Midnight Games by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online

the name of her teeth-whitener, I thought. She motioned me to the music stand and took a seat behind her desk. “Anytime you’re ready, Dana.”
    I cleared my throat. As I turned to the front of the room, I saw something move in the doorway. The classroom door was open a little more than a crack. I could see a person standing there. And I recognized her by her red hair.
    Ada.
    Hiding there. Spying on me from the hall.
    I took a deep breath. Anger pushed away all my nervousness.
    Okay, Ada, I thought. If you want to see a show, I’ll give you a show.
    I don’t think I ever sang better. My voice was clear and steady. I don’t think I wavered on a single note. And all the while I could see Ada hunched at the door, eavesdropping on my performance.
    When I finished the second piece, Ms. Watson applauded. “Dana, I’m impressed,” she said, standing up and shaking my hand again. “Mr. Margolis didn’t exaggerate. You really have a gift.”
    â€œThank you,” I said. “I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. My mother heard me singing along with a CD when I was three or something. She couldn’t believe I was hitting all the notes. So she started me with lessons.”
    â€œYou should congratulate your mother,” Ms. Watson said. “That was very wise of her.”
    â€œI can’t,” I blurted out. “She died a few months ago.”
    Ms. Watson’s cheeks turned bright pink. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She bit her bottom lip. Her bright blue eyes locked on mine.
    â€œAnyway,” she said, “we need you desperately in our chorus. I know the others will be so happy to have you join us.”
    I glanced at the doorway. Ada hadn’tmoved. I wondered what she was thinking. Probably making hex signs.
    â€œThank you,” I said. “You’ll have to show me what you’ve been singing. It’ll probably take me a while to catch up.”
    Ms. Watson returned to her desk and sifted through a file of papers. “Dana, have you applied for the Collingsworth Prize? I think I have an application for it here.”
    â€œThank you. I’ve already filled it out,” I told her.
    I thought I heard Ada groan from behind the doorway.
    â€œWell, this school is naming two finalists,” Ms. Watson said. “I think you have a real chance.”
    It was my turn to blush. She was being so awesomely nice.
    â€œI’ll try,” I said.
    She handed me a schedule of chorus rehearsals. I thanked her again and strode out of the room. I swung the door open wide.
    Ada must have been frozen there or something. She hadn’t moved.
    Behind me, Ms. Watson let out a startled cry. “Ada? Are you still in school?”
    Ada blinked several times, as if coming out of a daze. “Uh . . . yeah. I had to stay after,” she said.
    â€œDo you have a minute? I want to talk to you,” Ms. Watson said, motioning for Ada to come in. “Have you met Dana?”
    Ada didn’t look at me. “Yeah. We’ve met.”
    â€œI’ve got to run,” I said. I pushed past Ada and hurried out the door. I pulled the door shut after me—but only partway.
    It was my turn to eavesdrop!
    I gripped the doorknob and stepped back from the opening. I kept glancing up and down the hall, making sure no one was approaching. But it was nearly four o’clock. The hall was empty.
    I leaned into the doorway and listened.
    â€œI don’t understand,” Ada was saying. She didn’t sound happy.
    Ms. Watson replied in a low, steady voice. “I’m saying you have to bring your singing up to the next level, Ada. Or I’m afraid you won’t make the finals.”
    â€œBut . . . ” Ada hesitated. “Ms. Watson, you practically guaranteed that I’d go to the state finals.”
    â€œWell, I didn’t really guarantee it,” the teacher replied. “And, I have to be