Free The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer Page A

Lin’s eyes, he was surprised to see a glint of friendliness.
    Friendliness was so rare in Matt’s life, he instantly pointed to the man.
    â€œGood decision,” whispered El Patrón. With the introductions disposed of, energy seemed to desert him. He sank back in the wheelchair and closed his eyes. “Good-bye, Mi Vida . . . until next time,” he murmured.
    The Alacráns crowded around and assured El Patrón of their fond regards. He ignored them. Then Daft Donald lifted him, chair and all, and carried him down the stairs to a waiting limousine. Everyone followed, calling out their good wishes. When the car drove off, the family members hurried away. The servants parted around Matt as though he were a rock in a stream and vanished into the house.
    He was ignored. Not mistreated, just ignored. Only María had to be dragged off, complaining loudly.
    Celia waited patiently for the crowd to clear. And Tam Lin.
    â€œWell, laddie, let’s see what you’re made of,” said Tam Lin, scooping up Matt in one beefy arm and slinging him over his shoulder.

7

T EACHER
    M att avoided leaving the safe haven of Celia’s apartment for as long as possible. But gradually, Celia and María lured him into the walled garden and, from there, to other parts of the Big House.
    Matt didn’t like these excursions. The servants drew away from him as though he were something unclean, and Steven and Emilia turned the other way if they saw him coming. And there was always the danger of running into Tom.
    Tom insisted on playing with María. He made her cry, but she always forgave him. He followed her to Celia’s apartment in spite of—or perhaps because of—Matt’s hostility. He seemed to like being where he wasn’t wanted.
    â€œIt’s nice here,” Tom said, picking up Matt’s treasured teddy bear. “Catch, María.” He swung the bear viciously by one of its ragged ears and smacked her in the face. The ear tore off. He tossed it to the floor.
    â€œOw!” she squealed. Matt scrambled for the ear, but Tom put his foot on it. Matt flew at him, and soon they were both down on the floor, kicking and punching. María ran to get Tam Lin.
    The bodyguard watched impassively for a moment, then reached down and pulled the boys apart. “You were told to leave Matt alone, Master Tom,” he said.
    â€œHe hit me first!” shouted Tom.
    â€œHe did,” María said, “but Tom teased him.”
    â€œYou’re a liar!” yelled Tom.
    â€œI am not!”
    Matt said nothing. He wanted to throw Tom to the ground. He even wanted to kick Tam Lin. He tried to shout insults, but the words wouldn’t come out. They stayed inside, getting bigger and bigger until he was sick to his stomach.
    â€œYou’re right,” Tom said suddenly. “I did tease Matt. I’m really sorry about it.” Matt was amazed. Tom seemed to change right before his eyes. The angry red faded from Tom’s cheeks. His eyes became clear and guileless. It was hard to believe it was the same boy who had been kicking and screaming only a minute ago.
    Matt wished desperately that he could get over things that fast. Whenever he was hurt or angry or sad, the feelings stuck their claws into him until they were ready to let go. Sometimes it took hours.
    Tam Lin studied Tom’s earnest face for a moment and then loosened his grip on the boy’s shirt. “Fair enough,” he said. He turned Matt free, too. Matt immediately took both Tom’s and María’s hands and dragged them to the door. He felt swollen with all the words he wanted to shout at them.
    â€œYou want us to go?” cried María. “After we made up and all?”
    Matt nodded.
    â€œWell, I think you’re a pig! And I’m not going to be mean to Tom just because you don’t like him. Besides, everyone thinks you’re awful.” María slammed the door