Chapter Four

Hay Lin sat in her seat, trying not to look too eager. This is great! she thought. Not only do we have new students, but today is a half-day. And it's Friday! This is the best first day of school ever! She almost let out a squeal, but caught herself before she did. Although, she thought, somberly, This new teacher is pretty mean.

The person Hay Lin was referring to was her new math teacher, Mr. Snipe. He's already got a nickname, too, Hay Lin thought, smiling, The Sniper! He was given that name by Uriah, after he was caught by him while trying to sell answers to kids for their upcoming tests."He saw me," Uriah huffed, "and he was facing the other way!"

"How does he do that?" one kid asked.

"I don't know!" Uriah snapped at the girl. "But I'll get him for this! Oh yes, I'll get him!"

"Hay Lin," Mr. Snipe said. It sounded like it wasn't the first time he'd said it.

"Yes, Mr. Sniper--err, Snipe!" Hay Lin stuttered. He was standing right in front of her desk, holding a long ruler. Not good, Hay Lin thought. Now I'm in for it.

"Please pay attention," was all he said. "Dark, would you share your notes with the daydreamer?"

"Sure Mr. Snipe!" she heard someone from behind her say. "I love helping people!" Then she saw him. About 5'10", black hat, jeans, shirt, and shoes.

"Thank you," Mr. Snipe said. He walked up to the blackboard and started writing.

Psst!

Hay Lin looked around, but didn't see anyone there. You did it wrong! Don't go too far in thought. Stay so that you can still slightly hear what's going on! I don't know why, but I feel I can trust you. My name's Dark.

"I--" Hay Lin didn't get to finish her sentence. She could feel something across her mouth. It felt like a hand, but nothing was there.

Ssshhhhh! she heard the voice say. Don't speak. Think it.

I'm Hay Lin, She thought. How long have you been in my head?

Let's just say you didn't get out of there by yourself, was Dark's reply. Friends?

Friends, Hay Lin replied.

Want to see something really cool? Save me a seat at lunch.

Just then the bell rang. "Lunch already?" Mr. Snipe complained. "Oh well. I'll make this quick, then. Choose a partner. Together, think of a project to do." Behind her, Hay Lin heard a chair slide across the floor.

"Mr. Sinpe?" Dark said. "I have a partner."

"Good!" he exclaimed. "Who?"

"Hay Lin."

If you want to, that is. he said in Hay Lin's mind.

Sure, she said.

Great! Then it's a date!