Horrid Henry's Haunted House

“ No way! " shrieked Horrid Henry. He was not staying the weekend with his slimy cousin Stuck-Up Steve, and that was that. He sat in the back seat of the car with his arms folded. “ Yes you are, " said Mum. “ Steve can't wait to see you, ' said Dad. This was not exactly true. After Henry had sprayed Steve with green goo last Christmas, and helped himself to a few of Steve's presents, Steve had sworn revenge. Under the circumstances, Henry thought it would be a good idea to keep out of Steve's way.

And now Mum had arranged for him to spend the weekend while she and Dad went off on their own! Perfect Peter was staying with Tidy Ted, and he was stuck with Steve. “ It's a great chance for you boys to become good friends, " she said. “ Steve is a very nice boy. " “ I feel sick, ” said Henry, coughing. “ Stop faking, " said Mum. “ You were well enough to play football all morning. " “ I'm too tired, " said Henry, yawning. “ I'm sure you'll get plenty of rest at Aunt Ruby's, " said Dad firmly. “ I'M NOT GOING! " howled Henry. Mum and Dad took Henry by the arms, dragged him to Rich Aunt Ruby's door, and rang the bell. The massive door opened immediately.

“ Welcome, Henry, " said Rich Aunt Ruby, giving him a great smacking kiss. “ Henry, how lovely to see you, " said Stuck-Up Steve sweetly. “ That's a very nice second-hand jumper you're wearing. " “ Hush, Steve, ” said Rich Aunt Ruby. “ I think Henry looks very smart. ” Henry glared at Steve. Thank goodness he'd remembered his Goo-Shooter. He had a feeling he might need it. “ Goodbye, Henry, " said Mum. “ Be good. Ruby, thank you so much for having him. " “ Our pleasure, " lied Aunt Ruby. The great door closed. Henry was alone in the house with his arch-enemy. Henry looked grimly at Steve. What a horrible boy, he thought. Steve looked grimly at Henry. What a horrible boy, he thought.

“ Why don't you both go upstairs and play in Steve's room till supper's ready?" said Aunt Ruby. “ I'll show Henry where he's sleeping first, " said Steve. “ Good idea, ” said Aunt Ruby. Reluctantly, Henry followed his cousin up the wide staircase.

" I bet you're scared of the dark, " said Steve. “ 'Course I'm not, " said Henry. “ That's good, " said Steve. “ This is my room, " he added, opening the door to an enormous bedroom. Horrid Henry stared longingly at the shelves filled to bursting with zillions of toys and games. “ Of course all my toys are brand new. Don't you dare touch anything, " hissed Steve. “ They're all mine and only I can play with them. "