The Verdict (Sweet Valley High Book 97) by Francine Pascal

Author:Francine Pascal [Pascal, Francine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Steven strode across the main quadrangle on Friday afternoon, a grouchy expression on his face. He wasn't sure what he was more annoyed about: the fact that he hadn't been able to attend Elizabeth's trial that day because of an economics exam he couldn't reschedule, or the probability that he'd failed the exam regardless because he'd been too distracted to study.

A voice broke into his dismal reverie. "Hey, Wakefield!" someone called.

Steven looked up, narrowing his eyes against the bright sun. When he saw who was hurrying toward him, his annoyance increased. Bart Lloyd had been a year ahead of him at Sweet Valley High, and this semester they had a political science class together. Bart tended to be a pompous jerk; he wasn't Steven's favorite person in the best of times, and today Steven really didn't think he could stand to exchange even a few words with him. Plus, he probably just wants to borrow my poli-sci notes, Steven thought cynically.

"Hi," Steven said briskly.

He planned to blow right past Bart, but Bart stepped in front of him and put a hand on his arm, giving Steven no choice but to put on the brakes.

"Wakefield, just wanted to tell you I'm sorry about your sister," Bart said with an irritating mixture of condescension and curiosity.

Steven really didn't want to talk about Elizabeth with Bart. "Thanks," he muttered, shrugging off the other boy's hand. "She's doing OK. See ya around."

But Bart wasn't finished. "And I'm sorry about your mom, too," he continued.

"My mom?" Steven repeated.

"Yeah. I heard she's really gone over the edge over this—really lost her marbles. Isn't she in the hospital or something?"

Steven's jaw dropped. Then he clenched his teeth shut, his face red with anger and embarrassment. "No, she's not in the hospital," he snapped. "And she didn't go over the edge."

Bart lifted his shoulders. "Sorry, man. That's just the story I heard."

"Well, it's a lie," Steven declared, his voice rising. "Whoever told you, told you wrong."

"OK, OK. Sorry," Bart repeated. "If I hear anybody else talking, I'll set them straight."

He gave Steven a friendly slap on the shoulder. "So long, Wakefield," he said, sauntering off across the lawn.

Steven stared after Bart, breathing hard. "That's just the story I heard. . . ." Who would say a thing like that? Steven wondered. Who would spread such a cruel rumor?

He had to admit to himself, the worst part was that the exaggerated story had a grain of truth to it. He raked a hand through his hair. But outside of the family, no one knows about Mom, he thought, baffled. No one else knows how bad she really is . . . right?

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