Free Why I'm Not Afraid of Ghosts by R.L. Stine Page A

animals were kind of hard to control in the air. They kept squirming around.
    Oliver glanced at the flying animals. He didn’t seem bothered at all! He strolled over to the big mirror in the corner.
    What is he up to now? Robbie wondered. How canhe possibly ignore pets in the air? Does this kid ever act normal?
    â€œHuh,” Oliver grunted. He stared at the mirror. He didn’t even pay attention to the animals circling over his head.
    What could Oliver be staring at? Robbie gazed into the mirror, forgetting to direct the animals. He could feel Dora’s concentration slipping too.
    The animals slowed and stopped high in the air.
    Robbie gasped as he hovered behind Oliver.
    Of course he didn’t see himself in the mirror—he was in invisible mode. That was normal.
    But there was no sign of Oliver either. And Oliver was standing right in front of the mirror.
    Oliver had no reflection!

20

    R obbie stared at the blank mirror in total shock. He stared so hard, he forgot to concentrate on lifting.
    The animals dropped to the floor with a thud.
    Thunder and Spooky streaked down the attic stairs as though their tails were on fire!
    The tarantula scuttled over to hide under the desk.
    â€œI know you’ve been worried about those ghosts, and whether they can harm me, Shawn,” Oliver said over his shoulder. “But I assure you, that was never a problem.”
    He grinned, showing all his teeth.
    Including long, glistening fangs!
    Oliver spun around and stared directly at Dora and Robbie.
    â€œI see you ghosts,” he declared. “I’ve known about you all along. We vampires have the Sight.”
    Oh, no! Robbie couldn’t believe his eyes.
    How could this happen?
    Oliver took two steps toward Dora and Robbie.
    He was the scariest thing Robbie had ever seen!
    Oliver smiled. “I’ve been teasing you, pretending I didn’t notice you. I was forcing you to weaken yourselves. But now I’ve had enough fun and games!”
    Oliver licked his lips. His fangs glittered.
    â€œI’m going to drink now. I’m going to drink up the rest of your energy!”
    He gave a menacing laugh.
    Then he lunged for the ghosts.
    â€œNooooooo!!” Dora and Robbie screamed, clutching each other.
    â€œGet me out of here!” Robbie shrieked.
    With a huge whoosh, he and Dora fled through the wall. Robbie vowed to never ever look back.
    * * *
    Still smiling, fangs gleaming, Oliver turned to Shawn.
    Shawn stared at him wide-eyed, without a single blink.
    Oliver took a step toward him.
    Shawn shrank back.
    â€œWh-what are you going to do with me?” Shawn asked in a quavering voice.

21

    G ood question, Oliver thought. What should I do about Shawn?
    Before he could figure it out though, someone knocked on the door at the base of the attic stairs.
    â€œCome in,” Oliver called.
    Shawn scurried to a corner. Far away from Oliver. His eyes were twice their normal size.
    Mr. Bowen stepped into the attic. “How’d it go, son?” he asked.
    â€œGreat, Dad. They’re gone!” Oliver smiled broadly. His fangs hung over his bottom lip.
    â€œGood job, Oliver! Congratulations! So I can now certify this house ghost free?”
    â€œYup.”
    â€œExcellent. I’ll include that in my next report.”
    â€œYes!” Oliver punched the air.
    â€œWhat—what are you talking about?” Shawn asked.
    Oliver glanced at the terrified ghost.
    â€œMy dad works for the Federal Anti-Spirit Task Force,” he explained proudly. It had to be the coolest job ever. “He’s a specialist in de-haunting houses. Dad’s been teaching me how to help him with his work. We moved into this house because we knew it was haunted. And the best method to get rid of ghosts is to scare them more than they scare you.”
    â€œYou came up with a great plan,” Mr. Bowen said.
    Oliver beamed. “Thanks,” he murmured.
    â€œHave you heard about any