Invaders From Mars by Ray Garton Page A

something. She dropped the chalk in its tray after a moment and went into her office.
    When David saw what she’d written, he stifled a gasp:
    2:00 P.M. FIELD TRIP
    “ That’s how they’re gonna get us,” David breathed.
    The students always looked forward to field trips, despite the watchful presence of Mrs. McKeltch. But this one would be like no other—this would be their last. When they came back, they would be different; they would no longer be his classmates. Doug would no longer be his friend! Even Kevin would be different, changed into something . . . something wrong. Kevin was a dick head, but David preferred that to what he would become.
    Mrs. McKeltch had moved the frogs into her office; there were still a few live ones left over from yesterday’s dissection and David could hear them croaking. Through the doorway of her office, David could see her back. She was doing something at her desk.
    Cautiously, he walked into the room and headed for her open office door, squinting at her neck. Was that . . . ? When he was just a few feet from the door, he could see a Band-Aid on her neck. Goose flesh crawled over David’s shoulders. Mrs. McKeltch was bad enough already, but now . . .
    “What are you doing, David?”
    David whirled around to face Heather. She stood in the doorway, fists clenched, eyes cold, and he knew in an instant that they had her.
    “Heather . . .” David said in a fearful whisper.
    Hearing a sound behind him, he turned toward Mrs. McKeltch and his mouth fell open as he staggered backward away from her.
    Mrs. McKeltch stood in her office glaring at him with wide, threatening eyes. The back end of a frog hung from her mouth, its legs kicking as she struggled to suck it in, at the same time moving toward him. She tossed her head back with a jerk, gulped loudly, and the frog disappeared, making an ugly lump in her throat and leaving a glistening slime on her lips.
    Nearly tripping over desks, David dashed toward the door.
    “Stop!” Mrs. McKeltch called, her voice still wet and gurgly from the frog she’d eaten. “David Gardiner!”
    David raised his arm and knocked Heather out of his way, running into the hall.
    “Stop right where you are!” Mrs. McKeltch roared, her heavy shoes clumping on the floor as she hurried after him.
    “Linda!” David screamed as he neared her office. “Ms. Magnuson, help!”
    Linda opened her door and stuck out her head. When she saw David running toward her, she stepped into the hall and said, “David, what’s wrong?”
    Please,” he gasped, grabbing her arm.
    “I’ve had it with you!” Mrs. McKeltch was bearing down on him, reaching out her hands.
    Linda stepped between them and faced Mrs. McKeltch firmly.
    “What’s the problem, Mrs. McKeltch?” she asked.
    “I’ve told you—” She stabbed an accusing finger toward David, who was peeking around Linda’s side. “—this boy is trouble! He must be severely punished.” She spoke so venomously, bits of spittle flew from her mouth. She lunged toward David, taking a swipe at him.
    Linda moved quickly, cutting Mrs. McKeltch off.
    “David,” the nurse said softly, turning to him, “what’s wrong?”
    David started to reply, but Mrs. McKeltch interrupted.
    “He knocked over a defenseless little girl!” she snapped. “And he was prying, the little snoop!”
    “Please, Mrs. McKeltch,” Linda said, “let me talk to him.”
    “No!” She held out a hand, her fingers curved slightly, resembling claws. “Give him to me!”
    Doors were opening and other teachers were peering down the hall toward them. When Mrs. McKeltch noticed them, she relaxed a bit.
    “Please,” Linda said again, quieter now, “let me talk to him. David, come into my office.”
    David stepped inside, glad to be away from Mrs. McKeltch. He turned and looked through the doorway as the teacher leaned toward Linda, clenching her teeth and trembling with anger.
    “You’re pushing it, sister!” Mrs. McKeltch hissed. “I’ll