Stalking Shadows (Scary Mary) by S.A. Hunter Page B

drives to raise money. She’d taken special offense to the donation drive. Why should she give money to help buy plane tickets for kids who drove BMW's?
    When she entered the principal’s office, the secretary smiled at her. The way she smiled put her on guard. The secretary never smiled at her, and this smile wasn’t a cheery smile. It was a pitying one. The secretary led her back to the office. Principal Hoke and Mr. Landa were inside. Principal Hoke and she had never met under pleasant circumstances, and this time looked to be no different. But she still didn't know what the unpleasantness was.
    “Mary, please have a seat.”
    She sat down, but the two grown-ups remained standing. Principal Hoke had both her hands clasped before her, and Mr. Landa had his in his pockets, but their stances weren’t relaxed. They looked stiff.
    “Mary, there’s been an accident.”
    At that statement, she went still. Goosebumps rose on her arms, and a shiver went down her spine. She was startled when Mr. Landa pulled a chair up beside her. She looked at him with wide eyes. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Your grandmother fell at the hospital. She’s been admitted.”
    “Will she be all right?”
    He patted her back. The contact made her shoulders tense up. “I’ll give you a ride there.” His non-answer made her tense up more.
    “Mary, I’m very sorry. Let us know if there’s anything we can do.”
    “Thanks, Ms. Hoke.” In a slight daze, she stood and followed Mr. Landa out. The bell hadn’t rung yet for next class. Students were milling about in the entryway. Mr. Landa guided her to the door. His hand was again on her shoulder. She wanted to shrug it off but couldn't bring herself to do it. What had happened to Gran?
    “Mary!” She looked up at Rachel’s call. She and Kyle were standing at the stairway entrance. Mr. Landa paused to let her speak to them. Rachel rushed up.
    “What’s going on?”
    “Gran’s been hurt.”
    “What?” She pulled Mary into a hug.
    “They say she fell. Mr. Landa’s taking me to the hospital.”
    “Okay, I'm coming.”
    At that statement, Mr. Landa jumped into the conversation. “I’m sorry Rachel, but you need to go to class.”
    She turned to glare at him. “I love her, too!”
    “That may be, but the hospital will only allow family to see her right now. You can come by after school, during visiting hours.”
    “It’s okay, Rach. I’ll see you in a little while.”
    Rachel nodded and gave her a hug. “Don’t do anything stupid until I get there,” she whispered.
    Mary nodded and hugged her again.
    Her eyes met Kyle’s over Rachel’s shoulder. He looked uncomfortable. She gave him a small smile. “Hope everything’s okay,” he offered.
    She nodded. The bell rang. Mr. Landa began going to the main doors again. She followed behind to the staff parking lot. She didn’t know what car he drove. She was surprised when the black Kia Amante’s lights blinked. She’d figured him for a Chevy Corsair or maybe an Ugo.
    She got into the passenger seat. “Thanks for giving me a ride,” she said as she buckled her seat belt.
    “It’s no problem. I’m glad I can help. Do you know why your grandmother was at the hospital?”
    “She was going to see an old friend. I met him while volunteering, and she was going to talk to him.”
    Landa nodded absently as he backed out. “How’s volunteering?”
    “It’s okay. Everyone seems really nice.”
    “That’s good. So you’re friends with Kyle?”
    She got the feeling that this was no longer a simple favor for her but a scheduled session. “Yeah, I guess. I’m friends with his brother, so I guess I’m friends with him.”
    “Vicky and Cyrus are close.”
    She slouched down in her seat and fixed her eyes on the windshield. Why did everyone feel the need to discuss this with her? “Yeah, they like each other.”
    “But you and Vicky have never gotten along.”
    “No, but we’re doing okay now.”
    His eyes slanted to