College Weekend by R.L. Stine Page B

began.
    â€œNo,” she said, swinging her foot back and forth on the concrete. “I don’t know what to do.”
    â€œI know what you need,” Chris said. He slapped his hands on his thighs. “How about a frozen banana?”
    Of all the food at a carnival, frozen bananas were Tina’s favorite. How does he keep doing that? Tina thought. Is he a mind reader or something?
    â€œOkay,” she agreed halfheartedly.
    They weaved among the booths and rides to the ice-cream stand. Tina’s mind drifted away from the carnival. I’m not being fair to Chris, she thought. He certainly hadn’t asked to spend all weekend with me. I have to stop thinking and just have a good time.
    After frozen bananas, they headed for the Ferris wheel. As they stood in line, Tina tried to keep up her half of the conversation. But her mind kept wandering to Holly and Josh.
    â€œSo have you heard of them?” Chris asked.
    â€œHeard of who?”
    â€œNever mind,” Chris replied. “We’re next.”
    The attendant led them to a car. Chris lowered the safety bar. A minute later the ride began. The balmy spring air brushed against her face. The sounds faded into the distance.
    Tina’s stomach fluttered when the car swooped down. She felt a rush as the car lifted back in the air.
    Chris fiddled with the settings on his camera. He focused on Tina and took several shots as they rode around.
    Tina searched the crowd below, hoping to seeHolly. On the way down next time, she thought, I’ll check another section.
    But the car didn’t go down another time. It jerked and then came to a stop.
    Tina glanced up at the open sky. I can almost touch the clouds, she thought.
    â€œWe’re stuck,” Chris said. “Have you ever been stuck at the top before?”
    â€œNo,” Tina answered.
    The children in the car below began crying for their parents.
    A bird landed on one of the spokes of the giant wheel, then flew away.
    I wish I could fly away, Tina thought, and start this weekend all over again.
    Deep in thought, she didn’t realize Chris had moved closer—until he draped his arm around her. His eyes locked on hers.
    Not now, she thought. I can’t kiss him up here. I can’t kiss him at all. I have a boyfriend. A boyfriend who will be back any minute.
    Tina edged away.
    Chris ran his hand along her cheek. “Stop worrying,” he said soothingly. “I told you you worry too much.” He wrapped his arms around her and leaned forward.
    Then he pressed his soft lips on hers. She didn’t want to, but she couldn’t help herself. She gave in and returned the kiss.
    Chris held her tighter. His kisses grew deeper.
    I like this, she thought. I know I shouldn’t, but I really do.
    A gentle breeze rocked the car. The screaming children faded into the distance.
    Chris ran his fingers through her hair.
    Then he cupped her face in his hands. A faraway look came over his eyes.
    â€œChris.” Tina touched his arm. “Are you all right?”
    He didn’t answer.
    â€œChris,” she repeated. “Say something.”
    He narrowed his eyes at her.
    What is he seeing? she wondered. His expression is so cold.
    Chris removed the rubber band from his ponytail. His hair fell down his neck. He shook it out.
    â€œSorry,” he finally said. “It’s just that I haven’t been on a Ferris wheel since …” His voice drifted off.
    â€œIt’s okay,” Tina replied softly. “Carla told me about her.”
    â€œI keep seeing her face,” Chris murmured. “I wish I could shut it out.”
    â€œIt takes time,” Tina said. It felt good to comfort Chris. After all, he’d been reassuring her all day.
    He turned his piercing green eyes on her. “You know, Josh is a fool for leaving like that,” hedeclared. “What if I hadn’t arrived at the train station when I did? Do you know what might have