wash,” Lafonda grinned, but it quickly faded into a look of concern. “Wait — Leah, are you okay?” 
    Leah tr ied to force a smile. “I’m fine,” she said, trying to sound convincing.
    Lafonda secured the towel wrapped around her and frowned as she scrutinized Leah’s face. “But you don’t look okay,” she said.
    “I’m fine,” Leah said again, now more convincingly than before. “Really, I was just frightened by the noises.”
    Two girls from the floor entered the bathroom. It looked as if they were unaware of what had just transpired, but they looked on suspiciously.
    “Frightened?” asked Lafonda, in a low whisper. She quickly took the broom out of Leah’s hand and placed it back in the corner. “And what noises?” 
    “You didn’t hear the noises?” asked Leah. A worried and tired look washed over her face. “But you were … in the shower, right?”
    “Yes,” said Lafonda, still puzzled. “But I didn’t hear any noises.” She paused. “Wait, I did bump the shower wall with my elbow; and I did yell out from the pain.”
    “No, that wasn’t it!” interrupted Leah. “And you didn’t call my name?” 
    “No,” Lafonda said, while shaking her head. “I didn’t call your name.”
    “I must be just rattled because the stupid hallway lights aren’t working, and the heat,” Leah stammered.
    “What do you mean?” asked Lafonda, as she peeked out into the hallway. “The hallway lights are working.” She paused. “I know that there is a storm —”
    The sound of someone fast approaching could be heard from the hallway and they both turned their attention t owards the bathroom entrance. A tall and slender girl who lived on the floor stood in front of them. She was trying to catch her breath. “Lafonda!” she let out. “I thought I heard your voice. I just walked past your room and I think your phone was ringing.”
    “Oh, shoot!” said Lafonda, pausing to secure her towel again. “That must be my grandmother calling about tomo rrow.” She started to take off running, but noticed that Leah was following behind her. “Wait — aren’t you going to get your shower?”
    “Oh,” said Leah, while staring at the towels in her hands. “I guess I forgot my body wash too.”
    Lafonda smiled and Leah trailed behind her as Lafonda darted off towards her room. The hallway lights were on just like Lafonda had said and the air was cooler. Several girls from the floor were laughing as Leah walked past them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were laughing at me with all the craziness going on in my life. And Jamie’s death hasn’t made things any easier, she thought.
    She was pretty sure everyone knew about her nightmares due to her frequent middle-of-the-night screaming, but she had started to feel proud of herself. It was the end of the school year, and even with everything, she had managed to finish the semester without withdrawing from school like her mom and Amanda had wanted her to.
    Leah took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. She was determined not to let anything get to her. The following day she would be home in St. Louis, and she could put the whole nightmare behind her.
    The narrow hallway from the bathroom to her dorm room opened up to the common area that was frequently used by the girls on the floor to hang out. On most nights, you could find people playing cards or studying at the round tables. “Hey, Leah!” one of the girls from the card game called out. “You think we’ll have a chance to get a good night’s sleep with this storm?”
    Another girl at the table let out a stifled chuckle. “I mean, it would be nice to sleep through the night for once without your screaming.” Sounds of laughter suddenly filled the room.