The Second Horror by R. L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page A

anything to do with it- -did he?” she asked suspiciously. “No. Why?” “I wanted to warn you about him,” Meg said, her expression solemn. They started walking. “What do you mean?” Brandt asked. “Jon’s a really intense guy,” Meg warned. She plucked a twig from a tree as she walked. “You’ll be sorry if you get on his bad side. He’s got a terrible temper.” “I can handle that,” Brandt said quietly. “I’m serious, Brandt. He’s real jealous when it comes to Jinny.” “Jinny and I are only lab partners,” Brandt insisted. “I know,” Meg said. “But you don’t know Jon. I mean, sometimes he goes ballistic. He got suspended from school last year for beating up a kid in Waynesbridge. The kid spent two weeks in the hospital.” She stopped at the corner. “Here’s where I turn,” she announced. A strand of auburn hair fell into her eyes. She made no move to brush it away. “Thanks for the warning,” Brandt told her. “But I think I can handle Jon.” Meg didn’t reply. Instead, she completely startled Brandt by rising up on her toes and kissing him. Quickly getting over his surprise, Brandt found himself kissing her back. She’s really awesome, he told himself. She stepped back and smiled at him. “I know you’ve got a study date with Jinny on Saturday,” she said. “But why don’t you come over to my house on Sunday? Not to study. We’ll just—hang out.” “Sounds great,” Brandt said. “See you then.” “See you.” She flashed him another smile, shifted her backpack, and hurried away. A few minutes later, still thinking about Meg, Brandt walked into his front yard. Abbie sat perched on a sagging front step, waiting for him. She was wearing her school uniform: a gray plaid skirt, white blouse, and blue sweater. She smiled and waved when she saw him. Oh, wow! Brandt thought. As soon as he saw Abbie, he remembered—he had made a study date with her for Saturday. But now he had invited Jinny for Saturday afternoon too. “How’s it going, Brandt?” Abbie asked, climbing to her feet. “Hey—what happened to your arm?” Her blue eyes narrowed in concern. “Just sprained it or something,” Brandt replied, thinking about Saturday. “Uh—you know, Saturday—” he started. “Would you like me to bring something? Some popcorn, maybe?” Abbie suggested. She gave him an eager smile. “No, it’s not that,” Brandt said. “I—uh—got hung up Saturday. Some stuff I’ve got to do. Can we make it another day?” Abbie’s happy expression crumpled into disappointment. But she replied brightly, “Sure. Another day. No problem. Really.” She stood up quickly and started across the front lawn. “Catch you later,” she called behind her.
    “Right.” Brandt watched her disappear around the hedges. She’ll get over it, he told himself. He had to smile. Girls were throwing themselves at him right and left! Maybe I’m going to like it here after all, he thought. He turned and made his way into the house. “Mom—guess what?” he called. “You won’t believe what a klutz I am! I fell down the stairs at school today!”
    The doorbell rang at exactly two o’clock on Saturday afternoon. Brandt was sitting in the den, watching college football on TV. He waited a minute until the first half of the game ended. Then he switched off the TV and went to answer the door. His shoulder had nearly healed and he no longer needed the sling. But the coach refused to let him play basketball anymore. I can live without basketball, Brandt thought. I’ve got plenty of other activities to keep me busy. Mainly, girls! The doorbell rang again. Brandt fixed his smile, then pulled open the door. Jinny gazed at him, fretfully chewing her bottom lip. She wore a maroon and white Shadyside High sweatshirt over black jeans. “This is your house?” she asked, raising her eyes to the peeling paint oa the porch. “Yeah,” Brandt replied. “Pretty shabby, huh? We’re fixing it up.” He