Page 29 of Wicked Games

Caleb twisted around. “I lost a tooth.”

I climbed up on the stool next to him. He gave me a wide smile, showing a gap in his teeth. While he was proud, my stomach turned. I didn’t hide my grimace. I hated plucking outloose teeth. The last one that wiggled, Caleb reached in my mouth and snatched it out before I could stop him.

He wouldn’t give it back for the tooth fairy either.

My mom kissed me on the head. “Have fun. I’ll see you later.”

We watched her go back the way she came.

“All right.” Mrs. Asher clapped. “Ready?”

Caleb pushed away his place, and we followed her into the garage.

She buckled us into our seats in the car. We were old enough to do it ourselves—that’s what Caleb told her anyway, but she just smiled.

“You’re growing up before my eyes.” She kissed him on the forehead.

Something in my chest tightened and loosened at the same time.

Mom liked me. But she didn’t like methatmuch.

And Dad…

“Are you okay, Margo?” Mrs. Asher asked.

Mom would kill me if I told the Ashers anything, so I nodded.

We got to the park, and Caleb’s mom laid out a blanket. It was warm and sunny, and Caleb took off toward some of his friends. I sprawled out next to Lydia and closed my eyes again. The sun heated my body.

In the distance, Caleb and his friends were laughing.

Laughing.

Screaming.

Blank.

No, I need to remember.

Caleb and his friends were playing.

I sat up, confused. Alone.

Blank.

I screamed.

Present

I open my eyes, looking around slowly. I’m in my old bedroom, curled into a ball on the floor. How I got here is a mystery. One minute I was walking into the house, the next… a memory.

But it isn’t as sharp as I need it to be.

It isn’t as clear.

I stand and go to the dresser, acting on a suspicion. It’s a shock more than anything to see a trail of disturbed dust.

Caleb and I were in here before, and then he shows up with the bracelet at the ball?

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