TheAcademy

TheGhostBirdSeries

Touch

ofMischief

♥

AHalloweenShortStory

♥

WrittenbyC.L.Stone

Publishedby

ArcatoPublishing

http://aclstone.tumblr.com/
PublishedbyArcatoPublishing

http://www.arcatopublishing.com

Allrightsreserved.
Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor

localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthor’simaginationandused
fictitiously.

TableofContents

CopyrightPage
TouchofMischief(TheGhostBirdSeries)
NightmaresandHorrorMovies
TricksandPumpkins
Gabriel’sScare
Tombstones
Preparation
DressedtoPerfection
Wonderingwhattoreadnext?

FromTheAcademy

TheGhostBirdSeries

Introductions

FirstDays

Friendsvs.Family

ForgivenessandPermission

ADropofDoubt

PushandShove

HouseofKorba

TheOtherSideofEnvy(April2015)

TheScarabBeetleSeries

Thief

Liar

Fake(December2014)

***

OtherBooksbyC.L.Stone

SmokingGun

SpiceGod

NightmaresandHorrorMovies

Istoodontheedgeofadarkroad,mytoespointedouttowardaravine.

Silasstoodontheotherside,motioningformetocometohim.
Iwantedtosomuch,buthewassofaraway.Darkcloudsswarmedaroundus,withoccasional

flashesoflightning.Lightningthatwasorangelikeflames.

Ahulkingfigureroseupbehindme.Ididn’thavetoturntoknowitwasdangerousandwasafter

us.Itsbreathwashotandmoistatthebackofmyneck,threateningmewithapushifIdidn’tjumpon
myown.

Silascalledtome.Icouldn’tunderstandwhathesaid.Ithoughthewascallingmyname.Hisvoice

wasdeep.Therumbleshookthroughmybones.

Panicked,Ijumped,andforamoment,Iflew.Silaswasreachingforme.
Itwasn’tenough.
Isankintotheblackoftheravine.

yeyesopened,andthedarknesswasstillaroundme.Isatupsharplyinmypanic.Ibreathedin

deeply,mythroatscratchywithasmokyaftertaste.Iinhaledthecypressandleatherandamixofother
scentsaroundme.Iclaspedthecottonofthemaroonblanket,andrubbedthefamiliarmaterialbetweenmy
fingers,seekingcomfortinbeingbroughtoutoffantasyandbackintoreality.Neitherthecypressnorthe
familiartouchofthebedeasedtherapidbeatingofmyheartuponwakingupaftersuchafrightfuldream.

“Sang,”avoicecalledtome.
Ireactedquickly,turningtowardthevoice.Atfirst,inthedark,aftermydream,Ihadamomentwhere

IthoughtitwasSilas.Ievensawhisfacehovering,hisdarkeyes,hisdarkhair,hisfigure,hisGreek
features.Itwasflash,maybejustastrongdesiretoseeit.Iwantedtomakesurehewassafe.

Instead,asIfocusedandmyeyesadjusted,IfoundNathansittingup,turnedtowardmeandrubbinga

palmacrosshiseye.“Youokay?”heasked.Hisvoicewasdeep,andwithanextragrumble.“What
happened?”

ItwasonthetipofmytonguetolieandsayIwasfine.Iknewbetter,though,andIswallowedthe

urge.Ipressedmyfingersacrossmymouth,asifthatcouldsomehowsoftenthetruthandencouragehim
togobacktosleep.“Sorry,”Iwhispered.“Itwasadream.”

“Anothernightmare?”Nathanasked.Hisheadtilted,andabitoflightfromthewindowcrossedover

hisface,revealingaglimpseofhisseriousexpression.Ipicturedthevividdeepblueofhiseyesandhow
theydrewoutmydesiretomakeeverythingbetterwhenheseemedsoconcernedandworried.

“Itdoesn’tmeananything,”Isaid.Icheckedtheclockonhisbedsidetable,whichglaredreddigits:

five-thirty.Thesunwasrisinglaternowthatitwasfall.ItwasHalloween.Flashesofwhatwewere
meanttodotodaycamebacktome.Homecoming.Costumes.DiscoveringwhattheotherAcademy
memberswouldreallybelike.

Silas.
“Thedreamsmustmeansomething,”Nathansaid.Hemovedtotheedgeofthebed,puttinghisfeeton

thefloorandrakinghishandthroughhisshorthair.“Youkeephavingthem.Atleastwhenyou’renotso
deeplyasleepthatyoujustpassoutcompletelyandwakeupstilltired.”

“IsSilasokay?”Iasked,bothoutofconcernforhimandtoavoidtalkingaboutthedream.“Ifell

asleepbeforeanyonesaid...”

“He’sfine,”Nathansaid.Heliftedhimselfslowlyoffthebedtoastandandthendidaflexingstretch.

Inthelowlight,Icouldtellhewasonlyinboxershorts.Heworejustthoseoftenenoughtobed,thaton

mostnights,Ineverthoughttwiceaboutit.Rightnow,though,Istaredathim.Hisshoulderswerewide.
Hisbuildwasn’tastallorbigassomeoftheotherboys,buteveryinchofhimwasshapedlikeamajestic
statue.Hisshouldersandarmscurvedtoshowhismusclewithoutmuchflexingneededonhispart.His
stomachrevealedhisdefinedabdomenineventhedimmestlight.NathanGriffinwaseverybitmale
muscledperfection.Hereachedahandout,palmupandgesturedtomeina‘comehither’way.

Iknee-walkedacrossthebed,crawlingoverthemessed-upblankets.BeforeIgottotheedge,he

reachedoutformyarms.Ihadnotimetoreactbeforehescoopedmeupdrapedmeoverhisshoulder.
“Oof,”Ibreathedout.

“Nomorenightmares,SangSorenson,”hesaid.“AndnomoreworryingaboutSilas.He’sathome

sleeping.He’llbeherelatertoday,anyway.Rightnow,we’renotgoingtoruintodayforyoubyworrying
aboutwhathappenedyesterday.”

“Nathan,”Isaid,squirmingonmystomachasIhungoverhim.Ireacheddowntopathisbuttand

back.Theboysoftendidthingslikethis,andyetIwasn’tawakeenoughyettoreallywrigglemywayout
ofhisgrip.

“Nope,Peanut,”hesaid.“It’sHalloween.It’safuckingSaturday,too.Sure,we’vegotthe

homecomingthingtonight,whichisbadtiming,yeah.We’vegotsixteenyearstocatchyouuponpumpkins
andcandyandcostumes.”

Ihuffed,butrelented,lettinghimcarrymewherehewanted.Igotalittledizzyashemadehisway

throughhishouseinthedark.Heturnedmeoverinthekitchenputmedownonthecoldmarblecounter.
“CanIuseyourphonetotextNorth?Mine’sstillgone.”

“Weshouldgetyouanewone,”hesaid.Heflickedonalight.Icoveredmyeyestokeepoutthe

brightnessuntilmyeyesadjusted.Icaughthisbroadbackasheslippedbackdownthehallway.Hecame
backwithapairofsweatpantsandhiscellphone.Hepassedthephonetome,andthenstartedtoputon
thepants.

Ashedressed,IsmoothedoutmyownpinkT-shirtandapairofgraypajamapants.Iwasn’tsureif

thepajamapantsweremineormaybeKota’soldonesorsomeoneelse’s,asI’dgrabbedthemlastnightin
thedarkandputthemon.IturnedonhisrediPhoneandsentaquicktexttoNorth.Iwasn’tsurewherehe
was,either,andhopedhewasn’tactuallyasleepforonce.Ittookseveraltextstodescribethedream.

Nathanduckedhisheadintothefridge.HepulledouttwoMochaFrappuccinosandthencheckedthe

freezer.Hedugouttwoeggandsausagebiscuits,whichheputthebiscuitsinthemicrowavetoheat.
“Okay,”hesaidoverthewhirringofthemicrowave.Heclappedhishandstogetherlikehewasbrushing
offcrumbsandthenlookedatme.“Coffee,breakfastfirst,thenwe’vegotafewhourstokillbefore
anyoneelseisgoingtoshowup.”Hiseyeslitupandhestartedasidesmirk.“Doyouknowwhattimeit
is?”

“Superearly?”Iasked.IfinishedthelasttexttoNorthandsentit.
“It’stimeforHalloween.AndbythatImeanthemovie.”
“Oh.”Idroppeddowntothekitchenfloor,landingonmybarefeetalittlehard,wobblingsinceI

wasn’treallythatawakeyet.Iwasn’treallysureI’dlikeascarymovieafterthedreamIhad,butifIwas
withNathan,Ididn’tthinkitwouldbugmesomuch.“ButSilasisfine?”Iasked.“Imeanhewaswithhis
dadand...”

Nathansmirked.Heputthecoffeedownandcametome.Iheldhisphonebetweenmypalmsand

againstmychestashecameclose.Hecuppedmyfaceinhishands,andthenslowlyleanedinforakiss.

Atfirstitwasthelightestofbrushesofhislipsagainstmine.Soft,slow,awhisperofatouch.My

heartbeganpumpingfuriouslyatthis,wakingmeup.Iwantedtobeawareofeverytouchfromhim,even
thesmallones.

Hetiltedhisheadbackalittle,andtheroughnessofhisfingersandpalmslightlyscratchedagainstmy

skinasherubbedsoothingly.“Silas,”hesaidinaquiet,butdeepvoicethatstillcarried,“isathomewith

hisdad.Theoevengotreleased,buthe’swithsomeAcademydoctorsatthehospital.Andbeforeyouask,
North’sfine,too.Hejusthadasmallconcussionand...”

Bzzt.
Thephonebuzzedtolifeinmyhands,scaringmeabitbecauseInowknewtheboys’phonescould

delivershocksiftheypushedtherightbutton.Whenitdidn’t,Iturnedthefronttolookatit.Nathanleaned
overtoreaditupsidedown.

North:IwanttocallitkarmafornotlisteningtomeearlierwhenIsaiddon’tgorunningafterSilas.

Butafterthenightyou’vehad,nightmaresaren’tsurprising.

“Soundslikehe’sfine,”Nathansaid.Hetookthephonefrommyhandsandtypedinsomething

quickly.Afterhesentthemessage,heslidthephoneintothepocketofhispants.

“Whatdidyousay?”Iasked.
“ItoldhimI’vegotyouwatchingamovie.”Hesmirked.“Didn’ttellhimwhichone.”Hepaused,his

blueeyesglintingwithcuriosity.“UnlessyouwantsomethinglessscarythanHalloween.Maybe
Scream?”

Itriedtosmothermysmile.NathanlovedscaryfilmsandIdidn’thavethehearttodenyhimbeing

abletowatchatleastoneonadayliketoday.Hewasright;acoupleofhoursbeforetheothersgothere
wouldfinallygiveusenoughtimetofinishit.

Homecomingwasgoingtohappentonight,too.Icouldn’tshakeoffthatthoughtinthebackofmy

mind.Itwascreepingaround,justoutofsight,loomingandpromisingthatsomethinghorriblecould
happen,evenwiththeextraprecautionstheboyshadtaken.Likespiderwebswhisperingacrossmyskin,
myattentionwasgentlydrawntowardclocks,thinkingofthetime,andwonderinghowIcouldpossibly
waitfortonight.Maybeamoviewouldhelptopassthetime.

Ijoinedhiminthelivingroom,andweateourbreakfastsandwichesanddrankcoffeewhilesitting

closetogetherontheleathersofa.AfterIate,hesatbackandslippedanarmaroundmyshoulders.He
pulledmecloseenoughthatIcouldcushionmyheadwithhisshoulder.Withthebroadnessofhisarm
wrappedaroundme,hewarmedmethrough.

WhileIwatchedthemovie,IkeptthinkingofSilasandNorth.ItrustedNathan,butnotseeingthemfor

myselfinpersonmadeithardtoimaginetheywerefine.Silas,especially,hadbeenatriskofgetting
arrestedorworse.AllIhadwastobelieveNathanwasright,thatSilaswasprobablysleepingrightnow
andI’dseehimlater.

AndthentherewasthewayNathansatsoclose.Itmighthavebeenreallyearly,anditmighthave

beenascarymovie,butIwasstillfullyawareofeverymovementhemade.Partofitwaswondering
whatSilaswouldthink.MaybeIshouldtalktoMr.Blackbourne.

Halfwaythroughthemovie,Nathanreachedover,hookinghisarmundermykneesandpullingmylegs

overhis.

Justbeforethefinalcredits,rightwhentheheroinehadfinallythoughtshe’dgottenawayandthekiller

seemedtobefinished,Nathanturnedhishead,andpressedhislipstomytemple.I’dsensedwhenscary
partsofthemovieweregoingtohappen,andoftengazeddownatthecoffeetable,athissweatpants,or
glancedaroundthelivingroomtoavoidwatchingthem.Nowthatitwasover,ithadn’tbeensobadand
hehadn’tseemedtonoticewhenIlookedaway.Iwashappyforthedifferentsortofdistractionashe
kissedmyhead.

Iturned,meaningtosmileandmakeacomment,butheleanedinandbeforeIcouldsayanything,his

lipsclosedinonmine.Hediditquickly,asmostofhiskissesusuallystarted.Theyalwaysleftme
breathless.

Iwasreadyforhimthistime.
Forthefirstkiss,Ibarelymoved,waitingforhimtoshowme.Afterthat,asheswoopedintokiss

again,Ipartedmylips,makingouchmovementswithmymouth.

ThefirsttimeIdidit,Nathansloweddown.ItwasenoughofapausethatIstartedtoslow,too.WasI

doingitwrong?IwasdoingwhatSilastoldme...

Thenhemovedquickly,andhishandscuppedmyheadinhispalms.Hislipspartedandhekissed

deeper,openinghismouth.

Hislipsmassagedmineashekissedharder.Iwasbreathlessagain,butaftertheinitialmovement,I

keptgoing.

Inaninstant,themovie,thehouse,allofitwasgone.ItwassimplyNathanandIonthecouch,our

lips,hisscent,thetouchofhispalmsonmyface,holdingmetohimasifafraidthatifhedidn’t,I’dstop.

Myheartraced.Mymouthmovedwithhis.Mystomachtwirledlightly.Ifeltthiswayoftenwhenthe

boystouchedme,butthefeelingsintensifiedwhentheykissedorgotsocloselikethis.

Histonguetouchedlightlyatmylowerlip.Ialmoststopped,abouttopullbackinsurprise.Histongue

retreatedandhekissedmedeeperagain,suckingatmylowerlip.

Iknewtonguewasinvolvedsomehow,butSilasdidn’tmentionthatpart.WasIsupposedtodokissit

ormakeouchmovementsarounditor...

Thromp.
Abangandfootstepsfollowed.
Ijumped,asdidNathan,pullingaway.Hishandsmovedtomyshouldersandhepulledmeintohim,

facingoffwhateverwasmakingthenoise.Itwasclearlyhuman,andheadingthisway.Itwistedtosee,
notwantingtogetstabbedinthebackbymonsters,mymindfilledwithNathan’szombiesandother
horrors.

Kotaemergedfromaroundthecorner.Atfirsthewasstrollingandthenspottedus,stoppingshortso

hisshoesskiddedwithasqueakonthehardwoodfloor.Hiseyeswerewide.Hisblackrimmedglasses
droppedalittleonhisnose.Hereacheduptoadjustthem.“What’swrong?”heasked.

“Shit,”Nathansaid,releasinghistightholdonme,allowingmetositback.“Badtiming,”hesaid.

“Wejustfinishedwatchingamovie.”

“Maybeyoushouldtakeiteasyonthehorrorfilms,”Kotasaid.Hescootedaroundthesidetableand

ploppeddownnexttomeonthecouch.Heworejeans,agreenT-shirtwithagrayzipuphoodie.Hehad
hishandsinhispocketsandhischeekswereflushedred.“Gettingchillyoutthere.”

“Halloweenisalwaysprettycoldaroundhere,”Nathansaid,movingtocrossanankleoverhisknee.
Ihadtosmilealittleatthethoughtofitbeingcold.DiditevengettofreezinghereinSouthCarolina?

BeingfromIllinois,itseemedtomethatsummerlastedaneoninthesouth,andIwasstillwaitingforan
actualfalldaythisfarintoOctober.

Kotanoddedandthenrolledhisheadbacktorestonthecouchandclosedhiseyes.“I’vehadthree

hoursofsleep,”hesaid.“Imayneedanaplater.”

“Youshoulddoitnow,”Nathansaid.Hepulledouthisphoneandcheckedthescreen.“We’vestillgot

afewhours,don’twe?”

“Gabriel’sonhiswaywithVictor,”Kotasaid.“Andweshouldgrabthepumpkinsandstartonthose.”
“Thepumpkins?”Iasked.
Kota’seyesopenedandhesmiled.Hesuckedinabreathandthenstood.Hepulledahandoutofhis

pocketandheldittowardmetohelpmeup.“We’vegottwohomestodeckout.Well,mine’salready
partiallydone.WestillneedtodecorateNathan’s.Hopefullywegetitdoneintime.”

Itookhishand,andstood.Iturnedtowardthem.“Intimeforwhat?”Iasked.
Nathanlaughed,adeep,“Ha!”andthenshookhishead,grinning.“LikeGabrielwouldeverleta

holidaypasswithoutbeingabletodecorate.I’msurprisedhewaitedsolong.”Hejumpedup,andthen
pushedatmybacktonudgemearoundthecouchandtowardthekitchen.“Let’ssetup.”

Atthat,Kotaseemedtofindabitofextraenergy,andstartedtowardthefrontdoor.“I’llgrabthe

pumpkins.Inthegarage,right?”Heaskedashewasstillwalking,hisvoiceraisingthefurtherawayhe

got.

“Right-o,”Nathancalledbacktohim.
Asmilelitupinsideme.AllIcouldthinkwas:Academyboys.
ItmademewonderwhatChristmasmightbelike.
Soon,Nathan’stablewascoveredinoldnewspapers,andIwonderedwherehe’dgottenthem

becauseI’dneverseenthenewspaperdeliveredtohishouse.

Kotabroughtouttenpumpkins.Heplacedmostofthemonthekitchencounter,butputthreeonthe

table.

“Ten?”Iasked.Icountedinmyhead.“AreDr.GreenandMr.Blackbournegoingtocarve?”
“Everyonehastodotheirown,”Nathansaid.“Partoftherules.”
“There’srules?”Iasked,stilltryingtopictureanimageofMr.BlackbourneandDr.Greenactually

carving.Dr.Greenmaybe,butMr.Blackbourne?

“We’reafamily,aren’twe?”Kotaasked.Hepassedoffapackagetome,atemplatebookwith

designsforcarvingpumpkins.“Whenwedoholidays,wedothemtogether.Let’sgetstarted.”

TricksandPumpkins

staredattheboys,watchingastheyfoundknivesandstartedcuttingthetopsoutofthepumpkins.The

roomwassuddenlyoverwhelmedwiththesmelloffreshpumpkin.Kotafoundglovesandaspoontostart
scoopingoutseeds;Nathanusedhisbarehands.

Iwascaughtupinhowlastnight,wewerechasingTheoandhelpingSilasandthentherewasthe

footballgamedisaster,andtheywereherenow,carvingpumpkins.Itwasalmostabsurd.Mynerveswere
alive,fullyawarethatinafewhours,we’dbeathomecominginfullcostumeandonthehunt.Howcould
theysoeasilyforgetaboutthatandsimplydiveintomakingJack-o-lanterns?

“Sang,”Kotasaid,pullingmeoutofmydazedstate.
BeforeIfullyfocused,awetdollopofpumpkintouchedmynose.
Thecoolnessshockedme,andIstared,wideeyed,mouthopen,atKota,whoheldhisslimy,pumpkin-

gutcoveredfingeratmyface.Hegrinned,hisgreeneyeslightingup.

Nathanlaugheddeeply,joltingmeandIstartedgigglingandduckedmyheadoutofKota’sreach,

pattinghishandaway.“Why?”Iaskedinaplayfulwhine.

“Wakeup,goofy,”Kotasaid,smiling.“Youhaven’ttouchedyourpumpkinyet.Don’tyouwantto

carveit?”

Iwipedatmynose.“Idon’tthinkI’vedonethisbefore.Maybeinsecondgrade...well,no.Itreally

wastheteacherdoingitandafewvolunteersfromclass,buttherestofuswatched.”

“God,Peanut,”Nathansaid.Hereachedforarollofpapertowelsnearbyandstartedwipinghis

hands.“IfIhearanymoresadstorieslikethat,we’regoingtohavetogotoDisneyWorldorsomethingto
makeupforitall.”

Iwasabouttosaywedidn’thavetowhenKotatalkedoverme.“Maybeinthesummer,”hesaid.
Weretheyserious?Ididn’tsayanything,andneitherseemedliketheywerejoking.
Nathandriedhishandsandthenpickedupaknife,passingittome.“Cutthetop,”hesaid.
Itooktheknife,andNathanandKotatookturnsshowingmehowtocutopenthepumpkin.Iusedthe

glovesatKota’srequest,especiallyafterhementionedGabrielwouldkillusallifIendedupwithorange
undermyfingernails.

Withthepumpkinsscoopedout,Kotaheldoutpatternsforustogetstartedonthecarvingpart.Seeds

andgutswerealloverthetable.Thetangysmellwasoverwhelming.

“Okay,”Nathansaid,goingthroughtheguidebookonhowtodrawvariousshapeslikewitchesand

spiders.“Peanut,youwantaghostoragraveyard?”

Iwasjustabouttopointoneoutwhentherewasarapidknock,rattlingandshakingatthewindows.
Bothofthem.
Ijumped,rockingbackintoNathan,thebookfallingoutofmyhandsandcrashingtothefloor.Nathan

grabbedmywaist,movingmebehindhim.Kotaturnedfullytowardthewindows,spreadingouthisarms,
protectingusboth.

Thunk,thunk,thunk!
Gigglingsounded,male.
“Shh,”cameawhisperfrombeyondthewindows.
Moreknocking,intenseandquick.
Kotagroaned,anddroppedhisarms,steppingback.“Iknowthat’syou,Luke!”
“Nuhuh,”saidavoice,clearlyLuke.Theknockingstoppedandthereweremoregigglesandlaughter

ontheoutside.

“Nathan,”Kotasaid,lookingatNathanwithafixedstare.Hegaveashortnodandtheslightestliftof

hislipinsilentcommunication.Icaughtthesignalsfromhisface,butnotthemeaning.

“Onit,”Nathansaid.Henearlyskippedasherushedtowardthefrontdoor.
ThedooropenedandLukeshoutedinthedistance,“Wasn’tme!Hedidit!”Therewasathudanda

groanandthenlaughter.“No,seriously!”

Istood,staringatthewallasifIcouldseethroughit.Fromthethumping,Iwonderediftherewas

punchingortackling.

Kotaquietlysteppedupbehindme.Hehadtheglovesoffnowandhishandwentaroundmywaist,his

palmrestingabovemybellybutton.Heheldfirmthere,hismouthatthebackofmyhead,hislipsand
cheekpressingagainstmyhair.“WatchLuke,”Kotasaid,hismovinglipsmakingmyhairslideagainstmy
head.“He’llhavemoretricksplantedinplaces.Hedoesiteveryyear.”

“Hejustgothere,”Isaid.“Andwe’vegotalottodo.Wouldn’tthatslowhimdown?”
“He’llhaveplannedthisoutforweeks,”Kotasaid.Hedrewmeincloser,untilmybuttwasup

againsthiship,andsqueezedgentlyinabackwardhug.“Staynearme.Trustme.He’llbetargetingyoua
lot.Therestofusareusedtoitanddon’tfallfortheoldtricksanymore.”

Isuckedinabreath,almostleaningintohimatthethought.Iturnedmyheadslightly,intendingtoask

somethingelse.

Hislipsmetwithmytemple,closetomyeyebrow.Hekissedmequickly,themovemakingmybrain

malfunctionandIforgotmyquestion.

Thuddingfootstepsechoedinthehallway.Kotastartedtoreleaseme,butasecondlater,something

crashedintomeandItrippedforward.

Kotafellbackward.Hislegmovedout,andItwistedtoavoidhimandgottangled.
Ilandedontopofhim,halfonthefloorandtherestonhisstomach.
Anotherbodycrashedontopofme.Icaughtawaftofgingerandcitrus.Itsurprisedme,becauseit

wasn’tascentIoftencaught,andinthescramblingconfusion,Iturned,tryingtolookbehindmeto
identifythesource.

SqueezedbetweenhimandKota,Icriedoutinasquealandchokedwhenmyvoiceboxcouldn’t

handlethehigher,loudernotes.

Laughterfilledmyear.“Pookie,”Dr.GreenheldmeatthewaistandtriedtopullmeoffofKota.

“Sorry.Iwasbeingchased.”

“You’refuckingfast,”Nathansaidsomewherebehindhim.“IgotLuke,though.”
“Iwastryingtorunaroundyouanduseyoubothasashield,”Dr.Greensaid.Hepositionedhimself

onhisknees,drawingmeintohim.Heworejeans,andfromwhatIcouldfeel,atrackjacket.Hesqueezed
hisarmsaroundme.Iwasdizzy,blinking,lettingthewashofcolorsinfrontofmyeyesfadeandpressed
ahandtomytempletostopthespinning.“Youmovetoofast,Kota.”

“Neverwasaproblembefore,”Kotagroaned,buthehadn’tmovedyet.Heremainedonhisbackon

thefloor,hiskneesupandlookingattheceiling.Hecoughedandcoveredhisfacewithapalm.“Itisway
tooearlyfortackling.”

“Youstartedit,”criedoutLukeashecamearoundthecorner.Hisjeansweresplotchedwithgrass

andmudstains,hishairdisheveled.Ahaircliphungfromhishead,barelygrippingatafewlocks.The
momenthewasinthekitchen,hestrippedofftheT-shirtthatwasalsostainedanddrapeditoverhis
shoulder.Hewasbreathingheavily,andtherewereredmarksacrosshisstomachandchest.Hebentover,
grabbingathiskneesandthenplacedapalmoveroneofthesplotchesonhischest.“Nathanpincheshard,
dude.”

“Don’ttrytoscareusnexttime,”Kotasaid.Herose,adjustingtheglassesonhisface.Heturned

towardme.“Youokay?”

“She’sfine,”Dr.Greensaid.Hepulledawayfrommesohecouldstandandthenreacheddownfor

myelbowtohelpmeup.OnceIwasstanding,hebrushedatmybackandhip.“You’regood,right?”

Ismiled,chokingonagiggle.IwashangingontoDr.Greenjusttofeelstable.Toomanyscaresinthe

morning.Dr.Green’stouchchilledmethroughthematerialofthepajamapantsandmyshirt.Theymust
havebeenoutsideforawhile.Atremblestartedinsideofmeatthepitofmystomach,bothfromhiscold
handsandtheexcitement.

Hereachedupandclaspedhishandaroundmymouth,thechillseepingintomycheeks.“Holdon

there,”hesaid.“Nogiggling.”

Itappedathiscoldhandovermymouth,mumblingthatitwasHalloweenandhecouldn’tpossibly

haveareasonnottolaughtoday.

“We’reabouttocutupourpumpkins,”Nathansaid,smiling.Hischestwasstillheavingabitashe

breathedheavily.Hepointedtohispumpkin.“IthinkIwantthezombie,butthisalienguylooksreally
sick.”

Dr.Greenreleasedmymouthbuthunghisarmaroundmyneckanddrewmebacktothetable.“What’s

Sang’sgoingtobe?”heasked.Hetiltedhishead,lookingatmypumpkinbetweenNathan’sandKota’s.

“Shehastopickone,”Nathansaid.
Dr.Greenreachedup,touchinghiscoldfingerstomyneck,enoughtomakemesquirmandpullaway.

Hegrinned,hislightgreeneyeslightingupandawaveofhissandyhairfallingacrosshisforehead.“I
wastryingtowarmmyhands.Ican’thavethemthiscoldifI’mdoingpumpkinsurgery.”

“You’vegottogutyoursfirst,”Nathansaid.Hepointedtotherowofotherpumpkins.
“Ihavetochangemyclothes,”Lukesaid.“Andmaybetakeashowernow.”
“Doyourpumpkinnowwhileyou’redirty,”Kotasaid.“Thenyoucanshower.”
“Goodidea,”hesaid.Hesnaggedoneofthepumpkinsandthenasecondone.“I’vegotGabriel’s.

He’llwantthisone.”

Mymouthfellopen,andIlookedatKotaforconfirmationifthatwasokay.Iwasn’tsureifitwasone

ofLuke’stricks.

Kotadidn’tmissabeat.“Luke,”hesaid,thecommandinhisvoicerising.“Ifyoumessuphis

pumpkin...”

“Noway,”Lukesaidwithagrin.Hetooktheshirtoffhisshoulderanddroppeditontoachair,

scootingthechairawayfromthetabletomakeroom.“He’lljustkillmeifhegetsoneofthesmaller
pumpkins.Youknowhim,he’llwantabigsurfacetoworkon.”HeplacedhisandGabriel’spumpkinson
thetable,reachingforoneoftheknivesandstartingoncarvingopenthetop.“Sang,wanttogutGabriel’s
pumpkinforhim?He’llwanttohelpyouwithyourcarving,anyway.Mightwanttowaituntilhegets
here.”

Itsoundedlikeagoodidea,sinceIstillhadn’tchosenoneofthestencilsfromthebook.Igottowork

nexttoLuke,usingKota’sscoopthistimeandpullinggutsfromGabriel’spumpkin.

WhileKotaandNathanweresettinguptheirstencils,andDr.Greenwentbackoutsidetothecarto

grabsomemoresupplies,Lukeleanedinandwhisperedtome,“Okay,Sang,youready?”

IgotthehintIwassupposedtowhisper,too.“Readyforwhat?”
Heleanedincloser,enoughthatIfelthislipsbrushingagainsttheedgeofmyear.“Initiationtime,”he

said.“We’vegottomakeyoupartoftheteam.”

Uhoh.Thatsoundedliketrouble.“How?”
“You’vegottohelpmescareeachoneoftheguysthisHalloween,beforemidnight.We’vealready

gottenNathanandKota.IgotDr.Greenthismorningwhenhepickedmeup.IkeptoneoftheVoltomasks
andmethimatthedoorwithit.”

Ibackedmyheadup,myeyeswideandmymouthopen.Scaretheothers?AsinpeoplelikeSilasand

Mr.Blackbourne?Howintheworlddidheexpectmetodothat?

Helaughedandwinked.“Don’tworry,”hesaidalittlelouderashestabbedattheinsideofhis

pumpkin,pullingoutahandfulofseedsandtossingitontothegrowingpileonthenewspapers.“I’llhelp
youwithyour...pumpkin.”

InitiationwasreallythewordIwaswantinghimtoexplain.Initiationintowhat?
Andsecretly,Iwantedtobeincluded.Afterthestressfullastfewweeks,alittlefunbyafewscares,

withLuke’shelp,seemedagreatwaytopasstheday.

Besides,ifIwashelpingLukewithhispranks,hecouldn’tgetmeagain,couldhe?

Gabriel’sScare

r.Greencamebackin,loadedwithbagsfromthegrocerystore.NathanandKotawenttopeekatwhat

hewascarryingin.IwasabouttojointhemwhenLukenudgedmyarm,whisperingtome.

“HurryupwithGabriel’spumpkin,”hesaid.“He’llbeheresoon,andI’vegottheperfectplan.We

needtostartwithhim,becausewe’llneedhishelpfortheotherones.”

Ipressedmylipstogether,hoppingbacktothepumpkinandtryingtohurry.Luke’senthusiasticsmile,

andhisbrowneyeslightingupwithamusement,wereenoughtogetmemoving.

Itwarmedme,becauseithelpedmetoshakeoffthethoughtofhomecoming.Ithelpedmetoforget

yesterday.Iwasn’tsureLukewasaware,buthewashelpingmebyputtingmetoworkandgivingmea
newfocus.Initiation.

Thesunwasupbynow.Kotaputoncoffeeandtheotherstookturnswithpumpkinsandwitheating

somebreakfastsandwiches.Iwasjustfinishingupscrapinginsidethepumpkinwhenthesoundofacar
rollingupcausedmetoturntowardthewindow.

Lukenudgedmeandthencheckedaroundhimattheotherswhoseemedtobebusy.“Youready?”
“Forwhat?”Iwhispered.
Hereachedintohispocketandthenunderthetablepassedmewhatfeltlikeafurrytoy.
WhenIopenedmypalmtocheck,therewasaspiderinmyhand.Gnarledlegs,fuzzyandwithbeady

blackeyes.

Idroppedit,wipingmyhandonmyclothesasifthatcouldremovethefeelofit.Ichokedonasqueal.

IknewwewerescaringGabrielandthatitwasn’treal,butitwasn’twhatIexpected.Itwassolifelike.

Lukelaughedandthenknelttopickitup.Henudgedmyelbow,checkedtomakesuretheotherswere

busyandthenwhispered,“Hurry.Openthetop.”

Idid,andhedroppedthespiderinsidethepumpkin.Icloseditbackupandthenstaredathim.Would

itwork?

Thefrontdooropenedwithabang.Headsturned.
“Oy!”criedGabriel.Shortlyafter,heappearedintheentrywayofthekitchen,bagsinhand.Hewore

darkbluejeansandablackV-neckshirtthatformedtohisbody.Hishairwasstillwetfromashower,and
theblondlocksinthefrontwerecombedbackonhishead,mixedamongtherusset.Hisangledjawline,
highcheekbonesandpiercingcrystalblueeyesweremoreprominentnow.Handsomedidn’tevenbeginto
describeit.Therewereorangecrystalsinhislobestoday,andtheusualthreeblackearringsgoingupthe
sideofoneear.

“Hi,”Dr.Greensaid,wavingfromtheothersideofthekitchencounter.Hehadhiscollectionof

decorationsspreadout.“Didn’tIgetenough?Igotwhatyouwantedmeto.”

“Ihadsomemorestoredaway,”Gabrielsaid.“AndVictorhadsomefromhishousethat

we...borrowed.”

“Stole!”Victor’svoicerangout.HenudgedGabrieloutofthemiddleofthespaceandcontinued

forward,droppingalargepaperwitchontothecounter.Hisfireeyeswereroaringandhiswavyhairwas
tousled.HeworetheusualblackpantsbutnowhejusthadonawhiteT-shirt.Hischeekswerepinkashe
turnedimmediatelytoKota.“I’mprettysurethiswitchbelongstoaneighboronmyblock.”

“Naw,”Gabrielsaid.“That’soneyouhadinthekitchen.YourmomsaidIcouldhaveit.Sortof.She

impliedit.”

“Ithinkwe’vegotenoughdecorationsthatwedon’tneedtostealotherpeople’s,”Kotasaid.He

pickeduphispumpkin,whichhadaspiderhangingonaweb.Cleanlines,simple.HeaddressedGabriel.

“Thisworks?”

“Youdidthatlastyear,”Gabrielsaid.HepointedtothesideofKota’spumpkin.“Atleastdoa

zombieontheside.”

“Ican’tdoazombie,”Kotasaid.HeturnedhispumpkintowardLukeandI.“Looksokay?”
Inodded,smiling.Lookedgoodtome.“Ilikeit,”Isaid.
Kotabeamed.
“Yeah,”Lukesaid.“Ilikethespiders.”
Gabrielmadeanoisethatsoundedlikeasnortandagruntatthesametime.“Where’smypumpkin,

anyway?”

“Sang’sgutteditforyou,”Lukesaid.Heturnedthepumpkin.
“Didshedooneyet?”Gabrielasked.
“Waitingforyou,”Lukesaid.
“CanIjustdoaregularpumpkinfaceonmine?”Victorasked.Heselectedoneandbroughtittothe

table.“Orsomethingalittlemoretraditional?”

“That’swhatMr.Blackbournedoeseveryyear,”Gabrielsaid,steppinguptohispumpkinandthen

lookingattheoneleftformetodo.Hedrewitclosesoitwasnexttohisandlookedatthemboth,
studying.“Hmm...Whatdoyousay,Trouble?Doubleteamourpumpkins?I’mthinkingeitherCthulhu
fightingaT-RexorHarryPotterinawandbattlewithVoldemort.”

Myeyeswidened.Thatsoundedgoodtome,butIwasn’tsurehowI’dbeabletocarveadinosauror

HarryPotter.

“Wedon’thavetoomuchtime,”Kotasaid.“We’vegototherthingstosetup.”
“Hmm,”Gabrielsaid.Hepressedhisfingerstohismouth,lookingthoughtfulashegazedatthe

pumpkins.“AndIwanttogetthegravestonessetupintheyard.Hangon,what’sthatfairytalestoryyou
saidSangliked?”

Iwasn’tsurewhohewastalkingto,butIlookedatVictorwithmyeyebrowsup,moresurprisedby

thequestion.Victor’sfireeyessparkedwithcuriosity.“Youlikefairytales?”heasked.

“ShelikesthePrincessinDisguiseone,”Lukesaid.“Theoneabouttheprincessthatdressesupina

star,moonandthenasundress.”

“Let’sdoprettythisyear,”Gabrielsaid.“It’llgrossoutMicahandTom.Plus,Jessicaandherlittle

friendswillgetakickoutofit.”HepointedtoLuke’s.“Wantmetopoketheholesasaguideline?”

“Figuredyou’dwantto,”Lukesaid.“We’redoingallthree?”
Gabrielnodded,backingupandgrinningbig.“We’vegotthisshit.”
“You’llhavetoguttherestofyourpumpkin,”Lukesaid.Henoddedtoit.“SangstartedbutIdon’t

knowifshefinished.”

IgotanudgeintheelbowfromLuke.“Uh,”Isaid,tryingtoblankmyfaceandnotappeartobelying.

“Yes.”

Gabriel’scrystaleyesbarreledinonmyfacelikeagunshot.“You’retheprettiestlittleliar,Trouble.

What’shegotinthere?Aneyeball?Agnarledzombiemask?”Hereachedouttothetopofthepumpkinto
pullitoff.

Ohno,itwon’twork!IglancedatLuke,whowasgrinning,andlookingatmedirectly.Hemadea

motionwithhishandquickly,ascurryingmotionlikeaspiderwithhishandandthenpointedtoGabriel’s
backandwinked.

IthoughtIgotthepicture.
IwaiteduntilGabrielwaslookingoverthepumpkin.Hesmirkedatit,lookinginside.“Now,isthata

realspiderhebroughtinorisitatoy?”

Hisheadwasbentover.Iwasn’tsurehewouldfeelitifIdiditthroughhisshirt,soIaimedforthe

backofhisneckandlightlytracedmyfingertipsthere,tryingtomimicaspidercrawlingup.

Heletoutthestrangestsqueal,hunchedhisshouldersandpulledback.Heslappedathisneckandthen

criedout,“FuckingJesusChrist!Don’tdothatshit.”

Lukebustedoutlaughing.Istartedtogiggle.Kotashookhisheadbutsmiled.Victorrolledhiseyes.
Dr.Greenslappedapalmagainstthekitchencounterandthenpointedrightatme.“Look,guys,there’s

Lukenumbertwo,rightthere.Watchoutforthatone.”

“She’sagreatpupil,”Lukesaid,droppingapalmontopofmyheadandrubbingmyhair.
“Feltlikearealfuckingspider,”Gabrielsaid.Hegruntedloudlyandthenpoppedthetopofhis

pumpkinbackintoplace.“ButSang,ifyoutrustmewithyourpumpkin,youshouldheadoutsideandstart
ontheyardwithsomeone.Givemeroomtowork.YoucancomebackinandhelpmecarveonceIdothe
outlines.”

“Ineedashowernow,”Lukesaid.Heskippedaroundme,pokingGabrielinthesideashewentby.

Gabrieltriedtoslaphimback,butLukedodgedandthenracedtoMr.Griffin’sbedroomandshutthedoor
behindhimself.

“Sang,”Victorsaid.“Wanthelpwiththeoutsidedecorations?”
“Yes,”Isaid,“Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
“Ilefttheoutsidedecorationsinthegarage,”Dr.Greensaid.
“Andthere’smoreinVictor’strunk,”Gabrielsaid.Hepulledachairupandstaredatthepumpkins,

smoothinghishandsoverthesurface.“Princessesarefuckingdifficult.”

“Notreally,”Victorsaidquietly,andthenwinkedatme.“Youjustneedtoknowhowtotalktothem.”
Mycheeksheated.
YetamidalltheHalloweenchaos,Iwasalreadyfeelingamazing.BeforeIwentoutsidewithVictor,

Nathanwasalreadyworkingonazombieonhispumpkin,andDr.Greenwasguttingtwomore.I
suspectedtheotherswouldbeheresoon.

Halloweentogether.

Tombstones

athan’sfrontyardwasbarrenofHalloweendecorations,unlikeourneighbors,whohadpumpkins,

skeletonfiguresonthesidewalkandwitcheshangingfromdoors.Kota’shouseevenhadspiderwebs
amidthebushesandhangingfromtheporch.

Victorstoodwithme,lookingattheflatexpanseofyardwehadtoworkwith.
“Okay,Princess,”hesaid.Hehadhishandsonhishipsatfirst,butslowlyheworkedhishandtoward

myback,holdingontomewarmly.Hepointedwithhisotherhandtowardtheyard.“We’vegottosetupa
zombiegraveyard,apparently.Gabriel’sorders.I’vegotthetombstones.Dr.Greenhasthezombies.I
thinkthepointistoscarethekids.They’llhavetobebravetogettothefrontdoorandgettheircandy
reward.”

“Whoisgoingtobeheretopassoutcandy?”Iasked.“We’vegottogotothehomecomingdance.”
“We’lljustleaveabowlbythefrontdoorthistime,”Victorsaid.“Thatmightbeagoodidea.Usually

Dr.GreenandMr.Blackbournewilldoit.”

“Whatdoyouguysdo?”Iasked.
“Gotrick-or-treating,ofcourse,”hesaid.“Havetokeepthatupwhileyoucan.Let’sgetstarted.”
Ittookusagooddealoftimetodecoratetheyard.Thesunstartedtowarmthingsupabit.Iwasdoing

stuffbarefootandkneelinginthegrass,gettingthepajamabottomsandtheT-shirtalldirty.Probablya
goodthingIhadn’tbotheredwithabathyet.TherereallywasalottodoforHalloween.Ihadn’trealized
howmuchIhadmissed.

Bytheend,VictorandIhadacoupleofrowsoftombstones,eachwithafunnyphraselike,“Joke’s

over,nowletmeout.”and“R.U.Next.”and“OpeningsAvailable,ApplyInside”.Thefrontofthe
tombstoneswerelitteredwithplasticskullsandzombiestryingtocrawloutoftheground.Ididthe
tombstonesandtheskulls,becausethezombiepartswereverygross-looking.

“Whomadethetombstones?”Iasked.
“Northbuiltthem,”Victorsaid,readjustingazombiearmpokingoutofthegroundinfrontofatomb.

“AndSilaspaintedthephrases.”

Ismiledbig,readingthetombstonesagain,tryingtopicturesayingtheminhisvoice.Itmademe

giggle.

Victorwipedathisbrowwiththebackofhisarmandgazedatme,thefireinhisbrowneyes

flickering.“Goingtobereadyfortonight?”heasked.

Ismiledandnodded.“I’mnervous,though,”Isaid.“Imean,withwhatwe’resupposedtodo.”
“Ithinkwe’reallnervous,”hesaid.“ProbablywhyKotaandMr.Blackbournewereinsistentwe

spendtimetogethertoday.”

“Theysaidso?”Iasked.
Hestoodfully,dustingoffhishandsonhispantsbeforehestrolledtowardme.Hereachedoutformy

hand.Hislongerfingersthreadedbetweenmineandhetugged,guidingmetowardtheroad.“Let’scheck
outourhandiwork.”

Hecontinuedtoholdontomyhandaswestoodontheroad,checkingtheresults.Histhumbtracedthe

backofmypalm,startinginsmallcircles,andthenfollowingthebonesinmyhand,asiftracingeachone
thathecouldreach.Eachmovementofhisthumbtuggedmyheartwithit.Iwasexcitedbeingwithhim,
doingthistogether.

Welookedouttowardthegraveyard,standingclosetogether.Sincethesunwasout,itdidn’tlookso

scary,butIimaginedatnight,itwouldlookreallyspooky.

Victorstartedtomovehisarm,andreleasedmyhandtoputhisarmaroundmyshoulders.“Notabad

job,”hesaid.“Wemakeawesomegraveyardbuilders.”

Istartedtopullawayfromhim,smiling.“I’mallsweaty,”Isaid.
“SoamI,”hesaid,andhetuggedmeincloser,pressinghissideintomine.“Sweatytogether.”
Igiggled.Victorcouldbefunny,onceyougothimawayfromtheothers.Despitebeingthewell-bred,

richkidamongtherestofthem,heneverseemedtomindworkinghard.MaybeitwasthatAcademy
influence.Whateveritwas,Ilikedit.

KotaandNathanemergedfromthehouse,followedbyDr.Green,carryingpumpkins.Kota’sspider

wasjoinedbyNathan’szombie,andDr.Green’shadaJapanesemask,withhornsandatongueout.

“Hey!”Nathancalledafterheputhispumpkindown.Hewaved.“Getyourpumpkinfinished!The

otherswillbeheresoonandwe’llhavetogetdressed.”

Victorsighed.“Oneday,Princess,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Maybenextyear,we’llgosomewhere

elseforHalloween.We’llletotherpeopledecorate,andwewillrelaxandhavefuninsteadofallthis
work.”

“Ilikeit,”Isaidquietly.
“Ifyoulikethis,justwaituntilChristmas,”hesaid,turningtome,hisfireeyeslituptoablaze.“Or

Thanksgiving.Ihopeyoulikefootball.WeplayfootballatThanksgiving.”

Mymouthpoppedopen.“Really?”
“Righthereintheyard,”hesaid.Hetuggedmearoundthenecktowardthehouse.“Let’sgo,Princess.

Moretodo...”

Preparation

oursflewbyintheearlyafternoon.GabrielblastedHalloweenmusic.Ifollowedhisinstructiononmy

pumpkin,carvingoutadresswithdifferenttypesofmoons.Icouldn’ttellhowitwouldlookintheend,
andhesaidIwouldn’tgettoseeitinactionuntiltonightinthedarkwithacandleinside.HeandLuke
carvedouttheotherprincessdresses,litteredwithstarsandsuns.

Afterweweredonewiththepumpkins,NortharrivedwithSilas.NorthworetheusualblackT-shirt

andjeans.Hiseyeshadcirclesunderneathlikehe’dbeenupallnight,butheotherwiseseemedfine.

Silas,however,haddeeperblackcircles.HisblueT-shirtandjeanswerewrinkled.Theusualslight

smileonhisfacewasn’tthereashewalkedin.Hewasexpressionless.

IhoveredbehindKotaasNorthdroppedaboxofsandwichesandpackagesofpotatochipsonthe

counter.“Eatwhenyoucan,”Northsaid.“We’renotgettingmuchelseuntilthedancetonight.”

“Howareyou,Silas?”Kotaasked.Theroomstilled.EveryoneturnedtowardNorthandSilas.
Silashunchedhisshouldersathisname.Hisheadlifted,andhecaughtmebehindKota’sshoulder.
Istaredathim,hisbigbrowneyes,blackhairhangingacrosshisforehead.Itwassuchalong,shared

moment,withmeafraidhe’dsayhewashorribleorhadsomebadnews.

Inaflash,Itriedtosmileinasympatheticway.Iwasn’tsureifitcameacrossmoreofagrimace,but

Iwastryingtobeencouraging.Quietly,Iwasaskinghimthingstheotherswereprobablywantingto
know.Willeverythingbeokay?

Silas’seyebrowsscrunchedtogetheratfirst,lookingpuzzled,butthenthecornerofhismouthlifted,

revealingwhiteteeththatstoodoutfromhisolivecomplexion.“I’lllive.I’mgood,Ithink.Justtired.”

“Notimetonap,”Kotasaid.“Willyoumakeittonight?”
Silasnodded.“I’lldrinksomecoffee.”
“Andcarveyourfuckingpumpkin,”Gabrielsaid,pointingtothefewthatwereleft.“Hurry.”
Northgroanedandplacedhispalmagainsthiseye.“Wedon’thavetimeforthisshit.”
“We’vegottime,”Gabrielsaid.Hegrabbedtwoofthesandwichesandthensnappedhisfingersat

me.“Butwe’vegottogetstarted.Kota,we’regoingtoborrowyourbedroom.”

Kotaperkedupandstartedjoggingafterus.“Hangon,I’vegottowalkinwithyou.I’llhaveto

explain...”

“Wellhurryup,”Gabrielsaid,notstopping.“She’sstillgottotakeabathandtheothershavetostart

gettingready,too.”HelookedatVictor.“Startingwithyou.Shower.Now.”

“Surething,boss,”Victorsaid,smirking.Hewinkedatmeandwenttothefoodtofishoutapackage

ofpotatochipsbeforehewentforthebathroom.

Gabrielpassedoneofthesandwichestome,encouragingmetoeatwhileweracedovertoKota’s

house.Iwasswallowingdownthelastbitaswetookthedoorinsidethegarage,followingKotain.Kota
motionedforustohurryalongupstairs.“I’lltellherwhatyou’redoing,”hesaid.“Otherwisewe’llbe
stuckdownstairsawhilebecauseshe’llwanttoaskquestions.”

WenoddedandIfollowedGabrieluptoKota’sbedroom.
Themomentwewereupstairs,Gabrielpattedmeonthebuttandshooedmeintothebathroom.“No

funnystuff,”hesaid.“Cleanupinthere.Don’twashyourhair.I’lldoit.”

Iwasfamiliarwiththisroutine.“Icanwashmyhair,”Isaid.“Itmightbefaster.”
“I’lldoit,”hesaid.“Idon’tgetenoughtimewithyouasitis.Icanatleastdothat.”
Wasthatthereason?

Ihurriedwithabathasfastaspossible,basicallyscoopingupwaterasitflowedfromthefaucetand

washingupbeforeithadtimetofill.Ididaquickshave,washedmyfaceandbody,andwasoutinafew
minutes.Imighthavemissedafewspots,butIwastryingtohurry.

IgotthebigtowelwrappedaroundmeandjustasIwashittingthedraintoletthewaterout,there

wasaknockatthedoor.

“Ready?”Gabrielcalled.
“Yeah,”Isaid.
Gabrielopenedthedoor.IwassureI’dlockeditbutthatdidn’tseemtomatter.Gabrielhadshedthe

shirt,wearingjustablacktanktopnow.Oneoftheblondlocksfellacrosshisface.Hetookonelookat
meatthetowelandthensnappedhisfingersandpointedtothesink.“Go.”

Hestartedthewater,andwhenitwaswarm,Ibentover.
Whilehewaswashingmyhair,therewerefootstepsinthebedroom.Iglancedoverjustintimeto

spotKota.

Hepausedinthedoorway,lookingatGabrielandthenatme.Hisgreeneyeswerewide.Hetouched

thecornerofhisglasses,asiftoadjustthem,butthenhepausedinthatmotion,too.“Uh...”

“Don’tjuststandthere,”Gabrielsaid.“Areyouclean?Hopintheshowerifyouneedto.”
Kota’sfacetintedred.“Icangodownstairs.”
“Doituphere.Jeeze.It’snotlikeshe’snotseenonebefore.”
“Uh...”Isaid,turningmyheadslightlyagaintostareatthebasin.
“Alittletoofar,Gabriel,”Kotasaid.“Boundaries.”
“Wedon’thavetimeforfuckingboundaries.Ifshe’saroundlongenough,she’sgoingtoendupseeing

allofusnaked.”

Kotachuckled.“I’llgodownstairs.Thatone’sopen.”
AsKotaleft,Iblewoutarelievedbreathtowardthesink.Gabrielwasgettingedgy.Probably

becauseweweregettingclosetoshowtime.

Gabrielstilltookhistimewashingmyhair.After,hecombeditout,driedit,andthendidsomecurls.

After,hethrewunderwearandastraplessbraatmeandtoldmetoputthemonandleftmealoneinthe
bathroom.

WhenI’dfinished,andhadwrappedanothertowelaroundmybody,Iopenedthedoor,peekingout.
Gabrielwasgone,buttheblackdresswasonthebed,sprawledout.Isteppedout,checkingoutthe

finishedwork.

Thecorsetwassmoothlikesatin.Aroundthechest,thefabricwasruffled.Theskirtwasshorter,with

alongerpartintheback.

Ismoothedmyhandoverthematerial,feelingtheglossysmoothness.Custommade.Myheartfluttered

atthethoughtofhowexpensivethedressmusthavebeen.

Inanefforttobehelpful,Ithrewoffthetowelandattemptedtostartputtingthedresson.
JustasIwasslippingitupovermystomach,footstepsthunderedonthestairs.Iturnedpartially,not

tooinahurrybecauseIthoughtitwasGabriel.

Northstoppedshortatthetopofthestairs.Hisintenseeyesfocusedonmyface.Hislipspartedand

thoseeyesdrifteddown,followingmybody,theexposedbraandthedressIwaspullingup.

I’dfrozeninshockatseeinghim,andheattrailedthroughmybody.We’dbeeninourunderwear

togetherbefore.Wasthisdifferent?

“Sorry,”hesaid,turninghisheadaway.Itlookedlikehewasgoingtoturnaroundandheadback

downstairs.

“Don’tbe,”Isaidquietly.Istartedtuggingthedressupfurther,findingitabitdifficulttogetthe

narrowpartupovermyhips.“Didyouneedsomething?DidGabrielsendyouupheretoshower?”

Hestoodquietlybythestairsforaminute,watchingmestrugglewiththedress.

Slowly,hemovedforward.Ipausedinmymovements,lookingupathim,curiousastowhathe

wanted.

Northslowlyreachedout,takingholdofthetiestothedressandhookinghisfingerintothem.He

loosenedthecorsetpart,andwithhisotherhand,tookholdofthedresstohelpmeliftitup.

Hediditwithouttalking,buthiseyesintensified.
Hisknucklestracedmyskinalongmysidesasheliftedthedress.
Istartedtosaythankyou,buthistouchtickledandbytheend,Iwasgiggling.
Northsmirkedandthenchuckled.Hereachedformychin,clutchingitbetweenhisfingersandlifted

myhead.Hestaredatmealongmoment,andthendroppedafirmkissonmylipsquicklybeforepulling
back.“SangBaby,”hesaid.“Ishouldgroundyouforlastnight.Andprobablyforalotofotherthings.”

“But...”Isaid,readytodefendmyself,worriedatwhatanothergroundingwouldmean.
Histhumbslippedover,untilhewasclampingmylipsshut.“Justthisonce,”hesaidquietly,“I’m

goingtoletitgo.Silasisstillherewithus.I’vegotyoutothankforthat.”

Inoddedslowlyagainsthistouch.“Webothdidit,”Imumbledagainsthisthumb.
Thecornerofhismouthlifted,andhesmiledenoughtorevealsometeeth.“Whateveryou’redoing,

keepdoingit.We’regoingtoneedit.”

“YoumeanwithSilas?”
“NotjustwithSilas,”hesaidquietly.Hereleasedmeandthenturnedtowardthebathroom.“If

Gabrielcomesuphere,tellhimI’mintheshower,”hesaid.

Inodded,staringafterhimevenafterthedoorclosed.Myheartthundered,andmylipsstillfeltwarm

withhistouch.

DressedtoPerfection

twasLukewhocameupwiththeideaofhowtoscaretheotherstonightwithouttoomucheffortand

differentlythanhe’ddoneinprioryears.ItturnedoutwedidneedGabrielforit.

AfterIhadthedresson,Gabrielbroughtoutstockingsandapairofblackheelsformetowear.Luke

broughtupastool,andIsatonitforawhileasGabrielappliedlayersofmakeup.

“Iwouldn’tnormallydothis,”Gabrielsaid.“Butgivenit’sHalloween...”
“It’sforagoodcause,”Lukesaid.Hepointedtomychin.“Morebloodthere.”
Gabrielwasjustfinishingupwhentherewerefootstepsonthestaircaseagain.Theybothjumpedin

thewayofme,preventingtheview.

ItwasDr.GreenwithVictor.Theywerebothintheirsuits,Dr.GreenwithapurpletieandVictor

withhiswhiteone.

IpeekedthroughasmallbitofspacebetweenGabrielandLuke.Dr.Greenstoppedatthetop,looking

around.Victoralmostbumpedintohim.

“Where’sSang?”Dr.Greenasked.“Webroughtherchokernecklacethingie.”
Gabrielchuckled.“Wewerejustdoinghermakeup.Wanttosee?”
“Youputmakeuponher?”Victorasked.“Ithoughtyousaidyoudidn’tlikeit.”
“Justfortonight,”Gabrielsaid.Heshiftedlightlyonhisfeet.“Ready?”
Theybothnodded,curious.
LukeandGabrielbothside-steppedinoppositedirections.Iwinked,revealingthefullsceneonmy

eyelidtogivethefulleffectliketheytoldme.

Dr.GreenandVictorbothreactedinstantly,recoilingtheirheadsandtakingastepback,knockinginto

eachother.

“Ugh,”Victorsaid.Hemadeaface,shakinghishead.
Dr.Greenburstoutlaughing,puttinghispalmonhisforehead.“Ohgod,Ithoughtthatwasreal.I

thoughtyoukilledher.Iwasaboutto...”Heblewoutabreathandthensteppedforwarduntilhewasright
infrontofme.Hebentatthewaisttoexaminemyface.“Upcloseyoucantell,butthatdistanceaway,it
lookedlikehereyeballreallywashangingout.

Iwasgiggling,nearlyrockingonthestool.Lukewaslaughing,aswasGabriel.
“Good,”Lukesaid.“Workedgreat.Nowfortheothers.”
Dr.Greenpointedatmyface.“Youknow,ifyouputsomeyellowhere,”hesaid,pointingtoabout

wheretheeyeballwas.“It’lllookgrosser.”

“Where?”Gabrielasked.
IgiggledwhileDr.GreencontinuedtoeducateGabrielonwhatarealrottenfacelookedlikeand

Gabrieltoucheditup.

“You’reallinsane,”Victorsaid.Hesatdownonthebed.“Arewealmostdone?”
“Putthechokeronher,”Dr.Greensaid.
Victorpoppedbackupagain,bringingoutablackbox.
Hemovedaround,lookingatmyface,butthenlookingatthedressmore.Iguessedthemakeupwas

reallygrossinghimout.GoodthingI’dbewearingamaskmostofthenight.Still,thelookshemadetold
mescaringtheotherswouldbeprettyeasy.

Victoropenedtheboxtorevealalaceandribbonchoker.Thecenterwasalarge,hotpinkstone.
Mymouthopened.Thestonewasstrikingagainsttheblack.Ithoughtitresembledaheart.
“Likeit?”Victorasked.

“Lookatthatface,”Dr.Greensaid.“Ofcourseshelikesit.Imeanifyoulookpastthedrippingblood

andtornfleshandgrossstuff,sheclearlylikesit.”

Istartedtogiggleagain.Dr.Greenbeamed.
“Yeah,yeah,”Victorsaid,wavinghishandandlookingaway.“Youmadehergross.”Heputthe

chokeronmeandthensteppedaway.“Arewealmostdone?Weneedtogetgoing.”

“Let’sgo,Trouble!”Gabrielcalled.“Godown.I’vestillgottogetdressed.”
“Hurryup,”Dr.Greensaid.Hetookmyhand,helpingmeoffthestooluntilIwasstandingandstable

intheheels.Hegrinnedatme.“WellifVictordoesn’twanttobeyourescortatthemoment,I’mhappyto
doso.Let’sgoscareEricaandJessica.”

I’dforgottenaboutthem.Weretheystilldownstairs?Ihopedthemakeupwouldn’tbetoomuchfor

eitherofthem.

Downstairs,KotawastalkingtoEricainthekitchen.Ericahadawitchcostumeon,completewithhat

andafakemoleonhernose.Kotawasinhisblacksuitandgreentiealready.

Dr.Greennudgedmetostandinthedoorwaytothekitchen,andLukenudgedmeontheotherside,

encouraging.

Iwasn’tsurewhattodo,sojusttodrawtheirattention,Isaidquietly,“Kota?Areyouready?”
Theybothturnedtome,andtheirmouthsdropped.Thereweredifferentreactionsgoingonatthesame

time,thedressandthemakeup.Thedresswaspretty,butthemakeupwasspooky.

Ericaburstoutlaughing.Shereachedforherphoneandthensnappedapictureofme.“Oh,Kota.

That’samazing.Howcomeyoudidn’tdoazombielikeher?”

“Musthavebeenalast-minutedecision...Gabriel,”hesaid.
“Luke!”Isaid,giggling.“AndGabriel.”
“Ohisthathowit’llbenow?”Kotaasked,buthewasgrinning.“Youthreearegoingtobethe

prankstersnow.”

“She’sgettingprettygood,”Lukesaid,andthenpattedmyheadgently.
“Hangon,”Ericasaid.“Jessica!”shecriedout.“Comesee!”
Amomentlater,Jessicacamescurryingoutfromthelivingroom.SheworeaKatnissoutfit,complete

withaMockingjaypinandabowstrappedtoherback.Shestillworeherpinkglasses,butitreallywas
cute.

Sheturnedthecorner,firstlookingatKotaandhermother,andthenwhenEricapointedatme,herjaw

droppedandshetookafullstepback,makingaface.“Ew.Gross.Why?”shewhined.

Theothersstartedlaughing.“Sorry!”Ericasaid.“Sorrysweetie.Ijusthadto.Icouldn’thelpit.”
Therewasaloudknockingandthenashout,soundinglikeSilas.“Areweready?Thecarsarehere.

We’reabouttoleave.”

“Already?”Ericaasked.Sheturnedtous.“Notevenatrick-or-treat?”sheasked.
“Seemslikewegotthetrickalready,”Kotasaid.
Ericaturned,andthenfishedoutacoupleofsmallcandybarsfromabowl.Shepassedonetoeachof

us.“Well,Jessica’sgoingtohavetoworkextrahardtocollectsomeforallofyouwhenyougetback.
Havefun.”

Iheldmycandy,smilingandhurriedwithDr.Green,KotaandVictortothedoor,withLukegoing

backtogetGabriel.

ImadeittothehallwaywhereIsawSilasinthedoorwaylookingin.Hewasdressedthesameasthe

others,withhisjacketoffatthemoment,andhisdarkbluetieinplace.Istoppedshort,unsureifIshould
approachwhilewearingthegrossmakeup.

Silastookonelookatmeandhiseyeswentwide.Heplantedapalmonhischestandhesaid

somethingthatIthinkwasGreekandwasprettysurewasacurse.

“Gabriel,”Kotasaid.“AndLuke.”

Silasshookhisheadandsighed.“Aggele,youtellhimIwasn’tscared,okay?Tellhimthat.”
Ismiledconspiratorially,butunsureifIcouldreallyfoolLuke.“Won’thejusttryagainonyoulater?”
Silastiltedhishead,seemingtothink.“You’reright.TellhimIpeed.”
BarrelsoflaughterthunderedthroughthehousefromeveryonewhostoodcloseenoughtohearSilas.
IpassedmypieceofcandytoSilas,whogrinnedandwinkedatmequietly.
Ihadn’trealizedhowmuchtimeithadtakentogetwashed,dothehairandmakeupandtogetdressed.

ThemomentIsteppedoutside,IwassmellingwoodfiresandcrispcoolOctoberairandabitofpumpkin.
Therewasanelectricitytonight.Maybeitwasbecausewewereabouttogoouttothehomecomingdance
anddothejobweweremeanttodo.

Rightnow,though,thewholestreetwasdarkwithglowingHalloweendecorationsatnearlyevery

house.Therewasactivityasacoupleofkids,alongwithsomeparents,walkedupthestreet,stoppingat
housesandknockingondoors.

Fromuptheroad,Ispottedtwoboyswalkingourway.Theyhadsuperheromaskson,andcarrieda

coupleofbagsforcandy.IwasprettysuretheywereMicahandTom.

“Hey!”Icried,callingbackintothehouse.“Jessica!Comeoutforasecond.”
Kotawasalreadystartingtomoveinfrontofme.Dr.Greenwascallingtotheboys.
JessicacameoutjustintimeasTomandMicahclimbedthestepstowardtheporch.
“Dowehavetosaythestupidtrickortreatline?”Micahsaidfrombehindhismask.Helookedat

Jessica.“Whoareyousupposedtobe?RobinHood?”

“No,idiot,”Tomsaid.“She’sKatniss.Youknowfromthemovie.”
“Itwasabookfirst,”Jessicasaid.Shecurledherfingersattheboys.“Comehere,Sang’sgotthe

candy.”Shepointedtoherbrother.“She’sbehindhim.”

TheybothturnedexpectantlytowardKota.Ididthewinkandthentiltedmyheadoutfrombehindhim,

tryingtocatchsomeofthelight.

Icouldn’tseetheirfaces,buttheeyesinsidethemaskwentwideandstayedonmyfaceastheir

bodiesstilled.Maybewecouldn’tseeit,buttheirlongsilenceandthetwitchingoftheirfeetlikethey
wantedtostepbackbutcaughtthemselves,wasenough.Everyonelaughed.

“Didn’tscareme,”Micahsaid.
“Yeahright,”Tomsaid,reachingoutlikehewantedtotouchit.“Isthatarealeyeball?”
“Don’tsmudge,”Gabrielsaid,comingoutofthedoorway.Henudgedtheothers,pushinghisway

though.Hehadonhisorangetieandbeamed.“Idon’twanttohavetoredoit.”

“Hey!”Nathancalled.Weturnedtowardthestreet,wheretwotowncarswereparked.Doorswere

opened.Nathanwavedatus.“Comeon!We’regoingtobelate!Sanggetsthisone!”

Gabrielgrabbedmyhand,“Let’sgo!Dancetime.”
Isuckedinabreath,hurryingdownthesteps.Iwantedtofreezetime.Iwantedthistotakeforever,

andatthesametime,Iwantedhomecomingtobeoverwithsowecouldreturn.Iwantedtogobackand
makepumpkins.Iwantedtowatchthehorrormovie.Iwantedtogetdressedupandscaretheboys.

I’ddoneit,anditwasn’tenough.Halloweenwasamazing.Icouldn’timaginedoingthingsdifferently,

orwithanyoneelse.

Islippedintothefronttowncar.Iwassobusygettingin,grabbingaseatandhavingGabrielandLuke

pileinnexttome,thatwhenNathansaid,“Ugh,”Ididn’trealizewhathewastalkingaboutuntilIlooked
upandcaughthimstaringatmymakeup.Igrinnedandthendidthewink.

Nathan’sfacewentwhiteandthenheturnedhisheadaway.“Ohgross.Gabriel...”
“Notbad...”saidavoice.
Mr.Blackbournesatoppositeus.Heworetheblackoutfit,completewithagraytie.Hishairwas

combedback.Hisblack-rimmedglassesdidn’thidehisgrayeyesthatwereshiningwithcuriosityaswe
entered.

Mymouthopened,andIslowlystoppedwinkingandopenedbotheyes,slightlyembarrassedtohave

suchgrossmakeupon.

Mr.Blackbournestudiedmyface,andthenleanedintoexaminecloser.“Youhadmeforaminute

there,Luke.”

“That’sallIget?”Lukeaskedwithachuckle.Heclosedthedoorandamomentlater,thecarstarted

up.“ButIguessthatwilldo.NowIjustneedNorth.”

Ihadathoughtthatwewereforgettingpeople,butKota,North,Silas,VictorandDr.Greenmusthave

goneintheothercar.

“Where’sthemasks?”Gabrielasked.“Didyoupickthemup?”
Mr.Blackbournereachedforablackboxnexttohimselfandthenpickeditup,presentingittome.He

pickedupothersandthengavethemtoeachtoNathan,GabrielandLuke.“Thesemightactuallyservea
dualpurposetonight.”

IwaslookingatNathanandtheothers,wideeyed,withtheboxinmyhand.Myheartwasalready

pumping.

Gabrielstartedtoopenhisandthenstopped.“Wait,didyoudoyourpumpkin?”Hemovedtolookout

thewindowontheoppositesideofthecar.“Whereisit?”

Weallturnedtolook.Thecar,asifthedriverknew,rolledslowlypastNathan’shouse.
Thethreeprincesspumpkinswerelinedupontheporchtogether,alongwithKota’sspiderand

Nathan’szombieandDr.Green’sJapanesemask.Thereweretwosittingtogetheramongthezombies.One
hadascaryskeletonface,andIthoughtitwasNorth’s.Theotheronewasaskeleton,too,butitwas
smiling:Silas.

TogetherontheporchweretwoverytraditionallookingHalloweenpumpkins.Onewassmiling,and

theflamesinsidewasbrighterthantheothers,orsoitseemedtome.

Andthentheotheronehadawickedsmile,withmeaneyes.
Outofallthepumpkins,IknewitwasMr.Blackbourne’s.Itwasthescariestbyfar.Justthewaythe

shadowsworkedwiththegrin,itwasmenacing.

Thewholescenewasenchanting.Therewerecobwebsacrossthewindows,fakespiders,andthe

lightingwasjustrighttocastweirdshadowsamongthetombstones.Inoticedthebowlofcandysitting
out,ontopofahaystack.Thebowlwasbrimmingwithcandy.

“Cool,”Gabrielsaid.Hesatback,lookingsatisfied,andblewoutabreath.“Thoughtweweren’t

goingtomakeit.”

“Dr.Greenwaskindenoughtogetusstarted,allwehadtodowascarve,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.He

turnedandnoddedtotheboxes.“Youwantedtodothehonors?”

“Ohyeah,”hesaid.Heundidhisbox,takingthetopoffandshowinguswhatwasinside:ahalfmask

inabrightorangethatmatchedhistie.“Checkitout.”

Ileanedover,mostlyagainstLuke,totryandlookcloseratit.Itlookedlikeporcelain,andwith

smoothlines.Gabrielpickeditup,andthenpickedupablackpiece.Heputtheblackbudinhisearand
thenputthemaskon.“Themaskhasamicinit,”hesaid.“Becarefulwhenyoueatordrinkanything.
Don’truinit.”

NathanandLukedoveintotheirboxes.Iwatchedthem,wantingtoseetheirmasks,thecolors.
Mr.Blackbournereachedformyboxamidthedistractions.JustasNathanandLukeappliedtheir

masks,Mr.Blackbournequietlyopenedthebox.HelookedatGabriel,andthentheotherboysandthenat
me,presentingit.

Mymaskwasafullfaceone,white,exceptforanexpanseofcrystals,mostlyinhotpink,withextra

stonesembeddedindifferentcolors:babyblue,red,orange,black,silver,gray,darkblue,purple,green.

Besidethemaskwasahairpin,withhotpinkcrystalsthroughout.
“Where’dthepincomefrom?”Gabrielasked.

“Iputintheorder,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.Hereachedforthatpiece,pullingitfromtheboxand

handingthemaskboxtoGabrieltohold.Mr.Blackbournemotionedtome.“Willyouturnyourhead,
please?”

Idid,slowly,facingthebackwindow.Iwatchedthesecondtowncarfollowingusdowntheroad,asI

feltMr.Blackbourneslipthecombintomyhairandpositionitinplace.

MyheartthunderedasMr.Blackbourne’sfingerslingeredwhatIthoughtwasalittlelongerthan

necessary,touchingthestrandsofmyhair.

Whenhepulledaway,Iturned,meetinghiseyes.
Thesilverinhisshone.“Ratherelegant,don’tyouboysthink?”
“Perfect,”Gabrielsaid.Hecaughtmychin,holdingmyheadasheputtheearbudinmyearandthen

putthemaskon.

“Sorry,”Nathansaid,“butthatmaskissomuchbetterthanthecreepymakeup.”
Mr.Blackbournereachednexttohim,pickingupawidehandmirror.Hehelditup,presentingitsoI

couldcheckmyreflection.

Withthemaskon,allhintofthemakeupwasgone.Thecrystalsseemedtoglitterinthelowlight

insidethecar.Myhairglitteredalittlefromthestonesinthecomb.Thechokeratmynecksparkled.The
dress,thecorset,theskirt:itallwenttogether.

Likeaprincessoutofafairytale.Acreepyone,perhaps,butstillenchanting.
Thecarwasquietforthelongestmoment.Iwantedtosaysomething,butcouldn’tfindthewords.I

swallowed,tryingtothinkofsomething.

Slowly,Ibreathedin,andfoundwhatIwanted.
“Thankyou,”Isaidquietly.
Againthecarwasquiet.Red,babyblueandorangemasksturnedtome.Mr.Blackbournegazedfrom

acrossthecar.Iwonderediftheyhadheardme,orifperhapsIhadmumbled.

“HappyHalloween,MissSorenson,”Mr.Blackbournesaid.“Iapologizenowthatwe’rehavingto

workthisyear.”

“No,no,”Isaidquickly,slicingmyhandthroughtheairinearnest.“Please,Iknow...”
“Nextyear,”Mr.Blackbournesaid,“thingswillbedifferentforus.”
“Nextyear,”Lukesaid,“let’sgotrick-or-treatinginVictor’sneighborhood.”
“Yeah,”Gabrielsaid.“Butlet’swearathemeagain.Ilikethis.Nomorepickingoutourown

costumes.”

Theboystalkedaboutideasforwhattowearnextyear,butamidtheirchatter,IlookedatMr.

Blackbourne.

Hiseyesremainedonme,silentlytalkingwithoutsayingaword.Hedidn’thavetosayanything.I

couldfeelit.

WeweretogetherforHalloweenwithourfamily.ThiswaswhatI’dbeenmissing.Nottrick-or-

treatingorcandyorparties.

Iknewnextyear’sHalloweenwouldbejustasunforgettable.
Andwiththatthought,therewasatwingeofhope.Nextyear,I’dstillbeherewiththem.Theywere

countingonit.

Idaredtobelieveit.

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ActiveParticipantofScarySituations
OfficialMemberofF.A.M.E.

Experience
Spent an extraordinary number of years with absolutely no control over the capping of imagination,

fun,andcuriosity.Willinglytakespartinimpossibleproblemsonlytocomeupwiththemostludicrous
solution.Duetounfortunatecircumstances,willnolongerexperiencefeelingonasmallspotonmyleft
calf.