Wish You Were Dead Read Free Page B

, I told myself. There’s nothing wrong. You’re just freaked by what’s going on with Lucy . Reaching the end, I hurried up the metal ramp and once again started through the boatyard. Something felt odd, but it took several moments for me to realize what it was. Abruptly I stopped and listened. At first all I could hear was the thumping of my own heart and the clinks of halyards knocking against metal masts, but I was certain there’d been another sound, almost an echo of my own footsteps.
    Stop it! You’re just imaging things . I tried to reassure myself, but it didn’t stop the nervousness from creeping up my spine. Once again I told myself I was being silly. There was nothing to be afraid of—except maybe Dad’s impatience if I didn’t get back to the car soon.
    I started to walk again but almost immediately heard the echoing footsteps. I stopped. Was it only the echo of my own steps bouncing off the broad white hulls around me? Or was it something else? Was there someone walking parallel to me one line of boat hulls over?
    My heart was rattling and I could hear my own shallowbreaths. This is stupid , I told myself. There’s nothing to be afraid of . I took a tentative step, then stopped to listen. This time there was no echo. I took another. Still no echo. I began to walk.
    There it was again … footsteps crunching … and they weren’t mine.
    I started to run.
    Now the footsteps were louder, accompanied by the scattering of gravel sent flying by my rapidly moving feet. In the clatter it was impossible to distinguish my steps from anyone else’s, and I pictured someone gaining on me from behind. Hands reaching out to grab me. The need to scream gathered in my chest, but just then I reached the parking lot.
    Dad was waiting by the car.
    “You didn’t have to run,” he said.
    I wasn’t so sure. Breathing hard, heart banging in my chest, I looked back at the boatyard and saw nothing but shadows, and the hulls of dry-docked boats. But there’d been someone back there. I was certain of it.

Str-S-d #6
    There was supposed to be a big party last night. I know because they were talking about it at school on Friday. They know you’re not invited and then they talk about it loud in the hall when you pass and look to see how you react. I haven’t been invited to a party since sixth grade, so you’d think they’d realize that I’m used to it. At this point, I wouldn’t go to a party even if I was invited. Life sucks. People suck. Don’t tell me I have a bad attitude or that things will get better someday. You’re not me. You don’t know what it’s like .

    3 comments
ApRilzDay said …
I’m sorry you feel that way.
IaMnEmEsIs said …
You’re not alone. We know what it’s like.
One4therOd said …
Pathetic self-pitying whiner.

chapter 4
    Monday 7:43 A.M .
Did you say something, Lucy? You’re thirsty? Oh, Lucy, really now, we don’t think you’re in a position to complain. Sorry? Of course they’re looking for you. Yes, they surely will find you … sooner or later. We’re sure your parents are doing everything within their power. But let’s be honest, Lucy. Except for your parents, do you really think there’s anyone who’s truly upset that you’re gone?
Oh, Lucy, we really don’t think you should have said that. No, no, it’s much too late to say you’re sorry.
    *  *  *
    ON MONDAY MORNING I pulled my Audi into Courtney’s driveway. My parents had given me the choice of any car I wanted as long as it had front and side airbags. I’d thought the Audi was cute.
    Courtney was always late, but I was used to that and had stopped at Starbucks for a venti caramel macchiato. I opened the window, smelled the scent of cool salt air, and sipped my coffee. The Rajwars lived in a sprawling split-level house with a pool and tennis court in the backyard that were hardly ever used. Parked in a corner of the driveway near the garage was Courtney’s VW Bug with a light green tarp over it.