Masquerade

by Jessica Burkhart

  “Going to see a Halloween movie,” I said slowly.

  “Exactly. You have a fab collection of shirts that you only wear once a year. You didn’t start wearing them until the middle of the month because you were afraid people would think you were a dork. But what happened instead?”

  “You and the rest of my friends really like my Halloween shirts.”

  “And you’ve had other people tell you that they think your Halloween T-shirt collection is awesome. It’s you. You’re going on a date to see a Halloween movie. With a guy you really like. The only shirt that I’ll give my SOA to is a Halloween shirt.”

  “Khloe,” I said. “Are you sure? I’m going on a date. The shirts are perfect for classes and other stuff, but do you really think Drew will think I look okay in a Halloween shirt?”

  She nodded. “More than okay. He’ll love it because you love it. Move over.”

  Khloe stepped up to my closet, gently bumping her hip against mine. I sat on the edge of my bed, watching as she flipped through the section of my closet dedicated to Halloween tees. I was happy to see them out of their box and in my closet.

  “I’ve got, as you would say, the très parfait shirt.” Smiling, Khloe turned around, holding up her selection.

  It was a white-neck tunic-length tee. A black cat sat tall on the bottom of the shirt, its emerald-colored eyes seeming to glow and its tail curled up along its body.

  “Khloe, I don’t even know what to say. I haven’t worn that shirt yet, and it is très parfait! I didn’t even consider one of those shirts.”

  “I know,” Khloe said. “I’m really glad you’re going to wear this. Halloween is your day—not just your favorite holiday, but your birthday, too. Drew will like anything you wear if you feel comfortable in it.”

  I stood, giving her a one-armed hug as I took the shirt. “You should be writing an advice column for Girl! magazine.”

  Khloe laughed. “Thanks, LT. Now I say either black leggings or black jeans.”

  “Jeans,” I said. I pulled a pair from my dresser and laid them next to the shirt on my bed.

  “I’ve got earrings in mind,” Khloe said. “A necklace, too.”

  I changed into the top and jeans while Khloe went through her jewelry box. She held up a pair of silver drop earrings that were so fine, they were barely visible.

  “Those are gorgeous,” I said.

  “I thought you could do simple earrings and a necklace like this one.” Khloe walked over to me, and I looked at the necklace in her palm.

  “You’ve got to be kidding!” I said. “No way!”

  A quarter-size emerald stone cut into the shape of a heart with a delicate silver chain rested in her palm. The color of the stone matched the eyes of the cat on my shirt. Exactly.

  Khloe grinned. “I saw it in this tiny boutique in Boston last summer when I was out with my friends. I didn’t have enough allowance money, so I used my emergency credit card.”

  I grimaced. “You get in trouble?”

  “Totally. No allowance for three months, but it was sooo worth it. Especially for moments like these!”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind if I borrow this?” I asked.

  “I’ll be offended if you don’t.”

  “Thank you, thank you, Khlo.”

  I walked over to my full-length mirror and put on the earrings and necklace. The emerald had been cut so it caught light from every angle, and it seemed to glow around my neck.

  “Wow,” I said. “Khloe, the jewelry is . . . just so amazing.” I turned so she could see.

  An insta-smile came to her face. “You look great! I’m so excited!”

  “Me too!” I glanced at the clock. “I need to hurry up or I’ll be late.”

  “You’re meeting at seven, right?” Khloe asked.

  I nodded. “Inside the media center by the ticket counter.”

  Shoes were a no-brainer. I slid my feet into black ballet flats with tiny silver studs lining the crisscrossed leather over the closed toes.

  I applied a quick coat of peachy gloss and a spritz of Vera Wang Princess perfume, then did one final mirror check. I felt comfy and pretty in my outfit. The combination of the two gave me a surge of confidence.

  “You’re set!” Khloe said. “You’re going to have so much fun! I’ll be here when you get back, and you will be forced to tell me every detail. So don’t forget a thing!”

  Laughing, I grabbed my black shiny clutch that I’d already prepped for tonight and a light cardigan in case I got chilly.

  “Trust me—I’ll come back with every detail to share. Thank you again for everything.”

  “You’re welcome, but go! If you keep thanking me, you really will be late.”

  With that, I left our room and hurried down Hawthorne’s hallway. I’d already gotten permission from Christina to see a movie. She had extended my curfew to nine thirty as long as I stopped by her office to let her know that I was back.

  I stepped outside, took a deep breath of the coolish air, and headed to the media center. I wasn’t home to watch a movie with my friends or Becca, but I did have Drew. That made me smile as I passed a stack of hay bales with a scarecrow sitting on them. ’Tis the season!

  IT’S NOT A TRICK—IT’S A TREAT!

  I STOOD JUST OUTSIDE THE MEDIA CENTER, watching students enter and exit—the smell of buttery popcorn drifting outside each time the door opened. After one more deep breath, I made myself go inside.

  Drew, already waiting, smiled as I walked over to him. He looked incredibly cute in a burnt orange polo shirt and jeans.

  “Hey,” he said. “I love your shirt.”

  I said a silent thank you to Khloe and one aloud to Drew.

  “Let’s get drinks and snacks,” Drew said.

  At the counter, we got a large tub of popcorn to share, Diet Cokes, Peanut M&Ms, and Twizzlers.

  “Let me grab the tickets,” Drew said, starting toward the counter.

  “No, let me,” I said.

  Drew shook his head. “This one’s on me. You can get the next one. Deal?”

  I finally conceded. “Deal.”

  It didn’t take long for Drew to grab two tickets, and we walked to the last screening room. Inside, every red seat was empty.

  “That’s so weird,” I said. “Are we ridiculously early? Or did we miss a memo that the movie wasn’t showing or something?”

  “I think we’re right on time,” Drew said, smiling. “Don’t worry.”

  He let me pick our seats and I put my drink in the holder, the popcorn between us, and opened my Twizzlers. Still, not one student came through the doors. The rope lighting lining the aisles started to dim along with the overhead lights.

  “I think we’re in the wrong place,” I said. “We’re the only ones here!”

  Drew turned, smiling, and took my hand. “That’s kind of how I planned it.”

  I shook my head, confused. Drew’s hand on mine wasn’t exactly helping, either! “What are you talking about?”

  “Just wait,” Drew said.

  The theater went completely dark, and the movie started. At the first note of the familiar music, I squeezed Drew’s hand, gaping at the screen. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was playing.

  “Oh my God. Drew. I can’t believe you did this. How?”

  “I remembered what you told me about this movie. We could have watched it on TV, but I talked to the manager, and he said he’d play this film for us.”

  I shook my head in disbelief. This was beyond amazing. Drew really listened to me. I wondered if a better Halloween could exist.

  “This is the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me,” I said. “I really don’t know what to say.”

  Drew’s entire face had an unmistakable happy glow. “You don’t have to say anything. Just watch with me.”

  I snuggled back into my chair, holding Drew’s hand as we watched Lucy draw a pumpkin face on the back of Charlie’s head. I lost myself in the cartoon, but at the same time, didn
’t forget for a second who was sitting beside me. This was definitely the best treat I ever had.

  HE’S MY BOY FRIEND. NOT BOYFRIEND.

  Lauren Towers’s Blog

  6:44 p.m.: Where are you, tomorrow?

  I think time has STOPPED. Okay, okay. I know that sounds ridiculous and I’m not insane, but I do think there’s a possibility that time is moving slower. I don’t think tomorrow’s ever going to get here! This entire week has crept by ever since my date last weekend.

  (I just reread that paragraph, and I think some of K’s drama-queen attitude rubbed off on me! JK, K! You know I ♥ you! )

  At least tomorrow, I’ll have more to keep me busy. Like party prep! K already told me that she, L, C, J, and a bunch of our other friends will be “gone” for a while. “Gone” is code for “We’re setting up for your birthday party!” K’s out now, “helping Lex with math homework.” LOL. K pulled off the lie in the acting department, but not in the excuse area. Homework on a Friday night? Um, never! At least I had homework earlier in the week to keep me busy.

  But I am the luckiest girl ever. I’ve got a roomie who’s my bestie, and she’s excited about my birthday like it’s her own. Plus, my other friends have been helping. It means so much that they’re helping to put together a party for me. And I know my friends are doing it in their free time, which isn’t much at CC. I know tomorrow night’s going to be the best birthday/Halloween ever. E-V-E-R. Can’t think of a better combo.

  There is a part of it, though, that’s bittersweet. A, B, and Sister B won’t be there. Neither will Mom or Dad. Not that they were at my last few b-day parties, but I’ve always seen them on my birthday. This year, I’ll just hear their voices. It makes me homesick to think about it. That’s the last thing A, B, Sister B, and my parents would want me to feel tomorrow. They’ll all want me to have fun with my new friends and enjoy my favorite holiday.

  I wonder what it will feel like to turn thirteen. I absolutely cannot wait for someone to ask, “How old are you?” and I’ll say, “Thirteen.” Very nonchalant. It looks cool even on the computer! I’m going to be THIRTEEN tomorrow! K said a bigger, more important birthday doesn’t exist. Except for sixteen. But I can barely process thirteen—sixteen can wait a while!

  Going to log off and beg K for a detail about tomorrow. Just one! A tiny one! Wish me luck.

  Posted by Lauren Towers

  I closed my laptop and settled onto my bed. I grabbed the latest issue of Flirt! and flipped through the pages. Usually I read the mag from cover to cover—not skipping one section. I always learned something new from the latest It Products in makeup or a new hot oil hair treatment voted Best New Find by the magazine editors.

  My phone chimed. Yes! Hopefully, it was one of my friends who wanted to BBM or Skype.

  It was Taylor.

  Taylor:

  Hey, L! Wanted 2 say hi & c what ur doing 4 ur bday 2mrw.

  I typed back.

  Lauren:

  Hi, Tay. My friends are throwing me a party. Kind of a big deal—it’s a masquerade party.

  Taylor:

  Whoa. That’s cool! Knowing u—u must have found an awesome mask and dress.

  I’d told Bri and Ana a few days ago over BBM, but they clearly hadn’t mentioned it to Taylor.

  Lauren:

  Thx. I got really lucky—found my dream dress in a mag and got it online. Then I looked for a mask to match and found a really, really pretty pink one with pearls and feathers.

  Taylor:

  I bet you’ll look great. A masquerade party sounds like the perfect way to celebrate. I’m glad ur friends r doing this 4 u.

  Lauren:

  They’re the best. I’m sooo excited! Kind of sad, too, at the same time. First bday w/o Becs and Mom and Dad. Missing Bri, Ana and

  I stopped midsentence. I was going to write “you, too.” But it didn’t feel right. I missed Taylor—like a friend. Not an ex-boyfriend that I wanted back. Plus, I really, really like-liked Drew, and it felt weird to tell Tay that I missed him. I went back to the message, retyping the last part.

  Lauren:

  They’re the best. I’m sooo excited! Kind of sad, too, at the same time. First bday w/o Becs and Mom and Dad. Missing Bri & Ana. And it’ll b weird that u and my other Union friends won’t b there.

  Taylor:

  I understand the mixed feelings. I know B and A will be thinking abt u. I’m happy 4 u and I know ur gonna have a great party.

  Lauren:

  I think it’ll be fun. What r u doing this wkend?

  Taylor:

  Superbusy, actually. Going w Dad on a road trip.

  Lauren:

  Ugh. Is he dragging u along 2 a biz thing?

  Taylor:

  I volunteered 2 go. Actually, made him rlly happy. So after tmrw, I hope he’ll ease up on me abt becoming Mr. Frost, VP of Dad’s Company.

  Lauren:

  Good thinking. I’ll cross my fingers 4 u.

  Taylor:

  Gotta run, but TTYS. I have a feeling ur going 2 have a RLLY awesome bday.

  Lauren:

  Thanks! Talk soon!

  I exited BBM, leaning back against my pillow and hoping Taylor was right. The doorknob turned and Khloe stepped inside. She smiled at me.

  “Hey,” she said. “What have you been up to?”

  “Blogging and BBMing Taylor,” I said. “How was math with Lexa?”

  Khloe kicked off her ballet flats and flopped onto her bed. “Oh, hard. You know. Math.”

  I bit back a grin. “Did you use her book? I saw yours was on your desk.”

  Khloe tucked a blond piece of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t want to carry mine, so I used Lex’s.”

  “Yeah, carrying it down the hallway is tough,” I said, struggling to keep a straight face.

  Khloe nodded. In the light, specks of silver glitter sparkled on her cheek.

  I sat up, peering at her face. “Is that a new makeup trend that I missed?”

  Khloe froze. “What . . . do you mean? Exactly.”

  “The sparkles! They look so pretty on your cheek!”

  Her hands flew to her face and she swiped both cheeks, then looked at her hands.

  “It’s something that kind of happened accidentally,” she said. “Lex had a project due for art, and I touched it before the glue was dry. Totally didn’t realize I got it on my face.” Khloe laughed. “Oops!”

  I decided to stop playing with her. She was working on my party, after all.

  Khloe got cleaned up and into pj’s. A bright orange oversize tee and black leggings.

  She rolled on her side and looked at me.

  “Taylor’s been BBMing you a lot lately,” Khloe said. “And he called that one day.”

  “We’re still friends,” I said. “Brielle and Ana have been kind of MIA recently, so it’s been nice to hear from someone at home.”

  “I hope this doesn’t make you sad or anything, but do you know if he’s dating anyone?” Khloe asked.

  “He hasn’t said anything to me. If he was with someone, Bri or Ana would totally tell me.”

  “Does Taylor know about Drew?” Khloe asked.

  “We don’t really talk about that stuff. I guess I didn’t want to make Tay feel bad if he wasn’t dating anyone and I told him I was going out with Drew. Not that we’re official or anything.”

  Khloe got up, grabbing a Diet Dr Pepper from our mini-fridge.

  “Do you think you still have feelings for Taylor?” she asked.

  “What? No. No way. You know the breakup was mutual, and I feel lucky that Tay’s still willing to be my friend. He’s just a friend, though.”

  “Just asking,” Khloe said. “I didn’t think you had feelings for him since you’re into Drew, but it can happen. I’m glad for you that you’ve got a friend from home who’s there if Brielle or Ana are busy or something.”

  “Me too.”

  Khloe started telling me about this rumor that she’d heard from Clare about this guy in our English c
lass, but I zoned out. Khloe’s questions about Taylor kept going through my head. I didn’t still like-like him. He was my friend. But what if he felt something different? What if Taylor still wanted me to be his girlfriend?

  “ . . . and isn’t that insane?” Khloe asked.

  “Mm-hmm,” I said. “Crazy.”

  Khloe picked right back up with her story. I knew what I needed to do: The next time Taylor BBMed or called, I had to tell him that I’d been going out with Drew. That was something that I’d tell a friend, and that’s exactly what Taylor was to me.

  OFFICIALLY THIRTEEN!

  “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” I JUMPED, OPENING MY eyes and seeing a grinning Khloe standing beside my bed.

  I smiled and that feeling washed over me. The it’s-my-birthday feeling.

  “Thank you! Ahh! I’m sooo excited!”

  “You’ve got to get up and come with me to the common room,” Khloe said. “The celebration of LT begins right now!”

  “Eeee!” I squealed. “Yay!”

  I pulled on sky-blue lounge pants and a T-shirt with a cupcake with pink frosting and a candle. I ran a brush through my hair and pulled it into a ponytail.

  Khloe waited by the door. She looked as if she’d been up for hours, and it was only ten.

  I slipped on flip-flops and followed her to the common room.

  The door was shut. I glanced at Khloe.

  “The door’s never closed,” I said. Excitement bubbled in my stomach.

  “Then you better open it.”

  I turned the knob, slowly opening the door and stepping inside.

  “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!”

  Confetti rained down on me as my friends cheered and clapped.

  My mouth felt stuck open, and I still held the doorknob, not moving.

  “Get in here, LT!” Clare said, waving me over. “You have to be in here to join the breakfast party.”

  “You guys!” I said.

  Khloe laughed, gently pushing me forward. The shock wore off, and I looked at everyone who had shown up this morning for me.

  Clare.

  Lexa.

  Jill.

  And Khloe, of course.

  The room was full of black, purple, and orange bunches of balloons. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign hung above the fireplace.