Trick Or Treat

I'm dressed casually, just like any other student at Hills High. The school feels normal, like any other Friday. There's no sign of Halloween, which we all respect because Hills High is a school for everyone. It welcomes people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. To ensure equality, traditional or religious events are not allowed in the hallways or anywhere on the school premises.

Today, however, the usual energetic atmosphere is missing. Yesterday's game might be the reason why, given the Cheetahs lost by over fifteen points. We all left the field disappointed. Most of us believe it was bad luck because Leigh, who is healthy and the backbone of the school team, was benched without a fair reason. Everyone can see that no team should bench their best quarterback for an entire game, right?

Although I know the truth, I know why he was benched. He failed an important test. Well, that's what he once told me. Those beautiful days feel like they were ages ago.

"Ava, I have to admit, you did great yesterday, but today is for fun, so practice should be tomorrow at Cole's center. I'm sure you know the location, that's Leigh's favorite gymnasium," Sofia, dressed in skinny ripped jeans and a Cheetahs jersey shirt, informs me by my locker.

It's good to know that Leigh's favorite gym is where the Hills High cheerleaders practice. That means Embry gets to see him all day. Perfect, Leigh, just perfect.

"Yes," I nod once. Of course, I know the location, the place that holds beautiful memories that constantly remind me I won't experience them again.

"Good, I will see you tonight, right? At Brandon's." She smiles sincerely with her Barbie-like features.

Honestly, I don't understand how she does it. She acts nice to me but mean to most of the girls in her crew. I thought Embry was the rudest, but then I realized she's not even close to being tough because she has no say around Sofia Halt. If Embry wants to maintain her reputation, she has to abide by the captain's rules.

"I don't know," I heave a sigh and close my locker. Just then, I notice the familiar leather jacket on perfect shoulders and shiny chestnut hair walking down the hall with five teammates from the Cheetahs.

There must be something about Leigh that attracts not only girls but also boys to him. I can't understand how he walks in slow motion, smiling charmingly at the boys who wave or say hi to him by their lockers. I don't think anyone at Hills High will ever get used to seeing Leigh in the hallways. Right now, all I see are girls drooling, flirting with their hair, biting their lips, and giving sultry looks all day, every day. It makes me want to grab him by the arm and hide him in the basement.

"The king himself," Sofia mutters when he turns the corner without even glancing my way. It hurts so much.

Clearing my throat and struggling to swallow the lump in my throat as I reminisce about the little time we had together, I realize that everything doesn't make sense without him. It sinks my heart deeper, and I blink away the tears in my eyes before Sofia notices.

"You're not missing the party, are you?" Her lips form a frown as she leans her shoulder against a locker.

I'm grounded for four days, so I don't think I'm allowed to leave the house at all.

With an apologetic smile, I reluctantly reply, "I'm grounded."

"Alright, that's bad, but don't worry. I'll stop by and convince Mr. Boyce. After all, this is your first Halloween in America, and you need a memory. Just get ready by seven. That party is going to be great." She smiles and gives me a departing peck on the cheek.

Why is Sofia being so nice? I'm not okay with this. I might have to worry about that later because class is about to start now.

"You need to activate your Instagram. There's a lot happening there. This school might look boring, but social media is buzzing," Evie tells me as our government teacher walks into the classroom.

"I'm not ready yet," I whisper and give my attention to the class.

"Alright, everyone," Mr. George starts as he walks around the classroom. "Clear your desks."

The moans and groans from everyone are audible. Everyone is complaining about the unexpected test. "I'm giving you another chance. I wasn't happy with the marks from your scripts last week. Many of you failed."

"We're probably going to fail this one too. We're totally unprepared," Arnold Richard, who sits next to me, says to Mr. George.

"Well, then know that I gave you all opportunities, and you took them for granted," Mr. George responds and begins distributing the stack of papers in his hands. "I'm expecting an essay of no more than three hundred words about the state government." He says and takes his place behind the desk, supervising the class.

***

"I still don't understand why he's avoiding home these days. He's running away from his family," Christian sputtered as he continued attacking the miserable pumpkin.

When I arrived back home, I found over thirty pumpkins already carved and placed along with lanterns that Mom and Christian ordered online. Mom had introduced me to all the pumpkins earlier and said they were all named Jack-o-lanterns. I call them Jack for simplicity.

Even though we had a satisfying number of Jacks hanging around the living room and the lawn, Mom insisted that everyone carve a single pumpkin of their own design. Christian's freehand design looked like a sad bucket, while Lilith's was the worst. The only ones interested were Sawyer and I, as we attentively used a highlighter to draw the faces before carving.

Strangely, it somehow pained me to do this as a family without that one person who was supposed to make my day memorable, who was supposed to be sitting opposite me, never taking his eyes off me. It's not like I used to have a big family, but knowing that one person is missing makes me feel incomplete.

"Please stop saying he's running away. I'm sure he's with Tyron and Arlen, practicing for the game," Mom told her fiancé.

"What could be more important than playing football? He was benched, benched Susan. I thought he was studying, but no! He has an F, and now he's been avoiding his family for almost a week. He's sixteen for God's sake. He doesn't get to make the decisions."

"Maybe he wants to feel sixteen," Lilith grinned sarcastically at her dad. "Maybe he's afraid he'll be grounded on Halloween and miss the most important event of a lifetime."

Ignoring his daughter, Christian mumbled under his breath, "Leigh doesn't just avoid his family. I don't even understand."

"I thought the same. I mean, I was expecting to have him around here, but I haven't seen him since the first day I arrived," Susan whispered to me as we carved our designs.

I mentally rolled my eyes. "It's for the best."

Sawyer better forget about her and Leigh because it's not happening. I might not be together with Leigh, but if I want him with someone else, it certainly isn't my cousin. Actually, I don't want him with anyone. I know it's selfish of me, but I'd rather have him single forever than with any other person.

"You know what they say, 'Great things are hard to find,'" Susan air-quoted.

"Can you specifically name who says that?" I raised my brows curiously.

Rolling her eyes at me, she said, "Don't embarrass me."

Suppressing a laugh, I instructed, "Stop inventing your own proverbs and giving credit to 'what they say' then."

Sawyer playfully pointed her finger at me. "Young lady, don't you know that all those great inspirational quotes from history started as simple proverbs, maybe by sitting with your cousin carving Halloween pumpkins." She laughed along with me.

"You are so optimistic," I giggled.

We continued our Halloween activities, with Lilith and Mom decorating the house in orange, yellow, and black. Although it wasn't yet dark, the spirit of Halloween radiated through the house along with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder playing in the background.

When everything was in place and Mom had given up monitoring our sad handmade decorations, we got ready to embrace the full Halloween spirit. Since, for a selfish reason, Lilith and I had earned ourselves a two-week stay-at-home ticket, our parents decided to entertain us with movie marathons and a big family dinner. Meanwhile, Christian and Mom continued to handle the thrilling doorbell, which kept ringing as kids visited.

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, inspecting how perfectly my dreamy costume fitted me and how dreadful I felt inside, when Sawyer showed up in her pretty blue Elsa dress and perfectly braided blonde hair. She looked just like my imagination, so beautiful and Elsa-ish. "Come on, let's do your hair," she said eagerly, her accent thick.

"Just look at us, twinning," I said delightedly as she positioned herself behind me in the serene room.

I sat down and leaned closer to the mirror, allowing Sawyer to create twin braids for me, just like Anna from my favorite animation.

By the time we descended downstairs, Christian and Mom were waiting for us. Mom snapped pictures of Sawyer and me together, while Lilith excused herself, ignoring Mom's attempt to cherish our day.

Feeling responsible for her moody behavior, if only Christian and Mom would listen, I'd advise them to unground Lilith just for tonight, as she most definitely had plans for today. And even though I didn't show it, I felt guilty for blurting out what was meant to be kept buried around our parents.

After Christian successfully got his son on the phone, explaining the reason for his wide grin, he spent a few minutes discussing with Leigh before joining us. We began watching "Corpse Bride" with Casper on the line.

In the spacious parlor, with lots of extra couches, Mom, Christian, and Lilith occupied one couch, while my cousin and I snuggled together, feeding ourselves candies instead of popcorn.

We were halfway through the movie when the doorbell rang again. The thrilling sound interrupted Christian's enjoyment of the movie, as he kept serving treats to the kids, and I didn't think it would ease up anytime soon.

My eyes widened in surprise when I realized that this time it was the opposite of what I had predicted. It was someone who had never shown up during my time here, Sofia Halt, dressed formally yet looking simply gorgeous. Just as she had promised.

The steam of rage was evident in Lilith's breathing as she angrily sputtered, "Leigh's not here."

"Oh, darling, don't worry. I'm here for something different," Sofia fiendishly smiled at my practical stepsister.

Standing up, Lilith rudely asked, "What do you want?"

"So this is Sofia? Like the homecoming queen?" Sawyer amusingly inspected the gorgeous girl with fascinating eyes.

"Yes," I nodded.

"I'm here for your father," Sofia smirked.

"What the hell?" Lilith suddenly turned pale as she exclaimed.

I almost choked on my breath, struggling to suppress the laughter trying to burst out.

"I already like her," Sawyer giggled under her breath.

"Language, Lilith," Christian warned his daughter.

"I know, right?" I whispered to my cousin, my cheeks flushed.

"I'm going to bed anyway. Goodnight, and enjoy a wonderful Halloween, Dad," Lilith exclaimed in her maddening expression as she stomped up the staircase.

Ignoring Lilith's tantrum, Sofia unconcernedly cleared her throat and spun towards Christian. "Can I have a moment of your time, Mr. Boyce?" She wore a courteous smile and nodded once when Christian agreed, leading her towards the dining room where Mom was later invited.

After a few minutes, the three of them reappeared through the sliding glass door. "Ava, you may be excused for tonight, but Sawyer will be going along to keep track of you. We'll talk later about why you didn't mention cheering," Mom scowled, her brows furrowing.

Perfect, she's suspecting things I might possibly be hiding from her right now. Well, I am hiding things from her anyway.

"I can do that," Sawyer smiled widely. Either way, I'm still going with her. She's my partner for tonight.

"Perfect, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Boyce," Sofia's teeth exposed as she smiled appreciatively. I noticed Mom blushing; being referred to as Mrs. Boyce does things to her.

Rolling my eyes, I stood up and kissed Mom's cheek before following the two girls towards the house exit.

With a simple "see you later" to Mom and Christian, I hung my purple cape and closed the door.

Pausing in my tracks, I tried to put everything together. "You also have a Ferrari?" I asked Sofia, noticing a Ferrari coupe parked in our driveway.

"Actually, I was copied," she said smugly with a thick smirk and jumped into the driver's seat.

When I thought deeply, really deeply, I knew she meant Embry. So this was her inspiration or envy.

Shaking my head, that girl is unbelievable. I got in the passenger's side and let out a soft moan as I sank into the comfortable seat. "Fasten your seatbelt, princess." Sofia's voice was commanding, but her eyes were polite.

Glad to know Mom reminded her of that.

Once we were all set, she revved the engine and pulled out of the driveway.

By the time we parked the car on a packed street, I knew we were at Brandon's. The street looked crowded, and even from a distance, the noise of kids and beats from loudspeakers was audible.

"This looks insane," Sawyer joyfully uttered in an awe-filled tone.

Smiling, Sofia tilted her head backward and smirked at Sawyer. "Wait until you get in. That's when your mind is going to blow."

"I can't believe I'm attending a gangster party," I mumbled to myself, although they both heard me.

Sofia paused with her hands on the wheel, studying my disgusted reaction with amusement. "Come, let's go find out," she laughed slightly at my stubbornness.

Inhaling and exhaling, I climbed out, knowing I was damned to face the girls tonight and accept whatever stood in my way. If I had the audacity to come to a party without Lilith, I knew the girls were definitely going to make me pay.

We headed towards a small wooden two-story building that transparently proved it was Brandon's. Apart from kids in colorful and frightening costumes packed around the lawn, drinking bottles of what was most certainly alcohol, I began to notice an unusual event between two boys exchanging something quickly on the porch. Great. Imagine the cops crashing the party and handcuffing me behind bars. Lilith's smirk played in my head. Guilt sucks.

Honestly, I wondered why the neighbors hadn't filed a report. Everything happening in this building was totally illegal, I was sure of it.

Sofia's eyes spotted a familiar group of girls by the porch, so she let me know she would be there until eleven. She wouldn't drink since she promised Christian and my mom that she would be driving us back home.

Nodding, Sawyer grabbed me by the shoulder, and we ascended the three steps to the entrance door.

"I can't believe we're finally doing this," she excitedly whispered in my ear as the music pounded in our ears.

"Me neither," I responded with equal joy as we stepped foot into the electrifying building.

The full grin plastered on my face faded to a frown immediately as I was greeted by the meanest people—oh, four meanest people, because Lilith was standing right beside angelic Embry. Wasn't she supposed to be sleeping in her bedroom? But of course, she lied to our parents. Of course, she snuck out and escaped, making a fool out of the adults at home.

"What are you doing here? I thought Mother Theresa, or is it Superior, doesn't take risks?" Embry sarcastically chastised.

Avoiding her mockery, I looked over at the three girls dressed in black kitty outfits while Embry got to wear an angelic costume. Of course, she went against their plan once again. And immediately, gratitude filled my mind. I got to wear the outfit of my choosing, not something so revealing and submissive like the three girls behind Embry.

"Hey, Ava," Suri excitedly waved at me but then wore a scowl and hit me with, "Consider my wave as the middle finger." That earned her a disapproving stare from the remaining girls.

Embry stepped forward. "Word of advice, slut, keep your mouth shut, or you'll regret ever moving to America." Her threatening remark stung sharply inside me.

I didn't respond, though, as my cousin heaved a sigh beside me and said, "Wow, never thought strippers had fans." I almost choked on my breath, and a gasp escaped me.

"And who are you?" Quinn irritably frowned at Sawyer.

"Sawyer, the cousin," Sawyer hugged me tighter by my shoulders.

"Great, the family keeps getting funnier," Embry mumbled in a mocking tone.

"I hope they didn't charge you a lot because, hun, those wings should cost five dollars, or maybe two. Isn't it an imitation of Jenner's style?" Sawyer thoughtfully threw at Embry.

Knowing Sawyer had dealt a huge blow to Embry's self-esteem, leaving her almost naked as the fake she really was, I smirked.

Instantly fuming, Embry spat, "What did you just say? This costume cost over five thousand."

"Ah, ah, my mom's a designer. Trust me when I say it's fake. The real costume is Victoria's Secret, and yours has an M or Moo on it," I couldn't stop myself from giggling, just like the rest of the girls. They must have been annoyed at Embry for wearing something outside their chosen theme. If I remembered correctly, I think Embry had suggested a black kitty costume, but now she was all angelic while her group of friends were dressed as demons.

Unable to respond due to shock, Embry was left stunned. Sawyer pulled me along with her, pushing through the crowded, loud room and heading to the kitchen, where I found plenty of tin drinks. I grabbed a familiar Coke while Sawyer rolled her eyes and collected something from a fishbowl into a red plastic cup.

"You're weird, who takes coke at a party?"

"Apparently me. The last time I took something strong, you don't want to know what I did when I was wasted," I tell her.

"Did you strip naked?" she giggles, while we observe the crowd dancing to the music and some crazy boys playing handball in the small living room.

"Much worse," I assure her. "Kissing your stepbrother is worse than stripping naked, I'm sure of it."

"What could be worse than that?" she rolls her eyes. "Although you teenagers are insane, I wouldn't be surprised if you said worse." She tilts her head back and gulps down whatever she finds tasty.

"Okay, madame, last time I checked, you're eighteen," I remind her.

"Yes, that's adult," she claims.

Scrunching up my mouth like a fish, I disagree. "Whatever, let's come and dance since we're both single." She pulls me by my free wrist towards the dance floor. That's when my eyes spot Arlen Garret. I immediately scan his hands to make sure he isn't holding any cup or drink as he approaches me.

"Hey, you came," I blurt out, surprised, even though everyone's invited.

"Yeah, I just had to drop off my neighbour before his parents get home."

"So you're not actually here to attend, you're here for the rescue?"

"Something like that," he says with a charming smile. "A friend?" He beams at Sawyer, who's practically gawking at him.

What is her problem with American boys? Well, I know Arlen and his friends are the type of boys no girl can resist, but at least have some dignity.

"Mm, this is Sawyer, my cousin from London," I inform him.

"I'm Arlen," he waves to her. She might want to stop batting her eyes because it's nauseating.

"The guy you won't stop talking about," she blurts out to me right in front of him.

Closing my eyes in embarrassment, I know without a doubt that Arlen is blushing too.

For goodness' sake, when did I talk nonstop about Arlen to Sawyer? Okay, I talk about him, but it's mostly complaints. Now she's making it sound like I have a huge crush on the guy I'm trying to avoid.

I tilt my head and give her a murderous glare between a fake smile.

"Nice to meet you," she adds to the flattered boy.

"Likewise."

I try my luck, pretending to be naive, and ask about the boys. "Are the other boys here?"

"I think only Tyron is here. Leigh isn't a big fan of all this, you know," Arlen explains.

I don't know how to feel about that. I do want to see Leigh, but I also don't want him here under the same roof with girls who are willing to share him and treat him like a barbecue.

"Oh, yes," I lie and immediately change the subject. "So, how does this work? Finding a wasted neighbour?" I smile.

"Not easy. I have to start placing... oh, there he is." Arlen's eyes dart to a dark brown-haired guy, definitely wasted. "I should go get him. I'm sorry I have to leave early," he says with a frown.

"It's okay. Maybe some other time," I say.

"Stay sober, Ava Lancelot," he returns a smile.

Laughing slightly, I lift up the can of coke in my hand before he turns away.

"He's attractive," Sawyer wiggles her eyebrows.

"Shut up," I roll my eyes but blush due to her playful teasing.

"I need more to drink. I'm dehydrated. He's drained all my water with him," she yells in my ear and scurries back to the kitchen in the disco lights.

Hissing at my obnoxious cousin, I take out my phone to call Evie. She should be here by now.

"Trick or treat." Before I can process the ridiculous question and the husky tone behind me, I am drenched in red liquid all over my braid and cape.

Seething, I spin around to find Eric Joseph, the guy who sits in the front row in my class. What the hell?

Damn it, I'm saying it out loud. "What the hell?"

It's not like we've ever talked or made a proper introduction. Nothing connects us or suggests that we know each other, but his guts are tough enough.

He doesn't say a word or even care. He just shrugs and walks past me as if he didn't just ruin my clothes and makeup. What the heck? Is this what they do at Halloween parties? Attack guests and stain their costumes?

He has to be kidding me.

Angry and huffing, I shake off my ruined cape and swipe the wet hair sticking to my face when I hear silent giggles.

Lifting my head, I find the one person I thought I was done with. "It was you," I narrow my eyes and march hastily towards the two annoying girls, stopping a foot away from them.

"Oh, please don't start with your drama. It's not like I'm the only one who doesn't want you here. It's weird for Mother Superior to attend such an event. What do you expect?" Lisa sultrily chews her gum.

"It's clear you won't back down," I agitatedly scoff.

Exhaling a small laugh, she purses her lips and takes the final step, standing in my face. "What will you do about it? Film porn and show it to the principal, claiming I forced you? Sorry, dear, some tasteless guys might want to screw you, but if I were gay, I'd let you know—I don't do nuns."

My nostrils flare as we exchange challenging gazes. "You seem to underestimate me, you know," I smirk.

"There's nothing to estimate about you. Here's your final warning, Ava Lancelot. Don't ever get in my way," she turns on her heels and shakes her animal tail. What is she even supposed to be imitating? I can't even understand her costume. All I know is she looks like a horse.

Irritated, not knowing what to do with my hair and dress, I follow the path of the groups seated around the couches, smoking and chatting with girls all over them. I believe I see Tyron, but I'm too concerned to clean myself up at the moment.