Wart by Anna Myers Page B

the court, did she rub that necklace of hers? He wondered if she would be powerless if she lost that thing like Rachel seemed to think. Was there a chance they could get their hands on that green stone? "Necklace." He said it aloud without realizing it until his father spoke.
    "What?"
    He had to think quickly. "Reckless, I was just saying I can't get reckless with the ball because I made one three-pointer. Even though it was dark, he had to turn away from his father. Lying wasn't his best skill.
    "Oh, I don't know." Dad laughed. "They'll probably be calling you Magic Wright pretty soon."
    Stewart put his head back against the seat. "It did seem like magic, all right." Of course, his father had no idea what he meant. It wouldn't do him any good to try another round at convincing him that Ms. Gibbs was a broom rider. He had to get proof, had to get his hands on that necklace. But how?
    "Think I'd better go up and hit the algebra book," Stewart said when they got home. At least that was the truth. He had an algebra test tomorrow. The idea of being a psychologist had been just talk, but something about it had sparked his interest. Anyway, it was true that he was going to high school next year, and it was time to get serious about his schoolwork.
    The next day started off great. Stewart had just put his books in his locker when he realized Taylor was standing beside him. He was so shocked he could barely get out a "hi."
    "I liked watching you play yesterday." She was wearing a blue sweater, and he thought she must be the most beautiful girl on the planet.
    "Thanks."
    "I'm having some kids over on Friday night, you know Halloween." She leaned on the locker next to his. "Are you doing anything?"
    " I . . . I don't think so." He closed the locker door pretty hard on his hand, but it didn't even hurt.
    "Don't injure yourself." She was batting her eyes at him. "The team needs you. I mean, really!" Then she was gone.
    "Don't injure yourself," said a mocking voice from behind him. He turned to see Rachel glaring at him. "No, don't injure yourself. Let me do it for you!"
    "Hey what are you so fired up about?"
    "Stewart Wright," she had her face screwed up really tight. "If you think I'm going to be over at the Gibbs's place risking my life on Halloween night while you trot off to spend the evening making eyes at Taylor Montgomery, you're even crazier than I thought you were." Without waiting for him to say anything, she stomped off.
    "Oh wow." He rested against his locker. His life had sure become complicated since the day Mr. Harrison went bonkers and climbed into the supply closet.
    At lunch he tried to smooth it over with Rachel. He held out his hand to stop her when she started to walk by the table where he sat with Ham. "Wait," he said, "you didn't give me a chance to explain. Sit down, so we can talk."
    Rachel settled* across from him, but her face was not friendly. She sat there leaning on her elbows, one eyebrow raised. Her brown eyes made him feel uncomfortable, partly because she was glaring at him, but partly too because for the first time ever a strange thought came to his mind. Rachel was pretty! Really pretty. He wasn't quite comfortable with the thought.
    He gave his head a slight shake to clear his mind. "I didn't know for sure that you guys were really planning to go to Ms. Gibbs's house on Friday night, but if you are, of course I'll go too."
    "That's good of you." Rachel rolled her eyes.
    "We haven't even talked about what to do over there," said Ham.
    "I know what we'll do," said Stewart. His voice was strong, and there was a tone of determination to it. It was, he noticed, enough to make Rachel warm up. She leaned toward him. "The necklace," he said. "We're going for that necklace."
    "That's her power. I'm sure of it." Rachel had totally forgotten about being mad.
    Stewart pounded his fist against the table. "Okay, team," he said, "let's get that necklace!"
    Before anyone had a chance to say anything, Stewart felt a