Read Online Wanted by R. L. Stine - Free Book Online

darkness of a small, heavily wooded park. Running beneath the trees, I struggled to think. Struggled to think like Lu-Ann.
    An act of kindness.
    I have to fight the power of the mask and do an act of kindness.
    The only way to free myself …
    The mask fought back. It tried to drown out these thoughts with thoughts of evil, of hurting people, of smashing and wrecking everything in my path.
    Those angry feelings were overpowering. I couldn’t control them. And when I saw the little girl sitting on the curb, I felt the anger bubble up in me, and I knew she was in big trouble.
    From me.
    She was dressed in a princess costume. But her sparkly tiara lay on the ground next to her. She had her head in her hands. Under the street-light, I saw her dark hair bobbing up and down, and I knew she was crying.
    I opened my mouth to roar, to terrify her.
    But somehow I choked it back. And I dropped down beside her on the curb.
    It took her a while to notice me. Finally, she raised her head, sniffling, and wiped tears off her cheeks.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” I whispered.
    â€œLost,” she replied in a trembling voice.
    â€œYou’re lost?”
    She nodded, still wiping away tears. She had her eyes down. She hadn’t seen my hideous face yet.
    â€œI was with all these kids. But I can’t find them now. I don’t know where they went.”
    â€œAnd you don’t know how to get home?”
    â€œNo. I’m lost.” Her shoulders quivered. More tears poured from her big, dark eyes.
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ll help you,” I said softly in my hoarse, raspy voice. “I’ll take you home. No problem.”
    Her eyes went wide. “You will?”
    â€œYes.”
    An act of kindness.
    An act of kindness to get rid of this evil mask.
    â€œThank you,” she said in a tiny voice. And then she turned to me.
    She looked at me for the first time.
    Her smile vanished, and her mouth trembled, then opened wide in a scream of horror.
    â€œYou’re so UGLY!” she shrieked. She jumped to her feet. She tried to run. But she wasn’t fast enough.
    I grabbed her by her tiny shoulders. “Where are you going, little girl?” I snarled. “I’m going to help you. I’m going to help you eat all your candy!”
    I snatched her trick-or-treat bag from her hands. Shoved her aside.
    Then I frantically ripped the bag to pieces.
    Candy bars flew everywhere. I grabbed them as they fell. Swiped them off the ground — and jammed them into my mouth, grinding them up … gobbling them … gobbling — wrappers and all — crushing them in my huge, pointed teeth.
    The little girl was sobbing loudly now. Her face was all wet and twisted in fear.
    It made me laugh. I spotted her sparkly tiara on the ground. Picked it up and plunked it on my smooth, bald head.
    Then I ran off, tore full speed down the street. Laughing my head off. Laughing in a high, shrill animal voice. Letting the cold air rush at my burning face. My burning, ugly face.
    I ran hard and fast. Ran like a wild creature, past the tall, silent trees and the dark houses.
    Ran till I couldn’t hear her unhappy cries anymore.

I had to stop to catch my breath. Where was I? I didn’t recognize the houses. The moon was still behind the clouds. Darkness covered the street signs.
    Got to get control.
    Got to do an act of kindness before I completely disappear and become this evil creature forever.
    Up ahead, I heard a car door slam. I turned and saw a young man standing beside a small SUV. He was shaking his head and muttering under his breath.
    I took a few steps toward him. As I came closer, I saw that he was staring down at a flat tire. Angrily, he slammed his fist on the car hood.
    I walked closer. He gasped when he saw me. My face must have scared him.
    â€œThat’s a really frightening mask,” he said. “You startled me.”
    â€œHappy Halloween,” I grunted.
    â€œNot too