Afraid by Jo Gibson

jumpsuit was standard issue. All the government inspectors had worn them. But Donna had shortened the legs and sewn wide elastic around the waist. She’d added a bright blue belt, tied a long blue scarf around her neck, and now the jumpsuit looked like something she’d bought at the mall.
    They talked about the red shoes on the way to Rondelle’s house. Steve was sure they had nothing to do with Tammy’s accident, and they weren’t really cursed at all.
    â€œI hope that’s true.” Donna looked a little worried. “I’d like to believe it was only a coincidence. But something very strange is happening.”
    Steve reached out to squeeze her hand. “Go on, Donna. I’m listening.”
    â€œI talked to Lisa this morning. She told me that Rondelle’s been wanting to date Craig for years. We were right there when he asked her to his party and Rondelle said yes.”
    â€œI know.” Steve nodded. “But I heard that she had to go out of town with her parents.”
    â€œMaybe that’s true, but Rondelle didn’t call Craig to cancel their date. She just stood him up. Don’t you think that’s a little strange?”
    Steve nodded. “Definitely. It only takes a minute to call.”
    â€œI’ve been thinking about it all morning, and I’m sure Rondelle has the red shoes. If she was wearing them the night she read for that part in the movie, it would explain why Mr. Michaels was so impressed with her. What if Rondelle didn’t go with her parents? What if she stayed home? And what if she wore the red shoes?”
    â€œWe’ll know soon.” Steve squeezed Donna’s hand, again. “Rondelle’s house is right around the next corner.”
    Steve parked in front of the house, and they got out. As they walked up the sidewalk to the door, Donna felt very anxious. She was really worried about Rondelle.
    It seemed to take forever for someone to answer the door, but at last they heard footsteps approaching. And then it opened, and Rondelle stood there in the light.
    â€œRondelle?” Donna’s mouth dropped open. Rondelle looked awful! There were dark circles under her eyes and she was swaying back and forth as she held on to the doorjamb. “What’s the matter? Are you sick?”
    Rondelle swayed again, and Steve grabbed her arm to steady her. But Rondelle just smiled a strange smile, and shook her head. “I’m fine, just fine. I’ve never been better.”
    Donna exchanged glances with Steve. It was clear that Rondelle wasn’t fine.
    â€œCome in, come in.” Rondelle’s voice was hoarse, and she leaned heavily on Steve’s arm as she led the way to the living room. “I was just sitting here reciting a poem. Do you know London Bridge is Falling Down?”
    Steve exchanged another glance with Donna. There was something very wrong with Rondelle. “Sure, we know it. Are your parents home, Rondelle?”
    â€œNo, not yet.” Rondelle sank down on the couch. “I’m so tired of London Bridge. I had to recite it to the rats all night, to keep them from eating me. I was locked in the attic and they were very hungry.”
    â€œI . . . see.” Steve nodded, as if he understood. And then he looked at Donna. His message was clear. Rondelle had flipped out, and he wasn’t sure what to do next.
    Donna took a deep breath for courage. She hated to ask Rondelle about the red shoes, but if the curse was responsible for Rondelle’s condition, she might feel better if she gave them up. “We need the red shoes, Rondelle. Could you give them to us, please?”
    â€œNo, I can’t.” Rondelle began to rock back and forth. “I can’t . . . I can’t! One, two buckle my shoe!”
    Donna put her arm around Rondelle’s shoulder and, gradually, Rondelle stopped rocking and chanting. Donna spoke again, very softly. “Why can’t you give us the