Read Mayday for Free Online

I crossed my fingers. My next words would push her away, or connect us forever, but I didn’t come all this way for nothing, “I once guarded my sister’s bed. Until the sun rose, if I needed to. Where I used to live, evil things went bump in the night.”
    Crow softened, and for a moment her eyes begged. When I was thirteen, I would have given anything to know that I wasn’t the only girl on a silent vigil, that there was another who shared my torment. In that instant, Crow changed. Before my eyes, years fell from her like scales, and she became a girl, just a lonely girl.
    â€œCall me Crow.” She settled back, her face hardening again. “The evil that goes bump in this house is at a conference. I got questions for you, but tonight I’m too tired to care. Help yourself to the blankets.” Crow blinked toward my left and closed her eyes.
    I examined my spindly arms, worked by shivers. I didn’t make a move for the quilts. It felt too good to feel.
    Crow cracked an eyelid, peeked at the unused blankets, and hinted a smile.
    â€œOh, one last question.” I asked.
    â€œHm.”
    â€œWhat day is it?”
    â€œApril 21,” she muttered.
    Less than two weeks till Mayday. Perfect.

CHAPTER 6
    THE THOUGHTS OF C. RAINE
    When the student is ready, the master appears.
    Buddhist proverb
    I SLEPT.
    For most, an unremarkable occurrence, but for me, the most precious of gifts. This Shane, this tent I inhabited may have owned awkward legs and prudish hands, but her sleep was deep and dreamless.
    I could not recall such a restful slumber. Ever. As I rolled, I wondered: Did everyone feel this restored by the night? I smiled and snuggled and smiled again. Sadie had given me the most perfect loaner . . . a sleeper! For the first time, morning felt good.
    What a wonderful body, both refreshed and warm.
    I forced open my eyelids. Covered by three quilts, I lay next to a dry pair of jeans and a Property of XXL hoodie. I peeled off damp clothes and squeezed into Crow’s black denims. I remembered the pair. Wincing, I fought with the button. I remembered them fitting.
    It dawned on me that though I’d been fierce about getting back to thirteen, I had no idea what to do now that I’d arrived. School was in session, the Monster was at work, and judging on the stomach growl, Shane hadn’t been fed in a while.
    Warm shower. First thing I do is find a warm shower.
    Crow’s head popped above the floorboards. “You weren’t a dream.”
    â€œThat’s debatable.” I rubbed my face.
    Crow cocked her head. “Yeah, whatever. So, do you do school or what?”
    I shrugged and yawned. “Haven’t for a couple weeks.”
    This clearly pleased Crow mightily. “So you just sit up here.” Crow rested her head on her folded arms. “Like a female Tom Sawyer. You go where you want, when you want. No worries.” She thought, and when finally her lips curled, I knew an idea had taken root. “Seeing as you live this dream life in the comfort of my tree house, I’d say you owe me a favor. Why don’t you do school today?”
    â€œWith you?”
    â€œWith me.”
    â€œI don’t see how that provides any favor. Besides, I can’t.” I nestled back into the pile of blankets. “They won’t let you in without papers. Vaccination papers. Like a dog.” I rolled my eyes.
    Crow slapped an immunization record on the floor. “Copied. Should work.”
    â€œRight. And you probably need a home address,” I said. “There are no house numbers on this tree.”
    â€œTell them you live inside. I’ll let you be my half sister. My dad’s girl. Something happened with the other arrangement, and now you’re living with us.”
    Yeah, that might work . . .
    Crow grabbed my arm. “Don’t worry so much. You frown like Addy.” She paused. “I should know your last