Read Online Hair in All The Wrong Places by Andrew Buckley - Free Book Online Page A

switching it on. “What were you dreaming about?”
    Colin was beginning to notice that Becca had a very disconcerting way of speaking. She had a habit of cutting to the chase. It freaked Colin out.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œWhen I woke you up, you were covered in sweat and moaning.”
    â€œI was moaning?”
    â€œYeah, I was worried you were in pain.”
    Colin flushed and felt thankful that it was dark. “I’ve had some bad dreams lately. Along with some weird hunger cravings. And mild hallucinations. Oh, and headaches. It’s all really strange.”
    â€œWell, you’re in the right place. Elkwood is the place for strange.”
    â€œDoes your dad know you’re out tonight?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    â€œSo no one knows we’re out here?”
    Becca stopped and gave Colin a coy smile. “What’sthe matter, Colin? Afraid?”
    â€œNo, I’m not scared,” countered Colin. “But there is supposed to be some sort of wild animal wandering around out here, you know.”
    Becca turned away from Colin and then without warning threw herself back at him. If this had happened yesterday, Colin would have dropped her but he easily caught her around the waist in his current state. Becca laid her head on his shoulder and peered up at him.
    â€œThat’s why I brought you, my brave warrior,” sighed Becca dramatically. “To protect me against the evil beasty.” Smiling, she stood up and laughed.
    â€œDon’t mock me!” said Colin. “I mean, it’s funny, but still.”
    Becca carried on walking with Colin dutifully following. “I like that you can take a joke, Colin.”
    â€œYou won’t find it so funny when you’re being torn to shreds by some creature and I’m already halfway back to town.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t do that.”
    â€œYou’re right. I’d be too scared to move.”
    They both laughed. Colin felt happier than he had in a long time. And that worried him. He’d always been under the impression that he wasn’t allowed to be happy.
    â€œSo what are you hoping to find at the crime scene?” said Colin.
    â€œI don’t know. I figured you’d be more curious than me.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œOne of our classmates gets attacked by a wild animal the same night that you’re out driving around town inwhat I can only assume was a stolen vehicle.”
    There it was. Did Becca think Colin had killed Sam Bale?
    â€œYou were out too,” said Colin, probably a little too defensively.
    â€œThen this is a good way to clear both our names. Why were you out last night anyway?”
    â€œWhy were you out?” he countered.
    â€œTouché, Mr. Strauss,” said Becca. “Don’t worry, Colin. I don’t think you’re a wild animal nor do I believe that any fiber of your being has the ability to attack anyone, let alone kill them.”
    â€œI guess that makes you the prime suspect then,” said Colin jokingly. Becca punched him in the shoulder playfully. “See! Violent offender right here!” shouted Colin.
    â€œShush.”
    They had crossed several fields and hopped a number of fences, catching glimpses of the flickering light from the Merton farmhouse in the distance. The moon should have been full tonight but the overcast sky hid any evidence of it. As they walked downhill toward the forest, the open fields weren’t as well tended the farther away from the farmhouse they went, making walking a bit of a hazard.
    As they walked, Colin tried to keep from dwelling on the flashes from his disturbing dream, but they refused to stay down in the dark corners of his mind. This was his first happy moment in a long time, and he didn’t want to ruin it by contemplating whatever was going on with his mind and body.
    â€œColin, how can you possibly see where you’re going?”
    Lost in thought, Colin