Free The Curse of Arkady by Emily Drake Page B

into the big gymnasium.
    Decorators had already been at work on it, and harvest wreaths and banners hung everywhere. Piles of dried gourds and newly picked pumpkins lay by the door, and the immense hall had been cleared except for a few large round tables. Cardboard booths were being assembled as fast as the older students could get them together, and Mr. Nicholas, the music director, was orchestrating everyone as cheerfully as he did the school band. They got in line for their booth assignment, and Mrs. Nicholas, his wife, looking only slightly less cheerful and a trifle more harried, smiled at them as she sorted through a deck of cards.
    â€œAh. From different schools but sharing the same booth! That’s the spirit! That’s what we’re all here for. And who are you rooting for in the big game tomorrow?”
    Ting stared at Bailey and Bailey stared back at Ting. Neither of them had really wanted to stay for the football game; they were doing the matinee instead. They both shrugged.
    Mrs. Nicholas laughed and hugged them both. “Just smile and pretend you like football if anyone asks.”
    Bailey took their placards and tucked them under one arm. “We need to finish setting up the booth,” she explained.
    â€œOf course. Oh, and your mother called, Bailey. She said she was going to be at the office for another hour, and you’ll have to take the bus home. Is that going to be a problem for you girls?”
    â€œNah.” Bailey shook her head. “I do it all the time. Working mom, you know?”
    â€œI know,” smiled Mrs. Nicholas. “Take your pick of any of the garlands and banners. Tomorrow, there should be squash for everyone, too.”
    â€œJust what I want! A squash!” Bailey laughed and waved at Mrs. Nicholas. Ting hurried after.
    â€œYou know,” Ting said thoughtfully as they found their booth (already assembled!) in the corner. “Maybe we should go to the game. Isn’t Stefan a tackle on the Midford team?”
    â€œYup, he made the Midford Bears all right.” Bailey smothered a laugh. “And I think Rich is a trainer or something.”
    â€œRich?” Without missing a beat, Ting took the placards from her and taped them neatly to the front of the booth.
    â€œYou know the most physical thing he does is trot after Stefan and hope Stef doesn’t shapeshift when anyone else can see. And he’d make a great trainer, he’s such a hypochondriac. He knows how to do anything for anyone who might be ill or hurt.” Bailey talked quietly, although the din in the hall was so loud, it was doubtful anyone could hear them. Still, you never knew. And this was Magicker business, and had to be taken seriously.
    â€œThink we should go to the game?”
    â€œAnd miss the movie? I’ve been waiting months for it!”
    â€œWell, me, too. It’s settled, then. We’ll stay with the movie.” Ting tossed her long dark hair back over her shoulder before bending down to make sure their signs were securely fastened to the various booth sides.
    Bailey went and found a harvest garland and began twining it about the wooden boards that formed the booth’s window. She hurried, aware of the tick of time. It only took a few more minutes and they were all squared away. Bailey stepped back. CHARMS and TALISMANS for Luck and Fortune. She smiled. “Looks good!”
    â€œThink we’ll sell any?”
    â€œI hope so, the school funds need it. And no one is doing anything like it, although my mom’s probably right . . . food will sell the best. She says boys our age do nothing but eat.” She frowned slightly. “Do you think it’s right?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œWell.” Bailey shifted her weight slightly. She lowered her voice even more. “Selling Magick.”
    â€œNo one will know it’s Magick. I mean, real Magick.”
    â€œThey’ll think it’s just for fun, right?” Bailey