Afraid

by Jo Gibson

  “Right.” The deputy nodded. ‘We’re trying something new. There’s a big dance at the high school tomorrow night. They’re going to dismiss the kids early from school and bus them out to the lot. The sheriff wants every teenage driver to see the wreck. He figures it might do some good.”

  Charlie glanced down at the charred wreck, and then he nodded. “It’s sure worth a try. My daughter’s going to that dance and I worry when she’s on the road.”

  When the deputy had driven away, Charlie climbed down the bank with the cable. If he didn’t get started soon, he’d be hauling the wreck in the dark.

  It took twenty minutes to attach the cable to the frame of the wreck. Charlie scrambled up the steep bank and held his breath as he fired up the winch. It was a heavy-duty cable, but the rocks were sharp and the cable could break.

  The noise was deafening as the cable tightened and the wreck began to move, scraping and sliding against the side of the bank. It seemed to take forever, but at last the wreck came up over the crest of the bank. When it was on level ground, Charlie used the winch to pull it up on the platform, and then he got into the cab to raise the platform off the ground. It was a good thing he’d brought the best tow truck in the yard. The others didn’t have a lift and there was no way he could have dragged the wreck all the way back to town.

  Charlie flicked on the headlights and the flasher, and put the truck into gear. He was just pulling away when the twin beams of his headlights illuminated something red in the bushes. Charlie stopped the truck and got out to see what it was.

  “Well . . . I’ll be!” Charlie reached out to pick up a beautiful red shoe. It looked brand-new and he searched through the bushes to see if he could find its mate. The other shoe was nearby, and Charlie grinned as he carried them back to the truck. They were made of fine, shining satin and they might fit Lisa.

  Charlie put the red shoes on the passenger seat and drove-away. He’d compare them to a pair of Lisa’s shoes and, if they were the right size, he’d give them to her for a special birthday present.

  The red shoes seemed to glow from the light of the dash, and Charlie was glad he’d found them. Lisa would love these shoes, and there was no reason to tell her he’d found them by the side of the road, tossed out like a piece of trash. He’d wrap them up and say he’d bought them at the mall. The little white lie would be his secret, and Lisa would be thrilled with her beautiful birthday present.

  Donna shuddered as she walked past Alice’s car. She knew why the sheriff had brought the seniors here, but the sheriff didn’t know the whole story. Alice hadn’t died because she’d been reckless, and she hadn’t been speeding deliberately. The cursed red shoes had killed her.

  “Are you okay, Donna?” Steve reached out for Donna’s hand.

  Donna swallowed hard. “I’m all right. It’s just seeing Alice’s car like this. I can’t help thinking I should have warned her.”

  “I know.” Steve squeezed her hand. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. But we couldn’t leave Rondelle. We did our best, Donna.”

  Donna nodded, but she was silent as they climbed on the bus and rode back to the school. They’d done their best and it hadn’t been good enough. Alice was dead. Nothing could change that.

  When they got back to the school, Lisa and Jerry met them on the sidewalk. Lisa’s face was very pale and Jerry had his arm around her shoulders.

  “Do you girls want a ride home?” Steve turned to Donna.

  “No, thanks. Lisa and I are going shopping, and I wouldn’t want you to get stuck, carrying our packages.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t mind.”

  Donna turned to stare at Steve in shock. “But I thought you hated to carry packages!”

  “I used to hate it, but I wouldn’t mind carrying them for you.”

  Jerry burst into laughter. “Oh, man—you’re hooked!”

  “No, he’s not.” Donna grinned. “He’s off the hook because Lisa and I don’t need him. We’re just going to buy one thing apiece, and we can handle that.”

  Steve nodded. “Okay. The dance starts at eight, so I’ll pick up the two of you at seven-thirty. Then we’ll come and get you, Jerry.”

  “That’s fine.” Jerry glanced up at the sky. “I’ll bring a couple of umbrellas. The weatherman said it’s supposed to turn cold and rainy tonight.”

  The rain started to fall just as Donna and Lisa were putting the final touches on their outfits. Donna turned to see how Lisa was doing, and she nodded in approval. “I really like the contrast of that bright red braid against the black. Are you going to wear black shoes?”

  Lisa smiled as she shook her head. “My parents gave me a pair of red shoes for my birthday. I’m wearing them.”

  “Red shoes? What kind of red shoes?”

  Lisa started to laugh. “Relax, Donna. These aren’t the cursed red shoes. My Dad got extra money for working overtime, and he bought them for me at Delano’s at the mall.”

  “That’s a relief!” Donna laughed, too. “For a minute, you really had me worried. I still have nightmares about those red shoes.”

  “That’s because you’re writing that article for the contest. They’re always in your mind. The shoes are gone, Donna. They burned up in the wreck.”

  Donna nodded. She didn’t want Lisa to think she was crazy for still worrying about the red shoes.

  “We’d better get dressed. We don’t have much time.” Lisa slipped on her dress and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. “I look all right, don’t I?”

  “You look gorgeous.” Donna smiled at her friend. “And we finished just in time. Steve’ll be here in less than ten minutes.”

  Lisa looked out the window. “It’s raining. I’m going to wear my old shoes until we get to the dance.”

  “Good idea.” Donna nodded. “Come on, Lisa. Let’s get our coats.”

  They were ready when Steve rang the doorbell, and he whistled as he noticed their outfits. “Hey! Both of you look really fantastic!”

  “Thanks, Steve.” Donna smiled as they hurried out to Steve’s car. He’d pulled up, under the carport by the side of the house, so they wouldn’t get wet.

  “Isn’t it a lovely night?” Lisa sighed happily as she got into the backseat.

  Steve and Donna exchanged glances and then they both cracked up. The rain was pelting down in sheets, lightning was flashing, and thunder was rumbling loudly overhead.

  “What do you think, Donna?” Steve grinned at her. “Do you think it’s a lovely night?”

  “Absolutely!”

  Twelve

  Donna was amazed when she caught her first glimpse of the gymnasium. The art classes had decorated it, and they’d really done a great job. The scene was an enchanted forest, and in the center of the dance floor was a beautiful, arched bridge that spanned a pool of real water.

  “The bridge looks good, doesn’t it?” Steve was grinning so proudly, Donna knew he’d worked on it in shop class.

  “It’s beautiful.” Donna smiled back at him. “Can we walk on it?”

  Steve nodded. “There’s a spot at the top where you can toss in a coin and make a wish. We’ll go up there later, but you have to promise to tell me your wish.”

  Donna didn’t say anything. She just snuggled a little closer to Steve’s side. She wasn’t sure what her wish would be. Right now, it seemed she had everything she’d ever wanted.

  “Let’s find our table.”

  Steve took her arm, and they walked past the tables. They were arranged around the edge of the dance floor and each one had room for two couples.

  “Here’s ours.”

  Steve pulled out a chair and Donna sat down. She read the names on the other place cards, and she began to smile. “Oh, good! We’re sitting with Jerry and Lisa!”

  “That’s right.” Steve nodded. “I thought you knew we’d be sitting with them.”

  Donna shook her head. How could she have known that? Then she glanced around and realized that they were sitting at the head
table. “Steve! This is the head table! Why are we sitting here?”

  “Because I’m the class president. Did you forget?”

  “Oh, Steve! I did forget!” Donna began to blush. And then a worried expression crossed her face. “Does that mean we have to do something special?”

  “Not really. All we have to do is head up the reception committee, and start the first dance.”

  “Oh, my!” Donna gasped again. “But . . . the only time we’ve ever danced together was at Craig’s party. And it was a lot darker then!”

  Steve laughed. “Relax, Donna. You’re a great dancer and you look really beautiful tonight.”

  “Thank you.” Donna blushed again. “How long will we have to dance alone?”

  “Only a minute or two. Then they’ll introduce Jerry and Lisa, and they’ll join us for the rest of the dance.”

  Donna was puzzled. “Jerry and Lisa? But why?”

  “Because Jerry’s the class vice president.”

  Donna nodded. Thank goodness they’d worked so hard on their outfits, because when they got up for the first dance, everyone at Jefferson High would be staring at them!

  It turned out that all Donna’s fears were groundless. Everyone had applauded and whistled when they’d danced the first dance. Lisa and Jerry had joined them, and a few minutes later, everyone else had come out on the dance floor.

  “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Steve pulled Donna close and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “It was fun.” Donna smiled up at him. “And Lisa seemed to be enjoying it, too.”

  The song ended, and Steve took her arm. “How about some punch? They’re serving it in that hollow tree, over in the corner, and I think I see Jerry in line.”

  Donna smiled as they approached the hollow tree. Two freshman girls, dressed like elves, were serving the punch. “Hi, Jerry. Where’s Lisa?”

  “Out there.” Jerry pointed to the dance floor. “Craig asked her to dance and I said that was fine with me. Lisa loves to dance, and she practically wore me out on that last set.”

  Donna was puzzled. Lisa had never mentioned that she loved to dance. As a matter of fact, she’d told Donna she was worried she’d step on Jerry’s toes. “Is Lisa a good dancer?”

  “She’s fantastic! Before we got out on the floor, she warned me that she’d never done much dancing, but she’s the best dancer I’ve ever dated!”

  Donna nodded. It was clear that Lisa had been worried for no reason. Perhaps all she needed was a little self-confidence.

  Jerry turned to talk to Steve, and Donna watched the dance floor, trying to catch a glimpse of Lisa. It took a few moments, but Donna finally saw her, dancing with Craig. They were dancing to a slow, mellow song, and Craig had the reputation of being the best dancer in the senior class. He and his older sister had competed in ballroom dance contests.

  Craig and Lisa did a graceful turn and then a dip so low, Lisa’s hair brushed the floor. Donna was so impressed, she almost started to applaud. Lisa was an incredibly good dancer, the best she’d ever seen!

  Lisa had never been so happy. She’d just discovered that she loved to dance! She’d been so nervous, her legs had been shaking when she’d gone out on the floor with Jerry. But dancing was easy and it was fun, even though she’d never had a lesson in her life.

  “You’re really terrific, Lisa!” Craig smiled down at her. “My sister’s off at college, but I’ll take up ballroom dancing again if you’ll be my partner.”

  Lisa’s eyes sparkled. “Thanks, Craig. That’s a wonderful compliment, but I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I just don’t have the time.” With her work schedule, her studies, and her family obligations, Lisa really didn’t have the time. And then there was Jerry. She wanted to spend all her free moments with him.

  “Too bad.” Craig sighed. “We would have been fantastic together. How about the dance contest tonight? You’ll be my partner for that, won’t you?”

  Lisa was surprised. She hadn’t known they were holding a dance contest. But she was Jerry’s date and if she entered the contest, it would be with him. “Sorry, Craig.” Lisa shook her head. “I’m Jerry’s date and that wouldn’t be right.”

  The song ended and Craig walked her back to the table. Jerry was there, waiting for her, and so were Donna and Steve.

  “Thanks, Jerry.” Craig gave a little bow. “Looks like the best man won.”

  Jerry looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

  “Lisa’s a fantastic dancer. I asked her to be my partner for the contest, but she turned me down for you.”

  “Really?” Jerry turned to Lisa with a grin. “I’m flattered, but I think you made a big mistake. You could win if you danced with Craig.” Suddenly, Jerry had a pained look on his face. “Oh, oh! Not again!”

  “What is it, Jerry?” Lisa turned to him in alarm.

  “It’s my ankle. It’s beginning to swell. It’s an old football injury and it acts up once in awhile.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Lisa looked worried. “Some ice, maybe? Or I could get an extra chair so you could prop it up.”

  Jerry shook his head. “That’s okay. It’ll be fine if I rest it. Why don’t you enter that dance contest with Craig? I’ll stay right here and watch you.”

  “Good idea.” Craig started to grin. “How about it, Lisa?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, go ahead.” Jerry smiled at Lisa. “Really, you’d be doing me a favor. I’d feel guilty if you couldn’t compete. You’re such a good dancer, and I’d really like to see you win.”

  Lisa smiled, and then she took a deep breath. Something strange was happening to her. The band wasn’t playing, but her feet were tapping to a wonderfully complicated beat. She wanted to dance. Oh, how she wanted to dance! And even though she tried to keep her feet still, under the table, they kept right on dancing to a beat that no one else could hear.

  The trumpets played a fanfare and the bandleader stood up to take the microphone. “You all know about the dance contest, don’t you?”

  There were cheers from several tables, and a couple of the students started to clap. The bandleader gave a little bow, and then he spoke into the microphone again. “Five of your teachers will be the judges.”

  As the bandleader began to announce the rules, Craig pulled Lisa to her feet. “Come on, Lisa. We have to sign up and get a number.”

  “But I’m still not sure if I should—”

  “Go ahead, Lisa.” Jerry interrupted her. “Get out there and win . . . for me.”

  Lisa felt her hopes soar. Jerry really wanted her to enter the contest, and her feet were itching to dance. They’d been tapping and moving ever since she’d come back to the table.

  “All right.” Lisa took Craig’s arm. “Let’s go out and win it for Jerry!”

  As Lisa stepped out on the dance floor, her heart pounded in excitement. The other couples had lined up for numbers, and Lisa’s feet tapped as they stood in line. She even did a little twirl, right there in the line, she was so eager to enter the contest. Tonight she felt like dancing was what she’d been born to do, and she could hardly wait until the band started playing.

  Just as soon as Lisa and Craig had left the table, Steve turned to Jerry. “What football injury? You don’t have any football injury!”

  “I know. But Lisa couldn’t win the contest with me, and the prize is a hundred dollars. Craig’s going to give her his share. I set it up with him, right after that first dance with Lisa.”

  Donna leaned across the table, and gave Jerry a big kiss on the cheek. “That’s really nice of you, Jerry. Lisa could use the money.”

  “Hey, Donna. How about it? Let’s enter the contest.” Steve pulled her to her feet.

  “Okay, if you want to.” Donna nodded. “But I don’t think we stand a chance of winning with Lisa and Craig out there on the floor.”

  Steve waited until they were far enough away from the table so he wouldn’t be overhear
d. And then he turned to Donna and gave her a little hug. “Winning doesn’t matter to me, Donna. I just want a chance to hold you in my arms again.”

  Thirteen

  The first song in the contest was a slow love song, and Donna and Steve did very well. When the song ended, both of them were pleased that they’d made it past the first cut.

  “We’re still in!” Donna smiled as she glanced around her. All through the song, she’d been expecting the bandleader to tap Steve on the shoulder to tell them they’d been eliminated.

  “The dance floor was crowded. Maybe they just didn’t see us.” Steve grinned down at her. “What kind of music are they playing next?”

  Donna grinned back. “I think they said it was salsa. You’d better not hold me quite so close if you ever want to use your feet again.”

  It was a miracle, but Steve and Donna made it past the second cut. When the last note had faded away, Steve turned to Donna with a smile on his face. “We made it! What’s next?”

  “Retro.” Donna started to laugh. “It’s like the disco they used to do in the seventies.”

  “Do you think we should leave now, before it starts?”

  Donna nodded. “I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all night!”

  Steve took Donna’s arm and they walked off the dance floor. They found Jerry, standing on the sidelines next to the bridge, and Steve clapped him on the back. “That old football injury of yours is much better, right?”

  “Right.” Jerry grinned. “I’ve been watching Lisa and Craig, and they’re doing great. Let’s climb up the bridge and watch from the top.”

  All three of them walked up the arched bridge and stopped at the highest point. They were about five feet above the dance floor and they could see perfectly.

  “Where’s Lisa?” Steve glanced out, over the crowd. There were still quite a few couples left on the floor.

  “Right over there, next to the platform.” Jerry pointed her out. “She’s got to be tired. Craig had her spinning all over the floor.”