Free Wrong Number 2 by R.L. Stine

placed a hand on the side of Chuck’s neck. “Good—I can feel his pulse.”
    Hearing voices, Deena glanced over her shoulder. A crowd of neighbors had gathered on the curb. Turning back to Chuck, Deena could hear their murmured questions behind her:
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œWho is he?”
    â€œWhat’s going on? Were they fighting?”
    â€œDid anyone call an ambulance?” Jade was screaming. “Did anyone call 911?”
    Please, Deena thought, staring at her brother. Please let Chuck be all right.
    Chuck stirred but didn’t awaken.
    Deena heard the shrill wail of sirens.
    The street soon pulsed with flashing red and blue lights. Police arrived first. Then the white-suited medics.
    A young police officer ushered Deena, Jade, andTeddy to the side. Deena struggled to concentrate on the woman’s questions. She kept glancing over her shoulder to see what the medics were doing to Chuck.
    He’ll be okay, Deena told herself. He’ll be okay.
    But he’s in trouble once again.
    Poor Chuck. Always in trouble.
    â€œHe’s my brother,” Deena heard herself telling the officer. “Chuck Martinson.”
    â€œHow was he hurt?” the officer demanded.
    Jade answered immediately. “It was an accident,” she said. “The two boys were messing around. Chuck fell.”
    Deena relaxed. As usual, Jade knew what to do to keep Chuck from getting in even more trouble.
    â€œIs that so?” the officer asked, squinting at Jade. “The neighbors reported a fight.”
    Again Jade answered smoothly. “That’s probably what it looked like,” she said. “But the guys were just goofing. They’re really good friends, right, Teddy?”
    â€œRight,” Teddy mumbled.
    The police cars rolled away, their lights still flashing. The ambulance drove off silently with Chuck in the back. I’ve got to hurry home to tell Mom and Dad, Deena told herself.
    â€œThanks for not telling them about the fight,” Teddy said to Jade.
    â€œI didn’t do it for you,” Jade replied wearily.
    â€œHey, I’m sorry, Jade,” Teddy said, shaking his head. “I mean, I thought he had taken something ofyours or something. The way you were screaming and chasing after him.”
    â€œWhat were you doing over here in the first place?” Jade demanded.
    â€œI just came over to talk to you,” Teddy said, lowering his eyes. “It seems like every time I call you lately, you’re too busy to see me.”
    Jade let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry, Teddy,” she said. To Deena’s surprise, her friend really did look sorry. “I think you’re a terrific guy. But I used to go with Chuck, and now that he’s back in town, he’s the guy I’m seeing.”
    â€œHey, no problem,” Teddy murmured. Even in the darkness Deena could see the disappointment on Teddy’s face. He turned quickly and slumped away.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    Deena dreaded telling her parents what had happened. But she had no choice.
    â€œTwo days he’s back, and he’s already in trouble!” her father ranted as they drove to Shadyside General.
    â€œAren’t you even worried about him?” Deena cried. “I mean, he’s lying in the hospital!”
    â€œOf course I’m worried about him. But what does he expect? Getting into fights all the time!” Mr. Martinson grumbled. “At least he can’t get into trouble in the hospital.”
    â€œWhat a horrible thing to say!” Deena cried from the backseat.
    Mrs. Martinson sighed. “Why can’t Chuck just obey the rules like everyone else?”
    Deena didn’t have an answer. All she knew was that Chuck was Chuck—and he never wanted to be like other people or do the things other people did.
    Deena knew that her parents weren’t angry with her, but she couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. It was almost