Read It and Weep! Read Online Free Page B

the woods closed around her, as though she were in the middle of the wilderness. She picked up the pace.
    The wan, late-afternoon sun glinted through the branches overhead, but rather suddenly the sun seemed to go behind a cloud, and a chilly gloom slipped in. The woods grew dark and shadowy. A wind sprang up, whipping her hair around her face, across her eyes, into her mouth.
    Suddenly she heard her name.
    Charlotte.
    It was whispered and seemed to be coming from all around her. Maybe it was only the wind. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Yes. Definitely the wind.
    Charlotte!
    â€œWho’s there?” she called, slowing to a stop.
    There was no answer.
    A cold stab of fear struck her. She knew she was closer to the other side of the wooded area than where she’d entered, so she proceeded straight, beginning to run, her backpack bouncing on her back.
    I’m coming for youuuuu!
    Now she was sprinting full speed and praying she wouldn’t trip over the uneven terrain and the many roots and brambles in her path. It was so dark in this wood. At any minute she expected the same cold hand to land on her shoulder, just like in her cousins’ basement.
    The path curved slightly to the left, and she saw a dimly-lit patch of grass ahead. The baseball field. Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Don’t trip.
    Charrrrrrrrloooooooote!
    She burst out of the woods and onto the baseball field, panting and whimpering.
    And almost ran smack into Lauren.
    â€œCharlotte? What’s up? What’s the matter? You look awful!”
    â€œLauren!” said Charlotte, relief flooding through her. “I just—I thought—” She stopped herself. She couldn’t tell Lauren what had just happened. The last thing she needed was for her new friend to think she was hearing voices. “Nothing,” she said. “I just forgot—”
    â€œA Midsummer Night’s Dream?” Lauren interrupted, holding the book up. “I know. You left it on your desk in social studies. I just finished play rehearsal and was on my way to bring it to you. And to pick up that card you wanted me to show to my aunt.”
    Charlotte smiled. Her heartbeat was slowing to a normal pace now. She must have imagined the voice in the woods. “Thank you so much. That’s awesome.” She took the book, dug the card out of her bag, and handed it to Lauren.
    Lauren shoved the card into her bag and tilted her head to the side, scrutinizing Charlotte closely. “You sure you’re okay? You look really pale and freaked out.”
    â€œI’m fine,” said Charlotte. “Thanks again for the book.”

    The twins were sitting at the kitchen table, doing homework, when Charlotte walked in.
    â€œCharlotte! Can you help us with integers?” asked Thomas, before Charlotte had even closed the door.
    â€œHello, yourself,” said Charlotte, swinging her heavy backpack off her shoulders and plunking it into an empty chair.
    Their mom came bustling into the kitchen, her head down as she finished tying the waistband of her nursing scrubs. She looked up and almost collided with Charlotte.
    â€œOh! Hi, honey!” She turned toward the twins. “Jonathan, Thomas, run up and get changed. The Kenersons will be here in a half hour to bring you to the game. I’ve got sandwiches and waters on the counter.”
    â€œMom, can I have a smartphone?” asked John, sliding back from the table and heading for the door.
    Their mother let out a guffaw. “Yeah, sure. As if .”
    Thomas rolled his eyes at his brother. “Dude, nice try!”
    Their mom picked up her pocketbook. “I have to get back to the hospital. Good luck in your game, you two. I’ll be home late, so Char’s in charge.”
    She gave Charlotte a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed her keys.
    â€œHey,” said Charlotte. “Any word from Daddy?”
    Her mother paused with her hand on the knob. She turned to