Locket full of Secrets Read Online Free Page A

entered the room carrying what had to be the largest stuffed animal they sold in the hospitals store.
    “I know you’re a little old for these now, but he just looked like he needed a good home,” dad shrugged, making the bear dance a little in the air.
    Sliding off the bed and walking towards him, I gave the bear and my dad a hug. On my own I never would have picked out the bear, but given all I had gone through it was nice to have something to cuddle up to.
    As the doctors came in with a wheelchair they insisted I sit in on the trip to the car, I squeezed the bear for support. Leaving the hospital meant that it was time to face the real world, the one where my best friend killed people in the bathroom at Perkins.
    “Where are we going?” I asked once the nurse pushed the button for the basement.
    “There are a few reporters outside,” Mr. Cimenti, who had joined us for the ride, spoke up before my parents had the chance. “We’re taking you out a back entrance to avoid them all.”
    His words left me holding the bear even tighter. It had not hit me yet that word of a murder would be spreading. Surely it had made the local news. My picture was no doubt plastered on every TV set in town, making it obvious to my classmates why I had missed a day at school.
    My heart was racing by the time we exited the hospital and I was loaded into our car. I was constantly looking around us, expecting to see reporters heading our way any second.
    “I’ll be following right behind you Lou,” Mr. Cimenti said, before walking to his police cruiser.
    “Is he like, escorting us home?” I asked as I buckled my seatbelt. I said it more as a joke, but dad turned from the front seat to give me a serious look.
    “Ray is a little worked up about you, and so am I,” dad explained as mom started the car. “He said he’s going to be on watch at the house for a few days in case your friend stops by for a visit.”
    Clamping my eyes shut to ward off the tears I tried to tell myself this was just my dad’s best friend worrying about me. I had to be safe, right? As we pulled into my driveway a few minutes later I let out the breath I was holding, unbuckled my seatbelt, and headed inside before my parents could offer to help.
    “Do you want something to eat?” mom asked as she chased after me into the house. Her voice was strained, clearly worried she did not have something more practical to offer me.
    “No,” I mumbled. Without looking back I headed straight to my room and curled up on my bed.
    I could hear my parents standing outside my open door. They did not want to bother me, but were worried about me all the same. Knowing my mom would stand there all night if I did not give her something to do I sat up and called her into the room.
    “Can you make me some tea?” I asked, knowing deep down the warm liquid might help my throat. It was still a little sore from screaming in the bathroom.
    “Of course honey,” she replied, before heading back towards the kitchen.
    “Do you want anything to snack on?” dad suggested, not wanting to be left out of helping.
    “I think I’m okay,” I smiled. “I might take a shower though.”
    “I’ll grab a clean towel,” dad nodded then towards the linen closet at the end of the hall. I had only mentioned it so my dad would leave for a little, but the more I thought about washing my body the better it sounded. I would have to wait a few days to wash my hair thanks to the stitches, and would need to keep my new cast out of the flow of water, but it was better than nothing.
    After a hot shower and sipping my tea with my parents watching from my bedroom door I announced I was tired and wanted to get some sleep. It was still early, and I knew I would not have to go to school in the morning, but I did not have the energy to keep the charade up any longer. Claiming a need for sleep seemed to be the best way to get them to back down a little.
    “Call me if you need anything at all,” mom whispered