touch of the ghosts. But last night, it was different. How do you get back to sleep? asked Sandra curiously. Do either of you know the book by Frank Andrews called Final Dreams? That book? My mother read it to me when I was two! Pamela said, collapsing onto the floor laughing. Sandra joined her and soon the two of them were rolling with laughter. Shes scared of nightmares! howled SandraWhat a baby, Pamela cackled. They were laughing at her! They didnt understand. Pat had always understood. Where was Kat? Well, if thats how you feel, good-bye! she left slamming the door behind her. As she walked home, she remembered the last dream. She had almost reached the exit when it happened. The ceiling collapsed. She felt it weigh her down, smothering her, squishing her, breaking her leg and pinning her in place. Then she woke up. She had the same dream that night. The ceiling collapsed, pinning her down. The only difference was that Pamela and Sandra were with her. She managed to avoid Pamela and Sandra until lunch. At lunch they cornered her. So, Pamela started, well see you at the park. It wasnt a question it was a command. Because, otherwise, Sandra whispered, everyone will know youre chicken and a baby. Then they walked off to eat lunch with the popular kids. There was a message on the answering machine when she got home. It was Pamela. She had called to tell Carla where and when to meet her and Samantha. That was, if she didnt chicken out. Im not a baby or a chicken, Carla thought, Ill be there. She erased the message before her mother could hear it. She was standing at the door to the maze. Beside her was Kat. You dont have to do this, Kat said, youre not a baby or a chicken, people know that. You dont have to prove anything to anyone. Follow your instincts, Carla, theyre usually right. But I have to prove to them that Im not a baby or a chicken, Carla protested. What am I supposed to do? You have to make your own decisions, Kat said sadly...
