Read Online No Going Back by ALEX GUTTERIDGE - Free Book Online Page A

begin to buckle and caught hold of the gatepost leading into the churchyard in the nick of time.
    â€œLaura, are you all right?” Dad asked.
    He was so close to me now I could have just put out my hand and touched him.
    â€œI’m sorry. I upset you.”
    I lifted my head slowly, dug my fingers into the stonework, feeling loose, gravelly chippings anda little mound of moss beneath my skin. Over the top of the wall an auburn-haired boy was straightening up, shears in one hand, clipped grass scattered over his trainers. “Are you okay?” he called.
    â€œYes, fine,” I called with a slightly disembodied voice. “Just tripped, that’s all.”
    I felt like such a fool. He walked towards me.
    â€œYou sure you’re okay?”
    I nodded, sensed Dad getting edgy by my side. The boy didn’t appear to be able to see him. His eyes were totally fixed on me and I felt myself blush. It must have been absolutely blaring out of my face, my neck, my chest, even spreading up into the roots of my hair.
    â€œIt’s easily done,” the boy said. “These pavements are full of potholes. I’ve almost gone flying myself once or twice.” He had freckles and a smile that was so open it was disconcerting. Suddenly I was completely tongue-tied and I had no idea why. Boys didn’t usually have this effect on me. “Are you new here?”
    â€œYes,” I replied.
    It was all I could manage.
    Something began tugging at my elbow. It wasas if I had a lasso around my arm, pulling me backwards. I didn’t have to look around to know it was Dad.
    â€œI’ve got to go,” I said. “Sorry.”
    â€œWhat’s your name?” the boy asked.
    â€œLaura.”
    â€œHi, Laura.” His smile broadened and a dimple appeared at the bottom of his right cheek. It looked really cute. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”
    Was it a question or a statement? I wasn’t sure. All the time I was backing away, being reeled in like some disobedient animal.
    â€œYeah,” I replied. “Maybe.”
    I meant to sound cool but it just came out as unfriendly.
    â€œAargh!” I groaned when we were out of sight. “I sounded like an idiot and he was really nice.”
    â€œDo you think so?” Dad asked, with a frown rippling his forehead. “I’m not sure I like the look of him.”
    â€œIs that why you dragged me away?” I asked, shaking my arm and trying to free myself from the thread which I could now see was wound aroundmy wrist like one of those toddler straps or a dog lead.
    â€œYou shouldn’t go talking to strangers,” he replied. “In fact, the more I think about it, the more suspect he seems.”
    â€œNo he doesn’t. He looks perfectly normal. He might even be at the school I’m going to in September. Besides, he was working in the churchyard so surely he can’t be that bad?”
    Dad frowned. “Hmm,” he responded. “When I was young, teenage boys didn’t hang around graveyards, clipping grass. He’s bound to be up to no good. The minute we’ve gone he’ll probably be ripping the lead off the porch roof or breaking in at the back of the church and stealing the silver. It’s a good thing I’m here to protect you from people like that, Laura.”
    I flashed him a glance to see if he was joking but he looked deadly serious.
    â€œI can protect myself thanks very much,” I replied. “Okay, I admit that it’s a bit strange he was in the churchyard but that doesn’t mean he’s a complete weirdo.”
    Dad shook his head as if I was completely deluded. “You never can tell. People aren’t always what theyseem, you know.”
    â€œI know. I’m not stupid. What about ghosts?” I asked, in an attempt to jolt him out of overprotective mode. “Are they always what they seem to be?”
    I peered at him, stifled a giggle, waited for