WaitTillHelenComesAGhostStory

MaryDowningHahn

CLARIONBOOKSNEWYORK

ClarionBooksaHoughtonMifflinCompanyimprint

aHoughtonMifflinCompanyimprint215ParkAvenueSouth,NewYork,NY10003Textcopyright©1986byMaryDowningHahn

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HoughtonMifflinCompany,215ParkAvenueSouth,NewYork,NY10003.

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LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataHahn,MaryDowning.WaittillHelencomes.

Summary:MollyandMichaeldisliketheirspookynewstepsisterHeatherbutrealizethattheymust

trytosaveherwhensheseemsreadytofollowaghostchildtoherdoom.

[1.Ghosts—Fiction.2.Stepchildren—Fiction]I.Title.

PZ7.H1256Wai1986[Fic]86-2648ISBN0-89919-453-2

MP30292827262524232221

AGhostStoryforNorm

1"YOU'VEBOUGHTachurch?"MichaelandIlookedupfromthepileofhomeworkcoveringmostofthekitchentable.IwasinthemiddleofwritingapoemforMr.Pelowski'sEnglishclass,andMichaelwasworkinghiswayhappilythroughtwentymathquestions.

Momfilledakettlewithwaterandputitonthestove.HercheekswerepinkfromtheMarchwind,andsowasthetipofhernose."YouandMollywillloveit,"shepromised."It'sexactlythesortofplaceDaveandIhavebeenlookingforallwinter.There'sacarriagehouseforhimtouseasapotteryworkshopandspaceinthechoirloftformetosetupastudio.It'sperfect."

"Buthowcanweliveinachurch?"Michaelpersisted,refusingtobewonoverbyherenthusiasm.

"Oh,it'snotreallyachurchanymore,"Momsaid."SomepeoplefromPhiladelphiaboughtitlastyearandbuiltanadditiononthesideforlivingquarters.Theyweregoingtosetupanantiquestoreintheactualchurch,but,afterdoingallthatwork,theydecidedtheydidn'tlikelivinginthecountryafterall."

"It'soutinthecountry?"IfrownedatthelittlecatIwasdoodlinginthemarginofmynotebookpaper.

Momsmiledandgazedpastme,outourkitchenwindowandintoMrs.Overton'swindowdirectlyacrossthealley.Ihadafeelingshewasseeingherselfstandinginfrontofaneasel,workingononeofherhugeoilpaintings,farfromwhatshecalledthe"soul-killinglifeofthecity."Shehasamaddeninghabitofdriftingawayintoherprivatedreamworldjustwhenyouneedhermost.

"Whereisthechurch?"Iaskedloudly.

"Whereisit?"Mompouredboilingwaterintohercupandaddedhoney."It'sinHolwell,Maryland,notfarfromthemountains.It'sbeautiful.Justbeautiful.Theperfectplaceforpaintingandpotting."

"ButwhataboutMollyandme?WhatarewesupposedtodowhileyouandDavepaintandmakepottery?"Michaelasked.

Davepaintandmakepottery?"Michaelasked.

"YoupromisedIcouldbeintheenrichmentprogramthissummer,"Isaid,thinkingaboutthecreativewritingclassIwasplanningtotake."WillIstillbeableto?"

"Yes,andwhataboutScienceClub?"Michaelasked."I'malreadysignedupforit.Mr.PhillipsisgoingtotakeustotheAquariumandtheScienceCenterandeventotheSmithsonianinWashington."

Momsighedandshookherhead."I'mafraidyoutwowillhavetomakeotherplansforsummer.We'llbemovinginJune,andIcan'tpossiblydriveallthewaybacktoBaltimoreeveryday."

"ButI'vebeenlookingforwardtoScienceCluballyear!"Michael'svoicerose,andIcouldtellhewastryinghardnottocry.

"You'llhaveplentyofwoodstoexplore,"Momsaidcalmly."Justthinkofallthewildlifeyoucanobserveandtheinsectsyoucanaddtoyourcollection.Why,thedayDaveandIwerethere,wesawaraccoon,apossum,awoodchuck,anddozensofsquirrels."Momleanedacrossthetable,smiling,hopingtoconvinceMichaelthathewasgoingtolovelivinginachurchwayoutinthecountry,milesawayfromMr.PhillipsandScienceClub.

ButMichaelwasn'teasytoconvince.Slumpingdowninhischair,hemumbled,"I'dratherstayinBaltimore,evenifIneverseeanythingbutcockroaches,pigeons,andrats."

"Oh,forheaven'ssake,Michael!"Momlookedexasperated."You'retenyearsold.Actlikeit!"

AsMichaelopenedhismouthtodefendhimself,Heatherappearedinthekitchendoorway,responding,nodoubt,toherbuilt-inradarfordetectingtrouble.HerpalegrayeyesrovedfromMomtoMichael,thentome,andbackagaintoMom.Fromtheexpressiononherface,Iimaginedshewashopingtowitnessbloodshed,screams,aghastlysceneofdomesticviolence.

"Why,Heather,Iwaswonderingwhereyouwere!"Momturnedtoher,infusinghervoicewithenthusiasmagain."Guesswhat?YourdaddyandIhavefoundanewplaceforustolive,wayoutinthecountry.Won'tthatbefun?"ShegaveHeatheradazzlingRomper-Roomsmileandreachedouttoembraceher.

Withtheskillofacat,HeathersidesteppedMom'sarmsandpeeredoutthekitchenwindow."Daddy'shome,"sheannouncedwithoutlookingatus.

"Oh,no,Iforgottoputthecasseroleintheoven!"Momrantotherefrigeratorandpulledoutaconcoctionofeggplant,cheese,tomatoes,andbulgurandshoveditintotheovenjustasDaveopenedthebackdoor,bringingablastofcoldMarchairintotheroomwithhim.

AftergivingMomahugandakiss,heswoopedHeatherupintohisarms."How'smygirl?"heboomed.

Heathertwinedherarmspossessivelyaroundhisneckandsmiledcoyly."Theywerefighting,"shesaid,dartingalookatMichaelandme.

DaveglancedatMom,andshesmiledandshookherhead."Wewerejustdiscussingourbigmovetothecountry,that'sall.Nobodywasfighting,Heather."Momturnedonthecoldwaterandbeganrinsinglettuceleavesforasalad.

"Idon'tlikeitwhentheyfight."HeathertightenedhergriponDave'sneck.

"Comeon,Michael."Istoodupandstartedgatheringmybooksandpaperstogether."Let'sfinishourhomeworkdownstairs."

"Dinnerwillbereadyinabouthalfanhour,"Momcalledafterusaswestarteddownthebasementsteps.

Assoonasweweresafelyoutofeverybody'shearingrange,IturnedtoMichael."Whatarewegoingtodo?"

Hefloppeddownontheoldcouchinfrontofthetelevision."Nothing.It'stoolate,Molly.They'veboughtthechurchandwe'removingthere.Period."

Grabbingapillow,hetosseditacrosstheroom,narrowlymissingoneofMom'spaintings,ahugeclose-upofasunflower."Whydidshehavetomarryhim?WewereperfectlyhappybeforeheandHeathercamealong."

Islumpedbesidehim,noddingmyheadinagreement."They'veruinedeverything."GlancingatthestairstomakesureHeatherhadn'tsneakeddowntospyonus,Isaid,"IfonlyHeatherwasanormalkid.Sheactsmorelikeatwo-year-oldthanaseven-year-old.Andshe'smean;shetattlesandliesanddoes

year-oldthanaseven-year-old.Andshe'smean;shetattlesandliesanddoeseverythingshecantogetusintroublewithDave.Whydotheyalwaystakeherside—evenMom?"

Michaelmadeaface."YouknowwhatDavesays."Makinghisvoicedeepandserious,hesaid,"Heatherisanunusuallyimaginativeandsensitivechild.Andshehassufferedagreatloss.YouandMollymustbepatientwithher."

Igroaned."Howlongcanwefeelsorryforherandbenicetoher?Iknowitmusthavebeenhorribletoseehermotherdieinafireandbetoolittletohelp,butshewasonlythreeyearsold.Sheshould'vegottenoveritbynow,Michael."

Henodded."IfDavewouldtakehertoashrink,Ibetshewouldgetbetter.MyfriendMartin'slittlebrothergoestosomeguyoutinTowson,andit'shelpedhimalot.Heplayswithdollsanddrawspicturesandmakesthingsoutofclay."

Isighed."YouknowperfectlywellwhatDavethinksofshrinks,Michael.IheardhimtellMomthatalltheydoismessupyourhead."

MichaelgotupandflippedtheTVto"SpeedRacer."Withoneeyeonthescreen,hesetaboutdoingtherestofhismathwhileIsattheredoodlingmorecatsinsteadoffinishingmypoem.

Afterafewminutes,InudgedMichael."DoyourememberthatmoviewesawonTVaboutthelittlegirlwhodidhorriblethingstoherenemies?"

"TheBadSeed?"

"Yes,thatwasit.Well,sometimesIthinkHeather'slikethatgirl,Rhoda.SupposesheburnedhermotheruponpurposethewayRhodaburnedupthejanitor?"

Michaelpeeredatmeoverthetopofhisglasses."You'recrazy,Molly.Nothree-year-oldkidcoulddoanythinglikethat."Hewasspeakingtomeasifhewereascientistexplainingsomethingtoachildinsteadofaten-year-oldboyaddressinghistwelve-year-oldsister.

RealizinghowridiculousIsounded,Ilaughedandsaid,"Justkidding,"butIreallywasn't.TherewassomethingaboutHeatherthatmademetrulyuncomfortable.NomatterhowhardItried,Icouldn'tevenlikeher,letaloneloveherasMomkepturgingmeto.Itwashardtofeelpityoranythingbutdislikeforher.

dislikeforher.

Itwasn'tasifIhadn'ttried.WhenHeatherhadfirstmovedin,I'ddoneeverythingIcouldthinkoftobeagoodbigsister,butshe'dmadeitclearthatshewantednothingtodowithme.IfItriedtocombherhair,shepulledaway,cryingtoMomthatIwashurtingher.IfIofferedtoreadtoher,she'dyawnafterthefirstsentenceortwoandsaythestorywasboringanddumb.OnceImadethemistakeoflettingherplaywithmyoldBarbiedolls,theonesIwassavingformychildren;shecuttheirhairoffplayingbeautyparlorandrippedtheirbestoutfits.SheeventoreupafamilyofpaperdollsImadeforher,takinggreatpleasureinbeheadingthemrightinfrontofme.Thenshedroppedthemdisdainfullyinthetrashcanandwalkedoutoftheroom.

Tomakeitevenworse,shetoldliesaboutMichaelandme,makingitsoundasifwetormentedherwheneverwewerealonewithher.Davebelievedhermostofthetime,andsometimesMomdidtoo.InthesixmonthsthatMomandDavehadbeenmarried,thingshadgottenverytenseinourhome,and,asfarasIcouldsee,Heatherwasresponsibleformostofthebadfeelings.Andnowweweremovingtoalittlechurchinthecountrywheretherewouldbenoescapefromherallsummer.WasitanywonderthatIwasdepressed?

IglancedatMichael,stillhardatworkonhismath.MyownpoemwasnowalmostobscuredbythecatsI'ddrawnalloverthenotebookpaper.Istaredatitsadly,nolongerinthemoodtocontinuewritingaboutunicorns,rainbows,andcastlesintheclouds.Tearingitoutofmynotebook,IcrumpleditintoaballandtosseditatSpeedRacerashezippedpastinhislittlecar.ThenIbeganwritingapoemaboutreallife.Somethingdepressingdealingwithlonelinessandunhappinessandthemiseryofbeingmisunderstoodandunloved.

2ONTHEFIRSTDAYofsummervacation,DaveandabunchofhisfriendsloadedeverythingweownedintoaU-HaultruckandheadedtowardournewhomeinHolwell,Maryland.DavedrovethetruckwithHeathersittingbesidehim,lookingverypleasedwithherself,andMom,Michael,andIfollowedinouroldvan.Behinduswasanothervaninevenworseshapethanours,filledwithDave'sfriends.

AfterweturnedofftheBeltway,theroadsnarrowedandwoundupanddownhills,curvedpastfarms,tunneledthroughforests.Aswebouncedalongoverrutsandbumps,Mompointedoutthescenicspots."Seethatoldbarnoverthere?"she'dexclaim,pointingtoabuildingonthevergeofcollapse."Isn'tthataperfectsubjectforapainting?"

WhenMichaelandImumbledsomethingaboutAndrewWyethhavingalreadypaintedahundredbarnsjustlikeit,she'dspotsomethingelse—atwistedoldtree,alinehungwithflappingclothes,aflockofgeesestruttingacrossayard—andgetexcitedalloveragain."Youtwoarejustgoingtolovelivinghere,"shesaidmorethanonce,neverlosinghopethatwe'deventuallyagreewithher.

Afteracoupleofhoursofdriving,Momturnedtousandsaid,"Hereweare!"SwingingofftheroadbehindtheU-Haul,shepointedatthelittlewhitechurch."Isn'titbeautiful?"

Itwaspretty.NomatterhowmuchIpreferredourrowhouse,IhadtoadmitthatMomandDavehadpickedalovelyplace.Quietandpeaceful,thesmallbuildingsatbythesideoftheroad,shadedbytwohugemapletrees.Althoughithadnosteeple,thetall,pointedwindowsandreddoubledoorsleftnodoubtthatitwasindeedachurch.Ononesidewasanaddition,builttoharmonizewiththeoriginalbuilding,andontheotherwasthecarriagehouseDaveplannedtouseashispotteryworkshop.

Behinditroseaforestindeepgreenleaf,and,oneitherside,fieldsofcornbaskedinthemorningsun.Acrosstheroad,aherdofcowsgazedatus,theirbigbrowneyestakingineverything.

"Look,it'sthewelcomewagon."Michaelnudgedmeandpointedatthe

"Look,it'sthewelcomewagon."Michaelnudgedmeandpointedatthecows.

"Wherearetheotherhouses?"Ilookedaround,hopingI'dmissedseeingthem.

"There'safarmhouseaboutamiledowntheroad,"Momsaid.

"ButIthoughtweweremovingtoHolwell."IfrownedatMom.

"That'sourpostofficeaddress,"shesaid,lookingatherselfintherearviewmirrorandsmoothingherhair.Icouldtellshewasalittleuncomfortableathavingmisledmedeliberatelyoraccidentallyintothinkingwewouldatleasthaveneighborsandtheprospectofmakingnewfriends."Thetownitselfisonlyacoupleofmilesaway,"sheaddedapologetically.

"Yousaidtherewasalibrary,"Michaelsaid,leaningacrossme,hisvoicefullofanger."Ithoughtyoumeantitwasjustafewblocksawayorsomething."

"YoucanrideyourbikesintoHolwell.It'snotfar."Momopenedherdoorandpreparedtogetout."Itoldyouweweremovingtothecountry."

Beforewecouldsayanythingelse,Dave'sfriendspulledintothedrivewaybehindusandscreechedtoastopinacloudofwhitedust.Atthesametime,DaveandHeathergotoutoftheU-Haulandwalkedtowardus.Icouldn'thelpnoticingthatDavelookedalittletenseandHeatherwasdraggingonhishand,tryingtokeephimfromjoiningMom.OurfirstdayinHolwellwasn'tbeginningverywell.

"Comeon,Jean,"DavesaidtoMom."Let'sgetthisshowontheroad."

"I'llcarrymystuffin,"Michaelsaid,jumpingoutofthevan.Iknewhewasworriedthatsomebodywoulddrophisinsectcollectionormisplacehisbooks.

"HowaboutyoutakingcareofHeather?"Davetuggedhertowardme,despitehereffortstodigherheelsintothedust.Asusual,shewasfrowningthroughthetanglesofhairalmosthidingherface.

"WhatshouldIdo?"IturnedtoMom,hopingshe'dsuggestIhelpherwithsomethingimportant,butshesidedwithDaveasusual.

"Youcouldtakeherforawalk,"Momsaid,pattingmyshoulder."There'sa

"Youcouldtakeherforawalk,"Momsaid,pattingmyshoulder."There'sanice,littlepathdownthroughthewoods."Shepointedofftotherightofthechurch."Itleadstoacreek.Youcouldwadeorsomething."

"Don'tgotoofar,though,"Daveadded,pryinghisfingersawayfromHeather'sclutch.

KnowingIhadnochoice,ItriedtotakeHeather'sotherhand,butshesnatcheditaway,scowlingatmeasifI'dtriedtopinchher.

"GowithMolly,now."Davesucceededinfreeinghimself."Daddyhasalotofworktodo,honey.YouandMollycanhavearealnicetime."

"Idon'twanttogowithher,"Heatherwhined,hervoicerisinginpitch."Iwanttostaywithyou,Daddy.Idon'tlikeithere."

"Youheardme,Heather.Don'tmakeDaddycrosswithyou."

"Comeon,Heather."Istartedwalkingtowardthepath,and,aftersomemorepleadingfromDave,shefinallyfollowedme.Silentlyweenteredthecoolshadeofthetrees.Aboveourheads,theleavesrustledsoftlyandthesunlightsplattereddownthroughthebranches,gleaminghereandthereatthewhimofthewind.Abutterflyasbigasmyhandflutteredacrossthepath,andIwasgladthatMichaelwasn'tthere.Ifhe'dseenit,he'dhavegottenhisnetandaddedittohiscollection.

"Look,Heather."Ipointedatthebutterflyasitrestedforamomentonaleaf."Isn'titpretty?"

Sheglancedatit."It'snothingbutacaterpillarwithwings,"shemuttered.

Afterthat,Ididn'ttrytalkingtoheruntilwefoundthecreek.Thewaterwasshallow,maybetwoorthreeinchesdeep,anditwasracingalongoverabedofstonesbetweenlowbanks.Itwasperfectforwading.Sittingdown,Itookoffmyrunningshoesandsocks.

"Wanttocomewithme?"IaskedherasIsteppedoutintotheclearwater.

Sheshookherheadandcontinuedfollowingthepathalongthecreek.Shruggingmyshoulders,Isplashedalongbesideher,enjoyingthefeelofthecoldwaterasitrosehigher,creepinguptomykneesasthecreeknarrowedand

coldwaterasitrosehigher,creepinguptomykneesasthecreeknarrowedandthebanksgrewsteeper.

Afterwadingforaboutfiveminutes,Icamearoundacurveandwasconfrontedwitharusty,barbed-wirefencefromwhichhungaNoTrespassingsign.Ontheotherside,aherdofcattlelookedupfromthewaterandlowed.Foraminute,Ithoughttheyweregoingtochargeatme,fenceornofence,andIscrambledupthebanktoHeather'sside.

"They'rejustcows,"shesaid,asifsheknewIwasthinkingthattheymightbebulls."Theywon'thurtyou."

"Iknow,"Isaid,tryingtosoundalotmoreconvincingthanIfelt."Doyouwanttogobacktothechurch?"

Shegavemeoneofherdisdainfullooks."Well,wecan'tgoanyfarther,canwe?"Shelookedpointedlyatthefenceandthecowswatchingusfromtheotherside.

Stillcarryingmyshoes,IfollowedHeatherbackdownthepath.Insteadofturningoffthroughthewoods,takingtheroutewe'doriginallychosen,wewalkedfartheralongthecreek.Itwasapleasantpath,coolandshady,andIwastoobusywatchingacoupleofdragonfliesdartingbackandforthacrossthewatertopaymuchattentiontowhatHeatherwasdoing.Whenshestoppedsuddenlyjustaheadofme,Ibumpedrightintoher.

"What'sthematter?"Iasked.

Shelookedatmeoverhershoulder."Look."Shepointedatacrookedfencealmosthiddenbyweedsandbushes."What'sthat?"

Despitethewarmthoftheafternoon,Ifeltgoosebumpsprickupalloverme."It'sagraveyard,"Iwhispered.

Itwasn'tverybig,andthegrasshadgrownalmostastallasthetombstones,buthereandthereastoneangellifteditsmarblewingstowardthesky,andacrossortwotiltedoutoftheweeds.ItwaswithoutadoubtthespookiestplaceI'deverseen,andIwantedtorunbacktothechurch,butHeatherstaredatit,fascinated.

"Areyouafraid?"sheasked,herthumbhoveringnearhermouth.

"Ofcoursenot,"Ilied,reluctanttoexposeanyweaknessestoHeather.Edgingbackdownthepathtowardthechurch,Isaid,"Let'sgoseewhatMomandDavearedoing.They'reprobablywonderingwhereweare."

"Itwouldbeshortertocutthroughthegraveyard,"Heathersaid,herpaleeyesprobingmine.

"It'sprobablyprivateproperty,"Isaid."Youcouldgetintroublefortrespassing."

ButHeatheronlysmiledandslippedthroughagapinthefence."Comeon,Molly,"shesaid,daringmetofollowher.

WhileIwatched,sheranthroughtheweeds,payingnoattentiontothetombstones."It'sbadlucktosteponagrave,"Icalledafterher.

Pausingbyastonecherub,shecaressedhischeekandthenwhirledabout,performingaweirdlittledanceasshewoveinandoutofthetombstones."Mollyisafraid,"shechanted,"Mollyisafraid."

"You'recrazy!"Ishoutedather.ThenIturnedmybackonthegraveyardandranthroughthewoods,duckingbranchesthatreachedformyhairandstumblingoverroots.BythetimeIgottothechurch,IwasoutofbreathandmyheartwaspoundingsohardIthoughtmyribswouldsplit.CatchingsightofMomdisappearingthroughasidedoor,Ifollowedherinsideandcaughtupwithherinthehall.Igrabbedherarmandalmostmadeherdroptheboxshewascarrying.

"Molly,what'swrong?"Sheputtheboxdownandstaredatme."WhereisHeather?Hassomethinghappened?"

Ishookmyhead,stillgaspingforbreath."There'sagraveyardbehindthechurch,"Ipanted."Agraveyard!"

"Ofcoursethereis.It'spartoftheproperty."

"It'sours?Weownagraveyard?"

"No,notexactly."Momfrownedatme."Forheaven'ssake,Molly,haveyouruninhereandscaredmehalftodeathjustbecauseofagraveyard?"

"Youneversaidanythingaboutit.Younevertoldmeweweregoingtohaveabunchofdeadpeopleburiedinourbackyard."Istartedcryingthen,andMomputherarmaroundme.

"Deadpeopleinouryard?"Michaelranoutofaroomdownthehall."What'sshetalkingabout,Mom?"

"Youfoundthegraveyard."DaveappearedbehindMichael,grinningasifIhaddonesomethingmarvelouslyclever.

"Whydidn'tyoutellus?"IpulledawayfromMom,wipingmyeyesonmyshirttail.Ididn'twantDavetoknowwhatababyIwas.

"Ididn'tthinkitwasworthmentioning."DavewinkedatMom."Justthinkwhatquietneighborsthey'llbe.Nowildparties,noloudmusic,nodroppingintoborrowacupofsugarorthelawnmower.Why,Ibettheywon'tevenspeaktous."HegaveMomahugandakiss,andtheybothlaughedwhileIstoodtherefeelingfoolish.

"Arethegravesold?"MichaeltriedtopushbetweenMomandmeinhishastetogoseethem.

"Hey,holdit,"Davesaid,stoppinghim."You'renotfinishedgettingyourroominorder,andMollyhasn'tevenstarted.Youtwogettowork.Youcanseethegraveyardlater."

"That'snotfair!"Michaelsaid."Molly'sbeenplayingwithHeathereversincewegothere,andI'vebeenworking.Can'tIgooutsideforjustaminute?"

"WhereisHeather?"Daveaskedasifhe'djustrealizedshewasn'twithme.

"ThelasttimeIsawhershewasdancingaroundthegraveyard,"Isaid."ForallIknow,she'sstillthere."WithoutlookingathimorMom,IfollowedMichaeldownthehalltotheroomIhadtosharewithHeather.AsIshutthedoorbehindme,IheardHeathercomeintothehouse.

"Mollyranawayfromme,"shewhined,hershrillvoicecarryingrightthroughthecloseddoor.

Heavingagreatsigh,IpreparedmyselfforalecturefromDaveandsetaboutunpackingmybooksandarrangingthemontheshelvesnexttomybed.It

aboutunpackingmybooksandarrangingthemontheshelvesnexttomybed.Itwasaniceroom,Ithought,biggerandairierthanmyoldroominBaltimore,and,ifIhadn'thadtoshareitwithHeather,Iwouldhavereallyenjoyedlivinginit.

Fromthewindowbetweenourbeds,Icouldseethemountains,butwhenImovedclosertoseethewholeview,Irealizedthatthegraveyardwasonlyashortdistanceaway,partiallyhiddenfromthehousebyatallboxwoodhedge.Shivering,Idrewbackfromthewindow.HowwasIgoingtosleepatnight,knowinghowcloseitwas?

3THATEVENING,afterDave'sfriendsleft,wehadourfirstdinnerinthechurch.MomandDavedidmostofthetalking;theydidn'tmakemuchofanefforttoinvolveusintheplanstheyweremakingfortheirartprojects.Whiletheychatteredaboutcraftfairsandgalleries,Heatherpickedatherfoodasifsheexpectedtofindcrushedglassorratpoisonhiddeninit,andMichaeldescribedthehugecentipedehe'dcaughtinhisbedroom,ignoringmypleasforhimtotalkaboutsomethinglessdisgusting.Howcanapersonenjoyeatingspaghettiwhenherbrotherisbabblingaboutahideous,million-leggedcreatureoverfourincheslong?

Aswewerefinishingourdessert,Momsuggestedgoingforawalkbeforeitgotdark.Naturally,Michaelsuggestedatourofthegraveyard,andeveryonebutmeagreed.Astheygotreadytoleave,Iconsideredstayinghomeandwashingthedishes,butthenIdecideditmightbeworsetobeallaloneinthehouse.ReluctantlyIfollowedthemoutthebackdooranddownthebrickpathtothegraveyard.

Thesunwashoveringonthemountaintops,andatalloaktreeatoneendofthegraveyardsentalongshadowoverthegrasstowardus.Asweenteredthegate,aflockofcrowsrosefromtheoakandflewaway,cawingloudly,asifweweretrespassers.WhenItookMom'shand,HeathersmiledmockinglyatmefromherperchonDave'sshoulders.

"Molly'sscaredofthegraveyard,"shewhisperedinhisear,"butI'mnot."

Toprovehowbraveshewas,sheslippeddownandranaheadofus.Scramblinguponatombstone,shespreadherarms."Lookatme,Daddy,"shecalled,"I'manangel."

"Hey,getdownfromthere."Davegrabbedher."Thesearetoooldforyoutoclimbon,honey.Theycouldtopplerightover."

"Iwasjustplaying."Heathertuggedathisbeard,tryingtobraiditaroundherfingers."AtleastI'mnotascaredy-cat."

WhileDavewasoccupiedwithHeather,Momturnedtomeandputherarmaroundmyshoulders."Seehowpeacefulitis,Molly?There'snothing

aroundmyshoulders."Seehowpeacefulitis,Molly?There'snothingfrighteningaboutanoldgraveyard."Shehuggedmeclose.

Ididn'tsayanything,nordidItrytopullaway.InsteadIsnuggledcloser,feelingsafeaslongIcouldfeelherwarmbodynexttomine.

"What'sthematter,Molly?"DavesmiledatmeoverHeather'sdarkhead."Doyouexpecttoseeaghost?"

Embarrassed,Iforcedmyselftolaugh."Ofcoursenot.I'mjustcold,that'sall."Anditwastrue.Thesunhadslippeddownbehindthemountains,takingthewarmthofthedaywithit.AlittlebreezebroughtthechillofnightwithitasittossedtheheadsoftheQueenAnne'slacebloomingallaroundus.

"Look,"Michaelcalledtousfromtheothersideofthegraveyard."AwholefamilynamedBerryisburiedhere."Hewavedhisarmataclusteroftombstonesguardedbyasolemnmarbleangel."ThismustbetheBerryPatch!"

Everybodylaughedathisjokebutme.Itdidn'tseemrighttocalloutthenamesofdeadpeople,especiallyifyouwerelaughing.Uneasily,IfollowedMomtowardtheangel,butIwantedverybadlytogobacktothechurch.

"Listentothis,"Michaelsaid."'AdaBerry,BelovedWifeofEdwardBerry.April3,1811—November28,1899.NotDead,OnlyRestingfromLife'sWearyToil.'Andhere'sherdaughter,see?'SusannahBerry,June10,1832-December30,1835.ALittleLambintheHandsoftheLord.'Andoverhere—"

"Oh,stop,Michael,stop."MompulledhimawayfromthetombstoneofanotherBerrychild."That'stoosad.Don'treadanymore."

"Ithoughtthiswassuchapeacefulplace,"Imurmured.

"Well,itis."Mom'svoicewavered,though,andshelookedpastmeattheskywherethefirststarswerebeginningtoglow.

"Butdon'tyouwanttoknowhowtheydied?"Michaelasked."Littlekidsliketheseprobablydiedfromsmallpoxordiphtheriaorevenmeasles.Andthisonerighthere,AdamBerry,diedin1863,andhewastwenty-one.HewasprobablykilledintheCivilWar.AYankeesoldier,thinkofthat."

"It'sgettingdark,"Isaid,pointingouttheobvious."Whydon'twegobacktothechurch?"

tothechurch?"

"Yes,"Momagreed."Themosquitoeshavefoundme."

"WherehasHeatherrunoffto?"Davescannedthegraveyard,growingsodarknowthateverythingwasgrayandindistinct.

"Theresheis."Michaelpointedtothefarendofthegraveyardwheretheoaktreestood.Intheshadows,wecouldbarelyseeHeatherpokingaroundintheweeds.

"Comeon,Heather,"Davecalled."You'vegotalldaytomorrowtoexplorethisplace.Noneofthesefolksisgoinganywhere."

HeandMomchuckled,andheputhisarmaroundherwaistandwhisperedsomethinginherearthatmadehergiggle.GlancingatHeather,IsawherstopandstareatDaveandMom.EveninthedarknessIcouldseethelookofhatredthatflashedacrossherpalefaceatthesightofhimembracingMom.Then,realizingthatIwaslookingather,shemadeherfaceblankandwalkedslowlytowardus,trailingherfingersacrossthetombstonesandhummingsoftly.

Bythetimewereachedthechurch,thetreesweredarkmassesagainstthesky,flickeringwithfireflies,andaboveustheskywasstuddedwithstarsandacrescentmoonbarelyclearingtheoaktree.

"Lookatthat."Mompausedonthebacksteps,herheadtiltedback."I'dforgottenhowmanymorestarsyoucanseewhenyougetawayfromthecity."

"There'stheMilkyWayandtheBigDipper,"Michaelsaid,"andtheLittleDippertoo."

"AndtheNorthStar."Davepointedatsomethingthatonlyhecouldsee."Ifyou'reinterested,Michael,I'vegotsomeastronomybookswecanlookat."

WhileMomandIwashedthedinnerdishes,DavegotoutabookandsatdownatthekitchentabletoexplainoneofthestarchartstoMichael.Findingherselfwithnothingtodo,HeatherclimbedintoDave'slapanddidallshecouldtomakeitimpossibleforhimtotalktoMichael.

"I'msleepy,Daddy,"shewhispered."Iwantyoutoputmetobed."

"Isyourroomallready?"Daveasked.

"Yes,butIdon'twanttosleepthere."Shepeekedatme,thentuggedatDave'sbeard.

"Whynot,honey?"heasked,gentlyfreeinghisbeard.

"Becauseofher."HeatherlookedatmeagainandsnuggledclosertoDave."Idon'twanttosleepwithher."

MomandDavelookedateachotherandsighedasifthey'dbeenexpectingsomethingofthissort."Molly'syoursisternow,Heather,"Davesaidpatiently."Sistersalwaysshare."

Heatherstuckoutherlipandmanagedtosqueezeafewtearsoutofherbig,sadeyes."She'smeantome."

"Oh,Heather,"Momsaidsoftly."Molly'snotmeantoyou."

WhenMomtriedtotouchHeather'sshoulder,shejerkedawayasifMomhadintendedtohurther."Youleavemealone!"Heathercried."You'remeantoo,andIhateyouboth.Himtoo!"SheglaredatMichael,thenturnedtoDave."Idon'twanttoliveherewiththem.Iwantmyownmotherback!"

Therewasalittlesilenceinthekitchenwhichmadeallthenightnoises—thecricketsandthefrogs,thewindintheleaves—seemlouder.

"Now,now,honey."DavestoodupwithHeatherinhisarms."Daddywilltuckyouinandtellyoualittleprincessstory.Wouldn'tyoulikethat?"

Heatherburiedherfaceinhisneck,butashecarriedheroutthedoor,shelookedatmeandstuckouthertongue.

"Justignoreher,Molly,"Momsaidsoftly."It'sbeenalongday,andwe'realltired."

"Youalwaysmakeexcusesforher,nomatterwhatshesaysordoes."IfloppeddowninachairbesideMichael."She'sspoiledrotten."

"Oh,Molly,can'tyoubemoreunderstanding?"Momlookedatmesadly."She'ssuchanunhappylittlegirl."

"She'ssuchanunhappylittlegirl."

"Thatdoesn'tgivehertherighttomakeusmiserabletoo.TheonlythingthatwouldmakeherhappyisforyouandDavetosplitup.Can'tyouseethat'swhatshewants?"

Momshookherhead."That'saterriblethingtosay,Molly.I'mashamedofyou."

"Molly'sright,"Michaelsaid."Heatherhatesus.She'snevergoingtobehappylivinghere."

"Ifwegiveherenoughlove,she'llchange,"Momsaid."Iknowshewill."

MichaelandIlookedateachotherandshookourheads.Whycouldn'tMomfacefacts?

"Youtwocouldtryalittleharder,"Momaddedinacrosservoice."You'veneverreallygivenherachance.Alwaysrunningawayfromher,teasingher,makinghercry."

"Mom,that'snotfair!"Ijumpedtomyfeet,readytoruntomyroom."I'vetriedandtriedandtried!ButshetwistseverythingIdoallaroundandliesandthenyoubelieveher,notme!"

Momturnedherbackandleanedonthesink."Justtryharder,Molly.Please?"Shekeptherfacehiddenasshespoke,andIrealizedthatshewascrying.

Runningtoherside,Iputmyarmsaroundherandhuggedhertightly,pressingmyfaceintothelittlehollowbeneathhercollarbone."Okay,Mom,"Iwhispered,tryinghardnottocrymyself,"I'lltrysomemore."

Momhuggedmefiercely."I'msorry,Molly.Iknowyou'vetried.I'mjustsodiscouraged.IthoughtbynowHeatherwouldbehappierwithus,butsometimesI'mafraidyouandMichaelareright.Shedoesn'twantmylove."Shewipedhertearsawaywiththebackofherhandandsighed."Idon'tknowwhattodo.IloveDavesomuch.Andyoualltoo.ButHeather,Ijustdon'tknow."

Shemadeherselfacupofpeppermintteaandcarrieditoutonthebackporch.Knowingshewantedtobealone,IsatdownbesideMichael.Whilehestudiedthestarchart,IthoughtaboutMom.Ihatedtoseehersounhappy,butI

studiedthestarchart,IthoughtaboutMom.Ihatedtoseehersounhappy,butIhadnoideawhatIcoulddotohelpherfeelbetter.Heathersatinthemiddleofeverything,makingallofusmiserable,and,asfarasIcouldsee,enjoyingeveryminuteofit.

4WHILEMOMwasstilloutontheporch,Davecameintothekitchen.Rufflinghishairwithonehand,hesighed."Well,Heather'sasleep,"hesaid,"soyoutwocangetalongtobednowyourselves.Don'twakeherup,Molly.I'vejustaboutrunoutoflittleprincessstories."

AsMichaelandIstartedtoleavetheroom,DaveaskedwhereMomwas.

"Ontheporchhavingacupoftea,"Isaid,asIfollowedMichaeldownthehall.Behindme,IheardthescreendooropenandshutandthenDave'svoicemurmuringsomethingtoMom.

Pausinginhisdoorway,Michaelsaid,"Wanttocomeinandtalkforawhile,Molly?"

"Sure.I'mnotinanyhurrytogointhereandtakethechanceofwakingherup."

Michael'sroomalreadylookedlikehome.Hisframedinsectdisplayswerehangingonthewalloverhisbed;hisaquariumwassetupnearthewindow,andhisscientificapparatus—microscope,magnifyingglass,butterflynet,andchemistryset—wasinplaceonthelongdeskDavehadmadeforhim.Booksfilledhisshelves,mostlyplant,bird,rock,andanimalnatureguideswithafewEncyclopediaBrowns,HardyBoys,andAlfredHitchcocksforvariety.

Pickinguponeofhisfossils,Iexaminedtheprintofatinyskeletonembeddedinitssurface."Doesn'tthegraveyardbotheryouatall?"Iasked.

"Ithinkit'sgreat,"hesaid."I'mgoingtomakeitintoanarcheologicalproject.I'llstudyallthegraves,andthenfigureoutwhatthepeoplediedof."

"Youdon'tmeanyou'regoingtodigthemup?"Istaredathim,horrified.

"Ofcoursenot.That'sagainstthelaw.WhatdoyouthinkIam?Abodysnatcher?"Michaelgrinnedandpolishedhisglassesonhisteeshirt."Notthatitwouldn'tinterestme.Infact,IwishIcould.TheydigupIndianburialgroundsandprimitiveIronAgepeople,andtheylearnalotfromthethingsburiedwiththem."

them."

"That'sawful."IthoughtofallthemoviesI'dseenonTVinvolvingtheopeningofpyramidsandthecursesofmummies."I'dbescaredtodisturbsomebody'sbones."Ishudderedjustthinkingabouthowhorribleitwouldbetodiscoveraskeleton.

"Youreallyarescaredofthegraveyard,aren'tyou?"Michaelsoundedcurious.

"There'ssomethingaboutit,Michael."Igazedpasthiscurlyheadatthewindow'sdarkrectangle,thinkingofthetombstonesbehindthehedge,thetallweedssilveryinthestarlight.Itseemedtomethattheywaitedthereinthenightforsomething,andIfoldedmyarmstightlyacrossmychestandtriedtoconvincemyselfthatIwasbeingsilly.

"Doyoubelieveinghosts?"Michaelleanedtowardme.Allheneededwasapipeinhismouthtomakehimtheperfectscientist.

Ishrugged."Idon'tknow."Asusual,hisrationalapproachwasembarrassingme.Ifeltsillyansweringhisquestions.Pretendingtoyawn,Iedgedtowardthedoor."IthinkI'llgotobed,Michael."

Henodded."Ifyouhearanyfunnynoisesorseeafaceatthewindow,justyellforme,"hesaidasIstarteddownthehalltoHeather'sandmyroom.

Iglaredathim,surenowthatIwouldn'tbeabletosleepforfearofwhatmightbecreepingtowardthechurchfromthegraveyard.

"Justkidding,Molly,"hewhisperedasIpaused,myhandonmydoorknob."Theonlyweirdthingyou'llseetonightisHeather."

Ignoringhim,Itiptoedintotheroom.Exceptforthemoonlightshiningdimlythroughthewindow,itwasdark,andImovedcautiously,notwantingtotripoveranythingandriskwakingHeather.Pullingmypajamasoutfromundermypillow,Iundressedandgotintobed.IwasanxioustofallasleepasquicklyaspossiblesoIwouldn'tlietherethinkingabouthorrormoviesandscarystories.

Butyouknowhowitis.Themoreyouwanttosleepthemoreyoustayawake,hearingeverystrangesoundandtranslatingitintofootstepsinthehall,bonyhandsatthewindow,themoansofghostsintheshrubbery.WhenIheardasortofwhimper,Istiffenedinterrorandpreparedmyselffortheappearanceofa

sortofwhimper,Istiffenedinterrorandpreparedmyselffortheappearanceofahideouscreature.Forcingmyselfatlasttoopenmyeyes,IsawnothingbutHeather,herpalefacealmosthiddenbyherdarkcurlstumblingoverthepillow.AsIwatched,shemoanedagainandtossedrestlessly,mumblingsomethingthatsoundedlike"Mommy,Mommy."

Turningmyback,Igrabbedmycassetteplayerandputtheearphoneson.SoonallIheardwasthevoiceofJulieHarrisreadingoneofEmilyDickinson'spoems,agoodinspirationforthepoetryIplannedtowritethissummer.

Iwokeuptothesoundofamowerdroningawayoutside.Thesunwasshining,andHeather'sbedwasempty.Glancingatmywatch,Isawthatitwasnineo'clock.HopingthatMichaelhadn'talreadydisappearedinquestofnewinsectstoaddtohiscollection,Idressedandrandownthehalltothekitchen.

IfoundHeatherandMomsittingatthetable,finishingtheirbreakfast.Davewasalreadyinthecarriagehousesettinguphispotteryworkshop,andMomsaidMichaelwasinthegraveyardtalkingtoMr.Simmons.

"Who'sMr.Simmons?"Iasked,pouringmilkonmycereal.

"He'sthegraveyard'scaretaker.Hecomesonceamonthorsotomowthegrassandtidytheplaceup."Momsippedhercoffee."He'saniceoldchap,aboutseventyoreightyyearsold,buthecarrieshimselflikeasoldier."

Rememberingtheheightoftheweeds,IhadafeelingthatMr.Simmonshadbeenonavacationorsomething."Maybeitwon'tlooksogloomyafterhefinishes,"Isaid.

MomsmiledandturnedtoHeather."Whatwouldyouliketodotoday,sweetie?"sheasked.

Shovingherhalf-fullbowlofcerealacrossthetable,Heathergotupandheadedtowardthebackdoor.

"Whereareyougoing?"Momcalledafterher.

Theonlyanswershegotwasthesoundofthescreendoorbangingshut

TheonlyanswershegotwasthesoundofthescreendoorbangingshutbehindHeather.

"Oh,well,Iguessshe'llbeallrightoutside."MomwenttothewindowoverthesinkandwatchedHeatherambleacrossthelawntowardthehedgeandthesoundofthemower."PoorMr.Simmons.Iguessshewantstoseewhathe'supto."

Shecrossedtheroomandpausedbesideme."I'vegotalottodo,Molly.Assoonasyoufinisheating,pleasegooutandkeepaneyeonHeather.Idon'twantherwanderingoff."

"Can'tIstayinandhelpyou?"

Shepattedmyshoulder."ThenicestthingyoucandoformeistolookafterHeather."

BeforeIcouldsayanythingmore,shelefttheroom.GlumlyIatetherestofmycerealandwentoutsideinsearchofHeatherandMichael.BythetimeIgottothegraveyard,Mr.Simmonshadfinishedmowing.Hewasclippingandtrimmingtheweedsaroundthetombstones,andMichaelwasrakingthecutgrassintoapilenexttothewheelbarrow.Heatherwassittingonafallentombstonetryingclumsilytomakeadaisychain.Whenshesawmehesitatingatthegate,shesaid,"Molly'safraidtocomeinhere.Shethinkssomething'sgoingtogether."

Mr.Simmonslookedupandsmiledatme."Well,goodmorning,Molly.Won'tyoujoinus?"

Takingadeepbreath,Iwalkedtowardhim,careful,asusual,nottosteponanybody'sgrave.Nowthatthegrasswascut,itwaseasiertoseewhereitwassafetowalk.Infact,thewholeplacelookedatlotlessscarythanithadbefore.

"Mr.Simmonssaysthisisarealoldgraveyard,"Michaeltoldme."Thechurchwasbuiltwaybackin1825,sosomeofthegravesare160yearsold.Isn'tthatsomething?TheCivilWarhadn'tevenhappenedthen.Butnobody'sbeenburiedheresince1950.Isn'tthatright?"MichaelturnedtoMr.Simmons.

Theoldmannoddedhishead."Theyfilledthegraveyardup,that'swhattheydid.OldMrs.Perkinswasthelastonetogetin."Hepointedatapinkstonewithashinyfront."Righttheresheis.Myfirst-gradeteacher."Hegrinnedandshookhishead."She'snothandingoutanymorereportcardsnow,isshe?"

hishead."She'snothandingoutanymorereportcardsnow,isshe?"

Michaellaughed,butIfeltsadjustthinkingaboutMrs.Perkins."Caroline,"itsaidonthestone."Dear,DepartedWifeofJohnAlbertPerkins.Shewilllongbemissed."

"Andrightoverhere,"Mr.Simmonswenton,"iswheremymotherandfatheraresleeping."Herestedhisoldhandsontwostones."Ibroughtflowersforthemandmybabysister,too."

Ilookedatthemasonjarsfullofwildflowersdecoratingthethreegraves."Theylookverypretty,"Isaid,wonderingifhefeltsad."Itmustbeawfulwhenababydies,"Iadded,staringatthetinyheadstonemarkinghissister'sgrave.

"Theydidn'thavethemedicinethen,youknow,"hesaid."Measles,chickenpox,whoopingcough,scarletfever,that'swhatkilledthechildren."

AsMichaelnodded,gladthatMr.Simmonswasbackinguphisowntheories,Heatherjoinedus."Firetoo,"shesaid."Lotsofpeoplediedinfires,didn'tthey?"

Mr.Simmonslookedalittlesurprised."Theydidindeed,"hesaid.

"Mymotherdiedinafire."Heatherdroppedadandeliononthebaby'sgraveandwalkedaway.

Mr.Simmonswatchedherforamoment,thenturnedtous."Ithoughtshewasyoursister,"hesaid.

"No,herfathermarriedourmother."Michaelnudgedthedandelionawayfromthebaby'sgravewithhisbaretoe."She'sourstepsister."

"Hermotherdiedinafire?"Mr.Simmonsasked.

"WhenHeatherwasthree.Theywereallaloneinthehouse,andHeatheralmostdiedtoo.Shewasunconsciouswhentherescuesquadfoundher,"Itoldhim.

"Poorlittlething,"hesaidsympathetically.Turningaway,hereturnedtohiswork,clippingcarefullyaroundeachstoneandwhistling.Thesweetsmellofcutgrassdryinginthehotsunfilledtheair,minglingwiththearomaofMr.

grassdryinginthehotsunfilledtheair,minglingwiththearomaofMr.Simmons'pipe.Amockingbirdperchedonatombstoneandsang;butterfliesflashedabout,andforawhileIforgotmyfearsandhelpedMichaelscoopthegrasscuttingsintothewheelbarrow.

"Youhaven'tmowedunderthetree,"IheardHeathersaysuddenly.ShewasfrowningatMr.Simmons'backashekneltatthebaseoftheBerrys'marbleangel.

Hesquintedupather."Notenoughgrassunderthatoldtreetobotherwith,"hesaidpleasantly.

"There'sweedsthough."

"Ijusttendtothetombstones."Mr.Simmonsreturnedhisattentiontothegrass,butHeatherdidn'ttakethehint.

"Butthere'sagravethere,"shesaid,herlipjuttingout."Isawit."

Mr.Simmonsstraightenedupandstaredather."Couldn'tbe.Toomanyrootstoburysomebodythere."

"Thetombstoneislyingdownintheweeds,"Heatherinsisted."Comewithme.I'llshowyou."Shestartedwalkingtowardthedenseshadeundertheoaktree,andMr.Simmonsshruggedandfollowedher.

Michaelturnedtome."Aren'tyoucomingwithus,Molly?"

Istartedtogowiththem,butIfeltmygoosebumpscomingback.Thecheerfulnessofthedaywasgone,assurelyasifacloudhadcoveredthesun.Somethingwaswrong;Icouldsenseitifnooneelsecould.StayingwhereIwas,nexttotherelativesafetyofMrs.Perkins'shinynewtombstone,Iwatchedthethreeofthemstepintotheoaktree'sshadow.Heatherpointedatsomethinginthegrass,andMr.Simmonsbentdowntogetabetterlook.

"Lookslikeyou'reright,"IheardhimsaytoHeather.

"Comehere,Molly!"Michaelcalled."Thisisreallyinteresting."

AsHeathersmiledatmeoverhershoulder,daringmeasshehadbefore,Iforcedmyselftojointhem.Mr.Simmonswasstrugglingtorightasmall,weather-stainedstone."Well,I'llbe,"hesaid."I'vebeentendingthesegravesfor

weather-stainedstone."Well,I'llbe,"hesaid."I'vebeentendingthesegravesfortwenty-someyears,andIneverknewthisonewashere.Neverevenlookedforit."

Withthestoneerect,hescrapedawaythedirtandmosstorevealtheinscription."'H.E.H,'"hereadoutloud,tracingtheletterswithhisfingers."'March7,1879-August8,1886.Maysherestinpeace.'"Heshookhisheadandsettoworkpullingouttheweedsgrowingaroundthebaseofthestone."Strange,isn'tit?"

"Whyisitstrange?"Michaelasked.

"Well,shewasjustachild.Sevenyearsold.Where'stherestofthefamily?"

"Whatdoyoumean?"Michaelsquattedbesidehim,staringatthegravestone.

"Well,lookaround,son.Familiesgetburiedtogether,"hesaid.

"That'sright.LiketheBerryPatch."Michaelnoddedastutely.

Mr.Simmonslookedpuzzledforamoment,butthenhechuckled."Yes,yes,theBerryFamily.Alltogethertheyarewiththeirveryownangeltowatchoverthem."Herelithispipeandstoodup,gazingaboutthegraveyard.

"Thestonesusuallysay'BelovedDaughterof'orsomethinglikethat,"hemused,"buthere'sthischild,allbyherself.Noname.Justtheinitials.Noothergravecloseby.Itjustdoesn'tseemrightsomehow."

"It'smyinitials,"Heathersaidsuddenly,removingherthumbfromhermouthandtouchingthestonelightly."HeatherElizabethHill."

"Myagetoo,"sheaddedasweallstaredather.

"Well,now,thatisacoincidence,"Mr.Simmonssaid.Loppingawaythelastoftheweeds,hetookHeather'shandandledheroutintothesunlight."Iwouldn'tplayhere,"hesaidtoher."Evenwiththeweedsgone,it'sagoodplaceforsnakes.Poisonivy,too,fromthelooksofit."Hegesturedattheshinygreenleavesflourishingintheshadeandtwistinguptheoak'strunk.

"I'mnotafraidofsnakes,"Heathersaid."Orpoisonivyeither.Inevergetit."

it."

Mr.Simmonsfrowneddownather."YoulistentowhatItellyou,younglady.That'sthekindofshadeacopperheadloves.Oneofthembitesyou,you'llknowit."

Heathergavetheoldmanascornfullookandpulledawayfromhim."I'llplaywhereverIwantto.You'renotmyboss."Thenshestalkedoff,headhigh,blackcurlsliftinginthebreeze.

"Uppitylittlecreature,"Mr.Simmonssaid."Howaboutgivingmeahandwiththewheelbarrow?"heaskedMichael.

Asthetwoofthemtrundledofftowardthecompostheap,Iwalkedbacktothehouse.AlthoughHeatherwasnowhereinsight,IcouldhearDave'svoiceinthecarriagehouse,andIsupposedshe'dgoneintheretotellhimhowmeanMr.Simmonswas.

Findingashadyspotonthebacksteps,IsatdownandgazedacrosstheyardattheoaktreestandingguardoverH.E.H.'slonelygrave.Whyhadn'tthechild'snamebeencarvedonthetombstone?Whywasitallalone?Ishiveredagain,despitetheheat,andwonderedhowIwouldfeeliftheinitialshadbeenmineinsteadofHeather's.

5AFTERLUNCH,MomsentHeatherandmetoourroomtofinishunpacking."Iwanteveryboxemptiedandallyourthingsputwheretheybelong,"sheinsistedasHeatherstartedtowhineinprotest."Ifyou'rehavingtroublefindingplacesforeverything,"Momadded,"askMollytohelpyou.That'swhatbigsistersarefor."

Withoutsayinganotherword,Heatherbeganunpacking,stuffingclothesintoherbureauandbooksandtoysontotheshelvesonhersideoftheroom.Ignoringthemessshewasmaking,Iconcentratedonarrangingmybooksandpapersasneatlyaspossible.Atleastmysidewouldlooknice.

Afterawhile,Heatherlaydownonherbedandshuthereyes.Thinkingshe'dgonetosleep,Ifinishedputtingmyclothesintomybureauandlaydownonmybedtoread.IwassoabsorbedinWatershipDownthatIjumpedwhenHeathersuddenlyspoketome.

"Whatdoyouthinkthatchild'snameis?"Shewasstilllyingdown,gazingupattheceilingwheretheleavesofthemaplecastever-shiftingpatterns."DoyouthinkitcouldbeHeatherElizabethHill?"

"Ofcoursenot.That'syourname."

"SupposetheinitialswereM.A.C?"Heatherwhispered.

"Thosearemyinitials."Ifrownedather.

"Wouldyoubescared?"

Ishrugged."Notespecially.Why?Areyouscared?"

Shesatupandshookherhead."No.Ithinkit'sinteresting,that'sall."Shesmiledatme."Butyouwouldbescared,Molly.Iknowyou'dbe.You'reafraidrightnow,andtheyaren'tevenyourinitials."

"Don'tbesilly."Iopenedmybookagain."Ifyou'refinishedaskingquestions,I'dliketogetbacktomyreading."

"That'sadumbstory,"Heathersaid,gettingupandstaringoutthewindow.

"That'sadumbstory,"Heathersaid,gettingupandstaringoutthewindow."Ihaterabbits.Whocareswhathappenstothem?"

Ignoringher,IconcentratedhardonFiver'sdesperateattemptstowarntherabbitsthatdangerwascoming.ThiswasthesecondtimeI'dreadthebook,andFiverwasmyfavoritecharacter.IknewIwouldenjoythestorymorethistime,knowingthathewasgoingtobeallright.

Heatherdidn'tsayanythingmore.WhenIglancedathertoseewhatshewasdoing,shewasstillstandingatthewindowgazingoutatthegraveyardassilentlyasamarbleangelcontemplatingeternity.

Asthedayspassed,thefiveofusgotcaughtupinourownroutines.Frommorninguntilnight,Daveworkedatthepotterywheelinthecarriagehouse,throwingbowls,plates,mugs,pitchers,andjugs,mixingglazes,andtendinghiskiln,tryingtogetreadyforabigAugustCraftShow.Althoughhedidn'tseemtomindourcominginandout,watchinghimwork,hewasn'tparticularlyinterestedinwhatweweredoing.Aslongasweturnedupformealsandbedtime,hedidn'tworryaboutus.

Momwasjustasbad.Shewasterriblyexcitedabouthavingarealstudioaftersomanyyearsofsettinguphereaselinthecornerofthekitchenorthebedroom,wherevershecouldfindsomeunwantedspace.Shewasworkingonalargepaintingofabarn.Thecolorsweresoftandmuted,andalltheedgeswerehazyasifthemorningsunhadn'tquitebrokenthroughthefog.Youcouldalmostsmellthedampboardswhenyoulookedatit.

ButMomdidn'tliketobewatchedwhileshewaspainting;itruinedherconcentrationandmadeherself-conscious.Soshe'dalwaystellmetogooutsideandplay.Iguessshefeltthatwewereallsafeouthereinthecountry.ThethingssheworriedaboutinBaltimore—drugdealers,childmolesters,speedingcars—didn'texistinHolwell.TheonlythingsheeveraskedmetodowastokeepaneyeonHeather.ShethoughtbothMichaelandI,beingolder,shouldtakecareofher.

Ofcourse,thatwastheonethingneitherofusdid.Everymorning,assoonasDavedisappearedintothecarriagehouseandMomwenttoherloft,Michaelgrabbedhisbutterflynetandkilljarandrantothewoodsinpursuitofinsectsto

grabbedhisbutterflynetandkilljarandrantothewoodsinpursuitofinsectstoaddtohiscollection.AlthoughIcouldhavegonewithhim(andsometimesdid),Iusuallytookabookandmyjournalandwanderedoffsomewheretoreadorwrite.

AndHeather?ForalongtimeIhadnoideawhereshewentorhowshespenthertime.Shemightstartoutonthecouchnexttome,coloringorreadingorwatchingtelevision.Then,withoutmyactuallynoticing,she'ddisappear.SheremindedmeofacatIusedtoown;oneminutehe'dbecurledupnexttome,andthenextminutehe'dbegonewithoutmakingasound.

Onehotafternoon,Iwentoutsidelookingforsomethingtodo.Theairwashotandheavywithhumidity,andIdecidedtowalkdownbythecreek,maybewadeorsomething,justtocooloff.Leavingmybookonthebank,IsplashedthroughthewaterwithoutrealizinghowcloseIwasgettingtothegraveyard.WhenIlookedupandsawthetombstonesaboveme,Ihesitated,thinkingI'dturnbackinthedirectionofthecows.

ThenIheardavoice.WasitHeather's?Thebreezeswirledtheleaves,thecreekchatteredoverstones,birdssang,insectschirpedandbuzzed,makingitimpossibletobesurewhowasspeaking.Uneasily,Iclimbedthebankandtiptoeddownthepathbesidethegraveyard.

IfoundHeathersittingintheshadestaringatthesmalltombstoneundertheoaktree.Onthegrave,shehadplacedapeanutbutterjarfilledwithblack-eyedSusansandQueenAnne'slace.AsIwatched,scarcelydaringtobreathe,shesaidsomethinginavoicetoolowformetohear,herhandsflashingintheshadowsasshegesturednervously.

Thenshesatback,hermouthhalf-open,hereyeshalf-closed,noddingherheadasifshewereinatrance.Allaroundmetheleavesrustled,andIshivered,surethatthenoisetheymadewashidingwordsfrommethatwereaudibletoHeather.Convincedthatshewasindanger,Ileanedtowardher,peeringthroughatangleofhoneysuckle,wonderingwhatIshoulddo.

"Oh,Helen,"Heathersaidsuddenly,hervoicelouder."Willyoureallybemyfriend?I'lldoanythingyousay—IpromiseIwill—ifyou'llbemyfriend."

Againshewassilent,herheadtiltedtooneside,asmiletwitchingthecomersofhermouth.Thebreezeblewagain,makingadrysound,awhispering,andHeathernodded."I'llwaitforyou,Helen.Whenyoucome,I'llbethebest

andHeathernodded."I'llwaitforyou,Helen.Whenyoucome,I'llbethebestfriendyoueverhad,crossmyheart."

Assheleanedforwardtorearrangetheflowers,Igrippedthefenceandcalledtoher."Whatareyoudoing,Heather?Whoareyoutalkingto?"

Sheleapedtoherfeet,herfacepaleandangry."Molly!"shescreamed,"Goaway!Goaway!"

"Notuntilyoutellmewhatyou'redoing!"Ishiveredasthebreezegustedthroughthehoneysuckle,fillingtheairwithsweetness.Somethinghunginthespacebetweenus.Foramoment,Ifeltitwatchingme.Thenitwasgone,andallaroundmetheinsectsstruckupachorusofcheerfulsummersounds.

"Idon'thavetotellyouanything."Heather'snarrowfacewasalmostexpressionless,masklike,asifithidsecrets,terriblesecrets.

"Youweretalkingtosomeone.Iheardyou.YoucalledherHelen."

Withoutlookingatme,Heathertookaflowerfromthejar.Pullingapetaloff,shedroppeditandwatcheditflutterdowntothegrave."Youdidn'tseeanybody.Orevenhearanybody,didyou?"Sheglancedatme,hertangledhairalmosthidinghereyes.

"Therewassomething,"Iinsisted."Iknowtherewas."

Heathershookherheadandcontinuedpullingthepetalsoff,onebyone.Shewatchedthemastheydriftedwiththebreezedowntotheearth."Don'tspyonmeanymore,Molly,"shesaidsoftly."Idon'tliketobespiedon."

"Youbettercomeoutfromunderthattree,"Iyelled."YouheardwhatMr.Simmonssaidaboutsnakesandpoisonivy."

"I'llstayhereaslongasIwant."Heatherfinishedstrippingtheflowerofitspetalsandbenttopickupanotherone."Ifyouwantme,you'llhavetocomehereandgetme,"shesaid.

Arayofsunlightlanceddownthroughtheoak'sleavesandtouchedthejarofflowers,andfromsomewhereinthebranchesoverheadacrowcawed.Foldingmyarmstightlyacrossmychest,Ibackedawayfromthegraveyard."Getbittenbyasnake,"IsaidasIbeganwalkingbacktowardthechurch."See

"Getbittenbyasnake,"IsaidasIbeganwalkingbacktowardthechurch."SeeifIcare!"

Theonlyanswerwastherustlingofleavesandafaintsoundoflaughter.Withoutlookingback,Iquickenedmypace,anxioustogetawayfromHeatherandwhateverelsemightbelingeringunderthattree.

AlthoughItriedtotellMomthatIthoughtthatthegraveyardwashaunted,shewastoobusyfixingdinnertolistentome."Honestly,Molly,"shesaid,"Readingallthatpoetryismakingyoumorbid.NowgetbusyandputiceintheglassessoIcanpourthetea."

"But,Mom,ifyou'dbeenthere—"Istartedtosay,butshelookedsoexasperated,Istoppedinmid-sentence.Whatwastheuse?

Afterdinner,IfoundMichaeloutonthefrontporchwatchingthestarscomeout."Seethatone,rightthere?"Hepointedatabrightstarhangingjustabovethemountainsacrossthevalley."That'saplanet.Venus.Youcanseeitinthemorning,too."

Inoddedandsatdownbesidehim,tryingtothinkofagoodwaytointroducethesubjectofghosts."Doyoubelieveinthingsyoucan'tprove?"Iaskedhim.

Helookedatmeasifhewerealittlepuzzled."Likewhat?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Ghostsandstufflikethat."Ihuggedmykneesagainstmychestandturnedmybacktothegraveyard.

Michaellaughed."What'sthematter?Areyoustillscaredyou'llseesomethinglookinginyourwindowatnight?"

"Don'tlaugh,Michael."Iglaredathim."I'mnotjustkiddingaround."GlancingovermyshouldertomakesureHeatherwasn'tstandingbehinduseavesdropping,Itoldhimaboutherstrangebehaviorinthegraveyard.

"So?"Michaelswattedamosquitoonhisarm."Youknowhowsheis,alwayslivinginsomeweirdlittleworldofherown.Sheprobablyhasanimaginaryfriend,andyouembarrassedher."

"Youdidn'tseeher,Michael.Itwasn'tjustherimagination.Therewassomethingthere;Icouldsenseit."Itookadeepbreath."Itscaredme,Michael."

"Oh,Molly,"Michaellaughed,"nextyou'llbetellingmeyouactuallysawaghost."

"Itoldyounottolaugh!"Iyelled."It'snotfunny!"

"No,it'snotfunny.It'snotfunnyatall."

MichaelandIspunaround.Heatherwasstandingjustinsidethescreendoor,herfacepressingagainstit."There'snothingfunnyaboutHelen,"sheaddedsoftly.

"Momshouldgetyouacollarwithbellsonit,"Michaelsaid,"likecatsweartowarnbirds.Thenmaybeyoucouldn'tsneakupandspyonpeople."

"Mollyspiesonme,"Heatherhissed."ShespiedonmeandHelentoday!"

"See?"IturnedtoMichael.

Beforehecouldsayanything,Heatherlookedatus,afrowncreasingherface."Molly'sright.Youbetternotlaugh,Michael.Helendoesn'tlikeeitheroneofyou,andwhenshecomes,you'llbesorryforeverythingyoueverdidtome."

Withoutwaitingforananswer,Heatherturnedawayanddisappearedintotheshadowsinthehall.

"There,"Iwhispered,clutchingMichael'sarm."DoyouseewhatImean?"

Michaelpulledawayfromme."Don'tletthatlittlebratscareyouwithmake-believe,Molly.You'reactinglikearealdope."

"Iamnot!"Tearsstungmyeyes,andIranintothehouse,almostcollidingwithMomasshecameoutofthekitchen.

"IwasjustlookingforyouandMichael,"shesaidcheerfully."Wouldyoulikesomeicecream?HeatherandDaveandIwerejustabouttositdownandtrytheice-creammakerwegotlastweek.Howaboutit?"

Behindher,inthelightedkitchen,IcouldseeDavesettingupthemachine

Behindher,inthelightedkitchen,IcouldseeDavesettingupthemachinewhileHeatherwatched.Heturnedtoherandsaidsomething,andshelaughedandgavehimastrawberrytosample.

"Now,Dave,"Momsaid,"Isawthat!Don'teatthemall,orwewon'thaveenoughfortheicecream."

"Daddycanhaveallhewants!"HeatherstuckoutherlipandscowledatMom.

AsDaveturnedtoHeather,IedgedpastMom."No,thanks,"Isaid."I'mnotinthemoodforicecream."

"But,honey..."Momstarted,reachingouttostopme.

Ikeptongoing."Sheruinseverything,"IsaidtoMombeforegoinginmyroomandshuttingthedoor.IhopedHeatherwouldstayinthekitchenuntilIwasasleep.

6THATNIGHT,Heatherhadherfirstbaddream.Shewokemeupscreaming,"Help,help,it'sonfire!Putitout,Mommy,putitout!"

Ijumpedoutofbed,switchedonthelight,andrantoher.Shewassittingupinbed,hereyessqueezedshut,clutchingherblanket.Tearsrandownhercheeks,andshewastrembling.

"Saveme,saveme!"shecried.

"Heather!"Igrabbedhershouldersandshookher."You'rehavingabaddream.Wakeup!"

Michaelstumbledintotheroom."What'sgoingon?What'swrongwithher?"

Twistingandturning,Heathersquirmedawayfrommeandstartedrunningdownthehall,stillscreamingaboutthefire.Davecaughtherandpickedherup."It'sallright,honey,it'sallright,"hemurmured,rockingherasifshewereababy.

Suddenlyshecollapsedagainsthim,perfectlyrelaxed.Hermouthfoundherthumb;herlongeyelashesflutteredagainsthercheeks;herlegsdangledlikearagdoll's.GentlyDavecarriedherbackintoourroomandloweredherintobed.

"Therenow,"hewhispered.Smoothingherhairbackfromherforehead,hekissedher.

Heather'seyesopenedforasecond,andshesmiledatherfatherbeforesinkingbackintosleep.

Turningtome,Davewhispered,"Whathappened?"

"Shewasscreamingaboutthefire.Itriedtowakeherup,butIcouldn't.Thenshejumpedoutofbedandranoutintothehall."ItookMom'shandandslidclosertoher.Washegoingtoblamemesomehow?

Daveshookhisheadandranhishandsthroughhishair,makingitstandupinspikes."Shehasn'thadthosenightmaresforsolong;Ithoughtshe'dgotten

inspikes."Shehasn'thadthosenightmaresforsolong;Ithoughtshe'dgottenoverthem."Lookingatmeagain,heasked,"Didanythingupsethertoday?"

"Well,shewasinthegraveyard,"Isaiduneasily."Shewastalkingtosomeone.Shethinksthere'sagirlthere,Helen."ItsoundedsoridiculouswhenItalkedaboutitthatIwasembarrassed.IalreadyknewwhatMichaelandMomthoughtaboutghosts;IwassureDavewouldhavethesamereaction.

JustasIthought,Davesmiled."Heather'sveryimaginative."HesaiditasifI'dcriticizedher."Andverysensitive.YouandMichaelhaven'tbeenaskingherquestionsaboutthefire,haveyou?"

"Ofcoursenot!"Istaredathim,shocked.SurelyheknewthatMichaelandIhadpromisednottotalktoHeatheraboutthefire.Didhethinkwewouldgobackonourword?

"Ithoughtsomethingmighthavestirreduphermemories."Hetuggedonhisbeard,gazingatmeasifheweren'tsureIcouldbetrustedtotellthetruth.

"It'swhathappenedinthegraveyard,"Isaid."There'ssomethingbadundertheoaktree;Iknowthereis!Youshouldmakeherstayawayfromit.EvenMr.Simmonstoldhernottogonearitbecauseofsnakesandpoisonivy."

"Snakesandpoisonivyareonething,"Davesaidslowly,"butdon'tyoueverstartscaringherwithstoriesabout'bad'thingsinthegraveyard."

"Mollythinksthegraveyard'shaunted,"myloyalbrothersaid."She'ssuresomeghostisafterHeather."

MomandDavebothturnedonmethen."That'sthemostridiculousthingI'veeverheard,Molly,"Momsaid,andDaveagreed.

"Nomoretalkaboutghosts,"hesaid."EspeciallynotaroundHeather.Idon'twantyouscaringher.Nowondershehadanightmare."

"ButIdidn'ttellher,shetoldme!"IpulledawayfromMom,feelingbetrayedfirstbyMichaelandthenbyher."And,besides,youdidn'tseeher,youdidn'thearher!"

Michaellaughed."Mollydidn'tscareHeather,"hesaid."HeatherscaredMolly."

Molly."

DavesighedandputhisarmaroundMom'sshoulders."Well,nosensestandinghereallnightarguingaboutit,"hesaid."Justdon'tinflictyourownfearsonHeather,Molly.You'vebeenfrettingaboutthatgraveyardeversincewemovedinhere.Itdoesn'tbotheranybodyelse,soforgetit,okay?"Hereachedoutandgavemyheadapat.

AsIstartedtogobackintomyroom,headded,"IseeHeather'svisitstothegraveyardasawayofcomingtotermswithhermother'sdeath.It'sprobablygoodforher.Aslongasnobodyscaresher."Helookedatmeagain,leavingnodoubtaboutwhomhemeant.

Closingmydoor,Itiptoedbacktobed.BeforeIlaydown,IpeekedatHeather.Themoonlightshoneonherface,andIwassurehereyeswereopenatinyslit."Ibetyoulayhereandlistenedtoeverywordwesaid,"Iwhispered,butshedidn'tanswer.Turningmybacktoherandthewindow,IswitchedonmytapeplayerandfellasleeplisteningtoWestSideStory.

Thenextmorning,afterDavehaddisappearedintothecarriagehouse,Momintoherloft,andMichaelintothewoods,IsatatthebreakfasttablewithHeather,watchingherpokeatthecerealinherbowl.

"Whatareyougoingtodotoday?"Iaskedher.

"Nothing."Shecarriedherbowltothegarbagecananddumpedmostofhercereal.

"Ibetyou'regoingtothegraveyardagain."

Shelookedatmeoverhershoulder,tanglesofhairalmosthidingherface."MaybeIamandmaybeI'mnot.It'snoneofyourbusiness,isit?"

"Thereisn'treallyaghost,isthere?Youweremakingitallup."

"YouheardwhatDaddysaidlastnight.Nomoretalkaboutghostsortryingtoscareme.I'mgoingtotellhimyou'restilldoingit."Withherhandonthescreendoor,sheadded,"Youbetternotfollowmeorspyonmeeither.You'llbesorryifyoudo.Helendoesn'tlikepeoplewhobotherme."

sorryifyoudo.Helendoesn'tlikepeoplewhobotherme."

BeforeIcouldsayanything,shewasgone,leavingthescreendoortobangshutbehindher.Runningtothewindowoverthesink,Iwatchedhersaunteracrosstheyardanddisappearthroughthegraveyardgate.Justonce,shelookedbackandscowledatme.

Sinceitwasmydaytowashthebreakfastdishes,Ifilledthesinkwithhot,soapywaterandwatchedthebowlsandmugsandglassesslowlyfillandsinkbeneaththebubbles.WhileIwashedthem,IwonderedwhatIshoulddoaboutHeatherandtheghost.Iftherewereaghost.Inthemorningsunlight,itseemedalmostlikelythatIhadimaginedthepresenceofsomethinginhumanundertheoaktree.MaybeMomwasrightaboutthepoetryI'dbeenreading.EspeciallythePoe.

AfterIfinishedthedishes,Imademybed,tryingtoignorethetangleofsheets,blankets,andclothesonHeather'sbed.ThenIpickedupWatershipDownandwentoutsidetoread.

Stretchingoutintheshadeofoneofthemaples,Iopenedmybook,butthewarmthofsummermadeithardtoconcentrate.Inthedroningofbees,intherustlingofleaves,intheswayingofwildflowers,IimaginedIheardHelen'svoicewhisperingtoHeather,callingher,promisingherthings.Closingmybook,Ileftitunderthetreeandcrossedthelawntothegraveyard.Icreptalongtheoutsideofthehedge,pausedwhenIreachedtheoaktree,andpeeredthroughtheleavesatthelittlestone,expectingtoseeHeathersittingthere.AllIsawwasthepeanutbutterjar,filledwithfreshflowers.

Pushingthroughthehedge,Iforcedmyselftoapproachthetombstone."H.E.H,"Iread."March7,1879-August8,1886."Shehadbeendeadforahundredyears,somuchlongerthanshe'dbeenalive.Whatwasleftofhernow?Atangleofbones?Maybenothingbutdust.Ishivered,coldintheshadeoftheoak,huggingmyselftogetwarm.

Thinkingaboutthesnakes,Ibackedawayfromthegrave,feelingthewarmsunlightstrikemybackasImovedoutoftheshadeoftheoak.WithbeesdroningintheQueenAnne'slaceandabutterflyflittingaroundmyhead,itwasstrangetothinkofdeath,especiallythedeathofalittlegirl,youngereventhanIwas.Couldshereallystillbehere,hauntingthisgrave?Ifshedidexist,whatdidshewant?Abreezesighedthroughtheleavesoftheoak.ItwastheloneliestsoundI'deverheard,aslonelyasaghostwhohadbeenlyingaloneinthedark

soundI'deverheard,aslonelyasaghostwhohadbeenlyingaloneinthedarkforahundredyears.

Overwhelmedwithaterriblefeelingofsadnessanddespair,Iturnedandranoutofthegraveyard,feelingmyheartpound.IwantedtogotoMom,butIknewshewouldlaughatme,orworse,getcross.KnowingitwasuselesstoturntoDave,IdecidedtolookforMichael.Iguessedhewassomewhereinthewoodsandfollowedthepathalongthecreek,hopingImightfindhimtryingtocatchcrawfishwherethewaterslowednearthefence.

Attheendofthepath,though,allIsawwerethecows,standingknee-deepinthecreekandstaringstupidlyatme.AsIlookedaround,wonderingwhereMichaelmighthavegone,Inoticedapathontheothersideofthecreek,anglingoffintothetrees.ItlookedlikethesortofthingMichaelwouldenjoyexploring,soIpulledoffmysandals,wadedacross,andfollowedthepathintothewoods.

Afterwalkingforabouttenminutes,Ifoundmyselfbesidethecreekagain.Aheadofme,thewoodsthinnedout,andIsawalargepond.Hurryingtowardit,IlookedaroundforMichael,surehe'dbehere,buttherewasnosignofhim.

Ontherisinggroundabovethepondweretheruinsofanoldstonehouse.Althoughthewallwastwostorieshighonthesidefacingthewater,therestofthehousewasacrumblingheapofrockandcharredwood.Longagoitmusthaveburned,Ithought.Butbeforethat,itmusthavebeenbeautiful,standingthereonthehilllookingoutacrossthevalleytothemountains.

WhileIwasgazingatthehouse,tryingtoimagineitwhole,Isawaflashofcolor,theredofateeshirtinstantlyvisible.ThinkingitwasMichael,Istartedtocallhim,thenstoppedmyself.Heatherhadbeenwearingaredteeshirtwhensheranoutofthekitchenthismorning.Whatwasshedoinghere,sofarawayfromhome?

Runningacrosstheclearingbetweenthehouseandthepond,Icreptthroughtheunderbrushsurroundingtheruins,tryinghardtomakenonoise.AsIreachedthecornerofthehouse,IheardHeather'svoiceanddroppedsilentlytomyknees.Crawlingthroughathicketofpolkberriesandhoneysuckle,IspottedHeathersittingonwhatoncemusthavebeenaterrace.

"It'slovelyhere,Helen,"shesaid,turningtowardaspaceintheair,asortofshimmeringemptinessthatremindedmeofheatwavesthrownoutbyacampfireonahotday.IwassurethatHeathercouldseesomeoneorsomething,that

fireonahotday.IwassurethatHeathercouldseesomeoneorsomething,thatshecouldhearavoicespeakinginthebreeze.

Shivering,Ifeltthehairsonmyneckandarmsrise.AtanymomentIexpectedtoseewhatHeathersaw,andIwassurethatMichaelwouldnotlaughifhewerehere.EvenMomandDavewouldhavetobelieveme.Heatherwasnotsittingonthatstonebenchalonetalkingtoanimaginaryfriend.Somethingwaswithher,andIwassureitwasnofriend.

Veryslowlyandcautiously,Ibackedawayintomytunnelthroughtheunderbrush.Allofasudden,thehouseseemedthreatening,morefrighteningthanthegraveyarditself.Itsruinedwallstoweredoverme,smoke-scorchedandsmellingstillofcharredwoodandash.Somethingterriblehadhappenedhere—Iknewithad—andIwantedtogetaway,tosavemyselffromwhateverwaitedhereinitsruins.

BreakingfreeofthebushesandtreesIrantowardthepond,notcaringnowwhetherHeathersawmeornot.OnceIreachedthesafetyofthewoods,Isloweddownandfinallycollapsedonafallentree,gaspingforbreath.

WhileIsatthere,tryingtobreathenormally,Iheardsomeonecomingdownthepath.Lookingup,IsawHeatherwalkingtowardme.Atthesightofme,shestopped,obviouslystartled.

"Whatareyoudoinghere?"Herhandsballedintofists,shestoodinthemiddleofthepath,sunlightandshadowmottlingherfaceandclotheswithrandompatchesofdarknessandlight."Youfollowedmeagain!"

Standinguptogivemyselftheadvantageofheight,Ishookmyhead."IwaslookingforMichael,"Isaid,"andIsawyouontheterrace,talkingtosomeone."

Heathertiltedherheadtooneside,herjawprotrudingatastubbornangle."So?"

"Heather,thisisn'tagoodplace."Frightened,Ireachedouttotakeherarm,butshesidesteppedme.

"Don'ttrytotellmewhattodo,Molly!"Heather'sgrayeyesstaredintomine."ThisisHelen'shouse;sheinvitedmehere,andI'llcomewheneverIwantto!You'retheonewhobetterstayaway."

"Listentome,Heather,please.Helenisn'tyourfriend.She,she—Idon'tknowwhatsheis,butshe'sdangerous.Stayawayfromher!"Iseizedthelittlegirl'sarmsandshookher."Don'tcomehereanymore!"

Asquicklyasacat,Heatherwriggledawayfromme."SincewhendidyouevercarewhatIdo?Helen'sabetterfriendthanyou'vebeen.Sheunderstandsme,shelikesme!"Heather'sthinchestroseandfellrapidlyasshebackedoff,hereyeshugeandfrightenedinherpaleface."Don'tyoudaretrytotakeherawayfromme!"

Ashiftinthebreezeliftedtheleavesoverourheads,andarayofsunlightstruckHeather,glintingonasilverlocketI'dneverseenbefore.Awareofmyeyes,Heatherclosedasmallhandoverthelocket.

"What'sthat?"Imovedtowardher,butsheturnedandranawayfromme,backtowardthechurch.

"Shegaveittome,"Heathercriedoverhershoulder."It'smineandyoucan'tseeit!"

Istoodstillforamomentandwatchedhervanisharoundacurveinthepath,herthinwhitelegsflashingthroughtheweeds.FearfullyIglancedbackattheruinsofthehouseonthehill.ForamomentIthoughtIsawafaceatoneofthewindows,butIwasn'tsure.Thehoneysuckleandivydrapingthewallswereflutteringinthebreeze,andwhatIsawcouldhavebeenashadoworapatchofsunlight.

Withoutlookingatthehouseagain,IrandownthepathafterHeather.

7WHENIGOTBACKtothechurch,IfoundMominthekitchenmakingsandwichesforherselfandHeather.

"You'rejustintimeforlunch,Molly,"Momsaid,butHeathermerelyglancedatmebeforereturningherattentiontothepeanutbuttershewassmearingonasliceofbread.

"I'mnotveryhungry."Ileanedagainstthecounter,notknowingwhetherIshouldstayorleave.JustbeingaroundHeatherwasbeginningtomakemenervous."Where'sMichael?"IaskedMom.

"Isupposehe'soutinthewoodssomewhere."Momheldabowloftunasaladtowardme."Sureyoudon'twantsome?"

Ishookmyhead."Maybelater."

WithoutlookingatMomorme,Heathertookhersandwichandopenedthescreendoor.

"Whereareyougoing,Heather?"Momasked.

"I'meatingwithDaddy,"shesaid,lettingthedoorbangshutbehindher.

SilentlyMomandIwatchedherwalkacrosstheyardanddisappearintothecarriagehouse.

"Wherewereyouallmorning?"Momaskedme."WereyouwithHeather?"

Openingtherefrigerator,Imadeapretenceoflookingfortheicetea.WhenIfoundit,IpouredmyselfaglassandofferedsometoMom,stilltryingtothinkofananswerthatwouldn'tgetmeintotrouble.

"Wewereoutinthewoods,"Isaidfinally,hopingshewouldassumethatweweretogether."There'sanoldhousewaydownthecreek,justruinsreally,andapond.Heatherlovesgoingthere,butIthinkit'skindofdangerous."

"Whatdoyoumean,Molly?"Momlookedpuzzled."Ididn'tknowtherewereanyoldhousesnearby."

wereanyoldhousesnearby."

"Well,it'sthere.Andthepondmightbevery-deep.Notonlythat,butthewallsofthehouselookliketheymightfalldownanyminute.It'snotagoodplaceforakidtoplay,Mom,andIthinkyouorDaveshouldtellHeathernottogothere."

Momsippedhertea."Itdoesn'tsoundverysafe,"shesaid,"butI'dlovetoseeit.Imightwanttosketchit."

"ButwillyoutellHeathershecan'tgothere?"

"Ofcourse."Momgavemealonglook."Youknow,though,Molly,thatDaveandIcountonyouandMichaeltotakecareofHeather.It'suptoyoutomakesureshedoesn'trunwildinthewoodsallday."

"Itrytowatchher,butshesneaksawayfrommetheminutemybackisturned.AndMichaelnevereventries.Hejustpacksuphisbinocularsandhisotherjunkanddisappearsintothewoods."

Momcarriedherdishestothesinkandbeganrinsingthem."Molly,youareoldenoughtoberesponsible.WemovedheresoDaveandIwouldhavetimetoworkwithoutworryingaboutyouall."Puttingherplateandglassonthecountertodrain,shewipedherhandsontheseatofhershortsandsmiledatme."Goon,now,andfindsomethingtodo.I'vegottogetbacktomypainting."

"ButIdon'thaveanythingtodo!"Iwailed.

"GofindMichael.Hemanagestokeephimselfveryhappy."Withthat,Momwasoutthebackdoor,acrossthedrive,andintothechurch.

Afterspendingalong,hotafternoonreadingWatershipDownandtryingnottothinkaboutHelenortheruinsofherhouse,IwasgladtoseeMichaelstrolloutofthewoodsjustbeforedinner.Markingmyplacewithabladeofgrass,Irantomeethim.

"Lookatthewalking-stickIcaught!"Michaelbrandishedajarinfrontofmyface,butallIcouldseeinitwasadeadstick."Isn'thegreat?"

AllofasuddenIrealizedthatthestickhadlegsandeyes.Backingaway,Iyelled,"Don'tletthatthinglooseinthehouse!"

yelled,"Don'tletthatthinglooseinthehouse!"

"Itwon'thurtyou."Michaelsmiledatthecreatureinthejar."They'rerealhardtosee,butthisoldguymovedjustwhenIwaslookingathim.He'sagreatexampleofnaturalcamouflage."

"Goodforhim."Walkingbesidethegreatnaturalist,butnottooclose,Itoldhimabouttheoldhouse."HeathersaysHelenusedtolivethere,Michael.Andshehasthischainaroundherneckwithalocketonit.ShesaysHelengaveittoher.YoushouldhaveheardHeathertalkingtoher—Idon'tthinkshe'smakingitup;IthinkHelenreallyisthere.IswearIalmostsawher!"

AllthethingsIhadn'tbeenabletotellMomcametumblingoutwhileMichaellistened,hisfaceblank.Finallyheinterruptedme.

"Molly,cutitout,"hesaid."Youshouldhearyourself!You'relettingthatkidmakeafoolofyou."

"Iamnot!"Iglaredathim,furious."Youweren'tthere;youdidn'tseeHeatherorhearher!Youdidn'tseeherinthegraveyardeither."

Michaelhelduphisjarandpeeredatthewalking-stick."Showmethehouse,"hesaid.

"It'stoolatenow.Dinner'salmostready,andbythetimewefinish,itwillbedark."

"Tomorrowmorningthen.Firstthing."Hegrinnedatmethroughthejar."I'vealwayswantedtoexploreahauntedhouse.Justthink,atreasurecouldbeburiedinthecellarorsomething."

"I'mnotgoinginside,andIdon'tthinkyoushouldeither.Thewallsareabouttofalldown."

"Youareascaredy-cat,youknowthat?"Michaelwavedthejaratme,andIjumpedaway."Bugs,graveyards,oldhouses—you'rescaredofeverything."

BeforeIcouldcomebackwithagoodretort,Momsteppedoutonthebackporch."Dinner'sready,youtwo,"shecalled.

Asusual,MomandDavedidmostofthetalking,butaswewerefinishingourdessert,DaveturnedtoHeatherandsaid,"IhearthatyouandMolly

ourdessert,DaveturnedtoHeatherandsaid,"IhearthatyouandMollydiscoveredanoldhouseinthewoods."

Heathershotmeanastylookandnoddedherhead."Ifoundit,notMolly,"shemumbled,hermouthfullofcake.

"Well,itsoundslikeadangerousplacetoplay.Howaboutyougirlsstayingalittleclosertothechurch?"

Heathershruggedhershoulders."It'snotdangerous.It'spretty."Shegaveherfatheroneofherraresmiles."YouknowhowMollyis.Shethinkseverythingisdangerous."

DavelaughedandMomsmiled."Shehasapointthere,"hesaidtoMom.

"Well,itlookslikeit'sgoingtofalldown,"Isaid,"andthepondisdeep."

"So?"Heatherstaredatme."Iknowhowtoswim.Nothing'sgoingtohappentomethere."

"Maybewe'llalltakeawalkandseeitoneday,"Momsaid,smilingatHeatherandme."Inthemeantime,though,whydon'tyouplayhere?"

Heatherhidherfacebehindherglassofmilk,andInoticedalittlebulgeunderherteeshirt."Howaboutthelocket?"Iaskedher."Didyoutellyourfatheraboutthat?"

"Whatlocket,honey?"Daveleanedacrossthetabletowardher,butHeathershrankawayfromhim,herhandcoveringthebumpthelocketmadeunderhershirt.

"It'sjustthisoldthing."Shepulledthechainoutofhershirtandheldupatarnishedheart."Ifounditintheweedsbythepond."

Michaellookedatme,hiseyebrowsraised.Iknewwhathewasthinking—pooroldMolly,takeninagain.

"Well,isn'tthatnice?"DavesmiledatHeather."IbetJeancouldpolishitupsoitwouldlooklikenew."

Momreachedforthelocket,butHeatherdroppeditbackdowninsidehershirt."Ilikeitjustthewayitis,"shesaid.

shirt."Ilikeitjustthewayitis,"shesaid.

"Doesitopen?"Momasked."Peopleusedtokeeppicturesorlocksofhairinthose."

Heathershookherhead."It'sbent,soitwon'topenanymore."

"CanIhaveanotherpieceofcake?"Michaelasked,anddinnerwenton,withoutanymorecommentsaboutthehouseorthelocket.

WhenIwokeupthenextmorning,thefirstthingIsawweregraycloudsanddrippingleaves.Ithadrainedhardduringthenight,anditlookedlikemoreshowerswereontheway.AsIpulledonmyjeansandalong-sleevedshirt,ItoldmyselfthatIwouldn'thavetotakeMichaeltothehouseafterall.Evenhewouldn'twanttogowalkingthroughwetgrassandmuddyfields.

ButIwaswrong.Hewaswaitingformeatthekitchentable,theremainsofhisbreakfastinfrontofhim,hiswindbreakeronthebackofthechair."Ithoughtyouweregoingtosleepallday,"hesaidaccusingly.

"It'sgoingtorain,Michael.Youdon'tstillwanttogo,doyou?"

"Theweatherforecastsaysthere'sonlyathirtypercentchanceofshowers,"hesaid."Youaren'tscaredofgettingwet,too?"

IscowledathimasIpouredmilkonmycereal."Where'sHeather?"

"Beatsme."Hegrinnedatme."Maybeshe'sgoneonaheadtotellHelenwe'recoming."

"Veryfunny."Iatemycerealinsilencewhilehereadthecomics.Afterwashingthedishes,Ipulledonmywindbreakerandfollowedhimoutside."Wetakethepathdowntothecowpasture,crossthecreek,andgothroughthewoods,"Itoldhim.

Insilence,wewadedthroughthewater,highernowbecauseoftherain.Thecowswatchedusmournfullyfromtheothersideofthefence.Oneofthemmadealittlesnortingsoundandranclumsilyupthehillawayfromus,andtheothersfollowedmoreslowly,mooinginchorus.

followedmoreslowly,mooinginchorus.

"Theysoundlikethey'reauditioningforpartsinsomeGreatDairylandTVSpecial,"Michaelsaid,asweenteredthewoods,stillwetandsmellingofrain.

AlthoughIdidn'tsayit,Iwassorrytoleavethecowsbehind.Thewoodsseemedunfriendlythismorning;lostingloom,theybroodedlikegiantsonthevergeofwakingfrombaddreams.Theonlysoundswerethecawingofcrowssomewhereaheadofus,thegurgleofthecreekbehindus,andtheswishingnoiseourfeetmadebrushingagainstthedampweedsborderingthepath.

Whenwereachedtheedgeofthewoods,wepausedandIpointedtowardthehouse.Againstskyofraggedclouds,theruinslookedgrimanddesolate.Behindthehouse,thetreesswayedinthewind,andatitsfeetthepondlay,itswaterdarkgray,itssurfacewrinkled.

"Well,Molly,"Michaelsaidsolemnly,"Idon'tseeanyfaceatthewindow.IguessHelenisn'thometoday.Shemustbestayingundergroundwhereit'salldryandsnug."Helaughed,andIpunchedhisarm.

"Shutup,"Ihissedathim.Tome,thewindowswerefullofhiddeneyeswatchingus.Themurmuringofthewindinthewoods,thesighingsounditmadeintheweeds,seemedtospeaktome,warningmetoleave.Ishivered."Comeon,Michael,let'sgoback.It'sgoingtorainanyminute."Iedgedawayfromhim,backtowardthepathandthehavenofthewoods.

ButMichaelignoredme.WithoutwaitingtoseeifIwouldfollow,hebeganclimbingthehilltowardthehouse.

"You'dbetternotgoinside!"Icalledafterhim.

Glancingbackatmeoverhisshoulder,hesaid,"Whynot?Nobody'shere.Idon'tevenseeaNoTrespassingsign."

Agustofwindliftedthetrailingvinesonthehouseandsentthembillowingtowarduslikeoutstretchedarms."Michael,comeback!"Ishouted,asthefirstdropsofraincamepeltingdownoutofthesky.

"There'sstillsomeroofonthisside,"heyelled."Comeon,Molly,wecanstaydry."

Ashedisappearedthroughoneofthewindows,Iranafterhim,tooscaredtogohomebymyself."Whereareyou?"IaskedasInearedthehouse.

"Here."Hisfaceappearedinawindowalmostcoveredwithhoneysuckle."You'llbedryinhere."

Mylegswereshakingsohard,Icouldhardlymanagetoclimbintothehouse.Itwasdarkandcold;thefloorbeneathourfeetcreaked,andeverythingsmelledofmoldanddecayandsmoke.HuddlingclosetoMichael,Iglancedaroundfearfully,expectingtoseesomethinghideousineveryshadow.ButallIsawwerespiderwebsandheapsofrustybeercansandbottles,charredwoodfrombonfires,graffitionthewalls,discardednewspapers,andotherassortedtrash.

"See?"Michaelsaid."There'snothingheretobescaredof.LooksliketeenagersfromHolwellcomeouthere,andmaybebums.Butnoghosts,Molly."

Myteethwerechattering,butInodded,pretendingtobelievehim.

"Thismusthavebeenaterrifichouse,"Michaelwenton."Ibetthewallsaremorethantwofeetthick,allsolidrock.Thehousewastwoorthreestorieshighwithafireplaceineveryroom.See?"

Ilookedup.Wewerestandinginfrontofonefireplaceandaboveourheads,juttingoutofthewall,wasanotherfireplace.Abovethatwaswhatwasleftoftheroof.Throughtheholes,rainfell,andIcouldseepatchesofgraysky.

"Assoonasitstopsraining,I'mgoinghome,"ItoldMichael."Youcanstayhereaslongasyoulike."

Michaelshruggedandbeganexploringtheroom."Iguessitburneddown,"hesaid,pokingatacharredtimberlyingonthefloor."Itmusthavebeenanincrediblefire.Probablylitupthewholesky."

Withoutansweringhim,Iwentbacktothewindowandlookedout,hopingtherainhadstopped.Downbelowme,Isawthepond.Andsomethingelse.

"Michael!"Icalledtohim,"Comehere!"

"Why?"Hehadgoneintothenextroom.

"It'sHeather!She'sdowntherebythepond!"

Michaeljoinedmebythewindow,andwebothstaredather,toosurprisedtomove.Shewasstandingbythewater,herbacktous,herhairswirlinginthewind,absolutelysoaked.

"What'sshedoing?"Iwhispered.

"Idon'tknow,butshe'llcatchpneumoniaifshestaystheremuchlonger."Michaelpushedmeasideandclimbedoutthewindow."Heather,"heyelled."Getawayfromthatwater!"

Sheturnedtowardhim,hermouthopeninsurprise,onehandclaspingthelocket."Goaway!"sheshoutedasherantowardher.

Iwatchedhimgrabherandtrytodraghertowardthehouse.Shewasdoingherbesttogetawayfromhim,twistingandturning,cryingandscreaming,begginghimtoleaveheralone.

"Molly,helpme!"Michaelyelled,andIscrambledthroughthewindow,slippingandslidingasIrandownthehillside.GrabbingholdofHeather,IhelpedMichaeldragherupthehillandintothehouse.

"Whatareyoudoinghere?"shecried,stillstrugglingtoescape.

"Lookingforyou!"Ishouted."Youknowyouaren'tsupposedtobehere!MomandDavetoldyoulastnighttostayclosertothechurch!"

"I'llgowhereIwanttogo!"Heatherslumpedsuddenly,hereyesfilledwithtears,andshebegantocry."You'rehurtingmyarms,"shesobbed."Letmego."

"Doyoupromisenottorunawayfromus?"Michaelscowledather.

"Yes,"Heathermumbled."She'sgonenowanyway."

Weletgoofher,andsheslumpedonthefloorbetweenus,weeping,herfacehiddeninherhands."Youalwaysmakehergoaway,"shewept,"butyou'llbesorry.You'llbesosorry."

"SeewhatImean?"IturnedtoMichael.Surelyhewouldbelievemenow.

"There'snobodyhereandthereneverwas,"Michaelsaidscornfully."YoumightbeabletofoolMollywithghoststories,butyoucan'tfoolme.IknowaliewhenIhearone."

"Justwaittillshecomes!"HeatherturnedalookofpurehatredonMichael."She'llgetyoufirst!"

ButMichaeljustlaughed."What'stakinghersolong!Whycan'tshegetmerightnow?"

"Thetime'snotright,"Heathersaid,gazingpastusboth.Shestaredoutthewindowatthewind-lashedvinesanddarkclouds.

Michaellaughedagain."Oh,I'msoscared,"hesaidinafakequaver.

"Youshouldbe."Heatherstoodupthenandbackedawayfromus,justasastonetumbledfromthewallaboveusandcrashedatMichael'sfeet.

"There!"HeathershriekedasMichaelandIstaredatthestone."Shedoesn'twantyouhere.Shewantsme,justme!"

"Comeon,Michael!"Ituggedathisarm,tryingtogethimtoleavethehouse."Let'sgetoutofhere!Itoldyouitwasn'tsafe."

"Itwasjustthewind,that'sall."MichaelfrownedatHeather."ButMolly'sright.Weshouldn'tstayhereinastorm.We'regoinghome,andyou'recomingwithus."

HegrabbedonearmandIgrabbedtheother,andbetweenthetwoofuswemanagedtodragHeatheroutofthehouse,downthehill,andintothewoods.Bythetimewegottothecreek,shewaswalkingsullenly,likeaprisoneronherwaytoabeheading.

Whenwehadalmostreachedthechurch,MichaelseizedthechainaroundHeather'sneckandlookedatthelocketbeforeshecouldsnatchitback.

"Thoseareyourinitials,"hesaid."Youdidn'tfindthisanywhere.Youhaditallalong,didn'tyou?"

"H.E.H,"Heathersaid,alittlesmilepassingoverherface."Myinitials,butnotmyname.Youwanttoknowwhosenametheystandfor?"

notmyname.Youwanttoknowwhosenametheystandfor?"

Michaelsighed,butIsaid,"Tellus,Heather.Iwanttoknow."

"HelenElizabethHarper,"shewhispered."Myfriendandyourenemy."Breakingawayfromus,sherantowardthechurch,leavingustofollow,soakedtotheskinand,inmycaseatleast,tooscaredtochaseafterher.

8"HOWDOYOUexplainit,Michael?"Iaskedhimlater.Weweresittingatthekitchentable,drinkingmugsofhotchocolate,stilltryingtogetwarm.AlthoughI'dmadeacupforHeather,she'dtakenhersouttothecarriagehouse.

"It'sjustafantasy,Molly.Lotsofkidshaveimaginaryfriends.Don'tyourememberMr.Maypo?"

"HowcouldIforget?Everytimeyoudidsomethingbad,youblameditonMr.Maypo.MomandIwerebothgladwhenheleftforTimbuctoo."Itookanothersipofhotchocolate."Butthisisdifferent,Michael.YouwereonlythreewhenyouhadMr.Maypo.Heather'sseven.It'sjustnotnormal."

"Well,she'snotnormal.Youknowthat,andIknowthat,butMomandDavejustwon'tadmitit."Michaellookedintohismug."Ugh.Skin.Ihateitwhenmyhotchocolategetsskinonit!"

Whileheskimmedthesurfaceofhishotchocolatewithaspoon,Isippedminethoughtfully."ButMichael,"Isaidslowly,"supposeshe'snotmakingitup.SupposeHelenisreal."

"Oh,Molly,honestly."Michaellookeddisgusted."Ghostsdonotexist.Thekidislying,andyou'reencouragingher.Can'tyousee?She'slittlerthanweare,andshewantstomakeusthinkshe'sgotsomesupernaturalfriendwho'llbeatusuporsomethingifwe'remeantoher.It'ssoobvious;anyidiotshouldbeabletofigureitout."

"Thanksalot!"Ifeltmyfaceturnred."I'mnotanidiot.Ifanybodyis,youare!"Ijumpedupandwenttothesinktorinsemycup.

"Hey,I'msorry,"Michaelmumbled."I'mjusttiredofhearingallthisghosttalk."

"MaybeIhavesomekindofsixthsensethatyoudon'thave,"Isaid."Didyoueverthinkofthat?"Ifrownedathim,notreadytoforgivehimforcallingmeanidiot.

Heshrugged."SupposewerideourbikesintoHolwellandgotothelibrary?

Heshrugged."SupposewerideourbikesintoHolwellandgotothelibrary?Ibettheyhaveabookorsomethingthatwouldtellusallaboutthatoldhouse.OnceyouseethatnobodynamedHelenElizabethHarpereverlivedthere,maybeyou'llrealizewhataliarHeatheris."

"Doyouwanttogorightnow?"Isquintedatthesky,tryingtodecideifitwasgoingtorainanymoretoday.

"Sure.Ithinkwe'vehadourthirtypercentshower,don'tyou?"

WegotourbikesoutfromundertheporchandrodedownClarkRoadtowardtown.Itwasalongway,andIwasgladtherainhadcooledthingsoff.Onahotday,IwouldneverhavemadeitupsomeofthehillsbetweenourhouseandHolwell.

Wefoundthelibraryonaquietstreetneartheparkandlockedourbikes.Insideitwassmallandfriendly,morelikealivingroominsomebody'shousethanalibrary.Exceptforallthebooks,ofcourse.Therewerehundredsofthem,jammedintoshelvesliningthewallsandformingalcovesnearthewindows.

"CanIhelpyoufindsomething?"awomanaskedasIbeganrifflingthroughthecardcatalogue.

"Ihopeso."Michaelsmiledupather."MysisterandIjustmovedintoanoldchurchoutonClarkRoadandwhenwewereoutinthewoodstoday,wefoundtheruinsofanoldhouse.Itlookedlikeitburneddownalongtimeago.Wejustwonderedifyouhadanyinformationaboutit."

"Oh,yes."Thelibrariansmiled."Iknowwhathouseyoumean."

Sheledustoarowoffilecabinetsatthebackoftheroom."WehaveseveralfilesonhistoricalhomesinandaroundHolwell,"shesaid,flickingthroughthefoldersinoneofthedrawers."Isthisthehouse?"

Shelaidanewspaperclippingdownonthetablewherewecouldseeit."Itburneddownaboutahundredyearsago.Aterriblefire,"shemurmured,pointingtoablurredphotographofthehousebythepond.

"Oneofourlocalhistorianswrotethisarticleseveralyearsago."SettingtheclippingasidebeforeIhadachancetoreadit,sheproducedanoldphotograph."Hereisthehousebeforeitburned,"shesaid."Lovelyisn'tit?"

Inodded.InthepictureIsawabigstonehouse,standingonahillwithalawnsweepingdowntoapond.Ontheterracesatthreepeople:aman,awoman,andagirl.Themanandwomansatclosetogether,theirhandsclasped,butthegirlsatapart,herfaceturnedaway.Istaredatit,wishingthepeoplewerebiggerandeasiertosee.

"That'sMr.andMrs.Miller,"thelibrariansaid,pointingtothemanandwoman.

Michaelnudgedme,andIsmiled,relievedthattheirnamewasMiller,notHarper.Butthelibrarianwasn'tquitefinished."Andthis,"shewenton,herfingerlingeringonthegirl,"isMrs.Miller'sdaughter,Helen."

"Helen?"Istaredintothewoman'sface,myheartthumping.

Shenoddedandturnedthepictureover.Someonehadwritteninaspidery,old-fashionedhand,"Mabel,Robert,andMabel'sgirl,Helen.TakeninJune,1886,atHarperHouse."

"HarperHouse?"ItwasMichael'sturntoaskquestionsnow.IwassureIcouldn'thavesaidawordifmylifedependedonit."Areyoucertainthat'swhatit'scalled?"

"Why,ofcourse.It'swrittenrighthere."Thelibrarianlookedatthewritingagain,asifsheweredouble-checking."Yousee,thehousewasbuiltafewgenerationsearlierbyHaroldHarper.ItstayedinthefamilytillMabel'sfirsthusband,JosephHarper—thatwouldbeHelen'sfather—died.WhenMabelremarried,hernamechangedtoMiller,butfolkskeptoncallingitHarperHouse.Unfortunately,Mr.andMrs.Millerdidn'tlivetherelongbeforeitburneddown."

"Weretheycaughtinthefire?"Michaelleanedacrossthetabletowardthelibrarian,hiseyesbigbehindhisglasses.Inthesilencefollowinghisquestion,Icouldhearaflybuzzingagainstthewindowbehindme.

"Yes,thewholefamilywaskilled."Thelibrarianpushedtheoldnewspaperclippingacrossthetabletowardus."YoucanreadMissHawkins'article.It'saverycompleteaccount,rightdowntotheghoststoriespeopletellaboutthehouse."

Ibackedawayfromtheclipping,thinkingthatIhadheardallIwantedto,

Ibackedawayfromtheclipping,thinkingthatIhadheardallIwantedto,butMichaelbentoveriteagerly."Listentothis,Molly,"hesaid,hisvoicerisinginexcitement."Mr.andMrs.Miller'sbodieswereneverfound.Theymustbeburiedsomewhereunderthewreckage.Nowonderpeoplethinktheplaceishaunted!"

Istaredathim,feelingthehairsonthebackofmyneckquiver."WhataboutHelen?"Iwhispered."Whathappenedtoher?"

"Oh,"thelibrariansaid,answeringforMichael."Sheapparentlyescapedfromthehouseandranintothepond.Itwasdark,andIsupposeshewasconfusedorfrightened.Atanyrate,shedrowned.Accordingtothenewspaperaccount,herbodywasburiedinSaintSwithin'sgraveyard."

"Where'sthat?"Michaelasked.

"Why,it'sjustwhereyoulive."Thelibrariansmiledathim."Surelyyou'venoticedthelittleburialgroundbehindthechurch."

AsMichaelnoddedandtoldheraboutthetombstoneundertheoaktree,Iwatchedtheflystruggletofindawayoutofthelibrary.Iwantedtofindanescapetoo,buteverywordI'dheardconfirmedmyfearthatHeatherhadsomehowalliedherselfwithaghost.WhatIwasn'tsureofwasthedanger—wasHelenaswickedasHeathermadeherouttobe,orwasshemerelyalostchildlookingforsomeonetoloveher?

Edgingalittleclosertothelibrarian,Isaid,"WhatkindofghoststoriesdopeopletellaboutHarperHouse?"

"It'sallintheclipping,"shesaidabitimpatiently,flickingherfingernailatthearticlewhichMichaelwasstillreading."But,ifIremembercorrectly,peopleclaimthechild'sghosthauntsthegraveyardandthepond."

Afrowncrossedherface."Theyactuallybelievethepoorgirlisresponsibleforsomeofthedrowningsinthepond,butyouknowhowpeopleare.They'realwayslookingforsomesortofsupernaturalcauseforthesimplestthings."

"Peoplehavedrownedinthepond?"IthoughtofHeatherstandingatthewater'sedgeinthepouringrain.

Thelibrariannodded."It'saprettyplace,andit'stemptingonahotday.Childrendon'tneedghoststolurethemintoanice,coolpond."Shesmiledatmeandadded,"Achilddrownedlastsummerinthemunicipalpool,butnobodyblamedthatonaghost."

"Inotherwords,"Michaelsaid,"youdon'tbelievethestories."Fromhistoneofvoice,Icouldtellhewaslookingforanally.

Shesmiledandshookherhead."I'vepicnickedbyHarperPondmanytimes,andIneversawathingbutbirdsandbutterflies."Asshebegangatheringupthepapersonthetable,shepausedandgazedatthepictureoftheMillersandHelensittingontheporch,innocentoftheterribleeventthatwouldsoondestroythem."Nevertheless,itwascertainlyatragedy,wasn'tit?"

AssoonasMichaelandIwereoutside,Iturnedtohim."Well,whatdoyouhavetosaynow?"

Heshovedhisglassesintoplaceonhisnoseandfrowned."Heathermusthavetalkedtosomebody,Molly.ThelasttimeMr.Simmonscametomowthegraveyard—hemusthavetoldheraboutHarperHouse."

"But,Michael,hedidn'tevenknowHelen'sgravewasthere.Hecouldn'thavetoldherwhatthoseinitialsstoodfor."

Michaelshookhisheadandbegantopedalhisbikedownthestreettowardhome."She'smadeitallupsomehow,"heyelledbackatme."Iknowit'snotaghost,Molly.It'sjustnotpossible."

"Waitforme,Michael,"Ishouted,pumpinghard."Don'tgosofast!"

Hesloweddownandletmecatchup,butIcouldtellhedidn'twanttotalkaboutHarperHouseorHelen.Thelittlewheelsinhisbrainwerespinningroundandround,tryingfranticallytocomeupwitharationalsolution.IhadafeelingthathewasjustasscaredasIwas,maybeevenmorescaredbecausesciencedidn'thaveanexplanationforsomethinglikeHelen.

Allofasudden,Michaelslowedtoastopbesidearoadsignalmosthiddenbythehoneysuckleclimbingoverit."Look,Molly,thisisHarperHouseRoad."

bythehoneysuckleclimbingoverit."Look,Molly,thisisHarperHouseRoad."Hepointedatanarrowdirtroadcurvingupoutofsightoverahill."Let'sseewhereitgoes."

BeforeIcouldtellhimthatI'dhadenoughofHarperHouseforoneday,ifnotfortherestofmylife,hetookoffinacloudofdust.Notwantingtoridehomealone,Ifollowedhim,hopingthehillwouldn'tbetoosteepforme.BythetimeIhadhuffedandpuffedmywaytothetop,Michaelwasvanishingaroundasharpcurveatthebottom.Puttingonmybrakes,Iflewafterhim,myhairblowingstraightbackfrommyface,sureIwasgoingtoshootovermyhandlebarsandsplitmyheadopen.Byamiracle,ImanagedtoskidsafelytoastoponanarrowstonebridgejustbehindMichael.

Mr.Simmonswassostartledbyoursuddenappearancethathealmostdroppedhisfishingpole."Well,well,"hesaid,"wheredidyoutwocomefrom?Straightdownoutofthesky?"

"Thathouse,"Michaelsaid,pointingtotheruinsjustvisiblethroughthetrees."DidyoutellHeatheraboutit?"

"Heather?"Mr.Simmonsfiddledwithhispipeforamoment,thenpuffedafragrantcloudofsmokeintotheair."Youmeanyourlittlesister,theonewhofoundthegravestone?"

MichaelandInodded,butMr.Simmonsshookhishead."Ihaven'tseenhersincethen.AndwhywouldItellheraboutHarperHouse?Itoughttobetorndown,ifyouaskme.It'sahavenforallsortsofgoings-on—adisgracetothetownofHolwell.Noplaceforachildtoplay,that'sforsure."

IlookedatMichael,buthiseyesshiftedawayfrommine.Fromthefrownonhisface,IknewhewasstrugglingtoinventanewtheorytoexplainHeather'sknowingsomuchaboutHelen.TurningtoMr.Simmons,IaskedhimifheknewHarperHousewashaunted.

"Whotoldyouthat?"heasked.

"Theladyatthelibrary,"Michaelanswered."Sheshowedussomeoldnewspaperarticles."Usinghisscornfulscientistvoice,hetoldMr.Simmonswhatthelibrarianhadsaid.

"MissWilliamstoldyouallthat?"Mr.Simmonslaughedandshookhis

"MissWilliamstoldyouallthat?"Mr.Simmonslaughedandshookhishead."Sheoughttohavemoresense.Agrownwomanscaringkidswithghoststories."

MichaelfrownedatMr.Simmons."Shedidn'tscareme!Idon'tbelieveinthatkindofstuff."Jerkinghisheadtowardme,headded,"She'stheonewho'sscaredtodeathofHelen.Idon'tknowwhichone'sworse,herorHeather."

"You'rejustfoolingyourself,Michael!"Grippingthehandlebarsofmybike,Ileanedtowardhim,angrythathe'dmademelookfoolishinfrontofMr.Simmons."Heleniseverybitasrealasyouare,andyouknowit!"

Mr.SimmonslookedfrommetoMichaelandthenbackatme.Pausingtofiddlewithhispipe,hesaid,"Ghostornoghost,youkidsstayawayfromHarperHouse.Thewallsareabouttocavein,andatleastthreechildrenhavedrownedinthepond.Thewater'snotfitforswimming;it'smurkyandfullofweeds."

"ThelibrariantoldusthatsomepeoplethinkHelen'sghostlureschildrenintothepond."IgazedpastMr.Simmonsatthewater'ssurfaceshimmeringthroughtheleaves.Itlookedverypeacefulintheafternoonsunlight.

"Well,now,Idon'tknowaboutthat,"Mr.Simmonssaid,"butIdoknowagirldrownedthreeyearsago.Shewasoneoftheselonelylittlecreatures.Nofriends,nobodywhoseemedtocaremuchabouther—youknowthekind.Well,shedisappearedoneday,andthisiswheretheyfinallyfoundher."Hegesturedthroughthetreesattheglitteringwater.

"Tenfeetunder,"headded,"andalltangledupinweeds.IhopeIneverseeanythingthatsadagain."

IlookedatMichaelandshivered,buthewasstaringattheground,hisforeheadwrinkled.

"Well,now,Ididn'tmeantoupsetyou,"Mr.Simmonssaidalittletooloudly."Ijustthoughtyoushouldknowthepond'snoplacetoplay."Pullingawatchoutofhispocket,hemumbled,"Mygoodness,it'safterfivealready.TimeIgotmyselfhome."

HetossedhisrodandreelintothebackofhispickuptruckandturnedtoMichael."Doyouliketofish,boy?"

Michaelshrugged."Idon'tknowhow."

Michaelshrugged."Idon'tknowhow."

"Well,I'lltellyouwhat.NexttimeIcomeovertomowthegraveyard,I'llbringalonganextrarodandteachyouhow.Wouldyoulikethat?"

Michaelgrinnedandsaidhe'dloveit.Mr.Simmonsgotintohistruck,threwitintogear,andbouncedawayinacloudofdust.

"See?Hedoesn'tbelieveinthoseoldstorieseither,"Michaelsaid.

Withoutanswering,Igotonmybikeandstartedpedalingslowlybackupthehill.NomatterwhatMichaelorMr.Simmonsthought,IbelievedinHelen,andIwasafraidshehadsomesortofholdonHeather.Theywerelinked,Ithought,insomanyways:bytheirinitials,bytheirloneliness,bytheirmothers'deaths.

LikethegirlMr.Simmonshadjusttoldusabout,Heatherwasoneofthoselonelylittlecreatures,friendlessandunhappy,andIwasfrightened.Notformyself—butforHeather.

9ASMICHAELANDIrodeourbikesdownthedriveway,wesawMomstandingonthebackporch,herhandsonherhips."Wherehaveyoubeen?"shesaidaswebrakedtoastop.

"Atthelibrary,"Isaid,wheelingmybiketoitsplaceundertheporch.

"AndthenwesawMr.Simmons."MichaelwastooexcitedtonoticethatMomwasnotsmiling."Guesswhat?He'sgoingtotakemefishingthenexttimehecomestocutthegrass."

"ButyouweresupposedtobeherewatchingHeather."Momfoldedherarmstightlyacrossherchestandfrownedatme."Didn'twetalkaboutthatjusttheotherday?"

"ShewasoutinthecarriagehousewithDavewhenweleft,"Isaid."Youwerepainting,andIknowyoudon'tlikebeingdisturbed,soMichaelandIjustdecidedtogo.Ithoughtitwouldbeallright."

AsMichaelstartedtosaysomethinginmydefense,hewasinterruptedbyDave.HesteppedoutontheporchtojoinMom,andHeatherwasrightbehindhim,peeringaroundhislegs,herpaleeyesonMichaelandme.

"Doyoutwohaveanyideawhatascareyougaveus?"Daveasked,hisvoicerising."Wecouldn'tfindanyofyou!Wecalledandcalled.FinallyIfoundHeatherwaydownontheothersideofthecreeknearthatruinyoutoldyourmotherabout.Shesaidyoutookherthereandthenranoffandlefther."

Istaredathim."Wedidn'ttakeheranywhere!"

Buthewentrightontalking."Whydoyoutreathersobadly?You'vemadeherlifemiserableeversincewemovedouthere."Hewasyellingnow,andhisfacewasred."Heather'sjustalittlegirl,averysensitivelittlegirl!Whycan'tyoutreatherdecently?What'swrongwithyoutwo?"

AsDavecontinuedtoaccuseusoftormentingHeather,thepoorlittlevictimpeekedatus,smilingslyly.Shewasenjoyingeveryminuteofhistirade.

"Dave,please."Momlaidherhandonhisarm,tryingtocalmhimdown.

"Dave,please."Momlaidherhandonhisarm,tryingtocalmhimdown."Don'ttalktoMollyandMichaelthatway.Theremustbesomemisunderstanding."

DaveturnedfromustoMom."That'sright,Jean!Taketheirsideasusual!"BrushingMom'shandaway,heledHeatherdownthesteps,pastMichaelandme,andstrodeacrossthedrivewaytowardthevan.

"Whereareyougoing?"Momcalledafterhim,hervoicequavering."Dinner'sready,Dave."Shestartedtofollowhim,butstopped,halfwaydownthesteps.

"Youalleatit.I'mtakingmydaughteroutfordinner.Sheneedstogetawayforawhile."Withoutlookingatus,Daveslammedthevandoorandgunnedthemotor.Asheroareddownthedriveway,IsawHeathersmileatus.

"Ihatehim!"IlookedatMom,butshehadalreadyturnedawayfromme.Ifollowedherupthesteps."Wedidn'ttakeHeatherintothewoods,Mom.Shelied!"

Mompausedatthedoorwayandwipedhereyeswiththebackofherhand."Butyoucouldhavestayedhereortakenhertothelibrarywithyou,"shesaid."NoneofthiswouldhavehappenedifyouhaddonewhatIaskedyouto."

MichaelgrabbedmyarmandstoppedmefromfollowingMomintothekitchen."Dropit,"hewhispered."She'sreallyupset,andyou'lljustmakethingsworse."Hisfaceworeitsworriedexpression,makinghimlookmorelikealittleoldmanthanusual.

Pullingawayfromhim,Icrossedthekitchentothestove.Momwasstirringthestewshe'dcooked."I'msorry,"Isaidsoftly.

"It'sallright."Shewatchedthestewbubbleandpokeditwiththespoon.

"Arewegoingtoeat?"Michaelasked.

"Goahead,helpyourselves."Momhandedmethespoon.

"Howaboutyou?"Iaskedasshewalkedtothedoor.

"I'mnothungry."Pushingthedooropen,shesteppedoutside.

"I'mnothungry."Pushingthedooropen,shesteppedoutside.

"Whereareyougoing?"Michaelranoutontheporchbehindher.

"Forawalk."Hervoicewassharp."Youeatyourdinner.I'llbebacksoon."

SilentlyIfilledtwoplateswithstew,whileMichaelpouredourmilk.Afterwe'deatenafewmouthfuls,Michaelsaid,"Shewascrying."

"Iknow."Welookedateachother."It'sallHeather'sfault.DidyouseethewayshewasgrinningwhenDavewasyellingatus?"

Michaelnodded."It'sjustwhatshewants—tocauseenoughtroubletoruinthingsforMomandDave."

"Whycan'tDaveseewhatshe'sdoing?He'sblindtoeverythingshedoes."Ipushedmyplateaway,halfmystewuneaten.Thekitchenwasgettingdark,andIfeltsadlookingatthethreeemptyplatesstackedonthecounter."DoyouthinkweshouldgofindMom?"

Michaelpolishedoffthelastofhisstewbywipinghisplatewithapieceofbread.Thenhegulpeddownhismilkandbrushedawaythewhitemustacheitleftonhisupperlip."Iguessso."

Turningonthekitchenlighttomaketheroomlookcheerier,Ihesitatedinthedoorway.Theskywasgrayandthetreesweredarkshapes,glitteringwithlightningbugs.Abreezeshushedthroughthegrass,rustlingtheleavesandbringingwithitthescentofhoneysuckle.Thenightseemedverystillandprivate,andIwasn'tsureIreallywantedtoleavethesafetyofthekitchen.

"Molly,areyougoingtostandthereallnight?"Michaelstaredatmefromthedriveway;thekitchenlightshoneonhisglasses,givinghimanowlishlook.

"I'mcoming."Foldingmyarmsacrossmychest,Ifollowedhimacrosstheyard.Thegrasswascoldandwet,andIcouldfeelitsoakingthroughmyrunningshoes.Glancingbackatthelitwindows,IfelthomesickforBaltimore.

"Michael,"Isaid,gettinghimtostopforaminute."Itwasneverthisbadbeforewecamehere.Heatherwasprettyawful,butnotlikesheisnow.AndwegotalongwithDaveallright.HeandMomneverhadfightsthen."

"Iknow.Iwasthinkingthattoo."

"Iknow.Iwasthinkingthattoo."

"It'slivingouthere."Ilookedpasthim,attheoaktree'sdark,shaggyshapedominatingthesky,toweringovereverythingelse.ItwasHelen'sinfluence,Ithought.WhetherHeatherhaddreamedherupornot,shehadmadethingsworse.Daybyday,ourlivesseemedtogrowunhappier,asifshehadtheabilitysomehowtoreachoutfromthegraveandtouchusallwithhermisery.

"MaybeweshoulddowhatMomsaid."IturnedtoMichael,studyinghisfaceinthemoonlight."MaybeweshouldreallytrytobenicetoHeather."

"Areyoukidding?"

"I'mworriedabouther,Michael.YouheardwhatDavesaid.Shewentbacktothepond,backtoHarperHouse.Iknowyoudon'tbelieveshereallyseesaghost,butthat'snotthepoint.Whatevermakeshergothereisdangerous."Ipaused,knowingMichaelthoughtIwasfoolish."EvenMr.Simmonsthinksit'sabadplacetoplay.Hedoesn'tbelieveinghosts—hejustknowskidshavedrownedthere."

Michaelsighed."Okay,Molly.Youplaywithher;youtrytobenicetoher.Seehowfaritgetsyou."Shruggingmyhandfromhisarm,hestartedwalkingtowardthegraveyard."I'mnothavinganythingtodowiththatkid,"hecalledbacktome.

"Michael,isthatyou?"Momcametowardus."Wewereworriedaboutyou,"Michaelsaid."It'sdark."

Sheputherarmsoutanddrewthetwoofusclosetoher.Thenwewalkedbacktothechurch,Mominthemiddle,MichaelandIholdingherhands.

"I'msorryIgotsoupset,"shesaid,pausingatthebottomoftheporchsteps.Thekitchenlightslantedoutthedoor,andshoneonherfaceandhair,hidinghereyesinshadow."I'msoworriedaboutus,Heather,everything."

"I'msorrytoo,Mom.MichaelandIjustcan'tgetalongwithher.OrDave.Wedotry,honestwedo."

"Iknow,Molly."Momgavemeahug."She'ssuchanunhappylittlegirl.Ifeelsosorryforher,butIdon'tknowhowtoreachher,howtomakeherhappy.SometimesIthinkitmighthavebeenbetterforallofusifshehadcontinued

SometimesIthinkitmighthavebeenbetterforallofusifshehadcontinuedlivingwithhergrandmother."

Shesatdownonthesteps,huggingherkneesagainstherchestasifshewerecold."ItriedtotalktoDaveaboutherbeforeyouallcamehome,buthesaidIwasn'ttrying.HesaidIdidn'tloveherenough."Momlookedatus,hereyesfillingwithtearsagain."Sheisn'teasytolove,"shesaidsadly.

"Heretheycome,"Michaelsaidasthevan'sheadlightssweptacrossus.

WewatchedHeatherandDavegetoutofthevan.Heatherwaseatinganicecreamconeasshewalkedtowardus,lickingitveryslowlytomakeitlastaslongaspossible.Withoutsayingaword,sheclimbedthesteps,givingusawideberth.Itriedtoforcemyselftoreachout,tospeaktoher,butIcouldn't.SilentlyIwatchedhervanishintothekitchenasDavelumberedupthestepsbehindher.

"I'llputhertobed,"hesaid,withoutstoppingtolookatus.

Momstoodupandfollowedhimintothehouse,leavingMichaelandmeonthesteps.Forawhile,neitherofussaidaword.Wejustsatthere,listeningtothecricketschirpingundertheporch.

"Well,"Michaelsaidfinally,"wemightaswellgotobed.Thelittlemonsterisprobablyasleepnow."

"Untilshewakesusallupwithanothernightmare."Shiveringinthecoolnightair,IstoodupandstartedtofollowMichaelintothehouse.Arustlingintheleavesmademeglanceovermyshoulder."Michael!"Igraspedhisarmandpulledhimback."Look!"Ipointedtowardthegraveyard.

"What?"Hestaredpastmypointingfinger.

"Didn'tyouseeit?"Iclungtohim,trembling."Therewasalight.It'sgonenow,butIsawit.Downattheend,undertheoaktree.Asortofglimmer."

Michaelshookhishead."Itmusthavebeenalightningbug.Honestly,Molly,thereisn'taghostlurkingamongthetombstones."

"Isawit.Abluishglow.Itwasn'talightningbug!"

"Let'sgoin."Pryingmyfingersfromhisarm,Michaelopenedthescreendoor,andIhurriedafterhimintothebrightlylitkitchen,shuttingnotonlythe

door,andIhurriedafterhimintothebrightlylitkitchen,shuttingnotonlythescreendoorbutthewoodendooraswell.

"Youstillhaven'tcomeupwithanexplanationforHeather'sknowingsomuchaboutHarperHouse,"Iremindedhim.

Hefrownedandlookedaroundthekitchenasifheexpectedtoseeanexplanationwrittenonthewalls."ItcouldbeESP,"hesaidthoughtfully."Ididn'tusetobelieveinallthatparanormalstuff,butthereisscientificevidencethatafewpeoplehavesomesortofextrasensoryperception.IsupposeitcouldexplainHeather'sknowingsomuchaboutHelen."

"Youmeanshehassomesixthsense?"

Henodded."It'sbetterthanbelievingshecommunicateswithaghost."

Ishookmyhead."Youhaven'tseenasmuchasIhave."

"Oh,Molly."Michaelstartedwalkingdownthehalltowardhisroom."Giveitup,willyou?"

Hewentintohisroomandclosedthedoor,andItiptoedintomyroom.Heatherseemedtobeasleep,soIgotintobedasquietlyasIcouldandpulledmyWalkmanoutfromundermypillow.BeforeIhadachancetoturniton,IheardMom'svoicethroughthebedroomwall.

"Idon'tseehowyoucancontinuetotakeherwordagainsttheirs,"shewassaying."Youknowperfectlywellshemakesupallsortsofthingsjusttocausetrouble!"

"That'snottrue,Jean."Dave'svoicerose."Can'tyouseewhatthey'retryingtodo?"

"No,Ican't.Iknowmyownchildren,andtheyhavenoreasontomakeyouandmeunhappy.Theyweredelightedwhenwegotmarried.It'sHeatherwhowantstocomebetweenus,notMollyandMichael!"Mom'svoicerosetoo.

Astheargumentgrewlouder,Iwantedtoburymyheadundermypillow,butamovementfromHeather'sbeddrewmyattentiontoher.Shewassittingup,listeningtoeverywordandsmiling.

"You!"Iyelledather."Thisisallyourdoing,isn'tit?Youloveevery

"You!"Iyelledather."Thisisallyourdoing,isn'tit?Youloveeveryquarreltheyhave!"

"Yourmotherisawitch,"Heathersaid,"andshemakesmydaddyunhappy.Iwishsheweredead,andyouandMichael,too!"

"Mymotherhasdoneeverythingshecantomakeyouhappy,"Ishouted,"andallyoudoisthrowitbackinherface.You'realittlemonster!"

"Mydaddydoesn'tthinkso.Helovesme.Helovesmemorethanhelovesher,andifIwanthimto,he'lltakemeawayfromhereandallofyou."Sheglaredacrosstheroomatme,herfacefierceinthemoonlight.

"You'realiar!"

"Youbetterwatchwhatyousaytome!"Heatherwassittingstraightup,herhairfallingintangledcurlsacrossherforehead."Icanmakeyousorry,Molly.YouandMichaelandyourmother!"

ThedooropenedandMichaelenteredtheroom."What'sgoingoninhere?"

Heatherleapttoherfeet,standinginthemiddleofthebed,herfistsclenched."WaittillHelencomes!"shescreamed.

Daverushedintotheroomjustthen,andHeathercollapsedinaheaponherbed,weepinghysterically.Daverushedtohersideandliftedherintohisarms."Whatisit,Heather?What'swrong?"

"Daddy,Daddy,"shewept,clingingtohim.

"Whathaveyoudonetohernow?"DaveturnedonMichaelandmeasMomappearedbehindhim,herfacepale,herhairflying.

"Nothing!"Michaelshouted.

"Shewaslisteningtoyouallfighting,"ItoldMom,"andgloating!Youshouldhaveheardher."

"Daddy,Daddy,"Heathersobbed."Makethemleavemealone."

"There,there,Heather.Daddy'shere.It'sallright."Herockedherbackandforthinhisarms,soothingherasifshewereababy.

forthinhisarms,soothingherasifshewereababy.

"Michael,"Momsaidsoftly,"gobacktoyourroom.We'lltalkaboutthisinthemorning."

Michaelstartedtoobject,sawtheexpressiononMom'sface,andsidledpastDaveandHeather."Wedidn'tdoanything,"hewhisperedtoMom.

Shenoddedandgavehimahug."Justtrytogetsomesleep,honey."

Assoonashewasgone,Momturnedtome."I'msorryyouheardusquarreling,"shesaid."I'lltuckyouin."

WhenMombentoverme,Ireacheduptohugher."Shehatesus,"Iwhispered."Allofus.Shescaresme,Mom."Tearswelledupinmyeyes,andMomsatdownbesideme.

"Don'tletherupsetyou,Molly,"shewhisperedback."She'saverydisturbedlittlegirl.Iknowit'shardforyou.It'shardformetoo,buttrytounderstandthatshe'sjustasunhappyasyouare,probablymoreso."

"Comeon,Jean,"Davesaidsoftly."Heather'sasleepnow."

Beforehelefttheroom,though,Daveturnedbackandlookedatme."Idon'twantanymoreofthis,Molly.Imeanit."Thenhewasgone.

Beforeclosingmyeyes,IlookedatHeather.Herbackwasturnedtowardme,andIcouldhearthesoundofdeep,regularbreathing.Itwashardformetobelievethatshecoulddropofftosleepsoquicklyaftercausingsomuchtrouble,butforthefiveminutesthatIwatchedher,Isawnosignthatshewasfaking.Satisfiedthatshewastrulyasleep,Irolledawayfromher,closedmyeyes,andtriedtoletmyWalkmanrelaxme.

JustasIwashoveringontheedgeofanicedreamaboutouroldneighborhood,IheardHeather'sbedcreakandtheunmistakablesoundofabarefootonthefloor.Withoutopeningmyeyes,Isensedherstandingbyme,watchingme.Thenshewenttothewindowandshovedthescreenup.

Ilaystill,afraidthatshewouldhearthesoundofmyheartbeatinginthesilence.Butafterafewseconds,sheclimbedquietlyoutthewindowanddroppedtothegroundbelow.

droppedtothegroundbelow.

Iwaitedacoupleofminutes,thengotupandpeeredoutthewindow.Inthemoonlight,Isawhermakingherwayacrossthelawntowardthegraveyard.Atthefarend,throughthehedge,abluishglowilluminatedtheleavesoftheoaktree.AsIwatched,Heatherdisappearedthroughthegate.

Shiveringwithfear,Iclimbedoutthewindowandranthroughthegrass,alreadycoldandwetwithdew.Keepingintheshadowofthehedge,Icreptpastthegate,stayingoutsidethegraveyard,untilIreachedtheblackshadeoftheoaktree.Droppingtomyknees,IpeeredthroughthehedgeatHelen'sgrave.

DimlylitbytheblueglowI'dseenfromthehouse,Heatherheldoutajarofwildflowersasifsheweremakinganoffering.Thesilverlocketgleamedonherchest,andhereyesglittered.

"Helen,"shewhispered,"Helen.Areyouhere?"

Toofrightenedtobreathe,IsawtheglimmerofbluelightshapeitselfintothefigureofagirlnobiggerthanHeather.Sheworeawhitedress,andherhair,asdarkasHeather's,tumbledinwavesdownherback.Herfeatureswereindistinct,hereyesinshadow,butIknewwhoshewas.

"I'mhere,"thegirlsaid.Hervoicewaslowandcold.

Heathersmiled."Howbeautifulyouare,"shewhisperedasHelentooktheflowersandbentherfacetosmelltheirfragrance.

Theyregardedeachothersilentlyforafewmoments.ThenHeatherspokeoncemore."Theyhavebeencrueltomeagain,"shesaid."I'vetoldthemyou'recoming,butIdon'tthinktheybelieveme.Dosomethingsoon,Helen.Makethemsorry."Heatherleanedtowardthedimfigure,imploringher.

"Soon."Helen'svoicewaslikethewinterwindblowingthroughafieldofweeds,dryandcruel."Verysoon."

"Andthenwe'llbetogetherallthetime?You'llneverleaveme?You'llalwaysloveme?"HeathergazedatHelen,desperationinhervoiceandgestures.

"Foralleternity,"Helensighed."YouandI,Heather.We'llneverbealoneagain.Ipromiseyou."Onepalehand,almosttransparent,glimmerednearthelocket,makingitshinewithborrowedradiance.

locket,makingitshinewithborrowedradiance.

"HowaboutDaddy?He'llbewithus,won'the?"Heathertookatinystepbackward,awayfromthehandtouchingthelocket.

Helendidn'tanswer.Herimagewaveredlikeareflectiononthewaterwhenabreezerufflesthesurface.Thenshewasgone,andthegraveyardseemedtoplungeintodarkness.Heathercriedout,reachingtowardtheairwhereHelen'sshapehadvanished.

"Helen,Helen,don'tleaveme!"shecriedandfelltoherknees,knockingoverthejarofwildflowersinfrontofthetombstone.Asshebegantogatherthemup,sobbingforHelentoreturn,Ibackedawayfromthehedgetowardthesafetyofthehouse.

Runningacrossthegrassinthemoonlight,IwasafraidtolookbackforfearofseeingHeleninpursuit.AssoonasIreachedthewindow,Iscrambledthrough,heedlessofthenoiseIwasmaking,andflungmyselfintobed.

Idon'tknowhowlongIlaythere,shiveringwithfright,waitingforHeathertocomeback.WhenIheardheratthewindow,Ishutmyeyestight,prayingthatshewasalone.

"Justwait,Molly,"HeatherwhisperedinmyearinavoicealmostaschillingasHelen's."JustwaittillHelencomes.You'llbesorrythenforallthethingsyou'vedonetome."

10IFISLEPTanymorethatnight,Idon'trememberit.Assoonasthegraylightofdawnglimmeredatthewindow,IslippedoutofbedandtiptoeddownthehalltoMichael'sroom.

"Goaway,"hemumbledwhenIshookhisshoulder."It'stooearlytogetup."

"It'simportant,Michael!"

"Nothing'sthatimportant."Hetriedtopulltheblanketsoverhishead."It'snotevenfive-thirty,Molly.Areyoucrazy?"

"Michael,pleasegetup.Please.IsawHelen,Isawher!"MyvoicequiveredandmyheartbeatfasterasIrememberedwhatI'dseeninthegraveyard."Shewashorrible,morehorribleeventhanIimagined."

Michaelsquintedatme."Areyouhavinganightmareorsomething?"

"Willyoulistentome,Michael?"Igrabbedhisshouldersandshookhimagain."Heatherclimbedoutthewindowlastnight,andIfollowedhertothegraveyard.Helenwasthere—Isawher.AndIheardher.Shedidn'thaveeyes,Michael,justdarkholes,andherskinwasbluishwhitelikeadeadperson's.Shesaidshewascoming,she'ddowhatHeatherwants;thenshevanished."Iclungtohim,afraidthatatanymomentHelenwouldappear,seekingsomesortofhorriblevengeance."Whatarewegoingtodo?"

Michaelstaredatme.Hewaswideawake,butIcouldtellthathedidn'tbelieveme."Comeon,Molly,"hesaid,pullingawayfrommetositup."Youmusthavehadanightmare.MaybebecauseofthatpictureMrs.Williamsshowedus.AndthenthefightwithDave,andHeathermakingthatbigscene.Nobodywenttothegraveyardlastnight.NotHeather,notyou.Youdreamedit."Hespokeslowlyandcalmlyasifheweretryingtoconvincehimselfaswellasme.

Ilookedaway,fiddlingwithmyhair,wishingithadbeenadream.Ishookmyhead."No,Michael,Ididn'tdreamit."

"YousayHeatherclimbedoutthewindow.Howdidshegetbackin?"Hegropedforhisglassesandsettledthemonhisnose.

"Thesameway."Istoodupashegotoutofbedandpulledasweatshirtonoverhispajamas.

"I'llproveyoudreamedit,"hesaidconfidently."Comeon."

Grabbinghisbathrobe,Ifollowedhimdownthehallandoutthekitchendoor.Themorningmistswirledacrossthelawnlikedry-icefoginaDraculamovie,hidingthehedgeaswellasthegraveyard.Somewhereacrowcawed,andIshiveredasIfeltthewetgrassundermybarefeet."Wherearewegoing?"Iwhispered,fearinghemeanttoleadmetoHelen'sgrave.

Shushingme,Michaelwenttowardmybedroomwindow."Shecouldhaveclimbedout,"hesaid,"butshe'stooshorttogetbackinthatway."

"Howaboutthis?"Ipointedtoanoldwoodenboxlyingonitssideunderthewindow."Sheprobablystoodonit,anditfelloverwhenshegotinside."

Michaelrightedtheboxunderthewindow."Iguessshecouldhave,"hesaiddoubtfully.

"You'respyingonmeagain!"

MyscalpprickledatthesoundofHeather'svoice.Shewasstandinginside,herfacepressedagainstthewindowscreen.

"Youbetterleavemealone!"Heather'svoiceroseshrilly."Iknowwhatyouwanttodo—youwanttomakeHelengoaway,butshewon't,notunlessItellherto.AndIneverwill!"

IlookedatMichael,buthewasscowlingatHeather."Youcan'tscareme,"hesaidscornfully.

"She'sgoingtogetyou!"Heather'svoicedroppedtoahiss."Justwaitandsee.Itwon'tbelongnow."

"Heather?"Davecameintotheroom."What'sgoingon?Where'sMolly?"

"Outthere,"Heathersaid."Spyingonme."Hervoicequavered."Herand

"Outthere,"Heathersaid."Spyingonme."Hervoicequavered."HerandMichael.Theywon'tleavemealone."Shewascryingnow,andIcouldhearDavetryingtocomforther.

Climbinguponthebox,Michaelpeeredintotheroom."She'slying!"

Davecametothewindow."Howlongisthisgoingtogoon?Can'tyouseewhatyou'redoingtoher?Whatkindofalittlemonsterareyouanyway?"

Michaelglaredathim."Whydon'tyouopenyoureyesandseewhatshe'sreallylike?"heyelled.

"Michael!"MomtookDave'splaceatthewindow."YouandMollygetinherethisminute!"

"Wedidn'tdoanythingtoher,"Michaelsaidwithoutmovingfromthebox.

"Isaid,comeinside!"Momfrownedatus."Whatareyoudoingoutthereinyourpajamasatsixo'clockinthemorning?Wasn'tlastnightenough?Dowehavetostartouttodaywiththesamebusiness?"

Hearingthedesperationinhervoice,IpluckedatMichael'ssleeve."Dowhatshesays,"Imumbled.

Shakinghisheadattheunfairnessofitall,Michaeljumpeddownfromtheboxandthetwoofuswalkedslowlyaroundthehousetothebackdoor.Mypajamaswerewetwithdewfromthekneesdown,andmyfeetwerenumbwithcold."Doyoubelievemenow?"IaskedMichaelaswehesitatedontheporch,afraidtogoinsideandfaceeverybody'sanger.

"Notabouttheghost,"Michaelsaidwithoutlookingatme."ButIthinkshedidgooutsidelastnight."

"AndIfollowedherandIsawHelen."Itriedtomakehimmeetmyeyes,butheedgedawayfrommeandopenedthescreendoor.

"Youimaginedthatpart,"heinsisted."YouheardHeathergivingherspiel,pretendingtotalktoHelen,andyouthoughtyouactuallysawher.Youdidn'tseeHelen,though,Molly.Youdidn't!Shedoesn'texist!"

Hewalkedaheadofmedownthehallandwentintohisroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.Takingthehint,Iwentreluctantlytomyroom.Daveand

doorbehindhim.Takingthehint,Iwentreluctantlytomyroom.DaveandHeatherweregone,butMomwassittingonmybedwaitingforme.

"Getdressed,"shesaid,asiftheveryeffortofspeakingexhaustedher."You'llcatchyourdeathinthosewetpajamas."Shestoodupwearily."IwanttotalktoyouandMichaellater.I'llbeinthekitchen."

WhatMomhadtosaywasn'tverydifferentfromwhatshe'dsaidthenightbefore."Ithoughtyouweregoingtocooperate,"shesaidfinally."Ihopedyouweregoingtotrytobenicer,butwhatdoIwakeupto?HeathercryingbecauseyouandMichaelarespyingonher.Daveupsetandangry.Andyoutwooutsideinyourpajamas.Ijustdon'tseehowyoucoulddoit,notafterthetalkwehadbeforeyouwenttobed!"

"Youdon'tunderstand,Mom!"Ithrewmyselfather,tryingtoclimbintoherlap."There'ssomethingawfulhere,andit'smakingeverythingworse.It'snotMichaelandme.It'snotevenjustHeather.It'ssomethingoutthere—"Igesturedoutthedoortowardthegraveyard."Undertheoaktree,agrave."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Momgraspedmyshouldersandheldmeawayfromher,staringintomyeyes.

"It'sHelen,"Iscreamed."It'sHelen!"ThenIbegancryingtoohardtotalk.

"ShethinksHeatherhascalledupaghostorsomething,"IheardMichaeltellMom,usinghismature,scientificvoice."HeathertalksaboutagirlnamedHelenallthetime,butHelen'sjustsomethingshe'sdreamedup.Youknow,toscareuswith—notme,actually.JustMolly."

"Oh,Molly,Molly."Momrockedme,tryingtomakemestopcrying."Notthatghostbusinessagain.IfI'dknownhavingagraveyardonourpropertywasgoingtoupsetyousomuch,I'dneverhavemovedusouthere."

"It'snotmyimagination,"Igulped."IsawHelen."

Momsighed."Davesaysyouhaveaterriblefearofdeath,"shesaid,"andit'smanifestingitselfinyourbeliefinghosts."

"Whydon'tyouaskHeatheraboutit?"IpulledawayfromMom,angrythatshewouldturntoDaveforanexplanationofmybehaviorandthenactuallybelievehim.

believehim.

"Askmewhat?"HeatherandDaveappearedinthekitchendoorway.

"TellthemaboutHelen."IjumpedoffMom'slapandconfrontedHeatherangrily.

ShrinkingbackagainstDave,thelittlegirllookedupatme,hereyeswideandclear."Who?"

"Helen,yourgreatfriend.Tellthemwhatshe'sgoingtodowhenshecomes!"Iglaredather,furious."TellthemhowyoumeetherinthegraveyardandintheruinsoftheHarperHouse!"

"Daddy,Daddy,what'sshetalkingabout?"HeatherturnedawayfrommeandpressedherfaceagainstDave'sside,herarmsencirclinghiswaist."Makeherleavemealone.She'sscaringme!"

"That'senough,Molly."DavegaveHeatherahug."It'sallright,honey."HeandMomlookedateachotherasiftheywereunsurewhattomakeofme."Areyoureadytoleave,Jean?"heasked.

"Leave?"IturnedtoMom."Whereareyougoing?"

"Oh,wethoughtwe'dtakeHeatherwithuswhenwegoshopping.Daveneedstogototheclaysupplier,andI'mlowonsomeofmypaints."MomtoyedwithhercoffeecupasifshewereashamedtomeetMichael'sandmystare."We'llbebacksometimethisafternoon."

"Butwhataboutus?"Iasked."Whycan'twego?"

"WethoughtitwouldbebettertoseparateyoutwoandHeather,"Davesaid."You'reoldenoughtotakecareofyourselves."

AsIstartedtoprotest,Michaelinterrupted."Thatsoundslikeagoodidea.Comeon,Molly."Hepickeduphisemptycerealbowlandglassandcarriedthemtothesink."Haveanicetime,"hesaidtoMom."Withher."

Helefttheroomwithoutlookingatanybody,obviouslyexpectingmetofollowhim.Ihesitatedforamoment,thinkingMommightchangehermindandstayhomewithus,butshestoodupandslungherpurseoverhershoulder.

"YouandMichaelbehaveyourselves,"shesaid."Weshouldbehomearoundthree."Givingmeaquickhugandkiss,shewhispered,"Andplease,Molly,nomoretalkaboutghosts."Shelookedatmeasifshewereworriedaboutmysanity."Iknowyou'reaveryimaginativegirl,butdon'tgetcarriedaway."

Istoodinthedoorwaywatchingthemgetintothevan.AsDavepulledaway,Heatherpeeredoutofthebackwindow.Whenshesawme,shestuckouthertongue.

"Molly?"Michaelcameupbehindme,carryinghiscollectinggear."Wanttogodowntotheswampwithme?"

NormallyIwouldhavesaidno,butIdidn'twanttostayinthehousebymyself.Nottoday.NotwithHelensoclose.SoIhelpedhimpacklunches,andwesetofffortheswamp,followingthecreekawayfromHarperHouse.

AlthoughIcouldn'thelpworryingaboutsnakes,Michaelassuredmeweweresafe,andslowlyIbegantorelaxandenjoymyself.Iactuallyhelpedhimcatchacoupleofsalamanders.Hehadbroughtalongaplasticbowlwhichhelinedwithmoss.Addingalittlewaterandarock,heputthesalamandersintotheirnewhomeandfedthemafewinsects.

"Areyouhungry?"heaskedme.

"Sure."Wesatdownonafallentreeandateoursandwiches.Abullfrogboomedeverynowandthenfromsomewhereintheswamp,andIwatchedasnappingturtlehoisthimselfoutofthewatertobaskinthesunlight.Overheadabluejayscreamedandacrowanswered.

"DoyoureallythinkIimaginedseeingHelen?"IaskedMichael,unableevenheretoforgetwhathadhappenedinthegraveyard.

"Youmusthave."Michaeltookabigbiteofhissandwichandcheweditnoisily.

"Thenwhydoyouthinksheseemedsoreal?"Iwatchedtheturtleflopbackintothewater."Shewasjustasrealasyouare."

"Maybe—and,believeme,Ihatetosayit—Daveisrightaboutyourbeingscaredofdying."

scaredofdying."

"Butaren'tyouscared?Isn'teverybody?"

Michaelpokedastickintothewaterandwatchedthelong-leggedskaterbugsskitterawayfromit."It'slikenuclearwar,Molly.IfIthinkaboutit,Igetreallyscared,soIdon'tletmyself.There'snosenseinworryingaboutthingsyoucan'tchange."

Ienviedthewaymylittlebrothercoulddismissscarythoughts."Whatdoyouthinkhappenswhenpeopledie,though?Doyouthinkpartofyoulivesforever?"Iwatchedhimstirthewaterwithhisstick,frowningdownatourreflections."Ordoyouthinkit'sjustlikegoingtosleepandneverwakingup?"Ipersisted.

"Idon'tknow."Michaelturnedtome."ItoldyouIdon'tliketothinkaboutthingslikethat."

"Thenyouarescared.Justlikeme."

"Maybe.ButIdon'tgoaroundclaimingIsawaghost."

"No."Igazedoutacrossthewater."Butsupposeyoudidseeone,Michael.IfHelenisreal,itmeanssomething.Thinkwhatitwouldbeliketobealoneforalleternity."Ishiveredanddrewmykneesuptomychest.Huggingthem,IrealizedhowunhappyHelenmustbe.Howafraid.Howalone.

"Ifshe'salone,"ImusedmoretomyselfthantoMichael,"shemustwantafriend,someonetokeephercompany.Thosechildren,theonesMr.Simmonstoldusabout,supposeHelenluredthemintothepondsothey'dstaywithherforever?"

Michaeltookoffhisglassesandrubbedthemonhisteeshirt."You'rereallygettingmorbid,Molly."

"SupposeHelenwantsHeathertobewithhertoo?"Irememberedthestruggleshehadputupwhenwedraggedherawayfromthepond."Heathercouldbetheonewho'sindanger,Michael,notus."

Michaelsighedinexasperation."IfIhearmuchmoreaboutHelen,I'mgoingtogetascrazyasyouandHeatherare!"Risingtohisfeet,hepickedupthebowlofsalamanders."You'rereallyalotoffun,"headdedwhenIstartedtocry.Ijust

ofsalamanders."You'rereallyalotoffun,"headdedwhenIstartedtocry.Ijustcouldn'thelpit.

"Whereareyougoing?"Icalledashewalkedoffintothewoods.

"Backtothechurch,"hesaidwithoutlookingatme.

11ASSOONasIcameoutofthewoodsbehindthechurch,Iknewsomethingwaswrong.Theairshimmeredwithheat,anditwasverystill.Nobreezeruffledtheleavesofthemaples;nobirdsang;nocarspeddownClarkRoad.Thecloudsintheskyseemedtohoveroverhead,silentwitnesseswaitingandwatchingasIfollowedMichaeltowardthebackdoor.

"Wait,"Icalledtohim."Waitforme,Michael!"Iranacrossthegrassandcaughtupwithhimatthesteps."Don'tgointhere!"Igrabbedhisarm,almostmakinghimdropthebowlofsalamanders.

"What'sthematterwithyou?"Michaelyankedhisarmfreeandstaredatme,almostasifhewereafraidofme."Areyougoingoffthedeependorsomething?"

"There'ssomethingwrong."Istaredatthebackdoor,myheartpoundingwildlyandmykneesshaking."There'ssomethinginthehouse!"

"Molly,stopit."Michael'seyeswidenedbehindhisglasses,buthedidn'tmovetowardthedoor.

Beforehecouldsaymore,weheardacrashfromsomewhereinside.Thenanother.Asthenoiseincreased,weclungtoeachother,toofrightenedtomove.

"Let'sgetoutofhere!"Michaelcriedafteraresoundingthudfrominsideseemedtoshaketheentirehouse.

Runningafterhim,Iglancedbackonce,justintimetoseeapalefigureemergefromthebackdoor.Ithesitatedonthestepsforamoment,lookingafterus,thenvanished.

"Didyouseeher?"IclutchedatMichael'sshirt,makinghimstopforamoment.

"Who?"Helookedbackatthehousefromtheedgeofthewoods.

"Helen,"Icried."Helen!Shewasinthehouse,Isawheronthebackporch."

Heshookhishead."Youmusthaveseenheatwavesorsomething,"he

Heshookhishead."Youmusthaveseenheatwavesorsomething,"hewhispered."Whoever'sinourhouseisn'tanyghost.It'sprobablyamotorcyclegangorsomething.Whatarewegoingtodo,Molly?"Heedgedbackwardintothewoods,puttingascreenoftreesandbushesbetweenusandthechurch."IwishMomwouldcomeback."

Sinkingdownnexttohimonalog,Ishivered."IknowwhatIsaw,Michael.Shewasstandingontheporchlookingatus,andlaughing.Whywon'tyoubelieveme?"

"Becausethisisthetwentiethcentury,andIdon'tbelieveinghosts!"Hisvoiceshookandhemovedfartherawayfromme.

"Whataboutpoltergeists?I'veevenreadstuffinthenewspaperaboutthem.Theythrowfurnitureanddestroystuff,andscientistsdon'thaveanyexplanationforthem."

"Yes,butyouneverseethem.Theycausealotofdestruction,buttheydon'tmanifestthemselvesthewayyouclaimHelendoes."Hestoodupandbeganwalkingawayfromme.

"Whereareyougoing?"Ileaptupandcrashedthroughthebushesbehindhim.

"IthinkweshouldwaituptheroadforMomandDave.Theworstthingyoucandoiscomehomewhiletheburglarsareinyourhouse.That'showpeoplegetkilled."

"She'sgonenow,"Itoldhim."Isawherleave."

Ignoringme,Michaelpushedthroughthewoods,stillcarryingthesalamanders."It'salmostthreeo'clock,"hesaid."Theyshouldbecomingalonganyminute."

Weplungedthroughtrailingvinesofhoneysuckleandstumbledoutintothesunlightbythesideoftheroad.Withoutsayingawordtoeachother,wesatdownintheshadeandwatchedforthevan.

Afterahalfhourorso,Iheardthesoundofamotor.Jumpingtomyfeet,Isawthevanbouncingtowardus:Daveatthewheel,Heatherbesidehim,andMomsittingintheback.HebrakedquicklywhenhesawMichaelandme,

Momsittingintheback.HebrakedquicklywhenhesawMichaelandme,kickingupacloudofwhitedust.

"Whatisit?Issomethingwrong?"MomstruggledtoopenthesidedoorasMichaelandIjostledeachother,anxioustogetinside.

"Somebodybrokeintothehouse!"Michaelgasped."Weheardthemwhenwecamehomefromtheswamp."

"Areyousure?"Davecranedaroundfromthefrontseat,frowningasifhethoughtMichaelwaslying.

"OfcourseI'msure!"MichaelleanedtowardDave,hisfaceflushed."Theyweremakingalotofnoise.Ithinkthey'vewreckedthehouse."

Momputherarmaroundme,holdingmeclose,herfaceburiedinmyhair."Thankgoodnessyoudidn'tgoinside,"shemurmured.

Daveputthevanintogearanddrovetowardthechurch."Ifthey'restillinside,I'llkeepondrivingintoHolwellandcallthepolice,"hesaid.

"Don'tworry,they'regone,"Isaid,glancingatHeatherasIspoke.Shewaslookingoutthewindow,herfaceturnedawayfromDave,smilingpastherreflectionatthegreentrees.

Sureenough,whenwepulledintothedrivewaywesawnosignofanyone.Thelittlechurchsatsilentanddesertedintheshadeofthemaples.

"Itlooksallrighttome,"Davesaid."Thisbetternotbeyourideaofajoke,Michael."

Michaelstiffenedbesideme,ascowlonhisface,buthedidn'tsayanything.SilentlyhefollowedDaveupthestepsandintothekitchen,withtherestofusclosebehind.

"It'sfreezingcoldinhere,"Momsaid,foldingherarmsacrossherchestandshivering.

AgainIglancedatHeather,whohadpushedherwaytoDave'sside.Catchingmyeye,shesmiled."Itoldyouso,Molly,"shewhispered,neverlettinggoofDave'shand.

Daveledusdownthehall.EverythingseemedtobeinorderuntilwereachedMichael'sroom.WhenDaveopenedthedoor,westeppedbackascoldairrushedouttomeetus.Hesitatingonthethreshold,westaredattheroominhorror.EverythingthatMichaelcherishedlayinaheapofrubbleinthemiddleofthefloor.Hisbooks,hisspecimencases,hisfossilsandrocks,hismicroscope,hisaquarium—allweresmashedandbroken,ruined.Hisbureaulayonitsside—itsdrawersemptied,itsmirrorshattered.Notevenhisbedhadbeenspared.Theblanketsandsheetshadbeenhurledacrosstheroom,andthemattressleanedagainstawall,hisclockradioinfragmentsbesideit.

"Oh,Michael!"Momputherarmsaroundhimandlethimcrygreat,gaspingsobsthatshookhiswholebody.

"Myinsects,mybutterflies,everything'sruined,"hewailed."Everything."

DaverestedahandawkwardlyonMichael'sshoulder."Thepolicewillgettothebottomofthis.Whoeverisresponsiblewillpay,believemehewill."

Thenheturnedtome."We'dbettertakealookatyourandHeather'sroom,"hesaid.

ButHeatherwasthereaheadofus,sittingonherbed,stillsmiling.Hersideoftheroomwasuntouched,butminewasdestroyed.Mybooks,mydiariesandjournals,myteddybearshadbeenrippedtobits.LikeMichael's,mybedhadbeentornapart,myclothesscatteredabout,mychinaandglassunicornsshattered.

"TheymusthaveheardyouandMichael,"Davesaid."Youscaredthemoff,Iguess,beforetheywreckedtheentirehouse."

ButIwasn'tlistening.InsteadIwasstaringatascrawledmessageonthewallovermybed.Writtenfaintlyinanold-fashionedhand,itsaid,"Ihavecome.H.E.H."

"WhatdidItellyou?"Heatherwhispered.Withoutmynoticing,shehadcrepttomyside.Onecoldhandtouchedmyarmasshesmiledupatme,herbacktoDave.

Pullingawayfromher,IrantoMomwhowasstandinginthedoorway,onearmaroundMichael."It'sallherfault,"Icried."Shemadethishappen!"

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Momdrewmetoherside.

"GoodGod,"Davesaid,exasperationdarkeninghisvoice."Heathertriestocomfortyou,andyouturnaroundandtrytoblameitonher."HeliftedHeather,andsheburiedherfaceinhisbeard,sobbing.

"Molly,Ican'tbelieveyousaidthat."Momsoundedshocked."Iknowyou'reupset,butHeathercouldn'tpossiblyhavehadanythingtodowiththis."

"Look!"Ipointedatthewall."Seethat?"But,evenasIspoke,IsawHelen'smessagefadeawaylikeletterswritteninthesandasthetiderises.Whathadbeenwords,letterswerenowmeaninglesscracksandscuffsonthewall.

"Darling,"Momdrewmecloser,caressingmyback."It'sallright,Molly.We'llgetitallputbacktogethersomehow."

Frightened,IcollapsedagainstMom,lettingherstrokemyback,myhair,cryingasifIwouldneverstop.

"Weshouldchecktherestofthehouse,"Davesaidafterawhile."Andourstudios.ThenI'llcallthepolice."

Silentlywefollowedhimthroughthehouse.HisandMom'sroom,thelivingroom,thekitchen,thebathrooms—nothinghadbeentouched.Relieved,hewalkeddownthedrivewaytowardthecarriagehouse,towingHeatherbehindhimlikeapulltoy.Aglanceinsidetoldhimnothinghadbeendisturbed.Hisbowlsandmugs,hisvasesandplatterssatontheirshelves,eitherglazedorwaitingtobeglazed.Thekilnandthepotterywheelstoodsilentlyintheirplaces.Overheadintherafters,abarnswallowtwitteredandflewbackandforth,worriedthatwewoulddisturbitsnest.

Satisfied,Daveledusacrosstheyardtothesidedoorofthechurch.Onceagainwerecoiledfromthecoldair,andIclaspedMom'shand,knowingwhatwewouldfind.

Mom'sbigcanvaseshadbeenslashedandthrowntothefloor.Hereaselwassmashed,andheroilpaintsweresmearedalloverthewalls.Foramoment,IwassureIsawHelen'sinitialsscrawledthere,but,asbefore,theyvanishedtooquicklyformetopointthemout.

MomfellagainstDave,tooupsettospeak.Heputhisarmsaroundherand

MomfellagainstDave,tooupsettospeak.Heputhisarmsaroundherandstrokedherhairasifshewereachild,lettinghertearssoakhisshirt.

Heatherhoverednearherfather,obviouslydispleasedbytheattentionhewasgivingMom.

"Don'tcry,Jean,don'tcry,"Davewhispered."IfIcan'tfixtheeasel,I'llgetyouanotherone."

"Butwecan'taffordit,"Momsobbed."Wewerecountingonthesaleofmypaintingstogetthroughthewinter.Nowthey'reruined.Howwillwepaythemortgage?Howwillweheatthehouse?"

"Don'tworry,Jean.Icanteachafewclasses.Andwe'vegotinsurance.Iknowitwon'treplaceyourpaintings,butitwillhelp."AsHeathertuggedathistrouserleg,heturnedtoher."Notnow,Heather!"

Sherecoiledfromtheangerinhisvoice."Youlovehermorethanme,"shewhimpered.

Daveeitherignoredherorfailedtohear.Hestartedtowardthehouse,hisarmaroundMom'sshoulders."We'llcallthepolice,"hesaid.

AsHeatherhungback,frowningatMomandDave,Michaelturnedtoher."PoorlittleHeather,"hesaid."LeftoutinthecoldbyDaddy."

Shestaredupathim."DoyoubelieveinHelennow?"shehissed."Itoldyoushe'dmakeyousorry!Thenexttimeitwillbemuch,muchworse.Youjustwait!"

"Youlittlecreep!"Michaelgrabbedherandshookher."Youknowperfectlywellyou'relyingaboutHelen.Whatmakesmemadisthewayyouenjoyseeingusunhappy!Youjustloveit,don'tyou?"

"Ihateyouall."Heathertriedtopullawayfromhim."Nowletmego!Letmego!Daddy!Daddy!"

DaveturnedbackjustintimetoseeHeatherandMichaelstruggling.Runningtowardus,hepulledHeatherawayfromMichael.Whilesheclungtohimsobbing,hecaughtMichaelbytheneckofhisteeshirt."Don'tyoueverdoanythinglikethatagain!"heyelled."Aren'tthingsbadenoughwithoutyourpickingonakidhalfyoursize?"

pickingonakidhalfyoursize?"

AsDavestrodebacktowardthehouse,carryingHeather,MichaelandIsatdownonthechurchsteps."Idespisehim,"Michaelmuttered."Idespisethemboth."

"Metoo."AlthoughIdidn'tsayitaloud,IknewIhatedHelenmostofall.Fearfully,Iglancedtowardthegraveyard.Forasecond,Isawaglimmerofwhiteintheshadeoftheoak,justaflashthroughthehedge.You'rethere,aren'tyou?Ithought.Watchingallofthis,enjoyingitevenmorethanHeather.

Afewminuteslater,Isawthebackdooropen.Heatherrandownthestepsandacrosstheyard.Pausingatthegraveyardgate,shelookedatme,smiling.Thenshepushedthegateopenandvanishedbehindthehedge.

AsIleanedtowardMichaeltotellhimwhereHeatherhadgone,Iwasinterruptedbythearrivalofapolicecar.Itpulledupbythesteps,andafatmaninalightblueshirtanddarkpantsgotoutandwentinside.FromwhereMichaelandIsat,wecouldhearhisradiosquawking.

Aroundtwentyminuteslater,hecameoutsidewithMomandDave."It'sashame,arealshame,"hewassayingashewalkedtowardthechurch."Neverhadanythinglikethishappenaroundherebefore.Mostfolksdon'tevenbothertolocktheirdoorswhentheygoout.MusthavebeensomekidsfromAdelphiaorsomewhere.Baltimoremaybe.Justpassingthrough,doingdrugs,lookingforfun,whoknows?"

NoddingtoMichaelandme,hefollowedMomandDadintothechurchandupthestairstotheloft.Wecouldhearthemwalkingaround,talking.Astheyemergedfromthechurch,thepolicemanstoppedandwipedhisforeheadwithabighandkerchief.Hisfacewasredandshinyfromtheheat.

"Arethesethetwothatinterruptedthevandals?"HepeereddownatMichaelandme.

Momintroducedus,andOfficerGreeneaskedusafewquestions,butwecouldn'ttellhimanythingthatwouldhelphim.Asheputhisnotebookintohispocket,hethankedus."Yousureyoudidn'tseeanybody?"heasked.

"Mysisterclaimsshesawaghost,"Michaelsaid,takingmecompletelybysurprise.

surprise.

"Aghost?"OfficerGreenestaredatme.

"Oh,Molly!"Momtouchedmyshoulder."Nomoreofthat!"

OfficerGreeneturnedtoher."Well,ma'am,shewouldn'tbethefirstpersontoseeaghostatSaintSwithin's.Iknowgrownmenwhodon'tliketodrivepastthegraveyardatnight."Hechuckled."'CourseIdon'tbelieveinghostsmyself.Neversawoneandneverhopetoseeone.Butthentheytellmeonlycertainfolkcanseethem.Sowho'stosay?"

Theofficerpattedmyheadandsaidthathewassorryaboutmyroom."Ihopewegetitallstraightenedout,butIknowthatyou'llneverbeabletoreplacesomeofthosethings."TurningbacktoMom,headded,"I'dsurehateforyoufolkstothinkanybodyfromHolwellmadethismess.There'snotalivingsoulinthesepartswhowoulddosomethinglikethis."

AsOfficerGreenewalkedbacktohiscar,stilltalkingtoMomandDave,IturnedtoMichael."Youweretryingtomakemelookstupidagain,weren'tyou?"Iaccused,buthedidn'tanswer.Hestoodbesideme,hisshouldershunchedlikeanoldman's,frowningattheground.

"WhydidyoutellthatpolicemanaboutHelen?HethoughtIwasnuts!"IglaredatMichael,feelingthathe'dbetrayedme.

Withoutlookingatme,Michaelshrugged,shovedhishandsintohispocketsandwalkedofftowardthehouse.Iwatchedhimstopontheporchandpickuphisbowlofsalamandersbeforehevanishedinside.

Isighedandsatdownonthechurchsteps.Michaelwasthinkingabouthisspecimens,Isupposed:hisbutterflies,theirwingscarefullyspreadandpinnedtotheboard,eachoneneatlyidentified;hisgrasshoppersandbeetlesanddragonflies,theirfragile,driedshellsanddelicatewingsneatlymountedunderglass.Ithadtakenhimacoupleofyearstobuildhiscollection;he'dwonablueribbonatthesciencefairlastwinterforthebutterflies.Nowonderhedidn'tfeelliketalkingtome.

WhileIsatthere,IsawHeathercomeoutofthegraveyard,asmileonherface.Iturnedaway,notwantingtolookather.ItscaredmethatshecouldsummonupsomethingashorribleasHelenandthenstandthere,safebesideher

summonupsomethingashorribleasHelenandthenstandthere,safebesideherfather,laughingatus.ItmadeherseemasinhumanasHelen.

12"MOLLY,"MOMCALLEDfromthekitchendoor."Comehere,honey."

ReluctantlyIwalkedtowardthehouse.Iwasn'treadytoseeHeatherorDave,butIcouldn'tsitoutsidebymyselfforever."Whatdoyouwant?"IaskedMom.

"Let'sseewhatwecandowithyourroom,okay?DaveishelpingMichael,andIthoughtI'dhelpyou."

UnhappilyIfollowedherdownthehall,pastMichael'sdoor.Glancingin,IsawhimsiftingthroughheapsofrubbishwhileDaveheldablackplasticgarbagebag,alreadybulgingwiththingsbrokenbeyondrepair.

"Where'sHeather?"IaskedMomaswestaredabouttheroom,wonderingwheretostart.

"Watchingtelevision,Iguess.Ithoughtitwouldbebestifshestayedoutofthis.Havingheraroundalwaysincreasesthetension."

Silentlythetwoofusworked,andafteracoupleofhourswecarriedthelastgarbagebagout.MysideoftheroomwasnowstrippedbareofeverythingIowned.Itlookedasimpersonalasamotelroom;allthethingsthatIhadcollectedweregone.Infact,itseemedtomethatmywholepersonalitywasgone,destroyedbyHelen.

"I'mgoingtostartdinnernow,Molly."Momgavemeahugandkiss,andleftmesittingonmybedtryingnottocry.

Asoundinthehallmademelookup.Heatherwasstandinginthedoorway,staringatme.Behindher,thehallwasdarkandfullofshadows,andIfeltatinypinchoffear,imaginingthatHelenwatchedmeoverHeather'sshoulder.

"Whatdoyouwant?"Iaskeduneasily.

Shetookhertimeanswering.Twistingalong,blackstrandofhairaroundherfinger,shewalkedslowlytowardme,hereyesneverleavingmine.Stoppingafewinchesaway,herfacetooclosetomineforcomfort,shewhispered,"Areyougoingtotellwhodidit?"

yougoingtotellwhodidit?"

"Whowouldbelieveme?"Ishrankbackagainstthewall,wantingtoputsomedistancebetweenus.

AnawfullittlesmiletwitchedthecornersofHeather'smouth."Youbelieveit,though,don'tyou?Yousawher;yousawwhatshewroteonyourwall."

"Isshereallyyourfriend?"IstaredintoHeather'shugegrayeyes,sureforamomentthatIsawfearinthem.

"We'rejustalike,"Heathersaid,hervoicequaveringatinybit."Sheunderstandsme,andIunderstandher.She'smytruesister,foreverandever."

Theintensityinherfacemadecoldchillsrunupanddownmyarms.Eventhehaironthebackofmyneckprickled."No,Heather,"Iwhispered."She'snotyoursister.She'sevilandwickedandhorrible,andyoubetterstayawayfromher!"Iwassittingupstraightnow,andmyvoicewasrising.Igraspedherthinarms,myfearsformyselfforgotten."Don'tgonearher!"

Heathertwistedaway,herfacepaleandanxious."Shutup,Molly,shutup!"shecried."Helenismyfriend,theonlyoneI'veeverhad!Don'tyoudaretakeherawayfromme!"

AsHeatherranoutoftheroom,shehurledonelastthreatatme."I'lltellhertocomeagain,"shecried."Andthistime,she'lldosomethingworse!"

Afewminuteslater,Momcalledmetodinner.Whileweate,IwatchedHeatherpickatherfood,eatingpracticallynothing.Everynowandthen,sheliftedhereyestomine.Sheneithersmilednorfrowned,butgazedatmetillIlookedaway,scarcelyabletoeatmyownchicken.

Laterthatevening,afterthedisheswerewashedandputaway,weallsettleddowninthelivingroom.WhileMichaelandIwatchedaNationalGeographicSpecialaboutpolarbears,Momreadanovel,andDaveplayedcheckerswithHeather.Afteracoupleofgames,sheclimbedintohislapandfellasleep,herthumbinhermouth.Withhereyesclosed,shelookedsmallandhelpless,almostsweet.

sweet.

AsIwatchedDavecarryherofftobed,IpromisedmyselfthatIwouldprotecthersomehow.NomatterhowmuchtroubleHeatherhadcaused,Icouldn'tletHelenleadherintoHarperPond.Fromnowon,I'dtrytokeepaneyeonherdayandnight.

Suddenlyuneasy,Iglancedatthewindowandthedarknessitframed.Agustofwindtossedthebushes,andtheirbranchesscrapedacrossthescreen.Foramoment,IthoughtIsawapalefacepeeringintothelivingroom,silentlyobservingus.Igasped,andthefacevanishedintothenightasquicklyasthemoonslipsbehindawind-blowncloud.

"What'sthematter?"Michaelturnedtome,apieceofpopcornpoisedhalfwaytohisopenmouth.

"Nothing."Imovedawayfromhim,ashamedtotellhimwhatIthoughtI'dseen,andsnugglednexttoMom.Withmyheadonhershoulder,Ifeltsafe,especiallywhensheslidherarmaroundmeandgavemeahug.

ThesoundofMr.Simmons'mowerwokemeinthemorning.Heather'sbedwasempty,soIdressedquickly,anxioustokeepthepromiseI'dmadelastnight.Shemustn'tgooffalone,Ithought.Shemustn'tgotothegraveyardortoHarperPond.Shemustn'tgonearHelen.

Thekitchenwasdeserted,soIateaquickbreakfastandranacrossthedrivetothechurch.MomandDavewerehardatworkintheloft,tryingtosalvageatleastsomeofMom'scanvases,andHeatherwaspoutingbythewindow,drawingpicturesinanoldsketchbook.Itwasveryhotandstuffy,andnooneseemedparticularlyhappytoseeme.

"Doyouwantmetohelp?"Iaskeduncertainly.

"No,no,"Momsaidhastily."JusttakeHeatheroutside.It'smuchtoowarmforhertostaycoopedupinhere."

"I'mnotgoinganywherewithher."Heatherscowledatme."I'mstayingrightherewithmydaddy."

rightherewithmydaddy."

"But,honey,"Davesaidpatiently."There'snothingforyoutodohere.Wouldn'tyourathergosomewherewithMolly?Youcouldwadeinthecreekorgoseethecows."Dave'svoicehadtakenonatoneofhoneyedpleading.HewasbeggingHeathertobenormal,todowhatordinarylittlegirlsenjoy.

Shemerelystuckherlipoutfarther."Ilikeithere,"shewhined."Don'tyouwantmetobehere?Don'tyouloveme,Daddy?"

"Oh,sweetie,ofcourseIloveyou."DavelefttheheapofwoodhehadbeentryingtoreassembleasaneaselandhuggedHeather."Ijustthoughtyou'dhavemorefunplaying."

"Notwithher."Heathergavemeadarklookfromunderacloudofblacktangles."Youknowhowmeansheis."

"Goonoutside,Molly,"Momsaid."MaybeyoucanfindMichael.Hesaidsomethingaboutgoingdowntotheswamptocatchinsectsforanewcollection."

AsIleftthechurch,IsawMr.Simmonspushingawheelbarrowfullofgrassclippingstowardthecompostheap."Goodmorning,Molly,"hecalled."Isithotenoughforyou?"

Inodded.Itwasn'teventeno'clockandIwasperspiring."HaveyouseenMichael?"

Heshookhishead."Ibroughtthefishingstuffwithme,hopinghemightbearound,butyourmothertoldmeheleftthehouseearlytocatchbugs.Quitetheyoungnaturalist,isn'the?"

Comingtoahaltbesideme,Mr.Simmonssetthewheelbarrowdown."Doyouknowanythingaboutthis?"Heheldupapeanutbutterjarfulloffreshdaisies."Ifoundthemundertheoaktreebythatlittletombstone.ThirdtimeI'veseenthemthere."

"Heatherdoesit,"Isaidslowly."Sheputsthemthereeveryday."

"IthoughtItoldyoukidstostayawayfromthatendofthegraveyard.Didn'tIwarnyouaboutthesnakesandthepoisonivy?"Dumpingthedaisiesintothewheelbarrow,Mr.Simmonspausedtolighthispipe."Ihearyoufolkshadalotoftroublehereyesterday.Wererobbedorsomething.BobGreenesayshenever

oftroublehereyesterday.Wererobbedorsomething.BobGreenesaysheneversawanythinglikeit."

Istaredattheflowerslyinglimplyontopofthegrassclippings."Itwashorrible,"Isaidsoftly."ButIdon'tthinkthey'llevercatchtheonewhodidit."

"Whynot?"Mr.Simmonspuffedonhispipe,waitingformetoanswer.

"Well,"Isaid,glancingtowardthegraveyard."RememberthedaywesawyouatHarperHouse,andwetalkedaboutghosts?"Isearchedhisface,expectinghimtolaugh.Whenhedidn't,Iwenton."Ithinkthisgraveyardishauntedtoo."

"I'veheardfolkssaythat.Myownsisterwasscaredtodeathofit,wouldn'tgonearitafterdark.Butshewasalwaysfearful,afraidofherownshadow."

Ismiled;Mr.Simmons'sistersoundedlikeme."Thepolicemansaidpeopledon'tliketodrivebyherelateatnight."Ipickeduponeofthedaisiesandtwisteditsgreenstalkaroundmyfinger.

"Andwhatdoyouthink,Molly?"Mr.Simmonsregardedmethroughacloudofsweet-smellingpipesmoke."Haveyouseenanything?"

Ilookeddownatthedaisyandbegantostripitspetalsaway,onebyone.She'sreal,she'snotreal,IthoughtasIwatchedthepetalsdrifttotheground.Raisingmyeyestohis,Isaid,"I'veseenHelen.AndsohasHeather."Ipaused,waitingforhimtolaugh,totellmeIwascrazy.Whenhedidn'tsayanything,Iwenton.

"HeathersaysHelenisherfriend.ShetoldMichaelandmethatHelenwouldcomeandmakeussorryforbeingmeantoher.ItwasHelenwhowreckedourthingsyesterday.Shecame,justlikeHeathersaidshewould."Myvoicewasshakingnow,andIhadtostop.Tossingthelastpetaltotheground,IrealizedthatIhadendedwith"She'sreal."

ForafewsecondsMr.SimmonsandIweresilent.Allaroundus,birdssangandinsectschirpedtheirsummersongs,butnobreezeblew.Theleavesofthetreeshunglimply,andthesunwashotonmyheadandshoulders.

Finally,Mr.Simmonsclearedhisthroat."WhywouldHeathertellyousomethingsoawful?"heaskedme.

somethingsoawful?"heaskedme.

"Becauseshehatesus,"Isaiddully,feelingashamed,asifitweremyfaultsomehow."ShehatesMomfortakingDaveawayfromher,andshehatesMichaelandmeforbeingMom'schildren.Didn'tthepolicemantellyouthatonlyourstuffwasdestroyed?NothingthatbelongedtoHeatherorDavewastouched."

"Thisisaverystrangestory,Molly,"Mr.Simmonssaid."AndifIhadn'theardsomethinglikeitbefore,I'dthinkyoumadeitallup.ButmyownsisterwasconvincedthatourcousinRosewasledtoherdeathinHarperPondbytheveryspirityou'vedescribedtome.Ididn'tbelieveitatthetime,butmysisterwenttohergraveconvincedthatRosewaspossessedbyHelenHarper."

Istaredathim,myheartthumping."DoyouthinkHeatherisindanger?"Iasked.

Hefidgetedwithhispipe."Oh,itallsoundssocrazy,"hesaid."Especiallystandinghereinthesunlight."

"ButI'veseenher,"Isaid."I'veseenHelen."

Hepickedupthehandlesofthewheelbarrowandbeganpushingittowardthecompostheap."AllIcansayis,keepHeatherawayfromthisgraveyard.Don'tlethernearHarperHouseorthepond."

ForamomentIstoodstill,watchingMr.Simmonswalkaway.ThenIshovedopenthegraveyardgateandrantowardtheoaktree.Overhead,abreezesprangup,chasingsunlightandshadowsacrossHelen'ssmallstone.Instinctively,Istretchedmyhandstowardthegraveandwhispered,"LeaveHeatheralone,leaveheralone."

Nothinghappened.Acrowflewoutofthebranchesovermyhead,cawingharshly;thebreezemadeadry,whisperysoundintheleaves,andthenallwasstill.

IstaredattheearthmoundedoverHelen'sgrave.Beneathitwashercoffin.Inhercoffinwereherbones.Iimaginedherskeletonlyingonitsback,herskullstaringupintodarkness,heldfastbytheearth,cradledintheoaktree'sroots,trappedforever.

Ilookedatmyownarms,stilloutstretched,andsawtheveinsrunningblue

Ilookedatmyownarms,stilloutstretched,andsawtheveinsrunningblueundermyskin,thebonesbeneaththem.Myskeleton.Mybones.Somedaytheywouldbeallthatwasleftofme.Theywouldlieallaloneinthedarkandthecoldwhiletheyearsspunpast,yearsIwouldneversee.

Iwouldn'tfeelthesunonmybackanymore;Iwouldn'thearthewindrustlingtheleaves;Iwouldn'tsmellthesweetscentofhoneysuckle;Iwouldn'tseethegreengrassgrowingoverme.Iwouldn'tthinkaboutwhatIwoulddotomorrow.Iwouldn'twriteanypoemsorreadanybooks.Allmymemorieswoulddiewithme,allmythoughtsandideas.

IbackedawayfromHelen'sgrave.Itwashorribletodie,horrible.Justtothinkofmyselfending,beinggonefromtheearthforever,terrifiedme.Asashadowslantedacrossthetombstone,Iwonderedifitmightnotbebettertoliveonasaghost;atleastsomepartofHelenremained.

Turningmybackontheoaktree,Iranoutofthegraveyard,anxioustogetawayfromthebonesburiedundermyfeet,butknowingIcouldn'tgetawayfromthebonesundermyskin.NomatterhowfastIran,theywouldalwaysbethere,always,evenwhenIwouldnolongerbealivetofeelthem.

13TOCALMMYSELFDOWN,Itookalongwalkbesidethecreek.AlthoughIwentallthewaybacktotheswamp,IsawnosignofMichael.Gnatsandmosquitoesbuzzedincloudsaroundmyhead,bitingmeeverywhere,eventhroughmyteeshirt.Iturnedaroundandheadedhome,thinkingMichaelmusthavebeendrivenawayfromtheswamptoo.

ItwaswellaftertwowhenIwalkedintothekitchentofixmyselfasandwich.AnoteonthetabletoldmethatMomandDavehadgonetoBaltimoretoshopforaneweaselandreplenishMom'sartsupplies.Theyexpectedtobegonemostoftheday."HeatherisinthelivingroomwatchingTV,"Momhadwritten."She'spromisedtostayinthehousetillyouorMichaelcomehome."

Icouldhearacartoonblastingaway,butwhenIwenttoaskHeatherifshewantedasandwich,IsawBugsBunnypoppingoutofamagician'shatwithoutanaudience.Icheckedourbedroom,thinkingshemightbetakinganap,butshewasn'tthereeither.Oranywhereelseinthehouse.Somuchforkeepingherpromise,IthoughtasIpushedopenthescreendoorandcalledher.

InsteadofHeather,IsawMichaelcomingacrossthegrasstowardthehouse.Hewascarryingalargemayonnaisejar,and,whenhesawme,hebrandishedit."LookattheprayingmantisIcaught,"heyelled."Isn'thebeautiful?"

Ashethrustthejaratme,Icringed."Getthatthingawayfromme!"

"Thisisoneofman'sbestfriends."Michaelgazedatmereproachfully."Heeatsharmfulinsects.Infact,I'mgoingtocatchsomebeetlesforhimrightnow.Doyouwanttowatchhimeatthem?"

"Yuck."Ibackedawayfromthecreatureinthejar."That'sthemostdisgustinginvitationI'veeverhad."

Michaelshrugged."Yourloss,Molly."

"Waitaminute,"Icalledafterhim."MomandDavehavegonetoBaltimore,andIcan'tfindHeather.Haveyouseenher?"

Heshookhisheadandsmiledattheprayingmantis."Maybethislittleguythoughtshewasabugandateher."

"Veryfunny."AngrilyIwatchedhimrunoff,clutchinghisjar,leavingmetofindHeatherbymyself.

AlthoughIdidn'twanttogobacktothegraveyard,IthoughtImightfindherthere.Reluctantly,IshovedthegateopenandwalkedasfarastheBerrys'marbleangel.Fromtheshelterofhisoutstretchedwings,IsawanewjarofdaisiesonHelen'sgrave.OfHeatherherself,Isawnosign.

Therewas,ofcourse,onlyoneotherplacetolook.HarperHouse.Runningtowardthecompostheap,IcalledMichael,thinkingIcouldpersuadehimtogowithme,buthehadalreadydisappeared.

AsIfollowedthepathacrossthefield,Inoticedthatthehorizonwasringedwithclouds.Theywerethunderheadsgrowingtalleranddarker,loomingoverthetreeslikeafleetofpirateships.Despitetheheat,Ibegantorun.Iwassureastormwascoming,andIwantedtofindHeatherbeforethethunderandlightningstarted.

WhenIreachedHarperPond,Iwasgasping,outofbreathfromrunning.Ipausedatthebottomofthehill,tryingtocatchmybreathandeasetheacheinmyribs.Aboveme,theruinsseemedempty,desolate.Theskyshowedbluebehindtheemptywindows,andthevinesbillowedinagustofwind.Uncertainofthewisdomofcallinghernameoutloud,Iscannedthewalls,searchingforsignsofHeather:aflashofcolor,asuddenmovement,thesoundofavoice.Seeingnothing,Ibeganclimbingthehill,wishingthatMichaelwerewithme.

AsIapproachedthehouse,atoweringclouddriftedinfrontofthesunandcasteverythingintoshadow.Atthesametime,agustofwindflippedtheleaves,revealingtheirwhiteundersides.Iknewtherainwasn'tfaroff,andIforcedmyselftoruntowardtheshelterofthebushescrowdingagainsttheruinedwalls.

Burrowingthroughtheundergrowthlikearabbit,IfoundmyselfwonderingwhatIwasdoing.Heatherhatedme;she'dmadethatclearhundredsoftimes.AndIcertainlydidn'tloveher.Orevenlikeher.SowhywasIhere,scramblingaroundinthebushes,gettingscratchedbythorns,scaredtodeathofconfrontingaghost?Whydidn'tIgohomeandleaveHeathertoHelen?Afterall,itwasHelenshewanted,notme.

Thunderrumbledinthedistance;theskycontinuedtodarken,andthewindblewharder.Crouchinginthebrambles,Ipeeredattheracingclouds,butbeforeIcouldrunforhome,asoundfrominsidethehousestoppedme.AtfirstIthoughtitwasonlythewindfunnelingthroughthecracksinthewalls,buttheeerinessofitraisedgoosebumpsonmyarmsandlegs.Raisingmyheadcautiously,Ipeeredthroughtheleavesscreeningawindowjustaboveme.

IsawHeatherfirst.Shewasstandingafewfeetawayfromme,herprofileturnedtothewindow."ButIthoughtDaddywouldbewithustoo,"shewassaying.

Scarcelydaringtobreathe,IpeeredintotheshadowsandsawHelen.Wearingastainedandraggedwhitedress,sheseemedlesstransparentthanshehadinthegraveyard.Herdark,lusterlesshaircascadeddownherback,contrastingharshlywithherpale,skull-likeface.Herfeetwerebare,andshecastnoshadow.WhenshemovedclosertoHeather,shemadenosound.Nothingbentorrustledwhenshesteppedonit,andhereyeswereterrible—darkandglitteringandfixeduponHeather.Sheremindedmeofacatabouttospringuponasparrow.Merciless,withoutcompassionorsympathy,thinkingonlyofitsownhunger.

"Wedon'tneedyourfather,"Helenmurmured."Wedon'tneedanyone."

Asshespoke,theairinthehouseseemedtowafttowardme—coldandsmellingofdampearthandstagnantwater.Ishivered,suddenlyawareofthesoundofmyheartpoundingloudlywithfear.Icouldn'tabandonHeather,notnow.IhadtosaveherfromHelen—whethershewantedtobesavedornot,whetherIwantedtosaveherornot.

Throughmyshieldofleaves,IwatchedHelenstretchanalmostfleshlesshandtowardHeather,asmileonherlips,deathinhereyes."Come,"shesaidsoftly."Leavethisworldwhereyouaresounhappy,wherenoonelovesyouasyouwanttobeloved.We'llgotogether,youandI."

HeatherslowlyputherhandinHelen's."You'resocold,Helen,"shewhispered."Whyareyousocold?"

"BecauseIamalone,becausenobodylovesme."HelenclungtobothofHeather'shandsasivyclingstooak,sendingitsrootsbeneaththebark,suckingoutthetree'slife."Promiseyou'llneverleaveme;promiseyou'llalwayslovemebest,"shewhisperedfiercely.

best,"shewhisperedfiercely.

"ButwhataboutDaddy?"Heather'seyesfilledwithtears."Ican'tloveyoumorethanIlovehim.Ican't!"

"Hebetrayedyou,justasmymotherbetrayedme.Hefoundsomeonehelovesmorethanhelovesyou—theirmother!"

ThehatredinHelen'svoicechilledme.IwantedtoleapupandrunawayfromHarperHousetoescapeher,butIforcedmyselftostaywhereIwas,toofrightenedtospeakormove.

"No!"Heatherwailed."No!Helovesmebest;Iknowhedoes!"

"Thengivememylocket,"Helenhissed."I'llfindsomeoneelsetogiveitto,someonewhowillloveme."Sheheldoutherhand,reachingforthesilverchain."Someonewhowon'tbetrayme."

Heather'sfistclosedoverthelittleheart."Iwanttobewithyou,"shesaid,"butIwanttobewithDaddy,too."

"Hedoesn'tunderstandyouaswellasIdo,doeshe?"Helen'svoicegrewsweeter."IfheknewwhatIknow,hewouldn'tloveyou,wouldhe?"

Heatherwhimperedandcoveredherfacewithherhands.Herbodyshookwithsobs."ButI'mafraidtogointhewater,Helen.I'mafraid."

"There'snothingtofear."HelentookHeather'shand."Ifyoudon'tcomenow,I'llgoawayandyou'llneverseemeagain.Never.Thenwhatfriendwillyouhave?Michael?Molly?Youknowthey'llneverbeyourfriends.Theydon'tcareaboutyou.Theyhateyouasmuchasyouhatethem."

Heathernoddedherhead,stillsobbing,herfacehiddenbyherhair.

"ButIknowallaboutyou,Heather.Don'tI?And/loveyou."HelenledHeatherslowlytowardthedoor,asifshewereguidingablindperson."It'stimetogo,Heather.Themermaidsinthecrystalpalacearewaitingtowelcomeus,tomakeusoneofthem.We'llrideonenchantedseahorsesinakingdomwheretherainneverfallsandtheroseneverdies.Unicorns,elves,dragons—you'llseeallthecreaturesI'vetoldyouabout.We'llbesohappythere,twoprincessesinourglasstower."

glasstower."

AsIwatchedHelenandHeathervanishintothegloom,IyearnedtoenterHelen'sworldtoo.Mermaidsandunicorns,crystalpalaces—howIlongedtoseethem.Eagertohearmore,Ipushedmywayoutofthebushes,heedlessofthebramblesscratchingmylegsandtanglinginmyhair."Wait,"Isobbed,"waitforme!Don'tleavemehere!"

Acrashofthunderbroughtmetomysenses.Asstartledassomeoneawakeningfromabeautifuldream,Icringedfromthelightningthatforkedacrossthesky.Astherainbeganfalling,IcaughtsightofHelenandHeatherwalkinghandinhandtowardthepond.

"Heather,"Icried,buttherainfellharder,formingasilvercurtainbetweenmeandthepond,hidingHeatherandHelenfromme.

Runningdownthehill,slippingandslidingonthewetgrass,IreachedthepondintimetoseeHelenleadingHeatherintothewater.Thewindblewharder,andthethunderrumbledcontinuously,mufflingmycries.

"No,Heather,no!"IshoutedasHelenledherfartherfromshore.Kickingoffmyshoes,Isplashedtowardthem.Thewaterwascold,andthelightningterrifiedme,butIplungedindeeper,tryingtokeepHeatherinsight.Itwaslikechasingsomeoneintoawaterfall.

WhenIwasalmostinreachofher,Itrippedonatangleofrootsandsplashedfacedowninthepond.Sputteringandgasping,Istruggledtofreemyfeet,thenlookedforHeather.Shewasnowhereinsight.Allaroundme,therainpoureddown,andthewaterroseandfellintinywaves,hidingbothHeatherandHelen.

Terrified,IswamtowardtheplaceIhadlastseenher,thendovebeneaththesurface,gropingforanarm,aleg.TwiceIcameupforbreath,thenplungedagainintothemurk.FinallymyfingerstangledinsomethingIthoughtwasanunderwaterweed,thenrecognizedasHeather'shair.Graspingthelongstrands,Iyankedherupward,strugglingtogetherheadabovewater.

Holdingherup,Ipeeredthroughtherain,searchingfortheshore.IgotnohelpfromHeather.Shelaystill:hereyesclosed,herlipsblue,herhairfloatingaroundherheadindarkstrings.

AsIgotmybearingsandstartedswimming,towingHeather,Iheardaweepingsound.Itwasn'tthewindinthetrees;itwasn'tthelappingofthewater—itwasHelen.Infrontofme,behindme,totheright,totheleft,sobbingandmoaning,clutchingatHeatherwithicyfingers,shebeggedmetogiveherback.

"She'smine,she'smine,"Helenwept."Don'ttakeherfromme!"

Ifeltaterriblechillasherfingersseizedmyankles."Giveherbacktome,orI'lltakeyoubothtothebottomofthepond!"shecried.

"Getaway!"Ikickedherviciously."Leaveusalone!"

"Givehertome!"Helenwasinfrontofmenow,socloseIcouldseerightintoherhorribleeyes."Youmust!Shehasmylocketandshe'smine!Mine!"

"No!"Myfeetfoundthebottom,andIfumbledforthechaintwistedaroundHeather'sneck.Snappingitwithmyfingers,IhurledthesilverheartasfarasIcould.Asitdisappearedintotherain,Icried,"There,takeyourlocket!ButnotHeather—youcan'thaveher!"

Helenmoanedandturnedfromustopursuethelocket.Withouthertoslowmedown,IwassoondraggingHeatheroutofthepond.Layingherdownontheground,Icrouchedbesideher.Shewassostill,sopale."Don'tbedead,Heather,"Iwhispered."Pleasedon'tbedead."

Coveringhermouthwithmine,Itriedtorememberwhatwehadlearnedinschoolaboutmouth-to-mouthresuscitation.Breathe,Ithought,breathe!Finallyshegaspedandchoked,openedhereyes,andstaredatme.Foramoment,shedidn'tseemtorecognizeme;thenhereyesfilledwithshock."Molly,"shewhispered,"Molly,whatareyoudoinghere?WhereisHelen?"Shetwistedherheadfranticallyfromsidetoside,tryingtolocateHelen.

"She'sgone,"Isaid,glancingfearfullyovermyshoulder.Therainhidthepond,hidHelen—forever,Ihoped.

"No,"Heathercried."No,shecan'tbegone.Shepromisedtotakemewithher!Helen,"shecalledout,"Helen!"

"She'sgone!"Iwhispered,tryingtohushher."Gone!"

Heatherstruggledagainstme,tryingtogetup."Letmego,Molly!Iwantto

Heatherstruggledagainstme,tryingtogetup."Letmego,Molly!IwanttobewithHelen,notyou.Letmego!"

Therainpoureddownmyface,blindingme,butIheldontoHeather'sskinnylittlebody.Dragginghertoherfeet,Ibeganclimbingthehilltowardthehouse.IhadtogetHeatheroutoftherain;Ihadtowarmhersomehow,dryheroff.Thechurchwastoofaraway,butifIgotherintoHarperHousewewouldhaveatleastalittleshelter.

"Helen,Helen,"Heathershrieked."Don'tleaveme."Againshetriedtobreakaway,strugglingsofiercelythatIcouldfeelthebonesinherarmstwistinginmygrip."Letmegowithmyfriend,myonlyfriend,"sheweptpiteously,suddenlycollapsingagainstme.

"She'snotyourfriend!"Iyelled."Shetriedtokillyou!"

"No!No!Shejustwantedtotakemewithher.Shelovesme;shelovesmebestofall!Shedoesn'thatemelikeyoudo!"

"Idon'thateyou!"Igrippedherarmstightly,myfaceinchesfromhers."Iwouldn'thavepulledyououtofthepondifIhatedyou.I'dhaveletyoudrown!"

Heathercontinuedtosob."Ifyouknewme,reallyknewme,you'dhateme.EvenDaddywouldhatemeifhekneweverythingaboutme."Heatherlookedbehindheratthepond."Butshedoesn'thateme.Sheknowseverything,andsheunderstands.We'rejustalike,sheandI,justalike."Heather'stearsmingledwiththerainonherface.

"Heather,"acrycamefromsomewhereintherain,blowntousinthewind,achillingandterriblecry."Heather,whereareyou?"

Despitemygrip,Heatherbrokefreeandrantowardthepond."I'mcoming,Helen,I'mcoming!"shecriedasIranafterher.

Catchingupwithheratthewater'sedge,Itackledherandthrewherflatonherfaceintheweeds.Shefoughtme,herwetclothesandskinmakingithardtoholdontoher,butshefinallygaveupandlaystill,weeping,herbodyshakingwithsobs.

"Ican'tfindher,"shecried.Herhandwenttoherthroat;herfingersfumbledforthelocket."Whereisit?"shecried."Whatdidyoudowithit?"

"Igaveitbacktoher!"Ipeeredintotherain,thinkingIsawHelen'spaleformhoveringunderanearbywillowtree."Shecan'ttakeyouifyou'renotwearingit,canshe?"

"Howcouldyoudoit?"Heatherwept."Howcouldyou?Myonlyfriend,myonlyfriend."

Strugglingtomyfeet,Ihalfcarried,halfdraggedHeathertowardHarperHouse.Tomyrelief,sheseemedtohavelostherstrength,herwilltofightme.Faintly,IcouldhearHelencrying,butHeatherseemedoblivioustoeverything.Aslimpasadoll,sheallowedmetohaulherintotheruins.

Soakedtotheskin,shiveringwithcold,webothneededdryclothesandwarmth,butthebestIcoulddowastheroomMichaelandIhadfoundthelasttimewe'dbeenhere.Atleastthelittlebitofroofoverourheadswouldprotectusfromtherain.

"Thisway,Heather."Iguidedherthroughthedoor,steppingcarefullyonthefloorboards."Maybewecanfindmatcheshere,lightafireorsomething."

MyteethwerechatteringsohardIcouldbarelyspeak,butHeatherwasn'tlisteninganyway.Listlessly,shestaredstraightahead,walkingbymysidelikeazombieorthevictimofaterribledisaster.

Halfwayacrossthefloor,Iheardasplinteringsound.Theboardsunderourfeetgavewayandthetwoofusplungeddownward,stillholdingontoeachotheraswefell,toofrightenedeventocryout.

14TANGLEDTOGETHER,HeatherandIlandedonadirtfloor.Forafewseconds,neitherofusmovednorspoke,tooshockedtounderstandwhathadhappened.FinallyIopenedmyeyesandlookedup.Abovemyheadwastheholewehadfallenthrough,itsedgesragged.Agraylightshonedownthroughit,butallarounduswasdarknesssmellingofmoldanddampearthandage.Shivering,IturnedtoHeather."Areyouallright?"

"Helenputushere,"Heatherwhispered."Shehatesmenowbecauseofyouandwhatyoudid."Shecrouchedbesideme,tremblingwithfearandcold.

UneasilyIgazedupwardatthehole,expectingtoseeHelenpeeringdownatus,laughing.Nothingwasthere.

"Whydidn'tyouletmegowithher?"Heathersobbed."Itsoundedsobeautiful.Rainbowseveryday,unicornseatingroses,mermaidssinging—nothinguglyorhateful."Heatherbegansobbingagain,andIputmyarmaroundher,tryingtocomforther.

Sheimmediatelystiffenedandpulledawayfromme."Don'ttouchme,"shewept."Getawayfromme;Idon'twantyounearme!"

"Ididn'tknowyouweresounhappy,"Isaid,thinkinghowwellshe'dhiddenhermiserybehindhatefullooksandnastyacts.Ipulledherbackagainstme,shockedathowsmallandbonyshewas."Likemeornot,"Isaid,holdinghertightly,"wehavetostayclosetoeachotherforwarmth.Peoplecandieofthiskindofcold."

"Idon'tcareifIdodie,"Heathersobbed."Infact,IhopeIdo.ThenIcouldbewithHelenagainandgotoherkingdomandbehappy."

"Butremember,Heather,shetoldyouyourfatherwouldn'tbethere.YoumighthateMichaelandmeandevenMom,butyoudon'thatehim.Youlovehim."

"Butwhatshesaidistrue.IfheknewhowbadIam,hewouldn'tlovemeanymore."

"Whydoyouthinkyou'resobad,Heather?"Ipeeredathersmallwhiteface,yearningtoreadthethoughtshiddenbehindthemaskshewore."Whatdidyoudo?"

"Ican'ttell;Ican'ttellever.OnlyHelenunderstands."Shestruggledagaintobreakawayfromme,butwhenItightenedmygrip,shegaveupandslumpedagainstmyside,herfacehidden.

"Ithassomethingtodowiththefire,doesn'tit?"Istaredatthedark,wettanglesofhairsnakingoverhershoulders."YouandHelen.Bothofyourmothersdiedinafire."

"Don'ttalkaboutthefire!"Heather'sheadcameupandhereyesmetmine,searching,pleading.

"Youstartedthefire."Isuckedinmybreath,realizingthatImusthavesuspecteditallalong."Andsodidshe—that'sit,isn'tit?"

"No,no,Molly,don'tsayit,don'tsayit!"Heatherputacoldhandovermymouth,tryingtosilenceme.Butitwastoolate.Weclungtoeachotherinthedark.

"Ididn'tmeanto,"Heathersobbed."Iwasonlylittle;Ididn'tknowaboutthestove!IthoughtIcouldhide;Ithoughtthefirewouldgoaway,butitgotbiggerandbigger,andMommywaslookingforme,callingme,andIdidn'tanswerbecauseIthoughtshewasgoingtospankme.ThenIdidn'thearheranymoreandtherewassmokeeverywhere.Afiremancameandhepickedmeupandcarriedmeaway,butMommywasn'tanywhere.Shewasn'tanywhere,anditwasallmyfault,Molly!"

Heatherclungtome,weeping."Don'ttellDaddy,Molly;pleasedon'ttellDaddy.Don'ttellhimitwasmewhomadeMommydie.He'llhateme;he'llhateme!"

"Oh,Heather,Heather."Cradlingherinmyarms,Irockedherasifshewereababy.Myowntearssplasheddownonherdarkhead."Itwasn'tyourfault,Heather.Youwereonlythreeyearsold.Yourfatherwouldneverhateyou,never.Youdidn'tmeanittohappen."

Butshedidn'tsayanything.Shekeptcryingasifshewouldneverstop.AsIhuggedher,IwishedthatIhadbeenkinder,moreunderstanding,insteadof

huggedher,IwishedthatIhadbeenkinder,moreunderstanding,insteadofresentinghersomuch.ButhowcouldIhaveknownshewasguardingsuchanawfulsecret?

Aftershecriedherselftosleep,Isatstillandwonderedwhatweweregoingtodo.Itwasdarknow.Thethunderandlightninghadfadedawaylikearetreatingarmy,leavingbehindarearguardofrain.Ourclotheswerebeginningtodry,butwewerestilldampandcold.IcouldfeelHeathershiveringinhersleep.

Overheadtheruinscreakedandgroanedasthewindprowledthroughtheroomsandcreptthroughholesinthewalls.Uneasily,IrememberedthestonesfallingfromthewallsduringMichael'sandmylastvisit.HeatherhadbeensosurethatHelenwasresponsibleforwhathappenedthen—andnow.HadHelenreallycastusdownintothisplace,trappedushereforsomeawfulpurpose?

Heatherstirredandmoanedinhersleep,andIheldhertighter,determinedtocomforther."It'sallright,Heather,"Iwhispered.

"IwantDaddy."Sheopenedhereyesandlookedupatme."Whyhasn'thecometogetus?"

"MaybeheandMomarestillinBaltimore."

"Butit'sdark,Molly."Heatherfrownedatme."HelovesJeanmorethanme.Hedoesn'tcarewhathappenstomeanymore."

"Youknowthat'snottrue."

"Shetookhimawayfromme."Heather'svoicewassmallandcold.Shesatupandwiggledoutofmyembrace.

Notwantinghertoslipbackintothatwayofthinking,Ishookmyhead."Look,Heather,don'tyouthinkMichaelandIfeelthesamewaysometimes?WewereperfectlyhappylivingwithMomafterourfatherleft.Wedidn'twanttoshareherwithDaveandyou,butsheloveshimandhelovesher.Theyloveustoo.Maybewejusthavetolearntobeafamily.Allofus.YouandMichaelandmeandMomandDave."

Sheshookherhead,unconvinced."DaddyandIwereafamily.Justthetwoofus.AndGrandmother."

ofus.AndGrandmother."

"Well,MichaelandMomandmewereafamily,too.Butnowwe'reabiggerfamily."

"Butnotbetter."Shestuckoutherlip,pouting.

"Butwe'llgetbetter.Startingwithyouandme,Heather."Ireachedoutandgraspedherhand."I'llbeyoursister,Heather,ifyou'llbemysister."

Sheregardedmesoberly,examiningmyfaceforsignsofdeception."Andyouwon'ttellDaddyaboutthefire?"

"No,Iwon'ttellhim."Ipaused,squeezingherhandtighter."ButIthinkyoushould."

"Oh,no,Molly."Heatherjerkedherhandaway."No,don'tmakemedothat.Ican't,Ican't."

"Butifyoutellhim,you'llknowhelovesyou."Istoodup,followingherasshebackedawayfromme.

"No,no,"shemoaned."No."

"Comebackhere,Heather."Ireachedforherandmissedassheslippedawayfromme,stillcrying."I'mnotgoingtomakeyoudoanythingyoudon'twanttodo.AllI'msayingis—"ButIdidn'tgetachancetofinishmysentence.AsIlungedtowardher,eagertoexplain,Istumbledandnearlyfell.

"What'sthis?"Ipickeduparoundobjectfromaheapofrubble.WhenIrealizedwhatsortofeyesIwasstaringinto,Irecoiledinhorrorandhurledthethingintothedarkness.IhearditclatteragainstsomethingunseenandpulledHeatherclosetome,feelingherbodytrembleagainstmine.

"Whatwasit,Molly?"shewhispered.

"Askull,"Igasped."Itwasahumanskull!Isawitseyes!"

HeatherpressedherknucklestohermouthandstaredfearfullyintotheshadowswhereIhadthrowntheskull."It'sthem,"shecried."It'sthem!"

"Who?"Iclungtoher,terrified,imaginingthatwewereburiedaliveina

"Who?"Iclungtoher,terrified,imaginingthatwewereburiedaliveinahideousfamilycrypt,surroundedbythebonesofHelen'svictims.

"Helen'smother.Andherstepfather.Theyweretrappedinthehouseinthefire,andnobodyeverfoundtheirbodies."Heather'svoicewasshakytoo.

Thetwoofusedgedbacktothemiddleofthetinyroom.Alittlelightstillshonethroughtheholeoverourheads,makingtheshadowsaroundusseemdarkerandmoremenacing.Whatotherhideousthingslurkedthere,waitingforus?

Forawhileneitherofusspoke.Theonlysoundswerethedripoftherainandthecheep-cheep-cheepofacricket.Thesmall,cheerfulnoiseseemedveryoutofplaceinourgrimsurroundings.

"Heather,"Isaid,breakingthesilenceatlast."DidHelenstartthefire?"

Shenodded."Butshedidn'tmeanto.Shewasarguingwithherstepfatherandsheknockedanoillampover.Thetableclothandthedrapescaughtfire,andHelenranoutoftheroom.Thefirespreadsofast;ittrappedhermotherandherstepfather.Helenheardhermothercallingher,andthenthefloorcavedin.Sheranoutside,intothepond."Heatherhidherfaceinherhandsandwept."She'sbeenaloneeversince,Molly."

"Buttheotherlittlegirls,theoneswhodrownedinthepond."IleanedtowardHeather."Whathappenedtothem?Whyaren'ttheywithher?"

"Theywouldn'tstay.Theyalwaysfadedawayandlefther.Shedoesn'tknowwheretheywent.Totheirparentsmaybe.Theydidn'tloveherenoughtostay."Heatherleanedagainstme,sobbing."AndnowI'velefthertoo,andshe'sstillalone."

Istrokedherhairandtriedtocomforther,wishingMomwerehere.SurelysheandDavehadreturnedfromBaltimoreandnoticedthatweweremissing.Whyhadn'ttheycometorescueus?

"I'msocold,"Heatherwhimpered."Socold."

Thetemperatureseemedtobeplummeting,andtheairsmelledmorestronglyofdecayandstagnation.Aglimmeroflightdrewmyattentiontotheholeaboveus.Helenwaskneelingonthefloor,peeringdownatus.Thesilverchainhungfromherneck,theheartslowlyturning,reflectingthebluishglowof

chainhungfromherneck,theheartslowlyturning,reflectingthebluishglowofherskin.

"Itwasmyfault,"Helencried,stretchingoutherhands."Myfault,Mama."

Heatherlookedup,thenshrankagainstme,herbonyshoulderbladesjabbingagainstmychest."Idon'twanttogowithheranymore,Molly,"shewhispered."Don'tlethertakeme."

Iheldhertightly."Don'tworry,"Iwhispered."I'llprotectyou."

"Mama,Mama,I'msorry,"Helenwailedaboveus.Shelookedmoretragicthanfrightening,andIachedwithpityforher.SheseemedunawareofHeatherandme.Allthatexistedforherwasherownsorrow.SlowlyshedroppeddownthroughtheholeandglidedpastusintotheshadowswhereI'dhurledtheskull.Droppingtoherknees,shewhispered,"Forgiveme,Mama,forgiveme."

Shepaused.Intheglowshecast,Icouldseetwoskeletons.Extendingherhand,shereachedouttowardthem."Andyoutoo,PapaRobert.Ididn'tmeanforyoutodie.NorMamaeither.Norme,norme."

Shekneltmotionlessbytheskeletons,herheadbowed,weeping.Heather'shandclosedaroundmine."PoorHelen,"shewhispered.

AsIwatched,anotherfigureappearedinthecellar.Frommistitseemedtoformitselfintoawomanwearingalongdress.Smiling,shedrewHelentoherfeetandembracedher,comfortingher,strokingherhair,rockinghergently.Forseveralseconds,thetwofiguresshimmeredinthedarkness.Thentheydisappearedasquicklyasimagesonascreenvanishwhentheprojectoristurnedoff.Slowlytheterriblecoldsubsided,andIknewthatHeatherandIwerealoneandoutofdanger.

"ItwasHelen'smother,"Iwhispered.

Heathersqueezedmyhand."Sheforgaveher,Molly;sheforgaveher."Shelookedupatmeandsmiled."Sheknewitwasanaccident;sheknewHelendidn'tmeanforthemtodie."

"Iknow."Ireturnedthesqueeze,marvelingatthetinybonesinherhand.

"Helenisn'taloneanymore.Sheisn'tsad."Heathergazedatme."Doyou

"Helenisn'taloneanymore.Sheisn'tsad."Heathergazedatme."Doyouthinkmymotherhasforgivenme?"

"Oh,Heather,sheforgaveyoulongago."

"AndDaddy—ifItellhim,doyouthinkhe'llforgiveme?"

"I'msurehewill."

Heatherrelaxedandleanedagainstme,herthumbseekinghermouth."Iwishhewouldcomeandgetus,"shesighed."Iwanttogohome."

"SodoI."Itoyedwithherhair,twiningitroundmyfinger.Itwasdrynow,silkysoftagainstmyskin.Tonight,Ithought,whenweweresafelyhome,Iwouldbrushitforhertillitshone.

15HOURSSEEMEDTOPASSwhileHeatherslept.Therainstopped.Abovemyhead,Icouldseeafewstarsthroughtheholesintheroof.Fromsomewhereinthewoodsanowlhooted,andthecricketcontinuedtochirp,safeinhishidingplace.JustasIwasfallingasleep,IheardMichaelcallingme.

NudgingHeatherawake,Ijumpedtomyfeet."Downhere!"Iyelled."We'redownhere!"

Iheardsomeoneentertheroomaboveus."Careful,"Ishouted,"thefloor'sweak.HeatherandIfellthrough."

AflashlightbeameddownonHeatherandme,andMichaelyelled,"Dave,heretheyare!"

Inamoment,Davewasloweringhimselfcautiouslythroughthehole.EmbracingHeather,hecried,"You'reallright,thankGodyou'reallright."

"Mollysavedme,"Heathersaid,clingingtohim."Ialmostdrownedinthepond,andshesavedme."

Daveputanarmaroundmeandhuggedmeagainsthisside,withHeatherbetweenus."We'vebeensoworried.Whatwereyoudoinghere?"

BeforeIcouldanswer,IheardMichaelgasp,"There'sbonesdownthere!"Hewascrouchingaboveus,beaminghisflashlightintothecornerwheretheskeletonslay.Inthecircleoflight,wesawthemhuddledtogether,stillwearingtheragsoftheirclothing.

"They'vebeenhereeversincethefire,"ItoldDave.

"They'reHelen'sparents,"Heatheradded."Youdon'thavetoworry,Daddy;theywon'thurtyou."

Davedidlookalittleedgy,Ithought."Let'sgetyouhome,"hesaidtoHeather."Youtoo,Molly."HehoistedHeatherontotheflooraboveus,andMichaelhelpedhertoherfeet.ThenDaveboostedmeup,andpulledhimselfupafterme.

"Oh,Molly."Momwaskneelinginthedoorway,herarmsaroundHeather.ShereachedoutformeandIrantoher,clingingtoherasshamelesslyasababy."I'vebeensoscared,"Momsaid,huggingmetightly.

DavepickedupHeatherandturnedbacktoMichael."Comeon,"hesaid."Thegirlsneedtogethomeandhaveanicehotbath."

Michaelwasstillpeeringintothedarknessofthecellar,playingthebeamofhisflashlightonthebones."Isn'titagainstthelawtoleaveboneslyingaroundunburied?"heaskedMom.

Shemovedcautiouslytohissideandlookedoverhisshoulder."Theywereburied,"shesaiduncertainly,"tillnow."

"I'dguessthatnobodyknewthecellarwasthere,"Michaelmused."Mostoftheceilingfelldownandblockedthisroom.Ifyouallhadn'tfallenthroughthefloor,thoseboneswouldhavelainthereforever."

Davenodded.Hewasstillstandinginthedoorway,holdingHeather."I'llcallthepolicewhenwegetbacktothechurch,"hesaid."Theyoughttobegivenadecentburial."

"Couldn'tIkeepthem?"Michaelasked."Icouldstudythem,learnallaboutthem.Itwouldbeagreatscienceproject!"

"Michael!"Momstaredatheroffspring,obviouslyshocked.

"Well,theyhavebonesinscienceclass.Andmedicalstudentsstudythem.Whycan'tI?It'sscientific."

"TheyhavetobeburiedwithHelen,"Heathersaid."Familiesarealwaysburiedtogether."

"LiketheBerrys,"Isaid,walkingoutofthehousewithMom.

"Whatareyoutwotalkingabout?"Daveasked.

"Youknowthatlittletombstoneinthegraveyard?"IwatchedMichael,waitingforhimtomakeaderogatoryremarkaboutghosts.Buthewasabsorbedinshininghisflashlightfarahead,watchingitsbeamfanoutintoacircleasheplayeditacrossthewoods.

playeditacrossthewoods.

"Well,"Iwenton,"HelenHarperisburiedthere.Shelivedinthishouse,andwhenitburneddown,herparentsdied.Theirbonesareinthecellar,buttheyshouldbeburiedwithHelen,likeHeathersays."

HeatherandIlookedateachother,firmlyunited."Please,Daddy,tellthepolicesothey'llknow,"shesaid.

"It'sveryimportanttoyou,isn'tit?"DavehuggedHeatherandshenodded.

"It'simportanttoHelen,too,"shesaid."AndMolly."

Davesmiledatme."Isthissomesortofanalliance?"

SlippingmyarmaroundMom'swaist,Ismiledback."Itsureis,"Isaid.

Whenwegothome,HeatherandIeachhadahotbathandsteamingcupsofherbteabeforewewenttobed.AfterDaveandMomsaidgoodnightandleftusaloneinthedark,Heathersaid,"I'msorryItoldHelentowreckyourthings,Molly.IfIcould,I'dmakehercomebackandfixeverything.Yourstuff,andMichael'sandJean's,too."

"It'sallright,Heather.Itwasn'tyourfault.Helenpossessedyou,Ithink."

"Butnotanymore,"Heathersaid.

"No,she'sgonenow."

"Withhermother."Heatheryawned.

"Andherstepfather,"Iadded."They'reafamilynow."Alittlewhisperofabreezepuffedthecurtainsawayfromthewindowandsettheleavestomurmuring.

"ShouldItellDaddyaboutthefiretomorrow?"Heatheraskedquietly.

"Ithinkyou'llfeelbetterifyoudo."

"Willhestillloveme?"Hervoicequivered.

"Iknowhewill.YousawHelen'smother,thewayshehuggedherandcomfortedher.Sheforgaveher.Andshehadn'tstoppedlovingher."

Heathersighedandturnedovernoisily."I'mgladyou'remysister,Molly,"shesaid,hervoiceslurrywithsleep.

"Me,too,Heather."Imeantit.Forthefirsttime,sheseemedlikeareal,truesisterinsteadofanenemycampinginourhome,makingmeandeveryoneelsemiserable.

Thenextmorning,DavecalledthepoliceandtoldthemabouttheskeletonsinHarperHouse.Althoughhehadtodoalotofexplaining,hefinallysucceededinconvincingOfficerGreenethatthebonesshouldbeburiedinSaintSwithin'sChurchyard,asclosetoHelen'saspossible.Whenhehungupthephone,Heatherrantohissideandslippedherhandinhis.

"Willyougoforawalkwithme,Daddy?"sheasked."Ineedtotalktoyouaboutsomething."

Icouldhearthefearinhervoice,butDavedidn'tseemtonotice."Sure,honey,"hesaid."I'vegotworktodointhecarriagehouse,butIcanspareyouafewminutesbeforeIgetstarted."

Istoodatthebackdoorandwatchedthemwalkacrosstheyardtogether,herfaceturneduptohis,hisbentdowntowardhers.Momstoodbehindme,lookingovermyshoulder.

"Idon'tknowwhy,"shesaid,"butHeatherseemshappierthismorning.Andlastnightshereallysurprisedme.Sheactuallyletmehugher.MaybeyouradventuretogetheratHarperHousewasjustwhatthisfamilyneededtopullittogether."

Ileanedagainsther,enjoyingthefeelofherarmsaroundme."WouldyoustilllovemenomatterwhatIdid?"

"Whatdoyoumean?"Momasked.

"Whatdoyoumean?"Momasked.

"Well..."Iwatchedamonarchbutterflyflytowardthezinniasgrowinginatubneartheporch."SupposeIdidsomethingreallyhorribleandItoldyouaboutitalongtimeafterward?Wouldyouhateme?"IpulledawayfromhersoIcouldseeherface.

Momsmiled,butsheseemedalittlepuzzled."Areyouabouttoconfesstocommittingaheinouscrime?"Shemadeitsoundasifshewerejoking."Youweretheonewhobrokeyourgrandmother'spricelessMingvaseallthoseyearsago!"shelaughed.

"No,Mom.I'mserious."Istudiedhereyes,tryingtoreadtheexpressioninthem."SupposeIcausedsomebodytodie.Ididn'tmeanto;itwasanaccident.ButIwasscaredtotellyou.WhatwouldyoudoifIconfessed?"

Mombrushedastrandofhairoutofmyeyes,herhandtouchingmegently."Molly,you'renotmakinganysense,"shesaidslowly.

"Wouldyoustillloveme?Wouldyouforgiveme?"Iheardmyvoiceriselikeachild's."That'sallIwanttoknow.Doparentslovetheirchildrennomatterwhattheydo?"

Momputherarmaroundmeandhuggedme."I'llalwaysloveyou,Molly,always—nomatterwhat.Youshouldknowthatbynow."

"ButhowaboutDave?Wouldhe?"

"Dave?"Momhesitatedasifsheweren'tsurehowDavefitintoallthis.

"Notme.Heather.IfHeatherdidsomethingawful,wouldhestillloveher?"

"Molly,"Momsaid,suckingherbreathinhard,hereyesdarkeningwithconcern."Whatareyoutryingtotellme?"

"Thefire—Heatherstarteditbyaccident,butshethinksit'sherfaulthermotherdied."Thewordsflewoutofmeasifadamhadburst."She'safraidDavewillhateherifshetellshim."

"Oh,myGod."Momleanedagainstthedoorframe,herhandspressedtohermouth."Thatpoorlittlegirl,thatpoor,poorchild.Tokeepsomethinglikethatbottledupinsidealltheseyears.Nowondershe'sbeensoclosedoffand

bottledupinsidealltheseyears.Nowondershe'sbeensoclosedoffanduntouchable."

"Shewasplayingwiththestove,"ItoldMom."Somehowafirestarted.Shehid,andhermotherdiedlookingforher,Iguess.Shetoldmeaboutitlastnightwhenweweretrappedinthecellar.IthoughtsheshouldtellDave."

"Isthatwhyshewantedtogoforawalk?"Momsteppedoutontheporchandgazedacrossthelawn."Idon'tseethemanywhere,"shesaid.

"Igavehertherightadvice,didn'tI?"IlookedpastMom'sstillfiguretowardthegraveyard,imaginingHeatherandDavesittingnearHelen'sgraveasshetoldhimaboutthefire.

Momturnedbacktome,embracingmefiercely."Ofcourseyoudid,Molly.Davewillunderstand."

Releasingme,sheshookherhead."Ineverevensuspected,"shesaid,moretoherselfthantome."Shemusthavethoughtwe'dallhateherifweknew."

"That'sexactlywhatshedidthink."

"Andtheghost—itmusthavebeenaprojectionofherownguilt,"Momsaid.

BeforeIcouldthinkofagoodanswer,IsawHeatherandDavewalkingtowardus.Hewasstillholdingherhand,andtheyweresmilingateachother.Whenshesawus,Heatherpulledawayandrantome,hereyesshiningwithtears.AsMomhurriedtoDave'sside,Heathersmiledatme.

"Itoldhimeverything,Molly,"shewhispered,"andhestilllovesme.Heknowsitwasanaccident."Buryingherheadinmystomach,sheknottedherskinnyarmsaroundmeandsqueezedtillithurt.

Afewdayslater,Plummer'sFuneralParlorsentahearsetoSaintSwithin'sGraveyard.Forthefirsttimeinalmostfortyyears,thecrowsintheoaktreehadafuneraltowatch.

Mr.Simmonshimselfhadsupervisedthediggingofthegraves.Theministerfromthenewchurchwasthere,Bibleinhand,andanumberofpeoplefromHolwell,includingareporterfortheJournal.Itwasalmostafestiveoccasion,Ithought,asIlistenedtotheconversationsaroundme.Mostofthesepeopleknewnothingoftheterribleunhappinessthattheburialwasbringingtoanend.

Attheconclusionoftheservice,everyonesteppedforward,pickedupahandfulofearthandtosseditintothegraves.IheardseveralofthemcommentonHeather'stears.

"Whatasensitivechildshemustbe,"astoutladyobserved,adjustingtheangleofherlargestrawhat.

Hercompanionnodded."You'dthinksheknewthepoorsoulspersonally."

"She'sprobablytooyoungtobeexposedtosomethingastragicasafuneral,"thewomaninthestrawhatsaid."I'veneverthoughtlittlechildrenshouldbetoldaboutdeath.Whyfrightenthem?Letthemkeeptheirinnocenceaslongastheycan."

Thetwoofthemwalkedtotheircaranddroveoff,leavingusalone,exceptforMr.Simmons."Gladtoseethissettled,"hesaid,heapingtheearthoverthegraves."She'llrestinpeacenow,likethem."HewavedtheshoveltowardtheBerryPatch."She'swithherown."

HeathergazedatthemarbleangelpoisedonhispedestalabovetheBerrys,hiswingsuplifted."DaddyshouldmakeHelenoneofthose,"shesaidtome."Ithinkshe'dliketohaveone,don'tyou?"

"Itwouldlookverypretty,"Isaid,watchingMr.Simmonspatthefreshly-turnedearthwithhisshovel.

BySeptember,asmallmarbleangelguardedHelen'sgrave,andtwostonesflankedhers.Herownname,notjustherinitials,markedherburialplace,andEnglishivysoftenedthemoundsofearthoverherparents'graves.Thecemeteryhadlostitsgloom,andInolongerfearedit.

OneafternooninearlyOctober,Michael,Heather,andIweresittinginasunnyspotnotfarfromHelen'sgrave.Itwasawarm,sweet-smellingday,morelikespringthanfall.Michaelwaswatchingahugewoodbeetlecrawlingaroundinitsglass-jarprison,andIwasreadingTheBorrowerstoHeather.

"Doyouwantmetoreadthenextchapter?"Iwassureshewouldn'twantmetoleavepoorStainlessfacingcertaincapture,butwhenIlookedatherIrealizedshehadn'tbeenpayingmuchattentiontothestory.

Shewaslyingonherback,chewingonabladeofgrassandstaringupatthecloudsdriftingslowlyacrosstheincrediblybluesky."Doyouthinkshecanseeusfromwheresheis?"sheaskeddreamily,hermindapparentlyfarfromStainless'plight.

"Idon'tknow,"Isaid,guessingthatshewasthinkingofHelen.Itwasthefirsttimeinweeksthatshehadmentionedher."Whereversheis,though,she'shappy,"Iadded."I'msureofit."

"Metoo,"Heatheragreed.Shesatupandgazedattheangelundertheoaktree.Hegazedbackserenely,seemingtoreturnhersmile.Suddenlyshegraspedmyarm,hernailsbitingthroughthesleeveofmyshirt."Molly,"shewhispered."Look."

Shegottoherfeetandrantowardtheangel,andIranafterher,seeingwhatshesaw.Somethingshinydangledfromtheangel'soutstretchedhand:asilverlocketturningslightlyinthebreeze.

BeforeIcouldstopher,Heathersnatchedthechainfromtheangel'sstifffingers.AsIwatched,itseemedtopopopenbyitselfinheroutstretchedpalm.OnonesidewasapictureofHelen.Ontheotherwasafoldedpieceofpaper.Withtremblingfingers,Heatherslippeditoutoftheframeandspreaditflat.Webothreadthemessage,writteninthesamehandIhadonceseenscrawledonmybedroomwall:"WithlovefromHelen,"itsaid."Donotforgetme."

HeatherandIlookedateachother.Thesunwarmedourbacksasitshonedownthroughtheoak'sreddeningleaves.BeesbuzzedinthegoldenrodandagrasshopperboundedawayfromMichaelasheapproachedus.

"Wheredidyougetthatoldthing?"heasked,lookingatthelocket."Ithoughtyoulostitlastsummer."

"Helengaveitbacktome,"Heathertoldhimsolemnly."It'sallrightformetowearitnow,"sheadded,lookingatme."Isn'tit?"

Inodded,butMichaelrolledhiseyesskyward."NotHelenagain.Ithoughtwe'dheardthelastofthatghoststuff."

"Ithinkwehave,"Isaid."Now."

SilentlyHeatherfastenedthechainaroundherneck,smilingatmeasshedidso.Togetherwewalkedoutofthegraveyard.Behindus,Michaelkickedatthegrass.

"Istilldon'tbelieveit,"Iheardhimyellatourbacks,butitseemedtomethathisvoicequaveredatinybit.