The Best Friend by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online

her family decorate their tree.”
    â€œHow nice,” Honey said coldly, lowering her eyes. Then a strange, thoughtful look crossed her face, and she added, “You spend a lot of time with Lilah, don’t you.”
    â€œYeah. Lilah, Trish, and I are good buddies,” Becka replied impatiently. “I have some chores to do and stuff, Honey, so . . .”
    Honey pulled herself up from the bed. “Okay. What a nice visit.” She grinned at Becka as she made her way across the room. “I feel as if I haven’t been away a minute. Although, we have so much catching up to do. There’s so much to talk about, so many things to share.”
    â€œYeah,” Becka replied awkwardly.
    â€œSee you first thing in the morning,” Honey said, starting down the stairs. “I’ll see myself out. Bye!”
    Becka stood frozen in place with her eyes closed, not moving, not even breathing. She didn’t move until she heard the front door slam shut behind Honey. Then she took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and walked out to the stairway.
    â€œMom, are you home? Mom?”
    No reply.
    Honey was right, Becka decided. Mom went out.
    Good. I can talk to Bill without worrying. Without Mom butting in.
    Becka hurried to her phone and punched in Bill’s number. It rang twice before he picked it up.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Becka asked, whispering even though she was alone in the house.
    He chuckled. “Would you believe homework?”
    Bill should have graduated the previous spring. But because of his suspension and the fact that he had flunked most of his courses, this year was his second as a senior.
    â€œThis stuff makes a lot more sense the second time around,” he said, only half joking. “I may even pass. What are you doing?”
    Becka sighed. “That girl I told you about, Honey, my new neighbor, she came over. I mean, she was here when I got home.”
    â€œYou don’t sound too thrilled,” Bill commented.
    â€œWell . . . Honey comes on a little strong,” Becka told him.
    â€œShe’s okay, I guess. She just makes me nervous.”
    â€œWhat doesn’t?” Bill snickered.
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean?” Becka snapped.
    â€œNothing. Just kidding. I mean, you’re not the calmest person in the world, Becka.” He quicklychanged the subject to get himself out of trouble. “Are you going to meet me Saturday night?”
    Becka hesitated. “I don’t know. I really don’t want to sneak out.”
    â€œBut, Becka—”
    â€œI’ve always been honest with my parents, Bill. I’m not sure I want to start sneaking around behind their backs now.”
    â€œThen tell them you’re meeting me,” he urged.
    â€œI want to. I just haven’t found the right time. It seems—”
    â€œI’m not a serial killer, you know,” Bill said heatedly. “I got in a little trouble last year. But I’m totally straight now. I’m not going to corrupt the Norwoods’ precious daughter.” And then he added playfully, “Well . . . maybe a little.”
    â€œI know, I know,” Becka told him. “It’s just that you don’t know my parents.”
    â€œWell, I’d really like to see you Saturday night,” Bill said curtly. “Maybe I’ll come over and really freak them out.”
    Becka started to reply, but she heard her mother’s car pull into the drive. “I’ve got to go. See you in school,” she said breathlessly and hung up, her heart pounding.
    She hurried downstairs to greet her mother.
    Mrs. Norwood made her way through the kitchen door, carrying two bulging grocery bags. “It’s so slushy out there,” she complained, setting the bags down and bending to pull off her wet boots. “I hate it when the snow gets old and starts to melt.”
    She turned her attention to Becka. “How are you? What