Read Mesmerized for Free Online Page B

going anywhere.”
    Lily sat back and picked at a roll. She could see the logic in his statement. Watching her mother, she wondered if she’d turn into her someday. She really hoped she wouldn’t. She didn’t like how superficial her mother acted. There was more to life than looks and attraction. Lily wanted boys to like her for her, not for how she looked or what kind of pheromones her body gave off.
    The next day, her mom took her shopping. Lily bought some warmer clothes, boots, and an umbrella. Her mom tried to get her to buy tight-fitting, revealing sweaters.
    “Isn’t that counterproductive? I thought I wanted to avoid attention.” Lily shoved the short, tight sweater dress back on the rack.
    “I guess you’re right. I just love to shop.” Her mother sighed and handed her a cardigan.
    They shopped for hours until Lily’s feet were killing her. Her father had a much better idea. He was sitting at the bookstore relaxing. She would much rather be with him than shopping with her mom.
    On Saturday, her mom and dad said goodbye. As much as she missed them, she was glad they were gone. 
     
    Lily was out for a stroll later that day when the other students began returning to school. Bundled in her fall jacket and new boots, she enjoyed the time alone. “Hey Lily!” a voice called.
    She whirled around and came face to face with Ben. Sheesh! Couldn’t this kid take a hint? “Hi Ben.”
    “Let me walk with you.”
    “Actually, I’d rather be alone.” Lily wrapped her arms around herself. 
    “Aw, c’mon, don’t be like that.” He grabbed her arm. 
    “Let go, Ben,” she said sternly.
    “Just one more kiss,” he pleaded.
    “No!” she glared at him. 
    Surprising her, Ben grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her up against a tree. She screamed, “Don't!” as he pressed his lips against hers, which allowed him to shove his tongue in her mouth. Lily’s eyes widened as he continued to kiss her. She struggled and tried to break free of his grasp. Using her fists, she pounded on his chest. He kept his lips on hers and she could feel the life leaving his body.
    His body relaxed. His hands let go of her, and his eyes rolled back in his head. He dropped to the ground. Oh no, oh no, not again! This can’t be happening. She leaned down to check his pulse. It was there, but very light. Something told Lily this was more serious than last time. 
    She ran off to look for help. As if he knew she needed him, Jake walked out of a building. “Oh thank God! Come quick! I really think I did something bad this time,” her voice was quivering. She grabbed Jake’s hand and led him to Ben.
    Jake kneeled down and checked his pulse. “Lily, tell me the truth. What did you do to him?”
    “Nothing. He tried to kiss me again. Next thing I knew he was on the ground.”
    Jake knew there must be more to the story than that. He stood up and grasped the sides of her arms. “Lily, this is serious. I know there is something different about you. The way men react to you is not normal. I’m not new to the paranormal world, I know there are all kinds of crazy things out there.”
    Lily shook her head no. “I can’t.” 
    Looking from Lily to Ben, Jake asked, “Is he going to be okay? Should I call the ambulance or will he wake up on his own?” He was sure that Lily would know.
    “I don’t know. It felt different this time. I think we should get him to the hospital.”
    Jake pulled out his phone and dialed 911. “I just found my friend passed out at Emerson Academy. Please get here right away,” Jake paused for a moment. “I don’t know what happened. I was walking and just saw him like this. No, I don’t think he’s been drinking.”
    When Jake hung up the phone, Lily looked up and quietly said, “Thank you.”
    A few minutes later, they heard sirens. Jake turned to Lily and told her, “You better get out of here.”
    “You sure?”
    He nodded. Lily turned to leave. 
    “Lily,” Jake stopped her. “We will