BeSwitched, Paranormal Romance by Molly Snow Page B

of leaving you there,” Chrissy revealed to her. “I found out at the football game. That’s why Todd and I came as quick as we could.”
    “Boy , did I mess up.” Surla held Chrissy’s sweater tightly.
    “It’s not your fault, ” Todd said.
    Surla saw the di gital clock above the radio said 11:25. “Oh no! I’m supposed to be home in five minutes.”
    “It took us a half hour to get here.” Todd pulled out of the parking lot, heading back down the highway. “You’ll never make it in time. Maybe we should take you to the hospital. You don’t look so good.”
    “Thanks, but really I’m feeling better!”
    “Hey, I have an idea,” Chrissy said. “Tiffany was going to spend the night at my house tonight, but no way is it going to happen after what she did to you. D o you wanna come over instead? It will be a good way for your mom to not worry about you.”
    “Yeah, that does sound smart.” Surla smiled.
    “Here, you can use my cell phone.” Todd handed it to her.
    The rain was still coming down hard.
    “Mom?” Surla said after reaching an answer on the other end.
    “Yes, Cathy. You’re supposed to be here any minute. What’s going on?”
    “Well, um, after the school’s football game, I ran into my friend Chrissy and, well, I was wondering if I could maybe spend the night at her house tonight.”
    There was a sigh . “Well, I don’t know. Is it all right with her parents?”
    “Yes. I know for sure.”
    “I guess it’s okay then, but I was really interested to hear how your date went.”
    The horrible night’s incident flashed through Surla’s mind again. “I don’t think there will be a second date.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. At least you went and gave it a shot. Have fun with your new friend Chrissy. I’m glad you’re being more social lately, honey.”
    Surla just smiled, then Cathy’s mom continued , “Be home around noon tomorrow.”
    “Okay, thanks, Mom. Bye.”
    Surla hung up and returned the phone to Todd.
    “Cathy, there’s some sweats in the backseat you can put on. I’m sure you must be freezing.” Todd pointed to the red pile.
    “Thanks.” Surla quickly put them on and maneuvered her wet bra off without anyone seeing.
    “Um, Cathy…” Chrissy turned in her seat. “Do you mind me asking what happened to your clothes?”
    Surla laughed. “No, I don’t mind. I know this situation looks really bad, but it’s probably not what you’re thinking.”
    Todd was especially interested in what the explanation would be.
    “Well, I went swimming in the lake with Craig. He talked me into taking off my clothes, since I was wearing a silk shirt. I’ve seen less in bathing suits, so I didn’t think much about it, but when he tried to go further than that I wouldn’t let him. That’s when he sped off with my clothes. I should have scratched him or bit his ear like I wanted.”
    “Oh, I’ll do more than that to him when I see him,” Todd said, angered. “I hope you don’t think all guys are like that.”
    “No, I don’t think all guys are jerks. Especially not you! Tonight you saved me, Todd, and so did you, Chrissy. You two are like my heroes.”
    “What do you say about your ‘heroes’ wanting to take you out to eat?” Todd looked at Chrissy and she agreeably smiled.
    “That is an offer I cannot refuse.” Surla was feeling warm again and her spirits were lifting, but her stomach growled of hunger. “It has to be a place with chicken though. I love to eat birds.”
    “Oh yeah, and I love burgers, so let’s go eat some cow and birds,” Todd quipped.

Chapter 13
    The three sat at a booth next to a window. They were lucky to have such nice seating, since Rita’s Grill was a popular diner. There was always conversation and laughter twenty-four hours a day. Surla ordered a chicken sandwich, Chrissy ordered a soup and salad, and Todd sat across the table, chomping down a burger with fries. After a half hour passed, the food was eaten off their plates,