Read Online Soul Crossed by Lisa Gail Green - Free Book Online Page A

I always assumed it was for losers who couldn’t fit in anywhere else. But I’ve found it to be a welcome outlet from reality. Especially since my reality got so weird.
    “Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take.” I lean forward, and she presses her lips together tight. I take the hint, and instead I stumble backward and knock over a vase set on the table nearby.
    With my enhanced hearing, I can make out the sniggers from within the wings. Miss Adams’ sigh is so loud I don’t need special senses to get that message. Thankfully she calls it a day before Juliet asks for another kiss.
    During notes, Miss Adams calls it an “off day.” She says not to worry, but does tell me not to be afraid to touch Grace. To remember that it is a play, and I am not Josh, but Romeo. Translation:
What the Hell is wrong with you—she’s hot! Are you gay? Kiss her!
    Maybe I can glamour the whole lot of them so they think we did.
    Cam catches me on the way out and whispers low as we make our way back to the condo.
    “I saw what you did—or didn’t do—today. I was working lights.”
    “Oh yeah?”
    “You’re a good friend, man. I appreciate you laying off, but I want you to know I get it. I mean, the show must go on, right? Just don’t make it too good, OK?”
    “Whatever you say. So I’m guessing we’re using tree targets again?” I ask, changing the subject to one I know he can’t leave alone. After about a week of capturing squirrels, rabbits, and even a skunk, the animals have stopped coming. I guess wildlife is smart enough not to be fooled by some food in a metal cage. Or maybe it’s the carcasses of their cousins that scare them away.
    “I’ve got something much better,” he says, and his eyes seem to darken. I look up—it’s only a cloud floating by overhead.
    “Oh yeah? What’s that?” I ask.
    “I’ve started rounding up some cats from around the neighborhood. I have about three so far. They’ll be better targets anyhow.”
    “Dude, those are people’s pets.” I know I’m a Demon, but that’s just wrong.
    “Yeah, but they roam around at night. I’m doing them a favor. Winter’s coming early this year, and they’ll freeze out there. This is much more humane.” Sounds like he’s worked it all out. Never mind that the cats might be smart enough to stay inside on cold winter nights.
    “So cats?” I ask.
    “Maybe a dog or two if I can find a stray.”
    Suddenly, I wish I’d stuck to talking about the play.

Chapter 22
Grace
    I feel terrible. It’s my fault Miss Adams chastised Josh. I’m the one who refused the kiss. I’m just so afraid of what will happen this time. Developing feelings for a still-living boy must be a sin—what other explanation is there for the sparks and hail the other night? A point Ms. Alvarez has neglected to mention in my lessons. I have to find a way out of this play. It’s a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, my understudy, Fatmeh, hasn’t bothered to learn her lines. I hate the thought of letting everyone down, so I keep going to rehearsal.
    I see Cam and Josh heading off, heads huddled together in deep conversation. I wonder if Cam has shared his tragic history with Josh. The poor boy blames himself for his sister’s death. From where I sit, it was his father’s fault for leaving a loaded gun within reach of a three year old.
    I’ve decided the best way to save him is to do a little family therapy. Surely his mother doesn’t recognize the pain he’s in. It must be difficult to see through her own heartbreak. I plan on forcing a meeting with her this weekend. After all, Thanksgiving is near. What better time to come together as a family?
    On impulse I start to follow the boys. I wonder what they do together every day after rehearsal or homework. Cam never mentions Josh, and I’ve been making an effort not to be alone with the latter. No matter how I try, though, I can’t help laughing at his jokes at lunch or enjoying our debates on the meaning