Episode 9:The Truth About Sadie Wilkins

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream

Read “The Truth About Sadie Wilkins” from the beginning.

Episode 1: East Shady Grove Cemetery

Episode 9: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream

The sound of the ice cream truck brought the memories floodin' back. I couldn't bear to think about the accident, so my mind went somewhere else. Grandma gave me a Patty Play-Pal for Christmas. I think she thought the doll's similarity to an actual child would fill the void left by Jackie's death. Holdin' Patty's hand reminded me of the friendship I'd lost. The light in her eyes was so much like the sparkle in Jackie's eyes. She shared the same secrets only Jackie and I knew. The more I looked into Patty's eyes, the more I felt my dear lost friend.

***

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as someone grabbed my arm and pulled me backward. I watched the ice cream man pull up to the curb, shakin' a finger at me.

"Hey, be careful. You almost stepped out in front of the ice cream truck!" It was the girl who pulled me back to safety. It took a minute before I could look at her, but it was like seein' an old friend when I did.

"Are you okay? Sorry I grabbed you like that, but it looked like you were going to get hit. I'm Lily, by the way."

She smiled at me, so carin' and kind. I couldn't help but love her the minute I laid eyes on her.

"I'm okay. Just spacey."

She laughed as if she knew exactly what I meant.

"So, are you getting some ice cream?"

"Doctor's orders." I smile, and it feels genuine. That hadn't happened since...Lily moved aside to let me order. The ice cream man smiled at us and tapped the menu on the window.

"What are you havin'?" I ask. "I'm buyin'."