Free The Awakening Evil by R.L. Stine Page B

you’ve been. But what am I saying? Look at you. You’re the picture of health!”
    She rang a bell that sat on the glass-topped table next to her wicker chair. A servant hurried across the lawn. “Bring Mrs. Fear a chair at once,” she instructed. “And a glass of sweet tea.”
    It was warm in the bright sun. Jane removed her heavy red cloak. The servant hurried back across the lawn with a chair. He placed it next to Jane. Another servant set two glasses of tea on the little table.
    Jane sat down across from Mrs. Teasedale. Mrs. Teasedale beamed at her. “I just can’t get over it. You’re like a new person.”
    How true that is, Jane thought. Her stomach twisted itself into knots. What does Sarah have planned for Mrs. Teasedale?
    â€œI was so sorry about Thomas’s passing,” Mrs. Teasedale told her. “I feel terribly ashamed for everything I said to you that day. I should not have repeated those stories about the Fears.”
    â€œIt is not your fault,” Jane said carefully. “Everyone in town believes those same stories.”
    Liza Teasedale shook her head. “That is no excuse. But my darling, I can’t tell you how marvelous you look! It is simply miraculous.”
    Jane suddenly stiffened.
    She could feel the evil spirit awakening inside her. Stretching. Fitting its shape into her body. Arm into arm and leg into leg. As if Sarah were wearing her, putting on her body like a piece of clothing.
    She must die, Sarah whispered inside Jane’s head.
    Die? Liza Teasedale?
    Jane gasped.
    â€œAre you all right?” Mrs. Teasedale cried, alarmed.
    â€œI—I think I am—”
    You heard me, Jane. Now. Kill her, Sarah ordered.
    But why? Jane wondered. What harm did this lady ever do to you?
    Oh, it’s not for me. It’s for you. Because you want her to suffer so, Sarah told her.
    Jane realized she could talk to Sarah without speaking out loud. Sarah could hear her, just as Jane could hear Sarah.
    I don’t want her to suffer, Jane cried.
    Of course you do. I am only doing your bidding, Sarah insisted. I have only been doing your bidding all along. You hated Thomas from the beginning. You wanted him dead and out of your life so you could enjoy his wealth without him. So I killed him.
    That is a sick and desperate lie! Jane protested.
    Oh, now don’t pretend. You hated Thomas and you hate Mrs. Teasedale, Sarah said.
    I don’t. Please don’t hurt her, Sarah. Please, Jane begged.
    Of course you do, Sarah said. Jane could hear the smile in her voice. You hate the way she tried to frighten you about Thomas and his family. And now she must pay—with her life!
    â€œNo!” Jane cried.
    â€œNo what, dearest?” Mrs. Teasedale said, looking confused.
    Jane realized she had spoken aloud. “You must forgive me,” she said. “This is my first day up and about. I get confused rather easily.”
    â€œOf course, child. That is why I wondered if you should have visited so soon,” Mrs. Teasedale told her.
    â€œIf it is all right with you, I will come back another time,” she said. She rose from her chair.
    I will get away, Jane thought. Fast. Before I can harm the poor old lady, I will get away.
    Where? Where can you go? Sarah asked.
    Far away. Far away from anyone I know or care about. Anyone I might hurt, Jane answered.
    She heard a distant roaring in her head. The roar grew louder.
    Mrs. Teasedale did treat me badly, Jane thought suddenly. That day. That tea party. When Mrs. Teasedale accused the Fears of being evil. Didn’t she know how much that would frighten me? It was cruel of her.
    Laughter mixed with the roaring sound in Jane’s head.
    â€œAre you sure you’re all right?” Mrs. Teasedale asked.
    â€œI’m fine, I’m fine. I just wanted to say thank you again for all your good wishes when I was sick. I will come back soon,” Jane promised.
    I’ve got to get