Crystal Clear: Part 1 - Strange Tales

By David Romo

Pedro is an average boy growing up in the big city, but his life is anything but normal. Things are frequently happening to and around him that he cant explain. After his best friend Eric advises him never to repeat what he knows for fear of being locked up, he lives in constant confusion and fear. He believes his family is keeping a secret from him but cant figure out what it could possibly be. He also discovers the military has been watching his family and someone or something is also trying to locate where he lives.

As far back as Pedro can remember, the only luck he ever has was bad luck. However, on his twenty-first birthday, something is about to happen that will change his life forever. Like it or not, things begin to unravel very quickly. Pedro suddenly finds himself in middle of a war between two separate worlds, and hes forced to make drastic changes. He finds himself doing things he had never imagined he could do or accomplish. All Pedro ever truly wanted is to be normal and see things crystal clear, but as he soon learns, things arent always as they appear to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499053975

David Romo

The Author set out to create a special story the that would be unique, entertaining and enjoyable. In this trilogy, there are new creatures, worlds, challenges, and more friend’s as well as enemies along their way to discover where the clear crystals are located, and to learn what secrets they possess. In this third book, Pedro who is the main human character, with his alien friends Red Eyes, Chris, and Grey Skin are put to the test when it comes to their relationships. In addition, their enemies have begun attacking in new ways, forcing them all to make difficult decisions on what will be best solutions for them to pursue. They are all aware that with every choice they make, there will be a lot of things to consider that might affect their futures, as well as their families and friends.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Family

T he date was August 23, 2014, and Pedro Reeves was asleep. As he lay in bed, his body shook and jerked uncontrollably. Although he was in a very deep sleep, he could still feel the soreness in his body as he lay on the bed. Whenever he moved any part of his body, you could hear him moaning from the pain. His entire body had been through a great ordeal from the amount of punishment inflicted on it. Every now and then he was able to wake up for a moment or two before passing out and falling back into a deep sleep. Each time, he thought: Why does everything look like one big blur?

When Pedro was finally able to stay awake long enough to take a look around, the first thing he noticed was the horrific throbbing pain in his head. It was so strong he thought his brain was going to explode at any moment. However when he tried sitting up, he nearly lost all consciousness from the excruciating pain.

Eventually he was able to stay awake, but only for a few minutes at a time. Whenever he looked up at the ceiling, all he could see was a blurred spot of light. Every time Pedro tried to open his eyes a little wider for a better look, he discovered it was as far as they would open. Once Pedro was finally able to see and think clearly, he realized he wasn’t in his own bed. Where am I? he wondered. What’s wrong with my eyes? What happened to me? Why does my body ache so badly? Was I was injured in some kind of an accident?

As he continued straining to see, the throbbing pain in his eyes was making him dizzy. Pedro closed his eyes for a few seconds in hopes of easing the pain. However, the moment he did, his mind went blank, and he fell back into a deep sleep one more time.

If Pedro could have seen his own reflection in a mirror, he wouldn’t have recognized himself. His face was completely disfigured and twice its normal size. He had two black eyes, which were almost completely shut from all the swelling. He would have been amazed to know he was even able to see anything at all, blurry or not.

His nose was taped because it had been broken in three different places. Pedro’s lips looked like two purple balloons glued together. There were several deep lacerations to his face and arms, and the rest of his body was completely black and blue.

Thirteen Years Earlier . . .

Pedro’s father bought him a plastic model airplane for his birthday. They were sitting at the kitchen table putting it together when he was startled by somebody saying, Hello, Jose, how are you?

Pedro looked up to see a strange man and woman walking into their kitchen.

I’m fine, his father replied. How are the two of you doing?

We’re doing great. Thanks for asking, the man answered.

Is Maria going to be joining us? the woman asked.

Of course, she’s still getting dressed. You know how long it takes her to get ready, and they all laughed.

Excuse me, Jose, who is that dashing young man sitting next to you, the woman asked and smiled.

You remember Pedro.

Wow, he is so grown up, the man commented.

He sure is, and it’s his birthday today.

Happy birthday, Pedro, and how old are you now? the woman asked.

Eight years old, he answered softly and then whispered into his father’s ear, Who are these people and where did they come from?

His father started to laugh and told him, I guess you were too young to remember, but this is your uncle Redmond and auntie Chris.

We’re related?

We sure are, his uncle replied.

Why haven’t I ever heard you or Mom talking about them?

His uncle laughed and responded, I can answer that question. We live on the other side of the world and rarely get a chance to visit this wonderful country.

Hello everybody, did I miss anything? Pedro’s mother asked as she walked into the kitchen.

No, I was just introducing Pedro to his uncle Redmond and auntie Chris.

Maria, he’s just adorable, the woman commented. It’s a good thing he takes after my side of the family, and everybody in the room began laughing.

Jose looked at Pedro and said, Son, I need you to do me a very big favor.

Sure, what is it?

There is something very important your mother and I need to discuss with your aunt and uncle in private. I want you to continue working on your plane while we have a little chat in the living room. It shouldn’t take me long, and I promise to help you with your plane just as soon as we’re finished, all right?

Okay.

Pedro picked two pieces of the model plane and pretended to work on them as the adults walked out of the kitchen. Once they were out of eye’s view, he walked over to the doorway and strained to listen. He could hear them talking softly but couldn’t hear clearly enough to understand what they were discussing. However, every now and then he could comprehend a sentence or two. Even so, it was very confusing to him because it didn’t make any sense. They were talking about hiding something or someone. They also mentioned something about needing to shield or be shielded from something. Next his uncle promised to help them and mentioned something about protecting their family.

As soon as they finished with their conversation, Pedro ran to the chair, sat down, and fumbled with pieces of the plane. A moment later, there was a bright flash of light, and his father walked back into the kitchen.

Where are Uncle Redmond and Auntie Chris?

They had to leave.

Really, I didn’t see them go.

They’re gone.

But I was watching the front door, and I didn’t see anyone . . .

Trust me, they’re gone.

Yeah, but . . . ?

I don’t want to hear any more about it, Pedro. Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

I know I promised to help you with your plane after we were finished with our conversation. However, before I do, you need to join me in the living room for a family meeting.

Okay.

Pedro followed his father into the living room, where his sister Lori and mom were already seated on their couch waiting for the meeting to begin. As soon as Pedro was seated, his father started by saying: I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to talk with your aunt and uncle before they left. They had to meet with someone on a family matter and left in a big hurry. However, before they did, Uncle Redmond left each of us a special present.

He did? Lori asked.

Certainly, and Jose handed everyone a small silver box with their name engraved on it. After they opened their gifts, Pedro realized everyone had the same thing. It was a solid gold chain to be worn around their necks. Every link of the chains had special symbols engraved on them, though nobody understood their meaning. In addition, attached to every chain was an exquisite aqua-colored crystal pendent, which was almost hypnotic to look at. The way each crystal sparkled and lit up the room was beautiful and fascinating to watch. The longer Pedro stared at his, the harder it became for him to look away.

"Pedro. Pedro," his father called to him.

What? he asked a little confused.

I need you to listen to what I’m about to reveal.

Okay.

From now on each of us needs to wear our chains whenever we leave this house. There are no exceptions, and it’s not up for debate.

But why? Pedro complained.

I don’t mind wearing mine. It’s so beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it before, Lori sighed.

Maybe for you, but I can’t wear mine. What will my friends say if they notice I’m wearing a girl’s necklace? Pedro protested.

Trust me, Pedro, you be just fine, his mother commented.

Yeah, but?

Stop with the dramatics, all right? I understand how you feel, but it’s for your own protection.

But why would we need protection? Lori asked.

I can’t go into detail now because you wouldn’t understand even if I told you. Be that as it may, one day I will explain everything to you, but for now you will need to wear them.

What is supposed to happen to us if we forget to wear them? Pedro asked.

You will lose your protection, and I can’t allow that to happen, his father stated firmly.

You’re beginning to freak me out, Lori complained.

But what if . . .

Pedro, stop interrupting your father, his mother grumbled. Just wear it, and everything will be fine, I promise.

Fine, but I don’t like it, Pedro protested loudly. When will I ever get a break?

I think it’s time for us to work on that plane of yours, don’t you, Pedro?

Of course I do. With all the excitement, Pedro had forgotten about his model.

That evening, as Pedro lay awake on his bed, he began to wonder what his father meant when he told them they needed protection. Was someone planning to do something to his family? What couldn’t his father tell them that they wouldn’t understand even if he did? No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure it out. How could a golden chain possibly protect them from anything? An hour had already gone by, and his eyelids were already getting heavy.

A few minutes later, Pedro fell asleep and started dreaming. In his dream, he had just finished assembling his dream plane. It was the remote-controlled aluminum jet-propelled S10 fighter that he had seen in the toy store window the previous month. Pedro had just finished assembling it. He was about to test it out when an odd noise woke him out of his dream. Something was moving around in his room and making an eerie clicking racket as it did. Pedro sat up on his bed and started looking around his room but didn’t see or hear anything else. I must have imagined it, he thought to himself and laid his head on his pillow and fell back to sleep.

The following day, Pedro was at home lying on his bed doing homework. He had just turned the page when he thought he saw something moving, but as fast as it appeared, it vanished. Pedro stared at the spot for a few moments longer but didn’t notice anything else. It must have been my imagination again, and he picked up his book and continued doing his homework.

That evening, he was in his room getting dressed for bed. He had just finished putting his head through his pajama top when it happened again. Through the side of his eye he saw the reflection of something moving in his mirror. Pedro jumped off his bed and looked around the room, but nothing was there. He glimpsed back into his mirror where the image had been, but all he saw was his own reflection. What’s happening to me? he thought. Why am I starting to imagine seeing things that really aren’t there? Is this how it starts when someone goes crazy? he wondered.

Later that same evening, Pedro was awakened out of a sound sleep by a very odd noise. When he checked the clock, it was 2:08 a.m. What was that weird noise? It wasn’t loud, but it was very creepy. It sounded like somebody was dragging something very squishy across the floor. He tried to find the source, but his room was too dark to see anything clearly. All he could make out were dark shadows, which made him very uneasy. However, once his eyes were able to adjust to the dark, Pedro looked around. He noticed there was something in the corner of his room that made the hairs on his neck stand up. He couldn’t see its actual shape, but it was definitely sitting there in the dark. It was the scariest thing he had ever seen, and he threw the covers over his head in fear.

Did I really see that? Maybe it’s just my imagination playing tricks on me again, he told himself. Pedro’s heart was racing in his chest, and he didn’t know what to believe . . .

He waited a few minutes before telling himself, I can’t believe I’m going to do this, and he slowly lifted the covers just far enough to be able to see out. This time when he looked in the corner, not only was the thing still sitting there, but this time it was staring back at him. Pedro froze in fear. Now what am I supposed to do he thought to himself? He decided to jump out of his bed and turn on the light but discovered he couldn’t move. Without thinking, Pedro panicked and started yelling for his parents, who quickly came running into his room and turned on the light.

What’s the matter, Pedro? What happened? his father asked.

I saw something sitting over there, and he pointed to the corner.

What was it, dear? his mother asked.

I couldn’t see what it looked like, but I could see its eyes, and they were looking at me, he told her.

His mother looked at him with a smile and said, Sweetheart, you were probably having a bad dream. Try not to think about it anymore. Trust me everything is going to be just fine. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Now go back to sleep. If you need us, we will be in the next room listening, all right?

But it wasn’t a dream!

Pedro, you were dreaming, and that’s all it was, his father snapped. Now go back to sleep, and starting tomorrow no more late-night snacks after dinner, is that understood?

Okay.

I’m going to leave the light on for you. Now go back to sleep.

Yeah, but I . . .

I don’t want to hear another word about seeing something watching you. Do I make myself clear? his father demanded.

Yes, sir, Pedro whimpered.

As soon as Jose closed the door, he whispered to Maria, I don’t know how much longer we’re going to be able to hide the truth from him. He’s only eight years old, and things are already getting out of control.

I know, but we don’t have choice. Besides, he’s just not ready for the truth, his mother sighed.

At the age of ten, Pedro was slightly shorter and looked younger than most boys of his age. He was very thin and had olive skin tone, straight brown hair, light brown eyes, and a baby face. Pedro enjoyed playing basketball, riding his bike, playing board games, using his slingshot, and hanging out with his best friend, Eric.

In the evening, Pedro would play with his pug dog Biscuit and his guinea pig Sylvester. After dinner, he enjoyed watching television with his sister and mom. Pedro’s favorite hobby was building models. Over the years, he had accumulated numerous model planes, cars, and boats which were all displayed on shelves in his room.

After several years of building models, it was time for Pedro to build the ultimate airplane. It was a remote-controlled Aluminum Jet-Propelled S10 Fighter. Ever since the first day he laid his eyes on it at the mall, he had been saving his allowance to buy it. He was only three weeks short of having enough money to buy the model he had been dreaming about.

Pedro had many friends, but he was very shy and found it difficult to hold a conversation with the girls. He had a crush on one girl, in particular, named Vickie Wright. Pedro believed she was the most beautiful and fascinating girl he had ever known. Correction, girl he wanted to know but never found the nerve to walk up to and have a conversation. Sadly, every day, he would watch Vickie as she passed him by without ever noticing he existed. Be that as it may, he had already made up his mind that one day she was going to be his wife.

Although Pedro was a very nice person, he was too trusting and extremely naive. He was easily influenced by others, and people were continually taking advantage of him, especially his own sister, Lori, who knew how gullible he was and enjoyed getting him into trouble. It was one of the reasons Pedro felt so insecure and had such low self-esteem. He was very sensitive and got angry whenever anybody teased him in any way about himself or his family.

When it came to school, Pedro wasn’t dumb, only bored. It was becoming a problem for him because he was so disinterested he was beginning to daydream more frequently. It was one of the reasons he was doing so poorly in school. In addition to that, whenever he was asked why his homework assignments were always incomplete, he would make up an excuse. Regrettably for Pedro, he was terrible at lying, and every time he tried, it would only make matters worse. And yet it never stopped him from trying. He also hated doing homework, which was another reason you could always find him sitting in detention after school.

As far back as Pedro could remember, he had always been afraid of the dark. He was about five years old when he started noticing strange things happening around him. In fact, it had gotten so bad the only way Pedro was able to fall asleep was with the lights left on. He had also a bad habit of pulling his blankets around his head with only his eyes and nose exposed.

In addition to being afraid of the dark, he was terrified of mirrors. Whenever Pedro passed one, he would look in the opposite direction just to make sure he couldn’t see his own reflection. It was the reason the hair on his head always looked as if he had just woken up and forgot to comb it.

Life was extremely confusing for Pedro as he grew up, and he wanted to know why bad things were continually happening to him. For instance, if there were any bees flying around, he would be the person who was stung. If any birds were flying overhead, he would be the one who got crapped on. Whenever trouble was rearing its ugly head, he would always end up in the middle of it. One day, it bothered him so much that he decided to tell someone about it and called his friend.

Eric, I need to talk to you about something that is bothering me.

Sure, what’s going on?

I have a question.

Sure, go ahead.

Great, but first, you have to promise me you won’t laugh when I tell you what it is.

Let me guess, you’re afraid of the mirrors and the dark.

But how did you know?

I overheard our moms discussing it last week. Your parents are concerned because they think you’re too old to be scared of the mirrors. I personally don’t think it’s that big of a deal, but obviously they do.

Really?

Yes, and they’re trying to decide whether or not to send you to a head doctor.

What’s a head doctor?

You know, one of those doctors who make you lie down on their couch. Next, he’ll start asking you all sorts of odd questions to see if you are, well, you know.

But I’m not crazy.

I know, and that’s the reason you need to stop telling other people you hear and see strange things all the time.

But I do!

Trust me you need to stop.

Why? I’m only telling the truth.

Just think about it because sooner or later, someone is going to think that you might be loony. Once that happens, you will be sent to one of those places where they lock you up and throw away the key. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you?

I guess so.

Great, now go get your bike, and we can go to the park and get some target practice.

All right. Pedro left.

On their way to the park, Pedro kept thinking about his conversation with Eric. He wasn’t sure if Eric’s advice was right or wrong, but he was terrified at the thought of being locked up for any amount of time. It was there and then he made up his mind never to mention his little problem to anybody ever again.

CHAPTER TWO

Brotherly Love

T he Annual School Carnival was back in town, and Pedro asked his mother, Can I walk with Eric to the carnival after sc hool?

I don’t see why not. Just make sure your homework is finished before you do.

Okay!

Wait a minute. I just remembered your father promised me he would take us all to the festival the next time it came back.

He did?

Yes, and I am going to make sure he keeps his promise. Just wait until he gets home, and we can all go together.

Yea, but?

Pedro, I want us all to do something together as a family.

Fine, I’ll tell Eric I can’t go.

When his father got home that evening, Maria told him, Sweetheart, guess what?

Oh, great, I know that tone. What do you want me to do that I’m not going to like?

Honestly, it’s not like I ask you to do something every day.

Just spit it out.

Fine, the carnival’s back in town.

I take it that is supposed to mean something to me?

Of course, you promised to take the family there the next time they returned.

I hate to ask, but when were you thinking about going?

I’ll give you a hint, Pedro has been waiting all day.

Why am I not surprised? Jose grumbled.

Is that a yes or no?

Yes, but can I clean up first?

Sure, take your time. We’ll be waiting in the car.

When they got to the carnival, Eric was already waiting for Pedro. The moment his father parked the car, Pedro jumped out of the car, and the two of them took off on their own. Lori met up with her boyfriend Mark Hernandez, and they headed toward the game booths. As soon as her parents were out of sight, Lori asked Mark, Were you able to set it up?

Of course. Why did you think I couldn’t do it?

I was just checking, so which one is it?

It’s the first one on the right.

Great, hand this to them and make sure they use it, Mark instructed Lori.

That shouldn’t be a problem you know how gullible Pedro is. Lori giggled.

Certainly, let’s go find them.

I can’t believe it. This is too good to be true, Lori remarked.

What are you talking about? Mark asked.

Look who’s going into the first one on the right.

Are you kidding me? You’re not really considering doing that to him of all people, are you?

What do you think?

I worry about you sometimes because you really make me nervous when you do things like this.

It’s only a joke. Nobody’s going to get hurt, Lori snapped.

Fine, just don’t mention my name if this backfires, Mark protested.

I can’t believe you’re such a baby, Lori grumbled. Oh, look, here come the suckers now. Hurry up and hide behind that booth and wait for me there. I don’t want them to see us talking, or they might suspect we’re up to something, she told Mark.

Hello, boys, can I talk to the two of you for a second? Lori asked Eric and Pedro.

Sure, what’s going on? Eric asked.

I want to play a joke on one of my friends. He just went into that first outhouse. Do you think you could help me?

Sure, what do you need us to do? Eric asked.

Speak for yourself, Pedro objected.

Let’s hear what it is before you say no, Pedro.

It’s very simple, Lori informed them. The first thing you need to do is rub some of this green fireproof gel on your hands. It will protect them from getting burned.

What do you mean burned? Pedro objected.

Believe me, it’s nothing dangerous. I want to make sure you don’t get hurt. It’s just a precaution, that’s all, she told them.

Okay and they rubbed it on their hands. Once they were finished, Lori told Pedro, I need you to light this fuse. It’s attached to a few firecrackers inside that outhouse.

Is that all?

For your part it is.

Okay.

What about me? Eric inquired.

I need you to take this camera and stand in front of the door. When my friend comes running out, I want you to take a picture of him.

Is there anything else? Eric asked.

Nope, that’s all. Do you think you guys can handle that?

Of course, we can, Eric griped.

Great, she said and handed him the camera.

And what are you going to do? Pedro asked Lori.

I will be hiding, and when the door opens, I’m going to jump out and yell ‘surprise.’

Pedro waited until Lori was out of sight before lighting the fuse. He and Eric watched as the fuse burned along the ground, went up the side of the outhouse, and disappeared inside. A few seconds later, they heard something explode. However, instead of a few little pops, there was one very loud boom. They were both caught off guard, and Pedro stepped back in surprise. Eric ran to the front of the outhouse and got ready to take a picture.

As they waited, they could hear somebody moving around inside the outhouse, and then they heard someone yelling, I can’t believe I’m covered in crap.

Pedro quickly recognized the voice. He motioned for Eric to follow him, but Eric was too focused on taking a picture and didn’t notice him leaving. Pedro had only taken a few steps when he saw the flash of the camera and heard his father screaming his name.

It wasn’t my fault, Pedro complained. Lori made us do it. She tricked me again, Pedro protested.

Do you really expect me to believe that?

Yes, because we didn’t know you were in there.

Oh, really, and just who did you think was in there?

We thought it was a friend of Lori’s, Pedro answered.

And why would you want to do something like this to them? his father asked Pedro.

It was supposed to be a joke.

Really, and what did you use a stick of dynamite?

I was told it was only going to be a few firecrackers, but I guess they must have used something a little more powerful.

Pedro, don’t you realize someone could have been injured by your practical joke?

I do now.

Honestly, Pedro, when are you going to learn . . .

What’s going on? his mother asked Jose as she and Lori walked over to him. What happened? You look terrible, his mother commented.

It appears one of our children enjoys playing practical jokes with fireworks.

Phew, what’s that awful smell? Lori complained.

But it’s not my fault, Pedro protested. Lori made me do it.

How can that be? his mother replied, Lori and I were both on the other side of the carnival when we heard a very loud boom. Isn’t that right, dear?

Yes, it is, and I don’t know why Pedro is trying to blame it on me. Say, what’s that green stuff all over their hands? It looks like paint.

If I had to guess, I’d say it was probably the same green material I sat on when I entered that outhouse, his father complained.

Sweetheart, I hate to say this, but you smell really disgusting. Can we talk about this at home?

That’s fine with me because the drive will do me good. I need a little time to cool off before I say something I might regret.

Let’s get out of here. Everybody is starting to stare, Maria realized. Everyone to the car, his mother shouted. The drive home was very quiet. Nobody said a word because they were all too busy holding their breath. However, after his father was finished taking a shower, he told him, Pedro, I’m putting you on restriction for a month. Here is a list of new chores to keep you busy. Maybe this will help teach you how to be responsible for your own actions and stop blaming others.

With all his homework and extra chores, Pedro’s month flew by. When it was finally over, he walked straight over to Eric’s house and told him, I want to get even with Lori for what she did to us. Do you have any idea what we can do to get even with her because I really want to make her suffer?

Maybe we could do what my brother Sergio did to his ex-girlfriend. It was pretty bad.

You’ve got my attention. Tell me all about it.

It happened last year when he found out his girlfriend Angie was sneaking around behind his back with his best friend Daniel Zuniga. He felt like a total fool because everybody else knew it but him. It made him so angry that he decided to get even with her.

What did he do? Pedro asked.

He borrowed some chemicals from his chemistry class. He also took Angie’s hand cream out of her purse and slipped it into his pocket. When he got home, he mixed the chemicals into her hand cream. The following day, he placed her cream back in her purse when no one was looking.

So what happened?

After class, she washed and dried her hands. Then took out the hand cream, squeezed some in her palm, and started rubbing her hands together. By the time she realized what was happening, her hands looked like she was wearing a pair of solid blue gloves.

That sounds great. How long did the color last?

He said it took over a month before it completely faded away.

Does your brother still have those chemicals?

I’m not sure. Let me ask him.

When Eric returned, his older brother Sergio was with him. He whispered to Pedro, let’s go somewhere so we can talk freely. They followed him into the garage, and as soon as he shut the door, he told Pedro, I heard what your sister did to you and Eric at the carnival. I want to help you get even with her.

Thanks, but do you still have the ingredients?

Yes, but they won’t work if you don’t make it exactly the way I tell you to do it.

Great, just tell me what I need to do.

There are only three ingredients you will need to combine. I’ve labeled them A, B, and C. If you mix them in that order, you shouldn’t have any problems. Just take her hand cream and pour in half an ounce of compound-A, but don’t spill any on your clothes because it will make a permanent stain. Next add two ounces of B and then four ounces of C. If you do it right, I guarantee she will be blue for a very long time.

I can hardly wait to serve her justice, Pedro responded back.

Oh, and there’s one more thing I forgot to mention, Sergio declared.

What is that?

You need to keep these chemical away from any type of alcohol. The slightest amount could cause them to become unstable, and they might explode.

Really, because I don’t want to hurt Lori, I only want to make her pay for what she did to us.

It’s not that kind of an explosion. I just meant the chemicals could expand and get very messy if they do.

Well, in that case, I’ll do it.

Here you go, and Sergio handed Pedro the three vials and asked, Do you remember how to mix them?

Of course, I do. First I need to add one ounce of A, next two ounces of B, and finally four ounces of C.

It sounds like you’re ready to make some special hand cream for your sister.

Who said anything about hand cream?

But I thought you were going to add them . . .

I am, but I’m not going to put them into her hand cream because today is Thursday.

What does Thursday have to do with Lori’s hand cream?

It has a lot to do with it.

I don’t understand what you’re talking about?

Don’t you get it? Pedro grumbled.

I wouldn’t be asking if I did.

Lori always washes her hair on Thursday.

Wait, you’re not planning to put it in her . . .

Oh yes, I am. Not only her shampoo, but Lori’s body wash as well. Believe me, when she gets out of the shower, she’ll be singing the blues if you know what I mean.

Well, good luck with that, and let me know how everything turns out.

I will, Pedro said and walked home. About ten minutes later, he heard the phone ringing and Lori answering it,

Hello.

Lori, this is Rita. Can you talk freely? she whispered.

Who is it? Pedro asked?

It’s for me, Lori told Pedro.

Hold on, give me a second, Lori told Rita, and she walked into her room and shut the door.

All right, Rita, now I can talk freely. So what’s going on? Lori asked her.

Pedro was at my house a little while ago. I saw him, Eric, and Sergio all whispering about something, but I couldn’t hear what they were discussing.

Why should I care what he does?

You don’t understand, they went inside our garage to have a private talk.

Is there a reason you’re telling me this? Lori asked.

Yes, because I was at the garage window eavesdropping on their conversation, and I overheard everything.

For gosh sake, Rita, just tell me what you know.

Pedro is going to do something to you.

Oh, really, and do you know what that something is going to be?

He’s going to put something into your shampoo and body wash.

"Did they mention

Reviews for Crystal Clear

[sylviac_43 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fairly typical Cadell book. Good but not outstanding. Paul Saxon is surprised to read the announcement of his engagement to an unknown girl. He and his relatives set off to to find out who she is, and everyone makes unexpected discoveries. It is all quite cheerful and silly. At first I didn't think I was going to like Paul. On the first page, he is happy to be graduating in 130th place in a class of 150. It quickly becomes clear that he is a young man of wealth and privilege, whose life has been pretty carefree. But as the story develops, it turns out he is also a very nice person.