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

here I can catch a ride with?
    A red car squealed to a stop in front of her. Marc Bentley’s red car.
    I’d rather freeze to death, Reenie told herself.
    Artie rolled down the window. “Reenie—yo! Look what I’m driving. Need a ride?”
    â€œNo, thanks,” Reenie called. Even without Marc behind the wheel, she didn’t want another ride in the red car. “I think I’m going to walk. I need the exercise.”
    â€œIt’s going to storm,” Artie warned.
    A gust of wind sent freezing air down the back of her coat collar. She shivered, the chill reminding her of last night. The frigid water of Fear Lake.
    Knowing she was going to drown.
    â€œHop in,” Artie urged.
    Reenie glanced around the parking lot. Artie’s my only chance for a ride. “Okay,” Reenie answered reluctantly. She climbed in.
    â€œWhere’s Greta this afternoon?” Reenie asked. Artie scowled. Dumb question, she thought. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
    â€œShe brought her own car today,” Artie replied through clenched teeth. He peeled out of the exit and roared away from the school.
    I wish I’d known that, Reenie thought. I could have ridden home with her. Reenie realized she’d barely spoken to Greta the entire day—just those few minutes in the cafeteria.
    Artie pushed down on the gas. Reenie made sure her seat belt was fastened properly. Artie’s driving made her nervous.

    Artie pulled to a stop in front of a red light. “Hey, Reenie…”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œLast night… you know. I didn’t mean for you to fall.”
    Reenie sighed. “I know.”
    â€œI wanted to go out on the ice with Sean. Help pull you up. But we thought the ice might break some more.”
    â€œI know that, Artie.”
    â€œGood. Watch this.” The light turned green. Artie floored the gas pedal. The tires squealed as the powerful car shot forward.
    â€œArtie, don’t!”
    â€œIt’s okay, Reenie!” Artie yelled. “I drive a lot better than Marc!”
    Artie sped down the road into another intersection. Horns blared. Tires squealed.
    â€œLook out!” Reenie shrieked.

Chapter 13

NOT P.J.!
    R eenie’s scream stuck in her throat.
    She heard metal slam against metal. Shattering glass.
    The car spun, slamming her into the door.
    She heard someone screaming. Far away.
    Felt the seat belt biting into her stomach, as she was thrown forward. Then she lurched back against the seat.
    Reenie tasted blood in her mouth. Metallic and salty.
    I bit my tongue, she realized. That’s all. I just bit my tongue.
    The car shuddered to a stop.

    â€œYou okay?” Artie groaned.
    â€œYeah—I think so.” Reenie peered out the window. She couldn’t see much. Cracks covered the glass like a huge spiderweb.
    She shoved open the door and leaned out. A sharp, sour taste hit the back of her throat. She swallowed hard.
    A green van had smashed into the rear door. On
my side,
Reenie thought. Two feet from where I’m sitting.
    Reenie slowly climbed out of the car. Her legs felt as though she had run up and down the gym bleachers a hundred times. They wouldn’t stop trembling.
    Artie hurried over to Reenie. “Oh, wow!” Artie groaned, staring at the caved-in door. “Marc is going to kill me.”
    Where’s the van driver? Reenie wondered.
    Then she saw him. Still in the van. A dark shape slumped over the wheel.
    â€œHey, are you okay?” she called.
    The driver didn’t reply. Didn’t move.
    â€œAre you okay?” Reenie called again. Oh, no. I hope he’s not hurt, Reenie thought. She hurried to the van and yanked open the door. Gently she pulled the driver back against the seat.
    She sucked in her breath.
    â€œHuh?” A startled cry escaped her lips as she saw his face.
    P.J.! The van driver was P.J.
    Reenie remembered what Liz told her—about P.J.’s having a heart murmur. She felt for