First Evil by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page A

Bobbi’s, and a warm, friendly smile. “I have science lab sixth period too. I’ve seen you there.”
    â€œYeah. Right,” Bobbi replied. “I’ve seen you too.”
    â€œI just wanted to say hi and congratulations,” Cari said with a shrug. Then she added, “That accident must have been scary.”
    â€œYeah,” Bobbi said. “It was.”
    â€œWell, see you tomorrow.”
    â€œRight. See you.”
    The long corridor was emptying out as kids headed for home or after-school jobs. Bobbi could still hear the ringing applause in her ears, the cheers, the shouts, the pounding of the drums echoing off the walls.
    Wow! I just feel so great! Bobbi thought, pulling some books and a binder from the top shelf of her locker. I feel as if I could fly home!
    A few other kids, kids she’d seen around school but didn’t really know, called out congratulations as they passed by. Maybe Shadyside High is an okay place, Bobbi thought happily.
    During her first weeks in school, she had wondered if she’d ever get to like it. The kids all seemed so snobby. They all seemed to have known each other their whole lives. Bobbi wondered if she’d ever fit in or find friends of her own.
    But that day had erased all of her worries. It was going to be a great school year, Bobbi decided. Great. Great. Great. Everything was great.
    Still in her cheerleader uniform, she looked up and down the hall. Seeing that it was empty, she performed a high leap, landed, and did a cartwheel that nearly carried her into the wall.
    Having gotten that out of her system, she collected her books, stuffed them into her backpack, and humming to herself, headed out the back door to the student parking lot.
    Even the weather is great today, she thought, stopping to take a deep breath. The afternoon sky was still high and cloudless. The air felt warm and dry, more like summer than a day in autumn.
    Near the fence, two girls sat on the hood of a car,talking to a boy in a maroon and white letter jacket. Beside them, another car revved up noisily. Two boys were puzzling over a bike with a flat rear tire, scratching their heads and scowling.
    Beyond the student parking lot, Shadyside Park stretched out, still green and vibrant. A broad, grassy field with an empty baseball diamond set in one corner led to thick woods.
    I wish Mom and Dad were home, Bobbi thought. I can’t wait to tell them the news.
    I’m still in a state of shock, she told herself. It was such a surprise. I never dreamed that Miss Green would name me captain!
    The other girls must have been shocked too, Bobbi realized. Especially Kimmy.
    Kimmy.
    She hadn’t stopped to think about Kimmy. But now the thought descended on her like a heavy cloud, bringing her back to earth.
    Had Kimmy come over to congratulate her? Bobbi struggled to remember. She had been surrounded by everyone all at once. But no. She didn’t remember Kimmy being one of them.
    I’d better call her or something, she thought.
    Just then a hand touched her shoulder, startling her out of her thoughts.
    â€œHi.”
    She stared into a boy’s face. He was handsome, with friendly dark brown eyes that crinkled at the corners, a shy smile, and lots of unbrushed brown hair that seemed to be tossed around on his head.
    â€œHi.” She returned the greeting.
    It was Chip Chasner, quarterback of the Tigers. She had seen him a lot during outdoor practices. He was friendly with the other cheerleaders, but he had never said a word to Bobbi.
    He fell into step with her as she crossed the parking lot. He was broad shouldered and tall, especially in his shoulder pads and cleats.
    â€œI just wanted to say, way to go,” he said shyly, his dark eyes smiling at her.
    â€œThanks,” she said, suddenly shy too. “I was really surprised. I mean, I didn’t think they’d pick me. Since I’m new and all.”
    â€œWe haven’t really met. I’m