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The gust of wind that had come so suddenly just as suddenly stopped. The branches of the trees that had been waving were still again. In fact, it seemed as though the whole world was holding its breath and not just me. I sucked in mine, touched the tombstone once more, and left the little cemetery.

Of course. I had no intention or real desire to use the new chain saw, but I read the booklet and then followed the directions to start it so that Mommy would see I had tried it. It frightened me, and it was heavier than I thought, I closed my eyes, and when I put it on a fallen dead log, it bounced and nearly flew out of my hands.

By then. I noticed the time. I had to go to meet Elliot. I put the chain saw aside and started for what had once been my wonderful, special place. All this was my fault. There was no way to avoid admitting that. I had let something evil take me over, and now I was suffering the consequences.

As I trekked through the forest, I rehearsed what I would say. how I would make my offer. In the pocket of my jeans, I had two crisp fifty-dollar bills Daddy had given me a long time ago. They were brand-new bills. Along with it. I had another amulet. It was a red coral Mommy had given me last year. I would offer it to him as well. Surely, I thought, Elliot would be impressed.

When I stepped out of the clump of trees and gazed at my spot by the pine, I first thought he was not yet there. For a few moments. I considered the possibility that he had already decided to expose me and Mommy and he had no interest in seeing me again. He had taken what he wanted from me. He would be a big hero in the school, after all, and even after only knowing him a little. I understood how important that was to him. It was difficult for me because I had mixed emotions about it. I didn't want to see him again, but I didn't want him to betray me. What he had done to me had left me feeling violated, and yet, it had further opened an otherwise forbidden door through which I had glimpsed another world,

Suddenly I saw a movement at the base of the pine tree, and then I saw Elliot's red hair. He shifted and leaned forward enough to see me. He smiled. and I also saw a trail of smoke rise and drift into the breeze.

"Right on time," he said. "Lucky for you. I wasn't going to give you a minute. I don't want you to ever keep me waiting," he added.

I stepped forward and saw he was lying on a dark green blanket.

"What are you standing there for? Get over here," he commanded.

Slowly. I walked toward him. He puffed on his cigarette. which I could now see and smell was his marijuana. He ran his hand over the blanket.

"Why not be comfortable, huh?" he said. I stood there looking down at him.

"Did you tell all your friends about me?" I immediately asked,

"If I had. would I be here?" he countered. "And if I had, believe me, you and your mother would know it by now. I don't welsh on a bargain." he said. You promised me something, and I promised you something."

"I didn't promise anything."

"Yes," he said, smiling and puffing. "You did, whether you like it or not."

"Elliot. I can give you money," I blurted.

"Money? What kind of money?"

"I can give you a thousand dollars if you'll swear to leave me alone and not tell anyone about me. Look," I said pulling the two fifties out of my pocket to show him. "I have some of it here right now,"

He puffed on his joint and stared. Then he smiled.

"I didn't know you could get your hands on money. too. That's great. Sure. I'll take your money, but that doesn't mean I don't want anything else," he added.

"What do you mean? If I promise to give you so much money, isn't that a bargain?"

He shook his head and looked more closely at my two crisp bills.

"It's not enough." he said.

"I can get more, but not right away. I'll give you as much as one thousand dollars," I added quickly, "Ill have to give it to you as I get it."

"Oh, you will anyway." he said. "Give me the two fifties!" he demanded and held out his hand. "C'mon, hand it over."

"But what will you promise?"

"Not to tell," he said. I hesitated. "Well, you want me to tell?"

I gave him the money. He folded the bills and stuck them into his pants pocket.

"Perfect," he said.

"I have something else for you if you'll promise to leave me be." I said, fingering the amulet in my pocket. I didn't like giving it away. It was something Mommy had bought for me. but I thought she would approve if she knew why I was doing it.