Free The Lebrus Stone by Miriam Khan Page B

seemed all together in my opinion, even if she did claim to see ghosts. It proved I had to keep quiet about what I was experiencing. They didn't seem the kind of family to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
    "She can talk nonsense at times," Isobel clarified. "Claiming to see ghosts when she isn't telling ludicrous tales."
    I definitely had to keep it to myself.
    "In other words, take what she says with a pinch of salt." Zella giggled.
    Great.
    I seriously couldn't tell them about my dreams or hallucinations or whatever they were. They judged Jess too much. I was surprised they hadn't heard my screams during the night. Maybe the rest of the rooms were soundproof.
    The conversation cut dead and we continued to eat in silence. After breakfast, Zella offered to take me into Old Town. I jumped at the chance, wanting to get away from the chilly and eerie manor. At least the weather in Blacksville was still warm and sunny.
    Milton drove us out of the all too quiet country life and became talkative, yet somehow reluctant to look at me. I didn't question it. It's not like I knew him long enough to be sure of what was considered "normal." I was just grateful for his company.
    We arrived in town twenty minutes later and Milton promised to be back in a few hours.
    All around us, people strolled back and forth between their annual visit to the miniature stores, much like people did back home, only scattered, not walking in large groups.
    The streets were lined with rows of vintage boutiques and open market tents serving things like Damson jam and pickled lemon chutney. There was even a gunsmith and colonial wig room.
    Within most stores, an old lady discussed her hobbies or domestic problems, and included topics such as Koi fishponds or varicose veins. Subservient couples tended to your every need as if you were the first and last to attend a pilgrimage. I didn't get a chance to say much. Usually, when I browsed, it was without interruptions. Here it perhaps wasn't comprehended. There was probably a law against mindless shopping.
    By late afternoon, Zella and I decided to have lunch at the Snow White Grill, and ordered two mini burgers with fries and two diet Cokes. We took a seat at the front bar and watched an overweight chef work his magic on the flame grill.
    "Neat place," I said to Zella.
    "If you like this, you'll love Pack's frozen custards on the corner of Weems Lane," Zella squealed, disturbing the baby sleeping in a stroller beside the couple at one of the booths. The father shot me a disgruntled look.
    "Doubt that," I said crushing Zella's loud enthusiasm. "I hate custard."
    The chef placed our plates of junk food on the bar, going as far as cleaning the outside rim with a napkin when we thanked him.
    "We'll get you the vanilla cone to taste," Zella said before she took a big bite of her burger.
    Minutes later, she was on to dessert: a strawberry and banana truffle, topped with chocolate flakes.
    "So, do you like being the only female child?" I asked as she hummed to herself.
    "It's okay."
    "Is Gal always so moody?"
    "Uh-huh."
    "Why?"
    "He's okay once he's eaten."
    I laughed. "I'll try to talk to him after meal times then."
    Though, thankfully, I rarely saw him.
    "Is...Cray better after eating, too?"
    "Why?" She frowned "You're not interested in any of them are you?"
    "No," I hurried out. "I'm just asking."
    Besides, "interested" wasn't the right word to describe my reactions to Cray. It was more like a self-harming curiosity.
    "Good. They're bad for you."
    "Why?"
    "As far as I know, Cray doesn't date...officially, and Gal...well, Gal is just a goober pea."
    I snickered and ate a fry, pretending not to be glued to what she'd said about Cray.
    "So why doesn't Cray date? Does he have some type of phobia or something?"
    My question sounded intrusive, but it was too late. It was out in the open.
    "Yeah, he has girl phobia." Zella giggled.
    "Seriously. What's up with that?"
    I wasn't into dating, but most guys were different.