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There is no way Mama did this.

I’ve seen that mask before—in the library—and every day at FreshMart when I take potatoes out of them. I have a strong sense Remy’s behind this. For whatever reason, he is taunting me…or sending me a message.

I reach for the mask but pause, deciding to leave it up. This scarecrow might work to keep the crows away or other scary creatures.

I poke it, and my trembling finger lands in the dark hole of its right eye. Nothing but straw behind those evil, dark eyes. He can’t see me because he’s not alive. This straw devil was not watching me wash myself.

Cursing, I spin on my heels and rush back to the well, trying to ignore it, just as Mama emerges from the house with a pile of laundry.

I pull the lever, lowering the rope and bucket down the well.

“Mama?” I ask without looking at her. The shadow of the scarecrow is still giving me a haunted expression. A sexual stare like it wants to devour me, and the thought shoots heat to my core.

Now, I’ll have to repent for these thoughts, too.

“What is it?” Mama mumbles as she wrings water out of a shirt, her eyes tight.

I want to warn her that something ain’t right, but I remain silent. It’s for the best if she remains unaware of the thing in our grass. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

DIDI

“Nice job, Diana,” the teacher says, pushing up his aviator glasses, and a few kids glance in my direction. “A perfect score, which is impressive given you missed a few days.” My attention fires up to him. “I’d appreciate it if you could come visit me when school ends today so I can give you some extra credit.” I give him a faint nod and keep my eyes drawn down.

He pauses for a second, wanting to say something more, but I refuse to engage. It’s easier not to talk with anyone of authority, as it only draws unwanted attention to me and Mama. I get my straight A’s, and they can’t really say much about that.

“Told you she was a witch.” Cindy snickers, and the echo of laughter hits my ears.

I ignore them, as I have all class. They thought I was gone… The whispers started all over again when I gathered enough courage to return to class. The scarecrow wasn’t enough to deter me from coming back, even though Shadowface is still out there…

“My daddy says there are serpents hidden all around us, and it’s our job to cast out these devils.” I wonder if her daddy knows she is spreading more than just gospel.

I sense their eyes on me, but Tommy’s especially, as he sits there so normally, in his yellow striped shorts and muscled legs on display. His shaggy hair is sweaty like always.

It’s the first time I’ve seen him since Saturday, and I want to die. The shame is too much to deal with, which is why I haven’t been able to bring myself to come to school.

The teacher walks over to Tommy and drops his test on his desk. “Keep working at it, son.” Tommy runs his hand through his hair, and his eyes meet mine. Guilt gnaws at me for not helping him this week like I promised I would. “And good luck at the state championships. We’re all rooting for you.”

The track meet everyone is talking about.

Tommy’s poised to win the 100-meter dash, and probably most of the other events as well. Remy could almost beat him, though. One slip, one trip or stumble, and Remy could take it. I wonder if that’s what caused the rift in their friendship. The fact Remy is always there, threatening to take everything from him. They certainly seem like they have tension over me, unless I read the situation entirely wrong at FreshMart.

The teacher reaches Remy’s desk and hesitates before dropping the test on his desk. “Perfect score, well done.”

I dare a quick glance, and his eyes are hooded, but then he smiles and I avert my gaze.

Remy pushes the paper away and doesn’t seem concerned about running or the fact that he’s aced his math test. I’m not sure if it’s because of his reputation, his last name, or the fact that his father owns half the town. Mrs. Holly loves to gossip; she told me to steer clear of that boy, and Tommy as well.

The bell rings, and Tommy crumples up his math test and shoves it into his backpack. Our eyes meet as he walks by, pleading for me to follow him.

His eyes look so sad…always so sad. He must be so confused.

I avoid his stare, gather my things, and walk out the door and head to the library. I shouldn’t go there. I know I shouldn’t go there, but I need to confront Remy about the scarecrow. If it wasn’t Remy, then I’m in serious trouble.

Before I can make it to the hallway, powerful arms slide around my waist, and my head falls into his chest. He’s surprisingly soft, despite his muscular build. My tense body relaxes at his familiar hold. “Where do you think you’re going, firefly?”

Cindy walks past, her short cheer skirt and toned legs on display. Her mouth is slightly open as she twists her head, trying not to openly stare at Tommy holding me. His intensity is almost tangible, and her jealousy is clear in her eyes.

Heat fills my core. “Tommy, please let me go. Everyone is staring.”