The New Year's Party by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page A

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    The bell rang, and Sean chugged the rest of his soda. “Remember, I can’t drive you home today,” he told her. “I have a chess club meeting.”
    Not exactly walking weather, Reenie thought after her last class. Dark and wet out. It will probably snow before I make it home.
    She wandered over to the student parking lot, hoping she could find someone to give her a ride.
    Reenie gasped as she felt a cold, damp hand squeeze her neck. She spun around and found Liz grinning at her.
    â€œSorry, I couldn’t resist,” Liz told her.
    â€œAren’t you freezing?” Reenie demanded. Every button on Liz’s coat was open. And she wasn’t wearing a sweater—only a thin blouse.
    â€œNo,” Liz answered. “I love the cold.”
    Reenie hated gray winter days. They seemed to wash the color out of everything.
    Everything except Liz’s hair, Reenie noticed. I’d kill for hair like that, she thought. All those coppery highlights.

    â€œI heard what happened to you yesterday!” Liz exclaimed. “Wow. Scary.”
    â€œReally scary,” Reenie declared. “How are you and P.J. doing at Shadyside?” she asked, changing the subject. She didn’t want to think about the accident.
    â€œGreat,” Liz answered. “It’s hard to believe I didn’t know anyone but P.J. a month ago.”
    Reenie found it hard to believe, too. Liz had become a good friend. Reenie felt as though she had known Liz for much longer than a month.
    â€œWell, I guess P.J.’s not exactly doing so great,” Liz confessed. “He’s so awkward and shy. It’s hard for him to approach people.”
    â€œI’ve noticed,” Reenie commented.
    â€œIt’s not really P J.’s fault, you know,” Liz said.
    Not sure what to say, Reenie didn’t respond. They started across the parking lot, slipping between a Jeep and an old Chevy.
    â€œP.J.’s not well,” Liz went on.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with him?”
    â€œHe’s frail. He can’t do physical things.”
    â€œMaybe he should work out or something—build up his strength,” Reenie suggested.
    â€œYou don’t understand. He’s got a heart murmur. He can’t work out or anything like that. He’s excused from PE.”
    â€œHow … how serious is it?”
    â€œHe’s okay as long as he doesn’t do physical stuff.”
    Reenie felt guilty for all the mean things she had been thinking about P.J. She decided to try to make him feel more welcome at Shadyside High.

    â€œGreta and P.J. seem to have a lot to talk about,” Reenie observed.
    â€œI wish he would ask her out. But I’m afraid he’s too shy. He’s never worked up the courage to ask any girl out.”
    â€œHe’s never gone out with a girl—ever?” Reenie asked, surprised.
    â€œNever. But don’t tell anyone, okay? P.J. would be really bummed if it got around.”
    â€œI won’t,” Reenie promised. “I think it would be great for P.J. to go out with someone,” Reenie continued slowly. “But Greta’s still going with Artie, so …”
    Reenie heard footsteps behind her and turned around. She found Ty hurrying to catch up to them.
    â€œHey. Where you guys headed?” he called breathlessly.
    â€œNowhere special,” Liz replied.
    Ty has a car, Reenie remembered. At last. A ride.
    â€œLiz …” Ty hesitated.
    â€œUh-huh?”
    â€œCould I ask you something?”
    Oh, no, Reenie thought. Ty’s finally decided to ask Liz out, and I’m standing here like her chaperon.
    She checked her watch. “Listen, you guys, I’ve got to run. I’ll catch you later, okay?”
    â€œOkay,” Liz replied. “See you tomorrow.”
    â€œLater,” Ty said.
    Reenie moved deeper into the parking lot. It’s emptying out fast, she thought. Isn’t there anyone