Read Online First Date by R.L. Stine, Sammy Yuen Jr. - Free Book Online Page B

we could go to River Ridge. That’s a place on the cliffs above the river. Nina said kids go up there a lot.”
    â€œWho’s Nina?” he asked, sounding suspicious.
    â€œMy friend,” Chelsea told him. “She’s just about the only friend I’ve made so far in Shadyside,” and then she shyly added, “except for you.”
    Instead of acting pleased, he frowned. “Did you tell Nina about our date?”
    â€œNo, of course not,” Chelsea said. She pulled open the passenger door. “It’s our secret, remember?”
    She smiled up at him and his expression relaxed. “Of course I remember.”
    He walked around the front of the car, opened his door, and slid in behind the wheel. A minute later they were driving back toward Shadyside, silently, comfortably, the radio playing softly in the rear speakers.
    â€œHow do you get to River Ridge?” Will asked as they neared town. Then he answered his own question. “I guess you take River Road.”
    â€œI guess,” Chelsea replied. “Oh. I love this song. The Temptations.” She sang along to “My Girl” for a few seconds. “Do you always listen to an oldies station, Will?”
    He didn’t reply. He stared straight ahead through the windshield, but his thoughts seemed to be a million miles away.
    â€œWill?” She touched his arm.
    â€œOh.” He shook his head. “Sorry. I was thinking about something. This is a great song, isn’t it?”
    River Ridge may have been a popular parking spot for Shadyside High kids during the summer, but on this October night, it was completely deserted.
    Will pulled the car right up to the cliff edge and cut the headlights. Below, the river flowed, black and silent. Just across the river stretched the town of Shadyside, mostly dark except for a few twinkling lights from houses and an occasional blinking traffic light.
    Chelsea could feel her heart racing. Her entire body was tingling. She felt so happy. She felt like singing, or maybe throwing open the door and flying out of the car, flying over the cliff, over the river, into the dark, starry sky to soar over the small, twinkling town so far below.
    Will dropped his hands from the steering wheel and turned to her, smiling. He slid one arm behind her on the back of her seat.
    He’s going to kiss me, she thought happily.
    I’m up here on River Ridge, parked with a boy who likes me.
    My first date, she thought, smiling back at Will, leaning toward him as he pulled her close. My first, secret date.
    She licked her lips. They felt so dry. But before she could finish, his lips were pushing against hers.
    The kiss was awkward and brief.
    But he was smiling as he pulled his head back. “Nice night,” he said.
    Chelsea nodded. She wanted the kiss to last longer. She wanted him to kiss her again, to hold her.
    She had fantasized about a night like this so many times.
    She wanted it to be just like all her fantasies.
    But Will removed his arm from behind her and replaced it on the wheel. “Feel like taking a walk?” he asked softly. “A short one. It’s so pretty up here. I like looking at the town, don’t you?”
    He pushed open his car door without waiting for her reply.
    Chelsea pushed her door open too. He’s so romantic, she thought. He was always so shy inschool. But up there, he seemed more confident, more self-assured.
    Maybe it’s because he’s starting to feel comfortable with me, Chelsea thought.
    She forced herself to calm down. The light in the car went out as she closed the car door behind her. The night grew much darker.
    â€œWill?” For a moment she couldn’t find him. Then, as her eyes adjusted, she saw him standing at the cliff edge, his hands in his jacket pockets, staring over at the town.
    â€œLook,” he said, turning back to her and motioning for her to come stand beside him. “It doesn’t look real.