Merrick leans in so we can hear each other. It can be quite noisy before class starts as it fills up with students. Halloween is the topic in the air since it’s actually tomorrow. “No problem. Are you visiting the haunted house on the Northside today? Several people are going.”
“No, I’m not. I’ll be hanging with my roommate.”
“Pity. I’m surprised that you two are hanging out. A frat party?” There’s a tone of bitterness in his voice that makes me want to stop talking to him altogether.
Luckily the teacher comes in, ending the conversation and saving me from answering his question. He’s not dressed in his usual sweater vests, but in a shirt that says, This Is My Costume.
He opens his leather messenger bag and pulls out a stack of papers. I already know what it is before he “Happy Halloween. Clear your desks. It’s time for your quiz.” Tomorrow is actually Halloween, but we only have class on Mondays and Wednesdays.
“Hey, that’s not cool,” one kid in the back shouts. Boos fill the air.
“Keep booing, you all are starting Halloween out right.” The class starts getting too noisy, so he whips out a horn and squeezes it. “Enough. Depending on how you do today, this can be a trick or a treat. As soon as you finish, you can leave.” He winks and walks around the large desk.
This is going to be fun. If people paid attention to the notes, he said there would be a test today and why I was trying to study before Brianna started on her plea.
I’m the first one to finish, so I gather my things and walk down to the instructor, turning in the test. “How are you feeling, Lena?”
“I’m good, Mr. Hammond.”
“Remember, if you need anything, let me or your advisor know.” Because I missed two weeks of school, they all were made aware of what happened to me, so they have been extremely sympathetic. A bit of my hair had to be shaved around my ear, but the rest of my hair is very long so it hides most of the bald spot. I don’t want to call attention to the scar, so I keep my hair the same way. The peach fuzz is just coming back, but for now, I leave my dark auburn hair braided over my right side to stop people from asking questions.
“I will. Thank you.” I smile meekly, uncomfortable with the constant pity.
“Take a piece of candy.” He lifts a plastic pumpkin pail.
I reach in and snag a Reese’s cup. “Thanks.” I wave goodbye and leave.
***
Six hours later, we’re outside of the city and near Peoria. Brianna needed gas, so she figured it was the best place to change into our costumes. At least this is one of the larger gas stations with a mini-market and larger bathroom for travelers.
Ten minutes later, I’m staring at myself in the bathroom mirror and a hundred percent regretting my decisions today.
I can’t believe I’m shoving my large tits into the tiniest costume dress I’ve ever seen in the middle of nowhere in the dark. A part of me loves the way my body looks in it, but my body isn’t for public consumption. I’m going to have so many drunk men eyeing me like a piece of meat. “Ugh. This is too short.”
“Girl, we don’t have time to find another. Let’s get going.”
I step out of the bathroom in my trampy, red vamp costume feeling like the cop in line is wondering if I’m about to turn tricks. I smile at him, trying to appear more innocent than I look.
“Here, don’t forget the teeth,” she teases, handing me a pair of glow-in-the-dark plastic fangs.
“Yep, can’t be a real vampire without my glowing teeth,” I tease, rolling my eyes how silly I must seem.
“God, please get over it. If I had a figure like yours, I’d be wearing clothes like this all the time.”
We get back to the car and drive the next ten minutes to the bar. I’m so glad I didn’t change before we left because I feel so naked and probably look like it to drivers passing by.
“Relax. We’re going to have a good time tonight. Remember to live a little.”
“Thanks. I will.”
“Are we going to drive back tonight, or are we staying with your guy?” It’s not something I thought about. I can’t believe I forgot that important question.
“Hopefully you find your own guy to go home with, but either way, yes, that’s the plan. Remember, you almost didn’t get a chance to live at all. Tonight might be a good time to start enjoying your youth before it’s gone.” I roll my eyes, but I have to agree.
Chapter Three
Everett
My flight lands at O’Hare, and I call my uncle to get an update. “How is he?”
“He’s under observation, but if everything goes well, he’ll be going home in the morning.” Fuck yes, I release a sigh of relief. “That’s great news.”