Read Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) for Free Online Page B

pleasant face creased with worry.
    ‘Well, I had gone to the park just to walk, you know, clear my head…’ Alma related the events that led up to her being pushed through the Gate, stopping short at that point. Sara was aghast.
    ‘That absolute cow – who does she think she is? Did… did they hurt you?’
    ‘No, well, that’s the weird part. They sort of, um herded me into the woods but then I-‘ Alma stopped. Hating herself, she decided to lie. There was just no way Sara would believe what had happened next. Rubbing her face with her hands, she went on. ‘So, I somehow managed to get away from them and, er, just ran home.’
    ‘Alma, why didn’t you ring me! Oh my god, that is just insane!’ 
    Alma shrugged. “Well, my phone had run down and it was late and I was a bit shaken up. I’m sorry.’
    ‘No, no, that’s fine,’ said Sara, obviously distressed by Alma’s story. Her brow furrowed as she considered what might happen next. ‘I totally understand. But that’s just unbelievable – what is her problem?’
    ‘I know, right? I kind of feel sick about going to school on Monday. What am I going to do?’ said Alma.
    Flopping back on the bed, Sara looked across at her friend. ‘This is not good,’ she said. ‘But, whatever happens, whatever she does next, we’ll face it together, OK?’ Alma smiled across at her.
    ‘Thanks,’ she replied, ‘but I don’t want you to-’
    ‘Get involved?’ Sara raised her eyebrows. ‘I am involved, Alma, and there’s no way you’re dealing with this alone.’
    ‘Well, thanks,’ said Alma. Gratitude and love for her friend mingled with guilt at her secret and she felt awful about not being able to tell her. She poked Sara in the side, causing her to squeal. ‘So, tell me more about Josh?’
     
    ***
    Alma woke bleary-eyed Monday morning. She barely had time to wash, change and gulp down some breakfast before running out the door - not the best start to what was sure to be a trying day. She met Sara on the front steps of the school, and as the two girls walked in through the large glass doors a pit of dread formed in Alma’s stomach.
    ‘It’s all right, Alma,’ whispered Sara, staying close to her. ‘I can’t see her anywhere.’ She scanned the crowded foyer, teachers and students everywhere. ‘Although… that’s odd.’
    ‘What’s that?’ said Alma, instantly on alert. Sara jerked her head, signalling across the foyer to where Ellery’s two sidekicks stood against the wall, deep in conversation. Nonplussed, Alma looked at Sarah.
    ‘Well, where’s Ellery?’ Sara said, her expression perplexed. ‘They go everywhere together. Maybe she’s sick today?’
    Alma shrugged. Then, looking again at the two girls, she narrowed her eyes. Grabbing Sara by the arm, she started across the foyer towards them.
    ‘What are you doing Alma?’ Sara hissed, frantic. ‘Are you seriously going to talk to them?’
    ‘It’s two against two,’ shot back Alma, ‘and besides, what are they going to do here?’
    Fronting up to the two girls against the wall, Alma stared at them, arms folded and one eyebrow raised, Sara at her side. The girls’ conversation petered out as they turned to look at Alma, clearly irritated at the interruption.
    ‘Yes?’ said Dee, her tone dismissive. ‘Can we help you with something?’
    ‘Actually, you can,’ shot back Alma. ‘You can tell me what your problem was in the park on Friday.’ She tapped her foot, waiting for an answer.
    Dee looked at Nicole who shook her blonde head, looking confused. Dee shrugged, then turned her dark eyes on Alma, who almost laughed. Really, this was some act they were putting on.
    ‘What are you talking about?’ said Dee, frowning.
    ‘Yeah, we haven’t been to the park in weeks,’ put in Nicole, her eyes hard.
    ‘But… you were there. With Ellery. You threatened me!’ said Alma, the wind taken from her sails.
    ‘Why would I waste my time threatening you?’ Dee asked, her tone