Haunted Hearts by Jenny Bloom

Author:Jenny Bloom [Bloom, Jenny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-21T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Lynda

The entire town was under siege with the spirit of Halloween. There were ghastly figures on every corner, witch decorations in every window, and brooms sitting out in front of doorways. As Lynda walked past them with her books tucked in her arms, she felt a creeping annoyance at how seriously Salem was taking their historical roots.

This whole place is obsessed, she thought as she walked by a group of little girls dressed as witches. And it's starting to get under my skin.

She huffed as she dipped into a coffee shop, barreling past a series of decorations that made her want to slap them away. Although she was enjoying her time with Ruby, she was beginning to feel the pressure from being surrounded by supernatural reminders.

She tried to ignore them as she ordered her coffee. When she received her cup of piping hot caffeine, she chose a table in the back corner of the shop where she could stay away from the chattering tourists happily yapping about the spooky encounters they were having.

It's not even real, she reflected angrily. I don't get how people can get so wrapped up in it.

The cool October air wasn't enough to chill her out. She could feel her aggravation rise as she attempted to focus on her weekend project: a report on a man who had been accused of witchcraft and who had later been crushed to death by stones.

She rolled her eyes at the textbook. There weren't enough illustrations that could entertain her attention. Even when she suspended her criticism, she couldn't find the energy to dedicate to her project.

I don't understand why I have to do this on an accused witch. Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean every project has to be Halloween-themed.

Someone cackled across the shop and she shuddered, feeling the itch of paranoia creeping up her spine. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. At least she could turn her attention to that.

She looked through the series of texts from Ruby, all bubbled up with excitement about their potential plans. She huffed again as she tried to stifle the guilt she felt about not following through.

I still don't know what I want to do, she typed. But I'm open to suggestions!

Her joyful texting tone didn't match her demeanor in the least and she set her phone face down for the time being as she attempted to get back to her project. The noise of the cafe consumed her ears and interrupted every passing thought, making her head spin as she tried to read the words in the book.

When her phone buzzed again, she was capped with anxious energy.

I could take you to dinner, Ruby suggested. And then we could take a walk somewhere.

What kind of dinner?

Seafood—we have the best kind!

I don't like seafood.

Seconds passed as Lynda watched the three dots appear at the bottom of the message, indicating that Ruby was typing. When they disappeared, Ruby's response showed up: How about steak?

I don't eat that much meat.

Would you prefer a vegetarian feast?

That could work.

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