Free Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway

across the hardwood floor as she draws closer.
    “Libbi?” Mom whispers from the other side of the door. “Are you awake?”
    I want to answer her, but I can’t force the air out of my lungs. I shift on my bed and the bedsprings creak, but I keep my mouth closed.
    “Well, if you are awake and you’re listening, I want to say I’m sorry for the stuff I said last night. I love you. You just scared me.” She breathes a shaky sigh. “Just promise me you won’t disappear like that again. Okay?”
    After a few seconds of silence, she steps away from my door. I draw my legs up and tuck them under me. I don’t want to talk to her anymore. I don’t think I can face her, not if she wants me to promise that. Whether I decide to take Aaron’s job or choose to die, I’m going to disappear.

9
     
    Daylight and the normal routine of the school day make my problem a little easier to ignore. The sun’s warm rays overpower the glow of the souls a little. That alone almost convinces me last night was a nightmare, and the glow that I’m seeing on everyone is just a symptom of a concussion which, for some reason, is more comforting. But my stiff muscles and grainy eyes remind me that I didn’t sleep last night. Not one bit. It wasn’t a dream. Last night was real.
    “Libbi?”
    Startled, I swing around in my chair and face Kyle. I hadn’t noticed him sitting there. He studies me from behind his open calculus book, which stands upright on his desk. His skin illuminates the pages like a reading lamp and I restrain a shudder. That glow is definitely real.
    “Damn, Libs.” He bounces the eraser of his pencil against the desk in an intricate pattern only a skilled drummer could accomplish. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”
    Well, Aaron’s too solid to be a ghost, but that’s a good start.
    “Have you ever heard of a guy named Aaron Shepherd?” I say.
    “Aaron Shepherd?” Kyle bites the end of his pencil. “Maybe. The name sounds familiar.”
    I knew it. I knew I’d heard his name before. I grip the end of my desk with both hands.
    “Do you remember where you heard it?”
    “Um, not really. Why?” He frowns, and his hand slips down to his side, closer to the sticks in his back pocket. If we weren’t in class, he’d have them out, I’m sure.
    “Never mind.” I loosen my fingers, half-expecting to see my handprints pressed into the wood. “So, what time is the Battle of the Bands tonight?”
    “Eight.” He raises his eyebrows. “You’re coming, right?”
    “How could I miss it?”
    “You know, you’re my lucky charm.” He beams at me.
    “Then I’ll be there.”
    His deep brown eyes sparkle under his mop of curly blond hair. I return his grin, but I wish mine felt as genuine as his looks.
    Kyle goes back to his drum solo on his open calculus book, and I return to my doodle-covered paper and thoughts of Aaron Shepherd. After a few minutes of silence, I nudge Kyle with my elbow.
    “Hey, do you think you could do me a favor?”
    “What favor?” He puts down his pencil and looks at me.
    “Could you watch Max after school for a little bit? I have detention with Winkler.” I roll my eyes for dramatic effect.
    “Really? Isn’t flunking history enough of a punishment? That guy is such a tool,” he growls. “Actually, he’s a sprinkler.” He flashes a big, cheesy grin.
    “Will you just watch him for me, please?” I ask again, trying to keep the impatience out of my voice, but I don’t think I succeed.
    “Yeah.” Kyle frowns. Then he shakes his head and says, “I mean, sure. Anytime. You know I love Max.”
    The bell rings. I stand and grab my book bag from the floor, and Kyle touches my arm softly, like a caress.
    “Are you sure you’re all right, Libs?” His deep brown eyes search mine. “I mean, there isn’t something you need to tell me, is there?” His voice lowers. “This guy Aaron? Do I need to…” He smacks his drumsticks into his open palm and raises his