Don't Forget Me! by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page B

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    â€œWhat is going on around here?” I sighed. I totally lost it. I ran down the hall. Grabbed the door—and slammed it as hard as I could. Then I hurried upstairs, grabbed my backpack, and tore out of the house.
    â€œHey, wait up!” I called to Addie and Peter, waving to them. But they had started walking without me, and they were already a block ahead.
    The sun was still hidden behind low clouds. The air felt heavy and wet, as if a storm were brewing.
    As I started to jog, I heard soft thuds behind me. I turned and saw a figure moving rapidly toward me.
    It took me a few seconds to recognize him—the man in the black raincoat. The man all in black. The one who had been staring at our house, spying on us through the front window.
    Shadows hid him as he trotted under the tall trees along the street. I couldn’t see his face. But keeping in the shadows, he came toward me quickly.
    I froze in panic for a second. Then I spun away from him and took off.
    The backpack bounced hard on my shoulders. My shoes slipped on the wet grass.
    I glanced back and saw him gaining on me. His black raincoat flapped loudly behind him.
    â€œHey—!” he bellowed angrily. “Hey, you—!”
    Who is he? Why is he chasing me? I wondered.
    I didn’t stop to ask. I raced across the street.
    Peter and Addie were only half a block ahead of me now. And the tall brick elementary school came into view ahead of them.
    If I can catch up to them, maybe I’ll be safe, I thought.
    But then I heard a snap . My backpack strap flew up. The backpack fell off my shoulder. Hit the ground and bounced in front of me. I nearly stumbled over it.
    I dove for it.
    Frantic now. Frantic to get away.
    Away from the flapping black raincoat. The outstretched arms. The evil face hidden in darkness.
    I saw the man lurch into the street. Closing in. Closing in on me.
    I grabbed the backpack. Too late.
    He was steps away from me.
    I was caught.

 

    The blare of a car horn made me jump.
    I turned in time to see a large blue van roar into the intersection. The man in black jumped back. He disappeared for a second behind the blur of blue.
    It was all the time I needed. I scooped up my backpack and ran.
    A few seconds later, I caught up to Addie and Peter. Addie caught the distressed look on my face. She stopped. “Danielle, what’s wrong?”
    I turned back and pointed. “Th-that man—” I sputtered breathlessly.
    My mouth dropped open. He was gone. Vanished.
    â€œNever mind,” I said quickly. I didn’t want to upset Peter. He was already in such bad shape.
    Addie and I led him up the wide stone steps to the elementary school. There were no other kids in sight. We were really late.
    I stopped at the door and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
    He nodded.
    I hesitated. Could I leave him here? Was I doing the right thing?
    â€œI’ll be okay.” He reached for the door handle.
    I squeezed his shoulder. “Well …” I glanced down the street, feeling a chill of fear, expecting to see the man in the black raincoat waiting for me. But the street was empty.
    â€œI’ll meet you right back here after school,” I told Peter. “Wait for me right here, okay?”
    He nodded. He went inside.
    Addie and I watched him through the windows in the door, until he disappeared around a corner.
    â€œHe’s still not right,” I said, biting my bottom lip. “When Mom and Dad get home tonight …”
    â€œThey’ll know what to do,” Addie said.
    â€œBut they left me in charge, Addie. They left me in charge, and I messed up.”
    Addie forced a smile. “Hey, look on the bright side, Danielle.”
    â€œHuh?” I stared at her. That was so typical Addie. Always cheerful no matter what. Always working hard to cheer everyone else up. “What’s the bright side?” I asked.
    She thought for a moment.