Don't Forget Me! Read Free

open?”
    He frowned. “I didn’t. I never touched it.”
    I stared at the door. “Weird.”
    â€œAre you guys going to the game next Friday night?” Addie asked. “Maybe we could hang out or something after?”
    Before they could answer, Peter interrupted. “I got a new computer for my birthday. It’s all hooked up. Are you into Tomb Raider ? I have the new one. It’s been totally upgraded. And guess what else I got? Next year’s NFL Football .”
    Zach let out a little cry. “You’ve got the new Tomb Raider ? Is it cool?”
    Peter nodded. “Yeah. It’s awesome. The graphics are unbelievable.”
    Mojo slipped an arm around Peter’s shoulders. “You’re my MAN! Where is it? Let’s check it out.”
    The three boys pushed past Addie and me to get up the stairs to Peter’s room. A few seconds later, the door slammed behind them.
    Addie and I stood frozen in the front hallway, as if in shock. “What just happened?” Addie asked finally. “Was it something we said?”
    â€œPeter strikes again,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m serious. Is there any way I can become an only child?”
    Two days later, I would feel very guilty for saying that.
    Two days later, my nightmare started with a knock on the front door.

 

    Sunday morning my parents were getting ready to leave on one of their short business trips. As usual, Mom packed the entire suitcase while Dad decided which neckties to bring.
    I was leaning against the doorway to my parents’ room, watching Mom pack. Yellow morning sunlight filtered through the window blinds, making stripes on the unmade bed.
    Peter kept jumping up and down on the mattress, making their suitcase bounce. “Why can’t I come?” he demanded. “Why don’t you ever take me with you?”
    Mom frowned at him. “There is a little thing called school tomorrow,” she said softly.
    â€œI can make up the work,” Peter insisted. “Why can’t I come? Why do I always have to stay home with Danielle? She’ll only invite all her friends over and have a party, and tell me to get lost!”
    â€œWhoa, Peter—” I shouted. “That is so untrue!”
    Dad narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you having a party tonight?”
    â€œOf course not,” I told him, glaring at Peter. Then I added sarcastically, “I’m going to spend all my time taking good care of my sweet little brother.”
    â€œI can take care of myself,” Peter grunted.
    Dad tilted his head, the way he always does when he’s thinking hard about something. “Danielle, are you sure you don’t want Aunt Kate to come stay over?”
    â€œNo way!” I cried. “We don’t need her. Really, Dad. I’ve taken care of Peter before, haven’t I?”
    â€œWe have to go,” Mom said, checking her watch. She slammed the suitcase shut and clasped it. “We’ll call you from Cleveland,” she told me.
    â€œHey, wait. You forgot my ties!” Dad cried.
    A few minutes later, after hugs and kisses all around, and more promises to call and warnings to be careful, my parents backed down the driveway and headed for the airport.
    I watched their car until it disappeared around the corner. Then I turned to Peter. “Help me clean up the breakfast dishes?”
    â€œI can’t,” he said. “I have to go watch TV.” He spun around and ran out of the kitchen.
    I let out a sigh. It’s going to be a long couple of days, I told myself. Peter is always at his worst when Mom and Dad are away and I’m in charge.
    I started carrying the dishes to the sink. And that’s when I heard the knock on the front door. Three sharp raps.
    At first, I thought Mom and Dad had returned. They probably forgot something.
    But why wouldn’t they just open the door?
    Three more sharp raps.
    â€œComing!” I