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CHAPTER 9 - A Sad Day for David

Ben Ross left school early. Christy thought she knew why. When she arrived home Ben was in the kitchen. In his hand was another book about the Nazis.

‘What happened to you today?’ Christy asked.

‘I didn’t feel well’ said Ben.

‘Ben, we must talk about this Wave thing’ said Christy. ‘I don’t like what’s happening at the school. Some of the teachers are going to see Principal Owens about it.’

‘I know, I know! They don’t understand the Wave,’ Ben answered.

‘Do you understand it, Ben?’ his wife asked. ‘Do you know what you’re doing? Because nobody in the school thinks you do.’ ‘I know that,’ Ben answered. ‘They think I want to be a little Hider.’

‘Perhaps they’re right!’ said Christy. ‘This experiment is doing something to you. And I don’t like it!’

Ben put his head in his hands. He knew his wife was right.

There was something wrong. But he did not know what to do.

‘I thought you believed in me,’ he said.

‘I do believe in you,’ said Christy. ‘But I don’t believe in this experiment. You must end the Wave, Ben!’

Ben jumped up. ‘No, I won’t do that. 1 can’t do that!’ he told his wife. ‘I’m their teacher. These students are learning the most important lesson in their lives.’

‘I hope that Principal Owens thinks the same,’ said Christy.

‘He wants to see you tomorrow morning.’

♦

Laurie left The Grapevine office late that evening. The road outside the school was dark and very quiet. Laurie felt a little afraid. The Wave was strong in Gordon High, and a lot of the Wave members were angry with Laurie.

Suddenly Laurie heard somebody behind her. She felt very afraid now. She began to run.

‘Laurie!’

Laurie turned her head and saw David behind her.

‘Wait for me, Laurie,’ said David. ‘I want to talk to you. It’s very important.’

Laurie stopped. ‘Where are the others, David?’ she asked. ‘You Wave members always do everything together.’ David was angry. ‘Laurie, you must stop writing bad things about the Wave.’

‘The Wave is the bad thing, David,’ said Laurie.

‘It is not,’ said David. ‘Laurie, we want you to be with us.’ ‘No,’ said Laurie. ‘I told you, I don’t want to be a member.

This is not a game.’

She started to walk away, but David walked after her. ‘The Wave is good for everybody,’ he said. ‘You must see that, Laurie! The Wave can work.’

‘1 don’t want it to work.’

David was very angry now. He put his hand on Laurie’s arm.

‘I want you to stop writing about the Wave, Laurie!’ he said.

‘No, I will write about the Wave,’ Laurie said. ‘The school needs to know! And you can’t stop me!’

‘We can stop you! And we will!’

Laurie turned to leave. David put his hand on her arm.

‘Get your hands off me, David! I don’t like the Wave! And I don’t like you!’

Laurie tried to push David away. But David was very angry and pushed Laurie over. Then he put his hand to his mouth, ‘Oh no! Laurie, are you OK? Laurie, I’m sorry! Why did I do that? Laurie, I’m sorry!’