College Weekend by R.L. Stine

Tina.”
    This is hard, she thought. How can I act natural when Rob Roberts may see these pictures? She didn’t know how to position her hands. Or what to do with her feet.
    â€œRelax,” Chris coaxed. “Think about tonight. About the dance.”
    Tina thought about dancing with Josh.
    â€œGreat!” Chris exclaimed. “That’s exactly what I want.” He clicked one shot after another.
    He’s watching me so carefully, Tina thought. Are all photographers this intense? Or is there something else happening between us?
    â€œOkay,” he said, lowering the camera. “That’s enough here.”
    They rode to the library, a large, old stone building with stained-glass windows.
    Chris shot several pictures of Tina sitting on the steps. And some of her strolling in front of the entrance columns.
    Modeling for someone who knows what he’s doing is really fun, she thought.
    â€œThese are going to be terrific.” Chris took her hand and led her back to the scooter. “You’re a natural.”
    Tina’s heart fluttered. “I hope so,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be a model all my life.”
    For a second he gazed longingly at her. She felt her stomach twist. She was having such a great time, she had completely forgotten about Holly.
    â€œWe have to go back to the dorm. What if Holly is there looking for me?”
    â€œNo, listen. Let’s go to the carnival. It’s a natural place for Holly to turn up. She knows that’s where you’re supposed to be.”
    â€œOkay,” Tina agreed.
    They climbed back on the scooter and started across town.
    At a red light Chris jumped off.
    Now what’s he doing? she thought.
    He grabbed his camera and snapped a picture of Tina’s startled face.
    When the light turned green, he hopped back on. Tina wrapped her arms back around his waist.
    I hope these photos come out good, she thought, or I don’t want anyone to see them. Especially Rob Roberts.
    As they approached the main quad, Tina heard the Spring Fling Carnival in full swing. Excited screams drifted into the air from the tilt-a-whirl and the roller coaster.
    The salty-sweet aroma of popcorn and cotton candy greeted her. Chris parked the scooterunder a tree. He reached for Tina’s hand to help her off.
    Boys wearing T-shirts with fraternity names emblazoned on the front called out to them. “Three throws for a dollar! Right here. Win your girlfriend a stuffed bear!”
    Tina watched a cute little boy throw a dart into a balloon. He won a huge stuffed bear.
    I should be here with Josh, she thought. Chris is being great. Spending all this time with me. But he’s not Josh.
    â€œCome on,” Chris said, taking her hand. “I want to try the Softball toss. I’ll win you a prize. How about one of those big purple Barneys?”
    â€œUgh! No, thanks,” Tina protested.
    Chris handed his camera to Tina. The attendant gave him three softballs to toss through the rings.
    Chris rolled the first ball around in his hands and then aimed for the ring. He made it. Before throwing the second one, he turned and smiled at Tina. The second one also fell through the ring. He winked at her.
    Tina held her breath as he tossed the third softball. It hit the side of a ring and fell to the floor.
    â€œOh, well.” He reached in his pocket for more change.
    Good, Tina thought. She really didn’t want a stuffed Barney.
    â€œTina?” a deep voice called out.
    â€œJack!” she exclaimed. “Hi!” Jack Hampton had graduated from Shadyside High a year before Josh.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” Jack asked. He stared curiously at Chris. “Aren’t you still going with Josh?”
    â€œOf course,” Tina answered. “I came here to see him this weekend. But you know Josh. He went off on some geology search and had car trouble.”
    Jack shook his head. “Sounds like Josh.”
    â€œThis